23 minute read
BIKE SHOW UPDATE
ALL ARE WELCOME! We’ve always believed that the best thing about our bike show series is the people that both exhibit and attend. This isn’t just about the bikes – but about the people building and riding them as well. After doing these shows for more than 10 years, its great seeing how many connections and friendships that have developed over the years between folks coming to the shows. There’s a common bond that exists between riders – and there’s even more of a connection between the folks that take the time to restore, customize, or even create their own bikes. People start talking about what they’ve built, what they have at home, and what they rode up to the show. If you’ve got a bike you’re proud of – we’d like to invite you to join in and put her in the show. Even if you’ve never shown her before – that’s ok.
We’re all family here.
Make sure that you check out our events listing on Facebook and follow the ones that are of interest to you. We will be posting updates and more details about the shows and new programs as things are finalized. www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio
Most of the 2023 season is now behind us, and it’s been an amazing year with more than 800 bikes being shown in the series this year! We will be featuring the results along with photos of the bikes and events throughout the winter, as we review the shows and begin looking forward to the next season.
FINKS BIKE SHOW
FINKS BIKE SHOW
Each year we review the shows and consider we can expand and improve the shows for the following year. Here are a few things that how we are considering at this point. 1. New Trike Categories – including Custom, Stock, and Vintage This category continues to grow each show, including some amazing custom – even “radical” – three wheelers. We are planning on keeping side cars in the category at this point.
2. Adding more BIGGER events – fairs and festivals.
This year we partnered with several larger regional events to host bike shows, these included the Wild Turkey Festival and the Union County Fair. These events gave Exhibitors more things to do during the shows and certainly brought more folks to check out the bikes. There were challenges, though, as we had to make sure the bikes could easily access the areas for the shows. We plan on improving that area – primarily through pre-registration and sending out passes in advance. 3. Electronic voting system. We are considering several options to allow electronic voting by those attending the shows. This would speed up the administrative side of things while still ensuring that every vote was counted. Once we get things figured out, we will share our system with the 4. Federal government. �� More unique trophies and prizes! We tried offering custom Prize Belts, Rings, and show placards this year. Working with show sponsors, we plan on expanding this for next year.
Have suggestions or thoughts? Email us at
BikeShowInfo@gmail.com , and let us know what you think.
SHOW PICTURES
We’ve posted over well over 30,000 Bike Show and event pictures on our Facebook page, with most sorted in Albums by the particular shows. If you’re home and feel like reminiscing about warmer days out on the bike, take a few minutes and check them out. You’re welcome to tag and share these as you’d like. We are working with some new partners to offer the ability to easily get these printed and sent to you – with just a few clicks. Hope to have an announcement on that shortly. Currently, however, we do have the means to get you posters – even big vinyl banners for your garage – of any images we have. Our partner, NEO PRO IMAGING ( www.neoproimaging.com ) is able to do some amazing things with pictures – such as metal or acrylic prints suitable for mounting on the wall or professionally displaying. Email us for more information BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
We’re able to produce full color vinyl banners of photos or your design – for less than $2.50 a square foot!*
THUNDER 2022 GENEVA
THUNDER 2022 GENEVA
Thunder Zone Vendor Areas – FAIRS & FESTIVALS in 2023!
As we look towards next year and begin locking down dates and locations, we will similarly begin planning for expanded and NEW Thunder Zones for 2023. These vendor / exhibitor areas will be managed by Iron Cowboy Productions, LLC as a compliment to the Bike Shows and other festivities we have going on. As we announce dates for 2023, we will begin accepting vendor and exhibitor applications. These Thunder Zones are a great place to set up as a vendor selling to the motorcycle community, as a service organization serving the veteran or riding community, or as a means of promoting your riding organization with upcoming events. EMAIL us TODAY – if you’re interested in doing any of our shows for next year. We will begin signup within the next few weeks, so don’t delay. Send us your contact information and a brief description of what you’d offer. Send to: Events@ReasonsToRide.com And we’ve already started adding NEW SHOWS and locking down dates for 2023!
