Author Archive
Calendar of National Biker Events From March 2017 – Oct 2017
2017
MARCH 10-19
BIKE WEEK 2017-DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
APRIL 28-30
LEESBURG BIKE FEST-LEESBURG, FLORIDA
MAY 3-7
THUNDER BEACH SPRING RALLY-PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA
MAY 26-28
MAGGIE VALLEY SPRING RALLY-MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA
JUNE 14
RIDE ROUTE 66-WILLOW BROOK, ILLINOIS, 352-684-5293, RideRt66.com
AUGUST 7-13
STURGIS BIKE RALLY-STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA
SEPTEMBER 14-24
NASHVILLE BIKE WEEK-NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
OCTOBER 2-8
MYRTLE BEACH FALL RALLY-MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 19-22
BIKETOBERFEST-DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 25-29
THUNDER BEACH FALL RALLY-PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
Mikey’s Tiki Bar In Pompano
By Lulu
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As we travel around the state we find some real treasures from time to time and Mickey’s Tiki Bar is one of those diamonds in the rough. The name is slightly misleading…as there isn’t a beach and I don’t believe any palm fronds at all, but the party is alcohol flowing, relaxing, dancing to awesome music and really FUN people!!! We became instant friends with Lisa and Eric. Alan throws BBQs and raises money for charity at some of his parties…so in the parking lot was a car to be bashed donated by his friend Tim from Sunshine Auto Recyclers, for Cystic Fibrosis. We are having our Twisted Tea Party at Mickey’s on November 20th, don’t forget your canned goods as we will be giving $50 cash away and you only need to bring nonperishables to get in for a chance to win!!
911 Remembered
By Lulu
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As I arrived for the ride organized by the Knights of Inferno and the Flagler County Blue Knights I was amazed by the crowd! Rue & Ziffra law firm has been a huge supporter of this event for years now and with their help Joe Vece and the organizers continue to make this ride one that stands out. After a moving ceremony the hundreds of bikes put up their kickstands and became a ribbon of metal to let the folks in heaven know they are not forgotten. This year I felt even more emotional as there has been so much disdain for police officers on the national news…NOT in my town…as shown by the respect shown on this ride. There were folks from as far as Orlando riding with us. Children who weren’t even born yet standing patriotically in the crowd! And I thought as I saw them standing there of the children who lost their parents that awful day, parents who lost their children in the day care at the Pentagon or on the planes, and the tragedy for all the lives gone in an instant, just sunk in deeper. The speech today included the reality of how many suffer mentally and have lung disease from the aftermath of living through the carnage. Just terrible that insane souls were driven by a madman into being cold, calculating murderers in the name of their religion! Thank you to all who organized this very important event in my life and to each and every one who gave up their day to honor the dead, the damaged, law enforcement and first responders…and OUR Country!
Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run 2016
By Lulu
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I love September. And the reason is that 44 years ago Phil Peterson, owner of the Miami Harley-Davidsons, started a poker run from Miami to Key West to raise money for charity. It is one of my favorite events of the year!!! To begin with it is to a beautiful sleepy island or key as they call it. The island has a sign when you enter Key West “Welcome Bikers Loud Pipes and All!”, they recognize how much bikers contribute not only to charities but to the local economy and they don’t mind putting up with a little noise and rowdiness! There is plenty to drink, excellent music to be listened to, an awesome bike show and bikini clad lassies everywhere. Sunset at Mallory Square is awesome! Hog fish, fish dip and Cuban sandwiches are scrumptious, and I ate some of the best chocolate candy I have ever tasted! We always run into friends from all over and meet new peeps that we will certainly see next year. The lucky winner of the $10,000 poker hand was Roy Bram!! The run this year had 6 stops which included Gilbert’s Resort, The Big Chill, Robbie’s Marina, The Island Fish Co., Boondock’s Draft and Grille House and the final stop was Conch Republic Seafood Company. We made it to all the stops but our hands didn’t qualify us to win a thing, but having been in Rotary I was happy to make my yearly donation to an awesome cause! Our stay at Casa Marina was awesome. And we make a few noteworthy stops, not designated stops just TJ must do stops. The Last Chance in Florida City is always our first stop. TJ cannot pass the Caribbean Club coming or going and I ran into a dear friend Dave while I was sitting at the bar. This year we also stopped in at No Name Pub for a great burger in Big Pine Key where we happened upon Key Deer too. Please do yourself and Rotary a BIG favor and put this on your calendar for 2017. Come have a great time with us for a really wonderful charity!
