Thunder Roads LA Magazine by Donna Boudloche

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

May 2017 Volume 14 Issue 5

STAFF SGT. CRYSTAL CRUZ US MARINE CORPS VETERAN

LOUISIANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

CONTENT Publisher Operations Creative Advisor Creative Designer/Art Director Contributing Photographers Contributing Writers Legal Columnist/Advisor/Biker Feature Columnists

ANDREW Publisher 504-606-9525 Andres21jurgen@ gmail.com

RENEE JENNIFER DUGAN Co-Publisher Communications Operations Manager Manager 504-234-4032 thunderroadsla reneethunderroads jenn@gmail.com la@gmail.com

Andrew & Renee Renee Andrew Donna Boudloche Prosperie Andrew, Clarke Jones, Jerry Forstater Benton Lovoy, Paster Terry “T” Lobell, Jennifer Dugan Glenn McGovern, Injury Attorney Richard Lester, Happy Horton

DONNA PROSPERIE Creative Designer Graphic Artist

CLARKE JONES Photographer elguapocousteau @gail.com

SANDRA NICHOLS Sales 318-963-1748

Motorcycle Friendly Directory................................5 Hard Tail Harry’s................ ........................................6 Patriots Corner and Patriot Tour..............................8 Helping Children of Domestic Violence...................9 2017 Events...............................................................10 Thunder Cam............................................................12 We’d Eat Dat.............................................................13 Maritime Biker..........................................................14 Bullet Points..............................................................16 One Year at The Lamplighter..................................17 Calendar....................................................................18 Lipstick Rider ............................................................20 Ride Card...................................................................22 Lights, CLutch, Full Throttle ...................................24 Tech Tips...................................................................26 Glenn McGovern .....................................................27 Been to the Hole? ...................................................28 NCOM........................................................................30 Jokers Wild ...............................................................33 Hororing Your Memory .........................................34 Pastors Corner .........................................................34

Letter from the Publishers Here we are in May, and already so many benefits, poker runs, and bike nights! We are getting bombarded here with invitations to go to so many things around the state. We have a volunteer staff that loves this magazine and the biker community and they will come out to wherever they can. There is just so many of us to go around. But if you will look on our staff page and see who is listed in your area, all you have to do is contact them via email and I promise you these amazing people will try to come to your event to cover it for the magazine. But you can always send in your photos and information about your event and we will do our best to get it in. Also, do not forget to go to the Louisiana Thunder Run pages and check and see if you won for the month of April. If you do not have a FREE thunder run card just check the map for a location nearest you. We added 3 more places this month to register or to check in. Until next time, our goal is to inform and entertain you. If you have any suggestions how we can improve please feel free to send us a message on our website or our face book page! Make sure you thank our military, veterans, fire, and rescue services for their service and sacrifice. And remember where there are bikes, there is thunder~!

Andrew and Renee

R.I.P. to all our brothers and sisters who lost the ride. CHASIDY BEASLEY NATE TEMPLETON HAPPY HORTON Feature Writer Model Coordinator Tech Tip Writer

JERRY FORSTATER DINA DUPRE Contributing Writer Lipstick Rider dina.moore@icloud.com mrs.b13@hotmail.com nathankt79@gmail.com jmhorton681yahoo.com thearmednovelist@hotmail.om Sales Manager

STEVE DUPRE Maritime Biker

BENTON LOVOI Patriots Corner

captstevetrmla@gmail.com

SALES

TODD DIXON Sales 318-417-0658

Statewide Sales Manager Renee | reneethunderroadsla@gmail.com 504-234-4032 Southeast LA Houma/Thibodeaux District Sales Manager Rod “Rodster” Ordoyne | rodsterdean@yahoo.com 985-665-4323 New Orleans/West Bank/Baton Rouge/Denham Springs Jerry Forstater | trlaunclejerry@yahoo.com 504-231-0266 Central LA/Alexandria Jennifer Dugan | thunderroadslajenn@gmail.com 318-461-5618 Shreveport/Bossier City Sandra Nichols | thunderroadssandra@gmail.com 318-963-1748 Monroe/West Monroe Todd Dixon | shriner.lasso@gmail.com 318-417-0658 Lafayette John Swiney | 337-308-2170 Houma Mark Hebert | 985-855-0502

BRODY KENNEN Bullet Points Writer

ROD ORDOYNE Sales Manager 985-665-4323

MARK HEBERT Sales 985-855-0502

DISTRIBUTORS

JOHN & BECKY Sales

337-308-2170

Cover Story

NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon

1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Thunder Publishing, LLC Offices: 615-792-0040 e-mail:thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com / www.thunderroadsmagazine.com © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

Special Thanks & Contributors First and foremost we would like to express our sincere thanks to our advertisers and sponsors without whom this magazine could not exist. To all of our faithful readers who provide us with their stories and information every month. Please keep them coming! Thanks to our facebook followers that post the cool pictures. To all of our contributors that help make all of our special photo shoots and charitable events a success. And a special shout out of love to our beautiful Louisiana Ladies that model for us every month for our readers viewing pleasure! Your grace, beauty, style and class are priceless to our magazine!

If you are a new reader to Thunder Roads Louisiana Magazine, please note that we are not a political magazine yet we are pro-constitution. I want to take this opportunity to apologize for a mistake that was made in our April issue cover story. We mentioned our male model Franky McKinley who served in the US Marines and the word Marine was not capitalized. Sorry for that. Now I’d like to introduce our cover girl for this month. I’m very proud to show off another Marine who served 8 years in our armed forces. Miss Crystal Cruz spent months in Iraq and was assigned many other duties throughout her time as a Marine. We are very happy and proud to know this beautiful and classy lady and thank her deeply for her service in the United States Marine Corp. She continues to serve our veterans by working at the VA Hospital in New Orleans Louisiana. We hope that all of you show your appreciation to her. Thank you to Jeff Heitkemper for allowing us to shoot his 1995 Harley Heritage Nostalgia. Great bike, great guy, and great photo shoot at Whitey’s Fishing Hole in Marrero where bike nights are Thursdays.

MOTORCYCLE FRIENDLY DIRECTORY FAVORITE WATERING HOLE bayou thunder saloon 1910 market street shreveport, la (318) 848-7732

Whitey’s Fishing Hole 1026 Ave A, Marrero, LA Happy Hour Daily 12-6

Big Shine’s Pool and Darts 1401 East Tunnel Blvd., Houma, LA (985) 746-5830

Glenn McGovern, Injury Attorney Motorcycle Rider/Racing Metairie, LA (504) 456-3610 or (800) 721-3992

Blue Moon 100 N. Willow Street Lockport, LA Open 7 days a week The Blvd Bar of Metairie 2301 n causeway blvd (next to Holiday Inn) mETAIRIE, la (504) 834-7979 “Where no one is a stranger” $2 Tuesdays DMACS BAR AND GRILL 542 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY NEW ORLEANS, LA brewster’s hideaway 3225 lisa drive Metairie, la (504) 667-1957 huge outside patio the hideout night club 126 n. hollywood road houma, la., (985) 872-0657 adults only / motorcycle parking Jo-Jo’s Sunset lounge 2971 Hwy 182, SUNSET, LA (337) 662-5634 Free food every sun

Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

MOTORCYCLE ATTORNEYS

Law offices of Richard M. Lester 24 hrs. 1-800-531-2424

MOTORCYCLE dealerships Blue Bayou Harley Davidson 6200 Frontage Rd., Monroe, LA (318) 343-1650

Cajun Harley Davidson 724 I-10 South Frontage Rd. Scott, LA 70583 (337) 289-3030 Mike Bruno’s Northshore Harley Davidson 791 W. I-10 Service Rd., Slidell, LA (985) 641-5100 Indian of Houma Performance Power Sports 1816 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houma, LA (985) 876-7610 Indian motorcycles of New Orleans 10567 Airline Dr., St. Rose, LA (504) 305-5436

