With nasty weather lurking around every corner, I opted not to meet up at the planned GTD before heading over to the Missing Parts Ride at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson. I headed straight there from Niceville dodging the sprinkles and soaking up the sun. The turnout for the charity was fantastic! It looked like half the panhandle had shown up, and I spotted at least four Sandies in the crowd. George and Sam had their Spyders parked by the service bay, the Sand Dollar M/C windscreen banner proudly on display. 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 walks up and says 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. Can't blame them; some days you choose the ride, and some days the ride to a climate-controlled safety chooses you. Tim and I reviewed the planned route for this ride. Let's see... down 98, across to 87, up to Milton, loop around Blackwater, and back down 87 and 98. I’m sure it would have made for an impressive, miles long procession of bikes. The kind that looks great on the evening news. We'd already paid our entry fee to support the cause, so our wallets had done their good deed for the day. But our souls? Our souls craved a few curves. Tim looks over to me and says, “lunch at Two Cousins?” “Yup” And we headed back over to the Winn-Dixie parking lot where we were both parked. After a brief parking lot puzzle involving a rogue Spyder blocking Tim 's escape, we were finally free and pointed north. We were just getting to other side of Mossy Head when the sky decided to give us a complimentary three-minute rinse. It was just enough to get us slightly damp before popping out the other side into the sunshine. By the time we pulled into Two Cousins Café , it was hard to tell sweat from 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 there. It was my first time there, and the patty melt with a side of okra was calling my name. Tim went for a classic cheeseburger. We talked about life and the finer points of things that can quickly make you miserable if you aren’t careful. We both came to the profound, earth-shattering conclusion that for us, motorcycles are not optional. They are a required prescription for maintaining sanity. It’s the best kind of throttle therapy. Geared up and feeling philosophical, we stepped back out into the sweltering heat. It wasn't long before we rode into our first real shower. Funny how 75-degree rain feels downright chilly when you’ve been simmering in 90-degree humidity. That "refreshing" blast lasted about five minutes. Then we rode through another, and another, each one a little less intense but a little warmer than the last. It was like riding through a car wash 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. All told we clocked in 129 miles . I had fun and would do it again. Will definitely do Two Cousins Café again; I can see why that place is a Sandie favorite. Ride safe and stay dry!

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, eight Sandies rode 146 miles for food, entertainment, and… well, morbid curiosity. The Cat Herder led the way up through Crestview and into Blackwater Forest. Along the way, we were planning to take a left onto Pleasant Home Church Rd, but there was a “Bridge Out” sign at the turn. Naturally, comments ensued regarding the subma-wing incident. We continued along the long arc into Milton and ventured down Avalon Blvd. Our illustrious Captain led us to the Fishing Hole which appeared to be closed. We stood around in the parking lot contemplating out life’s choices when the door opened, and the “open” sign lit up. JoeJoe was inside before the rest of us had a chance to comprehend. Once inside the Dark Prince shared stories of his recent trip to the family home in Italy. Georgia Tim told tales of half-retirement. JoeJoe flipped through pictures of #snowmageddon, still in utter disbelief of the weather event. While waiting for our food, Sandy kept us going with stories of the randomness much of us have endured together over the years. While we were enjoying a very tasty fish lunch, the Cat Herder just kept going over and over the bridge incident. He wanted to “see” the bridge that was out. After lunch, we loaded up and the plan was shared: we were going back to the bridge that was out. JoeJoe just couldn’t bare to see history repeat itself. He peeled away fairly quickly. Georgia Tim bailed when we left highway 90 to go north. The rest of us, we tagged along to see just how far our Road Captain would push it. Apparently right up to the barricade. The Siren Song was in the air GQ was thanked numerous times for going out the last time the Cat Herder went fording a river. He didn’t say it, but he was exceptionally relieved to not have to do it again. We all stopped for the obligatory picture on the way back. Sam remarked that she’d follow him almost anywhere without hesitation. However, she would not test her can-am in the water. The trek back to our respective homes was uneventful. It was a great day for a ride and it was nice to have some fish that weren’t fried.

We kicked things off bright and early with our monthly business meeting. The Cat Herder  was showing off the new Sheepdog patch, and we heard all about the SS United States coming into Mobile soon. Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to another great session. It was great seeing SpecreSteve  again, who is spending more and more of his time with his wife in the Philippines. Once the business was taken care of, it was time to hit the road. Our destination: DeFuniak Springs, Florida. We said our farewells to those who couldn’t make the ride today, and one by one we donned our gear and started our bikes. Some have more gear than others Seven Sandies made our way up north. Soon after getting out of traffic, the Dark Prince  embraces the awkward and points out the Ace  has nine RAM® Ball mounts on his Can-Am. A discussion ensued regarding the potential road name change. George pointed out that there are only so many jokes one can make with “Ram”, “Ball”, or “Mount” as a road name. Waldo  pointed out that we would be relegating Tony to a life of 70’s mustaches. The group tabled the discussion because about halfway down Bob Sikes Rd, we see a few bikes roar past heading west. GQ  mentioned the last one looked like a Triumph. Tim chimed in with looked like a Rocket 3 to him. About 10 seconds later Tommy noted the Triumph had made a U-turn and was behind him now… After a brief stop at the nearby Ritz (Food Store), we confirmed that MacRocket  had joined our band. Eight Sandies  rode into DeFuniak Springs. We rode past the tiny library, train depot, caboose, and pulled into the downtown storefronts on Baldwin Ave. It was great to catch up, share some laughs, and enjoy a delicious meal together at Perla Baking Company . Delicious With our bellies full and spirits high, we strolled outside, where JoeJoe   was actually included in a picture with the new Sheepdog Patch. Since Joe is typically behind the camera taking photos, we don’t get too many with him organically visible (he usually adds himself during post processing). Super Sixes, Sweeps, Tail, Drag, and now Sheepdogs Back on our bikes, Tim lead us through a few loops in central/eastern Walton County. The sun was shining, the air was a perfect 66°F, and these are some of the absolute best (and my personal favorite) motorcycling roads in the Panhandle. It felt like a special treat. George and Sam E  separated from the group early to go visit someone in the area. The rest of us looped and swooped our way back to 285 where the fun ended, and the commute home began again. All in all, I clocked us with 129.7 miles  (but I didn’t start tracking  until a few miles after I started) A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made this day so fantastic. Whether you were there for the meeting, the ride, or both, it was great to catch up and see some of you again. We’re already looking forward to our next adventure!   Upcoming Events: 1.       March 9th Ride to Food ( Remember Munchkin : Time springs forward one hour on this morning! ) 2.       March 16th Chili Ride 3.       March 23rd Skills 4.       March 29th Conecuh Sausage Ride

