By Lulu

August 2020 right smack during Covid, Jeff and Jennifer opened Pelican Landing on 123 San Marco in St. Augustine. This bar in the past has had a good following of bikers and being a motorcycle enthusiast Jeff has started a bike night in the historic area of St. Augustine with live music and drink specials. The bike night already fills the parking lot and with outside music on the covered deck it is a perfect spot to watch the bikes roll in which is what bikers love. In historic St. Augustine parking is a problem, Pelican Landing has the largest private parking lot in town, also separate bike only parking too. Jeff is from Stone Mountain, Georgia and moved here 2 years ago with his adorable wife Jennifer who is originally from California. They moved here and opened Pelican Pub which they still own at 2085 S. A1A in St. Augustine. According to them, they have been “in and out” of the bar business “forever”. Jeff started riding dirt bikes as a kid and his first Harley was a Pan Head at 16, then an Iron Head and every generation of Harley’s since. Now he mostly rides his 2021 CVO or his 2014 Ultra Classic, although he has some old school stuff in his stable of bikes too. Jeff and Jennifer are involved in charity work through the Shriners and Masons which Jeff is a member of. They also are thrilled to host poker runs at either bar to help local causes. Pelican Landing is a full liquor bar with ice cold beer. A bar on the outside deck and a huge bar inside complete the property. They have a full kitchen and I tried their Mahi Tacos and can say their recipe is awesome. On Mondays they have a hot dog vendor and the kitchen is closed. Tuesdays they have just started Trivia from 7-9pm and the first one had a good crowd, so if you think you have a bit of knowledge come out and test it against others! Wednesday is Bike Night sponsored by Adamec H-D with live music from 6-9pm. They also feature live music Tuesday-Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon.

Pelican Pub on A1A has 25 cent drafts on Monday, $1.50 bottles on Wednesday and darts on Thursday.

Take a ride to St. Augustine and hopefully get a chance to meet Jeff and Jennifer, they are genuinely interesting and friendly…and owners that really ride. They even showed up to ride with the Mystery Riders out of The Boat Bar in Port Orange to the Americana Bike Show at OB’s in pouring rain!

WOW, what a month of tears. Between our friend Cap’s death and the outpouring of love and support for Suzy Q, then Willie’s Ride, that Cap was organizing before his death and the amazing support the motorcycling community, local businesses and great people showed for my friend Willie Jones…I am exhausted from tears of sorrow, tears of joy and shear emotional stress. But healing has begun for us all because we hold each other up and help each other out. Love is the salve that saves us in grief and tribulations.

Willie’s Run was incredible, particularly since we had picked Father’s Day which many had to spend with their “Birthing People”…LOL. The following morning a cardinal was looking right at me when I walked out on the pool deck. It looked at me, seemed to nod and then flew off. I haven’t seen a cardinal in the yard before. I don’t really believe in this kind of stuff, but I got a feeling Cap was saying “thanks”.

So, for Cap I must say “thank you” to the businesses, bars, bartenders, volunteers, and each one of you who took several days out of the month of June to help us all heal from the financial strains of unexpected tragedies, from the emotional toll of injuries and death, from the uncertainties of what these events of life will bring. Right now, Suzy knows things she didn’t know a month ago…she knows she is loved by so many; she knows Cap was admired by men and women that his warmth had touched over the years.

She also knows life can change in an instant, and I hope she has found a strength to find her way through this loss with all our love to aid her. Willie knows things he didn’t know almost 2 months ago: pain hurts, being really sick sucks, his wife is way more amazing than he could have possibly known before, that life is very, very precious and that you don’t recover so quickly when you get old. He knows how much we all appreciate what he has done for so many in the past, particularly the veterans. He also has learned that it is okay to cry; he laughs that he may have been given women’s blood when he needed transfusions, as he has been quite emotional through his fight for recovery. I think he is beginning to feel like he will be okay. He seems a bit stronger, that humor and sparkle in his eye is back. And the tears have dried up. In closing today, I have seen again what remarkable people this world of riding motorcycles has allowed me to know. And for that I thank you all…

Ride like your life is in danger, tell someone you love them and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Phoenix and Metric

Memorial Day means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some people it means the first day of summer with outdoor BBQ’s, beaches, and an extended weekend. However, for many Patriotic Americans and Veterans it means a whole lot more. Especially, if you have lost a family member, loved one or a battle buddy in service to the nation. In light of the pathetic attitude of many “so called” Americans and the growing socialist movement to erase our history, it is more important now than ever for ALL Americans to come together and pause to remember the sacrifice of our Veterans. So many have given their lives so that we can enjoy our freedoms. In order for you to enjoy your day at the beach there was another generation of Americans who had to sacrifice their lives on the beaches of Normandy, in the deserts of Iraq, in the jungles of Vietnam or countless other places around the globe. Memorial Day is NOT a “Happy” occasion. It is a day of “Remembrance.” Like Arlington and most other cemeteries, Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Highlands County takes time to remember all the Veterans that are entombed there. Along with help from Bob’s Vet’s, Veterans-in-Arms VMC, VFW 4300 Color Guard, the Highlands County Sherriff Office Honor Guard, Sebring HS AFJROTC, and the great staff at Lakeview Memorial Gardens this year’s event was one of the best in recent years. “Gone But Not Forgotten.”