The Lamplighter lounge 1906 N MLK Hwy, Lake Charles, LA (337) 602-6187 Home Of The Oldest Bike Night In Lake Charles

Indian of shreveport & baton rouge 2529 EAST 70TH STREET, SHREVEPORT (318) 317-4025 11720 ARLINE HWY., BATON ROUGE (225) 384-5449

pIER 90 10093 HWY 90, LULING, LA MARINA AND BIKE PARKING (504) 436-9060

Lake Charles Harley Davidson 2120 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA (337) 436-0022 “The oldest Dealership in the State”

The Place (985) 804-1415 508 Coulon Rd., Thibodaux ”Where Friends Meet”

New Orleans Harley Davidson 6015 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA join our text club! nolahd to 686831

Plaisance Bar Pratt Street & Wb Expressway Smallest Bike Night on the WestBank (504) 366-7913

Renegade Harley Davidson 2030 North Mall Drive, Alexandria, LA (318) 319-2981

SERVICE • SALES • ACCESSORIES bourbon street harley davidson 235 bourbon street new orleans, la (504) 293-1820 retail harley gear

Eaglerider of New Orleans 2830 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 821-9575 HARD TAIL HARRY’S ROD & CYCLE 212 23RD STREET, KENNER, LA CUSTOM BUILD & SERVICE (504) 655-7230 Magnificent Monograms 9788 florida blvd suite B walker, la., (225) 380-1093 home of stitch’s place mANY’S cOLLISION cENTER 905 HWY 171 bYPASS mANY, LA (318) 508-1541 Mike’s Motorcycle Detailing 165 Saint Bridget Drive, Schriever, LA (985) 446-7300 or (985) 637-3069 Affordable prices sTATE INSPECTION STATION & RECYCLING 8850 hESS LN DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (225) 665-8004 CELL (225) 241-3779 CALL FOR AFTERHOURS APPOINTMENT voodoo harley davidson 812 decatur street new orleans, la., (504) 561-0263 voodoo harley gear

CHURCHES

Amazing Grace Motorcycle Ministry Biker Church Thursdays-7pm 3830 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA Church in The Wind Ministries “Where your bike is your pew (225) 362-9125

PHYSICIANS

Edgar L Feinberg II 855 Belanger Street, Houma, LA 70360 (985) 850-6222 Biker Friendly • Biker Owned

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

custom bike builders

If you have a Harley they have a motto: “If you ride a Harley there is no such thing as too old”. Whether it’s a Twincam, Evo, Shovelhead, or Panhead, they got you covered! Come by and visit. If you can dream it, they can build it. check out their showroom and shop! 6

Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

Hold on boys, there is a new game in town. These guys aren’t playing either! Hard Tail Harry’s Rod & Cycle blew in from the windy city of Chicago. The owners have family here and wanted to come home to share their talents with us. Hard tail Harry’s specializes in Harley Davidson motorcycle maintenance, repair, and customization. Between them they have over 25 years experience and master level certifications. They say if you are tired of paying dealership prices, or being without your bike for weeks at a time while it is being repaired, then come by. Simple maintenance should not be so long and drawn out like some places do. They can handle simple oil changes, tires, and brakes on the spot while you wait. (See their ad this page) www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

PATRIOTS CORNER The opinion in this article does not necessarily represent Thunder Roads Magazine or its staff. This is mainly my opinion and of course those that agree with me. Well folks the U.S. recently dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb ever on Afghanistan, the bomb was called MOAB. All I can say is “it’s about time”. This is what you do when you decide to win a war. When you are a leader of a country who is sick of being pushed around by third world garbage dumps. ISIS got what they have needed for a long time. Why did this happen now you ask? Why didn’t we do this a long time ago? Well, this is just my American opinion, but I think it has something to do with getting the Muslim out of office and putting an American in office. If we keep fighting to win, less of our troops will get injured or killed. Government has put our troops in the line of fire for too long and now it looks like we have an American with the will to win in office. While I’m not real happy with bombing Russia, a country that has as much or now more nuclear weapons than us since this last administration screwed the military. Now we need to keep going after the garbage with a will to win. I hope soon to get to interview some of our local heroes. I do believe for every Veteran who serves, that one trained vet saves many lives. For one man or woman who serves, someone in the U.S. lives. I believe God puts Doctors in place, Teachers in place, Nurses in place, and Warriors in place. Without our heroes, Warriors, Veterans whatever label you want to give our veterans, we don’t live as we do. Too many people do not understand what these young men and women are doing. Just know, without them doing what they do you

can’t do what you do. So next time you see a vet thank them and maybe sneak off and pay for their dinner. Many of our vets have a tough time coming home. My opinion is the amount of adrenalin they go through daily and then there sent home and daily jobs are just jobs. Adrenalin doesn’t shut off. Adrenalin becomes an addiction and to go to a regular job tightening bolts on an automobile or putting a letter in a mailbox just don’t cut it for many of our returning combat troops. To who ever decided to drop the huge bomb, (President Trump) thank you? I only hope you continue to choose to win, continue to do what it takes to get our Troops home. God bless our troops, God bless America. Let MOAB be heard around the world that America is back and no more bowing, no more apologizing, no more taking crap from third world crap holes. American Patriot, American Veteran Benton Lovoi

HELPING CHILDREN

OF DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE

Due to the increase in numbers that domestic violence shelters have been experiencing in the state of Louisiana and elsewhere in the U.S., so has the number of children residents increased. About 90% of the time, these shelters depend on charities and private donations to keep their doors open and their patrons safe from the harm from their abusers. Many times, the children are lost in the cracks, and have to re adjust to life in these shelters. And most of the biker community steps up to help at Christmas, but not so much at Easter. One local Louisiana business owner has stepped up and just completed her 4th annual Easter For Children of Domestic Violence Poker run…Mrs. Debbie Manning owns The Blvd Bar in Metairie, and her heart is intertwined with the victims of domestic violence. I am not going to share with you the location for their safety, but it is located on the West bank of New Orleans. It is called “Beyond the Veil” and its director Ms. Pat was so overjoyed at all of the supplies purchased to feed and house the women and children there that she cried. You see this shelter has NO state or government funding. It is run strictly on donations. We would like to thank all of the bikers that came out and supported this, also to the bars participating! Pier90, Hollywood’s Swamp Shack, Bewsters Hideaway, The Pour House Saloon, and of course to The Blvd. Bar. Thank you to the following: Celebrity guest bartenders, Aaron Fellhoelter, Chasidy Beasley, DJ-Bert, and to the donators of door prizes and auction items, New Orleans Harley Davidson, Keith and Russell-AMA/Lucky Coin, Ron’s Gumbo Stop, Mary Croll, Black Jacks Bar n Grill, Brian Long, Peggy McBeth, Republic Liquor-Todd St. Pierre, Crescent Crown-Robbie Ardeneaux, Southern Glazer-Patrick, Ross Dugid from Scotland, The Holiday Inn on Causeway Blvd, Metairie, to Tahan and staff there. And last but not least Thunder Roads Louisiana Magazine for being our auctioneer and doing our photo shoot, and co sponsoring this event. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND NEEDS HELP PLEASE CALL 504 259-4844. 8

Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

2017 EVENTS MAY 2ND

MAY 13TH

MAY 4TH

MAY 13TH

ABATE OF LA NORTHWEST CHAPTER Now held at @ 7pm Bossier City Harley-Davidson 2225 Autoplex Dr., Bossier City, LA BIKE NIGHT @ 6pm Bossier City Harley-Davidson 2225 Autoplex Dr., Bossier City, LA

