Tankside July 2015 Edition by Tankside

07/2015

STURGIS CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

ABOUT THE COVER: MAIN ST. IN STURGIS, 2012. PHOTO BY JOSEPH TRONCOSO.

VOLUME ONE No. 3

GET READY TO RIDE!

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FINANZAS - FINANCES

ARTE Y ENTRETENIMIENTO - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOTICIAS LOCALES -SALUD LOCAL- HEALTH NEWS

VIVA TEQUILA PDX 2015 PRESENTED BY CASA HERRADURA

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VivaTequilaPDX.com 2 | July 2015

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FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE! STAFF MELANIE DAVIS Owner/Publisher melanie@brilliantmedia.company

GABRIELA KANDZIORA Director of Business Development gabriela@brilliantmedia.company

CHRIS ALVAREZ Production Manager

EDITORIAL AMANDA SCHURR Editor amanda@brilliantmedia.company

SALES LARRY LEWIS Sales Representative

larry@brilliantmedia.company

LYNDA WILKINSON Sales Representative

lynda@brilliantmedia.company

MARY SMITH ENGSTROM Sales Representative/Reporter

BELINDA CARROLL Sales Representative

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALBERTO MORENO - Columnist, WOLFGANG VON HOHENZOLLERN - Columnist, DAVE ENGSTROM- Road Captain

efore my thoughts met ink for this edition, I was on a ride out to Bend, Oregon via Highway 22. As the roads grew narrower and the turns wider, I started to open my mind to my surroundings. I started to catch glimpses of the dry Detroit Lake between the trees, and my heart grew heavy. The world is changing—fast! We pulled off for fuel, like most on this ride, at the River Run. We chatted with the owner about the lake and how it’s affecting their business. Deeply saddened, she explained they could not run their side of the business that rents and moors boats. All their business this year is from fuel, sundries and, in my opinion, some of the best homemade pastries. So we did as bikers do when traveling through a distressed town—we bought a little extra… We then went to the back deck. For those of you who have not stopped at River Run, the market and station are very unassuming—until you put your helmet down and take in the sun while making a few new friends on their deck. On this ride we were fortunate to meet a husband and wife who each ride their own Ducati. Needless to say, like all bikers who become friends at a fuel stop, we talked about everything. Nearing the end of our conversation we exchanged information—Gabriela was the last to hand out her card. As soon as the husband saw it, he said, “I know you! Realtor Gabriela, I know you! You advertise in El Hispanic News.” She said, “Yes, I do.” He went on to explain he is an avid reader of the publication and fan of Alberto Moreno. I shared with him that El Hispanic News is one of my publications, and that Alberto also writes for Tankside. My heart lifted. This couple demonstrated to me what I believe to be true in our America. That is, we have the freedom and independence to explore, just as bikers do, but we also have the opportunity to explore the people and cultures around us. Never would I have guessed this couple were avid El Hispanic News readers, nor would they have guessed I was the publisher of these newspapers—

MARY DAVIS Den Mom & S.A.G. Vehicle

LEILANI FINLEY WILDMAN Events Promoter

REACH US:

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INDEX

Copyright © 2015 Brilliant Media LLC, dba Tankside. All rights reserved. This publication or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.Printed in the United States of America

IT’S A GROOVY RIDE WITH LADY FRED

RUN FOR THE WALL: PART ONE

SPOTLIGHT ON: PDX EASY RIDERS

SAFETY CORNER: SEE AND BE SEEN

RALLYING CRY: PACIFIC NORTHWEST HOG RALLY

IN THE CAGE: RAM 1500 ECODIESEL

THE LONG WAY HOME: NOT A DRY TOWN

PROCALIBER INDIAN OF VANCOUVER THE POST CALENDAR OF EVENTS: JULY-AUGUST BUSINESS PROFILE: RED HORSE DINER

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—Melanie Davis

FEATURE: THE ROAD TO STURGIS

PO Box 306, Portland, OR. 97207

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until we did what so many don’t, exercising our freedom and independence to talk with each other. I left the River Run with a happy soul, wondering how many people that little business has brought together… By the time we got to Bend, we had a chance to meet up with the Central Oregon HOG Chapter. The chapter and their director, Wes Cambra, gave Tankside a warm welcome at their monthly meeting. We shared with the chapter how Tankside is a publication for bikers, by bikers. Tankside is welcoming of all makes and models, and all riders—as we believe everything in a biker’s life happens tankside. We also shared with the chapter, as we do with all MCs, that we welcome your stories from the road, be it events, rallies, charities, or how motorcycling has changed or saved your life. We also accept calendar submissions both in print and online. As we celebrate our independence this Fourth of July and remember those who have fought for our freedom, let’s also celebrate each other—from the small business owner who tops off your fuel in a small town to those who break their backs to harvest the food that graces our tables. As bikers who ride the back roads of this country, we see who is working hard to hold the fibers of the American Dream together. Let’s celebrate and support them! Editor’s Note: We hope to see you at Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally July 9-13 in Baker City, Oregon, where we will report live all the happenings of the weeklong rally as the Official, Exclusive Media Sponsor. We would also like to welcome Joseph “Fireman Joe” Troncoso to Tankside. By day he is a full-time firefighter and EMT, and makes his debut in this edition with his piece on p. 4, “The Road to Sturgis.” He will also be providing us real-time coverage at Sturgis. To learn about motorcycle events taking place in Oregon and Washington, please visit tankside.com/events-and-happenings.

July 2015 | 3

Feature

THE ROAD TO STURGIS

By Joseph Troncoso

ave you always wanted to make that trip to Sturgis? Thinking that maybe this is the year? Here are a couple things to think consider if you’re headed out to the Black Hills this year. To begin with, Sturgis stands alone as the biggest and best biker rally around. Nothing compares to it. Set in the picturesque and remote Black Hills of South Dakota, this little town of six thousand is expected to swell to more than a million during the annual biker pilgrimage. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, so attendance stands to nearly double from the 600,000-700,000 who attend every year. The rally got its start in 1938 when the Jackpine Gypsies, a local biker club, invited motorcyclists for a racing and hill-climbing event. The rally has been held every year since then, with the exception of a couple years during World War II. Although I got my endorsement 35 years ago and have ridden the street ever since, I didn’t get my first Harley Davidson until 1996. That same year I went down the Laughlin River Run in Laughlin, Nevada. The ride down was memorable and I loved seeing all of the bikes and scenery at the rally. Over the next few years I attended many rallies in the Western United States and always heard the stories about Sturgis. One problem: As a single dad (at the time), my daughter was living in Europe and would come home to be with me all summer. I just couldn’t blow off my kid to go party at a rally for the last couple weeks of our time together, so I decided I would hold off on attending Sturgis until after my daughter had graduated high school. In 2006, with my daughter graduated and off to college, I planned our first trip to Sturgis. My girlfriend and I booked a spot at a campground and headed out for the rally. We arrived on Monday morning, the first day of the event. Big mistake. We were immediately told by other campers that we’d missed the party. Although we arrived on the first day of the official

