By Lulu

Sometimes a white knight rides a Harley! And Willie Jones from Tropical Tattoo is just that to the veterans who reside at Emory Bennett VA Nursing Home. Twice a year during Bike Week and Biketoberfest, Willie and his amazing peeps put on THE BIKE SHOW of the rallies. And what many do not know is that the proceeds from the event benefit the Veteran’s Coalition. Mike Erthal who mans the Veterans Coalition Fund says that the home has approximately 90 residents that Chopper Time benefits. Willie has been dressing up as Santa for the past five years and visits the men and women residents fulfilling their Christmas wish lists! In his words, “It becomes personal once you meet the brave men and women who served in the military guaranteeing our freedom.” Willie will be the first to tell you he can’t do this alone. It takes all his staff, friends and sponsors which includes Rue & Ziffra, PA, Twisted Tea, Hot Leathers, Grandview Live, Hardcore Cycles, S&S, Bling Cycles, Dave Perewitz, B&D Customs, Speedking Racing, Mo’s Image Customs, Bikernet, Riders Now, Cochise Chops, Bare Bones Leather, Biltwell, V-Twin, Spectro Oil, Bikerphotog.com, Southern Cycles and A1. The law firm, Rue & Ziffra, P.A. has sponsored this event for years now. Roadside Marty has been working the mic and the crowd since 2002, trying to keep the show on track. Chris & Heather from Cycle Source really help Willie pull this event off each year. Last year was particularly difficult for Willie and there was even talk of not having the show after his injuries from a bad motorcycle wreck, but the “show must go on” for the much-needed funds to be raised for the vets!

The show consists of unique motorcycle creations. It is $20 to enter your masterpiece which helps offset the cost of putting the event on and increases the kitty for the veterans. Along with the bike show you will find hot girls, a great band this year featuring Big Rick & The Troublemakers, and BBQ. The alcohol sale proceeds benefit the Coalition.

Since 1991 Willie has owned Tropical Tattoo at 825 S Yonge St. What started with Willie, Mad Jack, and Bobby D etching ink, now 20 years later, Tropical has Katie, Alexa, Clay, Ron, Skully, John & Matt busy taking skin and turning it into art. So, while you are spending the day at Chopper Time, get inked with something to remember Bike Week 2022. See J.T., the floor manager to schedule an appointment.

A special word of thanks to each one that shows up year after year to make this one of the few Bike Week events, that because of your attendance, brightens a Veterans life. So, see you at Chopper Time 2022 on Thursday, March 10th!