Daytona and Sunshine!

Hello my fellow bikers. I’m still in Daytona and am finally feeling some warmth! Well, I do have my loving and caring posse of body guard bikers I ride with, but I’m talking about Florida SUNSHINE! Yes! Today the sun is actually peeking its beloved little radiation out to all of us here in Daytona Beach. After a few days of that nasty wind and RAIN, it’s starting to be a beautiful week!

I took a much-needed ride yesterday in the wind and rain. No… I don’t wimp out and hide in my hotel room. I RIDE! I grabbed a friend that flew over from Hawaii and off we went with two other riders. It was a blast! We took US 1 and let the asphalt lead the way to our destination.

During our ride, I was noticing a bunch of outlying biker bars with lots of bikes and people milling all about the properties. Some of these venues had vendors set up trying to make a decent living selling some cool merchandise. What I find interesting is the amount of vendors that are out there selling. I give these vendors so much credit. It’s hard making a living as a vendor; setting up tents, breaking down tents, rain, wind, heat, etc. To those that vend, I love you and absolutely admire all that you do for us bikers! Now on the other hand, there are some shady vendors out there that will take your hard-earned money and run! Generally, they don’t stay in business long and word gets out on the biker street grapevine of the type of degenerates these creeps are. (Ahhhh…. I love the biker grapevine!) And what’s interesting is that these slimy slithering scumbags aren’t usually bikers! They are wannabee posers thinking they understand the biker culture. Losers…

I’m also noticing restaurants wanting to cater to the Daytona motorcyclist. The service is generally good. When it’s exceptional, I tip exceptionally. When the service sucks, then, well… the tip is minimal if anything at all. I was at a restaurant and had the worst service EVER! The waitress was more concerned about her boyfriend (sitting behind us) than asking if we wanted refills on our drinks, did we need anything else like desert, etc. Never came back after serving the food – only left the check. Her tip reflected her job duties and abilities. One thing I look at when at a restaurant is how we are treated, how the food is, the service, and follow up, etc. I know these men and women work for tips. We have to tip them well when they do a good job. I also tell them over and over PLEASE and THANK YOU. You know, those words go a long way. I put myself in their shoes and think about the bills they have waiting home and how they are going to pay them. I tip very well when I get great service. I hope that those of you reading this article do the same. Just do one thing… put yourself in their shoes.

Speaking of restaurants (because Catnip loves good food!), look around when you’re eating. If you see an elderly woman or man eating alone, get the attention of a waitress and ask to pay that person’s bill. The person doesn’t need to know that you’re doing this; just do it AND LEAVE A GOOD TIP AS WELL! My man knows “the look” when I’m going to pick up a tab for someone I don’t know. He is so supportive of my gestures. Plus, as a biker, that kindness goes a long way in dispelling the myths of mean, nasty heathens riding the roads on two wheels of iron and steel. We are good, kind people. Let’s keep up that reputation by doing something warm and fuzzy for others that may be alone. It will make you feel fabulous – and create a memorable point in your life when you think about your trips and doing something nice for another human being.

Well, it’s time for me to take off and venture to the Atlantic Ocean for some fun and frolic (because that’s what Catnip LOVES to do!) If you’re out there in Cyberworld reading my columns, tell me about your Daytona experiences! I enjoy sharing good vibes with the Catnip Cougar Fan Club.

Stay tuned for more Daytona 2012 Bike Week stories from Catnip Cougar here at Krazy Biker Katz…