By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Everyone knows I’m a political junkie, but in reality I just care about our country. Here we are in our election year with 23 million unemployed, 16 trillion in debt, and over 40 million people on food stamps. It’s time for the people of this country to wake up and smell the poop, not the roses. I’m a libertarian, which means I believe in smaller government. However, our government is growing at an extraordinary pace. An example of this is the increasing government regulations. Reading the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) Annual Report which deals with regulatory agencies of the federal government and the cost of the regulations they continually introduce and enforce. The CEI estimates the cost of US government regulation at $1.75 trillion. That’s 48% of the budget of the federal government. It is almost 10 times the total of all corporate taxes collected and almost double the total collected from individual income taxes. The fact that the cost of complying with these regulations is substantially higher than the total of corporate profits is a stark illustration of the end result of economic intervention. The regulations cover 169,000 pages and more than 10 new ones are added every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In 2011, the U.S. Congress passed a total of 81 new “laws” while government agencies issued 3,807 new regulations. The CEI points out, if there was ever an example of government without consent of anyone, this is it.

Last month in Lulu’s Letter from the Editor she discussed problems with crotch rockets. Now, this is not to condemn all riders of super sports, but to bring attention to the dangers of the crotch rocket. Friends of mine, CT & Teresa Hill recently went to Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line to ride the Tail of the Dragon. A beautiful ride with 318 turns in 11 miles. Their major complaint was with crotch rockets trying to run the course for time, and almost running the other bikes off the road. Since I took on a new advertiser (garysturgeon@allstate.com), I decided to go to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and check some statistics. The IIHS reported that riders of crotch rockets have death rates per 10,000 registered vehicles nearly 4 times higher than for riders of other bikes. IIHS says drivers of crotch rockets were the youngest with the average age of 27. Speeding and driver error were bigger factors in crotch rockets accidents. Speed was cited in 57% of crotch rocket fatalities. The reason I brought this up is because we have a lot of readers who ride crotch rockets and this month it is Biketoberfest and I want them to be safe. Slow down and be courteous to other vehicles on the road. Florida does not require insurance for motorcycles unless you don’t want to wear a helmet unless you are under 21. However, I personally feel insurance is necessary if you’re going to ride.

They told me I needed a hobby so I took up gardening-beer gardening. I tell Lulu that I’m severely underpaid, and she said I’m well worth it. You must realize that this article is the result of me eating the lead paint from window sills.

For Sale-a 1985 Honda Gold Wing with California style sidecar. If interested use the contact form here on this site to reach me.

By Deborah Speicher

Although most people believe that Floridians are limited to riding the flatlands, there are a couple of west central counties that have some of the highest points in Florida – namely Pasco and Hernando counties. These counties have the best of both worlds. There are the beaches and, as you travel inland, there are country roads and small towns. I call the inland part of these two counties “Florida Hill Country” since they have hundreds of miles of scenic roads with twisties and hills.

Beach Side: Pasco has a couple of really great beachside places that I have frequented over the years. There is nothing better than good food, a cold drink and a great view of the water. Check out Sam’s Hudson Beach Bar, Venom Bar & Grill and Hooters. Biker friendly Venom also holds bike nights every Tuesday and Saturday. Western Hernando also has a few of my favorite ride destinations namely Bayport Inn Restaurant & Lounge and the Upper Deck. Bayport Inn has been a long time favorite for many riders with its good food, music and views of the gulf. The Upper Deck also has good food, and you can swim and kayak in the springs right next to it.

Hill Country: Great roads in Pasco County not to be missed are Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Bayhead Road, Lake Iola Road, St. Joe Road, Blanton Road, and all roads in and around them! These scenic roads will take you to the Neon Cowboy, Pancho’s Villa and On Q. On the corner of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard and SR 52 is the Neon Cowboy. It’s a favorite watering hole for the locals and this biker-friendly bar is also known for being a poker stop for many charity poker runs. Over in San Antonio, you will find some of the best Tex-Mex at Pancho’s Villa and equally fantastic barbeque at On Q Smokehouse Grill.

