Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge

January 30 - It is a bit cool at 52F but sunny as twenty five (25) Gators and friends (Bill and Marina, Tom and Kayle, John, Bill (ME), Gordon and Brenda, Warren, Neil and Barb, Cheryl, Jeannine, Pam, Darlene, Dave and Linda, George and Annie, Frenchie and Patsy, Paul and Shirley, Janice, Jacques) gathered at Susie Again in Spring Hill. On the positive side, it will warm up. Following breakfast we had the “quarter toss” game and the winner was Tom, who took in $5.25. Congratulation Tom! There was no ride following breakfast but people stayed around to chat it up in the parking lot. Heading back to our home, the temperature was 66F. To view the photos click here.

Our Ride to the Big Top Flea Market

January 28 - Fourteen (14) Gators and friends (George and Annie, Tom and Kayle, Greg and Jean Ann, Barb and Neil, Gary and Kathy, Earl and Maria, Jacques and Louise) gathered at the Panera Bread South at the corner of SR54 and Little Road. It is a bit cooler this morning at 58F when shortly after 9 am, three (3) bikes, three (3) trikes and a Can-Am Spider headed out east of SR54. We then turned right on Collier Parkway/County Line Road and then turned right on Bruce B Down Boulevard. We then turned left on Cross Creek Boulevard and stopped at the BP Gas Station for a break. We then continued on Cross Creek Boulevard and turned left on Morris Bridge Road and another right on Chancey Road. We then turned right on US301 and made a left on McIntosh Road and on the Knights Griffin Road and made our way to US301 and turned right to Fowler Boulevard where we stopped at the Big Top Flea Market. After an hour and a half or so, we headed out on Fowler and then on to Morris Bridge Road and stopped for lunch at Bob Evans. After lunch, Gary and Kathy, Earl and Maria, Neil and Barb headed out to their respective homes. The rest headed out on Morris Bridge Road and meandered our way through Tampa where we ended up on Gunn Highway where Tom and Kayle returned to their home and the rest turned left on Tarpon Springs Road and then took a ride through the Brooker Creek County Preserve and then made our way to our respective homes via several County Roads, including Grand Boulevard and US19 north. Today was another great ride with friends with the temperature reaching a high of 74F. Our ride tonight was 127 miles. To view the photos click here.

Exercise/lunch ride

January 26 - Nine (9) Gators (George and Annie, Gordon and Brenda, John and Karen, Warren, Jacques and Louise) gathered at Panera Bread south for the beginning of the exercise/lunch ride. Tom joined the group until we headed out for the ride. It is another beautiful morning and the temperature is already 72F at 9:30 am. At 10 am, George and Annie led this group of Canadian bikers east on SR54. We then turned right on Collier/County Line Road and another right on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. We then took Cross Creek Boulevard and then on Morris Bridge Road where we stopped at the Branchton Park for the walking part of the exercise/lunch ride. It is now in the low 80s and sunny. Some went around the course twice for approximately 2 miles while others did it once and some even took it easy and did about ¾ of the course for about ¾ of a mile. Following the walk, we headed on Morris Bridge Road to Chancey and on to US301 where we stopped at Razzle’s Café in Zephyrhills. Now this is the eating part of the exercise/lunch ride. Following lunch, we headed out on US301 and turned right on CR54 and turned right on the Old Dade City Road. We then took CR35A the West Socrum Loop and then on to CR35. We then made our way on some pretty twisted roads to SR92 and to Plant City and YES, this time we stopped at Parkesdale Farms for dessert. You guessed it, strawberry shortcake. We then headed out on SR92 and turned right on McIntosh Road and another right on US301 and made our way to Zephyrhills and on to Chancey Road to SR54 where we stopped at the Honda Dealer in Wesley Chapel. We visited for a moment while George and Gordon had the recall on their bikes done. John and Karen and Warren headed out to their respective homes. As we were leaving, Tom arrived to drop off his bike to have work done on it. We then headed out on SR54 and turned right on the Old Pasco Road and then left on SR52 and returned to our respective homes. It was another beautiful day with the temperature reaching a high of 83F. Our ride tonight was 160 miles. To view the photos click here.

