By Lulu

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Denise and Rick Hilliard. First off, Denise has one of the biggest hearts! She and First Turn are always involved in great community events! They also have a terrific venue with open air seating on their giant deck and now MOST of it is covered. They bring in great bands, fuel the Tuesday night Bike Night crowd with cheap drinks and free grub. And the number of bikers that show up during Bike Week and Biketoberfest prove I am not alone in my love for this bar. This Biketoberfest, Tim Dugger was back from Nashville, so we stopped in to see him strum the guitar and entertain his fans. If you get a chance, try their Redneck Salad, it is my favorite on their menu, although they are really known for the Sizzlin’ Steaks!

Usually I write about how I love the people that surround me in this world of motorcycling. I love how patriotic, generous, and down to earth they are. I was a bit let down this month by some of our peeps in the motorcycling world. I witnessed bikers talking right through the playing of the National Anthem. Not only didn’t they shut up during it…they didn’t stand. I might as well have been at Kaepernick’s stadium. Oh, I was annoyed. Who does that? I don’t even want to use the excuse of being drunk. They simply were rude. Here is a guy on stage playing his heart out. Jasmine Cain with her hand over her heart. Most of the crowd standing. And about 20 lazy, rude, unpatriotic fools!

The other item of annoyance is when festival organizers go to extremes scheduling great, free music and you don’t bother to get out of the bars to show up. T. J. and I saw some outstanding free music at many events this year and people are jammed into crowded bars pounding shots and longnecks and missing out on amazing music. I do wish most organizers would realize they need to put the concerts on earlier in the evening, that bikers don’t want to be far from their final stops late at night, but why can’t we as adults pace ourselves a bit and take advantage of the shows these events put on!!

Now none of this means I don’t still love motorcyclists, I also witnessed Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl ride on a charity event as part of Cotee River Bike Fest. Evey single weekend I see people take the last $10 bucks out of their pockets to ride on a poker run for a worthy cause. I see veteran’s riding for the Patriot Guard and people like Willie at Tropical Tattoo helping veterans like he is a bearded Santa! But please live a little and try something other than the barstool at bike rallies. And for God’s sake and the sake of America, stand for any rendition of the National Anthem and shut up!

Ride on a toy run, call your parents and tell them you love them and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Lulu

Phaedra Lee knows how to fill her garage bar with people! Great musicians all year round, bike night with $1 longnecks and scantily dressed, hot, high-heeled women on stage during Bike Week and Biketoberfest makes Main Street Station your Destination party spot! For Biketoberfest, Main Street Station featured Warrant playing to a packed house. Big Engine, Bearded Brothers, Microwave Dave, Thunder Jack, Slippery When Wet, Sound Theory and more also entertained the throngs of party peeps on two stages. Twisted Tea sponsored the Miss Main Street Station Contest and giveaways were thrown to the crowd. Phaedra and her staff work hard all year to provide ice cold beer, cocktails and music in a great venue. Head on down to Main Street for their Wednesday night bike nights!

By Lulu

Well the weather God didn’t treat the Saturday for Cabbage Patch’s world-famous Coleslaw Wrestling competition too kindly but as the saying goes “the show must go on”, and that is exactly what the crew at Cabbage Patch managed to pull off. A torrential downpour almost caused the big event to be cancelled but the field finally dried up a bit, the rains stopped, and the girls wrestled! Just the production of making the oily slaw is a spectacle. Pounds of cabbage are dropped into a giant machine that chews it up and spits it out, then gallons of oil are added the whole mess is mixed up and just like that you have a pit of coleslaw.

Coleslaw wrestling isn’t all that happens at the Patch. Radical Randy puts on great bike shows. This year we made it to the Battle of the Baggers sponsored by Fran Haasch. I don’t know how the judges can pick one bike over the next. They were all awesome.

