By Lulu

There are motorcycle rallies all over the United States, and in every corner of Florida too. Thunder Beach in Panama City Beach is one of my all-time favorites! To begin with the view from our hotel (Holiday Inn Resort) is just amazing! Secondly the restaurants and bars in town are truly happy to have the bike crowd in town! There are bikini contests every day!! I know that isn’t politically correct in 2018 according to Miss America Pageant, but even I enjoy seeing beautiful women in tiny bikinis!! There are a couple of major bike shows and since Panama City Beach is in the panhandle a lot of the bikes aren’t seen in the Daytona and Leesburg shows.

his spring the weather was perfect, not too hot and I didn’t get rained on at all!! Tons of vendors make for days of shopping and some of my favorite people are here each year, so I get to pop in and say hello to Sick Boy Motorcycles, Twisted Tea, Custom Lighting EFX, Rally Leathers and Ultimate Seats…they are usually too busy to do more than wave at me but in the rally world that is a good thing! One more thing that keeps me coming back twice a year is although it is a long ride from Daytona to Panama City Beach the ride through the countryside to get to the panhandle is beautiful. We stop in Perry for a cold one at Cypress Mill Package and Sports Grill. We wet our whistle and off we go, next thing we know we are unpacked and heading to the hot tub to ease our bones.

The next day we make a stop at the Bayer booth for a couple Aleve and we are fine!! Harley Davidson of Panama City Beach gives away a bike twice a year at this rally, and this time Radical Randy called the winners name from the stage, ready as usual to call the lucky winner live on the phone to tell them they just won a new bike. But this time, out of 25,000 entries, the winner was in the crowd and came up on stage to claim is prize. It was awesome! Lastly, the music in Frank Brown park is some of the best. I have been raving about a young teenage guitarist who was playing with Little Ozzie! So, put this trip on your wish list for fall of 2018 or Spring of 2019. We will certainly be there!

By Jeani G.

Misfit Angels is an amazing group of friends and family members who have come together to offset the financial burden of several people in our local community who are fighting the battle against cancer. This year’s benefit on April 21st combined two awesome poker runs: the West Volusia run started at Shotz with stops at Foxhead, Critters and Dolly’s Old Time Tavern; while the Seminole run started at Shovelhead and included stops at Rhonda’s Neighborhood Bar, Shay’s Airport Lounge and Blackie’s … both rides ended at OB’s Restaurant and Lounge in DeLand.

A $10 donation covered your poker hand, dinner plate and concert. OB’s provided a delicious pork barbeque sandwich with homemade coleslaw, baked beans and a variety of other sides. The festivities included 50/50 drawings, fun carnival games such as Wheel of Fortune and Queen of Hearts, a silent auction for a huge variety of baskets that were all handmade with love, and a live auction for a myriad of cool items including a custom-built Harley Davidson bar. There was also a bike show where the winners were awarded very unique trophies fabricated from motorcycle parts.

And then there was the all-day concert that kept us all rockin’ … with a fantastic mix of music provided by 6 different bands: Plum Crazy, Barfly, Groove Principle, Rolling Heavy, Highway Starz and Fugnutz. There was a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy from disco and funk, to classic rock, to heavy metal and hard rock, to Southern rock and blues.

So many wonderful people donated their time, creativity and talents to make this event a huge success and to help this year’s 5 cancer warriors. It was truly a wonderful day filled with food, fun and unlimited memories!

Be sure to come out to OB’s for their Wednesday Bike Nites – starting at 6 pm, featuring live music and food and drink specials … great service, great people and lots of fun! Say “hello” to OB, Tina, Kristie and Ashley who always serve up heapin’ helpings of hospitality! Hope to see you there – ride on, help a neighbor and share the love!

By Metric & Phoenix

Stormy Hill Harley Davidson celebrates their “Sweet 16” anniversary party in high fashion. Stormy Hill gave away free food, beer and $5,000.00 worth of prizes including $1,600.00 in CASH!!!! Several local businesses donated door prizes and gift certificates. The 50/50 winner walked away with $162.00. Stormy Hill gave away a big screen TV, a three-night cruise, an eight-day trip to Mexico but the “sweet” prize winner was Mike Wicker who walked away with the $1600.00 in CASH!!

In addition to all the activity going on outside with all the vendors to include “DEMO” rides, the Steve Green Band was rocking the house with their Hard Rock music. Inside the staff had some “sweet deals” on new wheels and apparel. Marg aka “The Leather lady” with Good to Go Leathers was “sweet’ enough to squeeze me in to do a little emergency surgery on my cut “Thank you”.

Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson knows how to throw a “sweet” party. Phoenix and I will definitely come back each year to help Stormy Hill celebrate their anniversary. I can’t wait to see what they will be giving away at their twentieth anniversary party.

