Beach Motorcycle Riding in the Florida Panhandle

Owning a motorcycle means independence. You get to feel the wind through your hair, the excitement of the open road, the adrenaline as you take off. Trying to explain the feeling of being on 2 wheels to someone who has never ridden is almost an impossible task, as the feeling is wonderful, yet indescribable. So break out the leathers, dust off your helmet, and get ready to ride. Whether you own Pensacola real estate, have Destin homes for rent, are stationed here, or are just visiting on vacation, riding in the Panhandle of Florida is always a pleasure.

Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and the entire local area is home to Eglin AFB, which hosts the NAVY EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) School. This poker run and bike show, held yearly, is hosted by the local EODMC, who's members all hold the EOD qualification, and is a charity event for the club, raising funds to help the EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation. Events include a 90 mile poker run, live bands, drawings, door prizes, bike show, vendors, and food. Due to the close location, and the local support of this poker run as well as the military, with both the local media, and military support, this has become one of the more popular poker runs in the area. But don't let that stop you. With other random smaller runs almost every weekend during pristine riding weather in the local area, you can be sure to always have something to do on 2 wheels. From charity rides, to local bike clubs holding there own ride to somewhere, as well as car shows and bike rally's in almost all the small towns during summer, you can be sure to find friends on 2 wheels.

Panama City Beach, Florida is a busy place to be during the warm months, with millions of people visiting its shores to take in the sun, fun, and everything else that the beach provides. During this time, Panama City Beach gets invaded for a week twice a year by thousands of chrome custom choppers and stretched fast crotch rockets, as well as everything in between for the annual Thunder Beach Spring and Autumn Rally's. Join thousands at the most biker friendly free rally in the US, as participants party, ride, and enjoy the beach and bikes with events that include the Kick-Start Party, Kick-Start After Party, 2 separate beauty contests, different poker runs every day, bike shows, parades, burn out contests, wet t-shirt contests, stunt shows, and more. Vendors, local shops, and even those from all over come to this event, making it one of the better local gatherings yearly for locals to see what different company's are doing with products and gear, as well as seeing there latest and greatest creation. Thunder Beach has been described as "Mardi Gras in New Orleans; but for motorcycles on the beach." Come see why this party has to be held twice a year. Take a part in the burn out contest, sign a custom built chopper into a build off, win awards and prizes in bike contests, enjoy the local seafood, and enjoy the pristine rides that the Emerald Coast has to offer.

The Florida area has some of the most beautiful beach riding in the US, so while here for the events, why not go for a local ride, and get away and enjoy what Florida really has to offer, pristine riding in conditions that haven't changed much since the area was inhabited by Native Americans over 400 years ago. From gorgeous beaches to the calming forests, small towns and bustling, growing communities, picturesque views, and wonderful weather, riding in Florida is a no-brainer locals enjoy year long. Continue your ride here (not on map) with the beauty of a ride down 30A, or head back to get back to the action and events of the rally.

The Short Ride (25 Miles) (East Ride)

Leaving from Pier Park, tour Panama City Beach and take a relaxing ride out to historic St. Andrews on the Bay, and enjoy St. Andrews State Park, with full camping facility's, this is a family vacation dream location, due to low tourist numbers and its local beauty second to none. Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach away from the crazy college crowd in this more appropriate for all ages area of the sugar white beaches.

The Long Ride (62 Miles) (West Ride)

Leaving from Pier Park, head west out of town, and enjoy some of the most pristine and coastline Florida offers, with views unchanged by man since the days Native Americans roamed this land. Stops include Camp Helen State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, some of the largest protected dune lakes in Florida. To make this trip longer, continue west on 30A and enjoy all the scenic towns and community's, offering luxurious beach living.