Ginnie Springs (FL) weekend annual(?) getaway

[Pinhy]

WOW!!!! What a great weekend! Some shout-outs first:

stp1971: thanks for getting this thing set up, "sacrificing" your desire to ride the bike all the way in order to drive the pickup and bring, tent, towels, coolers, tools...etc.

Road Momma: it was SOOOO awesome to meet you and Carlos. You are a beautiful woman and you tow are both GREAT to hang out with.

others not on this board:
-"fire rescue" Kelly: great to meet you, had a blast hanging out all weekend. thanks for letting me ride the Mean Streak, now i am going to go broke buying a 1500 or larger engine bike! (no not really, but man that was sweet!)
-"soon to be Victory Hammer" Pete: thanks for joining us for one night and braving the small tent, nice meeting you and your wife...
-"drifter" Rachel: great sense of humor, one of the guys. fun times floating down the river. again thanks for joining us and being the "token female" and putting up with all the guy BS (farting, staring at women, burping..etc)



OK...now my story:

I left work at noon friday, took the RX8 in and out of traffic over the 5 miles home and was in the door and 12:07. Grabbed everything and loaded up the bike, gave cats extra food and water, took out garbage etc.

On the road at 1. Lots of lights and traffic the first 20 miles as i headed north out of tampa. I wasnt taking the interstate, i wanted to really just enjoy the trip and experience some sights. Now it gets interesting:

about 30 miles out of town, i see the sky getting very grey, and just as i have a couple little drops hit a biker comes the other way and gives me the thumbs down. i go about 1/2 mile more hoping to hit a gas station and nothing. starts raining so i u-turn and head back a couple miles to a used car lot with an awning i had seen. i sit it out about an hour or so and it finally clears up toward the north (took the attached pics of the bike while waiting - only pics i took all weekend).

I head out and not 10 miles and more HEAVY rain....gas station. im wet and beginning to think i should head back home and head up sturday morning. its already 230 or so and i still have 110 miles to go. im on the phone with intimid8r and stp and sean tells me its not raining there, so i have hope.

slows again and i throw on the poncho and head out for attempt 3. starts pickign up but i ride on for a while till it really opened up...ANOTHER stop. when it slows again the poncho (torn up from the wind and only keeping my chest and waist dry) is on and im off...it CLEARS UP! tuck the poncho away and start trying to make up time.

So im doin 85 and 90 mostly (35 in towns and even up to 105 a couple times passing people). get into Ginnie about 6 (5 hours to go 150 miles!) Pay, and try to call stp.....i have no cell service there and other people in office confirm it sucks there. so i ride ALL around looking for a bike and truck. finally hear someone yelling to me. MADE IT!

Sean had the tent up and chairs out. unloaded bike, hung out at campsite waiting for his friend (Kelly mentioned above). He gets in around 8 or so? we put up a couple tarps and decided to have some dinner in Gainesville. so the 45 min ride over, (note: i graduated form Univ of Florida 12 years ago, its the beginning of the semester and the first game of the season is the next night) so driving into town gave me chills and the guys were cracking up at me looking everywhere, pointing at landmarks.

sat to eat at 11. some good filet mignon and cheescake...then over to Univ Ave to park and mingle with all the college girls...asked sean "have you seen any ugly girls yet?" he rolls his tongue up and says "1 i think"

one beer and we are headed out at 130am. roll into a quiet camp at 2...sean and kelly's bikes are NOT quiet bikes. sat up till about 230 talking, one neighboring site yelled at us to shut up a couple times.

thats day 1...more to come!


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[Pinhy]

Day 2 (Saturday)

up pretty early, watched the sunrise over the trees. probably due to not being used to sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground with a root under my knee. we headed out to breakfast at Waffle House and then stopped to wash my bike...WOW it was FILTHY from riding in the rain and puddles the day before.

Back to the campsite and rented tubes to float down the river. Florida's natural springs are 72 deg year round...so we jump in to that first and WOW nice cold water on a hot summer day. College girls everywhere in bikinis! Sean was drooling and his eyes were popping out of his head!

Once out into the river the water warms a little and the current picks up some. nice relaxing ride in the hot sun, checking out all the ladies.

