Walton Sun, July 28, 2007
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Hugs keep cyclists pedaling to Hibiscus
The photo was taken by Christy Delph, article by Joyce Owen
When a line of bicyclists roll into the parking lot at the Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House in Grayton Beach on Saturday morning they are warmly greeted by the innkeeper, Cheri Peebles.
Peebles doesn't know why they started coming to her little spot about a year ago, but she greets them as she does all her guests, with a hug. Chef Andy Salmela then rustles up coffee and Hibiscus Wonder cookies for all to enjoy in the courtyard.
"I love going there because of her," said Robin Wilkes, owner of Robin's Bikes and Fitness. Wilkes organized the weekend bike trips in response to requests from visitors to his bike shop, that would see all the traffic and wonder where to ride.
To share the beauty of the area, Wilkes started the early morning bike rides with a core group of about six locals plus guests.
The group of cyclists leaves his shop near Miramar Beach at 7:30 a.m. and pedals through South Walton.
"This is a great area to visit and we want to show our visitors part of our community," he said.
Wilkes stumbled across Peebles about 15 years ago and fell in love with the Wonder Waffle she served at the Hibiscus.
But it.s not just the food, it.s the atmosphere she offers that puts her establishment on his must visit list. The dining area is small. Peebles said she doesn.t know how many she can seat.
.Whoever shows up, finds a place,. she said.
While most folks are in a rush with their busy schedules, when they arrive at Hibiscus, it.s time to slow down, he said.
.Most of the time we are in too big of a hurry,. Wilkes said. .When we get there she helps put my feet back on the ground.
"I just really try to stay around people like her."
On Saturday.s ride, Hibiscus is the turnaround point on the 30-mile trip. Wilkes leads a 60 mile trip on Sunday mornings and plans one of his breaks there.
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Shop Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm, Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sunday: Closed
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