Members,

This past weekend’s ride had some very interesting moments.

16 members of the club joined my wife and I for the trip to the Navy Seal Museum at Ft. Pierce, Fl. The temperatures were a perfect low 70’s and the skies mostly clear. The only downside was the winds. Going north we wore down the right side of the tires while returning south we wore down the left side of the tires.

Our route took us north along the Sawgrass Expressway to the Florida Turnpike. The first stop was at the Palm Beach Toll Plaza where we all enjoyed a nice stretch and some much needed caffeine. Pulling into the rest stop, I chose to park in the truck-stop area, this allowed all of us to park together and not have to worry about pulling out in front of auto traffic. Those needing to top off their fuel tanks did so.

Soon we were heading north on the turnpike. I had programmed my GPS for the museum, not the restaurant we were trying to find first. Right after exiting the toll road, I saw the sign for Cracker Barrel indicating it was located behind a shopping plaza. Making the left turn, I continued past the shopping plaza into what looked like a rural subdivision. Just as I was about to make a u-turn, I noticed the Cracker Barrel sign off in the distance to my right. A quick right-turn and we were there. Later, Ron B. mentioned that he thought I was lost! Can you imagine that? Of course those who have ridden with us for any amount of time know that many times I like to make u-turns (this is done to keep you thinking and in practice for limited space maneuvers as taught in the MSF course).

The wait for breakfast was well worth it. The food was plentiful and good. Something I have come to expect from all Cracker Barrels. We ended up departing the restaurant a little after 1:00 p.m. Our final leg to the museum took us through Ft. Pierce over the inter-coastal onto A1A north and North Hutchinson Island. After turning north onto A1A, it only a half mile or so and the museum is on your right.

To view the entire establishment only takes an hour or so. There are several boats/submersible boats located in the field with a brief history about each. After entering the main building and paying our $6.00 entry fee, we reviewed the history of these brave heroes. The museum goes into detail on the physical conditioning, weapons, tactics, etc that these warriors use on a daily basis. I found the early dive gear to be of special interest to me. There was also a custom motorcycle on display which was built as a tribute to the SEALS.

Soon we were all heading outside. A short walk through the mangroves on the boardwalk and we were standing on a beautiful beach. The water was that deep blue that so many painters like to include in their work. I did not see anyone in the water; I assumed the temperatures were still too low for frolicking in the waves. BRrrrrrrrrr. Earlier inside we had seen pictures of this beach transformed into an enemy beachhead for training.

Soon it was time for our return. I am always in the mood for taking the less traveled road and enjoy a new direction whenever it presents itself and time allows. With that in mind I chose to travel a stretch of A1A that I had never been on. Basically we headed back the same route until we got to US1. Go south for one light, turn left and cross back over the intercoastal onto A1A again. The route at first was filled with some minor construction but soon opened up to fresh pavement. At some points the water came to within a few feet of the road.

Just when you think you have had the perfect day, something comes along to change it. I say something because for some reason a road engineer decided to place a “round-a-bout” on this portion of A1A. Traffic halted to a stop, then it was pick your feet up, place your feet down again. Unbeknownst to us, the backup caused by this round-a-bout would last for about 20 minutes or several miles. One advantage we had with the backup was the opportunity to view some incredible houses. If you ever have the opportunity to ride this portion of A1A, take a look at the mansion someone built right on the beach. It has to be close to 30,000 square feet if not more. You can’t miss it.

Once we got pass the traffic back we settled into a nice pace for the ride home. We made one more stop at the same toll plaza we visited on the way north earlier in the morning. Members started peeling off as we passed their exit. By the time my exit approached, there were only a few riders left.

Something to note: if the club is riding the interstate and something happens that requires you to pull off on the shoulder of the road, those bikes in front of you will continue to the next exit and wait to hear from you. The sweep rider will pull off to assist you if needed. Remember to pull as far off the shoulder as safely possible. If I direct the club to pull off the road, stay in single file (do not stager). This allows riders the most room from passing automobiles.

My wife and I returned my bike to its garage just as the sun was setting: about 230 miles (give or take a few), great friends, the wind in our faces for a large portion of the day. It was a wonderful way to spend the day.

Ride safe,

Greg Mathes
Club Coordinator
Gold Coast Honda Rider’s Club