CoachA's Florida Spring Break Tour--Updated

[coacha]

Well, since my ride up to the panhandle got canceled a couple weeks ago, I am planing a Spring Break Tour '09. One of the reasons is that I am going to be with my #2 son in Oklahoma and wanted to do something with my wife before I left.

So here is the trip plan:

Leave Easter Sunday afternoon and ride up to the panhandle area, set up the camper and hang out.

Monday ride in the panhandle and maybe southern Alabama area and maybe meet up with some of the members from that area if possible for dinner Monday night.

Tuesday, pack up the Clampett Mobile and head over to St. Augustine and spend the evening there.

Wednesday, meet up with David Jones and his lovely wife Andrea and do some riding. Dinner or late lunch with David, Andrea and Reaper...and if anyone else would want to join us, that would be great too, then head home for an early morning flight to Amarillo, TX on Thursday.

If anyone wants to meet up for a meal or has any ideas for places to see up in the panhandle, let me know.

CoachA

[dabull]

ron...if able...somewhere between PC and Crestview;) and Robby911 lives in lower Alabammee (north of Mobile a ways...we chat bro;) aloha

[skimo]

Also keep in mind if you're going to be camping at a state park there are some closures due to flooding.

http://www.newsherald.com/news/state_73182___article.html/closures_florida.html

[coacha]

Thanks for the heads up skimo. We are probably going to stay at a private place in either Port St. Joe or Mexico Beach...haven't made up my mind yet. Gonna do that tomorrow.

[skimo]

Port St Joe or Mexico Beach would be a safe bet. The problem areas are around the rivers and creeks in the panhandle. I might be able to get free Monday evening for meet up.

[coacha]

Sounds good. I'll let you know more Friday or Saturday.

[coacha]

Looks like we are going to have a meet up for dinner on Monday up in Port St. Joe/Mexico Beach area with DaBull and Skimo; and another one on Wednesday with David, Andrea, Reaper and Ross in St. Augustine. This is turning into a nice little trip to meet up with some of our members. If anyone else wants to join us, give me a shout here or on my cell 352-613-9903. If I don't answer, leave me a message.

[davidjones1]

Your just a traveling man http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif..........isn't that great wish I could do the same. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
ride safe.

[coacha]

Hey man, you are going to have the bike aren't you? I got people wanting to meet you and ride with you brother.

[coacha]

DaBull gave this idea for dinner Monday night:

http://www.toucansmexicobeach.com/index.php

If you are ok with it skimo, we will set a time to meet there.

[coacha]

We are going to ride on Wednesday in the St. Augustine area. We will meet up around 10:00, go for a ride, then have some lunch. I have to get back and pack for my trip to Oklahoma because we have to leave the house at 4:30 a.m. to get to the airport on time Thursday.

Reaper will be leading the ride. I think we are going to meet at one of the fire stations near Anastasia State Park...right Reaper?

So anyone wanting to participate, we will see you on Wednesday morning.

[dabull]

DaBull gave this idea for dinner Monday night:

http://www.toucansmexicobeach.com/index.php

If you are ok with it skimo, we will set a time to meet there.

oh sure...blame me if things go south at toucans! LOL! Skimo, got any better ideas out that way? Toucans in Mexico Beach is about as far as i have gotten....

[davidjones1]

sounds good for the time and meet up place of course I have no idea where that is but I am sure I can find it, yes I will have the bike even if I have tools behind to do it LOL. we are looking forward to seeing you and Tammy and meeting some new folks as well. I'll call you Tuesday on our way down to make sure everything is still ago.
ride safe.

[coacha]

Hey, it is the missing link...er, man! We could meet up on A1-A, just over the bridge if that would be better. There is a park with a boat launch on the ocean side (left) as you are coming down from Jax. There is a member coming down from Jax area too. Maybe we can get you two hooked up to ride down together.

