"TO HIT IT"? or "NOT TO HIT IT"?

"TO HIT IT"? or "NOT TO HIT IT"?

Recently the wife and I attended a Bike function locally here in little OLE Clermont. Now this is our usual local crowd with some folk's from other counties join amongst us, so we tend to see fresh faces all the time, me especially.
 So we pull on in to the Beef "O" Brady's, off route 50 in Clermont < Horrible Place BTW) and low and behold most of our usual crowd is already there except most of them are not looking too happy? I  couldn't figure it until I heard the news of friends and fellow local riders of ours, went "DOWN" up on Rt.44 again, this time one of our group lost their lives, now I'm not going to go into huge details as that's their personal information out there and I don't want to get caught up in a hornets nest of gossip or anything, but the whole reasoning for this tragedy was a Gofer Tortes that was crossing the road in front of our friends path.

Here's my problems with this?, A group of three riders and their passengers  all hit the pavement because we've been so desensitized in a way that we're meant to feel guilty all day or how ever long if we wipe out one of "GOD'S" creatures, yet our friend looses his wife over a Turtle, and the rest of the group is no better off, clinging on the cusp, if I would say.

Now lets look at the math only here, I drive a Dyna Low Rider which is about 700 pounds a little under, travel path less then and inch maybe?

Now this whole group were on the big touring bikes most of them weighing in at or above 800+ I've personally seen some so strapped down with goodies, that they weigh in at almost 1200 pounds, so at any rate, here's my problem?

One Turtle, Maybe 10, tops 12 pounds? verses 800+ pounds, I would of said good bye Turtle and chopped that puppy right in Half darn well knowing that I could of done just that. Now of course I state this, but would my heart allow me to do such a thing, DAM right to save mine and my buds asses while riding you bet.

As I've stated this is a personal tragedy and will miss "A", big "R's" Wife, it's gonna a be a tough road to cross when healing, but may they all be healed and riding soon. R.I. P. "ANGEL".

Heal Fast Boys we got some miles to run.

We'll all be praying for you.

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer / Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"No Riding today folk's,its "SHOT DAY", Oh JOY!

NO Riding Today Folk's, its "SHOT DAY", Oh JoY!

For those of us living with Back problems I'm sure your all well aware of those nasty once every blue moon shots that you have to get directly into your spine which help you to function again, with minimal pains. Now Sometimes those shots work and sometimes those shots don't, I've had two this series already and my right leg is almost back to me, by that I mean I feel a lot more of it then I have over the past 9 months of dragging out getting one of these series of shots, but it is what it is and guess what it's "SHOT DAY".

Stay Tuned for more updates later today as to the progress of the shots ability to kill my pain in my lower back or not? and to see how much more of my leg I can feel or not?

Make It A Great Day!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

A Biker's Guide to Great Food in Central Florida Issue#1

A Biker's Guide to Great Food in Central Florida, Issue#1:

As Many of you can already imagine , not only are we the "Biker" type accused of eating bugs and so many other things, that right now I can totally put that to rest, yes I've eaten a few bugs in my lifetime of riding.Yes, I've had my fare share of bugs splatted on me , but my gruff exterior doesn't mean I'm there to try and rob you, or even hurt you, I'm dressed for the road,  which means we pile on clothing according to the weather and we head out, some dress casual, some dress with common sense, and some dress like their going to the beach, in flip flops and shorts?< Never did understand those ones, but hey, I'm not here to judge, hope you're not either?, and when Bikers go places we eat along the way , the spots covered in this issue encompass a small town place called"Clermont" Florida, where what used to be cow pastures and orange groves has suddenly sprung up into a brimming city that it is today.
The Foodie in me comes out every time we hit the road, we've eaten all over the place but closer to home we love our "BUFFALO WILD WINGS",  "THURSDAY NIGHT BIKE NIGHTS WITH PAM & LEON".
 I must say that was one huge shout out for them ,  but it's worth every Penny when we're able to get out and see the gang and the wonderful people at Buffalo Wild Wings.
So What ever happend to the beer cart girl?, I loved that, saved me the wait at the bar, and it was a great idea? I can't believe corporate would cut such an idea like that? it was bringing them all sorts of cash dummies? Oh Well, but the food there and the entertainment is perfect, speaking of the food, this place is known of course for it's "WINGS", well guess what that's what we eat there , you don't go to a "Steak House" and order "Chinese" do you? duh!
Yes, the wings here are to die for, fact is I can't wait for our Thursday nights to get back to normal, so we can start getting back up there to the bike night events at "BUFFALO WILD WINGS", only because Colleen and I love going so much, and it's right up the street, so it's an easy ride for me no stress, there.

