By Raven Van Pelt

This is a personal story for me as I am a part of the Ground Pounders Riding Club who held their 3rd Annual Wounded Vet Ride for Pride Scholarship Rally on November 2nd. This raises scholarship funds for Wounded Warrior Project candidates, or their spouses, to attend Florida State College in Jacksonville. This year and for all future Ride for Pride projects the American Legion Riders Post 9 in Jacksonville have partnered with the Ground Pounders on the event and Scholarship Fund. The Ride started at with a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron (retired military pilots). The Gene “Preacher” Gray did an invocation and the singing of the National Anthem by Amanda Johnson who did a phenomenal job.

Despite the early rain, the day turned out to be beautiful. The riders left Post 9 heading to American Riders Post 250 in Middleburg, then on to Rusty’s Pub, American Legion Post 137 and then back to Post 9 where the party began. Confederate Grey rocked the roof off the post. Everyone ate awesome BBQ pork dinners, enjoyed adult beverages and many won fantastic auction items or raffle prizes.

A big thank you to Julie Mixon Bargeron (Gold Star Mother) of the Mother’s of American Military Fallen/SPC Kelly J. Mixon Foundation for displaying the Boots on the Ground Traveling Museum for the event. This year the event raised over $5,300 for the Scholarship Fund. I am personally looking forward to many years of doing this event with our new partner and friends at American Legion Post 9. We also want to thank the sponsors particularly our Silver Sponsor Advanced Data Systems, all the volunteers and everyone who helped make this ride possible. Giving back to those who served in our Nation’s Armed Forces and sacrificed so much gives you a real sense of PRIDE.

By Rich Malfitano, NPA

Ryan and Liah receive a hero’s welcome after returning home from serving our country in Kuwait. On Nov 24th, on a brisk and very windy Sunday morning nearly 300 bikers gathered for a Heroes Escort Ride. It began at Indian-Victory of Daytona and headed up to Flagler Beach where Liah and Ryan were shocked to see hundreds lining the streets with Flags waving, as they were traveling home by way of A1A.

As they approached, Ryan’s mom Bonnie and sister Niki, stopped their car, explaining the flag line was for them and after some hugs and kisses the motorcycle escort led them to “Saints and Sinners” at Destination Daytona. Everyone joined in a welcome home celebration. Ryan joined the Army in 2010 and presently serves as a Medic. He has recently reenlisted to further his Military career and is anxious to get to Ft. Rucker Alabama where he will be training as a Flight Medic with a Black Hawk Squadron. Liah a native of Ohio served with the Air Defense Battalion in Kuwait. She will be heading to Ft. Sill Oklahoma to finish out her tour.

It was no coincidence that both Ryan and Liah arrived home together. They had a plan, and like good soldiers they were successful in its execution. On Nov. 15 Liah and Ryan were married. Not only did we celebrate their homecoming, but their marriage as well. Congratulations Liah and Ryan. This truly became a “Victory” Celebration. Rolling Thunder Fl-8 led the escort and was honored to work with Bonnie Marshall, Ryan’s “Blue Star MOM” (also office manager for Indian-Victory of Daytona), to make this special event a success and a surprise.

We would also like to thank Enzo Almeida General Manager of Indian-Victory for his generosity and support. Bill and Dick did a great job behind the scenes with the coordination and logistics. Thanks to all RT Fl-8 members that helped make this event successful. Proceeds from the event were donated to RTFL-8 to help veterans and support our programs. All foods received at the event will be used for the Homeless Veterans Holiday Dinner sponsored by BFFAR Post 1.

By Amy Poole

First let’s say a BIG thank you to ALL the Veterans!!

Now let’s say a BIG thank you to ALL who participated in the Veteran’s Day All You Can Eat Breakfast at the Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach!!

Every Sunday at The Beaver Bar is the AYCE breakfast for a $5 donation and all proceeds go to local families and charities in need. Each week is some place different but the food is equally fantastic. Honoring our Veterans in November, friends and patrons at the Beaver Bar raised $1,400.00 during the AYCE breakfast and donated it to the Veterans Assistance Coalition.

Even a 10 year old little boy Cody Jackson drove from Georgia with his family to attend the breakfast. Cody is very aware of what our military does for us and how precious our freedom is…so he has taken on an obligation to thank as many troops as he can, has written 2 books, shook over 15,000 troops hands, sends care packages to the deployed and has been awarded numerous awards. What a kid!! Check him out at 1boyuso.com

Thank you Miss Leslye Beaver and Team Beaver for sprouting such good ambiance in our community!!!!

