July 24, 2010 - Hills of Pasco and Hernando

Nine of us met in Plant City this warm and humid Saturday morning.  To change things up a bit, we rode to the Golden Corral in Zephyrhills for breakfast.  The deserts were great but the breakfast meats cold.  Unfortunately, we did not realize that they were serving steaks for breakfast until we had already stuffed ourselves with other selections.

After breakfast, Lloyd and Bob K. headed home for what I am sure they considered to be more important duties, while the remaining seven (Bill, J.T., Eddie, Boyd, Robert, Jade and I) rode out to explore the hills and byways of Pasco and Hernando counties.

Our route took us north on Fort King to the outskirts of Dade City, then over to St. Leo and north to St. Joe where we picked up Jessamine, Clay Hill and Church Roads.  Jessamine is great for its tight turns, while Clay Hill and Church Roads have some really nice views along the rolling hills.  After picking up Powell Road to Emmerson, we turned back east for a rest stop at the Hess station at Cortez Blvd. and Spring Lake.

We were soon on our way again as riding was much cooler than standing, even in the shade.  Turning south, we headed for the wide open curves on Hayman Road.  It was then south to tight turns and shade of Bayhead Road.  Reaching Lake Iola Road, we headed for Trilby via Blanton and Trilby Roads.

The next leg took us towards home via 98, Old Lakeland, and CR-39.  Shortly after noon the group turned north on Knights-Griffin where Robert and Jade waved their goodbyes as they continuing south to Plant City.  At Charlie Taylor Road, Eddie and J.T. also turned for home.  Bill, Boyd and I continued into Lakeland where Bill headed off on his own for some personal errands while Boyd and I went over to Sky Powersports to check out their sale and dine on a free hot dog.

The weather today was very hot with only a two minute sprinkle to hinder the otherwise spectacular 120 mile ride.  Sorry there are no pictures today as I had forgotten to bring my camera and didn't to use my cell phone.

I will be leaving for Germany next Saturday and returning on August 8 so I will not be able to ride or update the blog.  Hopefully someone else will lead the next two rides.

Ride With Pride

Gunny

Pursue your dreams lest they remain only dreams.

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

July 10, 2010 - Thonotosassa Area

Six riders (J.T., Eddie, Wes, Carl, Bob K. and I) met this morning for our usual Saturday ride.  At Eddie's suggestion, all but Carl, who had just stopped by for a quick visit, rode over to Cowboy's Steakhouse and Saloon on SR-60 for breakfast.  The food was good, but the service was not, even though the place was almost empty.

During breakfast I laid out my proposal for upcoming summer rides.  That is, rides will begin as usual, but will always return us to the Plant City - Lakeland area by noon each Saturday.  The purpose being to avoid the summer weather patterns of afternoon rains and excessive heat.  That proposal was met with general agreement from those present.  Eddie did suggest that we plan some rides to included cool summer activities like tubing or canoeing.  If anyone has suggestions regarding either of these issues, please let me know.

So, today began the first edition of the summer rides.  Check out our route here.  It was about 77 miles in length and explored the area northwest of Plant City.  We hit as many tree lines roads as possible and what curves there were to be found in the area and we made it back to Plant City shortly before noon, just as the temperature broke 92 degrees.

Ride with Pride,

Gunny

June 20, 2010 - Cody, WY to Red Lodge, MT

Boyd and I started the day with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum in Cody, WY. The facility is huge and should take a full day to see completely but we were in a hurry to get to Red Lodge so we only spent a few hours looking at the exhibits. If you like firearms, this is one place you would like to see. They have over 2500 exhibits of handguns, rifles & shotguns. Very impressive. They also have extensive exhibits on the plains Indians & Bill Cody's life. Gotta go if you are ever in the area.

The ride to Red Lodge, MT is less than 70 miles. After lunch, we set up camp at the KOA then headed out to ride the Beartooth Highway. This is one of America's most scenic highways, going over the Beartooth Mountains along the route travelled by Lewis & Clark. It climbs to a height of 10,990 feet. Boyd & I made it to the first stopping point 20 miles up. Just as we pulled in we received a weather advisory predicting rain, hail & winds up to 60 mph. Choosing discretion, we headed back to Red Lodge. We did get the rain & hail on the way down, but not the high winds. That was the same system that spawned a tornado in Billings, MT later that day. We would try again tomorrow.