MAY 5TH

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BENEFIT (Arkansas) In honor of Duke Landry Dodson Anthony Frank RV Park 301 Church Springhill, LA BENEFIT FOR DOT BROWN Starts @ Pit Stop in Elizabeth, LA Registration 9-10am $25 per vehicle Info: Kim Cloud @ (318) 447-4026

MAY 13TH

CONFEDERATES MOTORCYCLE CLUB ANNUAL SPRING BLOWOUT 20550 La. 9 Arcadia, LA. Info: Glenn @ (318) 523-8079 or eightyhorses@hotmail.com

CVMA 6-5 $1,000 PAYOUT FUN RUN “VETS HELPING VETS” CVMA 6-5 NELA 1624 Park Loop, Bastrop, LA

MAY 5TH, 6TH, 7TH

MAY 13TH

GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE Sulphur, LA

MAY 6TH

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY American Eagle Harley Davidson 9am to 4pm Cornith, Texas

MAY 6TH

4TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH ROUNDUP AND CAR/BIKE SHOW Charlies Cage and Catering 9am to 10pm 12805 Hwy 171, Mansfield, LA

MAY 6TH

CRUISING FOR A CURE RELAY FOR LIFE POKER RUN Ice Hamilton Expo Center West Monroe Registration @ 11am Info: contact Crystal @ (318) 366-2830

MAY 11TH

BIKE NIGHT AND BIKINI BIKE WASH Thursday night bike night’ Live Music, Food and Bikinis! Whitey’s Fishing Hole 1026 Ave A. Marrerro, LA

20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY EXTRAVAGANZA All Day Event! Prizes & Giveaways Free food - Drinks - Cake! CLAY LOGAN BAND 10AM-1PM BIG TWIN 2PM-5PM Bossier City Harley-Davidson 2225 Autoplex Dr., Bossier City, LA

MAY 13TH

ALL DAY BIKE DAY Bike Night 3pm till - Food & Drink Specials Photo Shoots w/ Bikes & Babes Bike wash, 50/50 Live music by DIS DAT & D’UDDA Pier 90 Bar & Marina 10093 Hwy 90, Luling

MAY 15-21ST

THE CRATER RALLY EAST TEXAS BIKE WEEK $1000 Poker Run - Bike Games - Camping Live Music - 18 Bands - Cash Prizes - 21+ www.bikerblowoutproductions.com Book: 903-898-272 Vendors: 832-768-4349 Durango’s Canyon 1039 FM 1798 W, Mount Enterprise, TX

10 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

MAY 20TH

BIKES & BABES BASH Modeling Contest with cash prizes Vintage Bike Show - Live Music, Food and Bikini Wash - Proceeds for T-Rob & Tammy Bayou Thunder Saloon 1910 Market Street, Shreveport, LA

MAY 20TH

100 MILE RIDE & A.N.T.S. RALLY Scots All American Cycles Bossier City $10 entry. Info: New Guy (318) 820-4197 or RiverCitiesBACA@yahoo.com

MAY 21ST

BIKER BLUESY BRUNCH Biker Brunch & Bloody Marys! 8AM - 12PM Live Blues @ 10am Micheal Pearce Charity for local fire dept. dmac’s Bar & Grill 542 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy. New Orleans, LA 70119

MAY 25-27TH

TALEMENA RALLY Wyndam Gardens (Rally Site) N.State Line Ave., Texarkana, AR-TX (903) 276-6884

MAY 26-29TH

MEET ON THE CREEK MOTORCYCLE RALLY Silver Creek Campground, Mt. Herman, LA

JUNE 3RD

RIDE TO THE SON IV “GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHER” FREE Motorcycle Rally Neutral Ground - All bikes Welcome! FREE Registration, police escorted ride, church service theme, lunch & door prizes! Journey Church 2900 Donahue Ferry Rd, Pineville, LA

JUNE 10TH

KEY DYKES 1ST ANNUAL MC’S AGAINST CANCER Anything goes Cook-Off - Vendor Booths 50/50 Raffle - Auction - Music - games Bikes - Cages - Big Rigs Braggin Contest 9AM-5PM info: Jason Lirette 985-226-5161 Larose Civic Center 307 E 5th Street, Larose, LA 70373 www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

THUNDER CAM RYAN, KIM & LIZZY

ANDREW & FUROCIOUS PUPPY

RYAN

JOHNATHAN & JENNY LYONS

BILLY WILLIAMSON FOUNDER 2 MILLION BIKERS TO D.C.

MARK JESSIE JAMES TAILLITE T-LYNN HEBERT RAYMOND

ROB & CASS

TIMMY BURGER

SHANNA MENARD

TINY & SHORTY

WHO IS DAT?

12 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

We’d Eat dat outlaws crawfish and shrimp By: Sandra Nichols

pinch it, peel it, eat it...

It’s that time of the year again, yes sir, I am talking about crawfish season. Now is the best time to get premium sized crawfish at your local establishment. A few weeks back my husband and I were invited to go to dinner with some family at a fairly new establishment in East Texas. Both of us being born and raised in Louisiana, when we hear of crawfish in Texas we think “yeah this is not going to be good”. We agreed to meet family members at “OUTLAWS CRAWFISH and SHRIMP” in Longview. As soon as we pulled up you could smell the savory crawfish cooking. Derek and Phaedra opened the establishment on March 2nd, and have sold out everyday since. We enjoyed the spicy special with 5lbs of crawfish, 1lb of shrimp, corn, potatoes and mushrooms. When I say that the spice was perfect, I mean it was perfect. We also had some of their boudin and tamales that were amazing. These East Texans know how to boil some crawfish. I spoke with Derek the owner and operator of the location. It is a family owned and operated establishment and they have high school kids helping them out with service. When you walk into the rustic tin building you find many of his stuffed animals hanging or sitting around that either him or his family members have made trophies. They have an inside and covered outside seating area along with a fire pit in the back. On the weekends you can find a fire in the pit and after all is sold everyone just hangs around the fire and chats and have a good time. Derek stated that once the season has passed they will remain open and continue cooking for everyone to come out and relax and have fun. I personally have not been anywhere recently that you can go have dinner with family and friends and just relax in the family atmosphere that we found at this place. If you are ever in the East Texas area I highly recommend you stop in and take a load off, visit for a while and have some supper with them. You can find them on facebook at OUTLAWS CRAWFISH and SHRIMP (Longview, TX).

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

Maritime Biker By: Captain Steve

WZUP guys! How are my brother’s doing? Me, working as usual… Would much rather be home riding with this awesome weather... First off, I would like to give a big shout out to a Maritime Biker brother and a Lipstick Rider sister. Congratulations to James and Anna Cole, who recently tied the knot April 15th! Next on the agenda... This month’s maritime biker hails from the great southern part of Louisiana... Casey Forbes has gone from troubled teen, (we all can relate) to an established boat captain. At the ripe age of 35, Casey has worked his way up the ladder, trying to be the best he can be... Whether it is being the greatest father to his 3 kids, the best friend a person could have, or the best boat captain he can be... Casey gives his all! He is currently building an 87 fat boy from bottom up. Nothing like creating your own scoot… Good luck with the build my brother… When not at work, you can usually find Casey at one of the many watering holes of south Louisiana. Chilin like a villain … There’s Casey’s story, keep the Thunder rollin and tell me yours! If you would like to be featured as a Maritime Biker send me pics of your bike, boat, barge or rig with a story about what you do and what you ride for to captstevetrmla@ gmail.com and each month we pay homage to a hard working Maritime Biker! Life’s a Hitch, so keep working hard and keep the shiny side up!

WE ARE THE OLDEST DEALERSHIP IN THE STATE ALWAYS FRIENDLY NEVER PUSHY Of

Lake Charles Louisiana

Can’t Get The Correct Diagnosis For Your Bike’s Problem? We Have Years Of Technical Experience To Help You. 2120 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA., 70601 337.436.0022 14 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

BULLET POINTS ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY: BRODY KENNEN

ONE YEAR AT THE LAMPLIGHTER!

