By Lulu

If you are in search of any of the following: a beautiful ride in the country, a scenic view of the St. John’s River with great cocktails and cold beer, a tasty meal, a place to park your RV or a cabin getaway we have the Cool Joint for you.

Renegade’s on the River is beautifully situated with boat access, perfectly maintained cabins and RV sites. The huge Tiki bar is staffed by some of the nicest bar staff and inside the huge restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating the staff from the chefs to the servers are certain to make your experience at Renegades enjoyable. Out in Putnam County in Crescent City on County Road 309 it is a short ride from Ocala, Deland, Palatka…even St. Augustine or Daytona Beach.

It is a wonderful place to ride on two or three wheels as there is NO traffic on these country roads. You can get there by bike, car or boat and have a full marina with fuel and a bait & tackle shop on premise. They offer live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. And for your taste buds get ready to enjoy delights from prime rib to home style meatloaf. Tuesdays is Taco Tuesdays with karaoke and trivia. On Thursday, they do Ladies and Gents night $10 all you can drink and live music. I had heard about Renegade’s for a bit and kept hearing you really should ride out and see what they built out in the country…boy was I pleasantly surprised and impressed!

So, get a group of your friends together for an excursion you are certain to enjoy and if you are planning a poker run they would love to host one of your stops. The best news of all is they are starting a Biker Sundays event with $1.75 drafts, $2.75 wells and $2.25 domestics with karaoke 1-5pm so get your motors running and take a ride to Renegade’s on the River in Crescent City on CR 309!

By Lulu

Occasionally our paths cross with someone with a product and a story. So was it when we met Craig and Laura Gherman. Out of Silver Springs, Florida they are a couple that both ride and live motorcycles. I am not sure just how many bikes I saw at their house on my visit there. Laura’s father fell ill and told them he just wanted to go on one more ride…he passed before that happened. So, Craig designed the mount and urn they sell to honor that request by his father-in-law. A small brass urn that can be mounted on the front of your bike allows you to take the ashes of your loved one wherever your life’s adventures take you. In fact, mounted on the front of the bike…they arrive before you…just like heaven on earth! He has designed the mount to hold one or even 5 urns. They can also be ordered for key chains or necklaces. The urns are made of high quality brass and made by Craig in the USA! To order an urn for a loved one call Craig at 352-789-4746 or Laura 352-789-4747. RIDEFOREVER.ORG

By Tony

I roll out of work at 3am, knowing we got to get to Lake Poinsett Lodge in the morning for the 5th Annual “BOOB RUN”. As I drive home in the rain hoping it’s not going to kill the run in the morning.  I wake T-Rex up, tell her to shake it we’re going to be late. We fire up “Goldie” and head over, we get there in time to register, and for T-Rex to buy a pink boobie cup before we take off with the last pack. We follow the pack out to Melbourne to Cheers 2U and pick up our first card. Then we’re heading down A1A to Jenna’s Breezeway for a beverage and a snack. Back down A1A to the Beach Line, air them out and next stop is Pinto’s Lounge in Titusville. After that we head over to Cocoa Joe’s for one more. Then as usual we are the last group back, but this time no breakdowns.  The Payback Band was playing. The food and beverages were flowing, and it was time to party with old friends and new ones. At the break, raffles were drawn, 50/50 and prizes, and t-shirts, coozies and yes, pink boobie cups were for sale. All proceeds are donated to “Breast Friends”. A special thanks to Michelle Miles, owner of the Lake Poinsett Lodge and everybody who helped and donated their time to this worthy cause…Watch out for pink elves and we’ll see ya next year.

