By Lulu

Unfortunately, due to Kneecap’s illness and death this year, I didn’t receive these photos until after his death. So please accept my apologies for not getting these photos in earlier. I also do not have any of his notes of the event, but in the spirit of the intent of the event which is a Rotary charity for Christmas Comes True, I wanted to include these photos and thank those who took their time to ride. The stops included Hijacker’s, Matanzas Inlet, Ice House, Bull Creek, Scarey Mary’s and ended with a lunch provided by Beach Front Grille. Special thanks to Rue & Ziffra law firm and the Blue Knights for their participation in this worthy cause. The Rotary Club of Palm Coast took the sleigh by the bridle and I am sure Christmas Comes True appreciates their hard work.

By Lulu

What a pleasant surprise we found on the St. John’s River on Rt. 44 just outside of Deland. A fabulous bar with a roof top tiki bar right on the river. River Grille has a Wednesday night bike night complete with live music and a bunch of fun folks on 2 and 3 wheels. The view if you get there before dark is beautiful. The food…we had the burger was GREAT.

The band that night was High Cotton, and we were treated to a gent who joined in to play a mean harmonica. They played a nice selection of music and had us up dancing. This is a great ride from the Daytona, Eustis, Ocala and Leesburg areas. Put it on your list of hot spots to ride to! Wednesday nights are Bike Night but they would love to see you ride in anytime you’re out riding. Oh, and don’t forget their campground if you are looking for an RV spot during the rallies!

By Danny Martin (American Cycle Auto & Truck)

Hello let me introduce myself. I am AMCAT from American Cycle Auto & Truck. Welcome to my cat box. In the upcoming issues, I’m gonna try to show you how to save some money by doing things yourself. I will try to give you tips and advice on things I feel you should be able to do in your garage at home. Well how cool is this? A free magazine giving you free advice to save you money. I will include some of my part numbers so if you go to your local dealer you know just what to ask for. Some things might be different, but I will do my best. So, you better get this magazine monthly so you can read and follow along! I’ll even put in some pictures to give you something cool to look at. Lastly and I don’t feel this really needs to be said but I’m going to anyway, if there is a specific thing that you would like to see us cover, or attempt to do for you on your bike or model feel free to write to the magazine’s email and I will do my best to make your request an article. All that being said, here we go…

Now I know your bike’s been sitting in the garage since Biketoberfest and the battery is probably stoned dead. So today we are going to install a YTX30 Series battery in a touring Harley-Davidson. Most of these FL bikes have the same battery from somewhere back in the 1990s through today. They retail somewhere around about $130. We are going to install a drag specialties 2113-0107 ($127.95 list) just for an example. If you’ve got a cool guy that runs your local shop it should be about $100 bucks out the door. It comes as a kit so to speak with its own acid pack and a sweet handle to install it; because you’re going to find out it’s kind of hard to get that factory one out of there with no handle. That’s why I picked these. Now if you’re like me and it is last minute and you really need the battery today, cuz you got to get on a poker run this is a common number. They should have it in stock everywhere. I’m sure when you get it home you’re going to be in a big hurry. First thing you want to do is take the battery out of its box, peel back the little red aluminum foil cover on the top of the battery, take the black seal off the acid pack, turn it over and put it on the battery slightly tamping down the acid pack so as not to break anything or spill or squirt it. I say to do this first because it gives your battery some time to fill, some time to self-charge and it allows the glass mat plates inside to expand before you put the black seal on the lid and cover your battery permanently.

Now comes the fun part. Grab that Phillips screwdriver, undo the screw from the back of your seat…some bikes will have bolts on the side but with this Road King we are doing today it’s just a screw. Once the seat is removed you will see the battery, take your 45 Torx and remove the hold down clamp, then take your 10 millimeters or 3/8 and remove the positive cable, then the negative. Try to get your hands in there and get that old battery out of the way. To install simply grab the handle and place your new battery in there. From the nut and bolt packet use a longer bolt with the spacer to keep cables spaced from the battery giving you a little bit of room to work. First install the positive cable, then install the negative. By now your battery should be sufficiently charged enough to start the bike, although a good 2amp overnight charge is always recommended. If you did everything right your bike should fire up. Put your seat back on and get out there in the wind and have a beer for me. Hope to see you soon. Thanks for stopping by and playing in the cat box…

By Jeani G

The largest biker bash in Glenwood was hosted by Phil, Ken and Jeani on Saturday, December 3rd.   Sponsored by Guber Ride Sharn’ and The Groggery, this year’s event was the biggest ever with over 200 in attendance and 76 “athletes” competing at Corn Hole, Dangle Balls, Hillbilly Horseshoes and Redneck Toilet Toss.  Playoffs of Giant Jenga determined the gold, silver and bronze medalists.
Plenty of food, fun and sunshine was experienced by all with incredible live music by Gun Shy and Crowbar.  Awesome vittles were catered by grill masters Mark and Michelle of MCW Backyard Grilling. If anyone went home hungry, it was your own fault.  Hope to see y’all next year – always the first Saturday of December!

