July 28, 2012 - Things Learned & Remembered

Bill, Boyd and I were joined at breakfast by non-riders Robert, Kent and the long lost Bob K.  Afterwards, we tackled the ridge area of eastern Polk County.  Billy lasted about an hour before the heat of the day and the copious heat pouring from his ST convinced him that he would rather be somewhere else.

Boyd and I continued the ride, stopping at Love's at SR-559 and I-4.  Lunch was at Pappy's Grill inside the Winter Haven Airport terminal.  Boyd and I both enjoyed the bacon and bleu hamburger which proved to be an excellent choice.

After lunch, we wandered back in the general direction of North Lakeland.  By 2:00 p.m., Boyd headed for home while I returned Eddie's Vulcan.


Although the temperature climbed to 95 degrees during thew ride, it was still a good ride across good roads with good friends.  That is what it is all about.  Remember, "Not all who wander are lost."


As most readers know, I have been using Eddie's Vulcan Voyager for the past several weeks while my Burgman is being repaired (I'm told I can expect delivery of the new frame no earlier than August 22).  While I am very grateful to our brother, Eddie, for the use of his cycle, I have not been especially happy with the Voyager itself.  To be accurate, I though it was excessively heavy, hard to push over in the turns, skittish around pavement deviations, a real gas hog, the rear cylinder cooks my left leg, and the gear indicator on the 6-speed gearbox just plain lies to you.

After three Saturday rides, I have learned that it is, indeed, heavy and thirsty.  You just can't get around those facts.  I have also learned that:

1. The skittishness was largely due to an over inflated front tire (caused by a faulty air gauge) which caused it to push sideways whenever it encountered changes in the pavement.  After bleeding off 5 psi, it behaves much more gently, climbing over objects that had previously caused course deviations.

2. The handling improved greatly after I remembered a technique I used with my Gold Wing, which also had a driver's backrest.  Big machines just will not push over when the rider's back is firmly planted against the backrest.  When riding aggressively through curves and corners you have to lean forward slightly so the machine can move under you without being otherwise restricted.  It still doesn't handle like my Gold Wing or Burgman, but the Voyager does handle well for what it is.

3. The baked left leg was cured when I noticed that the left lower vent was not fully open.  You would have thought that I would have seen that two weeks ago, but, no.

Now, if I could just get the gear indicator to tell me what gear I'm really in, I might learn to really like this bike.  I know, I know.  I should be able to tell which gear I'm in without that crutch, but I'm not used to having 6 gears and I don't know the engine sounds well enough yet to figure it out.  Going into a corner in 4th when you think you are in 2nd can lead to some very interesting manuvers.

Click here for a view of todays route.

Until next time,
RIDE WITH PRIDE
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

June 21, 2012 - Minneola, FL

The ride really started yesterday when I picked up Eddie to take him for lunch at Kazbor's in Plant City.  I was happy to learn that Bill, Mike and Diane would also be joining us.  After a very pleasant meal I took Eddie back home where I again picked up his Voyager because, you guessed it, Suzuki still has no idea when I will get a frame for my banged up Burgman.

Saturday proved to be another hot day in mid-Florida as I met Bill, Boyd and Robert for breakfast.  Afterwards, Bill went on to work and Robert went home to replace a radiator on his vehicle.  That left Boyd and I as the only members of the group to ride.

With no particular destination in mind other than not going wherever we went last week, we turned north by northeast picking up some of the familiar good motorcycling roads in the area and adding a couple of new ones along the way.

After riding Swindell, Old Dade City, Lakeland Acres and Sherrouse, we headed for our first gasoline and comfort stop at the Chevron station at US-98 and Rockridge.  Gasoline was important at this stop as I had tried to stretch the Voyager's capacity too far last week and I knew that fuel opportunities would be few on the backroads we were heading towards.

