By Darlene Brace
Get ready for an exhilarating day at the second annual Go Topless – Ride with Randy Lakewood Jeep Jam. This exciting event will be taking place Sunday, August 17th on the shores of Chautauqua Lake at the Lakewood Rod and Gun (433 E Terrace Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750). Rain or shine, jeeps and motorcycles will embark on a scenic journey starting at the Rod and Gun and partake in a cruise around Chautauqua Lake before returning to the Rod and Gun for an afternoon after-party full of fun activities.
Registration opens at the Rod and Gun at 9am and there’s a $30 registration fee per vehicle. You are encouraged to print out the registration form from the Facebook page and have it filled out to facilitate a quicker process. Then at 11am, the excitement will kick into high gear when the Lakewood Police Department escorts the convoy, as engines rev up for a memorable ride. Riders will follow a 40-mile loop encircling the lake, with motorcycles starting their ride to the right, while jeeps will cruise off to the left.
There are four stops that riders are encouraged (but not required) to stop at that are in partnership with the event. The Bemus Point Golf & Tap House invites riders to unwind with a refreshing drink and delicious bites. The Green Door Tavern offers a cozy hideaway, perfect for swapping tales while having some refreshments. At the Lakeview Hotel and Restaurant, savory dishes await you near the lake in Mayville, and the Busti Tap House offers a lively atmosphere and tasty dishes to celebrate the journey. Participants can `make stops at any of these vibrant venues or can continue on with their ride.
When returning to the Rod and Gun, the bar will be open, but the kitchen will be closed. You can enjoy some delicious food from amazing food trucks from 12pm-5pm. The food trucks featured will be 3 C’s Catering, Ramcor Food Truck, Best of Buffalo by Byron, Mystic Smoke BBQ, and Charcuterie by Carrie. You will have to make sure that you leave room for a tasty treat from Cups and Cones Ice Cream.
For entertainment, there will be music behind the Rod and Gun building that has a covered patio. There, DJ Felix will be spinning tunes from 12-3pm. He will play a variety of music from many genres and generations that will ensure that there’s a little bit of something for all to enjoy.
Then at 3pm, multi-instrumentalist and singer Virgil Cain will entertain the crowd from 3-6pm. He is a solo performing musician from central New York, who plays acoustic and electric guitars, electric violin, the keyboard, and harmonica. He utilizes looping and sequencing to create a full band sound and plays a variety of genres including some old favorites as well as some of today’s hits. He is sure to get the crowd moving to the beat and dancing on their feet along the shores of the lake. The Rod and Gun’s outdoor seating is somewhat limited, as they are expecting a good turn out, so you might want to bring your own lawn chairs or sprawl out on a blanket to sit and enjoy this fabulous show.
There is no fee for Rod and Gun members and their guests to attend this event, and all attendees are encouraged to help support the fundraising efforts. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles, and other prizes and give aways. All registered entrants will be entered into a drawing for a Green Egg Mini Max Grill, valued at $800, that was generously donated by Stone & Outdoor Living Center.
This event has been coordinated by Michelle Turner and Bonnie Ridgeway. Bonnie is the wife of the late Randy Ridgeway, that was an avid motorcyclist who died of cancer a few years ago. Bonnie helps coordinate events like this that earn funds that are set up through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Grants from this fund are directed to wide range of community needs in Randy’s honor. All the proceeds of the Jeep Jam will go to the Randy Ridgeway Foundation, the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department, and the Lakewood Police Department Canine Unit.
Michelle and Bonnie would like to give a special thank you to Dave Warren Auto Group & Power Sports, Harley Davidson of Jamestown, the Randy Ridgeway Foundation, the Village of Lakewood, and the Rod and Gun, as their support makes this event possible.