Forum Members Unite! Orlando Area December Ride?

[Spimothy Leary]

Have we settled on Winter Haven area for January 19th, and 20th ?

Can we narrow it down to a particular lake as a base lake ? (with ride plans subject to change) so we're all reasonably close ?

Heck that lake roy thing http://www.lakeroybeachinn.com/ didn't look so bad, so I called them, they have multiple rooms for that weekend (friday night, saturday night, checkout sunday) basic rooms are only $59, hotel room, mini fridge, they have suites for $95 (normally they are $118 but I talked her into a group rate, so we're "Tim's Group" (nothing held right now)

They have $10 per night parking for trailer's, includes use of boat ramp and "beach parking" as well. Lake roy is a tiny thing but it connects to the other lakes in the chain, I don't know diddy about winter haven chain of lakes so you locals can provide input... But for under $100 i'll book a suite in a heartbeat, stick my buddy on the couch and i'm good, heck, i might get him his own room for that rate lol.

it might be a little bit of a dive, i dunno but i'm not really that picky, i'll be sunburned and a little buzzed when I hit the sack anyway, so I don't care... (also, downside, they have resort style booking, meaning you have a 14 day cancellation policy, so its not like Best Western where you can change your mind on Thursday. )

if we had a few parties book at a central location like this, then the group can hook up with other members that book nearby, and we can get semi organized on ride plans ahead of time. Note, this is 100 miles from Daytona, might make a difficult commute Nick, but i'd be willing to throw you on the couch, even tho i'm still bitter about those 951 cases

I'll planning on leaving Friday mid day or earlier, maybe hit the Kissimmee River on Friday afternoon on the way up, then head over to wherever for some Lake Fun, and that gives me 30 days to talk people into meeting me on the K.

But for the benefit of everyone, the sooner we narrow down the actual location and agree on it the better, so we can explore options like lake roy inn, or vrbo, etc... (i'm a big fan of vrbo so i'll definitely scour that before I commit to a hotel)

 

[ocod]

Have we settled on Winter Haven area for January 19th, and 20th ? Can we narrow it down to a particular lake as a base lake ? (with ride plans subject to change) so we're all reasonably close ?

Heck that lake roy thing http://www.lakeroybeachinn.com/ didn't look so bad, so I called them, they have multiple rooms for that weekend (friday night, saturday night, checkout sunday) basic rooms are only $59, hotel room, mini fridge, they have suites for $95 (normally they are $118 but I talked her into a group rate, so we're "Tim's Group" (nothing held right now)

They have $10 per night parking for trailer's, includes use of boat ramp and "beach parking" as well. Lake roy is a tiny thing but it connects to the other lakes in the chain, I don't know diddy about winter haven chain of lakes so you locals can provide input... But for under $100 i'll book a suite in a heartbeat, stick my buddy on the couch and i'm good, heck, i might get him his own room for that rate lol.

it might be a little bit of a dive, i dunno but i'm not really that picky, i'll be sunburned and a little buzzed when I hit the sack anyway, so I don't care... (also, downside, they have resort style booking, meaning you have a 14 day cancellation policy, so its not like Best Western where you can change your mind on Thursday. )

if we had a few parties book at a central location like this, then the group can hook up with other members that book nearby, and we can get semi organized on ride plans ahead of time. Note, this is 100 miles from Daytona, might make a difficult commute Nick, but i'd be willing to throw you on the couch, even tho i'm still bitter about those 951 cases

I'll planning on leaving Friday mid day or earlier, maybe hit the Kissimmee River on Friday afternoon on the way up, then head over to wherever for some Lake Fun, and that gives me 30 days to talk people into meeting me on the K.

But for the benefit of everyone, the sooner we narrow down the actual location and agree on it the better, so we can explore options like lake roy inn, or vrbo, etc... (i'm a big fan of vrbo so i'll definitely scour that before I commit to a hotel)

I posted it then deleted it.
When I would enter dates it looked like they closed until Feb.
That is is nice spot and everyone gets a room.

