November 26, 2011 - Just a Short Morning Ride

With Ace off to North Carolina, there were only four of us fore breakfast this morning and only two riders.  After breakfast at Snellgrove's, Preacher whet home to finish a roof repair and Big Ed went home to finish some honey-do's.  That left just Mr. Sarcasm and I to ride this day.  Since Boyd needed to be home around noon, we headed off for a local ride.

The route took us over some of our favorite local roads (Coronet, Old Mulberry, Henry George, Keysville & Jameson).  Stopping on the bridge over the Alafia, we noted that the water was exceptionally clear with a slight brown tint.

The peaceful, pastoral nature of this spot makes it a favorite for many of us.

We were soon on the road again, headed for Brewster via Bethlehem Rd. & Old Hwy 37.  After a beverage break, we headed over to Agricola Mine Rd. for a few good curves, then on to Ft. Meade for gasoline.  After a quick detour to ride Lake Hendry Rd., we headed for home.

Although short, it was an interesting and enjoyable ride, as it always is with Mr. Sarcasm on my six.

Hope to see you next time.
Ride with Pride
Gunny

November 19, 2011 - Gulfport

J.T., Boyd and I met for breakfast as usual at Snellgroves in Plant City.  Bill and Eddie were unable to join us as they were off to Lakeland to participate in a charity shotgun tournament.  After breakfast, Boyd left us to take his wife to the beach for the weekend.  J.T. and I mounted up and headed towards Gulfport.

The first stop was the Jameson Rd. bridge over the South Prong of the Alifia River.  Next we rode to the rest area at the south end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  As usual, the views of Tampa Bay and the bridge were awsome.

J.T., Sunshine Skyway and the bikes

After crossing the bridge, our attention was captured by the many paraboarders at the3 north end of the bridge.

We continued on to Gulfport with intention of have lunch at O'Maddy's Bar and Grill  Unfortunately, the place was packed due to some special event.  So, J.T. and I decided to try someplace new.  On the next block we found the Neptune Grill.

The place was almost empty while, a block away, O'Maddy's was packed to the limit.  It should have been a clue.  Don't get me wrong, the food was okay, but suffered by comparison to O;Maddy's.

After lunch, we walked across the street to the Gulfport Casino with its view of the beach.

It was then time to head home.  Deciding not to travel through Tampa, we turned back south and took the back roads home.  It was a ride of about 160 miles on a warm, cloudy mid-Florida day.  Come out and join us next Saturday.

Ride With Pride,
Gunny

November 12, 2011 - Florida Coast-to-Coast

On November 12, 2011 Bill, Eddie, Paul, about 150 of our closest friends, and I met at the Hampton Inn in Seffner, FL for the beginning of the Florida Coast-to-Coast charity ride.  After registration at the hotel and breakfast at Bob Evans, we set off on the circuitous, six hour ride to Daytona Beach.  The route from Seffner took us to Temple Terrace, Zephyrhills, St. Leo, St. Joe, Spring Lake, Nobelton, Webster, Center Hill, Okahumpka, Howie-In-The-Hills, Astatula, West Deland, De Leon Springs and, finally, to Daytona Beach.

Bill, Eddie & Paul stayed the night in Daytona Beach to enjoy the after-ride activities, but I had to turn and head for home - a straight haul west of I-4.

It was a long, interesting ride.  Watch the Navigator's Rides for photos and additional information.

Ride With Pride,
Gunny