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HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR 2021

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

FROM THE PUBLISHER

2021 Holiday Gift Suggestions

The Holiday Season is a time of sharing and the giving of gifts between friends and family. If you have riders on your list, we would like to offer some suggestions for unique and practical gifts that any rider might appreciate. The following pages are a mix of items and services offered by Thunder Roads Ohio and some of our partners. Some of our suggestions are practical items that a rider might not consider or just over look. An AMA or ABATE Membership, for instance, is something that any biker or enthusiast will appreciate but might not get themselves. Helmets, good gloves, or protective riding boots are other items that riders can always use – but often neglect for themselves. It’s also worth mentioning that you might consider getting a little something for your “Iron Steed” as well. People think nothing of getting gifts for dogs and cats – so why not for your bike? And as luck would have it, we might have a few suggestions for stuff your bike would love as well!

Trailer Hitch Motorcycle Carrier

Independent Shop T’s and Gear

If you’re looking to get a cool motorcycle themed shirt or gear for your favorite rider this Christmas – don’t pick up anything from the stack at the Big Box Store- especially if it features any of the TV bike shops or soap opera clubs. You really don’t want to be the guy or gal riding up in your SOA or Orange County Choppers shirt to Bike Night. And you don’t really want to be responsible for sending out your loved ones like that either! A MUCH cooler option is a shirt from a local independent bike shop. A shirt from the local shop will be appreciated much more and certainly convey much more thought and appreciation for the iron in the garage – not to mention the local motorcycle scene! Know an old school BIKESTYLES fan? Or just want some cool, authentic gear? Check out www.HomeTownClothingCompany.com to check out new designs or order some old school gear! There are a lot of times when you need to bring more than your bike can carry – or you simply want your truck / car as well as your bike on a trip. If you’re taking your dirt bike to the track, a smaller bike to a rally, your café racer to a shop, or even your scooter on vacation – there is a more convenient alternative to dragging a trailer around with you.

Recommended Option: The Trackside Motorcycle Carrier from RevZilla.com

“The Trackside motorcycle carrier is an ideal solution for riders who want to bring their bikes along on trips. It can support up to 500 pounds and it even includes a built-in loading ramp.

Convenient holes accept ratchet strap hooks to secure the bike while transporting.”

Available at RevZilla.com (www.Revzilla.com/motorcycle/ trackside-motorcycle-carrier)

AMA Membership

American Motorcyclist Association Membership offers so much! The perfect gift for the motorcycle enthusiast that hasn’t gotten around to signing up. The AMA represents motorcycle owners and enthusiasts all across the country – and membership is essential to ensuring the rights of riders in these turbulent times. AMA membership also has plenty of money-saving, practical aspects as well – including free AMA Roadside Assistance—which covers all the member’s vehicles and those of the member’s family members—is worth many times the $49 membership dues alone.

Far too often we scrimp on the little things that can really make a difference in our lives. And there’s probably no better example of that than when it comes to footwear – especially in terms of riding boots. Proper, comfortable riding boots can make all the difference after a long day of riding, working, or simply walking. Far too often, though, we scrimp on boots refusing to spend a few more dollars for a step up in quality that might transform our entire day. For something classy – nothing jazzes up an outfit like a nice pair of exotic boots. For ladies or men, stylish cowboy boots can transform your t-shirt and jeans outfit into the stuff of rockstars. When it comes to boots – there’s one stop that immediately comes to mind and that’s the Avon Boot Shop. Avon Boot is one of the coolest stops I know when it comes to finding cool practical stuff for riders. From quality leathers to an endless array of boots - Avon Boot is a great place to shop. For the guys, not only do they have boots - they just happen to have a nice selection of very stylish purses and other lady stuff for that special gift. You can get something all pretty and lady like, without having to go into one of those shops that will leave you smelling like something dainty by the time you walk out the door. Plus, they have a GREAT staff that is extremely helpful – always a HUGE BONUS!

Avon Boot Shop

38450 Chester Rd. Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-3230

MENTION THUNDER ROADS OHIO and SAVE $10.00 OFF YOUR PURCHASE OF $50.00 MORE IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER!

(Some restrictions apply.)

Quality Socks!

