By Lulu

Photos of Kid Rock, Ted Nugent & Travis Tritt by Walt Lumpkin, and WaltPix Motosickle Stuff
Thunder Beach Spring and Fall Rallies have always been our favorite getaway! The music is always good, even with Covid when the city didn’t allow the large stage. The beaches are just beautiful and the view from the balcony of our accommodations at the Holiday Inn Resort in Panama City Beach makes waking up with a hangover tolerable! If you like to get on your bike and ride there are deserted country highways that lead to places like Chainsaw’s Corner to wet your whistle.

This year, the organizers took motorcycle rallies in Florida to a new level! I heard the concert line-up early on and that they were going to be charging admission for the headliners at Frank Brown Park and wasn’t sure what to expect from bikers. Would they pay for top notch entertainment? Well let me tell you, they hit it out of “the park”! Thursday was Travis Tritt playing to a full field! Friday, they brought in Ted Nugent!! I had never seen Sweaty Teddy, he put on one hell of a show. What a guitarist! They killed it on Saturday with Kid Rock who has more energy on stage than anyone I have seen…playing every instrument and “scrubbing” the turn table, going back to his Hip Hop roots. He even played the sax and then gave it to a lucky lady in the crowd! The VIP packages were well worth the money, including T-shirts, a place to sit if you wanted to, although most were on their feet going wild, free food, 2 free drinks and VIP motorcycle parking!!!

Pure genius for the organizers to pick 3 of the most politically conservative entertainers to perform in the Panhandle of Florida! Trump even made a video appearance during Kid Rock! The crowd sang at the top of their lungs to Ted Nugent’s patriotic song and to “We the People” by Kid Rock. The vendors had their largest crowds ever to browse their wares. Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach gave away a Harley for the event and their dealership was packed when we visited! The Indian dealership also had live music with bikini bike washing! All the local watering holes had their parking lots filled with motorcycles so my bet is the fall rally is one you better get your tickets and rooms for early. The date of the fall rally is October 19-23, CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THE FALL LINEUP!

By T. J.

Sandrine and the staff at The Hideout Lounge in Holly Hill on Derbyshire threw a 2-day celebration for their customers complete with live music and free food! 10 years of being in business successfully is something to celebrate…add in surviving two of the hardest years in business due to Covid lockdowns and difficulty getting staff…and you really have a reason to celebrate. Sandrine is just an adorable, hardworking bar owner who loves her family of customers. Red Gate rocked the bar the night I was there. The bar has darts, pool tournaments, Dirty Bingo, line dancing, karaoke, and great Bloody Mary’s on Sunday mornings with Tara! Did I say FREE pool on Tuesday nights and all-day Sunday? Stop in for a drink or two and congratulate them on 10 years!

By Lulu

The Antique Motorcycle Club of America has their National Spring Meet in New Smyrna Beach each year. The 3-day event includes a huge swap meet, antique motorcycle show, live entertainment, antique motorcycle field games and even a ride in Chopper Show put on by Chop Doc’s. The actual AMCA judging occurs the Saturday of the event. The overall objective of AMCA judging is to evaluate an antique motorcycle which is in original condition or has been restored to the same state as when the dealer received the motorcycle from the factory. The point system the judges use places great emphasis on using only original parts to bring antique motorcycles back to life. If you get a chance to attend one of their judging events you will learn a lot about the history of motorcycles and meet some wrenching maniacs who love to keep these old scoots road worthy.

A dear friend of mine Ken Gardner owner of Custom Lighting, EFX LLC is battling the BIG C. My parents always said if you live long enough you will lose lots of friends before their time. Don’t know how they knew that since my dad died at 52 and my mom at 66. They weren’t even old in my mind. I am 68 and have already lived longer than either of my parents.

Well, I am writing of Ken’s battle for a few reasons. He could use our prayers! He could use words of encouragement. And if any of you know Ken, he was always one of the very first to throw money at any worthy cause…if you have a generous heart and any extra coin in your wallet, he could use some of that financial love thrown his way. His cancer has spread to both lungs and he has been feeling pretty sick, and unable to work as hard as he usually does. His address for cards or donations is 1170 US 1, Ormond Beach, 32174. He will probably kill me for writing of this. There is also a GoFundMe set up for him, but I don’t like giving the Go Fund Me group a piece of the pie. That is just me though!!! Any way you can help, I know would be appreciated. There may be a poker run planned in the fall but that is still months away.

I love you guys and gals on 2 and 3 wheels! Stay hydrated this summer, wear your sunscreen, and make sure you check in with your doctor yearly!!!