By Lulu

If you haven’t taken a ride on US 1 to Port Orange in the last year then you wouldn’t know about the new Winners Bar. Owners Jeff and Nina Hayes took over and they have really turned this into a wonderful neighborhood watering hole. The staff is super friendly, the beer is ice cold, and Jeff and Nina have injected a unique energy for creating new events and fun things to keep it fresh! Their Dirty Bingo night is one of the local’s favorite! Cornhole tournaments, pool tournaments, darts and karaoke all are some of the fun that Winner’s Bar offers. From time to time they have live music as was the case at their first anniversary party where Stone Free rocked the packed house to complete a great day. Nina shared her passion for animal rescue by raising a bunch of cash for Pawsibilities in Port Orange with auctions and raffles. They even had a couple of puppies on hand for adoption and some kind souls took home a new family member. Nina and Jeff are real genuine folks so ride in and spend some time on one of the stools. No doubt you will leave as a friend!

By Lulu

So summer is here and there should be dancing in the streets! The economy is better for most. Rocket man and Trump are shaking hands and trying to find a way to make peace…not war. Hopefully, the rainy days of Florida will let us go back to being called the Sunshine State!

TJ got us out riding on a Sunday in June. We haven’t had one dry day since early May. So we keep our Twisted Tea ponchos ready to throw on, so with black clouds all around us I figured we would be donning them before the day was over. We started at Saints & Sinners where we met up with Jennifer and Jim from out in Putnam County. We were riding with them to Renegade’s on the River for a few drinks and a bit of relaxation on two wheels. They took us to Welaka Lodge next and there we met two new peeps Crash and Horny Dave. Horny Dave has been reading my Pony Tales since the beginning and claims to have every issue! Dave reminded me of articles from back in the Bull Connors days!

Which leads me to this paragraph. Bull died in July 2007 leaving behind friends and a family who miss him to this day! Bull had only started Thunder Roads Florida six months before his suicide. In a moment of pure grief the corporate office offered me the reins of Thunder Roads Florida. Not wanting to let go of Bull or the motorcycle world he rode me into I agreed. What a struggle it was emotionally, financially and trying to do it alone. I did have help and encouragement along the way. Lil Jon, Amy & Shane, Sherry, Kevin & Howie from the White Eagle, Bill from Twisted Tea, KNEECAP, Micky & Rich, Ron, Raven, Deborah, Metric, Phoenix, Mike Miller, Toni, Steve and, of course, Glenn from the Dog Pound all kept me afloat the first few years. But if it wasn’t for the kindness of readers like Horny Dave who would come up and say nice things about the magazine…making it seem as if I belonged in this two-wheel world I probably would have given up. Along came TJ my partner and editor now for the past three years…what a difference! We now print twice as many magazines and distribute to over 500 locations from Pensacola to Miami! And due to his business sense, which I don’t possess, I no longer worry about how to pay the bills!

The day proceeded with us dodging the rain all day. We stopped next at a cool bar in Welaka, Long’s Log Cabin, where Jennifer tends bar. It was getting late and we had one last stop 45 miles away…OB’s to meet Ken and Jeanie. Well you just have to love motorcyclists who at the last sip of their drink spontaneously jump on their bikes and ride along for the final leg of our day long journey.

And that is what I love about you motorcycle nuts!!! Dust off your bike, go for a long ride and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Tony & Trex

After finishing up partying with ALR 359 of Brevard, we climbed aboard the farm tractor and said let’s head to Daytona. We heard the forecast and the party starts at 8am so the plan worked. We roll into the Boot Hill Saloon at about 8:30am, register and breakfast is served. Perfect morning so far except for the rain drops. But even with the rain the bikes keep rolling in. It’s 10am raining and Karin and Alan yell out mount up and the posse mounts up. We follow them out in the rain. By the time we get to the White Eagle the rain has stopped. We stop to empty boots, twist out shirts and we’re back up and running to dry everything else off. First stop the Cheyenne Saloon and Karin buys the posse a round. It kinda brought the sun out and put everybody in that mood again… “party’s on”. Just before we get ready to leave Canada Bob gets the posse fired up by putting it in the blocks and lets the rear wheel fly. We mount up and we’re off to Renegades on the River. Nice place big outdoor bar, dining room, package store and great trailer sites, even a boat dock. There’s a pond with a gator just off the outside bar, another great stop if your riding through the area. We mount up and off to the “Iron Horse”, the sun gave way to clouds. A couple miles out, you got it, rain drops, grab some throttle and we beat the heavy stuff. Then Karin takes care of the posse again, the horses are watered and we mount up in the rain and the pack heads down US 1 back to the stable. We get to the Boot and yes Karin turn’s the water off and brings out the sun to dry the posse off. The place is hoping, Stone Grey is inside blasting classics out, food is ready and the beers cold. This was an excellent ride, 3/4 of a tank of fuel, great back roads, even the weather couldn’t kill this ride. Not only was this the 45th anniversary of the Boot Hill the proceeds go to benefit the Veterans Support Fund, what a day. But there’s even more a $500 cash giveaway by Daytona Estate Jewelry for grabs if you made the run, the maps have a number on them for the drawing. But then Karin owner of the Boot Hill throws in another $500 for a second drawing and Social Misfit Customs puts up two $100 prizes, so if you rode you have 4 chances to win. Karin this was a great party and ride and I luv to ride, so I can’t wait for your 50th should be twice as big and congratulations on your new bar The Tumbleweed Tavern on US 1. We will be checking it out when we get back.

