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November 30, 2008 Sunday -  7 members met at the Tilted Kilt on what the weather people were threatening as a severe weather day to support the Elk's Toy Ride. I guess this is what caused the poor turnout for the ride (only 45 bikes, down from last years 300). The ride, under black skies,  was escorted by Clearwater PD from the Tilted Kilt to QS&L where the party was supposed to be. Upon arriving at QS&L and seeing that a tornado watch was issued for the area not to many people stayed to party, us included. Fortunately, although windy, it didn't rain too hard on the trip back to Spring Hill. Til next time--

November 29, 2008 Saturday -  17 members and 2 guests met at CMS on this late spring morning to partake in the regular Saturday morning activity, the breakfast ride. After the morning tire kicking session, it was suggested and agreed to go to the Summer of Love Deli in South Pasadena. We were without our leader, who was working, so we had to use an alternate means to find the place (Jimmy and his gps) which worked well. We took up most of the dining area, but for the most part service was good (45 minutes from seating to the last meal served), the food was excellent and priced right. After breakfast most everyone headed in different directions Dr DiMento, T and I took a ride south on Gulf Blvd to the end, hung out on the Intercoastal for a while and then went north on Gulf Blvd and whatever else it's called to Tarpon Springs. Spring days are great you leave the house at 7:30am for breakfast and get home at 7:30pm for dinner, only in Florida. Til next time---

November 22, 2008 Saturday - it was cold enough (33 degrees) for me to wear a jacket at 7:30am when T and I left the hills of Hernando County for the Paws for Patriots poker run at Brandon HD. As we headed south and arrived in Brandon it had warmed up to 43 degrees (almost summer). When we arrived we saw many BK-FLXVII vests and jackets, 15 members and 1 guest braved the cold temperatures to participate in this worth wild event. After we registered we left as a group to do the run, which was a nice country ride through Hillsborough, Manatee, and back to Hillsborough counties. The run ended back at Brandon HD where they were holding their 8th anniversary party. Most of us stayed to partake in the Florida State Chili Cook-off Championships (this means we ate a lot of chili and then voted for the best). Then we watched Phil Peterson's Miami HD Drill Team perform and while we waited for the 50/50 and door prizes to be announced we listened to the great Greg Billing's Band. The chili cook that most of us voted as the best, won people's choice and a $1000. None of us won any money or door prizes, but as a Chapter we won the best represented organization award. The sun was going down and it is a long ride back to Hernando County, so til next time---

November 16, 2008 Sunday - 18 of us met for the Arctic Express ride to Roi’s Bar-B-Q in Odessa. It was a mere 52 degrees when we left to meet at our BK meeting spot. That’s a cold temperature for Floridians, which are not accustomed to temperatures below 70 degrees. Most of us were layered with thermal underwear (Jimmy S!), leather chaps, neck scarves and thick gloves. We sat inside of Burger King and waited for the others to arrive. It was nice taking the chill off. After sitting for awhile, ole’ Fred said he better keep moving, or the rigormortous would start to set in! We love Fred’s sense of humor! He keeps us laughing! Jimmy S led the pack and even dressed the part with his HCSO motor pants and high boots up to his knees. He explained that allowed him to wear his thermals underneath comfortably! More information than we needed to know! He led us through a lot of nice, windy back roads and even a strip of pot-holes to remind Joe E of New York! Jimmy timed the ride nicely, so that we would arrive at the restaurant between 11:30-11:45. We did well, until we passed the restaurant that was a huge, red barn! I mean a HUGE red bar! It could virtually be seen from space, it was THAT big! Whoosh! Right by it! “Uhhh… Jimmy? Aren’t we going to Roi’s?” He was concentrating so hard on giving us such a nice ride, he rode right passed it! The restaurant was awaiting our arrival and had our table set for 18! They started us immediately with cold drinks! “Uh, do you have any hot chocolate?” As we looked at the menu and deciding on all of the choices, Patti Cox stood up, banged on a glass to get our attention, and made an announcement, that it was “Roland’s birthday today!!!” We happily gathered in a Happy Birthday song to Roland! He was 5 colors of red! We chatted as we waited for our meals and appetizers. I got the Brunswick stew and it was delicious. To quote Jimmy, “They surely didn’t scrimp on the meat”. Cory took advantage of the suggestion for Deep Fried Pickles. Don shared with Joe that he had gone to test drive some new Harleys yesterday, for a fun something to do, and to get him out of helping to clean the house. He told Joe that it was fun to drive the new Screaming’ Eagle. Joe said that he had an almost Screaming’ Eagle, because he had bright orange wires that read, “Screaming’ Eagle!” He said that way; people looked over at red lights and thought he had one, too! (That Joe is a trip!) Our new member, Ron Greer just looked on and laughed at us. Patti took a photo of the back of Jimmy S and Ron G’s head, since they have identical hair styles! No hair! You can imagine how funny this photo was! Ron will fit right in (that is, if we didn’t scare him off!) At one point during our meal, we heard a bang and looked over to see that Gary’s macaroni and cheese had slipped onto the floor. Don tried to catch some elbow pasta on his pant leg! Thankfully, it was a plastic dish, so no real harm was done. Cory commented that Gary must be pushing carbs out of his diet, literally! Pushing them right onto the floor! We enjoyed some great bar-b-q and with 6 different sauces, we had fun trying them all again and again. The guys who ordered the “All you can eat country pork ribs” asked for sharp knives. That was an indicator that the pork was not falling off of the bone, but had to be cut from the bone. I ordered the beef brisket, which was very tender and good!!! Until we eat again,

