Little Harbor - April 24, 2010

Okay, I'm running out of superlatives.  It was another great day of motorcycling here in central Florida.

The day started with ten Blue Knights and friends gathering in downtown Plant City for our usual pre-ride breakfast at Snellgroves.  One of the great features of the breakfast is that it allows friends to join us for a little camaraderie even though they may not be able to participate in a day long ride.  So it was that the ten dwindled to four as we prepared to depart for today's ride to Little Harbor in Ruskin.

Click here for today's route.

Early in the ride we passed the remains of a huge alligator on the side of Virgil Hall Road.  The tail and head had been removed, but what was left was still in excess of four feet.  Unfortunately, I did not think to stop for a photograph.  Shortly thereafter, we made out first stop at the Jameson Road bridge over the South Prong of the Alifia River.  This bucolic area is always a favorite stop for me.

Unfortunately, we are not the only one who like to stop here.  Note the graffiti all over the pavement and guard rails.

After a few minutes of enjoying the peace and quiet of the location, we were suddenly encourage to be on our way by a couple of nearby blasts form an unseen shotgun.

We next headed down to Fort Lonsome then west to Grange Hall Road.  Working our way  south via the back roads, we soon came to Bunker Hill and SR-62.  After working our way back north on CR-579, we cut west across some very interesting roads to arrive at our second brief for gasoline at US-41 and Cockroach Bay Road (Boyd's VMax was very thirsty).

We turned west again to get a few pictures of Cockroach Bay.

We next headed for lunch destination via Gulf City and W. Shell Point Road.  Arriving at the Resort and Club at Little Harbor, we headed for the Sunset Grill which has both inside and patio dining.  We chose a shaded spot on the patio.

The food was excellent and the bills averaged about $15 per person.  The views from the east side of Tampa Bay were beautiful.

Looking northwest across Tampa Bay you can just make out the City of Tampa rising above the boat in the foreground.

Lloyd & Boyd discuss the relevance of the sign.

Lunch and sightseeing over, we headed back towards Plant City, stopping at Medard Park to check out the campground and make plans for an overnight in May.  Our final stop of the day was at Parksdale's for the last weekend of the strawberry shortcake season.

It was another great ride with great friends under a beautiful Florida sky.  I want to thank Lloyd for the Little Harbor destination.  The past two rides have been to destinations suggested by other members with me designing the routes.  In each case it has worked out extremely well.  I will continue the procedure in the future.  So, be thinking about a destination that you would like and be prepared to offer it when asked.

Next week I will be out of state and, therefore unable to ride with the group.  See you all on the 2nd Saturday in May.

Gunny

April 17, 2010 - Angler's Resort, Dunnellon, FL

Six chapter members met in Plant City at 8:00 a.m. for our usual pre-ride breakfast. Although Bill and Eddie were unable to ride today, we were pleased to have their company at breakfast. Once the food was gone and the stories told, Lloyd, Kent, Robert and I prepared for the ride to Dunnellon and the Angler's Resort, a destination suggested by Kent, and it was an excellent one.

The route took us north to Zephyrhills, San Antonio then on to Jessamine.  After a quick detour to check out Clay Hill Rd., we headed for our first stop at Spring Lake Rd. and Cortez Blvd.  After a short break, we continued north via the back roads until we picked up US-41 south of Floral City.  From there it was a 30 mile run north through the Florida countryside and several small towns, including Floral City, Inverness, Hernando and Citrus Springs.

Immediately after crossing the Withlacoochee  River in Dunnellon, we came upon the Angler's Resort.  The Resort includes a motel, boat rentals, fishing guides, air boat tours, and our destination, the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant.

 Okay, the dumpster doesn't help the shot but it was one of the few semi-level spots in the parking lot.

 Kent & Robert check those important messages.

 

The Blue Gator has open air dining on a wooden deck built on the north bank of the Withlacoochee River.

 Robert, Lloyd & Kent settle in for lunch.

 Angler's Resort's boat docks.

 Outdoor fireplace at the Blue Gator.

After lunch we turned back south, taking US-41 into Floral City.  Turning east on CR-48, we made our way over to Istachatta Rd. for a tour through rustic Florida.  Reaching Lake Lindsey Rd., we turned east to US-301 for the run back to Plant City.

