Seems being back in retail has put a crimp in the holiday spirit. Off to Miami again. A nice 300 mile ride is in the works. For once arrival time doesn't matter as long as it's today!
Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this and ride safe!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Florida Coast 2 Coast - 2009
2009 was to be the year off. Cruz'n Al had been planning these for a couple of years and wanted a much needed and deserved break. But three weeks ago, and at the urging of many riders, Al decided to resurrect the 2007 ride as a "re-do". Not much participation was expected with so little notice.
The 2007 ride was a no-go for me. My right leg was in a cast and my "wheels" were attached to a chair! Not much fun. I did attend the start and wished the riders a safe ride. This time, James and I would participate.
An early morning arrival and temps in the high 50's! A bit cool for us Florida folks but the forecast was for temperatures in the mid-eighties and no chance of rain!! Ker's Winghouse was again the launch point.
When we arrived, a few bikes were there... most of the manufacturers were proudly represented. We saw Gold Wings and ST's; BMW GS and RT models, the Vstrom crowd was in force; and there was a nice mix of FJR's, Kawasaki's, and Harley Davidson.
Lots of new faces were present but many of the veterans were back again....we don't seem to learn! :-)
David Gillispee was there for his first go round with Al's scenic routes. Here is his getting briefed by Joe! Plotting the route in the GPS is a worthwhile exercise. Of course, many of the roads are on in Al's database!!!
Richard Buber came on "Old Wing" this year. Many of the bikes that he usually brings to the back roads challenge were just not ready for a 300 mile round trip from the east coast on such short notice.
However, keeping with tradition, it was still Richard who walked away with the "oldest" bike award.
I wonder if he was screening the entries? Hmmmm... is that why he volunteered for the sign in duties?
We were off at 8:30am and found our way along the roads of Central Florida. Lunch was at the Lake Harris Hideaway. As usual, the food was excellent.
The camera was left in the saddlebag but I've already seen postings. I bet I can "borrow" a pic or two!
The second leg started off well. We followed Joe and Larry. When James discovered that they had missed a turn, we found ourselves in front and James was again navigating!
A few miles down the road and the "happening" occurred once again. For the third consecutive time (in other words...every ride so far), James had to report that the route list had blown out of his hands!! Oops. Thankfully Joe had another copy.
We led for some time and were doing fine. Then "we" missed a turn. Hmmm...no one behind us. What happened? Then the phone rang. And it rang again. Two locations needed assistance. One was a phone call; the other needed in person help. How convenient... the store I needed to visit was in Daytona, a short 25 miles away.
We changed out route to a direct shot to the Volusia Mall. I dealt with the issues and then we headed to the Best Western in Ormand Beach for the evening festivities. Dinner found us at the "European Cafe"; a German cuisine. James is not one for meat in any form but he ate some of the chicken. I convinced him to try the Schnitzel. Mine was cooked and wrapped in a potato pancake. I got away with the experiment until he found some "chewy" potato.
Back to poolside for a short nap and awards. I was asked to speak to the ride and how much enjoyment we had over the previous years. James won the "Youngest" participant for the second time!
At the completion of the ceremony, we were supposed to head back to Riverview. James had not worn his overpants and was cold.... result? A night at the Best Western!
We saw Barb off to Texas and we mounted the VTX for the short 150 mile ride home. The weather was nice and warm. Arriving at 12:30pm, I headed for the shower....an unplanned stop the evening before.... you get the idea.
It was then that I realized...no pics other than the start. Geez! Next time!!!
The 2007 ride was a no-go for me. My right leg was in a cast and my "wheels" were attached to a chair! Not much fun. I did attend the start and wished the riders a safe ride. This time, James and I would participate.
An early morning arrival and temps in the high 50's! A bit cool for us Florida folks but the forecast was for temperatures in the mid-eighties and no chance of rain!! Ker's Winghouse was again the launch point.
When we arrived, a few bikes were there... most of the manufacturers were proudly represented. We saw Gold Wings and ST's; BMW GS and RT models, the Vstrom crowd was in force; and there was a nice mix of FJR's, Kawasaki's, and Harley Davidson.
