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(Note: Scroll down for FAST FRIDAY info)
ThumperCafe Lunch "A" is at Asbury, MO. on August 22, Tuesday.
ThumperCafe Lunch "B" is at Low Gap Restaurant a few miles west of Jasper, AR. on August 23, Wednesday.
ThumperCafe Lunch "C" is on the Talimena National Scenic Drive atop Rich Mountain on August 24, Thursday.
Just off the phone with the folks at Cowboy Bob's in Asbury, MO. (the site of our Tuesday meal). They plan to do a "FSSNOC Special", likely a plate dinner with meatloaf, potatoes & gravy, vegetable and fresh roll without menu substitutions. Our head-count is still climbing so this little town Cafe with one cook and one waitress will have their hands full serving our group! Renee, our waitress, told me she is bringing her 12 year old son to work that day to help her with the task. I assured them that we would be patient and understanding...
With this in mind, here is the important stuff ... the participant sign-in time has been changed to begin at 11:15AM to 12:15PM for check in when you arrive and to enjoy some outside pre-lunch conversation.
Also, our set-down time for the lunch has been changed to 12:30PM, so don't be late. They close at two o'clock so we must be done with our meal by then, that is the agreement that I made with them ... repeating, out the door by 2PM.
If you are in contact with other FSSNOC members who are attending this Tuesday ThumperCafe, make sure that you pass this information along to them!
(PHOTO ABOVE) Wife Carrie and I are ready to do the "Dark Side of the Sun" ThumperCafes ... complete with Eclipse Goggles. We put a similar shot on our FSSNOC FACEBOOK Page. The packing has begun, the bikes are being readied, details are being addressed each moment as the clock runs down to FSSNOC 2017 THUMPERCAFE time. These are exciting days...
HELP! We are asking each member ... who attends a 2017 ThumperCafe to contribute some sort of written report to be used in the upcoming Thumper News #128. The folder for this issue is EMPTY. Thumper News is our club newsletter/magazine and by being so, it is to include stories, reports, and/or articles of the experiences of our membership. We need your help and assistance to complete this issue and what better way than to tell the general membership about our trips to the 2017 ThumperCafes.
After the ThumperCafes, when your report is finished, and TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE HERE, e-mail your story/article to our club at: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com Should you wish to include photos, please limit it to two or three (send as an attachment to your e-mail).
If you mail your story, mail to: FSSNOC P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809. If you have questions, you may text or call 620-663-1869 or ask me at the events.
Have a safe, enjoyable trip and time! Be sure to wear your FSSNOC cap and/or FSSNOC t-shirt to each ThumperCafe. I can't wait to see each of you... #000!
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(Event information posted 08-10-17. Note changes above!) For members that desire overnight accommodations, there are various price ranges of Motels, Hotels, and Campgrounds available throughout the area. Whether or not to reserve those locations prior to arriving in the area is an individual decision. The red dots shown on the map above (photo since deleted 08-16-17) are sites that I have selected for my personal travel plans and are shown here merely as a potential location. Mileages and details are subject to error and/or deviation...
As I am riding to the area from the west, my selection for August 20th (Sunday night) is Iola, Ks. From there, next morning, August 21st, Monday, I plan to ride approximately 188 miles northeast to the Eclipse zone to view the first eclipse of this nature since 1918. I plan to be somewhere in the vicinity of Marshall, Missouri by noon if all goes well. After the eclipse is over, perhaps 2PM, I plan to ride southwest to Bolivar, MO, the red dot labeled the 21st, for that night's respite.
Next morning, August 22nd, Tuesday, from Bolivar, MO, I anticipate an easy ride of maybe 100 miles or so, again depending on the route, to arrive in Asbury, MO. for our ThumperCafe lunch (Site A). After our ThumperCafe lunch, I plan to motor approximately another 100 miles or so to Eureka Springs, AR. to spend the night of August 22nd (red dot). Z-Z-z-z-z-z-z-zzzzzz
The morning of August 23rd, Wednesday, from Eureka Springs, it should be an enjoyable putt over to the Low Gap Restaurant located on highway 74 a few miles west of Jasper, AR. to attend our ThumperCafe lunch there (Site B). Afterward, I plan to ride generally southwest toward scenic Talihina, Oklahoma to spend the night (red dot marked 23rd).
Arising on the morning of August 24th, Thursday, I plan to ride (maybe 50-75 miles) from Talihina, OK. to the Talimena National Scenic Drive west entrance, proceeding over the picturesque route to the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge atop Rich Mountain to participate in our ThumperCafe lunch there (Site C).
