Topic: Colorado to Key West via Biketoberfest 2010-5552 miles in 17 days-Epic Ride X

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 10 Friday afternoon 10/15/2010

For the afternoon it is decided to ride over to Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona. I've heard much about this place. It's supposed to be a city within itself ie an oasis for bikers on I-95. A destination all it's own. Can it really be all it's advertised to be?? Guess we'll soon find out. It's located on US1 and I-95 in Ormond Beach just north of Daytona.

We retrace some of the routes we took yesterday heading north on A1A. No way are we getting on the I! Make a turn or two different. It's all beautiful so it doesn't matter. Up ahead is I-95 and the bikes begin congregating. We know we are close. Passing under I-95 it's up ahead on our right. I've been playing with my Canon Vixia HF200 HD recorder mounted on a home made handlebar PVC mount on the ride out. I made the mount quite a while ago but have never tried it until now. The supports for my windshield make it difficult to mount and still have a good view without obstruction. Once we rolled into Daytona all the gear (my saddlebags, back rest and windshield) gets stripped off my bike and I once again turn from a cruiser road bike to a bar hopping cruiser. Now I can attempt my handlebar video or pictures! I'm excited about that but I catch myself playing with the camera at times when I should be watching the road better. Not as bad as those A-holes that text while driving IMO but dangerous nonetheless. At this point I don't know how well the video is turning out but I'm very hopeful especially with the image stabilization feature.

As we approach Destination Daytona they have guys directing traffic into and out. We quickly find out it's for good reason. HOLY #$%*! Look at all the bikes and the CITY in front of us. Nothing short of amazing. Talk about a MAJOR investment. Bruce Rossmeyer has brought in the big boys with him too. I can't begin to tell you all the companies that are here so I'll post his link and you can check it out yourself. Nothing like this anywhere in the world guaranteed! If you are down this way you GOTTA check it out! I'm sure it's not populated like this except during Biketoberfest and Bike Week but well worth checking out any time.

http://www.destinationdaytona.com/

I have to figure out how to post some videos now and will be back to add them and update when I can. I think most were too shaky as the bike was too much for a handlebar mounted camera.

After spending hours there in amazement at all that was Destination Daytona we decided it was time to move on. Doubling back on the other side of the I-95 we see a familiar sign on the opposite side of the road. Are we in Sturgis or Daytona?! Damned if it ain't the/a Broken Spoke Saloon! One of our favorite watering holes and campgrounds in Sturgis. U-turn time. WE ARE THIRSTY! Now this is quite a bit different than it's Sturgis counterpart but nevertheless it's THE Spoke!
  


Not a lot of people here at the time and there are a small number of vendors on site but there is a bar and a stage. What more can you ask for.





One of the local favorites that shows up at all the biker events. Not me, the dude with the beard and the "unique" 1940 something Harley.



Does anyone recognize this guy?



Why YES, it IS George Thorogood but he wasn't here. I just had to throw in that teaser. This was from the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival in Sept 2010. Sorry about that, just had to do it   They had a band but they were unknown to us. After a few brews we head down the road once again. Isn't that what you do in this sort of situation?!    Up ahead is a left turn we haven't yet taken so we take it. It takes us from Hwy1 to A1A and the beaches again. I make a left turn and we ride up the beaches. Ahead is Flagler Beach with a bar built over a bar. Well that's just so unique we are obligated to stop and look around. We decide beers are in order again.

  


  


While we are "attending" Finn's Bar we suddenly hear this loud roaring coming from the skies. Next thing you know there are 2 WWII Mustang P-51's (or whatever they are called) strafing the skies around us. One is pissing a smoke contrail and the other is just hanging in formation. This goes on for 5 or 10 minutes before they disappear into the wild blue yonder. What a nice bonus - happy hour an an air show on the beach!! Howard's leaning again so we call it an afternoon, a good affterernnonoon so we'd better slowly and carefully head south toward the San Marina and prepare for our last evening at Biketoberfest. Too bad Seaweb wasn't with us! I see you looking  


  

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 10 Friday night 10/15/2010

What more can I say at this point other than we gotta leave in the morning? Well, really just a few things. First, let's take care of that problem tonight and the only time I'm at a loss for words usually is when I'm horizontal or going that way. One, I didn't get any pictures because I was too busy enjoying myself and two, ?? I forgot what I was saying..... WTH. But, we musta had a blast because we didn't go to jail  .

