2/3 day Florida State Parks ride

[Cpope]

Anybody up for this early next year? Before it gets to hot. Maybe a Friday/Sat/Sun and maybe Monday, camping at the Parks.

Can't do all of them in 3 days but should make most of them. Start planning now.

We can pick up other Strommers along the road for a day or 2.

Any Takers/Ideas? If so, we can get a starting place and go from there,
adding andlosing riders along the way.

Charlie

http://www.floridastateparks.org/

[RodK]

Sounds like fun. I have limited vacation time but I'd especially like to take in everything north of SR 70 or so.

Rod

[readytoride]

Yes this does sound like fun. Especially if it falls on one of my long weekends. I'd even be willing to host a kick-off breakfast or lunch kind of thing here at my place.

[JRShaw]

Sounds like fun, lets talk about it more at the M & G on the 4th. Seems like this idea has been batted around for awhile. Let's see if we can make it happen this time around. CYA!!!

[Cpope]

A link to a few parks, look them over. I set a schedule (not in stone)
If we need to cut out a park or two, or if we want to add a park or two.
Do we want to spend 90 minutes at each park? Stay over night at the parks? Tent camping? Meet at the first park? Meet at differant parks in lue of riders location? 2 days? 3 days? 4 days? We have lots of time to pass this back and forth. Get some ideas on this thread. Let me konw you best times for doing this. I will try to work around EVERYBODY but I need to know what you desire.


http://www.abfla.com/parks/HighlandsHammock/highlandshammock.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/MyakkaRiver/myakkariver.html
http://funandsun.com/parks/LakeKissimmee/lakekissimmee.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/HillsboroughRiver/hillsboroughriver.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/WekiwaSprings/wekiwa.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/BlueSpring/bluespring.html
http://www.funandsun.com/parks/HontoonIsland/hontoonisland.html
http://www.funandsun.com/parks/SilverRiver/silverriver.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/BulowCreek/bulowcreek.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/FaverDykes/faverdykes.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/GoldHead/goldhead.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/ManateeSprings/manateesprings.html
http://www.abfla.com/parks/FortCooper/fortcooper.html

[RodK]

Doggone "retired" guys with all this time on their hands :shock: :D I can do a Fri-Sun thing. So count me in joining Day 2 or whatever or else longer riding distances.

I like beer. Is there any of that on this route? :D

Thanks for being so pro-active Charlie. You can call all the shots for all I care. I'll be there for most/all the ride.

Rod

[Cpope]

I f you all want to spent less time at the parks and more time on the road thats good for me. I quick cruise by and pictures and I ready to head to the next park. We can get in more parks that way.
Keep the ideas coming.

[JRShaw]

I think that I can probably squeeze out a Friday hight to Sunday weekend to make that ride. I know that there is no way in he%% that I can do a Monday also. Gotta spend time at home. she is "on vacation" over each weekend. Lets see what we can put together.

[Cpope]

To update:

Looks like a Friday, Saturday and finishing around Noon on Sunday. Stay 2 nights in State Parks (Tent or Cabins) Usually underway around 9am, stopping as lake as 5 or 6 pm.

I will leave Crystal River at 6am and head down the Florida Turnpike picking up riders as I go, exiting around Yeehaa Junction, to trip around the Big Lake. Finishing up Sunday around Noon close to Orange City. Maybe if Roseanne has some FRESH donuts we could finish there with a quick BS session.

We will also visit another 4 or 5 parks along the way, staying about 1 hour in each park visited.

Just a few thing I need to know from the riders attending::

What weekend, March 30, 31 and April 1st or April 6th, 7th and 8th.
How many riders, So we can figure out what each rider needs to bring so we don't double up on things and can save room.
Where will the riders join (be picked up along the route)
Also want input on anything you want to input to. Make any since?

All other riders are welcome to meet at the overnight parks for food and the normal BS session or just to ride along with us for a few miles during the trip.

AS time does approach fast lets kick this in the a$$ so we can finish the finishing touches.

Info on the riders such as:\

CPope3, Camping experince: very little, about 20 times in my entire life.
Camping equipment: 2 man tent, sleeping bag, air matress etc
Special camping equipment: none

As we get closer and finalize I will send out maps and routes Vis Mail to all riders who want them.

Lets do this,
Winnie, if your Harley Rider :) don't want to camp, there are many cabins to rent, sure would like to have some class on this trip. :)

You can post here or e-mail me at cpope3@tampabay.rr.com

This is our first night, tent and cabins (cabins sleep 4)
http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver/default.cfm

This is our second night, tents and cabins
http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa/default.cfm

[rosebud314]

Here's a thought: If ya'll decided to do the ride March 30,31,April 1 why don't ya plan on stopping here on the 1st and we'll feed ya'll something better than donuts. We can plan on having the cookout that day. We can combine the 2 activities. What do you think?

[RodK]

Hey Charlie, is this a go? Myakka River is an excellent choice. I can help with a route from there to Lou Country.

I'd plan on meeting up Fri afternoon. The Man has his reports, Beats Downs and Canings in the morning that I have to be present for.

Rod

[Winnie]

To update:



What weekend, March 30, 31 and April 1st or April 6th, 7th and 8th.
How many riders, So we can figure out what each rider needs to bring so we don't double up on things and can save room.
Where will the riders join (be picked up along the route)


Lets do this,
Winnie, if your Harley Rider :) don't want to camp, there are many cabins to rent, sure would like to have some class on this trip. :)


This is our first night, tent and cabins (cabins sleep 4)
http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver/default.cfm

This is our second night, tents and cabins
http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa/default.cfm

Charlie,

As soon as you guys pick a date I'll check on cabin availablilty..... I'm sure Rick will go for it as long as he is not staying in a tent. I suspect the cabins will already be booked but you never know.

SO guys pick a date and I'll see if Rick and I can join.

[Keith Falkner]

Charlie,

Thank you for exercising your organizational skills. You are a hero.

I am ready for either of the weekends suggested. I will participate in this venture, probably joining you at the town of Okeechobee, half an hour due south of Yeehaw Junction. I am presuming you will go there after leaving the Turnpike. I will adapt to your route if I am wrong.

I will bring a proven one-man tent and a new two-man tent (but the two men better be good friends - 7x7 is notta lotta room). I have my own bag and mattress, and can bring a stove of some kind.

If you want someone to scout Myakka State Park, please call on me. That park is very close to Sarasota, my home town. I can, for example, post signs to our campsites, provided signs are permitted.

Great start! Thank you!

Keith

[Cpope]

Charlie,

As soon as you guys pick a date I'll check on cabin availablilty..... I'm sure Rick will go for it as long as he is not staying in a tent. I suspect the cabins will already be booked but you never know.

SO guys pick a date and I'll see if Rick and I can join.

Winnie is correct, we need to pick which weekend ASAP. Give me your choices or I will pick one by end of next week.
Easter is the weekend of 6th,7th and 8th. Just post which weekend you all want.

Also we will need a lead rider when we are in your area of expertise. But we have to keep on schedule, you know how times get by in a hurry.

E-mail me and I can send you a copy of the trip and directions we will take.

[Oldschooler]

+1 vote for the March dates because I'm off that weekend. :)

[Cpope]

Keith

I have been in the South Entrance of Myakka State Park, rode thru there but didn't see any camping areas. Their web site says they even have cabins. Are they located from the North entrance? When I was there the North entrance was closed.
Never been to Lake Louisa state park, anyone have any info on this park, other than what is online?

Thanks in advance for the info, I will need it when I finalize the maps.

Right now we have::

CPope
Oldschooler
Winnie
Rick
Keith
RodK
JRShaw

From:
rosebud314
Here's a thought: If ya'll decided to do the ride March 30,31,April 1 why don't ya plan on stopping here on the 1st and we'll feed ya'll something better than donuts. We can plan on having the cookout that day. We can combine the 2 activities. What do you think?

I think it's a great idea, I just hope she is not April fooling us.

[Keith Falkner]

Aye, aye.

I will explore Myakka and report here promptly. I will find out where we should enter the park to camp, and what resources they offer, and get a list of the current fees. Last time I was there, I didn't even need to bring an alligator. One showed up and apparently wanted to kiss the bride. I will ask about carnivorous wildlife while I am at it.

Keith

Here, to start, is a map of the park. The north entrance is open only 8-5 on weekends and holidays, so I suggest we use the south entrance only. As you can see, the facilities we need are near the south entrance.

http://www.myakkariver.org/parkmap.html

A quick perusal of the reservation system shows the cabins are not available at all on our weekend. Campsites are available for Friday March 30, but not for Saturday March 31. No cabin is available for Friday April 6, or for Saturday April 7, but one remains open for Sunday April 8. That's bad news, but I may be able to find another tent. Sports Authority seems to have small tents for $20 each.

(Lake Louisa State Park seems to have a small number of cabins for 3/31. If we want them, we must act fast!)

[rosebud314]

No foolin':) I wouldn't do that to you guys;) I'm a nice person :confused:. thought ya'll knew that :rolleyes:

All kidding aside, we would love to do that for ya'll. I enjoy having people over and fixing food for them. Just ask Mike. It brings me great joy! Just let me know for sure if you pick that weekend.

[RodK]

The North part of Myakka is only open on the weekends. The camping is closer to the south (Hwy 70). Another consideration is DST is back in a couple weeks. That means it will be dark at 7 AM.

EDIT- I see Keith already provided that infor. You can get around the north gate but not with side bags. Don't ask how I know that.

Plus I doubt they let you have any beer in there :-))

What did of deal is that?