The next leg of the ride took us to Rockridge/Green Pond, Lake Erie, Sloan's Ridge, Tuscanooga, 702/Youth Camp and across to US-27.  We then made a run down 27 to Minneola for lunch at the Minneola Inn (I had considered the Tiki Bar but declined outside dining as it was approaching 95 degrees by then).

The Minneola Inn sits inconspicuously on the corner of US-27 and Old Hwy 50.  It is easy to miss, but well worth the effort to locate.  Boyd and I sampled their daily specials - Mile High Meatloaf and French Dip, respectively.  We were both very pleased with our meals.  Every time I stop here, I tell myself that the next time, I will start with desert since their pies and cakes are all homemade and excellent.  Unfortunately, I never remember that until I have ordered my meal and I am always too full afterwards.  Someday there will be a piece of Hummingbird cake with my name on it.

It was nearly 1:00 pm by the time we were back on the road so we picked up CR-561 and headed back to Lakeland so Boyd could make good on his promise to be home by 2:00 pm.  After leaving Boyd, I returned the Voyager to Eddie with 175 new miles on it.

It was another great, albeit hot, day on the central Florida highways.  You can check out our entire route by clicking on: today's route.

Hope to see you next week.  In the meantime,

RIDE WITH PRIDE.

Glenn" Gunny" Monroe

July 14, 2012 - Istachatta

For the first time in almost six weeks, I was back on two wheels.  Unfortunately, they were not my wheels.  After first sending the wrong frame, Suzuki USA has found that they do not have a single appropriate frame anywhere in the USA.  Seems like I will have to wait for one to be manufactured and shipped from Japan.  Thankfully, Eddie loaned the use of his Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager to me for the day.

Today, Kent, Boyd Bill and I met for breakfast in Plant City at 0800 today (Robert made a quick stop to say hello on his way to a call out).  After the usual banter and breakfast, Kent headed off for other duties while Bill, Boyd and I turned our machines north.

Click here for today's route.

After a quick stop for gas, we headed towards Zephyrhills, Dade City and St. Leo to pay homage to the great motorcycle roads in the area.  We eventually made it to our first rest stop near Hill 'N Dale.  We then headed over to Istachatta and Pineola.  While there may not be much commerce in these villages, the road through them is interesting and the scenery is very much Old Florida.  From there, we decided to beat feet to Tampa so Bill could check out Cycle Gear for some new boots.  Be sure to check Bill's blog for more on this ride and a few of his pics.

I returned home around 1400 after logging 187 miles on Eddies Voyager.  It was great to be back on two wheels again.  Hopefully my Burgman will be ready soon.  Until that happens, the Voyager may become my new nest friend.  See you soon and


Ride with Pride


Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

July 7, 2012

There were six of us at breakfast this morning, but only Bill and Boyd were riding.  Unfortunately, my Burgman is still in the shop lacking the required new frame, Eddie is still sidelined with his broken neck and Robert left early to go to work.

For info on today's ride, please go to The Navigator's Rides.

June 17, 2012 - Why A.T.G.A.T.T.?

Thought i would share a couple of pictures of my helmet and boots after my incident on the 1st of this month.

The picture above shows the scar on the right rear of my helmet.  I am not a doctor, but I am sure that it saved me from severe head trauma.  I never knew that my head hit the roadway until I looked that the damaged helmet afterwards.

This shows the damage to my right riding boot.  The leather on the toe is worn down to the hardened toe box.

Finally, see the damage to the heel box and the ankle protection.

Thank God for good protective gear.

Ride with Pride and ride with protection.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

June 16, 2012 - We Gather Once Again

This will be a very short entry as I am still without a motorcycle after accident on June 1st.  Do not fear, however.  The insurance company has come through.  New riding gear for me and replacement parts for the cycle have been ordered.  With luck, I will be riding again next weekend.

As for the rest of the group, nine of us gathered for breakfast at Snellgrove's Restaurant in Plant City for breakfast today.  The group included Bill, Boyd, J.T., Robert, Carl, Scott, Marlena, Eddie and myself.  We were happy to have Carl and Scott join us after long absences   We were especially glad that that busted up old provocateur, Eddie, sporting a neck brace to support his broken cervical vertebra could join us.  Heal quickly, my friend.

