By Lulu

Heavy Kastrul from Midwest Motorcycle has a reason to celebrate, another successful year doing what he loves, living and breathing motorcycling. Heavy and Christine from Midwest have thrown one of the biggest events of the year at Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach each February for the past several years. The weather God kept the skies dry just long enough to have a successful day of music with Crashrocket, a bike show with some great creations and the unique trophies presented on stage to the winners. Scott Foxx from Capone was onsite with a few of his custom bikes he is building at Midwest. These bikes start at $15,000 for unique rides that are insurable and able to be financed. See more pictures of the event at Thunder Roads Florida Facebook.

Dennis Hernandez & Associates, PA

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, your insurance company may use these tactics to try and reduce your claim compensation!

They can pay the same doctors over and over to testify against accident victims.

The defense can claim your ongoing pain has another source Laws designed to protect the insurance companies leave juries in the dark

Insurance companies have a pool of defense doctors that they often call upon to testify against the victim who received injuries so minor that they went away in 90 days. They testify that the continued medical treatment required for the patient was necessary but unrelated to the crash.

The defense can claim your ongoing pain has another source.

The defense scours every medical record of the injured person to find any neck, back, head, shoulder, or knee complaint in their prior medical history. No matter how long ago this complaint was documented, the defense attorney and defense doctors will hone in on this particular record. In other words, they will say the injured person was already hurt before this crash. In addition to claiming any accident-related injuries went away in 90 days, the defense doctor will also say all the victim’s medical treatment after that point was merely coincidental. The defense will claim those additional treatments would have been needed whether or not the crash occurred because of the previous medical condition. However, many of us have reported pain in various parts of our body over the course of our lifetime. That does not mean we experience that pain on a daily basis the crash, doesn’t it only make sense that the pain in those areas must have gone away as well?

Few people have spotless records of “no injuries” or “no pain” to any part of their body throughout their lifetime. Their reason if a victim is over 20 years old, then he/she is subject to degenerative natural aging processes. Therefore, they argue it is not unusual for people 30 to 60 years old to need spine surgeries simply because they are getting older.

I have seen defense lawyers who note nothing was found in the victim’s prior medical records for the neck, back, or shoulder. Despite this, they still leave the impression something else must have happened other than the horrific crash to cause the victim’s injuries. Believe it or not, some juries actually end up believe this nonsense.

Laws designed to protect the insurance companies leave juries in the dark.

In one case I tried, the defense brought in a sweet woman close to 70 years old to sit at their table.

They introduced her as a “corporate representative” of the company being sued. The truth was she knew nothing about the crash and was not even an employee of the company. The judge did not allow me to question her in front of the jury or tell the jury who she was. Consequently, the jury likely believed any verdict decided would have been entered against this sweet older lady, instead of the defendant company – which had an ample amount of insurance coverage. No lawyer in his or her right mind would bring a case against an individual or corporation within adequate insurance to cover the claim. Florida’s Non-Joinder Statute does not allow disclosure to the jury of the amount of insurance available for the victim to recover.

The defendant’s lawyers, who are appointed by the insurance company, can claim a verdict against their clients would be devastating. In reality, neither the individual nor the corporation will ever pay a dime. This is just another insurance trick to avoid paying what they rightfully owe.

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By Lulu

Bay 3 Bar in New Smyrna Beach is known for being the locals second home. Not only are the beers ice cold and inexpensive, the staff and owners are super friendly. But what sets this bar apart from many is the involvement of their patrons. If a charity or party is planned…everyone participates. So, I should not have been surprised when TJ and I along with Royce and Kenny entered the back building with our crockpots, full of what we thought would be chili winning contenders, and 22 crockpots were already lined up…and that we probably would be on the losing end of this contest. The chilis were of all types and heat levels. Royce and Kenny’s “3 Ring Circus” had 3 meats, 3 beans and 3 peppers…the surprise meat in theirs was gator…and was honestly my favorite, much better than mine. But the winning chili was exceptional.

