Awards for Cavaliers

Hey folks,

I just found out that the Cavaliers were given Journalism Awards along with several other New Orleans groups. Here is brief list of awards given by TRUE TALES, a leather Journal recieved by us, The Lords, Bears, NOBLE and AMBUSH for Hurricane updates and information. The complete list can be found on the AMBUSH web site ( www.ambushmag.com ) or in the current edition. I want to send a special Thank You to David for his hard and quick work on the web site!

Ride Proud Cavaliers!

Doug Minich
CavaliersMC
2005 President



Cavaliers Motorcycle Club, Lords of Leather, Phoenix, New Orleans Bears, LA-NOBLE & Ambush Mag Win Journalism Awards

2005 Awards

Best Information on Current Events by a Leather Website Inside the Gulf Coast: Cavaliers Motorcycle Club; Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Krewe; The Phoenix Bar; A True Rose.

Best Information on Current Events by a Leather or Leather-Related E-mail List Inside the Gulf Coast: Cavaliers MC; Houston's Rainbow Cross; LA-NOBLE; Leather Nation Job Board; New Orleans Bears; NOLA Refugee.

Best Leather-Related Information on Current Events by a Non-Leather Publication: Ambush Mag.

Special Leather Communications Award (for outstanding efforts at communicating news and information to the leather community): To David Lester (Webmaster of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club in New Orleans) and Todd Cole (president and Webmaster of the Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Krewe in New Orleans), for providing information to the rest of the world through their clubs' Websites within a short time after the hurricane crisis began, and to Tibby (lieutenant of the New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club), for providing the most frequently updated list of survivors and missing persons.

An eerie ride

Wednesday night I decided to join my club for an evening ride to a Bike Night in Metairie. It was so wonderful to put on my leathers, mount up, and ride in the cold wind. The wind was a steady 15 mph out of the North with temps at about 48 degrees F. Six of us (Doug, Michael D., Mitch, Dave, Poncho and Me) met at Lafitte's in the French Quarter. Our ride took us through some of the deserted, dark streets in the uptown area that had flooded. It was so eerie to pass from a brightly lit, lively area through this wasteland filled with mounds of debris and abandoned cars and refrigerators. Arriving in Metairie was like finding a living oasis at the end of a dark journey.

At the Pitt Stop we met up with Diane and Julie and walked around looking at the leather displays and the bikes. This event usually contains about 250 bikes (Before Katrina). There may have been 100 last night. But despite the cold and the disaster, people were there, drinking beer, eating hot burgers, and talking about bikes. We left this venue and traveled to another spot, a bar called Southport. There we snacked on red beans and rice, talked a bit more, and then took off for home.

I had another ride through the devastation, in the dark and alone. Once again I felt this eerie sensation and just wanted to pass through the area as quickly as possible. I switched to the Interstate at Carrollton Ave. and crossed the Crescent City Connection with relief knowing I was headed back to civilization.

Doc

Cavaliers Camp It Up in Alabama!

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club held their first road trip, post hurricane, returning to their riding schedule with a weekend camping trip to Spring Creek Campground in Geneva, AL November 4 - 6, for a weekend of riding, relaxing and friendship.

Five riders; Diane, Heath, Matt, Mitch and Dave D., rode out of New Orleans with Julie, Doug and Scott bringing the campers and their bikes. Michael D. caught up with the group a bit later and the Cavaliers good friend Paul from Mobile meet up at the campground.. Stopping for lunch in Pensacola, FL. the group split up a bit so the bikers could avoid the grated roadway along I-10 east bound to meet up in Ponce DeLeon. Arriving in Ponce DeLeon with the campers we hit our only snag of the weekend when a Cavalier, and the redhead will remain anonymous, mistakenly filled her diesel truck with gasoline. "it's those damn green handles that are usually diesel at home" she proclaimed.

