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Hangout draws huge crowds
Deck: Bikers from all over the South converge on The Outpost
While traveling along winding County Road 3280 in South Walton county, the surrounding woods suddenly fill with the signature sound of roaring motorcycles, live music, and the smell of slow-cooked barbecue.
Located on Black Creek deep in the woods of Walton County is The Outpost, a biker bar that attracts local riders as well as those from miles away for its distinctly Southern atmosphere.
On weekends, hundreds of bikers stop at The Outpost for cold beer, barbecue, and live music. Last weekend was no exception, especially since it was the 10th annual Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City. Many bikers made sure to include a stop at The Outpost on their way to or from the event.
Two months ago, the bar's ownership changed hands to partners Rick Tidwell and Don Schollian, who said they do not plan to make any changes to the establishment.
The partners are long time friends, growing up in the same neighborhood and riding bikes together since 1963.
"I retired to a biker bar on the river," admits Schollian.
"It's a typical Sunday afternoon," said Tidwell, when asked if the numbers that day were anything special. "Usually 1,000 to 1,500 people will come by The Outpost on Saturdays and Sundays."
"People ride out of their way to stop for the food, fun, cold beers, good music and great times," said Ron Peterson, grill master for The Outpost and manager of the RV park located behind the bar.
One of the customers, who wished to remain anonymous, came from Pensacola. "I need a place to go, with people who have similar interests, so I ride out here and make a day of it," he said.
Another patron, who also wished to remain anonymous, rode from Dothan, Ala., and does so almost every weekend. "It's a great ride from Dothan to here, and it just happens to be Bike Week, too," he said.
According to Tidwell, every weekend large crowds gather year-round and they never have any trouble. "People just like to get away, look at bikes, listen to the bands, and it's all out in the open," he said.
The Outpost isn't just for bikers either; patrons arrive in cars, trucks, RVs or even boats, docking them right at the establishment.
