a little X-rated. The last son I want to talk about this month is my newborn son. Dylan Luc Ryner was born the night of 11-13-13 at the hefty weight of 8lbs 9oz. Mom and baby are doing great. I am already planning his first motorcycle even though mom and grandma have firmly said no!
The Son! If you have been reading TRWINOIL very long you know that we are very diverse in what we feature in the pages each month. Some months we push the limits a little as us “sinners” will tend to do and in others we might look more like “saints” and you hard core bikers might just be saying wtf? Did I pick up a biker rag or what? Well this month we are focused on the SON! The first article written by Darrell is A Heartfelt Ride. This story is written about a ride to commemorate a lost son. The second article this month about a son is written by CMA Dave. Even though the CMA motto is “Riding for the Son” I think Dave is just hitting his mark now that he is not just riding but also writing for the Son. I hope even us “non-believers” take the time to read his article each month, you might just find something in there that you can relate to and this story might just be
I am going to continue the offer of a free calendar of your choosing to all new paid subscriptions using the December issue subscription form. All you have to do is write the calendar that you want on the form with your paid subscription. The two you have to choose from are: Natanic’s Pin-up 2014, or Classic Firearms 2014 (sorry we are out of the Vandalizing Vixens 2014 calendar but you can still order directly from them). You can see ads for the two calendars in the pages to follow. If you already have a subscription you can still purchase a calendar for yourself or as a gift from these great vendors. You can also purchase a gift subscription and keep the calendar for yourself, just let me know. In closing for us sinners just check out our calendar. Natanic did it again! For the second year in a row he has provided us with a sexy calendar girl for our X-mas issue. (Sorry CMA Dave I had to do it!) If you have not already checked out our Facebook page you are missing out on the images that do not make the cut for our print magazine. Check it out today and share our page with your friends.
Kimmy’s Corner............................................8
Advertising Sales
2014 CVO Street Glide Special..................10
One year subscription to TRM is only $35 a year. This will have TRM delivered right to your mail box every month…
Western Wisconsin Mike Chitko sidecar@trwinoil.com / 612 741 0682
NCOM........................................................18
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contRibuting correspondents ~ Writers & Photographers
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Don Kruse (Kruser) / Doug Mitchel / Daniel L. Ryner / Darrell Broten Michael G. D’Aversa / Dave Velare (CMA) / Toni McCoy Shearon (TR Corp) Bill Bish (NCOM) / Nate Ullrich (www.lyfebehindbars.com) Judy Kaenel Bob Mazur (TROhio)
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Pull Out Calendar.......................................14 A Heartfelt Ride.........................................16
Western Suburb Chicago Illinois Jane Wollenweber / Jane@TRWINOIL.com
Name_________________________________________________
ABATE...................................................13
Central WISCONSIN Greg (Mac) MacDonald ~ Wisales1@trwinoil.com
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Bike Week America......................................6
Layout & Design Barbara Laszewski Garner / art director
Rockford / Northern Illinois Judy and Ken Pope- ThePope@trwinoil.com
Thunder Roads Magazine
Clubs & Organizations...............................22 Seats & Saddles.........................................24 KISS...........................................................25 Upcoming Events...................……………..26 CMA.........................................................28
National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
Make Check payable to: Thunder Roads WI IL Inc.
2 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
Owner / Editor Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603
Peoria / Galesburg / Kewanee Illinois Kimberly Thierry ~ Kim@TRWINOIL.com
Please send comments to dan@trwinoil.com
Letter From The Editor….....................……..2
PO BOX 236, Yorkville, IL 60560
WIsconsin / NORTH ILlinois Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603
Daniel L. Ryner Owner/ Editor/Rider
Mail check and this form to: Thunder Roads Wisconsin / North Illinois P.O. Box 236 Yorkville, IL 60560
Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS
Thunder Roads Magazine® is a free monthly publication. The cost of a one year subscription is to cover the shipping and handling.
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.
www.trwinoil.com
on the cover Hayley D photographer Bob Mazur ~ TROhio model
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 3
We at Thunder roads wish you all
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year
www.trwinoil.com
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 5
bike week america A Small Show Quickly Living Up to Its Big Name
by
Michael G. D’Aversa
Every Tuesday evening, Dan Nolan, a successful Real Estate broker by day, shoehorns himself into a tiny Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV) studio and with the help of his cohosts Laurie Westberg-Martin and Gabriella Cyranski, proceeds to deliver 45 minutes worth of excellent motorcycle-oriented content in a 30-minute show, called Bike Week America. They do it all live — there are no re-takes — and they do it all with very little cash and even less flash, yet their little show is already growing a respectable-sized audience and attracting national-level guests in addition to a growing contingency of local biker celebs. Bike Week America, which Dan personally produces, directs and hosts in his spare time, started out very small. Having already surpassed initial expectations, his show now qualifies as “not as small as it once was,” and if the trend continues, odds are it will not stay small for much longer. People enjoy watching this thing, not just in Chicagoland, but across the USA, thanks to Internet streaming. A number of biker bars now air the program for their patrons. There is clearly something going on here every Tuesday night and I’ll do my best to describe what that something is, but you are really going to have to see it for yourself to fully understand. Mind you, I had never even heard of Bike Week America until three weeks ago, when a friend of mine shared a link to the show’s Facebook page. The concept sounded interesting enough and the content seemed pretty cool, but I have to tell you, the packaging was not all that impressive. I mean think about it: This is a low budget, low tech, talking heads show format, broadcasting from a local access station. Sounds like the biker version of Wayne’s World, right? But it’s not. In fact, it’s much more than that. “We show the GOOD things bikers do,” emphasizes Nolan, “things mainstream media ignores, the things we do in our communities and how we raise funding, provide support and volunteer our time and resources to make a difference.” Nobody will ever accuse Dan of lacking passion for what he does, that’s for sure. It’s true, the first thing you will notice about the show in its current form is its utter lack of technology and high-end polish. But shortly after that, you will likely pick up on how relevant the content is to the motorcyclist community at large and quickly and easily you get comfortable with the hosts. In one episode or less, viewers come to feel like they know Dan Nolan and company. It becomes fun to hang with them on Tuesdays. Think of Bike Week America as a news show for motorcyclists of all denominations, having a decided slant on the positive side of our hobby. Dan and
The Competition can
Kiss our ass!
his co-host Laurie Martin are Accident Scene Management instructors, so they love including content intended to make us all safer riders who are more prepared than your average mope when things go wrong. You might see a local event organizer one week and a national biker celebrity the next. Past shows have included movie producer Mike Anthony Jones, bike builder Johnny Lange and “professional tourist” Kevin Bean’re. Future bookings include a conversation with author and Hall of Fame motorcyclist Cris Sommer-Simmons. Live call-ins add an interactive aspect to the show, as do the weekly prize giveaways that have fans watching the show live, while also following along on Facebook. Like I said, you’ll have to experience this show firsthand to fully understand. Bike Week America airs live every Tuesday at 7:00 pm Central on Chicago’s CAN-TV Channel 21 and via the Internet on www.cantv.org/live. Recordings of past shows can be found on YouTube by searching for “Bike Week America” and/or “Dan Nolan.” The show’s Facebook page is facebook.com/BikeWeekAmerica. (Photos Courtesy of Bike Week America)
We have the Best damn Burger
Anywhere!
N I O J ’S FOOD & SPIRITS
105 W Edgewater St. Cambria, WI 53923 Ph. 920 348-5733 www.thedumpbar.com
new Burger menu Stop in & check em’ out! Now Serving KICK aSS Find Our
Joni Peterson ~ Owner 608.532.6517 608.574.0529 www.trwinoil.com
403 Front Street Avoca,WI 53506 pinkbandana55@yahoo.com
EntErtaInmEnt SChEdulE on DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 7
Kimmy’s Corner by
Kimberly Thierry
A Ride for the Girls
www.twistedironcustomcycles.com 920.219.2357
Time
and time again it has been proven motorcyclists have the biggest hearts. This comes as no surprise to those of us who ride. Once a fellow rider shared with me her thoughts about this by saying, as bikers we are free spirits. Being a free spirit really works hand in hand with bikers being charitable as is clear by the numerous charity rides posted each season. From Toys 4 Tots, numerous breast cancer, and poker runs, every year the number of rides continues to increase.
