Issue #151

This Month, Daytona’s Icons/Legends

Issue #151 Dec 2025

FREE Magazine Steal This One & Give It To A Friend

“the way it was & still should be”

A bartender at the famous Boot Hill Saloon, to the main floor man at Tropical Tattoo, to 1/2 of the duo of Trailer Trash Choppers, who helped create the now famous KUSH TAIL CHOPPERS. Also known for this iconic picture above. Marcus Orabana is a Daytona Legend!!!

Cochise CHOPS Magazine

This magazine is NOT politically correct!!! We deal with mainly old bikes, old cars, old people and young folks who have their heads on straight. We bleed Red, White & Blue!!! cochisechops@yahoo.com or (386) 690-6270

Our New Salesman, Shiny (386) 278-3370 “Where Old School “NEVER” Went Out Of Style!!!”

On The Cover, The lEGEND Daytona Red Most Photos Taken By Me Or By Many, Including Shaun Ponte Dec 7: Biker Church & Blessing @ OB’s 11AM Leaving Tropical Tattoo @ 10AM Dec 7: Daytona Abate Monthly Meeting Dec 14: Swap Meet @ Morse’s Dec 14 & 28: BIKER CHURCH & FREEDOM RIDE @ Tropical Tattoo @ 11AM Dec 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS * HBD Jesus Christ Our Lord Dec 27: Mystery Ride The Boat Bar 10AM $5 (includes meal)

Read CHOPS Online:

cochisechopsmag.com Services:

*Volusia Powder Coating, NSB *Street Thunder, HD, Mims, FL *Annie Oakley’s Ormond Beach

*Motorcycle Detailing, Daytona Beach *V Twin Spealities (386) 310*8333

Watering Holes:

*The Boot Hill Saloon On Main *Pirate’s Pub, Paisley, FL *Walden’s Bar, Daytona Beach *The Boat Bar, Port Orange, FL

*The Most Read Magazine

Other Services:

*Foxhead Lounge In Osteen, FL *Wind Walker’s Leather *OB’s Deland, FL

*Sorry Charlies, Samsula, FL *A Ok Guns, New Smyrna Beach* *The Last Resort Bar, Port Orange *Once Upon A Wall Murals & Paintings *Tropical Tattoo (386) 672*1888

Merry Christmas Enjoy Your Life, It’s All You Got Chops 4

Take A Ride South On Route 1 To Mims, FL For Whatever You Need These Men Are Good People ~ Cochise

Merry Christmas From All Of Us To All Of You Chops 5

What a sad day it was in the area when Jerry “JD” Dyer passed away!

Jerry was just Jerry, hard headed, argumenative, but always walked away as still your friend, and for me he always said, “Love ya brother”!

That was just him.

Jerry was known all over the area, from the old guard to the young up & coming kids, that were building our kind of scoots, Shovels and Choppers. Everyone loved and respected this brother. I personally spent a few days on the road with him, sharing tents & sometimes rooms, and he was always the same, JUST JERRY. Ride In Paradise Bro!!!

Chops 6

cochisechops@yahoo.com (386) 690-6270 www.cochisechopsmag.com I already know someone will say something negative about this issue, like, “You left out so & so”! Or “Why did you put him in here”?

I figured I will leave someone out, that I just forgot about, so don’t hold my old timer’s memory against me, as it would never be intentional. Well, I may have intentionally left one or two out, just because I don’t feel they met my criteria! (However, I’ll put more that do in the Feb. issue, like Dominic, Scott from the Fox Head, Russ, Marshall, Mondo, and a few others!)

What is the criteria, you ask? Well, I figure in my small brain that to be an Icon or Legend, unless dead, you have to be in your 70’s, have lived here locally for a minimum of 25 years and still ride your motorcycle. That’s it!!!

I hope you enjoy this issue, because the writing about each Legend is from me, except one. All I could do is pen what I know, as those who “said” they would write something up for a person, must have the same memory loss as I, LOL! (Shaun Ponte wrote Tom Fusco up!) ************ Remember, there will be no January issue, but we’ll be back in Feb. & March. I’ve enjoyed taking November off, and looking forward to doing the same for Jan. From the CHOPS Family To Yours, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

May It Just Get Better & Better For Each Of Us, Cochise Chops 7

God’s Corner

You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the Lord Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

