Although the weather does put a damper on outside car & motorcycle events, there is still a lot to do.
Let’s support Toys for Tots & make this year’s drive the best ever! Kt’s Saloon Toys for Tots toy drive is Dec. 7th. There will be live music with Decades
The STL Midnight Riders & Full Throttle Magazine have boxes all over the area (full list of locations page 7) .
Drop o new unwrapped toys early or join us at Borgetti’s Bar & Grill on Dec 21st. for the final collection of toys, live music, great food, 50/50, booze barrel & more.
Bikers For Backpacks & the tireless, Marcella Riportella is looking for toy donations, especially bikes. Check out her info. on page 14.
Put on that cold weather gear & ride to St Charles Harley-Davidson Dec 5th. It’s the annual Guy’s Night. Starts at 6pm. Free food, drinks, vendors, door prizes, ra les & one-onone tech time.
A great reason to get your car out of the garage & celebrate the holiday season is The 2024 Santa Car Cruise in Crestwood. Sat. Dec. 7th. The parade starts at 1:45 pm. To participate, go to this link: https://tinyurl. com/2mwey98j Car Cruise Signup 12/7/2024 Route will be new this year, ending at the Community Center. When route has been approved by the police chief, we will email it to you. Cruise will leave City Hall at 2:00, please arrive no later than 1:45 tinyurl.com We went last year. It was awesome.
You should not miss the SantaCon Pub Crawl, Grafton Il. Dec.14th. Wear your Santa suit & join the rest of the Santas as they drink & be merry.
Don’t forget to check out the local bands playing this month. The St Louis music scene is full of talented musicians & a great band makes a great night.
Blue Fridays at Schlafly Tap Room on Locust. Featuring St Louis Blues, Jazz & Soul 12/06, 13th, 20th
A Very Merry Mantia & McCready Christmas Show. Sky Music Lounge 12/10
Album release Party Terry Luttrell REO Classics Band & the after party with The Plastic Kings. Diamond Music Hall 12/14
4th Annual Family Reunion Jackyl. Diamond Music Hall 12/20
Come out & party with Infringement. They are at KTs Saloon’s Christmas Party on 12/21 & at Trainwreck Saloon Westport Plaza 12/28. This band has the best set list. You don’t want to miss a minute .
Finish o the year with Bad Habit New Years Eve 2025 River City Casino
On a personal note, we would like to thank every single one of you for supporting us this year. From advertising with us, going to bike nights, showing up for car shows, reading our magazine, buying our t-shirts & friending us on our Facebook page, now at 80000 members strong, you have allowed us to pursue this new adventure & we couldn’t do it without you.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the new year.
I rode my motorcycle up a cliff. In stark contrast to Thelma & Louise (the 1991 movie), who drove a 1966 Ford Thunderbird off a cliff to “ keep going” after a wild road trip that resulted in lots of unintended consequences, we went up the cliff to “keep going”. Now, riding my motorcycle up a cliff was not really something that I had dreamed of doing, but it found its way onto my bucket list in late 2021 when planning a western road trip from my home in St. Louis to Panguich, UT.
When I got to the base of the cliff, I considered the possibility that I was crazy to attempt this, especially on my brand-new Harley-Davidson Road Glide CVO. I guess it is appropriate that we have nicknamed the bike “The Short Bus !” My wife was already convinced, in fact had been convinced many years ago, that I was crazy. Now, she had to determine if she was crazy enough herself to tag along on this wild ride. If it had rained anytime in the last 48 hours or so, this feat would not have been possible.