Lots of new faces were present but many of the veterans were back again....we don't seem to learn! :-)David Gillispee was there for his first go round with Al's scenic routes. Here is his getting briefed by Joe! Plotting the route in the GPS is a worthwhile exercise. Of course, many of the roads are on in Al's database!!!
Richard Buber came on "Old Wing" this year. Many of the bikes that he usually brings to the back roads challenge were just not ready for a 300 mile round trip from the east coast on such short notice.However, keeping with tradition, it was still Richard who walked away with the "oldest" bike award.
I wonder if he was screening the entries? Hmmmm... is that why he volunteered for the sign in duties?
We were off at 8:30am and found our way along the roads of Central Florida. Lunch was at the Lake Harris Hideaway. As usual, the food was excellent.
The camera was left in the saddlebag but I've already seen postings. I bet I can "borrow" a pic or two!
The second leg started off well. We followed Joe and Larry. When James discovered that they had missed a turn, we found ourselves in front and James was again navigating!
A few miles down the road and the "happening" occurred once again. For the third consecutive time (in other words...every ride so far), James had to report that the route list had blown out of his hands!! Oops. Thankfully Joe had another copy.
We led for some time and were doing fine. Then "we" missed a turn. Hmmm...no one behind us. What happened? Then the phone rang. And it rang again. Two locations needed assistance. One was a phone call; the other needed in person help. How convenient... the store I needed to visit was in Daytona, a short 25 miles away.
We changed out route to a direct shot to the Volusia Mall. I dealt with the issues and then we headed to the Best Western in Ormand Beach for the evening festivities. Dinner found us at the "European Cafe"; a German cuisine. James is not one for meat in any form but he ate some of the chicken. I convinced him to try the Schnitzel. Mine was cooked and wrapped in a potato pancake. I got away with the experiment until he found some "chewy" potato.
Back to poolside for a short nap and awards. I was asked to speak to the ride and how much enjoyment we had over the previous years. James won the "Youngest" participant for the second time!
At the completion of the ceremony, we were supposed to head back to Riverview. James had not worn his overpants and was cold.... result? A night at the Best Western!
We saw Barb off to Texas and we mounted the VTX for the short 150 mile ride home. The weather was nice and warm. Arriving at 12:30pm, I headed for the shower....an unplanned stop the evening before.... you get the idea.
It was then that I realized...no pics other than the start. Geez! Next time!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Daytona preparation
It's but a week away... Biketoberfest and the MTF Ride to Eat in Daytona. As chance would have it, I need to do a store visit in Daytona on Friday; how convenient!
Scheduled maintenance was just completed and I am good to go for another 4000 mile... about a month. This week will find me in Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port Richey, and finally Daytona.
Pictures and the story are coming on Friday!
Scheduled maintenance was just completed and I am good to go for another 4000 mile... about a month. This week will find me in Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port Richey, and finally Daytona.
Pictures and the story are coming on Friday!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
A day of reflections...
Friday evening - September 18 - 9:00pm. At that very moment it was 11:00am, September 19 in Cooroy, Australia. The funeral service for David "Davo" Jones was scheduled to begin.
I'm sure that the FarRiders were there in force to bid farewell to their fallen founder/leader. Many of Davo's friends from the U.S. were riding or finding other ways to pay tribute to our friend.
I chose to find a quiet place and reflect. The first connection... the IBA forum. Davo is congratulating me for my Saddlesore 1000 and a promise of a beer.
Many times we exchanged commentary through the various forums, IBA,, Motorcycle Tourers Forum (MTF), and eventually Facebook! I read through a few and had a few laughs! Especially while reading those that asked "why are you on the computer and not riding!" Good question!!!
I got that beer in Spartanburg. I heard something about the promise for the beer being IN Australia. Nonetheless, I collected in spite ot the minimal, laugh filled protest!!!!
We had a couple of nice conversations over the two days before the IBR start. Davo loved to talk motorcycles...he loved talking of his home and family even more.
The FarRider forum has had some postings pertaining to the funeral but it was to early to expect other than a quick note. I'm sure that once everyone gets back to their homes, more will follow. There was one picture of the hearse with the casket in the back. It is still hard to believe that the friend we all met in Spartanburg was now on his final trip on this earth.