Nobodies Opinion Nov 2016
By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock
Obit
Being cremated is my last hope for having a hot smoking body…
Lived each day as if it was his last/yesterday he was right…
4 moods:
- I’m too old for this crap
- I’m too tired for this crap
- I’m too sober for this crap
- I don’t have time for this crap
Life has to be lived forward but can only be understood backwards/Aidous Huxley
To the gang: We grew up in the very best time to grow up in the history of America. The best music, muscle cars, cheap gas, fun kegs, buying a car for “a buck a year”-before Salt Lake got ruined by over population and Lake Powell was brand new. TV was boring back then, so we went outside and actually had lives. We always tried to have as much fun as possible without doing harm to anybody – we did a good job at that. See more at:
My regret is that I felt invincible when young and smoked cigarettes when I knew they were bad for me-
If you knew me or not dear reader, I am happy you got this far in my letter. I speak as a person who had a great life to look back on. My family is following my wishes that I not have a funeral or burial. If you knew me remember me in your own way. If you want to live forever, then don’t stop breathing, like I did-
It had more to do with the way she viewed the world, while life is serious, it shouldn’t be taken all that serious
As the old saying goes, “There is no such thing as bad publicity except for your own obituary.”
Won the best pitcher award
Annual checkups/Premortems
I was way too young when I was born
Kneecap always bragged that I didn’t ever edit anything he wrote except once when I removed a bad word and added dots where the uck would have been. So I didn’t edit this either. I tried to go to the link above and either he made a typo or he played a trick on us all! I will miss him immensely. He had many things he wanted to impart to his readers and I will ask that you vote in this election as a tribute to Kneecap and if you don’t know who to vote for…vote for Trump…use Kneecap’s name if you want, the Democrats will LOL (that is a joke). Also take care of your health, quit smoking, drink in moderation, love wholeheartedly and listen to the people who have great stories to tell no matter what they look like! Billy also ended each article with “See you on the shiny side of tomorrow…” notice he didn’t in this one…miss you already…
RIP Kneecap
Thunder Cam, TnT and Skin Art Nov 2016
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Scroll Down For Sept 2016 Thunder Cam, TnT & Skin Art
Thunder Cam
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TnT
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Skin Art
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2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
By Deborah Speicher
If you just happen to come across this particular group of riders, you might think you were witnessing a biker wedding or possibly filming for a movie. But, this was so much more. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is actually an international event that happens on the same day around the world to raise awareness and funds for the November Foundation which benefits men’s health programs (specifically, prostate cancer and mental health).
The Tampa Bay area had its’ very own ride on September 25, which started at Dime City Cycles in Largo. As the riders started to arrive that morning, it was obvious the dress code was formal – as in “shirts, ties, suits and tuxedos” as well as dresses for the ladies who participated. Classic and vintage motorcycles were the rides of choice. The worldwide theme came from a photo of a well-dressed Don Draper (TV show “Mad Men”) riding his 1957 Matchless 3GLS motorcycle.
