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

8 intrepid  Sandies  braved the cool sunshine . To go 170 miles  to eat a damn good lunch and have fun doing it. We wandered throughout the county. The county had enacted a surtax for road improvement. I say its money well spent. All kinds of really rough pavement has been resurfaced, River Road being one. Want to know where a road goes in Okaloosa County ask Ken C. As a Deputy Ken  worked all through the county. Now other roads Tim (Road Whiz) W  is your source. Tim knows every pig path and goat trail. If it has pavement or in some cases no pavement, Tim  knows.   It was cool as hell to have Greg L  with his new BMW join us today. Man is it an awesome motorcycle. Greg  has kitted it out first class. The lights in front are simply something to see. They are yellow and BRIGHT, the turn signals run through them. When Greg hits a turn signal they are very very visible. Press the horn and the lights do a dance . Beautiful Greg.   Another new Ride in the Sandies, Tim W  has a new Spyder, a new 2025. Can-Am totally revamped the 2025,  the controls are so user friendly compared to previous models. Tim  has put the necessary farkles on, Tim  is kind of utilitarian, it serves a purpose or it don’t find a home on Tim’s  ride. Very nice color also Tim.   Okay the adventure gets interesting, it seems Bobby’s  bladder was full. Well all the too and froing around Okaloosa county was not helping matters a bit. Bobby  finally asked if we could stop, well just on the Florida line we did. Made sure Bobby  left his DNA in Florida. As all of you are aware JoeJoe  takes photos, lots of photos.   Bobby had to caution Joe  that some subjects were, well better left off the photo record. Apparently DNA depositing is one of them. Thank you to Tommy N  for his keeping us all together. Tommy  is very good at letting me know what the status of the group is. Thanks again Tommy  .   Yes it was cool but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The roads were simply outstanding. Tim  led us back  home on some really nice roads thank you Tim .      It was an outstanding day it was perfect after weeks of being stuck inside.

Hi There, Have some pictures from today's ride to Dee's Restaurant in Vernon, FL. Tim wanted to ride this weekend, and Sunday looks to be a washout due to rain and thunderstorms being predicted. So he gathered up a few Sandollars, and we mostly met at Good Things Donuts (GTD). Tim W, Howard   W , and I (Joejoe)met at GTD, with a few of us enjoying some drinks and morning snacks before the ride On the way north on Hwy 285, we met up with Tommy N , who completed today's riding crew. Tim  took us on a merry jaunt through the woods in the northern parts of the Florida panhandle. Vernon is about 78 miles from Fort Walton Beach, but somehow Tim stretched it out to 100 miles. I got to get up close to nature too, as a deer wanted to say "Hi" from about 4 feet from the road surface along the way. We all had a very good meal at Dee's, and Howard  had to get home, so he made his own way home after lunch. The rest of us walked around the Vernon town square/park viewing several heritage items and then crossed the square to visit the local dive shop. After our visit, we took a semi-direct route back to Fort Walton Beach, but still got to see some more woods and nature along the way. It was another very enjoyable ride led by Tim . Thanks, Tim !  I ended up riding 200 miles round-trip from my house. JOEJOE JOEJOE

This is the first “Snow Day” ride re-scheduling the Sandies have ever had in 46 years. Yes, we have had snow before just never during a scheduled ride.   This brings us to yesterday, “The Community Convoy “ it was to raise money for a FWBFD firemen that lost his wife during childbirth. A couple of things stand out, massive community support and tremendous support from the motorcycle community. Five Sandies showed up to support a good cause. Met at the Block, well Sam  and I left from GTD as scheduled. Bobby  and JoeJoe  met us at the Block. Also a prospective Sandie joined us. She has been riding for about 15 years and it showed on the ride to Emerald Coast Harley Davidson, rode well.   Good ride over every intersection was blocked either by FWBPD or OCSO deputies. Got to the Harley shop, oh did you see the Official picture used to promote the event ? Well it’s on the Sandie Website and it prominently features Sandies. It was a shame it left me out but it got everyone else. We’re the only Spyders there by the way. Oh while at the Harley shop I noticed our own JoeJoe  talking to salesman. It seems that Harley has finally brought out a bike that checks off all of JoeJoe’s boxes, so? Bobby  was acting like a surrogate salesmen explaining to JoeJoe  the benefits of a new Ride.   The Harley shop really did a great job on this event, I appreciate the job done by the folks at Emerald Coast Harley .   We will do the re-scheduled “Beach Ride” which has morphed into “ The Camp Ride ” . Leave GTD at 9 am next Sunday.