Anyway, we roll into Main Street figuring we'd just get the same parking lot spots we had last night. I DON'T FN THINK SO!! This has turned into BIKETOBERFEST and everyone FINALLY showed up.  And to think I was concerned  We're cruising around, circling back and forth, no spots. Who the hell took my spot! Next thing I know Howard is going one way and I'm going the next. I cross over the bridge over the river. I didn't go this far last night. WTF! I'll probably stumble into him at some point. Crossing back over the bridge I realize we have those wonderful magical inventions - cell phones. One quick call and I find out I'm actually at the same parking lot he used. Just too damn easy and he's only a block away. Catching up we do what we do best - begin to wander aimlessly. It's all good and we know it. After all, it's our last night. We drink, watch bands, ogle the few women here, drink, watch bands, drink, etc. Try to hang out in vertical positions. It is worse than shoulder to shoulder at this point so we may as well stay stationary and drink. After 10 days you should now get the point  Well, this can only go so long before it's best to get the #$%* outta Dodge. We actually make it back to the San Marina. We should now have an entry in Ripley's Believe It or Not! Guess what time it is? Correct, it is pass out time. We gotta hit the road in the morning and Howard is foaming at the mouth thinking about the delights that await him at South Beach, Miami. Hope he can sleep through my "alledged" snoring   

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 11 - Saturday departure 10/16/2010

Well, it's time to hit the road again. We still have 2 more serious stops to make and we've seen what we need to see at Daytona Beach's Biketoberfest. It's not Sturgis or Daytona Bike Week but it IS Biketoberfest. We didn't know what to expect but we knew we'd have fun. And fun we did have!   I'd guesstimate over 100,000 bikes, a beach and a great friend. What more could I ask for? Yeah, OK there ARE a few more things that I could ask for but I gotta stay outta trouble and I've never won Powerball or Mega so.....

As usual we are in no big hurry to get up so we let the "thunder" be our alarm clock. Destination for the day: South Beach Miami! Another "never been there never done that" day ahead. Gotta love those! CSI Miami here we come. More adventure on the road ahead. We stumble out of bed and hit the shower then begin to pack up the belongings and haul them down the stairs to our awaiting bikes. Once loaded we're on our way. We HAVE to cruise Main Street heading out of town and say our good byes. Crossing over the Halifax River bridge to the mainland we're heading out. We head south on North Beach Street and pass by all the vendors set up and the crowds milling the street. We didn't make it this far the last 3 days but that's OK too. Vendors are vendors and there is nothing significant about this vendor row UNTIL I spot my Harley event pin booth. After all these years I've been on a Fat Boy and all the events I've been to I have never stopped and gotten my free Harley event pin. Hey Howard, stop ahead. I'll be right back! I now have my first free event pin souvenir. Up ahead is International Speedway Blvd and we make the right turn that will take us past the Daytona Speedway and on to I-95 but not before gas and some serious bike traffic. The bike manufacturers have been having some events at the speedway including demo rides, which are always fun. We turn south and merge onto I-95 and head toward our destination, Hotel Marseille in the South Beach area of Miami Beach. We have approximately 250 miles to ride today. A short ride for us with a world renowned beach awaiting. We settle into our usual 75-80mph interstate pace and try to enjoy the "I" knowing we're going to have a good time ahead.

Maybe 5 hours after we check out of the motel we are exiting I-95 heading into Miami Beach. We cross over Biscayne Bay and we're in Miami Beach. Now to find Hotel Marseille. We make a couple loops only to discover we passed by it the first time. We are in the Art Deco district of South Beach. Is this the U.S.?! Talking about some serious pastel color paint! I'm not so sure but we're going to enjoy. Pulling up to this very trendy hotel which Howard booked we quickly learn that noisy motorcycles are, well, not pastel shall I say   NO, you can't park here in front! Why don't you park it here?!

Our alley parking spot that allows us to grace the garbage bin but actually helps hide our bikes

 



We immediately discover that the staffers want no part of letting a guest schlep any gear. It looks bad plus they get no large tip. Oh well, get used to us! Check in and head to the room. Change clothes and hit the beach for the afternoon. Now I gotta say the last time I was on a clothing optional beach was either in Spain at Malaga on the Mediterranean or in Jamaica. H E L L O this is the U.S.?! WTF?!! Think I like it here already. Howard did NOT send those pictures. This is what he sent.



