November 17, 2012 - Around Central Florida

There were five of us for breakfast in Plant City, FL this morning.  After eggs and excellent conversation, we headed for the parking lot and the beginning of the day's ride.  The McDaniel brothers were able to make breakfast, but not the ride, so with Eddie on his GW trike, Boyd on his Concours 14, and I on my Burgman, we set out for our usual destination - nowhere in particular.

Our route took us on an 185 mile tour of central Florida with visits to Dade City, St. Joe, Trilby and Lacoochee.  After doubling back towards Lakeland on Green Pond Road, we dropped off Eddie so he could make it back to Plant City in time to visit the annual Pig Fest.  Meanwhile, Boyd and I headed to Polk City for lunch at the Compass Rose Restaurant at the Fantasy of Flight.

After lunch, we headed for the the ridge area for visits to Old Lake Alfred Rd., across Lake Lowery Rd. and back, then back to Cass Rd. and Gapway before turning for home.

Although the weatherman promised morning rain, the clouds soon gave way to sunshine, providing beautiful riding weather.  Come join us next Saturday for our next tour somewhere in central Florida.  Until then, Ride with Pride.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

October 15, 2012 - Three State Tour

The group left Beckley, WV yesterday heading south to some prime riding territory.  The first leg of the ride took them through scenic Virginia.

They eventually made it to Tennessee to grab a ride on The Snake (US421).  Of course they made the obligatory stop at the The US 421 Country Store in Shady Valley, TN, which sits about half-way between South Lake Holston and Mountain City, TN.  It is a great ride in either direction.

The day concluded with a ride to Pineola, NC where they took up lodging for the next three nights in the new cabins at the Pineola Inn.

Gunny

October 14, 2012 - New River Gorge

The boys left Elkins, WV this morning, heading southeast to the New River Gorge Bridge outside of Fayetteville, WV.

Looks like Eddie found a couple of ladies to help hime recover from the rigors of the road.

Afterwards, they road one really crooked road down to the bottom of the gorge, then moved on to Beckley, WV for the night.

It was about 150 miles as the crow flies, but then, who rides as the crow flies?

October 14, 2012 - Fall Color Tour

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to other appointments.  However, Bill, Boyd, Eddie, Paul, Danny and who knows who else left Friday morning on their annual Appalachian motorcycle color tour.

It started with a short ride to Sanford, FL where their motorcycles were crated for a ride north on the auto train.

It was then time to settle in for the ride north.

Paul, Danny and Boyd enjoy the wine and cheese.

Saturday was spent riding to their overnight stop in Elkins, WV.  And, today they are ready to roll out early.

Elkins, WV

Good luck and safe riding.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

September 29, 2012 - A Long Ride Turns Short

Today was set to be a long ride to Dunnellon, but plans change.  Most of our usual riders could not find time to ride today and Boyd had to had to cut his ride short for business reasons.  So, after breakfast with Carl and Kent, Boyd and I set out on a ride designed to get his to his office at 11:00 a.m.

Our route took us south to Agricola Mine Road where Boyd posted for a picture in his new riding jacket.

Green Hornet?  Green Monster?  Fenway?  Kermit?

Leaving Agricola Mine Road, we looped through Ft. Meade to Lake Hendry Road, over to Homeland and back to Agricola Mine Road.  After a pass on Agricola in the opposite direction, we headed to the S.P.C.A. where I dropped Boyd off with two minutes to spare.  Leaving Boyd, I headed for home.
I managed to put 103 miles on the Burgman before lunch.

Next week, we may try the ride to Dunnellon again.  Maybe not.  Gotta stay flexible.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

September 22, 2012 - SPCA Lakeland

Five motorcycling friends (Bill, Eddie, Robert, Carl and I) .met for breakfast in Plant City, FL this morning.  Missing from the group was our good friend, Boyd, who was otherwise occupied with duties at the S.P.C.A. Lakeland. You see, Boyd is the Director of Veterinary Medicine there and today was the Grand Opening of the new addition to the S.P.C.A.'s veterinary clinic.

After breakfast was over, we drove over to the new facility in south Lakeland to join Boyd in the celebration.

Giant inflatable flea greets visitors.

Impressive new reception area.  Scissors to be seen later.

Close up view of the animal tiles seen above.

Dr. Boyd Harrell greets the group for a private tour.

It takes up to four people to handle incoming calls.

High tech medical inventory control system.

