Big Crowds Expected At Run To The Heartland

SEBRING - A fraction of 60,000 expected motorcycle riders attended the Run for the Heartland's opening ceremonies Friday morning, but organizers, merchants and early visitors said the party will really get jumping today.

The three-day event lasts through Sunday. Most events are free and open to the public. Last year, local police estimated attendance at 30,000 people and organizers expect twice as many guests this year.

Susan Personette is a waitress at Sandy's Circle Cafe on the Historic Circle. The Circle and Sebring Civic Center is the focal point for many of the weekend's events.

"Saturday will be a slam-up day, all day," said Personette. "It will be a killer. Sandy's is ready for all the bikers."
The waitress said she enjoys meeting different types of people.
"I love all the vibrations," she said.

Lora Todd heads a dedicated group of volunteers.
"It's organized chaos, but everything is ready to go," said Todd on Friday. "So far we're off and running. Today people are gradually coming into town. Saturday is the big day."

About 100 vendors were setting up Friday morning with high expectations. Several food vendors cooked and prepared everything from sausage sandwiches to fish specialties and fresh- squeezed lemonade. A tattoo artist was set up as well as more than a dozen clothing merchants.

Kevin "Dragon" Norman works for Rumbling Pride in Lakeland. He was busy installing LED lights on a motorcycle. For about 75 minutes of work, including parts, he charged $345.
"The busier we are, the more money I make," Norman said matter-of-factly.

The event's chaplain, Larry Overfield, of Worship in the Heartland, is running Kids Zone at Sebring Middle School on Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. He also gave the event benediction and will host a Sunday service.

"A lot of people are trailoring their bikes here and coming a long distance. We want the kids to be a part of it," said Overfield. "Its a family affair. The run is growing and getting bigger every year."
Most motorcyclists who had arrived by Friday morning were from nearby, while most were enroute or about to leave home.

Scott Bills rode a Yamaha from Lake Placid.
"I like to see a lot of nice bikes," said Bills. "This is a great time of the year to do it and it gives Sebring a shot in the arm. I'm here for the bike and people watching."

Jim DeLaney trailored his Harley Davidson from Flemington, N.J., and is camping this weekend at Highlands Hammock State Park.

He wears earplugs to cut the rumble and roar and is touring both the local roadways by bike and the downtown by foot. DeLaney has an appointment with a Realtor about buying property in Sebring.
"I'm looking for a home in Florida while I'm attending rallies every weekend for the rest of the month," said the veteran of hundreds of similar motorcycle events.

2007 Run to the Heartland Photo Gallery