Heading north into Hernando County, I like Spring Lake Highway, Mondon Hill Road and Lake Lindsey Road. Note, at the corner of Spring Lake Highway and Cortez Boulevard/SR 50 is a Hess Gas Station. On most weekends, this particular gas station is packed full of motorcycles. If you stop there for gas and find yourself hungry, go across the street to Popa Joe’s for some of the best Italian food anywhere. Right next door to Popa Joe’s is another favorite place of mine – Remington Outpost. Remington carries all kinds of riding wear whether you are riding two wheels or four hooves!

Other not to miss spots in Hernando County are the Lake Lindsey Mall and River Ratz Café which are both located off of Lake Lindsey Road. The “Mall” is actually a small store in the middle of the country and a stopping point for many riders. River Ratz is located at the Nobleton Outpost and sits right on the Withlachoochee River. With its great views and good food, it also is a favorite stop for many riders.

In between: In Pasco, check out Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey on SR 54. Right down the road is downtown New Port Richey which holds their Annual Cotee River Bike Fest each year just prior to Biketoberfest (October 11-14, 2012). Over in Zephyrhills, they block off the streets and allow motorcycle only parking for their “Music and Motorcycles” events. They hold them on Saturday nights a couple of times a year. Check out their website for dates at: www.mainstreetzephyrhills.org

While traveling US 41 in southern Hernando County, don’t miss Mid-Way Farm and Ranch Supply. They do sell livestock feed, but they also have a mother lode of western wear. Just up the road is Masaryktown and some of the best Cuban food you will find north of Miami at Café Masaryktown. If you happen to be hungry and near downtown Brooksville check out Mallie Kyla’s Café or Coney Island Drive Inn. Both have excellent food and are long established favorites with the locals.

Small Town Americana: Some really unique small towns not to miss are Dade City (home of the Annual Kumquat Festival and one-of-a-kind Kafe Kokopelli), Trilby, San Antonio, Aripeka, Zephyrhills and Brooksville (home of the annual biker rodeo a/k/a party in the pasture and Spooks-n-Scoots).

Places of Interest: Florida Estates Winery in Pasco County. Turning off of SR 52, the road leading to the winery is unpaved but hard packed and will take you through cow pastures. Once a month they hold festivals at the winery. Sitting outside underneath giant oak trees, listening to music, eating all kinds of food, and checking out the vendors is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Hernando County is home to Weeki Wachee Springs. Open since 1946, this well-known tourist attraction still features mermaids. Last but not least is Boyette’s Groves in Hernando County. Described as an “eclectic Old Florida tourist shop” it is truly a blast from the past and more than just a citrus attraction.

By Deborah Speicher

Some may describe Joyce Pellegrini as a one woman side show but she is more like the main act and a classy one at that. Joyce is fun, vivacious and inspiring. Her love of motorcycling started when she was three years old as she rode around the block on the tank of her father’s Harley-Davidson.

Fast forward to January 1992 — Joyce is now all grown up and goes to a Harley-Davidson dealership in Chicago with a friend. She had always wanted to learn how to ride her own motorcycle and this was the day that changed her life forever. Joyce left the dealership as the owner of a brand new 883 Sportster. She did not have a motorcycle endorsement, had no idea how to ride a motorcycle and it would yet be a couple of months before she could even ride due to snow and bad weather. But once warmer weather rolled around, this woman could not be stopped. She learned how to ride and so started the adventures.

One thing that Joyce realized in 1992 was that there were very few women riding their own motorcycles. A lot of them wanted to, but had a lot of excuses – “my husband won’t let me, my boyfriend wants me behind him, I can’t hold up a bike, I’m afraid, and the list goes on.” Joyce realized that if she could do it, so could others. She became an inspiration and offered assistance to anyone who wanted to get started.

By 2010, she wrote the book “Get Off The Back Seat And Ride.” I read this book and not only does Joyce give some solid step-by-step procedures for getting and riding your first motorcycle, she takes us on a journey as she bought her Sportster, her Dyna Wide Glide and then her Road King. Riding down the road, she has met so many good people and has had the time of her life as she rides across the country. Joyce even managed to get married and divorced in this time span. But the time she has spent riding with friends, family and ex-husband were ones that made her life so exhilarating.
This past July Joyce came out with her second book “Motorcycle Diaries A to Z” which had its’ first book launch at Quaker Steak & Lube (Clearwater). Many of the ladies who contributed to the book were on hand to sign their pages in the book and talk about their life in motorcycling. Within a few days, Joyce was back on the road with her cohort Nauti Nancy heading for the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Joyce had the honor to set up shop at the Museum for a few days to sell her latest book.