Motorcycle clubs are often viewed through a lens of rugged appearances and rebellious spirits. However, they also play significant roles within their communities, often fostering connections, promoting safety, and engaging in charitable activities. I'd like to take a moment to explore some club activities and the positive impacts on local communities. As motorcyclists, it is our responsibility to ensure we are doing our part to represent motorcycling positively. Studies have shown that one negative interaction will counteract five positive interactions. The Role of Motorcycle Clubs in the Community Motorcycle clubs serve both members and the communities they reside in. From organizing individual events to participating in local rallies, clubs create both social bonds and networks that extend well beyond motorcycling itself. Clubs cultivate a sense of belonging by bringing together individuals who share a passion for riding, and can promote responsible behaviors that enhance the community as a whole. Clubs organize social events, including bike shows, charity runs, community gatherings, or rides through the community. These events not only provide a platform for motorcycle enthusiasts to showcase their bikes but also promote camaraderie and goodwill among community members. Many clubs also invite non-members to participate, thereby enriching the community's social fabric. A charity event brings the community together Charity Work and Community Service One of the most commendable roles of motorcycle clubs is their commitment to charity work. Many clubs engage in fundraising activities aimed at supporting local causes. Many clubs in our area help to raise funds for medical treatments, education programs, veteran affairs, elderly care, and childhood safety. For example, a club might organize a ride where all proceeds help raise funds for a family in our community experiencing an unprecedented hardship. These events often attract large crowds, providing exposure for both the club and charities. Motorcycle charity events can raise critically needed funds, significantly impacting the nonprofits they support all across America. In addition to fundraising, many motorcycle clubs participate in community service projects. This can involve helping with local clean-up efforts, participating in food drives, or even mentoring youth in the community. Such activities dispel the myths often associated with motorcycle clubs, revealing them as proactive community members rather than scruffy troublemakers. Community service by motorcycle club members Building Safety Awareness Safety is a critical concern for motorcyclists, and many clubs contribute by promoting safe riding practices. They often organize safety workshops, provide training sessions, and distribute educational materials on safe riding. This has a twofold benefit: it helps to reduce accidents among both club members and the general public. Areas with active motorcycle clubs tend to have lower accident rates. Working closely with local authorities and safety organizations, motorcycle clubs foster awareness and education campaigns. Initiatives may include collaborations with law enforcement or hosting "Bike Safety Days," where riders learn and practice motorcycle handling, road safety, or accident scene management through community-based safety education programs. Sand Dollar Motorcycle Club members practicing advanced handling and promoting safe riding practices Social Connections and Fellowship The social aspect of motorcycle clubs cannot be overlooked. Clubs are where individuals come together and bond over shared passions and experiences. This connection is especially significant for those who might feel isolated in their everyday lives. The sense of comradery and kinship among members often leads to lifelong friendships that extends well beyond riding motorcycles. Members of motorcycle clubs often support each other during life challenges by providing emotional backing or physical assistance when needed. The bonds formed here can sometimes feel akin to family ties, making clubs a strong support system for their members. Moreover, clubs often host events to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or even the journeys of members who have achieved significant personal goals, reinforcing their commitment to each other and the community. Combatting Stereotypes and Building Positive Relationships Despite the positive contributions, motorcycle clubs have often faced negative stereotypes. These clubs are sometimes painted as troublemakers or viewed with suspicion by the general public. Combatting these stereotypes is essential for sustaining their role within the community. Many clubs actively work to change public perceptions by participating in community events, engaging in public service, and inviting local residents to join their activities. Effective community engagement helps to highlight their contributions and reassures the public that their intentions are positive. When and participating in community events, it helps to wear club logos, ride to the event, bring other members with you. Additionally, collaborating with local businesses can help improve public perceptions. Partnering with restaurants or shops for events not only provides visibility for a club, but ensures positive and impactful interaction with the community. Even small efforts help pave the way for better relationships. Engaging the Younger Generation Another critical role of motorcycle clubs is engaging the younger generation. Many clubs offer mentorship programs aimed at youth, focusing on motorcycle safety, responsible riding, and the values of teamwork and community service. By mentoring young riders, clubs ensure the longevity of the riding culture. Youth engagement isn’t just about motorcycling; it's also an opportunity to instill values like responsibility, respect, and camaraderie. Activities organized by clubs serve to inspire the next generation and encourage them to adopt positive relationships with motorcycling. Involving younger individuals in club activities not only nurtures their passion for motorcycles but also teaches them about the importance of community service and social responsibility. We all know it when we ride past a young kid learning to ride their bicycle. A friendly wave usually brings a smile across their face that can be seen from miles away. A bit of encouragement can go a long way when these littles ones are learning a difficult task that requires focus and concentration. The Future: Strengthening Community Ties As motorcycle culture continues to evolve, the role of motorcycle clubs in the community will likely change as well. By recognizing our influence and making a deliberate effort to engage with the community, clubs can foster deeper connections and a more positive public image. Marketing events through social media, hosting joint initiatives with community organizations, and maintaining an open dialogue with neighbors can significantly enhance our impact. Establishing initiatives that resonate with the local community's needs, like environmental efforts or youth programs, can position motorcycle clubs as essential threads in the fabric of communal well-being. Ultimately, the key to a sustainable, positive role in the community is for motorcycle clubs to remain agile, open-minded, and committed to mutual benefit. Leaving a Legacy Motorcycle clubs should aspire to leave a positive legacy that future generations can be proud of. This can only be achieved through commitment to community service, safety awareness, and fostering relationships with diverse community members. By taking proactive steps to engage with local residents and serve as role models for the younger generation, motorcycle clubs can dispel myths, create change, and ultimately enrich their communities. The compassion, values, and dedication shown by these clubs reveal their true colors. Members, who are often heroes in their own right, can show just how outdated those stereotypes are and their dedication to making better communities for all. Motorcycle clubs have a multifaceted impact on their communities that extends well beyond the open road. By understanding and supporting these roles, we amplify their positive contributions and empower them to continue their valuable work.

Well folks, another short monthly meeting of the Sand Dollar Motorcycle Club is in the books! But as any motorcyclist knows, the real business happens after the gavel drops. Today was no exception. With the serious stuff out of the way, a brave (or perhaps just hungry) contingent of five souls decided to stretch their bikes' legs and chase some sunshine. Our fearless leader, Cat Herder , rounded up the usual suspects: the ever-reliable Sam E , the jovial JoeJoe , the smooth-riding Ace , the always-stylish Nikki G , and, well, Waldo (we're still not entirely sure how he manages to blend into every group photo, but there he was!). Our destination? The Depot Restaurant Catering and Venue , a fine establishment known for its ability to refuel both man and machine (okay, maybe just the man part). The route, a delightful 157-mile loop, promised a good mix of scenery and, much to our collective delight, some stretches of that glorious, recently laid asphalt. You know the stuff – so smooth it feels like you're gliding on butter (albeit a very fast, slightly noisy butter). The stop at The Depot was, as expected, a highlight. Stories were shared over hearty lunches, and the camaraderie amongst the group was palpable. It's moments like these, sharing a meal and a laugh after a good ride, that truly make being part of this club so special. Now, no motorcycle adventure is truly complete without a minor navigational hiccup, right? Today, we were treated to not one, but two impromptu U-turns. Luckily, a few wide sections of roadway and very limited traffic gave us the chance to get back on track. After all, what's a good ride without a little unplanned scenery? It just adds to the story! We all eventually rolled back towards home, our faces sporting the tell-tale signs of a day well spent – a slight tan, a few bug splatters, and most importantly, big grins. So, here's to good company, smooth roads (mostly!), and the occasional navigational detour that keeps things interesting. If you missed out on today's post-meeting jaunt, don't fret! There are always more miles to be ridden and more adventures to be had with the Sandies . Keep an eye on the calendar for our next ride – we'd love to have you join us! Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!

