By Phoenix and Metric-HD

As we know all too well, riding a motorcycle is the freest feeling you can have with your clothes on, however it comes with some risks. Feeling the wind in your face, the power beneath you and freedom of the open road are hard to beat. However, riding in Florida in the winter time presents unique challenges. As 2018 ended I had the unfortunate honor to be a small part of a celebration of life for an amazing young man that lost his life way too soon. Cody “Coffetable” Balster’s favorite color was florescent lime green. Cody served his country with pride doing a couple of tours overseas. Cody loved to ride his motorcycles with his brothers. Cody loved his friends and family. Cody’s life was cut way too short while doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle.

Thanks to his friend and family Cody will not be “FORGOTTEN”. Recently they hosted a Memorial/Benefit ride to honor the life and memory of Cody. The ride hit some of the most iconic biker friendly places in Polk County, with stops at the Ya’ll Come Back Saloon, Frank E’s Lakeside, the Grove and the final stop at Just 1 More Bar in Lake Wales. Wanda and her staff put out a wonderful spread while DJ Stoney spun the tunes.

As we start the New Year and a wonderful riding season let us “NEVER FORGET” all those brothers and sisters who we have lost too soon. MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OUR BROTHER AND SISTER RIDERS!!!

By Lulu

Trying to avoid the sweltering temps of August the organizers of Starke Bikefest moved their yearly event to November and combined the bike and music rally with a Veterans’ tribute. The weather was great! Though the crowds were not what they had hoped for with the move of the date, those who did ride in for the event stayed to enjoy the music, shopped with the vendors and enjoyed the great car show on the streets of downtown Starke. I have to say the music was better than ever. I really enjoyed each band. The Veteran’s Day tribute was awesome with the presentation of colors, guest speakers and the display of white crosses to remind us of the cost of freedom. Then an old-fashioned Veteran’s parade including motorcycles filled the streets. TJ and I really enjoy the weekend in Starke and the hometown feel of Starke. There are plenty of nice country roads to explore and local honky-tonks. This year we were impressed with the updates at The Red Dog Saloon and Mug Shots! I would love to see this event stay in the cooler month of November and grow with the support of the local businesses. Next year the event will remain in November so plan to ride to the country and join us in Starke the second week of November for a great weekend of music and patriotism.

By Lulu

WOW that is what needs to be said about the first Oyster & Chowder event at First Turn Steakhouse and Lounge in Port Orange. The huge parking lot was spilling over on the streets! Combining the seafood festival with a tribute to our veterans was genius! The events of the day included Big Engine rocking the stage. Patriotic events including the Pledge of Allegiance, Taps, Color Guard presentation of colors by Embry Riddle, recognition of veterans from our past conflicts, tattoo contest for most patriotic and best military, and the Missing Man table caused the huge crowd to shed tears and shout USA!! The entire event benefitted Combat Vets!!

The seafood festival part of the day included a chowder cook off with sampling, oyster shucking contest, raw oyster eating contest and oyster shell painting. A special thank you to all who took their Sunday to spend it with the great folks at First Turn showing Veterans we love and honor their courage and sacrifice defending and protecting the USA! And as always First Turn thanks their sponsors who help bring these charitable events to fruition Waste Pro, N Balance Holistic Wellness Spa, Hagstrom Group, Daytona Beverage, SR Perrott and Hold Fast Tattoo.

By Lulu

A serene city park in New Port Richey is invaded by the sound of bikes, bands and beautiful girls! The backdrop of the river and large oaks provides a perfect place for a bike rally. This event has been growing with each passing year! Two days of bike shows put on by Minh from Venom Cycles had the parking lot full of unique show pieces. The bikini contest was viewed by a huge crowd and each of the entries had their own cheering section! A poker run on Saturday hosted by Fire & Iron is a well-attended and great event raising money for their charity. The park is full of vendors and the local bars and restaurants are thrilled to serve those on two wheels. One of our favorite spots is Little Corona Cigar Bar on Grand Blvd. that now is part of the Thunder Roads family. The bands are what draws huge crowds and this year’s lineup included Completely Unchained, Van Halen Tribute, Rockit Fly, Carnival of Crue, Diary of an Ozzman and last, but not least, Skid Row. A special thank you to the major sponsors Fran Haasch law group, Team Farrell and New Port Richey Harley-Davidson for bringing this event to the west coast of Florida. If you haven’t ridden to the Cotee River Bike Fest it is a great weekend and is in October each year.

