By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Before reading this article, remember the title is “Nobodies Opinion”. Everyone who has been reading my articles over the past years knows that I am a conservative libertarian and promoter of smaller government. We need some forms of government. Police, fire protection, infrastructure, etc. are important. However, in the past hundred years or so, the federal government has grown at an enormous pace. I believe that it is the fault of the uninformed, undereducated, and uncaring voters.

Our founding fathers had it right when they decided NOT to put the right to vote in the Constitution. It’s hard for me to believe that we would re-elect a president whose administration had 24 million unemployed, 47 million on food stamps, and millions of homes being foreclosed upon. I could go on with all the negatives but this article is not long enough. I believe Rush Limbaugh hit it on the nose when he said “You can’t vote against Santa Claus”.

We have become a “Regulation against Business Society”. The federal government has been adding on an average 68 new regulations a day. This costs businesses billions of dollars to comply. We don’t only have to worry about the feds; look at your local government. Every day some politician comes up with a new law or regulation. Give someone a little power, and they want to try to tell you how to live. (Republicans and Democrats alike)

Take Daytona Beach as an example. Businesses in the city proper are dropping like flies. When the suggestion of extending Biketoberfest to 10 days was suggested, the area merchants were all in favor. Then, here comes the politicians. They start claiming that it makes no difference in attendance. How stupid! Their example was, “We tried it twice”, once, immediately after the September 11 attacks and then immediately after the 2004 hurricanes. How dumb could they be? It was a last-minute decision with only a few weeks to publicize the extension.

Bikers save and prepare for months to come to Daytona. Nobody is going to ride long distances for just three days. (I don’t count Sunday because that is a going home day for most.) That’s why Bike Week brings in 500,000 and Biketoberfest only draws 100,000. The businesses outside of Daytona city limits run Biketoberfest for 10 days. They’ve been drawing the crowds making those businesses profitable.

One of the commissioners even said that the economic boost is short-lived. Duh!!! Did somebody forget to tell her that it’s only three days and the 744 room Hilton typically sells out? What a stupid comment.

Another excuse politicians like to use is “We want to make Daytona more family friendly”. That’s the biggest joke I ever heard. I’ve been hearing that for the past 50 years and it will never work. It’s a beach town not Disney World. We should take advantage of all and any revenue that can be brought into the community. Businesses are starving and the economy sucks. Every dollar is important. We need to tell these Blue hairs to stop standing in the way. They need to go sit on their rocking chairs, smoke a joint and relax. Stay out of the way and let the businesses make a living.

I just had a birthday. I am now a lot closer to 50 that I am 40. True statement. This means that when I get lucky, it means I was able to find my motorcycle in the parking lot.

I heard a great commercial the other day. It said “your hair needs a touch of gray”. In my case I need a touch of hair.

Seen a good one the other day on my way to Deland, one of the human sign holders was waving his sign that said “Haircut And Style $15”. Guess what? He was bald. Wanted to go right in.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow…

By Lulu

The HOG Rally came to Leesburg this fall and Stormy Hill and Gator made it an event to celebrate! There was a bike show complete with a headlight with lashes, live music by Bobby Friss, the Parade of Flags from Stormy Hill to Gator HD, vendors, a pancake breakfast, drill competitions and, and of course, shopping.

By Phoenix and Metric

In the first weekend in October we usually think of the perfect riding weather with cooler, dryer days with a touch of chill in the night air, but not this year at the 9th Annual Run to the Heartland in downtown historical Sebring. Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature it was October. The days were hotter then Hell with afternoon showers raining down on our activities.

While the weather and the economy put a damper on attendance, the brave souls who attended this year’s event were treated to an awesome fun-filled weekend. Opening ceremonies on Friday included the Highlanders USMV MC Honor Guard and our own local Bagpiper Mark Manley. On stage the band Power Surge and the Shannon Reed band got the party started.

Saturday started with one of the most scenic rides though the best countryside Florida has to offer. While the White Collar band and the band Ransom got historical downtown Sebring hopping, Jerry “The Motorman” Paladino and the Central Florida Motorcycle Drill showed off their riding skills.

Sunday we were treated to a continental breakfast and bike blessing courtesy of the Christian Motorcycle Association, with bands Spirit Wind and the band Fakahatchee wrapping up a weekend to remember. If you have never made the Run to Heartland mark your calendar for the first weekend in October.

By Lulu

The final night of five was hosted by the Iron Horse Saloon. October 9th was the last chance to enter in the $500 raffle during Biketoberfest. It was slightly cooler than previous Iron Horse Tuesday Night Bike Night but the Corn Hole game draws the crowd regardless of weather. Iron Horse provided free hot dogs and Twisted Tea was being guzzled.

