By Lulu

First Turn Steakhouse and Lounge in Port Orange have a weekly Tuesday night Bike Night with beer specials, live music and some type of free vittles each week! And if you haven’t tried their jello shots you don’t know what you are missing. Goat from Full Throttle TV series was on hand to play some redneck games which included plungers and toilet paper. You just never know who might turn up at First Turn. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Austin Dillon have been spotted there this year. So ride on in to their Tuesday night bike night for great music and a chance to hang out with really great people who like to ride!

By “Kneecap”

Labor Day weekend is always busy. So much going on and not enough time to cover it all. When Lulu called me and asked if I could cover an event at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona featuring Bill Wharton aka “The Sauce Boss” I hesitated. I never heard of him but then he probably never heard of me either. I was pleasantly surprised. He is said to be the inventor of gastronomic boogie woogie. He plays the blues, classic R&B and rockabilly-flavored tunes while cooking a large pot of gumbo that he hands out free at the end of his gig. He says he has served over 200,000 bowls. It was so good, most went for seconds. If you get a change catch his show you won’t be disappointed.

By Deborah Speicher

The weather is starting to get just a little cooler and a whole lot dryer. That means it was time for the Cotee River Bike Fest. Once again, all of the New Port Richey downtown district roads were closed off to allow motorcycle only parking, additional vendors and an additional entertainment stage. This three day event (October 9-11) was multi-faceted and really did incorporate something for everybody.

Friday night started out with various bands including local favorite, The Greg Billings Band, plus a “Dukes and Dudes” contest. Saturday and Sunday featured more good music in addition to a ride-in bike show, the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck, bikini contest, pub crawl and professional wrestling. There was also a poker run on Saturday sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 43 MC which benefitted the Children’s Burn Camp.

Coupled with great weather and attendance all three days, I would say that this event was a huge success!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Here we are in October getting ready for Biketoberfest with partying on our minds. However, I need to write this column in advance so I’m still in September. This past Sunday I went to the 9th annual 9/11 Memorial Ride and Ceremony. Even after 14years, the memories are still embedded in our minds and hearts. Even though the weather was terrible (rain, rain and more rain) 500 bikes showed. The USPS has nothing on these dedicated bikers. Their motto should be “Neither rain, nor heat, nor gloom of heart stays bikers from honoring and remembering the heroes and the fallen”.

The thing that broke my heart was when I saw an on the street interview with college freshmen. They know very little or nothing about the tragedy of 9/11/2001 when Islamic terrorist murdered 3000 innocent people. Granted, they may have only been 4-5years old but they graduated High School. Was this not taught in school? Apparently not. Is this what our educational system has become? Unfortunately, this is true. They indoctrinate not educate. I wasn’t born when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, or when there was WWII, but I learned about them in school.

Another thing that opened my eyes to what is happening in this country; an elementary school student was asked what he knew about 9/11. His reply was (paraphrased) “Why should I care? I’m Mexican”. Somebody needs to tell him that 90 countries lost citizens that day and 15 were Mexican.

I’m writing this on Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day). This is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and those who have become U.S. Citizens. It is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. In 2005 the U.S. Dept. of Education announced the enactment of a law that mandates that all publicly funded educational institutions provide educational programming on the history of the Constitution on that day. Guess what? It was no surprise that when I called several public schools no-one knew what I was talking about. Education is the foundation of any country. It looks like ours is sitting on quicksand. Abraham Lincoln said it right “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms it will be because we destroyed ourselves”. We spend a lot of time looking for intelligent life on other planets. I’d be happy if we found some in Washington D.C.

Our Constitution is being trampled on and misrepresented daily. The 9th and 10th Amendments have failed to curtail the growth of the federal government and the Supreme Court has failed to keep the other two branches in check. The men in black are writing their own laws

I have a lot more to say about the Constitution on my website nobodiesopinion.com

I had sex with a telephone operator and I think she reversed the charges. To be on the safe side I took a pregnancy test. Thank God the results were I’m just fat. I’m too old to have kids.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Lulu

If a man’s wealth is judged by his friends…Marty Smith is among the richest! A benefit was held for Marty who worked as the manager of Lowes in Port Orange. First Turn Steakhouse hosted the event with live music and a HUGE raffle which entertained the HUGE crowd. I attend events of this nature all over the state and I must say this one really set the bar high. It was organized…fun…and I am certain the money raised and the emotional boost of seeing so many people come together to show their love and support will help this family deal with his Stage 4 cancer. I want to thank the Hilliard’s at First Turn for always being so involved with the community. And to each and everyone who worked on the event and attended this great cause for Marty…you guys and gals rock!!

