Members,

 

This past weekend’s ride had its ups and down (translated to rain, dry, then very hot).

 

Members met me in the front of Rick Case Honda Powerhouse at 9:15am with some dark clouds on the horizon.  Some members had already run into some rain just getting to the meeting point.  We have some die-hard riders in this club.

 

After the normal greetings, we all dawned out rain gear.  It wasn’t raining presently, but as I said above, dark clouds were about to greet us.

 

As we departed RCH, our route would take us west on Griffin Road, south on US 27 to Krome Avenue.  As soon as we turned onto Griffin Road, the skies let loose.  Not overly hard, but still significant for us motorcyclists.  With the rain, the temperatures also dropped making the ride a little chilly.  Luckily for us the rain did not last long, we soon ran out of it before turning onto Krome Avenue. J

 

We stopped at the usual gas station on Krome and Highway 41.  By now the clouds had all but disappeared.  Right after we turned onto Highway 41 going west, we passed a couple of scooters.  This in itself is not unusual, but these guys appeared to be packed for a long distance trip.  They had what appeared to be homemade single wheeled trailers towed behind them.  Strange.

 

We stopped at the rest area in the middle of the trip.  They have a small boardwalk that we strolled on for a few minutes.  The alligators were plentiful here.  We watched one for a few minutes entertain us with a water bottle.  Large gar and other fish were also present.

 

The temperatures were starting to rise and we soon departed.  As we pass Highway 29, it seems the scenery changes rapidly from what we have been seeing.  Many new homes are encroaching onto what was once swamp land.  Naples is spreading east!

 

Just as we started to arrive into Naples and all the traffic, we made a right turn and enjoyed the last few miles to the restaurant in a construction area.  My GPS was telling me the destination was still a mile and a half down the road when I just happened to see it on the right.  Right blinker, hard brake (I heard Harry lock his up a little!) and we were pulling into the parking lot.  Now with a name like Cracklin Jacks, what would you expect the place to look like?  A non-discreet building made of basic center block.  It appeared to be an older ranch style house converted into a restaurant.  A whole in the wall came to mind after getting off the bike.  The parking lot had several cars so the food must be good.

 

A member went inside and as the rest of us walked in, we were immediately seated on a large table.  A little cramped, but that is to be expected with large groups.  Soon the waitress was taking our drink orders (non alcoholic of course) and we were looking over the menu, your basic fried food selection.  I wouldn’t give this place a 10 Star rating, but the food was filling.  This is the kind of place that you want to visit at least once and then tell all your friends to go there.  J

 

We had our door prize drawings and many members left happy with various items donated from the dealership.  All the money collected will be sent in to Ride for Kids and will be credited to our club and dealership totals.

 

For the return ride we decided to back track a little on Hwy 41 and take US 29 north to some backroads to join I-75 in the middle of Alligator Alley.  Before this though, we needed a quick refuel.  It was here that I picked up a backseat passenger.  Elizabeth C. (Ernesto’s daughter) joined me for part of the ride back.  She had never been on a Gold Wing before.  It was evident that this she liked sitting in the Queen’s seat.

 

Our return route took us through the Indian Reservation where the speed limit is strictly enforced for any of you that may not go this way often.  They have also added new speed bumps that really put your suspension to work.  Make sure you slow way down for these either on your bike or in your car.

 

If you remember the ride report to Solomon’s Castle, I almost hit a large black buzzard.  This ride also had its flying obstacles.  About 5 miles before reaching I-75, Elizabeth and I came very close to a large Great Blue Herring lifting off from the other side of the road.  To our surprise, when the herring came up next to us, you could see the foot long alligator hanging from its mouth. 

 

Soon we were pulling into the service plaza in the middle of Alligator Alley to refuel.  It was time for me to return Elizabeth to Ernesto.  I hope she enjoyed the ride.

 

Our final leg required us to ride on the western portion of Alligator Alley, not my favorite road.  Construction is prevalent in this area and we had to be extremely careful because of the uneven pavement.  Also special care is warranted as you approach the numerous bridges.  With the construction, each bridge offered various bumps as you approached.  Remember this next time you take I-75.

 

I ended up returning to my house close to 5pm.  My bike was covered with various bugs.  Their removal would have to wait until later.  I wanted a shower and maybe an adult beverage since the bike was parked for the night.

 

Ride Safe,

 

 

Greg Mathes

Gold Coast Rider’s Club