The MSTA is a club that has been around since 1982. We have members in many states and even Canada and Europe are home to some members. We hold a national rally somewhere in the US every year. We have up to 16 scheduled regional rallies around the US every year. We have 1000 dues paying members. We have a club magazine that all members receive 6X a year. From facts like this you might see us as only a national organization and discount our local involvement. But nothing could be further from the truth. Our bread-and-butter staple is really our local members and local events and activities. In a series of articles that I will be posting up here, I plan to highlight our local groups around the country and what kind of things our local people have going on. Let me start with our Florida group.
Our Florida chapter (we are organized primarily along state lines) is one of our biggest. When the weather cooperates, it is also among our most active. Many of the members are people that have moved from the northern states and were members before they moved. They have enough members spread throughout the state that they have subdivided themselves into north, central, and southern subgroups. As you might image, there is a lot of cross activity between members in different areas. Members freely move from one area to another as opportunities arise. It’s even been know to happen that someone from out of the state that is vacationing there has joined in! (I can personally attest to the fadct that everyone is welcome to attend one of their meetups.) They also produce a monthly newsletter that is one of the best that you’ll find anywhere. It is my recommendation that everyone that can subscribe to it. It is free and it is sent directly to your email. Makes for some good reading during the cold winters up north, as that is the time of year when the Florida group is most active. Here are a couple of examples of the type of articles you’ll find there:
East-Central Ride – Lake Harris Hideaway, Tavares, FL – Tom Blake
On the 5th, we were blessed with moderate temps, very low humidity and sunny skies. This is in contrast to the days before and after which were muggy and hot – pretty much like it had been since spring. Rain moved in the Monday after and then we endured Hurricane Milton mid-week. Some are still dealing with flooding or are without power as I write a week later.
But that Saturday was a beautiful day to ride and, having pretty much parked my bikes since May, I was aching for some serious saddle time to clear my head and cheer me up – even if done alone. (The local group was either out of town or had conflicting plans.)
I stopped at the normal rendezvous for gas. Jay B, a new member from St Lucie County (waving in the photo) unexpectedly pulled in. We picked up one more rider at our rest stop east of Sanford. And when we pulled in at Lake Harris Hideaway, there were seven riders waiting for us.
We all headed inside at 11 o-clock – well, it’s not really “inside” but rather through an entryway onto the open-air, covered deck along and over the water. More folks showed up around 11:30… they missed the time change. All told, there were fourteen of us – all in a good mood, engaged in motorcycle talk and downing good grub. I was grinning broadly. The 50/50 pulled in $60 and the winner, Steve S, gave his cut back. Later, Tod P chipped in another $15. So, thank you all for attending and contributing and a special thanks for both donations. And Dale, your help with the tickets is always appreciated.
To cap my day off, three of us headed south through Groveland, worked over to Haines City where Steve split off, and Lake Wales where Jay kept going south. I turned east there and eventually north to get back home. For me it was a 288- mile day forming a large circle and I loved every minute – well maybe not the last 30, my butt was getting a tad sore. Even with afternoon temps in the low 90’s, the low humidity allowed the breeze to keep me cool.
Next up: Assuming flood waters recede by November 2nd, Renegades on the River, 9 miles west of Crescent City, is our next ride. Crescent City is on US 17 about halfway between Barberville and Palatka. An especially nice resort setting along the St. Johns River with good food and service and plenty of paved parking. This will be our second time there.
Also, in November we do a Black Friday lunch to someplace away from stores and traffic for those who aren’t of a mind to Christmas shop just yet. This year we’re heading to Cherry Pockets Steak & Seafood on a finger of Lake Pierce north of Lake Wales. They have new owners so I’m hoping for the best.
West-Central Ride – Sleepy Hollow Fish Camp, Floral City, FL – Tom Blake
Before you get your panties all up in a knot, let me just say that I’m not the new West-Central Ride Coordinator. Yes, Doug had to step down and there is a vacancy. But I’m not the one who will fill it. Been there, done that. It’s just too much area to cover for my aging body. In this case, Van knew I was planning to ride over and asked if I could snap a couple pictures, maybe do a little write-up. I said sure. So here goes.
My good friend Larry and I both decided that the summer swelter was over, and it was time to get back to going what we really enjoy – and that is taking pleasurable motorcycle rides. For us, going the fun way to The Sleepy Hollow Fish Camp just east of Floral City would equate to a little over three hours of saddle time. Coming home, it turned out, would be even more. We didn’t care. We both had the time and totally enjoyed our day.
Sleepy Hollow was a little different type of place. For one thing, it was cash only. The tables were outside under a roof. A 2-person band was setting up for their 1 o’clock gig but were of little distraction while we were there. There was a nearby walk-up trailer where food was ordered and paid for. Then, when ready, it was delivered to the tables. I have to say, the food was exceptionally tasty and plentiful. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with fries, and the fries were so good I ate them all before even starting on the sandwich. The pork was also delicious and stacked high.
Mike and Star were already there when Larry and I arrived about 11:25. It looked like we might be it. But Michael, Mike, Brian and another fellow (didn’t sign the attendance sheet) from Stuart, Boca Raton and Ft Lauderdale area popped in. They didn’t ride up from there solely for this lunch but happened to be in the area and decided to drop in. We’re glad they did. And Alan from Orlando dropped in as well. So we had a nice little gathering of nine riders to enjoy good food and friendship with.
Oh, being close to Halloween, I brought along a big bag of Almond Joys. It’s a tradition… I get a big bag or two of candy for the trick-or-treaters, then turn out my lights Halloween evening, then feast on the candy myself for the next month or so after Halloween. This time I decided to go on a diet and share my treats with the other riders. BOO