Our Favorite thing to have there at "BUFFALO WILD WINGS" is their "FLAT BREAD PIZZA"< HA!, got ya just seeing if you were paying attention, no our favorite thing there is Naked drummies, with a side of Asian zing for dipping, Oh Ya, and of course, the old pitcher of beer, to chase those wings down, yeah baby!

 One night we were there back about this time last year, and my bike took First Place, amongst a huge turn out of other bikes, which surprised both Colleen and I, I got the picture, but to upload it , well the blogger upload and the publish button on these blogs do not get along with each other very well, I'm still waiting on  someone from Google to send me some info on inserting the photos into my blog, haven't got and answer yet. In the mean time I'll keep posting hoping someone over there is listening and maybe will get back to me with that and when they do I'll be posting photo's like crazy as I do enjoy taking great shots of bikes and event's.

Make It A Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer / Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Clermont on Dwellable

"FALL"? NO Thanks!

"FALL" ? NO Thanks!

Got up to the house being chilly this morning due to the fact "FALL" officially arrived this past Saturday. Now I know as most of you are thinking that this is a "Motorcyclist" "BLOG", and I should cover many pertinent things that have to do with "Motorcycles", but here it is, this guys talking about the weather again, well, I know this for sure, it takes great weather in order to want to ride, and even though we had great weather Sunday, I still didn't get to ride as I wanted to, because believe me if I could have been where I wanted too, it would of been down in the "KEYS". Now with the fact the "FALL" is officially upon us, I'm guessing it's more than likely we'll start seeing an influx of our transient resident population otherwise known as "SNOW BIRDS", now why is this guy talking about the weather? gee I wonder why? Maybe because with the Snowbirds , comes the accidents, never fails, every time this time of year we hear of  friends of ours being hit, going down in ditches, or being pushed out of lanes because of older folk's who seem to think they are the only ones on the road.
To the average person this doesn't mean much, but to the dedicated biker, it sucks when these folk's invade us, as they have the worst driving habits in the world.  Makes me want to move even further South for winter myself, Keys anyone?

Oh well time to break out the old skid lid as I don't do Snow Birds with out a helmet!, Normally I ride without one, but this time of year they come in "REAL HANDY", "REAL".

Make It A Great Day Folk's !
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

http://www.secretarius.com

http://www.cbhunter.com/claudine.steinfurth

"AH" Yes the reason We Live here in Florida, Just showed her head.

"AH" yes the reason we live here in Florida just showed her Love Face, Welcome "SUNSHINE"!

I'll tell ya, after several days of nothing but cloudy sky's and rain, it's great to come out to Blue Bird Sky's and Lovely temps, right now out side it's a balmy 75 degree's and like I said, the sky is perfect for riding today, But not us, I'm down with Back issues, So Ride on My Brothers and Sisters have blast today, I wish I could of made the run, maybe next round?
Speaking of Rounds, Our time last night was well spent with dinner and drinks with friends from Texas, who are now on the permanent list, the Steaks were fantastic and the purple potatoes from Chili or where ever they came from were divine.
Thanks again G&D, for a wonderful evening of friendship, we look forward to many more evening of fun in the very near future, Steaks on us next round.

"Make It a Great Day Folk's"
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES  FROM THE SEAT"

"Thunder In The Hills" Come On Down!

"Thunder In The Hills":

WELCOME TO
"THUNDER IN THE HILLS"
Your 2012 Florida State H.O.G. Rally in scenic, rider-friendly Lake County, FL, where the legendary band, Three Dog Night will perform for your Saturday night entertainment.
Eli's coming, how about you?





Situated in the center of the state about an hour and a half from either coast, Lake County is a wonderful place to ride and explore. It features gently rolling hills, orange groves, hundreds of clean lakes, marshes, natural springs, and thousands of oak and cypress trees draped with picturesque Spanish moss, along with critters of every size and description. You'll find numerous scenic and uncongested country roads that will take you to places like Sugarloaf Mountain and Thrill Hill, and lead to exciting and memorable, fun-filled rides for you and your fellow riders.



This natural beauty is complemented by an array of interesting and exciting attractions to visit, including a winery, antique shops and museums, and some really great places to eat and wet your whistle.

We look forward to seeing you in October at the magnificent Mission Inn Resort & Club in beautiful Howey-in-the-Hills for what is shaping up to be the best Florida State H.O.G. Rally yet.

Please click on the rally "Schedule" and "Detail" pages for an indepth look at all of the events planned. Some events could still change, although we are working very hard to get everything firmed up.

Still can't decide if this rally's for you? Check out Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for some more good reasons to attend!

Are you flying in from afar and needing to rent a Harley for the rally? Rentals are just down the road at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson in Clermont Also around the corner from Howey IS Gator's Harley-Davidson . Just click on the link on the right for all the details.

