CavaliersMC

Ride to Biloxi

2007-07-09T02:16:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, Doc and Poncho rode from Lafitte's to the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Mike and Doug met us at Lafitte's to send us off, but couldn't come along because of another engagement.

We took Old 90 through New Orleans East and Lake Catherine. The Chef and Rigolets bridges are open, and a new bridge for the Rigolets is being built right along side the old one (as is being done at the Twin Span). We continued through to Mississippi, where we crossed the new span at Bay St. Louis.

The beaches were gorgeous--beautiful white sands. But until we got to Biloxi, there were no buildings across the street. Except for Waffle Houses. No hotels until the Island View Casino in Gulfport. When we got to Biloxi, we saw our first Holiday Inn or other name brand motel. So it's still pretty bleak along the beach.

We ate at the buffet (of course), then Poncho blew some money on some unresponsive slot machines.

We took the fast route home (I-10) as by 2pm the heat was unbearable and we both just wanted to get home -- Poncho to his pool, and me to my loving wife (hey, babe!).

Cavalier miles: 190.

Dinner ride: Next Wednesday, July 18 -- Meet at Lafitte's BY 6:30pm. Where are we going? Suggestions are welcome.

Doc

2007 Gay Easter Parade

2007-04-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Cavaliers led the 2007 New Orleans Gay Easter Parade for the fourth year running. Nine Bikes with two riders and one pet made the annual journey behind an NOPD escort leading the Grand Marshalls and more.

Michael, Doug, Julie, Diane, Juliette, Poncho even Eric and Bubba came from Mobile were joined by Mina for this years ride. All the bonnets were teriffic as always. Ofcourse Poncho mad a grand entrance in the largets of them all.

Michael, Doug and Cam showed their colors, maroon, teal and pink respectively. Diane and Juliette arrived with matching flower pot themes. Julie had a great Easter Basket and flower motife too. Mina had the ultimate flower hat courtesy of Momma Mina. Eric and Bubba made it over from Mobile, after returning just a day earlier from vacation, bringing back nostalgia with thier hats....what year is this?

While the weather was not the most cooperative, at least the rain stopped long enough for a chilly ride through the Quater. All the spectators seemed taken with a fabulous beginning to this years parade.

A special thanks to all who helped and rode.

Cavaliers on YouTube

This YouTube video of the 2007 New Orleans Gay Easter Parade features the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club!

March Ride to Red Bluff

2007-03-11T17:02:00.000-05:00

Now that the Mardi Gras Festivities are over the Cavaliers were able to get back to some serious riding. The group had an awesome day of riding on Sunday March 11th to Red Bluffs. Doc lead the group as we traveled 287 miles. It was a beautiful day to be out riding. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect. Poncho re-joined us on his new bike for the first time since Katrina. It was great to have him riding with us again! We had 7 riders in the group. They were Doc, Julie, Doug, Mike, Poncho, Rodney and Mitch. It was so great to be back on the rode riding as a group again. We look forward to many more beautiful days of riding this year!

Up coming events include:

Dinner ride to Carreta's in Mandeville on Wednesday, March 21st at 6:30PM.

Gay Easter Parade in New Orleans on Sunday, April 8th.

Mobile Gay Pride Weekend March 13th-15th with parade on Saturday the 14th.

Cavaliers 2006 Officers

2006-12-11T16:04:00.000-06:00

The Cavalier Motorcycle Club proudly announces the 2006 Officers elected Sunday December 11, 2006:

President: Doug Minich
Secretary/Treasurer: Deany "Doc" Cheramie
Road Captain: Diane Foto

We all look forward to another great year with a lot of miles on the bikes and a few laughs along the way! Watch for a planning meeting announcement coming from our new Road Captain Diane soon.

I want to thank someone very special to both me and the Cavaliers here also. Poncho has not only been an officer, Treasurer and Road Captain, but is also a Founding Member. He has worked very hard for our group and kept us moving and entertained more than a few times. Poncho lost his bike with the flooding of Katrina but I have no doubt he will be back on two wheels as soon as possible. Poncho has been there every time I needed a little help or to jump start me when I needed it as well. We see you often but we miss you on the road there missy!

