Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! Strap on your helmets and prepare to rev up because Bob is back to share the thrill of my epic motorcycle ride from Florida City to the enchanting Key West! Perched on the back of my trusty steed, Goldie the Goldwing, I could feel the sun warming my rubbery body as a salty breeze ruffled my little wings. But as I awaited my humans, Goldie and I attracted some future ride enthusiasts at our hotel. What a great way to start the day.
Then, with Goldie’s engine roaring like a lion, we were off on a journey that promised heart-pounding thrills and awe-inspiring sights!
As Florida City faded behind us, the Overseas Highway unfolded like a ribbon of adventure. My human pals, Rick and Linda, adjusted their sunglasses, their excitement palpable.
The first stop was Key Largo, the largest Florida Keys, where the crystal-clear turquoise waters beckoned us. I could almost taste the adventure as I imagined diving into the vibrant coral reefs, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fish.
The beauty of the Keys was genuinely inspiring, even from the back of a speeding motorcycle!
We zoomed through the charming towns of Islamorada and Marathon, each with unique charm. Picture-perfect pastel cottages, swaying palm trees, and the tantalizing aroma of fresh seafood in the air! I spotted quirky art galleries and inviting boutiques along the way, and my little rubber heart sang with joy at the discovery of the eclectic mix of the islands.
Then came the awe-inspiring Seven-Mile Bridge, a marvel of engineering stretching over the glistening waters. As we sped onto the bridge, wind whipping through my feathers, I gazed at the old bridge alongside us, a weathered giant from days gone by. I could almost hear the whispers of history in the air as humans strolled along, bundled up but enchanted by the expansive ocean views stretching far beyond the horizon.
As we finally neared Key West, the excitement was palpable. Known for its lively spirit and vibrant streets, it was the heartbeat of the Keys! We parked Goldie near the Southernmost Point Buoy, and I dove right into the festive atmosphere, mingling with folks snapping pictures by this iconic marker—only 90 miles from Cuba! The culture here is a delightful tapestry of colors, flavors, and sounds, much like a pot of gold waiting at the end of the road.
After a whirlwind couple of hours soaking in Key West’s charm, it was time to head back to Florida City. But not before a pit stop for dinner in Islamorada!
We discovered a charming oceanside restaurant where the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea set the perfect backdrop for our meal. I treated myself to imaginary fishy delights while Rick and Linda indulged in fresh catch dinners.
With that delightful meal fueling our spirits, we cruised back along the highway, the wind in our hair (or feathers, in my case). My heart was bursting with gratitude for the incredible memories we made in Key West and along the way.
As I perched on Goldie, I couldn’t help but dream of future adventures. More rides, more laughter, and countless new stories to share awaited us on the open road.
With my head held high, I quacked with excitement for wherever the next adventure would take us. Until then, keep those feathers fluffed and the wheels turning! I’d love to hear about your motorcycle adventures. Share your stories in the comments!
Quack, quack! Feathered friends, get ready to buckle up for an adventure like no other! It’s Bob here, your trusty sidekick, and I’m thrilled to share the exhilarating day I had cruising the stunning roads of Florida with the legendary Badger Crew!
On Monday, February 17, Sonny (da Badger), the wonderful Angie (Momma Badger), delightful Debby (GMA Badger), and the ever-wise Gene (GPA Badger) took my humans and me on a day that was nothing short of extraordinary!
Our journey kicked off in sunny Port Charlotte, where the air was electric with the thrill of adventure and a hint of that delicious, salty sea breeze. The stunning Florida scenery, with its vibrant colors and picturesque landscapes, was a sight to behold. With spirits high, we set out from our meeting spot, eager to soak in the sights.
Our first stop was in nearby Punta Gorda, where we were lucky enough to find a hidden treasure: Fresco! This charming café served up coffee that could flow through rivers and pastries that were practically legendary.
We feasted on decadent quiche and sweet treats while catching up and sharing laughter. With satisfied bellies, we were ready to embrace the open road!
As we revved up our engines, I nestled comfortably on the back of Goldie. The sun warmed my feathery form as we took off, and the exhilarating roar of the bikes blended perfectly with the sound of ocean waves in the background. Riding along the coastline was pure magic—each turn revealing breathtaking views of glistening waters that danced joyfully in the sunlight. I couldn’t help but quack in delight as the wind ruffled my rubbery feathers!
While cruising, we couldn’t ignore the aftermath of the recent hurricane. It was striking and humbling to see the remnants of nature’s fury, with boarded-up buildings and scattered palm trees telling tales of resilience. We took moments to pause and reflect at various locations along the beach, witnessing the unwavering spirit of the community as volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the area. It was a profound reminder of how strong and united people can be in the face of adversity.