Rod

[JRShaw]

Any weekend but the 16th is good with me. An old friend is flying in and we are going to go to Sebring for the races. If it works thta that is the best weekend, then don't let me stop you guys from going then.

[Cpope]

There are 2 motels about 12 miles away from the campgrounds at 72 and 75, Comfort 941-921-7750 and Ramada 941-921-7812.

Nobody will laugh if you need the hotels, we just want your company.

Inorder to make arrangements asap, we will do the last weekend in March.

March 30, 31 and April 1st. Finishing in Orange City for lunch at Mike's and Roseanne place.

All give me a "OK" and I will get maps out to you.

Everybody needs to make their own arrangements for the overnight stays.
Get with somebody if you want to go 2 to a tent.

Get your e-mails to me and I will send out routes and other info.

Let me know where you will meet up with us.
10 minute stopping places to pick up riders are>

Hwy 44 and 75, on the west side of 75 at the truck stops, at the beginning of Florida Turnpike

Florida Turnpike and Hwy 50, on the south side of 50 on the Fla Turnpike

Florida Turnpike and 192, on the south side if 192 on the Florida Turnpike

Florida Turnpike and 60, at Yeeha Junction, at the gas station on 60 and 441.

Times for pick ups will be included in the maps/routes

Ofcpourse you can meet anywhere along the route, just let us know where you will be. All stops will only be for 10 minutes.

OK, sounds like this is a go, lets fill in the details.

[Winnie]

Just an update. I checked with the parks about cabins and there is a two night minimum stay and at least at Lake Louisa its $120 per night. So do not bother trying for a cabin at either park unless you want to stay two nights. I'll check on motels and post what I find. Anyone live near there who can recommend something close and below Hilton pricing? Rick and I will probable only make Saturday night and the ride on Sunday.

[Winnie]

March 30, 31 and April 1st. Finishing in Orange City for lunch at Jim and Roseanne place.

OK, sounds like this is a go, lets fill in the details.

He means Mike and Roseanne's place. And I'm the BLOND :-)

ducks and runs and I know I'll pay for this.

[Cpope]

Winnie, you must have read it wrong, :) Thanks for the correction. :(

[My Strom]

This sounds like a great time. If I can't make the whole ride I will meet up with you all on Saturday at some point. I have all the backpacking and camping gear from those days when my boys were in scouts (good times)

Can't wait to pack the Strom instead of my back!

ps, with bike week next week and this trip planned for march along with the cookout at Mikes we might want to count this as our March meet and greet. Just a thought. Mystrom (I have extra tents and bags if needed)

[flrdr]

Just mentioning because I think I've seen it mentioned twice. (Don't shoot the messenger.)

Alcohol is not allowed in any Florida State Parks.

[Keith Falkner]

Updated 02/27 4:14 PM - I have reserved # 45 for ? and ? and me. Do you snore too?

People who wish to camp at Myakka River State Park on March 30 need to act quickly, because the sites that suit us best are few and may get taken soon.

I expect to update this post as I learn more and people respond with suggestions, corrections, reservations they have made, etc.

So please come back to this post often and watch for new data.

Options:
Cabins --- none available
Group Camping --- no group sites available
Primitive Camping --- cannot ride to them; it's a one-mile hike - forget it
Old Prairie Campground --- too few sites left to hold us
Big Flats Campground --- enough sites for us

I quickly learned we have no choice of campground - it's Big Flats or nothing.

Within Big Flats, there is a group of tenting sites, and I think these are what we want. They are numbered 38 39 40 44 45 46, all about the same. I have reserved # 45, which is just like the five next to it. The map shows them as widely separated, but actually they back onto each other like a 3x2 rectangle, and will be very convenient for us to sit together around a campfire and swap lies ... but only until 11:00 PM, because quiet is requested between then and 7:00 AM.

If you want more privacy, pick a site that is surrounded by trees and bushes, in this sequence: closest to the above bunch is 22, then 21, then 17 then 18. 18 is not a prime site, because lots of rustic and scenic electrical distribution panels are next to it.

What it costs: $24.20 per campsite. That is all you need to pay, including tax. All the people who will occupy a site ought to enter together. There is no extra admission charge - if you are a paid-up camper, you have paid to come in. By our last stop before MRSP we should know who's sharing ground with whom, and ride with all our cellmates.

How to reserve a site: see following post, because the damn website is very tedious.

What we can put on a site: one or two tents, one or two vehicles, up to 8 people.
A reasonably good area for overflow parking is available about 130 yards from campsite 44 (walk north between #16 & #15).

What a site provides: about 6-10 yards by 15 yards of reasonably flat ground, a tap that provides safe drinking water, an electrical outlet, a picnic table, and a fire ring. A fire ring is a steel wall about 8 inches high and 36 inches in diameter, with a flip-up grill about 1 foot by 2 feet on which food may be cooked, either directly or in pots. The grill flips up totally out of the way.

Firewood is for sale, yes, FOR SALE, at the park. You are permitted to bring firewood, yes. You are not permitted to gather firewood or cut down trees (they learned from errors made at Sahara Forest Campground, eh?).

Subject to approval by Mr. Pope, I suggest we converse either privately or publicly and arrange who will share campsites and tents with whom. For example, I have a one-person tent, which I propose to occupy on site # 45; I will also bring a two-person tent (but it's only 7'x7') so one or two may use that tent and share my site and my costs. Send me a PM or tell me publicly, and I will update this paragraph.

Washrooms, including showers, are available about 15 yards from site 38.

How to get there: get onto State Road 72, which runs from Arcadia to I-75 Exit 205 (which was numbered 37 until exits were renumbered to match nearby mileposts). About ten miles east of I-75, and 35 miles west of Arcadia, is the south entrance to Myakka River State Park. Go about 2.8 miles north on the paved road, where the speed limit is 25 MPH, then turn left to Big Flats Campground. Bear right where the road splits; our sites are just past the brown building containing washrooms.

Note: the park has a north entrance, but that is closed (especially if you have cases on the sides of your V-Strom) all day Friday. You can EXIT that gate at other times (maybe at ALL other times, but I am not sure) because an electric sensor notices you and opens the gate.

How to depart in the morning: Our Saturday destinations are all north, so I suggest we leave by the north gate, but that is not my decision. About 15 miles north and west of the north gate are places such as Bob Evans, Burger King, and McDonald's, where the less industrious among us can get breakfast. Of course the more industrious campers have already made bacon and eggs and coffee and toast and cleaned up and swept their campsites ... but I doubt they will attend this meet.

[Keith Falkner]

I asked Google about "Myakka River State Park" and this was #1:

http://www.myakkariver.org/

And sure enough, there is a picture of Brendan smiling at us (made ya look!).
Just above his ominous grin, click on "Reserve America online", and reach

http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?subTabIndex=0&agency=fl&parkCode=myak

Carefully fill in "Mar 30 2007" as your Arrival Date
and "1" as your Length of Stay.

This is a clumsy site, and it often changes things you had correct.
Check the date with utmost care; it just LOVES changing that!!!

Click on the # of the site you want: 38 39 40 44 46 tent 22 21 more private.

You sign in (or sign up) to Reserve America and fill in your credit card info, and by and by you find this has cost you $24.20. Print out the page showing your reservation, making a copy for everyone who will share your site.

Go slowly and carefully with this, because it is easy to make costly errors.

Keith

P.S. I think we have to book our sites individually. I took the first step by reserving, and paying for, one site at Myakka River State Park. I am probably the most trusting and gullible biker here, but I ain't going to pay for six sites at each park and hope to collect from you buncha disreputable deadbeats ... no offence intended.

Two messages below this are some thoughts about campsites at lake Louisa.

[Cpope]

Thanks Keith for picking up where I failed. I didn't think there would be an availability problem. How wrong I was, now after Keith has shown there is a big problem we must act ASAP. After checking Saturday night camp spot there are 90% full also. Looking for avaiability next month it just gets worse.
They both are almost 100% full as we speak.
My fault.

What do we want to do? What ever we do it must be within the next 24 hours. If this is a go everybody needs to post their intentions ASAP.

Either post or e-mail me cpope3@tampabay.rr.com ASAP and give me your input and I will make a decision from that. We need to do this today.

[Keith Falkner]

Don't Panic, Charlie.

There are lots of sites available for March 31 at Lake Louisa. The maps are not very clear, so some of what follows is guesswork, but here is what the web shows me.

There are three campgrounds at Lake Louisa State Park:

Sites 1-15 are heavily booked. #1 & #14 remain available. Forget it.
Sites 16-30 are sold out.
Sites 31-60 are mostly available. (Only 31-40 and 49 and 50 are gone.)

IF (<- that is a big "if") the map is reliable, then the following sites are grouped together, and you need not cross a road going from any one of them to any other: 55 43 56 45 53 52 46

If you want to book a campsite at Lake Louisa, I suggest you copy the above list to a scrap of paper, then follow booking instructions two posts above this one, and book the first site that is free in the order I show them. I listed them from the center outwards, so you vill be az close to zee nucleus as pozzible (sorry, a strange doctor in a wheelchair typed those last few words).

Washrooms are not on the map. Neither are bushes, which are often good enough.

Good luck,
Keith

[Oldschooler]

I say book and book quick. I've been wanting to go motorcycle camping ever since I was 15, and that my friends was long ago.

I'm ready to go. Not right this second mind you but ready.

Those March dates work well for me because I'm off that weekend.

So put me down as ready and willing.

[Keith Falkner]

Oldschooler,

I would say that, with you and Charlie and me, the event reaches critical mass (oops, it's Dr. Strangelove again), and a chain reaction will bring us all together at the two proposed campsites.

Question: will you bring a tent?

