Key West at 50 (BR1.0)

[jrobinson]

This is the ride report for my Key West Trip on my 50th birthday. November 2008. It is the Ride Report I did when I first joined BamaRides in 2008.

When I planned the trip, I thought I was riding solo.  Sandy was caregiver for her Mother who had Alzheimer's and she wouldn't be able to go. On Oct. 3rd as I pulled up on the carport from work, Sandy's mother passed away. The day after the funeral, Sandy asked if she could ride with me. 


And so it begins....



The Adventure Begins

Several months ago I decided I wanted to do something different for my 50th birthday. What could I do that I've never done before, something I'll never forget? Maybe a ride somewhere on my motorcycle. But where? Well since my birthday is mid November, it will have to be some place warm. So I'm thinking Florida, maybe even the Keys.

After a ride on the Sportster, I'm thinking gonna have a sore rear by the time I get there.


I need a bike with a little more comfort. A Goldwing maybe, hmm what about a dressed Harley? That's it a Harley! After a month search I found just the right one. A well maintained 1999 Electra Glide, solid black.

I would have 3 rules for this ride. 1. NO interstate, All back roads. 2. NO fast food. Mom & Pop style, local places to eat. 3. The most important rule..... There's NO RULES!!

Day 1 - Monday, November 10, 2008

Left B'ham at 10:30, took back roads over to Hwy 31. Rode to Montgomery where we planned to take Hwy331 to the coast, but stayed on the bypass looking for a place to eat. We didn't find anything in Mont, so we took Hwy 231 to Dothan. When we came into Troy, we saw Santa Fe Steak House and stopped for a late lunch.
It took 3 of the wait staff to finally get our order. It was payday and everyone seemed more interested in pay than waiting tables. Sandy had flashbacks of Ameritel when some of the employees complained their checks were wrong. lol
We pulled out around 3:00 back on Hwy 231. The sun was setting as we entered Fla. A quick stop at the Fla Welcome Center and we found a B&B in Marianna.
30 min to Marianna and we checked into the Hinson B&B. Judy welcomed us to the home and showed us to our room. The room was very nice, with a private bath and a sitting room off the bedroom.


We headed up to The Fortune Cookie and enjoyed a Chinese Buffet for supper. My fortune cookie said –You will take a pleasant journey to a place far away. Sandy's – You will discover an unexpected treasure.
275 miles for the day.


Day 2 - Tuesday, November 11, 2008

We left Marianna and headed toward the coast. We hit Hwy 98 near Mexico Beach, just east of Panama City.




While cruising along the coast, I spotted The Sunset Grill. Melinda, a friend from high school,  had suggested we eat there. I had the Crab Cakes and Sandy had Tomato Basil Soup & fried Crab Claws. One of the best meals we had in a long time. Service was great.
We continued along the coast and had 4 different construction zones. Hwy 98 took us inland and we made the turn south onto Hwy 19 at Perry. We were tired and looking for a place to stay. All the older motels looked a little shady. We decided to look for a nicer place. As darkness fell, we saw a Holiday Inn Express in Chiefland and stayed there for the night.
285 miles traveled for the day.

[jrobinson]

Day 3 - Wednesday, November 12, 2008
After a standard continental breakfast, we headed south. We stopped at a Harley dealer in Crystal River. They had a nice XLCR on display. This bike was an attempt to compete with the import café racers. There wasn't many built, so now they are collectable. Sandy spotted a newer model touring bike, 2006. The previous owner had spent over 10 grand on upgrades and chrome.  We spent over an hour talking to the salesman about the bike.
After leaving the dealership, we got into heavy traffic north of Tampa. This made Sandy a little uneasy, but we made it through with no problems. Then we came toThe Sunshine Skyway Bridge south of Tampa. This bridge is 430ft high. Just after we crossed the bridge, we saw The Crab Trap. Another great place to eat. We made a U-turn and headed back to the Crab Trap.
After lunch, we set our sites on Sanibel Island and rolled across the toll bridge for the island just after dark. Again we had to stay at the first option we came to. Another Holiday Inn. Like everything else on the island, it was a little pricey.
265 miles for the day.


Day 4 - Thursday, November 13. 2008

We wanted to stay on the island a second day. We found a B&B on the connecting Captiva Island. We took the short trip to the B&B and checked into our room. It is in a nice little community with shops & restaurants in walking distance.


The island is about half a mile wide. So you can walk from one side to the other in a matter of minutes.