All was not lost as Doug headed on to the campground to drop a camper and return for the other. A great mechanic and human being was found not far from that exit and arrangements were made to tow and get the truck up and running again. "Hell, the bikers hadn't even made it to the exit when I went on to the campground" stated Doug Minich.

After the delay the Cavaliers set up camp at Spring Creek and got ready for an evening of food and friends, plus a little exploring of the campground and meeting other sampers. Diane had prepared a great Spaghetti and meat ball dinner with garlic bread to boot. The campfire was lit and Scott even broke out all the fixings for s'mores.

An early morning was aided by a breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs and toast prepared by Scott, Heath, Matt and others. After Breakfast the group headed out to do a little riding. Joined by new friends Sam and Jeff of Pensacola and members of the GCBLA who have a permanent camp site there and rode their bikes up for the weekend.

Eleven bikers, the hardy five that rode from New Orleans joined by Doug, Michael D, Julie, Paul, Sam and Jeff made the trip to inquire about the truck and headed for lunch. Finding a quaint little restaurant recommended by Paul in Bruce, FL. called Bruce Cafe, the group enjoyed lunch and spending a little time together before heading back to the campground. In all these eleven riders rode 150 Cavaliers miles each.

Dinner was steak and all the accompanying fixins at Sam and Jeff's little estate there at Spring Creek and a chance to meet owners Mike and Jason along with other campers. "These gentlemen have done a great job with the campground, it is really a wonderful place especially the Tool Shed" said Matt M.

A bit of rain during breakfast Sunday morning made the ride home look a little troublesome but the skies cleared up to produce great riding weather for the trip. According to Cavaliers President Doug Minich the hardy five riders, Diane, Matt, Heath, Mitch and Dave D. each earned 690 Cavaliers Miles for their round trip to Geneva. "It was a very relaxing weekend" stated Michael D. "We needed the get away from the city and a chance to ride is a great escape" he continued.

Cavaliers host post-Katrina fundraiser

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club held the first Post Katrina Beer Bust as a Welcome Home celebration Saturday, October 29th at Cafe Lafitte in Exile raising an amazing $300 for The Common Ground Project, a free medical clinic in Algiers.

Many Cavaliers showed up and helped give out beer. Yes, all we asked for was donations from whomever passed by looking for a cold drink. Many folks didn't believe us at first but we quickly convinced them there were no strings. It amazes me still the generosity of our community, we all have losses yet we are willing to help out and make a difference.

Special thanks to Michael G. for helping setup, serve drinks and break down when we emptied the second keg. Thanks also to Tom Woods, Ken Grand Prix and the staff of Lafitte's, as always they were there with a helping hand and great attitude.

It may seem like a small thing to some but we are all making a difference. The world needs to know that we are home and rebuilding a better New Orleans.

The Cavaliers Return To The Big Easy

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club announces its return to New Orleans and their scheduled events just weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

The Cavaliers will kick things off with the First Post Katrina Beer Bust on October 29, the Saturday before Halloween, at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Bourbon and Dumaine Streets in the French Quarter, as their Traveling Bike Night returns. Hours will be announced as details are finalized. Information can also be found on the Cavaliers web site, www.cavaliersmc.com.

Come join us as we celebrate the rebirth and rebuilding of our great city as only New Orleans can on Halloween Weekend. We will have Ice Cold Beer, Hot Motorcycles and the Friendliest Folks in the world, right here at home in the French Quarter.

All proceeds will be donated to local charities providing direct assistance to members of our community recovering and rebuilding New Orleans.

The Cavaliers also announce that we will resume our Ride Schedule with a weekend camping trip to Spring Creek Campground in Geneva, AL for their Gay Biker Weekend November 4 - 6. We hope to be joined by Gay motorcyclists from all over the Southeast.

Many of the Cavaliers have returned to New Orleans and are ready to rebuild our great city with the enthusiasm for working hard and playing equally hard as tradition mandates.