By Lulu

A crazy way to spend an evening, much better than watching the news or game shows on your giant TV set, is to get on your bike and ride out for what Jeff bills as “the most fun you can have with your clothes on” and buy into a night of Dirty Bingo. It gets rowdy, so it is not for the faint of heart! We spent an evening at The Hideout for a night of games and I was lucky enough to win a fancy bong…not having much need for it I traded it with the birthday girl who was Jonesing for one…and went home with her pretty pink dildo! The next visit with Jeff & Nina for some dobbing fun was at Crossroads Tavern in Bunnell. Janice and the crew filled the place up and my friend Danny somehow ended up with a T-shirt that read “I shaved my balls for this”. The going price for a full night of bingo is $20. You have chances during the night of winning some of Nina’s famous pudding shots, bottles of liquor, sexually themed prizes or 420 type gifts…but you certainly will go home having had some laughs! See their ad in this issue for dates and times. Currently they are scheduled throughout the month at Dog House in Port Orange, The Hideout Lounge in Holly Hill, Crossroads Tavern in Bunnell, Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, Mark & Jill’s Village Tavern in Port Orange, and VFW Post 3282 Port Orange. If you are a bar interested in booking them…there is no cost to the bar for them to entertain your peeps. And it is a fun night for a birthday party or girls’ night out!

By Lulu

Friends can make life easier even in difficult times. So, when some of Mike’s friends heard his medical needs were mounting Cindy and a whole bunch of friends threw a scavenger hunt to show a little love! Starting and stopping at The Hideout Lounge in Holly Hill they made stops along the way including The Boat Bar, Chris’ Lounge, Circus Bar 2 and Troy’s Pub. TJ and Cap had to help Scott Foxx with some bike issue so he did not get to ride by Mike’s house although that was part of the planned day. It seems like just knowing how much people care can be the best medicine! Thank you to The Hideout, Cindy & Sandrine, and everyone who took their day to ride for Mike!

By Lulu

In Seminole County one of the busiest and most fun HOG groups puts on a yearly event for charity. This year the 26th Valentine Poker Run got severely rained on!! Thunder, lightning, and GALLONS of rain put a damper on the size of the event and ended up moving us from check in directly to the end stop for the party. NO stops in between. It was a good call by the organizers as safety should always be a priority. Proceeds of this and other charity work they do goes to Orlando Bahia Shriners, a scholarship for a local college student, Daytona Veterans Home, Wreaths Across America, Street Forces and Ribbon Riders. Live music kept the riders’ spirits from being dampened. Thank you SCHOG, Inc. for a great time and for all the good work you do.

MARCH 4-6 (Thursday-Saturday)

2021 FLORIDA SUNSHINE NATIONALS MEET-NEW SMYRNA BEACH, 625 Tomoka Farms Rd., honoring the US Navy, antique bike show, swap meet, low country seafood boil, field games, AMCA judging, SunshineAMCA.org

MARCH 4-14 (Thursday-Sunday)

SPACE COAST HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE RALLY-PALM BAY, Space Coast H-D, 1440 Sportsman Lane NE, live music, vendors, stunts by Busted Knuckle, free bikini bike wash, full liquor bar, food, spacecoastharley.com

MARCH 5 (Friday)

TRIBUTE TO AC/DC-DAYTONA BEACH, Hard Rock, 918 N A1A, Shoot to Thrill, 8p

TOBACCO RD. BAND-ORANGE CITY, Dale’s Ales, 2400 N. Volusia Ave., 7-11p,

TWISTED TEA BIKE WEEK KICK OFF PARTY-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 S. Nova Rd., Big Engine 7p

WHEY JENNINGS-IRON HORSE SALOON, 8:30-10:30P

STUNTWORKS-DELAND, OB’S, 1750 N Hwy 17, Stuntworks: 2, 4, 6 & 8pm, Joe Santana 3-6p

MUSIC AT RENEGADES-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, CR 306, Rocking Machine 1-5pm, Stonegrey 7-11p

MARCH 5-14 (Friday-Sunday)

80^TH ANNIVERSARY OF DAYTONA BIKE WEEK AT BRUCE ROSSMEYER’S DESTINATION DAYTONA & DAYTONA HARLEY-DAVIDSON-ORMOND BEACH, Vendors, live music, bike shows, concerts free live Jackyl concert 3/13, Rhett Rottens Wall of Death, brucerossmeyer.com