For a variety of reasons, only three of the group (J.T., Boyd & Scott) took advantage of the beautiful central Florida weather to ride today.  As I was not along to report on the ride, I invite one of the three to send me an account of the day's adventure.

Until next week,
RIDE WITH PRIDE


Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

Update:  J.T. reported that he, Boyd and Scott had a 45 mile ride around eastern Hillsborough and western Polk Counties, with Scott dropping out after about 30 miles.  J.T. and Boyd eventually made it over to Fun Bike Center in Lakeland to take in their Fathers Day events.  They both took adantage of the sale prices to purchase new riding boots - Joe Rocket Sonic R's.

Boyd also got a sale priced oil change on his green monster.

June 5, 2012 - Day 5 - Hendersonville

On this rainy morning, Lloyd and I headed for Hendersonville, NC so I could look over the facilities at the Hendersonville Shuffleboard Club where I will be directing a national tournament in September.

Leaving Hendersonville, Lloyd and I returned to Sylva via US 64 and US 126.  We made a short stop at Looking Glass Waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest.

Lloyd and Looking Glass

After lunch in Sylva, we headed back to the motel for a rest.

Meanwhile, Bill, Boyd and Bryan headed off on a seperate run down to Dillard, GA, Highlands, NC, Bridal Veil Falls, and Franklin, NC.  Click here for Bill's Route.

All riders gathered at the cabin on Herron Branch Road for dinner that night.  It was then that we learned that Eddie was hurting too badly from his earlier tractor crash to continue the trip any longer and would be returning to Plant City in the morning.  Bill decided that it was best to close the cabin and return as well.  Boyd was already scheduled to return to Florida on the 6th for business.  As Lloyd had learned that one of his prized birds had escaped from home, he, too was anxious to return home to help with the search.  With that in mind, I also decided to return to Florida in the morning.  Bryan decided he would stay on in his campsite for the present.  By the way, we have since learned that Eddie had suffered a broken neck during the aforementioned accident.  He's one tough old bird!

June 4 - Day 4 - The Tail of the Dragon & Cherohala Skyway

We all gathered in Dillsboro again this morning.  As it was threatening rain, we headed straight to Deals Gap to tackle the Tail of the Dragon before the pavement became too wet to ride the beast.

View of Fontana Lake from NC 28.

After a quick stop at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort,

Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap

we made or first run of the day on The Dragon (US 129).  We stopped at the overlook at Calderwood Dam Road, then made the run back to Deal's Gap.

After a short stop, we headed for Robbinsville, NC via US 129, where we stopped for lunch.  We were soon on the road again, this time headed for the Cherohala Skyway.

Shute Cove from The Cherohala

Lloyd at Shute Cove.

We followed the Cherohala all the way to Tellico Plains, TN.  From there, we navigated up TN 360 to Chilhowee Lake where we followed TN 72 across the northern shore, back to US 29.  As the Dragon now stood between us and home, we were forced to make one more run across its 318 curves to pickup NC 28 and the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway back to Sylva.

We travelled 263 miles across some of the finest motorcycle roads in the U.S. and the rain held off until we we almost back to Sylva.  Another great day.  Click here for a map of the route.

June 3, 2012 - Day 3 - Bat Cave and Beyond

Today, the group met at the Huddle House in Dillsboro before heading east towards Asheville via I-40 (very boring, but necessary if we were to have time exploring the amazing roads in that area).  Click Here for the day's route.

We finally arrived on NC 151 which starts out with gentle sweepers that become increasingly tight.  The last few miles of the climb up to The Blue Ridge Parkway are very tight and challenging.

Boyd, Lloyd, Bill and Bryan along NC 151

Reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway, we turned north towards Asheville.  We made a quick stop at the French Broad Overlook while Billy backtracked to get some long range photos of the Biltmore Mansion sitting on a hill across the French Broad River.

