By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday, May 13, 2017 the American Legion Riders Chapter 9 Jacksonville Florida and Flamingo Lake RV Resort once again hosted the Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert. Although most years there is close to 1,000 bikes, this year the rain threw the event a curveball. But there were still 481 motorcycles with 163 passengers that came out to brave the rain and raise over $22,000 after expenses for K9’s For Warriors, The Florida Fallen Hero Memorial Foundation and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The live entertainment was off the chain with The Curt Towne Band starting the day off as the bikes went KSU. The Remedy played until 3 pm for the crowd that was there partying while the bikes were out. City of Bridges came on at 4PM and really got things wired until the bikes returned at 5PM. That is when The No Saints Band took over and closed the event down at 10PM. The event, although a little wet, was a great success and that is in large part due to the awesome volunteers and support organizations that every year come out and help make it great. With over 29 different poker stops on 13 different routes to choose from, the City of Jacksonville was saturated with great folks riding, as well as, the rain. We are already looking forward to next year’s event. Make your plans.

By Lulu

If you haven’t made it to D.C. and experienced the Vietnam Wall, you just must! But for those of you who just can’t make that trip, cities can host the Moving Vietnam Wall. And the City of Eustis decided to do just that and to bring The Wall to their Eustis Music Fest. You cannot begin to understand what this means to Vietnam Veterans and their families who may never get the chance to visit The Wall in D.C. A ride was organized to help fund this endeavor and lots of patriotic folks showed up for the event. The ride started at Ferran Park with stops including Gator Grill, Pirats Oasis, Gator Harley-Davidson and the clubhouse of the Lake County US Military Vets. These stops, sponsors, the City of Eustis and those who took their time to ride on for this cause deserve a great big thank you for bringing such a meaningful tribute to this part of the state for all to be able to experience.

By Deborah Speicher

On the first day 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, hundreds of us gathered at Crystal Harley-Davidson (Crystal River, FL) for some riding, shopping, music, food and camaraderie.

The weather was perfect (high’s in the 70’s with almost no humidity) as was everything else. Everyone staged at the dealership for some breakfast, shopping, bike blessings, and a meet and greet with authors Jean Davidson and her son, Jon Davidson Oeflein. Jean and Jon brought some of their books which really give you a good idea of what is was like growing up “Harley-Davidson”!

Later we had a choice of either riding directly to Rock Crusher Canyon for lunch, concerts, prizes and more; or first taking a scenic route down the Ozello Trail. The Ozello Trail is Florida’s answer to “The Dragon” as it has a whole lot of twists and turns. After the Ozello Trail, it was on to Rock Crusher Canyon with the Bearded Brothers rocking the house.

Congratulations to Lake County HOG Ladies of Harley who took home the $1,000 prize monies for having the most lady rider participants. However, all ladies had a chance to win several other good prizes including ten winners who got $100 each. Afterwards, the headliner, Jasmine Cain, took the stage.

Kudos to the ultimate Road Queen herself, Linda Dalton, and the ladies who assisted her (Patti Kathy, Roberta, Linda’s mom and more!), as well as Crystal Harley-Davidson for organizing this over-the-top day just for the ladies. The dealership really wants to help ladies take life by the handlebars! Oh, and after their sister store, War Horse H-D, rode over with a group of 43 lady riders, we had a total of 462 lady riders. Well done!

By Danny Martin (American Cycle Auto & Truck)

The other day a gentleman came into my shop, looked like he had been a biker for quite some time. He was having a problem with his oil dipstick. It dawned on me then that I guess it’s not always wrenches and hard work. Well it’s the middle of summer, it’s kind of hot and we really don’t want to be working on our bikes. So, let’s just make sure that they’re going to stay going for you.

