This summer TJ and I have done an extraordinary amount of traveling. I flew up to Massachusetts to ride back on his Harley through the mountains. To get there, unfortunately, we had to ride through New York City. I was appalled by the trash in one of America’s cities. Gone is any sense of pride in our homeland if you judge it by the appearance of this area of New York. I snapped these two photos after seeing a sign Welcome to the Bronx (which is AOC’s district) on our way to the George Washington Bridge. Squalor!!! The smell for blocks was rotting flesh, as if the Sopranos had corpses behind every tree!!! I am NOT exaggerating. Off in the distance, I could see the skyline of Manhattan. So close to Broadway and Wall Street, the government of New York allows the city to sit in decay! SHAME on the governor, the mayor and AOC!! They should all be out picking up this trash!!! What kind of leaders allow people to live in or visit a place like this? The rest of our trip took us to other large cities; Louisville, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and I didn’t see anything like this. Maybe I simply didn’t hit upon highways of filth. Or maybe those city officials still realize that the look of their hometowns reflects on the job they are doing. Thank God we still have criminals in jail that we can send out to clean up the highways in Florida so they can earn their keep. Maybe a consequence of not locking up criminals is no one is available to clean up their city in New York!

By Peter Ferrentino

On May 20th, we held a Best Bartender of Volusia County contest. We invited bartenders from all over Volusia to volunteer to participate in our contest. The grand prize was $500 cash! We had a great turn-out that night, with some amazing talent. The bartenders who signed up had to create their own signature drink and pour them into samples for customers to try. Once the patrons tried each sample they then voted for their favorite bartender. 1st Place was Miss Jersey of City Limits with her signature drink, ‘The F*** Around and Find Out’. The customers not only loved the taste of the drink, but the name and the presentation. Other bartenders included Rick and Sara, from Bulldogs Pub in Deltona, they were close to winning with their creative and beautifully crafted drinks. We are very proud to have our Jersey voted the best bartender of Volusia County. It’s a proud moment for me and the staff. We will be hosting another one of these contests in the future, so all bartenders keep your eyes out!”

By Donna Burress

Having been blessed so far with not having to fight cancer, I cannot even imagine having to fight it all of my life. Debbie has been fighting cancer since she was 20 years old. Her first battle was with Hodgkin Lymphoma. She beat it and was free from cancer for about 10 years. I’m sure Debbie thought she was done battling cancer, but at the age of 34 she was once again fighting cancer. This time it was Melanoma. The warrior that she is, Debbie beat that cancer as well and was once again free and clear of cancer for about 10 years. At the age of 44 she was diagnosed with Breast cancer. Debbie did an IPT treatment and beat cancer once again and had been free of cancer for the 3rd time. This time Debbie has been diagnosed with reoccurring Breast Cancer and is wanting the IPT Treatments since they were successful before.

John & I hosted the run that started at the Sanford Moose Lodge, then went to the Shovelhead in Longwood, Rockin’ Rhonda in Sanford, Shay’s Airport Hanger in Sanford and ended back at the Sanford Moose Lodge. Lots of raffle prizes and silent auctions helped fill the kitty for Deb. Mike and Sharon of the Sanford Moose presented Debbie with a check for the money they raised in advance for her fight. The Sanford Moose were a wonderful host that supplied both breakfast and dinner. Jette County Dragsters kept the party going well into the night. We didn’t hit our goal for Deb’s IPT treatment, but she is looking into other alternatives to fight it. Thank you to all who helped us with this run and to each of you who rode for Deb!

Tony & T-Rex

It’s time for the spring rally and we are heading to Thunder Beach in Panama City. This rally is known for beautiful beaches, music, vendors, and night life. We set up camp at Raccoon River Campground. After we set up camp, off to The Salty Goat for a drink and to see the early crowd. They are already here!

On Tuesday, we take a ride out to Destin Beach to hunt for sand dollars, and T-Rex decides off with the boots, rolls up her pants and in the water she goes hunting sand dollars. On our way back, in Panama City we stop at the Whiskey Saloon for a quick drink and then off to the Harley dealer. The place is full of bikes and vendors. We walk around and see a friend who’s been vending there for years. Laura, who owns Rhinestone Headbands, shows us some of her new items. Then we shoot over to the east end of the beach for drinks and dinner at Patches Pub.

On Wednesday, we go for a loop up north then back in time for dinner at Wicked Wheel and the kickoff party is on. By Thursday, the party’s going and we are off to Sharky’s to check out one of the bike and sound shows and the lot is full of vendors too. Then a quick stop at Donovan’s up the block for a cold one then off to Frank Brown Park, where they are loaded with vendors and the big stage is ready to go. We stop by and say hello to Sanity Jewelry and their space is jammed with customers. A walk through the park and we are off to Dat Cajun Place for dinner.

