I've ridden other CADS events, such as the Polar Bear, but never a Trans-Florida. The 2019.2 was my first and I rode the 1985 Kawasaki KLR600 (KL 600 B1).
The rally started with an adventurous ride from Palatka, Florida on the east coast to Yankeetown on the west coast. The track was largely unpaved double track surfaces, but everything was complicated by Tropical Storm Nestor that just a happened to be rolling through the state on the first day of our ride. On the second day we worked our way back from Yankeetown to Palatka on, what seemed to me to be, more technical tracks. The weather on Sunday was so much better but the effects of Nestor were still present.
Riders Meeting in Palatka.
The motorcycle population was largely skewed to bikes south of 600ccs and better off-road styling. About half a dozen large bikes, e.g. GS1200s, showed up, as well. Gluttens for punishment, indeed. I saw so many more GS's on their sides last weekend than I've ever seen, each and every one requiring three people to lift back up. Of course, I can't talk too much about it as I found myself eating dirt once on Sunday.
Some photos from out on the tracks.
This GS1200 was stuck, then fell over, then fell over the other way when they got it up. Deep sand...not a good place for that bike.
Riders meeting in Yankeetown at B's Campground.
This blurry photo is actually 2 GS1200's on their sides. One being lifted (takes at least three); one further down the road.
Next stops on my 2019 Rally Calendar are:
The Gobbler Adventure Ride, Mt. Dora, Florida, November 9 (KLR600)
The Wild Bear Safari, Samsula, Florida, November 15-17 (KLX250)
Looking ahead to the 2020 Rally Calendar, rides registered:
Polar Bear, Keystone, Florida, January 9-12 (KLX250)
Devils Creek, Brooksville, Florida, February 28-29, March 1 (KLX250)
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