We all met at the Cracker

Barrel in Cartersville @ 8:00 am for breakfast. Afterwards around 9:00 am we rode North on Hwy. 411 towards Maryville, TN.. The weather was clear skies of blue with the clouds of cotton lining the heaven above. It was a beautiful day to ride with family and friends. You know no matter how prepared you are sometimes thing just happen. The first thing was a little kickstand failure bike goes down , no one gets hurt and the bike is ok. Just a few mile from downtown Maryville the second adventure of the day occurred when Paul had a front wheel bearing go bad. Paul had to wait on the repairs so Mike stayed, while the rest headed towards Bristol, TN.. We continued on 411 to 383 North, 66 West , 40 North to 81 North. Upon  arriving at  the hotel Michele noticed oil under my bike which made the  third occurrence of the day. Here is the point with all that has happen today  no one got hurt. Paul was close enough to a dealership to get the necessary repairs done without having any further damage done to the bike. The oil leak was a loose drain plug easily repair with out any significant oil loss or damage to the motor. We realize thou these things happen that God is still in control and by our sides even when things get difficult or when inconveniences come along. Even in those time there is still things be thankful for and see the blessing in the situation. Like I mentioned above no one got hurt, no real damaged done and everyone arrived safely. Must also give kudos to Smokey Mountain HD for taking care of Paul. Here is  a though for today: when conflicts, disagreements and occurrences happen we must do  our best to remember that our Heavenly Father is with us and that is the time to draw close to the throne. Today was about a 300 mile day and tomorrow we head to Winchester, VA. for a few days.  We will also be meeting my (brother) Tony from PA. there. before riding back on the Sky Line Drive and hopefully the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Larry,Mike, Don, Rick, Dave, David and Paul

Kathy, Shelia, Michele, Sonya, Rose, Linda and Cherie

Dinner in Bristol

We left Tifton this morning with slightly cooler temps than days before. Heading north on 75 for our final ride of the trip. It was a great trip with new experiences, some laughs shared among friends and a occasional U – turn to add to the memories . It is always a pleasure and joy to travel this country seeing God’s master pieces that he has created. Remember pack lite, ride far and may God bless the roads you travel. Shall we ride with the SON as we travel through life. God’s Speed until the next ride.

Michele, Barbara, Rose and Sonya

Mike, Ray, David, Don and Rick

We left Lakeland this morning riding North on 98 to Brookville, Fl.. Turning on to 41 N towards Gainesville, this is a excellent road to travel sprinkled with small towns and great country side. We made a short stop @ the Harley Davidson dealership in Gainesville, then went across the street to Wahoo’s for lunch.  If you are ever in the area stop in and try the Mudbug Fries. It was at this time the clouds opened up and the  bottom fell out. We waited for a break and headed north on 75. It was not  long when the skies gave us a repeat performance. If you  can remember our Shenandoah  Valley night ride, you know what I mean. Just north of Valdosta, GA. the sun returned and gave us  a warm ride to Tifton for the night. God truly showed  his grace today by putting His  arm’s of safety around us. During all the rain today I thought about how we all need to have our sins washed away. Even as a believer we still need to  be cleansed.  Remember our sins are washed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We rode 273 miles today. Tomorrow will be our final leg of the trip looking for another great day.

We left Key West around  7:30 am riding North on US 1 then onto FL. 997. Later turning on to 27 N @ Pembroke Pines, FL. then that was  when the gates opened up and rain began to fall.  After a slight delay we made a short run to Weston to grab some lunch and let the rain go  through. Decision was made to suit up  for what lied ahead and it  wasn’t a little ways down the roads we were glad that we did. Just North of Venus, Fl. the Skies started to clear and the  Sun raised it’s head. It wasn’t long  before we had to peel off  our rain suits. Just north of Avon Park, FL. we turn north on 98 to Lakeland for the night.   While riding today I notice that the  landscape looked the same in many ways but at the same time different. Made me think that we as people where created equal in God’s eyes but yet we are still different. The next time  we look at someone different lets try to see them through the  eyes of Jesus and we won’t be disappointed. Mileage today was 376.

After breakfast this morning we caught the Old Town Trolley to do the city tour. Getting off at our last stop near the Shipwreck Museum. Michele, Sonya, Barbra and Shelia went on their sight seeing adventure. They went to The Hemingway House, The Butterfly House and The Old Light House. While Don, David, Ray and Mike went and had lunch at Sloppy Joe’s. After that it was time for those men to relax at the pool and maybe sneak in a mid day nap. Rick and Rose enjoyed their day together celebrating Rose’s birthday with some sight seeing and shopping. This evening we went to Alonzo’s Oyster Bar for our last night and to celebrate Rose’s birthday. We are thankful for God’s blessing of family and friends. God places people in our path of life, sometimes for life and other times just for a short walk. What ever the length time may be what we need to remember there is a reason. It may be for us or it may be for them, so embrace the time and be thankful. Tomorrow we start our journey home. There is one request, prayers for our friends Don and Judy (health and strength).

