By Lulu

Although it was a bit nipply and rain forecasted, lots of peeps showed up on two and three wheels for a great birthday bash for Pirate’s Pub in Paisley. Mark and Tanya know how to throw a great party with an incredible spread of free hot food that filled our bellies. The pasta, sausage and chicken were delicious. The band, Bassfield Park, kept everyone entertained all afternoon. If you haven’t ventured out to Paisley while in town for Bike Week or at Leesburg Bike Fest it is a pretty ride in the country and not that far from either town. Good people own this bar and friendly bartenders can pour you a nice drink or pop a top! Look for their Too Broke for Sturgis bash in August…always a great time at Pirate’s Pub!

By Lulu

Each year in November, OBs in Deland fills their property with one of the best Pan/Shovel shows anywhere. Lots of great bikes made it difficult for the judges to make choices for the trophies. Willie from Tropical Tattoo emceed the trophy presentation and is a lover of old bikes! The weather was better than in years past and the parking lot was crammed full of entrants and spectators.
Crashrocket kept all entertained with their great tunes and the bartenders were busy quenching everyone’s thirst. Always an enjoyable day at OBs in Deland. They will be ready for you in March for Deland Bike Rally, and it’s a good destination ride from Bike Week in Daytona. Also look for the Americana Custom bike show coming this June or join them for Wednesday night bike nights for live music and food specials!

By Phoenix and Metric

When it comes to helping Veterans, few places can match the efforts of American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park. To kick off the year in a “BIG” way, they hosted a three-day event starting with an escort by the Patriot Guard Riders of the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall and Desert Storm Memorial Wall on Friday. The escort starts in Lake Wales twenty-two miles from the post in remembrance of twenty-two veteran suicides each day. A “BIG THANK YOU” to the Polk County and Highlands County Sheriff’s officers for a safe escort. This year’s ride was twice the size of last year. We had over three hundred motorcycles, plus cars, jeep and trucks that stretched for miles.

State and local veteran organizations from across Florida were on hand to offer a variety of resources including therapy, counseling, and assistance with Veterans claims. There were too many organizations to acknowledge them all, but two organizations specifically caught my attention. MY WARRIOR’S PLACE in Ruskin, provides a beautiful retreat for a vacation and/or short-term transitional housing for veterans. FINAL SALUTE INC. provides homeless women veterans and their children with safe and suitable housing. Check both out online. On a lighter note, Saturday was filled with food, vendors, and entertainment. One of our own, Adam Martin with BLACKBIRD ANTHEM, provided the music all day long.

Topping off the weekend was a great poker run around some of the most beautiful roads in GOD’S Country, better known as Highlands County. It was three days of the Biggest Veterans Expo in the county, everyone enjoyed it and left with a wealth of information. If you have never attended the Veterans Expo at the American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park, you need to mark your calendar and make your reservation for next year. See you next year!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE AMERICAN VETERAN!!!

By Lulu

Glen, the owner of Smiles Night Club in Palm Coast, took the time to lay wreaths at Arlington one year and I have wanted to do that since he shared his experience. This year while visiting The Garage in Somerset, Massachusetts, our friend Steve Matton invited us to spend Saturday attending a ceremony for Wreaths Across America and then to lay wreaths on veterans’ graves at a local cemetery. I was thrilled to be invited to join them. The event included a marching band, scout troops, a gun salute, taps, and what appeared to be men dressed as Minute Men. The story of how the yearly wreath tribute started, was a 12-year-old, Morrill Worcester won a trip as a paper boy for the Bangor Daily News. His trip to DC included a visit to Arlington which left a deep impression on the boy. In 1992 as the owner of Worcester Wreath Company, he had a large surplus of wreaths near the end of the holiday season, so with the help of a senator he was able to make arrangements to lay wreaths at an older section of Arlington. This annual tribute went on quietly for years until a photo of the wreaths went viral in 2005. In 2007 there was such interest for this tribute to go nationwide that Morrill formed Wreaths Across America. All across the nation at exactly the same time, wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves, and as you lay each wreath you are asked to say the name of the veteran aloud and take a moment to remember their service. It was a wonderful thing to participate in, certainly put the holidays in a different perspective. There are runs each year to offset the cost of this event, the mission of Wreaths Across America lies in 3 words: REMEMBER (those who have fallen), HONOR (those who serve), TEACH (your children the value of freedom). It was obvious those in Somerset were fulfilling the mission; as the children watched each branch of our military present a wreath, loudly recited The Pledge of Allegiance, and seemed genuinely interested in what was happening on this chilly winter morning. Thanks to a 12-year-old child who left DC a changed boy, who could not have possibly known how that day in Arlington would alter his life’s path, and how many would follow in his dedication to remember our military’s sacrifices!

