By Lulu

Racing and motorcycles are the history of Daytona Beach. The only thing other things that Daytona is famous for other than racing and Bike Week is driving on the beaches and spring break. The Boat Bar in Port Orange and George Pendergast took a day in February to celebrate some of the racing history with a party that included free food and music. Cool antique cars and some of the racing legends filled the lot. It was great to meet some of The Northeast Racer Legends and celebrate the memory of George Pendergast. If you haven’t been down to The Boat on US 1 you should check it out. The domestic beers are only $2, and imports are only $3 all day/everyday!

Something happened tonight that made painful memories rush in and consume me once again. Funny how you can push those feelings somewhere inside where they can’t reach you. Then out of nowhere those thoughts can overtake your entire being. Tears flow, sobbing starts, that internal ache returns. All as if it never went away. It won’t last long this time. Not like the endless days and nights of it in the beginning. In a way tonight was a gift for me.

I had a casual conversation with someone that had experienced the tragic loss of a loved one by suicide recently. They were still in that raw gut wrenching agony of grief that comes with the loss of a loved one. Anytime we lose someone it hurts deep inside. But only those who survive the loss of a loved one by suicide can understand that this grief is different. Guilt and the senselessness of it is quite powerful.

In the initial phase of grieving you try to make it an hour without crying just so you can do things like pay your bills. Then maybe you go a day or two, finally a month may pass without crying and eventually you won’t remember the last time you cried for them. And after 11 years it almost seems unreal that it really happened. Now the reason this chance meeting which caused me to cry all the way home was a gift is because as time passes and you try to put that tragic day and the agony it brings somewhere deep inside you so that it can’t hurt you anymore, you almost lose that portion of your life and I question was it real. Tonight, I felt every moment of it, not just for me…I was sad for this kind man too. I knew exactly what he was going through.

Suicide is an epidemic in this country right now. Teens, vets, male and female are taking their lives every minute of the day. Suicide by veterans right now is 19 a day!!! Over the past 15 years the suicide rate has increased 24%. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. Approximately 105 Americans die every day.

I am writing this for one reason, if you are dealing with feelings of despair or know someone that seems lost in sadness. There is help and hope. Reach out for it. Call a suicide hotline, go to a doctor and if it is bad go straight to the ER. Do not think for one minute that by ending your life anything is better. You simply pass the torch of your pain to those you leave behind and with your last breath those you love will be changed forever.
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Buy a stranger a drink, ride on a suicide awareness benefit and don’t forget your sunscreen!

By Tony and T-Rex

It’s March 4th a week before Bike Week. We get up not even 60 degrees out and a cool breeze. Think we’re back up north and it’s fall out there. The cement mixer is fueled up and T-Rex has her winter riding gear on., because she knows we must be at Rhonda’s in Sanford by 9:30 and we’re going for a blast down the 95. Rhonda’s having a poker run to benefit Mike “Curly” Rouse, who back in December 2015 was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Curly is in remission now but his bills aren’t. We get to Rhonda’s in time to register and get some of Freddy’s biscuits and gravy.

Then it’s KSU and we’re off to Shovelhead’s bar for some morning beverages and even the owner Glenda is slinging drinks. We pick up more riders there and then we’re off to the Oasis in Sorrento. It’s about 30 minutes to get there but my tour guide for this is Jim and Linda and they know a short-cut, so we arrive in a timely fashion. If it’s your first time at the Oasis tell the bartender they’ll show you the specials for the day.  Then we blast down to Foxhead Lounge and on any given Sunday the parking lots is full of bikes and this Sunday was no exception. We put back a couple there then off to the Airport Hanger. One of my favorite stops when I’m up that way, Shay’s girls are hopping behind the bar between our group and the “Asshole Section” no rest for them.

