By Lulu

Wonderful people can do extraordinary things. And so was the case of a bunch of awesome folk in Eustis. When a friend named James “Bo” Harvey was diagnosed with leukemia, a plan was hatched to raise some much-needed money to help offset the expenses. A blood drive raised 27 pints of blood in Bo’s name. Pug’s Pub enticed patrons and friends to give of their blood with “A Pint for A Pint”, in other words a free pint of draft beer. They sold pulled pork sandwiches prepared with love by Pork Chop for a $5 donation for the cause. Live music by The Fender Benders rocked the house. And the Pissin’ Frogs pulled off another successful endeavor to help someone in need.

But prior to the benefit held in June. A wonderful woman who was given the name “Stitches” by the group, made a quilt out of 25 Harley t-shirts donated by the Frog members. It was raffled off over a month or more. I think the final raised on just the quilt was $5000!!! “Stitch” spent about two weeks making the masterpiece. For those of you who may not know “Stitch” she has been in the embroidery/alteration/quilting business for thirty years. She is the owner of Sew What? The Sewing Room at 47 Wafford St. in Umatilla and her real name is Norlina Smith. Her shop is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9a-5p. Or to schedule work her number is 352-669-1608. Another charity she shares her talent with is Quilts of Valor, she has made 27 quilts for veterans. The quilt for Bo was won by Linda at Frank’s Place in Leesburg.

On a very sad note, Bo passed on July 7th and when they tried to present the family with the rest of the funds raised, his sons refused and said to “Play it Forward”! I wasn’t lucky enough to know Bo or his children, but seems like he must have been one hell of a guy to raise generous sons and to have had friends that cared so much for him.

A special thank you to Patty owner of Pug’s, all the Pissin’ Frogs, Stitch, Joker and everyone that took their time, energy and money to make someone’s life just a bit easier in a time of struggle!

By T-Rex

The bike night for Post 359 in Bellwood is the third Saturday of the month from 4-8pm. We rolled in at 4pm after a day of riding. We met Larry the director and his wife Dena. We’ve been there before and they always work hard to put on a great show.

The “Seeds Band” was playing great tunes while people were up dancing all night. The horseshoe pits were busy with a bunch of “Deadringers”. A 50/50 raffle was held. And plenty of adult beverages at the Tiki Hut. What else do you need after a day of riding?

Thank you American Legion Riders Post 359 for a great night.

By Lulu

It seems as soon as I first noticed LED lighting on bikes, Ken Gardner was on the cutting edge of it. According to Ken, he started helping friends install lights on their bikes, then friends of friends’ bikes and the next thing you know he was in business. Sherry at Iron Horse first talked him into setting up during their Church of Chops Labor Day event in September of 2011, then Scott Demonico of Rally Leathers helped him take it on the road…and miles and miles of highway later Ken and Jamie have already outgrown their first showroom in Holly Hill and moved to a 2.5 acres site with a 3,600-square foot warehouse in Ormond Beach. The new location is 1170 N. US Highway 1 across from Smiley’s Tap. This is the first year they haven’t closed for the summer riding season but according to Ken “with customer traffic, internet sales, dealer sales and customer service, they need to be open year-round”. Custom Lighting is open Monday-Friday 9-5 or by appointment. Most jobs can be completed in 30 minutes to 6 hours on the same day, he sends customers across the street to Smiley’s for a bite to eat while he installs.

We all see bikes lit up like Christmas trees, but Ken states that 80% of his installs are navigational lights. His business was created with a focus on safety. At the Americade Rally in Lake George, New York this year he installed LEDs on 100 bikes and only two were for decoration. Tail lights start at $150 with a complete rear conversion to LEDs (turn signals, tail lights and modules) is $500. A total conversion can be done for less than $1000 and includes a lifetime warranty. The products are primarily from Custom Dynamics. Their product line has a Smart Triple Play which allows turn signals to blink even when brake lights come on. They install lights on all types of bikes including Can Ams, although most bikes he works on are Harleys.

