Archives

BILLY LANE’S SONS OF SPEED by Miserable George

The action at this year’s Biketoberfest Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed vintage Motorcycle Races, at New Smyrna Speedway, began on a note of sadness, at the announcement of the passing of racer Mark Hanna this past June…the race was dedicated to Mark…

      This race was held under the lights, which caused a “slight” problem for me, in as much as I didn’t want to use my camera flash shooting the  riders in action on the track. Making adjustments to the different race situations proved to be quite a chore, so I set what I figured would be a good “mean” setting…BUT…I was wrong, so some of the action is a bit blurred…please bear with me…OK?

There was yet another touch of sadness at the news of Brittney Olsen’s retirement from active motorcycle racing…always loved to watch that little girl race…she was GOOD too, although this last time out…she failed to score a final win. Good luck, Brittney…!!!

It was touch and go with the weather all evening, as we experienced some drizzle during the race…an all-out shower coming just after the final lap!!!!

The winners were:

45” Class…E-bay Jake
Stock 61” Class…ROXY HANNA!!!
Hot 61” Class…E-bay Jake.

It was a safe event…no spills. Air was a bit cooler, so the bikes ran a bit better too.

AS always, I wanna thank Billy Lane and his wife Erin for their awesome hospitality, as well as some of the crew members for their information during the action. Looking forward to Bike Week, 2020 and the next Sons of Speed event…

Miserable George

 

JOEY FANTASTIC ….1949-2019 by Miserable George

Joey Fantastic joined his late wife, Christine, on that eternal ride along the Golden Road, on September 10, 2019. Joey was one of a kind…that’s the best way I could describe him. Although not a close personal friend…we were friends for many years. I never heard a harsh word spoken about him…he was loved by everyone. Rest in Peace, Joey…you will be missed by all who knew you. Christine and you are together again…forever…
On October 12, a crowd gathered at the MOB to pay their last respects to Joey Fantastic, and, send him on his way…

Miserable George

Cacklebery…and…Cabbage Patch by Miserable George

OK, ValGal asked me to come up to Cacklebery on Friday of Biketoberfest to kind of ”back her up”, as it were…!!! I couldn’t stay very long, because I wanted to cover the Sons of Speed Vintage MC Race at New Smyrna Speedway, just down the road. I hooked up with Jackman, and we crossed over to the Cabbage Patch for some chow and to have a look around over there, till it was time to head for the speedway. Weather was kind of “iffy”, with occasional “drippies”, but, we persevered.  Biketoberfest was fast coming to an end for this old boy!!! Not as energetic as I used to be!!! But, we had fun…that’s what counts. See ya around!!!

Miserable George

NAM  KNIGHTS…Run to the Legions by Miserable George

 Although there were a few scattered showers in the area, the weather was almost perfect for the “Run to the Legions”, sponsored by the Nam Knights of Brevard County. The run started at 359-200-348-1, and ended back at 359, where the live band, “Mid-life Crisis” entertained the large crowd. There was a Bike Show, food, 50/50, a Liquor Basket raffle, dancing, lots of cold stuff to go around, AND,  a whole host of good lookin’ ladies. I mean…what ELSE do you need…??? Folks, if you want a fun afternoon, keep track of the biker events at Post 359, on US#1, just north of Pinto’s Lounge. Remember our troops, and stand up for your country…hope to see ya’all out there soon…

Miserable George

ValGal’s Pic’s

WRECKING CREW…Grand reopening by Miserable George

September 28, 2019, was a busy day for us. It was Post 359 in the afternoon, then, down to Melbourne to the Wrecking Crew MC, for their grand RE-opening of a new clubhouse on Avenue “B”, just off Babcock, at 8PM.

Nice crowd, with several clubs represented. Tasty burgers and dogs were being grilled out front, and several other items were donated and brought in. I tell ya folks….those baked beans were fabulous…something different!!!

There was a toast for all the Bros and Sisters who showed up to support the Wrecking Crew…adult beverages, food, babes, and AC in the clubhouse…good combination for a hot summer night in Brevard County.

We’d like to thank Shawn Marshall and the whole crew for their hospitality…a perfect way to cap off a busy day. Hope to see ya next time…

Miserable George

Florida Veteran Dies Alone 2,000+ Show Up to Support at His Funeral

motorcycle group carries American flags during an open funeral service for U.S. Army veteran Edward K. Pearson Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at the Sarasota National Cemetary in Sarasota, Fla. (Chris O’Meara/AP)

Today was a day 2000+ people showed up from all over Florida to honor and show respect for a veteran with no family… As reported by Tamara Lush, with The Associated Press.

They came on rumbling Harley Davidsons and in sleek Mercedes. They walked into the service with the aid of canes and service dogs. Women clasped bouquets of white flowers. Men gripped American flags large and small.

Cemetery officials say it’s not uncommon for veterans to die — and be buried — without family. Volunteer groups, such as the Patriot Guard Riders, regularly attend such services. Some in the crowd on Tuesday said they attend veterans’ funerals at several cemeteries in Florida.
Pearson would have been overwhelmed by the thousands who stood in the heat to send him off on Tuesday,
“I think he would have just totally been in tears,” she said. “He’s looking down and probably crying his heart out.”
News of the ceremony at an open-air pavilion area at the Sarasota National Cemetery spread fast and wide in veterans’ forums and on social media networks.

For many in the region — a place with thousands of retirees and veterans — it was impossible to think they wouldn’t attend.
“You know what? There’s no way I’m going to let him do this alone,” said Willie Bowman, 62, a Purple Heart recipient and career Army veteran. “I’ve never met the man. But he’s a veteran and he’s a brother of mine.”

FAMILY FUN DAY by Miserable George

Family Fun Day at the Vet’s Center on Merritt Island, Sept.21, a beautiful Saturday, included the Great All-American Chili Cook-off. It was the First Responders against the Veteran’s Organizations…a friendly competition between two tremendously  important groups. Who won, you ask…? Well, all we got was “Sandy”…we wish someone might enlighten us further as to which group she belonged to…so sorry, a slip-up on our part. There was food, Doc Holiday, a dunk tank, some games, and of course, you could tour the great Vet’s Museum. I got a chance to see, in person, a section of the U.S.S. Arizona, from Pearl Harbor, 1941. It will be on public display very soon. All in all, a very pleasing day…this event promises to be a very worthwhile one, please keep it in mind. I think it will grow…Thanks to all who participated…hope to see you all next year, and, THANK a First Responder and a Veteran today….

Miserable George & ValGal

American Legion Reunion by Valgal with Photos by Miserable George

What better way to spend a great day than at Fox Lake Park enjoying the American Legion Reunion hosted by Post 359? Brotherhood was thick at this event, friends that ride gathered with friends that don’t and spent the day talking about old times and new… I love feeling safe and welcome when I go to events where there are a lot of people I don’t know… Everyone made us (Miserable George) feel very welcome… Thank You all for a great time and awesome food! I hope everyone enjoys our photos and if you want some let us know…

~ Valgal