"Like" us on Facebook by clicking on our Facebook link on the right.
VENDOR INFORMATION
Please contact Jan Wideman, Vendor Coordinator at jan@leesburgpartnership.com or 352-408-0750.

"GATOR HARLEY DAVIDSON" OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE EVENT:

GATOR HARLEY DAVIDSON of Leesburg, Florida:


www.gatorharley.com

Please follow the link to their web page for full details, look forward to this Rain stoppin so maybe we can squeez this one in, Also the "Fantasy of Flight RRide for Saturday has been posponed Due to weather. I will re-schedule it as soon as I have interest and proper number of tickets needed? Thank you everyone for you're support.

1745 US Hwy 441 | Leesburg, FL 34748 | 352.787.8050 Tues-Fri 9 am - 6 pm | Saturday 9 am - 5 pm | Sunday 10 am - 4 pm | Closed Mondays QUICK LINKS Service | Pre-Owned | Dealer Info | Parts

Open Houses: September 22 at Gator Harley®...it's back by popular demand! Live music, free food and beverages (while available; please drink responsibly). September 8 - 22, make a qualified $200 purchase and/or demo any bike and receive a free Harley-Davidson® 110th Anniversary gift package (while supplies last)! Don't miss it! [More Details] Gator Harley Social Nights: Bring in a smile and sit a while...chat a bit, enjoy the food and beverages at our new SOCIAL NIGHTS on Oct. 3 (and the first Wednesday of every month)! Prizes, bike and accessory demos, intro to HOT new products and more! No worries about the weather; it's inside. [More Details] Breast Cancer Awareness Events: Oct. 6 at Stormy Hill H-D and Oct. 13 at Gator H-D, 11 am - 3 pm. Live music, free food and beverages (while available; please drinks responsibly). 5% of MotorClothes sales for the day will benefit Compassionate Hands and Hearts Breast Cancer Outreach. [More Details] Food Events at Stormy Hill: If you've got an appetite, mark your calendars for the Hot Food Trucks Party on Oct. 20 and the Wing Ding Cookoff on Oct. 27! [More Details] Rockin' Days of Thunder: Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, come join the H.O.G.® Rally fun at Gator Harley® with our events open to the public! Music, free food and beverages (while available; please drink responsibly) lots of vendors, Tech Talk, H.O.G.® 101, poker runs, bike show and more! On Saturday, Nov. 3, start with a FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Stormy Hill H-D, then join the escorted ride to Gator H-D to see Bobby Friss band LIVE from 12-4 pm. [More Details] Salute to Veterans: Register now for our ride and event on Nov. 10 - $15 Rider, $10 Passenger, and FREE for Vets! First 200 to register receive free breakfast, lunch and commemorative pin. Ride leaves at 11:30 to Stormy Hill H-D for festivities - Military Speakers, Blues Brothers Revue, Bloodmobile and MORE! Enter for a chance to win a $1000 GHD/SHHD Store Credit (cannot be used toward motorcycle purchase). Proceeds Benefit Disabled American Veterans. [More Details] FEATURED INVENTORY (Click Here To Browse All of our Bikes!) 2012 H-D® FLSTF Softail® Fat Boy® 2011 H-D® FXS Softail® Blackline™ 2012 H-D® FLSTF Softail® Fat Boy®

 

"heather mc fadyen" <mcfadyenheather@yahoo.com>

"Stephen Heller" <maddie411@bellsouth.net>

"Jim Headrick" <jimh@cigoperations.com>

"Daniela Hess" <deekleck42@yahoo.com>

"Hans Heinrich von Garnier" <heiner@vgarnier.eu>

"Enrique Medina" <henry97100@yahoo.com>

"Henry Braun" <henryemilebraun@gmail.com>

helenarb@hotmail.com

"Crown Computers" <help@crowncomputers.biz>

heidismith69@yahoo.com

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Rain Rain Go AWAY! No BUFFS IS CANCELED TONIGHT!

Rain Rain Go Away! No Buffs Tonight ! Wash out!

Yes I know, I know, we need this rain, but, I say we need this rain to stop already, this is one of the worst wet seasons I've seen since I've lived here and believe me this rain thing sucks huge, as it brings out the "PAIN", and so far I've been on a full boat of meds, and from last week until now, I'm still in a ton of pain, and couldn't ride if I wanted too, so lets here it for this rain to stop already.

Tonight's festivities have been cancelled for the Bike night at "BUFFALO WILD WINGS" thanks to this rain, we'd of made it our in the car, but I'm not going anywhere in this sort of pain.

Now Next week Thursday I go back in and get my third shot, so hopefully the shot will put the rest of this pain to an end, but I'm not getting too hopeful as the last three times I've had these shots they only work temporarily and most of the time only last 6 months, they hurt like a bitch, and I'm down for days after getting one, but the long term effects makes it all worth the ordeal.

