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Blue Knights International® Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc. Florida Chapter XVII Tampa, Florida
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March 29,
Saturday -
it was a beautiful, sunny, clear, tepid morning as 25 of the Breakfast
Club members started to arrive at CMS for the Saturday ride. RR brought
a card with him from a new (to us) place in Palm Harbor called Tiffany's
Family Restaurant, the group decided to try it, but since it was so
close decided that we should ride for a half hour or so first, so that's
what was done. We arrived about 10am to find everything ready for us
(they should all be this way). The service was good, the food was good
and plenty of it, the prices were right (RR gets an atta boy for this
one).
After breakfast a few of us did some errands and ended up at Jim's HD for lunch and then Ron D's for dessert. It was a great day weather wise and friend wise. Til next time-----------(ed-BS) Thursday, March 27 - 19 of us met at Po Boys Restaurant. It was quite a time-crunch for us to get there, because of our work schedules. My commute was extra long after work, driving from Pinellas County (Largo) to Hillsborough County (home in Carollwood), back to Pinellas County (Po Boys Restaurant). Amazingly, we did it in “turbo time!” and beat everyone to the restaurant! It was nice to see all of the familiar BK 17 faces, Peter’s Barb, who we hadn’t seen in awhile, due to foot problems, and some unfamiliar as well: Cathy and Otto, friends of Joe and Marie. I was still laughing when I saw Joe E (Jack!) thinking back to our last weekend spent together in Clewiston, FL at the haunted hotel. The fun times we had hanging around together in the lounge at the Clewiston Inn, playing left-right-center while it rained outside. Secretly, the BK 17 guys were doing PR work for our SRC in May, as other chapters hung out with us in the lounge, laughing and playing the dice game. Those who hadn’t registered yet said they would hurry home to register to have the opportunity to hang out with us again and play left-right-center. (I think they just want to try again at the winning pot!) Many registrations/checks were handed over to Don that evening at Po Boys for the SRC. I just knew he would go home after his long day at work, and the long evening at dinner and do the data-entry of those registrations/checks. Sure enough, he told me the next morning, he had stayed up till midnight doing the entries into his database!
Our waiter did an exceptional job of
meeting our wants and needs at Po Boys. He bounced all over that back
room full of BK 17 members, like a ricocheting bb all night. Gary was the
last one to order, yet received his food first! (That was a total
fluke!) He was all smiles, or perhaps, that was because of his many
side-dishes! Teresa, back on her diet, offered to Gary to pick 2 sides,
and a choice of bread, since she wasn’t allowed to eat them. Then, Those who ordered the bowls of chili, oohed and ahhed over the taste, thickness of meat and BEANS! The significant others of these households held their breaths, practicing for the upcoming fireworks, when the BEANS would revisit! Jimmy S shared his good news, that he was notified that he would be receiving an award from HCSO for 20 years of volunteer service, as a Reserve II Deputy! CONGRATULATIONS to JIMMY! We were sorry that Cory couldn’t attend the dinner at Po Boys, but Jimmy explained that when he called him, it seemed Cory had spent his day off mowing his lawn. If any of you have visited Cory’s “Ranch”, you understand that mowing his lawn means an all day job! After we ate, we moved our visiting to the parking lot (a BK 17 tradition!) and continuing laughing and conversing. We had a great time, ate a great meal and until we eat again, Karen Lumpkin Ride Reporter
Saturday, March 22, 2008 Clewiston Inn
11 of us attended the Bar-B-Q in Clewiston, FL sponsored by BK FL IV (Miami). Don and I rode solo, taking back roads and the rest of the group was led by Gary on I-75. He had 4 bikes and 3 cars with him on his journey. Don and I wanted to enjoy the back roads, instead of the constant hammering on the interstate. Also, we enjoy the close-up smells of orange blossoms orchards and the road apples from the farms along the roadside.
It was a cool morning and Don stopped 3 times for me to add more layers. It was a gray, gloomy day with some spitting rain. The spits of moisture never amounted to much, until Sebring, when we were caught by a few traffic lights and had to sit in it. When you are on a motorcycle, it’s much better when you move through the rain, as it goes over your head. When you sit idle, you are bound to feel the moisture!