UNION COUNTY BIKE SHOW
WILD TURKEY BIKE SHOW UNION COUNTY BIKE SHOW
WILD TURKEY BIKE SHOW UNION COUNTY BIKE SHOW
*Tentative dates. Date and details to be finalized and will be announced in future editions of RTR or at ReasonsToRide.com
2023 Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama
VFW 1079 BIKE NIGHT BIKE SHOW!
Thursday, October 20th 6-7pm Registration, 7-8 Voting and Judging VFW Post 1079, 500 Abbe Rd S, Elyria OH
We hosted an Iron n Ink Tattoo Party at the Elyria VFW as part of their Bike Night earlier this summer and we were so impressed by the location and folks we worked with, that we went ahead and added a BIKE SHOW to what might be their Bike Night Finale’! This is one of the best Bike Nights we’ve found this summer with games, giveaways, music, and vendors. It’s at a VFW so of course – it all goes to support local vets! DJ Ed, formerly of Quaker Steak & Lube, hosts the festivities and he does a great job of keeping things moving along.
March 31 – April 2, 2023 Cleveland I-X Center, pistonpowershow.com
Vehicle Registration is NOW OPEN for the Annual Piston Power Show in Cleveland. This is the largest indoor vehicle show in the world, and once again we will be hosting the motorcycle area. However, they are tightening things up and will only be featuring 32 motorcycles as part of the display – and they will be finalizing the selection process before the end of the year. So, if you’re interested in participating as an exhibitor – you need to get on the website and get your application in ASAP! And for everyone else, mark this one down on the calendar!
Register ONLINE at ThunderRoadsOhio.com for these Bike SHOWS and more!
INTERESTED IN HOSTING A RTR BIKE SHOW AT YOUR LOCATION IIN 2023?
We are currently reviewing locations and locking down dates for our 2023 Bike Show Series. For 2023, we are looking to expand the show throughout the Midwest, and we are considering NEW locations. We are looking to add both more local BIKE NIGHT SHOWS and more larger REGIONAL SHOWS. We are also considering adding 2 more of the CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS as part of regional motorcycle rallies. If you’re interested in hosting a show or having us produce a show as part of your event, email us TODAY for more information at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
THUNDER 2022 GENEVA
For more information, email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com and follow us online at ReasonsToRide.com
Situational Awareness for Concealed Carry
by Greg Ellifritz Now that most states have a process allowing citizens to legally carry concealed handguns, many of you may be carrying a firearm more frequently, or just starting to carry for the first time. A common mistake I see with a great number of my students is an obsessive focus on acquiring and carrying the “right” firearm and associated gear at the expense of neglecting more vital aspects of self defense. Carrying a dependable handgun and quality support equipment is certainly important, but when it comes to prevailing in a violent confrontation, having excellent situational awareness is much more critical. If you can observe the pre-attack indicators early enough, you may not even get a chance to use all that gear you have been obsessing over. Winning the confrontation before it starts is always the most prudent option. With that said, I would like to suggest a few drills that I use myself and teach my students. All of these exercises will work magic when it comes to making you more aware of your surroundings so that you can better diffuse or prepare for a criminal attack. The Awareness Game – I adapted this exercise from a similar one described in Jeff Cooper’s classic book "Principles of Personal Defense." When out in public, you will undoubtedly encounter people with whom you are familiar. You will see friends, neighbors, coworkers, and associates whom you recognize. If you are truly aware of your surroundings, you will notice their presence before they notice you. When a friend walks up behind you and taps you on the shoulder or calls your name before you are aware of his presence, you are