By Phoenix and Metric

I ride with the most UNIQUE group of riders!! Every time we hit the road we have some kind of adventure. Not too long ago, Tank, Phoenix and I decided to take a Sunday afternoon run over to Peggy’s Corral on short notice. We called a few fellow riders and they all had other plans so off we went to Palmetto. Well, by the time we got to Charlotte’s Web, Bulldog and Rogue had decided to change their plans and join us, so we waited for them at Charlotte’s. In no time at all they came rolling along.

We all mounted up and off we went again. Just before we got to I-75 it began to rain and of course there was no real safe place to pull off the road and gear up, so we kept going. By the time we got off the road and out of the rain we were soaked. We decided to gear up anyway because it didn’t look like it was going to stop raining. Off we went again and wouldn’t you know it quit raining!! We live in Florida we should expect the weather to change faster than a speeding Hayabusa. The sun comes out and it gets damn HOT!!! It got so hot that by the time we got to Peggy’s we were drip dried.

Well, we finally got to Peggy’s just about everyone was there. The Evil’s JAIL BAIT Girls were there and they were even hotter than the weather. After spending a great afternoon at Peggy’s we mounted up again and headed home. Then Phoenix decided to act like an old Harley and she got overheated so we had to make another unscheduled pit stop to cool her jets. Then, we were back on the road again and we got back to Charlotte’s, but wait the adventure isn’t over yet. Bulldog rode his bike so-o-o hard that let’s just say there was no tread left to ride on. Bulldog says this is the first time that he had to have his bike trailered, but I have my doubts about that. I told him I wouldn’t put that in the article but I just couldn’t help myself. Anyway we finally get everyone home safe and sound, and that was the end of this adventure. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures. THE END!!!!

By Deborah Speicher

What a great way to begin the New Year with a party at Gator Harley-Davidson! Things got rolling at 10am with music by Shaky Puddin’ and, for those who got there early, there were FREE event t-shirts to the first 100 people who showed up. Afterwards, there were games and prizes by DJ Bucky and the beautiful Bella Bella models. We also got some shopping in at the store as well as with the vendors. Early that afternoon, we were treated to one of our favorite bands – BIG ENGINE! Tony, Hans and the guys always put on one heck of a show.

I would also like to personally thank the Gator Harley service staff (Mike and Panhead Mike). On the way up from Tampa, my friend Brian’s bike started breaking down. Luckily, he made it to Gator Harley. They immediately started working on his bike and had it running like a top long before we were ready to head towards home.

Kudos Gator Harley – see you all at the Women’s Day Conference (April 5) if not sooner!

By Amy Poole

January’s Bike Show at the Iron Horse was a bit nippy however 70 warm tailpipes showed up for display to hopefully succeed in victory!! Only 5 bikes had a bit of luck that day…no worries though…you guys come back to the Horse on every 2nd Sunday and try again!! In the course of the day several ladies rode through, Crashrocket shook the crowd to their feet, mingling got accomplished and some got inked! Don’t forget Willie’s Tropical Tattoo at the Iron Horse location is open during the events. The Bike Show is fairly new to being on a Sunday and has really taken flight since!! See ya next time around and if you see any Iron Horse Crew…tell ‘em nice job!!

By Billy “Kneecap” Braddock

Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about “Youth Misery Index”. I couldn’t figure out why they were so miserable. So I started comparing my youth to the youth of today:

• I had my first jobs when I was 10 years old. I had a paper route, sold TV Guides, cleaned restrooms at the local service station after school, and worked on farms and horse ranches in the summertime.

• Today, the government won’t even let you work until you are 16. No wonder youth unemployment rate is 16.1%.

• Got my own apartment as soon as I got my driver’s license.

• Today, kids are still living with their parents after graduating college.

• After I graduated high school I wasn’t unable go to a regular college, I couldn’t afford it. So, I would take courses at community colleges. I would also find out where the college professors would hang out. If they were teaching something I was interested in, I would buy them a couple of drinks and ask them if I could audit their class. Most were very receptive.

• Today, the average student loan debt is almost $30,000, and they end up with a worthless piece of paper that can’t even provide them with a good paying job.

