By Lulu

The folks at S. R. Perrott and Yuengling sponsored a tattoo contest for best male and female tattoo. Willie and the boys from Tropical Tattoo emceed and judged the event with the help of the crowd. Just prior to the contest David Allan Coe was onstage and the crowd was packed in like sardines. Yuengling has been doing tattoo contests during Bike Week and Biketoberfest so get your ink on and show up to walk away with the grand prize! Tropical Tattoo would be happy to etch one on ya’!

By Lulu

Well once again Heavy and Christine pulled off a huge event to celebrate motorcycling, bikers and another great year in business. The Beaver Bar was filled to capacity. The weather god blessed the event with a gorgeous day and while we were on premise the air was filled with tunes from Hayfire and the roar of pipes! Couldn’t have been a better event. This is always mid-February so come join the fun next year. Bring your bike to enter the show or just ride in for food, fun and friends.

By Tony & T-Rex

Suns up and we’re running the ‘cement mixer’ over the causeway in Ft. Pierce. We are heading to the Treasure Coast Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet. We wheel over the causeway and there it is, the Causeway Cove Marina and that’s where it’s going to happen for 2 days. The southbound run went smoothly. We are early, so the first thing we do is find Larry, the guy who set this all up. He gives us a run down on what’s going on and he’s back to work. So, we are off to the swap meet to scavenge up some parts as the vendors are still unpacking. From there we go to the beer garden for a cold one and a sausage sandwich, then a walk over to the bikes for sale area. As we look around, the bikes are rolling in, the parking areas are filling up, the vendors are doing business and the bikes are being put into place for the bike show.

This is a 2-day event with 4 bands and T-Rex is heading to the band stand to check out the first band today which is “Sol Party” and they are playing some classic rock for the crowd. Then we check out the vendors who had everything from riding boots to wall plaques. We stop back at the beer garden then off to check out the bike show entrants. They have them all…antiques, customs, even a Boss Hoss. One more trip to, you guessed it…the beer garden to see Larry and say our good-byes, we jump on the cement mixer and we’re in the wind. Larry, a great show. We will see you at your next one.

Ride Safe…T-Rex and Tony

By Phoenix and Metric-HD

No matter what you call it, the stress of combat takes its toll. As a retired Veteran of two branches of the military that spans decades of service to this county, I can tell you that joining the military changes your life forever. First, it takes a special kind of person to join the military, not everyone is cut out for it. You must be willing to sacrifice up to and including your life for your God, Country and the Brothers that stand next to you. Boot Camp alone makes you ask the question “What in the HELL did I get myself into?”. For most veterans, serving in the military is the most rewarding experience they will ever have. You carry the memories of your adventures with you for a lifetime and most of the memories are fantastic. However, for that elite group of men and women who serve on the front lines those memories can haunt you FOREVER! We send young Americans out to foreign lands to see and do things that no human should have to endure. We expect them to return home to “suck up and drive on” and for most of them they do, and do it well. However, everyday they risk the chance that a smell, or the backfiring of an old Harley could send them back to a place they wish they could forget.

Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are real. On average, twenty-two Veterans commit suicide each day. That is where PROJECT 22 comes in to play. Project 22 helps the Veterans that struggle the most with PTSD. Ironically, in a lot of cases it is the Veterans that have been there, done that and got the t-shirt that are the ones reaching out to the Veterans that are struggling. Thanks to the Wretched Few VMC for letting our Brothers know that they are not in this fight alone. The Wretched Few VMC put on a Poker Run in Polk County to bring awareness to the Project 22 agenda. They began the day in Lakeland at MJC Classic Cars, stopped at Breland’s Bar & Billiards in Lakeland then off to the American Legion Post 72 in Mulberry, down to the Fun Bar in Bartow, over to the YA’LL Come Back Saloon just outside Lake Wales then back to the Eagle Ridge Mall where the ride ended at the Area 71 American Legion. All the money raised will go to help local Veterans. For more information on PROJECT 22 check it out on the web or contact the Wretched Few VMC at www.wretchedfew.org.

By Horny Dave

Located in the heart of downtown Palatka, surrounded by quaint little shops and historic brick streets, lies a hidden jewel called the 3-D Saloon. Every February the owners, life-long resident Donny and his wife Amy, throw a birthday party for their friends and customers at their bar. This is the most unique birthday party ever. They host the party for themselves, born only two days apart, however the patrons are the one who get the gifts! Tickets were given out to the customers and Amy drew numbers all day for a table full of sweet bar prizes.

