By Lulu

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A short bike ride south on US1 to First Turn Steakhouse has become the Destination Ride for many during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Known for the sizzlin’ steaks and NASCAR celebrity sightings…their seafood including raw oysters is what we always ride down for. Rick and Denise that are avid motorcyclists always have a great line up of music…rain or shine. They bring down country recording artist Tim Dugger, and this year also entertained the crowd with artist Perego that does amazing things with a paint brush to rock and roll! The 5000 square foot deck is a great place to listen to music and don’t forget they have bike night on Tuesdays from 7-9pm with live music and $1.50 longnecks, $2 Twisted Tea and for those of you firewater drinkers…$2.50 Fireball shots!

By Lulu

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Last Biketoberfest a new tradition came to Daytona Beach Bike Week. Main Street Station now plays host to a hot bodied bikini contest and the lot was full of smokin’ hot girls (the contestants and the Jager girls) and people to cheer on the contestants! Judges choose the girl who will represent Jager and be named Miss Main Street Station…and she walks away with the largest prize money in town!!! Don’t miss this event during Biketoberfest…great photo ops!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

“You Have the Right to Remain Silent”. You also have the right to be insensitive, intolerant, offensive, and insulting. It’s called “Free Speech”. However, Americans have become the most complaining easily offended people. We get upset and offended over the most insignificant nonsense. Some have even made it a profession and have become millionaires (Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are examples). It seems like every month that we come up with a new outrage and start a boycott campaign that is supposed to raise awareness of some stupid offensive thing. We have tried again and again to get somebody fired for saying what we feel is something offensive. We come up with more fabricated offenses and controversies. Instead of drinking from the chalice of tolerance, we have been drinking from the bottle of self indignation. With the world in turmoil, we are more concerned about whether a Christian bakery should make a cake, a Christian florist should make a flower arrangement, or a Christian pizzeria should throw a pizza party for a gay wedding. Go to a Muslim bakery and ask them to make a cake for a gay wedding. DA!!! I went to a wedding reception once where all the married men were asked to “Stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living”. The bartender almost got crushed to death. 80% of Americans are Christians with only 1% being part of the LGBT community. There’s no more trust in our government or Justice Department to protect the rights of Christians or any individual to be forced to violate their religious convictions. Between the Democratic Party and the media there’s an organized ploy to do harm to conservatives, capitalism, and people with religious convictions. May God bless America and may America continue to thank God.

The Institute of Economics and Peace did a study of 162 countries and found that just 11 were not involved in conflict of one kind or another. There is a large increase in terrorist activity, civil unrest in the Ukraine, and continuing global unrest. We have a president who thinks the war on terrorism is a nuisance and inconvenience and ISIS is a JV team. I admit that not all Muslims are terrorists but 99.9% of radical Islamic militants are Muslims. Terrorism is not just a “man caused disaster”or “workplace violence”. The world is facing a global financial crisis. In our country alone we have the lowest labor force participation since 1978. 91.8 million are not working. We have 47 million Americans on food stamps, 18 trillion in national debt, but we are told we have recovered from the recession. I was told that common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most, don’t use it. Let’s go green-recycle Congress.

Read more of my comments on my website nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow…

By Lulu

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You can’t possibly go to Bike Week in Daytona without a stop at the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon on US 1…what draws bikers by the tens of thousands isn’t the cool as hell back lot…it is the famous beef tips, awesome bike week T-shirts that you will see folks wearing when you travel to anywhere in the world, and the MUSIC!!! Locals may bitch that the beer prices are higher than other bars…but the other bars aren’t offering famous bands with their cheap beers!!! This year Mustang Sally rocked the house, and David Allan Coe still fills the place, handsome Jared Blake’s fingers strumming his guitar didn’t miss a beat Ladies!, Cold Hard Cash had everyone coming back each time they played and, of course, Brian Howe formerly of Bad Company is just awesome. And if cheap beer is what you are looking for during Bike Week…Buy an Iron Horse Mug and drink draft for free from 4-5pm!!! This year they also had some fabulous baggers to ogle during their bagger bike show!

