Rides & Ride Reports

"Aunti Em, Aunti Em"...ah, sorry, just had a tornado pass by the house...where was I?? Lost my head for a second...Close is, well... at any rate, meet up at the Cocoa Shell/Burger King at I-95 and SR 520 Sun May 20th at 8:30 and we'll head out to River Ranch just west of Yee Haw Junction about 9:00. Let's all go and smash some bugs!!!! The trip back will bring us up the coast for some creamy goodness at that little spot on the beach...

Hope to see you then!!

F.O. Steve

The Sat. run to Ozello on the west coast was a mix of backroads and highways as we made our way over to one of the twistiest roads you'll find in Florida, the Ozello Trail. The trip across saw seven bikes and twelve riders cruise the asphalt, pulling out of Titusville just as advertised, 7:30 a.m. Too early for some and a little earlier than our typical runs but esta muy alli to Crystal River and for those long runs one thing's for sure...if it's a long way over, it's even longer coming back! South of the Border Cinco de Mayo style was nowhere to be found gulf-side so everyone snacked on the vittles at Peck's Old Port Cove restaurant in Ozello instead. Too bad too as not all was as good as expected... Greasy steamed shrimp and mushy fried fish in the seafood capital of the planet sure puts a damper on the day. If it's the only game in town though, you just take it in stride and move on.
The twisties were shut down on the way over by a slow-moving "cager" but on the way out it was all smooth sailing! We kept it rational as Ray and Donna's new Harley tri-wheeler was bringing up the rear but judging by how well they did keeping up, Harley's got another winner there! Different in the turns than a two-wheeler but still looked pretty comfortable for sure! Felt just like old times with Linda on the back shooting the action too but late afternoon the heat began to take it's toll. A muy caliente 93 on the temp gage made for a cool-down stop and sure helped! 310 on the odometer brought us back in the 321 area code by sunset and mucho gusto to everyone who joined us for a great day in the sun!

'Till the next one,

Y'all be safe!!

F.O Steve

Time to shake it out and have some Cinco de Mayo fun Cruiser-style. Let's head on over to the left coast Sat. May 5th for twisties and Gulf goodies. Hook up at the Titusville McDonald's on US 1 just north of Hwy 50 at 7 :30 and we'll head out at 8:00. Lunch will be at Peck's Old Port Cove on the world famous Ozello Trail west of Crystal River. We talked about representin' the east coast with Dixie Crossroads shirts so wear 'em if you got em but if not biker black is a good look too! Should be near 300 miles and we'll be back in Brevard around 5:00.

Till' then,

Y'all be safe!

Steve

OK Cruisers, last week I posted a "left coast run" for Sat. April 21st but it was pointed out to me that I was messin' up, I'd actually posted a "Cinco de Mayo" left coast ride for Sat. May 5th the week before so now I'm correcting that with the Traveling Memorial Wall Escort ride Sun. April 22. Thanks to Bob Heinz for pointing out the date for the wall escort, it's been a couple of years since we've supported it and it's a good thing so if you want to hook up for breakfast, meet up with us at Kay's BBQ restaurant on SR 520 just west of Clearlake Rd. in Cocoa at 8:00 and we'll head over to BCC after a downhome country breakfast. If you don't want breakfast and you just need to sleep in before jumping on the ole' steel horse, just be at the BCC campus on Clearlake Rd just north of Dixon in Cocoa around 9:00 to 9:30 where we'll be stagin' for the run down to Melbourne.

Hope to see you there!

Steve Raisin' Kane
SCRC SpaceCoast First Officer

Thanks y'all to those that braved the wet forecast and set out with us for what was to become just a truly epic weekend. The weather couldn't have been better and I'm still not sure how we stayed dry especially given my past history but hey, I'll take it...

For those that couldn't make the trip, the Don Garlits museum in Ocala was pretty cool (well, for us motorheads anyway) and the trip up to Cross Creek for a late lunch at the Yearling restaurant was a nice ride. The food was just OK and we were all disappointed we didn't get seated where Willie Green was playing his trademark blues but some managed to wander into the other room and listened for a bit.

The Cabot Lodge in Gainesville was surely a keeper and after a hard day of riding, the open bar happy hour (it actually was a happy two hours) washed the road dust off just fine indeed! The next best thing about the Cabot was it's location, right next to a Miller's Ale House, which except for a meat challenged meal (you had to be there...) was a good choice too! On top of all that the beds were comfortable and a free breakfast capped the deal off just fine!

The ride back to the Space Coast can only be described as one of those perfect Florida sunshiney days with temps in the low 80's, no clouds, and some spectacular riding roads. Hwy 121, Hwy 41, Hwy 39, Hwy 301, BBQ lunch in Dade City, Hwy 98, Dean Still, even Nova Rd. all was just pretty darn cool! The green fields, good roads, wildflowers, blue sky, who could ask for more?

