Run To The Heartland Revs Up

So here's Marty Schroth, 178 miles from home - make that Homestead. That's where, years ago, he met John Clark, just sitting on a barstool.

And here's Gwen Clark, John's sister. Back in the day, she was a Miami police officer - and a cute one, Schroth adds - who came to the chemistry class he still teaches to tell students how she actually used chemistry in real life. Schroth was later best man at John Clark's wedding.

And where do they meet again? Schroth rode his 2007 Harley Road King to the Heartland Riders Association Run to the Heartland, an annual convention of Fat Boys, Gold Wings, Triumphs, Yamahas and Valkyries in the traffic circle. It's a place where lots of old friends get together and knock back a brew.

The event started Friday with flag-raising ceremonies by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office honor guard, singing the national anthem by Leslie Conerly, and bagpipes by Mark Manley.

Today, the poker run begins at 8 a.m., the opening ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m., bikers can strut their modeling style in shows at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m., and bikers can enter their rides in a show until 3 p.m.

"Last year, there was one with flames jumping out of it," said Lora Todd, who with Gwen Clark is one of the promoters. The crowd can also vote for their own choice.

The poker run leads bikers around the county, picking up cards to complete their hand. "This year, they'll go to the Fall Bazaar in Avon Park and the caladium fields, and they can stop and look along the way. They always stop in Lake Placid and look at the murals."

Riders must return by 2:30 p.m. if they want to hear the gastronomical boogie woogie of the "Sauce Boss." That's Tallahassee bluesman Bill Wharton, who cooks gumbo for the masses and at the same time plays "Your Maytag Done Broke Down." Jimmy Buffet is a fan: the shrimp boat rocker put Wharton's "Let the Big Dog Eat" and "Great Big Fanny" on his own album, "Margaritaville Cafe Late Night Menu."

Other performers include Flor & the Puppies from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rastus Kain from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Un4Given from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

"There's also a kid's zone," said Todd. "Parents can drop their kids off at Sebring Middle School," where kids will find a bounce house, games, clowns, puppets, face painting, and motorcycle demonstrations by Steve Carrier of the Power Team. While chaperones mind the kiddies, parents can take their time downtown.

The whole event is free, unless they find Rich DiSanza, the Internet sales manager at Conley RV Center. He's showing off four "toy boxes," motorcycle trailers with a house attached. Really. There's eight tie-downs in the garage, five cabinets and a ramp. A door leads to the living room, fully equipped kitchen, and a bedroom. That way, the occupants won't have to sleep with the "hogs."

The event also continues until 6 p.m. Sunday with a morning worship service, the blessing of the bikers at 10:40 a.m., music from three bands, and a motorcycle thrill show at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.