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.

By Lulu

Well for the folks at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg another year has come and gone. They celebrated another anniversary of successful business this summer and in this economy that is really something to be proud of. There was great music and even Big Engine rocked the house, a bikini contest, a 50/50 raffle that Paul Fullerton won and a great tattoo contest. When you are looking for that new ride check out Gator H-D in Leesburg they are happy to win you over to the wild side!

By Lulu

As kids remember holding your breath until you are blue in the face? Well Glenn owner of the Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell and Smiles nightclub in Palm Coast took turning blue to a whole new extreme…and for a super cause. One of his employee’s children is in need of major medical attention that will require an intestinal transplant. The cost of just transporting the family to and from is a burden, much less treatments, surgery, medicines and the list goes on. So to help ease the financial burden and even more importantly to show moral support Glenn offered to change his appearance if $3000 was raised. And change it he did not only getting a Mohawk but a royal blue one. His generosity of transformation easily raised the money and even as of the writing of this he is blue! But the family isn’t it certainly went a long way to lift everyone’s spirits. Glenn is one of my best friends and this is just one example of why I love this guy!

By Lulu

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This has been a year of many firsts for me and even though I am a Buckeye from Cincinnati it was my first time to travel up for Ohio Bike Week in Sandusky. A great old city on Sandusky Bay part of Lake Erie it has that New Orleans charm.

The bike event included downtown streets closed for bike traffic only, bike show, and two stages with live music all day, vendors and the pier with a really great bar and some of my favorite rally girls!!! Put this on your list of events to travel to you will be glad you did.

By Metric and Phoenix

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Thanks once again to the Eagle Riders Cypress Hut 4509 out of Okeechobee for hosting another great Okeechobee Bikefest. Okeechobee is best known for some of the greatest fishing in Florida but once a year the quiet fishing hole gives way to the roar of thousands of motorcyclists descending on the lake. The Rim Ditch Passport is a favorite ride around the beautiful lake with stops at some of the best damn biker establishments anywhere.

Music filled the air the entire weekend thanks to great bands like USA, Hard Country, Tammy Bast, Phil and Scott Eddings and my personal favorite the Jake Hair Band, a group of young locals that really know how to rock the house. On top of the great music was tons of great food and biker apparel from vendors across the state. Thanks to Indian Motorcycles out of Pompano Beach for bringing out that beautiful Indian Chief.

The bike was so beautiful I damn near bought it, but then I would have to change my road name to “Chief Metric”. Another big event at this year’s bike fest was a fundraiser to help a beautiful young lady walk again. For more information and how Casey is doing check her out on Facebook. If you missed out on this year’s event make it a point to mark your calendars and I’ll see you here next year. See you down the road. Ride Safe!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

America is going to hell! Can you imagine me saying this? I consider myself so patriotic that I pee red, white and blue beer. This really freaks my doctor out especially when he found some blood in my alcohol stream. There’s a great example of what’s happening to our country in a column I read by Wayne Root. Imagine buying a beautiful home, in a wonderful, safe neighborhood with great schools. Then, through a combination of incompetence, ignorance, arrogance, and purposeful intent, that home becomes a garbage ridden, graffiti covered crack house. In short order, the entire neighborhood goes to hell. The good people escape. Drug dealers and welfare addicts move in. The streets become dangerous. The schools become cesspools of crime, drugs, gangs and teen pregnancy. Then the landlords, who allowed this to happen, have the nerve to complain about how the neighborhood has gone downhill.

Does Detroit come to mind? The same socialist policies that destroyed the economies of Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and even France have turned Detroit into a Third World hellhole in the middle of America. Didn’t Obama say we should be more like France? Taxing, over regulating, increasing the debt, non- stop spending and an ever-growing government. Let’s take a look at our landlords.

1. President Barack Hussein Obama – charming, charismatic, narcissistic, intellectual sociopath, with disregard for our Constitution, and winner of the “Lie of the year” award

2. Vice President Joe Biden – suffers from foot in mouth disease and once said, “I never had an interest in being a Mayor ’cause that’s a real job. You have to produce. That’s why I was able to be a Senator for 36 years”.

3. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – whose oatmeal must’ve drooled out of his mouth into his eyes when he said, “The one thing we are going to do…is to ensure that women’s lives are not determined by the virtues of five white men”. The problem is only four of the Justices that sided with Hobby Lobby are white. Clarence Thomas is black.

4. House Speaker John Boehner- the “Grim Weeper” or “Town Crier” would rather drink wine, smoke cigarettes, and trash the Tea Party, then he would govern. The only balls he has is his eyeballs.

5. Attorney General Eric Holder – who has called Americans “cowards,” has enough serial abuses of justice to make any tinhorn banana republic dictator blush. He has been indicted for contempt of Congress on both felony and civil charges, has repeatedly lied under oath, and routinely turned a blind eye to laws that he is duly-bound to enforce.

Just because you don’t take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.

A U.S. Govt. survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population”.

I’ve got a lot more to say about this on my website: nobodiesopinion.com.

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow

By Miserable George

Ya know…most of us take life for granted…we go about our daily activities, not thinking anything of it. Now, we have Caleb Horvath, a three year old, who must fight for HIS life every day…he suffers from Rhabdomyosarcoma…I can’t even pronounce it…a rare form of cancer, for which he will be treated for the next 54 weeks…very painful!

Harry and Debbie, and the gang at H&D Roadhouse, in Merritt Island, set up a benefit poker run on June 8, 2014. Weather was perfect; Harry expected about 100 bikes…there were 250!! Over 70 signed in at American Legion Post 359 alone…thanks guys!!! Well over $6300 was raised from sign-ins, auctions, a 50/50, sales of various SUPER CALEB items, and, at this writing, donations were still rolling in!

Several good, live bands provided some lively entertainment, and, of course, as always…there were lovely ladies struttin’ all over the place! Like Harry said, “It doesn’t get much better than this!” The place was packed to actual over-flowing…all day and into the night! If you couldn’t make the run, a fund has been established at KSC Fed. Credit Union for Caleb…#3243514. The family thanks everyone for their generosity and well wishes. GOD Bless you Caleb, and all the bikers who went to bat for you on the run.
Ride safe…

By “Kneecap”

Roadside Tavern Bar and Grill on Nova Road in Port Orange has a history of running tremendous events. The June Crawfish Boil & Music Jam has to go down as one of the best they have ever thrown. The Roadside is perfectly designed for a large party. Up front there is a large air-conditioned lounge and a fully equipped kitchen with great food.

In the back is another large bar, plenty of seating, areas for games, room to dance, and a stage so large it should be called the band shell. I had a poker run to attend in the morning so I didn’t get there until about 2pm. When I arrived the place was packed and the people already dancing to the great music of Hayfire. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a large crowd in such a partying mood. They were dancing, playing games, singing along with the band and having a brew or two. Frank Scott from the WHOG radio station was there to MC the festivities.

There were free concerts all day. Hayfire was followed by Moccasin Creek, Michael Makepeace, ending with Jezebel’s Tattoo. However, the best part was that the proceeds benefited The Veteran’s Support Fund.

By “Kneecap”

It’s not unusual for bikers to step up to the plate when it comes to charities. On most any weekend you can find a poker run sponsoring a charity. On June 21, I had the honor of going on the “6th Annual Katelynn Stinnett National Memorial Ride for Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness”. Katelynn was a beautiful little two-year-old girl who died on December 3, 2008 after she was savagely beaten, raped and murdered by her 18 year old babysitter, Brian Crabtree. Bikers nationwide took a stand against child abuse and rode in the memory of those whose voices have been silenced. I love their motto “When she hears our pipes roar – She will spread her wings and soar”.

