By Ron Cox

Veteran’s Day saw Six Bends Harley-Davidson host its Inaugural Salute to the Brave to honor all Veterans and first responders at Top Rocker Field. The event began with the assembled Veterans and guests singing the National Anthem (with no one taking a knee), followed by a rousing chorus of God Bless America. At this point volunteers from Avow pinned each and every Veteran with a special pin of two crossed flags, the Stars & Stripes and Harley’s Bar & Shield.

Veterans from all over Lee County, both HOG members and not, plus a large contingent from Naples Harley-Davidson’s HOG Chapter gathered at the entrance of Top Rocker Field for a group photo. Patches could be seen being worn representing all five branches of the military. When each branch was mentioned a loud roar went up with each trying to be the loudest.

The southern rock band Unforgiven gave the crowd a sampling of its tunes, ranging from The Silver Bullet Band to Eric Clapton. Many youngsters were seen dancing to the music.

The hungry didn’t have to go far as food vendors lined the perimeter of the field offering everything from enchiladas to ice cream and strawberry iced tea smoothies. Soft drink and adult beverages were also on hand. Local radio and TV stations set up shop and community organizations like Avow hospice and Collier County Honor Flights had displays.

Rounding out the day was the Olympic style obstacle course with the best time being the winner.

All in all, it was a wonderful tribute to all our Veterans.

By Phoenix and Metric HD

FREEDOM FLIGHT soars to new heights!!!! Each year the Rotary Clubs from Highlands and Hardee counties join forces to raise funds to send our Veterans to Washington DC for a two-day trip. They get an opportunity to visit historical monuments of those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. This year the Rotary Clubs teamed up with the American Legion Riders from Post 69 in Avon Park to make the poker run a great success!!!

The run traveled around both counties with stops at the American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park, AMVET Post 21 in Sebring. Taking the scenic route out of Highlands County we traveled over to Herb’s Limestone, up the back roads to Charlotte’s Webb in Wauchula and ending at Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs. The whole community, headed up by a great group of Rotarians, provide a delicious prime rib dinner with all the fixin’s.

Great music was provided by a super band called “CRUSH HARDEE”. The Rotary Clubs host this event each year in October so if you did not have the chance to participate this year, mark your calendars for next year’s ride. What a GREAT way to honor or Veterans. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!!

By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday, October 7, the Northside Independent Motorcycle Riders of Duval, (AKA the NIMRODs), hosted their 2017 Fall Biker Rodeo at the Conklin Ranch in North Jacksonville. The NIMRODs are not a club or organization; they are a group of North Jacksonville old school like-minded bikers that love to ride on their own terms and are some of the most generous folks you will ever meet. Each time they host a rodeo, it is in support of someone in need; whether it is a family experiencing hard times, or someone who was diagnosed with a worse-case scenario. This past event was in support of an 11 yearold child name Nicholas “The Brave” Parscale, who has stage 4 inoperable Glioblastoma, a rare and devastating brain cancer.

Over 100 people came out to the private event, partied, swam and enjoyed bikers participating in old school motorcycle rodeo games such as “The Slow Roll”, “The Plank Roll”, “The Keg Roll”, “The Weinee Bite” and more. The NIMRODs cooked an 80lb. plus pig, the American Legion Riders Chapter 9 donated hamburgers and hotdogs and everyone who came brought other main courses and side dishes for a feast to end all feasts with donations for Nicholas accepted. Mail Box King donated a custom brick mailbox, valued at $700, which was raffled off. The winner of the raffle, Phil Reddy, donated the mailbox back with the request that it be auctioned off to the highest bidder and the money be given to Nicholas. There was a 50/50 as well. With everyone’s support, the event raised over $1,600 that day and an anticipated $500 more once the custom mailbox sells at auction. Every penny given to Nicholas. Hopefully this will help him and his family in this sorrowful time of need. In the words of one of the original NIMROD’s called Peckerhead… “It’s what bikers do!”

If you are out and about in Jacksonville, Florida and see someone in a NIMROD T-Shirt, make sure to shake their hand and thank them for their selfless support of the Community that surrounds them.

By Tony

It’s been raining all week. We see some sun on Friday and decide where heading up to Ocala a day early for the 4th Annual Marge Olsen for Hospice Poker Run. Come Saturday morning skies are clear, and I hear a rumble at our hotel. It’s only “Pickles” on her trike coming to get us. We pack our gear and we’re off to “EDT” (English Dart Tavern) for the start and finish of the ride. By 9:30 I’m starting my Bloody Mary and the bikes are rolling in.

By 11am the place is packed, and people are slowly heading out to make the 3 stops then back for food, raffles and an auction. A little back road riding in the morning in horse country is gorgeous, water oaks hanging over the road as our canopy to keep the sun off us. Back by 3 for food and the start of Big Butch’s auction and party on. Butch also does karaoke night 3 times a week at the Tavern. After the 50/50 drawing which was donated back, the band took the stage and as usual Jaybird and the Infuzion Band rocked the house.

To the point where nobody cared about the thunderstorm outside. A big thanks to Mike Wood Up in Smoke catering for cooking the meat and his raffle donations and to everybody that brought a side dish or dessert. A big hand for Curtis Allen owner of the English Dart Tavern and everybody involved in putting on a great day. And a big thanks to “Dallas” from Burnout Alley Cycles for getting me back on the road after I got a flat tire on the “cement mixer” at our last stop. IF I DIDN’T SEE YOU THIS YEAR I BETTER SEE YOU NEXT
Ride Safe and Watch the Water Holes…

By Lulu

One of our favorite watering holes for ambiance and some of the best music in the state is Earl’s Hideaway in Sebastian. This should be a destination ride for a weekend getaway if you love blues! On Thursday nights they have a bike night under the stars and always have music that will get you up and moving. And if you are a pizza lover like T.J. you must have one of their GIANT slices!! Yummy…

And talking about BIG things. When we went down for their anniversary bash Tony and the guys from Big Engine rocked the crowd all night long!! It was great to see them and hang out with the friendly folk at Earl’s. Thank you Franni for all you do in searching high and low for great entertainment!!!

By Lulu

Imagine being a parent and unable to afford to get your child to a life-saving medical procedure because you can’t afford a plane ticket…or because there isn’t a flight in a quick enough time for a transplant procedure for either the organ or the patient…

Well there are pilots who own their own planes that will donate their time, gas and plane to make these life-saving miracles occur! And that group is known as Angel Flight. The great peeps that chose to spend their Sunday riding on two wheels making the loop from Beaver Bar to Cabbage Patch to Fox Head’s to Roadside Tavern and ending at Dirty Harry’s helped give “lift off” to some of those flights. Dirty Harry’s organized a run which, with the poker hand, $5 breakfast proceeds which Beaver Bar donated and raffles, raised $8,190.00. This was donated to Angel Flight, Southeast to help finance jet fuel which can be a burden to those that fly these free flights over and over. The free BBQ and great music by Redline made for a fantastic afternoon. And everyone rode home earning a halo and wings!!! I also want to thank the Rue & Ziffra Law Firm and Rock of Daytona for their help getting the word out about this event and for always being so involved in the biking community!

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!