It was a great ride (207 miles for me, portal to portal) in great weather (81 degrees for the ride home) with great friends.  What more could you ask for?  Thanks, Kent, for the suggestion.

See you next time.

Ride with Pride and remember, "Not all who wander are lost."

Gunny

April 10, 2010 - Back Roads to Sebring

Newcomers Darlene, Danny, Kim and Tallie joined the usual cast of characters for breakfast at Snellgroves on a beautiful Central Florida morning.  By 9:00 a.m., the group, minus Bill and Carl, were on the road heading towards Sebring via a few select back roads.  The route (click here) took us through Hopewell, Nichols, Pebbledale, Barcola, Agricola, and Bradley Junction. We then turned south to Baird, Fort Green, passing west of Wachula then on to Zolfo Springs where we had our first rest stop at the BP station.  After a short break, we cut over to the Florida Cracker Trail.  After a side trip south on Sweetwater Rd., we headed for Crewsville than on to Sebring for a stop at Annie's for lunch.

Unfortunately, there was not a soul around the restaurant despite the sign that they opened at noon.  The group decided to divert to the Wild Turkey Tavern in Avon Park instead.

 

Robert makes his grand entrance.

Danny & Kim await their lunch.

As usual, the place was extremely busy, the atmosphere unique and the food excellent. 

After lunch, we all decided to head for our respective homes by the most expeditious route.  I arrived back in Lakeland about 3:30 p.m., having covered about 190 miles of Florida highway under clear and sunny skies.

Join us soon for another motorcycle adventure.

Gunny

April 3, 2010 - Lake County, Champions and Mary's

Six good friends and motorcycle enthusiasts met in Plant City, Florida for a day of cycling and camaraderie.  The day started with the usual breakfast at Snellgroves where the general conversation soon led to full fledged, blood-spilling sarcasm, much to the enjoyment of all.  After binding our wounds and quelling the laughter, five of us prepared to start the morning ride.  Unfortunately, Robert had to leave the group to go to work.

After some discussion, Bill, J.T., Boyd, Lloyd and I tuned north towards he hills and curves of Polk and Lake Counties.  The route took us through Galloway, Kathleen and Socrum, across Rockridge and Green Pond Roads.  

The group stopped at the one-lane bridge on Rockridge at Green Pond.

 That boat is too big for this creek!

 Looks like someone missed the bridge.  Wonder how long before they were found?

Locals fish for Butter Catfish.

 

 Sometimes timing is everything.

It was then up to Bay Lake and Sloan's Ridge.  We cut back on SR-50 to Mascotte where we again turned northeast, taking the back roads to Howey-in-the-Hills.  There, we took Number 2 Road to Yalaha and back to SR-19 - as Bill so delicately said, "Going around our ass to get to our elbow."  From there we ran on into Eustis for a stop at Champions Powersports.

After gawking at a lot of nice, new bikes and some gear, we decided to head for lunch.  That decision took us to Mary's Kountry Kitchen on CR-448.  

While this small restaurant is, technically, in Tavares, it is very near to Lake Jem, and the food is very near to perfect.  I had the Meat Lovers Skillet - layers of hash browns, crumbled bacon, sausage and diced ham, all smothered in sausage gravy and topped with two eggs.  Man, it was really good and the biscuit that came with it jsut melted in my mouth.  Bill had Tomato Bisque soup and a BLT "like momma used to make."  Boyd had some New England Clam Chowder, Lloyd the biscuits and gravy, and J.T. a tuna fish something or other.  All was excellent.  The only disappointment was the homemade apple, blueberry and cherry pies.  They were still to hot to cut.  Bummer.

Back on the road again, we headed around to Astatula to pick up CR-561 for the ride home.  Along with 561, Green Pond and Rockridge made for a great trip home.  Apologies to J.T. who became lost in traffic along the way.

It was a glorious ride in beautiful low 80's temps and clear skies.  Be sure to join us soon.

Gunny

March 27, 2010 - Ozello Trail

What a glorious day.  First, I was back riding with our chapter after a three week absence.  Second, it was warm, dry and sunny.  Third, today's destination was one of my favorites.

