By Lil Jon

Yep, everybody wanted change and when Obama couldn’t deliver Harley did, from hood air vents and latches to large screen radios. Oh yea did I say that they’re water cooled? So that when you are stuck downtown in traffic you don’t burn up. On September 19th Rossmeyer Harley lines up the 2014s. It was an after hour party from 6-9p with food, a fashion show, games and giveaways. The fashion show was neat, from leather to bling, even luggage or something for your pet! The show room is full of all kinds of “can’t do with outs”! So stop and show and pick out that new Harley or step up to something a little different. They have plenty of new and used bikes. While you are there check out their service department, have a little something to eat in their new cafeteria or buy something new to wear. And if you haven’t scrapped those love bugs off your ride or if you just want your old ride to look new…stop across the parking lot or make an appointment with the Rossmeyer detail team. Ride safe…don’t let that road rage stuff take you off your two wheels! On a safety note: This is for all you bikers…road rage does not pay off. Cars and trucks always win, besides we are always portrayed as the bad guys. Too many bikers are getting run over during road rage episodes. Here’s an idea…when you get cut off just smile and wave. I have found that works on them more than trying to fight and trust me they know what they did; besides it is not always intentional. And being stupid is not against the law “yet”…ride safe. Read the rest of this entry »

By Phoenix and Metric

Just a few weeks ago we had the privilege to be part a life changing event. One the American Legion Riders from Chapter 74 in Sebring got us involved with “Charlie Bear”. Charlie Bear is the brain child of a couple riders who decided to help children in need by taking a stuffed bear around the world by motorcycle while raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Well, Charlie Bear stormed in to Sebring for a brief layover on his travels around the world. In his short stay he touched the lives of so many people. Charlie rolled in from down in Okeechobee and spent the night with Dumpster Mike and his lovely Karen. In the morning, we caught up with Charlie at Dutcher’s Diner in Avon Park for breakfast, before he was whisked away to his next stop in Wildwood. If you would like to follow Charlie Bear's adventure or make a donation go to http://worldwiderelayriders.org and sign up. Read the rest of this entry »

By Miserable George

On June 26th, just 2 days before his scheduled deployment, Sgt. Cleveland, while riding his motorcycle, plowed into a car that had pulled out in front of him. The resulting injuries have left him paralyzed from the chest down. In order to help defray expenses of his family (wife Sharon is also active Air Force,) and two children, a benefit run was held on Sept. 21. It started with breakfast at Amer. Legion #163, Melbourne. From there, it was a run to the Tides Club at Patrick AFB, beachside, where over 200 bikes formed up. Pastor Tim led some prayers before departure for Space Coast Harley Davidson, where live bands, DJ Doc Holiday, food and drink, vendors, and various activities, awaited the riders. There was the presentation of colors, singing of the National Anthem, and a special presentation to Sharon Cleveland, from a Florida state senator. Thanks go out to AVET, and all who helped set up this benefit for Sgt. Cleveland, who has a long road to what we pray will be recovery. It was reported that $10,000 was raised for the family! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Note: This event was in no way affiliated with the US Air Force, nor the Department of Defense. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lil Jon [autoviewer id="270" width="600" height="600" ] Here we are again at Starke BikeFest. The years are starting to fly by. If you went to Starke I really only need to remind you of the fact, that you couldn’t be everywhere at one time. The bands that played in Starke ranged from Evil Monkey, Big Engine, Moccasin Creek to Mustang Sally who was an all girl band that packed downtown. There were contests all over including tattoo, bike show, best tan, bikini, pole dancing contest, frozen T-shirts, and even, the “in the street” porta-potty pulls. Some of the sponsors included BCDA, Bizzi-Boutique who did the tan contest, Twisted Tea who also sponsors the bike nights for us. It was hot and also drizzled, of course, which was no excuse for not riding out; there was a bar at each end of town and plenty of places to cool off and drink a cold one or hide from the rain. So quit your whining and plan to ride out next year RAIN OR SHINE! Just wear less and be ready to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws at you…like real bikers do. Those of you who put your feet on the highway bars in town…drive me crazy. The key word is “Highway” bars. The easiest way to lose a leg is to be in town with all the traffic and riding with your feet more than 4 inches from the pedals! You look cool enough without being foolish! Until the next event ride safe! Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Once again Rusty’s Pub, on 103rd St. in Jacksonville, held their 2nd Annual Fun Run Survival Celebration. The event included a party all day, lasting into the night with drink specials, a pig roast, karaoke, comedians, 50/50 and raffles. The Twisted Tea girls were also on hand to help celebrate with giveaways, a little dancing and a lot of Twisted Tea. Randy and his crew did a great job, and look forward to the 3rd Annual Party. Read the rest of this entry »

