By Lulu

With back-to-back hurricanes affecting not only the entire state of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, attendance at Florida’s fall rallies took a hit also. Although the crowd wasn’t as large as in the past there were still lots of peeps at Gator H-D in Leesburg for the 3 days of bands, bikes, drinks, and vendors. This year the place was rocked by Rock Hard, Time Machine, Bobbie Blackmon, Swamp Juice, and Jeff Vitola & The Quarter Mile Rebels. A sound off contest by Elite Baggers had some awesome bikes with amazing speaker systems. Coming up next will be their Anniversary Bash. check out gatorharley.com for their events and let’s make it a big one.

By Lulu

For 23 years in November, OB’s in Deland has put on one of the largest Pan/Shovel Shows in Florida. Even with the two hurricanes and a tough economy, peeps came from near and far to SHOW their bikes and to SEE the bikes! The Best in Show Winner, Ron Herman, came from Largo with his 1937 Indian Chief. I would hate to judge these bikes. They all looked great to me! Music by Split Personality entertained the huge crowd. Then the Vintage Ladies Bikini Contest for contestants over fifty happened on stage. Last year over thirteen contestants, this year it was like pulling teeth to get 4 on stage. But the ladies were good sports and Barbara by far had the best attire!!! They all went home with some prize money!! If you haven’t ventured out to OB’s in Deland, they also have a great bike night on Wednesdays with live music and food specials, the Americana Custom Show is in June and next November it will be the 24th Russ & Bob Show so get those basket builds show ready and come out for the party.
2024 Winners
Custom Panhead-Jay Wright
Stock Panhead-Justin Krol
Custom Shovel-Sheldon Lucas
Stock Shovel-Jim Miller
Rat Bike-Biker Bob
Knucklehead-Tinker
Iron Head-Ed Coggades
Flat Head-Russ Cavalari
Cap Wilson Thunder Roads Pick-Paul
Best Ladies-Tricia Kennedy
Best in Show-Ron Herman

By Lulu

Some photos provided courtesy of AB3 Visuals-Taylor Paul

This was our first St. Pete Bikefest since they moved it off the beach! I didn’t really know what to expect since it is basically a rally on premise at OCC Road House & Museum and Bert’s Barracuda H-D in Clearwater. First, let me say, if you haven’t visited OCC, it is really an impressive venue. Large inside restaurant with a museum of the bikes and memorabilia of Orange County Choppers. The bikes are something to see, but I also really enjoyed all the photos and the wall of badges! Then there is the outside venue with two stages under the massive pavilion, outside seating and during the rally, a bunch of vendors. A huge area outback was the site of the headline concerts and the bike show. Bert’s Barracuda next door was jammed full of bikes, apparel, and Harley merch. While we were inside the dealership, I saw two bikes going home with women who had just signed the contract for their brand-new rides! You go girls!! Every day, scantily clad girls were very busy washing bikes. We didn’t arrive until Friday, so we missed Thursday’s bands Scotty Austin of Saving Abel and Signs of Sacrifice, the Creed tribute. But the headliners Molly Hatchet on Friday night and Hinder on Saturday night did not disappoint! Other bands daily, throughout the weekend, included Tony Tyler Band, Sunset Strip, The Lost Boys, Shovelhead and Full Throttle Band. 3 great days of music for all to enjoy! An artist, Debra Filipelli, was skillfully painting faces and body parts of the young and old. On Saturday afternoon, while the bike show was going on, Rock & Wrestling simultaneously entertained the masses with 2 matches and even kids from the audience were allowed to go in the ring for a bit to play with the wrestlers. Mechanical “Bull” Shark riding got some of our favorite peeps bucked to the mat. Sadly, we missed the Reign Bikini Contest as we thought it started an hour later, and it was over when we arrived. Later, on Saturday night, in front of the main stage 2 custom builds were unveiled that were to be auctioned off for charitable causes. My favorite part of the weekend was the burnout show which included eight bikes from the dealership, in the pit, burning the rubber right off, all at the same time! Amazing! Great burnout show! The ride in bike show trophies were sponsored and presented by Fran Haasch Law Group. Paul Teutle, Sr. led the Sunday morning Sunshine Skyway Ride. Hundreds of bikes made the ride and returned to the festival later. Closing out the 4-day party was a raffle drawing for a brand new 2024 Heritage. The lucky winner was a local resident who they called live on the phone to notify him that he had won, but he didn’t arrive before we packed up and headed out. Every rally we attend has its own personality. This one was fun for us as we met lots of new peeps, saw bikes we haven’t seen in the show, loved the 3 days of music and the entire event seemed organized and even family friendly! If you haven’t experienced the OCC Roadhouse and Museum and Bert’s Barracuda H-D complex, you must do it. It’s worth the trip just to see the American Flag that flies 200 feet high above the property. This 100’x 60’ symbol of patriotism is the most awesome I have ever seen. Bert’s GM John Dempsey called it a “gift to the community.” My response, “that is a gift to America”! See y’all there next year!