When we got back we waited on Road Momma and her husband, then realized we had missed them. We called them to find out they had just left the campsite and his bike had started leaking gas, so sean went to rescue them at the gas station. turns out the guy at the station knew how to fix the plug that had come loose, so sean returned and todl us we were meeting for dinner later. another run down the river, then off to eat!

Had a GREAT time at dinner getting to know RM and Carlos...again awesome people! back to the campsite after dinner and hit the sack pretty early, we were getting up at 6 to go RIDING!


(seems like more had to have happened on saturday, but i cant remember. Sean, fill in the blanks for me here).

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[Pinhy]

Day 3 (Sunday)

Up at 630-ish and hanging out waiting for Pete and Rachel to arrive from Jacksonville. They get there about 8 and we are off to meet up with RM. Headed east through Gainesville right down Univ. Blvd again. Stopped and got some b-fast at McD's (oh joy right?) then off towards the Ocala National Forrest. Had a great ride with a couple stops for gas and lunch at a little BBQ place in Ocala. A couple narrow misses on some rain clouds and we were feeling lucky (thanks to Kelly putting on his rain gear to insure we WOULDNT get rained on...way to take one for the team). Decided that if we headed back right after lunch (230 or so), we would have about 200 miles round trip and time to go for a ride down the river again. It was great having 6 bikes riding down the road all day (7 ppl with Rachel riding pillion on Sean's bike while her husband rode the "Indian look alike" Kaw Drifter 800).

Now THIS ride gets interesting! We're doing about 85 up the interstate and we see some serious black clouds ahead. Start getting rained on and not just a sprinkle. We rode through it and as it was letting up we stopped at a rest area. RM informed us (me-2nd position and Kelly-leader) that doign 90+ in heavy rain on a road that has wavy cuts in it prior to new black-top isnt the best idea. we hadnt realized we were going that fast. Everyone loved me and Kelly ridign our cruisers with our feet up on the rear passenger pegs and leaning forward with our noses to teh speedometers to try and keep rain off out faces and shoes (me especially b/c i had one pair back at the camp that were soaked from the ride up Friday).

We got back safe and not all that wet. A safe ride is a good ride. 5 of us staying at camp (Sean, Kelly, Rachel Pete and myself) hit the river again. Stopped along the way to do some rope swinging, tree jumping and some "snorkeling" at the springs. Kelly hurt his eardrum and had hearing problems all the way into this morning even.

Met RM and Carlos for dinner again. Me, Kelly and Sean on our bikes, Rachel and Pete in their truck so we could stop and get some marshmellows and beer. Well....while we were sitting out on the large covered deck, Kelly's ear was REALLY hurting so sean took off to get some Qtips and peroxide to help. RIGHT after he left the heavens opened up and it POURED!!! wind was blowing rain onto us and we helped pull down the wind screens.

Sean gets back as the appetizers were getting finished up and he was SOAKED! look for pics from RM later. Kelly's ear wound up feeling a little better after some work.

Waited out the rain and headed back to camp. roads all the way there were wet, but as we entered the park, there was still sand coming up...it hadnt rained there! (this was about the third time this weekend that soem showers were out forcing us to return to camp and get the truck, but no rain at the camp each time.) Ginnie SPrings...where it never rains! It had rained a very little bit as the Drifter was wet but nothing serious. Considering the deluge we got at dinner (10 miles away) it was a surprise for sure.

Never did get the marshmellows, but Kelly and Pete got a great fire going. Sat around till all the wood was gone then off to bed.


next up...packing and my ride home...stay tuned!


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[morecarl]

Hey Pinhy,

RM and I sure enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the group. Here are a couple of pics from the weekend.

RM and I arrive at The Grady House (Bed & Breakfast)


Fuel Stop on Sunday's Ride

[morecarl]

Later that night...

Sean looks a little damp


Sean is more than a little damp


After Dinner


Drying off the bikes for the ride back to camp


End of a good day

[Pinhy]

thanks for the pics Carlos! Great shot of sean all wet! what a friend he is!

we'll have to get together again.

Originally Posted by morecarl

After Dinner

SO everyone can kinda get to know ppl faces

Front row left to right:
Sean (stp1971)
Rachel (friend of Sean)

Back Row left to right:
me - doug
Road Momma
Carlos (RM husband)
Kelly (friend of Sean)
Pete (friend of Sean)


EDIT: you rotated that pic of Sean since your original post! haha

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[MagnumForce]

Looked like a fun trip in spite of the rain. Nice to associate faces with user names too. I can sure see why Pinhy has no need for a windshield. Skinny dude = less wind resistance. Glad y'all got back safe!

