By Lulu

Another day of great music, amazing bikes, and demanding work for those that put Willie’s Chopper Show on each year. Roadside Marty said it has been 25 years but twice a year making it the 50th Choppertime. The girls and guys slinging drinks and donating all the proceeds to the Veteran’s Support Fund are awesome! The volunteers who park bikes, run security, and set up tents all for an end of day dinner at Mario’s deserve a great thank you. Seemed to me the line was long for tattoos. Cycle Source Magazine and Roadside Marty keep things organized and moving. Rev. Al did a nice prayer to bless us all. But the real magic on the property is the people that enter their bikes and keep things interesting by showing up! Oh, and thank you to each of you who come to have a drink and gaze upon the builders’ creations. The best spent drink money of your time at Biketoberfest as the proceeds go to the Veterans in our area and I know Willie thanks you for that. I loved the band who were back for their second time…Duval County Line rocked the day away. It goes without saying that we thank Rue & Ziffra law firm and Twisted Tea for their sponsorship of Willie’s events and Thunder Roads Florida Magazine. AOK Guns in New Smyrna Beach raffled guns for the veterans and one of my girlfriends, Callie, won one. The lady that knitted a flag quilt to raffle for the vets also won the 50/50 and gave the money back!! All the winners and days photos are on our Thunder Roads Florida Facebook Page, wish I could have gotten all twenty winners in print, but printing costs are through the roof! Our photos on Facebook are free so grab them if you are there.
WINNERS BIKETOBERFEST 2026
WILLIE’S CHOICE-CARL WHITNEY
BRITISH-BOBBY ALEXANDER
TWIN CAM-TAMMY THOM
SHOVELHEAD-MIKE CASSADA
ANTIQUE-PANHEAD BOB
PANHEAD-MARSHALL
CHOPPER-DREW LAWEREY
SPORTSTER-HATCH
CYCLE SOURCE CHOICE-ANDREW WILLIAMS
KNUCKLE-CHRIS ROCK
EVO-ANGEL WHITEHORSE
CUSTOM-KARL GRANT
FLATHEAD-JASON EICHMAN
WILLIE’S HARDCORE-MARK STEVENS
BOBBER/ROADSIDE CHOICE-JOHNNY
PAINT-RON WILLIAMS
TROPICAL TATTOO CHOICE-LUKE
RAT BIKE-HATCH SPECIAL
REV. AL’S CHOICE-SHAWN PONTE
SHOVELHEAD COALITION CHOICE-JACK DEAGAZIO

By Nichole Krieger, Vice President & Executive Director, The NASCAR Foundation

When Rusty Wallace rolls into Deadwood, South Dakota, for the Sturgis Rally, big hearts come with him!  This year, so did a record $850,000 for charity. The 2026 Buffalo Chip’s Rusty Wallace Ride presented by Harley-Davidson brought motorcycle enthusiasts, celebrities, NASCAR fans, and longtime friends together in South Dakota for good times and one mission – to raise as much as possible for two amazing causes – The NASCAR Foundation and the Special Olympics South Dakota.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace puts his heart into this event year after year, and his longtime commitment to giving back is what makes this charity ride so special. His collaboration with Rod Woodruff and the Buffalo Chip brings the racing and motorcycle communities together like a reunion of friends, all ready to do some good.

A highlight of this year’s auction was a Southern Country Customs motorcycle featuring a paint scheme designed by internationally acclaimed photorealist artist Scott Jacobs, Harley-Davidson’s first officially licensed artist. The bike raised an incredible $200,000—a testament to the big-hearted generosity this crowd brings to Deadwood. Since its start in 2019, the ride has raised more than $2.2 million, with proceeds shared equally between these two charities. That’s a whole lot of generosity helping children live healthier lives and giving athletes with intellectual disabilities opportunities to shine.

None of it happens without the sponsors, riders, donors, and volunteers who keep coming back and bringing others along. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all our sponsors and donors, especially Harley-Davidson, the Historic Franklin Hotel, and El Bandido Yankee Tequila, for helping make this our biggest year yet!