Continuing our journey, we stumbled across incredible sand peaks formed by the hurricane’s fierce winds. These majestic structures stood tall like nature’s very own sculptures, and we pulled over to take a little break. The Badgers shared fascinating stories steeped in the area’s history before the storms, enlightening us to how even majestic houses were transformed from white to tan by the sand. I floated around, striking my best rubber duck poses for the photos—this was one for the memory books!
Our next stop was the vibrant Fort Myers Beach!
As we parked our motorcycles, I hopped off, ready to explore the lively scene.
The beach was abuzz with laughter, music, and the soothing sound of waves crashing.
We took a stroll along the shore, feeling the warm sand between our toes.
Of course, I couldn’t resist capturing a quacky selfie against the breathtaking ocean backdrop from the iconic Fort Myers Beach Bridge!
After all that exploring, our appetites kicked in like a well-tuned engine. We headed to Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, where the tantalizing aromas of delectable spices filled the air. We indulged in mouthwatering seafood and refreshing beverages, and I bobbed along to the lively music, soaking in every moment. Laughter echoed through our meal, making it a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge for the journey ahead.
With our hearts full of joy and our bellies satisfied, we explored a little more in Fort Myers Beach.
Eventually, we headed to the bikes and hopped back on for the ride to the Badger’s den.
Now, what would a great motorcycle ride be without a few traffic jams? Even baking in the heat as we worked our way through traffic was enjoyable for this rubber duck that hails from the chilly Winterpeg, Manitoba.
As we rolled back into Port Charlotte, I couldn’t help but reflect on the wonderful day we had. A huge thank you to the Badgers for being the most fantastic biking buddies a rubber duck could ask for! Your expert navigation and care kept us together and safe, ensuring we all shared in this beautiful adventure. I truly felt special and cherished, and it’s clear that with the Badger Crew, every ride is a memorable one. Our bond and shared experiences make us more than just fellow riders – they make us a family of adventurers.
So, until our next escapade, keep your feathers fluffy and your adventures wild! Quack on, my friends!
Get ready for a thrilling ride because I’m about to share my exhilarating adventure on the iconic Route 66 with Rick and The Badgers Group!
On July 13, 2023, Rick strapped me onto his gleaming Goldwing, and off we set from Winnipeg, Manitoba, bound for Pontiac, Illinois, for the Route 66 Passport Run.
Sonny and Angie Badger and their dedicated crew crafted an epic route brimming with original Route 66 charm. We were set to cover a breathtaking 2,278 miles from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, with daily rides of about 300 miles!
Rick’s dream of riding the Original Route 66 has been brewing for ages and Sonny and Angie had brought his dream to an early reality.
His excitement was infectious, and we all felt it as we arrived in Pontiac on July 15, checking into the Best Western Pontiac alongside around 90 other passionate riders.
The camaraderie was palpable, and I couldn’t help but quack in delight at the vibrant atmosphere.
Each segment of our journey was a treasure trove of unique experiences, and I’ll share a few highlights to spark your wanderlust and inspire you to add Route 66 to your bucket list!
On the bright and sunny morning of July 16, we zipped over to Chicago for some snazzy photo ops at the historic starting point of this legendary route.
The evening? Oh boy, it was a blast! Thanks to Sonny and Angie, Pontiac threw us a party worthy of the grandest duck ball! They shut down the streets for our motley crew, and we revelled in a charming old theatre, feasted on delicious grub, and then hit the hay early to gear up for our grand ride on the 17th.
To ensure that the ride was more manageable, The Badgers had organized a chase trailer and folks to help in emergencies, and we had created smaller daily riding groups: Our group was Fiona, Christina, Darrell, Greg, Joe, Shawn, Rick and me (BOB).
By July 17, we were off to our first stop, Rolla, Missouri. With quacks of joy, we kicked off the ride at 7 a.m. Riding on the original Route 66 transported us back to simpler times when every pothole told a story! It was a real nostalgia trip for everyone on board.
Pontiac, Illinois to Rolla, Missouri – 306 miles
With the sun peeking over the horizon, we revved our engines at 7 am! The first leg of our quest whisked us back through time as the nostalgic vibe of Route 66 wrapped around us like a warm feather blanket. Those cobblestone roads in Missouri felt like a hug from history! I was flapping my wings joyfully, soaking in the sights and sounds!
Rolla, Missouri to Stroud, Oklahoma – 394 miles
Now, here’s where things got quirky—who could resist stopping at Uranus? No kidding! This zany little store greeted us with a cheeky “Welcome to Uranus!”. It was all giggles from here on out, especially when we discovered their famous fudge! Now that’s a treat worth quacking about!