Karen Lumpkin
Ride Reporter

November 15, 2008 Saturday - 14 members and 1 guest met at the prescribed time at the predetermined meeting place on this wet morning, using 3 bikes, 2 d2s, and other assorted cages. The rains had quit by 9am so we were able to stand around the parking lot and talk about everyone that wasn't there. That's why your ears were burning. The group decided that since we haven't been to Eve's in a long while, that was the place to go. The call was made and management said ok, so off we went. The place was packed, but as always they found space for us and as usual the food and service was good. After breakfast everyone went their own way. Til next time---

November 08, 2008 Saturday - (Ride for Bella Poker Run Law Enforcement Charity Motorcycle Ride) Eight (8) BK XVII members met at Rapscallions Restaurant for the Ride for Bella Poker Run.  This was a Law Enforcement Charity Motorcycle Ride to raise money for Isabella (Bella) Villanti, 1 year old (today!) daughter of Chris and Patti Villanti and the granddaughter of TPD Captain Cherie Adkins and her husband, Corporal Bryan Adkins.  Bella suffers from Acute Myleogenous Leukemia and is going through aggressive chemotherapy treatments.  The charity run was to assist the family with financial assistance.  All monies raised from this event were earmarked to go towards Bella’s medical expenses and her family’s household bills. It was touching to see a handful of BK members out to assist another officer in need. 

Those who attended:  Dennis D., Steve McD., Bruce and Teresa, Steve K., Kevin W., Don and I and later, when we were finishing our meal, Jimmy S and Paula came out to the event.  Jimmy was tied up with HCSO motors who were working the Ironman Triathlon in Clearwater in the morning hours. On the paperwork, we noticed it listed on the registration form:  Bikes on trailers and knew it was a Harley Ride.  (Harley’s indicative of riding on trailers).  Another footnote on the paperwork, where it listed the Shell Station, it listed the information, “Top off the Hog!” – To us BK members, that meant to eat something, and in our case, most of us got a hotdog to tie us over until later when we ate something of real substance! A Pasco Deputy approached us at Rapscallions Restaurant, as the bikes were forming a line.  He asked what the event was and if all of the bikes would attempt to pull out at the same time, or if they would be staggered.  He wanted to assist us with traffic control, if need be.  Bruce’s response to him, “That’s a good question”, reminded the Pasco Deputy of a suspect.  He said he hears that often, “That’s a good question, Officer!”  We all laughed! The BK rode together and we even had an additional bike added to our 6, Jim Moody (TPD Motors) and his wife, Tina.  They knew we were good, safe riders and wanted to join us for the Poker Run.  It was great to see them both!  Dennis D was trying to solicit them to become BK members again.