ST. AUGUSTINE ADAMEC H-D BIKE RALLY-ST. AUGUSTINE, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd., vendors, beer, food, music. Demo truck 11a-5p,

THUNDER IN THE PAVILION-PORT ORANGE, The Pavilion, 5501 S. Williamson, live music, vendors, Twisted Tea and beer products, more, Saving Abel 3/13 7:30p

MARCH 6 (Saturday)

MISS DOG HOUSE BIKINI CONTEST-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 S. Nova Rd., 3p

REDNECK GAMES-HOLLY HILL, The Hideout Lounge, 1120 Derbyshire Blvd.

BOBBY FRISS-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 8-10p

SALIVA-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke 9p

BAD APPLE BASH-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke

VFW 4250 AUXILLARY BENEFIT BIKE RUN-NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Ruthy’s Cozy Kitchen, 618 W. Canal St., Reg 11a, $10, stops include Legion Post 359, Legion Post 1, AMVETS Post 2, VFW Post 4250, live music, Chix BBQ, 50/50

CHILI COOKOFF-DELAND, The Inn Between, 2486 Old New York Ave., live music by Bad Actors 3-7p

FULL THROTTLE BIKE SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona HD, brucerossmeyer.com

OB’S RUMBLE & RALLY BIKE SHOW-DELAND, OB’s, 1750 N Woodland Blvd., vendors, food truck, live music all day, cool prizes & trophies, 5 category bike show: pan, shovel, evo, sportster & rat, 10am-til, tattoo contest with $100 cash prize and tattoo $250 gift card judged by Willie from Tropical Tattoo sponsored by Yuengling best male & female, stunt show by Stunt Works noon, 2p, 4p, 6p, 8p, cornhole & beer specials

MUSIC AT RENEGADES-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, CR 306, OBK 1-5p, 4PLAY 7-11p

FROZEN T CONTEST- DAYTONA, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 3p

MARCH 7 (Sunday)

KING OF THE KITCHEN FUN RUN-DELAND, OB’s, 1750 N Hwy 17, Reg 9a donuts & coffee, KSU 10:15a, $10 pp, stops include Dale’s Ales, Foxhead, First Turn, Waldens & Main Street Station, live music Big Engine, food, raffles, auction

BLUES JAM-DELAND, The Inn Between, 2486 Old New York Ave., King Be, 3-7pm

BOBBY FRISS-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 8-10p

WARREN LANE TRUE GRIT GATHERING-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke

BIKER SUNDAY-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 306, $1.75 Dom drafts, $3.50 wells, Mr. Natural Karaoke 1-5p

FREE BBQ-SATSUMA, Hermit’s Cove Marina, 482 Cove Dr., afternoon

KICK OFF PARTY-PORT ORANGE, The Boat Bar, 5395 S. Ridgewood Ave., live music by License to Steal, food

1^ST ANNUAL FLYING PISTON BUILDERS BREAKFAST-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, Pavilion, benefits AllKidsBike,

shop.brucerossmyer.com

HARDCORE CYCLES BIKE SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D, noon, brucerossmeyer.com

MARCH 9 (Tuesday)

BATTLE OF THE BAGGERS-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., reg 11, $20 entry each class, vendors, live music

CYCLE SOURCE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke

DIRTY BINGO-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 S. Nova Rd., 7p

RUSTY WALLACE MEET & GREET-BROKEN SPOKE, US 1, 2-3pm

MARCH 10 (Wednesday)

V TWIN VISIONARY BIKE SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, Pavilion, Reg 9-11a, 11a-3p show, 4p judging & awards, brucerossmeyer.com

FAT TIRE VOODOO RANGER PROMO-PORT ORANGE, First Turn Steakhouse, 5236 S. Ridgewood Ave., 4-6p, Playin Possum 6p

COLESLAW WRESTLING-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., noon, vendors, live music, Big Engine 7p

CREED FISHER-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 10p-midnight

RUSTY WALLACE MEET & GREET-BROKEN SPOKE, US 1, 2-3pm

PEREWITZ PAINT SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke, US 1, awards 4 p

MIDGET WRESTLING-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 S. Nova Rd., 6p

MARCH 11 (Thursday)

CHOPPER TIME-ORMOND BEACH, Tropical Tattoo, 825 S. Yonge St., 11-5, live music, great school bike show, beer sales benefits vets, tattoos!

