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By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

You couldn’t have been to a better place at this year’s Biketoberfest than the Cabbage Patch. The weather was perfect and entertainment was superb. Friday had a great bike show sponsored by Budweiser and Saturday had a great coleslaw wrestling contest. World-famous Coleslaw Wrestling has been seen on the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, and the Travel Channel. Ronnie and Roger go out of their way to provide a full menu of entertainment. There was live music day and night, tons of vendors, hot buns and wet T shirt contests with plenty of camping and free Wi-Fi. You can spend the whole Biketoberfest there and go home and feel like you have never missed anything. The great part about it is the Cabbage Patch is open year-round with full liquor and beer and always some form of entertainment. You don’t even need a band, Ronnie and his bartenders will entertain you. Don’t wait for Bike Week to go and visit the Cabbage Patch Bar.

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By Lulu

Iron Horse has certainly made a name for the best music in the greater Daytona area for Bike Week and Biketoberfest, featuring one of the crowd’s favorites Mustang Sally. The Horse also brought in the Razorbacks for 3 shows. The Jimmie Van Zant Band absolutely rocked the Horse’s “house”.

By Lulu

Reflecting back on the past eight years we have been printing Thunder Roads Florida I am saddened by how many friends that are no longer here to ride the highways with us. This year we lost an amazing woman and the holiday season just will not be the same without her generous loving spirit lighting our lives. Sam Leonard was an avid HOG member, loving mother, fabulous wife (and ex-wife) and great friend to many including myself.

At Christmas Sam and her best friend…and husband…Leo would dress up in holiday garb riding around town bestowing holiday cheer and generosity, whether it was for food drives or toy runs.

To Leo and the family, I want to say we loved her too and miss her smile and the world was just a better place for knowing her. For those of us who knew Sam, please keep her generous spirit going by giving to the food banks, toy runs or Children Home Society just a little more in her memory!!! That is what the holidays are about friends and family…even those who are watching us from above…

Kiss those who are with you for the holidays, call those who are not and take a moment to remember those who are gone…

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By Lulu

As far as awesome baggers you just had to ride to Riverfront Park on the corner of Main and Beach in Daytona. This free event was hosted by Chopped Baggers. Beautifully designed baggers with some of the crispest paint jobs were perfect for absolute great photography with the river as a backdrop. The park also has a tent with live music, vendors and a great place to people watch. Check them out during Bike Week!!!

By Phoenix and Metric

I have lived in Florida for most of my life and I finally got the chance to make it to the Keys for the Peterson Run this year. For the past few years either my mother or Phoenix had some issues and kept me from making the trip to the Keys. So this year, I stuck my mother in a nursing home and told Phoenix I was going with or without her!!! Just kidding folks, don’t anyone call protective services on me!!! LOL!! It just happens to work out this year. Phoenix and I had a great time thanks to my brothers from the American Legion Riders Post 28 in the Keys. Yeah, Phoenix went with me!! However, I still haven’t ridden my motorcycle to the Keys, yet. As most of you know by now, I ride with the greatest group of Veterans with the American Legion Riders. This year I had the pleasure of driving a beautiful Jeep Wrangler compliments of the American Legion to promote our newest program to help Veterans called “PROJECT:VET RELIEF”. The “Project: Vet Relief” program assists active duty personnel to transition from military life to civilian life and beyond, as well as, helping our Veterans. Please remember our active duty personnel and “ALL” of our Veterans that have given us the freedoms we enjoy today. Let us “NEVER FORGET”.

By Phoenix and Metric

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a very small part of one the greatest rides that covers three countries, the east coast and thousands of riders. The Dream Ride was conceived by a couple great people from up north over fourteen years ago. They wanted to make a difference in the lives of members of the Special Olympics and the Torch Run for law enforcement. This year The Dream Ride originated in West Palm Beach and made its way to Connecticut by way of Highlands County. On Saturday, nearly one hundred riders left sunny West Palm Beach followed by a motorcade of vehicles on an adventure to bring awareness and funds to their mission. Accompanying the founders of the DREAM RIDE were many great supporters of the mission and members of the Enforcers MC. There was even a special appearance by the honorable Alan West who is an avid rider and great supporter of the motorcycle community.