After reading both books, I can tell you that they are a must read for any woman whether she rides her own motorcycle or not. Great storytelling! Joyce has been able to express the passion that many of us find once we grab life by the handlebars. Check out her website at: www.adventuresandcurves.com

By LIL-JON

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of all the presidential bashing. They should be held accountable for what they promise; if you don’t do as you said during your election you don’t get paid for the rest of your life. Getting paid for the rest of your life; who the heck came up with that idea? Definitely not us, in fact, we don’t get that benefit…we get social security, which they keep taking chunks out of. I heard they also voted in their own raises. We get a 3% raise and they get anywhere from 20% to 30%. WOW or better yet “What the heck?”!! Sorry don’t get me started. I just think they are all blowhards; in fact, they blow almost as hard as a hurricane. Speak of a hurricane, again, when the small town of Starke puts on an event we get threatened with a hurricane. Isaac this time, but the weather was nice, a good cool breeze all day and it felt great. But that did not stop Starke from having a great event.

Yep I think Starke out did themselves. They had their biggest crowd since they put it in the streets. There were bikes from one end of town to the other. The town was buzzing. I saw people I have not seen in years. They had a bar set up near their new stage where beer was $3 and a mixed drink was $4. As far as entertainment there were 9 bands, a frozen T-shirt contest and a tattoo contest, as well as, a bike contest in the downtown area alone. All over the county from Thunder Park to Timbuktu everybody had bands, so if you could not find what you were looking for you’re too damn fussy. To stay in a motel it would cost around $45 per night and up, and they were full. Camping was doing pretty good also because of the cool breeze. Restaurants were full, as well as, gas stations. If this keeps up Starke will be known for its Bike Fest, as well as, their Strawberry Fest which is in April. Well, if ya missed it this year keep checking Thunder Roads Florida Magazine for next year’s dates. I could talk all day here and it won’t do us any good. But I know you will look at the pics and a picture tells a story way better than I could.

Well got to go riding now. Hey before I end it when you’re riding your bike click on your brights during the day time, it won’t hurt anyone and your brights can be seen about three times farther than your regular light, and that is what it’s all about “being seen” ok got to go now. Oh and “I approve this message” see ya soon…
[autoviewer id=”210″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

By Lulu

I had the honor of riding again with the wonderful bikers that rode on the 9/11 Memorial Ride in Flagler Beach. We had well over 400 bikes that braved bad weather, and when I say bad; we even were pelted by hail at one point. But those that did join us took the time out of their busy lives to remember those who lost their lives that day.

The numbers were not nearly as large as last year. We had well over 1000 bikes and several thousand people. The weather may have played a part and the fact that this was the 11th not the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. As I listened to the speeches it hit me that this year children who will never know their fathers will turn 11. The children who died that day in day care or on planes won’t turn 11, those that were 4 won’t get their driver’s license, and those that were 7 or 8 won’t go to prom or graduate. Life for them stopped…suddenly…unexpectedly.

Families all across the world lost part of what made them whole, not only on 9/11 but through the loss of lives during the war that we continue fighting to maintain our way of life. I am not a war monger, but make no mistake there was a price to be paid for that day. There was a line to draw in the sand. A commitment to be strong enough to say we will never allow it to happen again on our soil. I for one don’t want anyone to tell me I need to cover my face with a veil. I for one don’t want anyone to tell a Muslim that what they believe is wrong, anymore than what I believe is wrong. That is what makes our country free!

Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms!!! Each of us better take note of what each part of that really means and be prepared to stand up for those gifts our forefathers fought for, and by that, I mean VOTE next month! The article on the 9/11 run will appear in November issue and please put on your calendars to participate in one of the many Veterans events scheduled for November.