The winner of the $500 was Mike Lynch a regular at many of the Twisted Tea/Thunder Roads events. His number was called during the Hot Thunder Bikini Contest, we got his voicemail, but he was a happy camper saying the $500 would help with some bike repairs! The $500 was given by the White Eagle Lounge in Korona.

By Lulu

Fall is my favorite time to be outside. And for the past two years we have made the trip to Sebring for the Run to the Heartlands. Even though if you compare apples to apples, this isn’t a large event like Biketoberfest or Leesburg, but it is a solid event with vendors, a quaint city and lots of new people to meet.

This year we even got a photo op with an American Bald Eagle named Thunder. But what I enjoyed the most this year was riding out to some of our loyal advertisers to stop in and get to know them. Our first stop was at Gator Shack…we arrived before the doors were even open and yet they invited us in and gave us a tour of the kitchen; we spent more time than we planned kicking back on the porch enjoying a stiff cocktail and the company.

Next stop was Neibert’s Fishing Resort & Fred’s Bar where you can buy worms, crickets and a cold one…and catch a ride on an airboat! Once again the people were so friendly and the atmosphere is unique!

We then hit the Main Street Taproom in Avon Park. One of the friendliest bartenders and a football game must have had the crowd’s attention as there was a lot of hooting and hollering going on. Our must stop place is Wild Turkey Tavern. We always stop on our way back home for some of the best food in the area.

If you haven’t made this event and you enjoy good music and a laid back festival this is a great place for country riding and friendly folks!

By Raven Van Pelt

October 5th Adamec Harley-Davidson of Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville held their 2012 Light the City Ride, dedicated to the memory of fallen police officer Doug Parsons.

Parsons was with the sheriff’s office sixteen years and worked as a traffic officer. In addition to his service as a deputy, Parsons also served seven years in the United States Navy, Officer Parsons, was 45 when he passed of natural causes, he was a beloved husband and father.

The mission of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police Foundation: is Fostering Public Safety through Education, Training and Community Outreach the ride started at 7:00 pm and even the rain couldn’t keep away an estimated count of 600 riders, who showed their support for this cause. Upon returning to Adamec, there was a raffle for a 2012 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

By Deborah Speicher

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Cotee River Bike Fest. As I rode over to downtown New Port Richey from Tampa, I realized that the temperature and humidity were down and fall had arrived in western Central Florida!

This year the Cotee River Bike Fest was jam packed with people and nonstop entertainment from start to end. Friday night started out with various bands including AC/DC tribute band “Highway to Hell” plus a Daisy Duke contest. Saturday featured more good music in addition to a ride-in bike show and a pizza eating contest. Sunday there was another ride-in bike show and a poker run sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 43 MC which benefitted Children’s Burn Foundation.

During all three days of the event you could also catch shows by stunt rider Jesse Toler and the incredible Orlando H-D Drill Team. Event Coordinator Dan Sullivan did a fantastic job of putting this multi-faceted event together – it really did incorporate something for everybody!

By Miserable George

Spooks may not be the most “hell raising” type of biker party in Florida, but, when you head down that long hill into the camping area, it kinda gives one the feeling of contentment and relaxation, something I look forward to every year about this time. It’s autumn, it’s Halloween, the weather is perfect, and that huge tree canopy is all you need for some really nice camping! This whole thing started back in 1980 as a memorial tribute to Hillsborough pres Jim Hill, who was lost in a motorcycle accident. It’s now a time to remember ALL riders lost…both men and women…and sad to say, the list in the Memorial Chapel grows longer every year. Folks…BE CAREFUL!!

Now, there IS a brighter side to this event, including live entertainment, a host of vendors, food, the infamous “coffin” beer coolers, biker games, and of course, a “beauty contest”!! As a big bonus this year, there is a huge, new, all steel pavilion, under which the very moving opening ceremony is held, where a “dead” biker is put in a coffin and transported to the chapel. En route, folks toss flowers on the casket…I saw lots of tears at this point…very moving indeed. Also, Sunday morning, is the annual Memorial Ride to remember folks we have lost on the highway. I can’t think of a better way to honor those we love who have been lost, than to get together with friends and other riders at an event such as this. Join us next year…Oct. 11, 12, 13, 2013, and you’ll see what I mean! In the meantime…ride safe, support our troops, and ABATE, and, God Bless you all!!

On a very sad note, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of ten year vendor Joy Thomas who died in a tragic accident at Spooks. May she Rest in Peace…

By Miserable George

The party, with a Halloween theme, was scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oct. 26, 27, 28, 2012. Monday, the weather was beautiful, but, by Friday, it turned horrible, with the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy, a scant 250 miles off the Florida east coast. So, what did the bikers do…? They just turned it into a (what else) HURRICANE PARTY!!