SIG SAUER’S P320 The SIG-Sauer P320 is probably the most searched of firearms on Google and the most popular handgun on the market right now. I don’t believe that there are many who would disagree with that statement. Make no mistake, the P320 was popular before the 9mm SIG PS20 Full Size U.S. Army concluded their Modular Handgun System program and named the striker-fired SIG the winner. The key word there – and stone cold fact – being during strings of controlled-fire. The top-heavy modular. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to nature of the P320 helped reduce muzzle flip borrow a full-size 9mm P320 from a friend recently. while firing. In tandem with an even amount of I must say; this SIG platform continues to leave an pressure, applied to the trigger, I could form some impression on me. I have had the opportunity to fire accurate groups with the handgun. I would string several 9mm Compacts and one .45 ACP Compact, in the group if I didn’t pay attention to the pressures. Unlike the P229 that I run, the P320 practically the past. The P320 is defined by its modularity. The Fire threw magazines clear of the well when reloading. Control Unit [FCU] is the serialized component Depending on the reload drill, it was clear of the (the “firearm”, per the ATF) which allows for the well by the time the next magazine was in; or it frame and slide components to be sold without was firmly and deeply planted in the palm, to be the need for an FFL transfer. Comparatively, a retained in a dump pouch or the magazine carrier. There are a couple of points to mention though. Glock is serialized in three places: slide, barrel and frame. This platform simplicity is likely one of the The Glock sights are still factory and it is almost biggest factors to the Army’s decision on Beretta M9 universally agreed that they are the worst factory replacement, over the Glock. Essentially, two Glocks sights on the market. Furthermore, the P320’s would be purchased for every individual soldier trigger was modified by the owner. The factory, due to the lack of a standalone FCU – as the Army single-piece curved trigger was replaced with a wanted both a full- and compact-sized offering. GrayGuns Practical Enhanced Leverage Trigger [PELT However, this statement is based on my own – Straight], and the factory springs were retained. assumption that Glock’s MHS variant is not radically The GrayGuns trigger looks very much like the future different from either the current Generation-4 X-Series trigger. The P320’s stock trigger is curved models or the recently seen, law enforcement- with a slightly longer take-up before the break, but deployed “Generation-Ms”. I will mention that it is smoother than most others. The P320 forgoes the closest thing to the MHS P320, that you can the trigger safety mechanism with internal safeties. purchase, is a P320 RX slide and a separately Several safety options can be purchased: a tabbed purchased Massachusetts-compliant frame for the trigger, the magazine disconnect safety and buying manual-safety feature – and it still won’t be a 1-to- a ban-state compliant manual safety model. The frame of the P320 handgun is where it 1 match. Compared to the older P220 lines of SIGs, the excelled, by a fair margin, over other brands. P320 has a more refined aggressiveness about it. The grip angle was more natural overall and the This is due to the simple striker-fired design. The reduction of the palm swell felt more comfortable P320 is less busy to the eyes, but it retains the – versus the Glock frame. The texture of the grip is old-school, signature SIG slide-cuts with a less pleasantly subtle, but planting the hands felt nicer prominent beaver-tail. The slide is mounted up on the platform. The controls, sights and beavertail higher, in typical SIG-Sauer fashion, than on the stand out prominently. When anchoring my index Glock and it felt top-heavy. That did not hinder the finger and thumb, utilizing a combat grip on a shooting of the SIG. In fact, I shot better groups Glock, I would place them in the takedown recesses 16 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

ED FRAMPTON JOHN & BECKY - OWNERS

MODEL: SHANNA MENARD BIKE OWNER: JONATHAN LYONS

9mm SIG P320 Compact FDE on a Glock. The SIG’s takedown lever is an external swing-arm on the left side and offers a nice shelf for right handed users to put downward pressure on, but it doesn’t work for left-handed shooters. The SIG gets a bonus for forward charging serrations on the slide, for ease in press-checks. Glock finally addressed this control with 2017 G17 and G19 FS models, this April. After returning my friend’s full-sized P320 to him and shooting another P320 Compact, I simply couldn’t stand it anymore. I went hunting that next Monday and found exactly what I was looking for. I do not know what it is with the FDE-colored models’ following me home recently… I will write an official review on the compact that I bought soon. If you would like to see more firearms related material, then visit www.thearmednovelist.com. Questions or comments? Email: thisistheline3@gmail.comgmail.com

The Lamplighter If you ride a bike in Lake Charles, chances are you were at the one year anniversary party with the new owners at the oldest biker friendly bar in the area. Becky Ramsey and John Swiney threw one heck of a party and we joined in the celebration. Shawn and Meaux entertained us with some awesome rock music and Stacy and Janet served up the cold beers and drinks all night. One of the reasons this night was so special is because of the incredible people that were there. This place is the only biker friendly bar that I have been too recently that welcomes everyone, and where everyone patches or no patch, biker, or not a biker, collectively came together and had a great time! That was an awesome spread of eats and the champagne toast at midnight was better than my recent New Year’s celebrations. Thanks to our newest sweetheart, Ms.Shanna Menard came in from Orange Texas to pose on some bikes for the guys, and she posed for us too ( featured here) on Jonathan Lyons 2009 Night Rod Special that he had brought over just for us! Thank you to everyone that came out for the celebration, and if you haven’t been there in the last year, you should really go check it out since new owners, Becky and John are running the show…Don’t forget to sign up for your free La. thunder run card while you are there too! www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

Sunday

Tuesday

21 22

(off-site) Sponsorship

Carter House Donation

Monday

Wednesday

BIKE TRADE FEST !!

May 2017

Model: Jami Dare Bike owner: Aaron Heitkemper 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster Photographer: Clarke Jones

18 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

Live Music, FREE Beer, Cash Prizes @ NEW ORLEANS HARLEY DAVIDSON

Thursday

RIDE OUT TO PIER 90

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

Saturday

FREE BURGERS & BEER

Annual Crawfish

(off-site) Sponsorship

19 Coast Guard Ball 20

(Exclusive Event, Ticket Give Away/Sponsorship)

Friday

THUNDER ROADS

LIPSTICK RIDER CAROLINE “CALI-CAT” MODENBACH

Happy Spring Time!!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! The weather is getting nicer and bikes will be out everywhere so remind everyone you know to look twice and save a life! Always remember someone’s family is waiting for that Biker to come home... With the weather getting better there will be plenty of benefits for needy children and families going on soon. Have you ever thought about the size of the heart of the person who volunteers their time, effort, money and love into putting together these benefits?? Our next Lipstick Rider has a heart bigger than Texas! Stemming all the way back from teachings she learned in Catholic school, she grew up believing that helping the needy was just the right thing to do. Caroline “Cali-Cat” Modenbach has given herself to countless charities, benefits, and toy drives over the years including working through Faith Christian Fellowship doing Santa Claus for low income families, raffles for mission trips and church repairs, or scooting around on a Sunday Funday, to get out and ride and give back to the community, lending her hand to local benefits... Cali had told me “Bikers will do anything to help anyone. It’s so much more than just helping our own kind. Our heart hurts so much for the poor and helpless.” Thanks Cali for all you do, for having a heart the size of Texas and believing that one person can make a difference! That’s what I call a true Lipstick Rider! So there’s Caroline’s story, tell me yours! If you would like to be featured as one of our Badass Lipstick Riders, just send me your story, some of your favorite photo’s and info on your bike to to lipstick.rider.trmla@gmail.com and let your story be told. Till Next Month, Dina Anne Dupre

20 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

GET YOUR LOUISIANA THUNDER RUN CARD AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE

We will be adding stops to the list below, so check our facebook page @ Louisiana Thunder Run for participating businesses, or at our website @ ThunderRoadsLouisiana.org

