By Lulu

One of the highlights of our summer ride to the Smokies was a stop at Copperhead Lodge & The Flying Trout Restaurant in Blairsville, Georgia. What a gem this place turned out to be! Nestled on 40 rolling acres in the heart of the mountains, this motorcycle resort feels like a home away from home for riders.

The property offers cozy one- and two-bedroom cabins—complete with kitchens, AC, wi-fi, porches, hot tubs, and even garages for your bike. If you don’t need a full cabin, the Lodge has comfortable rooms with covered parking right underneath, making it easy to tuck your ride in for the night.

Of course, the food is just as impressive. The Flying Trout Restaurant, located on-site, served us a delicious lunch during our visit. They also have live music every Friday and Saturday night, which is truly enjoyable. The Lodge’s inviting wrap-around porch, with its mountain views and outdoor fireplace, is the perfect place to relax after a long ride. Inside, you’ll also find a warm fireplace for those cool autumn evenings—a true retreat once the fall riding season rolls in. And if you’re visiting in the summer, you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool after tackling nearby rides like the 29-mile trip to Raven Cliff Falls, the Suches Loop, the Cherohala Skyway, the Tail of the Dragon, or The Gauntlet.

We aren’t the only ones who fell in love with Copperhead Lodge. Friends of ours, Gordy & Debbie, chose it for their anniversary getaway and couldn’t stop raving about it. They were even greeted with flowers waiting in their cabin—such a thoughtful touch. Gordy shared photos of their cabin, and it was every bit as charming as he described.

Copperhead Lodge & The Flying Trout Restaurant is located at 171 Copperhead Parkway in Blairsville. You’ll find their full ad in this issue, complete with phone number and QR code for easy access. Whether you’re riding through for the day or looking for the perfect base camp to explore North Georgia’s breathtaking roadways, this spot truly has it all.

By Lulu

We rode down to Edgewater for the first antique bike show hosted by Jim Lynch at his new bike shop/bar, Godfather’s Custom Cycles & Good Fellas. Lots of regulars from the antique bike world were in attendance and of course taking home trophies. If you haven’t checked out his new space, the bar staff is friendly, beer is ice cold, and he does a Saturday bike night with bucket specials and live music from 7-11pm. They are starting a karaoke contest with cash prizes qualifying begins October 3rd, cash prizes total $2500!! Jim is also hosting a swap meet on October 4th. It starts at 9am. The address is 187 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater. And getting ready for Biketoberfest Friday the 17th from 5-9p Blistur will take his stage, and on Saturday the 18th Vermillion from 5-9p. So, saddle on up and visit Jim and his crew!

By Lulu

Having lived most of my adult life in the Florida panhandle, one of my favorite rallies (and my first ever rally) has been Thunder Beach in Panama City Beach. This is a spring and fall rally with normally beautiful weather, beaches, bikes, and girls! A paradise for motorcyclists. The one downfall would be traffic, but you have plenty to look at while sitting on your bike on Front Beach Rd. The rally has gone back to its roots with the original management and ownership back at the helm! Good news to us at Thunder Roads Florida! Thunder Beach has multiple hot spots including the main vendor location at Frank Brown Park featuring live music. There is also Panama City H-D, the Indian dealership, Crossroads, featuring the Full Throttle Bike Show and a sound competition, Bike Rack with live music and a festival feel with corn hole, stunt shows and Sloan, Hammerhead Fred’s and various other bars including, The Salty Goat and Ms. Newby’s…and of course “the beautiful white, sugar sand beaches on the Gulf of America”! The Hideout is a nice 35-minute ride out to Ponce de Leon where they feature great food, BBQ, biker games and Hammerhead Fred’s has been the site of one of the hottest bikini contests anywhere AND the famous band Buck Wild. There are lots of great restaurants in town too, including Captain Anderson’s, Sharkey’s, and The Wicked Wheel. If you haven’t ventured up to Panama City Beach for a rally yet, the next one is October 22nd -26th, book your hotel or campground now, throw a bathing suit in your saddle bags and come up to the party!

