February 26, 2009 Thursday - Jake’s Hamburgers, 11 of us met at Jake’s Hamburgers in Lutz Thursday night, February 26. Don and I drove our car, since I don’t have the doctor’s okay to be on the bike yet! (soon!) As we walked up to the restaurant, we noticed Gary, Dennis, Cheryl, Peter and Barb sitting outside. We noticed Barb’s new hairdo (she looked 20 years younger!) and of course, Peter with his new figure! It was so good to see everyone!!! We noticed Gary sneezing, but it only seemed to be when he was near us! We surmised that he must be allergic to us! Only a few rode their motorcycles, reminding us that, “After all, we are a motorcycle club!” We made jokes about us riding in our cars to go and eat. Jake’s Burgers was a really nice restaurant, very small and casual. The menu was simple: Burgers! We decided to order, a Burger! Those in front of us and behind us, after looking at the menu, decided to order, a Burger! They were made your own way – personalized! The buttered bun really added to the taste! Jake’s had the traditional side orders, French fries, onion rings and the like. The food was very good, the fries, onion rings tasty as well! The milk shakes were hand spun, and like in the old days, they even served the milk shakes in the silver container! Cheryl and Dennis were all smiles when they were enjoying theirs. We went in the parking lot and visited a little bit before going on home. We all had a great time. Until we eat again, Karen Lumpkin Ride Reporter

February 22, 2009 Sunday - a total of 17 members met either at the BK or at the Train Museum which was the ride's destination. Those of us that rode from BK used the Interstates to Apollo Beach and then US301 the rest of the way. It was a good ride to Manatee County this way because we missed the lights and traffic in the city and on US301. We arrived at the Train Museum about 10:15am bought our ride tickets and looked around the grounds. We boarded the train at about 10:35 and the 1 1/2 hr. ride started at 11am. It was interesting to learn about the train and the area from the conductor (a volunteer train buff involved with museum). When we returned to the station it was almost time for lunch (according to Cory) we decided after discussion to go to El Molcajetas in Palmetto (go figure) a place we have been to many times, and as usual, good service, good food, plenty of it, and priced right. After lunch and what was a great day, we headed back north. Til next time---

February 21, 2009 Saturday - it was a cool morning, but that didn't stop 23 members (some using alternate transportation) from meeting at CMS for the breakfast ride. It started to warm up almost immediately and we had the morning tire kicking session in the parking lot. We decided to go to Spring Hill to the Cotee River Cafe (yes, the place we tried to go to last week), this time we were successful in making the call and we were welcomed. Jimmy led us on an off the highway ride to the restaurant which took about 40 minutes. When we arrived our tables were ready, when we were seated, we were served coffee and our orders were taken. The food came fairly quick and was very good. After we were all full we left in smaller groups and did what we had to do for the day. Til next time---

February 14, 2009 Saturday - 22 members met at CMS this morning for the weekly breakfast ride. We were going to go to the Cotee River Cafe on Shady Hills Rd. in Pasco County, but when we tried to call numerous times, they would not go through. (I found out later that there was a crash on Shady Hills Rd. last night which took out all the utilities and the restaurant was closed). Our second choice was the newly reopened Four Coins Family Restaurant in St. Pete. We were unable to call ahead, but we knew of other restaurants in the area that would be able to seat us if Four Coins could not. We arrived at the restaurant and they were able to seat us quickly, but we seemed to have overwhelmed the staff as they had a problem taking the orders and serving coffee, which caused several members to leave. (I must remind everyone that one of the primary goals of the breakfast ride when it was first organized was to go to a restaurant unannounced and overwhelm the staff, that is what made it fun). Anyways they got their act together and served us with some excellent food and plenty of coffee. So everything ended up good. Til next time----

February 08, 2009 Sunday - 18 members met at BK on this sunny, clear, and warm morning for our Chapter ride and to celebrate my birthday. This ride was without a destination due to the rescheduling of BK-FLXVIII's Bike Blessing to next week. The suggestion was made (by Perry, who had this idea on his mind for weeks) that we go to Catfish Country in Bartow. Once again we put Jimmy and Cory on the spot to put a ride together for the group and again they came through with a great one, taking us past the harbor, then on the county roads of eastern Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk Counties to Bartow and the restaurant. Joe E. tail gunned as my radio is acting up. We didn't call ahead, but we were seated quickly. As always, the service, food and prices were excellent. After lunch we broke up into smaller groups and headed west using many different routes. Til next time---

February 07, 2009 Saturday - 17 members, all but 1, (me) on motorcycles met at CMS on this warmer morning for the breakfast ride. Vic was there on his new Concourse, Wayne was there with his new Yamaha and Peter D. was there on his classic BMW (if this stuff keeps up I may have to get something new so I can be talked about). The group decided to check with Pickles Plus Too at the Harborside in Clearwater to see if they would be able to serve the 17 of us. The management said come on down after a short ride downtown we arrived. The water front really looked nice this morning with the clear blue sky overhead, inside, the restaurant was ready for us. For the most part, considering that there was only 1 server and 1 cook, service was good and the food was excellent. There was nothing scheduled after breakfast so everyone went their own way. Til next time--