Looking forward to 2006,

Doug Minich
CavalierMC
2005/06 President

Congratulations Times Four!

2006-11-12T01:47:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the members and officers of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club on an outstanding fourth anniversary celebration this weekend! Michael and I were delighted we could come down from Memphis and be a part of it and see so many of you again!

For those of you who may have missed it, Saturday night's banquet at Lafitte's was superb! My compliments to our chef, as well as to Ms. Susan who made the arrangements.

Kudos to the incoming club officers! I have always said that we have an extraordinary membership, with many who would make fine officer material. I think it is truly an important milestone in our club history that the torch has passed beyond the
original seven founding members. Congratulations to you all!

Heartfelt thanks also go out to Doug Minich for his years of dedication and service to our club! I could not have served out my term as president without all the effort Doug put into the club for the first two years. He then went on to be the kind of president any club would be proud to have. His leadership and ability to keep our club united after we were quite literally scattered to the four winds after Katrina was a remarkable testament to his depth of character. It is in large part through Doug's efforts that the club held together through this difficult time, and even prospered, with the Cavaliers being the first New Orleans club to host a post-Katrina club event. Doug is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Cavalier!

Thanks also to our many friends from the Bears, the Lords, the Knights, and the Outlaws, and our many other friends around the city. Your friendship, support, fellowship, and kindness have helped make the Cavaliers the success that it is today.

I really never would have guessed on that first ride way back in 2002 that our little group twisting down River Road to Oak Alley would one day see a fourth anniversary, and become the remarkable group of fun-loving people that we are. I feel very
fortunate to have had the chance to be a part of it.

Best wishes to all of my dear friends as the Cavaliers move into their fifth remarkable year!

David and Michael

Fourth Anniversary Celebration

2006-11-10T17:34:00.000-06:00

The Cavaliers will celebrate our Fourth Anniversary November 10 - 12, 2006. We missed our Third Annivresary because of Katrina. Our Fourth will be better than ever.

The schedule will be:

Friday November 10: 9:00 PM - Midnight - Bike Night! Come on down and join us for some cold beer, Great Bikes and the Best People on Earth!

Saturday November 11:

10:00AM Poker Run. $5 per hand, winner take all! (starting point tba)

7:00 PM Anniversary Banquet. Upstairs at Lafitte's, the Balcony Bar. Great food and more! Tickets can be purchased for $20.00.

Sunday November 12:

10:00 AM Anniversary Ride to tThe Cabin Restaurant in Burnside. This historic restaurant has great food and the ride there is awesome!

6:00 PM Motorcycle Christening! Right there on Wold Famous Bourbon Street at the corner of Dumaine. Across from Lafitte's during Trash Disco, what could be more fitting.

Join us as we celebrate!

Lagniappe Ride to Red Bluffs

2006-09-17T01:42:00.000-05:00

Diane led Doc and Juliette to Morgantown,MS to ride the Red Bluffs road. The ride started at Lafitte's at 9:15 am. The riders crossed Lake Pontchartrain on the Causeway, continued through Covington to La. 21, riding up to Angie LA (north of Bogalusa) for lunch at Stewart's Cafe (good country plate lunches).

The ride continued up to Columbia MS, where the riders met MS 587 for some fun twisties through Morgantown to Monticello. The group then took MS 43 (or 48?) back to Columbia then on to Picayune (this was another fun, curvy road) to catch I-59 then I-10 back to New Orleans. Overall Cavalier miles: 300.

Doc

"When You're Good To Mama ..."