To everyone out there stay safe my friends, also stay off the wet ass roads tonight, no sense getting dead because some cagger doesn't know how to drive in Rain and wipes you out trying to deal with it.

In the mean while,

Make it a great "WET" day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

WOW total Wash out day!

WOW What a Wash Out Day!

No riding today folk's weather person , no screw that, Weatherman! says we're getting Rain All Day and thus far "HE'S" been right! So NO Motorcycling today folk's.
Crappy T.V Day too, might as well go rub on my Girl and get that chrome all polished up for the next street competition. I love winning those contests for best Classic original.
So I have a 2003 FXDL, what you up on? chime in from all areas from around the world?
Also Lets here it from my fellow "H.O.G." members.

Make It A Great Day!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

What A Stellar Weekend!

What A Stellar Weekend!

For those of you who didn't know Saturday was my Birthday, Now I haven't had a Saturday Night
B-day in some time now, and this one without a doubt was perfect!
It started out with my Baby treating me to a carriage ride over at Fort Wilderness and then ended up with fireworks over at Magic Kingdom, and then it was fun time at the nest. Needless to say my
B-day went fantastic.
Sunday was a perfect day to rest, as it was raining like crazy here, and we weren't able to go anywhere and that included church again! Yikes, with the rain already, it can stop anytime now it would be fine with me.
Our next planned ride is this coming weekend, we'll be going to "POLK" county once again, it will be to "FANTASY OF FLIGHT"(SEE LINK BELOW) the aircraft museum.
Hope you'll join us, RSVP BY THURSDAY 9-20-2012, SO I KNOW HOW MANY TICKETS TO GET THIS TIME?
Check in and kickstands down by 8:00am at "STORMY HILL HARLEY DAVIDSON" directions on their link(BELOW), then kickstands up by 9:00am, for an arrival at our destination by 10:00am, we leave the "FANTASY OF FLIGHT" and have lunch in Lakeland, then ride back through "Back Roads" to lake county back to the dealership,  Now That's just a nice day planned.(WEATHER PERMITTING)( NO ADVANCED TICKETS SALES FOR THE GROUP YET)< I NEED A HEAD COUNT BY THURSDAY> IN ORDER TO GET ADVANCED TICKET DISCOUNTS< SO PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOUR COMING?
Let us know???
As always.
Make It a Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"
www.stormyhillharley.com

http://www.fantasyofflight.com

Carriage Ride At Disney's Fort Wilderness

CARRIAGE RIDE AT DISNEY'S FORT WILDERNESS:

As the sun rises on yet my first day of being 46, I just want to share what my "LADY" did for me for my birthday last night.
Colleen and I jumped on the "HARLEY" and rode down to "Disney" where we entered "FORT WILDERNESS", what most people don't realize is that you not only can camp there on Disney property, but they have a ton of great activities if people just explore a little bit they'll find out that Disney's Fort Wilderness has so much more to offer than just camping. Horse Back Riding, Pony Rides for the kids, Water Sports, Boats to rent, Fishing on the seven seas lagoon, and so much more.
Take for instants last night Colleen, my wife, took me to The "Fort Wilderness Camp Ground" area where they keep the horses over by the "Trails End Cafe", and we took a "CARRIAGE RIDE"< it was very romantic, and it was a huge hit to see the "DEER" and other animals while being able to relax and be pulled down a nice groomed trail by this huge horse. The trail guide who was on the carriage controlling that big guy, she was really great too.
I loved it, afterwords, we took the water taxi across to Magic Kingdom, we got in there and then headed straight for my favorite ride '"PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN", and then we watched the fireworks, soon after that we headed for the door, and got back on the "HARLEY" for the ride home, we took the long way home, and enjoyed the open rode for a little while, then got caught in traffic.
After finally making it home around 11:30pm, I headed straight for bed, as I was not only tired, but I was also in a ton of pain, all which stems from my back injury, walking like that just killed me,we even rented a chair , but who wants to roll around in one of those all night?
At any rate, the night was fantastic, and I wish to thank my darling wife for her random act of romance.
Today is a great day to stay in bed, and relax as the storms are already brewing out there yuck!
I can only leave you with this,

Make It A Great Day Folk's

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO ME!"