As the group of approximately 200 riders left Dime City Cycles, they headed to Green Bench Brewery in downtown St. Petersburg and then across the bay to their final destination at Coppertail Brewing in Tampa. In addition to raising a few eye brows as they rode along city streets, the group raised over $21,000. Worldwide estimates are that approximately 50,000 riders from over 500 cities (90 countries) participated in their respective rides. The final worldwide tally is not in as of this time as fundraising is going on until the end of October. This is one event I want to support and will not miss next year! For more information, go to: http://www.gentlemansride.com/
First Turn Raises 149 lbs Of Food For The Food Pantry
By Lulu
Thanks to Twisted Tea and wonderful bikers all over the state we are able to help food banks stock their shelves a bit each month. Denise and the wonderful patrons at First Turn in Port Orange went all out…bringing in so much food it filled the back of my SUV. And those that didn’t know to bring in cans donated to the cause! The bike night at First Turn is on Tuesdays and includes some free food, live music and of course great folks! I love sitting under the stars and little white lights listening to music while sipping on a Twisted Tea! The rain gods sent us running for cover a bit early but I must say it was an awesome night. I must mention that when someone at the party realized they didn’t have any food to donate they ran up to the Dollar General in Port Orange on Ridgewood and when the cashier heard what we were doing she purchased to cases of canned goods for the cause…thank you Carol!! The Second Harvest Food Bank said they were extremely appreciative of our efforts and it really means a lot to Thunder Roads Florida that we are able to help those in need. Our next Twisted Tea Party will be at Mickey’s Tiki Bar in Pompano on Sunday the 20th of November. Ride on in for great music and don’t forget your canned goods for the food bank!
Adamec Harley-Davidson Celebrates 85 Years!
By Lulu
Adamec Harley-Davidson started 85 years ago and they aren’t just adding candles to the cake! They have grown from their infancy eight decades ago to three major dealerships in Jacksonville and Orange Park; Adamec H-D also has a retail store in the historic district of St. Augustine. It seems from my nine years in the magazine and motorcycle industry that the dealerships that are hugely successful are family owned and operated. The Adamec stores are no exception to that as the entire family is involved in operation of their stores; and those who work for them seem like blood relatives! The huge turnout for their party shows why they are successful…they are well loved by their Harley customers and friends.
9th Annual Fly Your Bra Ride
By Ron Cox
More than 100 riders/passengers registered at Naples Harley-Davidson to participate in the 9th Annual “Fly Your Bra” Ride. Gender didn’t matter as both men and women donned Over the Shoulder Boulder Holders to get into the spirit of things.
The Ride raised a little more than $3,000 and will be given to Michelle Caswell, the mother of two, who is currently battling breast cancer. Michelle couldn’t attend the ride as she was undergoing chemotherapy.
The ride was founded by Momma T and chaired by Naples HOG LOH Director Susan McDonald. The riders took off from Naples Harley-Davidson and made a lap around downtown Naples including ritzy 5th Avenue to show the locals what caring people bikers are. The ride was escorted by Motor Officers from The Collier County Sheriff’s Department.
The instore poker run was won by Roy Leonard who had a full house (Aces over 6’s). Roy donated half of the $200 first prize back to the cause.
Music entertainment was provided by the Teakwood Drive Band.
Maddie’s Angel Ride
By Raven Van Pelt
On Saturday the 27th, the Nassau Moose Lodge 2352 of Yulee, and Dreams Come True held Maddie’s Angels Poker Run. Kickstands were up at 11 with last bike in at 5pm where everyone enjoyed live music with the No Saints Band, auctions, raffles and 50/50, and dinner for all riders.
Established in 1984, it is an organization unlike any other of its kind as the First Coast’s only locally based nonprofit dedicated to granting dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses. Dreams provide brave children and their families with a momentary reprieve from the rigors of medical treatment often associated with life-threatening illnesses. As Dreams temporarily removes the child from doctor visits, hospital stays, tests and needles and brings laughter, joy and childhood to the forefront. All children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and either live, or are treated in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia are eligible for a dream. For more information, contact 6803 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32216 or call 904-296-4244 and help a child’s dream come true.
Jaime Rosenkrans Retires!