It was a short 50 mile ride, but had a long meaning. We started out at the Shovelhead Lounge in Longwood went to the Airport Hanger Bar in Sanford, the Foxhead Lounge in Osteen, the Cabbage Patch in Samsula, and ended at Rudy’s Crossroads in Deland, where we enjoyed live music and great chow. The proceeds were divided between the Children’s Home Society and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Daytona.

God bless our children and pray that runs like this won’t be necessary in the future.

By “Kneecap”

I always thought that without my brilliant wit and charm all those poor bartenders would be so dreadfully bored, then I met MaryAnn Muir. There’s nothing that would bore this bartender because she always has a smile and a cheerful word for anybody at the bar. She was born in Bronx, NY and raised in Woodbridge and Point Pleasant, NJ. I guess we could call her one of the Jersey shore girls, but Snooki would be jealous. She likes to brag that she is 64 years old, single and likes to party hearty. To our good fortune, MaryAnn came to Daytona in 1986. She has two kids and four grandchildren. Her daughter JoJo works as a bartender at the Foxhead Lounge in Osteen. Like her mother I guess talent for bartending runs in the family. When I did this interview she had just returned from New Orleans where she was celebrating one of her grandchild’s 21st birthday.

In 1997 she decided to ride her own bike, so she bought a 1982 Shovelhead. She now rides a 2006 Heritage Deluxe which can be seen in Cabbage Patches centerfold ad of the June issue of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine. She’s known for not doing anything halfway so she became a Boozette in the Boozefighters MC #68 “a nonprofit organization that raises money to help vets, children and the poor”.and a road captain for the Lonesome Losers.

She been a bartender for the past eight years at the Cabbage Patch Bar jn Samsula. She also worked at Pub 44 for three years.

The only flaw that I found in her is that proves the old adage “You can take the girl out of the North but you can’t take the North out of the girl”. She’s a big New York Giants and New York Yankees fan.

Stop by and help her root for her teams. They need all the help they can get.

By Lulu

Florida’s own Big Engine has a new album ready for release on August 19, 2014 through Pavement/MRI/SonyRED. After having three very successful self released CDs, Big Engine is now going to have ‘Shot Like A Rocket’, a 14 song album available throughout the United States and Europe through one of the biggest distribution companies, MRI/SonyRED.

“We are really excited to be with Pavement Entertainment”, says lead singer/guitarist Tony Mikus. “They like what we do and haven’t tried to change anything about us. We are looking forward to seeing what they can make happen with the new album. Having Major Label distribution with MRI/SonyRED is something we have been hoping would happen for a long time.”

A ‘Florida Coast To Coast Release Party Weekend’ happens August 22nd and 23rd at The Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona Beach and then August 24th at High Octane Saloon in Homosassa, Fl. Tony adds, “Thanks to The Boot Hill Saloon, High Octane Saloon, and Twisted Tea, it’s a three day long release party!”

If you are one of the few not familiar with Big Engine, take a look at their Facebook or website, www.bigengine.com. This band is all over the United States!

By Lulu

Just arrived in Sturgis, prior to the big rally rolling into town. If you get a chance to attend the 75th next year I suggest you come into town a week early or stay a week past the event. The sleepy little town of 6,000 is so unique in a Mayberry type way when all of the rowdy bikers are not here. The local diners are filled with real cowboys and folks who have lived here their entire life. The views are amazing and the roadways not clogged with traffic. The real time to take it all in is before the mega motorcycle party. I was able to locate the brick I had laid in memory of Bull Connors, the original owner of Thunder Roads Florida and of course that was a sad memory.

I am here helping the Easyrider Saloon do their staffing and preparations for Sturgis #74. My stay in Sturgis is one month!!! After the initial 2 weeks of prepping for the rally I will be tending bar here with the Rally girls and it should be one hell of a party. If you are coming up from Florida come by and say hi!

The only thing I am wishing is that I had a bike up here. We came up on short notice and flew into Rapid City. The last time I was here I had my own little Sportster and had such a wonderful time. This trip is work, work, and more work! Not that there hasn’t been at least one night of toilet hugging!! You have to do a little bit of partying while here right?

