Guest Blog: Biking in Florida

Now that this blog is up and running, so to speak, what I want to do over the next few weeks is offer selected friends in different parts of the world a guest blog - to hopefully get a sense of how biking is seen in their countries, including from a non-biker perspective. I have some good pieces planned. We start this week in Florida, US with a piece from a good friend of mine - an exiled Londoner and fellow Fulham supporter. Unfortunately he rides a Harley, but don't hold that against him. My thanks to Keith for kicking the "around the world" series off - hope you enjoy it.

Biking in Florida, US - by Keith Ridley

Biking in the USA is a huge subject, so let’s start in my neck of the woods. I live in Florida where you can ride all year round, even in the summer, as long as you don't mind looking like a lobster. I personally think Florida winters are the best for riding. I own a 2004 Harley Davidson Fatboy. It is for my relaxation. Even cleaning it I find therapeutic. Since living in the States you get to realise that bikes and trucks are big business and either will take the pride of place in the home. It’s up there with Fulham, big screen TV and the wife - I won’t specify in which order. The bike is a magnet for spending. I must confess I have spent 25% of the original Harley purchase price just on cosmetics.

I will guess that the Japanese sell the most bikes. They can sell a Harley lookalike much cheaper than the real thing. Harley Davidson may not sell the most bikes, but they sell the most after sale merchandise. You can get everything from chrome parts of anything to home ceiling fans that have rumble sounds and head lights. Plus clothing, including leather jackets, gloves, chaps, boots, belts, anything etc. Even wannabe Harley riders buy the gear to wear.

Although the bikes are capable of high speeds, owners don't often race them. Instead, they like their bike to be seen (and heard). Cruising to and from one Harley Dealership to another at the weekends in large groups gets them noticed. Harley encourages bikers to hang out at their dealerships for obvious reasons - it’s a social place to meet up with others and talk bikes. Free food, soft drinks and sometimes live music are provided. Not quite like the good old days meeting at the Ace Cafe on the North Circular and then racing off to the Busy Bee on the Watford bypass, often clocking a ton.  Harleys are all about being seen. They are seldom taken out in the rain or bug season. Some pay thousands for special custom paint jobs.

Planning a vacation? Bikes can be great fun and are well catered for in the States. Even cruise ships pamper to bikers. You can ride them on and ride them off. It must be great for island hopping in the Caribbean. Spend the day riding then you and your bike can relax back on board in the evening, with a bit of TLC to get ready for the next port of call.

Still on my bucket list for road trips is the ever popular Route 66 ("Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road"). Starting from Chicago, Illinois, then travel through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before ending at Los Angeles, covering a total of 2,448 miles. The diehards pack only what they can take with them on the open road. Others, and that would include me, can pay for a service that takes care of all that and has everything waiting for you at predesignated hotels on route.

Travelling across the country is a new experience. Road safety is an issue everywhere. Each State may have its own motorcycle road safety laws, which you would need to be aware of. For instance in Florida, helmets are required only for under 21's - in some States it is mandatory for everyone. Speed limits can be different as well - for example, Montana has no speed restriction on the interstate. Noise level is another law. Modified pipes or tuning can earn you a traffic ticket. Even stock bikes can fall foul in some states if the engine is revved excessively. Be mindful, especially between 7pm and 7am.

There are plenty of bike fests, large and small. I have been to a lot of the smaller ones. The format is very similar - it’s like a beauty pageant for bikes. As I mentioned earlier, these bikes are loved and well looked after, some only taking to the road for competition. The largest event for me is Daytona Bike Week. Bikes and bikers descend on the town, sometimes a week before the event. This year over half a million people showed up. It is awesome to see the streets lined with bikes. My friend purchased an RV (Recreation Vehicle) just for events like Daytona. It's big enough to house and transport the bikes and still have room in it to sleep and eat. It's a large mobile home the size of a London bus. 

Just as interesting as the bikes are the people. I can only speak for Harley riders, but they are from all walks of life, doctors, lawyers, teachers, men and women of all ages. Of course, you still get the greasers with tattoos all over their body - and that's just the women! Daytona is a fun week and bikers turn out dressed as flamboyant as the bikes they ride. And the ladies, bless them, wearing chaps and very little else. Phew, I think I need a rub down with Bikers Weekly after mentioning that....

My favourite part of Daytona is the Loop. It's like no other ride I know. It’s freedom, sunshine, open road and graceful curves and for motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, it's a riders dream. The Loop begins with a northerly trek at the foot of the Granada Bridge on John Anderson Drive in Ormond Beach. Going North, riders are greeted by a cathedral of trees up to the Highbridge Road where they hang a left and go over the bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway (the Halifax River). There are several places to stop along the way and just enjoy the Florida countryside. After more winding turns, you'll come upon Walter Boardman Road where you will make another turn that takes you further west to Old Dixie Highway. When you reach Old Dixie Highway, take another left (to go south) toward Ormond Beach. I recommend it. It's a leisurely ride will give you a taste for Florida's natural beauty. It’s not a race so stop and check out Ormond Park and the Fairchild Oak tree, which is one of Florida's oldest living Oaks. The Loop is approximately 22 miles long and a must for riders who enjoy an open road. [22miles? Is that all? That's like a pop to the shops! - Ed]

The image of the biker in the States has changed over the years. From the Easy Rider and Hell's Angels stereotype (though these still very much exist), to almost respectability and social acceptance.  It's like a club or community. If you stop on the side of the road, it won't be long before another rider stops to check if you need assistance. Bikers are a family.