Gift package with one of Boyd's books prominently placed.

The ribbon is cut by Boyd and Warren Cox.

On the way home, we made a quick stop at Fun Bike Center where we looked at a used Triumph Rocket III.  No, I did not buy it, but it sure was impressive.  Take a look at this video.

Next week we will be back on the bikes.  Come and join us if you are in the Plant City area.  Until then,

RIDE WITH PRIDE
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

September 15, 2012 - Lake Lowery

It has been nearly a month since my last post, but my Burgman is fully restored and on the road again.  It has only been back to the shop twice since then - once to reattach the parking brake and once to reattach the the add-on power outlet on the dash.

There were only four of us who met for breakfast in Plant City this morning: Boyd, Robert, Kent and I.  After the usual breakfast of eggs, bacon and conversation, Kent and Robert left the group to follow other activities for the day.  Meanwhile, Boyd and I checked the weather which promised thunderstorms to arrive around 1:00 p.m.  With that in mind, we planned a ride that would have us back at home by noon.

The route took us northeast out of Plant City to Rockridge / Greenpond Road.  We made a stop at the creek just west of Poyner Oaks.

Boyd surveys the high water.

Central Florida has experienced record summer rains this year and the creek shows the effects.  It was swollen to a size we had never seen before.

Back on the bikes, we headed over to the Polk City Truck Stop (Love's) for a much needed comfort break (breakfast coffee, flowing water - you get the idea).

From Love's we headed for the orange groves via Lake Mattie, Cass and Old Lake Alfred Roads.  Leaving the orange groves, we headed east on Old Polk City Road to the ridge area.  From there, we turned west on Lake Lowery for a ride through cattle country and more orange groves.

Turning back towards Lakeland and home, we picked up Cass Rd., Old Polk City Rd., and Tom Costine Rd.  Nearing noon, I dropped Boyd off on Duff Rd. while I continued on to Sky Powersports for them to correct the power outlet problem.

I put 120 miles on the newly reconstituted Burgman today and it was great to be back on the road again.  Thanks for the company, Boyd.  By the way, as I sit here writing this blog on Sunday morning, I have to report that the promised rains never arrived.  Oh well, I trust that we were meant to be off the roads for some greater reason.

Until next time,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

August 18, 2012 - Ft. Meade

I left Lakeland this morning under clear skies, but arrived in Plant City with clouds blanketing the heavens.  Parking my banged up but rideable Burgman (more on that later), I met up Boyd, Wes, Kyle and Robert for breakfast at Snellgroves.

When Wes arrived leaning on a cane, I learned that it was a compromise with his physician who wanted to put him into a motorized wheelchair to accommodate his ailing back.  Wes declined the chair.  He is still looking for a bike that will allow him to ride comfortably.  He has tested a trike, but I think he would rather ride the wheelchair.  Good luck with the search.

As breakfast wound down, we consulted several weather radar maps.  Finding heavy storms moving in from the Gulf of Mexico along the I-4 corridor and lighter storms moving in farther south, Boyd, Kyle, Robert and I headed southeast to get in as much riding as we could before the weather overtook us.

Our route took us south to Hopewell, Keysville and the northern edge of the Alafia River State Park.  Stopping on the Jameson Road bridge over the South Branch of the Alafia River, we heard thunder rumbling close to the west.  Abandoning my plan to continue west to CR-39 before again turning south, we turned around and headed back to CR-640.  From there, we turned west to ride Agricola Mine Road.

At the east terminus of Agricola Mine Road Robert and Kyle turned back to Plant City.  Boyd and I switched bikes for the ride into Ft. Meade.  I had been considering switching my Burgman for a Concours 14.  My initial test ride on a Connie was less than stellar since the riding position on a stock model quickly enflamed the arthritis in my neck.  Boyd's Connie is equipped with risers and I was anxious to see if that would make a difference.  On the ride to Ft. Meade I found that my neck was much better, but my shoulders were still uncomfortable.  Guess I'll have to stick with something with a more upright riding posture.  Too bad because I otherwise love the Concours.

After a comfort stop in Ft. Meade, we decided that we were not going to be able to avoid the rain much longer, so we turned for home.  We had not yet arrived in Bartow when the rain began, lightly at first but quickly turning into a downpour.  Once in Lakeland, Boyd continued on home while I rode over to the local Suzuki dealer to have a burned out tail light bulb replaced.