Ran into Bert from Bert’s Barracuda H-D and Bert’s Black Widow H-D at Froggy’s during Biketoberfest he shared his flyer for his attempt to hit the Guiness World Record for largest toy drive on December 6th. You can register online starting November 1st. The flyer is here. On our coast we also have a toy drive on the 6th of December, Godfather Customs Toy Drive will start at Sorry Charlies. Their ad is in this issue. Put on your jingle bells and help Santa make a child’s Christmas. Another event I would like to mention is there is a benefit Car Show for a family at Sorry Charlie’s that came to us late. They are raising money for a family with a member fighting pancreatic cancer. They are asking for peeps to show up and help this family on November 14th.
Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Lots to do this month so get out and enjoy the cooler weather, good music and new highways and don’t forget your sunscreen!!

By Lulu

25 years ago, the Twin Towers came crashing down! 25 years ago, people went to work and their lives ended. People boarded planes for weddings, funerals, work, vacation, and their lives ended. Children, fathers, mothers…gone! Even today people suffer from PTSD, depression over the loss of loved ones, and health issues from exposure to toxins. Tragic what the evil creatures conspired to rain upon the United States that day. Pure evil! Babies born in 2001 get married without their fathers walking them down the aisle 25 years later. Children tend to parents dying from cancer due to the cloud of toxic debris. Lives horribly altered for the past 25 years and beyond. For twenty years, local heroes headed by Joe Vece of the Knights of Inferno, have held a memorial ride to give us a day to reflect on the losses of 911. Innocent lives, first responders’ lives, lives of passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 who chose to die heroes rather than allow the plane to take lives in DC must never be forgotten. And the lives of those who still suffer to this day. The event this year had one of the largest crowds. A beautiful ceremony complete with patriotic songs, prayers, speeches, a bag pipe, Taps, and a gun salute. A helicopter flyover started the day, and then a ride which ended at 1405 Saloon on Moody Blvd in Bunnell for lunch and fellowship. This is an escorted ride each year and has always been free. A special thank you to Politis & Matovina, Monster Motorcycles, Palm Coast Ford, Flagler County and 1405 Saloon for their sponsorship. To each of you who rode on this 20th ride, and I have seen most of you every year, thank you for your patriotism!

By Lulu

The Wednesday before Bike Week and Biketoberfest for several years we have taken whoever shows up for a country ride before the craziness of the rally. We meet at 10am at Sandrine’s bar, The Hideout Lounge, on Derbyshire with KSU at 11am. If you haven’t found The Hideout Sunday’s Bloody Mary’s are a meal but get there early before they run out. This year the first stop was 3 Bananas with a beautiful lakefront view and great food for those that need a belly filling before the next 5 stops. We then rode to Sheldon and Lisa’s bar, The Hideaway Bar and Grill in Pomona Park. Lisa always decorates for photo ops. They are having their first Bike Night which starts at 4pm on November 21st with live music, bike games, 50/50 and fun. More miles on the bike and we end up at Renegade’s on the River. Ran into folks with some of Southern Country Custom trikes and an amazing RV set up. Renegades has cabins & RV sites available if you want to come up for the 1-day festival in Crescent City. Lots of cool spots to bike to while you are there for the weekend. We lost a dear friend Jim Watson and his spot he died was on our trip to the next spot. Caught a photo of Sheldon raising his hands to God or Jimmy standing at his cross. Our friends, Waylon and Tonya’s bar was the next stop. Long’s Log Cabin is a great venue for music, alcohol, and WINGS. Back to the river at Gnarly Gar, one of the coolest dive spots in Putnam County. Lots of folks were there enjoying the river on a Wednesday. Final stop for the actual ride was The Oasis in San Mateo. Tia and Mike were there and were proud to show off their new covered pavilion. We did make one more stop on the way back to Volusia County for those who didn’t have to hurry back. It was Shovelhead Night at the Other Place on Nova Rd. The $5 Smash Burgers and $3 beer was calling. The place was packed. Wonderful peeps to spend the day with many people from all over who join us yearly and some that had never ventured to most of these spots. Feel free to join us next year. We love new faces!

