By Deborah Speicher

After taking a one year hiatus, the Cotee River Bike Fest was back and better than ever. One major change was that all of the New Port Richey downtown district roads were closed off to allow motorcycle only parking and for additional vendors. There was also an additional entertainment stage. This three day event (October 10-12) 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 Daisy Duke contest. Saturday and Sunday featured more good music in addition to a ride-in bike show, the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck, Motorman Rider Skills Show and the Jesse Toler Stunt Show. There was also a poker run on Saturday sponsored by Fire & Iron Station 43 MC which benefitted the Children’s Burn Camp. The highlight of Saturday evening was the bikini contest with the winner being crowned “Miss Cotee River Bike Fest.”
Coupled with great weather and attendance all three days, I would say that this event was a huge success!

By Rich Malfitano

On October 6, 2014 two local veterans were recognized for their long time volunteer service to community and Nation. Veterans Gary Benson of Port Orange and Jim Kreinest of Ormond Beach work tirelessly helping veterans, active military and their families. This is not new to them since they have been doing this for most of their adult life. But in October 2012 they joined forces and established The Veterans Assistance Coalition, (VAC). The nonprofit volunteer organization was approved under Federal statue 501(c) (3) and 501(c) (4); it is registered as a tax exempt public charity, organization. Its mission is to assist and support Veterans of all wars, providing charity, education, relief while improving quality of life and well-being. The (VAC) provides real time assistance to all veterans in need. However; its primary focus is reaching out to homeless veterans and their families. The VAC partners with the Veterans Administration “HUD Vash” program and the Salvation Army in efforts to get homeless veterans out of the woods, off the streets and into places they can live and call home. The organization also provides them with whatever household furnishings needed and all the other items and assistance needed to help them jump-start back into society. Many move on to further education, job training and placement, helping them once again to live productive lives.

On October 6th 2014, Rich Malfitano of Rolling Thunder Fl Chapter 8, certifying official for the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, under the authority of the PVSAP presented Gary and Jim one of the highest volunteer awards one can receive for service to community and nation, “The Presidents Volunteer Service Award”. The presentation took place at the Rolling Thunder Inc® FL Chapter 8 membership meeting.

Not only are Gary and Jim co founders of the Coalition (VAC), both are veterans and long time members of Rolling Thunder Fl-8. Gary Benson is also and a member and fundraising chairman for the Marine Corps. League of Volusia County, and a member of the Viet-Nam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1048. Jim Kreinest is a chartered member and executive for RT FL-8. Both are long time advocates for veterans and the POW-MIA cause.
I had the honor of witnessing several of the “move ins” and witnessed the excitement and gratitude of the vets. I also had the opportunity to speak to some of the veterans and family members. Most whom I spoke with during interviews said the same thing, “We didn’t know that anyone even cared”. Finally these veterans are feeling the honor and gratitude deserving of their service to our country. Veterans are not alone and should never feel or be treated as such. Gary, Jim and all who volunteer with the VAC make sure of that. Since the VAC’s conception, more than 200 veterans have been placed in housing.
To Gary and Jim, we offer our sincere thanks for all that they do and congratulate them on this very prestigious recognition.

Foot-Note: If You Know A Veteran In Need of Emergency Assistance, please contact the VAC at: 386-214-3372 or email at: rt8vac@gmail.com. For more about the VAC and its collation partners, click on the RT FL-8 web site: http://www.rollingthunderfl8.com/en/executives/93-sidebar-left/40-member-s-corner.html.

By Deborah Speicher

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A rock star, an artist and a writer were riding their motorcycles cross country and…No, this isn’t the first line of a joke and, the truth be known, the rock star (Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers), the artist (Scott Jacobs) and the writer (actually a couple of them – Cris Sommer Simmons and Buzz Kanter) along with about 94 other Cannonball riders showed up in Daytona Beach recently for the start of the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run.

