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Buzzed on biking

Steve Rice, 41
Steve Rice, 41
STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER
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Steve Rice, 41 Occupation: Electrician Hometown: Bradenton Motorcycle: 2002 Iron Horse Slammer Cost: $19,000 In August 2006, all the bones in Steve Rice’s face were broken in a motorcycle accident. He said he asked his physician if he would regain his vision and be able to ride again. “When he said I would, I went home and bought this bike on eBay even though I couldn’t ride for another six months,” he said. Rice and his wife, Tonya, ride with full-faced helmets now instead of half-shell helmets or none at all. “Law or not, everybody should wear a helmet,” he said.

By HALLE STOCKTON

Published: Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, October 12, 2008 at 12:14 a.m.

PALMETTO - Droves of bikers rolled into the Manatee County Fairgrounds on Saturday to socialize over a few beers, listen to live music and check out motorcycle products at the West Coast Bike Rally.

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Mickey Fletcher, 50, and his wife, June, 45
Mickey Fletcher, 50, and his wife, June, 45
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Occupation: Self-employed Hometown: Riverview Motorcycle: Harley Davidson 2007 Street Glide Cost: $20,000 The Fletchers took a day trip to the Manatee County fairgrounds Saturday, leaving all worries over the economy behind. Though money troubles hinder the motorcycling hobby for some people, Mickey Fletcher said he and his wife ride to forget about it. "When you're stressed, you need to just get on your motorcycle and ride. Feel the wind. Free your mind," Mickey Fletcher said. Order photo
STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER

Stephen Tracy, 44, and his daughter, Makyla, 9
Stephen Tracy, 44, and his daughter, Makyla, 9
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Occupation: Plumber Hometown: Bradenton Motorcycle: Kawasaki Vulcan Cost: $7,000 With red-tail boas about 15 pounds each wrapped around their necks, Stephen Tracy and his daughter, Makyla, walked around the fairgrounds, stopping for photos and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and rowdy people. “The snakes are the biggest chick-getter, almost better than my daughter,” Stephen Tracy joked, as his 9-year-old daughter gave a slap to his arm. “It’s just a lot of good people getting together to have a good time and have a few beers in a relaxing, cool, comfortable atmosphere.” Order photo
STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER

Hundreds of motorcycles -- big and small, standard and detailed -- lined the streets and filled an open-face building where the bands performed.

About 25,000 people were expected at the biker bash Saturday, and event marketing director Helen Daruszka said another 10,000 will be at the party today.

The rally began Friday with more than 5,000 bikers rumbling down Lakewood Ranch's Main Street.


This story appeared in print on page BUZZED ON BIKING

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