By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders, Post 283, Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville held there 8th annual poker run in support of the Five Star Veterans Center, Saturday the 26th, 2015.

The purpose and mission of the American Legion Riders Florida Chapters is to promote motorcycle safety and riding enjoyment through programs and activities that are in keeping with the aims and purposes of The American Legion supporting programs, events charities, parades and other ceremonies of the American Legion.

350 participants in the poker run and 400+ barbecue dinners were served. And there isn’t a better BBQ at any event…ribs and chicken YUM. Approximately $20,000 raised for the Five Star Veterans Center. The local band “Double Down” performed from 5pm to the end for an awesome crowd of supporters.

By Lulu

What a great day we had at Black Bear Country Club with the folks from Gator Harley-Davidson, Bobby Friss and avid golfers. The day was beautiful! Add hot girls in skimpy attire…a few cold beers and shots…a giant gun to shoot your balls with…a perfect day had to be had…par or not! The fun twist was no golf shirt was required I saw bikers playing in Harley boots and ladies playing in fishnets! The cause was for screening mammograms and cancer care for indigent patients at Florida Hospital Waterman. I am sure they will do this event again next year come out and play you will have a blast!

By Raven Van Pelt

The biker community does it again by coming together for a worthy cause, to help raise awareness and funds for CMOS kids. Founded by Winston Barlow, their mission is to enrich the lives of special needs children by providing life-changing outdoor experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and accommodating environment. Their desire is to foster the development of self confidence and self-reliance through the provision of outdoor adventures including hunting, fishing and camping. Sponsors are one of the major reasons that CMO’s Kids can continue to provide outdoor adventures to the kids. Sponsors allow them to bring happiness to kids and smiles to the faces of everyone involved.

The event started at Fast Freddie’s, in Ocean Way Hwy. 17, with several stops, along the way. Raffles and an auction were held, great food, and the band Cutter rocked the night away. This was an awesome event with 110 riders who along with sponsors, helped raised $7,220.00

For more info, check out www.cmoskids,org

By Lulu

There are so many Halloween parties it is impossible to make it to all. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing up and seeing the creativity of everyone’s costumes. This year although totally disgusting Chris Vorhees at Main Street Station in Daytona Beach had the ultimate costume…I think Jarrod from Subway fame would be mortified! Glenn and Martine at Smiles in Palm Coast made an adorable Indian couple, and the grinding monkey outfit was awesome.

By Lulu

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The annual Bikefest in Starke has changed during the course of its 10 year history. What started out in the local fairgrounds, a few years back moved to the downtown area of historic Starke. The pavement on Call Street now is closed to bike parking. The town square park has a permanent stage for live music and this year featured Highway to Hell on Friday and Moccasin Creek on Saturday as their headliners, but music filled the park all day. Vendors lined the street. The event includes a bike show, reptile show and games. The first 8 years Starke Bikefest was held in August. In 2014 they moved the date to October and this year they kept with a fall rally holding it October 9^th and 10^th. Unfortunately they have lots of competition in October with Sanford rally being the same weekend and Biketoberfest following their event, so it appeared the crowds were down a bit. I always enjoy their bike rally in that there are plenty of country roads to ride, their music is always great and I enjoy the small town atmosphere of the downtown area. The local bars Timbuktu and Red Dogs have fun peeps to hang out with…and I love the food at Downtown Grille.

By Lulu

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Well thanks to Jessica Eckelbarger and the fine folks at Rue & Ziffra law firm, Joe Vece and the Knights of Inferno, the wonderful ocean front restaurant Beach Front Grille on A1A, the officials from Flagler County, Frank and Traci from WROD Radio 104.7 FM, and the police and deputies that escort this ride each year rain or shine a wonderful although wet day was had by all!

I never let the weather dampen my spirits on this event nor the heat when it is wet. When it rains I tell myself it is tears from heaven and all these years later I have decided they are happy tears of thanks to all those who rain or shine refuse to forget the loss of lives that day! And when it is unbearably hot…I remind all how hot that burning building was and the brave men and women trying to get out, or in, to help others escape…

I cannot begin to thank all those that participated in the moving ceremony; from those who rang bells, carried our flags, sang, spoke, preached, shared their story of loss and grief, to those who spent endless hours planning the execution of this ride.

