Recapping December events, the Christmas decorating party at the Orchid Club in early December was a little work and a lot of fun. Then the group enjoyed some good ol' camaraderie at a local restaurant.

This year we did something different for our Christmas celebration. We attended the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale for the Christmas program. From there we proceeded to the Golden Corral in Leesburg for dinner. Twenty seven folks attended and a good time was had by all.

The new year of 2012 is off to a good start. Thirty two folks attended our 2nd Annual, January 1st “Polar Bear Ride”. Of course it was more like a spring day rather than a blustery winter day that we are used to up north. We did get together at a member’s house afterwards for some good hot chili and snacks. Three members supplied the chili and others supplied all the rest of the accompaniments. Thanks to everyone involved for their contributions that made this event so successful.

For the club’s 2nd annual spring ride to South Florida, four riders spent some time in the Art Deco area of South Beach in Miami. It was a good ride which included several side trips to local attractions along the way. Our members arrived home just in time to beat cooler temperatures.

The spring schedule is busy as usual with our weekly lunch rides that leave from the Palm Grove parking lot every Tuesday at 11 am. In addition, 3 to 4 day rides to Key West, FL, (Jan. 30) and Birmingham, AL, (Feb 27) are available for those who like longer getaways.

Upcoming events that the club will be attending include Bike Week at Daytona Beach in March and the Leesburg Bike Fest in April. Also in the planning stages is the annual spring ride north. Destinations under consideration for this year's ride include; Atlanta, Chattanooga, New Orleans, and Charleston.