rally, the party is actually the best at its start the Friday before. We set up our camp and started discovering Sturgis. We have been back every year since 2006, making this our 10th experience. We still haven’t seen everything there is to see, but we wouldn’t miss it for the world. Sturgis is a mind-blowing experience. While I’d been to Laughlin during its heyday (pre-2002), that event had only 70,000 bikers. Sturgis has 10 times that. Prepare to bobblehead as you go down the street, as a nonstop parade of bikes and people go by. Vendors set up all over the typically sleepy town, which is alive 24/7 for the duration of the rally. This is a great place to check out all of the bike builders and vendors and get special rally pricing. Each year we’ve been there we’ve met wonderful people and friends whom we now see annually. Here are a few tips to getting to and making the most out of your trip to Sturgis. * One of the best things about Sturgis is that the event lasts over a week. Unlike most biker events that only last for a weekend, you’ll have time to set up camp without having to tear it down two days later. If you’re coming all the way out, take enough time to enjoy the trip and don’t rush it. * Wear your helmet! I know… It is hard to resist the temptation to enjoy and flaunt your new freedom in South Dakota, because they don’t have a helmet law and it seems nobody is wearing a helmet. My wife and I sat in One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon for our own amusement one afternoon while I burned a cigar and we counted the number of riders coming down Main Street who wore helmets. After counting out 150 riders, only 4 had been wearing helmets. As a full-time career firefighter and EMT, we are the first people at the scene of a motorcycle accident. Helmets save lives. Trust me on this one. * Don’t drink and ride. It should be a no-brainer, but for some reason some people apparently think that motorcycles and alcohol mix. They don’t. To ride a motorcycle, you have to be far more alert and focused than you do when driving a car. You don’t want to muddle that up with alcohol,

STURGIS IS A MIND-BLOWING EXPERIENCE.

4 | July 2015

| STURGIS G oes to page 5

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Feature

Sturgis

impairing your decisions and reaction time. Sturgis does a great job of providing shuttles to and from all of the AND MEMORABLE RIDES campgrounds. There is no reason to ALL THROUGH THIS PART drink and ride. Plan on dropping several thousands of dollars and making a OF THE COUNTRY. MOUNT hasty exodus from South Dakota if you RUSHMORE AND CRAZY get arrested for DUI. It’s not a good way HORSE ARE ONLY AN HOUR to end your trip. On a bright note, you could wear a patch they sell for your AWAY. DEVILS TOWER, vest that reads, “2015 Sturgis. Came on WYOMING IS ONLY AN HOUR vacation, left on probation.” It’s probably not worth it though. AND A HALF. DEADWOOD * Research your camping or lodging AND THE BADLANDS ARE before going out there. Sturgis offers many different options. You can rent NOT TO BE MISSED. a hotel room (very few), a private resContinued from page 4 idence, a room in a private residence, or stay at a campground. The campgrounds are by far the prevalent option, and Sturgis has 43 different campgrounds listed in the area. Some of the campgrounds are 24-hour craziness. Others are very mellow, peaceful places. You can pretty much find what you’re looking for. Just don’t show up to Buffalo Chip or Glencoe Camp and expect to get a nice, quiet spot. Those are the wild campgrounds and they’ve earned their reputations. Personally, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. * Before going out to Sturgis, have your bike thoroughly checked out by a mechanic and ensure that it is ready for a trip like this. Nothing kills your trip like making it to Pendleton before breaking down and spending all of your trip money on repairing your bike. * Check and plan your route out there carefully. I prefer the I-84 to

| THERE ARE BREATHTAKING

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Hermiston, north to Spokane; jump on I-90 East from there and ride it into Sturgis. Montana is a huge state and you’ll be in it for 600 miles (which will feel like weeks). * The plains have wild weather. I know it’s August, but the weather out there is crazy. Usually it is nice and sunny, but occasionally a squall will hit out of nowhere. If it does rain, it does so briefly, but it dumps rain when it does. Hail has rolled through a couple of years, too. If you’re on the road, try to find an overpass or shelter and wait it out. You should be rolling again in 5-10 minutes. * There are breathtaking and memorable rides all through this part of the country. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are only an hour away. Devils Tower, Wyoming is only an hour and a half. Deadwood and the Badlands are not to be missed. Make sure to take hydration with you, and personally speaking, I prefer to do my riding early—before everybody who has been drinking takes the road. * Worried about the badass biker image? I’ve found that if you mind your own business and are respectful to people, you’ll get along just fine. If you have a chip on your shoulder and are looking for a fight, I’m sure somebody will be happy to oblige you. Don’t judge Sturgis from what you’ve seen on those so-called “reality shows” that have been featuring the event for the past few years. They have absolutely nothing to do with the reality that is Sturgis. The stuff on TV is all scripted nonsense. I was at a large bar that was featured on a show a couple years back and you could see the director telling the people exactly what to say, where to stand, etc. I concluded that only a douchebag would want to be on a reality show. Anyway, I hope this helps and hope to see you at Sturgis this year. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to call the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel to pitch my concept for Sturgis EMT, a new show coming this fall. —Fireman Joe July 2015 | 5

Road Stories

RUN FOR THE WALL: PART ONE IN A SERIES

By Kirsten Andrea Nicolette

n May 13, 2015, I embarked on a journey that had a mission: to ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., and to arrive on Memorial Day weekend. I did this with the group known as “Run for the Wall,” whose purpose is to bring recognition and healing to our veterans of past and present wars. Their mission, and the mission of those who make the ride, is to ride for those who cannot—those veterans unable to make the journey physically, mentally, or because they are POWs, MIAs, or KIAs. It brings meaning to the families of those represented on the wall, and those soldiers who came home to being shunned. I suggest visiting their website (rftw.org) to learn more about the cause. Over this and the next few installments, I will share a bit about this ride, how I feel about it, and how it affected me personally. First off, this was the 27th annual RFTW. Newcomers receive badges stating that they are “FNG”s, along with the year. In military speak “FNG” has a different meaning, but in the run it is sugarcoated as Fine New Guy or Gal, in my case. You are assigned a platoon that has a leader, co-captain, and two tail gunners. There are road guards, fuel teams, staging directors, chaplains, and medics. There are three routes, the Central, Middle, and Southern routes. The Central is the original route. We traveled from Ontario, California to Washington D.C. We never once stopped for a stop sign or red light, and in several states had border-to-border police escorts. We rode in parade-style 95 percent of the time, meaning two bikes next to one another in one lane, and 1-2 seconds between bikes. This kind of riding takes full concentration, and is a dedication to the journey. You were not to use the brakes, but rather downshift, and if that meant taking it from 5th or 6th to 1st gear, that is what you had to do. Using the brakes would set off a chain reaction that would end up in catastrophe most of the time. In the beginning it looked like a starburst when it came to changing lanes or merging onto a highway, but as the days went on, it began to look like a ballet in motion, a winding snake as it slithered down the roads. Fuel stops were a dance all their own, well orchestrated and efficient. The fuel teams were always ahead of the packs, and were ready when we arrived at the designated stops. Until you have seen 400 bikes fuel up and be ready to roll in less than 20 minutes you have never seen team effort. We started off in Ontario, California and headed up the Cajon pass 6 | July 2015