By Deborah Speicher

Whether you were riding all the way to Milwaukee or just joining the riders along the way, the roads here in Florida were packed full of motorcycles during the last weekend in August. Every five years, Harley-Davidson invites everyone to ride “home” – home to Milwaukee where it all started.

There were planned rides from the four corners of the United States. One started in Ft. Lauderdale, with stops at H-D dealerships in Ft. Myers, Brandon and Gainesville before heading to Georgia. For those of us not able to do the whole trip, it was still fun to ride through Florida with the group.

Brandon was the first overnight stop. The dealership had a party with a live band, fashion show, vendors, and more. The next morning, the group was treated to a free pancake breakfast before heading to Gainesville for lunch which also included a live band, poker walk, etc.

Those that did make it all the way to Milwaukee, were treated to concerts, parties, parades and more! For those of us who missed this event, we have another five years to get ready for the next ride home!

By T. J.

There is a cool new business in Port Charlotte that motorcyclists need to know about. William Oquendo has opened “Biker Life”, a store at 3265 Tamiami Trail that carries all things biker. From motorcycle gear, to apparel and accessories, William carries a wide selection of things that you need. It is also part consignment shop where you can sell stuff that you have accumulated but no longer need.

William is a native Floridian born and raised in Miami. He served in the military as an Airborne Ranger. His interest in motorcycles started at aged 12 riding dirt bikes and is an avid rider today. William started Biker Life as an exclusively online store in 2014 and earlier this year when his wife’s job transferred her to southwest Florida, he looked around the area and soon realized that there was a huge biker community, but no independent retail biker stores to serve them. The logical solution in his mind was a brick and mortar location to keep himself busy…and busy he is. The few times I have visited the shop there has been a steady flow of new friends stopping by to see what’s inside. William is an engaging guy who is very welcoming to every person that comes through the door. He is also very knowledgeable about his extensive product lines and can easily help you find what you’re looking for.

Biker Life’s soft opening was only 2 months ago but William already has plans to start hosting/promoting on site motorcycle related events. He is a marketing minded, military veteran, biker with 3 Harleys in his garage, so be ready for some cool stuff coming soon.

By Lulu

Okay, so if you hate Trump and consider yourself left of center don’t bother reading this because it will only annoy you. BUT I wrote to the White House and CNN today just to get this off my chest! How can anyone think the behavior of some of these press corps’ reporters are okay? My exact request of the White House is to permanently revoke the press pass of Jim Acosta and anyone else that thinks they do not need to respect the President and the other reporters in the room. This Acosta jerk behaves like a spoiled child. He isn’t just rude…he doesn’t ask any questions that are even relevant to the day’s important topics. There are several who just want to beat the “Nationalist” drum, shout the “racist” card, and belittle the half of America that supports the White House. I don’t love Donald Trump’s behavior sometimes, but the truth of the matter is he is the one at the podium. He controls the room and he has been too tolerant of the rudeness of these punks! Throw them out. Free press doesn’t mean free to act like juveniles. Free means allowed to write whatever they want. AND I am free to turn the channel. I am aware my personal call of outrage to CNN won’t matter to them at all as they have already taken the “We stand behind our reporter” opinion publicly. My email will be disregarded, and my letter will end up shredded just like their ratings!!!!

But I urge all of us who are sick of this to write, call and start standing up for what we expect from the press…professionalism. I think Bikers for Trump and the Ride to the Wall should make a detour to CNN headquarters in Atlanta and park out front revving their engines. The “roaring” engine would be more effective than the squeaky wheel!!

On a positive note when I called the White House before 9am, the recorded message told me how important my call was and to please call back after 9. It continued on to say If this is a veteran with an immediate need, you are important to us and please call the Veteran’s Hotline. I love that about our current White House!!!