Doug Minich
CavaliersMC
2005 President

Cavaliers return to Lafittes

Several members of the Cavaliers returned to one of our favorite gathering spots in New Orleans yesterday, Sunday 10/02/05, for the return of Trash Disco/Sunday Tea following Hurricane Katrina. Mitch rode in on his bike from Algiers while Dave D., Michael and Doug, Associate Jim and other friends came in on four wheels or on foot.

It was great to see so many back in a familiar setting, though we all knew it was not the same. Hopefully we will all get back soon and resume old traditions as we have started already.

Take care my Brothers and Sisters, the hard work is just beginning but New Orleans will be back!

Doug
President
Cavaliers MC

Another message from our president

As fate would have it I was able to penetrate the city limits of New Orleans yesterday and get a look at our home and the neighborhood. We sustained some wind damage to the roof and gutters and to the garage, which we heard had been destroyed but fared better than we thought.

We also have two of our cars missing and had been broken into. Luckily, the only things missing that I could tell on our short visit were a t.v. and some clothing. It really appears that there were VERY FEW homes that were broken into however. I guess they were in desperate need of Harley t-shirts, underwaer and socks...lol.

I did take a tour of the neighborhood and found that most houses fared pretty well. Passing by a few houses of friends and a fellow Cav, I noticed some shingle damage but no major strucural stuff. I have called the guys whose houses I saw and was happy to report the news to them. I hope that in the end we can all report fairly similar circumstances.

The streets kind of look like a battle field in spots with debris but you can tell that they are starting to work on that. Lots of National Guard and other soldiers in the air and on the streets (ok, I gotta add a woof here...lol). It does seem a huge task for Entergy as well. Countless power lines and several poles are down. None of this to be unexpected but still an interesting sight.

If you haven't heard, Mayor Nagin is hoping to allow residents of a few neighborhoods, Uptown, CBD and the Quarter, to return possibly as early as Monday! My best to those of you who are in these areas.

Roofs and be repaired and replaced, as can windows, doors and more. I am thankful that we are all safe. You are all in my thoughts every day as we may be spread out around the country but we are in this together. Keep your heads up, get your work clothes ready and we'll get there.

Doug and Michael

A message from the Cavaliers president

Greetings Cavaliers.

To all of you: Hang in there. We are more than just members of a motorcycle club, WE ARE FAMILY (ok, sing a few bars here......). We are here for each other in many ways. We are also a tough old bunch of queers and no matter how strong Katrina was we are stronger. We'll show the little bitch that we have the stamina and fortitude to return and make our city and ourselves even better.

Stand tall my Brothers and Sisters! We will rule the streets of New Orleans again - and paint the lines lavender when we get there!

Doug Minich
CavalierMC
2005 President

Hurricane Updates

Most members of the Cavaliers evacuated New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. In the days following the storm, there were urgent efforts to account for all of our members and our friends. This was hampered by unreliable cell phone service and limited Internet access, but eventually we were fortunate to find all of our friends were safe.

The email discussions beginning the day before Katrina hit can be read at our Yahoo Group at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/CavaliersMC/messages/2267.

We frequently updated a running list of where our members and friends landed after the storm:

SAFE
The following people have been reported as safe:

Poncho -- in Lafayette, LA
Doug and Mike -- in Krotz Springs, LA (will be heading to Baton Rouge)
Doc and Susan -- in Lafayette, LA
David and Michael W. -- in Houston, TX
Diane and Julie -- in Little Rock, AR
Matt -- in Alabama
Eric and Bubba -- Mobile, AL
Paul C. -- Mobile, AL
Guy -- in Alexandria, LA (heading to Slidell to work in tent hospital)
Alan -- in Atlanta (heading for Detroit)
Kelly and Natasha -- returned to Ohio
George T. -- in Alabama (heading for St. Louis?)
Jim J. -- in Monroe, LA
Mark and Collin -- in Houston, TX
Brian F. -- in Houston, TX
Heath and Scott -- in Ohio
Michael G. -- Jackson, MS
Adam S. -- in Lafayette (assisting French nationals)
Darryl -- in Norwood, LA (40 miles north of Baton Rouge)
DJ -- reported to be in Alexandria, LA
George H. (a founding member of Cavaliers) -- in Baton Rouge
Holly -- in Oregon
Michelle and Wanda -- Pearl River, MS
Mitch -- in Atlanta (has now returned to N.O.)
Dave D. (heading now for Florida)
Dolly -- in San Antonio, TX
Lance and Carl Ford -- Minneapolis, MN