I rode a total of 90 miles today, most of it very enjoyable.  Hopefully next Saturday will treat us better as I will be off to North Carolina for the first two weeks of September.

Now, as to my still banged up Burgman, you will recall that I was involved in an accident 11 weeks ago that badly damaged the scooter.  It was immediately delivered to my local Suzuki dealer.  Things went smoothly at the start but quickly fell apart when it was learned that Suzuki had sent the wrong replacement frame as the correct frame was not listed in their parts directory and was not available anywhere in North America.  We had to wait for one to be manufactured and shipped from Japan.  The correct frame finally arrived last Wednesday morning and I was advised that the scooter would be completed and ready for delivery late Thursday.  On Thursday afternoon I called to check on the progress and was informed that there were a couple of damaged parts that had apparently been overlooked on the repair order and would need to be ordered.  Needless to say, I was quite upset and conversations with the service manager, the general manager and insurance adjusted did not achieve and satisfactory resolution.  After much finger pointing between the dealership and the insurance company, the only thing that was clear was that, after 11 weeks, the necessary parts to complete the repair were not available and would not be available before weeks end.  The dealership finally conceded that they could get the Burgman back into safe riding condition by Friday afternoon and complete the repairs once the parts were available.

On Friday afternoon I was advised that the Burgman was ready for delivery and I went to the dealership to pick it up.  While it was technically safe to ride, I found 15 broken, missing or improperly installed parts.  Needless to say, both the dealership and the insurance company have an awful lot of work to do before I can ever be convinced to do business with either again.

Until next time,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

July 28, 2012 - Things Learned & Remembered

Bill, Boyd and I were joined at breakfast by non-riders Robert, Kent and the long lost Bob K.  Afterwards, we tackled the ridge area of eastern Polk County.  Billy lasted about an hour before the heat of the day and the copious heat pouring from his ST convinced him that he would rather be somewhere else.

Boyd and I continued the ride, stopping at Love's at SR-559 and I-4.  Lunch was at Pappy's Grill inside the Winter Haven Airport terminal.  Boyd and I both enjoyed the bacon and bleu hamburger which proved to be an excellent choice.

After lunch, we wandered back in the general direction of North Lakeland.  By 2:00 p.m., Boyd headed for home while I returned Eddie's Vulcan.


Although the temperature climbed to 95 degrees during thew ride, it was still a good ride across good roads with good friends.  That is what it is all about.  Remember, "Not all who wander are lost."


As most readers know, I have been using Eddie's Vulcan Voyager for the past several weeks while my Burgman is being repaired (I'm told I can expect delivery of the new frame no earlier than August 22).  While I am very grateful to our brother, Eddie, for the use of his cycle, I have not been especially happy with the Voyager itself.  To be accurate, I though it was excessively heavy, hard to push over in the turns, skittish around pavement deviations, a real gas hog, the rear cylinder cooks my left leg, and the gear indicator on the 6-speed gearbox just plain lies to you.

After three Saturday rides, I have learned that it is, indeed, heavy and thirsty.  You just can't get around those facts.  I have also learned that:

1. The skittishness was largely due to an over inflated front tire (caused by a faulty air gauge) which caused it to push sideways whenever it encountered changes in the pavement.  After bleeding off 5 psi, it behaves much more gently, climbing over objects that had previously caused course deviations.

2. The handling improved greatly after I remembered a technique I used with my Gold Wing, which also had a driver's backrest.  Big machines just will not push over when the rider's back is firmly planted against the backrest.  When riding aggressively through curves and corners you have to lean forward slightly so the machine can move under you without being otherwise restricted.  It still doesn't handle like my Gold Wing or Burgman, but the Voyager does handle well for what it is.

3. The baked left leg was cured when I noticed that the left lower vent was not fully open.  You would have thought that I would have seen that two weeks ago, but, no.

Now, if I could just get the gear indicator to tell me what gear I'm really in, I might learn to really like this bike.  I know, I know.  I should be able to tell which gear I'm in without that crutch, but I'm not used to having 6 gears and I don't know the engine sounds well enough yet to figure it out.  Going into a corner in 4th when you think you are in 2nd can lead to some very interesting manuvers.

Click here for a view of todays route.

Until next time,
RIDE WITH PRIDE
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

June 21, 2012 - Minneola, FL

The ride really started yesterday when I picked up Eddie to take him for lunch at Kazbor's in Plant City.  I was happy to learn that Bill, Mike and Diane would also be joining us.  After a very pleasant meal I took Eddie back home where I again picked up his Voyager because, you guessed it, Suzuki still has no idea when I will get a frame for my banged up Burgman.

