Cedar Key For My Birthday

For my birthday in April, my wife surprised me by suggesting we take the bike over to Cedar Key for a birthday lunch and a nice ride.  It was the first time the Versys had ever been to the coast, and also the first time my wife has ridden with me for a long period of time.  We had a great time! (though we both agree that the Versys is NOT a bike that's comfortably built for two, haha!)  It was a little warm outside, but we survived.  The last time I went to Cedar Key, I took my DRZ-400, which you can read about here.

We had lunch at the Pickled Pelican Restaurant, as I wanted my wife to try one of my favorite spots.  We stayed until the early afternoon and then headed back to Gainesville.  It was a really nice day, and we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

My next trip to Cedar Key, I hope to take my dad's Triumph, and I would like to spread some of his ashes, as I have fond memories of family trips there.  We loved Cedar Key, and I know he wouldn't mind being spread there.  I think of you always, dad. I love you.

-J

Custom Versys?

Over the past few months, I have been playing around with my Versys' bodywork.  I had removed the windscreen in an attempt to clean up the lines.  I really liked it, but the red cowlings stopped where the windscreen sits, and it was obvious that something was missing from the bike.  I debated going to a fabrication shop to get a piece made that will fill that gap, but nothing really came of it.  I'm still undecided.

Along with the windscreen, I also considered smaller mirrors, I'm still looking for a nice pair, but most of them have really distasteful designs, or are too small to be useful.  I'm still in the market for a rear fender eliminator.  I know which one I need, but it's not a priority purchase right now.  It's a luxury that one day I will indulge myself in. 

The Versys also has mounts for a rear storage box.  Normally, there are small handles that mount to the bike whenever you don't have the box installed.  My dad tried to convince me last year that the rear looks better without the box or handles.  I didn't agree, but I decided to give it a try, and he was right afterall. Dad is always right! haha.

For now, I'll keep the windscreen on the bike.  I didn't notice a difference a difference in milage, but it does help to have the windscreen during the summer months as bugs are ridiculous. Removing the windscreen certainly gives the Versys a more sporty look, and I fee that it also makes the bike seem more "aggressive".  What do you think? 

-J

Cedar Key Sunday

Midnight Sunday morning (or Saturday night for the average person), I randomly became inspired to take a trip.  I spent two hours in the garage in preparation for an almost two hour drive to the Gulf Coast.  The weather was in the mid 40's, so a cold weather prep was a must.  If you aren't familiar with cold weather motorcycle preparation, read about it here! 

I woke up at 8:30 and was on the road by 9:45.  It was a balmy 47 degrees as I headed towards Cedar Key.  For those of you who aren't familiar, Cedar Key is not part of The Florida Keys or associated with Key West.  The Florida Keys are located in the Florida Straits, with Key West being 90 miles north of Cuba.  However, Cedar Key is located on the Florida Gulf Coast and is mostly a fishing and boating community.  There are restaurants and touristy shops.   

The drive down to the coast was great.  I passed by the grave of legendary blues artist Bo Diddley in the town of Bronson.  I knew he was buried nearby, but to casually turn my head and to see it at just the right moment was quite a treat.  Definitely owe plenty of American culture to men like B.B. King and Bo Diddley!

The last time I visited Cedar Key was prior to 2003.  I cannot remember exactly when, but my grandfather was still alive and I remember him patting a Pelican on the head. I'll never forget that.  Cedar Key is not the same as it used to be.  Tourism is the mainstay of the local economy, so when the economy tanked in 2007-2008, Cedar Key was hit hard.  Many of the restaurants closed as tourism declined.  

I had lunch at the Pickled Pelican restaurant.  I sat outside and had a great view of the Gulf of Mexico and the nearby islands.  The menu was great, as was the pricing.  I certainly recommend it!

 The area is really beautiful and, in my opinion, really epitomizes what the Florida coast is all about.  Shrubbery, coastal inlets, and beautifully flat terrain.

I ended up putting 156.8 miles on the bike.  The weather was incredible, as was the ride.  Very little traffic and I was able to average a speed of about 70mph.  If you live in the Sunshine State and haven't made a trip to Cedar Key, I do recommend it.  It is a fun day trip and there is a large pier to go fishing from.  The food, scenery, atmosphere, and the people are wonderful.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to spend as much time on the road in the future as I would like.  I recently was hired by Veteran's Affairs on top of being a college student.  I'm going to be busy, but it is for all the right reasons.  Stay safe out on the road, fellow riders! Happy Halloween!

-J