The Sandie's New Years Celebration

Since a Sandie New Year’s Celebration extends across two days it’s not for the faint of heart. Well actually it’s a pretty easy gig just don’t get to sleep, well not much.

We begin with a Sandie exclusive, Ride into the New Year. As far as anyone, including the AMA,knows we are the only Riding Club in the USA that does this. We meet at the Shalimar Waffle House and leave about 11:40 pm to catch the New Year on our Rides. While at the Waffle House we have breakfast nothing guarantees Southern Good Luck like a Waffle House breakfast.

Tommy and Sandy elected to bring a four wheeler, did I mention it was a mite chilly midnight. JoeJoe was wearing his famous multi-layers. As we left Waffle House, you could feel the cold for sure. I was glad I  was wearing gloves, heated grip or not. My heated seat sure felt nice on the bum too.  We made our way to the Old Santa Rosa Mall parking lot and rode until the clock struck January 1 2026. Tommy and Sandy brought the bubbly. It is the best grape juice that comes in a Champaign bottle, Welch’s finest. What better way to toast the New Year when you have some riding left to get home. The Sandies have been doing this for 40 plus years and it just seems Right.

Day Two of A Sandie New Year

We continue with  the Celebration with a refreshing dip in 58 Gulf Waters. The Pelican Plunge is another part of the Sandie New Years . This year 4 brave , well some Sandie’s took the plunge. We met at the Boardwalk , JoeJoe was the Official Photographer and Holder of Paraphernalia. I mean someone has to hold stuff as the rest of us take off clothes. When the whistle goes off some people run into the freezing water. Me, I walked slowly until my waist was under water and that’s when you discover just how COLD the Gulf water is. Sam just strolled in like it’s a walk in the park.  After both of us getting wet we joined JoeJoe and decided some warm Gumbo and lunch were in order.

You know the Sandie New Year Celebration just sets the tone for the New Year. Do some crazy stuff in the beginning and the year will take care of itself.

Thank You JoeJoe for all the great pictures

RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY 2026 WITH THE SANDIES !