along the I-15 till we hit the I-40 and headed toward Arizona. Our second stop after fueling in Barstow was to stop for fuel and lunch in Needles. As we got off the highway and wound our way through the town, I began to wonder where all its residents were. Needles appeared to be a ghost town of sorts, until we made a turn and saw schoolchildren lining the road, waving their flags and cheering us on. This was a scene that would play over and over again on this adventure. As we made our way to Veterans Park, the townspeople cheered us, and many a veteran saluted those vets who were riding on their behalf. It was so overwhelming to see the patriotism being exhibited. We ate our lunch, which was served in the park, and mingled with the townsfolk. After about an hour and a half we mounted our bikes; there were roughly 350 of us on the Central route when we left Ontario. We now headed toward Williams, Arizona. We stopped for fuel in Kingman, and when we arrived in Williams, the entire town was again out to welcome us. I had never ridden in a situation where people were happy to see motorcycles in the numbers we had, thrilled and overjoyed by our presence. We were escorted to the American Legion Post #13, which served us an amazing dinner. We then made our way to our hotels in the area, and some to the campgrounds. We all had secured reservations for the various cities months in advance. So ended our first day of riding. Every morning before we continued on the mission, we were mandated to be present for the morning meeting. This consisted of any news that was relevant to our ride, as well as raffling off items that had been donated and presenting plaques of appreciation to the various charities and organizations that sponsored and helped with the success of the mission. It also included the bio of a soldier who fought in the Vietnam War, whose name is found on the Wall and was declared a POW, MIA, or KIA on that exact day during the war—and, depending on which branch that soldier had been serving in, a veteran from that branch was asked to come forward and lay the bio at the wall in D.C. when we went there on Saturday, May 23. After we were dismissed from the general meeting, we attended our individual platoon meetings. We then mounted our bikes and took off in an orderly and precise manner, usually by 0630. Day Two brought us through Arizona, fueling in Winslow and stopping to have lunch with the amazing people of Holbrook who, like the families in Needles, welcomed us with schoolchildren waving their | RUN FOR THE WALL Goes to page 7

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Road Stories

| IN THE BEGINNING

flags and cheering us on. The residents of Holbrook hosted the biggest potluck I have ever been to, and the patriotism was everywhere to be felt. We pushed forward to Gallup, New Mexico, which had 10 miles of citizens, primarily Navajos, waving flags, veterans saluting, and cheering us on. It Continued from page 6 brought tears to my eyes. As we wound through Gallup, we entered the beautiful Red Rock Park, where the Black Creek Gourd Society had been dancing since noon in anticipation of our arrival. The Navajo revere the warrior and put them on a pedestal. They consider veterans of the United States Military warriors and treat them accordingly. They performed a “gourd” dance and all the riders were encouraged to join in. The camaraderie between the Navajo and the riders was amazing to watch. Among those present was Kee Etsitty, a Navajo Code Talker, who was celebrating his 93rd birthday. It was with great honor we sang to him for

IT LOOKED LIKE A STARBURST WHEN IT CAME TO CHANGING LANES OR MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, BUT AS THE DAYS WENT ON, IT BEGAN TO LOOK LIKE A BALLET IN MOTION.

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his birthday, and were able to thank him for what he did for us in World War II. The history I learned on this trip is endless. After all the celebrating, we sought out our hotels and resting spots, and so ended the second day. It is no wonder that Gallup has been declared the most patriotic city in America. After staging in Gallup we departed on that Friday for Albuquerque. I was among six riders that day to have been chosen to ride as leaders. It was an honor, and I found great joy in the experience. As we started to head north, our weather became more precipitous and at times a major downpour. While r iding through Santa Fe in the pouring rain, as we headed under an overpass we could see four school buses of children, standing at the fence and waving their flags and cheering us on. It was a sight to be seen, one I would soon become accustomed to, as we traveled under many an overpass, and the farther we got into the heartland, the more I was reassured that patriotism is alive and well in our nation. We had fueled in Albuquerque and were having lunch at the Camel Rock Casino just north

on highway 84-N. About 30 young children, again waving their flags, met us at the entrance of the casino’s dining room. Here we had a ceremony in which the governor of New Mexico thanked the RFTW for our mission of never forgetting our POWs and MIAs. It was raining pretty hard when we left the Camel Rock Casino. It rained off and on all the way to Eagle Nest. After leaving Taos we were on a two-lane road, and the state police and our road guards did an amazing job of keeping the highway cleared for us. The closer we got to Angel Fire and the David Westphall Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the colder it got. Those who served in Vietnam and those who did not were incredibly moved by this tribute. Dr. Westphall created this place as a memorial to his son, who died in Vietnam. There is a real “Huey” mounted like it is taking off, and Dr. Westphall took soil from Angel Fire and exchanged it for a jar of soil from the place his son perished. It was the first of many memorials we visited that is hallowed ground. To be continued in the August edition of Tankside.

July 2015 | 7

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PROCALIBER INDIAN OF VANCOUVER MARKS GRAND OPENING

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roCaliber Indian Motorcycle opened its doors in April 2015 with a beautiful 8,000-square-feet showroom. They marked their grand opening the weekend of June 19. Polaris Industries has very specific showroom requirements, and each showroom must adhere to their universal design. The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was founded in 1901, making their product the first American-made motorcycle. In 2011 Polaris Industries purchased Indian Motorcycle, and produced its first bikes in 2013. They are built and produced in Minnesota and Iowa. Models include the Scout, Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Chief Dark Horse. ProCaliber Indian celebrated their grand opening with demo rides and a barbecue. On Saturday, June 20 they also featured special speakers from ProCaliber and Polaris Indian. ProCaliber Indian staff includes General Manager Travis Richard, Sales Manager Larry Ambers, Sales Specialist Gordon Low, Tech Specialists Brian and Sean, and Riders Group President Rob Pierce. ProCaliber Indian is forming a new Indian riders group. For information and to join, contact President Rob Pierce by email: herakles123@gmail.com. Other Indian dealers now in the Northwest include Hinshaw’s in Auburn, Wash.; North Sound in Lynnwood, Wash.; Thunder Alley Motorsports in Pasco, Wash.; Sawtooth in Meridian, Idaho; and Lawless in Spokane, Wash.

ProCaliber Indian Motorcycle 10701 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98662 360-944-3400 Find them on Facebook by searching “ProCaliberIndianMotorcycle” or visit procaliberindianmotorcycle.com. —Linda Landeis

8 | July 2015

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The Post

THE POST

WHAT TANKSIDE READERS ARE SAYING ON FACEBOOK:

In response to “A Path Not Taken,” Wolfgang von Hohenzollern’s column The Long Way Home, from the June edition of Tankside: “[Being on a motorcycle] gives you a chance to slow down and think. For me, it makes you focus. Riding and thinking. Two, the rush from riding never dies. You need to stay alert at all times but yet you can still waller in your thoughts.” – Sam Smith

In response to “The Klickitat,” Mary Smith Engstrom’s Earth, Wind & Tire feature, from the June edition of Tankside: “That’s a beautiful ride. We often make Klickitat our destination when we ride. There is a bar called Huntington’s Bar and Grill with steaks that give Ruth’s Chris a run for their money and a lot less $$. Check them out sometime. It’s a little hole in the wall joint but delicious!”

