By Billy "Kneecap" Braddock I've said it before and I'll say it again. April starts off with Fools Day but Washington, D.C. thinks that every day is Fools Day. We've been hearing a lot about the Sequester. The politicians claim that cutting the budget by 2% would be devastating. First of all, this is not a cut. It is a reduction in the growth of spending. That would be like saying that I usually drink 100 beers, but I had intended to increase that to 107 beers. However, because of finances, I will only be able to increase my beers to 105. Now, that is devastating. The government is dealing with a $1.5 trillion deficit this year, and 17 trillion in debt, and they can't reduce future spending by 2%? Every working person in this country has had a tax increase since the first of the year. I haven't heard of anybody jumping from tall buildings. After talking to a lot of bikers this Bike Week, they said that they were cutting back and not spending as much because they did not have it. Why can't the government follow the example of its citizens? They canceled the White House tours, but still pay for haircuts, shaves, and shoe shines for Congressman. The tours cost less than $74,000 a week, but we spent $10 million for Pakistani Sesame Street, $700,000 to bring television to Vietnamese villages that don't even have electricity and $120 million in retirement and disability benefits to federal employees who have died. Plus, we give $250 million (money we have to borrow) to Egypt that burns our flag and chants death to America. We have spent millions paying researchers to play video games, to study the effects of cocaine on Japanese quail, to study the behavior of male prostitutes in Vietnam, to find out why gay men in Argentina have risky sex when drunk, and of course to train Chinese prostitutes to drink responsibly. The waste in government spending is mind-boggling. We borrow billions a day to pay for these and the most stupid things imaginable. If I was to list all the wasted billions I would need to write a book, not a column. Even though the Congress has only a 9% approval rating, we still vote them back into office. I guess we are FOOLS. While the country is going bankrupt, what is the Congress discussing? The hoax of global warming, the indiscriminate use of armed drones, and of course, gun control. Gun control laws adversely affect only law-abiding citizens. It is not about controlling guns but controlling the populace. 64 million legal firearm owners didn't kill anybody yesterday. Washington DC has one of the strictest gun control laws in the country. To quote Mayor Marion Barry “Outside of the killings, Washington, has one of the lowest crime rates in the country” Duh!!! Computers are considered to be artificial intelligence, and in my hands it becomes artificial ignorance. I just signed up for Twitter, so now I can tweet until I'm a twit. If you're looking for a new friend, find a homeless man. They are the best. They never ask you to help them move. See you on the shiny side of tomorrow... Read the rest of this entry »