By T. J.

Right in the middle of quaint little downtown New Port Richey, just a block away from the beautiful Cotee River, is the coolest place called Little Corona’s Cigar Lounge. Proprietor Tim Fussell retired from the Fire Department and thought he would start a career of lighting his own fires of fine quality tobacco, and what a job he is doing. The walk-in humidor is packed full with all types of quality stogies to choose from, the beer is ice cold, and the staff seems like characters right out of an episode of “Cheers”.

Little Corona’s stocks 55 different bottled beers and 10 drafts, as well as a good selection of wine to go with your smoke. 7 TVs are playing the big game and the music is great. You can even enjoy the outdoors in the beer garden out back. They are also proud to be dog friendly so if you’re out riding with your pup you can both stop in. This establishment is biker owned and operated and they love visiting with fellow bikers over a drink and a smoke.

Corona’s has become party central for us during Cotee River Bike Fest and any other time we venture over to the west coast. Next time you’re out for a ride in the area, pull in and tell them Thunder Roads Florida sent you.

By T-Rex & Tony

It’s the beginning of August and I get a call from Larry the director of ALP 359 to mark my calendar for Sept. 22. They are going to have the official opening of the new Tiki deck and bar out back. We were there in June when it was still under construction, so time to fire up the “cement mixer” and check it out. We roll in after 2 and as usual the place is hopping, first thing I notice on my way in is the bigger dance floor and the band stage is set back making a lot more space now. The tiki was moved to the other side of the deck which is now the “riders roost”, the new bar they built is awesome, like an open barn bar it is long with lots of seating and cover from the elements.  The band Reload is blasting out great music. We hang out for 5 hours partying and watching bikes come in and out all day long. Even post member Johnny Mac got up and sang a few tunes with the band and nobody missed a beat. So, the grand opening was a success, good job to everybody that made it happen. When you are in the area remember first Saturday of the month is bike day, third Saturday is bike night. Tell them Thunder Roads Florida sent ya…

By Lulu

Celebrations occur all the time at Bay 3 Bar in New Smyrna Beach, but turning 65 years old is one that required friends, music and lots and lots of food! And maybe a drink or two! So it was, when Jan let us know to show up for her “old man’s” birthday bash! Thank you, Jan for the invite. Thank you, Barry for allowing us your friendship and from all your friends and customers we join in saying have a happy, healthy 2019 so we can party like rock stars on your next birthday!

By Lulu

On US 1 in Ormond Beach there is a business that is more museum or art studio than anything else. The owners of Insane Cycles and Muscle Cars, David and Kimberly, moved their business to Ormond Beach and the facility is packed with beautiful radical cars, trucks and motorcycles. They specialize in Harley-Davidson and frame off muscle car restoration. Offering custom paint, airbrushing or pinstriping they create your art on anything you want to dream. They entered two bikes in the Rat’s Hole show and took first place in two different classes. Kimberly and David also have a large selection of pre-owned vehicles so check their showroom out and visit them with your “basket case”!

By Lulu

The Tilted Kilt was packed for their final bike night of the season in November. Nefty entertains the bikers of central Florida from April through November the first Saturday of the month from 6p-til the crowds go home. Live music by Hypersona had people on their feet. Due to football season some of the usually kilt clad ladies were attired in football outfits or kilts…plenty of eye candy! And Cone Distributors sent Twisted Tea girls for sampling the good stuff! ABATE was on hand to award Nefty and the Tilted Kilt for their support of the biking community. An award was also presented to the owner of Ocala Car Audio. Tilted Kilt thanks their sponsors Ocala Car Audio, Ride Now Powersports, Twisted Tea and War Horse Harley-Davidson for helping bring music to the masses! Watch for the first bike night of the season with the fabulous Bobby Friss opening riding season on April 6th!

