Well now—what a day it was. Why, it was the sort of day that comes only with early spring the calendar and dares you not to grin at it. A body could scarcely keep from breaking into a chorus from  Oklahoma! —but I shall exercise to spare you from me breaking into a rousing chorus. Suffice it to say, it was a glorious day to be astride a motorcycle, with the sun minding its manners and the breeze behaving like it had been properly introduced. And speaking of motorcycles, they must have shook off their winter slumber all at once, for they were out in such numbers you’d think someone was offering free DQ., . Don’t forget today starts the Annual Pilgrimage for Riders everywhere, it’s Daytona Bike Week! Which might have stirred the long dormant juices.   As for the knitting  5 Sandies  stitched together  149 miles  of the prettiest roadway a rider could hope to see. It was a tapestry of asphalt and good humor, and every mile laid down neat as a Sunday seam. Come lunchtime, some of the Sandies joined us at  Where Y’at Seafood , a seafood establishment perched north of Navarre along Highway 85, where the food was so fine you didn’t want to stop.  Sam  wished she had a bigger stomach. Her Red Beans and Rice were that good.  The fare was outstanding—so fine it would make a preacher reconsider going to Sunday services. Having  Munchkin  and  Hele n, along with  Mark S  and  Lorna , meet us there improved the meal beyond all calculation. Good company will do that—it multiplies flavor without adding’ a single calorie.   Backing up a bit we started the day with our business meeting, as even Sandies must. Learned that  Tommy N  has gone and injured his back—an affliction that commands sympathy and a careful chair. But there was good news, too:  Tony G  made an appearance and was feeling somewhat better, which was good news. And then came the announcement that set the room to a twitter’— Tommy  is going’ to be a Grand Pop. I declare, I never thought I’d live to see the day, but here it stands in broad daylight, undeniable as sunshine. Not wishing to waste so much as a teaspoon of this glorious daylight, we set off after lunch to burn off our seafood by attacking curvy roads. On the way there, I discovered I was one road short of my intended route — which is to say I had miscalculated with confidence. This required a U-turn.  JoeJoe  was quick — eager, even — to remind me of this navigational innovation. Five miles onward we turned left onto Nelson Riley Road, a stretch best described in rider’s dialect as “technical,” which translates plainly to “abundant curves and insufficient mercy.”  JoeJoe  and  Bobby  executed a fly-by maneuver and vanished up the road like two escaping convicts with dogs after them. This seems an appropriate moment to mention  Bobby’ s new acquisition: a 2026 Indian Pursuit — a machine so fine it ought to have its own butler. I reminded him that the trade-in value of his previous ride would melt faster than an ice cream cone in July should anything unfortunate occur.  JoeJoe , who is presently awaiting delivery of a Harley CVO Street Glide Limited, received the same paternal counsel. Motorcycles, like pride, depreciate quickly when dropped. Sam  and I adopted a more leisurely pace — partly from wisdom, partly from self-preservation. Presently we came upon  JoeJoe  and  Bobby  sitting beside a sign that declared “Bridge Out.” Now I will confess something to you: there are few temptations stronger than a “Bridge Out” sign. It beckons a man the way a red flag taunts a bull. Is it truly out? Has nature reclaimed her property? Or is it a government ruse designed to discourage the unwashed and under-suspended? The imagination and conspiracy theories cause imaginations to gallop. Now you see some of the sources of my madness. But cooler judgment prevailed, and we performed yet another U-turn — which, as the chorus behind me was obliged to note, makes two for the day. A man can endure many things, but he cannot endure navigational commentary without consequence. One more U-Turn awaited us, we turned onto log lake road and missed the turn onto Broxson rd. Damn another U-turn, of which my traveling companions wasted no time in reminding me of my mistake. So the day was 149 miles , three U-turns, one missing bridge, several fine machines, excellent seafood, good friends, promising grandchildren, and a day so glorious it nearly compelled me to sing. Maybe I’ll save it for another incredible ride with friends. Join us next time, I personally invite you.

It was cold and windy—cold enough to stiffen a man’s resolve and windy enough to test it—but after missing several riding days, my spirit was in no mood for negotiation. It was a full-throated “WHOO!” kind of morning. The sun, at least, had shown up bright and handsome, as if to apologize for the rest of the weather’s behavior. I did not expect much of a turnout at GTD. In fact, I expected something between sparse and imaginary. But the world occasionally surprises a fellow when he least deserves it. There was JoeJoe , Tommy  steady as ever, and then—like an unexpected clause in a contract— Sandy S. Now Sandy arrived in her Corvette, which is already a statement. But Sandy  was wearing a motorcycle helmet while driving it. I have learned not to ask unnecessary questions in this life; the answers often require effort. I will simply note that by this method Sandy  remains alive and well on the intercom, and also remember “Wonderment” . Remember the word of the day, win a sawbuck. You may recall the two guiding words of this expedition: “Wonderment” and “Character.” They will be described later in much greater detail. We had to meet Ken C.  in Crestview, and before long there were 7 Sandies assembled —an arrangement that sounds improbable but was entirely factual. We rode 148 miles  enjoying the day, by which I mean we wrestled the wind, admired the sunshine, and pretended not to notice our fingers going numb. That wind made itself particularly known heading north. I am convinced it affected my gas mileage. Now, I am told by sober-minded individuals that this is not strictly possible. But I felt it in my soul—and more importantly, in my wallet. If a man cannot blame the wind for his fuel consumption, what comfort has he left? So I blamed it freely and felt better at once. We met Ken and traveled 81 miles  to Florala and Summers Kitchen. I am aware that common maps and lesser mathematicians would suggest a shorter distance. However, we were employing the Tim Method , which measures miles the way a fisherman measures bass—with generosity and conviction. By that system, it was 81  miles and not a foot less. Summers Kitchen is a country buffet of high moral standing. First-class pork chops, fried chicken that could mend family feuds, fish of commendable character, and all the sides a person could reasonably request without requiring a wheelbarrow. Even the dessert carried itself with distinction. The price was so reasonable it bordered on civic virtue. Good food, fine folks running the place, and fair pricing—what more can a Sandie ask for on a Sunday Adventure We headed back by the long and winding road, which is to say we chose the scenic route.. Now we can talk about those special words I asked you to remember, oh forgot them already huh.  Well, there goes your chance at a sawbuck, bucko. “Wonderment” belongs to Sandy . It is my polite term for the way she greets each day as if it has been freshly invented just for her. Some might choose a less charitable phrase—like Bat Shit Crazy—but I prefer “Wonderment.” With Sandy , every ride is a new chapter, and sometimes an entirely new book hence “Wonderment” “Character,” on the other hand, came courtesy of Tommy . We encountered a stretch of road that had clearly not benefited from the county surtax for road improvement. I confess, that is one tax I support wholeheartedly. Paving clay roads so I may enjoy them at speed seems a fair exchange. But this particular road had been overlooked. Tommy , with admirable diplomacy, referred to it as having “Character.” Thus another word enters the Sandie lexicon. And it did indeed have character—creative potholes, and opinions about suspension systems. It was less a road and more a suggestion of one. But between Wonderment and Character, sunshine and wind, good friends and better food, it turned out to be exactly the sort of day a man rides for. Cold, windy, but remember great food and company—and entirely worth it. Thank You JoeJoe for the pictures

