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.

By Lulu

Last minute ads in November kept me from running the entire photos from the Ladies in Leather 2022 event in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Here are a few more photos from this great event for women. Look for their 2023 event, at the time of this issue we don’t have a confirmed date and city.

By Tony And Harley Quinn

Well, it’s that time of year again, Halloween, so a few weeks before I run into Jersey Jim from American Legion Post 117 and he tells me about the ride going on. Then an e-mail from Brian Yancey, director of the AL117 Riders comes, and I tell T-Rex get a costume, were going for a ride.

So, on Saturday two days before Halloween, T-Rex is dressing up as ” Harley Quinn” and we’re off, but first a stop to pick up Jeff and Mayhem. Mayhem thinks it’s St. Patty’s Day, but what’s Halloween without your favorite Leprechaun. So, we head down to Post 1 to sign up and get some grub. We line them up and we head down Route 1 to Post 359 in costume and the looks start. Next its Post 348 in the Port, so here comes the freak show down the B-Line. Think people were moving out of the way. At the 348 Paula the bartender ask’s where’s T-Rex, just shook my head and told her she was just talking to her. Of course, that was before the make-up started to run under the warm day we were having. Now up Route 520 to Post 22 for a cool beverage on the new back deck. We wake Big Tom up and tell him to join us for the rest of the ride and he shows right up. Now it’s the home stretch to Post 163 and the 81 for more adult beverages. Then up to Malabar Rd., cross under 95 to the finish line at Post 117. We buy some drink tickets have some great conversation with some spooky people as we get ready for the Halloween party we must get to.

But the Unity Ride had great weather and a good turnout. The objective was, just go for a ride. We stayed at each post about a half hour and rode to the next. And most of us had parties to go to that night. So, by the time we got back to our post the make-up was gone, didn’t win a prize but had a great 100-mile ride.

Ride Safe and Merry Christmas!

Bobby Friss asked me to share his story about his Children’s Home Network Benefit. Here is the interview.

When is this year’s event?

Bobby: The Benefit will be on Wednesday, December 7th at Quaker Steak and Lube in Clearwater from 6-10 pm. Tampa Bay’s best musicians will come together to raise funds for these great kids in need of a helping hand.

How long have you been raising money for this facility?

Bobby: I started back in 1984 so 39 years of memories with so many great musicians that have helped.

What musicians have taken part in your benefits over the years?

Bobby: Gene Simmons, Lou Graham, Billy Squire, Pat Travers, Robby Steinhardt…and so many more. I’ve been blessed.

Tell us about the charity and the money you’ve raised.

Bobby: The Children’s Home Network is a facility in Tampa that helps kids and families with domestic abuse, family trauma and even expectant teen mothers, providing a safe haven to live and prosper. We have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years including a record $30,000.00 at last year’s benefit.

How can people help?

Bobby: Come out to the benefit on December 7th! Great music, fantastic auction items and an amazing vibe. We also have a GoFundMe page under Bobby Friss Children’s Home Network Benefit. Every dollar raised goes directly to the kids…no expenses or administration costs…I take a check to the facility the next day.

Anything else you would like people to know?

Bobby: A huge thank you for helping get the word out. I’ve been so fortunate to do something I love with music. I feel an obligation to give back to these kids in need of a little help…and it feels amazing!

By Lulu

Tried to tell TJ what an old school event BDBS was, but until he rode out to Melrose with me, he had no idea. Burn outs, bike show, pole dancing, half-dressed girls, bikini bike wash, a great band, booze and beer what more could a biker want on a beautiful sunny day? The owners of Howlin Wolf, Mark and Jamie, are more than happy to host this event twice a year! Get on your damn bikes and ride out to Howlin Wolf for one of these parties…or anytime…this is a cool joint!

By Lulu

Each month a group of avid riders show up to put some miles on their tires. In October we had a huge group with a lot of Mystery Ride virgins! The crowd took off and headed south on US 1 from Port Orange to New Smyrna Beach and landed at Bay 3 Bar for a cold one. Next stop was at the Alibi Bar & Grill in Geneva for a quick bite to eat. Mr. Twisted Tea himself, Bill Grotto would be happy, as more than half sitting at the bar were drinking Twisted Tea! Back on the saddle and we rode to Sanford to Rhonda’s Neighborhood Bar for a bit of hula hooping! Last stop before dinner was Sorry Charlie’s Corner, they are featuring music a few times a month so check out their ad in the magazine. Back at Tony’s Boat we had spread of chicken, pizza and more. The 50/50 was won by a mystery ride virgin! Join us for an upcoming ride, we are nice peeps, mostly!