May has been proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and not a minute too soon—that’s for sure. With our constant stream of visitors from other states and countries and those that are paying more attention to their cell phones than driving, our roads here in Central Florida can be very dangerous. Several years ago, the COBB Society Chapter 1 took up the challenge to bring more attention to those of us on motorcycles. Their annual ride, the Do You See Me Now ride, took place this year on May 21. Over the years the event has taken on different looks. This year’s event took place at the COBB clubhouse in Kissimmee when the doors were opened up to anyone with a passion for saving those of us who ride… Earlier in the month on May 13, Lake County ABATE held a benefit with the same goal however theirs was an actual ride. Registration started at 9:30 a.m. at the Rainbow Restaurant in Mascotte and riders enjoyed a scenic ride through Lake County before ending at Frank’s Place in Leesburg for the after party… And some of those not attending COBB’s event on the 21st came together to support Lil Bit at the Fallen Few clubhouse in Tavares. Lil Bit was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and we all know how riders step up when there’s a need like this in the community. The Mallick family of Gator Harley supported this event as well with a nice hefty donation to the cause… That same day, the JC Road Dogs held their monthly benefit ride after church services. This month they were riding to benefit Linda Jones and her mother who isn’t in the best of health. The lunch location was the Gator Grill in Umatilla and as always is open to riders and non-riders as well… The day before, on Saturday, the 20th, Stormy Hill Harley hosted a memorial ride from their dealership in Clermont to their sister store in Leesburg—Gator Harley. Registration started early at 8:30 a.m. and the group rolled at 11:00, escorted by Lake County Sheriff’s department. Entertainment started at 10:00 a.m. by Orion and continued through the afternoon with Double Shot providing the music. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Marion County Military Vets… The first weekend of the month offered some good riding as well. On the 6th, I had the pleasure of riding up to the Ocala area with friends to the Black Bear Saloon enjoy the day in support of their first anniversary. This is a cute little watering hole with bear footprints scattered around the walls and floors… That same day, and just a day late for Cinco de Mayo celebrating, Seminole Harley in Sanford hosted a Mexican Meltdown with a twist. Seafood tacos, Margaritas, cold Coronas and music by the Red Line band rounded out a great afternoon… A week later, on the 13th, riders came together to make a statement against human trafficking by attending the Breaking the Chains Poker Run. Starting at Seminole Harley and making stops at the Foxhead Lounge, Wind Walkers, Cracker Jacks, and Wolfy’s before ending the 125-mile ride back at the dealership. There were raffle prizes, donations, a 50/50 and entertainment by the Trans Ams all afternoon… I guess that’s about it for now. Till next time, ride safe and take care of each other. It’s a tough world we live in.