By Billy "Kneecap" Braddock

Before I get started with my opinion, I want to remind ya'll that October is adopt a shelter dog month. We did and I found out that I didn't adopt him, he adopted us. I don't know why they say the dog is man's best friend. If they were, we wouldn't be cutting their balls off. He doesn't seem to mind, it just gives him less to lick. October is also the month we celebrate Halloween. That's supposed to be the day we wear a costume. I've always felt that most of us wear a costume year-round. When we get dressed to go out in public we put our costume on. Our costume gives other people an insight to your personality or occupation. We profile people by the costume they're wearing. If you see a person wearing a suit, scrubs, leathers, a black hoodie, socks with sandals, bib overalls, etc., you get an insight to that person. Being dressed like a Cowboy, Farmer, Doctor, Nurse, Biker, Thug, Gang Banger or Policeman, doesn't make you one but most people would assume you are one. You can't tell a book by its cover, but if you don't like the cover, you may not want to open it up to read the text. Don't be offended if people treat you like the costume you're wearing. Trust me; I'm a professional equal opportunity offender. It's hard to find a group of people more patriotic than bikers. Most Americans love their country and are grateful for their freedom and liberties. Even though our government has a tendency to overstep their bounds and try to take away some constitutional freedoms and liberties. Last month, September, commemorative services were observed around the country to honor those who died on 9/11, and bikers were at the forefront. When Muslims tried to make a mockery of the disaster on 9/11 with the “Million Muslim March”, the biker community was outraged. In protest they quickly organized what they called “2 Million Biker Rally”. The National Park Service went out of their way to grant the American Muslim Political Action Committee a permit for their “Million Muslim March”, but denied the rally organizers a permit. Carol Johnson, a spokesman for the National Park Service said, “I wish the bikers would leave me alone.” Even though they did not have an escorted “no stop” permit they decided to do it anyway, following all the traffic laws. They even featured a poster on her Facebook page that said. “We don't need no stinkin' permit! We have our Constitutional Rights and We shall ride! The run that would've taken two hours took all day. Although 2 Million Bikers did not show up 3 to 4 thousand did. In comparison there were only 21 attendees to the “Million Muslim March”. I guess you could say Bikers are our “Modern-Day Minutemen”. However, they don't need muskets; they will revolt with kick stands. A little bit of advice: If in the morning you look in a mirror and you look like the picture on your driver’s license you're too sick to ride. I figured out that my love life sucks. All I wake up with in my bed are dust mites. Check out my new website. There will be new Opinions every Tuesday and Friday NobodiesOpinion.com Have a fun filled and safe Biketoberfest. See you on the shiny side of tomorrow… Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Time passes too quickly, and in August a memorial ride honored Sharon Pedota, a dear personal friend who passed away over a year ago. Sharon’s love of life and love of all people she met was obvious when a year after her death, those who miss her joined together for an evening ride. The ride started at the Dog Pound with free food provided by her boyfriend, Glenn, owner of the Dog Pound and Smiles. Kickstands were up and our stops included Smiles in Palm Coast, the White Eagle Lounge in Korona and a special stop at the beach. The beach stop included lighting Chinese lanterns to release and carry our message of love to the heavens…the wind kept that from being successful, maybe Sharon wanted us to get on with the party and have us end back at the Dog Pound where her favorite music played. All of know when we meet a true friend, a friend that we know will be with us throughout life…it is tragic when they leave, but memories of the smiles we shared with them along the roadway of life sustain us. That certainly is true of my friend Sharon. Everyone had stories of love and laughter that she gave. The sale of the Chinese lanterns and a 50/50 raised money for the American Cancer Society in Sharon’s memory. Sharon you are missed by all! Read the rest of this entry »

