The event was cancelled at the last minute, and we immediately started calling and texting everyone we had a contact number for.  We did manage to reach our two ride leaders and reroute them, but we know there were many we were unable to reach on such short notice.

Again we apologize if you showed up at the event.

To help avoid such issues in the future, we are going to revive our Twitter account and use that as a means of communicating any last minute changes.  So if you are not already following us on twitter, please do so (there is a link from our main page).

In the unlikely event that we should have another last minute change of plans we will immediately update twitter with a new tweet.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.

The BikerFury Staff

Many have asked me what happened to Cuzzo Customs, so I wanted to take a quick moment and let everybody know that they are still in business.  They are still doing everything they have always done, so feel free to give them a call and book an appointment.

What happened?  Well like most of us they have had to make some minor adjustments in these trying economic times.  In the case of Cuzzo, they elected to give up their store front in order to help reduce their monthly over head, but they are definitely still around.

By Rev. AL Paquette

      I just got back from an exciting 3,400 mile bike ride. It was exciting because this was the 4th year I have been invited to help out a place that is run by Rick Beatty called the Hope Center. But sad because Sharon could not join me this year. Sharon has a friend, Flo, who she helps out. We have been planning this trip all year and as the time to leave came closer Flo’s health became worse.  As a matter of fact we really did not know if Sharon could join me until the night before. But God did. You see for our 35th anniversary on June 7th we bought a couple of bicycles and joined a gym so we could get back in shape and lose weight. But little did I know that I would have to make this 3,400 mile motorcycle ride to PA. But God did.

     On that Wed. morning I had my bike packed and headed out the door at 5:20 AM. I will be honest with you. I have not taken a long ride since before the accident last June so I did not know if I was ready physically or emotionally. I headed out on I-4 and the traffic was minimum. As I blasted down I-95 the traffic started to pick up and after soaring through Jacksonville, FL. I knew that I was regaining my confidence back. I was  getting into the groove of kicking back and enjoying the ride. As I passed the Georgia state line I felt the presence of the Lord and I knew that this was going to be a journey that was fruitful. I passed the So. Carolina border at 10 AM and took I-26 east to I-85 north. I took 601 out of Charlotte, N.C north and this road was not as congested as the highway. I was very excited when I made it to Mt. Airy by 6 PM. I wanted to make it there but did not know if I had it in me. 680 miles the first day was not too bad of a ride. I got my room and called Sharon to tell her how much I missed her.

     I got up the next morning and headed to downtown Mt. Airy. This is the Mayberry town. I went to the   souvenir store and got my bobble head Barney and took some photos. All I could think about is how it is not the same without my best friend. I was ready to leave and jump on   I-81 when I ran into another biker, Fred. He told me that I-81 to Roanoke, VA.  was a very busy highway so he gave me a map and showed me a better route to take.  I headed out of town on 89 to 704 and I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway by noon.  Thanks Fred.  I then took 221 to 220 to 581 to 81 to 11 which all had some great scenery to look at. As I was heading down   I-11 it started to rain so I figured it was time to stop and get a room. I planned on making it to Bellwood that day but it was 5 PM and I did not like to ride in the rain in the mountains. Now you had to be there. I pulled into a motel in VA. and I walked into the lobby soaking wet with the grime of the road all over me and the people in the lobby just froze. I could tell the one desk clerk was comfortable around bikers but the other gal was scared of me. The one gal told me it was so cool that I was riding in this nasty rain. And she was really impressed when I told her that I just rode all the way from Orlando, FL. She told me not to worry because the other gal was not comfortable around bikers but she loved bikers.  I broke the ice and told them that I was an ordained minister on tour and I was heading to PA. to do some prison ministry. The scared gal then told me, “Oh, I go to church!” I  asked her if her  pastor ever preached about judging a book by it’s cover. Me and the other gal had a good laugh and she gave me $40 off the room for riding on a motorcycle.

     I got up the next morning and after talking to Nancy she told me that a bad storm was heading my way so I took I-81 to I-77 to 522 to I-81 to I-99 to Bellwood, PA. and arrived at Ricks by 11 AM.  I saw a red fox along the way and had a great ride. 1, 158 miles and safe and sound.  As the slogan for Harley Davidson says, it is not the destination rather it is the journey. And what a journey it was. 1158 miles and only 5 miles of rain. Thank you Lord.

