By Deborah Speicher

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The 8th Annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women’s Ride went on as usual during this past Daytona Bike Week. Unlike prior years with hundreds of ladies participating, we only had 62 riders. In light of the marketing campaign by the Daytona Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau aimed at women riders this year, I found it odd that the MDA numbers were down.

As Daytona Bike Week approached, I found that at almost every click of my mouse, I would see ads enticing women riders to attend this rally. Did it work? YES! I believe I did see an increased number of women on their own motorcycles this year at Daytona. That was probably also due in part to how many women are now riding their own bikes; but, nonetheless, it was evident. However, more women riders attending Daytona Bike Week did not equate to an uptick in participation at the H-D MDA Women’s Ride.

I see the lack of participation for the MDA ride as being two-fold. One is that there were some changes in staffing at MDA and planning got underway later than usual. Secondly, there was very little mention in any of the trade magazines or online event sites about the ride. As a contributing writer for Thunder Roads Florida Magazine, I know that this magazine and many others will put an event on their calendar for FREE. Ditto for the online event sites including www.womenridersnow.com who did a great job of promoting Daytona Bike Week to women riders this year.

I would also like to give a shameless plug to the ladies from the Old Town HOG chapter who had nineteen ladies riding for the cause this year. These ladies have continually supported this event from the start.

As in the past, the ride was led by Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of one of the Harley-Davidson founders. Our ride started at the Daytona Speedway and ended at Destination Daytona. We had a partial police escort which was at the very beginning and end of the ride, and reserved parking upon reaching Destination Daytona.

By Deborah Speicher

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How to do top nine prior years of entertaining the ladies with a fun-filled day? Well Gator Harley-Davidson did it again. I believe most of it comes from listening to their customers (via surveys) and ingenuity.

As always, I was impressed with the vendors and speakers for the day. Local skin care expert J. Scott Berry was back. Makeovers were in order! J. Scott also carries a line of makeup which I found works great even when riding my motorcycle. Another one of my favorite speakers was back — Mike the head mechanic at Gator Harley. Mike also did his “tech talk” downstairs in the Service Department. I always walk away with priceless knowledge about my motorcycle and riding from Mike.
Other speakers included Rita Lorleberg, the local District Manager from H-D Motor Company, and Josh from “That Gun Shop.” Rita spoke about being a woman in a male-dominated industry; and, in addition to guns, Josh spoke about other safety devices.
After a busy morning, it was time for lunch and the fashion show. Harley-Davidson continually proves that their clothing is not only fashionable but utilitarian for riders.

The main event featured “dueling pianos” and you really had to be there. Words are not enough for these two guys who are entertainment machines.

This year’s theme of the day was “denim and diamonds” and the second floor was transformed to reflect just that. Who knew that a pair of blinged-out jeans could be used as a centerpiece! Shopping was brisk during the day as ladies were once again given a 20% discount. Kudos to Alex Malik and all the other ladies at Gator Harley – great job!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

At my age it is normal to get up before the sunrise and sometimes even go to bed before sunset. I realized I was getting old when my overactive libido switched places with my underactive bladder. I kind of got used to getting up, taking my daily dose of Geritol, making my oatmeal, and taking my arthritis medicine with a shot of prune juice. I would tell people that the reason I took Geritol was because I had tired blood. The truth was I found out it was 12% alcohol. Now, that’s an eye-opener. The prune juice is self-explanatory. However today, I don’t need the prune juice. All I need to do is turn on the morning news and I instantly have a bowel movement.

I’m old enough to remember the riots of the 60s. When I turn on the TV and see the riots in Ferguson and Baltimore and hear the rhetoric spewed out by Obama, Holder, and that race baiter Al Sharpton blaming the police, I shudder. After 55 years I still don’t understand why when you’re mad at somebody, you go home and burn down your own house. WTF.

On May 8th hundreds of people gathered at the National World War II Memorial to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of conflict in Europe. Many of the Veterans needed canes, walkers, and even wheelchairs. Where was Obama? He again was showing his disdain for the military by not showing up. He felt his meeting with Nike in Oregon was more important than honoring our World War II veterans. He didn’t even send his court jester Joe Biden. Or is that spelt Joke Biden. Guess who he sent? Susan Rice, who is famous for making the rounds on the Sunday morning news shows lying about the reason Americans were murdered by Islamic terrorists in Benghazi. Just another kick in the ass of our Veterans. His administration is intentionally weakening and gutting our military and is always ready to insert liberal rhetoric of “hate and intolerance” as an excuse for his cultural Marxist cause.

Obama likes to compare himself to Abraham Lincoln. The only thing they had in common was that one time they both lived in Illinois. Lincoln was a Republican and a strong social conservative. Obama is a hard left Democrat. Lincoln ultimately united a nation brutally divided, while Obama brutally divides a nation once united. Hello “Hope and Change!”

He also likes to parallel himself with Harry Truman. Truman dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ordered the airlift that broke the Berlin blockade, and produced the Marshall plan and NATO. I personally cannot see the association.

I also like what Harry Truman told Douglas MacArthur in a telegram when MacArthur asked about political correctness. “Political correctness is a doctrine, recently fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and promoted by a sick mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of shit by the clean end!”

I read the other day that there was a dangerous virus called “Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK) is currently infecting lots of people. If exposed go quickly to the nearest “Biological Anxiety Relief (BAR) establishment and get the antidote “Bothersome Employer Elimination Remedy” (BEER). It’s great to keep informed on the Internet.

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow.

