December 26, 2009 - Polk City & San Antonio

There were only five of us gathered for our weekly ride this Boxing Day morning. The 50 degree temperature and family obligations undoubtedly contributed to the low turn out. After a good breakfast we bundled up against the cold and set out to explore the roads around Polk City.

For three of us (Boyd, J.T, and I), the cold was eased buy our new hi-viz, 3/4 length Tourmaster Transition 2 jackets. We had picked these up on sale at Champions Powersports last Saturday and they easily handled the cold, even without the zip-out quilted liner. We'll have to save those liners for sometime when it really gets cold.


Anyway, the morning ride took us east towards Polk City, then south past Lake Tennessee, between Lake Juliana and Lake Arietta then north past Little Lake Agnes.

It was about here that Robert succumbed to the cold and headed for home. The remaining four motorcycles turned east, heading over to Bay Lake and Lake Camp along Old Lake Alfred Road where we again turned north, passing Gum Lake on CR-557. We picked up Haines City/Polk City Rd. for the 5.5 mile run to the east end of Lake Lowery Road.

This is a nice piece of back country road that would appear to lend itself to some aggressive riding, but be warned. The road twists and turns through sandy highlands which results in an occasional coating of light sand on the curves. Have fun, but be vigilant.

The last leg of the morning ride took us through the University of Florida Experiment Station, then north to run across Fussell Road and finally into Polk City, some 78 miles from our starting point.

We stopped for lunch at Country Angels. This unpretentious little restaurant sits on S-33 in Polk City. You have probably passed it many times without realizing it was there, but the food is good and plentiful and worth the stop if you find yourself in the area at meal time.

After lunch, Kyle decided to head for the warmth of home while Boyd, J.T. and I continued on for the afternoon ride. Turning northwest, we headed for the hills and roadways around San Antonio. We added another 121 miles to the bikes before returning to our respective home a little after 3:00 p.m.

It was another great day with good friends, good roads, good food and great conversations. Join us next time. Also, be sure to check J.T.'s Blog. He wore out several batteries taking photos.

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Gunny

December 18, 2009 - Christmas Social

About 25 members and spouses gathered at Ace's home to celebrate the season with food, entertainment and libation. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera and my words are insufficient to describe the excellence of the meal. While the food was very good, the highlight of the evening was a series of slide show presentations produced by Bill ,complete with music, depicting many of our motorcycle adventures of the past year as well as his visits to Tampa and Miami for KISS concerts. It was truly and exceptional presentation and I, for one, am anxious to purchase a copy.

Thanks to all who brought food and especially to Bill and Mercy for all of their hard work and for opening their home for the occasion.

December 19, 2009 - Champions

It was exactly 52 weeks ago when , on a trip to Champions of Leesburg, that Boyd and Loyd brought home their much loved V-Max and Goldwing. Today, we planned a return visit for the Grand Opening of their new dealership, Champions Powersports, in Eustis. With that vision dancing in our heads, nine of us met for breakfast at Snellgroves before starting the journey.

After breakfast, six of us prepared to ride while three members headed off to other duties.

Our route today took us north by northeast across Rockridge, Green Pond and CR-561. Always an enjoyable ride. After a brief comfort stop at 561 and US-27,

we returned to the road with the intent to again pick up 561. However, as we approached the intersection on 27, we found the road to be closed. Although we did not know why at the time, I later learned that that a vehicle had crashed and burned at the overpass of the Florida Turnpike, causing severe damage to the bridge and the closing of the northbound lanes of the Turnpike as well as CR-561. Bummer. That is a great piece of road for a motorcyclist. So, we continued north on 27 to SR-19, then on into Eustis on US-441 to our destination.

Upon entering the parking lot, Boyd caught sight of a parked vehicle that he wanted to investigate - a white Stallion.


This unusual 3-wheeler comes complete with an enclosed cockpit and automotive-type controls. Very cool.


Moving inside of the new Champions showrooms reveals an absolutely huge selection of motorcycles, ATVs and even a few watercraft.

They even had a 2010 version of the V-max on display. We all agreed that we liked the black paint of the 2009 better.


The accessories area, while not huge, was packed with some exceptional values. Champions took their Grand Opening sale seriously!


On our way out, Bob K. and Lloyd stopped for "Monster" tattoos on their pates. If you look closely, you can make just make out the tattoos. No, not there - on their heads!

After the photo, the boys introduced Boyd to the ladies by his nickname, Mr. Sarcasm. Unfortunately, one of the ladies misunderstood the name. Let's just say that he may now also be addressed as "Mr. O."

As it was now getting late, we decided to head home by the quickest route and our story would have ended here if it were not for a decision to stop for a late, quick lunch at the McDonald's in Groveland. What a disaster. The service was so poor that three of our group canceled their orders after a 20 minute wait for their food and went home hungry. When J.T. had the temerity to ask about the delay, he was told to calm down and wait for his order. We will not be back. One sour note to an otherwise glorious day.

Click here for our route to Champions Powersports.

Hope to see you all for our next ride.

Ride With Pride,

Gunny.

December 12, 2009 - Sky & San Ann

Although the weather looked threatening this morning, the forecast indicated we would be alright if we did not venture too far north. With that in mind, we gathered as usual this morning in Plant City. Nine of our group caught up on the week's activities over breakfast. Afterward, two left the group for other activities while the remaining seven mounted up for the day's ride.

After a quick stop at the PD for Bill to handle some "chief" stuff, we took off for Sky Powersports in Lakeland to check out the sale they were having. I happened to see Bobby deep in conversation with a salesman about the "Buy One, Get One Free" special they were having on ATV's. He soon left the group without explanation and headed back towards Plant City. Was he purchasing Christmas gifts for himself and Bill?

We were soon done at Sky and turned our motorcycles towards the hills and curves around San Antonio, FL, enjoying a couple of our favorite roads along the way. Around 11:00 a.m., we stopped for rest and fluids at the San Ann Market. The laid back atmosphere and shaded courtyard always make this location a pleasant stop.

Leaving the San Ann Market, we headed for some of the great roads in the area, including Pasco Rd., Bellamy Brothers Blvd., Bayhead Rd., Powell, Hayman and Tribly.

By 1:00, we were in Dade City where the group split up. Boyd and I opted to stop for lunch at Kafe Kokopelli while the rest of the group headed for home.

This was my first trip to Kokpelli's. I found the archtecture and decor to be very interesting and the food to be excellent.

Continuing with the ride, Boyd and I headed back north to pick up CR-575 into Lacoochee, up to SR-50, through the Withlacoochee State Forest to Sloans Ridge and Lake Erie, then down to Green Pond and home.

Somewhere on Rockridge Road, just west of Green Pond Rd., the odometer on my GL1800 rolled over 60,000 miles.

I stopped to take a picture of the odometer on this momentous occasion,.

To see our entire 178 mile route, click here.

Ride With Pride!

Gunny

December 5, 2009 - The Ride That Wasn't

Arriving out side the Whistle Stop in Plant City this morning there was not a single motorcycle insight, not even my own. All eight of us on hand chose covered conveyances this morning due to the current and forecast rains and cold temperatures. Call us wimps if you will, but we have all earned our Wet Wheels Awards in the past and felt no need to prove our manhood again today.

So our Saturday morning consisted of breakfast and conversation at Snellgroves and tentative plans for future rides. We will try again next Saturday. Hope to see you then.

Ride With Pride

Gunny