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BREAKFAST RUN TO SALOON 66
22nd November 2009

At long last the miserable rainy weather has stopped and the sun was making a valiant attempt to dry out the saturated, muddy earth.  This is, after all, “summer” folks and you would have been forgiven for thinking that the bright yellow disk that usually resides in the blue skies had gone AWOL for the last two weeks.  Call it climate change, El Nino or whatever else you want – it’s bloody annoying when you want to get out there and ride, ride, ride!  Many bikers weren’t convinced of the changes in the Highveld weather patterns and decided to stay in bed again.  Hence the lower numbers of bikers on this morning’s run to Saloon 66 on the Hartbeeshoek Road.  28 bikes in all – which is still a good turnout for the Breakfast Club!

The ride was uneventful, but as usual, still loads of fun dodging potholes and super-bikers under the guidance of Dennis as Pace Setter;  Al – Leader; and Kevin in the role of Sweep.  Thanks Guys.  The route of 87 kms started off down South Road, turned into Bowling Avenue and roared onto the M1.  The pack took the N14 turnoff and then the R511 off-ramp.  Three and a half kilometres further on it was a left turn to keep on the R511, through the beautiful Hennops River area, over the hill on the R104 and Hartbeeshoek Road.  The entrance to Saloon 66 was negotiated along a single, narrow concrete pathway to avoid the mud and slush on the “what-used-to-be-the-road” area.  Not for nervous riders!

Proudly parking their much-loved chrome steeds on the steaming grassy verges outside the wooden saloon and swaggering up to the outside verandah under the admiring glances (or was that the scrutinizing stares) of the usual patrons, thrusting open the bar swing doors, the hungry pack marched inside to order breakfast.  Cowboy Kate (ummmhhh – Tracy Dee) was belting out Rock ‘n Roll favourites already.  At first glance many of us thought she was one of 5 band members, but on closer inspection we realized sheepishly that the other four members were actually life-sized cardboard replicas of The Wild Hogs pasted onto the back wall.  (Travolta still looking very cool in his leathers and bandana – R100,00 to any of you cowboys who can get me a copy for my office)!    Somewhat perturbed at the fact that there was only one person cooking breakfast for our whole posse we simply had to ask the question “Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” Being advised to help ourselves in the meantime to yoghurts, toast and jams, croissants and rolls, fruit, tea and coffee etc all served in enamel crockery made us feel more like Mr Bean than Clint Eastwood, but that’s another story entirely.  We were very pleasantly surprised after a relatively short wait to be presented with a yummy, hot breakfast of 2 fried eggs (or scrambled), (done perfectly I might add), boerewors sausage, beans, tomato and crispy bacon.  Obviously, DON’T JUDGE A SALOON BY ITS PATRONS! 

A couple of bikers looked set to remain there and “while away” their lazy Sunday afternoon listening to the Route 66 Band with Hennie Killian and various guest artists.  Unfortunately we had to leave but plan on returning soon. 

Here’s hoping we will see you all at the Angels and Demons Party on Friday.  If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet – do so now before they are all sold out.  You’ll kick yourself if you miss this last social event of the year.

Ride hard and ride safe.

Lyn

PS:      You don’t eat Mexican food – you just rent it. 
            In Mexico they have another name for sushi – bait.