Lets start off by saying that any day where everyone makes it back home safely is a good day. Add on that there were no mechanical woes that stranded anyone and we have a great day. To those ends, we had a great day today (September 14, 2024). Seven Sandies rode 252 miles for ice cream and food. Six of us met at GTD this foggy morning, but only one enjoyed breakfast. George walked in an immediately announced that we will be riding Hwy 20. There were a few curious glances, but the comment was largely directed towards JoeJoe and I ( Waldo ). We had a few email exchanges during the planning portion of this ride. JoeJoe was elated to have the .gpx file import into his Navi without fanfare ( imagine foreboding font utilized for emphasis ). I on the other hand was protesting, ok flat out whining, because riding Hwy 20 is about as much fun as getting a root canal. Just a few minutes before the start we meander out to start donning all of the appropriate safety gear. Munchkin gets a little sidetracked talking bike accessories, but got back on course just n the nick of time. Just as the wheels start to spin, we hear Tony G come over comms and say "wait, hold up". I don't think we ever knew what the issue was, but he got it sorted in a few minutes. Ok, now we were off. Tommy ( GQ ) met up with us as we rode through Bluewater Bay, and our sextet was officially a septet. Everything seemed to be perfectly normal. It was still a little foggy near the water, and Hwy 20 delivered on it's promise. We were fortunate to not be behind a group of vehicles holding up traffic ( read as we were a large group of bikes holding up traffic ). We turned up 79 and stop to stretch in Vernon. Not much to see of Vernon where we were, but they do appear to be doing extensive work reusing old shipping containers. As soon as we were back on the road, we started noticing a peculiar behavior from our Road Captain. Before he would speak to us on the radio, he would call for us; he called for Sam often. When any of us would respond, he wouldn't say anything. A minute or two later, he would repeat this pattern. "Hey Sam ?" asked George "Yeah ****** " replied Sam (redacted for our squeamish readers) Silence for 90+ seconds. Eventually, "Hey Joe?" George would ask. "Umm yeah George?" replied JoeJoe Silence again. This pattern continued until the Cat Herder  missed the next turn. As he's sharing his distain for the electronic hell he has found himself in, JoeJoe cuts back on to exclaim that it's OK, Navi didn't want us to turn there anyways. The Cat Herder  thinks we might be able to loop around - nope middle of the two lane roadway we have to u-turn back the way we came. Making a left onto our previously missed right, the fun really began. One by one, our GPS systems started redirecting us in endless waypoint loops. As best as I could tell either we had some waypoints slightly off the roadway, or they were simply in the wrong order. Either way, the Garmin devices and the Navi were not happy. A short while later we made a right when we should have gone straight. That's when George tells us that every time he would say something (i.e. "Hey -insert name-") Siri would start talking to him. We quickly realized that our Road Captain was being seduced by Siri's siren song. Unlike the fabled Beowulf, we did not have our Cat Herder  tied to a mast for safety. So we were left alone to perilously wander through the backroads on our own. We revert to calling out the various directions our devices show and guiding our Cat Herder extraordinaire by committee. Even with JoeJoe 's Navi in the mix, we somehow managed to complete our journey across NWFL to a dessert oasis. After enjoying some refreshing ice cream from the Ocheesee Creamery in front of the Shady Nook Farm, George announces that we will be heading to Jim's Buffet and Grill in Marianna . We thank them for all of their gifts from the bottom of our hearts. Tommy is slightly disappointed with this news as he just had ice cream. Nevertheless, Sandies must endure! We took a much more cautious route ( straight up HWY 69 to 90 ) to Jim's. We get in, eat, have some laughs and hydrate. Afterwards, we head back on 90... nearly the whole dang way. The Cat Herder  disabled his headset to avoid calamity. Boredom and heat exhaustion have set in firmly. Munchkin was not having great luck with his cruise control, and found himself rotating between lane positions. Tony G was taking in the sights of the road and the five hundred roadside flea market/garage sale stands lined up along the way. GQ peeled off to get more water and to stretch. However, the Cat Herder  still had his headset disconnected. By the time he realized we were missing a rider we were miles down the road. GQ passed us a half hour later while we were stopped for fuel and a rest. Sticking to his namesake, GQ stopped and waited for us to catch back up. Overall it was a day filled with small oddities and annoyances. You know, all of the stuff that can frustrate and distract a rider on the road. The Sandies stayed positive. We cracked self depreciating jokes, and keeping on moving forward. I suppose that's what separates our humble club from the rest. We keep reminding each other of the silver linings and the assortment of puns you could use in the situation at hand. Whether genuine or sarcastic, we keep a smile on our faces.

Ignoring the call of the backroads and smells of fresh biscuits in the air, seven Sandies came out to help work the annual SRI-TRI in the very early Saturday morning hours. Four members volunteered to carry judges and ride during the cycling portion of the event, offering their riding expertise to transport race officials along the 21 kilometer (13 mile) cycling route. This allows race officials to closely monitor the cyclists, ensuring adherence to the rules and providing immediate assistance if needed. Monitoring participants throughout the course is required for all USAT sanctioning. A big thanks goes out to all involved. M2 Sensei coordinated with race officials to pull this whole thing off. He was the first bike out and make more laps than anyone else. JoeJoe had the honor of carrying the only road course judge and pulled super six duties for the day. Munchkin who was fashionably late to join the group and was the last to leave the cyclist. The Cat Herder , Sam E , and Ace who cheered from their rolling couches produced by Can-Am.

Eight Sandies braved a 43 ˚F morning to enjoy one of the best riding days of the year. Oh and we rode 126 miles to get food. When the Cat Herder asked if I had any ideas for the Tom Turkey ride, I had no idea what was in store. I thought, sure, I’ve been wanting to checkout The Hideout . I rode past after Thunder Beach and they were packed with bikes. It looked like a new Outpost . I also thought about how I’ve been enjoying a few roads out that way lately, so why not. I put together a route. I mapped and exported it nine different ways, only to find out that none of them would actually load on a device. There were two problem areas that mapping software just didn’t like. I put it together as best as I could, then explained the rest to the Cat Herder via text and email. We forwarded it to JoeJoe who immediately ran into trouble uploading the Navi on his H-D CVO Limited. He eventually got something uploaded, but can’t view or delete it… In other words, everything is starting out just like one would expect. We all met up at Good Things Donuts . I just had to get a small coffee and one donut because that place lives up to its name. There was a line for the restroom when it was time to head outside. I was last in line, so by the time I’d made it out most already had their gear on. Flustered, I rushed to put all my stuff on and get ready. No one likes being left behind, and the Sandies have a habit of departing a few minutes early. I hurried out and put on my helmet, gloves, headset, music , and then the mesh comms. Ok, I’m ready just in time for the Cat Herder to motion for me to pay attention. He then says I should go ahead and lead the way since I have all of the turns programmed into my barely functioning Garmin… So I’m no longer in danger of leaving myself behind. That’s great news! Before I could bask in the newfound enjoyment of not being left, I realized what this meant. I’d be the one responsible to get fellow club members to lunch. I was between Sandies and food! There was only about 70 miles planned before lunch. We left at 8:58 (after all of that - we were still early) and had to go slow to take our time getting there. Being early would mean that we had to sit around and wait while thinking about the food we couldn't have. That’s the last thing I wanted to be responsible for. Fortune shined upon us though. The temperature started climbing quickly, the sun was shining, the pavement was dry, and we had a very scenic stroll through the countryside planned. Going slow on some of those curvy roads was tough. It has its perks too. We saw three fawns playing and two decided to run across in front of me as we got closer. About 15 families had dogs run along the fence line to welcome our presence near their homes. The roads didn’t disappoint, and everyone was smiling when we got to The Hideout . One of the owners met us in the parking lot and redirected the three wheelers to the rear of the parking area. I later found out that they get a lot of trikes, Can-Ams, and other three wheeled vehicles there; they have their own designated area. Another treat, one of the staff met us as we got off of our bikes with a kettle of apple cider. They told us it was there to help warm up anyone that may have been frozen from the ride. Inside, we were able to enjoy some very good sandwiches and burgers. Mark S commented that the Turkey was smoked really well. Munchkin make a joke about how it’s difficult to keep it lit but not too many people heard it. Sandy S had a pretzel so large she couldn’t finish it all. Sam E didn’t finish her burger either, and was kind enough to share some of her onion rings. Ace had been fairly quiet all morning but was getting a few light hearted jabs in as some of us recounted the worst of our most recent trip. Ace went the week prior, and apparently did not have the unfortunate weather we encountered. Also, Ace did not share any onion rings ( he might of offered, but I wasn't given him the opportunity to withdraw the offer as soon as I accepted ). After we ate, I went outside to check out the grounds. There were people doing sound checks or just jamming on the stage. Munchkin and I talked to one of the regulars who rode a Victory Vision. Naturally I wanted to ask about the bike I just wasn’t ready to own until it was too late. Not too long after we went outside JoeJoe took off like he was late for work. That was weird because JoeJoe has been retired from work for a few months now. Shortly thereafter, I got the look from the Cat Herder that says hey it’s time to go. The place was starting to get busier, so we said our farewells and loaded up. We headed back a slightly different route but almost just as scenic. My Garmin threw a fit a few times, and I ended up missing the one road that I wanted to show everyone. Those of us on mesh all agreed that it was easy enough to turn around and Sandy S  was that only one that couldn’t speak up. So I made the Sand Dollar Motorcycle Club Signature Turnaround™ . Then we all see Munchkin  in the back and remember he’s not on mesh also. He probably thought we were silly to go back for a road that took us to the same place we were already heading. Once back on the correct road (CR280B) we ended up at the 331-intersection traffic light across from Coy Burgess Loop Rd. We weaved our way back to Bob Sikes Rd and stopped at the gas station just in case Munchkin  needed fuel. We wait… and we wait… no Munchkin  to be seen. Mark S  says he waited at the corner of Chesser Rd, but he never came. After a brief discussion about how Munchkin  typically peels off towards Navarre at the end of our rides. It’s strange though, because he also usually waves goodbye as he does a fly-by. The Cat Herder putting back on his Chief Cat Herding Hat , doubled back to make sure Munchkin  isn’t lost, stranded, or worse. He makes to it all the way back to 331, and nada. He goes up 331 to the end of Bob Sikes, and comes back that way. The only thing we can figure Is that he went north on 331 and either too I-10 or 90 to 87 before heading south to home. Wherever you are Munchkin , I hope you are safe, warm, and with Helen. The rest of us load up and head back to our homes. It was 76 ˚F inside the fairing of my bike by the time I made it home. It was a beautiful day for a ride. The food was good, and we got to hear the story of 2-Tom and how the Tom Turkey ride came to be.

