By Ron Cox

A week after Hurricane Irma roared through Florida, Six Bends Harley-Davidson in Ft. Myers held its Fall Open House and Heroes Bike Night. The theme of the Bike Night was to thank all the local first responders for their dedicated service to SW Florida. Volunteers from LAMA (Latin American Motorcycle Association) manned the BBQ grill throughout the day.

Taking a page from the TV program, the day started off with a parody called “Wheels of Fortune.” Contestants were asked to solve a puzzle for points. The winner received a free tire and runners up received gift cards. A tire and wheel workshop followed the game.

Highlighting the day was a bike and fashion show. Volunteers from the Sales Department rode some of the 2018 model bikes into the showroom wearing Harley Motorcloths featuring the 115th Anniversary artwork and logos.

Bike Night featured vendors scattered around the store offering things like jewelry and pin striping. Food trucks were lined up outside with tasty BBQ or ice cream. One very popular truck was an old Volkswagen van with four beer taps with different brews.

Proceeds from the weekend will be donated to the SWFL Community Foundation and SWFL Disaster Relief Fund.

By T.J.

The southwest Florida community really came together in support of the 2nd Annual Tender Hearts Partnership fundraiser. Rain didn’t dampen the spirit as the Cold River Saloon in Punta Gorda was packed with bikers ready to empty their wallets for the special needs adults of Charlotte County. The Forbidden Fruit Farmers rocked the house and Team Lippy’s BBQ kept the bellies full while the cold beer kept everyone cool in the midday hot sun. Donations were made to the 50/50 raffle and folks paid to get the heckler wet in the dunk tank. Bikini clad girls washing bikes were also a big attraction. A surprise appearance by the Blooze Brothers made the day extra special. This fun day was able to raise more than $1,000 dollars for a great cause. Proprietors Ken and Dee Cornelison are gracious hosts that make the Cold River a must stop. Look for this event again next year and let’s make it even bigger and better.

By Tony

Sunday morning 9am I hear bikes rumbling in the driveway, smell the coffee and T-Rex yelling get up we’re going riding. Walk into the kitchen there’s Ditch, Squirt and Cindy waiting to go. We were going riding, but it is the third Sunday and they have a B.A.C.A meeting to go to. Now Ditch is a full patched member of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), on arrival at ALP 117 we are introduced to the Space Coast Chapter Prez KuanYu and V.P. Hippie (the one with the bad wing). The meeting starts at 10 for members and we were invited in around 11:00 for the open meeting after their major business was taken care of. We sat in for the second part of the meeting and this is a well-organized family, some joking going on but all business after that. B.A.C.A. stands against all forms of child abuse, physical, sexual and emotional. When they get a call to help no matter what time of day or night they will respond, and if that child calls…I’ll just say, look out they’re really coming. These men and women of B.A.C.A. are dedicated to what they do. It’s not a weekend thing and then go for lunch, it’s 24/7-365. B.A.C.A. exists as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. It’s a 501{c}3 non-profit organization and a lot of the money needed comes from the heart of these people or donations from the public. B.A.C.A. was founded over 20 years ago by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He was aware “the system” does offer much to help abused children, but didn’t offer a way to help with their fear.  Children who feel safe and protected are more capable and likely to tell the truth regarding their abuse because threats made by an abuser are offset by the presence of dedicated protective bikers that have now become family…

OCTOBER 15 (Sunday)

KICK OFF PARTY-PORT ORANGE The Boat Bar, US 1, License to Steal 3pm

OCTOBER 17 (Tuesday)

POLE DANCING COMPETITION DAYTONA BEACH, Grandview Live, 640 N. Grandview, finals!!, $4 drinks all night, $1000 prize and cabin on the Rock of Daytona cruise on 11/30

OCTOBER 18 (Wednesday)

BIKETOBERFEST KICK OFF PARTY DAYTONA BEACH Main Street Station, 316 Main St., Big Engine

