Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Brian Van Tassel

I started riding on a Vespa Moped, a bicycle with a motor, in 1977. Traded that for a Hodaka Ace 100, and then a Kawasaki 400. Joined the Army and bought a Kawasaki H1 500cc 2-stroke. Went to Germany and when I cam back in 1981 I met my wife. We got married two weeks later and we went on our honeymoon on a Kawasaki 750 V-twin. In between I bought a Kawasaki 1100 and retired from the Army (Armor-Tanks). Now I ride a Honda Goldwing 1200. Sometimes you'll see me doubling my daughter with me. My wife rides a Suzuki 800 Intruder. My wife and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this month.

Webmaster note - Brian is the chapter Maintenance Officer. Congratulations BJ & Mary!

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Don Lanham

Learned to ride on a 350 Honda, but my first bike was the classic that "got away". At the tender age of 17 bought my first bike from a friend of the family...a fully restored 1946 Indian Chief. After that, went through my Harley stage with my last one being a 1963 Duo Glide in a 57 straight leg rigid frame...was young enough to ride a hard tail back then. Went from Harleys to a Triumph (71 Bonnie) and then into a succession of Hondas, starting with a 500 four cylinder and ending with a V65 (1100 cc) Sabre. About that time a daughter came along and switched from bikes to jet skis (much softer when you fall off...). As my daughter got older, the bike bug hit me again and I bought my second Triumph, a 98 Trophy. Rode the Trophy until I purchased my current bike, an 05 Tiger. Much of my riding is two up with my wife of 32 years, Gayle. She now has some competition for the pillion, with our daughter Heather starting to enjoy the ride, including her first long trip a month ago to Atlanta on a "Father/Daughter" ride. I'm restoring a 1980 Kawasaki 250 LTD, they are already feuding over it....may be a third motorcycle in our garage to preserve the peace.

Whats great about motorcycling? As the old story goes, if you have to ask, I can't explain it. Fortunately the cruisers are all riders so they know the answer to that question as well as I do.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Robert Glady

My wife, our three children and I have lived in the Tallahassee area for the last twenty years. I own "Blue Water Pool Service" and my wife is assistant nurse manager of the pediatric intensive care unit at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In my youth I owned several motorcycles including two Honda's and a Harley-Davidson. We recently got back into riding when my twenty-year-old son bought his first street-bike, a Yamaha FZ6. My daughter was soon to follow with a Suzuki LS 650. Not wanting the kids to have all the fun, my wife and I decided to purchase our own motorcycles for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary (Suzuki LS650 and Yamaha Warrior respectively). My youngest son has also put in his fair share of miles on the back of the Warrior. We are all proud members of the Southern Cruisers.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Juanita Slagle

Juanita Slagle started riding on the back of Mike's motorcycle in 2001. In 2004 she took the Safe Rider class and got her own license. Her first bike was a 1986 Honda Rebel 250. In May of 2005 Mike bought her a 1995 Honda 600 VLX. Now she can keep up with the rest of the group. She has 3 children and 9 grandchildren. You may see a couple of them on rides with SCRC

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Mike Slagle

Mike Slagle has been riding off and on since 1960. There were Cushman and Vespa scooters, Bultacos, CZ's and of course all the Japanese bikes. Finally in July of 2001 he purchased his first Harley, a 2001 Sportster 1200XL. Six months later he traded it in for a 2002 Road King. Mike and his wife, Juanita joined SCRC in 2005 and enjoy the Tuesday night get together's and monthly rides. Mike says "It's been a heck of a ride so far.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member #91010 - Bob Cannon

Bob joined the SCRC in 1999. He rides a 2001 Honda Shadow Aero 1100. Bob is a Professional Engineer who retired from the FDOT with 33 years of service and almost 5 years with PBS&J, Consulting Engineers. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry and will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in June of this year. They have two daughters and seven grandchildren. Bob enjoys motorcycling and riding with his friends, golfing, remote control model airplanes, traveling around this country in a Motor home along with other activities when time permits.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Tom Wages

