November marks the end of hurricane season here and after this year, we certainly are happy about that. Even the most seasoned riders didn’t venture out in Hurricane Irma’s fury when she paid us a visit in September. Her decision to drop by caused some difficulties but the 3rd annual Rockin’ for Awareness (PTSD) benefit on Sunday, September 17, still took place. The attendance was much less than expected and I’m guessing because many people were still cleaning up their homes. There was a nice showing of vendors and the adult beverage stop was handled by the Green Swamp Chapter of the Nam Knights. I love to stop by their location because I always get some hugs to accompany my cold drink… Unfortunately, the Pirate Fest weekend hosted by Lake County ABATE was postponed… Earlier in the month on September 2, Daytona’s Main Street took on a tropical flair with the Island Rum Fest. Ironically the festivities are sponsored by attorneys and has been a popular end of summer celebration since 2005. This is not solely a biker event but you know if it‘s involving fun, music and adult refreshments and it’s on Main Street there are going to be riders there. Stages were set up along the street and in the popular watering holes for entertainment while bartenders concocted libations to keep the party going… A week later on the 9th, Orlando Harley South in Kissimmee hosted the 13th annual USO Ride to Support Deployed Troops. This popular police-escorted ride left the dealership around 10:30 a.m. for a nice ride through the less populated areas. The pre-party on the 8th offered food, music and fellowship and replaced the normal after-ride party. Proceeds supply care packages to military troops around the world… On the 24th the JC Road Dogs held their monthly lunch ride to the Plaza Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Mt. Dora after their morning church service. This month the day’s proceeds were donated to Adam Becker, a young man who was in a motorcycle accident earlier this year. In the accident Adam broke his leg, ruptured his spleen and suffered a collapsed lung. Needless to say, he needed a lot of encouragement and prayers and the Road Dogs can certainly help with that. These lunch rides are always a lot of fun and are held to help someone in the community that needs financial and emotional support… That same day, one of my favorite Daytona biker bars, historic Main Street Station, was hosting a Pet-A-Palooza with canines lined up to get cool water from the bartender and some love from the rest of us. You just never know what you might find on Main Street—there’s always at least a few bikes, bikers and those in between. And if you’re in the Central Florida area and like to take a ride and find some mischief to get into, stop at the Roadside Tavern on Nova Road in Volusia County. That’s been a busy place lately all summer with wine tastings, benefit runs, ride-in bike shows on the 3rd Sunday of the month, Bloody Mary Sunday Fundays, and Saturday night steak nights. So, if you’re in the area, make sure to stop by this very biker-friendly spot—you won’t be disappointed. That’s about it for this month. Stay safe, take care of each other and God bless.
