By Lulu

Since Kneecap passed away the magazine hasn’t had a political, right wing column. And everywhere I go people tell me how much they miss not only “his opinion”, but also his humor! I can’t really be funny, but I have something political to state! There is no way I can deny I am a Republican. I want every sane person in the USA to own a gun, although I don’t. I want every illegal immigrant to either start a process to be legal or get the hell out! I want the Wall and I don’t give a damn who pays for it. I want the flag, the military, the police and firemen to be respected. And if by some chance a phone looks like a gun to a cop, so be it. If you see blue lights in your rearview mirror or someone knocks on your door with a badge, you better be on your knees with your hands behind your head until the law says, “You can relax”! The work the cops do every friggin’ day is dangerous! What happened to the saying, “Police, stop or we will shoot”? People used to put their hands up and freeze, now they just start videoing with a cell phone or run! They think being pulled over by a cop is a good shot at winning the lawsuit lottery. I don’t condone police brutality or profiling, but if you are in a crime infested neighborhood you should realize the cops are on edge the moment they punch the time clock! For your own safety, please do everything you can to protect yourself from the appearance of being a threat to them. I think the government should run TV commercials on how to protect yourself from being perceived as a criminal. By this point, if I haven’t offended half of my readers it is only because most of us who ride love America and our constitution. If I have offended any liberals who ride I am sorry; but, when Hillary wants to say that the females who voted for Trump voted for him because their husbands or bosses coerced them into it…I get angry. I voted for Trump because Hillary was an awful candidate, and he beat out all the other possible Republicans. I also was given an Ancestry DNA kit for Christmas that showed I was 10% Russian…so send the FBI and CIA to my house – I must be part of the never ending Russian collusion!!

Did I mention I am a member of the NRA although I don’t own a gun?
Thank a cop or fireman for the job they do, stand tall when you hear the National Anthem, and when you’re on the bike – don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

For Bike Week 2018 the grounds of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson were teeming with shoppers. The Flaunt Girls put on aerial shows under the pavilion, Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death and Urias Family Globe of Steel put on shows all week long at no cost. There was Powerhouse Arm Wrestling Contests, AMCA Bike Show put on by the Sunshine Chapter and Mark Brodie’s American V-Twin Custom Bike Show. Live music filled the stage including the Razorbacks on St. Patty’s Day. But the main reason people visit the dealership during Bike Week is to SHOP. Whether they are looking for a new or used bike or to find something new at the huge vendor area there is too much to check out in only one day. So, during Bike Week 2018 they served Kegs and Eggs daily to start every day of your Bike Week right!

As if Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson didn’t have enough to keep them busy this spring with Bike Week, motorcycle sales, weekly events at the dealership, remodeling the second floor and more…Mandy and Shelley did their yearly Sunrise to Sunset trip across the state and we were lucky enough to get to ride along! One thing those Rossmeyer girls love to do is RIDE! The ride this year started on the beach at Granada in Ormond Beach with sunrise at 7:01am. First stop was breakfast at Peach Valley and then off for a glorious day of riding to Cedar Key. We arrived without incident and checked in to Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast. Our room was the Honeymoon Room and the bed was perfect! The grounds of the B&B had awesome old oaks and lots of interesting places to sit and enjoy our company. The big surprise of this trip was a friend of the Rossmeyer’s hosted a low country boil for sunset at his home. I have had a lot of great low country boils, but this surpassed all!! The chef added cauliflower, asparagus, whole okra and brussels sprouts and it was perfectly seasoned!!

Check out their website for the monthly activities at BRHD.com; something is always going on from classes for new riders to live music and fun!!

By Lulu

I’m still not certain if the huge wooden motorcycle (taller than most buildings in Daytona, by the way!) was set ablaze or suffered spontaneous combustion due to the HOT girls in skimpy bikinis! Either way, what an amazing spectacle the Burning Bike becomes as it blazes across the dark skies. All week during Bike Week you can view and sign the monstrosity at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, but to see it burn you arrive at sundown and girls in bikinis entertain you in a super-hot bikini contest until time for the fiery show. During the week they also host camping, live music, vendors, and bike shows. Their website is FASTLANEDAYTONA.COM.

By Lulu

The hottest show in town was once again put on by Phaedra Lee at Main Street Station! Known for being one of the best music venues and hosting the largest bike night, they are making a name for themselves by putting on a sizzling bikini contest during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. This year, Tito Vodka was the sponsor and a line up of gorgeous women competed for a packed house of spectators on the final Sunday. I couldn’t pick a winner – each girl brought it to the stage! To give the men a chance to take home a Tito flag for their man cave, they competed in a Fannie pack dance off which was too funny for words. Whether it is Bike Week, Biketoberfest or anytime you are in the greater Daytona area, make sure to stop in at 316 Main Street. There really isn’t anyone who supports the motorcycle community all year long more than Main Street, with their $1 beer on Bike Night…so don’t be cheap…drink there on other nights of the week to thank them!!!

