We ain't sittin' and a rockin'

The mild winter temps and sunny days are for active times. I finally got to (at least) begin cleaning the yuk off our lanai roof. There's lots of stuff that falls out of the sky down here and the sun does a great job of "melting" it to any surface left to the elements. I'll have to save another afternoon to complete the task. (What the heck, I've put it off for nearly two years now!
I ordered a nice new 10" band saw to help me with my wood carving and this is how the box was shipped....

Every corner and side of the box was taped and damaged! I kept my cool and checked out the saw which was surprisingly in good shape...  so I thought! The saw was dropped on one end bending the steel base. Grrrrrrr! I hate when that happens! Back it went and so did we. This time, we picked it up at a store rather than have it shipped.

Pat and I took some time to do our share of noise pollution at the shooting range.

Not far from the Tenoroc shooting range we caught this feathered beauty looking for breakfast...

We headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios to take on Toy Story Mania. But first, we picked up a wheel chair, (er, "Cadillac) for Darlene.

That thing was like a "double-wide!" According to Pat it was really easy to push.

Can you guess what we did next?

We went to the pool party and guess who was cooking.

Buzz and Tom!

And, if that wasn't enough we gathered at Jim and Judy's site an hour later for our monthly Palm Tree Bikers Social!

This is how it started... Larry set up Ed's "Corn Hole" game and it turned out to be a huge hit.

Our group grew to over thirty people in a short time. Our neatly placed chairs became an over sized circle as we stepped up to the tables to taste the awesome array of sides that suited every one's taste buds.

Here's a look around, see who you can pick out.

Sitting in the shade led to cooler temps so some of us sought out the "Corn Hole" boards.

Pete was in fine form!

And Joepy (UP) couldn't hold back his enthusiasms!

Others just let the "kids" have their fun.

Above, Rose and Kathy strategized over their game plan to take down the guys in the "Corn Hole" toss.

As you can see, it was a "guy thing!"

It might have been the "grapes" or other such imbibing but as our shadows grew longer in the afternoon sun our group began to take the game seriously. Just about everyone took their turn tossing the corn filled bags. Even yours truly! It was the "in-laws" against the "out-laws" as Larry says. (Even though Larry and I have been thought to be brothers! Just because we're both short, tree trunk shaped and look alike from fifty paces we're not really brothers.) Larry and I lost to Bill and Ray by Bill's last toss of the game. Me? How did I do? I ended up throwing "gutter bags" trying to top Bill's winning toss.

About that time the setting sun (and all the food wiped out) it was time to say so-long. Actually, it was time to head for the club house for Sunday evening ice cream and the popular card game "31."

We even had a dozen or so campers check out the moon and Jupiter for a brief "star party."

Tomorrow, Fort Wilderness for a bike ride to work off  everything we ate today!

.... and then, of course, LUNCH!

This morning thirty-five Palm Tree Bikers convoyed to Fort Wilderness. We had to leave in small groups so we wouldn't clog up the Fort Wilderness guard shack. We even split up into three groups for our trail ride.

The third group split into two groups; the fast group and the slow group... and we were the smallest group!

Funny, if we were in the "slow" group, why were we always getting to places before the "fast" group?

One of our riders took a gruesome looking fall but she was very fortunate. Dorothy, (of Bob and Dorothy) was crossing a wooden walk-way bridge and had the spill. No cuts, but I'm sure there will be some stiffness and soreness. Yes, she had her helmet on. We've all taken to wearing helmets on our rides.

We learned one thing along our route. We found out how the campers pack all the stuff they use to decorate their campsites for the holidays.....

Although, this doesn't explain where they store it or how they get it home between holidays!

Not only did we split up to ride, we also split up to eat! Some went to the Fort Wilderness Lodge, a group headed to the Grand Floridian Resort and some of us stood our ground and lunched at the Wave.

Well, you've had a lot to read in this post so I'll leave you with something to help you "decompress"...

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gaze at the photo below for a minute or so and think of spring!

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A Few Lessons Learned!

With all of the "snowbirds" now nesting here in Florida our winter activities have picked up. Our members returned from their cruise, some are working, some are showing their guests/family members around but we're still sticking to our Monday bike ride schedule. Today, eighteen of us headed north to Winter Garden and the West Orange Trail. A few of our members were "under the weather" and we hope they'll get back to normal for our ride next week. I know Bill is working doing all he can to keep our Social Security checks coming in.

We headed out in a cloud covered sky and we were met with cool air as we left the parking lot in Winter Garden. Fortunately, within a couple of miles the clouds were clearing and the sun did its thing to make for a comfortable ride. We seemed much more scattered than normal today. The "speedsters" hit the road and never looked back until our first stop at three miles.

Our new riders, Bob and Dorothy joined us and Bob learned to remember the air pump. He road the five miles to the Kilarney Station with his rear tire nearly flat. It made for a slow sluggish ride for him. Although, he literally "burned up" the five mile return.
Our stop seamed a little more like a rest-stop this week.....

