Saturday, June 20, 2009

June 20, 2009 - Homosassa


Eight of us gathered for breakfast this morning, including our newest member, Barry Mauer. Having consumed an excellent breakfast, five of us mounted up to ride to Homosassa. Barry soon left us, though. The daddy-to-be didn't want to get too far from home.

It was already getting hot by the time we left Plant City. We headed towards Zephyrhills, then on to San Antonio. Just north of there we picked up Jessamine Rd. which has a few nice curves. Boyd decided to let the VMAX run a little and took the lead. It was fun watching him negotiate the curves, but a little dangerous, too. Not for him, but for me. I was watching him and almost forgot about traversing the curve myself. From Jessamine we ran over to Bayhead Rd., Bellamy Brothers Rd., Hayman, Powell and Emerson for a few more curves and scenery. After stopping for a break in Brooksville, we headed on to Homosassa. After passing the Yulee Sugar Mill, we arrived at the Riverside Crab House located right in the Homosassa River.

The food there was excellent and the river entertainment was especially good today. Just outside our window was Monkey Island, a small island populated by several very large monkeys who seemed to enjoy the 90 plus degree weather and were very active. While watching them, a bottlenose dolphin breached between us and the island. As we watched, we saw that there were at least two dolphins who were fishing the shallow water there. At times, they came right up to the restaurant windows. It was really interesting to watch them hunt.

Leaving Homosassa, we made our way back to Bayhead Rd. so J.T. could get some pictures. Our final stop of the ride was for a cold beverage at the San Ann Market in San Antonio. By then, it was about 97 degrees and a little shade and cold liquid was a welcome relief.


All-in-all, it was a great 180 mile ride. Although extremely hot, the humidity was not too bad so it was bearable as long as the bikes were moving or we we sitting in the shade.

Although I forgot my camera, J.T. came to our rescue. Select this link for his photos. See you next week.

Ride with Pride
Gunny

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