By Lulu

Riding in Florida is flat! The only hills we really have to climb are a few rolling hills in Clermont. So, when we rented a bike from Cowboy Harley Davidson in Austin, Texas it was with the intention of exploring the old towns near Austin/San Antonio. A night or two of Blues music and great food in Austin, turned into hundreds of miles of highway.

Rolling hills, quaint old Texas towns and vistas everywhere made the trip to San Antonio more than just the Riverwalk and the Alamo. Visit Texas! Rent a bike and hit towns like Fredericksburg, Gruene and Luckenbach for a wonderful few days on two wheels. Make sure to ride up to The Oasis on Lake Travis outside of Austin on a sunny day, the view is amazing. A special thank you to our New Braunfels friends Paul and Yolanda for playing tour guides and opening their home to us, and to our good friend Pete for riding up from Padre Island to share some saddle time with us.

By Lulu

As you pull on your boots (And even though it is Florida WEAR THEM on your bike for safety sake!) and try to decide what your agenda for the day is, you might want to check out some of the following destinations. We are famous for a few roadways in the Daytona area. Of course, the World-Famous Beach riding is one. If you haven’t taken the bike out for an ocean front ride you really should, but be certain to wash the sand and salt off as soon as you get back on the highway. The Loop ride, starting at Beach St. and ending on A1A is a must do. The ocean ride from there up to St. Augustine is a great ride.

In this issue is an article about riding out to Crescent City off 17 and the country roads out that way are great. Blackwater Inn on the St John’s River and Williams Landing is a great stop when you are traveling Rt 40 through the Ocala National Forest. If you make it as far as Ocala have lunch at Ocalahan’s. If you travel out toward Palatka stop in and see Donnie and Amy at 3-D Saloon for a cold one.
Deland Bike Festival is a one-day rally, while you are out that way be certain to stop in and see the new owner of Dale’s Ales. Stephanie Perras has been busy making improvements both inside and out and loves to throw a party with live music, see their ad for the entertainment schedule. OB’s is doing an after party and has live music scheduled all day and lots of other stuff going on during the rally. The last Friday night of Bike Week in Deland, the Burning Bike happens at Volusia County Fairgrounds and that is something to see. A bikini contest also occurs that evening.

In Port Orange one of the favorite food and music stops is First Turn Steakhouse. Their huge tiki bar is perfect for chilling an afternoon away. The Dog House on Nova Rd. is bringing in bands including Confederate Railroad and Molly Hatchet. Mark’s Sports Bar in South Daytona, The Boat Bar in Port Orange and Bay 3 Bar in New Smyrna are known for great prices all year long. Cabbage Patch is Samsula will feature Coleslaw Wrestling, bike shows, vendors and bands.

The US 1 corridor features lots of our clients. Rudy’s Bar & Grill is run by one of the most patriotic immigrants I know, Chris’ Lounge bartenders are known for their drink making abilities, heading up north from there is the World Famous Iron Horse, Boot Hill Outpost, and the Broken Spoke all MUST DO stops. Of course, a stop or two at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D is a Bike Week necessity. Up in Bunnell we have Ike’s Saloon and Crossroad Tavern both stops for locals and travelers.

Hard Rock Hotel has some of the nicest views of the ocean that you can ask for and is only a short hop from Main Street and everyone will make a stop at Main Street Station and Boot Hill Saloon for cocktails and T-shirts.

For those who want to put a few more miles on, ride up to St. Augustine and check out the new Adamec H-D dealership, or ride down I-4 to Seminole H-D. Even Gator H-D in Leesburg and Stormy Hill H-D in Clermont have events scheduled during the rally check out everyone’s ads in this issue.

And finally, if you need new boots check out Skip’s Boots on International Speedway for their large selection of Harley and cowboy boots. Remember no flip flops. I broke my foot last summer wearing flops for a short ride in Savannah BIG MISTAKE!!

By Lulu

Just north of the crossroads in Bunnell is Scott and Judy McNitt’s motorcycle repair business. The two have owned Tri City Cycles for twenty-two years. To be in any business for that length of time is a big deal, but to have loyal customers who followed them to their new location in 2018 shows they are doing everything right. Timely service, great prices and excellent service work is what makes people make the trip to Bunnell for their service and maintenance on bikes and trikes. The business was named Tri City Cycles in 1980 because the original owners planned on servicing bikes in Flagler Beach, Palm Coast and Bunnell. Tri City throughout its history has been family owned and operated for 40 years.

