Corkscrew Rd onto the Beaches

::Tuesday Feb 2, 2016 ::

This is the kind of ride for those of you who like to pass through the action, get caught up in stop and go traffic and sweat you’re a** off when in full riding gear. Not recommended doing this ride during March when it really becomes congested with us Snowbirds. <grin>


The morning started out quite foggy, but by the time we were heading out the fog had burned off and it was turning out to be a nice day for a ride. Maybe a little too nice... Finally, the long awaited (somewhat) full-day tour since arriving in Florida. 

I was really looking forward more to just the ride than actually having any destination to go to, so I chose this ride simply for that. We left shortly after 11 am and after making a quick stop to fill up my gas tank (a one tank ride) we were on our way heading out onto the dreaded Immokalee Rd. [82] in order to get onto Corkscrew Rd. (Where I started this ride on the map above)

Road Details
[Immokalee Road [82] is a two lane highway, and definitely not the most relaxing road to drive on. I have mentioned before that there are more accidents than there should be on this road. They drive way too fast and  pass recklessly when they shouldn’t.  There is a bit of construction going on now so I think they might be enlarging it, hopefully that will help this dangerous road and not hinder it. At least we didn’t have to stay on it long before hooking onto Corkscrew Road, which is a fairly fun road to travel on, it has some twists and turns, with one in particular which is pretty much a 90 degree corner. The road is paved and for the most part in good condition. There are some rough patches but really nothing to worry about. It is quite a “fast road” as the speed limit is 55 mph (88 km) and depending on the time of day you motor through just be aware that there are some very large trucks that use this road and they have a tendency to pass you like your standing still. (Even if you are going a little over the speed limit yourself. <smile>) You will pass through a lot of farmland and panther habitat on this route before coming to the more populated area where the gated communities take over.]  

As we headed along Corkscrew Rd. we made a stop at the CREW Marsh Trails. 
{FYI: The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed is 60,000 acres of land that collects, stores and cleans water for southwest Florida's drinking water supply. It also is a habitat for many threatened or endangered plants and animals. According to the signs posted the Florida panther, black bear, snail kite, gopher and tortoise along with species of rare ferns and orchids all make this area their home.} 


If you are inclined to be one with nature this place has a fairly extensive trail system to explore. Although today you would probably need hip waders to maneuver through most of the trails because of all the rain we have had over the month of January. Usually January is a fairly dry month in Florida, however this year Florida managed to have a record rainfall that produced 12.98 inches!  Anyway, we weren’t there to hike on this occasion, we were on a mission to ride <smile> so onward we went...

We then turned down Three Oaks Parkway which today had a moderate traffic flow. We have been on this road a few times and I found that sometimes there is very little traffic making this a very pleasant road to travel. (As far as urban riding goes) As you wind your way through this area you pass through perfectly manicured streets with rows of palm trees and bricked walls that fence in the elite neighbourhoods beyond. Further down Three Oaks continues into Imperial Parkway, a nice little curvy road that runs along side of I-75 for a stretch as we headed toward Bonita Springs. We then turned off it and onto Bonita Beach Rd toward the beach.

Road Details
[Bonita Beach Road is a very busy and often congested road. It is a main artery to the beaches and has a collection of shops and restaurants lining both sides of the street. The road itself is smooth and in fairly good condition, so no worries there. In fact all the roads we travelled on this tour I couldn’t complain about.]
Points of interest: Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Racing & Poker

Bonita Beach Rd [865] continues into Hickory Blvd (Little Hickory Island) where there are about nine public beach access points for Bonita Beach. Barefoot Beach is off to the left, just before Bonita Beach.

[Point of interest: Doc’s Beach House -a beach side restaurant - Looks interesting, but have not had the pleasure to review this place as of yet,].

Hickory Blvd. then continues into Estero Blvd. [865] and onto Bays Island and Big Hickory Island which then passes through Long Key on your way to Estero Island.  

[Point of interest: Lover’s Key State Park] 

Traffic tends to get heavy on these islands so be prepared for lots of clutch work especially the closer you get to Fort Myers beach. There are about 25 public beach access points that stretch along Estero Island. Signs are posted to identify the access spots, however they are all down narrow little lanes with limited parking, also keep in mind they are metered. 

