360Bikers Foundation

Eating again.

Yesterday we finally made the trip to Cheeseburger in Paradise, a hamburger chain owned by Jimmy Buffet growing industrial side.  Ian had been there before and I was really looking forward to this.  The entire group was looking forward to it.

We had a great set of bikes ranging from Cecil’s scooter (gotta love that guy) to Nick’s Raider.  A few e-Glides, Connie’s Kawi and we picked up Yarka on the way.  It was a Class 2 ride primarily because we used I-95 to get to Miami.  The good news was that I only made one wrong turn and it was because I followed the GPS.  Ian got us into the parking garage he knew about and we parked in a nice spot in front of LA Fitness where everyone could see the bikes as they entered the parking garage for the outdoor mall.

It took us no time at all to locate the Cheeseburger in Paradise location and identify the problem.  It was closed.  Not for the day, but totally gone never to return.  We were all shocked.  Trudy had to be resuscitated because she was counting on that little pair of sunglasses she buys that came with the free drink.  Well, we got over it and Connie asked some cute girls ( should one of the guys have done that?) if they could recommend a place.  We ended up at Dan Marino’s and had a great lunch.

Since Mark missed us on the way down he invited us to stop at his house to see his new toy, a 2002 custom Bourget.  Very nice bike.  It needs some TLC, but damn… it’s a beauty.  Exceptional paint.  We enjoyed Mark’s place which is awesome.  He bought cookies and donuts and I was ready to move in.  It will probably be the site of our next 360Bikers party as he volunteered it.

We came back up Federal to Copans and out to US441/SR7.  It was an adventuresome day with our group showing flexibility all the way.  We had fun, food and a nice ride.  Now, we have to find another Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Lee

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As everyone has noticed, winter is upon us.  Even here in Sunny South Florida.  It’s not a problem though, Florida is still the ride all year state!  Since the weather is cold I just wanted to share my thoughts on typical riding gear.  One of my favorites, and the one I get the most grief about, is my leather chaps.  Besides looking like i’m dressed for halloween or a refugee from a YMCA video, people wonder where your horse is. I tell them the HORSES are parked outside and there’s about 76 of them!  Unless you’re heading for a biker meet or it’s freezing outside, you may be a little sensitive about wearing them.  I have to say, when I first got them, I felt a little self conscious, but really, the benefits far outweigh loss of dignity, lol.  Seriously, for long trips or cold weather, chaps can’t be beat.  I actually didn’t know what I was missing.  My first 2-3 hour ride with the chaps on, showed 2 major differences.  The first is obviously my legs were warmer and I was more confortable during the ride.  The second was bit of a surprise.  I did not realize how the wind resistance affected my legs.  After a ride wearing chaps and spending the day at an event, I felt less stress and less tired then before the chaps.  More comfort and less weariness adds up to a safer ride!  Of course, being able to enjoy your entire day’s ride with less aches and pain is great too.  Motorcycle pants serves this purpose as well but won’t last as long and won’t keep you as warm.  So, for those of us who have chaps, keep enjoying them.  For those who don’t, give it a shot, they really work, you will really appreiciate them on your next long cold ride.  If you find it works and this was helpful, pass it on to  your ride buddies.  After all, if we are all wearing chaps, there will be too many of us to make fun of.

Ride Safe,

GR

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I pull up to work on my 2007 Triumph Daytona and coworkers and my boss marvel at my audacity and nerve. I ride my 2008 Royal Star Venture with my wife and brothers and extended 360 family on the weekends and people just stare. I know what they are thinking because the people I actually talk to all ask the same thing. They want to know how I have the nerve or guts to ride a motorcylce. Don’t I realize how dangerous it is? Don’t I realize that I risk my life each and everyday? It’s the same question. Hidden in a compliment about how nice the bike looks or stated outright as a greeting of sorts. I can never explain to a non rider what the motorcycle experience is. Sure its been described in everyway imaginable….(pause here to fondly remember and pick out your favorite ride)…always the feeling of freedom and the call of the open road. Long sweeping curves, hills, 5 mile long straights, to test your bikes capabilities. Everything that makes a biker smile.

There is something else there though. It’s something deep that some of us don’t even know is there. It’s the point where the risk is no where near as great as the reward. Riders put on their helmets, jeans and gloves and ride. WE ARE UNAFRAID! It’s amazing actually. My wife is deathly terrified of the smallest spider but will twist the throttle and summon life saving speed without a second thought. I don’t think she knows its there because she still won’t watch a horror movie…lol. It’s bond of sorts. I see bikers everyday. I wave to each as a show of respect. There goes someone else who is UNAFRAID. It doesn’t matter what you ride. It doesn’t matter how you ride. Surfing on the tank of your Gixxer in rush hour traffic or freight training 60 bikes strong for lunch. All are bikers and all are UNAFRAID. Of course, let’s not mistake courage for stupidity. The aformentioned Surf through traffic is one I have seen many times and from a safe distance. I will respect them no less. I can no more control their actions as control their fate. As for me, I will ride UNAFRAID until I can ride no more. When I am done, please line up every biker you can find and freight train them right up the nearest and busiest roadway. I want them all to know. I was UNAFRAID!

No one wants to be hurt.  No wants to lose a friend or loved one.  Unfortunately, I been down more times than I can count.  Fortunately, I am still here and I am still UNAFRAID! Next time your friend, your neighbor, your coworker or your family, ask you why you still ride…….Tell them!!!

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