It all started with breakfast for ten at Snellgroves.  Participants included Bill, Boyd, Lloyd, J.T., Eddie, Bryan (honest to God!), Kent, Robert, Jade and myself.  After breakfast, Lloyd, Bryan and Kent headed off to do something boring, while the remaining seven set out for a day of two-wheeled bliss.

Today's Route took us over some familiar roads to St. Leo, St. Joseph, Jessamine and Spring Lake.

We made our fist stop at at the Hess station at Spring Lake Road and Cortez Blvd.  As usual, the restrooms were in high demand by the multitude of bikers out enjoying the great weather.  One of the fellows we met there was a 92 year old biker who not only still rides, but had jsut purchased a new bike, which, by the way, is his only mode of transportation.  I know that Bill and J.T. got more info. and pictures so be sure to check out their blogs.

Back on the road again, we headed north across the back roads to Istachatta and Pineola on CR-429.  This was a new piece of road for us and we were very happy with the discovery.  Picking up E. Floral Park Drive, we headed west to join E. Stage Coach Trail from US-41.  This was our first time on Stage Coach also.  It provided us with some nice sweepers and some pretty impressive Florida hills.

Shortly after turning north on CR-491, we decided to stop for a look at Dames Caves, a series of small shallow caves about half a mile walk into the woods on Trail 22 in the Withlacoochee State Forest.  They make for an interesting stop, especially if you have not seen them before.

We were soon on the road for the final leg of our trip to the Ozello Trail and Peck's Old Port Cove.

Boyd and Glenn on the Ozello Trail.

The Ozello Trail is one of Florida's best motorcycle roads with its many twists and turns through the salt marshes between US-19 and Crystal Bay.  If you have not ridden it, do so soon.  I never tire of it.

Peck's Old Port Cove sits right on the water near the end of the Ozello Trail.  As you might guess, its specialty is seafood.

Boyd, Eddie and I enjoyed the Almond Crusted Grouper.

While Jade had the steamed crabs.

After lunch the group headed towards home.  As it was then mid-afternoon, most headed for home by the most direct route while Boyd and I decided to spend some time riding some of the nicer roads between Brooksville and San Antonio.

We finally made it home around 5:00 p.m., having enjoyed some of the best weather we have seen in a long time and having covered more than 200 miles of some of the best roads Florida has to offer.  It was a truly great day with great friends.  See you all next time.

Gunny

February 27, 2010

Although nine of us gathered as usual beside The Whistle Stop on Plant City this morning, only one of us, yours truly, arrived on a motorcycle.  The others chose the cager option in deference to the impending rain storm.  Shortly after 8:00 a.m., we walked over to our usual breakfast stop at Snellgrove's Restaurant, only to find that some usurpers had confiscated our usual Saturday morning table.  Not wanting to break up the group, we left Snellgrove's and headed over to The Brickhouse.  Breakfast was good.  Conversation was better.  Coffee was on the low side of mediocre and the "smoked sausage" turned out to be kielbasa, but the rest was pretty good.

After breakfast, we adjourned to the quiet of the parking lot to discuss the upcoming ride schedule and other chapter business.  It was decided that we would financially support the East Hillboro Law Enforcement Appreciation banquet.  Ride leadership for the next three weeks was also discussed as I will be absent on other business.  Thanks to Bill, Eddie and Boyd for volunteering to take turns leading during my absence.

The group broke up after the meeting with everyone taking advantage to the rain to attend to other projects.

Gunny

Northeast Polk - February 20, 2010

Nine Blue Knights and friends gathered for breakfast in Plant City, FL on the warmest day in a long time.

Although we had discussed trying someplace different for breakfast, the convenience of Snellgroves won out once again.

Bob K. and Robert check out Eddie's new Voyager.

As many of the group were either under the weather or had more pressing business elsewhere, there were only four motorcycles who set out together after breakfast. The plan was to explored some of the better roads in northeast Polk County. The map below shows an overview of our route. Click on the map for full details.

The most apparent feature of today's ride was an up close view of the flooding of much of the low-laying areas in the county caused by the heavy rains we have experienced this month. The ground in is area is fully saturated. I believe that it is the most standing water I have seen since I moved here in 1998.

