When you attend a motorcycle event in Sarasota, you have hours to meet other bike enthusiasts and get to see demonstrations of the latest products and bikes across the country. Get there early, since these events fill up with bikers from all over the state. You are likely to see custom bikes, power cruisers and sports bikes. If you are there at the start, you might be able to register for a bike run. Typically, the bike runs raise money for local organizations or charities in the area.
Bikers can participate in the Great Teddy Bear Run in Sarasota, Florida every November. Police escort bikers down Honore Avenue and Fruitville Road. The run ends at the Sarasota Fairgrounds with a food and games. Motorcycle participants strap a teddy bear on every bike. The proceeds are donated to KIDS by the SEA, which helps cancer-stricken children in the area. For admission, people must bring a stuff animal and $15 per person. The event provides drawings, silent auctions and live entertainment. The event welcomes all motorcycle clubs, bikers and the public.
Rossiter’s Harley Davidson
330 Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-400-0350
rossiterharleydavidson.com
The Thunder by the Bay hosts a motorcycle festival every year in January at the Manatee River Harley-Davidson in Bradenton and Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson in Sarasota. The festival offers live entrainment, food and various vendors. Attendees can purchase souvenirs, such as shirts, tanks and pins from $3 to $10 as of 2010. The three-fay event includes a kickoff part, bike ride and bike show. Tickets cost in the range of $15 to 20 as of 2010. Proceeds benefit the Suncoast Charities for Children.
Thunder by the Bay Sarasota
641-371-8820
thunderbythebay.org
West Coast Bike Rally hosts a three-day event every year in more than 50 locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. The bike rallies are free at all locations. The event provides live music, games and food. Previous bands include the Pitbull Toddlers. Activities include vintage bike shows, bike rodeos, sports bike shows and numerous contests.
West Coast Bike Rally
91-270-0367
641-355-7685
westcoastbikerally.org