Just southeast of Asheville, we picked up US 74A for a run over to Bat Cave, NC where we visited the Old Cider Mill.

Unfortunately, we were too early in the season for cider, but the beef jerky is excellent.

We next trekked up NC 9 to US 70, then on to NC 80 where we made a quick lunch stop at the ice cream shop.

The run up NC 80 to the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the great rides anywhere.  From the bottom, it starts out with some gentle sweepers, but quickly changes to a monster.  At the southwestern tip of Lake Tahoma lives the first tight turn - a decreasing radius right that will bite you if you are not prepared.  In keeping with my policy of not naming those who commit unforced errors, the member of our group who claims a naked woman jumped out in front of his bike as he attempted to negotiate this curve shall remain nameless.  Suffice it to say that he is okay, although his machine had to be retrieved from a vegetation filled ravine on the opposite side of the roadway.  After a few roadside repairs, he was able to continue riding.

The Eastern Continental Divide where NC 80 meets the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Following the Blue Ridge Parkway back to Asheville, we made one stop for a few photos.

Once back to Asheville, we grabbed the expressways for a fast return to Sylva, 223 miles from our start.

June 2, 2012 - Day 2 - Sylva, NC

This morning Lloyd, Bryan and I left Dawsonville, GA, heading for Sylva, NC. The 115 mile journey northeast was fairly uneventful. Just before Sylva, Bryan broke off to find his camping site while Lloyd and I continued on to the Sylva Inn.

After dropping off our gear, we headed to meet the rest of the group for lunch 50 miles away at Hawg Wild BBQ in Pisgah Forest, NC. The route there down US 126 is one of the area's great rides. We arrived as the rest of the group, i.e., Bill, Boyd, Eddie, Danny and Kim. Unfortunately J.T. had become separated from the group and chose to head off on his own rather than rejoin the group.

After lunch, Billy led us on one of signature rides to nowhere on some of the area's more dramatic roads, including NC 178, NC 215, Charlys Creek Rd. and NC 281.  Click here for the entire route.

Lloyd, Bill, Boyd & Bryan at Charlys Creek Rd. & NC 281

My motorcycle substitute in front of a country church.

Where ya headed, Boyd?

June 1, 2012 - The Journey Begins - ATGATT

Today was the start of our 10-day adventure into the North Carolina mountains. While Eddie and Danny trailered their cycles, Bill, Boyd, J.T. And I gathered to ride our cycles north.

It was raining as we left Hillsborough County in rush hour traffic. We were soon north of Tampa on I-75, rejoicing that the rain had let up, when a car came down the entrance ramp and broadsided my Suzuki. The bike and I went down, sliding on our right sides across the highway. I came to a stop about 150 feet later.

Getting up, I found that my rainwear was in tatters and my full face Shoei, armored jacket and pants, and riding boots had all sustained damage. I, on the other hand, was unhurt, not even a road rash. I was very thankful to be a firm believer in A.T.G.A.T.T. - all the gear, all the time!

After righting the Burgy, being checked out by E.M.S. and filing the obligatory accident report, I was able ride the bike back to Lakeland for repairs, pick up my car and continue the journey north without further incident.
As my wife observed, this will be my first motorcycle trip in a car, but it should still be fun in my CLK320 Cabriolet.

BTW, all parties have arrived safely.

Watch for further update on the ride.

Ride With Pride
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 26, 2012 - Eustis

Maybe it was my fault. After all, I did say last week that there would be no ride today. But Billy's plans changed and the ride was back on. That probably accounts for the fact that only three riders showed up this morning. Boyd, J.T. and I stopped for a quick breakfast at Snellgroves before heading out for the day's ride.

Having no set destination in mind, I queried Boyd and J.T. regarding their preferred destinations and routes.  Receiving the anticipated reply, "I don't care, as long as the wheels are rolling," we turned away from the coast and it's anticipated Memorial weekend crowds and headed northeast.  After wandering across some of the better local roads, I recalled that I was in need of new rain pants before our upcoming trip to North Carolina.  With that in mind, I started headed the group towards Eustis and Champion Powersports via a circuitous route (click here to see the route.)