Sandy fell back into the chair when she climb into it.


One of the docks on the island.



We walked down to the west side and watched the sunset with about 75 other people.






Then ate at the Mucky Duck. Service was fair, but the food was worth the trip.



Day 5 – Friday, November 14. 2008
After a nice breakfast at RC Otters near the B&B We headed out. At the southern end of Sanibel is a small park with a lighthouse on a point. We stopped and took a few pics.

The bridge back into the mainland.


Sandy looking for shells on the beach


Light house on island



We left Sanibel Island around 10:00am.

Everglades & Dinner

After about 30-45 minutes in traffic on Hwy 41, we were on the open road again. Hwy 41 turned east and took us across the Everglades. Along the route we saw signs warning of panther crossing. Now deer crossings are one thing, but it gives you a little pause when you think about a panther may be on the side of the road.
Halfway across we stopped at a rest area. They had a walkway that went out to the canal that ran beside the road. As we looked in the canal, we saw several alligators just soaking up the Florida sun. A couple gators were moving along, but they paid no attention to the 15-20 onlookers.






We moved on and set our sights on the Keys. We went through Homestead and saw the NASCAR Nation getting ready for the weekend activities. Souvenir vendors were setup on every corner.
We then headed over the bridge and into the Keys. Our first town was Key Largo. We rode on through Key Largo and found a place in Islamorada. Islamorada is about 80 miles from Key West. I have a friend here that is a professional fishing guide. Jack and I met racing online.
I called Jack for recommendations on a good place to eat. He said Lazydays was within walking distance.
We walked about a quarter mile to Lazydays, we got there just ahead of the dinner crowd. We were seated on the porch and given the menus. We were 30 ft from the gulf and enjoyed a gentle ocean breeze during dinner.

View from our table




On the recommendation of our waiter I had matacumbie grouper. A fried grouper with a sauce poured over it. Sandy had broiled seafood platter, stuffed lobster, shrimp, scallops, and catch of the day. We each had a cocktail with the dinner and coffee afterwards. Everything was very good. We took a piece of key lime pie back to the room. The pie was so-so. Not as good as expected compared to the rest of the food there.
We traveled about 200 miles for the day.

[klaviator]

After lunch, we set our sites on Sanibel Island and rolled across the toll bridge for the island just after dark. Again we had to stay at the first option we came to. Another Holiday Inn. Like everything else on the island, it was a little pricey.

But did they have Video cassette players in every room?

[jrobinson]

No they didn't, and i felt cheated.  :'(

[jrobinson]

Key West and Sunrise

Day 6 – Saturday, November 15, 2008
Got up Saturday morning and had the continental breakfast at the hotel.
Sunrise from hotel.


Headed to Key West.


There are 42 bridges connecting 126 miles of the Fla Keys. The longest is 7 Mile Bridge south of Marathon Key. Key West is at the end of US 1.


We made our way to Duval St. We parked at Hog's Breath Saloon and walked down Duval St. We stopped at Sloppy Joe's Restaurant and had a sloppy joe sandwich. Then walked to the HardRock Café to buy a shot glass for Sandy's collection. The girl behind the counter told us about the ghost tour and that Robert the Doll was in one of the houses. Robert the Doll is a very odd looking doll that was found in an attic. Do a google search for pics of Robert.

We got on the bike and went to the southern most part of the US.



There was a line of people waiting to take pictures. As we started to take ours, a local ask if he could take the pic. I said yes then tipped him a buck. Looked like it made his day. Of course I know where the dollar was going.




Headed back to Islamorada and went to Lorelei on the bay. We had a table overlooking the gulf and watched the sunset. There were boats coming in from fishing and a guy comes by in a pink Cadillac Limo floating on the water. He had the center section of the roof cut out and put a boat running gear under it. The Caddy wheel & dash was still in place. On the continental kit the phase "Only in The Keys" I have to agree.




