The Gateway Chapter of Florida ABATE held its 14th Annual Slammer Jam over Labor Day weekend.  Over 800 bikers braved unseasonable rains to turn out at the Fort Slammer campground near Fort White in North Florida.  As a "newbie", I was concerned about all the horror stories I had heard of the goings on at biker events, but I decided to give it a try anyway.  I had spoken to a local the week before and he had painted a vivid picture of drunken mayhem.  Since the commute was an easy 43 miles, much of it through National Forest, I concluded that I could check it out on Friday and not return if it looked too rough.  The first thing I noticed upon my arrival was the number of families there.  There were a few common sense rules to keep everyone safe and an ever present security force which seemed to have everything under control.

The vendor tents were well stocked with T-shirts, leathers, decals, pins, and numerous other bike and apparel accessories.  There were tattoo artists with books full of designs of all sizes and subjects to choose from.  There were enough food vendors to provide an adequate variety of food, including fresh, hot barbecue.

After dark the Bush Hounds, "Florida's Rock Favorites" band from Tampa Bay started playing.  The crowd quickly picked up the mood and began swaying and dancing.  Lead vocalist Carlos DeAnza built up the enthusiasm as he belted out original tunes and old favorites from Lynrd Skynrd, ZZ Top, and others.  When the electricity went out in the vendors' tents and on the stage, the band, which must have had their own circuit, continued playing in the dark.

Between sets there were charity fund raising raffles of products and services donated by local businesses..  By the time the band finished playing their last set, I envied those who had brought their tents and campers and only needed to walk a few yards to their beds.

On Saturday personal commitments and the weather kept me from arriving much before dark.  I just had time to enjoy a hot, smoked sausage sandwich before the Bush Hounds began playing.  The evening was much as the previous, with the addition of "Sexiest Woman" and "Sexiest Man" contests held after the kids were sent off to their campers.

On Sunday the sky cleared enough to provide some sunlight on the biker games.  Under the able direction of the "Jacksonville Crew", the games provided more hilarity than exhibitions of riding skill.  Riding The Plank is obviously much harder than it looks based on the difficulty some riders had.  Maybe the soft, wet ground had something to do with it.  Having a passenger toss a water balloon over a bar and trying to catch it as the bike rode under it also proved difficult, with many riders getting soaked by the balloon that slipped through the passenger's hands and broke on their head.

The "Bite The Weenie" contest produced more mustard covered faces than bitten hot dogs.  When couples switched places so the woman could ride while the man tried for the hot dog, the men didn't do any better.

The Slow Race is a good test of riding skill, and Mark Craig from Jacksonville managed to win again this year.  I have to wonder if anyone has ever entered a trials bike in this competition.  The micro bike slalom and "Steer Roping" contests are quite inventive.

After another barbecue sandwich, the sun went down and the Bush Hounds began playing.  Sometime later in the evening, a Harley Sportster, engine revving loudly, inched through the crowd and onto the stage.  The rider took the microphone and introduced himself as Artimus Pyle, former drummer for Lynrd Skynrd, and leader of the All Points Bulletin (APB) / Artimus Pyle Band.  Known for their "Funky Southern Rockin' Blues", APB took the stage and rocked the night.  With extensive tributes to Lynrd Skynrd, the band had the crowd dancing and singing along.  The awesome guitar playing of Greg Baril was especially impressive.  This concert alone was worth the price of admission.

Cookie Murray, the event coordinator, expressed her appreciation for  the assistance provided by their friends from the Jacksonville crew and all those who attended.  The planning for next year's event has already begun.

After another late night "Sexiest" contest, it was time to cruise home with a new experience under my belt.  The sky had cleared, the stars were out, and the cool air was invigorating.  I am already anticipating the next one.  Maybe next time I will even bring my family.