Well kids, it is time for another blithering installment of “The Travels of Rigid Frame Richard”. This one doesn't involve a quest to “Clothe Poor Girls”. What a shame. I hit Pensacola, Florida for my niece's graduation. It was great to get to visit but tough to tie down an 18-year-old girl on her graduation weekend. I grabbed a glimpse now and then.
While buzzing around the area, I spent time with the beautiful Ms. Robin. This young lady has been a part of my life since I was a young Rigid of 14. She recently purchased a 1999 Dyna. Now we're talking about a lady who straddled a Harley with me once, in '79.
For those who have never been to this part of the Gulf Coast, let me tell you it's nothing like going to Galveston or Padre. The beaches are brilliant white sand. The water is glistening blue and skyscraper condos line the beach from Perdido Key to Orange Beach, Alabama. It is also home to Pensacola Naval Air Station (PNS).
The panhandle section of Florida is also home to the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store. For 38 years it was perched right on the beach and hosts yearly events like the Miss Firecracker Bikini Contest, the Interstate Mullet Toss (not a hair cut), chili cook-offs and plenty of fun. Three stages blast with alternate tunes, and excellent boiled crawfish are delivered table-side when the munchies strike. The Flora-Bama is also open to those under age. The best aspect is the creaking pier that extends onto the soft sand beach.
There are no lights on the pier, which is illuminated just enough by the warm glow of the club, but not so much as to interfere with the view of the night sky. You can enjoy the music from the outdoor stage, but it doesn't overpower the natural sound of the breaking waves. If you ever have the pleasure of visiting the Flora-Bama, for an evening of fun, and have the company of someone special, the pier is the place that I recommend you end the evening. Ms. Robin and I closed down the Flora-Bama, plus… all and all a fantastic night!
The next day Robin and I rode to Orange Beach to Lu LuÃs for a late lunch. Lu LuÃs is owned by the sister of a singer from Florida, Jimmy something?
While on our return journey, later that afternoon, we crossed the Theo Baars or Perdido Key Bridge, which spans the Intra-coastal Waterway from the Gulf. I am unsure of the height, but it extends up at a fairly steep angle, so it appears you're riding into the sky. Just before we reached the summit, Robin tapped me on the shoulder and pointed left. The blasting Navy Blue Angles Squadron was returning home to PNS, right over our heads. Whatta sight.
I can't explain this, and do it justice, but there I was returning from an clear, warm sky, afternoon ride along the white sand beaches of Florida. I had a beautiful woman on the back of her Harley, and the Blue Angles Squadron flew past me, so low, it appeared that I could touch the 400 mph underbellies. It was as if they were saluting me. I was moved.
While on this journey, I also had the pleasure to visit Gulf Coast Choppers in Orange Beach, Alabama. GCC has been in is current location on Canal Street for a year, after spending 10 years in the Birmingham area. The 3500-square-foot shop can handle any custom bike project. Billy, the owner, was busy with customers, but took the time to give us a quick Bikernet feature of his silver “Spider”. Hell, he even allowed me to move it around. I could have straddled the award winner and blasted to the Keys. Very sharp ride. Check out these shots:
Billy and Christy are good friendly folks, so stop by and visit a while. Robin purchased her bike at GCC and Billy handles all the maintenance for her. He even rode her bike home the day she purchased it (about 40 miles away). I look forward to my next run to the area. I'll report on any new GCC project builds.
Till Next Time…, and Remember To Support Our Troops and Their Families this Memorial Day
–Rigid Frame Richard