By Lulu

Charlie and Amie at Sorry Charlie’s Corner in Samsula have really brought back old school fun. In November they threw a Chopper Show and I was completely surprised by how many bikes entered! Along with the bike show they had a Sexy bra and panties contest with a nice cash prize. Kudos to the girls willing to strut their stuff! I tricked some guys into thinking they were going to be on stage to help the girls with their panties and judge, only to find when I handed them each a bag of ladies’ panties, that the first one to put on all 8 would win a bar tab! If you haven’t found Sorry Charlie’s yet. Get on your bike and ride. Their 3rd Anniversary Bash is on February 8th with Whey Jennings, Crashrocket and Sam Lowe. See more photos from the Chopper Show at Thunder Roads Florida Facebook, go to Albums and look for your friends!

Seems like 2024 has too many tragic moments and MANY near misses. My friend Shaun was a recent near miss. He still isn’t out of the woods as back surgery is in his future, but he was riding with friends, and his “CHEAP” front tire blew out cruising the highway at 90+MPH! The eyewitness account is that he maintained control of the bike until he tried to leave the pavement, then things went to hell in a handbag! Lucky for Shaun he didn’t end up in Hell that day! Michael who was riding with him was scared to approach him lying there looking like he was dead, but by the GRACE OF GOD just like Willie he was able to survive for another ride. This picture is Shaun in a back brace on the bike. I feel quite certain this would be against medical advice!!! The reason for this Pony Tales is to remind us all to check your bike for safety. Don’t buy cheap tires and then ride like a bat out of hell! And those of us older peeps including Shaun need to realize we don’t mend as quickly as in the past. Lastly, I will give Shaun credit for wearing a helmet or the situation could have been much worse!! Hug a friend (maybe not Shaun as he is still sore), buy a stranger a drink and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By T.J.

In October during Biketoberfest, Space Coast Harley held a 4-day event billed as Beer, Bikes & Beaches. We took the 85-mile ride down I-95 from Daytona to check it out and had a lot of fun. The dealership is beautiful and packed full of beautiful machines. The event featured the H-D demo truck, bikini bike wash girls, vendors, a full bar, live music, and the Ink & Iron Tattoo event. This is a very active Harley store so check out their website for upcoming music and event schedules at SpaceCoastHarley.com.

By Lulu

Our second Twisted Tea Bike Night was hosted by The Other Place on Nova Rd in Ormond Beach. Twisted Tea swag giveaways enhanced an already great weekly Wednesday night bike night, featuring delicious $5 Smashburgers, $2 longnecks, and $2.50 Twisted Teas!! What a bargain! It turned cold that day and a bit wet. The peeps that braved the weather on 2 and 3 wheels showed up in chaps and leathers! Elaine Holt was collecting toys and cash for her Christmas charity. Frog showed up in a Twisted Tea yellow colored antique pick-up truck. Even Steve Coe came for a bit, although he had to run to his girlfriend’s home to catch himself on the TV show American Pickers! Gina, the owner of The Other Place and Chris’ Lounge, stopped in and it was wonderful to see her looking beautiful and HEALTHY after a health scare in the fall! Our next Twisted Tea featured bike night is Wednesday, January 15th at Boot Hill Saloon. Join us for $3 Twisted Tea, live music by Alias and giveaways!

By Lulu

Each November Rue & Ziffra law firm has hosted a ride out of J&P Cycles in Ormond Beach to honor our first responders, veterans and those who work in medicine. This year the event benefited the Deltona Professional Firefighters Union. After a service at J&P Cycles, donuts and coffee, the bikes followed the police escort to OB’s in Deland for live music by Crashrocket and lunch. This event is to “honor valiant first responders who courageously step forward when disaster strikes putting their own lives on the line.” Join us next year for this ride. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday and makes you feel good that you took the time to personally say thank you to those who serve!