This was so cool today, Sandies at the Convoy, News Picture. We be looking awesome

10 Sandies almost repeated last week’s trip. But not quite, went across the street to Scenic 98 Diner . After the Business Meeting it was a beautiful day for lunch and a ride. We actually rode more miles then last week, eh it’s a Sandie thing 145 miles  was the final mileage. Sandy S  was a bit more civilized this ride but not by much.    Bobby was at Bobby’s  best he kept us laughing with help from Tommy N . Mark  was like me just laughing so hard almost blew coffee out my nose. Folks it was that kind of day, the roads were great weather was perfect.   JoeJoe  not only took great pictures but did a  superb job at Sheepdog.  I want to thank Sandy  for some outstanding photos also.        Next Saturday we are going to take part in this Ride, it’s for a good cause. Meet at GTD at 9 am  for the ride to the Block. Sunday we have our Beachies Ride, hopefully weather co-operates. Either way we go, rain will change our schedule, 9 am GTD. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1268920918593564&set=a.615288613956801

Since a Sandie New Year’s Celebration extends across two days it’s not for the faint of heart. Well actually it’s a pretty easy gig just don’t get to sleep, well not much. We begin with a Sandie exclusive, Ride into the New Year. As far as anyone, including the AMA,knows we are the only Riding Club in the USA that does this. We meet at the Shalimar Waffle House and leave about 11:40 pm to catch the New Year on our Rides. While at the Waffle House we have breakfast nothing guarantees Southern Good Luck like a Waffle House breakfast.   Tommy  and Sandy  elected to bring a four wheeler, did I mention it was a mite chilly midnight. JoeJoe  was wearing his famous multi-layers. As we left Waffle House, you could feel the cold for sure. I was glad I  was wearing gloves, heated grip or not. My heated seat sure felt nice on the bum too.  We made our way to the Old Santa Rosa Mall parking lot and rode until the clock struck January 1 2026. Tommy  and Sandy brought the bubbly. It is the best grape juice that comes in a Champaign bottle, Welch’s finest. What better way to toast the New Year when you have some riding left to get home. The Sandies have been doing this for 40 plus years and it just seems Right.   Day Two of A Sandie New Year   We continue with  the Celebration with a refreshing dip in 58 Gulf Waters. The Pelican Plunge is another part of the Sandie New Years . This year 4 brave  , well some Sandie’s took the plunge. We met at the Boardwalk , JoeJoe was the Official Photographer and Holder of Paraphernalia. I mean someone has to hold stuff as the rest of us take off clothes. When the whistle goes off some people run into the freezing water. Me, I walked slowly until my waist was under water and that’s when you discover just how COLD the Gulf water is. Sam  just strolled in like it’s a walk in the park.  After both of us getting wet we joined JoeJoe  and decided some warm Gumbo and lunch were in order.   You know the Sandie New Year Celebration just sets the tone for the New Year. Do some crazy stuff in the beginning and the year will take care of itself. Thank You JoeJoe for all the great pictures     RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY 2026 WITH THE SANDIES !

It was a foggy morning, as I was riding up to GTD I expected maybe a couple of Sandies. To my surprise, a couple of Rides were already there. JoeJoe I expected, was real surprised to see Sandy S  and Mark S .  Then up came Joe  and Melanie W not a bad group, looking up for sure. We actually had 9 Sandies , will explain about the other Sandie. We did 145 miles  mostly in perfect Riding weather . Sunny,   pleasant temperatures, dry, just a perfect riding day.   But the start was foggy as hell, certain parts of 98 were Werewolf of London foggy it was that bad. We were headed for Calvert’s in The Heights on Scenic highway in Pensacola. The Sun then came out and turned a gloomy day into that perfect Riding day. Need to thank JoeJoe  for being Sheepdog today, had some help from Sandy S  doing Sheepdog thing. I appreciate both of you today.    Let me explain the trip over. Whoever taught Sandy S  to use the microphone portion of her Sena needs to be sent to the moon. Tommy N  places the blame solidly at Joejoe’s  feet. Granted Sandy  can be funny as hell and observant as all get out.  But sometimes Sandy  gets excited about a topic and she comes across like Hammy the Squirrel. Hammy in “Over The Hedge” is a maniacal squirrel when he drinks a Monster he can slip around laser beams. Sandy  reminds of Hammy on the radio. You gotta see “Over the Hedge’ and you will completely understand.  Now we picked up the last Sandie at Calvert’s, Tommy N  strolled in as cool as you please. Sandy  had already ordered for Tommy , talk about showing up at the perfect time.   I had the privilege of sitting next to Joe W and Melanie , they are one interesting couple. Travelled a lot, to a bunch of interesting places. Cruising the Danube, spending time in Hungry just cool stuff like that. Mark S  is always a lot of fun to be around, Mark is also well traveled and his stories of his travels are always entertaining.  My point here is this was one fun lunch with all the folks that congregated around that table. Food was good, service was great and the conversations and a whole lot of laughing.   We took the Sandie way home up around Milton and through the Blackwater. It was just a great trip the weather the Sandies all made this a super day.   I included Hammy’s scene, remember everything happens in one second, now you have an idea of a wound up Sandy S     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXr7J7Ss8lA&t=60s

Sunday is a great time to enjoy a meal in a place we haven’t been to in a long while. We leave GTD at 9 am, Ride the Sandie way ( sorta) to lunch.   Reminder we have our very famous ride into the New Year this Wednesday. We meet at the Waffle House in Shalimar around 11:30 pm.  If it’s cold we stall around and then leave. You can come in the car if the weather is terrible.   The whole idea is to be on your Ride as the Clock strikes midnight. We have done this for over 40 years and it does bring good luck for the Riders. Sides it’s a great non-alcohol way to ring in the New Year. Then New Years is the Pelican Plunge It’s going to be a bit chilly but what the hell its only a shock for a bit.       https://www.calvertsintheheights.com/#