By Billy Braddock

The dictionary says that entrepreneurs are persons who undertake business ventures usually with considerable initiative and risk. This country has been obsessed with celebrities. Example “American Idol”. However, the entrepreneurs who start businesses and support the community are the real Idols. Here in Flagler County, we have some of the best this country has to offer. Matt Crews and Joe Rizzo have been running Woody’s BBQ since 2000. Both grew up in Flagler County and graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School together. Chris Zwirn after eight years as district manager overseeing three Wendy’s locally joined forming JMC Food Company, which was formed using the first name initials of the three owners. Woody’s BBQ is noted not only for its great food but for its community projects which includes donating free kids meal tickets at Woody’s to schools to use as they wish, usually as a reward for good grades. They also sponsor many functions in the community including the classic car show every Wednesday evening. Woody’s BBQ is located at 99 Flagler Plaza Dr., Palm Coast and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

They didn’t stop there. They went out to West County and at the end of County Road 2006 and reopened Bull Creek Fish Camp on Dead Lake. This Lake not only offers access to Mud Lake to the East and Crescent Lake to the West but also some the most beautiful sunsets in Florida. It’s a great place for fishing, boating, motorcycle rides and even poker runs, not to mention the quality food. It’s open from 5:30 AM through 9 PM for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

All this was still not enough for these very ambitious entrepreneurs. They became partners in the Island Grille at 1224 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach. This used to be the former Blue restaurant at the Topaz motel. It’s open from 7 AM to 9 PM for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Rumor has it that they haven’t stopped there. Look for a new pizza place on County Road 305 in the western part of the county.

Now, these are the Idols we should emulate, because they are what the American dream consists of and what this country was built on. Hard work, initiative, risk and belief in your community.

By Lulu

A new concept in the greater Daytona area was spawned by the crew at the new radio station The Rock of Daytona. You can go online and vote for the charity you would like to see the profits of the event go to. This is a quarterly event with different locations and different charities each time. The event in August started at The Lost Lagoon in New Smyrna, next stop New Smyrna Harley Davidson, then off to OB’s in Deland and then to Rudy’s Crossroads with our final party stop in Samsula at Cabbage Patch. Free BBQ was served, the band rocked the place and the charities included two veterans’ groups and a playhouse. Hundreds rode and everyone seemed to be looking forward to the next event which will be November 21st starting at the Wing House on International from 10:30a to 12:30p…the ending party will be at First Turn Steakhouse in Port Orange. Thanks to The Rock of Daytona 104.7 FM WROD and Rue & Ziffra law firm for bringing us this great event for our community! Go to www.youdecidetheride.com to register!

By Deborah Speicher

The Ruff Ryders “Unchained” event on Saturday August 22 was off the hook! The afternoon at Quaker Steak and Lube really rocked and included the group the Black Honkeys, a bike show, bikini bike wash and stunt show. Most of the members of this group ride sport bikes but I noticed a lot of other makes and models of motorcycles – everything from choppers to cruisers.

This was actually part of a three-day anniversary party that the local Ruff Ryders sponsored, and it attracted riders from all over Florida and beyond. They started off Friday with a meet and greet, followed by an after party. After spending the afternoon at Quaker Steak on Saturday, the party continued that evening in Ybor City. Sunday had everyone gathering for lunch and to bid farewell to all.

Like most other groups, it is all about the riding, family, camaraderie, charity, and in their case “extreme sport”! It was a great party with some really nice people. Thank you Ruff Ryders!

By Metric and Phoenix

Heartland Cycles and Rich’s Diner teamed up to host one awesome bike night. Everyone braved the daily evening showers and came out for the party. I even thought I saw Hemingway and a rider or two from the Conch Republic make the trip. One of our own “Biker” entertainers “Dumpster Mike” was entertaining the crowd with some the greatest tunes of all times. The drinks were flowing and the party was going into the late hours. Heartland Cycles owners Kevin and his beautiful wife Michelle said this is the first of many events planned for the future. So check out their Facebook pages for the next great event. The next time you are out here in GOD’S county stop in at Rich’s for a cold beer and a bite to eat. Drop in on Dumpster Mike; he is always entertaining somewhere locally. Of course if you ride a Harley you know you are going to have something on it fixed so see Kevin and Michelle at Heartland Cycles. Kevin works on “METRIC” motorcycles too but they do not need as much tender loving care as a Harley. Tell them “METRIC” sent you…

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By Lulu

Due to a really great year of new ad clients and lots of events that we had to get in, I had to pull the photos from Leesburg Bike Fest the past few months. But summer is here and we had some space to fill. So for those of you, who have been asking for them, please accept my apology for not getting these in the magazine sooner!

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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!