The poker run was laid out nicely and we traveled some nice, windy curves.  Our route laid out 4 stops (including the starting stop at Rapscallions) and included 99 miles of traveling.  Already at our 2nd stop, we went inside of Shell to get a hotdog.  Bruce and Teresa were smart to start off their day with breakfast out, 14 inch pancakes, to quote Bruce!  We noticed Bruce taking awhile at each stop, and we’d have to wait a few minutes for him to “saddle up” and get on his bike and get rolling.  We noticed this, only because he was leading our ride, so we had to wait for the “leader” to roll out.  At one point, I overheard someone on the CB say, “Should we start to call you Bruce Runnels?”  Those regulars know that Cory takes awhile to get out and rolling when we are on a ride. We passed some interesting sights on our run.  One canoe place had a sign on their marquis that read:  Come and get a good paddling!”  We all laughed at that!  (The creativity in America is endless!) As we rode through Dade City, we noticed a loose, brown cow, on the OUTSIDE of the fence.  He was so happy to be eating the bright green, sweet flavored grass and was oblivious to the traffic driving by him.  There was a female driver who stopped to hold him back away from the road!  How now brown cow!  I read that book one time!  Someone on the CB was overheard saying, “Look! A Dade City cheerleader!” We passed by a golf course that was being watered, however, the street was being sprayed with water, as well!  Don commented on the CB, “Gosh, LOOK!  A bike wash was included in the Poker Run, too!” We passed a big ice-cream cone, ice-cream shop (for those of you who remember the Plant City Ice Cream Excursion some years back!).  It was heard on the CB that if we were with the Gold Wingers, we would be stopping for ice cream treats! One of the roads we travelled was called, “Happy Hill”.  Don asked grump Bruce if it was odd for him to be on a road that was so happy!  Bruce said it did feel kind of odd to him to be exposed to so much happiness! Dennis took photos during the day of all of the day’s happenings!  We experienced great eats at Beef O’Brady’s and those who won 50-50 prizes, claimed their goods.  We had an enjoyable visit at the restaurant and left afterwards for family pre-plans. Until we eat again,

Karen Lumpkin,
Ride Reporter

 

November 08, 2008 Saturday - - At 9AM only two riders had shown up for the Saturday breakfast run and a mandatory small group trip to Yanny’s was planned.  But by 9:15 four more riders arrived and it was decided to give a new place a shot.  There was much discussion about how and where to go based on the screwy traffic patterns threatened by the Ironman Race and the group went off destined for Piccadilly’s in St. Petersburg.  As I was leading a gave the caveat that should a “race roadblock be encountered” to stay close for instant course changes and redirection.  Well traveling South on 19 was great UNTIL the intersection of Bryan Dairy were the road has been undergoing construction for over a year but the “race routers” decided to add the ironman course to the mix.  This became a total disaster so some quick lane shenanigans and we rerouted westerly on Bryan Dairy then a couple back roads to northerly on Belcher and decided to head to Pete’s family on Starkey just North of East Bay.  A rather “quick” run to that location and speedy seating and service and a great breakfast was experienced by all.

TTFN
PeterD

 

November 02, 2008 Sunday - Cory R called Don’s cell phone early on Sunday morning to find out if we were meeting at 9 AM or 10 AM for the Sunday ride.  Unfortunately, by the time Don noticed he got a voicemail and returned his call, Cory was already sitting patiently and waiting at Burger King, since 9 AM!  With the time change and all, he wanted to be sure he would be on time. As Don and I headed south on Dale Mabry towards Burger King, we noticed a fellow BK pull out of the gas station.  Don called out on the CB to Bruce and Teresa, to verify that it was them and sure enough – it was them!