9 Sandies made the food call, really its food and Sandies of course we would show up. Gathered at AJ’s on the Bayou. Of course JoeJoe showed up first, even if he didn’t he gets the nod by default.  Bobby ( Waldo) B also was a show. Bobby is always a welcome addition to a Sandie get together. His humor is a bit off kilter, fits perfectly with the Sandies. Mark S  reminds me of the Uncle that shows up at Thanksgiving and watch’s all the football and in between bites yells at the TV . Mark  and Tony G  did just that , Mark , a big Eagles fan, watched the game and anytime Eagles scored you’d thought the second coming had just occurred. Tony , folks wasn’t a whole lot better in the vocal fan’s department. Robert and Alethea  joined us  both always a welcome couple. It was a nice Christmas surprise to see them at dinner.   After dinner it was off to Northgate and The Lights. As you know the folks that live in Northgate really do it up. Almost every house is decorated with lights and some are super spectacular. Terry Smith  of the former Racetrack Powersports even set-up a snow machine as part of his decorations.   Now the big revel is the week before the Sandie ride. We have gone on Luminaires Night and it is virtual grid lock. The traffic is unbelievable bumper to bumper. If you are on two wheels your clutch hand will literally cramp riding at walking or slower speed. We would have to pull over and rest to cool off the bikes and rest your hand. But the week after, a lot less traffic that’s Sandie Christmas light time. Granted you don’t have the air of excitement that the reveal  night has but your hands like you.    This year I planned the route using my Garmin, we saw every street including some twice but from a different  direction. That always puts a different view on things. It was a great time, dinner with friends is always special. Add the great Christmas Lights shared with friends is always special.   Have a special ride Sunday “ The After Christmas Ride” 9 am GTD Sunday Dec. 28. Until then;   A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE SANDIES ! !

Hi There, Since Tim  wasn’t able to make the official Last Ride of the Year to Stockton, AL on the 30th of Dec, Tim  wanted to head to the Stagecoach Café on Sunday instead. I met up with Tim W, Joe W, Dennis O., and Greg L . at GTD to start this little adventure. When Joe W  mentioned that we may get rain, I (Joejoe) quickly checked the weather radar and then decided to put on my wet riding gear. It was a good thing too, as it started raining lightly before we left Fort Walton Beach. Tim  made a stop in Holt to take a break and check something odd on his Spyder. It seems the rear belt tensioner was on the fritz and his belt was out of alignment too. Tim  made the executive decision to turn around and head home before things got worse. I escorted him home to ensure he made it OK. Before we headed out, Tim  attempted to pass his Garmin Route to Joe   W's  Garmin, but Joe's  Garmin locked up and would not reset or shut down. ( Play ominous music here ). After escorting Tim  home, I received a text from the rest of the crew. The group determined that the rain was too much and the roads were too slick, so they also turned around and headed home. So, everyone did not make it to Stockton, but they all had a fairly nice ride for a gloomy Sunday morning. I ended up riding 89 pleasant, slightly damp miles. JoeJoe . Pictures by JoeJoe

Today we had a members poker run, to raise money for Meals On Wheels. We already had a cash donation, this money was going to be extra. Let me tell you how fabulous these Sandies are 8 Sandies raised $640.00.  Just fabulous the generosity of Sandies is just off the Charts. We will add this to our donation already set-up to give. Meals is moving and once they are moved we will present the check, Again thank you from the bottom of my heart.   Now today was a fabulous day to ride 109 miles  . The quality of the roads was just the best. As you already know, Tim W ( The Bishop ) has scouted out the best riding roads. Well since I have no compunction to steal from the best. I incorporated some of the best from Tim’s  playbook and added my bit . Result, one truly nice ride, a little technical, a lot of simply  beautiful fall Florida roads.     We had Ten Sandies  counting our very special guests, Doc Pat and Brenda L.  They stopped at GTD to visit before heading back to Louisiana. You don’t know how special it is to see these two. The adventures we have had together would take all night and then some to tell the tales.  Pat has been a Sandie since living here stationed at Eglin in the 80’s. We used to do the Low Road Tour every year to their house. We enjoyed staying at their house so much, The Sandies helped build cabins for us to stay in.   Well I have stalled long enough, I’m sure your all wondering who won the Poker Run ? Oh you don’t How about, Tony G  was with us and it was great. We almost  missed having Munchkin  and Tony  join us. Normally we leave on time, have for the last 45 years.  But because we were visiting with Doc  and Brenda  we delayed leaving. Guess who shows up a couple of minutes late ? Yep, Munchkin  and Tony  just under the wire.   Today Sandy S  was off her nut , Sandy is most times off but today was an exception. Stars, planets all must have been in retrograde or some such. Cause Sandy was somewhere in the Ozone . It’s at times like this I wish I had an elephant tranc gun . Even that might not be enough to bring Sandy  back to earth. It don’t help none that Bobby  is winding her up like wind-up toy. Bobby  then lets it go and steps back while it runs amok.   JoeJoe  took some fantastic pictures today. JoeJoe also told us about his running battle with a neighborhood Bear. It’s hard to figure out who’s winning, my money is on Sir Bear. We all hope JoeJoe  is careful, hate something to happen to our resident photog.   Tommy  joined us in his truck today. It seems Tommy had an appointment to have some work on the truck. Don’t worry Tommy’s  poker hand was more of a foot, sorry Tommy .   I guess I can’t put it off any longer the winner of the Poker Hand was, oh this hurts, Bobby B.  We had three hands with three fours, I know how can that happen with just 8 people ? No skullduggery, just cards that are sticking together. Anyway Bobby B  is today’s winner what does he win, just our gratitude.  Gotta Thank Joejoe's and Sandy ( crazy as a run over dog) S for the super pictures It was an incredible day with even more incredible people. I am very proud to be among such fantastic group of folks. Thank you all of you.

