By Lulu [autoviewer id="263" width="600" height="600" ] They say there is nothing more “American” than baseball and apple pie, but what makes Americans who we have been blessed to be over the past 237 years are our military men and women who have made incredible sacrifices to give and protect our freedom. I was honored to attend an event at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach on the 4th of July. The guys from Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 were dedicating a stadium seat to remind all of the POW/MIA issue. The seat happened to be used in the movie that came out this year “42” which was Jackie Robinson’s number and the movie is about Jackie crossing the race barrier and playing as the first black in American baseball, just making it all the more fitting that it ended up in Daytona Beach at the park named for him. Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 entered the ballpark on their motorcycles for a sold out crowd as part of the dedication ceremony. John Trask addressed the crowd, Senator Dorothy Hukilla long time supporter of Rolling Thunder FL 8 and Veterans spoke briefly and Viet Nam Veterans provided the color guard. After the National Anthem was sung by Rondi Pepper the crowd cheered as the American and POW/MIA flag was raised for the first time at the ball field, so appropriately on the 4th. The chair has been painted with the POW/MIA logo and is displayed on extended legs made of a bamboo looking material representing the time spent by too many in the jungles of Vietnam. The empty chair will be permanently displayed to remind all that the cost of freedom is great. It will remind us of those that have been held as prisoners of war and those who have are still missing after wars…that the 83,000 heroes who still remain unaccounted for since WWI missed out on so much, such as watching a baseball game with their young sons. The normal day to day living that we all enjoy our military often miss, just by being stationed away from home. These sacrifices of daily living are huge, and families everyday endure that cost with the dread that much worse could happen to their loved ones as they stand guard. God bless America and those who have sacrificed so much to make us and to keep us free! Rolling Thunder member Rich Malfitano wrote: “We long for the day when these great souls will be reunited on American soil. Remember our current and only active POW in Afghanistan, SSG Bowe Bergdhal captured June 30, 2009. Negotiations continue for his release.” Thanks to the following organizations that made this day possible: Rolling Thunder Fl. 8 Port Orange, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1048 Daytona Beach, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84 Holly Hill and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1590 Daytona Beach. We would also like to acknowledge Decorative Electro Coatings, Dave’s Furniture Refinishing, Dick Pacheco, BD Custom Inc., Sharky and Great White Welding and PDM, Inc. A special thank you to Jim Kreinest and Gary Benson for the leg work to make this happen. Without their help and donations this POW/MIA chair display would have been extremely difficult to realize. Read the rest of this entry »

By ValGal

First, I would like to thank my daughter, Jessica, for all her help with the photography at this awesome event...thanks Jess. It was a hit or miss type of day weather-wise, but, at least, it didn’t rain real hard. As I walked around Wickham Park, I never realized just how many people appreciated this event. Both young and old, were searching the Wall for the names of loved ones they have lost, some, never even having met that person...a Grandfather...an Uncle...a Father...taken before their time. I had spoken to a veteran the previous week-end as they were erecting the Wall, and, with tears in his eyes, he told us something he had never told anyone else...about being left at a helicopter pick-up point on the battle field, watching many of his friends being air-lifted out of the chaos. He said it took him 12 years before he managed to visit the Wall...now, he will never miss it again! The emotion is overwhelming; the uncommon mix of pride and sorrow, showing on every one’s face! God bless our soldiers...past and present! A big thanks to all the vendors, bands, and to Doc Holiday, for helping to make this event the success it always is! But, most of all THANK YOU to our fighting men and women...past and present...for their dedication and sacrifice for our great country... Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Van Pelt

July 15th, 2013 Boots on the Ground was held and what a success it was with 88 bikes and 123 riders. Not bad for a 1st Annual Run. Julie Mixon Bargeron is the director of the foundation Mothers of America's Military Fallen, and the mother of Kelly Mixon, who fought and died protecting the freedoms of those he loved so dearly. Kelly graduated from Fernandina Beach High School. The run started at Post 54 in Fernandina Beach, then off to Post 9, Post 283, the Seabreeze Lounge, with lunch for all registered riders, and then back to Post 54, where raffles, 50/50 and live entertainment by Confederate Grey were held. Today Kelly's legacy lives on through his foundation benefiting deployed American troops, families of the fallen and remembering America’s heroes. For more information about this foundation, please check out www.mothersofamf.com. Read the rest of this entry »

