By Amy Poole

Featured on our cover in the March issue for Bike Week 2014 was The World Famous Iron Horse Saloon! There is not much you won’t set your eyes on while being present at The Horse day or night! Where else can you ride through the horseshoe or park…water your pipes while getting inked…burn your own rubber in a pit…notice some sweet eye candy…catch a glimpse or photo of legendary individuals…fuel your buds and appetite with tasty foods…shop until you drop for Iron Horse goods…even a bride and groom were there wedding dress and all…and you guys got ROCKED by the entertainment until the sun came up (well…almost)!! This year their headliners were Fran Cosmo of Boston, Mustang Sally and Brian Howe of Bad Company. Bike Week apparel is still available at The Horse in The General Store. The kitchen is always open for a bite so ride in for some more fun and join in on the Iron Horse activities all year long!

By Lulu

Well for the past seven years I have featured a page each month known as Skin Art. I have been intrigued by what people will ink on their skin, but never been inclined to put anything on my body. Bull, that originally brought me into the world of biking, wanted me to have a Lonnie Anderson type tat of barbed wire and Bull’s Bitch laced into the design. Obviously my answer was always NO WAY! I hate when I have a bruise. Why would I ever consider ink?! But Bike Week 2014 brought many changes in my life and one happened to be the need to get ink! So I made a visit to one of my dearest friends in the world I have grown to love, Willie at Tropical Tattoo and he hooked me up with Ron, one of his artists. For the record I am not a sissy. I endured two childbirths without any anesthesia, one of which required 24 hours of labor. Don’t let anyone tell you a tattoo doesn’t hurt.

I must admit I love the cross that Ron chiseled into the nape of my neck, hidden by my hair only those who know me well will ever know I finally gave away my ink “virginity”. I had to have my girlfriend Christy rub my thighs and show me slightly x-rated photos she had recently taken of herself to try to keep me from stopping half way through. Sherry, my BFF, who has the same tat and whose necklace we used as our art work was busy filming and laughing at me. But halfway through she whispered a message from a friend that made me realize I wasn’t going to give up. Sometimes real pain makes mental pain seem less painful. Maybe that is why some get addicted to ink…

Feel life’s pain to its fullest so you can appreciate when your life is pain free, say a prayer for someone making changes in their lives and don’t forget your sunscreen.

By Amy Poole

During the 2014 Bike Week Dirty Harry’s had the motorcycle enthusiasts setting off in all directions! You may wonder from sister bar to sister bar; Cowboy’s role kept all faces entertained by his humor and his chicks in his wet tee contests; aromas of food that you could choose from large menus, like fried string beans were enticing and rockin’ bands jammed day and night!!

In the midst of all the activity, The Flaunt Girls made their appearances by signing autographs and pouring shots of cold Jager through your pipes followed by a DIRTY spankin’!! Whoa! It was going on at Dirty Harry’s and the sun hadn’t even gone down yet!!

The excitement in no way quits when the rally is over…cruise in and ask about their monthly drink specials or free BBQ with live music on the 1st Sunday of every month!!

By “Kneecap”

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Established back in 1926, the Cabbage Patch Bar still exceeds all expectations of an enjoyable Bike Week. It may be infamous for its coleslaw wrestling but the entertainment goes on daily. There are hot buns and wet T-shirt contests. Bike shows that also include baggers. Nonstop entertainment from four big stages and daily drink specials from some of the hottest bartenders at their full-service bars. It was impressive to see the enormous turnout daily. Even the weather cooperated. However, the most impressive thing I saw was two wheelchair-bound bikers who had custom-built trikes. Goes to prove, once a biker always a biker. Hope to see you there in their bar that is open year-round and sponsors a lot of charity events. Great place to spend a lot of time. Don’t wait till Biketoberfest to visit this overly friendly bar. It is open daily seven days a week.

By Amy Poole

Freedom Cycles is a NEW and current spot on US1 in Holly Hill. During Bike Week inventory of motorcycles was exhibited and shined up, ready for one of you to take it on the open rode!

Freedom and fans GOT LICKED by Ron and Amy Shirley from Lizard Lick Towing! Ron and Amy and their crew in “tow” were signing autographs and displayed many items of merchandise. I watch this show all the time and was lucky enough to have MY photo taken with Ronnie!! You are missing out if you have not seen it…look it up and give it a shot!!

The Female Humane Link, Juli Moody, performed 3 shows putting her power to the test.
She actually makes herself a link between 2 motorcycles while they do a burn out and she has to hold them there…and no brakes were being used on the cycles!!! This was a great performance and Juli really has a kind manner!!

The action was nonstop and powerful at Freedom Cycles!!!!

By Lulu

If anyone rides a motorcycle through St. Augustine, Florida they know to make a pit stop at Bar None. Known for being ultra biker friendly, they throw the best parties with great music and fabulous food. With their huge recently added outside deck there is always room for one more!!! If you haven’t ever been, you need to get on your scoot and check them out!