Creative Custom Beyond Bolt ON!
This past September I took part in a rather unique charity motorcycle ride. The ride was all female motorcyclists. In total over three hundred female riders from three different locations Chicago, and Gurnee Illinois along with Milwaukee Wisconsin uniting and celebrating the successful ride. Women riders from all walks of life and types of motorcycles participated in this ride which was pretty cool to see. This ride was truly a ride for the girls. The benefactors of the ride were a local charity in Chicago that provides assistance to women who are victims of domestic abuse. Money was collected from the selling of t-shirts and direct donations. The ride was totally free to anyone who wished to participate but as you know bikers are always willing to give. Ride organizers took special effort to make this truly an all-female event. From organizers, road captains, traffic control, to the registration table. At the final stop Milwaukee Harley Davidson, riders were treated to music, vendors and refreshments. As awesome as participation in this event was, the best part for me was the ride home from Milwaukee to downstate Western Illinois. Riding through the rolling hills of Wisconsin that late summer day with a friend made it even more worth the effort. Now, that’s good riding! Until next season.
8 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
www.trwinoil.com
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 9
New Boom!™ Box 4.3 Radio Let’s start with the big news: 25% more volume for your tunes. The new Boom!™ Box 4.3 Radio puts out 25 watts per channel at 1% distortion and features a factorytuned, optimized equalizer that pumps out more power and can be played louder while maintaining the clarity of your sound. And the new speed tuning system delivers more than just volume changes at different speeds. It changes the level of bass and treble to dial-in the best sound, whether you’re running at stately pace down the strip or going hell for leather down an open stretch of road. And if you want even more you can go with the optional Boom!™ Box 6.5GT that puts out 25 watts per channel and has integrated satellite radio. Additional satellite services such as weather and traffic can be added and overplayed on the GPS maps. You can even download map upgrades and additional functions.
Thunder Roads Factory Feature
2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special FLXHS
Harley Davidson has revamped its lineup of touring models and has named the entire operation Project Rushmore. Like you’d probably guessed, the Street Glide Special wasn’t forgotten and the bike received its share of upgrades for 2014. In terms of power, the 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special is equipped with a revised air-cooled, high output Twin Cam 103 engine. The upgraded engine delivers a stronger low end torque and feels more refined than the previous version. Fire it up and it will reward you with a peak torque of 104.7 ft-lb at 3,250 rpm and a combined fuel economy of 42 mpg. All its power is transferred to the rear wheel through a six speed cruise drive transmission. As far as comfort is concerned, the 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special has all it needs to deliver a relaxed riding position. Harley has gone over the top with its improvements and reworked every detail improving the airflow, heat management, seat textures, leg room and hand controls to be sure that its new Street Glide Special can fully satisfy its owner. The 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special is offered with a base price of $22,499. The model shown here features the Mysterious Red paint treatment, optional Chopped Tour Pack,
Windsplitter Windshield, and Street Cannon Mufflers. Contact your local Harley-Davidson dealer for more information on the 2014 H-D Street Glide. Other Features, highlighted by the Factory:
High Output Twin Cam 103™ Engine Asking riders if they’d like more passing power is like asking them “Would you like more beer in the pitcher” when they have reached their final destination at the end of a long, dusty ride. Everybody wants it, and the new High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine is 103 cubic inches of Harley-Davidson V-Twin you can rely on to deliver it. There’s a new airbox for increased intake airflow and a new cam that optimizes phase and duration. The result: better low end torque and faster 60 to 80 mph 5th gear roll-on to get you around that 18-wheeler. In the tradition of the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution®, Twin Cam 88® and Twin Cam 96® engines that came before it, the new High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine is raising the bar for the feeling an engine delivers to the rider.
Jukebox with USB Port for iPod/iPhone The Jukebox opens with one touch of a button and includes a USB connection which accepts your iPhone, iTouch, non-iPod imitators, and SD card and other USB compatible devices. Pop it open, plug in and your device becomes a part of your motorcycle. Ready to be operated by voice command or hand controls. 500% Larger Buttons for Easier Operation You wear gloves when you ride so our buttons are designed to be operated with gloves on. They’re fully 5 times larger than before.
Even the little improvements were done in a big way. Reflex™ Linked Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System No doubt about it, there are times riding when you need to haul things down in a hurry. And you don’t get to pick those times. Or decide whether or not they occur when you’re on a flat, smooth, dry, perfect new stretch of pavement. That’s why our touring models feature new Reflex™ anti-lock braking (ABS) with dynamically, electronically linked brakes. ABS turns a locked up front wheel or a rear wheel skid into a relic from riding’s history. And the front and rear brakes are electronically linked to provide exactly the right amount of brake to each tire no matter what the road condition is. No matter how good you are, this will make you a better rider. Air-Adjustable Suspension With air-adjustable suspension that comes standard, you can dial in your ride to accommodate heavier or lighter payloads, battle unexpected road conditions or simply set it to how you like to roll. The lighter the load, the softer you can go by decreasing the air pressure a bit, or increase the air pressure for a more firm ride. A convenient air valve is located between the saddlebag and rear fender for quick adjusting. continued...
Brembo® Brakes Confidence. Control. High-performance dual disc Brembo® brakes offer consistent stopping power at all speeds. The 4-piston front and rear caliper with dual front rotor brake system is state of the art and top of the line. It’s just another way The Motor Company puts a high level of detail into their bikes to give you peace of mind throughout your journey. Dunlop® Multi-Tread™ Tires The 180mm back tire is engineered to do more than fill out the rear fender and put a bigger patch of rubber on the road. Dunlop® Multi-Tread™ technology uses harder compounds at the center and softer on the sides for a tire that still knows how to knuckle-down on corners. Perfect for making this bike agile on every curvy stretch of road. And the way it feels going through an abrupt off-camber turn will put a grin on your face that’ll last to the next state line. H-D® Smart Security System (Optional) The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work.
Base Price Length Seat Height, Laden Seat Height, Unladen Ground Clearance Rake (Steering Head) (Deg) Trail Wheelbase Tires, Front Specification Tires, Rear Specification Fuel Capacity Oil Capacity (W/Filter) Weight, As Shipped Weight, In Running Order Luggage Capacity –Volume Engine
$22,499 96.5 In. 26.1 In. 27.4 In. 5.3 In. 26 6.8 In. 64 In. 130/60B19 61H BW 180/65B16 81H 6 Gal. 4 Qt. 775 Lb. 810 Lb. 2.3 Cu Ft Air-Cooled, High Output Twin Cam 103™ With Integrated Oil Cooler
Bore Stroke Displacement Compression Ratio Fuel System
3.87 In. 4.374 In. 103.1 Cu In 9.7:1 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) Chrome, 2-1-2 Dual Exhaust With Tapered Mufflers 104.7 Ft-Lb 3,250 42 Mpg
Exhaust Engine Torque Engine Torque (Rpm) Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy
Review and information courtesy TopSpeed.com STOCK PHOTOS COURTESY HARLEY-DAVIDSON CO. / Others provided by BOB MAZUR, TR Ohio Model: Haley / Motorcycle Courtesy Lake Erie Harley-Davidson
NHTSA undeterred, convinced lawmakers to withhold federal highway dollars from states that did not pass mandatory helmet laws. 47 states bowed, and the fight began. Moving on to the present day we still are fighting the good fight! A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois is not just the “Helmet Guys” as so many call us. We are not against wearing helmets; we are against any government mandate “telling’ us to. We are active in fighting for ALL rights of motorcyclists. From being allowed to fix your own bike, outlawing motorcycle only checkpoints, creating and successful implementing “good” laws protecting us such as the “Dead Red Light Law” and the “Road Blockers Law”, preventing discrimination, to even stopping ridiculous laws profiling the tattoos on your own body! A.B.A.T.E. is always watching for you!