—Psalm 69:5-6 My thoughts on today’s verse While we’re all weak and sinful, we are thankful to have Jesus to atone for our sins and to intercede before the Father on our behalf. Hallelujah for that grace! However, there are still a couple of significant problems with our sins. This verse reminds us of one of them. We don’t want our sins to become a stumbling block to others or a disgrace to God and his people. Let’s avoid sin because that is what God wants us to do. Let’s avoid sin so it won’t reflect poorly on God’s people. Let’s certainly avoid sin to keep from influencing others to sin. Let’s also pray for ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ that God will not allow our failures to disgrace his Church, his Christ, and his cause. *********************************************************

BIKER CHURCH SERVICES: Dec 7th @ 11am @ OB’s Lounge In Deland @ 1750 N. Hwy 17

NEW

Dec 14th @ 11am @ Tropical Tattoo In Ormond, 825 Yonge St. Dec 28th @ 11am @ Tropical Tattoo In Ormond, 825 Yonge St. On Dec.7th we will meet at Tropical Tattoo @ 10am and ride over to OB’s for the 11 am service. As always Biker Church rides after the services at Tropical, called FREEDOM RIDE! Chops 8

“WHERE THE LOCALS” “HANG OUT” About 1 Mile South Of I-95, On Hwy 1 FULL LIQUOR BAR ICE COLD BEER BLOODY MARY SUNDAYS POOL LARGE OUTDOOR PATIO “Owned By The Best”

The Early 70’s!!!

Chops 9

Daytona Red Gaylor, the epitome of a true biker. He builds, refurbishes and rides his Panheads all over Southeast and Central America.

Many, many people want the bikes Red builds, as his reputation of doing things correctly precedes him.

He is also very active in the Panhead Committee that absorbs brothers from several counties North and South of Daytona Beach.

They meet every

Friday evening at some local bar to take care of “business”, drink a couple of brews and just have a great time of fellowship.

Chops 10

Red was also one of the infamous bar tenders at the legendary Boot Hill Saloon.

Known for his quick wit, funny sarcasm and throwing quarters at “cheap tippers”, he was admired by all, which has parlayed over into his latter years.

er into the motorcycle world. Any older biker that has spent anytime in our area, knows him and his reputation as the “Real Deal” Biker. Red is a Legend!

He was the owner of Alley Cat’s M/C shop, and that really propelled him deep-

Chops 11

Another Bar Tender at the Boot Hill Saloon on Main St. before becoming the owner of the famous Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach, FL., in 1990. (35 years in the same location and still going strong, with the best artists in town).

I’ve ridden thousands of miles with this legend/ icon all over America, and I can attest to you he is the real deal long distance rider/biker!

Willie is known for his always taking up for the underdogs, like when he saved Rodent’s new Triump, as he rode it into the Boot Hill parking lot and a few hardcore Harley guys were going to throw the bike into the dumpster!!

After this, Rodent was a forever friend to Mr. Jones, amen!!!

Chops 12

Though Willie T. Jones is an Icon/Legend here in Daytona Beach, he is very much a philanthropist, helping others in anyway he can. It’s nothing for him to buy the whole table’s meal, at the restaurant just because he’s Willie.

I’ve seen him help many people right out of his pocket, never turning down anyone in true need.

Will is just a great guy, who loves to ride and eat! As I’ve said, I’ve traveled 1,000’s of miles with him, so I know him pretty well & yes he loves BBQ and people!!!

Chops 13

Iconic Clay is one of the original artist, and the only one left of those that started in the very beginning as a tattooist at the famous Tropical Tattoo! He’s been with the shop since 1990, and is an excellent artist. If you want some good ink, Clay is your man.

Some of his recent work has been the best around, like a cool

bar & shield tat he just did. The lines were perfect and the colors were spot on.

Clay was also a Bar Tender at The Boot Hill on Main St. Known for always having the other worker’s backs, he became a trusted worker and brother to a lot of people.

Clay is also an azhole Chops 14

Clay rides old iron also, many times riding back home up in IL. Sometimes he rides an older Evo, “Evolution Is The Solution”, but his Panhead is tits!

It’s the bike on the right in the picture above. I love watching him ride his old Pan! Mr. Basket is alright!

Chops 15

Icon Von Hatcher Believes That We Should “Trust In The Rust”!

Steve Has Been Building & Restoring Bikes & Cars For Decades!!!

Chops 16

Below: Many Of Hatch’s Projects While In Michigan!

This Iconic Builder Has Set His Mark High In His Restorations!!!