Since 1996, The Stagecoach Café in Stockton Alabama has been swarmed by motorcycle enthusiasts every December 30th. Dubbed “the last ride of the year”, this is a Ride To Eat (RTE) event, and folks ride from all over the country to attend. There are no club or manufacturer affiliations, and no money is charged to attendees. The event was hosted by John Harrison who’s a multiple time Iron Butt Rally Finisher and has held the honor of IBR Scribe multiple times. Awards were given to: Youngest Rider: 18 Oldest Rider: 82 there were two, the winner went to a man whose birthday is in February Farthest Distance: 4575 miles in less than 72 hours Oldest Bike Ridden: 1969 11 Sandies  and two  family members made the trek up to Stockton. I clocked us in at just under 252 miles  round trip. The adventure was filled with harrowing tales of Sand Dollar U-Turns, fuel anxiety, attempted formation hijacking, an embarrassing hot mic moment, and a deafening arrival of the local chapter to one of the largest motorcycle clubs in the world. George “ Cat Herder ” E, Sam E , Tommy “ GQ ” N, Sandy S , Bobby “ Waldo ” B, Dennis O , and Joe W  met up at Good Things Donuts and rode together towards Stockton. We picked up JoeJoe , Tony “ Ace ” G, and Nikki G along our spirited journey towards food. As we passed under I-65 another motorcyclist on an adventure bike decided to merge from the exit ramp into the middle of our formation. Since there wasn’t room, he rode on the shoulder and tried to muscle his way in. He might have stood a decent chance; except we were on the way towards food. No one should ever expect curtesy from a Sand Dollar when between empty stomachs and buffets. Stagecoach Cafe, Stockton, AL As we pulled into Stockton it became evident that this year had an amazing turnout. There were bikes everywhere. The parking lot was full. The gas station across the street was packed. There were bikes lined alongside the road. Every drive had bikes parked. The shoulders, ditches, and dirt paths had adventure bikes facing every which direction. Half of our group found some space on the shoulder next to the restaurant. The rest of us parked at an abandoned building across the street. As we were getting off of our bikes and removing some layers (the day was really heating up), there was a thunderous roar with some of the loudest exhausts that I’ve heard since the days I rode with Ricky D . A dozen or so members of a local chapter of a very large club pulled in next to us. Multiple riders kept blipping he throttle making it impossible to even think. I was starting to get really annoyed until they disembarked and started screaming at each other. Not in an angry way, but in a hard of hearing way. I then realized that many of these gentlemen probably had no idea how loud their bikes were. I suspect nothing would have changed if they could, but it’s hard to stay annoyed at someone who legitimately couldn’t hear how much they offended everyone else’s ears. In the pandemonium, I dropped my key to my bike and was having a difficult time finding it. Eagle Eye Dennis O spotted my key wedged between the exhaust shield and the sprocket cover. Overflow Parking Walking up to the front door Once inside, the line moved quickly. Food was a little limited, but it was to be expected given the large number of bikes outside. Shortly after sitting down, I spotted a Victory jacket two tables down from ours. Who was wearing that glorious logo? None other than Shayna K ! oh, and Wes H  and Greg L  were sitting at the table with her. Pleasantries were exchanged. After eating, paying, bathroom breaks, and losing Nikki, I was able to catch up with Wes, Greg, and Shayna outside. I caught Wes and Shayna admiring a slammed Road Glide with an oversized front wheel. They quickly walked away as soon as I tried to get a picture… Ok, maybe it was coincidental. The impromptu meetup was short lived, as the group was restless having found Nikki (who was never lost). Parking Lot: Full House Speaking of lost, George led us towards every road in southern Alabama that had the word “old” in it. Apparently implying that something has some historical significance, attracts Road Captains like moths to flame. Somewhere along the two and a half U-Turns Dennis and I may have run over a moccasin that was desperately trying to cross the road. As we circled around Bay Minette, we saw other groups of riders parked in the shade discussing how lost we were. We eventually circled to Old Pensacola Rd, which was our route home and towards the next (much needed) fuel stop. As we were pulling into a Cantonment gas station, we heard “Oh Look, there’s a whole herd of them coming” break in over open mesh. Would have been fine, except a rider in the group proceeded to poke fun of our motley group. George broke in with a “Hey Buddy” and everyone in both groups broke out in laughter. It was that special kind of moment where someone was tasking shoe leather, it wasn’t us (this time)!  After fueling up, we made our way back to our respective homes and called it a day.

The Sand Dollar Motorcycle club ventured out to Stockton Alabama for lunch today. Seven Sandies rode 250 miles to lunch and back. The Pot O’ Luck ride was led by our newest Sandie, Ken C ., who I met for the first time today. We left good things donuts at 8 am and it was already 78.3°F (25°C). We headed north but didn’t venture down too many side roads. We had a long way to go, and there are only so many ways to get to Stockton Alabama in time for lunch. Sandies take an early morning break from the heat. Tommy kept us all talking together by sacrificing his Sena unit as the “router” for us and Ken ’s Cardo. There was the usual joking and jammering on the way. The obligatory reminder to George that Goldwings don’t float as we passed the Bryant Bridge. Tommy pointed out after driving through a water puddle that his bike was dirty, he’ll have to go get a new one now. We were laughing along the way a lot. Talk about the heat, rain showers, puns, and craziness in the local news. We listened to Sam respond to George ’s comms check a few dozen times. JoeJoe pointed out that his Navi will often tell him both; I guess he likes to use the road numbers, so we have no idea what he’s talking about. Much to our surprise, Sandy was on mesh today keeping us laughing. We made it to the Stagecoach Café just before the sweltering heat forced another pit stop. We ate, and hung out inside just a bit to help wait out some of the heat. The chicken was delicious – as it always is. They had some desserts that were phenomenal too. It was strange to be there on a normal Sunday without all of the motorcycling crowding filling every possible dining space. It’s a quite little place, and the employees were working super hard to keep the drinks flowing, people fed, and keeping the place clean. We walked out to 99°F (37°C) air slapping us in the face. We begrudgingly put back on our gear and loaded up to head back home. The heat just kept making sure you didn’t think of much else. In true Sandie fashion, delirium quickly set and the chatter over the radio was started right up. We were laughing as much as we were talking. Sandy was taunting me with her ice-cold water at every stop light. Then the group started picking on the stock horn on the Victory. Apparently, I missed the memo on the importance of volume, pitch, and depth of a device I never use. We said our farewells to those living on the southern end of the county. Ken , Tommy , Sandy , and I rode on to Crestview. Ken peeled off, and the rest of us rode on into Niceville together. We never saw the cooling rain we were hoping for by the end of the ride. We each got about four large drops, but nothing that could lower the sweltering heat. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up! Upcoming Rides/Events: 1. July 13th Business Meeting (pushed a week out for the July 4th Weekend) 2. July 20th Breakfast Ride 3. July 26th Saturday Ride 4. August 3rd Business Meeting