Other club friends:
Wally Sherwood -- near Waco, TX
Mike M. (Bears) -- in Baton Rouge
Danny & Jeff (Bears?) -- in Alabama
Joe & Kent (Knights) -- in Pensacola
Dale & Dave (Bears) -- in Baton Rouge
John A. (Knights) -- Florence, AL
Denny (Knights?) -- Houston, TX
Tom S. (Outlaws) -- Houston, TX
Lance P. and Jim -- Beaumont, TX

Crescent City Outlaws report on their web site that all members evacuated and are safe http://www.crescentcityoutlaws.org/

Lords of Leather report on their web site that almost all members have been accounted for. Visit http://www.lordsofleather.com/ to see the list.

GLBT hurricane relief and resources

News and resources for leather folk
http://truetales.org/katrina/index.htm

National and local resources
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/08/083105hurricane.htm

MCC Church
http://www.mccchurch.org/katrina/index.html

Houston resources
http://www.houstonvoice.com/2005/9-2/news/localnews/helping.cfm

Cavaliers survive Hurricane Katrina

All members of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club survived Hurricane Katrina. Some had little or moderate damage to their homes, while some of our friends lost everything. The storm scattered many of us to other cities. Many have returned to rebuild New Orleans and our lives. The members of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club thank the many generous clubs and individuals from around the country and around the world who have reached out to our community during this difficult time with everything from words of encouragement to offers of housing and financial assistance.

Read the messages we exchanged on our Yahoo Group as the storm approached and in the days following: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/CavaliersMC/messages/2267

Cavaliers celebrate independence!

The Cavaliers celebrated Independence Day at Lafitte's, corner of Bourbon and Dumaine Streets, serving plenty of ice cold beer to French Quarter tourists and friends of the club.

Cavaliers parade on pride

The Cavaliers celebrated Pride on June 19 by leading the New Orleans gay pride parade through the streets of the French Quarter for the fourth consecutive year. The club presented 10 bikes, including Heath, Doug, Diane, Julie, Michael D., Darrin, Lynn, Matt, David, and our new friend Mitch (above) on the most festively decorated bike in the group! Congratulations to everyone on a great pride parade!

Cavaliers get a little country

The Cavaliers celebrated their 50th group ride together with a beautiful 210-mile loop through the bayou country on Sunday, June 12. We had 10 riders, including Doc, Doug, David, Dave D., Diane, Julie, Matt, Poncho, Michael D., and our new friend Michelle from Mississippi on her brand new Honda Gold Wing.

Doc led the group over the I-310 bridge to Hwy 3127, making a rest stop in Vacherie across from sugar cane fields sprouting a new summer crop, and where Michael D. couldn't pass up buying a new do-rag (above) in the convenience store. Our ride down Hwy 70 was punctuated with vivid lavender patches of water hyacinth in bloom. We stopped at Landry's in Pierre Part for a great lunch (fresh boiled shrimp!). After lunch we decided to take the long way home and were glad we did. The ride down Hwy 70 past Lake Verret to Morgan City was lovely, then after a quick sprint on Hwy 90, we followed Hwy 182 along beautiful Bayou Black from Gibson to Houma. Hwy 70 and Hwy 182 turned out to be two of the loveliest rides in south Louisiana! Thanks to Doc for leading a really great ride!

"Maybe I need a few more lights ..."

Thanks to our friend Ernie for sending us this beautiful night shot of Diane and Julie's bikes, with Diane looking like she's contemplating how she can add more twinklies to her Harley. Thanks, Ernie!