By Lulu

The last Sunday of Bike Week the bad ass boys and girls of Flagler County bring their “bad ass” toys out to show the masses at Broken Spoke Saloon. The perfect spot for a car show! The large oaks give shade. The live music and bars make a perfect afternoon for car viewing. This group has quite a collection! Along with being a club of cool car and truck collectors, these guys raise funds each year for Camp Boggy Creek and do a Toys for Tots drive. Thank you to Broken Spoke for Saloon for providing the perfect venue and bringing something different to Bike Week and to Rue & Ziffra Law Group for their continued sponsorship of events in our community!

By Lulu

OCC Roadhouse and Museum along with Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson put on one hell of a 3-day show. Friday night they kicked off with TL Jentgens, a solo drummer act that made the trip over to Clearwater well worth it! Saturday was the public ride-in bike show and the first day of the invitational builders’ awards. Soul Fish, Sammy & The Knights and Stormbringer entertained the builders and large crowds who came to enjoy the builds and music. Sunday started with the Sunshine Skyway Ride led by Paul Sr. Once they returned to the bike show, the 2nd day of builder awards continued. The music on Sunday included The Mordigans and Ten Ton Mojo out of New York. Dozens of top tier builders from across the US accepted the invitation to show off their talents! I am always amazed at the creativity of custom builders. Paul Sr. said, “This is more than a show-it’s a family reunion for the custom culture. The craftsmanship, the passion, and the community-it reminds you why we fell in love with bikes in the first place.” OCC Roadhouse and Bert’s Barracuda H-D put this on with sponsorship from Fran Haasch Law Group and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. It is a great weekend so put this on your Not to Miss List for 2026! More photos of the day and winners are on our Thunder Roads Florida Facebook and the winners of the Builder Invitational are listed below.
SATURDAY
BAGGER:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-NICK MORALES
PAUL SR.’S PICK-NICK WEIR
BUILDERS’ PICK-NICK MORALES
CRUISER:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-MIKE DE SOMMA
PAUL SR.’S PICK-JEFF MORGAN
BUILDERS’ PICK-DELL BATTLE
SPORT’S BIKE:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-DELL BATTLES
PAUL SR.’S PICK-DOMINIQUE JONES
BUILDERS’ PICK-DELL BATTLE
CAFÉ RACER:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-OLIFF GORDON
PAUL SR.’S PICK-TIM SCATER
BUILDERS’ PICK-DOMINIQUE JONES
SUNDAY:
VINTAGE/RETRO/OLD SCHOOL:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-MATTHEW THOMPSON
PAUL SR.’S PICK-TIM SCATER
BUILDERS’ PICK-CHAD BOLENDER
RAT ROD/CRAZINESS:
PEOPLE’S CHOICE-JOSEPH GREULICH
PAUL SR.’S PICK-CLAY KRICK
BUILDERS’ PICK-DOMINIQUE JONES
BOBBER: PEOPLE’S CHOICE-MIKE DE SOMMA
BOBBER: PAUL SR.’S PICK-MATTHEW THOMPSON
BOBBER: BUILDERS’ PICK-CHRISTOPHER WILSON
CHOPPER: PEOPLE’S CHOICE- MATTHEW THOMPSON
CHOPPER: PAUL SR.’S PICK-DAVID HOPKINS
CHOPPER: BUILDERS’ PICK-DREW JONES
OVERALL BEST IN SHOW: DREW JONES
SPECIAL BUILDER LOYALTY AWARD: STINKEYE CUSTOM

