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By Deborah Speicher

This year was the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and estimates had the record crowds at about one million. Regardless of whether they really hit the one million mark, the roads, bars, stores, restaurants, campgrounds and other venues were packed!

We took advantage of some of the great events sponsored by the Buffalo Chip, starting with Michael Lichter’s photography and motorcycle exhibit the “Naked Truth.” Michael, along with some of the motorcycle builders, did a great gallery talk about the motorcycles and he gave us some history on his photos. The next day we rode into Deadwood for the Legends Ride, proceeds of which benefitted local charities which included athletes from the Black Hills Special Olympics.

The very next day we headed out to The Lodge at Deadwood for the Biker Belles Celebration. This event benefitted the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Helping with Horsepower. The keynote speaker was motorcycle matriarch Gloria Tramontin Struck, who recently turned 90 years old! Gloria is still loving and living life on two wheels. As in many years past, she rode her motorcycle from home (New Jersey) to Sturgis and back.

There were so many bike shows, concerts, organized rides and more that you wish you could clone yourself and not miss a thing! But, since it really is all about the riding, we did spend a few days to ride to Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower (Wyoming), Custer State Park, and The Badlands with a short stop at Wall Drug for our free water, free donut and 5cent coffee.

To sum up our entire trip to the Black Hills, the riding and views were spectacular, and what a nice break from the Florida heat and rain.

By Lulu

Shannon Register is one lucky girl! In July she won the Harley-Davidson Street 750 that Bruce Rossmeyer’s Ormond Beach location gave away on the 4th! The day included live music by Mikey Clams & the Daygos, giveaways and a huge hot dog eating contest!

Ride safe Shannon!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

I doubt that there is anybody who could forget what happened on September 11, 2001. The terrible day Islamic terrorists murdered 2977 innocent people. Every year we have ceremonies remembering and praying for these victims. At 8:46 AM we have a moment of silence. After we have paid respect to those who died on that day with our silence and prayers, we need to look at the rest of the story. It’s time to change our silence into shouts & screams.

Islamic terrorism started long before there was an Israel or the United States. As far back as the 1700s Islam has hated the West. Islam blames the crusades, the Jews, Western culture, and Christians for their fall from power. Truth is they are their own cause of destruction. They are extremely brutal and patient. They know in time that because of the weakness of our politicians they can do a lot more damage by waiting.

Let’s take a look at the damage they have done. Since 2001 we have entered into two wars with almost 7000 casualties, 52,000 wounded, and 970,000 veteran claims for disability. 2600 NY Firefighters, Police, EMTs, sanitation workers, and volunteers have had extreme health problems. Not to mention the Trillions of $.

Lately there has been a lot of talk about making “America Great Again”. America has always been “Great”. It is the politicians that are taking the greatness and throwing it in the dumpster. We spend more money on illegal aliens, than we do our Veterans. Obama has slashed more than 1.4 billion from the budget for American’s veterans. 70,000 fewer veterans will receive the VA care they need. Obama has said he wants to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal aliens, while cutting military spending to veterans by a staggering 65%. This executive action will be giving out a year’s worth of Medicaid coverage and cash, costing US taxpayers 97.8 million, money which would be taken from the VA. Obama stated, it’s important to give these immigrants a footstool to help them climb out of substandard conditions they been facing. He’s right. We need to give them a foot in the ass hard enough to send them home. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) summed it up perfectly. It’s absurd. Taking money away from veterans who served his country bravely and proudly, and handing it over to people who aren’t even American citizens. It’s insulting to know this man is still president.

Actually his actions are not hard to believe. He’s been dissing the military since he’s taken office. He skipped the funeral of the highest-ranking officer to be killed on foreign soil in over 40 years. He’s been smearing Veterans as potential domestic terrorists. He has tried making wounded Veterans cover their own medical treatment through private insurance plans. He gave terrorists at Gitmo a $750,000 soccer field, cable TV, entertainment, classes in painting, etc. while stripping away benefits for soldiers. He silenced and criminalized Christianity in the military. He’s allowed Veterans to die in secret waiting lists at VA hospitals all over the country. He endlessly tramples on the Constitution that soldiers are sworn to defend and attacking the rights they fought, bled and died to protect.

Obama has no challengers. The voters gave the GOP the House and the Senate and what did they get? Mitch McConnell the Senate’s designated liar from Kentucky and Speaker John Boehner who can’t speak up unless he’s ordering a drink at happy hour. If chastised he will start crying.

