Does Anyone "Snowbird" with their Spyder?

[newbert]

As I get older, I find that I can tolerate the cold winters in upstate NY less and less. For many years, I kept busy in winter by skiing, which I've genuinely enjoyed - but I think I may be at the point where I'm losing my motivation for even that due to the cold weather and my aging joints. ....and, most importantly, I'd much rather be ryding my Spyder somewhere.

I recently moved to a townhouse/condo community where I don't have to lift a finger to manage the snow anymore. (The HOA takes care of it for me.) So, it's dawned on me that I'm suddenly free to spend winters wherever I want. So....I'm asking whether anyone here moves south with their Spyder to get thru the winter. If so, where do you go?

Ideally, I'd like somewhere on the East Coast with temps usually in the mid 50's (F) or above in January thru March, and interesting roads (with relatively little traffic) to explore. I'd want to rent a small, one bedroom, furnished place (with a garage for the Spyder) for probably a 3-month period (January thru March) -- all at a reasonable price, of course. --- That's not asking for too much is it?

So, would anyone have any suggestions for me? And tips on things to consider in deciding where to go and preparing to make the trip?

BTW -- To be clear, I'm talking about perhaps doing this next year - not right away.

Thanks!

 

[UtahPete]

There's a bunch in the Southwest, particularly Arizona.

 

[newbert]

There's a bunch in the Southwest, particularly Arizona.

I love the Southwest. But it's quite a bit too long of a trip from here, unfortunately.

 

[bhern]

I don't snowbird (yet), but based on your criteria, you'd probably need to go as far south as Georgia/South Carolina to get average temps in the mid-50s for January through March.

If you were willing to go west as far as Arkansas, you'd have a *ton* of great roads to explore, but you'd be looking at average temps right at 50 until Feb.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I love the Southwest. But it's quite a bit too long of a trip from here, unfortunately.

Shouldn't be a problem, should it? Didn't you just imply you have all kinds of time on your hands????? hyea:

 

[newbert]

Shouldn't be a problem, should it? Didn't you just imply you have all kinds of time on your hands????? hyea:

Yeah, I've got time but driving to the Southwest is a L-O-N-G trip!

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Yeah, I've got time but driving to the Southwest is a L-O-N-G trip!

Just look on it as a series of short trips of 300 miles each!!!!! :roflblack: It's less than 2500 miles from Glens Falls to Phoenix!!! hyea:

Actually, I understand. Just gotta give you hard time!

 

[asp125]

We snowbirded one winter with the bikes in the back of our toy hauler.

 

[al0vely]

As I get older, I find that I can tolerate the cold winters in upstate NY less and less. For many years, I kept busy in winter by skiing, which I've genuinely enjoyed - but I think I may be at the point where I'm losing my motivation for even that due to the cold weather and my aging joints. ....and, most importantly, I'd much rather be ryding my Spyder somewhere.



Thanks!

I am starting to think like you about getting away from winter at least Jan - Feb and possibly even March. I retire in the summer of 2021 so I am trying to come up with my plan for the first of many winters. Right now Arizona weather sounds awfully good to me and I have never spent very much time in that part of the country. I don't think the Southeast would be warm enough (I may be wrong) other than Florida and it is my least favorite state ever.

I am going to keep an eye on this thread because it seems like you posted it for you and I :2thumbs:

 

[PMK]

Snowbirds, so nice when Easter arrives and they all migrate North.

Here in SoFlo, there is serious competition as to the worst drivers, those from up North, aka Snowbirds, or those from South America. Defensive driving is a way of life.

And drivers that are quick on their horn, boy do they get real upset when I pull away very, very slow after they have hit their horn.

Crazy time of year around here right now.

As for traveling and Spydering if you head this way, Florida,north of Orlando has some cool riding and quite a few Spyders. Have fun.

 

[UtahPete]

I love the Southwest. But it's quite a bit too long of a trip from here, unfortunately.

I was answering the question you posed in the name you gave the thread. The answer is YES, lots of SpyderLovers snowbird in winter.

 

[ijon1]

Fort Myers FL.

 

[GOZFST]

Been hauling the 2012 RT down to AZ with us for quite a few years now. Love it.

 

[cueman]

I have given thought to spending after Thanksgiving, leaving when weather is still decent, and coming back in March when weather permits. My big three main possibilities are Arizona,NM, and Florida. :chat: cueman

 

[Jaxfann]

North East Florida - cant beat it!

 

[UtahPete]

I have given thought to spending after Thanksgiving, leaving when weather is still decent, and coming back in March when weather permits. My big three main possibilities are Arizona,NM, and Florida. :chat: cueman

It's nice to have choices. Are you looking for recommendations?

 

[PW2013STL]

This is our first year snowbirding. We checked out Florada last February, but I did not find anywhere that I would care to ride the Spyder. This winter we are in Apache Junction, AZ and love it. Lots of great roads to ride. We even road over and around San Diego, CA for a week.
We only trailered one F3 down. Left the day after Thanksgiving (between snow stroms) and will head back to Minnesota at the end of March.
Thinking of comming down at the end of October this next winter so I can ride one down and tow the other.

 

[cueman]

It's nice to have choices. Are you looking for recommendations?

Yes I am, I’m all ears! :cheers: cueman

 

[CopperSpyder]

You have options every year you can rent in a different place if you don't like the last place. That will be the key I think finding a place to rent that fits what you want and willing to pay. As far as area I like Florida (North Central) 1 hour or so to Jax, St Augustine, Daytona, Orlando. All kinds of things to see if you want but if you like quiet get a way from the coast and lots of quiet country roads out around the lakes no traffic. Best of both worlds. Got Bike week in Mid March and there are other small bike events through the area if you like them. Then next year you can try Yuma AZ. if you find Florida boring. So you should be looking for what it will cost you to rent a living space, feel that out a little. Good luck with your planning.

 

[spyderfish]

South Georgia, 78 degrees today. Rode down from MICHIGAN in October, stored Blaze in Georgia, came back last week until mid March. Several multiday trips planned, north GA, NC, SC, AL. Less money, fewer people, better rides than FL.