The first Cape Bike Night of the season attracted the largest number of people in the seven years of hosting the event.
Parks and Recreation special events coordinator Todd King said the October Cape Bike Night was the largest one they have ever experienced. He said between the hours of 7 to 10 p.m. 15,000 people were in attendance.
“It was a crazy motorcycle night in Cape Coral,” King said. He added that their were no incidents or behavioral issues during the event, which “as a city we should be really proud of that.”
“Everyone had a great time, it was a great, great night,” King said.
He said that with the help of the Cape Bike Night sponsors and business community supporting the event, it was a real positive step forward in these economic times.
Booths, raffles, bike oriented organizations, live music and bike enthusiast filled the streets between Vincennes Blvd. and Coronado Pkwy on SE 47th Terrace on Saturday. Motorcycles of all models, colors and designs also littered the curbs of 47th Terrace, which was coned off during the event.
President of Guardian Angels Barbara Piskorz said Saturday’s Cape Bike Night was their second event in which they had a table set up.
They were selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a $500 Harley Davidson gift card.
Piskorz said the organization is strictly volunteer based and all the proceeds they collected during the event went towards Guardian Angels.
Haus of Trikes and Bikes, which is located on the Corner of Fowler and Colonial in Fort Myers, had a Big Dog truck set up on one of the side streets during the event with approximately 25 bikes showcased for spectators to view.
One of the owners, Manfred Glanzner, said he enjoys coming to Cape Bike Night because it’s a great way to advertise what his company has to offer.
Representatives from The Yellow Jacket, a Gold Wing Road Riders Association, were also in attendance selling raffle tickets for a 2010 Honda Goldwing.
Chapter Rider Educator of The Yellow Jacket Danny Thomas said the raffle sales from Bike Night helps in funding rider education programs. He added that the chapter also works with the Motor Awareness Division to help educate motorist so they become more aware of motorcycle riders.
Spectator Frank Perrone said he rode his bike from Charlotte County to attend the event for the second year.
“Cape Coral Bike Night has something special,” he said, adding that the comraderie during the event is amazing.
Perrone said the event is always a good time because it gives him the opportunity to meet new people and see new faces.
Cape Coral residents Jim and Theresa Roach rode to the event in their bright yellow three-wheeler, which they won an award for at last year’s Gearhead Birthday Bash for the Best Stock Motorcycle.
“I enjoy looking at the bikes, live music and being outdoors instead of at home watching T.V.,” Jim said about attending Cape Bike Night.
Theresa said she enjoys going to Cape Bike Night because it gives her the opportunity to spend time with her husband. “That’s always good times,” she said.
Steve Spencer said Saturday’s Cape Bike Night was the first one he attended. He said he drove his Honda Goldwing, which he built from scratch, from North Fort Myers.
He said he enjoyed the event because of the opportunity to look at all the different bikes.
The next Cape Bike Night will be held on Dec. 12 from 5 to 10 p.m.