I grew up on a farm in central Ohio and joined the Navy in 1969. I spent my military time mostly in Key West ( tough duty ) and married my high school sweetheart Sue. I bought a 125cc Harley Davidson from one of my shipmates while I was in Key West. While I was riding it my wife Sue learned to ride and enjoyed it as much as I did. When I left the service in 1973 we moved back to Ohio and spent one winter there before moving back to Florida. We quit riding for several years while we were raising children and I purchased a Virago 750 about five years ago. Sue and I both got back into riding and I now ride a K75 BMW and Sue rides Suzuki Intruder. We are currently members of the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Southern Cruisers. I currently work in the Chemistry Department of FSU and am prepared to retire at the end of May of this year and spend more time touring and riding the scenic byways of this great country on my motorcycle.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Gene Nelms

Gene started riding at the age of 13 on a 165 Harley Davidson and has owned many different kinds of motorcycles since. Gene rides a Honda 1800 VTX with a beautiful flame paint job. As a State of Florida employee he has worked with the Legislature for the past 26 years. He and his wife Melba has been married for 34 years and have two wonderful Daughters. Gene loves to ride with his friends and members of the Big Bend Chapter 91 SCRC. I think one of Gene's earlier bikes just happened to be one every young man dreamed of, a Cushman Eagle.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Suzuki Sue Wages

The earliest picture I've seen of me on a bike is when I was ten months old, with my handsome dad, sitting on his 1938 Harley. In 1951 he was buying the older bikes and restoring them for resale. At age ten, I remember Dad doing tricks like standing on the seat while riding his beautiful turquoise blue Harley. He also let me sit in front of him while I steered. (Last year he told me he was actually steering with his hips and legs.) He had little red lights on the wheels and on summer evenings, would take me for rides around the old county courthouse square in Newark, Ohio. Once he bought mom a new ring and I was so surprised that he gave me the responsibility to carry it home safely while we rode the Harley!

There's also the childhood memories of my mom talking about her dad, Ray Jones. He rode with B.Ward Beam's Hell Drivers in the 1930's throughout the Midwest doing trick motorcycling shows at county fairs and such. He rode in the "Circle of Death" where he rode the bike inside the big ball and went upside down. He would do things like jump over a row of cars, stand on the seat and ride with no hands, and ride into a burning wooden wall. The later trick went badly one time when something got stuck in his wheel and he went through the wall sideways. It broke lots of bones on one side of his body and he spent months in a hospital. His leg never did heal correctly. At his death in 1961, there were six special made trick Harley's found in his barn.

Tom and I married December 1969 and moved to Key West where he was stationed in the Navy. I finished nursing school there. I learned to ride Tom's 125 cc Harley that he used for transportation to work. We moved to Tallahassee in 1974 and sold it a few years later.

In 2000, Tom began riding again and I relearned to ride on his Yamaha Virago. That July, I bought my present bike, a blue 1996 Suzuki Intruder 800cc. It has served me well, and I've ridden it to Ohio twice and to Canada. I love it!

In 2003, I retired from Tallahassee Memorial. Hospital and now work part time. I've had many exciting times riding the highways as a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association especially when taking it into prisons with the Bill Glass Champions for Life Prison Ministry. I hope to put many more miles on my beautiful blue bike!

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 - Terry Pace (Former 1st Officer)

I began riding at the age of 12 on a Cushman Scooter and have had many types and sizes of motorcycles over the years. I retired from the Bureau of Prisons in 2000 and have enjoyed not having to go to work and fight the traffic each morning. About two and a half years ago I bought a Yamaha V-Star 1100 and got back into riding again and joined the SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91. I purchased a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic in April and have put over 13,000 miles on it riding with friends and members of the club.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 - Gilbert Miller