Cabbage Patch has things going on all year long, so particularly since the weather hurt their pocketbook a bit, be sure to ride out and enjoy a drink or two. It will be appreciated by the staff! And for a fun time during the holidays show up in an ugly sweater for their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

By Lulu

There are many
things that make an event successful. For me starting on time, organization, advertising, good people running it, celebrities, a great crowd, good music, cold beer (and TWISTED TEA), strong drinks, hot looking women, good food, interesting things to see or photograph all are the components that make an event newsworthy and successful!! Chopper Time has all of this and one more that many don’t even know about, Willie gives the proceeds of the beer and Tea sales to a worthy cause each time. Biketoberfest, the veterans reaped the rewards of Willie’s biker pals’ appetite for a few cold ones! I always prefer Chopper Time in the fall because it isn’t quite the crowd and you can get in and see the detail on the bikes without fear of knocking a whole slew of them over. The lot was still packed with all kinds of old school and radical looking “chopped” on creations. Dave and Jodi Perewitz are regulars at this event, and it is always good to see them. A special thank you to all the crew who help make this happen, to Rue & Ziffra, PA for their support, Twisted Tea and Miller Lite for their sponsorship, to Rock of Daytona for the live remote and to each and every dollar spent by you who helped make this not only the best bike show in town, but also a wonderful event for veterans.

The winners are as follows:
Steve Broyles-Antique
George (Good Looking Customs)-Flatty
Mark Stevens-Knuckle
Brian Buttera-Panhead
Shannon Rae- Shovel Roadside Choice
Jacque Alexander-Evo
Kyle Rice-Twin Cam
Gina-Sportster
Dirtbag Choppers-Creative Custom
Ferge Takmen/Johnny Heffin-Triumph Stock
Frank Davis-British Custom
John Benedict-Best Metric
Tony Goodwin-Jap Custom
Gus Karnes-Rat Bike
Don & Sabrina Natter-Bobber
Matt Foster-Chopper/Cycle Source Choice
Jerry Jackman-Tropical Tattoo Choice & Perewitz Best Paint
Ed Skelton-Crowd Favorite & Cochise Chops Choice
Phil Anderson-Rick’s Choice
Kacey Ann Waring-Ladies’ Choice
Tino Periat-Clay’s Pick
Bruno Guillory-Bling’s Choice
Hatch-Reverend Al’s Choice
Marty Jester-Mo’s Image Custom
Paul Jabaly- B&D Customs & Willie and Roadside Hardcore
Emmanuel Raes-Tar Ball Run Choice
Shaun Ponte-Willie’s Choice
Nick Pen Mad Pen-Willie’s & Roadside Choice
(Space doesn’t allow us to post all winners photo in the printed version of the magazine but photos of all the winners are on our Facebook page Thunder Roads Florida)

By Lulu

In New Port Richey each year, the downtown and riverfront become the home for the Cotee River Bike Fest. What sets this event apart from many others is the entire thing is built around giving to charities. Tina Farrell and her team make this yearly event mean more than great bands, bike shows, vendors and wrestling. Along with breathing some dollars into the local businesses, when all is said and done, two charities benefit from the hard work and the bikers who attend. Fire & Iron put on a poker run out of New Port Richey Harley-Davidson on Saturday morning to benefit the Children’s Burn Fund. The other charity that benefitted from the festival this year is Red Apple School. T. J. and I love this festival. Tim and his crew at Little Corona Cigar Lounge make us feel like family. The music is always great, and with four stages you are certain to find something that suits your taste. Two of my favorites this year were Stonegrey and Electric Woodshed. Of course, Jackyl filled the park and I was impressed that Jesse James Dupree rode on the poker run with us!

If you haven’t made the ride to New Port Richey in October put this on your bucket list!

By Lulu

This is by far one of my favorite events of the year. The Rossmeyer’s and Camp Boggy Creek went all out again to celebrate the silver anniversary of the ride. Over the past 25 years the Ride for Children weekend has raised over $6 million dollars to support the camp. It started with a gala on Saturday night at the Plaza Hotel with a wonderful meal, cocktails, a silent and live auction…and more generosity than you could imagine in the hearts of many. Live music by Landon Lane playing Jerry Lee Lewis’ flamed piano (provided by Derrick Ames) got people up on their feet. But the emotions of the night came as a young cancer survivor had us think back to being happy, playful, healthy 9-year olds. He told of HIS ninth year and being diagnosed with bone cancer, and entering the world of hospitals, doctor visits, multiple surgeries, constant IV’s and sickness…fear. Then the opportunity to go to Camp Boggy Creek gave him his life back. He made a best friend and found the happy child he once had been. He was able to play, explore and learn. He emotionally thanked those in the room and there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen because we knew how lucky we were to have been healthy kids, not children fighting a monster within.