As far as decorative lighting there are laws. In Florida, red lights cannot face forward, amber cannot face the rear and blue lights cannot be displayed while driving. The goal with all lighting installs is to protect yourself!! How many times have I heard people say, “I just didn’t see the bike”, even people who ride!

Ken and Jamie both ride and participate in the biking community. They help sponsors the You Decide the Ride quarterly event with The Rock of Daytona. Ken’s 2015 Ultra Classic Screaming Eagle CVO is sweet and has the perfect amount of lighting to make sure you see him coming. Ken is originally from Lansing, Michigan and worked as a skilled tradesman with General Motors and became a Manufacturing Engineer. He moved to Kansas City, Kansas for a bit and retired to Florida for “the weather”. Didn’t stay retired long and I would bet works harder and longer than he ever did before being self-employed. Ken and Jamie feel they have a “responsibility” to the biking community and started mentoring others who are interested in getting into the LED business. He says there is no way we can light every bike and feels it is urgent to make bikers as visible as possible for their safety. So, he teaches people the skills he has refined, helping to spread the light of safety and to help people make money.

Ken has one other passion similar to flying down the highway on two wheels. He is a pilot, and if you visit his shop you will notice his project…a helicopter he is building. Check out their new digs and get yourself some LEDs for protection. After all, riding is like being in a video game and it seems like everyone is out to get us. Anything we can do to make us safe is critical and Ken and Jamie can help you light your way to safety!! “Be safe, be seen”!

By Lulu

Spring brings lots of bike events, but by far Leesburg Bike Fest has grown to be one of the best anywhere. I hear lots of complaints that it is hot, but I suppose the hot body contest (and this year there were 5 if you count the Lucky Man event) and great music makes us overlook the bit of heat that always finds its way to Leesburg. This year the headliners were Fuel, Queensryche and Pure Prairie League but 3 stages downtown had music of all types way into the night…60+ concerts. And for shoppers 200+ vendors!!! One of the best parts of Leesburg Bike Fest though involves motorcycles…the riding from all directions is nice. North and east of Leesburg you have the Ocala National Forest and beautiful horse farms. South of Leesburg you have the pretty hills of Clermont. And there are all kind of cool joints to ride out of town for a place to catch some food and cocktails.

Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg also had vendors, the Miss Gator Harley contest, great live music and bike shows. Their complex was packed each day I attended. And it appeared to me there was a good deal of shopping going on.

By Lulu

The small town feel of Eustis is what America really is. The love of God and country, the knowledge of the cost of our freedom, and the pride in honoring our veterans was obvious while visiting the Moving Wall display during Eustis Music Fest. This small town took it upon themselves to raise the money to bring the Moving Wall to their community. With the help of many, the funds were raised, and the ceremony and events held at the park were meaningful to all in attendance. Many Vietnam Vets have never had the opportunity to go to D.C. and experience The Wall. Some are no longer healthy enough to make the trip. So, to have the chance to see the names chiseled on the wall has deep meaning to those who were called upon to serve in Vietnam. The lives lost during that war were incredible, and the illnesses and damage to those who returned shaped the rest of their lives. I worked a psychiatric facility in Pensacola, Florida for a brief time and many of my patients were Vietnam Vets. Their emotional scars suffered from their experience were lifelong and deep. I have traveled twice with vets to D.C. for the Ride to the Wall and they find it healing in a way we can not quite understand. I was told by a veteran at the wall that it is solid proof that what they witnessed was REAL, that the lives lost are not to be forgotten and that they must not let our current soldiers be treated as they were upon the end of the Vietnam era.

A special thank you to Erin and the City of Eustis for their efforts to make this happen. The ceremony was perfect and your music fest under the great oaks is well worth the ride.