Gilbert got his first bike at age 8, it was a honda 50 back in 1970, since then he always went bigger with every bike that he has owned. Now he has his prize bike, a Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500.. He has been in the steel business for 25 years as a welder/fitter. Gilbert is currently with jackson-cook welding & cranes. He has been married to his current wife for 5 years, He has one grown son, who lives in Cartersville, Ga. He spend way too much time on the internet looking at bikes, reading about bikes, chatting about bikes of all kinds, He just likes to know about all the different types of bikes that are out there.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Allison Zoghbi

Allison work in fragrance sales. Her hobbies are painting, cooking and ….OH…wait a minute…..Riding Her new bike. The Lucky Husband’s name is Joe. The new Suzuki Boulevard C50 is an early Christmas present from her wonderful hubby. She has 3 wonderful teens (2 boys and a girl). The oldest boy is already riding her old bike. Allison has been riding since May 2005. Her first bike was a Honda Rebel 250 that she took her longest trip to Daytona and back during Biketoberfest.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Robert Hebert

Rob, a transplanted Louisiana Cajun (and proud of it!), has been a member of SCRC for about two years and began his riding career some 25 years ago. He started riding in college and took a leave of absence for about 12 years during his first attempt at marriage. His first major bike (which he still misses) was a 1993 Honda Shadow 500….he and his current wife and best friend Rita both have motorcycle Safe Rider Certifications and ride a 2001 Suzuki Intruder VL1500 LC and 2001 Harley Road King (Rob) and a 2003 Suzuki 650 Savage (Rita). They enjoy the camaraderie of making club rides and prefer one day jaunts into South Georgia and Southeast Alabama and the Panhandle.

Rob, formally with the Florida Department of Transportation is currently a freight transportation private consultant employed by Wilbur Smith Associates of Columbia, S.C. Rita is a Procurement Analyst for the State of Florida Department of Transportation. They both plan to retire in Tallahassee within the next three years. Rob has a son, Brent, and a daughter, Alisha, residing in St. Amant, Louisiana and Rita has a daughter, Britni, residing in Calhoun, GA. The kids are grown and the pair look forward to many future years of riding their motorcycles and traveling the U.S. visiting family and grandchildren.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Charlie Hair

I am employed by Nic's toggery a fine men's clothing store for 10 years selling suits shirts and ties etc. and wearing suits all day I look forward to the end of the day when I can don my biker leather and "feel the wind" on one of our bikes....my friends call me the-suitman ..in november my wife Lisa and I survived a bad crash but as you can see with my new vstar 1100 I have recovered very quickly...I wished I could say the same for Lisa...and my vulcan nomad which we totaled....I have been a member of the Big Bend Chapter 91 SCRC since July and look forward to tuesday nights to visit with some of the coolest people I have ever met.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Joseph Haley

My grandfather sailed to the east coast of Florida in 1872. I know because I have a Sawfish bill from a 12 footer signed and dated on the Indian River. The rest of us Virginian /Tennesseans followed shortly. I am a Sarasota native. I am a retired Airline/Executive pilot. I ended up with the State for the last 16 years of my career, flying the executive branch of government to wherever.
I always wanted to ride but circumstances didn't permit me the pleasure until I turned 60. I Have owned 5 cycles in the last five years. I think I have made up for a late start as I now have ridden over 70,000 miles. Have made half a dozen trips to the eastern mountains, ridden the 'Dragon' both ways three times, and this year completed a trip of 4000 miles or so to the south west, although I did bend a bike on that one with only slight damage to myself. After seeing the insurance co. check, my ride buddy said, you ought to fall down at least once a year!" I am now on my third Vulcan 750 and have found my ride (at least for now).

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Members - Bruce and Billie Davis

Bruce & I met Sept. 2005 on our way to Oklahoma City. That was a wonderful trip. Bruce was born and raised in Sopchoppy. He graduated from Florida High.He works for Dial Communications in Tallahassee. I have retired, and doing what I like best, riding my 2001 Harley Soft tail. Back when!!! I was younger, I rode a lot of dirt bikes, even raced and done some hill climbing,lots of fun.My dream was to own a Harley. Bruce and I bought twin Honda's back in the 80,s.WE quit riding up until 2 years ago. I purchased my bike Dec.2003. Bruce purchased his 2002 Harley Soft tail in 2003.
We have not had a chance to ride a lot, but we are hoping to change all that. With a bunch of Guys and Gals like we met Tuesday night,I am sure we will have all the chances in the future to do so.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Victor Venos.