June 19, 2010 - Spearfish, SD to Cody, WY

Boyd and I left Spearfish this morning and headed into Wyoming an I-90.  Our first stop of the day was at the Devils Tower Monument in northeast Wyoming.  It is truly an impressive sight.  From there, we made our way back to I-90 then west to Buffalo, WY where we picked up US-16 for a ride through the Bighorn National Forest.  This ride brought us our first views of the snow capped Rocky Mountains.  It is a spectacular ride with huge vistas, sweeping curves and a few hairpin turns.  At Graybull, WY, we turned west on US-14 for the ride to Cody, WY.  Cody is extremely busy this time of year and it was with great difficulty that we found lodging.  Most motels were completely booked or had only $180 rooms available.  We finally managed to get the last avail;able spot the the local KOA.  We are keeping our fingers crossed for tomorrow as they are forecasting thunderstorms, high winds and large hail.  That should make for a great ride!

June 18, 2010 - Black Hills to Spearfish, SD

This morning we said farewell to Lloyd who headed for Great Falls, MT to see his brother.  He should rejoin us sometime next week.

Boyd and I decided to ride the Needles and US-16A again.  This time in the opposite direction.  It is still an exciting ride no matter which direction you travel.  Afterwards, we headed to Sturgis where we stopped for a beer at the Full Throttle Saloon.  This, the largest biker bar in the world, was nearly vacant having just reopened in preparation of the upcoming Sturgis Bike Rally.  Leaving Sturgis, we headed west on US-14A through Deadwood and Lead then north through the picturesque Spearfish Canyon and into Spearfish, SD were we stopped for the night.  Another great day on the road.

June 17, 2010 - Exploring the Black Hills

We left the KOA this morning and headed west into the Black Hills.  Passing through Keystone, we took the scenic US-16A, a narrow, twisting road that winds its way south and west.  It is a great piece of highway that should not be missed if you ever find yourself in the area.  We next entered Custer State Park to pick up the Needles Highway (US-87).  The road winds through the park past many beautiful valleys, hills and rock formations.  Next we headed to Custer, SD for lunch, and then up to the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Finally, we travelled to Mount Rushmore, then back to the KOA for another nights rest.

June 16, 2010 - Yankton, SD to Rapid City, SD

We needed to make up some time today due to yesterday's detours, so we headed north out of Yankton and picked up I-90.  We crossed the James River and Missouri River today.  Both were flooded, but passable.  We arrived in Rapid City late in the day and decided to take a cabin at the KOA.  It was a good decision since the evening brought severe thunderstorms and very high winds.  We later learned that several tent campers had lost their tents during the night.  Sorry for them, happy for us.

June 15, 2010 - Kansas City to Yankton, SD

We left Kansas City this morning in a light rain and headed northwest across Kansas and Nebraska via secondary roads.  The rain didn't last too long and we were soon sailing down some very scenic back roads filled with sweeping vistas and curves.  All was well until we stopped for lunch in northern Nebraska.  We learned that the Elkhorn River was flooding and crossing would be difficult.  That caused us to backtrack 30 miles before we could find a passable bridge.  We did finally get across and made our way into Yankton, SD (Cow Town, USA) where we stopped for the night.

Gunny

June 14, 2010 - Goreville, IL to Kansas City, KS

Today, we covered 418 miles today travelling from Goreville, IL to Marion, west to Chester, IL, and across the Mississippi on Route 51.  At Perrysville, MO., we picked up Missouri Route T to Hwy Oo.  Man, I wish we could tow this road back to Florida.  It is a great ride.  We eventually made it over to Route 8, stopping in Potosi for lunch.  Eventually, we worked our way over to Columbia, MO and from there via I-70 to Kansas City, KS where we have stopped for the night.  We are treating ourselves to a night at the Comfort Inn.  Back on the road early tomorrow.

June 13, 2010 - Racoon Mountain, TN to Goresville, IL

First let me explain that this blog is a day late because there was no Internet available last night.