Not really a parking spot <grin>

We pulled off and ventured down one of the access points on Flamingo Street to have a break. This beach stop is less populated than the busy Fort Myers beach area, although every parking spot along the lane way was filled, that was not a problem for us and managed to squeeze into an opening. We were not going to stay long and took a short walk down the path to take a peak at the water. 


By this time the mercury was already pushing 81 F (28 C) and I realized I still had my liner in my jacket. After a quick unzip I finally removed my liner so that I could continue the rest of our journey a little less sticky. (I should of done that miles back) As we were about to head out a very tanned, shirtless gentleman was heading toward the path to the beach and suggested I wear a bikini... hmmm... I know I seemed a little overdressed to be on the beach, but really, he did see I was on a bike....

As we neared Fort Myers Beach the more traffic backed up. I was lucky to even get past 2nd gear! It also didn’t help that there was some construction making the snails pace we were travelling at more of a sloths pace. 
{Fun Fact: The Three-Toed Sloth is the slowest animal in the world and the name sloth is actually a synonym of slow motion. The top speed of a sloth is 0.003 miles per hour. They are so slow algae grow on them.} 
In my experience, this is usually a good time of year to ride this route (Temperature wise and minimal crowds). Who would of figured that it would get so hot and humid since it hadn’t got past the mid 60's lately, so now this sweltering heat turned out the sun seekers in herds.

Staying on Estero Boulevard we kept left before it continued into Sans Carlos Blvd so we could stop at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. I think that this is one of the larger parking areas available that is in close proximity to Fort Myers beach. Cars circle the lot like vultures ready to dive in as soon as an opening appears. Again, we of course didn’t have that problem <grin>. 

Besides the beach, this area offers an interesting walk through Times Square with it’s quirky street performers, shops and beach side restaurants or one can meander down the pier - definitely a great place to people watch.  However, I was melting by this point (on second thought, that bikini would of came in handy right about now) and wanted no part of people watching today, so after the much needed “P” stop, all I wanted to do was head home. I could already hear the ice cubes crackling in the cocktails.

Leaving Fort Myers Beach we headed over San Carlos Island 
[Point of Interest: Key West Express - the ferry from Fort Myers to Key West. There is also a restaurant there called the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill - I must check that out sometime, I just like the name. <smile>]

It was the middle of the afternoon and the traffic was bumper to bumper heading onto the Island, lucky for us we were leaving and our side of the road wasn’t too bad. Soon we were cruising down the road homeward bound. 

It was going on 4 pm (way past my drink time) when we finally pulled in the driveway making this almost a one hundred mile tour. I peeled off my gear as fast as I could and got into more appropriate attire for the temperature and promptly poured a drink.  

Until next time... ride it hard and keep it safe!

Thoughtful Interlude...on a rainy day

The weather certainly has not cooperated with me so far, I have only been out on my bike twice since we got to Florida in late December. January really has sucked this year. More so than years before when I realized that January is just not the ideal season to be in Florida. (At least for a freeze cat like me) The weather seems unpredictable and the chance of frost is always prevalent. However I will still take it over the weather back home. <smile> 



Between the rainy days and bone chilling temperatures it has left very few days to actually get out and ride. The first time out we just did a loop around the town, just to get back into the groove, seeing last April was the last time we were biking. The second was our usual River Road tour which is always a nice ride but has become predictable. Neither one qualified as blog material. I am restless to see some different scenery, which really in Florida there is not much chance of that, so at the very least I would like to try to find some different roads to travel. 

Fort Myers bike night (January 9) was a ‘wash out’ and I mean that literally. There was a potential for a thunderstorm that night, so we opted to go with the car. (I know, it was like cheating but I was sure glad we did) There wasn’t as many vendors and the bands never even had a chance to get set up before the storm hit. It was about an hour after we got there and we were lucky to be inside a restaurant when the torrential downpour erupted. There was also a tornado warning and the rain never let up that night. We were fortunate that the tornado missed us, however Cape Coral was not so lucky. 

Since then I have been basically stuck to the house the last few weeks, hence the lack of bike adventures. If nothing else it has given me lots of time to ponder over where to plot out our next tour. I decided that this year my goal is to find those quirky out of the way oddities that I have been reading so much about. Really delve into the strange and unusual (which actually sums me up to a tee) in our travels and document it with photographs. What better way to combine my love of motorcycling and my interest in photography. 