Start saving for Sturgis 75th, ride a road less traveled and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Lulu

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I was blessed with an opportunity to work a vendor’s booth in Washington, D.C. during the Run to the Wall in May. Having participated in the ride a few years ago with Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 out of Port Orange, I knew what an awe inspiring event this rally is and how important it is to give respect and tribute to the veterans that protect our freedom, often giving their lives or enduring great emotional turmoil as a result of their time spent in the service.

The makers of Bayer, Aleve and Alka-Seltzer set up a booth on vendors row and have people meet and greet the veterans or their families, and to dole out free samples of their products. Since many of the folks coming up to the booth have spent days on the seat of their motorcycles they definitely have aches and pains…and many were happy to have the chewable Alka-Seltzer for on the road and a handful of Bayer and Aleve for pain relief. It’s really commendable when a large company takes time and money to celebrate an event like this for our vets!!!

I was able to catch a ride on the parade from the Pentagon parking lot to the Vietnam Wall with Frenchy from France. There isn’t a more moving sound than when the bikes throttle up to make the short trip past the capitol and down to the Wall. Thousands line the streets waving flags and blowing kisses to these vets and the Gold Star Moms.

The Gold Star Mother’s on the lead bikes will certainly leave you in tears when they talk about the loss of their children. One of the mothers’ from Palm Coast, Florida son was one of the hundred veterans that lost his life once back in the U.S. due to poor quality care by the V.A. He asked for help for his post traumatic stress and was given a distant appointment; he hung himself before medical intervention was provided. She has been a spokesperson before the Senate and is lobbying for change. You would hope that once back in the U.S. these boys and girls would be safe and able to get adequate medical intervention.

The work of Rolling Thunder within the local communities and nationally is never ending and with far reaching. If you want to get involved with an organization this is the one I would urge you to ride with.

By Deborah Speicher

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For some people Memorial Day brings to mind a three-day weekend, barbeques, a day at the beach, and the Indy 500. What should be remembered is the reason for this holiday, which is to thank the veterans of this country and the families of those who have fallen.

After the Civil War, people began to realize that those who had lost their lives in the war had not been honored properly. There are many different stories of how Memorial Day was started. One was that on May 5, 1865, librated slaves in Charleston took the union solders from a mass grave and gave them proper burials. The other was to have taken place on May 5, 1866, in the town of Waterloo, NY. All of the shops closed for the day, flags flew at half-mast, and flowers and flags were placed on the graves of their local war veterans. Regardless of when and where it started, the people of this nation realized the need to honor those who paid the ultimate price. By 1868 it became a more united and national event. May 30 of each year thereafter would be “Decoration Day” and would later become known as Memorial Day; ultimately evolving into a three-day weekend at the end of every May.

Every Memorial Day, Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) holds a ceremony to honor those buried there and their families. Even in times of high gas prices and economic turmoil, the Florida motorcycle communities were out in full force to support this event. Several military riding organizations participated. With approximately 400 bikes, the largest group riding into the cemetery was the Defenders MC (Tampa Bay Chapter). The Defenders MC is a group comprised of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency services and public safety professionals.

The Defenders’ ride was led by Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook, USMC (Ret.). Colonel Rook has coordinated and led this ride for the past several years. Local HOG and other riding groups were invited to join the Defenders for this ride. Thanks to a police escort and the excellent road captains from the Defenders MC, this 30+ mile ride went off without a hitch.

The ceremony had many poignant speakers, patriotic music and a “missing man” flyover by Ye Mystic Air Krewe. While the actual meaning and traditions of Memorial Day may have been forgotten by some people, those attending the ceremony came out to remember, honor and salute those who had defended our country as well as to those currently keeping our country and citizens safe. This year, the group “Flags for Fallen Veterans” and a couple of thousand volunteers made sure that 120,000+ flags were placed on the grave sites. A big THANK YOU to this group and all the volunteers that came out the day before to make this happen.