What a glorious day. First, I was back riding with our chapter after a three week absence. Second, it was warm, dry and sunny. Third, today's destination was one of my favorites.
It all started with breakfast for ten at Snellgroves. Participants included Bill, Boyd, Lloyd, J.T., Eddie, Bryan (honest to God!), Kent, Robert, Jade and myself. After breakfast, Lloyd, Bryan and Kent headed off to do something boring, while the remaining seven set out for a day of two-wheeled bliss.
Today's Route took us over some familiar roads to St. Leo, St. Joseph, Jessamine and Spring Lake.
We made our fist stop at at the Hess station at Spring Lake Road and Cortez Blvd. As usual, the restrooms were in high demand by the multitude of bikers out enjoying the great weather. One of the fellows we met there was a 92 year old biker who not only still rides, but had jsut purchased a new bike, which, by the way, is his only mode of transportation. I know that Bill and J.T. got more info. and pictures so be sure to check out their blogs.
Back on the road again, we headed north across the back roads to Istachatta and Pineola on CR-429. This was a new piece of road for us and we were very happy with the discovery. Picking up E. Floral Park Drive, we headed west to join E. Stage Coach Trail from US-41. This was our first time on Stage Coach also. It provided us with some nice sweepers and some pretty impressive Florida hills.
Shortly after turning north on CR-491, we decided to stop for a look at Dames Caves, a series of small shallow caves about half a mile walk into the woods on Trail 22 in the Withlacoochee State Forest. They make for an interesting stop, especially if you have not seen them before.
We were soon on the road for the final leg of our trip to the Ozello Trail and Peck's Old Port Cove.
Boyd and Glenn on the Ozello Trail.
The Ozello Trail is one of Florida's best motorcycle roads with its many twists and turns through the salt marshes between US-19 and Crystal Bay. If you have not ridden it, do so soon. I never tire of it.
Peck's Old Port Cove sits right on the water near the end of the Ozello Trail. As you might guess, its specialty is seafood.
Boyd, Eddie and I enjoyed the Almond Crusted Grouper.
While Jade had the steamed crabs.
After lunch the group headed towards home. As it was then mid-afternoon, most headed for home by the most direct route while Boyd and I decided to spend some time riding some of the nicer roads between Brooksville and San Antonio.
We finally made it home around 5:00 p.m., having enjoyed some of the best weather we have seen in a long time and having covered more than 200 miles of some of the best roads Florida has to offer. It was a truly great day with great friends. See you all next time.
Gunny
