By Lulu

If you spend any time at all in the Ormond Beach/Daytona area and frequent one of my favorite watering holes…the Iron Horse Saloon, you probably have had the pleasure of meeting this month’s Bull’s Eye, Dennis Snyder, a.k.a. Grog.

Originally from Toledo, Ohio this 56 year old has spent most of his life on a motorcycle. At 8 years old his father started his two wheeled passion with a mini bike, and as most, once hooked he progressed rapidly through Hondas to Harleys. He bought his first bike in high school a 750 Honda and at 18 became a Harley owner purchasing a 1978 Low Rider. He has only gone about two years without a bike when he was buying a house for his family.

Grog has two daughters Tania and Denise, who have blessed him with three grandchildren Skylar, Jerrald and Andre. He spent 30 years as an insulator with Local 45 and retired. He moved to Florida in 1982 after visiting Bike Week for years. When a friend asked what are you still up in the snow for, he simply “loaded his tools, motorcycle, two TVs; gave his house to one of his daughters and moved south.”

Other than motorcycles he has a passion for speed having raced Street Rods. His father owned Sprint cars and Grog crewed on the team. His dad also rode a 650 BSA which I am sure Grog regrets not having now.

He has ridden from Toledo to Sturgis twice and to Laconia. He spends most of his days riding by himself, although he has a posse of a few friends that he rides with occasionally. You are apt to find him in the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, Main Street Station or Froggy’s. His present ride is a 2004 Police Special that he bought with 4,200 miles on it and now has over 61,000!

When asked what he loves about being on a motorcycle he was quick to answer “the freedom of not thinking about anything but the ride and the wind on my face”. Grog may be a bad ass looking biker but he has a sweet heart and I consider him a great friend. If you see him out and about ask Grog…What’s up with that?

By Lulu

In May the Sunshine Chapter AMCA started their spring ride at J&P Cycles in Ormond Beach. I was lucky enough to catch a ride and share their ride through Volusia, Flagler and Putnam counties. A group of about 50 classic motorcycles started their engines after filling up on coffee and donuts provided by J&P Cycles. The ride ended with an antique bike show at Iron Horse Saloon and an afternoon of live music by Crashrockets. If you have an antique motorcycle you won’t meet a nicer group of enthusiasts to join!

By Lulu

At the end of Bike Week and Biketoberfest a ritual is spending the last Sunday kicked back listening to good music on the back or front porch of the Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell. This year the crowd was larger than usual and the BBQ was awesome! If you haven’t ridden out to the Dog Pound in Bunnell you really should. They have two for Tuesdays, you get 2 for 1 all day and all night and Bike Night is on Thursday with U Name It You Drink It for $2.50!!!!

Well, the weather man certainly DID NOT cooperate for the 2014 Moving Wall Reunion, held as always, at Wickham Park, Melbourne, Fl. Skies were mostly cloudy and very overcast, along with long periods of rain…some very heavy, causing parking headaches all over the park. But, as always, this did not deter a large crowd of vets as well as non-vets, plus live bands, and Ace DJ, Doc Holiday!!

Over by the Wall, viewers were paying homage to loved ones, whose names were on the Wall…some tracing the names on paper…others, kneeling in silent prayer…very emotional. Large water puddles couldn’t stop them from paying their respects to our fighting men and women listed on this huge structure. Many other Viet-era objects on display, and if anyone needed emotional help…it was there too. No aircraft fly-ins this year, because of the weather…too bad! Let’s hope it’s more pleasant next year. Always…support our troops everywhere…by attending events such as this. There were vendors galore, for food, drinks, and military merchandise, plus live bands, and Ace DJ, Doc Holiday!! There was a full program consisting of Massing of the Colors, singing of the National Anthem, and the introduction of the recently acknowledged Medal of Honor winner, SFC Melvin Morris.

By Ron Cox

More than 840 riders/passengers joined the Easter Bunny in bringing toys, boxed games and arts/crafts supplies to the patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital at HealthPark. The Southwest Florida Chapter of HOG and Ft. Myers Harley-Davidson hosted its annual “Bunny Run” on February 19th.

The event began on Friday night when FMHD hosted a Bike Night in its spacious parking lot. Complete with live entertainment and vendors, HOG Chapter volunteers dubbed “The Pumpkin Patch” for their orange t-shirts, cooked up some delicious burgers, tube steaks and grilled cheese sandwiches. More Chapter volunteers ran a pre-registration table and signed up more than 250 riders/passengers.

The weatherman cooperated and changed the forecast for Saturday to a bright, sunny day with low humidity. More than 500 riders/passengers arrived even before registration opened. Chapter members accepted the challenge of registration and positioning for parking and eventual departure. Every person received a “goodie bag” which included a commemorative pin.

