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By Lulu

September I traveled to a part of Florida that I wasn’t familiar with and what a pleasant surprise. The area of Ft. Pierce, Jensen Beach and Stuart is loaded with pretty roads to ride, wonderful restaurants to explore and great local bands. We were scheduled to be in Martin County for the First Treasure Coast Bike Rally featuring Warrant and Bret Michaels but due to problems with the local sheriff’s office the concert had to be cancelled and the entire event moved to either Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson or to Ft. Pierce.

Needless to say the promoters took a beating on their first attempt to bring a major event to the Treasure Coast, but they still tried to pull off something for those on two wheels which included a poker run, live music by some really great bands and vendors. The poker run took us to many of the local hot spots and the staff at all couldn’t have been friendlier.

Those who attended really didn’t seem to mind that it was less than hoped for. The weather wasn’t too rainy and they were able to get out and play a bit with others that loved to ride. This event is scheduled to happen again next year so look for its dates to be posted sometime after the first of 2015.

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By Lulu

One of my all time favorites each year is the run from Peterson’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Miami to beautiful Key West. I took friends this year that had never been to the Keys which made it all the more interesting. Terrible rain had been predicted so many cancelled their plans, but we only had 15 minutes of bad rain and we were lucky enough to be bellied up to the bar at Irish Kevin’s so we didn’t even get wet! The stops for our hand this year were Gilbert’s Resort, Marker 88 Restaurant, Island Fish Co., Boondocks Grill and the final stop was Conch Republic Seafood. We also had to make the stop in Marathon at Robbie’s for the tarpon feeding and my friend Kim was a sport and ended up with a bloodied paw!

The Key West Sunrise Rotary puts this event on each year and the money goes mostly to scholarships for area children and helping the local needs and the community, as well as, Diabetes Research. As a past Rotary Club president I can tell you every penny is well spent. Each Rotary club worldwide is committed to local, national and international causes with their main focus being eradication of polio.

What I love upon our arrival to Key West is the flashing sign that states, “Welcome bikers loud pipes and all!” This sleepy little island recognizes the economic impact those on two wheels contribute…and they don’t mind a little bit of discomfort from our presence.

The winner of the poker hand, Terry Capstick, chose to take the money. I believe he said he already had 4 bikes. The bike show by Big Bike Riders was moved this year and personally I like it better when it is right in the center of the activity on Duval. A huge presence at the 42nd poker run was Cartel Baggers, their shirts were EVERYWHERE and the pool party they threw at Casa Marina was crazy! I stayed at Southernmost Hotel this year and my room was awesome. You must put this run on your bucket list; it is fun…fun…fun!

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By Lulu

Although I had to miss out on the fun due to a prior commitment in Key West, bikers and star struck non bikers had their hands full in Lake County as the stars from Sons of Anarchy spent two days riding their streets. Including VIP party, rides, merchandise, signature signings, live music and tons of vendors it was a two dealership/two day event full of fun. Thanks to the help of their major sponsors which include Fran Haasch, Budweiser, Sweet Ride, Hillcrest, Daily Commercial, Fusion, Wikked Steel, Hot Rides, Cecil Clark, Marine Max, It’s a Steel Jewelry and Tail of the Florida Gator. Chibs, Opie and Bobby were really engaging with the fans and a special thanks needs to go out to the folks at Gator and Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson for going to the effort to bring a huge event like this to Lake County!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

I love November for three reasons.

#1 is I get to celebrate my birthday. At my age that’s important. Life didn’t pass me by; I think it ran me over. Every time I go to the doctor he says I need to get in shape. I say “Hey Doc, I get out of breath running up a tab. So when exercise becomes as easy as drinking a beer I’ll try it.

#2- November 10th, USMC day celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps. It started out as the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775 and was later renamed US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has participated in every war that has involved the United States. If you see a Marine on this day active or former “Say Thanks”. “Oorah” “Semper Fi”

#3- November 11th, Veterans Day which honors all members of the Armed Forces who served this country valiantly, preserving freedom and our way of life. On November 11, 1921 at 11:11 the U.S., France, and England each buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I. This began the annual Armistice Day holiday. The time and day was picked because fighting ceased in World War I in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day, to honor all those who served and died in all wars. In keeping with tradition, work should stop on this day and time each year for a moment of silence.

