By Lulu

Well the years march on!!! Glenn, owner of the Dog Pound Saloon has been one of my dearest friends, way before he owned the Dog Pound. I spent many hours on a bar stool at his old bar Mother’s in Flagler Beach and at his other bar in Palm Coast, Smiles. But my day to relax and take a few deep breaths after running around during Biketoberfest is Sunday afternoon on the back porch of the Dog Pound. Free BBQ and good live music are a certainty…along with a stiff Crown! This year we also spent a few hours with friends at his anniversary party…14 years and counting!
It is always great to see old friends at the Pound, and this year I was thrilled to run into Mike Miller and his sweet wife! Dog Pound has different things going on each day of the week…so ride in to the Pound…don’t worry no one bites there!!

By Lulu

A favorite stop for bikers during Bike Week and Biketoberfest is just south of Daytona on US 1 in Port Orange. Where some bars saw decrease in crowds during Biketoberfest First Turn enjoyed a robust business!! That is due to Denise and Rick always searching for great entertainment and having an awesome deck. Everyone knows motorcyclists love to be outside. Their famous sizzlin’ steaks are another reason to visit First Turn anytime of year. They do a bike night on Tuesdays for the local riders or anyone riding to their part of the state. And Denise welcomes poker runs with open arms as she loves helping those in need!

By Lulu

Bikers know the Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula, famous for coleslaw wrestling during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. But the bar is a great party spot all year long. We went to their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and had to snap a few shots as some of the patrons went all out! One, young in spirit, gentleman even shared part of his costume with TJ which was piles of dog doodoo. A great guitar player, Johnny Reed from Nashville, sang his heart out to well known country songs. Ride out to the “Patch” for the free BBQ and live music on the third Sundays or their car and truck show on the first Sundays…or just anytime you are in the mood for a bit of fun!

By Lulu

Tucked in off US 1 in New Smyrna is a great local hang out with simply awesome owners Barry and Jan! The staff and patrons are always involved with local charities and make events a really good time. Often, they have live music and when we rode in for a recent event Mistreater was rocking the place and a giant colorful bra was onsite to help raise funds for Breast Cancer!! Stop in and see the crew at Bay 3…they have incredibly great beer prices and are always happy to hear bikes roll in!

By Lulu

Tony and Dar owners of The Boat Bar in Port Orange love to throw a party and during Biketoberfest 2017 they threw not one but two. They had a kick off party the weekend before and another at the end. Live music and lots of peeps on two and three wheels filled the parking lot. No one went home hungry and we all had a great time. Make sure you stop in The Boat all year long for their GREAT beer prices and awesome staff!

By Lulu

We have friends come in from out of town for the rallies and we all seem to end up drinking a bit too much. One of our favorite watering holes is always with the girls at Chris’ Lounge. A stiff drink and great friends are what you can count on every time you walk in their door, even if it is your first time in…so ride on in any old time and make yourself at home…just like we do!

By Phoenix and Metric HD

Veterans Day is officially observed annually on November 11th, to honor all Veterans that have served in the military no matter when or for which branch of service. Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day until it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

As an old guy (born before 1960) and a Vietnam “Era” Veteran I feel it is fitting that I write this article. The 1960’s and the Vietnam War changed the way the world and even Americans viewed our Veterans. In the 1960’s a lot of family values changed and not for the better. My favorite show on television is “BLUE BLOODS” but not for the drama. The story behind the story is the traditional values of the family. The traditions that stem from their careers, their faith, down to the family dinners they have every Sunday is what makes the show GREAT! The show also reflects that while family members may not always agree, everyone has a voice and is respected. Nothing is stronger than “FAMILY” and the “BROTHERHOOD” they share. That same “Brotherhood” can be found in all Veterans and the Biker community. I ride with a diverse group of “Brothers”. We have a Korean War Veteran, I am from the Vietnam War Era and the rest of my Brothers are from the Desert Storm/Shield (OEI/OEF) Era. However, we all have one thing in common we are “ALL” Veterans!!!

This Veterans Day weekend we had the privilege and honor to be part of the escort and the ceremonies surrounding the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Ft. Meade, Florida. If you have ever had the opportunity to be part of an escort or have seen the wall, you will know how emotional it can be to be part of something so humbling. The escort started on Wednesday and the display for the wall was available throughout the weekend until the following Monday. What a “GREAT” way to spend Veterans Day.

In a lot of the communities around this nation Veterans Day was observed on Friday November 10th, for convenience. Veterans deserve more respect than a twenty-minute parade followed by a half hour speech. Our hope is that as a nation we will return to the past and continue the traditions of honoring and respecting “Future” Veterans and ALL Veterans for their service to this country. Everyday should be Veterans Day for without our Veterans we would not have the freedoms we have today. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL VETERANS!!!

