It has been a bit since I have bragged about how wonderful and generous motorcycle people are…but this year during the Covid holidays they didn’t let me down. Not only are the riders who show up at events all over the country quick to pull their wallets out for any worthy cause…the bars, riding groups and dealerships that do the work behind the rides and events give their time and dollars to help people. This year I saw trees with unwrapped toys and bikes at almost everyone of our ad clients. You may say well the bars and dealerships do it to get people on their property. If that is their motive all they would need to do is giveaway food or beer! Nope! All the hardworking bar owners and managers of bars or dealerships genuinely enjoy giving back to the communities they live in. The smiles on the faces of the Rossmeyer’s while hosting the Ride for Children is contagious. Jan at Gator Harley works her butt off for all types of charitable causes. I just attended an amazing gathering of veterans at the Nam Knight’s Clubhouse in Groveland that collected more toys than I have seen in one spot! Just this month we have ridden for a few bikers that are fighting the original “Big C”…Cancer not Covid. And on those rides, even more than the money, it is the gathering of people for them that lifts their spirits and gives power to their fight.

My prayer for the New Year is that the Democrats and Republicans can meet in the middle and give relief to the people who are having trouble keeping their businesses afloat. We don’t need to give money to illegals as part of this (Democrats). We don’t need to promise no lawsuits as part of this (Republicans). We simply need to take care of those in this country in need just long enough for this vaccine to put an end to this pandemic.

I also want to thank every ad client, that continued to be a part of our Thunder Roads Florida family and kept us in print through a difficult year. Their support allows us to bring the biker lifestyle and events coverage to those who love to ride. Please let them know you read Thunder Roads Florida and that is how you found them.

Call someone that is stuck inside due to Covid, tip a bit more on that liquid the bartender slings you and don’t forget your sunscreen!