By Lulu

If you haven’t made it to D.C. and experienced the Vietnam Wall, you just must! But for those of you who just can’t make that trip, cities can host the Moving Vietnam Wall. And the City of Eustis decided to do just that and to bring The Wall to their Eustis Music Fest. You cannot begin to understand what this means to Vietnam Veterans and their families who may never get the chance to visit The Wall in D.C. A ride was organized to help fund this endeavor and lots of patriotic folks showed up for the event. The ride started at Ferran Park with stops including Gator Grill, Pirats Oasis, Gator Harley-Davidson and the clubhouse of the Lake County US Military Vets. These stops, sponsors, the City of Eustis and those who took their time to ride on for this cause deserve a great big thank you for bringing such a meaningful tribute to this part of the state for all to be able to experience.

By Lulu

If you have been to any of the major rallies in the USA you have probably been given samples of Bayer Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Aleve, Claritin, Dr. Scholl’s or Coppertone from a tent set up at key locations. I call the packets they hand out “hangover kits”, although they are much more! From Sturgis to Washington, D.C., from Destination Daytona during Bike Week and Biketoberfest to Gator Harley-Davidson during Leesburg Bike Fest you will see their promo tents with smiling faces handing out samples as fast as they can gather them up.

I have ridden from Daytona to Washington D.C. to the Vietnam Wall with Rolling Thunder. Most riding on 2 and 3 wheels are Vietnam Vets…making them a bit on the side of older…just like me! And I can tell you they are happy to see the Bayer tent for their sore bones from the long ride! This promotion does in fact get their name out, but let’s be real; everyone knows their product and their brands. Their participation in the rallies sets them apart from other businesses…they participate in this world we love call motorcycling. I want to ask you to remember them and buy their products when you need relief! The company could easily spend the money on TV ads, but stepping into our world at these events needs our loyalty as consumers! There are plenty of competitors on the shelf when you visit your local pharmacy or convenience store for your aches and pains, but those competitors are not handing out free samples in OUR world of bikers are they?

I heard recently someone was biking cross country and started having severe chest pains someone came along and opened their Bayer sample…gave it to him and was credited by the EMTs for saving the biker’s life! Keep some of their product in your bike the life you save could be your own!!

And the last public service announcement I need to deliver is the sun is not our friend. Being on a motorcycle we are exposed to more hours of sun on our faces, ears, lips and hands than our friends who ride in a covered vehicle. The more hours of sunburn the greater the risk of skin cancer. So, thank the guys or girls in the Bayer tents for reminding us with their samples to USE SUNSCREEN! Our skin is our largest organ and our greatest defense against dehydration and infection. We need to protect ourselves every time we go outside! You can’t even wear sunglasses if you lose an ear to skin cancer! Apply, apply, apply…several times a day!

As far as I can see this should be the biker friendly company of the year!!!

By Marta Rose-Thorpe

The 2017 Gulf Coast Ladies Motorcycle Rally was pure fun-in-the-sun during April Fool’s Weekend in Panama City Beach, Florida. Attendees rode into “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” south from Atlanta and came up north from Ft. Myers… and Florida cities in between. Hosted by Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, the Thunder Angels and volunteers, this event kicked off springtime with beautiful weather, live music, great vendors and a clan of happy women doing what they love to do: RIDE!

On Friday, March 31 the rally kicked off with a “Final Friday Bike Night” party featuring old country greats Tex & the South Forty, an Outpost favorite. The cold beer was flowing, served up by American Legion Post 402 & VFW Post 10555, with free Craft Beer Tastings by local brewery Nivol Brewing Co.

Saturday morning started with a beautiful North Florida sunrise, coffee and camaraderie. At 10 AM the Thunder Angels lead a Guided Scenic Ride that headed west to three points: the nature-packed Conservation Park; the stunningly beautiful Eden Gardens in South Walton County; and the biker-favorite Outpost off Highway 20. Attendees returned to Harley in the early afternoon and were treated to a free bike wash, a tasty lunch donated by Chicken Salad Chick, a ladies-themed vendor village packed with apparel, jewelry, health products, pin striping, sunglasses and more. The Don Pedigo Band headed down from Nashville for two Saturday afternoon concerts, and Barbara Jones of the Thunder Angels lead a Storytelling Hour on the Chill Deck, where rally-goers gathered ‘round and swapped riding tales. A five-class bike competition took place in the late afternoon with home-made trophies by BC Custom Metalworks. That evening the fun progressed to Newby’s for live music by everyone’s favorite local reggae band, Heritage.

On Sunday morning, the sunshine continued to sparkle while Night Al Productions supplied karaoke on the Harley Stage, and Rally volunteers served up mimosas and breakfast burritos on the Big Deck. By 12 noon most riders hit the road via one of four routes: Highways 231, 77, 79 or Old 98. On the way home ladies were asked to take a few selfie photos to later post onto the Gulf Coast Ladies Motorcycle Rally Facebook page with fun captions.