By Ron Cox

Today I rode in the Inaugural Harleys for the House Charity Poker Chip Run to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) of SWFL. The run started and ended at Rockstar H-D in Ft. Myers and was organized by Dominique & Michael Tregunno.

Riders from all over registered at Rockstar H-D and then headed out to card stops at Ronald McDonald House, Anthony’s on the Boulevard and Biker Bay, collecting poker chips at all stops. Upon returning the riders were treated to a free BBQ lunch and beverages. The ride raised $600 for RMHC.

A band was playing throughout the afternoon as riders viewed the vendor’s wares and purchased raffle and 50/50 tickets. Lovely ladies were on hand for the bike wash. Dave Calvert won the best hand.

As you may know Ronald McDonald Houses serve as a “home-away-from-home” for families of children receiving care at nearby hospitals and medical facilities by providing inexpensive lodging for families who travel long distances while their children undergo treatment.

All in all, it was a wonderful day for a very worthwhile cause.

By Lulu

Since the pandemic we never know what to expect at the events we attend, some are poorly attended or even cancelled. Eustis Music Fest was a pleasant surprise! It has certainly grown and has spilled from the waterfront park into the city streets with 3 stages of live music, vendors, and bike and sound competitions hosted by Radical Randy. We love the waterfront park with the cool breeze coming in off the lake! A friend had suggested Tilley’s for lunch and the burger and Reuban sandwich was amazing! I have to say the small town of Eustis stepped up to the plate to put on a wonderful 3-day rally, and by the size of the crowd bikers were happy to stroll the streets and enjoy the chance to be out listening to music again!

By Horny Dave

Arriving at World Golf Village on a perfect April morning was like stepping into a time machine. Over 260 antique motorcycles made up of American, British, European, Japanese, racing and more surrounded the lake in this picturesque setting. The entire evolution of bikes was on display not to mention 16 from Chris Adamec’s and 6 from Barber Motorsports Park & Museum’s personal collections. Vendors were abundant and scattered throughout and included Adamec Harley-Davidson, one of the oldest dealerships in America, custom builders, painting, parts, and of course local food trucks serving hunger busting meals. (Proceeds from the event benefit K9s For Warriors, a local nonprofit who has been pairing trained rescue dogs and veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

The Grand Marshall, Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars, presided over the event and presented the awards with event chairman Bill Peterson. After taking last year off, this year proved to be the largest one to date. As a motorcycle enthusiast myself, I found Riding Into History to be not only a chance to experience living antique motorcycle history through the bikes but also through the stories of those who lived it. Opportunities to listen to others and their experiences and perspectives, combined with the bikes is what makes this event so special. Ride in to see all of the antique motorcycles, owners, and enthusiasts at next year’s Riding Into History, let’s make it the biggest one yet!

By Lulu

Since Leesburg Partnership has suspended their yearly bike rally due to the pandemic, Jan and the staff at Gator Harley took the beast by the horns and gave bikers a place in the fall and in the spring to ride their bikes, listen to great music, shop and spend some bucks with vendors that desperately needed a place to sell their wares and have a cold brew or two. This year Big Engine, Torn, Bar Fly, Sheri & the Rockafellas, and Hypersona filled the dealerships property with great music. It takes a lot of work to put on a major event and Jan is one of the best at diving right in and making great things happen. Thank you, Gator, for trying to make life normal again!

By Phoenix and Metric

When it comes to putting on events for our local Veterans few organizations work harder than the folks from the Battle of the Bands. The most recent event was the “Bringing it Home for our Heroes” event at the Lakeshore Mall in Sebring. The four-day event was filled with great food trucks, vendors, poker run, car, and bike show. Fifteen live bands from all over came to rock the house. Despite the bad weather on Saturday and rescheduling those events for Sunday the event was a great success. In addition to the Vet-Jam events, the Battle of the Bands host a Veterans Day dinner and a Christmas tree ceremony every December 7th to honor all branches of service to this country. Annie and her crew are already planning for their next “BIG” event. The Vet Jam “End of Summer Fest” will be September 4th and 5th at the Moose Lodge in Sebring. So, mark your calendars and we will see you there. When you get there tell Annie you heard about the event in Thunder Roads Florida!!!