2006-06-13T18:49:00.000-05:00

This lovely "lady" was the Cavaliers entry into the Memorial Day MASCARa 2005 Drag Race, sponsored by our friends at Wood Enterprises. Scott was assisted by a capable pit crew including Cavaliers Michael D. and Matt with help from Outlaws Mina and Nanette and Cavalier Friends Cam, Kevin and Craig. The race begins with the contestants eating a plate of chili cheese fries from the Clover Grill, then running from bar to bar in the French Quarter, adding another piece to their drag ensemble at each pit stop. It was quite a sight! Thanks to Scott for being a great sport, and all those who helped his transformation.

(I dunno, it looks like he's kind of getting into it!)

Anniversary 3.5

2006-05-06T01:25:00.000-05:00

The Cavaliers held their 3 1/2 Year Anniversary on Saturday May 6, 2006 with a Crawfish & Shrimp Boil combined with Pool Party. We had about 25 people in attendance including members, associates and friends of our club.

Special thanks to Diane for acting as "Master of the Boiling", Julie and Jim for cleaning all those mud bugs, and everyone else who stepped up to lend a hand. Plenty of food was on hand and the beer did flow pretty freely as well.

Watch for a full report on the web site, along with pictures, soon.

Again, Congratulations Cavaliers, it has been a great 3 1/2 years.

Doug Minich
CavaliersMC
2006 President

2006 Gay Easter Parade

2006-04-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

For the 3rd year, the Cavaliers were there to lead the New Orleans Gay Easter Parade through the French Quarter.

Starting with an Easter lunch at Michael and Doug's, the Cavs made their way to the staging area via the French Quarter with a stop at Lafittes'.

We had 10 motorcycles to roar though the streets, more than enough to over ride any would be protesters - which none showed up. The crowds were pleasantly heavy for most of the entire route and all seemed happy to have the parade.

Once again, our Easter Bonnets were a big hit with everyone!

Check out the photos page!

Cavaliers Celebrate Gay Pride in Mobile, AL

2006-04-08T17:44:00.000-05:00

The Cavaliers rode into Mobile, AL to celebrate Pride Weekend with our friends at B-bob’s and the Gulf Coast Bear and Leather association. Dave D. Diane, Julie and Doug headed over on the bikes on Friday making great time on a very windy I-10.

After checking into the hotel we headed over to meet with fellow Cavaliers and Mobile residents Bubba and Eric. While visiting, Paul called to meet up for dinner at the Big Time Diner so we saddled up and headed out for some food.

While we had a bit of a wait at the restaurant as they were trying to get seating for eight we did finally get to eat at separate tables – some restaurants, geesh. The food was good and the milkshakes delicious according to Julie and Diane. Our timing was a bit off and we rushed back to the hotel to get our vests and all for our Traveling Bike Night at B-bob’s.

As always, Jerry was ready for us with a welcoming smile. While we did have a slight problem with the Jell-O “Shots” we learned that the “jigglers” recipie isn’t a good idea…. So after deciding to “86” the Jell-O we continued on with the 50/50 raffle and a great night with the crowd there. We raised a total of $314.00 in ticket sales giving the winning ticket holder and the club $157.00 each. The drawing was held during the first of B-bob’s two shows.

Saturday morning Michael D. arrived driving through a few rain showers with his bike trailered. After a buffet breakfast across Mobile Bay we regrouped at the parade staging area. Wow, we had grown our contingent to 12 bikes with Bubba, Eric, Paul and some new friends joining in. Eric even brought us several balloons to decorate with and off the 2nd Annual Mobile Parade went through downtown.

The crowds were good and eager to see the parade around the festival park. Even the protestor/preachers in Mobile aren’t a match for the Cavaliers when we rev ‘em up, as we were glad to demonstrate to the applause of the supportive crowds. If only we can keep Eric and his penchant for squealing under control. Maybe it’s a good thing Bubba was in the truck since his battery died before the parade began.

After a rest we met up with several members of the GCBLA and made our way to JP’s Southern Heritage Seafood Restaurant for their Buffet. After the buffet and several platters of Crab Legs we were very surprised when Kerry, from the GCBLA, asked for our attention thanking us for coming over and announcing dinner was hi treat. Now that is generosity!

