Florida Meet and Greet - April '06 [Archive]

subagon

04-07-2006, 08:34 PM

Meet & Greet # 5 - April 15, 2005

We'll meet at San Antonio City Park at 10:30 AM. We can spend some
time socializing, and those wishing to eat may do so. We'll target 12:00 PM
(or earlier) to get on the road.

Starting in San Antonio, we will travel over and around the "Mountains" :lol: of
Pasco & Hernando Counties. Next we'll head north traversing the wilderness of the
Withlacoochee State Forest. Our trip will end at Coach's Pub & Eatery in
downtown Inverness.

Detailed maps can be found at http://cycle.frogfruit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=560
At the site, click on the thumbnails for a larger image.

Distance is 125 miles.

This ride will inculed a 4.5 miles dirt section. The section is well graded and little to no sand. I'm a
novice dirt rider and I was able to handle it without any problems. A dirt-free bypass will be provided.

The following people plan to attend:

Charlie P.
Victor
Lou
Rod
Mike
Bill "SandShark"
Jim
Gene
Doug

Starting Point:
San Antonio City Park
N 28º 20.155'
W 82º 16.365'
next to:
Panchos Villa Mexican Restaurant
32804 Pennsylvania Ave
San Antonio, FL 33576
(352) 588-3037

Mid-point:
To be determined

End Point:
Coach's Pub & Eatery
N 28º 50.155'
W 82º 19.870'
114 W Main St
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 344-3333

:arrow: Send me an e-mail at strom@frogfruit.com or post a reply on this forum if you plan to attend.

RodK

04-07-2006, 09:32 PM

The weather forecast looks good. I hope a bunch of you folks can make it. This area is about an hour west of the Clermont ride. Lots of shade trees and curves.

Rod

Victrom

04-08-2006, 07:26 PM

Hey,

Good, I think the M&G should start early. I will be there. This one should be interesting for me. I have never riden that route before. It's allways good when you get to see familiar faces in new places. :D

RodK

04-08-2006, 10:36 PM

Mike and I spent all afternoon looking for a suitable route. He's got all of this GPS plotting stuff. Damned gadget nerd :shock: :D There will be hills, and LOTS of 15 MPH turns. It should be fun. I'm with Vicstrom. Let's get the M&G done early and ride.

Rod

subagon

04-08-2006, 11:08 PM

In addition to all the curves Rod found, there'll be a first for one of our M&G rides, DIRT. We've routed a 4.5 miles dirt section. Little to no sand, very well packed surface (limestone?). Rod and I were able to ride along at 45 mph with no problems. I myself have little dirt experience (about 4.5 miles 8) ). Lots of dust because of the dry weather, so don't wash your bike before the ride :lol: . A dirt-free cutoff will be made available, but any cycle could traverse this dirt road. Mater of fact we saw a scooter (Yamaha Zuma?) and a BWW 1150 GS.

RodK

04-09-2006, 04:11 PM

Dirt?

What dirt? :D :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/RodKu/dirt.jpg

Rod
05 Red
Riverview, FL

subagon

04-10-2006, 09:56 PM

Updated original post with a link to maps and directions. Anyone wanting the MS Streets & Trips files, drop me an email.

A very curvey ride. Take a look at this along Gobbler Road (http://cycle.frogfruit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=636) :D

RodK

04-10-2006, 10:42 PM

Awesome maps, Mike!!! Let's leave tonight! I will set up my Digital SLR a couple times on the route. If you want a high res action photo for free, you better show up :D

Rod

Trooper246

04-10-2006, 11:15 PM

Looks like another great ride. If I didn't have a wedding to go to on the 15th I'd be there. The southern guys have a ride around Lake Okeechobee also scheduled for the 15th that I will ride at least half of. Hopefully I will see you guys sometime in the future.

Steve

whalenwp

04-11-2006, 09:24 PM

Trooper246

04-12-2006, 02:26 AM

SandShark will be there.

Victor, Lou or anyone else want to meet up and ride over together.

Just installed my new windscreen today MP Cycle Designs. Will test it out tomorrow. Can't wait for long ride test on Sat.

Bill "SandShark
03 DL1000 "The Fast Silver"
02 DRZ400S "Super Modified"

Bill,

Can you post some pics of the new shield? i am real interested on how this is going to work out for you. I have a Windstrom prototype and was thinking of either getting the MP or the new Windstrom.

Steve

JetJaguar

04-12-2006, 06:23 PM

Unfortunately, I'm going to miss this ride because my bike is in the shop (http://www.stromtrooper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4799) and won't be ready in time. I really need to get a second bike...

