As Daytona Bike Week 2010 festivities came to a close, the third annual Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Biker Fusion event is being heralded as the rallies most successful and talked about charity events. The third installment of the prominent gathering, notorious for bringing the industry leaders and enthusiasts together for a great cause, has once again proved that the motorcycle community not only has great bikes but also big hearts. They raised almost $10,000 total, which will be sent to Soldier’s Angels and Post 911 Foundation.
An impressive list of world-class builders, industry elite and media gathered at the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street Daytona to raise funds for Soldiers’ Angels. A volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the U.S. military as well as veterans and their families, Soldiers’ Angels go to great lengths to demonstrate care and concern for those who daily fight for our freedom and safety.
Special hosts at this year’s celebration included Major General (retired) USAF, David Scott and Master Sergeant U.S. Army Special Forces, Scott Neil. Bert Baker, of Baker Drivetrain and Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods were the evening’s emcees, directing the night’s festivities.
A highlight of the evening’s celebration included a presentation of the Special Ops Sidehack built specifically for wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy Camargo. A Special Forces soldier paralyzed by a gunshot wound while serving in Afghanistan, Romy has achieved a number of personal freedoms others take for granted, but one major hurdle remains- once again feeling the wind in his hair from a motorcycle. As a result, Romy’s friend, Special Forces teammate and custom bike builder, Izzy Izquierdo along with three additional Special Forces brothers created a bike/sidecar combination just for Romy. Funds for the bike were raised by the Post 911 Foundation.
Special Ops Sidehack
Romy is presented the Special Ops Sidehack
Preceeding the event, Romy was accompanied by a large assembly of motorcyclists and a police escort from Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson Beach Street Daytona store to the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse amongst the cheers and applause of thousands of bikers there to offer their support to the war hero.
The smile says it all.
The night’s additional festivities included a live auction with proceeds going to Soldiers’ Angels. A number of renowned builders were also on the scene such as Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Izzy Izquierdo, Matt Hotch, Cory Ness, Athena Ransom, Bryan Fuller, Kyle Shorey and Matt Olsen. The night’s revelry was all set amidst artwork in the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse by Mike Lichter, Sara Liberte, Paul Cox, Peter Grant, Jeff Cochran and Buck Wild.
left to right: Mandy Rossmeyer, Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe, Ken Conte, Carrie Repp, Mike Cole, Andy George, Dar Holdsworth, Kyle Shorey, Bryan Fuller, Donny Loos, Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Kris Krome, Athena Ransom, Matt Hotch and Rollin Carroll. photo credit: Michael Lichter Photography
Sponsors for this year’s event included the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse, Hot Leathers, Bare Knuckle Choppers, R&R Promotions, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, Spectro Oil, Baker Drivetrain, K&G Cycles, Rise Above Consulting, Limpnickielot.com, Intrepid Powerboats, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping.com, and Lefty Brothers Cycles.
A good time with a purpose, this year’s Biker Fusion event proved to be a celebration of compassion and philanthropy amongst the motorcycle industry. Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion has quickly become an industry staple and will continue raising support for our troops for years to come. To learn more about the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse visit them online at www.hrroadhouse.com.
I’ve been hearing this girl’s name thrown around a lot lately, and I confess I didn’t have the slightest clue who she was…but from what I’ve seen and read she’s nothing short of impressive. And *so* adorable!
She will be performing tonight on the Jay Leno show if you’re interested in seeing her shred it up!
Guitar Vixen, Orianthi, Set to Dazzle during Chip’s 2010 Rally Week Lineup Sturgis, SD
Rowdy Chipsters and hard core rockers won’t want to miss this. Orianthi, the music industry’s most talked about guitar sensation, is scheduled to play the Legendary Buffalo Chip on Tuesday, August 10 during Sturgis Rally Week 2010. With her cascading blonde locks and cherry red electric guitar, the 24 year old prodigy combines sex appeal and natural talent to create a show-stopping musical experience.
Guitar vixen, Orianthi
Most recognizable as the fierce and sassy guitarist in Michael Jackson’s “This Is It’ documentary concert-film, Orianthi Panagaris was chosen amongst a wide selection of qualified contenders as the lead guitarist for his “This Is It” tour. When
offered the gig in Jackson’s band, Orianthi joined a prestigious line of guitar players including Eddie Van Halen, Santana, Slash, Steve Stevens, Jennifer Batten and Larry Carlton.
In addition she has also opened for industry great, Steve Vai; backed up celebrated country crooner, Carrie Underwood; traded solos with the legendary Carlos Santana and has jammed with music moguls Prince and ZZ Top.
Get to know Orianthi
Her journey began at the age 6 when Orianthi picked up one of her father’s guitars in her hometown of Adelaide, Australia. Teaching herself, she learned guitar from watching Santana videos. She later got the opportunity to meet him when he came to Adelaide. The two had a sound check jam that resulted in an invitation to join him on stage. Inspired by the distinctive, hard-edged sounds of Whitesnake, Van Halen and Def Leppard she has been turning heads ever since.
