We can finally see the light at the end of the sweltering tunnel! The weather is starting to change, however so lightly, but it’s getting nicer in the evening, and I’m not drenched in sweat just stepping out of my front door in the morning. October is also going to be probably one of the busiest months of the year for Full Throttle and we are very happy to see so many events happening! You know what happens then, we are right into the holidays. I can already smell the turkey and dressing and gravy and pumpkin pie! This is, by far, my favorite time of the year!
Let’s get into all the great events happening in the month of October. We start off with Cotee River Bike Fest in Downtown New port Richey in Sims Park. There will be tons of vendors, bike shows, and the streets will be shut down and there will be live music on multiple stages. This is a great event as it is a charity event that goes to Farrell Cares. Cotee River Bike Fest is Oct 13th – 15th. This is a great FREE event, and we hope everyone can come out and have a great time!
Next weekend is BIKETOBERFEST in Daytona Beach. Full Throttle has 4 bike shows in 3 days at Daytona for Biketoberfest. The first one is Thursday (daytime) at the Cabbage Patch. This is the Budweiser’s Battle of the Baggers bike show. It is held around the coleslaw wrestling ring and trust me, you can smell the coleslaw. We will do our awards at 4pm and then we must head right over to the Grandview Live for the Nighttime down
and dirty bike show that happens from 8am till 1am, that is one FULL DAY! Then the next day, on Friday Oct 20th, is the World-Famous Boardwalk Bike Show at the end of Main Street on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. We had just under 200 Bikes (NOT ENTRIES – that is BIKES) in the show for Bike Week and I would love to see about 150 in the Show for Biketoberfest! Let’s set a record!!!! We have a ton of classes for this show and over 60 trophies and $500 for best in show!!! This year we are adding a new show on Saturday, and we are partnering with Kory Souza and doing a NO CLASS “CASH” bike show under the pavilion at Teddy Morse’s Daytona HarleyDavidson. The bikes will not be placed in classes, and the show is open to all bikes. We will go through and pick the top 10 bikes and a best in show, and they will be the winners, simple. We have also decided on where we are going to have our Full Throttle 27th Anniversary Party and that is at Krate in Wesley Chapel. This is a great place with a ton of different locations to eat and a great layout for people to walk and shop. We will have door prizes, raffle baskets, a 10-class bike show and for the first time ever a CASH BUBBLE air machine. You will sign up at the Full Throttle Booth and we will call random people to climb in the money bubble all day and grab as much cash as possible for 30 seconds. The Full Throttle 27th Anniversary party will be on November 5th at Krate at the Grove in Wesley Chapel and will run from 11am till 6pm. We hope to see everyone there.
St. Pete Bike fest is also right around the corner! That happens November 16th – 19th at OCC Roadhouse and Bert’s Barracuda Harley! They have a great band line-up and Full Throttle will be hosting a bike show there on Friday! The bands so far are: Liliac, Texas Hippie Coalition, Beyond Frontiers, Iron Maidens, Queensryche and Tommy DeCarlo. Besides the great bands there is so much other stuff happening that weekend like: a Skyway Bridge ride led by Paul Sr., Bike Shows, Vendors, Redneck Games and Live Wrestling. This is a event you are not going to want to miss! All Happening November 16th – 19th at OCC Road House and Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson.
It’s so much fun being part of a sisterhood and getting out for wind therapy! The Diva Angels Florida chapters have been joining together in so many fun activities! Such as the Full Throttle Soaked and Sore Ass Poker Run where some of us worked the first three and final stops while others rode the run – oh boy were the run asses soaked and sore (can’t wait until next year’s)!
The lunch ride to Yoders Amish Village Restaurant in Sarasota for some grub and camaraderie on a beautiful Florida summer day. And the fabulous Pasco chapter’s Taco Explosion fundraiser benefiting Hope in Motion with tons of prizes and dancing music by Lost and Found – a great time had by all!
