It was our pleasure to be invited to ride along with Mike Rudicel & his partner Dee Dee from South Florida Bike Events on their yearly treks across the state for the 6th Annual Holiday Toy Run in Memory of Tommy Ruzzano. Nearly 400 bikes left Sunrise Harley Davidson with a police escort from Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Leading the way to our weekend getaway to Ft. Myers Beach was the Jagermeister trike followed by special guest’s NFL Running Back Terry Kirby & Mary Ann Ruzzano (Tommy’s daughter) who came all the way from New Jersey; we had a fabulous day for the ride. This event starts on the east coast, travels across Alligator Alley to the west coast for an all day and late into the night street festival with vendors, bike builder displays & bands. This year’s entertainment was unbelievable they had The Jagermeister Mobile Stage which was amazing, 6 bands featuring a KISS Tribute Band, The Jane Dear Girls and Steve Holy as headliners. Everyone spends the night and then a ribbon on the bikers travel back to the east coast the following day for a final party at Big Dawgs 2 in Davie, Fla. With a Hog feast more vendors & live music.

The sponsors and bikers managed to raise so many toys and clothes that it took 10 people 8 hours to wrap all of them, then on Christmas Eve morning Mike, Dee Dee & their friend played Santa’s Helpers and delivered the presents to the kids. Mike would like to thank his sponsors, Budweiser, Jagermeister, Winston & Clark P.A, Wal-Mart and the many riders for helping raise the needed toys and funds that allowed them to help Big Mama’s House, Home Sweet Home Foundation (a place for physical and mentally challenged kids & young adults). This year Big Dawgs 4 Kidz chose two separate homes with needy families to donate two giant boxes full of toys so they also could enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Some of the things these funds help with were a kitchen makeover and a computer learning station.

If you live in the southern part of our sunny state and haven’t ridden on one of Mike’s events you really should. Not Only would you be helping much needed projects, you would also make some great friends to ride with when visiting south Florida! Their next event is The Jagermeister Firefighter memorial bike Run March 11th, 2012.

By Billy”Kneecap”Braddock

February is the month of love. We have the Super Bowl on the 5th, Valentine’s Day on the 14th, Love your pet Day on the 20th, the Daytona 500 on the 26th, and an extra day, Leap Day. Now, that’s a lot of LOVE.

After having great holidays and a great start to the New Year, I am puzzled at the attitude of my fellow Americans. The increase in class warfare is mind-boggling. We have the occupy Wall Streeters blaming the Stock Market and Corporations for all the problems of today. I was born before the iPhone, iPad, PC’s, GPS, flatscreen TVs, etc. I could go on and on about the things that these evil Corporations invented or produced, but I only have half a page.

The OWSers say that Corporations put profits over people. Well, do you think that if Steve Jobs (Apple, Inc.), Bill Gates (Microsoft), or even Walt Disney hadn’t made a profit, that we would have iPads, PC’s, or Mickey Mouse? How many people do you think that Corporations could employ without profits? Corporations are not an evil monster hiding behind concrete walls. They are an association of individuals known as stockholders that invest to make a profit.

Corporations are people that consist of employees and shareholders. Many retirement pensions are funded by stocks. I’m not saying that Corporations are totally innocent, but blaming our current economic situation on evil Corporations is absurd. We need to stop blaming capitalism and start blaming over government regulation and excessive taxes. Capitalism is an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth. Capitalism only works if YOU do.

I keep hearing the O.W.S.ers saying that 1% of the people rule the 99%. Well, there’s some truth to that statement. 1% of the wage earners pay 37% of the federal income taxes. Maybe they should change the number to 53% versus 47% because 47% don’t pay any federal income taxes. Instead of occupying Wall Street they should be occupying Washington, D.C. This country is not divided by 1% versus 99%, but by three categories: The Producers, the Looters (government) and the Moochers.

