Daytona Bike Week 2006
by Frank Lingle
| Early last month I had the opportunity and pleasure of my first Florida/Daytona run. I wanted to forward some memories and pics for my fellow RAT members. |
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Toni set me up with Chris Beilfuss and John Hagge from the pack that have participated in our rides in the past. We planned a 7 day trip that included a ride down through the Florida Keys. I was excited about the Keys portion as I previously resided in Florida, and never took the time to see the Keys or most of the southern coast period. |
| John and I departed on a Friday night with the truck and gear. Special thanks to Chris for providing an excellent, safe trailer and rig for our trip. We made great time on the way down and had no troubles. The thought that I would be riding in 10 hours carried me through the mountains in Tennessee. |
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John dropped me off near the Georgia/Florida state line. I was to meet up with He and Chris whom was already in Orlando. It was a beautiful day with warm 75 degree temps. It felt more than good to open the throttle on the Daytona along I75 all the way to Orlando after a long winter friends! After all, that's the reason I took the trip in the first place! |
| We all met up in Orlando at a fine resort in Orlando Saturday night. Super extra kudos to Chris again for setting up amazing accommodations. I am pretty well traveled, and this was one of the most amazing rooms I have ever stayed in. It was like a freakin apartment! Thanks again Chris. |
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John and I rode out to Daytona on Sunday to check out bike week. We got a late start due to some much needed sleep and only stayed in Daytona for 3 hours. This was fine as ridiculous loud pipes and drinking too much while riding are not my thing. Thirteen fatalities that week friends. Another example of why boozing and riding your machine don't mix. Enough of that. Got a flat and rode bitch all the way back to Orlando on the back of John's BMW. Enjoy those pics. |
| The three of us left the next morning for Key West. Picked my bike up in Daytona and hit the road. If you ever ride south to the Keys, I have one piece of advice, it's called the Turnpike. The Turnpike is a super toll road through the state. We chose this route back to Orlando from The Keys and it was amazing! Expensive as hell but the smooth pavement, open four lanes, and occasional large sweepers make it well worth the 20 bucks. It is so expensive that no one really uses it. Another perfect opportunity to get on that throttle again. Also saved us about 4 hours on the way back. |
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We caught a nasty traffic jam outside Miami and had to ride into the keys in total darkness. The next day brought more perfect weather and a chance to finally see The Keys. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Definitely one of the most scenic stretches of road I have ridden. Got to swim in the ocean for a brief moment, another thing I was looking forward to after a long winter. Everyone got to stop and see a thing or two he wanted. |
| Arrived back to Orlando around 9 PM Tuesday night. Not a drop of rain the entire time and warm temps. A rare early March 900 miles on my Triumph, sweet. Great trip with two new friends with three completely different machines. |
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I had to fly home on Wednesday as Chris and John continued their journey to enjoy the west coast and Daytona more. Special thanks to Chris and John again for bringing my bike home. Enjoy the pics guys, see you soon. Ride smart, ride a lifetime.... Daytona Frank |
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