By Billy "Kneecap" Braddock It's August and it's hot. Is it because of global warming? I don't think so. I think it's because it's summer. If it wasn't hot in summer, we'd really be in trouble. Another great government agency is the Environmental Protection Agency, better known as EPA. A better name for them would be Extreme Pain in the A**. When this administration finds it difficult to get something passed through Congress, they do an end run and go to the EPA for new regulation. With the hoax of man-made global warming they tried to pass Cap and Trade. When it failed they went to the EPA and told them to come up with enough regulations that would shut down all coal fired electric plants and suppress the use of all fossil fuels. Even Patrick Moore who is one of the founders of Greenpeace has said “no scientific proof” that mankind was causing global warming. He believes that it “has a much better correlation with changes in solar activity then CO2 levels.” The environmental movement “abandoned science and logic in favor of emotion and sensationalism.” They are inventing doom and gloom scenarios. It's just an anti-industrial campaign. What they want is global governance, a one world socialist government. After the old Soviet Union collapsed the Communists and Socialists needed a home. They found the environmental movement and the global warming crowd fit their needs. If we stop using fossil fuel by 2020 as Al Gore proposes, at least half the human population would perish. There wouldn't be a tree left on the planet within a year, as people struggled to find enough energy to stay alive. You can't change reality with words. Who is running this country? Moe, Larry, and Curly (3 Stooges). It's surely not Manny, Moe, or Jack (Pep Boys); they were capitalists. New sign over my door “Due to the price increase of ammunition... Don't expect a warning shot! Thank you for understanding.” See you on the shiny side up tomorrow… Read the rest of this entry »

By Amy Poole

The weekend of 4th of July was BOOMING at Dirty Harry’s!!! The party started the day before the 4th at The Bank and Blues with an awesome band Crashrocket. The Budweiser Clydesdales joined the crowd and marched down Main Street to celebrate our independence. Following the 4th of July beach fireworks there was more sparking entertainment each night!! We can’t have a 4th of July without some grub so ending our festivities was the free BBQ, catered by Hog Heaven, and more summer activities are scheduled so don’t miss out! Join Dirty Harry’s for the Twisted Tea / Thunder Roads Party on Aug 4th!! Thanks Dirty Harry’s!!!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Amy Poole

The Iron Horse Saloon is known for their Tuesday’s; you come up for cheap wings, drink specials, and engage in corn hole contests…for cash prizes. It’s one of those nights that is easy on your pocket but an abundance full of fun, Twisted Teas always a buck fifty and when we add a Twisted Tea Bike event to it…you see a Twisted side! Numerous peeps attended to corn hole and also partake in donating 250+ pounds of food for the food bank…even a Jacksonville fellow rode in. Our buddy, Dale, won the $50.00 cash prize and donated the money and Sherry bought more food for the food bank…what a guy! We also had the guys from Gulf Coast Sledz ride in on some awesome bikes to get to know everyone; they have just opened up on US 1 in Bunnell. Another great turnout, the Twisted Tea girls did not get lost, and thank you to all who participate. Come join the games on a Tuesday, eat awesome food, and get Twisted!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