We took some back roads this morning - US-41 from Raccoon Mountain to Murfreesboro, TN.  What a beautiful ride.  Twists and turns, over the mountains, through the woods, along and across the Tennessee River.  We were very happy we took the ride, however, it did put us a little behind schedule.  So, after lunch, we jumped on I-24 and headed west.  The first major city we hit was Nashville.  What a mess the traffic was, and on a Sunday afternoon.  I will certainly avoid Nashville n the future.  It did not help that the temperature on the Interstate was at least 10 degrees warmer than on US-41.  After cutting across the southwest corner of Kentucky, we entered Illinois.  After checking in at the Illinois welcome center, we decided to head for the Ferne Clyffe State Park near Goresville, IL, to camp for the night.  We only managed to cover about 300 miles in the heat of the day and the campground was not much cooler.  More tomorrow.

June 12, 2010 - Day One to Yellowstone

Boyd, Lloyd & I met for breakfast at 6:00 a.m.in Dade City this morning then hit the road.  We made a bee line north via I-75.  Not much to report other than hot, hot, hot.  We stopped for lunch in Perry, GA.  We stopped for the night at the Raccoon Mountain Lodge in Chattanooga, TN.  After setting up camp, had dinner and are now sitting around a campfire, courtesy of Eagle Scout Boyd.  We made 568 miles today.  Tomorrow we will hit the back roads en route to the Badlands.  Will try to get pictures tomorrow.

June 5, 2010 - Lake Panasoffkee

This morning had a very unusual and happy start.  We gathered as usual in downtown Plant City.  While waiting for the rest of the group, our good friend and riding buddy, Boyd Harrell, presented us with copies of his new book.

He then proceeded to autograph them.

Thereafter, we adjourned to Snellgroves where nine of our group enjoyed the usual breakfast and conversation. 

When it was time to go, four men and machines headed north to explored the roads between here and Lake Panasoffkee.  The route took us through Zephyrhills, where I pointed out A-Team Cycles, Inc. who had given me some good prices on motorcycle maintenance, and on to Dade City so I could show Lloyd the location of the River Road Smokehouse where we would meet next Saturday to begin our trip to Yellowstone.  Once through Dade City, the roads became more interesting with rolling green hills and extended vistas.

After a comfort stop at the Hess Station at Spring Hill and Cortez Blvd., we continued northward to Istachatta, Pineola and around the east side of Bradley Lake.  To this point the roads were fairly well known, but we soon found ourselves on some first time highway - East Trails End Rd., Withlapopka Dr. and East Gobbler Dr.  Very interesting.  I am sure we will visit them again.

We made it to Lake Panasoffkee around noon and we went first to the restaurant I had selected for the day - The Harbor Light.  The dining room there affords a great view of the lake.  Unfortunately, they have to be open to take advantage of the view.  They had apparently recently changed to summer hours and were not scheduled to open until 4:00 p.m. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)  Luckily, J.T. knew of another restaurant and soon led us back to Catfish Johnny's.

The food was decent, although Boyd was not thrilled with the grouper.  The rest of us were happy with our fare.

We soon mounted up for the return trip which was to take us across Sloan's Ridge, Lake Erie and finally Green Pond.  Before tackling Green Pond, Boyd set up his new helmet cam.  I sure hope the video came out well.  I am looking forward to seeing it.

It was an excellent day - no rain, but hot (94 degrees and humid on the way home).  I arrived home about 2:45 p.m. after covering about 180 miles.

Next week I will not be reporting on the usual Saturday rides as Boyd, Lloyd and I will be leaving on a 6,000 mile trip out to Yellowstone National Park.  Barring any technical gremlins, I will be reporting on that trip in this blog, so stay tuned.

See you soon on the highway,

"Gunny" Monroe

May 20, 2010 - Eustis, FL

The morning was warm and clear as nine riders met for breakfast in Plant City.  About 9:00 a.m., breakfast completed and goodbyes said to those remaining behind, six bikers saddled up for the day's adventure.

Today's goal was to ride to Champions Powersports for their advertised Gold Wing sale.  With that in mind, we headed to Eustis (click here for the route).  As we headed north, so did the temperature.  By the time we reached our mid-course stop in Minneola, the temperature was nearing 90 degrees and rain clouds were beginning to gather.