The terms of the run are that all motorcycles must be pre-1937 and they must ride 3,839 miles from Daytona Beach to Tacoma, Washington by September 21. Motorcycles and riders came from the four corners of the world, and driving all makes and models of vintage motorcycles. The days just prior to the ride leaving, the parking lot next to the Daytona Beach Resort was full of bikes, riders and mechanics in preparation for the challenging long distance trip. However, the day before the ride, many riders took a break from wrenching and made a few laps around the Daytona Speedway.

Early morning Friday September 5, we watched all of the bikes stage right on the beach just before heading out for the journey of a lifetime. At the time of my writing this article, the results are unknown as the run is still in progress. But you can read more about this event at: www.motorcyclecannonball.com/

Godspeed to all!

By Kneecap

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On September 7, about 1000 people from all over Central Florida came together at the Flagler Government Service Building in Bunnell to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attack by Islamic terrorists upon the U.S.A. on 9/11/2001. This was a day for the 4R’s. Reflecting, Respecting, Remembering, and Resolve. The ceremony started at 9:30 am with a welcome by emcee Frank Scott from WHOG radio, followed by a Presentation of the Colors by the Palm Coast F.D. and Flagler County Sheriff Honor Guards. The National Anthem was sung by the Embry Riddle Acafella’s. This had an extra special meaning as the country was celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner this week. This was followed by a flyover from the Flagler County Fire Flight. Then the Invocation by Capt. Ronald Melvin after which the Firefighter Prayer by Bob Emrich (Knights of Inferno M.C.), Police Officer Prayer by Gary Watkins (Blue Knights M.C)., and then the EMT Prayer by Patrick Juliano (Red Knights M.C.) .Remarks were made by County Commissioner George Hanns, Chief Don Petito, F.C.F.R., and Commander Jeff Hoffman, F.C.S.D.. F.D.N.Y. Retired Capt. Richard Meo gave the Keynote remarks. He was there that terrible day and reflected about his experiences. After listening to his rendition most of the crowd was choked up, but after the Tolling of the Bell there were few dry eyes in the crowd. A 21 Gun Salute was given by the members of the AM Vets Post 113.

The Ceremony was followed by a 67 mile escorted ride that ended at the White Eagle Lounge in Korona where there was live music, food, and beverages. The program was organized by the Knights of Inferno MC, the Red Knights MC, and the Blue Knights MC. The main sponsor was the Rue, Ziffra, Caldwell PA. Law Firm with the help of Flagler County, WHOG Radio, and the White Eagle Lounge.

By Lulu

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For the past several years Iron Horse Saloon has thrown a Labor Day weekend party that includes a car show with pin up girls on Saturday and a bike show with a bikini contest on Sunday. Lots of great photo ops when you have sharp cars, costumed girls and bikes and bikinis!! Throw in great live music and you have one great way to spend the weekend! Pictures of the winners are available online at ThunderRoadsFlorida.com.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

If you are coming to Florida for the winter or just for Biketoberfest, I would like to welcome you to the land of the blue Q-tip headed, white knuckled, very slow Buick drivers, who can’t see over the steering wheel. Florida should change its name from the “Sunshine State” to “Geriatric Park”. When cages come from the North they are required to stop at the welcome station to have their directional signals disconnected. There is also a governor put on the accelerator to inhibit the vehicle from exceeding 45 mph on the interstate and 25 mph on all the other roads. Their tires are adjusted so that they always drive in the farthest left-hand lane. It doesn’t pay to yell obscenities at them because they’ve left their hearing aids at home. Flashing your lights at them is fruitless as most of them have Coke bottle bottom glasses with 20/500 vision. They’re unable to see the very wide white line at stop signs and traffic signals until their rear wheel is on it. Most don’t drive at night, so they have no idea how to turn their headlights on when in the rain or fog. Their reflexes tend to be slow, but they compensate for this by keeping their right foot on the gas pedal and the left foot on the brake causing the brake light to always be on. When you are on a multi-lane roadway, be careful when trying to pass them on the right. Changing lanes to them is like playing checkers. Not bothering to check their mirrors, they just move diagonally hoping that the space is empty. Instead of getting Kinged you may get Killed. Pay attention when in parking lots. The elderly drivers have cages that suffer from “unintended acceleration”. I seriously believe the drivers need to be recalled, not the cars.