By Alexis Wood The 3rd annual BIKE & BOIL was held February 23rd at the Baymeadows Adamec Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville to benefit Angelwood. With lots of new riders and great weather BIKE & BOIL was a success once again! The ride was led again this year by Sheriff John Rutherford through the city, crossing 5 bridges. The party was emceed by Richard Nunn of WJXT. Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers was the title sponsor. The Orange Park HOG club helped out again this year by doing registration, and Florida Blue volunteers came out in force. As always, the event signature Low Country Boil served by Bill Wilson was delicious and to celebrate Angelwood’s 20 year anniversary guests also enjoyed a special cake for dessert! The ride continues to build momentum each year with over 182 bikes and 500 people (riders and non-riders alike) in attendance. Guests also supported Angelwood by shopping at the Angelwood arts-based adult Day Training tent, raffle, and Silent Auction. Mr. Natural kept the crowd rocking all through the day. A special performance was also given by the River City All Stars Special Needs cheerleading team that included some of Angelwood’s residents. Proceeds of BIKE & BOIL help Angelwood’s programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. For more information on Angelwood, please visit www.angelwoodjax.org. A very special thanks to the Adamec Family for hosting this event and to Thunder Roads Florida for getting the word out! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Deland Bike Fest had a picture perfect day for their Bike Fest. The quaint college town closes their streets to bikes only and they put out the red carpet for bikers. Lots of really cool restaurants and shops make this a favorite place to ride to for those who are visiting during Daytona Bike Week. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Generally when I write a Bull’s Eye I have the opportunity to sit down and chat with the man. I had hoped to interview David Allan Coe during Bike Week, but time simply got away from me. But last night David Allan Coe was involved in a car accident in Ocala, Florida (March 18th) and I decided to do a bit of investigating on this icon of motorcycle music. Luckily his injuries are not life threatening and he will be back on stage soon. Man this is one interesting human being. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1939 he has lived a “roller coaster ride” lifestyle. As diverse as his music is…so are the places he has resided. He has called a penitentiary home, spending nearly 20 of his early years locked up. He has lived in a hearse outside of the Ryman Auditorium by the Grand Ol’ Opry. After the IRS seized his Key West home, he lived in a cave in Tennessee. I guess this unique set of life segments made for interesting song writing. In 1968 he released his first album Penitentiary Blues referred to as “voodoo blues and redneck music”. His “throaty baritone” voice is easily recognizable which sets him apart from many. He has toured with Grand Funk Railroad, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Kid Rock. He has been in movies including “Stagecoach” and “The Last Days Of Frank And Jesse James”. He wrote “Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)” for Tanya Tucker in 1973 it was a #1 hit. Johnny Paycheck recorded Coe’s “Take This Job and Shove It”. Kid Rock recorded “Single Father” that David Allan Coe wrote. His songs such as “Mona Lisa Smiles” and “The Ride” are songs that brought him a resurgence in the mainstream music scene in the 80s. He has written 63 songs that were on Billboard’s single chart. A music career that has spanned 45 years is rare. A man that can survive prison, the IRS and accidents…and still have a sparkle in his eye and a joy for living even rarer. An ultimate entertainer, David was often known to ride his Harley on stage which thrilled the crowd. He still packs them in at the Iron Horse whenever he is on stage. I am just pleased to know that the accident spared his life, and that Biketoberfest at the Iron Horse Saloon I will get the chance to listen to another set of the father of “Outlaw Biker Music” and hopefully sit with him for a real interview! God speed Mr. Coe! Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher On February 2, 2013 Rolling Thunder Inc. Florida Chapter 11 held their Annual Benefit Ride and Rally. Once again, it had four starting places from the north, south, east and west – Brandon Harley-Davidson, Peggy’s Corral, Cycle Alley and Jim’s Harley-Davidson. All of the rides ended up at Quaker Steak & Lube for the Rally. The event benefitted Paws for Patriots (Southeastern Guide Dogs) which provides much needed guide dogs for our blind and wounded veterans. The VA provides no funding for guide dogs and this program relies on donations to continue its good work. By 11:30am the ride-in groups had all arrived and the party was in full swing at The Lube, which was hosted by none other than Parti Patti herself. There was music courtesy of Bitter Sweet, a classic car and truck show, vendors, raffles, club challenge, and much more. Hundreds of supporters showed up on two and four wheels for this event, and the club challenge was won for the second year in a row by the Old Town HOG Chapter with 59 participants. A big thank you to Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 11 and all that came out that day for continuing to help our military. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Generosity is defined in the dictionary as willing to give or share unselfishly. And boy I was I blown away by a generous crowd and two young men at Twisted Tea’s Hot Thunder Bikini Contest during Bike Week at the White Eagle. Last Biketoberfest, I offered to give the Tracy Dillon Breast Cancer Fund $150 if I could get some men from the crowd to come on stage, take their shirts off and dance in a pink bra and pink boa. Please note this is a biker bar at a major bike event. In seconds, guys jumped on stage, prances around and I had to cough up the $150 which I happily donated. Fast forward to Bike Week 2013, I had to come up with something to one up that and a friend of ours Jeff had two starving Wyotech students staying at his house. They are two young bucks, that although a bit reluctantly, agreed to come out on stage recreating the whole Tom Cruise bit from Risky Business in PINK “whitey tightys” and a pink men’s dress shirt. I offered to auction them off and treat the lucky girl to a night on the town with the young men. As my girlfriend Kim and I were dying the briefs to a nice pink, I had my doubts that they would show up. But they did, and when I called them on stage I was stunned. Before I even had a chance to introduce them, ladies started shoving money in their shorts and the whole auction thing was thrown to the wayside. It took on a life of its own and became a male strip show minus the pole! I think Sterling may go to work on stage and give up on fixing bikes and boats for a living! Even more amazing is Sterling’s father was in the audience and he is an ol’ school biker! I have to love bikers because even the men were handing money to their ladies or me…I didn’t catch any putting money in the boy’s shorts, thank God. When we came out with what we thought was our generous final total Artie walked up and handed me $100 out of his pocket, a food vendor out back gave me $50 and $20s were coming from everywhere. Our grand total was $632!!!! What I didn’t know about the two boys, Josh and Sterling, was their reason for doing it. Josh had an aunt that died from breast cancer and Sterling lost his mom to cancer as a child. Josh asked me to please say if I wrote about this they did it in the memory of their loved ones. Not just everyone would be brave enough to dance around in their undies, much less pink ones, for the good of people they don’t know. Not just everyone cares enough to make a difference. But their guts, butts and glory…and the generous spirits that donated their Bike Week spending money, will help women that can’t afford a mammogram get that essential screening before a potential disease becomes a death sentence. Thank you Josh, Sterling and those that gave you made me a very happy girl! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu There is always something going on at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson in Clermont and often the event is to benefit some worthy cause in the community. In February alone they hosted a Garage and Bake Sale as part of H.O.G. for Hospice and they put on a “Red Hot Benefit” for Southlake Hospital Foundation. With the help of their sponsor Humana Care Plus, Victory Cruise Line and the wonderful guys and girls who rode in much needed funds were added to the Foundation. Live music by 357 Band, silent auction items, free food, 50/50 and vendors made the day. A lot of work goes into events like this and the people at Stormy-Hill deserve a revving of the engines for their efforts! Read the rest of this entry »

