November 29 Ride

A great day was started with breakfast at Snellgroves and the best part was the company of Bryan Bergau who was in town for Thanksgiving. Contrary to appearances, he said he was happy to be back for a visit.

We were also joined by Bill, Boyd and Robert.

After breakfast, all five of us headed northeast to San Antonio and the hills beyond. We covered some of my favorite roads - Jessamine, Hayman, Powers and, a new favorite, Bayhead Road. After a water break on US41 and Spring Hill Dr., we headed for Action Honda on US19 in Hudson. Okay, I know this is getting to be repetitious, but Boyd found another favorite bike. Is it just me, or does red seem to be a common factor?

Robert told us he'd like to stop at a Harley dealer for plugs for his new pony, so we set off for Gulf Coast Harley-Davidson in New Port Richey. Unfortunately, that meant a 13 mile ride south on US19 - too busy for my tastes and way too busy for Bill.

Anyway, Robert got his plugs and we headed for Land O Lakes and lunch at Hungry Harry's on US41. Boyd recommended this restaurant and we agree that it was well worth the trip. We all passed on the all-you-can-eat rib and chicken special in favor of pulled pork sandwiches. Bill and I were beginning to regret the decision when the waitress brought a plate of the special to the table next to us. It looked fantastic but the first serving was more than we could eat. In fact, the pulled pork was all we could handle.

Leaving Hungry Harry's, we headed north on 41 to pick-up a couple of back roads I had found on Google Maps. Unfortunately someone had dropped a gated community across Pump Station Road and locked the gate. That forced us to backtrack and take Ehren Cutoff Rd. north to SR52 and that turned out to be a pretty good ride. Once on 52, we headed towards San Antonio then on home.

It was a great day, great company, and 185 miles of great roads. Hope you all can make it next week.

Glenn

November 22 Ride

Seven of us met for breakfast this morning, including Bill's bride, Mercy. Afterward, Robert decided he had other more important things to do and headed home. Maybe the very cool morning temperatures had something to do with the decision. Bill "The Crash Dummy" McDaniel was unable to ride due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. Hopefully, he will be back on two wheels next week.
Boyd, J.T., Lloyd and I bundled up against to 40-something temperatures and set out for our ride to nowhere in particular. We covered a lot of ground, including, Hopewell, Keysville, Jameson Rd., Nichols Rd., Agricola Mine Rd., over to Homeland, Lake Hendry Rd., Lake Buffum, up the newly resurfaced Crews Rd. to West Lake Wales and West Scenic Park, Winter Haven, then back to Lakeland for a stop at Fun Bike Center. While J.T. looked unsuccessfully for a new helmet, Boyd & Lloyd drooled over a couple of new bikes.Unhappily, both resisted the temptation.

Leaving Fun Bike, Lloyd headed home while the rest of us stopped for a light lunch and conversation. Shortly thereafter, J.T. also headed home while Boyd and I continued our two-wheeled explorations. We eventually made our way over to run Old Dade City Road then explored a couple of new pieces of blacktop in that area - Sherrouse, Keen and Lakeland Acres Roads. All three proved interesting.

As 3:30 p.m. approached we headed for home and the end of another great ride.

Remember - Not all who wander are lost. Ride with Pride.

Gunny

November Minutes

The November 17th meeting Florida XXVII was called to order at 6:08 P.M. Present were President Glenn Monroe, Past President Bill McDaniel, Director J.T. Sims, Lloyd Lowery, Wes Swafford and Eddie Richter.

The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived due to the absence of the Secretary.

President Monroe gave the Treasurer’s report, listing current cash on hand at $1,266.19.

The “Ride for Ron” was discussed. Although the final statistics have not been received from the event organizer, it is believed that 50 to 60 motorcycles participated in the ride led by this chapter.

Future charity endeavors were discussed. Past President McDaniel stated that he may have a line on a grant for a rider safety program that we may be able to present at future Plant City Bike Nights in conjunction with the Plant City P.D.

The planned ride to Lake Okeechobee on November 22nd was discussed. Noting the proximity to the holidays and Fun Bike Center’s scheduling conflict, it was decided to postpone this ride to after the holidays. A ride to Fantasy of Flight was suggested as a possible alternative.

Past President McDaniel suggested an evening Christmas Light ride sometime in December. Eddie Richter agreed to put the ride together with a probable date of December 12.

Eddie Richter suggested we put together another parking lot practice event. After some discussion it was decided that one would be scheduled during the first quarter of 2009 and that the Chapter investigate the purchase of miniature traffic cones in order to minimize the potential of damage to the motorcycles that full sized cones can cause. Bill McDaniel stated that he may have a source for reasonably priced miniature cones. He will investigate and report back on the issue.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 P.M.

November 15 Ride to Montverde

Despite the threatening skies, five bikes left Plant City for a backroads ride to Montverde, Florida on the shores of Lake Apopka. The route there and back covered some amazing roads, including Rock Ridge, Green Pond, Lake Erie, Bay Lake, Sloans Ridge, Villa City, O'Brien Rd., CR-455, Old CR-50 & CR-561. We all had a great time. Check the link to The Navigator's Rides for more info. and pictures.

Remember, not everyone who wanders is lost, so Ride with Pride.
Gunny

Ride for Ron

Six members, one associate and a couple of riders joined in this year's Ride for Ron on November 8th. After meeting at Brandon Harley, approximately 60 bikes headed for Plant City via Lithia, Pinecrest and Jameson Road. Although light was beginning to fade as we made our way on Jameson Rd., is was still a great ride, especially for those seeing back-country Florida for the first time. Upon arrival at the train depot in Plant City, we were treated to live music and conversation.

Gunny

November 1st Ride

Six bikes and 7 people headed for Parrish via the back roads, then on to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. After a brief stop, we were off to Barney's in St. Pete, then to Ybor City for lunch. See The Navigator's Blog for more info. and pictures.