Now I just need to convince my BF ... <smile>

Late Start

This year we didn’t leave for Florida until Dec 26th, a few factors prevented us from leaving at the beginning of December this year. It was a surprisingly slow start to winter in the north and we even had a green Christmas this year. With the milder (well, mild for most people, not for me) weather and lack of snow lent to a longer work year for my BF, that and the fact he was building us a new house in his ‘spare time’.  

Not to mention our car was on it’s last legs and we ended up having to buy another car so we could even make the trip to Florida. 

Since coming to Florida for the winter the plan was to eventually down size and go solar, hydro bills in Ontario are sky rocketing. On a whim we put our house up for sale on Kijiji at the end of May, image our surprise when in less than two weeks it was sold and had a closing date within a mere 4 weeks! There we were, having till the end of June to get out, at least we already had a property that was purchased a few years prior. However, we had to figure out what we were going to live in while we built the new house. 

Home Sweet Trailer

We eventually decided we would live on site while we built and purchased a 5th wheel travel trailer. I have to give my BF a lot of credit, he built our new house after work (he was building someone else a house) and on the weekends. He worked his ‘butt’ off this summer. My contribution would be the painting, staining and decorating.

It was certainly an experience living in a trailer for four months, however, when you camp at least you don’t have to get up in the morning and go off to work! At first it was a bit difficult, like no running water. My BF would have to bring barrels of water from a nearby spring to fill the water tanks in the trailer, run his generator once in awhile so we could charge batteries and for me, use my hair dryer!  At least we had propane to run the small fridge and to cook with. Come to think of it, it could of been a lot worse, we could of been sleeping in a tent LOL.

And as hard as it is to believe, I ended up having to get a cell phone! We had no phone when we first moved and it took longer than expected to get the phone line installed. But that is another story. The worst was not having an Internet connection for almost two months. I would pack up my laptop and lug it over to the Township office where they offered free Internet. I jokingly called it ‘going to my office’. 

From this

To this in 4 months!

By mid October the house was already insulated, windows in and the fireplace installed. A good thing too, I was freezing sleeping in the trailer, so we put our mattress in the house. After a week of just sleeping in the house and going to the trailer to cook  I decided it was time to totally move into the house, albeit without a few conveniences. 

Even though the solar was in place, only the exterior outlets were functioning so we ran a few extension cords from a power bar to have a light and run a hotplate for cooking. The Well had been dug and septic was put in and we had running water at least, however no hot water for awhile. We still took showers at the trailer and I would put the supper dishes in my wagon and truck them over to the trailer to wash. 

After a couple of weeks of that, our propane for the house was finally hooked up and we now had HOT water! Oh the luxury! At the end of October our appliances were delivered and we finally had a full size fridge and a proper stove! My BF had hooked up the laundry tub so I could wash the dishes and we got a toilet and sink for the powder room. I was happy not to have to go back and forth to the trailer anymore. 

(It wasn’t until mid November when we fully closed up the Trailer for the winter. A rare occurrence where we are, usually we are under several feet of snow by then).

I was finally able to contribute to the house by white washing the pine boards that were going up in the kitchen area so we could have the kitchen cupboards installed. A friend of ours is a cabinet maker and we had him build the kitchen and master bath cupboards, he does excellent work and I love my new cupboards!  I won’t have a counter top or kitchen sink or working dishwasher until we get back, but at least I have a functional kitchen again! 

Cabinets are Knotty Pine with a Early American stain

Bar top is also Pine and made by our friend.

Always wanted a make up table in the master bath.

The cabinets are distressed and made out of Ash the counter tops are made from Bird’s Eye Maple (Obviously still need to install the two sinks) 

And I was ecstatic when the shower was tiled in the master bath and was finally able to take a shower again! It just isn’t the same washing from a sink every morning...

The house has come a long way and we are very happy with our progress. There will be still quite a bit of work when we get back, like trim work, completing some more walls, the staircase, siding, landscaping.

(Front door and window was also built by my BF! - (I stained it :) 

... but for now it is time to relax and get back on the Harley’s! 

It is great to be back in the warmth :)

Cruising through life (on a motorcycle that is)

Photo credit – Jim Degerstrom

My road to riding
I had never forgot the thrill I had as a kid when I ‘borrowed’ a few wooden clothes pegs from my Mom and clipped baseball cards to the spokes of my bicycle and magically turned it into a motorcycle. I rode as fast as my little legs could pedal while I listened to the rhythmic clicketty-clack of cardboard on metal racing through my neighbourhood with no particular place to go. It was that sense of feeling free and oh what a rush as I glided down a large hill. So I guess in a way since the day I put those baseball cards on my bicycle I was destined to eventually ride the real thing. 

