360Bikers Foundation

Great ride to La Belle to Flora and Ellas for breakfast and pie.

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Occasionally, the stars align, your luck is great and you wind up with a great ride.  Once again the most popular riding club in South Florida came up with a dandy ride for Saturday, October the 3rd.  See photos on our Meet Up site under 360 Bikers.

Under a 40% chance of rain threat we started our journey at the Gun Club Cafe.  It’s a great breakfast joint in West Palm Beach.  It’s cozy, the food is great and there’s plenty of parking.  We headed North on Beeline highway (710) from Haverhill Rd.  It was pretty much a straight shot to (70) in Okeechobee from Beeline Hwy.  We met the rest of our crew at the Racetrac gas station here.  About 14 riders joined here to make a large crew of about 28.  Our route followed 70 North to 98 North.  From there it was about an hour to Sebring and SR 27.  Just a few miles North on 27 took us to downtown Sebring, FL. 

I have been to many bikefests in FL but had never even heard of the Heartland ride unitl now.  The fest was much more than I imagined.  There was food, fun and deals to be had for all.  One of the highlights of the day for me was the Central Florida Drill Team.  Most drill teams I have seen, have made use of the compact Harley Electra Glides, which make all the maneuvering considerably easier.  However, at least 2 of the Central Florida riders sported the Flagship of tourers, the Goldwing.  It was especially impressive as the Goldwings did everything the Glides did and just as smooth.  We picked up a pair of MP3 equipped sun glasses for my better half for a great price and the obligatory event patch and pins.  The whole fest had a strong resemblance to Leesburg, in scope and content.  Although Leesburg is better known.

The ride back was just a pleasurable as the ride to the fest and followed the same route.  Normally not a 360 staple but it was great all the same.  We have some great ride leaders and organziers.  We also have plenty of safety conscious and experienced members, mixed in with some newer riders.  The blend is smooth and effortless and it shows when we ride. 

 That our beautiful state is hot is understatement, but at 55 mph plus, little traffic, no stop and go, underneath the blue skies and an Eagle flying overhead, I couldn’t think of a better way for 28 brothers and sisters to spend a Saturday.  

Once again a great ride, after all, that’s what 360Bikers are known for.  Until next time, RIDE SAFE!

GR

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Welcome once again faithful readers to another installment of the 360 Bikers Blog.  The 360 Bikers are the most popular Motorcycle riding club in South Florida and the ride today was a prime reason for our popularity.

The ride to Dune Dog began at 10:00am at the Starbucks in front of the Wellington Mall.  About 33 riders showed up to take the ride.  Ice coffee was the way to go as the sunny South Florida weather was already well under way.  After some picture taking and lots of greetings we got down to our rider meeting.  I believe every make and model was represented from 250cc Rebels to 6 cylinder Hondas.

The first group was lead by our fearless leader Lee and tailed by Nick.  I lead the second group tailed by our resident expert Hawk.  Our route for the day took us through Wellington heading West.  Whenever we ride as a group we turn heads but when you ride 25-30 bikes strong, that’s a parade.  We cruised through Wellington into Royal Palm and took a slight detour for some quick maintenance on a members motorcycle.  The groups flip flopped the lead and tail gunners with Lee joining the group I was leading and Hawk leading the second group with Nick Tail Gunning.  The switch was flawless and we barely skipped a beat.

Our group maintained a leisurely pace along Crestwood on to Royal Palm Beach Boulevard.   We headed North to Orange, West to Coconut, North to Northlake and East to Bee Line Highway.  I wrote this all in one sentence because essentially we did not stop at any of these locations.  We barely hesitated, catching each light or arriving just as the light was beginning to change.  This makes for a great flow when riding in a group.  Our ride North West on Beeline was the quickest part of our trip as the speed limit reaches 60 mph on stretches of Beeline.  Traffic was light and the traffic lights were accommodating.

We headed North East on Pratt Whitney adn then East on Indiantown Road.  This stretch took us back into town and what I thought would be the most congested part of our trip.  Boy was I surprised.  Our good luck with smooth traffic and accommodating lights continued all the way East on Indiantown Road.  If any of you have ever traveled on Indiantown Road you know it is the most congested road in Jupiter.  There are shops, stores, dealers, shopping malls and restaurants every 10 feet.  None of those affected our ride this day.  We made record time all the way to Federal Hwy or Dixie Hwy, depending on what town your in.  At this point we finally stopped for more than 1 minute (just barely) at a traffic light.  There was more than one rider getting up off of their seat to stretch.

