By Steph Shea

The inaugural run for the “Pink Bra Ride for The Cure” marked the beginning of a tradition. Hosted by Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, the Central Florida Trikers Association helped to coordinate a successful ride to Lake Harris Hideaway in Eustis to benefit the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF), a 501(c)(3) foundation.

The GCCF is 100% volunteer staffed and is funded by local business, sponsors, individuals and fundraising community events like the Pink Bra Ride. Every dollar of granted funds are distributed to qualified recipients in the local area by providing limited financial aid and support to cancer patients (gccf.us). Kay Simpson played a large part in the coordination of the Pink Bra Ride and is a valuable driving force behind the GCCF.

The Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson staff would like to thank the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, the Central Florida Trikers Association, Lake Harris Hideaway and all our sponsors who helped make this event a success.

By Lulu

Every tattoo has a story. Some tattoos occur on a whim, some are mistakes, and others are well planned pieces of art with meaning to the person receiving the ink. Traceylee is one of those ink junkies. She was a nurse for 27 years and now has a cleaning business in the Villages. Originally from Connecticut, Traceylee has spent most of her life in Florida and now lives in Lake County. Her first tattoo was done at sixteen years old, a tribal tattoo with a bear claw, representing the Native American ancestry on her father’s side. On her back is a dragonfly and a cherry blossom tree. But her “sleeves” are a tapestry she has been etching over the past 10 years. When I asked, “What makes you endure the pain of getting tatted?” Traceylee replied, “I love the art and color and I find the experience each time exciting.” On her arm, a poinsettia represents her mother as it was her favorite flower and her oldest son’s David’s birth month flower.

A larkspur represents Traceylee’s birth month, a daisy is for her daughter Savannah’s and a rose represents her son Austin’s and her granddaughter Paislee’s. I asked her what her elderly clients think when they first see her skin art. She says most are wowed! Traceylee rides a 2019 Sportster 883 Iron. She says her bikes have always been Harleys. Previously she rode a 1994 883 “Hugger”. Some around the Edgewater area may recognize her from working at No Name Saloon, Charlie’s Timeout and AJ’s Timeout.

Most of her artwork has been created at Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach. She rides all the way over because she loves the work they do. Her artist John Himmelstein has been doing tats for 33 years although he only looks like he’s in his 30s. The work in progress has continued since I snapped these photos. She has visited John for four more tats!

If you are considering getting a tattoo see the guys at Tropical Tattoo on S. Yonge St. in Ormond Beach. I got my cross on my neck there and it is the only place I would go…if I ever got brave enough again!!

by Phoenix and Metric-HD

Charlotte’s Webb Pub is not just a great place to stop for a cold beer as you travel through Hardee County, it is the best place for miles around. Charlotte’s is more than just a biker bar. The owner, Charlotte, has been deeply involved in the community in Hardee for many years. Charlotte’s is that local bar that everybody goes to on their way home from work. Their package liquor store is the place to pick up a bottle for dinner or just sitting around the house enjoying something to top off a hard day at work. Charlotte’s is that place you go to on the weekend to spend time with your fellow riders from near and far. And she hosts many events throughout the year. It could be a benefit ride for a downed biker, a Christmas toy run, her own Gemini party or her most notorious Halloween party

Most recently Charlotte hosted her annual Customer Appreciation Party. When it comes to having a party, this lady knows how to make the most of everything. She had FREE food and draft beer while it lasted. The Wild Horses Band was cranking out some of the best classic Rock and Roll in the Heartland. Riders both big and small, from all around the state and beyond came out to show Charlotte how much we appreciate all she does for the community.

If you have never made it out to Charlotte’s Webb or even if you are a regular at her place, now is the time to enjoy this great riding weather and take a ride out there. The bar is in Wauchula at 3315 State Road 664 W. Tell her how much you appreciate all her and her staff do for the biker community. Ride safe and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

By Ron Cox

The Ft. Myers Chapter of LAMA (Latin American Motorcycle Association) hosted its 11th Annual Anniversary Party at Rockstar Harley-Davidson on Saturday, November 2nd.

Upwards of 300 LAMA members from all over Florida came to Ft. Myers as well as LAMA’s from Georgia and Illinois. Coincidentally a Chapter President from Columbia, South America was visiting family in West Palm Beach so that Chapter brought him along.

DJ Eddie and local band Remedy alternated keeping the LAMA’s entertained while they dined on typical Latin favorites. Biker games followed, using some unusual accessories like toilet plungers and rolls of toilet paper. Numerous trophies were given out and included Best Rep Chapter and the Chapter that traveled the longest distance. And for those still in a partying mood, there was an after-party party at
Chicago Boys 2.

LAMA was founded in 1977 in Chicago, Illinois. Since its inception, LAMA was intended to be a Moto-Touring Club with truly democratic ideas. Today the number of chapters has grown to more than 160 worldwide spanning the Americas, Asia, Europe and Australia. Florida boasts more than 20 Chapters.