The Moki Dugway is a staggering, switchback road carved into the face of the cliff edge of Cedar Mesa, located on Utah Highway 261, just northwest of the Valley of the Gods. It is 3 miles of unpaved (loose gravel and dirt), and steep (11% grade) roadway, which winds 1,200 feet up from the Valley of the Gods and is more suited to the dirt bikes (maybe that H-D Pan-American would have been a better choice), mountain bikers and hikers prevalent on the trail. The road was built in 1958 to haul uranium ore from the Happy Jack Mine down to the mill in Mexican Hat. The road was certainly built without consideration for automobiles, much less motorcycles. I took a pretty good ribbing about this from Doug Rothberg, as he was a bit incredulous that I had taken my new bike up the trail. My response was that “I thought CVO stood for Can Venture Offroad!” While it was a challenging ride, it afforded us incredible views and an amazing, one-of-
kind exhilarating experience that will be forever etched in our minds. I also realized that riding down the cliff was NOT an option!
We wound up at the base of the cliff as a part of our bigger objective of reaching Torrey, UT that day. We traveled north out of Kayenta, AZ through Monument Valley on US-163 along the northern edge of the Navajo Nation to US-261. Just north of US-163, we turned off to visit Goosenecks State Park and the scenic overlooks of the twisting San Juan River that courses its way 383 miles from the Colorado Plateau in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado through the four-corners region to join the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. The San Juan has been carving its path through the sedimentary sandstone, siltstone, and shale in this region for nearly 5 million years and is known as one of the muddiest rivers in North America. From vantage points in Goosenecks State Park, you can observe the distinct layers of reddish rock that the San Juan has sliced through.
As we made our way up the Moki Dugway, we could not resist the temptation to find a spot to pull over and observe the Valley of the Gods below Cedar
Photos also by Roger Ferris
Mesa. About two thirds of the way up, we found our opportunity, and were able to park the bikes (precariously) on the loamy roadside. Thankfully, the kickstand pad did its job supporting the fully loaded Road Glide while we made our way to the edge of the cliff for a few photographs. It was a cloudless day and from this vantage point we could see at least 30 miles or more, including Monument Valley to the south.
Once up on top of Cedar Mesa, US-261 runs an exceptionally smooth route (one of the smoothest paved roads we encountered on the trip), with gently rolling hills and sweeping curves all the way to US-95. The region is rife with cliffs, arches, hoodoos, spires, ledges, and alcoves that you will catch glimpses of as you cruise along and is home to Bears Ears National Monument, established in 2016. To best explore the area, one would have to take to the hiking trails in the area to access some of more than 100,000 archaeological sites including the Moon House Ruin in McLoyd Canyon, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States. Cedar Mesa is also home to Bridges National Park, a must see for all! We will most definitely return to this region soon and take the time to explore the area in greater detail.
Adventure begets adventure! Over the last 5 years, I’ve traveled over 60,000 miles in various parts of the country. It never gets old and always leads to a desire to experience more of this amazing country from the saddle of a big Harley-Davidson. The inspiration to travel across this big blue rock as it orbits the Sun (a trip 940 million miles per year) to new destinations seems to come from everywhere. Books, magazines, TV, word-of-mouth, and movies.
Growing up I was hooked on a TV series starring Michael Parks named “Then Came Bronson.” Airing from 1969-1970, it was a story of a disillusioned writer trying to find himself. In the pilot for the show, Bronson is sitting on his Harley-Davidson Sportster at a stoplight in San Francisco and engages in the following conversation with a guy in a car:
Driver: "Taking a trip?"
Bronson: "What's that?"
Driver: "Taking a trip?"
Bronson: "Yeah."
Driver: "Where to?"
Bronson: "Oh, I don't know. Wherever I end up, I guess."
Driver: "Man, I wish I was you."
Bronson: "Really?"
Driver: "Yeah."
Bronson: "Well, hang in there."
It is with this sort of carefree attitude that I embark on every trip, having a destination in mind (unlike Bronson), but willing to accept whatever comes my way. About the only thing I concern myself with is planning the route and where we will stay along the way. Beyond that, it is about absorbing the experience, without thought of how it will affect me, but expecting that I will somehow be a better person as a result. I am most certainly more relaxed and content!
My wife and I have met some great people, seen some incredible sights, enjoyed some great food in some fabulous restaurants and ice -cold IPAs from dozens of breweries around the country. We have been treated very well by complete strangers and return the favor every chance we get. Kind of sort of the way it should be, right?