The O.W.S.ers need to get out of their tents, boot up their iPhones, iPads, or Laptops and become Producers. Stop whining and saying “Moooooommmmy! He’s not Shaaaaarrrring!!! It’s not somebody else’s responsibility to pay for your house, education, or healthcare. Nobody is guaranteed a job, you have to earn it. Success and prosperity only come with hard work. The only thing guaranteed in this country is Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. We all know that Freedom is not free. You need to work for it. The Freedom gives each individual the right to make his own decisions. If you make the right decisions you will become prosperous. If you make the wrong decisions you will need to learn how to say “Would you like fries with that?”.

There are some things I learned in 2011 that I will remember in 2012.

1. Money cannot buy happiness but it’s more fun to cry on a Harley then on a Vespa.
2. Alcohol does not solve problems, but neither does milk.
3. The only real penis enlarger is a 21-year-old voluptuous blonde.
4. The 7 qualities for the perfect girlfriend…Beautiful, Intelligent, Gentle, Thoughtful, Innocent, Trustworthy, Sensible, or in other words B.I.G.T.I.T.S.

See you on the shiny side up tomorrow…

Hover your mouse over the picture to see the controls Click the arrow at the bottom for a slide show or use the right and left arrows to change pictures manually Scroll Down For January 2012 Thunder Cam, TnT and Skin Art.

Hover your mouse over the picture to see the controls

Click the arrow at the bottom for a slide show or use the right and left arrows to change pictures manually

Scroll Down For January 2012 Thunder Cam, TnT and Skin Art

Thunder Cam

TnT

Skin Art

My adventure began a little over two years ago when I walked into Jim’s Harley-Davidson to learn more about getting my endorsement. Everyone there was so very friendly and supportive that before I knew it, I was attending a Garage Party and enrolled in a Rider’s Edge class. From there, I was hooked and so began my search…what kind of bike did I want, a cruiser, a sport bike, and what could I afford? And then along came Domino — a Black Ice & White Ice Softail Deluxe — just in for the 2010 model year getting assigned to the Rentals department. It was love at first sight! I ended up renting her every month until I had saved up enough money and she had enough miles to be released. In March of 2010 she became mine and what’s a girl to do, but add a little more sparkle — 4,300 (and counting) of Swarovski crystal sparkle!

We’ve had so many great times together and met so many fascinating and wonderful people along the way. This past November we hit a milestone of 10,000 miles! I wish to thank everyone that voted, Thunder Roads Magazine Florida, and some very important people that guided/mentored me along the way…Lori and Cliff Dobson, Charles Norwood, Debbie and Bill Speicher, and Dana Cronin Jr. (my “right-turn” man).

When asked why I ride, it’s as simple as one word: extraordinary; because whether it be for a fun day out with family/friends, the Ladies, or to support our local charitable organizations, that’s exactly how it feels EVERY time I get out on the road! I hope to see you all out there and at some of my favorite charity events this spring (H-D MDA Women’s Ride and 6th Annual B.R.A. Run). Be sure to stop on over and say Hi!

I always write about what a great bunch of people bikers are…but I never expected to have such an awesome amount of food collected on our first ever Volusia County Grub Run in December. Thanks to the collaboration of the Rue & Ziffra law firm, First Turn Steakhouse and Sports Lounge, radio time with Tracy & Frank from WHOG radio and the wonderful bikers that dug in their cupboards AND their wallets we raised over $1500.00 and over 2000 lbs. of food. My goal was only 1000 lbs. of food which I announced when I was asked by Frank Scott live on the radio. He quickly said let’s double that and amazingly we did! The food and money collected was given to the Second Harvest Food Bank and to the Children’s Home Society who were on hand to fill the trucks and reap the generous bounty provided by all who participated!

We gave four $100 prizes for the following: most weight brought in on 2 wheels, in a bike trailer, on a trike and for the club that brought in the most pounds collectively. 3 of those prizes went to Rolling Thunder Chapter 8!!! Their club brought in a total of 785 lbs. Not only did they bring in hundreds of pounds of food, they also donated all the money back to the cause…and gladly helped with parking! We want to thank the 4 clubs that brought in food which included Thunder Riders, L.A.M.A.’s, Fire & Iron and CMAs. The cash provided allows the food banks to buy food at a huge discount and equals about $9 in food for each dollar spent! A special thanks goes out to Bill and Nancy Gruber from Rolling Thunder Chapter 8. They collected 395 lbs. of food in their neighborhood, with the help of the Holly Forest Estates Recreation Committee what a great neighborhood to live in to be so caring of others at Christmas! I also want to give thanks to people like Sam & Leo who not only brought in a huge amount of food, they also came dressed for the role. And Kneecap and his little elf Biscuit! A final thanks to all the volunteers including those from the White Eagle who helped weigh all the pounds of food. And to the riders whether you brought in a can of corn or 100 lbs. every bit made someone’s kitchen and bellies a little fuller!

