By Eric Darrow

We decided to go see a friend in Brandon, stay over and ride on to the Madeira Beach Bike Fest. Well the cold never stopped me from riding or complaining about it, and we left out of the Daytona area around half past five on an already cold day. As soon as we came up on O-town our greeting was cars stopping quick, slow go, no go and oh no! The next 50 miles were misery. And it only got a little better as we passed the mouse ear electric pole. The cagers went into sprint car mode and were changing lanes so fast and without signals. I don’t recall using my horn so much or clutching the bike without my hands. Finally the GPS had us get off I4 and ran us through strawberry country with beat up roads and construction barriers everywhere.

After a two hour ride that lasted 3.5 hours we hooked up with friends for dinner and some incredible partying at some Irish Pub with live classic rock and roll including Hendrix, Zepplin and lots of shots. The rest of the night rocked on until we found ourselves hitting the wall. Sunday with sunshine on our backs we headed for Madeira Beach. After finding every detour in the Tampa area we finally rolled into the Bike Fest. Or should I say what the hell. The event was one block long maybe sixty bikes, 15 vendors and more trophies than participating bikes. After a 10 minute walk up and back it was time to head home. So if you ever hear about this event and decide it might be fun, I suggest you open up a Thunder Roads Florida and pick a place instead. Stay warm my friends.

By Phoenix and Metric

“Why does Vietnam Still Matter?” Just look at today’s headlines; IRAQ: THE NEW VIETNAM!!! Vietnam matters for so many reasons, some of which still haunt our Veterans today. It was the first war that the public media had real time access to the battle front and Americans were portrayed as the villains. Vietnam was highly politicized and the politicians would not allow the soldiers on the ground to win the war. It’s the first war where a third world country defeated the super power of America. It was the beginning of the decline of respect for America all around the world. It was a time when “So-Called” Americans sided with the enemy. Today those same “So-called” American are running America.

Recently, Phoenix and I had the privilege to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall and it was a very special event for us for many reasons. We have had the honor to escort the wall on previous occasions. On those occasions we have witnessed the pain and tears of our brothers who have memories of their time in Vietnam. We have witnessed the healing power when they hear the words “WELCOME HOME, BROTHER”, words they did not hear on their return home from serving their country. We have felt the spirits of the souls of whose who names appear on the wall.

We can not allow ourselves to return to those days. Bikers know the true meaning of “FREEDOM”, so I ask my brothers and sisters to stand up for America by “Doing the Right Thing”. If you get a chance to do an escort or simply say “Welcome Home” never pass up the opportunity. Enjoy your freedom and hit the open road. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND SAFE RIDING!!!

The 6th Annual RIDE FOR THE STONE was a charity event held by the Bradley Summersill Foundation, Inc. which raises monies to provide a memorial stone, engraving and placement for those persons who have lost a child and cannot afford to honor them with a grave site marker. Over the past three years, they have placed twenty memorials and presently have five on order. This year’s ride enjoyed over 100 participants’s, foul weather and earned in excess of $ 6500. The event is a positive, friendly and inclusive event where solid friendships are made. By the end of the run, there are no strangers, no feeling of being there by yourself.

The foundation was created in 2010 by Peggy and Brian Summersill after the loss of their son. They were fortunate that family and friends came together to purchase him a memorial and with the monies remaining they chose to pay it forward. Thank you, Brian and Peggy.

This is my second run. This year’s turnout was terrific. Breakfast was provided by the Winter Garden Elks. The end of the ride was warm and dry At the Clermont Moose they donated all of the money from the beer sales. Music was the best and provided by Accuzed, my all time favorite band.

Next year’s ride will be the same weekend after the 500 and before Bike Week. WE GOT THIS!

By Eric Darrow

If you missed the last Lil Rudy run that raised money for the Shriners Hospital you missed a hell of a lot of fun. As far as I can tell everyone had a blast, Meeting new friends and old alike. The fun run was hosted by Rudy’s Crossroads in Deland at 44 and I-4 at the Budget Inn, Terrific turnout, and everyone seemed to have a blast. As the saying goes, “There are no strangers to Rudy, just friends he hasn’t met yet”. Every kind of bike, rider and car is welcome. If you need a back seat, give a call and let the word out or post a request online at FB at Rudy’s Crossroads. Your support will be appreciated as every drop in a bucket helps to fill it.

The next fun run for charity event is scheduled for May 3rd and benefits Bikers Against Child Abuse.

We really hope to see you on May 3rd to support BACA.

By Rich Malfitano

After a successful career in retail management in both Louisiana and Texas, Jim “Moe” Moyer a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and his lovely wife Ginny now enjoy their retirement in Lake Wales, Florida. Jim was always active in his community and spent countless hours volunteering to support veterans and active duty service man and women. He has a deep-rooted concern for American servicemen who were left behind from all past wars, Prisoners Of War-Missing in Action (POW-MIA). Jim has been a long time volunteer for the Keep America Beautiful program where he served as a supervisor and served on the Board of Directors for the Planning & Zoning commission for the City of Cocoa.