• When I went to high school, the pickup I was driving had a gun rack on the back window. In the rack there was a 12 gauge shotgun and a 30/30 Winchester. The glove compartment had a 357 Magnum. I could shoot a squirrel blindfolded, but I always found it hard to blindfold the squirrel.

• Today, you get suspended for wearing an NRA T-shirt with a picture of a gun on it.

• When I graduated high school the national debt was $300 billion with each person’s share about $2500.

• Today, the national debt $17 trillion and each person’s share is $52,948.

• I grew up with a television (which I ate many a TV dinner in front of) that was the size of a refrigerator, had a black and white 11 inch screen, and 12 channels. It took 10 min. to warm up and another 10 min. playing with the horizontal and vertical hold to get a picture. At midnight the picture changed to a test pattern until 5 AM. When the station came back on it would announce a call sign then play the National Anthem. The party line telephone was on the wall with a handle on the side that you would crank to get the attention of an operator who would get your number for you.

• Today, I carry a cell phone. It’s a telephone, a TV, a radio, a camera, GPS, a computer, etc. etc. etc… I can contact just about anybody in the world.

After comparing my youth with the youth of today, I think I can realize why the misery index has skyrocketed from 83.5 in 2009 to 98.6 in 2013. Our educational system has indoctrinated them to believe that there is no more opportunity. The government will take care of all your needs.

We had the Greatest Generation, the Baby Boomers, and Generation X, Y, and Z. If we don’t teach our youth that we are a country of “opportunity” that does not favor socialism, we will end up with a “Lost Generation”. We need to teach them that it doesn’t matter if the glass is half empty or half-full, there’s still room for more whiskey.

I never wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed. Who the hell wants to go through life acting like a damn squirrel?

If you’d like to read more of my opinions go to nobodiesopinion.com

By Lulu

As we rang out 2013 and rang in 2014, the White Eagle Lounge in Korona celebrated in a BIG way. Their yearly Big Engine “early” NEW Year party was like OLD times with friends and Big Engine fans all hootin’ & hollerin’ and imbibing in a cocktail or two. Kim is back at the helm at the Eagle and they are looking forward to 2014. I hope you will ride in to visit them while in town! This bar is one of the oldest bars in the state and has much history in the biking community. Kim has events scheduled throughout the year so keep up with them on their website whiteeaglelounge.com!

By Ron Cox

Co-sponsored by the Southwest Coast Division of The March of Dimes (MoD) and Harley-Davidson of Ft. Myers, the 13th Annual Bikers for Babies (BFB) set new records for registered riders and money raised. The three day event took place November 15th-17th and more than 2,000 people registered (the most ever) and the MoD received $161,154, most money ever raised.

What started out as a one day event several years ago has mushroomed into a three day event with lots of happenings. Friday night kicked off with the opportunity to pre-register while vendors plied their wares and Unforgiven & Riverside entertained the riders. Saturday afternoon presented another chance to pre-register and check out the car show. Sunday morning registration took place at Collier County Regional Water Park in Naples. Collier and Lee County Sheriff’s Departments did a stellar job in safely moving the double column of motorcycles over the 35 mile course.

Arriving at HDFM, the riders were treated to a pulled pork meal with beans, salad and soft drinks. Backlash entertained all afternoon. After the event was closed, adult beverages became available.

Awards came next with the Lost Riders MC winning most money raised by a club with $14,221, followed by the Ronin Riding Club with $12,791 and SWFL HOG with $8,757. Mary & Steve Robison won the individual(s) raising the most money with $3,677.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies through its Prematurity Campaign, and by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Research funds will be used to find out why 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely in the United States. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies.