[stp1971]

Wow!!!! Great pics!!! I will figure out how to post the ones of the camp site on here or I will email them to you and figure it out through osmosis!!! I had a BLAST!!!! It was fun and thanks for getting some of the pics up there Carlos!!!

Doug, Sharon, and Carlos I really enjoyed meeting all of you and this is just the beginning!!! I have ALOT of trips brewing in the noggin'. I am thinking a trip to Helen would be great,, sorry Doug,, had to do it.

You pretty much nailed it on the details. Saturday we slept in a little and dragged tail around until we finally got the late breakfast. The carwash and the wait for breakfast killed alot of the time you are missing. Plus the looking for the carwash. But other than that you pretty much nailed all the details in there.

I will say this,, one of the "Nancy" times I forgot my favorite pair of swim trunks and my tshirt in the shower house. Those trunks that all the ladies were fighting over (well at least the fish were fighting over) are gone!!!! Some lucky man that took a shower after I was through now has them.

WORD OF THE WEEKEND::::: "Nancy's" Thanks for that new favorite word!!!!!

For all those who could've made it or those who didn't make it you missed a GREAT time!!!! I would like to say sorry to New Evolution for the extremely late start in Gainesville and when i was going to call you (since cell phones are useless at Ginnie Springs) when I got to Gainesville I noticed my cell phone was back at the camp site. But next time you will definately get the invite. I did enjoy talking to you Thursday evening and I do have your numbers now. Remember Biketoberfest is one and a half months away,, get the bike ready and come hang with us in Daytona!!!!

Couldn't tell you how much my brain was in sensory overload!!!! This weekend has inspired me to be like the Air Force and AIM HIGH!!!! New standards have been set and I MUST attain them.

Kelley, Pete, and Rachel all wanted to tell you guys thanks again and they enjoyed meeting all of you!!! They all asked if everyone else made it home safe and they said Doug they will see you in Daytona,, and hopefully Sharon and Carlos will get to come over also.

I am happy with the turnout we had and Doug the ride was great!!!! Even though you were a Nancy!!! LOL!!!!!

Next time I have a plan on beating the Ginnie gate system!!!!!! $17.00 divided by three!!!!!

[Road Momma]

OK, this is the 3rd. time I have tried posting a message on this board my computer is acting up.

I think some one for got to mention Pinhy had a problem with his cap on Sun. I was waiting for that cap to go flying in the wind and yes that happened. I had to laugh because he was messing around with that cap most of the ride (hee hee). I will let will let Pinhy tell the story.

Looking forward to see you guys in the near future. I love stp1971 suggestion on a ride through Helen. You can count Carlos & I in.

Sure wish we could have enjoyed the springs with you guys. Next time we will have a car with us. Yes, I was a "Nancy"

It was hard to work today after a great wk.end.

Road Momma

[stp1971]

I am there with you RM!!!! Today was the LONGEST DAY!!!!! I will start tossing around some dates and see how the weather iss looking later in the season. Since Biketoberfest is the end of October that will be no good then,, maybe the first part of October or after that in November. The only concern is the "Nancy Factor",, might be too cold getting down in the 50's at night and only in the 60's during the day. (Canadians feel free to bash me now) LOL!!!!!

If not then maybe a spring ride would be cool with the stuff blooming and all. Will have to see.

The hat,,,ooopppsss,,, I think you spilled the beans about the fact that the hat blew off his head during the ride......

[Road Momma]

Nancy Factor all the way for me for Helen in Nov. Carlos wanted to go to Helen late Oct. but that is the same time you guys are going to Daytona. I think it will have to be for March or later. I will let you know if Carlos & I will be up there before it gets to cold. I have a feeling he and I will be there in Oct. some time. I will let you know. Our friend from Gainsville is pushing for us to come soon. I got info on a trailer today so who knows when we will be there. We are always up for wk.end get aways.

Opps, wasn't I suppose say anything about the hat ordeal???