Our ride was fairly short but started out with a bang. We left Rue & Ziffra’s on Dunlawton led by Santa and a snow blowing sleigh. Quite a spectacle! It was as if the long ribbon of Harleys, Hondas, Yahamas and BMWs were Santa’s contrail, like a jet leaves in the blue skies. We rode down to Chase’s in New Smyrna, a wonderful beach front bar and grill, that even has a pool for the patrons to use! Then off “like a flash” we headed to First Turn for lunch and prizes! Denise and Rick Hilliard the owners of First Turn and the Rue & Ziffra law firm are like Santa all year long to so many charities and community events I can’t begin to list them. Denise says we are going to do this again in the summer, since right before school starts is another desperate time for the food banks and the families they serve. So look for this run and come out and ride with us for a really great cause.

By Metric

I have lived in Highlands County for over thirty years and “YES” back then there was nothing out here but orange groves and cows. But, today we are at the “hub” of the motorcycle community. Thanks to the migration of a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from down south, Sebring has become home to one of Florida’s fastest growing motorcycle events, the “RUN TO THE HEARTLAND” which occurs the first weekend in October each year.

Along with their migration came Highlands County’s first professional bike builder, Joe “THUNDER” Kurpiewski. Thunder has been working on and building bikes for over thirty years. He started as a small child modifying his first “BIG WHEEL”.

Thunder is the proud owner of a state-of- the-art shop that services all makes and models. Thunder is licensed by both the state and federal government to issue his own VIN numbers. The license allows Thunder to work on all motorcycles under warranty. The license also makes his creations more valuable and easier to insure and finance. All of Thunders creations come with a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty.

Thunders proudest creation is the one that he created for his lovely wife, Linda. Built in 2006 this custom bike has a 100ci motor, dual chain drive, custom fabricated tank and fenders. It has won best of show twice at the RAT’S HOLE SHOW at the West Palm Beach Invitational along with many other competitions across the state. The bike is more than just a show bike. Linda has ridden the bike for over 20,000 miles.

So, if you ever get tired of riding in the “BIG” city, head out to the countryside and stop and see Thunder. Thunder’s shop is located just a little over a mile east of Hwy 27 on Hwy 98, stop in and tell him Metric from THUNDER ROADS sent you. Yes, we still have “COWS” so keep an eye out for them. RIDE SAFE!!!

What do Pirates and Bikers have in common? They both know how to throw a hell of a party!!! Thanks to Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson of Stuart, who hosted the Hog Holidays Celebration. It had to be one of the best Christmas parties of all time.

There was something for everybody. They had bikes, babes, booze, barbeque and BANDS! Three outstanding local bands had a Battle of the Bands tribute to three of the world’s all-time great bands. Livin’ on a Prayer gave homage to “Bon Jovi”, Completely Unchained made “Van Halen” proud and my personal favorite was Never Stop Believin’ who rocked the house in a salute to “Journey”. What an awesome display of talent by everyone involved. Everyone came out a winner.

The day was full of food and fun. Cowboy’s kept us well fed with their famous food, while Charlie’s Bar & Grill provided a full bar and beer garden to keep us well hydrated. For the kids there was face painting, a bounce house, a rock wall and much more. For us older kids there was a dyno to test the horsepower of our favorite ride. You could test your skills on the mechanical bull and it was “NO BULL”.

On hand there were over thirty different types of vendors so you could complete your Christmas shopping all in one place. If you could not find what you where looking for outside just step inside the dealership and find that perfect pair of riding boots, apparel or even the silver Road King that I have me eye on.