Unfortunately real life got in the way for quite a long time and it would take nearly half a century before I would be able to experience what I had so longed to do. Sure, over the years I had the opportunity a couple of times to be a passenger on a motorcycle but it wasn’t the same, something was missing... I wasn’t in the drivers saddle! As time passed (too quickly the older I got) before I knew it I was headed towards middle age, I came to the conclusion that if I didn’t do something soon I would eventually become an old and bitter woman for at least not trying to accomplish the one thing I so desired to do. 

After I turned 44 (consider me a late bloomer) I decided it was about time I learn to ride. I still had never actually driven a motorbike, hell I still couldn’t even drive a standard car. But that wasn’t going to stop me. I was determined, not only to achieve this dream of mine, but to actually do something just for me for a change.

So in early April of 2009 I bought a motorcycle handbook and a week later I took the written test. A half hour later and $20 dollars lighter I walked out with my learners permit in hand. But wait! As I hopped into my car it occurred to me I was missing one very important thing, I didn’t even have a motorcycle! Then another thought hit me, more importantly I had yet to even drive one. Reading a handbook and passing a written test is one thing, but now I needed to get on one and ride it.

At this point I decided that it would probably be in my best interest to take a Motorcycle Course before I inherited any bad habits. I found that Georgian College offered a three day course and that it was starting in mid May. It was ideal for me that they were providing the motorcycles and all I had to worry about was buying my gear to ride.

Love at first sight
Even though the course was several weeks away I wasted no time shopping for a motorcycle.  The moment I stepped through the doors of the Yamaha dealer a small, slender beauty caught my eye. Dark red with a hint of sparkle captured that perfect mix of dainty and dangerous. As soon as I sat on the little V-star 250 it was love. We were a perfect fit and I just had to have her. Call it destiny, excitement, impulse... all I knew was she was the one.

Finally the day arrived to start the Motorcycle Course and it was the best thing I had ever did and was well worth the $489. Even when it poured rain the entire weekend, that didn’t dampen my spirit to ride. Dripping wet, glasses fogged and hair plastered to my head, I had a smile from ear to ear the day I passed. (However now I prefer to keep the riding in the rain to a minimum if at all possible :)

Hard knocks makes a better rider
We drove through the summer until that fateful day while taking a sharp curve my back tire hit some sand and I hit the guard rail. At least I was not going very fast, however it was fast enough that both my bike and myself got a little broken from that encounter. After a trip to the hospital to get a cast on my broken thumb, I sent my bike to the mechanic to get her patched up with a new gear box and blinker light. We were both left with a permanent reminder of our ordeal. For my bike it was a dent in the gas tank. Mine was not so noticeable, now whenever it rains my thumb aches. I was told it was my initiation into the bikers world, conveyed by the words “A biker has to kiss the pavement at least once” I hope to never have to “kiss” anymore pavement again. As soon as both my bike and I had healed I was determined to get right back on and ride again. I learned a valuable lesson though, be aware of my surroundings and the change in road conditions, most of all, always practice safe driving.

Practice makes you perfect, well makes you at least better...
That winter I packed up my bike and brought it to Florida where I spent most of my time practicing with my BF. He was especially patient with me, and I have to admit that I was still shaken from my confrontation with the guard rail. Florida was good for practice as it is very flat, doesn’t have as many curves and no hills to speak of, however it does tend to get boring. At least I got used to being in lots, and I mean lots of traffic. 

With enough practice time under my belt I felt I was finally ready to get my permanent license. (Taking the first Motorcycle Course allowed me to reduce the 22 month wait period before getting the full M class to 18 months) I again returned to take the Motorcycle Course for my final. Which again, I highly recommend, however be prepared to spend another $419 for this, although it is easier than going through the DMV. 

My ‘little star’ (which I had began to refer to my motorcycle) didn’t let me down and the sun even shone the day of my final test. I was so proud to have nailed it my first try and finally I could officially call myself a motorcyclist! Over the next four years I proceeded to put on a lot of miles on her, (just over 6,000 km) most which were earned while spending the winters in Florida.