By LuLu

If you have visited the world famous Iron Horse Saloon over the past 30 years then you probably recognize this month’s Bull’s Eye Steve Fritze. Steve’s first trip to Bike Week in Daytona he happened to meet Billy and Sally, owners at the time of the Iron Horse and they developed a 30+ year friendship which eventually led him to be the manager of the Iron Horse. Steve was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1954, although he spent most of his time growing up in Enfield and eventually East Hampton, Connecticut. He is married to Deb and is the proud papa of four children. Matt is a bike mechanic in Jacksonville and Tony works for nuclear plants across the country. His daughter Kersten works for a hotel beachside in Daytona. His other daughter died in a car accident twelve years ago. He has 3 grandchildren and his bad ass persona is left outside if you are lucky enough to see the smile on his face holding his grandchildren in a photo on the wall in his office. This is definitely a fine family man. In 2004 Steve retired at 50 from driving tractor trailers for 30 years and moved to Bulow Campground to work full time for the Horse. He is so entrenched in the motorcycle lifestyle that his 2004 Ultra Classic has 90,000 miles on it. When I say this man “rides” I mean to say his leather seat is a bit ragged and worn from all the miles his bottom has been sitting on it! His first bike and all his bikes have been Harleys. At 18 he got a Sportster and has been riding ever since. When asked how he started riding he says “the guys I was hanging around with in Enfield rode.” Along with the Ultra Classic he has a 1981 FLH Shovelhead in his garage. He is a two time Vice President of ABATE in Daytona and when I asked what sets bikers apart from others he quickly answered, “They are the most giving people you’ll ever meet-I don’t believe there is a more giving group in the world.” His work at Iron Horse has certainly allowed him to see that as he has worked hard on charities which have included St. Jude’s and the Horse’s real love the Conklin Center for the Blind. He also gets to meet some very cool bikers through the Horse including David Alan Coe, Mickey Jones, John Travolta, Jimmy Van Zant and some of the cast from Sons of Anarchy. As much as he works, rides and enjoys his family there isn’t much time for past times but he does enjoy his suite tickets to NASCAR from time to time. In closing he would like you to know that he thanks all of you who have supported the Iron Horse Saloon over the years and looks forward to continuing to make it the bar you come home to while in town for Bike Week or Biketoberfest, or for that matter all year long! Read the rest of this entry »

By Miserable George The Chili Challenge was created with one purpose in mind: to be THE best ol’ school biker party, and has built quite a reputation on that premise. It is considered Florida’s best, as well as, among the top 10 in the U.S. It was never Roscoe’s intention to compete with any other parties...price-wise, or, other-wise, so, if price is your criteria, you have many others to choose from. But, if you want the best, then, there is only one choice...Roscoe’s Chili Challenge...often imitated...NEVER duplicated! Remember, quality ain’t cheap...and, cheap don’t get you quality!! Roscoe Amen to that Roscoe!! See the ads elsewhere in this issue, and, join me at the best, damn biker party...well...ANYWHERE!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher On September 14, AMVETS Post 44 held their 6th Annual Patriot Day and 9-11 Remembrance Ride. Riders had a choice of six different starting locations (Brandon H-D, H-D of Tampa, H-D of Lakeland, Gulf Coast H-D, Jim’s H-D and Manatee River H-D), which all ended at Hillsborough Veteran’s Memorial Park in Tampa. I rode out with the Brandon H-D group which was also the largest with approximately 125 motorcycles along with a police escort. Ultimately, another 100+ motorcycles participated as well as those coming by cars and a large VA bus transporting several wheelchair bound veterans. This well organized event included live music by Jacked Up, raffles, food much of which was included in the price of the ride. In addition to an incredible color guard, there was the presentation of the MIA/POW table. Proceeds benefitted James A. Haley Hospital Recreational Services, and local first responders and veterans’ programs. On a side note, it was great to see Parti Patti who emceed the event as just a few weeks ago she was in a serious motorcycle accident. You really can’t keep a good woman down! Congratulations to AMVETS Post 44 on your successful event and thank you for all you do for our military and first responders. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Well as luck would have it at least one day of any event at the Iron Horse this year had some pretty bad rainstorms all around, but the skies cleared and the Parrot Head Party was able to happen and those who braved the weather were able to enjoy a night of music by the Caribbean Chillers. Sloppy Joe’s was on hand providing some tasty food to fill our bellies. And the young lady who won the parrot head costume contest had a parrot of sorts on both sides of her head! Sunday the event was lucky enough to be spared any real rain and the crowds were brisk. Plenty of bikes were entered in the bike contest, the music by Psycho Magnets was great and the burnout contest seemed to go on all night! The bike show winners were Jason Swindell for Best Evo, Steve Pembrook for Best Twin Cam, Roadside Marty for best Knucklehead, Chris Calo for Best Old School, Mark Hampton for Best Antique with his ’58 Panhead, Chris Harris for best Paint, Kyle Priest for Best Trailer Trash and Todd Gomez for Willie’s Choice. I have heard they plan on bringing the car show back for the Saturday event next year, so put it on your calendar to spend Labor Day at the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon for fun, food, music and great people! Read the rest of this entry »

