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Check out DixieBiker's 2008 kick off party.
We ain’t gonna tell y’all what to do and what not to do. If you ride a motorcycle you must have some kinda sense and know what’s right an’ what’s wrong. If you don’t, you normally won’t be ridin’ too long - you’ll be dead. Instead, we’re gonna tell ya some do’s and don’ts. The sad part is that you already know the don’ts. Unfortunately, during Rallies, after too many adult beverages or when the testosterone gets too heavy in the group, some tend to do some really stupid things. Our list of don’ts is made up of things that will ruin your trip to Daytona Beach. Our list of do’s is made up of things that will enhance your trip to Daytona Beach.
First up, don’t spend your money anyplace that discriminates against any Biker. If they have a sign up that says “No colors” that means they’re discriminatin’ against bikers. No Colors is not biker friendly. Spend your money where all bikers are welcome. We don’t belong to any Club or motorcycle organization, but we can't believe
bikers still support so called “Biker Bars” that discriminate against some bikers. Today they discriminate against “them,” tomorrow it may be you. For an excellent editorial to make you think on the subject, check out Wile E's article: http://www.dixiebiker.com/whithous.html
Don’t speed on A1A in Daytona Beach Shores. It says 35 mph. Go 33 mph. Better yet, head a little west to Peninsula Drive and go south that way. If you go 36 mph and get pulled over. . .
Don’t argue with law enforcement personnel. You’ll lose every time during special events. They don’t have time to put up with any excess shit and they’ll just arrest you for resisting arrest to shut you up. Charges will probably be dropped but that’s after you’ve been booked, had to make bail, get your bike outta impoundment, etc. Accept what you get and fight it later. By the way, we’re in Dixie. Say “Yes, Sir and No, Sir (or Ma’am).” It’s proper even if you think they’re an asshole. Being polite, just like being non-confrontational, goes a long way with law enforcement personnel.
Don’t do burn outs on any public road. Same with stunts, racin' or other stupid things on a motorcycle. Guaranteed to get you pulled over quickly. Not cuz you’re doin’ ‘em, but because you’re endangerin’ others. If you endanger someone other than your own silly-ass self, the police will pull ya over in a second. As it should be. Wanna do a burn out? Do it in the burn out pit.
Don’t be an idiot on Main Street. Burn outs, revving, jump starts, etc. will get you pulled into side streets and arrested very quickly. You’re endangering others - mostly locals, not bikers.
Don’t ask someone to “Show me your tits.” Under Florida law, you can be arrested for solicitation. That’d be a bummer.
Don’t show your _______ (insert tits, ass, dicks, etc.). You’re subject to immediate arrest under Florida Statute or City Ordinances. Fines up to $500.
Don’t park your bike out back at the Iron Horse Saloon. Matter-a-fact, don't go there. They have No Colors signs posted. That's not biker friendly. If you do visit, park out front or next door. Those bridges full of people above the bikes? Great place to hang-out, but people spit, flip cigarette butts, spill drinks, etc. over the bridge. Not maliciously, just a normal occurrence. Budweiser and Coca Cola work wonders on paint and billet aluminum; cigarette butts burn holes in vinyl and plastic seats quickly. Vomit stains and stinks. Urine - oh, never mind. Park out front or just do what we do - ride on by.
Don’t touch. ‘Specially the three “B’s” - bikes, babes and beer. It’s simple: “If it ain’t yours, don’t touch.” Or you’ll be touched. You won’t like it. You’ll be in the Emergency Room at Ormond Memorial or Halifax Hospital instead of drinkin’ beer and hangin’ out with your Bros.
Don’t give the security guys a hard time. They’re just like you an’ me and they’re doin’ a hard job while we’re havin’ a good time.
Don’t drink and ride/drive. Each year we have several deaths and many injuries during Bike Week - this year's tally is now at twenty (as of March 19, 2006). Many of these are alcohol related. Look out for each other. If your Bro’s had too many, don’t let him ride. If for no other reason, do it for selfish reasons. If he gits in an accident, you’re gonna hafta be at the hospital; you’re gonna hafta take care of his bike; you’re gonna be diggin’ in your wallet to pay towin’ charges; etc. Please, just don’t do it. If you’ve had too many, don’t ride it. Park it. If your bro's had too many, don't let him ride.
And now the fun part:
Do have a great time. That’s what it’s all about. The ridin’; the people; the places; the music. The everything. Plus no snow; no job; no one gittin’ on ya cuz ya got long hair, tats, an earring and nose piercin’. Cool.
Do visit us at Tropical Tattoo on US 1 in Ormond Beach or Trader Jack’s Roadside in DeLand. It’s all about havin’ a great time at great places with great prices.
Do The Loop. North on Beach Street through the Tomoka State Park. Old Florida ridin’ with stately oaks over-hangin’ the roads (left and below) some twisties, a ride through old sugar and indigo plantation canals and a run down Oceanshore Blvd. with no condos blocking the view. The run down Oceanshore Blvd. (State Highway A1A is not the "official" route of The Loop, but it's a lot nicer than the "official" one. The official route takes you down John Anderson Drive which is nice enuff if you like lookin' at people's houses. We prefer the run down the ocean. We'll get a map of The Loop posted here shortly so check back.
Do take the time to call home. Let ‘em know you’re alive, you’re havin’ a good time and that you wish they were here. Even if it’s a lie. You’ll make good points, too, for when you do hafta head back home. We overheard this conversation (below): "Yes, honey, I'm here safe and sound. Just hangin' out at the Harley Shop. No, I haven't made it out to anyplace else yet. Maybe tomorrow. I'm tired now."
Do eat and drink off the Main Street-Beach Street Strip. North or South on US 1, West on US 92, it doesn’t matter. You won’t pay $4.00 for a 12 oounce can of beer or $7 for a friggin' sausage. And don't blame the vendors for the prices. They've got a large nut to crack to make any money cuz the property owners gouge 'em and the city hits 'em for crazy high vending fees. If Daytona Beach doesn’t want us, the other towns do. You'll have a nice, relaxin' meal at many of Daytona's fine restaurants.
Do lock your bike. Law enforcement task forces do an excellent job of holdin’ down bike theft but you can make their job much easier if you simply lock your bike. Believe it or not, if you just lock the ignition, that’s normally enough. They ain’t gonna steal it if they can’t start it quickly and scoot out. They won’t linger at your bike cuz three spots down is one with an ignition unlocked.
Do remember to take the lock off your disc brake rotor before you make that ‘I’m bad’ pull-out from your parking space. It looks funny if you don’t and we’ll all laugh at you while you get back up. ‘Specially at the more crowded venues.
Do pay attention to the sand on our roads and parkin’ lots. It ain’t snow or black ice but it’ll put you on yer ass just as quickly. We’ll help you lift your bike up and dust off your clothes, but we’ll still laugh. We’ve been there.
Do look out for your road bro, your friends and others in your group. Take care of each other. If he or she’s had too much to drink, don’t let ‘em ride. If they’re startin’ some shit they can’t finish, stop ‘em and get ‘em outta there. If you don’t get ‘em outta there, they’ll call you to bail ‘em outta jail. Then your vacation’s ruined, too.
Do drop us an e-mail at
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and let us know your own "Do's and Don'ts" or other ideas on how we can improve this site.
Do send us pictures (especially the kind on the “Don’t Do” list) or comments on Bike Week. We’ll run what we can in the Biketoberfest 2006 and Bike Week 2007 Special Editions and in our stories on-line here or at http://www.dixiebiker.com.
Have a great time. We hope some of these little hints help out along the roads.
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