We headed North for about 3 blocks to Dune Dog on the East side of the road.  The parking lot had plenty of room and we were soon parked across the parking lot.  We posed for a few shots here and headed inside.  About 15 minutes after we pulled in the second group pulled into the parking lot and we were once again one big happy group.  We found some more great friends and 360 Bikers to hang with inside Dune Dogs.  Mark, Yarka, Maverick and Dale, long time 360 bikers, met us for lunch and the ride home.

Lunch consisted of Leroy Brown’s Junkyard Dog, (it was great) and Baby Back Ribs, w/hot wings, coleslaw and fries for the missus.  Lunch was ordered and served in good time considering every seat in the house seemed to be taken.  The pricing was reasonable and the service was friendly.  We posed for some more shots after lunch and headed out.

We headed North once again to find Ocean avenue and immediately were stuck waiting on a raised bridge.  After a few minutes and some more pictures we started again.  We continued South to Indiantown, East to Ocean and then headed South along the beach.  Back on to US 1 for a few miles then East to Ocean once again.  We achieved a good flow along the Ocean with some great views.  We headed West along Blue Heron Blvd and were separated by a traffic light at Australian.  As my group, slowed to wait for those at the light we lost touch with the front group.  We continued South on Australian enjoying the weather and the ride.  At 45th street, Hawk rode to the front and suggested we go West on 45th and we soon caught the first group and passed them as they had stopped to wait for us.

We continued West on 45th, losing our second gunner, Nick, here.  Love the bike Nick (Yamaha Raider).  We headed South on Haverhill Road to Roebuck for our connection to Jog Road.  We headed South on Jog Road. As we headed South on Jog Road, members began to peel off.  We actually, left the group here,  and headed East on SR 80.  It was another great 360 plan and another great 360 ride.  Until next time, Ride Safe!!!

GR

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Welcome to another after ride Blog, from the most Popular Motorcycle Club in South Florida. This was a quick lunch ride but it epitomizes the creed of club. We have rides and events for any and all bikers, no matter what you ride or how many CC’s you have. On today’s ride we had a mix of models ranging from 250cc to 1900cc. Everyone had a great time.

Our ride started at 10:15am this morning. The riders gathered at the Shell gas station on 441 & Boynton Beach Blvd. This location has plenty of room to host a meetup 5 times our group size and gas/coffee to boot. Our leader Connie, proceeded with the pre ride meeting and we were off. Connie leading and Richard being the Tail Gunner on his Triumph for the ride. Unfortunately, I was not able to ride and was driving behind the Tail Gunner in my car.

The group rode South on 441, in the beautiful 70 degree weather, toward Boca Raton. Traffic was light and we made an Eastbound turn on to Clintmoore Road. As we traveled Eastbound toward Military Trail, Clintmoore adds a few curves to make the ride interesting. We head Southbound again on Military Trail passing under Glades Road to reach Palmetto Park Road.

On Palmetto Park Road we head Eastbound again towards the ocean. We reach Ocean blvd with a nice flow and no traffic issues. The area we pass through is usually crowded and heavy with traffic but it was nice and clear today.

We head Northbound on Ocean Blvd toward Linton Blvd. The Ocean view is beautiful and A1A is made for Motorcycle riding.

We turn Westbound on Linton Blvd. as we near our destination. The group was like a well oiled machine and there are no lags or spaces in the Staggered formation all ride long.

We arrive at Duffys right on time and are quickly shown to our seats. The waitresses took orders for drinks and quickly followed with food orders. Refills and requests were taken care of expeditiously and there was plenty of time for conversation.  The Wings are great and the price is moderate.  Everyone loved their meals.

After a great lunch it was time for us to ride once again. The group headed Westbound on Linton Blvd. to Jog Road. Northbound on Jog to Atlantic Blvd. Westbound on Atlantic Blvd to 441. Northbound on 441 back to our original starting point.  Riders peeled off as we traveled Northbound and headed for home.

Finally, great weather, great people, motorcycles and a great idea (360’s), equals one more great 360 Bikers event. Until next time, Ride Safe!!

GR

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Welcome readers to another edition of our 360 ride Blog. If you are anywhere in South Florida and love motorcycles, there is no finer group of motorcycle enthusiasts to join. Of course, I could be considered biased, lol.

The night started simply enough. Get home, do some homework (with the little one), check the weather and confirm on the 360 website our ride details. While confirming I noticed our little group had gotten smaller. We had gone from 7 with 2 maybes to just 5 attendees. Undeterred by the chances of rain and a low turn out, I headed out to our meetup on 441 and SR 80, at the Home Depot.

