By Lulu

This yearly music & motorcycle festival is becoming one of our favorites of the year. Every motorcycle event has its own feel and this one is kind of a motorcycle Woodstock. Hosted at the Sarasota Fairgrounds there is a small fee to attend, but the money raised goes to the Suncoast Children’s Charities so all who attend can enjoy the music, vendors and fun knowing they have helped a good cause! There is also a VIP experience with a huge auction that helps feed the kitty. The bands this year were all great. One I heard for the first time and really enjoyed was Twinkle. Headliners included 38 Special, Colt Ford and Bobby Friss. Highway to Hell, Maiden Cane, Nobody’s Fool, and Nuthin’ Fancy filled the rest of the weekend with great music. This was the 25th Anniversary of Thunder by the Bay and by far the largest crowds I have seen. Included was a bike show with Kory Souza, sound off by Jim Lynch’s Bike Show Mafia, Choppertown by Born to Ride, stunt shows, burn out contest, wrestling and bike games. PLENTY to keep you entertained the whole weekend. There is also a ride on Sunday, but we have not been able to stay on Sunday to attend this yet!
I am sure that Suncoast Charities Executive Director and Event Organizer Lucy Nicandri would like to thank all who attended and those who helped to man this event. A special thank you to presenting sponsors S & S and Adrenaline H-D, and to all the following who help make this important event possible: Ford, FCCI Insurance, Greg Linehan Law, Hap’s Cycles, Badger Bob’s Services, Gold Coast Eagle Budweiser, Sonny’s BBQ, Born to Ride, USA Fence, United Rentals, Everglades Equipment, & Homs Partners. This event is every February and if you are a camping kind of guy or girl, they have on-site camping available and bring lawn chairs!