An annual event held on the shores around the beautiful round lake in Defuniak Springs, Florida. An event locals especially like to see and visit each and every year. A beautiful display of lights to enjoy and heighten your Christmas spirit. Visitors from around the world have seen this small town display of lights called Christmas Reflections. See quote below from the city of Defuniak Springs own website.
It’s THE event of the year! Bring the entire family any night of the week or come and stay the weekend in the beautiful, historic DeFuniak Springs, Florida! Come see more than 10 million lights reflect off a perfectly round spring-fed lake glowing in holiday splendor! Enjoy a holiday family tradition that is a delight to all ages as we light up Chipley Park with the annual Christmas Reflection displays. A variety of Victorian, animal, and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop, and the grandfather clock ticking away are among the thousands of decorations that adorn these historic grounds. This event is orchestrated and hosted by the City of DeFuniak Springs. See below for free holiday special events, markets, and the Festival of Trees which complement this season’s light show.
Display is normally opened every year the day after Thanksgiving and continues through New Years day.
Some of our personal photos from this visit are below.
That was our last adventure of the year rounding out 2022 at home with family and friends relaxing, enjoying the peace of Christmas then ringing in the New Year with a bang.
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Immediately after our camping excursion in late September of last year Patty and I headed to Evansville, Indiana. It was a class reunion for her. For me it was a new adventure, a place I’d never been before.
Met some of her family, friends, and classmates, plus we enjoyed visiting the museum and other interesting places. Since she grew up there, it was like having my own private tour guide. Especially enjoyed the “West Side Nut Club Fall Festival” in Evansville so much might want to do that again this year.
We were in Evansville maybe four or five days with never a dull moment even though Black Betty was not part of this adventure. After leaving Indiana we traveled down to Tennessee for a visit with my long time best friend, Bud! Did an adventure there experiencing a long standing tradition of Flea Market/garage sales for miles and miles along an area near where he lives, was an absolute blast!
When Patty and I travel we take the scenic route when possible. Freeways are boring, backroads may take longer but are so much more fun. Whether we’re on the motorcycle or not backroads we’ve never traveled are new adventures and memories made.
After our stop in Tennessee, next stop on this trip was Double Springs, Alabama where my brother and sister in law have a house on Smith Lake. Both these stops were new for Patty as she had not been to either place. We spent a few days there, did some tourist things and had a great time.
Pictures say more than words sometime so below is a photo dump, first grouping is in Indiana! Funny thing is sometime you are having so much fun you forget to take photos.
After leaving Indiana headed to my friends house in Tennessee we traveled the Natchez Trace as much as possible, again the scenic route is always best for us. Some scenes on the way below.
Next photos were taken while visiting my brother and sister in law in north Alabama.
All of the above pretty much happened within the first two weeks of October, 2022. Near the end of October we did take another trip over to Gulfport, Mississippi for pure entertainment time at Island View Hotel and Casino. 🙂 During these out of town adventures, when home we did do as much riding as possible, weather was really very nice here for that time of year.
Starting in November we were doing a lot of planning for other trips and also preparing for my family tradition of Thanksgiving at my home. Won’t bore you with the tons of photos taken mostly of family eating, catching up chatter, playing games and just a really satisfying time with about thirty family members. In the busy month of November we did manage to get “Black Betty” another mode of transportation in case we needed to trailer her someplace.
That’s a wrap on our activities through the end of November… December will need to be written about in the next post.
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Seems like forever since my last post and that’s a fact! The last half of 2022 was one to remember, much happened that changed my life for the better and made me a much happier person. Some of that change included a lot of riding Black Betty and some traveling adventures with my sweetheart Patty! We did several trips to places I would probably have never gone and we intend to do more this year.
To explain and talk about these adventures in one blog post would be a very long story and many photos. Rather than do that in one post my intention is to break these up into several posts over the next few weeks. Not all of these adventures included “Black Betty” but this coming year you will see more of her. 😎
One of our first adventures was another camping trip to Blackwater River State Park in late September, my favorite place to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Of course we loaded up Black Betty for this trip because it’s an awesome place to ride with great scenery and no traffic!
Following are a few photos taken at the park and some videos riding through the park in the Blackwater Forest area. If you listen closely, in some videos you can hear me chatting with Patty, our helmets have blue tooth sets so we can talk while riding. 🙂
Stay tuned for our next post coming in a few days. We visited Evansville, IN, had never been there before so it was quite interesting for me.
