Great ride, great gathering today.

[John Schmidt]

Many thanks to Jerry and Sherry, and to the lady that offered to spend the day with Rita so I could get away for a day. The route I took going out was out of my way but I wanted to sorta "make it last."  As a result I covered over 80 miles and even more coming back. The wind kinda beat the crap out of me, mostly on the way home, got home at 4:30 and could tell immediately I haven't done any long riding for some time. As for the party, it was good to see many old friends, and to meet some newer members of the Florida troup. I probably didn't know at least half of those in attendance. Perfect weather....perfect day.

Jerry, I never did find out what the deal was with the quarters. Did you make a general announcement or ??

[DDT (12)]

John,

It was really nice getting to visit with you again! You are such an inspiration to the rest of us... you are the gold standard for toughness: mental, spiritual, and physical! To be still riding around the way you do at age 80 is no small thing, my friend, and to be able to 'keep all the balls in the air' that you do is simply amazing! Thanks for making the ride, and especially thanks for the quality time you spent with this 'understudy' and admirer...

As for the gathering itself... Yeah, many thanks to Jerry & Sherry for putting on such a great party! Their 'cabin' is well suited for the size groups they tend to draw, and the appeal is obvious when you consider how far some of the attendees traveled just to be part of it! Food was good, too, but that's not the real magnet that attracts us and so many others...

There is something magical about those incredible machines we've chosen to ride... The machines themselves have souls, and when they bond with their riders, wondrous things happen! They tend to bring out the best in us, and... they tend to bring us into contact with each other.

Not the macho/testosterone-heavy climate of a Harley group, not the 'status- conscious' clique-rich environment of a Gold Wing crowd, and not the geeky aspects of the BMW folks... Just good folks who enjoy being good folks and being around like-minded others.

Florida has always been blessed with 'catalyst couples' to draw folks in and facilitate all of the good qualities in the mix. Starting with Mark & Pat, but continuing with Deb & Fred, Terry & Iris, and two vital folks to the evolution of such a successful state group, Bryan & Tammy. ChrisJ & Queen Dinky to name another, plus Naples Richard and his bride... Many, in fact, and mentioning any individual couples, risks over-looking other valuable contributors...

I mention this only to highlight the point that there is a reason why things are the special way they are down here, and new couples have stepped to the fore to enhance and continue the experience... and Jerry & Sherry are obviously such a couple! There are others, too, of course, but those two stand-out at the moment!


DDT

[_Sheffjs_]

John you were just not in the right place at the right time when I stood on the ladder and announced the ins and outs of the contest however you had many votes where I guess you came in second place however it is like horseshoes & hand-grenades and I gave all your quarters to the winner Mike - Sixlow.   Believe you had 8 votes.    

[John Schmidt]

John you were just not in the right place at the right time when I stood on the ladder and announced the ins and outs of the contest however you had many votes where I guess you came in second place however it is like horseshoes & hand-grenades and I gave all your quarters to the winner Mike - Sixlow.   Believe you had 8 votes.    

I'm fine with that, had no idea it was sort of a "bike show", not that I would have done anything different. I was just curious what the quarters were all about. Good times were had and for what it's worth....I also got some hugs as well. All females.....thank goodness.