FarRiders will continue because Davo created an organization that would outlive him. HE never intended to turn over the reigns this early but many have stepped up to ensure that his vision continued.
Davo will also always be a part of the MTF, the IBA, and many other groups that he touched. He is in a better place and can ride where we could only dream.
I'm sure that the FarRiders were there in force to bid farewell to their fallen founder/leader. Many of Davo's friends from the U.S. were riding or finding other ways to pay tribute to our friend.
I chose to find a quiet place and reflect. The first connection... the IBA forum. Davo is congratulating me for my Saddlesore 1000 and a promise of a beer.
Many times we exchanged commentary through the various forums, IBA,, Motorcycle Tourers Forum (MTF), and eventually Facebook! I read through a few and had a few laughs! Especially while reading those that asked "why are you on the computer and not riding!" Good question!!!
I got that beer in Spartanburg. I heard something about the promise for the beer being IN Australia. Nonetheless, I collected in spite ot the minimal, laugh filled protest!!!!
We had a couple of nice conversations over the two days before the IBR start. Davo loved to talk motorcycles...he loved talking of his home and family even more.
The FarRider forum has had some postings pertaining to the funeral but it was to early to expect other than a quick note. I'm sure that once everyone gets back to their homes, more will follow. There was one picture of the hearse with the casket in the back. It is still hard to believe that the friend we all met in Spartanburg was now on his final trip on this earth.
FarRiders will continue because Davo created an organization that would outlive him. HE never intended to turn over the reigns this early but many have stepped up to ensure that his vision continued.
Davo will also always be a part of the MTF, the IBA, and many other groups that he touched. He is in a better place and can ride where we could only dream.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Iron Butt Rally - the finish
While I was not there and did not get to experience the ride, it was fun to follow the postings and some of the SPOT trackers as the riders chased the bonus locations throughout the US and Canada. Jim Owen finally captured the win after two previous attempts that left him oh so close.
Kevin Lechner, Richard Buber, Greg Rice, Art Garvin, Bo Griffin, Sal Terranova, and Davo Jones represented the MTF (as did other MTF riders) very well. Kevin, Richard, Greg, Bo, and Art were finishers. Sal came up a bit short on points but completed his ride. Completing this ride is in and of itself worth commending.
Unfortunately, Davo didn't finish the ride. But 75 miles short of completion, he struck a deer in Idaho. His injuries were severe and he was airlifted to a trauma center. Sadly, he did not survive. He leaves his wife, Willow, three daughters and a son, a grandchild, and many friends from the long distance motorcycle community.
"...it's just a road."
We are all destined to die; some choose to live while alive"...Davo
In just a couple of hours of conversation, Davo lived up to his online reputation. Honest, sincere, and a gentleman.
You will be missed my friend. Godspeed Davo.
We will ride in your memory!
Kevin Lechner, Richard Buber, Greg Rice, Art Garvin, Bo Griffin, Sal Terranova, and Davo Jones represented the MTF (as did other MTF riders) very well. Kevin, Richard, Greg, Bo, and Art were finishers. Sal came up a bit short on points but completed his ride. Completing this ride is in and of itself worth commending.
Unfortunately, Davo didn't finish the ride. But 75 miles short of completion, he struck a deer in Idaho. His injuries were severe and he was airlifted to a trauma center. Sadly, he did not survive. He leaves his wife, Willow, three daughters and a son, a grandchild, and many friends from the long distance motorcycle community.
"...it's just a road."
We are all destined to die; some choose to live while alive"...Davo
In just a couple of hours of conversation, Davo lived up to his online reputation. Honest, sincere, and a gentleman.
You will be missed my friend. Godspeed Davo.
We will ride in your memory!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
IronButt Rally 2009 - The start!
It was time for a ride. The IronButt Rally was starting in Spartanburg, SC and many of the MTF crowd was either in the rally or attending the start on Monday. Sounds like a plan.
Departing at 5:30am on Saturday, I made a leisurely trip to South Carolina. Obviously not a timed ride as I stopped EVERYWHERE!!! All I had to do was arrive before the 6:00pm dinner bell was rung. No problem.