Checking the oil and transmission is pretty, easy and straightforward. First, almost every transmission has the 3/8 Allen bolt dipstick right on the front right side. On average, they take about 28 oz. of fluid. I prefer to run the 140 weight in most of the older bikes as it helps to firm up the shift. This won’t take long if you have a 3/8 Allen wrench, simply level your bike after it’s been running, take off the dipstick, unscrew it and look on the lines or hashtags, sometimes you can even smell it. With a visual inspection make sure that your fluid is not gray or dark, most fluids are a golden color. If it’s grey or dark you might want to change it. I’ll explain that to you in another installment, but if your fluid level is within the hashtags, simply snug it back up. You don’t have to Monkey Wrench it back on there and you’ll be set.

Next thing we’ll check is the oil. Sometimes checking the oil on some of the touring bikes can be a little more complicated, especially on the newer twin cams. On the right side, you will usually see a big round, sometimes square (depending on the year, make and model or if somebody changed yours) but that is where you will find your dipstick. Although some of them screw in, most of them that I have come across do not. Sometimes you unscrew the knurled or squared cap and it’ll come right off the rubber that pushes into the block, but sometimes with a little bit of wiggling and some persuasion you can get it out of there. I never found any success with gluing the cap back; I suggest you just get a new one, but once again with the bike warmed up and sitting level when you pull out the dipstick it pretty much says right between the hash tags at a quart whether you’re high or low on most bikes.

Takes about three and a half quarts of some good 20-50, but on a lot of the Softails and Wide Glides they have what’s called The Horseshoe tank and you’ll see a little knob or plug right underneath your right leg to check. You simply kind of pull it out, look in there, if you see oil you’re good. If you don’t think it’s close enough be careful pouring to not overfill it because it will squirt out, but once again most of the Horseshoe type oil bags as they’re called take approximately 3 quarts. I know it seems like we really didn’t do much here today but we really did. Those are two of the most important things you can check next to your Tires and Brakes. I thank you for visiting the Cat Box and as always if there’s something you feel that I can cover please contact me at the magazine if you’d like us to add something I will give it my best shot. Thanks again, AMCAT

By T-Rex

We worked the bar, Dotty’s in Titusville, until closing, got some sleep and it was weekend on. We got a late start, grabbed the Heritage and headed down Nova Road to 192 East, then to 441. Lake Okeechobee here we come. Made a left at the end and Good Spirits Bar and Grill was on the left. We had some lunch, and of course, the stuffed mushrooms T-Rex’s favorite. We fueled and were on our way on South 441 to 27 South down to Alligator Alley. As we ran down a section of 27 open fields, cows and some rain…no place to hide out there…just kept rolling on. Just 4 miles south of Route 75 is Café 27, but right next to the fuel station is the Chickee Hut 3 bars, bandstand and seating. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We grabbed a room in the town of Davie about 15 minutes away. On Sunday, we headed back over for Bloody Mary’s, two for one there. The place really kicks it up a gear with vendors, a band and 100’s of bikes. Excellent weekend run…
When you get down there tell them Thunder Roads Florida sent ya…
Ride safe
T-REX

By Deborah Speicher

One of the highlights of Daytona Bike Week 2017 was the Sons of Speed Vintage Motorcycle Race held on March 18 at New Smyrna Speedway. The brainchild behind this event was none other than renowned bike builder, Billy Lane. In addition to organizing this event, Billy personally worked on several of the chassis for the pre-1925 motorcycles. At the practice races the day before, I saw Billy, along with his brother Warren, riding, wrenching, pushing bikes and otherwise moving nonstop around the track and pit stop area.

On Friday, there were sixteen motorcycles which turned into twelve on the day of the race due to mechanical issues. This type of racing involving old motorcycles with skinny tires at high speeds can be dangerous and, thankfully, there was only one minor incident on practice day. Racer Rhett Rotten (“Wall of Death” fame) had both tires simultaneously go out on him and he went down. However, he was back the next day to race. His bike was appropriately named “Death Trap”!

There were other motorcycle celebrities in the race – Paul Cox (“Indian Larry Legacy”), Buzz Kanter (“American Iron Magazine”), Josh Owens (“Moonshiners” television show) and Rick Petko (“American Chopper” television show).

