By Jim Moran

A Charity Benefit for Soldier Songs and Voices was held at Mango Jo’s in Ruskin on July 23rd. Soldier Songs and Voices is a national nonprofit organization that began in Austin, Texas with a mission to help veterans heal from the trauma of battle through music. Soldier Songs and Voices provides musical instruction, instruments and songwriting workshops to help veterans express their feelings and experiences of war. Founder of the Sarasota/Manatee chapter Ray Hodges and singer songwriter Debbie Hood did a fantastic job with the event and Cathy, owner of Mango Jo’s was a perfect host. The event raised over $1,200 for the cause which will be used to purchase guitars for veterans and to create CD’s of veterans’ music to sell at future fundraisers. Among the performers were Ray Hodges, Debbie Hood, Dean Johanesen, Bill Vinhage and Gerry Bell among others. Special thanks to all of the American Legion Riders, Riverview, and Nam Knights who came out to support the cause and to Dragon for smokin’ the chicken and sausage.

For more information on Soldier Songs and Voices, visit www.soldierssongsandvoices.org/ssv or call Ray Hodges at 941-448-0952

by Lori “Shutta Bitch” Mobouck ~ Fire & Iron

MC-Station 10 Secretary and Region 1 Secretary

It seems like most mornings we wake up to some kind of tragedy these days. Recently, I was honored to join a group of bikers riding for the Pulse victims and their families. I woke not knowing how the day would go, knowing that day changed so many lives. I was asked to write an article, but to tell you the truth, didn’t realize how hard it was going to be because I wanted to honor all that were directly affected on that day. The day was emotional but with everyone there, we all stood together for the same reason.

The turnout was amazing. The ride visited different places, police stations, fire departments (some of which were on scene that morning) and various others establishments that had contributed with donations.

As I approached Pulse, there were a few people already at the memorial site. It was so quiet but you could hear what they were thinking. I could only imagine the shock and horror each person must have felt not knowing why this was happening and which way they should run to feel safe again. Overwhelming emotions changing the survivors’ lives and the victim’s families lives forever.

As the world watched in shock as the story unfolded, we prayed for them with hope in our hearts. Hope for this world not be filled with so much violence.

Wishing you all “wicked” safe and fun travels!!!

By Lulu

Sadness isn’t something young people expect to deal with. But when Eli Holley and his passenger died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, sadness hit their young friends and family hard. A run was organized in his memory and the Boot Hill Saloon was packed. I saw lots of young riders who probably hadn’t been on a run for someone they knew and loved before…in a perfect world you would hope they wouldn’t have to again, but as we older riders know…tragedy strikes without warning and losses are something we simply endure. But rides like this one for Eli are healing, the smiles of his friends telling stories about Eli are the beginning and if there is a heaven above I know Eli would be smiling along with his friends for remembering him…

By Lulu

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This year Sherry Fletcher joined the staff of Grandview Live because the management saw an asset for their desire to be involved with charitable events and to be involved with good works for the community. The new Grandview Live hosted their first bike show for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and what an awesome day they pulled off. Even though the temp was high they opened the bar for the silent auction and that gave us all a place to cool our engines and have something to drink to cool off. I personally would like to thank the sponsors that made this happen SR Perrott, Miller Lite, Twisted Tea, Holt Appraisal Firm, Budweiser, Jägermeister, Bayer Aspirin, Volusia Top Gun for the gun they gave to raffle, The Rock of Daytona (particularly for allowing Sherry and me to make fools of ourselves on the radio live), Spanos Motors, Viscomi Construction and Mid Florida Sportswear…without the generosity of these heavy hitters the event would not have been such a great success. Also we need to thank Doug and his staff from Triple D Motorcycles for the great job they did organizing the event and working with Willie from Tropical Tattoo to make this run quite smoothly for a first ever show at Grandview. I told Sherry there was no way to pull a bike show off in such a short time frame, but she did it and did it exceptionally well. With a dunk tank (with Joe V, Jerry Lee and Craiger bearing their chests), gun raffle, bike entries, silent auction, vendors, 50/50 and even the bartenders donating a portion of their tips…the Grandview donation hit the $10,000 mark!! Many do not realize it takes $2.1 million a day to run the hospital and no family pays. Housing, transportation, food and treatment is totally covered. To keep the crowds entertained a trio of stunt riders, Orlando Alliance, put on a show with burnouts, wheelies and tricks. It was a family friendly event…but gave everyone a chance to see the renovations to the old Grandview Live, and to see the owner, Bob Russell’s, and management’s commitment to being involved with the community in a positive…wholesome way. GREAT JOB you guys. Thank you to each and every one who made donations, entered bikes, bid and bought items. I could not have picked a bike…each and every one was cool in their own right. I am certain this will be a yearly event so shine up your ride and enter next year!!