We left this morning riding out to Key West. It was a late start around 10:00am and temps where already heating up the highway and our bodies. It was just under 100 mile ride down the Overseas Highway. The Overseas Hwy. was completed in 1919 it is a 113 miles long with 42 bridges. Some may be wondering about the title of trip, we are celebrating Rose’s 70th birthday. We stopped in Boca Chica Key to eat a Chico’s Mexican Restaurant ( mom & pop ) with authentic style food. Brother Dave needed a fix. Got to the hotel around 2 where some swam and others just chilled. Later in the evening we went in to Key West. We had dinner at the Hog’s Breath and afterwards we walked down to Mallory Square for the sunset entertainment. There where jugglers, musicians, sword swallowers among others to include different vendors. Dave and Sonya got to spend some time with Vince a old service buddy. As we rode along Florida Straits with the sun reflecting it’s light off  the water for all to see.  Here is the question that came to mind should not God’s light shine through us for all to see.

Today was the day that Michele wanted to check something off her bucket list. After Michele and the ladies had visitors of the four legged kind after breakfast; we rode to John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park. Michele and I along with David & Sonya and Rick & Rose went snorkeling. It was a 4 mile boat ride out the reef know as Banana Reef. It was amazing time to see the different species of fish, coral and sea life. Michele was truly  over whelmed with excitement and joy with her maiden snorkeling adventure. While we where snorkeling Mike & Shelia and Ray & Barbra enjoy the glass bottom boat tour. Just a note pictures were made with a under water camera but not able to down load. After a bite of lunch it was time just to relax and recovery from the heat. Later this evening we ate at The Fish House, excellent food and great service. Ever in Key Largo check it out. Tomorrow its south on the Overseas Highway (US 1) to Key West.  Today blessing is that God has allowed me to see Michele swim with the fishes and to share in her joy.

We woke up this morning to heat and more heat. After a stop at Naples Harley Davidson is was short burst down I-75 S to 41 S. Riding through the Everglades we stopped at Miccosukee Indian Village where we rode the airboat.  The temps were on the rise specialy on the open road.  We had lunch at the Miccosukee Restaurant before heading to Fl. 997 (Krome Hwy.). Riding south on 997 we could see the lighting in the distance as it danced between the dark clouds. Once again God show us His grace for he kept  the storm away from us. The day was completed  when we arrived at Key Largo our resting place for the next couple of days. Tomorrow is Michele’s day to snorkel something that she wanted to do for sometime. Hopefully tomorrow she will be able to mark it off her bucket list. Some times we need to take a moment and slow down to enjoy God’s creation. For it truly a remarkable sight. Some people ride towards the sun and other ride with the Son. It was a short run today 144miles.

Today’s start was with a blessing a brother Reginald lead us in prayer before heading out. Early cloud cover made it a pleasant ride. We rode south on Highway 19 out of Crystal River. Turning on to 98 S to Fort Meade, FL. which is scattered with cattle farms  with a few goats here and there and a occasional eagle’s nest;  then riding  17 S to Punta Gorda. There we met Sonya’s Uncle Charlie and his girl friend Barbra for lunch @ The Village Fish Market. After lunch we headed south on 41 to Naples. Today’s roads where flat with a few curves thrown in for good measure. The last hour of the ride was when the temperature  began to make its presence know. We all where ready to call it a day. Thought for the day . While riding on 17 and south of Wauchula, FL. we crossed Peace River. It came to mind about what peace we can have through the Living Waters of Jesus Christ. For if we believe in him will never thirst and will have true peace. Final mileage for today is 236. Tomorrow its Airboats and Gators.

We left Adel, GA. this am via Hwy. 37 ( one of Georgia’s Grown Trail) laced with sod farms, different grain and vegetable farms. Riding some back roads of GA. to reach Hwy. 221 South. It was lined with trees draped in Spanish moss allowing the sunshine to be filter  just enough to make it a comfortable  ride. Riding 221 to Perry, FL. then turning  south on 27 to FL. 349 towards Old Town, FL.. Stopping in Old Town for lunch at the Cottage Café (a mom & pop’s) with home cooking. It was worth the stop. Afterwards we headed south on Hwy. 19 to Crystal River, once again God gave us what we needed a shower to cool the temps. making our ride more enjoyable. Arriving in Crystal River we made a short run to the local Harley Davidson dealership so a couple of brothers could grab a T-shirt. Later in the evening we had dinner @ Crackers with Don and Judy( friends who live Homosassa).  This time God gave us a lesson in being patience (due to the wait time). Today we learned that sometime God gives you what you need and other time he teaches you what you need. Total miles today 243. May the SON shine in your heart so that you may be a light into the world.