By Lulu

Paul Millard opened his motorcycle business in Perry, Florida twelve years ago. Originally from Lake City, Paul moved to Perry in 1998. He grew up riding minibikes and dirt bikes since childhood, like most who end up riding as adults, but what was a fun thing as a child became a life passion for Paul. Paul went from selling used parts to bike repairs and builds. He currently has twenty bikes in his stable. His building got hit hard by Hurricane Helene, I even saw his shop’s damage featured on the news! They made a “porch” out of part of the damaged area, where friends and clients gather on a regular basis. His plans for the future of RP Specialties are to get a dealership and finance license, and to hold a Swap Meet in the spring each year. As any of us who are in business know, free time is rare, but he and his wife April have two children and one grandchild who they love to spend time with. Or, Paul says you may find him either riding his bike or hanging out in the pool! Shop hours are 10am-5pm Monday through Friday. RP Specialties is located at 2673 S. Byron Butler Parkway in Perry. His phone number is 850-843-0151. The bike Paul and his crew are posing with in the photo is his custom build, including the paint job…and it is for sale! He took home a trophy during Full Throttle’s Bike Show at Leesburg Bikefest. The craftsmanship and work coming out of this shop is top notch and done by a great guy and his talented crew!

You know I rave about the generosity of motorcyclists, about the extreme talent of bike builders and painters; but the reality of motorcycling is it is all about getting on your bike and putting miles on it. Our friend Doug submitted a photo of him and his bike that just hit 100,000 miles! Lots of us have that many miles on the saddle, but few on the same bike. And to brag on Doug a bit he shows up everywhere, particularly rides for veterans and firefighters, since I have known him, he hasn’t missed a 9/11 ride, not surprising as he is from New York. There are lots of 9/11 rides coming up in September. More than we usually hear about, the one we ride every year is in Bunnell. The Knights of Inferno and the Punisher MC out of Flagler host it. It is astounding that this will be 24 years since those planes changed so many lives. And I am impressed by those of us who will not let a year pass without giving tribute to those who lost their lives and the heroes of that day!

Find a 9/11 ride to show we won’t forget! Be a Doug: put some miles on your bike, travel a new highway, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Lulu

Bike Week has bike shows all over town, but one of the favorites for those in attendance is Dennis Kirk’s at Broken Spoke Saloon. First off, the venue is amazing. The giant oaks, the pavers, the music, the bartenders…everything is exactly right for an enjoyable day of motorcycles. Secondly the show is for “Garage Builds”! The guys and gals have actually wrenched these masterpieces together in their own garages, or in one guy’s case, his shed! For those living under a rock, Dennis Kirk is a web retailer whose tag line is We Ship Today! From tires to apparel to helmets and parts you can put anything you might need in your cart or as they refer to the shopping list “your garage” and have it shipped. More photos of the bikes and winners can be viewed on our Thunder Roads Florida Facebook.

By Lulu

This was our first time to Panama City Beach since The Bike Rack venue opened. It is very centrally located on Front Beach Rd. Vendors and a large tent covered bar including the infamous Sloan slinging cocktails provided a perfect perch to spend the afternoon. A great stunt show featuring Doug Meeker entertained the large crowd. Cornhole, boxing machines and such gave people enjoying the sunny day something to challenge themselves and each other. Live music got people (who probably shouldn’t have been) dancing up on tables featuring stripper poles. Twisted Tea is a sponsor of this venue, so we got a chance to hang out with Bill for a bit, and that always makes it…a TWISTED good day!

By Lulu

Out in Green Cove Springs some peeps organized a day on motorcycles for a friend fighting Multiple Myeloma, Amie Seitz Johns. The ride started at Boogerville, headed to Crossroads, with the next stop at the Oasis in San Mateo to have a drink at Tia and Larry’s place. Saddled up again to head to Lisa and Sheldon’s The Hideaway in Pomona Park. Final stop was at Tonya and Waylon’s bar Long’s Log Cabin. Quite a ride! Lots of angels on two and three wheels took their day to help out someone they love with her medical expenses! I don’t care what anybody says…bikers are exceptional people who always do whatever it takes to show people they are loved! Thank you to the organizers of Amie’s ride, to the bars and others who donated items and particularly to those who took their day and a little bit of cash out of their pockets to lift Amie’s spirits!