      The next morning, Sat. we had the bike run to benefit the Hoper Center. It seems that the weather was not cooperating with us and there were some storms in the making. That would explain for the small number of bikers that showed up. 28 in all. We fed the bikers a breakfast with  the help of volunteers from Logins Baptist Church and the cream puffs and raison squares that were made by Clarabelle  and her husband were very much enjoyed by the bikers.  We started off and the skies were clear for the scheduled 100 mile run. After about an hour it started to rain on us and we cut the run short so we would not have anyone getting hurt. When we got back to the Hope Center I gave my testimony and invited the bikers back the next day for a Bikers Sunday.  I guess they enjoyed our company because almost all of the bikers came back the next morning and many of them never attend a church.  I spoke about values and how their soul is the most valuable thing so we they must invest in it for eternity. After the service we went for a fun ride and ended up going to a great place called Hinery View which was 93 miles one way. 

On Monday I made a visit the local motorcycle club in Altoona. That is what bikers call protocol because this time I was riding my bike and wearing a club patch so I need to make my appearance to them in person. I new that they owned a tattoo parlor and they would be there so Rick and I rode to meet them. We rode by the shop and it was  one way street so we had to circle around the block so we did and then parked in their parking lot. Well I did not know but  they later told me that they saw me ride by and saw my patch and that they did not know who I rode  with. So when Rick and I walked into the shop there were 6 of them and they were all members of this club and you could cut the tension with a knife, I approach the counter and ask who was in the club which I got a response, “Who do you ride with?” I explained that I was an        ordained minister from Orlando and that I was the chaplain for the NFLCOC there and that I was in PA. doing prison ministry and that I wanted to meet them to make sure that I would be safe riding with my patch on. That was all it took to make friends with the local M/C that day. Of course I got a souvenir tattoo and when I left we were friends. He invited me back anytime and assured me and Rick that we would be welcomed riding our colors in Altoona. That Mon. night we had a benefit night at the Chili’s in Altoona for the Hope Center and there was a good turnout there.  10 % of the meal tab went to the center.

    On Thurs. and Fri. night I taught a bible study in Cresson Prison and the attendance was great. Chaplain Ladd is  always a big supporter for us going into his prison.  I then preached 2 sermons on Sunday morning. We had 2 first time decisions for Christ. When we pulled up to the prison we saw 3 deer so I knew that was a good sign.  On one run we saw 4 black bears. That is when you know you are in the country.

After an awesome time and staying at Nancy and Ricks house all week I had to head to Woodstock, VA. on Labor day to preach at a local church. It was hard to leave and the goodbyes are not easy. I pulled out of their driveway knowing I had another mission to complete before my tour would be done and I could get back home to see Sharon.  It rained most of the way and I got to Woodstock by 1 PM. I called George and he and Kevin meet me at the motel and we headed to their church where they had fixed a chicken dinner. PTL. We then had the service at 7 PM and there was  good turnout.

     I got up the next morning and rode 600 miles on Tues. and 500 miles on Wed. to get home to a much missed wife. Now I know what the life of an evangelist is all about. There will be times that I will have to leave home and be alone but just knowing that my wife  Sharon, supports me and all my friends pray for me and that God approves of me going I will always be ready for the open rode.

     3,400 miles with the wind in my face and Jesus by my side is always a good tour.  PTL

FX’s hit adult drama centered around the Motorcycle Club (MC) located in Charming California is about to launch its much anticipated second season.  In last years episodes fans were introduced to this Outlaw Biker MC and given a look into their inner operations, both legal and illegal.  

SAMCRO owns and operates an automotive shop, but they also have another business that is off the books and highly illegal.  No it is not drugs, but rather gun running.  They provide other gangs and MC’s with weapons while keeping drugs and other trouble out of their home town of charming.

So if you are a fan, be sure to strap in for the new season airing on FX September 8, 2009.  Be sure to check local listings for times in your area.

If you wish additional information about the show, you can find it at their official website at http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/

Bruce was most known for his facilities at Destination Daytona, but was also known and respected for his charitable work.  He opened his first Harley dealership on Bay Street in Daytona Beach Florida.  From there he launched a total of 13 Harley dealerships over a 15 year period, making him one of the largest Harley dealers.

Bruce touched the lives of so many people, be they employees, friends, family, customers, or just someone who needed help.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce’s family and friends.

Bruce Rossmeyer
May 28, 1943 - June 30, 2009

    Woody Allen once said, ” A relationship, I think, is like a shark, you know?  It has to constantly move forward or it dies. 