By LuLu

Legacies are built over a lifetime of being passionate about something in life. Many never live to find that one thing in life you can be so interested in that you stick with it. That cannot be said about Denise Hilliard and her family. Denise was born in Orlando back before the days of Disney. Her mom and grandparents were in the restaurant business, so she grew up learning the family trade. Denise’s dad moved the family out of Orlando when the Disney boom invaded and transplanted them to Eustis. Upon his death her mom bought The Flame Lounge on International which is now the Brickyard. The list of restaurants and bars that Denise and Rick have been part of opening is a diary of dining in the Daytona/Port Orange area. They have been owners of The Brick Yard, The Fly In Lounge (now Famous Phillies on US1), First Turn that was originally where the Cracker Barrel is by the Speedway, co-owned Cowboys in New Smyrna with baseball legend Davy Johnson, Billy Bob’s, in 1991 they took over the Marker 32 on Ballough and Mason and called it First Turn Too, South Turn on Nova, It’s All Good (a breakfast spot on US 1) and the present First Turn in Port Orange on US 1. Sometimes running more than one at a time and for those of you who have worked in the restaurant industry you know that bars and restaurants generally run your life; they are so time consuming. First Turn is turning 30 this year and its present location is where Denise fell in love with Rick Hilliard whose father owned it when it was known as the Allandale Inn. Rick and Denise both worked for his dad and according to Denise it was love at first sight. They share the passion for their work, their love of NASCAR, motorcycles, fishing, Islamorada and raising a wonderful son, Ricky. What sets First Turn apart is their “customers are like family and truly are concerned about each other”.

As for riding Denise got her endorsement when a friend, Elizabeth, rode up on hers and at 50 she decided to leave the backseat and ride her own. She started on a 1955 Panhead, moved on to a 2009 Deluxe and presently has a 2011 Fatboy Lo. As busy as she stays with work her riding is mostly day trips such as riding to Leesburg or on local poker runs.

On that subject I personally have to tell you that Denise’s heart is golden. She and her son Ricky have done mission work in Harlan, Kentucky building and repairing homes for the needy with South Daytona Christian Church. Their son Ricky aspires to spend his life doing God’s work and is interning as a missionary in California. He inherited that family passion from his mother, just as Denise inherited her love of feeding the masses from her family. Other than the mission work, I have witnessed Denise help individuals in life’s crisis, Children’s Home Society, animal causes such as Pawsibilities Rescue and the Halifax Humane Society, veteran’s, food banks and is also the host for Big D’s Rock the Cradle which provides Christmas for needy families.

This month’s Bull’s Eye is someone I am honored to call my friend and if you are in the Daytona area ride down US 1 to First Turn enjoy their huge remodeled deck, fabulous food and some of the nicest people you will ever break bread with! To celebrate their 30 years in business they are having a party on the 1st Saturdays of each month with live music, a corn hole tournament and February 1st will feature a free fish fry.

By Phoenix and Metric

As we move forward into the New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect back on all the great times we had in 2013. The year was filled with a lot of great rides with some great friends to some of the most beautiful places in the whole United States. This year also had a few setbacks, but as a person that sees the glass half full I try hard not to dwell on the negative. However, as a retired military veteran I see how our country and the world around us is being “fundamentally transformed” away from something that our Founding Forefathers, Veterans and every Biker understands and that is our FREEDOM!!! So I ask you as we move into this New Year PLEASE RIDE FOR “FREEDOM”. Wear the American flag, the POW/MIA patch, the Cross pin or any other sign that will signal to the world that you are a proud American and enjoy our FREEDOM!! If you are a Veteran be an Oath Keeper, “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic”. If you are serving in the armed force, we support you and salute you. If you can serve in the military “do it”, and if you can’t then support those who can. If you can join a veteran’s organization then join and ride with them, if not ride and support them anyway. Ride to support the 9/11 Rally, Rolling Thunder, Wreaths Across America, National POW/MIA day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day and FREEDOM!!! FOR GOD, COUNTRY AND FREEDOM WE RIDE into the 2014 New Year.

By “Kneecap”

The Cabbage Patch Bar, on the corner of Pioneer Trail and Tomoka Farms Road, Samsula is probably one of the most well-known biker bars in Central Florida. They’re not only the Home of the “World-Famous” Coleslaw Wrestling, but they also operate as a year-round Tavern that welcomes poker runs and many charity functions. The bar has full liquor, draft beer, and package take out. You can play pool or use their free Wi-Fi.

Ronnie and Roger were not satisfied with just offering daily drink specials, live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, ,and a free BBQ and Swap Meet every 3rd and 5th Sunday. So Roger decided to have a Bike and Car Show on the 4th Sunday of every month.

I attended one in November. Even though the weather was terrible. It was cold and windy but because of the Cabbage Patch’s reputation for delivering a good show the turnout was very good.

