Archive for the 'Ride-Eat-Ride' Category

Breakfast ride to a piece of history

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on May 18, 2008
in Destinations and Ride-Eat-Ride
. 2 Comments

Our Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride was just a usual ride. Nothing special about it, nor our destination. At least that’s what I first thought.

Gathering at the UDF.

When asked where we were headed, Jerry said, we haven’t been to New Richmond for a while, let’s ride down there and eat on the River. It seemed a little cool for eating outside, but okay, let’s go.

With eight riders, Jerry lead us out of the UDF onto the back roads, and winding down through Loveland and roads south. I am constantly amazed at the quality of roads to ride in southwestern Ohio. Jerry, seems to know them all.

As we wind down Ohio SR 132 and enter New Richmond, a road sign catches my attention, “Underground Railroad historic sites” straight ahead. Ohio and the Ohio River played a great role in providing freedom to escaping slaves from the south. It’s known as the Freedom Trail.

We cross US 52 and ride three blocks towards the river and turn left. It seems I’m following the signs to the historic sites. Then we pull into The Landing, our destination for breakfast, and in front of the building, a sign reads “Underground Railroad Historic Site!”

The Landing Restaurant

It may be the Landing now. But, in the early to mid 1800s, it was the home of the Rev. George C. Light, a Methodist minister and agent of the American Colonization Society founded in 1816. The purpose of the society was to help free slaves return to Africa. The country of Liberia was founded as a result of the society’s efforts. Society members included James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln.

About three doors down is the Dr. John Rogers Home Site. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. In all, there are 33 historic underground railroad sites in Clermont County.

New Richmond breakfast ride on the Ohio River.

Although it was on the cool side, the sun was very warming and breakfast on the terrace was terrific. Two tug boats with barges passed by as we feasted on breakfast and hot coffee. Afterwards, we rode farther east on US 52 along the river before turning north and heading home.

As I rode, I thought about my friend Sharon Hicks Bartlett and her upcoming trip to Ohio to ride throughout the many historic sites of the Freedom Trail. Sharon is going to need more than one week’s vacation.–DBrent

Branch Hill Coffee Co.: a coffee house to visit

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on May 5, 2008
in Destinations and Ride-Eat-Ride
. 1 Comment

I have passed by the Branch Hill Coffee Company several times in my travels, and recently decided to stop. I’m glad I did, for this little establishment is a jewel of a find.

Branch Hill Coffee Company Located at 371 Bridge Street in Loveland, Ohio, the old neighborhood is known as Branch Hill with its roots rich in the history of southwestern Ohio and the Little Miami River Valley. The small coffee shop sits between the very-popular Little Miami Recreational Trail and the bridge crossing the Little Miami River. What else would they call the street but Bridge Street? Branch Hill is a small community with a few businesses, but also a part of the larger community of Loveland.

Branch Hill Coffee Company
Branch Hill Coffee Company, 371 Bridge St., Loveland, OH.

A drive-up window assists those who are in a hurry, a common trait today. But for those who want to enjoy a little relaxation, you need to step inside. Owner Patti White offers an eclectic decor in pastel colors, and mix of tables and chairs. Walls and hutches are filled with coffee related gifts available for purchase. Patio seating is also available.

Branch Hill Coffee Company

The first time you walk into the shop, you’re treated like a neighbor. Even the customers treat you like a neighbor. The coffee company has a great offering of coffee flavors, and it is reported the fresh-made sandwiches and home made soups are the greatest. The desserts looked pretty good too. I can personally vouch for the “Snickerdoodle” coffee which is flavored with cinnamon! It is very difficult for me when carrot cake is featured, but I passed on that delicacy … just barely.

If you should be walking or biking the recreational trail, or motoring through the area, you won’t be disappointed if you stop at the Branch Hill Coffee Company. If you don’t, you won’t know what you’ve been missing.–DBrent

Does the Theory of Chaos apply to motorcycling?

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on April 27, 2008
in Ride-Eat-Ride
. 3 Comments

Sunday mornings don’t come often enough. Once a week is not enough for a breakfast ride with friends.

Put on the gear, roll the bike out, and head out to meet up with our group of riders at the new, temporary gathering spot, the UDF on US 22/SR3 in Landen.

Gathering for a breakfast ride.