– Debbi Tolladay

In response to a May 22 post, “89-Year-Old N.J. Woman Still Easy Riding,” via East Side Moto Babes and ILoveHarleyDavidsonBikes.net: “Every woman looks good sitting on a bike!” – Sierra C Riches

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In response to an April 28 post, “Editorial: Don’t Allow Lane Splitting for Motorcycles,” via BendBulletin.com: “This guy has his facts wrong and he’s a turd. Not only does California allow lane splitting, it’s also endorsed by the CHP. Faster highway speeds will result in more deaths than lane splitting. Finally, helmet laws are usually opposed on the grounds of free choice, not safety. Lane splitting is about smoother flowing traffic and limited, but more liberal, risk tolerance.”

– Steven Glickman (Read Glickman’s column, Safety Corner, on p. 15).

In response to June 2 a post via Fox News/Associated Press, “’Star Trek’ star William Shatner to travel across US on three-wheeled motorcycle”: “I want to ride with William Shatner.” – Cassie Moore

In response to an April 27 post, “7 Things Everyone Should Do Before They Ride a Motorcycle,” via CheatSheet.com: “Most folks who advocate getting your dream bike right out of the bull pen do not remember how astonishingly shitty their skills were the first couple years on a bike. They only remember when their skills rose to the point where 250ccs was so underpowered if felt like your 10-speed was more suited for the expressway. You are going to hit curbs, drop your bike in tight turns, not set the kickstand correctly on an incline, catch the handlebar on a truck mirror, and then you’ll get out of your driveway....” – Paul Turner

July 2015 | 9

calendar of events

July 16-18

OREGON & WASHINGTON BIKER EVENTS IN JULY-AUGUST

Washington District GWRRA Convention

At: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend, WA $1000 grand prize! Live music Friday by “Jukebox” and an ice cream social on Saturday. Events include a ‘50s sock hop, karaoke bike games, bike show, light parade chapter and individual competitions, and the “Walkabout” is back! For more information: 360-578-7999 Online: gwrra-wa.org/CalendarListView.html

July 23-26

27th Annual Sun and Surf Motorcycle Run

July 9-13

Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally

At: Historic Baker City, OR Now in its 16th year, Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally boasts seven named roads, five major courses and five scenic byways. Ride the dream in Historic Baker City, Oregon, put your bike on some of the greatest motorcycle roads anywhere, like The Little Dragon—188 corners in 14 miles—or check the Tamarack Trail, 53 miles of peg-grinding fun. Discover the scenery, history and breathtaking geography of Northeast Oregon by day and the friendly folks that make Baker City a famous oasis for road-weary bikers by night. If you don’t have fun here, give up! Tankside is the exclusive media sponsor of the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally 2015. Registration: $50 until July 3; $80 for a camping packet For more information: 503-770-0799 or 503-775-2203 Online: hellscanyonrally.com or facebook.com/ hellscanyonrally

At: Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 W. Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA

Pendleton Bike Week

At: 1601 Westgate, Pendleton, OR Pendleton Bike Week is a large motorcycle rally that takes place in the Wild West city of Pendleton, Oregon. At the base of the majestic Blue Mountains, Pendleton is also home to the world famous Pendleton Round-up and Pendleton Woolen Mill Store. The rally includes a bike show, poker runs and super-moto races. There will be an honor ride for slain Sheriff Til Taylor and the event includes a ride pin fashioned after the sheriff’s badge. For more information: 541-968-3865 or 360-606-5763 Online: pendletonbikeweek.com

July 24-26 At: Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, 78 WA-115, Ocean Shores, WA Hog Wild is three days of fun, excitement, music, food, vendors and beautiful northwestern scenery. Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is the host hotel for Hog Wild and is offering two- and three-night packages, some of which include free VIP entry to Hog Wild for one or two riders. If you prefer, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino also has a first-class campground that you can book by calling the number below. For more information: 1- 8 8 8 - 4 6 12214

Run 21 Motorcycle Rally

At: 1259 Salmon River Highway, Otis, OR Motorcycle rally at the Oregon beach, near Lincoln City. Live music and biker games! For more information: 360-600-8988 Online: run-21.com

August 7-9

SOS Wolf Creek Campout

At: Exit 76 off I-5 Freeway, Wolf Creek, OR An A.B.A.T.E. Coalition Run. Motorcycles only allowed in campground. No hookups. RV, trailer, handicap parking available adjacent to campground. No fireworks, no firearms, no pets. Enjoy bike games, poker run, vendors, live music, and Sunday morning worship. Gates: Friday, August 7 at noon Registration: $25 for A.B.A.T.E. members, $30 for non-members, day passes available For more information: 541-659-8715 or 541-660-8730 Online: abateoforegon.net

August 22

Rally in the Valley

At: Spirit Mountain Casino, 27100 Salmon River Highway, Grand 10 | July 2015

Hog Wild

July 23-26

OR.

July 22-26

Events include bike games, a live and silent auction, concerts, a fun run, bike show, outside bands, beer garden, entertainment and more! 100% of the money raised from auctions, registration and Sun and Surf merchandise benefit Boyer Children’s Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Ocean Shores Food Bank, and other local charities. Online: sunandsurfrun.com

Ronde, OR Presented by Sunset HOG Chapter and Spirit Mountain Casino, this event includes a poker run, live music, trophies, vendors, prizes, food and brews and m Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration: $20 until Aug. 16 includes casino lunch buffet mea poker hands, one door prize raffle is the official motorcycle publica Online: sunsethog.com/2015-ride RallyInTheValleySunsetHogAndSp

August

Rally in the G

At: Hood River Fairgrounds, 3020 Experience some of the best ridin Columbia River Gorge, with its divers of miles of paved roads away from their way between lush green forest ing river valleys. For dual sport adve TANKSIDE.COM

calendar of events for information, mention “Hog Wild” Online: road-shows.com/hog_wild.php

July 25

2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship - Washougal National

At: Washougal MX Park, 40912 NE Borin Road, Washougal, WA The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, racing aboard the best bikes each factory offers, on the roughest, toughest tracks in the world. Motocross racing is survival of the fittest as well as the fastest every weekend; it’s where legends like Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto were built. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is the pinnacle of professional motocross racing, attracting the world’s most talented athletes to compete on the country’s toughest and most scenic motocross tracks. The schedule includes Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Regional and Qualifiers, Washougal Hi-Point Series, Spartan Run, Pacific Northwest Championship Series, Pacific Racing Organization Top Gun. Also

featured: free motorcycle parking and gear/helmet check, open air festival seating, infield track viewing via seven track tunnels, a large interactive sponsor village, food and soft drink concessions, on-site camping. Enjoy fishing in our private stocked pond, grandstand seating, shaded picnic areas, nearly 100 percent track viewing from a variety of vantage points, event simulcast on FM radio, beer concessions, onsite parking, handicap parking, and RV septic pump service. VIP Super Tickets include live PA feed, live timing and scoring, live race footage, private restrooms and catering. Online: mxsportsproracing.com/pages/ schedule/washougal-national

August 14-16

35th Annual Tenino Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet & Show

At: Old City Park, Tenino, WA Bike show Saturday (American, Asian, European); Road ride on Sunday. Bikes and parts 35 years old and older. Time: Gates open Friday at noon for vendors, road ride Sunday starts at 10 a.m. Registration: Free for general public; $30 vendor fee, $25 for members; $8 camping For more information: 360-791-1239 Online: evergreenamca.org

WA.