And that's it ... I hope this has been interesting and/or helpful in some remote degree (grin). I do suggest a review of the information below for a more complete understanding of all the details and, of course, contact me (Jack #000) by phone if you have a question (620-663-1869).
Please note that our ThumperCafe events are primarily just that, a club luncheon.
Club members are invited to come have lunch with fellow FSSNOC members, after which members may individually view the area, play a round or two of golf, do a bit of fishing, whatever ... just enjoy the day in whatever fashion you desire ... and we'll see you the next day for lunch again, and the whole thing repeats ... how fun!
In my opinion and take it as that, this area's roadways are generally hilly and serpentine-like so that they may address the very nature of the terrain. This can make for some very brief passing zones or maybe no passing zones at all. Please be advised of local driving conditions, area law enforcement, and exercise prudent care and safety as you travel...
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Meet - Greet - Eat at our National ThumperCafe Events for 2017!
Info below: Please let us know ASAP if you plan to attend...
FYI ... Though not really part of our events schedule, the August 21st eclipse, the first one to cross border-to-border since 1918, will start in Oregon and head southeast, going smack-dab through ST. Joe, MO, down through Columbia, MO, then down through Carbondale, IL. The shadow will travel as fast as 2400+ miles per hour down to just 1477 mph as it crosses some of the southern states, hitting the Atlantic off the shore of South Carolina. You may learn more at: GreatAmericanEclipse.com or just google it... Don't look at it without eye protection, I'm warned. Expect about 2 1/2 minutes of darkness at the maximum viewing areas. It's a BIG deal.
THUMPERCAFE EVENTS ... are for FSSNOC members. If you aren't currently a member, we invite you to join our group. Membership applications are available at the FSSNOC sign-in areas at each ThumperCafe event. Also, in the interest of safety, we ask that everyone abstain from alcoholic beverages before and during our events.
Three national ThumperCafe events in Three days in Three states! These states are Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma ... come to the HeartLand! August 22-23-24, 2017 ... right before those dates there is to be a full eclipse of the sun. Make your plans now to attend one, two, or all three FSSNOC events. The Lunar Lightshow on August 21st is optional ... Note a website: www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com
... THUMPERCAFE - August 22nd - In Missouri, this one represents our lunch at Cowboy Bob's in Asbury, MO. located on highway 171. Not sure that there is even a stop sign, ... and don't blink. We do like to do business with the Mom and Pop venues of the world so if you've attended a ThumperCafe in the past, you'll perhaps know how we think. Put on a smile, bring money from home, and come Meet, Greet, and Eat with us?
We will begin to gather at 11:45AM or so, be sure to visit our FSSNOC sign-in area upon arrival. We are to be seated as a group just prior to 1:00PM. Please don't be late, they close at 2PM sharp and this was un-negotiable, and I get that...
Their general plans are to offer a very limited menu of lunch specials plus burgers, etc. and if they decide thusly, it may be only sandwiches and burgers, we'll go with whatever they can do for us and we'll be happy. We expect a big group and this is a small place so we must be understanding, okay? Should someone require something unique to eat, such as vegan, etc ... be prepared to have an ice tea and perhaps eat later 'cause this is a down-home kinda place.
NOTE: Observed Map distance between Event #A and Event #B appears to be approximately 150-175 miles or more depending upon the choice of route.
... THUMPERCAFE - August 23rd - this one is near Jasper, Arkansas. It is called the Low Gap Restaurant. Again, there is a bit of a website. A "Low Gap" is area speak for what some might call a "draw" or maybe a "valley". Look for Jasper, AR. on the map (Hwy 7), then Low Gap is west on Hwy74 a few miles.
Again, arrive maybe 12:00PM or so to have time to get signed-in at the FSSNOC area before our lunch. We are to be seated at 1PM. (This practice is typical of ThumperCafes and allows the Restaurant to service their local daily lunch customers prior to serving us) Please do not go in prior to the group seating. Hanging around outside gives us time to get acquainted, look at the bikes, and shoot the breeze a bit ... and that's a good thing. Enjoy your time, my friends, enjoy your time.
The "Chef"/Boss Man here once worked in Hollywood, even put on a birthday party for Liberace one time, for 1800 guests. But, once he came to the Ozarks, all that fame and fortune didn't seem so important anymore, and he has been here ever since. Expect the unexpected here. (Note: special dietary items may be available here, you are welcome to inquire... )
NOTE: Observed Map distance between Event #B and Event #C appears to be approximately: 200-250 miles, depending on the route utilized.