By Lulu

Howlin’ at the moon is called for on a night like Friday the 13th and the girls (Ramona & Tasha) know how to get a crowd together for a party. George’s Tavern in Sanford on French Avenue has opened a new part of the bar, an old body shop, for a monthly bike night, complete with a DJ for dancing, beer tubs, full liquor lounge, HOT girls and plenty of bike parking. Folks were there from Seminole Harley-Davidson and Deviant Customs. Vendors and food were onsite. And the lot was still crowded at midnight. No ugly fest here gentlemen, plenty of eye candy!

By Lulu

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Thunder Beach Fall Rally this year was perfect! The weather was awesome, not too hot, not too rainy. The traffic didn’t seem as bad, maybe the weather had something to do with that in that you didn’t mind the ribbon of bikes if you aren’t being rained on! The vendors scattered throughout the town including the Panama City Beach Harley dealer and Pier Park seemed to be drawing large crowds. We saw bikini contests, bike runs and tattoo contests. The usual bars: Miss Newby’s, Wicked Wheel, Sharkey’s, Coyote Ugly and Hammerhead Fred’s were packed. We ventured to a few new spots to us including the Outpost, Whiskey’s Saloon, and Sand Bar for a bit of fun. The bands for the fall rally included Marshall Tucker, ARS, Outlaws, Geneva, my favorite girl Jasmine Cain and Michael Allman Band. The spring dates are May 3rd through May 7th to book a hotel check out thunderbeachproductions.com.

By Lulu

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The staff of Stormy Hill really put on a nice tribute ride complete with lunch, live music and some patriotism! The ride started at Gator Harley-Davidson with pancakes served by CMA. There was a Blessing of the Bikes. Then the Lake County Sheriff’s Department led the procession to Stormy Hill where the flapping American flags greeted them. The Boy Scouts put on a flag raising ceremony and inside was a table set in memory of MIAs. It always makes me stop in my tracks to think of those who never made it home to their families. The music was awesome and a special thank you to Stormy Hill and Gator Harley-Davidson for 10 years of honoring our veterans. Proceeds from the day’s event went to DAV. Thanks to all who rode and contributed to this important event.

By Donnie Reese

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The 19th Street Charities hosted a poker run on November 19th at the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 290. The event was promoted by the Son’s of the Beaches (SOB’s). There were over 100 bikes in attendance even though the morning started out a little on the cool side. After having a nice breakfast, the riders headed out for their 4-stop journey. The riders then returned to the FRA where Highway Jones provided live music and Richard O’Reilly dished out a fine BBQ dinner. There were several raffles and a silent auction as well.

The 5th Annual 19th Street Charities Toys for Tots escort ride was held on Dec. 3 The ride was escorted by the Florida State Police, Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and the Jacksonville Beach Police. A total of 191 bikes participated in the ride that escorted members of the USMC Bravo Company 4 to the Jacksonville Beach Pavilion to pick up toys donated by the 501c non-profit organization. The Marines had to make 2 trips to pick up all the donations. Riders included The Son’s of the Beaches, American Legion Riders from several chapters, Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association and many other big hearted bikers. This year’s donation, valued at over $22,000 will provide assistance to over 200 families with gifts for children. Last year the 19th Street Charities donation was the second largest in this area to Toys 4 Tots, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the largest.

By Lulu

Our second year to party on the greens for charity! Black Bear Golf Club in Eustis was the course that permitted scantily clothed women, Harley clad men and riding boots to parade around hitting little white balls for fun and a good cause. Even Bobby Friss came back a second year…I know he is a great musician, but I heard he is quite good at golf too, I figure he was here for Jack Daniels and hot pants! At the end of the day all had a great day. We had to leave before any awards were given to make it to Thunder Beach in Panama City for the fall rally but we want to thank Gator Harley, Black Bear Golf Club and everyone who played to help the breast cancer charities that benefitted from the day of golf!

By Nikki Linn

On Friday November 18th Grandview Live threw a Thanksgiving fundraiser for the Arni Foundation called “Be Thankful for the Puppies”.  The fundraiser was held at Grandview Live and they helped collect food for all the shelter animals, toys, treats and more.  We filled a huge pickup bed!!! All the critters at Arni were VERY happy!!!  The club also raised more than $2,200.00 from a silent auction and donations!!! Thank you to Jimbo and Joe V for all their help and all the people who came out!!!

The Arni Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit animal shelter here in Daytona Beach.  We rescue dogs and cats from area kill shelters on the day they are going to be euthanized.  We then fix all the animals, do shots, microchipping, worming, etc… and find them forever homes!!! We rely entirely on donations to operate and our only paid employees are vet-techs!!!  Check out our adoptable animals at Arni Foundation Facebook page or www.arnifoundation.org.

