Whited clouds floated overhead and this was, as my son-in-law Ilidio always said, "another beautiful day in Paradise."
Traveling North on I 4 was great and I was settling in for a beautiful ride to my first overnight in Tallahassee.
Until I made the turn on to the 295 bypass at Jacksonville about 100 miles into the trip.
As I made the turn rain began falling and I pulled under a bridge to don the rain gear.
It began to POUR!
40 miles later I rode out of the heavy rain and the ride was good again.
The Mini Mate tent camper was soon set up in the Tallahassee KOA camp and I was ready for a light dinner and a warm sleeping bag.
The Tuesday ride was to carry me down Interstate 10 to Destin, Florida and the Henderson Beach State Park. Florida State Parks are great stop overs with clean showers and grounds. This was the short ride on my four day trip to Houston.
As I pulled into Panama City and rode down Highway 98 toward the park I felt the first sprinkles of rain and I pulled into the parking lot of an Ace Hardware Store in Miramar to get the rain gear on.
Moments later, rain gear on and ready to ride I hit the starter switch.
Nothing but clicks.
What's happening?
Nothing!
The starter clutch on some of the Yamaha V Star 1100's was known to go out and this one had been making some noise.
The Ace Hardware guy offered to jump it with his car battery and we did try that.
Nothing.
Borrowing a phone book from the hardware people I looked for a motor cycle repair shop and found the nearest one was in Fort Walton Beach, some 20 miles away.
It was now 1:30 pm and they said they would be open until 6.
Triple A found me a bike hauler who they said would be there in 30 minutes and he was.
I had asked about a starter clutch and they said it would take 5 days to get one shipped in. The crew from Coastal PowerSports climbed up on the truck and checked for other things that could be causing the problem.
"It's the solenoid," they shouted down, "We'll have you on your way in 30 minutes."
They quickly installed a new solenoid, found a screw to replace the one I lost when I removed he battery cover and announced, "You're ready to ride."
As they worked I visited with the two brothers who owned Coastal PowerSports of Fort Walton, Beach, Florida.
When we went in to pay the bill, the owners said NO CHARGE!
They said, "just keep riding and enjoy the ride."
The entire crew helped in getting me back on the road, and then refused payment for the parts and labor.
These are great people.
If you are an LD Rider doing an Iron Butt ride along the Gulf Coast of Florida, you'll find some great people at Coastal Power Sports in Fort Walton Beach.
A great team of people who really know their stuff.
Thanks again folks.
I'll see you on the return trip in March.
With the machine back in action I rode over to the state park and set up camp for the night.
Sleep came easily, heart and mind full of thanks for the good people I have met along the way.
Wednesday was to be my long days ride on this leg of the trip.
I was on the road early heading for my overnight camp at LaFayette, LA.
365 miles flew by with only spotty rain showers.
I was glad for warm riding gear to ward off the cold north wind.
This was a cold ride through the pan handle of North Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and into Louisiana.
The KOA camp was great and even provided a car port to park bike and camper under.
By 6 pm the cold north wind brought in a front with heavy rain.
This is the coldest night I have spent in the camper.
This is one night I should have opted for a motel.
The morning was black with heavy cloud cover and ground fog.
I set out in light rain by 7:30 am.
Within minutes of getting out on I-10, I was riding in a downpour.
This was the heaviest rain I have ridden in and the cold made it even worse.
10 miles down the Interstate I saw an exit and pulled off, hoping to find an awning to drive under.
Better yet, I found a Wendys Restaurant.
As I pulled in I saw a woman coming out the door.
She looked over and commented about riding in the cold and rain.
When she saw the 80 year old Iron Butt Rider sign she said, "you mean to tell me you rode that thing all the way from Montana?"
"Come inside, I'm going to buy your breakfast!"
Turns out Shela was the manager and she did indeed buy a biscuit and gravy breakfast for a half frozen biker.
As I said earlier, I have sure meet some nice people on this long ride across the USA, through over 25 states so far with many more to come.
Thanks Shela, I'll see you on the return trip, and this time I'll buy.
Light rain was still falling as I resumed the ride, but it didn't seem as bad now since I was warm and well fed.
I made good time through Lake Charles and the last few miles to the Texas border.
As I passed the Welcome To Texas sign the rain ended and for the first time in days a beam of sunlight found it's way through the clouds.
Thanks Texas, you have come through for me again.
A few more miles and a warming sun was bringing a new outlook on life and I rode past Beaumont and into Houston warmer then I had been in several days.
The Sam Houston Toll road carried me to Richmond where I was to stay for several days with my brother-in-law Stan Smith.
Despite rain, wind, fog and cold, this was a good ride.
Once again I met friendly, helpful people and made new friends.
Over 7,000 miles and I have yet to meet a rude or unfriendly driver.
Thanks to all who made this an unforgettable trip.
You're the greatest.
It's good to see Stan again and I'm looking forward to seeing daughter Joni and her husband Gary.
May your ride be long and your love song never end.
Watch for me, I'll be in the Right Lane America.
Del "Lonnie" Lonnquist
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