Sunday ride to Lil’ Swiss

The Jason’s pass each other within minutes and regroup.

Kevin is always so proper and prompt.  Look at the thick fog this morning.

The Jason’s start planting the doubt seed in Kevin’s mind about the condition of his tires.

Ugh.  Those leathers protect you well in a crash but the fit and looks is about as unflattering as they get.  In the motorcycle world, you dress for the slide, not the ride and definitely not the fashion either.

Rainman is deep in thought – that or he’s not quite awake yet.

Who is this stranger?  Nick is looking a little more Chinese these days.

Danielle shows off her new ride… so new she doesn’t even have a plate!

Mike gets a kitchen pass and is out for the day.

X marks the famous meeting spot in Lincolnton.

Ben AKA Mr. Ben Blue is rolling in style with his cushy BMW.

Mike says Peace Man… more to come on Mike and the peace sign later.

We make another pit stop because a certain someone on a Supermoto has a very limited range.

Because the company they’re with isn’t good enough, these two are immediately hooked up to their Blackberry and Iphone as soon as we stop for lunch.  Love these poses!

The party of nine has to wait a little for the largest table.

Little Switzerland is the place for lunch up this way.  The service is good and the food is tasty and fresh.  Most folks usually get the quiche special but unfortunately today it comes with mushrooms which I don’t fancy.  The salmon BLT on a croissant does not disappoint though!

Mustaches anyone?

Mike and Jason.  Somehow Nick evades his photo at lunch.

Jason and Kevin are having quite the chuckle about health insurance.  Who knew insurance could be so funny?

Bill AKA Bread is a new addition to the group although he’s a five year veteran of Charlotte Sport Bikes.  Danielle says this is her first ride (as she says, sort of) with me : )

No one knows the roads better than Ben!

Clear coated into the wooden tables are old newspapers from the Little Switzerland area which we all call Lil’ Swiss.

See the road biker on the right?  We dine near several road bikers who ask us to throw them a rope and carry them up the mountain.   I am amazed at how hard they work and their lean physiques definitely reflect that.  I am quite pleased one of the road bikers complimented my Under Armour outfit.  Evidently as I am changing into my leathers, I have an audience that I didn’t realize.

We witness a BMW (not pictured) rider lose his balance on a tricky spot in the parking lot.  His bike tips over and he goes rolling off.  It took four men to pick it back up between being loaded with luggage and tipped against the hill.  Fortunately these two Rhode Island bikes did not have the same issues.  I suppose once you’ve ridden from RI, you’re pretty used to unusual parking lots and terrain.

Danielle is all suited up for her new wheels.

Bill also believes in comfort like Ben.

It is a lovely day for a ride through the Parkway with good food, clean roads, and of course great friends!  As usual I sure do love the pillion.  When it’s right and we’re in sync, it’s the most amazing feeling!