Snowbird Gathering '17

[tomg]

Well I just secured a place for our 2017 Snowbird Gathering. After talking with several who have attended in the past we decided to change the date and location and do something a little different. Location will be Ocala, Florida, date will be 5 March thru 9 March 2017. This will be right next to Bike Week for those who have wanted to have both events closer together so they could attend both.

The motel is the Quality Inn, 3434 S/W College Road. PH # 352-854-3200. It is just off of I 75 on the east side about 2 blocks on the right. Price will be $70 plus tax includes breakfast, heated pool and there are several places to eat in the area with I think about 4 that you can walk to within 3-5 minutes. The reservations are open now just mention that you are with the Snowbird group. More to follow as soon as we can get someone to put together a sign-in roster for us.

Tomg

 

[Gorilla]

Well I just secured a place for our 2017 Snowbird Gathering. After talking with several who have attended in the past we decided to change the date and location and do something a little different. Location will be Ocala, Florida, date will be 5 March thru 9 March 2017. This will be right next to Bike Week for those who have wanted to have both events closer together so they could attend both. The motel is the Quality Inn, 3434 S/W College Road. PH # 352-854-3200. It is just off of I 75 on the east side about 2 blocks on the right. Price will be $70 plus tax includes breakfast, heated pool and there are several places to eat in the area with I think about 4 that you can walk to within 3-5 minutes. The reservations are open now just mention that you are with the Snowbird group. More to follow as soon as we can get someone to put together a sign-in roster for us.

Tomg

We are booked in Tom.

Mj says to advise you that the phone number is 352-854-3200 just one digit off but she got thru. Ted

 

[Rosy]

WOW, Tom, millions of people counting on you, and what do you do, screw up! Gorilla, you and Bruce, thank you very much for helping Tom, somebody needs to help this poor person!
Love you Tom!
Rosy

 

[tomg]

We are booked in Tom.

Mj says to advise you that the phone number is 352-854-3200 just one digit off but she got thru. Ted

Thanks Ted, corrected Now! But I was trying to throw off Rosy anyway!
Tomg

WOW, Tom, millions of people counting on you, and what do you do, screw up! Gorilla, you and Bruce, thank you very much for helping Tom, somebody needs to help this poor person!
Love you Tom!
Rosy

Don't know what you are looking at! The number is correct on my Computer! Better get the Doctor to check your wiring as he must have connected one of the wires to your bad eye!! Lol Hope you all had a great time yesterday and sure wish I could have been there.
Tom

 

[tomg]

Places to visit, things to do. Silver Springs State Park is 9 miles away where we can take the glass bottom boat ride and spend a few hours within the park. Also we would be about 60-70 miles from WeekI Wachee which is another state park where they have the mermaids that do under water shows. And another place to go about this same distance would be Cedar Key. All of these are just suggestions. All are also places that can get you back to the motel area in time to visit other attractions such as Don Garrit drag museum about 9 miles away. Crystal Motorsports was also a place of interest. Looking forward to seeing old friends and hopefully some new ones this year.
Tomg

 

[clint44]

Sherry and I are really interested in this gathering. I've always liked Ocala and agree it is a good location. It's close to Daytona Beach but not too close.

 

[Zammy]

Thank you Tom for getting this started, it's an excellent area for riding the back roads. Mt. Dora is only about 40 miles away, a quaint town with lots of arts, crafts, and places to eat. Perhaps a trip to Crystal River to ride the Ozello Trail, a 50 turn, 10 mile "mini dragon", that's about as good as it gets in Florida, lol. A couple of good seafood places along the trail also.

We'll definitely be coming, Tom, if you want to PM me your Phone # maybe I can help out with a ride or so, the Ocala National forest is also nearby.

Right now we're in Ohio visiting family but will be home in Florida by next Wednesday the 17th.

 

[Captain H]

Hi Tom & others , I think everything sounds real good .Your suggestions , & Yammy's are all good ones , & as Clint44 said , it is close to Daytona , but not too close . We could still go to Ponce de Leon Springs & have pancakes .ThumbUp I know , we didn't make that ride last year , the wind was blowing so hard that morning ,I thought the camper was going to roll over . WE thought it would be best for us to use our weight and help hold the camper down by staying in it. Yes , I take my helmet off to all of you who made that ride .I give you three thumbs up. ThumbUp ThumbUp ThumbUp lol.

