The Florida bunch had a RTE(ride to eat) today.

[John Schmidt]

We had about 30 show up and there was some good groceries to be had along with the fellowship. We had one stranger show up that I haven't seen in some time, but we finally were able to entice him to leave the house for once.    Below is a picture I had taken of the two of us, and yes....the camera still works. When I arrived, I discovered the room we were eating in was on the second floor....and me nursing a bum hip that's on the way out in a couple weeks. Guess you can tell by the picture, it's barking at me pretty good after the two way trip up/down a flight of stairs. All in all, a good gathering although it was still a bit toasty on the ride home. Glad I had my Cool Vest and neck band, made it quite comfy. There's more pics on the Florida board, the place is right on the water with some good scenery.

[_Sheffjs_]

Here is my pano.  You can tell the ones who moved.    Good when east and west coast Florida folk get together

[Valkorado]

That stranger has one heckuva of a fancy sidestache -- or izzit mustburns?   Either way, looks mighty dashing!  No wonder he's got a maiden stashed (no pun intended) in every county!  . Great pic!

[Charlie McCready]

Two good men in that pic John. I think the  world of you both.

[John Schmidt]

Two good men in that pic John. I think the  world of you both.

Thanks Charlie, the feeling is mutual. We sat together during lunch and had a nice chat, lots of catching up to do, interesting to say the least. 

I'll add this....today was most likely my last ride until after hip surgery. My bike is quite comfy to ride but even with that, by the time I got home I was ready for a "happy" pill.    Hope to hear something this next week as to a date.

[DDT (12)]

Really great seeing you again, too, John! Man, that was some gathering, wasn't it!!! Really nice folks, and the turnout was most impressive too... Things have surely evolved over the years, but the group remains vital, vibrant, and relevant: Key attributes of any successful organization... The usual cycle is something that winds up in a downward spiral, but what y'all have done, with our ladies as the catalyst, is to actually grow and improve... I'm really happy to see this... It'd be a downright shame not to have a reason to ride and hang with such cool folks!!! Proud to be here!

DDT

P.S. I'm really happy your camera still works... I was worried about that!

[Misfit]

Looks to be a good turnout.I sure would like to see more of these gatherings around the country. When folks attend these things they all seem to have fun and enjoy themselves. I don't understand why it is so hard for some to put down what they are doing for a little while and just show up. I understand folks can't make every date but there are some who have never made a single get together. It's sad really. They have no idea what they are missing. I am glad that there are still a few around the country that are willing to set these meet and greets up. Good luck with your hip John.  You should really be more careful about the company that you keep.

[John Schmidt]

Looks to be a good turnout.I sure would like to see more of these gatherings around the country. When folks attend these things they all seem to have fun and enjoy themselves. I don't understand why it is so hard for some to put down what they are doing for a little while and just show up. I understand folks can't make every date but there are some who have never made a single get together. It's sad really. They have no idea what they are missing. I am glad that there are still a few around the country that are willing to set these meet and greets up. Good luck with your hip John.  You should really be more careful about the company that you keep.

I agree, our group had started to dwindle a few years back and then suddenly some new Valk owners discovered VRCC. The rest is history....current history. Bruce and I kinda touched on that subject a bit, talking about what causes a downturn, etc.  What we have found works best is, at least for the Fla. group, don't be so structured. Frankly, that's why I quit being active with the local GWRRA even though they're a great bunch of people as well. Basically, what works best in our bunch someone will post a suggested destination and leave it open. Soon, if there's interest in it various riders will start to plan meet up points and it just seems to grow from there. Some ride rather hard and fast which is no longer my style(I've had my time in the sun  ), and others just tool along at their own pace and if it takes longer to get there.....so be it(my forte). Overall, my suggestion to other areas when it comes to gatherings....drop what you're doing and take part. Usually, whatever your project is....it will be there when you return and you will have had the chance to spend some quality time with some good folks.

As for the company I keep, what can I say? We miscreants need to stick together.   I just hope it isn't quite so long until the next time our paths cross. It's always a good time chatting and catching up. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Looks to be a good turnout.I sure would like to see more of these gatherings around the country. When folks attend these things they all seem to have fun and enjoy themselves. I don't understand why it is so hard for some to put down what they are doing for a little while and just show up. I understand folks can't make every date but there are some who have never made a single get together. It's sad really. They have no idea what they are missing. I am glad that there are still a few around the country that are willing to set these meet and greets up. Good luck with your hip John.  You should really be more careful about the company that you keep.

my wife and I have enjoyed every ride we've had with the SoCal, AZ Chapters. Soon to be with the Northeastern  miscreants.