I know, I know, Most people don't post their own birthday wishes, but when you have no family, say to say, and you're not expecting anyone to show they care, you post your feelings for the day here? do you not?
At any rate I have one thing to say , this morning I was blessed with yet another day and today I'm now 46 so there, most folk's didn't think I'd make it this long, yet here I am, so there.
I woke to my 21 year old daughter calling me while she was starting her day, and she wishing me "Happy Birthday", but it's not the same, she's not here for this one, which really hurts in a way because of all my children she's my bud.
Now, don't get me wrong, because the wife went out of her way to schedule me some kind of surprise, but it's weather permitting, and right now the weathers not permitting anything.
So I got the Harley Back up and running the other day, sorry I didn't check back in with y'all , but it was simple and I repaired it in a matter of moments, seemed it was just a simple relay and "BAM" , "PUFF" was back up and running strong.
I also took some time and fixed the trip  re-set button which was simple too, and I found out I have over 37 K on my bike already, after 2 years of ownership, that's almost 18 k a year, not to shabby for a guy with a bad back and hip problems, but hey you've got to do what you've got to do.
 My Harley is our only mode of transportation, and with gas prices here through the roof, then hey why not right? Cut back and save as much money as you can right?
This Bike is really a great bike for running around town, if I had to hit the big roads, I'd sign up for a bigger bike, but with this ones low profile and the fact I can actually get my leg over it, I ride it still, if I had to go any bigger, I think I'd have to give it up, as my back just won't take it. This would really effect my life, as riding my bike is all I have, I can not, and will not ride in a car, as it effects my injury so bad, I hurt for days after riding in a car, it really sucks, and that's all I'm gonna say, as I could say so much more, I'm certain, but you really don't need to hear that from me.

Now Back to the Birthday wishes, My Brother Dave who is working today stopped long enough to put a call into me and said "Happy Birthday " as well, this too is great.
I can't wait for my surprise weather permitting tonight from the wife, and then I guess we're gonna ride over and see the fireworks over at Epcot to top off our night, so talk about a great Birthday, well here it is, The Bikes back up and running, my two shots in my back have ME back up and running, with the help of a hand full of pain killers, as well, and now my night continues, so I'll end with simply this,

Make it a Great Day Folk's !
As I'm certainly gonna,
"God Bless"
Philip Dresko SR.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"FIRE"FIRE"FIRE"< Those are not words you want to hear?

"FIRE"FIRE"FIRE" are not words you want to hear from your passenger while out riding but sure enough it happened to me.

You guessed it this mornings ride in got a little freaky when "Puff" burst into flames, not good your thinking?, what do you do if the bike your riding burst into flames?, Well for one you stop doing 65 mph, then you pull over as fast as you can, in the safest area you can, then you put out the bike or loose it.

Well it was really quite crazy we had just got through going into a couple of hard curves which is our typical morning routine, but this morning was a little different, I noticed as my touring lamps on my 2003 FXDL< Low Rider, did the old flicker thing then just plain go out, they didn't come back on either, now that is electrical last time I checked, but sure enough the next thing I know I got Colleen yelling in my ear the Bikes On "FIRE" the Bikes on "FIRE", the bikes on "FIRE", needless to say by the third time I was well stopped and pulled over into the safest place I could find then I checked the bike over head to toe, and found out the reason for the touring lamps to go out was at the connector it broke and the bare wires were touching the frame , making this cool looking blue flame like spark, which made it look as if the bike was actually on "Fire", when in all actuality it was not, it was just the wires sparking against the fame. Needless to say I tucked the wires in the the frame neatly, so as I could fix them when I got back to the house, and I rode on thinking to myself, be a great time to have a small compact fire extinguisher on board just in case, if that thing caught fire we'd be screwed to say the least.  Gonna have to look one of those up ya know? Well I made it back to the nest safely and I'm about to go fix the lighting and a couple of other things that have been bothering me about the bike as of late, as long as my back will hold out which I'm not expecting it to be too long, as the weather today has my back telling me it's time to lay down, but I can't do that I have to fix the bike way to important not to have my baby up and running properly.

In the mean time,

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

My "IRON HORSE" over my lady any day!

My "IRON HORSE" over my lady any day!

OK, So many of us serious riders say that we'd love to take that ever so gleaming choice of our bikes over our wives any day of the week, when in all reality, most of us bikers or not, wouldn't survive a day without a  companion.
For me I have to admit it would be a hard thing to do, survive out there without a mate, my wife and I have been together now for almost 28 years, yes that's 28 years.
We've known each other even longer than that, almost 31 years now, so you can imagine we're pretty comfortable with one another by now, so riding is a great part of our lives, and we just thank the lord above that he watches out for us and that everyone out there See's us while we're out on the road.
Now don't get me wrong , I've had a few close calls and I've been to strange areas of Florida I was not familiar with and tried to straighten out a curve or two already, but my primary mode of transportation is just that a "MOTORCYCLE".