Saturday night we were back at B-bob’s for the Bears fundraiser. The crowd wass big and there was definitely energy in the air. Jerry definitely knows how to get his crowd going and keep them entertained.

I have to admit that Sunday morning it was a bit chilly and I was glad to have the truck and trailer there. After loading our bikes, Diane, Julie, Dave D., Michael D. and I made the pilgrimage to “Spot of Tea” for our traditional Sunday in Mobile breakfast. Seems the Monte Christo Sandwich is as popular and good as ever.

After returning to New Orlreans it was good to see everyone get together at Lafitte’s for Sunday mass, a.k.a. Trash Disco.

Cavalier Miles are awarded as follows: Diane, Julie and Dave D: 380 miles (round trip ride and in Mobile Riding for Dinners etc.) Doug: 240 miles for One way ride to Mobile, in Mobile riding for dinners etc. Michael D.: 40 miles, in Mobile riding for dinner and parade.

3 1/2 Year Anniversary Celebration

2006-04-08T17:37:00.000-05:00

Having the 3 Year Anniversary scuttlerd by Hurricane Katrina the Cavaliers celebrated 3 1/2 Years with a Crawfish/Shrimp Boil and Pool Party at Michael and Doug's home on April 8, 2006.

Lots of Crawfish, shrimp, potatos, corn and sausage made for a great meal for all in attendance. The pool was a bit chilly but that didn't stop everyone from having a few beers, good food and a great time.

A special thanks goes to Diane for cooking everything to perfection; to Julie and Jim for all their prep work with those crawfish, and all others who brought extra chairs and helped out. It really was a great time for all.

Lagniappe ride to Red Bluff

2006-03-26T16:34:00.000-06:00

Sunday Dave D, Julie, and Diane took a laniappe ride to Red Bluff. We met at Lafittes at 9:30am and took off around 10am. It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky. We headed off over the causeway and took Hwy 21 into Mississippi. We gassed up right before we hit hwy 587. Then on to the wonderfully curvy road. We stopped briefly at Red Bluff to look into the canyon and then continued on 587 till we hit 84. From there we took hwy 43 into Columbia where we stopped at a popeyes for lunch. Then we continued on 43 down to Picayune and then hit the interstate back into town. It was a wonderful 6 hour drive. We logged 299 cavalier miles. I'll be posting a couple of pictures we took later.

Diane

Cavaliers Stay Busy for Carnival 2006

2006-02-26T18:03:00.000-06:00

The Cavaliers had a busy Carnival 2006 with events from Ball Masques to a successful return to the Phoenix to hold our First Ever Lundi Gras Beer Bust.

Many of the Cavaliers kicked off the weekend attending the Armeinius Ball Masque held at the Alario Center in Westwego, LA on Saturday February 25th with Michael D. Matt and Doug appearing on stage for a presentation by Associate member Jim J. Michael and Doug even got their motorcycles onstage! For a crew that sustained damage to their den, this group pulled off a fantastic show.

Sunday February 26th was the Lords of Leather Ball Masque held this year at the Sheraton on Canal Street. With the Chalmette Civic Center unavailable, the Lords decided not to present their traditional tableau but held a wonderful night of dinner and dancing in the Ball Room over looking the Bacchus parade. This actually gave many people the opportunity to see Bacchus for the first time as the two events are on the same evening.

The Cavaliers made a successful return to the Phoenix for our First Ever Lundi Gras Beer Bust on Monday February 27th. The Phoenix this year offered all the clubs an opportunity to hold Beer Busts over the Carnival weekend.

We celebrated with not just a beer bust but had doses of “Mardi Gras Vaccinations” as well. The surprise on people’s faces is always worth it when we get out Jell-O shots out.

Check out the picture pages for all the photos from the weekend.