Diane wins Ms. Knights d'Orleans 2005

THE KNIGHTS D'ORLEANS ARE PROUD to announce that Jim Thompson of New Iberia and Diane Foto of Metairie were named Mr. and Ms. Knight for 2005 on Friday, May 20.

Owner of Acme Lock Co. in Jefferson, Diane was the Cavaliers' Rider of the Year in 2004. She owns two Harleys and is a member of the Harley Owners Group, placing second in the Louisiana HOG Rally in Lafayette.

Thompson competed for International Mr. Leather in 1984, representing the B.J. Bar while living in Chicago. He is the current Miss Upper Schwegmann Heights and was runner-up to Miss Lower Quarter Trash.

The esteemed master of ceremonies for the Mr. and Ms. Knight contest was Pat O'Rourke, an Honorary Knight. Filling the roles as judges were George Hester, representing the krewe of the Lords of Leather; David Lester, charter president of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club; and Marty Rawlings, long-time manager within the leather bar scene. George Tresch, a lifetime member of the club, was tallymaster.

Serving as Offical Hosts for the annual leather contest at the Phoenix were Knights president John Anderton, vice-president/road captain Kent Dugan and secretary Joe King.

(Story by Wally Sherwood)

Cavaliers go crazy at Crazy Johnny's

The Cavaliers' dinner ride on May 18 was supposed to be at Lager's, but the place was so packed, the group made a last-minute change of plans and headed to Crazy Johnny's in Fat City.

Cavaliers take a walk on the wild side

The Cavaliers got up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, and many other animals at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom. Poncho, with his friend Cathy, led Michael D with friend Bill riding along, Doug, Dave D, Julie, Diane, Dolly, and Matt, while Mitch made his first ride with the Cavaliers.

Cavaliers and clubs cook chili for charity

The Cavaliers organized the first-ever gay leather chili cook off at Lafitte's, in conjunction with the Fifth Friday BLOCK beer bust. The contest had entries from the Lords, the Outlaws, the Cavaliers, and the Knights. Doc's Sweet Burning Bush Chili won the Grand Championship and People's Choice. The Lords' Chernobyl Chili won the hottest award, while their Grand Gulf Chili won best tasting. The Knights won best name with Good Knight Chili, while the Outlaws won best presentation with their southwestern decorations. Judges included Wally Sherwood, Larry Bagneris, Lance Ford, Princess Stephanie, and Mark Colley. The event raised $268 for Food for Friends.

Cavaliers hunt bears on the bayou

The Cavaliers took a lagniappe ride on April 17 to the Bayou Teche Bear Festival in Franklin. Dave D., Matt, Darrin, and David rode down Hwy 90 on a beautiful spring day. The festival, which celebrates the Louisiana black bear, was in a lovely setting along Bayou Teche, and the food was great. You know you're in the country when you can get a barbecued pork chop sandwich on sliced white bread with the bone still in the pork chop! We ran into Brian and Oneal, two of Dave's friends from Lafayette and had a good time hanging out. The ride back along Hwy 90 was equally glorious. Just a perfect day for a ride and a little hanging out eating good grub. From left: Darrin, David, Dave D., Brian, Oneal, and Matt.

Cavaliers roar through Mobile!

Seven bikes and two trucks headed east from New Orleans Saturday morning. Diane, Julie, Dave D. Heath, Doc, Doug and Michael D. cruised along I-10 with Michael D. in the lead, to Mobile, AL. to participate in the First Ever Mobile Gay Pride Parade on Saturday, April 9. Lynn, Susan and Scott followed in the trucks.

The weather couldn't have been better for the ride, sunny and in the 70's. With just a short stop in Gulfport for gas and a stretch we made excellent time. Arriving at Bubba and Eric's we were able to get the balloons blown up and even a streamer or two on a few bikes. Thanks to Bubba and Eric for their hospitality and efforts with getting helium and balloons.

