By Lulu

I was a lucky girl at Gator H-D during the spring rally and got to be up close and personal with some beautiful ladies, as I emceed their Miss Gator bikini contest. The girls first took the stage in biker wear and they all looked stunning in their strappy black outfits. After Hayfire played their set, they took the stage again dressed in teeny, tiny bikinis leaving little to the imagination. I wouldn’t want to be a judge as they are all gorgeous, sweet, and FUN! Thanks to the sponsors Born to Ride For 45, Spray Mobile Tanning, Wallace Health Care, All Touch, Inc., Midnight Movers, Atlantic Site Development, Director of Possibilities, Advanced Infusion Center, and RWC, who helped put this thing on! First place went to Holly!

By TJ

Many of you are probably familiar with Venom Custom Choppers & Cycle Works on U.S.19 in New Port Richey for their 10 years of bike nights back in the day, and for hosting bike shows at Cotee River Bike Fest and others. For those of you who may not be familiar, you need to check this place out the next time you need your bike worked on. My friend Minh Mai is the proprietor and over the last 20 years he has built his business and reputation on honesty, fairness, and trust. His customers keep coming back for that exact reason. They know that the job will be done properly the first time, and in the rare event that something isn’t “just right,” Minh will make sure that it is corrected. That’s solid customer service!

It’s been a long road since the young 9-year-old Minh immigrated to the U.S. with his family from Vietnam in the late 70’s to become Americans and pursue the American Dream. They came to Florida by way of N.Y. and N.C. Minh completed school, eventually became a U.S. citizen, married his wife Lori, had a son, and got to work. He began with a body shop and a bar/restaurant along the way then transitioned full time into the motorcycle world. The tech guys at Venom have been there for years, which isn’t always the case at a lot of bike shops. They are proficient with performance upgrades, service, repairs, new parts, tires, and maintenance issues on all makes and models with Harley-Davidson as a specialty. Venom can also help you with your extended warranty work. Minh has owned and ridden Harleys, Ninjas, Slingshots, and other bikes over the years so he’s a real motorcycle guy that knows his business. Give them a call for your next job and tell ‘em Thunder Roads Florida sent you!

Recently a business owner in Florida that everyone seemed to like committed suicide. In July 2006, Bull the original owner of Thunder Roads Florida, a guy that loved life and motorcycling…who was leaving the next Tuesday for his first trip to Sturgis shot himself. A week before that trip! He also was looking forward to an all-expense paid trip to the Playboy Mansion the following month. None of that mattered that Tuesday night. I can instantly think of at least 15 people that I knew well who tragically took their own life, one was just a child of 14, another a young cute girl in her 20’s hung herself. And the reason that I am writing this is: 49,000 people end their own life on average each year. 132 in the USA a day! 22 veterans a day! When I first wrote of Bull’s death, I wanted people who think of taking their life to know the pain they are trying to end is like a torch passed to those they leave behind. Their mothers are in shock. Their loved ones in total grief and disbelief. Their children have forever lost a parent they need! I lived it. Suicide totally changes those you leave behind. Reach out to someone if you need help dealing with despair. I Googled how many suicides a day in the US and a recording came on instantly before the information telling me to call a hotline for help 988 is the number to call! Or tell a friend. Depression is real…it is draining…and those that suffer feel hopeless. Another sunrise is only a phone call away.

Hold your friends close, call your mom and don’t forget your sunscreen…

By Lulu

If you are coming to Leesburg Bikefest in 2027 (scheduled for April 23rd-25th) and you like camping, good music and adult fun…you should definitely give Windy Acres a call! It is a very short scoot to Gator H-D and downtown, located at 1350 Miller Blvd, Fruitland Park. Even if you don’t camp you can get a day pass for old school partying. Lawless Intent was the band and they rocked the place. The line of women lining up for the wet T contest was LONG!!! Everyone that camps here comes back every year and the place seems like home to them. For reservations go to WINDYACRESFESTIVITIES.COM!

By Lulu

A great bike show each spring is held at the beautiful Broken Spoke Saloon on US 1 in Daytona as part of Bike Week. Dennis Kirk, known as a leader in aftermarket parts and accessories with same day shipping, puts this event on. His show always brings out some great garage-builds. Dennis Kirk gives these builders an opportunity to display their talents. A few of the bikes and builders are featured here but you can go to the albums on Thunder Roads Florida Facebook page to see all the winners from the day. Check out DennisKirk.com for parts!!

