By Lulu

In New Port Richey each year, the downtown and riverfront become the home for the Cotee River Bike Fest. What sets this event apart from many others is the entire thing is built around giving to charities. Tina Farrell and her team make this yearly event mean more than great bands, bike shows, vendors and wrestling. Along with breathing some dollars into the local businesses, when all is said and done, two charities benefit from the hard work and the bikers who attend. Fire & Iron put on a poker run out of New Port Richey Harley-Davidson on Saturday morning to benefit the Children’s Burn Fund. The other charity that benefitted from the festival this year is Red Apple School. T. J. and I love this festival. Tim and his crew at Little Corona Cigar Lounge make us feel like family. The music is always great, and with four stages you are certain to find something that suits your taste. Two of my favorites this year were Stonegrey and Electric Woodshed. Of course, Jackyl filled the park and I was impressed that Jesse James Dupree rode on the poker run with us!

If you haven’t made the ride to New Port Richey in October put this on your bucket list!

By Lulu

This is by far one of my favorite events of the year. The Rossmeyer’s and Camp Boggy Creek went all out again to celebrate the silver anniversary of the ride. Over the past 25 years the Ride for Children weekend has raised over $6 million dollars to support the camp. It started with a gala on Saturday night at the Plaza Hotel with a wonderful meal, cocktails, a silent and live auction…and more generosity than you could imagine in the hearts of many. Live music by Landon Lane playing Jerry Lee Lewis’ flamed piano (provided by Derrick Ames) got people up on their feet. But the emotions of the night came as a young cancer survivor had us think back to being happy, playful, healthy 9-year olds. He told of HIS ninth year and being diagnosed with bone cancer, and entering the world of hospitals, doctor visits, multiple surgeries, constant IV’s and sickness…fear. Then the opportunity to go to Camp Boggy Creek gave him his life back. He made a best friend and found the happy child he once had been. He was able to play, explore and learn. He emotionally thanked those in the room and there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen because we knew how lucky we were to have been healthy kids, not children fighting a monster within.

The next morning the ride departed from Destination Daytona expertly escorted by seven local law enforcement agencies; Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange Police and the Volusia County, Flagler County and Lake County Sheriff’s Departments. As we turned to enter the camp, I thought of the young man who spoke the night before and wondered what his emotions were the day he arrived at camp. I imagined how excited he must have been, but also the fear of leaving the safety of his home and the medical care he was familiar with. I remembered myself as a child being afraid when my parents took me to 4-H Camp and dropped me off with strangers. I cried myself to sleep that first night…and I was healthy.

As we arrived passing signs held by campers and parents thanking the riders, I really understood how strong their gratitude for this camp is. The camp is beautiful. Boggy Creek is everything a camp should be. 232 acres with welcoming bunk houses, a huge dining hall and a beautiful lake. Horseback riding, fishing, archery, crafts and zip-lining are some of the amenities that the kids get to enjoy. We were treated to a wonderful meal of chicken and steak provided by Outback Steakhouse where. all the employees donate their time for this event. Another silent and live auction raised more funds. The live entertainment at the camp was the Tobacco Rd. Band and we all enjoyed their mix of country and rock. This year’s Grand Marshalls, Jimmy Van Pelt, Michael Austin and Doug Danger were on hand to add to the festivities.

For a $50 registration/donation you get a chance to help a kid be “just a kid” for a week. No child is ever charged for camp. The camp was founded by Paul Newman, General Norman Schwarzkopf and other community leaders. But it has been funded by dollars generously given by large and small donors too numerous to mention. The cost of $2500 for a week at camp takes many generous hearts. A special thank you to the Rossmeyer Family, John Hamlin, Robert White, Collin & Jeanmarie York, Heather Larsen, Eva Connors McMullin, S. R. Perrott, Inc., Patricia Miracle and Frank Scott, all the sponsors and to each and every rider throughout the last 25 years that keep the legacy of Bruce Rossmeyer alive.

By Lulu

For the second year Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson took notice of how many trike owners there are and planned a 3-day event to celebrate their 3-wheeling lifestyle. As we age and live longer than our forefathers, we aren’t spending our days playing bingo at retirement homes. Bad knees and backs don’t keep us off the road or the breeze off of our happy faces. We drop a few bucks and buy trikes! Women also love trikes probably more for the extra storage space than anything else. Mandy Rossmeyer decided to plan a yearly event in the trike owners honor. Starting with a Meet and Greet on Friday, a morning trike ride on Saturday, trike show Saturday afternoon, live music and a dinner ride, everyone seemed to enjoy the camaraderie. Sunday included a Blessing of the Trikes. Plans are to continue this yearly event so shine up your trike and join in on the fun in Daytona next year.

By Lulu

Big news in the motorcycle world!! A brand-new state of the art motorcycle store just opened in St. Augustine. The fourth for the Adamec family! Adamec already has dealerships in Orange Park, Jacksonville on Baymeadows and one at Regency on Atlantic. The first was purchased with $50 dollars down in 1931. Adamec also has a retail store in historic Ancient City St. Augustine. The Adamec family and their fabulous staff work hard to bring you a huge selection of motorcycles and apparel. And the new dealership does just that. A special thank you to Missy, Sarah and all the LAMAs that made the weekend run so smoothly. In designing the new location, they made a great stage with plenty of space for outdoor events. Located at 380 Outlet Mall Blvd. right off I 95 it is a must stop when cruising through Florida.

