First Spring Ride of 2025

Saturday was my official first spring ride of 2025. I wanted to get out and enjoy the weather with a longer ride. I rode for about 3-4 hours total (approx. 170 miles) and I loved every minute of it. I also had another reason to get out there. I joined GLMC Grand Tour. This is like a giant scavenger hunt for those riding motorcycles. Here is the goal (copied from their website):

On your motorized/electric bike or trike, moped, scooter, motorcycle, sidecar, spyder, and yes –slingshot, find an old bar, restaurant, tavern, diner, café, food truck, hotdog stand, or eatery showing obvious and advanced signs of age, disorder, neglect, and in stages of advanced disrepair - one lavishing in ill repute. Franchise establishments do not qualify – they are verboten! You know you have scored when you found a recently abandoned or still operating food establishment that most exercising reason or rationale would avoid, but if open, will be patronized by locals because the food is, or was, outstanding. So, what’s the catch?
Well, all locations need to be in towns that starts with G, L, M, C. But we knew that already – right?

Sounds pretty cool. While out riding, finding old neglected or abandoned places. Since I already ride the roads less traveled, hopefully find some places out and about as well. I just find that it gives me something else to do while riding and since it is not location specific, should be fun.

My ride destination was Cheraw, SC. Here is the path I took going down there.

The roads going down there have some nice twists and turns. Traffic is almost non-existent except around a few of the towns/cities. Lots of wooded cover and farms which make for very nice views. I did not go off pavement on this ride.

While riding, I did notice in the woods this high berm that seemed to follow the road. I assume it is was an old railroad that used to be on top. When I got to one creek, my assumption was correct. I could see the remains of an old railroad trestle.

I did go thru a number of smaller towns and at one point, passed an old post office. I decided to take a picture so I turned around and snapped it.

It was not open so could not go inside. Not the smallest I have seen before but definitely in the top 10. Once I got to Cheraw, I stopped at the Sand Trap Social Club for a quick beverage. Interesting place in the middle of nowhere.

This is a members only place but I walked in and asked if I could get a beer and they said no problem. They did not need me to be a member. The folks there were quite nice. Had some interesting conversations. Once I finished my beer, headed back home.

I took a different route again. Pretty much the same. No traffic and nice views. It was a very relaxing enjoyable ride all around. The weather was perfect. I did not sweat nor did I get cold. Perfect temps and plenty of sunshine.

This was just a warm up for what is to come this year. I am hoping to do a 3 week trip somewhere. Since this was the first long ride of the year, I did notice that my butt was beginning to get a bit sore but that is expected. Once I get ride like this 2+ times a week, my butt will get used to it (like riding a bicycle). The motorcycle ran like a dream as well. Can't wait to get back out there again.