GENEVA-DAYTONA, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 10p-1am

FAT TIRE VOODOO RANGER PROMO-PORT ORANGE, First Turn Steakhouse, 5236 S. Ridgewood Ave., 4-6p, Tawyna Reynolds from The Voice at 2p

LEATHER LADIES MEET & GREET-DAYTONA BEACH, Dirty Harry’s, Main St., 1p-until

MOLLY HATCHET-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 S. Nova Rd., 8p

BOBBY FRISS-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke

HIGHWAY TO HELL-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 10-midnight

TIM DUGGER-DAYTONA BEACH, Hard Rock Hotel, A1A

SOUND SHOWDOWN-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., 11a, 5 classes, vendors, live music

SOUTHERNBOY BAGGERS BIKE SHOW-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., Reg 11a, cash prizes, $25 entry per class, vendors, live music

MARCH 12 (Friday)

RUSTY WALLACE MEET & GREET-BROKEN SPOKE, US 1, 3-4p

HIGHWAY TO HELL-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 10-midnight

TATTOO CONTEST-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, $500 tattoo voucher best male/female tattoo, sponsor Yuengling, judge Willie Tropical

SOUND BULLIES BIKES ON THE BEACH BIKES & BASS FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, Pavilion, Reg for bike show 4-7p, Reg for sound comp 4-6p, trophies 10p, brucerossmeyer.com

COWBOY-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 8-9:30p

DENNIS KIRKS GARAGE BUILD SHOW-ORMOND BEACH, Broken Spoke

FROZEN T CONTEST- DAYTONA, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 2p

TRIBUTE TO METALLICA-DAYTONA BEACH, Hard Rock, 918 N A1A, Whiplash, 8p

MUSIC AT RENEGADES-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, CR 306, Rocking Machine, 1-5p, Overkilt 7-11p

DEAF DUCK MINIBIKE EXTRAVAGANZA-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., vendors, live music

GUNSHY-SOUTH DAYTONA, Mark’s Sports Bar, 2045 S. Ridgewood Ave, 9p

MAX Q BAND-HOLLY HILL, The Hideout Lounge, 1120 Derbyshire Blvd.

BURNING BIKE AFTER PARTY-DELAND, OB’s, 1750 N Hwy 17, Fat Tire Promo Babes 9p

BIG WHEEL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT RIDE-DAYTONA BEACH, One Daytona, KSU 11a

BURNING BIKE-VOLUSIA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, dark

MARCH 12-14 (Friday-Sunday)

IVES BROTHERS WALL OF DEATH-ST. AUGUSTINE, Adamec H-D St. Augustine, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd., adamecharley.com

MARCH 13 (Saturday)

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JASON “YOUNGBLOOD” DELL-EDGEWATER, Boozefighters 68 Clubhouse, 200 West Park Ave., 1P-TIL

OLDEST BOOT HILL T-SHIRT CONTEST-DAYTONA, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 3p, 386-258-9506

ADAM JAMES SOCIETY- SOUTH DAYTONA, Mark’s Sports Bar, 2045 S. Ridgewood Ave., 9p

COWBOY-ORMOND BEACH, Iron Horse Saloon, 10p-12a

KORY SOUZA ORIGINALS NO CLASS BIKE SHOW-DAYTONA BEACH, Ocean Center, 101 N Atlantic Ave., 1p-midnight, FREE ENTRY to public, $40 to reg bike for show and $40 to enter SOS sound competition starts at 2p, pre-reg online load in 11a-1p, awards at 10p, live entertainment, bar & food available