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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A Lot has happened since my last post, so let me try to bring everyone up to speed on the latest. As most of you know been searching for a bigger motorcycle, something that would be more in tune with a touring style bike, longer trip capability etc… Been searching for months trying to find the right bike at a price to not break the bank. Hard to find these days as the price of everything has skyrocketed including pre-owned motorcycles.
While talking to some of the Harley Davidson dealers it seems Harley has cut back on production due to scarcity of parts, etc. They have issues getting as many new bikes as they need, therefore used bikes are in high demand so guess what, prices go up! Was talking to one such dealer, Harley Davidson of Panama City Beach here in Florida. Great bunch of guys by the way. 🙂 Made several visits to see their inventory and finally found the nugget that would fit my needs and pocket book. NO, turns out it’s not a Harley Davidson though that was what I had been looking at. They had some really beautiful ones but the price point was more than I wished to spend.
This nugget turned out to be a surprise even to me, Black Betty… a 2014 Victory Cross Roads 8-Ball with a 106 ci engine and a six speed transmission. Hesitated on this several times because as some might know, Victory Motorcycles are no longer manufactured. Production was halted in 2017. Most say it was because Polaris, the manufacturer wanted to focus only on the Indian brand and not compete with themselves. Victory is an American made motorcycle, probably more American than any other brand including Harley. My fear however was that no parts would be available should there be a need. Research tells me that the manufacturer will continue to produce parts for Victory until the year 2027, so there’s that bit of hope.
Little side note, the Suzuki is up for sale. Hate to see it go, has been such a pleasure to ride and enjoy while my leg was getting stronger.
Anyway, fell in love, made the deal, picked up the Victory around the 1st. of July, with only 8,559 miles on the odometer. That’s an average of about one thousand miles per year. Had the bike for a little less than two months, already added another thousand miles to her odometer. Likely would have been more but we have had some serious rain here in the panhandle of Florida. Seems it has rained every day since she came home with me. Also since my last post added a passenger on my motorcycle rides, but we not going to discuss that yet! 🙂
Let me post some photos of this beauty so you’ll understand why I fell in love! What’s the better name, Black Betty or Black Beauty? Or should we just call her VIC or VICKIE?
Right Side View
Since we’ve had so much rain lately my riding partner and I have gotten wet several times. We start by looking at the radar but it seems no matter the weather forecast we attract the rain. By the way we also hooked up blue tooth capability on our new helmets to enable conversation while we ride. Having so much fun riding when we can that until last week had not done any riding video’s on Black Betty. So here we go, finally taped some and posted them on YouTube, a few examples below. These first two are just drive by shorts. 🙂
As you will see in this next video, we are about to get wet once again. Watch until the end to view my riding partner hastily putting on her rain jacket, look in the right rear view mirror. LOL
Next video is fairly common for us lately, yes we do get soaked… but on this day not as much as some previous days. 🙂
And as normal we do pass through the rain showers and start to dry out. Here we were approaching the east side of Defuniak Springs, FL.
Ok so if you’ve viewed the videos and photos, tell me what you would name her? Keep in mind she’s a blacked out 8-ball with minimum amount of chrome.
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My brother and I have a tradition of at least once a year camping at Blackwater River State Park. Love that place and our most favored thing about these camping trips is the eleven mile kayak trek down Blackwater River.
We have missed the last two years due to circumstances, one of which was due to my not being able to walk very well. See previous posts if you’re not familiar why that was? Actually the last time we camped here, it was just too cold to get in the river.
This camp time included some friends of ours, Pam and Richard Anderson. They love camping almost as much as my brother and sister-in-law, camp with them on many occasions. Pam and Richard brought some new toys with them to test. Electric powered bicycles! Of course this conjured up many conversations about the future and electric powered vehicles of all types.
They were actually testing their bicycles for a future planned camping excursion out west where a lot of bicycle riding would be beneficial.
First let me post a few of the photos taken with my phone around the campsite, floating down the river on kayaks, etc.
Monday was devoted to the Kayak trip and of course eating. They sure knew how to eat while camping. In fact, not sure why I brought any food as we never used any of it. Will say this trip down the river was much better than our last one since we wised up about the fact that no matter how smart you think you are, SUNBURN is very much a reality. Sunscreen this time, worked great and no pain afterwards.
Most of my motorcycle rides, ones video taped were all done on Tuesday while out trying to find our friends on the electric bicycles. They left ahead of me and plan was for me to catch up, follow and even do video of them riding. I said plan…. gave them about 10 minutes head start, took off and about a mile down the road realized that my phone wasn’t with me. Was wearing blue tooth helmet and wanted to listen to music and monitor phone calls while out searching for them so had to return for it…. see video below.
