of outstanding people with a calendar they put together to help find a cure for breast cancer. I really think you will enjoy all the stories and especially the outtake photographs from the calendar shoot.
Veterans, Babies and Calendars! Veterans’ Day is November 11th and that day has special meaning to me this year. It just so happens that my son is supposed to be born on that great day. As I sit here writing this it is still three weeks away so one cannot predict if he might come before the 11th or might decide to hold out and stay a few more days. Whatever happens it is out of my hands and I will be happy when he decides it’s time to join us. It seems like there are a lot of things in life that are out of our hands but as bikers we seem to always come together to do what we can as a community to help in whatever way we can. This month we have more stories about just how the biker community does their part in so many different ways to help their fellow man. The stories include a ride for veterans, a ride in memory of a loved father and friend to many, a ride for toys and food and last a story about a group
November is a great time to buy a calendar and we have a special this month for new subscribers. This month I am offering a free calendar of your choosing to all new paid subscriptions using the November issue subscription form. All you have to do is write the calendar that you want on the form with your paid subscription. The three you have to choose from are: Natanic’s Pin-up 2014, Classic Firearms 2014, or Vandalizing Vixens 2014. You can see ads for each of these 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 I would like to thank all the Veterans for their service and say hello to the great group of Legion Riders that I met out at the Middle East War Memorial. I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving with friends and family. For those brave enough there is an annual ride called the Turkey Run in Clinton Iowa the day after Thanksgiving. If you have never met Natanic this is a great opportunity to meet him and get a copy of his calendar. If you are lucky one of his Pin-up girls might even be in attendance. Please send comments to dan@trwinoil.com Daniel L. Ryner Owner/ Editor/Rider
Thunder Roads Magazine
Owner / Editor Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603
Horse Power For Veterans...........................6
Layout & Design Barbara Laszewski Garner / art director
Kruser’s Point of View.................................8
Advertising Sales
Scooter Trash.............................................10
WIsconsin / NORTH ILlinois Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603
Roy Hauser Run 2013................................12
Peoria / Galesburg / Kewanee Illinois Kimberly Thierry ~ Kim@TRWINOIL.com
Pull Out Calendar.......................................14
Rockford / Northern Illinois Judy and Ken Pope- ThePope@trwinoil.com
Thunder & Sunshine: 27th Toy/Food Run...16
Western Wisconsin Mike Chitko sidecar@trwinoil.com / 612 741 0682 Madison Wisconsin (North) Scott Meicher- 608-206-5706/ Scott@trwinoil.com (South) Gunner- 608-322-7949/ Gunner@trwinoil.com Lee Anne Pirus / LeeAnne@TRWINOIL.com Western Suburb Chicago Illinois Jane Wollenweber / Jane@TRWINOIL.com Chicago North Suburbs Mike Johnson ~ ChicagoMike@trwinoil.com / 847-722-8439
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NCOM........................................................18 BFD............................................................20 KISS...........................................................23 3 Vandalizing Vixens..................................24 Upcoming Events...................……………..26 ABATE...................................................28 CMA.........................................................29
contRibuting correspondents ~ Writers & Photographers
Don Kruse (Kruser) / Doug Mitchel / Daniel L. Ryner / Dean Bartosh/ Darrell Broten Kona Cris Grames / Michael G. D’Aversa / Dave Velare (CMA) / Bill Bish (NCOM) Nate Ullrich (www.lyfebehindbars.com) / Toni McCoy Shearon (TR Corp)
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2 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
Buzz Walneck’s World of Motorcycles........4
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 3
Buzz Walneck’s World of Motorcycles by
Doug Mitchel
If you’ve been around motorcycles for more than a week, odds are you’ve heard of Buzz Walneck. He has earned a long-standing legacy of activity in the twowheeled world that first began in his youth. As time rolled on he spent time with a variety of machines and often experienced frustration when seeking out parts or a new ride. At that point in history there was no Ebay or even the internet, making your shopping for anything a bit more labor intensive. In 1978 he decided to create a publication that would assist anyone seeking items in the motorcycle arena. His first examples of Walneck’s Cycle Trader was a double-sided, single sheet of paper that was covered with cycles and related items for sale. From the beginning he thought that if the listings were organized by brand, year or model, people could too easily scan the pages for one item and bypass the rest. His design forced the reader to absorb the entire piece in hopes of locating the part they sought.
Prior to this creation he had already begun holding swap meets that catered to the motorcycle crowd. It was in 1969 at the Woodstock, IL location that he held his inaugural Walneck’s swap meet. He has gone on to utilize the same location every year since and now holds four events each year at the Woodstock venue. A combination of outdoor vendors as well as several large buildings filled with purveyors of cycle gear, it is a great place to search and find the exact item you are seeking and maybe some others you didn’t know you needed. Buzz prefers being able to see, hold, review and buy the items he needed in his journey and feels that others share his preference for a hands-on experience versus the online method. Not only did his swap meet exposure grow to 19 annual events held in 6 states, his Cycle Trader magazine was also gaining ground. Starting out as a single sheet of paper his publication grew to be the bible of used motorcycle products and services. Decades after the initial launch his publication was purchased but kept him on staff to maintain a consistent transition. As time flew by he grew less involved with his prodigy but still felt the need for a publication of that nature. It was in June of 2013 that he released his latest brain child, The Buzzzzz Rag. Yes, the 5 “Zs” were done on purpose as was the layout of the new magazine. Circulation is currently at 5000 per issue and I am confident it will also grow to the dimensions of his previous endeavor. The Buzzzzz Rag contains pages filled with full-color ads with all things motorcycle. An annual subscription only sets you back $25 and includes a free ad and some extra goodies created for the new magazine. If you are interested in learning more or setting up your own subscription get ahold of Buzz or his lovely wife Pixie for details. They can be reached by phone at 630-985-2097 or via e-mail at thebuzzzzzrag@gmail.com 4 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
Having known Buzz and Pixie for nearly 30 years I am sure your experience with them and your personal copy of The Buzzzzz Rag will put a smile on your face and keep your passion for the sport of motorcycling alive. Be sure to take in at least one of his annual swap meets to experience the thrill of face-to-face shopping that far exceeds any of today’s “social” media formats. The world of motorcycles will continue moving forward and you’ll find Buzz on the leading edge no matter how many changes occur to the products and the market we all enjoy.
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 5
HORSEPOWER FOR VETERANS by
Darrell Broten
Over 100 motorcycles comprised the third annual Horsepower For Veterans charity ride held June 29 just outside Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The ride was a fund raiser for the Trinity Equestrian Center (TEC), Eau Claire’s only full service horse center where, besides ordinary riding lessons and boarding, horse therapy programs and therapeutic horse riding are offered. They also provide We Care, a free Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) program specially designed to address civilian adjustment issues for veterans of the U.S. military.
don’t know the route. Every group ride has a “whiplash effect” in which riders near the back of the pack have to ride much faster than those in front. Mix in 100 riders who motor along at different paces, creating gaps while some follow too closely, and you’ve got something to pay attention to. In Fountain City four riders directly in front of me decided to go straight where we were supposed to turn left. At the last moment I caught on to what they were doing, made a late left turn, and found myself parallel to a bike that was supposed to be behind me.