Next up was a delightful stop at The Hangar Kafe, where I had to ruffle my feathers in awe. Not only did they serve scrumptious food, but the place was filled with flying things—hot air balloons and rocket ship replicas galore! And let me tell you, imagine taking a hot air balloon ride with the wind under my wings!
And if that is not enough, the Kingsley family operates the hangar as a growing crop-dusting business but also offers you the BOBortunity to take a ride on a hot air balloon or plane, watch the skydivers on good days and maybe even witness a Chinook helicopter stop in for breakfast.
Just as we were getting into the groove, disaster struck! Goldie, our trusty steed, suffered a blowout at full speed. Yikes!
Seasoned as he is, Rick faced his first “deathtime wobble,” A term used in the motorcycle community to describe a sudden and severe wobble in the front wheel. I flapped nervously in my seat, but our fantastic riding group rallied around us, supporting Rick while he limped Goldie to safety.
A massive shoutout to our new buddy, Darryl, who stood by our side for four hours while we waited for help. Quack-tastic teamwork!
A massive shoutout to our new buddy, Darryl, who stood by our side for four hours while we waited for help. Quack-tastic teamwork!
Stroud, Oklahoma to Amarillo, Texas – 316 miles
After a speedy pit stop at Shawnee Motor Sports—thanks, guys!—we charged ahead to Amarillo.
Rick decided to hit the Interstate to make up for lost time, and even though we missed some of those Route 66 gems, we still indulged in a legendary steak dinner at The Big Texan! I cheekily ordered my “bob-sized” plate—thankfully avoiding the daunting 72-ounce challenge!
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and nothing felt better than being back with our fantastic crew.
Amarillo, Texas to Grants, New Mexico – 363 miles
Buckle up your feathers because this ride from Amarillo to Grants was a quacking good time! We were cruising and hit the halfway mark of our grand adventure.
One of the coolest stops was the Mid-Point Café—a true desert oasis! There I was, surrounded by a sea of dusty roads, when suddenly, BOOM! The café appeared like magic! We waddled in to grab some souvenirs, freshen up, and munch delicious snacks. I couldn’t resist posing for a photo by the sign proclaiming we were at the midpoint of Route 66. Talk about a feather in my cap!
Next up was Tee Pee Curios, a delightful little spot that used to be a gas station in 1944. After the highway was widened, the enterprising folks turned it into a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. Let me tell you, I had a whale of a time digging through all the quirky curios!
Grants, New Mexico to Williams, Arizona – 282 miles
I wanted to keep this tale brief, but I couldn’t help myself—there’s so much fun along this iconic stretch! I even had my photo taken at one of the last remaining Wigwam Villages, marvelled at a massive meteor crater from 50,000 years ago, and met some wacky alien replicas in Winslow, Arizona, right next to that famous flatbed Ford from the Eagles’ “Take It Easy.” Imagine me posing next to it, quacking along!
Rumour has it that some of our group even chose to seize the BOBortunity to break out their line dancing skills instead of just “standing at the corner of Winslow, Arizona,” as the song suggests. Party on, my feathery friends!
Williams, Arizona to Victorville, California – 349 miles
Then came Oatman, Arizona—a site straight out of a Wild West movie! We took the Arizona Sidewinder Highway to get there, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! Watch out for the donkeys; they’re on a mission for breakfast and might pop up unexpectedly!
Oatman is a ghost town buzzing with history. The old buildings and roaming donkeys reminded me of the cowboys of yore.
If only we had more time! We could’ve explored the mine, witnessed a wild shootout, and even ventured to Joshua Tree! But alas, the sun was blazing, and my rubbery self could only take so much heat. I’ll have to convince my buddy Rick to make a return trip!
All great BOBortunities must come to an end. The last stretch through Death Valley was, to put it mildly, a scorcher! At 127 degrees, I nearly melted into a puddle! We all felt the burn as we navigated the sweltering desert, but laughter and hydration kept us afloat.
Eventually, we reached our final destination—Victorville—around 4 PM, hot, tired, and feeling pretty awesome! But wait, the journey wasn’t over yet! We made it to our final planned destination of Victorville around 4 pm, hot, tired and feeling accomplished. We made it! BUT…we wanted to see the end of Route 66…SO….
Bonus Day – Victorville, California to Santa Monica Pier, California
Some crew decided to cruise to Santa Monica Pier for one last hurrah. We explored the pier, gobbled up a farewell lunch, and said our goodbyes while I floated happily in my little ducky world.
What a wild ride on Route 66! There are so many memories and a quack-tastic adventure to cherish forever. Here’s to more journeys and endless fun! Waddle on, my friends!
