Taking my bike to Florida for the holidays, got a couple of questions... : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

txgrendel · 11-09-2003, 01:49 PM

I'm taking my bike with me on vacation to the Clearwater area for the Christmas holidays (12-21 to 12-26) and was hoping some of you nice Floridians could answer a couple of questions for me.

1. What are the Florida helmet laws like? I'll have both helmets with me, but I would like to do a little bare headed early morning riding too. Is that even possible?

2. I'm staying in Indian Shores, any cool bike hang-outs or stops anyone would reccomend?

3. Does anyone know of any rallies or rides over the week of Christmas? Toy rides? someone wanting to go for a ride?

Thanks in advance, talk to you guys soon!

Lee

billgran · 11-09-2003, 02:18 PM

You do not need a helmet if over 21 and carry proof of at least $10,000 of health insurance.

Check out these sites for Florida biker info.

http://fullthrottleusa.com/florida/

http://www.dixiebiker.com/

http://stealer-dealer.com/sd_FL.htm

breeliz · 11-09-2003, 05:47 PM

You're heading for the land of the FOP's (****in Old People). Pretend your driving through the woods at dawn during the rut. The deer just jump right out at ya. That's what it is with the old snowbirds doing their thing on the Fl. west coast... FOP's.

If you cross the Sunshine Bridge it gets even worse so be very careful down there.

txgrendel · 11-09-2003, 07:04 PM

I hadn't planned on cruising around town very much. How are the outlying roads if I head out toward the east from the Clearwater area? I live right in the middle of Dallas, I'm tired of riding in town. I'm hoping to find some country roads to explore, or maybe head up or down the coast. Any suggestions?

I appreciate the tip though...I'll watch for deer in the headlights...

breeliz · 11-09-2003, 07:35 PM

Take I-4 across to Daytona Beach. Return home to the mecca. It's a nice high speed drive. Or take the back roads across for some Florida splendor.

Stop at Lake Jessup outside of Orlando at night. Find a nice spot where you can shine your lights out over the lake at night. Look for the little pairs of lights beaming back. Those are all gators! Lake Jessup has the highest number of wild gators of any lake in the state.

billgran · 11-09-2003, 09:54 PM

Get a map and check out the area to the North and East of Tampa. The backroads around Leesburg are fantastic and some of the small towns are like being back in the 50's. Dixie Biker web site sometimes reports on great riding areas and biker friendly and inexpensive watering holes.

elanaconda · 11-10-2003, 02:27 AM

txgrendel, You can ride your bike along the beach to the south you have St. Pete beach to the north you have Clearwater Beach. You're not to far from country roads. To the North you have Pasco County. to the east you have Hillsborough County. on Thursday night go to Crabby J's Rest/Bar is right on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey they have a good group. On wednesdays and Saturday nights you can go to Biff's burgers on 49th Street North in St. Petersburg thats about ten minutes from Indian Rocks. Most people that go to Biff's go to Carlys Bar on 49th street North in Pinellas Park after they eat a nice dinner at biff's. You can shoot me an e-mail if you have any more questions, or just want to go for a ride. billgran is right about the helmet law in Florida.

Wenk61 · 11-10-2003, 05:03 AM

Check out Cedar Key , Lots of nice places to ride in Florida don't let anyone bull s*** ya .Also Plant city and Ybor city have bike shows not sure of what night of week .Any where you go you have to be carefull on a cycle thats part of riding "Young Or Old ". Not all of us are Old farts in Florida . You will need a helmet if you don't carry 10,000.00 in medical insurance . May want to checkout All Childrens Hospital in St Petersburg
It's a nice place to donate toys for the Children .
Have a fun and safe holidays enjoy .

txgrendel · 11-10-2003, 11:54 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I was planning a day trip to Daytona. I was there years ago for Bike Week and didn't really like it. It was too crowded, but I want to go ride when it's not so busy. I wanted to see the track too, I'm a huge NASCAR fan, so Daytona is sort of a double "mecca" for me.

I"ll try to respond by e-mail to anyone who would like to meet up for a ride during the week, I always like to make new friends. Besides the locals always know the best places to ride and local destinations. Thanks again everyone.

wbass · 11-11-2003, 12:09 AM

Ditto on Biff Burger on Saturday nights. Gotta check it out. Ybor City bikenight is on Tuesdays I believe.

txgrendel · 11-11-2003, 09:13 AM

Unfortunatly I won't be able to be there for either Saturday night. Gotta be back at work on Monday, DAMNIT! I will be there Sunday through Friday night though. Keep the suggestions coming, my girlfriend likes to sleep on vacation so I generally have a lot of time on my hands...

billgran · 11-13-2003, 04:32 PM

Here is another site that might help you out as most of their events are in the area you will be at..

www.borntoride.com