On Friday, we get caught at Buster’s Bait House listening to a solo artist in the rain. But the rain finally moves out and we are on our way to Frank Brown Park again to see Tim Watson, Candle Box and Lynyrd Skynyrd for the rest of the night. Friday night turns into a rough Saturday morning, and we ride out to the Whiskey Saloon to hook up with Johnny and Elisha from Chainsaws and they have some of the Chain Gang with them. Later that day off to Hammerhead Fred’s for the bikini contest and meet up with Bruce and Kat from ALP 375. As we put Saturday night to bed, by Sunday morning they are rolling out of town. We give them a head start and take off for St. George Island for a couple of Bloody Mary’s and a nice ride along the gulf.
See ya next year on the “The Redneck Riviera”

Tony & T-Rex

By T. J.

The management team of Donny (GM) and Christina (events) at Miracle City Harley-Davidson have really green lighted their marketing and events calendar in recent months. I took the short ride down U.S. 1 to Titusville a couple weeks ago to attend a bike and car show presented by High Performance Promotions. It turned out to be a great day with a bunch of beautiful bikes and cars of all types. The DJ was rocking the tunes when free pizza and a couple of beers showed up for all to enjoy after the food truck broke down on the way to the show. Miracle City has teamed up with the Gold Lion Bar and Deli at 4580 Coquina Ave in Titusville for a new Bike Night on the 3rd Tues of every month that includes live music, games, raffles, giveaways, and maybe even an occasional burnout. Come and check it out. Also in the works are a variety of different promos and activities leading up to a huge Biketoberfest party, so stay tuned. Stop in and say hi and tell ‘em Thunder Roads Florida sent you!

By Janice Patrice Catoggio

Marc and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has become part of our 5-year journey at Crossroads Tavern. Each and every one of you walked in as a customer and when you left, you left as our friend. Over the years we have focused on building this friendship with each and every one of you and focused on making each day fun, exciting and different that any local watering holes in Flagler County. Some days are crazier than the next but the sound of laughter, seeing everyone smiling makes each day worth it when we turn the key every day to open our doors. Your dedication and support are the reason we celebrated our five years of being open and we were not just celebrating Crossroads Tavern we were celebrating you! Thank you everyone we are looking forward to many more years ahead.

We enjoyed a day of food, karaoke, games and most of all laughter and more memories made with all of you.
Thunder Roads Florida was out of town during the event, so I asked Janice to send me something and when I read what she sent I was touched and knew it was meant from her heart and those of you who know Janice and Marc know part of their passion for Crossroads Tavern is having a vehicle to do good things for others and the community! And she mentioned the word laughter a time or two above…there is no better laugh than Janice’s! Love this girl! Congrats on a great 5 years and living the dream! LULU

By Lulu

Jan and the crew at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg have this dealership rally thing down to a science with a property full of vendors, full liquor bars, live music, and food. This year there were over 60 vendors, 3 full bars and live music for 4 days. Before the fall rally Gator will be celebrating the Dirty 30 Party for their 30th anniversary on July 8th from 10a-5p with hot bod contest for men and bikini contest for women with $500 cash prize, bike show by Full Throttle and live music from 11a-4p by Hypersona. And bring your bikes in dirty since they have bikini bike wash girls from 10a-3p.

By Lulu

While we were in town for Leesburg Bikefest and Gator H-D Spring Bike Rally we took the time to visit some of our clients’ establishments and check out a few new places. Rode out to Sumter County for lunch at a really cool waterfront restaurant on Lake Panasoffkee, Big Bass Grill. GREAT food and really sweet bartender! This is a must ride to spot if you are anywhere near central Florida. Another day took us for dinner to Fish Camp on Lake Eustis in Tavares. Driving up you think this is a small place but looks are deceiving. Great seafood with inside or outside dining. Breakfast was being served to bikers at VFW Post 9986. They served up generous portions of breakfast fare for $7! One of TJ’s favorite spots is in Tavares, Hemingway’s Wine, Beer and Cigar Bar. Andy the owner wasn’t in, but the place was packed when we stopped for a smoke and Twisted Tea. Across the street is The Dog House Tavares. They always have great food there. It was packed, so we had a bit of a wait…well worth it though. Ski Beach off Canal is new and owned by the same folks that have Eaton’s Beach in Weirsdale. We listened to music and had great cocktails there, although the weather washed out the bike show we came for. Another new joint is across from Gator H-D, the old Jessie Blacks had been purchased and opened as Dirty South Saloon and they are putting on a great time! Music, line dancing, bikini contests, who could ask for more? One of my favorite parts of Leesburg is the rides to surrounding spots! If you haven’t been before or didn’t know they are back into the rally business, schedule a trip here next year! Lake County is known for its Lakes, you could stay 2 weeks and never see all the waterfront stops.