A new chapter 
I had thought I would always be content with my ‘little star’. But soon we were starting to go on longer rides, and my ‘little star’ with it’s 250 hp laboured on the long runs, not to mention it was also taking a toll on my old behind. One day in 2013 while out and about we rode into the Harley dealer in Fort Myers. The whole ‘The Legend, The dream, The lifestyle’ mystique of a Harley had drawn us in. (We both had been drooling over the Harley’s for the last few winters)

I had to laugh when a sales person approached us and referred to my ‘little star’ as a “Scooter on steroids”. Then he let me test ride a Sportster. As I straddled this new beast my excitement rose. I felt the rumble of the engine as I twisted the throttle, sending a shiver down my spine. Here was the power that I had been missing and it felt good, real good. It was bitter sweet saying good-bye to my ‘little star’, after all she was my first. I felt like such a ‘big girl’ now and really it was after all, time to move on.

Not quite the perfect fit
I have to admit, my Harley 883 Sportster was not immediately the perfect fit the day I bought him. The handle bars were too spread out, making me feel like I was on one of those torture racks back in the middle ages, the seat was so hard that I have sat on rocks softer, there was no windshield to protect me from getting blasted in the chest by the wind (and the bugs) and the foot pegs resembled something you would find on a telephone pole that a utility worker would climb to reach the top with. At least he was decked out in navy blue, a colour that I have always been partial to. Although I would of preferred black, but navy was a close second. (In case you are wondering, my Harley just feels more masculine to me than my dainty v-star was.)

Once I put the smallest mini ape handle bars I could find on, got the much needed windshield, added a comfy seat for my boney butt and switched out the foot pegs for something more solid under my feet I was ready to cruise in style. His ride was smooth and solid, I eased into a curve without having to slow to a crawl while the weight of him held tight to the pavement. It was night and day compared to riding on my 250. Even working the clutch was smoother. My ‘little star’ was great for learning on, and I honestly don’t think I would of been comfortable enough or confident for that matter with riding a larger bike at the beginning. 
(Note to Harley: Not all riders are big burley guys - think about us smaller gals once in awhile - we are not all passengers, we ride too!) - Hmm, maybe I should design a bike for Harley <smile>

Two years later

Well it has been two years since I got ‘sporty blue’. I am loving every chance I get to be out on the open road. We have went on countless day trips and little short rides. We still have many plans, like Key West is on the ‘must do’ list. And it would be nice to check out Daytona Bike week, at least once. In fact now I am wanting to go even farther, like Italy and Panama! (Of course I wouldn’t be riding my bike all the way there, but it would be great to check out those places on a motorcycle) The possibilities are endless...

Why I ride
Riding not only makes me feel young (at heart) again, it is my one proud accomplishment that I did just for myself. I just can’t get enough of that intoxicating high as I encounter the next curve, the  heightened awareness I get when I see, feel and even taste the world around me from that unique perspective which only can be achieved on two wheels. (It is just a bonus that I also feel sexy in leather)

Riding is pure joy as I discover my next adventure, travelling with no particular destination in mind, my soul is liberated. Whether I am speeding over the landscape (or as the speed limit allows :) or cruising down a sleepy country road in the sun, nothing can compare to capturing that exhilarating rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins while the wind whips through my hair. Why do I ride... it makes me feel ALIVE.

I am going to just enjoy the ride and keep cruising through life...

ODE TO MY HARLEY

‘Straddling my Sportster I rev the throttle and an exhilarating rush pulses through my body. I am a force to be reckoned with as I conquer the open road. A calming wave washes over my soul as the wind rushes past. I am alive. New adventures await, as I discover the road less travelled on two wheels’ 

Fort Myers Bike Night

Fort Myers Bike Night - March 14, 2015

I have to admit, we were at the Fort Myers Bike Night on January 10th, but we actually drove the car there. (Yeah, I know, it felt like cheating to me too) Non the less it was a good time, with bikes to see and people to watch. I had chickened out taking the bike that time because I had never drove at night. That’s right, six years of riding and not once have I ever rode my bike at night. (BTW - mainly because it was just a little too chilly for me <smile>) I don’t know what is worse, being a chicken or a wimp LOL

But tonight was going to be the night because the temperature was still about 31 C (87 F) at 5 pm. That is right, finally we went to a Bike Night on our motorbikes! However it was just my luck, as we headed up Colonial Blvd it was obvious that it had recently rained as the pavement had turned into a creek that proceeded to wet my pant legs and give me a cool facial. A little further up the road one ominous cloud hovering above opened up and proceeded to spit on us. At least it was a brief wetting and nothing but clear cruising lay ahead as we pulled into the gas station for a quick fill up. As we neared downtown Fort Myers we were completely dry again... I was just glad I didn’t have to squish in wet boots as we walked around - Note to self: invest in a rain suit - because you just never know.