BANDS

OCTOBER 15 (Thursday)

EASY STREET DUO 1-5p/SASS BAND 6-10p-EDGEWATER, Tailgatorz, 3411 S. Ridgewood Ave., 386-410-4783

DUVAL COUNTY LINE-ORMOND BEACH, Tropical Tattoo, 386-672-1888

STONE GREY 2-5p/JEN N TONIX 5:30-8:30p/DIESEL 9p-12a (outside stage) & ELLIE LEE 3-6p/PENTA 6:30-9:30p/HOLLOW POINT 10p-1a (inside stage)-DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 386-258-9506

JOE PAYNE & FRIENDS 6-9p-SAMSULA, Sorry Charlie’s Corner, 3705 Hwy 44, 386-428-4858

NAUGHTY NAUGHTY 1-5p/LEAVING EDEN 7-10p-DELAND, OBs, 1750 US N Hwy 17, 386-943-9600

SKART OF THE SUPERVILLAINS 12-3p-GENEVA, Alibi, 3391 E SR 46, 407-519-4099

JB WALKER 1-3:30p/GUNSHY 4-5:30p/BOGATOR 6-7:30p/MOONSHINE BANDITS 8-9:30p/BURNSIDE 10-11:30p-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 1058 N US 1, 386-677-1550

TOYBOX 8p-PORT ORANGE, Port Hole, 932 Herbert St., 386-281-3212

TLF 6-10p-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 309, 386-524-4052

TRIPWIRE 11a-3p/OLD SCHOOL BANDITZ 4-7p/BIG ENGINE 8-10p-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners, 1635 N US 1, 386-671-7108

OCTOBER 16 (Friday)

DUVAL COUNTY LINE 2-6p-ASTOR, Drifter’s Riverfront, 55716 Front St., 352-759-2802

THE CLICK 1-5p/JOE PAYNE BAND 6-10p-EDGEWATER, Tailgatorz, 3411 S. Ridgewood Ave., 386-410-4783

BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS (soul) ON TOUR-WELAKA, Long’s Log Cabin, 699 3^rd Ave., 386-603-5040

MATT O’REE ACOUSTIC 6p/BURNIN SKY (Bad Company Tribute) 7:15p/JUKE BOX HERO (Foreigner Tribute) 8:30p/KNIGHT SMOKE (Whitesnake Tribute) 10:15p/JUST PRIEST (Judas Priest Tribute) 12a (outside stage) & SIN CITY SAINTS 3-6p/STONE GREY 6:30-9:30p/REDLINE 10p-1a (inside stage)-DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 386-258-9506

DANIEL JOHNSON 11a-3p/DEADLANDERS 6-10p-SAMSULA, Sorry Charlie’s Corner, 3705 Hwy 44, 386-428-4858

WING FINGERZ BAND 1-5p/MEGAN GUNN & THE PISTOLEROS 7-11p-DELAND, OBs, 1750 US N Hwy 17, 386-943-9600

ROCKIN COWBOYS 2-5p-SAN MATEO, Oasis in San Mateo, 735 S Hwy 17, 870-421-7003

SOL SHOT 12-4p/SPLIT FIRE DAVE 6-10p-GENEVA, Alibi, 3391 E SR 46, 407-519-4099

JB WALKER 1-3:30p/WHEY JENNING 4-5:30p/HAYFIRE 6-7:30p/MOONSHINE BANDITS 8-9:30p/BOGATOR 10-11:30p-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 1058 N US 1, 386-677-1550

MAX Q 8p-PORT ORANGE, Port Hole, 932 Herbert St., 386-281-3212

CAM WHEATON BAND 6-10p-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 309, 386-524-4052

BIG ENGINE 11a-3p/ARE FRIENDS ELECTRIC 4-7p/SOBER CAFÉ 8-10p-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners, 1635 N US 1, 386-671-7108

OCTOBER 17 (Saturday)

COLD SHOT 2-6pm-ASTOR, Drifter’s Riverfront, 55716 Front St., 352-759-2802

NAUGHTY NAUGHTY 1-5p/PRETTY DEMOLITION 6-10p-EDGEWATER. Tailgatorz, 3411 S. Ridgewood Ave., 386-410-4783