Trinity Co-Founder Toni Mattson was asked about the day’s ride. “It was fabulous!” she gushed. “We had 127 motorcycles on the ride, which was more than last year. Given the rainy weather, and the dark and cloudy skies, it is fantastic that we had the turnout we did.” She explained how the Horsepower For Veterans got started. “We were looking for another way to tell the Trinity story, and most all of us on staff were motorcyclists, so we thought a gathering and ride would be a good idea.” Trinity Equestrian has been in existence for 12 years. The EAT program is free for veterans, and that’s where funds raised are targeted. TEC uses horses in the program because they, according to TEC, “are experts at seeing the most subtle shifts in reading a person’s intentions. The trait is called hyper-vigilance and it keeps horses safe in their herd and soldiers safe in combat. Pairing a person and a horse… creates a mirror in which a client can see themselves with compassion, objectivity, and understanding.” TEC goes on to claim some success. “We’ve seen great results with veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), depression, addictions, guilt, grief, anger, panic attacks, sleep disorders, and spiritual injuries.”
I’ve been in all three Horsepower events. The first one was a poker run with five stops. It started and ended at the TEC with dinner, a program, and raffles. Last year Horsepower For Veterans was a group ride, with everyone leaving and arriving at the same time. We stopped once in Osseo on our way to The Highground, then rode back to TEC on our own for eats and the ceremony. This year was once again a group ride beginning at the TEC but it ended in Arcadia’s Memorial Park, an ambitious green space with its Avenue of Heroes and presentation of the city’s history. The CEO of Ashley Furniture developed the park, and he did a great job. The after-ride dinner, auction, and program were all held in Arcadia. The day began with registration. For $40 you could get the ride, a T-shirt, and dinner in Arcadia, plus coupons at Texas Roadhouse and Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery. Randy’s, a local restaurant, set up a large tent to serve breakfast for a nominal fee. The Christian Motorcyclists Association was there to bless motorcycles, too. I sprang for it all. Bikers continued to roll in during the morning. Just before 11AM, organizers gathered everyone for a pre-ride briefing and ceremony. Assemblyman Warren Petryck sang God Bless America, and the national anthem was sung as we reported to our motorcycles. A red, white, and blue hot rod led the way, and Barney Fife of Mayberry (actually Ken Anderson of Eau Claire) brought up the rear in his black-and-white unit Ford Galaxie 500. In fact, quite a few classic cars made it out to the TEC grounds.
6 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
We all did make it OK to Arcadia, though. Of course, a 2013 summer Saturday couldn’t go long without Mother Nature dropping down some liquid sunshine. A light rain began just as we took off. Our group followed Hwy 37 south through Mondovi and then we picked up Hwy 88 to Hwy 35 just north of Fountain City. A note of frankness here: It’s too bad that Hwy 88 hasn’t been kept up for so many years. It’s a terrific motorcycle road but its surface has deteriorated and no governmental entity seems to care about it. Jeez, six years ago I warned fellow riders to use it under advisement and it hasn’t been touched in the meantime. Too bad I didn’t have the KLR under me instead of the T100. Anyway, in Fountain City we turned east on Hwy 95 and followed its curvy path to Arcadia, and eventually Memorial Park. It rained much of the way to Mondovi, dried out a bit, and then a healthy rain with wind met us on 95. It was dry by the time the ride ended in Arcadia. Rain on and off the whole ride. But pillion rider Gloria Crossman put it into perspective. “What are a few minutes of light rain on a motorcycle compared to what our servicemen deal with in the defense of our country? If they can give all that they have, we can get a little wet on a ride to help them out.” Well said. My take: that’s what rain suits are for. It wasn’t an easy ride. Yes, the rain played a big part in that. But group rides are inherently difficult, I think. You don’t know who you are riding next to. You don’t know how they ride. It’s too easy to fixate on the bike in front of you. Most of the time you
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Once there, we unbent our legs and arms, walked around, and headed for the food tent. Organizers moved up the serving time, which was smart. Grilled chicken, beans, cole slaw, chips, cookies, soda, and coffee were on the menu. It was tasty. An adjacent tent was devoted to the silent auction. One item included a 48 inch big screen TV. Nearby Heart ‘N’ Soul sold massages by the minute, a great idea and something many riders took advantage of. Over dinner I was able to visit with several of my Eau Claire riding friends that I hadn’t seen for almost a year. It was good to re-connect. One last chore remained. I gathered Ride For Kids brochures and placed them on all the motorcycles that were still around. I figure a good time to pass them out is at the end of a charity ride, when participants are in the mood to consider another such ride. I made ready to head home. It was nice the whole time in Memorial Park, but I wasn’t even out of Arcadia before I had to put my rain suit back on. The rain stopped in Independence, the sun came out near Eleva, it dripped some by Cleghorn, and there was blue sky at home in Eau Claire. Rain on and off all the way home. As I rode home, I remembered the words of the program’s featured speaker drifting out past the tent as I, on the periphery of things, patrolled the motorcycles. “Thank you so much for giving your time to a cause greater than yourselves…”
NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 7
Kruser’s Point of View by
Don Kruse
Hurry Up and Wait? www.twistedironcustomcycles.com 920.219.2357
Creative Custom Beyond Bolt ON!
Sounds like the motto of the truck driver. I’ve been there, done that! I just read an article in a cooking magazine which had talked about waiting Out in my shop Ozzy’s singing about “Life Waits for No One” in his song, “Life Won’t Wait”. So, what is it? Do we wait or do we keep moving? Is it better to get to our destinations as quick as we can or better to enjoy the wait while we can? I suppose it depends upon the situation. Driving truck? Well, a lot of getting from one place to another quickly only to find we need to wait for the load to be ready. Now, you can hurry again. In life, we wait for certain milestones. We wait till we can get our driver’s license, turn the legal age to drink, getting married, retiring… Only to find ourselves checking the obits, seeing who’s not getting dizzy with us any longer on this blue orb. Then there’s us bikers. Every winter, we wait for riding season to come along so we can get back out on our mighty steeds only to find winter upon us once again…hopefully waiting for spring. Why “hopefully”? Well, some of us may not make it another riding season. Some of us may be getting just a wee bit “crickety” to get back in the saddle again. Others may not be with us.
roses, but one can at least take a breath and exhale. You don’t need to be tokin’ or smokin’ to breathe in and breathe out. You could be telling a joke with your friends or talking about what you seen as your hair was blowing in the wind. If alone, listen to the birds we don’t hear while we are riding our steeds. Anything! Life does not need to be rushed thru just to find out we arrived at the end before we truly lived. Once in a while, all this rushing can cause you to lose a friend because you sped over the gravel of life and your buddy didn’t have the skills –or balls- you had and grounded him or herself.
