As we ride into the last month of our 16th year of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine I must reflect on the beginning of this journey. In 2006 Bull Connors was 40 and retired living in Florida, and my boyfriend. I accused him of being addicted to the bar stool as he spent almost everyday drinking from 9am to 6pm. I then told him he needed a JOB. He picked the phone up and called corporate Thunder Roads Magazine and within a few weeks we were on our way to Tennessee to buy the Florida franchise. There is no doubt he was an alcoholic, as he had cirrhosis of the liver at the time of his suicide, but he didn’t drink at home. He just loved the camaraderie of being with people in the bars, particularly Mother’s in Flagler Beach and The Dog Pound in Bunnell. The purchase of the magazine didn’t really curtail the social drinking, in fact, it probably only gave him good excuses for heading out on his bike to “try to sell ads” or to “interview a biker for his monthly “Bull’s Eye” column or as we all know most poker runs involve bar stools! But it did give him an excitement that his life was missing and a reason to attend EVERY motorcycle event anywhere. Many still come up to me and let me know they knew and loved Bull. He was a funny, fun loving and a bit crazy guy. He never passed a kid selling anything without handing him or her a $20. He also never tipped a stripper a one-dollar bill, it was always something much larger! And he loved to buy the whole bar a round if they would let him come inside with his bike to do a burnout!

Upon his death I was given Thunder Roads Florida by the corporate office as they felt I was doing most of the work and they didn’t want to see Florida fold. I should have had my head examined for taking that on in a state of extreme grief, but I was afraid I would regret not giving it a try. So, at 52 years old I took the reins and tried to continue his vision of bringing a motorcycle lifestyle magazine with a calendar and jokes…and stories about the good works bikers do month after month. I have struggled financially at times, emotionally, and at times wanted to give up. I have had great support along the way from friends of his and friends I met from knowing him. My biggest support has been T. J. becoming partner and co-owner 7 years ago and taking over the business side of the month-to-month burden. He also has made it a road not traveled alone. I look forward to our 17th year and the adventures it will bring and to each and everyone who has offered words of encouragement along the way I thank you!
Don’t be afraid of a new adventure, travel a different highway and don’t forget your sunscreen!