August 9

Christ’s Disciples MC Ride-In Bike Show

At: Scooter’s Bar & Grill, 1107 N. Pacific Ave., Kelso, WA Bike show, band, music and vendors. Time: Noon-5 p.m. Admission: Free, $5 bike entry Online: christsdisciples.com

August 29

GWRRA Chapter WA-X Poker Run & Yard Sale

At: Love Leathers Outpost, 21108 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground, WA Live band, food and yard sale after the run. Proceeds help benefit veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. Time: 8:30 a.m. Registration: $15 single, $20 couple Online: gwrra-wa.org/CalendarListView.html

Submit your calendar event to info@tankside.com.

more.

6 (for riders and passengers) al (gratuity not included), three e ticket and a ride pin. Tankside ation for Rally in the Valley. er-registration or facebook.com/ piritMtCasino

26-30

playground featuring a wide array of dirt and gravel roads, two track and single track. Settle in, kick back and enjoy some downtime at our rally site, nestled between two majestic volcanoes (Mount Adams and Mount Hood). For those overnighting with us, each night you’ll find plenty of space for camping or RVs at a well-maintained event site that features on-site food options, hot showers, flush toilets, a bike wash and more. For more information: 206-650-9102

Gorge 2015

0 Wyeast Road, Hood River, OR ng in North America today. The se topography, features hundreds m the main highways that weave ts, basalt uprisings and meanderenture riders, the area is a virtual TANKSIDE.COM

August 27-29

Pacific Northwest HOG Rally

Come ride your Harley through the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. The HOG Rally along with the Washington State HOG Rally,

Idaho State HOG R a l l y, a n d t h e Oregon State HOG Rally have combined to become the Pacific Northwest HOG Rally. Join the excitement as Harley-Davidson riders travel to the Pacific Northwest for the Harley Davidson tristate H.O.G.® rally. Three days filled with great rides, great people, and, most of all, great riders looking for fun. There will be music, vendors, activities, multiple choices in lodging, restaurants and more! For more information: 503-887-8612 Online: pacificnorthwesthogrally.com July 2015 | 11

Business Profile

RED HORSE DINER

lmost in the center of Washington State is a wonderful diner on a great route outside of Yakima. Wolfgang even wrote about his trek to Ellensburg in his column this month— check it out on p. TK. The Red Horse Diner sign displays the familiar logo of a pegasus, and for those of us who have done a lot of road traveling, it is a comforting sight. The Red Horse caters to bikers and car enthusiasts, so there’s plenty of flat parking. The food is simply delicious, classic diner fare at its best. Red Horse makes it a blast to ride in and enjoy a meal. Nothing says old-school “American Cool” NOTHING SAYS like a true 1950s diner, and your experience at the Red Horse will prove this statement. OLD-SCHOOL The owners are involved in their community and partner with A.B.A.T.E. to bring a “AMERICAN bike show to their diner each COOL” LIKE A well-attended year. During the first weekend in May, the TRUE 1950S Red Horse hosts their annual motorcycle show, complete with vendors, a bike run, DINER. entertainment, live music, sponsors, and even a competition to see who has the prettiest bike. The hamburgers are juicy and thick, the sandwiches are grilled and toasty, and on the weekends the Red Horse offers an expanded menu—just as it’s needed when coming off a long ride—that includes chicken-fried steak and sausage gravy. Can we get a “Hell, yeah!” please? Just off Highway 90, take Exit 106 and head to W. University Way. Nicole from the Red Horse tells me the biker traffic is heavy all season long. And as we know, nothing draws a biker better than good grub. Red Horse is an ideal place to find your fresh copy of Tankside after the first Thursday of the month (give it a few days to get there via the USPS). And for those of you starting out in Yakima, check out Wolfgang von Hohenzollern’s column, “The Long Way Home,” for a fun ride to Ellensburg. Red Horse Diner 1518 W. University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-925-1956 RedHorseDiner.com or search “Red Horse Diner” on Facebook —Gabriela Kandziora

12 | July 2015

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People

IT’S A GROOVY RIDE WITH LADY FRED Ride Like A Pro

ven being a seasoned rider, I realize I don’t know everything there is to know about riding. I continually strive to be the best rider I can possibly be. I’ve always admired and loved watching the police drill team and their competition cone riding. It amazes me that they can take those full dressers and almost lay them on their sides, as they travel at slow speeds through a cone-lined, continually winding path that is just a hair wider than their bikes and never knock a cone over. How do they do that? I decided to find out. I took a class offered by Ride Like A Pro, founded by Jerry “Motorman” Palladino in 1999. “Motorman” is a motorcycle police officer. He wanted to bring his knowledge of life-saving techniques to the public. I was pleased to learn classes were offered all over the United States. I chose to attend the class in Michigan City, Indiana (RideLikeAProIN.com). Classes are offered in Michigan, but I have friends near Indiana and decided to stop in and see them too. I met Bob and Brian Wright, a father-son team. To my delight, I learned that Brian is also a motorcycle police officer. What I learned in their class was amazing. I consider myself to be a pretty good rider with hundreds of thousands of miles under my belt, but quickly discovered I had a lot to learn. I went into the class wanting to learn how to ride through the cones. What I took out of the experience was much more valuable than that. I have been able to apply all the techniques I learned into my everyday riding and, who knows, possibly save my life someday. As the only woman in the class, I felt added pressure to do well. I was very nervous during the first half, wondering if I had enough riding skills to even take this class. How do I stack up to the men? Does Bob or Brian think they are wasting their time with me?—all the stories we put in our heads that make us second-guess ourselves. As soon as I allowed myself to relax and have fun, what they were teaching me clicked. Statistics show most accidents happen at low speeds. Learning how to control Lobo at 7 to 10 mph was smart. Being able to learn from experts in a safe environment rather than out on the road allowed me to relax, apply and trust what I was being taught.

