The Bike Prepped and Ready for the ride

The bike is a 2008, 1200 Nightster, a blacked out Sportster model. It's not meant to be a cruiser but with the windshield on it I will have a little protection from the elements since I know Summer in Florida will bring about some big rain at times.

Getting ready to Ride to Key West From Tampa

This is going to be a serious ride. I've mapped the route on Google Maps. Here is the planned route


Driving directions to 505 Amelia St, Key West, FL 33040
434 mi – about 7 hours 34 mins
Suggested routes

Sheldon Rd. Tampa, FL 33615

1. Head south on Sheldon Rd toward W Norfolk St 1.1 mi
2. Continue on County Rd-576/Memorial Hwy 1.9 mi
3. Slight right at Independence Pkwy 0.7 mi
4. Take the ramp onto FL-589 S 1.3 mi
5. Continue on FL-60 E (signs for I-275/FL-60) 0.9 mi
6. Take the exit onto I-275 S toward St Petersburg
Partial toll road 38.1 mi
7. Take the exit onto I-75 S
Partial toll road 210 mi
8. Take the exit on the left onto I-75 S toward Miami 13.2 mi
9. Take exit 5 to merge onto FL-821 S/Florida's Turnpike S toward Key W
Partial toll road 39.2 mi
10. Exit onto NE 1st Ave/FL-5/US-1 toward Key W
Continue to follow FL-5/US-1 124 mi
11. Turn right at FL-5/N Roosevelt Blvd/US-1
Continue to follow FL-5/US-1 3.5 mi
12. Turn left at Duval St 0.1 mi
13. Turn left at Amelia St 85 ft

505 Amelia StKey West, FL 33040

I figure this ride will take a little over 10 hrs to complete. The plan is to leave at 3:00am and drive through stopping for Gas, Breakfast and Lunch and arrive by around noon in Key West. I will have a chase Truck with extra Gas, and other items in the event something happens.

28 June Sunday - Rock Benefit for Curtis Smith

This is a Tampa Event that is at the L.A. Hangout off of hwy 41 near Bearss rd. 16411 N Florida Ave, ph 813-964-5631 Map Link

All proceeds benefit Curt Smith (brother of Dave Smith drummer of SobrietyX), who has Liver Cancer and is preparing for a Liver Transplant. There will be over 9 bands appearing throughout the day: SobrietyX, Rise, Phoenix, Jaded, Livewire, JEDCO, Heaven's Fall, Earned in Blood, and more! Raffles, 50/50, auction, chance to win autographed guitars from the bands,

For more info contact

Patti pattiabiker@earthlink.net. or visit the Website: L.A.HANGOUT-WEBSITE

30 May 2009 - Tarpon Springs Bike Fest

From 12pm to 7pm Tarpon Springs Bike Fest will be located in an around the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. There will be live bands, a 50/50 drawing and a Bike Show. For more info Call (727) 919-3523

9 May - Bikes for Badges Last Chance Pre-Register

BUBBA'S BIKES FOR BADGES
***TOMORROW***
LAST CHANCE TO PRE-REGISTER AND SAVE $10

$40/person day-of-registration
CLICK HERE and visit the web site to pre-register

22-24 May 2009 - Oldsmar Freedom Fest

Oldsmar Freedom Fest
May 22nd - 24th, 2009

Motorcycles only on State Street! Bands playing all three days of the event, bike shows on Saturday
Antique Show - $10 to Register
Registration from 11am till 3pm
Awards On The Main Stage at 5PM

Sport Bike Show - $10 To Register
Registration from 4pm till 7:30pm
Awards on the Main Stage at 9pm

Sunday
RIDE IN BIKE SHOW
All Classes - $10 Registration
Register from 11am till 3pm
Awards on Main Stage At 5pm

And don't miss one of the best LOCAL BANDS in Tampa, STORMBRINGER - SATURDAY MAY 23 - 3pm till 6pm

9 May - Badges for Bikers Poker Run

This is a Poker run that benefits two fallen Tampa Bay Police Officers. It starts at Jim's Harley-Davidson, 2805 54th Ave. N., ph 727-527-9672 at 8:30am you can register the Day of the event for $40 or pre-register at Jim's for $30. First Bike out 11am last Bike out 1pm. Stops at Hooters, locations around the Tampa Area. For more information check out the web site at www.bubbasbikesforbadges.com.

