By Lulu [autoviewer id="250" width="600" height="600" ] Once again Leesburg Partnership pulled off one hell of a street party for those who love to ride! Known for 3 days of miles of vendors, bands, girls and fun what sets this apart from many is how darn biker friendly the community remains! Every restaurant and bar we went in, even the ritzy Mission Inn welcomed us and thanked us for coming. The Rat’s Hole Bike Show, headliners such as Stephen Pearcy, Candlebox, The Outlaws and Nova Rex thrilled the overflowing crowds. My favorite band during the event was Greg Billing on the Budweiser stage and the place was packed with all of us singing along on almost every song! But with 60+ bands there was music for everyone’s taste! And girls, girls everywhere…Miss Rat’s Hole, Miss Gator Harley-Davidson and Miss Leesburg Bike Fest all were drop dead gorgeous. You can ask anyone that has been; the nice areas to ride are well worth the trip even if all the excitement in downtown wasn’t going on. Sugarloaf Mountain Road and down in the hills of Clermont are just wonderful riding for Florida. Add to that the county is Lake County and there is water everywhere. Thank you Leesburg Partnership, Gator and Stormy-Hill Harley-Davidson for continuing to put on a class act. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu [autoviewer id="249" width="600" height="600" ] In the spring each year the end of the Rim Ditch Passport event ends at Okeechobee. The Rim Ditch Ride is a multiple stop event that runs over a full calendar year. The stops are along the perimeter of Lake Okeechobee. At Bikefest Okeechobee they pull the winner from two different qualifiers: those who made all the stops and those who made half. The winners walk away with a nice cash prize. The passport is sponsored by Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson. The event was emceed by Marc Sandlin from Style Studio a local bike shop. During the weekend event they have vendors, music, bike games, a poker run, tattoo contests, car show, bike show and even chicken poop bingo! This is a very laid back event held this year at Cypress Hut Eagles 4509. There is a cover charge of $5 that benefits the Eagles. Unlike most bike festivals that require walking miles to visit lots of vendors, this event is all onsite at the Eagles and they had a great indoor bar with AC!!!! We bought our Passports for next year and hope to complete all the stops! A great weekend of riding awaits those who want to try a new riding adventure. Read the rest of this entry »

By Raven Van Pelt

This month’s Bull’s Eye is someone many in Duval and Nassau counties know as a Tippy. Marc “Tippy” Pica is the Associate Director of Purchasing for Florida State College in Jacksonville. Marc grew up in Orange Park, Florida but now resides just south of Yulee on the border of Duval and Nassau counties. Marc is an avid biker, fisherman, musician, active community supporter and living historian. His first bike was a Honda SL 70 which he used to “attempt to break some bones in his body”. Then he got into MX racing at age 14 and succeeding in breaking the rest of his bones. Surfing has been a lifelong passion of his until as he puts it, “I got fat”. About 2002 when he hit an early “mid-life crisis” and just had to have a bike (and with his beautiful wife Lee’s blessing), he purchased his first real bike, a 1997 Honda Magna 750 that he says was simply awesome. Currently he rides a 2001 Victory V92C (1500cc) that he loves but plans to Harley up someday soon (with his wife Lee’s blessing).

Marc is a volunteer for the Living Historian Program at Fort Clinch State Park and a member of the Friends of Fort Clinch Citizens Support Organization, a 501c(3) Not for Profit that raises funding to directly support Fort Clinch State Park. In 2010, Marc and two of his closest friends, Scott Bucher and Billy Taylor, also Living Historians, founded the Ground Pounders Riding Club. Their Mission: To Honor the Brave Men and Women who have fought for this great Nation. With a dedicated membership of active, retired and former military, and Patriotic Americans, the Ground Pounders actively support any Military event that directly supports our fighting men and women protecting this country’s freedoms. For the past two years the club is a co-host with the Florida State College Foundation and Adamec Harley-Davidson on Baymeadows Rd. in Jacksonville, the Wounded Vets Ride for Pride Scholarship Rally which provides scholarships for wounded vets and their families selected by the Wounded Warrior Project, to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville. This event was the brain child of Marc and has been a huge success every year benefitting many Wounded Warrior Project candidates. Marc and his fellow club members ride with the Patriot Guard Riders and support many other charitable events throughout the area, but mostly they concentrate on supporting our Military. If you see Marc at any of these events, go up and say hello.

Because of Marc’s dedication to the military and biker communities, his leadership in fund raising for these communities, and his absolutely hilarious postings on Facebook, we have put Marc in this month’s Bull’s Eye.