BIKETOBERFEST KICK OFF PARTY PORT ORANGE, First Turn, Crashrocket 6pm

BIKETOBERFEST KICK OFF PARTY DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, Fat Cactus 9pm-1am

OCTOBER 18-19 (Wednesday-Thursday)

LIVE MUSIC ON THE RIVER CRESCENT CITY, Renegades on the River, 1171 CR 309, special guest “DBI”, 7-11pm, 386-524-4052

OCTOBER 19 (Thursday)

CHOPPER TIME ORMOND BEACH, Tropical Tattoo, 825 Yonge St., bike show, live music, 11a-4p, 386-672-1888

CHRIS CRUZ ARTISTRY DELAND, Chris Cruz, 1622 Parade Cir., food, refreshments, door prizes, demonstrations, free ride in bike exhibit and vehicle display, 11a-3p, 386-734-3000

OCTOBER 19-22 (ThursdaySunday)

BATTLE OF THE BAGGERS SAMSULA Cabbage Patch Bar, Tomoka Farm Rd.

MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET DELAND, Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., bike shows, live music, $5 admission

OCTOBER 20 (Friday)

ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA BIKE SHOW ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona H-D, noon-4pm

RIDE IN BIKE SHOW SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar

BOARDWALK BIKE SHOW DAYTONA BEACH, Boardwalk

HIGHWAY TO HELL DAYTONA BEACH, Boot Hill Saloon, 10p GENEVA PORT ORANGE, Roadside Tavern 4-7pm

OCTOBER 21 (Saturday)

ARM WRESTLING CONTEST ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona H-D, reg 8a, contest noon

FREE JACKYL CONCERT ORMOND BEACH, Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona, pavilion, gates open 6pm
COLESLAW WRESTLING SAMSULA, Cabbage Patch Bar, Tomoka Farm Rd., noon, Big Engine 7-11p MISTREATER NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Bay 3 Bar, 2810 N. Dixie Freeway,

Mistreater 6-10pm, 386- 957-3745

BIKE, TRUCK AND CAR SHOW DAYTONA BEACH, Daytona State College, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Lot C, early reg $15, $20 day of show, free to spectators, free food tailgating party after show, monies raised go to scholarships, 9a-1p

IRON MIKE NORTON PALATKA, 3-D Saloon, 101 S. 10th St., Swamp Stomp Blues, free BBQ, 6p, 386- 530-2282

OCTOBER 22 (Sunday)

MISS MAIN STREET STATION BIKINI CONTEST DAYTONA BEACH, Main Street Station, 316 Main St., 1pm, 386-214-1389

SURVIVOR PARTY NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Bay 3 Bar, 2810 N. Dixie Freeway, $3 Bloody Mary’s, 386- 957-3745

WORLD FAMOUS SURVIVOR PARTY BUNNELL, Dog Pound Saloon, on 100, free BBQ, music by Southern Chaos, 3pm

By Lulu

Daytona Flash will be airbrushing anything on wheels from “Mild to Wild” this Biketoberfest at Insane Cycles, 691 US 1, Ormond Beach. According to his wife, Jeanette, this US Army Vietnam Veteran has been featured in over 83 national magazines for his creative designs. His artwork has won his clients many trophies throughout the years. He has been airbrushing during Bike Week for 46 years! Come see Daytona Flash for your mind’s designs on your favorite ride. If you think it he can airbrush it. And don’t forget he will be doing airbrushing for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society on October 7 & 8th for a donation at 1200 S. Glencoe Rd., New Smyrna Beach!

By Lulu

Customer Appreciation Day in Stuart at Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson was packed with shoppers enjoying the free burgers, sausages and hot-dogs. The full liquor bar was staffed by Charlie’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. Vendors lined the front parking lot. The band Eklectik Storm rocked all afternoon. For boys with dirty bikes a pretty, scantily clothed girl was soaping up the Harleys making them shine. Scott Floyd and Virginia Duffie are working hard at their new Harley-Davidson home trying to make your Treasure Coast experience a great one! Be sure to follow the calendar in Thunder Roads Florida for their monthly events. Stop in for your service or to ogle the 2018s.