By Don Seeley, Director
Daytona Harley Owners Group #0652

Wonderful fall weather greeted 1,800 motorcycle enthusiasts as they thundered in from all over the country to enjoy the Florida State HOG (Harley Owners Group) Rally on Okaloosa Island on the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle.

The nonstop action began October 22nd, 2013 and ran through the weekend ending on Saturday the 26th.This rally is growing every year topping last years’ attendance by over 300. To accommodate the crowds in addition to the host hotel the Ramada Inn, two additional hotels were secured; The Palm and the Emerald Grande. And if camping is your preference, that was available across the street from the host hotel. Next year’s Rally begins on October 21st, 2014 so make your reservations early.

The Rally had a huge vendor turnout which offered many shopping and browsing choices for rally goers and with the biker games and daily Poker Runs covering 100+ square miles there was never a dull moment, Each Poker Run ended at a different location where a pre-arranged party was held. The opening party was a low southern boil held poolside at the Emerald Palm where you were served handfuls of fresh Gulf shrimp. Another nightly highlight was the Piñatas filled with biker trinkets donated by Harley Dealers from all over the State instead of the usual candy-filled Piñata. On the subject of food, if you are ever in the area your visit would not be complete without a stop at AJ’s Oyster Bar. Enjoy a dozen raw oysters and a bucket of brew. Ahhh, it can’t get any better?

But wait! Maybe if they added some good-old Rock and Roll music. Well brother, let me tell ya, they did! Every night we were treated to concerts with the highlight of the event being country hero, Travis Tritt. His show drew such a crowd that it was held at the local convention center. Bobby Friss opened for Mustang Sally, a six girl contemporary country band that put on a show I will remember for a long time. They had an amazing ability to draw the audience in and make you feel you are part of the show. One of the best concerts I have ever been too.

Bubba Blackwell, the popular motorcycle stunt rider, put on three shows for us. Have you ever seen a full dresser do a wheelie? I hadn’t until I watched him and he makes it looks so easy; no not easy enough for me to even consider the move! After asking for some lady volunteers and not explaining what they were volunteering for, eleven brave souls stepped forward only to be instructed to lay on the ground shoulder to shoulder.You knew what was coming and now they did, but not one of the ladies backed out. After saddling up on his Dyna and making several run-ups, he flies over the flock of females with plenty of room to spare. After several screams and scrambling

By Lulu

[autoviewer id="295" width="600" height="600" ] The first weekend in October Iron Horse Saloon, JP Cycles and ROAR Motorcycles hosted the first Hear Us Roar Ladies Event. It was designed specifically to showcase the ever growing number of women riders. Starting with a Friday evening women only “Meet and Greet” at the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon which featured free wine, cheese, pizza, sweets and gift bags for the first 150 women. Vendors filled the back lot for our shopping pleasure. Lots of door prizes and giveaways all weekend long for women only made us feel very special. Following the meet and greet they opened the back up to the male species and Bobby Scott rocked the place. A lady comedienne from Jacksonville Jackie Vargo, a Harley girl, had us in stitches during the band break. The host hotel, The Lotus Inn, was a beautiful South Beach styled small hotel with a fire pit in the sand, hot tub and heated pool with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean. It was really fabulous sitting by the fire until the wee hours of the morning sharing bike stories with other women! And the exchanging of phone numbers made the event have added importance to those who organized the weekend! Saturday ROAR hosted a pool party from 10a-1p with music by Blue Diamond, free chair massages, sweets and coffee by Sweet Marley’s. After showering we all headed to JP Cycles for a short ride through the loop to ROAR Motorcycles. While at JP Cycles Kathleen Tolleson (CEO of ROAR and author of Hear Me Roar) and Jody Perewitz (fastest woman on 2 wheels) signed autographs while some major shopping was going on, and the hungry munched on a hot dog or two. I am impressed that JP Cycles and Iron Horse Saloon have spotlighted the woman rider! The expense and work to put on an event comes with a great risk as whether the event will be attended, particularly the first year. But the rapidly growing number of women riders can’t be ignored. My helmet’s off to Iron Horse and JP Cycles for acknowledging it. At ROAR there were tech tips, beautiful bikes and free sweets! Saturday night was the monthly first Saturday Bike Night at Iron Horse and their bike show featured ladies bikes. The music was by Yummy and while on break there was a short fashion show and bike awards. We all headed back to the beach for more relaxation in the hot tub with the sound of crashing waves and friendly fireside chats. A special thank you to Twisted Tea, Budweiser, Sweet Ride Wines and Willie and his crew from Tropical Tattoo for helping to put this great event on. Also a very special thank you to Heavy and Christine from Midwest Cycles on Beach St. for providing a bike for Jody to ride. And the ladies from Chrome Divas for lending a helping hand when we realized we needed HELP! The rumor is this is going to be a yearly event moving it to the last weekend in September in 2014. Put this on the calendar we would love this to end up thousands of women riders. I like that it gives new riders a chance to experience Daytona without the crowds and testosterone that can be a bit intimidating during Bike Week or Biketoberfest; and it also allows our sisterhood to have a moment to connect and shine! P.S. Gentlemen, put this on your event calendar too, because there will be more women at the Iron Horse than ever and we know you love girls that RIDE! Read the rest of this entry »