Santa stopped by while he was out riding his Harley. He even sent by some of his beautiful “HELPERS” to brighten up our Christmas spirit. We really hated to see them go, but we love to watch them leave!!! As Santa mounted his “HOG” and he drove out of sight, I heard him say “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL GOOD NIGHT!!!

Look for Thunder Roads Magazine Florida in our Biker Friendly Locations and please support our advertisers!!

APPAREL

TJ’S Leathers
3511 US Hwy 27 S
Sebring
863-471-9453

ATTORNEY

Rue & Ziffra, P.A.
640 Dunlawton Ave.Port Orange1-800-526-4711
www.rueziffra.com

Politis & Matovina PA.
730 Dunlawton Ave.
1.800.351.0911
www.BikerAttorney.com

BAIL BOND

Ace Bail Bond
3798 W. ISB Daytona
386-258-2223
11 E. Moody Flagler County
386-437-4357

Global Bail Bond
3910 Lewis Speedway Ste. 1105
904-826-3999

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

BREVARD COUNTY

H&D Roadhouse
SR 520
Merritt Island
321-449-1110

FLAGLER COUNTY

Black Cloud Saloon
2551 N US 1
Bunnell
386-437-5568
theblackcloud.biz

County Line F.O.I.A.S.C Post 1002
1120 CR 305
Bunnell
386-313-1995
www.countylinebunnell.com

Dog Pound Saloon
1406 Hwy100 E.
Bunnell
386-586-0200

Ice House Saloon
810 N. State St. (W 100)
Bunnell
386-586-5957

Linda’s Landing
3861 West County Rd 2006
Bunnell
386-206-9377

Scruffy Murphys F.O.I.A.S.C Post 1001
1499 NW Palm Coast Parkway Unit F
Palm Coast
386-597-2970
www.scruffymurphysflagler.com

Smiles Nite Club
7 Old Kings Hwy.
Palm Coast
386-986-1500

The Alibi F.O.I.A.S.C Post 1003
801 S. State St. #18
Bunnell,
www.thealibi@cfl.rr.com

White Eagle Lounge
5533 US 1
Korona
386-437-2341
www.whiteeaglelounge.com

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Neibert’s Fishing Resort
& Fred’s Bar
4791 US 98
Sebring
863-655-4737 or 655-1416

Main Street Tap Room
205 W. Main St.
Avon Park
863-453-3056

Wild Turkey Tavern
2751 US 27 S
Avon Park
863-452-5284

OKEECHOBEE

Iron Eagle Bar
9441 Hwy. 78 West
Okeechobee
863-467-1360

PUTNAM COUNTY

Andersen’s Lodge
10 Boston St.
Welaka, 32085
Andersensofwelaka.com 386-467-9707

ST. JOHN’S COUNTY

Barnone Saloon
312 Anastasia
St. Augustine
904-825-4202

Giggling Gator
121 King St.
St. Augustine
904-824-0444

Haley’s Pub
176 Vilano Rd.
St. Augustine
904-669-7390

Mardi Gras
123 San Marco
St. Augustine
904-823-8808
www.mardibar.com

Sand Bar
7025 A1A
Crescent Beach
904-461-4671

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Boot Hill Saloon
310 Main St.
Daytona Beach
386-258-9506

Cabbage Patch Bar
549 Tomoka Farms Rd. Corner of Rt.4118 (Pioneer Trail)
Samsula, FL 32168
386-427-8969
www.cabbagepatchbar.com

Dirty Harry’s
705 Main Street
Daytona Beach
386-252-9877

First Turn Steakhouse and Lounge
5236 S. Ridgewood Ave. (US 1)
Port Orange 386-788-5434
www.FIRSTTURNSTEAKHOUSE.COM

Foxhead Lounge
280 N SR 415
Osteen
407-321-2399
www.thefoxheadlounge.com

Iron Horse Saloon
1068 N US 1
Ormond Beach

Saints and Sinners
Destination Daytona
Ormond Beach
386-671-7103

Smoke House Saloon
144 Ridgewood
Daytona Beach
386-265-5998
www.smokehousesaloon.com

CAMPGROUNDS

Holiday Travel Park
2261 S. Old Dixie Hwy.
Bunnell
396-437-9589
www.holidaytravelparkco-op.com