Bike Night in downtown Fort Myers officially starts at 6 pm, it was just about 5:45 pm and the party was already in full swing as we found a parking spot. Loads of people were milling about and even the live bands were already rocking. There were three stages set up at the three corners where the downtown section is blocked off. This is truly a must see. The area is blocked off to cars, however not for motorcyclists. So be prepared as you walk down the middle of the street to move over and let the bikers through. (After all, it is “Bike Night” people!) 

I had to chuckle as we made our way through the massive crowd - And it was massive, there had to be three times more people this time as compared to when we went in January. Might of had something to do with March Break...<wink> 
I heard a woman walking behind me ask her husband, “Why are the bikers riding in the middle of the people walking?” her husband just said in a bit of a sarcastic tone “To show off their bikes” BINGO! <grin>

There are all kinds of vendors setup on the street, from Biker Organizations to biker accessories and clothes. My favorite is to check out the variety of motorcycles that line both sides of the street. Love to see the custom paint jobs! My dream is to custom paint my bike... some day <smile>

The Joker...

We stopped at one booth for ‘Go For a Ride’ magazine and met a very nice women named Kati, her bubbly personality and enthusiasm for riding pulled us in as she put together a package of all the recent issues of the Go For A Ride (free) magazine for us. She explained that in each issue it includes a map for a motorcycle route. I am excited to try them out. Thanks Kati - hope to see you on the road! I should also mention that Kati writes for the magazine - Great articles by the way <smile> you can also find her on the Let’s Just Ride forum  

P.S. We are planning on going to Mugs & Jugs on Sunday March 22 for Biker Day (of course for me, weather permitting <smile>) : 12 pm - 4 pm 

Hmm, wonder if  the cover cost more than the bike

Hungry? There is no shortage of restaurants and for every taste, everywhere we went there was hordes of people jammed packed inside and out on the sidewalk patios. If a sit down restaurant isn’t for you, then there were plenty of BBQ stalls for the ‘grab and go’ types. (Not to mention all the beer you can grab to sip as you stroll) Most of the restaurants that have outdoor seating required a long wait for the table, but we found this one place, the United Café,  if the table is open, will let you grab it without the need to go inside and ask to be seated  (as long as you order) which of course that is what we intended to do <smile> The food is good with the standard Pub fare type selections and of course sitting out on the patio is the perfect spot to ‘people watch’. 

While we were enjoying the spectacle of people parading in front of us I decided to switch out my day time prescription lenses on my bike glasses for my new night time lenses. I have to say that these sunglasses were worth the investment. The sunglasses have the advantage to switch out the lenses for day or night driving. Very cool. I had just bought the night lenses before coming to Florida (specifically for this occasion) and it was the first time I tried changing the lenses on my own. It seemed easy enough when my ‘Eye Guy’ showed me at the store, but when left to my own devices it proved a little more challenging. It took me a few minutes to just remember how he showed me to switch them out, it was after all months ago. To my surprise the first one slid in perfectly, (like I actually knew what I was doing) however when it came to the other side after struggling for several minutes I eventually snapped it in place. I recommend this style for all of those who, like me, can’t see a damn!

As we finished up our meal and drinks, the street lights came on as the sun set.  (For the record: just a Pepsi for me - I don’t drink and ride <smile>) We decided it was time to go (and to finally test out my new lenses). We weaved our way through the throng to our bikes that we had parked on Hendry Street, across from the Cowboy Up Bar. We were also close to where the stage for the country band was set up. I have to admit, it was not bad for country music... said the rock’n’roller <grin> 

My first night ride was to begin. It started out good, and it helped that there are plenty of street lights along most of our route. I was impressed with how clear my new lenses were, and there was no glare from the traffic either, that is until about half way home when a few drops hit my windshield (I prayed that it was just one of those sporadic cloud bursts that tend to happen in Florida, where there is one little dark cloud that spits a bit on you and then moves on). But no such luck, before I knew it we were in a down pour. It reminded me when I first learned to ride at the motorcycle course I took. The entire weekend it poured rain - learning to ride a bike is one thing but learning while being drenched and soaked to the skin is quite another. After that, I had vowed to avoid riding a bike in the rain at all costs. (Now you might understand why I am such a ‘fair weather’ rider) So here I was again, my first time ever riding at night and what does it do... it pours rain on me! 