So, what is it? Wait or rush?
One may not totally lose a friend, but the strings of friendship may be frayed. Only time will tell if those strings of friendship can be re-tied or not. Hmmmm. Guess we will need to wait.
I say “enjoy every minute of it”. The waiting isn’t all so bad. We just need to use our time more wisely instead of complaining or rushing off to the next place we think we need to be.
Whatever you decide to celebrate in the coming holidays, may you -all my friends of the wind- be safe, be warm and join me in waiting for the warmer riding season to return.
We all may not be the type to stop and smell the
As for me and Lady G we will be staying in bed, as we
8 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
did last year on Thanksgiving. Getting up to brew a pot of coffee and taking care of Alec-the-Cat. Back to bed to watch the Macy Parade then the Dog Show. Later, we’ll get up to get dressed; take Paradise for a ride, then return home to prepare our meal and hold each other….knowing the wait was worth it. Til next month my friends, take care, stay warm. You’re friend in the wind. ~ Kruser
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 9
ScooterTrash2013 Burnsville MN
N I ’ S O J FOOD & SPIRITS
They call it Scooter Trash… Why, you might ask? Well, that common phrase “if I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand” would fit in as the proper answer to that inquiry! The last weekend in September I was again wondering around the Twin Cities, wrapping up some photo shoots for the next Natanic’s Pin-ups calendar. As luck would have it, the Scooter Trash show was also held that Saturday, at McCraken’s Pub in Burnsville, Minnesota. This usually packs the parking lot with old bikes, burnt rubber, and killer tunes, but cold winds and a steady rain got things off to a slow start for this year’s show. Folks still kept dry under the big tent, and by early afternoon, the rain let up to allow the party to get into full swing. The rain did manage to keep a lot of sissies at home, but the hardcore party crew was there, including many vendors who stuck it out. A swap meet was part of the gig, with a few vendors set up in the tent during the rain, but other vendors waited it out… Kevin Baas and his wife Amy, with their Knuckleheads and knick-knacks, including Kevin’s 1947 “Elvis,” that we managed to squeeze in a calendar shoot with, along with the leggy and very beautiful lady named Kelsey. Pearson’s Customs had some killer bikes on hand, and many others rolled in some antique and custom beauties. Yeah, the term “scooter trash” is taken to heart; so trashy old bikes are more than welcome at this skin-dig! Zack from Heavy Clothing has his t-shirts for sale, featuring some killer artwork, along with some old bike parts available in the swap meet. Many more people were on hand worth mentioning too, but in all honesty, my fried brain can’t remember all their names!
Joni Peterson ~ Owner 608.532.6517 608.574.0529
403 Front Street Avoca,WI 53506 pinkbandana55@yahoo.com
The Competition can
Kiss our ass!
We have the Best damn Burger
Anywhere!
105 W Edgewater St. Cambria, WI 53923 Ph. 920 348-5733 www.thedumpbar.com
In all, a cold rainy day turned into a good time anyway! But, whenever you combine PBR, old bikes, and a group of folks who truly live for the “scooter trash” scene, then the weather really doesn’t matter anyway. Word on the street is that the show
new Burger menu Stop in & check em’ out!
will be held the last Saturday in September again next year, at the same location. For more info, search for the show on Facebook, or if need be, look up my happy ass, and I’ll point you towards proper contacts.
Now Serving KICK aSS
Nate Ullrich www.Lyfebehindbars.com
Find Our
EntErtaInmEnt SChEdulE on 10 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 11
Roy Hauser Memorial Run: “No One Fights Alone”
If you have read the magazine very long you probably know by now that I have very mixed feelings about all the “Charity” rides that we as bikers are asked to participate in. The more of these events I take part in the more I choose which ones I want to support based on my trust of the organizer and feelings behind where the donations are going. Lately I have chosen to stick to events that help an individual dealing with a life altering situation where the donations are truly helping and not paying for administration cost or salaries to organization officers. These events have a name and a face that I know every dollar is helping. Early in the Spring I was emailed by Lisa Hauser about an idea that she had for a memorial ride in memory of her father Roy. Roy was a biker and loved to ride but lost a battle to esophageal cancer at the young age of 52 and Lisa wanted to organize the memorial ride with the donations going to an individual fighting the same disease. It didn’t take me very long to say yes to Lisa by offering my help advertising the event. You see Lisa is an outstanding person and by the turnout of the event it was obvious that her father Roy as well as Lisa herself are loved by family and friends.
The motto of the ride was “No One Fights Alone” and the words of the family that the ride was supporting speak best about the ride. “It all began with Facebook. Our friend Mary gave us “F@#$% CANCER” BRACELETS. We then gave one to our nephew Joe Koth, who then posted it on Facebook. As if it was fate, at the same time Lisa Hauser was looking for a family battling esophageal cancer (my husband Steve currently has Stage IV esophageal/gastro cancer). One call led to another and Lisa Hauser and Mary Sobie (a Hauser family friend) chose our family to be the recipient of proceeds from the 1st ANNUAL ROY HAUSER MEMORIAL RUN. After many months of gathering raffle prizes and donations from friends (and friends of friends) we were all ready for the RUN. On September 29, 2013, a beautiful sunny fall day, the RUN was held at Alley 64 in St. Charles, IL. We were overwhelmed at the 150 or so bikes that showed up to ride the 115 mile route. I was unable to stop crying as I watched all the bikes take off at the beginning of the ride. The many people who rode and people who showed up for the after party were so kind and generous. Our family will be forever grateful and will “pay it forward” as soon as Steve is back on his feet. What a great tribute to Roy Hauser! Looking forward to the Run next year!!” Kim Lyons The 115 mile ride route took us from St. Charles Illinois and our starting and finish destination of Alley 64 Bar and Grill. If you have never checked out the Alley you need to make it a ride destination. With off street motorcycle parking and its patio it is a great destination. From the Alley we rode west along beautiful Northern Illinois roads to the Pour House Pub in Kingston, Coupe’s in Lee where we all took our time as we watched the Bears lose to the Lions, The Brown Pub in Hinckley and back to St. Charles. Upon return to the Alley the group enjoyed live entertainment on the patio by Richard Dean and silent auctions and raffles inside. In all it was a great day and amazing how a few can get many together so that “No One Fights Alone”. Daniel Ryner 12 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 13
Danielle Friese of Horicon WI / bike owner Ryan Nell 2005 ultra classic with a TWIST. 18 degrees of rake with 2.25 inches of stretch over stock, Milwaukee Bagger rear fender and bags, 26� sinister wheel with a custom signature T.I.C.C. hand crafted front fender
VETERANS DAY
bike
model
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Turkey Run Lyons Tap Clinton IA 10AM Sharp
November 2013
Thunder and Sunshine The 27th Annual by
Michael G. D’Aversa