Believe me, there IS more, MUCH more  

We lounge around the beach and relax before we head back for an evening of discovery, Miami Beach style soon to come.

[Stev-o]

I love South Beach!  Waiting on the next installment...

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 11 Saturday evening 10/16/2010 - Discover the Miami Beach that has no beach

The hoards of umbrellas are coming down and the ladies are heading back to get cleaned up for the evening activities. Must be time to head back! Damned if they don't have a pool bar and it's Happy Hour AGAIN   Just another slight delay but for good reason!

 



Now that the buzz has once again begun let the evening's activities begin. Head to the room for the daily clean up. Seek some local advise then hit the streets of South Beach! We're told to head a few blocks south and look for a "Lincoln Road". This dude has a strange foreign accent and is difficult to understand. Just hoping he is straight   OK, let's see what it's all about. What it turns out to be all about is probably the most fabulous area in Miami Beach. Lincoln Road is an older area of shops, restaurants, theaters, etc. It is basically a pedestrian mall. It is a place to see and be seen. It is a place to dress up or dress down. IT IS FANTASTIC! Wow, good call   Check this out. http://www.southbeach-usa.com/shopping/lincoln-road/lincoln-road-shopping.htm  We once again begin to wander aimlessly enjoying the sights and sounds. We pass a theatre with people in tuxes and jeans. We pass MANY excellent restaurants with wonderful aromas eminating from the insides. The music floats out to the street along with the wonderful smells of gastronomic delights. As we pass one such restaurant we are approached by none other than a Ricky Recardo type guy, accent and all. Full of energy he proceeds to tell us of the wonders of HIS restaurant and presents a menu for our perusal. He pulls up a table for 2 right on the edge of the walkway. Our own table with the best view on the whole street. Surrounded by no one. It's like we have own little place. How can we refuse!! Our meal is heaven and lives up to his sales pitch. Is this as good as it gets?! Perhaps, especially for a couple aging old noisy bike riders that came in out of nowhere! It's finally over and time to attempt to move. Damn, I'm feeling good from the food and drink but I'm fullern a damn tick on a coon dogs back side   . Let's wander and work some off this pleasure off. It's getting late (or so we think) so we mosey back toward the hotel around 2am. I've heard of the famous nightlife but where is it?? We've probably gone the wrong way. I'm beginning to think otherwise as the younger set begins appearing out of the woodwork. Damn those ladies are fine! Damn, there's a #$%*load of 'em! DAMN, I WISH I WAS 30 YEARS YOUNGER!! Ouch, that hurts but I have MANY memories that those youngsters have yet to achieve    As we're headed back there appears this strange mixed crowd in front of what appears to be a closed storefront. But it's not really closed. WTF?! It's MANIA - Lebron James Mania. Someone thought out loud that the newest Miami star Lebron James may be inside. As the rumor spreads the crowd increases. Still don't know WTF but they were allowing 1 person in at a time. Apparently they had just received a new Lebron shoe model and these people were going absolutely nuts for a pair of shoes at 2am! We ARE in Miami Beach!! Old guys back to the hotel before we do something stupid. Did I say I wish I was 30 years younger?! I'll guarantee it would get ugly, VERY ugly. FAST   Do you know how it is when you're SOOO loaded you have a hard time even passing out?! Not me, I'm history and music to Howard''s ears  

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 12 Sunday 10/17/2010 Head to The Keys - YESSSSSSSSS  

