Seeking Advice From Spyder Ryding Snowbirds

[newbert]

With this long winter and slow-to-get-going spring, I'm considering becoming a snowbird for at least part of the winter next year or the year after. Obviously, one thing I will want to do is ride my Spyder while I'm getting thru the winter in a warmer climate.

Now, I have no ties to any particular state or region, so I'm looking for ideas and thoughts about where to spend 2 or 3 winter months that offers a) temps in at least the mid 50's and above, and b) interesting ryding roads with minimal (or at least less than "heavy") traffic.

I live in the northeast US so would prefer a location in the eastern half of the country. Please be as specific as possible with your recommendations. Plus I'd love to hear of any personal experiences you might have about the area!

I'm just starting the process of thinking this thru. If/when I get to specific planning stages, I'll be looking for advice on trailering the Spyder, how to pack and what to bring etc. But let's leave those things for discussion at a later time.

So, does anyone have a recommended locale for me to research?

Thanks!

[DGoebel]

:popcorn: Might get a bit crowded where ever you get a good report from....

[F650624]

This could get as interesting as which gas, tires, battery or oil to use. Check out Texas Hill Country.

[Mikey]

This could get as interesting as which gas, tires, battery or oil to use. Check out Texas Hill Country.

:popcorn: This is what I was just thinking!!:ohyea:

[new adventure]

We been spending winters in central Florida. Mt Dora Florida you can be on the back roads in no time and go for miles .Greatarea for bikes.

[Highwayman2013]

Some go to Arizona, Southern California, Las Vegas. A nice place we visit in winter is Borrego Springs, Ca. The Southwest has a lot to offer in the winter but even here you must be mindful of elevation. Las Vegas has ski slopes in the mountains.

[CopperSpyder]

We been spending winters in central Florida. Mt Dora Florida you can be on the back roads in no time and go for miles .Great area for bikes.

:agree: I have a winter home near Crescent City FL. about 50 miles to Daytona, Jacksonville, Orlando. If you wanted to go to a bigger city they are only an hour away. Daytona has a bike week that brings in about 500,000 or more people each year. But the main roads and back roads that run by many lakes are beautiful in Jan. Feb. Mar. and Apr.. You have long flat stretches or curvy back roads. RT. 17 in Florida has many small cities and towns. Cost of living there is what you make it. You can find very inexpensive places if you want and are willing. Or if that's not an issue get a condo on the beach. Good luck with your research.

[bushrat]

Hi Bert:
I see that my friend Al (new adventure; post 5 above) has chimed in to recommend Central Florida, specifically the Mt Dora area. We have a winter place not far away, in Leesburg, FL. We have hauled our F3L down for the past 2 winters, and really loved every minute of it. In fact, I bought Al's used trailer to make this possible, when he moved up to a toy hauler (Thanks again Al). You can pretty much find great ryding of the sort you want (scenic back roads, light/moderate traffic) just about anywhere up and down the interior of the state. Lot of secondary highways that show you the 'Old Florida', where trees still arch over the roads and wind through farm country and smaller towns with fun eateries. Very different from coastal FL, but many wonderful old fishing port towns there too. Lots of friendly riding clubs - Spyder oriented, or mixed with Wings, Harleys, Yam's, Suzi's etc., and temps in your desired range. Our decision to haul south was based on making the best/most use of our expensive toy for the greatest amount of time. Continuous ryding fun!! There are other places/states where you could equally do this.

I head south in late Oct/early Nov (wife comes later, after Christmas). I make a point of stopping off for several days of riding the hills in WV, NC, TN, SC, GA; love it so much I may even take more time next trip. Fall ryding in those beautiful hills is superb; weather usually has cooperated. I'd try it on the way back north, too, if April weather was a bit more reliable/cooperative and tax filing was not as pressing. So, one thing you might want to consider while doing your planning is not just the riding you will do in your final, chosen destination state, but also some areas that will be of interest along the way. Of course, you could just ride your F3T there and not even have to trailer it, but hauling it can also give you options beyond just your final point.

[dondje]

Bert...