Boyd's and his Max

Leaving the rest stop, we again headed north on CR-561.  It began to rain lightly as we passed Sugarloaf Mountain, but it soon passed and we remained dry the rest of the way to Champions.

As we entered the parking lot, we noticed a lack of other visitors.  Surely, others should be here for this great sale - I mean 20% off all accessories ought to bring in a big crowd.  Walking into the showroom, we found the answer.  Did you know that there is another Champions Powersports?  Me, either.  Turns out the sale was the Champions in Coral, Fl.  No matter, they agreed to honor the sale price for us.  Maybe it was because we were the only ones there.

Who can identify this scooter rider?

It was lunchtime when we left Champions.  A quick discussion decided us against heading farther north to the Dam Diner because of pending rain storms.  Instead we turned back to Tavares for a stop at Billy's Cafe (1601 S. Duncan Dr. [SR-19]).  This small family restaurant has a full menu but specializes in pancakes and waffles.  Most of us enjoyed the daily special chicken salad sandwich.  Boyd was the only one smart enough to order pancakes.  Banana they were and had all of us regretting our sandwich option.  I won't make that mistake next time.

We backtracked our route to get home, intending to stop at Sugarloaf Mountain and maybe the Lakeridge Winery.  By the time we arrived at Sugarloaf we could see that we would soon be in the gathering rain.  We forgot about going to the Winery and those of us who thought to bring them donned our rain jackets for the next leg of the journey.  And the rains began before we were off the mountain.  By the time we reached Lake Minneola, the rain was coming down pretty hard and the roads were beginning to flood.  Coming in to Clermont, we ran through a puddle several inches deep covering the entire roadway.  That is when I discovered that waterproof boots cannot keep you feet dry if you splash water up your pant leg and down into the top of you boot.

By the time we reached SR-50, the thunder, lightening, cold temperatures and heavy rain convinced us it was time for a break.  We pulled under the drive through portico of a bank where we put on the remainder of our rain gear (yeah, I know, you don't need to say it) and waited for the storm to abate.

As summer storms normally do in this area, it soon let up enough to continue our trip home.  By the time we reached Polk County, the skies were clear and the streets were dry.  By the time we reached Polk City, it was again hot enough to make the rain gear uncomfortable.

All-in-all, it was a good 180 mile ride.  Boyd, Lloyd and I got to test out our rain gear before next month's trip and I found out that it was time to replace mine.  Come join us next week for another dose of friendship and highway.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

GULFPORT, FL - MAY 22, 2010

The day started out as usual with ten Blue Knights and associates meeting over breakfast at Snellgroves Restaurant in downtown Plant City.  About and hour later, full from good food and good conversation, six of the group prepared for the day's ride.

The day was already warming as we turned our motorcycles south, intending to turn the 48 mile drive to Gulfport into a 78 mile motorcycle adventure.  Click here for the entire route.

All too soon, we arrived at out first stop, the Sunshine Skyway's south rest area.  From here you are afforded an excellent view of Tampa Bay at it's mouth.

And of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge itself.

As these pictures indicate, the weather was absolutely perfect - blue skies and calm winds.  And, for Floridians, the temperature was not too bad at only 90 degrees.

While enjoying the view, we were joined by a somewhat confused Brown Pelican.

The bird may have been ill or just confused by fence and some warning tape that prevented him from flying to the water.  Fortunately, he soon decided to walk around those obstacles and found his way out.

We were soon on our way again for the six mile ride across the bridge.  Now, I have been across this bridge many times and it is always a great view of both Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.  Today, however, was probably the most spectacular view yet.  The clear blue water, cloudless blue sky and the white wakes of boats and ships out enjoying the day made for a very impressive sight.  My only regret was that I failed to have my camera out to document the view.

We next stopped at the bridge's north rest area which looks west towards Mullet Key (Ft. DeSoto) and the Gulf.  Again the view was spectacular with fishermen wading the flats and more on kayaks, as well as pleasure craft passing back and forth.  Just as importantly, this rest area is much more shaded.

If you look closely at the right side of the frame above you can just make out the disturbance in the water as a mullet is about to jump.  We were amazed to watch the ongoing display as a school of mullet and an occasional snook jumped from the water.