If NASA wants to send people to Mars I’ve got some real spaced out x-wives I’d recommend.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Lulu

The folks at Space Coast Harley strive to bring great music to the dealership and it seems like almost every weekend they have something going on! I traveled down to Palm Bay in August for their 1980’s tribute. The bikini bike wash girls had bikes lined up and the music filled the lot. Everyone from the employees to the folks who rode in for the music is always so nice at Space Coast Harley-Davidson. Keep an eye on their ads each month to find out what is planned!!

By Bill Grotto

Imagine riding your bike to Sturgis and leaving with two…Sound crazy? Not when Twisted Tea is involved! This year at the Sturgis 75th anniversary Twisted Tea not only gave away one bike but TWO bikes to lucky consumers. The first bike was a 1974 ironhead Sportster that was built by our friends at The Choppin Block. The Choppin Block is a group of builders that got together to do what they love the most- build bikes! Chop Docs Choppers (From Michigan now out of Daytona) Turners Cycle Shop, Kustoms Inc and Doomtown Choppers all played a role in getting this little bar hopper going. We gave the bike away at Steve Broyle’s The Horse Back Street Choppers show at Full Throttle Saloon. What made this bike giveaway special was that it was free to enter for anyone over 21 and the drawing happened right there on the spot that day. The ballot box was overflowing with entries! When it was time to draw a name we had two (unlucky) entrants whose names were called but they never came to the stage so too bad for them! Three times a charm is true because the 3rd name we drew was Rodney Roerhig from Iowa City, Iowa and boy was he happy! As he approached the stage with a Twisted Tea in hand we knew we had the right guy!

This story almost didn’t have a happy ending…At the end of this busy day I went home and emptied my pockets of all the receipts and business cards I get all day and realized there was something missing…Rodney’s contact information! Luckily Rodney called up The Horse and they put him in touch with us…Otherwise there would have been posters all over Sturgis that said “Rodney from Iowa call Twisted Tea we have your bike!”

The second bike giveaway we did was at One Eyed Jack’s. This was in conjunction with a national “text to win” a trip to Sturgis and a chance to win the bike. The bike was a ’72 FLH shovel head which we named “Tea Bagger” because hey it’s Twisted Tea and it’s a bagger…no brainer! We had the ballot box at One Eyed all week long and there were many entries. On Thursday afternoon we picked 6 ballots out of the box and called the contestants to let them know they were chosen as finalists. One Eyed Jacks is always busy and this night was no different. With the bar packed and the crowd waiting in anticipation each contestant came up and picked one of 6 keys out of a bucket. First one…nuthin…second guy (who won the trip to Sturgis)…nuthin…Once again3 time’s a charm and the 3rd contestant Eric Hess from Buffalo New York had the key that fired the bike! Just like Rodney he was a long time Tea drinker so we knew the right guys got the bikes and nothing could make us happier than making our loyal drinkers happy!

This was the first time we did something like this and felt it was a great success. We plan on doing it again so who knows the next winner could be YOU!

By Raven Van Pelt

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The American Legion Riders Chapter 9, with their host partner Flamingo Lake RV Resort, in support of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., hosted the 3rd Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert.  The purpose of the annual event is to honor the mothers of America’s Fallen Warriors and provide financial resources to aid American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) in fulfilling their Gold Star National Monument Foundation Program. Last year’s event had over 500 riders and 1,000 attending overall and this year’s event was much larger with over 886 riders.

Over 2,500 Military Combat Boots lined the entryways and parking lots of the event, each one prominently displaying an American Flag and Fallen Warrior’s picture to include their service, rank, name, age, hometown, date of death and conflict.  The boots are part of the American Legion Riders Chapter 9 Memorial “Boots on the Ground ~ America Remembers”. Visually, it reminds each of us that FREEDOM TRULY ISN’T FREE!

Registration began at 8:30 am with the Studio One Band playing blues and southern rock for the opening ceremonies. The event had a Military Vehicle Display, Civil War artillery demonstrations and extreme 4×4 golf cart rides for the kids. Naval Air Station Jacksonville Honor Support Team presented the Colors and conducted a gun salute to honor and memorialize our Fallen Heroes. KSU was at 11:00 am as the bikes paraded through the resort and then rode throughout the Jacksonville and Nassau County areas stopping at various American Legion Posts and Veteran of Foreign Wars Posts. Last Bike In was at 5:00 pm. There were dozens of retail vendors on site selling the latest and greatest biker gear and apparel as well as other great merchandise.