[reaper]

We are going to ride on Wednesday in the St. Augustine area. We will meet up around 10:00, go for a ride, then have some lunch. I have to get back and pack for my trip to Oklahoma because we have to leave the house at 4:30 a.m. to get to the airport on time Thursday.

Reaper will be leading the ride. I think we are going to meet at one of the fire stations near Anastasia State Park...right Reaper?

So anyone wanting to participate, we will see you on Wednesday morning.
WHO...ME????? LEAD????
Riiiiiight http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
The Surf Station is on the left as you exit the park on to A1A Anastasia Blvd, we can meet there. Drop the trailer next door at the fire house. As we head north we can pickup anyone from Jax at the library on May St and A1A (behind the Merry Go Round), if they are coming down A1A, then start the trip. If that's OK with all

[davidjones1]

sounds good, feel free to give him my # we should be in jaxs around 4pm tuesday (if all goes well knock on wood) I have set wednesday aside to spend time with you guys.we are staying at the holiday inn on the beach, I did not think andrea would stay at the days inn or would I have her stay there its ok for my crew of guys but not for her,
ride safe.

[coacha]

LOL...yeah, the ladies need the finer things. Look forward to seeing you both! Ain't gonna miss you this time.

[mrfuni]

You guys have a safe ride. Love to join you, but I'm a days ride from the southern end of the state :(

[reaper]

Hey CoachA read page 1 I left a new post

[coacha]

Hey Reaper, sounds good. I will lead if you want, but I won't know all the routes...lol. We'll end up in Crystal River!

[reaper]

Hey I like Crystal River

[reaper]

I can lead if you can follow

[coacha]

Got it. If you get over to CR, that's were I'm at!

[skimo]

DaBull gave this idea for dinner Monday night:

http://www.toucansmexicobeach.com/index.php

If you are ok with it skimo, we will set a time to meet there.

oh sure...blame me if things go south at toucans! LOL! Skimo, got any better ideas out that way? Toucans in Mexico Beach is about as far as i have gotten....

Sounds good to me.

[trosco]

This is mostly to David Jones and CoachA.

David, sounds like you come into Jacksonville Tuesday afternoon. Then leave for St Augustine Wens morn to meet up with CoachA and others?? I am Ross Chess, the newbie that lives is Jax that is trying to join into the ride and meet a few folks before the trip to Custer. You said you were staying at the Holiday Inn at the beach. Is that the Holiday Inn Express at Jacksonville Beach? If it doesn't creep you out I could meet you there Wens morning and ride down with you. Our I could meet you anywhere along A1A. I live a couple miles west of Ponte Vedra just a little ways off Hwy 202 (J. Turner Butler Blvd). PonteV Vedra is 10 minutes and then your hotel is another 5. My cell is 252-315-4286 and if that would work give me a call?
CoachA, if this doesn't work out we can figure out a meet point in St Aug and I will just come there.

[trosco]

Reaper, I'm the newbie (Ross), I know where A1A/San Marco comes past May St. Don't know if there is a library there? Must be! If I can hook up with David Jones then I will be with them otherwise I will just meet you all there at 10AM. If plans change let me know 252-315-4286
Thanks

[davidjones1]

Ross would be happy to meet up with you on Wednesday, and yes it is the holiday inn express in Atlantic beach I guess this is jaxs beach as well? my number is 423-505-9443. I have your number down, how long of ride is it to the meet up point? I was planning on giving myself and hour to get there, anyway we can meet up at the hotel or on A1A if you would like your call. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
ride safe.

[dabull]

oh sure...blame me if things go south at toucans! LOL! Skimo, got any better ideas out that way? Toucans in Mexico Beach is about as far as i have gotten....

Sounds good to me.