By Ron Cox

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in concert with the Florida Harley-Davidson Dealers Association (FHDDA) hosted its Inaugural “Ride for Life” on Saturday, May 2nd in Ft. Myers.

According to MDA’s Executive Director Erin Randall Ride For Life (RFL) has been operating successfully in Pennsylvania for 28 years. When H-D Corporate suggested it be tried in Florida, Six Bends H-D stepped up and offered its new 16.5 acre property to hold the event. HOG Chapter riders and others came from all over the state. Chapter rockers seen included Miami, Naples, Sarasota, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Brandon. In total more than 500 riders and passengers participated, raising $54,221 for MDA. SWFL HOG Chapter member Fred O’Hara won the raffle for a 2015 H-D Street Glide Special. Arian Hidalgo from Miami won the $1,000 first prize for “Best Bagger.”

Top Rocker Field served as the central venue including registration, food and refreshment stands, vendor booths, the silent auction tent, best bagger judging and the main stage. The band Live Wire kept things rockin’ most of the afternoon until the “tough enuff” Fabulous Thunderbirds took the stage and closed the day’s activities.

MDA is the world’s largest nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases.

HDDA is comprised of 33 authorized dealerships in Florida.

All the money raised by Ride for Life Florida stays in Florida to help local individuals and their families living with any of the 43 different muscle diseases, including ALS, that are covered under MDA’s program.

Given the success of this event, look for the 2nd Annual Ride For Life to benefit MDA sometime next year.

By Jacquelin Ketola

The Poker Run for Child Help of Volusia County was held Saturday, May 2.  The ride was a great success, considering this was the first year and there were two other rides the same day.  The Chrome Diva’s of Daytona Beach dealt all the hands at the designated stops on the route. Main Street Station hosted and co-sponsored the event with Iron Horse Saloon, Finn’s Beachside Pub, Lagerheads Bar and Grill, Frank’s Place, and BFFAR.  Food was donated and prepared by BACKYARD BOYS BARBECUE following the ride. The Poker Run was organized by long time child advocate and resident of Volusia County, Constance Jones. A special thank you to all riders that made this a success!!

By Deborah Speicher

For those of you living in the Tampa Bay area, mark your calendars for the third Thursday of each month so you don’t miss Bike Night at Scooter’s Saloon at Brandon Harley-Davidson. I attended the inaugural event on April 16 and, despite threatening rain, it was still packed.

Between the bike show, the Miss Daisy Duke contest, music by Soul Circus Cowboys, lots of good vendors and Scooter’s over-the-top food, you couldn’t go wrong. So come on over to Scooter’s Bike Night and find out what everyone’s talking about!

By Lulu

Each month unless bad weather raises its ugly head, bikes ride out of the Bruce Rossmeyer dealership in Ormond Beach to a different dining experience. Occasionally it is even an overnight trip, but in May it was to Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach on A1A where I happen to tend bar on Monday days. With Mandy Rossmeyer leading her posse we had a QUICK trip through the loop to A1A just in time to enjoy the beautiful ride up the coast. This event is always the last Friday of the month and leaves at 6pm. They do like you to call the office to give them a head count so that the restaurant can be prepared. We had a lot of fun and I got to make new friends and spend some time with Mandy which is always fun! Thank you to Peter for letting me ride on his backseat!

By Lulu

The folks at JP Cycles and Rue & Ziffra, law firm hosted a workshop for lady riders. The recent increase in women on two wheels has certainly become obvious as you watch the stream of bikes pass during major rallies anywhere in the country. And many women even though they have completed the motorcycle endorsement class, often do not have the years of knowledge about bikes that most men grow up with. The workshop at JP Cycles was very informative covering things such as types of helmets, and how to get the proper fit. Also covered was windshield types and how to measure for correct shield, seats and suspension, accessories, oil change, cleaning your bike and then a fashion show. The day started with coffee and donuts and included lunch. The finale was attorney David Sweat from Rue & Ziffra discussing insurance and accident information. I was very impressed with the attendance and the interest of the women who participated particularly since it was held during Leesburg Bike Fest. A special thank you to the crew at JP Cycles, David from Rue & Ziffra, and Stephanie from WHOG radio not only for their time and effort on putting on this event but also for recognizing the need for education opportunities for lady riders.

By Eric Darrow

The Tommy Mac band has always been one of my favorites, regardless of the venue. They have always been a positive band. And it was by chance that we showed up to their every Thursday gig. Among the many places you can catch this classic act include, the First Turn, Main Street Station, the Boot Hill Saloon and bunches more.

Last night was the first time in a long time since we’ve seen them and to quote a friend, “WAPOW”! They were totally on top. No one was ignoring them, you couldn’t. We were dancing in our seats and rockin’ to the beats. People outside could hear us in the street. The Tommy Mac Band gets you movin’. Your feet won’t lay flat and non dancers and dancers alike seem to dance in every space, regardless of where the designated dance floors are. The play music from the 60’s and 70’s, like classics from the Stones, Zepplin and even newer stuff. They call it classic rock and blues and I agree. Oh yeah man, The Tommy Mac Band, I am a fan.

By Lulu

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The last day of Bike Week or Biketoberfest you won’t find me on Main Street or at any of the larger bars in town. I like to ride out to Bunnell on 100 to my friend’s bar the Dog Pound Saloon. It is a great local biker bar with a nice outside deck and backyard, a cool old building and a GREAT staff. The beer is always ice cold and the music awesome. This Bike Week the Chance Gardner band treated us to a full day of awesome music, including a horn player who could blow two at a time!!! See their ad for the daily happenings here and at Smiles in Palm Coast.

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!!!