FANTASTIC FATHERS

beyond anything we ever could have imagined.” Lee grew up in a riding family, saying, “My dad rides and he taught me how to ride when I was 12. Riding with him through the Foothills of the Ozark Mountains will always be one of my most cherished memories.”

Lee is himself a father of four and riding runs in their family. “My oldest daughter who is 26 has ridden with me since she was eight. My son who is 17 got his motorcycle endorsement this year and might be a better rider than me,” Lee laughs. “My youngest daughters are 12 and 10 and they both love riding with their dad as well.”

Founded by LEE HAGOOD in 2018, the West Coast Florida Riders (WCFR) is a social media-based group of like-minded individuals, catering to bikers and the biker community. The Riders are open to everyone aged 18 and up, regardless of sex, ethnicity, beliefs, or what you ride.

They host three bike nights each month throughout the west coast of Florida. These currently include the third Thursday of every month at Showtown Bar and Grill in Gibsonton, the last Tuesday of every month at Kickin Wingz Bar and Grill in Port Richey, and the last Friday of every month out at Bert’s Black Widow HarleyDavidson in Port Charlotte.

The West Coast Florida Riders host monthly rides, weekend events, and a couple of WCFR Getaways, with a raffle for a local charity. Winners get an all-expenses paid trip to such destinations as Key West, the Tail of the Dragon, Panama City Beach, and Nashville. This summer’s Getaway will take place the first full week of June and will ride to Eureka Spring, Arkansas, and the Ozark Mountains.

For this special Father’s Day celebration of dad’s who ride, we caught up with Lee Hagood recently and asked him to tell us what it’s like to be a West Coast Florida Rider. “It’s been an amazing five years. What started as a couple of guys looking for people to ride with has morphed into a group of over 8,000 (8,500 as of this writing) that are true family,” Lee tells us. “We pride ourselves in how many lifelong friendships we’ve made. It is

We asked Lee to point us to a few WCFR members who are known to be amazing fathers. The following gents are all proud members of the West Coast Florida Riders and Born To Ride tips our hats to all the dads out there who ride.

JIMMY ARNETT is a 49-year-old father of seven (three of his own, four that were his wife’s, and two grandkids). Jimmy works at Arnett Home Services, has been with the WCFR since 2019 and rides a 2014 Heritage Softail. “They are a great group to ride with. Like a big family and we all look out for each other and take care of people in need. My stepdaughter Payton rides with me quite a bit. She just turned 15 and wants a bike of her own,” Regarding the vibe of WCFR Jimmy says. “Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter what you ride. You’ll be met with open arms!”

STEVEN “OTTO” OTTERNESS is a 38-year-old father of two daughters. When we spoke to him, he and his girls were at softball practice. Otto works for Allegiant Airlines out of Tampa. He joined the West Coast Florida Riders in 2021 and rides a Road Glide Special. When asked what he likes about the WCFR group he confides, “It’s is all about family first. If you need something, they will be there for you in a heartbeat.” He says he rides to at least two of the WCFR events per month. “I rode with the group to Tallahassee to protect biker rights. There is always one big ride every month and we do more than ride. There are boat events, golf outings, it’s a lot more than just bike nights.” When asked to sum up the WCFR for potential new members, Otto tells us, “They are a safe and respectful group and love to have fun!” has four kids and his 12-year-old son, Blake, loves to ride with his dad. You’ll find them toolin’ around on a 2021 Road Glide Special these days. Blake marks the fourth generation of riders in the Levi family. Tim’s parents and grandparents are all still alive and ridin’.

Tim says that WCFR has more events to choose from than a person can possibly do. “There are always multiple events to choose from on the Event’s page. We always have something going on and enjoy doing good for charities.” Sadly, one of Tim’s children died two years ago so he knows more than most that life is precious and all too short. “It means everything to me to spend time riding with my son,” Tim says. “He’s my best friend.” And that’s what being a dad is all about.

As Tim mentioned, the West Coast Florida Riders are all about giving back to their communities. Sponsored by Attorney Fran Haasch, WCFR supports Wreaths Across America, Everyday Blessings Group Home, Tampa Homeless Outreach, Wounded Warriors, and Fifty Legs. “Fran has been the most generous and authentic person we have ever met,” Lee concludes.

Another proud father and member of WCFR is 41-year-old TIM LEVI. During COVID he got the bug to ride and bought a brand new Softail Deluxe without even knowing how to ride it. “I took the classes and got my knees in the breeze,” he recalls. “Then I found the West Coast Florida Riders online and joined up.” Tim

I, JOSH VALDES (43) and my daughter, Chloe Valdes(16), have been riding together for 9 years. My daughter is my world and I feel it’s important to include her in all aspects of life, especially riding. But I try to make it fun by having cool helmets. We love being part of WCFR and going on family rides with them. It gives us a chance to interact with other parents and kids, plus our helmets always get a lot of attention.

You’ll find the West Coast Florida Riders on Facebook or you can reach Lee at westcoastfloridariders@gmail.com. Just remember their motto: “Ain’t no party like a West Coast party!” And tell ‘em Born To Ride set ya.

--Dave Nichols