By Lulu

If anyone knows Rudy, the owner of Rudy’s Bar & Grill in Holly Hill on US 1, they know he is one of the hardest working bar owners in town. If you get a chance to sit and chat with Rudy, you will find out he is one of the most patriotic Americans on the planet. He loves the USA, our military, our troops and even our president. Having immigrated years ago from a country where the government wasn’t of the PEOPLE, he really understands all we could lose! His bar on US 1 is a good stop for a stiff drink or a bite to eat. We stopped in to see one our favorite bands, Crashrocket, and the place was packed! Thanks, Rudy, for a great night!

One of my favorite musicians is not only talented, he has a great big heart. His event for Children’s Home Network is coming up again and I interviewed him recently.

TR Tell us about this year’s Children’s Home Benefit Concert.

BF The date is December 4th, at Quaker Steak and Lube in Clearwater, FL from 6-10 pm. Tampa Bay’s best musicians come together for a night of music to help kids. Sounds like fun to me!

TR Can you give us a sneak preview of the musicians coming?

BF Robbie Steinhardt (formerly of Kansas), my band, and members of Stormbringer, Highway to Hell, Greg Billings, and many more.
TR How did you get involved in this charity?

BF Back in 1984 I hosted the first event and since then have not only raised money, but really found what great work they do for families in need. Many kids that lived in the facility now are adults and come see me play. They are living great lives and that makes me feel fantastic that we may have helped in some small way.

TR How can our readers help?

BF If you can’t come to the event, please go to our GOFUNDME site, Bobby Friss Children’s Home Network Benefit and donate what you can. Through donations, auction items and sponsorships we raised $20,000.00 last year. Unreal! Thanks to you Beth and Thunder Roads Florida for helping us make it a great Christmas for the Kids

Not only is Bobby involved with kids he loves our veterans too! He is involved with Operation Finally Home and they host vets and their families at his show providing food, drink and a chance to be recognized on stage for being our heroes. This is one good guy. If possible, attend his event on the 4th or give on his GOFUNDME site and get in the holiday spirit.

Be kind and generous to those less fortunate this holiday season and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

It was a great day at First Turn when the staff and patrons threw back to Woodstock donning paisley, fringe, flowers and weird glasses. The music was Woodstock era, but unlike Woodstock, the weather was perfect. Leave it to owner, Denise Hilliard, to think of such a fun event and to wear a “Don’t eat the brown acid” shirt!! Ride out to one of their Tuesday night bike nights for some free grub. Be sure to get there early before the heathens eat it all. $1.50 domestic longnecks (they won’t run out), $3 Fireball shots and live music on a huge spacious deck to sit with friends and chill. The address if 5236 S. Ridgewood (US 1) in Port Orange. They also have a great annual event coming again in November Oyster and Chowder Fest. See their ad in this issue for details!

By Tony and T-Rex

Saturday morning sun’s up looking like a great day for the 8th Annual Boob Run.  So, we fire up the “king”, a couple of friends came over from the west coast and we’re off to Lake Poinsett Lodge.  We get in with the breakfast crowd and bikes are already there. The pool tables are full of baskets 50-60 of them, Kel-Tec donated a gun to raffle off, plus more big-ticket items. Now you hear, the sound of bikes rolling in and the lot is filling up. By the time registration is over it’s time for kickstands up and I get a count on how many poker hands where dished out, 210 and she’s got over 100 bikes in the lot. The pack starts rolling down the 520 to Jenna’s Breezeway on beachside.

It’s a great morning to cross those bridges and know there’s a Bloody Mary waiting for you at the end. From there it’s beachside to the 528 and a little ride by the Kennedy Space Center. Then we flip over to Pinto’s Lounge. The place is slammed and even Cathy, the owner, jumps behind the bar to mix a few drinks. From there we start down the road to 50 and hammer down to Hard Racks Night Club, where Ed and Heather helped with poker hands and drinks. From there it is a 20-mile blast back down the 520 to the canal, where Michelle, the owner of Lake Poinsett, has food prepared. DJ Super Dave is blasting tunes and getting ready for the raffles and wet t-shirt contest. All and all, it was a great turnout.

Michelle would like to thank Jenna’s, Pinto’s, Hard Rack’s and Kel-Tec for all their support and everybody for their donations. And a special thank you to the volunteers and workers who helped. There was over $4000 raised and all proceeds will go to Driven by Heart.

