October was quite the ride!
Event after event with one more fun than the next.
Rat-Run
October was quite the ride!
Event after event with one more fun than the next.
Rat-Run
Tabitha with The 1971 Heavy
Loved the Rat Run to Shirley’s Bar & Grill. Got to see so many faces that we haven’t seen since last year. Thanks to Pink Houses USA band, Cia Lilma Michelle, Octobers cover model & Theresa Price, guest bartender for making the Rat Run party at Longshots Saloon “one to remember” for the whole crowd. And yes we have included the pics!
There were quite a few charity events we attended. A special thanks to Kimberley Graf, Graf Insurance Group, Big St Charles MotorSports & all who contributed their time & money for this years Ride for Wishes The donation amount for this year $26292.00. Awesome job!
We also went to Bands for Benefits hosted by KT’s Saloon, & the bands, Bad Habit, Hellen Back STL. & Ms. Understood.
Thanks to all who came to support this event.
Doc’s Harley Davidson had their 69th Anniversary Party which was a blast. Amber Mae Tate, (Augusts cover model) bartended & music by Dangerous Mushrooms. You should check them out .
Even though it is getting chilly, there are a lot of great things happening in November.
Full Throttle & the Midnight Riders St Louis are teaming up for Toys for Tots this year. Drop Box locations will be posted soon on our Full Throttle Facebook page. Also, The Car Audio Shop is having their 2nd Annual Toys for Tots Car Meet & Toy Drive on 11/10 from 12 to 4.
Contributing
There’s still time to Cruise & show off your ride at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church car cruise in Imperial Sat. 11/02 4 to 6.
Want to listen to some great live local bands?
Bad Habit 11/02 at Twin Eagle Lake & 11/09 at Diamond Music Hall
Infringement 11/23 at Diamond Music Hall & Thanksgiving Eve 11/27 at KTs Saloon
Pink Houses USA at Lincoln Theater in Belleville 11/09
After Midnight at Copper Fire in Belleville 11/08 & Tuners on Main in St Charles 11/30
Plenty to do & as always we will see you out there. Nick and Dina.
CD Warehouse
Hooters (So County)
Inkbox Tattoos
Doc’s Harley Davidson
St. Charles Harley
Helen Fitzgerald’s
Borgetti's Bar & Grill
Holties Restaurant & Pub
Tenbrook Station Lounge
TJ'S Bar & Grill
Joe Clark's Restaurant
Kenny's Bar & Grill
Tuners on Main Street
Cathouse Leather in Joplin
Gateway Harley Davidson
Crossroads Bar
Johnny’s Hideout 21 Rock
Tuckers Place So County
Bobby's Place
Graf Insurance Group
Fairway Automotive
Chucks Boots -Fenton
Chucks Boots -St Peters
Diamond Music Hall
Chariots of Fire Customs
Big St. Charles
Fillmore CARQUEST Auto
Parts - Arsenal
Chippewa Tire
KT’s Saloon
Big Rods Roadhouse
The Shanti
Hessler’s Pub & Grill
The Off Track Saloon
The Barn
Herman’s Automotive
Cycle Gear (So.County)
Shirley’s Bar & Grill
Fast Lane Classic Car
ByJohnStephenson©2024
By John Stephenson ©2024
Located in Iowa County in east-central Iowa is a group of villages on 26,000 acres known as the Amana Colonies. Settled in 1856 by a group of German Radical Pietists1, the colonies practiced communal living until 1932. This consisted of maintaining a local economy supported the teamwork of residents through farming and crafting operations. Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the 7 villages are now a popular tourist attraction and are known for their historic buildings, craft shops and restaurants.
We “stumbled upon” Amana, IA on our trip home from Sturgis in July of 2023. When planning our routes, I always keep two major objectives in mind; 1) avoid big roads (highways) whenever possible and practical and, 2) visit historical locations and cool small towns along the way. In my opinion, there is no better way to slice up this big country of ours than by doing it on a motorcycle. Taking the time to soak up some local culture and history from small towns and landmarks along the way simply makes the entire experience much more fulfilling. Ihavealways considered the trip planning process part of the excitement of a trip in general. Thankfully, the internet makes researching a lot more efficient. Gone are the days of perusing state roadmaps (although I still use them to some degree), ordering AAA TripTiks, or consulting a travel agent. A quick browser search of “cool small towns in Iowa” got me to Amana and Homestead, IA. Drilling down a bit further, searching “hotels & inns near Amana, IA” got me to Zuber’s Homestead Hotel, located in Homestead, IA about 4 miles from Amana. A few clicks on their website and I was hooked! We booked a one night stay there in route home to St. Louis.