But who I really want to THANK today is each and everyone who got up in the rain and got on their bikes and RODE!!! It wasn’t a little rainy it was sopping rain and we still had…I would have to estimate 500 bikes. I was amazed. When I got up and started dressing I thought this isn’t going to be good. No one will care enough to come out all these years later in this BAD weather. I was stunned when I rode into the parking lot in my dry SUV with the excuse I was protecting my camera. Once there I felt shamed into hitching a ride for the 60+ mile trip in the weather, with my camera. I had to be a part of these patriots that WILL NOT let that day go without due RESPECT!

The ride ended at Beach Front Grille with free food, live music by a great band Southern Chaos and just enough dry weather to make eating outside happen! Again thank you to all who serve our country and work daily in harm’s way. In light of what just happened in Paris we are still living in a very dangerous world and we need to pray for the safety of our first responders, our military, our police officers and our way of life!!!

By Lulu

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One of the must do events for me every Bike Week and Biketoberfest is always at Tropical Tattoo on US 1 in Ormond Beach. The lot is always filled to capacity with bikes created with love by cutting edge builders, garage mechanics and awesome painters. My brother passed away the night before so I was only able to spend a brief afternoon with Willie and the crowd before heading to Alabama. Twisted Tea was on site giving away samples. The great folks from 104.7 FM WROD the Rock of Daytona station were on hand with a live remote and David Sweat with the Rue & Ziffra law firm were on hand to support this great event too. This event the veterans received the proceeds.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

“Merry Christmas”. That’s right I said it. I really don’t care if that offends you because I’ve been known as an equal opportunity offender. I don’t believe in political correctness. I don’t remember reading anything in the Constitution that says you have a right NOT to be offended.

Miranda and the 5th Amendment say I have the right to be silent. The 1st Amendment says I have the right to free speech and religion. I prefer the 1st Amendment. I don’t say happy solstice or Merry Xmas and I don’t have a holiday tree. I have a “Christmas tree”. Christmas was proclaimed a holiday by U.S. Congress in 1870. At least 160 countries are known to officially celebrate Christmas. 96% of Christians and 81% of non-Christians in the U.S. celebrate Christmas. Somewhere between 70 and 80% of the adults in the U.S. and 2 billion worldwide profess to be Christians. Constitutional revisionists keep reminding Americans of “Separation of Church and State”. Nowhere does the phrase, “Separation of Church and State” occur in the Constitution. I have read the Constitution many times and I have no idea how they came up with this phrase. The First Amendment says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Even non-Christian founders felt that religion was essential. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 states: “ Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

Lately, all we hear is “The War on Christmas”. Somebody has to explain to me why atheists who don’t believe in God, spend so much time and money trying to convince other people that there is no God. If God does not exist, why even recognize the Deity? I guess these atheists have never heard the expression “there aren’t any atheists in a foxhole”. While the world is at war, while Christians are being killed for their religion, out of 160 countries only 11 are free from conflict, our main concern is a nativity scene on a courthouse lawn or where the Confederate flag flies. The ACLU whose stated mission is “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country” has just become another mouthpiece for political correctness and liberal thought. They are on a rampage to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance, banishing prayer from schools and tearing down crosses. A little girl asked “Mommy, why didn’t God stop those terrible shootings at that school”? Answer: “God is not allowed in school”.

I also say Happy New Year. A.D. 2016 (anno Domini means in the year of the Lord).

Enough of my rant. Christmas should be a joyous time filled with generosity, faith, laughter, memories, friends and family.

I can remember when we talked about leaving better children for our planet rather than a better planet for our children.

My first wife was not much of a cook. After dinner she would ask if I wanted an Amaretto. I said “no I think I need an antidote”.

I thought my second wife was a nymphomaniac, but I found out she was just a maniac.

If you’d like a little more humor go to my website nobodiesopinion.com and read my 12 wives of Christmas.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By “Kneecap”

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The Cabbage Patch Bar, on the corner of Pioneer Trail and Tomoka Farms Road, Samsula is probably one of the most well-known biker bars in Central Florida. They’re not only the Home of “World-Famous” Coleslaw Wrestling, but also operate a year-round Tavern that welcomes poker runs and many charity functions. The bar has full liquor, draft beer, and package take out. You can play pool or use their free Wi-Fi.

Ronnie and Roger were not satisfied with just offering daily drink specials, live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and a free BBQ and Swap Meet every 3rd and 5th Sunday. So Roger decided to have a Bike and Car Show on the 4th Sunday of every month.