A.B.A.T.E. NOT SO SECRET ANYMORE! A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois used to have the tag line “the best kept secret in Illinois!” but no more. With the dedicated chapter members at almost every event in the 2013 riding season, unless you lived under a rock it was hard to miss us but with that there are still riders out in the Midwest that have no idea who we are and what we do. A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois aka A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (Illinois) is the leading Safety and Education motorcycle rights organization nationwide. The acronym varies from state to state but our focus and directives are the same. We FIGHT for YOU!! In the early 1970s National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration decided that motorcycles should be BANNED from all roadways. A 10 year plan was developed to implement that directive. NHTSA’s reasoning was if they could make riding a “hassle” then bikers would give it up! In 1973 a nationwide, mandatory helmet law was proposed and defeated because Washington DC viewed this as a State issue.
It is important that every motorcyclist in the United States joins us in continuing this ongoing fight against those that would love to NEVER see a motorcycle on the roads. To stop discrimination that is based on what you wear or what you ride and to ensure that we are always allowed freedom to ride. If you prefer to let others fight your fights than sit in your comfort zone you think you have, but if you want to protect YOUR rights than find a chapter in your area, type in the words ABATE into your internet and find ways you can help us and be part of the solutions! Be part of something that is powerful and successful! Be an A.B.A.T.E. member today!! Ride Safe! Ride Free! Judy “Chooch” Kaenel President, DuKane Chapter A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois
We at Thunder roads magazine Would Like To Say
www.trwinoil.com
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 13
model
Nikki / photographer
Happy New Year
Nate Ulrich ~ www.lyfebehindbars.com
Merry Christmas
December 2013
A Heartfelt Ride by
Darrell Broten
The e-mail message forwarded to me by my Christian Motorcyclists Association friend was to the point. Cy and Kathy ___________ of Hayward wanted to surprise his old friend Tommy Puckett by having a flock of motorcyclists join him for church in Sparta. Tommy had recently lost his 25-yearold son to an epileptic seizure. His son left a son and was buried on what was to be his wedding day. Cy thought a bunch of motorcyclists might comfort his old friend, who also was a biker. Did I want to be a part of this? What intrigued me was that the ride started at the Hayward LCO grocery store, only a few miles from my friend’s cabin. It would be a very early departure, so that was novel, and I would be joining a group of riders, number unknown. Of course, the purpose of the
affair was to support a grieving man. I know only too well what the sudden loss of a loved one is like. I was in. The day of the ride I arose from bed just before 5AM after a short’s night sleep. It took me less than half an hour to get ready because I laid out my things the night before. Creeping out to the garage in pitch black darkness, my concern was starting the KLR without waking everyone in the cabin. I put the choke halfway, gently turned the key, and was rewarded with a low and steady tapping of the single cylinder engine. I rode slowly into Stone Lake with my bright lights on. I was less than fully awake and I sure didn’t want to run into a deer at so early an hour. Stone Lake was deserted. Soon a lone headlight and the sound of a Harley approached. What were the chances that this rider wasn’t going to Sparta? I waved the rider to a stop. A helmet-less gray haired man pulled up. “Are you going to Sparta?” I asked, my fingers poised over the ignition key. “No.” he replied. “Is there something going on down there?” I explained the plan to him. “Well, have a good ride,” he said as he rode away. So much for playing the odds. A few minutes later, however, two motorcycles did pull up. I asked them the same question and yes, they said they were on their way to Sparta. “I’m from Eau Claire and heard about your ride on the internet.” A gray-bearded vested biker replied, “Thanks for coming!” Let’s ride!”
16 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
Fifteen minutes down the road near Highway 70 the two bikes suddenly pulled over onto the shoulder. Cy______________ walked back to me and introduced himself, his wife, and Dave—who was from Duluth—who was also coming along. “I’m diabetic and in the morning I need to stop for the bathroom often.” Cy moved over to the ditch, relieved himself, and we continued on, southbound on Highway 53. On the way to Rice Lake a magnificent sunrise of light blues, oranges, pink, and chartreuse colored the sky. I could hardly keep my eyes on the road. At Ride Lake Cy stopped again. This time we picked up Bob and Greg from the Rice Lake CMA chapter, so now there were five of us. We slowed briefly at the Highway 8 exit to see if any riders were waiting for us. There were none, so we rode on to the Chetek rest area where Cy stopped again and one more CMAer joined us. “Our next stop is Osseo,” announced Cy. I told him that I would peel off in Eau Claire to pick up my camera and rejoin them in Osseo. I took the Clairemont Avenue exit east and was on it just long enough to see two Eau Claire CMAers on their way to the ride. I waved to them, unable to explain. I “quickly” rode west to my condominium, screeched to a halt, grabbed the camera, stuffed two cookies into my mouth, and took off again. I raced 80 mph to catch up with the group but by Osseo still didn’t see them. West on Highway 10 turned up no sign of them but back on the west side of the interstate I spotted them at an Exxon. Ah, there they are! They had been there only five minutes but I had time only for a brief bathroom stop before it was back on the KLR again. Already I was getting hungry.
Eleven strong we rode as one in staggered formation over I-94 to Black River Falls where we picked up Highway 27. It was 25 more miles to Sparta where we crossed Highway 16 and halted just short of the I-90 interchange, turned left into the New Life Assembly of God church parking lot, and shut off our engines. We were five minutes late to church. Tommy, surprised and excited, urged us to enter. “We’re on God’s time,” he said. I looked for coffee and rolls, but was too soon ushered into the sanctuary with the gang. Parishioners welcomed us and shook our hands as were escorted to the front row of pews. The service began with announcements from a young man, then picked up in earnest when the songs began, which encourage most to wave arms and lift their eyes. Then Pastor Randy Williamson began his enthusiastic and—at time—humorous sermon. It was a far cry from my staid and sober Lutheran experience. Williamson singled us out several times during his sermon and referenced motorcycling more than once (“Holiness, Halleluiahs, and Harleys. There’s a three point sermon for you.”). I saw one other man with his arms at his side and later on learned that he, too, was Lutheran. I yawned from fatigue during Randy’s sermon. My stomach growled. My head ached. Williamson www.trwinoil.com
quickly wrapped up his Surprisingly Lutheran message and bid us good bye. I popped two ibuprofen on my way out. Church members greeted us and complimented us on our bikes. We took a bunch of pictures and then went over to the Sparta Family Restaurant for dinner. While we waited for the roast turkey special (diner specials are always quick) we discussed church matters, motorcycles, and the state of the nation. Our conversation kept my mind off my hunger. The dinner and coffee tasted great. Just about the time I was finished, our waitress came up and asked about dessert. “Pastor Randy is paying for it. As a matter of fact, he’s paying for your whole dinner.” Now, how nice was that? Post-meal, we relaxed with more chit-chat outside. I filled the KLR up with $4.26 per gallon premium—the most I have ever paid for gasoline. Sandra, president of the Eau Claire CMA chapter, was eager to get back home, and so was I. We took Highway 27 directly back to Black River Falls and the interstate straight to Eau Claire. I felt revived as we motored on 27. It’s a wonder what aspirin, coffee, and a good
meal can do for a person. In a little over an hour of dodging semis and judging speeds, we were in Eau Claire. Sandra and I waved to each other as we followed different exits. And was Tommy surprised and happy? He couldn’t stop thanking us all for coming and he apologized for not knowing we were coming. If he did, he would have worn his leathers. ”The next time you’re down I’ll grill up a mess of food for all of you,” he promised. Your motorcycle is a wonderful machine. . It can be parked anywhere. It takes hardly any fuel to run. It goes places most other vehicles can’t. It can be as much a work of art as it can be a heap of ugly metal, and run like a charm all the same. It can transport you physically and mentally It can also heal a hurting heart.
