By Deborah Speicher

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A rock star, an artist and a writer were riding their motorcycles cross country and…No, this isn’t the first line of a joke and, the truth be known, the rock star (Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers), the artist (Scott Jacobs) and the writer (actually a couple of them – Cris Sommer Simmons and Buzz Kanter) along with about 94 other Cannonball riders showed up in Daytona Beach recently for the start of the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run.

The terms of the run are that all motorcycles must be pre-1937 and they must ride 3,839 miles from Daytona Beach to Tacoma, Washington by September 21. Motorcycles and riders came from the four corners of the world, and driving all makes and models of vintage motorcycles. The days just prior to the ride leaving, the parking lot next to the Daytona Beach Resort was full of bikes, riders and mechanics in preparation for the challenging long distance trip. However, the day before the ride, many riders took a break from wrenching and made a few laps around the Daytona Speedway.

Early morning Friday September 5, we watched all of the bikes stage right on the beach just before heading out for the journey of a lifetime. At the time of my writing this article, the results are unknown as the run is still in progress. But you can read more about this event at: www.motorcyclecannonball.com/

Godspeed to all!

By Kneecap

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On September 7, about 1000 people from all over Central Florida came together at the Flagler Government Service Building in Bunnell to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attack by Islamic terrorists upon the U.S.A. on 9/11/2001. This was a day for the 4R’s. Reflecting, Respecting, Remembering, and Resolve. The ceremony started at 9:30 am with a welcome by emcee Frank Scott from WHOG radio, followed by a Presentation of the Colors by the Palm Coast F.D. and Flagler County Sheriff Honor Guards. The National Anthem was sung by the Embry Riddle Acafella’s. This had an extra special meaning as the country was celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner this week. This was followed by a flyover from the Flagler County Fire Flight. Then the Invocation by Capt. Ronald Melvin after which the Firefighter Prayer by Bob Emrich (Knights of Inferno M.C.), Police Officer Prayer by Gary Watkins (Blue Knights M.C)., and then the EMT Prayer by Patrick Juliano (Red Knights M.C.) .Remarks were made by County Commissioner George Hanns, Chief Don Petito, F.C.F.R., and Commander Jeff Hoffman, F.C.S.D.. F.D.N.Y. Retired Capt. Richard Meo gave the Keynote remarks. He was there that terrible day and reflected about his experiences. After listening to his rendition most of the crowd was choked up, but after the Tolling of the Bell there were few dry eyes in the crowd. A 21 Gun Salute was given by the members of the AM Vets Post 113.

The Ceremony was followed by a 67 mile escorted ride that ended at the White Eagle Lounge in Korona where there was live music, food, and beverages. The program was organized by the Knights of Inferno MC, the Red Knights MC, and the Blue Knights MC. The main sponsor was the Rue, Ziffra, Caldwell PA. Law Firm with the help of Flagler County, WHOG Radio, and the White Eagle Lounge.

By Lulu

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For the past several years Iron Horse Saloon has thrown a Labor Day weekend party that includes a car show with pin up girls on Saturday and a bike show with a bikini contest on Sunday. Lots of great photo ops when you have sharp cars, costumed girls and bikes and bikinis!! Throw in great live music and you have one great way to spend the weekend! Pictures of the winners are available online at ThunderRoadsFlorida.com.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

If you are coming to Florida for the winter or just for Biketoberfest, I would like to welcome you to the land of the blue Q-tip headed, white knuckled, very slow Buick drivers, who can’t see over the steering wheel. Florida should change its name from the “Sunshine State” to “Geriatric Park”. When cages come from the North they are required to stop at the welcome station to have their directional signals disconnected. There is also a governor put on the accelerator to inhibit the vehicle from exceeding 45 mph on the interstate and 25 mph on all the other roads. Their tires are adjusted so that they always drive in the farthest left-hand lane. It doesn’t pay to yell obscenities at them because they’ve left their hearing aids at home. Flashing your lights at them is fruitless as most of them have Coke bottle bottom glasses with 20/500 vision. They’re unable to see the very wide white line at stop signs and traffic signals until their rear wheel is on it. Most don’t drive at night, so they have no idea how to turn their headlights on when in the rain or fog. Their reflexes tend to be slow, but they compensate for this by keeping their right foot on the gas pedal and the left foot on the brake causing the brake light to always be on. When you are on a multi-lane roadway, be careful when trying to pass them on the right. Changing lanes to them is like playing checkers. Not bothering to check their mirrors, they just move diagonally hoping that the space is empty. Instead of getting Kinged you may get Killed. Pay attention when in parking lots. The elderly drivers have cages that suffer from “unintended acceleration”. I seriously believe the drivers need to be recalled, not the cars.

