October 2, 2010 - The Dam Diner

Seven good friends met in Plant City, FL this morning, intent on renewed fellowship over breakfast followed by a great motorcycle ride.

Unfortunately, Bill and Robert were unable to ride today, so they were able only to stand and watch with  tears in their eyes as Lloyd, Boyd, Eddie, Bob K. and I headed out for the day's adventure.

Today's ride took us through the Green Swap on Green Pond Road then up CR-561. After a quick rest stop at US-27, we continued north to Eustace to visit with the folks at Champions Powersports.

As we were preparing to leave Champions, Eddie suggested we change plans and have lunch at The Mason Jar in Dona Vista.As it was still a little early for lunch, the group decided to continue on to Moss Bluff and the Dam Diner.  I can only say that I should know better than to question Eddie's dining instincts.

Continuing on our route, we worked our way north and east until we reached the eastern edge of the Ocala National Forest.  The ride north on Forest Road (SE 182nd Avenue) presented some very nice sweepers through the woods.

This was my fourth trip to the Dam Diner.  While the atmosphere and clientèle remain unchanged, the quality of the food seems to have slipped significantly.  Like I said before, I should not have questioned Eddie's suggestion.

Leaving the restaurant, we turned our bikes towards home.  The return route took us to Ocklawaha, Lake Weir and Lady Lake.  At CR-466 we turned west to pick up US-301.  That took us through the heart of The Villages.  We have all seen the TV spots about this place, but I was unprepared for the sheer size of the place.  Huge doesn't cover it.  Of the 7.2 miles we spent on CR-466, at least 3/4 of it was within The Villages.

The remained of the ride home was fairly uneventful.  Boyd ans I split off from the group outside of Dade City and headed south on US-98 to pickup Old Dade City Road for the last piece of "good" road on our way home.

We cover about 208 miles today under clear skies and relatively cool Florida temperatures.

Come and join us next week for our further adventures.  Meanwhile,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Gunny