By Lulu

In 15 years much has happened in our lives. Fantastic voyages on 2 wheels, births, deaths and birthdays. So, it was with great happiness that Janice Malik, owner of Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson hosted her 15th year birthday party for Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson in Clermont. She even has three employees who celebrated with her having been with her since the beginning, Steve (parts manager), Julie (moto-clothes) and Jamey (service foreman). Their efforts make Stormy Hill the kind of dealership that Harley corporate should be proud to have in their family!!! This dealership is thankful for all the wonderful folks that frequent their store. And Janice took the time during her celebration to thank everyone who calls Stormy Hill their Harley home and to thank the employees who drive her success. As I was taking pictures inside loud bells went off signaling the purchase of a motorcycle. I quickly located the happy new owner of his first Harley, a very young man, Cain Edge! I am betting this is only the first Harley he will buy from Stormy Hill!!!
As part of the party, a new Harley was given away and at 3pm the look of shock on 20-year-old Aaron Lovitt’s face was priceless. Attorney Fran Haasch gave a $200 gift card away and “Pocahontas” from LAMA walked away with that!
The free BBQ, cake and beer helped fuel the event while Highway Starz was rocking the crowd with classic southern rock and blues.
Here’s to 15+ more birthdays Stormy Hill and continued success!!!

By Larry Hineline

Photos by Audrey Popplewell

On April 22nd the Central Florida Cruisers held their annual Spring Fling. The event was a nice through the countryside ride followed by competitive games at the Cruiser’s Club House in Umatilla. The theme for the event was Key West and included a costume competition. Prizes were awarded for the three highest game scores and for the best costume and there was also a 50/50 drawing. A Caribbean style lunch was served to all who entered. The event was attended by over 100 bikers/trikers and one little yellow classic VW convertible. The Lake County Harley Owners Group took home the plaque for the largest guest organization followed closely by the Golden Eagles of Tampa and The Shekinah Riders. The Cruisers are in their 47th year and are now planning for their 47th Anniversary Party October 29th. You can follow the Cruisers at centralfloridacruisers.org or on Facebook. Come Ride With Us.

By Ron Cox

Several hundred people, riders, passengers and local towns people gathered at the plaza of Six Bends Harley-Davidson to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The event was sponsored by the Ft. Myers Chapter of LAMA, the Latin American Motorcycle Association.

A large stage was set up at one end of the plaza and food trucks and other vendors ringed the perimeter offering many Latin favorites like nachos, tacos, quesadillas and mexi-burgers. Of course, there were beverage vendors offering imported favorites like Modelo and Coronas.

The stage was “bangin” with the Ben Allen Band and Sheena was the closing act. In between sets there was a habanero eating contest, Marty was the winner downing 11 of the spicy peppers in 30 seconds.

Contrary to popular belief Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day (which is Sept.16th) but rather it celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla.

LAMA was founded in Chicago in 1977. In 1995 a Chapter was formed in Miami and in 1996 LAMA became a National Association. LAMA Ft. Myers was founded in 2008.

By T-REX

The Saints M/C are known for helping others in need. This time it was one of their family members “Skittles”. Diagnosed with cancer last year she needed some help and the M/C came through with a fundraiser. But before the party got into high gear, Padre from the Spirit Riders said a little prayer and we took off on a 70-mile ride through the backroads and along the water with a stop at Jenna’s Breezeway, then to the Strawhat and finally up the B-line back to the club house. The BBQ was on with some real home cooking by the club. It was a good time by a great group of people. So, if you’re in the area stop by the clubhouse Thursday, Friday or Saturday after 7pm and tell them Thunder Roads sent ya. Thunder Roads Florida would like to send our condolences to Dameon, President of the Saints M/C on the passing of his Dad on Thursday before the benefit. But he was there at the head of the pack with Road Captain Sully heading us down the road.
God Bless T-REX

By Phoenix and Metric

As Veterans, very few days are more important than “Memorial Day”. For most Americans “Memorial Day” is the official start of summer filled with cookouts, a day at the beach or family outings. For most veteran, it is a day of remembrance. Memorial Day is not a day for the living. It is a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms here in America. It is a day to remember a “Brother” lost in a desert of the Mid-East, a “Father” lost in the jungles of Vietnam, a “Cousin” in Korea, a “Uncle” from WWII, a “Grandfather” from WWI and “ALL” the other family members we have lost in service to America. They are “NOT” here with us today so we “MUST” take a moment to remember them.