SOULFIRE 8:30p-12:30a-WELAKA, Long’s Log Cabin, 699 3^rd Ave., 386-603-5040

LEAVING EDEN 2-5p/SECOND SHIFT 5:30-8:30p/VERMILLION 9p-12a (outside stage) & D7D 3-6p/FBI 6:30-9:30p/REDLINE 10p-1a (inside stage)-DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 386-258-9506

DANIEL JOHNSON 11a-3p/KEG COUNTRY 7-11p-SAMSULA, Sorry Charlie’s Corner, 3705 Hwy 44, 386-428-4858

DRIVEN 12-4p/BO GATOR 4-7p/INSOMNIA 6-10p-DELAND, OBs, 1750 US N Hwy 17, 386-943-9600

SHAKE RATTLERS 2-6p-SAN MATEO, Oasis in San Mateo, 735 S Hwy 17, 870-421-7003

BIG D ON THE ROAD 12-4p-GENEVA, Alibi, 3391 E SR 46, 407-519-4099

JB WALKER 1-3:30p/WHEY JENNING 4-5:30p-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 1058 N US 1, 386-677-1550

WICKED SERENITY 6-7:30p/SALIVA 8-9:30p/DROWNING POOL 10-11:30p-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 1058 N US 1, 386-677-1550

BIG ENGINE 6-10p Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farms Rd., 386-427-8969

MAX Q 8p-PORT ORANGE, Port Hole, 932 Herbert St., 386-281-3212

FAT CACTUS 7-11p-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 309, 386-524-4052

SILVER SPINE 11a-3p/SOUND FORGE 4-7p/HUMAN CLAY 8-10p-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners, 1635 N US 1, 386-671-7108

OCTOBER 18 (Sunday)

CAT 4 BAND 1-5p-EDGEWATER, Tailgatorz, 3411 S. Ridgewood Ave., 386-410-4783

FBI 2-5p/TBA 5:30p (outside stage) & SOULFIRE 2-5p (inside stage)-DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 386-258-9506

DANIEL JOHNSON 11a-3p/SHEEPDAWGS 1-5p-SAMSULA, Sorry Charlie’s Corner, 3705 Hwy 44, 386-428-4858

ROADHOUSE RAIDERS 2-6p/KARAOKE 7-10p-DELAND, OBs, 1750 US N Hwy 17, 386-943-9600

ZACH BICKNELL 2-5p-SAN MATEO, Oasis in San Mateo, 735 S Hwy 17, 870-421-7003

MISSING LINK 11a-3p-GENEVA, Alibi, 3391 E SR 46, 407-519-4099

JB WALKER 12-1:30p/GUNSHY 2-3:30p/WHEY JENNINGS 4-5:30p/DIESEL 6-8p-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 1058 N US 1, 386-677-1550

BO GATOR 2p-BUNNELL, 1405 Saloon, 1405 Moody Blvd., survivor party, 386-313-6303

JW GILMORE 9-11a/BIG ENGINE 11a-3p/JASMINE CAIN free concert 4-6p/HAYFIRE 6-8p-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners, 1635 N US 1, 386-671-7108

BIKE SHOWS

OCTOBER 14 (Wednesday)

SHOVELHEAD NIGHT 5-8p-ORMOND BEACH, The Other Place, 1040 S. Nova Rd., shovelhead parking, $2 longnecks, $5 Smash burgers, 386-256-3004

OCTOBER 15 (Thursday)

CHOPPERTIME-ORMOND BEACH, Tropical Tattoo, 825 S. Yonge St., 11a-4p, Duval County Line, bike show, tattoos, full bar, 386-672-1888

FULL THROTTLE DOWN & DIRTY NIGHT-TIME BIKE AND AUDIO SHOW-DAYTONA BEACH, Grandview Live, 640 N. Grandview Ave., Reg 8-11p, awards 12-1a, free admission to club with bike registration, $40 per bike, 727-919-1743

BATTLE OF THE BAGGERS & BAGGER SOUND SHOWDOWN-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farms Rd., big prizes, Reg 11a, 386-427-8969