After retrieving the phone, next video is me listening to music (no, you can’t hear it on video) while beginning my search for the elusive electric bicycles.
This next video is to let you know that even I can sometimes miss a gear, especially on this sensitive shifter they put on the Suzuki. Still out searching the back roads for those bicycles. Just a mile or so from the park there is a four way stop, my decision was, which way to go first, only three options. 🙂
After running a few miles down two of the options, tried to find them on my phone tracker, no signal, so tried southern route toward the camp road entrance off highway 90 just to be sure they didn’t go that way. Next video is a stop on the river bridge which is really on the way out of the park area back to civilization.
Next video is going back into the campground to ensure that they had not returned while I was out searching. No they had not returned but was able to finally find their location on the tracker.
After locating them on the tracker, headed in that direction and finally found them…. next is a short video. Most times my videos are three minutes long (setting on that cheap camera) but battery was getting low so cut this one a little short.
This next video is after finding them and turning around we stopped for a chat about the bicycles. Was curious how they felt about them and questions of how long before recharging, what distance and or speed can be maintained, etc. In this video, you cannot hear much of what they are saying only me since the mic was on my helmet only. Another short video, quick chat in the middle of the road and on our way.
Long story short, they decided that about 35-40 miles would be the distance on one charge. Charging takes approximately six hours. They averaged a speed of 13-15 mph that day just taking it easy pedaling with the battery assisting. Bicycles set at highest mode could probably reach 35-40 mph if needed. Should they run out of battery power they can be manually pedaled like a normal bicycle.
There was a lot more video taken that day but most of those roads you have seen in the past and felt no need to repeat those scenes. Rode each day while there but not with camera mounted helmet.
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Seems I’m terrible at coming up with new content and certainly didn’t want to post the same thing over and over again. This however does not mean I haven’t been riding. Still looking for a more touring style bike in order to expand our distances and add new places to visit further from home.
Pretty sure I’ve explored all the back roads within a one hundred mile radius but don’t quote me on that because sometimes while riding you find a new path unknown at the time. Most of my riding lately has been without a camera rolling, just out riding the back roads looking for new places and enjoying the wind.
Below I’ll post some videos of rides I’ve taken while a video was rolling just so you know I’m still active and riding whenever the opportunity rises up and pulls me into it. 🙂
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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What a great time of year! At least that applies to most people. Has been a very busy time for me even though I’m retired. Getting ready for the family to come for Thanksgiving to my house is setting a new tradition for Thanksgiving or at least that’s what they were saying while here visiting. 🙂
Of course that did not leave me much time for motorcycle riding even though the weather was perfect. Did sneak in some riding time just before family started to arrive a few days before Thanksgiving. Since then have gotten quite a few days of great weather and done a lot of riding, just haven’t been doing any videos or writing content about it.
Will drop a few videos below of some riding done lately just to prove that I haven’t stopped riding or writing content.
Since it’s almost Christmas time, thought you motorcycle minded people might find some gift ideas from a couple of the following links… doesn’t hurt to look since most are running Christmas specials right now.
Hope that gave you some new fresh ideas for Christmas? Posting some videos below of one of my last rides, think it was around the 14th of December. Was only about an hour ride and like no more than fifty to sixty miles total, but as always it was fun, exciting, and relaxing all wrapped into one. 🙂 Enjoy!
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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First camping trip since my accident last year. Had others planned previously but life sometimes gets in the way and had to cancel.
Loaded all the gear including the motorcycle, headed out to the campground on November 5, 2021. Planned to be there until the 11th. Weather forecast was looking good, bit of a chill at night but no rain and usually warmed up during the day to mid 70’s or high 60’s. Was a great trip time to camp, was able to ride the Suzuki every day.
Camped with my brother and sister-in-law, of course they have an awesome setup with their RV and do a lot of camping all year. Nothing like sitting by a fire at night, sleeping well at night in my little weird trailer but hey, kept it warm with a heater and a couple of blankets on the bed. Then the next morning waking to the chill, starting a fire and cooking breakfast outside. LOL
Then being able to go for rides on the motorcycle through the Black River Forest exploring the various roads and routes, pretty darn nice for sure. It really was a good time with lots of fun and relaxation. Will add some photo’s and videos below of this camping experience. 🙂
Am now in the process of preparing for Thanksgiving at my home this week. Been working on the place, cleaning, etc etc…. reason this post did not happen until now. 🙂
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!
