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This Was a Test


May 19, 2013


Summer has officially arrived in Central Florida - sans humidity - the Florida sun did the Department of Tourism proud this weekend.  I put over 400 miles on Bessie2 the last 24 hours; its a test. My body is screaming....’we failed, we failed!’

My right shoulder was ‘impinged’ in the accident, my neck was ‘compromised,’ and the tendons in my right hand were ‘stretched.’ And oh...did I mention I turned 58 this weekend!? Which actually is the least of my concerns - the first three are paramount, and they will have an impact on my Summer Road Trip.

Saturday morning I headed out early to enjoy the ‘cooler’ weather and catch the entertainment at Yalaha Bakery in Lake County. Always a joy to ride through the lush, hilly countyside between Leesburg - Brooksville - Polk City. 


Yalaha Bakery attracts a somewhat incongruous crowd; retirees from the many ‘golf communities’ in the area, campers from the various RV resorts, and a host of bikers - mostly ‘older’ bikers like myself - who enjoy the Lake County roads. Today was no exception; what WAS exceptional was the entertainment!

These guys were amazing - Jose Velex and Luis Alfredo ; so was my pear/pistachio crustada and coffee! And I found two strips of asphalt I hadn’t been on before; serendipity!
Made my way over to Orlando Harley Davidson for their ‘Welcome Summer,’ customer appreciation; there is absolutely no thrill ride in operation today that compares to I-4 on two wheels. My heart races as I approach the on-ramp, I white-knuckle the grips and wonder if I will live, and I can’t wait for it to be over...just like the Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure. Stark contrast to my peaceful ride through Lake County.
I love Harley Davidson and yes, I ride a logo....I own the bike, I own the clothes, I own the jewelry, the hats, the belt....all that stuff. Its a lifestyle, its a community, its an American Tradition. HD Orlando usually does it right; live band, free burgers/drinks.....lots of good people.  I spent the obligatory ‘hundred dollars’ (thats what HD stands for ya know?), then I headed outside for my ‘free’ burger. Looked around for a seat in the shade and a guy already seated with his buddy, motioned for me to come over and sit. I missed his introductions, the band was so loud, but was grateful for the shade. 
These guys cracked me up; one guy has had his bike for ten years and hasn’t even put 10,000 miles on it yet! They were astounded with the mileage I accumulate; like it was a miracle or something! A third friends joined the first two; and started kidding them that maybe sometime in the future they could get our of the county on one of their ‘rides!’
Sunday I was in a quandrey about where to ride; I really wanted to see Ellie Lee again and that meant Indian Rocks Beach. A different route was called for; headed over to 60, made a left onto 37 in Mulberry and road through the beautiful Mosaic phosphate mine area. This part of Florida is home to several large mining companies who excavate the phosphate (used in fertilizer) and create these huge mountains of dirt - leviathans that dot the landscape. The mining companies then ‘reclaim’ the land; planting new trees and creating lakes, etc., .....environmentally friendly or not, the mining areas are beautiful and a joy to ride through. Head West toward 275 so I can take the Skyway into St. Pete.
I approached the Sunshine Skyway from the south today; I love this ride across the Skyway!  The $1.25 toll is a small price to pay for a truly thrilling ride! Gorgeous!
The ride up the beach from the South was hot, congested, and so built up that you can barely catch a glimpse of the ocean anymore. I cruise into Crabby Bill’s and notice the absence of bikers; a disappointment. I love the Mahi Mahi tacos with mango salsa; listened to Ellie’s awesome guitar work, enjoyed my fish tacos and headed back to Winter Haven. 
By the time I climbed off the bike; my shoulder was frozen, my wrist was aching, and it felt like someone had a hot poker stuck in my neck on the right side.  This needs to change before Bessie2 and take off for the summer!
“We want to make good time, but for us now this is measured with the emphasis on "good" rather than on "time"....” 










Comments

  1. RickochetMay 19, 2013 at 5:05 PM

    Sounds like you had a great weekend, minus the ouchy shoulder & wrist. I wonder how B2 was feeling after a great day hangin' with the other HD's? BTW... HD used to mean "hundred dollars", now days it means "hundreds of dollars"! :) keep rehabbing that shoulder & wrist and above all....Ride safely!

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