Til next year ride safe and hydrate…

By Lulu

What makes a great event? The best music in town. And by just about anybody’s opinion the Bobby Friss Band is one of the best! For the dealership, a great event is the sale of motorcycles!! We rode in with friends from Port Orange to the dealership located in Sanford and Glenn fell in love with a beautiful red and black Road Glide Ultra and before we blinked, he was taking a test drive…that ended with the ringing of the bell and a trip home on it. Good job of selling Collins. To add to the festivities there was a car you could bash with a sledgehammer for the Shriner’s charity, food vendors, alcohol and Mid-Florida Wrestling. Located right off I-4 in Sanford, it is a convenient place to ride to events, shop for apparel or to ride a new bike away!!

By Lulu

Angel Flight is a wonderful charity that flies people to distant hospitals who have urgent medical needs but can’t afford the airfare. They also provide relief aid in times of tragic events such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Pilots use their own airplanes and provide the pilots free of charge. It is the Angel Flight events such as the poker run hosted by Heather and the folks at Dirty Harry’s that help offset the cost of fuel, etc. A hurricane made it necessary to reschedule the original date of the ride but lots of folks showed up on the rain date to ride for the cause. Starting at Beaver Bar with stops at Saints & Sinners, Bimini Bar, Renegade’s on the River and Iron Horse, gave the participants a full day of riding. Miss Intent rocked The Bank and Blues for the after party and a BBQ dinner was included. Dozens of silent auction items helped raise more much needed loot! Thanks to all who make this a yearly event. Every rider deserves wings!

By Ron Cox

Rockstar Harley-Davidson and its HOG Chapter hosted the 12th Annual “Fly Your Bra” ride on Saturday, October 5th. The ride was appropriate this day as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To call attention to the ride both men and women were encouraged to wear decorated brassieres. It was quite a sight to see, and one or more bras were flying in the wind on motorcycle antennas!!

Almost 200 riders and passengers registered at the dealership in Ft. Myers to partake of the roundtrip ride to Naples. The riders were escorted by motor officers from Lee and Collier counties.

For the fourth consecutive year the ride has been chaired by LOH Officer Susan McDonald. Proceeds from the ride will be given to two ladies battling this disease Marley Cormier and Kathy Guerrero.

Upon return everyone was treated to a lunch which included bratwurst and a doughy pretzel. Soft drinks were on hand and adult beverages were available.

An inhouse poker run kept everyone moving around the dealership, my two bullets did not come close to winning best hand.

Local favorite Teakwood Drive, a terrific country rock band, once again donated its services and kept the crowd jumpin’.

By Lulu

A perfect place to party with your friends, great bartenders, stiff drinks, and ice-cold beer. I guess that is why it is hard to find a bar stool open at Chris’ Lounge. One of the oldest drinking establishments in town it is where locals meet regularly and people in town for an event or vacation always stop in to visit. The bartenders are always friendly and many like Debbie have been there forever! Gina has been running the show since her mom Chris’ passed away, but the bar has been in the family for over 31 years. The building on the corner of U.S. 1 and Walker St. in Holly Hill has two stories with pool and darts upstairs. This is one of those bars that Toby Keith sings about. We love this bar!

By Lulu

An anniversary should be a celebration! Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg was celebrating their 26th year serving Lake County and beyond in excellent Harley fashion. Vendors were outside and the inside staff were busy selling motorcycles, motor clothes, part and accessories. It was a beautiful day and Hypersona entertained the many bikers who rode in for the event. The Big Red Bus One Blood was on site and were very pleased with the 23 donors who generously gave up a little of the red stuff. The bar was run by the Lake County Firefighters Charity. Bartenders were Sonja and Donna. They did samplings from Central Florida Breweries that included Wolfbranch Brewing Co., Eustis, Sanford Brewing Company, Sanford, Central 28 Beer Company, DeBary, and 3 Daughters, St. Petersburg. All these beers are distributed by Wayne Densch in Sanford. John Sokol owner of Chicago Fire Brewery and Tap Room made a special brew for Gator Harley-Davidson’s Anniversary Party. John Malik, Jr. owner of Gator Harley named it Fat Boy Blonde. The craft beer fest really tied into an anniversary celebration in the fall.

The food was prepared and served by Chef Joel Padilla with students from Leesburg High School.

Moonshine tasting was provided by Yalaha Bootlegging. Cat Reel talked about each bottle of moonshine to the crowd as they sipped their way through several different shines. I know Gator Harley loves and appreciates every customer that helped keep their doors wide open for sales and service. Congratulations to the Malik family, Jan and all the employees who make this dealership feel like you are part of the Harley family.

By Lulu

Bay 3 Bar in New Smyrna Beach is often the home of worthy causes. Big supporters of breast cancer awareness, they often host poker runs or events to raise awareness. We were treated to pizza and the presentation of a check awarded to a young vet and his wife, who due to some financial setbacks, were about to face homelessness. The Elks 2723, VFW 3282 and Messengers for Homeless Vets presented the couple with a check to take care of catching up on their rent and the feeling of being cared for by our community. All of us at some point in our lives have struggled. I think it is truly amazing that through the outreach of love for veterans, these groups raise funds to make the vets struggles returning from the front lines a little less worrisome. Good work girls and boys!

Don’t forget that Jan and Barry at Bay 3 Bar keep their beer prices the same all year and they have plenty of space for you on their barstools during Biketoberfest!