By Amy Poole

[autoviewer id="294" width="600" height="600" ] The weather couldn’t have been any sunnier or warmer for Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Old School Bike Show!! The property was thick with people circulating to take a look at all of the pure ol’ school choppers that were lined up to show off their uniqueness and hopefully get a trophy by its side. The host of the bike show was Tropical’s very own Roadside Marty revealing the awards and entertaining the crowd with his comical humor. Inside Tropical’s Tattoo shop was also booming with ladies and gents picking out their tats and waiting to get inked!! Every year all the profits from the bike show benefit a charity in need. This year we all helped a Marine Veteran named Bob Barry in need of a prosthetic leg. Nikki Lynn, owner and founder of The Arni Foundation, volunteers with many of her peeps every week at the Veterans Nursing Home taking the fellows out to lunch and such. She met Bob at Hooters and he told her his story. Nikki and crew assist during the bike show and with all of us coming together the monies raised was $6200.00 and Bob took his first few steps this Veteran’s Day!! I wish you all could see the video…it’s very moving!! Moments like this make Shane and I feel lucky to be a part of these occasions. Willie would like to say Thank You to all the sponsors who participated, all the volunteers and like some of us say…You tattooed bikers are the BEST!! Thank you, Willie and Jean, for bringing all of these good times together year after year…and it only keeps getting better!!!! Mark your calendar for Bike Week 2014 to be at Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Bike Show always on Thursdays! Read the rest of this entry »

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock [autoviewer id="293" width="600" height="600" ] Biketoberfest would not be the same without spending time at the world-famous Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula. They don't follow the Daytona rules. They party for 10 days which this year started on Friday the 11th and went through Sunday the 20th. There was live music daily, tons of vendors, hot buns and wet T-shirt contests. On Friday the 18th they had a Bike & Bagger show, and of course, Coleslaw Wrestling on the 19th. World-famous Coleslaw Wrestling has been seen on National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, and the Travel Channel. They have such a friendly staff that you really don't want to go anywhere else, and with plenty of camping and free Wi-Fi, you don't need to. There's always something going on at the Cabbage Patch. It's open year-round seven days a week. Stop in and check them out and say hi to Ronnie and Roger and his beautiful bartenders. Read the rest of this entry »

By Billy "Kneecap" Braddock

Here we are in December a month of remembrance, observances, celebration, and partying. We need to remember the three very important days that changed the history of this country, and the world, that happened in December. Pearl Harbor Day: this occurred on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked the United States and took us into World War II. Next, we have one of the most important days in our history that nobody ever pays attention to and is not even taught in our state run government schools. Bill of Rights Day: on March 4, 1789 the Constitution of the United States was ratified by the 13 colonies. All states and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect the rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed with the requirement that a Bill of Rights would be created amending the new U.S. Constitution. On September 25, 1789 the first Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislature's 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Then we have the most important of all the December days that the liberals have declared war on. Christmas Day: on December 25 we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 95% of Americans celebrate this day with 65% considering it a very religious time. Also 33% of the world also celebrates his day. So get off of the political correctness and stop saying Happy Holidays and say “Merry Christmas”. PS. And it's not a holiday tree it's a “Christmas tree”. Now let's talk about the days of December that are not so important yet a little bit more fun. National Egg Nog Day: on December 24 it's fun to celebrate with eggnog. Bring out the Rum or Cognac, and start wrapping the presents and decorating the Christmas tree. Howdy Doody Day: this occurs on December 27. I think when Pete Campbell of Mad Men said, “I'm the President of the Howdy Doody Circus Army”, he was referring to this administration. Buffalo Bob (Barack Obama) came to Washington DC and began to pull the strings of all the puppets. Phineas T. Bluster (Harry Reid), Sandra the Witch (Nancy Pelosi), Dilly Dally (Joe Biden), Flub-a-dab (Barney Frank), and of course Windy Scuttlebutt (Alan Grayson). The rest of Congress sat in the peanut gallery. The circus came and went but the clowns stayed. Of course, we have the big fun day where we dance, eat, and drink alcoholic beverages. New Year's Eve: is the day that Americans consume more alcohol than any other day of the year. Only, followed by (surprisingly) Christmas, Fourth of July, St. Patrick's Day, and Thanksgiving. Couple things I learned about alcohol: Money can't buy happiness but it can buy you alcohol, which can make you happy. When I realized I was drinking too much, I decided to cut down. I now only drink on days ending in Y. Good girls are made of sugar and spice, but real good girls can be made with vodka and ice. There also two unlucky days in this December. The 31st which is also New Year's Eve is an unlucky day. But you can make it a lucky day if you get rid of all the bad things, so next year you will be happy, healthy, and prosperous. The other unlucky day is Friday the 13th. The fear of Friday the 13th is called: “paraskavedekatiaphoba”. If you can pronounce this on New Year's Eve you haven't had near enough. See you on the shiny side up tomorrow. If you would like to read more, go to my website.  nobodiesopinion.com Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