We are always looking for volunteers to walk dogs, play with critters or clean!!!   We also always need: canned dog and cat food, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, old towels and blankets, collars and leashes!!!! And, of course, $$$ for vet bills!

Come on in and visit. We are located at 600 Mason Ave in Daytona Beach!  Open 8-5 every day except Sunday.   386-257-3030

Thank you!!!!

By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders Chapter 9 held the 2nd Annual CMO”s Kids Poker Run on Saturday November 5th.  CMO”s Kids is a 501c (3) not for profit organization that takes special needs children, physically, mentally or economically disabled, on life changing/life empowering outdoor experiences such as hunting, fishing and camping.

The ride started at American Legion Post 316, with breakfast during registration. There were several stops with American Legion Chapter 9, being the final stop. BBQ dinner was included in the registration. Great raffle prizes, phenomenal LIVE auction items and a 50/50 were held while Circus rocked the night away.

CMO’S KIDS is always looking for people who are willing to volunteer to help with our events, both helping to organize and run them, and to provide the necessary elbow grease to make sure each event goes off smoothly.  Any help is appreciated.

By Lulu

In Sebastian on Indian River Dr. is a great spot for cooling your pipes! They are known for their huge outside Tiki garden and great music. Frannie throws a Sunday concert series, a Thursday night bike night; and for just about any holiday there is something going on. At Earl’s the crowd really participates! On Halloween, the costumes were awesome! We happened upon Big Engine and they were celebrating Hans’ birthday with cake and singing. If you get a chance to see Love Valley perform you must! We caught them on one of Earl’s bike nights and we loved this band! Another bonus at Earl’s is the pizza! A huge slice for $2.50, $3 if you add pepperoni and it is almost more than you can eat! This bar for those of you traveling the east coast of Florida is on US 1. They are one of our new clients and their ad will keep you informed of the many happenings scheduled, it is a nice ride from just about anywhere and right by the bar is Capt. Hiram’s, a cool hotel, if you want to make a night of it!

By Lulu

Our first south Florida Twisted Tea Bike Night was at Mickey’s Tiki Bar in Pompano Beach. Alan started carrying Twisted Tea just for me! If you haven’t stopped in Mickey’s while traveling through the southeast part of our sunny state, I can tell you this it is a REAL biker bar. Outside seating, good drinks, GREAT music and an owner who rides. This is what attracts bikers from all over to Alan’s cool joint! We raised $101 in cash thanks to the nice man who gave his $50 winnings back and about 20 pounds of food, the cash and food were donated to Our Father’s House right in Pompano. A special surprise at our event at Mickey’s was Bill Grotto from Twisted Tea who rode in as did our Tampa reps Bill and Deborah Speicher! Great seeing you guys.

By Lulu

What an awesome event! The weather was perfect. The traffic bearable, probably because it wasn’t too hot! But best yet our hotel was perfect…thank you so much Holiday Inn Resort. A beautiful view, great hot tub, delicious breakfast and beachfront bar…you couldn’t ask for more. Oh wait…what about a wonderful staff? Holiday Inn Resort had that too, from maids to hostesses everyone we met was on their best behavior. I know there are hotels that are part of Thunder Beach’s event but often they are filled by the time we get to make our reservations. We totally lucked out by finding this gem in Panama City Beach! Now don’t book your room before I get my room saved for the spring rally!

By Deborah Speicher

The mission of the national Harley Owners Group (“HOG”) is to ride and have fun, so when I arrived at the registration office for the Florida State HOG Rally (October 26-29), I realized that it would be just that – lots of riding and lots of fun.  In addition to a schedule of events, I also received a ride guide.  During each day of the event, there were a minimum of two rides that were guided or self-guided.  Add a poker run, demo rides and off-site parties, the riding never ended.   Perfect weather, scenic roads a group of riding buddies from my HOG Chapter (Old Town HOG) and other like-minded riders, made this a great event.

The hub for this event was Sun‘n Fun in Lakeland.  If you just rode there, there was plenty to do and see – an antique bike show/aircraft display, live music, factory demo rides, vendors, food, drill team demonstrations, and an opportunity to meet riding legend Gloria Tramontin Struck.  Gloria is 91 years young and still riding two wheels; an H-D Heritage Softtail to be more exact!   For a fee, you could also ride something other than a Harley as helicopter and biplane flights were available as well.
Saturday evening the event came to a close with the announcement of winners of prizes and raffles, awards to various HOG members who made this event possible, and then some dancing to the great music of the Déjà Vu Band.  I heard this band in Shreveport earlier this year and they play music that you can actually dance to!

I have always felt that a great part of owning a Harley is being part of HOG.  If you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and don’t belong to HOG, get more information, go to:  https://members.hog.com/