While the Southeast sound like it has nice riding in the winter, I see a lot of post here complaining about the rainy days. I have decided to look for desert property in Arizona, New Mexico, or West Texas. Looking for 5-20 acres and don't care if I have power, or water. I have solutions for those. I just want somewhere where I can leave the great white north from after Christmas to about the end of April. I live in the country here and don't want to park the motorhome in RV or retirement parks where I have to look out my window right into someone else's window, or worse, their sewer line. Working on a tow dolly to pull the Spyder, Jeep, and boat behind the motorhome for my yearly trek. Hope you find what you are looking for.
172078
Regards,

Don

[fulltimer]

Hi Newbert
We are fulltime RVers who just travel. Here is my 2 cents after living on the road for 7 years.
Florida would be close to you and is a friendly riding state with reasonable traffic in the interior of the state. The coastline is a nightmare. The riding is about as interesting as yesterdays hamburger.
The Texas Hill country is interesting riding but you will need your coat in the winter.
Our favorite for weather and riding is the Phoenix area. California, as mentioned earlier is a great suggestion but expensive and even farther for you. We love the desert! The dry climate and sunshine make you get up every morning with a bounce (well that my be a stretch). Sshirtssleeve weather almost all the time. The riding is great but you will have to get used to long distances. From the Phoenix area you have 3 directions of wonderful riding with interesting towns and wide open spaces.
We live in a motorhome and pull a pickup with our ST in the back. We have a Triple D Lift and Load in the back of the truck to load and unload the Spyder. We're to old for that ramp stuff. More info if you want it.

[UtahPete]

With this long winter and slow-to-get-going spring, I'm considering becoming a snowbird for at least part of the winter next year or the year after. Obviously, one thing I will want to do is ride my Spyder while I'm getting thru the winter in a warmer climate.

Now, I have no ties to any particular state or region, so I'm looking for ideas and thoughts about where to spend 2 or 3 winter months that offers a) temps in at least the mid 50's and above, and b) interesting ryding roads with minimal (or at least less than "heavy") traffic.

I live in the northeast US so would prefer a location in the eastern half of the country. Please be as specific as possible with your recommendations. Plus I'd love to hear of any personal experiences you might have about the area!

I'm just starting the process of thinking this thru. If/when I get to specific planning stages, I'll be looking for advice on trailering the Spyder, how to pack and what to bring etc. But let's leave those things for discussion at a later time.

So, does anyone have a recommended locale for me to research?

Thanks!

Snowbirding takes many forms. It took us 5 years to figure out just exactly what we wanted and made some expensive mistakes along the way. Do you want a home, an empty lot, a 'community', urban, suburban, rural? Do you want to buy or rent a place? How much space do you need to park your vehicles and toys? What can your budget handle?

[wallburl]

Try southern arkansas-into missisipy great ridingg and senery--from kansas for an old rider--royce--wallburl--

[SuperG]

Bert...

While the Southeast sound like it has nice riding in the winter, I see a lot of post here complaining about the rainy days. I have decided to look for desert property in Arizona, New Mexico, or West Texas. Looking for 5-20 acres and don't care if I have power, or water. I have solutions for those. I just want somewhere where I can leave the great white north from after Christmas to about the end of April. I live in the country here and don't want to park the motorhome in RV or retirement parks where I have to look out my window right into someone else's window, or worse, their sewer line. Working on a tow dolly to pull the Spyder, Jeep, and boat behind the motorhome for my yearly trek. Hope you find what you are looking for.
172078
Regards,

Don

The East mountains around Albuquerque where I live will give you about 11months of riding. If there's no snow on the ground, I'm riding. We don't get a lot of rain here either. Sunny almost all year long.

[newbert]

Snowbirding takes many forms. It took us 5 years to figure out just exactly what we wanted and made some expensive mistakes along the way. Do you want a home, an empty lot, a 'community', urban, suburban, rural? Do you want to buy or rent a place? How much space do you need to park your vehicles and toys? What can your budget handle?

Thanks for all of the input so far, everyone! Keep it coming.

Pete, thgis idea of mine isn't much more than a gleam in the eye at this point, so I can't answer all of the questions you posed.

But I know that I'm talking about renting for two months or so. Probably one bedroom/bath (It's just me...). Just the basics. I'd prefer suburban. Parking required for one car + Spyder. Budget is hard to determine right now, but $1k - $2K/month would be nice.

[newbert]

Try southern arkansas-into missisipy great ridingg and senery--from kansas for an old rider--royce--wallburl--

Hmmm...wasn't considering this area, but it might be interesting. What are usual temps in February/March?