BTW, anyone going to the Leesburg Bikefest? I'll have my bike back by then, and I'm thinking of riding out.

whalenwp

04-13-2006, 01:17 PM

:D
For any one elso who might be interested. Some of us are going to meet and ride over.

Lets meet at 9:00 at the McDonalds with the plan to be on the road by 9:30

Hi Bill, Victor & Doug

I'd like to ride over with you guys. How about meeting at the McDonald's in
Groveland at 9:30. It will take about an hour to get to San Antonio from
there.

Lou

RodK

04-13-2006, 07:04 PM

Weather forecast is 87 degrees and sunny. Those shade trees and rivers are going to come in handy.

What time do you guys want to leave San Antonio?

Rod

foneguy_dd

04-14-2006, 03:21 AM

The Stromster will probably be there, but I will need to cut out about 3pm to make it back home for some out of town relatives showing up about 4pm or so. Lets get the show on the road earlier than 12 noon if no one has a problem with that. I would really like to do the entire ride. I have ridden all the roads that Mike has mapped in the past many times and all I can say is that this will be a great fun and scenic ride. Good job Mike!!!
I will be meeting Sandshark and Victor and Lou at Groveland Mcdonalds about 9am for the ride over to San Antonio.

"When in doubt....GAS IT!!"

JRShaw

04-14-2006, 08:01 AM

I'll be there, most likely meet up with the group at Groveland and ride in with them. IMHO, I'd like to leave at the 10:30 time frame or as early as possible. Yes it stays light later now, but for those of us that have any distance to ride back home, the critters start coming out about the time we are mostly home. The worst possible time for us as we are at our most tired point and anxious to get home. The extra time at the beginning helps in that respect. Just my $.02.

Cpope

04-14-2006, 08:06 AM

Jim, if you would like to can sack out here at my house until Sunday morning befor you head home. I live within 15 miles of the last stop.
We have a extra bedroom and you and yours or just you are more than welcome. I might even get you out Saturday night for a brew or two and dinner.

Victrom

04-14-2006, 09:50 AM

Troopers,

For the benefit of all the strommers that have activities later that day we should all make an effort to Meet at and no later than 10:30. This way we can target 11:00am as the departure time.

JRShaw

04-14-2006, 03:04 PM

Charlie, thanks for the offer. Being that Sunday is Easter and all, I'll pass on the invite this time, but maybe in the future... See you in the morning, doing the last of the taxes this afternoon and got restless, so I checked in here for a quick stop. Back to the grind now, 1 state left.

subagon

04-14-2006, 03:23 PM

I have ridden all the roads that Mike has mapped in the past many times and all I can say is that this will be a great fun and scenic ride. Good job Mike!!!

I only get half the credit. RodK maped out all the curvey bits north of Pasco county.

subagon

04-14-2006, 03:25 PM

I'm all for starting early The lunch-time traffic in "downtown" San Antonio can be murder :lol:

JRShaw

04-14-2006, 03:53 PM

Mike, if you can let all know so all are on the same page for starting time, that would be great. Really now, traffic in San Antonio? I've never been there so it may be a problem. I dumnno. LOL!!! Post a time here and get the word out.. We will be fine with what you decide.

RodK

04-14-2006, 07:07 PM

JRShaw. The traffic IS brutal. That is if you are an armadillo trying to cross Hwy 52 :shock: :D

I'll be ready to ride at 10:30. We are going to have to try Pancho Villa's next time. I have heard it's excellent.

Rod

Mael-Strom

04-15-2006, 09:13 PM

A group of stray Stromtroopers had the chance to travel together, We met in Clewiston and we rode around the lake. Had fun, took pictures.
Pictures can be found HERE (http://www.themicocci.com/2.html)

Cpope

04-15-2006, 09:36 PM

Hi guy, just got our pictures posted a few minutes ago. It was a great day and ride. Real quick paced ride, almost to quick for some but I err we survived.
Make sure you give me some comments to add to the slide show.

RodK

04-15-2006, 10:09 PM

Hey Charlie, killer slideshow. Nice work. Great ride. Thanks Jim for coming over from the other coast to hang with us.

We sure had a great day. Can't wait for the next group ride.

Rod

Cpope

04-16-2006, 08:25 AM

foneguy_dd

04-16-2006, 09:10 AM

Great ride and thanks for taking all the pics Rod. That area is about as good as it gets in Florida. I rolled in the drive way about 5pm logging about 311 miles for the day. I think Jim may get the prize for most miles yesterday. How bout it Jim? Hey Charlie, glad you kept it on 2 wheels after missing that curve and harrassing the wildlife! Good seeing some familar faces and meeting a couple of new ones. Doug

When in doubt......Gas it!! Except for Charlie, LOL

JRShaw

04-16-2006, 10:13 AM

Guys, made it back home about 5:30. 3 hundred fiddy anda half for the day. Great ride, I had a blast even off roading like Charlie aand I did. I must be getting in better riding shape, as I felt great when I got home. The 'other' coast Troopers will be working on a trip for sometime in the future. Hope all made it home without any issues. See all some time in the near future. Com'on up NC next month.
Maarco, I'm going to look over you pics after finisheing this post. Hope you had as good a day as we did.

