Sunday Ride Report - Bear's BBQ - 10/20/13

Arriving at Dunkin Donuts on Rt. 32 in Montville an hour later than usual this morning, to avoid a morning shower that never materialized, I found a number of the regulars waiting for me and a few non-regulars as well. John Grant was there sans Cindy, but brought along his friend Mark riding a Harley with a nice flamed paint job.

Jim Moran and Lane Ventura were there to see us off, but couldn’t join us on this ride. Road Sergeant Dave Adams led the ride and asked Joe Fogarty and I to act as road guards, but it proved to be unnecessary. Margo Adams was there with hugs for everyone; as well as Randall Perry, Doug Young Jr., and Ed Duerrler with Rosie. Mark Beebe handled the tail-gunner position.

It was a little windy, but otherwise it was a perfect day for a fall foliage ride. Bright sunshine and temps in the upper fifties. The roads were littered with leaves that blew across the road like small animals and flew up in the air as we passed. I had one land right in the middle of my face shield; momentarily blocking my view. I also got dinged in the face shield by a small acorn. Just one more reason to wear a full-face helmet.

We took Rt. 32 North to Raymond Hill Rd. where we road single file through the curves, ending at Rt. 163. We headed North passing Fitchville Pond. The fall foliage contrasted beautifully against the blue water. 

Fitchville Road ended at Rt. 32 which we took to Rt. 87. Passing Rt. 207 we also passed a Police Car sitting off the road causing Dave to stall at the next intersection. This was when John’s friend Mark asked us to pull over a second because his front tire felt soft. A quick inspection of the front end found no defects and the air pressure was just fine.

We forked off onto Rt. 287 which ended at Rt. 32 in Willimantic where we crawled from light to light until we got past Rt. 6. From here it was smooth sailing up to Stafford Springs where Dave led us in a roundabout way to get past the Stafford Motor Speedway that was very active on “Race Day”. There was quite a bit of tailgating going on and Margo threatened to jump ship when she was hit with the aroma of grilled meats.

We followed Rt. 140 for quite a while heading west towards our destination. We passed the Connecticut Trolley and Fire Museum and I watched to see if Mr. Beebe would turn off. He did not; but more interesting rail activity was yet to come.

Crossing the Connecticut River over the Church Bridge into Windsor Locks we were stopped at a railroad crossing. I fumbled to get my camera out, thinking that we would be sitting there a while. As I feverishly tried to depress the tiny power button without taking off my gloves, the engine passed and I didn’t even get a glimpse of it. I’m sure Mark can tell you all about it.

We continued on Rt. 159 to our destination: Bear’s BBQ  http://www.bearsbbq.com/ 

Pulling around back to park we were joined by Reuben (a.k.a. Sandwich) and his girlfriend (I neglected to get her name). Along the right side and behind the building there were some picnic tables in what appeared to be a park area bordering some water. (Pond?) Parking lot chit-chat quickly came to an end as we were all ready to eat.

 I can't remember the last time I saw a telephone booth.

Stepping into the restaurant we found a large group had already pushed tables together in the center of the dining area, relegating us to a number of booths and small tables. 

Service is “Deli Style” so we stood on line perusing the menu on the wall while we waited for our turn to place our order. That’s when I noticed “Moink Balls” and immediately pointed them out to Mark. “Moink Balls” are more of an appetizer than a dessert like “Mousse Balls”, but when Mark learned that they are beef meatballs wrapped in, you guessed it, BACON, he couldn’t resist and ordered enough to share with everyone. They were absolutely delicious, as was everything we had to eat.

I had the brisket entree with barbecued baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread. We were given the choice of sweet sauce, peppery sauce and spicy sauce. I went with the peppery and it was terrific. The coleslaw was also peppery and also sweet in just the right way. There were strips of barbecued pork in the baked beans. The cornbread was moist and sweet with what appeared to be homemade butter on the side. I think we will definitely be eating here again.

Even Bill’s dog, Rosie, joined us for lunch. She is so well behaved, she fits in everywhere.

Bill got the owner and manager to take a few minutes for pictures out front.

With our bellies full we headed back the way we came on Rt. 159 and crossed back over the Church Bridge and made an immediate right onto South Water St. which runs right along the river. Turning left onto Spring St. we made a right onto Main St. which merged with Rt. 5. Left on Sullivan Ave. (Rt. 194) where we stopped at Hot Leathers to pick up a few things.

John, Doug and I need to refuel. We had passed a Valero station a while back, but Margo thought there was a gas station at the next intersection. John and Doug took off ahead of me, but I quickly caught up to them. We found quite a few retailers and businesses, but no gas stations. So we turned around and went back to the Valero station.

John, Mark & Doug decided to take off from here and so did Ed and Rosie.

The rest of us pulled out onto Rt. 194 and continued on making a left onto Oakland Rd. (Rt. 30). At Rt. 83 we made a right and a brief discussion of whether to visit the LUV Boutique ensued; but we road on instead and made a left onto Middle Tpk. where we stopped at the Shady Glen Restaurant for dessert and fried cheese.

I had the pumpkin sundae which came with caramel sauce and pecans, Joe had an apple/caramel sundae, Randy had an upside down chocolate ice cream cone, Dave and Margo shared a vanilla shake and Mark got to enjoy the fried cheese he had been recently craving. 

Dave offered to pay for Mark’s fried cheese. Mark asked if he was going to pay for his coffee as well; then if he was going to treat everyone. Margo goaded him on to do so and you can’t say no when your wife giving you the green light. Thanks Dave and Margo, your generosity made dessert even more delicious.

Leaving Shady Glen we continued down Middle Tpke. which merged with Rts. 6 & 44. Joe continued straight while we turned off onto Rt. 85 towards Colchester. Mark and I pulled off at Rt. 207 and headed towards Norwich, while Dave, Margo and Randall continued on Rt. 85 towards Colchester.

Following Mark we picked up the pace and flew down Rt. 207 encountering very little traffic as we passed farms and cornfields. In Baltic we headed down a curvey section Rt. 97 along the Shetucket River until it ended at Rt. 12. Mark made a left at the Eighth St. Bridge to hit Rt. 165 and I continued down Rt. 12 into downtown Norwich to head home.

The other group made one more stop for Margo to add a stamp to her Wine Country Passport Book. They visited Priam Vineyards http://www.priamvineyards.com/  where they met Raelynn, Margo’s daughter and a friend. They had a great chat and the ladies enjoyed some wine.

This was a very pretty run that I think we should repeat next season. It wasn't a very long run and the late start did not push us too late into the evening.