Members,
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On Sunday, January 11, 2009, the Gold Coast Rider’s Club had their second club ride of the new year.Â
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I always try to arrive early, sometimes this works, and sometimes I get there just in time. Looking at my watch as I pulled into the dealership parking lot, I was on the early side for this ride. But to my surprise when I turned the corner, there were already over 20 motorcycles waiting for me! This was going to be a ride of epic proportions. I think we ended up with 26 bikes and approximately 34 people.
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Thanks for all who rode with us this day. I had not seen many of you in a very long time. Many of our rides are just that, a chance for old acquaintances to meet again and the opportunity to meet new people. For those in the business world, this is a great net-working opportunity. In today’s economy, you should take every chance you get.
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With such a large group, and in the interest of safety, we broke the mob into two smaller more manageable size groups. Doug Johnson took the first group. I led the second group a couple minutes behind. We met up at the corner of Krome Ave and Hwy 41 to top off the gas tanks and enjoy the morning. This is a pretty popular stop and of course I ran into Debra Travis from Rick Case Honda there. She was with a group going to Everglades City for lunch.
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Soon we were heading west on Hwy 41. For the most part this is a very nice road. The exception comes with impatient drivers (both motorcyclists and automobiles) who are in too much of a hurry for their own good. One car passed us exceeding the speed limit by multiple miles per hour and placed himself and us in danger. Of course we ran upon the tourist going 20 miles under the posted speed limit also. This can be just as dangerous as going too fast. All along the way you could see Florida Alligators sunning themselves at the waters edge.
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We made another quick stop at the rest area mid way across, then back on the road. I always find it quit amazing at how the the terrain changes so rapidly from this point on. Prior to this rest area, you had mostly swamps left and right of the road. From the rest area on west you start to encounter what appears to be plains and grassy areas. Then just before Marco Island, you are back to marshes.
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Just before Marco Island, you turn left at a flashing yellow light. The Iron Horse Salon or something of that sort is on the corner. Follow this two lane road into the heart of 10,000 Islands, turn left after going over the bridge and next to the middle of no-where and before you know it, you have arrived. Actually you are deep in mangroves and all of a sudden you make a turn and a small community appears. Stan’s Idle Hour is the first big place on your left. There is a large parking area across the street, but we all found parking either right in front or along the side.
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The establishment is a rustic place with 20-30 tables, all with umbrellas outside fronted by a large stage. There are several areas to purchase cold drinks and waitress service is provided to all the tables. We chose to sit on the inside out of the sun and a little removed from the band. The place was packed with standing room only outside. The food was typical bar food. You had better like your meal deep fried. Jo-Ann and I went for the cheese burgers and a side order of conch fritters. We left quite full.
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Leaving took a little more time then expected because we had not all parked together. It was decided to meet up at the gas station back on Hwy 41. Regrouping there, some wanted to return via Hwy 41 (those that lived south), while some went with me via Hwy 29 to I-75. A couple riders did not yet have their fill and chose to take Hwy 29 further north and back through Snake Road. I have not talked to them, but as we turned onto I-75, we saw where the cane fields were being burned. I hope you guys did not get smoked out.
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I-75 is not my favorite road. The scenery just passes too fast. This is not what motorcycling is about, but at times you need to use it. Football Sunday was one of these times. A short stop at the last rest area and we all said our good-byes and we were leaving for the final miles home.
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I returned to my house around 4:40 p.m. with a bike in need of a wash to remove all the bugs. A great day.
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Ride Safe,
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Greg Mathes
Gold Coast Rider’s Club
Upcoming Ride - Sunday January 25, 2009
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