I attended one in November, even though the weather was terrible. It was cold and windy but because of the Cabbage Patch’s reputation for delivering a good show the turnout was very good.

Roger is always working hard to make the customers’ stay enjoyable and entertaining. He’s constantly coming up with new ideas. If you run into Ronnie you will notice his welcoming smile and pleasant personality. He probably will tell you his latest joke. Stop by soon and enjoy the friendly bartenders and patrons. I go there often, so you might just run into me, which is not necessarily as pleasurable.

By Lulu

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As far as great bands, great bodies and cold beer, there was no better place than the last Sunday of Biketoberfest for the bikini contest at Main Street Station. Phaedra put on one hell of a show and the crowd shot proves that everyone was entertained! I am sure she would like me to thank her sponsors Victory Motorcycles, Jack Daniels, Red Bull, S.R. Perrott, Budweiser, Coco-Cola and Jagermeister for making this event possible. And a thank you to Twisted Tea for the giveaways thrown by the models! Make sure to put this on your list of to dos for Bike Week 2016 and if you think you can walk away with the money contact Phaedra at Main Street Station to enter!!!

And don’t forget this bar has $1 beer during their Wednesday night bike nights and great live music weekly!!

By “Kneecap”

After 21 years of organizing the motorcycle ride to Camp Boggy Creek you’d think they would get it right. Well, as usual they not only got it right but it was excellent. I think Bruce Rossmeyer’s Ride for the Children has to be the best and most pleasurable escorted ride you can take. Every year 600+ motorcycles ride to Boggy Creek Camp to help children with serious illness, feel like every other child for a week at a camp that is one of the most beautiful camps I’ve seen. The ride has raised over five million dollars over the past 21 years and every penny goes directly to the camp. All time and donations are strictly used for the children. Presenting sponsors include Miller Lite, Outback Steakhouse, Hamlin & Associates, White’s Site Development, Daytona Toyota and JM &A Group. Their help makes the Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson ride so successful. Their donation of time, money and product make a very enjoyable day. Every year celebrities show up from all over the country to donate their time and show their love for the children. This year Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), John Slattery (Mad Man), Jody Perewitz (very pretty and the fastest woman on a motorcycle) and Frank Scott (great DJ on WROD radio 104.7FM and MC for 20 years for the ride) made the run a special day. Mark this on your calendar for next year, I don’t ever miss it, next year the ride is on 10/2/16.

By Lulu

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I have to thank the folks at Destination Daytona for providing the photos attached. I had to attend my brother’s funeral in Fairhope, Alabama so I was out of state for most of Biketoberfest. I never miss the events and fun parties that they throw at the Bruce Rossmeyer dealership. The Coca-Cola Pavilion was host of the Miss International Bikini Contest and free concert by Jackyl. There were demo rides, bike shows and lots of games and shopping. Saints & Sinners had live music daily. Check out their website at BRUCEROSSMEYER.COM for monthly events and to see what is on their agenda for the 75th Bike Week coming this March!!!

By Ron Cox

Fort Myers was the site for this year’s Florida HOG Rally, the Roar to the Shore, held from October 7-10th. The rally was hosted by SWFL HOG and Six Bends Harley-Davidson. HOG Chapter Assistant Director Bob Hotovy was the Rally Coordinator and almost all Chapter Officers chaired operating committees. Upwards of 1,500 HOG’s and guests attended the Rally, coming from all over Florida. Out of state-ers included HOG’s from Kentucky, South Carolina, Mississippi, Arizona and California. European HOG’s came from England, Wales and a group from Switzerland.

Early Rally attendees were treated to a sumptuous free spaghetti dinner and were entertained by one of the area’s premier oldies bands Brylcream.

Thursday offered a variety of activities. Cadillac Blue offered country music tunes in the afternoon. There were numerous guided and self-guided rides to destinations like the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary or a ride on the twisty back roads between Ft. Myers and Naples, ending at Naples H-D. Deb & The Dynamics provided the evening’s entertainment offering a mix of music for everyone’s taste.

Jerry “Motorman” Palladino and his crew of riders put on riding demonstrations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. One maneuver that drew raves and applause was when a slightly built woman moved from the back seat to the front while her male partner moved from the front to back seat while moving at a moderate pace.