Like the San Juan River flowing on its course through Glen Canyon, exposing the layers of the Earth’s existence, each route we take is exposing us to new places all over this country and the world and inspiring us explore and learn more. Traveling from Sante Fe, NM to Taos, along the High Road to Taos (NM State Road 503) and discovering the small New Mexico town of Las Trampas is just one example! Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Las Trampas was founded in 1751 and is home to the San Jose de Gracia Church, an original Sp anish Colonial Pueblo church in nearly unaltered condition. Look it up, we were there! Adventure begets adventure…
Whether you are planning your “trip of a lifetime” or your next family vacation, take the time to explore the options along your route. Allow ample time for an unexpected side trip and take advantage of the opportunity! You will get the most out of the trip that way!
In the meantime, in the words of Jim Bronson, “Hang in there”!
Motorcycle Provided by St. Charles Harley Davidson
Grafton, IL.
Harley Davidson Staying warm and comfortable
Harley Davidson Heated Grips: Staying Warm and Comfortable on Every Ride
Welcome back Full Throttle readers! The Holiday season is upon us and with it comes the cold weather. Riding in cold weather has always presented unique challenges for motorcycle enthusiasts. HarleyDavidson understands this well, which is why they offer heated grips as a solution for riders who want to extend their riding season comfortably. Harley-Davidson heated grips are designed to keep hands warm and ensure that even in cold weather, the rider maintains a secure and comfortable grip. These grips are not only functional but also blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the bike. This month lets explores the different Harley-Davidson heated grip options, how they work, and the benefits they bring to cold-weather riding.
Why Heated Grips Matter for Riders
How Do Harley-Davidson Heated Grips Work?
Cold temperatures can make it difficult for riders to maintain a firm grip on their handlebars. As hands get cold, they can become numb, leading to discomfort and, potentially, to unsafe riding conditions. Gloves, while helpful, aren’t always enough, especially during extended rides in colder weather. Heated grips add another layer of warmth directly on the handlebars, allowing riders to keep their hands comfortable while they hold on to the bike and maintain full control. They’re especially beneficial for long-distance riders, commuters, or those who live in colder climates.
Heated grips work by using electrical heating elements built into the grip that, when activated, distribute heat evenly. The system typically connects to the motorcycle’s battery and allows riders to adjust the temperature according to their preferences. Harley-Davidson’s heated grips are engineered to be durable and withstand the rigors of road vibrations and weather exposure. They’re crafted with quality materials to provide reliable warmth without compromising the rider ’s grip or feel of the handlebars.
Harley-Davidson offers various models and types of heated grips, each with specific features, so riders can find the ideal grip to suit their motorcycle type, riding style, and personal preferences.
One standout feature is the thermostatic control, which helps maintain consistent heat regardless of ambient temperatures. Riders can select from multiple heat levels, making these grips adaptable for both cool autumn rides and winter outings. These grips integrate seamlessly with the bike’s battery system, allowing efficient power usage and preserving battery life.
Heated grips come with an easy-access dial or button for quick temperature adjustments, even while wearing gloves. With thicker rubber and reinforced materials, these grips are built to handle colder environments, delivering reliable warmth and enhanced grip texture that improves handling, especially when wearing thicker gloves..
Davidson Heated Grips: comfortable on every ride.
Benefits of Choosing Harley-Davidson Heated Grips
Harley-Davidson heated grips are designed with riders in mind, offering warmth and functionality while maintaining the signature Harley look. Here are some benefits of these heated grips:
1. Custom Fit and Seamless Aesthetic: Harley-Davidson heated grips are made to fit specific bike models, ensuring a seamless fit without the need for complex modifications. The grips come in a variety of finishes, including chrome, black, and even custom designs, to match the unique style of each motorcycle.
2. Easy-to-Use Temperature Control: Most Harley-Davidson heated grips offer a range of heat settings that can be adjusted on the go, even with gloves on. This ensures that riders can adapt to changing temperatures without taking their eyes off the road.