Denise Sarfde was the owner when Scott and Judy purchased Tri City. When Scott and Judy bought the business in 1997 from Denise, they kept the name, even though their clients drive from cities including Orlando and Jacksonville. Some clients visit every Bike Week when they are in town. The mechanics are Buzz Martin and Kyle Rieger who seem to stay busy with a smile, tinkering on the lifts out back. Denise is retired now, but still helps part-time with the books and Judy helps during events.

Tri City Cycles works on most makes and models. They have a huge selection of reasonably priced tires and batteries. They do brakes, fluid flushes and major repairs…but Scott really encourages routine maintenance to keep those major repairs from being necessary and to keep you safe on your ride. When I asked had the move off the beach to Bunnell helped or hurt his business he answered quickly, “We had our best year ever and had to hire another tech after the move!” During Bike Week Scott runs extended hours starting the first Friday of Bike Week running through the last Saturday. His hours will be 9-6 every day during the event to try to keep everyone up and riding! Call 386-437-7000 if you run into trouble with your bike or to schedule service. They do provide pick up if needed. Tri City’s address is 306 N. State St., Bunnell.

WOW I can’t believe it has been 13 Bike Weeks since our very first edition of Thunder Roads Florida!!! What an insane ride this life of motorcycling has been! I reflect on all the great people I have met and particularly those who no longer ride this Earth with us, and I am in awe at the sheer number of friends this magazine has graced me with.

For those of you who have known me since the first edition I want you to know I still miss Bull and his zest for life. No one loved the lifestyle of two wheels more. I only wish he could have seen what the magazine has become. I must thank Bull when I cross over to the other side for all the friends this magazine created. It took T. J. at the reins to make it financially sound…I must admit I wasn’t good at the financial part of the business as I simply couldn’t seem to do it all by myself. Writing, photography, events, etc. were a piece of cake but sales, billing, collections, and distribution were a struggle for me. With T. J.’s help we were finally named Publishers of the Year!

For those of you visiting our state for Bike Week please remember we have lots of critters on our roads and it seems they are getting braver each year…deer and bears are often racing across the highways even during the day. The police are another critter to watch for…I say that lovingly as one of my favorite nephews is a police officer. But they are only doing their job when they pull you over for running with blue or red LED lights, no sunglasses, loud pipes, ape hangers over the height limit, etc., but these reasons for pulling you over can lead to a DUI if you over imbibe…so drink responsibly and don’t ruin your trip. Drinking responsibly also means drink plenty of water.

And finally, as I always close my Pony Tales, wear sunscreen. Even when it isn’t out the sun can fry your skin and since we don’t have anything to shield us while we ride the Sunshine State, sunscreen is a must.

We have lots of new ad clients who are responsible for us being able to bring this monthly free magazine to you so please use the Motorcycle Friendly Directory as you travel the state and spend your money with those who truly are Motorcycle Friendly!!!

Visit the Bayer tent at Iron Horse or Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D and thank them for the free samples, sign up for information at the Concealed Carry booth too and as I already mentioned don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Tom Taylor and Brenda Pierce

The American Legion Post 359 has always had a strong focus on helping our veterans. As part of our ongoing effort, the entire Post 359 Legion family, including the Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) and the Legion Riders set their focus on helping PROJECT: Vet Relief, whose mission is to “provide a legion of support for our service men and women as they transition into civilian lives.” Additional information on Project Vet Relief and their activities is available at https://www.projectvetrelief.org.

Post 359 members worked for the month of January, holding fundraising events and donating 100% of the proceeds to PROJECT: Vet Relief. Events were kicked off with a brunch buffet on New Year’s Day and continued throughout the month with the Legion Rider’s January Bike Day, Auxiliary Steak Shoot and spaghetti dinner, and a poker run and rib dinner sponsored by S.A.L. as well as daily lunch specials, drink specials ,raffle baskets and 200 specially designed challenge coins to commemorate the effort.

We ended the fundraising month with a catered dinner for the American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford and other dignitaries on January 31st. Astronaut High School R.O.T.C. provided an outstanding program and tribute to our fallen veterans as part of the event, which concluded with presentation of a check in the amount of $21,000 for PROJECT: Vet Relief to our Dept. of Florida American Legion Commander Rick Johnson.

Many thanks to every volunteer and to those who helped plan, coordinate and carry out these many events. Because of the success of this event, we are dedicated to choosing a charity on a quarterly basis to continue this assistance to our community.

By Lulu

Let’s Ride started in a small storefront in 2008, moved to US 19 in Port Richey in 2010 and now has two locations totaling over 6,000 sq. ft. Lisa and Bob Contorno said, “When we purchased the business in 2016 it was in the red. It took an overwhelming amount of work, advertising, and every cent we had or could borrow. When you put it all in, it’s scary. Your security is at risk, so you don’t count hours worked, just the measure of results, it’s a win or lose deal.”