Rosy, it is very good to be reading your post again , & I still owe you guys a coffee :Coffee:

Cedar Key is a very nice ride , there is a video made in 2014 of it , I put on trike talk . There is a little town called Micanopy just off 441 , that maybe worth seeing while you are up that way . These are all good suggestion, & I know there will be many more good ones to pick from . Good luck , and thank you Tom .

captain h

 

[tomg]

Hi Tom & others , I think everything sounds real good .Your suggestions , & Yammy's are all good ones , & as Clint44 said , it is close to Daytona , but not too close . We could still go to Ponce de Leon Springs & have pancakes .ThumbUp I know , we didn't make that ride last year , the wind was blowing so hard that morning ,I thought the camper was going to roll over . WE thought it would be best for us to use our weight and help hold the camper down by staying in it. Yes , I take my helmet off to all of you who made that ride .I give you three thumbs up. ThumbUp ThumbUp ThumbUp lol.
Rosy, it is very good to be reading your post again , & I still owe you guys a coffee :Coffee:
Cedar Key is a very nice ride , there is a video made in 2014 of it , I put on trike talk . There is a little town called Micanopy just off 441 , that maybe worth seeing while you are up that way . These are all good suggestion, & I know there will be many more good ones to pick from . Good luck , and thank you Tom .

captain h

Dear Capt H, I hope you do realize that there are a few unhappy campers here that went to a certain restaurant to only find out it was closed. The "whale" is still there but we did have to restrain ourselves !!! LOL looking forward to seeing you guys again.

Let me know when you get back down.

Tomg

 

[Charlie D]

snowbird ralley

reservations beeing made as we corespond new places always exciting. Tomg see if we can get escorted tour of EMERGENCY ONE factory while at Ocala, one of the Biggest Fire Truck Mfgrs.in America Headquarters at Ocala Fla. along I-75 ThumbUp

 

[tomg]

reservations beeing made as we corespond new places always exciting. Tomg see if we can get escorted tour of EMERGENCY ONE factory while at Ocala, one of the Biggest Fire Truck Mfgrs.in America Headquarters at Ocala Fla. along I-75 ThumbUp

Sounds interesting, I'll check it out.
Tom

 

[mikey]

We made our reservations in Ocala for March... Hopefully we won't have to cancel .... again .... ! :AGGHH:
Natalie

 

[Rosy]

OK, all set for Snowbird Gathering..HA..HA..Tom, I got the right phone number..I know you tried to throw me off, but my friends corrected the number.
Mickey, You going to give me a tour, I'll bring my "sticks", LOL How is your back, maybe have to take a rain check on the tour....
See you soon, Y'all!
Rosy & Janice

 

[tomg]

We made our reservations in Ocala for March... Hopefully we won't have to cancel .... again .... ! :AGGHH:
Natalie

Cancel ! Not a chance ! Rosy's trailer is big enough we can remove the top and set in a recliner if Mikey's back is still bothering him, let you drive the Stallion in front of Rosy and you won't even hear any complaints! LOL We are in for a good time a coming..
Tomg

 

[Rosy]

There is no problem, because I bring my Ashley recliner to Florida with me, so there! Mikey can sit as long as he wants. LOL
Tom, you are such a nice guy to think of my recliner..WOW!
See you in a few!
Rosy

 

[tomg]

There is no problem, because I bring my Ashley recliner to Florida with me, so there! Mikey can sit as long as he wants. LOL
Tom, you are such a nice guy to think of my recliner..WOW!
See you in a few!
Rosy

That's what friends are for !!! Sure glad to see you back to posting and your great humor to boot.

Tom

 

[mikey]

Rosy, Tom, ... you guys are the best... always thinking ahead!

We are not sure exactly when Mike's surgery will be ... but soon! He already got cardiac clearance and is going to his primary physician Friday for his general clearance. The surgeon plans to shave some of the bone to widen the opening in his back where the nerve roots leave the spinal canal. This is supposed to eliminate the "pinching" of the nerve. Sounds like it ought to work. (Also sounds like it might hurt!)

Tomg, thanks for all your planning for the Snowbird Gatherings. We appreciate your attention to details and we always have a great time.

ThumbUp We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Oh, and Tomg...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Natalie

 

[tomg]

Rosy, Tom, ... you guys are the best... always thinking ahead!

We are not sure exactly when Mike's surgery will be ... but soon! He already got cardiac clearance and is going to his primary physician Friday for his general clearance. The surgeon plans to shave some of the bone to widen the opening in his back where the nerve roots leave the spinal canal. This is supposed to eliminate the "pinching" of the nerve. Sounds like it ought to work. (Also sounds like it might hurt!)

Tomg, thanks for all your planning for the Snowbird Gatherings. We appreciate your attention to details and we always have a great time.