Wednesday Dinner Ride

2006-02-09T16:24:00.000-06:00

The Cavaliers held their monthly Dinner Ride Wednesday with a planned ride uptown to Rocky's Pizza. After meeting at Lafitte's, Michael, Doug, Mitch, Diane and Julie opted to change destinations. Seems one of the bikes was having battery issues and required "push starting" - not to identify the rider, but damn those Harley's seem to be high maintenance. (almost was reminiscent of a gas and diesel mishap too.)

Anyway, the decision was made to only push start the hog once and walk to a closer restaurant for pizza. Being in the quarter, Mona Lisa did come to mind and that is where we went. We were even greeted by a surprise visitor to our group when Phyllis, who currently residing Kenner, joined our group after learning of our destination from the friendly folks at Lafitte's. Turns out Phyllis rode in on her 2004 Harley Soft Tail, without push starting it, and luckily was able to find us. Salads and pizza seemed to be the call of the day for our meals, everyone seemed well fed and satisfied.

After much conversation and good food it was time to head out and home. Best to you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

Doug

Iceman 2006

2006-01-08T18:07:00.000-06:00

The Iceman didn’t reign this year as 9 motorcyclists 2 passengers and one cage as chase vehicle comprised The Cavaliers ride to The Cabin Restaurant in Burnside, Louisiana. Following the curves of Hwy 3127 we braved the occasional high winds to make our lunch stop right on time.

Diane, Julie, Mitch, Doc, Susan (in the support cage, er, I mean vehicle) Michael D. Doug and yes even Dolly made a return to New Orleans and this ride, were joined by riders new to The Cavaliers, Tony with his passenger and good friend Kristi, both from the North Shore, on Tony’s ’05 Heritage and Maria, with partner Monica riding along, on Maria’s 05 V-Star 600.

While the winds did pose a challenge at times, the ride to The Cabin was great. Sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures more than made up for the stiff breezes. As always, lunch was delicious and all the Cavaliers were sated to say the least. More than one person mentioned the idea of napping on a full belly.

The decision to take River Road through LaPlace on the way back to New Orleans gave Kristi the opportunity to call another biker to meet up with us in LaPlace. That is where we all met Kerry from New Orleans on her bright red Triumph 900. After getting desert at Sonic we got back on the River Road to 310 and into the city via I-10 just in time for “Trash Disco” at Lafitte’s.

A total of 170 Cavaliers Miles to the 9 bikers making the round trip with 84 Cavalier Miles to Kerry for answering the last minute call to ride!

It was a great day with friends old and new.

Check out the photo page for more photos from this trip.

Awards for Cavaliers

2005-11-22T15:56:00.000-06:00

Hey folks,

I just found out that the Cavaliers were given Journalism Awards along with several other New Orleans groups. Here is brief list of awards given by TRUE TALES, a leather Journal recieved by us, The Lords, Bears, NOBLE and AMBUSH for Hurricane updates and information. The complete list can be found on the AMBUSH web site ( www.ambushmag.com ) or in the current edition. I want to send a special Thank You to David for his hard and quick work on the web site!

Ride Proud Cavaliers!

Doug Minich
CavaliersMC
2005 President

Cavaliers Motorcycle Club, Lords of Leather, Phoenix, New Orleans Bears, LA-NOBLE & Ambush Mag Win Journalism Awards

2005 Awards

Best Information on Current Events by a Leather Website Inside the Gulf Coast: Cavaliers Motorcycle Club; Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Krewe; The Phoenix Bar; A True Rose.

Best Information on Current Events by a Leather or Leather-Related E-mail List Inside the Gulf Coast: Cavaliers MC; Houston's Rainbow Cross; LA-NOBLE; Leather Nation Job Board; New Orleans Bears; NOLA Refugee.

Best Leather-Related Information on Current Events by a Non-Leather Publication: Ambush Mag.

Special Leather Communications Award (for outstanding efforts at communicating news and information to the leather community): To David Lester (Webmaster of the Cavaliers Motorcycle Club in New Orleans) and Todd Cole (president and Webmaster of the Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Krewe in New Orleans), for providing information to the rest of the world through their clubs' Websites within a short time after the hurricane crisis began, and to Tibby (lieutenant of the New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club), for providing the most frequently updated list of survivors and missing persons.