See.....  everyone hit the benches....

We learned just how much "hot air" Ray can dish out...

Funny, he said his bike felt lighter thanks to all that hot air.

Buzz learned to take his helmet out of the truck before he rides.

Well, it's time to head back... "Wagons-Ho!"

Some of our riders added to their trip with a side trip to Lake Apopka. They must have felt like celebrities, Chanel 9 TV News was there... but not for them!

This will give you an idea of how serious we take our riding....

We "circled the wagons" for chow at the Winter Garden Pizza Company.

Oh, before I forget, Pete returned from the cruise with quite a unique memento.

Can you guess what it is? Nope, no tan, not the glasses, give up!

It's the hat! It's a Cuban Castro hat. He was pretty proud of it. No, he didn't bring back any Cuban cigars.

We had another great time having lunch and lots of laughs, er choking! Ray noticed I had a couple of pepperoncinis on my salad and one of them liked to "kill" me. I bit into it the pepper and all the juice flooded down my throat. We all had a good laugh. I promise to always cut them before I bite into one! ) Lesson learned!

After that, we settled into a peaceful meal. 

(Editor's note: This picture is two pictures "stitched" together. Sorry, Kathy, you're right in the "seam" so you're kind of blurry. Hey, whatever it takes to get the picture, right!)

With "dogie" bags in hand and full bellies we made a bee-line to our cars to get home and nap.

I've got to leave you with one of the really great pleasures of being down here, the animals that you can see up-close-and personal....

Our American Symbol drinking at the retention pond in front of our house. Watching this magnificent bird drink and fly off was an awesome way to end a terrific day.

So much for loyalty!

Nearly half of our weekly riders disappeared this week. What's going on? Last week nearly thirty riders and this week seventeen. Was it something I wrote? I can imagine all the excuses next week... "sorry, we went on a cruise," or "sorry, we took a friend back home to Palm Coast." Boy, some people will come up with any excuse to get out of  exercising.

All right, we'll let it ride, this time.

So here are the "die-hards."

Notice the lack of our "colors?" Oh, we had our tee's on, it was just a little too cold to go with out sweaters and long pants.

With Joan and Pete somewhere on the Atlantic with others of our group, Judy called "roll call" and Ray took the lead.  (Sure, Pete and Joan gave up on our ride to take a boat someplace, now that's a good excuse. There were others as well, we'll pick on them in time.)

We headed out of Encore Lake Magic in a shorter than usual caravan.

We lined our bikes up and headed out with Ray leading the way. About a mile out, we watched as Ray turned his bike around and headed back to the parking lot!

What the....

Fortunately, Rose took the lead position and dutifully guided us toward our first stop at the Celebration Hospital. Ray's sudden departure peaked our curiosity. At first we thought he left his truck running. Then we thought he couldn't wait for the "pit stop." Oh well, I guess this will become one of life's little mysteries. We may never know why Ray left us in the middle of the road with no leader! (I'll get my sleuths on the case.)

With Ray somewhere on the road and Rose handing off the lead to Jim we headed out from the Hospital. But just then, Ray showed up. He let Jim lead for a mile or so and then he blew by us and never looked back until our next stop.

In the above photo we gave Ray the silent treatment until he begged for forgiveness.

Off we went!

Back in "tune," and our leader at the helm our troop headed for the most enjoyable stretch of the Celebration ride, the wooden walking trails that cut through dense woods.

Checking mileage, Ray dutifully got us to our weekly goal of ten miles and we ended up in front of our lunch destination. Some of us headed to our regular spot, "The Town Tavern" and the rest headed to "The Columbia Restaurant of Florida" for a change of cuisine. http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

Here, you can see that our members like to "sup-in-style!"

Ah, you've just got to love these bike rides!

We leave you with another (almost) daily treat common to central Florida...

the morning hot-air balloon fly-over...

"Dissension" in the Ranks!

It was bound to happen. We finally broke with tradition and "split up!" As in two groups; the "rabbits" and the "turtles."... so to speak. Here's why...

Look at the size of our group. We're gaining on thirty riders taking to the street. (I gave up commenting on those who choose to ride sans their "colors." Suffice it to say they will be thoroughly "tongue lashed"

by the members.)

Our "parting of the ways" is simply to prevent our "tail-enders" from being lost.

The "rabbits" headed out under the lead of Ray. The "turtles" were under the rein of Pete.

Ray took off never to look back. If you didn't follow you were left in the "rabbit pellets."

The story goes that they cut through sites and "Cast Member" paths in an attempt to make us "turtles" think they covered a great distance.

Meanwhile, us "Turtles" enjoyed leisurely traversing the "hill and dale" at a relaxing 5.75 MPH average speed.

We enjoyed brief conversations with campers and mellowed out winding through the wooded lanes.

In essence, we took the time to "smell the roses."

Both groups just happened to meet at the Trading Post where the "rabbits" boasted of a 1.63 mile longer ride.

While at the Trading Post we noted that we were the only ones in front of the Post...

