I'm Excited - Vacation Time Is Here!!!

[Gord]

Shut down the laptops at work this afternoon, and went for a blast to celebrate the start of my summer vacation! Monday morning, Chrissy, Anastasia, Sonya, and myself are off to Orlando via Chicago to visit Mickey and Mini. Yeah, I know Florida in summer is strange for us Northerners, but it was the only time all of our schedules could be forced together. So off we are going for a fun week.

While I know my lovely ladies will enjoy Disney, Epcot, Universal, and some shopping, the highlight of my week will be July 19. I am jumping on a rented Harley Sportster and making the trek to Palm Coast to visit our very own Frank Ganger. Frank was a huge help for me back in 2006 when I could not access our Cafe from China, so it will be nice to finely meet him and thank him in person for being such a good friend and help. And of course I am looking forward to meeting Bonnie.

Just to add richness to an already superb treat, rumour has it that Dirty Doug and Geechie George will make the trek down to Palm Coast as well. It would be a privilege and an honour that I am looking forward to with eager anticipation to meet fellow members in 3-D mode and to buy them all a celebratory lunch!

I am frothing with anticipation....

[Deans BMW]

I am frothing with anticipation....

That happened to me once................................I think..........must of been a long time ago.........................could of been a dream..................don't remember.

[Arby]

Dang, Gord. For a free lunch, I'd have ridden up to beautiful downtown Palm Coast too. But I'm gonna be outta town. Hope you guys have a good visit.

RB

[BobFV1]

Gord - sounds like a fun trip! Have a great time and take photos for us!

[Sir Limpsalot]

Gord - sounds like a fun trip! Have a great time and take photos for us!

I'll second that. Just take the photo's of Micky and Mini though..

Si.

[DarthRider]

Sounds like a great trip Gord-O.
George is a stand-up guy, but keep a close eye on Stinkin' Frank and Dirty Doug...especially when your ladies and wallet are around. :058:
Have fun!

[Dirty Doug]

" George is a stand-up guy, but keep a close eye on Stinkin' Frank and Dirty Doug...especially when your ladies and wallet are around. "


Thanks Dave, now he'll be keeping a sharp eye on his wallet. Now how am I going to pay for the trip??????

Yes indeed the living legend Geechie George and I will be making the 300 mile trip to see our northern brother. Someone has to protect him from Stinkin' Frank. With a little luck we'll get to see Miss Bonnie's " new " Bandit. I understand it looks a lot like Stinkin's " old " Bandit.

Pictures, I'm sure, will follow what with George and Frank along. Those two are photo takers to beat all.

Dirty Doug

[Gord]

My gear is packed, I am rallying the crew. Just a few hours from now we will be jetting our way to Florida. And what a trip it will be! Shivering with excitement in looking forward to meeting Frank, Bonnie, Doug and George!

[fganger]

Gord lad,

We really can't wait till you get here, I do wish Arby and JB were/are able to ride over as well. :) At least having Doug and George is a treat in itself. :058:

Are you going to spend the night? If so, I'll try and kill most of the poisonous critters which live in the guest room. Now just in case I'm not as good as I used to be, remember Bonnie is a nurse and used to be a National Park Ranger. She has had to treat a number of different poisonous critter bites. However I'm trying to recall her success rate . . . oh well. :icon_redface:

Stinkin' Frank

[Arby]

Gord lad,

We really can't wait till you get here, I do wish Arby and JB were/are able to ride over as well. :) At least having Doug and George is a treat in itself. :058:

Are you going to spend the night? If so, I'll try and kill most of the poisonous critters which live in the guest room. Now just in case I'm not as good as I used to be, remember Bonnie is a nurse and used to be a National Park Ranger. She has had to treat a number of different poisonous critter bites. However I'm trying to recall her success rate . . . oh well. :icon_redface:

Stinkin' Frank


Frank, don't worry 'bout the critters. It's only a problem if they actually bite someone. And most of 'em only cause painful swelling and itching, it's not like you'll die or something....:028::)

RB

[fganger]

Arby lad,

Actually you are quite correct, only a small percentage of those bitten actually die. By the way, do you recall which one drove the Grizzly Bears from Florida - sent them North to Canada I understand?

