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Blue Knights International® Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Inc. Florida Chapter XVII Tampa, Florida
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July 13th, Sunday - “We rode over a lovely mountain in Florida”. Joe Edelman wanted to be sure that phrase made it into the ride article. We met at the Burger King at 0900 on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. After the usual ritual of grabbing a bite to eat, drinking coffee and socializing we gathered outside to determine a ride destination. The only suggestions I heard had to do with staying in the shade. I suggested we ride up to Morrison’s Old Style Buffett in Brooksville. All were in agreement. I said I would lead us on some nice back roads and try to stay in the shade. Tim Roth said he knew some nice roads and would like to lead once we got to SR54. I lead us through old Carrollwood, staying in as many shady neighborhoods as possible. Of course the one time Joe E. commented on how he couldn’t believe I could find so much shade it disappeared. Luckily I found some more just east of US 41. I went up Hanna road, to Sunset to Livingston, again staying in the new found shade. At County Line Road, Tim took over. He didn’t do so good finding the shade at first. He did, eventually, find shade and some fantastic roads. Tim did a great job leading us on some of the nicest, curviest, and hilliest roads Pasco County has to offer. It was while riding the beautiful hills of old CR 41 Joe E. made the mountain statement. We actually passed an elevation sign indicating that we were at 240 feet. I swear I felt the oxygen getting thinner. We timed the ride to arrive at Morrison’s just before the church crowd got there at noon. We were seated promptly and from what I observed, everyone appeared to enjoy their meal. After eating and visiting we all headed out on our own. When I got home, I plopped down in my recliner and promptly fell asleep for three hours – apparently getting only 3.5 hours sleep the night before wore me out. As usual the ride, food and company were great. We truly do have a great chapter that consists of a lot good people who are fun to be around. Thanks all who attended this ride, for making it so enjoyable.
Until we eat again! Don McLaughlin Secretary Filling in for Ride Reporter Karen who decided sleeping was more important than eating. She’ll never earn the Blue Knights Bulging Belly of Honor with that attitude.
July 12, Saturday -
at 7am, when the cars were moved around and the bike was put in the
driveway, it wasn't raining up in the north country (Hernando County) but
at 7:30, the time to leave, it was pouring, so into the car we went. After
the initial downpour there wasn't any rain the rest of the way to CMS. We
arrived to find 14 members and 2 guests (1 in a car) waiting. After tire
kicking, we discussed where to go and decided because of the number of us
to go to the Country Kitchen Restaurant on Missouri Ave. in Clearwater. We
had the rear corner of the restaurant, the food was good, priced right,
service also good, once the cooks got the food out of the kitchen (they
must have been out late last night).
July 06, Sunday -
16 members and 1 guest met at BK at 9am (summer starting time). There
was no preplanned destination due to not knowing where the weather would
be best for riding. The morning was really great and the forecast was
for showers and storms along the sea breeze in the early afternoon.
Based on what we knew and saw we decided to take about a 100 mile ride
north, northeast, east, then south ending at Harry's in Lakeland. Jimmy
led us on a great ride through Hillsboro, Pasco, Hernando and Polk
counties ending in Lakeland. We put the address of Harry's in Jimmy's
GPS at BK so we would have it when we got to Lakeland and wouldn't have
to ride around looking for the restaurant. When we arrived in town about
2 hours later Jimmy turned the GPS on and it told us where to go and in
5 minutes we had arrived (those things are great if you can see them)
The restaurant staff had us seated in about 5 minutes and served
quickly, the food was excellent and reasonable when you eat from the
lunch menu When we were done eating and went outside you could see the
clouds building quickly, everyone went in the direction of their home to
beat the afternoon storms, T and I think we were the only ones that
didn't make it as it rained on us for the last 10 miles of the ride
home. Til next
time-------------------(ed-BS)
July 05, Saturday
- 13 members
and 1 guest met at CMS at the predetermined time for the Saturday
breakfast ride. Joe E. called to advise us that he would not be there,
due to a mal-functioning a c unit and he hoped someone had a camera to
take pictures. Joe E. was advised that he had his priorities screwed up,
he should be at breakfast and take care of his personal business when he
gets home. We wanted to go to Biff's as we haven't been there in over a
year, but when we made the call we did not get an answer so the Parkside
Cafe' was chosen, the management welcomed us. After a bit if a
disorganized start, we got our act together and took the scenic route to
Pinellas Park. When we arrived I called Joe E. to let him know where we
were, ( he lives less then a mile from there) in case he could free up
and join us (he did). The service was good, the food was priced right
and good too. After breakfast we hung around the parking lot and talked
before heading home. T and I made a run to Biff's to find out if they
still do breakfast, they do. Some one unplugged the phone and they
didn't find out about it until around 10am, oh well some other day. Til
next time-----------(ed-BS)
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