We arrived at Champions around noon (I told you it was a circuitous route).  The first thing we noticed was that their sales floor was unusually crowded with both new and used stock.  If you are looking for a Burgman 650, they have a used one with a Givi box and less than 2,000 miles and new ones at 0% interest.  Where were those deals when I bought my Burgy?  I was also lucky enough to find Frogg Togg rain pants on sale for under $20.  Boyd and I also picked up new gloves - waterproof mesh Tourmasters.  The waterproof liner reduces the effectiveness of the the mesh, but they are still cooler than my waterproof leather winter gloves.  The fact that the temperature was, by then, in the 90's may also have contributed to the lack of cooling.

Leaving Champions, we headed for lunch at nearby Billy's Cafe in Tavares.  The food was excellent, as usual, although, much to J.T.'s chagrin, I ordered the last of the coleslaw to accompany my tuna melt.  It was really good, too, J.T.

From Billy's, we turned towards home across CR-561 and Green Pond.

We covered 181 miles today under partly cloudy skies and very warm afternoon temperatures.

Next Friday, I will be riding to north Georgia to meet up with Lloyd and Bryan as they return from a quick trip to Missouri.  On Saturday, we will ride to Sylva, N.C. to meet up with the rest of our group for a week of riding the great roads western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Until then,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 19, 2012 - Back to the Ridge

Seven members of our group met for breakfast in Plant City this morning, including Bryan Bergau who, astonishingly, had laid out some cash for V-Strom farkle.

Good looking GPS

Adjustable Windshield

Crash Bars

I neglected to get a picture of the new V-Strom carbon fiber tank protector.  Way to go, Bryan.  Looking good!

After breakfast, J.T., Bryan, Boyd and I headed out for the morning's ride while Bill, Eddie and Robert headed off for more mundane tasks.  As the day was threatening afternoon thunderstorms (it is summer in Florida, after all) we decided to keep the ride short and close to home.  After supplying the others with a couple of options, we set out for the ridge country east of Polk City.  

Click here to view the route.

After enjoying some of the best roads in the area, we headed over to the Fantasy of Flight and the Compass Rose Restaurant for lunch before heading for home.

Although the ride was only 110 miles, it was still a great ride over some of my favorite local roads.  The rain held off until we were home but, by ride's end, the temperature had risen to 97 degrees.  Another good reason for a short ride.  Hopefully next Saturday will be a little cooler as we are forgoing the ride to help Billy with some yard work before our next trip.

On June first we will be leaving for a 10 day ride into and around North Carolina.  I will, hopefully, send some posts from the ride but WiFi availability will be sparse in the mountains.

Until then, RIDE WITH PRIDE.
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

May 12, 2012 - Floral City

It was another great day in central Florida, albeit lovebug season.  Bill, Boyd, Eddie, J.T. and I met for breakfast at Snellgroves before starting today's journey.  All five started the ride knowing that Bill, Eddie and J.T. would only ride until noon.  With that in mind, we headed for our first destination - the San Ann Market in San Antonio, FL.

Click here for the full route.

San Ann Patio

After a pleasant break and conversation of their patio, we headed north to pickup Jesamine Road for the first twisties of the day.  We all made it through safely, but one was reminded that brakes and road paint can make for a squirrely ride.  Reaching the end of Jesamine Rd., Bill, Eddie and J.T. decided that they would turn around and head back to Plant City.

Meanwhile, Boyd and I continued on with the ride across Bayhead, Hayman, Wellesley and Istachatta Roads.

Boyd's new green monster

Arriving in Floral City, we stopped at the Shamrock Inn for an enjoyable lunch.  While there, I witnessed a classic example of role reversal as three bikers, two men and a woman, entered the restaurant and took seats at a table near us.  One man announced that he going to wash his hands.  The second man responded, "Me, too."  The woman, however, merely raised her hand to her face, sniffed the fingers, shrugged and remained seated.  Classic.  Luckily, I was able to restrain my laughter until we were outside.