In 1998 Jim attended “the Ride for Freedom” in Washington D.C., an annual demonstration for the accountability of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Already committed to the cause, he joined the National organization, Rolling Thunder, Inc. Jim excelled to leadership levels and served as the Director for Chapter’s 1 and 6 in Florida and later served as the State Director overseeing 14 chapters within the states of Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In 2013 Jim resigned from Rolling Thunder Inc. and founded a new national Prisoner of War (POW) advocacy organization, “Honor Release Return Inc.”, in which he is presently Co-Chairman. Its mission is clear; working for the repatriation of live Americans POW’s in any form or captivity world-wide, and to educate the public on the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action issues. Jim is also the founder and chairman for The Ride Home, Inc. A national scaled annual event in observation of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, held in cooperation with the National Prisoner Of War Museum in Andersonville, Georgia. If that isn’t enough, Jim is also currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the newly chartered USO Central Florida, Inc. So much for retirement! Jims lifelong commitment volunteering for the POW-MIA cause, veterans of all wars and those presently serving our country, is second only to that of his wife Ginny and their family who has been 100% supportive . On February 2nd 2015 Rich Malfitano of Rolling Thunder Fl. Chapter 8, certifying official for the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, under the authority of the PVSAP, presented Jim “Moe” Moyer the Presidents Volunteer Service Award for his life-time service to community and nation. Thank you “Moe” for all you do for so many, and for your inspiration, reminding us that “When One American Is Not Worth The Effort To Be Found-Then We As Americans Have Lost”.

By Lulu

[autoviewer id=”379″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

Anyone who has listened to the radio in the greater Daytona area has been missing the Frank and Tracy morning radio show!!! Well, with the establishment of the new 104.7 WROD radio station…they’re back! Featuring classic rock and very motorcycle friendly… as they all ride!!! First Turn Steakhouse in Port Orange along with Rue and Ziffra law firm threw a party complete with a live remote that was packed!!!! Get your radio programmed to 104.7 and call in and let Tracy and Frank know you are listening!

By Lulu

[autoviewer id=”378″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

It seems like I have been in south Florida more lately than my own stomping grounds. One of the events I hit the road south for this month was the International Motorcycle Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Progressive Insurance sponsors this event all over the country. It gives all a chance to see the latest in models of all types of bikes and vendors, that unless you have a major rally near you, most riders may not get a chance to visit. Suzuki, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Peterson’s Harley-Davidson and JP Cycles were some of the major vendors this year and I always enjoy seeing the girls from Russ Brown’s Law Firm. Most of their current scheduled shows are listed on our calendar page check one of these events out.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Anyone who normally reads my article knows I love Trivia, Politics, and History. I finally found the correct Anthropological Theory:

Humans originally existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunter/gatherers. They lived on deer in the mountains during the summer and would go to the coast and live on fish and lobster in the winter. The two most important events in all of history were the invention of beer and the invention of the wheel. Beer required grain and that was the beginning of agriculture. Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can were invented yet, so while our early humans were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery. That’s how villages were formed. The wheel was invented to get man to the beer.

These two were the foundation of modern civilization and together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into two distinct subgroups: 1. Liberals. 2. Conservatives. Some men spent their days tracking and killing animals to BBQ at night while they were drinking beer. This was the beginning of what is known as the Conservative movement. Other men who were less skilled at hunting learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly BBQ and doing the sewing, fetching, and hair dressing. This was the beginning of the Liberal movement. Some of these liberal men evolved into women. Others became known as girlie-men. Some noteworthy Liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy, group hugs, and the concept of democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat and beer that Conservatives provided. Over the years Conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth, the elephant. Liberals are symbolized by the jackass for obvious reasons.

Modern Liberals like lite beer (with lime added), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish but like their beef well done. Sushi, tofu, and French food are standard Liberal fare. Another interesting evolutionary side note: many Liberal women have higher testosterone levels than their men. Most college professors, social workers, journalists, film makers in Hollywood, group therapists and community organizers are Liberals. Conservatives drink real beer. They eat red meat and still provide for their women. Conservatives are big game hunters, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, engineers, corporate executives, athletes, members of the military, airline pilots, and generally anyone who works productively. Conservatives who own companies hire other conservatives who want to work for a living. Liberals produce little or nothing. They like to govern the producers and decide what to do with the production. Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Americans. That is why most of the Liberals remained in Europe when Conservatives were coming to America. They crept in after the Wild West was tamed and created a business of trying to get more for nothing.

Here ends today’s lesson in world history. It should be noted that a Liberal may have a momentary urge to angrily respond to this post. A Conservative will simply laugh and be so convinced of the absolute truth of this history that it will be shared immediately to other true believers and to just piss off more liberals…And there you have it. Let your next action reveal your true self. I’m going to have another beer.

Read more on my website: nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Lulu

Space Coast Harley-Davidson was the host site for High Performance Promotions Classic Car and Motorcycle show thanks to sponsors Just Toys Classic Cars and Gingerbread Insurance. The lot was full of all types of vintage cars and trucks and some not so old but highly collectable! A beautiful day allowed the crowd to take their time to browse the Space Coast parking lot and shop the filled to the rim show room inside. Space Coast Harley-Davidson in Brevard County is one of our newest supporters of Thunder Roads Florida and we welcome them on board!