Everyone has heard of the canopy roads around Tallahassee. The Sandies have ridden them for years. Well you might be surprised to find our county has quite a few miles of canopy roads. They are nice shaded tunnels of tree's. This last Sunday the Sandies ate a good breakfast and rode some pretty miles of Shady tree lined country roads. Today was get up early and beat the heat  Ride, Breakfast Ride. Had 10 Sandies  did 125 miles , never left Okaloosa County. Mark and Lorna S   met us at Diner 85 ,north of Crestview. Tommy  was in his truck, sent the seat from his S2S off for work. Now the non-rides are taken care of on to the Rides. Tim W  stopped in from his adventures to ride and eat with us. JoeJoe received his HOG Club 40 year patch I bet there is not a lot of those around. WE took the Sandie Route to Breakfast.   Then after pretty good food it was off to see Okaloosa’s Canopy roads.  It would surprise you how many roads we have in the north county with tunnels of tree’s. The reason we have so many still standing is that when the county paved these old clay roads, they just paved. The state relaxed the need stats for building a road. The state wanted to get clay roads paved over to keep clay out of the watershed. No shoulders, narrow and bumpy at times.    Then it was dark skies all around that got our attention. We turned south hoping to slip in between the cells. Sam, Tim  and I did pretty good staying dry. I understand Bobby B and Sandy  met the preverbal open faucet. JoeJoe  also got soaked before reaching home. Yes it was a bit damp but we got to ride and ride with good friends.   Sunday is our world famous Pot O Luck Ride 9 am GTD.

Well it was more lunch then Dinner but this made a better title. We had 10 Sandies  at the meeting and two virtual attendees, Tommy N  and Sandy S .  Now Sandy  was there but neither in mind or body.  After 5 Sandies made the 120 miles  to lunch.  The usual  Hooligans Sam, Bobby B  and JoeJoe  made the Blackwater Run to lunch. Because everywhere we looked it was rain and we were running out of ways to dodge showers, we ate at Texas Roadhouse. Food was good, after we dodged rainback home bottom line WE STAYED DRY Sunday is Father’s Day and a breakfast ride , 7 am GTD.

Big News in the Sandies Community First, 8 Sandies completed an impressive 165 miles to enjoy breakfast and ride afterward. We’re excited to share some incredible news! STOP THE PRESSES , ATTENTION ALL THE SHIPS AT SEA! Tommy (Five Wheels) has added a stunning dark green 2023 Spyder to his collection, which also includes a beautiful Gen 3 GL. If you didn't catch the "five wheels" reference, just send me a PM for an explanation. This adventurous day started on a high note, and there’s plenty more to share! The Interesting Cast of Characters On this journey, we encountered a unique mix of personalities. Let’s set the record straight: Bobby B is not the easiest person to be around. He is infamous for his witty, double-meaning remarks. For instance, when I mentioned how many years Sam and I have been married, Bobby quickly chimed in, “Oh, I was one year old when that happened.” Was that really necessary? Sandy S , his sidekick and a true pot stirrer, seemed to think that it was! Despite that, a special thank you goes out to Mark S , who played the role of the "Sheepdog" today. Thank you, Mark , for keeping us on track! JoeJoe also deserves recognition for keeping us informed about the weather conditions throughout the ride. Thank you, Joe ! Breakfast at Fannin’s Now, let’s talk about breakfast. We dined at Fannin’s, located north of DeFuniak Springs. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was simply fun. One lovely waitress took our orders and, when the time came to serve our meals, another lady delivered the food. As she stood holding plates, she asked, “Who had this?” Eventually, one of us spoke up with, “It’s mine!” Then another chimed in. The lady quickly realized that the meals were all out of order at the table. With a laugh, she exclaimed, “Thank You, Jesus!” It seemed the previous server wasn’t known for her organizational skills. Their comedic routine added an extra layer of joy to our meal. It’s not every day you get a stand-up comedy show along with a delicious breakfast. Fannin’s is truly worth the visit! Riding to New Destinations After breakfast, we set out for an exquisite ride on some outstanding roads. We even took a detour that turned out to be a delightful surprise. I must admit; it was challenging for me to resist the urge to drive past the "road closed" sign. However, cooler heads prevailed, and I decided to follow the detour. The ride proved to be glorious. We enjoyed stunning scenery, delicious food, and the company of great friends. Who could ask for more? The Journey's Lasting Memories Reflecting on our day, the combination of laughter, good food, and the thrill of the open road made for an unforgettable adventure. It’s moments like these that remind us of the joys of riding and the camaraderie it fosters. So, if you are looking for a remarkable experience similar to what we had, don’t hesitate to join the Sandies crew on the next ride. Assuming you're intrigued by our adventures, remember that memories matter in the realm of motorcycling. Let's cherish these moments and look forward to our next gathering. Pictures courtesy of Sandy and JoeJoe

Today was one of our  Famous  Pot O Luck Ride . Where someone volunteers to lead a ride to lunch or Breakfast whichever. The shortest ride was Munchkins  lead to Mother Earth’s. Less than a Block, todays was a nice 160 milers  Small group today 6 Sandies , a ride’n 6 Sandies though. Did 160 miles  never left Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties. At any one time we were less than 40 miles from home, in a straight line. We were anything like a straight line from anywhere today. Riding through tunnels of canopy makes for a cool, temperature wise ride.  Tallahassee is famous for their canopy roads. I dare say we have more than our fair share of canopy roads cause we rode a bunch today. Unusual day not one stinking U-Turn, can you believe that ?.    Had lunch  at Ace ‘s Hanger Grill on Avalon Blvd in Milton. Very good food, great service we will be back for sure. JoeJoe  and Tommy  represented the Two Wheelers very well . Tommy  is getting more and more familiar with the new Wing , riding it very well.. Doing good is JoeJoe as always he can ride that Harley. The rest of us carried the Three Wheeler banner very well thank you .  It was a good Sandie Sunday, great roads and of course good food. All part of the equation that makes Sandie Rides so much fun.   Take a look at Tommy’s  New GL, Joe has a great picture of it . Business Meeting Sunday May 4 Golden Corral

