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Highlands Today

Heartland Riders Association Misunderstood By Some

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Lora Todd

Published: May 9, 2008

I was listening to the rantings of a local "radio personality" on my way to work this week. I don't normally listen to him, but today I was curious to see what he would have to say regarding the Sebring City Council's approval of the fifth Annual Run to the Heartland. He certainly didn't disappointment me.

He made reference to a Latin Motorcycle "gang" that would be having their convention here. The Latin American Motorcycle Association, L.A.M.A., has attended the Run to the Heartland for the past several years and has always been very supportive to our community by filling our hotels, restaurants and other business establishments. They spend their hard-earned dollars to help support charities throughout the state and, yes, even here in our area. They are an extremely gracious group of people that come here to enjoy the fellowship and atmosphere and partake in the one thing that joins bikers and motorcycle enthusiast alike, the freedom and enjoyment of riding a motorcycle.

He also made reference to how the event attracts the "biker" type. Well, it is after all a motorcycle event. He referred to his very good friend, that has a very prominent job, who gets all dressed up in his leathers and "dew rag" and becomes this alter ego the "Bad Biker." Well, I would suggest that he recommend therapy for his friend before he gets himself killed.

Riding a motorcycle is no place to have that kind of attitude. It's very dangerous and perhaps he should counsel his friend about the dangers of a mid-life crisis. I am a woman rider. I have a professional career and I am the same person when I get on my motorcycle as I am when I get off. I wear my helmet, leather chaps, boots and gloves as a source protection between me and the pavement and the elements. As for my leather vest and colors, well, they represent the places I have been, causes I support and proudly display the organization to which I belong.

He made the comment that he leaves town during the event. That's a good thing, more room for people that truly want to be here. But I don't understand how can he make a statement about something he has no personal knowledge of.

The Run to the Heartland is an event for people of all ages and all walks of life. It is put on by people that call this community their home, for people who share the love of riding on two wheels. That includes: bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, race car drivers, school teachers and everyone in between. This event takes a lot of people a lot of time and thought to bring a quality, well run event to this community. I'm sure that the hotels and restaurants don't mind if they have more business during what is typically a slow time of year. It could mean the difference in paying their taxes on time, making a mortgage payment or paying someone's wages.

I will extend a personal invitation to this "radio personality" to contact me for a very up close and personal view of the Run to the Heartland. I will guide you through the many hours of preparation for this event. I'll introduce you to the dedicated HRA members that show up and pour their heart and soul into this event. You can meet us at 5 a.m. on the opening day of the event as we all rustle to get everything set up in time for the 11 a.m. opening.

You can hang out with us until 2 a.m. each day and help us pick up empty cups and cigarette butts from the streets, planters and circle. You can attend every meeting, travel every mile, and help carry every bag of garbage, co-ordinate every performance, fix every blown electrical outlet, put up every tent, carry every box and we'll even let you stand for hours in the sun at the end of the street and direct traffic. Just remember to be kind and smile to all of our guest and supporters, no matter how tired you get. And the best part of all you'll be there because you want to (well, maybe not you) but the Heartland Riders Association will be.

You see, the Heartland Riders Association is there for this community. We are there to cook and serve for the masses at Heartland Idol and Circle of Speed and we are there in the heat of August to park cars for the car show at the Caladium Festival. We are there to help with local charities like Horses for Handicap and help promote safety for the riders and other motorist of our community.

You may not always recognize us because we aren't wearing leather and dew rags. We are all volunteers and are proud of our community and the organization we have built. I've heard a lot criticism regarding the tourist industry in this area. We choose to be part of the solution and others choose to leave town.

Hope to see you on the circle at 5 a.m. on Oct. 3. Ride Safe-Be Safe!

Lora Todd is marketing director for The Heartland Riders Association, Inc. in Sebring.

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