Leaving Floral City, we decided to take the long way back to Lakeland.  We headed south and east across the back roads to Webster, then over to Center Hill, where we turned south to pick up Sloan's Ridge, South Bay Lake and Lake Erie.  From there we headed south to Green Pond, then on home.

Photo borrowed from Boyd.  Hope you don't mind.

It was a great ride, but, as I mentioned in the beginning, it is lovebug season in central Florida as you can see by Boyd's helmet.  Boyd and I covered about 181 miles on this ride.  It took another hour after getting home to debug the helmet and motorcycle.

Ride safely, and as always, Ride with Pride.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

April 28, 2012 - Ft. Meade

I was pleasantly surprised when I rolled into the parking lot in Plant City this morning to see so many bikes lined up.  Bill, Eddie, J.T., Kent, Bryan, Robert and, another shock, Greg Horn, were all waiting when I arrived.

During breakfast, Greg regaled us with his accounts of life in the Philippines, where he and his wife had been residing for the past six months.  Suffice it to say, it is extremely primitive by U.S. standards.

After breakfast Kent, Robert and Greg left for other duties while the remainder prepared for the day's ride.  Expecting temperatures to be in the low nineties by noon, we decided on a short summer ride.  Turning south, we headed towards Ft, Meade.

Click here for turn-by-turn directions.

Along the way, we passed through Hopewell, Keysville, my favorite section of old Florida along Jameson Road.

After a short break, we headed for Ft. Lonesome, Bethlehem, then Brewster.  From there we headed across Agricola Mine Road then on to Ft. Meade for a pit stop.

After a trip throughout the orange groves on Lake Hendrie Road, we all turned towards home.

After about 125 miles, I arrived home shortly after noon.  I was another nice morning ride through central Florida.  See you next time.  Until then...

Ride with Pride,

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

April 21, 2012 - Welcome Back Bryan!

There was a small group gathered for breakfast in Plant City this morning when an old friend and former member, Bryan Bergau, walked into the restaurant and joined our table. We haven't seen much of Bryan since he retired from PCPD and took up truck driving. We were all catching up when Bill asked Bryan if he had given any consideration to riding again. We were surprised, nay, shocked, when Bryan reached into his pocket to retrieve a set of motorcycle keys.  Knowing his frugal nature, we assumed it would be a used bike of some kind. We had misjudged him.  The new machine turned out to be a 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Adventure.

J.T., Bill & Brian look over the new V-Strom

Shortly thereafter, Bryan, J.T. and I set off on a break-in cruise.  As the weather was threatening, we decided to keep fairly close to home as we accustomed Bryan to riding his V-Strom through the curves.  With that in mind, we headed to the ridge area of eastern Polk County.

Click on the map for full directions.

Although we have been in the area many times recently, this route provides the best area close to home to get a good variety of curves, including a few of the decreasing radius variety.

Noontime found us near The Fantasy of Flight so we headed to the Compass Rose Restaurant for lunch.  Here, Bryan saw the Wing Walk Air for the first time.  Bill, you may have found someone to join you on this.

Click the link above to see pictures and videos of this contraption.

After lunch, we checked the weather radar.  Seeing that heavy thunderstorms were moving onshore from the Gulf of Mexico, we decided to call it a day and head for home.

It was another great day two-wheeling around central Florida, especially since Bryan was back with us.  See you all next time.

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

RIDE WITH PRIDE

March 24, 2012 - Return to Old Lake Alfred

As usual, the group met in Plant City at 8:00 a.m. this Saturday morning.  Unusually, there were only four of us present - Bill, J.T., Robert and I.  Boyd was off to the Great Kitten Rescue in Jacksonville.  Eddie was cooking a pig for a family function.  I don't really know where the rest of the group was.  Perhaps the forecast of afternoon showers and the heavy morning fog kept them from riding.  At any rate, the four of us enjoyed a good breakfast with conversation centered around our two pending trips to the mountains in June and October.