Can't wait until the next one so we'll be back the 21st (we're taking Easter weekend and the next one off) and it will be a run over the left coast. For that one, you'll want to wear your Dixie shirts if you've got 'em. If not you could always wear a flowered shirt...but then, you had to be there for that story too.

'Till next time,

Y'all be safe!

Steve Raisin' Kane
SCRC FL Space Coast Chapter 122

This past weekend the run up to Bike Week 2012 was a mix of mild weather and rain. We actually made two runs up, Sat. was to Sunshine Plaza for bike parts, then on down to Main St. to hook up with Ray and Donna. We parked at the church, saw pretty good crowds, found lots to look at and then headed out around 1:00 - 1:30 to try and beat the 2:00 pm storms. Even though everyone took separate paths home, from the sounds of it we all got a good dose of liquid sunshine. Picture this: Linda's first ride in seven months and she got SOAKED! What a great way to get back into it, eh? Sun. we headed up to the annual SCRC Meet and Greet at First Turn, finally found it after the Road Captain took a detour to Racing's North Turn beachside (where there wasn't a single eagle in sight). We finally found it, hung around and chatted with some of the other chapters represented but after a pretty disappointing meal service, we were outta there and headin' south!

Now, I had planned to head back up this Friday but as sometimes happens, plans change and duty calls so I can't make the speedway run as I'd hoped and I'll be heading down south instead. I'm out of town next weekend too so the next opportunity to hook up with you all will be the Ocala Overnight on March 31st. If you don't have your rooms, go on and get 'em if you are interested in going. If you can't make it this weekend, the annual SCRC state rally is in Ocala the weekend of April 13th to the 15th and there is still time to register. Click the Florida Delphi link on the home page to get all the details if you are interested in going. We have until the 19th of March to sign up so if you are interested, hook it up!

'Till then, y'all be safe!!

Steve

Cruisers, here's the hook-up for the Ocala overnighter:

Meet up at the Titusville McDonald's on US-1 just north of Hwy 50 at 8:00 a.m on March 31st and we'll head out around 8:30. The run up to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (http://garlits.com/) will put us there late morning so we can grab a light snack at the museum (entry fee is $30) if you're getting the growlies and then we'll make a run up to the evening meal at the Yearling restaurant in Cross Creek (http://www.yearlingrestaurant.net/), about 30 miles. They've got some good cracker cookin' and the sounds of bluesmaster Willie Green going on. We've been there and it's a gem. From Cross Creek, we'll run another 25 miles up to Gainesville and overnight at the Cabot Lodge in (www.CabotLodgeGainesville.com). They are guaranteeing us a rate of $82. This pretty good, the best rate I was able to find in places you'd want to stay and it includes a hot breakfast and complimentary drinks till 7:30 Sat. night (see Rebecca's note below). We'll talk over the route home but the run back will include lunch at any one of our favorite spots depending on the route. Let me know who's interested as soon as you can and I'll confirm with Rebecca that we're coming so she can hook it up with the front desk.

Road Captain Steve

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Steve,

We would be delighted to have your group stay at the Cabot Lodge Gainesville! Our hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast each morning and complimentary cocktails each evening until 7:30pm. I am able to offer a rate of $82.00 per night plus tax for rooms with either two queen beds or one king bed. Please let me know if this will work for your group and I can set up a group rate in our system so your guests can call our front desk directly and make reservations.

All my best, Rebecca

Rebecca Neville • Director of Sales
Cabot Lodge Gainesville
(352) 375-2400 • (352) 335-2321 Fax
RNeville@HotelEquities.com
www.CabotLodgeGainesville.com
3726 SW 40th Boulevard • Gainesville, FL 32608

Cruisers, looks like tomorrow won't be a good day for running Nova Rd. or anywhere else in Central Florida for that matter. The forecast is for a 70% chance of rain beginning overnight Sat. and most of Sun. with temps in the 50's and 60's from the same front that caused damage in several states so in the interests of safety and common sense I'm postponing the ride. If it's a non-event I apologize but we've been in some bad weather on that stretch of road in the past and it ain't fun so we'll do St. Cloud when we can fit in over the next few weeks. Next weekend plans are still on to run up to Daytona and Bike Week both days so we'll be back at it then.

Steve

OK Cruisers - time to shake it out and get set for riding season:

Upcoming rides:

Might need the leather but meet up at the Shell station, SR 520 and I-95 in Cocoa Sun. March 4th at 9:30 and we'll head out around 10:00 or so for the run over to Kowtown and lunch at Crabby Bill's in St. Cloud. After lunch, it's a side trip to Thibault's and Donna's new ride.