I have heard people say (believe it or not): “Veterans are just a thing of the past”; one chick even called them “dinosaurs”. What I want to set in print for all to read is: the new generation of Veterans are young, they are moms & dads/brothers & sisters, they are someone’s beloved children, who just like our Vietnam, Korean, World War I, World War II servicemen and women and those who served in all the wars before and in between, they have paid a price that we should HONOR, RESPECT and SHOW HOMAGE to. Shame on anyone that doesn’t get it!

Be safe on the highways, thank anyone who protects our lives and freedom and don’t forget your sunscreen…

By Lulu

Our third event this summer for your chance to win $500 cash during Biketoberfest started with the worst downpour of the year. Coming across the Halifax River heading to Main Street I couldn’t even see the first building. But bikers are a hearty bunch and those that didn’t come in cages were a bit damp but none worse for the wear. The Repeat Offenders rocked the place and the adorable Twisted Tea girls gave away hats, bandanas and samples of “Tea”. By the end of the evening we converted quite a few to the Twisted side of life. There is only one more event before the prize giveaway so ride on in to the Iron Horse Saloon on US 1 for their Tuesday night Bike Night on October 9th from 6-10pm. This is a rain or shine event. The Iron Horse’s Tuesday night crowd doesn’t care how wet they get!!! The $500 prize money will be given away on October 20th at 8pm (you do not have to be present to win)
[autoviewer id=”209″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

By Amy Poole

This year’s Labor Day event at The World Famous Iron Horse Saloon was just as hot and dry as last year…but even better the second time around! The pre-party was Friday night sponsored by Jagermeister with Jager Girls and shot specials. If you missed this shot special be sure to try a Jager Barrel next time! (It’s tasty Jager and root beer.)

The Rumbler’s Car Show was hoppin’ on Saturday with loads of kustom hot rods piled deep into the Horse and out on US1. The pin up girl contest is a great affair and it’s a chance to win some moahla! A cute blond in 60ish apparel took home the cash prize of $300!

The Joey Run finally got to take place on Saturday, due to bad weather on the previous date, raising a whopping $3000! Many prizes, like paint jobs and pin striping, got auctioned off and many of them were donated back so they could be auctioned again. The Tito guitar was auctioned for $250 and went to a lucky home.

The event was still in full swing Sunday morning waiting to show off that freshly polished chrome in the bike show for handcrafted trophies and to see what the lovely ladies were going to have on or take off during the bikini contest! The 10 hot contestants gave it their all, but only 3 lucky ladies took the cash. I was even privileged enough to help them by being one of the judges!

We would like to thank the sponsors Bayer Aspirin, Twisted Tea, Jim Beam, Politis and Matovina Law Firm, Jagermeister, Willie’s Tropical Tattoo, Iron Horse staff, etc. for allowing us to be able to enjoy their festivities. Thanks Iron Horse!!!

On this last note if you all don’t know or remember it was the year anniversary, on Sunday, of Sharon Kitts motorcycle accident while leaving the Iron Horse last year during this event. Sharon was at the Horse Sunday and told Shane “I was out of town, but had to come back in town because I HAD to be here today.” She is doing extremely well, has faced her fear, she is full of life, and always smiling!!!

Look twice and ride safe…

[autoviewer id=”208″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

By Miserable George

Warlocks Radio Network…or…WRN 23internetradio.com is the brainchild of Brother Scotty, 1%er…Warlocks of Brevard. Five years ago, he persuaded a local rock station to let him sit in on the morning drive shows, to promote the club’s events, and it fit!! Then, on April 1, 2012, he gained permission from WMC to begin internet broadcasting from the clubhouse on SR 520, in Cocoa, Florida.

Since May alone, they have gotten over 49,000 hits from as far away as South Africa, Cayman Is., the U.K., and, Germany, not to mention all corners of the U.S. as well. The unit has now gone mobile, and covers nearly all Warlock events. Hey, wanna see them in action? Stop in at the clubhouse, (Station 23) on SR 520 across from the Ford dealer in W. Cocoa…open house every Friday night from 7pm-til. All are welcome.