What an Easter! 7 Sandies  did 200 miles ,. Actually 200 and change but when you do that before 2 pm who’s counting.  Another first, well in a long time anyway Two meal stops on a Sandie Day Ride. Well we used to do that back in the 80’s when we would go over to Mississippi for a Poker Run. ,Leave from Lums early ride to Biloxi or Gulf Port do the Run and head back to FWB. Some folks stopped and had dinner. Those of us that pressed on used to get home around 6 pm. We were also a lot younger then, it is nice we can still do it.   Okay The day started at 7 am as we are leaving town we spot Bobby on the other side of 85 heading to meet us ( running a bit late ) Tommy  recognized the rider of the Victory as the notorious Bobby The B . We pull over and wait, Bobby  catches up and it’s off to Breakfast. A note here, Its Easter Sunday, DeFuniak has a ton of churches. I failed to take all the pieces of the puzzle into account. Fanin’s on 87 Closed, Nola Closed.  Ahha! we find   Perla Baking Company is open and serving delicious  breakfast .   After Breakfast were retire to the Train Station, where SHAZAAM !  The one and only Sandie Grumpy Bunny appears. GB ( Grumpy Bunny ) offers the assembled Sandies a deal. No, not “ The Devil Went Down to Georgia ” type of deal. But a sweet deal it was, GB pulls a card you pull one, you guess that your card is higher and lower. Simple, well not to The Sandies, we start with Bobby “what’s the catch“? Now how can you not trust a representative of the Easter Bunny, really? Then Sandy S  wants the “true” rules. Really these Sandies are a non-trusting bunch, Sheesh. Okay first Sandie JoeJoe  wins, he gets to pick a prize from the Magic Basket. Then it’s Tommy’s  turn “No you can’t look in the Bag or first”.  Tommy picks wins, picks a prize.  Then Sandy  looking, very skeptical, draws, Oh My Sandy  Loses, NO, REALLY!   Sandy wants a redraw, sorry to the back of the line you go. Just so you don’t break down weeping for Sandy , there was a prize eventually won by Sandy. After all that drama, the rest of The Sandies manage to win. When I get back to Bunny HQ I’m asking for a raise. Working with The Sandies is draining and exacting on the mind. Next year I think Folsom Prison would be a vacation after this.   Then it’s the open road we went from the edge of Walton County to the other end of Okaloosa County. Man, we had a ball stitching some of Tim W ‘s fantastic roads and some of the OG roads into one incredible route. I have a confession to make, I couldn’t help it, honest. The sign said “Road Closed” I pressed on, yes I did. It’s like waving a red flag at a bull, I just gotta. JoeJoe  said he was waiting for the U-turn, never came, Cat Herder luck held.   Then I hear over the radio, “Where’s Lunch”, really lunch? I didn’t mishear; look at the clock almost 11 am. The Sandies don’t need a clock the Collective Belly is uncannily accurate. So, we stich more roads, including Lake Eula rd. now paved all the way through. Again we try places normally open, Happy Easter. Finally end up at Task Force Pizza. Very good choice, pizza was delicious, service was spot on. Then it was finally point ourselves home and the end of a fabuloso Ride.     Thanking Sandy and JoeJoe for the outstanding pictures Wishing all of you a Happy Easter!

Today was a very special Oh My God day. Let’s list a few of the superlatives of the day. Weather fantastic, 14 Sandies , that my friend is not a misprint, 14 Sandies. By the Sandie Ride Manual that is two and half groups ( using the 6 to a group rule). But being  Sandies 5 or 6 to a group, give or take. Rode 147 miles  of simply fantastic roads. Before we go any further I must thank Sandy S,   ooh this next one hurts, The Prince ( Tim W) . Both did a simply superb job as Sheepdogs. The Sheepdog, for all of you that just woke up from a twenty year nap. They are at the back of the groups they keep an eye peeled looking out for everyone in the group. They regularly let The Lead know the situation from the tale position. Quite frankly a good Sheepdog makes leading a bunch of Sandies a much more enjoyable ride.   Okay enough of the high praise. First I want to say it was great to see Peggy O  and Melanie W . it is always a pleasure to see you. Peggy and The Chief ( Dennis )  are an item. Peggy  pilots a nice Harley very well, I always say Peggy  is a very capable Bike handler. Melanie  we don’t get to see very often. Melanie  and Joe W   ( JW)  just got back from a super cool European vacation. Joe  is JW  because we have two Joe’s that ride in the Sandies. On the MESH, when you say hey Joe , you can get multiple answers . This way you can differentiate between JoeJoe  or Joe   W.      Speaking of JoeJoe  he led today well at least to lunch, Tim  led back. The story today’s ride was a Pot Luck , someone suggest a place then leads all of us there. Joejoe  suggested Pam's country kitchen in Jay Florida. Joejoe  said he had a route and everything, weeelll not quite. It turned out JoeJoe  loaded just the address  and not the route. Joejoe’s  GPS is a Romanian GPS,  it did its job. It took us the straightest route there. It was a great ride the weather and spring countryside was very enjoyable. Heading home Tim  led us on a route you can only describe as very Zig  Zag. It was one fun route thanks JoeJoe  and Tim  for leading today I enjoyed it.   As you have probably heard that Tommy N  got a new, for Tommy  anyway, a Gen 3 Gl1800. Well Tommy  is having a ball taking curves with that new Ride. Tommy  spent a few days in the Smokies, surprise! no chicken strips, when  Tommy  returned. Mark S joined us today , Mark  is getting ready for a trans-atlantic cruise here shortly. Wishing you and Lorna  good voyage. Tony G  rode with us and it’s always a pleasure sharing the road with Tony .   Well this leads us to Bobby B  what can I say that hasn’t been said. Which brings me to an incident at the Deaton Bridge today. As most of you know years ago I did something very boneheaded at the Bridge.   Tommy and Dave   M  came out to save my butt, I luckily got myself out of harm’s way. So today as we approach the bridge , Tommy say’s “Hey George better raise your feet” which promptly led Bobby  to make similar remark. Screw up once and the Sandies never let you forget not for a moment. I truly like being a Sandie, no matter how cruelly they treat me. , Today was 147 miles  of pure fun and good food too. Sunday is the first Breakfast Ride of The Season, 7 am GTD

Since the weather dude decided that Sunday was going to be an “Ickie” day for Riding. Ickie a really expressive word that I feel gets left behind around 12 years old. It shows up in the conversation of teen  age  girls for a while then it sinks out of sight. Well I think it describes any number of situations rather descriptively . Okay enough of the etymology of a great word, back to what makes a great Sandie Adventure? Since “Ickie” was  Sunday’s weather descriptor. Saturday became Sandie Adventure Day.   What makes a Sandie Adventure ? Many things  factor into that  greatest of  words Sandie Adventure. A u-turn, a classic oops wrong way U-Turn. Yep, Check, The Prince ( Tim W ) had one of those. A perfect Uie I might add. This award coming from moi, The Undisputed King of the Uie. A fair distance of road more than the usual, check, 235 miles .  A group of strange examples of humanity in this case 8  of them, , check, Sandies. A cool destination, check, not one but two cool destinations, Conecuh Sausage Store and Burnt Corn. Food must be involved , check, Sausage store (which has a huge assortment of fantastic Conecuh sausage to pick from for sandwiches). Great roads, check, between Tim W  and I, The  Herder, we rode some fantastic roads.  Now that it has been established beyond a shadow of a doubt that yes, we had a great Sandie Adventure.   It was great to see Howard W  riding with us. Oh yea, the picture that JoeJoe  took of you Howard  is, well, you.   Joe W joined us after a month in eastern central Europe with a 11 day cruise along The Danube river, ah life is tough, welcome back. You ever notice that Tony G  is the picture of sartorial splendor ? I mean Tony  is the epitome of the spiffy Rider. Since Tony  is a damn good videographer, Tony does have a bit of the Hollywood flair in him.  I would be remiss if I didn’t thank JoeJoe for some very good pictures We had a fantastic day of roads, good food and great Sandies to hang out with. .

“ Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale a tale of a fateful trip, that started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship. five passengers set sail that day, for a three hour tour, a three hour tour”.   If you’re a Sandie or know about these Sandies they are all escapees from “ One Flew over a Cuckoo’s Nest” kind of place. Since Sandies   are   involved and with boats   this could be the typical start of a Sandie Sailing Adventure. Which by the way usually involves a torpedoing of some sort.   Our trip to Mobile to see the SS United States would require a boat ride. 12 Sandies made the fateful trip to ride The Delta Queen paddle wheeler. This vessel would help us to get a great up-close view of the SS United States. A bit of history inserted here. The SS United States holds the record for crossing the Atlantic ,both ways. This competition among ocean liners had been going on for well over 150 years. Well the SS United States broke the record and was awarded the Blue Ribbon, given to the record holding Liner. The record, which still stands today, was 3 days and 10 hours. So getting to see the fading Queen of Ocean Liners and going by motorcycles to see this magnificent ship was something pretty special.   We left Tuesday heading west. I had laid out a route that kept us off the Slab longer much more fun. Met Tommy N  and Sandy S  and The Dark Prince (Tim W)  at GTD. Picked up JoeJoe, Tony & Nikki G, Mark & Lorna S. in Navarre .   Now keep in mind with this crew anything was possible Supernaturally or   just plain trouble .   Ate lunch at Felix’s, on the causeway. Which brings me to The Bankhead Tunnel, a tunnel opened in 1941 is a narrow tunnel, cars were much smaller then. Now most people are adult in a motorcar tunnel. These were Sandies, remember ? The tunnel echoed with horn noise the whole time the Sandies were in there.   Since we were early for our boat ride, made a stop at The Phoenix Fire Museum. A so very cool place, oh free too. Inside old Fire rigs, horse and internal engined The boat ride was pretty damn cool . The SS United States as faded as she was is, to me,  still a magnificent sight. We had a guide to provide history and stories about The SS United States. Lots of Warships at the Shipyard across the river. In all stages of being built or repaired.   At the end of our three hour voyage, ok so it was only hour. We headed for the hotel, The Hotel Malaga, built in 1862 making the hotel a 162 years old. It is the only hotel like it in the State of Alabama, by the way. It was a fabulous place to stay every room was at least 100 years old. The courtyard was beautiful, it was like stepping back to a much simpler time.  The people that were the average passengers of The SS United States would be very at ease here.   After a great dinner we retreated to the Sky Lounge on the 17th floor of The Holiday Inn.  What a view of The City of Mobile and in the distance was The Blue Ribbon winner herself, still looking proud. We had a super night’s sleep, checked out and got ready to head home. Still keeping with No Slab Traffic we rode on US 31 awhile. The other end of 31 is Detroit, Michigan, maybe some other time. We did spend 245 miles   of Sandie Adventure having a fabulous time.   NOTE: JoeJoe, Sandy Shorey  and yes Tim White  have posted some very good pictures of our Ship Adventures on our Facebook page. But Wait There’s More! Tony Garcia , who takes incredible videos. Well Tony  has posted on the Sandie Facebook page, the most incredible videos.   It was a most bodacious Sandie Adventure, filled with laughter and fun.     .

Monday bright and early 3 Sandies  left to see The SS United States arrive in Mobile. This was 240 mile visit and what a spectacular visit it was. Mark and Lorna  S met me in Navarre.  We did the interstate for a while before taking to the two lane backroads. The weather was simply fantastic, roads outstanding.    Well until we took the old tunnel into downtown Mobile. It was the final Monday of Mardi Gras and we arrived in between Parades. You got a feel for the mood when you noticed every stoplight had hula-hoops thrown around them. We had to wend our way between revelers, vendors and cops. Trying to find your way through the blocked streets, around piles of beads, cups etc was a feat. But we made it to the industrial area along the Mobile Ship Channel. We were some of the first folks there. Mark  tried to pass himself as a member of the media so he could get into the dock area. Nope not happening Mark was politely turned around and escorted out. Like Smokey Yunick, famous NASCAR car builder, you to say “ If ya ain’t cheat’n ya ain’t try’n”.   While waiting, we met some of the folks who came to see The SS United States arrive like us. One guy had a radio tuned to the Tugs bringing the United States in, quite the conversations between all the Tugs.   Pretty soon the funnels appeared then parts of the ship began to show. You have no idea just how big it is she is  a hundred feet longer than The Oriskany , the carrier sunk off Pensacola as a reef. She is longer than the Titanic and still holds The Blue Riband. She crossed the Atlantic from New York to Southampton in 3 days 10 hours a record that still holds today. As she slowly came into view she looked incredible, faded and a bit battered. But you could see she was still The Queen of the Transatlantic Liners.   We will be going to see the SS United States, Saturday, March 29.  We had on the schedule Conecuh Sausage trip that day, but we pushed that trip into April. Leave here, go to Mobile, see The SS United States find lunch. Then go to the Gulf of Mexico Maritime Museum, which is a pretty cool place.   It was a great day to be a Sandie, getting  to see an American Icon. From Americas halcyon days of elegant crossing of the Atlantic. Especially poignant is the fact that she will be taken apart and sunk not too far from here.  Riding with Mark  and Lorna  is always a pleasure.   This is a great video of the SS United States arriving in Mobile Bay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb4M9yV4etg

Sandies , Elise needs to sell Michael’s like new Honda Transalp. Elise is offering it to the Sandies first. It’s  like new 2024 750 cc Honda Transalp equipped with a lot of extra farkles, brush guards, Honda OEM Panniers, head light brush protectors  front running lights. Elise will take $10, 500 or best offer   It was five drive modes, Sport, Standard, Rain Gravel and User. ABS is able to be turned off for off road adventures . Modulated OEM brake and  Front headlight stop Modulator. As you can see it has new everything and with 3500 miles well it should.   Michael was proud of his Transalp , he equipped it with only the best add-ons and it shows. You can leave Elise a message at (850)  420-2180. Just leave a message and Elise will return your call

10 Sandies made their way to the E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center about 5 miles east of Freeport.    Now why would a Motorcycle Club go to a Biophilia Center ? Well cause it was their annual fund raiser  “Birds and Brews”. Let me tell ya there was a drinks ticket and a “Sober Ticket”. All Sandies chose the latter, Sandies don’t drink while on Bikes. Now after the keys are up you can dance naked and howl at the moon, if you so wish.   We did 120 miles  over the course of the day. Speaking of miles Tim W  started out with us , Tim  split off to do what Tim  does best, find new roads.   Harold  and Kim W  , our newest Sandies , we finally caught up with each other Saturday. We have just missed each other for a month easy. Well finally Harold  and Kim  got to ride with their Club, The Sandies.                                   Welcome again Harold  and Kim  ! Tony G  and Sandy S  took some great pictures, outstanding is a word I would use.  We don’t have JoeJoe’s   pictures yet but there must be 100 plus photos from those three. We also have all the video that Tony  took. Those are some outstanding Videos by the way. You can see all of Tony’s  video’s  on The Sandollar Members Face Book page.   The cool news is that Tommy N  is getting to really like that New GoldWing of his. Tommy  is liking all the features that have made the Third Gen GL a riders dream.   If you haven’t visited The Biophilia Center you owe it to yourself to rectify the situation. It is a true hidden gem of a place. It is just a cool place to visit. It is primarily a learning center featuring the animals and plants that call our part of Florida home. The people that work there are truly dedicated and feel strongly about the job they are doing.  As the pictures show the Raptor Demo’s are awesome, Tony has some great videos of the birds  in flight on the Members FaceBook page. One tidbit we picked up was you know the sound you hear in movies and television of the eagles vocal sounds ? Well we been hoodwinked good friend, that sound we have all come to think was the Eagles cry ? Nope it’s the sound  a Red Tailed Hawk makes. I guess  our national symbol is apparently a lot quiter.   It was one fun day , learned a lot, found out a Cajun Ham & Cheese sandwich ain’t your mommas Ham and Cheese samich. Learned a lot, things about NWF flora and fauna  I was not aware of.  Oh and  the water in the pond is the clearest water I have seen in a long while. Great day riding with fellow Sandies. George