MOTORCYCLE PROMOTION

22 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

1 2

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M-F 10am-7pm Sat 9a-5p, Sun 11a-4p Tue - Fri 9-5 Sat 9-6 Closed Sun & Mon

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12 noon to 12 midnight

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Noon till

2 for 1 with card

Lamplighter Lounge

The BLVD BAR

The Hideout Bar

Hollywood’s Swamp Shack

Black Jacks Bar n Grill

Whitey’s Fishing Hole

LA Smokehouse

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10am till 11am - 2 am 10am-till 7 days a week M-Th 11am-8pm Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

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www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

LIGHTS,CLUTCH,FULLTHROTTLE

The state capital raceway

BY: JENN (RED) DUGAN

Jennifer Dugan and Billy Doherty Richard Wagner and Tatar Gilmore, along with a group of fellow racers joined together in 1985 to create the world’s last standing association of American made, v twin based motorcycle drag racing. In 2000, the AMRA was purchased by Marty and Jayne VandenHeuvel of Ironman Racing and with the help of Rich Wagner they’ve been bringing us the world’s best racers and kick ass nitro infused drag racing ever since.

The State Capital Raceway in Baton Rouge held the first race of the 2017 season and if you missed it, you missed an action-packed weekend. The racers started the weekend with many obstacles to hurdle early on. With bad rain and fog battling to take the track, the need for speed faced mother nature head on but the skies cleared and the racers were hitting the lanes. We were promised a complete weekend full of entertainment and we got exactly that. And for some the track showed us just how crucial it could be. With tons of mishaps on and off the track this weekend definitely showed us who wanted it the most and this year the females dominated the race track as they came out to show everyone that racing isn’t just for men. This is Cy Arcement of Lafayette’s first year to race in the AMRA and with the luck of the draw Cy went from sitting in first on the sub list to the second round of his class. Kyle Leblanc finished out the weekend unknowingly racing with a cracked piston but still managed to take 3rd place. Juiceman from Houma came in hot this weekend with the dresser class placing 2nd. He still has some quirks to line out running in the super comp class, but I believe by the first round at Bowling Green all that will be history. Barry Guillory from Pine Prairie took second place in the Hot Street class with the 9.7 sec pass at 136 mph. He just couldn’t pull close to John Troth of Twilight, PA with a 6.1 win. Fast Eddie from Little Rock, Arkansas is running in the eliminator class and is tailing behind Cy on the leader board. This could fast become a battle up the leaders board between these two racers. Billy Doherty took first place in open gas but by the end of the weekend went home with a busted crank shafts on the banana. And the females……. COMPLETE DOMINATION this year. As Sharon Dubois takes first place in the pro eliminator class, Kimberly Deshields took first in the super gas class, and there were at least 2 females competing in 12 out of 17 classes. I want to take the time to say thank you to the AMRA and all its staff, State Capital Speedway and all its staff and the racers and their crew for giving us a weekend filled with the smell of burnt rubber, nitromethane, great family and friends, and loud ass bikes, Until Bowling Green, remember when life gets you down its just one down and four up.

24 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

Burning Dinosaurs

By: Nate T.

Over the past number of weeks, I’ve been noticing that things have been Once you’ve taken care a’changin’. There’s more slithering going on, the locals are starting up the of those two fixes, take band at all hours, and I’m back to being able to hear the grass grow. Using a run around the block my excellent powers of deduction, I’ve come to the conclusion that spring to get some of that new might just be knocking at our doors. I’m also fairly certain that the rumbling fuel cleaning everything that I’ve started hearing all over hell’s half-acre is telling me that we’re out. It may still start out getting into riding season…that, or I’ve got some serious indigestion going running a little rough for a on. while but should smooth That being said, it’s a fair assumption that quite a few of you reading these out. If it doesn’t, there is words have been indulging a bit (or more than a bit) in some much needed still the additive option. and much missed wind therapy. That’s all good and fine. However, a lot I’m not a big fan of most of us sort of run headlong into some issues when we get bit by that riding fuel system additives bug. We’ll overlook some “little things” in order to get out on two wheels… out there. A lot of them and that’s when the trouble starts. Maybe your trusty steed seems a bit tend to foul up sensors, less than trusty after a winter of napping in the carport (or maybe living injectors, and catalytic room). Maybe it coughs and sputters from time to time like some sort of convertors among other allergic reaction to stress-free fun. Maybe the bike decided to wait until all things. Though there are of your partners were watching before not wanting to start. In any event, a couple of these that I would run through my bike if it meant not having if there seems to be an issue or two, they’re gonna need to be straightened to take a bunch of expensive stuff apart. I personally recommend Lucas out sooner than later. products across the board. Another good one is Sea Foam. Whatever you The good news is that if your scoot was good at producing ear-to-ear decide to run, read the label carefully. If your ride is modern, make sure the grins on a regular basis before you put it away, chances are that you’re not additive won’t mess with catalytic convertors and or sensors. If it doesn’t too far off from getting there again. Chances are if you’ve got some sort of rough-running or hard-starting annoyance, it has something to do with your fuel system. Don’t panic though. Most of these kinds of things can be pretty cheap and easy to fix…relatively speaking. There’s no need for a new carburetor, engine rebuild, or a new bike just yet. There is a good chance of needing your service manual though (dead horse rides again). First off, you’re gonna have to think waaaaay back to the fall when it got a bit too chilly to be in the breeze. I know a lot of you try to burn good quality fuel as much as you can. However, when you’re out and about, you never know what you’re gonna get. Having to choose between putting questionable gas through our bikes and taking an unplanned stroll…well, you see what I’m getting at. So, if your last ride had you filling up with questionable dinosaur juice, you may have found the source of your pain. Now, this could be because of ethanol, water, contaminants, or just being old. Even if you put hi-test in it, you never know how long it’s been sitting in that underground tank. Regardless, the remedy is the same. You’ll have to drain the suspect fuel and fill it back up with fresh hi-test. Just make sure you protect your paint and hold back on smoking or lighting the pit while say it’s safe, assume it’s not. Understand what the additive is for. Follow the you’re going about doing this. Second, your sickle should have some form of fuel filter on it. This is the instructions to the “T”. You trust them enough to put something that’s not often forgotten little gizmo that makes a stab at keeping the majority of fuel through your fuel system. Trust them to tell you how to do it. Otherwise, garbage in your fuel tank from getting into the rest of the fuel system or the your quick and cheap fix could turn into a long and expensive nightmare. At this point, the idea is that your rough idle, hard starting, or other engine. Whether it’s due to bad fuel or just a whole lot of miles, a clogged fuel filter isn’t good for a whole lot except for unplanned exercise. In a lot throttle-related hiccups have more or less gone by the way of the Dodo. If of cases, you can find it in the fuel line that runs between the fuel tank and that’s where you’re at, then you’ve just saved yourself from handing a fairly the rest of the fuel system. If you have that, then it’s just a matter of turning substantial stack of cash over to a mechanic. For the rest of you out there off the fuel flow and changing it out (remember safety first!). In other cases, that didn’t have the results you were looking for…you’ve got some more it’s in other less-than-convenient places like in the fuel tank. Those, you’re work to do or cash to spend unfortunately. Stay tuned for more on that. Until next time, keep it between the lines and shiny side up. Shovel on. gonna have to take a look at the manual to replace it. 26 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

GLENN MCGOVERN

FINALLY, A HELMET THAT PROTECTS YOU FROM TRAUMATIC BRAIN DAMAGE By: Glenn C. McGovern, Motorcycle Attorney and MSF Basic Instructor Email: gcmcg@mac.com