Leaving the restaurant, we discussed possible destinations for the day.  The only clear preference came from Bill who wanted to try to get some video of Old Lake Alfred Road.  With that in mind, we headed towards Lake Alfred and Polk City areas in eastern Polk County.

Our route took us over to Lakeland, around Lake Parker, to the edge of Polk City.  From there we headed towards our destination via Mt. Olive, Old Berkley and Gapway.  Deciding to start from the south end of Old Lake Alfred, I led the group east across Lake Mattie Rd. to Adams Barn Rd. and from there to Cass Rd. which runs into the southern end of our destination.

Now, I had been down Cass Rd. several times before but never with this group of riders.  It is only a mile and a half long, but it may be the best mile and a half of motorcycle road in central Florida as it twists along the north shore of Lake Griffin.  If you check it out on our route map, be sure to view it in satellite or Earth mode to get a better perspective.

Reaching Old Lake Alfred Rd., we stopped to allow Bill to attach his video camera to his new spring loaded universal Ram mount.  We then set off to ride up and down this great piece of Florida highway.  Upon arriving back at Cass Rd., Bill decided to video that as well.  So, off we went for a round trip of those curves.

From there, we set off for a trip across Lake Lowery Rd. in the agricultural highlands of eastern Polk County.  Lots of twists and turns here, also, but be careful of the occasional sand patches dragged onto the roadway by farm equipment.

We then doubled back along Old Polk City Rd., then back to CR-557A for one more trip down Old Lake Alfred and Cass Rds. before heading for lunch in the Compass Rose Restaurant at Fantasy of Flight.  I had hoped to include a piece of Bill's video here, but when we checked out what was recored, we discovered that the new mount did not provide a stable enough platform for the video camera.  The footage looked like it had been shot under water.  Bill promises he'll get some better video of the area in the future.

From there, it was every man for himself as we all headed off for afternoon committments. 

The GPS tells me that I only covered 109 miles today, but it was a great ride with good friends as we pitted ourselves and our machines against some of the best roads in the area.  See you next time.  Meanwhile,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

March 10, 2012 - A Polk County Tour

Our breakfast table was graced this morning by the presence of Eddie's bride, Marlena, who endured the table chatter from Eddie, Bill, Boyd, Robert, J.T. and me.  Afterwards, Marlena and Robert headed elsewhere as the rest prepared to ride.

With no destination in mind (other than Bill's plea to avoid CR-39), we headed off into the mist.  Our travels eventually took us east into Polk County in search of a few twists and turns.

Northern Polk County

Along the way, we travelled some of the area's more interesting roads, including W. Socrum Loop, Tom Costine, Olk Polk City, Old Berkley and Gapway.

Turning north on FL-559, we headed for our first stop at Love's Polk City Truck Stop.  There, we met a couple from Sarnia, Ontario.  He was very taken with my Burgman 650.  He told us about his experience riding one up home.  It seems that his riding buddies made him feel his Burgman was less than adequate.  As a result, he sold his Burgman, bought a Suzuki M109, quickly became dissatisfied with the bigger machine and returned to riding another Burgman.  Not an unusual story.

Leaving Love's, we headed over to Fantasy of Flight to see if they had anything new on the flight line.  Unfortunately, they did not.

The group headed east to pick up Old Lake Alfred Rd., a one-lane gem twisting through the lakes and orange groves of the ridge country.  From there, we headed over to Lake Lowery Rd., another ridge area beauty.

After arriving at US-27, we turned towards Winter Haven for a another break.  This time, at Honda of Winter Haven.  After purchasing a few small items and dusting the seats of several new machines, we turned west, heading for Lakeland.

