Key West Feb. 7,2009

[Brent]

I am planning to stay at Florida City Feb 6.7.8.
ride to key west (250 miles roiund trip)Saturday 2-7
see Everglades Sunday with supper at Mickasukee Indian Casino Sunday.

Typical XS format: Ride, Ride, Ride, eat, sleep, repeat.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Brent,
Thanks for the memories. Unfortunately I will not be making this one in 2009. Anyone thinking about going. This is a great event.
Highest recommendation.
Maxim Phil

[exquized1]

Brent,

Have you got anybody from up here comming? Didn't know if Bob has said anything! I am interested if I can figure out how to get my bike down and the wife says ok!

[jetmechmarty]

Regrets

I have ten days off, but it looks like you missed them. I sure did have a lot of fun last year! I still have the pics posted for those of you who can get the time away. It was a lot better than a good time for those ofd us who went the distance!

[earl G]

Key West Feb. 7,2009

brent, i am interested. need more info on the trip. hotel? driving down to florida city. happy holiday.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Earl,
Until Brent gets back from what ever he is up to I presume you are trailering the bike? I suggest you get atleast to Georgia before you try to ride in February. In 2008 we started from Fayetteville on the southside of Atlanta with a first night stop in Talahasee FL. Visited Andersonville on day one which made for a long but good day. This route lead us down the Gulfcoast and across the top of the Everglades. Worth repeating in my view.
Those going on the trip may have other ideas
Phil

[earl G]

phil, enjoy that warm blast of air? yes will be trailering the bike all the way to fl. my girl wants to see her son in port saint lucie,and brent has this ride, like at the same time. wow so i said i'll drive. she can visit her son and i'll go ride my bike. so i wait to read the plan.

[MaximPhil]

phil, enjoy that warm blast of air? yes will be trailering the bike all the way to fl. my girl wants to see her son in port saint lucie,and brent has this ride, like at the same time. wow so i said i'll drive. she can visit her son and i'll go ride my bike. so i wait to read the plan.

If I recall correctly that is near Stuart / Jupiter. 1/2 way down the Atlantic side. So leave the the trailer there. If the "IN CROWD" are going down the Gulf Coast again you could "head them off at the pass" and cut across the middle to meet them. Hwy 98 is interesting well as interesting as straight and flat can be Ofcourse a good old high speed blast down the Interstate in the beautiful sunshine and WARM in the middle of February is it's own reward.
With good friends and a cold beer at the end of the day
Envious already and it's still December.
Phil

[jsmn4vu]

I am planning to stay at Florida City Feb 6.7.8.
ride to key west (250 miles roiund trip)Saturday 2-7
see Everglades Sunday with supper at Mickasukee Indian Casino Sunday.

I'm in...Hoping that Marty can clear his schedule, and that Phil D. will have a change of plans enabling him to make it, too.

Looking forward to seeing everyone! Who's in for another breakfast launch from Melear's in Fayetteville?

[newc4]

Earl G,

Would you have room for another on your trailer? If so I my interest has grown.

Darrell

[MaximPhil]

I'm in...Hoping that Marty can clear his schedule, and that Phil D. will have a change of plans enabling him to make it, too.

Looking forward to seeing everyone! Who's in for another breakfast launch from Melear's in Fayetteville?

Welcome to XS11 John,
It will take a lottery win for me to make it. Five more draws before i have to leave I hope it is atleast a few degrees warmer for your departure from Melears.
Phil

[jetmechmarty]

At this point, it's more than highly unlikely that I'll be able to make. I'm due back to work on 4 Feb. Since I've been giving my employer a hard time about keeping me on a schedule, I'll need a disaster that holds me over a week. To top it off, I need to replace a bunch of wiring due to recent fire. I leave for work tomorrow and return on the 25th.

For those of you who haven't been, this is truly a fantastic time. I was able to do it on the cheap as well. If you're thinking about it, do it! Get on as much of the ride as possible. The first and last of it were some of the best parts for me. St. Augustine weather was perfect!

268 photos from last year here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetmech...7603732359841/

[Brent]

motel info

brent, i am interested. need more info on the trip. hotel? driving down to florida city. happy holiday.

OK details forthcoming.

February 6,7,8, 2009
Place - Florida City HQ & lodging at Comfort Inn
333 S.E. 1st Ave. US Hwy. #1 , Florida City, FL, US, 33034 | Phone: (305) 248-4009 Fax: (305) 248-7935
call for reservation, ask for Hoove discount. $98.10/night Plus tax ($110.85 including tax), best I could do, same as govt rate. Camping available in Everglades National Park several miles away or

Budget alternative in Florida City: www.evergladeshostel.com/accommodations.htm

XSpensive alternative; Some may rent condo in Key west Saturday night. www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida

[Brent]

Trailer Parking

Greetings to riders stranded in the Great White North and others who put motorcycles on trailers,

Trailer Parking is available at Comfort Inn Florida City "plenty of room, NO Problem" (It is a Big area.)

Parking is available in Tallahassee Area at Don Hather's house & 5 acres
--- On Thu, 12/11/08, Don Hather <donhather@hughes.net> wrote:

> From: Don Hather <donhather@hughes.net>
> Subject: Re: Key west trip; any interest this year?
> To: firehoove@yahoo.com
> Date: Thursday, December 11, 2008, 8:27 PM
> I did enjoy the trip last year and would like to do it
> again. Why not stay one night in KW? If you would like to
> stop here in Tallahassee and spend the night you are
> welcome. I have one spare bedroom with a queen bed . I also
> have one hide a bed couch on the porch plus two more
> couches. I also have parking for all the trailers.

RSVP Don's contact info
phone ; 850-539-1281. 167 Harmony Lane Havana Fl. 32333

I plan to bring sleeping bag & stay at Don's House February 4. Also Motel 6 is close by
Motel 6 850-386-7878
> 2738 North Monroe St Tallahassee, FL 32303

Some motels you might consider are;
> > Econo Lodge 850-385-6155
>
> > Motel 6 850-386-7878
> 2738 North Monroe St Tallahassee, FL 32303
>
> > Super 8 850-386-8286
> > There are many other motels in Tallahassee

[MaximPhil]

Hi Brent,
Good to see you posting details. As already posted i will not be able to attend this year.
For those planning / thinking of attending. My 2 cents
Staying at the "base" motel has the advantage of being part of the group The price is "competetive" for the area /time of year.
Overnight in Key West has pros & cons
The ride down takes most of the day. Sunset from Mallory square is a must see. This means a Night ride for those going back to "base". I enjoyed the blast North in the dark as i think did the others who chose this option.
3 hours if i recall correctly. This option gives the next day for a visit to Everglades Park which was very enjoyable.
Those choosing to Overnight in KW have the advantage of being able to Spend money like drunken sailors drinking and partying the night away.
One could also go to bed EARLY and have a good sleep rising early to go shelling on the beach.
They then have the whole day to meander North with all the TRAFFIC.
Hope this helps you make the choice that best suits you.
Phil