[autoviewer id="288" width="600" height="600" ] The Rossmeyer family went all out for Biketoberfest and they report brisk sales of bikes and huge crowds for the event. Molly Hatchet rocked to a huge crowd! The international swim suit competition had plenty of eye candy and a throng (not thong!) of fans to cheer them on. An entertaining though somewhat frightening show was Torch a biker that plays with fire! His bike, his whip and his mouth were all ablaze…Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe was armed with a fire extinguisher and I felt she would need to know how to use it before the night was over! Vendors were all over the place and thank goodness for the shuttles, as the crowds made parking a long walk from the action. Hats off to Destination Daytona for making Biketoberfest the party it is meant to be! Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Van Pelt

[autoviewer id="287" width="600" height="600" ] American Legion riders from Post 283 and surrounding Legions held their 6th Annual Poker Run for PedsCare on September 28th. Five stops were included in this run; raffle, prizes, and shell game were among just some of the happenings.  What sets this ride apart from most is the best BBQ ever; the sweet meat fell off the bone! As of last count 300 registered riders were in attendance raising so far $21,000.00 and counting. PedsCare is a team of competent and compassionate health professionals who work closely together to serve infants, children, teens, young adults, and families. They provide education and anticipatory guidance appropriate to the age of the child, prevent illness, evaluate and treat acute and chronic diseases, and prevent complications. I was lucky enough to be part of this great cause last year, and this, and will definitely be there again next year, thank you Legion Riders for a job well done. Read the rest of this entry »

By LuLu

Living in the Daytona Beach area, I know for a fact it is hard to find a true native Floridian, but this month’s Bull’s Eye takes the prize for that one. Snake Andress was Holly Hill born and raised! In fact, he was born in the house he still lives in 63 years ago. Anyone who knows Snake probably can tell you where his nickname originates from, but for those who don’t know Snake I had to ask. As a child around 10 years old he would catch snakes of all types and sell them for 50 cents a foot to “The Sea Zoo” for spending money. Snake claims to have been bit a few times, but not by anything poisonous. He played high school sports hard enough to be “broke up too bad” to join the service or to be drafted, he swears “it was a physical deferment NOT a mental deferment”! He enrolled in a trade school and has spent his working life as a welder. He has had his own welding business now for 40 years. He specializes in small repairs now, as he is semi-retired. Snake does a lot of motorcycle welding for local shops such as Crank N Chrome and Black Gold. Snake’s first bike was a Honda 50 Super Sport at 14 years old, probably purchased with some of that “snake by the foot money”. His first Harley was a Sportster in 1992. He now has 7 bikes in his stable including a 2008 Road King that they travel to Myrtle Beach on, 1993 Dyna Wide Glide, 1999 Honda Shadow, 2 Sportsters, 1 Super Glide and finally another Road King. When asked what got him riding he simply stated, “The need for transportation, I got tired of bicycles real quick.” Snake says he enjoys riding now for pleasure and spending time with the group of friends who share his love of riding. He says, “When I am not burning welding rods, I am burning rubber”, either on his motorcycles or in his drag car. The proof he claims is on the road in front of his home! In the garage along with his 7 bikes are a 1964 Falcon and a 1963 Falcon Pro Street that he drag races. Snake has been involved in local politics for the past 20+ years. (Wow, most political activist would never want to be referred to as Snake!) This involvement has led him to help with Hogs on the Hill during Bike Week in Holly Hill. According to his friends he also throws one hell of a biker party during Bike Week and Biketoberfest feeding up to 160 friends! They claim it is a “Little Iron Horse” during his party. Finally, I want to say that Snake is a good man that is an honorary Holly Hill police officer and works special details such as parades. During Hurricanes Andrew and Hugo he worked search and rescue and helped with debris removal to get to those in need. Snake is a fun, funny and happy guy, that I can tell his friends are proud to know. Read the rest of this entry »