The rally headquarters for the start was the Marriott-Spartanburg. Centrally located in the downtown area, it was an easy find. Of course I had to find a place to park...
I rode in... seems that I found the place to park...NOT. Guess they intended the parking for rally riders!
After finding my way to the parking garage, I headed back to the lobby to see who was there and what was going on. The riders were all there. Many of the MTF, who can never pass up a dinner invite, were also milling around the hotel.
Tom Loudermilk, host of the Side Stand Up Motorcycle Radio Road Show had dropped by. He found himself in great company... David "Davo" Jones, all the way from Australia was a popular person!!!
After dinner, we all went our own ways, only to arrive back in the morning for the MTF breakfast. It was well attended and conversation was where ever you looked for it.
A few hours later... dinner. Can you say "FOOD". That was the goal for the day... eat...talk...east...talk....eat some more!
Monday was the reason for being there. 10:00am was the official starting time and the parking lot was organized for the start. The riders were all waiting for the word to go...
Jim Owen, one of the favorites to win the rally was very relaxed and ready to go. Would the third time be the charm?
The start was over before you knew it... a total of 4 minutes to get 100 bikes on their way!!!
Kevin Lechner was on his way, followed by Greg Rice, Richard Buber, Jim Bain, Davo Jones, Chuck Gittner, Art Garvin, Dave Nelson, and many more.
It was a very interesting and exciting start. Check out the photo tab for more pictures of the event.
A trip well worth it... maybe next time I will be in it!!!
Departing at 5:30am on Saturday, I made a leisurely trip to South Carolina. Obviously not a timed ride as I stopped EVERYWHERE!!! All I had to do was arrive before the 6:00pm dinner bell was rung. No problem.
The rally headquarters for the start was the Marriott-Spartanburg. Centrally located in the downtown area, it was an easy find. Of course I had to find a place to park...
I rode in... seems that I found the place to park...NOT. Guess they intended the parking for rally riders!
After finding my way to the parking garage, I headed back to the lobby to see who was there and what was going on. The riders were all there. Many of the MTF, who can never pass up a dinner invite, were also milling around the hotel.
Tom Loudermilk, host of the Side Stand Up Motorcycle Radio Road Show had dropped by. He found himself in great company... David "Davo" Jones, all the way from Australia was a popular person!!!
After dinner, we all went our own ways, only to arrive back in the morning for the MTF breakfast. It was well attended and conversation was where ever you looked for it.
A few hours later... dinner. Can you say "FOOD". That was the goal for the day... eat...talk...east...talk....eat some more!
Monday was the reason for being there. 10:00am was the official starting time and the parking lot was organized for the start. The riders were all waiting for the word to go...
Jim Owen, one of the favorites to win the rally was very relaxed and ready to go. Would the third time be the charm?
The start was over before you knew it... a total of 4 minutes to get 100 bikes on their way!!!
Kevin Lechner was on his way, followed by Greg Rice, Richard Buber, Jim Bain, Davo Jones, Chuck Gittner, Art Garvin, Dave Nelson, and many more.It was a very interesting and exciting start. Check out the photo tab for more pictures of the event.
A trip well worth it... maybe next time I will be in it!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
It's been quiet here!
I've been riding a lot lately.... back and forth to Melbourne two to three times a week. The job has definitely put a crimp in the "fun" riding. On the other hand, I'm putting 1200 miles a week on the scoot.
I had the opportunity to experience severe thunderstorms and hail last week. Not exactly the place to be when in a car, much less in the open on two wheels.
This week is set for finalizing the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum (MTF) SS1K ride. I am the host and coordinator for the Tampa ride. I planned the route, verified the gas stations, and will be the starting / ending witness. I'll cheer everyone on as they complete their first Iron Butt ride. This time, I get to watch from the sidelines.
I had the opportunity to experience severe thunderstorms and hail last week. Not exactly the place to be when in a car, much less in the open on two wheels.
This week is set for finalizing the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum (MTF) SS1K ride. I am the host and coordinator for the Tampa ride. I planned the route, verified the gas stations, and will be the starting / ending witness. I'll cheer everyone on as they complete their first Iron Butt ride. This time, I get to watch from the sidelines.
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