If YES, then please book a site at either Myakka or Louisa to give the snowball a push. I predict that kindred spirits will join in and the party will be on.

If NO, then feel free to claim a spot in my two-man tent. If you want the tent to yourself, that's fine, but I will want you to pay for half the campsite, a matter of twelve bucks. If you want to share the tent with someone, then we can dicker later about shares, but you go ahead and find a roommate on your terms.

Yes, motorcycle camping is fun. I did some in 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, and 2006. I think there may be a lesson in that series, and I am not too old to accept the lesson and add every year I have left to that list.

Et pour vous?

[My Strom]

Yes ,I would like to join in right now! I will call in the morning to get a site at each camp ground. I think it would be easier to call one time to make reservations if we could get an actual head count. Is this possible?
If not I will call in for myself. (I have extra tents and bags if someone is in need) Mystrom

[readytoride]

This sounds like a great time. If I can't make the whole ride I will meet up with you all on Saturday at some point. I have all the backpacking and camping gear from those days when my boys were in scouts (good times)

Can't wait to pack the Strom instead of my back!

ps, with bike week next week and this trip planned for march along with the cookout at Mikes we might want to count this as our March meet and greet. Just a thought. Mystrom (I have extra tents and bags if needed)

I can do something like this too. I'll be working Friday but can catch up with y'all most anywhere on Saturday. Maybe we can hook up on this Bob. I've got all the gear I need and lots of experience using it...

[motoxusa]

I'm in for the weekend and have already made my reservations. I have reserved space #45 at Lake Louisa Park on March 30th, and space #44 at Myakka River Park on March 31st. It pays to be a senior citizen, since the rate is only $12 at each place.

I will join the ride at the Hwy 50 exit of the turnpike. Will you be exiting the turnpike for the pickup...and what will be the planned pickup time?

I've got a one man tent, but I believe there will be space for another tent and one more bike.

I'm looking forward to it, and the after ride BBQ at Mike and Roseanne's place. You guys are such gracious hosts, and a lot of fun to be around. I may have to find a hotel or another campground to stay in after the BBQ. This old man needs his beauty sleep and a good old BBQ after 3 days of riding will definitely do me in.

Thanks Keith for providing all of the reservations data. It was a big help.

Charlie...let me know if you need any help.

[Keith Falkner]

I'm in for the weekend and have already made my reservations. I have reserved space #45 at Lake Louisa Park on March 30th, and space #44 at Myakka River Park on March 31st.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, folks.

Lou is trying to mislead us here. His post suggests he will be the only camper at Lake Louisa on Friday evening, when the rest of us are at Myakka River, then he will again be camping alone at Myakka on Saturday while we get together at Lake Louisa.

Friday March 30 => Myakka River

Saturday March 31 => Lake Louisa

But I see through Lou's ruse. I checked availability of sites, and Lou actually booked the right sites for the correct dates.

I think Lou is auditioning for the George C. Scott role in The Flim Flam Man and stands a good chance of landing the role.

Y'all oughta stop tryna fool us rubes, Lou. We're too dumb to fall for it.

Keith

[Cpope]

List of riders going:

Cpope3
Lou Whitney
Keith
My Strom
readytoride to join on Saturday

[Winnie]

List of riders going:

Cpope3
Lou Whitney
Keith
My Strom
readytoride to join on Saturday

You can also add Rick and Winnie to join sometime on Saturday and find a motel for Saturday night. We will also plan on attending the social event of the season: BBQ at Mike and Roseanne's on Sunday. I'll pack my party boots :-)

[JRShaw]

Hey guys, count me in also. Old Boy Scout and Scoutmaster, soo I've spent my share of nights out under the stars. Do I need to make my own reservations or???

[Keith Falkner]

Or else what, you may ask. Good question. Here are some answers.

Here's a choice: motoxusa (AKA Lou) and I (AKA Keith) have both booked sites at Myakka River State Park and offered to share space with others. In my case, I provide a brand new tent for one or two, and the first one to say "ME" gets to choose whether to tent alone, or find a willing roomie.

Here's a choice: Lou also booked a site at Lake Louisa, and offered to share that site. Well, that choice may be taken.

Here's a choice: arrange with some buddies to book a site and share the costs, which are $24.20 per site for one or two tents and one or two bikes (with overflow parking available nearby). $24.20 covers all fees for all campers who will be sharing one site, so enter together.

Here's a choice: book a site right away, while they are available, and hope to find someone to share the cost of that site with you. This is a really good way to get the site you want.

Finally ... if you don't make SOME kind of arrangement to camp at these parks, you probably will have some kind of hassle at the gate.

Suit yourself, but soon. The sooner you book a site, the better for all. Specific instructions are a few posts above this one (about 12, but that may change if posts are deleted).

Be there!
Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Good to see that you're keepin' all the ducks in a row, Keith.

:mrgreen:

[My Strom]

I have made my reservations for both nights! I have put in for a vacation day so I can ride both days! I have site number 38 at Myakka and have site 43 at Lake Louisa. Jim shaw will stay on my site with his own tent. I am still waiting to hear from Oldschooler and from readytoride. Mystrom

[Oldschooler]

OK I booked two dates!

Fri March 30th Myakka River spot 46

Sat March 31st Lake Louisa spot 44

My son may come along (16) so no worries about languge or anything, and we'll be bringing a 4 man tent. You know how that goes. If we're all the size of a 16 year old, four is fine. More like three full sized adults in comfort, but might be able to get four in comfort will have to see.

So add me to the list !

Edit: So at least one maybe two can take a spot in our tent, or you can put your tent on our spot. If I've read it right there can be two tents on one spot.

[Winnie]

The closest motel to Lake Louisa is the Holiday In Express in Cleremont (next to the Denny's I'm told). Six miles form the State Park:

Holiday In Express
1810 S Highway 27
Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 243-7878

Just in case there is anyone else in the non camping mode.

[JRShaw]

If my wife were going to go, that is how we would be camping, at the Holiday Inn. The problem with camping at HI is they really raise he() over the usual campfire. Something about smoke detectors, I dunno. Many a good time was had around a campfire. See all the end of the next month.

[Oldschooler]

I wonder if the 2 vehicles per sight limit applies to motorcycles also. I figure four bikes only take up as musch room as 1 1/2 cars.

[Keith Falkner]

Thanks for the prompt and decisive action, gang.

"You all look like happy campers to me. Happy campers you are, happy campers you have been, and, as far as I am concerned, happy campers you will always be." - Dan Quayle

Laugh all you want, then ask yourself who was the wealthiest president or vice president in this country's history?

I will provide coffee, milk for coffee, sugar, and Sweet'n Low for all campers at all times at both campsites.

EDIT: I cannot camp at Lake Louisa, because I am needed in Sarasota on Sunday morning, so I will send a do-it-yourself coffee kit with someone on Saturday. Sorry.

I will attempt to provide firewood at Myakka River State Park, because I live near it, am an accomplished garbage scrounger, and have a van. My plan is to accumulate wood during March, then bring it to MRSP on March 29, and bribe a camper (one staying until 3/31) to stow it on his campsite until I come and get it. I will report, late in March, on my progress. I don't think it makes sense to pay for firewood when so much of it gets thrown out.

I will have the oddest-looking V-Strom on the trek, because I will be testing some of my Toronto-Newfoundland-Toronto gear. Great t'underin' jesus, by, dat's a weird-lookin' bike.

Keith

P.S. Oldschooler raises a valid point in the post above this one. The ranger's answer is this: a vehicle is a vehicle, and only two can be parked on a site. At Myakka River State Park, the overflow parking area is only 130 yards from the campsites we have reserved, and has room for all our motorcycles. Most of the overflow area is paved, and some of it is behind a sturdy utility pole.

I believe my motorcycle will be safe in the overflow area, so I will park it there.

[JRShaw]

Thanks Keith for your peristence and tons of work to get this event going. We will be coming over either early on Friday or just in time for sunset. Not sure which it will be yet. Coffee in the morning is great, can't get the motor running until at least one cup has been consumed. I gather that we are not planning on cooking while camping, just boiling water/making coffee, correct? I can eat road food really well and love the Mom & Pop shops.

[Keith Falkner]

Jim, my Newfoundland gear includes some home-made stoves. A possible route through Newfoundland and Labrador takes me more than one hundred miles from the nearest resources. If you want me to cook something for you, then you will be part of the experiment.

A home-made stove plus a can of stew plus some experimentation = one meal.

In the words of Crocodile Dundee, "Tastes like sh*t but it'll keep ya aloive".

And perhaps it will.

Bon apetit!
Keith

[JRShaw]

Keith, don't need to drag all that stuff out for me, but if you are experimenting with cooking.......................We just might have to see what you are planning.

[ironmorph]

I am new to the group, and will try to catch up with you at one of these places to ride the day on Saturday or Sunday. What time do you plan on leaving Myakka State Park and from what entrance?

[Keith Falkner]

I doubt the campers at Myakka River State Park will start rolling before 8:30, ironmorph. Timing and route are not my department, but I know how eager I am to load up and saddle up after a night on the hard ground.

I predict that you could enter the north gate of MRSP when it opens at 8:00 AM, pay the $3 entry fee, ride south to Big Flats Campground, and discover us staggering around, scratching, looking for the john, and groping for coffee.

Coffee IS my department, and I will make some for you if you join us in the campground. That is not much compensation for a 90-minute ride and a $3 fee, but coffee is all I can predict with confidence.

If you wish to join us farther north, please await and then heed the words of guidance from our leader, motoxusa. I am sure he will prepare and publish the route in good time; he is terrific at that.