ALLEYWAY KUSTOMS BIKE SHOW-ST. AUGUSTINE, Adamec H-D St. Augustine, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd., 6 classes, $4000 in prizes, pro builder invitational, open to public, $10 to enter bike, Reg 9-11a, open to public, adamecharley.com

FREE JACKYL CONCERT-ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D, 1637 N US 1, Pavilion 6-10p, brucerossmeyer.com

MUSIC AT RENEGADES-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 306, Sound Theory noon-5p, Home Grown 7-11p

BLUES JAM-DELAND, The Inn Between, 2486 Old New York Ave., King Be, 3-7p

STONEGREY-DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., 6-9p

COLESLAW WRESTLING-SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, 549 Tomoka Farm Rd., noon, vendors, live music, Big Engine 7p

BIG WHEEL WOMEN RUMBLE NIGHT-DAYTONA BEACH, Hard Rock Hotel, 918 A1A, 11:45a, 1p-til, sound competition

SAVING ABEL CONCERT-PORT ORANGE, The Pavilion, 5501 S. Williamson, FREE, 7:30p

MARCH 14 (Sunday)

SUNDAY RUN DAY-DELAND, OB’S, 1750 N Hwy 17, live music by Jasmin Cain, 2-6p, beer, booze, burgers & dogs, $12 dom buckets, $5 hot dogs & fries basket

BLUES JAM-DELAND, The Inn Between, 2486 Old New York Ave., Boodie Winkle Band, 3-7pm

FREE BBQ-SATSUMA, Hermit’s Cove Marina, 482 Cove Dr., afternoon

BIKE WEEK SURVIVOR PARTY-PORT ORANGE, The Dog House, 3400 Nova Rd. Reed Foley 3p, Adam James Society 4p

TAWNYA REYNOLDS FROM THE VOICE-PORT ORANGE, First Turn Steakhouse, 5236 S. Ridgewood Ave., 3P

BIKER SUNDAY-CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 306, $1.75 Dom drafts, $3.50 wells, Mr. Natural Karaoke 1-5p

BIKE WEEK SURVIVOR PARTY-ORANGE CITY, Dale’s Ales, 2400 N Volusia Ave., Gunshy 3-7p

SURVIVOR PARTY-DELAND, OB’S, 1750 N Hwy 17, Jasmine Cain, $12 dom buckets, free BBQ

By Lulu

What was to be an interview about the People’s Choice winner at OB’s Russ & Bob’s Panhead, Shovelhead & Antique Bike Show turned out to be one of the most interesting days I have spent as owner of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine. I would have to say it was right up there with interviewing Grizzly Adams (Dan Haggerty) and Eddie Trotta. Steve Coe is a motorcycle icon and nothing says that more than having been the 3rd male on the cover of Easyrider Magazine 1980’s. This was back in the day where the women inside were naked and his girlfriend at the time was featured inside. Gotta love a free spirit like that! The first two men making the cover were Malcolm Forbes and Peter Fonda! This man is a collector of bikes, bike parts…rooms and rooms and rooms of bikes. But let me say this collection addiction borders on hoarding…and he was asked to be on an episode of that show but declined!

I would say the difference between a true hoarder and a collector is Steve takes this stuff and makes it better than new. All types of projects are in various stages of renewal. Cars, particularly “Coe”vettes are hidden all over the property of “Coe”ville. You enter the maze of buildings to a sensory overload! Yes, there are motorcycles some you could only describe as basket cases, but eventually you arrive in a room that is a collector’s dream. I asked how many bikes and the answer was “75 running”. His collection of things is so impressive that he was on American Pickers Season 3, Episode 6. Barbara, Steve’s “Coe”Pilot in life has a tolerance for Steve’s avid collecting that most women would not have. She seems to just laugh it off, although then shares that she keeps a condo at the beach! Barbara ran the Boot Hill Saloon back in the 70’s and 80’s and met Coe there, although she became his Coepilot six years ago. I mentioned the motorcycles and cars. Steve also has a collection of sewing machines, pianos, bicycles, toys, mannequins, a tractor, a fire truck, and an unbelievable collection of chandeliers. Oh, and friends!