6 Sandies  braved the cool temps to work on their motorcycle SKILLS in Crestview. I ( Joejoe ) set up the Crestview Library parking lot for our typical SKILLS layout working around the trucks and huge RV's parked there. George and Sam arrived shortly later and helped finish up the layout. Soon after Greg L . and GQ  ( Tommy N ) arrived to complete the Sandy bunch. (Did you know that Sandies come in Bunches?). We rode around in circles avoiding the leftover patches of ice from last week's snow storm. Once we completed improving our riding and avoidance skills, we discussed a most important subject "Lunch". Sam and George headed back to their home and the rest of us led by me went on a nice jaunt to lunch through the Blackwater Forest. Those avoidance skills we practiced came in handy as some of the shady sections of the road had patches of ice and snow. It reminded me of the 6 years I lived in upstate New York riding the roads of the Adirondack Mountains. Always had to be on the lookout for snow and ice. Along the way I spotted red & blue lights through the trees, so I slowed way down and encountered a motorcycle accident scene. Seems another motorcyclist went down while crossing an icy bridge. We continued along after carefully crossing the icy bridge using the tire width ice free track on our side of the road. Never thought I'd be doing this in Florida! Lunch was had at Boomerang Pizza in Milton, Fl. The food there was very good. I had a Hawaiian Pizza and followed up with blueberry bread pudding ala mode. Disappointedly the waitress informed us that the usual vanilla ice cream was not available. I asked if there was an alternate and she said they had chocolate or butter pecan, so I had butter pecan. It was much better than plain old vanilla. After a great lunch we headed east on Hwy 90 and made our way home. Greg and GQ stayed on 90 and I headed south on Hwy 87. We ended up doing about 112miles on a nice relatively warm sunny day (it got up to 64 degrees). Hope to see you next time! Joejoe   Reminder Business Meeting Sunday 9 am Golden Corral

Who in their right minds would go to lunch with 25 mph  cold winds blowing ? Huh?  Well Sandy S  was there, Nikki G  and Bobby B  wasn’t far behind. That explains part of it but and this is an important but.  Food was involved and  so were The Sandies, who  after all, never turned down a food invite, ever. So 9   Sandies  made the rather chilly trek to Pensacola Beach and Peg Leg Pete’s.  We did 135 miles  of windy chilly weather. The wind was blowing 25 mph straight out of the North.  Oh did I mention we took the Island route, not one real wind break along the whole route. We got to Pensacola Beach early so to kill time we decided to get a banner picture with the Pensacola Beach Ball. Also it offered a  wind break which was sorely appreciated.   It gave me a chance to hand out patches to the Sandies that survived the Hell Night along The Natchez Trace. This was our trip in November to do The Trace backwards .  We got caught in rain then it got dark we were on the Trace, no lights and it got cold. Rain suits leaked, missed a turn off . It took me 30 minutes under a hot shower to feel almost human. It was Sandie Trip that stories will be told for a very long time.   I figured anyone that survived this night and still could laugh about it called for a unique patch. So JoeJoe  and I designed it, I paid for it  and gave them out under the Beach Ball. What a great place to give out patches to the survivors of Hell Night. What better place than a cold windy but albeit sunny spot. Sandy S , Sam, Bobby B and  JoeJoe all received their Survivor   patches . Tim W and Hal W, Pat and Brenda will receive theirs in the mail .     Meanwhile back at Peg Leg Pete’s we had a great meal, fabulous fellowship. Then ride , on the Island of course, into an even colder wind.  But ya know it was still fun , the scenery was spectacular, the company first class. It was after all a Sandie Sunday  Adventure and they always are such a jollification for everyone.    Sorry I beg forgiveness, I always wanted to use that word, couldn’t help myself. I am weak like that.    .  Thank you to Sandy S and JoeJoe for the great pictures

11 Sandies  filled up with food rode through Northgate to see the fantastic lights. Had a new couple join The Sandies and ride with the Sandies and didn’t ask for their money back ! This was even after meeting Sandy S  and Tony G  they stayed anyway. I’m  pleased to have all of you meet Harold ( Smurf) and Karen Williams.   Harold  and Kim ride a very pretty Harley Tri-glide, nice to have you aboard. We left Golden Corral meeting Tony  and Nikki G  out in the parking lot. JoeJoe  forgot his camera and still took some great pictures via IPhone. Speaking of pictures Sandy S  took a bunch, some came out blurry, Christmas magic ?   While on the ride through Northgate we were warned there was a black bear ahead. Tony  an Nikki,   who live in a neighborhood that has a large bear infestation were pretty casual so I pretended to be also.  Well think about it, I’m in front so where is Mr. or Mrs. Bear  and I’m not doing a gender check by the way. So who do you think they would be PO at for interrupting dinner ?  Huh ? Yep me, certainly not Sandy  back there waving arms and hollering  “Here Bear, look this way, need a picture, yoo hoo”.  So I proceeded cautiously, trying to ignore the noise behind me.  Thankfully Tommy   N  was Sheepdoging it that night so I knew we were in good hands, in spite of the interruptions  from the peanut gallery.   Have you noticed we don’t have just ordinary rides ? Most have some kind of excitement happening along the way. In spite of the excitement we had a great ride. We all  enjoyed some beautiful light displays it was a very pleasant night with good friends.   Next event is The Last Ride of The Year , put on by The Iron Butt Association. It’s open to everyone and it’s in Stockton AL. We have quite a few members of The Iron Butt association  here in The Sandies by the way. We leave GTD Monday at 8:30 am heading west .   Here’s Hoping everyone has a great Christmas   !!!!!

How did I end up with 25 stuffed toys, stuffed in my motorcycle? While my heart was breaking? My best friend, Michael McMillan, and I go way back and share a deep love of motorcycles. I was in Arizona; he was in Florida. Though he’s ten years younger than I, he had a heart attack and was hospitalized. We talked often while he was waiting for his open-heart surgery, I laughed and promised to make lots of great motorcycle trips for him, til he could get back on his own bike. But Michael died on December 4, 2024. There are no words to convey that loss. My voice cracked, tears flowed as I explained to his wife, Elise, that I’d keep my promise to ride often, be safe, take pictures, and think of him. The day after Michael died, I went into a frenzy of downsizing and dropped off unnecessary stuff at a local thrift store. And there it was – a large bin full of stuffed toys, on sale “today only” five for $1. And suddenly I had an important motorcycle trip to make. For Michael and for some kids. After migrants are legally processed at the southern border, they have to wait for their sponsors to arrange transportation to various locations. The Border Patrol has a long history of delivering them to the Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, and the Annunciation House has developed an efficiently run operation to provide food and shelter for the few days it takes for sponsors or families to arrange for bus or plane tickets from El Paso. The Annunciation House has provided humanitarian aid in this period of transition, at no cost to the U.S. government, since 1978. Yet, Texas Attorney General Paxton has now declared that the Annunciation House a terrorist organization and is trying to close it. The Texas Supreme Court will hear the case in January. I have friends in Silver City, NM, who routinely provide supplies to the Annunciation House. So I stuffed 25 stuffed toys onto my motorcycle to made a quick trip from eastern Arizona to Silver City, NM, (320 miles round trip – I didn’t want to make the 450 mile round trip to El Paso in one day, not at my age of 76. And I needed to get back to feed my dog). I had to hurry, for the group in Silver City could make only one more trip with supplies to the Annunciation House before it shut down services in light of the threats by Paxton of legal action. But, Santas are like that – taking off quickly with an overstuffed sled. My hope was to be a tiny part of delivering a smile to a child overwhelmed by a new country (that may not always be kind). And the toys are SO cute! The weather looked best on December 9 for a bike trip. It was 35 degrees when I left Arizona, and then the winds kicked up. I was dressed like the Michelin Man; if the bike were blown over, I’d just bounce. I watched a few tumble weeds blow across the road; I wouldn’t want to hit one of those on my bike. After less than an hour I had to stop at a filling station to run hot water over my hands; a cup of hot coffee later I was back on the bike and soon up into the mountains. I only stayed in Silver City long enough to unload the stuffed toys and have another cup of coffee and sandwich with friends. The winds were getting stronger, and there were dust devils dancing on the desert flats. I got back to my RV as the sunset and in time to feed my dog. My broken heart needed the saddle time as perhaps only a biker would understand. I miss you, Michael.