As we all know, every ride in Florida runs the risk of running into an afternoon shower and the Dream Ride fell victim to those showers as they made their way through Highlands County. Even though they arrived soaked to the bone, they were met by a very enthusiastic group of riders eager to join the journey. The Dream Ride made a pit stop at the VFW in Avon Park for a wonderful Italian lunch provided by the Highlands County Chapter of the Enforcers MC. During my interview with Mike one of the founders of the Dream Ride; I shared a story of a local young lady struggling with her own journey called “Jade’s Journey”. Mike immediately handed over a gracious donation for Jade’s Journey and said “see that she gets this”. Mike said that this is the mission of the Dream Ride to help those in need along the way. The donation from the “Dream Ride” to “Jade’s Journey” shows the true spirit of the American biker. I had not heard of the “Dream Ride” until this year, but thanks to the Enforcers I will keep them on my radar and look forward to next year’s ride.

By Lulu

During Biketoberfest the newly remodeled Indian Motorcycle showroom opened for business. Previously the Bruce Rossmeyer Harley-Davidson dealership at 290 N. Beach Street, it now houses the largest Indian Motorcycle dealership with a 16,000 square foot showroom . The manager Tony Canario is excited about becoming involved in the biker community here and they will carry Indian, Victory and Slingshot under roof. Including carrying a great line of apparel, it will also be a full service dealership. Their phone number is 386-275-1660.

They join a recently built dealership in Ocala at 3920 N. US Highway 441 as being the two newly opened dealerships in Florida. Sales manager Alan Mulkey opened the doors of the 12, 500 square foot showroom in 2014 carrying Indian, Victory, Slingshot and Triumph. Their phone number is 352-512-0228.

The 2015 Indian Scout was unveiled in Sturgis and has caused quite a stir in the motorcycle world so stop in and welcome the new guys to town!!

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By Lulu

September I traveled to a part of Florida that I wasn’t familiar with and what a pleasant surprise. The area of Ft. Pierce, Jensen Beach and Stuart is loaded with pretty roads to ride, wonderful restaurants to explore and great local bands. We were scheduled to be in Martin County for the First Treasure Coast Bike Rally featuring Warrant and Bret Michaels but due to problems with the local sheriff’s office the concert had to be cancelled and the entire event moved to either Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson or to Ft. Pierce.

Needless to say the promoters took a beating on their first attempt to bring a major event to the Treasure Coast, but they still tried to pull off something for those on two wheels which included a poker run, live music by some really great bands and vendors. The poker run took us to many of the local hot spots and the staff at all couldn’t have been friendlier.

Those who attended really didn’t seem to mind that it was less than hoped for. The weather wasn’t too rainy and they were able to get out and play a bit with others that loved to ride. This event is scheduled to happen again next year so look for its dates to be posted sometime after the first of 2015.

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By Lulu

One of my all time favorites each year is the run from Peterson’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Miami to beautiful Key West. I took friends this year that had never been to the Keys which made it all the more interesting. Terrible rain had been predicted so many cancelled their plans, but we only had 15 minutes of bad rain and we were lucky enough to be bellied up to the bar at Irish Kevin’s so we didn’t even get wet! The stops for our hand this year were Gilbert’s Resort, Marker 88 Restaurant, Island Fish Co., Boondocks Grill and the final stop was Conch Republic Seafood. We also had to make the stop in Marathon at Robbie’s for the tarpon feeding and my friend Kim was a sport and ended up with a bloodied paw!

The Key West Sunrise Rotary puts this event on each year and the money goes mostly to scholarships for area children and helping the local needs and the community, as well as, Diabetes Research. As a past Rotary Club president I can tell you every penny is well spent. Each Rotary club worldwide is committed to local, national and international causes with their main focus being eradication of polio.