On one of our rides, we found out about a very important safety tip. One of the girls decided to spiff and polish her bike for the ride and used tire
shine. We found out that when we make our bike beautiful, our tires do not need to shine!!! This can cause brake issues and loss of traction. Be safe and avoid using tire shine.
Female riders and motorcycle enthusiasts - come and check us out! Our goal is to create lasting friendships and a sisterhood while serving our community. You are welcome to join us at a monthly meeting or any of our rides and events.
Check out our website http://www.divaangels.org/ to find a chapter near you or visit us on
Facebook at https:// www.facebook. com/DIVAANGELSGULFCOAST/ to keep up with our events and shenanigans, and join in with us when you can. We are a 501c (7) not for profit organization.
Diva Kat & Alyssa – Diva Angels Gulf Coast Chapter
COME RIDE WITH US
It all started in 1974 when coowners George “Jig” Warren, III and Gary “Moe” Meszaros bought a vacant automobile service station and converted it into a restaurant and bar named appropriately; “The Quaker Steak and Lube”. It served a simple menu and invited guests to come in and cook their own steak! How bout that!!! Two years later the menu was expanded to include the popular Buffalo-style chicken wing prepared with the choice of unique homemade sauces. The Lube® won its first major award in 1988 - Best Wings USA at the National Chicken-Out competition in Cleveland OH. Since then, Jig and Moe passed the motorsports themed concept onto JDK Management, which is the local franchise of the Clearwater Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant.
As I sat there with a drink, chatting with Bill Church, who brought the franchise to Florida in 2003, we reminisced about the real, the true, the original and the authentic bike nights. How it started back in the days. That is, before everyone and their uncle started their own bike nights. When the only thing that mattered was camaraderie, motorcycles, affordable food and concerts. The original bike nights would bring in 100s and sometimes 1000s of bikes. Back in October 2003, when Bill opened QSL located at 10400 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762, he started bike nights. First week 50 bikes showed, second week 100 bikes showed and, weeks after it was 200+ each week. I remember in mid-year ~2005ish seeing literally 1000s of bikes. All shapes, colors and, years! There were awards for best bike, games, good and not so good bands. People had an absolute blast I assure you.
Clearwater, Florida, a coastal haven bathed in sunshine and dotted with palm trees, may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of the vibrant biker culture. However, tucked away in this picturesque corner of the Sunshine State, there it still is, the legendary gathering that has been drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far for decades – the Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night. With its rich history and unique charm, this weekly event has become an integral part of Clearwater's culture, celebrating the freedom of the open road and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the biker community. A rendez-vous of sort for charity events and poker-runs supporting those. Many have tried to copy and take
from the idea but they will never truly be able to replicate the authentic spirit of the QSL bike night. Ever. The event started as a small meet-up for motorcycle enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions. Over time, it grew in popularity, thanks to word-of-mouth and the unique uncomplicated atmosphere that Quaker Steak and Lube provided. With its vibrant décor, featuring classic cars and motorcycles suspended from the ceiling, the restaurant itself became a testament to the love of all things motorized.
Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night still takes place every Wednesday evening, transforming the restaurant's parking lot into a two-wheeled wonderland. From custom choppers to vintage Harley-
Davidsons and speed bikes, the parking lot becomes a symphony of engine roars and chrome gleams. It's a sight to behold, a rolling exhibition of craftsmanship and a passion for the open road.
While motorcycles are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the event is much more than just a display of mechanical prowess. It's a social gathering where bikers from all walks of life come together to share stories, swap tips, and forge lasting friendships. The sense of camaraderie and belonging is palpable, and it's this sense of community that has kept Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night alive and thriving for over four decades. You cant copy that.
No biker night would be complete without good food and live music. Quaker Steak and Lube keeps delivering on both fronts. Attendees can indulge in the restaurant's signature wings, a diverse menu of American classics, and, of course, an ice-cold beer. The live bands that perform on the outdoor stage keep the energy high, providing the perfect soundtrack to an evening of celebration and revelry.