This month’s Bull’s Eye is Derek Tipton. Born in Elkhart, Indiana and raised outside of Detroit, he landed in Ft. Lauderdale in 1988. Like most men who end up loving motorcycles he started early, his first bike was a Honda CVR 500 at 15. Then he had a Kawasaki 454 LTD at 16. While living in south Florida, Derek would spend the weekends riding with friends and during one of these excursions he lost a dear friend from a motorcycle accident. He took 17 years off and vowed to never ride again. His livelihood has been from auto restoration and consignment vehicles. His specialty is ground up restorations. He loves muscle cars, Detroit, motor heads and the Classics. Hence the name Detroit City Customs which is based in Ocala. The sister company is City Collision in Gainesville and Ocala. Under the same roof in Ocala is Auto Doctors who take care of all mechanical upgrades during restoration. Their facility takes up a city block and the cool cars and trucks on property were just amazing. I think there was nearly 100 vehicles in various stages of being rebirthed! He loves doing specialty custom work and that has evolved into his love of motorcycles. Derek developed a friendship with a biker named Chooch who was living in Ocala. When Chooch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008 he decided to get back on two wheels and rode twice with Chooch before he passed, and Chooch was right, once he was back on the pavement…it was back in his blood. In memory of Chooch he created the “Mobsta” whose theme evolved from his love of mobster movies. The bike is a rolling chassis with an 80 inch EVO punched out over 10. The custom look include swoop fenders giving it the 30’s-40’s Mob look. The transmission is a 6 speed knock off of a Baker and the pipes are “skirt lifters”. A definite “Good Fellas” theme throughout, including a sweet paint job. This bike has taken “Best in Show” and the reason is obvious. Derek’s Detroit City Customs is a thriving business in central Florida and if you need your hot rod, truck or bike restored or customized check him out. He and wife Antoinette are friendly and love to share their staff’s talent on the next project through the doors. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

Well, just when I think I have seen it all at any dealership, Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg offers a self-defense seminar. And women and men signed up for certified instructor Cliff Robinson to teach them a thing or two about personal protection! They even had pink self-defense items…just for the feminine side of self defense! The NRA was on hand if you are inclined to want to join. The Steele’s owners of Pat’s Pawn and Gun Shop from Leesburg had quite a display of personal protection items. And the parking lot was full of vintage cars from The Villages’ Vintage Car Club. As always we had a great time with the folks at Gator H-D! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

On August 10th we will be riding on a memorial run for one of my best buddies in life Sharon Pedoto. It is hard to believe but it has been one year since she died of lung cancer. She was young, adorable and one of the sweetest women to walk this earth. I miss her, as do many! But whether you knew her or not, I ask you to ride with us to remember those who have passed from cancer or to honor those who are fighting the battle now. It is a free fun ride, although we will be doing a raffle and 50/50 for the American Cancer Society. On a positive note on the same subject, another dear friend that we rode on a fund raiser for a couple of months ago just found out she is cancer free. After her brave bout of chemo and radiation, she got the great news. So much research has been done and amazing changes are happening in the field of cancer; but it has been an expensive search for cures and many brave patients have endured horrific treatments to get us to the place where cures do happen! If you haven’t been touched by cancer consider yourself blessed and remember to ride this year on some ride benefitting American Cancer Society or someone with cancer…it’s kind of like “an apple a day keeps the doctors away”…good karma! Ride on a run for someone who needs help, thank the good lord if you don’t need help and don’t forget your sunscreen! Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher

For some people Memorial Day brings to mind a three-day weekend, barbeques, a day at the beach, and the Indy 500. What should be remembered is the reason for this holiday, which is to thank the veterans of this country and the families of those who have fallen. After the Civil War, people began to realize that those who had lost their lives in the war had not been honored properly. There are many different stories of how Memorial Day was started. One was that on May 5, 1865, liberated slaves in Charleston took the union soldiers from a mass grave and gave them proper burials. The other was to have taken place on May 5, 1866, in the town of Waterloo, NY. All of the shops closed for the day, flags flew at half-mast, and flowers and flags were placed on the graves of their local war veterans. Regardless of when and where it started, the people of this nation realized the need to honor those who paid the ultimate price. By 1868 it became a more united and national event. May 30 of each year thereafter would be “Decoration Day” and would later become known as Memorial Day; ultimately evolving into a three-day weekend at the end of every May. Every Memorial Day, Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) holds a ceremony to honor those buried there and their families. Even in times of high gas prices and economic turmoil, the Florida motorcycle communities were out in full force to support this event. Several military riding organizations participated. With over 500 bikes, the largest group riding into the cemetery was the Defenders MC (Tampa Bay Chapter). The Defenders MC is a group comprised of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency services and public safety professionals. The Defenders’ ride was led by Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook, USMC (Ret.). Colonel Rook has coordinated and led this ride for the past several years. Local HOG and other riding groups were invited to join the Defenders for this ride. Thanks to a police escort and the excellent road captains from the Defenders MC, this 30+ mile ride went off without a hitch. The ceremony had many poignant speakers, patriotic music and a “missing man” flyover by Ye Mystic Air Krewe. While the actual meaning and traditions of Memorial Day may have been forgotten by some people, those attending the ceremony came out to remember, honor and salute those who had defended our country as well as to those currently keeping our country and citizens safe. As you take in the views of Florida National Cemetery, you realize that the price of the freedoms we enjoy is quite high. As they say “Freedom isn’t free”. Read the rest of this entry »