Bike Week:

Sat. 3-10 Meet up at Titusville McDonald's US 1 at 9:30, run up to Sunshine Plaza/Beach St./Main St. to check out the sites
Sun 3-11 Southern Cruisers Meet N Greet at First Turn, South Daytona. Meet-up is at Titusville McDonald's US 1 at 9:30, KSU at 10:00 for the run up.
Fri 3-16 Daytona Speedway/Cabbage Patch, meet at Titusville IHOP, I-95 and Hwy 50 at 8:00 for the run up (interstate)

Ocala Overnight:

April Fools Ride. Get ready for Hot Rods and Blues! Leave out Sat. March 31st and overnight, returning April 1st. Hotel reservation information will be out soon. Highlights will be the Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and dinner at the Yearling Restaurant in Cross Creek http://www.yearlingrestaurant.net/. Have you ever heard Willie Green? If not, you won't want to miss this ride! Bring your floral shirts. We'll meet up at Cocoa Shell, SR 520 and I-95 at 8:00 and leave out at 8:30 for the run over.

Coast-to-Coast:

Cinco-de-Mayo Run, Sat. May 5th. Meet up at Titusville McDonald's, US 1 at 8:00. leave out at 8:30. Lunch will be at Peck's Old Port Cove on Ozello Trail west of Crystal River. If you picked up a Dixie Crossroads t-shirt the last time we were there, this would be a good time to wear it!

We'll slip others in there too so if you don't get an email, check the website. If you have any questions, let me know.

First Officer Steve

Last week the forecast was doom and gloom for the Sun. ride we had planned for Bunnel. The weather guessers said there'd be rain by noon north of Brevard. I was inclined to just say "Go for it"... but common sense prevailed over bravado as my "gut" said take a mulligan instead and we all headed south for breakfast to get everyone home before the front blew in. The trip down the coast turned out be a glorious ride and when we pulled in to the Marsh Landing restaurant in Fellsmere it looked like half of Indian River County had the same idea. There wasn't a parking spot to be had and luckily another group of bikers was pulling out as we were pulling in. Not to worry though, it turned out to be the end point for the a bike rally (the pedal kind) and they weren't patronizing the joint so we were able to get right in. The breakfast was quite good and after we'd filled our bellies we headed out across teh Wabasso Beach causeway for a lazy trip up A1A to the house. 150 miles on the day and a pretty good end result all things considered. Does anyone know if it ever really did rain up north?? No wait, I don't want to know...

BTW, a certain someone near and dear to me took her first ride in over seven months Sat. (on the back of the 'Sofa) and all things considered, she did really well so look for her to get that white Vulcan with gray roses back in the lineup real soon!

This weekend is the Daytona 500 so no rides, (especially trips north), we're staying at the house and watching it on the big screen. Watch the website 'cause we'll be back with another one soon!

'Till then,

Y'all be safe!

Steve

This week's ride - Upcountry Run.

Meet up at the Shell station, I-95 and SR 520 in Cocoa Sun. the 19th at 8:00 and we'll head out around 8:30. Temps should start out fairly cool but are expected to warm up nicely. Rain chance is advertised at 20% currently so here's hoping for a clear and sunny day. Ride distance should be around 175 miles and the lunch stop will be Hijacker's at the Flagler airport in Bunnell. The trip back will take us down the return leg of the famed "Daytona Loop" and maybe we'll even have time for some creamy goodness in New Smyrna! Hope to see you!

'Till then,

Y'all be safe!

Steve Raisin' Kane
SCRC Space Coast First Officer

We're out of town this weekend so no rides scheduled. We'll be back with another one the week after (2/19).

"Till then,

Be safe!!

Steve

Great ride out west this weekend to the Lake Panasoffkee area! Seven of us enjoyed some great weather as we cruised out the backroads on our way out to the lunch stop at Catfish Johnny's. The food wasn't spectacular (except maybe the whole fried catfish which looked pretty darn good) but the price was sure right and they always treat us well. After the meal we cruised on over to Yalaha to enjoy some of the crazy good sweet treats they put out of that little German bakery. Yum yum and this road captain knew if there wasn't some booty to show after arriving at the home front it was going to be a chilly evening indeed but as usual, the treats were welcomed and all is well at the hacienda. Guess the old saying "We ride for food" fits us pretty well if this past weekend is any indication but you know what? So what! Good times and good people is what this deal is all about and we had both so 235 miles on the odometer and another stellar day! Since this coming weekend we have the epic battle known as the Super Bowl on tap, we'll be sticking close to the home front as we fire up the smoker and crack a few cold ones. Stay tuned for the next one, we'll be back the week after.

'Till then,

Y'all be safe!

Steve Raisn' Kane
SCRC First Officer/Road Captain

Changing things up a bit this week and coming back at ya with a trip out west to Lake Panasoffkee and lunch at Catfish Johnny's (http://www.catfishjohnny.com/). The restaurant is accessible to us only on Saturdays and the ride over is a mix of curves and countryside. Ought to be a nice day so meet up at Titusville McDonald's at 8:00 and we'll head on over at 8:30.

Hope to see you!

Till then,

Y'all be safe!

Steve Raisin' Kane