Real Life Riding
Started nearly two years ago, a group from Real Life Church finds solace on a motorcycle
Written by Michael Harris, photos by Anthony Rao
It started to hit Steve Misciagno while coming out of a Sunday service at the Real Life Church in Clermont. Each week that he exited a service, there seemed to be an overabundance of motorcycles in the parking lot.
It’s then an idea came to his wife, Darlene, and him.
“I was like ‘great, we got guys that ride, but we don’t know them,’” he said. “I also play drums and told the guys in our [musical] group about starting a little motorcycle group.”
And that’s when the “Real Life Riders” were born nearly two years ago.
“This isn’t like a ministry where we run around with leather vests on, where we have badges and colors on,” he says. “This is more of a social thing and low-key, just to get everyone to know each other. We go out and have something to eat; we do about an hour ride, do some fellowship and then ride back into Clermont.”
On the last Saturday of every month, weather-permitting, the group meets in the morning at the mega complex at Real Life Church in Clermont. And, like true free spirits, they just seem to follow the front wheel of their bikes.
Twisting through off-the-beaten-path roads and byways, the group soaks in the scenery and the smells. As rider James Walsh says, he can “smell the blossoms.”
And where they end up, whether it’s Crystal River, Cedar Key, Titusville or Daytona Beach, it’s just an afternoon of riding away from work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a time to forget any troubles and enjoy the afternoon.
When they go out, other bikers will see them out and about and ask about the group.
“We’re going just for the love of riding,” he says. “Real Life will always come up in conversation. Many have never seen or heard of the church, and they come with us and enjoy hanging out. Then they start coming to the rides; then a couple months later we see them in service.”
There are as many as 23 in the group who work either around Clermont or the attractions and they sport their ultra green Real Life Riders T-shirts. It’s a sight you will most likely see this month as they and 300,000 others cruise in to Leesburg for the annual Bikefest.
Betty Whittaker
Occupation: Vice President of United Southern Bank
Bike: 1999 Honda Shadow
How long have you been in the group? About six or seven months and I met Steve through networking here in the area. My husband and I started coming out and riding with them.
What you like best about the club? I like the differences between everybody. You meet some people you don’t ordinarily meet, and you learn about their lives, the different bikes they ride and such. And then it’s a great community feel (being a member of the club).
What do you like best about where you go? I love the scenery. After growing up in South Florida, right here in Central Florida the scenery is really nice, like Sugarloaf Mountain. I’ve never lived up north, but it’s so different here with the rolling hills.
Is there a favorite place you enjoy? Not yet. I’ve enjoyed EVERY place we have gone.
Do they know you ride a bike at work? Sure they do. Actually, we have clients who like to ride.
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