OCTOBER 15-18 (Thursday-Sunday)
SOUTHERN COUNTRY CUSTOM BIKE DISPLAY-ORMOND BEACH, Annie Oakley’s, 1481 US 1

OCTOBER 16 (Friday)

BOARDWALK BIKE SHOW-DAYTONA BEACH, Boardwalk 8a-5p

ANTIQUE CHOPPER SHOW-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farms Rd., Reg 11a, bike must be 20 years to enter, 386-427-8969

WOMENS BIKE SHOW 12-4p-ORMOND BEACH, Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, 386-671-7100

SOUND COMPETITION 5-10p-ORMOND BEACH, Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, 386-671-7100

OCT0BER 17 (Saturday)

OLD SCHOOL CHOPPER SHOW-EDGEWATER, Godfather Custom, 107 S. Ridgewood Ave., 9a-4p, live music, burnout contest, best paint, best in show, more classes, 386-690-3189

ALL CLASS BIKE SHOW 10a-4p-ORMOND BEACH, Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, 386-671-7100

MISCELLANEOUS

OCTOBER 15 (Thursday)

KICKOFF BREAKFAST WITH FLASH TATS & FRESH CUTS 9-11a-ORMOND BEACH, Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, demo truck 10a-5p, bikini bike wash 10a-3p, vendor HH 12-1p, stunt show 12p, 2p & 4p by Twealthco Stunt Co, vendors, food truck DJ and bikes in the Pavilion, 386-671-7100

OCTOBER 17 (Saturday)

BURNOUT CONTEST–EDGEWATER, Godfather Custom, 107 S. Ridgewood Ave., 9a-4p, bike show, live music, burnout contest, best paint, best in show, 386-690-3189

COLESLAW WRESTLING Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farms Rd., big cash prizes, starts at noon, 386-427-8969

PAYTON REIGN AERIAL & FIRE PERFORMANCE-SAMSULA, Sorry Charlie’s Corner, 3705 Hwy 44, 386-428-4858

BUBBLE BABES BIKINI BIKE WASH-DAYTONA BEACH, LeDuck Motorcycles, 1533 Ridgewood Ave., 386-615-1449

KEGS & EGGS 8-10a-ORMOND BEACH, Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, Dyna Runs 1-4p, American Core Bike Giveaway 3:30p Saints, 386-671-7100

WET T CONTEST 1p-BUNNELL, 1405 Saloon, 1405 Moody Blvd., survivor party, 386-313-6303

BIKINI CONTEST 7p-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners at Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, 386-671-7100

OCTOBER 18 (Sunday)

BRUNCH & BLUES 9-11a-ORMOND BEACH, Saints & Sinners at Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, rally ride out party 12-5p, 386-671-7100

RALLIES

OCTOBER 15-18 (Thursday-Sunday)

ALL BACK ROADS LEAD TO GATOR-LEESBURG, Gator H-D, 1745 US Hwy 441, food trucks, free beer onsite, 20% off boots & 15% off aftermarket parts & accessories 10/15-10/18, 352-787-8050

BISCUIT & GRAVY BREAKFAST $5 & LONGNECKS $3.50-ORMOND BY THE SEA, Hanky Panky’s, 1088 Oceanshore Blvd. A1A, 386-441-8274

OCTOBER 16-18 (Friday-Sunday)

BIKETOBER FEST-ST. AUGUSTINE, Adamec H-D St. Augustine, 3800 Outlet Mall Rd., food, drinks, giveaways, music, hours: 10/16 10a-6p 10/17 9a-6p 10/18 9a-4p, adamecharley.com

BIKETOBER FEST-JACKSONVILLE, Adamec H-D Baymeadows, 8909 Baymeadows Rd., food, drinks, giveaways, music, hours: 10/16 10a-6p 10/17 9a-6p 10/18 9a-4p, adamecharley.com

OCTOBER 17 (Saturday)

BIKETOBER FEST-ORANGE PARK, Adamec H-D Orange Park, 1520 Wells, 9-6p, food, drinks, giveaways, music, adamecharley.com

BIKETOBER FEST-ST. AUGUSTINE, Adamec H-D St. George, 118 St. George St., 11a-9p, food, drinks, giveaways, music, adamecharley.com

