Website:  PotomacAreaRoadRiders.org

September 2009

Issue 006

PARR MEETINGS AND RIDES

 

Monthly Meeting:   Second Tuesday of each month

Location:  JCC  8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA.

Note:  Go to front desk to sign in and you will be directed to the location of the meeting room.  Meeting time is 7:30 pm

1st Sunday Ride:  Breakfast Buffet between 8-9:00

Location:  Masonic Lodge  999 Balls Hill Rd

                      McLean, Virginia

3rd Saturday Ride:  Meet for Coffee at Starbucks at 9:00

Location:  Colonnade Shopping Center

                      5722 Union Mills Road, Cifton, VA

Contact Info:  PARR President, Ed Bugash 

                                  Phone: 301-948-1014

Newsletter of the Potomac Area Road Riders

There’s That Old

  Feeling

     Did you feel it?  I did! It happened just a few days ago.  There was no mistaking it.  I was going about my usual summertime activities when all of a sudden, it appeared out of nowhere.   It was here!  September!

     I (like many other motorcyclists, I’m sure) can feel the change in the air when September 1st rolls around.  It’s a bit hard to describe, but it’s there.  The end of the summer riding season. The faint sadness of biding farewell to the memorable summer overnight rides and the warm evenings of riding just before the sunset.  But on the upside:  the impending Autumn and the cool, colorful riding season just ahead.      

     I have a favorite place I like to ride to when this time of the year comes around.  For me, it’s a place for reflecting; a place for looking back on the great summer riding season; to ponder what lies ahead and to think about what rides I’d like to do in the future.  It’s a place that is special to me.  And it’s always a solo ride. 

     So did you feel it?  It’s actually a great feeling all-in-all.  Get ready to enjoy the fall! 

                                                                            Mike

 

                                                        

 

Editor:  Mike Wascak

October Sunday Ride

Graves Mountain Lodge

 

     We tried to do this ride on Labor Day weekend, but because so many of you were busy with family and/or end-of-summer activities, we had to postpone it one more time.  The ride is now scheduled for the first Sunday in October.

    Graves Mountain Lodge is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Syria, Virginia near Old Rag Mountain.  This family-owned and operated rustic retreat (in business for 135 years) is known for its down home hospitality, not to mention all the home cooked food you can eat and unrivaled natural beauty of the area. 

     The ride will begin at the IHOP in Ashburn, VA located near the intersection of Ashburn Village Blvd and Farmwell Road.  The ride will leave this location at 9:30.  Riders can still take advantage of the buffet breakfast at our normal Sunday Ride meeting location at the Masonic Lodge in McLean, VA.  Breakfast there begins at 8:00 and riders need to leave McLean promptly at 9:00 for the ride to Ashburn.  

     Cost of the fried chicken buffet at Graves is $16.75 per person plus tax and gratuity.  The buffet also includes beverages and dessert.

     Reservations are needed.  If you plan to attend, contact Mike at 703-963-1860.

Upcoming Overnight Rides

 

          It’s now September and if you missed out on our spectacular summer multi-day tours, you still have two more chances to join in on some great touring rides.  Here’s what lies ahead:

 

September 18-20 Lancaster, PA Covered Bridge Tour

We’ll be enjoying a short ride to a long-ago world — the Amish countryside of Lancaster which will include rides across covered bridges and Amish buffets. Please note that the dates for this tour have been moved to a later week in September.  Contact Mike Wascak at smichaelwascak@aol.com

 

October 10-11 Fall Foliage Tour thru the Piedmonts

Enjoy a ride south into the Piedmonts where we’ll admire  the beautiful reds, yellows, purples and greens of the change of season in our area.

Contact Tom Southard at  tsouthard@verizon.net

    

Do you have a good idea for an overnight ride or would like to create one and lead it?  Now’s the time to start thinking about it.  PARR will be putting together the list of Overnight Rides for 2010 in a few short months.  Contact any one of the PARR officers for details. 

Fall Foliage Day Ride

 

     Mark your calendar now for the Annual PARR Fall Foliage Day Ride which is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th.  If rain is forecast for that day, the ride will be postponed until the following Sunday, October 25th.  The starting location will be announced next month in the October issue of the SPOKE and in the PARR website.  The route will be around 150 miles in length and will also include a ride across Whites Ferry.  A PARR Poker Run Route from yesteryear will be used.  It’s a good one!  Don’t miss the perfect time of the year for riding a great route.  For further info, contact Mike Wascak at 703-963-1860.