Experienced riders typically operate their bikes in a more careful manner than most car drivers. Keep in mind that cage drivers don’t always give motorcycles the same courtesy as other types of vehicles.

Hints for riding around this Biketoberfest. Wear brightly colored gear. Watch for distracted drivers who are talking or texting on cell phones. Pay extra attention at intersections. Remember, if the sun is at your back, they may not be able to see you. Watch their wheels. Don’t split lanes. If you want to double the value of your bike – Fill it up with gas.

Since, I’ve been married 12 times I’m considered an expert on the subject. My friend said to me “I just want to get married and be happy”. I said “Pick one”. I told him if he wanted to avoid alimony-stay single. But, if you need to get married you need to learn some communication skills. Learn to say “Yes Dear” or keep your mouth shut. Question: If the bride wears white to show purity, why does the groom wear black?

I have more to say in my blogs on my website nobodiesopinion.com.

Check out my new e-book “How to Plan & Organize a Poker Run” at ThunderRoadsFlorida.com/poker-run.

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Lulu

Big Engine has certainly had a full slate of activities this past summer including performing in Sturgis. Even more exciting they released a new CD in August. I was in town for the party that Boot Hill Saloon hosted and the place was packed. Make sure you get one the music is some of their best ever!!

By Metric and Phoenix

Every day is Veterans Appreciation Day but last Saturday the Concerned Veterans of America organization along with Harley Davidson hosted a special Defend Freedom Tour at the historical big red building just off of I-4 in Orlando .The Defend Freedom Tour kicked off Friday with a free Concert by Madison Rising and country music star Alya Brown. On hand for the event was just about every Veteran organization in the state. The Gold Star Mothers, the USO, Operation Give Back all gave out to show their support.

The Museum of Military History from nearby Kissimmee brought some fantastic memorabilia to include a beautiful motorcycle from WWII. Saturday started out with a miracle, I got Phoenix out of bed before noon and we joined fellow Legion Riders from Chapter 74 for a quick breakfast at Dutcher’s Diner in Avon Park. After breakfast we made a speedy trip to the American Legion Headquarters in Orlando to rally with Legion Riders from across the state. We had the privilege to escort the Department of Florida Commander, Jay Conti to the event where he had the honor to be a guest speaker and make a historical announcement.

The Department of Florida American Legion and Harley Davidson of Orlando have established a new partnership. Veterans who purchase a Harley Davidson motorcycle from Orlando Harley Davidson will receive a gift membership certificate for their initial membership to the American Legion. What better way to celebrate defending freedom than the feeling you have as you mount up that new motorcycle and ride off with your fellow Veterans. Riders lead the way! RIDE FREE!!!

By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders Post 9, 10737-101 New King Rd., Jacksonville, Florida held their grand opening on August 30th. The Legion opened their doors to all Legion members and to the public, with dinners, a band, and vendors.

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 by supporting programs, events, charities, parades and other ceremonies of The American Legion.

American Legion Riders each year take to their motorcycles and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various Legion and local programs, across Florida.  For more information you can contact (904) 766-6035.   or visit our website at http://americanlegionpost9.org/home.htm.

By Lulu

Just returned from Key West…what a great place to spend time with friends. This year I was lucky enough to go with one of my friends from Pensacola, Kim and her husband James. They had never been to the Keys before so it was fun being the tour guide and watching someone experience something new. We did the poker run for Rotary which is why I was going and since we both were Rotarians it made it special to be doing it together. Bad weather was forecasted and friends cancelled their trip because of it. The number of vendors and bikes in the bike show were down quite a bit and I think the weather was the contributing factor. It is a shame since what we experienced was lower temperature than normal…and very little rain both made the event one of the best. The one afternoon shower just kept us in Irish Kevin’s a bit longer than usual and the lower temperature was a blessing. Kim and I even made time to get a sunburn and enjoyed enough cocktails by the pool to allow a photo op of us thinking we were kids again!

Kim and James have both been bike owners in the past and Kim has gotten back into a different form of horsepower…the kind that eats oats so they don’t have motorcycles. I think being down in the Keys and seeing and hearing the bikes may have planted a new need for two wheels!

