By Lulu

We all wake up and get on with our day, never knowing what the day will bring, but expecting the status quo. So was the day of Cochise Chop’s 100th Edition party at The Boot Hill. People from all over jumped on their bikes planning to enjoy the music, free food, and to help Cochise celebrate. We were heading there from Port Orange. Cap, Willie, Bill & Jade, and others all were heading south down A1A to Main Street to join in the festivities when a drunk bitch came out of a one-way (going the wrong way) on to Main Street and plowed into Willie. Luckily, he had his helmet on, but the blunt force of being thrown into a pole crushed his ribs and punctured his lung.

Multiple surgeries, near misses with heaven and then a fierce chest infection would have taken weaker men out. I am sure he has used up one of his nine lives; Willie is such a “cool cat” he certainly has 8 left! Unfortunately, although he is getting stronger and has survived…more surgeries are needed to repair his chest injuries. Months out of work, medical bills, etc. prompted Cap and friends to do multiple events to help. The Poker Run for Willie was organized by Cap, then tragically he died on his bike prior to the run. But the show must go on and the group Cap had put in place to put the run together pulled off a phenomenally successful day.

The ride started at The Dog House with free donuts by Krispy Kreme. Next stop was The Iron Horse, I am sure some great Bloody Mary’s were consumed at this World-Famous stop. On to A1A to the Sea Drift, a huge bar in Ormond by The Sea. Back on the bikes to ride to Holly Hill and see the girls at The Hideout Lounge who donated an amazing gift basket for the raffle. Final stop was OB’s, which is one of Willie’s and Cap’s favorite places as they both live nearby and the staff treat them like kings! OB’s provided free food and Rob and the gang donated ALL the money to the kitty for Willie. Hot Action donated 200 t-shirts and every one of the shirts were sold that day!

The winner of the 50/50 and best hand also donated their winnings. A favorite band of Willie’s, Jacksonville Slim and Express Train played their hearts out for the huge crowd. There are just too many people to thank here for their generous support, but I do want to thank Crossroad Tavern in Bunnell who not only donated 3 large baskets but also is contributing to the next event. Thank you, Janice!!! Next big event planned by Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach is the Willie-Palooza Concert on Sat. August 28th. $10 admission will all go to Willie and the bands include Reed Foley Band, Jacksonville Slim and Express Train, Miss Intent, & Cowboy the Kid Rock Tribute Band. Gates open at noon with the headliner playing at 8pm. Hope to see you ALL there!

This is a short “Tale” as we ended up with a new ad client that I needed to make space for. Also, we are heading to Sturgis with my friend, Jeani, and much going on to prepare. What I want to say here is for any of you who haven’t found our Facebook page, Thunder Roads Florida, we post photos of all events there and even if you haven’t made the printed pages of the magazine, you may find yourself there. The Albums are listed by event or by locale. We will also be posting photos of Sturgis and would love you to follow our escapades there. Too Broke for Sturgis at Pirate’s Pub in Paisley is on August 7th. Don’t forget the event at the end of the month for Willie in Ormond Beach at the Iron Horse Saloon on August 28th. It is an all-day music event for $10 which will all go to Willie! Be there or be square!! Put Sturgis on your calendar for next year, explore a new highway and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Lulu

The HOG group from the Harley dealership in New Smyrna on 44 has a monthly bike night the first Thursday of each month. The one coming up in August will be August 5th. As part of the evening of fellowship they serve up food and in July donated their kitty to Willie for his recovery fund. A great group of people take a Thursday evening and ride in to New Smyrna H-D to support these guys and gals!

By Lulu

Rhonda, her awesome crew, Mischief Makes and wonderful volunteers made Memorial Day Weekend benefit local veterans through the Veterans Support Fund. Registration began at The Dog House with stops that included Iron Horse Saloon, Big Tunas, Dirty Harry’s Pub, and the Iron Axe Bar & Grill. Big Engine rocked the after party at The Dog House. Rhonda has more energy than the Energizer Bunny. The Dog House under Rhonda’s control has become one of the most community-oriented bars in Volusia County. Ride in for one of their Wednesday Bike Nights or their Customer Appreciation BBQs, see their ad in Thunder Roads or find them on Facebook to find out what is on their agenda!

By Lulu

Cap invited me to a church in Holly Hill hosting a pancake breakfast for Willie after his accident. Cap was bragging about this church and was excited to have me attend. As a Catholic I am used to a bit more pomp and ritual at a church service. This church was casual, welcoming, as if you were coming to their home for breakfast. In fact, when you enter, the first thing you see in the hallway is a sign saying, “Jesus’ Garage”. The breakfast being held for Willie was awesome. The short service was moving. Bikers are about brotherhood and this church is all about “motorcycle riders reaching other motorcycle riders for Jesus Christ”. Their logo states “Redeemed Forever”. There is a real feeling of acceptance and forgiveness among the members. Big Jim Nolan, Bobby C and Frankie keep the church active with community outreach at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D on 2nd Sunday 8:30a-noon on the day of their Swap Meet. The 3rd Sunday they hold a service at Iron Horse Saloon at 10:30a. The 4th Sunday RCBC has a Pancake Breakfast and service at 8a at their church. The first Thursday of the month they do a Bike Night at the church at 6pm with hot dogs and music from 6-9p, and the rest of the Thursdays during the month they have Bible study at 7pm.Their weekly service at the church is Saturday nights at 6:30p.The encourage you to come early and stay late! The physical location is 555 8th St., Holly Hill.