Donny spent his birthday cooking kettles of delicious low country boil on the back porch. Speaking of back porches in Putnam county, this must be one of the finest. Sitting around with friends, both old and new, makes you feel like you’re relaxing in a lush garden.

Next time you head out for a ride, take a trip along the beautiful St. John’s River and enjoy the picturesque view from high atop Veterans Memorial Bridge. As you ride into the county seat of Putnam, check out the 3-D Saloon, say hello to Donny and Amy, shoot some pool, and enjoy an incredible time with some great people.

By Ron Cox

The Naples Chapter of LAMA (Latin American Motorcycle Association) hosted its 5th Anniversary party on February 16th at Rockstar Harley-Davidson. More than 260 LAMAS’ plus their friends and guests rocked out on the patio. Riders came in from Alabama and Ohio too! And since LAMA’s International Convention was the following week in Orlando, LAMA’s had their bikes shipped from Mexico, Cuba and Columbia. Several local clubs also had representation.

Under tent-like canopies, everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a meal of pulled pork, chicken, baked beans, salsa and chips. Plenty of ice-cold soft drinks and water accompanied the meal. Adult beverages were available.

A trophy table was set up with plenty of hardware to be given out. Chapters took 1st and 2nd place for having the most members, longest distance and the most female members present.

Entertainment was provided by 3RG Miami and needless to say they kept everyone up and moving!!!!!

LAMA was founded in 1977 in Chicago. Since its inception, LAMA was intended to be a Moto-Touring Club with truly democratic ideas. In 1995 a Chapter was formed in Miami and in 1996 LAMA became a National Association when the first national president was elected. In 1999 LAMA became an International Association when Chapters were formed in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Cuba. 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 Lulu

If there is anyone who works in the rally industry who wasn’t exhausted on March 18th, they weren’t in Daytona Beach! It was one hell of a rally! Most bars and hotels were slammed and full. I heard some of the best FREE music in the state right here!! By most accounts this was one of our safer rallies, although there were two reported cars that slammed into bikes on Main Street which caused serious injuries. Who the hell thinks cars should be allowed on Main Street during Bike Week anyway? The last report I heard was that during the rally there were 100 wrecks but no fatalities…which I am shocked by and thankful for. Some very serious injuries and that isn’t good, but at least no deaths reported at the time I had to go to print.

There were so many bike shows at cool venues I felt like a hamster in a wheel trying to get from one to the next. The coverage for Bike Week will be in the May issue as the deadline for the April issue falls before Bike Week ends so look for it next month.

I want to thank all who took their days to visit historic Bike Week…there are bike rallies all over the country and all over Florida now, but it all started here. And even with our messed-up government officials who seem to wish Bike Week would go away, I for one don’t want them to have their way. Daytona is known for 3 things: Drive on beaches, NASCAR and motorcycles! We are not South Beach, we are not Delray. We are a beach of memories from spring breakers, to race fans and for those who like a motorcycle party. The local government has no idea the financial impact of the motorcyclists who visit here, not the impact during the rally…I am talking about how many people move here because they fell in love with it during their visits to Bike Week. Fools get elected everyday and from what I have seen running this city, Phaedra Lee should run for Mayor to save us from these fools!

Thank you to all my friends who remembered my birthday and the Silly String was a mess sorry Gina and the staff at Chris’ Lounge!

Ride safe, wear your sunscreen and don’t forget to thank your vets and first responders for protecting us and our freedom!

By Lulu

Bradley Summersill was a handsome young man with a long life ahead of him and a family that loved him dearly. On New Year’s Eve 2010 on the way to pick up his mom after work, he was killed by a drunk driver. His family was simply devastated. The financial cost of a funeral wasn’t expected. So, when friends saw that his grave didn’t have a headstone, a poker run was organized and so much money was raised, that they were also able to fund another stone for a family who also lost a child. That was the birth of the Bradley Summersill Foundation 10 years ago. This year over 100 bikes met at the Apopka Elks Lodge 2422, and after a hearty breakfast of pancakes, kickstands were up for a beautiful day of riding to honor Bradley’s memory and to raise funds for other families needing stones for their children. A stop at Rock Springs Bar & Grill for a cold drink and then off to the cemetery where Bradley was laid to rest. A brief ceremony and the release of helium balloons with names of loved ones floated skyward. We couldn’t make it to the end party where Accuzed was playing, but we met some wonderful people who care about others in need and generously gave up their day to Ride for the Stone!