Saturday proved to be another hot day in mid-Florida as I met Bill, Boyd and Robert for breakfast.  Afterwards, Bill went on to work and Robert went home to replace a radiator on his vehicle.  That left Boyd and I as the only members of the group to ride.

With no particular destination in mind other than not going wherever we went last week, we turned north by northeast picking up some of the familiar good motorcycling roads in the area and adding a couple of new ones along the way.

After riding Swindell, Old Dade City, Lakeland Acres and Sherrouse, we headed for our first gasoline and comfort stop at the Chevron station at US-98 and Rockridge.  Gasoline was important at this stop as I had tried to stretch the Voyager's capacity too far last week and I knew that fuel opportunities would be few on the backroads we were heading towards.

The next leg of the ride took us to Rockridge/Green Pond, Lake Erie, Sloan's Ridge, Tuscanooga, 702/Youth Camp and across to US-27.  We then made a run down 27 to Minneola for lunch at the Minneola Inn (I had considered the Tiki Bar but declined outside dining as it was approaching 95 degrees by then).

The Minneola Inn sits inconspicuously on the corner of US-27 and Old Hwy 50.  It is easy to miss, but well worth the effort to locate.  Boyd and I sampled their daily specials - Mile High Meatloaf and French Dip, respectively.  We were both very pleased with our meals.  Every time I stop here, I tell myself that the next time, I will start with desert since their pies and cakes are all homemade and excellent.  Unfortunately, I never remember that until I have ordered my meal and I am always too full afterwards.  Someday there will be a piece of Hummingbird cake with my name on it.

It was nearly 1:00 pm by the time we were back on the road so we picked up CR-561 and headed back to Lakeland so Boyd could make good on his promise to be home by 2:00 pm.  After leaving Boyd, I returned the Voyager to Eddie with 175 new miles on it.

It was another great, albeit hot, day on the central Florida highways.  You can check out our entire route by clicking on: today's route.

Hope to see you next week.  In the meantime,

RIDE WITH PRIDE.

Glenn" Gunny" Monroe

July 14, 2012 - Istachatta

For the first time in almost six weeks, I was back on two wheels.  Unfortunately, they were not my wheels.  After first sending the wrong frame, Suzuki USA has found that they do not have a single appropriate frame anywhere in the USA.  Seems like I will have to wait for one to be manufactured and shipped from Japan.  Thankfully, Eddie loaned the use of his Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager to me for the day.

Today, Kent, Boyd Bill and I met for breakfast in Plant City at 0800 today (Robert made a quick stop to say hello on his way to a call out).  After the usual banter and breakfast, Kent headed off for other duties while Bill, Boyd and I turned our machines north.

Click here for today's route.

After a quick stop for gas, we headed towards Zephyrhills, Dade City and St. Leo to pay homage to the great motorcycle roads in the area.  We eventually made it to our first rest stop near Hill 'N Dale.  We then headed over to Istachatta and Pineola.  While there may not be much commerce in these villages, the road through them is interesting and the scenery is very much Old Florida.  From there, we decided to beat feet to Tampa so Bill could check out Cycle Gear for some new boots.  Be sure to check Bill's blog for more on this ride and a few of his pics.

I returned home around 1400 after logging 187 miles on Eddies Voyager.  It was great to be back on two wheels again.  Hopefully my Burgman will be ready soon.  Until that happens, the Voyager may become my new nest friend.  See you soon and


Ride with Pride


Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

July 7, 2012

There were six of us at breakfast this morning, but only Bill and Boyd were riding.  Unfortunately, my Burgman is still in the shop lacking the required new frame, Eddie is still sidelined with his broken neck and Robert left early to go to work.

For info on today's ride, please go to The Navigator's Rides.

June 17, 2012 - Why A.T.G.A.T.T.?

Thought i would share a couple of pictures of my helmet and boots after my incident on the 1st of this month.

The picture above shows the scar on the right rear of my helmet.  I am not a doctor, but I am sure that it saved me from severe head trauma.  I never knew that my head hit the roadway until I looked that the damaged helmet afterwards.

This shows the damage to my right riding boot.  The leather on the toe is worn down to the hardened toe box.

Finally, see the damage to the heel box and the ankle protection.

Thank God for good protective gear.