Toy & Food Run I am almost ashamed to admit that I had never attended an A.B.A.T.E. event before this year. But the 27th Annual Toy & Food Run, conducted by the DuKane Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois and billed as the largest toy run parade in west suburban Chicagoland, sounded like such a great time, I could not resist giving it a try. Now I’m wondering why I waited so long. The fully escorted parade began with a party at Kunckleheads Tavern in Elburn and concluded with an even bigger party at the Batavia VFW hall and grounds, situated along the Fox River. Besides these two locations, there were five remote registration points, each staffed by helpful A.B.A.T.E. volunteers to facilitate the process, take in donations and ultimately direct people to the Elburn starting point. The morning air was crisp and the sun shone brightly when I arrived at Fox Valley Cycles in Aurora, a 43year-old, family owned Honda dealership with which I am very familiar. Although usually closed on Sundays, the joint was hopping as one of the remote registration points for the run. FVC staffers were on hand to direct riders to the registration table, offer free doughnuts and coffee and otherwise make people feel welcome. Inside I met two volunteers named Mary and Tina, who helped me through the registration process. I also got to meet a very friendly dog named Ozzy, who was riding that day and was obviously thrilled to be involved. Before long the parking lot was filled with motorcycles of various makes and models. As is
usually the case when motorcyclists gather, whether they know one another or not, the riders spent time talking to one another, looking over all the bikes, asking questions and swapping stories. At the appointed time, following a pre-ride meeting, we headed out toward Knuckleheads Tavern, in a preparade of sorts led by FVC’s Service Manager, Jim Cromwell. When we arrived we were directed to park in one of several staging areas. Hundreds of bikes had already been staged by the time we got there. A.B.A.T.E. volunteers were everywhere, directing traffic, answering questions and thanking as many riders as they could for coming out. A band called “We Ain’t Right” was playing their hearts out on a stage behind Knuckleheads and motorcyclists of all sorts seemed to be having a genuinely good time. Inside Knuckleheads, two or three bartenders were moving about as fast as any I had ever seen before, trying to keep up with demand, which was brisk. In all they did a remarkable job, too! You can always tell those who lack experience with big ride events. They are the ones who snap into action as soon as the time comes to get ready to ride. Putting on gear, starting up their engines... and generally roasting while the more seasoned riders make ready their bikes and then relax until signs of actual movement up front signal that we will soon be underway. It took two or more large events, similar to this one, before I came to understand the rhythm of this pre-ride prep ritual. Experience is a great teacher.
The ride parade from Elburn to Batavia was fully escorted and in so being, had to be among the best organized, hassle-free rides in which I have ever participated. With more than a little help from the Elburn Police Department, Kane County Sheriff Department, Batavia Police Department and members of Kane County Emergency Scene Management, every intersection was well-managed and as far as I was able to tell, our lengthy motorcade went unbroken from start to finish. Once on the riverfront grounds of the Batavia VFW, bike show participants were directed to the front parking lot and all other riders proceeded toward the back, where a level, grassy expanse along the Fox provide ample parking. The weather could not have been better, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures that lasted the rest of the day. As I looked across the grounds, I saw many vendor and non-profit display tents being visited by lots and lots of riders of every description and from all walks of life. The southern rock band “Shooter” performed on stage as I followed my nose to a barbecue vendor. Ah, pulled pork — satisfaction on a bun! Inside the VFW were more tables staffed by A.B.A.T.E. and several not-for-profit groups, a door prize display, a tattoo and piercing station, full cash bar and more. In all there were thirteen local charities benefiting directly from the Toy & Food Run this year and they were all present to meet and greet attendees, express their gratitude for the donations brought in, and answer questions about the work they do in and for our communities. Charities represented included Mutual Ground, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) – Elgin, Family Shelter Service, Elburn Food Pantry/St Vincents DePaul Pantry, HELPS Ministry, Aurora Soup Kitchen Inc, Breaking Free Inc., Aunt Martha’s Youth Services, Fox Valley Christian Action, DuPage County Family Shelter Services and more. The 27th Annual Toy & Food Run was a good time, made even better by a warm, dry, sunny day. They should all be as good as this was. I would like to do this run again next year, but with one difference: I would like to bring some friends along and show them what they, like me, have been missing.
16 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
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NOVEMBER 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 SPORTBIKERS ATTACK SUV IN NYC Headlines across America shrieked in condemnation over a road rage incident involving a swarm of sportbike riders in New York who were caught on tape viciously attacking a family in an SUV, but according to high-profile civil rights attorney Gloria Allred we haven’t heard the whole story. Everything started when a driver bumped a biker on the Henry Hudson Parkway in NYC and took off, sparking the chase and vicious assault that followed. After the initial contact, the now-famous helmet cam footage that captivated the country shows a rider cutting in front of a Range Rover, slowing down and gesturing at the driver just before the SUV driver clipped his back tire. Following a brief exchange on the side of the road, the SUV driver is seen hitting the gas and speeding off recklessly through the crowd of bikers, running over one of them. A group of riders pursued the vehicle and miles later when it was forced to a halt in heavy traffic, several of the bikers bashed in the windows and dragged the driver out and beat him in front of his wife and infant child.
“Given the demands on your budget and the unique ability of the CDC to address such pressing issues as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and a host of other conditions, and issues which afflict millions of Americans and others around the globe, we encourage you to direct your attention and resources to areas that are not currently already being addressed elsewhere in the government,” wrote Petri in the letter he is requesting fellow members of Congress to co-sign.
Under a new law, motorcyclists will be allowed to go through red lights. Starting October 1, if a motorcyclist comes to a red light at a signal that doesn’t seem to be working or has failed to detect the motorcycle, the rider will be allowed to go through. Assembly Bill 117 enables motorcyclists, moped, trimobile and bike riders to go through red lights after waiting for two rounds of the signal without getting a green light. The Nevada Highway Patrol said signals use sensors to detect metal, which may make it more difficult to detect motorcycles than vehicles. The new law still requires motorcycles to stop at a light, and only proceed through a red if it’s safe. The state has launched a website to educate people on the new law.
“Ticked off” by the media’s unfair portrayal of the events, Allred said there’s no evidence of intimidation on the part of the bikers prior to the accident and the subsequent attack, and riders insist that the SUV driver was the aggressor. “He drove erratically and bumped the bike on the side,” one rider told WABC TV, corroborating that the driver had already hit one motorcycle prior to the confrontation. “When he bumped that bike on the side, that biker became aggressive because his life was in danger.”
Previously in Texas, three-wheeled motorcycle training courses were costly and not widely available, due to mandated motorcycle training curricula from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that limited the flexibility of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in approving otherwise appropriate curricula.