By Miserable George

It was ‘way back in 2005 that Barry "Bear" Conaway came up with an idea to help out unfortunate bikers...it worked! The organization became known as B.I.N....or, Bikers In Need. This year, on Feb. 17, they celebrated their second anniversary with a police escorted run from Space Coast HD, north on I.95, to Wickham Park pavilion...250 plus, strong!! Awaiting the chilly riders, were vendors, three popular local live bands, ace DJ, Doc Holiday, door prizes, a 50/50, and more!! Sad to say, it’s been nearly a year that Bear passed on, but, we just knew he was watching...and smiling...at the success of his idea...his brain child...something he devoted his very life to, and now, is being managed by his wife, Ellen, (Mama Bear). Yeah, it was a chilly crowd, as I said...morning temps were in the 30's, but that didn’t stop those determined riders from coming out to support Bear’s dream! You can help too; call Mama Bear at 321-298-6046, or bikersinneed.org. A big THANK YOU to all who helped make this run and the organization a success. Mama Bear and I say...Ride safe!!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu [autoviewer id="235" width="600" height="600" ] We are just like the snowbirds that migrate south for the winter. Each January we look forward to leaving our nest and heading down to Dania Beach for their milder temps and one of the best antique bike shows in the state. This is put on in Frost Park by the Sunshine Chapter A. M. C. A. and hundreds of bikes participate. Clare Frost is one of the organizers and her uncle donated the property this event takes place on to the city, hence the name…Frost Park. The event is free to the public while the bike entry fee benefits the Stray Aid & Rescue. Vendors, live music, bike games, an antique bicycle show, roller derby girls and a swap meet complete the event. We met lots of interesting people and even saw Jillian, a pin striper from St. Augustine, doing a bike with the crowd watching. For the second year in a row we had a special treat of Billy Joel sitting in with the band and the crowd loved it. For those who don’t know it, Billy Joel has a motorcycle museum named 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay, New York with over 80 bikes! When I first spotted him this year he was doing some serious shopping in the Swap Meet area. If you love nostalgic bikes or are looking for hard to find bike or bike piece ride down to Dania Beach next year for a really enjoyable afternoon. Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher

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The unusually warm winter weather this year brought out the crowds for the annual Gibtown Bike Week hosted by The Showmen’s Club of Gibsonton. There was unique entertainment that you would not normally see at other motorcycle events. That is because The Showmen’s Club membership is comprised of people who work in the outdoor amusement industry (carnivals, etc.).