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 17
NEWS BYTES
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com
NCOM NEWS BYTES 10-06 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists CDC TASK FORCE CALLS FOR HELMET LAWS A task force operating under the auspices of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all states have a mandatory helmet law in place to require motorcycle riders of all ages to wear a helmet. Citing reduced injuries and fatalities, as well as economic benefits, the Community Preventive Services Task Force, appointed by the director of the CDC, will make its recommendations to the federal agency and report its findings to the U.S. Congress in early December. The CDC, whose primary mission is to fight disease, issued a report last summer recommending that all 50 states enact universal helmet laws in response to a sharp increase in motorcyclist fatalities; but ignoring the fact that the number of motorcycles in use nationwide has increased substantially over the past decade, and that costs associated with un-helmeted cyclists involved in fatal accidents represent a tiny fraction of overall U.S. healthcare expenditures. In the meantime, U.S. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) has authored a joint letter from members of Congress calling for the CDC to stop investigating motorcycling issues such as helmet laws, which they have no experience or expertise with, and “…to direct your attention and resources to areas that are not currently already being addressed elsewhere in the government.” URGE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO BAR E15 GAS The US Defenders (www.usdefenders.org) issued a Call To Action on October 26, 2013 calling for support of House Resolution 1462 “to Stop the Sale of Ethanol 15 (E15).” The bipartisan RFS Reform Act would “eliminate the corn-based ethanol mandate currently required by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reduce the overall requirements of cellulosic ethanol not filled by other advanced bio-fuels, and rescind the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers allowing gasoline blends containing up to 15-percent of ethanol.” Introduced by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Peter Welch (D-VT), H.R. 1462 would effectively overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which mandates that 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels be part of our nation’s fuel supply by 2022, almost all of which being fulfilled by corn ethanol which in turn diverts nearly 40% of our nation’s corn crop from food and feed. Congress created the RFS program in 2005 to promote the ethanol industry by setting the minimum amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into motor fuels annually. E10 (10% ethanol blend) has become widely accepted and helped kickstart the ethanol industry, but in 2010 the EPA approved E15 for use in newer vehicles even though many automobile manufacturers claim its use can damage engines and void warranties, and no motorcycles or ATVs are currently approved to use the alcohol-laden fuel. Rep. Goodlatte has also introduced the RFS Elimination Act (H.R.1461), “which eliminates the RFS altogether and makes ethanol compete in a free market.” Both the RFS Elimination Act and the RFS Reform Act have been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Meanwhile, on November 15, the EPA recommended reducing the total amount of ethanol required by the RFS to be blended into U.S. transportation fuel nationwide in 2014 from 18.15 billion gallons down to 15.21 bg, though the move to reduce the minimum volume of renewable fuel next year does not provide a permanent solution to the inflexible short-term mandates nor the long-term diversion of feed stocks to fuel.
18 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
NEWS BYTES
ROCHESTER, MINN ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATING AGAINST BIKERS An attorney representing the Confederation of Clubs of Minnesota claims that Rochester bars and restaurants illegally deny access to people wearing clothing that displays affiliations to certain motorcycle clubs and that the Rochester Police Department advises the establishments to do so. In a letter dated October 31, 2013 to Rochester Police Chief Roger Peterson and City Attorney Terry Adkins, A.I.M. Attorney Michael M. Bader of St. Paul, MN states that by denying access to people displaying affiliations to these clubs, the establishments are violating Minnesota Statute 604.12. The statute, the first and only biker anti-discrimination law in the country, says that access cannot be denied to “a person who operates a motorcycle or is wearing clothing that displays the name of an organization or association,” unless the person’s behavior is endangering other people or property, or the person’s clothing “is obscene or includes the name or symbol of a criminal gang.” Bader’s letter states that he has been provided “irrefutable evidence” that Rochester restaurants and bars violate the law by practicing “discrimination” against members of motorcycle clubs, and told the Post-Bulletin newspaper that the evidence includes taped recordings of conversations with bar owners who say police advised them to deny access to people wearing jackets or other clothing with certain motorcycle club colors and insignias. “The reason given by police, as evidenced in recordings, is: ‘that these groups have a history of violence,’” but Minnesota Statute 609.229, which pertains to gang crime, requires a gang or club to have a “pattern of criminal activity” before establishments can deny access to its members. “Our suggestion would be for Chief Peterson to send a memo to all licensed clubs and restaurants in Rochester with a copy of Minn. Stat. 604.12, advising the license holders that discrimination upon dress alone violates the statute and makes each establishment liable for damages and attorney fees for each person who suffers the discrimination,” Bader wrote in his letter. Peterson told the paper he has no plans to send the type of memo Bader suggested because the police department is not violating any statute, saying it is well-known and well-established that the motorcycle clubs Bader represents have histories of violence in the Rochester area and the police department has advised bars and restaurants to deny access to people wearing any kind of gang colors or insignias, and that includes those of motorcycle clubs with violent histories. If Peterson refuses to do so, “the next step is litigation,” Bader said in a recent interview. “And then it would be incumbent upon the city to prove this pattern of criminal activity.” According to Minnesota Statute 609.902, it requires at least three separate criminal acts within 10 years of the beginning of the criminal proceeding. THREE-WHEELERS EXEMPTED FROM MOTORCYCLE LICENSING & HELMET LAWS The Michigan legislature has approved a bill to change the state’s motorcycle laws to allow Elio Motors to sell a three-wheeled car in the state without buyers being required to get a motorcycle endorsement. The “Elio” (pronounced EE-lee-oh) is considered a “motorcycle” under federal and state safety regulations because it has three wheels and weighs less than 1,600 pounds. Nonetheless, it handles like a car according to inventor Paul Elio, who says Michigan’s old law would have required buyers of the Elio to take a motorcycle safety test that teaches things like, “the throttle is on the right handlebar” and you should “lean into a curve.” The company is banking on other states with similar laws to have them modified by the time Elio Motors plans to start production of the Elio in late 2014, but their main concern is the five states that require drivers of three-wheeled vehicles to wear a helmet. Joel Sheltrown of Elio Motors says those laws must be changed by the time the Elio is for sale, because wearing a helmet in a car obscures the person’s vision and hearing, and the weight of the helmet also has the potential to cause severe neck damage in an accident.
ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS $2