I once had a motorcycle death case where the rider was sustained traumatic brain injury from a low-speed impact with no helmet was worn by the rider. I went to talk to his neurosurgeon about motorcycle head injuries and whether a helmet would have prevented the brain damage. The neurosurgeon had a medical degree and a doctorate in brain biology. He had done many surgeries on brain injured motorcyclists. He told me something shocking but I suspected. He told me, “Attorney McGovern do you know the difference between a motorcyclist who crashes at 45 m.p.h. with a helmet and a motorcyclist that crashes at 45 m.p.h. without a helmet? I said no. “The only difference is the motorcyclists with a helmet in a 45-m.p.h. crash is a prettier corpse.” Then he showed me research papers on the mechanics of rotational acceleration. He explained helmets offered no protection whatsoever from the forces of rotational acceleration. I was stunned and did more research. I found many papers confirming what the neurosurgeon told me about the lack of protection from rotational acceleration and angular kinetic energy impacts to the brain. Tests conducted by Dr. David C. Viano of the Bioengineering Center at Wayne State University concluded that a helmeted head sustained the same degree of angular acceleration as the un-helmeted head when subjected to identical impacts. So, if angular acceleration is a major cause of concussion (or worse), how is the brain protected by conventional helmet design? It is a terrible situation but with respect to angular acceleration energy, it is not for most all helmet manufacturers. (See article at http://www.tulane.edu/PDF) NOW THERE ARE HELMETS THAT OFFER SUCH BRAIN PROTECTION FROM ANGULAR ACCCELERATION I have raced motocross and know well the problems with concussions and brain injury. If you ride fast and race over jumps, you are going to eventually crash. Crashes and blows to the head are all part of the game. Many a professional motocross racer with multiple concussions have retired early rather than suffer more permanent brain injuries. But then came Bob Weber and his vision of more helmet protection for motocrossers. His company 6D came out with the first motocross helmet that protects a motocross rider’s brain from rotational acceleration and angular acceleration energy. 6D Helmets came out with a revolutionary helmet that does protect one from brain trauma from rotational acceleration. Team Honda went to 6D helmets for its pro motocross team. I choose to use the 6D helmet for motocross. I had been lucky and destroyed three motocross helmets in high-speed crashes in World Veterans Motocross events at Glen Helen and Namur, Belgium—both very long, tough courses with exceptionally high jumps before I went to the 6D helmet. Luckily, I had blows to the top of my helmet and not on the sides where helmets offer no protection. I went to the 6D motocross helmet and will always use their

helmets. As a motorcycle jury trial attorney and MSF Basic Instructor I know the dangers of head injuries. I have had too many cases of motorcyclists with traumatic brain injuries from relatively low speed impacts of 20-40 m.p.h. Conventional D.O.T. and SNELL helmet standards are designed and only offer protection up to about 11.5 m.p.h. as required by the standards. There is almost no protection from rotational acceleration. Most conventional helmets do offer good protection from skull fractures but a skull fracture alone will usually not result in death.

STREET RIDERS CAN GET THE SAME PROTECTION FROM ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION- THE 6D AST-1 FOR THE STREET IS NOW AVAILABLE The FIM is said to be updating its Moto GP helmet standards to require new technology that allows for motorcycle rider protection from rotational acceleration. Brain damage from angular impacts can be better managed with this new technology. 6D has a patented fully active in helmet kinetic energy suspension management system it calls ODS. The ODS system reduces the transfer of rotational and angular acceleration to the brain. 6D was the first helmet company to offer this protection. Bell Helmets now recently have introduced helmets that offer protection from rotational acceleration and angular impacts to the head. CONCLUSION-ITS ABOUT RISK MANAGEMENT 60% of all fatalities in motorcycle accidents are from brain injuries according to an October 2010 NHTSA report. Motorcycle riding is all about risk management. Just as you need to ride with a SEE Search Evaluate Execute safety riding strategy. You should also seek to minimize your risks of brain injury from rotational acceleration. You should always dress for the crash. Wearing the best helmet with the latest technology just makes sense. I have switched from my previous Shoei Air GT to the 6D AST-1 Helmet for the street and track. Hopefully other helmet manufacturers will offer this new technology. Check out the 6D site at http://www.6dhelmets.com/ats-1/

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

BEEN TO THE HOLE? WHITEY’S FISHING HOLE

Whitey’s Fishing Hole has been Marrero’s neighborhood bar since the 1950’s. Though it was known by many names throughout the years, Whitey’s has remained a staple in the community for thirsty patrons. Originally, the bar only served canned beer but has since grown in size and selection, now offering domestic and local beers, imports and liquor. Several of the current customers tell stories of coming to the pub as children, accompanying their fathers or riding their bikes to pick up beers to take home, with a note from Dad to let the bartender know it was okay. A bit different than today! Many also had their first drink at Whitey’s when they were old enough and continue to come through the doors. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service keep the clientele happy, ensuring that no one gets dehydrated at Whitey’s. Whitey’s most recent owner is a retired Marine who proudly served for over 24 years. Also, a motorcycle enthusiast, Donald Dare has a mission to welcome bikers. In fact, Thursday nights are dedicated to bikes and their owners with drink specials, food and karaoke. The party goes all night! Other highlights include Food Truck Fridays, weekly pool tournaments and dj/karaoke twice a week. Also dedicated to veterans and current military members, Whitey’s celebrates the Marine Corps birthday with $1 beers for all who have served. They also participate in benefits, rides and charities which raise money for this group. Always happy to lend a helping hand, this bar is often host to fundraisers for a good cause. Tucked behind West Jefferson hospital, this hidden gem is not to be missed on your next ride near the Westbank of New Orleans. There is no sign, so look carefully for the neon bar lights, picnic tables and porch swing. Bikes are welcome to park in the paved driveway beside the pub and Louisiana Thunder Run cards are honored, so jump on your skoots and c’mon! 28 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

HARLEY DAVIDSON CEO BIG PAY DAY BY: BACKPACK

Through the filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the salaries of top company executives are becoming more and more public. In 2016, Harley Davidson’s top executives, especially President and CEO Matt Levatich, earned over $9,350,303, (almost $180,000) per week. Included in this figure were his salary, bonuses, and stock awards. Harley Davidson sold more than 260,289 motorcycles worldwide in 2016, which means $36.00 per sale of each bike went to Levatich. His compensation increased by more than $2.8 million that he earned in 2015. In recent years his worst year of earning was in 2013 with ONLY $3.7 million (poor guy). Polaris Industries chairman and CEO, Scott Wine, only had compensation in 2016 of $5,458,077. Polaris as most of you know builds Indian motorcycles. www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

“AUTOCYCLES”

BIKER NEWS BYTES

no longer considered

MOTORCYCLES bY: bILL bISH, ncom

FIRST-EVER MOTORCYCLE CAUCUS FORMED IN U.S. SENATE In a rare bipartisan effort, motorcyclists are getting a very special form of representation in the U.S. Senate as two Senators are reaching across the aisle to establish the first Senate Motorcycle Caucus. Kickstarting this unique legislative road trip, Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan), both lifelong motorcyclists, will serve as co-chairs of the caucus, which will advocate on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers. Sen. Ernst said her concern for motorcycles and motorcyclists started when she was a child. “Some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles, from delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields, to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends,” Ernst said. “Throughout my 99 county tour of Iowa, I have heard from many of these folks about some of their priorities, including improving safety, infrastructure and energy efficiency. These concerns are shared by folks across our great state and country, and I look forward to working with Sen. Peters toward solutions.”