We arrived at the Clewiston Inn in a bit over 3 hours and were greeted by a smiling Connie and Bob Flannagan. Their group had arrived the previous day and spent the night before.
Even though it was only 10:30, Don and I had the opportunity to check into our room, which was very convenient to unpack the bike and put our things away. About 45 minutes later, the rest of the group arrived, and the ones on the bikes were soaked to the bone! They entered the hotel dripping wet! They apparently hit a harder sprinkle than us! We were relieved to see everyone had arrived safe and sound! They apparently brought the rain with them, because at that point, the bar-b-q/picnic moved indoors. Thankfully, there was a huge banquet hall in the back, so there was plenty of room for all! It was nice to see those from other BK chapters: Gainesville, Miami, other chapters in Florida as well.
A bunch of us gathered around the huge round tables. Since it was rumored that the Clewiston Inn was haunted, Joe E started in on his ghost stories! He had us in stitches, as usual! The cold drinks were served and we lined up for a wonderful meal of bar-b-q chicken, ribs, homemade potato salad, tossed salad, rolls, and yummy cake for dessert! There was more than enough to go around to the hungry BK members!!!
Dennis D took the stage and talked to those present about our upcoming SRC in May. Many stated they had already registered, and Don would ask their name to verify. (He works on the registration forms daily and just about has the entire list memorized at this point!)
After we ate and enjoyed the 50/50 and door prizes, many got on the road to head back. Due to the fact it was Easter weekend, many opted not to spend the night and wanted to get on the road and try to miss the next band of thunderstorms headed our way. It was a great time had by all!
Our group headed into the bar/lounge in the hotel and we sat and visited and drank our personal preferences. Those who were staying the night, and not getting back on the road until morning, opted for something stronger. Joe E and Steve Mc befriended the bartender who was so busy taking care of everyone’s needs. The next thing we knew, we looked up at the bar, to see Joe E BEHIND the bar! What is he doing???? They explained that she needed help tapping the new keg and Joe E is always ready to assist those in need! The bartender and waitresses had so much fun with us, and as usual, the guys gave it right back to them! (This went on all through the night!)
We weathered the storm the entire afternoon, sitting in the lounge drinking soft drinks or hard drinks, depending on your stamina. We talked and laughed until our stomachs hurt and Joe got the crowd into left, right, center and we had a ball with that! Joe taught other BK chapters how to play and now, they are anxious for the SRC in the Spring, to see if they remember how to play! Everyone had so much fun!!!!!
Clewiston isn’t a very big town and you can see the locals mostly all work in the sugar cane fields and sugar cane factory nearby. They are down-home folks, very plain and simple, yet sincere in their ways. It was fun to watch the locals in action, as a young couple was married right there in the lobby of the Clewiston Inn by a Notary. We noticed everyone coming in for the wedding and we noticed the family and friends to be dressed up and clean, but not fancy. You know when their shoe color does not match the outfit color, they are down-home and simple. The love in the room, however, was unending! It’s a proven fact that it’s not always what you look like on the outside, but what you display on the inside.
At one point, I left the lounge to go up the hall to the restroom, when I noticed that the wedding ceremony had begun. I slipped into the crowd and watched the ceremony. I blended right in with the other plain folk, with my blue jeans on, bright yellow tee-shirt, Blue Knights vest and my bunny ears! BUNNY EARS? I had forgotten I had my bunny ears on the entire day. They felt so normal on my head, I forgot I had them on!!!! A waitress walked up to me after the ceremony and commented, “Nice blend!” (She said she heard that line in a movie one time!). The family and friends never looked at me funny, so just figured I was a distant New York relative or something! It was a beautiful ceremony and very touching, to say the least!
There were no ghost sightings at the hotel while we were there, but we were visited by Elvis (for those who have wondered where he went, he was right there @ the Clewiston, doing a live-show!).
