Live at the Riverwood

Well we can say it was an experience we won’t soon forget.  Our host Laureen was more than a bit bewildered to be hosting cyclists; “We usually have lots of bikers, but with more leather than you” but nonetheless welcomed us into the bar (check in) and escorted us downstairs to the quaint, and tacky room.  No TV, Internet –"‘There’s nothing OUT THERE that can’t wait til tomorrow”  was the reply – but a nearby store to get a snack after an epic day before taking in a late afternoon nap.

We were awoken by a terrible ruckus at 6pm.  Hooting, hollerin’, and the stamping of feet – did we mention our room was directly UNDER the bar – It seemed to us that Happy Hour was in full effect and everyone was enjoying themselves.  Anticipating a late night we enjoyed sipping on a bottle of wine we had bought earlier and brushed up on our Spanish.

With music at 9 we wandered up for the highly anticipated Mexican dinner at 8.  We were not disappointed in the very authentic cuisine devoid of sour cream, salsa and extra cheese.  We savored each bite and drank in the colors of the room; bright red velvet adorning the walls, maize and tan carpet on the floor and authentic diner style table and chairs from 1971.  The Margs were outstanding and the glasses deep.

Natasha James – ‘Country – Blues with a Tex-Mex flair – was tonight’s attraction and she started playing on cue at 9pm.  All original songs we were told although given our experience in these genres it would have been easy to fool us.  Many of the patrons we’re in the mood to dance and the parquet floor filled quickly with bikers and locals who all seemed to know each other while we soaked up the atmosphere.  

Despite our enthusiasm to put in a big night our full bellies and realization that we had cycled 115k of hills began to put a dint in our resolve and we found ourselves fading towards the end of the first set @ 10:30.  We promised ourselves a quick break downstairs before returning – the person watching was too good -.  However when the big man hit the bed it was lights out and we found ourselves sleeping through the entire next set before the 1am brawl at the bar woke us up albeit briefly.  We are getting OLD!  

The Riverwood - Last of the American Roadhouses