It’s time to head back to Rhonda’s for free food, raffle’s, 50/50, auction and music. The Steven Green Band donated their time to play for us and they were.  Freddy’s food was top shelf as usual and with about 100 bikers in the yard, John Griffin buy’s the house around, “just paying it forward”. Rhonda’s Neighborhood Bar is one of my favorites, if you have never been here stop by and check it out. Like to thank Rhonda and her staff that put on a great party for a great cause…Ride on Curly ride on…See you all on the road…

By Tony and T-Rex

It’s Sunday, February 11th, 6:30 in the morning. The roosters are going off. T-Rex has the coffee on and yelling, “You have one hour. We must get on the road. The party starts at 8:30.”  I’m thinking leather up its going to be chilly, but I walk out back and it’s beautiful. Great day for the 23rd Annual Valentines Poker Run put on by SCHOG, Inc. This is their “Major Fundraiser” for the year with 50/50, live and silent auctions, cash for best poker hand and a motorcycle raffle.

This year’s Grand Prize is a 2018 Heritage Softail. The cement mixer is packed and we’re off to VFW Post 5405 in Winter Springs to register, get breakfast, buy some raffle tickets and yes, a couple of Bloody Marys. First stop out is the Foxhead Lounge, and if you live on the East Coast you know what they specialize in on Sunday morning, you got it another Bloody Mary. Then off to Rhonda’s Neighborhood Bar, we love going there to see Rhonda and it’s Sunday, so Freddy cooked up another breakfast treat for everyone who wanted to partake. Rhonda also had T-Rex do a little guest bartending because of the crowd.

Then we were off to the Casselberry Patio Bar to regroup and, of course, we were running late. So, I get short-cut directions to the Green Parrot, good thing I followed those guys on them Baggers, I’d still be driving around Casselberry. We get to the Green Parrot and the Hard Drive Band is blasting out tunes, people on the dance floor so we sneak over to the bar order beverages and food from Missy our bartender, before we can’t get an order in. The place is jammed with over 200 people, but the Parrot is big and can handle a large crowd. So, as the auctions and raffles start winding down, we want to thank all who made this happen and a thank you to Mike Goudreau, Director of SCHOG, Inc. for inviting us and a special thank you for a great job to Karen McBride and her Cupid Helpers…SEE YOU NEXT YEAR—RIDE SAFE—

By Lulu

There is not a bigger one-day event in Florida. This bike show seems to get bigger each year. It takes place in Frost Park with live music, a huge swap meet, vendors, Roller Derby girls, bike games and an awesome bicycle show. But what people come far and wide for is the antique bikes. A field full are on display. Always one of our favorite shows of the years. So, put Dania Beach on your agenda for 2019 it is always towards the end of January!

by Phoenix and Metric-HD

For all those who do not know about the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center it is the largest military hospital outside the continental United States. It is the first stop for most soldiers coming off the battlefields. In August 2004 Karen Grimord traveled to Germany to visit a family member that was stationed there. Since her visit to Germany Karen learned that many of the soldiers coming to the hospital were straight from the combat zone and had little or nothing other than the clothes on their backs. The Landstuhl Hospital Care Program grew out of the compassion for our military personnel to let them know that their sacrifice does not go unnoticed. If you would like to support our military personnel when they need our support the most contact them at: www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org/.

Each year in February the AMVET Post 21 host an awesome event to bring awareness and raise much needed funds for the project. This year the AMVETS Riders put together a great ride around God’s country in Highlands County to help raise funds for the project. Upon return to the post we enjoyed a delicious pulled pork dinner, a silent auction and great door prizes from around the community who supported this event. All in all, we raise over $5,000.00 to support such a worthy cause. So, mark your calendars for next February…come out and support our warriors.

By Ron Cox

The Naples Chapter of LAMA (Latin American Motorcycle Association) celebrated its fourth anniversary with a big bash at Naples Harley-Davidson of Naples on Saturday, February 24th. More than 338 of their closest friends came from all over Florida, plus Georgia, Alabama, Ohio and California to party. Several local clubs also had representation.

After registration, the riders and guests were treated to a fine lunch of either roasted chicken or pork, plantains and Cuban rice. All the while the band 3RG out of Miami kept the place rockin’.

Bike games kept the crowd amused, especially the tricycle races on adult sized big wheels. A dress uniform competition drew some oohs and aahs.