Day 7 - Sunday, November 16. 2008
Not much happened today. went this morning for breakfast at local restaurant Craigs. For lunch, Sandy wanted pizza so we went to Tower of Pizza. Very good pizza.
Went to my buddy's apartment, Capt. Jack and ran some races on his computer while Sandy watched the race. Had dinner at Outback here at hotel


Day 8 - Monday, November 17. 2008
Had breakfast at Mangrove Mikes and shipped some stuff home. Capt. Jack called and said water was too rough and too cold to go out. So we headed north on US1. We left the Keys and was soon in Homestead. Stayed north on 997 toward Lake Oceeckobee. We found a B&B in Indianville.
After finding and seeing the B&B, we decided to go farther to find something nicer. While sitting on the side of the road with the map out, a fellow biker stopped to see if we were broke-down. We explained we were looking for a good place to stay and eat. He was going to Okeechobee and led us to a Holiday Inn. He told us about Lightsey Restaurant nearby. Just as he appeared out of nowhere, he was gone on his ride.
We checked in and headed to Lightsey's. Sandy had crab legs and I dove into all-you-can-eat shrimp. Good food.
194 miles for the day


Day 9 - Tuesday, November 18. 2008

Quick breakfast in Okeechobee. Headed north on 441. Hit 192 East heading to Melbourne. Met another online racing friend (John Woozley)there for lunch. Went to A1A and went along the coast for about 15 miles. Cut back over to US1 near the air force base.
Stayed on US1 and started looking for hotel around 3. the temp was getting into the 50 deg range. Came to Destination Daytona and saw the hotel sign. This is also where Bruce Rothmeyer HD, world's largest Harley dealer, is located. We checked-in and headed over to Hooligans, a sports bar, and had a great meal to finish off the day. Tomorrow we hit the Harley shop.
175 miles for the day

Day 10 - Wednesday, November 19. 2008


Sandy finds out there is a cafe in the Harley dealer. We walk over and have a breakfast sandwich and coffee. After ordering the coffee, a customer tells us about the hot cocoa. We didn't have a chance to try it before we left.


After breakfast we walked around in the dealership looking at all the goodies. After a couple shirts and a charm for Sandy, we walked to some of the other shops.
We bought some chances on a truck and a bike from BADD - Bikers Against Drunk Drivers.


We also learned that Gretchen Wilson was there this past weekend.


We walked in the Truimph/Ducati showroom. There sat an 09 Retro Bonneville T-100. This bike is a newer version of the first big bike I had. Even though this bike is 40 years newer, it had a lot of the features of the older bike. A couple more shops and decided it's time to hit the road.

We head north on US-1 for a couple miles, then turn west on Hwy 100. Through Palatka, then Starke. With temps around 50 deg, Sandy was getting cold. We stopped at a store for a break and for her to "leather-up". A quick snack and off to Lake City.
Turned onto US-41 and headed north to Valdosta. Could find a hotel in Valdosta, so we headed over to the interstate. Nothing at the exit, for the first time on this trip we got on interstate and rode 17 miles to Adel, GA. We found a Hampton Inn and checked in.
208 miles for the day


Day 11 - Thursday, November 20. 2008
We have a quick breakfast at the Hampton Inn in Adel, Ga. We meet a nice lady that is dealing with her grandmother and Alzhiemers. After exchanging stories, we decided to take some pics.




We headed to Tifton H-D to buy a shirt, pins and maybe chaps for me. We are greeted as soon as we walk through the door. The asst. manager starts talking to Sandy and she ask about helping with the chaps. She tells Sandy about some new chaps that are independent on each leg. they attach to your belt and don't have a belt connecting the legs.
Sandy tries out a pair and buys them. I find a pair to buy also.

Another lady walks over and ask where we are from. I tell her Huntsville. She says "You have a twin that lives in Lakeland, Ga" I say "Really, I hear that a lot" She continues to tell me his name is John Robinson. Sandy says "That's his name" she doesn't believe it and I confirm that my name is Johnny Robinson. After more discussion, we learn my "twin" works in the automotive industry (parts store) like me. And his birthday is in November near the middle of the month. Mine is Nov 18. He is 1-2 years younger, but this was amazing to find this out.

We then took pics and headed on our way.





If you're ever in Tifton Ga(Exit 61 I-75), stop in the Harley shop and buy something. They are very nice there.
We had over to Hwy 41 and head north. Stop to eat at a little Mexican restaurant, La Cabana. Good food there.
We head toward Warner Robins on Hwy 41. I call another racing buddy, Wilbur Gildersleeve. He shows up on his bike and we ride back to his house. We meet his wife and we head over to Logans for a nice dinner. They invite us to stay at their house for the night. If you could buy it with Harley on it, Wilbur had it.
125 miles for the day


Day 12 - Friday, November 21, 2008

Sandy and I loaded up, setting our sights on our start point in Hueytown. My buddy Wilbur decided he would see us off and escort us to the outskirts of town. We stopped at a courthouse for a photo op.     Little did I know, this would be the last time I'd see Wilbur. He died of cancer in 2014. RIP my friend.