After traveling 100 miles exploring these often neglected gems, we stopped for lunch at Country Angels Restaurant at 122 N Commonwealth Ave. in Polk City. In spite of appearances in the picture below, the place is always busy. The position of the motorcycles indicates how we had to squeeze them in when first we arrived.


After lunch, we headed to Fun Bike Center so Eddie could look for a backrest for the Voyager and J.T. could price a trailer hitch for his Gold Wing. Both left disappointed.

Leaving this stop, the group broke up with everyone heading for home after and enjoyable day of riding.

"Ride with Pride"
Gunny

February 13, 2010 - Eustis

Saturday morning dawned cold and overcast but the weatherman promised that is would soon clear and warm up. With that forecast, seven riders met in Plant City for breakfast at Snellgroves. After the now ritual session of food, fun and conversation, Eddie, J.T., Lloyd and I prepared for the day's ride while Bill, Boyd, and Bob K. headed off for other activities.

The plan called for a ride north to the Ocala National Forest and so the four bikes turned in that direction. The route took us to Green Pond Road which normally means a quick run across one of the area's truly crooked roads. Unfortunately, the quick turned to cautious as this week's rains had left the roadway wet and, in a few places, partially covered with water. The recent patches on the road's surface were also deteriorating, leaving a lot of loose gravel on the road surface.

The group stopped at the one-lane bridge to get a couple pictures of Eddie's new 2010 Voyager.

And the swollen creek passing under the bridge.

A victim of the cold, wet weather?

As the promised temperature increase had not yet arrived, I also took the opportunity to add a pair of glove liners under my winter gloves. A very welcome improvement.

Completing the ride across Green Pond Road, we headed for CR-561, CR-565B and 565A. By the time we reached the area SR-50 and CR-565A, we were in need of a warm room, hot coffee and a restroom. A Burger King solved all three needs.

As we sat enjoying the hot coffee, Eddie asked if it would be possible to stop by Champions Powersports so he could check on a Hi-Viz jacket like the ones J.T. and I were wearing. So, leaving the Burger King, we altered course and headed for Eustis and Champions.

As we walked through the showroom at Champions, two used Gold Wings caught my eye. One was a 2007 burnt orange model with 38,000 plus miles, some nice extras, and a $16,000 price tag. The other was a cherry looking yellow 2001 with, get this, 198,000 miles on the odometer. That makes my 2006 with 61,000 miles seem almost new. Oh, by the way, Eddie decided against a new jacket.

As we were behind schedule leaving Champions, we decided to forgo the trip to the Ocala National Forsest and turned back towards home, intending to stop for lunch along the way. Boyd and I had previously seen a little restaurant on CR-448 west of Lake Jem and the group, decided to give it a try.

Mary's Kountry Kitchen is not much on size or decor, but the food is excellent, plentiful and reasonable. In the ultimate testimonial, Eddie vowed that we would be back.


Leaving the restaurant we found that the weather had finally warmed to the mid-50's leaving us a much more pleasant ride home.

Today's ride covered 164 miles, getting us home about 2:30 p.m. Click here to see the exact route.

See you next time.

Gunny

January 30, 2010 - What? No Rain?

The original plan for today was to ride to Sarasota to visit Yoder's Restaurant and the Ringling Museum. However, the weather report caused that plan to be abandoned. Instead, eleven of us gathered under threatening skies for breakfast in Plant City. After enjoying the usual camaraderie over toast, eggs and coffee, most headed home, while five of us (Boyd, J.T., Debbie, Scott and I) decided to take advantage of the still dry roads to get in in a few miles on the motorcycles.

As the radar map showed the northern skies laden with extensive, heavy rain storms, we turned our ride south towards Old Hopewell, Keysville, Welcome, and Jameson Road (Kent, was that you who passed by as we crossed the South Prong of the Alifia River?). As we turned south on CR-39, Scott left the group to head home. The rest of the group rode on to Picnic, Balm, Grange Hall and Fort Lonesome where we stopped for a short break.