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

This was our second trip to The Great Smoke in south Florida. This year they held their 12th event at a new location at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. The place was packed to capacity. If you haven’t attended a Great Smoke before and you are a cigar afficionado you are missing out on an excellent adventure. This is a cigar smokers dream. For a base ticket of $150 you get a coupon book and a bag to fill up with 45+ great cigars from the different cigar companies in attendance, free food, free drinks, and great music. We had a blast! The Spearmint Rhino girls had games to play and were happy to pose for photos. The following day we even bought tickets to the “Big Delicious Brunch” at The Smoke Inn at Boynton Beach…for $35 we got an incredible buffet of gourmet delicacies in a first class setting AND free mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. We certainly hope to attend both events in 2019. Kids Cancer Foundation benefits from the proceeds and a special thank you needs to go out to their sponsor Baker & Zimmerman, and to Colibri & Oliva for hosting the Big Brunch.

By Lulu

Every county in Florida has assets that set it apart. Lake County states their “claim to fame” in their name. In every corner of the county you will find beautiful lakes and waterways.

Another attribute that makes it a destination for a two or three-wheel ride is hills. You will be pleasantly surprised to find hilly roads to explore in what is generally known to be a flat state. Most of the hills are in the Clermont area. They have the 5th highest spot in Florida on Sugarloaf Mountain at 312 ft. above sea level. Sugarloaf Mountain Road is off 561 near Clermont. It is a must do ride on your way to visit Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, a family owned dealership in Clermont. In the quaint lake front downtown area of Clermont there is Historic Village Museum. For a $2 donation you can check out the Townsend House built in 1895, The Kern House built in 1883 and a World War II Museum. The museum is open Friday afternoons from 1-3pm and Sat. & Sun. afternoons 1-4pm. Lakeshore Drive is a pretty ride for an afternoon trek and near Sugarloaf is Green Mountain Scenic Byway. Also, in the Clermont area of Lake County is Lakeridge Winery on US 27 which has free tours and wine tasting.

If you ride over to the Mt. Dora area you will find another lake front spot full of restaurants and shops. We checked out the Museum of Speed which houses a rare collection of antique cars in original mint condition. The artful way that hundreds of pieces of related memorabilia is displayed along with the 25 cars, is something the guys from American Pickers would drool over. The curator, Kelly Bogard, has rules though. No motorcycle wallet chains or heavy cameras are allowed inside as there have been a few damaged paint jobs incidents. The car list includes a 1935 Desoto “Airflow” Coupe, a 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang Race Car and even a 1920 Indian Motorcycle. For car or history buffs it is a place to spend a good hour or 2. Hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, call first for Saturdays (352-385-0049). The fee to maintain the museum if $15. Also, in Mt. Dora is Renninger’s Flea Market on 441 which hosts Guitars & Cars swap meet the 2nd Sunday of each month.

In Tavares, which has been under road reconstruction for the last year, and at the time of this article is just putting the finishing touches on new brick paved roads, sits on a beautiful lake that offers waterfront dining at many restaurants. Brave souls can even take a seaplane ride.
In Eustis you will find a pretty tree covered waterfront Ferran Park that is the spot for Eustis Music Festival during Leesburg Bike Fest.

The Northeast portion of Lake County is home to Alexander Springs which is a freshwater spring that pumps 70 million gallons of crystal clear water daily. Camping, canoeing, swimming and snorkeling are allowed. They will let you in for 30 minutes to take a potty break, look at the spring and buy a refreshment from their store. Canoeing runs $16 for 2 hours, $24 for 4 hours and $36 for all day. Camping is $24 per site per night. Save your appetite though and head to Blackwater Inn and Williams Landing on 40 in Astor. They open at 11:30am everyday but Monday. Great food with a pretty view of St. John’s River makes for a pleasant afternoon. And if you want to enjoy a 2-hour trip down the river you can catch a ride right at their dock. The boat tour leaves at 10:30am or 2:30pm and it is suggested that you make reservations 866-349-0674. It is $25 pp or $15 for a child.

