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