July 24, 2010 - Hills of Pasco and Hernando

Nine of us met in Plant City this warm and humid Saturday morning.  To change things up a bit, we rode to the Golden Corral in Zephyrhills for breakfast.  The deserts were great but the breakfast meats cold.  Unfortunately, we did not realize that they were serving steaks for breakfast until we had already stuffed ourselves with other selections.

After breakfast, Lloyd and Bob K. headed home for what I am sure they considered to be more important duties, while the remaining seven (Bill, J.T., Eddie, Boyd, Robert, Jade and I) rode out to explore the hills and byways of Pasco and Hernando counties.

Our route took us north on Fort King to the outskirts of Dade City, then over to St. Leo and north to St. Joe where we picked up Jessamine, Clay Hill and Church Roads.  Jessamine is great for its tight turns, while Clay Hill and Church Roads have some really nice views along the rolling hills.  After picking up Powell Road to Emmerson, we turned back east for a rest stop at the Hess station at Cortez Blvd. and Spring Lake.

We were soon on our way again as riding was much cooler than standing, even in the shade.  Turning south, we headed for the wide open curves on Hayman Road.  It was then south to tight turns and shade of Bayhead Road.  Reaching Lake Iola Road, we headed for Trilby via Blanton and Trilby Roads.

The next leg took us towards home via 98, Old Lakeland, and CR-39.  Shortly after noon the group turned north on Knights-Griffin where Robert and Jade waved their goodbyes as they continuing south to Plant City.  At Charlie Taylor Road, Eddie and J.T. also turned for home.  Bill, Boyd and I continued into Lakeland where Bill headed off on his own for some personal errands while Boyd and I went over to Sky Powersports to check out their sale and dine on a free hot dog.

The weather today was very hot with only a two minute sprinkle to hinder the otherwise spectacular 120 mile ride.  Sorry there are no pictures today as I had forgotten to bring my camera and didn't to use my cell phone.

I will be leaving for Germany next Saturday and returning on August 8 so I will not be able to ride or update the blog.  Hopefully someone else will lead the next two rides.

Ride With Pride

Gunny

Pursue your dreams lest they remain only dreams.

July 17, 2010 - Montverde

Eight of us met in downtown Plant City this morning.  Unfortunately, Boyd was unable to stay for breakfast as he had to go off to do his doctor stuff.  The remaining seven headed to Snellgroves for coffee, eggs and conversation.

After breakfast, Robert headed off for work and Lloyd headed home to clean the house before picking Julie up at the airport.  The remaining five (Bill, J.T., Eddie, Wes & I) prepared for the planned ride to Montverde.

Today's route took us to Swindell, Rockridge and Green Pond Roads.  We made a stop at the one-land bridge so I could get a few pictures of the guys crossing.

Eddie Richter

Wes Swafford

J.T. Sims

Bill McDaniel

As we stopped here for a quick break, it became apparent that Wes was in some discomfort.  We soon came to realize that Wes, who has had previous heart troubles, was experiencing a cardiac event.  Despite his protestations that he would soon be able to ride home by himself, the group decided to take other actions.  While J.T. called his pastor, an experienced Harley rider, Bill flagged down a passing motorist who allowed Wes to take refuge in his air conditioned vehicle.  After some time, Pastor Bill Sullivan and his wife, Lorraine, from Faith Temple Assembly of God in Plant City arrived to convey Wes and his motorcycle home.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Pastor Bill, Lorraine and the as yet unidentified Good Samaritan for their unselfish assistance.

As an update, Wes subsequently checked himself into the Veterans Hospital in Tampa where it was confirmed that he did have a cardiac incident.  They also discovered significant blockage in two arteries.  Wes has been admitted to the hospital.  We will keep him in our prayers and keep you apprised of any change to his status.

While J.T. followed the group back to Plant City, Bill, Eddie and I continued the planned ride up to Lake Erie and Sloan's Ridge.  After making a comfort stop in Mascotte, we took back roads to Sugarloaf Mountain.  The view of Lake Apopka was exceptional today.  What was really interesting, however, was a group of adult men and women riding Big Wheel trikes down the big hill on Sugarloaf Mountain Road.  It looked like they were having a blast.

We continued our ride to Montverde then on to Minneola where we stopped at the Minneola Grill for lunch.

Eddie enjoys the shade at the Minneola Grill

After a good lunch, we picked up CR-561 for the ride back to SR-33, I-4 and home.

Except for the glitch with Wes, it was a good, albeit hot, ride.  Bill also took many pictures and videos on this ride to be sure to watch The Navigator's Rides for additional information and photos.

Remember, Ride with Pride for not all who wander are lost!

Gunny

July 10, 2010 - Thonotosassa Area

Six riders (J.T., Eddie, Wes, Carl, Bob K. and I) met this morning for our usual Saturday ride.  At Eddie's suggestion, all but Carl, who had just stopped by for a quick visit, rode over to Cowboy's Steakhouse and Saloon on SR-60 for breakfast.  The food was good, but the service was not, even though the place was almost empty.

During breakfast I laid out my proposal for upcoming summer rides.  That is, rides will begin as usual, but will always return us to the Plant City - Lakeland area by noon each Saturday.  The purpose being to avoid the summer weather patterns of afternoon rains and excessive heat.  That proposal was met with general agreement from those present.  Eddie did suggest that we plan some rides to included cool summer activities like tubing or canoeing.  If anyone has suggestions regarding either of these issues, please let me know.

So, today began the first edition of the summer rides.  Check out our route here.  It was about 77 miles in length and explored the area northwest of Plant City.  We hit as many tree lines roads as possible and what curves there were to be found in the area and we made it back to Plant City shortly before noon, just as the temperature broke 92 degrees.

Ride with Pride,

Gunny