Each year we participate in several events around the county, this year we expanded the ceremonies to two counties. To start the day off right we had breakfast with our brothers at Bob Evans. Our first event was to participate in the county wide ceremony held at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Here we had a moment of silence with a “Son” who lost his life in a horrible traffic accident after returning home from the desert. Next, we headed off to honor the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 601 at Veteran’s Beach in Sebring. Our next stop was off to Avon Park where we honored one of our own, Col. Marshall “Ed” Jordan is Bulldog’s “Dad”. Our newest ceremony was in Arcadia. “Uncle Wayne” Dill was a WWII veteran who built his own memorial to Veterans on his property and passed away shortly after completing the memorial. He named it the “FORGET ME NOT” Memorial. The “Forget Me Not” Memorial is open to the public and is located on Hwy. 70 west of Arcadia, just behind the US Forestry station. Feel free to stop by and pay tribute to a fellow Veteran. For more information on the “FORGET ME NOT” Memorial contact Keith “TRIP” Gable at (863) 244-5167.

By Raven Van Pelt

On Saturday, May 13, 2017 the American Legion Riders Chapter 9 Jacksonville Florida and Flamingo Lake RV Resort once again hosted the Annual Boots on the Ground Poker Run and Concert. Although most years there is close to 1,000 bikes, this year the rain threw the event a curveball. But there were still 481 motorcycles with 163 passengers that came out to brave the rain and raise over $22,000 after expenses for K9’s For Warriors, The Florida Fallen Hero Memorial Foundation and the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The live entertainment was off the chain with The Curt Towne Band starting the day off as the bikes went KSU. The Remedy played until 3 pm for the crowd that was there partying while the bikes were out. City of Bridges came on at 4PM and really got things wired until the bikes returned at 5PM. That is when The No Saints Band took over and closed the event down at 10PM. The event, although a little wet, was a great success and that is in large part due to the awesome volunteers and support organizations that every year come out and help make it great. With over 29 different poker stops on 13 different routes to choose from, the City of Jacksonville was saturated with great folks riding, as well as, the rain. We are already looking forward to next year’s event. Make your plans.

By Lulu

If you haven’t made it to D.C. and experienced the Vietnam Wall, you just must! But for those of you who just can’t make that trip, cities can host the Moving Vietnam Wall. And the City of Eustis decided to do just that and to bring The Wall to their Eustis Music Fest. You cannot begin to understand what this means to Vietnam Veterans and their families who may never get the chance to visit The Wall in D.C. A ride was organized to help fund this endeavor and lots of patriotic folks showed up for the event. The ride started at Ferran Park with stops including Gator Grill, Pirats Oasis, Gator Harley-Davidson and the clubhouse of the Lake County US Military Vets. These stops, sponsors, the City of Eustis and those who took their time to ride on for this cause deserve a great big thank you for bringing such a meaningful tribute to this part of the state for all to be able to experience.

By Deborah Speicher

On the first day in May of every year, lady riders are told to “just ride” to commemorate and celebrate being just that – a lady rider! Across the world, several organized rides have started with some events claiming over 1,000 riders. Closer to home, hundreds of us gathered at Crystal Harley-Davidson (Crystal River, FL) for some riding, shopping, music, food and camaraderie.

The weather was perfect (high’s in the 70’s with almost no humidity) as was everything else. Everyone staged at the dealership for some breakfast, shopping, bike blessings, and a meet and greet with authors Jean Davidson and her son, Jon Davidson Oeflein. Jean and Jon brought some of their books which really give you a good idea of what is was like growing up “Harley-Davidson”!

Later we had a choice of either riding directly to Rock Crusher Canyon for lunch, concerts, prizes and more; or first taking a scenic route down the Ozello Trail. The Ozello Trail is Florida’s answer to “The Dragon” as it has a whole lot of twists and turns. After the Ozello Trail, it was on to Rock Crusher Canyon with the Bearded Brothers rocking the house.