The next morning the ride departed from Destination Daytona expertly escorted by seven local law enforcement agencies; Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange Police and the Volusia County, Flagler County and Lake County Sheriff’s Departments. As we turned to enter the camp, I thought of the young man who spoke the night before and wondered what his emotions were the day he arrived at camp. I imagined how excited he must have been, but also the fear of leaving the safety of his home and the medical care he was familiar with. I remembered myself as a child being afraid when my parents took me to 4-H Camp and dropped me off with strangers. I cried myself to sleep that first night…and I was healthy.

As we arrived passing signs held by campers and parents thanking the riders, I really understood how strong their gratitude for this camp is. The camp is beautiful. Boggy Creek is everything a camp should be. 232 acres with welcoming bunk houses, a huge dining hall and a beautiful lake. Horseback riding, fishing, archery, crafts and zip-lining are some of the amenities that the kids get to enjoy. We were treated to a wonderful meal of chicken and steak provided by Outback Steakhouse where. all the employees donate their time for this event. Another silent and live auction raised more funds. The live entertainment at the camp was the Tobacco Rd. Band and we all enjoyed their mix of country and rock. This year’s Grand Marshalls, Jimmy Van Pelt, Michael Austin and Doug Danger were on hand to add to the festivities.

For a $50 registration/donation you get a chance to help a kid be “just a kid” for a week. No child is ever charged for camp. The camp was founded by Paul Newman, General Norman Schwarzkopf and other community leaders. But it has been funded by dollars generously given by large and small donors too numerous to mention. The cost of $2500 for a week at camp takes many generous hearts. A special thank you to the Rossmeyer Family, John Hamlin, Robert White, Collin & Jeanmarie York, Heather Larsen, Eva Connors McMullin, S. R. Perrott, Inc., Patricia Miracle and Frank Scott, all the sponsors and to each and every rider throughout the last 25 years that keep the legacy of Bruce Rossmeyer alive.

By Lulu

For the second year Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson took notice of how many trike owners there are and planned a 3-day event to celebrate their 3-wheeling lifestyle. As we age and live longer than our forefathers, we aren’t spending our days playing bingo at retirement homes. Bad knees and backs don’t keep us off the road or the breeze off of our happy faces. We drop a few bucks and buy trikes! Women also love trikes probably more for the extra storage space than anything else. Mandy Rossmeyer decided to plan a yearly event in the trike owners honor. Starting with a Meet and Greet on Friday, a morning trike ride on Saturday, trike show Saturday afternoon, live music and a dinner ride, everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie. Sunday included a Blessing of the Trikes. Plans are to continue this yearly event so shine up your trike and join in on the fun in Daytona next year.

By Lulu

Big news in the motorcycle world!! A brand-new state of the art motorcycle store just opened in St. Augustine. The fourth for the Adamec family! Adamec already has dealerships in Orange Park, Jacksonville on Baymeadows and one at Regency on Atlantic. The first was purchased with $50 dollars down in 1931. Adamec also has a retail store in historic Ancient City St. Augustine. The Adamec family and their fabulous staff work hard to bring you a huge selection of motorcycles and apparel. And the new dealership does just that. A special thank you to Missy, Sarah and all the LAMAs that made the weekend run so smoothly. In designing the new location, they made a great stage with plenty of space for outdoor events. Located at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. right off I 95 it is a must stop when cruising through Florida.

By Lulu

If anyone knows Rudy, the owner of Rudy’s Bar & Grill in Holly Hill on US 1, they know he is one of the hardest working bar owners in town. If you get a chance to sit and chat with Rudy, you will find out he is one of the most patriotic Americans on the planet. He loves the USA, our military, our troops and even our president. Having immigrated years ago from a country where the government wasn’t of the PEOPLE, he really understands all we could lose! His bar on US 1 is a good stop for a stiff drink or a bite to eat. We stopped in to see one our favorite bands, Crashrocket, and the place was packed! Thanks, Rudy, for a great night!

