[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut

Tango,
I ride a Goldwing and have no issues with the gates, but let me answer you questions as best I can.

Exit Gates:
The gate don't actually work on weight or an optical sensor, they use a magnetic pickup loop embedded in the roadway. I've never had an issue with the exit gates opening for my wing and golf carts have no issues either. Your Bonny should have no issues with the exit gates.

Entry Gates:
All the gates have the entry request button on them that opens the gates, some due to construction work will open just by approaching the gate. If the gate is manned, the attendant will open the gate for you. Don't bother with the card, trying to find it while riding is more headache than it's worth, just use the button or the manned gate.

If there is anything to worry about on a motorcycle here in The Villages it's the traffic circles. Many of the drivers either don't know how to navigate them, don't pay attention, or simply don't care. You will find yourself in one lane and the car next to you will decide to drift over or change lanes without looking. It happens almost every time I'm out riding. Some ascribe to the mantra of "loud pipes save lives", I personally believe in a good loud horn. I never enter a traffic circle without my thumb on the horn button and have absolutely no problem using it in the middle of my escape maneuver when being crowded or cutoff. Of course many drivers tend to respond with non-verbal communications in response to being called out for their own transgressions.

The riding here isn't as scenic as you may have had in PA, but once you get about 5 miles out the area is still quite pleasant, but it is flat.

Welcome to The Villages.

Motorcycles and bicycles can easily be in the A pillar blind spot on the slanted windshield vehicles. At the right angle even car can be hidden in A pillar blind spot. Now add bushes and shrubs blocking vision as you approach roundabout or intersection and it complicates matters. I don't think people intentionally pull out in from of on coming, they simply don't see. Now for the one that see vehicles in the roundabout and pull out anyway I have no excuse for them. If roundabout has car coming you are breaking the law pulling out into its path.