We got to spend time with Mike from South Florida Bike Events and his posse which includes Terry Kirby. Just a great fun group of guys and gals. Thank you for your hospitality!

Also was invited to the pool party at the Casa Marina that the guys of Cartel Baggers threw. Boy do boys from Miami know how to party…guess one wouldn’t expect less! And it was a sea of Cartel Bagger shirts everywhere you looked on Duval. These guys know how to party and how to market themselves.

Come up and say hi during Biketoberfest, find a new friend to ride with and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

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To listen to most of the vendors and establishments in Sturgis the crowds were down a bit, mostly due to 2015 (next year) being the 75th Anniversary of the South Dakota rally. There were still plenty of bikes on the highways and plenty of bellies at the bars everywhere you looked. Buffalo Chip featured huge bands as always and I was fortunate enough to have VIP access to the Florida Georgia Line concert thanks to Russ Brown Motorcycle Law Firm. Easyrider Saloon, Knuckle Saloon, Broken Spoke and One Eyed Jacks were filled to capacity on most nights. There are vendors everywhere and of course bike shows. But what sets Sturgis apart from most rallies is the ride. Beautiful scenery is what awaits you when you hit the highway for Spearfish, Leads, Mount Rushmore, the Needles or Custer State Park. A special thank you goes out to Dean, Felicia and Ray for taking me riding 4 of the 35 days I was in South Dakota. Since I flew in it was depressing not being able to hit the pavement. If you don’t have this one on your bucket list for the 75th start saving it is just a magical place to visit.

On one more note, the guys at Sturgis Cycles were absolutely awesome to a friend of mine who found herself with a dead car battery…they came to the house, jumped her car and then took the car in for a diagnostic check. Like to give a shout out to people that go above and beyond!

By Lulu

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August not only took us to Sturgis, we also hit the road to south Florida and joined Mike and Dee Dee for their big event in Davie at the Round Up. The parking lot was full of vendors, spectators and bikes. The guys from Cartel Baggers out of Miami were in attendance in full force with awesome looking motorcycles. The sponsors Budweiser, Jagermeister, Twisted Tea, Monster, Bikers Inc., Southern Bike Night and the law firm of Gordon and Doner helped make this thing the place to be in August if you love to ride. The Twisted Tea bikini contest featured 9 women who competed for major prize money and the lucky first place winner went home with $1000! Music filled the air all afternoon and ended with north Florida’s famous band Big Engine! Put this on your events to check out next summer. We stayed at the Renaissance for only $85 dollars a night and it was gorgeous. It also gave us a chance to throw away a little money at the Hard Rock Casino. Thanks South Florida Bike Events for a great day.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

In 1887 Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2000 years prior.

“A democracy is always temporary in nature. It simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship”. “The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During these 200 years these nations always progressed through the following sequence. From bondage to spiritual faith. From spiritual faith to great courage. From courage to liberty. From liberty to abundance. From abundance to complacency. From complacency to apathy. From apathy to dependence. From dependence back into bondage”.

The Obituary Follows: Born 1776, Died 2016.

Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University, School of Law in St. Paul Minnesota points out some interesting facts concerning the last Presidential election. Number of States won by Obama 19, Romney 29. Square miles of land won by Obama 580,000, Romney 2,427,000. Murder rate per thousand residents in counties won by Obama 13.2, Romney 2.1.

Professor Olson adds, “In aggregate, the map of the territory Romney won was mostly the land owned by taxpaying citizens of the country. Obama territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in low income tenant and living off various forms of government welfare”.

Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the “complacency and apathy” phase of Professor Tyler’s definition of democracy, with some 40% of the nation’s population already having reached the government dependency phase. If the President or Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to 20,000,000+ criminal invaders called illegals – and they vote – then we can say goodbye to the U.S.A. in fewer than five years.

We have a President who believes he is either a dictator or a king. He constantly informs us that the Constitution is meaningless and he doesn’t believe in the three branches of government by reminding us that he has a pen and a phone and he will bypass Congress. He needs a six-month vacation, twice a year. Our Congress, both the Senate and House of Representatives are controlled by establishment politicians who only care about their perks and their reelection. Sounds like a good time to consider term limits. Our government is the most corrupt it has ever been since its inception.