Getting an early start on Friday, plenty of riders took off on a guided ride to the Keys and back. Some of the bike games were held like the road kill grab & balloon toss, the slow race and a new wrinkle to bike games a trike race. Not the kind of trike you’re thinking of, the kind you pedal!!! Precision drill teams from Daytona and Fort Lauderdale showed off their riding skills. DJ John Nichols entertained during the afternoon. Rally goers enjoyed sundaes at The Pit as well as the frozen t-shirt competition. Later in the evening the Grayson Rogers band entertained.

Since it was anticipated there would be a large number of Veterans in attendance, the SWFL mobile military museum was on site and next to it was the USS Florida, a 1/16th scale model of an Ohio-class ballistic submarine.

Last day of the Rally began with unlimited free pastries and cookies at The Pit. Self-guided tours took off while others began lining up for the Parade of Flags. Still others played bike games like the tennis ball pick & place and the ever popular weenie bite. Adam Holbrook put on his stunt show three times during the afternoon, precision drill teams from Daytona & Miami put on shows and the Dixieland Jazz Band entertained at The Pit.

Closing ceremonies included a military tribute to Veterans and deceased Vets, Guns & Hoses bagpipers, a helicopter flyover, awards and recognition to the Rally planning committee. It was announced that next year’s Rally will be staged in Lakeland. The Rally ended with a rousing show by Grand Funk Railroad.

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By Ron Cox

Thousands of bikers and friends converged on Key West to compete in the 43rd Annual Phil Peterson Key West Poker Run on Sept.18-20. Starting in Miami the riders found card stops at various tonsil wash emporiums along the way, ending in world famous Key West.

Late Friday and all day and night on Saturday and Sunday, vendors set up shop on Duval Street, offering everything from cowboy hats, biker jewelry, patriotic t-shirts and flags wall hangings and my personal favorite the folks selling LED pasties. Lots of photo ops and samples could be seen. We found a leather shop off Duval St. selling a lot more than vests and saddlebags; unfortunately we still have figured out how to use some of the leather accouterments!!

The nightlife has to be seen to be appreciated. The Hog’s Breath Saloon, Sloppy Joe’s, Irish Kevin’s and the wonderful Fat Tuesdays. Fats offers about 15 different flavored “slushies” spiked with grain alcohol (proof unknown). For the more adventurous there’s the rooftop nude bar and especially for the ladies there’s the mechanical bull riding contest at Cowboy Bill’s. The winner usually ends up wearing her shoes!!!!

And to wrap up your day a stop at Mallory Square to catch breathtaking sunsets. Street performers and vendors run the length of the area. We settled in at El Maison de Pepe for some delicious mojitos and waited for the sunset. After a few of these we didn’t care if the sun set!!!!

I almost forgot. This was a charity run with thousands of dollars being raised for the Diabetes Research Institute and the Kew West Sunrise Rotary Club. Typical biker event, lots of fun and for a good cause too!!!!

Bike Show Winners: Congratulations to Peter Gonzalez for taking Best in Show and Cartel Baggers for winning Best Pro Shop.

And the Winners for the Poker Run are:

1st Place: Gary Ervin from Port St. Lucie with 4 Queens, 10 high. Won $1,000.

2nd Place: Jeff Carberry from Myakka City with 4 Jacks, 8 high. Won $500. He also won the Texas Hold-em game with 3-Fives Takes $6,000 cash.

3rd Place: Jeff Payne from Jupiter with 4 jacks, 5 high won $300.

4th Place: Glenn Davis from Homestead with 4 Tens, Queen high won $200.

5th Place: Sherri Hermanowski from Waterberry, Vt with 4 Tens, 7 high won $100.

Furthest Traveled was Roxane Brown from Bremeston, Washington won $200 Peterson’s Gift Card.

Oldest Tee Shirt Contest winner with a 1988 was Richard Goldman from St. Augustine, Fla won a $300 Peterson’s Gift Card.

50/50 cash raffle winner was Aldon Piere who won $600 cash.

By Lulu

The parking lot of the Flagler Imaging Center in St. Augustine was a sea of pink when I arrived. Pink T-shirts, pink boas, pink hair, and pink beards…pink, pink everywhere. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Cities everywhere use this as a month to raise funds for research, free mammograms, etc. But just focusing on the disease and the need for women to GET THEIR MAMMOGRAMS is in itself a reason to get out and ride…in pink! This was the 7th year of this ride and it was extremely well attended. The after the ride party included horse drawn carriage rides which is part of the St. Augustine culture. There was live music, raffles, food, vendors and a silent auction. This was by far one of the most organized events I have witnessed…good work guys from the Unity Outreach St. Augustine.