Some of us grabbed a bite to eat inside, knowing that we planned to take our time to Sun City Center (God’s waiting room).  Don and Cory had collaborated and had a cool ride planned to the Old Castle Tavern, distinct German cuisine!  Don and I had taken the recommendation by a fellow friend to try it, so a few weeks ago we did just that and were pleasantly surprised.  We said at that time, we would plan a BK ride to share our satisfaction with the rest of the members. We had ten (10) show up for the ride and we went out to suit up to leave.  After a few minutes of waiting for Cory, Bruce commented on the airwaves that he remembered waiting for his grandmother like this, but explained that she was 97 years old, had 1 leg and was pregnant!  (Is that a Bruce line, or what?) While we waited for Cory, Don commented that he was happy that Cory had gotten there so early to get a head start. Cory is the life of the party!  His youth is so enjoyable and appreciative by us “older” folks.  He was explaining that he had just gotten a Nintendo WII (interactive computer games), and how much fun he was having with it.  He was making us tired explaining the body movements that go along with playing the normal computer games. 

We drove out of our way, to make a little ride before lunch so we could build up an appetite.  It was interesting riding along Bayshore (which has a lot more potholes than the last time we rode along it).  “Isn’t that where George Steinbrenner lives?” and similar comments could be heard as we rode through the more affluent sections of Tampa, depicting beautiful mansions. It was interesting to see the different political viewpoints and that seemed somewhat related to the socio economics of the neighborhoods.  Then, we would notice many conflicting political viewpoints, even with houses that were side by side.  What that says is that in this election, there is no rhyme or reason to party affiliation!  Tuesday’s election will be interesting, to say the least! Don and I commented several times what an excellent job that Cory did giving us a tour of southeastern Hillsborough County.  He is very familiar with the surroundings, because he works in the area.  There were some interesting facts he shared, and his personal narration really added a nice touch: We would have never known that the one store that paints a new look on the outside of their store every year; painting in completely different colors and themes!  I guess that keeps it interesting.  Or the popular spot in Gibsonton:  “Liquor Box”, with Girls! Girls! Girls! advertised in bright neon lights!  Cory was very good at announcing our turns beforehand, and doing safe lane changes!  At one point, Cory slowed way down to allow the blue-herons to cross the road!  They were huge and it was funny to see them taking their time to cross the road! At one point, Cory asked Bruce (expert tail man) to please get the right lane.  Then, Cory announced our lane change, by asking that we put the left turn signals on and turn left when safe.  We all laughed at that.  The next time Cory asked that we make a lane change and go right, he accentuated, “A real right hand turn this time!”  As we rode along the scenic roads, that most of us didn’t know even existed, some of the guys commented that their watches showed one time, and their motorcycles showed a different time.  We joked that we would have to go home and read our manuals and try to figure out how to correct the time. 

Cory’s timing was incredibly accurate and we arrived at the restaurant at exactly 12 noon, for our 12 noon reservations.  The tables were set up for us and the wait staff stood waiting to take our drink order. Being of German dissent, it was interesting to hear the members order their food, trying to sound out each vowel.  Bobby said that he wouldn’t embarrass himself or cream the German language by trying to say it properly, so he just pointed for the waitress. The food was incredible and truly authentic!  Poor Bruce was served last, he said, “Due to the fact he was sitting next to Gary!”  Some even ran outside to mark their GPS with the location so they could return again at a later time.  The restaurant started to really get full, and then the service understandably, slacked off a bit.  Many indulged in beautifully decorated desserts to top things off! A fun time was had by all!  Until we eat again,

Karen Lumpkin
Ride Reporter.

 November 01, Saturday - it was a cool clear morning as 21 members and 2 guests met at CMS for the Saturday breakfast ride. After the women thawed out and the men conducted business with the quartermaster, it was decided to go to NPR and Barnhill's Buffet, which we understand is now owned by the people that owned Buddy Freddy's. The restaurant seemed to have improved since the last time we were there, the food and service were both better, although 2 frying pans are not enough at the egg and omelet station. After breakfast 6 of us went to Bright House Field for the Veteran's Appreciation Day Celebration where 6 additional members met us. For a first time event it went very well and was very good, all the branches of the Military were in attendance, the Traveling Wall was on site along with the 9-11 Wall and many other demonstrations and dignitaries. The weather was perfect, the beer was cold, and it was a great day. Til next time---