... THUMPERCAFE - August 24th. - Talihina, Oklahoma plays host to the western entrance to the famed TaliMena National Scenic Drive, a 54-mile National Scenic Byway, utilizing Oklahoma State highway #1 and Arkansas State highway #88, stretching from Talihina, OK. to Mena, AR.
Traveling east on Oklahoma Hwy 1, be alert for signs advising of the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge atop Rich Mountain. At 2950 feet elevation, this is the second highest mountain in Arkansas. Stand outside on the deck of the Lodge and you can see for centuries! Of note, this Lodge may also be approached from the east on Arkansas Hwy88, I believe...
Our fare will go a bit more upscale here as we tackle a state-owned buffet food line. I'm told it'll be maybe $12-$15 per person, so again, bring your own funds. We plan to gather about noon. Please visit the FSSNOC sign-in upon arrival and again, we plan to be seated as a group at 1PM. Note that while the Talimena Scenic Drive area is in Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Lodge is actually on Arkansas real estate, not Oklahoma. A minor foo-paw ... oh well.
We need to hear from those who are planning to attend ... so that we can give our hosts a general headcount prior to the event. Please contact FSSNOC if you are likely to attend one, two, or all three events and tell us which ones if you can't do all three. This is IMPORTANT. Please make a point to share your attendance plans with us.
Also, we are planning to present FSSNOC member participants a FREE commemorative decal upon arrival if they contacted us early. Those decals have now been ordered and received. However, we still need a headcount so that our food hosts can make their plans. If something happens that your plans change, we can live with that and we understand about life, etc. If time allows, mail your notice to: FSSNOC P.O. BOX 1809, HUTCHINSON, KS. 67504-1809
If time is short, please call our phone at: 620-663-1869, leave a message if we are riding.
...........................WHAT DO WE DO AT A THUMPERCAFE?............................
Each year since 1986, FSSNOC members have been invited to gather at more than 130 ThumperCafe sites in the USA to spend time with old and new friends alike. We share our love for Four-Stroke Single cylinder motorcycles, enjoy an often unique lunch, and have a short light-hearted "business" meeting after our meal. You'll meet genuine people with great motorcycling stories and big smiles on mileage-worn faces. What a wonderful way to spend part of a perfect day!
Each of our ThumperCafes is considered a single event. You may attend as many available ThumperCafes as is your pleasure. These events are what we call "Dutch Treat", in other words, we do separate checks at lunch so bring adequate funds to purchase your own meal and to attend to your own needs. Also, these events are fun(d)raisers for our club so we invite members to donate financially to the club as they are able and motivated...
Attendees are responsible for their own travel, lodging, personal needs, and general welfare. Participants at a ThumperCafe may wish to arrive a bit early to have an opportunity to get acquainted with other FSSNOC members before our group lunch. Upon arrival, please sign-in with FSSNOC staff.
ThumperCafes are static events ... we don't do group excursions. We discovered years ago that spending time with other members makes the most out of the limited time available at an event.
Please note that you may arrive by whatever source of transport that you like. In the interest of safety, attendees are asked to abstain from the use of alcohol before and during our event. Also, again in the interest of safety, be advised that traveling the roads and highways in this area as part of a group may add additional travel risk due to the hilly terrain and winding roads.
Should you have questions, please contact us as above. And, it is a good idea to stay current with this website as, and if, changes or additional information surfaces, we will be advising you of that here... Jack, #000
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FAST FRIDAY ... AUGUST 18, 2017 ... We be headed for Carolyn's Essanhass Restaurant in Arlington, Ks. Be there at 1:05PM to be seated as a group. If you've never had the pie there, this is your chance. My personal favorite is the Sour Cream Raisin! Also suggest the salad bar with lots of tasty goodies to choose from ... and ... they do have excellent sweet tea. See you there... #000.
The Fine Print: FAST FRIDAY is a day of the week that Carrie and I try to get out and enjoy lunch with FSSNOC friends who live locally or are visiting the area. You, as a fellow member of FSSNOC, should it be possible, are invited to join us for food and fellowship. Any questions? You may contact #000 by phone at: 620-663-1869, leave a message if I am riding, okay. We'd love to have you there and I'll save you a chair. - #000.
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT MEMBER OF OUR CLUB, WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN. Click on "Membership Application" found under the "More" tab on this website masthead...
( We do have club membership applications at our events should someone wish to join onsite at an event...)
More information or questions? Call our club phone at 620-663-1869 or drop us a note at: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809 or E-mail us at: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
"Come Thump with Us!".
Thank You, FSSNOC #000, Jack Robinson - FSSNOC Director
FSSNOC - THUMPIN' WITH YOU SINCE 1986!
...this concludes our event page. Please visit our other pages...