By Amy Poole [autoviewer id="248" width="600" height="600" ] The happenings at the Iron Horse Saloon go from one extreme to the other, but these last 3 were at the top of the list! The Ruff Ride, benefiting the furry friends at the Halifax Humane Society, was an escorted ride through the Loop and brought 285 participants to the Iron Horse during Bike Week…what an amazing turnout during a vast event already! Big Poppa’s BBQ dished out the riders tasty dinners along with the new Ruff Ride t-shirt. Raising an enormous amount of $5,000.00!! Their next Ruff Ride will be starting at the Halifax Humane Society on Oct 17th and ending at the Iron Horse during Biketoberfest. For more info you can go to halifaxhumanesociety.org or check the Thunder Roads calendar. The 1st Bike Night at the Horse ROCKED them all!!! Ladies rode in for the open class bike show winning a PINK toolbox with all kinds of fun and flirty toys inside the box!! Jender played their heart out and we danced our tushes off in return!! The grill was fired up for the backyard cookout along with chances to win prizes if you brought your VIP card…if you don’t have one yet check into it. The outback was definitely in full swing for the first event and with the warm summer nights coming…it WILL simply become bigger and badder!! This new bike night will be featured on the 1st Saturday of every month with a different class of bike show each month. The Vintage Bike Show and Spring Ride was not a very springy day but there were a few vintage bikes that showed up at J&P Cycles to register. It was a little chilly but J&P had the BEST hot coffee and donuts from Dunkin’ waiting for those that ventured out. J&P Cycles is striving to be more involved in events with the local biker community and has performed a remarkable task at doing just that!! You can always look in Thunder Roads for the upcoming happenings!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu Boy this has been a sad month. A dear friend to me and the motorcycle community passed away and it really took the wind out of my sails. Kevin Rosa, co-owner of the White Eagle a bar that catered to the biking community before most, passed away and I will miss him deeply. He was the life of the party and lived life more fully than many. He worked hard, played hard and cared for bikers. His bar fed anyone who showed up on the last Sunday of the month for years…no minimum drink required. Just show up and eat, listen to music and enjoy the company of other bikers. He was a huge supporter of Thunder Roads Florida, personally landing ad sales with other bars when I needed help in the beginning. I loved him for that. When my car was rusted he took me to get a paint job, telling the guy to give me a good deal because I was his wife…little white lie!!! But the guy winked and did a great job for half the price. When I needed a roommate he introduced me to Sherry Fletcher his bar manager at the time and ended up giving me one of my most precious gifts in life, my best friend. I hate to think I won’t ride along side Kevin and Neeltje on his Screaming Eagle on our way to Key West again. Those miles of highway riding will just be great memories now. I want to thank you Neeltje for the hours of devoted care you gave to Kevin, it is only because of you he had the last couple of years with us. Kevin’s saying when he was having too much fun was “KNUCKLES”, and you better not leave him hanging! You just smacked your knuckles against his and he would laugh. He fought the hardest fight I have ever witnessed with his second bout of throat cancer, any other person would have died within six months of the second diagnosis…that is the statistics; and 2 and a half years he lived. I took a piece of wood and hammered long big nails in it and wrote on it “Tough as Nails”, tied balloons to it and visited him early on during his radiation…he laughed and said “You too!” knowing how hard I took Bull’s suicide years before. I will miss Kevin’s support. He was my friend and now I have one less…bad month. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu The Dog Pound Saloon in Bunnell hosted one of our Twisted Tea events at their Thursday night Bike Nights. There was free food, great peeps and lots of Twisted Tea. The Twisted girls were on hand with samples and giveaways. We collected 342 pounds of food for A Child at Heart in Flagler which Loopy was kind enough to help us with. Don’t forget to ride over to Bunnell for Dog Pound’s U Name IT U Drink It for $2.50!!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Miserable George Some really nice turn-for-the-better weather lured out over 100 riders at the 10th Annual Molly Mutt Run...starting point...the Brevard County Humane Society out on Cox Rd. in west Cocoa. This is a run to benefit our little (and big) furry friends with not only possible adoption, but helping to maintain a good supply of food and bedding at the shelter. It was a pleasant run, through a scenic Brevard countryside, with beautiful riverside stops, and ending at the Eagles on Merritt Is. As he does at many local events, Doc Holiday was chief entertainer with his off the cuff wit, and fabulous music. The Eagles offered a good meal at a very low price. There were vendors, and the usual prizes and a 50/50...a fun time, for a good cause! Hey, would you like a pet? It’s easy just call the Humane Society at (321)636-3343. WOOOF!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu What a way to kick off Leesburg Bike Fest! Irene’s Lounge in Tavares had Big Engine rock the place! The Twisted Tea girls gave away all kind of Twisted merchandise and samples. Even Gary Coleman a pro bass fisherman was there with his Twisted Tea bass boat. We attempted to play a scavenger hunt game although I think I should have started before the Twisted Tea kicked in! This bar during the summer is bringing in lots of great bands and in fact Big Engine will be playing again on Sunday, June 9th from 3-7p. They have Primitive camping available during these events but you need to call for reservations (see their ad). So you could camp on Saturday and be ready to ride and party on Sunday. They are having a BBQ and collecting food for the food pantry so bring in cans and get a chance to win $100!!!! We plan on coming so hope to see you there. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu One of our Twisted Bike Events was held at First Turn Steakhouse in Port Orange. Owned by Rick and Denise Hilliard this is one of our favorite spots for great food and fun. We love sitting on the huge outdoor deck and having a cold one with friends, but our very best pick here is the Firecracker Shrimp and Redneck Salad…you just gotta try it. As usual we held a food drive and the 80 pounds of food benefitted the Children’s Home Society’s pantry. The live music was awesome, the Twisted Tea girls cute as a kitty and I just want to thank all who rode in. Don’t forget their Tuesday night bike nights this summer!!! Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher Once again, Gator Harley gave the ladies a day of fun, food and fashion. We arrived at 8:30am and were treated to breakfast. By 9am, a group left to go on an escorted scenic ride. For those choosing to stay at the store, there were seminars, speakers and shopping! Since I decided to forego the ride, I asked one of my riding buddies, Judi Ashlock, how she liked the ride and if she could tell me a little bit about it. Here’s Judi’s story: “Twelve ladies participated in the ride which was led by Wayne Ray, Director of Lake County HOG. The group left Gator H-D about 10:00am and headed northeast for about seven miles. We then turned northwest onto Emeralda Island Road which took us through one of Lake County’s hidden gems, Emeralda Marsh. After about eight miles of riding through the scenic marsh and viewing some of Florida’s natural beauty, we turned west for a bit and then south. This took us along the west side of the marsh with even more Florida scenery and wildlife to experience. We soon hooked back up to County Road 44 and returned to Gator H-D. The ride was about 30 miles and took about 45 minutes. Other than an armadillo trying to sneak out into our path on the road and a few normal road-kill road hazards, the ride was relaxing and definitely scenic. Great weather, great roads, great scenery and experiencing it all from the saddle of a motorcycle. What a great way to start off the 8th Annual Women’s Conference at Gator H-D.” Thanks Judi! Speakers and seminars featured “tech talk” with Mike the master mechanic, Dr. Williams from Florida Heart and Vascular, and Shelly from Cross Train Clermont. The “Jumpstart Experience” was also featured for women who don’t ride since it actually allows them to ride a stationary motorcycle and learn how to shift, use the throttle, etc. Before we knew it, lunch was being served and the fashion show started. As always, Harley-Davidson proved that their clothing is not only fashionable but utilitarian for riders. We then had a yoga session with Lisa from Cross Train Clermont followed by a safety and information seminar by Darrin from Pat’s Pawn and Gun. Last but not least, we were entertained by the “Electrifying Gypsies of the New Millennium.” They had great music and featured belly dancers, a fortune teller and a genie -- you had to be there! The event ended with goodie bags and more door prizes. Hats off to Alex and Peggy for all their hard work in putting this event together. See you ladies next year! Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu [autoviewer id="247" width="600" height="600" ] One of the nicest venues to look at sweet bikes is at the Boardwalk during Bike Week. The beauty of the beach and Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop sets this apart from most shows of the year. Even with the possibility of exposing these bikes worth tens of thousands to the sea spray they have a great turnout. The attention to detail is amazing and this year the pipes seemed to really stand out. My favorites this year were the “Twister” with the twisted frame and pipes, the fire department bike with the hose nozzle pipes and “Bad Sled” with its low profile straight extended pipes. Make sure if you visit Bike Week or Biketoberfest you check this out. There is no admission fee to view this show and it is always on Friday. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lulu [autoviewer id="246" width="600" height="600" ] Cochise Chops, Hold Fast Tattoo and First Turn Steakhouse in Port Orange brought in a new twist to Bike Week. Along with some of the best food in town, a fabulous outside deck and great music…they turned the parking lot into a stunt show complete with burnouts. To end the great Friday evening they had a checkered flag waving contest and a Pensacola girl won the $100 cash prize but generously donated it to the Children’s Home Society. Make sure you include First Turn in your places to ride to all year long; they have a weekly bike night on the deck on Tuesday nights! Read the rest of this entry »

By Deborah Speicher The annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women’s Ride goes on rain or shine, and this year it almost went on in the rain. As my group left for the staging area on Beach Street, the rain started. Thankfully, it was only light rain but it made the morning dark and dreary. However, once we got to Beach Street, it all changed. The three children and one adult with muscular dystrophy joining us for the ride were so excited, and no amount of rain could keep them from being all smiles. Thanks to a trike and some motorcycles with side cars, they got to ride with us. This is one event that they look forward to each and every year. We had an incredible police escort courtesy of the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department. The ride took us up Beach Street and over the Main Street Bridge. Going down Main Street during Bike Week with a police escort means no stopping for traffic or lights and is one of the greatest routes of this ride. We then headed north on A1A to SR 40 and into The Loop. The ride ended at Destination Daytona. With over 100 participants, the ride generated $31,000 in donations. Most of monies raised stays locally to help send children with muscular dystrophy to MDA Summer Camp. In the past six years, we have raised over $300,000 for MDA. It would be hard for me to express how important that is to the children and their families that attend this event each year. I would encourage you to come out and support this event next year either as a rider or just come to cheer us on! Read the rest of this entry »