According to the agency, the change would bring the U.S. rule more in line with European regulations, increase design flexibility without compromising safety or increasing costs, and allow license plate recognition technology used by law enforcement organizations to continue reading license plate characters. CDC ASKED TO BACK OFF MOTORCYCLE ISSUES Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) has authored a letter to the Centers for Disease Control requesting that the CDC stop investigating motorcycling issues such as helmet laws. 18 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
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NEW NEVADA LAW ALLOWS MOTORCYCLISTS TO GO ON RED
Nevada joins a dozen other states that allow riders to proceed through malfunctioning red lights. Similar “dead red” laws have previously been enacted in Minnesota (2002), Tennessee (2003), Arkansas (2005), Idaho (2006), Wisconsin (2006), North Carolina (2007), South Carolina (2008), Missouri (2008), Oklahoma (2010), Kansas (2011), Virginia (2011) and Illinois (except Chicago - 2012). In Texas and California, state law requires stoplights to be fitted with sensors that detect motorcycles. TEXAS BIKERS AND TRIKERS CELEBRATE A SUCCESSFUL LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to change the angle of motorcycle license plates and has requested comments on a proposed amendment to a safety standard on “lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment to allow the license plate mounting surface on motorcycles to be at an angle of up to 30 degrees beyond vertical” (on horizontal installed plates).
ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS
With the government shutdown ending, now is the time to contact your Congressional Representatives and ask them to sign onto Rep. Petri’s letter to the CDC.
Allred is representing rider Edwin “Jay” Mieses, the 33-year old father of two from Massachusetts who was ran over and left permanently paralyzed by the SUV driver during his “escape”, and she told FOX News during an October 8th interview on “Hannity” that; “First of all, what’s not being talked about is what happened several miles before Edwin was run over, and we have evidence of this and police are aware, that the SUV was in the right lane several miles before and decided to move over into the center lane, HIT a bike and kept going and then several miles later hit a second rider and then ran over Edwin, crushing him under the SUV without any warning as he was standing there trying to get everyone to move on.”
Three bikers have thus far been arrested for gang assault and other crimes, but the SUV driver has not been charged as the case continues under investigation, so stay tuned. POSITIONING PLATES TO PERMIT LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION
NEWS BYTES
This was limiting for motorcyclists who do not wish to or cannot drive a twowheeled motorcycle (perhaps due to a physical disability) but want to drive a three-wheeled cycle. S.B. 763, “AN ACT relating to motorcycle training, the enforcement of certification standards for motorcycles, and the license requirements for a threewheeled motorcycle,” changes from mandatory to optional whether curricula includes the curricula developed by a particular foundation, giving DPS the flexibility to authorize other curricula that meet the statutory and regulatory requirements of Texas. The new law also adds a three-wheeled restriction to the Class M license of those Texans who take only a three-wheeled training course. Currently, a motorcyclist who has only taken a three-wheeled training course can obtain a Class M license which permits them to legally operate a two-wheeled motorcycle. “Another successful Legislative session for Texas Bikers, and Texas Trikes too!,” announced Paul Landers, TMRAII Legislative Liaison and National Lt. Commander of the US Defenders/C.O.I.R. “For the first time, a new classification for this group of three wheeled BIKERS. Personally, I feel this builds unity and gives more support to our political initiatives, trike owners can now be a part of what we do and feel good about it!” MOTORCYCLISTS HOPE TO CHANGE NEW ILLINOIS POKER RUN LAW A new law meant to protect poker runs is creating frustration. House Bill 2520, the “Poker Run Act”, was drawn up earlier this year because of concerns that
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poker runs were a type of illegal gambling. The bill to legalize poker runs for charities and Not For Profit organizations was passed with overwhelming support and was signed into law in August, moving the fundraisers under the Illinois Charitable Games Act. However, the regulations means charities and poker run stops all need to pay for a license. All locations involved are now required to pay a fee of $50 a year. The non-profit behind the event must have a permit that costs $200. Any funds raised will be taxed at 3%. Motorcycle groups are now looking for a new solution. Poker runs bring out bikers and bring in big dollars for charity causes, but many fear the new law will put an end to many of the events. The push for change came when the motorcycle advocacy group, ABATE of Illinois, wanted to protect poker runs, which some states are cracking down on as illegal gaming. According to WSIL TV (ABC), the Illinois Department of Revenue says lawmakers didn’t ask for their help in drafting the legislation so now the agency is enforcing those taxes and fees, but they’re also talking with bill sponsors about finding a new category for poker runs. Representative Rich Brauer has already drawn up a bill that would put poker runs under the jurisdiction of the county where they’re being held. BIKER DISCRIMINATION AT OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR On the 15th of September 2013, two members of The Horsemen MC out of Moore, OK went the State Fair of Oklahoma, walking past four Oklahoma City police officers at the gates who watched the two of them buy tickets and enter the fair. They entered with club colors on and the Police made eye contact but let them in. About an hour into being there, a Sergeant of the OKC P.D. pulled them aside and told them to remove their cuts or colors, whereupon the two Horsemen refused. The Police then told the two riders they had one chance to leave and if they didn’t, they would be arrested. The riders then agreed and started heading toward the gate. They told them they would like their ticket money back since there are no signs posted informing motorcyclists they were not allowed to wear Colors in the fair. They did get their ticket money back but had to give their personal information to the police so they could run their identity through to see if they had any warrants. They took pictures of their vests and insignia, wanted to list their tattoos and informed them that they were a “gang”. “The Horsemen walked away without being arrested but hopefully our Riding Community can understand there is a serious problem with this,” said Tiger Mike Revere in his report in the ABATE of Oklahoma newsletter. “In the meantime, club members who have been mistreated at this point will be interacting with attorneys for possible litigation.” Tiger Mike, who is the ABATE Liaison for the OK Confederation of Clubs and also serves on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors,
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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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encourages any biker who experiences discriminatory treatment to go to the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs website at: www.okcoc.net to download, print and submit a Discrimination Complaint to NCOM, and advises that this issue will be discussed further during the NCOM Region 2 Conference scheduled for November 22-23 at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City. GITMO FOR BIKIES Bikers going to jail in Queensland will now be sent to a “bikie-only prison” at the ultra-secure Woodford Correctional Centre as part of the Australian government’s push against “bikies”. The biker gang-only facility, which critics have compared with Guantánamo Bay, will form a core part of the Newman Govt’s attempt to drive outlaw bikie gangs from Queensland. Convicted outlaw motorcycle gang members will be kept in their cells for 23 hours a day at the centre, denied access to gym equipment, televisions and be subject to a more stringent regime of drug testing and searches. All calls unrelated to their legal representation will be monitored and their mail opened and censored while visitor contact will be restricted to one hour a week. Bikie members already in Queensland prisons will also be transferred to the new facility, which is aimed at denying them the ability to use prison time to recruit new members and widen their drug distribution networks says government sources. Premier Campbell Newman told The Courier-Mail that the facility will be an integral part of sweeping legislation to be introduced and passed through State Parliament, adding that the new laws will also automatically ban bikies from accessing bail and hand greater investigative powers to the Crime and Misconduct Commission. In addition to mandatory enhanced prison sentences of up to 25 additional years for gang members, the government is also considering tougher penalties for crimes committed in prison, including weapon offenses, assaults and drug use, as well as stiffer penalties for prison staff caught colluding with gang members. Civil libertarians and members of the legal fraternity have condemned the proposed bikie crackdown as unnecessary, ill-conceived and arrogant. Thanks to Mike Davis of the NCOM Brothers Behind Bars (BBB) outreach for sharing this information. QUOTABLE QUOTE “Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-68) American clergyman and civil rights leader
NCOM
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
NOVEMBER 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 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 New Diggings, WI Anton’s Saloon 26320 County RD W / 608-965-4881 Open Thur-Sunday at Noon “Home of the Macho Burger” 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 NOVEMBER 2013
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 Onalaska, WI La Crosse Area Harley-Davidson 1116 Oak Forest Drive (608) 783-6112 www.lacrosseharley.com Janesville, WI Team Triumph 4747 E. US HWY 14 / Janesville, WI 53546 608-741-9900 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!