Toucans it is then...will see ya'll there whenever we decide to be there http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[reaper]

Reaper, I'm the newbie (Ross), I know where A1A/San Marco comes past May St. Don't know if there is a library there? Must be! If I can hook up with David Jones then I will be with them otherwise I will just meet you all there at 10AM. If plans change let me know 252-315-4286
Thanks
As you come off A1A@ San Marco, make a left (south) on San Marco, make your first right (San Carlos, I believe) and the library is right there on the right

Here's a Google map link
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s....,1.179657&z= 10 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=ponte+vedra&daddr=1960+N+Ponce+De+Leon+Blvd,+St+Augustine,+FL&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=29.911793,-81.319556&sspn=0.017595,0.036864&ie=UTF8&ll=30.060774,-81.330414&spn=0.589532,1.179657&z=10)

You'll have to cut and paste it to your address bar, to work

[coacha]

Ok guys, looks like all the plans are made, bike is operational (with one small issue), trailer is almost packed, and Tammy and I am definitely ready to go. Hopefully, my cell phone will keep a charge long enough that I can give everyone a call on the road.

My little issue is the new power port has some type of short in it so I had to disconnect it and won't be able to use it on the trip. Going to have power at the first camp site, so I will take an extension cord and try to keep it charged on Sunday and Monday.

Talk to you all soon!

[trosco]

OK, I think I am set. Which in and of itself should make the rest of you a little worried.

David, I have your number and I will give you a call Tuesday evening just to make sure we are all set. I think the easiest thing will be for me to come to your hotel so I will do that. It's about 30-35 miles from your hotel to the meet up point. And it will take a hour or so to get there as going down A1A is a slow (but nice) ride. It's usually a little chilly in morning along ocean so probably not shorts and flip flops riding attire but looks to be the makings of very nice day. I will plan to be at you hotel between 8:30 & 8:45 AM and if we leave at 9AM we should be in good shape.

Reaper, thanks for the map! I think I know where we are going now! I think we'll be there in time for 10AM meet up if we leave Jax Beach at 9AM.

CoachA, thanks for getting this started and including me. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Ross

[reaper]

Reaper, thanks for the map! I think I know where we are going now! I think we'll be there in time for 10AM meet up if we leave Jax Beach at 9AM.

Ross

Not a problem, looking forward to it

Doug

[davidjones1]

sounds good to me also, I never wear flip flops when riding shorts sometimes I have had some good size rocks bounce off my boots lol.. looking forward to meeting you.
ride safe.

[reaper]

Talked with CoachA and he's drying out here in St. Aug. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
Everything is on for tomorrow. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
See everyone at the library http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[coacha]

We got in at 4:30 p.m. at the house. Now I'm up at school covering a baseball game tonight. I will post a detailed report later. Needless to say, I enjoyed meeting everyone and enjoyed the time out on the road.

Skimo, sorry I didn't get your phone message till I was in Perry Monday around noon. My cell phone didn't get service up there. I'll post more on that portion of the trip later.

[coacha]

Well, here is the scoop on the trip:

-1 Day...I changed the oil and hooked up the J&M and an auxiliary power point...well, all worked but the power point. I figured it has a short in it somewhere and I disconnected it instead of going through the entire install because it was 10:00 p.m. when I figured it out.

Sunday, met up with bugman and wife at the Crystal River McDonald's (what a trip be like without Mickey D's). We talked for awhile and did some mod comparisons before heading out. We rode up toward Cedar Key together and then parted ways. Stopped for lunch in Perry where things almost took a turn for the worse. Couldn't get the bike going and though I had a problem...turns out I left the kick stand down, duh!

Arrived at Indian Pass Campground around 5:30 and couldn't figure out which spot was mine, lot markings weren't the best. We had a beautiful view of the water but the wind was blowing very hard. Sat around campfire with some long term campers that night.

Monday, decided to move the camper down out of the wind...good choice. Went on a ride toward Panama City to check out the area, but the weather started to take a turn for the worse so we headed back. DaBull, left me a message and I told him we would meet for dinner in Mexico Beach around 5ish, but didn't know if it was Central or Eastern time, lol. When we headed back out for dinner, all hell broke loose. It rained like crazy, windy, really shouldn't have been out but we were committed (or should have been). Met DaBull for dinner and had a great time. Rode back in the rain and it continued all night (heavy at time, but the trailer didn't leak much, just a little).