By Lulu

How someone enters the world of motorcycling is always interesting. Particularly true in Sam and Juliet’s case, where their love of motorcycling ended up branching into a family business.

Sam Graffeo at the age of 15 was a hardworking teen. Mowing yards in Birmingham, Alabama to earn money for what he needed. When he spotted a Honda 175 Crossover sitting in a client’s garage. Even though it was forbidden by his parents, he bought that bike and brought it home. His father caved in and allowed him to keep it. And his love for bikes was hatched. He states he had bikes most of his life, although as many fathers do, he gave up his “toys” when he first started having children. It wasn’t until his son turned 20 that they started planning a purchase of their first Harley. While he was traveling his son bought a Dyna Wide Glide and called his dad and said, “I bought a teal and chrome Harley”. Sam was a bit shocked that it was a teal bike, but when he got home he said, “it was absolutely gorgeous”. Together they started to take trips and Sam ended up buying his first Ultra Classic Fire Fighter Special, so he and his wife could ride on long excursions. They took trips to the Keys, the Smokey’s, etc. Sam is the president and CEO of SG Steel in Ft. Lauderdale for 23 years. So, time off is limited. Hence, the need to trailer to distant locations was a real need. Now they pick a city to explore on two wheels. Two years ago, he invested in a trailer designed to easily lower to the ground, for ease and safety while loading. The company is Rampless Motorcycles Trailers. You can see their product at Destination Daytona inside Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson. Sam will be inside the store Thursday through Saturday during Biketoberfest. Or check out their website to see the video at RampLess.com.

RampLess is a family affair. Daughter Juliet Laney works with her father and is a part-owner. She shares her father’s love of riding and got her endorsement at 25 and began riding that teal Dyna. Now married to Wyatt she is happy to take the backseat of his Dyna Street Bob. Wyatt owns a new craft beer bar “Beer Co” on Flagler in Ft. Lauderdale. He has a Big Twin hard frame in the garage. Both Juliet and Wyatt have the motorcycle bug and enjoy their time on two wheels.

Rampless Motorcycle Trailers is based in Ft. Lauderdale but have expanded to include a manufacturing facility in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They are looking for distribution sites throughout the southwest. Rampless Trailers remain USA built and they are built to last! They are designed to be the safest, easiest and fastest way to load your bike and go! Designed to load flat on the ground while remaining hooked to your vehicle. Stop in Bruce Rossmeyer’s during Biketoberfest to meet Sam and check out a Rampless Trailer.

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By Lulu

As we travel the state we are lucky enough to find some real gems for motorcycle enthusiasts. A bar nestled between US 1 and the river in Sebastian is Earl’s Hideaway. Franni who books the music and entertainment, knows great music and searches far and wide to bring unique acts and great talent. On Sunday afternoon, they feature blues. I can’t tell you how nice it is to sit with my feet in the sand, a cold drink in my hand, the breeze from the waterways keeping me a bit cooler than other venues I visit in the summer. I have been there monthly, and every time the bands have been awesome!

Thursday nights they have bike night with live music so get on your scoots and ride over to a well-loved bar that for years has catered to folks that like to travel on two wheels. I know how much they appreciate your business!!!

By Lulu

When someone takes a skill that feeds their families and donates that skill and their time for charity…that is exceptional! And Airbrush by Daytona Flash is doing just that!

His years in airbrushing spans 46 years. Starting in Daytona on Main Street at the “Shirt Shack” when he was just 15. Flash and his family’s love of animals is obvious as he currently has 6 critters of his own and fosters for the Humane Society when needed. Well on October 7th and 8th from 11a-5p at New Smyrna Beach Humane Society he will be airbrushing to save creatures that bark and mew! The Humane Society will have food, beer, live music…and cats and dogs!!! Located at 1200 S. Glencoe Rd. in New Smyrna Beach they are “Begging” like a puppy for you to ride on down to save a life! Flash will airbrush anything on wheels for a donation to the Humane Society.