Looking forward to seeing you,
Keith

[motoxusa]

Here's a choice: motoxusa (AKA Lou) and I (AKA Keith) have both booked sites at Myakka River State Park and offered to share space with others. In my case, I provide a brand new tent for one or two, and the first one to say "ME" gets to choose whether to tent alone, or find a willing roomie.

Here's a choice: Lou also booked a site at Lake Louisa, and offered to share that site. Well, I wish to take Lou up on that offer, so if he agrees, my tent will be on site 45 along with Lou's. So that choice may be taken.

Keith

Love to share the Lake Louisa camp site with you Keith, and yes I will be there on the 31st. I was just checking to see who was paying attention...sure I was!

Still don't have any takers to share the campsite at Myakka River. I only have a one man tent, so you'll need your own tent. Your share is only $6. Can't beat the price.

[Keith Falkner]

Thank you, Lou. I will make coffee first thing both Saturday and Sunday morning ... well, second thing then. I will be in my one-man tent.

I still offer to share my campsite at Myakka River on Friday night, and to provide a tent suitable for any one person or any two who don't mind close quarters. It's a 7'x7' tent that I bought for my Newfoundland trip in June.

Keith

EDIT: I can't make coffee Sunday morning, because I cannot camp at Lake Louisa - I am needed Sunday morning in Sarasota. I will send a coffee maker and coffee if a volunteer will carry same.

[rosebud314]

You can also add Rick and Winnie to join sometime on Saturday and find a motel for Saturday night. We will also plan on attending the social event of the season: BBQ at Mike and Roseanne's on Sunday. I'll pack my party boots :-)

Thanks Winnie, I think. I'm not sure about the "social event" but I hope everyone will enjoy themselves. I'm really looking forward to having everyone here.

[ironmorph]

I doubt the campers at Myakka River State Park will start rolling before 8:30, ironmorph. Timing and route are not my department, but I know how eager I am to load up and saddle up after a night on the hard ground.

I predict that you could enter the north gate of MRSP when it opens at 8:00 AM, pay the $3 entry fee, ride south to Big Flats Campground, and discover us staggering around, scratching, looking for the john, and groping for coffee.

Coffee IS my department, and I will make some for you if you join us in the campground. That is not much compensation for a 90-minute ride and a $3 fee, but coffee is all I can predict with confidence.

If you wish to join us farther north, please await and then heed the words of guidance from our leader, Mr. Pope. I am sure he will prepare and publish the route in good time; he is terrific at that.

Looking forward to seeing you,
Keith

thanks ok that will be my plan

[motoxusa]

Here's a map of the route. It will start and end in Crystal City, however, those attending Mike & Roseanne's BBQ Bash will probably want to head straight to their place afterleaving Hontoon Island State Park (Marker #26 on map). I'll provide a map and route sheet to the "Schmidt's Hacienda" from Hontoon Island.

You can also view the map and directions online at http://www.louwhitney.com/V-StromCampingTrip.htm

For those of you with Microsoft Streets & Trips, here's the route file which I have zipped. http://www.louwhitney.com/V-StromCampingTrip.zip

http://www.louwhitney.com/V-StromCampingTrip.jpg

[motoxusa]

Thank you, Lou. I will make coffee first thing both Saturday and Sunday morning ... well, second thing then. I will be in my one-man tent.

I still offer to share my campsite at Myakka River on Friday night, and to provide a tent suitable for any one person or any two who don't mind close quarters. It's a 7'x7' tent that I bought for my Newfoundland trip in June.

Keith

I'll be looking forward to some nice hot coffee in the morning.

I've still got the open spot on my Myakka River campsite for Friday night (I think it's Friday night). BYOT - Bring Your Own Tent.

I wonder if they have ICE at the campgrounds...I'll need some for my pinapple juice.

If anyone needs a nice camp chair that will fit on the back of your bike, try Wal-Mart. They had the canvas fold-up chairs for about $6 a while back. They'll even hold about 250 pounds.

[JRShaw]

Keith and Lou; I was talking to TampaTom last night and he might be a site buddy. He was hoping to make this rip. why don't you contact him to see waht his plans are?
About how many miles is the route as planned? Just curious....

[Keith Falkner]

motoxusa,

I believe that between [13] and [14] the proposed route guides us to the North entrance of Myakka River State Park.

The North entrance is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and only from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can exit at other hours, because a sensor opens the gate for you, but you cannot (legally) enter.

The South entrance is on State Road 72. We must enter there. Our campground is almost 3 miles north of the gate, on a paved road marked 25 MPH. Signs announce "Big Flats Campground" pointing west. The pavement ends and the campground is right there. Keep right until you pass the washrooms on your right, then look for your numbered campsite. Sign is white; black numbers are 4" high.

I believe the South gate to MRSP is about 33 miles west of the highway's terminus near Arcadia.

I see no other problems with the route, but I am no expert. The route from Myakka River State Park to SR70 seems to be accurate.

Keith

[motoxusa]

Keith and Lou; I was talking to TampaTom last night and he might be a site buddy. He was hoping to make this rip. why don't you contact him to see waht his plans are?
About how many miles is the route as planned? Just curious....

I'll check with Tampa Tom about sharing the campsite.

The route is about 850 miles.

[motoxusa]

motoxusa,

I believe that between [13] and [14] the proposed route guides us to the North entrance of Myakka River State Park.

The North entrance is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and only from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can exit at other hours, because a sensor opens the gate for you, but you cannot (legally) enter.

The South entrance is on State Road 72. We must enter there. Our campground is almost 3 miles north of the gate, on a paved road marked 25 MPH. Signs announce "Big Flats Campground" pointing west. The pavement ends and the campground is right there. Keep right until you pass the washrooms on your right, then look for your numbered campsite. Sign is white; black numbers are 4" high.

I believe the South gate to MRSP is about 33 miles west of the highway's terminus near Arcadia.

I see no other problems with the route, but I am no expert. The route from Myakka River State Park to SR70 seems to be accurate.

Keith

Thanks for the input. We'll make an adjustment so that we from the south.

We encourage any comments on the planned route. There's still plenty of time to make adjustments, but we do want to get the final route in the hands of all participants in advance of the ride so they can review it and make their own notes or set up their own GPS routing. It will behere before we know it.

[RodK]

Lou I know some really good "twisties" that could replace 14 to 15. Plus there's a butcher shop with picnic tables and has some awesome smoked pig and cow products at Lithia Pincrest and 39 if Myakka to Louisa is the Saturday trip. I've been out of town all week so I'll have to back-read the posts and see what the plans are.

Rod

[Keith Falkner]

Myakka River State Park is entered by its South Gate only, which is on State Road 72, ten miles east of I-75's Exit 205 (which was Exit 37 long ago). Many of us will be staying overnight in tents at this park on Friday March 30.

If you have reserved a campsite already, good for you. If not, and you are wondering what to do, review posts above this one. The cost is minimal, the bikers are cordial, and you will have a very good time if you join us for this part of the weekend's ride. If you have no tent, you can beg room from others, me included. Read and act. If puzzled, ask.

Above is a brief summary of what has already been posted in this thread.
Here are some details concerning what is and is not available at the park.

Within 200 yards of our campground is the Concession Store, which sells snacks, sodas, smokes, and souvenirs. It closes at 5:00 PM every day, and that is just a few minutes after we plan to reach our campsites. On Saturday, it opens at 8:30, just half an hour after we are rolling. For our purposes, the store hardly exists.

Ten miles west of the park's south gate we can find gasoline, Wendy's, Waffle House, Wings 'n' Weenies, Burger King, and Comfort Inn Motel, then a bit further west Arby's, Quiznos, Chick Fil-A and Walgreen's.

The chain stores, I need not explain. Wings 'n' Weenies sells two things.
What two things? Bathtubs and roller skates? Wrong.

The gate to Myakka River State Park closes at sunset. We reach the park at about 4:20, reach our campsites by about 4:35, and have a very short time to acquire and consume dinner and get back to the park before the gate closes. Furthermore, we do not want to be blundering around in the dark trying to read directions for setting up tents. We might spill some pineapple juice, and that would not do.

Technology to the rescue. I will bring a microwave oven. At one of the stops before Myakka River State Park, we can purchase microwaveable dinners, popcorn, donuts, breakfasts, whatever you like. In the morning we can heat up leftovers, if there are any.

Let's see ... what have I promised so far? Two tents, my own gear, coffeemaker, coffee and milk and sugar and not-sugar, firewood (perhaps) and a microwave oven. That is a lot for one DL650 to haul around Lake Okeechobee, but I can keep all those promises without overloading the V-Strom.

One thing I know: I will not be able to carry the microwave oven to Lake Louisa State Park. If we want it there, someone else must carry it there, and there it can stay; I do not need it any longer. If someone volunteers to carry the microwave oven north, that rider wins a microwave oven. Understand, if your cargo is compact, you may be able to fit much of it into the oven and carry it all with no great hassle. This can be settled on Saturday morning.

Chime in!
Keith

[flrdr]

Hmmm. Disposable Microwave Ovens for Bike travel and Tent camping.......You may be on to something there!

[Keith Falkner]

flrdr,

Look in the "Off Topic" area for the above title. The usual dull windy story.

Keith

[motoxusa]

Lou I know some really good "twisties" that could replace 14 to 15. Plus there's a butcher shop with picnic tables and has some awesome smoked pig and cow products at Lithia Pincrest and 39 if Myakka to Louisa is the Saturday trip. I've been out of town all week so I'll have to back-read the posts and see what the plans are.

Rod

Where are the twisties between 14 and 15? We'll try to incorporate them into the route.

[Tampa Tom]

Room for 2 more bikes???

