January 28, 2012 - Motorcycle Envy

Seven friends and motorcycle enthusiasts met for breakfast this morning in Plant City, Florida.  During the course of the breakfast conversation, we learned that Wes had watched his beloved Harley being towed away only yesterday.  Sadly, his back is too bad to manage the monster anymore.  On the bright side, he is investigating trikes.  He hopes that will keep him active in motorcycling.

Leaving the restaurant, Bill led us to a secret location to view a private collection of motorcycles.

Sorry, but I could not fit them all into the picture frame, but believe me, it was awe inspiring.  Each one of us found motorcycles that we have previously owned or wished we had owned.

J.T. onced owned one of these early Wings.

One of these CB350's almost ended my riding days when broadsided on the Seven Mile Rd. in Detroit.

Honda FT500 Ascot, a one cylinder flat track racer only available in the U.S in 1982-83

After saying our thanks for the opportunity to view these beautiful vintage cycles, we continued our ride.

Our next stop was the Florida Fun Bike Center in Lakeland.  This stop was a request from Boyd who wanted to get a look at the new Ninja.

He even likes the color!

We departed the Fun Bike Center after wiping the drool off the machine.  Boyd headed off to lunch with Miss Vicki.  Billy left for lunch and a movie with Eddie.  J.T. and I made for Sky Powersports to look over their offering of Victory motorcycles, then off to lunch in Plant City and some chapter paperwork at J.T.'s home.

Due to the many off-bike distractions, we only managed 100 miles today, but those distractions more than compensated for the lack of miles.

See you next week.  Until then RIDE WITH PRIDE.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

January 15, 2012 - Minneola

It was a cold Central Florida morning when Boyd Harrell and I met outside the Whistle Stop Cafe in Plant City.  As 8:00 a.m., the appointed meeting time, approached, we began to believe that we were the only ones willing to face riding in the cold.  Just about then Carl Lane came walking around the corner.  After a few minutes catching up with Carl, we started across Collins St. heading for Snellgrove's Restaurant.  Midway across the street, we heard the sound of a pair of motorcycles which heralded the arrived of Bill McDaniel on the ST and Robert McDaniel, accompanied by Jade, on his Harley.  Once seated for breakfast, Eddie Richter came dragging in looking like he had just gotten out of bed, which, as it happens, was accurate.

Once we had all had our fill of food, coffee and improbable stories, we headed off to our cycles to prepare for the day's adventure.  Eddie and Carl were unable to join us for the ride, but the rest of us bundled up against the cold and turned our knees into the breeze with no particular destination in mind.

Our Route took us north by northeast to some of favorite roads.  After covering Hancock, Old Dade City, Lakeland Acres and Sherrouse, we headed for a much needed comfort stop at Rockridge and US-98 (I did say it was cold, right?).  We were soon on our way again, heading for Green Pond Rd. and Laws Rd.  Reaching the intersection of Laws Rd. & CR-561, Bill, Robert & Jade left us to return to other duties and warm fingers in Plant City.  However, Boyd and I continued north on 561.  Reaching US-27 around noon, we decided to stop at McDonald's for comfort and coffee.  While there, Boyd mentioned that he had promised to meet Miss Vicki for lunch at 1:00 p.m. in Lakeland.

Finishing our coffee, we turned back towards Lakeland where, at 12:56 p.m., I left Boyd at I-4 and US-98 - plenty of time to get to his 1:00 appointment.  Meanwhile, I headed to Sky Powersports because it was the closest, fastest location for a comfort stop (did I mention it was cold?).  While there, I took time to drool over a white 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour.  

If I can ever scrape together enough cash ...

Meanwhile,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

January 7, 2012 - Lake Alfred

The day started as usual with breakfast at Snellgrove's with Bill, Boyd, J.T., Eddie, Robert and I.  Scott also joined us as breakfast was being served.  However, the day's ride took on a different tone as Ace, Mr. Sarcasm, Preacher, Big Ed and I headed for Lake Alfred, by back roads, of course.

The goal for the ride was to get Big Ed to Trike Traders in Lake Alfred where he could investigate converting his Wing.

 While the rest of us prepare for the stop,

Billy interviewed Eddie.

After some time spent inside learning all about trike conversions, Eddie decided to take this Hannigan trike for a test ride.

After receiving instructions, and with Billy chasing with his video recorder, Eddie set out for the test ride.

Upon his return, Eddie was all smiles and excited with nothing but praise for the experience.  He was not, however, ready to make a purchase until after Marlena had had a ride and he had investigated other sources.

Leaving Lake Alfred, Boyd set out for home.  It seems he promised Miss Vicki that he would be home by noon as it was their anniversary.  Happy Anniversary to both of you!

Heading back towards Plant City, we decided to stop at Mojo's in Lakeland for lunch.  Bill, making a wise decision, decided to pass.  Although Eddie's food and mine was good (J.T. found his too spicy), the service was terrible, taking far too long to accomplish even the simplest task.  Next time we'll choose more wisely, also.

After lunch, we all headed for home via separate routes to satisfy the day's other requirements.  Although a short ride, it was productive.  We have many times in the past enjoyed sharing each others cycle searches and purchases.  If and when Eddie buys a trike, I hope to be there to share the ride home with his new treasure.

Meanwhile,
RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

December 31, 2011 - Ft. Meade & Frostproof

Happy New Year to all members, friends and readers.

Yesterday marked the end of 2011 and, of course, was celebrated with a two-wheeled ride around central Florida.

The day started with breakfast at Snellgroves attended by Bill, Boyd, Eddie, J.T., Jerry and I.  Afterwards, Big Ed and Mr. Sarcasm headed off for other activities while Ace, Preacher, Jerry and I started on the day's ride.  

With no particular destination in mind, we headed towards Agricola Mine Road via assorted back roads.

Click here for full details.

After a couple of passes on the flat curves of Agricola Mine Road, Bill & Jerry headed back to Plant City while Preacher and continued on to Ft. Meade, Lake Buffum, then across US-27 to Crooked Lake.

Crooked Lake, north end

We continued south through Babson Park and Frostproof then headed back to Ft. Meade via Avon Park Cut-off Road for lunch.  Finding our first choice, The Broadway Cafe, closed for the holiday, we accepted a local's recommendation and headed for John's Drive-In.

The food, while not fancy, was quite good and reasonably priced and the staff was friendly.  The place is a memorial to Ft. Meade High School athletics with pictures and memorabilia everywhere.

Leaving Ft. Meade, Preacher and I headed for our respective homes.

It was a short but enjoyable 145 mile ride today with good weather and good company.  See you all next week.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

Ride With Pride