Folks on Spokes
Gulf Shores, Alabama

January 2018

The first ride of the new year was diverted to Acme Oyster House because of freezing temperatures.

Good food, good friends and good times are a great way to start the new year.

Steve and Jim discuss the weather “up north” and decide it’s good to be in Gulf Shores.

Carl and Don are waiting patiently for lunch. Well, almost patiently.

On January 4th, six FOS were tough enough to weather the cool temperatures, below 40 degrees, and rode the beautiful trails of Gulf Shores State Park. They were treated for their bravery and toughness by stopping at the Mystery destination, the ‘BUZZCAT’ bakery/deli in Orange Beach. That will be a repeat very soon for this riding group, an excellent stop, especially on a cool day.

Notice how we dress for the conditions, and away we go. It took a little time to get the BIKES warmed up, but once we did, they really performed, as long as Larry kept his chain on his 40 year old Sears and Roebuck Special ‘Yellow Bannana’.

Our new Canadians, Matt and Margaret McLenehan from BC, Larry/Phyllis, Jim/Karen stop for a warmup of speciality coffee and sweet rolls.

Steve and Carl are ready to ride on a beautiful January day.

Jim and Karen and Sue and Bernie stop at the Eagles nest. We are still waiting for news of new chicks.

January is in full swing with a large group of FOS riding to the Butterfly house for a picnic lunch.

We took two pictures so everyone could be included.

Beth gets caught on camera by Phyllis.

On January 9th, three groups left Gulf Sores State Park Campground bound for Luna’s Resturant in Orange Beach.

A warm and sunny January day made riding conditions perfect for the FOS gang.

We filled the restaurant when we stopped for lunch at Luna’s.

Hungry bikers are waiting patiently.

Here’s proof 38 FOS arrived and enjoyed a good lunch, "the bike bunch" waiting for their riders.

All FOS bikers are in Luna’s Resturaunt so Jim could grab a shot of 38 lonely bicycles waiting for their owners to return.

FOS gather and listen as Jim discusses safety and riding courtesy.

Jim, Don, Dan, Sherry and Carl discussing the trails to ride on this warm and sunny day.

FOS take to the water and paddle Middle Lake to scout out the Eagles nest.

Karen and Phyllis seem to be looking for gators.

Donna and Jim paddle through the narrows area.

Larry guides his kayak close to the bank looking for wildlife.

Carl hoped to see the eagles today but perhaps another time we’ll spot them.

Some Wild Hogs (i.e. Half- Fasters) rode a winding route that took us to The Peninsula Golf Course on Saturday. Total miles ridden was over 30! Great accomplishment bikers!

FOS continue to ride in January even though the weather is a bit chilly.

A picnic lunch at Big Lagoon park was a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

The weather was warm enough to make us shed our jackets while we picnic.

New FOS members get a chance to visit and exchange information about their hometowns.

Sunshine, bicycles and good friends to share lunch with...a great day!

FOS stopped by to say hello to Lefty, our resident gator.

The day was warm and sunny...look at those short pants!

The Wild Hogs (Half-Fasters) stopped at the FOS bench for a photo op. As we rode the trail, a couple jogged past in the opposite direction & we heard her say “that’s an impressive looking group”.

Stopping for coffee and a sweet treat brings smiles to Carol and Andy.

Steve and Linda wait patiently while Sherry and Don place their order.

Lefty came out to enjoy the sunshine and greet FOS on today’s ride.

We saw Lefty for the first time today.

Saturday we totally flooded the OB Dairy Queen and we’re really happy to see several ‘NEW’ riders being welcomed by our group of friendly FOS.

From L-R Joe and Lynn Gmeiner, Sue Back, Kip and Joy McCullen, and Dan Back fueling up after a long ride to the DQ.

Sunset Campfire of FOS Tues Evening. Some real ‘good lickin’ from these very dedicated bike riders, and we have fun running the trails and kayaking and game nights. On this occasion we had 47 hungry FOS enjoying the beauty of this State Park.

Sunset was awesome for us with just a slight chill in the air but the two fires felt real good.

Sunset drone shot of this fantastic place to Winter with many many friends, the FOS at Gulf State Park.

A January evening campfire was the perfect time to retire Dons worn out flag. FOS gather around for the flag burning ceremony to honor our red, white and blue.

Jim and Karen hosted the evening potluck/campfire that was attended by 47 people.

We had great food, good times and friends to share the evening campfire.

A group of our riders stopped by the FOS bench on Rosemary Dunes to take pictures.

Clear blue skies await FOS riders as we gather at the boat launch for today’s riding plan.

FOS pause for a picture on a ride to Orange Beach.

Lunch at Flippers in Orange Beach was enjoyed by 40 FOS members after an invigorating ride.

Lots of new faces in our pictures taken at Flippers where we stopped for lunch.

FOS take to the water at Graham Nature Preserve.

Kayaking the local waterways is becoming very popular with FOS.

A warm and breezy January day was a good time to explore the protected areas of Graham Creek.

Tom found a quiet area to paddle.

Jim and Karen are looking for gators. None were seen on this trip.

A ride to the beach always includes a stop at Southern Grind, a favorite place for coffee and sweet treats.

The new lookout over the park natural area is finally complete.

FOS enjoy the view and the new seats to sit and relax after riding the Park Trails.

Jim and Karen are ready to ride!