By Ron Cox [autoviewer id="271" width="600" height="600" ] Every five years The Harley-Davidson Motor Company hosts an Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee to commemorate its founding and to recognize its customer base. More than 130,000 riders gathered in this town (of half a million) that really knows how to throw a party and treats its guests like royalty. The centerpiece is the events being offered at Harry Maier Memorial Park, otherwise known as the Summerfest Grounds. Summerfest is a huge 75 acre rectangular park on the shores of Lake Michigan. It contains food and beverage kiosks, souvenir stands and tented exhibits. Harley's tent introduced the 2014 line of motorcycles. Willie G. and family signed autographs in the HOG Tent. There were several large stages with free entertainment. During the three days more than 60 bands were scheduled to appear. The later in the day, the more recognizable the talent became. Bands like The Doobie Brothers, Joan Jet & The Blackhearts, Blue Oyster Cult and one of my favorites, ZZ Top. Adjacent to Summerfest is the Marcus Amphitheater and with a separate ticket you could see Toby Keith, Aerosmith or Kid Rock, each star appeared on a different night. Another attraction at Summerfest was the Sky Glider, a ski-lift ride that carried you from one end of the park to the other. You could buy a one way ticket or a round trip. On Saturday, the Motor Company hosted the Motor Skill competition where more than 100 police motor officers (including three women) showed off their skills on a very tricky course. Riders were timed and points deducted for hitting or knocking over any of the cones. If an officer laid his bike down only he could stand it up, no help from the course judges. Each of the six dealerships in the Milwaukee area (Hal's, Milwaukee, House, Suburban, Wisconsin and Uke's) had a stage with live bands and scads and scads of vendors. Not to be left out, many of the communities hosted huge block parties with entertainment, food and vendors lasting well into the night. The Harley Museum was an extremely popular venue. In addition to walking through Harley's history, the Museum hosted a Bike Night and the AMD Invitational Custom Bike Show. If you're getting the idea there was more to see and do than there was time to do it, you'd be absolutely right! So, if you're thinking of going to the 115th you've got five years to plan and save, but the trip and the experience would be well worth it! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Thunder in the Garden was the first poker run held by the Winter Garden Police Athletic League. Don’t let the name fool you as it did me. They weren't raising money to buy baseball equipment for themselves. The group along with being heroes everyday they get up to go to work, also spend their time and efforts helping troubled youth in the community! The run started in the Winter Garden Village at Forest Grove with coffee and donuts. The stops included The Sandwich Shoppe in Ocoee, Mullinax Ford in Apopka that made a generous contribution for each bike that came through, West Orange Power Sports in Oakland, GT Marine in Clermont and the final stop was Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson who helped sponsor this event. Stormy Hill had a BBQ lunch for the riders and live music to entertain. This event is scheduled to be a yearly ride so look for it and plan to ride with a group of great men and women trying to make a difference in children’s lives. Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Van Pelt August 17th the second Bikers for Babies was held at Adamec of Baymeadows in Jacksonville. This is the first motorcycle fundraiser for the March of Dimes in Jacksonville since 2004.  There was entertainment, food, giveaways and a police-escorted ride through beautiful Jacksonville. All proceeds benefit the Northeast Florida Division March of Dimes. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, it was founded by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938. Their mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality, as well as, educating moms, supporting families, and caring for pregnant women.  There has not been a single outbreak of polio in our country in more than 30 years. All in all, 115 bikers made the ride despite the rain, and once again LAMA, won the trophy for most funds raised. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu

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In this economy staying in business another year is something to celebrate! And Gator Harley-Davidson did just that! Throwing a 2 day event in Leesburg to thank their customers for being loyal over the past 20 years!!! Bands including Bobby Friss kept the place jumping. Vendors, contests including best male body, bikini and tattoo and a water slide kept the crowd entertained. A few of the Predators were on site to sign autographs as was Miss Gator Harley from Leesburg Bikefest. The folks at Gator Harley work hard to bring events to the dealership and strive to make their dealership your choice for gear, apparel and BIKES!!!