The most difficult was when we turned off the main road and onto the side street with no street lights. There was a line of on coming cars and the glare of their lights hitting the wet pavement was blinding me, also contributing to my limited visibility my glasses were steaming up and dripping with the multitude of water droplets that clung to the lenses. (What I wouldn’t of gave for a set of wipers) All I could do was just follow the red glow from my BF’s tail light. After the stream of cars finally past, it was a little better, not much, but at least the glare from the wet road subsided. The rain let up for about the last 5 minutes that it took to pull in the driveway. We made it! Talk about a challenging start to night driving... although doing something for the first time in not the best of conditions proved to me that I know I can handle it! At least now I am more confident about driving at night, however I still prefer driving during the day so I can actually see where I am going. <smile> 

As I wrung out my socks and hung up my jacket to drip dry, I poured the much needed drink of alcoholic nature <grin> after my harrowing ride. I flopped on the couch with drink in hand and smiled to myself feeling quite proud to have navigated in the dark on a rainy night... another little adventure, another great ride.


Just to let you know if you missed this one, there is another Bike Night on May 9, as for me, I will have to wait until next year as I will be long gone by then :(

Fort Myers ‘Beach Cruise’ (motorcycle tour)

Monday Feb 23, 2015



We finally went on our annual ‘Beach Cruise’. We like to start this motorcycle tour from Bonita Beach Road and then follow it through to Fort Myers beach. Although from past experience we know better than to do this route during March break. (A couple of years ago we made that mistake, having to waddle along on our bikes sweating profusely waiting for the traffic to move an inch at a time) But it’s a Monday today and still February, surely it would not be too bad to head out there…

Wrong!  It turned into the reminiscent stop and start, getting a cramp in your hand from working your clutch too much, busy. Maybe it had something to with the fact that this month has not been ideal sun bathing or biking weather for that matter. (As you may have noticed by the lack of entries I have)

While the rest of the country has been under mountains of snow and has traded places with the Arctic, we too have had our share of cold resulting in frosty mornings and generally crap weather. In fact it has been such a chilly February this year that today was the first really warm day in weeks. Whatever the reason, obviously, we were not the only ones who wanted to take advantage of it. 

The ride was pleasant enough until we turned onto Estero Blvd. and found ourselves at a complete stand still as the two-lane road merged to a single lane. Then there was that one hair rising moment when Mr. Wisconsin SUV who had waited until the last possible moment to merge into the bumper to bumper traffic, decided that he could fit between two motorcycles! After my ‘honey’ yelled a few choice words as we abruptly stopped to let him get in front of us instead of letting him wear us like a hood ornament and a tail fin. We then continued to crawl along at a snails pace through Bay’s and Big Hickory Island. Finally we were moving again as the traffic thinned out over Lover’s Key on our way to Fort Myers Beach. At least this gave the sweat that had started to pool in the creases of my motorcycle jacket a chance to dry up. (Mr. Wisconsin SUV finally turned off at the Lover’s Key park entrance – I suppose he was in a hurry to get the canoes that were strapped to his roof in the water before it evaporated)

Fort Myers beach was just as congested as we finally pulled into the parking lot that borders along the beach. Cars were circling around the full parking spaces like vultures waiting for their chance to dive bomb into the next opening. Heh, heh, the best thing about site seeing on a motorbike, when you stop you can always find a parking space! Not to mention that Fort Myers has a ‘Motorcycle Only’ space in the parking lot. J  We then headed over to the pier to take in the scenery (as in do a little “people watching” – what else do you do at a beach <grin>).

It sure felt like March break by the sea of beach umbrellas that littered the shoreline as far as the eye could see. However on closer inspection, instead of hordes of tiny bikini clad and shirtless young people sporting sunburns, the majority was a mass of shrivelled bronzed retirees shuffling along the walkways and laying on the beach like dead fish that have been washed ashore. 