BIKETOBER FEST-JACKSONVILLE, Adamec H-D Regency, 10399 Atlantic Blvd., 9-6p food, drinks, giveaways, music, adamecharley.com

RIDE

OCTOBER 14 (Wednesday)

THUNDER ROADS FLORIDA RIDE TO THE COUNTRY-HOLLY HILL, The Hideout Lounge, 1120 Derbyshire Rd., KSU 11a, all day ride, 850-206-6991

By Lulu

Lots of BIG things have been happening at The Oasis in San Mateo. Larry and Tia have added a BIG steel pavilion on the side of the building which allows for shade and rain control if live music or events are scheduled. The new owners have taken a sleepy little bar and managed to shake things up and turn it into a ride destination. Located at 735 S US 17 in San Mateo it is only a short hop when you take a left at the intersection of 17 and 100. They were the site of the 4th Annual Plug Run, organized by A & D Swap Shop out of Satsuma, which culminates with a bike giveaway. The Plug Run occurs at the Oasis several times a year. Winner of the bike, Chuck Lubar, was thrilled. The Oasis offers bingo, karaoke, pool, darts and cornhole. Follow their ads here or on Facebook for the monthly music line up. Put this on your places to explore during Biketoberfest or anytime you are looking for a place to wander! They are also a great poker run stop!

People walk into your life daily that you don’t know and may never meet again. Then there are those who for some unknown reason just stick. They become part of the fabric of who you are. Maybe not on a daily basis, but they are important in your circle of life. In the motorcycle rally world that is more true than other worlds. As you travel rally to rally there are people that you see at events…people you look forward to seeing…that you will miss if you don’t see them again! TJ and I lost an important part of that fabric of our lives this month. Jim Watson was an avid biker, a lover of life and of the people he chose to surround himself with…a lover of Cam, his wife, he married during Bike Week a couple of years ago in her black and orange wedding gown. Damn they were a true love story and a perfect fit. So sad. We first met Jim years ago, helping Bill Grotto set up Twisted Tea banners at Boot Hill. His voice and laugh stay with me, and if you knew him you would understand that. Then we reconnected with him at Renegade’s on the River where he was the “Boat Butler” for Lisa and Donnie. He arranged to take us out on the St. John’s, and I was terrified as the weather was VERY blustery that day, but he cajoled me into going and it is a memory I will cherish. Jim would show up at bike shows, bike nights and charity events. Over the past couple of years, his friends had a birthday ride for Jim. I was always disappointed we were committed to events out of town and couldn’t go. I included one of the photos Jeani took of that group. He was a damn good guy. He put miles and miles on his bike which makes understanding Jim losing his life on his bike difficult to understand, but we all know it happens in a blink of an eye. There is a ride scheduled in his memory on Sunday, October 3rd. See the ad in this issue for more info. Keep Cam and the family in your prayers for me, hold on tight to those you love and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Gregg Riggle

Ok, up and about, time to move. We’re heading to Paisley’s Crown Jewel! The Pirate’s Pub for their Too Broke for Sturgis event!

Now if you’ve never been there, or just haven’t been there in a while, saddle up and follow us. From our home base, West on Hwy. 44 out of New Smyrna Beach straight through downtown Deland. Once that trail leads you to the bridge that will toss you right across the beautiful St. John’s River, a traffic light will grab you by the eyeballs at Hwy. 42. Thumb on the right blinker and lean her in the same direction. As the blinker winks at the traffic front and rear, we’re going to just blend onto Hwy. 42 and head North. After you’ve watched right at ten miles disappear into your rear views as this asphalt path slithers its way through a canopy of trees, bumping into Spring Creek Rd. is inevitable. Right onto Spring Creek Rd. then your first left. This will pour right into the parking lot at Pirate’s, which has now been transformed into a corral of a sea of iron steeds. Fling out the kickstand and let the fun begin. As if that ride wasn’t fun enough.

