By Lulu

2020 is one for the record books…seems like we are living in an episode of the Twilight Zone. In the world of motorcycle events since Bike Week 2020 Covid has disrupted every facet of life. On the good side, the Rossmeyer’s were able to pull off a Biketoberfest Rally in Ormond even though the City of Daytona Beach nixed the idea. Good crowds were in town for the event. Hotels were not full but were happy for the unexpected visitors who came despite the rally being cancelled by the mayor of Daytona. Vendors filled the parking lot at Destination Daytona, bikes entered the daily Bike Shows, lots of adult beverages were being consumed and the masks on the bartender did not keep any of them from looking sexy! A lot of credit must be given to the dealership for sticking their neck out and reaching in their pockets to put on an event, uncertain if people would ride in the face of Covid. Our economy in the greater Volusia County area needed it, the bands needed it, the vendors needed it, the local drinking establishments and restaurants certainly needed it and the hotels needed it. Hell, we all needed a reason to get out and break free of the COVID-19 cloud hanging over our heads. Thank you to those who came to visit our neck of the woods. We do appreciate your support of the Florida rallies. Check out Bruce Rossmeyers Daytona Harley-Davidson website for their events, they are always coming up with monthly things to keep us out on two wheels.

By Lulu

Our dear friends Tonya and Waylon Long actually both turned a year older this year…a significant year both turning the BIG 50, but the party they threw at Long’s was for their bar being another year older! This bar has regulars that are not only patrons but friends to the Long’s and to each other…it truly is a family and what do families do when you add a year…they party!!! So, Framing the Red came to town to make this a smokin’ hot party…and the Long’s had a gift for the band…a brand-new trailer!!! Yep these bar owners know a thing or two about entertaining. Good music, stiff drinks and great people and this is exactly why we wish them many more years of having fun being in the bar business!

By Lulu

In September, the Rossmeyer family gave 3 bikes away! During August you simply registered in the showroom, no purchase was necessary. The 3 lucky winners received phone calls to receive the exciting news. The 2020 Livewire went to Mark from Cincinnati, Ohio. The kid’s IRON E Balance Bike went to Lori from Edgewater. And the 2016 pre-owned Street 500 went to Paul from Palm Coast. Diesel filled the parking lot with live music and free BBQ by the Pig Stand filled our stomachs and according to TJ the “best I ever had”. A great day was had by all in attendance although we all wished we had taken one of the prizes home!

By Lulu

Each September as the years tick by, Joe Vece makes certain we take time to remember the lives lost on 9/11/2001. This year the ride was sponsored by Politis & Matovina law firm, Monster Motorcycles, Flagler County Florida, Hidden Treasure and Tropical Enterprise. Amidst Covid, things were a bit off for all events since March, add to that pouring rain…yet hundreds of people stood and rode to remember the tragic losses our country and families endured that day. This ride has always been free and is a solemn day of honor. I am always moved to tears. This year I realized as 19 years have passed, that children born in 2001 are graduating, marrying, having children of their own and if not directly touched by the loss…some have no real understanding of the fear, bravery and patriotism of that awful day in our history. We must ride so others see that we as a country will not forget! The speaker was Captain Richard A. Meo a author whose books on FDNY, 9/11 and History can be read at Firelines-Fatal Flaws.com. Riding under the huge American flag, presentation of colors, a wonderful rendition of our anthem, short speeches by elected officials, bag pipes and the ringing of the fire bell gave us time to reflect on where we were on that day and the images from TV flooded my thoughts. PLEASE ride with us in 2021 let’s make this the biggest event of the year as it will be the 20th year since all those lives were taken from this Earth.

By Lulu

Shireen and David Fletcher love to ride. When it became obvious that Shireen wanted her own masterpiece to add to their stable of one of a kind beautiful show pieces, she recruited Kory Souza to craft her build. She was searching the web for someone to create her dream and found Kory who happened to own a Teacup pig named Biscuit. The Fletcher’s ranch in Deleon Springs breeds miniature pets including donkeys, horses, goats and…Teacup pigs since 2007. Kory is an expert bike builder originally from Norton, Massachusetts and now building in Sarasota, Florida. David called Kory the next day. Shireen was thrilled to work with Kory as he was one of the only builders interested in converting a Harley that had a springer front end with a Rev Tech motor that blew their first time out, to a custom trike and because he allowed her to be part of the entire creative process. She found Kory to be very approachable about working with a woman. In Shireen’s words Kory made my riding dreams come to life! The paint scheme was 100% Kory and she said, “I think it’s simply breathtaking”. Shireen said, “Kory Souza Originals amazing crew exceeded my wishes and created “CinderFuckinRella” my one-of-a-kind trike!” It is a joy to ride.