As the non-riding public was invited to the event, and came out in force, the band Home Grown came on around 2:30 pm and played some great classic and southern rock and then the band Second Shot, with special guest Dave Hlubek from Molly Hatchet, rounded the night out from 6 pm until the city shut us down around 10 pm.
Riders were provided a BBQ dinner with their registration and the many volunteers that came out to support the event were fed as well. There were hundreds of raffles and door prizes as well as a 50/50. I must say that of all the Poker Runs I have been to, this event is the largest and best organized single day Poker Run event I have ever seen. It is like a mini Bike Week but fun for the whole family. This event will always be held Mother’s Day weekend and I highly recommend all riders mark their calendars and come to Jacksonville to attend this event. You will not be disappointed.

By Deborah Speicher

When the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa decided to show its appreciation to the Harley-Davidson motorcycle community, they really did it in style. On July 1, they hosted a party at Harley-Davidson of Brandon which featured food, drinks, music and their calendar girls. It was a nice evening with friends and other local bikers, and we also got to meet some of the Hard Rock’s representatives. Keep the Hard Rock in mind the next time you are looking for a fun night out. In addition to their gaming, they have great restaurants, live entertainment, a world-class hotel and more!

By Lulu

Everyone that lives in the greater Daytona area that Main Street Station brings great music to town on Wednesdays for Bike Night but during the summer they have featured music 4 nights a week. Make sure you put on your calendar their Labor Day weekend party the 7th Annual Rum and Pirate Festival! Check their website for current events MAINSTREETLIVE.COM.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

It’s August and it’s hot. Why? In the 70s I was told that the earth was experiencing global cooling and we were in for a mini Ice Age. I sold my air conditioner and bought an extra set of leathers. In 1977, Democrat Gov. Jerry Brown claimed that the two-year drought in California was being caused by global cooling. Now, he says that California faces an unprecedented drought, caused by global warming. Is it a coincidence that the first time Jerry Brown was governor California had a drought and now the second time that he’s governor, California has another drought?

The tree hugging green people try to blame global warming on the increase in CO2. The EPA better-known as “Extreme Pain in the A**” blames the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Actually, it’s just an anti-industrial campaign to form a world socialist government. What is the motive behind politicians, green corporations and green scientists promoting the fear of “global warming”? Do you think maybe $22 billion a year that the government pays to stop the “global warming epidemic” might be an influence? That is twice as much as our government spends on securing our borders. Why is it that the CO2 was 10 times higher than it is today when modern life evolved? (I guess Fred Flintstone was really driving an SUV.) This fundamentally contradicts the certainty that human caused CO2 are the main cause of global warming. Humans just aren’t capable of predicting global temperature changes. Mother Nature and the Sun take care of that. When liberals burn their toast they blame the bread. A liberal told me that in the future “you will never see a polar bear”. I said “I never saw a dinosaur neither”. The next time a global warming activist confronts you, just ask “What is the ideal temperature for the planet?” All you will here is “DA”!

If meteorologists using the most sophisticated computers can only forecast weather a day or two in advance, how can climatologists project climate years ahead?
97% of the CO2 entering the atmosphere is from nature. In 2014, NASA launched a satellite that measured CO2 levels around the globe. They assumed that most of the CO2 would be coming from the industrialized northern hemisphere but surprisingly it was coming from the rainforests in South America, Africa, and China. Global warming hoaxers claim that their statistics are irrefutable. I remember a statistic back in 1964 that claimed “97% of the women who got pregnant had eaten mashed potatoes”. I made sure that all my dates ate French fries.

Pres. Obama feels that global warming is more of a threat than terrorism or ISIS. He may be right. He just opened the door for Iran to procure a nuclear bomb. Iran WILL warm up the planet. It’s said that the temperatures of a nuclear explosion can reach those of the interior of the Sun about 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. Now, that would definitely cause some global warming, but at least we get to see a brilliant fireball.

When Bill Clinton was asked about global warming, he said, At least you can’t blame Hillary for that but then again global warming might thaw her out.

Here’s what I think. Female orgasms are like global warming. I don’t believe they’re made by man.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Raven Van Pelt

The Nation of Patriots was formed in 2009 to provide financial support to those who have served in our Armed Forces and their families. These individuals have volunteered their lives in the preservation, protection and future of The United States and all of its citizens. For this we are grateful.

They are an independent, non partisan, 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. Who annually launch a campaign that works on a national level to promote the awareness of the physical, emotional, and economic misfortune that our wounded veterans and their families are living with today and every day.

This event is called The Patriot Tour. They pride themselves on being able to give 100% of all donations received directly to the veterans they strive to help. They work with VA facilities and many other veteran organizations to help locate and select the veteran families based on specific criteria. During the months of November and December they allocate ALL money raised and send it to veterans all over the country.