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The worldwide market for tires is projected to grow at a 5% annual rate for the period 2014-2015, and motorcycles will be a key driver. According to an industry report, the increasing demand for motorcycles positively influences the demand for tires and hence leads to the growth of the Global Tire market. The demand for motorcycles comes from developing and under-developed countries where the penetration rate of cars is low. Also, it is expected that the adoption of tubeless tires in the Global Motorcycle market will increase and will have a positive impact on the Global Tire market. 1 IN 4 DRIVERS ADMIT SURFING THE WEB WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL Texting while driving used to be an offense identified with younger vehicle operators, but a new poll shows how it has spread to older drivers as well. The poll also found that one in four drivers are now accessing the Web while driving, yet another dangerous distraction, and the increase is driven by older drivers using smartphones. The number of drivers who report using their cell phones to access the Internet while behind the wheel continues to rise, to a point where nearly one of four drivers are going online while driving, according to a national survey that has tracked the potentially deadly practice over the past five years. There were also jumps in the percentages of people who read or respond to e-mail, and who read or update social media networks while driving, according to an article appearing on the front page of USA TODAY on Tuesday, November 12th. Insurer State Farm began asking drivers in 2009 whether they went online while driving. The percentage of drivers who said they do so has nearly doubled, from 13% in 2009 to 24% this year. Among drivers ages 18-29, that number rose from 29% to 49%. Most research on distracted driving -- and most laws against it -- has focused on texting while driving, which creates a crash risk 23 times greater than not doing so, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But the rise in ownership of smartphones, which allow users to surf the Web, access social media and send and receive e-mail, means there are more opportunities than ever for driver distraction, and over the past three years the sharpest increases in smartphone ownership were among drivers 40 and over. For drivers ages 40-49, the percentage that owns smartphones rose from 47% in 2011 to 82% in 2013; for those 50-64, it went from 44% to 64%, and for those 65 and older, from 23% to 39%. Perhaps reflecting the nation’s sustained campaign against texting while driving, that problem is growing much more slowly than surfing the Web. The perwww.trwinoil.com
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Such laws could also hinder sales of the three-wheeler, which will be manufactured in Shreveport, Louisiana, where the state recently amended their laws to allow Elio occupants to ride without a helmet and operators won’t have to get a special “M’’ endorsement on their driver’s license as required of motorcyclists. GLOBAL TIRE MARKET PROJECTED TO GROW, DRIVEN BY MOTORCYCLES
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Local Wisconsin/N. Illinois Offices to Serve You Free Legal Consultation AIM 3255-E No Recovery = No Fee We Make House Calls Attorneys in Every State and Province Who Ride No Fee on Motorcycle Damage Recovery Also Auto Accidents 24 Hours - Toll Free (800) 531-2424
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centage of people who report texting while driving rose slightly over the past five years, from 31% to 35% of all drivers. Among those 18-29, the number who report doing so has actually decreased, from 71% to 69%. Chris Mullen, State Farm’s director of technology research says, “We need to keep an eye on social media, reading e-mail, all these other functions folks can use. … That could be legislation, it could be enforcement, it could be education and awareness.” DRIVERS WOULD OPT TO LOSE CONTROL A new survey finds that one in five Americans would never take the wheel again if a self-driving, or autonomous, car were available. CarInsurance.com asked 2,000 drivers whether they would buy an autonomous car if it meant they never had to drive again, and 20% of them said yes. That number soars if cheaper car insurance is part of the deal. While 1 in 5 licensed drivers surveyed said they would gladly turn over the keys and let computers do the driving, more than a third of those surveyed said an 80% discount on car insurance rates would make purchase of an autonomous vehicle “very likely,” and 90% of respondents said they would at least consider the idea. Cars that park themselves, navigate stop-and-go-traffic or avert an impending collision are already on U.S. roads today, and Nissan has promised to deliver a fully autonomous vehicle -- one that allows a computer to assume control under the right conditions -- to showrooms by 2020. A fully automated vehicle that doesn’t need a human operator could someday follow. “Our survey shows cheaper insurance will greatly influence consumer acceptance,” said CarInsurance.com managing editor Des Toups. “Some of the liability of operating a car will doubtless be assumed by the manufacturer,” Toups said. “But a lot of the decrease in rates could come simply because there would be many fewer accidents.” Trust will be a big hurdle, the survey results show, as 64% said computers were not capable of the same quality of decision-making that human drivers exhibit, and 75% said they can drive a car better than a computer could. Asked what they would do with their additional free time, 26% responded that they’d text/ talk with friends, 21% would read, while 10% would sleep and 7% would work. QUOTABLE QUOTE “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” ~ Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American poet and practical philosopher
NCOM
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 19
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
If you would like to see your business listed and receive Thunder Roads Magazine each month call 630-608-8603. Thunder Roads Magazine WI/NOIL is distributed monthly at the following locations
Wisconsin Auto Services Markesan, WI Arneson Auto Body 76 S. Margaret/ 920-398-8000 Body Repairs, Restoration and Custom Paint Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles
Bars & Restaurants Appleton, WI Dixie’s Clubhouse 5015 Greenville Dr M-F 2-7 S+S 11-Close Coldest beer in town! Come sit on our BIG DECK! Avoca, WI Joni’s Food & Spirits 403 Front Street 608-532-6517/ joni.55@live.com Serving Food 7 days a week Friday Night Fish, Steaks, and more! Home of the Pink Bandana Ride, October Beaver Dam, WI Charlie Brown’s 1019 N. Spring St. 8:00 to 2:00 Sunday -Thursday 8:00 to 2:30 Fri - Saturday Cocktails Bar & Grill 1305 N Center St Great Food and Good People! Hogz N Honeez W 7771 State RT. 33/ 920-356-8741 Open 7 days 11a.m. to close Open Thursday - Sunday 11a.m. to close Bike Night Every Thursday / Friday Fish Fry Like us on Facebook www.hogzandhoneez.com Black River Falls, WI First and Last Chance Saloon N5090 Highway 27 / (715) 284- 3121 “Project Christmas Poker Run” October 12th 2013 Cambria, WI The Dump 105 W Edgewater St. M-S 10 a.m. to close Sunday 11-11 Bike Night Every Thursday TRWINOIL favorite Wisconsin Burger! Fox Lake, WI The Wharf 221 W. State / 920-928-2111 6 am to close Daily Breakfast & Lunch / Friday Fish Fry Juneau, WI Pumpkin Center Tap N4851 CTY RD I Mondays 3:00 to close / Tues-Friday 11:30 to close Sat & Sun 9:00 to close
Leland, WI The Schellter Bar and Grill E7428 CTY RD C/ 608-544-3091 Like us on Facebook Tuesday nights 5 – 9 Broasted Chicken dinners & All you can eat wings (4 kinds of wings) Thursday nights 5-9 Prime rib sandwiches and fries, Friday night 5 – 9 Fish Fry Lodi, WI KD’s Bar and Grill N1444 Fair St. Cold drinks and Hot food! Live music! Outdoor patio, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits Manchester, WI The Hitching Post W3350 Main St / 920-398-2443 Sun-Thur 11a- 2a Fri, Sat 10a-2:30a Tue- All you can eat chicken wings $6.95 Thur- $1.50 Tacos Fri- All you can eat Fish and Chkn $7.75 Sunday- Chicken and Ribs $9.95 Markesan, WI Mac’s BBQ Wood smoked BBQ Catering 920-296-4233 Serving Southern Wisconsin
Beaver Dam, WI Mischler’s Harley-Davidson & BMW N8131 Kellom RD 920-887-8425 www.mischlershd.com / www.mischlersbmw.com 9-5:30 M,T, Thur, 9-8 W, F 9-2:00 Sat Steelhorse Motorsports 101 Carroll St./ 920-219-9779 The source for V-Twin Parts accessories sales & service Like us on Facebook www.steelhorsems.com Twisted Iron Custom Cycles & Service 146 Webster St./ 920-219-2357 Creative Custom Beyond Bolt On! Like us on Facebook www.twistedironcustomcycles.com Black River Falls, WI Al Muth Harley Davidson (715) 284 – 4725 www.almuth-harleydavidson.com Fox Lake, WI Twisted Iron Custom Cycles &Service 209 W State St./ 920-219-2357 Creative Custom Beyond Bolt On! Like us on Facebook www.twistedironcustomcycles.com
Vandy’s Lakeside Pub & Hotel www.vandysbarhotel.com Off Highway 44 along Little Green Lake Sun-Thurs 10am to 2am Fri & Sat 10am to 2:30am
Onalaska, WI La Crosse Area Harley-Davidson 1116 Oak Forest Drive (608) 783-6112 www.lacrosseharley.com
New Diggings, WI Anton’s Saloon 26320 County RD W / 608-965-4881 Open Thur-Sunday at Noon “Home of the Macho Burger”
Janesville, WI Team Triumph 4747 E. US HWY 14 / Janesville, WI 53546 608-741-9900
Oak Grove Enders’ Tap N5268 County HWY A M-Fri 11-close Sat & Sun 9-close Rio, WI Otsego Yacht Club W3408 HWY 16 / 920-992-6036 Tuesday to Sat 10:30 to close Sunday 8:00 am to close Thursday Bike Night/ Friday Fish Fry Wed. Jack Daniels BBQ Ribs/Fri. Fish Fry “Best Damn Burgers in the Tri-state Area” “What competition?” Waupun, WI The Other Bar 105 E. Main St. / 920-324-5505 11:00 to close 7 days a week.