SECURITY AND PRIVACY IN YOUR (SPY) CAR STUDY ACT With motorcyclists sharing the road with a growing number of Smart vehicles, security from cyberintrusion is a significant safety concern, and U.S. Reps Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) have introduced H.R. 701; the Security and Privacy in Your Car Study Act of 2017 (“SPY Car Study Act”) to address automotive software safety, cybersecurity and privacy regulations. This bill would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a study to determine and recommend standards for the regulation of the cybersecurity of motor vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in the United States. The study shall identify: - isolation measures that are necessary to separate critical software systems that can affect the driver’s control of the movement of the vehicle from other software systems; - measures that are necessary to detect and prevent or minimize anomalous codes, in vehicle software systems, associated with malicious behavior; - techniques that are necessary to detect and prevent, discourage, or mitigate intrusions into vehicle software systems and other cybersecurity risks in motor vehicles; and - best practices to secure driving data about a vehicle’s status or about the owner, lessee, driver, or passenger of a vehicle that is collected by the electronic systems of motor vehicles; and - a timeline for implementing systems and software that reflect such measures, techniques, and best practices.

Sen. Peters bought his first motorcycle at age POLICE MOTORCYCLE HIT BY AUTOPILOT TESLA 11. “I’ve loved motorcycles since I was a kid, According to a report in the Arizona Republic, a and I started a newspaper route to buy my first Phoenix police motorcycle was hit by a Tesla Model motorcycle at age 11. To this day, I believe there is X operating on autopilot. Police said the officer and no better way to see Michigan’s beautiful scenery the Tesla exited a freeway with the motorcycle in than by bike, whether I’m riding to meet with front. When the rider stopped for a light, the car constituents and small businesses or taking my bike stopped as well, but then started moving forward. out on the weekend,” Peters said. “Motorcyclists The officer jumped off the bike, which was struck at come from all walks of life, and I can’t think of low speed by the car. a better way to bring together a diverse and dedicated group of advocates to discuss everything The driver reported having the car on autopilot from safety concerns to manufacturing. I’m looking at the time. The officer was uninjured and the car forward to working with Sen. Ernst as co-chair of driver wasn’t ticketed. the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus to foster these important discussions and find common Tesla has warned customers in the past that ground with motorcycle lovers across the country.” its autopilot mode does not mean a driver can 30 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

completely disengage, but increasingly it seems customers are unwilling to listen. Tesla’s website specifically states that drivers are in command of their vehicles after exiting freeways. The company announced in October that it would soon begin including hardware in its vehicles that could make them fully autonomous. Currently, the vehicles are simply equipped with driver aids like forward collision warning, automatic braking and auto steering. “AUTOCYCLES” NO LONGER CONSIDERED MOTORCYCLES IN TWO MORE STATES Colorado and Wyoming are the latest states to reclassify their licensing requirements which allow drivers of so-called “Autocycles”, such as the Polaris Slingshot, to operate the vehicle with a valid state driver’s license instead of requiring a motorcycle endorsement or license. Drivers under the age of 18 will still be required to wear a helmet, in accordance with the states’ motorcycle helmet laws. Because of the three-wheeled configuration and characteristics of autocycles, determining how to classify them has been a challenge for state governments. Polaris calls the Slingshot a “threewheeled moto-roadster.” Initially, when it was introduced to the market in 2014, consumers were required to have a motorcycle endorsement or license to operate the Slingshot, which offers a distinct ride through its open cockpit and side-byside seating. Currently, 30 states, including the District of Columbia, require only a driver’s license to drive an autocycle. The remaining states require a motorcycle endorsement, but Polaris says efforts are being made to reclassify the vehicle to gain full conformity throughout the United States. “As we educate state officials on the unique attributes of this category-creating Slingshot, they are realizing that the licensing requirement for the roadster are more similar to that of a driver’s license than of a motorcycle endorsement or license,” said Rachael Elia, Slingshot Marketing Manager. “Our goal is to gain a unified classification across the country to provide more opportunity and driving freedom for consumers looking for the ultimate thrill experience.”

DRIVER WHO “DIDN’T CARE” HE HIT MOTORCYCLIST GETS 15 YEARS Remember the Texas driver who was filmed deliberately swerving across centerline into a passing motorcyclist and then said “I don’t care” that he’d knocked the rider and his girlfriend to the ground? The heartless car driver is 69-year-old William Crum and following a two-day trial at 355th District Court in Hood County, Texas, he’s been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. The 15-year sentence means that Crum, who was arrested soon after the incident in Granbury, TX in October 2015, will be in prison until he’s 84. HARLEY PULLED INTO POLITICAL FIGHT OVER LEATHER PRODUCTS Many challenges face motorcycle manufacturers selling their products in other countries; and a strange example of this is Harley-Davidson facing a public relations issue in India over leather, something as closely associated with bikers as the bikes they ride. Leather comes from cows, which are revered and even worshiped by many in the Hindu community, and according to the Hindustan Times a well-known Bollywood actor is taking on the iconic American motorcycle-maker over religious principles. Popular actor and producer Ajaz Khan is urging

India’s Prime Minister to impose a ban on HarleyDavidson products, claiming they’re made from cow hide. “I just bought a leather belt from Harley Davidson,” Khan is quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying. “This is a cow leather belt. It’s being sold in the entire world. If you really consider yourself men, then I request [the Prime Minister] shuts down Harley Davidson.”

those members & supporters who have died this year, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board, or e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol. com.

MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS RALLY PUT ON HOLD AFTER LONDON TERROR ATTACK A mass London “Awareness Ride-Out” to be held a day after a deadly terrorist attack in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster, seat of the British Parliament, had to be rescheduled in the wake of the Wednesday, March 22 car attack that killed four and injured more than 50 pedestrians.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring an item on behalf of their organization for the Freedom Fund Auction, with proceeds benefiting the motorcyclists’ rights movement nationwide through Getting Our People Elected donations, NCOM Speaker Program, lobbying activities & other pro-motorcycling projects as determined by the NCOM Board of Directors.

The campaign group “We Ride London,” which aims to be the “main lobby group for riders of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds in London,” had invited thousands to join a ride at 1pm on Thursday April 23, from Regents Park through central London to City Hall, but had to call the event off. A statement on the group’s Facebook page said: “We have decided to cancel tomorrow’s awareness ride in light of the terrible events in our capital today. Now is not the time to be hindering the emergency and security services as they investigate and recover from this.”

The 32nd annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 11-14 at the Silver Legacy Resort-Casino, 407 N. Virginia St. in Reno, NV, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $99 by calling (800) 687-8733 and mention “GNCOM17”. Pre-register for the 2017 NCOM Convention at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-ABIKE.com.

ROLLING INTO RENO FOR NCOM CONVENTION With the 32nd Annual NCOM Convention in Reno just weeks away, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, Motorcycle Clubs, & riding associations submit the names of

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.” ~ Benito Juárez (1806-1872), President of Mexico

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

Scrappy, a local beachgoer, couldn’t even get a second look from any of the girls on the beach. So he headed over to Razor, at the lifeguard tower, to see if he had any advice for him. “Dude, it’s obvious,” said Razor. “You’re wearing those gnarly old swimming trunks that make you look like an old geezer. They’re majorly outta’ style. Your best bet is to get yourself a Speedo—say, two sizes too small—and drop a potato inside it. You’ll have all the babes you can handle, dude.” The following weekend, Scrappy hits the beach with his brand-spanking-new tight-ass neon green Speedo and his potato, and it’s not long before he approaches Razor at the lifeguard tower once more. “For cryin’ out loud,” yells Scrappyr, “it’s worse than before! Everyone on the beach acts disgusted as I walk by—covering their faces, turning away, laughing! What’s wrong now?” “Jeez, Scrap!” shrieks Razor, “The potato goes in front, dude!” -------------------------------------------------------------A body builder takes off his shirt & a blonde says “Wow what a great chest you have!” he says “100 lbs of dynamite Babe!” He takes off his pants & the blonde says “What massive calves you have!” He replies “That’s 100 lbs of dynamite babe!” He then removes his underwear & the blonde goes running screaming in fear. He puts his clothes on & chases behind her. He catches her & ask why she ran like that. The blonde replies “I was afraid to be around all that dynamite after i saw how short the fuse was!” --------------------------------------------------------------A Doctor was performing rounds at the hospital one morning and while checking up on a patient named Bubba, he asked ... ‘So how’s your breakfast this morning, Bubba?’ ‘It’s pretty good except for the Kentucky Jelly. I aint never had no jelly like that and I’m born and raised in Kentucky. The Doctor asked to see the jelly and Bubba produced a foil packet labeled ‘KY Jelly.’ -------------------------------------------------------------Thibodeau and Boudreau were hunting when Boudreau grabs his chest and falls to the ground, Thibodeau whips out his cell phone, calls 911 and tells the operator, “I think Boudreau is dead! What should I do?” The operator, in a calm soothing voice says, “Just take it easy and follow my instructions. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence -- then a shot is heard. Thibodeau’s voice comes back on the line, “Okay, gotcha’, now what?” 32 Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana | May 2017 | www.thunderroadslouisiana.org

