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!

By TREX

Saturday night bike night at the Black Bear Pub in Ocala had a hot new band Infuzion rocking the stage. Jay Bird Barrows has been in the Rock & Roll industry for 40+ years and knows how to make great sounds. His new band can play some great rock & roll.

As the bikes rolled in the band was already up and running. Tammy Lynn Daniszewski, the owner of Black Bear Pub had some new games for the crowd to play during intermission.

During the second set lead singer Jason invited all the women onto the stage to sing along with a little “Road House Blues”. The band played for 5 hours until 10pm and the crowd still wanted more.

The Black Bear Pub has been open for a little over a year now. It serves food Fri-Sun and has excellent eats while drinking adult beverages while listening to great music. It is an easy ride down 40 into the forest. So, during Biketoberfest take a ride out for a cold one about an hour out of Daytona.

See ya at the Bear…

P.S. Forgot to mention Fish also threw a surprise birthday party for his lovely wife Shane that night, so happy “29th” again LOL

By Phoenix and Metric (a.k.a. Standard)

First, let me tell you about the newest and hottest bike night in the county hosted by the newest and hottest night spot in the county, Big D’s Garage Bar in Lake Placid. Big D’s recently added “BIKE NIGHT” to their already full agenda of night life activities. If you are looking for a place to show off that new bike you just bought or if you just want to hang out with great friends for a “COLD” drink and some delicious food, Big D’s is the place to be on Tuesdays. The Smoke Shack partners with Big D’s to provide a full menu with some of the best fried pickles in the county. Entertainment was provided by “Dumpster Mike” one of our own from the local VFW Riders. So, on Tuesdays swing into Big D’s and show off that new ride. Tell them Metric (a.k.a. Standard) sent you.

Now let me explain the (a.k.a. Standard) tag. I recently went over to the dark side and bought my “FIRST” HD Street Glide thanks to my Brother “Dan”. As far as changing the name there is no need, I am sure there is a “METRIC” nut or bolt on the Street Glide somewhere!!!

By T. J. Costa

I want to tell a little personal story about a place in Arundel, Maine called Bentley’s Saloon. For many years, during all my travels far and wide I have been seeing t-shirts from Bentley’s. Everywhere I go…Bentley’s…Bentley’s…Bentley’s. Being a native New Englander I knew I had to go check this place out. So when I took a couple weeks in July to ride north, Bentley’s was a must destination. I heard it was a huge biker resort (and it is) with motel rooms, camping, music, great food, and plenty of partying, so I was excited to go there and stay there. Drink beer all day, get a room and not have to worry about riding afterwards.

Well, we rode up from Mass in about 2 ½ hours on a hot sunny Tuesday afternoon. When we arrived, they were having their weekly Cruisin’ Night and it was very cool. Over 100 antiques and classics in the show with 50’s music playing and people browsing and talking about cars all over the property, with trophies awarded to the winners at the end. I had a great fish and chips dinner that was almost too big to finish and my riding partners had Maine lobster rolls that were awesome!! My friend Ellen who works at the First Turn Steakhouse in Daytona got a summer job as a bartender there and it was her night off so she met us for a couple cocktails and some laughs. She absolutely loves working at Bentley’s and said the whole management staff and crew made her feel right at home from the 1st day.

Now here’s the crazy part. Minutes after we arrived a girl walks up to me and says “Are you T.J.?” I said “Lisa? What the f— are you doing here?” I was thinking she must be on vacation like we were. Well, as it turns out my old friend Lisa from Daytona Beach who I hadn’t seen or heard from in at least 12 years is Bentley’s girlfriend and she pretty much runs the place. They spend the summers in Maine and when Bentley’s closes for the season they come and spend winters in Daytona. What a great life!! Bentley (last name Warren) was busy entertaining friends and guests so I didn’t get to meet him personally but legend has it that he is quite a guy. The entire place is filled with racing memorabilia from his life spent on race tracks across America. I’m guessing that his love of motorcycles inspired him to build a place for motorcyclists to come and have a blast and he definitely succeeded. Everybody get on your bikes and ride to this place and spend a weekend. It’s well worth the trip!! Tell Lisa and Bentley that T.J. and Thunder Roads Florida Magazine sent you. And look for me around Florida in my new Bentley’s t-shirt…

By Lulu

Everyone who rides a motorcycle in Florida is familiar with Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula. Known for the world-famous coleslaw wrestling…and great music during Bike Week and Biketoberfest, the history of Cabbage Patch Bar started with drag racing on the empty roads out in front of “The Patch”.

With growth in the surrounding area and of course increased police presence the days of dragging at the Cabbage Patch have passed. But Roger and Ronnie Luznar are still entertaining folks out in Samsula. Live music often fills the inside or outside stages. And on the first Sunday of the month car enthusiasts meet at the patch to throw back a cold one and talk car stuff.

The 3rd Sunday they continue to feed the masses with a free BBQ, free swap meet and live music. Don’t wait for Biketoberfest ride out to “The Patch” and support these great guys who are dedicated to keeping their father’s traditions going strong!

Phoenix and Metric

Everyone knows where they were on September 11, 2001. No matter what your take is on what happened on 9/11, that day changed the course in American History. Well, thanks to the West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department we all have a chance to honor the memory of all the Americans who lost their lives on that horrible day.

The West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department teamed up with the AMVETS Post 21 and Veterans-in-Arms VMC to host a day filled with fun, food and a very hot ride. The day started out with the Veterans-in-Arms VMC heading out. While the ride was one of the hottest ones we have ever been on, we hit some of the coolest stops along the way.