By Deborah Speicher
How do you say goodbye to a local legend? You don’t! The owner of Jim’s Harley-Davidson in St. Petersburg, Jamie Rosenkrans, is known by just about everybody in the Tampa Bay area, even if you don’t own or ride a motorcycle. Jamie recently announced her much deserved retirement and on Saturday August 6, Jim’s Harley-Davidson held a retirement party to wish Jamie the best and invite the community out for free barbeque, beer, music and some great sales. Subsequent information has also been announced about the new ownership of the store which will be known as Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson. I am hoping to cover some future events at this store as well.
Jamie’s plans for the future are to travel, but I am sure she will still be active with all the charities she holds near and dear to her heart. Jamie was a Pinellas County School teacher for several years and after 1988 took over the day-to-day operations at Jim’s Harley-Davidson due to the untimely death of her husband, Jim. She never forgot how hard it was on teachers when it came to school supplies and every year the dealership would gather up donations for local schools. Jamie also remembered the less fortunate children and started one of the largest Tampa Bay Christmas toy runs.
Jamie is truly an inspiration to many of us as a woman business owner, a woman rider and a truly charitable and caring person. I know our paths will cross again!
Gator Harley-Davidson Rolls Out 2017 Models With A Party
By Lulu
We happened to be out delivering the October issue of Thunder Roads Florida when we saw Bobby Friss and the band getting ready to hit the stage! Gator Harley has a great outdoor stage with tables for seating and several times a month they have great live entertainment. I don’t know many in the biking world who don’t know Bobby Friss, but if you haven’t seen the band, you really must! And the 2017 Harleys are out and most dealerships are doing test drives with the new motors being unveiled it might be time to try one out!!!
Calendar Of National Biker Events November 2016 to October 2017
2016
NOVEMBER 3-6
LONESTAR RALLY-GALVESTON, TEXAS
2017
MARCH 10-19
BIKE WEEK 2017-DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
APRIL 28-30
LEESBURG BIKE FEST-LEESBURG, FLORIDA
MAY 3-7
THUNDER BEACH SPRING RALLY-PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA
MAY 26-28
MAGGIE VALLEY SPRING RALLY-MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA
AUGUST 7-13
STURGIS BIKE RALLY-STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA
SEPTEMBER 14-24
NASHVILLE BIKE WEEK-NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
OCTOBER 2-8
MYRTLE BEACH FALL RALLY-MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 19-22
BIKETOBERFEST-DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
OCTOBER 25-29
THUNDER BEACH FALL RALLY-PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
Stark Bike Fest 2016
By Lulu
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I have been riding out to Starke since the conception of the event 10 years ago. Like any new event it has had growing pains, change of command, even change of month held…and now Starke Bikefest is back to its roots. This year local motorcycle enthusiast took back the reins. First they moved it back to August after having been held in October in 2015. Yes, it is hot…but it is HOT as hell in Leesburg too! Yes, sometimes they get rain…hell it rained in Woodstock and no one complained…when did bikers become woozies! What I like about Starke is the country riding, miles of it! I like that they close off downtown for bikes and vendors, bring in live music, and try to include the local businesses in the event. Local taverns host bike games, wet T contests, music, etc. The bike show brought out builders from central Florida I haven’t met before and Knuckledragger’s put on one hell of a burnout contest…and a great free BBQ! This event has a few quirks to work out…a lot of vendors left early on Sunday, so if you rode out from distant cities for the afternoon you may have been disappointed…as my friends from Flagler Beach stated when they were just sitting down to eat on Sunday at Downtown Grille as we were mounting our bikes to ride home, but tweaking the scheduling of events and bands to include more on Sunday will only add to what I consider to be a solid old school bike fest. Thanks to GMANN for hosting his swap meet complete with donkeys I could pet!! These are the things that make each motorcycle event just a bit different than the city and weekend before. Starke Bike Fest is a place to unwind and RIDE! I really hope the folks of Starke continue to grow their Bikefest and that you will ride out to the country for an old school weekend in 2017!