I attended one of his pool league nights at his compound and 15 people showed up. They have been playing pool weekly there for 30 years. Steve was born in Columbus, Ohio. Lived in California from 1966-1970 and then settled in Florida in 1973. His first bike was a 1968 Sportster with 7 miles on it that he bought for $1000 at 20 years old, which of course he still owns. He has been a jack of many trades working as a truck driver, mechanic, machinist, building demolition expert and actor. He was on America’s Most Wanted played a biker involved in a murder in Florida, his family saw the show and thought he really was wanted! His past time, other than tinkering on things that go fast, is of course racing them! He raced his motorcycle 28 years straight in Daytona and although his best finish was 2nd place his claim to fame is, he finished every race! He is also the Pace bike at Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed and does 68 laps for that event.

Coe went to Germany with the Chevy Davidson, a 2 wheeled motorcycle with a 350hp Chevy motor that he built in 1970. This was before there was a Boss Hoss. His most prized possession is this hemi trike that he built 25 years ago and racing legend Don Garlits drove it around the Daytona Speedway 20 years ago and recently had his picture taken on it at the Don Garlits Museum in Ocala.

So back to what brought me to Coeville. The winning bike was a 1907 Racycle. Racycles were a motorized bicycle looking motorcycle. He totally restored the bike in November of 2019. Steve even does his own paint. Racycles were manufactured by Miami Cycle & Manufacturing Company in Middleton, Ohio beginning in 1905.

His prize trike won him a trip to the Essen Motorcycle Show in Germany. This is truly a unique man with a passion for creating show pieces out of things most people would junk! Look him up on Facebook. He lets people come browse but be prepared to spend a bit of time. Most interviews take me an hour…I was at Coeville all afternoon!

By Lulu

27 years and counting…Midwest Motorcycles celebrated another year in February, and the birth of a new enterprise for 2021. “Heavy Eddie” Kastrul, owner of Midwest, has always lived motorcycles. Starting as a child on dirt bikes he knew early that motorcycles would be his life. Becoming a certified Harley mechanic, he began working in Chicago for Harley-Davidson. Ten years ago, Heavy “made the best decision of my life” when he moved to Florida to be with in his words “the love and support of my life” (Christine). Heavy went to work for BMW and eventually joined forces with Dan Johnson the founder of Midwest Motorcycles to run the Daytona store. The two agreed on a plan for Heavy to buy out the entire Midwest enterprise which includes the Sturgis location. Originally the first Midwest was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were the original Harley motorcycle rental business in 1991. Mr. Johnson had four locations: Minneapolis, Myrtle Beach, Sturgis, and Daytona Beach. With changing demographics, they closed Minneapolis and the Myrtle Beach location. Midwest does bike rental, motorcycle sales and service. They will sell your bike on consignment too. And service includes tires! The Sturgis location is 1844 Junction Avenue and the Daytona Beach store is at 444 N. Beach St. The store in Daytona is open six days a week from 10a-6p. Closed Wednesdays. Check out their website at MIDWESTMOTORCYCLE.COM.

Always wanting to get more involved with “the build”, Heavy met Scott Foxx, a world class builder who had moved to Daytona from Indianapolis in March 2020, and a partnership was forged. Scott’s unique builds have been on six covers and in more than 25 spreads in Easyrider Magazine. His creations have won Easyrider’s Best in Show 10 times…9 times in a row. Scott has built bikes for Sly Stallone, Billy Joel, and Frank from American Pickers. He also built the Lucas Oil bike that was displayed at the Colt’s stadium for years. His creativity certainly sets him apart from most. He has more than 300 builds under his belt since 2004, and just finished his latest in time for the Midwest Motorcycle Show at Beaver Bar in February. What started out as Pro Streets and Trikes with a Frisco, Board Tracker and Chicago Typewriter design; have evolved into unique bobber style bikes. He has always used Brad Bole for paint and Jerry Meek as his machinist on his winning creations. Scott has a motor vehicle manufacturing license which makes the builds able to be financed and insured. As a five-year-old child, Scott started BMX racing and still does. He is proud of one of his sons that holds the world record for being the youngest BMX racer at three years old. The BMX racing taught him motorcycle builds from the ground up.