First place was won by Brittney Olsen, second place by Matt Harris and third place by Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe (GM of Destination Daytona).  With two women taking top awards in this race, looks like they may have to rename this “Sons and Daughters of Speed” for future events! Kudos to Billy Lane — I can’t wait to catch another one of these events at future motorcycle rallies.

By Lulu

Bike Night on Wednesdays on the St. John’s River just west of Deland on 44 has become a popular spot to eat, drink and be merry! The band on our Twisted Tea Bike Night was Penta and they were a crowd favorite. Thanks to the generous crowd we raised $127 and 35 pounds of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank in Volusia County. Miss Twisted Tea, Nicole sampled lots of peeps that had never sipped Twisted Tea before and they were all happy to take home cozies and bandanas as souvenirs of the night!

By Anne Barrows

The Florida Biker Awareness Rally in Ocala was a great success for its first rally. The event was attended and supported by bikers from Ft. White to Cocoa, and as far west as the Tampa region. Several local motorcycle clubs attended and volunteered their time to help make this happen. Mother Nature did not want to cooperate. The bikers rallied and raised a great amount of funds for the six designated bikers in need. The ride was shortened due to weather. When they stopped at Black Bear Pub on Rt. 40 owner “Mama Bear”, Tammy Lynn Daneszewski returned to the rally with the bikers, and also gave a large $ donation. Great speakers from the Forest ABATE chapter to the largest financial supporter Steven A. Bagen Law Firm had the riders’ attention. Over 20 vendors were on site. The bands Mike Smithson, Copper Gypsy and to close off the night Infuzion Band rocked the crowd to the end. The Florida Biker Awareness looks forward to their next event. Watch Thunder Roads for info on their next event!

By Deborah Speicher

On Saturday, March 25, 2017, Vietnam era veterans and their war dogs were given the “welcome home” they deserve at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. Several veterans came out to give some truly heartfelt speeches and made us realize that it really stirred up old memories which many wanted to forget. One such speaker was Colonel Ron Rook (Ret. USMC). Colonel Rook spoke about how most of the men in his regiment were lost on a mission and also about coming home. Coming back to the United States during the Vietnam War was just about as dangerous, as protesters had started shooting returning soldiers. Colonel Rook had to wear civilian clothing and could have no trace of military clothing or paraphernalia with him when he came back to the States during the war.

The other unsung heroes of that era were the war dogs. Dogs trained and taken to Vietnam were then either left in Vietnam or euthanized. This was so unfair for those loyal canines who served and saved many lives. Barbara Snow from the US War Dogs Association Southern Chapter 2 spoke about the history of war dogs and how dogs can now properly retire from service.

This was a great ceremony which included all Vietnam era veterans receiving a pin to commemorate their service, POW/MIA table ceremony and The Last Patrol. The Last Patrol was created by the Suncoast Vietnam Veterans who reenact the last days of the Vietnam War utilizing a K-9 dog, smoke and music from that era.

At the conclusion, all attendees were treated to free food and dessert courtesy of VFW Post 8108 Riverview Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries. FYI – Veterans Memorial Park is free and open to the public. In addition to various park displays, there is the Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum.

The event was well done and powerful. Welcome home all!

By Lulu

In Port Richey, right smack dab on US 19 is a motorcycle specialty shop that carries motorcycle gear, accessories and apparel. To celebrate their grand opening their lot was filled with vendors, food and a bike show. Live music filled the air with Mustang Mafia rocking the large crowd. You can’t meet a nicer person than Lisa the owner who was scurrying around the shop as men and women were cashing in on the 15% off the entire store.

By Ron Cox

The City of Palms Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) hosted a Passport Run/Scavenger Hunt on April 22nd to raise funds to support its programs to provide for wounded children. The Ft. Myers Chapter is the largest of the 10 Chapters in Florida. B.A.C.A. is an international effort with chapters in 12 countries and 47 states in the U.S. More chapters are being formed internationally.

