Thunder by the Bay rumbles into Sarastoa

The motorcylce and music festival took over the Sarasota County Fairgrounds this weekend.

  • By Amelia Hanks
  • | 11:00 p.m. February 17, 2019
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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A celebration of all things two-wheeled, from nimble dirt bikes equally at home on the ground and in the air to thundering machines closer in size to small cars, took place last weekend at Sarasota County Fairgrounds. 

The 21st annual Thunder by the Bay made its second stop back in Sarasota on Feb. 15-17 after a one-year hiatus in Lakewood Ranch. It was preceded Feb. 8 by a kickoff party at the White Buffalo Saloon. 

Far from simply a show of leather jackets and exhaust fumes, the exposition featured clothing and accessory vendors, live music, food and drinks. A Led Zeppelin tribute band took center stage on Sunday and drew a big crowd. Additionally, there were moto-cross riders performing aerial tricks and a motorcycle show for just about any type of machine imaginable.

The event raises money for Suncoast Charities for Children.

Thousands of motorcycles ran through the fairground on Feb. 15-17.
Thousands of motorcycles ran through the fairground on Feb. 15-17.
Rob Herbert and Rob Tatro
Rob Herbert and Rob Tatro
Clothes and other motorcycle related goods were all available for riders to purchase.
Clothes and other motorcycle related goods were all available for riders to purchase.
Julian Vergara, Isaiah Vergara and Patrick Vergara
Julian Vergara, Isaiah Vergara and Patrick Vergara
Lisa Seudo and Dan Purtee
Lisa Seudo and Dan Purtee
Bentley the dog got to join in the festivities.
Bentley the dog got to join in the festivities.
Heather Mills and Mark Luchte
Heather Mills and Mark Luchte
The motorcycles weren't the only attraction to the festival, there was also live music.
The motorcycles weren't the only attraction to the festival, there was also live music.
In the Light, a Led Zepplin tribute band, entertained the crowd.
In the Light, a Led Zepplin tribute band, entertained the crowd.
Jean Hoover and Ray Hoover
Jean Hoover and Ray Hoover
Bianca Palmer and Sam Thurmond
Bianca Palmer and Sam Thurmond

 

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