I learned where Lobo’s “Friction Zone” is, how to “dip,” and the “proper turning” of my head. Learning how to put all that together took some time, but it sure was fun when I got it. I now have the confidence to handle Lobo effectively in low-speed turns, and with all my mountain riding, these skills will come in very handy. The Friction Zone is one of the most important factors in riding effectively at slow speeds. The Friction Zone is a combination of using your clutch, gas pedal, and rear brake all at the same time. Also, remembering to keep your head and eyes up. I was pretty good at U-turns—or “Louie”s, as I call them—as I am always doing Louies to grab a picture of something interesting I’ve just passed. Learning how to properly “dip” Lobo has taught me how to make Louies in a very tight area, how to have a quicker reaction time, and how to more effectively avoid any obstacles in the road. “Proper head-turning” had me thinking of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Turn too early and you take the curve too tight. Turn too late and you take the curve too wide. Turning properly allows you to take the curve correctly, or as Goldilocks said, “just right.” I learned I actually turned my head too soon, and found that “just right” timing. In fact, I did so well that at the end of the class, when we were given the option to do the figure 8 exercise, I very enthusiastically said “yes” and volunteered to go first. I had so much fun I did a double figure 8, smiling ear to ear the whole time. I cannot stress enough how important it is to learn how to handle your bike safely at low speeds. I wish I had taken this class decades ago. I endorse Ride Like A Pro hands down. Bob and Brian’s instruction was encouraging, insightful, enjoyable and personable. It was more than apparent that they truly take teaching us to heart. Sign up at RideLikeAPro.com, and tell them Lady Fred sent ya. Ride hard, ride safe, and have a groovy one! Lady Fred is a member of the Motor Maids and many other women’s organizations/RG/Clubs. She is an A.B.A.T.E. member for 20 years, HOG/LOH, Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Axillary. You can find her at facebook.com/LadyFredBikerChick.

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July 2015 | 13

Local Events

SPOTLIGHT ON

north shore of the Columbia River and State Highway 4-E to the Cathlamet Ferry. The ferry costs $3 per bike and takes about 15-20 minutes to cross over to Oregon. What we are: A social riding group It leaves once per hour. Once you get off you will ride over approximately a quarHub: Wanker’s Corner, West Linn and DQ, Aloha ter mile of quarry gravel—each about the size of a golf ball, and there are lots of How to find us: Facebook—Referrals only from existing family members them. We hit Rainier for gas, then Old Highway 30 out of there. This was the not-sogreat road and if you can avoid it, please do so. It gets “3” out of “10” on road cony wind family, aka pdx easy riders, decided it was time to find out ditions. There are many potholes and pavement layovers everywhere on a narrow who had the best fish-and-chips in Oregon. Would it be Fisherman’s two-lane road under the shade of the trees. After that, we followed Apiary Road, Korner in Garibaldi or Bowpicker in Astoria? Highway 47, and Scappoose-Vernonia Highway. All are twisty with great scenery. The ride was set: Saturday, June 6, KSU at 8:15, meeting at the DQ parking lot in A warning, though: Cell phone service is iffy at best on Scappoose-Vernonia HighAloha. Up bright and early to start riding with 17 other bikes and 20 family mem- way. But if you and your bike love curves and scenery, this route is the one to do. bers on what promised to be a long ride. It would be 242 miles, and six-and-a-halfYou might be wondering if we all did a super-mini iron butt just for food. No, hours seat time and 10 hours total. Ouch! It was also the 30th anniversary of The we did it to support a family who recently lost their mother on Highway 47 and Goonies that weekend in Astoria. The founder of our group, EZ Rider, wanted to Old Highway 47. The family started a motorcycle awareness community page try running two separate groups on this ride. One was to ride at the to help make a positive difference in so many of the tragic fataliusual leisurely pace, and the other at a not-so-leisurely pace. We ties where the cager doesn’t “see” the motorcyclist. The majority FOR THOSE WHO do have a few sport bikes, after all. I led the leisurely on my VStar of our family wears Hi-Viz gear and makes high-visibility a priorHAVE NEVER BEEN 1100, and EZ Rider led the not-so-leisurely group on his modified ity already, so it was a done deal. Visit their Facebook page (faceHD 883. Interestingly enough, there were eight bikes in my group ON TIMBER ROAD, BE book.com/pages/Can-You-See-Me-Now-Oregon-Motorcycleand nine in the other. EZ Rider planned the route to include every PREPARED FOR LOTS Awareness-Campaign/427161390742486) for more information. possible back road and succeeded. This was classed as an interAll we can do as riders is make sure we are as obvious as possible, OF CURVES AND A mediate skills-level ride and ended up being a great ride for both regardless if it looks “cool” or not. We all have families and loved COUPLE OF SHARP groups. We had pre-planned meets for both groups and a whole ones who expect us back at the end of a ride. Let’s stack the odds SWITCHBACKS. group riding time together. There was only a 10-15 minute wait more in our favor. Let’s not read another “I didn’t see him/her.” ALSO BE PREPARED for the leisurely cruise to catch up at all meeting points. Our ride Now that you know the route and why we did it, which had the started out slow, as one of our sisters in the faster group was so FOR DEER AND best fish-and-chips? It looks like a 50/50 on this. Bowpicker served excited about the upcoming roads that her bike started spewing albacore tuna and it was quite a nice change from the usual fare, RENEGADE flames from the pipes! EZ Rider backtracked a bit and pulled out battered and deep fried perfectly. $8 will get you a half-order, which WOODPECKERS. in front of my group to lead us to the resting spot. is three pieces and a few fries. You can also order a half-order of On a scale of 1-10, all but one and a quarter of the roads we trafish only, which gets you four pieces and no fries. A half-order is versed were a “9” on road conditions. In order of roads taken: For those who have really satisfying and won’t make you feel too heavy when you get back on your never been on Timber Road, be prepared for lots of curves and a couple of sharp bike. Most importantly, they are cash only, and expect more than a half-hour of switchbacks. Also be prepared for deer and renegade woodpeckers. The 103 and waiting in line. They open at 11 a.m. and when they run out of fish they close. 202 are absolutely a biker’s dream—lots of twisties and gorgeous scenery. Getting Fisherman’s Korner serves halibut and sea bass caught from the local waters; it is through Astoria with the pedestrians and many hills was a bit of a nightmare but, also battered and deep fried perfectly. They also have a complete menu for breakhey, just another experience on the bike. After we left Astoria we took the Asto- fast, lunch, and dinner. Expect to pay $11-$30 for whatever you decide to order. ria-Megler Bridge across to Washington—4.1 miles long and the longest continuous What is also really great is that there is plenty of flat parking for bikes just across truss bridge in North America. They are still repainting it and luckily we didn’t have from the restaurant. The small things in life are so important! Make it a point to to stop, but be prepared through December 2016. We then followed 401-N on the stop by both places this year and decide for yourself which is best. By Maureen Bowman