By Tony & T-Rex

It’s Sunday Fun Day at Post 81, but we’re running late and can’t get the farm tractor to fire up. Finally, she comes to life and we’re off to Melbourne. ALP 81 is hosting Mike Kelly’s “Kids Without Christmas” Poker Run. The post has been hosting this event for 20 years. We show up, the band Phoenix is just starting to play, and Suzie “Q” is behind the bar and grabs us a couple of cold ones. We run into Post Commander Tracy “Stretch” Spence and he tells us it’s a five-stop run. First stop is ALP 117 then off to Camp Holly, Kelly’s Burgers and Beer, Cabana Shores and Chumley’s Depot, then back to Post 81 for food, raffles and prizes…One of the first back is J.D., the Director of the Legion Riders, and his wife. They tell me about their recent month-long road trip, then tells me they had over 100 sign up today. As the bikes roll in the party kicks into high gear, the band is rocking and has them up dancing. This place also rocks on Thursday’s 6-9pm and Sunday’s 12-4pm at the “Bunker” with food, music and adult beverages…I talk to J.D. before we roll out and he tells me they raised over $3,000 today. A great day at ALP 81, ride safe and see you in the wind…

By Lulu

Nefty and his crew love to entertain those who ride on two and three wheels. Nefty rides and he knows what a motorcyclist likes. Ice cold beer, stiff cocktails, great food and good music…and hot girls! All are at Ocalahan’s at their monthly Saturday evening bike nights. The bike nights run from April through November. At the final one in November, Big Engine rocked the large crowd. It was a little on the cool side so folks who braved the weather had on leathers, but lots of cars were in the parking lot! It was Han’s birthday so a cake with candles was on stage. Put the first Saturday of April on your destination list and ride to Ocalahan’s for the bike riding kick off party! A nice ride through the forest from Daytona, Ocalahan’s is located on Silver Springs Blvd. and they are happy to serve you any time of year!!!

By Lulu

Paula at Hard Rock Daytona Beach has a knack for finding cutting edge bike shows and events. Big Wheel Women and The King of Big Wheels had an extreme bike show and Sound Battle during Biketoberfest that was off the charts. With the help of sponsors that included Metalsport Wheels, Monster Energy, Butler Trucking, Jack Daniels Apple, and The Chopp Shop, the bikes that filled the banquet room were pieces of art. Builders such as Twin City Cycles Work, Evil Irons, Johnston’s Bodyworks and The Chopp Shop made this one rocking event. Add to that the grudge match between Munir and Dorian for the sound battle of the year. Prior to the grudge match, 3 different classes competed two bikes at a time to make the finals. The 3 categories were Lightweight which is 8 speakers or less (no subs), Middleweight was 14 speakers or less and heavyweight was 15 speakers or more!!! These are serious competitors with entry fees running between $100 and $200 dollars for the sound competition, but the prizes were grand $1000 lightweight, $2000 middleweight, $2500 heavy weight and $3000 for the grudge match.
The girls are planning another show during Bike Week and I for one won’t miss it!

By Lulu

Motorcyclists come from all areas of the world to experience Biketoberfest and Bike Week. In the center of it all is Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson who celebrated their 25th year in business. The complex known as Destination Daytona was certainly the “destination” for Biketoberfest as the place was packed with vendors and shoppers from all over. Music, bike shows, vendors, kegs and eggs to start your day gave everyone plenty of reasons to visit. The new Livewire test rides were an added incentive. The staff at Bruce Rossmeyer’s work hard all year long to bring you events and great music so ride in often and check out their showroom, you can even get your hair cut while your wife shops for that new belt!

By Lulu

The Boot Hill Saloon is one of the most nostalgic biker bars in the world. Anywhere I travel for a motorcycle event, I will see a Boot Hill Saloon T-shirt in the crowd. Just grabbing a new T-shirt makes it a must stop spot for Biketoberfest, but when you throw in great bands inside and out you just have to stay for a cold one or two. This Biketoberfest an added reason to park yourself on a barstool at the Boot was Chris Hiatt and Crash were back to play and it sure made us sorry they ever moved out west. Stonegrey, Blistur and Fat Cactus also took the stage during Biketoberfest. Karin and Alan provide more nights of music than just about anyone in town with six nights of music in their historic bar. Bike Nights on Wednesday live music begins at 9pm. Join them to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the ball drop and fireworks at midnight on Main Street.

By Lulu

Breathing life into a bar that was closed for years isn’t an easy undertaking. Dale’s Ales at 2400 N. Volusia Ave. in Orange City had been sitting vacant for many years when Stephanie Perras decided to try her hand at the bar business. Cleaning, remodeling and running into permitting problems were the first steps. Then getting a liquor license. All of that was a year ago now, as they just celebrated the first anniversary in November. The bar is biker owned and operated as Stephanie loves to ride on Rich’s backseat of his Harley. Stephanie a beautiful and vivacious brunette was born in Albany, New York. Her parents are from Massachusetts and she says she has always been drawn to Salem…seems like she is a bit on the hot, sexy “witchy woman” side. Stephanie is complete with “raven hair and ruby lips” just like the Eagles’ song. Along with being incredibly friendly and outgoing Stephanie is concerned with charitable causes and has volunteered while living in Boston for the Veteran’s Homeless Shelter.

