Bob's Birthday Burger Run (or: The Ralph Hummel Memorial Burger Ride) Long time member Bob selected a unique way of celebrating his birthday. He decided that the "Ride-to-Eat" should concentrate on a RIDE (we ARE a motorcycle club, after all) so a little research at http://www.thecrave.com/feed/feedwhere.asp revealed that the farthest easternmost White Castle is right here on Long Island in Centereach! That would be our destination. Bob and I met John D and world traveler (recently returned) Richard C at our usual meeting spot in Bellmore (the Grand Union Parking lot). Just before we left to pick up our Suffolk County members, in rode Mike (always game for a ride). We left promptly at 7:45 and met Ralph and Nicole in front of the Sweet Hollow Diner in Melville. Nicole was riding behind Ralph on the Venture, a decision many of us questioned considering our destination... With everyone together, we headed off on our ride, Bob cheerfully leading the lambs to the slau... ummmm... I mean the rest of the Nassau Wings in formation. We took the Northern State Parkway to the end where we picked up Route 347. Now here's something interesting: A fellow riding a Harley Davidson (don't know which model, they all look the same to me -- Hey! What's Kenny G. doing with that baseball bat??) started riding up to the group in the left lane. Bob immediately brought the group over to the left lane in front of him. This poor fellow then shifted to the right lane and attempted to pass us again. Once again, Bob pulled the group over to the right lane in front of him. When the rider got off on the Route 111 off-ramp, Bob started to follow. At this point, Mike pulled up to the front of the group and asked Bob where he thought he was going?? Bob was startled - -- he thought the other fellow on the Harley was Mike! That's why he kept changing lanes (I TOLD you they all look the same!). Probably didn't leave the best impression of the Nassau Wings on that poor guy... Anyway, Route 347 ran into Route 25 (called Middle Country Road out there) and we soon arrived at White Castle's easternmost outpost. As we dismounted in the parking lot, Ralph made the shocking admission: "I've never been to White Castle before!" We were all shocked! Nicole's eyes lit up: A "Virgin!" We had a brief problem at the door, as the Maitre D misplaced our reservations. Fortunately, it was a slow night so we managed to get a table anyway. Bob was the first to place his order. Foregoing the wine list, Bob instead asked for a glass of milk. I couldn't help myself; I smacked my hand over my face and forehead and started shaking my head. Nicole covered up my ears and let Bob continue ordering. I guess White Castle didn't have the proper vintage of bovine mammary secretions, so he had ice water instead. Ralph decided upon a "combo platter:" Two White Castles, two cheeseburgers, and two bacon cheeseburgers. As we all sat down to eat, in walked our newest member, Pat B, with her two daughters and one of their friends all eager to tie on the feed bag. Both Bob and Ralph finished their meals and got some more burgers for dessert. Mike had to leave early (he had to work), and Richard and John left with him (too much excitement for one night?). After wolfing down their burgers, Pat's tribe went across the parking lot to Carvel (why, when they could've had burgers for dessert?). No one took my suggestion of dowsing Bob's burgers with brandy and flambe-ing them at the table while we all stood around singing "Happy Birthday" (what kind of a brotherhood is this, anyway??). After some more merriment, we suggested to Ralph that he sleep with the windows open, and hit the road for home. A great time was had by all. Let's do this again real soon! Happy Birthday, Bob!! Ralph's Addendum: The things we do for our brothers... My first experience at a White Castle started fine. The burgers were tasty and after an initial six, I went back for three more. They went down without a problem. But ... on the trip home, things started moving around in my stomach. It felt like there were squirrels chasing each other in there. Later that night, while I was sleeping, someone must have slipped a cherry bomb down my throat because I woke up and my innards were exploding. I won't get graphic, but I think you know my point. I joined the Nassau Wings to have new adventures. My message to you is: be careful what you wish for! Ralph