Bike Sales & Service Appleton, WI Harley-Davidson of Appleton 5322 Clairemont Dr M-W 9-6 T-F 9-7 Sat 9
20 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
Madison, WI Badger Harley-Davidson 6200 Millpond RD 608-221-2761 / www.badgerehd.com Summer Hours 9-7 M-F 9-5 Sat 10-4 Sun Plover, WI Plover Motor Sports 2540 Plover RD / 715-544-6006 West Bend, WI West Bend Harley-Davison 2910 West Washington St. www.wbhhd.com
Custom Motorcycle Services Ettrick, WI Premier Powdercoating 22787 South Main St. 608-525-5005/ www.premierpowdercoating.net
Hotels/ Lodging Markesan, WI Vandy’s Lakeside Pub & Hotel www.vandysbarhotel.com Off Highway 44 along Little Green Lake 920-398-2113 to make your reservations today
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY Law Offices/ Attorneys Wisconsin State Wide Steelhorse Law www.steelhorselaw.com / 1-888-38-COURT
Photography La Crosse, WI Fine Lines Photography and Graphics 611 Powell St. 54603/ 608-782-4849 Facebook; James Whistleman jmsfinelines111@AOL.com www.fine-lines.smugmug.com
Residential & Commercial Repairs Manchester, WI Mac’s Welding & Repair 920-296-4233
Specialty Services Southern WI, Eastern Iowa, Northern IL Passion Parties by Mindy Get your friends together and see what Mindy has to make your night time fun. To Host, Shop or Join Contact Mindy 608-712-8400 www.passionpinkladies.com
NORTH ILLINOIS Apparel, Leather & More Utica, IL Mix’s Trading Post 602 Clark St/ 815-667-4120 Areas Best Price and selection of motorcycle leather Indian art and gifts. Open 7 days 10 to 5
Auto Services Wyoming, IL Wyoming Custom Auto Body 601 North Main / 309-695-3001 Body and Fender Repairs Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles
Bars & Restaurants Bristol, IL The Bristol Tap 46 Cannonball Trail (630)553-6229 Home of the Bristol Burger Galesburg, IL Broken Spoke Saloon and Grill 2085 Grand Ave. 309-344-8736 Kitchen open Monday thru Sat. Huntley, IL Offies Tap Corner of Church and Main St. Beer, Darts, Video Gaming, Fun Ladd, IL Softails Bar & Grill 246 N. Main St. / 815-894-2221 Lunch 11-2 daily / Dinner 4:30-9 Mon- Sat Come enjoy the covered patio! Just north of I-80 exit #70 Thursday Night Bike Night!
www.trwinoil.com
Millington, IL Last Chance Saloon & Restaurant 102 S. Church St. (815)695-5660 Good Friends! Good Food! Good Times! Palatine, IL Alley 64 (Next to City Limits HD) 2001 N. Rand Road / 847-934-6408 Open 7 days at 11 am - www.Alley64palatine.com Outdoor Bar & Bike Parking / Private Party Room Bike Night every Thursday Plano, IL The Friendly Tap 14 N. Center Street / 630-552-3696 Check out the daily food specials! TRWINOIL Favorite Illinois Burger! Seneca, IL Fat Daddys 176 W. Jackson Sun- Thur 11-2 Fri-Sat 11-3 - Kitchen open till 9 Covered Beer Garden Spring Valley, IL Uncle Stewy’s Road House 225 E. St Paul St/ 815-663-8338 10 am to 1 am Beer Garden , pool tables and cold drinks St. Charles, IL Alley 64 (Downtown St. Charles) 212 W. Main St / 630-513-6464 Open 7 days at 11 am - www.Alley64.com Great Food & Cold Drinks Outside Bar / Patio / Bike Parking Ray’s Evergreen Tavern 1400 W. Main St./ 630-584-3535 Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am Fri & Sat 11 am to 2 am Covered Patio/ Bike Parking / Great Food Stickeny, IL Third Down Sports Bar 4839 S. Central/ 708-458-0804 Open 7 days 11-4 Summit, IL Fat Daddys 5437 Center Ave/ 708-563-0807 Open 7 days 11-4 Kitchen till 9 Covered Beer Garden/ Off Street Parking Corner Joynt 7600 60th Ave/ 708-563-0804 - Open 7 days 11-2 Symerton, IL Anson’s Pub 18332 W. Commercial St. (Look for sign off Peotone RD) 10am to close Daily food specials/ find us on facebook Willow Springs, IL CC’s Grove Inn 8258 S. Kean Ave / 708-839-1959 / www.ccsgrove.com Open 11 am to 2 am 7 days a week Major Events and Benefits hosted at CC’s Grove Yorkville, IL Rowdys 210 S. Bridge St. / 630-553-5054 Outdoor seating coming soon! Open during construction, Parking in back!
Bike Sales & Service Glenview, IL Chicago Harley Davidson 2929 Patriot BLVD / 847-418-2929 www.chicagoharley.com Orland Park, IL South Side Motorcycle CO. 13341 Southwest Highway, Unit D 708-361-0942/ www.sscycle.net Bike Building & Custom Specialists for V-Twin Parts & Service Sandwich, IL Black Magic Customs, Inc 4686 E. 29th Rd / 815-786-1977 www.blackmagiccustoms.com Woodstock, IL Woodstock Harley Davidson 2050 S. Eastwood Dr.- RT 47 / 815-337-3511
Convenience Stores Plano, IL Plano Liquor & Wine 401 E. South ST / 630-552-7044 Cigars, Wine & Liquor, Keg’s Available Sugar Grove, IL Village Liquors 84 S. Main St / 630-466-4900 Cigars, Wine & Liquor
Custom Paint and Graphics Morton, IL Pinstriping & Air Brush Art by Brad Grimm 1406 S. Main St./ (309)369-5485 Murals* Signs* Flames* Brush Pictures* Graphics* Portraits* Lettering
Leather Repair and Service Rochelle, IL Custom Cowhide 404 Cherry St/ 815-761-4325 Custom Leather design, repair and cleaning follow us on facebook! Facebook.com/ customcowhide
Photography Palatine, IL Photography by Doug Mitchel 847-485-7246 Focus on transportation! Stock Images available of classic cars & motorcycles
Specialty Services Southern WI, Eastern Iowa, Northern IL Passion Parties by Mindy Get your friends together and see what Mindy has to make your night time fun. To Host, Shop or Join Contact Mindy 608-712-8400 www.passionpinkladies.com
Tattoo Elburn, IL Five-O Tattoo 109 E. North St / 630-740-9770 - Call for shop hours Now offering the newest in Tattoo Removal
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 21
Clubs / Organizations / Associations We are making a special page just for you Wisconsin Clubs
Attention Clubs, Organizations and Associations
A.B.A.T.E. of Wisconsin
We are making a special page just for you. This page will be similar to our Biker Friendly Directory but will be a listing of Clubs, Organizations and Associations and will be at a discounted price. For $100 a year you will get your groups information posted in the listing and will also receive up to 25 magazines to give to your club members each month (additional magazines will require additional postage and handling). Contact us today to get the word out about your group and make sure your group never misses an issue of TRWINIOL.
www.abatewis.org
Please fill out the form below and include a check for $100 to Thunder Roads WI IL Inc.