[newbert]

Hi Newbert
We are fulltime RVers who just travel. Here is my 2 cents after living on the road for 7 years.
Florida would be close to you and is a friendly riding state with reasonable traffic in the interior of the state. The coastline is a nightmare. The riding is about as interesting as yesterdays hamburger.
The Texas Hill country is interesting riding but you will need your coat in the winter.
Our favorite for weather and riding is the Phoenix area. California, as mentioned earlier is a great suggestion but expensive and even farther for you. We love the desert! The dry climate and sunshine make you get up every morning with a bounce (well that my be a stretch). Sshirtssleeve weather almost all the time. The riding is great but you will have to get used to long distances. From the Phoenix area you have 3 directions of wonderful riding with interesting towns and wide open spaces.
We live in a motorhome and pull a pickup with our ST in the back. We have a Triple D Lift and Load in the back of the truck to load and unload the Spyder. We're to old for that ramp stuff. More info if you want it.

Thanks for your feedback. Honestly, Texas, southwest desert etc sound great, but too far for me. (I'm in the northeast). I hear you loud and clear about Florida coastline. Luckily, I'm not a beach person. (Don't hate it, but don't need it either...) So, Florida's interior would be fine. - But you say the riding in Fla is boring? (I was kind of concerned about that...).

[PW2013STL]

Hi Newbert,

We were in the same place as you. After this winter we decided to find a place to stay for next winter, We had visited friends in Arizona two years ago and liked the desert. Lots of roads I wanted to try on a Spyder.
This year we visited friends in Florada and although it was nice There wasn't one road that I wished I had a Spyder to drive it. Not saying there are not any roads that would be fun on a Spyder - I just did not find them in the two weeks we drove around there.
We chouse to rent a place by Masa for 4 months. We got lucky and found one as most want 5 to 6 months rent.
If you are looking for only a month or two consider a extended stay motel.

I purchased a folding trke/spyder trailer so we can take one F3 with us. We live in a townhouse and are not allowed to park a trailer outside so I needed something I could keep in the garage.

Good luck on your search!

[newbert]

Hi Newbert,

We were in the same place as you. After this winter we decided to find a place to stay for next winter, We had visited friends in Arizona two years ago and liked the desert. Lots of roads I wanted to try on a Spyder.
This year we visited friends in Florada and although it was nice There wasn't one road that I wished I had a Spyder to drive it. Not saying there are not any roads that would be fun on a Spyder - I just did not find them in the two weeks we drove around there.
We chouse to rent a place by Masa for 4 months. We got lucky and found one as most want 5 to 6 months rent.
If you are looking for only a month or two consider a extended stay motel.

I purchased a folding trke/spyder trailer so we can take one F3 with us. We live in a townhouse and are not allowed to park a trailer outside so I needed something I could keep in the garage.

Good luck on your search!

I also live in a townhouse with the same rules. Which specific trailer did you purchase?

And thank for your thoughts on the Florida roads. It sort of confirms my suspicions.

[PW2013STL]

I also live in a townhouse with the same rules. Which specific trailer did you purchase?

And thank for your thoughts on the Florida roads. It sort of confirms my suspicions.
I went with the Kendon Spyder trailer based on it being 150# lighter thinking I could set it up on end by myself - wrong! I added an electric wrench to my garage ceiling and now can do it alone. If I had known that I would have purchased the drop-tail trailer as that one is about $700 less

[bushrat]

I also live in a townhouse with the same rules. Which specific trailer did you purchase?

And thank for your thoughts on the Florida roads. It sort of confirms my suspicions.