The first stop on our “hot’ ride was just around the corner at the West Sebring Volunteer Fire Station #10, home to the 9/11 Memorial. The second stop was at the newest spot in town to enjoy a cold drink and hot food. Bo David’s is the newest biker friendly place in Lake Placid. Next, we headed to one of the oldest and unique places in the county, \

Fred’s Bar at Niebert Fish Camp. Fred’s has been the place to stop on your way to or from West Palm Beach down Hwy 98 just outside of Sebring. After Fred’s, we took the scenic route up the VFW in Avon Park to quench our thirst. The VFW in Avon Park is home to our brothers from the US Military Veterans MC.

The final stop was on the back roads to the AMVET Post 21 where the post hosted a fantastic poker tournament that lasted into the wee hours of the night. Special thanks to our brother from another mother “Dumpster Mike” for providing us with great entertainment. All the proceeds went to help with the cost of the monument. Come visit the Memorial at the West Sebring Volunteer Fire Station #10 on Hammocks Rd. Tell them Metric sent you. For information on how you can help click on the following website: https://westsebring.com/911-memorial.

By Lulu

You just have to love a great Latin party…and where better to throw one than on the huge property out back at Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson in Stuart. Scott and Virginia had a dealership slam packed with people browsing at bikes and apparel, while the party…included great Latin food, bikini bike wash, music with that Latin beat, a dunking booth and raffles to raise money for their charitable causes. When traveling the state most of us try to visit dealerships and usually they are located right on a major highway, Treasure Coast is off the path a bit but well worth the ride. A pirate theme inside makes this one of the more interesting dealerships to visit and you will be pleasantly surprised by the nice people that will great you there!

By Lulu

Well everyday of being in business for 24 years can’t be blue skies and sunshine, and the weather gods didn’t smile too kindly on the Battle of the Bands at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg. Dark skies and occasional rain burst I am certain kept a damper on the crowds but it certainly didn’t ruin the day of awesome music.

In fact, for those on two wheels who did brave the bad forecast, it was a nicer than normal July day at Gator H-D in that the temperature was much more pleasant than a typical July afternoon. But the music was hot all afternoon. The band line up included Southern Breeze Band, Level 360, Roxx the Band, Bob Willey Band and Highway Starz. I would not want to choose the winner! But the winners are first place Highway Starz, second place Bob Willey Band and third place Roxx the Band. Any of the bands would be great to hire for you bar owners reading this.

As part of the anniversary bash, there was 20% off all licensed Harley product inside and I must admit I snuck away from TJ long enough to bring two great shirts home with me!

Jan and the staff at Gator are always going above and beyond to put on a good time and to service your motorcycle and apparel needs. Stop in and see them and tell them happy 24 years in business!!!

By Lulu

If you own a motorcycle and haven’t been to Panama City Beach to a Thunder Beach rally in either the spring or the fall you must have a bike that you just don’t ride! The beaches are beautiful, the restaurants delicious and Men the girls are hot!! If I had to mention a negative aspect of this rally it is simply traffic, but that didn’t seem bad this year because of the cooler than normal temperature.

And if you visit there enough you can get off the main roads and find cut through routes to most anywhere you want to travel. This event has grown over the years and really consists of three locations and participating bars. Pier Park which has vendors, the Best of Thunder Beach Custom Bike Show and American Bagger’s Baddest Bagger Competition. Aaron Bessant Amphitheater is adjacent to Pier Park and hosted their headliners, the LED Bike Competition sponsored by Custom Dynamics and the finale of their bikini contest.

Frank Brown Park which has a ton of vendors, tattoo contests, motorcycle stunt show and live music, and of course, the Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach. At the dealership Paul Sr., Mikey and cousin Nick from OCC fame were on hand to reveal a new custom bike! Bikini bike washes are all over town which is a good thing because of the salty air. There are bike rides, cool bars and beautiful women of ALL ages in bikini competitions the entire event.

The music in town for the spring rally included Buckwild at Hammerheads, Mustang Sally at Sharky’s to name a few, and Jack Russell’s Great White, Geneva, and Molly Hatchet on the big stage. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort which we LOVE! So, get your plans ready for their fall rally October 25-29 and join us for a great weekend!

By Deborah Speicher

Every Memorial Day, Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell) holds a ceremony to honor those buried there and their families. The Florida motorcycle communities were out in full force to support this event and several military riding organizations participated. With approximately 350+ bikes, the largest group riding into the cemetery was the Defenders MC (Tampa Bay Chapter). The Defenders MC is a group comprised of active and retired military, law enforcement, emergency services and public safety professionals.

The Defenders’ ride was coordinated by Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook, USMC (Ret.), who has done so for the past several years. Local HOG and other riding groups were invited to join the Defenders for this ride. Thanks to a police escort and the excellent road captains from the Defenders MC, this 30+ mile ride went off without a hitch.

The ceremony had many poignant speakers, patriotic music and a “missing man” flyover by Ye Mystic Air Krewe. While the actual meaning and traditions of Memorial Day may have been forgotten by some people, those attending the ceremony came out to remember, honor and salute those who had defended our country. Once again, the group “Flags for Fallen Veterans” and a couple of thousand volunteers made sure that several thousand flags were placed on the grave sites.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the Master of Ceremonies, Steve Jerve. Steve has been MC’ing for several years running. Kudos to Steve, the Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Committee and all those who made this inspirational event happen!