By Lulu

In the spring during Leesburg Bike Fest the city of Eustis puts on a 2-day concert event featuring different genres of music to suit all tastes. Ferran Park is situated on a beautiful lake front setting with huge sprawling oaks. Food vendors make for a carnival like afternoon of music and feasting! This year an antique car show coincided with the festival. The music line up included Blackfoot, Crashrocket, Rockit Fly and Speed Limit. I hope they continue scheduling this during Leesburg it is a nice change of pace and a short destination ride from the hectic pace of downtown Leesburg.

By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday May 12th the American Legion Riders Chapter 9, Flamingo Lake RV Resort and Dick’s Wings hosted the 6th Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert to support K9s For Warriors and The Florida Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund. With almost 800 motorcycles and well over 2,000 people in attendance it was another great year of supporting these great Veterans organizations. The weekend started on Friday with over 80 volunteers onsite to set up the Boots on the Ground, America Remembers Memorial Display which consists of over 3,000 boots, each with a picture of a Fallen Soldier or First responder that has perished since 9-11-01 with their information and a flag. Friday Night kicked off the Pre-Ride party with about 300 people attending, with The Third Degree Rocking the house. Then on Saturday, the day of the Poker Run, KSU for the bikers was announced by a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron, a Hot Rod Car Show hosted by Callahan Cruisers and Golf Cart Poker Run as well. Dozens of the best biker gear vendors were on site as well to support. Saturday’s music line up was The Remedy at 8:30am, Hard 2 Handle at noon, No Saints Band at 4:00pm and Blistur at 7:00pm. Once again, Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers, aka the Saluting Marine from Rolling Thunder, was onsite to salute the riders as they left the Resort with the Jacksonville Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum playing to the crowd. Make sure that you mark your calendars to be part of this great event each year. It is always the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

By Deborah Speicher

On the first Saturday in May of every year, lady riders are told to “just ride” to commemorate and celebrate being just that – a lady rider! Across the world, several organized rides have started with some events claiming over 1,000 riders. Closer to home, 300+ of us gathered at Crystal Harley-Davidson (Crystal River, FL) for some riding, shopping, music, food and camaraderie. Most of the ladies were from Florida and Georgia but one rider, Lynda Schrauth, rode from Wisconsin to be part of this event!
Staging started at the dealership for some breakfast, bike blessings, and shopping with great discounts. The group later took off for an escorted country roads ride which ended at High Octane Saloon. The Straightjacket Smile Band was rocking the house and it was a great time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. The winners of the raffles were also announced at that time. In addition, to two Harley-Davidson jackets, several other great prizes were given away.
Kudos to the ultimate Road Queen herself, Linda Dalton, and the ladies who assisted her (Patti, Kathy, Beth, Debbie, Roberta, Linda’s mom and more!), as well as Crystal Harley-Davidson for organizing this over-the-top day just for the ladies.

By Tony and T-Rex

Suns up a beautiful first Saturday of the month, just put the “farm tractor” back together, time to test her out. Go for a morning ride and around 1pm we know ALR 359 has the party going. We show up camera in hand and realize there’s been a change. Larry, the director, grabs a hold of me and starts explaining what’s going on. Besides a brand new outside deck, they moved the band stand so now there is “more dance floor”. They are going to move the tiki to the other side of the deck, install a new bar and extend the deck even more. The parking has been moved around for better bike parking and he’s got too much more to list but you get the drift. They are going to town with this project. But like always the place is hopping, under construction or not. The Hit And Run band is blasting out tunes all afternoon. Food is being cooked and beverages are being sold at a great price, so all this construction can be paid for. This is always one of my favorite spots, a morning of riding then an afternoon party with great people. ALR 359 great job! Can’t wait to see the end result.

By Ron Cox

More than 60 riders and passengers registered at the Southwest Florida Military Museum in Cape Coral on June 2nd for its inaugural Miles for the Museum poker run. It would not be an overstatement to say that a majority of the participants were Veterans.

