Cool Runnings

BROOKSVILLE - There are some people who will go to great lengths to see free concerts.

Nearly a dozen of them hopped on their motorcycles Saturday and took part in the first-ever Bandshell Bash Poker Run.

The 101-mile ride began at the corner of Main Street and Jefferson Street and went through Nobleton, Bushnell, Lake Panasoftkee, Inverness and Homosassa before ending at Hernando Park, the site of the monthly Bandshell concerts.

"We're doing it for more free concerts here in the (county)," said organizer Tommy Allen. "It relies on donations and fundraisers ... We have a lot of talented bands here. We want to keep this up for the local talent."

Allen has lived in Brooksville for a year and has served on the Bandshell Committee since January. He recently pitched the idea for a poker run and the other members jumped on it.

He was hoping for at least 15 riders Saturday, but because it coincided with Deadwood in Hudson and another local event sponsored by Harley Davidson, attendance wasn't quite what he wanted.

Nonetheless, Saturday was merely a practice run. Allen plans to organize a bigger, longer poker run in October, in time for Halloween.

"I like it here," said Allen, who moved to the area from Inverness. "I like the environment ... This city right here is big enough for me. I get to see a whole lot of countryside."

Allen remained behind during the run. He wrecked his motorcycle a while back and will have to wait before he saves enough to buy a new one. Besides, he was needed at the park. The committee member had to prepare for the bikers' return in time for the start of the show.

Saturday's free concert was the Classic Rock Bash, featuring the After Dark Crew.

"This is my first one so I thought I'd give it a try," said Jerry Boyge, of Masaryktown, who rode with his wife, Beverly. "It looks like it's going to be a beautiful ride."

Saturday's weather was sunny and warm until late afternoon when the rains came.

Boyge is part of the Apple Dumpling Gang, a local group of senior motorcycle riders. Three of them participated in Saturday's poker run, including "Uncle" George Macedo, a veteran of these rides.

"It's the best time to go is when you know it's for a good cause," Macedo said.

The entry fee was $20. Riders picked up a card at each of the five stops. The one with the best hand received a $100 prize.

Cecil Isenhour, who has participated in several poker runs in his lifetime, brought his girlfriend, Barbara Long, who had never been to one.

"I go to as many of these as I can," Isenhour said. "I love the ride. The (countryside) is exactly what I like about it."

The Bandshell Bash takes place every second Saturday of the month at Hernando Park, located at 205 E. Fort Dade Ave. It features a free concert and a classic car show.

For more information, call 796-3734 or visit www.bandshellbash.com.