By Lulu

Whether you are looking for great music, a stiff drink, a cold beer, a cool T-Shirt or yummy beef tips…everyone who comes to Daytona rides in to the Iron Horse Saloon! Some even ride in to see their favorite bartenders like Sherry or Diana…I am sure there are others…I just happen to know these two crazy girlfriends! If you are brand new to motorcycling or simply haven’t made the trek to Bike Week or Biketoberfest you need to find this treasure on US 1 in Ormond Beach. Make sure you check out their T-Shirts. No matter what state I travel to I run into guys and girls with Iron Horse T’s!

By Tony

It’s three years into the business and it’s time to cut the ribbon. Nancy and Sean, owners of Stargazer Embroidery did just that, with an open house at the shop with food, music, beverages and even a couple of guest bartenders.

As T-Rex and I roll in, the plaza is full of bikes and cars. The music’s going courtesy of Laura’s Juke Box and tables are set up out front with food from DIYM catering from Titusville. The guest bartenders Shana and Karli from H-D Roadhouse were busy pouring beverages for the crowd. Inside the shop, local businesses donated gift baskets and gift certificates to be raffled off. If it wasn’t for the beverages, food and music, it looked like a regular day at the shop, with people placing orders and buying patches and Nancy and Sean sewing them on vests. But then 5 pm hit and it was time for the ribbon cutting ceremony which Nancy has been waiting 3 years to do. The Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce brought the scissors and Nancy and Sean cut the ribbon. The party continued into the evening hours with bikes showing up way into the night.

We met Nancy and Sean a few years ago when T-Rex was looking for some new ink and I wandered off into their shop. First thing I heard was machinery running (sewing machines) and they got my attention. I asked about a custom patch, she asked how many? I say one, she says no problem. I’m sold. She does all my sewing now.

So, three years later, twice as many machines and they will still make me one custom patch if I ask. If ya check out Sean’s shorts you will see he’s been doodling on them with those sewing machines and does some cool work. Even here at Thunder Roads Florida we have had Stargazer do custom hats for us. If you’re looking to have some embroidery done…they are my #1 choice. And if you’re looking to get patches, shirts, hats, etc…etc… check out Stargazer Embroidery in Sharpe’s Plaza on U.S.1 in Cocoa…tell them T-Rex sent ya.

P.S. and a Happy 1-year wedding anniversary to Nancy and Sean from all of us at Thunder Roads Florida Magazine!

By Lulu

The last Sunday of Biketoberfest was a bit hotter at Main Street Station than other parts of Daytona when Twisted Tea sponsored the Miss Main Street Station bikini contest. Any of the girls could have easily walked home with the money in their skimpy little suits. All week Main Street Station had their stages rocking with great music. And if you are in town on a Wednesday night you need to “be there or be square” as $1 longnecks and awesome tunes draw huge crowds! If you still haven’t tried a Twisted Tea you really should, it is not carbonated so you don’t get that bloated feeling, it has caffeine, so you don’t get sleepy and it really is refreshing!

By Lulu

If you weren’t in Pensacola Beach and you own a Harley, you missed a great event! HOG membership is all about riding! Each day there was at least one ride, some days two! We attended three of the events scheduled for the 2017 Rally before heading to Texas for the Lone Star Rally. We met great riders from all over the country with one thing in common…they love to get on their bikes and ride.

Music was the highlight of the evening events. Early registration was held at Casino Beach Bar & Grill where you could dance with your feet in the sugar white sands of Pensacola Beach. The band out of Tallahassee was Tobacco Rd. known for great country music. It was Halloween so some of the members came decked out in extreme costumes…did I mention HOG members love a party! Early the next morning we joined them for a ride to Pensacola NAS to watch the Blue Angels dazzle us with theirshow. Hundreds of us rode in groups of 20 led by Road Captains that led us on our merry way.

That afternoon lunch was served at Harley Davidson of Pensacola. And our final night in town we spent listening to great bands and singing along with the dueling pianos at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. I really enjoyed this event and hope to join them again when the rally returns to our state. Next year it is scheduled to be in X so join a HOG family at your local dealership and meet your future riding buddies!

By Lulu

This was my first time to experience Cotee River Bike Fest which has a rich history of entertaining bikers in their unique community park on the Cotee River in New Port Richey. Two stages provided nonstop music. The stage in Sims Park is the center for events, vendors, the bikini and bike contests. Another stage is off a side street with lots of unique restaurants and bars. We loved the Little Corona Cigar Bar and the owner is a Harley guy and fire chief! The two days of bike shows put on my Minh of Venom Cycles had lots of great rides to check out and the winners went home with beautiful trophies. Revolution Roller Derby girls were pushing hard as they twirled around the pavement. And if that wasn’t brutal enough they had ACW Wrestling too.