I have held off posting until I knew if I was solo or coming with another buddy. Looks like another Concours buddy of mine will be joining the fun. Should we get our own site or can 3 bikes share one site?

Here is why I would prefer to share a site if possible. I am planning on all 3 days but there could be a possibility that Friday is out. Even if that is the case....I will pay for both Friday and Saturday nights. That way the money goes to good use if I bail on Friday night.

Wait to hear back before we make our plans.

[RodK]

Lou, I emailed you a GPS file for your perusal. No big deal to me either way. Here's a story about the Q joint I mentioned


http://www.tbo.com/life/food/MGBD8HHXUXE.html



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

Rod

[RodK]

Here's what happens when you can't sleep at night. Here's a run from the BBQ joint thru the Green Swamp to Lake Louisa

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

1. LithiaPinecrest 0 ft
2. Get on Lithia Pinecrest Rd and drive east 0 ft 0 ft 0:00:00 0° true
3. LithiaRd 3.5 mi 3.5 mi 0:06:09 0° true
4. Turn left onto Keysville Rd E 3.5 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
5. Cr-39 8.2 mi 4.7 mi 0:06:50 0° true
6. Turn right onto Cr-39 8.2 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
7. SCollinsSt 16.7 mi 8.4 mi 0:10:24 0° true
8. Turn right onto S Collins St 16.7 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
9. Turn left onto Alsobrook St E 16.7 mi 181 ft 0:01:36 162° true
10. ParkRd 17.7 mi 1.0 mi 0:02:01 0° true
11. Turn left onto Park Rd 17.7 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
12. ParkRd1 20.5 mi 2.8 mi 0:04:41 0° true
13. Turn right onto Sam Allen Rd E 20.5 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
14. WilderRdN 20.9 mi 0.4 mi 0:00:59 0° true
15. Turn left onto Wilder Rd N 20.9 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
16. KnightsGriffinR 23.2 mi 2.3 mi 0:04:22 0° true
17. Turn right onto Knights Griffin Rd E 23.2 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
18. Cr-582 29.5 mi 6.3 mi 0:11:10 0° true
19. Turn left onto Cr-35a 29.5 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
20. Cr-35a 32.9 mi 3.4 mi 0:06:33 0° true
21. Bear right onto Cr-35a 32.9 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
22. US98N 39.5 mi 6.6 mi 0:11:37 0° true
23. Turn left onto US 98 N 39.5 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
24. US98 42.1 mi 2.6 mi 0:03:46 0° true
25. Turn right onto Rockridge Rd 42.1 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
26. RockridgeRd 54.1 mi 12.0 mi 0:17:31 0° true
27. Bear left onto Green Pond Rd 54.1 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
28. Hwy33 58.1 mi 4.0 mi 0:06:51 0° true
29. Turn left onto Hwy 33 58.1 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
30. Turn right onto Cr-474 61.8 mi 3.7 mi 0:05:18 352° true
31. Cr-474 67.0 mi 5.2 mi 0:09:47 0° true
32. Turn left onto Green Swamp Rd 67.0 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
33. Turn left onto Road 71.0 mi 4.0 mi 0:10:07 323° true
34. PostalColonyRd 73.8 mi 2.8 mi 0:06:44 0° true
35. Turn right onto Dwights Rd 73.8 mi 0 ft 0:00:01 0° true
36. LakeNellieRd 75.7 mi 1.9 mi 0:04:55 0° true

[JRShaw]

Rod, get some sleep man! Posting at 4AM is not riight. Just kidding, whatever trips your trigger. Looks like some good riding. CYA!!

[RodK]

Rod, get some sleep man! Posting at 4AM is not riight. Just kidding, whatever trips your trigger. Looks like some good riding. CYA!!
Too much damned stress in my life, Jim :-)

Lou. those are just toolie rides that I know well that may make for some nice 30-50 MPH cruising. I'm game for anything. Luckily, I have discovered my tent fits in my luggage, now does my sleep issues work in a campgraound? :-) Loves me some late night TV and nearby hot showers.

Rod

[Keith Falkner]

RodK,

If you wish to watch TV late at night at Myakka River State Park, you will need to bring the TV and its antenna, but you will be able to plug it in at any campsite. Local channels are few (ABC is #40) but if your antenna fetches stuff from Tampa, you will have plenty of choice.

After 11PM, campers get sleepy, so please use earphones.

Hot showers are just a few yards from our campsites at Myakka; I have no information about facilities at Lake Louisa, but posts on pages above this page give you advice on which campsites to reserve at which parks, and precisely how to make those reservations. Basically, a campsite costs $24.20 per night and that covers park admission for all the campers who will occupy that site; get organized and enter together. A campsite can hold two motorcycles and two tents, tops. It's OK for up to eight solo riders in two tents to occupy one site and park two bikes on the site and six in an overflow area 130 yards away.

Please read all the posts carefully before making a reservation, because some of us happy campers have room for a second tent on our campsites.

I live near Myakka River State Park, and I am trying to provide some extra comforts for the campers. For example, I will bring a microwave oven, firewood for at least eight campfires, and rudimentary mattresses (just 2x6 hunks of new carpet) for at least five other campers. On Saturday morning at Myakka, I will brew coffee for all campers and provide milk, sugar, and Sweet'n'Low. Please bring your own mugs (but some of you will forget and I will bring extras).

Abe Lincoln said that the man who splits his own firewood is twice warmed; I can testify that he spake the truth. Eight campfires is a lot of rail-splitting, and I am lookin' for some pineapple juice (inside yoke).

Keith

[My Strom]

Hey, it sounds like Friday night may be tough on dinner but check this out! My wife Lee (Now known as WeeLeestrom) wants to join in on Saturday night To camp with me. She has volunteerd to pick up dinner for all of us, and what every supplies we need, like more pineapple juice. We think if you like she can bring wings,slaw, home made baked beans, (which should be great around the camp fire) Ice, and with out question, more pineapple juice! If this sounds good to everyone please let us know. (we have a van so she can haul alot of juice, I mean stuff. Mystrom

[JRShaw]

Very funny way of getting your better half into the swing of things. Maybe, just maybe I might be able to talk my better half into riding down with your better half and also spend the night. We better take a good long hot shower with lots of lye soap befor ethey get there though. We just might be a little stinky if we don't.
Good plan for hot fresh food after a long hard dqay of riding. Any flavor of pineapple juice would also be very welcome.
With this post I hit 200 hooray!!!!
Rod, no sleep walking man.

[motoxusa]

Hey Rod - I just got back from the AHRMA National Vintage Motocross races up in Ocala. They were great, but a bit muddy.

The two routes that you suggested look good. I've ridden part of the Green Swamp route, most of which was dirt. Charlie, Richard and I got onto Green Swamp road from Hwy 561, which is the dirt section. It was fun, except for the section shown in the picture. Charlie and I enjoyed the water, but Richard decided to take a detour.

http://www.louwhitney.com/images/green_swamp.jpg

Is your layout all paved road? I'm planning to ride it this week just to make sure that the west gate will be open when we get there.

The other layout also looks good, but I haven't had a chance to see how it will fit in with the overall route plan.

Thanks fo the suggestions.

About Tampa Toms question regarding how many can use a campsite. The answer is two tents and two vehicles. I still have room for one on my campsite.

[Oldschooler]

Looking at the route looks like there's a leg on the turnpike for 80 miles. ( ok 79 miles). Seems like a long way to be on the super slab, doesn't it? How much does it cost roughly?
Don't get me wrong here kids, I'm not complaining in any way. I was just thinking out loud, so to speak. Are there any secondary road options that go that way?

If there's not, I'll be the first on the super slab :)


Edit: Another question; Are we taking unpaved stuff? If so Cool for me but my son would be riding the Bandit. HA ! That would be like taking your Z28 off road! LOL. I'd have him sit this one out if thats the case. I don't care either way just need to know what plans we need to make and if we're packing two bikes or just mine. I have a campsite at both places so anyone who might need a place to drop your tent can drop yours on mine.

[motoxusa]

Looking at the route looks like there's a leg on the turnpike for 80 miles. ( ok 79 miles). Seems like a long way to be on the super slab, doesn't it? How much does it cost roughly?
Don't get me wrong here kids, I'm not complaining in any way. I was just thinking out loud, so to speak. Are there any secondary road options that go that way?

If there's not, I'll be the first on the super slab :)


Edit: Another question; Are we taking unpaved stuff? If so Cool for me but my son would be riding the Bandit. HA ! That would be like taking your Z28 off road! LOL. I'd have him sit this one out if thats the case. I don't care either way just need to know what plans we need to make and if we're packing two bikes or just mine. I have a campsite at both places so anyone who might need a place to drop your tent can drop yours on mine.

We'll take a look at some alternates for the turnpike, but we planned to use the turnpike as a convenient road to pick up our riders along the way. In addition, timing is a problem because Myakka River shuts the gates at dusk and we can't dilly dally around on too many back roads. The first days leg is 495 miles, which is a big day and requires that we average 50 mph. We can make good time on the turnpike and 441 south of Yee Haw Junction, and hopefully around Lake Okeechobee. Day two is only 200 miles but we have more planned stops, and some neat roads. The third day is also 200 miles with several stops, plus the BBQ at Mike and Roseanne's.

I suggest on day one that we either bring a snack for lunch, or we make a quick McDonald's type stop for lunch. We don't have a lot of time. We'll also need at least two gas stops.

My Strom's suggestion that his wife bring something into the park for dinner is a good one. We definitely won't have time to eat something on the way before the gates close. We'll pass the hat to cover the expenses.

Are there any other suggestions regarding logistics?