The reason for the title, what should have been a 200  mile  day turned into a 287 mile  day. We started out for Southern Sweet Creamery in Marianna. We just took a bit different way to get there. 8 Sandies  started this Twisted Journey through the hinterlands of  North Florida.   5 Sandies left GTD met 2 Sandies  in route Bobby B  and Tommy N  along the journey. There was a chance of rain for the day. Tim W  took no time to remind me of my magnetic ability to attract rain no matter how slight the chance. Fortunately my ability to attract dark clouds bulging with water did not come to fruition .  What we did was take some really fun roads in our quest for the perfect ice cream.   Here I ‘d like to mention that Sandy S  was supposed to have joined us but Munchkin  prevented that. Okay here’s what happened,  every year   Munchkin  has a bumper crop of lemons. Munch  brings them to us to distribute amongst ourselves. We are talking a large bag of lemons, apparently and this is just a rumor completely not verified. Sandy  OD on lemons so Sandy  had to miss the trip.   Now back to the rest, here I gotta thank Tim W  his road scoring the last year has been outstanding. Tim has uncovered some exceptional roads and I took full advantage of Tim’s  largess, thank you Tim. I also need to thank  Tim for doing Sheepdog duty today, well appreciated.     Joejoe brought up the fact that just as we got close to destination, say 25 miles. JoeJoe would look again and his GPS would say 80 miles. Ah the joys of a Sandie  Road Adventures.   After beautiful miles we arrived at Marianna, only to be reminded by one and all that it was lunch time. I have likened Sandies to Herding Cats, if you have been owned by a cat you know true food starvation or acting at its finest. Feed the cat 5 minutes later it looks like its starving and hasn’t been fed in a month. Sandies ain’t no different, watch ’em eat doughnuts and listen two hours later about “I’m starving, you know its lunch”.   Tommy N even says “ As you finish your meal start thinking of your next’.   After a hardy lunch we proceeded to our intended reason for all the adventure. Southern Sweet Creamery, It was incredibly fantastic. The ice cream was to die for, butterfat content was through the roof. To add insult to injury the baked goods were out of this world. I bought some brownies “Slutty Brownies” the first ingredient was butter. They were sinful is all I can say. We will be going back in the future. Come join us you will flat enjoy the day.   We arrived home dry and enjoying another great Sandie Road Adventures Thank you JoeJoe for the outstanding pictures. To see a complete Adventure Album check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/1724935244411702/?ref=bookmarks dventure.

11 Sandies made this event  that used to kick off the Christmas Riding Season. I should say it used to, Now it’s a great charity event. I think 440 Bikes, Folks not sure how many. It’s a great place to meet old friends, I ran into a Class mate, I graduated high school with. Class of “66”, the School is now Miegs Middle school. Getting old ain’t for the weak I tell you.     Tony G joined us and it was great to see Tony , he’s been a bit absent lately, just great to see you. Mark S  sans Lorna  rode with us, Mark  is getting ready to hit the High Seas, again. Just got back from one and shipping out again.  Another Sandie that has been absent but no longer, Munchkin . Munch  had surgery on both wrists and is feeling so much better, thank you very much. Tommy  also just returned from a Rode Trip, went up to North Carolina. Tommy  got to experience riding a motorcycle, in SNOW. Yep The S word also had temps in the 20’s but heated gear helped a bunch.  Now to add to that Adventure Ken C  was along for the freezer driven fun. Ken  also experienced the Snow and below freezing temps. I have learned that those Rides with things like Tommy  and Ken  experienced make those trips the most memorable, they create special memories that last forever.   No adventure would be complete without a healthy dose of Sandy S  . Oh did we get a healthy dose all right, another Toys for Tots almost brought to its knees cause of Sandy. Now Sandy did take some great pictures as did JoeJoe . We are fortunate to have such great pictures like JoeJoe  and Sandy  they document our Adventures so well, thanks to you both.   We were lucky to have Bobby B  with us , Bobby  has been going from one conference to another lately. Hopefully Bobby  will be able to ride with us at least through the holidays.   It was a good Toys for Tots, had a lot of fun, met old friends and had lunch at FatBoy’s in Niceville.   Speaking of Holidays our Christmas Party will be Dec 6 th  with a change. It will be a Christmas Party / Luncheon  . Yes a Luncheon, as we get older the bed times get earlier and earlier. So to see if it will help keep us together a bit longer we  decided on a lunch. Still at Casa Edna’s, still a Pot Luck let Edna know your coming with your pot luck . Fun starts at 12 noon Dec 6 th . Hope to see you there.