Ride to Papa Joe’s for supper

January 25 - Thirteen (13) Gators (Greg and Jean Ann, George and Annie, Gordon and Brenda, Dave and Linda, Tom, Neil and Barb, Jacques and Louise) gathered at Panera Bread north. It is a beautiful afternoon and the temperature is 85F. At 4 p.m., we headed across US19 and made our way to Elgin Boulevard and then on to Power Road (CR572). We continued to CR572 and turned left on Old Spring Lake Road and then on to Spring Lake Road where we stopped at Papa Joe’s. Jeannine, Cheryl and Darlene were waiting for us at the restaurant. Before supper, we had a 50/50 and the lucky winner was Louise who took in $20.00. Congratulation Louise! After supper, Dave and Linda, Neil and Barb, Tom returned to their respective homes. The rest headed out on Spring Lake Road and across SR50 to Mondon Hills Road and made our way to SR41 where we stopped at the Dairy Queen for ice cream. Cheryl, Jeannine and Darlene were also at the Dairy Queen. It was such a lovely night that we ate the ice cream outside on the patio. The temperature was still 72F. We then all headed out to our respective homes. Our ride tonight was 76 miles. To view the photos click here.

Breakfast at the Breakfast Club

January 23 - Twenty (22) Gators and friends (Greg and Jean Ann, Peter, George and Annie, Gordon and Brenda, Dave and Linda, Tom, Neil and Barb, Russ, Frenchie and Patsy, Cheryl, Jeannine, George, Warren, John, Jacques and Louise) gathered at the Breakfast Club Restaurant in New Port Richey for the Monday morning breakfast club. It is going to be another gorgeous day in Florida. Following breakfast was the customary “quarter toss” and the winner was Louise who took in $3.75. Congratulation Louise! There was no ride following breakfast but people stayed around chatting it up in the parking lot. To view the photos click here.

Our Ride to Linger Lodge

January 22 - Another beautiful day for a motorcycle ride with our GWRRA friends. Sixteen (16) Gators and friends (Peter and Linda, Ray and Janice, Greg and Jean Ann, George and Annie, Gordon and Brenda, Jim and Brenda, George, Warren, John, Jacques) gathered at Panera Bread South at the corner of Little Road and SR54. It is already 68F at 9 am as eight (8) bikes and two (2) trikes headed out east on SR54 and turned right on the Collier Parkway that changed to County Line Road. We then turned right on Bruce B Downs Blvd. (CR581) and then left on Cross Creek Boulevard. We then turned right on Morris Bridge Road (CR579) and then on to East Fowler Blvd. to Main Street. We then took Thonotosassa Road and turned right on McIntosh Road and stopped for a break at MacDonald. It is now in the mid70s and the ice coffee is pretty refreshing. We then continued McIntosh Road and then on to MLK Blvd to Vallicro Road. We then took Lumsden Road to Bell Shoals and then on to US301 where we stopped for a break at the C & A Country Store in Parrish. We then headed out on CR675 and then on to Rye Road to SR64. We then took the Lakewood Ranch Blvd. to SR70 and on to Braden Road and zigzagged our way to Linger Lodge in Bradenton where we stopped for lunch. This is a very unique restaurant. We had outside seating which was very nice. After lunch, Ray and Janice returned to their home and Gordon and Brenda left to visit with friends in the area. We headed out on the Linger Lodge Road and made our way to SR64 to US 301 and on to CR672 where we stopped for a break in Picnic. It is now 82F, sunny and very pleasant. We took a group photo at a picnic table in Picnic, FL. Isn’t that cool. We then headed out on CR39 to Trapnell Road and on to Plant City. No, we didn’t stop at Parkesdale Farms. We then took Turkey Creek Road to Thonotosassa Road to McIntosh Road and on to US301 to Zephyrhills. We turned right on the Chancey Boulevard. We then took CR579 to CR579A to CR577 to San Antonio where we took SR52 and returned to our respective homes. Another great day riding with with the Gators! Our ride today was 264 miles. To view the photos click here.

