Okeechobee Reverse Gets Revisited
When we first came up with the idea of doing the ride around the Lake backwards it seemed like a simple idea that wasn’t anything significant. But that ride was one of the most successful we ever had and it introduced a path through which we can combine day rides with our Treasure Coast friends. It turned out to be a great idea and became called the Okeechobee Reverse for doing the ride around Lake Okeechobee counterclockwise.
Today we repeated the ride for the first time with great results. I was pleasantly surprised to see Andre and Dawn riding with us today. Leaving the Harley-Davidson shop just after 9:00 we headed out to the Beeline Highway (SR710) as a fog dissipated a few hundred feet above us. The cool air made for an exceptional ride as we entered Martin County with 6 bikes and 8 riders. We passed a grove and the air was briefly thick with the smell of orange blossoms. The ride to Okeechobee was perfect except for a short period behind a slow farm vehicle.
We arrived at Pogey’s right on time and I found Yarka had left a message on my cell phone. Her group had arrived at the Harley shop a bit late and missed us. They took advantage of the detailed instructions we post for every trip and were on their way. We were also expecting the Treasure Coast group to meet us there. We occupied the back wall of the restaurant with two tables and a booth waiting for overflow. Shortly after we ordered our food John’s group showed up with bikes and riders. Within minutes, Yarka, Mark and their friends from Europe arrived rounding us to 19 people on 14 bikes for the remainder of our ride.
A group that size is hard to manage sometimes. The slightest gap and another vehicle splits the group, making it hard to work together. It happened and we actually rode over 20 miles as two groups separated by a van. When we finally connected it looked great to see the line of bikes stretch out behind me. We rode through Moore Haven and on to Clewiston where we stopped for fuel and a refreshing drink. It was in the high 80’s, but when we were riding it was pleasant.
This ride ended around 2:30 for those in our area as our Treasure Coast friends headed north to beat the occasional thunderstorm as they formed. The ride couldn’t have been better executed. I hope you’re on our next ride for the Okeechobee Reverse. You can see more photos by joining our riding group. Just click here.