By Lulu

Cancer hits hard, especially when it hits friends and loved ones. Julie is a well-known and well-loved bartender at Boot Hill who got a big hug from friends recently when they threw a benefit ride for her. Hugs usually come in the form of two arms wrapped around you, but when a community of bikers come together, straddle their motorcycles and raise much needed funds to cover expenses due to her fight with cancer…well that is bigger than any bear hug! TJ and I weren’t able to make this event, but friends submitted photos of the day’s event. A huge smile was on Julie’s face and sometimes that is just what the doctor orders! Thank you to the participating bars which I believe were Boot Hill, The Boat, Sorry Charlie’s, and Beaver Bar, to the organizers for caring enough to take an event on for Julie, and to all who spent their day spreading their love!

By Lulu

Ethan and his crew at The Inn Between in Deland throw a serious chili cook off. Lots of crock pots of chili with all types of flavors to tempt those brave enough to try them. This year 3 women took 1st, 2nd and 3rd, which included a mother and daughter competing. Mom took 1st and daughter took 2nd! The Bloody Jug Band was on stage entertaining the crowd with their unique style of music which included the washboard! Follow The Inn Between on Facebook as they are featuring live music and Sunday Fundays.

Author Samantha Rose Couto

Some heroes live in comics, fighting off robbers and protecting their city from crime. Others live right under our noses. Locals with a heart of gold. I had the privilege of sitting down with one of our local heroes, Sherry Fletcher, to discuss her third annual Saddle Up for St. Jude Poker Run Fundraiser, hosted at the World

Famous Iron Horse Saloon. On April 5th of 2025, $87,285 was raised for St. Jude! Over 450 riders, including our very own Mayor Jason Leslie, participated in the poker run, with stops at Saint & Sinners Pub, Renegades on the River, and Bimini Bar. To finalize the ride, participants of the event ended at the World-Famous Iron Horse Saloon, where a sense of community and connection proves to be society’s biggest strength.

Well-known and raved about by its locals, it’s the only bar where you can drive your bike right inside! Its friendly and lively atmosphere being the perfect home for such an impactful event. The fundraising started six months prior, with guitars signed by the headliner bands and auctioned off during Biktoberfest and Bike Week at both the Iron Horse Saloon and the Broken Spoke. When asked how she did it all, Sherry replied, “I didn’t. It takes an army to put something like this together – to make it successful. I’m just trying to make it something fun, while being able to give back.” And she wasn’t kidding about the fun! Those who attended got to enjoy more than just the Poker Run. They had the chance to participate in live and silent auctions of items and baskets generously donated by local restaurants. retailers, and businesses; A fun dice game, 50/50 raffle and cornhole tournament rounded out the funds raised to benefit the children of St. Jude. Guests browsed the motorcycles while local band, Are Friends Electric, took over the stage, covering classic rock hits and 80s favorites. If the festivities and music wasn’t enough, Feed The Obsession Outdoors served up some delicious BBQ pulled pork and beef brisket good enough to make Willie T. Jones drool! The music, the weather, and the people brought an energy that was truly unmatched. I was grateful to have had my camera in hand this day, the lens capturing each special moment throughout the fundraiser. The lens and I met a diverse group of characters, but all with the same goal: How to give to those who need it most.