Chops 17

Chops 18

745 S Beach St Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Home Of Cold Beer * Good Tunes * Friendly People

Cornhole Tournament Every Sunday at 1PM 9-Ball On Mondays at 7:30PM 8-ball On Wednesday at 7:30PM

Walden’s is celebrating their75th Anniversary all year, so stop by and wish Kaylynn & Crew the BEST!!! ~ Cochise

Thanks For A Great Oktoberfest/Biketoberfest

THE BEST

Chops 19

Chops 20

I can’t leave this old man who rides everyday, usually delivering CHOPS Mag for me, out of this issue.

We call him Shiny and he has becme an Iconic figure here.

Liked by all, he always has a cool story to tell you. So the next time you meet him ask him about his time in the Navy, and how he is a great Ham Radio operator. Shiny White Eagle has a lot of cool topics he can talk about!!!

Red Chops 21

A OK Guns

Michael Jones Jr. Proprietor

New Smyrna Beach FL (386) 410-6480

www.aokguns.com

648 N Dixie Freeway

I BUY GUNS

Specializing In Collectable Firearms Top Cash Paid For Collectable Firearms, Memorabilla, Single Pieces & Estates

Chops 22

Chops 23

If you didn’t know that this man is an icon, know this, when I put this picture on the cover of CHOPS, of Mark, it was the most popular cover of the year. The books flew off the shelves, for the people wanted to read about this legend in the parts field, especially in the old school, old iron parts. If it’s out there his store has it or will get it.

Mark and partner Mike started out on Nova Rd., before moving to Ballough St., in Daytona Beach. Mike has recently retired but Mark is still hanging in there.

Mark Regula is an Icon and Legend especially in the field of antique iron horses. It is a privilege to call him friend and to bank on him to always help me and others when asked. Thanks Mark and crew at Black Gold!!!

Chops 24

GPS Jimmy Chops 25

The Bar Owned & Ran By Bikers That Ride Thanks For Stopping By For Our Events Full Liquor * Hot Barmaids * Cold Beer “You Will Enjoy The Ride Out, So Come On”

Chops 26

Motorcycle Accessories

STILL THE BEST LEATHER IN THE COUNTY, BAR NONE!!!

Chops 27

Another Main Street Icon, John From “Johnny’s Rock & Ride”!!!

This brother has been on Main St. for years, peddling legendary “Grateful Dead” paraphernalia, as he was a follower of the super group for years, and now travels to see the tribute bands.

John also handles biker stuff as well. You just have to drop in and see what all this legendary place offers!!!

Chops 28

Little John, above on the left, riding with Yetay, he also rides with our crew from time to time. I’m not 100% sure why John is an Icon, other than he has been hanging on Main St., since the 70’s, ran the bottle club on N. Nova Rd., and knows everyone and everyone knows him.

I’ve heard from many other older local legends, that Lil John was a man who always had another brothers back, no matter the numbers against, etc.

I’ve only known him for a few years, but I like him, I like him a lot and believe the same thing holds true abut having my back, and he can be assured that I have his.

John you are a legend, and I’m proud to call you brother!!

Chops 29

Tommy Guest of Chopper World on Main St., is another Icon.

I’ve not seen him in years but hear he goes to Tomoka Christian church and doing well.

I met him back in the early 90’s at the Christian Coffee House off Main St, behind the bar called (I believe) Cruisers. It was ran by a cat named Mark, nick named Face. I hear he’s in the medical field now.

But back in the day Chopper World was the place to shop on Main for your after market parts and stuff that would dress your cycle up, make it shine/pretty.

He and all his employees always treated me good, actually Yetay worked there. That’s were I first met him.

Tommy I hope you see this and like it, as I just wanted to lift you and your old business up. Both are Legendary!

Thanks for all you did in the biker world! Be blessed!!!

Chops 30

Another Main St. Icon, Chuck Eitel of Hot Leathers. I’ve got to know Chuck over the years and he has some awesome stories about all of the shenanigans on Main.

Bike Week & Biketoberfest brings so many visitors in town, but it’s the locals that he prefers talking with. He is also very complimentary of CHOPS Mag so that makes it even better.

Stop in and say hey & that Cochise sent you!!!

Chops 31

Great Food

The Hottest Barmaids

Come Out & Enjoy A Great Meal With Us We Offer: Great Bands * Liquor * Cold Beer

The Rockiness Bar In The County

Don’t Forget Bike Night Every Thursday 6PM “NOW” Full Liquor Available, Come Party

Yetay

The above picture is “Iconic” and being pushed, (to a better parking spot), by one of the most Iconic and Legends from Daytona Beach, especially on Main St., Yetay Smith!