By Lulu

Rick D puts a lot of energy into his yearly toy drive which benefits needy families in Volusia county. I was asked to come down and photo families visiting with Santa, Mrs. Claus and an adorable elf. The children’s reaction ranged from fear to pure joy. One adorable child told Santa to give their brother his presents because he was sick. Last year a beautiful little girl asked for work boots for her father. And so, each smile photographed on these kids faces was priceless. Thanks to Denise, and the “Claus” family, Rick D and his volunteers and to every person in the world that shares their hard-earned cash to make some child or family’s Christmas! I love the saying I read this year: Christmas is more about opening hearts than presents…and I really felt that at First Turn.

By Lulu

Anytime we can raise some money and cans for a food bank, let a lucky soul win $50 cash, sample lots of Twisted Tea and see old friends…it is a great night. And that is just how it went at Bay 3 Bar in New Smyrna. Bucko and Sharon surprised us by riding down from Palm Coast and brought some grub in. The nice man who won the money gave most of it back and we were able to give $121 to Frog Ministries for their food bank. I love Barry, Jan and the bartenders at Bay 3 Bar, Marilyn was staffing the bar that night and is just as sweet as she is cute. Thank you to all who generously gave that night. Don’t forget to ride in for their great beer prices!! They say, “every night is bike night at Bay 3”!

By Ron Cox

Hundreds of people gathered at Six Bends Harley-Davidson on January 7th to take in the happenings at Six Bends Sizzlin’ Sunday.

In addition to the biker’s activities there was also a Corvette/car show in the plaza of Top Rocker Field.

Highlighting the entertainment was the “Titans of Rock,” a tribute band, rockin’ out the tunes of Bon Jovi and Journey. Those folks not on bikes brought out their lawn chairs to enjoy the band and the balmy weather.

Food vendors were on hand offering everything from pulled pork and hot dogs to gyros and baklava. Those seeking something for dessert stopped by the ice cream truck. And, of course, there were t-shirt and biker jewelry vendors too.

So, check your event calendar for the next Sizzlin’ Sunday at Six Bends.

By Ron Cox

The Southwest Chapter of ABATE hosted its annual ride to the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Home in Port Charlotte on Sunday, December 17. One hundred eighty riders and passengers assembled at Sun Sports Cycle for the police escorted ride.

For a modest $5 registration fee and an optional $5 pancake breakfast everyone got to ride and pay their respects to these Veterans who have given so much. The Home is home to 120 Veterans, 112 men and 8 women. Were it not for this home some of these Veterans would be out on the street. Sad to say illegal aliens are treated better than these old warriors. The proceeds from this ride will enable each Veteran to receive a $50 Wal-Mart gift card.

The lobby of the Home has a beautifully decorated Christmas tree around which bags, and bags of sundry items were deposited by the riders. Riders got to tour the Home, its walls festooned with military memorabilia, old uniforms and other items from a time gone by.

Home Administrator Liz Barton thanked the riders for their continued support and mentioned how much the Veterans look forward to their visit. For some, the visit by the riders is the only visitors some of these Vets will have all year.

ABATE is a motorcycle and motorcyclist’s rights organization.

By Glenn Iannillo

My trip to D.C. was amazing. On December 16th Martine and I along with my sister Gi Gi and brother-in-law Dave, volunteered to go to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Christmas wreaths on the graves of the brave. Although it was below freezing 27* and it had its sad and emotional moments we had a fabulous time. This was my fifth time at Arlington Cemetery where my father Anthony and my uncle James are buried. This place never ceases to amaze me. 630 acres of headstones as far as the eye can see. 65 trucks of wreaths are placed by 15,000 volunteers over six hours.

If you get a chance visit Washington DC this is an event you would be honored to be a part of. And if you can’t make it to D.C. they have military cemetery

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

National Wreaths Across America Day takes place annually on the 3rd Saturday in December of each year.The Mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Itis carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies on the graves of Veterans throughout the country, including Arlington National Cemetery. To date over 1.2 million wreaths were placed in 1,500 cemeteries and other locations within the 50 U.S., at sea, and abroad. If you wish to honor our fallen heroes by sponsoring a wreath, the donation is $10, or if you wish to make a general donation to help sponsor the Rolling Thunder FL-8 “Wreaths Across America”2018 program, you can do so by going to: rollingthunderfl8.com and clicking on the side-bar link # 27, follow the mailing and or PayPal instructions.