We have always held our military in the highest esteem with respect and admiration, until now. We now have a president and his administration that constantly show their resentment for the military. Saluting a Marine with a latte in your hand; ordering a Marine to hold an umbrella over your head like a butler; blaming our troops for the Taliban attacking them; skipping the funeral of the highest ranking officer to be killed on foreign soil in over 40 years to go play golf; calling the massacre at Fort Hood that killed 13 soldiers “workplace violence”; denying veterans access to World War II Memorial in Washington over a staged government shutdown while allowing illegal aliens to hold a political rally on closed federal grounds; allowing veterans to die on secret waiting lists at VA hospitals; releasing five major terrorist leaders to appease the Taliban into releasing one “American hating deserter”; and endlessly trampling the Constitution that soldiers are sworn to defend and attacking the rights they fight, bleed, and die to protect. These are just some examples of the contempt and disdain shown our veterans. I’m not trying to be rude or discourteous. I just have a habit of speaking and writing things that most haven’t got the balls to say.

We no longer have a democracy. We now have Ineptocracy (in-ept-o-cracy) a system of government were the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of the diminishing number of producers.

November 4th, is not only important because it’s my birthday but it is an extremely important election day. Just because we have Disney World in Florida doesn’t mean we have to live in a Fantasy World. You don’t need pitchforks and muskets to have a revolution. You can do it in the voting booth so make your vote count and let’s get back the great country that our founding fathers put together.

Don’t forget the 27th, Thanksgiving Day where you should eat, drink and be thankful you live in that greatest country in the world.

Read more on my website nobodiesopinion.com.
See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

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By Lulu

There was a day when Iron Horse was considered a “Bike Week” bar but over the last few years that is SO not the case! This “World Famous” establishment is entrenched in the local community, often the organizer of runs for all sorts of charities with Sherry Fletcher doing what she does best. They also have a Bike Show monthly sponsored by JP Cycles, Steele’s Daytona Wholesale, Willie’s Tropical Tattoo, Politis & Matovina law firm and Old Smoky. This night features some of the best music Daytona has to offer. But in September they chose to throw a customer appreciation party for their loyal regulars…featuring an oldest t-shirt contest, tattoo contest, longest beard contest and tons of giveaways! The live music by Sinister kept the crowd dancing. And for those with good biceps there was the strongest man and lady contest which is always fun. The weather is cooling off so get on your bike and ride out to the fun at Iron Horse Saloon!

By “Kneecap”

Lately a new word “Godwink” has been coined. It is defined as an event or personal experience so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention. Bruce Rossmeyer, who passed away in 2009, must’ve went to God and said, “Hey, this year the ride is not only raising money for the camp that provides free services for children that are seriously ill, but is also celebrating my “life and legacy”. “Can you give the ride a Godwink”? God granted his request and winked out one of the most beautiful riding days of the year. The ride started off as just a little motorcycle ride in 1994 to raise money for Camp Boggy Creek that was in the process of being built. Since then it has raised more than $5 million for the camp.

The theme this year was “Accelerating Dreams”. The Grand Marshals for the ride included actor, John Slattery (Roger Sterling), actress/wife, Talia Balsam (Mona Sterling), from AMC’s Mad Men, and Paul Yaffe, bike builder and Bagger Nation founder. Jody Perewitz, who holds the world record for being the fastest woman to ever ride an American V-Twin motorcycle over 200 mph, must’ve needed another hug from me because she showed up again this year.

This article is too short to say all that is needed about the ride and the camp. So go to my website nobodiesopinion.com to read more.

By “Kneecap”

Veterans always need a lot of help and the government is not equipped to perform all that is needed. That’s why many organizations step up to the plate and give a helping hand. I’ve covered a lot of benefits but when I got this assignment I was a little astonished. This one was sponsored by Ormond in the Pines which is an assisted living facility. However, this poker run for veterans to benefit Outward Bound was very well organized. Jodi Wilmot and David Drew, and all of their volunteers deserve a lot of credit. Even though it was on a weekend where there was a lot going on all over, they had a great turnout. We started out of the Cabbage Patch Bar where we were treated to coffee, donuts, and even hotdogs, supplied by the bartenders. From there we went to the Roadside Tavern, Main Street Station, Saints and Sinners, and ended at the Beaver Bar for BBQ and live entertainment. It’s great to see that we still have people in this country that care for the needs of our veterans. “Oorah”

By “Kneecap”

Have you ever met a guy that had a gruff, hoarse, brusk, surly voice who was curt, blunt, bad tempered, grumpy, grouchy and crabby but was caring and generous, then you probably met Ralph “Who” LaMassa. Ralph has always been known to have a big heart but that big heart gave him some big problems. He went into the hospital for what he thought would be a simple stent but ended up having serious open-heart surgery. The doctors had to open him up twice. He was in an induced coma for a week and a half, spent two months in the hospital and one month in rehab going to dialysis three times a week. He had always been there for others so it was our turn to be there for him. His friends organized a benefit poker run which started at the White Eagle, went to One Horse Saloon, Circus II, Annie Oakley’s, Three Finger Charlie’s, and finished at the White Eagle for free BBQ and entertainment. If you go to the White Eagle Lounge and you see a 74-year-old man with a very long ponytail and he greets you with the words “hombre” you have met Ralph. Say Hi.

By Deborah Speicher

After taking a one year hiatus, the Cotee River Bike Fest was back and better than ever. One major change was that all of the New Port Richey downtown district roads were closed off to allow motorcycle only parking and for additional vendors. There was also an additional entertainment stage. This three day event (October 10-12) was multi-faceted and really did incorporate something for everybody.

Friday night started out with various bands including local favorite, The Greg Billings Band, plus a Daisy Duke contest. Saturday and Sunday featured more good music in addition to a ride-in bike show, the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck, Motorman Rider Skills Show and the Jesse Toler Stunt Show. There was also a poker run on Saturday sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 43 MC which benefitted the Children’s Burn Camp. The highlight of Saturday evening was the bikini contest with the winner being crowned “Miss Cotee River Bike Fest.”
Coupled with great weather and attendance all three days, I would say that this event was a huge success!

By Rich Malfitano

On October 6, 2014 two local veterans were recognized for their long time volunteer service to community and Nation. Veterans Gary Benson of Port Orange and Jim Kreinest of Ormond Beach work tirelessly helping veterans, active military and their families. This is not new to them since they have been doing this for most of their adult life. But in October 2012 they joined forces and established The Veterans Assistance Coalition, (VAC). The nonprofit volunteer organization was approved under Federal statue 501(c) (3) and 501(c) (4); it is registered as a tax exempt public charity, organization. Its mission is to assist and support Veterans of all wars, providing charity, education, relief while improving quality of life and well-being. The (VAC) provides real time assistance to all veterans in need. However; its primary focus is reaching out to homeless veterans and their families. The VAC partners with the Veterans Administration “HUD Vash” program and the Salvation Army in efforts to get homeless veterans out of the woods, off the streets and into places they can live and call home. The organization also provides them with whatever household furnishings needed and all the other items and assistance needed to help them jump-start back into society. Many move on to further education, job training and placement, helping them once again to live productive lives.

On October 6th 2014, Rich Malfitano of Rolling Thunder Fl Chapter 8, certifying official for the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, under the authority of the PVSAP presented Gary and Jim one of the highest volunteer awards one can receive for service to community and nation, “The Presidents Volunteer Service Award”. The presentation took place at the Rolling Thunder Inc® FL Chapter 8 membership meeting.

Not only are Gary and Jim co founders of the Coalition (VAC), both are veterans and long time members of Rolling Thunder Fl-8. Gary Benson is also and a member and fundraising chairman for the Marine Corps. League of Volusia County, and a member of the Viet-Nam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1048. Jim Kreinest is a chartered member and executive for RT FL-8. Both are long time advocates for veterans and the POW-MIA cause.
I had the honor of witnessing several of the “move ins” and witnessed the excitement and gratitude of the vets. I also had the opportunity to speak to some of the veterans and family members. Most whom I spoke with during interviews said the same thing, “We didn’t know that anyone even cared”. Finally these veterans are feeling the honor and gratitude deserving of their service to our country. Veterans are not alone and should never feel or be treated as such. Gary, Jim and all who volunteer with the VAC make sure of that. Since the VAC’s conception, more than 200 veterans have been placed in housing.
To Gary and Jim, we offer our sincere thanks for all that they do and congratulate them on this very prestigious recognition.

Foot-Note: If You Know A Veteran In Need of Emergency Assistance, please contact the VAC at: 386-214-3372 or email at: rt8vac@gmail.com. For more about the VAC and its collation partners, click on the RT FL-8 web site: http://www.rollingthunderfl8.com/en/executives/93-sidebar-left/40-member-s-corner.html.