We were soon on the road again, heading over to Bethlehem, Bradley Junction, Agricola, Green Bay, then Mulberry. Boyd and I decided to stop at Dee's Fish Place in Mulberry while J.T. and Debbie decided to head home to beat the rain.

Dee's is a small, old fashioned lunch room on the corner of Babcock and 1st Avenue with friendly service and good food and, yes Lloyd, Wi Fi. Although they claim to be the home of the world's best 14 oz. hamburger, Boyd and I both opted for the special of the day - catfish nuggets with homemade potato chips. Both were excellent and plentiful. The chips were reminiscent of those served at Mojo's but a little better, I think.

After a leisurely lunch, Boyd and I headed back to Lakeland. I arrived home about 1:30 p.m., still dry, having covered about 120 miles since leaving that morning. Not a bad ride considering the projected rain storms.

Route

See you again next Saturday.

Jan. 2, 2010 - Dade Battlefield

Today, Boyd, J.T., Robert and I braved the 39 degree morning temperatures to take a ride back into history. After a morning ride which, as Robert claimed, ran us around our elbow to get to our, ahh, backside, we arrived at the Dade Battlefield Historic Park State in Bushnell, FL.

On December 23, 1835, 108 American soldiers, led by Major Francis Dade, marched out from from Fort Brooke (in what is now Tampa) to reinforce the garrison at Fort King (present day Ocala). On the sixth day of their march, the detachment was attacked by a band of Seminole Indians under the command of Chief Alligator. Only three soldiers survived the attack. So began the Second Seminole War. The war lasted seven years and resulted in almost all Seminoles being rounded up and sent to Oklahoma.


The Dade Battlefield Park site on the exact site of this battle. Each year for the past 29 years, on the first weekend after December 28, the park hosts a reenactment of the event. There are also numerous displays of historical artifacts of the period and lectures, as well as both military and Indian encampments open for public view.

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable and educational visit. I took quite a few photographs to document the event, but discarded most of the after seeing those taken by Boyd. Mine were taken with a "point and shoot" camera which is obvious when compared to Boyd's. Anyway, I hope you enjoy our efforts.

Check out Boyd's photos here.

Click here for Gunny's photos.

Also, be sure to check out J.T.'s blog.

December 26, 2009 - Polk City & San Antonio

There were only five of us gathered for our weekly ride this Boxing Day morning. The 50 degree temperature and family obligations undoubtedly contributed to the low turn out. After a good breakfast we bundled up against the cold and set out to explore the roads around Polk City.

For three of us (Boyd, J.T, and I), the cold was eased buy our new hi-viz, 3/4 length Tourmaster Transition 2 jackets. We had picked these up on sale at Champions Powersports last Saturday and they easily handled the cold, even without the zip-out quilted liner. We'll have to save those liners for sometime when it really gets cold.


Anyway, the morning ride took us east towards Polk City, then south past Lake Tennessee, between Lake Juliana and Lake Arietta then north past Little Lake Agnes.

It was about here that Robert succumbed to the cold and headed for home. The remaining four motorcycles turned east, heading over to Bay Lake and Lake Camp along Old Lake Alfred Road where we again turned north, passing Gum Lake on CR-557. We picked up Haines City/Polk City Rd. for the 5.5 mile run to the east end of Lake Lowery Road.

This is a nice piece of back country road that would appear to lend itself to some aggressive riding, but be warned. The road twists and turns through sandy highlands which results in an occasional coating of light sand on the curves. Have fun, but be vigilant.

The last leg of the morning ride took us through the University of Florida Experiment Station, then north to run across Fussell Road and finally into Polk City, some 78 miles from our starting point.

We stopped for lunch at Country Angels. This unpretentious little restaurant sits on S-33 in Polk City. You have probably passed it many times without realizing it was there, but the food is good and plentiful and worth the stop if you find yourself in the area at meal time.

After lunch, Kyle decided to head for the warmth of home while Boyd, J.T. and I continued on for the afternoon ride. Turning northwest, we headed for the hills and roadways around San Antonio. We added another 121 miles to the bikes before returning to our respective home a little after 3:00 p.m.

It was another great day with good friends, good roads, good food and great conversations. Join us next time. Also, be sure to check J.T.'s Blog. He wore out several batteries taking photos.

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Gunny