 

[Matt Braley]

Yeah I keep picturing my skis pulled up there on the beach. If it's open then we should have our run of the place because that should be a slow time of year. Thanks to you guys for the homework.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I posted it then deleted it.
When I would enter dates it looked like they closed until Feb.
That is is nice spot and everyone gets a room.

ya it was a little bizarre, the reservation process, so I just said fk it and called. granted its not perfect but IMO its acceptable... and It appears on the maps that its fairly easy to move from lake to lake, none are really that big at all, some are quite tiny.

 

[ocod]

sleeps 8 on connecting lake
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/30844.html#rates-jump

sleeps 12. Not sure if connecting
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/8549.html?promoType=none

sleeps 8. Connecting
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/30844.html?promoType=none

 

[Spimothy Leary]

sleeps 8 on connecting lake
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/30844.html#rates-jump

sleeps 12. Not sure if connecting
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/8549.html?promoType=none

sleeps 8. Connecting
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/30844.html?promoType=none

keep in mind, i don't think its really that critical as long as the drive time's are reasonable, and people can trailer from lake to lake just as well with their vehicles, but a single base camp would be helpful, one thing i'll say, these lakes don't look that big !

 

[El Toro 33809]

Who can I lean on for a place to crash...I'm gonna have to show on weds and leave on Tuesday....everything around that weekend is stupid expensive.

Nick, we are located in Lakeland and have an extra bedroom.

 

[El Toro 33809]

Have we settled on Winter Haven area for January 19th, and 20th ?

Can we narrow it down to a particular lake as a base lake ? (with ride plans subject to change) so we're all reasonably close ?

Heck that lake roy thing http://www.lakeroybeachinn.com/ didn't look so bad, so I called them, they have multiple rooms for that weekend (friday night, saturday night, checkout sunday) basic rooms are only $59, hotel room, mini fridge, they have suites for $95 (normally they are $118 but I talked her into a group rate, so we're "Tim's Group" (nothing held right now)

They have $10 per night parking for trailer's, includes use of boat ramp and "beach parking" as well. Lake roy is a tiny thing but it connects to the other lakes in the chain, I don't know diddy about winter haven chain of lakes so you locals can provide input... But for under $100 i'll book a suite in a heartbeat, stick my buddy on the couch and i'm good, heck, i might get him his own room for that rate lol.

it might be a little bit of a dive, i dunno but i'm not really that picky, i'll be sunburned and a little buzzed when I hit the sack anyway, so I don't care... (also, downside, they have resort style booking, meaning you have a 14 day cancellation policy, so its not like Best Western where you can change your mind on Thursday. )

if we had a few parties book at a central location like this, then the group can hook up with other members that book nearby, and we can get semi organized on ride plans ahead of time. Note, this is 100 miles from Daytona, might make a difficult commute Nick, but i'd be willing to throw you on the couch, even tho i'm still bitter about those 951 cases

I'll planning on leaving Friday mid day or earlier, maybe hit the Kissimmee River on Friday afternoon on the way up, then head over to wherever for some Lake Fun, and that gives me 30 days to talk people into meeting me on the K.

But for the benefit of everyone, the sooner we narrow down the actual location and agree on it the better, so we can explore options like lake roy inn, or vrbo, etc... (i'm a big fan of vrbo so i'll definitely scour that before I commit to a hotel)

Great job doing some homework with that motel. The are quite a few ramps where we could launch. Lake Roy itself is pretty small but the inn is right on the water, has a small beach and there is access to the other lakes (when the water level is where it should be). There are a couple so restaurant/bars on the different lakes too. Then of course there is Legoland!!!

I just threw out this area because it is centrally located and I've been there. With about 6 weeks until the ride, we need to finalize something soon. Spim, if you want to try a test run in this area, I will meet you there this Sunday.

 

[ocod]

keep in mind, i don't think its really that critical as long as the drive time's are reasonable, and people can trailer from lake to lake just as well with their vehicles, but a single base camp would be helpful, one thing i'll say, these lakes don't look that big !

