Posted by Tumbles on 3/20/2010 10:48:59 PM | |
OK, so here we are a lovely saturday in the mid to high 70's here in Northern Florida. I honestly don't think we have seen such a day or a day with temps that high since November. On such a day how could anyone not find something to do out doors, and if you ride you better have had your bike out even if you could only ride to work. Me I'm no different than any of the other riders here in NE Florida. I pulled my bike out put on on them red leather pants, and jacket because we started the day out in the 50s. I didn't really have a plan or anyone else to ride with so I self dated myself. Self dating is a wonderful way to get out and about after all I can go where ever, do what ever, and take as long as I like. I have over the last few months been working on cleaning and polishing the king. I can tell you that is not one of my favorite things to do. I can honestly say most folks are ashamed for me because my bike usually if a dirty hog. However the first ride of spring should be fresh and clean. So, there we were the sun reflecting off the chorme, not a print or bug gut to be seen on the paint even the white walls appeared to have been soaked in Rembrant and were just gliming away. Somehow the red of the leather and purple of the bike didn't clash as I prepaird to ride off for the day. He started easily and was ready to roll even before I had my helmet on. I pulled out of the drive way, and with in minutes was on the main street that road along the ocean. I could see the sun shimmering off the top of waves with every creast. It was like looking into a jewlers safe. There was a very mild warm breeze that continued to encourage me to ride. I headed down Fletcher towards the Ritz Carlton. Once passed the Carlton I headed up 105. I love riding this road all the different islands and bridges, cultural history be it shrimping, or plantations, large formal homes, to camping areas. The first bridge I crossed was the Nassau Sound bridge. I love that bridge its longer that some of the others on this road but is smooth. If the tide is high the water is almost an aqua blue, if the tide is low the sand is so very white. No matter which side of the bridge one looks off of the sight of folks enjoying the outdoors can be seen. Most are fishing some are sailing, others are parasailing. This bridge ends in a wide sweeping curve that give a great view of the marshes and shipping lanes. It seem a great number of auto shippers were coming to port at this time. The Road turns back to the southren forest with its lush green trees, small song birds, and the great ospreys that glide over head. The closer to Jacksonville one gets the view of the power plant grows. The road winds itself giving a zig zag view of Mayport Navel Base, the Jax power plant and of JAX port. I was held up at the draw bridge a sisters creek. Myself and the rest of the travelers were waiting for 2 blow boats to pass. Once the gates came down I continued on my way just hopping Island to island. Every bridge along the way were folks fishing . I made my way past the power plant and crossed the railroad tracks at Jax port. I was thankful that a train didn't slow my progress. I then took 9A although I could have taken the ferry. I have been watching the ferry over the last few weeks and I believe that they have a new driver that needs alot of practice, I mean he hits the pilings hard and comes in at such strange angles that I really wasn't in the mood to be trying to hold up my 900 pound beast as the ferry bounced several time hard coming to dock. While that help me make my decision I countinued to 9A to JTB and headed south. I met Special K at Bogeys grill and had a sandwich. After luch we went to the craft show that was in the parking lot just to see all the thing the talented folks in this world make. From there we continued to a dog show, I was a small dog show but very sweet. Every contestent was giving a prize. I was shocked to see several folks that I knew, but the shocking part was they rememberd me. From there we continued down A1A. This section of the road is lined on both sides by the very elite and their homes. We continued down to the Reef where we sat on the deck and had a beer and water. We watched the dolphins at play some folks surfing and a few surf fishing. From there we headed home. The ride wasn't exciting but as far as self dating goes it was a great one. I headed out with no destination in mind, with no idea of a place that I wanted to go to, just rode. I'm home now showered and tired. The day was warm and I got back about 30 minutes before the sunset. The coolness of the night could be felf as well as the sharpness of the breeze. It's been a while since we here have had a decient day to ride but it was worth the wait and I for one am glad that I was able to have this day and get to share it with a good friend. May the next self dataing experience be as peaceful and filled with harmony as this one was. Have a great day! and a good evening. now go get some rest tomorrow is another day! "T" |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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