The Gators ride to Linger Lodge

January 22 - To view the photos taken by Annie click here.

The Gators ride to Red’s Restaurant

January 20 - What a great turn out at Panera Bread in Spring Hill. Eight (8) bikes and four (4) trikes with twenty (20) riders and co-riders (Dave and Linda, Greg and Jean Ann, Gary and Kathy, George and Annie, Luis and Gloria, Luis Jr., Russ, Gordon, Tom, Neils and Barb, Earl and Maria, Jacques and Louise) headed out at 10 am and headed south on US19 and turned right on Aripeka Road (CR595) and then made a left on Shoal Line Road (CR597) through Weeki Wachee and then on to Cortez Boulevard. It is already 70F and will get warmer. We continued on SR50 and made a left on Cobb Road (CR485) and then made a right on Yontz Road (CR485A) and on to Howell Avenue and on to SR41 north. We continued on SR41 and made a left on Snow Memorial Highway (CR581) and then on to Stage Coach Trail (CR480) and back on SR41 north. We then stopped for a break in Floral City at the intersection of SR41 and Bushnell Road. We then took the Old Flora City Road and meandered our way through several back roads back to the Old Floral City Road and more zigzags to SR44 east where we made our way to CR200 and on to Red’s Restaurant where we stopped for lunch. It is very warm at 76F. George had made reservations so we walked right in. Following lunch, Earl and Maria headed back to the home and the rest continued on CR200 and turned on CR484 and on to Marion Oaks Boulevard and back on CR484. We then took CR475A to CR475 and stopped at the Russell Stover Chocolate Factory in Wildwood. Following a bit of shopping, Tom, Russ, Gary and Kathy, Luis and Gloria, Luis Jr., Dave and Linda headed out to their respective homes. The rest continued on SR44 where we turned left on CR470 to Lake Panasoffkee and on to CR475 to US301 and then turned right on CR476 to Nobellton where we stopped for an ice cream break at the River Oaks Landing. We then continued on CR476 west and turned right on SR41 south through Brooksville and on to County Line Road. Gordon, Jacques and Louise returned to their home via Shady Hills Road to Peace Road and on to Denton Road. George and Annie, Neil and Barb were going to stop and Greg and Jean’s home and then headed to visit with Rich. We all had a wonderful ride with the temperature reaching a high of 79F. Our ride today was 217 miles. To view the photos click here.

Breakfast at Ram's and Ride to Fort Lauderdale

January 16 – Day 1 Twenty-four (24) Gators and friends (George and Annie, Dave and Linda, Neil and Bard, John, Jeannine, Ray, Darlene, Cheryl, Gordon and Brenda, Frenchie and Patsy, Greg and Jean Ann, Tom and Kayle, Bill and Marina, Janice, Jacques and Louise) attended the Monday breakfast club at Ram’s in Hudson. The customary “quarter toss” games was won by Gordon who took in $3.75. Congratulations Gordon! Following breakfast five (5) bikes and two (2) trikes with fourteen riders and co-riders (George and Annie, Dave and Linda, Neil and Barb, Tom and Kayle, Gordon and Brenda, Greg and Jean Ann, Jacques and Louise) headed out on Little Road and turned left on SR52 and made our way to St .Leo where we stopped at a Chevron gas station for a break. The temperature has warmed up considerable that people were shedding clothes. We continued of SR52 and took 52A to US301 and turned left on SR98 through Lakeland and made our way to Bartow and stopped for lunch at Mikes. We then made our way to SR98 and on to SR60 east and on to US27 south to Sebring where we stopped for a break. The temperature is now in the mid-70s. We continue on US27 south and turn left on CR720 where we rode through numerous sugar cane fields. We got back on US27 south and stopped for a break at the MacDonald in Clewiston. We then continued on US27 south and turned left on SR818 east and made our way to Fort Lauderdale and stopped for the night at the Rodeway Inn. We had time for a quick “wobbly pop” before supper. We went for supper at the Sportzone 84 bar and grill, which is attached to the hotel. As it is getting pretty late, we returned to our respective rooms and called it a night. Our ride today was 288 miles. To view the photos click here.

