by Toni Daylor
Motorcycle riding may appear to be a solitary sport. It is true that a rider can jump on his bike at any given time, take to the road and experience a much-needed escape.
However, the beauty of this hobby is that it tends to attract others who want to experience the camaraderie and sense of community it fosters.
It was this desire that served as a catalyst for one lone rider to establish a group of like-minded enthusiasts to share in his love of the open road.
In 1998, avid motorcyclist Rick “Rickster” Perry decided to start Southern Cruisers Riding Club so motorcyclists in the Memphis area could come together, meet new friends and fortify what he refers to as the "brotherhood of biking."
However, Perry’s vision for his club was distinctly different than other well-established groups. He wanted to offer all riders, regardless of the make or model of their motorcycles, a chance to join the group without the burden of annual dues, mandatory meetings or imposing rules. The only requirement is a desire to ride with others in a safe, legal manner.
The Central Florida Southern Cruisers Riding Club is open to anyone who enjoys the friendship and camaraderie of fellow bikers. Pictured are members (front, l. to r.) Brenda Garcia, Gretchen Kufel, Tammy Culberson, Billy Trimble, (back, l. to r.) Nancy and Ron Hagen, Miguel Marcano, Eric Louria, Mark Culberson, William Trimble, Julio Nieto and Gary Kufel.
It was not long before news of Perry’s club traveled down the highway to fellow bikers in Central Florida. In 1999, a local chapter of the Southern Cruisers was formed, and, currently maintains a roster of between 60 to 70 riders. Central Florida Southern Cruisers Riding Club pulls members from Leesburg to Kissimmee, ranging in age from 17 to 80. Interestingly, nearly one-half of the members are women, many of whom own their bikes.
The main means of communication is via e-mail and the club’s Web site. Most of the rides take place Sundays and stay primarily in the Central Florida region. Occasionally, the club participates in overnight gatherings, rallies or multichapter events. In addition to scheduled rides, members gather twice a month to discuss rides and share meals at local restaurants. Since a key component to CFSCRC’s philosophy is safety, members agree not to consume alcoholic beverages during planned rides or social gatherings.
Ron and Nancy Hagan of Winter Garden have been with CFSCRC since 2001.
“This is a great way to socialize with others,” said Nancy, who rides as a passenger and will sometimes drive to a destination to join the group for a meal.
Ron, who is an accountant by trade, is often prevented from joining the group during the busy tax season. Whenever he does manage to squeeze in a ride on his own, he finds that he sticks to familiar routes.
“When you are with the group, you go places you would not normally ride to," he said. "It’s a great way to explore other areas.”
“The rides are more diverse,” Nancy agreed.
Nancy is content to ride on the back of Ron’s motorcycle; however, there is a growing number of female members who have opted to take command of their own bikes.
Gretchen Kufel, who rode as a passenger on her husband Gary’s bike, never imagined riding solo. After completing a motorcycle safety class, she purchased a bike, and now the couple, known as Bayou Bug and Bayou Girl (most members have adopted nicknames), ride side by side.
CFSCRC member Karla Wilson participates in frequent “all women” rides organized by the local club.
SCRC has established an assistance program known as Eagle Rescue for the sole purpose of providing help to stranded members. If a bike breaks down during a ride, a simple phone call will bring another member out to offer a ride and transport the bike. Amazingly, a fee or compensation is not expected.
“It’s just part of who we are as a club,” said Mark Culberson, a founding member and current first officer of CFSCRC.
What started as an effort to organize a group of local riders has snowballed into an international organization boasting a membership of more than 35,000 riders representing 508 chapters. The growth of SCRC is not hampered by geographical boundaries and has reached 19 foreign countries, including Australia, Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia), and Iceland, just to name a few. Culberson commented that there are more members in Iceland than in Oklahoma.
Though SCRC does not profess to have an agenda — political or otherwise — the international group has chosen St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis as the beneficiary of its fund-raising events. Locally, CFSCRC supports the philanthropic efforts of other riding clubs by participating in their charitable events.
SCRC’s main mission is to provide a means for others to ride and develop friendships.
“We just want people to come out and have fun,” said Miguel Marcano, who has been a member since the local chapter’s inception and serves as a road captain.
“We try to project a family-friendly environment,” added second officer Eric Louria, who maintains CFSCRC's Web site.
Whether a person’s preference is a Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Triumph or any other brand, SCRC members welcome all riders to explore the open road with them.
Classic Car Shows at Old Town
From hot rods and street rods to prized antiques, Old Town is the place where classic car enthusiasts gather each Saturday to appreciate a plethora of beautifully restored and enhanced specialty automobiles.
For more than 15 years, Old Town, located at 5770 W. U.S. Highway 192 in Kissimmee, has hosted what has now become the largest weekly car cruise in America. Nearly 325 mint-condition cars are showcased during a 30-minute cruise beginning at 5:30 p.m. Those wanting a closer look at these beauties should plan to arrive early, as cars begin to pull in at 1 p.m.
Friday nights are reserved for cars and trucks manufactured from 1973 through 1987, as well as the customs, special interest vehicles, and exotics most can only dream about. Cars are on display beginning at 5 p.m. and parade through Old Town at 9 p.m.
Both Friday's and Saturday's events are held year-round, weather permitting, and feature live entertainment on Old Town's main stage.
For more information, call (407) 396-4888 or visit www.old-town.com/classic on the Web.
Classic Car Club of America
Founded in 1952 by car enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of automobiles manufactured from 1925 through 1948, Classic Car Club of America, a Des Plaines, Ill.-based car club, boasts more than 1,000 members nationwide.
For more information, send an e-mail to classiccarclub@aol.com or visit www.classiccarclub.org on the Web.
The Central Florida Wide Track Warriors
For those who love Pontiacs, whether they own one or not, the Central Florida Wide Track Warriors is the club to check out. This Central Florida-based club meets the second Saturday of each month at the Carl Black Pontiac Buick GMC dealership, located at 11500 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Cars of all years are welcome and do not have to be tricked-out or specialized. The family-friendly club attends events throughout Central Florida; and will host its annual car show next month at Old Town in Kissimmee.
For more information, visit www.orlandowtw.com on the Web.
For more information about the Central Florida Southern Cruisers Riding Club, visit www.cfscrc.com on the Web.
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