 


We rolled into Bham about sunset, the temp was around 40 and we were both cold. I pulled off interstate and called my buddy to get directions to his house. When I told him where I was, he said I was on the right road and about 10 miles form his house. I turned to tell Sandy and she is squatting beside the bike, with both arms wrapped around the engine.
She says, "Tell Mickey to come get me, I'm not riding another inch today." 

Mickey picked her up in his Jeep and had the heat on high. She wouldn't let him turn it down, even though he was sweating. Upon arrival at Mickey's house, his wife pulled a blanket straight form the dryer and wrapped Sandy in the blanket. With the blanket and a couple cups of coffee, it took an hour before she was warm.
257 miles for the day


Day 13 - Saturday, November 22, 2008

Since I just bought the bike and it needed a tire, Mickey had recommended a guy in Hueytown to change fluids and replace the rear tire before the trip.

When we left Hueytown on the first day, my heel shifter fell off about 25 miles from his house. While on the trip I noticed the primary had started leaking, it wasn't before the harley trained tech worked on it. Then on Saturday morning, after Sandy left heading home in the car, Mickey comes in and tells me I can't ride back to Huntsville on my bike. The "new" tire that was put on before the trip was coming apart.

The tire was new when we left Bham, now with 2500 miles on it.


Mickey offered to let me ride his 2007 Ultra home, he would get the tire replaced and ride up to switch out bikes. That's what we did.

Due to this, I bought a Factory Service Manual and started doing need repairs myself. I figure I can mess the bike up just as bad as they can and do it cheaper.

This was the first long trip I'd ever made on a bike. It was Sandy's breakout ride from being afraid to ride to not letting the bike leave the driveway without her on it.

It wouldn't be our last.

[Fencejumper09]

Great update!

Quick question, what do you mean by "ran some races on his computer"?

[Chitza]

Thanks, Johnny for re-creating the story. And just in time to spark some interest in a trip to Mile Mrker 0 in March :D

[klaviator]

Great story Johnny!  One thing you did which I often forget is to take pictures of the memorable people you met on the trip.  I'm sure you would still be kicking yourself if you hadn't take that picture of Wilbur.

[jrobinson]

Great update!

Quick question, what do you mean by "ran some races on his computer"?

Before I started back riding, I raced NASCAR style races online with folks from around the world. A company called iRacing started up in 2004 and I signed up to help Beta test the project. The 3 people a visited were also Beta testers and that's how we met.

You have a steering wheel and pedals connected to a computer. Using their software, you connect to the servers over the net. Some folks build a cockpit to mount wheel and pedals to simulate the real thing. (me)  You can search iRacing on youtube to watch some of the races.

[jrobinson]

Thanks, Johnny for re-creating the story. And just in time to spark some interest in a trip to Mile Mrker 0 in March :D

You posting your trip, made me look for the ride report. I thought it was on BR2.0. When I couldn't find it, I knew it should be posted and hoped it would help you and anyone else planning a trip to the Keys.

[springer]

You posting your trip, made me look for the ride report. I thought it was on BR2.0. When I couldn't find it, I knew it should be posted and hoped it would help you and anyone else planning a trip to the Keys.

So the database  from B.R.1 is recoverable?

[jrobinson]

Great story Johnny!  One thing you did which I often forget is to take pictures of the memorable people you met on the trip.  I'm sure you would still be kicking yourself if you hadn't take that picture of Wilbur.

Yes, I'm thankful I got a pic of Wilbur. We met face to face 1 time and I felt we had been friends our whole life.

While eating at Lorilee, I didn't take my camera in, didn't think I would need it. That's when I saw the pink Caddy float by. Since I didn't have a pic, I had to find one on the net.

I didn't put a lot of effort into the most of the pics either. Around here, I have to step up my game on pics and writing just to stay in sight of the great report writers we have on MC-AL.

[jrobinson]

So the database  from B.R.1 is recoverable?

I recovered this from a blog site I started a long time ago that crashed. I did recover the text from my blog database, but I had the photos stored on Google. Some, maybe even all the text can be recovered from the BR database. It is a very tedious process for me, some may have a better, faster way. I've spent about 3 hours reformatting and adding the photos to this report.