ADVENTURES WITH JOSEPHINE

DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK 2022

I went to high school in Daytona Beach for a spell. At the age of 14, I took my fi rst job slinging Panama Jack poolside at the La Playa on A1A—except for Bike Week when Mom would lock me in the house. Nowadays I try to make it to Bike Week every year, riding solo through the Ocala National forest. It’s a victorious jaunt! I like to follow my own agenda, staying with family or camping, but this year I took the opportunity to travel with friends Christy Hollstein, Inventory Manager at Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson, and Rockin’ Randi Morgan, Real Estate agent extraordinaire. Taking time off from responsibilities to go for a trip on your Harley is just about the best thing ever. Even the weather doesn’t matter. Christy and I powered thru the forest in heavy rain for almost two hours. We arrived soaked and thirsty to our destination off a little-known highway in Volusia County where we enjoyed the hospitality of true American Patriots who graciously put us up for the night. It felt great to park the bikes and relax while chauff eured about on a golf cart. We saw a pig! We cruised in to Daytona Beach the next morning to join Randi at an ocean front room, where she was planning shenanigans. Randi had pals in from all over and suddenly my typical solo trip was fi lled with companionship! We rolled deep to South Daytona for lunch at The Doghouse; saw a cool band at the First Turn Lounge; had dinner at Iron Horse; and caught Hairball at Broken Spoke. We gladly paid $5

each to watch dare devils defy gravity inside the Wall of Death. Familiar faces everywhere included many Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson customers. Saturday began with a visit to a unique gas station—more like a department store, with a mascot that emblazons the merchandise—Buccee’s! We hit the Speedway to check out vendors and people watch. After dark, the crew rolled down Main Street and parked to take a breezy walk towards the pier to Joe’s Crab Shack. We power shopped along the way, seeking bargains and refuge in every locale. The ride back to our hotels was wild and windy, but still we strolled over to the Hard Rock for a nightcap. On Sunday riding home was the best. We three ladies left the East coast following old-school Florida friends who led the way to Pinellas thru Claremont, taking in the beauty of Lake Minneola and more. Perfect weather complimented plenty of twisty roads and glorious scenery. We saw a wild turkey! Entering Pinellas County, my fellow adventurers slipped off one by one until I was riding alone. Daytona Bike Week 2022 was a blast! I got a kick out of sharing favorite haunts with my pals, not to mention fi nding new roads and hot spots. Whether you ride alone or with a tribe, it’s an adventure! Are you ready to start yours? Come see me today at Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson, and I promise you’ll soon have riding stories of your own to share! I can’t wait to see you!