19th Annual Smiley's Tap Memorial Ride

By: Lou P. Club riders in attendance 1 (Me)

I rode down to Smiley's arriving there at 11am for there Memorial Ride. I have heard of this ride for years but never took the opportunity to experience it. My New Years resolution is to try new things and this is a start. A little history here, Smiley's Tap is one of the oldest tavern in Volusia County. Originally called The Snake Pit. It was purchased about 30 years ago and renamed Smiley's. Since then it has been a home away from home to many bikers, a place where your always greeted with a smile and the kitchen never closes. The Memorial Ride started 19 years ago when the owner (Betty) lost 5 friends in a matter of months. She wanted a way to remember these people and keep their spirit alive. Over the years people have added names of their friends or family that have passed on some bikers and some not, but with the same intention of not forgetting them. Well back to the ride. There were only about 12 bikes when I got there not much of a turn out I thought? As I entered the door I was greeted by Chris Randel (the lady that sells 50/50 tickets at our toy run) She handed me a Free meal ticket and a door prize ticket. As it was 11am too early for me to have a beer so I asked the bartender for some coffee and he pointed to the corner of the room where they always have coffee set up for early morning riders. (also Free) I got to talk to some interesting people. This ride was different than any I have ever been on before. The people that where here came with a very specific purpose in mind, to honor the memory of someone they knew or loved. Most of them had been coming for years. Betty Got everyone organized at noon and as I looked around our numbers had swelled to 85 bikes. We followed her car to Tomoka Park and down a side road I had never noticed before. I knew I had been by this road a 100 times and never gave it a thought.

------------------ Fairchild Oak Tree --------------------------------- Betty said the eulogy

At the end of the dirt road were some old ruins and a magnificent oak tree. The tree was called the Fairchild Oak and according to the plaque imbedded in a large stone nearby, this tree was over 2000 years old. It has withstood hundreds of hurricanes, tornados and everything that Mother Nature and Father Time could throw at it and it's still here.

With Betty at the base of the tree we gathered round to hear her explain to us new people the reason for this gathering. She named people that had passed recently and read poetry that had been written by friends to their loved ones.

------ Under the Fairchild Oak Tree. I wondered, someday will she say it for me

I did recognized one name she mentioned it was Art ( Arts Place Deleon Springs) They found him peacefully gone in his rocking chair. Only a few months ago we had a club ride there to support a Youth Ranch in St. Augustine. When we rode back Art cooked us lunch and gave out many door prizes. No one could have imagined that that would be the last time we would see Art. We were under the shade of that oak tree for almost an hour but it seemed like minutes, no one was in a hurry to leave. Betty told us to go ride, reflect, and enjoy the day but be back by 3:30 for dinner. We broke into groups and I went with one that headed for The Black Cloud Saloon in Bunnell for there Free BBQ 2-5pm Sundays with Tim Arnold strummin and singin. At 3:30 you could find me 2nd in line for more food at Smiley's. Betty was filling plates with a large portion of Ziti Parmesan with meatballs and sides of green beans, garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. After we had our fill she began to announce the door prize winners. Local merchants and friends gave generously and there were so many that everyone took home a gift. The 50/50 winner got $142 dollars. All in all I'd say it was a day well spent. I met new people Learned that we need to appreciate each other more while we are here and I need to slow down and take a look at what's down those side roads, instead of flying by on the highway of life.

I give it 5 STARS ***** Great weather, Free ride, Lots of free food, Lots of door prizes, and most of all a lesson about life. RIDE SAFE