The libations are flowing, the scent of great food is everywhere, and “Gun Shy” was the band of choice, banging out some tunes from our past. And boy did they bring their “A” game, as always!! Good Call! Kudos and Congratulations to Mark and his amazing staff for keeping everything humming along for the tenth year!! Judging by the miles of smiles, I’d say a good time was had by all. I know we did!!
If you missed this one you definitely don’t want to miss the next one. If you didn’t know about this one, every time you’re out and about, grab the latest edition of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine. That way you’ll always be in the know.

Ride Safe. We’ll see you at the next event.

By Lulu

I haven’t been to Myrtle Beach for years, but our friends Steve and Annie were staying at an RV spot there, so we decided to hop up for a few days. Nowadays the rally is centered more around Murrell’s Inlet. Mostly we spent the time at Suck, Bang & Blow with Sherry, Jay, Jordan, and Dani on the Roxx for an afternoon with a stop in at Sick Boy’s for a couple shirts as he is going off the road after this year! Then a day on the bikes with some of our Florida friends Mike Jones from A OK Guns in New Smyrna, and Big & Little Al. South Carolina is known for golf courses, so we joined Little Al and his friend Doug for a round at Prestwick Golf Course. Traffic certainly wasn’t as bad as I remembered from back in the day! Pretty sure I will go back.

Twenty-five years ago…25!!!! On September 11th, 2001, I woke early to go to a Chamber of Commerce meeting. It was a beautiful sunny day. I walked through the front door of the office and everyone including the men were crying. The president of the Chamber was standing with his hand over his mouth, tears running down his face. They ALL were standing in total disbelief and fear!!! That is how I found out the tragedy that those evil forces rained on our country that day. Those who died woke up like me, grabbed breakfast, got dressed, some put their kids in daycare, said hello to co-workers…and then the nightmare that unfolded NO ONE saw coming! Countless stories of heroism, patriotism, and LOVE also happened in those hours and days after. Thousands of lives were forever changed. Babies born never knew one of their parents, fathers didn’t walk their daughters down the aisle. I have been under New York City in the 9/11 Memorial, seen one of the sets of stairs people tried to escape on, been to DC to the Pentagon and read the names of the children in the Day Care and the names of those on the planes on the rows of benches. My goal for 2027 is to visit the field in Pennsylvania where real heroes took their own lives fighting the hijackers to save people on the ground in D.C.

Twenty-five years later memorials still occur. There are two this month whose ads are in the magazine. Fire & Iron will have one out of Mt. Dora AMVETS ending at Gator H-D on 9/12. The Knights of Inferno and the Punishers MC will have one on 9/13 in Bunnell. I am certain wherever you live there will be a memorial. I hope you will take the time to find one and honor those first responders, the innocent victims and everyday heroes that lost their lives because of idiots that hate what America stands for. For 19 years Thunder Roads Florida has been attended the ride in Bunnell I am always amazed that hundreds still show up each year. I would expect this to be one of the largest ever. We cannot be there this year as we will be in the mountains that week, but someone representing us will be at both. One last thing here and I get hate mail when I get political, but how can New York City…the apple of capitalism…elect someone that stands with those who harmed New York and hates the very things New York is known for? WE MUST NEVER FORGET!

by Gator Ken and Jeani G.

So, you finally purchased that beautiful motorcycle you’ve had your eye on! Next step, call H&H Insurance LLC to protect your precious metal investment. Located in Holly Hill at 1702 Ridgewood Avenue (Riviera Plaza), Lisa Collalti Hawkins and Sandi Hageman are business partners and have both been in the insurance industry for years. Lisa was licensed in 1996 and Sandi in 2000. Their friendship began 25 years ago and in May of 2012, H&H (Hawkins and Hageman) Insurance was born! As an independent agency, they can shop for your best price among many insurance companies including Progressive and Dairyland. They are licensed and can sell for the entire state of Florida. I’m happy to say they saved Gator Ken and I money on our motorcycles and autos years ago when we switched to H&H, and just recently Lisa found us a great homeowners policy, saving us some nice bucks there as well. Lisa and Sandi provide top-notch customer service; they are both easy to talk to and will patiently explain the ins and outs of insurance, while giving you honest advice on coverage to best meet your needs. They go the extra mile to help you each step along the way! H&H Insurance provides motorcycle, auto, boat, home, collector cars, commercial, recreational vehicle and even pet insurance. They do not handle life or health insurance.