Stinkin' Frank

[Dirty Doug]

I would pity anything that was to bite George, and I'm to old and tough skinned to let it bother me. After all living in Alaska for 15 years and putting up with those blood suckers I laugh at the critters we have down here.

By the way Stinkin' , I wasn't sure if Gord was staying so I have a motel bought and paid for. George and I are leaving Saturday morning about 07:00 or so. It's about a four hour ride so look for us around 11:00. I'll call when we get close to see what the plan is. Give my best to Miss Bonnie and we'll be seeing you soon.


Dirty Doug

[fganger]

"With a little luck we'll get to see Miss Bonnie's "new" Bandit. I understand it looks a lot like Stinkin's "old" Bandit." :pot:

Bad Doug, bad, bad, Doug. Accurate - yes! Bad - yes as well!:embarassed:

Stinkin' Frank:icon_redface:

[Dirty Doug]

It was indeed a true pleasure to meet fellow cafe bro Gord this past weekend. George and I rode to Frank's in Palm Coast Saturday and were able to spend an enjoyable afternoon with the entire Stinkin' family and bro Gord. We took a nice little ride to the beach for lunch and returned to Franks to view the CD taken during the last MotoST race at Daytona.

George and I were able to see first hand Bonnie's ??? new Bandit, although Frank did ride it to the beach and pushed Bonnie back to the GS650. What a sweet motorcycle it was indeed. It was lowered and seemed to fit both of them well. Gord had rented a HD 883 so he had the wrath of jokes in his direction. Sorry no pictures as the wife has taken the camera with her to Montana, but Gord and Frank took some nice shots so I'm sure they will be posted here soon.

Again it's always great to meet a new " Bro " and like JC's Man said in another post, everyone from the Cafe I've had the pleasure to meet so far have been stand up people and I'm better for knowing them. This is indeed a great family we have here.:pftroest:

Dirty Doug

[fganger]

Well finally both my Internet and SmugMug were working at the same time.

For those who are interested the album is titled "The Gathering."

http://firstcoastphoto.smugmug.com/The%20Motorcyclist%20Cafe

Stinkin' Frank

[DarthRider]

What a good lookin' crew!
Frank, did you have lunch in Flagler Beach at the seafood place at the head of the pier? I've had many a fish dinner and cold brew there.
I also spent a long, sweaty day on a supermotard on that beautiful loop, shooting "lifestyle shots" of Harley Dee riders for magazine ads & catalog pages.
That was the day I learned what it feels like to be a minority...I didn't get beat up though.
They would have been afraid of Gord-O.

http://firstcoastphoto.smugmug.com/photos/335429820_RWF9R-L-1.jpg

[Gord]

Just got in an hour or so ago despite cancelled and delayed flights out of Chicago. I will have more to say tomorrow and some pics to post, but let me say that I am humbled and flattered not only by the hospitality provided by Frank, Bonnie, Ceci and Jeff, but by the willingness of George and Doug to make the 300 mile trek just to spend a few hours with me!

We do indeed have a very special family here! Thanks to you all for making my trip to Florida an especially memorable occasion!

More commentary and pics to follow....

[fganger]

Dave lad,

Indeed we did have lunch at that very restaurant – courtesy of Gord. Thank you again Gord. :058:

It is an interesting phenomena indeed, one can finally meet a person face-to-face, a person you may have communicated with for a year or more, and it is like you are seeing an old friend, one you’ve known for many a year. Even stranger when six such people meet, it’s like a family reunion – I love it. :eusa_clap:

Another interesting part of it: two guys (George and Doug) riding for a full day down and a day back along with spending a night in a motel to meet a fellow (Gord) who is on vacation with his family. :eusa_clap:

Our site may not be very large, but who cares? Just about anyone who “hangs” out at our site quickly becomes friends with a large number of people.

