"I vant to be elone!"

So, I guess some bicycle riders enjoy the great outdoors alone. If so, the Van Fleet trail will suit your fancy. You can put your head down and do a "speed run" or just meander north or south and be perfectly content to pass other riders in silence. Every now and then you pass an occasional Gopher Turtle also, head down crossing the bike path to get to its burrow. If you're lucky, you might catch a deer, snake or Bob Cat.

On this ride most of us caught the turtles and a few got to glimpse a deer and a snake but other than that it was quiet. Hmmm, that's good too! It is a quiet ride. That is if you don't count your heavy breathing trying to keep your own pace on this flat bike path.

We gathered at the parking lot, unloaded our bikes and everyone seemed to get on their bikes and head north! No leader, no groups, and little fanfare we were riding!

 ...as I said, with little fanfare. Some of us headed to the restroom prior to our ride and most have already headed out.

 Here's one of the "locals" as we headed out.

 Here we are at the "turn around" five miles out.

 Here's the same "local" trying to take in some warm sun on the return trip

 

Basically, that's it. The Van Fleet is great for logging some miles, trying to beat the land bike speed record and enjoying some quiet riding. But, at about the four mile point (for me anyway) 

 boredom starts to set in! The group headed out to the New York Pizza restaurant at Cagan's Crossing. Me, I'm a "die-hard" Flippers regular and headed to our very own local Flippers near home.

The Flippers "My Pie" thin crust with red onions and green peppers! Yum!

 

In other news, the "Printy Team" is revving up for the 2015 Princess Marathon approaching quickly.

 

 The weather is comfortable but all of you up north are experiencing unusually comfortable temperatures as well. Enjoy it while you can!

 

Our very own, Jack made his way north to spend Christmas with Alice. Enjoy your time up North Jack! We had to cancel Alice's surprise flight south thanks to you flying north. Boy, how to spoil a surprise!

(Alice, let us know if Jack got the joke! For that matter, I hope you got the joke!)

 

Another Christmas and New Year is here folks. We hope each and everyone of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Now is a good time for a little "look back."

 

Here's Judy in the snow!

Judy took her "other" bike on this ride!

 

See any familiar faces?

 

 

 

 

 

Be safe everyone!

 

"But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restored and sorrows end."
~William Shakespeare

Merry Christmas!

 

As we say farewell to the Osborn lights...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Palm Tree Bikers Party and Ride!

It's time for our "Palm Tree Bikers" Christmas Party!
And, it really is all about the food!

However, Barb takes food presentation to another level.

 

We gathered for the annual "Palm Tree Bikers" Christmas Party at Dave & Pats. Just over twenty of our members were on hand to enjoy a comfortably cloudy afternoon for some great conversation and good food.

Everyone found their "spot" and settled in for the afternoon.

 We played "catch up" with stories from the summer season and how everyone is doing now that the "Snowbird" season is well underway.

Oops, forgot to take a photo of the rest of the group out in the screen room! (I was too busy making the rounds at the food table!)

 

 Some people just can't resist a "Polaroid Moment!"

And as usual, at exactly 4:59:30 the group began to stir and stand to close the curtain on this year's annual Christmas Party.

 

Given all the yummy food, we can all be happy to rid ourselves of the guilt with a bike ride the very next day!

 

 The PTBs "circled the wagons" at the Winter Garden Pavilion (read, restrooms) to establish our riding and lunch plans.

 John and Duane were eager to hit the trail.

 Joanie took center stage to establish where the group wishes to dine for lunch.

Just about everyone wanted to try out the newly opened food court the "Local Market" next to the City Hall in the center of Winter Garden. Just several "die-hards" considered returning to the Winter Garden Pizza Company but the group won out and the few "deserters" joined with the rest of the group.

 

No groups this trip! It's everyperson for themselves!

After some small talk and, with little fan fair we headed for the trail.

At our routine pit stop we couldn't help but notice some new "art work" adorning the rotary at the pit stop.

 Some of us who haven't been biking regularly stopped for that "second breath."

You may recall our eagle sighting last year. Well, it appears that the eagles are still hanging around. The Large tree we photographed them in last year now sports a grand eagles nest. Some of our riders were quick to find and observe these beautiful birds perched on the nearby water tower. On our trip outbound we caught sight of this eagle.

 

Then, on the inbound ride we found both eagles perched together on the water tower.

It's always a special treat to observe the local wildlife here in Florida.

John checks out his GPS. Actually, It's a small TV. John likes to keep up with the "Soaps!"

A few riders decided to solve a few of the pressing worldly issues like; whether to make reservations at the Food Court or not!

 

Five miles out we reach our destination on the West Orange Trail.



You'd think we'd stop where there's a view or wildlife to observe. Well, not exactly.

We stop where there's a restroom and some chairs!

Our two Recumbent bicyclists. (Def. Re-come-bent; to lie down or ride a recliner!)
Left to right, Roger and Joepy.

Ahhh, just another happy rider, Jim, relaxing in the afternoon sun.

Rental bikes tuned up and ready for riders.

Joepy's tattered flying Mickey "tell-tale" has seen the wrath of the elements!

Below left, Roger and Joepy on the right prepare for the "speed run" back to the parking lot.


 

 

At last, the real reason we ride! To dine!

 

 

Our group found two unattended large tables and made the best of lunch.

 

The "Local Food Court" offers a variety of sandwiches, pizza, hotdogs, as well as a micro-brewery.

Below, Pete is sampling the dark brew.

 

 

And so ends another Monday on the trail. But here's another look back.....

 

 

Don't we look so young?

 

Judy's plant! You'll have to ask her. 

 

Come on "Palm Tree Bikers," we're almost at the restaurant!