The founder of the place for Motercyles passed away today. More details to follow

2013 < Back SKWIRREL 1953 - 2013 Shaaron Jackson Lively S haaron Jackson Lively, entered into Eternal rest, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. Shaaron was born on Sept. 15, 1953, Shaaron was adopted into a home by a father who loved her with all his heart Her two sons miss her and I miss her friendship and humor. She worked very hard to be a good motorcycle rider and was successful. She enjoyed riding with the Sand Dollar Motorcycle Club. Whether on a weekend ride, an overnight adventure or a multi-day adventure to new places. She did her best to be a good Sand Dollar. She paid her dues, worked events and attended most of the meetings and parties. One of her favorite Sandy rides was to Barbers Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Leeds Alabama. She loved her family and the Sand Dollar Family. She enjoyed Thunder Beach Daytona and other adventures. But always with other members when possible. From a frozen ride to Birmingham (27F !!) to hot summer rides, she was always ready to go. Working Sandy events was one of her contributions. Going from being a pillion warmer to passing her MC beginners course, she went from a Honda Rebel 250 to a Honda Shadow 650. Then she stepped up to the Honda Magna 750. She loved riding that bike. She owned two of them a 98 model and a 2003 model She loved the power and loved to ride daily. She went grocery shopping on it. So what if it took half a day and 4 trips to the store. It was all RIDING! She passed in a tragic accident on “Bloody 98” due to an unthinking and uncaring stupid person. (That was shown when he told others “I didn't hit her---she hit ME!” Yes technically that is true. She hit him at 55mph when he pulled out in front of her.) Her friends and family sorely miss her and always will. She is now one of the Sandies in Heaven riding with her angel wings. - SpectreSteve S haaron was taken from us suddenly by a truck that pulled out in front of her while doing one of the things she enjoyed most riding her motorcycle. It was a shock to all that knew her and has left many of us in disbelief and totally heart broken. Shaaron was like her last name the most lively woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. Passionate, Fun Loving, Patriotic, Life of the Party, Safe Riding Advocate, are only a few words that can not do justice to describe her. She was a strongly active member in the Patriot Guard and, strongly supported all our military members. She was one of those people that could light up a room when she walked in and, always kept people smiling and laughing. She is survived by her two sons Chris, Shelby, and the love of her life Steve and we are soulfully sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. She touched so many lives and, will ride on in our in our thoughts and memories forever. - Sandie John Skwirrel logged 59,506 miles as a Sandie and will forever be remembers by all of those fortunate enough to ride with her. Previous Next

SDMC Leaders < About Waldo Secretary Victory XCT Bobby has been a Sandie since 2012 and was given his road name when he was working a stop for one of the poker runs. He didn’t verify the actual location of the stop he was working and went to the same location from the last poker run he worked. Not being where he was expected to be, “Waldo” quickly caught on as his moniker. Bobby has a varied work career from retail, fast food, construction, two tours in the Air Force, and ultimately a test engineer. He enjoys live music shows, playing drums and riding. His first bike was a Yamaha V-Star 1100 and now rides a Victory Cross Country Tour which is his ‘dream bike’. Bobby joined the Sand Dollars because he didn’t know very many people that rode and wanted to learn the area back roads. The things Bobby likes best about the Sandies are the diversity, experience of the members, safe riding practices, trip planning, and maintenance. The Sandies are a huge resource and always willing to share their knowledge. He attends skills when he can, as he enjoys the practice and learns a lot. However, he also likes to just ride and will skip them in order to ride someplace new. Bobby participates in the annual tours, and doesn't need much convincing when there's a discussion about an overnight trip. Bobby’s dream ride is the Million Dollar Highway, and touring along the California coast through the Redwoods and into Utah and Washington. The Sandies are diverse, enthusiastic and accepting of everyone. Bobby looks forward to meeting and welcoming new members as they come on board. secretary@sanddollarmc.com < Previous Next >

2013 < Back Harry Garner 1938 - 2013 Harry logged 2,303 miles as a Sandie and will forever be remembers by all of those fortunate enough to ride with him. Previous Next