     What are you doing to invest in your relationship today?

We recently had the opportunity to talk with one of their service advisors and one of their technicians and were completely impressed by their professionalism and knowledge.  Their shop area has more than 10 lifts and is clean and well organized as well as staffed with talented technicians.  They also have the honor of being the second service garage in the country to be AAA approved, and are the only AAA approved motorcycle service garage on the eastern seaboard.

While talking with Steven, one of the service advisors, we learned a few other facts.  On an average day they have 20 - 25 bikes coming in for service that covers things such as Dyno Tuning, basic service, tire changes, repairs, and more. 

Steven also told us that he encourages you to call in for quotes, to ask questions, and to check prices.  Their goal is to educate you on what a service visit is all about.  It is much more than simply having your oil changed and your tire pressure checked.  They also have monthly service specials listed on their web site.

We also had the opportunity to talk with Tom who is a Harley Master Technician.  He took us into the shop and showed us around and talked to us about the motorcycle he was currently working on.

Tom has performed numerous tune ups, services, rebuilds, engine upgrades, and other customization work over the last 6 years.  We asked Tom why he became a technician.  He told us how he grew up with Harleys and had always enjoyed working on his own bikes.  As time went on he turned his hobby into a career and has never looked back.

When we asked Steven the same questions we got a similar answer.  He has always had a love for motorcycles, and bought his first one at 18.  His parents were so against it that he actually hid the bike at his friends’ house.  He eventually bought his first Harley and enjoyed working on it and tweaking it out so much that he decided that he wanted to work in the industry.

When asked why they both chose to come work for Seminole Harley-Davidson they both said the same thing.  They liked the atmosphere of friendliness and respect that prevails throughout the entire organization.

If you have questions about your motorcycle service, or need repairs, we encourage you to call 407.328-1212 and ask for Steven in service.  You may also request Tom as your technician when scheduling your appointment.  Together these two men make a great team.

You can also schedule appointment online at their website, and if you want to request a specific technician simply add that request into the comments section when scheduling. 

Their website can be found at http://www.seminoleharley.com/service/index.cfm/page/info/

Our first time joining this group we went to Florida State Prison. I know that not too many ministries are going into this prison and we were excited about this opportunity. We met the other men in the prison parking lot and that time Sharon could not join us so she had to stay in town because this was a man thing only. We entered t prison and was greeted by the sergeant at the front desk. She was very helpful and made us feel welcomed.

They searched us and checked the boxes of brochures that we were bringing in.  They gave us a visiting id and we walked into the prison. I thought to myself that this was way too easy for a maximum security prison like this.   We were walking down the long hallway when we were stopped and sent back to the front desk. Now that is more like it. If Satan is going to try to stop us he would have to make this adventure a hassle so we would  become discouraged.

They told us that we were not cleared. We assured them that the chaplain had preformed our background checks and that we were indeed scheduled to come in on this day. They told us that they did not do the background check so we would have to wait for them to approve us to go in. So we sat for an hour and prayed that we would be able to perform this ministry. Of course God being in charge they let us in and we made our way down the long hallway.

There are over 1,400 men at Florida Sate Prison. They let us visit every man at his individual cell. This is a hard ministry because the door is a solid piece of steel with a 12″ X 12″ Plexiglas that has 5 holes drilled out to speak into. So with all the other noise in the prison I found myself shouting to almost everyone.  That is a rude way to witness to someone.

When I walked up to a cell many men were on the defense. “What do you want?”  was most of the greetings I received. I told them that I was here representing a ministry that cared about their kids. They did a national research and found out that 70% of the children of incarcerated men and women will end up in prison.  I then told them that this ministry would send their kids a bible study and a brand new bible. When they seem to want to argue with me I rephrased my question. “Do you want your kids to make the same mistakes that you made and end up in a place like this?” Every man said no.

I would say that about 80% of the men appreciated us being there that day. But then there was the other 20% that let us know that we were not welcomed. Some men are just mad at the world and continue to push God out of their lives.  I really knew that this is where God wanted me that day. I got to pray with over 400 men and let them know that they are still loved. The awesome part of going into these prison is that the CEF schedules me to also speak in the chapels while we are there.

Since then Sharon has joined me to introduce this program to 4 prisons and we are scheduled to visit many more this year. Please pray for the extra finances to be able to travel to the different prisons throughout Florida. We are able to reach hundreds more than before for Jesus.

 
IN HIS WIND

Rev. Al Paquette