By Phoenix and Metric

The youngest member of the American Legion Riders family on the ridge scored a big hit with their first annual 4th of July poker run. The American Legion Riders Chapter 74 out of Sebring hosted one of the longest single poker runs I have been on in some time. The ride covered some of the most beautiful back roads and the best biker businesses in three counties. The ride got an early start with coffee and donuts at Dunkin Donuts in Sebring. We traveled out the back roads to Fred’s bar on Arbuckle Creek. From Fred’s we took the scenic route up to Dynasty Cycles in Avon Park. Leaving Avon Park we traveled to everyone’s favorite spot in Hardee County stopping at Charlottes Web. After Charlottes we traveled the winding roads down to the Open Roads Bar and Grill in De Soto County. Leaving Open Roads we high tailed it back into Highlands County with a quick stop at TJ’s Leathers and ended the ride with a sprint to Tikki Hut at Cowpoke’s Watering Hole. For some of the riders, especially the new guy on his little sporty, the last leg of the ride was a little rough on the tail bone, but I took my own personal butt massager along with me so when things got rough I’d have Phoenix to soften the blows. The highlight of the event was the raffle of a beautiful “Just in Case”12 gauge Mossberg shotgun thanks to our friends from Boom Boom’s Gun and Ammo. For their first event Chapter 74 did an excellent job. I can’t wait to see what they do next. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

People that love to ride don’t mind an all day trip in 90+ degree weather with friends. And the phrase “it is all about the ride…not the destination” has some truth, but when a group led by the Rossmeyer sisters decided to cross the state to Quaker Steak and Lube’s Wednesday night bike night I think they wished it was early May…not June. But when the gang arrived flushed and sweaty, they headed for a quick shower just in time for the night’s festivities. Quaker Steak has, by far, one of the largest, longest running bike nights which includes live music, a parking lot full of vendors, a $12 “Biker Buffet” and a bike show with trophies. The place was packed and our Daytona group had a great time. Mandy and Shelly do a monthly ride to either dinner or lunch, and they really have a great group of people that enjoy riding. This isn’t a set day of the month so just check their website at www.brucerossmeyer.com and don’t forget their ride for Camp Boggy Creek the first week of October! Read the rest of this entry »

By Amy Poole

The 5th Annual National Memorial Ride for Miss Katelynn Stinnett was a success to help raise child abuse awareness to individuals. For the past 5 years this event is held across the U.S. on the 3rd Saturday of June and is sponsored by The Borrowed Angels Charity Riders. I know why they title themselves ANGELS...because they use their wings to protect and heal children from abuse and assist these local programs in raising funds…and they rock it!! This year there were 57 riders that took part in the 80 mile charity run, starting at The Beaver Bar, with a last minute escort by the Volusia Co. Sheriff’s Department. Numerous others joined the fun at The Beaver Bar for the in–house poker hands, auctions, 50/50 and the raffle to win that Ipad! Grandpa Beaver picked that ticket right! Roscoe Cain was a hit along with scrumptious food, for breakfast and lunch, made by Trouble. Jeremy, our eager Beaver host, made several bids during the auction, ending up with some prizes himself like the Twisted Tea cooler seat. The sole benefactor was The Champions for Children receiving a total of $1,302.00!! Please join the Angels next year on June 21, 2014 for the 6th annual ride!! There are COUNTLESS thank yous that need to be put out there from The Borrowed Angels, the volunteers, supporters that donated all the items, riders, and The Beaver Bar for hosting the event and being on your TAILS! Thank you Miss Leslie Beaver for spreading your down home hospitality among us all!! Read the rest of this entry »