By Amy Poole

A rockin’ bar to be at during Bike Week Rally 2014 was the One Horse Saloon. This year was definitely One Horse’s turn to have the crowd and business!! Bike after bike pulled in to be sparkled and shined by the best bike wash chicks we have seen in awhile. Along with friendly bartenders that always greet you as soon as you’re in the door. By night, Torch the Fire Performer demonstrated his flame thrower and LIT up the outside. Take a close look at the pic here…the flame here clearly looks like a horse head doesn’t it? Awesome!! Make it a point to stop in for a cold beer and check out the tons of patches on the back wall and get it sewn on your leather or jeans!!

By Ron Cox

More than 200 Chapter members, guests and friends took part in the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Special Forces Motorcycle Club, Inc. (SFMC). The event took place on Saturday, March 1st and included a lunch ride to Ft.Myers Beach and ended at SFMC founder Bo McCormick’s home in South Ft.Myers.

The SFMC is a philanthropic organization that focuses on Veteran’s issues and raises funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project and Paws For Patriots. The latter program provides Guide Dogs, Veteran Service Dogs and Facility Therapy Dogs through the Southeastern Guide Dog School in Palmetto, Florida. Proceeds from today’s event, totaling $4,500 will be donated to Southeastern Guide Dog.

Snacks and beverages were available all afternoon along with entertainment by the Bob Inkenbrandt band. Later in the afternoon, the Calendar Girls, Southwest Florida’s premier dance troupe took center stage and presented their “Peace, Love & Puppies” program. The Girls are also deeply committed to Southeastern Guide Dogs. Following a buffet dinner prepared and donated by Sgt. Majors BBQ, who came down from Lakeland for the occasion, vocalists Pearl & Sase serenaded the crowd with their own brand of easy listening music well into the night.

SFMC chapters are in Ft. Myers (Chap.1), Tampa (Chap.6), one forming in Orlando and one in Columbus, Ohio (Chap.13). The SFMC also has “at large” members worldwide. For more information go to www.specialforcesmc.org

By Amy Poole

Freedom Cycles is a fairly new dealership that sells used motorcycles in Daytona Beach and is already giving and participating in our community. They are loaded with motorcycles on the large showroom floor and strive to fulfill your journey on a new ride!

Their 1st event was a huge success! The early morning Freedom Ride, benefiting the Flagler Humane Society, was a nice start to the day and only $10 to ride. Friendly staff from the Humane Society set up goods to be purchased or you could make donations. But the best part was some furry friends were present and up for adoption. All so cute, but Mark stole the show a pup with only 3 legs…but you would never know it and he sure doesn’t let it bother him!! A gentleman named David adopted, Holly, a 7 month old kitten. Most of us were on bikes so not many adoptions were expected that day but a few babies that were there that day did find their forever home since then!! About $400 was raised. You can always check out the furry critters at flaglerhumanesociety.org or simply go visit them!!

All the chili entrants had delicious chili from cheesy to hot and spicy…hard to say who the best was since they all achieved to their fullest and the crowd was happy! At the last minute a car show occupied the lot with hot rods joining the activities and music.

If you are in the market for a new ride this is the place to shop and deal with pleasant and honest associates!!

By Deborah Speicher

Saturday, March 8 proved to be a busy day for local riders especially veterans and supporters. I started out the day by riding to Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. Although the park pays homage to all war heroes, the Committed Forces Memorial honors those who served in various U.S. military conflicts around the world. The dedication ceremony turned out to be a wonderful lesson in history as service men that were part of these incidents gave us their first-hand accounts of what really happened.

Special mention goes to Rolling Thunder Chapter 11 Florida for the presentation of the MIA/POW table, Marine Corps League 1226 for the rifle salute and TAPS, the CENTCOM Color Guard, Linda Pugsley for her invocation and benediction, and VFW Post 8108 who served up free lunch.

Afterwards, I rode out with Rolling Thunder Chapter 11 to the American Legion Alafia Post 148 for the Haley House Poker Run. Earlier, riders could pick a starting point either in Zephyrhills, Tampa, Mulberry, Gulfport or Palmetto, and ultimately end up at Post 148. The proceeds from the poker run and auction held that day benefits the Haley House Fund. Tampa is home to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. However, families of injured active duty and veterans cannot always afford housing to stay in the area. That is where the Haley House Fund steps in to assist with local living arrangements so families can stay close by. “No one left behind – including families” is their motto.

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Last month I wrote about how I got here. “Oh my God I made it”, was pertaining to my physical presence. This month I would like to explain how I was able to achieve such a great attitude. I’ve been described as being arrogant, pretentious, condescending, and sometimes contentious. Actually, it comes from my humble disposition. It’s not easy being the anchovy on the pizza. My childhood may have influenced my thoughtful, reflective thinking.

