Full Throttle 78
FINALLY, nice riding weather is here and thank goodness we are so tired of having to lug around so many clothes, it just makes riding so uncomfortable. What a busy last month or so have been. Hopefully there is no one out there saying they have nothing to do on the weekend, if so then you are obviously not reading the cruising section of the magazine. Hope all who ventured over to Daytona for bike week had a fun and safe time. We went over with our friends John and Theresa Roth and had a blast. The weather could have been a little better but we were just happy to get out of town and have some fun, and that we did!
Let’s recap the month. The local ABATE had their pre bike week rally at Snook Haven in Venice. I don’t have the exact count of how many attended but there had to have been several hundred if not a thousand bikes. There were numerous vendors, live music and good food. Saturday March 6th the North Port American Legion had a poker run and benefit for the Children’s Miracle Network. There were games, live music by The Bandana Band, haircuts for donations, raffles and even some dancing. Sunday the 14th we went on the Sarasota Hog’s Chapter Sarasota County Humane Society run. It had a St. Patty’s theme with all the stops at Irish bar and grilles. We made a few new friends on the ride, hello to Mike, Lilly and Dave. We need to get together again soon! The Chapter raised $2285.48 for the animals with 178 people and 134 bikes. It was a great turn out and a beautiful day! March 17th The ANABD Benefit took place at Ace’s bar, in Bradenton. There were several bands playing throughout the day, Good Ole Irish food, drinks, a silent auction, several 50/50 raffles and a membership drive. I haven’t heard the final tally on attendance or funds raised, but it appeared everyone had a great time. Saturday the 20th the Phi Beta Psi put on their 1st annual Cancer Research Poker run. It was an 80 mile ride through the country ending at Woody’s River Roo in Ellenton. There was an awesome turnout, and the group gave away, I would have to guess nearly 100 raffle items, a 50/50 drawing, a week’s stay on Anna Maria Island and a best and worst hand in the poker run. This next month looks just as busy, so make sure to check out the Cruising section and stop into some of our advertisers like Tarzans who has a weekly biker BBQ on Sundays, Panther Cycles in Punta Gorda for service, repair or customization of your bike, DMR Trikes offers the Kiltronic shifter as well as trike conversions so everyone has the ability to ride regardless of age or disability and if you find yourself in need of legal services Carrero Law group out of Port Charlotte would love to talk to you about your needs. Don’t forget to head over to Will’s Honkytonk ENGLEWOOD for their 6th anniversary party on April 11. See their ad in the green section for the details. Until next month be safe and have fun. Tracey and Gary