By Lulu

One of the largest gatherings of motorcycles for an event in quite some time. Beaver Bar hosted the registration and put on their Sunday breakfast spread. Hideaway Bar & Grill in Pomona Park was the second stop, and I feel certain it was the largest crowd they have seen, and they handled it like pros! Next, we were off to Renegade’s on the River who are always not only a stop but are also a Platinum Sponsor of this event, and then we stopped at Bimini Bar in Bunnell on Hwy 100, where a swing hanging from a tree had some of our guys acting like kids! 1405 Saloon in Bunnell, another Platinum Sponsor and the final stop, had Duval County Line on the stage ready to entertain us when the rain gods made it necessary for the band to gather their equipment in a hurry to save it. For those not aware of what Angel Flight does, pilots provide their service and planes to fly medical flights for those with financial or emergency needs. Angel Flight events raise funds for fuel. Sponsors of this year’s event were Platinum: Debbie Clarke, Tom & Lisa Moravec, and Renegade’s on the River. Other sponsors were Sea Gate Homes, Miller Lite, Duval County Line, 1405 Saloon, HOG Radio, Politis & Matovina, Prime Care Urgent Care, Lisa Gentile, Del’s Garage, Mangano, Daytona Sportswear and Enforcers MC. Thanks to all who took their day to ride for those who may need air travel for lifesaving care!!!

By Lulu

On Sunday, September 8th the Knights of Inferno and the Punishers MC hosted the 18th Annual 9/11 Ride and ceremony. I am still amazed every year when I enter the Flagler County Courthouse parking lot at how many still WILL NOT FORGET! This event has been free each year with the help of sponsors Politis & Matovina, 1405 Saloon, Monster Motorcycles and Flagler County. This year the weather was much nicer than years past. The ride is escorted by police and deputies from three counties. It went north through Putnam County to St. Augustine, rode A1A south from there, took a ride through the Loop in Volusia County and ended back in Flagler at 1405 Saloon. Tom and Lisa provided a great BBQ lunch for all and live music by Branford Highway entertained the crowd. Thanks to the sponsors, to Joe Vece and his Knights of Inferno, the Punishers and all the officers who led us safely. The ceremony included a flyover by a helicopter with a huge American flag, a gun salute, presentation of the colors, prayers, speeches, bag pipes, and the ringing of the bell, and a wonderful singer of patriotic songs, who I believe is the mayor of Palm Coasts daughter, and of course Taps! A beautiful way to commemorate all the lives lost on 9/11. A very special thank you to each and every one of you patriots who gave their Sunday to REMEMBER those so tragically lost that day.

By Lulu

A beautiful day in October over 240 saddled up to ride from AMVETS Post 1992 in Mt. Dora to Gator Harley-Davidson. Jan and the crew at Gator always go all out for a good cause. This year Jan was moved to tears when a group F4K (Friends for Kids) presented her with checks in the amount of $24,967 that they raised by having a competition between organizations (Lake Co Eagles Aerie #4273, American Legion Mt Dora, American Legion Fruitland Park, Eagles Eustis and Eagles Umatilla ) for a trophy and a plaque for the group who raised the most cash! Lots of baskets were in a raffle, 50/50, the registration, T-shirt sales and 3 silent auction items helped fill the kitty! Reverend Al Paquette made a metal table that raised $500, the table featured a metal cross in the center of wrenches. The open wrenches represented the people on the right and left talking, but the cross in the center is the answer!!! You know he is one caring human! Thank you to the sponsors AMVETS Riders Post 1992, AMVETS Auxiliary Post 1992, AMVETS Post 1992, Sad Sacks of Amvets Post 1992, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35/Mt Dora, AMVETS Sons Post 1992, Casino Party Planners, Dirty South Saloon, Crossroads 44, Firefighter Charity Alliance, Central Florida Cruisers, American Legion Riders, Al Paquette Ministries, ABATE, Fran Haasch, US Military Vets, Sea2Sea4PTSD, Pissin Frogs, Sunlake Estates, All Florida Wall Systems, and of course Gator H-D. Oh and a thank you to Lake County Sheriff’s Office for the escort! The bartenders and the band donated their tips to the cause too! Great music entertained us all day by Zack Denby Band!!

