A smattering of misinformation. Maybe. (no fake news here) – Craven Moorehead

The words erupt from the keyboard like lava flowing from a volcano, rushing down the side with the sole intent of reaching the eyes and minds of the reader. More and more the characters that form these very words continue to flow and eventually amass into a pool of content ready to be consumed by the reader. In science and nature, these eruptions are rarer than in the mind of the journalist, which must cause the event to occur at least once a month or more often if he or she is lucky enough to have more than one writing assignment. Writing tasks are few and far between and the ones that offer financial compensation are a rarity unlike any other. This statement is largely based on the fact that everyone has an opinion that they want to express, whether the writer possesses any talent for the position or not. I am in no way trying to suggest that I have the required talent to have this opportunity, but some people in professional positions have strongly indicated that I actually do. Other professionals have stated that I have mental health issues, but I don’t see them writing in a paid capacity. I suppose the bottom line here is – if you want to be a creative and compensated journalist, you must be a little crazy. Enough silliness. I will allow you, the dedicated reader to form your own opinion.

So, here we are. It’s February already and despite a little rain and occasional cool weather, we are all enjoying the reason we moved to Florida in the first place. That’s right. I am talking about the return of NASCAR and the Daytona 500 on the 18th. I know, you were probably assuming that I was going to speak about our ability to be enjoying the beautiful riding weather and blasting down the highway on our machines kickin’ butt and taking names. But I wasn’t. However, we are truly blessed here in Florida and I know that some of our brothers and sisters that live in the snow-bound north envy our freedom and enjoyment in our state. Even when it snows in Pensacola, it doesn’t last that long and it won’t affect the entire season. It’s really good living here and we all enjoy it so we can keep living it up like the rock stars that we are. Hey – don’t forget. Next month is Bike Week once again and by then all the pesky snow should be gone. I can guarantee that this publication will bring you all the action from that event rain or shine! It’s a long-standing tradition at Born To Ride and we will keep on grinding it out. Magazine, TV, and radio plus all the social media and websites, there is no way that you won’t be informed about what’s happening, what has happened, and anything related to the biker lifestyle that we all enjoy. Speaking of Born To Ride Radio (shameless plug follows). … We are continually striving to bring you new content, subjects and interesting and compelling entertainment. Make sure you tune in, call in and be part of the action!

If you live anywhere near the Tampa Bay area, you may or may not have attended our token event Gasparilla. This festival offers anything you could ask for. A flotilla, parades, lots of noise and debauchery, pirates, beads and a lot of drinking! If you live in Florida, you have probably been to this event. It seems that people come from all over the country just to see this event and enjoy the mayhem. I hope everyone survived and had a fantastic time. It is truly a one-of-a-kind event and it’s a Tampa trademark. If you missed it this year, make sure you attend it next year or at least watch it on TV.

Speaking of pirates. … Since I am a news junkie, it seems like every day there is a report of people stealing packages from area resident’s front porch. All over the area, these ‘Porch Pirates’ are being captured on surveillance video stealing valuable merchandise right in our area and around the state. I’m not sure what these ‘pirates’ are thinking but I suspect as bikers, we are one of the homes that are often avoided by these thieves. This occurs primarily during the Christmas season, but this particular brand of pirate certainly does not have the Gasparilla spirit at heart. What’s this world coming to? I’m not too sure but I am continuously monitoring the situation and trying to form my own opinion (as mentioned above) and will continue to keep you posted on good things, bad things, weird things and anything else that has something to do with the biker lifestyle. It’s a tough gig but someone has to do it!

So until next month, stay tuned, speed safely, keep reading and stay the hell off my porch!!!

R.I.P. Craven Moorehead, Your Words Will Live On Forever