If you live in Florida and have any news of shop openings/closings or relocating, nuns getting married or your favorite mechanic moving to a new location, drop me a line at SunDancer1@cfl.rr.com.

On August 20, about a hundred of us attended a ride for Paula Crowe, a police officer in Tavares who is battling breast cancer. And for the first time in all the years of going to these poker runs, I actually won best hand! The prize was a $100 gift certificate to a little Irish pub and restaurant in the same town. Now I’m not crazy about all Irish fare but do enjoy good fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage. So a week or so later, a friend and I decided we’d treat ourselves to dinner and take advantage of my gift certificate. Let me just say that when you walk into a restaurant on a Saturday night and there’s no one in the place but you and one bartender/server, you should just turn around and walk right back out. I know now why this place willingly gave out the dinner offering. My dinner was cold and tasteless and when I sent it back the waitress sarcastically told me that the chef had been there for 15 years! I really didn’t care how long he’d been there—I just wanted a good dinner that came out hot and tasty. Even after the restaurant’s second attempt, the food was just as inedible and the server’s attitude became even worse. I think maybe I’ll just go back and use the remaining $40 on cold beer—no, wait! The Irish serve their beer warm. I’m just not going to win at this either way… On Sunday, August 28, friends of Karen Leskowyak put together a poker run to help her with mounting medical bills brought on by her battle with breast cancer. About 80 riders showed up at OB’s in Deland to drop their cash and take the ride that ended at Shovelhead’s in Longwood. After the dust settled, the auction was done and the cash was counted, it was presented to Karen who was brought to tears, expressing her appreciation and love to all that came out to support her. Although the Chrome Angels were unable to make the poker run due to church and other morning commitments, we were on hand for the after-party and had already been in contact with Karen months earlier to provide our support… The first of what is planned to be an annual event took place over Labor Day weekend at the famous Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach. A huge classic car show encompassed Saturday, and on Sunday, classic and custom bikes. The event was hosted by Willie’s Tropical Tattoo and turned out to be a huge success both days. I didn’t make it Saturday but on Sunday, their entire property was full of bikes and riders. The staff was a little overworked but they were getting good practice for the upcoming Biketoberfest. There were a few vendors open but unfortunately not enough food options with many heading next door to the gas station for a Subway sandwich. Three good bands, 3-Headed Stepchild, JeNDeR and Big Engine provided the entertainment. Unfortunately after the trophies were awarded, the crowd dwindled and left Big Engine playing to a much smaller audience… On September 10, the Chrome Angels hosted a benefit poker run for Debra Stewart. Deb had been in a four-year struggle with breast cancer and needed some financial assistance from those of us in the riding community. Starting at American V-Twin on North International Drive, the ride made stops at Betty’s Laughing Horse Saloon, Orlando Harley East and Bottlecaps before rolling into the Nam Knights clubhouse in east Orlando. Unfortunately, Deb was not able to be present to enjoy the ride. She lost her battle on August 24 after fighting as hard as humanly possible. I met Deb last year after our annual Pink Ribbons for Life event and although I didn’t know her well, I liked what I knew and appreciated her strong spirit. My condolences go to her friends and family in the loss of this special lady… Some of you reading this may remember a promise I made at a benefit held for me after my accident. My plans were to set up an annual benefit to help other bikers in need of help due to an accident. My plan was to hold the run on November 13; the anniversary of the day over 200 riders came out to help me. Unfortunately, I’m still not back 100 percent and will be heading to California early in November for another surgery on facial nerves. I will be seeing a world-renowned specialist and I’m thankful to the Good Lord for bringing this about. But I’m nervous as well. So, the Pay It Back Run will not take place in November. Instead it will be held Sunday, February 19, at Cowboys Country Music Lounge and one of the best bands around, JeNDeR, will be performing. More to come on that… I’ll close by letting you know that I recently heard about a new motorcycle repair shop called Hog Town down in Kissimmee, run by a fellow who’s a certified H-D mechanic. A friend of mine took his bike there and said he was very pleased with the work as well as a very reasonable hourly rate. The shop is located off Old Tampa Highway at 4421 Tami Lane. If you’re down in that area, stop in and check out the place or give ‘em a call at 407.483.9100 concerning service on your bike… And another good place to stop by is a new consignment shop called Enter the Cool Zone over in Winter Park at 671 W. Fairbanks Avenue. I stopped in to say hi and check out the shop and was warmly greeted by the owner, Bob Boyer. They take in riding gear, some parts and other miscellaneous items and the consignment rate is very fair as well. Until next time, ride safe, care for one another and God Bless.