By Lulu

Daytona Bike Week has a night of amazing sights at the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Burning Bike Night came complete with fire performers, the torching of the giant wooden bike, a flaming hot bikini contest and great live music all in a huge fairground with vendors and booze!!! A perfect place to spend the last Friday of Bike Week. If you haven’t been, put this on your event plans for spring 2027! Troy and his crew at Fastlane Campground bring this event to us and they do a fantastic job!

By Lulu

Bike Week wouldn’t be complete without a trip or two to the World-Famous Iron Horse Saloon. Iron Horse is known for great T-shirts, Craiger’s Beef Tips, The Wall of Death, and David Allan Coe, along with other great musicians. On a sad note, David Allan died in April, you can’t believe how many people before his death asked if he was performing each rally. He definitely was an icon. Whey Jennings filled his boots and does so much to help our local veterans by actively participating in auctioning off his hats, guitars and even jackets for the Veterans Support Fund. For those living in Daytona or just riding through, you need to check out the live music they are featuring outback every Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

By Lulu

Can’t recall exactly how many years we have taken friends and visitors to Florida for “our” Ride to the Country Bike Week and Biketoberfest. But this was by far one of our best. LOTS of new faces and some friends from states far away that join us every year now! The weather couldn’t have been better, one of the few we haven’t been rained on. We start at Sandrine’s bar The Hideout Lounge on Derbyshire in Daytona. after one of their famous Bloody Mary’s we saddled up for a bit of a hike to The Oasis in San Mateo where owners Tina and Larry got on their scoot and joined us for a few stops. Next a quick little jaunt to everyone’s favorite, the Gnarly Gar, with an amazing deck right on the river. We have to make the next stop Long’s Log Cabin in Welaka to visit with our friends Waylon and Tonya! Hungry riders walked next door for a bite to eat at Shrimp-R-Us, and some waited to sit on the back porch of 3 Bananas in Crescent City for their quesadillas. But before they could chow down at 3 Bananas we stopped at The Hideaway in Satsuma where Lisa goes all out for those who come to visit with a sex swing for photos in the oak tree, balloon arch for couples photos inside…you really never know what she will be up to next. Then after our dinner stop at 3 Bananas, the final stop was The Other Place for their Shovelhead night. Gina owns it and Chris’ Lounge and was there hosting a PACKED house! We always have room for more so next time you come to town for Bike Week or Biketoberfest and want to get out of dodge and enjoy some of our favorite spots, join us!

By Lulu

This is an awesome event that gets bigger every year! This year it was perfect as it was held in the new, huge Tiki Hut that we have all been waiting for. Boats arrived and pirates walked the plank to unload and invade the crowd. Sword fighting women put on a bit of a show. Prizes for best female, male and couple pirates were awarded. Even a Twisted Tea bass boat invaded the party with my friend Gary Coleman and his wife.

If you haven’t been to Drifters on the St. John’s River in Astor, the food is fantastic with generous portions for hungry bikers. A wonderful view of the river makes it a great stop. Coming on July 4th is their next Tiki event which is a celebration of 250 years of the USA! Dress patriotic and come out and join us!

By TJ

The Wheel In is back in Brooksville! Two years ago, Alan, Paul, Kirk, and Mark all decided to chip in and take over the property that housed The Wheel for many years while they were growing up but then became Rebar for a bit. These lifelong friends have breathed new life into the popular local spot known for its lively atmosphere, live music, karaoke, and poker nights. To me, the biggest improvement made is the construction of a huge, covered pole barn with a stage and a fire pit that provides a friendly, casual atmosphere to have a few drinks with your peeps.

I was fortunate to spend a recent Saturday afternoon at a fundraiser for a beloved friend in the community, Bobby Boatwright, who is fighting an illness. It was obvious by the turnout that everybody loves Bobby. The outpouring of support was nice to see, and Bobby really enjoyed himself. Paul played auctioneer for countless donated items and DJ/Karaoke Bubba kept everyone rockin’ all day with his tunes. I really enjoyed the day and getting to know everyone better was a bonus They are a good group of folks!