3. Durability and Weather Resistance: Harley-Davidson heated grips are built to withstand various weather conditions, from rain to snow. With advanced materials and construction, they maintain their performance season after season.
Installation and Compatibility
Considerations
4. Enhanced Safety and Comfort: Warm hands are crucial for maintaining a safe grip and good reflexes. Heated grips allow riders to keep their hands comfortable, which can reduce fatigue and improve overall safety, especially in colder climates or on longer rides.
Harley-Davidson heated grips can typically be installed by either a dealership professional or a skilled DIY enthusiast. Installation usually involves connecting the grips to the motorcycle’s electrical system. Harley-Davidson offers kits designed for specific models, making the installation process straightforward. However, it’s important for riders to double-check compatibility with their specific motorcycle model and year before purchasing.
Are Harley-Davidson Heated Grips Worth the Investment?
For riders who venture out in all seasons, heated grips are a valuable addition that extends the riding season and enhances comfort. They allow motorcyclists to enjoy their bikes longer each year without worrying about numb, frozen hands. Harley-Davidson heated grips stand out for their seamless integration with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, durability, and user-friendly design. For riders looking to add more comfort and safety to their cold-weather riding experience, investing in Harley-Davidson heated grips is a decision that will pay off mile after mile.
Thank you for reading!
Rocky
Parts Manager, St. Charles Harley Davidson
FOUR BALL RALLY
OUTLAW COAST TO COAST ROAD RACE FROM
Boston, Massachusetts - June 2, 1984… In the early morning hours, in the pouring rain, more than a million dollars worth of exotic automotive machinery assembled at a secret location in Boston. With drivers making hurried last minute checks of their equipment, one by one, the high performance engines were fired to life. Then, at 3 minute intervals, these men and their machines began a wild coast-to-coast journey at speeds well in excess of 100 miles per hour.
The event is the Michael A. Preston Memorial Four Ball Rally and the racers come from all over the world to compete in this 3,000 mile dash for $10,000. Substantial though it may be, the prize money is not the incentive in this extraordinary competition. Most of the racers have at least several times that amount invested in their vehicles and the specialized equipment needed. The real prize in this no-rules road race is the running and completing of the event, doing battle with the clock, severe weather, mechanical failures, fatigue, irate citizens and the highway patrols in roughly a dozen states. All in an attempt to be the first to roll into San Diego, California.
“Fantasy” Jim Smoot (President), Mike Giaffino (VP) and “Radical” Randy Shekell (VP) of Fantasy Coachworks were the first St. Louis team and the first custom van ever entered into the event. They raced across the country in a meticulously prepared Dodge van dubbed the “Orange Quest” by team mechanic Bill Burns of Burns Auto Service, because of the vibrant Sunburst Orange paint.
Hundreds of hours were spent planning and modifying the van for the race. A specially prepared 340 “Cuda” engine gave the van its 125+ mph top speed. Team Fantasy would soon find out that every bit of that speed would be necessary to compete with the 930 Twin Turbo Porsche, Corvettes, supercharged Camaro and Euro spec’d BMW’s & Mercedes that ran the event.
Team Fantasy was prepared with extra driver’s licenses, bail bond cards, lots of cash, food and beverages, and no doubt free-flowing adrenaline. They had also concocted a wildly imaginative cover story about delivering the van to the Universal Studio’s A-Team set for a stunt sequence, complete with bogus documents from Chrysler Corporation to back up the tale.
The Orange Quest rolled out of Boston at 90 mph in a heavy downpour, everything working perfectly. Once into New York and out of the rain they pushed it up to 100 mph. New York State Police had been alerted to the rally racers and were waiting in ambush along the State Turnpike. They arrested the drivers of six rally vehicles, including the Fantasy team. All denied being involved in any kind of race. The State Trooper took one look inside the van, and after viewing all of the gear, the only comment he could muster was, “Man, you guys are really wired! What place you in?” The police scanner was confiscated and an abundance of citations were handed out. The New York State boys were obviously not impressed with the A-Team story. After paying some heavy fines, all six were back on the road breaking the century mark again.