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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
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
Plano, IL The Friendly Tap 14 N. Center Street / 630-552-3696 Check out the daily food specials! TRWINOIL Favorite Illinois Burger!
Woodstock, IL Woodstock Harley Davidson 2050 S. Eastwood Dr.- RT 47 / 815-337-3511
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
Plano, IL Plano Liquor & Wine 401 E. South ST / 630-552-7044 Cigars, Wine & Liquor, Keg’s Available
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 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!
Convenience Stores
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
Bike Sales & Service Glenview, IL Chicago Harley Davidson 2929 Patriot BLVD / 847-418-2929 www.chicagoharley.com
NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 21
K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by Toni McCoy Shearon aka “MaMa Thunder” of Thunder Roads Tennessee FRENCH ONION SOUP MADE SIMPLE 3 1 1 1
Cans of Campbell’s French Onion Soup Good Size Large Onion (optional) Bag of Butter Style Croutons Pack of Sargento’s Deli-Sliced Swiss Cheese
Pour all 3 cans of your soup into a medium size sauce pan. If you want additional, large strands of fresh onion to mix with your canned, cut your onion into 1/4 inch strips and sauté until tender in margarine. Add to saucepan and heat through. Take (4) crockpot style bowls (oven safe) and pour your soup mixture 3/4 up to top in each bowl. Add apprx. 10 croutons per bowl and smoosh down into soup. Not till soggy, just so not floating on top. Add at least 3 squares of Swiss thin-cut, deli-style cheese and place under broiler until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove. Serve immediately with hot, crusty French bread and a cool, crisp salad. The first year I learned how to make this, I was 20, and I bet you I made it 100 times that year alone. It’s one of my all-time favorite, easy soups. And, if you serve with bread and salad, it truly is a meal in itself. THE BEST TASTING AND EASIEST CORNBREAD STUFFING YOU EVER ATE OR MADE 2 Boxes of Stove Top Stuffing Cornbread Mix 1 Pkg. of Large Mushrooms, Presliced 1/2 Cup of Chicken Broth 1 Stick of Land O’ Lakes Butter 1 Medium Onion, Large Chop 2 Large Celery Stalks, Small Chop Sauté your shrooms, onion, and celery in margarine in a medium fry pan. In a large cooking pot, prepare the stuffing as per directions, only substitute 1/2 of water called for and use 1/2 cup chicken broth instead. Add 1/2 of stick of butter to boiling water, then remove pot from burner and add your stuffing envelopes, slightly stir to moisten, cover and let stuffing absorb liquid. When ready, remove lid and transfer to large, ceramic bowl, fluffing up stuffing as you put into bowl, then add your sauté mixture of mushrooms, onions and celery and cut the remaining 1/2 of butter stick into pats and distribute around and then gently mix with a wooden spoon until all veggies are distributed evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also put this mixture into a baking dish and place under broiler for a crusty, crispy topping. Either way, this stuffing rocks! PARADISE PUDDING 2 Cups Ice Cold Milk 1 Pkg. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
1/4 Cup Honey 2 tsp. Grated Orange Peel 1/4 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract 1 Cup Whipping Cream, Whipped 1 Medium Firm Banana, Sliced 1 Can (11 oz.) Mandarin Orange Sections, drained 1/4 Cup Flaked Coconut 1/4 Cup Sliced Almonds In a ceramic bowl, blend milk and pudding mix according to directions. Add honey, orange peel and vanilla. Fold in the whipped cream. In individual, see-thru dessert dishes, layer half of the pudding, banana slices, orange sections, coconut and almonds, Repeat the layers. Cover w/ Saran Wrap and chill under ice cold. Put some Nilla Wafers in a zip-lock bag and crush them up with a wooden mallot or with a rolling pin and sprinkle crumbs all over top of your pudding. Yummy. HOLIDAY “SPECIAL” POTATOES 4 Cups of Premium Brand Instant Mashed Taters 1 Cup (8 oz.) Sour Cream 1 Pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened 1 tsp. Dried Chives, or 1 Tbl. Snipped Fresh Chives 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder 1/4 Cup Dry Bread Crumbs 1 Tbl. Butter or Premium Margarine, melted 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese In a large bowl, combine potatoes, sour cream, cream cheese, chives and garlic powder. Turn into a greased 2-qt. casserole. Combine bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 min. Top w/ cheese and serve immediately. ZIPPIDY QUICK CORN SALAD 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing 2 Tbls. Lemon Juice 3/4 tsp. Ground Mustard 1/4 tsp. Sugar or Splenda 2 Green Onions, Thinly Sliced 1 Tbl. Chopped Green Pepper Salt & Pepper to taste Mix well and refrigerate at least 4 hrs. prior to serving. Different, but totally delicious!
HAPPY DAY OF THANKS & GRATITUDE FROM OUR THUNDER ROADS FAMILY TO YOURS
TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home. 22 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
Vandalizing Vixens 2014
Just when you thought summer was over, along comes another heat wave! What do you get when you mix a little bit of the girl next door, a handful of hotness, a pinch of cuteness, a splash of sexiness, a bunch of beauty, and a whole lot of fun! The answer is the 2014 Vandalizing Vixen team! Now that I have your attention…greetings! I am Chris Grames from Kona Chris Paint and Custom Graphics, and you guessed it… I am a custom painter. I have been custom painting for over eighteen years. Throughout my journey I have learned that there are times when we can give to others, and then there are times that we have to rely on others to get us by. With that inspiration I’ve brought these twelve ladies together to create the hottest motorcycle calendar in the Midwest; the 2014“Calendar for a Cure” to help raise money for breast cancer! Now let’s get serious; you probably won’t even notice that there are thirteen custom painted bikes in this calendar…and I have come to terms with that, but the first thing you need to know about the Vixens is that they are all passionate about this cause. Each one of these girls has been touched by the disease in some way and two are cancer survivors themselves. All have donated 100% of their time to shoot for the calendar. You may recognize many of our Vixens already from appearances on magazine covers, billboards, music videos, movies, on the radio, and on television. Kelly Marie is our team Captain who not only helps organize the team but is best known as the 2008 LOOP ROCK GIRL. Adella is our Co-Captain and not only did the complete calendar layout, but also has an extensive and impressive resume that you will remember her from. For this year’s calendar we brought on photographer Edward Weiland (www.edwardweiland.com). He is one of Chicago’s top photographer’s and is a yearlong rider himself who has also donated his time. How do you get your copy? Illinois Harley Davidson in Countryside, Wild Fire Harley Davidson in Villa Park, Fox River Harley Davidson in St.