not fully aware of what is happening in your environment. Track every encounter you have on a calendar. Give yourself one point for every time you notice an acquaintance before he or she notices you. Subtract ten points every time you fail to notice the presence of someone you know. If you are still in positive numbers after one month, you are doing well. Look for Something Unique – When you are moving about in public, pick some type of object to look for. Articles of clothing work very well. Try to find people wearing red hats, denim jackets, or gold necklaces as examples. This exercise will force you to notice everyone around you. For optimal effectiveness, look for something that men wear, because most violent criminals are male. Looking for items such as wristwatches or rings also works very well because it will force you to look at people’s hands, the place where weapons are held and attacks are generated. Commentary Driving – In the modern world, most of us spend far more time in our vehicles than we do walking. It is important that we not succumb to the tendency to see our cars as cocoons of steel and glass where we are completely isolated from the outside world. While it is sometimes comforting to turn up the music and become lost in our thoughts while driving, it is seldom safe to do so. A relatively high percentage of crimes are committed in or around vehicles. In order to maintain a high level of awareness when driving, I recommend an exercise called “commentary driving” as described in the book "Defensive Living" written by my friends Ed Lovette and Dave Spaulding. The exercise is simple. During your commute, take notice of your surroundings by forcing yourself to verbally describe everything that you see. Actually verbalize audibly what your eyes are seeing. It should sound something like: “There is a blue car on my left”… “The light is turning red”… “I see a man walking a dog on the right” and anything else you might notice. By putting words of description to your thoughts, you will process much more information than usual thereby making you more aware of your surroundings. I also find that this drill works well for keeping yourself awake on long nighttime drives. Escape Routes – In addition to being aware of the presence of potentially predatory individuals and groups, everyone should also be aware of all possible options for escaping violent attacks. Set the alarm on your watch or phone to ring at random times throughout the day. Whenever your alarm goes off, look around and determine the best way to escape if you were attacked at that moment. Over time you will have developed escape routes for almost every location you visit on a regular basis. With enough repetition you will begin to look for escape routes and areas of safety as a routine part of your day. Firearms trainer Tom Givens describes “awareness” as knowing who is around you and what those people are doing. That’s a simple and extremely useful definition. Instead of finding escape routes. you can use the same random alarm trick I mentioned above to ask yourself the “Givens Questions.” When your alarm goes off, look around and ask yourself “Who is around me and what are they doing?” If you can answer those questions, you have good situational awareness. These are only a few of the many exercises designed to increase awareness. There are dozens of others. Try one or all of them and be prepared to start seeing things as you have never seen them before. With diligent practice, you will be much more prepared in the event you are targeted for a criminal attack.
Greg Ellifritz is a retired firearms and defensive tactics training officer for a central Ohio police department. He holds instructor or master instructor certifications in more than 75 different weapon systems, defensive tactics programs and police specialty areas.
Greg has a master's degree in Public Policy and Management and is an instructor for both the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy and the Tactical Defense Institute.
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RECIPES
Oh ya, you read that right, MICHIGAN CHERRY MARGARITA!!