The Bradley Summersill Foundation has purchased headstones for children in over 47 states, 256 of them since 2010…what an amazing legacy for Bradley and his family and friends. Etched into Bradley’s stone are the words “The Strength of One Empowers Many” and this event is a living example of just that. Since the ride on March 2nd they have received 3 new applications from families. A total for the day’s efforts was $17,003 an amazing day to help more families in their time of need.

By Lulu

What started out as a rainy ride to Jacksonville from Daytona Beach, ended with fairly clear skies and a great temperature for a bike night at Adamec Harley-Davidson on Baymeadows. They kicked off Bike Week with a bike night at the dealership. Despite an hour-long rain delay plenty of peeps were on hand from as far as Daytona to hear Tony and the boys rock the place. Adamec Harley-Davidson is involved with Bike Night at Jacksonville Landing on the second Thursday of every month and Bike Day at Ancient City Brewery in St. Augustine on the third Sundays. Or just check out their 4 locations: St. Augustine on St. George St., Jacksonville on Baymeadows, Regency on Atlantic Blvd. or Orange Park on Wells for bikes, accessories and apparel. Look for the grand opening of another new dealership coming soon to St. Augustine at the Outlet Mall property!

By Lulu

Well the rains fell and fell hard just prior to the opening of Dania Beach’s Vintage Motorcycle Show. Bad weather was predicted for the one-day event. I honestly thought we would make the trip south from Daytona Beach to a total wash out. But Clare Frost weathered the storm and the day turned out to be nice. The field was a bit slushy and the baseball diamond looked more like a pond, but the band played to a field full of browsers, shoppers and bike owners. Along with an antique bike and bicycle show, the attractions include a swap meet, vendors, music and food. Clare you rock for not cowering down to the storm!

By Lulu

Insuring your motorcycle is one of the first things you do after making that exciting purchase. In Holly Hill at 1702 Ridgewood Avenue, two Volusia County born and raised ladies are in the business of doing just that! Lisa Collalti Hawkins and Sandi Hageman are partners in H & H Insurance, LLC. They have both been in the insurance industry for years. Lisa was licensed in 1996 and Sandi in 2000. Their friendship started eighteen years ago through the insurance business. Seven years ago, they decided to make the leap and open H & H (Hawkins & Hageman) Insurance. They are licensed and can sell for the entire state of Florida. As an independent insurance agency, they can shop for your best price. I must admit they saved me money on my car insurance when I changed to H & H and they saved T.J. a bunch of money on his homeowner’s policy as well. Lisa and Sandi provide motorcycle, auto, boat, home, collector cars, commercial and life insurance. They do not handle health insurance.

When I said Volusia County born and raised which seems rare in this area, Lisa’s family is the oldest documented family in the U.S., her maternal family name is Solana from St. Augustine. Her family was even featured in a documentary on PM Magazine. Sandi’s family owned Cobb’s Corner. Her grandmother was Patricia Lindmeier.

Sandi tells me that she is a stay at home in her free time kind of girl. She loves her time with her family which consists of three children and a two-year old granddaughter. So, motorcycle riding is something she enjoyed in the past, and she enjoys Lisa’s stories of her adventures on two-wheels.

Many in the Daytona area know Lisa “Biker Mama” from either riding with Greg or from her time behind the bar at Smiley’s Tap. She has bartended there for nine years…and just enjoys doing it! She grew up riding behind her brother, holding tight while he wheelied down the street, much to her parents’ dismay. After a divorce in 2006, she decided she had to have her own bike. Lisa rode her own for several years, but she couldn’t spend much time on her motorcycle due to the demands of the new business, so she sold it and now is content to enjoy the backseat. Her passion is riding, and she gets itchy when she hears bikes pull up while she is behind the desk! She met her riding mate Greg at Annie Oakley’s when Greg’s friend Micah made the love connection by telling Greg to give her a ride on the 9/11 Memorial Ride in Flagler…they have been together ever since! Lisa also spends time with her son and two grandchildren and loves the beach.