“The reason that we decided to do this is because we like to give back to the community, and others,” Fletcher states. “We really get a lot of pleasure in watching our community come together. I have some friends that are going through cancer and have passed away because of cancer, as adults. I see what they’ve gone through, and I couldn’t imagine what these children are going through – the parents having to struggle and work just to keep food on the table. If we can help in any way, just to take the burden – so that parents can just focus on their children, that’s what it’s all about for us.” And because Fletcher is a major advocate for community commitment, the fundraiser is never done alone. She speaks highly of her group of volunteers and sponsors, those who “really make it happen.” With the help of those amazing volunteers, Saddle Up for St. Jude has grown immensely over the past three years. Since the first fundraiser, over $200,000 has been raised for St. Jude. “Before we would have to go around and ask people if they would like to be a sponsor, if they’d like to be involved in any way,” Fletcher says. “Now there are people just coming up to us and saying ‘How can I help the community? How can I get involved? What do you need from me? I’m just amazed at how a group of people can come together. It’s definitely a group effort.” But what the community has done for St. Jude so far has gone way beyond an “effort.” Every year more and more people become involved, and more money is raised for the children, and the families who need it to support them. The money raised will not only act as navigation through medical complexities and treatment plans, but will also be the hand that takes a weight off their shoulders. The emotional journey is enough to go through; financial
instability would only make it harder.

A MOMENT TO NEVER FORGET
Sometimes in life, it can be difficult to find help. Other times, we can be given more than we are
looking for. “The first poker run that we ever did – we didn’t know how big it was gonna be,” Fletcher says.“We went to Renegades and asked them, ‘Hey, if you would like to give a basket and $50 towards a charity, we would really appreciate it.’ And she hands me a check for $2,000.” Humanity is complex, but underneath all of the layers of complexity, there is compassion, and selflessness. Surprises like these stay with us as we move on to the next phases of our lives. It’s what keeps people like the heroes of Saddle Up for St. Jude motivated to bring our community together. When our community works as one, we can help those who have been impacted directly. Sherry had brought up a man whose daughter lost the battle and wanted to give back in any way he could. “One of my friends had given me a tote full of Legos and she goes ‘I know they’re used, but can you use these for the silent auction.’ And we did. The guy that won it walked up to Beth of ThunderRoads and says, ‘I’m buying these for my grandchild who lost her mother to cancer.’ He wanted to give back to those going through the same thing.” But upon talking to Sherry further, I learned that it’s more than “giving back.” The term “giving back” implies that something had to have been taken first. But our community does more than give back. We stand alongside one another, and we do it without wanting anything in return, or for mutual understanding. We don’t just “give back.” We create change. We invest, and sacrifice. We contribute. We empower. We support.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY, ON YOUR SIDE
I asked Sherry what role sponsors have in the Saddle Up process, and she opened up about her team’s loyalty to Rue & Ziffra. “They were the first ones that came to mind! I have worked with Rue & Ziffra in the past and as soon as I decided that I wanted to do this, my first phone call was to David Sweat (Attorney) to see if he wanted to be a part of it. I knew that they would be a big sponsor for us.” We’re stronger in numbers because no battle is won alone. That’s why community is everything. “I love how they’re not just a law firm, but how much they give back to the community. They want to make our community a better place.“

TAKING THE REINS
“Sherry,” I said. “What’s next?” and to that she responds, “We’re going corporate.” The Saddle Up team has been discussing future plans of growing their organization, as they have already started reaching out to corporates to get more eyes on the cause. “We feel really confident that we’ve brought it to a really good level and that we all know what we need to do as far as the different outlets of what we’re doing to put this together.” And the confidence is undeniable! With a growing team and rising donations, it’s no surprise that the fundraiser is saddling up and riding tall! When asked when the planning for 2026 begins, Sherry eagerly says, “We’ve already started for next year.”

By Lulu

Jim Lynch, owner of the new Godfather Custom Cycles & Good Fellas Beer & Wine bar, has a love of motorcycles and bike events! He also is the producer of Bike Show Mafia bike events throughout the USA. To kick off his new bar and bike shop he had a 3-day event including a block party with a ride-in car and bike show. It also featured the crew from Count’s Custom: Horny Mike, Ghetto Bob and Ryan Evans. Food trucks, vendors and live music rounded out the event. On a regular basis they have a jeep night on Fridays and a bike night on Saturdays. Ride down to Edgewater and find them at 187 S. Ridgewood (U.S. 1).