When I was a kid I saw “Tarzan and Jane” almost naked with a monkey for a kid. An obnoxious wooden puppet called “Pinocchio” that had clothes made of flower paper, a hat made of bread and told lies. “Snow White” lived with seven dwarf men before running away with a Prince. “Popeye” was an uneducated, tattooed, pipe smoking sailor involved in a love triangle with Olive Oyl and Brutus. “Cinderella” who believed in fairies, rode around in a pumpkin pulled by mice, driven by a rat, while wearing glass shoes and staying out past midnight. Not to be outdone, there was a “Princess” running around kissing frogs while looking for a Prince. “Superman” was an illegal alien who took his clothes off in a phone booth. “Batman” whose real name is Bruce and his male partner Robin (who he would be able to marry now) drove 200+ miles an hour on city streets. “Mr. Magoo” drove a car even though he was so nearsighted that he was close to being blind. “Pac-Man” who looked like a pizza with a slice missing, ran around a maze chasing deterministic enemy monsters (Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde) listening to digitized music and taking performance-enhancing pills. The pot smoking mystery solving hippies, “Shaggy and Scooby”, who ate cheese pizzas with pickles because they always had the munchies. We sat in bean filled chairs watching TV that was filled with gun toting cowboys wearing white hats shooting the bad guys wearing black hats except for “Have Gun Will Travel”, when the black hat would shoot anybody. There was “Maynard G. Krebs”, the beatnik who had an extreme aversion to “work”, “marriage”, and “police”; but “does his own thing” by collecting tinfoil and petrified frogs while watching “The Monster That Devoured Cleveland” or “The Son of the Monster That Devoured Cleveland”. Maynard’s middle name was Walter. He would say that he was named for his aunt, and explains the “G” is silent.

These were just some of the things that were able to mold my warped mind into its present condition.

When people ask me what clubs I belong to I say “FU” (Fatties United).

1. There are drunk riders, there are old riders. There are no old drunk riders.

2. Dammit I’m Mad” spelled backwards is “Dammit I’m Mad”

Read more on my website nobodiesopinion.com

See you on the shiny side of tomorrow.

By Raven Van Pelt

Well folks, it was that time of year again where Mind Ride Cycles of Jacksonville held their 6th Pre-Bike Week Customer Appreciation Party. This year they had live music by the Second Shot Band, as well as, the incredible almost famous Yankee Tim’s BBQ.

This event is all about the loyal friends and customers that have made this possible. The first 100 people received free food and beer, and every one had a great time. The weather was great. This was a free event with several vendors and Road Block was on hand to sign his second book, New Orleans Revenge. As usual Roy, his family and the crew of Mind Ride Cycles always throw a great bash, and I can’t wait for the 7th Pre-Bike Week Party next year!

By Lulu

Few businesses can manage to keep their doors open even a full year…even fewer can boast of 30 years!!!

But my friends Rick and Denise Hilliard at First Turn are celebrating just that. The first Saturday of each month they are throwing a party to let all their family of customers know just how much they appreciate their loyal support. The party includes a corn hole tournament, live music, free food and a beautifully revamped outside deck with a brand new stage.

For some great fun, food and friends come out and enjoy the monthly celebration the first Saturday of each month!!!

By Lulu

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One of my favorite events each year is Mardi Gras, whether it is my good Catholic upbringing or my love of New Orleans, I am always ready for a Mardi Gras parade.

Leesburg throws a good street party with vendors, music, stilt walkers, amusement rides and floats. Every child goes home with beads and a few adults head home with a hangover.

This year Sherry and I put on tutus, beads and masks and headed over to frolic as only we know how to. Put this on your list of fun things to do!

By Lulu

Another Bike Week has ridden in and out in Daytona Beach. Reports are mixed, some vendors and bars claiming to be down as much as 30%, while others fared much better and some even hit all time record sales. The weather was pretty darn perfect and plenty of snowbirds had a chance to experience some beautiful Florida riding. There was just enough cold weather do make us dust off our leathers and just enough sunshine to keep a pink glow on our faces. It seemed to me the police weren’t as aggravating as they can sometimes be to bikers, and I personally saw them giving far more tickets to cage riders than bike riders for a change.

My Bike Week was eventful in that I helped Iron Horse Saloon with handling their 10pm bands and it required staying out much later than I am accustomed to. I may think I can party like a rock star, but after 4 nights of hanging with the guys and gals from Boston, Mustang Sally and Bad Company I knew better; and I still had a long week to finish out my obligations. It was fun and the bands couldn’t have been any nicer. The job included having their meals catered in, providing the essentials per their contract and just making sure that if they needed Sharpies, batteries or drinks that they had them. Most people would think it sounds like an easy gig…I certainly thought so, and I know it sounds silly, but it was hard work! I think I should have started a month earlier training to stay out late, if I get asked back next year to do it…I think I will start training 6 weeks before Bike Week!

And now that Bike Week is behind us we have Leesburg Bike Fest to look forward and a multitude of events in every county all over the state. Remember you can post your events on our web calendar by going to ThunderRoadsFlorida.com. And that calendar includes events that are added after we print.

Ride on roads you haven’t traveled, meet someone from North Carolina you will be glad you did and don’t forget your sunscreen!