Makes 1
12 fresh sweet cherries, pitted 1-1/4 fl. oz. white tequila 1 fl. oz. fresh lime juice 3/4 fl. oz. agave nectar 1/2 fl. oz. cherry liqueur 1 fresh sweet cherry with stem, for garnish Put the cherries in a blender and purify till liquid (add a tbsp of water if needed) Pour cherry puree into a shaker Add the tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, cherry liqueur, and 8 large ice cubes. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Immediately strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the cherry
Have a recipe that you’d like to share? Write it all down and send with a picture – to ReasonsToRide@gmail.com Put RECIPE in the subject line. If we use it, we’ll send you copies of the magazines and a RTR T-Shirt – so include your address and t-shirt size as well! Thanks! Old School Stove Top Lasagna Serve 4 (or 2 hungry bikers) 1 pound ground beef 2 ¼ cups hot water ½ cup milk 1 ½ cups pasta (egg noodles, broken lasagna noodle, spiral pasta, etc) 1 cup diced tomatoes (I like the flavored ones by hunts) 1 tbsp corn starch 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp basil 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shred 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta) ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (optional)
Brown hamburger and drain off grease Add hot water, milk, noodle, corn starch, tomatoes, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar, stir well Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1220 minutes until pasta is tender Turn off heat, uncover, stir in cottage cheese, ½ cup mozzarella and let stand to thicken at least 5 minutes Serve with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top (and fresh herbs-optional) For more great recipes, visit www.facebook.com/TheBikerChicksKitchen
UP EVENTS NORTHEAST EVENTS CENTRAL EVENTS SOUTHERN EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS
10/09/22 10:00 AM Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet - Fall 2022
Paragon Promotion presents the 40th Annual Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show Buy, Sell or Swap Bikes, Parts, Leather, Accessories, Tools & More Food & Beer Available General Admission $9 per Adult 4 Mile Showplace 1020 Four Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Gill 800-800-6034 paragonleather@yahoo.com
10/15/22 10:00 AM 2nd Annual Pumkins in the Park Motorcycle Trunk n Treat
They loved Us last year and asked for more!!! Time to line the motorcycles up and hand out candy to those smiling little faces. Decorate your scoot for a chance to win some goodies!!! Can wait to see Everyone out again this year!!! Downtown Plainwell 131 S Main St, Plainwell 269-366-5272 ironaddictiondk@gmail.com
10/15/22 09:00 AM Wolverine Harley-Davidson: SWAP MEET
It's time for our Annual Fall Swap Meet! Bring your old riding gear, collectibles, or parts! We have plenty of spots available, call today to reserve yours! Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/15/22 10:00 AM Wolverine Harley-Davidson: TRUNK or TREAT, Trick or Treat, Trunk to Tour Pack!
All trunks are welcome to our Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Celebration. Decorate your car, truck, or motorcycle. The more, the spookier! We'll have door prizes, demo rides & the Jumpstart* (weather permitting), and a food truck on-site for Lunch! Invite your friends and family to this Trunkor-Treat Halloween Celebration! Trunk-or-Treating will start at NOON! Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
UP EVENTS NORTHEAST EVENTS CENTRAL EVENTS SOUTHERN EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS
10/09/22 10:00 AM Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet - Fall 2022
Paragon Promotion presents the 40th Annual Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show Buy, Sell or Swap Bikes, Parts, Leather, Accessories, Tools & More Food & Beer Available General Admission $9 per Adult 4 Mile Showplace 1020 Four Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Gill 800-800-6034 paragonleather@yahoo.com
10/15/22 10:00 AM 2nd Annual Pumkins in the Park Motorcycle Trunk n Treat
They loved Us last year and asked for more!!! Time to line the motorcycles up and hand out candy to those smiling little faces. Decorate your scoot for a chance to win some goodies!!! Can wait to see Everyone out again this year!!! Downtown Plainwell 131 S Main St, Plainwell 269-366-5272 ironaddictiondk@gmail.com
10/15/22 09:00 AM Wolverine Harley-Davidson: SWAP MEET
It's time for our Annual Fall Swap Meet! Bring your old riding gear, collectibles, or parts! We have plenty of spots available, call today to reserve yours! Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/15/22 10:00 AM Wolverine Harley-Davidson: TRUNK or TREAT, Trick or Treat, Trunk to Tour Pack!