By Lulu

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The world famous Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona certainly didn’t seem to experience the decreased numbers that others noticed during Bike Week. The parking lot was packed, peeps were shopping and the concert and bikini contest were filled to capacity. The Rossmeyer’s have really worked to add interesting experiences for all at Bike Week including the stable for the Clydesdales, great concerts and the Miss International Bikini Contest which they host. I am sure Bruce would be proud of his family’s efforts to make Bike Week what he helped to build!!!

By Kneecap

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Spending Bike Week at the Cabbage Patch Bar is better than going to Disney World or Universal Studios, and cheaper too. There is always something to entertain you. Body paint, Ms. Cabbage Patch, tattoo, longest beard, and strongman contests just to name a few. There’s live music on four different stages daily. There is over 5 acres of vendors, free bike parking and $10 camping. They had two great big bike shows. One is a traditional “Ride in Bike Show” and the other is the “Battle of the Baggers”. And let’s not forget The World-Famous Coleslaw Wrestling which is held twice during Bike Week. If you missed all the giveaways, promos, and entertainment you missed experiencing the real Bike Week, but don’t worry they’ll have it again in October with probably even more great contests and entertainment. If you can’t wait till October go visit Ronnie, Roger, and their great bartenders. The Cabbage Patch is open year-round with a full liquor bar and drink specials daily. Now how much fun is that?

By Lulu

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The new owners of the Broken Spoke on US 1 in Ormond Beach have to be pretty happy with their first Bike Week, even though the crowds for Bike Week were reported to be smaller by as much as 40% that definitely wasn’t the case at the Broken Spoke. Whether it was the sparkling white lights in the massive oaks making it look like Bike World Disney or the amazing live bands they scheduled, his place was the spot to be for Bike Week! Lots of new picnic tables, games including checkers and ax throwing, and pretty bartenders kept everyone there once they arrived. The band to see Biketoberfest because I can almost guarantee they will bring them back is Hairball, although, Warrant, Uncle Kracker and Jared Blake also packed the huge property. Can’t wait to see who they schedule for Biketoberfest, and rumor has it they will open up on weekends sometime this year.

By Lulu

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Anyone who knows me can tell you where I will be the Thursday of Bike Week or Biketoberfest…Chopper Time!!! There isn’t a better bike show anywhere as far as I am concerned than the one at Tropical Tattoo! What sets this one apart is the ingenuity of the bike builders making old parts, old bikes and old school bikers seem cutting edge!!! There is always great music out back and this year Jared Blake rocked the place. Twisted Tea was doling out samples, Roadside Marty barking out orders and there was a live remote by the new Rock of Daytona 104.7 FM. People lined up to get some new ink and then the bike awards were presented by hot little babes.

Winners:

Best Twin Cam-Alley Cat (99 EVO)
Best Metric-Matt Paris (XS 650 Chopper)
Best Knuckle-Scott Brantley (46 Knuckle)
Best Shovel-Scott Key
Best EVO- Jay Wright
Best Custom Creation-Clinton Wallace (57 FLH Pan)
Best British-Jimmy Gross (69 BSA)
Best Trailer Trash-Rod “Grimey” Davis (37 Big Twin Flathead)
Best Rat-Endless Phil (47 Knuckle)
Best Sportie-Bernie Tatro (74 Sportster)
Best Pan-Raz (53 Pan)
Best Flathead-Robert Benson (45 Harley WL 45)
Best Paint-Jesse Srpam (14 Knuckle)
Horse’s Choice-Jack Donkey (84 Ironhorse)
Cycle Source Choice-Nate Jacobs (Shovel)
Darren’s Choice-Bo Hartzoue (72 Shovel)
Kari’s Choice-Ryan Martin (47 Knuckle)
Roadside’s Choice-Geo (79 Shovel)
Roadside’s Choice-Bobby Middleton (48 Pan)
Willie’s Choice- Alan Patterson (75 Ironhead)
Willie’s Choice-Ray Llanas (59 FL)
BD’s Choice- Lucky (82 CB650)
Reverend Al’s Choice-Brian Monahan (Ironhead)
Girl’s Choice-Chris Seim (71 Harley FX)
Bling’s Choice-Bryan Lane (56 XR Pan)
Dave Perewitz’s Choice- Nick Beauliu (Shovel)

By Lulu

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As far as a beautiful spot for a bike show, Riverfront Park off Beach Street and Main has a spectacular place to display bikes for photography. This year the event hosted by Chopped Baggers lined the inter coastal waterway. Each bike had its unique artistry and flair. This event is Bike Week and Biketoberfest and if you want to enter goes to facebook.com/riverfrontparkrocks.