Awakening Coming to Oh hell the best we can do is "stumble out of bed". You ever "stumble out of bed"? Next best thing to crawling from the bed to the bathroom. Great night but can I function?! Always do, here goes. Nothing like a brief half hour hot shower, huh?! Hit the beach to recover with a long stroll and down time. Hell, I may actually be alive. Time to pack 'em. We "sneak" out the fire exit to the alley where we hope our bikes might be. Don't really want to deal with the bellhop. Load up the bikes and push them to the street in anticipation of waking Miami Beach   How about a fancy breakfast for the road. We're done and we're off. Those beautiful young sweet things that probably have only been in bed a few hours (with the exception of a few that just got here last night and stayed out all night and are still drunkern #$%*) need to get up and start over anyway. Fukem, crank em up. We roar to life and head south over Biscayne Bay. Cruise ships line the port by the causeway. There is Lebron's new home, the whateveritiscalled Miami Arena. Through the town, not much traffic. We're following US1. I've never been on this stretch and I can see why. Will this ever end?! Where is I-95 and why aren't we on it?! All the times I'd been in S Florida heading to the Keys we never even thought about Miami except to bypass it for a straight shot to Margaritaville, Conch Republic via I-95, the Florida Turnpike and the Overseas Highway. It's been a while but my memories are still fresh: salt water on both sides, deep sea fishing, scuba diving off Tavenier and Islamorada, Alligator Reef, the Coast Guard cutters Duane and Bibb at 135', the wreck of the Eagle at 120', seaside bars on each key, Seven Mile Grill, The lower Keys with the old road that had railroad rails (from the old railroad that was detroyed by a hurricane ) welded in place as guard rails and the new old road (not to be confused with the somewhat current new road) at Bahia Honda Key that was built on top of the defunct railroad bridge, etc. Dreaming of times gone by is good. Traffic is not so good and I'd really like to get out of that #$%*!! Won't do this again!!

DISASTER STRIKES!! Just north of Homestead on US1 in stop and go traffic light to traffic light I'm in the left hand lane approaching another light. Howard is in the right lane which is clearing up. He is just about to clear the traffic light. I need to merge into the right hand lane. I'm moving slowly. I look over my right shoulder. It's clear enough to make a move. I turn the bars slightly to the right, look back ahead and the damn car in front of me has stopped or almost stopped. FUK! I tap the front brake. That wasn't a good thing to do. The front wheel locks and crosses up and does a 90 degree turn to the right which stops my bike in it's tracks! DOWN I GO. It happened quick. I remember thinking OH #$%*! I hear the passing lamp scraping metal on the rough pavement. I remember hearing the Lexan windshield scraping on the rough pavement. I DON'T remember hearing my skin scraping on the rough pavement but it did! It was quick and painless but only a few feet as that big ass front tire wouldn't allow much sliding! I dropped on my right side and it was over. Of course no helmet or protective gear other than a T-Shirt, Jeans and  Nikes. First thing I did was look up for oncoming cars about to cream my downed ass. No one was going fast enough to present a problem. The lady in the right hand lane pulled over to the right shoulder. The guy in the pickup truck behind me pulled over to the left and got out. I had already attempted to get out from under 900lbs of loaded Harley but was not able. My right foot was stuck under all that weight and I knew better than to force the issue. I calmly told him I was OK and asked if he could lift up my bike so I could get my foot out. Real nice guy but didn't have a clue about the weight of a loaded Harley or how to go about lifting it. I instructed him how to and he got it up enough for my foot to come out. I'd say less than 30 seconds so far. I immediately thought I should get the bike up and out of the street so I pop it right up. Amazing what you can do with 900lb when you're embarassed   About now Howard has heard the cars honking for him and realized I'm down and heads back to me running while I'm raising the Titanic. I reassure him I'm OK and attempt to start the bike. Something about this it doesn't like. Perhaps the lean angle sensor. Oh #$%*, it's not starting, nothing, and I'm 2500 miles from home. Nothing broken on me, sore yes. I gotta ride, we're almost at the turn around and this #$%* can not happen! If your computer doesn't work, reboot it! I turn the ignition off then back on. It fires! Hallalujah!! BUT, what's that red #$%* on my grip?! Dammit!! That's me, I'm bleeding. Get the hell outta there before any authorities show up and ruin our ride, seriously. The bike runs and I'm not broken. Didn't hit anyone so why stick around! It's MY problem only. We ride a little farther down and stop at a convenience store. Time to assess the damage. Rinse off my hand and elbow, road rash on the more obvious uncovered areas. Deep but I didn't look close enough to see bones only because I didn't want to see that. A couple chunks gone but I've been damaged and beat up before. I can still sit and ride. Wipe it off and put on a number of Band Aids. Out to the bike for damage control. Looking at minor but expensive rideable bike damage I realize my Nike was almost ripped off and there is a little blood on my foot, my knee is ripped up some and bleeding, and shoulder took a hit. Looks like I'll put on my riding boots now, eh?! especially since I only have one good shoe. Howard is far more concerned than I and I appreciate that but we have riding to do. My foot board is dangling off. I have boots on now. Lets ride! I'm not letting something that didn't kill me mess up our ride! Gives me something to think about now other than all those old memories that I had racing though my mind prior to this. Rock and roll tentatively. A few miles ahead is the Overseas Highway and we're on the way.

