Actually, Mitch was on a mission - to attend a Slow Riding school. He’d seen a contest of slow riding at some event and decided he wanted to expand his riding skills in that area so he found a motorcycle cop who teaches the skills in Port Ritchie. As a result, Mitch dropped in on our lunch ride and then spent the night as our guest before leaving for Port Ritchie in the morning. Mitch ended up the weekend with 660 miles on his ST. Ah, that’s what Florida riding is all about while our northern friends are stranded.

When Mitch left us in the morning, we also left to attend a Toy Run. It sure was a cold morning. We decided not to make the trek down to Ft. Lauderdale for the mother of all toy runs that we usually do every year, instead opting for a local one run in part by a new Honda shop I have found and like. I say in part, because it was also hosted by 102.5, a Tampa rock radio station. The radio station DJ actually ran the ride and let me tell you we really will have to think long and hard about this next year… Most of you probably know that riding in large groups can be problematic. Not that we had such a large group. The estimated 500 bikes was far fewer than the 30,000+ they get in Ft. Lauderdale, but then there’s the experience factor. This was the 1st Annual “eXtreme “ Toy Run as opposed to the umpteenth one in Lauderdale. Although we were police escorted, I really have to say this was the scariest group ride I’ve ever been on. To make matters worse, it was also the longest one too. Whoever heard of a toy run that ran 2+ hours non-stop to cover some 100+ miles? The route would be a great one for a small group of 2 to a dozen or so bikes, but it wasn't so great for navigating 500 bikes through. Way too many intersections to be blocked off and then after the pack passed those “road captains” then had to make their way back to the head of the pack to do duty at another intersection later in the ride. Then too, with the chilly day, most folks had been drinking coffee all morning waiting for the ride to start. Now nature began calling necessitating a lot of folks to make unplanned pit stops along the way. Then too the issue of gas mileage; you know how many bikes are on reserve after 90+ miles? Oh well, live and learn. It may be back to Lauderdale next year.

Well guess that’s it for now. Looking forward to a safe and happy 2003 and meeting up with more of you on rides!

For Sale

1996 BMW R1100RT - BMW's top boxer touring bike, complete with factory bags, ABS, electric Parabellum windshield and a new BMW comfort seat. Just broken in at 38k miles. Beautiful dark blue. Priced well below market at $7250. Call Bill at 904-730-9719, warrior@aol.com

1989 Honda GB500 Incredible original collector bike with only 2400 miles! Purchased from Honda corporate employee. Multiple award winner, including best street stock in Riding Into History Concours. Runs and handles beautifully. New Avon tires, color matched cafe fairing. May be the best looking bike Honda ever made. $4750. Contact Bill at 904-730-9719, warrior@aol.com

1994 Honda Nighthawk 250 - 13K miles, Dark Blue. This is an outstanding beginner rider's bike and/or for riders with a short leg reach. In good condition. Asking $1500 or Best Reasonable Offer.
Call Bill or Eve anytime between 8:00 AM and 9:30 PM - (813)633-8155 or email wgr@sprynet.com

The Daytona Dinner is scheduled for Saturday 5:30pm, March 8th 2003. We will have a speaker this year. Mr. Jon Seidel from American Honda has agreed to speak to us about Honda and the good things they do for all of us. The Dinner will be at the same location as last year, Indigo Lakes Golf Club, 312 Indigo Drive, Daytona Beach, FL. The Manager is Marc Lillis. Great Location, 5 minutes from the Daytona Speedway and 5 minutes from the Daytona Memorial Stadium (dirt track). Indigo Drive is the first intersection East of I 95 on International Speedway Drive (US 92 ), turn left on Indigo Drive, pass in front of the Holiday Inn, continue on Indigo Drive through a residential area until you come to the Indigo Lakes Golf Club (approx 1 mile) If your coming from the Speedway, it’s the last traffic light before I 95, turn right on to Indigo drive.

We will have a private Banquet Room and will have a buffet dinner, menu as follows; Same as last year only better, as promised by the manager of Indigo Lakes Golf Club. Tossed Garden Salad with dressing, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, Cranberry gelatin Salad, Chicken Marsala, Broiled Fish du jour (grouper) Roast Beef Sliced, Savory Rice, Mixed Vegetable Medley, Fresh Baked Rolls & Butter, Hot bread pudding with Brandy hard Sauce & a Choice of Beverage, Coffee, Tea, & Ice Tea. There will be an Open Cash Bar in the Banquet Room. Price, Meal $ 18.95 per person, with tax & service charge total will be $23.70 per person.

Dinner will be by Prepaid Reservation. All cheques made out to the Indigo Lakes Golf Club, Mail Cheques to Phillip Ridgdill, 720 Opossum Lane, Switzerland FL 32259, last day to receive reservation will be Feb 26 2003, all checks will be deposited with the golf club. The Golf Club Staff will have the Reservation List at the Banquet Room.

Coordinator – Phil Ridgdill, (904 287 9654) e-mail rfoxrdr@earthlink.net

Motorcycling Tips
Submitted By: Bill Royal

An often ignored service is hydraulic fluid change. That is for brakes and/or clutch actuation depending on your bike. Folks seem to think it just doesn’t need it. Well, think again. Hydraulic fluid is “hydroscopic” - meaning it loves moisture, and moisture does enter the system and accumulate over time. If not changed periodically, the fluid will darken and the moisture responsible for that will attack your brake/clutch actuation cylinders resulting in poor and/or frozen brakes and a bigger expense to repair. So, change that fluid at least every two years or anytime you notice the color of the fluid to be darker than it was when it was new.

HSTA Blue Book Update

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to verify, and where necessary, update or correct you profile information for the HSTA Blue Book.

Want a new/different bike listed? Changed addresses? New phone number or email address?

If so, please notify Phil & Sue Allgood—your Membership directors
at psnomads@ameritech.net or by phone at 317-890-8858.