January 1st dawned bright, clear and cool (for Florida). Four of us gathered at my house at 0900 to ride across the State for a luncheon at Pecks Old Port Cove restaurant in Ozello on the Gulf Coast. It was 53 F/11.7 C as we left for the 100 mile/161 kilometer trip on Florida back roads. Along the way, we met up with two more riders in Yalaha. The six of us continued on westward.
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The Ozello Trail from US 41 to the old port cove is a nine mile/14 kilometer ride. Though it is flat, it is as twisty as a mountain road. It is one of the very few twisty roads in Florida as it winds around marshes and salt flats. Unfortunately, as I was riding in a group, I have no photos of the ride itself.
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Forty-eight MSTA riders and frinds made the New Years ride. After a delirious seafood lunch (I had blackened scallops, fries, and cole slaw), our group of six set out for home by a very different, very back roads route. It was a balmy 68 F/20 C with sunny skies. This route took us 117 miles/188 kilometers through great rural back country.
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It was a good day and a great ride - a fine way to begin the New Year.