Following registration and a continental breakfast, riders set out on the 75-mile course which included card stops in St. James City and North Ft. Myers before ending up at the Museum. Rob Galbreath won the $150 first prize with a hand of two pair, aces and queens.

The post-run inhouse BBQ featured delicious pulled pork, baked beans, pastries and coffee. Adult beverages from a cash bar were available.

A total of $912 was raised from registration fees, raffles and 50/50 tickets. The monies will be used to further the programs and services offered by the Museum.

This is the largest military museum in Southwest Florida with more than 30,000 square feet. The Museum also provides space for representatives from the Disabled Veterans Association (DAV) and Veterans Service Organization (VSO).

There are thousands of military items on display ranging from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And well worth the visit!!!!!

By Lulu

If you get a chance to ride on the second Sunday of the month to Daytona Harley-Davidson on US 1 and I 95 you will find the parking lot full of vendors selling bits and pieces of motorcycles and gear from 8a-2p. The event is called “Super Swap Sunday” and features motorcycle and car stuff. The band on Sundays is a jam session at Saints & Sinners, had to love that one of the drummers was TJ’s drum teacher! The sandwiches at Saints are awesome! Drinks crafted perfectly! Vendor spots are 18×30 for only $10! All proceeds benefit a different charity each month. The Rossmeyer’s continue to follow in their father’s footstep of being philanthropic, particularly to Camp Boggy Creek. That ride will be happening on October 7, 2018. If you haven’t made the ride to Camp Boggy Creek, please join in the ribbon of a thousand bikes and help raise money for seriously ill children. Campboggycreek.org

by Phoenix and Metric-HD

The Main Street Tap Room has been an iconic biker bar in Avon Park for a long time. The Tap Room is tha;t kind of local bar “where good friends meet”. The Tap Room teamed up with Thunder Roads and Twisted Tea to bring “Bike Night” back to Avon Park. In spite of the monsoon weather we have had for the past few weeks, a lot of brothers braved the “hit or miss” downpours of rain to come out and support us. The Tap Room is home to the “old school” games; the table top shuffleboards that are still in existence. Come out and try your hand at something different. The night was filled with games, food, fun and music for all. On hand was the “OUTTA HAND BAND” to provide was some great music. So, mark your calendar for the “LAST” Wednesday of each month. The party starts around 7pm. If you ride your bike next month (July) and tell them Metric sent you the 1st draft or soda is on me. Hope to see you there.

By Lulu

2018 was by far one of the most enjoyable Leesburg events ever. The weather was perfect, not too hot during the day and not too cool in the evening. The bands were great. The bikini girls smoking hot. With 4 stages of music there was something for every type of music fan. The Leesburg Partnership does a great job filling the streets with vendors, and entertainment in the form of bike shows, tattoo contests, and a Lucky Man contest for women (only fair since there are at least 3 contests for scantily clad women).

Gator Harley-Davidson’s lot was also filled with vendors and music kept folks under the covered stage area to listen and sip on cold drinks. Inside the store was full of shoppers, something tells me they sold a few bikes!!

I even met a couple from Germany that came just for this event. They chose this one over Bike Week and Biketoberfest! One, of the things that draws folks from all over is the riding. For Florida the area between Leesburg and Clermont offers rare hills including the favorite ride for visitors, Sugarloaf Mountain Road.

If you haven’t made it to Leesburg put it on your list for 2019!!

By Lulu

Flat Track Racing is part of the history of motorcycling and of Bike Week. The last two years the Daytona TT Race is one of the exciting events of Bike Week that we are privileged to be part of. The air is electric at the world famous International Speedway and the crowds are growing each year. Under the lights of the track the night starts out with pomp and circumstance with the singing of our National Anthem and ends with fireworks. Trick rider Bubba Blackwell jumped a slew of cars successfully. And a young teenager was doing burn outs and trick riding on a Street Glide. Flat track racing is one of the most dangerous sports. The bikes line up tight and take off within inches of each other making the jumps and turns at breakneck speeds. Seven-time Grand National Champion Chris Carr and his crew redesigned the track with 40-foot wider corners and a 150-foot jump, making for higher speeds than ever. The motorcycle jockeys on Indians, Harleys and others do their best to stay in the race and bring their steel pony across the finish line first! This has become a real competition between the two motorcycle companies. An Indian Scout FTR750 won 14 of 18 races in 2017. 2017 series winner Jared Mees defended his title on his Indian winning the first race of the series in Daytona on his Indian.

If you come to Daytona and don’t take the time to check out Flat Track Racing you are missing out on an exciting experience. Just visiting the track is awesome and seeing the skills these racers possess is inspiring.

A note of thanks to Scott Hunter for providing a couple of the racing shots!