By Lulu

The front and back lots were filled beyond capacity! The front with amazing bike show entries. The back with throngs of thirsty bikers listening to great music by New York Rockabilly Rockets and Big Rick & The Troublemakers while drinking Twisted Tea, Miller Lite and other cold ones all to help raise funds for the local Veteran’s home. Sponsors included Cycle Source, Twisted Tea, Rue & Ziffra, S&S, The Horse, The Pocket Guide, JP Cycles, Iron Horse Saloon, Renegade Magazine, The Smoke Out, Dave Perewitz, Speedkingracing, B&D Customs, Biker’s Choice, Self Made Customs, Custom Chrome, Boomer’s Bike Shop, Led Sled, Billet Proof, Bare Bones, Mo’s Image Customs, Lucky Loser, Lowbrow Customs, Anvil Customs, DK Customs, Bling’s Cycles, Bikernet, Black Water Guns and Rider Now Magazine. David Sweat from the law firm Rue & Ziffra was on site along with Bill Grotto from Twisted Tea. They have both been big supporters of this wonderful motorcycle event. This was one of the biggest shows ever. It was a beautiful day and too much to look at!! Managed to catch a photo of Dave Perewitz and Billy Lane, two legends from the days of Biker Build Off. The Thursday of Bike Week or Biketoberfest, Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach is the best party in town and the right spot to get inked.

By Lulu

Under the sprawling old oaks in Ormond Beach is the Broken Spoke Saloon. So far only open during the rallies in the spring and fall, but it is one hell of a great party spot. The shade offered by the huge trees makes for a nice place to hide from the sweltering heat while listening to live bands and enjoying cold beverages. After dark, the trees are lit with little white lights turning the venue into an adult wonderland. The huge stage is great for show bands and the covered large pole barn is good for rain shelter during inclement weather. The beautiful grounds provide plenty of space for bike and car shows. Lots of good looking bar staff makes your drink purchasing a bit more pleasant! Uncle Kracker filled the place on the first weekend. Then all week-long Hairball and other bands kept music in the air. The last Saturday of Bike Week the Ribbon Riders attempted to break the world record of the most women riders. The official count was hosted by Skip’s Boots on International. Although the record wasn’t broken, over six hundred bikes filled the parking lot at Skips. The after party was at Broken Spoke where Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney treated the ladies to lunch. I would really love to see this bar open all year long!

By Lulu

The owners of Insane Cycles and Muscle Cars in Ormond Beach, David and Kimberly, have completed a major move and renovation to their new location at 691 S. Yonge St. (US 1). The business is packed with show room quality bikes and cars. Everywhere you look there is something to catch your eye. From sweet sleek choppers to rusty renovations, there is something for everyone’s taste. They specialize in custom paint, airbrushing and pinstriping as well as sales of quality pre-owned bikes and cars. Insane loves muscle car restoration and are excellent at it. Really it is like a museum inside. They also do exotic seats if you are looking for something to set your bike apart from the rest! So, if you are thinking about purchasing or already own a restoration piece, check out the crew at Insane…if you can dream it, they can create it for you!
David and Kimberly are active in the local scene and we recently spotted them presenting a trophy at Broken Spoke’s Rat Rod Invasion show during Bike Week. And even the trophy was “Insane”.

By Lulu

There are all kind of things that cause a celebration, but few are more-worthy than a 75th birthday party!!! The owner of OB’s recently had hundreds join in for cake and cocktails to toast this grand mile marker! OB’s beautiful daughters and the rest of the friendly staff ran their tails off trying to keep up with the fun. Thunder Jack and Gin Mill Romeo kept the crowd tapping their feet all night long. If you haven’t made it out to their new bike night on Wednesdays from 6-10pm, you MUST! Every Bike Night they have an awesome $2-3 food special that Ken and the crew put out, live music, and great drink or beer prices. It has grown to one of the biggest bike nights in Volusia County, at 1750 N. Woodland Blvd. in Deland.

By Lulu

If you’ve been to Bike Week, you have certainly heard of the world-famous Coleslaw Wrestling at the Cabbage Patch Bar! But Cabbage Patch is more than just girls in oil and cabbage…they rock three stages with live music, put on the Sound Showdown, provide $10 camping, and have vendors galore. They also host two great bike shows, the Budweiser Battle of the Baggers, and Budweiser’s Ride in Bike Show. Emcee Radical Randy keeps things on track, and the trophies sponsored by Fran Haasch Law Group make people ride in from all over to enter. Don’t forget to visit Cabbage Patch Bar all year long. They love to be a poker run stop, so keep them on your list!

