Gibtown Bike Fest: Motorcycle Mayhem comes to Gibsonton
Johnny Rockett's Cycle Circus jumper flies through the air at Gibtown Bike Fest 2020
While many folks were celebrating at the Gasparilla Children’s Parade on Bayshore, bikers communed in Gibsonton at the 4th annual Gibtown Bike Fest. Motorcycle enthusiasts came from all over the state.
Gibtown was established as a winter home to workers in the heyday of American carnivals in Gibsonton Fl. It now hosts Gibtown Bikefest annually
There are several things that you have to accept if you want to go to Gibtown or generally any other biker festival. There's a lot of drinking, a lot of cigarette and cigar smoking , and a lot of noise. In addition, it is Trump country. The prominent undertone is of the Christian conservative right. It’s on their vests, t-shirts, hats and flags. US veterans also make up a large chunk of the population. The crowd is a boisterous, beer drinking, hootin’-and-hollerin’ group and make no apologies for it. Their music is decidedly Southern rock, they dress in mostly leather, jeans, and t shirts, and everything is loud. That's the way it is. If that’s a problem, it’s not the place for you.
Gibtown Bike Fest is Trump country. The prominent undertone is of the Christian conservative right. It’s on their vests, t-shirts, hats and flags.
Harley Davidson Jump Start Rider Experience allows anyone who wants to try their hand at riding to give it a shot. No license or helmet needed and it’s free! The instructor stands close and gives operating instructions
But if you can accept that and want to see a host of characters in an event filled with testosterone, motorcycles, and be in a photographically rich environment, this is the place. Did I mention lots of beer? For the uninitiated, the amount of alcohol consumed at a festival like this where most folks are going to saddle up and ride their bikes home may seem counterintuitive given current trends. I’ve been attending motorcycle events for decades, and again, that’s just the way it is.
Also, MC clubs (don’t call them gangs)-some of whom would probably cut you if you piss them off- mix with us unaffiliated bikers here. In the years I've been part of this crowd I've never seen a fight break out. There's an underlying code of no colors (gang patches), no weapons, and no attitudes. It’s a bikers unite thing.
The most stunning part of the afternoon is Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus, where BMX bicycle riders mix with motor bikes, acrobats, and aerial gizmos to bring the audience to a thunderous roar. Motorcycle riders understand the difficulty of putting 3 bikes inside a 10 foot steel sphere racing around in 360° at high speeds (see video). The crowd goes wild. Motorcycle daredevils speeding up ramps to fly through the air in another act is a bike show staple, but it is still thrilling to see.
Yep, sky high above the lights
Johnny Rocket and Galaxy Girl perform a high rise stunt, with Rockett on the bike and Galaxy Girl dangling from a trapeze set.
Yep, they’re up there. At one point the motorcycle leaves it’s track and flies around like an elevated teeter-totter
Hillsborough County Sheriff' Motor Deputy demonstrates his ride for a future recruit.
Short helicopter rides (1 and 1/2 minutes) are available for $20 and allow for an aerial view of the festivities.
Born to Ride media sponsored a ride-in bike show with trophies in several categories, and entertainment included Southern rockers Georgia Thunderbolts, Black Stone Cherry, and the Kentucky Headhunters.
The audience cheers the Kentucky Headhunters, one of the Southern rock bands performing at this years fest.
Grammy award winning group Kentucky Headhunters drummer Fred Young, bassist Doug Phelps, and lead guitarist Greg Martin crank out their raucous style
The festival is free and runs through January 19. No motorcycle needed. Everyone is welcome.