We need a revolution in this country. Not with pitchforks, torches or guns but with the power of the vote. We have a very important election coming up in November and everyone should realize how much is at stake. Apathy is the greatest danger to our liberty and freedom.

I used to be afraid of dying but now I’m afraid of reincarnation, God Bless our children and grandchildren because they are the ones who will be paying for this.

I’ve got more to say about this in my blog on my website nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow…

By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders Post 54 and VMA Chapter 1046 held a benefit for the Florida Youth Advisory Committee, Saturday the 16th of August.

There was a Meet and Greet Friday night, and then Saturday a ride was held with about 100 people and 70 riders, with steak dinners upon return.  Sunday a breakfast was held for those who attended.

The Florida Independent Living Counsel Inc helps to assist and advocate for people with disabilities in achieving equal opportunities. There’s no place like home, and they mean real homes, not nursing homes. ADAPT is fighting so people with disabilities can live in the community with real support instead of being locked away in nursing homes and other institutions.

Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. believes that when people with disabilities want to work, they should. The Trust supports individuals and non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues.

They envision a seamless supportive partnership between Florida business and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death.

For more information, you can contact Molly Goslin
Executive Director 850-488-5624

By Lulu

August was one of the most stressful months of my life and honestly the few miles of highway I was able to enjoy in Spearfish, South Dakota and riding out to the Stone House Saloon with friends was about the only saving grace. Sturgis is always bittersweet as Bull who was the man who brought me into the world of motorcycles never made it there. We were leaving on a Tuesday eight years ago and he died the Tuesday before we were to leave. Our bags were packed. I had a brick laid in the sidewalk there in his memory. A break up is never easy and when it is someone you simply still adore it makes it really tough. Add that to the list of August rain! I also missed out on my family’s yearly beach vacation for the first time in order to go to Sturgis. It was a huge price to pay for five weeks of hard work. Where I am going with all this is sometimes the choices you make or paths you choose end up having a huge cost that you don’t foresee. Spending five weeks in Sturgis…I lost out on the precious chance to see my sister’s face when she found out she was going to be a grandmother for the first time, missed snuggling up with the youngest of the offspring my brothers and sister have blessed the world with and missed spending hours watching the waves with my two sons and their 5 fantastic children. After 3 weeks in Sturgis the price of my trip to the motorcycle Mecca hit me hard and I longed to be in Pensacola with my family…that made it hard to just relax and enjoy the ride.

Having a casual affair with a boy from North Carolina during Bike Week 2014, turned into a romance that knocked me off my game. Kelly Clarkson sings in one of her hits off her Thankful CD “The trouble with love is: it can tear you up inside, make your heart believe a lie, it is stronger than your pride. The trouble with love is: it doesn’t care how fast you fall, you can’t refuse the call and you’ve got no say at all”… That pretty much sums up my summer trying to hold on to something that you know will never be, lying to myself that if I just don’t let go I may end up with what my heart wanted, but my mind knew I would never have. The reason I am airing this here is that we all make choices as we live, never stopping for one second to think of the consequence or cost. Blowing by a car on the wrong side on your Harley you could end up with broken bones that will haunt you the rest of your life. Drinking and getting behind a set of handlebars could end up with a devastating financial cost or much, much worse. Having a fight with your best friend can end up hurting you both and often it can be beyond repair; in the end neither of you will probably recall what the argument was even about. Falling in love with someone that isn’t available can happen before you ever realize it is too late!!

Once you make the choices and bear the price then the work becomes trying to forget the cost and focusing on the good in your bad choice. Sturgis it was new friends I made, laughs I shared even during tears of homesickness and, of course, the amazing feeling of flying down the highway with such incredible views. And for the heartbreak I am trying to get over it will be great memories of passion, pillow talks and feeling safe in the redneck’s arms.

Be careful of your choices, take a breath and think about the paths you embark on and no matter what live life as if today is the only day that matters…it may be the only one left.