What I love upon our arrival to Key West is the flashing sign that states, “Welcome bikers loud pipes and all!” This sleepy little island recognizes the economic impact those on two wheels contribute…and they don’t mind a little bit of discomfort from our presence.

The winner of the poker hand, Terry Capstick, chose to take the money. I believe he said he already had 4 bikes. The bike show by Big Bike Riders was moved this year and personally I like it better when it is right in the center of the activity on Duval. A huge presence at the 42nd poker run was Cartel Baggers, their shirts were EVERYWHERE and the pool party they threw at Casa Marina was crazy! I stayed at Southernmost Hotel this year and my room was awesome. You must put this run on your bucket list; it is fun…fun…fun!

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By Lulu

Although I had to miss out on the fun due to a prior commitment in Key West, bikers and star struck non bikers had their hands full in Lake County as the stars from Sons of Anarchy spent two days riding their streets. Including VIP party, rides, merchandise, signature signings, live music and tons of vendors it was a two dealership/two day event full of fun. Thanks to the help of their major sponsors which include Fran Haasch, Budweiser, Sweet Ride, Hillcrest, Daily Commercial, Fusion, Wikked Steel, Hot Rides, Cecil Clark, Marine Max, It’s a Steel Jewelry and Tail of the Florida Gator. Chibs, Opie and Bobby were really engaging with the fans and a special thanks needs to go out to the folks at Gator and Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson for going to the effort to bring a huge event like this to Lake County!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

I love November for three reasons.

#1 is I get to celebrate my birthday. At my age that’s important. Life didn’t pass me by; I think it ran me over. Every time I go to the doctor he says I need to get in shape. I say “Hey Doc, I get out of breath running up a tab. So when exercise becomes as easy as drinking a beer I’ll try it.

#2- November 10th, USMC day celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps. It started out as the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775 and was later renamed US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has participated in every war that has involved the United States. If you see a Marine on this day active or former “Say Thanks”. “Oorah” “Semper Fi”

#3- November 11th, Veterans Day which honors all members of the Armed Forces who served this country valiantly, preserving freedom and our way of life. On November 11, 1921 at 11:11 the U.S., France, and England each buried an unknown soldier in honor of those who died in World War I. This began the annual Armistice Day holiday. The time and day was picked because fighting ceased in World War I in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day, to honor all those who served and died in all wars. In keeping with tradition, work should stop on this day and time each year for a moment of silence.

We have always held our military in the highest esteem with respect and admiration, until now. We now have a president and his administration that constantly show their resentment for the military. Saluting a Marine with a latte in your hand; ordering a Marine to hold an umbrella over your head like a butler; blaming our troops for the Taliban attacking them; skipping the funeral of the highest ranking officer to be killed on foreign soil in over 40 years to go play golf; calling the massacre at Fort Hood that killed 13 soldiers “workplace violence”; denying veterans access to World War II Memorial in Washington over a staged government shutdown while allowing illegal aliens to hold a political rally on closed federal grounds; allowing veterans to die on secret waiting lists at VA hospitals; releasing five major terrorist leaders to appease the Taliban into releasing one “American hating deserter”; and endlessly trampling the Constitution that soldiers are sworn to defend and attacking the rights they fight, bleed, and die to protect. These are just some examples of the contempt and disdain shown our veterans. I’m not trying to be rude or discourteous. I just have a habit of speaking and writing things that most haven’t got the balls to say.

We no longer have a democracy. We now have Ineptocracy (in-ept-o-cracy) a system of government were the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of the diminishing number of producers.

November 4th, is not only important because it’s my birthday but it is an extremely important election day. Just because we have Disney World in Florida doesn’t mean we have to live in a Fantasy World. You don’t need pitchforks and muskets to have a revolution. You can do it in the voting booth so make your vote count and let’s get back the great country that our founding fathers put together.

