Boaterz and Bikerz announce second tour
After a highly successful inaugural event in May 2013 that saw 22 members of the boating industry and their friends combine their love of boating with an exciting, cross-country Florida to California motorcycling adventure, organizers of the “Boaterz n’ Bikerz Hull of a Tour² are pleased to announce “The Freedom Ride,” sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, along with marine media sponsor Soundings Trade Only and platinum support sponsor Hurricane. Kenton Smith Marketing serves as the event producer and publicist.
“The Freedom Ride” will feature a nine-day guided motorcycle and boating trek from Sarasota, Fla., to Washington, D.C. The tour sports great roads and scenic byways routed by Road Captain and Regal Marine Regional Sales Manager Jim Krueger, featuring boating activities at select Freedom Boat Club locations along with visits to many historic venues. Key stops include St. Augustine, Fla., Charleston, S.C., Cape Hatteras, N.C., Williamsburg, Va., Gettysburg and York, Pa., and Annapolis, Md., among others. The grand finale winds up in Washington, D.C., with tours of Mount Vernon and other landmarks, concluding with an escorted ride in the famous 2015 Rolling Thunder rally that travels from the Pentagon to the National Mall and Vietnam Memorial. Rolling Thunder is one of the largest annual motorcycle rallies in the world which draws hundreds of thousands bikers; it honors prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“Our 2013 ride from Destin, Fla., to San Diego was fantastic – we had such an amazing ride and met so many folks who shared our love for boating and motorcycling,” said B&B Event Producer Wanda Kenton Smith, chief marketing officer of Freedom Boat Club and owner of Kenton Smith Marketing. “Those who rode the first time around haven’t stopped talking about a second trip since the day we splashed down in San Diego, so I’m thrilled we’re gearing up for another memorable run.”
The official tour departure will launch Friday, May 15 from Freedom Boat Club’s Marina Jack, Sarasota, Fla., location, and will run a total of nine days, concluding with the Rolling Thunder rally. Organizers chose the dates due to minimal boating industry conflicts at the time, coupled with best potential weather conditions on the ride route. Riders can participate in the complete tour, or join at any pre-designated stop en route. At select locations, the group will participate in specially planned boating activities hosted by several Freedom Boat Club franchisees.
“We’re very pleased to serve as the title sponsor of the tour and to help promote the fun of the boating lifestyle,” said Freedom Boat Club CEO/President John Giglio. “We have many active clubs along the eastern seaboard, and those tapped to participate are all very proud and enthusiastic to be part of the adventure and to support our boating industry colleagues.” Freedom Boat Club has 84 locations in 19 states coast-to-coast, with 10,000 active members and a fleet of 800 boats nationwide.
The Boaterz ‘n Bikerz Hull of a Tour² “The Freedom Ride” is designed for seasoned motorcyclists with group riding experience. The tour is restricted to those gainfully employed or retired from the boating industry, and their sponsored guests; friends are welcome to join so long as an industry rider is participating. To be kept apprised on tour developments, email Kenton Smith – wanda@freedomboatclub.com and/or request membership in the exclusive Hull of a Tour Facebook Group.