By Lulu

2023 saw the post Covid return of the 3-day bike rally in Leesburg, Florida. The quaint downtown district once again shut the streets to cage traffic and filled blocks with vendors, 2 stages with live music and lots to see and do. Chrome Cigar and Sanity Jewelry seemed busy when we stopped in to see them so even though the weather gods shared a little rain on the party it wasn’t miserably hot as in the past. The main stage area was packed, and I neglected to get a press pass so I couldn’t really get close enough to do justice to the bands that filled the park. This year the headliners were Buck Cherry, Warrant and Whey Jennings! I was worried after not having the full rally last year that they wouldn’t draw the vendors or crowds but that was not the case at all. Put this on your 2024 list of To Dos!

By Lulu

Each spring in Ferran Park they throw a free music festival with kid’s activities, vendors, and lots of bands. This is a beautiful park with lots of big trees for shade on Lake Eustis. This year they featured bull riding and had a cops v/s firemen competition. The cutest thing there was a little motorcycle track made of bales of pine straw. The kids LOVED it, and it definitely was breeding a younger generation of bikers. The music included Subliminal Doubt, Greye, Paradigm, and Hardwired. Food trucks for empty bellies were available and craft vendors lined the park. While there a couple asked me to snap a shot of him proposing. I took the photo without telling her to run! Good spot to ride during Leesburg Festival if the dates coincide next year which it has in the past.

By Lulu

For those of you who love old bikes in mint condition you simply must check out Riding Into History 2024!! This is an event each spring with a beautiful lakefront setting at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine. Not only is it a place to view beautiful bikes and check out vendors, but it also benefits K9 for Warriors!! This was the 23rd Riding Into History. The Grand Marshalls were Brian Stark AMA Hall of Famer and Vicki Smith Motogiro Hall of Farmer. The Honorary Grand Marshal was Mary McGee. We got caught in terrible 195 traffic, so we arrived in time for trophy presentations and all photos are on Thunder Roads Florida Facebook page. Rid

By Lulu

Bill Grotto gave me a heads up that Hurricane Dockside was kicking off Leesburg Bike Fest with Twisted Tea girls, including my good friend Amanda so we came over to Leesburg a day earlier than normal. Lots of Tea was flowing and met some really great people some of which were “Villagers.” Bill was shooting a new commercial up north, so he missed out on Leesburg this year. Everyone was asking about him!!! Tank and Bill are superstars! And super hardworking!! If you haven’t tried Twisted Tea you really should the caffeine from the tea makes it a bit of an energy drink for me, and not being carbonated you don’t get that bloated feeling of some drinks! Party on and see you next rally!

By Lulu

Anyone who knows Sherry Fletcher knows three things about her, she is good hearted, determined, and hard working. So, when she took on a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, I had no doubt it would raise thousands of dollars. This time Scott DeMonico and Sherry’s team of volunteers surprised even me! Raising over $40,000!! Starting during Bike Week Sherry, with the assistance of Gator Ken and Jeani auctioned off guitars signed by Sawyer Brown, Eddie Montgomery, Joe Nichols and even a miniature guitar signed by them all. Eddie even signed a cowboy hat. The first auction brought Sherry to tears as the Eddie Montgomery guitar went straight to over $3000, and so did the other two guitars. Sherry had hoped for $500 for each. The Sawyer Brown auction got rained out, but Gator Ken was up under the eaves during a heavy rain and a doctor who came just to bid, bought it outright for over three grand. Amazing!

Then the sponsors: Twisted Tea, United Rentals, Sam’s Pizza, Custom Lighting EFX, Southern Country Customs (Rusty Wallace who even auctioned off a day on the golf course with him and TJ), Barton & Barton Landscaping, Pump House BBQ, Realty Pros, Gorilla Pro, Rue & Ziffra, OB’s, Renegade’s on the River, Boot Hill Saloon, A-OK Guns, Jeep Beach, Custom Dynamics, Hot Action Sportswear, John Walker Taxidermy, and Saints & Sinners, all gave generously and made this an amazing event. Lots of baskets donated by individuals and businesses also helped raise funds for the kiddies. The over five hundred riders and passengers who took their day and bucks to saddle up, made this one big ride for 2023! A special thank you to Jeff & Nina from Dirty Bingo for their help and Jeff for running the mic! But I must mention the crew of volunteers who registered everyone, got auction items, sold T-shirts, helped with the raffles, and the Iron Horse staff for a job well done.

There was also a happy story that occurred. The man who won the auction of the Eddie Montgomery cowboy hat and guitar, stole it compared to the price of just the guitars during Bike Week, but when I told him what a deal he got, he told me his son had been a St. Jude patient and had recently passed away. I was thrilled that he came to give back to St. Jude Hospital. He also bought a Lego set from the silent auction table and said he bought it for his son’s child. Have to admit I walked away crying…