By Horny Dave

Photos by Gilbert Rodriguez

On a perfect spring morning I got together with the boys and took the Harleys for a ride about. Beautiful weather all day and some amazing riding along the St. John’s River. We were just beginning an unforgettable day at Riding into History 2022, the premier motorcycle show in the USA.

The event benefits K9’s for Warriors which provides highly trained service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD, brain injuries and trauma. They unite around 20 veterans and dogs per year with a five-year waiting list. Last year’s event raised over $55,000 for a total of more than $250,000 donated to this organization. All staff are volunteers with Adamec H-D and Seargent Seats sponsoring the event from the start.

Bikes were on display from the beginning of motorcycles through modern day rides, European, Metric Harley and everything in between. Being able to talk to the owners and listen to all the stories associated with their bikes brings out such a sense of camaraderie among everyone there. Paul Jr. from Orange County Choppers was the grand marshal of the event which handed out trophies for all the classes. Attending an event like this is truly a special time for not only the motorcycle enthusiast and old school bikers but everyone that appreciates looking at the beautiful machines that have shaped what we ride today.

By Lulu

The 2022 season of IMS Outdoors has kicked off. This event series is almost 40 years old. Last fall the event was hosted at the Sun N Fun Campus in Lakeland, Florida. The closest it is scheduled to Florida for 2022 is at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia September 30-October 2. This is a festival like atmosphere with vendors, live music, food trucks, and a Learn to Ride Program for all ages.

And if you get a chance to see their new laser show which, as far as I know, isn’t a part of the IMS Outdoors, you really must. I saw it at the spring rally at Gator H-D in Leesburg and it was spectacular!

By T. J.

Whether you are looking to build your firearm collection, or to purchase your first gun to exercise your 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, I’ve found your place. A-OK Guns on U.S. 1 in New Smyrna Beach is a small building with BIG inventory. Mike Jones has been in the gun business most of his life, and he and his knowledgeable, experienced staff, will help you get set up with whatever you need. I am a relative beginner having only had 2 pistols, but I felt it was time to add on. Mike set me up with a beautiful Ruger AR-556 complete with a 30-round magazine and a Holosun Red Dot Sight. This thing is awesome!! I also picked up a Ruger 380 lightweight pistol with Veridian laser sight for everyday carry. Really cool “piece.”

A-OK stock rotates daily with over 500 items on hand. They carry revolvers, pistols, shotguns, long rifles, and modern sporting rifles made by all the major manufacturers. I saw Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith and Wesson, Ruger, H&K, Kel-Tec, Diamond Back, Henry, and more. It really is impressive to see. If you need firearm accessories, Mike has them all, optics, holsters, cleaning kits, etc. Prices are competitive with anybody out there. If you have guns you would like to sell, A-OK also buys entire gun collections. No collection is too large or too small so stop in and make a deal. Concealed carry classes are available for beginners needing to get licensed to carry. Beth will be going to the class very soon and a new handgun is coming soon.

So, stop in and see Mike and staff for all your gun needs. Address is 648 N Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach. They are open Mon-Fri 10A-5P and Sat 10A-3P. Tell them Thunder Roads Slorida sent you!

By Lulu

One of the oldest party spots in the greater Daytona area is the world-famous Boot Hill Saloon. Known for great music and kick ass partying during major rallies, they also have awesome entertainment every week. Wednesday evenings they have great bands for their Bike Nights. We happened to make their bike night when they featured three bands! Inside Clayton Sturgeon and the Cello Shots. I was thrilled to have had the chance to hear Clayton’s sultry voice accompanied by his cello player Petar Kecenovici. If you get a chance to see them you simply must. Outside, Crush was killing it and Debbie announced it was her last time to perform as a single girl, running to Vegas to get married! The night was closed out with the rocking sounds of Fracture. Mind you it was because Rockville was happening that weekend in Daytona that Boot Hill went all out for a Wednesday night. But any Wednesday night you will always find great musicians at The Boot!

By Lulu

Ethan and the crew at The Inn Between in Deland, have the most spectacular property to throw an old-fashioned chili cook off. The huge oaks give plenty of shade, the stage with music by J W Gilmore Band set the mood for a good time, lots of crock pots full of scrumptious chili was there to devour and ice-cold beer or stiff drinks to wash it down made the day complete. A friend of ours won the BEST chili although I have no idea how anyone could decide they were all good. First place went to Cindy Jerome, 2nd to Chris Eames and 3rd to Raymond. The Inn Between is a full liquor bar and a great destination ride for a good time…anytime!