Donations are now being accepted for the December 2018 Wreaths Across America and will continue throughout the year.”

by Phoenix and Metric-HD

Each year during the Christmas Season we ask you to take one day out of the hustle and bustle of shopping to REMEMBER, HONOR AND TEACH. Across this nation on the third Saturday in December an organization called WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA does just that. In 1992 the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine started placing wreaths at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC. Today the program has exploded across America to every National Cemetery and other locations to nearly one million wreaths placed each year. Unfortunately, the program keeps growing with the loss of more and more Veterans each year. Next December, we ask you to stop and REMEMBER those Veterans for their sacrifice. HONOR their memory by sponsoring a wreath. Most importantly TEACH the next generation of Americans that our freedoms come with a cost. To get involved check out the website at: wreathsacrossamerica.org

By Lulu

Some might have observed that the crowd at Tropical Tattoo was down a bit this Biketoberfest and with the recent hurricane that rocked the whole state it was no surprise. But I admit it made the event a bit more enjoyable for those of us who were onsite as we were able to move around more freely and get in to view the bikes without fearing you might knock a whole row over! What started years ago as a bunch of builders meeting at Willie’s to ride out for the night, creating a bike show with their own personal rides has become one of my very favorite events of Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Music by Big Rick & the Troublemakers and Eddy Davis & the Pillars fills the back yard while beer and Twisted Tea sales help either Vets or animals depending on the season, and you can always get a little ink while you are there! If you don’t know Willie and the gang at Tropical, they are great guys with enormous talent and I consider them to be some of the best people I have gotten to know in the motorcycle industry!

A special thank you from Willie to the sponsors that help make this event possible each year…Rue & Ziffra, Twisted Tea, The Horse Back Street Choppers Magazine, Chop Docs, Biker’s Pocket Guide, Bling’s Cycles, Lucky Loser, DK Customs, Lowbrow Customs, TC Bros Choppers, BD’s Customs, Mo’s Customs, Hard Luck Designs and Boomer’s Bike Shop.

And the winners are!

Best Twin Cam Bobby Cathcart, Best Metric Tara Cheuvrant, Best Knucklehead Rick, Best Shovelhead Nick Pencil, Best EVO John Bennett, Best Creative Custom Eric Allard, Best British Otts & Judy Yesenko, Best Hardcore Chopper Marcus Brown, Best Rat Frank Vediccio, Best Sportster Bob Alexander, Best Panhead Andy Geaves, Best Jap Robbie, The Horse’s Choice Craig Palmer, Kari’s Choice Jeff Rainville, People’s Choice Bill Dodge, Roadside’s Choice Brett Roberts, Willie’s Choice Wendall Turner, Willie’s Choice Mark Stevens, BD’s Customs Choice Greg Fisher, Reverend Al’s Choice Angela Stathas, Tropical Tattoo Choice Greg Fisher, Cycle Source Choice Larry, Chop Docs Choice Bryan Lane, Mo’s Choice Dan Starkey, Willie’s Choice Pepi Barone, Honorable Mention Chris Phillips.

By Lulu

Thunder Beach Rally occurs in the spring and in the fall…no matter the weather the view from our hotel room at the Holiday Inn Resort is always magnificent! The main stage this year moved to Frank Brown Park and the crowd for the headliners and bikini contest was huge! The headliners included Jasmine Cain, Confederate Railroad, Kentucky Headhunters, Eli and Skid Row. A great line up by anyone’s standards. Mustang Sally rocked the stage at the Harley dealership while we were there. Bike shows featured Baggers and awesome creations both days. Of course, there were vendors everywhere. Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach and the Indian showrooms and parking lots were packed. What sets this rally apart from many is the large venues such as Pier Park and Frank Brown Park which provide interesting space for bands, bike shows, vendors and contests. And then obviously THE BEACH, unlike the Atlantic this beach has white soft sands and clear blue waters. If you get off the beach and take a ride out to the country, there are plenty of traffic free roads to explore. So, if you haven’t taken a trip to Panama City Beach put this on your calendar for May 2-4th. Hope to see you there…we wouldn’t miss it.