The bike has a 110-inch S&S Motor and an amazing paint job by Jeff Urman. Future plans for her bike are to add 12-inch rear wheels. Since taking Best in Show at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D 2020 Trikefest, they also took Best Trike at OB’s 2020 Americana Bike Show in October.

Shireen is originally from England although her careers have allowed her to live all over the world. Her husband David is originally from Bradenton. They both have made their home on a farm in Deleon Springs since 2006. The couple married in 2005. Both are retired equine dentists and the farm building business includes the sale of farm animals along with the education on care of the animals, farm buildings and fence construction. Their business name is King & Queen Building. The couple are outgoing and sweet, so we hope to see them at future shows and events.

By Lulu

This was the 3rd Annual Trikefest held at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson in Ormond Beach. It has grown each year, but I must admit with the Covid lurking over 2020 I didn’t expect much of a turnout…add to that it has been one of the wettest summers of my life. So I was happy when we went to the Friday night Meet & Greet at Saints & Sinners Pub and thrilled at the turnout on Saturday for the group ride through Volusia County and then the Trike Show which had to be moved to the Pavilion due to the RAIN! Sunday’s breakfast at Beaver Bar was another day of downpours. But the trike riders just weathered the storm and seemed to enjoy the third annual weekend event. I admire that with everything the Rossmeyer’s have going on through the year: Bike Week, Biketoberfest, the Ride for Children for Camp Boggy Creek, the monthly Super Swap Car & Motorcycle event, and their monthly Biker Block Party, that they were one of the first dealerships to recognize the growing family of trike owners and to plan something yearly just for them! Mandy wanted me to thank all 2020 attendees and ask everyone to spread the word for next years event 9/17 through 9/19! More photos from the event on Facebook Thunder Roads Florida Magazine.
Congratulations to 2020 Winners!
Best Performance-Paul Moniz
Best Pipes-Holli Hargis
Best Big Wheel Bagger-Millissa Angle
Best Paint-Steve Schneider
Best Wheels-Michael Stramondo
Best Lighting-Beth Davis
Best Stereo-Marianne Thomas
Best of Show-Shireen Fletcher

Well Biketoberfest has come and gone now, a bit off in numbers due to the Mayor of Daytona Beach being a complete dick, but a great time of riding, old and new friends, and music despite him. Coronavirus and an anti-biker mayor couldn’t keep motorcycles away! Someone with money is pulling his puppet strings and he has twice now hurt the bars within the city limits while the outlying venues on US 1 and beyond still welcomed the motorcycling community with open bars, music, vendors and smiles.

I want to brag on a crew of people that spent a day exploring our highways a bit off the beaten path of Daytona Beach. We set off on Saturday about 11:30am with about 10 bikes to ride out to Renegade’s on the River in Crescent City, picked up a couple bikes there too, rode next to Long’s Log Cabin in Welaka, then to Hermit’s Cove in Satsuma. Got back on the highway and rode all the way to Putnam Hall to Howlin Wolf and a final stop in Palatka at 3-D Saloon. It was quite a hike for us all. We got caught in the rain after dark heading back US 100 and dipped into The Bimini for cover. Ended the night at Iron Horse trying to see 4Play, but the rain caused us to miss them. Cowboy was already on stage and was rocking a good Saturday night crowd. What I was impressed by was that the crew from all over including, Deland, Crystal River, Wesley Chapel, Indiana, New York and Massachusetts, were more than willing to get on their bikes and RIDE!! They didn’t seem to mind at all that their day wasn’t spent walking up and down sidewalks in Daytona Beach. We got them to explore cool bars, dive bars, veteran owned bars…and all but the Bimini our ad clients!!! So, I must thank them for sharing the highway with us.

On another note, there is a great group of people who ride monthly out of The Boat Bar in Port Orange, we are not able to go on everyone, but when we are in town we wouldn’t miss it. I went in to close my bar tab and the bartender at The Boat Bar said something that has stuck in my mind since last month, “I just want you to know that I feel honored to be the bartender on the day of your Mystery Ride. They are the nicest group of people who are always willing to include new riders and wait on someone who might be running late.” It was nice to hear it from someone on the other side of the bar. I KNOW they are great people…we have been riding with some of them 2 years now, but the fact a bartender realizes they are good humans…just nice to hear! Proud of those guys and gals.