January 17 – Day 2 What a beautiful day it is going to be. We have breakfast at the hotel and sat outside for a while to finish off our coffee. It is sunny and already in the low 70s. We headed out at 10 am using I95 north to West Palm Beach and made our way to a parking garage. We walked around visiting and window shopping in this beautiful area. The temperature is now 76F. After close to an hour, we headed out to USA1A south along the Atlantic Ocean. We rode through South Palm Beach and made our way to Boyton Beach where we had lunch at the Banana Boat. What a beautiful ride and seeing some of the most gorgeous landscaping, tree hedging and most stunning homes. We then continued along the Coastal Highway A1A and stopped in Boca Raton for a leisurely walk at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center. We then continued on A1A and made our way to Fort Lauderdale to the Jungle Queen. We parked the bikes and walked around this Marina full of these luxury yachts. We then got on the Jungle Queen River boat and made our way to the Jungle Queen Island through these Canals where we saw the most gorgeous homes and luxury yachts worth millions of dollars. We then arrived at the Jungle Queen Island where we had, as described by the Captain many times. “All-you-can-eat Barbecued ribs, barbecued chicken, barbecued beans, shrimps, sweet potato fries…” Then we had an outdoor show featuring a juggler who was very good. This was followed by a comedian who finished his show with a skit featuring an upcoming star “Jacques” as Bad Bob. This was pretty hilarious at least for those watching. We then got back on Boat and made our way to the dock. We then rode the short distance to the hotel where we sat by pool enjoying a “wobbly pop” and on such a beautiful evening. Our ride today was 105 miles. To view the photos click here.

January 18 – Day 3 Another beautiful morning in Fort Lauderdale. It is time to pack and get ready to leave. We have breakfast at the hotel, finish packing and gather at the side of the hotel. Shortly before 9 am, we head out of SR84 west and made our way to SR441 north. We then take SR882 that takes us back to SR441 and stop for a break and gas in Loxahatchee. It is now a very beautiful 74F. We then continue on SR441 north and take SR880 west and then on to SR80 west. We were following this canal where we saw several alligators. We then take CR717 north that takes us to CR715 north and back to SR441/15 north. We are now on SR98/441 north where we stop for lunch at Pogey’s in Okeechobee. At this point Tom and Kayle left the group and headed to their home. We then made a left on SR98 north and on to SR70 west and on to CR721 north and back on SR98 north. We then took Arbuckee Creek Road and on to CR17 north, where we rode through several Orange Groves. We then turned right on CR17A north, more orange groves, and then turned left on SR64 west and stopped for a break at a Shell Station in Avon Park. The temperature had reached a high of 81F. We were informed by those who have those fancy phones that it was raining along I4 and that we may get wet. So, we continued north on SR27 and made a right on SR98 north and as we were proceeding, the skies were getting darker and cloudier. We then made a left on CR17 south and a right on CR62 west in an attempt to avoid the rain but as we got on CR39, it started to rain. We stop along the road to put on our rain gear. We then proceeded on CR39 and stopped for gas at the Fort Lonesome Grocery store in Lithia. The rain is coming down pretty hard and the temperature has dropped to 64F. We continue on CR39 north and make our way through Plant City (no we didn’t stop for strawberry shortcakes) and make our way through Tampa. The traffic is very heady as it is now 5:30 pm. We finally got on SR41 north where Dave and Linda, Neil and Barb headed to their homes via SR54. We continued on SR41 north, the rain has stopped and make our way to SR52 where we turned left. Gordon and Brenda went to their home via Shady Hills Road. George and Annie, Greg and Jean Ann, Jacques and Louise continue west on SR52 and stopped for supper at Ron’s Barbecue. We then said our goodbyes and headed to our respective homes. We had a very enjoyable three (3) days on the road with our GWRRA friends. Our ride today was 340 miles. To view the photos click here.

