The men and women who dedicate their free time to motorcycle lifestyles are as interesting as the bikes themselves, and riders in Sun City are no exception. The Sun City Cruisers have been around for about 15 years, and this month they delivered a little holiday magic to a visiting Sun City granddaughter.
The current organizer of this group is Russ Miller, 83, a retired Navy machinist and GPD volunteer who has ridden through all 48 contiguous states over the past 55 years with his wife Joan. He is also a member of the Patriot Guard, a volunteer riding group that renders honors at Veterans’ funerals. As the “keeper of the e-mail list” of this loosely organized group of motorcycle enthusiasts, Russ enjoys getting people together, and knowing there are dozens of people to call when the day is just right for a ride.
The Group
The Cruisers are not an official club, so there are no membership requirements, dues, or attendance to worry about; just a desire to share the road and maybe a breakfast or lunch in a pretty spot.
Sadly, they haven’t been able to get out much since COVID began. Still, as a group, they remain conscious of health concerns and look for places that can accommodate them, given all the changing guidelines for gathering places, so they can enjoy the road together.
Russ says, “We have 41 members, but I know there are a lot more motorcycles around here, and all are welcome. Normally, I send out an email once or twice a month and see who wants to make a trip out to Dahlia’s or a nice outdoor spot in Burnet County. We remain very community minded, but we are being careful about our health and our friends.”
Don and JoAnn DeDobbelaere, who moved from Illinois five years ago, explain, “We didn’t know a soul here; no family or friends. One of the first things we did was find the Cruisers in the local magazine. I started playing golf with Russ, and riding, and that’s how we were able to make friends here.”
Blue Santa
Russ and Joan also provide assistance with Georgetown’s Blue Santa. They and the Cruisers got together last month to deliver a special gift to Babette, who is 8 years old, and a frequent visitor at her grandparents’ home in Sun City, Judy and John Breen. Babette often also visits the Breen’s neighbor, Betty Schleder, who is a member of a motorcycle club, and thought a rolling visit from Santa would be a great way to kick off the holidays.
Babette was thrilled with her gift, whom she named Peaches, and even got to take a ride on the one of the bikes. Don adds, “This is what retirement is all about; having fun.”
As a special interest group, all it takes to get on the list is a message to Russ at [email protected].