By the way, thank you for posting the shot, I wish I had the time to take them all from my Smug Mug site and post them. However, I plan on hitting the road Friday afternoon/Saturday morning. Boy do I have a lot of crap to do yet. At least there are no locks or passwords preventing one from getting to them.

Stinkin’ Frank

[DarthRider]

Where ya' going Stinkin'?
Texas, then AZ?

[jamming]

Where ya' going Stinkin'?
Texas, then AZ?

You come to AZ Stinking and don't call.....I'm gonna sic Bonnie on you :pot:

[Arby]

[http://firstcoastphoto.smugmug.com/photos/335429820_RWF9R-L-1.jpg[/QUOTE]


Good lookin' crew there. Glad you all were able to make it happen.

Frank, where ya heading??

RB

[jb44]

Thanks for posting the SmugMug photos. Looks like everyone enjoyed themselves.

But.... Mr. Stinkin', someone needs to have a little talk with you and Jeff about riding gear. You sure don't need any more operations. :remybussi:

jb

[fganger]

JB lad,

You are most assuredly correct. If I'm going on the "road" and running 70 to 80+ I can handle most vented gear. I'm sorry to say that around town the heat just kills me.

Truly . . . I'd pay a $1000 big ones for a riding outfit which is refrigerated in some fashion. In the winter, such as it is, I can ride with proper gear. I thought I would of been used to a Florida Summer, this being my third one. But alas, no.

The old expression of "Wear What You Want To Slid Down The Road In," makes a lot of sense. But when the humidity and temperatures are both in the 90's . . . I'll slid in shorts. Of course I've never gone down on the street, but I do not think I'm immune to such an event. Thank you for you concern, you are a good friend indeed.

"Air Conditioning, we need Air Conditioning."

Stinkin' Frank

[Dirty Doug]

I've got to side with JB here. It gets just as hot here in SC , 90 + 90 but I suck it up and put on the gear. Do I like it, Hell No, but it's what I have to do if I want to ride in the summer. Brother George has a medical condition that almost completely rules out his riding in the heat, but still he dons the proper gear. His rides are limited to early morning during the summer. I feel for you Stinkin' and I understand you gotta' do what you gotta' do, but for me it's ATGATT.

Dirty Doug

[fganger]

Arby lad,

To answer your question:
Considering I'm leaving this coming Monday, one might think I have some idea, I do, but not much of one. The Pit Tootsie and I are leaving Saturday morning for a few days of R & R. We plan to be back on Monday evening, I plan on coming home, eating and then taking off - perhaps to drive through the night. That is one of my favorite ways of starting a trip. It's also quite a bit cooler.

Basically I wish to spend a small amount of time with many of the Cafe members I've corresponded with over the years. I'm thinking of heading North along the coast to stop in and visit with George and Doug. I do hope you and JB are in the area. Then a bit further North to, Northern Virginia and my "favorite girl cousin" Cinde Sue. Then up to Ithaca, New York to see a childhood friend - Ted.

I may take a “shortcut” across Canada to visit Gord, then down to Southern Illinois to stop in and say howdy to Rchop.

After that I plan on “kicking it in the ass” and running through Sturgis and over to the West Coast. I have a neice in Washington, my stinking brother Jeff’s daughter, who I would love to see.

Then I plan on dropping South to visit Wild Will. My goal from Will’s will be Tucson, Arizona, where Bonnie’s parents live. I plan to visit a few members between Will and Tucson, then head East towards Florida. I plan on checking in with Jamming, Dean, and Darth.