By Lulu

We were thrilled Halloween happened to be a Wednesday night and hauntings were happening at OB’s in Deland. I even got a bit “witchy”! But the costumes were crazy and creative from the contest winner’s outfit (which was a very pregnant girl dressing like a redneck guy with a beer belly) and her “bitch” that was her boyfriend dressed in drag…to Waylon and Tonya, owners of Long’s Log Cabin dressed as a HOT cop and a creepy mass murderer. All those who dressed up were just awesome. Every bartender participated in the fun! If you haven’t been out to OB’s you MUST!

By Raven Van Pelt

On October 6th, 2018 the Northside Independent Riders of Duval (NIMRODS) had their 4th Annual Biker Rodeo at the Conklin Compound. The NIMRODs are a group of likeminded old school bikers, not affiliated with any clubs, that love to ride, and each year hold this event to raise money for local families in need or to support local charities. The event consists of biker events such as “The Slow Roll”, “The Keg Roll”, “The Plank Roll”, “the Weenie Bite” and “The Drive By”. Contestants participate for home-made trophies, designed and made by original NIMROD Peckerhead, but receive no cash prizes. There were games and a bouncy house for the kids and the Conklin Compound has a refreshing pool for all to cool off in. There is no cost to enter, but everyone donates for the food and raffle prizes. Coppertop Bar and Grill, the newest cool place to go in Oceanway, helped by having 50/50’s to raise revenues and Mail Box King (904-924-0703) once again donated a custom-made brick mailbox, valued at $600, to be raffled off. This event is usually held October of every year and if you want to have a great day of fun activities make sure you attend next year.

By Lulu

Well 24 years ago I doubt even Bruce Rossmeyer had any idea what he was embarking on when he pledged to help with Camp Boggy Creek. Some commitments in life wane as time marches on, but the Rossmeyer children and staff haven’t let that happen, in spite of his untimely death in 2009. The Saturday night Gala and Sunday ride to Camp Boggy Creek are continuing to be one of the biggest rides of the year and grand fundraiser for the camp. This year the party theme was the Wild, Wild West with Six Gun Territory providing actors, props and can-can girls. The band was the awesome Hayfire. The food for the night was provided Bubbalou’s and was delicious. But the reason for the event was raising money for the camp, and the silent and live auction, along with impressive generosity from the folks in their top dollar seats accomplished that in a huge way. Mr. John Hamlin presented a check for $100,000 and continued to dig in his pocket that night and the following day!!! People were making donations to cover a week’s stay for 10 children at $25,000 and every other level down to covering just one child for a week which is $450/day. What makes Boggy Creek different than other camps is critical medical care is onsite. So, whether they have cancer to Sickle Cell they can have qualified medical staff see to their needs while experiencing being at camp like any normal healthy kid. Horseback riding, fishing, swimming, crafts, hanging out in cabins with kids that have similar health issues gives them two important life events: one is the chance to experience being away from home while having the camaraderie of playmates and knowing you are not the only one dealing with special needs. It also gives the parents a chance to have a week to enjoy themselves, knowing their child’s medical needs are being met while having the time of their life.

Paul Newman, Camp Boggy Creek founder, stated it best. “It’s not that the children say, Thank you for a wonderful time. It’s that they say Thank you for changing my life.” And that change comes by allowing them to accomplish things they didn’t know they could, to find strength they didn’t know they had, to have adventures and friendships…to just be a kid and have some fun, to forget for just a little bit they are different!!!

Robert White has donated his personal 2018 tricked out CVO Road Glide (valued at $47,000) as a sweepstakes item with a $15,000 cash prize! You can purchase your chance to win starting at $25 by texting “RIDE” to 855-202-2100 or visiting https://go.rallyup.com/campboggycreek.

So, thank you to Bruce and Paul for the vision. Thank you to the Rossmeyer family and their staff, to Camp Boggy Creek, to the sponsors, particularly

SR Perrott for quenching our thirst and Outback Steakhouse for our great meal. But most importantly to everyone who donates BIG and SMALL, every single dollar makes a whole lot of sunshine in some pretty, important lives!!!

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the Ride for Children. Put your dollars in a mason jar and if you haven’t been on the ride or to the Gala PLEASE put it on your MUST do list. Little kids will love you for it. The date is October 5th and 6th, 2019!!