I figured next to Lake Roy location to be on the lake with our own ramp/house/parking would keep everyone together so everyone isn't scattered or having to wait for someone at the ramp.
Also 6-8 people sharing 200 night crib better than 80 single room rate


I used legoland/winter haven rentals or hotels legoland winter haven to try to narrow search.
Then use map to find place on lake with connections.
Unless someone lives there and knows the lay of the land pickens are hard if you don't mind being in the hotels/motels around the area then trailer to prearranged destination.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Great job doing some homework with that motel. The are quite a few ramps where we could launch. Lake Roy itself is pretty small but the inn is right on the water, has a small beach and there is access to the other lakes (when the water level is where it should be). There are a couple so restaurant/bars on the different lakes too. Then of course there is Legoland!!!

I just threw out this area because it is centrally located and I've been there. With about 6 weeks until the ride, we need to finalize something soon. Spim, if you want to try a test run in this area, I will meet you there this Sunday.

i have family stuff this weekend, not riding, and its 8 hours round trip in the car for me, i'm going with the "wing and a prayer" plan myself.

i didn't think about possible issues with water levels, making multi lake navigation difficult, but i'm in the dark, Orlando is not part of my usual ride rotation.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Ill throw in my 2 cents about locations...In a group situation it is a VERY good thing to have a launch and beach onsite...esp if we plan to ride out from that spot. Its pretty awesome to be able to sit on the beach and watch people rip while taking a break. It sounds like you guys plan on some touring though.


I am going to try hard to make attend, but after looking at my financial situation and being in the process of getting into an actual shop, its prob not a good idea. I will keep working with things and maybe tickets will get cheaper, maybe my bro will cover the car...I dunno. I really want to meet you guys as well as attend the Freeride.

I'd love to say a floor would be fine but my back isnt what it was.

 

[manolocross]

What is the normal air temp and water temp when you guys have this event down there?? I'm so jealous I wish I could drop everything and just show up

 

[Spimothy Leary]

What is the normal air temp and water temp when you guys have this event down there?? I'm so jealous I wish I could drop everything and just show up

that part is always interesting, but water temps vary a bit, the gulf is like 70, the lakes are generally 72 + this time of year from my little experience. weather could be between awful,50 degrees, wind & rain to perfect 75 light breeze clear blue sky, nobody will know how that turns out until about 5 days out just depends on if you awful northerners send a cold front down.

last week we had a wonderful ride, high of 70 light breeze, zero wind, the harbor and river were like glass all day.

 

[anthonygrato]

Is this really going to happen? If so I would like to tell my boss sooner then later. I just got to figure out if I fly or drive and pick up a couple of skis on the way there or home. Lol
You guys got some deals down there!

 

[nammer]

i think it's looking very likely! u should def pick up some skiis, it'd be fun, u can get greedy and pick up 3, just make a third bunk for one time use, just gotta be careful bout tires and axle

 

[anthonygrato]

i think it's looking very likely! u should def pick up some skiis, it'd be fun, u can get greedy and pick up 3, just make a third bunk for one time use, just gotta be careful bout tires and axle

My route if I drove.

East Falmouth
Falmouth, MA
1370 miles later
Winter haven

 

[nammer]

My route if I drove.

East Falmouth
Falmouth, MA
1370 miles later
Winter haven

could be worse, could be 1380 miles

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I didnt actually look at Tim's link earlier..he made it sound like a dump. That place looks awesome! Are those lakes chained together or do you have to trailer?

 

[El Toro 33809]

The lakes are linked together with canals. Even if the water level gets low, they should be passable with Seadoo's. it's when you have a lower unit when it can get dicey. I haven't been out there since perhaps October, but the levels were good then.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I didnt actually look at Tim's link earlier..he made it sound like a dump. That place looks awesome! Are those lakes chained together or do you have to trailer?

lol, sorry, didn't try to make it sound like a dump, but a couple of reviews were sketchy, and keep in mind that the Orlando area has about a million hotel room's/condo's/resorts/home rentals, so you can get some really really nice places, which tends to make me a little picky. You would be shocked to see some of the places i've paid under $125 a night for, absolutely gorgeous. Heck our Mt Dora ride for the races last year was incredible, $125 a night, no cleaning fee, boat ramp 1 mile from home, and a boat house to keep the ski's overnight, so we literally had coffee at 7:30am and were taking short joy rides at 7:45 just because we could.

But like I said, (at least I think I did) I'd be willing to book a suite there, even if ride plans took us elsewhere in the area, its no big deal to drive a little distance for a group ride.