An eerie ride

2005-11-17T15:49:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night I decided to join my club for an evening ride to a Bike Night in Metairie. It was so wonderful to put on my leathers, mount up, and ride in the cold wind. The wind was a steady 15 mph out of the North with temps at about 48 degrees F. Six of us (Doug, Michael D., Mitch, Dave, Poncho and Me) met at Lafitte's in the French Quarter. Our ride took us through some of the deserted, dark streets in the uptown area that had flooded. It was so eerie to pass from a brightly lit, lively area through this wasteland filled with mounds of debris and abandoned cars and refrigerators. Arriving in Metairie was like finding a living oasis at the end of a dark journey.

At the Pitt Stop we met up with Diane and Julie and walked around looking at the leather displays and the bikes. This event usually contains about 250 bikes (Before Katrina). There may have been 100 last night. But despite the cold and the disaster, people were there, drinking beer, eating hot burgers, and talking about bikes. We left this venue and traveled to another spot, a bar called Southport. There we snacked on red beans and rice, talked a bit more, and then took off for home.

I had another ride through the devastation, in the dark and alone. Once again I felt this eerie sensation and just wanted to pass through the area as quickly as possible. I switched to the Interstate at Carrollton Ave. and crossed the Crescent City Connection with relief knowing I was headed back to civilization.

Doc

Cavaliers Camp It Up in Alabama!

2005-11-04T18:12:00.000-06:00

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club held their first road trip, post hurricane, returning to their riding schedule with a weekend camping trip to Spring Creek Campground in Geneva, AL November 4 - 6, for a weekend of riding, relaxing and friendship.

Five riders; Diane, Heath, Matt, Mitch and Dave D., rode out of New Orleans with Julie, Doug and Scott bringing the campers and their bikes. Michael D. caught up with the group a bit later and the Cavaliers good friend Paul from Mobile meet up at the campground.. Stopping for lunch in Pensacola, FL. the group split up a bit so the bikers could avoid the grated roadway along I-10 east bound to meet up in Ponce DeLeon. Arriving in Ponce DeLeon with the campers we hit our only snag of the weekend when a Cavalier, and the redhead will remain anonymous, mistakenly filled her diesel truck with gasoline. "it's those damn green handles that are usually diesel at home" she proclaimed.

All was not lost as Doug headed on to the campground to drop a camper and return for the other. A great mechanic and human being was found not far from that exit and arrangements were made to tow and get the truck up and running again. "Hell, the bikers hadn't even made it to the exit when I went on to the campground" stated Doug Minich.

After the delay the Cavaliers set up camp at Spring Creek and got ready for an evening of food and friends, plus a little exploring of the campground and meeting other sampers. Diane had prepared a great Spaghetti and meat ball dinner with garlic bread to boot. The campfire was lit and Scott even broke out all the fixings for s'mores.

An early morning was aided by a breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs and toast prepared by Scott, Heath, Matt and others. After Breakfast the group headed out to do a little riding. Joined by new friends Sam and Jeff of Pensacola and members of the GCBLA who have a permanent camp site there and rode their bikes up for the weekend.

Eleven bikers, the hardy five that rode from New Orleans joined by Doug, Michael D, Julie, Paul, Sam and Jeff made the trip to inquire about the truck and headed for lunch. Finding a quaint little restaurant recommended by Paul in Bruce, FL. called Bruce Cafe, the group enjoyed lunch and spending a little time together before heading back to the campground. In all these eleven riders rode 150 Cavaliers miles each.

Dinner was steak and all the accompanying fixins at Sam and Jeff's little estate there at Spring Creek and a chance to meet owners Mike and Jason along with other campers. "These gentlemen have done a great job with the campground, it is really a wonderful place especially the Tool Shed" said Matt M.

