BEHIND THE 8-BALL

at 7095 49th St. N. in Pinellas Park were awesome. They told me I only needed a screwdriver and not a wrench!”

Mike breaks in, “Good thing you didn’t need a wrench. The last time you used one you dropped it on the fender and sent me scrambling for touchup paint. Jody and Chris at Eight Ball tires are all about tread and traction. With thousands of tires in stock for every make and model, they’ve got the rubber you need to keep your scoot on the road. Those guys have been at that location for over a year and can get it done in less than two hours while you’re on their Wi-Fi, reading biker mags, playing pool or watching Motorsports on a big screen TV. Eight Ball tires will meet or beat any price you bring in. Tell them Spyke sent ya, and they’ll give you $25 off! Let’s face it, we all need tires, and these are the guys who will get it done professionally and save you money. Reach out to them on Google, Facebook or just give them a call 833–448–2255. Trust me, you’ll be happy with the good rubber they put on your scoot keeping it between your legs.” (End of shameless plug, - Ed)

I cackle, “Good rubber?? Between your legs??? Are they selling Trojans too? Now you’re sounding like a promoter of prophylactics! That reminds me of a joke; what do you call a person with 365 of them?”

Mike scratches his head and blurts out, “A hoarder of dreams?”

I cackle, “Well, you’re close. A man looking forward to a good year!

Speaking of another good year, this one started out with a kickass weekend in Gibtown. Now this month, we’ve got Thunder By The Bay on February 17-19 in Sarasota. I look forward to seeing all my southern friends and making many new ones that weekend. Every year the profits raised goes to a really great cause, the Suncoast Charities for Children. They specialize in bringing people together, helping one another and raising awareness for locals in our community that require it the most; special needs kids and their kinfolk. Mike and I really enjoy hanging out with these families because they have so much love to show, lessons to share and dreams to achieve. I’m all about believing in your dreams, making smiles happen and so is this cause.”

Mike wipes his cheek and says in a highpitched voice, “Awww little buddy, there you go again making me all teary-eyed because of the good deeds that you do! Let us not forget about the musical headliners .38 Special and Colt Ford doing their part by putting smiles on thousands of people’s faces that weekend.”

I squawk, “Hell yeah! There will be lots of things to look at, see and do. I love all the vendors. Especially the foodie ones. They let me try out little bits and pieces of their goodness every time we walk by. It’s like going to a biker buffet!”

Mike babbles, “What do you mean? You eat like a bird! We have to walk by ten times for you to fill up, but I don’t mind walking, it’s good for my leg. Speaking of good for you, it’s time for your shower, some wind under your wings, my knees under the triple trees, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road on a new front tire. We’ve gotta get party supplies for your 30th birthday.” —