A woman and a baby were in the doctor’s examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby’s first exam. The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed. ‘Breast-fed,’ she replied. ‘Well, strip down to your waist,’ the doctor ordered. She did he pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination. Motioning to her to get dressed, the doctor said, ‘No wonder this baby is underweight. You don’t have any milk.’ I know,’ she said, ‘I’m his Grandma, but I’m sure glad I came......literally.” --------------------------------------------------------------At a travel agency in Shanghai, Pervey Pete asked the Chinese attendant if she could escort him on a city tour and asked for her mobile number to confirm. She gave him a big smile, nodded her head and said, “Sex sex sex, wan free sex for tonight . ” Pervey Pete very excitedly replied, “Wow, you Chinese women are really hospitable! A guy standing next to him overheard, tapped him on the shoulder and said; “What she really said was: 6-6-6-1-3-6-4-2-9 A little old lady was walking down the street dragging two large plastic garbage bags behind her. One of the bags was ripped and every once in a while a $20 bill fell out onto the sidewalk. Noticing this, a policeman stopped her, and said, “Ma’am, there are $20 bills falling out of that bag.” “Oh, really? Darn it!” said the little old lady. “I’d better go back and see if I can find them. Thanks for telling me, Officer.” “Well, now, not so fast,” said the cop. “Where did you get all that money? You didn’t steal it, did you?” winking at the little old darlin’. “Oh, no, no”, said the old lady. “You see, my back yard is right next to a golf course. A lot of golfers come and pee through a knot hole in my fence, right into my flower garden. It used to really tick me off. Kills the flowers you know. Then I thought, ‘why not make the best of it?’ So, now, I stand behind the fence by the knot hole, real quiet, with my hedge clippers. Every time some guy sticks his “thing” through my fence, I surprise him, grab hold of it and say, ‘OK., buddy! Give me $20 or off it comes!’ “Well, that seems only fair,” said the cop, laughing. “OK. Good luck! Oh, by the way, what’s in the other bag?” “Well now, not everybody pays.”

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana

HONORING YOUR MEMORY By: (Red) Jennifer Dugan

Photo credit: Eileen Brocato and Rodney Milgore

“A strong woman knows that she has the potential to shine in this world but true strength lies in her ability to lay down her life so that God can shine through“ --author unknown

Who was Lauren Brocato? Lauren was a daughter, sister, fiancé, best friend, employee, animal lover, biker and friend to many. Lauren and her father Jake Brocato were close. Jake shared a passion and love he had since 14 with his daughter; MOTORCYCLES. At the age of 14 Jake started riding and never looked back. Jake had a 2001 Dyna low-rider and Lauren had a Sportster. Lauren’s dad made sure that she took all the appropriate classes and begin educating his daughter about a life on 2 wheels. She took frequent rides with her dad and his friends on weekends and had made her spot in this wonderful community among us. Along with having a passion for freedom she had a heart for animals. As Lauren and her best friend Rachel founded “Love A Pit Foundation” in Metairie and worked shifts together at the local Metairie Small Animal Hospital for 7 years. Love A Pit is 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue center dedicated to re-homing pets in need. Years ago Lauren met Rodney Milgore at the library coffee shop and fell in love. Engaged with 2 dogs and a cat and a lifetime to plan, Lauren was living life to the fullest and making everyday count. She never gave up on anything she saw hope in. As for the many people I spoke with, they described Lauren as a passionate, beautiful, selfless, hard headed and loving lady. February 26th 2016 Lauren asked her dad to borrow his bike to take for a photo shoot the next day. Her dad reluctantly agreed and did what any dad would do. He let her borrow his bike. He walked the bike with her, making sure tires, electrical, and everything else was good, and then had her take it around the block to make sure that she could handle it. Lauren left that night from her parents telling her mom and dad good bye not knowing that it would be their last. The next day excited for a photo shoot at the state capital race track she left her and Rodney’s home in Metairie with a friend traveling to Baton Rouge. A few hours after she had left Lauren’s family received a call no family should have to answer. February 27th 2016 Lauren received her wings and holds her place riding on the streets of gold. So who was Lauren Brocato? She was a Daughter to Jake and Eileen, a sister to Jake Jr, a fiancé to Rodney, best friend to Rachel and a friend to many. To those of us that never got to meet Lauren she was a rare but bright shiny soul that was strong enough to let God shine through her.

PASTORS CORNER Have you already made plans for Memorial Day? It is important to remember the true meaning of this day. I have put together 6 ways to honor our men and women who died while serving our country. Memorial Day traditionally marks the beginning of summer: families and friends congregate for a picnic or a barbecue, enjoying the long weekend. However, it is important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and reflect on how blessed we are to be able to get together with our loved ones on this beautiful spring day. Memorial Day originated from the Decoration Day when people honored soldiers who died in the Civil War. Later the designation of the day expanded to all the men and women who have died in military service. Today many cities celebrate Memorial Day with memorial services, parades, public speeches and demonstrations. Everyone can contribute to honoring the soldiers and veterans and make something meaningful on this day. #1. Fly the flag The American flag can be displayed every day, but Memorial Day is one of the occasions when it is especially a good idea. According to the flag etiquette, the flag should be raised at half-staff from sunrise until noon and then on full-stuff for the rest of the day. Before noon, with the flag at halfstaff, we remember those who died in wars; after noon we praise the living veterans and those who continue fighting for liberty and justice for all. #2. Say thank you whether you personally know someone who has served in the military (or is serving at the moment), or not, there is always a way to say thank you. You can send a thank-you letter to a veteran or a current member of the armed forces. Write a creative, positive, inspiring letter, ask your kid to draw something, and there

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are organizations that will pass it to the men and women in the military. This simple gesture has encouraged thousands of soldiers already, and you can be a part of it! #3. Visit a cemetery Each year several of my brothers and I go and visit many of our local cemeteries and decorate the graves of those who served our country with small American flags – a great way to pay respect to those who fought for us. In some case we remove debris and unwanted weeds from around their grave. #4. Attend a memorial service Most cities have a Memorial Day parade, hold concerts and ceremonies. Attending the parade is a great way to introduce children to the traditions of Memorial Day, and your support will definitely make the marching veterans a bit happier. #5. Observe the minute of silence In 2000 President Bill Clinton issued a memorandum on the White House that encouraged Americans “to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all”. So take a pause at 3 p.m. and pay respect to those who fought for us. #6. Keep the history alive do you know someone who served or still serves in the military? Maybe you have a family member who wore the uniform, don’t let this piece of your family history fade away. Invite a Veteran over and ask them to tell their stories. Collect some photographs of family members or friends who have served and share their life with your family. The memories of these people are worth being preserved. I pray we all remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Have blessed and safe Memorial Day 2017. See you in the wind Pastor T

www.thunderroadslouisiana.org | May 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana