By Lulu

Each bike event or rally we attend has a uniqueness that sets it apart from others. Of course, Sturgis is all about the ride, Daytona the party, Thunder Beach is the spring break of bike rallies and Thunder by the Bay combines the feel of a county fair with a music festival. One thing that sets it apart is there is a fee to enter the gated event at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, but the $5 entry fee allows profits to be donated to the Suncoast Children’s Charity in Sarasota. This year’s event had great weather and crowds!

The 22nd Thunder by the Bay’s headliner was Molly Hatchet but also included Greg Billings Band, Maiden Cane, Nobody’s Fool, One Night Rodeo, The Lost Boys, Twinkle and the Tucci Project. An amazing bike show billed as Choppertown Live was in an indoor building and was one of the best I have seen. Vendors, including our friends at Sanity Jewelry and Rally Leather, burn out contests, a motorcycle sound off competition, a 17-class bike show and the United We Ride American Strong Charity Ride completed the 3-day event. Put this on your event calendar next year for a fun music filled weekend.

We decided to spend a day with friends hitting some of the local watering holes and managed to revisit Peggy’s Corral for a stiff cocktail or two and good music. We also followed Joe, Kris, and Glen to Gator Lounge and The Ride Hard Saloon.