Lake Okeechobee Ride

Saturday Jan 13, 2007. I went on a great ride. This ride was what I call "Riding the Big Loop." This ride was around Lake Okeechobee, Florida. I was riding with some members of the Naples Chapter of Star Touring & Riding. Allan, Frank and myself had a great ride. Allan was our Road Captain as he planned the whole route. For those who don't know about Lake Okeechobee, it is the second largest Fresh Water lake inside the United States! The Great Lakes don't qualify because they are also part of Canada.

I met Allan around 9am Saturday morning. We then road back roads to Lake Okeechobee. Buckingham was from favorite because it had a few turns. Most roads in Florida are flat and straight. This road had some turns and a couple inclines.

When we got to the lake and started heading north the sceenery changed somewhat. We made in to the top of the lake and stopped for lunch in the small town of Okeechobee. We road pass an Indian Res and stopped at a class restaurant, Lightsey Restaurant. Inside were many fish and animals mounted on the walls. Above the fireplace was the largest Grouper I have ever seen!

After eating we got back on our bikes to continue around to the eastern side of the lake. Frank headed back the way we came and Allan and I pressed on through a great day of riding.

All along the way we met and waved at other motorcyclist. All around the lake was flood control berms. The average depth of Lake Okeechobee is only 12 feet deep! But Lake O supplies much water to the farms and such. Lake Okeechobee is also famous for its Bass fishing. The TV fisherman, Roland Martin, has a marina there that we rode past.

Also all around the lake is sugar cane fields and sugar cane processing plants. I have never seen sugar cane before so this was a treat in itself. We had a beautiful riding day as it was around 81 degrees and sun shinning.

We made it back to Ft Myers a little past 5pm and after over 280 miles of riding I was ready for supper! I said my "Good Bye" to Allan and off I went to meet Kandi, Cora, Jordan and Morgan at Denny's Restaurant for supper.

This was my longest ride I have taken on my 2006 Harley-Davidson FLHXI Street Glide. It was also my favorite ride I have taken in a long time. I wish all my family and friends could have been with me on this ride. All along the route I would say to myself, "I wish the boys and everyone else were here to share this with me." I know the boys would have liked seeing all the motorcycles along the way and also seeing the sugar cane fields.

Until next time, Smooth Riding and Stay Safe!!!!!jrm