Considering the weather on Friday, the turn-out was pretty good, Big Daddy was grinding out the music in the big outside tent (a God-sent), there was food, beer stations all over the place, lots of tables and seats, vendors, and hotties galore. I got there late in the afternoon, so if I missed any bands, please forgive me! As the storm blew by, it got cooler, sending most revelers inside, where a super-hot band, “Fast Forward”, had the whole place ROCKING!! I mean, some of those ladies were…well, you know…!

OK, Saturday, things cleared somewhat, no more rain, just a cool breeze! Live bands most of the day, plenty of good food and drink, and now, the bikes started to roll in, quickly filling up the front lot. Before the bikini contest, we managed to corral some of the girls out front for an impromptu photo session on some nice custom HOGS!! Later out back in the big tent, 5 little honeys strutted their stuff in tiny bikinis, the winner being Rachel!! It was a close call, but she squeaked in…! She was our February cover girl 2012, with sis, Tayla…lovely!! A little later, the costumes were judged; with the winner being that TV “Insurance Girl”…you know who I mean!! That one too, was a hard one to call…lots of good, original costumes! Papa Chuck closed out the night on stage with a packed house tearing up the dance floor!!

Sunday was the custom bike show in the rear lot. Nearly 25 beautiful machines on display. Sorry, I never got the names of the winners, but a lady got People’s Choice with a big white Bagger…nice! Hey, that’s the best I could do! A BIG THANKS goes out to Harry and Debbie Vigliano, and their staff, who worked so hard to present this event against impossible odds, and to Jayme, the coordinator, who kept everything running smoothly, all the beer and Jell-O girls, the security guys, the traffic guys (Saints MC) out front, and all the adjoining businesses who provided parking. Kudos too, to WRN-23, there with their new mobile unit, broadcasting live! Without you people, it would have been a real disaster. Stay tuned for the dates of NEXT YEAR’S party!! Thanks again to all, and ride safe…

By Ron Cox

This year, more than 35,000 people will participate in March of Dimes events across the country. Bikers for Babies (B4B) allows riders and enthusiasts to demonstrate their support about the seriousness of premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

The Southwest Coast Division of the March of Dimes held its 12th Annual Bikers for Babies over the weekend of Oct.12-14. More than 1,300 riders and passengers registered to participate in the ride which covered 35 miles from Naples to Ft .Myers, raising more than $105,000. Other B4B rides will take place in Florida later in November in Jacksonville and Cocoa.

In this B4B’s the honor of leading the police escorted procession goes to the club that raises the most money the preceding year. Therefore the Ronin Riding Club led, followed by SW Florida HOG and The Chrome Divas, Ft.Myers/Cape Coral Chapter. Next year, the sequence will be the same as the Ronin Riding Club led the way again with more than $12,000 raised. Honors for being the individual raising the most money went to SWFL HOG’s Mary & Steve Robison who chipped in with more than $4,000.

Numerous sponsors stepped up; wanting to be involved led by H-D Ft.Myers, Arthrex, Suntrust Bank, Coca-Cola and Budweiser.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies through its Prematurity Campaign, and by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Research funds will be used to find out why 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely in the United States. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies.

By Raven Van Pelt

The Jacksonville Landing was the place to be Sunday, October 14th, for the 1st Annual Mind Ride Cycles Custom Bike Show, along with Swamp da Wamp for the Tour of Duty Concert Series, benefitting the Veterans Aide Foundation. A rainy start to the day finally cleared to a beautiful afternoon with many people coming to show their support for the bike show, as well as, the band. Put this on your event calendar for next year. And a special thanks to Mind Ride Cycles for bringing this event to Jacksonville.

By Lulu

Peggy and the hardworking crew at Gator-Harley believe in community involvement. This is one dealership that strives to participate in supporting the good works that bikers are known for. In September we rode over to Gator for a day of chili tasting.

At this event different clubs or individuals cooked chili onsite and for $5 you could taste and vote on all the different recipes. The proceeds benefit the Lake County Professional Firefighters Charities. Sponsors included Wendy’s, Hurricane Dockside Grill, Victory Casino, Buzzard Beach Bar, Care Plus Health Plans and lawyer Brent Miller who handed out the trophies. Wendy’s, Hurricane and Victory Casino even had chili booths although they weren’t part of the 11 to vote for.

My favorite Eagle Riders didn’t win, although it was DELICIOUS. The Neon Truckers rocked the pavilion all afternoon and the weather Gods were good to us all that afternoon and we managed to stay dry. For a first time event I have to say it was well organized, all the chili was good, and I am certain the Firefighters Charities will put the contributions to good use!