ThumbUp We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Oh, and Tomg...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Natalie

Thanks for the b-day wish. Tell Mikey that I have a dermal tool if his surgeon's prices are too high. LOL You two known that everyone has Mikey in our thoughts and prayers..

Tom

 

[Gorilla]

Natalie +1 from MJ and I keep us posted on the operation. Luv ya both Ted

 

[Nana]

reservations beeing made as we corespond new places always exciting. Tomg see if we can get escorted tour of EMERGENCY ONE factory while at Ocala, one of the Biggest Fire Truck Mfgrs.in America Headquarters at Ocala Fla. along I-75 ThumbUp

Great idea, Charlie! That would be interesting. Mikey, we are praying for a very successful surgery! Looking forward to seeing all of you there

 

[mikey]

Ted and MJ, Nana and Mike, thanks for the prayers and good wishes!

Mikey got his clearance from his family physician, now waiting to get on the schedule for his surgery. Will keep you posted!

Natalie

 

[TGCarol]

Hi Snowbirds

Since I live in Ocala I've been asked to chime in on some ride ideas. Most of the places my husband and I ride have been mentioned already. Ozello trail is great fun, beautiful Micanopy, Cedar Key these are all great choices. I don't think anyone mentioned Mount Dora. It's a beautiful town. Lots of shops and places to eat. Also, a nice short ride for lunch or dinner would be to Eatons Beach. It's a reataurant right on Lake Weir. They have their own dock and beach area although I don't think many people will be using them in March. They have an outdoor bar and live music on the weekends.

If I think of any more, I'll be back.

 

[TGCarol]

Oops...I see Zammy already suggested Mount Dora.

Three Bananas epper: is up in Crescent City. Nice ride. Fun, lakeside restaurant.

 

[Rosy]

Not to get away from the riding part, but, how are their margaritas? LOL or Bahama Mammas?
Any good ice cream parlor along the ride? You know, you get kind-of thinking of a treat as you ride! You need a treat when you have been a good boy! Some of us do! LOL
Rosy

 

[tomg]

As always, we try to get everyone attending together at about 4pm Sunday (in hotel lobby area) so we can collectively set our agenda. I only throw out a few suggestions to get the ball rolling. All suggestions are welcome and we can/will set our schedule which is always open to change for weather concerns at that time. Some like to ride in smaller groups and/or different directions, which is OK too! We are usually back to the motel by mid to late afternoon which also gives anyone the opportunity to start up conversation about a group diner somewhere. Keep the conversations going, I know we will have a great time.

Tomg

 

[Rosy]

I don't have to open my trailers in Georgia this year to let the cold out from NH, you know why Tom?
Besides, you promised it is going to be warmer at this year's Gathering! Oh yes, you have to make sure wherever we have our dinner, you have two chocolate cakes available, so everybody will get a piece! There were lots of tears last year about one person getting the last piece of cake and not the other!
Rosy

 

[tomg]

It's nice to see people chiming in for suggested rides ! Be nice to see more sign up to attend too. And Rosy, we moved our get together for the warmer weather so DO NOT bring any cold weather down with you this time ! ! You almost froze us out last February. DO Stop at South of the Border and open the trailer ! ! LOL

Tomg

 

[Rosy]

Nope, don't have to open the trailers this year to let the cold out, Both trailers are stored in Alabama, nice and warm!
So, you better do your "warm-up weather" dance, when the Gathering gets here this year! Maybe you can ask Phil to help you with the dance!
Dont worry, it is early yet, people will start to register soon. I am sure the locals will register, even though they won't be staying at the host motel! Short distance to travel for them.
We do have a few health issues this year, so they are holding registering till they feel better and are able to attend!
Rosy

 

[tomg]

Nope, don't have to open the trailers this year to let the cold out, Both trailers are stored in Alabama, nice and warm!
So, you better do your "warm-up weather" dance, when the Gathering gets here this year! Maybe you can ask Phil to help you with the dance!
Dont worry, it is early yet, people will start to register soon. I am sure the locals will register, even though they won't be staying at the host motel! Short distance to travel for them.
We do have a few health issues this year, so they are holding registering till they feel better and are able to attend!
Rosy

Anything north of I 10 has cold weather ! You can stop anywhere below that and it should be fine.
Tom

 

[Rosy]

Tom, would you happen to know the status of I-95 in Northern Florida? I know in NC, they are saying construction to repair damage from Matthew may be finished by November. So, need to keep an eye out for work, when we are heading to Florida hauling a trailer.
Anybody live near Jacksonville know about damage to the roads in your area?
Thanks,
Rosy