Don’t forget the 27th, Thanksgiving Day where you should eat, drink and be thankful you live in that greatest country in the world.

Read more on my website nobodiesopinion.com.
See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

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By Lulu

There was a day when Iron Horse was considered a “Bike Week” bar but over the last few years that is SO not the case! This “World Famous” establishment is entrenched in the local community, often the organizer of runs for all sorts of charities with Sherry Fletcher doing what she does best. They also have a Bike Show monthly sponsored by JP Cycles, Steele’s Daytona Wholesale, Willie’s Tropical Tattoo, Politis & Matovina law firm and Old Smoky. This night features some of the best music Daytona has to offer. But in September they chose to throw a customer appreciation party for their loyal regulars…featuring an oldest t-shirt contest, tattoo contest, longest beard contest and tons of giveaways! The live music by Sinister kept the crowd dancing. And for those with good biceps there was the strongest man and lady contest which is always fun. The weather is cooling off so get on your bike and ride out to the fun at Iron Horse Saloon!

By “Kneecap”

Lately a new word “Godwink” has been coined. It is defined as an event or personal experience so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention. Bruce Rossmeyer, who passed away in 2009, must’ve went to God and said, “Hey, this year the ride is not only raising money for the camp that provides free services for children that are seriously ill, but is also celebrating my “life and legacy”. “Can you give the ride a Godwink”? God granted his request and winked out one of the most beautiful riding days of the year. The ride started off as just a little motorcycle ride in 1994 to raise money for Camp Boggy Creek that was in the process of being built. Since then it has raised more than $5 million for the camp.

The theme this year was “Accelerating Dreams”. The Grand Marshals for the ride included actor, John Slattery (Roger Sterling), actress/wife, Talia Balsam (Mona Sterling), from AMC’s Mad Men, and Paul Yaffe, bike builder and Bagger Nation founder. Jody Perewitz, who holds the world record for being the fastest woman to ever ride an American V-Twin motorcycle over 200 mph, must’ve needed another hug from me because she showed up again this year.

This article is too short to say all that is needed about the ride and the camp. So go to my website nobodiesopinion.com to read more.

By “Kneecap”

Veterans always need a lot of help and the government is not equipped to perform all that is needed. That’s why many organizations step up to the plate and give a helping hand. I’ve covered a lot of benefits but when I got this assignment I was a little astonished. This one was sponsored by Ormond in the Pines which is an assisted living facility. However, this poker run for veterans to benefit Outward Bound was very well organized. Jodi Wilmot and David Drew, and all of their volunteers deserve a lot of credit. Even though it was on a weekend where there was a lot going on all over, they had a great turnout. We started out of the Cabbage Patch Bar where we were treated to coffee, donuts, and even hotdogs, supplied by the bartenders. From there we went to the Roadside Tavern, Main Street Station, Saints and Sinners, and ended at the Beaver Bar for BBQ and live entertainment. It’s great to see that we still have people in this country that care for the needs of our veterans. “Oorah”

By “Kneecap”

Have you ever met a guy that had a gruff, hoarse, brusk, surly voice who was curt, blunt, bad tempered, grumpy, grouchy and crabby but was caring and generous, then you probably met Ralph “Who” LaMassa. Ralph has always been known to have a big heart but that big heart gave him some big problems. He went into the hospital for what he thought would be a simple stent but ended up having serious open-heart surgery. The doctors had to open him up twice. He was in an induced coma for a week and a half, spent two months in the hospital and one month in rehab going to dialysis three times a week. He had always been there for others so it was our turn to be there for him. His friends organized a benefit poker run which started at the White Eagle, went to One Horse Saloon, Circus II, Annie Oakley’s, Three Finger Charlie’s, and finished at the White Eagle for free BBQ and entertainment. If you go to the White Eagle Lounge and you see a 74-year-old man with a very long ponytail and he greets you with the words “hombre” you have met Ralph. Say Hi.