SRC - DAY 1

The conference began today with registration in the Red Rose Ballroom. A hospitality room was also set up for the free use of registered attendees. Nice room, but far too small for the number of people trying to get in. At about 6:15 p.m. about 80 bikes set out for dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Ybor City. We didn't make it very far before we suffered our first mishap. I was traveling near the end of the pack and as I entered the eastbound I-4 entrance ramp from Wheeler, I saw a sea of brake lights ahead. A Knight from Georgia failed to negotiate the tight left curve and ended up in the weeds. He was taken to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder and bruised ego. Unfortunately, his Harley suffered a broken drive shaft and multiple bent up body parts. While I sat on my bike waiting for the situation to resolve, I kept hear J.T. whispering, "I told you so" in my ear. After clearing the accident scene, we headed towards Tampa. Upon exiting I-4, the leader decided he needed to stop to make a phone call. As it was then after 7:00 p.m., I judged that it would be very late by the time 120 people were seated and served at the restaurant. So, I decided to head back to Plant City for a quiet meal and a nightcap at the hospitality room. Hope tomorrow fares better. Gunny