Congratulations to Lake County HOG Ladies of Harley who took home the $1,000 prize monies for having the most lady rider participants. However, all ladies had a chance to win several other good prizes including ten winners who got $100 each. Afterwards, the headliner, Jasmine Cain, took the stage.

Kudos to the ultimate Road Queen herself, Linda Dalton, and the ladies who assisted her (Patti Kathy, Roberta, Linda’s mom and more!), as well as Crystal Harley-Davidson for organizing this over-the-top day just for the ladies. The dealership really wants to help ladies take life by the handlebars! Oh, and after their sister store, War Horse H-D, rode over with a group of 43 lady riders, we had a total of 462 lady riders. Well done!

By Danny Martin (American Cycle Auto & Truck)

The other day a gentleman came into my shop, looked like he had been a biker for quite some time. He was having a problem with his oil dipstick. It dawned on me then that I guess it’s not always wrenches and hard work. Well it’s the middle of summer, it’s kind of hot and we really don’t want to be working on our bikes. So, let’s just make sure that they’re going to stay going for you.

Checking the oil and transmission is pretty, easy and straightforward. First, almost every transmission has the 3/8 Allen bolt dipstick right on the front right side. On average, they take about 28 oz. of fluid. I prefer to run the 140 weight in most of the older bikes as it helps to firm up the shift. This won’t take long if you have a 3/8 Allen wrench, simply level your bike after it’s been running, take off the dipstick, unscrew it and look on the lines or hashtags, sometimes you can even smell it. With a visual inspection make sure that your fluid is not gray or dark, most fluids are a golden color. If it’s grey or dark you might want to change it. I’ll explain that to you in another installment, but if your fluid level is within the hashtags, simply snug it back up. You don’t have to Monkey Wrench it back on there and you’ll be set.

Next thing we’ll check is the oil. Sometimes checking the oil on some of the touring bikes can be a little more complicated, especially on the newer twin cams. On the right side, you will usually see a big round, sometimes square (depending on the year, make and model or if somebody changed yours) but that is where you will find your dipstick. Although some of them screw in, most of them that I have come across do not. Sometimes you unscrew the knurled or squared cap and it’ll come right off the rubber that pushes into the block, but sometimes with a little bit of wiggling and some persuasion you can get it out of there. I never found any success with gluing the cap back; I suggest you just get a new one, but once again with the bike warmed up and sitting level when you pull out the dipstick it pretty much says right between the hash tags at a quart whether you’re high or low on most bikes.

Takes about three and a half quarts of some good 20-50, but on a lot of the Softails and Wide Glides they have what’s called The Horseshoe tank and you’ll see a little knob or plug right underneath your right leg to check. You simply kind of pull it out, look in there, if you see oil you’re good. If you don’t think it’s close enough be careful pouring to not overfill it because it will squirt out, but once again most of the Horseshoe type oil bags as they’re called take approximately 3 quarts. I know it seems like we really didn’t do much here today but we really did. Those are two of the most important things you can check next to your Tires and Brakes. I thank you for visiting the Cat Box and as always if there’s something you feel that I can cover please contact me at the magazine if you’d like us to add something I will give it my best shot. Thanks again, AMCAT

By T-Rex

We worked the bar, Dotty’s in Titusville, until closing, got some sleep and it was weekend on. We got a late start, grabbed the Heritage and headed down Nova Road to 192 East, then to 441. Lake Okeechobee here we come. Made a left at the end and Good Spirits Bar and Grill was on the left. We had some lunch, and of course, the stuffed mushrooms T-Rex’s favorite. We fueled and were on our way on South 441 to 27 South down to Alligator Alley. As we ran down a section of 27 open fields, cows and some rain…no place to hide out there…just kept rolling on. Just 4 miles south of Route 75 is Café 27, but right next to the fuel station is the Chickee Hut 3 bars, bandstand and seating. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We grabbed a room in the town of Davie about 15 minutes away. On Sunday, we headed back over for Bloody Mary’s, two for one there. The place really kicks it up a gear with vendors, a band and 100’s of bikes. Excellent weekend run…
When you get down there tell them Thunder Roads Florida sent ya…
Ride safe
T-REX