When I first saw him he worked at Chopper’s World for Tommy Guest!

Chops 34

Yetay

Yetay has worked all up and down Main St., from the Legendary Boot Hill Saloon to many other bars on the strip heading to the beach, plus at Chopper World!!!

He also was in the movie, “Running Cool”!!! If you haven’t seen the movie you can buy it on Amazon or I’ve watched it for free on different stations in the past. I saw a lot of familiar faces. Supposedly filmed in SC, much of it was filmed around Volusia County.

Here is the Plot: Bone and Bear (Bubba Baker RIP), two rough and tough bikers, ride out from Sturgis to the marshes of South Carolina to help out their buddy, Ironbutt Garrett, whose land is being eyed by the money-grubbing, domineering Calvin Hogg.

Chops 35

Chops 36

Coe

Coe & Yetay Slow Racing Chops 37

Drop By Anytime And Have A Cold Drink & Listen To Al’s Great Stories “HOME OF”

Thanks For Stopping By For Biketoberfest ‘25 Legendary Al Bulling, owner of The Last Resort Bar, is an Icon known world wide.

The movie, “Monster” was filmed there, which told of the life of Aileen Wornes, the lady that killed 7 men. She drank there at Al’s bar quiet often and was arrested there as well.

This is why he has the saying, “Home Of Cold Beer & Killer Woman!”

Al is good people who has some awesome stories of his time in the Coast Guard & when he worked for Easyrider!!!

Chops 38

Chops 39

Coe Straddling The V8 HD

Chops 40

Chops 41

Merry Christmas From Tropical Tattoo

know Edward very well, Yetay & Edward Ibutdidn’t know he too was a local Legend, may he Ride In Peace!!!

Chops 42

If you visit Main St., or several other places/bars, you definitely know this Icon, known as Bogus Jack.

Former bar tender at The Legendary Boot Hill Saloon, (he still helps out there), to the man around town, Bogus is everywhere.

When I first met him, he was the Prez of the Black Pistons M/C. Today he’s just Jack, a man you still don’t want to mess with. Don’t believe me? Ask those 3 teenagers that started a fight with him outside a convenient store. Let’s just say he put them a running. You do whatever it takes when you’re in the mid 70’s and outnumbered!!!

RIP Rowdy Chops 43

Chops 44

We had a good November, except for the sciatica pain! The bike show at Sorry Charlies was a good one & was really thankful I could make it out there for it. I saw a lot of people I only see a couple times a year. It was ALL GOOD!!!

OB’s was rocking!!! It was the 24th Pan/Shovel Show and the bikes and people didn’t disappoint. Ashley and crew were running to keep up & they did a great job taking care of the huge crowd. We’re also doing a Church service there on Dec. 7th!!!

Chops 45

So, I had left early on that run to Miami. Rolled along at 70 down 95, just stopped once in Ft.Pierce, vending machine coffee, and restroom use.

I got to the stop a bit late, dealing with South Florida traffic, but it didn’t really matter. 13 trucks ahead of me, waiting, I found a place to park the truck & 57 foot trailer loaded with roofing insulation. Took my paperwork into the office to check in.

Other drivers there, a few been there since yesterday. There was no one at the office window, I waited a bit and a tired looking lady took my bills, said it would be awhile.

I walked back outside, feeling pretty down.

Then there’s this truck I see, it was an extended hood Pete, big bunk, painted a coral orange, and blended ocean blue, the hood was up, and the driver was polishing this chromed out Caterpillar engine in the morning sun. It was a beautiful truck, about the best I’d ever seen. It lifted my spirits.

Then a canteen truck pulled in, air horn playing Revelie, and Dixie. Steam rolling out the back. I had breakfast, it was a beautiful Florida morning, it was good to just feel alive.

Even though I was trapped in time, sometimes it’s the little things that save the lost day.

That fancy Pete had a message on the back of the sleeper. It read, “ Cuba for the Cubans!” Maybe I wasn’t trapped after all. ~ Ken Bradway Chops 46

Ken Bradway is one of our writers for the magazine & meets all the qualifications of being Iconic.

This brother owns a Panhead & Shovelhead & he rides them both all the time.

I’m sure you’ve seen the purple Shovel out & about, if not look for it.

Kenny doesn’t get out much, but he’s still a rider, not long distances as in the past, but he still rides a lot for his age!!!