That being said , I uncover her in the morning, pull that choke all the way out , flip that starter switch, then hit that ever so favorite button of mine, the starter button, and with no hesitation what so ever she comes to life , huffing and puffing, hence her name "PUFF", which she got that name back at the 2010 Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach, that friends of ours invited us too. You see I got the full Conversion done on her right before we left for Daytona, and minor carb adjustments still had to be made, even though the rest of the screaming eagle package was really quite easy to install, and with the help of a very dear friend of mine , thanks "DOUGY",we got her reassembled as a "SCREAMING EAGLE" right before I pulled out that afternoon for Daytona, now mind you taking a stock 2003 Anniversary Addition Harley Davidson Low Rider from "Stock", to "Screaming Eagle" was no picnic, but for the most part she rides like a dream come true. When we pulled in and met Jim and his Wife out there in Daytona, we got off the bike, got tucked into the hotel, and then went out to enjoy the festivities, and we got back on her to go out , I hit that button, she just huffed real hard at me. Then I pulled the choke out about 3/4, and tried to restart her, and wa la, she ran like a top, after I pulled out though, she huffed and puffed this black ass smoke out the pipes, and my buddy and his wife were right next to us on their bike a 1986 collector Low rider, and when we stopped at the light my buddy Jim said that's it bro, I 've got the name for you're bike, and I said ya what's that? and he said "PUFF" because not only does she shake the ground when she's running like a dragon, but she huff's and puff's like one too, and since then the bikes name has stuck, "Puff" it is, and Yes I do Prefer her over the wife, But The wife comes first! ALWAYS!

Chime in out there folk's, how much do you love you're bike?

Oh and one more thing,
Make IT A GREAT DAY!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Slow Motion Days!

Slow Motion Days!

I hate it when you wake up after just going to sleep a few hours earlier, only to find out everyone around you is in "SLOW MOTION MODE" for the day, now don't get me wrong since moving down here I too have picked up on the slow motion thing too, those days were reserved for fishing well before I hurt my back, but now I'm cought up in the "Benched Mode" as that is what I felt like this whole time of being hurt.

Be that as it may, I do love to get things done when I can, and when I get those moments that I can get those things done, I like to do them quickly, as I don't know when I'll have to stop?
So I went on with my day as if no one could stop me until arriving back home after dropping the wife at work, to find that my Fridge is not producing Ice Cubes like it should.
Now to most folk's this would be fine, but to me I'm part OCD, so when something doesn't work it drives me nuts. Yes, I have water to it, yes it has shot a few cubes out here and there, but you must raise and lower the arm every time to get it to trigger making the ice, otherwise it just sits there and does nothing, kinda like a lot of people we know?
At any rate, I'm gonna take another stab at fixing it today, but if not I'm calling the repair guy , becuase Ice is a must!

The chill in the air this morning , was amasing, right now we're warming up quite quickly, but this morning at 5:30am, when we were on the road, it was quite chilli, something like 77?, not sure, but that air got real crisp in some places. I think that, and the fact that we have a low pressure system parked right over the top of us again has gotten me in the slowest motion of all since my accident and operation. Bad combonations like these have me feeling like total crap, You know the aches and pains through the old hips Groin, and down the right leg like lightening bolts shooting everywhere, but you know they want you to get right up and go off to work like nothing is wrong with you, now that is what really pisses me off beyond belief, when people are like that on days like those, and today is one of those days. Full Boat of meds is not even touching this pain, so I'm gonna sign off with simply this,
Make It A Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

MONDAY ALREADY! URRRRRRGH!

MONDAY ALREADY URRRGH!

Did you ever have one of those fantastic weekends that you wished would just keep on going?
Well that was us this weekend, even though yesterday was a complete wash out with no riding and no rides planned for Sunday, we still managed to get back my age old rule of "NO " work on Sundays, well I held to that rule, everyone else did not.
It all started with a knock on the door, here when I answered the door, it was the plumber who was in the neighborhood on an emergency call, and wanted to get a jump on his week, asked if we'd mind him coming in and getting our new refrigerator line installed?
Now, I'm no dummy, so I asked if it was going to be an up charge for a weekend call and working on a Sunday?, which he replied, no sir, I'm good with standard rate if you are sir?
That being said, he continued on with the line installation as he seen fit.
Now the wife about mid day said hunnny, even though it's raining outside, I'm gonna go check the garden and get some planting in if I can, so I said sure go on, I'm covering the plumber, so she went on with her gardening expedition.
NO sooner do I get involved with the plumber guy in conversation the rains started and I went and sat down as my back and rains don't get along too well.
Once down for the count, I watch as the hustle and bustle of the day went on around me, as if I didn't exists anymore. Strange these days of recovering from injuries, strange indeed.
Needless to say, I was surrounded by people flying everywhere yesterday trying to get this kitchen of mine closed up after, almost 12 months of working on it, (NOT REALLY ) 12 months, but close.....
Yet here we are Monday Morning I have a very quiet house that surrounds me, I'm on a "FULL BOAT" of meds for my injuries, that right now, they too aren't even coming close to stifling the pain that I'm experiencing this morning, not to whine too loudly, but "NERVE PAIN" associated with "BACK INJURIES" really does blow! and I mean that in the best of way. If there is such a thing?
Any rate there was a lot accomplished this weekend no thanks to me, Ha Ha, and the crew of folk's who showed to get things done this weekend, shame on you for working on  the "LORDS" day, if you believe in the sort of thing I know I do. Great times and Thanks you all for the help.
"God Bless"

Well you know what's next ,
Make it  Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENS FROME THE SEAT"

" BACK PAIN" with "RAINY CONDITIONS" ?