Gary, Joe, Don and I stayed up really late, talking and laughing and got up early the next day, Easter Sunday, to head back. We had a super time hanging out with one another and were so glad we attended the event!
Until we eat again, Karen Lumpkin Ride Reporter March 16, Sunday - as we left he hill country at 8am the skies were cloudy and wet, but the weather people promised a great day by 11am We arrived at BK to find that a fairly good shower had just gone through, Joe E. called from his home (the intelligent service people at the dealer didn't get his bike finished again to take the ride) to tell us it was pouring in Pinellas Park. The black skies and moisture did not stop 19 members from making the ride to Tavares. Jimmy led the first 60 miles through the country roads of Pasco and Hernando Counties ending at the Circle K in Ridge Manor for a 10 minute break and to meet Rick Robbins, Phil and Sandy Vickers from Ohio IX to join us on the ride. Oh did I tell you the sun was bright and hot just like the weather people said. We left the Circle K and went east through Sumter County on SR50 to one of those uncharted roads that takes one to what is known as no man's land, and then to Center Hill, through Okahumpka and on to Lake County and the Lake Harris Hideaway (formally Little Joe's) for lunch. A call a head had the first set of tables in the yard, right on the lake waiting for us. The food was excellent, the service a little slow, the conversation great, so all in all it was enjoyable. After lunch we headed home in smaller groups. Til next time----------(ed-BS)
March 15,
Saturday -
15 members and 1 guest met at CMS for the breakfast ride. All but 1 of
us arrived dry, for whatever the reason it poured on Peter D. on his way
to the meeting spot. We did the usual tire kicking and were surprised to
see RR on the same bike he had last week. We then discussed where to go
for breakfast, and decided on Q S & L as this was the first day they
were serving it. Off we went, it seemed strange when we arrived and saw
people there at 9:30am. The Lube needs to refine their breakfast
procedures, the food and service were good, The prices, the uniformity
of the portions, and menu were not. After we were done everyone did the
things they wanted or had to do, go demo riding, shopping, go to the
repair shop, or attend the Conference planning meeting at Joe E's.
Til next time-----------------(ed-BS) Sunday, March 2nd - Two (2) members (1 bike) met at Burger King for the scheduled Sunday ride: DON AND I! We got there especially early to greet those arriving and to grab a breakfast sandwich. We waited and waited and waited, but no-one showed! Don and I made eye-contact with one another and if we heard a motorcycle going by on Dale Mabry, we would stretch our necks to see if they were going to pull into the parking lot. I would say aloud, “I hear a bike!!!” Don would respond, “It’s not one of ours!” One time I said, “They have vests on!” He said, “Representing a different chapter!” By 10 AM, I was ready to leave, but Don suggested we wait until 10:15, as we always do, in the event someone was en-route to the meeting spot. The scheduled ride was to “Roaring 20’s, Pizza and Pipes” in Ellenton. This was the location that Perry had recommended and raved about, so we were certain he would show up! We kept a watchful eye on every corner, thinking that any moment, Perry would be appearing, but he didn’t, nor did anyone else for that matter! 10:15 came, so we rolled out. Since we didn’t hear any complaints or negative feedback from anyone, we decided to go ahead with the scheduled ride to “Roaring 20’s”. Neither Don nor I had ever been there, so we were excited to go and check it out. Don lined up and decided to take the lead and the tail. It was easy to pull out and stay together, with only one bike, so we started our journey. The weather was perfect for riding and we didn’t hear anyone complain about being too hot, or too cold, so that spelled c-o-m-f-o-r-t! Don’s lane changes were extraordinary and he kept the line tight and staggered. His lane changes were truly textbook material, very symmetrical, with only one bike! As we headed down 41 toward the Big Bend Power Plant, we saw the smoke barreling from Teco’s smoke stacks. Don is typically very spontaneous, which I have always admired, but few know that. When you are in a group/organized setting, such as the Blue Knights, it’s difficult to be spur of the moment, because you have to think of the others present and the schedule they might be trying to keep. Don asked me if I wanted to stop and see the manatees at the Power Plant, which I did. It had been a long time since we made the time to do that, and it’s such an incredible