Escort was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and led the bunny and his 800+ friends on the 19-mile ride to the hospital. Hospital staff and parents brought the ambulatory patients, some toting IV poles, to the entrance so they could welcome and cheer as all the riders passed them by. Some cheered and some covered their ears as the noise of horns and revving motors was somewhat loud!!!

Once inside the hospital’s Atrium, everyone had the chance for some refreshments. Lee County Health System President Jim Nathan spoke briefly and thanked the riders for the ongoing support of the bunny run and the patients.

Returning to FMHD, the riders enjoyed a FREE box lunch, beverages and more entertainment. Besides a 50/50 raffle, won by Leona Rendziniak a member of Estero ABATE, Scott Aly won the two tickets to anywhere Jet Blue flies. HOG Chapter member Eric Sprauer worked 25 hours to earn the tickets from Jet Blue.

Hospital officials estimated they received more than 2,000 toys. The toys will keep the toy chests on all the children’s wards stocked for a year.

SAVE THE DATE! 4/4/15 for the 12th Annual Easter Bunny Toy Run.

By Miserable George

Sunday, May 18, 2014, dawned bright and clear…no excuse what-so-ever NOT to see a biker!!! Good day to prove a point…most bikers make themselves as visible as possible, and this run was out to show exactly THAT!! Nearly 75 riders signed in to ride this year’s run…more of a local “fun-run” type of event; as opposed to the former out-of-town runs…I liked it!! Sign-in was at Armed Forces MC in Cocoa, then on to #359 American Legion, next a run out 405 past the KSC Visitor Center, and on down SR 3 to 528, with a stop at Jumps Tiny Tavern in Cape Canaveral, over to Vets Memorial Museum, and, ending at Doc’s Bait Shack…GOOD RIDE!!!  We were treated to some really fine grub at Doc’s…drinks…the works, beautiful scenic area, right on the Banana River, just off SR 520.I for one. Certainly hope this run drove home a point…WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES!!! Traveled all day with daughter, ValGal…nice and comfy in the Trailblazer…! Good weather…good crowd…good day, all around. Be careful out there, and remember our VETS, and support the A-VETS Project…they all thank you…

By Deborah Speicher

The TECO South Shore Community Center was packed on Saturday April 12. After several years of holding this annual pig roast at a smaller venue, the Nam Knights of America MC (Westside Chapter) moved their annual fundraiser. Not only was it large enough for all that showed up to chow down, but there was plenty of room for the Skybolts Parachute Demonstration Team to make their landings. Now that was really impressive! There was also ongoing music by two different bands – Single Malt Brothers Band and Stormbringer – as well as the Coyote Ugly Girls.

The proceeds from the barbeque, raffles and auction held that day benefitted two charities – the Haley House Fund and the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. Tampa is home to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. However, families of injured active duty and veterans cannot always afford housing to stay in the area. That is where the Haley House Fund steps in to assist with local living arrangements so families can stay close by. “No one left behind – including families” is their motto. Lynn Sowers was a local deputy who died in 1995. Her fellow employees took up a collection for her family and the family requested that the monies be used for Sheriff’s Office families in need. This foundation was set up in her honor and continues today to assist Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office employees who have suffered catastrophic events.

Great job Nam Knights!

By Raven Van Pelt

The 1st annual B.A.C.A. fund raiser was held on April 26th, along with Mind Ride Cycle’s custom bike giveaway by 106.9 Planet Radio. There were multiple stops throughout the city that started at The Southern Grill located on Flagler Ave. in San Marco. The final stop was at Wild Wings Cafe in Tinsel Town on South Side Blvd., where everyone enjoyed live music, food; raffles and the bike give away.

B.A.C.A. exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. They exist as a body of bikers to empower children not to feel afraid of the world in which they live.

It has been in existence since 1995, with Chapters across the U.S. and in 9 countries and growing. They are a non-profit organization of dedicated, background screened, volunteers who ride with the purpose of supporting our wounded warriors by their physical presence and will sit with a child for as long as it takes for that child to feel safe. An organization of men and women who will step up 24/7, whatever it takes, in order to protect and secure a sexually, physically or emotionally abused child’s basic right to be a kid.

BACA is there to give an ear, or to ride, to play, or just sit and talk to a child. BACA is there to help with therapy, depositions, and all court appearances. It is hard and we believe no child should have to go through that alone.

In Florida, we have 4 Chapters centered in Jacksonville, Orlando, Lakeland and Pensacola, with 2 temporary Chapters in Daytona and Tarpon Springs.  We are growing in South Florida as well.

How can you support your local BACA?  If you ride, why not ride with a purpose?  Contact your local Chapter and attend a monthly public meeting. Should you know a child or a family that you think BACA could help, tell them about us we are easy to find! Your tax deductible charitable donations are always welcome and help with a vest, road name, teddy bear and backpack for a kid.

