February 17, 2013 "Rumble on the Fifth!"

Today, my wife Sonja and I joined over 100 bikers in the Harley of Naples "Rumble on the Fifth!". What a blast! Naples is a wonderful town, and 5th Ave. is the center of attention for those visiting the city so we thought we would give a parade and "rumble" through the streets on a bunch of bikes to shake things up a little. Yes there were a lot of folks in the streets and I'm sure we were not appreciated by all for sure! We even saw some cover their ears and turn up their noses at us, however, that did not deter us because we say many more wave and clap and look in awe as dozens of bikers donned in leathers and skull caps and tattoos and earrings galore!

I smiled the whole way, and although I was driving my Harley and trying to keep from running into anyone, I took special note of the kids. Boy's and Girl's alike smiled and waved and wondered! I loved it! There will be lot's of future riders among those little ones and maybe, just maybe, today a seed was planted in them that will one day lead them into Naples Harley to take a course and get their endorsement and then purchase a motorcycle! I sure hope so! And I HOPE it is one of the kids of that blond lady in the tights that put her hands over her ears and gave a turned up nose! Ha, wouldn't that be great!

Anyway, I know there was no malice intended for this ride but it does beg the question, "How was this show accepted by the 5th avenue crowd?". I'm sure we will see in tomorrow's paper! 

Enjoy the pictures and share them with others if you wish! I look forward to more rides down 5th avenue and other places with this group. 

Thank you Harley of Naples for sponsoring the event and to Alan Harris for organizing and leading this group of people.

Also, thanks to Castaway's Backwater Cafe on Davis Blvd for giving us a kick ass time after the event! Great place to visit for some beverages and food! 

After returning to the beach after a great day with HOG and Harley, we did Bonita Bill's for our Sunday Afternoon Wind Down! Thanks BB and Two Hands too for the entertainment!

Well, gonna be cold again tomorrow and I am on the boat all day! Better take my full face helmet and chap's on board! It works on the bike, why not the boat!

Goodnight all! Until next time, "Ride! It clears the head and it keeps you from having to do chores!"

February 3, 2013 "HOG'S Gone COLD!"

For those of you who know me you KNOW I do NOT like cold weather! Today, I was up at 6:00am to prepare for a COLD ride with Paradise HOG! it was 52 when I went out to get the paper! Not GOOD!

My friend Don met me here at my house at about 6:50 AM and we began our freezing journey to Harley Davidson of Naples. We met 13 other bikes there for a ride to Gwendolyn's, Downtown Ft. Myers for a wonderful breakfast. I must say I froze. However, riding is riding and I loved the ride. Yes, uncomfortable as it was, I endured to be with my HOG family and that was OK!

I certainly enjoyed being with my friends and HOG family and experiencing this together. Most of those folks are NORTHERNERS and don't understand that us SOUTHERNERS get COLD! We are not into SNOW, ICE, PARKA'S, SNOW MOBILES, ENGINE WARMERS, LONG UNDERWEAR, CHAPS, ETC! SO, when it gets cold, WE GET COLD! It just does not matter because I am gonna ride! Yes, I'm gonna ride no matter.

Thanks Paradise HOG for the fun and Mike Antonucci for leading the ride today. Hope you all have a great week and a wonderful day! 

After our ride I spent the afternoon with Sonja at Bonita Bills before heading home to watch the Super Bowl! 

GO RAVENS!

Gator D is outta here! SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATORS!