Cavaliers roar through Mobile!

Seven bikes and two trucks headed east from New Orleans Saturday morning. Diane, Julie, Dave D. Heath, Doc, Doug and Michael D. cruised along I-10 with Michael D. in the lead, to Mobile, AL. to participate in the First Ever Mobile Gay Pride Parade on Saturday, April 9. Lynn, Susan and Scott followed in the trucks.

The weather couldn't have been better for the ride, sunny and in the 70's. With just a short stop in Gulfport for gas and a stretch we made excellent time. Arriving at Bubba and Eric's we were able to get the balloons blown up and even a streamer or two on a few bikes. Thanks to Bubba and Eric for their hospitality and efforts with getting helium and balloons.

Meeting up with Poncho and David L, with Michael H. and Michael W. riding respectively, at the parade line up we had a total of 12 bikes and 4 riders. The parade made a tour of downtown Mobile with friendly fans and families to watch the celebration. Even a few protesters were to be seen, though they put down their megaphones when we approached with engines a roar. More than one bystander expressed relief that we drowned out the radical preachers. Guess there is yet another reason for loud pipes.

After the parade we all had some free time to relax before heading off to dinner at El Giros Restaurant. Good food and great company as we were joined by members of the Gulf Coast Bear and Leather Association, Cavalier Associate member Adam, and other friends. A huge thank you to Paul and the Gulf Coast Bear and Leather Association, as they surprised the Cavaliers by picking up the tab for the entire group!

Our night continued with The Cavaliers Traveling Bar Night at B-Bob's. As always, the hospitality of Jerry and his staff was unrivaled. The music was good enough for a couple of Cavaliers to hit the dance floor even. Believe me it was a sight not to be missed. I hear there is photographic proof out there too.

Another special thanks to Dave D. who so diligently sold Jell-O Shots throughout the night. Who knew there were that many Jell-O fans in Mobile. Thanks too to Eric and Bubba for their hard work preparing the "shots". Dave, Bubba and Eric seem to be a great
combination for our trips to Mobile.

We were also informed while at B-bob's that we won a parade award for Best Non-Profit Group in the parade. Over all an awesome weekend for the Cavaliers.

Again, I would like to thank Bubba, Eric, Dave D. Paul and the Gulf Coast Bear and leather association, Jerry from B-bobs, the Mobile Pride Parade Committee, all the Cavaliers and our supporters for a great weekend!