By Lulu

Occasionally paths intersect in life and people who have meant a great deal to you reemerge. And so, it was when Ronnie from Shifty’s Hideaway contacted me about an event he was planning at a bar in Keystone Heights. Ronnie has been a friend of mine ever since I have been the owner of Thunder Roads Florida. In fact, he is one of the main reasons I kept the magazine going after Bull’s (the original owner of Thunder Roads Florida and my boyfriend at the time) death. You see Bull and Ronnie were friends and from time to time riding buddies. Ronnie is a workaholic so it wasn’t often enough that he would get out on two wheels. Bull died suddenly and tragically and both Ronnie and I were devastated. There was a huge memorial run for Bull that Ronnie’s bar in Flagler Beach hosted the end stop. At the memorial Ronnie and the crowd encouraged me to keep his legacy going when the corporate office offered me the reins of Thunder Roads Florida. And through the years Ronnie has been one of my ad clients as well as my friend. We have worked together on fundraisers for friends, poker runs for diabetes and just promoting his different bars. He has always stepped up for others and some of those folks were at this party, making it a lot of fun!!

Nearly 10 years later Ronnie said he lost another friend tragically and he told me when he got the call that Shifty had died in a crash on New Year’s Eve he had the same terrible sense of loss again. He decided to keep Shifty’s Hideaway going in memory of his dear friend. According to Ronnie, P. J. “Shifty” was one of a kind, a good hearted, hardworking guy who was excited to have the bar he was buying from Ronnie. According to Ronnie, Shifty would do anything for anybody. Ronnie wanted to do a music festival in August, but the date coincided with Starke Bike Fest so I suggested he move it to October and he booked Big Engine October 7th. My Hope Chest was looking for a place to do a benefit and so with it being breast cancer awareness month in October it was a perfect fit. For those of you unfamiliar with My Hope Chest it is a charity that helps women who don’t have the funds with the cost of reconstructive surgery after mastectomies. This is the first annual Run for the Hills Run and we hope that the event continues. We had a great time, met lots of new friends and loved seeing some friends I haven’t seen in years! We hope next year that the date doesn’t conflict with other events in the area and I can assure everyone we had no idea anything was scheduled for the 7th at the time we scheduled Big Engine!

Ride safe and ride on…as Ronnie and I both know firsthand…life is short and we are the only ones who can make life a ride worth taking!!! Thank you, my friend, for including Thunder Roads Florida in your event and hope those who were there enjoy the photos, more photos are on Thunder Roads Florida Facebook page.

By Deborah Speicher

The number “22” has a whole new meaning for many of us who attended this event on September 16 at Gator Harley-Davidson. That is the number of veterans and first responders who commit suicide on a DAILY basis due to PTSD. Treatment comes in many unconventional methods and this fundraiser was to benefit “S.A.D.L.E.S.” which uses the Code Horse program. Code Horse is exactly that – interaction with horses. Horses have a unique way of bonding with humans, and the relationship between man/woman and horse has a calming, soothing effect.

Six bands took the stage during this day-long event but my favorite was Michael Rettig who rocked the National Anthem with his guitar solo. Reverend Al Paquette was also on hand to start us with an invocation. Food trucks, vendors and raffles also filled the parking lot. When all was said and done, $12,119 was raised for this very worthy cause.

Let’s bring this number down to zero and support these necessary programs!

By Lulu

Miss Intent was on hand to celebrate with the Rossmeyer’s 20 years of being part of the fabric of New Smyrna. With the two locations in Volusia County, the family continues their father’s tradition of bringing shiny new Harley’s to happy boys and girls!! I am sure Bruce is smiling down on Shelley, Will and Mandy…and all the hardworking staff that keep the ball rolling. Along with great tunes by Missy, free hot dogs were on the grill and Twisted Tea samples and giveaways were doled out. Congratulations on 20 years and here’s to many, many more.

By Ron Cox

Imagine you’re tooling down the Interstate (in this case I-75) on October 7th and you come upon a large group of motorcyclists. But you notice something unusual. The big, burly bikers are all wearing decorated brassieres, both men and women!!!! If you happened to see this then you saw riders on their way to the 9th Annual Momma T’s Fly Your Bra Ride hosted by the Paradise Chapter’s Ladies of Harley (LOH) at Naples Harley-Davidson.

Fly Your Bra was created by Momma T to raise money and awareness to the issue of breast cancer. Initially funds generated were given to the American Cancer Society for research. For the last few years though, a needy individual who is battling the disease and lives in Collier County became the recipient. The year, Ms. Katie Guerrero was the recipient. Unfortunately, Katie couldn’t attend as she is recuperating from serious surgery.

Registration was followed by some low calorie (?) donuts and coffee. At the appointed time, the Collier County Sheriff’s Department escort detail took off to make sure the riders had a safe journey. The route included a cruise through downtown Naples, showing the town folk that motorcyclists care about important social issues. Upon return the riders were given box lunches and BBQ’d hot dogs and burgers. There was an in-store poker run with stops in Motorclothes, Parts and the café. The Teakwood Drive band supplied the musical entertainment.

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!