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Let's Ride - or Eat
Guest Blatherings by Ed Mealy Long distance riding is a blast! We’ve been at it religiously for awhile to the tune of about 12K a year, and we love it. My wife and I are lucky enough to have friends who are seasoned, likeable cruisers. D&W have been living the long distance riding lifestyle for years, and they have put together some great road trips for us to enjoy (I mean planned the route, gas stops, coffee breaks, side trips, hotels, restaurants, return route ~ everything!). Well ~ after a few road trips with D&W, I noticed that a well planned trip and a great meal have a lot in common. The Road Captain is the chef; whereas, he plans the meal (ride) because he knows what’s good and fresh and probably has a specialty. D&W are road freaks and have a passion for new routes to favorite haunts. They have maps of everywhere and are the Masters of the Google Maps program. I really like the idea of knowing the roads we will be on are all paved with a different view than the last few rides. Sharing the road with our friends, we have learned several routes to Tucson, El Paso, Silver City, and many other cool destinations (some itineraries have us never touching a freeway!). Just like a good recipe, D&W enter all important information into a data base for future reference. I remember them helping me plan my first long distance ride to Texas. They printed out turn-by-turn directions with additional information concerning gas stations and restaurants (along with a note concerning one eatery to, “not have the meatloaf on Sundays!”). You must also Trust your chef (Road Captain)! While experiencing your meal (ride), remember that spontaneous changes in the menu can be wonderful events. Sometimes the chef may substitute a side dish with a seasonal veggie, and the Road Captain may decide on a different route home. My advice ~ embrace the change. While most lead riders will ask for input from fellow riders, it is ultimately the Road Captain’s decision (dissention will only ruin everyone’s palate!). Remember ~ it’s supposed to be an adventure! It may sound like common sense, but sharing the experience of a ride or a restaurant with folks you actually like is paramount to whether it’s an awesome or awful time together. A ride that’s riddled with rain or other disappointments can still be a blast if the company is familiar and fun; however, a great bistro will seem to be lacking if you’re forced to sit with folks you just don’t like (and either a bad ride or a bad meal is sure to mess with your digestion!). As for me ~ I’m combining the two. I ride with people I enjoy being with because I’m usually riding to an excellent eatery. So ride and eat with gusto. Peace!
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