What it is we will examine later. First the all-important stats, 110 miles, 7 Sandies  and we ate at the Outpost. Yes Rose, that Outpost of  local Motorcycle fame. Today it is known as the Oar House.    You would not recognize the place, it is completely  different. Food was good Staff outstanding. Jim and Anne   W  liked it. Oh I didn’t mention that Jim  and Anne  rode with us. Yep and it was simply outstanding to have them with us. It has been way too long for them Riding with us.  Now we also had Sandy S  along which always ups the weird quotient . The ride over was outstanding, weather perfect in the mid 70’s.  Gotta thank JoeJoe  for outstanding  Sheepdoging .   Now for that ugly rumor that usually when I lead a ride I bring on rain. Okay so it rained today but it is a coincidence. So weather folks said no rain and then it rained .  I realize that seems to happen a lot on my rides lately . But again I think it’s just coindence not some punishment from the Road Gods for some transgression..   In spite of the rain it was great Sandie Ride, good food and most of all great friends.       Reminder Next Sunday is Toys For Tots 9 am GTD. Lets ride together to The Harley Shop.

No, its not “Car 54 WERE ARE YOU”? If you can remember that chestnut you are just plain Old. No excuses you are Ancient, still hanging in there and Riding but… .   Actually, that my fellow swamp butt Sandies was today’s ride temperature riding on 285. Speaking of riding we had 11 Sandies , that my fellow travelers is great number of Sandies. A little soap box’en, a lot of the OG clubs aren’t even around, we can still put 11 Riders  on the road ?  That is pretty damn good adding that to 45 years of being around makes us doing something right.   Okay back on the Food Journey oh which we did 151   miles.  That number is a Certifiable Can-Am Mileage Count which make it Super Duper Accurate and  better than all others. By the way some of you Sandies are also Certifiable, which is scary as hell.   The surprise of the day Gregg L  joined us, on a Spyder. Before you get all a flutter, Greg’s  BMW is the Bike Hospital. Jackie  graciously loaned Gregg  her Ride. Jackie has had the ride a couple of years and is a regular rider. I’m sure we will have a picture or two for proof.   First the good news, well maybe not that good, I guess it’s like okay news. Tim ( The Bishop) W  has returned, not in handcuffs on Con Air, which we expected. Tim  has returned from Sicily, voluntarily I might again add. Seriously, which means not at all, Tim  takes really good photographs. Tim’s  photos of Church’s are just fantastic. Good to have Tim  back with us . Tony G ’s S2S,  that  is Sea to Sky,  in Can-Am speak, was the subject of a photo session. Seems some folks wanted to have their picture taken next to that good look’n ride. Tony  let them and  didn’t even charge, if it was a pony there would be a fee.   Bobby B  can be a real butt head. So I tell him of our plans for this cruise Sam  and I are going on. I casually mention I made plane reservations for later in the afternoon after debarking. Bobby  slowly shakes his head, “What” ?   Bobby  then says ”You know you have just doomed your trip home don’t you” ?. Then leaves the conversation, What the hell, don’t leave me hanging damnit. Fill the prophecy why don’t you .   JoeJoe  was busy taking pictures , remarked his SD card was full. You see JoeJoe  uses a digital camera not a IPhone. Well there must be 10,000 plus Sandie pictures on that card. It must be an incredible Sandie history depositary . Should be a great look at. Chief  Joined us today and its always great to have Chief’s  company on a Sandie ride.   Joe and Melany W  took time from their hectic Travel schedule and enjoyed todays beautiful ride. It was a super day to just be on a motorcycle the Road, the Food and the best the Sandies

Six Sandies volunteered at the annual Santa Rosa Island Triathlon. Three were on two wheels and served as Volunteer Course Marshals and three were there supporting the community and club. There were no judges to transport this year, and the event was sold out. There seemed to be a bit more traffic this year, and our three Sandie Marshals had to work extra to keep riders moving to the right (passing on the left only) and keep vehicular traffic from bunching up an ruining their ride. Most participants were smiling through the pain and enduring one heck of a breeze as they rode out across the island. I clocked us at 137 miles , which was (more than) a few trips back and forth on the 13-mile course. This was our first year without M2 Sensei coordinating and he is sorely missed. JoeJoe , Munchkin , and I ran the course while the Cat Herder , Sam E , and Ace kept watch. After all was said and done, we rode over to Navarre Beach for breakfast at Andy D’s.