If you are looking for a church where leathers are more than welcomed you should join in on celebrating God with people just like you! And thank you RCBC for helping our brother Willie in his time of need.

By Raven Van Pelt

The American Legion Riders Chapter 9 and their host partners Flamingo Lake RV Resort and Dick’s Winds (ARC Group), in support of K9s For Warriors Foundation, Project Vet Relief, Mission 22, the Florida Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund, Wreaths Across America and Trees for America’s Troops, hosted the 8th Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert, Saturday May 8th, 2021. The purpose and mission of these organizations are to assist and support our Veterans, their families and to memorialize those that have fallen in combat or service to this country. This year’s event had 805 bikes and 989 registered riders, and after expenses raised over $60,000 for the organizations we support. Over 2,500 military combat boots and fire fighters’ boots were displayed throughout the park displaying a flag, and picture of a fallen warrior with their name, rank, service age, hometown, and date of death. Registration started at 9am with the Side Project B Pipe and Drums band, Jason Evans Band at noon, City of Bridges at 3:30pm and Fratello at 7pm, There was a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron at 1100 hours followed by a Car Show sponsored by Callahan Cruisers of NE FL. Riders had their choice of 12 different routes stopping at 44 poker stops all throughout Nassau County and Jacksonville. There were over 30 vendors and other great activities for the whole family. Not only is this the largest motorcycle poker run in NE Florida is without a doubt the best motorcycle event I have attended. And for those who did not make it to this year’s Boots on the Ground, all I can say is it is an event you don’t want to miss next year. Thank you to all who made this such a great event.

By Deborah Speicher

After fifteen years of having one of the best women’s event, Gator Harley-Davidson really outdid themselves on June 26! The great Mardi Gras theme, all ladies ride, speakers, vendors, food, FREE back massages, raffle prizes, fashion show and games, provided attendees with a day of fun.

Our favorite leather smith, Marge Williams, was back to talk about how to care for your leather and properly roll up your chaps. One of Gator’s own techs, Luke Jefferson, gave us some great tips on keeping up the maintenance on our motorcycles, riding in the rain, tire pressure and much more.

Much thanks to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office who led our lady riders on a scenic, escorted tour of the area. All the more reason to “back the blue”!

Once again, the fashion show exhibited how H-D offers clothing that is stylish for all ages and sizes.
I must admit, when I heard that the main feature for the day was a hypnotist, I was suspect. But TWY James was incredible and extremely entertaining. I could have watched him for hours!

Kudos to Jan Wilde Wideman and the Gator Harley-Davidson staff, LCSO, and all the vendors and speakers. Look for more information for the next women’s event which will be March 2022. See you next year!

By Lulu

Sometimes what makes a cool joint has nothing to do with a view of the water or a unique building…it is the soul of the business! Mark the owner of Mark’s Sports Pub at 2045 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona has a caring, loving soul. When I first met Mark, he was putting on a run for a friend of many in the bar business, Bobby Graves, and I knew he really cared for the man. Mark also was one of the first to help organize the Bars R Essential when Covid kept the doors of bars closed for way too long. He is always happy to be part of runs or benefits for locals! The other important thing that sets Mark’s apart is great Rock N Roll music. He always brings in great live groups on Friday & Saturday nights. Now he has started a Sunday open jam with Gunshy, which will feature singers, songwriters, covers and originals. Now, here is the “really COOL” part of this. A portion of the sales from these Sundays will benefit local law enforcement agencies…music to Back the Blue!!! I just love this guy!!! The Sunday jam session is from 2-6pm.

Along with music, Mark’s is a full liquor bar with ice cold beer. On Tuesday evenings they have poker, Wednesdays karaoke, Thursdays Pokeroke (poker night with awesome karaoke) and on Sundays at 2pm more poker. The karaoke is brought to you by Drew the Karaoke Man who has a fantastic sound system that makes everyone sound good! They have some of the best bartenders in town and the bar has an awesome family of regulars, but Mark loves to see new faces on bikes ride in. Another super cool thing at Mark’s is the prices stay the same all year, no Bike Week gouging at this bar! Mark’s is open 7 days a week from 10am-2am so ride out and support a local businessman who gives back to our community! The bar is still a smoking bar for those of you who haven’t given up the habit. Mark and his beautiful wife Jill also have another bar in Port Orange, Mark & Jill’s Village Tavern at 5263 S. Nova Rd.