Something really special about these ladies is they are born and raised, native Volusia County residents; rare to find in these parts. Lisa’s family is the oldest documented family in the U.S.; her maternal family name is Solana from St. Augustine. Her family was even featured in a documentary on PM Magazine. Sandi’s family-owned Cobb’s Corner restaurant, which was an iconic stop along The Loop in its day, best known for fresh seafood. Her grandmother was Patricia Lindmeier.

When not busy in the office, Sandi loves spending her free time with her family, which consists of three children and six beautiful grandchildren. If they’re not cooling off and splashing or relaxing in their pool, you can find them on boating or camping adventures, and Sandi especially enjoys scalloping over on the west coast of Florida.

Many in the Daytona area know Lisa as “Biker Mama” from either riding with Greg or from behind the bar at Smiley’s Tap – she’s bartended there for 18 years and simply loves meeting and talking to people! She grew up riding behind her brother on a motorcycle, holding tight while he wheelied down the street. Lisa rode her own bike for several years but has since sold it and now enjoys riding behind the love of her life. Lisa met her boyfriend Greg 12 years ago when his friend suggested he give her a ride on the 9/11 Memorial run in Flagler – they have been inseparable ever since! In her free time, Lisa enjoys being with family; collectively she and Greg have three children and three grandchildren. They love motorcycle adventures, the beach and trail-riding in their Jeep Gladiator to enjoy nature, wildlife and alligator watching.

H&H Insurance loves serving their local community and supports bike runs and golf tournaments. They are proud sponsors of the Iron Horse Saddle Up for St Jude event and also partner with the Holly Hill Police for their summer School Supply and Christmas Toy drives. Both Lisa and Sandi would love to give you a quote and help you with any insurance needs or questions you might have. They are super friendly and would love to hear from you at 386-310-8702. Tell them Thunder Roads Florida sent you …

By Lulu

Paul Matthews is on a mission again. This Desert Storm veteran lost his 10-year-old son to childhood leukemia and since then Paul has dedicated his life and resources to finding a cure and making children that have to suffer through treatments life a little brighter. This year the ride for Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation started at Seminole Harley-Davidson with coffee and donuts provided by the dealership, 2nd stop was Orlando H-D, although you could also choose to just start the ride there. Then off we rode to Nemours Children’s Hospital where the riders brought bags of Hot Wheels for the patients to brighten their day! Eli’s dad presented a check for the arts department at the hospital also out of the foundation funds! The ride continued on to Black Hammock and final stop Decision Tactical. John and Donna, from Naughty Hog, organize this ride and have been doing so for 3 years now. Eli’s legacy of BELIEVING a cure is possible lives on in his father’s hands and all the volunteers and riders that give of their time and money.

By Lulu

Most peeps at Sandrine’s Hideout Lounge in Holly Hill enjoy hanging out on the barstools, but Cindy organized an outing for the patrons at Pelican Bay Golf Course to play a round of golf for fun and prizes. TJ and I spend a bit of time on the links so when Sandrine asked if I would come take some pictures, we decided to join in on the fun. I hate to brag but we won!!! Sandrine even showed up to try hitting the ball with a club and after several attempts finally made contact! The Hideout Lounge has a large following of “regulars” which act more like family than customers. This bar is known for their Bloody Mary Sundays so get out of bed, ride your bike in your PJs if you must as they run out early. The next golf outing is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th, at 9am. This time it will benefit Pups N Pals (service dog training for veterans). Come and play!

By Lulu

Long’s Log Cabin in Welaka is known for two things: great music and throwing fun parties! Whether it is celebrating the Irish for St. Patty’s, their Halloween Ever After costume party, or the Roaring Twentie’s event we attended in June…the place goes all out! For this event men and women came dressed in Roaring Twenties attire, even the staff was dressed like barkeeps from the 20’s. The band that kept all on the dance floor was J W Gilmore and the Blues Authority. It is worth getting a cabin to spend the night or entire weekend to party like rock stars with Waylon and Tonya Long.