The Long, Straight and Narrow, and who was that rider?

Hi Blog Friends,
Finally, back in the saddle again! Our leader, Ray said "go west young man" and so we did, to the "Van Fleet Trail." The Van Fleet is an old R.R. bed, straight and flat! It stretches from Polk City to Groveland (FL) for nearly thirty miles. The Van Fleet is a haven for wild life and that's one of the reasons we're tempted to ride this trail from time to time. The trail "fools" the rider into thinking this is a piece of cake when in reality, it's so flat that riding out AND back means you need to pedal every foot of the trail. No coasting here!

The PTB's unload at (roughly) the mid point of the trail and immediately head for the close by "comfort station!

We pay silent homage to the one and only "pit stop" before heading north on the trail. (At our age we take measures to assure a comfortable and relaxed ride!)

Last minute checks and we hit the pavement.

Along the way our highly trained scouts keep a keen eye out for any "signs of life."

Yours truly noticed the group held up just ahead and pointing to the trees. Knowing that I have "keen eyes," they began to quietly try to tell me to check out the magnificent hawk perched in a tree just yards from our trail. When I couldn't find the bird of prey, they began to yell trying to get me to see this creature. Just at the time I caught sight of the hawk he launched into full flight. He landed on another tree and appeared to be nearly two feet tall when perched and too far for a photo... besides my camera was still in it's case!

I had to settle for the eviscerated hulk of a hornets tree nest,  a few birds, turtle holes (that no one was willing to stick their hand in) and a lonely armadillo!

And that led me back to the "animals" of the "two-legged" kind!

We peddled out just over six miles and given the sunny morning, began to remove our warmer outer gear. Notice the classy PTB Tee-shirts! I didn't dare take off my sweater for fear I'd be "run out" by the members because I forgot my club Tee-shirt!

Our return trek is just like the first half of the ride... peddle, peddle, peddle! Except we noticed that Larry wanted to be the "tailender." He said he wanted to take in the scenery, hmmmmmm! Me thinks Larry had an ulterior motive for "hanging back!" (Too much water Larry?)

Just before heading back to the parking lot, Bobbi "picked up" an interesting "hitchhiker." This pesky honey bee felt right at home on Bobbi's shoulder. Except that, the longer he lingered, the less Bobbi liked him being there. Bill came to the rescue and dispatched the bee with a nearby four foot by six inch log! (Boy, she is one tough lady! What a whack!) Bobbi is just fine but her bright and clean PTB Tee-shirt needs some "rehab!"

We had a real "Close Encounter of the Strange Kind" on this ride. During the six mile trek back we lost track of Jack and never really noticed he wasn't in our group. Suddenly, we caught a glimpse of a "speed rider" heading for our group. In a flash, we made way to the trail sides to let this speed demon through. I just happened to pull out my camera and snap a photo of (none other than) Jack! Spandex, and all! Head down and feelin' the need for speed! An eerie hush came over our usually boisterous group as we couldn't believe our eyes! Is this possible? Jack is a "closet speed junkie!"

When the dust settled and we caught up with Jack in the parking lot Jack had already secured his speed racer and doned his PTB riding ensemble. We were all so startled we just looked at each other and said... hmmmm, let's go eat!

Thinking we were seeing things due to salt deprivation, our normally "sedate" group couldn't get enough salt from the peanuts at the "Santa Fe" restaurant. We were still reeling from our "Jack sighting" and we literally emptied the peanut barrel. Judging from the two inch layer of peanut shells on the floor we were still in shock by our "Jack" sighting!

I'll tell you the "Rest of the Story" about "Jack" in our next blog!

Dismantaling Pleasure Island and Bike Rides... sorta!

Downtown Disney is loosing some of its history. The night club section referred to as "Pleasure Island" is undergoing a major overhaul. In time the "Hyperion Wharf" will begin to take shape once the dust settles down of what's left of the night club section of the Downtown area. "Hyperion Wharf" (named after the street Wald Disney built his art studio on) will brighten and delight visitors with a theme of "lights" and bustling new restaurants with a couple of night clubs thrown in.
Before we see it reduced to rubble, I wanted to take a few pictures of "what used to be."

The construction barriers are in place.

Ah the history!

...and what we didn't get to experience, The "Adventurers Club!"

The now silent DJ studio.

...and the not so loud "SoundStage Club!"

But, time and tide wait for no one and rain doesn't make for a fun bike ride either!

But hey, a little rain ain't gonna stop us! But a lot of rain might! We were dumped on but never fear, we are a hearty bunch. We donned our rain gear, rubber boots and headed for............ LUNCH!

Larry, sporting his PTB Tee-shirt established the seating chart for lunch!

While Pete wanted one last look at the back of Ray's head. You see, normally, Ray leads and Pete follows Ray. Seeing that Pete has taken up the leader responsibilities he kinda misses his usual "scenery!"

Meanwhile, the other end of the table was having fun taking all this in!

It was time for another "Get-Together!" We met at Dave and Pat's for the 2nd "Off-Trail Social!"

(I guess the "Pit Stop" title sounded too much like our (bathroom) stop on our bike rides!)

The group was eager to catch up on each other. They all came in, found a seat, and got-down-to-socializing!

See all those empty seats? (They're all out getting their grub!)

They just can't stop planning! Here, Judy and Peggy are reviewing the topographical area map for our next ride. I tell ya, these riders are a serious lot!

We had a great time and are looking forward to our next outing... both on bikes or socializing!

One last thing to show you.