I arrived at 6:20 pm and waited 5 minutes before being waved over by some motocyclists across the parking lot. I rode over to find Roger, Mitzi and several guest riders. Two minutes later, our fearless leader, Maverick, his co-pilot Dale and another guest pulled up. We quickly went from 5 attendees on 3 bikes to 10 attendees on 7 bikes….WOW!!

The lineup looked a lot like this; Maverick & Dale, Roger & Mitzi, Ernesto & Miriam, Chris, Nolen, Fred & yours truly Ken. I did my most serious Hawk impersonation I could muster as a Tail Gunner but I don’t think he has anything to worry about.

We started out Eastbound on SR80 and turned Southbound on Lyons Road. Lyons road is a nice shortcut through to Forest Hill Blvd. There is a round about halfway down the road to slow traffic and a a sheriff’s cruiser parked on the side of the road to help the cause.

We proceeded Eastbound on Forest Hill blvd. The traffic was heavier then expected for 7:00 pm on Thursday evening. We continued on without too many issues until the broken down vehicle at the intersection at Haverhill Rd. separated the group. Maverick handled it like a pro though, pulling over alongside the broken down vehicle and the Sheriff, to wait for the group.

We traveled through Lake Clark Shores and hit the narrowest roads in the world after I-95. The roads are so narrow on the stretch east of 95, that 2 sportbikes have trouble riding side by side in these lanes.

We turned Southbound on to Olive Avenue and followed this road into Lake Worth. At this point the road turns into Federal Highway. This road is well lit, with old fashioned lamp posts and few traffic lights.

After a few miles we reached Lucerne Avenue and turned West bound to arive at Lake Worth bike night. Lucerne runs Westbound one way and Lake Avenue runs Eastbond one way.

We circled Lucerne and Lake Avenue once and could not find parking to accompdate the group. We finally found some spots on K street. Note to self: If you want to park on Lake Ave or Lucerne, arrive at least 45 minutes earlier. Of course, then you will have to deal with rush hour traffic but I digress. The group made our way down Lake Ave to Too Jays for dinner. Along the way there are many vendors, selling gloves, shirts and other Motorcyle paraphenalia. There was even a set up for pin striping right there on the sidewalk. I was sorely tempted as I have wanted some pin striping for awhile.

Too Jays, I’m not sure if I am spelling that right, is excellent, deli style food. The sandwiches are stuffed with whatever you order and the pricing is moderate. The food is ablsolutlely fresh. I soon learned that Dale is a Too Jays afficionado.

While we were sitting down for dinner we noticed 2 familiar bikers pulling up to the curb. Daily and Lindsay had made the trip up from Broward to attend Bike night. Daily and Lindsay, ride the standard, beautiful Kawasaki’s. Daily’s Kawi has the matching saddlebags. A couple of accesories and Daily could put that bike in any show.

With the addition of Daily and Lindsay, that brought our 360 attendees up to a staggering 12 attendees. Okay maybe staggering is a little strong but if you can go from 5 to 12 on a work night you have to be doing something right.

After dinner we saw the sights. There are way too many places to eat & drink to mention. There was also the drunk, the pirate and the clown, which made the night extra exciting.  Of course, it goes without saying that hundreds of different makes and models of Motorcycles were on display. 

The weather was overcast and a cool 75 degrees. In true 360 fashion we started our return trip Westbound on Lake Ave., peeling off as we went. The route provided a true 360 back to our starting point.

Finally, I met some new friends, had some good food and took a nice motorcyle ride and once again, I have 360Bikers to thank for it. Nice Job Maverick. Until next time, Ride Safe!

GR

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After some refueling, (gas, Ice cream, yoo-hoo) we’re almost home and it’s about 4:40 pm or thereabouts. We leave about 3 riders short, as some of our crew split off here. There are plenty left for the relatively short jaunt home.

We continue east working our way toward SR 80. We have a couple more riders split off just outside Belle Glade. Though this area is relatively wide open we actually ran into some road construction to slow us down. It may be just me but they don’t spend nearly enough money in Clewiston and Belle Glade on roads. This particular road has been under construction for awhile now. We keep up a pretty good pace through here just like most of the day.

We have passed through this section before on our way to SR 80 on other 360 runs but I still can’t tell you the name. It bypasses, what goes for downtown Belle Glade. If the whole idea is to avoid traffic lights then it works out great. The weather is great, not warm and not cold. We run into a slight delay approaching SR 80. Sherrif in the middle of the road, lights on and cars pulled over to side. Must have been some kind of dispute or repair, because we barely got held up in time to light a cigarette.  I have a feeling it was the “Horde” of bikers that got that ball rolling because 2 seconds later everyone was gone.