[My Strom]

Just to clairify, we will need to feed ourselves on Friday night.(micro food or self packed dinner) My wife will bring what ever we need on Saturday night. I will call her when we stop for gas to give her an update. So lets decide as a group as to what we would like for dinner on Saturday and how much juice we need! Thanks, Mystrom

[Oldschooler]

[QUOTE=motoxusa;84901]we planned to use the turnpike as a convenient road to pick up our riders along the way. In addition, timing is a problemQUOTE]

Lou,
Like I said "I'll be the first one on the super slab". Actually I forgot about everyone jumping in along the way.

How about the off road stuff, we doing any other than inside of the parks?

[JRShaw]

Just to clairify, we will need to feed ourselves on Friday night.(micro food or self packed dinner) My wife will bring what ever we need on Saturday night. I will call her when we stop for gas to give her an update. So lets decide as a group as to what we would like for dinner on Saturday and how much juice we need! Thanks, Mystrom

I understood just fine. We do ahve some time to work out hte details, so let's not get jumpy quite yet. Is Lee going to stay at the night with you at the state park of come back home to a warm/cool bed and then meet up with us next day at MIke and Roseanne's? I'm trying to Marianne to make the trip down to Lake Louise. We shall see how that turns out. Any, repeat any flavor pineapple juice is fine by me.

[motoxusa]

[QUOTE=motoxusa;84901]we planned to use the turnpike as a convenient road to pick up our riders along the way. In addition, timing is a problemQUOTE]

Lou,
Like I said "I'll be the first one on the super slab". Actually I forgot about everyone jumping in along the way.

How about the off road stuff, we doing any other than inside of the parks?

To my knowledge, there is no off-road riding except for inside the parks. We're still tweaking the route. I have some grave concerns about the distance of Friday's ride and the early closing of the park gates.

What is your combined thoughts of starting at a more central location instead of Crystal River. Maybe around Clermont. That would give us another hour or so before the parks close. We'd still have to haul butt to the southern part of the state. Even with the shorter distance we'd still have to average over 40 mph to get there at 4:30pm. We've got at least 3 gas stops along the way, plus we'll need to make a stop to pick up stuff for dinner.

[Keith Falkner]

Myakka River State Park closes its south gate at sunset.

On March 30 2007, sunset happens (in Tampa) at about 7:46 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time. The gibbous moon will light our evening.

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp

I just telephoned the park (941-361-6511) and verified the gate will close at about 7:35 PM on March 30. I am sure that arriving at 6:30 will pose no problem; we will have daylight for setting up and cooking, and moonlight for singing or juggling empty pineapples or whatever we like.

I will supply plenty of firewood, so we can cook steaks, sausages, hot dogs, marshmallows, and other fare in the traditional fashion if we want. (The thought of a microwaved marshmallow at a campground simply does not thrill me.)

The last city before the park is Arcadia. There are lots of supermarkets and food chain stores there, so we can purchase stuff to nuke or stuff to roast or takeout food to eat as is or reheated. The trip from Arcadia to the park is approximately 33 miles, so there is no danger of food decaying en route.

If we all get fuel at Arcadia, we will have our tanks nearly full when we set out on Saturday, and will need a maximum of one fuel stop to reach Lake Louisa.

Keith

[My Strom]

I understood just fine. We do ahve some time to work out hte details, so let's not get jumpy quite yet. Is Lee going to stay at the night with you at the state park of come back home to a warm/cool bed and then meet up with us next day at MIke and Roseanne's? I'm trying to Marianne to make the trip down to Lake Louise. We shall see how that turns out. Any, repeat any flavor pineapple juice is fine by me.

Jim, WeeLeestrom will camp with me on Saturday night and go back home on Sunday morning. She has told me she can haul some of the gear back home if we don't want to pack up Sunday morning.

[JRShaw]

Charlie, where are we going to meet you on Friday morning and at what time? Bob and I are going to meet up and then hook up with you and maybe Lou?
I'm getting ready, just finished mounting the trunk I got from you last night. Looks great and only 1 1/4 turn screw to mount and dis-mount.

[readytoride]

Any one want to venture a guess as to what time we will be ready to eat on Sunday? I would like to post another thread to invite those who aren't riding/camping with us over the weekend.

Mike

[Keith Falkner]

Lou and Charlie,

As I understand the proposed route around Lake Okeechobee on Friday afternoon March 30, we reach the metropolis of Arcadia by riding north on SR 31 until it meets SR70, then west on SR70. Just west of Arcadia, SR72 angles off gently to the southwest, and that is our route to Myakka River State Park.

When we reach Arcadia, the seat of DeSoto County, we will probably want washrooms, gasoline, and provisions for dinner and the evening and overnight and breakfast. I stress that Arcadia is our last stop for provisions. Our campground is almost 40 miles west of Arcadia, and we *need* to reach the campground no later than 7:25 PM to be admitted. 6:30 PM would be better for all concerned, because that gives us some daylight for setup, cooking, and cleanup. The moon will be gibbous, approaching full, and will rise some two hours before sunset; that's close to ideal for us.

When we reach the campground, we will find already at our campsites: a microwave oven, a coffeemaker with coffee, sugar, sweetener, mugs, and stirrers, nine sturdy plastic bags of firewood (one campfire each), and five waterproof bags containing pieces of new carpeting that serve very well as mattresses if you have brought none. Almost all of these items are recycled one way or another. Except the coffee: it's fresh, and you recycle it yourself.

Question: do you wish me to scout Arcadia, and devise a route from the intersection of SR31 and SR70 to one place where we can find all we will need until we depart Myakka River State Park on Saturday morning?

If no, I will relax; if yes, I will ride to Arcadia and scout, and then report here on March 19.

Keith

[JRShaw]

Do we have a 'count' of riders on this ride?

[motoxusa]

Hi All

I talked to Charlie recently and he, unfortunately, will not be joining us on this ride. As you know he is very committed to tournament softball, and the league that he play for has made a change in the schedule which requires him to play on our ride weekend....BUMMER. Under normal conditions I would suggest that we change the ride date, but many of us have already made out reservations. Charlie has asked that I lead the ride for him, and I have agreed.

I have discussed some changes to the route with Charlie and he has agreed. The main change is the starting point. Instead of Crystal River, we will now start just south of Clermont. This is a more central point, and will eliminate the need to make stops along the way to pick up anyone, unless we get some South Florida riders to join us. Another change, which has been expressed by a few of you is to avoid the Florida Turnpike. I have plotted out a fairly nice route that picks up Hwy 441 near Yee Haw Junction. I think we will have enough time to take a more scenic route since we have saved about 80 miles off of the beginning of the ride.

Keith...we'll plan to stop at Arcadia to pick up our supplies. As long as they have a grocery store, fast food place, and a beverage store I don't see a need for a special trip. They do have a Chili's, so we can at least get some wings.

I'll post the revised route as soon as I've finishd it. We will meet at the McDonald's on the East side of Hwy 27, which is 3 miles south of Hwy 50 in Clermont. The coordinates are N28 30.047 W81 43.126.

We need a count of those planning to go. Following is what I think the list is at this time:

Jim S
Keith F
Lou W (I still have an open camping space on Saturday)
Rod K (Join us at around 3 pm on Friday)
Mike S (Will catch up with us on Saturday & Roseanne will stay home to prepare for Sunay's BBQ)
Robert S (weeleestrom will camp with us on Saturday)
Jim M & Son
Tom (Tampa Tom), plus Concours Buddy
Roy C
Rick & Winnie (Meet up with us on Sunday)
Clem (Ironmorph) (Meet up with us on Saturday)

Let me know if you're planning to go and your name is not on the list. I will keep this list up-of-date.

Give me a holler if you have any suggetions.

[My Strom]

Lou, this new meeting place sounds good to me. I think that Oldschooler and Jim shaw will ride with me to meet up with the group. WeeLeestrom will camp with me on Saturday not Friday! Lee will bring us dinner on Saturday night so we dont need to stop for drinks or food. Mystrom

[Winnie]

Lou and Charlie,

As I understand the proposed route around Lake Okeechobee on Friday afternoon March 30, we reach the metropolis of Arcadia by riding north on SR 31 until it meets SR70, then west on SR70. Just west of Arcadia, SR72 angles off gently to the southwest, and that is our route to Myakka River State Park.

When we reach Arcadia, the seat of DeSoto County, we will probably want washrooms, gasoline, and provisions for dinner and the evening and overnight and breakfast. I stress that Arcadia is our last stop for provisions. Our campground is almost 40 miles west of Arcadia, and we *need* to reach the campground no later than 7:25 PM to be admitted. 6:30 PM would be better for all concerned, because that gives us some daylight for setup, cooking, and cleanup. The moon will be gibbous, approaching full, and will rise some two hours before sunset; that's close to ideal for us.

When we reach the campground, we will find already at our campsites: a microwave oven, a coffeemaker with coffee, sugar, sweetener, mugs, and stirrers, nine sturdy plastic bags of firewood (one campfire each), and five waterproof bags containing pieces of new carpeting that serve very well as mattresses if you have brought none. Almost all of these items are recycled one way or another. Except the coffee: it's fresh, and you recycle it yourself.

Question: do you wish me to scout Arcadia, and devise a route from the intersection of SR31 and SR70 to one place where we can find all we will need until we depart Myakka River State Park on Saturday morning?

If no, I will relax; if yes, I will ride to Arcadia and scout, and then report here on March 19.

Keith



Keith,
Were you once a supply officer? My gosh you are organized. This sounds like a far cry from the type of camping I did while working for the US Forest Service. Of course that was BM (before Microwaves).

