lets talk about a panhandle ride
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: north of Daytona
(12 hours from Daytona to DC...!!!!)
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Biker's paradise - Ramona, CA
Wait till Summer. Lived in Panama City Beach from age 13 to age 18 (that was rough!!!....rented jet skis and sailboats behind Spinnaker) and it is much more alive in the Summer. Winter it is like a damn mortuary. Summer it is like a Frat House. I was there during Summer on a port visit (Navy) a couple of years ago and there is enough diversity that if nightclubs are not your thing (they are not mine), there are still some great places to hangout (Ms. Newbies) for one. The entire Panhandle is pretty much the same.....at least from PC to Pensacola (I was stationed in Pensacola for 4 years). FloraBama is cool...gotta do the Mullet Toss!! Adventures Unlimited for an awesome float down the river......yeah, the place has a lot to offer.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
One reason recommended Late Sept - Early October is when Oysters are at their prime .. The reason suggested the El Governor at Mexico Beach is a Huge Hotel very Biker Friendly with kitchenettes ( Stove Fridge and even Dishes ) Could get a discount rate with 10 or more rooms blocked .. And a Very scenic Ride from 27- 98 getting there .. Although willing to go anytime except during Spring Break when prices are double and is crowded as all get out ..
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: clearwater, fl
Wait till Summer. Lived in Panama City Beach from age 13 to age 18 (that was rough!!!....rented jet skis and sailboats behind Spinnaker) and it is much more alive in the Summer. Winter it is like a damn mortuary. Summer it is like a Frat House. I was there during Summer on a port visit (Navy) a couple of years ago and there is enough diversity that if nightclubs are not your thing (they are not mine), there are still some great places to hangout (Ms. Newbies) for one. The entire Panhandle is pretty much the same.....at least from PC to Pensacola (I was stationed in Pensacola for 4 years). FloraBama is cool...gotta do the Mullet Toss!! Adventures Unlimited for an awesome float down the river......yeah, the place has a lot to offer.
jay i agree not during spring break, not that i dont mind seeing a few bikinis here and there. but i agree the prices will double and so will the streets.
One reason recommended Late Sept - Early October is when Oysters are at their prime .. The reason suggested the El Governor at Mexico Beach is a Huge Hotel very Biker Friendly with kitchenettes ( Stove Fridge and even Dishes ) Could get a discount rate with 10 or more rooms blocked .. And a Very scenic Ride from 27- 98 getting there .. Although willing to go anytime except during Spring Break when prices are double and is crowded as all get out ..
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: right down from the FloraBama
US 98 just got designated a National Scenic By-way.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2599/
There are alot of nice side roads from 98, and plenty of scenic riding along side the gulf.
Flora-Bama would make a pretty cool destination, but it's hell and gone from most of Florida. About an 8 hour ride along the coast from Perry or 4 hours from Mexico Beach. If I rode there, I think I'd want to stay within stumbling distance.
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2599/
There are alot of nice side roads from 98, and plenty of scenic riding along side the gulf.
Flora-Bama would make a pretty cool destination, but it's hell and gone from most of Florida. About an 8 hour ride along the coast from Perry or 4 hours from Mexico Beach. If I rode there, I think I'd want to stay within stumbling distance.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,047
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From: Ft. Myers
We went for Thunder beach . Had a great time Price for hotels we a lot better then Daytona And much better riding. We did 1300 miles in 3 days Going to stay a little longer next time .
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: North Georgia
I'm thinking Memorial Day weekend. I would like to figure out how to ride down from Atlanta. Most of us will have a longer weekend, and maybe we focus on some place like Panama Beach to meet, or we go to the other extreme and pick a sleepy little place like Steinhatchee (where nobody in town will care that it is Memorial Day, LOL).
However this develops is fine with me. Wherever we pick as a "destination" will be about all the riding I'll want to do. I don't think I'll be signing-up for 4-5 hour day trips. To lunch and back, fine.
I'll have the better part of 500 miles just getting down there (each way), so doing a LOT of riding while we're all together is not exactly appealing (to me). You guys can ride with the wind all day, I'll just see you when ya get back. LOL.
I love the fact that we have "local knowledge" folks on the forum. I will trust their opinions and recommendations.
The other consideration (that I think we should account for), is all the folks heading to AZ in April. Back to back trips for those of us "working" folks might make the pan handle a tough trip to make if we plan too close to those dates. (I'm just saying.....).
BTW.... I realize that Steinhatchee is probably not considered "pan handle", per se, but throwing a dart at the northern left coast might make it easier for our north cuba folks to make the run. Heee heeee heeee. Steinhatchee is a rustic little fishing town. Been there numerous times. Awesome scallop fishing (when in-season and the buggers are running). I've got some grouper fishing numbers (nearshore) out of Steinhatchee as well.
However this develops is fine with me. Wherever we pick as a "destination" will be about all the riding I'll want to do. I don't think I'll be signing-up for 4-5 hour day trips. To lunch and back, fine.
I'll have the better part of 500 miles just getting down there (each way), so doing a LOT of riding while we're all together is not exactly appealing (to me). You guys can ride with the wind all day, I'll just see you when ya get back. LOL.
I love the fact that we have "local knowledge" folks on the forum. I will trust their opinions and recommendations.
The other consideration (that I think we should account for), is all the folks heading to AZ in April. Back to back trips for those of us "working" folks might make the pan handle a tough trip to make if we plan too close to those dates. (I'm just saying.....).
BTW.... I realize that Steinhatchee is probably not considered "pan handle", per se, but throwing a dart at the northern left coast might make it easier for our north cuba folks to make the run. Heee heeee heeee. Steinhatchee is a rustic little fishing town. Been there numerous times. Awesome scallop fishing (when in-season and the buggers are running). I've got some grouper fishing numbers (nearshore) out of Steinhatchee as well.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: north of Daytona
All I need is a fridge...and hell, I have used a platic bag lined trash can in a pinch to keep the beer cold.
Kitchenette and dishes is way too fancy. (Dennys and Crackhead Barrel have dishes).
About Oysters, there is an old wives tail about not eating oysters (especially raw ones) in months that have no "R's"....May, June, July, August....because of the water temps or something. May be just another heads up? (I eat'em steamed...so little worry for me)......doesn't mean we have to eat shell fish!
Then....would we all meet up in Gainesville and ride in as a group? Or would we trickle in as we see fit? Of course we could meet in Gainesville.....and STILL trickle in hours apart! LOL
Chuck the mensh
Kitchenette and dishes is way too fancy. (Dennys and Crackhead Barrel have dishes).
About Oysters, there is an old wives tail about not eating oysters (especially raw ones) in months that have no "R's"....May, June, July, August....because of the water temps or something. May be just another heads up? (I eat'em steamed...so little worry for me)......doesn't mean we have to eat shell fish!
Then....would we all meet up in Gainesville and ride in as a group? Or would we trickle in as we see fit? Of course we could meet in Gainesville.....and STILL trickle in hours apart! LOL
Chuck the mensh