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by James “Jimi Dean” Bagwell

Along the road every once in a while you meet some people that are just amazing. I have been extremely lucky to have met some of these awesome people. The owners of  The Open Road Bar and Grill in Arcadia are just that.

I kept seeing bikes riding in the opposite direction I was going, so curious as to where everyone was headed I stopped into a bar that had some bikes parked out front to see what was going on. I walked up and asked “ Where’s everyone headed?” The reply wasn’t what I had expected “Nowhere, we are sitting right here.”

I introduced myself to the guys and we sat and talked about traveling, and as it turned out a couple of the guys knew Michelle and Scottie. Wow, they are either slowly becoming celebrities or the world is really small. Personally I think it’s the latter of the two… HAHA.

Russ invited me to join the guys to hang out and ride to another bar. He also offered a shower and to camp at his house.  I had nowhere I had to be… pretty much anymore I don’t… so I joined them.

The race was on as we hit speeds of 100mph on some really great back roads.  Racing to the next turn to slow down and speed up again. I wasn’t all that ready to be speeding through the beautiful scenery as my bike was fully packed and I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep up, but with the twist of my throttle and the rpm’s up in the 7000-8000 range I was able to keep them in my sights. “Good girl” I told my little Magna 700 as we pulled into the bar parking lot, with a pat on the tank.

I had no Idea what I was about to experience as we rode up to the bar. This bar is painted bright orange with black trim. Like the famous Harley orange and black that was adopted in 1913 to tell the difference between the racers. There were about 5 bikes parked out front already and a few cars as well. I walked into the bar and the atmosphere was very relaxed, the walls covered with Harley Davidson parts, primary covers, forks, handlebars, valve covers, even a pair of chaps. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. The foot rests at the bar were made of mufflers welded together. Some of the tables had hooks to hang your jackets and a few seats at the bar had them as well.

Russ and the guys introduced me to the bartender as a traveling biker in need of a campsite for the night. I was accepted without any qualm. Rick, one of the owners at the bar, said I could camp out back, which was awesome because it was getting late and I hadn’t searched for a campsite yet, and because I don’t drink more than a beer if I am riding. So I had a beer and met some of the locals at the bar. Russell was ready to head home and I was ready to shower, so being it had been about 3 days, I would say I was in need of one. I followed him to this amazing 1900s house that he had completely rebuilt. Being a connoisseur of fine antique architecture, I could really appreciate the work he had done on the house.

After my shower Russ decided to feed me some great Xmas dinner leftovers and make sure I was good and fed before heading off to the Open Road Bar and Grill. We talked more about what he had put into his house and my mom and my travels. It was almost an instant friendship. Having good conversation with Russ and eating a great dinner, I was ready to head out to the bar to meet more of the locals.

As I pulled up this time there were quite a few more and the ones that were there already were having a great time, having gotten a good buzz going on. I was introduced to a man with a long scraggly gray beard, longer gray hair and a weathered face. Rex was his name and having fun seemed to be the name of his game. He was to say at least the highlight of my night. I sat next to him for the remainder of the night listening to his stories, watching his facial expressions, and laughing my ass literally off the bar stool a couple times. I don’t think I had ever had so much fun.

Rick and fire also put on some really awesome parties. I was able to make it to their anniversary/ birthday party, and man what a great party. I guess when you are such great people you attract more great people.  Their anniversary/ birthday party brought in roughly 500 bikes and others that enjoyed being there even though they don’t ride.

If ever you are passing through Arcadia, Florida be sure to stop in and say hi to the wonderful, nice, and happy group inside the bar. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up with some life long friends as well. Their address is 4319 NW highway 70. You can also follow them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/openroadbar They hope to open a campsite for bikes only out back in the next year or so. I don’t think you can get any better than that; A good place to drink and if you have the need, a place to camp.

James is a regular contributor to HD Open Road, and a Gypsy Biker. Catch his stories here and follow him on facebook at /jimi.dean.images

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