Well, Bert, before you totally make up your mind about the (so-called) "dull/uninteresting FL roads" without even trying them out, here's what I suggest you do: come down to the "interior lakes area" of FL, anywhere between Ocala and Orlando; rent a place for a week or two, and go out and ride the COUNTY roads - not the Interstate or state roads, etc. Get your butt out into the farming countryside and visit the smaller places. If you like, stop by my place, and I'll take you for a series of rides that will amaze you. My friends and relatives who visit tell me they "never knew this part of FL existed". That's a common reaction. It's rolling land with gentle hills, enough twists and turns to practice your riding skills, pretty little 'out-of-the-way' eateries, lots of fresh water lakes of good size, and often not much traffic. Maybe I've been spoiled by getting myself 'adopted' into the Hump Day Riders of Tavares, and being taken on rides by group captains who continuously amaze even veteran riders with the 'undiscovered' routes they take us on; Gary and Jim are amazing. And they're not alone. I've met many others, snowbirds who ride with other Central Florida clubs who say the same. So, I just think you're selling yourself short by not checking any area, in person, for yourself before deciding. Kind of like buying a seat or windshield for your bike based on how it suits somebody else. Not intending to disrespect others for their opinions; they're just responding as you requested. But, they obviously are doing so on very short, far from in depth exploration. In fact, you really ought to allow yourself a 'test season' or two in several areas before making any long-term commitment. We lived 3 winters in Leesburg before we thought of it as a reasonably decent long-term winter escape solution, and only after that did we even bring the Spyder into the mix. And only, then, did we even begin to discover those back road riding pleasures we hadn't even realized were all around us. Takes a long time to really get to know and appreciate ANY area for its true treasures. And personal preference decisions can only come from your own trial and error over time. FL works for us. That's just our personal reaction. It does have great riding, IF you get out into the back country, and use the COUNTY roads. We do visit the coasts from time to time, but pick the smaller port towns; we stay away from the Interstate whenever possible, and try to avoid major State highways. If that's all we ever saw, I'd probably have said the same as others. But we've been lucky to have been shown other paths by knowledgeable locals... and they are truly delightful. Not perfect, but a lot of fun!!!

Most of all (speaking as a snowbird), there are no snowdrifts to climb over, no ice to slip on, a real chance to ryde most days (except for rain), and only a need to pull on a sweater if temps drop.

[newbert]

Well, Bert, before you totally make up your mind about the (so-called) "dull/uninteresting FL roads" without even trying them out, here's what I suggest you do: come down to the "interior lakes area" of FL, anywhere between Ocala and Orlando; rent a place for a week or two, and go out and ride the COUNTY roads - not the Interstate or state roads, etc. Get your butt out into the farming countryside and visit the smaller places. If you like, stop by my place, and I'll take you for a series of rides that will amaze you. My friends and relatives who visit tell me they "never knew this part of FL existed". That's a common reaction. It's rolling land with gentle hills, enough twists and turns to practice your riding skills, pretty little 'out-of-the-way' eateries, lots of fresh water lakes of good size, and often not much traffic. Maybe I've been spoiled by getting myself 'adopted' into the Hump Day Riders of Tavares, and being taken on rides by group captains who continuously amaze even veteran riders with the 'undiscovered' routes they take us on; Gary and Jim are amazing. And they're not alone. I've met many others, snowbirds who ride with other Central Florida clubs who say the same. So, I just think you're selling yourself short by not checking any area, in person, for yourself before deciding. Kind of like buying a seat or windshield for your bike based on how it suits somebody else. Not intending to disrespect others for their opinions; they're just responding as you requested. But, they obviously are doing so on very short, far from in depth exploration. In fact, you really ought to allow yourself a 'test season' or two in several areas before making any long-term commitment. We lived 3 winters in Leesburg before we thought of it as a reasonably decent long-term winter escape solution, and only after that did we even bring the Spyder into the mix. And only, then, did we even begin to discover those back road riding pleasures we hadn't even realized were all around us. Takes a long time to really get to know and appreciate ANY area for its true treasures. And personal preference decisions can only come from your own trial and error over time. FL works for us. That's just our personal reaction. It does have great riding, IF you get out into the back country, and use the COUNTY roads. We do visit the coasts from time to time, but pick the smaller port towns; we stay away from the Interstate whenever possible, and try to avoid major State highways. If that's all we ever saw, I'd probably have said the same as others. But we've been lucky to have been shown other paths by knowledgeable locals... and they are truly delightful. Not perfect, but a lot of fun!!!

Most of all (speaking as a snowbird), there are no snowdrifts to climb over, no ice to slip on, a real chance to ryde most days (except for rain), and only a need to pull on a sweater if temps drop.

Yup - you're right. No offense intended.

TBH, I was thinking along the same lines when the germ of the idea of snowbirding first popped into my head. I figured that next winter, I'd choose an area or two to explore (No Spyder) to see what might be a good fit for spending more time in (WITH the Spyder) starting in the '20-'21 winter.

