25 YEARS OF THUNDER BY THE BAY 25 YEARS OF THUNDER BY THE BAY

to cover the cost. A month and a half later, hurricane Ian hit. I can only imagine the damage to those classrooms had those upgrades not been made.” Program and service funding help support speech and occupational therapies, mental health therapies, early childhood education, respite care, and more. Over 8,000 clients, from Manatee to Charlotte and DeSoto counties, benefit from these programs.

The Haven, one of several agencies that receive funding from Suncoast Charities, is part of Sunday’s “United We Ride” motorcycle charity ride. Riders will register at Adrenaline Harley-Davidson in Sarasota and stop at The Haven. Their clients will greet the motorcyclists and they are very excited for this event to take place, which will definitely warm the hearts of those attending this yearly ride. Registration is $20 per rider which includes gate admission and preferred parking at the Festival, complimentary coffee and doughnuts, and a free gift for the first 200 registered riders. You can pre-register now online.

To sum it up, we asked Lucy her thoughts on this 25th anniversary of Thunder by the Bay. “Knowing firsthand the positive impact this

Festival has made over the years, I hope it will continue for years to come. Thunder by the Bay has experienced a lot of changes over the years, however, the one thing that never changes is our goal to help local children, teens, and adults with special needs.”

Thank you, Lucy, for your dedication and commitment to Thunder by the Bay. All of us at Born To Ride Magazine look forward to seeing you at Thunder by the Bay this February 17th through the 19th at Sarasota Fairgrounds.

--Susan Hurst

What: Thunder by the Bay

When: February 17-19, 2023

Where: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota

Why: Fundraiser for the Suncoast Charities Web: ThunderByTheBay.org

IT’S THAT TIME A YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE COOLER WEATHER PASSES, THE DAYS GET LONGER, AND WE ALL CAN GET OUT AND RIDE IN THE FLORIDA SUNSHINE WITHOUT THE 90 PERCENT HUMIDITY WATERING US DOWN.

It’s also a great time of year because it means Choppertown Live is coming back to Thunder by the Bay in Sarasota, Florida. That’s right, Born To Ride Motorcycle Media is bringing Choppertown Live back this February 17th through the 19th and it’s going to be better than ever!

While most of America is covered in cold weather and snow in February, Choppertown Live has become the “go to” chopper party to attend to get your chopper-fix on. This isn’t your typical chopper outing as this event has so much going on, there’s literally something for everyone. Even your weird Uncle Harold.

The first thing that stands out are the world class custom bike builders that’ll take the stage and show off some of their mindblowing builds. We’ll have the legendary Brian Buttera of Buttera Metal Werks there with a chopper build that has put him on the bike building map. Brian hit the motorcycle world in the mouth a few years back when his first custom build called “Deadliner” took him literally all around the world, from Sturgis to Zurich and finally sent him to the Bike Builder World Championships in Abu Dhabi where he took home top honors.

We’ll also feature Eric Allard from FNA Customs Cycles with a couple of his wildly fantastic builds that have turned the chopper world on its ear. His most recognizable build, the “Glam Fairy” is widely known throughout the industry. Its aggressive styling with ultra-high front forks, and other exaggerated features, gives the chopper a uniquely beautiful silhouette of its own. So much so, that this chopper took home awards from the Born Free Show a few years back. His chopper designs have made such an impression in the industry that he was invited back to Born Free 14 this summer. Another builder everybody loves is the infamous Yogi from Yogi’s Garage in Orlando, Florida. Yogi always shows up with a few builds that really separate themselves from many of the chopper builders. His amazing choppers are based on old school Harley panhead and shovelhead engines and are stylistically psychedelic. We’ve only highlighted three great builders, but you can bet that Choppertown Live will showcase amazing bike builders from all across the country.

Along with all the great builders and choppers they’ll bring to the party, Choppertown Live will include a visit from Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed. Come out to meet the racers and check out the awesome vintage racing machines that they pilot at Sons of Speed events in Florida, Tennessee and South Dakota. You’ll be able to get an up close and personal look at these time machines, some date back to 1910.

To top all this off, Born To Ride Motorcycle Media along with James Irwin “A Biker Helping Bikers” will host a Ten Class Ride-in Bike Show. This amazing ride-in show will have classes to include any bike, make and model. Classes will include: Best Chopper, Bagger, Street Cruiser, Old School, Import, Ladies Ride, Radical, Custom, Anything Goes, and Every Day Rider!

They’ll also have a special award for the Best Paint and of course, there is going to be the “Best in Show” Award too! So, get those bikes shined up and prepped, it’s panning out to be a great event in itself, and you’re not going to want to miss it.

Born To Ride has been doing Choppertown

Live for a few years now, and we’re especially excited about this one. A building that’s packed to the seams with great choppers and chopper builders, along with fantastic vendors and an incredible ride-in bike show make this one something special. Whatever you ride, and whatever it is about motorcycling that sparks that passion from within, Choppertown Live will have something for you. Mark the date on your calendar for February 17th through the 19th at Sarasota Fairgrounds, and we’ll see you there!

--Erick Runyon