So, I know this issue may alienate a few, but Pony Tales and actually, the magazine itself, is an extension of ME. And having watched the rich elitist donate millions to Kamala and watch her speak about her watching the backs of her middle class infuriates me. If we give that woman the power of the White House, she will continue to fund illegals, approve our hard-earned tax dollars for sex change operations for all, even those locked up for crimes, and she will make a federal abortion law which means we will be paying for abortions too! This woman who claims to be some great attorney helped raise bail money for those that burned our cities in protest, causing death, mayhem, and millions in damages to businesses. Trump may not come from humble beginnings like Harris claims she does. Vance certainly does. But Trump worked hard, still works hard, and appreciates people that work hard! Kamala has no idea what work is. I have heard from those in DC that her staff basically all quit and that she treated them hatefully. Those that hate Trump will say he is a tyrant and that some bailed on him after the “incident” in DC in January, but MANY still think he was right. And after 4 years of being accused of the Russian Hoax I am certain he was FED up, as were those who decided to protest at the Capitol. We watched as the lefties burned cop cars, police stations, took over cities in America, and NO ONE was held accountable for that. Do we really expect Kamala to turn a page, which sounds like Obama promising “a change”. Boy that certainly wasn’t a change any of us actually were helped by! November is here folks. Get out and vote. Make sure your family and friends in Swing States have a way to the polls. Volunteer to drive any that can’t get there.

Sorry if this offends those who are die hard liberals and cannot choose what will help people in America and strengthen our country again for the world, but this is MY opinion. Your vote matters, but this is not the time to throw your vote to a candidate who hasn’t ever accomplished anything in politics! Not the border, not the economy…not even getting votes when she ran for President the first time. Geez PLEASE think hard about this. You may not like Trump just like you may not like a mean surgeon, but in the end, you want the person that will deliver the best results. We need strength right now. We need common sense right now. That woman has NEITHER!!

By Lulu

Can’t imagine losing a child! But Kelli, the mother of Noelle, lost her daughter to the opioid crisis that’s slaying the youth of our country. Her daughter was a young mother of twins! Tragic! Five years later, Noelle’s brother’s life was lost to the same battle!!! The loss of her two children inspired Kelli to form Project Noelle in Ohio where she lives. Other states have formed groups to shine light on the opioid crisis and to “help the smallest victims of the epidemic” …the children left behind! This ride was led by the Lake County Chapter. Stops included Pirate’s Pub, Crossroad 44 and ended at OB’s for a great BBQ. TJ won the best hand and donated the $200 back to Project Noelle. Let’s help grow this event next year, grab a friend and ride for Noelle!

By Lulu

Out in Deland right next to the new Sunrail Station is a great dive bar, The Inn Between. Ethan bought the bar 7 years ago and has turned it into a really cool joint. Not only did they celebrate 7 years of business, but they also celebrated that the building is 100 years old… and still standing even after Helene and Milton! The day had a bit of rain on and off, but the back yard was still packed as Duval County Line played their hearts out, even doing the National Anthem and handing out flags to the crowd! This is a full liquor bar with a great outside area. Ethan, who rides, also owns Brass Rail in Deland. Stop in for a cold one on your ventures!! They are always glad to see bikes pull up front!

By Lulu

Often you meet people that talk big. Not that often do you meet people that live what they preach. Walk the walk! But 2 years ago, we met Donna & John when we rode out of Sanford on their first run for the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation. They were introduced to it in Pennsylvania, met Eli’s dad there and decided to bring the ride to Florida. Deciding to tie the knot, they turned their wedding into a ride for Eli’s Foundation. Starting and ending at So-Hoss Bar in Deland, we rode to Dale’s Ales, Cabbage Patch and OB’s. A great BBQ dinner and wedding cake waited for us at So-Hoss, a special thank you to So-Hoss for hosting this. A perfect day of wedding dancing to the tunes of Gunshy! Basket raffles, auctions and 50/50 all helped make the day a day of giving! Look for events organized by Naughty Hog Enterprise, which is Donna & John always helping worthy causes!