feeling to see them! Since we didn’t hear any debate from anyone in the headphones, we decided to stop and see them. We were astonished to see approximately 100 manatees floating and frolicking in Teco’s warm water discharge from the Power Plant. We have at times, gotten to see a few of them, floating in the warm waters, but on this date, it was truly an incredible sight to see so many of them! We stood and watched them for a long time and it was so nice outside, so hot and sunny, with a slight breeze blowing. It was neat to see so many out of state plates: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, New Mexico, (to name a few) enjoying the outdoor Tampa entertainment. After watching the manatees for quite some time, we went into the gift shop! (Yes, girls, you heard that right!!!! A Gift Shop!) Don purchased me a cool manatee bobble-head for my “Florida Room”, a room which I have dedicated solely to nautical items! We turned right after the manatee visit at the Big Bend Plant and drove through Apollo Beach. It was fun to view how affluent society lives! We arrived in Ellenton and found the restaurant with ease – coincidentally, right up the street from the Blue Knight’s favorite Mexican Restaurant in that area. We arrived to Roaring 20’s at 12:30. Since it had just opened at 12 noon, there was somewhat of a large line to get in. Customers order their food as they enter the restaurant, so the line is held up somewhat. The line did move along though, surprisingly, rather smoothly. They had a versatile menu with pizza, hot and cold sandwiches, dinner/platter options, appetizers and desserts. We were told they only served pizza, so were rather surprised by all of the choices on the menu! Seating for 2 was easy (first come, first serve) and with the restaurant seating 425, there were plenty of seats to pick from! We were told by one of our Chapter members that they only served pizza and ice cream so we had our hearts and minds set on ordering pizza. We were surprised to see numerous choices other than pizza on the menu. Since we were mentally prepared for pizza we decided to give it a try. We were glad we did! It was very good pizza and we had a side-salad to accompany it! Despite the large line of hungry people ordering, the food arrived to our table very fast! It was quite the assembly line behind the scenes, with some making sandwiches, others making/cooking the pizzas! Service was very good, the food was great and served fast and in addition, the organ music was incredible, to say the least! It was quite a performance, with the organist playing and the different instruments along the walls, going off in unison! After we ate, we moved in closer, to hear the music better. It appears that others had this same idea, and many, like us, made themselves comfortable, sat back and enjoyed the entertainment! We sat and listened to the music for an additional hour and then got on the road to head back. Don got on 75, to 275, back to 41, because on our way (southbound 41), we noticed a strawberry shortcake stand! We were full, but decided there is always room for dessert (right, Gary? Cory? Marie?). Morgan’s Strawberry Fields, which covered a vast amount of land, had a small trailer set up, advertising strawberry shortcake! Don and I decided to split one, because they were huge desserts at $5/each. There was a HUGE tower of whipped cream covering the ice cream, fresh strawberries and pound cake! They were the sweetest strawberries I had ever experienced and amidst all the whipped cream and sweet pound cake………..(is your mouth watering? Mine surely was!). We knew it had to be good stuff, to see so many others lined up at the trailer for their cake! They were locals, they knew the lady inside making the strawberry shortcakes, they had been here before, and were back for more!!! On the way home, on 41, I felt water splashing up on my right arm! I thought the person in front of us was hitting his windshield spray and wipers, in the attempt to wash his windows. I continued to feel the water and more of it, when I looked down to discover the water from my Butler mug was splashing out onto my arm!!!!! Apparently, I had lost my lid! (I’ve heard that before, but not in an official capacity!) I hurried and told Don on the mic that the lid from my Butler was gone and water was going everywhere! To be exact, I said, “Don! I lost my lid!” He started laughing at what I said and inquired as to how long it had been since I’d been experiencing that! I explained to him that I thought it had just occurred, because the water just started to pour (splash up) on my arm! With that, he made a u-turn (first one all day!) and headed back, going the opposite direction on 41! As he made another u-turn, to get back on the road we were on, we both spotted my Butler lid!!! It appeared fine and thankfully, had not been run over! Don rode right up to it, and I bent down to scoop it back up! Lucky for us, it had not been harmed in any way! Don and I had a wonderful time on our BK Sunday ride! Sorry the rest of you missed it. Until we eat again, Karen Lumpkin Ride Reporter
