Florida Central MSTA Lunch Ride to the Don Jose Mexican Restaurant in Sebring, FL Saturday, October 9, 2021
A cold front passed through central Florida Friday night. This time of year a cold front simply means lower humidity and temps in the mid 80’s F instead of 90 F. Thus Saturday morning was mild and pleasant. Three of us met in Altamonte Springs for a two hour, 94 mile/151 kilometers to Sebring for a Mexican lunch. The weather forecast for our part of Central Florida was a 40% chance of passing showers decreasing to 20% by mid afternoon. However, the front was right across the Sebring area with a 60% chance of rain.
We departed at 09:15 via I-4 heading for US 27 South. I-4 traffic was amazing light through Orlando and that leg of the ride was pleasant. We took a break at the Wawa on US 27 just south of I-4 in case any riders from Lake County wanted to meet up. None were there; so at 10:00 we resumed our trek south. The ride was uneventful except for a semi tractor sideways in the middle land of US 27 in the Dundee area. After dodging that obstacle, we continued on to Sebring arriving at Don Jose’s 11:15 to find Eve had already arrived. Shortly thereafter, others began arriving. Keys Tiger was able to make this ride. It was really good to see him again. In total we had 17 in attendance, the best turnout for a Central ride post covid.
We elected to eat inside instead of on the patio overlooking the lak due to the heat and the threat of rain. That turned out to be as wise decision as it poured around 12:30. The staff at Don Jose’s was excellent and the service great. They put tables together and seated us a one long table. Conversation was lively and spirited, the camaraderie great. The food was well prepared and very tasty.
Around 13:15 as it was time to leave the rain started again. Rain gear came out. And we all left in the rain which was another downpour, For riders heading north and west, we rain out of the rain in about 10 minutes and from Avon Park north, the roads were dry. I looked at the radar and I don’t think riders heading south and east were as fortunate. Our little group chose to take scenic FL 17 north to Haines City where we picked up US 27. We took back roads around Orlando to Zellwood to avoid I-4 in Orlando.
It was a good ride and a great lunch. I rode a total of 216 miles/348 kilometers.
A cold front passed through central Florida Friday night. This time of year a cold front simply means lower humidity and temps in the mid 80’s F instead of 90 F. Thus Saturday morning was mild and pleasant. Three of us met in Altamonte Springs for a two hour, 94 mile/151 kilometers to Sebring for a Mexican lunch. The weather forecast for our part of Central Florida was a 40% chance of passing showers decreasing to 20% by mid afternoon. However, the front was right across the Sebring area with a 60% chance of rain.
We departed at 09:15 via I-4 heading for US 27 South. I-4 traffic was amazing light through Orlando and that leg of the ride was pleasant. We took a break at the Wawa on US 27 just south of I-4 in case any riders from Lake County wanted to meet up. None were there; so at 10:00 we resumed our trek south. The ride was uneventful except for a semi tractor sideways in the middle land of US 27 in the Dundee area. After dodging that obstacle, we continued on to Sebring arriving at Don Jose’s 11:15 to find Eve had already arrived. Shortly thereafter, others began arriving. Keys Tiger was able to make this ride. It was really good to see him again. In total we had 17 in attendance, the best turnout for a Central ride post covid.
We elected to eat inside instead of on the patio overlooking the lak due to the heat and the threat of rain. That turned out to be as wise decision as it poured around 12:30. The staff at Don Jose’s was excellent and the service great. They put tables together and seated us a one long table. Conversation was lively and spirited, the camaraderie great. The food was well prepared and very tasty.
Around 13:15 as it was time to leave the rain started again. Rain gear came out. And we all left in the rain which was another downpour, For riders heading north and west, we rain out of the rain in about 10 minutes and from Avon Park north, the roads were dry. I looked at the radar and I don’t think riders heading south and east were as fortunate. Our little group chose to take scenic FL 17 north to Haines City where we picked up US 27. We took back roads around Orlando to Zellwood to avoid I-4 in Orlando.
It was a good ride and a great lunch. I rode a total of 216 miles/348 kilometers.