I am not one for just lying on a beach for hours letting the sun bake me like a casserole. Instead, I prefer going for a nice walk along the shore letting the foamy water tickle my toes, however there were just too many people crowding the beach for me to even venture out onto the sand.

So we sauntered along the pier and watched a few pelicans trying to steal a free meal from the fishermen who were lazily dangling their hooks from above. 







At last our 4-hour tour (most of which was spent sitting in traffic) had come to an end. We arrived home at 3 pm which was perfect timing for our afternoon cocktail. J 

Believe it or not, I was a sweaty mess. (Even I sweat when temperatures reach 29C /84F ) So as I changed from my sticky bike clothes I happened to glance in the bathroom mirror and to my horror I realized I had gotten totally sizzled! – I am now resigned to look like a red-faced raccoon…  

hmmm, eerie resemblance don’t you think? LOL

                                         

St. James City, Pine Island Florida

Jan 30, 2015

The weather has not been ideal lately to go cruising out on the bikes. Yes, I admit it, I am a fair weather rider and proud of it!  But finally the weather has warmed up a little - it was only going up to 23 C (73 F) today - however once we were on the road I noticed that the wind, which must have been at least around 20 km /12 mi. had a very cold raw edge to it. (In my world, the wind speed should be 10 km /6 mi. tops, even better I would not have any.  J). Anyway, I was just happy to finally be out on my bike again and persevered through the chilling wind. 
(OK, for all you snowbound Canadians, I won’t complain, (too much <grin> ) - compared to Canada, 23 C is the middle of summer)

I decided for our tour today we should go back to Pine Island and in particular, St. James City. It would make for a nice ride, not too far, yet far enough to satisfy the ‘rider urge’ J
(You might remember, last year we had went there to the Ragged Ass Salon with the Rebel Riders).  

Geo Fact:   Pine Island is 17 miles long and 2 miles wide with mostly agricultural land and is surrounded by mangroves, so there are no large beaches to lounge on. Even though it is the largest island in Florida, it still retains much of its natural landscape. The island is made from the same coral rock as the mainland and includes three aquatic preserves. Pine Island consists of five communities; Pine Island Center, St. James City, Bokeelia, and Pineland including Matlacha which is actually a small separate island.


Pine Island Road (County Rd 78) is the only road that connects Pine Island to the mainland with a two-lane bridge that leads over to the two-mile Island of Matlacha,
(FYI: pronounced "MAT-la-shay")



Matlacha is a bustling little town packed with quaint and very colourful, albeit over priced shops for the tourists, along with a few seafood restaurants nodding to its history as a fishing village. The traffic was bumper to bumper as we drove through, but that just gave me a chance to take in all the colour of the town. 

We made a brief stop (so I could at least snap a pic or two) then headed on down the road again. As the traffic thinned out it became a very pleasant cruise over the rest of the island. 




We headed towards St. James City, which is an overstatement by all accounts, at least not one that would first come to mind when you hear the word ‘city’ – you won’t find any skyscrapers here either but rather a sleepy little community with what looked like more restaurants than people. Supposedly it is the most populated part of the Island, however you would never know it. About 5 minutes past the collection of restaurants (Low Key Tiki, Ragged Ass Saloon, Woody's Waterside Island Bar & Grill and Froggy's) the road abruptly ends - surprise – at the water. 

We stopped for a few minutes and took in the view of Sanibel Island and the Sanibel Causeway. I realized that it was in fact actually a busy place after all; in the few minutes we were there, seven cars turned around…






On the way back the traffic was lighter through Matlacha, maybe it was ‘rush hour’ when we first went through. Although at one point we were at a complete stand still for a few minutes while the bridge lifted for a passing boat.

Sometimes it is what I see while I am just cruising along that is just as interesting as the places we visit. I must really invest in a helmet cam, that way I can capture the unusual things I see along the way; like on our way through Fort Myers we passed a woman on a bicycle wearing a housecoat.
 (? - I have seen people wearing their PJ bottoms shopping, but this was a new one for me.) 

Then on our way back there was a car pulled off to the side of the road and a man was getting in the back wearing a Batman costume.   
(It is still January right? – lol - Maybe his Bat-mobile broke down and was hitching a ride…)

As always, just another great day for a cruise in paradise…