Arriving at Zuber’s around 3:00 PM, we cleaned up and rode to Amana for some exploring and dinner at Ronneburg’s Restaurant. We quickly realized that a return trip to Amana would be necessary, the shops were all closing for the night and there was so
much to see! Fast forward to 2024, we would book 2 nights in Amana on our way out to Sturgis, to allow for a full day of exploring Amana and the adjacent villages. We elected to stay in Amana, at the historic Hotel Millwright, the site of a former woolen mill. The beautifully restored property is owned by The Amana Society and has been converted to a hotel and mixed-use facility with bars, restaurants and some retail. We offer our glowing endorsement of the hotel!
1 Members that broke away from the tradition Lutheran Church to concentrate specific values for holy living.
Sunday, July 21st, we met up with our friend Susie, who would be traveling with us to Rapid City, SD for the Sturgis Rally. Our 268-mile route north was straight up US-61 to US-218 to US-6 through Iowa City, before turning north on US-151. We arrived in Amana around 3:30 PM. After checking in, we rested up a while before heading out for a short walk around town and dinner at Millstream Brau Haus. We enjoyed a table on the deck until heavy rain settled in, forcing us inside for our meal. The food was very good and the adult beverages on point! After the rain ended, we headed back to the hotel bar for a nightcap.
Monday, July 22nd, we spent the better part of the day exploring the various shops and historical sites along 220th Trail (Main Street). We kicked off the day with a visit to the Amana Heritage Museum. There we watched a brief video about the history of the colonies and then toured the grounds, which included a residence and blacksmith shop. Unique concepts of communal living2 included sharing resources. In the Amana Colonies, this is represented by the general stores and communal kitchens. Originally, no cooking was done in the home. Citizens in groups of 30-45 would gather in the kitchen for each meal, which followed a set menu for all villages. The general stores were the only source of outside goods for residents. We visited the Amana General and High Amana General
Stores and Communal Kitchens in Amana, Middle Amana and High Amana. Highly commercialized now, each still offers a good selection of locally produced food items and crafts. The “Christmas section” at Amana General Store is a sight to behold!
Accommodations in and around Amana include a selection of standard offerings, but if staying in Amana, there are several guest houses, B&Bs and guest rooms. The previously mentioned Hotel Millwright did not disappoint and had the added convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar. All within easy walking distance of places to stay in town are restaurants, bars, wineries, shops, and historic sites. Restaurants that we enjoyed were The Ox Yoke Inn, Ronnenberg’s and Millstream Brew Haus. You might choose to visit one of the wineries and enjoy small plates and wine on their patios and don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at The Chocolate Haus or Amana Bakery!
Tuesday, July 23rd, we rolled out of Amana, heading for Sioux Falls, SD in route to Rapid City and
the 2024 Sturgis Rally. Another great adventure was well under way, but more on that later!
2 A voluntary residential community which is designed to foster a high degree of social cohesion and teamwork.
A highly timid little man ventured into a biker bar in the Bronx and clearing his throat asked, “Um, err, which of you gentlemen owns the Doberman tied outside to the parking meter?”
A giant of a man, wearing biker leathers, his body hair growing out through the seams, turned slowly on his stool, looked down at the quivering little man and said, “It’s my dog. Why?”
“Well,” squeaked the little man, obviously very nervous, “I believe my dog just killed it, sir.”
“What?” roared the big man in disbelief. “What in the hell kind of dog do you have?”
“Sir,” answered the little man, “it’s a little four week old female puppy.”
“Bull!” roared the biker, “how could your puppy kill my Doberman?”
“It appears that your dog choked on her, sir.”
A VERY VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION FOR ABBY TO PONDER:
Dear Abby,
I’ve never written to you before, but I really need your advice on what could be a crucial decision.
I’ve suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs...phone rings, but when I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with the girls a lot recently, although when I ask their names she always says, “just some friends from work, you don’t know them.”
I sometimes stay awake to look out for her cab coming home, but she always comes walking up the drive as I hear the sound of a car leaving, around the corner, as if she has gotten out and walked the rest of the way. Why? Maybe she wasn’t in a taxi at all?
I once picked up her cell phone, just to see what time it was. This caused her to go completely berserk. She quickly snatched the phone out of my hand and cursed me hysterically, screaming that I should never touch her personal property, then accused me of trying to spy on her.
Anyway, I have never broached the subject with my wife, I think deep down I just didn’t want to know thr truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to really check on her. I decided I was going to park my Harley Davidson Lowrider next to the garage of the street around the corner when she came home. It was at that moment, crouching behind my motorcycle that I noticed a small amo unt of motor oil leaking through the gasket between the rear head and rocker arm cover.
So...is this something I can easily repair myself or do you think I should take it back to the dealer?