British Biker Cooperative (BBC) Dedicated to the Preservation of the British Motorcycle See website for meeting dates and locations www.britishbiker.net
Organizations A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactment
Reason 2 Ride (R2R) Meeting 3rd Wednesday March- August Legion Post 481 5337 W. River Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597 www.reason2ride.com
Illinois Organizations A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois
A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education
Dedicated to Preserving the Rights of all Motorcycles www.abate-il.org
DuKane Chapter (A.B.A.T.E.) Monthly meeting 3rd Tuesday each month 7:30PM American Legion, West Chicago, IL www.abate-il.org/Dukane/
Thunder Roads Magazine WI/NoIL ®
Clubs, Organizations and Associations LISTING FORM ONLY $100 a year
Type of group______________________________________________________________ Group Name______________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ Meeting date / time / location__________________________________________________ Group website / email_______________________________________________________ Contact person / phone______________________________________________________ Make Check payable to: Thunder Roads WI IL Inc. Mail with this form to: Thunder Roads Wisconsin / North Illinois - P.O. Box 236, Yorkville, IL 60560
Spoon River Riders (A.B.A.T.E.) Monthly meeting 3rd Sunday each month 1:00PM American Legion, 105 N. Main, Wyoming, IL http://spoon-river-riders.org/Home.htm
Associations Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) www.cmausa.org Chariots For Christ (CMA) Aurora, IL Monthly Meeting 1st Saturday of month Contact: president@chariotsforchrist.org Jesus Team Riders (CMA) Yorkville, IL Monthly Meeting 1st Saturday of month Contact: ssbn728@gmail.com
22 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by Toni McCoy Shearon aka “MaMa Thunder” of Thunder Roads Tennessee CHRISTMAS PRIME RIB w/ HOMEMADE CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE; MADE SUPER SIMPLE Some folks get so intimidated when cooking a Prime Rib, but it’s actually so simple and once in the oven, you get to get on with other side dishes and just forget. 1 4-6 lb. Rib Roast - will probably have 4 or 5 bones Preheat oven to 150 degrees for medium or 135 degrees for medium rare. You’ll need a meat thermometer also. Rub your Prime Rib thoroughly all over with your hands with quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Don’t cheap out on essentials. Make a Rub in a small bowl, combine: A small palmful of each; kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper, dry mustard, dry coffee powder, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, coriander and basil. If there’s any extra Rub left over, just put in a small plastic container in fridge and it’s good for up to 3 months. Remember....always rub dry spices between fingers to re-freshen them. Place Rib Roast in a heavy turkey pan with sides, like a lasagna pan with thermometer placed in the middle, between 2 bones.. Put just a thin coat of Olive Oil in bottom of pan and place fat side down. Cook 2-1/4 hrs. for medium-rare with big pink center or 2-3/4 hours for medium with a tinge of pink. SUPER SIMPLE CREAMY HORSERADISH SAUCE So, take your Prime Rib out of the pan and place on tin foil and wrap it up good to let it “rest” for 15 minutes. Put the pan over a large burner on your stove and add 2 cups of beef broth over medium-high heat and take a wooden spoon and really make sure you get all those little pieces of stuck-on goodies from the Prime Rib. Add salt & pepper to taste, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayo, chopped scallions, 1 Tbl. of Grey Poupon mustard and 1/4 cup of White Balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup of the prepared horseradish sauce in any condiment aisle. Whisk together over medium-low heat until completely emulsified. Let it get all bubbley hot and transfer to a gravy boat for guests to pour over their fabulous thick-cut slabs of perfect medium-rare or medium Prime Rib. Do something different this Christmas.......forget the turkey or ham, go elegant and first class with Perfection Prime Rib. Your Family and friends will be talking about it well into the New Year! CHRISTMAS ELVIS CHEESE BISKITS 4 Ozs. Lard (very cold large marble sized) 2 Cups of Cake Flour * Makes lighter, flakier biskits 2 tsps. Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt 3/4 Cup Buttermilk Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large glass or ceramic bowl combine cake flour, baking soda & powder with salt. Add cubed lard and blend mixture by hand crushing mix between your fingertips as if making a dough. Continue mixing while slowly adding buttermilk. Do not overwork the dough; you want them to be kinda’ lumpy but ingredients mixed. Right at this point, add shredded cheese of your liking (this is not in Michael’s recipe but I love cheese biscuits, so now’s the time if you do also) work rough shredded cheese in fast and lightly. Spray a wooden spoon with butter spray and drop big dollops onto a Silt Sheet on a baking sheet leaving room for them to spread out as they cook. You should have enough for 12 biscuits, each about the size of a peach. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. GRAHAM & PRETZEL CRUSTED CHEESE CAKE W/ SANTA’S SURPRISE TOPPING 1-1/2 Cup of Salted Pretzels 1-1/2 Cup of Cinnamon Graham Crackers 1/4 Cup of Granulated Sugar 3/4 of a Stick of Butter A Pinch of Salt Blend all this in a food processor until a slightly pliable texture to line the bottom of a glass 13x9 glass baking dish. Be sure and bring up the sides as much as mix will allow, while still keeping a good amount on the bottom as your crust. Filling: 4 8 oz.Tubs of Philly Whipped Cream Cheese (room temp.) 1 Cup of Sour Cream 1 Cup of Granulated Sugar 5 Large Eggs; added one at a time 1 Super-full tsp. Vanilla extract Mix all this with a hand mixer until thoroughly mixed, but not overly mixed. Pour filling over your crust and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Heat 1 Bottle of your favorite Preserves; Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Peach....whatevs, and pour all over top of cheesecake and take a flat spatula to smooth out evenly. Let cool on counter for another 30 minutes to set up and then let get totally cold in fridge for a few hours. Cut into squares and serve with homemade whip cream. You are going to love this simple crust. If you don’t have a food processor put into a zip-lock bag, opened a tad and press down w/ cast iron heavy to process the old style way.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
FROM OUR THUNDER ROADS FAMILY TO YOURS
TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home.
Seats & SADDLES
24 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
Glen Maker American Legion Post, 10739 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge IL 60415. 708-687-9481. December 11-- Chicago Norton Owner’s Club Meeting. 7:30PM. Fuddrucker’s Restaurant, 1500 Branding Lane, Downers Grove IL. Bill. 815-3553241. December 14—Steel Witness Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 8:00AM. Garden View Restaurant, 1820 N Second St., Loves Park IL. 815505-0714.
UpComing Events 2013 The upcoming events page contains rides, meetings, parties and other events focused on riding and being surrounded by others that have a passion to ride. Some events listed are for members only but are listed to show you what kind of events these great organizations offer to their members. Please contact the group or business for further details on attending these events. If you have an event your organization or business is having please send the information to darrell@trwinoil.com Thank you to Darrell Broten for his assistance in putting this list together each month.
WISCONSIN december December 1—GWRRA Chapter D Christmas Party. 1:00PM. Farm Kitchen, WI 123 Trunk, Baraboo WI. 608-356-5246. December 1-31—Exposed! Harley-Davidson’s Lost Photographs 1915-1916 on exhibit. Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal Street, Milwaukee WI. 414287-2789. December 5—Share Your HOG Holidays. 6:30PM. Badger Harley-Davidson HOG Room, 6200 Millpond Road, Madison WI. Benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank and USMC Toys For Tots. 800-858-9738. December 5— Rolling Wheels Vintage Motorcycle Club Christmas Cheer Party. Connell’s Supper Club, 18525 50th Avenue, Chippewa Falls WI. Jeff Carlsten. 715-723-2475.
December 6-8—British Biker Cooperative Holiday Party. Holiday Inn, 123 E Wisconsin Avenue, Neenah WI. Awards Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 7. Debbie. 414-379-7924. December 7—H-D Christmas Party. Vandervest Harley-Davidson of Green Bay, 1966 Velp Avenue, Green Bay WI. 920-498-8824. December 7—Exodus Riders Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 9:00AM. Appleton WI. Dane Casanova. dcasanova@new.rr.com. December 7—St Croix Valley Riders Kids Christmas Party. St. Paul Park American Legion Hall, 328 Broadway Avenue, St. Paul Park MN. 651-768-9026. December 9—SOS Riders Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 6:30PM. 717 S Sylvania St, Sturtevant WI. Jim Hill. 847-863-0767. December 11—Indianhead H.O.G. Chapter Christmas Party. 6:30PM. Moose Lodge, Cty Hwy C, Eau Claire WI. 715-723-7433. December 13-- Peacemakers Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Christmas Party Potluck. 6:30PM. S76 W16453 Bellview Drive, Muskego WI. 262-422-4017. December 14—Pictures With Santa On A Harley. 10:00AM. Route 43 Harley-Davidson, 3736 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan WI. 920-458-0777. December 14— Iron Disciples Christian Motorcyclists Association Eau Claire Chapter Christmas Party. Location TBA. Sandra. 715-833-0942. December 14—GWRRA Chapter N Christmas Party. 1:00PM. Location TBA.. Jay and Teena. 262-6299421.
December 6—Wisconsin BMW Motorcycle Club Meeting. 8:00PM. New Berlin VFW Post, 17980 West Beloit Road, New Berlin WI. 262-679-0800.
December 15—Pictures With Santa. 10:00AM. Harley-Davidson of Appleton, 5322 Clairemont Drive, Appleton WI. Santa will be on his H-D approved ride. 888-501-1993.
December 6—Harley-Davidson Museum Members Holiday Party. 6:00PM. Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal Street, Milwaukee WI. DJs, live music, dancing, raffles, and great food. 414-287-2789.
December 15—GWRRA Chapter A Social. 5:00PM. Culver’s Restaurant, 571 E Richardson Springs Road, Edgerton WI. 608-884-1800.
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December 18—Madison Motorcycle Club meeting. 7:00PM. Alt ‘N’ Bach’s, 2602 Whalen Lane, Madison WI. 608-271-9955. December 18—Milwaukee HOG Chapter Meeting. 6:00PM social hour. 7:00PM meeting. House of Harley-Davidson, 6221 West Layton Avenue, Milwaukee WI. 414-282-2211. january 2014 January 1, 2014—New Year’s Day Ride. 10AM. Inn On The Park, 22 S Carroll St, Madison WI. Poker run for the Madison Motorcycle Club. 262-424-9361.