So here is the good news. Scott is working with Heavy from Midwest to create one of a kind custom Bobbers with an affordable starting price of $15,000. Living in the Daytona Beach area his current fabricator is Bronson Mounce and paint can either be done by Brad Bole or Chad Chambers. Call Midwest or stop in and check these guys out 386-257-6265.

Well, our first issue of Thunder Roads Florida was March of 2007! Wow 14 years I have been living this crazy life. My first Pony Tales read:

I best confess up front I’m a “newbie” 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, calls me “Miss Snooty Pants” and there is probably 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.

It went on to talk about my Honda Rebel and my 883 and how sexy men are in leathers. But my original thoughts on motorcycling have only been affirmed. We are a fabulous group of fun loving, freedom worshipping, patriotic people, quick to dig in our pockets for $10 bucks to ride on a run for someone we may not even know. Oh, I forgot to say adventurous. The Mystery Riders we ride with each month love to explore on two wheels. You really should join us sometime. I no longer consider myself a “newbie” as I have ridden my own in the hills of Sturgis and spent more hours on the highways on two wheels than most! The magazine and motorcycling have taken me to many places I would never have been, including a couple Outlaws clubhouses, the Playboy Mansion and to the Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall. I have met many celebrity bikers that I am lucky to call friends: name dropping a few Doug from Sick Boys, Bill Grotto from Twisted Tea, Dan Haggerty (deceased), Eddie Trotta and Willie from Chopper Time. But in this episode the interviews with Steve Coe, Scott Foxx and Heavy Kastrul made me realize there are so many interesting people involved in this passion we call motorcycling.

So, I guess I will put a few more thousand miles on the highway and keeping churning this rag out for a few more years. Thank you for reading. We love you!!

By Lulu

Almost everyone who lives around the greater Daytona area knows about a diamond in the rough; a pretty, 45-minute ride from Destination Daytona. Renegade’s on the River is like finding an oasis in the desert when you ride into their property. A huge tiki bar is the main hub of activity complete with drinking, river view of the St. John’s River and great music…what more could a biker ask for. The restaurant inside has great food. I love the gator and they do breakfast on the weekends now. If you just get the munchies at the tiki try their Tuscan style pizza. You can order a whole pie or just buy a slice. We stayed the weekend of New Year’s in one of their homelike cabins. There is a pool too for warmer times of the year. If you like to fish, a bait shop is on site and they just added more than a dozen new RV sites so book your stay. If you are camping, bring your boat and just come out to play on the water. I intend to book a cabin here every New Year. It was so nice to toast in the New Year and stumble back to a cabin. The owners Donnie, Lisa, and Stacey King are fun loving people who love to hear your pipes roll in! See their ad for cabin and RV rentals. You will be glad you did! Take time to get on your bike and ride. There are all kinds of great places to wet your whistle out in God’s country. So, it is well worth a ride out to Crescent City for a day of exploring on two wheels!

By Lulu

19 years and even with COVID-19 still going strong! Once again OB’s in Deland was packed with extraordinary vintage motorcycles. Crashrocket rocked the stage. The adorable staff were slinging drinks as fast as they could. Five judges including Willie from Tropical Tattoo had their hands full trying to hone in on the best in each class. This event is always mid-November so make sure you look for their ads and come out for a great day. Next month the bike show winner Steve Coe who was a vintage racer will be a featured article. Kristi at OB’s has something going on all month long…every month. This month check out one of their Bike Nights on Wednesday or their Valentine Surf & Turf in their newly remodeled inside bar!!!

The Southwest Chapter of ABATE hosted its annual ride to the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veteran’s Home on December 20th. More than 100 riders and passengers registered at Sun Sports Cycles for the ride to Port Charlotte. Participants were asked to bring sundry items (underwear, shirts, socks and shaving gear) in addition to the $5.00 token registration.

Special thanks to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for providing escorts all the way to the Home.

Unlike years past when the riders and Veterans mingled together, shaking hands and so forth because of COVID-19 19 the participants kept their distance and exchanged pleasantries. The riders, some of whom are Veterans themselves, thanked the Veterans for their service and voiced Christmas greetings.