By Ron Cox

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The SWFL Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and Six Bends Harley-Davidson hosted its 12th Annual Easter Bunny Toy Run on Saturday April 4th. The run is always held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The “Bunny Run” marks the first run held at Six Bends HD’s new location, the old dealership was Ft. Myers HD.

Almost 600 bikes and more than 850 riders/passengers assembled for the ride to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Health Park. The ride was escorted by motors and cruisers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.

Festivities started on Friday night with pre-registration and bike night at Six Bends. Riders received a packet of goodies which included info from local businesses, a beverage coozie and the commemorative pin. The Gotta Luv It band entertained with lots of Rock, Motown and Oldies. Of special interest was a card with details regarding the 2015 Florida HOG Rally which will be hosted by Six Bends HD, called The Roar to the Shore.

The weather on Saturday morning couldn’t have been better. Clear blue skies and low humidity. There was more than adequate parking and chapter volunteers lined up the row upon row of bikes. At the appointed time the Easter Bunny appeared and led the procession of bikes on the 17 mile ride to the hospital.

Hospital staff brought the ambulatory patients down to the entrance to watch the motorcycles ride by. More than one youngster (and adult) covered their ears as the bikes rode by.

Once inside, the Easter Bunny was the center of attention as he greeted each child with a small gift. A huge Harley crate decorated like an Easter basket was filled to overflowing with toys, boxed games and arts/crafts supplies brought by the riders. Linen carts and plastic bins were on hand and filled with the overflow. Lee Memorial Health System President Jim Nathan spoke briefly, welcomed and thanked the riders for their support.

After months of planning another Easter Bunny Toy Run is in the books and planning starts for next year’s run.

By Lulu

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One of my favorite events of the year is the Dania Beach Vintage Bike Show in late January. It occurs in Frost Park and is a great event…attended by thousands. Including over 300 antiques bikes, field games, vendors, food, and live music by a fabulous band The Whipping Post, a huge swap meet and an antique bicycle display there is plenty to keep you entertained all day. I am telling you put this on your January events not to miss for 2016!!!

By Deborah Speicher

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I participated in the First Annual Shakes, Rattles, Rides & Rods to benefit Parkinson’s Disease. Spearheading this event was Mike Savidge of Go For A Ride Magazine and Rick Karczewski of AmVets Post 44. About five years ago, Mike’s wife Charlette was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and, more recently, Rick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, as well. I too had a personal interest in supporting this event as I watched my dad suffer and finally die from Parkinson’s Disease. I found that most of the participants also had a family member who had been affected. All proceeds from this event were donated for research to Team Fox (part of the Michael J. Fox Foundation) and to the Frances J. Zesiewicz Foundation for Parkinson’s.

We were given a choice of taking part in a ride which started at American Legion Post 148 or going directly to the event site at Hidden River Travel Resort. I took the scenic ride with the large group leaving Post 148. We arrived at Hidden River to a party with food, live music by the Honky Tonk Hitmen, vendors, classic and show cars, and more.

Hundreds of riders and other supporters turned out for this event and, from what I have heard, monies raised exceeded expectations. Please consider supporting an event that benefits Parkinson’s Disease research. Not only is there no cure, the medicines available to patients don’t always work. Let’s eradicate this disease in our lifetime.

By Ron Cox

Under a perfect blue sky and low humidity, the City of Ft. Myers hosted its next to last Bike Night on Saturday, March 14th. In an arrangement with the City of Cape Coral, the two alternate hosting Bike Nights.

First Street downtown was closed off and there were bands at each end and vendors on both sides of the street. Cross streets also were lined with vendors and the many eateries in the area had plenty of tables and chairs set up to cater to the hungry bikers. The aroma of charcoal broiled burgers made everybody want to eat not to mention the many lovely barmaids set up curbside to help the riders quench their thirst.