First: a WOW moment. I filled up the V-Strom before our ride–273.4 miles on 4.527 gallons. That is a whopping 60.4 mpg! Secondly, it’s a 5.8 gallon tank! That’s an easy 300 mile range! Not that I’m anal about this, but I always check mileage and always try to fill up the tank to the same spot in the filler neck to ensure mpg accuracy. But, to have this much fun at 60 mpg is almost too much to take! :)

Our fearless leader, Jerry, was out of town. That meant the rest of us had to decide on a ride leader and a destination. This is where the theory of chaos starts to kick in. As leadership starts to diminish, so does the following and the social structure.

Who should lead was a topic of discussion during the week knowing that we would be without our leader. Well, I can’t name names here because I like everybody. But, their names should not appear here in this context and the roles they played, and the teasing that took place. After we decided to ride northwest, the task went to the one who knew the roads the best. Well, that’s the way it started out before we hit detours, missed our turns and had to turn around twice.

Okay. It’s an adventure. We’re with friends. We’re riding on a nice sunny morning. And, the breakfast destination is one of our regular choices because of their good service and great food. So what, if the guy who knew the roads best got us lost! I’ll be riding with him and the others again next week. It’s about the fellowship, and conversations about our rides.

It’s like real democracy. You elect a leader. He takes you down the wrong road, and to reward him, you elect him again. As a result, gas is about to hit $4 per gallon and the economy sucks.

I’m really glad I’m getting 60 mpg on the V-Strom, and I get to ride with a great bunch of guys that tolerate each other no matter what.–DBrent

Breakfast in Germantown.
The new V-Strom has new Givi luggage.

Breakfast ride: the first of the season

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on April 20, 2008
in Ride-Eat-Ride
. 2 Comments

It has been months since I joined with the Sunday Morning Riders to ride out for breakfast. Sure, we’ve been meeting for coffee through the winter, but our group exists because of the fellowship of the ride. Some of the group rode out two weeks ago (the first of the season) while I was in Arizona. Last week was rainy. Today’s weather was good enough for a ride and seven of us mounted for a spirited ride through the countryside to Lumberton, OH, for breakfast.

It was the first breakfast ride on the new V-Strom, and it performed admirably. I’m gathering some facts and observations for a future bike review. Let me just say, everything they say about the Suzuki V-Strom DL650 is true … and then some. I was having so much fun riding through the twists and turns that I didn’t stop to take any pictures of it on the highway. Next time.

I was able to finally get through the first full tank of gas. The bike now has 358 miles. The first full tank of gas took me 261.6 miles and I topped off with 4.574 gallons of gas. That equals 57.2 mpg! :) WOW!

Yes it’s still in “break-in” mode, which means I’m not pushing it. But, I’m not dogging it either. I’m keeping it under the 5K RPM until the 600 mile service–Suzuki’s recommendations for break-in.

A breakfast ride with friends and a great motorcycle to get there. Does it get any better? How about when the weather is really good!–DBrent

Sunday morning coffee at the UDF, March 30th

Published
by
Sojourn Chronicles
on March 30, 2008
in Ride-Eat-Ride and Scribblings
. 1 Comment

The turnout was light. Only three of us made it for coffee and one arrived on his bike. Most of the regulars were out riding, and I mean out riding–dirt biking in Tennessee or riding the countryside in Spain. We can’t wait to see the pictures of that tour.

Although only three of us made it for coffee (we’re hoping the weather will turn so we can renew our Sunday morning breakfast rides) it was a special yet sad moment. You see, today, Sunday March 30th, is the last day the UDF will be open for a while. We have to find a new gathering place.

The United Dairy Farmer’s at the corner of US 22 and Ohio SR 3, one of the top UDF sites in the Ohio-based business, is undergoing some renewal. Construction of a new building is well underway. The old building and gas pumps need to be removed to make way for the new and improved UDF. When complete, 20 gas pumps will replace the eight that now exist, and the store will be larger by 50 percent. It will be the largest UDF gas station and convenience store in the company’s organization.

Manager Beverly said it will be three months before they reopen … if the weather accommodates the construction. It will be July before we gather again as a Sunday morning rider’s group at this location.

So, we’re looking for a new place to gather. The three of us selected another location, a UDF, for next week. The absent ones didn’t get to vote, so I’m sure there will be debate.

The important aspect: we continue to be a community of riders with a common thread of motorcycling, and a place to gather.–DBrent