Throughout the weekend, a photo competition was taking place behind the scenes. Ladies were asked to take photos all weekend and post to the Facebook page. The photos could be submitted into one of four classes of photos, and the best in each class won a prize. Most Scenic won a wine basket donated by Triple H Dustless Blasting. Sportiest won a 4-team Golf Basket from Holiday Golf Club in Panama City Beach. Goofiest won a one-hour massage donated by local PCB masseuse Tom Nummy; and Most Unique won a two-night stay at Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville, GA, donated by Michelle Evans. To view winners as well as all rally photos, go to Facebook/sandandsass.

Harley-Davidson is one of the most evocative and recognizable lifestyle brands in the world. The company has wholly embraced its identity as the vehicular embodiment of freedom, individualism, rebellion and the American way. Come visit Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, “The World’s Friendliest Harley Dealership,” at 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway, one mile east of Pier Park, and visit us online for event updates at PCBHarley.com.

By Lulu

Well there are some people that the love their families and friends show for them just let you know what a great guy he must be. And that is exactly how we felt when we rode on the poker run for Tim Singleton. Lots of his friends and family had on matching shirts with a slogan that let everyone on the run know how they feel about the disease that is threatening Tim’s life. Lots of money was raised and the girl who works at First Turn won the 50/50 and gave the whole $900 back! Hope everyone tipped her well that day!! But that is how a day of love usually goes. A special thank you to the bars that participated which included Cabbage Patch Bar, Blue Bayou, The Boat Bar and First Turn Steakhouse. First Turn did a dinner to help fund the kitty! A great day was had by all and I know Tim and the family appreciate everyone’s generosity.

By Lulu

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Known for music, T-shirts and booze, they certainly brought a stage full of beauties to the famous Boot Hill Saloon! The crowds were shoulder to shoulder when the lovely ladies took the stage. In this contest the crowd’s response picked the winner, and it was hard by their hooting and hollering to tell which girl won. All week Boot Hill entertained the masses with great music all day every day. And it isn’t just during Bike Week and Biketoberfest that you can kick back and enjoy great music, Boot Hill brings music to Daytona more nights than anyone in town! They also have Bike Night on Wednesdays so ride in any time of year!

By Lulu

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Phaedra Lee and the folks at Main Street Station are known for Bike Nights, great bands and being very hardworking! But each Bike Week and Biketoberfest they have a new claim to fame…HOT bodies of beautiful women on stage! This year they hosted the Miss Twisted Tea Contest and unveiling of the Twisted Tea Chopper. Cycle Source Magazine and Twisted Tea partnered to create this Twisted Beast. To win you simply send a video to Instagram or Twitter to #TwistedTeaChopper #Sweepstakes to let them know why you should win. You could be the lucky one! But the lucky lady of Bike Week was Nicole Gatrell who walked away with the cash and sash! Congratulations Nicole and I am sure the huge crowd thank Main Street Station for the entertainment!

By Lulu

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As far as putting Bike Week events into a list of my favorite things, Willie’s Chopper Time at Tropical Tattoo is heads above the rest. A parking lot full of unique masterpieces is what you will find! Cool people and celebrities, this year that included Dave and Jodi Perewitz. If you decide to go inside and get tatted, you will be putting yourself in the hands of some of the best ink artists anywhere. Willie’s has been in the same building at 825 S. Yonge St. since 1990. My one and only tat was done at Willie’s by Ron a couple of years ago, and if I wasn’t such a sissy I would have probably let him get under my skin again that day. The bands this year rocked the back yard and our friends, NY Rockabilly Rockets, had their first experience of playing for the crowds that gather in the backyard. One thing that must be said about Willie’s show is you can always count on cold beer for charity, great music, awesome bikes and plenty to take pictures of. Special thank you to Rue & Ziffra law firm for their support of this event and to Bill Grotto from Twisted Tea for bringing Twisted Tea and eye candy to my favorite event of Bike Week.

By Lulu

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Bruce Rossmeyer would be so proud of his children and wife. They have fought hard to continue his legacy and to keep Destination Daytona the epicenter of Bike Week. With great bands like The Outlaws, bike shows such as Dave Perewitz’s Paint Show, vendors and of course, sweet deals on bikes and a magnificent showroom full of Harley apparel there is so much to do on the property there is not much need to go anywhere else, except of course TO RIDE that Harley! They kicked Bike Week off with their Biker Block Party and a motorcycle giveaway and the happy winner was Eleena Clark, lucky girl.

I must mention two other exceptional things about the Rossmeyers…they participate in the biking community and in the business their father built. You see Will, Shelley and Mandy running around keeping the wheels of success moving. And they ride often planning overnight excursions for their monthly ride.