Join us on a ride sometime, buy a veteran a beer, ride on a toy run…and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce believes in being involved in their community and in supporting the local veterans. So last March a poker run was scheduled to raise needed funds for the Lee-Collier Honor Flight, but the event was cancelled due to the Covid crisis. This organization at no cost to the veteran honors their service by flying them to D.C. to visit their memorials. A flight can cost up to $100,000 and is totally funded by local businesses and individuals. 1000’s of veterans of the World War II, Korean and Vietnam era have received this honor. So, September the event was rescheduled so bikers rode to show their respect! The Badger’s & Biker Lifestyle, a local riding organization, helped coordinate the run. The ride started and ended at Gator Mike’s with stops in between that included, Capt’n Con’s Fish House, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, Bert’s Bar & Grill, and Hawgs & Dawgs. The Chamber would like to thank all who took their day to honor our veterans! Look for this event next year and put more vets on a trip of their life.

By Lulu

Few people can possibly live to have as many true friends as Tony Levi accumulated in life. We rode in pouring rain with more than a hundred other bikes leaving out of First Turn, stopping to pick up more riders at Bay 3 Bar and ending at a huge barn where a party was brewing despite the rain. Tony was just one of those people who the saying bigger than life was coined for. He filled the room with his presence. Yes, Tony was a large man with biceps that most men would need implants to get but his largeness was more than size. It was his genuine love of all in the room. His love he gave was LARGE and it is proven by the turnout in the rain for him. Those who knew Tony know of his involvement in Messenger for Homeless Vets another example of his caring for those in need in this world. Hearts were broken the day Tony left our earthly space. But I am certain he is continuing to watch over those he loved, and his memory will simply have to carry us on…and hopefully inspire us to be like TONY.

By Lulu

Each month riders gather at The Boat Bar in Port Orange for a day of riding to spots unknown. Some are brand new experiences for some, other spots much loved watering holes. This month we left and rode out towards Deland and Paisley. We made a last-minute stop at the Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula since Mary Ann was behind the bar and had been without work most of the summer due to Covid. We all love her, and she was quite thankful we filled up the bar for a spell. Next stop was to Old Glenwood Tavern in Glenwood we enjoyed the AC and a cold one or two before we headed on to The Inn Between in Deland on Old New York Avenue. We love this bar with its great outdoor area under huge oaks. Then we saddled up to ride to Pirate’s Pub in Paisley. I must admit I haven’t been there since the fire burned down their old building. We even got a chance to meet the owner who was pleased we stopped in. Last stop before returning to the free lunch at The Boat was a stop in at Mike’s Corner where an impromptu Trump flag waving was happening. We all returned to see Tony and the girls at The Boat safely and enjoyed a great meal. We are always happy to have new riders join us. So put the next ride on your calendar!

By Lulu

2020 has been one hell of a year! Coronavirus closed down the last 2 days of Bike Week in Daytona, hurting many of the bars and vendors as the last weekend is the “profit”. Many motorcycle events since March have been cancelled all over the country. So, when the beautiful governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, kept her state open for business we just had to go to the 80th. This was my third trip, but first on the back of someone’s bike. My first trip I had my own bike there. The second I worked for what is now the Iron Horse Saloon in Sturgis for 5 weeks. Most of the photos in this article were shot from the back of TJ’s bike some at 60 mph! If you haven’t made the trek to South Dakota, you MUST. Our first stop was my sister’s house in Louisville where we were fed like kings. Thanks. Jen and Kerry!

We camped in a RV with Waylon and Tonya Long from Long’s Log Cabin in Welaka, Florida at Kristen’s Campground (her personal residence actually). Only spending 1 evening doing the party scene in Sturgis we bypassed the night parties at Buffalo Chip, Glencoe and Full Throttle Campgrounds and chose to make this year all about the riding. Each day we set out to explore new highways and make stops at the famous parks South Dakota is known for. We found many food vendors were unprepared for the crowds that dared to come amid covid worries and ran out of food early each day. Estimates have been as high as 400,000 in attendance, although both TJ and I think it was probably closer to 250,000. The vendors all claimed to have had a successful rally, but many vendors didn’t come so there was less competition. Most famous bands didn’t come either. In fact, I think Hairball was the most packed night of music at The Iron Horse.

We only had 5 days to explore and you really need at least 7. Our first day of exploration was to Mount Rushmore and it really held a special feeling for me this year with all the destruction of our monuments in 2020 making the nightly news. Simply beautiful! Day 2 we did The Badlands with all its majestic views. Day 3 we made it to Custer State Park where the buffalo (bison) roam; but we missed the day the young lady approached the baby bison and the mother knocked her out of her pants and unconscious. The video of that is on our Facebook Page Thunder Roads Florida. The same day TJ took us to Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. We pulled over near the top at an overlook and was approached by a guy wanting to borrow a portable air compressor. We didn’t have one, but our friend Pete, who must have been an Eagle Scout growing up, not only had one but also had a patch kit. Pete saved that guys day as no one was willing to come up the mountain for him. TJ went right to Harbor Freight for one of those compressors when we got home. I hope we never need it, but it was a well spent $10 bucks. Day 4 one of my favorite rides which we did two times was Spearfish Canyon. Had to stop in Deadwood to visit Doug and Misty at Sick Boy Motorcycles store to purchase some of their new Tees. One of our final days was spent heading to Devil’s Tower which you can’t imagine what created that lone giant rock formation.