Grandview would like to say a special thank you to Mike Rudicel of South Florida Bike Events and co-owner of Big Dawgs from Ft. Lauderdale for being such a great supporter of this event and for coming up with the Jager and Bud Bike and for the great auction items!

Best in Show bike is owned by Derrick Ames and wife Anne, owners of Daytona Estate Jewelry for the past 28 years. The bike is a 2011 Thunder Cycle built by Eddie Trotta. Eddie named it “Nasty” and it is the only Pagan Gold bike built by Eddie. It was painted by Bones. The bike features a 131 cubic inch motor. Derrick also had two other bikes in his stable; another Trotta custom named “Skullster” for sale at Midwest Motorcycle and one built by high school students in Sturgis with parts provided by famous builders the build off was titled “Clash of the Titans”. Derrick and his wife Anne are involved with a great charity that helps put musical instruments in the hands of children, Kids Rock the Nation, and will be putting on an event at Bank & Blues on December 5th. So put this on your calendar and ride out for a great cause.

By Lulu

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Spring…and all those who like rides, rallies and the beach head to Panama City Beach. This was the 18th year and I think it has grown a lot since the new Panama City Beach Harley-Davidson opened. The usual places to hang out were packed including Ms. Newby’s, the streets were jammed and the hot spots for vendors had plenty of peeps browsing. Concerts, bikini contests and bike shows were all over town. Gotta love the pretty beaches and water in the panhandle. Next event is October 19-23 so get your reservations now!

By Lulu

Our monthly Twisted Tea parties take us to great bars we sometimes haven’t had a chance to visit and in July we were quite impressed by Fast Freddie’s Bar & Grill in Jacksonville on N. Main St. Not only do they have a really cool outdoor place to party, the band Highway Jones was awesome, patrons were friendly and the owner Fred was lots of fun, even donning one of our Thunder Roads T-shirts to wear with his ass showing costume. They have food including great wings, full liquor and a Thursday night bike night. We raised 40 pounds of food and $103 dollars for the Duval food pantry so a great night also made for a bit of grub for those less fortunate. The Twisted Tea sampling got many to try Twisted Tea for the first time and if you haven’t tried it you really must! Our next Twisted Tea Party is in Ocala at Tilted Kilt on August 7th so ride out and join us for great music from 6-9pm and don’t forget some canned goods to enter for the $50 we give away!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

It’s often said that we should never talk about religion, faith, or politics in fear that we may offend someone. The best defense is a good offense. So I offend as many people as possible. Religion is the ritual observance of faith. Faith is the confidence or trust in a person or thing or the belief in God or the doctrine or teachings of religion. Politics is the use of strategy in obtaining a position of power or control.

Now, that we know my definition of religion, faith, and politics I will combine them in my thoughts in this article. I was brought up in a very religious family but as I got older I lost my faith in organized religion because of its politics. However, I never lost my faith in God. You who read my column know that I was diagnosed stage IV oral cancer. Nothing like a bit of reality to arise your faith not only in God but in medical providers.

When I was growing up, all we knew was our local doctor who if you were too sick to come to his office, he would come to your house. Hard to believe in this day and age but doctors were treated like gods, and they deserved it, being called out at all times of the day and night while having an intimate relationship with their patients. Doctors are no longer held in such high esteem as they were decades ago. I never paid much attention to this.