To view more photos of our ride to Fort Lauderdale taken by Annie click here.

To view more photos and a couple of videos of our ride to Fort Lauderdale taken by Barb click here.

The Gators ride to the Parkesdale Farm in Plant City

January 13 – Twelve (12) Gators (George and Annie, Tom and Kayle, Gordon and Brenda, Earl and Maria, Dave, Russ, Jacques and Louise) met at the Panera Bread South at the corner of Little Road and SR54. At 10 am, six (6) bikes and one (1) trike headed out south on Little Road and turned right on Trinity Drive and then left on CR1. It is a bit cool at 54F and cloudy. We then turned left on Key Stone Road that changed to Tarpon Spring Road. We then got on Gunn Highway and on to Lutz Lake Fern and made our way to US41. We then took New Berger Road and turned left on Livingston and then right on East County Line Road (cr581). We then took the Bruce B. Brown Boulevard and zigzagged our way to Fletcher Avenue. We then took Fowler Avenue and made a left on US301 north and stopped for a break at the 301 Petro Mart. That is when we witnessed a take down by several Police cars and what appeared to be a stolen SUV. As we left the parking lot, we saw that the police officers had apprehended the person that they were chasing. This reminded us of an episode of Cops you see on TV Saturday nights. We continued on US301 north and turned right on Stacy Road and left on Knights Griffin Road. We then turned right on Keene Road and then left on Thonotosassa Road and the right on SR92 and stopped in Plant City at the Parkesdale Farm for their famous strawberry shortcakes. The temperature was 58F with a bit of sun. This is our first strawberry shortcake run and well worth the ride. We left the parking lot and turned right on SR92 and made a right on Thonotosassa Road and then turned right on Main street to Fowler Boulevard. We then made a left on US301 and then a right on Morrison Bridge Road. We turned right on Tampa Oaks Boulevard and right on Fletcher Boulevard and back on Morrison Bridge Road (CR579). In Zephyrhills, we took SR54, where Dave, Earl and Maria headed to their homes and the rest continued through Wesley Chapel and turned right on 41 north and another right to Ensemble Boulevard where we stopped to visit with Rich. We had a great visit, Rich is doing a lot better and with our prayers will soon recover and ride with us again. We left the center and made our way on SR41 north and turned left on SR52 where George and Annie, Gordon and Brenda took the Shady Hills Road to their respective homes. We continue to our home via SR52 and US19 north. Our ride today was 154 miles. To view the photos click here.

Classic Dream Car Museum in Mount Dora

January 12 – Seven (7) Gators (George and Annie, Tom, Russ, Dave, Gordon and Jacques) met at Panera Bread on US19 in Spring Hill. Our destination today is the Classic Dream Car Museum in Mount Dora. The temperature is already a very comfortable 62F. We headed on US19 north at 9 am and turned right on Xeham Road and made our way to the Sunshine Grove Road. We then turned right on CR476 through Nobelton and turned left on US301 and then right on EC476. We then took CR567 and on to CR48 and stopped for a break in Bushnell. It is now time to take out the liners as the temperature is now at 72F. We then continued on CR48 to CR475 north and then on to CR470 and back on CR48 to CR19 and into Mount Dora. We then turned right on Main Street along Lake Dora and meandered our way to Cody’s on 4th street where we stopped for lunch. After lunch, we rode a short distance to North Highland Street and stopped at the Classic Dream Car Museum. This is quite a unique place with all these classic cars, some for show and some for sale if you can afford it. We then meandered our way out of Mount Dora and on to CR448 and CR448A. We then took CR48 and in Astatula, we took CR561 to CR455 and the on to CR19 to Groveland. We then turned right on SR50 to Mascotte and turned left on to South Bay Lake Road to Sloans Ridge Road to Lee Road and back on SR50 and stopped for a break in Tarrytown. We then continued west on SR50 where Tom and Russ returned to their home via I75. We continued on SE50 to Brooksville where we took SR41 to Powell Road to Springhill where we took Mariner Boulevard. Dave stopped at George and Annie home and Gordon and Jacques returned to their homes via Shady Hills Drive to Peace Road and on to Denton and US19. Our ride today was 200 miles. To view the photos click here. To view more photos taken by Annie click here.