Vic was born and raised in Palm Beach County and moved to Tallahassee in 1985. He retired in 2001 after more than 36 years with Southern Bell and AT&T. He lost his wife of over 20 years to cancer in 1998 and now lives with Mary Helen Blakeslee. Vic got my first scooter, a 125 Lambretta, in 1960, then a 165 Harley. I have had a couple of other Harleys, a 650 Triumph, and various other scooters until I quit riding in 1979. In 2003 I got a deal I couldn't refuse on a Honda and have been back in the saddle since.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Mary VanTassel

Mary is originally from TN, but now lives in Havana due to my husband Brian(BJ) retiring from the Army after 20 years. I have been married to BJ for 24 wonderful years and have two children Brian Uriah 23 who is to be married in March and Christina 21. I work for FSU Early Head Start home based program in Quincy. I teach prenatal and infant development to young and low income families. I have been riding motorcycles since I was small. My dad instilled this love in me from a very early age. I ride a Suzuki Intruder 800 since July this year. This is my first bike I have owned and it will not be the last.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Rodney Corley.

Rodney has been riding bikes since he was 14 years old. His first bike was a Cushman Highlander but has owned many bike through the years. He and his wife Linda of 15 years have five kids and 13 Grandkids. Rodney love to ride the back roads with his many friends and fellow Big Bend chapter 91 members. He is a retired CSX engineer but now works as a shop forman with Talquin Fabrication. If you would like someone to ride with just give him a call and he wiil be ready.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 - 3rd Officer Susan Starr.

Susan, 3rd officer of the club, is from Tallahassee and now lives in Havana. She got her degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Human Services at FSU. She works as a Rehabilitation Counselor working with people with disabilities. Susan started riding on the back of friend's bikes about five years ago never thinking she would ever "drive" a bike much less own one. She rode dirt bikes as a teenager but never road any bike on the road until the last couple years. She bought her Yamaha V-star 650 two years ago from a lady who had it has her first bike. It was a 01 with 1600 miles on it. It sat in a friends garage for a year waiting for Susan's road to get paved. Then it sat on Susan's porch for year except for the rare occasion that she would ride it on the back road into Havana and back (probably 10 miles total round trip). She took and passed the motorcycle safety coarse last fall but the bike still sat. Then in early summer Henry Pelt came by on one of his bikes and suggested they ride "just around the block". One hundred twenty-five miles later Susan gained some much needed confidence. She then started riding up into Georgia on the back roads, then ventured into Tallahassee, then down to the coast. This past weekend she really stepped out of her comfort zone and road as the Road Captain with the club to Blakely. Georgia. Motorcycle riding is mental health therapy to Susan. Some of her other main interest are ballroom dancing, boating (kayak, sail, & motor), art and animals. You can always spot Susan's garnet helmet with the sticker on the back that says "Blonde With The Wind".

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Edgar Chattin.

Edgar started riding at the age of 12 on a Cushman Scooter. He and his wife Jeannie of 19 years love to ride his Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic with friends and SCRC members. Edgar is half Cherochee Indian simi retired and builds custom knives and tommyhawks and is a blade smith by trade. He was born and raised around Tampa Florida and still has family there.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 - 2nd Officer Ben Balding.

Ben joined SCRC in 1999 as one of its original members. He currently serves as 2nd Officer and rides a 1996 Yamaha Royal Star Boulevard 1300. Ben retired after 34 years of service with the DOT and 6 years with PBS&J, a local consulting firm. He served as a Photographer's Mate in the US Navy and graduated from FSU with a B.S. Degree in Mass Communications. He is married to SCRC member, Regina, and they have one son, one daughter and one grandson. Besides motorcycling, he enjoys FSU football, vegetable gardening and sharing emails with his friends. He especially enjoys Tuesday nights and riding with his SCRC friends.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Steve Brown.