They have always loved motorcycles, owned and ridden them. Bob was involved in two past dealerships, J & J Cycle and Liberty Harley-Davidson, both were in Ohio. Florida is much different, it’s an all year riding climate Bob said. According to Bob they have met so many great people from their motorcycling. Both Bob & Lisa are very active helping others, with sponsorship of so many events and worthy causes. They are members of and support the Sun Coast Brotherhood because they are a group that stands for Biker Rights and help so many in need, including children.

Lisa said, “Motorcycling is not just transportation, it is all about a common love for freedom”. Let’s Ride Retail on State Road 52 in Hudson, Florida makes and supplies patches, vests and riding gear to many organizations, clubs and people. “It’s self-expression” she said, “Making patches and sewing is rewarding!”

Bob added, we now have our service center open. Located at 6151 Springer Drive in Port Richey, Florida with trained mechanics, the five-lift center is “state of the art”. Bob said, “Nothing goes out unless it’s correct. We are taking pride in the trust people place in Let’s Ride to service their motorcycles. The labor rate is $85.00 per hour. Not abusive like most other dealer’s rates.”
Lisa also wants everyone to know that autos and trucks are for sale at the retail store, and at the service center they sell new and used motorcycles. Expanding into more facets of the industry is giving Let’s Ride the opportunity to grow. Bob and Lisa also want to thank the people who have made this possible. “Thunder Roads Florida has been great covering our events. The Fran Haasch Law Firm has always supported us and the motorcycle community. Other local “Biker Magazines” have helped and our customers have become family. Without these people, we would not be here.” Please drop in and meet the staff, and hopefully you will find “your new motorcycle store”. PS Let’s Ride is working on its first new franchised location. More to come soon. Let’s Ride!

By Lulu

T. J. and I make two treks a year up to Panama City Beach, Florida for the spring and autumn rallies known as Thunder Beach. The gulf front tourism mecca is a perfect locale for a motorcycle rally, offering residents of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia an easy ride for a weekend getaway at one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. This year we stayed at the waterfront Seahaven Beach Resort directly across the street from Crossroads, one of the main entertainment venues. Aside from the beach cruising, you can hop in the saddle and head north on any of the panhandles many beautiful country roads. It’s a nice change for city dwellers that want to get away from the congestion of the rally itself. The vendors and entertainment are divided into three main spots.

Frank Brown Park is full of vendors with live music all day in the center pavilion, and then nightly headliners on the big stage. At night in the VIP tent, Bourbon tasting was provided by House of Bourbon. I must admit we had a nip or two and it warmed our bones. This year T.J. and I saw some of the best music at any rally we have attended…all FREE. Thursday night the White Tie Rock Ensemble absolutely stunned us with their amazing Guitar Hero production. Friday night Jasmine Cain opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds…another stellar night. Saturday we were looking forward to Tobacco Rd. Band opening for John Michael Montgomery and then the black clouds opened and created chaos.

By showtime, the night was salvaged but Tobacco Rd. Band had to be cancelled in order to get John Michael on stage. I was pleasantly surprised, despite the heavy rains and wet field, that the crowds came out to listen to John Michael strum his guitar and sing. At Crossroads, Geneva and Jasmine rocked the crowds, two bike shows were well attended, and the tattoo contest had men and women baring their parts to win the best ink competition. The finals for Miss Thunder Beach had to be moved last minute to Crossroads due to the heavy rains messing up the schedule at the main stage, but the crowds seemed thrilled to be up close and personal with the beautiful hard bodies.

At Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, circus performers were swallowing swords, long balloons, and fire, while live music, vendors, and shopping of all things Harley kept the peeps entertained onsite all weekend. At the end of the rally they gave away a Dream Harley Vacation worth $4600, although because of the rain we missed the drawing…obviously we didn’t win it! All the bars in town seem happy to have those of us on two and three wheels in town spending our hard-earned cash. Hammerhead Fred’s was a hot spot of activity with the band Buck Wild back again to entertain the masses nightly. Fred’s hosted the Official Kick-Start Party, the 1st and 2nd Prelim of the Official Miss Thunder Beach Pageant, as well as the Ms. Thunder Beach contest (over 35). With so much to do I am sure there are some things I missed mentioning. For 2020, the 22nd Annual Spring Rally dates are April 29th-May 3rd.