By Lulu

This event is on my bucket list for 2025! I had a client’s event that conflicted with this one, but I got up at 5am to arrive at the staging area on US 1 in Port Orange to snap photos of the people who took their day to shine attention on the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Way before sunup adults, children, veterans, first responders, sponsors, and even a guy with a prosthetic leg anxiously awaited the beginning of their day. Over 140 walked! Many were wearing T-shirts that proclaimed 22 A DAY IS 22 TOO MANY. Dick Steinmeier, a well-known and well-loved veteran, led the 22-mile hike on an adult 3-wheel tricycle. He made the entire journey. So proud of you Dick! Anyone who knows me and Thunder Roads Florida, know that we love our veterans. Many may not know I worked a psych unit as a nurse and even back 30 years ago, long before they used the term PTSD, many of our patients were Vietnam Veterans dealing with things they experienced that no one should have had to. It was often more a survivor’s guilt that they were struggling with, as much as anything else. So, keep an eye out for this event next year and put some walking shoes on! What a simple way to shine attention on a real problem in America and to honor those who have already given their all!! The tentative date for 2025 is the last Sunday of September. Jordan Snipes keep us posted with 2025 date!! Thank you to the sponsors Red, White & Blue Heating & AC, Legacy Mortgage Corporation, and High Profile 4 X4. Check out the events website SpeakUpTomorrowNeedsYou.org!

By Lulu

What a great day at OB’s! The girls were hot, the weather wet, the bikes were all awesome, and the crowd was huge! OB’s staff were all dressed up in matching patriotic outfits. I didn’t get with the owner of the Best in Show Bike to do a feature on him this month, but hopefully I will have that next issue. It was a perfect condition old Indian and he deserved to walk with the $1000. Nikki was the winner of the bikini contest and was happy to pose for the crowd on bikes! Coming up on November 17th is the Russ & Bob Panhead/Shovelhead show complete with a “vintage” bikini contest! Don’t miss this show!

By Lulu

While you are in town for Biketoberfest check out Grandview Live! We went last month to their Red Party and there is always too much to see! Beautiful girls with excellent athletic talents were busy entertaining the crowd. Customers and the dancers were all dressed in red, and red balloons were everywhere. During Biketoberfest, Tony from Full Throttle Magazine is hosting a bike show on the night of October 17th. During Biketoberfest they are featuring $3 Busch Light on Tuesday & on Wednesday night they feature $150 bottle service for you party animals. If you are lucky enough to be there when Marsha is on the pole you will definitely need some money to litter the stage with. She is one amazing entertainer!!

By Lulu

Once again Pirate’s Pub’s annual Too Broke for Sturgis Party had the rain god’s crying, but it didn’t keep the masses away. Gunshy rocked the porch, and everyone loved them. Tanya and the staff were slinging drinks as fast as they could. If you haven’t ventured out to Paisley to visit Pirate’s Pub, it is a beautiful ride in the country on a great open highway! This is a full liquor bar owned by Mark and Tanya who love motorcycling! They also have their yearly anniversary party in January but don’t wait for that to get on your bike and visit!!

By Lulu

Tucked in a strip center off LPGA and Derbyshire is a cool Daytona watering hole. Sandrine, the owner, is a little spitfire from France. And the staff who keep this bar afloat are awesome. Tara with her Sunday “build your own” Bloody Mary station to die for is the hostess with the mostest! When she knows we are coming with a big crew she brings in food, so we don’t go away hungry! The bar is known for dart and pool leagues, occasional live music, and Dirty Bingo! Reasonably priced beer and spirits is also what Hideout is known for! It is a perfect stop for your poker run. While in town check out the Hideout Lounge!

Seems like I have hit that age where I attend more Celebration of Life events than weddings. This summer we lost three true biker friends many of you know. Jerry Diers that was at the helm of the Shovelhead Coalition died suddenly of a heart attack; rumor is he rode his bike to the hospital with severe chest pain…doing what he loved no doubt about it. Ken Gardner from Custom EFX Lighting lost a very long battle with cancer. Ken, even in his sickness was a generous soul, giving to events like Saddle Up for St. Judes. Jamie, we will all miss him and are so sorry for your loss. And final goodbyes and a toast went up for Grog (Dennis Snyder) at a Celebration of Life at Iron Horse Saloon. Grog was a long-time staple at Iron Horse Saloon and Boot Hill! He gave the BEST hugs. On an equally distressing note, many of you may know Rebel, a rally worker who is paralyzed after a 4-wheeler accident in Sturgis. There is a Go Fund Me that Scott Demonico has started to help him get back to Florida and for medical/living expenses. He is still in Rehab in Sturgis…alone! A good friend and great singer, Steven Keeton, originally in the band Mistreater, was in a bad motorcycle accident and is at a Daytona rehab although may be home by the time this Pony Tales hits the racks. Looks like he will be fine but has a long road to recovery. Be safe out there friends, tell your peeps you love them and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Lulu

A favorite destination ride for a meal with a view is 3 Bananas in Crescent City on Crescent Lake. While in town for Biketoberfest or Bike Week, or any other time, get on your bike and take a ride out to the quaint city and find Pat and Anna Finley’s place on the lake. The couple took over operation on the bar in November 2021 and breathed new life into the place. Originally from Ponte Vedra they brought years of experience to this new endeavor having been in restaurant consulting, ownership, conference & catering director at a large resort and even director of training. Years of experience must have paid off as once again 3 Bananas has quite a following under their reins. The Finley’s now reside in Crescent City. Pat rode dirt bikes as a teenager but now they are into trail/beach cruisers and enjoy Bikes on the Beach. They enjoy golfing, fishing, and visiting hole in the wall establishments. Sounds like they are living the good life, although I know restaurant bar business is TIME CONSUMING! The Finley’s are community minded and the charity they are involved in is K9s for Warriors.

3 Bananas specials include Prime Rib Saturdays and are known for their seafood. Try their hand breaded shrimp or blackened grouper dinner featured in the photos. Personally, I LOVE their quesadillas. Try some of their famous banana-based drinks Dirty Banana, Banana Split or Banana Wreck. I bet any of them will go down so smoothly you may end up acting like a monkey! They are open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11am-5pm,
With extended hours Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 11a-8pm. They have live music Saturdays noon-3pm and Wednesday night they feature trivia.

Coming up on October 25th 5 pm is their Yappy Hour and Howl-o-Ween Parade. Dogs in costume with prizes! So, for you guys who ride with pups you might want to check this one out! The address is 11 S. Lake St. in Crescent City or find them on 3bananas.com.

By Lulu

Out in Satsuma a short hop from Crescent City is the old Hermit’s Cove, under new ownership and a new name. The Gartenders at the Gnarly Gar are happy to serve you with a smile! The new owners Jay and Tanya Steck, along with Marcin Grucela have had the helm of the Gar since November 2022. Tanya was born and raised in Florida. Jay was born in Michigan but raised in New Jersey. They now reside in Port Orange but have a place out in Satsuma where the Gnarly Gar is located. The bar is a great destination ride for ice cold beer, seltzers, and wine with a beautiful view of the water and sunsets! Jay and Tanya are also busy with businesses other than the bar. Jay works for a construction coatings manufacturer and together they have Saltair Properties Group which manages rental properties. Jay was in law enforcement in the past and Marcin was a Marine, “once a Marine, always a Marine”! Marcin does ride motorcycles and loves the biking community. The “fish camp” (home) they own in Hermit’s Cove made the former Hermit’s Cove bar their place to stop for a drink, and when Gary the owner passed away, he left the bar to Pamela Small, who ran if for a bit. When she decided to sell, the Steck’s bought it to keep it operating for the local community, the motorcycle riders and the boaters who love this place, as they do. In Tanya’s words, “We love the bar and continue to improve on it. We really decided to buy it because we were concerned that if we didn’t, someone may come in and change the bar to something else or would tear it down and put houses on the property. We love the bar, and we also love this community, which genuinely is what ‘makes’ this bar what it is today. We embrace the Gnarly Gar as a local’s spot and the support we receive from the community of locals, bikers and boaters shows in everything we do to keep it going.” Since Gary had the original Hermit’s Cove, the bar has added live music, occasional food trucks and other entertainment.

Ride out to find this gem in the country. They are open Wednesday-Sunday 11a-to sometime after 10pm. Tanya runs the show, Jay and Mancin are never far from the Gnarly Gar. Kim, Michelle, and Ana Mira are the GARTENDERS. Ride out and tell them you saw this in Thunder Roads Florida Magazine!

The address is 482 Cove Dr., Satsuma. Check them out at gnarlygar.com or find them on Facebook too. The phone number is 386-214-1863.