The bikini contest was the crowd favorite by the sheer number of phones and cameras pointed at the scantily clothed beauties. But MUSIC was constant and extremely good! Most were tribute bands including KISS. One of the area’s favorite, the Bearded Brothers rocked the park. And FireHouse rocked the park! This is a wonderful laid-back event. Each rally we attend has a uniqueness and this one reminded me of a rock fest from back in the 70s, blankets on the ground, shade covered seats, a lazy river running by and beautiful oak trees. The hardworking West Pasco Chamber of Commerce kept things organized and the park sparkling clean!

This is a community event and many of the vendors and supporters of this bike event were locals. A lot of work goes into pulling an event like this off and when the community and Chamber get behind a motorcycle event we as riders should support their efforts and ride in to partake in their party. A poker run was organized by the Gulf Coast Fire and Iron MC for the Children’s Burn Camp and they hit their highest number of riders ever…considering rain was projected that was awesome to hear. If you were in the bike show or attended the event go to our Facebook page and check out all the photos!!

By Lulu

Nestled in Perry, Florida at 210 South Byron Butler Parkway is a quaint watering hole with simply awesome food! Cypress Mill Package & Sports Grill pours a good drink, serves ice cold beer and WILL NOT let you leave hungry! While we were there motorcyclist from south Florida and even Texas were decked out in leathers warming their bellies with great food.

Owners Dusty and wife Suzie welcomes motorcyclists with open arms! And they should as she rides her own 1200 Nightster and he states he has been “riding all my life”. Dusty had his ’97 Springer out in the parking lot and joined us on our trek to Panama City Beach for Thunder Beach Fall Rally. They are adding motorcycle parking in the future and they love to be a stop for poker runs. And for our readers who are vets…Dusty was an Army Pilot and when we came in to eat the place was decked with American flags on the table and a “Missing Man Table” was set.

The establishment has two sides one a restaurant with a full liquor bar featuring steak night on Wednesdays with hand cut ribeyes. Their menu says, “Welcome Friends” and they mean it. On Thursday, they feature fish dinners. Our favorites are their Reubens and burgers, and we have stop in every time we are heading to the Panhandle…it is our “must stop” place! We time our trips for lunch or dinner…and a cocktail! They also have an appetizer that is scrumptious and too much food for one, fried macaroni balls!

The other side is a bar with smoking. They have live entertainment on Friday nights and 12 big screen TVs for college football on Saturdays. Pool tables get worked out here. They also have an outdoor patio. They are also a package store.

Their hours are 11a-midnight Monday-Saturday. Cypress Mill is closed on Sundays. Please stop in and visit Dusty and Suzie they are super nice and “if you leave hungry it is your own fault”!

By T-Rex

I wake up around 7am, make coffee, head into my shop and remember I need a primary gasket for a 1989, 883 Sporty. Wait till 9 and head over to “Steve’s Cycles” because I know Steve has a wall of gaskets and he’s got mine.  I met Steve back in ’09 when I was birding back and forth every couple of months. He was on Rt. 520 then. Now he is off Rt. 1, but he’s been in Brevard for 16 years. Steve started it all off in Rockledge, had a fire in one shop.

Now he is located at 839 N. Cocoa Blvd., Cocoa. Originally from Illinois he grew up working at his family’s saw mill and in his free time was riding and wrenching motorcycles. Steve’s shop can cover most of your needs between the wall of gaskets and brakes. 90% of the time he has what you need in stock or can get it overnight. He’s got a selection of new and used parts. Steve does motorcycle sales and consignment sales, service and repairs on most models.

Yes, they fix metric, BMW and even Triumphs plus H-D’s. He’s also a franchise scooter dealer and V-8 choppers, with all this going on mechanic, Paul Adams, barely has time for lunch. Paul’s been in the business for 6 years now and is very knowledgeable about most bikes with Steve’s experience in the field they can figure anything out. So, I asked Steve what’s your bike of choice, he gives me that look…and I know he owns a new H-D, his reply is his Victory cross country tourer. Well now ya know Steve’s Cycles is still alive and well, so stop in and get your bike serviced. It’s riding time!

By Raven Van Pelt

VW and Friends Oktoberfest Car & Bike Show hosted by Callahan Cruisers of North FLA was held at Adamec Harley-Davidson of Baymeadows in Jacksonville to celebrate Oktoberfest/ Bike Week. Live music and food were on hand, along with vendors, and plenty of bikes and cars on site to view.  Congratulations to all the winners on October 15th! For more info on Callahan Cruisers contact @Callahancruiser they meet every second Saturday at Dick’s Wings in Callahan and 3rd Saturday at Sonic off Normandy.