A bit of rain during breakfast Sunday morning made the ride home look a little troublesome but the skies cleared up to produce great riding weather for the trip. According to Cavaliers President Doug Minich the hardy five riders, Diane, Matt, Heath, Mitch and Dave D. each earned 690 Cavaliers Miles for their round trip to Geneva. "It was a very relaxing weekend" stated Michael D. "We needed the get away from the city and a chance to ride is a great escape" he continued.

Cavaliers host post-Katrina fundraiser

2005-10-29T18:15:00.000-05:00

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club held the first Post Katrina Beer Bust as a Welcome Home celebration Saturday, October 29th at Cafe Lafitte in Exile raising an amazing $300 for The Common Ground Project, a free medical clinic in Algiers.

Many Cavaliers showed up and helped give out beer. Yes, all we asked for was donations from whomever passed by looking for a cold drink. Many folks didn't believe us at first but we quickly convinced them there were no strings. It amazes me still the generosity of our community, we all have losses yet we are willing to help out and make a difference.

Special thanks to Michael G. for helping setup, serve drinks and break down when we emptied the second keg. Thanks also to Tom Woods, Ken Grand Prix and the staff of Lafitte's, as always they were there with a helping hand and great attitude.

It may seem like a small thing to some but we are all making a difference. The world needs to know that we are home and rebuilding a better New Orleans.

The Cavaliers Return To The Big Easy

2005-10-06T01:09:00.000-05:00

The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club announces its return to New Orleans and their scheduled events just weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

The Cavaliers will kick things off with the First Post Katrina Beer Bust on October 29, the Saturday before Halloween, at Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Bourbon and Dumaine Streets in the French Quarter, as their Traveling Bike Night returns. Hours will be announced as details are finalized. Information can also be found on the Cavaliers web site, www.cavaliersmc.com.

Come join us as we celebrate the rebirth and rebuilding of our great city as only New Orleans can on Halloween Weekend. We will have Ice Cold Beer, Hot Motorcycles and the Friendliest Folks in the world, right here at home in the French Quarter.

All proceeds will be donated to local charities providing direct assistance to members of our community recovering and rebuilding New Orleans.

The Cavaliers also announce that we will resume our Ride Schedule with a weekend camping trip to Spring Creek Campground in Geneva, AL for their Gay Biker Weekend November 4 - 6. We hope to be joined by Gay motorcyclists from all over the Southeast.

Many of the Cavaliers have returned to New Orleans and are ready to rebuild our great city with the enthusiasm for working hard and playing equally hard as tradition mandates.

Doug Minich
CavaliersMC
2005 President

Cavaliers return to Lafittes

2005-10-03T01:11:00.000-05:00

Several members of the Cavaliers returned to one of our favorite gathering spots in New Orleans yesterday, Sunday 10/02/05, for the return of Trash Disco/Sunday Tea following Hurricane Katrina. Mitch rode in on his bike from Algiers while Dave D., Michael and Doug, Associate Jim and other friends came in on four wheels or on foot.

It was great to see so many back in a familiar setting, though we all knew it was not the same. Hopefully we will all get back soon and resume old traditions as we have started already.

Take care my Brothers and Sisters, the hard work is just beginning but New Orleans will be back!

Doug
President
Cavaliers MC

Another message from our president

2005-09-14T01:14:00.000-05:00

As fate would have it I was able to penetrate the city limits of New Orleans yesterday and get a look at our home and the neighborhood. We sustained some wind damage to the roof and gutters and to the garage, which we heard had been destroyed but fared better than we thought.

We also have two of our cars missing and had been broken into. Luckily, the only things missing that I could tell on our short visit were a t.v. and some clothing. It really appears that there were VERY FEW homes that were broken into however. I guess they were in desperate need of Harley t-shirts, underwaer and socks...lol.

I did take a tour of the neighborhood and found that most houses fared pretty well. Passing by a few houses of friends and a fellow Cav, I noticed some shingle damage but no major strucural stuff. I have called the guys whose houses I saw and was happy to report the news to them. I hope that in the end we can all report fairly similar circumstances.