One of the mainstays of Downtown Disney is the "Lego" store. "Lego" has plans to double their store size and change their long time Lego character displays to Disney themed Lego characters. But, they're going to have to move to do it, and here is their "temporary" home......

Yep, a tent, and it may be "Lego's" home for more than a year while their new "home" is being built!

Tide and time (and Disney) wait for no one!

The "Thin Blue Line!"

Pat and I had some business to take care of and had to forgo our Monday bike ride at Celebration but we were there in spirit.

Just because we were busy doesn't mean I don't have an "Undercover Ghost Reporter" ready and willing to "keep tabs" on our highly spirited biker group!

I hear twenty-five eager "Palm Tree Bikers" decked out in their "blues" (tee shirts) gave new meaning to the
"thin blue line!" Their colorful presence was something to witness. I hear Larry gave the call to ride, NO SHIRT, NO RIDE!" The two riders who dared ride without "colors" were politely chastised but welcomed to the group.

Pete took the helm and masterfully guided our riders through the streets of Celebration (albeit with an oft repeated call... "where the h*** am I!")

We had several new members along with a few returning members join the ride. Bobbi and Dave, Bill and Angela recently arrived for the winter and rejoined our group. Gregg, Peggy and Linda also joined our group.

Ray thought he'd be cute and try out his new "wheels"...

Ray was an instant "superstar!" Although I can understand why Pete wouldn't let him lead!

Bill and Angela (like many of us) didn't do a whole lot of bike riding while up north so they thought it best to

"ease" into the ride with a unique "pedmobile"...

Everyone got a bit "testy" each time they passed a fellow rider and took a "pot shot" at them!

Bobbi's first time out turned out to be somewhat frustrating. Early on one of her tires went flat and her gear shifter "froze." Never fear, "Super Mechanic" to the rescue. Ever gallant, Larry exchanged bikes with Bobbi and "limped" to the hospital stop. As gallant an effort he made for Bobbi, along the trek to the hospital stop, you could hear Larry lament... "my legs are burning!" With Larry "howling" in the back ground, Bobbi felt great and enjoyed the ride. Bobbi's husband Dave came along and picked up Bobbi and her bike at the hospital stop to meet up after the ride with the rest of the group... where else but the "Town Tavern!"

Along the route the riders are ever vigilant for any wildlife we may get to observe. Today's ride was no exception. Three gators, a few blue Herons and Egrets. But the most interesting report is of the large coiled snake at the edge of a sidewalk!

I think I actually saw this snake on a past ride. (It's a lawn ornament!) It looks so real. It looks like a "Pygmy Rattle Snake" ready to strike. I can't imagine why any homeowner would put that at the edge of their walkway into their house!

The "long blue line" slinkied their ten miles to lunch but not before they were rained on, UGH!

A special THANK YOU goes out to our "Ghost Writer" so we can keep our blog going!

On the road again!

Our Monday bike ride a week ago was passed over due to even colder temps. So, we did the next best thing... we headed for the Market Street Cafe in Celebration for lunch! This time Larry and Judy joined us as they returned to "sunny" FL. Their new fifth wheel camper was set on their site and the lucky duo got to set it all up without the hassle of driving it down from up North. Larry spent "hours" levelling and tweaking the unit to his liking. Together, Judy and Larry worked over their new "digs" until it was "home sweet home!"
They also brought along some mighty fine "tee-shirts" that our Biker group members were waiting for with "baited breath"...

Like kids at Christmas, each of us in turn eyed our new club Tee's with pride and enthusiasm, we are finally, "Official!"

And that brings us to today. Most of us dawned our new "colors" and gathered for our bike ride in the "Loops" of Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground.

 

Twenty-one of us lined up (oops, comfort break first) to head out on our ten mile jaunt.

Our leader Pete, outdid himself as he stealthfully guided us through some "uncharted" loop terrain. As always we took in some exquisite campers and creative sites along our non-traditional route.

We were so glamorous in our new "Colors," albeit our sweaters and jackets hid our "solidarity." Two of our members fostered a bit of a "coup" by wearing their "Fort Wilderness" Tees. Judy and Joan proudly proclaimed their independence in a defiant display of their loyalty to the campground. (Noted: they were rubbing it in that you can no longer purchase "Fort Wilderness" Tees!)

We quickly and quietly (but politely) ignored their claim and pressed on!

Our noon time reservation at The Wave was waiting. Our last couple of miles took us down the long stretch leading to the Fort Wilderness Lodge. The stretch became a "pedal" race as our (normally) "tail enders" blasted by us and the pace quickened. Withing minutes we stopped at the Lodge, made a hasty return and made our way to the beach and our boat ride to The Wave!

Except for the couple next to Ray, we "commandeered" the boat for our journey to The Wave!

See, time, tide and lunch waits for no man... or woman!

The Wave and it's staff have become a truly welcome stop for the "Palm Tree Bikers."

Our gracious and super personality Hostess, Betty always makes our day!

....and, I thought she liked me better! It's not just Betty who makes us feel at home at The Wave. For the past two years, The Wave Staff have all come to know us and actually look forward to our visits, and so do we!

As I understand it, Larry had some issues with his Reuben. It seems he couldn't contain himself and made like a "Viking" and devoured his sandwich leaving nary a crumb on his plate. Alex, his waiter, gave him a smile and thanked Larry for "cleaning" his plate!

The great day, meal, our ride, our Tee-Shirts and everyone at The Wave made for one terrific day for the riders of the "Palm Tree Bikers!"

But, today we went one better...

...we all got in the picture!