Ride with Pride and ride with protection.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

June 16, 2012 - We Gather Once Again

This will be a very short entry as I am still without a motorcycle after accident on June 1st.  Do not fear, however.  The insurance company has come through.  New riding gear for me and replacement parts for the cycle have been ordered.  With luck, I will be riding again next weekend.

As for the rest of the group, nine of us gathered for breakfast at Snellgrove's Restaurant in Plant City for breakfast today.  The group included Bill, Boyd, J.T., Robert, Carl, Scott, Marlena, Eddie and myself.  We were happy to have Carl and Scott join us after long absences   We were especially glad that that busted up old provocateur, Eddie, sporting a neck brace to support his broken cervical vertebra could join us.  Heal quickly, my friend.

For a variety of reasons, only three of the group (J.T., Boyd & Scott) took advantage of the beautiful central Florida weather to ride today.  As I was not along to report on the ride, I invite one of the three to send me an account of the day's adventure.

Until next week,
RIDE WITH PRIDE


Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

Update:  J.T. reported that he, Boyd and Scott had a 45 mile ride around eastern Hillsborough and western Polk Counties, with Scott dropping out after about 30 miles.  J.T. and Boyd eventually made it over to Fun Bike Center in Lakeland to take in their Fathers Day events.  They both took adantage of the sale prices to purchase new riding boots - Joe Rocket Sonic R's.

Boyd also got a sale priced oil change on his green monster.

June 5, 2012 - Day 5 - Hendersonville

On this rainy morning, Lloyd and I headed for Hendersonville, NC so I could look over the facilities at the Hendersonville Shuffleboard Club where I will be directing a national tournament in September.

Leaving Hendersonville, Lloyd and I returned to Sylva via US 64 and US 126.  We made a short stop at Looking Glass Waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest.

Lloyd and Looking Glass

After lunch in Sylva, we headed back to the motel for a rest.

Meanwhile, Bill, Boyd and Bryan headed off on a seperate run down to Dillard, GA, Highlands, NC, Bridal Veil Falls, and Franklin, NC.  Click here for Bill's Route.

All riders gathered at the cabin on Herron Branch Road for dinner that night.  It was then that we learned that Eddie was hurting too badly from his earlier tractor crash to continue the trip any longer and would be returning to Plant City in the morning.  Bill decided that it was best to close the cabin and return as well.  Boyd was already scheduled to return to Florida on the 6th for business.  As Lloyd had learned that one of his prized birds had escaped from home, he, too was anxious to return home to help with the search.  With that in mind, I also decided to return to Florida in the morning.  Bryan decided he would stay on in his campsite for the present.  By the way, we have since learned that Eddie had suffered a broken neck during the aforementioned accident.  He's one tough old bird!

June 4 - Day 4 - The Tail of the Dragon & Cherohala Skyway

We all gathered in Dillsboro again this morning.  As it was threatening rain, we headed straight to Deals Gap to tackle the Tail of the Dragon before the pavement became too wet to ride the beast.

View of Fontana Lake from NC 28.

After a quick stop at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort,

Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap

we made or first run of the day on The Dragon (US 129).  We stopped at the overlook at Calderwood Dam Road, then made the run back to Deal's Gap.

After a short stop, we headed for Robbinsville, NC via US 129, where we stopped for lunch.  We were soon on the road again, this time headed for the Cherohala Skyway.

Shute Cove from The Cherohala

Lloyd at Shute Cove.

We followed the Cherohala all the way to Tellico Plains, TN.  From there, we navigated up TN 360 to Chilhowee Lake where we followed TN 72 across the northern shore, back to US 29.  As the Dragon now stood between us and home, we were forced to make one more run across its 318 curves to pickup NC 28 and the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway back to Sylva.

We travelled 263 miles across some of the finest motorcycle roads in the U.S. and the rain held off until we we almost back to Sylva.  Another great day.  Click here for a map of the route.

June 3, 2012 - Day 3 - Bat Cave and Beyond

Today, the group met at the Huddle House in Dillsboro before heading east towards Asheville via I-40 (very boring, but necessary if we were to have time exploring the amazing roads in that area).  Click Here for the day's route.

We finally arrived on NC 151 which starts out with gentle sweepers that become increasingly tight.  The last few miles of the climb up to The Blue Ridge Parkway are very tight and challenging.