Sweet dreams,
Road Momma

[Pinhy]

OK OK...let me clear up the cap incident. i had it tucked under my legs / butt in front of me when i wasnt wearing it. I forgot it was there and kinda stood a little to reach into my pocket to get my blistex and off it went. a quick stop on the shoulder, uturn and back the 100 yeards to get it was no biggie.

Sean....wtf?! me a 'nancy' on the ride? i rode in the rain and did 210 miles on the so called uncomfortable seat of the M50 without a single complaint!

Now...lets talk about 'nancy'. (i was being SOOO nice in all my trip info, leaving the dirty secrets out. What happens at Ginnie stays at Ginnie was my motto, but NO MORE!! )

Sean wears his t-shirt on the tubing trips! Scared to show off that masculine buff body i guess?? hahaha

ok, thats all i will say...all other blackmail info will remain a secret...haha

[Pinhy]

Day 4 (monday)

Packed up the site and got a nice shower before taking our separate ways home. I attempted to get out without getting busted by the security b!tch (i had only paid for 2 nights thinking i would just head right out monday morning and noone would know.) but she had commented on my pass being a diff color from you guys and remembered all weekend. so she stopped me on the way out, made me pull over and go in and pay for one more day. at $17 per night, its not a big deal, but still...man!

So i get on the road about 11 or so? and figure to be home around 130. I get about 30 miles out and realize i only had on one shirt (i like to waer 2 for long fast trips b/c my shirt beats on my nipples - dont laugh it HURTS as i am sure some of you know!) but i kept going.

The first part of the ride seemed to take FOREVER and i thought i would NEVER get home. Heading up i was so looking forward to it, it kinda went quick, but all the way home all i could focus on was "three hours on before i get home to my own bed shower that i dont have to use sandals in!

I decided to take a couple different turns and head east earlier then go down 98 and some other back roads out of Dade City area. This helped to break up the monotany and kept it interesting. Made the trip take about 15 minutes longer but i enjoyed it.

Got home, unpacked, showered and flopped down on the couch with a glass of gatorade and enjoyed having air conditioning.

Attached pic is of my odo once i got home. a quick check of my above pics and you can see it was a 700+ mile weekend (first pic was taken while waiting out rain about 40 miles north of my house). AWESOME!


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[stp1971]

Ok,, ok,,, no Nancy for Pinhy!!!!! I shall keep the secrets,, wait,,, secrets,, what secrets,, nothing happened,, no blackmail needed!!!! Doug you are too funny,, besides,, if I had not worn the shirt then I might have gotten shot by a park ranger because he might have thought a bear was attacking the rafters!!!! LOL!!!!!

[Pinhy]

cant wait till Biketoberfest! no having to worry about rain and showers and dirt and security guards and waking up the neighbors.

but no rafters in bikinis either


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[drgibson]

Dang!! What's next six choruses of Kumbaya???

[drgibson]

With envy!

[stp1971]

Shout out to STP 1971, Pinhy, RoadMomma, Carlos, Pete, Rachel. Thanks for a great weekend and ride. Glad I could take one for the team with the rain. Man it sure was hot though. lol. Had a great time meeting you RoadMomma and Carlos. Looking forward to the next get together with you guys. Thanks Pete and Rachel for coming.
STP you where the man for bringing your truck with all the gear. Thanks. Penhy, diffinently appreciate the tour of Gainsville and glad you enjoyed the meanstreak. You had me a little worried though being gone for sometime. I thought that my meanstreak might have bucked you off with you not being use to all that 1500cc power baby. Looking forward to meeting back up with you in Oct for Biketoberfest 05.

This is Fire Rescue Kelley signing off.

[Pinhy]

at first i was like "sean giving himself a shout out? then i realized it had to be Kelley. hahaha

NO WAY i would get thrown from a bike, i was taking it REALLY easy in the dirt though! then out on the main road it gets up to 80 real nice ! i had to tour the grounds with all the chickees hanging out by the springs, they were all staring i was enjoying it so much! maybe i need to go get a bright bike that says "look at me!"

thanks Kelley...see ya in Oct.


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[Trapper]

Originally Posted by stp1971

The hat,,,ooopppsss,,, I think you spilled the beans about the fact that the hat blew off his head during the ride......

Originally Posted by Pinhy

(i like to waer 2 for long fast trips b/c my shirt beats on my nipples - dont laugh it HURTS as i am sure some of you know!)

Nancy