Just under 500 miles

This weekend was a 500 mile ride. Thursday evening, I packed the bike. I made sure I carried plenty of layers as the weather was supposed to range from low 40’s to low 70’s. And given the length of the ride, I wanted to make sure I had my GPS and Radar detector, tools, and all the other things you need to take “just in case.” The bike is here on the side of the road, ready to go!

Friday evening was cold, crisp and night fell too quickly. I had already made arrangements to be in Fort Wayne, including getting a Hilton Room right downtown for $45 (typical room price $109!). I rode along the Maumee river on River Road, through Waterville.

It never fails to amaze me how friendly people are in the mid-west. Whether I was resting at a gas station, truck stop, restaurant, or Hilton, people would come up and talk about their desire to be on a bike, to run away on the road for a few days, or feel somehow compelled to share part of their lives.

On the way back on Sunday, Grand Rapids (Ohio) was having their Applebutter Festival. Hundreds of people from all directions enjoying the arts, crafts, and most of all apple-based foods. http://www.applebutterfest.org/applebutter-festival.htm

On the way to Fort Wayne, I stopped in Napoleon to put on a heavy shirt under the leather jacket, rest my weary rear end, and drink a bottle of water. Standing at the counter, paying for my water, a voice behind me said “Are you going to be winning all the money at this rally too?” I turned around, and it was one of the guys from the September West Unity rally. What a great surprise! The only time I met this guy was at that run, and ½ month later, he still picked me out of a crowd. He proceeded to tell me about the rally they were holding across the road at the Harley Davidson's dealership, a Toys for Tots Ride. But not for me this weekend - I had reservations.

I spent time riding around Fort Wayne, visiting some of the “old areas” from when I used to live there. Spent a lot of time riding in the outskirts as well as in the city. Heading out on Route 30, I stopped on a side road to take in the view, remember the people I knew there, and to check my blackberry. The family is always just a call away, and unfortunately work is too. This time, I spoke with my daughter, wanting to go clothes shopping with her mom. Of course, she needs some new clothes!

Hilger’s was having a huge – no, HUGE Halloween activity. They had a sun flower maze, story telling giant, rides for the little ones, and some fantastic hay bale statues. And pumpkins and more pumpkins. And of course, their typical great farm foods and pumpkins of every type and size. And did I mention the pumpkins?

For meals, there is nothing better than The Rib Room on State. The ribs were better than I remembered, the beer cold, and the old style club restaurant from the Rat Pack days. A true meat and taters kind of place – Ribs or Steak, baked potato, salad optional, no veggies. Listening to music like Amore, How Much is that Doggy in the Window, I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Goody Goody, etc. You could almost imagine Frank Sinatra sitting in the dining room eating one of their T-Bones.

On Sunday, before I start the ride back, I just had to have lunch at King Gyros. If you are every in Fort Wayne, stop and have one of the best, original Gyros. But beware, the portions are huge, and the flavors strong. You wont need to eat again for days!

I made it home Sunday night before the sun set. My rear end was sore, but I felt revitatilzed by the weekend of good people, good places, fresh air, and time to be alone to think and contemplate my navel.