Harley Owners to Rally in Lakeland

LAKELAND – Motorcycle riders know what cooler weather brings – longer motorcycle rides. And come October in Florida, with cooler nights and shirt-sleeve warm days, it is perfect weather for hitting the streets

Thus, there is no better time to break out your Harley and head for Lakeland the last weekend in October for the Florida H.O.G. Rally, being held from Oct. 26-29. From the ground of Sun ‘n Fun, an aviation-centric facility featuring runways, hangers and wide open spaces, members of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, associate members and their guests will take to the streets and scenic back roads of Polk County.

But if you think this is another trip through the land of Flatistan of Flori-dull, you’re wrong. Polk County is home to some of the highest elevations in Florida thanks to the Lake Wales Ridge. Named for the city of Lake Wales, which is roughly at its midpoint, the ridge is home to Iron Mountain, where you can find the legendary Bok Tower Gardens. The roads here offer a rolling topography rarely found in the state, as well as numerous elevation changes, plenty of lakes to circle around and, of course, fragrant orange groves to pass by.

If curves are more your style, however, Polk County offers those in spades as well, thanks to the mining roads in the eastern part of the county. One guided rally ride even includes a trip through the Agricola Mine Loop, home of the long-gone town of Agricola, where only a lone marker proclaims its one-time existence. On this ride, once you get away from civilization, you’ll enjoy not only scenic natural Florida on display, but also numerous sweeps and S-curves through lonesome back country.

Of course, no rally is complete without poker runs, music and vendors, and the Florida H.O.G. Rally will feature plenty of each. Numerous bands will play throughout the event at the rallying point of Sun ‘n Fun, where not only antique motorcycles but also antique airplanes will be on display. Also available at Sun ‘n Fun will be a Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Available for both owners and non-Harley owners alike is the Harley-Davidson Demo Trailer at Sun ‘n Fun featuring the new lineup of 2017 motorcycles, including the much anticipated 2017 Milwaukee 8. Harley demo rides are always first come, first served and free of charge, so make sure to get there early – these are popular events. Riders must already have their motorcycle endorsement and should wear appropriate attire.

Other rally events include the official kick-off party at Harborside Restaurant in Winter Haven, drill team demonstrations, a visit by early Motor Maid Gloria Tramontin Struck, who at 91 still rides whenever she can, and a Parade of Flags practically across Polk County. The event will wrap up Saturday evening with a performance by the Déjà Vu Band, a band of talented, nationally renowned performers who are often found at Harley rallies around the United States.

And while online pre-registration is closed, there is still the opportunity to register in person at the rally. Just remember to bring your national H.O.G. membership card. The Lakeland area has plenty of lodging and varied places to dine, so there is no shortage of either for visitors.

For more information, visit www.flstatehogrally.com. Fun ‘n Sun, the staging area for the event, is centrally located at 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland.

Image credit: Fernando dos Anjos via Flickr