"BACK PAIN" WITH "RAINY CONDITIONS" ????

Even though I'm certain most of you who have taken the time to read my posts on "BACK PAIN" issues, you've got to realize that by now I'm not joking when I say that "BACK ISSUES" really do effect your life in a most horrible way when you've had one surgery that didn't take, and are most certain to have another, but in the meant time they want you to carry on with your life like nothing is really wrong with you, waiting you and that bad disk to fail completely.
 In the mean time, they want you to carry on , now the amounts of pain killers they try and hook you on always is a factor on whether or not you have a life?
 "PAIN " for openers, when your day starts with an extreme cold front coming down from up north, which has triggered parts of "Issac" who just blew through here last week, to turn around and come right back at us, which we all here find completely nuts, but hey who are we to question Mother nature? With that being said though, this rain is causing mass amounts of upset in my lower half today, and with this rain I'm certainly not going out in it in a riding situation.
I don't know how it is for most of you sharing in this situation where you have a major injury such as I do, and have to live with conditions of the weather actually effecting it?
I do know this for me, it puts me in a bad way all the way around, so I'm gonna go enjoy the Storms and sign out with simply this,

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY FOLK'S !
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

A quickie Ride is in Store for this Morning, "DONUT KING"

"DONUT KING" This mornings Run for Breakfast.

Even though there is a full kitchen restoration going on in my Kitchen, the wife and I have found one of the best breakfast's in town, it's called "DONUT KING". They are located in Minneola Florida that's about 12 miles from our place and thank goodness otherwise I'd live there, as they have the best donuts and breakfast, and well heck, almost everything they make there is awesome!

So it looks like we'll be firing up the "HOG" here shortly, so she and I can go grab some grub, it looks to be a beautiful morning for a ride and my back is not doing too, too bad this morning, so I may be in for a treat of a day? They are calling for 50% Chance of Rain this afternoon, so I hope we'll be home by then, as I hate getting soaked while out on the bike.

Speaking of that, so many people ask me what I do if I'm out on my bike and it starts raining?
 I simply tell them, I get wet! Duh!
Now don't get me wrong, I don't leave out in rain, but if I'm riding for the day, and I'm out, and it happens to rain, and I have to drive through it, then I stop and put on a rain suit and make sure the road is safe enough to chance riding in the rain, then I go, if not I find a great place to eat, stop and wait out the rain. No worries.

Make it a Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Trying to schedule a "DISNEY RUN" ?????

Trying real hard here folk's to schedule a "DISNEY" Run??

Our first posting for the "FALL" season bike runs is one we all know and love, it's that time of year folk's when "Disney" is in transition, many things happening there with the new parts of Disney's "Magic Kingdom" opening, as well as, the parks soon will be getting ready for you guessed it "Christmas".
That being said, we want to schedule a Friday Night at "DISNEY" run leaving Clermont Florida, by 5:00pm, on the 11th and continueing on throughout that weekend and heading directly to Epcot with bike parking provided by Disney right up front in a well lit security patrolled lot, so no worries there. Ticket prices and parking charges will be discussed with serious inquiries only, should be nice four day package for cruise in's only , if you'd like to stay at one of the resorts there you are more than welcome once we've parked there the group checks in and then you're on your own from there unless you'd like to be guided by one of the best "DISNEY" insider guides on the planet well this guy knows all of "Disney's" tricks here in Central Flroida that is for sure, I've met no one better then he, at Disney Orlando, all the parks,  he knows all the parks! the best short cuts , best places to eat, and he's a blast to be with when there, as he leads with great tastful jokes and keeps everyones spirits up, or so I've been told anyway.
A third of the pricing will go as you alone, or you and you're riders, donation for "Toy's For Tots!" Think "Christmas " here folk's , most of the time we're all these kids have, so check in with me, as the date approaches, I want to stick to Oct.12th weekend. So check in via this blog if you're going?Guided planned events will be set in stone and all tickets and pre-sales are none refundable, and credited to the organization for full donation for the cause. "TOYS FOR TOTS".

Make it a Great Day Folk's !

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photograher
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

2 of 12 "LIving in a Tropical Paradise"

"LIVING IN A TROPICAL PARADISE" 2 of 12:

Well, Yet another Holiday has come to pass, and with the close of summer comes the hectic time of year for some called , (get the kiddies off to school time), and for those of us who've just sent our last of our little birdies off to start their first years in Collage, well, we too know the pains of this season.

As life flies right past us, we often don't stop to take advantage of the beauty that presents itself daily, but my wife and I are gardeners, and we garden.
The planters at our condo are getting so pretty this time of year with most if not all of our plants being in full bloom, getting ready for the wintertime crunch.
For us though, we can't say we get much of a winter here, it just seems to cool down a bit, mid 70's, during the daytime here, as verse "HOT AND STEAMY" 90's. Also the temps for the over nights go down into the 50's and even worse on some nights we get into the 30's, but we still don't wake up to that white stuff called "SNOW" on the ground, which suits me just fine. 

Lets get back to this time of the year, most people up north call this "FALL" we down here in the South just call it extended "SUMMERTIME". Although, the only catch here is we're still watching out for those hurricanes, while everyone up north is getting ready for winter.

Hurricanes are with us until the very end of November, even though I've yet to see them pop up that late in the year? I have been here long enough to know that even in October the weather here can send you for cover and quick. Once you're out of October though the threat levels for Hurricanes pretty much just fades away.

With the cooler temps here brings us to the next phase of our Holiday season, which isn't one that is celebrated here, it's mostly complained about, by the locals like us, it's called "SNOW BIRD SEASON".
That's where all those folk's from up North who say they "Love the change of seasons" leave the first sign of crappy weather, and levitate their way down here and live amongst us until spring time. The influx of people coming from up there is very noticeable in my area, as we live in a condo complex who caters to those types, and could give a shit less about us locals who stay here all year round. Talk about double standards. 

Don't get me wrong, I'd never in a million years would leave Florida, but you never know for the right $$$ I'd be comfortable anywhere I guess?

So it is with this little piece here, I just want people to know who are coming to Florida, that it's the time to come  and get it all in before the influx of oldsters comes to crap on your holiday.. With the deepest Regret we're entering another "SNOW BIRD SEASON" YUCK! Too many people in this area, too many people who don't pay attention while driving, let alone ask them to watch out for motorcycles, and they are the most impatient people on the planet, "OLDSTERS", it's that age group of folk's in their mid to late 70's, they tend to not think of anyone but themselves at that age, Why? I'll never know? I do know this though, it's only four months of putting up with them, and it's the thoughest thing about living here in Paradise. That being said, I'll survive, would you?

Make It A Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

That didn't take long!

That Didn't take long!

The very day after labor day here in Central Florida and as the little misses and I boarded the Harley "PUFF" this morning we notice a kind of coolness to the air, and we both said to each other without hesitation, boy it seems to be chilly out this morning and we laughed.
Funny how you can be with someone almost all your life and feel like a kid again, recently my Daughter, baby of three of our children, just went off to school, even though we've heard very little to nothing from her, the tid bits she is sharing with us has us very excited for her and the start to her wonderful life.
Now Mom and Dad get to enjoy some of those wonderful after the children years, and according to some, it's those years that make life worth living. I dis-agree, I love my children very much, and enjoyed the things we've done over the years, now they are on their own with children of their own and experiencing life first hand just as we did coming up as a young couple, now we've just got each other and there is nothing wrong with that believe me....
For everyone out there today,
Make It A Great Day!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"LABOR DAY" Whew we made it!

Labor Day Whew We Made It!

September has arrived and yet we close out another summer of riding fun, even though those of us staying on the road due to the fact that Florida pretty much has a 12 month riding season, we wish to take this time, to thank all of you who participated in our planned day trip rides.
 I hope you found them as enjoyable as the wife and I did? Please, enjoy your family today, and everyday, enjoy the holiday for those of us taking one today.
 Make it a great day!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Hurry up and "WAIT"! Uggh!

HURRY UP AND "WAIT"

Did you ever notice that when the little things in life seem to be getting out of hand that your time and the people around you who need to pick their timing back up a bit in order to meet your time line don't meet? I felt that way today, I have a perfectly orchestrated appliance swap out going on if I can get the pick up guy to come over and get my appliances out of my condo by 4:45pm today.
 I'll be safe, as I'm going to go pick up with friends of ours our new Fridge and stove that blew out during the last lighting storm.

So far the planets haven't aligned all day, and I'm patiently waiting A call from the company who is coming to get the old ones, and I know what time and where I have to be by 5:00pm today in order to get my new appliances, but today just don't seem to be going that way! URGGGGGHH!

Make it a GreAt day!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"