Boyd, Lloyd, Bill and Bryan along NC 151

Reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway, we turned north towards Asheville.  We made a quick stop at the French Broad Overlook while Billy backtracked to get some long range photos of the Biltmore Mansion sitting on a hill across the French Broad River.

Just southeast of Asheville, we picked up US 74A for a run over to Bat Cave, NC where we visited the Old Cider Mill.

Unfortunately, we were too early in the season for cider, but the beef jerky is excellent.

We next trekked up NC 9 to US 70, then on to NC 80 where we made a quick lunch stop at the ice cream shop.

The run up NC 80 to the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the great rides anywhere.  From the bottom, it starts out with some gentle sweepers, but quickly changes to a monster.  At the southwestern tip of Lake Tahoma lives the first tight turn - a decreasing radius right that will bite you if you are not prepared.  In keeping with my policy of not naming those who commit unforced errors, the member of our group who claims a naked woman jumped out in front of his bike as he attempted to negotiate this curve shall remain nameless.  Suffice it to say that he is okay, although his machine had to be retrieved from a vegetation filled ravine on the opposite side of the roadway.  After a few roadside repairs, he was able to continue riding.

The Eastern Continental Divide where NC 80 meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Following the Blue Ridge Parkway back to Asheville, we made one stop for a few photos.

Once back to Asheville, we grabbed the expressways for a fast return to Sylva, 223 miles from our start.

June 2, 2012 - Day 2 - Sylva, NC

This morning Lloyd, Bryan and I left Dawsonville, GA, heading for Sylva, NC. The 115 mile journey northeast was fairly uneventful. Just before Sylva, Bryan broke off to find his camping site while Lloyd and I continued on to the Sylva Inn.

After dropping off our gear, we headed to meet the rest of the group for lunch 50 miles away at Hawg Wild BBQ in Pisgah Forest, NC. The route there down US 126 is one of the area's great rides. We arrived as the rest of the group, i.e., Bill, Boyd, Eddie, Danny and Kim. Unfortunately J.T. had become separated from the group and chose to head off on his own rather than rejoin the group.

After lunch, Billy led us on one of signature rides to nowhere on some of the area's more dramatic roads, including NC 178, NC 215, Charlys Creek Rd. and NC 281.  Click here for the entire route.

Lloyd, Bill, Boyd & Bryan at Charlys Creek Rd. & NC 281

My motorcycle substitute in front of a country church.

Where ya headed, Boyd?

June 1, 2012 - The Journey Begins - ATGATT

Today was the start of our 10-day adventure into the North Carolina mountains. While Eddie and Danny trailered their cycles, Bill, Boyd, J.T. And I gathered to ride our cycles north.

It was raining as we left Hillsborough County in rush hour traffic. We were soon north of Tampa on I-75, rejoicing that the rain had let up, when a car came down the entrance ramp and broadsided my Suzuki. The bike and I went down, sliding on our right sides across the highway. I came to a stop about 150 feet later.

Getting up, I found that my rainwear was in tatters and my full face Shoei, armored jacket and pants, and riding boots had all sustained damage. I, on the other hand, was unhurt, not even a road rash. I was very thankful to be a firm believer in A.T.G.A.T.T. - all the gear, all the time!

After righting the Burgy, being checked out by E.M.S. and filing the obligatory accident report, I was able ride the bike back to Lakeland for repairs, pick up my car and continue the journey north without further incident.
As my wife observed, this will be my first motorcycle trip in a car, but it should still be fun in my CLK320 Cabriolet.

BTW, all parties have arrived safely.

Watch for further update on the ride.

Ride With Pride
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 26, 2012 - Eustis

Maybe it was my fault. After all, I did say last week that there would be no ride today. But Billy's plans changed and the ride was back on. That probably accounts for the fact that only three riders showed up this morning. Boyd, J.T. and I stopped for a quick breakfast at Snellgroves before heading out for the day's ride.

Having no set destination in mind, I queried Boyd and J.T. regarding their preferred destinations and routes.  Receiving the anticipated reply, "I don't care, as long as the wheels are rolling," we turned away from the coast and it's anticipated Memorial weekend crowds and headed northeast.  After wandering across some of the better local roads, I recalled that I was in need of new rain pants before our upcoming trip to North Carolina.  With that in mind, I started headed the group towards Eustis and Champion Powersports via a circuitous route (click here to see the route.)