All trunks are welcome to our Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Celebration. Decorate your car, truck, or motorcycle. The more, the spookier! We'll have door prizes, demo rides & the Jumpstart* (weather permitting), and a food truck on-site for Lunch! Invite your friends and family to this Trunkor-Treat Halloween Celebration! Trunk-or-Treating will start at NOON! Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
UP EVENTS NORTHEAST EVENTS CENTRAL EVENTS SOUTHERN EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS
10/15/22 10:00 AM Wolverine Harley-Davidson: 20th Anniversary Celebration
CELEBRATE 20 YEARS of WOLVERINE H-D Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/16/22 11:00 AM ABATE of Michigan, REG 12 - 7th Annual Fall Colors Run
Fall color motorcycle ride starting at VerHage fruit farms in Kalamazoo with three stops. Ride ending at Happy's Landing restaurant and bar. There will be smoked brisket and pulled pork available at Happy's landing and a new maple apple hard cider on tap from Corey lake orchards! VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider Mill 8619 W. ML Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
10/21/22 06:00 PM Leathernecks MC Harrison - BIKE NIGHT
Come on out and support your LOCAL LEATHERNECKS! Leathernecks MC Harrison Clubhouse 16 S. Clare Ave, Harrison MI 48625 231-838-5152
10/30/22 10:00 AM Kalamazoo Motorcycle Swap Meet - Fall 2022
Paragon Promotion presents the 49th Annual Kalamazoo Motorcycle Swap Meet in 2022 Buy, Sell or Swap Bikes, Parts, Leather, Accessories, Tools & More Food & Beer Available General Admission $10 per Adult Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Gill 800-800-6034 paragonleather@yahoo.com
11/02/22 07:00 PM Pit Stop Bible Study
PitStop Bible Study is our weekly time of prayer, worship, and Study of God's Word - the Bible. Victory Biker Church 12190 Miller Rd, Lennon, MI 48449 810-271-0002 info@victorybikerchurch.org
11/06/22 11:00 AM Kickstart Sunday Service
KickStart Sunday Service is our weekly Sunday morning worship service at Victory Biker Church International. Victory Biker Church 12190 Miller Rd, Lennon, MI 48449 810-271-0002 info@victorybikerchurch.org
11/04/22 06:00 PM Leathernecks MC Harrison: BURGER NITE
Come on out and support your LOCAL LEATHERNECKS! Leathernecks MC Harrison Clubhouse 16 S. Clare Ave, Harrison MI 48625 231-838-5152
11/12/22 06:00 PM Leathernecks MC Harrison: USMC BIRTHDAY BALL
Come on out and support your LOCAL LEATHERNECKS! Leathernecks MC Harrison Clubhouse 16 S. Clare Ave, Harrison MI 48625 231-838-5152
WHY TRICK-OR-TREATING IS BETTER THAN SEX
10. Guaranteed to get at least a little something in the sack. 9. If you get tired, wait 10 minutes and go at it again. 8. The uglier you look, the easier it is to get some. 7. You don’t have to compliment the person who gave you candy. 6. Its OK when the person you’re with fantasizes you’re someone else, because you ARE someone else. 5. 40 years from now, you’ll still enjoy candy. 4. If you don’t get what you want, you can always go next door. 3. Doesn’t matter if kids hear you moaning and groaning. 2. Less guilt the next morning. AND.... 1. You can do the whole neighborhood!!!
Son: “What are you going to be for Halloween dad?” Me: “Drunk” Son: “What’s mom gonna be?” Me: “Mad”
BECAUSE EVERYONE NEEDS A GOOD LAUGH NOW AND THEN...
A woman, whose husband often came home drunk, decided to cure him of the habit. One Halloween night, she put on a devil suit and hid behind a tree to intercept him on the way home. When her husband came by, she jumped out and stood before him with her red horns, long tail, and pitchfork. “Who are you?” he asked. “I’m the Devil!” she responded. “Well, come on home with me,” he said, “I married your sister!” What do Thanksgiving and Halloween have in common? One has gobblers, the other goblins.
What is a pumpkin’s favorite sport? Squash
E U W S T M I S D O C C U L T J N A R U I E R P E G X A E Q M X C I A A R H V H T O L P E T S D H N I A I O R T N R Q I M E J C A N T U P P G I U B Q M L E O T N L H P S H L P A S A P P A R I T I O N O B A P H K T S S S Z C E W B S O R O O R M Y H R T U Q D Y T G A S N D Z X N N I L B O G R B N S I P O L T E R G E I S T O O E A N M O T N A H P F O N H R S Q A R E T C E P S U Q T S M S X U N E A R T H L Y I F M A E G F G V Y W Q P L H D U Q L D A
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MONTHLY WINNER:
Floyd Decamp
