Biker and his dog ride for veterans in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- Adam Sandoval emerged from Sonny's BBQ with a handful of fellow motorcyclists Monday afternoon, and they all walked a short distance toward Manatee River Harley-Davidson, 624 67th St. Circle E., Bradenton, where they had parked their bikes before eating lunch.

Inside Sandoval's black sling backpack was Scooter Trash Sandoval, his 6-year-old Chihuahua. This week, the man and his 4 1/2-pound pooch began a year-long journey to 48 states to raise money for military veterans in a ride Sandoval calls "Scootin' America."

Over the next 12 months, the 36-year-old from Naples plans on stopping at 696 Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Motorcyclists can also join in on his ride for a minimum $5 donation. All proceeds benefit The American Legion's Legacy Fund, which awards scholarships to children of military per

sonnel killed in active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Sandoval said he came up with the idea for the charity ride four years ago, but it took time to plan it. He said he hopes to break the Guinness Book of World Records for most miles ridden on a motorcyle in a single country, which is 22,065.47 by Zhang Ying Fa, who rode through China from Aug. 1, 2013, to March 14.

Sandoval is sponsored by Fort Myers-based Scott Fischer Enterprises, which owns six Harley-Davidson locations in four states. SFE is servicing Sandoval's bike for free and paying for some of his fuel.

Though Harley-Davidson is not officially backing Sandoval, he said he is meeting with corporate officials to see if they would. Sandoval described himself as one of Harley-Davidson's biggest fans.

Sandoval said he dreamt of joining the military but he never did because his priorities were off.

"Through high school, having fun and hanging out and partying became more important than the things that should have been important," he said. "I just missed my window. I was focused on the wrong stuff, I guess."

Scooter sat quietly in a cubby in the back of Sandoval's motorycle. The tan Chihuahua with big eyes was rescued six years ago from a puppy mill in Sandoval's home state of Wisconsin. He was 14 weeks old when Sandoval saved him.

"He's my best friend. Huh, buddy?" Sandoval said, looking down at his dog affectionately. "He's very calm, very well-socialized. This is how he's lived his life for the last six years. I've been in the promotional business so he's come with me on different promotions and parties. He's used to all the people and all the attention."

Scott Kessler, general manager of Manatee River Harley-Davidson, said the location was lucky to have Sandoval stop by.

"I think it's awesome," he said. "Anything we can do for our veterans is an awesome thing and what he's doing for the kids of fallen soldiers is even more so."

Asked what he'd like to tell veterans, Sandoval said: "Thank you."

"They made a sacrifice, and they put their head in the game at the right time, and I'm envious of that," he said. "Any time it gets tough, that's just what I'm going to remind myself is that these guys go overseas and live away from their families and their children for years on end. I think the least I can do is live a year on the road, where I've got the support of my own community."

To track Sandoval's moves, visit ScootinAmerica.com.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter @AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Biker and his dog ride for veterans in Bradenton ."