The IBA Pizza Party and a RTE too

Friday was going to be a good day. With an early departure, I would ride to Daytona Beach for a stop at Caribbean Jack's for a RTE. This was bike week in Daytona and the crowds were expected to be fairly large.
The trip was uneventful with the exception of the 40 mile detour resulting from a overturned tractor trailer on I-4. Not a huge concern as I still arrived at 11:30am. Of course, I was the last one to arrive. At least they kept a seat for me! It had been a long time since my last meal sooooo.. while everyone else was chatting, I was eating. Ray couldn't pass up the opportunity to supply photographic evidence of my eating prowess. That's Bob Moore sitting to my right.

After lunch, we headed to Jacksonville for the IBA "Pizza Party". While the annual event has outgrown it's "Pizza" heritage, the get together is still lots of fun and done in a welcoming and very informal way. Lots of MTF riders were in attendance, including Kevin Lechner, Greg Rice, Richard Buber, Barb Smith, Gregg Burger, Pat McGhie, Dan Ross, Claye Curtis, and many more. We had quite the turnout.

The dinner was a festive event and many of those attending chose to do a IB ride to the event. All were given their certificate that evening by none other than Mr. Ironbutt himself, Michael Kneebone.

After dinner, we spent some time chatting before I headed off to my hotel for some sleep. Saturday morning's departure was 8am and the ride home, about 195 miles, was quick and uneventful. Another great event and I'm looking forward to next year's get together.

Wizard's RTE @ Flora and Ella's - Labelle, FL

The Grand Wizard, aka Kevin Healey, has invited everyone to join him for PIE on Saturday! Rumor has it that Flora and Ella's little establishment in Labelle has the best pie that Florida has to offer. How can anyone not attend!

It's a short 135 mile ride from Riverview to Labelle and I departed at 9:30am; I wanted to make sure that I got there before the pie ran out. This group has a reputation of setting a time, in this case 12:00noon, arriving early, and eating all the food. I wasn't taking any chances.

The ride south was uneventful until I reached Port Charlotte. An accident on I-75 North had traffic backed up about 12 miles. Fortunately I was headed South!! All of a sudden, we were creeping along. No one could see the accident so rubbernecking was not causing the delay. Another accident?? After about three miles, the culprits were visible. Three pickup trucks towing floats were finally pulling into the weigh station. What's up with all this parade BS. Earlier in the week, it cost me the time needed to complete the Lap of Florida. This time, it was potentially impacting lunch. Argghhhhh...

Arrived at the restaurant to a parking lot full of bikes. Great turnout!!! Some of the regulars were there including Cruz'n Al, Roy, Richard, Clem and Patricia, Bill, Randy, Don, and many other MTF'rs! Chuck Gittner came too and didn't take the opportunity to remind me that he was the only one to successfully complete the Lap of Florida. Thanks Chuck!

Great food, espeicially the pie. We filled the back room with 40+ riders and passengers. Kevin had the insight to reserve the back room... it was needed!!!

After dinner, we all posed for a group picture. My little VTX became one of the highlights of the photo!!! It was then time to head out.
Two hours later, I was back in Riverview, ready for the next little excursion.

The scoot was ready to go anyway. It had been enjoying some quiet time before the crowd all ruched in!!!