While audiences consider her look and stage presence striking, industry legend Carlos Santana insists that it’s her talent that separates her from the pack. “She’s a level now where … all of us are going to be cheering for her because it’s not
cute anymore. It’s seriously ass whooping. She can chop it up. I don’t know if I’m going to be doing this for …how long…well if I’m going to pass the baton to someone, she would be my first choice.”
Known for rocking it out and shredding it up, Orianthi is notorious for her killer riffs and anthemic rock tracks. As nimble fingers with nails painted black tirelessly assault the frets of the guitar that she lovingly refers to as “Pepper”, Orianthi is proving to the world that she is clearly the next big thing in rock and roll.
Orianthi joins Kid Rock, ZZ Top, Jason Aldean, Disturbed, Tesla, The Doobie Brothers, Dave Mason and Williams & Ree for the phenomenal Buffalo Chip 2010 Sturgis Rally Week lineup. More information and reservations are available at buffalochip.com or by calling 605-347-9000.
OK, so the Dropkick Murphys are not necessarily motorcycle-related but they ARE St. Patrick’s Day appropriate and another Boston treasure for me to share with you guys.
The DMs started off as an Irish-punk band about 14 years ago (in my hometown Quincy, MA), playing small hole in the wall clubs in and outside of Boston. With constant touring they built up a core audience and started their unique tradition of playing a week-long string of St. Patrick’s Day shows, complete with bagpipes and Irish step dancers, which for the past 10 years have been the most popular tickets in town.
Dropkick Murphys
They gained a larger audience in Boston when in 2004 they re-recorded an old Boston Red Sox song called “Tessie,” which happened to be the same year the Red Sox won the world series for the first time in 86 years. Then you couldn’t go to a DMs show without it being an asshole convention…I mean, being filled with loving sportsfans waiting to hear that song.
In 2006 the Dropkicks gained national attention when the gritty, Irish-mob movie The Departed, directed by Martin Scorcese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, used the song “I‘m Shipping Up to Boston” on the soundtrack. And tying it back to the Red Sox, that song became the walk-out song of Red Sox closing pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, who would dance an Irish jig to the song several times throughout the 2007 Red Sox Championship season. During the team’s victory parade through Boston, Papelbon did the jig while the Murphys played the song on the same float.
So, there’s your little history lesson about the Dropkick Murphys. Now enjoy this song, “The Dirty Glass”.
Since the countdown is on to St. Patty’s day (and the only time of the year that I actually drink a Guinness and eat a boiled dinner), I thought it fitting to throw a light on Boston-based custom shop, Irish Choppers.
Irish Choppers, Boston MA
Irish Choppers, Irish Proud
Irish Choppers was founded by Mickey Stevens in 2004, blending the love of his Irish heritage with the motorcycle lifestyle. They specialize in custom choppers as well as enhancing existing customer bikes. They also offer Celtic-themed motorcycle parts, their own line of apparel and accessories, as well as full custom builds.
Feelin’ Lucky?
One of the bikes they’re famous for is “Lady Luck” a complete Irish-themed, old school chopper. From their website: Lady Luck is Irish Choppers radical-themed bobber powered by a 100 cubic inch show polished motor. This bike is a definite head turner and is a perfect blend of that old school look with new school style.
"Lady Luck"by Irish Choppers photo by Forrest Frazier http://www.ffphoto.com
Detail of family crest on Irish Choppers "Lady Luck"
recipe for an Irish Car Bomb on Irish Choppers "Lady Luck"
Teardrop tank detail, "Lady Luck"by Irish Choppers photo by Forrest Frazier http://www.ffphoto.com
For more information about “Lady Luck” or to view their other customs, “Smugglers Blues” and the “New England Chopper” check out their website: http://irishchoppers.com
They travel quite a bit and you will find them at most major motorcycle events, like the Laconia Bike Rally and most recently at Daytona, as well as appearing with their bikes at Irish pubs & festivals around the country. Check out their calendar to see if they’ll be appearing someplace near you. In the mean time, raise a pint in their honor.
Max Factor Maxi Moist lipstick commercial featuring Erin Gray
Wow, this commercial just screams the late 70’s! You gotta love the music…
Oh, and if you’re wondering who the H is Erin Gray? She was Wilma in Buck Rogers and the 25th Century and Kate in Silver Spoons. I guess you’d only know those shows if you grew up in the 80’s…
Thirty years after the Runaways, Joan Jett still f-ing ROCKS my socks off!
The Runaways movie, starring Kristen Stewart (yes, Bella from the movie Twilight) as Joan Jett, comes out this summer. It will no doubt succeed in exposing a brand new generation to a band that was assembled waaay before their time.
Hello world, I’m your wild girl!
Joan was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno the other night. She performed the classic song “Cherry Bomb”, talked a little bit about motorcycles, the movie and the band.