Under the direction of the Home’s new Administrator Renee DelMonico, the staff positioned each of the ambulatory Vets in one of the parking spots outside of the building, easily 6 feet apart. All the Vets and most of the riders were masked.

The Home is home to 120 Veterans, 112 men and 8 women. Were it not for this home some of these Veterans would be out on the street. Sad to say the visit by the riders will be the only visitors some of the Vets will get all year.

ABATE is a motorcycle and motorcyclists’ rights organization.

By Lulu

One of my best events to attend this year was my first trip to “The Swamp” located in Groveland, the home of the Nam Knights MC. One of the members known as Reply started this toy drive 7 years ago and incorporated it into their Christmas in the Swamp which was started one year earlier. The Lake County Chapter has 14 members and 1 prospect. What a difference 15 people can make. An amazing free Christmas dinner was served in the afternoon for a donation of one unwrapped toy. MC’s from all over were in attendance along with individual riders. This event was amazing in the number of toys under their tree. With Covid-19 I wouldn’t think people could be so generous, but that wasn’t the case in The Swamp. The need was surely greater for the children of Astatula, Mascotte and Groveland and Santa came in the form of generous bikers answering the call of The Nam Knights to be good little elves!

Vietnam Vets are Americans of the best kind!!! I know many so I can say this with my own personal knowledge. Not only did they fight in jungles in a far away land, watching many of their “brothers” lose their lives fighting; then due to civil unrest and spoiled brat college kids, they faced criticism and hate upon their return. Most people would be bitter and have hatred in their hearts, but no, they love this land we call home. They love the freedom that they fought to provide for South Vietnam. And now they spend their retirement still giving of themselves. I am honored to have spent the day with these guys and their friends. If you live in the Leesburg/Clermont/Orlando area look for this event next year…take a day to get to know these good men and be Santa for a child in need. You will be glad you did…

The Nam Knights have 15 Florida Chapters and 74 Chapters through the U.S. and Canada. They continue to serve their country through community service. 2021 Christmas in the Swamp is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th.

So, 2021 is here. We all hope for a better year than last. The reality does not look so promising, frankly. 2020 brought us Covid-19 and lockdowns, the spring and summer brought us BLM and ANTIFA riots that seemed to have the blessing of the left and the leadership in those liberal cities and communities, the fall brought us voting fraud accusations and the loss of the election for us Trump supporters who are now being silenced by big tech and told by TV journalists we need to be deprogrammed! Last year was a circus. The vaccines gave us hope for 2021 and spoon-feeding stimulus checks tried to keep people in need afloat. I suppose they also think handing checks out to the rich is only fair, as the deficit soars. I just heard Governor Cuomo wants to legalize recreational pot to balance their budget. Guess that is something for the left to look forward to. If they are stoned, they will not notice the tax increase Biden will be handing out. Good thing they cannot silence me here, I keep getting notices from Facebook that I go against their doctrine. Geez I feel sorry for my children and grandchildren. 2021 will begin the four-year March toward Socialism…Google, Facebook and Twitter have taken the first giant step for mankind in the wrong frigging direction! Oh, I know my liberal friends and relatives think I am wrong. I hope the hell I am. But on the horizon, I see higher taxes, higher gas prices, masks, infiltration of immigrants, more homeless, more riots by people who think we do not need police yet hide between seats in the Capitol waiting for the police to save them and then put razor fencing up to keep WE THE PEOPLE away from them, homes to be built without windows, and people hiding guns that our constitution guarantees our rights to. Not thinking 2021 will be better. In my humble opinion, it will be worse because I will have to watch Biden fumble for words and Pelosi gloat that she retains that damn gavel.

On a positive note, spring is coming, and we still are free to ride! We have so many fun events coming up. Treasure Fest in Stuart, Midwest Motorcycle Party at the Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach, Thunder by the Bay in Sarasota…guess there will not be much time to watch Biden and Pelosi! Get on your bikes and explore new parts of Florida, join us on a Mystery Ride sometime this year and don’t forget your sunscreen.