The other is their continued involvement with Camp Boggy Creek…my best memory of Bruce is his beaming face as a live auction was playing out on a little soapbox car an ill child had built years before and signed by Paul Newman…knowing full well however much that little car brought he was matching it dollar for dollar. That camp’s success is in large part due to Bruce Rossmeyer and his family! And of course, to all of you that participate in the fundraisers and ride throughout the year.

By Lulu

A legacy is defined as a gift from an ancestor or predecessor. Ronnie Luznar passed away after Biketoberfest 2015. His legacy to not only his family, but to the family of motorcyclists that make their yearly trek to Daytona Bike Week…and to the Cabbage Patch is in good hands! His sons Ronnie and Roger took the baton being passed and continued the tradition of being one of the most visited spots during Bike Week. Coleslaw wrestlers, bike shows, ice cold beer and great drinks, vendors and great bands, which always includes Joe Santana, make this a must stop for everyone during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. The rest of the year, the bar is always open, loving anyone who walks through their doors and happy to be a stop on your poker runs. Don’t forget they have a classic car & truck show the first Sunday of each month and a free BBQ with live music the 3rd Sunday!

By Lulu

If you come to Bike Week and don’t go to the races shame on you. After all, that is what Bike Week is about…motorcycling. We seem to have confused that with beer, booze and babes. Honestly, I have only gone out to the track twice to try my hand at shooting things flying past at 130 miles an hour. This year I asked Cameron Newpher to shoot down at the track and he did a great job! Flat Track Racing has been going on for over 90 years. It suffered a loss of popularity for a bit to Grand Prix and motocross racing but it is seeing a resurgence with the comeback of Indian Motorcycles. During the height of Flat Track Racing it was the battle of Indians against Harleys that fueled the sport. Racing on dirt, the speeds on the straights hit 130 miles an hour and the bikes slide into the turns at 90 miles an hour almost touching. A friend of mine Ace Myers raced when the track was still on the beach in Daytona and he speaks of how back then the crowd would reach out and touch you as you hurtled past. Put this on your list of events to check out. They have races scheduled all over the U.S. Check the schedule at AmericanFlatTrack.com

Photos by Cameron Newpher

By Lulu

Final day of Bike Week and most are already home licking their wounds, but we always have one more chance to howl at the Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell. This year the BBQ and music was served on one of the prettiest days of Bike Week. The crowd seemed larger this year. The band Southern Chaos always provide a great afternoon of music. We love seeing all our old friends particularly Glenn and Martine. Miss living up in their neck of the woods. The Dog Pound is doing live music on Sundays with $2.50 Bloody Mary’s. Ride up and hang out on the porches…bring your pooches!

By Lulu

Avid antique motorcycle lovers and collectors are a breed of their own. Perfection is what they work toward on OLD scoots. Trying to replicate parts is not an option…they search and find mint condition originals to maintain or restore their prize possessions. And when I say possessions…I mean it is like an addiction most who love the old Shovelheads or Panheads, etc…seem to collect more than a bike or two. So, meets such as the Sunshine National Meet during Bike Week are essential. It is like going to the mall for a shoe shopper. Vendors and collectors display their wares so you can search for that part you need to complete your restoration. During this event, they combine an antique bike show with the swap meet, field games, AMCA judging and a low country seafood boil.

By Lulu

Sometimes it isn’t what you need but who you know! And sometimes “who you know” can provide exactly what you need. So is the case for Helen Tacoma who is fighting the big C. Friends and family came together to help with mounting medical expenses, but what poker runs provide even more than the financial boost…is the outpouring of love showered on those who need it most during a difficult time. Hundreds came out to raise the much-needed money…but the smile on Helen’s face for the day is more valuable than the money.

By Lulu

Space Coast Harley-Davidson works hard at being innovative in all things. And when we rode down to spend a bit of Bike Week with them we certainly saw things we haven’t seen before. Tobi and Mustang Sally were one of the many bands brought in…I have seen them and love their music. But what I haven’t ever seen was a small woman hold two motorcycles while they took off in separate directions. I don’t even know how she could breathe much less how she was able to hold them without moving! They also had crab races inside with prizes for the winners. I mean real live crabs with a crabby guy telling us not to point at them…as if the crabs would know we were pointing. Space Coast H-D has monthly events so check out their website for updates.

By Lulu

One of the best places to ride to during Bike Week, a favorite of all on two wheels, is First Turn Steakhouse on US 1 in Port Orange. Owners, Rick and Denise, have created the perfect perch for those who love to ride. Bikers love to be outside, love good food, and great music. And the First Turn combines all that on a 5000-square foot tiki bar with seafood, sandwiches and their famous Sizzlin’ Steaks. Denise takes great pride in the music she brings in and this year Hayfire, Tim Dugger, Megan Katarina Band, 4 Play, and Easystreet were just some of the groups brought in to entertain. This year Goat from Full Throttle was on the mic when I stopped in and the crowd loves him. Don’t forget that on Bike Nights, Tuesdays they do some free grub and $1.50 longnecks with live music!!