As we ride into the last month of our 16th year of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine I must reflect on the beginning of this journey. In 2006 Bull Connors was 40 and retired living in Florida, and my boyfriend. I accused him of being addicted to the bar stool as he spent almost everyday drinking from 9am to 6pm. I then told him he needed a JOB. He picked the phone up and called corporate Thunder Roads Magazine and within a few weeks we were on our way to Tennessee to buy the Florida franchise. There is no doubt he was an alcoholic, as he had cirrhosis of the liver at the time of his suicide, but he didn’t drink at home. He just loved the camaraderie of being with people in the bars, particularly Mother’s in Flagler Beach and The Dog Pound in Bunnell. The purchase of the magazine didn’t really curtail the social drinking, in fact, it probably only gave him good excuses for heading out on his bike to “try to sell ads” or to “interview a biker for his monthly “Bull’s Eye” column or as we all know most poker runs involve bar stools! But it did give him an excitement that his life was missing and a reason to attend EVERY motorcycle event anywhere. Many still come up to me and let me know they knew and loved Bull. He was a funny, fun loving and a bit crazy guy. He never passed a kid selling anything without handing him or her a $20. He also never tipped a stripper a one-dollar bill, it was always something much larger! And he loved to buy the whole bar a round if they would let him come inside with his bike to do a burnout!

Upon his death I was given Thunder Roads Florida by the corporate office as they felt I was doing most of the work and they didn’t want to see Florida fold. I should have had my head examined for taking that on in a state of extreme grief, but I was afraid I would regret not giving it a try. So, at 52 years old I took the reins and tried to continue his vision of bringing a motorcycle lifestyle magazine with a calendar and jokes…and stories about the good works bikers do month after month. I have struggled financially at times, emotionally, and at times wanted to give up. I have had great support along the way from friends of his and friends I met from knowing him. My biggest support has been T. J. becoming partner and co-owner 7 years ago and taking over the business side of the month-to-month burden. He also has made it a road not traveled alone. I look forward to our 17th year and the adventures it will bring and to each and everyone who has offered words of encouragement along the way I thank you!
Don’t be afraid of a new adventure, travel a different highway and don’t forget your sunscreen!

by Jeani G.

The 28th annual Bruce Rossmeyer Ride for Children was held on Sunday, December 11th. Usually in October, this year’s ride was postponed due to Hurricane Ian. Over four hundred riders participated in the police-escorted ride from Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach to Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, including a large group of New Smyrna HOG Chapter members. This was the first-year post Covid epidemic that the camp opened its gates once again to the riders who give so generously. And the camp is an amazing place to visit.

This amazing event raised over $419,000 for Camp Boggy Creek, a non-profit camp that enables children with serious illnesses to enjoy an unforgettable camp experience where they can have fun, make new friends and just be kids! Bruce Rossmeyer was one of the founders of the camp and the Rossmeyer family has incredibly raised over $6 million dollars since the event began! It was great to see Bruce’s wife Sandy and daughters Shelly and Mandy, and many other family members as well, enjoying the day’s festivities.

A delicious lunch was donated and served by Outback Steakhouse, while S.R Perrott, Miller Lite and Coca-Cola provided the beverages. Live entertainment by Are Friends Electric kept the enthusiastic crowd rockin’ and singing, while the silent auction had everyone amazed with its abundance of fabulous and unique items to bid on.

The crowd joined in to sing happy birthday to John Hamlin, who is the presenting sponsor of the event, and in a very touching moment, John presented a huge $100,000 check to Sandy Rossmeyer for Camp Boggy Creek.

In the memorable words of Bruce himself, “It’s all about the kids!” This is definitely one of the best fundraising events to be a part of…if you couldn’t make it this time, we hope you can join us next year! We’d like to welcome Teddy Morse, new owner of Daytona Harley-Davidson, as he will continue to participate with the Rossmeyers in the Camp Boggy Creek ride.

