On the Ozello Trail - September 18, 2010

I have cleaned the lovebugs from my Wing and can now sit down to tell the tale of yesterday's ride.

Although there were nine of us for breakfast this morning, only four motorcycles rolled out of Plant City this morning heading for the Ozello Trail, including Boyd, Bob K. Boyd's friend, Charlie Lovelace, and me.

Click on map for details

The weather was beautiful with clear skies in the morning changing to partly cloudy in the afternoon with temperatures in the low ninety's.  As you may have deduced from my opening, the lovebugs have returned, although still in relatively small numbers.

The morning ride took us to Zephyrhills, St. Leo, Jessamine, Istachatta, Floral City, Homosassa Springs, than across the challenging Ozello Trail to Peck's Old Port Cove for lunch.

On the ride home we played on the hills and curves northwest of San Antonio, including Hayman and Bayhead.  We made our final stop of the day at the San Ann Market where Bob K. introduced us to Cherry Garcia ice cream bars.

I returned home around 4:30 p.m. with another 230 miles of great highway on my bike.

I will be away next weekend, so Bill will lead the next ride.  See you all when I return.

Gunny

A Near Miss in Wesley Chapel - September 11, 2010

Since half of our usual riders were out of town, there were only four of us gathered at Snellgroves this morning. Our planned ride to Ozello was soon changed to give Bill an opportunity to shop for needed motorcycling supplies before the upcoming fall leaf trip.

So it was that after breakfast J.T. headed off to join his Faith Riders while Bill, Robert and I headed to north Tampa for a stop at Cycle Gear.  Although there were many interesting items and a few excellent sales, Bill could find nothing more than a can of Plexus to suit him.

Our next stop was Motorsports of Tampa.  Same problem. However, a used Harley did catch Robert's eye. After a short discussion with a salesman and a promise that they would research some issues, we were on the road again.

This time we headed north to Performance Honda in Wesley Chapel.  Bill still could not find the gear that suited him, but a Level IV 2008 Gold Wing caught Robert's attention.

The asking price was also impressive.

Robert was impressed enough to take a test ride.

Robert enjoyed the test ride and the price enough that he sat down with the salesman to try to knock out a deal.

After a great deal of discussion and soul searching,

"paid for" won the discussion.

We were soon on the road once again.  This time we headed for Florida Fun Bike Center in Lakeland where, miraculously, Bill found a couple of pairs of gloves that he could live with.  Being now mid-afternoon, we walked across the parking lot for lunch at MoJo's.  The food was excellent as usual but conversation was difficult over the crowing of the Gator fans.  After lunch, we all headed for home.

Weather permitting, we will try for Ozello next Saturday.  Come and join us.

Ride with Pride!

Gunny

Okeechobee - 09/05/2010

After breakfast in Plant City this morning, five riders (Bill, Lloyd, Robert, Bob K. & I) set off for Okeechobee, FL.

Since we were facing a 260 mile ride, we did not take too many detours en route.  Agricola Mine Road was sort of on the way so we did take a short detour there.  The rest of the route took us to Ft. Meade, Avon Park Sebring, then the 45 mile run across US98 to Okeechobee.  The worst part of the ride is through the heavy traffic on US27 around Avon Park and Sebring.  A little too late for this day, but I think I found a reasonable way around that mess.  We'll give it a try the next time we go that way.

We made a short stop at the northwest corner of Lake Okeechobee, where US441 intersects SR78.

While the other three rested in the shade, Bill & I walked out onto the pier.

Where we found a 10 food alligator doing an excellent job of hiding in plain sight.  Can you see him?

How about now?

From here, it was just a few more miles to Aunt Becky's where Bill & Bobby put new blades on the ceiling fan & Bobby replaced the mirror on Aunt Beck'y jeep.

We then headed back into Okeechobee for a late lunch at Cowboy's BBQ and Steak Company.  The food was excellent and Bill took a dew pictures which I am sure he will share on The Navigator's Rides as soon as he gets a chance.

After lunch, we made a bee line for home with only one quick stop for gas.  I was a good ride and entertaining day, but I was very happy to make it home and into the AC.

See you next time & Ride with Pride.

August 28, 2010 - Sunshine Skyway

Okay, a week has passed but I was unable to write this blog until now.  Sorry.

Nine riders met for breakfast as usual in Plant City this morning.  Afterwards, five of us (Bill, Lloyd, J.T., Boyd & I) set out for a ride to the sunshine, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, that is.

The route took us south to Keysville, Lithia, Balm, Wimauma then east to the Little Manatee River State Park and on to US41.  From there, we headed south the I-275 and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

We made our first stop at the south rest area.

Then made the ride across the bridge (this was my first attempt moving photography).

Once across the bridge, we headed for the north rest area with the intend of doing a little geocaching.  After a short search at the first site, we were interrupted by another couple of geocachers who pushed in while we were looking and took over the site.  Bad manners.

The heat of the day and the pushy geocachers convinced us to give up the search and head for some air conditioning. So, as J.T. headed for home, we headed for Barney's in St. Pete, then to nearby Kahuna's for lunch.  Check out The Navigator's Rides for more info.

After lunch, it was a quick run back to Plant City via I-275 & I-4.

Hope to see you on the road next time.