Tuesday, pulled up stakes and headed toward St. Augustine. We were following the storm, but got lucky and didn't get any rain just some wind. Got to the campground at Anastasia Island (beautiful place to stay). We decided just to make some dinner and a fire and stay in for the night.

Wednesday, met up with Reaper, Trosco, Davidjones and Andrea for a ride and then we had lunch. The ride, lunch and company were fabulous. The ride Reaper had mapped out was outstanding, if any of you get over that way, hit him up to lead it.

All in all, a great time. Now off to bed, gotta get up at 4:00 to head out to the airport for a trip to Oklahoma.

[trosco]

CoachA (and Tammy), Reaper, Davidjones (and Andrea) was great to meet all of you! Looking forward to Custer. Keep in touch!

[MikeInFla]

You and Tammy and a busy couple of days. Glad to hear you guys made it home ok.

Anastasia Island is a very nice place. Passed thru there a couple of times. Would love to have the time to stay and camp.

[davidjones1]

Glad to hear you made it home safe Ron, your right about the ride that reaper took us on what a great time, it was good to see you and Tammy and to meet Doug and Ross as said many times you just meet the best people on a nomad, after leaving you and Doug, Ross took us on a wonderful tour of the south side of Jacksonville and shown us some great places to shop and eat and even buy motorcycle goods, while there a nomad pulled in and you know we had to tell him about Kawanow so maybe another new member headed our way. thanks again to Doug and Ross for just being great people. looking forward to Custer and more time with good friends. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
ride safe. P.S. I can tell that the nomad does not like to be trailered stay in place all the here but when I UN-did the tie downs she just about jump off the trailer literally http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif ended up with two small marks on the bags :( but live and learn.

[reaper]

Ron, Tammy, David, Andrea and Ross,
I truly enjoyed meeting all of you and look forward to seeing you all again. I'm glad our schedules worked out and the weather cooperated. Plan a longer stay in St. Aug and we'll do the "tourist thing".
To all KawaNOW members, this is an open invitation to St. Augustine, give me a shout and if my schedule permits, I'll be glad to play tour guide and show you the sights of the Nations Oldest City.
AND, Yes you do meet the nicest people on a Nomad.

PS. One of my vacuum caps came off in the intake, that's why my idle was off, stopped and bought two clamps and solved that problem.

Safe Riding to all,
Doug

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0386.jpg
Who is that masked man? Super Rider? Nah, it's just CoachA

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0385.jpg
CoachA praying at the alter of M/C trailer god

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0387.jpg
The meet up

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0388.jpg


http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0390.jpg
Parking lot of The World Famous Oasis

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr144/grimmrd/St%20Augustine%2009/CIMG0392.jpg
Everyone after eating
Reaper, Andrea, Davidjones, CoachA, Tammy, Trosco
(Hope I got that right)
You'll have to see CoachA for the pics in between

[coacha]

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v39/CoachA/?action=view&current=f25ece35.pbw

Here are some of our pictures. Tammy didn't get many from when we were in St. Augustine and parked. The batteries died, lol.

[mrfuni]

Memo to Coach A....
Get extra batteries and keep them in the saddle bag. See what happens when I'm not with you on your adventures?

[coacha]

Memo to Coach A....
Get extra batteries and keep them in the saddle bag. See what happens when I'm not with you on your adventures?

Yep. I have to make sure she gets a 24 pack or two for the trip to Custer and two memory cards.

[dabull]

nice pics ya'll.....looks like that portin of the Ron and Tamy Roadshow was dryer that the Mexico Beach evening we had!

[coacha]

Yeah, I hear you there. I think the fish in the gulf were probably drier than we were, lol.