By Lulu

Whether they are catching the bar on fire or lighting up a big birthday cake…it is always a heated up party at Rudy’s Crossroads in Deland. My girlfriend definitely thought it was a hot night when the lead singer decided to lap dance her pretty self!!! Known for great wings and flaming hot bartenders this place has bike night on Wednesdays, steak nights on Friday and Saturdays and live music Wed-Saturday with open jam on Sundays. A nice ride out for a great time tell them Thunder Roads sent you!

By Deborah Speicher

This month’s lady Bull’s Eye started riding her own motorcycle about five years ago. In the last three years, she rode to Milwaukee, Maine and California for a total of 12,990 miles. Sounds almost ordinary for a lot of riders but there is nothing ordinary about Christine Caraway as she has Multiple Sclerosis. Diagnosed in 2009 with this dreaded and incurable disease, Christine decided that she wasn’t going to let MS keep her from living life on her terms. According to Christine, “MS has presented its challenges, including physically taking me a little longer to get where I’m going. I’m determined to not let it stop me from doing the things I love to do!”

When not riding cross-country, Christine also rides to support many other local causes and charities, and rides with her fiancé “Hunka” and the Old Town HOG Chapter. She is the Senior Vice-President of a local bank, and a mother to an active and brilliant 4th grader!

In 2012, Christine started fundraising for MS and for every dollar she earned each year, she rode a mile. Thus, the long distance annual rides started. This year she is the Walk MS Ambassador. You can come out and walk with her on March 28 at Al Lopez Park (Tampa); registration starts at 8am and the walk begins 9am. You can also donate to Christine at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MSsionPossibleWalkMS

Make a donation and let’s send Christine to parts unknown on her motorcycle this year!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Larry Steele is a perfect example of an American entrepreneur. Despite what some politicians say he did “Build That”. After taking considerable initiative and risk, he was able to organize and manage a successful enterprise. 35 years ago Larry started building custom bikes. Then after 20 years of running successful Harley-Davidson dealerships, he decided like Frank Sinatra used to sing to “do it his way”.

Steeles’ is not only a mom-and-pop business, but involves the whole family.

Larry Steele is the owner and founder, and his wife Christie is general manager who runs the day-to-day business operations, his children Baylee is marketing director and Parker is business executive. Talk about “All in the Family”.

Today Steeles’ sells motorcycles at wholesale prices that normally only dealers pay. They sell used Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasakis, Yamahas, and custom motorcycles all around the country. He sells 40 to 60 motorcycles a month and has plans of expanding in the future. Go meet the Steele family and have a heartwarming friendly experience and while you’re there buy a motorcycle for an unbelievably low price.

By Lulu

Circus Bar Two was the sign up and end spot for the poker run for Dawn Sullivan. Dawn had had multiple medical problems and she is well known in the biker community so lots of bikes showed up. This run was free and included free breakfast at Circus Bar Two. After hitting the other stops which included Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach for the superb Bloody Marys, Scary Mary’s in Bunnell where some parking lot games created some memories, the new Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach with a beautiful ocean view we rode back to Circus Bar Two for a dinner, 50/50 and silent auction. All the money raised was donated to Dawn to help with her medical needs. It was another day of great people riding for a great cause. A special thanks to Budweiser, Twisted Tea, Coors Lite and Miller Lite for their help.

By Lulu

[autoviewer id=”375″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

Each Harley-Davidson dealership has their local HOG group and Destination Daytona on US 1 and I 95 in Ormond Beach invited us to attend their Christmas celebration. It was a beautiful sit down dinner with entertainment which included a dance by Santa’s helpers (some of the Lady Hogs). For those who ride Harleys if you haven’t considered joining a HOG family you really don’t know what you are missing. You get to know other great people who ride…and I mean ride…not bar hop. They socialize and do wonderful things for all kinds of charity. You must be a National HOG member and then pay local dues of $20 or $15 if you are active military. The Daytona HOGs have done a lot for Camp Boggy Creek and I personally have visited the camp and know what it means to the children and their families. Thank you for our invite to your Christmas celebration and for the opportunity to meet such wonderful people who all share the love of their club motto “To ride and have fun”!

By Lulu

[autoviewer id=”374″ width=”600″ height=”600″ ]

One of my favorite events each year is Santa’s arrival at First Turn Steakhouse and Lounge in Port Orange. Big D throws his big Christmas charity event and Santa arrives just in the “Nick” of time to be certain children that would probably do without get gifts for under their tree. This year artist X treated the children to his spectacular art show which culminated in Santa and a child pouring quarts of paint in his waist length hair and then he sprayed the canvas with his long strands. He painted the children’s faces making them into “Christmas soldiers”!!! Then the kids each get a chance to sit with Santa! Each year some child says something so sweet it breaks your heart and this year some adorable little girl told Santa she wanted a cure for cancer for Christmas! Blessings to all who help put this event on and particularly to all who donate the toys for this each year!