[sallyg]

You are correct. You must drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Wear a face shield; the bugs can be excessive!

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Yes, highway 441/27 is terrible for motorcycle riders, and 466, 466A, 44, and 301 through and near The Villages can be dangerous. However, the riders killed on those roads—and there are quite a few—are generally young guys who are probably riding way over the speed limit. If you follow the speed limit and pay attention and keep your lights on, you are much safer.

Get off those roads, however, and there are hundreds of miles of two lane roads through beautiful scenery—farms, forests, swamps—interspersed with occasional tiny towns. There isn’t much traffic on those roads. Fifteen minutes from the center of The Villages will have you out on those roads, ready for hours of cruising—north, south, or toward either coast. Just plan a route away from cities and stay off the highways.

[caljeff]

I am a motorcycle rider (2018 BMW K1600 GTL) . I moved here from California in 2017 I belong to the Villages Nomads motorcycle club. I can attest to the fact that there are hazards of riding a motorcycle in The Villages as there are in riding a bike anywhere in the USA. Riding a bike is not a "death wish". One has to exercise due diligence and caution. With the exception of the traffic circles (please get familiar with the rules) , I have not found riding here much different than riding anywhere else in the country. As noted above, the roads are fairly straight here with somewhat lush vegetation. The horse country in Marion County is truly exceptional as is riding along A1A and the Gulf. Not sure for your background, but the traffic around here is not truly oppressive, but again I hail from the environs of San Francisco/San Jose CA. I would say that if you are going to spend a week + here, it might be worth it to bring your bike and expect to get lost several times. Otherwise bring it when you can spend more time. I would also direct you to have a discussion with the President of the Nomad Club, Bob Kerfin (847-366-7888). I hope this is of some benefit.

[Wondering]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Once you get out of The Villages, the county roads are fine. Be careful when approaching small towns and stay off to RTs. 75, 95, Turnpike, and Rt. 4.

[toeser]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

I sold my motorcycle when I moved to The Villages. Going through a two-lane round-about with a motorcycle is a form of suicide. If you bring your bike, be darn careful. There are some decent country roads once you get out and away from here.

[Shadowrider]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Like many areas of the country you need to be a defensive rider. I try to avoid the bubble as much as I can. Watch out in the circles, stay in right lane unless your planning to turn left. I see too many people making left turns from the right lane cutting off people in left lane going straight. I do enjoy riding in FL.

[BlackHarley]

1. Git out of the bubble ASAP
2. LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.

[cswett5234]

I've been a motorcyclist for decades, but when I retire and move to TV, I'm also going to sell my bike. Like many of you comments, I have good road skills, but I just DON'T trust the other guys! There are too many distracted drivers....I've worked all my life to get to retirement, I'm not going to get killed once I get there.

I'll have my memories and that will have to be good enough.

Clinton, Freeport, Maine

[Dmossien]

I have been riding for 45 years and would n ever ride in TV. I’ve had 2 close calls in the traffic circles. Two too many for me!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Looks like some of these puss er uh people have a lot more to live for than me.
I ride my RGS almost everyday. I moved here from the Ocala Forest where the riding is awesome.
It's probably my greatest joy in life at this point.
It may kill my ass one day but, I want to live and not necessarily live long.

[Rango]

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Hi, if you are interested in motorcycling during your visit, please visit the “ Village Nomads” Facebook page. Lots of good information from people that actually own and ride.
They do a lot of group rides. If you are not familiar with riding in a group, they offer a training class.

If you don’t use Facebook, bring your motorcycle, contact me via messenger and I’ll
take you to a ride and introduce you. ( you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement)

Looking forward to meeting you!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Originally Posted by Rango

Hi, if you are interested in motorcycling during your visit, please visit the “ Village Nomads” Facebook page. Lots of good information from people that actually own and ride.
They do a lot of group rides. If you are not familiar with riding in a group, they offer a training class.

If you don’t use Facebook, bring your motorcycle, contact me via messenger and I’ll
take you to a ride and introduce you. ( you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement)

Looking forward to meeting you!

I would love to do more low speed training.
I don't want to scratch my 800lb bike tho.

[Jean G]

We sold our Harley two months ago for the reasons you mentioned.

[Spike380]

We had a Harley for years. Two yrs after purchasing a home here, our two very best friends were killed on their motorcycles in Buffalo. We had just come home for a visit and tired so didn't go with them. My husband brought the Harley down here, but after a few rides, he sold it. Riding is a real challenge-even when my husband was at a circle, a bike was in his blind side and that sealed the deal. . My husband said he was a safe driver-unfortunately, others on the road are not. Good luck

Originally Posted by Robbb

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks