A “FERRY” GOOD RIDE INDEED!

By Laura Ward

What is the best thing about jumping on your bike and riding? A nice long ride with good friends! On Sunday morning, June 14th, Dannis (Rainman) Kelley and wife Susan (Safarisu) along with my husband Bob (Slicker) Ward and myself met at the Waffle House on 98 and headed to the Fort Morgan Ferry. We traveled through Perdido Key and rode along the Gulf. We turned onto Route 180 and headed through the State Park until we hit the intersection of 59 and Fort Morgan Road. Fort Morgan road is newly paved and it makes for a nice smooth ride. We stopped at a gas station/food mart just before reaching the ferry for a “pee” break and a few refreshments and to rest our butts a bit. We arrived at the Fort Morgan Ferry and lined up with the other cars and trucks. We were the only bikes headed over to Dauphin Island on that trip. They collected your $8.00 (one way) after we started off and we enjoyed a pleasant breeze and nice ride. We took some pictures and chatted away while some people were checking out our bikes. We brought along coolers made just for the bikes in which we packed some water and a few other items. Susan and I placed wet washcloths dipped in cold water and pure Peppermint Oil in zip-lock bags and boy, did they ever come in handy. Ever heard of “spontaneous combustion”? It was so hot that day we all thought that it just might happen to us! After the ferry reached Dauphin Island we got off and turned right and headed out away from the island towards Mobile. Dauphin Island has several places to eat and hang out but we decided to ride on a ways. We traveled Dauphin Island Parkway and upon reaching Interstate 10 rode towards Pensacola. We exited I-10 onto the causeway at Battleship Park (another great place to go). It was along the causeway that we stopped and ate at Felix’s Restaurant. “Wow”, some great food! We ate “fish tacos”, “crab cakes”, “cheese grits”, “crab soup” (superb) and a gallon of ice tea. After a great meal (they also had a guitar player in the lounge where we sat), another “pee” break and good conversation, we were off on the bikes once more. We exited the causeway onto Route 90 and stopped for gas. We traveled Route 90 to Route 59 heading towards Route 98 in Foley, Alabama. We turned left on 98 in Foley and followed 98 back to Pensacola where we stopped off at Panhandle Motorcycle Society (PMS) for a refreshing beverage. After staying a bit we were back on the bikes once again. Rainman and Safarisu turned right towards home and Bob and I turned left back to 98. We live only a couple miles from PMS.

What a great ride! Besides the “spontaneous combustion” part, it was a picture perfect day. We are looking forward to another road trip soon. Anyone want to join us?

RIDE FOR HUMANE-ITY

By Laura Ward

On Saturday, June 27, 2009, Panhandle Motorcycle Society (PMS) sponsored a police escorted ride to the Humane Society of Pensacola, located off “O” Street and Navy Boulevard. This particular Humane Society is non-profit so they were in desperate need of food and supplies. As we all waited patiently for the two deputies to arrive to escort our ride (they were running late), the smell of great food along with the sound of music and laughter was all around us. We were also surrounded by the hot, blazing sun that was melting the asphalted driveway which made a couple bikes start to lean. But that didn’t deter us bikers. We were on a mission to help our animal friends in need. Finally, one of the deputies arrived and without any help escorted 50+ bikers that had lined up for the ride and a pickup truck bringing up the rear, the bed filled to the brim with donations. I am not sure what happened to the other deputy but KUDOS to the one who came to help. Even though he was by himself, he did one HELL of a job getting us through the red lights and traffic. He was a “one-man army” for sure! After arriving at the Humane Society we were greeted by a few dogs coming out to say hello to us. A line was formed and the donations were taken from the truck into the building. Inside I met Sara who had a pit bull with her. You could see many scars upon his head where he was made to fight other pit bulls at one time. What a sweetheart of a dog! He was so friendly and so glad to see all of us. There were several dogs outside in the back in cages where they could run around, all barking and wagging their tails, trying to see who it was coming to see them. It was sad to see these precious animals who were either abandoned or abused, sitting and waiting, hoping that this might be the day someone was coming to adopt them and give them a good home. Could that person be you? If you would like more information about these animals, or If you would like to donate supplies, please call PMS at (850) 607-7769.

LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
By Laura Ward

The “Declaration of Independence”, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, was signed by 56 men. Those men signed this declaration knowing, if captured, they would be put to death. Most of those men ended up suffering horribly in one way or another just so that we may live a life of freedom. We must never forget that!

And the pursuit of happiness? Indeed! It showed on the faces of those who attended the 8th Annual Firecracker Bike Show at Milton’s Riverwalk on July 4th. Not only were people there celebrating, but there was also a few from the animal kingdom. 64 bikes registered and displayed beautiful workmanship; wonderful talent and pride of their owners. Yes, pride … not only for their bikes but also for their country. 16 categories were represented with 16 trophies awarded to those by popular vote. Yes, vote … the freedom to make our own choice thanks in part to those 56 men and to those brave soldiers who fought – and are still fighting for this country.

That famous quote by Patrick Henry , “Give me liberty or give me death”. Think about that when you are riding your motorcycle with the sun shining on your face and the wind blowing in your hair.

Ah Life! Isn’t it wonderful to be able to celebrate our Independence Day? To enjoy watching the faces of those winning those trophies; the freedom to watch the parade of boats as they circled the river; laughing at the children hiding from the pirates; mingling and chatting with friends.

Yes … life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I think that pretty much sums up our Firecracker Bike Show.