Chops 47

Marcus & Larry Preston On The USS Blue Ridge 1975 During The Evacuation Of Saigon

While Marcus & Larry were doing their thing in the China Sea, like shoving Hueys off the side of that ship to make room for more people & slinging M-16’s into the water, I, Cochise, was somewhere State side unloading C-4 Cargo Planes with equipment coming in from Viet Nam. I spent 23 days unloading, while camped in ankle deepmu

All Pics On This Page Are From The 70’s

Chops 48

Mystery Ride Dec. 27th, 2025 Meet Here @ 10am KSU 11am $5 Includes Meal & 50/50

Where The Locals & Bikers Hang Out

Open Daily 7am - 2am “Get Rid Of Your Hangover Here” $2.50 Domestic * $3 Imports

Daytona Red

Chops 49

This is Big Jim Nolan and his beautiful wife Helen. I hesitate to put Jim in this edition, even though he “IS” a true Legend/Icon in the motorcycle/1%er world. I hesitate for two reasons; first because in the past every time I would mention Jim, (at the time I did that, I was his pastor), someone would either, online, or call me and try to debunk what I wrote or said, and secondly; I thought if I put one 1%er in the magazine, I’d have to include others. To that I’ll say, I mention Big Jim, because I do know him personally and have for many years.

Chops 50

Before he was released from prison, after serving 35 years, his wife was a like a “real” sister to my family, not just a spiritual sister, but like a blood sister and she helped us start Set Free Daytona Church, thus Jim became a member when he got out.

I know he had a bad reputation, but a relationship with Jesus Christ changed the man, into a prolific “soul winner”, unafraid to share the gospel of Jesus with everyone and tell how Christ changed his life. Hallelujah!!!

Whether you like 1%ers or not, it doesn’t matter to me nor change the fact that this man is a Daytona Beach Legend, and I for one am grateful to be his friend and pastor. Ride on Big Jim 1%er, ride on!!!

Chops 51

Big Jim Nolan

Chops 52

Chops 53

Chops 54

Trailer Trash Choppers

Transforming Stock Softtails Into Beautiful Ridable Choppers “PLEASE CHECK US OUT ON INSTAGRAM” “One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure”

Call (904) 315-1434 Or (386) 481-8898

“I Love Daytona Beach. It’s The Mecca Of Harley Davidsons! The Home Of Beautiful Bikes And Fast Woman”! ~ Shaun Ponte “I Love Doing These Kushtails!” ~ Marcus

Chops 55

Chops 56

I’ve known this Legend for 20 plus years! Hailing from the Northeast, and running with some pretty heavy dudes there, Rod moved here to be able to ride everyday & he did.

He is also a cancer survivor and is still rolling on his Evo Softtail. You can find this Icon at a lot of the local watering holes, sitting & enjoying all the company at such places.

Last year he thought his life was over, but today.............

Chops 57

Known as the Major of New Smyrna Beach in some circles, but in ours, he’s called GPS Jimmy the Icon that leads our rides all the time.

GPS knows what he’s doing and going, sometimes it makes no sense to us, but we always get there, and most of the time we’re on time!

Jimmy has proved himself as a faithfull brother and has always been true to his word. If he tells you he will be somewhere, write it down, the Mayor will be there and early, which is on time for GPS Jim! Chops 58

Tommy Fusco, another riding Legend, moved here in 1982 while riding a 1971 Shovelhead with nothing but the clothes on his back and what he could carry in his saddlebag, from Lackawanna, NY. The bike he rides today is a 1947 Indian, and he at 79 years old, still rides this scooter every where he wants or needs to go.

Catch Tommy at all the local & regional Swap Meets, just look for his old Indian, that he “rode” there!!!

Chops 59

They call him the Breeze!!!

This local Legend/Icon rides more miles in one week than many ride in a year, seriously!

Butch and his family & friends lay down some serious miles every year. Riding all over the nation, from sea to shining sea, & especially to PA, where he has a bunch of friends/family.

This brother is loved by so many and is an example of what a biker is all about. Catch him, (if you can), out riding every single day!!!

Chops 60

Butch/Breeze

Chops 61

Steve “COE”, an Icon, a Legend and a Genius!!!

This man has put V8’s in Harley frames and refurbished old motorcycles, old cars, old trucks and even an old fire truck.

Calling Coe a genius is an understatement and if you have ever been to “Coeville”, you would know I’m writing the truth. Above is Coe in 1947 riding with his Dad. “It Stuck!!!” Below is a perfect 80 CI Flathead that was refurbished by Coe. For me personally, it’s an honor to know him, a real local Icon!

Chops 62

COE On The Cover

Mention Cochise Chops For 10% Off