Meeting up with Poncho and David L, with Michael H. and Michael W. riding respectively, at the parade line up we had a total of 12 bikes and 4 riders. The parade made a tour of downtown Mobile with friendly fans and families to watch the celebration. Even a few protesters were to be seen, though they put down their megaphones when we approached with engines a roar. More than one bystander expressed relief that we drowned out the radical preachers. Guess there is yet another reason for loud pipes.

After the parade we all had some free time to relax before heading off to dinner at El Giros Restaurant. Good food and great company as we were joined by members of the Gulf Coast Bear and Leather Association, Cavalier Associate member Adam, and other friends. A huge thank you to Paul and the Gulf Coast Bear and Leather Association, as they surprised the Cavaliers by picking up the tab for the entire group!

Our night continued with The Cavaliers Traveling Bar Night at B-Bob's. As always, the hospitality of Jerry and his staff was unrivaled. The music was good enough for a couple of Cavaliers to hit the dance floor even. Believe me it was a sight not to be missed. I hear there is photographic proof out there too.

Another special thanks to Dave D. who so diligently sold Jell-O Shots throughout the night. Who knew there were that many Jell-O fans in Mobile. Thanks too to Eric and Bubba for their hard work preparing the "shots". Dave, Bubba and Eric seem to be a great
combination for our trips to Mobile.

We were also informed while at B-bob's that we won a parade award for Best Non-Profit Group in the parade. Over all an awesome weekend for the Cavaliers.

Again, I would like to thank Bubba, Eric, Dave D. Paul and the Gulf Coast Bear and leather association, Jerry from B-bobs, the Mobile Pride Parade Committee, all the Cavaliers and our supporters for a great weekend!

Cavaliers dazzle crowds at Gay Easter Parade

Cavaliers chow down on crawfish at the New Bar

Cavaliers seek salvation before damnation

The Cavaliers held their second annual Blessing of the Bikes at Armstrong Park on Sunday, March 13. The Rev. Dexter Brecht from MCC blessed 12 bikes and their riders. Following the blessing, eight of the bikes headed to Casino Magic in Bay St. Louis for a delicious buffet brunch and a little gambling.

Cavaliers celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style

Thanks to our new member Heath and his partner Scott, the Cavaliers and their friends enjoyed the New Orleans St. Patrick's Parade at their beautiful home Uptown. We had a great turnout, and were treated to great food and a live jazz band. The parade was lots of fun, and Doc went home with her saddlebags filled with cabbage, carrots, potatoes and onions tossed from passing floats.

Cavaliers haunt the Myrtles Plantation

A small group of Cavaliers rode to St. Francisville to visit one of America's most haunted homes, the Myrtles Plantation. The group says they didn't see the ghost of Chloe or any other visitors from the other side, but they ate well at the plantation's restaurant.

Cavaliers tackle Tower of Pizza

The February dinner ride drew a big post-Carnival turnout, with more than a dozen Cavaliers and their friends enjoying the tasty food at Tower of Pizza in Metairie. Thanks to Diane for arranging it, an to Diane and Juliette for the photos.

Thanks to Diane for the fun dinner ride tonight! The Tower of Pizza in Metairie lived up to its billing. Nice crispy crust and very fresh taste, and about the quickest service we've had at a dinner ride.

There were 16 of us, and I know if I try to name everyone I'm gonna leave someone out, so I won't. But we had plenty of members and plenty of friends and everyone had a great time. The restaurant was tiny, and packed, but we managed to snag tables together. Thanks to Juliette for the pics, which are posted below.

I was particularly pleased the restaurant happened to be near my college, so I was able to sneak off for a little while and join y'all, which I haven't been able to do in a while. It was a pleasure seeing all y'all again!

David

Cavaliers celebrate Carnival 2005

The Cavaliers celebrated the Carnival revelry with a series of fun events.