Thunder Gulch Campground
2551 N US 1
Bunnell
386-437-3135
Thundergulch-campground.com

GUN RANGE

River City Gun Range
706 St. Johns Ave
Palatka
386-328-9280
www.cliffhangersgunshows.com

MOTORCYCLE SALES, SERVICE, RENTAL AND GEAR

Adamec Harley Davidson
Jacksonville 3 locations
Baymeadows 904.493.1931
Orange Park 904.215.1931
Regency 904.641.3735

Big End Cycles
9250-A East MLK Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610
813-740-2453
www,bigendcycles.com

Custom Works
806 N. Beach St.
Daytona Beach
386-257-1300
www.customworksdaytona.com

GT Motorcyles
2840 Allen Hill Ave.
Pineda
321-255-BIKE (2453)
www.GTMotorcycles.com

Gaineville Harley-Davidson
4125 NW 97th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL
352-331-6363
www.GainesvilleHarley.com

Harley Design Center
Destination Daytona
1637 N. US Hwy 1
386-671-7071 or 7072

Hollingsworth Motorcycles
3175 US 1 S, Suite 3
St. Augustine, FL
904-217-4431
www.hollingsworthmotorcycles.com

Seminole Harley Davidson
620 Hickman Cir.
Sanford
407-328-1212
www.seminoleharley.com

Love Motorsports
2021 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa
352-621-3678
www.LoveMotorsportsFL.com

Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson
4967 SE Federal Hwy. US 1
Stuart
772-287-3871
www.treasure-harley.com

Tri City Cycles
308 S. 2nd St.
Flagler Beach 386-439-3967

SEATS

Ultimate Seats USA
348 Destination Daytona Lane
1-386-672-0288
www.ultimateseats.ca

TATTOO ARTIST

Shamrock Tattoo
1435 US 1 Ormond Beach
386-677-7670
shamrocktattooflorida.com

By Lulu

By far my best ride this month was out of the White Eagle and billed as a Frosty Balls Fun Run. This was a night ride and it happened to be on a night of a below freezing temp. I was amazed that so many showed up for a night of near torture. We had a great evening and when we left the club after midnight there was a layer of frost thick enough that it crunched when I sat down. I was thinking at that point that I was glad my anatomy didn’t include balls. There aren’t many opportunities in Florida to get a taste of why so many snowbirds exist!

On a much more serious note I promised my friend Frank that I would mention a ride in March on the 4th at Surf Side Tavern for the missing mom of three, Michelle Parker. Hopefully by the time this issue comes out they will have found her, but in case they haven’t if you are in the Daytona/Orlando area please try to ride on this one.

A few other things going on in February I should mention are ABATE’s Freedom Rights Rally in Tallahassee Feb. 10-13th. And two events in Jacksonville, one on the 18th which is B.A.C.A.’s event out of Greybeards and The Bike & Boil on the 25th at Baymeadows Harley. By the way Adamec is now the new owner of St. Augustine Harley on St. George.

Say a prayer for Michelle and her family, ride even when it’s cold, and even when it is cold…don’t forget your sunscreen.

At 12 noon sharp, Brevard ABATE Prez, Mike Pope, with wife Jonell onboard, led the massive group on the 25 mile jaunt to the park, where the toys were collected for distribution at a later date. The riders were treated (by the Shriners) to hot dogs and drinks, after which many browsed through the multitude of vendors…some getting a kiss from GUS, The Kissing Camel!

One of the high-lights of the day was the presentation of a $13,500 check to the Shriners by the Warlocks of Brevard, as well as, the Shriners’ awarding of a plaque to Brevard Co. ABATE. Kudos to all of these fine organizations, pulling together to help the KIDS!!!

One tearful mother explained to the crowd how the Shriners Children’s Hospital helped her young daughter to walk again, after all hope had been lost. Truly a moving moment.

Despite some bad economic times, the BIKERS again pulled together to help…in a BIG way! A big thanks too, to the DJ of DJ’s, Doc Holiday, and the infamous BIG DADDY ROCKS for providing bang-up entertainment all day long. May GOD bless you all!