By Lulu

Every bike rally has its own personality. Thunder By The Bay at the Sarasota Fair Grounds is no exception. Billed as a music & motorcycle festival it is more like a concert in the park with vendors, great music all weekend, food, and bars. Add an amazing bike show Choppertown put on by Ron Galletti from Born to Ride…what more could you ask for in a bike rally. They had even more. Budweiser was a major sponsor and the Clydesdales were on display. Also, a burnout contest and motorcycle sound off made it a definite motorcycle rally. We missed the Patriotic Motorcycle Charity Ride as we had to be back on Sunday for a big bike show at Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach. The ride completes the week and adds to the kitty for their charity.

The bands this year included Slippery When Wet, Tobacco Rd. Band, Free Fallin, Diary of an Ozzman, 30ot6, The Verge and Bobby Friss. Ending with the headliner Firehouse. All were well worth the small entry fee which benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. This event is well worth putting on your 2023 to do list. Full service on-site camping is available.