Charles, and City limits Harley Davidson in Palatine will all be carrying our calendar for you to purchase. You can order your calendar online on Kelly Marie’s website www.itsmekelly. com or at Adella’s website www.adellapasos.com. Visit the Kona Chris website at www. konachris.com and join us on Facebook and receive information on future events so you can meet and take photos with the team, have them pose on your ride, and get your copy of the calendar autographed! Remember; for just a $10.00 donation you can help save second base, receive a 12” X 12” 13 month calendar, and take the entire Vandalizing Vixen team home with you for over a year. Now that’s a deal! ALL of the profits from this calendar will go to the fight towards breast cancer! We thank you in advance for your support and thanks for your time.
24 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2013
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NOVEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 25
UpComing Events 2013 Send your charity events to: darrell@trwinoil.com always Free 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 NOVEMBER November 1—Wisconsin BMW Motorcycle Club Meeting. 8:00PM. New Berlin VFW Post, 17980 West Beloit Road, New Berlin WI. 262-679-0800. November 2—Jack Frost Run For Fun. 9:00AM. Vandervest Harley-Davidson, 810 Frontage Rd, Peshtigo WI. 715-582-8843. November 2—Chariots On Fire Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting. 10:00AM. 440-623-9026. November 6—Kettle Moraine HOG Chapter Meeting. 6:00PM. New Berlin Ale House, 16000 W Cleveland Avenue, New Berlin WI. 262-691-2469.
November 9—Veterans: Our Salute To You. 11:00AM. Route 43 Harley-Davidson, 3736 S Taylor Drive, Sheboygan WI. Brat fry, soup, 50/50, raffles to benefit Vets Journey Home. 920-458-0777. November 9-11—Veterans’ Free Admission. Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee WI. 414-287-2789. November 9—British Bikers Cooperative Pot Luck and Rockers Costume Party. 5:00PM. American Legion Hall, Main and Church Street, Menomonee Falls WI. 262-514-2073. November 10—St. Croix Valley Riders Meeting. 12 Noon. American Legion Hall, 328 Broadway Avenue, St. Paul Park MN. 952-758-3615. November 10—Southeastern Wisconsin HOG Racine Chapter Meeting & Toy Drive/Ride. 11:00AM. Fountain Hall, Racine WI. 262-930-1940. November 10—CMA EZE Riders Chapter #596 Meeting. 4:00PM. Norske Nooke, Rice Lake WI. Rich. 715-986-2884. November 11—Hogs and Heroes Pancake Breakfast. Rice Lake Harley-Davidson, 2801 S Wisconsin Avenue, Rice Lake WI. 715-234-5400. November 11—Christian Motorcyclists Association SOS Riders, Kenosha Chapter Meeting. 6:30PM. 847-863-0767. November 12-- Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) Eau Claire Iron Disciples Meet and Greet. Culver’s, Brackett Avenue, Eau Claire WI. 7:00PM. Sandra. 715-833-0942.
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November 13—GWRRA Chapter G Wednesday Night Fish Fry. 5:30PM. Bob Gorecki. 414-7611779. November 20—Madison Motorcycle Club meeting. 7:00PM. Alt ‘N’ Bach’s, 2602 Whalen Lane, Madison WI. 608-271-9955.
November 3—Ladies Garage Party. 1:00PM. City Limits Harley-Davidson, 2015 N Rand Road, Palatine IL. Motorcycle basics from a woman’s perspective. 888-400-4641.
November 23—Annual Scalded Hog Chili Cook-Off. 9:00AM. McHenry Harley-Davidson, 2103 West Route 120, McHenry IL. Proceeds to McHenry County Toys For Tots. 815-344-9300.
November 9—Woodstock Harley-Davidson Rolling Thunder Event. Woodstock HarleyDavidson, 2050 South East Wood Drive, Woodstock IL. 815-337-3511.
November 23-24—Cold Weather Passport Ride. 9:00AM. Illinois Harley-Davidson, 9950 Joliet Road, Countryside IL. Get your passport stamped at four Windy City dealerships and qualify for great prizes. 708-387-8750.
November 9—Christian Motorcyclists Association Steel Witness Chapter #578 Meeting and Ride. 8:00AM. Ned’s Restaurant, 2132 Bus Route 20, Belvidere IL. 815-505-0714. November 10—Ladies Garage Party. 1:00PM. Illinois Harley-Davidson, 9950 Joliet Road, Countryside IL. This one’s for the ladies! 708-3878750. November 13—Chicago Norton Owner’s Club Meeting. 7:30PM. Fuddrucker’s Restaurant, 1500 Branding Lane, Downers Grove IL. Bill. 815-3553241.
November 21—Central Wisconsin HOG Chapter Meeting. 7:00PM. Harley-Davidson of Wausau, 1570 Cty Hwy XX, Rothschild WI. 715-355-4464. November 30—Peacemakers Christian Motorcyclists Association Chapter Meeting and Ride. 9:00AM. Burger King, 1800 Gateway Drive, Waukesha WI. 262-422-4017.
November 24—McHenry County Toys For Tots Parade. 9:00AM. McHenry Harley-Davidson, 2103 West Route 120, McHenry IL. Come early with an un-wrapped toy to get a riding spot. 815-344-9300. 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.
NATIONAL October October 31-Nov. 3—Lone Star Rally. Galveston TX. Ride the Causeway, see celebrities, two bike shows, and lots of places to eat. 832-437-2318. NOVEMBER November 8-10—International Motorcycle Show. Dallas Convention Center, 650 S Griffith St., Dallas TX. 214-853-8000. November 15-17—International Motorcycle Show. Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta GA. 770-989-5440.
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.
We at Thunder roads magazine Would Like To Say
December 7—British Biker Cooperative Christmas Party and Annual Meeting. 262-514-2073. December 14—Pictures With Santa On A Harley. 10:00AM. Route 43 Harley-Davidson, 3736 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan WI. 920-458-0777.
NORTH ILLINOIS NOVEMBER November 2—Tucker’s Annual Toys For Tots Ride. 10:00AM. Walter’s Brothers Harley-Davidson, 615 S Maxwell Rd, Peoria IL. Lunch with Wayne’s secret recipe chili and chili dogs. 309-697-1917. November 2—Ted’s Chili Cook-Off. 9:00AM. Ted’s Motorcycle World, 4103 Humbert Road, Alton IL. 888-695-4740. www.trwinoil.com
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enhance not only our own personal lives but the organization that we all feel so passionately about. It’s a time for us to let our hair down with our brothers and sisters so we can refresh our souls and get ready for the next battle. It’s like the old proverb that says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. How true!
