ROMEOS

Guys - Next Wednesday will be Gibbo's 88th Birthday and we should make it something special. We are going to meet up with the Southern group with whom we share Gibbo and have a special event in his honor. We don't normally do breakfast like the Southern group but it's something new and different so why not give it a try. After all it's not about us, it's about Gibbo. Gibbo's been with us practically since the beginning and is a storehouse of knowledge and information so let's go and hear some of it...........

Here's the time.............................................9:00 am

Here's the place......................................Carriage Crossing
K-96 & Yoder Road
Yoder, Kansas 67585
620-465-3612

As always............................ride careful, ride safe and I'll see you in Yoder. Richard
http://mapq.st/1FGty7L
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Guys - I had a wonderful time today and I hope that you did as well. Gibbo, always the gentleman, was gracious and accommodating to all that asked of his time today. The first thing I noticed when I arrived at the cafe today was Gibbo's bike parked out front in the place of honor. Imagine, at 88 and still riding! Awesome! Not only is he riding but I overheard that he is off to Mexico in the near future to go on a backpacking adventure. What! I'm not even up for that! Good on 'ya Gibbo!
I was somewhat concerned that the weather may put a damper on the proceedings today but the good Lord was looking out for Gibbo and made it a perfect day. So much so that 93 by actual count came out to honor him on his day in the sun. I had counted 73 bikes but a number of them were ridden two up and a few came by car or truck filling in the gap that accounts for the disparity in the numbers but at final audit, a whopping ninety-three came to honor our Senior Statesman. I wish some of the politicians of the day had as much dignity as does my friend Gibbo.
Roger picked the perfect place for these proceedings. The cafe handled us remarkably I thought and the prices were quite reasonable. They certainly didn't skimp on any of the servings from what I observed. My cholesterol may have shot up a notch or two but I'm sure Joyce will see that I get in enough bicycling to work that down. It did feel quite good to eat something other that 'what's good for me' for a change! I loved the biscuits and gravy! Six biscuits, actually and I enjoyed each and every one of them!
It was great to see some of you guys that I haven't seen for quite some time and it was neat to see what you had moved up to in terms of your ride for many. I overheard several comment that we should do this more often. I agree, but if we do it too often, the thrill may not be as great, and keep in mind our original mantra we still hold to is helping the little ma and pa kind of places that struggle daily.
I took a ton of photos today and will try to put a few of the better ones on here for you to look over. Since I never claimed to be a photographer, I just snap photos. Maybe one of 'em may be of you.....

I woke early Wednesday fully expecting to enjoy a very therapeutic ride to Yoder. All was well until I got the bike out to ready it for the ride and it started to sprinkle. I went inside to check the radar and found most of the weather was passing to the north. Undaunted I pressed on trying desperately to contain Leo's enthusiasm until it was time to go. I got the carrier on the bike and loaded Leo Hopped on and pulled out only to discover the gaping hole in my smile. I pulled back into my driveway and dismounted to retrieve my tooth. I really didn't want to go as my alter ego Cletus on the Moder Guzy. It started to rain harder and I advised Leo that we may not go. Pondering the situation I thought the radar looked good to the south where we were going so I made an executive decision and set out fully expecting to be the only one to show. That worried me as I wasn't sure how to get to Yoder. As usual I was a lemming on this ride too. Much to my surprise and delight Emery was there to save the day. Shortly thereafter Dave showed. We waited till departure time and nobody else showed so we set off. Great day for a ride and I quickly fell into the zone and let the therapy take effect. Leo did his usual excellent job of protecting us from all the cows and horses that were bent on killing us. About 20 miles from Yoder my stomach was growling almost as loud as my engine. We arrived to a parking lot about 2 3rds full but there was still an abundance of seating. I found Leo some shade and poured him a bowl of water and proceeded inside to put on the feed bag. Cinnamon buns were flying fast and furiously. They were about the size of a pillow and one could be a meal in itself. I opted for the steak and eggs which was very generous. Many chose the biscuits and gravy which by rights should have been served on a larger plate. Nobody left hungry. Mid meal we all stopped to sing Happy Birthday to Gibbo and wish him a happy 88th. I hope I make it to 88 and if I do I hope I'm still riding. If I don't I hope they find me in my tent in the most beautiful campground in the world. As the plates emptied and the satisfied groans began, there was a little left over that was offered up for Leo. He hit the jackpot. A piece of my steak, Some biscuits and gravy from Dave, and a little ham from Delbert. That pretty much filled his belly and even he had a satisfied grin. After a little tire kicking and swapping of lies Richard mentioned that he was going to El Dorado to swap off the bad rim he had on his Ural. I opted to follow along just in case anything else decided to explode. I also wanted to check out the new Urals in the hope they had a solo bike. There was none to be found. We stuck around there till Richard got his wheel swapped and we soaked up as much of their AC as we could get away with. I figured that lawn chairs, beer cooler, and a TV might be pushing our welcome a bit. Richard had his ice cream radar up so we all decided to stop down the street at Braums. Again Leo hit the jackpot. In addition to my chocolate malt he got a dish of ice cream. Just the mere mention of the word will snap his head around and you'll have his full and undivided attention. By then the temperature was on the rise and we headed back to more familiar territory. Richard and I parted ways in Lindsborg and I headed up old 81 toward Salina. By the time I reached I 135 I had decided that I'd enjoyed as much as I could stand and jumped on the freeway and beat tracks for home. Getting home I pulled into the garage and let Leo out, went inside and collapsed in a heap in my recliner. A good time was had by all.

Marty Hauk

We had a great time helping Gibbo celebrate his birthday. What a nice crowd, good meal and great fellowship! Had our granddaughter, Ali, along, so we drove our car. Our table mates were very gracious and seemed to enjoy having her along. Gibbo even posed for a picture with her and Arnie. We dubbed her a biker babe in waiting/training! I'll try to post the picture. Thanks, everyone, for making her welcome!