We arrived at Champions around noon (I told you it was a circuitous route).  The first thing we noticed was that their sales floor was unusually crowded with both new and used stock.  If you are looking for a Burgman 650, they have a used one with a Givi box and less than 2,000 miles and new ones at 0% interest.  Where were those deals when I bought my Burgy?  I was also lucky enough to find Frogg Togg rain pants on sale for under $20.  Boyd and I also picked up new gloves - waterproof mesh Tourmasters.  The waterproof liner reduces the effectiveness of the the mesh, but they are still cooler than my waterproof leather winter gloves.  The fact that the temperature was, by then, in the 90's may also have contributed to the lack of cooling.

Leaving Champions, we headed for lunch at nearby Billy's Cafe in Tavares.  The food was excellent, as usual, although, much to J.T.'s chagrin, I ordered the last of the coleslaw to accompany my tuna melt.  It was really good, too, J.T.

From Billy's, we turned towards home across CR-561 and Green Pond.

We covered 181 miles today under partly cloudy skies and very warm afternoon temperatures.

Next Friday, I will be riding to north Georgia to meet up with Lloyd and Bryan as they return from a quick trip to Missouri.  On Saturday, we will ride to Sylva, N.C. to meet up with the rest of our group for a week of riding the great roads western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Until then,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 19, 2012 - Back to the Ridge

Seven members of our group met for breakfast in Plant City this morning, including Bryan Bergau who, astonishingly, had laid out some cash for V-Strom farkle.

Good looking GPS

Adjustable Windshield

Crash Bars

I neglected to get a picture of the new V-Strom carbon fiber tank protector.  Way to go, Bryan.  Looking good!

After breakfast, J.T., Bryan, Boyd and I headed out for the morning's ride while Bill, Eddie and Robert headed off for more mundane tasks.  As the day was threatening afternoon thunderstorms (it is summer in Florida, after all) we decided to keep the ride short and close to home.  After supplying the others with a couple of options, we set out for the ridge country east of Polk City.  

Click here to view the route.

After enjoying some of the best roads in the area, we headed over to the Fantasy of Flight and the Compass Rose Restaurant for lunch before heading for home.

Although the ride was only 110 miles, it was still a great ride over some of my favorite local roads.  The rain held off until we were home but, by ride's end, the temperature had risen to 97 degrees.  Another good reason for a short ride.  Hopefully next Saturday will be a little cooler as we are forgoing the ride to help Billy with some yard work before our next trip.

On June first we will be leaving for a 10 day ride into and around North Carolina.  I will, hopefully, send some posts from the ride but WiFi availability will be sparse in the mountains.

Until then, RIDE WITH PRIDE.
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 12, 2012 - Floral City

It was another great day in central Florida, albeit lovebug season.  Bill, Boyd, Eddie, J.T. and I met for breakfast at Snellgroves before starting today's journey.  All five started the ride knowing that Bill, Eddie and J.T. would only ride until noon.  With that in mind, we headed for our first destination - the San Ann Market in San Antonio, FL.

Click here for the full route.

San Ann Patio

After a pleasant break and conversation of their patio, we headed north to pickup Jesamine Road for the first twisties of the day.  We all made it through safely, but one was reminded that brakes and road paint can make for a squirrely ride.  Reaching the end of Jesamine Rd., Bill, Eddie and J.T. decided that they would turn around and head back to Plant City.

Meanwhile, Boyd and I continued on with the ride across Bayhead, Hayman, Wellesley and Istachatta Roads.

Boyd's new green monster

Arriving in Floral City, we stopped at the Shamrock Inn for an enjoyable lunch.  While there, I witnessed a classic example of role reversal as three bikers, two men and a woman, entered the restaurant and took seats at a table near us.  One man announced that he going to wash his hands.  The second man responded, "Me, too."  The woman, however, merely raised her hand to her face, sniffed the fingers, shrugged and remained seated.  Classic.  Luckily, I was able to restrain my laughter until we were outside.

Leaving Floral City, we decided to take the long way back to Lakeland.  We headed south and east across the back roads to Webster, then over to Center Hill, where we turned south to pick up Sloan's Ridge, South Bay Lake and Lake Erie.  From there we headed south to Green Pond, then on home.

Photo borrowed from Boyd.  Hope you don't mind.

It was a great ride, but, as I mentioned in the beginning, it is lovebug season in central Florida as you can see by Boyd's helmet.  Boyd and I covered about 181 miles on this ride.  It took another hour after getting home to debug the helmet and motorcycle.

Ride safely, and as always, Ride with Pride.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe