The Lotusfear 2010 Hog Ride and Roast
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 12:12PM 
Last year, a few intrepid souls bimbled out to the Eagle Rider Harley Rental and got some bikes. Dwight actually rode his triumph down from Dallas. And we had a good 180 mile ride out on a cold, fresh January morning.
This year, I'm recommending folks rent from Orlando Harley as they're closer to LotusFear - we just spent a long time poodling over to the Florida Mall last year. And last year, we ended up having to put the hammer down (in as much as thats possible) to get back before closing time. So this year, pick up on the Saturday morning, drop off on Sunday night.
Paul Mooney - a god among elves and admins and other woodland folk - is joining us, so we have to be on our best behaviour. Suggestion is to head to Cocoa beach, then Canaveral, visiting as many Hooters restaurants as possible. Sunday we may go west to Tampa, where the rules on nude dancing are somewhat relaxed.
Same as last time - no drunk driving - and put 'Buchan Lotusphere party' on the rental form for a 10% discount.
And this year, I thought I'd treat myself to this:
A few tips:
- Its a lot colder than you'd expect in Florida on an open-top bike. Last year I'd to duct-tape my jacket shut. So gloves, decent wind-resistant trousers, heavy jacket.
- They supply helmets but only of the pudding bowl variety. So a pair of sunglasses and a bandana will keep your lower face from freezing off
- There are no corners in florida. Locals actually stop their cars and push them left or right at intersections. Leaning over is unheard of. It can get a little - well Karaoke - as you try and stay focused. Practice a few songs. It'll come in handy for Kimonos
- Pillions are always welcome, but I would say that most of us Yurpians are inexperienced at US roads, and your chances of being smooshed under a bus are far higher.
Reader Comments (4)
I'll have to keep my eye on CNN:
"....the drama unfolds tonight in Central Florida where law enforcement officials are in pursuit of a crazed European biker gang..."
They love helicopter shots of long involved car chases through Florida on CNN.
Just don't mix it up with any of the Meth dealing, bad ass, outlaw biker gangs... Born to Code on the back of your leathers won't get you any cred with that crowd.
I hate that I won't make it down to Orlando to see everybody this year. No Lotus software here at the county. Couldn't talk the wife into a short vay-cay with the Mouse this year since we'll be just back from a cruise to Cancun.
Have fun and try not to run over any gators.
- Chuck -
Since I plan on copping out this year, if anyone does choose the magnificent fashion statement that is duct tape, ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwightwilbanks/3206203617/ ) please remember to bring your own role, or drop me a note and I can send some ahead for you.
I have to thank Dwight again for the use of his duct-tape. The Picture
The long version of the story is that I had packed my own gear into a new flight case, and was flying from Edinburgh to London Gatwick and my plane did an emergency landing - smoke in the cabin. All very exciting, but I missed my connection, and the luggage took two days to get there. I literally had to go on a 180 mile bike trip in the clothes I had to travel in - including a very old and too-small-for-my-fat leather jacket. Which I couldnt fasten.
90 miles in, and I was frozen. Every time the zip whipped around the back, it cut another part of my t-shirt and sometimes my back. So Dwight kindly offered me some tape, which I then used to hold my jacket - if not my dignity- together.
Still - it was a grand day out..
---* Bill
Hi Bill!
This sounds like a fantastic kick start on Lotusphere. I would really love to ride along with you. But unfortunately, I do not ride a bike regularly, so I tend to not ride very fast, especially not the first miles, until I feel comfortable on the bike.
I therefore wonder if you advice me to join you, or do you think that I will just slow down the whole group?
PS! I do not ride THAT slow, but I guess I will stick to the speed limits ;-)
/Einar