Stonehouse Saloon was on that adventure and rode into Wyoming to visit Hulett. At some point I ate a buffalo burger for the first time. Most of the state parks are $20 per bike, well worth it. Mount Rushmore was only $5 per person. We ran out of time and didn’t make it to Crazy Horse, time passed altogether too quickly. Although Jack shared a picture he had for the article. Of course, the 3 days there and 3 days back hauling bikes behind the RV takes a toll on you. We also missed the one day of protest that happened in Sturgis which was small and uneventful until a moron kicked at a bike. Luckily, the bikers allowed the police to escort them to safety and no damage was done to anyone or anything.

At the time of writing this, the Covid count is estimated at less than 300 from the huge rally with one known death, even though a fake news alert was running on Facebook and the news saying it was a super spreader causing 20% of all new cases. Governor Noem went on Fox and said the numbers I am posting are the real numbers and that it is clearly FAKE news. Any death or illness is tragic, but I could have stayed home and gotten it in line at Target, so I am happy I made the trip and didn’t catch a damn thing!

A special thank you to our friends Waylon and Tonya for hauling us across the country. To Wade and Kristen for the use of a little slice of South Dakota. To Bill for his forever friendship. And to Pete, German Dave, Jack, and Sheri for sharing their time with us on the highway.

Next year we will be shooting to spend 7 days in the beauty of this part of America. Please promise yourself to make this journey in your lifetime.

By Lulu

Exploring highways is a favorite pastime for those who love to ride 2 and 3 wheels. Melrose, Palatka and Satsuma have a few hidden treasures you should saddle up to check out. In Melrose, on FL 100, sits The Howlin’ Wolf. New owners James Cuneo and Mark Cochran have worked hard to breathe new life into the historic Howlin’ Wolf. Mark and James are both veterans who ride!

Since purchasing the bar, Covid has had them shut down or running as a package drive through for months. It is a full liquor bar with outdoor seating, pool tables, and even bonfires on the weekend. Sunday Fundays includes $3 Bloody Mary’s and free pool all day! James organized a ride to Tallahassee with other bar owners to demand the chance to open their doors instead of being forced to have their businesses discriminated against due to Corona. Ride out to visit these vets.

They have proudly served their country and would love to serve you a beer or two!! No better way to show them respect for their time served!! They have live music by 2 Peace Band on October 4th from 2-6pm. The Howlin Wolf is also having a Motorcycle Swap meet on October 25th from 1-4p and vendors are welcome. Ending the month in a Howlin big way they are having a Halloween Costume Party from 9p-1a with live music by Fas Train and a costume contest!

Another cool joint owned by friends who ride, Amy and Donnie, is in historic Palatka, City of Murals at 101 S. 10th Street. Donnie is also an Army vet. The 3-D Saloon is a full liquor bar and you WILL NOT find nicer barkeeps than these two. 3-D is known for bringing original music acts to the city and two of our favorites we see there from time to time are Framing the Red and Austin Neal. Austin Neal and Savannah Road Band will be playing their hearts out at 8pm on October 17th! Their ad reads A Little Country, A Little Rock N Roll and a whole lot of Good Times, and every time we have visited, they have delivered what is promised! Another claim to fame of 3-D is $2 Bud & Bud Lite bottles 5-7pm! Pool tables and darts are also there for your entertainment pleasure. If you prefer sitting outside, they have a beer garden porch to enjoy the autumn temps with an ice-cold beer. 3-D is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but they are happy to sling you a cocktail or beer Tuesday through Saturday.

For those a little more adventurous, Hermit’s Cove on the St. Johns River is one of the coolest REAL dive bars you can find. A true Trump fan, owner Gary Burch’s bar is located at 482 Cove Dr. in Satsuma. Beautiful sunsets await right on the river. He has rows of theater seats for your beer sipping comfort…while taking in the sunsets and wildlife!

While exploring this part of Putnam county, Angel’s Diner on FL 100 is right in the heart of Palatka and is known as Florida’s oldest diner established in 1932. A very real retro dining experience with car hops like back in the 50’s! The murals throughout the city of Palatka are worth checking out and spend some time on the St. Johns River one of the only rivers in America that flows north!

If you enjoy exploring nature, Ravine State Park is beautiful with a swinging bridge and a great hiking trail to spend some time exploring.

No matter which one of these watering holes you start at, the highways are wide open, and you will enjoy the feel of riding great country roads and meeting new friends.