B.A.C.A. ® OF FLORIDA CHAPTERS

Hurricane Alley Chapter     Helpline (850) 217.2366     Pensacola

Seven Bridges Chapter      Helpline (877) 848.3869     Jacksonville, Daytona

Tri – County Chapter           Helpline (407) 227.2134     Orlando

Thousand Lakes Chapter Helpline (863) 588.6560     Lakeland, Tarpon Springs

Remember to visit our International Website: WWW.BACAWORLD.ORG

By Amy Poole

Bad Boys Saloon’s first Bike Week seemed to go well considering this was the new spot on the block. Lou, owner of Bad Boy’s, has many friends and associates standing by him to help him succeed in the industry. Through Bike Week 14 bands performed and special appearances like Josh, Bill and Cutie Pie were made. Purchase your Bad Boy’s mug for free draft beer specials and even now you able to receive that on a daily basis or you could get your Shine on in the Ole Smokey Moonshine traveling bar! Make certain you check out Bad Boys ad in Thunder Roads to join in on the action…for instance Ladies Night on Wednesdays and Bike Night on Fridays for prizes! Don’t eat before you come though…you will want to order something off the menu…the food is delicious!! Tell Lou hello and that you saw his ad in Thunder Roads Florida!!

By Lulu

Lots of us party during Bike Week, but Destination Daytona had something to really celebrate…20 years of business. They threw an awesome party catered with delicious food by Moore’s Fine Food. But they also celebrated all week long with exciting events all week long. The Budweiser Clydesdales were on site, lots of vendors and the biggest bikini contest in town and my girlfriend, Nicole took first place! They drew a great crowd with their free concert by Vixen and Great White. They have Bike Night on Thursdays so ride in to Destination Daytona this spring for a great time.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

“Bottoms up” is an expression which literally means to tilt the bottom of one’s glass upward until it is empty. There is also the expression, “Is the glass half-full or half-empty”? To me it doesn’t matter if it’s half-full or half-empty, there is still room for more whiskey. In our country we have politicians that are full of S#!+, and voters who are empty of personal responsibility.

It’s time for our country to go bottoms up. By this I mean we have been ruled (and I mean ruled not governed) from the top down. The Democrats think of themselves as the party of the cultural elite. The Republicans are looked upon as the party of the business elite. Both have become like the aristocratic parties of the 18th century. The Democrats supporting base is from the urban working class, but get their marching orders from those professionals who make their money off the working class. They throw money at programs that are supposed to help the working class but most of it stays in the pockets of the professionals. The Republicans base consists of moralists, small business, and property owners but they still are dominated by big business.

We need to start from the bottom (local politicians) and work our way up (federal politicians) like our founding fathers intended for our government. They wanted their politicians to represent the community and their neighbors. When they had accomplished what they had promised in their election bid, they would go back to their private lives. We now have professional politicians who feed at the public trough. They promise almost everything and anything to get reelected. Does term limits come to mind?

I realized how important it is to pay attention to our local elections after talking to a good friend of mine, Eddie Colosimo, who is running for mayor of the small town of Holly Hill, Fl. He is the type of politician that we need more of. He has devoted his life to his country and his community. In the past he has taken on issues with local government on behalf of the citizens and actually won.

Small-town politicians, Mayors, Commissioners, and School Board Members are very important to a community and its citizens. The reason we have what we have in government, is because our voters are uninformed and uneducated. 32 million adults in the U.S. can’t read. That’s 14% of the population. 21% of adults in the United States read below a fifth grade level and 19% of high school graduates can’t read. 85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate and over 70% of the inmates in America’s prisons cannot read above a fourth-grade level. It’s time to take our country back and start educating its citizens before we destroy the greatest country in the world.

Jesus loves you is great to hear in church but not in a Mexican prison.

Read more of my blogs on my website nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow…

By Amy Poole

You can take a beautiful scenic ride through the mature trees any day of the week and finish “Your Destination at the End of the Loop” at…The White Eagle Lounge. You will hear the roar of motorcycles during the events and on just plain ol’ Fun Day Sundays itching to get to The Eagle for either their Biker Bash at the end of every month or just cuz it’s the location most of us regularly start at in the a.m. for $1 Bloody Marys, as well as, ending the day there too!

The Eagle has plenty going on during Bike Week such as live music daily, crapper drags, Firecracker the Bull, food and vendors. The best happening and enjoyment was Johnny, The Torch Performer that demonstrated all kinds of fire tricks and TORCHED the clear sky with flames! And, of course, Miss Jasmine Cain taking flight into the crowd. Don’t forget to hit Mondays for Happy Hour 4-close and Friday for steak night!!