About 1:00 p.m., we arrived at Lakeland Lindner Regional Airport for lunch at Earhart's Runway Grill.  As usual, the food was very good and it is hard to beat the panoramic view of the flight line.
After lunch, the group broke up with each heading to their own private destinations.
It was another great day of riding good roads with good weather and great friends.  I clocked 120 miles on the Burgman and stored away many good memories.
See you next time.
Meanwhile, RIDE WITH PRIDE.
Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

February 18, 2012 - Inverness

Heavy fog greeted us as we met for breakfast in Plant City this morning.  However, the weather-guesser promised that it would burn off by the time we were done with breakfast.  Wrong, again.

The plan for today was to ride up to Inverness to check on the progress of turning Eddie's old GL1800 into a new California Sidecar Trike.  With that in mind, Eddie, Bill, J.T. Boyd and I turned north into the fog.

After passing through Zephyrhills, we made a quick stop at San Antonio's San Ann Market.  Leaving San Antonio, we rode north on some of the best roads in the area - Jessamine, Clay Hill/Church, Weatherly, CR-439 (Istachatta/Ling), and finally into Invesness on US-41.  By the time we reached Spring Lake and Cortez, the sun had finally come out.

At Trikes by Design, we found Eddie's new trike almost completed.  He should be riding it home sometime next week.  Believe me, he is very excited.

Looks good and they did a great job of matching the paint.

While we were there, we took the opportunity to look through their accessories store.  Good selection and excellent prices.

Leaving Trikes by Design, we headed back to Floral City for a little lunch at The Shamrock Inn.  Did I say a "little" lunch? The portions were huge.  A regular burger is 8 oz., while then Shamrock Burger (Boyd & J.T.'s choice) is a full 12 oz. of beef.  Bill and I enjoyed excellent salads while Eddie kept looking at everyone else's lunch and mumbling, "Looks like I made the worse choice."  Oh, by the way, they do serve a large selection of beer.  Eddie made the mistake of asking a redheaded, Irish waitress if they had beer.  Long story short, they do.

After lunch we headed back towards Plant City, this time taking in all of Istachatta Road.  By then, it was starting to look like rain so we pretty much beat feet back to Plant City via US-301, Old Laklenad Hwy. and CR-39.

All-in-all, it was a great ride with good friends, covering about 150 miles of highway on a pleasant Florida day.

Until next time,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

Glenn "Gunny" Monroe

February 4, 2012 - Off to Eustis

Attendance was a little light at breakfast today.  J.T., Kent, Boyd and I were the only ones gathered in front of The Whistle Stop to enjoy the aroma of Jerry's baking bread.  After breakfast at Snellgrove's, Kent headed off for other duties while J.T., Boyd and I prepared for the day's ride.

Our first destination today was Shoot Straight, Lakeland, where we perused their offerings with great care.  If you ever make it over there, be sure to check out their Custom and Collectible cabinet. After wiping the drool off the display cases, we were back on the road.

The next destination was Champions Powersports in Eustis.  Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it is also an excellent ride.

While at Champions, J.T. went to check on new tires for the Wing, Boyd checked out the new Ninja, and I checked out a new helmet.  I love the quick connect chinstraps on my Nolan helmets, but they are very noisy.  I guess I didn't notice the wind noise too much behind thew larger windscreen of the Wing with music playing in my ears, but now it has become very distracting.  I soon concluded that the helmet for me was a Shoei Qwest Overt TC-3.

Sadly, the only one of this new model they had in stock was awaiting pickup by another customer.  Mine should be here sometime next week.  Thankfully, it was on sale.  J.T and Boyd had less success as the tires were too dear and the salesman made the mistake of thinking that Boyd was not a serious customer.

By now it was nearing 1:00 P.M. and was time for lunch.  We headed for Billy's Cafe in Tavares where the food is excellent and the prices moderate.

After lunch, we headed for home via CR-561 and Green Pond Road.

It was about 165 miles of decent roads and glorious Florida weather,  Come join us next time.  Meanwhile,

RIDE WITH PRIDE

"Gunny"