Chapter FL1-D2 Gather at the Golden Corral

January 11 – Forty-three (43) members and guests gathered at the Golden Corral in New Port Richey for the monthly gathering. It started off with the eating part at 6 pm and everyone seemed to enjoy the new and improved Golden Corral. The food was plentiful and delicious. The desserts were out of this world. Russ called the meeting to order at 7 pm, with the Pledge of Allegiance. He then asked Tom to make a presentation on Rider Education. The highlights of the discussion centered on the CB Radio. In particular, how to use it and when to use it especially when group riding for lead rider and the tail gunner. There was also a discussion involving the co-riders and their knowledge of locations of some of the controls of the bike. I.e. handle grips, clutch, throttle, front break, CB switch and the emergency switch. Also, it is very important to acknowledge the observation and contact of the co-rider while they are riding behind the rider. Finally, there was a discussion about first aid and CPR training, first aid kits and what do you do if you come upon an accident. An chronicle was circulated and to view a copy click here. Neil gave an update of upcoming rides and in particular the overnighter to Fort Lauderdale next week. Chapter hats are available at $10 each, see Russ. There was also a discussion about a date for the “snowbird” party at the end of March. More information will follow on this. There was also a discussion about Chapter shirts and there were several suggestions made. Jean Ann will contact the current providers and get a price list from them. There were four (4) door prizes and the winners are: Patsy, Greg, Chris and Lisa. The 50/50 in the amount of $25 each were con by Greg and Jeannine who donated the money back to the Chapter. The ride Lotto, in the amount of $30.50 each was won by Rich and Kayle. Congratulations to all the winners. The meeting was adjourned around 8:30 pm. To view the photos click here.

Breakfast at Susies Too

January 9 – Twenty-two (22) Gators and friends (Greg and Jean Ann, Russ, Dave and Linda, George and Annie, Tom and Kayle, Earl and Maria, Neil and Barb, Frenchie and Patsy, Jeannine, Darlene, John, Ray and Carol, Jacques and Louise) met at Susie Too in New Port Richey for the Monday morning breakfast. It was a beautiful day already at 66F at 9:30 am. Following breakfast was to customary “quarter toss” game where George he had it in the bag until Barn threw a leaner and took in the grand prize of $3.00. Congratulation Barb! People stayed around and chatted in the parking lot until after 11 am and then returned to the respective homes. After breakfast, Dave and Jacques went to Trikes by Design via US19 north, SR98 east, CR480 east and SR41 north. Then they went in search of a “flying field”, that was supposed to be along SR98 and a cement plant in Brooksville where they fly remote airplanes. We found the cement plant but did not find the “flying field”. We then returned to our homes via SR50 west and US19 south. Our ride today was 200 miles. To view the photos click here.