Thursday, February 28 - 15 of us met at Bostons Restaurant, some on 2 wheels, some on 4! The 2-wheel travelers were obvious by their red, frozen faces and chattering teeth. As we hugged the motorcycle riders, they desperately hung onto us, trying to suck our body heat from us. We sat at the table which Bostons had ready for us. Cory already had 3 different appetizers on order. He couldn’t decide which one to order, so he ordered 3 of them! He is always so starving! He explains that he is a growing boy! Gary arrived with those on 2 wheels and was happy we had not ordered any food yet. He explained that he was hoping for the opportunity to be served 1st. When Don heard that, he stated, “That will never happen, no matter when he arrives!” Gary and Howard were planning their trip to Daytona’s Bike Week, leaving the following morning. Cory and Jimmy S were talking about their trip as well, leaving on Monday. They were trying to recruit Mark L. to accompany them as well. When Mark was listening to their stories from the last Bike Week, when they paid money to have Steve R. “spanked” on Main Street, Mark was having second thoughts! Mark explained that he wasn’t sure he could get the “time off of work!” Cory was also planning the annual camping trip, but this time, at his house. He explained that the girls could “camp” inside of his house, trying to glamorize this trip! I ignored his fancy descriptions! (My idea of camping is the Holiday Inn). I changed the subject by looking at the other end of the table, commenting on Joe E’s tattoos! They were so bright and pretty, even from far away! I commented that it appeared that Joe had run out of skin for more tattoos! Every bit of his arms covered with beautiful colors and exotic art work! I was relieved to get Cory off of the camping trip, and instead, he started talking about the need for tattoos! Paula then chimed in that she wanted some, too! Everyone’s food was arriving (except for Gary’s!), and it was impressive to watch the waitress taking such good care of us by keeping our drinks filled up! The cheese-man (waiter with the cheese grater) went around the table and grated fresh parmesan for the crowd, except for Don and Cory. Somehow, the waiter missed them. Don tried desperately to get his attention, when he would sight him in the area of our table, but would miss him each time. Finally, Don went back into the kitchen (I think to get his own cheese) and was followed closely by the manager, carrying the parmesan cheese and grater. After piling their plates high with grated cheese, the manager decided to leave the cheese and grater with the boys, to take as much as they wanted! (I think the manager’s arm was getting tired!) It was hysterical, to look over and see Cory, standing up over Don’s plate, grating cheese for him! Cory was really into it with his serious face and all! I really think he missed his calling!!! We were done eating and waiting for the check so we could leave. So many of us work and get up early, so the weekday rides are tricky to attend (talk about eat and run!). Just then, we looked over to see the more beautiful (HUGE!) hot fudge sundae being placed in front of Marie! Her eyes widened and her smile broadened across her face! Being the sweet, generous gal she is, she offered anyone at the table to share it with her! We all declined her “sweet” offer! Just then, we looked over to see Gary sharing that same, wide smile across his face as his apple-crisp was delivered! Wait, I mean, 2 apple-crisps! (He explained that they looked small on the picture in the menu!) Cory’s big brownie hot-fudge dessert was the next to be delivered! His even arrived with extra spoons! He passed me a spoon and told me to help him! (He didn’t have to tell me twice!) I dove right in for a bite and shared the same, big smile across my face! His brownie dessert was still warm and it was incredibly scrumptious!!! Cory is extremely kind and giving to his friends, so it was just his style to have asked for several more spoons to share with his buddies! After we watched the dessert show, a bunch of us left to get home, and get to bed! (Early to rise……….) It was a great, filling time by all! We shared laughs and love with our fellow Knights.
Until we eat again, Karen Lumpkin Ride Reporter
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