This year they had 46 bikes and 52 players for the Nation of Patriots Poker Run, and despite a little rain, it was a great  ride, with 5 stops, a 50/50, raffle prizes and live music. The amount made on the poker run was $1,233.00 and the total for all events, the Poker Run, the welcoming of the National Flag to Jacksonville and the delivering of the National Flag to Tallahassee. was $6,855.00. Thank you Michael Franz Cooper (Bear) Shea Ready, they couldn’t do what they do without the participation and dedication of many people who believe as they do.  Sponsors are very important like Adamec Harley-Davidson, The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic, Swisher International, Imagine Glass, Mineral City, Open Road Leathers, and many more who donated to this very worthy cause and to all those who made the ride so successful.

By Lulu

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Ormond Beach location has been having extended hours monthly. In June, they threw in a Garage Party for lady riders and this month care of your motorcycle was the featured topic. Ted Koester gave an in service demonstration on bug removal, washing and waxing and chrome and leather care.

I loved the S100 product for fast suds and an easy wash! BUGSLIDE is his recommendation for bug removal and Pig Spit for the black motors featured on many Harleys now. Lucas Spray Glaze for paint and chrome ends with a pretty shine. After the class the ladies headed to the showroom for free hot dogs.

It is a great way for lady riders to get to know each other and to learn care…and easy ways to care…for their bikes! All the products mentioned for care of your bike are available at Destination Daytona Harley!

By Phoenix and Metric

The American Legion Riders from Chapter 25 in Lake Placid hosted the most enjoyable annual party and poker run in the past few years. While the turnout was not as large as expected the outcome was well worth enduring the July heat.

The day’s events start with the juiciest, most delicious burger in town thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary and the post provided the coldest drinks on earth. The Riders led a small but brave group of riders on a wonderful ride around the beautiful countryside in the extreme heat.

After a long hot ride the riders were greeted with a fun filled afternoon of bike games, a dunk tank and a delicious pulled pork dinner provided by the Sons of the American. Special thanks to David Wrede from Wrede’s Wildlife Preserve for bringing “THUNDER” out for our party. THUNDER is now an honorary member of the Legion Riders.

Seeing how the funds from the annual go to support local Veterans, I’d like to give special recognition to the Highlanders US Military Veterans MC for showing up in force. It is great to see other Veteran organizations supporting each other. Everyone had a great time and we are already looking forward to next year’s annual to be bigger and better.

So mark your calendars for the second weekend in July to make the trip to God’s country (Highlands County) to enjoy the best annual around. Bring a bathing suit and prepare to get WET & WILD!!

By Lulu

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35 years in business is an accomplishment for any establishment. But it is rare in the bar business! But that is the birthday Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach just celebrated and they did it cowboy style. The day was complete with a great band Rio Grande, a free mechanical bull to ride to your heart’s content, a Daisy Duke contest with cash prizes, best female and male cowboy outfit contest, best horse and western theme tattoo contest. Willie from Tropical Tattoo was there doing his thing… Birthday cake filled the partiers’ bellies. Corona, Budweiser and Twisted Tea were giving out things all day long including Kenny Chesney tickets! Sherry handed out Sparklers and we all seemed like little kids suddenly, no one waited until the order was given to light them…they were running around like maniacs with what I perceived to be a danger in the hands of Iron Horse patrons!

Everyone made it through the night safely and I am sure with the hardworking Melissa and Sally holding the reins the Iron Horse Saloon will ride out many more birthdays!

By Lulu

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Some things in life are meant to be celebrated and milestone birthdays are one of them! Ronnie Luzner, the owner of the world famous Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula, had one this year and between friends, family, dueling pianos and lots of liquor a good time was definitely had by all. The whole crew from the new radio station the Rock of Daytona 104.7 was on hand to celebrate. And if there is anyone I know who has a young at hard spirit to celebrate it is Ronnie!! Happy…healthy many more years to come!

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson opened their doors. “We decided we wanted to do something really special for this lucky 13 anniversary, so we elected to giveaway a new 2015 Street,” said Janice Malik, owner. On June 6th, there were only 500 entries allowed and you had to be present to win. Not only did they giveaway a bike they had two live radio remotes, K97 Country and 103.1 the Wolf were on site. Additionally, the Andrew Williams Band and Patrick Gibson Band shared the sound system so there was never a break in the music when one took a break the other band played and the music was great.

At 3:00 they pulled the lucky winner, Deirdra T. of Winter Garden screamed when she heard her name called. “Not only was she the perfect winner for this bike, it was her birthday as well,” said Janice. “It was a wonderful event and the best thing about the day was that everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves. We have heard so many compliments about the day and all that we did to make it so much fun. Guess we have really raised the bar now.”