“The Wheel” is always available and excited to host poker runs, private parties, special events, reunions, birthdays etc. There is also a food truck to fill up your belly. Oh, and if you feel inclined, feel free to drop off all of your beer/soda can tabs. They collect them, and the proceeds go to The Shriners. One gallon jug of tabs is worth $200, and they are working on a 5-gal jug now, so help fill it up!
The bar is located at 10123 Broad St (Rt 41) in Brooksville. The best part of a visit to The Wheel for us bikers is the ride out there. The area is surrounded in all directions by miles of beautiful country roads that will lead you right to it. Go check out the Wheel In and tell em Thunder Roads Florida sent ya.

T. J.

I was happy to be able to attend Let’s Rides 10th anniversary party to help my friend Lisa celebrate her milestone. We were at their first anniversary party 10 years ago and the store has come a long way since moving from the old store on19 in Port Richey to the current location at 7422 SR 52 in Hudson in 2017. This store has a welcoming feeling when you enter and is very neat, clean, and organized. She has all kinds of new and second-hand motorcycling gear. Helmets, leather jackets, jeans, gloves, hats, glasses, etc. …you get the picture. If you need anything biker, check Let’s Ride first before you go and pay dealership prices. Let’s Ride also features a consignment section. I think Lisa’s specialty is custom made patches for your jacket, hat, or vest. Those embroidery machines are running like crazy all day long.

This day was to thank Lisa’s loyal customers and friends. Her mom, kids and grandkids were also there helping with the duties of the party, but also to enjoy the festivities. The band Wallace Blvd was very talented and rocked the house on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Their set list was a great mix of Rock and Roll, Blues, and a bit of Country. Cold beer was available for a donation, and the outside grill was busy cooking up burgers and hot dogs for the crowd.

A bike show presented trophies to the best entries picked by the judges, and they had tables full of raffle baskets with some beautiful prizes. I got lucky and took home a half gallon of Fireball, just what I need. Tony and Melissa manned the Fran Hasch tent and had birthday cake for Melissa’s big day. A few vendors scattered around the property displayed their wares for sale. All in all, it was a perfect afternoon even though I had to make the three-hour ride home afterward. It was worth it! I raise my glass to another 10 years for Lisa and Let’s Ride!

By Lulu

Main Street in Daytona is historic for Bike Week. Boot Hill Saloon is the bar behind that history. GREAT MUSIC & WORLD-FAMOUS T-SHIRTS have made this bar a must do stop on the bi-yearly trek to the motorcycling mecca of Bike Week and Biketoberfest. I have attended both now for 20 years! Hate to admit it at 72 years old but several of my bras have ended up hanging in this bar!! Thank goodness mine aren’t as infamous as the serial killers Aileen Wuornos’! This year bands were on the inside and outside stages. Too many bands to list all of them, but Gunshine, a national touring act, had their Album Release Party there. Leaving Eden, a crowd favorite, rocked the stage the day of the oldest Boot Hill Bike Week T-shirt contest. The oldest T-shirt contest and the Twisted Tea Giveaway Bike Reveal were must do events. The 3 top oldest T winners received $100 each. You don’t have to wait for Bike Week to visit Boot Hill, Wednesdays are rocking Bike Nights, and they feature their music line up for the month in Thunder Roads Florida!

Being a bit exhausted from trotting from one bike rally to the next, I decided to use my very first Pony Tales from March 2007…just a bit of nostalgia and a stark reality of how much time has passed, and how life has evolved. Forgive me for boring any who read this 19 years ago…The photo is me 19 years ago at my first Harley Rendezvous.

“I best confess up front I am a “newby” to the world of biking. This year I rode on the back of my first Harley, bought my first chaps, got my MC license, and owned my first bike. This has been a world of new experiences for a 52-year-old in her midlife crisis. At my first weekend bike event, the Harley Rendezvous in New York someone called me a Rally Virgin…little did I know how right they were. There I learned about outhouses, tent camping, “Pervert Alley” and how really great bikers are. Bull, my introduction into this fun and crazy world (also the original owner of Thunder Roads Florida), calls me “Miss Snooty Pants” and there probably is some truth to that. My friends and I from BM (Before Motorcycles) certainly had no idea how much charity bikers do or how close knit the biker family can be. I have so become a MC addict that I have already left my Honda Rebel for an 883 Sportster and have my eye on a Dyna. I was told recently 300,000 women bought bikes this year which gives me a sense of peace knowing I am not alone in this insanity. The excitement and freedom of the ride is part of the allure, but I must admit there is just something to the bad boy image. Motorcycles are just sexy and even though I enjoy being on my own bike I still like climbing on behind Bull for a night on the town. There is nothing hotter than seeing him on his Harley in his leathers. I really wish we had more chilly weather in the Sunshine State, so he’d put on his chaps more often.