Cape Coral’s last Bike Night of the season will be on Saturday, April 11th while Ft. Myers will host its last Bike Night on May 9th. For a great time, hope we see you there!!!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Now that Bike Week is over, I decided to expand my brain in my big head. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time researching trivia, politics, and history. I have now decided to expand my thinking and get into science and art. With all the hullabaloo about global warming (a.k.a. climate change) I decided to investigate the arts and sciences of climate change. The Green Tree huggers have given up on blaming CO2 gases on global warming and have now decided that methane (CH4) is more destructive to the atmosphere… So who and what produce methane? I understand wetlands, ocean leaks, termites, cows, and humans. Since wetlands are protected the warmers won’t mention it. I understand the ocean constantly is leaking methane as well as oil. I don’t have any termites or cows but I understand termites fart more and produce more methane than cows. After finally controlling cow farts, maybe we should put a catalytic converter up our asses.

So let’s look at the science of Farting. What is a Fart? “Frequently Activated Rectal Tremor”. The first part of the science of Farting is finding the Farter. Remember the saying, “Whoever smelt it dealt it?” That’s probably not true. The Farter probably would smell it last because the Fart would be propelled away from him. Some are also inaudible to the human ear, especially from females. You can only tell if she smiles, looks at somebody else, and all of the dogs in the neighborhood start to howl. The most famous Fart food is the bean. If Boston known for its famous “Boston Baked Beans” had eaten more of their beans and Farted more, they may have raised the temperature and not ended up with 9 feet of snow.

Now, let’s look at the Art of Farting. The art form of a good Fart has been around since man first started to eat fruits, nuts and dinosaurs. The Fart isn’t just a stinky buildup of gas released from your butthole. It can be called an art-form or a fart-form. Comedians have made a living off of Fart jokes for years. Have you ever said “Pull My Finger”? How many of you have held a lighter to your butt and let a blue flame shoot out and burn all the hair on your ass? Remember not to squeeze too hard or you might end up with Obamacare. Remember when Nancy Pelosi said “You have to pass it to find out what’s in it”. That’s a good definition of a stool sample.

April Is National Humor Month. Sometimes there’s a lot more truth in humor. I was sitting with a guy in a bar the other day and he said to me…quote “I’ve had bypass surgeries, hip and knee replacement, I’m half blind, can’t hear most things, take medications that make me dizzy, subject to blackouts and dementia, hardly feel my hands and feet anymore, can’t remember if I’m 80 or 90, lost most of my friends, but thank God I still have my Florida drivers license.”

I don’t want to brag but I can still fit into the socks I wore in high school.

Read more of what I’ve got to say on my website nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow

By Eric Darrow

Ask anyone who knows me and I can be rather harsh when it comes to live music. I recently had a need for something new, I wanted soft and powerful, I needed some hard jammin’ blues and so the fun began with a search on Daytona Rocks.com.  First on my agenda was a great sub so we stopped at Manzano’s Beachside Deli in New Smyrna Beach for sandwiches then headed on to eat and listen to ETC at Traders on Flagler in New Smyrna Beach on the back patio. They are an acoustic band from Flagler County consisting of Joe Ricker formerly of Southbound on guitar, Keith Blackmon from Black Hawk Station on electric bass and Cristi Kamps providing Lead Vocals. (ETCtrio.com)

Personally I like good solid harmony and when you couple great harmony with quite possibly the smoothest vocals around. Kapow! I found myself singing without reserve, and just plane groovin’.  They played from 7 until 11pm and happy hour was 2-4-1 from 8 to 10p, a plus in my book.  This was our second time seeing these three and they just keeping getting better. I will definitely be back.

Next we crossed the street to the OM Bar for Little Mike and the Tornado’s a blues band with Mike on keys and mouth harp and a lead guitar who took me back to the true meaning of rock and roll. Again I was impressed and felt like we hit the jackpot. When Little Mike played that harmonica is wasn’t a slur. This band was tight and reminded me of the origin of Rock and Roll baby. Everyone was jim jammin’ with the band and dancin’ in their seats and on the floor.