There were some dark clouds threatening but nothing developed over us, there is some thing to be said for timing (luck). As we got closer to Wellington, traffic visibly increased and we started to wave our compadres off. We lost the majority before SR 7. The Wellington group are a bunch of good guys. Plus, quite a few of those guys ride STAR’s, so they get extra credit. We wave to our fearless leader and leave the group to continue on SR 80. There are just 2 of us and a lone biker who happened to join the group in traffic. I lose the last of our compadres about SR 80 and the turnpike and the lone biker a short while later.

Finally riding alone after 10 hours, is kind of strange and almost lonely. I had gotten so use to checking for Hawk and Terri in my rear view or watching Mark, Trudy and Maverick in front of me, that riding alone was almost wrong. I always get the same feeling at the end of a ride, as my fellow riders are peeling off. I actually want to stop and talk to each one and tell them what a great time I had and how cool it was to ride in the group with them. Sometimes, there is not even time to wave to each individual fellow 360er. Our group, of course, has the Post Ride comments on the web and I hope I have expressed my appreiciation and gratitude for my compadres there. Finally, no rain, great weather, slow riding, fast riding, curves, pot holes, alligators, toll roads, fuel island jams, good food and great people equals another great 360 ride. Ride Safe!

GR

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We had lunch at an Irish place called Erin’s Isle. Highly recommended as the food was good and the prices extremely low.  We also have to compliment the waiter for taking on 24 customers he wasn’t expecting, doing individual checks, serving us, and keeping everything straight.  He was impressive as the owner, who was very accommodating for our group.

After refueling at the gas station next door, we organized again and got underway.  I had gone over the route because with a group this size traffic lights make it tough to stay together.  We had a couple riders that did not keep the group tight and sure enough we got split.  After turning at Immokalee Road we waited for the rest of the group before getting underway.

Now, we were out of the traffic and headed towards Immokalee on a nice road that disappeared into old South Florida. I remembered this part of the ride from the previous year and the nice turns in the road as it twisted from running east to a northward path.  Once in Immokalee I took a route that avoided traffic lights so our gappers wouldn’t split the group.  In minutes we were on the road headed north.

— Video Coming Soon —

About 13 miles north of Immokalee I was looking for Keri Road.  This would lead us through our fourth or fifth park of the day and take us on two roads I had never seen before.  The park is Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest (yeah, you say it three times real fast) and the road was nice with little turns.  A couple road patches did make it rough, but overall I’d ride it again.  This road gave us a left turn at the end of it to get on a road that led us to SR80, a familiar road to most of the riders in our group.  From here, we road to Clewiston for our last fuel and rest stop before heading home.

LK

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We prepared to leave the gas station as two other large groups that were there rode out ahead of us.  We actually ran into the BMW group later on the ride.  Our number of bikes was now 21 as we prepared to get onto US41, the 2-lane highway that preceded the Interstate as Alligagor Alley.  The beauty of this ride is the changes in geography.  We begin the ride with a lot of sawgrass in the Everglades.  We ride past long expanses of the grass with obvious paths cut through it by the airboats.  This ride is a peak at what Florida was like 100 years ago.

Riding west, we come to Big Cypress and begin to leave the sawgrass plains behind.  Along the right side of the road is a guardrail and then a ditch that is about 10 to 15 feet wide.  Along the shore away from the road you see alligators resting in the sun as it rises in the South Florida sky.  The temperature is rising and the cold-blooded reptiles come out to warm themselves.  What struck us all was the quantity of gators.  We say hundreds of them along the shores just a few feet away from us.  We saw more alligators in 50 yards of ride than most people see in their lives!  They were everywhere and occasionally you’d see a couple riding in a canoe.  It must have looked like dinner to some of them.  It looked dangerous to us.

We saw a lot of beautiful birds, too.  Everything from egrets to herons to eagles to hawks.  This is a ride with nature that is perhaps the best in South Florida.  Leaving Big Cypress we actually ride along the southern border of Collier-Seminole State Forest.

Riding further along the cypress give way to an open plain that isn’t as wet as the sawgrass swamps.  We came to CR92 in Collier county and went down the road that was new to most of us.  The short ride of about 5 miles took us to a small causeway and across to Marco Island.  We rode through the short island in about 10 minutes and came across another causeway leading us towards Naples and our lunch destination.

Lee

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