By Lulu

As anyone that rides in for a Daytona bike rally knows, a must stop visit is the massive Harley dealership on US 1 called Bruce Rossmeyers Daytona Harley-Davidson. The Rossmeyer family have worked their buns off to keep Bruce’s hard work alive. With concerts including Jackyl, foxy bartenders, vendors of all types, arm wrestling contests, bike shows and, of course, a showroom full of Harleys and all the gear to go with one, it takes a full day to see it all.

There is always something going on at their dealerships here and in New Smyrna…so check out their website at BruceRossmeyer.com to keep up with the current events!

By Lulu

Favorites of those on two and three wheels are world famous Boot Hill Saloon on Main Street in Daytona Beach and Roadside Tavern in Port Orange on Nova Rd. Boot Hill Saloon is known worldwide for great music and must have T-shirts to commemorate Bike Week and Biketoberfest. In 2017 Roadside Tavern reopened and riders were once again able to enjoy the huge outside deck and great tunes and food at Roadside Tavern. Don’t forget to check out Boot Hill’s Bike Night on Wednesdays with live music!

By Jeani G.

OB’s Restaurant and Lounge in DeLand hosted Russ & Bob’s 16th annual Panhead/Shovelhead Party on November 12th … this year’s was one of the most successful yet! What started out as a gloomy morning turned into a beautiful day attended by hundreds of old-school motorcycle enthusiasts!

With so many beautiful vintage Harleys, our esteemed panel of judges: Marshall, Walter, Cap and Bo certainly had their work cut out for them … and they did a great job selecting the day’s winners:
Stock Panhead trophy – Mark 1958 pan
Custom Panhead trophy – Steve 1965 pan
Stock Shovelhead – Don 1973 shovel
Custom Shovelhead – Marty 1979 shovel

The People’s Choice trophy was awarded to Steve for his 1973 custom shovelhead.

Thunder Roads Magazine sponsored the Best of Show trophy which was awarded to Ron with his beautiful 1965 Panhead with sidecar!

There was live music by Penta, including a heartfelt guitar solo of the National Anthem in honor of our Veterans, many of whom were present for us to personally thank for their service to this great country of ours! Mark from Cycle Fever TV filmed the festivities – whenever you see his drone flying above, be sure to smile and wave.

Super model, Kristie O’Brien signed her glamorous cover of the November issue of Thunder Roads Florida Magazine for many avid admirers. And an awesome buffet was provided by OB, Tina, Kristie and Ashley … great hospitality is always served up by the wonderful O’Brien family!

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! Hope to see you there!

By Lulu

Photos by Scott Peterson

First off, I need to state that I hated to miss this event, but we had to be at Thunder Beach Rally in Panama City Beach and then the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas. I called on an old friend from my high school days in Ocala, Scott Peterson, to join the Thunder Roads Florida team to represent us and grab some photos! Thank you so much Scott!

The final bike night of 2017 at Tilted Kilt was rocked by Tobacco Rd Band out of Jacksonville. They happened to be playing a few days before in Pensacola Beach at the Southeast HOG Rally, so I can testify they are really very good! Of course, the spirits flowed and the food was awesome at the Kilt brought to you by the pretty lassies dressed in their little plaid skirts!

The bike nights at the Kilt start early April and run through November on the first Saturday of each month. So, when the cold weather is chased away by the Ides of March, warm up your engines and take a ride to Ocala for great music, food and fun!