More than 70 riders/passengers assembled at VFW Post 10127 in North Ft. Myers under threatening skies to register and get directions for the first stop. After a blessing of the bikes, small groups set out to capture the required items.

Riders/passengers ended up at American Legion Post 110 in Port Charlotte. BBQed food, salads, liquid refreshments, an auction and a plethora of raffle prizes awaited the group.

Using their “road names” (don’t ask me why) Bounce won the Scavenger Hunt top prize of two round trip tickets aboard the Key West Express. Juicy won the $133 50/50.

B.A.C.A. exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. It exists as a body of bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. B.A.C.A. stands ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established united organization. B.A.C.A. works in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children.

On the bottom of every member’s vest is the B.A.C.A. motto “No child deserves to live in fear.”

By Phoenix and Metric

This year the Battle of the Bands Inc. who host the Vet-Jam Music Fest reached out to the Gathering of the CLUBS (GOC) to sponsor the 1st Annual Ride-in. The Gathering of the CLUBS is made up of most of the motorcycle clubs, associations and riding enthusiast in the county. The GOC works together to bring motorcycle awareness, coordination and support for each other and the community. A few years back the GOC hosted an event to raise money to purchase an all-terrain power wheelchair to be used by persons with disabilities on the trails in the local Highlands Hammock State Park. This year the GOC decided to team up to support the Vet-Jam Music Fest. The 1st Annual Ride-in was coordinated by the Veterans-in Arms VMC. The day started with a “GREAT” breakfast provided by the American Legion Riders in Avon Park with stops at the VFW 4300 Riders, Cowpoke’s Watering Hole, Lake Placid Elk Riders, the Warlock Clubhouse, the US Military Veterans MC at the VFW in Avon Park with the final stop in historical downtown Avon Park at the Vet-Jam Music Fest. The day was filled with a great county ride though God’s country followed by food and fun for all.

The Battle of the Bands host major events to raise money to help local Veterans Charities. The Battle of the Band sponsors a special Veteran dedication during Veteran’s Day weekend and sponsor a “Christmas on the Mall” at Christmas time to honor our Veterans. Their next big event with be held in July so mark your calendars and COME JOIN US!!!!

By Raven Van Pelt

American Legion Riders Chapter 54, in Fernandina Beach held their Bunnies for Babies II dice run. The dice run stopped at several posts and Bar Z. At each stop bunny games were held, and prizes handed to the winners. Proceeds from the Bunnies for Babies Run were to help benefit Nassau County Health Department, Well Babies Department. Items collected ranged from diapers, socks, bottles, clothes, baby blankets and sippy cups. Bunnies for Babies couldn’t have asked for a nicer day and upon return to Post 54, a pork loin dinner was served to all riders.  For more information on how to help, please contact the Nassau County Health Department.

By Lulu

One of my favorite places to go is in Sebastian. Earl’s Hideaway has a great inside bar and then a tiki like outside courtyard complete with sand. This bar is very cool. Not only do they love their bikers…they love good music! Blues is often the music of choice. But they also do lots of good rock and roll. Their bike night is weekly on Thursday nights, but once a month they blow it up a bit with Space Coast H-D bringing in giveaways, a Dyno for you to check out and the one we rode down for had Love Valley on stage. Young men that weren’t born when these musicians hit the radio, were rockin’ classics from the 70s including Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Allman Brothers. If you get a chance to see these kids you will be glad you did! Franni knows good music and searches for that rare gem and brings them to their slice of paradise! While you are there have a giant slice of pizza to go with your alcohol! There are lots of cool places to stay so make a night of it!

By Lulu

Riding season is in full swing. And no better place to ride to on the first Saturday of the month than the Tilted Kilt in Ocala. Their bike nights start with Happy Hour prices, great food and GREAT music! The place is swarming with hot kilted girls, so gentlemen “Start your engines!” The first one of the season had one of my favorites Bobby Friss taking the stage! Every month the bands are exceptional! A beautiful ride from all directions so come out and play in Ocala!