Roger is always working hard to make the customers stay enjoyable and entertaining. He’s constantly coming up with new ideas. If you run into Ronnie you will notice his welcoming smile and pleasant personality. He probably will tell you his latest joke. Stop by soon and enjoy the friendly bartenders and patrons. I go there often, so you might just run into me, which is not necessarily as pleasurable!

By Amy Poole

Jingle Pipes…Jingle Pipes…Ohhh what fun it is to ride on the 8th Family Renew Run!! Helping homeless families with children to become independent isn’t an easy job but every year Santa’s Helper’s step up and take on the job. One of the ways is the Family Renew Ride, beginning at the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge, with about 180 riders and free breakfast. Other stops included Beaver Bar, Hideaway Tavern, Iron Horse, Circus ll, Main St Station and Dirty Harry’s for their free Bar-B-Q. AT&T Pioneer Team, volunteers, businesses and friends worked together and raised over $4000 for the 32 families. Another $500 donation was presented by Doan Management! Each child received a gift along with generous baskets filled with food. The Dirty White Boys, of Holly Hill, participated in a large way by delivering Thanksgiving dinners to the families in Holly Hill and Christmas dinners and gifts to ALL the families. Santa’s Helper’s were busy little elves this year but YOU all made a huge difference in these families lives making their spirits bright and full of glee!! Thanks to all for lending a hand!!

If you would like more info or to donate: www.familyrenew.org

By Phoenix and Metric

The Welcome Home ceremony for the 3rd Battalion, 116 Field Artillery Regiment of the Florida Army National Guard was a great success due to the hard work of the Family Readiness Group, the Headquarters of the 3rd Battalion located in Plant City, the surrounding communities and Veterans organizations. Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard from units located in Plant City, Lake Wales, Arcadia and Avon Park were welcomed home at the Plant City Strawberry Fairground last weekend. The buses bringing home the troops were meet on I-4 by over one hundred motorcycles headed up by “Tank” (American Legion Riders District 8 Sgt-at-Arm out of Sebring) and “T-Man” assistant state coordinator for the Patriot Guard Riders within about forty-eight hours notice of the event. The turnout of motorcycles was greatly appreciated by the troops. Once the troop arrived at the fairgrounds they were warmly welcomed by friends, family and loved ones. The American Legion from Lake Wales provided the Color Guard. The troops spent the past year over in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Govern Rick Scott and other dignitaries were on hand to welcome the troops. After a brief ceremony the soldiers were released to return home with their families. Phoenix and I would personally like to thank all veterans especially the soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard. Mission Complete JOB WELL DONE!!! GOD BLESS!!

Miserable George & Val Gal

As much as he tried, Ol’ Man Weather simply COULD NOT dampen the spirits of nearly 4000 riders who came out under cloudy, dingy, skies to take the ride for the kids…to supply Santa with toys for the under-privileged little ones…the Shriners, and other agencies in greater Brevard County. The group began massing at Merritt Square Mall, on SR 520, at around 8 AM, Sunday, Dec.1, and continued building until 12 Noon, when ABATE Pres. Mike Pope gave the “kickstands up” command, which started the mass exodus over to US 1, and south to its destination, Wickham Park Pavilion in Melbourne. The assembly and start of the run were captured fabulously from high in the air…in a police helicopter…by my daughter, ValGal! Thanks to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Dept. for that opportunity!!

Soggy grounds greeted the crowd at Wickham Park, but they slogged through it all to fill up several trucks with toys and games for the needy kids. Free hot dogs and drinks made the weather a little more bearable, as did the “Kissing Camel”, a chance to bash a car with a big sledge hammer, numerous vendors, a live band, Doc Holiday, a 50/50, and other activities as well. The Warlocks of Brevard also presented the Shriners with a check for over $13,000 from their Biker Bash in Nov.

By Phoenix and Metric

Each year great groups of patriots make the trip to national cemeteries across this great nation to lay a wreath on the grave sites of our Veterans. I have been blessed to be a small part of a great event for the past few years. This year we made the trip to the Sarasota National Cemetery where over seven thousand (7,000) Veterans are laid to rest. In past years not every Veteran was honored with a wreath, however this year every Veteran was honored to have a wreath thanks to hard work from all involved. The Wreaths across America program is on a mission to Remember, Honor and Teach the importance of remembering that our freedoms come at a cost by our Veterans and their families. We owe it to them to keep their memories alive and to teach it to future generations. So, mark your calendars for next year and honor out Veterans.