Over the years, the event has also featured various competitions and contests, from bike shows to tattoo contests, adding an
extra layer of excitement and entertainment for attendees. It's this commitment to providing a full-fledged experience that has helped Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night maintain its status as a must-visit event on the Florida biker calendar. You just can’t copy that.
As a testament to resilience, Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night has weathered its fair share of challenges over the years. Economic downturns, changes in ownership, and even the occasional hurricane threat or the recent pandemic have all posed obstacles. However, the event's enduring spirit and the unwavering support of the local biker community have kept it going strong. Bill is quick to point out Fran Haasch and Rhett Jones her husband of The Fran Haasch Law Group are an integral part and pillars of the community’s vibrant active presence. I agree! Without Rhett and Fran and their team, this community would have never thrived as it has. You can’t copy or substitute that either.
In recent years, the event has also adapted to meet the evolving needs and preferences of bikers. Embracing technology and social media, Quaker Steak and Lube has leveraged online platforms to promote the event and connect with a broader audience. This digital presence has not only helped maintain interest but has also fostered a sense of belonging among bik-
ers who may not always be able to attend in person.
Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night is more than just a weekly gathering; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the biker community and a celebration of freedom, friendship, and a shared love of motorcycles. Its rich history, dating back to the 1980s, underscores its obvious importance as a cultural touchstone in Clearwater, Florida, and a symbol of the enduring power of the open road.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Quaker Steak and Lube's Biker Night will continue to rev its engines and roll on, carrying the legacy of decades of riders who have come together to celebrate the thrill of the ride and the bond that unites them. It's a tradition worth preserving, and a testament to the enduring spirit of bikers everywhere. So, whether you're a seasoned rider or just looking to soak in the atmosphere, make sure to put this iconic event on your list.
Next major event? QSL’s 20th Anniversary Party on Sunday October 8th 2023 starting at 12 noon with a free kill the keg, 1 pm FREE BBQ Pork Sandwich, Blu opening and Greg Billings and Bobby Friss live on stage at 3 pm, vendors (space available), bike show MCed by none other than veteran bike builder and judge Reverend Jim of Racing for Orphans. The day will be packed with action. As Bill described the day, his body language betrayed a child-like excitement. I’ll be there!
www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain
Hello October!!
After we went to print last month, we had a devastating hurricane hit our area as mostly everyone is aware. Let's support those businesses who have reopened and need Florida's help! It's a good time to go see the "nature coast" if you've been putting it off now is the time! If you want to support these businesses now but can't get away just yet, consider a gift certificate for later , it would help them greatly now. I spoke to Lisa, the owner at Pirates cove coastal cottages. https://www. piratescovecottages. com says Cedar key is ready for you with some restaurants , shops and hotels open and new ones each day added to the "Cedar Key welcome center" FB page of reopened businesses list. Lisa did mention the grocery store is a few months from reopening, but there are a few convenience stores running. Over in Hernando beach, our friends at the Lei Lo Tiki are back open after much damage to the restaurant. Everything has been repaired and replaced, and they are back in full swing! Friday's are Bike night there, and Mylanna Brannon, the owner, says they are waiting for you !
Hernando Beach is half up and running with stores and restaurants open, some charters as well. Hudson Beach, Crystal River, Homosassa, and every small
coastal town in-between are open for business!
Making poker stops or planning rides that way would be very helpful. If you normally give your employees gift cards at Christmas, consider helping in that way too. I would be very happy with the gift of a nice dinner at Lei Lo. Have you seen their crab leg special! (Yes, people in my world who buy me gift cards, that's for you! )
People always say towns need time to recover after a storm, but that time is shorter than " people," say , the owners are begging for business 6 months later while people are afraid to visit. People are still afraid of S Florida a year after Ian. The West Coast of Florida is open from Everglades City to Panama Beach. Make a stop on your way to Daytona!
There was a rumor one of our HD shops up that way was closed. They are all 100% all open with events! Thank you for supporting all our events in September, we look forward to the busiest Biketoberfest we've ever had and some new projects for winter coming up!