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock [autoviewer id="286" width="600" height="600" ] The 19th Annual Bruce Rossmeyer's Ride for Children with almost 1000 motorcycles took off with a roar from Destination Daytona on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 10 AM and headed with a police escort to Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis. The Camp is a year-round medical camp for children with serious illnesses, co-founded by actor Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf in 1996. Bruce Rossmeyer's Daytona Harley-Davidson has supported the camp since it opened and after Bruce's death in 2009 his wife (Sandy) and children (Shelly, Mandy, Wendy, Randy and Will) stepped up and kept it going. The run has had many Grand Marshals including James Gandolfini, who sadly died this year. This year's Grand Marshal, actor-director Steve Buscemi, led the procession, along with Jody Perewitz (Dave Perewitz's daughter) the first woman to break the land speed record of 208mph on a 100ci V-twin. After arriving at the camp the bikers were greeted by the smiling faces of the children and camp volunteers. They enjoyed auctions, music and a great buffet lunch donated by Outback Steakhouse. The MC for the ceremonies was Frank Scott of WHOG 95.7 radio who has been the MC for this event for the last 18 years. Because of all the efforts of the volunteers, the donors, and the generous bikers, this year's funds surpassed the $5 million mark donated over the course of its 19 year lifespan. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

I had the most fabulous trip last month and the article will be in next month’s issue, but I had to take a minute here to rave about the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas. This year I went to work the event and had the opportunity to watch an event unfold from the beginning to the end. It was unbelievable the amount of work that goes into putting a 4 day bike rally on. All the details from security, change for registers, signage, parking, bar set ups, stages, sound systems, employees, airline flights, shuttles, bartenders schedules, contests, emcees, celebrities schedules, housing all these folks, vendors…and the list goes on and on. It isn’t like Sturgis or Daytona where the bars host the event. The Lone Star Rally is like bringing twenty Barnum & Bailey 3 Ring Circuses to town with no elephants to put up the tents! Watching the Lone Star Rally staff work this magic was craziness. There were glitches along the way such as torrential rain that flooded streets, heavy winds that destroyed tents, heavier traffic that created delays for celebrity events…but the team handled all this without missing a beat and for the most part the half million bikers that ride into town for this didn’t know a glitch ever existed. The bikers all seemed genuinely just happy to be there. The crowds were fabulous and seemed to truly enjoy the Mardi Gras like atmosphere this historic seaside town has. The next motorcycle event you ride to consider the work required to put it on for you. Just as we want the communities to appreciate the dollars we spend in their towns, I saw firsthand the work the event organizers, individual vendors and the bar staff put in to throw these parties for us and we need to be appreciative of their efforts! I worked my butt off, although my jeans still fit the same!

Next year ride to two wheels to Texas for the Lone Star Rally, buy a cowboy a beer and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

My friend Glenn, owner of the Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell, has back to back events that I don’t miss each year. First was their anniversary party and right behind it is their end of Biketoberfest Survival Party. After Biketoberfest I am so exhausted that I just get a drink and sit on a bench on the big back porch to unwind, listen to some good music and chat with friends. Glenn always has great bands and food, and if you haven’t ridden over on Thursdays you are missing out on their $2.50 U Name It You Drink It (excluding premiums) special from noon-midnight. Now that is a GREAT deal! Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Van Pelt

[autoviewer id="285" width="600" height="600" ] Mind Ride Cycles of Jacksonville held their 2nd Annual Custom Bike Show at the Jacksonville Landing October 12th.  Owner Roy Dove and his crew built a custom bike that was funded 100% by Mind Ride Cycles and sold raffle tickets at $10.00 a ticket. It was a beautiful day for a bike show, with winners in every category that were judged by Mitch Eves, Cromley from the local radio station and Paul from Puddle of Mud. Four bands to listen to all afternoon including Blister, Comfort Zone, 2nd Shot and Yankee Slickers kept the crowd full entertained. All proceeds from the custom bike went 50% to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and 50% to the Dona Foundation to support breast cancer. The lucky winner of the sharp looking bike was Scott Garvin. Great job to Mind Ride Cycles and I can’t wait to see what they build next year. Read the rest of this entry »