Everything went smoothly until night, just into Indiana the alternator failed, plunging the Orange Quest into real country darkness. The part was quickly replaced with an onboard spare, the gas tank topped off and it was back to the high-speed pursuit of San Diego.
Another 12 hours without mishap were squeezed out of the clock. By this time, the Rally van was burning down the Arizona highway. REALLY BURNING! A message came over the CB radio from a trucker they had just passed…”You boys in that fancy van are on fire!”
The rubber skirting on the ground effects had been ignited by the hot exhaust and was burning fiercely just beneath more than 80 gallons of fuel! Skidding to the side of the road, there was a mad scramble to get outside with the fire extinguishers. Aside from one roasted side skirt, the fire hadn’t caused any major damage.
40TH ANNIVERSARY
BOSTON TO SAN DIEGO IN THE ORANGE QUEST
Team Fantasy was now well over half-way to San Diego and had not been passed by, or even seen, any of the other racers. There was no way of knowing what place they might be in. In the near distance, the far western tip of the Rocky Mountains rose up in sharp contrast to the flat desert country they had been crossing. As the minutes ticked by, they wondered how many of their competitors had already made the first of the mountain crossings as they began the steep ascent up the twisting road.
A storm that had been brewing opened up full force as they topped the mountain. For 30 long minutes, they catapulted down the mountain’s backside in the driving rain at just below 100 mph with a fierce crosswind buffeting the van back and forth on the narrow road.
Now running at nearly full speed, the St. Louis team reached the base of the Laguna Mountains. The long uphill haul against winds reportedly gusting up to 50 mph caused the transmission to overheat and boil out nearly all of its fluid. Just 85 miles from the finish line in San Diego and the transmission was out! Jim, Mike & Randy watched in disbelief from the side of the road as the Rally team in the Mercedes rocketed by, and then minutes behind, the team in the supercharged Camaro.
Less than an hour from San Diego and they had lost 2 places!!
Once the transmission cooled and was refilled with fluid, the Rally van gobbled up the remaining 85 miles and clocked into San Diego at 45 hours, 9th place out of 23 entries. Deduct their total down time (6 hours) and they would have gone coast-to-coast in 39 hours.
“Fantasy” Jim’s Strategy...This was a classic Tortoise vs Hare race. The challenge was to take a cargo van (with the aerodynamics of a bread box) and make it competitive with high performance sports cars. But even with all of the specialized equipment, the Orange Quest would not be able to out-perform the exotics on the open road.
Jim’s plan was to be completely self-contained, thereby eliminating time consuming pit stops. If the Orange Quest couldn’t win with speed, it could win with time.
With 120 gallons of fuel on board, the Orange Quest only needed to fill up one time during the 3,000 mile race. But what about the driver’s pit stops? The van was not only equipped with food, drink, spare parts & tools but also a port-a-potty from an RV. Believe me, no one wanted to be the first to use that port-a-potty, but before the van rolled into San Diego, everyone had!
Did it work…“Fantasy” Jim’s strategy was a tremendous success. When you subtract the down time for the arrest in New York, the alternator in Indiana, the fire incident in Arizona and the overheated transmission…The Orange Quest was just off of the winning time. They finished a very respectable 9th place, but more importantly, the team proved that they could meet the challenge of racing the clock from Boston to San Diego in the most daring race known to man.
A Marketing Bonanza…The nationwide press and subsequent news releases, feature stories, full color posters, TV commercials and “personal” appearances of Team Fantasy & the Orange Quest proved to be a marketing & promotional stroke of genius for “Fantasy” Jim.
In the late ‘80s Fantasy Coachworks, with world headquarters on S. Lindbergh Blvd. in St. Louis, MO, would go on to expand to 34 franchises in 8 states and was listed in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for 3 years, as one of the fastest growing franchises in the USA. Over 32 years the company customized more than 50,000 cars, vans & trucks!