December 14—Breakfast With Santa. 9:00AM. Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL. Food, music, and good times. 815-3327125. December 14—Redemption Messengers Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 9:00AM. SavALot, 913 East Main St., Galesburg IL. 309-7030273. December 15—Walneck’s Bike Show and Swap Meet. 8:00AM. Prairie Expo Building, Kane Country Fairgrounds, St. Charles IL. $7.00. 630-985-2097. December 24—Walters Brothers Annual Christmas Eve Party. 9:00AM. Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson, 615 South Maxwell Road, Peoria IL. 309-697-1917.
January 17-19—International Motorcycle Show. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. 612-335-6651.
January 5, 2014—Motorcycle Parts Extravaganza and Swap Meet, Belle-Claire Fairgrounds, 200 S Belt and Hwy 13, Belleville IL. Over 300 indoor booths. 618-781-2850. January 17-19—30th Annual Chicago Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet. Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center, 4051 East Main Street, St. Charles IL. 800-800-6034. January 18-19- 6th Annual Wicked Wheels Weekend Custom Motorcycle Show. Saturday 11am to 7 PM Sunday 10am to 3pm. $10 admission, free parking and kids under 12 free. Timber Creek Best Western, Sandwich IL
NATIONAL december December 6-8—International Motorcycle Show. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach CA. 562-628-8200. December 7—Plant City BikeFest. 5:00PM. Historic downtown Plant City FL. 813-754-3707. December 13-15—International Motorcycle Show. Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, 655 W 34th Street, New York NY. 212-542-1990. December 16—South Coast Bikes For Tykes. 4:00PM. 995 S Second Street, Coos Bay OR. 541-269-7292
December 29-January 1, 2014—Flame On 2014. Christian Motorcyclists Association Youth Slam. Iron Mountain AR. 870-389-6196, opt 7. january 2014 January 3-5—International Motorcycle Show. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi MI. 248-662-0012. January 11-- 3rd Annual Hasting (MI) Motorcycle Swap Meet Buy-Sell-Trade, Bikes, Parts Leather, Food, Beer, Barry County Expo Center 1350 N M 37 Hwy Hastings, MI 49058 Admission Tickets are $6 per adult and for children 12 and under are FREE. 10 AM until 4 PM 1-800-800-6034 or go to www.hastingsmotorcycleswap.com or www.paragonspromotion.com January 17-19—International Motorcycle Show. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. 612-335-6651. february 2014 February 7-9—International Motorcycle Show. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont IL. 847-653-2907. March 2014 March 7-16—Daytona BikeWeek Motorcycle Rally. Daytona Beach FL. One of the biggest rallies anywhere. 386-255-0981.
January 18--Team Triumph Annual Holiday Party. 4747 E US Hwy 14, Janesville WI. 608-741-9900.
NORTH ILLINOIS december December 1—36th Annual Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade. 9:30AM. Dan Ryan Woods Forest Preserve, 8300South Western Avenue, Chicago IL. 773-866-8697. December 7—Alton HOG Chapter Christmas Party. 6;00PM. Mac’s Time-Out Lounge, 315 Belle Street, Alton IL. 314-441-3228. December 7—Jesus Team Riders Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 8:00AM. Sunfield’s Restaurant, 382 E Veteran’s Parkway, Yorkville IL. 630-863-0026. December 7—Illinois Harley-Davidson Holiday Open House. 9950 Joliet Road, Countryside IL. Food, drinks, and music. 708-387-8750. December 7—Rock River HOG Chapter Christmas Gathering. Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL. 815-332-7125.
NEW DATES!
FEBRUARY 7-9
2014
December 7—South Suburban Chapter ABATE of Illinois Annual Children’s Christmas Party. 11:00AM.
HOME OF THE
Send your charity events to: darrell@trwinoil.com always Free
December 14—Fox River Harley-Davidson Holiday Open House. 131 S Randall Road, St Charles IL. Food, drinks, and music. 630-584-8000.
january 2014
* Manufacturers subject to change
www.trwinoil.com
DECEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 27
By Dave Verlare CMA ~ Jesus Team Riders
Merry X-Mas Ah ha, I know that title would get your attention. You’re probably thinking, what’s up with the little CMA Gold Wing rider for Jesus. How come he left the Christ out of Christmas? He should know better. Well, I do, and I know a little bit about reverse psychology. I mean really, don’t you just want to keep reading? Let’s just say this story is for “mature audiences” or how about “adults only”. Now, I really got you hooked in. If you can’t read anymore of this, just turn the pages and find out how the new Indian Motorcycles are selling, or how about a better oil or tire for your bike. Now that something that’s really important. Ok, I’m getting a little sarcastic, I’m sorry. But I really get jazzed about Christmas. This is the holiday of holidays! And yes, Jesus, he is the reason for the season. I know turkey day is barely over, and we’re jumping into Christmas, but really think about it. Are we going to drive ourselves crazy again, buying presents with money we don’t have, to buy things people really don’t need, and sometimes to impress people we don’t really care about. Is this true, or what? And this happens every year. Do we ever learn? And then we wonder why we’re all stressed out. Like Dr. Phil says, over and over, ‘So how’s that workin for you’? I’m going to ask you to make this Christmas different. Think first of all how Jesus was born into this world, only to live on this earth, and later be nailed to a cross for all our sins and mess-ups. He truly is our savior. He did this so we had a way out from eternity in hell. You probably know by now, by reading some of my stories, I really like to clown around and have fun, but this stuff is SERIOUS. I’ve asked some of my brothers and sister in CMA, why for so long did you push the whole Jesus and church stuff away? So many said, because deep down, they knew the truth. If they signed up with this Jesus stuff, their lives would have to change. They didn’t realize the change would be for the better. The fun they thought they were having was really a dead end road, and a pit of emptiness. There’s a little saying that goes like this, If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be what you’ve always been. Now I don’t know about you, but I really work at trying to be a better person. I don’t want to stay the same. Just suppose this Christmas, you took your family to a homeless shelter, and served
28 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS DECEMBER 2013
a Christmas dinner. Or how about taking the family to Walmart and buying a cart full of food and toys for the widow with 5 kids who just lost her husband. Now if you can sing, or even if you can’t, try visiting the elderly at the nursing home. Sing to them Christmas carols, they will love it! Some never get visitors, and how sad it that? Our CMA chapter did this and we had a blast! For most of my biker pals and motorcyclists, how about donating two toys instead of one for the Toys for Tots run? Does any of this make sense to you? We were created to be People-serving not Self-serving. We as Christians are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s the only way to live and the only way to die, because one day these earthy bodies are going to call it quits. And our souls are either going to enter Heaven’s gates or be thrown into the pits of hell for eternity, now that choice is yours. You see, Jesus truly is the reason for the season. He is the savior of the world, and all you have to do, is ask him into your heart. Then you might want to plug into a good ‘seeker friendly’ church that teaches from the bible. Maybe consider joining a CMA chapter, or just visit one and see what it’s all about. But please don’t leave the Christ out of this Christmas. I challenge you to do something radically different this year. Help or do something for someone in need, someone who will probably never be able to pay you back. You see happiness is the external feeling we get from ‘Fun fixes’, like things and stuff. But that just doesn’t last. Joy is the internal feeling we get from doing things for others. It’s so much better. If you try making this Christmas different by doing some of these things I’ve suggested, and this Christmas was a total bomb for you, I tell you what – I’ll trade my Hondas in for a Harley. But if this was one of your best Christmases ever, please write Thunder Roads and share your story with all your fellow bikers and motorcyclists. With all the miles I’ve put on this year, and all the places I’ve been, I’ve noticed more and more Biker friendly bars, restaurants, and motels – Why? I think because of all the good we’re doing for others. The ‘Bad Biker’ image is fading, and the good biker is shining brighter. Let’s keep it going that way. Until then, have a Blessed Christmas and bless somebody, you’ll be glad you did!