The grounds were packed with vendors, live music, food and a beer garden. Ride in for the day or stay for the night as FREE camping was also available. There was a bike show on Saturday, and hot rod and custom car show on Sunday.

Sunday I got to enjoy the music of Nashville recording artist Randy McNeeley. There was also wrestling – both men’s tag team and girls. I also watched Galaxy Girl perform death defying stunts such as hand stands on her 110’ sway pole; all without a net!

There was nonstop entertainment with several other bands plus Johnny Rockets Cyber Cycle which altogether made this free event a destination for those living in the Tampa Bay area and beyond!

By Lulu In 2013 we have decided to feature two or three bike nights each month of our ad clients that sell Twisted Tea (our Bike Night sponsor)! To make this extra special we are asking everyone to bring in nonperishable food items for the food bank and we give away $50 bucks to the winning raffle ticket. Our first event we ended up giving the Children’s Home Society 93 pounds of food and they were so thankful!!! We had a great time at Beaver Bar’s Thirsty Thursdays with yummy $1 tacos! If you haven’t visited Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach yet you certainly should. They have a wonderful menu, great bartenders, $2 beer and tons of rocking chairs! Read the rest of this entry »

Ever since I heard that Russia has banned Americans from adopting their orphans I've been puzzled. Why do we need to adopt children from other countries? Don't we have enough orphans in this country? I don't have any children of my own, but if I wanted a child I think I would have a large selection in this country to pick from. Whenever this government wants to pass a certain bill it will always say “it's for the children”. Malarkey! “As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily, endure almost any curtailment of liberty in almost any deprivation.”(Adolf Hitler). Another thing that gets my thong in a wad is slogans. Slogans must be working because Congress has less than 10% approval of voters, but voters put 90% back in office. DA! Most of the government slogans are derived to cover the true meaning. “Their fair share” means tax the rich. “Investments” means spending. “Reducing Gun Violence” means gun control. “Undocumented” means illegal, etc. etc. etc... “The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and we must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.” (Adolf Hitler). As you see, I've never have been and never will be “Politically Correct”. P.C. means having to say you're sorry, when you know you're not. This Bike Week, even with the bad economy, we should be expecting 500,000 bikers in Daytona. Bikers will stop eating for a month (I said eating not drinking) in order to save enough money to come to Bike Week. There will be a lot of new people that are unfamiliar with our roads and the driving practices of the cages. Here are a couple of hints to help you avoid eating asphalt. #1 Assume drivers can't see you; ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to motorists. #2 Maintain safe spacing; be an island. #3 Anticipate trouble; be ready to avoid a bad traffic situation. #4 Beware of oncoming left turners: motorist turning left in front of you at intersections. This is the leading cause of death to motorcycle riders. #5 Know your own personal limits. #6 Don't give into road rage. #7 Don't allow tailgating. #8 Don't be blinded by sun and glare. You might just find yourself being blinded by the light, and remember if the sun is at your back, oncoming traffic may not be able to see you. #9 You might want to consider wearing protective clothing and a skid lid or a brain bucket. #10 Pay attention to idiots talking on cell phones or texting. I saw a great sign on a church sign “Honk if you love Jesus, text while driving if you want to meet him”. The best way to be safe is to learn the basic ways to control your motorcycle and to learn how to recognize traffic situations that you need to be ready to handle. Pay attention to the alcohol content, not in your gas tank, but in your belly. “Crashing SUCKS”. However, it might be a good idea to have the proper insurance. Allstate is a good pick. God forbid something should happen, it's always good to have a good attorney like Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell. Be safe and enjoy the week, so you can come back for Biketoberfest. My ex-wives always thought I was hard of hearing but actually I was just hard of listening. The other day somebody called my Beagle a mutt. I explained that he was a full-blooded mongrel. See you on the shiny side of tomorrow… Read the rest of this entry »