If she’s the benchmark for life as a 51 one year old then sign me up! So what if there’s so much botox in her face that it barely moves…
Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, Theo Rossi and Dayton Callie Kick Start Their Engines on USO Entertainment Tour to Persian Gulf to visit troops and boost morale
This spring Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, Theo Rossi and Dayton Callie of the FX drama “Sons of Anarchy” will soon deploy to the Persian Gulf for an eight-day USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. The first USO tour for all four actors, the cast mates will spend time with troops, sign autographs and pose for photos.
Dayton Callie, stars as ‘Chief Wayne Unser’ and is best known for his role as ‘Charlie Utter’ on the HBO series “Deadwood”
Kim Coates, stars as ‘Alex (Tig) Trager’ and is most recognized for his roles in the Academy Award-winning films “Blackhawk Down” and “Pearl Harbor”
Mark Boone Junior, stars as ‘Robert (Bobby) Munson’ and has appeared in box office hits “Batman Begins,” “Armageddon” and “2 Fast 2 Furious”
Theo Rossi, stars as ‘Jean Carlos (Juice) Ortiz’ and has made appearances in such feature films as “Code Breakers,” “Last Resort” and “Cloverfield”
You have to give Harley-Davidson credit for being tenacious. When they see an opportunity for potential growth, they go after it like a pitbull in a dog fight. Women motorcyclists have been the fastest growing demographic in the motorcycle world and now make up 23 percent of riders on the road.
An HD Garage Party attendee learns the proper way to pick up a motorcycle.
We ladies already have the month of May as “Women Riders Month” and now March is “National Garage Party Month,” which encourage thousands of women across the country to learn to ride. These events are for women only, hosted by hundreds of HD dealerships, offering seminars, basic information and hands-on tips (like learning how to pick up a fallen motorcycle). You can also shop for all the gear you’ll need to ride safely and of course, find the right HD for your personal style.
During March, enter online or attend a Garage Party™ event at participating H-D® dealers for a chance to win a weekend getaway in L.A. with three girlfriends and America’s wellness expert and H-D rider Jillian Michaels.
H-D rider Jillian Michaels
The weekend will feature participation in the H-D Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Jillian on how to live a better, healthier life. Enter the Sweepstakes.
*Rippin-Kitten.com is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. We’re just passing along the message. If you have any questions, please visit H-D’s National Garage Party Month Sweepstakes page.
U.K’s Department of Transport’s THINK! campaign produced this public service announcement telling drivers to watch out for motorcyclists
Research suggested that drivers who personally know a biker are more respectful of motorcycles on the road—hence the garish neon signs, which make it seem like you know these people. Motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers.
Hi, my name is Tom. I'm a Gemini, I like walks on the beach and I ride a motorcycle. Please don't kill me.
The ad was created by AMV and BBDO and did a really good job of communicating the human element of this advisory without excessive sentimentalism.
The new THINK! motorcycles strategy is supported by national communications campaigns aimed at drivers and motorcyclists. The national campaign divides into two strands of communications by getting:
Car drivers to notice motorcyclists on the road by thinking more about the person riding the motorcycle.
Motorcyclists to take steps to manage and reduce their own personal risk.
Well, the landscape of season three Sons of Anarchy news is fairly barren…barren like Death Valley. But, if you’re jonesing for any kind of SoA-related news, then I got what you need.
Kurt Sutter posts an SoA FAQ
Since Mr. Sutter is heavily involved in social networking these days and making himself so accessible to his fans, he hears the same questions over and over and over and over and over and over…well you get the idea. So, he decided to compile a list of FAQ’s to hopefully squelch some of those questions. You can read them over at SutterInk.
As it’s an ever-growing list I can think of one more question he should add to that list pronto: Ever thought of making Jax’s dad’s journal into an actual book?
Kurt, do yourself a favor and add that to the FAQ! (BTW-the answer to that is this: John Teller’s journal/biography is an ever-evolving document. It won’t be finished until the series ends. Then maybe it will get published.)
New SoA merchandise available
Too many sleazebags have been pirating Sons of Anarchy merchandise. Get the real stuff instead. FX added some new items to FX’s SoA store and it’s worth checking out.
top row: SoA Zippo $29.95, Samcro hoodie $42.95, SoA bandana $11.95, Men’s Teller/Morrow tee $24.95
bottom row: “Property of Redwood Original” women’s tee $24.95, Reaper Crew baseball cap $22.00, Charming Born & Bred tee $24.95
Did you know?
I doubt there are many of you that are Twilight fans, but did you know that the author of the books, Stephanie Meyer, really really wanted Charlie Hunnam (Jax Teller) to play Carlisle Cullen?
On her website she said: “Second only to Edward on my “passionately decided” list is Carlisle’s character. My favorite: Charlie Hunnam. The reason this actor was able to get such a hold on me was his work as the title character in Nicholas Nickleby. He pretty much was Carlisle in that movie.”
Hmm, well I think we’re all glad that didn’t happen!
fun in photoshop: what the cast of Twilight *could* have looked like...yeah, it looks weird to me, too.
Help Kurt Sutter reach his goal
Kurt Sutter put the call out recently: by the season 3 premier he would like 50,000 fans on his Facebook page and 12,000 on Twitter. Ok, people. You have a mission. Get going.
