We did expect to give you Dad’s Daytona Bike Week 2022 trip but because of printing timelines you will get that and more in the next issue in June/July, So for now here is his trip to Daytona Bike Week 2021
Early March in Texas. What time is it? Daytona Bike Week Time! Do my usual calling before departure. Who is going? After many texts and calls, guess what! Just me.
March 8 I depart. The quickest route to I-10. I run I-10 to Boerne and connect with Hwy 46 east To Seguin. Head east at Seguin on I-10. Normal conditions to Houston. Increase my speed In Houston to avoid getting run over! Continue I-10 through Beaumont, Orange to Louisiana Border.
The road gets much rougher in La. Potholes and grooved pavement. I navigate well to Baton Rouge. The road narrows down, and traffic increases. The traffic is bumper to bumper well Past the split in the road with I-10 and I-12.
My destination for the evening is still a way down the road. I arrive in Bilioxi just before dark. Check-in to a motel across the street from the Hard Rock Café. Unload my bags in the motel room and head to the gambling hall. Would you believe it, masks are Required! What a bummer! Make my way to the bar for a brew. Shiner Bock $7 bucks Wow, Makes you drink less.
Make my way to a sports bar area for food. Service sucks! Wait forever for food. The tip Forget it! Went to the crap table for a little action! After about an hour, walked away with $75 better than losing!
Next morning depart around 8, Connect with I-10, and set the speed at about 80.
Travel Through Mobile onto Pensacola. It’s a boring ride down I-10. The next stop is Gainsville, Fla. The home of my friend from Leadville, Colo. Leadville Larry, we met in Rapid City, South Dakota In 1990. Both were involved in bike accidents in Sturgis. We were hospital roommates. We have been friends ever since.
Finally found his place on the north side of Gainsville. Hadn’t seen him in about 5 years. We caught up on old news and new news! Had a great dinner of fried shrimp. All good!
Depart in the morning for Ocala. Called a friend at Silver Springs. We meet at a local gas station. Drive to his place 5 miles down the road. Cap. Gary Starr, we met at Daytona Bike Week in 1988. We spent the afternoon talking about old times. Run out of beer! Head to the liquor store. Beer and a Bottle of Crown, Peach that is! After we finish the bottle, had to spend the night, Couch time, high and dry, that’s good.
Next morning finally head to my final destination, Daytona. Make it to Ormond Beach. The site Of our planned meeting spot. I cool my heels at the local pub. Jimmy, Blake, Tom, and Bruce finally arrive from South Carolina. Old friends for 30 years or so. Hugs and handshakes abound. We plan tomorrow’s ride.
We meet at a local restaurant for breakfast. Travel south to the No Name Saloon. Start with Bloody Marys, get the head right! The next stop Pub 44, Used to be the place! Now Harley dealers and vendors We continue west to Eagles Nest, a locally owned, nice stop with open space.
Cabbage Patch, next stop, right down the road. One of my favorite venues. They have bands playing Continuously, and plenty of food and product vendors. Been coming out here since 1988.
They have coleslaw wrestling on Wednesday. Quite a sight! The next day, go to the Broken Spoke Saloon north of Ormond Beach. Wild and Crazy place. Plenty of food And drink available. Bands playing continuously. You got to be there to understand!
Dirty Harry’s on Main St is the next stop. Wet T-shirt contest! Most of the contestants should keep their Tops on! Anyway, it is what it is! We move up the street to the Boothill Saloon. A great venue, with inside bands, Also outside bands, lot of tribute bands. Plenty of room, plenty of food. My favorite downtown venue.
We travel north on I-95 to Daytona Beach Harley, one of the largest in the country. Plenty to see at this stop. Plenty of parts and accessories. All the new products are displayed here. Plenty of bands and pretty Ladies.
Make our way back to South Daytona for dinner. The Last Stop Bar. Great prime rib and good service The last night in town, we indulge.
Just a few blocks down the road is Jimmy’s apartment. He was kind enough to let me stay on the couch. In the dry, that’s what counts.
Next morning, say goodbye, and head north and west. Make a quick stop at Daytona Harley again. Planning on replacing my front tire. The shop was closed. Well, it didn’t look that bad! It will make Texas!
Travel back to Gainsville to see my buddy Leadville Larry. Stop for a brew. Here again, got shrimp and All the fixings prepared. Can’t leave now! Enjoy food and friendship. Spend the night. The next day got to head home! Roll out after breakfast. Run up I-75 to I-10 and head west.
The weather is warm maybe 75, rolling well to Pensacola. Hit light rain just west of town. Sun and light Rain showers across Alabama and Mississippi.
Continue westbound at 85 mph or so to Louisiana, only making gas stops. Cut off at the Sulpher La. Exit. Gas up and check my front tire. Guess what! I can see the steel cords showing in the tire! Wow! Need a tire soon. Reduce my speed to about 60 mph. Still got to make it to Beaumont.
Make it to Orange Texas motel room, and call the dealer in Beaumont. Luck my side! They have What I need. Make arrangements to be there at opening time the next morning. Arrive at 8:30, they open at 9:00, all good first in line. They install the tire quickly, I am back on the road In less than an hour and a half, I am pretty impressed, Only bad thing had to leave in the rain. Rain all the way to Houston,
at least good rubber on the ground! Navigate through Houston the normal way, 80 to 85. Can’t wait to get west of Houston. The weather finally dries out. Clear skies to home. Always great to see your driveway!
It was a great ride and a safe one. What more could you ask?
Till the next one!
RIDE FREE & RIDE OFTEN
‘DAD’
