2023 Law Enforcement Ride- Gulf Coast

 2023 Law Enforcement Ride

Recently, I was asked if I could help with planning a group ride from the local Harley-Davidson dealership, along a scenic route and back to the dealership for a cookout and some good ole fashioned motorcycling camaraderie. The ride was billed as a "Law Enforcement Ride" and it would have a law enforcement escort from start to finish. As a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to help out.

The ride

The ride started at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Harley-Davidson Dealership at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 1st. After a quick safety briefing, the group of over 20 riders and several classic cars headed out, escorted by the Gulfport Police Department's and Harrison County Sheriff's Department's Motor Units. With the Motormen stopping traffic and leading the way, the riders pulled out of the dealership on their journey along the scenic South Mississippi route. Once underway, the riders never had to stop, making for a fun, safe and easy ride. The route took us from the dealership, north into some beautiful backroads in the country, then back southbound to the gorgeous white sand beaches on US90. 

We headed over toward the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo at Jones Park, where we took a break under one of the pavilions, with snacks and drinks graciously provided by MS Gulf Coast H-D. After our short break from the South Mississippi sun, we headed back over to US90, and pointed our headlights eastbound. We made an easy ride along the coastal highway with the a nice coastal breeze keeping us cool in the summer sun, then we headed north on I-110 up to the sleepy town of D'Iberville. We took the exit and headed along some nice backroads, all the way back to the dealership, where the good folks there had the grill going, an inflatable water slide set up and live music playing. We all hung out at the shop for a couple of hours, enjoying the free food and drinks, making a couple (or more) purchases of swag and getting to know some of our local boys in blue that kept us safe on our ride. It was a genuinely good time for all.

Video of the ride

While I'm not usually a fan of group rides, I really enjoyed this one. My wife, Mrs. MotoWriter, was on the bike with me, filming and taking photos for the dealership's awesome marketing manager, Alyssa and, of course, I had my GoPro mounted to the engine guard of the MotoWriter Road King. The ride was fun, easy and full of good people and followed up with good food, camaraderie and a few new friends made. I couldn't help but have a little fun with the video I made, adding some classic theme songs to the soundtrack. It's not a long video, so take a few minutes to check it out by clicking here. If you like it, let me know by giving it a thumbs up.

Until next time, Ride safe and make good choices, MotoReaders!