Rick and I are thinking we might just join on Sunday and forget the overnight thing. Rick is heavily involved with a carriage driving event in Ocala and he will be tied to the show grounds starting this Saturday through March 27. We probably need the Saturday of the camping trip just to get all his tools put away (tractor, drag, saws, ATV, multiple trailers). It takes numerous trips back and forth just to gather all the parts. I'm willing to bet we will still have parts to collect on March 31.

If nothing else we will see everyone at Mike and Roseanne’s.

[Keith Falkner]

If I had been one of the characters in that movie, I would NOT have been Steve McQueen because I cannot ride anywhere near as skillfully as he did.

I would have been Flight Lt. Hendley "The Scrounger", played by James Garner.

I get lots of cool stuff while walking my dog, especially if I get up early enough to beat the garbage trucks to the *really* good stuff.

I found some leftover pieces of new carpet, and soon they were taking up space in my garage. I found a terrific roll of polyethylene, sixteen inches wide, double thick, and joined at the edges so it's a tube 32 inches in circumference. I cut up the carpet into cot-size pieces, rolled them up, and shoved them into tubes. Mattresses.

I had to demolish an old fence. Rather than consign it to the landfill, I cut it into campfire sized pieces, crammed it into tubes, added a section of newspaper to each tube, and tied a clumsy knot. Campfires.

In other words, I am just hauling trash to the campsites. Anyone with no mattress at all will be glad of a chunk of clean new carpet. And I see no sense in putting wood into a landfill and then buying some wood to burn.

I have already told the story of the microwave.

If we cannot haul away the microwave and mattresses, I am sure other tenters will appreciate having them until they too depart; then it may be time for that stuff to go into the dumpster, and indeed there is a dumpster at the campground. Where do you think I looked first?

Keith the diver.

[motoxusa]

Rick and I are thinking we might just join on Sunday and forget the overnight thing. Rick is heavily involved with a carriage driving event in Ocala and he will be tied to the show grounds starting this Saturday through March 27. We probably need the Saturday of the camping trip just to get all his tools put away (tractor, drag, saws, ATV, multiple trailers). It takes numerous trips back and forth just to gather all the parts. I'm willing to bet we will still have parts to collect on March 31.

If nothing else we will see everyone at Mike and Roseanne’s.

It sounds like rick is really involved in the carriage drivig event. It sounds interesting. I do hope that you can join us for some of the ride on Sunday. If not we'll see you at the BBQ.

[JRShaw]

Lou, what time on Friday do you plan on meeting? I guess that a lot of that depends on the length of the ride on Friday, doesn't it? Riding time is approx. how many hours? Bob and Jim and I will most likely meet up and then come to Clermont to meet you and???? Too bad for Charlie, but he and I had discussed that possiblity a couple of weeks ago. Glad to see you are stepping up to the plate to fill his shoes. See all in a couple of weeks.

[RodK]

They don't make 'em any nicer or tougher than, Lou.

I'll catch you guys about 3 PM Friday, wherever that is.


Rod

[rosebud314]

Lou,

Don't count on me for the ride. I'll be busy here getting ready for ya'll on Sunday. Also, Mike will be joining up with you sometime on Saturday, as he has to work on Friday.

[motoxusa]

In other words, I am just hauling trash to the campsites. Anyone with no mattress at all will be glad of a chunk of clean new carpet. And I see no sense in putting wood into a landfill and then buying some wood to burn.

I have already told the story of the microwave.

If we cannot haul away the microwave and mattresses, I am sure other tenters will appreciate having them until they too depart; then it may be time for that stuff to go into the dumpster, and indeed there is a dumpster at the campground. Where do you think I looked first?

Keith the diver.

I can remember a few nights of primitive camping that I would have given my "you know what" for a piece of rug to lay on, and a few pieces of firewood to keep warm. We're grateful for someone whose hinking o our comfort. After all, many of us are beyond the days when camping under the stars was an adventure....no it's more of an inconvenience.

[motoxusa]

Lou, what time on Friday do you plan on meeting? I guess that a lot of that depends on the length of the ride on Friday, doesn't it? Riding time is approx. how many hours? Bob and Jim and I will most likely meet up and then come to Clermont to meet you and???? Too bad for Charlie, but he and I had discussed that possiblity a couple of weeks ago. Glad to see you are stepping up to the plate to fill his shoes. See all in a couple of weeks.

Charlie had set the time for 6am from Crystal River, but I think that we can move that up to 7am since we are leaving from the Clermont area, especially with daylight savings time.

[motoxusa]

They don't make 'em any nicer or tougher than, Lou.

I'll catch you guys about 3 PM Friday, wherever that is.


Rod

You might as well meet up with us at Myakka River Park. We'll probably be heading that way on Hwy 31 at that time.

[motoxusa]

Who plans to be at the starting point in Clermont on Friday?

Other than Rod, is there anyone else that plans to meet the group somewhere along the route on Friday? Is so, where do you plan to meet us?

The same question for those planning to meet us on Saturday?

Once we have the route planned, we can approximate meeting times.

I believe Rick & Winnie wll catching up with us on Sunday morning at Lake Louisa State Park. We'll plan to leave the park around 8:30.

[My Strom]

Lou, I know I will meet up with you in Clermont at 7:00am and think Jim Shaw, Jim M (Oldschooler) and son will also be there as well .(4) total

Jim and Jim, if you guys read this please post reply as soon as you can.

Thanks, Mystrom

[ironmorph]

"The same question for those planning to meet us on Saturday?"


I plan on meeting the group on Saturday at the gate at Myakka SP. I plan on being there about 8:00 AM or so at the North Entrance. If you intend on leaving earlier let me know.:cool:

[motoxusa]

"The same question for those planning to meet us on Saturday?"


I plan on meeting the group on Saturday at the gate at Myakka SP. I plan on being there about 8:00 AM or so at the North Entrance. If you intend on leaving earlier let me know.:cool:

We do plan on leaving between 8:00 and 8:30 on Saturday morning, probably closer to 8:30. We will be exiting through the north gate.

[readytoride]

"The same question for those planning to meet us on Saturday?"


I plan on meeting the group on Saturday at the gate at Myakka SP. I plan on being there about 8:00 AM or so at the North Entrance. If you intend on leaving earlier let me know.:cool:


This is my plan as well. If I find myself running late I will run the route backwards and meet along the way.

[motoxusa]

The routes for all three days have been finalized, and can be downloaded by clicking on the following link. There are separate files for each day, and include a GPS file in Garmin format, a map, and directions.

http://www.louwhitney.com/CampingTripRouteFiles.zip

Let me know if you have any questions.

[RodK]

Great work, Lou. Love the Garmin files. They popped right into my box. I know the one from Myakka north works as I rode a bunch of it today. I'm still looking for a place on the net to host .gpx files.

Rod

[rosebud314]

Now that you've got your routes all figured out, can you give me an idea of a time you will be getting to our house on the 1st.

[motoxusa]

Now that you've got your routes all figured out, can you give me an idea of a time you will be getting to our house on the 1st.

Hi Rosanne

If we leave Lake Louisa around 8:30am we should be rolling into your place around 1:30 to 2:00pm. If we leave earlier or later than 8:30 we'll give you a call in the morning.

I can't wait to enjoy your hospitality.

Lou

[Oldschooler]

Does anyone mind if I invite a non-Vstrom friend along? He's a great guy, kind of quiet but friendly, retired Air Force and rides a Road King. He has mentioned wanting to do some camping while on the bike. I was thinking of letting him sleep in our tent but didn't want to ask prior to asking all of you your feelings.

Thanks,
Jim

[Keith Falkner]

... not if he tells us our bikes are ugly. I am really getting tired of that.:rolleyes:

Keith

[readytoride]

Does anyone mind if I invite a non-Vstrom friend along? He's a great guy, kind of quiet but friendly, retired Air Force and rides a Road King. He has mentioned wanting to do some camping while on the bike. I was thinking of letting him sleep in our tent but didn't want to ask prior to asking all of you your feelings.

Thanks,
Jim

This is all well and good, but more importantly, does he snore? :)

Just kidding of course...doesn't make any difference to me...

[Keith Falkner]

Arcadia is the last opportunity to get supplies and gasoline before we reach Myakka River State Park on Friday afternoon or evening.

As I understand the map, a stop is scheduled at "Kash 'N' Karry".

Here is what I found in Arcadia this afternoon, one week before we ride through that fine city.

We are northbound on SR31, and we ride through a sweet-smelling orange orchard just before Arcadia. We turn left at a stoplight onto SR70. This is an easy left turn because there is little traffic from the north.

We proceed only 0.4 miles on SR70 before turning right into the fifth driveway, which leads to a shopping center. The supermarket has changed its name from Kash 'N' Karry to Sweetbay, and the photos below show the signs at this plaza.

In addition to the Sweetbay grocery store, the plaza contains Sweetbay Liquor, Low Ball Louie the Tobacconist, a clothing store, Fortune Chinese Restaurant, Payday Advance Cash, a hardware store, Beef O'Brady's, and a seedy department store. I have menus for Fortune and O'Brady's.

The phone number for Fortune Chinese Restaurant is 863-993-4003. A quart of fried rice is priced between $5.50 (veg) and $7.25 (sweep the floor). Beef Lo Mein is $6.75. Other prices on request, or maybe I will hook up my scanner.

The phone number for Beef O'Brady's is 863-494-9333. 50 wings cost $26 (remember this is Arcadia, so they have RIGHT wings only). Chef's Salad is 6.50; Reuben sandwich is $7; fish 'n' Chips is $8. Other prices on request.

There will be a microwave oven at our campsite. There will be plenty of firewood for campfires. BYOM.