One of my favorite musicians is not only talented, he has a great big heart. His event for Children’s Home Network is coming up again and I interviewed him recently.

TR Tell us about this year’s Children’s Home Benefit Concert.

BF The date is December 4th, at Quaker Steak and Lube in Clearwater, FL from 6-10 pm. Tampa Bay’s best musicians come together for a night of music to help kids. Sounds like fun to me!

TR Can you give us a sneak preview of the musicians coming?

BF Robbie Steinhardt (formerly of Kansas), my band, and members of Stormbringer, Highway to Hell, Greg Billings, and many more.
TR How did you get involved in this charity?

BF Back in 1984 I hosted the first event and since then have not only raised money, but really found what great work they do for families in need. Many kids that lived in the facility now are adults and come see me play. They are living great lives and that makes me feel fantastic that we may have helped in some small way.

TR How can our readers help?

BF If you can’t come to the event, please go to our GOFUNDME site, Bobby Friss Children’s Home Network Benefit and donate what you can. Through donations, auction items and sponsorships we raised $20,000.00 last year. Unreal! Thanks to you Beth and Thunder Roads Florida for helping us make it a great Christmas for the Kids

Not only is Bobby involved with kids he loves our veterans too! He is involved with Operation Finally Home and they host vets and their families at his show providing food, drink and a chance to be recognized on stage for being our heroes. This is one good guy. If possible, attend his event on the 4th or give on his GOFUNDME site and get in the holiday spirit.

Be kind and generous to those less fortunate this holiday season and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

It was a great day at First Turn when the staff and patrons threw back to Woodstock donning paisley, fringe, flowers and weird glasses. The music was Woodstock era, but unlike Woodstock, the weather was perfect. Leave it to owner, Denise Hilliard, to think of such a fun event and to wear a “Don’t eat the brown acid” shirt!! Ride out to one of their Tuesday night bike nights for some free grub. Be sure to get there early before the heathens eat it all. $1.50 domestic longnecks (they won’t run out), $3 Fireball shots and live music on a huge spacious deck to sit with friends and chill. The address if 5236 S. Ridgewood (US 1) in Port Orange. They also have a great annual event coming again in November Oyster and Chowder Fest. See their ad in this issue for details!

By Tony and T-Rex

Saturday morning sun’s up looking like a great day for the 8th Annual Boob Run.  So, we fire up the “king”, a couple of friends came over from the west coast and we’re off to Lake Poinsett Lodge.  We get in with the breakfast crowd and bikes are already there. The pool tables are full of baskets 50-60 of them, Kel-Tec donated a gun to raffle off, plus more big-ticket items. Now you hear, the sound of bikes rolling in and the lot is filling up. By the time registration is over it’s time for kickstands up and I get a count on how many poker hands where dished out, 210 and she’s got over 100 bikes in the lot. The pack starts rolling down the 520 to Jenna’s Breezeway on beachside.

It’s a great morning to cross those bridges and know there’s a Bloody Mary waiting for you at the end. From there it’s beachside to the 528 and a little ride by the Kennedy Space Center. Then we flip over to Pinto’s Lounge. The place is slammed and even Cathy, the owner, jumps behind the bar to mix a few drinks. From there we start down the road to 50 and hammer down to Hard Racks Night Club, where Ed and Heather helped with poker hands and drinks. From there it is a 20-mile blast back down the 520 to the canal, where Michelle, the owner of Lake Poinsett, has food prepared. DJ Super Dave is blasting tunes and getting ready for the raffles and wet t-shirt contest. All and all, it was a great turnout.

Michelle would like to thank Jenna’s, Pinto’s, Hard Rack’s and Kel-Tec for all their support and everybody for their donations. And a special thank you to the volunteers and workers who helped. There was over $4000 raised and all proceeds will go to Driven by Heart.

Til next year ride safe and hydrate…