Mael-Strom

04-16-2006, 11:02 AM

Jim our smaller ( by only ONE unit of Stroms, but we were 10 bikes total) M&G was verrrry nice !
We took the Snake road, the most curvy road in So. Fla. from I75 to Clewiston, the day was just perfect, nice company, we had breakfast and we traveled around the lake, a good portion of it.
I'd like to know how Mr. Pope rigged the camera to be able to shoot while riding, I can't count on Isa to do that.
On out way back we were already discussing another mini-one, a beach ride down to the Keys, probably Islamorada, and spend some time on the sand and in the water.
I'm glad you guys had a good time, but unfortunately we can't always take Friday off to travel North and join you all.
For me and Isa won't be possible again before July, for in May we'll go to NC and june we'll be moving in the new house.
We're with you in spirit ! LOL!
Ciao!

Marco

Cpope

04-16-2006, 12:01 PM

Mael-Strom

04-16-2006, 12:14 PM

First of all Marco, my name is not Mr. Pope, it is Charlie. It was not I but Lou Whitney who was riding and shoot pictures at the same time.
Glad you all had a great ride. Maybe I will see you all next time around.
Give the Vstrom riders love to Isa. You guys are a perfect couple.

Charlie, the "Mr. Pope" was just full of respect ! :D
I guess I have to turn the question to Mr..... errrrr to Lou: how did you rig the camera to the bike ?
About making it the next time, please read my previous post.

Hasta la Pasta

Marco

P.S. Isa is still giggling for all that love you guys sent her!

Cpope

04-16-2006, 12:48 PM

I understand, May is tough for almost everybody, June could work. But a trip to the Keys, hope you don't forget to post that one. WE are always ready for a (overnighter for us) ride to the keys.
I think Lou was just holding the camera, just my guess.

JRShaw

04-16-2006, 01:20 PM

I think that Tw%$ted Throttle has a camera mount for the gas tank. Check it out on their website. June may be our next get together, as May just got filled up.

Victrom

04-16-2006, 02:35 PM

Mike & Rod,

Very good ride.....Fast...I Like it!!!! We are very lucky to have friends and fellow Troopers from all around Florida. This gives us a broader range of locations and the opportunity to explore new places, different type of roads making every Meet & Greet a new ADVENTURE. Now that we have 2 excellent photographers and a great editor we can remember these Adventures 4 ever. Thank you all for a day well spent Burnning up twistys....
Till next time when we meet again for another edition of... FLORIDA TROOPERS LOL :mrgreen:

Trooper246

04-16-2006, 04:36 PM

Here are more photos from the Southern Strom M&G...

http://homepage.mac.com/sgrasso/PhotoAlbum25.html

Trooper246

04-16-2006, 07:11 PM

It was a great ride, best roads we crossed yet, good pace. Makes it easy with only 8 riders. I think May everybody is heading out to the mountains so let the next be in June. June 10th or 17th. How does that sound to everybody?
Somebody step to the plate. If you need any info on how to do the ride contact anybody that has done a ride or even been on a ride. It's easy and simple.

Charlie,

Do we know who is going to North Carolina in May? Jeam-Marc and I are leaving on the 16th from South Florida. We were thinking about taking some back roads from Orlando to Atlanta. If we can't make it in two days we will slab it to Atlanta. Either way, it would be nice if a group of us rode up together.

Steve

Cpope

04-16-2006, 08:15 PM

Hi Steve

I only know as of now that Jim Shaw and Marco are trailering up.

I have a softtball tournament that weekend and am disapointed that I can't make it. Alto I will be going up around June 10th this year. :)
Will stay in Sky Valley, just south of NC line, close to Dillard.

The Geathering should be a super time. :(

RodK

04-30-2006, 07:27 PM

Hey guys. I have been wrestling with some new computer equipment and it always wins.

Bottom line is I did ....before I trashed the full res photos of our ride upload them to Shutterfly if you want a reprint, poster etc.

You can do some enhancements but cannot adjust the contrast, brightness etc. I've bought a lot of stuff from these guys over the years and can vouch for the quality of their product.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8TcM2jVqxGA

See you in June if it's the 1st two weeks.

Rod