A Highway Patrolman waited outside a popular biker bar, hoping for a bust. At closing time everyone came out and he spotted his potential quarry. The man was so obviously inebriated that he could barely walk. He stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, looking for his motorcyle. After trying his keys on five other bikes, he finally found his own bike. He sat on his motorcyle for a good ten minutes, as the other patrons left. He turned his lights on, then off, and again on and off. He started his engine and pulled forward into the grass, then stopped. Finally, he pulled out onto the road and started to drive away. The patrolman, waiting for this, turned on his lights and pulled the man over. He administered the breathalyzer test, and to his great surprise, the man blew a 0.00. The patrolman was dumbfounded. “This equipment must be broken!” he exclaimed. “I doubt it,” said the man, “You see, tonight I am the designated decoy...I haven’t had a drink all day!”
Welcome back Full Throttle readers!! Today let’s talk about how Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are always seeking new ways to enhance the performance and power of their motorcycles. For those who crave unmatched power and thrilling performance, the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Performance Crate Engine delivers in spades. This monster of an engine is built to satisfy even the most demanding riders, offering an exhilarating combination of brute force, cutting-edge technology, and precision engineering.
At the heart of the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV is a massive 135 cubic inches of displacement, making it one of the most powerful engines Harley-Davidson has ever offered for its touring motorcycles. With this engine, Harley-Davidson continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a production engine, catering to the needs of riders who want more power, better acceleration, and a commanding presence on the road.
This beast of an engine is designed for serious performance, capable of producing up to 149 ft-lbs of torque and 144 horsepower at the rear wheel, offering heart-pounding acceleration that can leave the competition in the dust. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling challenging mountain roads, the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI offers an unrivaled experience in terms of sheer power.
The Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Crate Engine isn’t just about size and power—it’s also a testament to Harley-Davidson’s commitment to advanced engineering and innovation. The engine features several key improvements and high-performance components designed to enhance durability and ensure peak performance in all riding conditions.
One of the most significant upgrades is the larger bore (4.31 inches) combined with a short stroke, allowing for greater air and fuel intake and optimal combustion. This results in a high compression ratio of 11.6:1, providing immense power throughout the entire RPM range. A new set of forged pistons has also been installed to handle the additional stresses from the increased power output.
The high flow cylinder heads are paired with high-lift camshafts that maximize lift and duration, further boosting power. These enhancements allow the engine to rev faster and pull stronger through the rev range, giving riders immediate throttle response.
Additionally, the engine is liquid-cooled for improved temperature regulation, allowing for more consistent performance, especially during long rides or extreme conditions. Harley-Davidson has also integrated its proprietary Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology, which optimizes valve timing at different engine speeds, delivering a seamless blend of low-end torque and high-end power.
Performance alone isn’t enough to justify the investment in a new engine, and Harley-Davidson has made sure that the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Crate Engine is built to last. Every component is meticulously engineered to ensure long-term reliability, even when pushed to its limits.
The engine block itself is constructed from high-strength aluminum, and critical components like the crankshaft and connecting rods are forged from durable materials that can withstand the immense forces at play. A precision-balanced rotating assembly minimizes vibration, making for a smoother ride even at high speeds. Additionally, the engine is equipped with heavy-duty bearings and an upgraded oiling system, ensuring proper lubrication and reduced friction over long distances.
Harley-Davidson has also put a strong focus on keeping the engine cool and running efficiently. The liquid cooling system is supplemented by large radiators, keeping temperatures in check during extreme conditions or extended periods of high RPMs. These design choices ensure that the engine remains reliable even in the most demanding environments.
While the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Crate Engine is designed for Harley-Davidson touring models, it offers a degree of flexibility that allows riders to tailor the engine to their individual preferences. The engine is compatible with several high-performance exhaust systems, air cleaners, and tuning options, allowing owners to fine-tune their bike’s setup for maximum performance.
Additionally, this crate engine is backed by Harley-Davidson’s factory warranty, giving riders peace of mind as they upgrade their machines. The installation process is designed to integrate seamlessly with the bike’s existing components, and authorized dealers can assist with proper setup and tuning to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This engine is perfect for riders who demand the best in terms of raw power, whether it’s for long-distance touring, high-speed highway runs, or simply dominating the local streets. If you’re the type of rider who relishes the thrill of explosive acceleration and wants to make a statement wherever you go, the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Crate Engine is the ultimate upgrade.
It’s also ideal for those who compete in performance-oriented events or participate in high-performance riding clubs. The engine’s exceptional torque and horsepower allow it to perform well in a variety of situations, whether it’s pulling ahead on a straightaway or powering through steep inclines.
Thank you for reading!
Rocky @ St. Charles Harley Davidson
The Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV Performance Crate Engine is a marvel of modern engineering, delivering a combination of power, durability, and advanced technology that puts it in a class of its own. For riders looking to push the limits of performance and experience the full potential of their Harley-Davidson touring bike, this engine offers an unparalleled opportunity.
With its massive displacement, advanced features like Variable Valve Timing, and commitment to reliability, the Screamin’ Eagle 135CI Stage IV is more than just an upgrade—it’s a statement of what true performance can be. Whether you’re looking to conquer long highways or take on more aggressive rides, this crate engine delivers an experience that few other engines can match.