So, I need you to do what bikers do best! And that is help a brother in need.
There is a poker run for an icon in the motorcycle world…Willie…owner of Tropical Tattoo. You may not know him. You may be a tattoo virgin. But Willie is one of my dearest friends and was out doing what bikers love best…riding with friends, heading down Main Street for a party at Boot Hill to celebrate Cochise Chops Magazines 100th issue, when a drunk lady plowed into him coming out of a one-way street going the wrong way! And then she fled. His friends pursued and stopped her, holding the hot mess for the police. Willie thankfully had a helmet on, but his chest took the brunt of it. He ended up with ribs that were shattered resulting in the need for chest tubes. A bad internal infection developed in his chest and required a transfer to Shand’s Hospital in Gainesville. ALL of THIS was a long, hard road to recovery and even at this writing our fingers are crossed and knees are bent praying for a full recovery!

By Lulu

Donnie and Amy owners at 3-D Saloon consider their bar a second home for their family of patrons. So, celebrating happens in the bar MANY times a year, but they celebrated their 8th anniversary with Bar Tab Bingo, an 8 Ball Tournament, free amazing BBQ chicken and great live music by Lazy J. & Company. We love these barkeeps! If you are riding near downtown Palatka, stop in and see them! This is a full liquor bar with good prices and ice-cold beer. They ride and love to see peeps come to visit on two wheels!

By Lulu

Copperhead Lodge Saloon is right down the highway from Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg on 441, so it was certainly the place to wet your whistle after Harley and vendor shopping during Gator Harley’s Spring Rally. Smoking hot bartenders were happy to keep the ice-cold beer and stiff cocktails coming with a smile on their pretty faces!! All of them were so sweet to pose for photos with peeps! On Friday and Saturday, they had great live music which got people on the dance floor. When you are traveling through or near Leesburg stop in and visit the friendly staff at Copperheads.

By Lulu

One of my favorite events of the year I had to miss this spring. Bobby Friss rocks O’Calahan’s in Silver Springs and packs the house. Our rep Jason on the West Coast attended the bash and provided the photos of the night. Nefty has great live music the first Saturday of each month and the food is always great at O’Calahan’s. So, get on your scoot and ride in for one of their monthly bike nights this summer or fall! Bearded Brothers are playing June 5th which is always a crowd favorite and Raging Woody is featured in July! See ya there.

By Lulu

Well, hell! I didn’t get to make this party but the food provided by the 63-year-old birthday boy looks like I missed the party of the year! This has been a yearly event at The Inn Between on Old New York Avenue in Deland. Ethan and Nicole had a full house to sling drinks and ice-cold beer to, while the band Valhalla rocked the crowd out back. I must thank Gator Ken for filling in for me as we had a prior commitment in Panama City Beach to attend and Jeani who usually shoots for us was a bit under the weather. Ken reported back the food was awesome and Nicole a knock-out!

If you haven’t ridden out to The Inn Between it is a great destination ride and a place to cool your pipes! They do have live blues on Saturdays usually 3-7pm. Their number to check for live music is 386-489-9271,

By Lulu

If you haven’t made a recent trip to lakefront Tavares you must. They have renovated the entire lakefront business district with brick paved streets. For T.J., a really “Cool Joint” requires being “cigar friendly” which Hemingway’s at 126 W. Ruby St. certainly is. Owner, Andy Thompson, bought Hemingway’s Wine, Beer & Cigar Bar 6 months ago and his friendly personality, hard work and business sense is paying off as the business has been rapidly growing. Andy was born in Marion, Indiana but moved as a child to Deland, Florida. He worked with his family in their recycling business, then ended up as a senior manager in food service in Atlanta, Georgia. I am sure that has helped in knowing how to make and keep NEW customers! This is his first bar and when I asked what made him take the leap into having his own business he answered, “Personal dream…right price…right time!” A father of two sons he gave up motorcycling earlier in his life, although he built his own bike in his youth. Now owning Hemingway’s, I doubt he has much time for ANY pastimes or recreation, as he is always onsite when I stop in.

The bar is open 7 days a week, Mon-Thurs 2pm-12am, Fri & Sat 2pm-2am and Sun noon-10pm. What makes this a Cool Joint for cigar lovers like T.J. is a walk-in humidor with 50+ varieties and prices that range from $4 to $29 dollars. So many bars don’t allow cigar smoking so whether you want to sit outside on the patio with a view of the lake and passersby or sit right up at the bar with one of their ice-cold beers you won’t be annoying anyone! They have craft drafts including Guinness. long necks reasonably prices at $3 and wine by the glass or bottle. Happy hour is Mon-Fri 4-7pm $1 off drafts or wine of your choosing. The bar also has pool and darts. Saturdays they have GOOD karaoke starting at 8pm, Tuesdays is High Stax poker at 6pm. They do have live music on Fridays and you can follow them on Facebook to see when it is scheduled or call 352-508-9771. Check out their website at Tavareswinebar.com too!