I have often said that bikers are the best people in the world, not all maybe, but most of us. A good friend of mine was riding from Florida to California to see family. He stopped in San Antonio to gas up and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, when he was ready to go, his bike wasn’t. After checking things out, he realized he needed a new battery and called NAPA, they said they couldn’t help. Then since he was riding a Harley, he proceeded to call the dealerships in the area, again they couldn’t help. About the time he was ready to call a tow truck, a young man named Abel Macedo stopped to offer assistance. Abel was riding by and saw another rider who needed help. He took my friend’s money and then went out of his way to buy a battery and returned to help him get on his way. Thank you, Abel, for being the kind of rider all of us should be. Pay it forward folks, you never know when you’ll be the one at the side of the road… Meanwhile on the home front here in Central Florida we were dodging rain and helping and supporting others in our own way. On June 3rd, J.O.S.H. hosted their 6th annual Shake the Lake benefit at the Route 46 Entertainment Complex in Sanford. Just Our Soldiers’ Helpers supports our military men and women by sending goodie boxes to them with personal items and other treats to lift their spirits and remind them there are people back home who care… In Clermont that day, Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson was celebrating their 15th anniversary with a bikini bike wash, a full bar and performances by the Central Florida Drill Team. The popular local band, Highway Starz provided the entertainment to keep the party going… On June 10, Gator Harley hosted a Ride to Inspire poker run in support of the Special Olympics. Riders left Gator about 10 a.m. and headed to the Lake Harris Hideaway and then on to Boondocks, Steve’s Package Store and then rolled back into Gator for the after-party. Of course, there was plenty of food and beverages, a silent auction, 50/50 and music by a good band I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy a couple times, Maiden Voyage… Crystal Harley-Davidson in Crystal River hosted a poker run to benefit Autism and Tourette’s Syndrome that same day also. Registration of $20 included the poker hand and plate of barbecue at the end stop. It began at Crystal Harley then headed to the Sand Trap Bar, the Horse & Crown, and My Place, ending at the Sail Inn… The JC Road Dogs were out spreading love on the 11th with their monthly benefit lunch ride. This month they headed to Legends in Fruitland Park for the meal and the proceeds raised were donated to Rick Dillon—a young man with some health problems and in need of help. All donations are accepted and it doesn’t matter whether you ride or drive, you just need the desire to help another person in your heart… On Thursday evening, June 22, riders remembered Gary “The Gran-Man” Crandall at a benefit that started at Seminole Harley and ended at the new Ace Café downtown. Proceeds from the ride were donated to Gary’s family… That weekend on the 24 I had the pleasure of stopping in two benefits in Lake County—a blood drive at Pug’s Pub in Eustis to benefit Bo Harvey who is battling Leukemia and another benefit at the Fallen Few Clubhouse to support Lil Bit in her battle against breast cancer. That’s about it from the Sunshine state this month. Till next time, ride safe and God bless.