By Lulu

Tucked under the bridge on Highway 100 in Flagler Beach is a great waterfront bar – Hidden Treasure Raw Bar & Grill. There are actually two locations in Volusia, and one in Flagler County. Their Volusia County locations are on US1 in Port Orange and in Ponce Inlet. The Flagler location went all out during Bike Week with great entertainment taking the stage every day. The bands included the Razorbacks, The U.S. Stones, Orange Avenue, Big Engine, Bath Salt Zombies, Thunderjack, and Peach Life. On Sundays, Anthony Wild and the Suspects supports the Kids Rock the Nation Charity Jam, which provides musical instruments to local students. The night we rode out, the U.S. Stones put on an awesome show, and their firepits warmed the crowds! For a great Sunday adventure, ride out to Flagler Beach – 820 Moody Lane on the Intracoastal Waterway. The food and service are always great at all three locations, so check out Hidden Treasure and put them on your list if you are putting on a poker run for charity!

By Lulu

Denise and the crew at the Original First Turn in Port Orange are used to big crowds and work their buns off trying to keep bellies full and tonsils wet!! But the crowds at Bike Week and even now on their first Tuesday of the month Big Bike Night can be a bit overwhelming even to veteran bar staff. But the wonderful outside seating, great food and awesome musical talent can overfill the parking lot. All year long they have great music, once a month they do a large cornhole tourney, and feature a country night on the second Friday usually with Hayfire, a crowd favorite. But the NEW First Tuesday Bike Night at First Turn is really taking off like wildfire. They serve up some free grub on all Tuesday bike nights, live music and have $1.50 domestics & $2 Twisted Tea. The first Tuesday though they throw in raffles, vendors and New Smyrna Harley-Davidson is on site as one of their sponsors. A great time is in store for you if you can ride to Port Orange for their Tuesday nights!

By Lulu

Normally I spend the last day of Bike Week and Biketoberfest on the back porch of the Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell. My friends and I love to unwind at the world-famous Survivor Party for free food, great cocktails, and camaraderie! But as luck would have it, we stopped by earlier in the week and ran into by dear friend Mike and his parents. It was wonderful to see Mike and Glenn. Thank goodness we did, because by the time the last Sunday rolled around I came down with a terrible cold and couldn’t make it back up to Bunnell! The Dog Pound is VERY motorcycle friendly. My friend Glenn and I need to make a play date to get on the bikes and ride. Sadly, he is busy with his two bars (he also owns Smiles in Palm Coast) and I am an hour south of Bunnell and always busy with the magazine. Life sure can get in the way of FUN! Stop in and tell the friendly staff I said hello, and if I missed you at the Survivor Party sorry I will be certain to see you in the fall.

By Lulu

Whether it is Bike Week or not, Tony and Dar at The Boat Bar in Port Orange on US 1 have a party going on! This beer and wine establishment treat their regulars and any newbie to The Boat as a welcome guest coming to their house for a party! All the staff love their bikers!! Almost monthly, Tony and Dar find a reason to entertain. Often that includes good music and free food! This month on the Sunday before Bike Week, License to Steal played out back to a packed crowd, and the BBQ was awesome! The second-best part of the bar (other than the friendly staff) is the beer price! At only $2 a domestic longneck all year long, you just can’t beat this bar as a place to throw down a cold one. They do a Bike Night every Friday evening, so now that the weather is warming up, find a stool at The Boat to cool your pipes.

By Lulu

In Palatka, 3-D Saloon is a bar that specializes in bringing great original bands to music lovers. The night we visited, Framing the Red had the place on fire!! The $10 cover was well worth it, because drink prices were cheap and the music was awesome! The crowd was friendly, and we ran into peeps from as far as Orange Park and Crescent City – all there to hear good music. 3-D is also known for occasionally bringing in metal bands (not normally my cup of tea) but if the metal bands are of the same caliber as Framing the Red, I can see why Amy gets a crowd!! On Sundays they celebrate motorcycling with $2 domestics and free pool!! Ride out and introduce yourself to Amy and Donnie!!

By Ron Cox

Almost 80 vintage motorcycles registered at Sunsports Cycle in Ft. Myers for the First Vintage Motorcycle Show on Saturday, February 10th. Entries were limited to 2 stroke bikes only. There were numerous categories, such as engine size and country of origin. Jimmy Sabino won the Best of Show prize with his 1958 Imme, a German motorcycle. Also on site were bike parts and a swap meet, food vendors and live music.

Plans are already in the works for the Second Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show, tentatively set for February 9, 2019 at a venue to be determined. Shows are also being planned for other locations around the state. For information contact Event Manager Flathead Jack at 239-851-7492 or 2strokebikeshow@gmail.com