Being a normal male (matter of opinion) I had to be in really bad shape before I went to a doctor, so when I was diagnosed I had second thoughts where to put my faith. Should I put it in God or my medical providers? At my age I had a major decision to make. Should I throw the towel in and let my faith in God direct the way, or should I put my faith in the medical providers? The first thing I did go was to go to the Internet to see what kind of treatment I would need. Secondly, I questioned people I knew who had gone through the same thing.

God has gifted all kinds of people in all kinds of ways with the ability to study medicine in order to heal people. After talking to a few doctors I decided to put my faith in both God and the medical providers. What I found out was that the patient had little to say about the doctors or the treatments. Politics now rule the medical world. The government tells health insurance companies what they have to cover and what to pay. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?

Even with all the government intervention I got lucky. I was directed to Island Doctors in Flagler Beach for my primary care. They referred me to Florida Hospital Flagler for radiation treatment and Medcare in Ormond Beach for chemotherapy. Both teams in radiation and chemotherapy were five-star. I’m on the road to recovery despite the politics in medicine and government intervention. So I’ll be around to write more offensive articles.

My doctor said I should cut back on my drinking because in my last x-ray my liver was wearing a party hat. So today I celebrate my 10 days sober, not in a row just total. Then again I don’t drink alcohol, I drink distilled spirits. So I’m not an alcoholic, I’m spiritual. After all, Tequila lets me appreciate small things in life, like shot glasses.

Check out my website nobodiesopinion.com
See you on the shiny side of tomorrow

By Lulu

People come into your life some you will never know but for the moment your paths cross. Others you feel like you are meant to be their friend. And let me tell you Donna is one of those girls! We met her tending bar several months ago at Pug’s Pub in Eustis. She was friendly and just seemed to include us in her “circle” instantly. A perfect personality for a bartender…and certainly a perfect personality to call your friend. Recently we heard she was facing a major battle with the “C” word and we were stunned. She is a little bitty thing and seemed frail for the fight. But her friends and patrons of the Pug rallied around her to raise a bit of money and to RAISE her spirits giving back some of the love she has bestowed on anyone who walks through the door. A great day was held for her with Patty the owner hosting a meal and the band Shaky Puddin’. We had a blast and seeing her determination and that big smile on her face, even in the face of this fight, made everyone there feel better!

By Lulu

The great customers, employees and owners at Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson in Clermont got a chance to celebrate in June. They celebrated 14 years of success which I am sure hasn’t always been easy, having to survive a recession during the course of 14 years of business! But hard work, community involvement and good customer service is something to celebrate. AND it didn’t hurt that they were giving away a brand new Harley. The winner of the Harley, Christopher Brown was beaming when they called his name. It is easy to go home a winner…but I have to say I love the guy who won the 50/50, John Gitzy, who donated his winnings right back to Hospice! The Andrew Williams Band rocked the place while we were there and I hated to have to leave to run up to check out Ocala Bike Fest. On your travels of the Florida highways check out Stormy Hill they have great apparel, friendly staff AND you can always check out their brand new bikes!!

By Ron Cox

Six Bends Harley-Davidson (Ft. Myers) celebrated the 4th of July by hosting its Inaugural Independence Ride to the Veteran’s Memorial Area of the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral. Eighty motorcycles and more than 100 riders/passengers made the ride led by Six Bends General Manager Curtis McKinley, owner Scott Fischer and HOG Chapter Director Bob Hotovy.

McKinley spoke about the gratitude we all feel for our comrades in arms who made the ultimate sacrifice that enable us to have a day like today. Many in the assemblage were Veterans. In unison the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance and other patriotic songs.

The group photo was taken in front of The Marine Corps War Memorial, also called the Iwo Jima Statue. This monument is a one third scale replica of the original located near the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Upon returning to Six Bends the riders were treated to a cookout, live entertainment and door prizes.

The principals have indicated that this Independence Ride will become an annual event.

By Lulu

Up in the Panhandle of Florida almost to the Alabama line is Ft. Walton Beach and during the same weekend as the Thunder Beach Spring Rally Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson sets up at the Boardwalk with a huge tent of motorcycles, demo rides, live music, poker runs, bike shows and vendors. The 3 days of poker runs benefit children giving the proceeds to Children in Crisis and the Children’s Advocacy Center. It was a nice ride over from Panama City Beach, so get on your bike and ride next time you are up at Thunder Beach Rally and check out the good peeps at Emerald Coast H-D.