By Lulu

You must love the energy of young entrepreneurs. Jim Lynch from Bike Show Mafia and owner of Revelation 1 Concepts in Edgewater has many projects requiring his time and energy. But he saw a need most of us didn’t even think of and he jumped right in to create a ride to fill that need. After 2 hurricanes that caused major flooding particularly in South Volusia County, some homes in low lying areas lost everything…that would include the children’s toys. Before Christmas there are always tons of toy runs for The Marines and other organizations, but Jim wanted to have a run specifically to help those in need from the hurricane’s devastation. If you are busy replacing appliances, or simply having to relocate, Toy shopping may not be in your budget, even at Christmas. So, Jim and his friends, including the bike builder Kory Souza and Silky from the west coast of Florida, rode out of Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D with stops at Boot Hill Saloon and Iron Axe Bar & Grill to end at AMVETS Post 2 in Edgewater. I was able to make it through the stops, but wasn’t able to be at the end for the Bike Show due to a commitment in central Florida. I heard they raised cash and toys to help with Christmas and that the day was a great success. Jim would like to thank Twisted Tea, Monogram Plus, Teddy Morse Daytona H-D, Wizard Products, AMVETS Post 2 Edgewater, Boot Hill Saloon, Iron Axe Bar & Grill, and all that donated their time for this first ride. A personal thank you to Jim for taking the time to put others before self! He is a good man.

By Lulu

Having been blessed so far in this life with healthy children and grandchildren, I can not even begin to understand the loss and suffering a parent that loses a child must live with. Eli was a child diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2007. Eli fought bravely without complaint and left this life in 2011. Eli’s name is in the word ‘bELIeve.’ He believed in a cure for leukemia. Eli’s father, Paul Matthews had to face the loss of his beautiful child and has made his life a fight in Eli’s name to find a cure so other families will not have this heartache to face. Eli was a hero in his hometown of Oxford, PA. Motorcycle runs and charity events started, and have spread throughout the country in Eli’s name. Donna and John Burress hosted the first Eli’s Run for the Cure in Sanford and invited Paul to attend the event, and he accepted. I know they personally put tons of time and lots of their personal money into making this a great event. We met at Seminole H-D, jumped on our bikes, and headed to Foxhead Lounge in Osteen, The Alibi in Geneva, Shovelhead Lounge in Longwood, Mel’s Family Diner in Sanford and ended at Rhonda’s Neighborhood Bar in Sanford. Lots of raffle prizes, including a huge Christmas tree made of lottery tickets helped fill the kitty for Eli. Rhonda brought in a great band, Jette County Dragsters, who kept the party going way into the night. The plan is for this to be a yearly event so please help this sweet father continue to honor his son’s memory by continuing Eli’s fight for a CURE and ride with us next year!

By Lulu

Scott McNitt in Bunnell has been keeping folks on 2 and 3 wheels for 25 years as Tri City Cycles. The business itself has been operating for 42 years in Flagler County. When Tri City first opened it was in Bunnell, the owners moved it to Flagler Beach where it was for most of the first 37 years. Scott moved it to a larger location on US 1, once again in Bunnell, five years ago this month. They have four lifts in the busy garage and move bikes quickly through the service process and back onto the road. They are known for quality service for all makes of bikes. Scott has two mechanics. Kyle Rieger, originally from Virginia, has been with him for five years. The newest addition to the work force is Jeff Peterson from New Jersey who has been with Tri City for one year. Scott was from Jamestown, New York but moved to Flagler Beach in 1965 so he is proud to be a “Floridian” at this point.

The shop is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. They take appointments but are happy to work you in and have towing available. They stock a wide selection of tires including, Dunlop, Michelin, Metzler, and Bridgestone and keep between 150-200 on hand. They also have in stock batteries, EBC brakes, and Drag Specialties parts. Scott is happy to have served the biking community successfully for the past 25 years and look forward to many more years of keeping you not only on the road but traveling safely! Give Scott a call at 386-437-7000 or stop in at 306 N. State St in Bunnell.

By Lulu

The economy may have sucked in 2022 and the need for help for those down and out has been greater than ever. With inflation and 2 hurricanes it has been a tough, tough year for many. Janice and her crew at Crossroads Tavern once again hosted Christmas Comes True. This is their third year. The Ghost Town Punishers help make this event a tremendous success. Joe The Bike Men of Flagler County supports the event by cooking fresh hot dogs and hamburgers for the poker run. This group of 70 bikes managed to raise $9200 dollars!!! WOW!! I am always impressed by the generosity of bikers, and the energy of Janice, owner of Crossroads in Bunnell when it comes to helping worthy causes. But this was extraordinary! Thank you to all the generous patrons and riders who made someone’s Christmas…Christmas!