Leesburg Bike Rally

This weekend the 24th-26th of April is the Leesburg Florida Bike Rally. There will be all kinds of events going on all weekend long. Don't miss the Rat Hole Motorcycle show. Music from top name live music acts, Miss Ratmate contest, Ms Leesburg Bikefest contest, Pin-Up Girl contest, motorcycle demos, stunt shows, and vendors selling literally anything you need as a motorcycle enthusiast as well as arts and crafts. Don't miss it. Find out more at the Web Site. http://www.lightningcustoms.com/leesburgbikeweek.html

11 April - Lakeland Harley's 38th Anniversary party

4202 Lakeland Hills Blvd, ph 863-802-1971, Music, Beer and BBQ what more can you ask for. visit www.hdlakeland.com for more info.

19 April - "Run with the big dogs" Charity Poker Run

Meet at Fletcher's Harley Davidson, No admission. Bikes will roll from Fletchers to Quaker Steak and Lube and first bike will leave QS&L at 11:00am. Breakfast will be served at QS&L starting at 9:00am. Prizes for Best hand and live music. This ride benefits Greyhounds that have been retired.

5 April - H.O.G. Cigar CIty Chapter - New member orientation ride

EVERYONE Welcome. Meet at TampaHarley between 10:00 and 10:15 and bike roll at 11:00am. This ride is planned on their calendar for the first Sunday of every month and After the ride they come back to TampaHarley for the free Hot Dogs and Soda. For more info check their web site. http://www.tampahog.com/

4 April - NamKnights Westside - 3rd Annual Pig Roast Fundraiser

Saturday from Noon to 6pm Nam Knights Westside is hosting a fundraiser for the Haley House (for wounded veterans). Located at "The Pole Barn" on Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview Florida. There will be a live band, Plenty of Beer, Soda and food. Vendors, Raffle Prizes, Give-Away Gifts and more. http://www.namknightswestside.com/

4 April 2009 - Plant City Bike Fest

This event will be held in Plant City's Historic Distric at the Train Depot. FREE admission and there will be Live Music, 50/50 Drawing Biker Games, and Bike show. For More information visit their Website.

29 March - 5th Annual Credit Union Cruise for Kids

Starting at 9:30am Sunday Morning entrants only need to stop by one of the participating sponsors to register. Once Registered Each Poker Run participant must stop by only 3 of the 16 poker stops and have their map stamped. All riders must be in at Quaker Steak & lube no later than 1:30 pm. Here is a current Poker Run Stop Map. Also here is a Downloadable Registration Form. If you have further Questions you can call (813) 932-1301 ext. 250 or (813) 386-4208. ENTRY Fee is $20

Event day prizes:

• Poker prizes - top poker hand prize is $500, 2nd place $200, and 3rd place $100
• Bike contest prizes
• Biker Club Challenge trophy
• 2008 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic
• 4 night's stay at Moose Creek Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN

Created in 2004, the Credit Union Cruise For Kids is the signature fundraiser of the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions, supporting local children’s charities.
The next CFK motorcycle ride is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2009. You don’t have to be a rider to come enjoy the fun, the food, the live music and the spirit of giving. Join us in our effort to support some very important people in the community – our children.

27 March - Oldsmar - Full Throttle Bike Show

At Oldsmar Days - From 5-9pm with registration from 5 till 8pm and awards given on Main Stage at 9pm. Entry fee is $15 (10 Class Bike Show). Also a huge Carnival with Rides and something for the whole family. Call (813) 814-1424 for more info. Google Map Link to Olds Park

29 March - Born To Ride Event - Wild WIng Cafe' - Tampa

March 29th, Born to Ride TV's is celebrating it's 700th Episode. At Wild Wing Café, 9210 Anderson Rd, ph 813-890-9453. Google Map. They will have a 5OO lb Pig on the BBQ, live music a Bike Show, 50/50, Prizes, giveaways and more. BTR TV Taping and Magazine Shoot, vendors call 813-661-9402. Wildwing Cafe' Web Site: www.wildwingcafe.com.