By Lulu

Hurricanes didn’t seem to keep the crowds away from Iron Horse Saloon during Biketoberfest. The place was packed when I was there. We popped in to visit Rusty and Steve at Southern Country Customs which was set up there since Broken Spoke wasn’t able to open for the fall rally. Caught great music by Cowboy, Tim Dugger and Bobby Friss, all amazing in their own right. This year Eddie Montgomery also filled the air with music as well as Saliva, although we weren’t able to catch them this time around. Like everyone else, I had to catch a bite of beef tips, purchase an Iron Horse T-shirt, and say hello to the guys at the Wall of Death! For Bike Week 2025 the staff at Iron Horse will be waiting for you, so hurry back!

By Lulu

For over 80 years Boot Hill Saloon has been rocking Main Street in Daytona Beach! And even after two major hurricanes this fall, they didn’t disappoint. Rockrage Radio and Bikers Info brought the party to the stage! Jasmine Cain, Def Leggend, Stone Temple Pilot STP Unglued Soflo, Leaving Eden, Fat Cactus, Greye, Sesame Plexer, Blistur, Vermillion, Redline, Second Shift, Ellie Lee, and Rockabilly Rockets all added to the Rock Party! Keeping their prices at $4 for domestics during Biketoberfest is almost unheard of on Main Street! Thanks to the sponsors that help keep this bar rocking Midwest Motorcycles, Twisted Tea, Miller Lite, and Rich Newsome Law. They are THE party on Main Street New Year’s Eve so put your party gear on and rock on!

By Lulu

With 2 hurricanes and the end of 4 years of Joe’s Bidenomics, Biketoberfest attendance was definitely down. Many hotels and campgrounds were not able to open at all and definitely not to full capacity. Chopper Time also had a few less bikes and the crowd wasn’t quite as dense as usual, but the weather was amazing, and all of the usual suspects were onsite! The BBQ served to help the Vets sold out! And just in case anyone doesn’t realize the saint that Willie is…Chopper Time benefits the Veteran’s Coalition. Everyone is a volunteer and even the tips for the bar staff goes in that kitty. Lots of great 2 & 3 wheel art rode into the packed parking lot and many happy men and women went home with trophies. If there is just one thing that I love to do each Bike Week and Biketoberfest it is Willie’s Chopper Time. It takes those volunteers to pull this thing off so a special thank you to the crew that gives their time! Special thanks to the sponsors Twisted Tea, Rue & Ziffra, J & P Cycles, Realty Pros, Guerrilla Fabrication, B & D Customs, Joker Cycle Works, Only Choppers, Hardcore Cycles, F N A Custom Cycles, Blings Cycles, US 1 Hogridin.com, Spectro Performance Oils, S & S, Morris Magneto, Joker Cycles Works, Prime IV, Broken Spoke, Iron Horse Saloon, OB’s, Rider’s Now Magazine, Cochise Chops, Choppers Magazine, Renegade Magazine, Cycle Source, and Old School Biker Magazine. Mike Jones from AOK Guns raffled off guns to help fund the Veteran’s kitty, go visit him in New Smyrna, his store his packed with what you need! Thank you also to Roadside Marty for keeping the show moving! The band Jacksonville Slim from Jacksonville played out back and kept the crowd entertained while waiting for the awards ceremony. All winners’ photos are on Thunder Roads Florida Facebook under Chopper Time Album and more photos from the day. Oh, and if you are interested in getting some more ink etched into your pretty self, the artists at Willie’s are always happy to add to your canvas! Chopper Time is always the Thursday of Bike Week…God willing see you there!
WINNERS!
LADIES BUILD Kali Pilkington
BEST EVO Will Stacy
BEST KNUCKLEHEAD Mike Anastasio
WILLIE’S PICK Mike Vasey
BEST SPORTSTER Ed Coggeshall
BEST BOBBER Panhead Bob
BEST CHOPPER Adam Wilcox
BEST FLATTY Bill Denison
BEST RAT Brian Adiemior
BEST CUSTOM EVO Boner
SHOVELHEAD COALITION Bob Peterson
BEST CUSTOM Eric Allard
BEST METRIC Angel Whitehorse
BEST ANTIQUE Justin Krol
REV. AL’S PICK Cooper
BEST SHOVEL Ryan Barsin
BEST PANHEAD Jay Wright
WILLIE’S HARCORE Mark Mite
CROWD FAVORITE Thomas Eichman
TROPICAL TATTOO PIC Jason Eichman
BEST PAINT Johnny Dicula