(Editor's note: Steve never left his bike unattended!)

After warding off all the snide remarks about our mileage difference, the "Turtles" moved out.

I'm sorry to report that one of our riders fell when one of her wheels dropped of the sidewalk edge. Once she caught the edge, Chris tried in vain to drive off the edge but to no avail. She tumbled onto the sidewalk and the wooden rail fence. She had a small cut to her left index finger but also dislocated the same finger middle knuckle. Being a nurse, she new what to do. She popped her knuckle back in place, taped the wound and went on with the ride. Fortunately her injuries were minor and we hope she'll be free of any soreness that tends to follow such a physical upset. Take care Chris. And yes, she was wearing her helmet.

Our group differences were not limited to our riding speed.  Our lunch destination needed a show of hands count as well. Several wanted to head for the Fort Wilderness Lodge "Roaring Fork" for lunch. The rest opted to make their way to The Wave.

About the only thing our Fort Wilderness lunch group missed out on was a wonderfully warm welcome by our awesome Hostess, Betty at The Wave.

Darlene and Pat and Bob and Kay made it for lunch and we learned that Darlene and Buzz will be attending "Phone School.".

Cut them some slack. These iPhone things are complicated... and whoever heard of an

 ".....iPhone School Drop out!!!!????

(Yea, that's the quiet and reserved Dave waving!)

Everyone enjoyed a great meal and one of our members celebrated a Birthday.

Can you guess who?

I'll give you a hint. He's such a quiet and reserved member of our group......

Happy Birthday Duane!!! He says he's 27! (Read it backwards.)

We welcomed back several members as well as a couple new riders.

Duane and Kathy, Bill and Angela and Art and Sandy and Peggy.

Bill didn't ride today, he's a bit under the weather....

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He'll be fine, he needs some rest and lots of chicken soup! (We just have to make sure he only eats the Hershey Dark Chocolate bars with "Pa" written on them!) 

After all he's got to get better by next week, he's scheduled to work five days in a row!

Be sure to welcome back "Just" Jack this Tuesday! We all wish Alice can be with you.

Isn't it almost time for another "Palm Tree Bikers" Social?

Who's Who!

I'm going to let you figure that out on your own. Our first ride of 2012 is somewhat different from what we're used to. First off, we welcomed back a few more members and the weather took a turn "south!"
Joan, the "Sign-in Sheet Checker," meticulously checked off names while husband Pete followed up with their jackets. At first Joan didn't feel the need for any layers so Pete didn't feel the need for added carrying weight and "dumped" Joan's jacket on the ground. (In commanding stature, Joan gave Pete the "look" and he smartly picked up her jacket and we went on about our business.)
We loaded our bikes in a stiff breeze that made the temps feel like being up north. Oh, sure it was in the mid-60's but we've been used to the 70's and 80's... and it's going to dip into the low 30's tonight. Ugh! (I can just picture what all of you up north are thinking, "is he kidding?") Well, its cold to us! You can tell by all the riders wearing their "big boy pants."

Sure, you can bet all those in tee-shirts donned outer jackets once we hit the trail!

The clouds burned off and the sun felt great on us... in the parking lot! The tree laced trail was another story.

(Oh yeah, that's Judy and Jim in the shorts! She and Jim just returned from up north and they think this feels warm.)

We made reservations at the Winter Garden Pizza Company for 26. Then we headed out! But, thanks to the cold, the "urge" hit a number of us so a "pit" stop was in order (along with another photo op).

My vantage point was perfect until I should have got off the bike to walk my bike down the stairs. Let's just say, it wasn't pretty. (I wouldn't even mention this but Joepy (UP) witnessed my "double step, nearly drop the bike and me" on the sidewalk sideshow. I figured I better "fess up" or else!)

Nearly half of our 26 member ensemble put the "pedal to the metal." It seemed more than a few of us had to do some serious catching up to stay with them.

Our first stop was more than welcome. We were fighting a head wind and we could feel it.

...and...

...and...

Now you've got an idea of how the "Palm Tree Bikers" grew in one week.

We welcomed several new and a few returning members this ride. Joepy (UP) in the yellow shirt on the left asked his wife, Kathy and friends Vickie and Bud to join us.

We also welcomed back Judy and Larry and Ed and Linda along with Jim and Chris who joined us later for lunch. And, we still have a few more members yet to join us.

As you can see, our "group dynamics" have changed. Given that today is the holiday and the trail was much busier with people off work, our stop at the Kilarney Station caught the attention of more than a few passers-by. (If we only had a warm day, our club tee-shirts would've been a knock-out.)

As the title says, "Who's Who! I'm leaving it up to you to put the names on the faces.

Lunch was great as usual. However, this time we took up nearly half the restaurant. Two large tables and three booths to be exact.

"Honorary" Palm Tree Bikers, Kay and Bob also joined us for lunch.

Together we managed to enjoy a cool but nice ride and good food spiced up with lots of outstanding conversation and friendship!