Where to ride/stay in Florida

[mark81]

I've been planning a trip to ride blue ridge parkway with my brother for a while. Dates have been set, vacation time scheduled.  Looks like weather is not going to cooperate so we are heading south to warmer climate.  Leaving Cincinnati this friday morning we should be in northern florida by friday evening. Does anybody know of free camping anywhere in florida?  RTE this weekend?  What to do and where to ride when we get there? 

[Farside]

Greetings Mark. You didn't mention where you'd be coming down to in FL. I'm in Milton the western pan-handle. We do try to put together a Sat. AM RTE then ride till 1-2 pm. However this weekend I'll be down in S. FL. visiting family. You might be better off riding south of Tallahassee, go towards the coast then South on 98. It will take you to Perry where you can ride 19/27 further south if you'd like. Chances of riding with most of the Valk brothers will be better down that way.  Good luck and be safe! 

[mark81]

Thanks Farside,  I really have no plans as far as where we will be in Florida.  I have a friend near Panama City who said we could set up a tent in his yard for a night. probably take him up on that our last night there. I'd like to see as much of the state as possible.  A semi-goal would be to get all the way down to the keys and snap a photo at the southernmost point but not a necessity.  I've seen the gulf a few times so would like to see the ocean as well just to knock that off the bucket list. Maybe ride the coastline all the way around? We will have 3 days to spend in your state plus a day there and a day back. _Sheffjs_ sent me a pm with some areas to ride, I'll have to check that out and see what part of the state it's in

We just decided today to change plans and head to Florida so the only real requirement is warm.  Not really wanting to do the expensive tourist thing, just ride and see what there is to see.  This is a pretty budget oriented trip as the original trip was camping along the parkway just spending money on gas and food. so free camping sites are almost a necessity. I think I've found a few, maybe post up in some foreclosed beachfront property

[Bronxboy]

maybe post up in some foreclosed beachfront property


I would say that was riding on a budget 

[mark81]

Yea there is $0 budgeted for lodging. I did buy a new hammock tent for the trip though.  I've slept on picnic tables at rest areas, set up at abandoned gas stations and stores but never residential property.  Are there still public beaches you can camp at?  Hopefully I don't get eaten by an alligator.

[Jess from VA]

About 45 years ago, me and a buddy went down from frozen MI, and lived out of my old beater van.

We both played tennis pretty well, so we packed very nice (yuppie) tennis whites/shoes and took our rackets along (we also had decent haircuts and shaves).  We would troll the more exclusive and fancy resorts and hotels, would change into our yuppie gear in the van, and just walk into these places and use their courts, pools, locker rooms, saunas, laundry, beach, and restaurants, etc.  Polite and professional, we were never asked any questions or refused entry or service one time.  We could never afford a room, and slept in the van.  But it was a pretty good vacation on the cheap.

This will probably not work for you, but have a good time anyway.

I still have ice all over my property and cannot even get my bike shed open until a few days of melt.

Avoid feeding the local lizards. And use good rope on your hammock hangers.

[Bronxboy]

There is a lot going on in the Daytona area this weekend. I will probably be heading over on Saturday, don't cost much to hang out and check out the new stuff.

[sixlow]

Mark, I'd be willing to take in a complete stranger as long as he was on a Valkyrie !, and his brother.   I have a screened in back porch you could set up in and a drainage ditch for bathing, or a warm room and a hot shower plus garage parking. If it works in your route give me a call.
3 eight 6, five 3 eight, 9 one one 4.
Mike

[mark81]

Thanks for the offer Mike.  We may take you up on that. Looks like leaving a day later than expected but not getting home until Wednesday. Kind of glad he had to work today due to freezing rain here. Hope it clears before we leave tomorrow. If not i have frogg toggs.

[Farside]

Hey Mark, post where you guys are going so we can keep up with you all. Safe riding! 

[mark81]

We left home around 10:30 Saturday morning and made it south of atlanta the first day. Around dusk we found a campground and set up for the night. Sunday morning we packed up and kept heading south. Got close to the florida georgia line and decided to head to the east coast since both of us had only been to the gulf coast of Florida.  I gave sixlow a call and took him up on his offer.  If you feed him steak and pet his dog neither one bite (his wife is even nicer than he is)  Got a shower and some rest and headed out in time to see the sun come up over the dunes on the beach.  Heading to Daytona Beach now to see whats left of bike week the to salt springs to camp for the night.

[mark81]

[sixlow]

Can't say enough good things about Mark and Chris, stand up guys, glad we made new friends and your welcome here anytime. We squeezed in a ride up the St. Johns river for the sunset view before we feasted on the steaks the guys showed up with.. Good time
Ride safe
Mike and Liz

[Bronxboy]

U guy's represent the best part about this FL Group

[Flask]

Mark & his brother came by today - Had to do some repairs on his Valk.
Was leaking antifreeze from where the Y tube off the water pump goes to both sides of the block. On the right side where the steel tube ties into block - the O ring was bad and slightly leaking - was able to go to local hardware store and get replacement.

Back on the road and heading home !!!

I guess they where on some sandy roads outside Ocala trying to find camp site and buried the Valk in Sand. I think it jarred the hose to where it started to leak.

Met Mark at last year Inzane - Love being able to help our GREAT group of VALK friends !!!!!

Ride safe My Friends - Will be showing off the new Wing SOON !!!!!!!

[Farside]

It sounds like a great ride thru FL Mark.     Sounds like you guys were treated very well seeing some great places; nice pic of the bikes on the beach too    Then getting a needed repair. A Great team of Valk brothers throughout FL. I hope you enjoyed your trip and give a shout when you find your way back down.  

[Flrider]

We do have a GREAT Valk family, willing to lend a hand and help a brother out.
Nice going Flask