The streets kind of look like a battle field in spots with debris but you can tell that they are starting to work on that. Lots of National Guard and other soldiers in the air and on the streets (ok, I gotta add a woof here...lol). It does seem a huge task for Entergy as well. Countless power lines and several poles are down. None of this to be unexpected but still an interesting sight.

If you haven't heard, Mayor Nagin is hoping to allow residents of a few neighborhoods, Uptown, CBD and the Quarter, to return possibly as early as Monday! My best to those of you who are in these areas.

Roofs and be repaired and replaced, as can windows, doors and more. I am thankful that we are all safe. You are all in my thoughts every day as we may be spread out around the country but we are in this together. Keep your heads up, get your work clothes ready and we'll get there.

Doug and Michael

A message from the Cavaliers president

2005-09-12T01:13:00.000-05:00

Greetings Cavaliers.

To all of you: Hang in there. We are more than just members of a motorcycle club, WE ARE FAMILY (ok, sing a few bars here......). We are here for each other in many ways. We are also a tough old bunch of queers and no matter how strong Katrina was we are stronger. We'll show the little bitch that we have the stamina and fortitude to return and make our city and ourselves even better.

Stand tall my Brothers and Sisters! We will rule the streets of New Orleans again - and paint the lines lavender when we get there!

Doug Minich
CavalierMC
2005 President

Hurricane Updates

2005-09-01T01:18:00.000-05:00

Most members of the Cavaliers evacuated New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. In the days following the storm, there were urgent efforts to account for all of our members and our friends. This was hampered by unreliable cell phone service and limited Internet access, but eventually we were fortunate to find all of our friends were safe.

The email discussions beginning the day before Katrina hit can be read at our Yahoo Group at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/CavaliersMC/messages/2267.

We frequently updated a running list of where our members and friends landed after the storm:

SAFE
The following people have been reported as safe:

Poncho -- in Lafayette, LA
Doug and Mike -- in Krotz Springs, LA (will be heading to Baton Rouge)
Doc and Susan -- in Lafayette, LA
David and Michael W. -- in Houston, TX
Diane and Julie -- in Little Rock, AR
Matt -- in Alabama
Eric and Bubba -- Mobile, AL
Paul C. -- Mobile, AL
Guy -- in Alexandria, LA (heading to Slidell to work in tent hospital)
Alan -- in Atlanta (heading for Detroit)
Kelly and Natasha -- returned to Ohio
George T. -- in Alabama (heading for St. Louis?)
Jim J. -- in Monroe, LA
Mark and Collin -- in Houston, TX
Brian F. -- in Houston, TX
Heath and Scott -- in Ohio
Michael G. -- Jackson, MS
Adam S. -- in Lafayette (assisting French nationals)
Darryl -- in Norwood, LA (40 miles north of Baton Rouge)
DJ -- reported to be in Alexandria, LA
George H. (a founding member of Cavaliers) -- in Baton Rouge
Holly -- in Oregon
Michelle and Wanda -- Pearl River, MS
Mitch -- in Atlanta (has now returned to N.O.)
Dave D. (heading now for Florida)
Dolly -- in San Antonio, TX
Lance and Carl Ford -- Minneapolis, MN

Other club friends:
Wally Sherwood -- near Waco, TX
Mike M. (Bears) -- in Baton Rouge
Danny & Jeff (Bears?) -- in Alabama
Joe & Kent (Knights) -- in Pensacola
Dale & Dave (Bears) -- in Baton Rouge
John A. (Knights) -- Florence, AL
Denny (Knights?) -- Houston, TX
Tom S. (Outlaws) -- Houston, TX
Lance P. and Jim -- Beaumont, TX

Crescent City Outlaws report on their web site that all members evacuated and are safe http://www.crescentcityoutlaws.org/

Lords of Leather report on their web site that almost all members have been accounted for. Visit http://www.lordsofleather.com/ to see the list.