14 | July 2015

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Safety Corner

SEE AND BE SEEN By Steven Glickman

they see you? Eye contact. If they look at you, you’ll know, especially if they ou hear about parties in Hol- make eye contact. lywood where people’s goal So back to our proverbial Hollyis to “see and be seen.” When wood party; we’re trying to see and be it comes to motorcycle safety, that’s seen. First you’re looking for everybody our goal too. around you, figuring out if they’re going Whenever I’m out on my motorcycle, to jeopardize your safety, and figuring I watch for other motorcyclists. When out what you’re going to do about it. In we see each other, we usually give “the other words, see. Second, you’re going to wave.” The left arm stretched out low, a make sure anybody near you sees you by couple of fingers extended out. Maybe using your lights or horn and anything there’s a head nod. Why? It’s because you think can attract attention to yourriding is a social activity too. You dress self. In other words, be seen. cool. Your bike’s cool. It’s not just transLast month, I wrote about a space portation. cushion. This month, it’s So, like any social about seeing and being activity, you have to seen. I tell my kids, “The first make getting along rule of safe driving is staywith others part of ing away from everyone else the equation. Just on the road. The second as you look for other rule is, if anyone gets near riders, you should be you, make sure they know looking to see who’s you’re there.” That’s around you. Being the simple version When you see a w a re o f w h o i s of it. At UPS, we every other around you, seeing have “The 5 Seeing vehicle and who’s coming down Habits” and a slew pedestrian on the road, about to of safety protocols the road and pull into traffic, trying to cross the that fall under the start predicting road, whatever, is the foundation heading “Space and what they’re for safe riding. Visibility.” They’re going to do, Even if you see another rider, you’re practicing detailed instructions you’re probably thinking about for how to operate a critical safe whether they’ll see you and if you’ll riding technique. our vehicles safely. have to wave. That’s the kind of Bu t I ’d ra t h e r planning that will make your ride safer. see riding as the social activity it is. When you see every other vehicle and Just see and be seen. Like with anypedestrian on the road and start predict- thing, you incorporate safety into the ing what they’re going to do, you’re prac- fun things you want to do. Look out ticing a critical safe riding technique. for other people, wave hello, enjoy the Here’s a likely situation: You’re riding look on people’s faces when they see through your neighborhood and you how cool your bike is. And, in the prosee young kids kicking a ball around cess, make sure you see that your path on the side of the road or sidewalk. is clear and that others see you and What are the chances the ball is going leave a clear path for you. Then you’ll to roll into your path? What are the be looking at more open road, you’ll be chances a kid will come running out? more relaxed when you’re riding, and You have to think about what is likely riding safely will help you to continue to happen and what you’re going to to enjoy riding! do about it. For sure, you’re going to slow down. But there’s another thing Steven Glickman has been a UPS you can do, and it’s the second part of driver for 20 years and has served on seeing, which is making sure they see his local safety committee. He’s put more you. Honk your horn. Flash your lights. than 6,000 miles on his bike just this Rev your engine. So how will you know year (and the year ain’t over).

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July 2015 | 15

Community

16 | July 2015

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Rallying Cry

PACIFIC NORTHWEST HOG RALLY IN PORTLAND

Dates: August 27-29, 2015 Location: Portland International Raceway Information: PacificNorthwestHOGRally.com By Gabriela Kandziora

or those who ride Harley-Davidson machines, HOG rallies are like church revivals. We see longtime friends and make new ones. We fill our hearts and souls with “the Word.” We christen new bikes and bless the steady, loyal iron steeds we have ridden for years. It is a huge gathering for those of us who share a common denominator: a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Quite honestly, it is a spiritual experience. I often joke with my clients that I am not available Sundays during the riding season in Oregon because I attend the “Church of Harley-Davidson”—and I say it with all seriousness. There is a need to congregate and celebrate with our fellow H-D riders… as we say, our H-D family. The HOG rallies provide us this fellowship we crave and thrive on. Most every state in the country puts on its own annual HOG events. The 2015 Pacific Northwest HOG Rally takes place August 27-29 in Portland, Oregon at Portland International Raceway (PIR).

THE PLAYLIST Live free, ride free this Fourth of July. Here is our list of bike favorits to crank up while you rev down the highway:

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And as with any “revival,” we look to recruit new riders, and retain, revitalize, and strengthen current ones. The HOG rallies include specific opening and closing ceremonies in which we honor our veterans—it is quite moving and empowering. These ceremonies honor their service to our freedom…. a freedom that allows us to ride from state to state and through Canada and Mexico. Fun vendors show us new gear, how we can trick out our bikes, the latest and greatest gadgets we must have. There is entertainment, and we drink and dance and celebrate life, together. Who would have ever thought the love of a motorcycle could unite all walks of life and all types of people under one roof? This HOG rally will prove to be spectacular, with guided and self-guided rides through Oregon and Washington’s four topographical regions: desert, ocean, mountains, and rivers. There is a guided tour to the covered bridges south of Portland. Ride across these historical bridges, as you imagine a horse and buggy taking a family home back when the bridge was newly built. A guided ride going down the famous Highway 101 will stop for postcard-worthy shots of the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. Feel the crisp surf and fresh air hit your face, and breathe in

Oregon’s salty air. On another ride you will see Oregon’s famous vineyards by touring along twolane ribbons of black top through the soft hills of the Chehalem Valley. One guided ride will even take you to Mount St. Helens. Look into her vacant mountain top and see how the region is replenishing itself after she blew her top. A total of six guided and six self-guided tours feature very little-to-no freeway riding. These rides will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28, all starting at PIR. Touring Oregon will be one of your favorite rides, as she readily shows her beauty all year long, and especially in the summer riding season. On Saturday there is a poker run sponsored by the Paradise, Latus, and Columbia Harley-Davidson dealerships. The Seattle Cossacks will wow you with their amazing motorcycle feats. You can count on fantastic entertainment every night and, of course, some great vendors at the event. Visit PacificNorthwestHOGRally. com for information on lodging, directions to PIR, the event schedule, and to register. You don’t want to miss the closing ceremonies and entertainment on Saturday night. This rally will surely make you a believer in Harley-Davidson. See you in church!

• Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

• Ballad of Easy Rider - Roger McGuinn

• Ezy Ryder - Jimi Hendrix

• Live to Ride, Ride to Live - Twisted Sister

• Bat Out of Hell - Meat Loaf

• Motorcycle Man - Saxon

• Midnight Rider - The Allman Brothers

• Wasn’t Born To Follow – Byrds

• Motorcycle Mama - Neil Young

• Mr. Sheene - Eric Idle

• Freewheel Burning - Judas Priest

• Roll Me Away - Bob Seger

July 2015 | 17

In the Cage

RAM 1500 ECODIESEL: OLD MYTHS AND NEW REALITIES

By Roger Rivero

t is rare to see large trucks moved by diesel engines. The reasons could be summarized in two: myths about motor oil, and the shortage of medium-sized trucks with these engines. I’ll get rid of the myths in the following lines. The wait is over, with the arrival of the new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Many avoid diesel cars because they vibrate too much, are slow, noisy and not as thrifty as the price of fuel. For a week I drove the Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab and I can “under oath” state it is much less noisy than other cars I’ve had (including some sedans that I won’t mention to avoid offending). Vibrations are nonexistent, and this ton-and-a-half truck reaches 60 mph in less than 9 seconds! The last myth? The price of diesel. It’s no secret that diesel engines are more economical due to several factors, including “physical” because diesel contains 15 percent more energy per volume than gasoline. Diesel demand is rising, as well as its availability. At the time of writing, on average nationwide, a gallon of diesel costs only 11 cents more than regular gasoline—in some states it’s even lower. I’ll close the chapter with details on this truck’s consumption: 21 miles in the city and 29 on the highway. No other vehicle on the market with these dimensions is even close to these numbers. Having debunked the myths, I present to you the “star,” and I’m not flattering it to affirm this. The Ram 1500 Big Horn was released last year