Put on your Jingle Bells. It is time to celebrate the birth of Christ, the giving of love and gifts, and the end of 4 years of Biden. That is the last thing my Democratic friends will have to read about that! Seriously, December is a time of giving. I am the first to tell all my “friends before biking” how generous motorcyclist are…generous tippers, first to pull $10 out of the wallet for any charity, and always willing to come to the aid of a motorcyclist down on their luck. Well in this economy if you are able dig in those pockets a little more this Christmas season DO IT! So many on both the east and west coast had severe damage and are still trying to recover from their losses. Christmas for some children…and adults will be tough this year. Add to that the rotten economy, less people will be able to be generous to the red buckets with the bell ringers at the store entrances, or to toy drives. I would be surprised if everyone reading doesn’t know someone who had serious storm damage. TJ’s son had water in his home up to the toilet seats, had to carry his dog out of the neighborhood on his shoulder to let him find a dry spot to “go” on. He doesn’t have kids so he is fine, but if he had a houseful of children I am sure it would be harder to fill their stockings after replacing furniture and all that was lost. Even Food Banks could use some love! Thank you all for reading and putting up with me through the election. I am not joyous, but I am relieved and praying for our country and the world for a prosperous and peaceful 2025. Give your loved ones a giant bear hug, buy a stranger a drink at your local watering hole and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

So, all who came from near and far for the Coleslaw Wrestling at Cabbage Patch were out of luck this year. Back-to-Back hurricanes damaged the cabbage and made the event impossible. In fact, Cackleberry Campground across the street wasn’t able to open at all due to the flooding and I heard through the grapevine that Roger almost didn’t open the Patch. Thankfully he was able to be open and the vendors, bands, and bartenders were able to put a little in their pockets thanks to the crowds that came to town and to the Patch! We always make it to their Survivor Party featuring Joe Santana and Kingfish for a finale night of music and friends. Earlier in the week Scott Demonico threw a fundraiser for Rebel Tyler who was paralyzed in Sturgis and needs funds to fly him back to Florida. A guy from Pennsylvania presented a check for $1000 given by Injured Motorcycle Riders! Auction items, pizza and 50/50 helped raise funds for Rebel. Mr. Twisted Tea himself, Bill Grotto, went home with the cool Harley tank turned clock! That night Derek Trull’s band rocked the house. Some peeps only know Cabbage Patch for coleslaw wrestling. This bar is more like Cheers, where most of the bartenders have been there forever and know their clients as family, and love to hear those bikes pulling in. Keep this spot in mind for Poker Run stops!

By Lulu

During Biketoberfest Sorry Charlie’s had live music featuring Jasmine Cain, Deadlanders, Joe Payne, Professor Messer, Keg Country Band & Lucy Spotts. They even had full liquor sponsored by the All American Club and this year threw in a wet T contest for cash. Verifiably insane I entered, and at age 70, WON! I know it was only because I knew more people, so I donated the prize money back to Charlie and Amie’s charity the Humane Society. It actually was fun, but my sister is probably calling the people with white coats on me! Bike Week is coming so get ready to ride to Charlie’s for the party, but before that he has his anniversary bash coming on February 8th with Crashrocket and Whey Jennings!! Don’t forget to order his humongous pork loin sandwich when you are there, it is awesome!

By Lulu

Each Wednesday before Biketoberfest and during Bike Week, we take friends and people visiting Florida, sometime for the first time, out to our clients in outlying areas. The Hideout on Derbyshire Rd in Holly Hill is our meeting spot. This year our posse was less than usual; we have had as many as 45 bikes. But no matter how few or how many, we are a happy band of road warriors when we take off for our adventure! Our first stop was to a cool dive bar on the St. John’s River, the Gnarly Gar in Satsuma. By the time we hit here everyone was thirsty! Our second stop was 3 Bananas where we ran into the Steve and Rusty Wallace crew having their lunch. At their table were two of the guys that flew helicopters into the ravages of Hurricane Milton in North Carolina. Everyday heroes! Our group ordered a great lunch and then off we rode. Look at the picture of the yummy dessert they serve! The next stop was The Hideaway Bar & Grill in Pomona Park where Lisa always has a balloon arch celebrating different occasions, this time it was all for Breast Cancer Awareness. Ready for a bit of Crown Royal, we stopped next at Renegade’s on the River, where Stacey, (the owner) was onsite and posed for a photo with T J. Our final stop was back in Ormond Beach for the Chic Built Chopper Show during the weekly Shovelhead Night at The Other Place on Nova Rd. It was winding down by the time we arrived, as it is a long loop with kickstands up at 11am. Join us next year! It will be February 26th as Bike Week starts early this year. Might need your leathers!