H & H Insurance is very community minded and supports bike runs, particularly Family Renew and Toys for Tots. Both Lisa and Sandi would love to give you a quote and help you with any insurance needs or questions you might have. They are super friendly, saved me money and it is worth the call (386-310-8702)! Tell them Thunder Roads sent you…

By Raven Van Pelt

Dreams Come True held a police escorted ride at Adamec Harley-Davidson of Jacksonville that started at Adamec and made its way through Jacksonville with 125 bikes and returned to Adamec Harley Davidson.

Dreams Come True is the First Coast’s only locally-based wish granting organization dedicated to using the power of a dream to bring hope and joy to EVERY First Coast child battling a life-threatening illness. Since 1984, the dreams of more than 3,800 children have been fulfilled. No child is ever denied a dream and no child is ever placed on a waiting list.

They are proud to say that, unless otherwise designated, 100% of all donations go directly toward dream fulfillment.  Whatever the dream may be, it’s the momentary reprieve from doctor visits, tests and medical treatments that makes all the difference.

Dreams Come True is not affiliated with any national wish-granting charity. For more information contact Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, 6803 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida, 32216 or call 904-296-3030. Thank you, riders, for your continued support.

By Phoenix and Metric-HD

On a bright Florida afternoon TK and his lovely wife Di were out enjoying a day of riding when their lives were changed in a blink of an eye. Out of nowhere, a northbound vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed lost control, crossed the median striking a southbound vehicle towing another vehicle leaving TK and DI in their crosshairs. TK had no other option but to lay his bike down and ride it out. When the dust settled TK and DI were banged up pretty good but by the grace of God they survived. Di got bumps and bruises and a lot of road rash but was released from the hospital. TK received the worst of it and spent a few days in the hospital with a long road to recovery.

The accident left both TK and Di in a bad place both physically and financially, but they did not have to endure the trauma alone. When you ride a motorcycle, you belong to a unique community that will come together in the time of need. If you belong to a motorcycle club, they will stick with you through thick and thin, luckily TK and Di belong to both. The brothers from the Shadow Hunterz and other motorcycle clubs from the surrounding area came together with the biker community to put on a fundraiser to cut the cost of their medical expenses.

The poker run started in Highlands County with stops at some of TK’s favorite biker spots like Sheila’s Corner Pub in historical downtown Sebring and one of the newer biker stops at the Wild Hawg on Hwy. 27 in Sebring. The last stop was at the Just One More Bar and Grill in Lake Wales where Wanda and her staff hosted an after party with food for all. DJ Weed was on hand playing some of the old classic tunes of the past.

While the weather was not that good due to the coldest weather of the year, the turnout was great. Everyone had a fun time and all the money raised went to TK and Di. We wish TK and Di a speedy recovery and hope to see them out enjoying the open roads once again soon. GOD BLESS!!!

By Lulu

It is with great sadness that I need to report this will be the final Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom to the Vietnam Wall in May. Due to rising cost the yearly ride to honor those lost and maimed in Vietnam will come to an end after 2019. I have done this ride twice and I tell anyone who will listen it meant more to me than anything I have ever experienced on two wheels. If you can possibly make the trek this year, I encourage you to do it. The date this year is May 26th for the actual ride, but there are events a few days prior that are well worth participating in. You will feel proud of our country if you make this pilgrimage and have a chance to say to these heroes “Welcome Home”.

Also want to pass on the news that Bobby Friss has picked up a new sponsor, Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg. He is always a crowd favorite there and packed the house at the recent chili-BBQ cook-off for PTSD for the firefighters. Check out his website for a complete list of his schedule. We will be at the old Tilted Kilt now Ocalahan’s in Ocala for their first bike night of the year on April 6th to see him and he will be at Seminole H-D for the Sam Swope Charity Ride on March 10th.

I must apologize for the March issue having mostly ads! Great for our expenses and it helps us print this free publication all year long! We are growing by leaps and bounds and really appreciate our ad clients support and ask you to patronize them whenever you can. It really helps if you mention you saw their ad in Thunder Roads Florida!

While in Daytona be careful of the wildlife, we have had bikes go down from deer and even bears in the past so ride like you are in a video game being chased by aliens! Also don’t rev your pipes or do burnout. The cops are itching for a reason to pull you over and take a bite out of your wallet. Nothing worse than ruining your Bike Week experience with a run in with the law.

Check out our advertisers’ business, buy a stranger a beer and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Lulu