Returning to central Lake County is Leesburg which is probably what brought you to visit Lake County. Leesburg Bike Fest is one of the largest 3-day festivals anywhere. With 3 stages showcasing over 50 acts, 200+vendors, 6 hot body contests and bike shows, the event covers 30 square blocks. There simply is too much to see and do! This year they have Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Scott Stapp of Creed, Colt Ford, Bobby Friss, Greg Billings Band, Hypersona and Jasmine Cain!!! Leesburg Harley-Davidson on 441 is also wide open with vendors, music, a bikini contest and BIKES!!!

So, saddle up and join us in Leesburg April 27-29 for the Bike Fest but stay longer than the 3-day weekend. Check out some of the beautiful riding, interesting museums, lakes, parks, great restaurants and places to imbibe!

By Lulu

What can make a cold chilly day seem smoking hot? Chili, BBQ, Bobby Friss and Firemen!!! And the owner’s and staff at Gator Harley-Davidson with Jan stirring the pot put on a great day to help raise funds for the Lake County Firefighters Charities. Gator H-D works hard to bring interesting events to the public and even harder at helping good causes!! This event had two competitions Best BBQ and Best Chili and for a $10 donation you could take and vote on both. There were lots of vendors and competitors filling the large parking lot. Tyler Haney opened the day with Bobby Friss rocking the cold crowd. The Firefighters two causes were to help local firefighters dealing with PTSD & cancer. We had a great time and left with warm full bellies. The winners are listed below and congratulations to them all. I couldn’t have chosen a favorite as all the samples were good!

Chili Cookoff Winners:
1st place Jeff Moore with the Leesburg Partnership
2nd place Paul Croson with JA Croson
3rd place Jason Smith with Cornerstone Building Co

BBQ Chicken Winners
1st David Curry with Advanced Wellness
2nd Paul Croson with JA Croson
3rd Jeff Moore with Leesburg Partnership

BBQ Ribs Winner
1st Show Me UR Butt
2nd Advanced Wellness
3rd Smokin Racks & Sippin Jack

BBQ Pork
1st JA Croson
2nd Smokin Racks & Sippin Jack
3rd Show Me Ur Butt

Best Overall Winner
Show Me Ur Butt

People’s Choice
Smokin Racks & Sippin Jack

So, 10 years ago when Bull and I started Thunder Roads Magazine Florida I was only to write a half page story from a girl’s perspective and we named it Pony Tales. Then after he passed away I was saddled with the whole magazine cover to cover. Now that TJ is my partner and he has taken over the role of writing the monthly Letter from the Editor; I decided to write my old Pony Tales. Our first issue was in March 2007. We have grown in staff, pages each month, advertisers, territory and in distribution spots! I want to thank our loyal readers who at every event come up and tell us they love the magazine.

We have also lost so many dear friends over the years. You never get over the loss of people you love. But at some point, you just enjoy the memories you shared with them and you are just thankful for the times you shared on the highway of life.

Motorcycle living, and it really is a lifestyle, has opened-up doors I would have never experienced had I not jumped on the back of a chopper at Thunder Beach at the ripe old age of 50 for the first time. Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, two trips to D. C. with Rolling Thunder, bartending at the Broken Spoke in Laconia, two trips to Sturgis, one to work and one to play, the Harley Rendezvous in New York, Myrtle Beach, Thunder Beach, Lone Star Rally in Texas, Peterson’s Poker Run to Key West, Angel City, HOG rallies, Cotee River Bike Fest, Leesburg Bike Fest, Starke Bike Fest and even the Playboy Mansion just to mention a few! Hundreds of poker runs for causes of every kind! But what I have experienced that I never expected that first time I rode a bike was what generous, caring, patriotic and loving people I would meet on two and three wheels. It just wasn’t what most people think when they think of motorcyclists. Dan Hagerty told me once that what he loved about motorcycling was that when you ride the highway you never know if the person you share the lane with is a millionaire or a recent parolee. And it is the truth! He had ridden with many a felon and with Malcom Forbes…he said he had a great time with them all.

So, as I used to say each month…buy a stranger a beer, ride on a run that helps a stranger and don’t forget your sunscreen!