July 17, 2010 - Montverde

Eight of us met in downtown Plant City this morning.  Unfortunately, Boyd was unable to stay for breakfast as he had to go off to do his doctor stuff.  The remaining seven headed to Snellgroves for coffee, eggs and conversation.

After breakfast, Robert headed off for work and Lloyd headed home to clean the house before picking Julie up at the airport.  The remaining five (Bill, J.T., Eddie, Wes & I) prepared for the planned ride to Montverde.

Today's route took us to Swindell, Rockridge and Green Pond Roads.  We made a stop at the one-land bridge so I could get a few pictures of the guys crossing.

Eddie Richter

Wes Swafford

J.T. Sims

Bill McDaniel

As we stopped here for a quick break, it became apparent that Wes was in some discomfort.  We soon came to realize that Wes, who has had previous heart troubles, was experiencing a cardiac event.  Despite his protestations that he would soon be able to ride home by himself, the group decided to take other actions.  While J.T. called his pastor, an experienced Harley rider, Bill flagged down a passing motorist who allowed Wes to take refuge in his air conditioned vehicle.  After some time, Pastor Bill Sullivan and his wife, Lorraine, from Faith Temple Assembly of God in Plant City arrived to convey Wes and his motorcycle home.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Pastor Bill, Lorraine and the as yet unidentified Good Samaritan for their unselfish assistance.

As an update, Wes subsequently checked himself into the Veterans Hospital in Tampa where it was confirmed that he did have a cardiac incident.  They also discovered significant blockage in two arteries.  Wes has been admitted to the hospital.  We will keep him in our prayers and keep you apprised of any change to his status.

While J.T. followed the group back to Plant City, Bill, Eddie and I continued the planned ride up to Lake Erie and Sloan's Ridge.  After making a comfort stop in Mascotte, we took back roads to Sugarloaf Mountain.  The view of Lake Apopka was exceptional today.  What was really interesting, however, was a group of adult men and women riding Big Wheel trikes down the big hill on Sugarloaf Mountain Road.  It looked like they were having a blast.

We continued our ride to Montverde then on to Minneola where we stopped at the Minneola Grill for lunch.

Eddie enjoys the shade at the Minneola Grill

After a good lunch, we picked up CR-561 for the ride back to SR-33, I-4 and home.

Except for the glitch with Wes, it was a good, albeit hot, ride.  Bill also took many pictures and videos on this ride to be sure to watch The Navigator's Rides for additional information and photos.

Remember, Ride with Pride for not all who wander are lost!

Gunny