Experienced riders typically operate their bikes in a more careful manner than most car drivers. Keep in mind that cage drivers don’t always give motorcycles the same courtesy as other types of vehicles.

Hints for riding around this Biketoberfest. Wear brightly colored gear. Watch for distracted drivers who are talking or texting on cell phones. Pay extra attention at intersections. Remember, if the sun is at your back, they may not be able to see you. Watch their wheels. Don’t split lanes. If you want to double the value of your bike – Fill it up with gas.

Since, I’ve been married 12 times I’m considered an expert on the subject. My friend said to me “I just want to get married and be happy”. I said “Pick one”. I told him if he wanted to avoid alimony-stay single. But, if you need to get married you need to learn some communication skills. Learn to say “Yes Dear” or keep your mouth shut. Question: If the bride wears white to show purity, why does the groom wear black?

I have more to say in my blogs on my website nobodiesopinion.com.

Check out my new e-book “How to Plan & Organize a Poker Run” at ThunderRoadsFlorida.com/poker-run.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Lulu

Big Engine has certainly had a full slate of activities this past summer including performing in Sturgis. Even more exciting they released a new CD in August. I was in town for the party that Boot Hill Saloon hosted and the place was packed. Make sure you get one the music is some of their best ever!!

By Metric and Phoenix

Every day is Veterans Appreciation Day but last Saturday the Concerned Veterans of America organization along with Harley Davidson hosted a special Defend Freedom Tour at the historical big red building just off of I-4 in Orlando .The Defend Freedom Tour kicked off Friday with a free Concert by Madison Rising and country music star Alya Brown. On hand for the event was just about every Veteran organization in the state. The Gold Star Mothers, the USO, Operation Give Back all gave out to show their support.

The Museum of Military History from nearby Kissimmee brought some fantastic memorabilia to include a beautiful motorcycle from WWII. Saturday started out with a miracle, I got Phoenix out of bed before noon and we joined fellow Legion Riders from Chapter 74 for a quick breakfast at Dutcher’s Diner in Avon Park. After breakfast we made a speedy trip to the American Legion Headquarters in Orlando to rally with Legion Riders from across the state. We had the privilege to escort the Department of Florida Commander, Jay Conti to the event where he had the honor to be a guest speaker and make a historical announcement.

The Department of Florida American Legion and Harley Davidson of Orlando have established a new partnership. Veterans who purchase a Harley Davidson motorcycle from Orlando Harley Davidson will receive a gift membership certificate for their initial membership to the American Legion. What better way to celebrate defending freedom than the feeling you have as you mount up that new motorcycle and ride off with your fellow Veterans. Riders lead the way! RIDE FREE!!!

By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders Post 9, 10737-101 New King Rd., Jacksonville, Florida held their grand opening on August 30th. The Legion opened their doors to all Legion members and to the public, with dinners, a band, and vendors.

The purpose and mission of The American Legion Riders Florida Chapters is to promote motorcycle safety and riding enjoyment through programs and activities that are in keeping with the aims and purposes of The American Legion by supporting programs, events, charities, parades and other ceremonies of The American Legion.

American Legion Riders each year take to their motorcycles and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various Legion and local programs, across Florida.  For more information you can contact (904) 766-6035.   or visit our website at http://americanlegionpost9.org/home.htm.

By Lulu

Just returned from Key West…what a great place to spend time with friends. This year I was lucky enough to go with one of my friends from Pensacola, Kim and her husband James. They had never been to the Keys before so it was fun being the tour guide and watching someone experience something new. We did the poker run for Rotary which is why I was going and since we both were Rotarians it made it special to be doing it together. Bad weather was forecasted and friends cancelled their trip because of it. The number of vendors and bikes in the bike show were down quite a bit and I think the weather was the contributing factor. It is a shame since what we experienced was lower temperature than normal…and very little rain both made the event one of the best. The one afternoon shower just kept us in Irish Kevin’s a bit longer than usual and the lower temperature was a blessing. Kim and I even made time to get a sunburn and enjoyed enough cocktails by the pool to allow a photo op of us thinking we were kids again!

Kim and James have both been bike owners in the past and Kim has gotten back into a different form of horsepower…the kind that eats oats so they don’t have motorcycles. I think being down in the Keys and seeing and hearing the bikes may have planted a new need for two wheels!

We got to spend time with Mike from South Florida Bike Events and his posse which includes Terry Kirby. Just a great fun group of guys and gals. Thank you for your hospitality!

Also was invited to the pool party at the Casa Marina that the guys of Cartel Baggers threw. Boy do boys from Miami know how to party…guess one wouldn’t expect less! And it was a sea of Cartel Bagger shirts everywhere you looked on Duval. These guys know how to party and how to market themselves.

Come up and say hi during Biketoberfest, find a new friend to ride with and don’t forget your sunscreen!