Strung Out on Beads & Coffee Pam Mistretta 1343 NW 13th St.

and in the first three days, Chrysler received 8,000 orders, filling the first cycle of requests for the truck—all thanks to a 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine, which originally was designed by GM for its diesel Cadillac CTS version sold in Europe. Before I waste space explaining how this engine came at the hands of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), I prefer to talk about its strengths. With only 240 horsepower, it’s capable of generating 420 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm, enough for the towing needs of those working in construction or landscaping, or to drive a yacht to the coast for those working in construction or landscaping (or who knows where, but surely not writing car reviews) who have been able to make money to buy the yacht. The cabins in Ram trucks have always been praised for their level of finish and comfort. In the 2015 version of the Ram EcoDiesel you have the features you’d find in a luxury sedan, including seats with heating and ventilation and heating at the helm, to only mention two. At 65 mph, this truck takes on the asphalt with the serenity of the most comfortable sedans, with equal or better fuel economy than some of them. In the new Ram EcoDiesel you could go to and from Walt Disney in Orlando from Miami without wasting time stopping to fill the tank… Of course, I doubt the kids can make the trip without asking for a “break” to empty theirs. Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab 4X2 basic price: $33,290. Our model truck with additional packages: $42,990.

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18 | July 2015

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The Long Way Home

NOT A DRY TOWN

By Wolfgang von Hohenzollern

This is a route that allows for you to truly relax and ride.

akima is not a dry town unless you are talking about rain. So when people say that Yakima is a “dry town,” don’t believe them. The alcohol pours much more freely in Yakima than the rain, and the rain pours much more freely in Portland than the alcohol. Yakima gets only 9 inches of rainfall annually, compared to Portland’s 40 inches. Of course, with less rainfall, one can ride more days each year, but it is definitely harder to gear up in the leathers when riding in this dry town. I took the scenic route, Highway 14, to Yakima one day to visit good friends who have a farm near there. On my way, I stopped at the Maryhill Winery and got a couple bottles of wine for my friends. Highway 14 is a gorgeous ride that really gets you in a “vacation state-of-mind.” Riding on over to Yakima is a lot of fun; you really get to let the “horses run.” My dear friends Tom and Jill have given me a standing invitation that whenever I want to get a farmer’s tan, I should just ride up, stay at their place, and “help them out.” I am not sure if I truly help, but I think I bring a welcome reprieve from the intensity of working with perishable crops and intense deadlines. And I know I get them off the farm for some fun when I visit. I do get to help with moving crates of produce, walking the fields, feeding the livestock, doing some repairs, and other farm duties. At the end of the workday, we enjoy a hearty meal sitting by the outdoor fire pits and reminiscing on our baseball days—Tom and I played together in college. We had some great times, and he is a great ball player. Baseball is still one of my favorite sports. One night as we were enjoying some ice cream with fresh berries, Tom said, “We are gonna ride a beautiful ride tomorrow and head up to Ellensburg to a sweet diner called the Red Horse and get us a burger and shake. It will be along the Yakima River with lots of curves. And then let’s take Jill out dancing!” I smiled and nodded in agreement because, after a few days of the farm life, I was ready to feel the power of my steel horse on the open road and see some city people. Honestly, I needed to feel the wind on my face just to cool me off. Morning came fast. I did my workout, we fed the animals, and did morning chores (so fun to say “chores” when you are talking about farm-

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ing or a ranch, isn’t it?). Even after all that, it was still only 7 a.m. Have I mentioned how early Tom and Jill get up? 4:30 a.m.! I remember days that Tom and I would just be getting to our college apartment at 4:30 a.m. after partying all night. Having to get up that early really doesn’t leave much time in the evening to carouse, does it? I guess that is why the farming life is so wholesome. And that is exactly why I live in the city and not on a farm. Around 8:30, Tom and I got on our bikes; Jill decided she wanted to stay home. Tom led and we rode by the Terrace Heights Memorial Park and the Yakima Country Club, catching glimpses of the Yakima River. Tom took me on a scenic tour of Yakima. It was great to see how much the town has grown since the last time I had been there. Finally we connected with State Route 821, known as Canyon Road. SR 821 begins at Exit 26 on I-82 near Selah; Exit 26 is the Harrison Road exit. The SR 821 heads north along Canyon Road. Tom wasn’t lying when he said that this route really hugs the river. The views of the Yakima were just stunning. The traffic was ultralight to nonexistent. This is a route that allows for you to truly relax and ride. There are some nice curves and so we slowed our roll and took in the amazing scenery. After all the daily deadlines and commitments, it was just nice to meander. We arrived in Ellensburg about 45 minutes later and cruised over to the Red Horse Diner. I had a great burger there and enjoyed a vanilla shake. The Red Horse is a very cool spot. After we ate and caught up on old times, Tom led us a different way back to the farm. Later that night we did go out and took Jill dancing. Who doesn’t love a two-step song or a line dance? Lots of fun women to dance with, and I drank lots of beer trying to quench my thirst. Yakima is not a dry town— don’t believe it when people tell you otherwise. It just doesn’t rain there much. Luckily for us, Jill drove, which allowed us to really cut loose. A few days later I headed back to Portland, very grateful to have a new farmer’s tan. Yakima, Wash. to Ellensburg, Wash. Total Estimated Ride Time: 50 minutes Distance: 40 miles Mapquest Route: http://mapq.st/1dpirZJ July 2015 | 19

Tankside Tail Gunner!! END OF SUMMER PARTY

The Kooltones started in 1979 as “Billy Scene” and the Kooltones. Put together by core members Marty McCray (guitar-vocalskeyboards), Jeff Munkers (bass-vocals) and Andy Campbell (drums-vocals) as a novelty 50’s & 60’s act. It went over so well that a local promoter began getting them gigs. Eventually they added other musicians to round out the sound and over the last 35 years have played hundreds of shows all over the NW. Opening for acts like the Kingsmen, Johnny Rivers and Tommy James. Currently, the 3 core members are still together along with Jon Lindahl (guitar-vocals) and Cam Dutz (Saxflute-vocals). With a song list of over 400 songs to choose from, they can cover everything from Bill Haley to Pink Floyd !

Saturday October 10, 2015 starts at 3pm live music • Appetizer Buffet • $3 well drinks

Cascade Bar and Grill

15000 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98684 www.cascadebarandgrill.co

Sponsors:

20 | July 2015

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