Defenders MC of Tampa, Florida Support the Felix Romano Charity Bowl

February 3, 2007 the Tampa Chapter of the Defenders M/C made the journey to Ft. Myers to support their Club in the Felix Romano Charity Bowl. Lee County Firefighters vs. the Lee County Sheriffs Office.
Early Saturday morning the Defenders from Tampa Bay began their day preparing for a ride with inclemenent weather to Ft. Myers. Storms had washed the area the night before and the sky threatened to pour more rainfall on the riders. The St. Petersburg group, Scar, Saint and friend Dick, Razor and his squeeze Ann left at 10 am to meet up with the Tampa riders in Ellenton for lunch before the ride south.



We met the Tampa and Lakeland members in Ellenton	At a Riverside Restaurant for lunch



We quickly filled the parking lot. Cowboy and Pegasus arrived in their truck, as did Gatorman and his wife and Dragonfly. The rest of the chapter members arrived on two wheels and the rumble shook the neighborhood. Soon we were doing what we do best, eating. We had a great meal with a terrific view of the water front. We all kept an eye on the sky and watched as it tried to decide weather to soak us all or let us slide. Mother Nature is such a fickle bitch sometimes.
Cue-Ball and Trish showed up with their furry friend in tow.



While we dined members caught up on news and joked a lot. The food was good and the weather cleared as we ate. It was overcast, cool and drying out. We talked about the evening's plans and the upcoming game between the Firefighters and Sheriffs Department. We were glad to find the game was being played in an indoor arena. The Germain Arena in Estero, Florida was all set up for the short field necessary for arena football.



	We pulled into the parking lot of the Comfort Suites in Ft Myers at about two pm. We had a couple hours to kill before we were to meet the Naples and Charlotte chapters for dinner. We got comfortable in our rooms and put away our traveling gear while we prepared to what . . . eat out again. John "Mac", Major, had already made reservations for the club at the local barbecue restaurant and we'd worked up an appetite after our long lunch ride.
	John "Mac", Lee County Major, greeted us soon after our arrival
Two Majors, John Mac and Paladin

	When we arrived at the restaurant we were met by our brothers and sisters from the other chapters. It was great seeing them again and meeting our newest members and probates. We had a sit down meal and caught up on the latest news throughout the chapter. We also talked about the upcoming game. Everyone was sure the Sheriff's office was going to kick some serious booty.


Ozzie, Gatorman and Saint mugging it up for the camera




After our meal we gathered together for the ride to the arena. Parking had been arranged for us and we rode there in force. Defenders from all chapter, except Jacksonville, were there. It was a short ride to the Arena and we got there just as the sunset. On the way we were surprised to see a wild hog run right through our formation and throw itself against the chainlink fence. Fortunately no one was hurt and the porker did not end up on the table with sweet potatoes and cornbread.


	The Defenders had an entire section to themselves. It was packed with members, family and friends. After the opening shows by the Sheriff and Fire Departments the game began. We had great seats where we could see all the action close up. Unfortunately the game started off with an immediate score by the Fire Fighters. Then another. Then another. Eventually the Sheriff's department got on the board. They were holding back because they didn't want to make the Firefighters look bad.



After a greuling show of endurance the game was finally over. The Firefighters earned the bragging rights for this year's game. But just wait, next year the Sheriff's department will give a much better showing. Their Coach, Defender National Vice, Shark, hinted at recruiting some ringers from Chicago to help out. Naturally those of us from the Tampa Chapter weren't much fazed by the defeat, afterall we are used to living with the Bucs back home. You get used to it after a while.

	After the crushing defeat at the hands of the boys in red, the Tampa Chapter returned to their motel and finished up the evening drowning their sorrows in the lounge. After a few brews and they drifted off to their rooms. The plan was to get up and have breakfast at the Cracker Barrel before heading back north to the Tampa Bay area.






Soon we were on the road again heading north. We all had a great time and our brother in the south were great hosts. We look forward to doing it again next year. Until then, well . . . we just won't talk about the game.

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Last updated: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 17:02:25

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