A bit about that later, first the Knitting, 7 Sandies traveled 205 miles  to eat a great lunch and tour Slocomb, AL.   Slocomb was not on our itinerary but these things happen, on a Sandie Adventure, sometimes .   When we left GTD this morning it was a marvelous day for an Adventure. The temperatures were almost Jacket weather, dry , just wonderful after this summer. Met Tommy  at the 285 exit, on the Connector. A bit later picked up Ken C  on Bob Sikes Rd.   Now we were a Balanced Sandie Crew, not familiar with the expression ? That’s when you have as many two wheelers as three wheelers, see you have a balance in The Force now.  We were headed to Hartford, Al. and Mom’s Restaurant. Getting there is enjoyable, we  ride on one probably the best section of Riding road in NWF. The section from Darlington, FL to the Alabama state line. This section is simply the best, curves that are a little technical, great road surface and some really pretty vistas. It is just a super nice riding experience.   The Tour of Slocomb came from Ken  and I talking about lunch. Ken  mentioned a country buffet place in Slocomb that was quite good. Well no Sandie turns down a chance to terrorize an innocent Buffet, especially with a recommendation like Ken’s . So off we headed to Slocomb. Let me interject something here, Our fixation on Buffets is so in our DNA that Bobby  proposed getting a small Cornucopia horns decal to put on the Rides. Similar to fighter pilots painting how many kills they have. Fortunately we nixed the idea, I mean our bikes would be covered on Cornucopia horn decals. Which would make other motorcyclists envious of our prowess and cause jealous reactions. All of this was for not anyway, the restaurant closes on Saturday. So it was off to Hartford and Mom’s. On a side note Slocomb has a really cool Tomato Festival.   As most of you are aware we use Sena Mesh to communicate between bikes and people. From this came a strange conversation. Are you familiar with the word “l exicology ” ? No, it’s the study of words and how they affect language. So, okay we pass some old pecan trees “I remark some nice looking old pecan trees”. Ken  replies  “no they’re not”, I said “Then what are they “ ?  “They are pee-can trees”, “Huh? I said they are pick-ahn trees. ‘No sir in Georgia, where we grow pee-cans, a lot of pee-cans” Then Bobby replies “its pee-cans, my family used to grow and sell pee-cans”. Well I hated to disagree but I felt I should hold up the accepted pronunciation for civilized folks everywhere. “Gentlemen, its Pick-ahn in the rest of the Universe” ‘Oh contraire, person from someplace other than Georgia”.  Even at lunch this word salad continued. JoeJoe then interjects “ All and all its been a nutty day”.  You can see just how low our conversations are, nothing  that  is the least bit intellectually stimulating can be conversed on.   At end of the  no matter how you pronounce  P-E-C-A-N. It is still spelled Pecan.   It was a great day of Riding with friends 200plus miles of laughs and just the joy of Riding.   Next Sunday is our business meeting 9 am Golden Corral.

Give up ? 12 Sandies  on a breakfast ride, on a Sunday, that took 140 miles.  We actually had  11 Rides but 12 folks. See this numbers thing gets complicated quick.  Got to say a great big Howdy to The Chief  and Peggy   O , haven’t seen those two good folks in a while.  They are a mixed family, Chief  with his Goldwing and Peggy  with her Harley. Been together a long time , proof folks of differencing beliefs, can give peace a chance. Joe  and Melanie   W  also joined us, Joe  we see more than Melanie , which I don’t know if it’s a good thing. ,I mean Joe is okay but Melanie  is, well, really nice.   Met up with most of The Sandies at GTD, Tommy  joined us up the road. Need to thank JoeJoe  for  doing an outstanding job at Sheep Dog. A good Sheep Dog makes or breaks a Ride, JoeJoe is super at Sheep Dogging, again thank you.     There is a road that every time I take it I’m amazed at it. It has a decreasing tight uphill left turn or the opposite if coming from the other direction. I threw that in there cause JoeJoe  pointed that out.  The feeling is exactly like being in North Carolina, it is uncanny just how much.   Now I call this The Bobby Road , cause the first time I rode it Bobby B  was Cat Herding the Ride. I am sure it was a Tim W  discovered road . I equate Tim   with Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer.   Tim  not unlike Ferdinand finds all kinds of cool roads.     We had breakfast at Bubba Jacks in Freeport ,not a bad place to have breakfast. Just seeing the amount of traffic on the road I can believe it when I read Freeport is the fastest growing town in Florida. As you are aware Tony G has 19 gazillion ram mounts on his Spyder . Which Tony  uses to take those really cool videos with. Well I noticed that Mark S  is attempting to catch Ton y with stuff on the bar. But with Mark  his handlebar stuff is instruments. I mean I swear I saw an Altimeter  and a turn and bank indicator mounted on Marks handlebar *   It was a great ride to see all those headlights behind you gave you a great feeling. It’s always a fun ride if Sandies are involved. If it’s a Sandie Ride you know it’s going to be a lot of fun. ·       A word to the wise, expect some exaggeration. Oh hell, expect a lot of exaggeration and some forgetting the truth.