Now please understand that this is not cast in stone and my stinking body just loves causing me pain. My past has taught me that motorcycles are an excellent form of pain relief - Yes! They are addictive, but what the hell. BTW, it appears that I'm talking about a bit over 11,000 miles and just under a month to do it. We shall see.

Please note that I’m open to all/any thoughts as to a better way.

Stinkin’ Frank

[Wild Will]

Frank, I'll begin planning the stinkin' BBQ now. I hope your visit won't be a hit and run, because we have to ride Avenue of the Giants, see the Lost Coast, and dine on owl cutlets at the Endangered Species Cafe! Oh, the Golden Gate and the Coast Highway are quite enjoyable, as are the fecund waitresses in Garberville on the awesome (as in awe) Eel River valley.

Can't wait, Frank. Don't forget a laptop or plenty of digital storage media. No straight trails out here, Bro. But you've gotta wear protection on the road. Just stop every 50 miles and hose off your tee shirt; it works.

You'll have the time of your life as you visit all your pals cross this vast and beautiful country.

[Rchop]

Sounds like quite a trip Frank. I have PM'd my contact info if you make it to the Heartland.

Randy

[Gord]

Then up to Ithaca, New York to see a childhood friend - Ted.

I may take a “shortcut” across Canada to visit Gord, then down to Southern Illinois to stop in and say howdy to Rchop.

Frank - if you are in the Ithaca area and need an interesting place to stay, there is a motel in Avoca, NY where you can rent an old NYC Caboose as your hotel room. As a train buff, I enjoyed my night there with the family many years ago.

And if you do find yourself crossing the border and coming into my neck of the woods, you will be welcomed with open arms. I have a guest room (we'll move Bumblebee The HedgeHog out!) that you are more than welcome to use. I'll PM you my address and contact info just in case you come this way.

[Arby]

Wow, sounds like a great trip. I'm back in Fl as of last night, otherwise I would have loved a visit in the mtns and maybe to have escorted you northward on some great roads.

BTW, I'd love to hear what your doctor would say if you told him you were taking off on an 11 thousand mile m/c trip.

As Will said, you've got to do pics & ride reports while on the road, please.

Question!! Is Bonnie letting you use her new bike???:028:

Suggestion: Since you'll be in Ithaca, why not give Bones a shout? He'll really appreciate it, I'll bet.

RB

[Sir Limpsalot]

Suggestion: Since you'll be in Ithaca, why not give Bones a shout?

RB

Good idea RB, sound chap old Bones. Still much missed in some quarters..

Si.

[DarthRider]

Stinkin' -
You know you & your entourage have a place to stay here, as long as you need it. Hopefully long enough for us to show you around a bit...we have no ocean to share but we do have plenty of Arizona-level humidity for you to bask in. And cool nights.
I'll PM my cell number.
We will be gone to Bonneville & the MC B&B Grand Opening from ~Aug 12-13 to ~Sept 2-3. I hope you hit our area before or after those dates!
Be careful out there Old Stinker!
And have a wonderful time...:ricky:

EDIT: Yeah, I miss the Bonester too...

[Gord]

Well I have been terribly remiss at providing an update on my Florida excitement! I had envisioned a leisurely week off following my return from Florida during which I would have time to wax poetic (or at least to try and sound like Will!), but strangely enough, all my "free time" during vacation evaporated. No problem, I thought. I will catch up in the evenings when I am back to work. But amazingly, the first week back at work sees me working the hours I took off for vacation (or so it seems). So my apologies to Frank, Bonnie, George, and Doug for not acknowledging sooner what a superb contribution you made to a great vacation.

Let me start by saying, that even for an old fart like me, Disney and Universal Studios were a complete blast. Loved the rides (well most of them), getting out and walking around with the family, and actually having family meals (and not the hectic snarfing of food that seems to happen when we are at home). Getting away from the pressures of home ownership, work, and everything else that is going on in our collective lives is a good thing for renewing the family commitment to each other!

