Couple O' rides recently...

[Steve_in_Florida]

Finished up a job last Monday, and decided to take the FJ on a little spin up through Daytona Beach and Tomoka State Park.

Braved the afternoon/evening traffic to run past my buddies' shop, but he had already left for the day. Ran east on Highway 50 to Titusville for a coffee stop at Waffle House. As soon as I walked in, one of the requisite off-duty waitresses (I assume) said "...take *ME* on that MOTORCYCLE." I said "if you have a helmet, I'm just taking a run up to Daytona". She wasn't really being serious about going (of course), but the banter was amusing.

Headed north on US1, made a pass down Daytona's Main Street (mostly dead to bikes lately; Spring Break, though!), then up into Ormond Beach to Tomoka State Park. Riding through this area a night is pretty cool, as its a two-lane road, and the trees form a tunnel. Pretty during the day, but at night, it's almost surreal.

Hopped on I-95, then a quick run back home on I-4. Total miles: 195, Total time: 4 hours, Total FJ FUN Factor: 10.

The next day, I made a spontaneous call about a guy parting out an MG Midget in the Central Florida area. Turns out, he's in the Weeki Wachee area (Brooksville) which is on the western side of the state.

Aw, Gawrsh! I decided to just grab the FJ (AGAIN!!!), and take a spin out to his place and see what parts he has. (I'm looking for front suspension stuff to re-do my worn kingpin trunnion links; easiest to find a spare set, fix `em, and swap the assemblies out). He has what I'm seeking, and the car body itself is in better shape than the one I'm currently cruising around in.

Hmmm.... His car's in pieces, and has no interior. The engine and transmission are out and separated, and the engine turns by hand. Steel wheels are there, but removed. Parts, parts, parts. Hmmmm...

Haven't committed to anything yet, but am thinking about offering a something for EVERYTHING he has. He stated when we first met that anything not parted out will probably to to the scrapper.

Hmmm... I HATE to see useable stuff get crushed, especially when *I* could put it to good use!

Hmmmm....

Anyway, it was a nice ride out, and an EXCELLENT ride back. It was dark, and traffic was pretty sparse. Passing on the many two-lane lesser highway roads is EFFORTLESS with a slight twist of the throttle. I felt the need to celebrate the (possible) MG find, and headed to a local British pub for a pint of "Old Speckled Hen" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Speckled_Hen, which seems to be a favourite amongst the MG crowd.

On my way home from the pub, a guy and his lady (who had left the pub minutes before) tried to "take" me (race) at a traffic light. Knowing the stretch of road I was on (Forest City Road/Highway 434), I "bowed out", and seconds later, we passed right by the two Seminole County Sheriff's cars parked in the median. I just had to grin at the evidence that I *sometimes* make wise decisions! 

Back at the house in minutes, just in time for a restful nights' sleep!

Total Trip Mileage: ~200, Total Trip Time: 7 hours, Total FJ FUN Factor: 11.

...and TODAY is a NEW DAY!!! 

Steve

[rktmanfj]

I got to ride through North Peninsula and Tomoka SPs last month, courtesy of Jeff and Nancy.     

Not much in the way of twisties, but the lush tropical scenery and the fact that I was on two wheels was kind of surreal, especially considering that I'd shoveled several inches of heavy, wet snow right before leaving for FL.

[The General]

I love reading what you guys get up to. Thanks Steve. Had never heard of "The Speckled Hen" nor the newer off shoots "The Crafty Hen" or the "Old Golden Hen". Will include them in our next Rally Chook Raffle. 

[FJscott]

Finished up a job last Monday, and decided to take the FJ on a little spin up through Daytona Beach and Tomoka State Park.

Braved the afternoon/evening traffic to run past my buddies' shop, but he had already left for the day. Ran east on Highway 50 to Titusville for a coffee stop at Waffle House. As soon as I walked in, one of the requisite off-duty waitresses (I assume) said "...take *ME* on that MOTORCYCLE." I said "if you have a helmet, I'm just taking a run up to Daytona". She wasn't really being serious about going (of course), but the banter was amusing.

Headed north on US1, made a pass down Daytona's Main Street (mostly dead to bikes lately; Spring Break, though!), then up into Ormond Beach to Tomoka State Park. Riding through this area a night is pretty cool, as its a two-lane road, and the trees form a tunnel. Pretty during the day, but at night, it's almost surreal.

Hopped on I-95, then a quick run back home on I-4. Total miles: 195, Total time: 4 hours, Total FJ FUN Factor: 10.

The next day, I made a spontaneous call about a guy parting out an MG Midget in the Central Florida area. Turns out, he's in the Weeki Wachee area (Brooksville) which is on the western side of the state.

Aw, Gawrsh! I decided to just grab the FJ (AGAIN!!!), and take a spin out to his place and see what parts he has. (I'm looking for front suspension stuff to re-do my worn kingpin trunnion links; easiest to find a spare set, fix `em, and swap the assemblies out). He has what I'm seeking, and the car body itself is in better shape than the one I'm currently cruising around in.

Hmmm.... His car's in pieces, and has no interior. The engine and transmission are out and separated, and the engine turns by hand. Steel wheels are there, but removed. Parts, parts, parts. Hmmmm...

Haven't committed to anything yet, but am thinking about offering a something for EVERYTHING he has. He stated when we first met that anything not parted out will probably to to the scrapper.

Hmmm... I HATE to see useable stuff get crushed, especially when *I* could put it to good use!

Hmmmm....

Anyway, it was a nice ride out, and an EXCELLENT ride back. It was dark, and traffic was pretty sparse. Passing on the many two-lane lesser highway roads is EFFORTLESS with a slight twist of the throttle. I felt the need to celebrate the (possible) MG find, and headed to a local British pub for a pint of "Old Speckled Hen" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Speckled_Hen, which seems to be a favourite amongst the MG crowd.

On my way home from the pub, a guy and his lady (who had left the pub minutes before) tried to "take" me (race) at a traffic light. Knowing the stretch of road I was on (Forest City Road/Highway 434), I "bowed out", and seconds later, we passed right by the two Seminole County Sheriff's cars parked in the median. I just had to grin at the evidence that I *sometimes* make wise decisions! 

Back at the house in minutes, just in time for a restful nights' sleep!

Total Trip Mileage: ~200, Total Trip Time: 7 hours, Total FJ FUN Factor: 11.

...and TODAY is a NEW DAY!!! 

Steve

HeySteve,
I'm down in Vero Beach 70 miles se of ya. Always looking for a good excuse to fire up the fj. Give me a holler if youre ever down this way.

Scott