22nd Annual Leesburg Bikefest 2018
Leesburg, FL (APR 30, 2018)
And off and running!! Found out on the first day of this years Leesburg Bikefest that I had a media pass waiting on me while I was at work (Got up at 5am...). I was able to get a co-worker to come and relieve me and it was off and running. Went home, packed up what I needed and drove the 210 miles non-stop. I arrived about 5 pm and went immediately to work. I soon found my contact, Bryan of PhotoBryan (based out of Daytona Beach) and picked up the media pass. Upon talking to the powers that be, they apologized for me not getting a pass the previous year and assured me that I would definitely get them in the future. Leesburg Bikefest Rocks!!
I started out just shooting some B roll video and also a lot of still photos. The real deal began about 8PM at the Towne Square Stage right behind the Leesburg City Hall....bikini contest time for the highly coveted Ms. Bikefest prize. Once again thanks to Michelle of the International Bikini Team, the huge crowd was not dissapointed at all. Congratulations to Brooke Loren for winning Ms. Bikefest! I then hung around and shot some video of the highlighter band, singer/songwriter/guitarist of the Philadelphia-based Blues-Rock band Cinderella, Tom Keifer. After that, being totally exhausted from being up so long, I followed Bryan out to Windy Acres Campground. Nowww, that is a totally different campground that I am used to. It states it is adults only, and from some of the happenings I witnessed, I shall return....nuff said, just make sure you go there next Leesburg Bikefest!!! (My only problem was that I was too tired to put up my tent, so I just slept in the car....yep, paid for the that on Saturday.)
Soooo, got up about 8AM on Saturday, kinda crippled up (I am 70 ya know) but was able to get a very reasonalbly priced breakfast at the campground. While eating, I was informed of some of the even more adult shenanigans that transpired after I retired for the evening. Annnd again....I will be back, only much better prepared.
Returning downtown again about 11 am, I went over to the Rats Hole Bike Show. That one never lets me down with all the amazing creations exhibited. It didn't hurt that another photographer friend, Chopper Dave, had lined up some really interestingly hott models that we were able to shoot on the bikes (with permission of the owners, of course). Thank you ladies and gents for all you're cooperation. The only negative about the photo shoot was that I missed out on the Pinup Girl competition. Oh well, all in a days work, ya win some and ya miss some..
As the day progressed, being overtired, the heat of the day began to get to me. I was able to at least be there for the Miss Ratmate contest later that afternoon. Again, The International Bikini Team came through with some of the most beautiful ladies on the planet competing. As usual, Radical Randy hosted the contest, bring his special brand of color commentary to the forefront. Congratulations to Whitney Arielle for winning Ms. Ratsmate!
Right after that contest, I could no longer hang out, and decided it was time to head home. I had an excellent time this year and was able to make some new friends and rekindle some past friendships. Next year there will be much better planning on my part and will probably use the conversion van(ya know the one with the BED in it...)instead of the Caddy Hotel.....and remain for the entire event.
Once again, thanks to all who allowed CycleShotz to photograph or videotape you and PLEASE share this site with your friends!!!
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