I’m talking about the Lego, stepping on it  barefoot will teach your kids a brand new vocabulary. Well 7 Sandies  did attend the Brick convention in Pensacola. It was about all things Legos. There where exhibits, Lego parts pieces, and figures. Some of these inch high figures were going for tens of dollars. Kits no longer in production easily hundreds of dollars. Ecto-1 the Ghostbusters 59 Cadillac Ambulance $ 450.00. The boat Orca from Jaws $500.00 . There were kids with boxes of Lego stuff  wheeling and dealing with vendors buying and selling. I had no idea the sub world of Legos was so huge.   First the stats for Sandie Lego Adventure, 110 miles  , weather in the morning outstanding. We arrived pretty early Tony couldn’t get a ticket, all sold out. But The Sandies never take no for an answer. With Skullduggery and Technology Tony   G  attended the Convention. Joejoe  just walked in , literally, opened the front door and strolled in. Now when you think about it, J oeJoe  could pass for a Lego nerd easily. The next time we saw JoeJoe he was at the Lego play area building stuff.    I stood in line while the rest stood in the shade as the line began to move here comes Sandy S  and Sam  with Tommy  following. All expecting to cut in line, au contraire, nope, not doing it. I mean Sandy  got a little miffed, then ignored me, when I  said in a loud voice “Hey no Cuts”. Well they paid no attention and cut in line anyway. Felt like Rodney Dangerfield, no respect.       When you go with Sandies anything may happen well somehow we found ourselves going in the opposite direction of the crowd. How I have no idea but I noticed this phenomenon pretty quick. It’s never easy going anywhere with the Sandies.  You need to see the pictures Sandy  and JoeJoe  took they are a pretty good representation of some of the more spectacular exhibits.   Apparently the coveted Lego Master Builder Title is the pinnacle of Legodom. It means you have reached the apex of building Lego structures and scenes. To give you an idea there was one Exhibit where the Builder designed Star Wars houses as if Franklin Lloyd Wright had designed them, very impressive. Just look at all the pictures of the Exhibit it was something.   It was crowded mostly with kids, as you would expect , there were a fair amount of adults.  A lot looked like they hadn’t left home and where living in Moms basement. It was a very diverse crowd to say the least.  Now granted some of the folks would scare the dead but everyone was having a good time and that was important.   As we left the Convention and started for lunch, we had spotted  850 Seafood Grill. It was outstanding food, great service and a bit different décor . On the way home , on the three mile bridge. We watched a Gulf Breeze pull over a high flying  motorcycle. Tony G ’s video ( link below)captures the moment.   https://www.facebook.com/garciaa5/videos/2172817086529238   It was a fun day, good friends, good food and fun stuff to do. Join us next trip, promise a great time.

Three Sandies  rode 176 miles to check out Camp 31 BBQ  in Brewton Alabama. We didn’t get started until after the Business Meeting, so we limited the ride to the quicker backroads with long sweeping curves. This worked out well because there was little to no traffic at all off the main highways, and the wind kept us from overheating. The ride to Brewton was nice. JoeJoe  relived glory days from zooming the Hayabusa through these very same roads more than a decade ago. It was strangely quiet, even for a Sunday. We enjoyed the sights and swooped through the long flowing bends in the road with ease. Camp 31 BBQ had a buffet, which surprised the three of us. Apparently, it was totally normal, but in our defense, George sent out a very confusing link to the Camp 31 in Canada. The food was good, and we had our fill. Tony  was a little surprised at the 10% sales tax. It seemed a bit steep, but maybe that’s normal for Alabama? We started heading back the way we came. I had planned a longer ride down Co Rd 4 through Wing Alabama before cutting down not Laurel Hill. JoeJoe  had other ideas. He recommended we take Beaver Creek Road south to HWY 4, and then we can cut over to Baker Florida. I typically don’t like to deviate from a route once it’s set. A lot can go wrong when you start meandering through random backroads and everyone is on the bottom half of their fuel tanks. I had the route back mapped and loaded and was looking forward to riding some of those roads just east of Mossy Head. Then I thought about how neither of them really lived out this way and could easily have taken 87 south back home after we ate. I also realized Joe ’s true intent was to go by the strawberry fields. How JoeJoe  was still hungry I have no idea – but I made the turn and down to Baker we went. Turns out Sweet Southern Farms  was open. I ushered Joe  to the front, and he quickly cut around and parked on the grass. Tony  took a bit to get his feet moving again, but even he was all smiles and laughs as we enjoyed some strawberry shortcake and ice cream on a warm September afternoon. We took our time and enjoyed the day. As we got closer to home the temperature started climbing. We decided to forego the obligatory fuel stop and book it back home before melting. Just as we reached HWY 90 I received a FL511 alert that all lanes of SR-285 were closed do to an incident. So it turns out that Joe's stomach detour into the strawberry fields was serendipitous! I made it home just before 2 PM. It was a great ride, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We missed those that couldn’t make it and look forward to the rides to come.