For more information on Wreaths across America visit www. Wreathsacrossamerica.org.

By Lulu

As all of you who read Thunder Roads Florida know we love our veterans! We were honored to be able to participate in many veteran events in November. A special evening was hosted by Rue, Ziffra and Caldwell which started with a ceremony at the Flagler Government Services building with presentation of the flag, speeches and the beginning of the motorcycle ride to the party destination at the Coca Cola Pavilion at Destination Daytona. Upon our arrival a wonderful meal was waiting by Moore’s Catering, cocktails, live music, silent and live auctions. The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall and several other displays were in the pavilion. One of the special events of the night was the empty chair ceremony. And a spontaneous singing performance by Rolling Thunder’s Rich Malifanto.

A special thank you to the following sponsors who made this wonderful night possible: Rue, Ziffra and Caldwell, Bright House Networks, WHOG Radio, 93.1 Coast, KIX Country 91.7, Sunny FM 105.9, Beach 92.7, West 2 News, Hometown News, Lamar Advertising, Flagler County, Rolling Thunder Chapter 8, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson, Daytona International Speedway, Peers Foundation, Southern Storm and Gary Yeoman’s.

Also a very BIG thank you to all who purchased tables, rode on the ride and to the volunteers that made this a night to show respect to our vets.

By Ron Cox

What do you get when you combine 1,850 bikers, a luxury ship and an inexhaustible supply of adult beverages? You’d get the 11th Annual High Seas Rally (formally HOG’s On the High Seas). The High Seas Rally’s (HSR) mission is to raise funds for Debbie’s Dialysis Fund, so named by HSR cofounder Dean Anderson in honor of his late wife Debbie, the other rally founder. The fund allows people, bikers and others, the opportunity to have a real vacation. Dialysis patients usually need a treatment every three days. The fund picks up ALL the costs related to attending the rally including travel expenses for the patient and a companion, rental of machines, hiring staff, cabin costs and $1,000 in pocket money. Rally goers are fond of saying they’re “Cruisin’ For a Cause.”

For the first time in its eleven year history, the itinerary included St. Thomas and St. Maarten in the Eastern Caribbean. The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Of The Seas served as the base for the seven day pirate themed cruise from November 3-10th.

The fun began with a pool party on Saturday at the host hotel, the Cocoa Beach Radisson. Boarding the ship took most of Sunday, but Sunday night saw the first of the nightly giveaway shows. On board vendors are required to donate a minimum of $5,000 in product however most of them donate more. Throughout the week tickets are sold for the poker walk, cabin raffles, a silent auction, biker bingo and the Dialysis Fund 2013 Road King. The nightly 50/50 gave between $5-8,000 to the winners who frequently donated hundreds or thousands back to the Fund.

Ship board activities included a Belly Smacker contest, Topless Man contest, HSR photo bike contest, High Seas Rally Tattoo contest and almost everyone’s favorite The Treasured Chest contest. About 25 pirate costumed wenches circulated among the audience collecting donations for the Fund. Deanna Lambka from Lodi, California won collecting more than $700 while the Fund received more than $4,000 from all the contestants.

The Best Beard contest had 18 entrants standing poolside at Senor Frog’s in St. Maarten. The female judges got to run their fingers in and around the beards and if they smelled good, so much the better. Doug Flanders from Sugar Hill, Georgia took the First Place medal and the three finalists split $1,000 in vendor prizes.

The Grand Prize giveaway show took place on Saturday, the last night of the cruise. An auction was held for various donated items including an autographed guitar by the band Foreigner and all the signage hung at the tonsil wash emporiums on shore and aboard the ship. The biggest winner was Lawrence Wells from Sun City West, Arizona who won the 2013 Victory. Every HSR passenger received a free ticket for the Victory. Russell Werle from Painesville, Ohio won the Dialysis Fund raffle of a 2013 H-D Road King.

As of this writing there are less than 100 cabins left for the 2014 High Seas Rally cruise, which also sails to the Eastern Caribbean. To get in on the fun check out the web site www.highseasrally.com