Looking at the map of your area of Florida does reveal lots of fresh water lakes (which I like). My experience in Florida is mostly what you outlined - Interstates and coastline. Plus I spent 3 weeks in the Ocala area in the late 70's during the month of AUGUST. So, I didn't get to see much of the interior at that time since I spent my time indoors in the AC! So, you're right that I need to check things out for myself ahead of time and at the right time of year....

Thanks.

[UtahPete]

Thanks for all of the input so far, everyone! Keep it coming.

Pete, thgis idea of mine isn't much more than a gleam in the eye at this point, so I can't answer all of the questions you posed.

But I know that I'm talking about renting for two months or so. Probably one bedroom/bath (It's just me...). Just the basics. I'd prefer suburban. Parking required for one car + Spyder. Budget is hard to determine right now, but $1k - $2K/month would be nice.

Okay, folks. How about some specifics on why your particular favored snowbirding destination might be the best option for the OP?

[newbert]

Okay, all you Floridians. How about focusing in on the OP's question instead of debating the wisdom of wintering in Florida?

FWIW - I don't that the Florida discussion is off-topic at all. After all, one of my main questions was where should I consider snowbirding. <shrug>

[UtahPete]

FWIW - I don't that the Florida discussion is off-topic at all. After all, one of my main questions was where should I consider snowbirding. <shrug>

You're right. I've edited my post.

[PaladinLV]

Az!

Aj

[dondje]

The East mountains around Albuquerque where I live will give you about 11months of riding. If there's no snow on the ground, I'm riding. We don't get a lot of rain here either. Sunny almost all year long.

I have been looking around Truth or Consequences. I like the idea of having lakes in the area to do a little fishing. Lived in the RG valley outside Las Cruces for (4)yrs while working at White Sands MR. Had snow a couple of times, but could ride year round otherwise.

Regards,

Don

[Raprider]

Newbert...thanks for starting this thread!
I'm following with great interest, as in a similar boat...we're done with NJ and ready for some warmer temps and year-round riding. Probably more interested in a full relo vs snowbirding...

We just spent 2 weeks from Easter to Cinco de Mayo traveling (in a cage, sadly, but at least it was a convertible Camaro SS !!!) from Jacksonville thru Gainesville to Cedar Key (on the Gulf coast) and then down the coast thru Clearwater/St Pete, Bradenton/Sarasota and then Ft Myers/Sanibel. We really liked certain areas like Tarpon Springs (north of Clearwater) and Bradenton, but overall was left thinking that it was very flat and straight and maybe kind of boring. Also a good amount of traffic on non-hwy roads.

Bushrat...your assessment from Leesburg and interior seems quite different and maybe worth another look.

We are possibly considering looking in the Pensacola area as an option, in order to be closer (by 3-5 hours) to some riding with elevation changes and quicker ability for out-of-state and cross country touring.

Others possibility include Albuquerque/Santa Fe, LV/Reno, not sure about Arizona.
Any other thoughts/opinions are welcome!

Fulltimer...ok to reach out direct to talk about your experience living 'on the road'?

[bushrat]

Rich, Don and others who have been following this thread:

Please don't misunderstand the intent of my comments above. I am not suggesting that Florida is the best or only place for winter riding to help a snowbird avoid the winter blahs. I'm only trying to make the point that FL is not necessarily dull, uninteresting and only made up of high-traffic coastal cities. It has lots to offer, for those who want to explore inland. Many other states have much to offer as well, but usually this takes a bit of homework and looking beyond the obvious. I'm sure there are resident SL members from FL who can explain this much better than I, but I'm just offering this Canadian snowbird's perspective in response to Newbert's request. Took me a while to learn about some of the fun rides I believe FL (at least in my "Lake District" area), has to offer. Here are a couple of examples; there are many, many more. Far from dull and boring. I'm attaching a couple of ride maps to illustrate:
172173
172174

One shows a 3-hour, 120-mile ride, leaving my FL home in Leesburg, heading up through Emeralda marsh, then along the western side of Ocala National Forest. Much of this is on County roads. State Rd 40 takes me east to Astor, and a great spot for lunch at the Blackwater Inn, alongside the pretty St. John River. Then back down through the forest to Altoona, and more County roads to very pretty Mount Dora, a delightful spot to visit. Then home through farm lands and along the south shore of Lake Harris. Maybe a stop at Howey-in-the-hills, at another great lakeside retreat, J B Boondocks.