Keith

[My Strom]

Here is the packed strom (Yes a fish'in pole is there too!)


http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/Rpstrom/Mystrom/

[JRShaw]

Lookin' good Robert, I'm test packing now. Fishing pole????? To each his own. I'm getting really ready for this trip. Talk to you later.

[RodK]

Is there valet parking for black 07 Vees? Just wonderin' :-)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/RodKu/stpete4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/RodKu/stpete5.jpg




Rod

[motoxusa]

Here is the packed strom (Yes a fish'in pole is there too!)


http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/Rpstrom/Mystrom/

"OMG"....did I miss something? I thought that we were only camping 2 nights. I had less than that for my month-long cross country. Just kidding!!!

I can hardly wait. Here's my layout.

http://www.louwhitney.com/Travelogues/Cross%20Country%20Adventure_Lou%20Whitney/images/may_08/03_010a.jpg

[JRShaw]

My bike looks almost as neatly packed as does Lou's bike. Got the oil changed, chain lubed and tires checked, I'm ready to go. Lou, I'm bringing the extra saddle down on Saturday via Robert's wife. I'll get it to him this week some time. CYA!!!

[RodK]

Hey Lou, the thead is getting kind of long. Where should I be to hook up with you guys about 3 PM Friday afternoon?

Thanks

Rod

[motoxusa]

Hey Lou, the thead is getting kind of long. Where should I be to hook up with you guys about 3 PM Friday afternoon?

Thanks

Rod

All the fast guys are starting off on Friday morning from Clermont. I suspect that we will be at Myakka River State Park, or very close to it at 3pm. You might want to come through the North entrance of the park, and if we're not there head east on Hwy 72. Remember that we are stopping in Arcadia for supplies. We'll also be going through Caloosahatchee State Park. Just back track the route that I sent to you and you're bound to meet up with us somewhere on that stretch between Okeechobbee and Myakka.

[Keith Falkner]

Do not try to enter Myakka River State Park via the north entrance on Friday, because that entrance is open only on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Access the south entrance, almost ten miles east of I-75 Exit 205, and about 35 miles west of Arcadia, on State Road 72. Inside Sarasota, SR72 is called Clark Road, and also by another name that I will keep secret for now.

Keith

[whalenwp]

I must have had a brain fart!

When did the dates change for the ride. I thought that it was Easter weekend so I was passing on the ride, but I see that it is this weekend. To late for me to make the ride but will be at the cookout on Sun.

Bill "SandShark"
03 V-Strom 1000
02 DRZ400S

[JRShaw]

Bill, come on out any time during the weekend. We have not seen you for some time on our meet 'n greets. Should be really easy to find a bunch of old farts riding aimlessly around southern Florida, shouldn't it?. Come join us!!!!

[Keith Falkner]

An hour ago, I delivered to our campground at Myakka River State Park:

One microwave oven, whose fate after Saturday morning is a mystery to me.

Five hunks of brand new carpet, each rolled up in a sturdy plastic bag. Any camper who lacks a good mattress will be mighty glad to have one of these.

Nine sacks of firewood. Each sack is enough to build a campfire that will last about an hour. There are a few more sacks of wood that will replenish a fire that is already burning. I think this will be enough for Friday evening.

These commodities are resting under the pullout of our campground host and hostess, Jim and Lynn Reese, a cordial couple who serve as den mother and father for all us happy campers. :)

See ya tomorrow morning!
Keith

[JRShaw]

Keith, you are too much man. Thanks for all of the work you have put into this event. See ya tomorrow.

[Oldschooler]

Yeah, I thought Keith was the Den Father! :o

[ironmorph]

I tried to make it, but got leveled by this virus from hell, and I have not recovered yet. I will have to rest today. next time...:(

[RodK]

We had a great Saturday ride. I had my new bike with no luggage so I was a day rider. Next time I'll take in the whole experience. Besides a little food poisoning and bee stings it was a grand day.

http://photos.imageevent.com/rodk/stromcamping/websize/camping4.jpg



http://imageevent.com/rodk/stromcamping


Rod
07 Vee
Riverview, FL

[Tampa Tom]

Guys....I'm sure you wondering what happened to me. I was not feeling very well at lunch. My stomach was gradually hurting worse and worse every mile we rode. It was like someone was twisting it. I was getting more lightheaded as well. When we got to Hwy 98 I was hurting in pain.

When you saw me over at the gas station it was to purge everything out of my system. Felt better but only for a short time and then the stomach pains came back. I decided to bail and get home since I couldn't sleep on the ground at the Chevron station. Sorry I couldn't make it for the rest of the ride.

The good news is...Today is a much better day. I am thinking I got food poisining from Bob Evans yesterday morning...not from BBQ Joe's.

Hope you all had fun...

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/3818/2984101660083390360S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2984101660083390360oMZWzl)

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/4870/2417197550083390360S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2417197550083390360dLRlaW)

[RodK]

Tom, I feel bad leaving you for dead at that gas station. After I led the group to HWY 33, I came back thru the Green Swamp to the Chevron to see if I could help. Glad you got home OK and that Smokin Joe's wasn't serving up heaping piles of bacteria (hopefully). Great day for a ride otherwise.

Luckily we were relatively close to Z-hills. Just think if you lived in Ocala :-))

Sure do love that new Vee. That sucker is gonna see a lot of miles.

Rod

[Keith Falkner]

To all the organizers of this event, I wish to express great thanks. I had a wonderful time, and I hope this sort of event occurs again and often.

I was delighted to make some contributions, mostly recycled garbage and some experiments to teach me about camping. The oven, rugs, wood, and even the plastic bags I used to hold them were all material destined for the landfill. Thanks for putting up with my experiments.

I was sorry I had to depart after lunch on Saturday. I had a placid ride home, and enjoyed a much needed nap.

Keith

[My Strom]

I had a great time this weekend thanks to all of you in our group. The cook out today was a great end to the adventure. This has been the best meet and greet for me and know it will be hard to beat. (I know we will try!) Jim the wind screen made a great change to the ride and I will buy one soon. Here are a few pics of the ride. Mystrom and WeeLeestrom

http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l54/Rpstrom/Strom%20Camping/

[Oldschooler]

That was great fun! Quinn says that there are some "fairly cool old guys around". Coming from him thats big! LOL.

I've been wanting to go camping on the bike for years. I had a great time! Sorry I missed the feast. This was Quinn's first big ride and he was wanting to get home take "another" shower and veg out on the couch. He thought the cook-out sounded great but he was wipped from the two days on the road and sleeping on the rocks! LOL

Maybe next time we can sleep off a fire trail in Ocala or something.

Thanks to all of you guys for the planing, help, gizmos and food!

http://public.fotki.com/FLjim/motorcycle-camping/

[motoxusa]

This past weekend was a blast, and hope that we can do something like this again sometime in the not-to-distant-future. Thanks go out to a lot of folks for making this ride such a success.

First, our thanks to Charlie P. for coming up with the plan and ride format. Too bad that he didn't get a chance to enjoy it. From his earlier comment about the outcome of his baseball games, he's probably kicking himself for not going on the ride. He truly missed out on a good one.

Kudos to Keith Faulkner for all of the information about the camping facilities at Myakka and Lake Louisa. A special note of gratitude for all of the goodies that he provided at Myakka. The ton of wood, carpet strips, and the microwave that he brought out the night before so we could have a good bonfire to keep warm and roast marshmellows, something soft to sleep on, and something to pop the popcorn. He thought of everything, including coffee and oatmeal in the morning. It's too bad that he couldn't be with us for the overnight at Lake Louisa....we missed him

At Lake Louisa it was Bob S. and his lovely wife, Lee, that came through with both dinner and breakfast. Lee met us out at Lake Louisa with a van full of goodies. We had enough Chicken Wings for a small Army, along with delicous potato salad, celery sticks with blue cheese dressing and a half dozen bag of chips. There was also a cooler full of all kinds of drinks, including our camp specialty drink.....pineapple juice. For breakfast we had homemade banana bread and a ton of donuts. Jim made the coffee Sunday morning.

We finished the ride at around 1:30 on Sunday, with our destination being Mike and Roseanne's hacienda. Roseanne had be cooking or three days, and again there was enough to feed an Army. There were only 6 of us that finished the ride on sunday, but there were 13 that showed up for Roseanne's feast. She made the most delicous BBQ beef...yummy. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it. In addition, she had hot dogs, potato and macaroni salads, coleslaw, a ton of baked beans, chips and all the other trimmings. To top it off she made a bunt cake and the most delicous brownies.

What a display of generousity shown by members of our Florida V-Strom Rider's group. We've got to have one of the best V-Strom rider's groups in the country. As I've said often, you meet the nicest people riding V-Stroms.

Thanks again everybody. I don't know how we're going to outdo this ride, but I know that we will try.

PS- Brendan, you missed out some fantastic food and a great V-Strom BS session.

[JRShaw]

From my new home, Ruf,ruff!!! LOL Don't know why, but it is what it is.
Had a temendous time this weekend. Thanks to all who participated and especially to those that planned and led. We do need to do it again. Sorry I had to leave early, but ya'll know why.
We collected $40.05 for the website fund and it will go out today. Thanks!!!! If you missed donating, save iit for next ride and stick it in the hat. We need to support the site.

[readytoride]

This past weekend ride/campout was just what I needed. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable in recent memory. The ride was great, the scenery beautiful, and the weather was just PERFECT! Even the stones at Lake Louise campground were soft (:) you had to be there). The best part though, was to be able to share it with great folks.

Thanks to everyone that had a part in planning this. My only regret is that I couldn't do the whole thing. Maybe next time...

Thanks also to everyone who came for the cook-out. Roseanne and I enjoyed having everyone here.

See you next time.