Meet Scotty, Nuke, BooDan, and Meech, and, maybe even get interviewed on the air! Call 321-636-3764 Facebook…Warlock Internet Radio, and click on the logo. (See logo in their ad in this issue). I’ll be there too, maybe I’ll snap yer picture!! On a very tragic note, Chris Carter, a young man partly responsible for the make-up of the logo graphic, and a special friend to the chapter, lost his life to a drunk driver on Aug.31, 2012. May God Rest His Soul.

By Raven Van Pelt

On August 26th, at Hwy 17 Roadhouse Tavern in Yulee, the Tour of Duty Charity Concert was held to help raise money for The Veterans Aide Foundation, Inc. This supports our troops returning from War!

The events started at 2 pm going until 9:30 pm with five bands that included Methuselah Bone, Tourn, Blistur, Black Creek Ri’zin and SwampDaWamp. ‎Bubba Strickland made a special appearance and Clint McFarland from Black Creek Ri’zin did an awesome job as the emcee.

In between band changes, auction items, raffle drawings, including a 50/50 raffle and a POW/MIA Ceremony with a 21 Gun Salute were held. Food was available during the concert thanks to Murray’s Grille with $2.50 from every plate being donated to Veterans’ charity!

Plenty of bike parking was available, as well as, a Blessing of the Bikes performed by Preacher. All in all, this event had a huge turn out to honor our vets, a giant thank you to all those who helped make this event possible and to Mike and Laura, owners of Hwy 17 for hosting this event. We also want to thank Roy and his wife, from Mind Ride Cycles, for all their help, and of course, Roy, Jody, Paul and Kevin for helping with the new stage. We were all honored to be a part of this and hope to join in again if possible next year.

By Lulu

Six Gun Cycles at 115 Anastasia Blvd. in St. Augustine opened their doors in March of 2012 with a concept of having a local full service bike shop conveniently located near the heart of St. Augustine. Amy, who has been riding with her father for twenty years, is the owner. As a child she traveled cross country for a month on a bike with her dad. She is a busy lady, not only the owner but also the office manager for a high end custom home builder and an Ambassador for the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce. She recruited Alan, an independent agent for corporate marketing and sales, Pat to manage the service department and Jeremiah as the service tech. Between them both they have over 30 years of knowledge in motorcycle mechanics. Six Gun’s ad tag line is “Your only one stop shop in St. Augustine for all your biker needs, American or Metric”. They love a good challenge and have totally redone a 1966 Honda Dream, and a 1972 Moto Guzzi & 1977 Bonneville “frame up”! Pat’s 1988 FLH is the pride of their shop with over 300,000 miles and sports a uniquely detailed paint job by artist Tyson at Rimtatts.com featuring Sailor Jerry Tattoo art.

They also have parts, accessories, leather, and apparel and biker consignment clothing and accessories in their 2200 square foot showroom. They are a full line service shop with 24 hour emergency pick up, detailing and maintenance. Six Gun Cycles offers a discount to St. Augustine residents and biker clubs on parts and apparel. They are already involved in the biker community and sponsored the ABATE September run and were involved with a breast cancer run last month.

During Biketoberfest they will feature a bikini bike wash, beer and free food. Six Gun Cycles hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday noon- 5pm. You can check out their monthly specials on Face Book and their website at sixguncycles.com.

Six Gun Cycles, Inc. is currently building their brand with their own line of apparel and have an EBay store, With Amy’s finger on the trigger of success and her staff’s years of experience they should do well in their endeavors.

By Phoenix and Metric

“Welcome to the family” goes out to American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park. Post 69 is the newest chapter of the American Legion Riders family. While they are a young chapter they hosted their 1st Annual “Old Fashion Family Picnic”. Special thanks to the American Legion State Commander Al “Gunner” Dudley and the America Legion Riders State Director Scott Grabner for coming out and being part of this fantastic event. We had Rabbit’s “famous” pulled pork sandwiches and Lane’s “notorious” chicken dinner. There was plenty of delicious food to go around. Naomi provided us with some great karaoke music. While there was horseshoes and other activities going on around the post, the highlight for me was the dunk tank. Yours truly volunteered to get in the dunk tank, and except for a few lucky throws I stayed high and dry!!! So if you missed this year’s picnic mark your calendar for next year and I will be back in the dunk tank and we will see if there is anyone out there with an arm!!!!