By T. J.

At a very young age while growing up in Philadelphia, Bob McNamara knew he loved motorcycles. So at 15, with his dad’s help, he built his first Harley-Davidson, a ’71 Sportster. Soon after, he decided to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando to pursue a career as a certified Harley-Davidson mechanic. What Bob didn’t know when he graduated from that school in 1991 and went back to Philly to work in 2 different H-D dealerships, is that 15 years later he would be at Bike Week in Daytona and meet his future wife and move to Daytona permanently.

In 2012, after six years working at both Orlando H-D and Seminole H-D, he decided to open his own shop in Port Orange. Now after 5 years Bob has moved his Lucky Clover Cycles to a nice new location at 3670 Jackson St., Unit 1 (just south of the corner of Herbert St.). Locate the recognizable “Clover” logo and ride on in for all your Harley-Davidson needs. He specializes in all things Harley…service, scheduled maintenance, repairs, tires, custom builds, motorwork and rebuilds, extended warranty work, and insurance claims. You get the picture. Bob has the latest technology to work on any Harley from any year right up to the 2017 Milwaukee Eight.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9a-5p, Saturday 10a-2p. Closed Sunday and Monday. So call Bob at 386-760-3929 to get your bike in tip top shape for Biketoberfest. Don’t forget the 10% discount in this issues Lucky Clover Cycles’ ad!

By Tony

Phone rings 8am…first week we have worked in a month and guess who it is…my editor. Says you’ve just been invited to a birthday party at the Pirat’s Oasis Bar in Weirsdale on the Ocklawaha River. Which means we got home at 3:30am from work, he’s jammed up so somebody has got to go wake up TRex, grab a camera, fire up “Goldy” my old Softail and we’re off.

The party is for Stacie, owner of the bar. We rode in with bikes already there and more coming in. Now I’ve never been there before, but this is a cool bar with a pool table outside, seating on the water and a boat ramp. Proceeds from the boat ramp go to Outreach Ministry and there’s a donation container inside as well.

The Cutter Creek Band started playing and the party was on. The crowd of bikers and boaters partied together and were having one hell of a time. But it was also their first “Second Saturday” of the month Bike Days on the Tiki Deck, which means $10 domestic buckets 11a-5p. Don’t forget the galley opens at 11am, so grab some Gator Tail, yum.

Not only is this a great bar, it’s a nice ride…no traffic and hidden on the river. So, to Ali, the manager,

“Great party and thanks for the invite.”
And to Stacie, “Happy Birthday!”
We will be back!

By TREX

Saturday night bike night at the Black Bear Pub in Ocala had a hot new band Infuzion rocking the stage. Jay Bird Barrows has been in the Rock & Roll industry for 40+ years and knows how to make great sounds. His new band can play some great rock & roll.

As the bikes rolled in the band was already up and running. Tammy Lynn Daniszewski, the owner of Black Bear Pub had some new games for the crowd to play during intermission.

During the second set lead singer Jason invited all the women onto the stage to sing along with a little “Road House Blues”. The band played for 5 hours until 10pm and the crowd still wanted more.

The Black Bear Pub has been open for a little over a year now. It serves food Fri-Sun and has excellent eats while drinking adult beverages while listening to great music. It is an easy ride down 40 into the forest. So, during Biketoberfest take a ride out for a cold one about an hour out of Daytona.