Good quality socks can make all the difference, especially if you’re going on a long distance ride or riding in challenging weather. And it’s something that most riders never consider – and thus makes the perfect gift! Years ago, we discovered ThermoHair socks. These are high quality, 75% kid mohair socks that offer the softness of cashmere, but the incredible strength of mohair. It’s a family business located in Ontario, Canada – and they even raise their own Angora goats. You can check them out on Facebook – www. Facebook.com/Thermohair

The Harley-Davidson IRONe / Stacyc E Drive Balance Bikes

We first saw the Stacyc electric balance bikes when they were introduced at the 2017 AIMExpo in Columbus. Right from the get-go, we knew these would be a game changer for our youngest riders. If you want to get your youngest kids off the video games and out riding – this is the deal, and it doesn’t matter if they’ve ever ridden a bike before. These will get them riding in no time! The Stacyc’s are designed to introduce kids to two wheeled travel. Tyler was just turning 5, when we first introduced him to the powered balance bikes. He was still on training wheels and wanted nothing to do with taking them off. After watching his brother riding around on the Stacyc – he jumped on and within 5 minutes was ripping around the yard like a Pro. No exaggeration at all – he simply twisted the throttle and was off riding with his feet off the ground within 10-15 feet. And he never looked back. The bikes are offered in two versions – a 12” and a 16” version. This refers to the size of the tires, but there are a few other differences as well in terms of the power output and the battery provided. According to Stacyc – the 12eDRIVE is perfect for 3-5 year olds under 75lbs with a 14-20” inseam, while the 16eDRIVE is intended for 4-7 year olds also under 75 lbs – with a 18-24” inseam. Obviously there’s some overlap in terms of the kids they are intended for – and there’s only $50 separating the two models. So, if there’s any doubt in your mind – we would recommend you go with the larger 16” sized bike if your child fits within their recommended guidelines – REGARDLESS of their previous riding experience. All of the bikes have very simple controls that allow parents to limit speeds to help the kids feel comfortable and safe on the bikes. So, it’s a simple matter of toning the bikes down for a younger rider, and with the adjustable seat – it should be easy to fit as well.

Recommended Shops for Stacyc’s: Action Extreme Cycles 241 16th St SW New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 365-9022 www.AESRacing.com Iron Pony Motorsports 5436 Westerville Rd Westerville OH 43081 www.IronPony.com

PLEASE NOTE: The Stacyc’s are also sold in HarleyDavidson dealerships as H-D IRONe’s. Same bikes. If you’re buying at a shop, ask if they service them as well.

When it comes to sporting the gear, it’s always best to start with the basics – and that would be T’s and Tanks. Thunder Roads Ohio offers a variety of basic TRO Tanks and T’s in sizes S through 5X. We also offer “Safety” versions of our Ohio Biker T’s – which are sure to make you stand out. The Neon “Safety” Yellow T-Shirts make the perfect gift for anyone needing such gear for roadside work or serving as Road Guards for rides.

Cost: $15 Order Online at ThunderRoadsOhio.US

Take advantage of the Holiday Special and get a Bonus Shirt! Of course, the ideal gift for any Ohio motorcycle enthusiast is their own personal subscription to Thunder Roads Ohio! Each month we will ship a copy of the magazine directly to their home, office, or shop - whatever they would like. While others are scrambling to make sure they get their TRO before they disappear from the local shops, your lucky recipient will have their own copy delivered right to them! And in the spirit of the season, we've decided to sweeten the deal a little bit. For a limited time, we are offering a special Holiday Package which includes an Official Thunder Roads Ohio / Iron Cowboy Shirt as well as the subscription for only $40! (+ S/H and Tax if applicable) You can order this Thunder Roads Ohio Gift Package online or by calling 440-678-8608. Shop online at ThunderRoadsOhio.com

Tactical Gear (REAL gear, that is…)

Quality gear always makes a great gift, but make sure that you take the time to consider where you’re getting it. Just because it’s black or camo – and has Velcro on it, doesn’t mean that it’s going to last or even be slightly reliable in a pinch. We strongly recommend REAL tactical gear that is used by the professionals – first responders and those in the service. That doesn’t mean the overpriced, fancy brands that simply wrap themselves in the flag and then charge $30 for a t-shirt or $200 for a pair of boots with a zipper. Thunder Roads Ohio is proud to offer a direct link to LA POLICE GEAR through our website. This special link offers special deals and savings for our readers. And this is REAL, QUALITY gear that is designed and built specifically for first responders, tactical response teams, and military applications. And it’s priced for those actually working the streets – because the company was founded by folks actually on duty looking for a reliable, cost-effective option. Stuff we’d recommend – Duty Boots – lightweight, zipper access, with support. Medic / First Aid Kits – ready to go packs that can be stored on the bike or kept handy. Flashlights, knives, and other cool stuff – all found on the website.

Just click on the LA POLICE GEAR banner at the top of the ThunderRoadsOhio.com page!

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