ABATE Family Reunion By the time you read this, ABATE of Wisconsin’s annual party (the Summer Hummer) will be nothing but fond memories for most of us. Or depending on how much you drank, some of you may have fewer memories than others. But never let it be said that we don’t know how to have a good time. First off, I have to apologize to those of you who caught me walking to the coffee vendor in the morning in my neon tie-dye boxer shorts. I hope I haven’t psychologically scarred any of you for life. But if you’re a caffeine addict like I am, you know about the sacrifices you’ll make in order to get that morning fix. But in truth, I was in good company that weekend. Between the topless ladies, folks dressed like hippies and the midget stripper, I was just one of the many side-show attractions that help make the Summer Hummer the great party that it is. It’s exactly these kinds of crazy antics that make the party so popular. Where else could a guy wear a grass skirt and coconut bra without being looked down upon? Only within their own crazy family. And that’s exactly what we should be to each other – family. The bond that links your true family is not necessarily one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other. These times of fun together are almost as important as all the work we do. We form strong bonds and friendships that help
Family members always have each others’ backs and things at the Hummer this year were no exception. We had a shortage of workers at the front gate this year because of some family emergencies. But like a true family, my ABATE brothers and sisters were there to pitch in and cover the shifts. Sure, not everything is always rainbows and butterflies. There’s plenty of squabbling just like with your blood siblings. Fun gatherings such as the Hummer can help strengthen your bonds with others though so that your petty differences aren’t destructive to your relationship or to the organization. We need to remember - Like branches on the ABATE tree, our lives and beliefs may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one, and as long as we keep our roots firmly planted, our tree will continue to grow strong. I work a few shifts at the front gate every year for a couple of reasons. It gives me the opportunity to see everyone who comes and goes as well as touching base with a lot of folks who I might miss running into during the craziness of the weekend. But I also enjoy meeting folks who are new. The opportunity for brotherhood and adding another person to the family presents itself every time you meet a human being. How often do you reach out to a potential new family member? Despite how wet and muddy it was this year, the fun went on as planned and I still heard a lot of positive comments from folks who attended. If you’ve never gone to the Summer Hummer before, it’s definitely an event to put on your calendar for next year. We must remain vigilant against those who seek to take away our freedoms but we have to remember to stop and smell the roses. Or enjoy a Hummer now and then. Dean “D-Day” Bartosh Director of Public Relations ABATE of Wisconsin www.abatewis.org
By Dave Verlare CMA ~ Jesus Team Riders
What’s it all about Well here I am again, looking out my window at the trees with the leaves changing colors. It’s so peaceful and quiet. And then those acorns come crashing down on my deck. It seems like just a few weeks ago, that I was planning this year’s rides. Now I’m thinking about my last rides in the saddle, and parking my Iron Ponies in the barn. I must say it’s been a great year, with almost 14,000 miles and no mishaps. I do thank God for his protection all these years of riding. I’ve also gotten to know a lot more CMA members from different chapters. I can’t say enough about what a great group of people they are. As time goes on and we are hanging out more and more, we’re really getting to know each other. Our hurts and hang-ups, our joys and sorrows and no we’re not a bunch of fluffy Jesus people where everything is fine. In fact, yes me Dave Verlare, a writer for Thunder Roads magazine, and a CMA member, went through my second divorce. Life is just tough sometimes. There, I said it and that is that. OK, one more thing I must confess, it all started back in May, when a bunch of us CMA’ers were doing a bike blessing at Phillips Park in Aurora. There were probably 150 of us CMA’ers, praying for the riders, passing out bibles, and blessing their bikes. But just before that I was walking around and Fox Valley Honda of Aurora had about 10 new motorcycles on display. There it was…. the new Honda Goldwing F6B. It’s kinda designed after the Harley Street Glide. So let’s just say its one tough looking bike. Now I already have a 2003 Goldwing, and 2005 VTX 1800. But it seemed like every time I got near that Honda display and that F6B, something was pulling on my vest to check it out. Well, I did, in fact four times in two hours. While I’m supposed to be blessing riders and their bikes, I’m sending a little prayer to God, to bless me with that new Goldwing F6B. Then I go through this little mind game in my head. Well my Goldwing is 10 years old, and my VTX is 8 years old. And they both have a lot of miles on them. But then the other voice in my head….well you tell everybody how Honda’s go forever and they never breakdown. Then reality sets in, is one more bike or a different bike really gonna make me any happier? It might be nice, but that’s not it. I don’t know about you, but when I’m riding I do a lot of thinking when my stereo isn’t cranking. I think about my life and where is it going and what’s it all about? What am I doing in this life that really matters? And the thing is, that seems to be the big topic when us CMA’ers get together. The best part of riding season was helping out at some event, doing a bike blessing,
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passing out water at a parade, fixing someone’s broken bike, or trailering it to a shop. It wasn’t buying that new motorcycle or going on some great exotic vacation. I remember hearing a story of an elderly woman who was suffering from depression. She decided to talk to her pastor about it. He simply said, “Mrs. Anderson, I want you to bake cookies every week and give them to someone in your neighborhood.” She agreed. Well, months went by and the pastor didn’t hear from her. Then one day they met at the grocery store. The pastor asked, “Mrs. Anderson, how are you doing, I haven’t seen you for another visit.” Her reply with a big smile on her face was “I’m sorry Pastor, but I’ve been so busy baking cookies for the people in my neighborhood. “ Do you get the picture? This life is really not about getting, but giving. We’ve got it all messed up, including myself. One more bike really isn’t gonna make me happier. It’s doing things for others that bring us real joy. My father once told me, “Dave, you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” That really makes sense. Now with Thanksgiving coming up, let’s all try to make a list of the things we have, not the things we don’t. We all have so much to be thankful for. Even after a few really tough months for me, people ask me why I’m so happy. I say, “I got out of bed this morning and landed on my own two feet! I’ve got a job I love, I’ve got a family that cares about me, I’ve got a nice home and two motorcycles in the garage. (But it might be nice to have a third one in there. So please pray for me in that area). A few years ago, I watched a video of a man who was born with no arms or legs. And yet he was one of the most joyful person I have ever seen. Jesus changed his life and gave him a life of purpose and meaning. His name is Nick Vujicic, the man with no limbs. His big quote was,”If you look for your happiness in temporary things, your happiness will be temporary.” You might want to do yourself a favor, and check him out on your computer. Jesus Christ changed his life, just like mine and so many of us CMA’ers. That’s what it’s all about. Finding purpose and meaning in this life by serving Jesus Christ and serving others. I know I’ve got a long way to go but I’m getting it. I’m still under construction and God isn’t finished with me yet. So as you’re getting ready for this Thanksgiving season, and taking your last rides on your Iron Ponies, ask yourself the big question, What’s it all about? and What can I do different to give my life more purpose and meaning? Thanks again for taking the time to read my story and God Bless all of you.