The Gators Ride to Monkey Island

January 8 – It was a bit chilly at 46F as we rode north on US19 to Panera Bread. Fourteen (14) Gators (George and Annie, Dave and Linda, Gary and Kathy, Greg and Jean Ann, Neil and Barb, Tom and Kayle, Jacques and Louise) gathered for the Chapter ride to Monkey Island. Five (5) bikes and two (2) trikes headed out at 9 am across US19 and made our way to Spring Hill Drive and then made a right on Cobblestone Drive and turned left on County Line Road. The temperature had warmed up considerably to 61F and it is sunny. There is not a cloud in the sky. It is going to be a wonderful day for a motorcycle ride with our GWRRA friends. We continued on County Line Road and turned left on SR41 north and then took Ayer Road and made our way to Spring Lake HWY where we stopped at the gas station at the Spring Lake Road and US50 intersection. We left the gas station and turned left on US50 and made a right on WPA road and made our way for our next break at a BP Station in Inverness. Now it is time to start shedding some clothes as it is now 75F. Everyone is getting hungry so we made our way through several County Roads to Homosassa and on to Monkey Island where we stopped at the Homosassa Riverside restaurant for lunch. Ray and Janice met us at the restaurant and had lunch with us. After lunch, Ray and Janice, Tom and Kayle headed to their respective homes via US19. The rest of the group went out to US19, where Dave and Linda headed also to their home via US19. The temperature is now a beautiful 79F and still sunny. What a gorgeous day. The rest of the group headed north on US19 and turned right on the Grover Cleveland Blvd. and then took CR491, to CR491A and then back on CR491. We then turned right on CR484 and stopped for a break at a gas station at the corner of CR484 and US50. Gary and Kathy headed out to their home. We then turned right on US50 west to Mariner Drive and stopped at Clyde’s Ice Cream. George and Annie stopped at their home off Mariner Drive and the rest made their way home via Mariner Drive to County Line Road to US19 south. Our ride today was 200 miles. To view the photos click here.

Breakfast at the Blue Water Bistro in Hudson

January 2 – Twenty five (25) Gators and friends (Dave and Linda, Jim and Brenda, Ray and Janice, Tom and Kayle, Russ, Frenchie and Patsy, Bill and Marina, George and Annie, Cheryl, Greg and Jean Ann, Pam and Floyd, Abby, Neil and Barb, Jacques and Louise) attended the Monday morning breakfast at the Blue Eater Bistro in Hudson. It was nice to see such a big group for the first event in 2012. The temperature was a bit on the cool side at 61F but the sun was shining. Following breakfast was the traditional “coin toss” gas and the first winner in 2012 was Kayle who took in $4.75. Congratulations Kayle! There was also a lot of chatting in the parking lot and after a while, Jim and Annie, Bill and Marina, Jacques and Louise went for a ride. The temperature was now very comfortable at 65F and still sunny. We headed out east on Hudson Blvd., and made our way through several back roads to Spring Lake Road and stopped for a break at the gas station at the intersection of US50. We then continue on US50 and made our way to Tavares through several back roads and stopped for lunch at Mary’s Kountry Kitchen. We then headed back with one stop for a break and ended on US50 and then on to Springhill where George and Annie went to their home an Bill and Marina, Jacques and Louise continued on Mariner Drive to County Line Road and then on to US19 to their respective homes. It has cooled down a bit to 57F. It was a great first ride for the beginning of the 2012 riding season. Our ride today was 204 miles.To view the photos click here.

Chapter FL1-D2 (The Touring Gators) New Year’s Eve Party

December 31 – Several members of the Touring Gators family attended the New Year’s Eve Party at the Ponderosa Park. We first gathered at Ray and Janice’s home at the Park for a pre-New Year’s Eve “meet and greet”. We then walked over to the community hall in the Park for the New Year’s Eve Party. There was live music, lot of food “pot luck” style and lots of munchies and of course some “wobbly pop”. At midnight there was the balloon drop and the singing of Auld Ensign to ring in the New Year. Some of the balloons had dollar bills in them and Jacques and Louise each got one that contained a one dollar bill. Shortly after midnight we called it a night and everyone returned to the respective homes. It was wonderful to ring in the New Year with our Touring Gator Friends. Happy New Year Everyone! May next year be filled with joy, health and safety riding these motorcycles. To view the photos click here.

Dinner Ride and Christmas Lights

Breakfast at Jeannies

Christmas Party

Dinner Ride to Crackers and Christmas Lights

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Lunch Ride to Zephyrhills

Dinner Ride to Rapscallions

Breakfast at Pams

Ginnys Teddy Bear Tea

Breakfast at Blue Moon

Ride to Ft. Christmas

Breakfast at Rams

Dinner at Catches

Breakfast at Susie's Again

Ride to Tampa Airport

Ride to Johnson's Barbeque

November Chapter Gathering

Breakfast at the Breakfast Club

Ride to Yalaha

Breakfast at Rams