The lakes are linked together with canals. Even if the water level gets low, they should be passable with Seadoo's. it's when you have a lower unit when it can get dicey. I haven't been out there since perhaps October, but the levels were good then.

as long as the connecting canals don't take forever, (they don't appear that long) it shouldn't be too bad to navigate multiple lakes.

Personally i'm in favor of the Lake Roy option, seems to have everything, lake, ramp, parking, restaurant, connecting canals, and rooms from $59 to $100 (suites) .

Downside to that option: tiny little "base" lake, and resort booking with 14 day cancellation, which means if I book two nights there, i'm committed no matter what the weather is, rain, cold, etc, i'm pretty much going. and depending on who goes and when, i'll either plan a friday trip to the K River, saturday/sunday lake riding, or... i'll do lakes Saturday and do the K on Sunday and head home from there. Given my long tow, i'll probably get there friday night for a saturday meet up, since I don't want to get up at 4am to drive up there saturday morning.

(from personal experience, with smaller lakes, I'm pretty much bored at the end of the first day and ready for something different), but heck, I think we could organize a multi lake run on saturday, a late lunch, another short run in the afternoon then plan a large dinner/bbq or something like that, then drink a few frosty beverages, maybe throw together a poker game or something at night.

But as long as I know at least a half dozen ppl are coming, i'm ok with booking a room now at the lake roy location, and skipping the whole VRBO thing.

I'm also going to email my soflorider group today for tips on good Orlando ride plans.

 

[nammer]

i'm down for sure for saturday, I won't know if I'm able to stay the night until my fiance gets her january work schedule, cause she's gotta stay home with the dogs but if she's not working, then I'll be able to stay the night

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Anyone got some bouys? I know it doesnt sound all that fun, but Im telling you when you get a group together you can sit and watch all day and not get board.

I would imagine Orlando has a ton of nice places...you should see some of the dumps Ive stayed in to snowmobile! $30 a night is almost cheaper than our camping fees at the sortie!

Well I will have to reconsider; If someone could pick me up at the airport and I only rented a car Saturday to run to Daytona...bunked up with someone (el toro already offered) the extra days..it would be hard to say I cant find a way to afford that.

Rain or shine your in Tim...quit being a puss! LOL

 

[Spimothy Leary]

lol, bouy's would be interesting for sure, we just do slalom runs thru crap traps down here, they're already set up !

and yes, rain or shine i'm going if my room is prepaid ! Rain doesn't really bother me unless its a downpour, which is pretty doubtful in Florida in the Winter unless a cold front is moving through.

The only downside with VRBO is usually the 3 night minimum with most houses. Friday and Saturday night are all I need. But if somebody books a group house on a connecting lake we can get there by boat probably in less than a half hour, and by car in 10 minutes.

 

[ocod]

lol, bouy's would be interesting for sure, we just do slalom runs thru crap traps down here, they're already set up !

and yes, rain or shine i'm going if my room is prepaid ! Rain doesn't really bother me unless its a downpour, which is pretty doubtful in Florida in the Winter unless a cold front is moving through.

The only downside with VRBO is usually the 3 night minimum with most houses. Friday and Saturday night are all I need. But if somebody books a group house on a connecting lake we can get there by boat probably in less than a half hour, and by car in 10 minutes.

http://www.vrbo.com/268488#rates
Says they will go nightly. Depends on season.
Has a ramp for wake boards on the lake.
wink wink

I posted it before, not connecting but super close to lego land. Sleeps 10
At there highest daily rate is 175 night divided by 6-8 people its 30-20 bucks or less?

 

[El Toro 33809]

Anyone got some bouys? I know it doesnt sound all that fun, but Im telling you when you get a group together you can sit and watch all day and not get board.

I would imagine Orlando has a ton of nice places...you should see some of the dumps Ive stayed in to snowmobile! $30 a night is almost cheaper than our camping fees at the sortie!

Well I will have to reconsider; If someone could pick me up at the airport and I only rented a car Saturday to run to Daytona...bunked up with someone (el toro already offered) the extra days..it would be hard to say I cant find a way to afford that.

Rain or shine your in Tim...quit being a puss! LOL

I could get you at either the Orlando or Tampa airport.