Steve was raised near Redwood City, California and started riding at the age of 14. His Father would take him to the Redwood forrest and let him ride his Honda Super Sport 55 through logging roads out to the coast. Steve retired as a heavy equipment operator and moved to Tallahassee, but I think he just got tired of digging ditches. He has an Iron Horse Texas Chopper and a Yamaha Venture. Steve loves to ride the back roads with his frinds and club members. He is always ready to ride at a moments notice especially if you mention there is a buffet involved. Did I memtion that he is "SINGLE".

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member- Gary Edwards.

Gary enjoys helping his clients reach their financial destination in his role as a Financial Consultant at A.G. Edwards investments. He has a number of antique motorcycles he has personally restored, including his "late model" 1972 Suzuki GT750 (pictured), better know as the "Water Buffalo" since it is a water-cooled two stroke bike, which was unusual for it's time. Gary has been riding for the last six years and also enjoys driving his vintage 66 Pontiac GTO convertible (he is president of the Tallahassee Region Antique Auto Club of America), as well as riding roller coaster with other members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Gary grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and recently he and his wife Betty celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. They have four grown children and love to spend time with their four grandchildren.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Harold Lewis.

Harold is co-owner with his Son of Lewis Digital in Tallahassee. As you notice our website is hosted by Harold and his sons company. Harold has ben riding for the past five years and loves to ride with his friends every chance he gets. He also love to fish, camp, and spend time with his grandkids. Harold was born and raised within 4 miles of where he now lives. He has been married for the past 39 years and has three sons.

If you need Internet service contact Harold at hllewis@lewisweb.net

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Ricky Phillips.

Ricky is really into Motorcycles as you can tell by what he is riding. His Boss Hoss is one of the outstanding bikes in the club. Ricky is the owner of Corner Stone Land Surveying is married and has two children. He loves to hunt, fish, play golf and ride is motorcycle. September 12th he and his wife Melba celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Dennis Bodiford.

Dennis has rode bikes all of his life. He has owned a varity of bikes but likes the Kawasaki best. He is retired and likes to ride with his many friends and family. He and his wife Cindy have two dogs and live in the Woodville area where he is the Vice President of the Wilkinson Woods Home Oweners Association. He has returned home from the Hospital and looks forward to seeing his friends and fellow members of the SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91.

Meet SCRC Big Bend Chapter 91 Member - Henry Pelt.

One of my earliest memories is running down to the end of our street to meet Dad coming home from work on his Indian Chief. He would stop and put me up on the tank for the ride home and he would play like I was steering.
My first bike was a Cushman "Step Through" scooter that my Uncle and I assembled from a basket full of parts that I had come across. I have had various bikes through the years Ducati, BSA, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Yamaha and others too obscure to mention. I got "Hooked on Hondas" in about 1965 with my first CB-450. I think at least one Honda has been in my possession ever since, though I'm always willing to give the other brands a shot.
At the moment I have a Valkarie, Manga, and a Kawasaki Concors. I enjoy taking long rides to nowhere. Discovering new and little known roads and sharing short stories and long laughs.
Keep the rubber on the road and remember the destination is the ride.

Visit my Web Site at:http://www.gtcom.net/~hepelt

Meet SCRC Chapter 91 Member - Regina Balding.

Regina started riding in January 2001 after taking the Florida Safe Rider Class. She rides a 1999 Yamaha VStar 650 Classic. She retired in 2003 after 32 years with the Department of Transportation and has been employed for 1 year with the Department of Corrections. She graduated from FSU with a BS Degree in Geography/Urban & Regional Planning. She is married to Ben Balding, also a Chapter 91 member, and they have one son, one daughter, and one grandson. Regina said that learning to ride a motorcycle has been an exciting adventure. She said that not only is riding such fun, but thanks to SCRC, she gets to spend every Tuesday night with some of the nicest bikers she's ever met!