By Rick Lanier
For the Opelika
Observer
Opelika’s Big Swamp Harley Davidson officially kicked off the 2019 riding season as family members from across the region gathered for the monthly reunion known as Bike Night at the Swamp presented by KISSIN’ 99.3 FM and Steele Horse Law.
Outside, the crowd of more than 80 riders enjoyed live music by Neil Tyrell, pizza, cold beverages and raffle giveaways, while inside Service Manager Scot Brewster and HD clothing representatives Sara Bryan and Heather Hendrix treated patrons to a 10-percent discount and double reward points on all parts/accessories, clothing and merchandise purchases.
Opelika resident and Big Swamp family member Bobby Teal has been coming to Bike Night for years.
“It just keeps getting better and better! I really enjoy meeting up with friends, checking out the really cool bikes, and the fellowship with some really good people.” Mike Eurell, a retired naval officer and Opelika resident has experienced bike nights all over the country ranks Big Swamp as one of his all-time favorites. “I’ve crisscrossed America in the seat of a Harley Davidson, I love it, but having the opportunity and a place to kick-back with family and friends, sharing stories and planning new ones, that’s what it’s all about really.”
General Manager Katrina Pennington’s Bike Night philosophy is simple: “No matter what you ride or drive, or what you do for a living, or why you came or how you got here, our doors are open to you and the community. This is a way for all of us here to recognize our Big Swamp family and to let them know just how much we appreciate them.”
Overcome with emotion, Pennington went on to say “especially tonight, after what this community has been through, and the loss we feel – for the first time in so many years, I want be able to talk to my dear friend Lynn Grimes who was so involved with our Bike Night events, and who unfortunately perished in the tornado. My heart just goes out to his beautiful daughter Kayla who is recuperating from her injuries and to the rest of his family. He was a really special and tonight, in honor, we take pause to remember how fragile life is and to dedicate this evening to Lynn, Kayla and their family.”
Bike Night at the Swamp is held from 5 to 8 p.m.at Big Swamp Harley Davidson, 1201 Fox Run Parkway in Opelika on the first Friday of each month.