Pictures at 11 on the next installment.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Day 12 Sunday afternoon 10/17/2010

Now that the embarrassment and blood letting is behind me we have a final destination that beckons - Key West which I lovingly refer to as Key Weird. Never ridden the Overseas Highway, always wanted to. Up ahead I smell the salt. I sense salt water on both sides. The road appears to have changed. It's been a while, obviously TOO long! 2 lanes to 4 lanes, mid-road dividers. No place to pass, too many previous head on collisions. Change can be good but don't change the Keys PLEASE. There on my right is the Gulf Of Mexico and on my left is the Atlantic Ocean! YESSS finally, the Florida Keys. I have my visions of The Keys from my numerous earlier visits and there are many things I probably don't remember. I have specific places, things, and watering holes to see and stop at. Memories at their best but things have already started changing. Ahead and just past the new roadway is a LARGE, TALL bridge that wasn't there. WTF! That view has changed. Cruising on we're on much more 4 lane than I remember. Key to Key. Key Largo and John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. An underwater park with a guided snorkeling diving trail. Tavenier Key. Theatre of the Sea. Town to town. Across inlets with old bridges and new. Where is that confounded bridge?! I still have my "incident" on the back of my mind as I continually need to kick the footboard back inward. It's all good   Thinking ahead I'll be looking for that beachside bar on the other side of Islamorada just past the inlet where our favorite accomodations, affectionately referred to as The Brown Turd were located. The Brown Turd was actually 2 moored old houseboats painted with cheap brown paint that could flop maybe 12 to 15 drunks. Cheap. At least they came with 16 foot runabouts we used as scuba vessels. Ah, just ahead, Ah, just ahead, NOT! DAMMIT!! Where in the hell? And to think that was a good watering hole/boat dock combination where watching the sun set was perfect. Keep cruising. I know Howard is getting thirsty. We'll go past our favorite bar where Big Dick and The Extenders were the house band. Gone too! Must be a NEW Keys, don't get it. Surely I haven't gotten older   At least Bud and Mary's Marina is still there. Air fills for our diving. We'll press on. You have to be careful as you're traveling on a thin strip of built up 2 lane between 2 bodies of water. Sight seeing is a must but the reason for the barriers was to prevent the drifting across the center line. Riding slower is not a bad thing. Marathon Key and the airport. That means one thing - Seven Mile Bridge is just ahead. AND on the other end 7 miles away is the famous Seven Mile Grill. Cold beer and edible food. Mid way is an aquatic research station. Very cool ride! The end is ahead but (yeah, I'm tagging it on my odometer   )... no Seven Mile Grill. Dammit dammit DAMMIT!! What I discovered is 7 Mile Grill is still there but it's at the NORTHERN end and I rode right past it (both times). Now thats a REAL SHAME!! Seems I had difficulty telling which way I was going back in the day. 2 reasons - water on both sides and alcohol. Imagine that. At least we're kicking back. Ahead is a decent looking bar and restaurant with COLD BEER. We also discover there are some really good folks in there too. Howard has a souvenir pint beer glass collection we've been working on for MANY years. He unknowingly creates a mild distraction and I add one more glass to his collection  . Ahead is Bahia Honda and that bridge on top of a bridge I mentioned earlier. The old highway is there too with it's old railroad rail guard rails. Just like me they are aging. The rails are sagging and falling. Think I did that earlier in the day too   At this rate they will be gone and NOTHING will seem the same the next time. We're getting close, up ahead is Key West and our final destination and turn around. Winding our way we stop for gas then work our way to Duvall Street for the festivities.    

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Sorry guys - I'm running behind. The Rally takes considerable time - stay tuned 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I'll be back soon to finish up. I'm getting a little caught up with the realities of life and the Relay is much more self sufficient now thanks to all's trials and tribulations that we have learned from  Ride on Godzilla!