Fat Thursday beer bust at Rawhide
The Cavaliers and their friends hosted their annual Fat Thursday beer bust at the Rawhide on a cold Thursday, Feb. 3 night. Revelers included Doug, Poncho, Heath, AJ, Mike H. and Mike W., and David.

Annual Thoth parade party
The Cavaliers and a whole lot of their friends celebrated Carnival 2005 at David and Michael's annual Thoth parade party at their Tchoupitoulas Street home on Sunday, Feb. 6. Thanks to Dave D. for all the great photos!

Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXII
The Cavaliers and our friends attended the Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXII on Sunday, Feb. 6. Our member and friend Alan was crowned Lord King XXII in the spectacular climax of the tableau, where he reigned as Neptune, God of the Sea. Thanks to Dave D. for all the great photos! As you'll see from the photos, we clean up pretty nice!

Fat Tuesday
The Cavaliers and their friends were out in force on Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, and two Cavaliers celebrated Mardi Gras in traditional masking style. Our road captain Poncho arrived in his lovely Carnival finery, and Michael W. continued his award-winning tradition of fabulous costumes by dressing as ... you guessed it ... a cavalier!

Cavaliers burn up the road to Burnside

With 8 bikes and 10 riders, the Cavaliers started 2005 out with a roar. Doug, Doc, Poncho, Diane and Julie, were joined by new members Eric and Bubba from Mobile. We also had new riders with us: Heath on his 1998 Harley Road King Police Edition and D.J. drove Lynn on their 2003 Shadow 750 Sport model.

With the weather not as cold as previous years, though not as nice as the weather forecasters predicted, the group changed plans. We decided to head west for lunch at The Cabin restaurant in Burnside. Heading out along a fog shrouded I-10 we had a chilled ride to the Sorrento/Hwy 22 exit for a pit stop then continued down 22 to The Cabin. A The Cabin is in an historic 150+ year old building that is surrounded by several other original slave quarters moved to the spot and open for tour along with a gift shop. We feasted from a varied menu with selections from po-boys, salads and seafood. Most important to a few, was the hot coffee that really hit the spot. As usual, we were all well fed and maybe a bit sluggish to hit the road again.

Leaving The Cabin, we headed home down River Road. The twists and turns of one of the nicest rides in the area were given a unique twist by the ever present fog. A special thanks to Julie for suggesting the restaurant and leading the ride. And of course thanks to Juliette for acting photographer, we look forward to seeing the pictures. We made 145 Cavalier Miles! Not a bad start to a new year at all!

Cavaliers sittin' on the Dock of the Bay

The Cavaliers took advantage of the first sunny and warm day of the new year on January 2 by taking a ride to the Dock of the Bay restaurant in Bay St. Louis.

Thanks to everyone who made it on today's lagniappe ride. Holly met Michael and me at Lafitte's. Alan stopped by to see us off. Paul rode over from Mobile and caught up with us in Waveland. And Dave D. met us for lunch at Dock of the Bay in Bay St. Louis.

We had a nice ride out old Hwy 90, which Holly hadn't taken before. The temps were in the low to mid 70s, but the sun and the wind were in a battle between warmer and cooler temps.

We had a very leisurely lunch. The food's pretty good at Dock of the Bay, but you really come for the view, with the restaurant sitting out over the bay. The five of us had a great time chatting about anything and everything.

After lunch we continued east on Hwy 90 along the coast, which was lovely in the January sun. We turned around at Biloxi, stopped for gas, and bid Paul farewell as he headed back to Mobile. Then Holly, Dave, Michael and I high-tailed it back to the city on the Interstate. Good thing we weren't headed the other way, because there was about a 10-mile traffic jam heading into Mississippi. Maybe all those Sugar Bowlers were heading home?

After two months with no rides, it was great to be out on two wheels again, with the weather warm enough to enjoy the ride. Maybe it will stay warm for next weekend, too.

Our official mileage was 180 round trip to Biloxi, bringing the Cavaliers to 47,090 miles.