By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday May 21st, the Pediatric Cancer Treatment Foundation, a 501c (3) nonprofit organization, hosted its 2nd Annual Riders Against Cancer Poker Run. The event once again was co-hosted by Fast Freddie’s Bar and Grill in Oceanway and supported by the American Legion Riders 5th District Florida. All proceeds from the poker run will once again be provided to the Wolfson Children’s Hospital to help with their cancer treatment and support programs for the children affected by this horrible disease. All the riders enjoyed beautiful sunny weather and mild temperatures as they did the Fernandina Loop stopping at AL Post 9, Knuckleheads, Hammerheads, AL Post 283 and then returned to Fast Freddie’s. Upon their return, they were treated to a great BBQ chicken dinner and live music by the Ghost Rider Band, one of Jacksonville’s premier rock and roll bands. There were live auction items, raffle prizes and a 50/50 as well. The party went well into the night and everyone involved had a BLAST. $500 first place, $250 second place, $100 worst hand and $200 largest club or organization were the payouts. And we know what bikers do with the winnings…they give it back.

The Pediatric Cancer Treatment Foundation devotes its energy to advocate for children battling cancer. Find out how you can help by contributing to the future of a child in need. For more information, contact Robert Trigueros at 828-329-9250

By Deborah Speicher

Every Memorial Day, Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) holds a ceremony to honor those buried there and their families. The Florida motorcycle communities were out in full force to support this event and several military riding organizations participated. With approximately 400+ bikes, the largest group riding into the cemetery was the Defenders MC (Tampa Bay Chapter). The Defenders MC is a group comprised of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency services and public safety professionals.

The Defenders’ ride was coordinated by Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook, USMC (Ret.), who has done so for the past several years. Local HOG and other riding groups were invited to join the Defenders for this ride. Thanks to a police escort and the excellent road captains from the Defenders MC, this 30+ mile ride went off without a hitch.

The ceremony had many poignant speakers, patriotic music and a “missing man” flyover by Ye Mystic Air Krewe. While the actual meaning and traditions of Memorial Day may have been forgotten by some people, those attending the ceremony came out to remember, honor and salute those who had defended our country as well as to those currently keeping our country and citizens safe. Once again, the group “Flags for Fallen Veterans” and a couple of thousand volunteers made sure that several thousand flags were placed on the grave sites. A big THANK YOU to this group and all the volunteers that came out the day before to make this happen.

By Lulu

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A parking lot FULL of women on their bikes is what we saw when we rode into Crystal River Harley-Davidson, what we weren’t expecting was how well these women could ride!! We ride on rides all over the country and there always are some who just aren’t ready to be riding in a pack but these ladies led by the Road Queens…put miles on their wheels and KNOW how to ride. Women rode from outlying states including the Carolinas and Nashville, Tennessee for this event. Over 340 bikes participated and Linda Dalton the organizer of this event challenged the group to pass 1,003 next year. A record set in Australia by women riders MUST be broken!

The day started with a great breakfast at Crystal River Harley-Davidson and shopping. The ride itself was along beautiful country roads with wildflowers and tree canopies along the route. The end party was at High Octane with Greg Billings Band rocking the huge bar! Ladies put this event on your calendar for next year the date is May 6th, 2017…let’s help them break the record of most ladies on a women’s run, get a room for the weekend and enjoy the “Sisterhood”!

There is a fall event billed as the Women Riders Weekend Bash in Crystal River October 7-10…women will be coming from all over the U.S. for this women get your reservations early!

By Lulu

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This year’s Leesburg Bike Fest was one of the most pleasant one’s that I can recall, it seems it wasn’t nearly as hot as usual and the weather stayed nice most of the event. The multiple stages had music of every nature and the bikini contests and hot male contests drew huge crowds. The Tattoo expo and bike shows also were well attended. Gator Harley and Stormy Hill had huge crowds too. I think other than being one of the largest compact areas for vendor shopping what sets Leesburg apart from many other rallies is the riding in the Clermont area with pretty hills which is rare in Florida. Next year’s dates for the rally area April 28-30^th.