I could go on at length about Disney and Universal, but these were the highlights for me:

From a ride perspective I loved Tower of Terror, Rock N Roll Coaster, Journey to Everest Coaster, Space Mountain, Test Track (all at Disney), and Jaws (at Universal). My least favourite ride was Soarin' at Disney. This ride simulates hang gliding in an all too realistic manner and as one who has a fear of heights, I found myself verging on puking a couple of times. I had to close my eyes a couple of times on this one. Those of you who are pilots or daredevils would love this ride!
From a dining perspective, I would highly recommend The Coral Reef at Disney. This restaurant is underwater and as you dine, you are looking into a tank that is teeming with coral and a vast array of marine life from sharks to sea turtles to groupers and everything in between. Oh, and there are scuba divers swimming about as well! The food quality was unbelievably good (excellent steak and prawn cocktail!) and the atmosphere simply outstanding.
I love the fact that I could buy a beer in either park and walk about the place enjoying a bevvy! In Canada, you could buy a beer in the park, but you would be chained and restricted to a 6x6 foot cell while you consumed it!


But the real highlight for me was renting an HD 883 Sportster and heading up to Palm Coast to visit Frank, Bonnie, Jeff and Ceci - and ultimately George and Doug!

I picked the 883 Sportster as I figured it was small enough for me to push around. I wasn't sure how I would handle a 700 pound chunk of metal so opted to forgo the bigger HDs this time round. I headed out to Eaglerider on Saturday morning to pick up the bike (Eaglerider was very good to deal with by the way), and I was convinced I would ride the HD, but hate it at the same time. Turns out, I didn't hate it at all. Mind you, I still came away thinking "I don't understand the Harley mystique." A couple of positive impressions:


I found the riding position to be quite comfortable. I could see owning a cruiser as a second bike.
I loved the sound of the V-Twin
The bike was easy to handle although if I were to ride a sportser again, it would have to be the 1200. I found the 883 didn't have the get up and go when I wanted to get up and go.


A couple of negative impressions:

Vibration through the footpegs. I didn't find it bothersome on the ride down to Palm Coast, but coming home on Saturday evening, it felt like the vibe was running up my legs to my ass. It gave me a good case of numb bum.
Vibration of the engine when idling. Jeez I find the "feels like it is gonna stall" vibration of the engine whenever I pulled up. The dealer had warned me of this sensation given that it was my first time on a Harley. I found it distracting. But at least I understand now why Harley riders are throttle blippers!
The brakes do truly suck. I am spoiled by the ability of the binders on my KS to scrub off speed in an instant. Not so with the HD. I swear my VW Jetta can stop in a shorter distance than the HD moving at the same speed.


But despite these concerns, I enjoyed riding the Harley. I like to think it deepened my appreciation for what I ride today, and gives me the experience to be able to talk more intelligently and credibly with my HD riding gumbas.

The ride to Palm Coast was uneventful. I did not get lost. Frank's instructions and Google Maps were top notch! I would be remiss if I did not comment on how welcoming and gracious Frank and Bonnie are. It was amazing to me how our community of internet friends translates into three dimensional, flesh and blood friendships. Both Frank and Bonnie greeted me as if we were long time friends (which we really are) rather than people who were meeting for the first time. Jeff and Ceci were equally welcoming upon introductions, and I spent some very pleasant time with Ceci being taken through the "Alaska Room". It gave me a real understanding of Frank's and Bonnie's experiences in life to be sure! Any nervousness I had about meeting Frank and Bonnie disappeared within moments of meeting them. I am indeed lucky to count them as friends!

Of course I got a chance to see the new Bandit. I am not about to wade into "Bonnie's or Frank's?" debate. *grin*. I was taken aback when Frank told me to take it for a ride. I eagerly suited up and headed out. I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat within moments of pulling away:


Despite having lowered the bike a couple of inches, it was extremely comfortable for my 5' 9" frame.
Gearbox is smooth, refined, effortless
The motor hums and purrs like a sleeping cat getting a belly rub.
This baby runs like a jaguar. I headed north on I-95, looked down at the speedo and say I was doing 110 MPH. I got there without the screaming of the airbox like I get on my K12S. This bike truly is a wolf in sheep's clothing!
I would own one of these if I was building up a stable of bikes.


