Missing Parts Ride Detoured

With nasty weather lurking around every corner, I decided against the planned GTD meet-up. Instead, I headed straight to the Missing Parts Ride at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson from Niceville. I managed to dodge the sprinkles while soaking up the sun.

A Fantastic Turnout for Charity

The turnout for the charity event was fantastic! It felt like half the panhandle had arrived. I spotted at least four Sandies in the crowd. George and Sam had their Spyders parked by the service bay, proudly displaying the Sand Dollar M/C windscreen banner. We caught up for a bit by the giant chair out front, marveling at the sea of chrome, plastic, fiberglass, and leather—all for a great cause. After a few minutes, Tim walked up and said hi.

Just before the pre-ride briefing

As the Florida sun cranked the thermostat from "toasty" to "surface of Mercury," George and Sam announced they were making a strategic retreat to check out a bike lift. I couldn’t blame them; sometimes you choose the ride, and sometimes the ride to a climate-controlled safety chooses you.

Planning Our Route

Tim and I reviewed the planned route for the ride. We would head down 98, across to 87, up to Milton, loop around Blackwater, and then back down 87 and 98. I imagined it would create an impressive, miles-long procession of bikes. The kind that looks fantastic on the evening news. Our entry fee had already supported the cause, so our wallets had done their good deed for the day. However, our souls? Our souls craved a few curves.

Let's Get Lunch

"Tim looks over to me and says, 'Lunch at Two Cousins?'"

"Yup," I replied.

We headed back to the Winn-Dixie parking lot, where we had parked. After a brief parking lot puzzle with a rogue Spyder blocking Tim's escape, we were finally free and pointed north. We were just getting to the other side of Mossy Head when the sky decided to gift us a complimentary three-minute rinse. It was just enough to get us slightly damp before we emerged back into the sunshine.

Dining at Two Cousins Café

By the time we pulled into Two Cousins Café, it was hard to distinguish between sweat and shower. Hopefully, we didn’t smell too badly!

My first visit to a club favorite

We had a great lunch. It was my first time at this café, and the patty melt with a side of okra was calling my name. Tim opted for a classic cheeseburger. We discussed life and the finer points of things that can quickly make you miserable if you aren’t careful. We both reached the profound conclusion that for us, motorcycles are not optional. They are a required prescription for maintaining sanity. It’s the best kind of throttle therapy.

The Ride Back

Geared up and feeling philosophical, we stepped back out into the sweltering heat. Shortly after, we rode into our first real shower. Funny how 75-degree rain feels downright chilly after simmering in 90-degree humidity. That "refreshing" blast lasted about five minutes.

Then we rode through another shower—and another—each less intense but slightly warmer than the last. It was like riding through a car wash that was on the fritz.

By the time I squished my way back into Niceville, I was thoroughly soaked. I’m pretty sure I could have poured a half-cup of water out of each boot.

Conclusion

All told, we clocked in 129 miles. I had a blast and would gladly do it all again. I’m definitely going to visit Two Cousins Café again; I can see why that place is a Sandie favorite.

Ride safe and stay dry!

Whether you're dodging raindrops or enjoying the thrill of the open road, every ride tells a story worth sharing.