Saturday August 9, 2008

All it took was a mention of riding a motorcycle for RIBS and I was ready.

Mickey invited Vicki and I to join his ride to Ribbers in Portsmouth, Ohio. We graciously accepted and were on our way.
The trip was going to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes if we cut off some of the back road riding so we did and set out on I-75 for I 275 east.
We had decided to take Route 125 toward Portsmouth where it ends at Route 52 on the river. Route 125 was a beautiful ride with some long sweeping curves and several small towns along the way. Not a rough road but it was narrow in some places. When it ended we were at Route 52 on the Ohio River which is a familiar site to us both. We had plenty of time and decided to see the murals painted along the flood walls along the river in Portsmouth.
The mural walls run for nearly 1/3 of a mile and face the town. If you have never seen them it is worth the trip.
The artist did a fantastic job in his creations there. The murals portray the history of the town and surrounding area. From it's heritage, education, war battles, sports, industry, famous people of the town and nearly anything you can think of that made that town back in it's hay day and today.
They are just spectacular and a definate must see.

We were to all meet up at Ribbers at 5:30 and as we loaded onto our bike and started toward the restaurant we ran into Mickey and his 5 bike group. We stopped and talked for a bit then Vicki and I headed over to Ribbers leaving the others there to see the murals.
As we were getting off of the bike a big guy on a V-Strom pulled in and it was Tank from RideOhio. We waited for Tank to get off of his bike and walk toward us where we made our formal introductions. Then the three of us walked in together. As we walked in we saw Mark, (Passinthru) on RideOhio sitting at the bar waiting for us.
We had no idea how many total there were going to be in our group and we guessed 16. It just so happens that the guess was right on. Vicki and I had a drink at the bar while we talked to Tank and Mark waiting for the others.
The rest of the gang got there about 1/2 hour later and we sat down together at some tables they set up for us. A few more introductons of those who had never met each other and it was all good.
After some pleasant conversation and studying of the menus we ordered.
Ribs are their specialty and it seems that most of us got them. These were country style pork ribs and I must say they were excellent. The sauce was bold but not spicey. (I want the recipe)
After dinner we talked some more then headed for the parking lot where pictures of the group were in order as always.
When that was all said and done it was saddle up time and we all peeled off in our own directions.
Vicki and I decided to take a different route home then what had brought us there.
We decided on Route 73 to Route 32 and we were off.
Route 73 was tight and somewhat rough in some areas. It is very twisty, which I didn't mind at all. As for speed, I was pushing it because as it was getting late and we wanted to not be on 73 or 32 after dark due the the amount of deer that roam that area.
Once on Route 32 I cranked up the Wings speed since it is a four lane and the posted speed is 60 mph. We made great time getting to I-275 and then on to I-75 toward home.
We totaled 257 miles round trip and on one tank of fuel I might add. (I had a half gallon to spare) We walked into our home right at 10:05. We made great time getting back and we're glad we chose the right route to get us here quick.
Tank posted on RideOhio of his and Mark's journey home which they thought would take about 4-1/2 hours. It seems they ran into rain a couple of time and after a wait out at a Wafle House they were on the road again. They got home after 3:00 AM this morning after dagnerously riding in thee rain at night.
Now keep in mind that they live north west of Youngstown. Tank's comment was, "We're lucky to be alive". See Tanks journey on his blog at http://www.ridewithtank.com/

I will say that Vicki and I both agreed that we had a great time. We met some very nice people and a few new friends and had a great time doing so.
This trip turned our Wing odometer over to 17,000 + miles.