The morning started out soooo nice for September in NWF Florida.  70’s for temps  lower humidity plus bonus Ken C  found some nice Canopy Roads. Okay knitting time 9 Sandies  and a guest, Skippy  friend of Tommy  and Ken s and I.   We did 200  miles  of simply beautiful roads, courtesy of Ken . Mission finally make it to Golden Rule Bar-B-Que in Andalusia AL. Ken  took us on a fantastic route to include around the Courthouse square (always a favorite of mine). Got to the Q Joint a bit early, Tommy  let us test ride his Spyder with the newly installed Pedal Commander . The purpose of the gadget is to greatly improve throttle response on the Spyder. Boy Howdy does it ! the response is all most instant.  Even Skippy  who drives a new GL1800, had to remark on the throttle control. Joe   W  thought the response was excellent but Joe  could see his gas mileage  disappear. With that  would be tire usage that would shrink way down. But oh that sweet response on the throttle makes you have dreams of sugar plums.   Tony G  took videos of the days ride, which you can find on our You Tube channel visit and subscribe to it also. Some of Tony’s  shorts have over a thousand views !!! https://www.sanddollarmc.com/sandies      Inside the Golden Rule they brought us house made pork rinds. Oh my, they  were so delicious, so good in fact I couldn’t finish my Bar-BN-Que plate cause I ate too many Rinds.  Now Ruddy Fry’s explained, they are a French fry made the old fashioned way thinner skins on . In other words full of Yum.    As we headed out from the restaurant, Ken  casually mentioned Strawberry shortcake, what !   You could swear you could feel, through the earth, ears perk up. Ken  took us to a spot in the road almost on the Florida line. No Shortcake but a nice helping of Strawberry yogurt .   On a side note  Bobby B, JoeJoe  and Tony G  DID get Strawberry shortcake, today. They stopped outside Baker FL to enjoy the delectable use of strawberry‘s in a shortcake.   As we left you could see ominous Clouds forming. Which JoeJoe  likes to inform you with, I swear, a gleeful tone in his voice. JoeJoe  is a retired Weather guy . So it was speculating where would it get us . Surprise ! we made it home dry. Well as dry as Florida humidity allows.    Thanks Ken for the good Ride.   Next week is a Ride to the Lego’s Convention in Pensacola  We leave GTD 8 am you can get Tickets at https://www.brickconvention.com/pensacola We are in the 10 am to 1 slot, get your tickets now should be a lot of fun

Give up ?? Answer below , today was just not a normal Breakfast Ride. I mean come on any Sandie Ride is subject to get off the rails quickly anyway. Today just had help getting there. Okay the stats 11 Sandies  , not a bad turn out. We did 125 nice miles   and most important home before Noon.   It starts with Sam  and I arriving at GTD  nice and early. Tommy  walks over and points to my front tire and says those words every motorcyclist hates to hear , “Ya gotta a flat tire”. My reaction “Ha Ha can’t fool me, brand new tires, so there “. “No I’m not fool’n’ says Tommy  with the serious Tommy  face. The same face highway miscreants saw  when Tommy  walked up to your car. Oh along with “May I see license, proof of Insurance and registration”. So I decided to make my own inspection. Yep, flat tire, Damn , well let’s get out the air pump. Tommy  has a good size air pump, makes short work of adding air. Mark  and Tony  inspect the tire, no obvious reason for the loss of air.   I  had dug  out my pump, Tony  looks at it and says in that voice every guy knows  “ Kinda little isn’t it “ ?  Mark chimes up with something similar. I sigh,  I guess its show and tell time. Remember in Crocodile Dundee when he says “You call that a knife ( substitute Australian accent) now this is a knife “. Well I say something similar ( less the accent) “you boys call those a pump’ ? ‘Now this is a pump”, holding up my Cycle Pump for all to see. With that put to bed, I look over and Booby B  and Ken C  are looking  on amused at all of this.   Joe and Melanie W   roll up at that moment. It is always neat to see the Joe  and Melanie  . What you ask is Sandy S  doing through all this ? Why being off the rails Sandy,  of course. Well actually Sandy  and Sam  are doing a FOD Walk. All of you Aviation types know what a FOD Walk is. It happens my front tires are short stem caps. How you ask ? I do not have a clue why. Sandy speculates that someone must have lost a stem cap somewhere in the parking lot. So Sam  and Sandy  FOD walked the lot, sadly nada, nope, none.   Tommy  having a AHA moment calls JoeJoe  (who is meeting us up the road). Tommy  asks if Joejoe  had any stem caps laying around the garage and if he could bring a few. Joejoe  said “ Sure I can find a few” remember this off hand answer, there will be a test after. We take off, meet up with JoeJoe . I pull over in Navarre to get a couple of caps. JoeJoe  walks up and hands me a box. What in the world ? Folks it’s a box of one hundred caps ! Who on God’s green earth has a box of a hundred stem caps outside of a motorcycle repair shop ?  Well if it’s a Sandie and its JoeJoe  there ya go. I take two, I could have filled my pockets but then what do I do with them.   We have breakfast at Andy D’s Roadhouse in Milton. Sandy ’s choice and a good one it is. We go for a short jaunt in the Blackwater. Those of you familiar with my history with the Blackwater know it was a while ago. But do ya think the Sandies have forgotten, not a damn chance ? Go over the bridge and some comedian will make a remark like “Hey George don’t forget to raise your feet “.  Or a “ Yes the launch of The SS Wing “.   On the way home I suggest we do an overnighter. Take the train from Mobile to New Orleans in the morning and return that night. Spend the night before and after in Mobile, folks seemed to really  liked the idea, well except one, Bobby .  It seems while in his Mom’s womb Bobby   must have suffered some kind of train trauma, at least I think so. Bobby  was quite adamant that he would not be on board the Mardi Gras Express with his fellow Sandies. Well its early, we can only bring that famous Sandie grind em Down. Sides a trip without Bobby  just ain’t a real Sandie Adventure.   I want to especially  thank Sandy S , JoeJoe  for the fabulous pictures.   Next Saturday the  Sandies are going to Andalusia to eat Bar B Que. Ken C   has graciously volunteered to do  The Cat Herding Duties..  I will send out the details as they come available.   It was one great day of time spent with friends, ate some very good food and rode some outstanding roads all with people you enjoy being with.