Come up and play for a fun weekend of beaches, bikes, beer, booze and babes in bikinis…the hotels and bars can still use a bump to their economy after the devastating storm of 2018. Come wet your whistle at cool joints like Wicked Wheel, Sharkey’s, Hammerhead Fred’s, The Salty Goat Saloon, Dirty Dick’s Crab House, Growler Garage, or Sandpiper Beacon. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to get away in the spring, the 20th Autumn Rally is October 21st to the 25th. Lot’s to explore up on the panhandle. Miles of sugar white sand and turquoise waters await your arrival!

By Ron Cox

Billed as “the World’s Only Motorcycle Rally on a cruise ship,” the 20th Annual High Seas Rally (HSR) set sail from Tampa, Florida on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, a 2,000-person ship almost filled to capacity with motorcyclists from all over the world. In addition to domestic guests, people came from the UK, Canada and Germany just to name a few.

Ports of call on this pirate themed cruise included the Grand Cayman Island B.W.I., Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. Each location had a Harley shop which was overwhelmed with tee shirt buying customers.

Throughout the week shipboard activities included a Belly Smacker contest, Topless Man contest, Best Beard Contest, Tee shirt swap, Poker Chip swap, HSR tattoo contest and almost everyone’s favorite The Treasured Chest contest. About 20 pirate costumed wenches circulated among the audience collecting donations for Debbie’s Dialysis Fund (DDF). The winner being determined by who raised the most money. And did I mention the parties on shore at the Margaritaville’s or Sloppy Joe’s?

It wouldn’t be a biker event without a charitable aspect to it, and so it was with the HSR’s Debbie’s Dialysis Fund. The fund was named by HSR cofounder Dean Anderson for his late wife Debbie the other rally cofounder. The fund allows people, bikers and others, the opportunity for the vacation of a lifetime. Dialysis patients usually need a treatment every two or three days. The fund picks up ALL costs related to attending the rally including travel expenses for the patient and a companion, rental of dialysis machines, hiring medical staff, cabin costs and $500 in pocket money. Rally goers are fond of saying they’re “Cruisin’ for a Cause.”

Throughout the week tickets were sold for various drawings at the nightly “giveaway” shows. The nightly 50/50 gave between $2,500 and $7,500 to the winners who frequently gave a percentage of their winnings back for the fund. There was a Biker Bingo Night and a silent auction. Proceeds from these events and others went directly in the Dialysis Fund.

The Grand Prize giveaway show took place on Saturday, the last night of the cruise. An auction was held for various donated items including an autographed guitar by ZZ Top which netted $20,000. Other autographed guitars and banners hung at the tonsil wash emporiums on shore and aboard ship were raffled off with all proceeds going to the Fund. There were two $20,000 winners and Randy and Sheri Simpson from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania took home $10,000. About the only thing missing was a Jolly Roger flying from the ship’s mast!!!!!

As of this writing cabins for the 21st Annual High Seas Rally (December 3-10) are already on sale. Info: highseasrally.com.

For the last 18 months it was rumored that this would be the last High Seas Rally. Dean and Susan Anderson wanted more time together and wanted to find someone to take over production of the HSR. After a lengthy investigation Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP), a firm with 20 years of producing specialty cruises stepped up and took on the challenge. Dean and Susan will stay on as consultants. ECP will carry on the mission of Debbie’s Dialysis Fund and demonstrated its commitment by donating $10,000. Bravo gentlemen.

By Lulu

The monthly Mystery Ride out of Port Orange’s Boat Bar has taken us on all sorts of highways. But to keep in the spirit of the season we decided to tour Fort Christmas in December. We made a stop on the way at Pier 220 in Titusville to knock down a drink or two, it was a bit nippily, so I chose a coffee while others got their vitamins with a Bloody Mary. After exploring the fort and out-buildings we made a few more stops at Shay’s Airport Lounge in Sanford and at The Hitching Post in Chuluota. One of the things I love about the mystery rides are the new spots we find…and the new friends we make along the route! We love having new friends join our group. The dates and time are in The Boat Bar’s ad and in the calendar of events page. So be there or be square!!!

By Lulu

Ken and Jeani were able to snap some great shots of the Rock for Tots event that Kristi and the staff at OB’s throw each year. We had a great time at the 2018 event, but our schedule kept us from rocking with them this year. Our absence went unnoticed!! The event was a tremendous success as all of OB’s charitable causes are. The bikers in Deland and surrounding areas are GENEROUS and loyal! This year they sent in the Marines! Over 71 bikes and $1886 in cash a huge boost for the Toys for Tots. 4 bands rocked the house including Sound Theory, Raging Sun, Tribucon and Crashrocket. Every little face that woke up to a special Christmas would thank you if they knew it was you guys and not Santa that placed their gifts under the tree!!! Don’t forget as the warm riding season rolls in to head your bikes and trikes to OB’s for a rockin’ good time on their Wednesday night bike nights and great live music on Fridays and Saturdays!!