Another great place to see on a country ride is Floral City. Great place to have lunch at Shamrock Inn; very popular with bikers- both those with motors and those who pedal. Situated right beside the fabulous Withlacoochee State Trail, a converted railway bed now highly popular with hikers and pedal-types. One of the nicest trails we've found. My map shows an 80-minute ride of 55 miles with plenty of twists along E Gobbler Dr, then down the Istachatta Rd which parallels the bike trail. (Istachatta is very popular with the sport bike crowd, so can't be all that dull.) You can find your way cross-country to Sugar Mill Woods, then back to Floral City, much of which again is on back roads through "Old Florida".

Here are a couple of links to photos and Google Map views:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Floral+City,+FL+34436,+USA/@28.7499876,-82.2967581,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipOIxezSMrzTAew3m15ulbAd-ynoxWASqAC72qn7!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.google usercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOIxezSMrzTAew3m15ulbAd-ynoxWASqAC72qn7%3Dw178-h120-k-no!7i2500!8i1676!4m5!3m4!1s0x88e80bf15968762d:0x18 7133fcf80344e4!8m2!3d28.7499016!4d-82.2968674

https://www.google.com/maps/@28.8922086,-81.7935132,3a,75y,180h,90t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s96DFCZPRDPDgEomirvsemw!2e0!6s% 2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D96DFCZPRDPDgE omirvsemw%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_ sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26y aw%3D180%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i66 56

Hope this helps others to feel as I do that interior FL has lots to offer bikers who wish to have fun rides and explore. I think the real message though, is that wherever you ride, it takes time and effort to look beyond the obvious to find the road less travelled and more satisfying. I wouldn't have known about these places were it not for guys like Gary, Jim and the Hump Day gang who kindly showed me that such places do exist, even in Florida. And, the best part about it all is the camaraderie of this bunch when we 'do lunch' along the way.

(I hasten to add that all of the above is said by a guy who would be happy simply to spend the rest of his riding days wandering around the mountain roads of TN, NC, SC, GA, WV. That is where my riding heart soars every moment. I spend a week doing that on my way to FL; if winter wasn't chasing me further south, I might just stay in them thar hills forever!!)

Cheers.

[BoilerAnimal]

My wife and I are going to be retired for good this time next year and are going to Florida again this July to check out the central and North central parts. Selling our land on the Gulf coast and looking to go inland. A little cheaper there as well.

We have driven around and have found some pretty nice roads but the boring ones seem to dominate what we've seen so far. Also wondering if anyone has had experience riding any distance on some of the sand driveways and roads.

We lived in Mesa, AZ for six years and I love the desert southwest. However, the problem of long term water supply and the prospect of ever hotter weather makes me hesitant to buy there. The riding though, is some of the most scenic in the country.

Every place has its pros and cons and I'm following along to read other's opinions. Looking forward to more comments.

[fulltimer]

Thanks for all of the input so far, everyone! Keep it coming.

Pete, thgis idea of mine isn't much more than a gleam in the eye at this point, so I can't answer all of the questions you posed.

But I know that I'm talking about renting for two months or so. Probably one bedroom/bath (It's just me...). Just the basics. I'd prefer suburban. Parking required for one car + Spyder. Budget is hard to determine right now, but $1k - $2K/month would be nice.

Find some other snowbirds with RVs that stay in the area where you are looking at. Many times there are trailers for rent in the same RV parks where they stay or they can steer you to someone that they know who won't be going south for a winter. Usually much cheaper than an apartment.

[Raprider]

Rich, Don and others who have been following this thread:

Please don't misunderstand the intent of my comments above. I am not suggesting that Florida is the best or only place for winter riding to help a snowbird avoid the winter blahs. I'm only trying to make the point that FL is not necessarily dull, uninteresting and only made up of high-traffic coastal cities.

No misunderstandings on my part, Bushrat! Greatly appreciate the perspective and info!

[UtahPete]

I know you said you prefer the proximity of the east coast and I can't help you there. But, all the other considerations you mentioned could be easily accomplished in Arizona, particularly the various snowbird communities there. Jane and I just sold our place near St. George, Utah and bought a lot in Yuma, Arizona. The winter climate and proximity to great riding and low cost of living are very appealing.