Boat Ramp Road at Blackwater River State Park
Short Video of back road in Blackwater River State Forest
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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Haven’t taken long trips as of late but rather doing some local rides to get that much needed wind therapy.
In the market for a larger motorcycle at this time, need more of a touring style bike to carry bigger loads and be more comfortable on long trips. Really want to get out on the open road soon and do some long distance exploring.
Current bike, Suzuki is great for a couple hundred miles or so if you don’t need to carry much luggage. They say it’s also rated as a touring bike but honestly, it’s not. Yes, you could take long trips on it if you stayed on the back roads and stopped often to stretch and get the feeling back in your backside. LOL Just don’t think it’s the right bike for freeway speeds or long distances, engine is too small.
Until then it’s local short rides in the area to keep my mind clear and get that much needed wind therapy always talked about.
Will post a couple of videos of one of my last rides on October 23, 2021. Have ridden since a few times but don’t always run a camera. Sometimes it’s just no cares, no cameras, no thoughts other than what is in front of you. 🙂 Camera was mounted in a different place on the two videos posted below.
Geneva, Alabama
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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Rather than join a large group of riders for “911 NEVER FORGET” day this year, decided to create my own FreedomRide. After all, this is about being free. Decision was to saddle up, put on my Freedom shirt and ride. No destination in the beginning but after a few miles decided that riding over to Blackwater River State Park was an excellent idea.
Was suppose to camp there back in August of this year but due to illness had to cancel the reservation. Have camped there before and absolutely love the place. It is my favorite camping place so far, but then again I’ve not camped at too many places yet. Have a reservation setup for early November, hope that nothing gets in the way of this one.
The ride that day 09/11/2021 turned out to be approximately 154 miles round trip. My Freedom Ride was meant to honor those lost on that tragic day (09/11/2001) and to never forget what happened. After that day we’ve lost so many freedoms in the name of safety. The world has changed since then. My wish is that we could someday go back to feeling the freedom we had before that infamous day!
Before going home, rode out to the place of my motorcycle accident in June of 2020. Had not visited the area on a motorcycle since the accident. Needed to do that for some weird reason. Located the lady that I hit since she works near the accident scene, was able to apologize in person and thank her for her concerns on the night of the accident. (Closure?)
See photo below of ride recorded by “My Ride” app.
Image of ride on 09/11/2021-My Freedom Ride
That tragic day actually brought this country together in ways probably never experienced before. Everyone forgot about politics, prejudices, and ill will to others, except to the terrorists. It was a time of confusion, disbelief, shock, and all out patriotism. I felt like many Americans, ready to get back in uniform and fight whatever enemy we faced.
My Freedom Ride shirt this day “INHALE FREEDOM – EXHALE PATRIOTISM”, see photo’s below. Felt that it said what was in my heart.
Front of Shirt
Back-Shirt Purchased from BuiltUsa.com
Since this ride was more than three hours long, had to split, choose some of the riding areas that I thought might be more interesting. First video was early in the ride on a road that I’ve ridden many times in the past and enjoy riding. All excerpts are approximately five minutes long.
This next video is on the road off Highway 90 leading to Blackwater River State Park.
Below video is a slow ride through the camp grounds at Blackwater State Park. Will give you an idea of what it’s like there. Love the camp ground, is reasonably priced, has full hook-ups for RV’s and trailers. Electricity, water, bathrooms and showers available. Hiking trails, access to the river for swimming, picnic pavilions, boarded walkways and near by rent a canoe or kayak and take either a four or eleven mile float down the Blackwater River. My brother and I try to take that eleven mile kayak trek down the river each year but missed last year due to my accident.
This last video was after leaving the campgrounds and heading north out into the Blackwater River State Forest. Did a lot of riding through the forest, this is only a five minute clip of the scenery.
Be sure to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel and like each video. Would help my channel grow and make me really smile. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hope you found this interesting. Hit the follow button to see what happens next. Not a “biker” by definition, just an old man that loves to ride motorcycles.
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Below are links to some of the many items I’ve purchased to enhance and improve my experience with motorcycle riding. Should you be interested, click and make a purchase I might receive a small commission for sending you there.
No endorsement or commission from Revzilla but I’ve purchased several items from them and have been very happy with the quality of products and the expertise of the employees, highly recommend www.revzilla.com
Ray's Motorcycle Experience 