See ya at the Bear…

P.S. Forgot to mention Fish also threw a surprise birthday party for his lovely wife Shane that night, so happy “29th” again LOL

By Phoenix and Metric (a.k.a. Standard)

First, let me tell you about the newest and hottest bike night in the county hosted by the newest and hottest night spot in the county, Big D’s Garage Bar in Lake Placid. Big D’s recently added “BIKE NIGHT” to their already full agenda of night life activities. If you are looking for a place to show off that new bike you just bought or if you just want to hang out with great friends for a “COLD” drink and some delicious food, Big D’s is the place to be on Tuesdays. The Smoke Shack partners with Big D’s to provide a full menu with some of the best fried pickles in the county. Entertainment was provided by “Dumpster Mike” one of our own from the local VFW Riders. So, on Tuesdays swing into Big D’s and show off that new ride. Tell them Metric (a.k.a. Standard) sent you.

Now let me explain the (a.k.a. Standard) tag. I recently went over to the dark side and bought my “FIRST” HD Street Glide thanks to my Brother “Dan”. As far as changing the name there is no need, I am sure there is a “METRIC” nut or bolt on the Street Glide somewhere!!!

By T. J. Costa

I want to tell a little personal story about a place in Arundel, Maine called Bentley’s Saloon. For many years, during all my travels far and wide I have been seeing t-shirts from Bentley’s. Everywhere I go…Bentley’s…Bentley’s…Bentley’s. Being a native New Englander I knew I had to go check this place out. So when I took a couple weeks in July to ride north, Bentley’s was a must destination. I heard it was a huge biker resort (and it is) with motel rooms, camping, music, great food, and plenty of partying, so I was excited to go there and stay there. Drink beer all day, get a room and not have to worry about riding afterwards.

Well, we rode up from Mass in about 2 ½ hours on a hot sunny Tuesday afternoon. When we arrived, they were having their weekly Cruisin’ Night and it was very cool. Over 100 antiques and classics in the show with 50’s music playing and people browsing and talking about cars all over the property, with trophies awarded to the winners at the end. I had a great fish and chips dinner that was almost too big to finish and my riding partners had Maine lobster rolls that were awesome!! My friend Ellen who works at the First Turn Steakhouse in Daytona got a summer job as a bartender there and it was her night off so she met us for a couple cocktails and some laughs. She absolutely loves working at Bentley’s and said the whole management staff and crew made her feel right at home from the 1st day.

Now here’s the crazy part. Minutes after we arrived a girl walks up to me and says “Are you T.J.?” I said “Lisa? What the f— are you doing here?” I was thinking she must be on vacation like we were. Well, as it turns out my old friend Lisa from Daytona Beach who I hadn’t seen or heard from in at least 12 years is Bentley’s girlfriend and she pretty much runs the place. They spend the summers in Maine and when Bentley’s closes for the season they come and spend winters in Daytona. What a great life!! Bentley (last name Warren) was busy entertaining friends and guests so I didn’t get to meet him personally but legend has it that he is quite a guy. The entire place is filled with racing memorabilia from his life spent on race tracks across America. I’m guessing that his love of motorcycles inspired him to build a place for motorcyclists to come and have a blast and he definitely succeeded. Everybody get on your bikes and ride to this place and spend a weekend. It’s well worth the trip!! Tell Lisa and Bentley that T.J. and Thunder Roads Florida Magazine sent you. And look for me around Florida in my new Bentley’s t-shirt…

By Lulu

Everyone who rides a motorcycle in Florida is familiar with Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula. Known for the world-famous coleslaw wrestling…and great music during Bike Week and Biketoberfest, the history of Cabbage Patch Bar started with drag racing on the empty roads out in front of “The Patch”.

With growth in the surrounding area and of course increased police presence the days of dragging at the Cabbage Patch have passed. But Roger and Ronnie Luznar are still entertaining folks out in Samsula. Live music often fills the inside or outside stages. And on the first Sunday of the month car enthusiasts meet at the patch to throw back a cold one and talk car stuff.

The 3rd Sunday they continue to feed the masses with a free BBQ, free swap meet and live music. Don’t wait for Biketoberfest ride out to “The Patch” and support these great guys who are dedicated to keeping their father’s traditions going strong!