2012 Tin Butt Ride

This was my second year participating in the Bayside Riders Club annual Tin Butt Ride, that closes the year's riding forays around Florida.  Its a different riding experience so you'll have to bear with me as I explain what it is all about.

The Tin Butt is a 300 mile loop ride and is to be completed with the required verification, within a specified time.  They say it can be completed without going over the speed limit, but these guys I ride with have never heard of a speed limit, so that is a mute point.  It is sponsored by the club and is open to members and non-members.  The club is mostly inhabited by the geezers with Goldwings I have mentioned on previous trips.  Nice older gentlemen who seem to think they can keep heaven at bay if they just drive fast enough.  Here are some of the ride rules.

• Depart from Barney's, a St. Pete Yamaha dealer, between 7:00 am and 7:30 am.  
• Option to ride alone or in a group.  It is not a "led" ride and each rider is given a route sheet that suggests directions.  
• A club officer records each riders name, phone and start/finish time.  
• Each rider must return to end destination with 3 original receipts or documentation from mandatory stops.  
• The club recommends other stuff like plenty of money for fuel, rest, a good working cycle, liquids, etc.

On December 2nd I left the house at 5:15 and went down to IHOP and had a small breakfast, and unfortunately a graveyard shift waitress who likes to get to know her customers.  

Back to Shawshank to get batteries for the camera, and then clear across town up north to  Barney's.  Oh, I almost forgot.  The end destination is an area restaurant where the meal is on the club (and your $12.00 fee), with 50/50,  a raffle for those who brought a toy for charity, and door prizes.  Last year we ended at the 4th Street Shrimp Company, and this year it was Lucky B's B-B-Q place right up the road from the Shrimp Company.   

Registration is under way for the ride.  Grab some coffee and a donut and find a group to ride with.  Your butt better be calloused because its an all day affair.

All right guys, here it goes:  I had intended on trying this on my own this year because I always see things along the way that needs picture taking, and when in a group this becomes impossible.  However, when I glanced at the route sheet I saw Tampa streets, and I don't do Tampa.  I then decided that it would be in my best interest to go with a group, so I mooched onto one with a couple guys I know and like.  Ditch said I could go with his group, but I ended up with John, Bill,  Brad and Jack.  Three Goldwings,  a Kawasaki, and my Yamaha.   Most of these Goldwingers have GPS and radios that they talk back and forth with each other.  So if one person is a little lost, the other one will help guide.  I have nothing like that so the better part of valor dictates reasonableness and the fear of being truly lost dictates sucking up into another group.

Front page of Route directions.  Just as soon as I saw Gandy and Bearss Avenue I knew I was going to have to be in a group.  I actually think that;s best anyway.  The group experience is just fine on a long trip like this.

Second page of Route directions.  Notice how they don't tell you to go to Leesville and turn right on the Rt. Whatever to Brooksville.  Nope, they like to keep it cryptic and with as little info as possible.  

My Yamaha Stratoliner that I am going to nickname 'The Black Popper/The Black Pauper"  The first is after the popping it makes if I run hard then let up on the gas.  It's like an old tractor.  The second is what I will become with its constant thirst for gas. 

Some have said a man's fascination with a motorcycle, besides the speed and lack of boredom, is that it has the timepiece shape of a woman.  Hmmm.  Can you see it?  Hey, baby, nice ass.

I hate Tampa.  I hate everything about it, but at 7:20 in the morning, it is almost bearable.   There is still too much traffic, but we're on the north west side, not exactly in the bowel of the beast, so to speak.  That won't come until the ride home.

Lined up early in the morning at Barney's.

I think I heard about 21 riders this year.   

This guy is getting a head start.  

Saddle up!  It's 7:15. Some groups have gone, and we are now ready to take off  on a day-long adventure.  Yee haw!  It's a beautiful morning and the weather is supposed to be great all day.  What else, down here in blue sky eternity?  Can't beat a full day's riding, seeing the sights, hob-nobbing with your elders, and a good meal at the end of the line.   More tomorrow!!