With a great group of friends in town, I was really looking forward to riding today. I got ready as quickly as I could, and headed out to meet my R. E. Ginna friends at their hotel. I got about 200 feet down the road, when the dark clouds in the sky started dropping rain. Seemed as though Murphy was still getting pleasure from menacing us; I turned around and went back to the house. I quickly called the rest of the group and they had already checked the weather radar; this was just a very thin strip of storm clouds followed by clear sunny skies. We decided it would be best to wait out the storm and then give the roads a chance to dry. This worked out to be just what I needed, a chance to rest and spend some time with my family; especially my four nieces and nephews. David, maybe you did take Murphy with you?? Thanks for the sacrifice!
By lunch time, the weather cleared, and we were on the road. We decided to head for the east coast, and then follow the beach north until we felt like coming back to the house. Seven of us rolled out on our bikes in a pack; what a cool feeling!
The Crew
Our first stop was the beach. Amazing: clear sunny sky, warm air, white sand, and turquoise water. I’m not used to such experiences in December. Back home in Rochester, we keep getting reports of a few inches of snow accumulation. I kept having Dan remind me of today’s date. Florida is another state without a helmet law. Sorry mom, but when we got back on the road, it was time to strip the helmet, jacket, and gloves. This is the way to soak up the atmosphere!
The Beach
Time for some lunch; through an internet search we decided on Lou’s Blues in Indiatlantic. Another amazing find, it just happened to be an awesome biker bar with tons of people, bikes, live music, and all of the spicy popcorn you can eat; great atmosphere! The menus were written on records; I went for the Pat Bautz Belly Buster (cheese steak); excellent!
The Restaurant
The Gang
Menu Written on a Record
Pat Bautz Belly Buster
On the way back to the house we decided to trade bikes around. I road Brendon’s Suzuki GSXR 600, and Bob’s Suzuki GSXRR 1000. Wow, both are awesome rides. Shan, I need a another bike! Today I experienced exactly what this trip is supposed to be about; amazing weather, scenery, food and most of all comradery.
Day 6
Bret Hoefen - My CCS Story 
Another amazing day, Bret. How wonderful that your Ginna friends have joined you.Somewhere along the way I think you missed your calling…you are such a great writer..I never knew. I always feel like I am right there experiencing each day right along with you…(that is until I look outside…we had about 6 inches yesterday). Your descriptions of all your adventures are phenomenal. Great job.
did they all trailer/ride down? or rent a bunch of bikes? thats awesome! riding with a big group is the way to go!
Bret,
Ryan told me about your adventures and it sounds like an amazing time. If you’re up for it, the ride to Key West on the Overseas Highway is another great trip, and if you head back northwest, be sure to stop by the FloraBama at the Florida-Alabama state line on a Sunday afternoon. Great beach bar, and all the bikers are out in force on Sundays. Hang in there, and ride on!
– Shelby Guilbert
Bret … I so enjoy reading your blog. Each day is filled with exciting experiences and memories. Read that you already need another bike … remember I still have those
two Harleys! Hopefully, we will be having southern weater in upstate NY when you return and you are welcome to ride them whenever you like for as long as you like! You are such a talented writer and thank you for taking the time to take us along on your trip … truly feels like we are riding in a good direction with you. Enjoy every minute … every mile.
Hello Warm Weather Road Warriors!
I’m glad to see that Florida is giving you guys a break from the cold–ride further south and the warmth and humidity will just sink into your bones. Soon we’ll be seeing pics of you guys with suntans! Keep it in the road and keep the adventure alive!
Sissy
Brett,
Glad to see everybody made it OK from NY. I would have loved to come too, but I had the joy of another weekend at work. I imagine the scenery is great and there are many places to stop for some refreshments. You look like your pretty comfy on that bike now. I look forward to reading your updates every morning to see where this journey takes you guys. Thanks for sharing this important chapter of your life.
Take Care,
Wade
Thinking of you today and every day!
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand”. ~ Irish Blessing
We love you and Shan more than mere words can say!
Carmel & Bruce
Hey Bret,
Sounds like you are having a great time – and I concur with some of the previous comments – you are a great writer! There are many of us learning so much from your experience – and we have no way to properly thank you! But we do thank you very much for sharing your experience with such a wonderful mix of authenticity, humor and enlightenment!
We’re dealing with 6″+ of snow here, guessing more at your house – Enjoy the sand, sun and ocean for us!!
All the BEST for you and Shannon – and your family and friends!
Craig
Bret, I’m a health reporter (and wrote that recent story about Carolina DeHond). I’m interested in talking to you. Can I reach you by phone? (How? When?) Thanks, Chris
MANNY’S CHOP HOUSE, JUST OUTSIDE OF ORLANDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEST STEAK, FISH, AND LAMBCHOPS EVER
Hi Bret and Shannon,
I enjoy reading about your daily adventures. Thoughts and Prayers for you all on your wonderful journey together. Stay safe and enjoy the ride. 🙂
Pamela
Have you watched the show “Diners, Drive ins and Dives” on Food Network? If not check it out, I’m sure younwill find some amazing eateries to try while on your journey!
Thanks for sharing your adventure with me!
JoEllen
Bret, I put all of the pictures from our visit on the S: Drive (S:\Public\Full Throttle Road Trip). The video files are .mov so let me know if you need them in a different file format and I’ll send them another way or stick them up on YouTube for you. 🙂 If you can’t get to the S: Drive folder let me know and I’ll set something else up for you online so that you can snag all of the files.
Dan and I had a truly awesome, incredible time this weekend. I adore you and I was totally smitten with Shannon! What a complete darling she is!
Enjoy the rest of your adventures. We’ll be in touch about whatever fundraising we manage to do and about getting the CCS patients together permanently in some online fashion.
You really are so incredible and so strong – I am learning so much from you. I wish I could have joined you for longer on your journey. Have a great time with your Ginna boys and please keep your helmets on! 🙂
OXOXO ❤ Emily ❤
716-587-2183 emily.iannello@gmail.com
Oh yeah! And tell Shannon to check out the clubs from Insulindependence!! (http://www.insulindependence.org/about/)
We were talking about that a bit on Sunday in the car and it might be something she could get involved with at some point if she wants to get more into exercising and making dia-buddies 🙂
❤ Em
Bret and Shannon
You do not know me. I know your parents through work at Clinton Crossings
I am following your adventure and am in awe of your courage for the decisions you have made. You, your beautiful wife, parents, and friends are an inspiration.
Ride in a good Direction
Bret
My cousin – lefty – used to take those airboat rides in the everglades – he didn’t keep his hands in the boat – good thing you guys did. It doesn’ t snow in Rochester – at least that is what we used to tell the recruits to the medical center. Glad to see the weather is cooperating in Florida – we are freezing our $#$#@ off up here. Can’t you tell your Ginna buddies to get those turbines working harder to warm us up? Keep up the positive outlook it is inspiring to us.
Fred