And sadly, Bull died 5 months after this was written in July, I ended up owning the magazine and with the help of many have spent the past 19 years living in this world of motorcycles. Now I spend most of the year on a bike behind TJ who is the force behind Thunder Roads Florida and my business partner. This spring we hit Thunder by The Bay, Bike Week, Leesburg Bike Fest, Thunder Beach, and Myrtle Beach Bike Week. Add to that all the weekend events and bike nights we stay busy. Thank you to all our ad clients who help us bring this free magazine about the motorcycle lifestyle to our readers and to the readers for making the work worthwhile!!!!

By Lulu

As anyone who ventured out to the Cabbage Patch Bike Week 2026 knows, major construction is occurring right out front. So, a huge group shot was taken to commemorate the bar as we have all loved and known it. Really, I don’t think that much will change with the roundabout once the construction is done…hope that happens before Biketoberfest. Another tribute I snapped several shots of is the Cabbage Patch Bike created in memory of Ronnie Sr. and the 100th Anniversary of Cabbage Patch Bar. Randy’s Cycle Shack from Telford, PA did all the labor, XLXBhorsepower from Reading, PA did the heads and bored the cylinders. Mondello’s Auto Body from Willow Grove, PA did the paint. Irocks Detailing cleaned and polished it. All of these guys that helped create the bike are from Pennsylvania. Of course, Bike Week Cabbage Patch has bands, bike shows, vendors, food, and World-Famous Coleslaw Wrestling! But don’t wait for Biketoberfest. Ride out to The Patch for a cold one anytime of the year, the staff are always happy to pour you something wet!

By Lulu

Don’t know how many times I must say this, but this is my favorite Bike Show all year long! Love the band…Duval County Line. Love the shade trees and the throng of people out back! Love that no matter how many times I come which now has been 18 (adding together Bike Week and Biketoberfest) I ALWAYS see something newly created, something inspiring to those who create these masterpieces. PLUS, and MOST importantly to me, is that Willie and his entire crew do this with LOVE…love of motorcycles, love of bikers, love of the culture, love of veterans! In case you live under a rock and haven’t been to Chopper Time. The liquor sales, including tips go to help the Veteran’s Support Fund! Even A-OK Guns gets in on the action, auctioning off guns during the event to benefit the veterans. For that reason alone, show up during Biketoberfest have a cold one, listen to great music, enjoy the people, and view the impressive collection of rides, buy a gun raffle ticket to support Willie’s endeavor. Biketoberfest is a wonderful time to come if you haven’t been, the place isn’t as mobbed during the fall rally. Perfect time to be a Chopper Time virgin. See you there!!
WINNERS
BLINGS CHOICE-CHRIS STEPNOSKI
BOBBER-MIKE STAHL
BRITISH-JOHN BUNKLEY
CHOPPER-J RYAN
CROWD FAVORITE-JOHN COOPER
CUSTOM & BARBIE’S CHOICE-DREW JAMES
CYCLE SOURCE CHOICE-LEE LEWIS
DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS CHOICE-BROCK BRIDGES
EVO-DEAN TEMPLETON
FLATTY-DOUG YOUNG
KNUCKLE-NICK RESTY
LADIES BUILD-MISSY SHOEMAKER
METRIC-KEVIN NELSON
MOONSHINER CHUCKS CHOICE-DJ
PAINT-CORY G
PANHEAD & TROPICAL TATTOO CHOICE-TELLY “THE GREEK”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-SCOTT PETLOCK
RAT BIKE-BRIAN DJEMIAN
REV AL’S CHOICE-STEPHANIE SCHILL
ROADSIDE’S CHOICE-JERRY MEROLA
SHOVEL-MARSHALL
SHOVELHEAD COALITION CHOICE-DUSTIN CRAMER
SPORTSTER-ERIE HULL
TWIN CAM-JESSE SRPAN
WHITE KNUCKLER CHOICE-GORDON OLLIFF
WILLIE’S HARDCORE-ZACH GOSTELI