As I headed out on the Bandit, I passed two riders ATGATT and astride BMWs (Black R1200R and yellow R1150GS). I immediately realized this was George and Doug arriving, and had I been polite and not a selfish prick wanting to run the Bandit, I would have turned around at that point and headed back to meet them. But I figured they would still be there when I got back so I went for my blast up I-95. Have I mentioned how impressed I was with the Bandit?

Arriving back at Frank and Bonnie's, I was immediately greeted by George and given a big hug by Doug. I swear it was like we had known each other for a long time and had just bumped into each other. The laughter and good natured joking started almost immediately. I knew right away that Doug and George are people I would love to ride with and spend more time with. This was reinforced later in the day when we were watching a video on the SJBMW Pit Crews. The insight and knowledge of motorcycling that was shared with me (I admit to borderline philistine pig-ignorance) told me that not only is this a fun crowd to hang out with, but they are also a source of enlightenment and knowledge! And not once did I fear that my wallet or life were at risk!! *grin*

I have droned on long enough at this point. Needless to say, we enjoyed a lunch together down at the pier, an afternoon ride, and time spent talking motorcycling before I had to head back to Orlando. It was too brief a time we spent together, and I was truly humbled, flattered, and grateful that Frank and Bonnie would open the door of their home to me, and that Doug and George would travel 300 miles (one way) to spend a fleeting 4 or 5 hours with me. I want to spend more time with each of them, if they will let me. Saturday, July 19, 2008 demonstrated to me that we have a unique gift in the Cafe. I am glad to be a member, and I am motivated to meet more of my fellow members!

Planning for a 2009 road trip is already underway (but I do have a couple of weeks in September. I was thinking New Brunswick or an attempt to get to Vancouver and back in 10 days, but perhaps a run down to the Carolinas is in order?).

Thank you Frank, Bonnie, Ceci, Jeff, Doug and George for making Florida 2008 a special milestone in my life!

[Sir Limpsalot]

I immediately realized this was George and Doug arriving, and had I been polite and not a selfish prick wanting to run the Bandit, I would have turned around at that point and headed back to meet them. But I figured they would still be there when I got back so I went for my blast up I-95.


Gord, spoken like a true rider. I enjoyed the tale. Thanks.

Si.

[BobFV1]

Gord - sounds like a great Cafe meet up, and nice report on riding the Sporty!

Thanks for sharing your trip. Why don't you make it down to the B&B in September?

[Gord]

Bob - believe me, I have given long hard thoughts about making it the B&B in September. I am hung up on Friday, August 29 with a "can't miss, mandatory attendance" commitment which basically fries the Labour Day weekend for me.

I am planning to be off work from that day to September 15 however. Was thinking about taking a run into Western Canada, New Brunswick, or perhaps down south to Virginia and the Carolinas. But there is always the lure of Texas of Arizona bouncing around in my mind.

[DarthRider]

Good vacation report...I'm looking forward to the day I get to meet Frank, Bonnie, Ceci, Doug & George in person, and Gord-O too of course!

[Arby]

Nice report Gord. I would have liked to have horned in on your lunch date had I been in town.

Keep me posted on your Carolina plans. A stopover at ride HQ'ers
in beautiful Topton NC is mandatory. (Assuming , of course, that I can make it up that way too.)

RB

[Dirty Doug]

Gord,
Here's the deal. You make it here during your trip and I'll lead you to RB's ride headquarters for some of the best twisties you'll ever ride. Doesn't matter what day you get here. We'll contact RB and make this work. You can add RB to that list of really good people to meet.

Dirty Doug