We were next off to Gulfport, a small picturesque community tucked in between St. Petersburg and Boca Ciega Bay.  We opted for lunch at one of our favorite eateries, O'Maddy's Bar & Grill.

After lunch, Eddie and Bob K. decided to head home while the remaining four riders headed over to Barnie's of St. Petersburg to drool over the latest offerings of motorcycles and gear.  We left with several additions to our wish lists, but no purchases.

The final leg of the day's journey began with Lloyd & J.T. looking for the fastest route home while Boyd and I continued across the Gandy Bridge to Tampa.  After a trip along Bayshore Boulevard, we turned towards home.

My route today was 144 miles of excellent roads, spectacular views, good food and great friends.  That is the reason we ride.  Come and join us for our next motorcycling adventure.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

Bayport - May 15, 2010

Boyd, Lloyd and I spent Friday night camping in Edward Medard Park in preparation for our 3 week motorcycle/camping trip later this summer.  However, that is a story for another place and time.  I mention it only by way of explaining why we were a few minutes late to the usual pre-ride breakfast at Snellgroves.  Upon arrival, we found Bill, J.T., Kent, Eddie, Robert and Bob K. already ensconced at our usual table.  We quickly joined in on the food ans conversation.

After breakfast was over, Boyd, Lloyd, J.T. and I headed headed out for the day's ride while the others went about other mundane pursuits.  The first order of the ride was to head over to Boyd's house so he could change motorcycles (he is trying to save the rubber on the V-Strom for the trip.)  We then turned towards Dade City to begin the remainder of today's route. 

After a quick comfort and gas stop at CR-52 and US-98, we headed to St. Leo and San Antonio where we picked up Pasco Road, then across 52 to Ehren Cutoff, which brought us into Land O' Lakes.  Our next leg took us into Hudson, primarily via US-41 and CR-52.  We made another quick stop at Action Honda on US-19 before heading for the salt water marshes and small towns like Lake Baywood, Aripeka, Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee Gardens.  Lloyd left the group at Action Honda to return home to greet visitors at his home in Plant City.

The remaining three made it to the Bayport Inn just about noon.  Boyd and I enjoyed the excellent fish basket while J.T. opted for a cheeseburger.  I can't speak for the cheeseburger, but the fish was excellent.

After lunch, we turned back towards Plant City, traveling two great roads, Bayhead Road and Lake Iola Road, in the process.  I arrived home about 2:30 p.m., having put another 200 miles on the Wing that day.

See you next week for another motorcycling adventure.

"Gunny" Monroe

Gander Mountain - May 9, 2010

I'm back!  I missed a week on the road while in Michigan visiting family.  I love Michigan this time of year.

This week, freshly back from Michigan, I met seven other members of our group in downtown Plant City for breakfast and a ride.  The morning weather was clear, dry and promised to be very warm, very soon.  The destination for the ride was Gander Mountain to scout for camping equipment for our upcoming motorcycle tour.The purpose of the ride, as always, was the ride itself.

When finished with breakfast, Bill, Lloyd, Eddie and I turned our motorcycles towards Lake Mary while Robert, Scott and Bob K. headed off to do something more mundane.  Today's route took us across many familiar and favorite roads until we reached Astatula where we turned east to approach Lake Mary from far less busy and more interesting roads.  Along the way, we ran across J.T. and Debbie with another group of cyclists heading to Daytona Beach.

We arrived at the Gander Mountain sometime after noon.  By then the temperature had reached 88 degrees (that would be 31+ to you, Brian).

 

Bill, Eddie & Lloyd head for the entrance (pay no attention to the UFO approaching from the upper left)

Gander Mountain is a great store for all you outdoor types and we spent over an hour inside looking at all the neat gadgets they had to offer.

 

Leaving the store, Bill decided he needed to head home as expeditiously as possible so he left the group to return on I-4. Meanwhile, Eddie, Lloyd and I backtracked our outbound route with a short detour to Mary's Kountry Kitchen near Lake Jem for lunch.  One more stop was made on the way home at the Lakeland Fun Bike Center and, as is more and more often the case, found nothing we needed to buy.

I made it home about 4:30 p.m. having covered 219 miles under warm Florida skies.  Join us next week for another adventure.

Gunny

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