One of the greatest joys on two wheels is hitting a new stretch of highway with vistas and terrains that are unique to a region. Exploring new towns and meeting new people are added pleasures. TJ and I spent five days in and around Austin, Texas. We flew there to catch some blues as this town is billed as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. Honestly, we heard a great blues band in the historic town of Gruene, but the blues we heard in Austin were just okay.

We did happen upon a great three-piece band with a dynamite guitarist who did a lot of Hendrix and Clapton…Sonny Wolf Band. We liked them so much we sought them out on three different nights. So, what was to be five nights of blues turned into three days of great rock and three days of great rides! We ended up turning in our rental car and rented a bike at Cowboy H-D in Austin. With friends Yolanda and Paul offering a personal tour of the “Hill Country” of Texas, the riding was on. Another old friend of TJ’s, Pete, happened to be in Texas so he rode up to join in on the fun.

It was COLD, but we were warned and brought our leathers just in case. I am sure it would be much prettier in the spring when things are green and the Bluebonnets are in bloom, but just the hills and old towns were almost sensory overload even if it was a bit wintry. We explored San Antonio, checked out the Alamo, had coffee at Luckenbach, made it to The Oasis in Austin twice. The first trip the fog was so thick you couldn’t see the lake and hills at all. The food was so good we decided to go back on a crystal-clear day, and we were so glad we did as the view was amazing!

There are two big bike rallies in Texas. The Lone Star Rally in Galveston the first weekend of November and the ROT (Republic of Texas) Rally in June. I have been to the Galveston Rally twice and it is a blast! I haven’t been to the ROT Rally but will be trying to fit it in to our 2021 schedule as there is so much more to see in that area of Texas and the riding is just awesome.

By a stranger a beer, kiss your girlfriend and don’t forget your sunscreen!

by Jeani G.

On a beautiful sunny day, Main Street Station hosted the 5th annual Bicycles for Kids Christmas Fundraiser Poker Run. Phaedra Lee did a wonderful job of running the event, and with the help of sponsors Rice Law Firm, 99 Customs and 95.7 HOG Radio, an amazing total of 167 bikes were collected to brighten children’s lives at Christmas … it’s easy to picture those ear-to-ear smiles … “A bike is the first gift a child remembers!”

Mischief Makers coordinated the registration and poker hands, with Main Street Station garage bar kicking off the ride by treating everyone to a hotdog and hamburger lunch … then our adventure took us to the Cabbage Patch, First Turn Steakhouse and Guiseppe’s Pizza, where Paula served up some yummy pies! Next, we navigated our way around two Christmas parades and rolled into Racing’s North Turn for a visit with Rhonda and plenty of ocean backdrop photo ops. Our final stop brought us full circle back to Main Street Station with dinner from Backyard Boys BBQ, cash prizes, giveaways, 50/50 and gift basket raffles and live music by Crashrocket … so much excitement all day long! There was no shortage of fun and the generosity of bikers and bar patrons was so heartwarming!

The Publishers of Thunder Roads Florida would like to make a special request to their readers … Main Street Station brings you Wednesday bike nights and one of the best Bike Week and Biketoberfest parties in town, but Phaedra and the crew are there all year long and this bar’s efforts on behalf of the greater Daytona community and charitable causes should be rewarded with your patronage!!!

By Horny Dave

The greatest part of the first cold snap in Florida is dusting off the leather and taking a ride through the countryside. Ending up at the 3-D Saloon for an evening of great friends and music is the icing on the cake. Nestled in the heart of Putnam county near the St. Johns River is one of the coolest hidden treasures in the area. A short ride from anywhere will bring you by to see Donnie and Amy, where they welcome you in like family.

This particular evening, a local favorite southern rock band from Georgia, Austin Neil and Savannah Road performed to a packed house. Their soulful style of country, rock, and bluegrass music kept the bar hopping all night long. A heart felt tribute to the military and veterans inspired a feeling of unity and pride in everyone there. The place was bustling into the wee hours of the morning with lively music and great company.

Even though the cold weather and leathers never last long in Florida, a short ride to 3-D Saloon in Palatka will provide you with new friends and memories that you will keep forever. Come celebrate their birthday on Saturday, February 15th with more great music and a low country boil!