By Lulu

Boot Hill Saloon opened on Main Street in Daytona Beach 50 YEARS AGO in 1973! Years come and go quickly, but anyone who has ever owned a business knows it takes hard work, determination, and endurance to keep a business alive through good times and bad. Karin Gehris, owner of the world-famous Boot Hill Saloon since 1989 has enjoyed the good times and has kept moving forward through some major hurdles including hurricanes and the Covid Pandemic. If you were at the Boot prior to 2011 you would remember the TINY bathrooms. A major remodel has given the place great bathrooms and still the old school charm of the world-famous bar. Most of the memorabilia in the bar has been donated by patrons over the years. In 2005 Karin opened the Boot Hill in Laconia N.H but sold it last year. Many still do not know that Boot Hill now has food and are happy to fill hungry bellies. Boot Hill Outpost on US 1 in Ormond Beach is open for Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

Boot Hill on Main St. had been different businesses in the past including a Foosball Parlor, barber shop, a church, The Kit Kat Club and even been the site of embalming for the graveyard across the street. This bar has been featured in David Mann artwork, Rolling Stone Magazine featured photos of “The Coolest Bar,” the Wall Street Journal and its tag line on a bumper sticker “Better Off Here Than Across the Street” has been spotted on the Eiffel Tower in France! I have been told many stories over the years of famous and infamous asses sitting on bar stools in The Boot. Dan Hagerty “Grizzly Adams” told me of sitting at Boot Hill Saloon with Malcolm Forbes on one side of him and a guy born in a state penitentiary on the other. Dan said that is what he loved about bikers! And we all know of the famous killer Eileen Wuornos’ bra hanging in the bar for all these years.

Boot Hill is known for its live music, T-shirts and in the Daytona area for community involvement with poker runs and charity. Karin is often on the bike riding on events at other bars too. Wednesday night is bike night at Boot Hill with live music! So, any time of the year The Boot Hill is the place to party.

Coming as part of the 50 years celebration is Bike Week with 3 stages (including one at Boot Hill Outpost on US 1) with 60 bands already booked! Headliners will be March 3rd Twinkle Rock Soul Radio, March 4th Nova Rex named one of VH1 Top 50 80s hair bands, March 10th Hardwire premiere Metallica tribute band and March 11th KISS IT everything KISS tribute. Emcee Jonnie “Tumbleweed” will be the Master of Ceremonies who has emceed at Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. Stacy, Anna Lee, Sarah, Ashley, Kelly, Joanie, Akemi & Taylor will be slinging your favorite drinks and look forward to seeing you! Don’t forget to dust off your oldest Boot Hill T-shirt for the oldest T-shirt contest during Bike Week. Karin expressed a special thank you to sponsors Fran Haasch law group, Twisted Tea, Beach 92.7, Camp Easy Rider, River City Wrestling Con, and Rider Now Magazine. Now come out for the party all year long at Boot Hill Saloon and wish them a happy 50th birthday!

By Lulu

Out in “The Swamp” some miraculous things happen. The Green Swamp Chapter of the Nam Knights of America MC put on Christmas in the Swamp and collected over 1000 toys and had over 200 attendees to help out children in need in the Groveland area. I was supposed to make it to this event which I have been lucky enough to attend in the past, but an I4 traffic jam kept me from getting there, so I had to rely on members of the Nam Knights and friends to provide the photos of the day’s festivities. This group of Vietnam Veterans are one of the most active in any community. Not only do they host this huge event in the Swamp each year, but they are also on site at Gator Harley tending the bar to raise money for their charitable causes. A big one coming up on March 4th is the presentation of a trike they purchased for an injured Afghanistan veteran, Shawn Burke, who lost a leg in his service to our country. Shawn loved to ride his Harley so they anted up the funds and are bringing him to Florida to honor his service with this bike and get him back in the wind. So, if these big teddy bears haven’t done enough for our country by serving in our military, when you thank them for their services…know they continue to serve anyway they can! Join them on March 4th and make this veteran feel special. It starts at 11am at The Swamp, 17450 Tuscanooga Rd. in Groveland. They are also celebrating their 10th Anniversary that day.

By Lulu

Once again, this contest surpasses anything you think a human can do with their bodies. These girls are all extraordinary athletes! This contest starts in July and runs through October each year, every other Tuesday. Girls from all over come to show their talent. This year I would have hated to have to judge these girls. They all had excellent stage presence, athletic skills, and great looks! Frank Scott from Rock of Daytona emceed the event and Joe was there to hand the winner her $1500 grand prize.