Her bar is already getting a following of veteran bikers. A bit about Dale’s Ales current state of affairs includes live music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8pm, and live music on Sunday afternoon 4-8pm. Lots of TV’s for sports fanatics viewing. Monday night is karaoke for the singers in their own minds. Tuesday Jam Night for musicians. Thursday, they have started a game night. Outside is a fire pit to warm your buns as the temperatures drop. The bar would love to be a poker run stop so put them on your list if you are organizing one. Now what makes them a “Cool Joint” over and above all we have mentioned is they are running a Friday night bike night. Friday is most peeps pay day so no excuse not to ride in for a cold one or two. They are offering live music, $3 Twisted Tea, $2 domestic longnecks for Friday night Bike Nights! They keep their beer iced down. And they always have $10 domestic buckets and $13 Twisted Tea, Mich Ultra and Yuengling buckets. I asked one of their bartenders Tamie who has been at Dale’s since their rebirth what she likes about her job, her answer was the customers and her owner. Tamie said, “Dale’s is a friendly, loving bar!” Don’t let the name confuse you. This is a full liquor bar! Look for big changes coming for 2020, the first being a Smoke House and kitchen! The rest we will have to wait for the New Year to report!

By Lulu

If you are in town for Biketoberfest you will without a doubt stop into the Iron Horse Saloon. Free music by some of the best entertainers in the country, Crager’s beef tips, one of their new T-shirts, a tattoo or tattoo contest, the Wall of Death, free samples from Bayer, Aleve or Dr. Scholl, are all great reasons to ride in. This year Montgomery Gentry, Marshall Tucker Band and of course David Allan Coe were some of the crowd favorites. Iron Horse is a staple of Daytona bikers all year round!

By Lulu

Carole King sang “My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue. An everchanging vision of the ever-changing view.” My tapestry is woven with threads of the people who enter my life. The color of the threads each person adds to the tapestry is determined by what they bring into my life. White is pure love. Green jealousy. Red anger. Blue sadness. Purple passion. Black evil, pain. Grey indifference. Pink fun. Yellow cheerfulness and sunshine. The longevity of knowing someone and the closeness you experience with them determines how much color they add to your tapestry.

Sometimes the person may add a great deal of color and yet their actual time in your presence can be quite short. I met a man a few months after Bull died. I was struggling to keep Thunder Roads Florida going after his death by suicide. Struggling with the work of a magazine that I suddenly owned due to his death, I was also struggling to be in the world of motorcycling without him. I walked into The Dog Pound in Bunnell to deliver the latest issue and several men I didn’t know were standing there. Billy Neal who I later would know as Bilkey said to me, “Girl you have the saddest eyes I have ever seen.” I burst into tears. He was so concerned about me he insisted I have breakfast with him the next day. And I did. After the tragic loss of a loved one you start to think you don’t want to burden your friends and family with your feelings, so a fresh caring listener was a blessing that morning. Bilkey added lots of sunshine and cheer to my tapestry that day. I only saw Bilkey one other time, when he came to the White Eagle during Bike Week several years later, but he called often to check on me and nicknamed me “Earth Angel”. He would send me shirts from different Harley dealers when he traveled. Our two encounters lasted no longer than a few hours combined…yet his checking on me as I recovered from the depth of sorrow added much to my tapestry.

I received a text in messenger late the other night, the name on my cell was Billy Neal. At first, I thought someone had hacked Bilkey’s Facebook because it said, “Is this Beth?” Then there was a message saying it was Bilkey’s daughter and she was relaying that Bilkey had died. Suddenly a rush of blue was added to my tapestry. I was so sad that he was gone, sad that I hadn’t spent more time with him, that I hadn’t told him how much happiness he had added to my life by caring about me when I needed someone. I was sad for his children too. I never asked Bilkey why he called me “Earth Angel”. Now I will never know, but I had a feeling as I cried for him while driving home, that he was comforting me as before and that now I will have an angel looking after me from above.

Many in Florida know Billy Neal. He was a bike builder from Ohio, but he visited Florida often and had friends throughout. He was bigger than life. Funny. Intuitive. Kind…I will miss him.

Tell someone how much they mean to you, be kind to a stranger that seems burdened and don’t forget your sunscreen…

By Lulu

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Denise and Rick Hilliard. First off, Denise has one of the biggest hearts! She and First Turn are always involved in great community events! They also have a terrific venue with open air seating on their giant deck and now MOST of it is covered. They bring in great bands, fuel the Tuesday night Bike Night crowd with cheap drinks and free grub. And the number of bikers that show up during Bike Week and Biketoberfest prove I am not alone in my love for this bar. This Biketoberfest, Tim Dugger was back from Nashville, so we stopped in to see him strum the guitar and entertain his fans. If you get a chance, try their Redneck Salad, it is my favorite on their menu, although they are really known for the Sizzlin’ Steaks!