Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine - May 2016 - Volume 11, Issue 8

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BRITISH MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO Meets 1 st Saturday of every month, 10 am South Side Johnny’s 528 S. Tejon Colorado Springs, CO www.bmacinc.com All makes and models of bikes welcome! Contact John @719-213-3239 or 5pointsltd@gmail.com



THUNDER ROADS® Magazine COLORADO Published by Flying Hound Press, L.L.C. 7477 W. Layton Way Littleton, Colorado 80123 720-458-3134 www.thunderroadscolorado.com feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com

ABATE..................................................................... 6 Scott O’Sullivan....................................................... 9 Ride Your Ride Motorcycle Safety......................... 10 Casper Iron Swap and Show ................................ 14 Tasty Recipes........................................................ 16 Calendar................................................................ 18 Events................................................................... 20 Ladies Up Front..................................................... 24 Veteran’s Corner.................................................... 27 News Bytes........................................................... 30 Biker Friendly Directory......................................... 32 Joker’s Wild........................................................... 33 Thunder Cam........................................................ 34

EDITORS Patrick J. McCauley “5” President and Senior Editor Patrick@thunderroadscolorado.com Carrie McCauley Vice President and Editor Carrie@thunderroadscolorado.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Vickie Jo Mullin, Lead Photographer Vickie@thunderroadscolorado.com Wayne Madison wayne@thunderroadscolorado.com David Campbell davidc@thunderroadscolorado.com

ON THE COVER

CONTRIBUTORS Adventure Hermit (Joe Trey) joe@adventurehermit.com

Model: Aims Call Motorcycle Owner: Aims Call Photographer: Vickie Jo Mullin

Bill Maddick - Veteran’s Corner billb@thunderroadscolorado.com Peggy Bogaard-Lapp peggy@thunderroadscolorado.com Scott O’Sullivan http://osullivan-law-firm.com Stump - Abate stump@thunderroadscolorado.com Whiskyman ADVERTISING AND DISTRIBUTION REPRESENTATIVES Greater Metro Denver Area Toby Schmidt tobyb@thunderroadscolorado.com (720)829-7954 Northern Colorado Zak Clayton zak@ThunderRoadsColorado.com (970) 301-4674 LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics mhancockgraphics@gmail.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Thunder Publishing LLC, Offices 615-792-0040 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com www.thunderroadsmagazine.com ©2015 Flying Hound Press, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of the content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not liable for errors beyond the cost of space occupied by the error, slander by any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors/contributors are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Road Magazine® Colorado, Thunder Publishing.

Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

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Want to be a contributor or correspondent?

M

We need contributors and correspondents for dirt bike off-road events, on-road cruiser, sport bike and adventure touring, rides, runs and rallies. Contact us today at contributors@thunderroadscolorado. com or 720-458-3134.

ay is finally here and hopefully it

Want to make some extra money?

Full-time and part-time advertising representative wanted. No experience required. Contact us at sales@thunderroadscolorado.com or 720-4583134.

won’t be a snowy one, I guess we will find out.

Riding season is about to

We want your feedback

come into full swing, and we will be happy to

Please email us and let us know what you think and what you want to see at feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com or 720-458-3134.

see the warmer weather. We hope to see all of you out there on the road this summer. If you see any of us from Thunder Road Colorado Magazine, please let us know what you think about the magazine and if you have ideas on what we can do better. We are always looking

Add your ride, rally or run to our free events listing page Send us your event information whether on-Road or off-road, rides, runs, rallies and events for all types of motorcycles and three wheelers. We will list it free in our events listing for that month! events@ thunderroadscolorado.com or 720-458-3134.

for your thoughts and ideas (please email us at feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com). Remember to email us your events listings, we

DON’T MISS IT!

will include them in our events listing within the magazine and online free of charge. All rides and events welcome! This summer Thunder Roads

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Colorado would like to announce some great advertising deals for charity events and rides.

Mail check and this form to:

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charities advertising with us this riding season. Email us at sales@thunderroadscolorado.com for more information. Have a great May and keep your face in the wind! Patrick “5”

One year subscription to Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado is only $25.99 a year. The nation’s largest FREE biker publication can be delivered right to your door.

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E15 Fuel: What is it and How Bad is it? Hello Motorcycle Enthusiasts, E15 fuel is gasoline with 15% ethanol in it. Current ethanol blends are 10%, but in an effort to decrease U.S. dependency on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, more corn-produced ethanol is being added to gasoline. In June, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the sale of E15 fuel over the objections of from automakers and the oil industry. Testing was done prior to approval, but emissions were the only concern tested. The Department of Energy concluded that virtually all vehicles built in 2007 or later could safely use E15 fuel. However, several automakers and the American Automobile Association (AAA) have disputed these claims, maintaining that E15 could damage fuel lines and void vehicle owner’s warranties. The EPA later changed the “safe” vehicle manufactured date to 2001. Click on this link to read the complete AAA report: http:// www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/30/aaa-e15gas-harm-cars/1735793/ You can also view the list of vehicles recommended by automakers for safe use of E15 by clicking on this link: http:// www.exxonmobilperspectives.com/2015/03/02/e15-thischart-kind-of-says-it-all/ So, besides certain vehicles, E15 should NOT be used in the following vehicles and tools: the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles; vehicles with heavyduty engines, such as buses and delivery trucks, boats, snowmobiles, tractors, lawnmowers, chainsaws and other gasoline–powered tools. The four main problems with ethanol-blended fuels are: (Reprinted from StarTron fuel additive info brochure) PROBLEM 1: DEBRIS IN FUEL - Gums rapidly form in the fuel tank and fuel delivery systems as ethanol fuels age. However ethanol is also a powerful solvent that will strip away and disperse this build up back into the fuel as large, performance-robbing particles. This leads to clogged filters, injectors and carburetors. PROBLEM 2: EXCESSIVE WATER IN THE FUEL AND PHASE SEPARATION - Ethanol attracts moisture from the atmosphere, forming an ethanol/water solution mixed in the gasoline. Ethanol-blended fuel will naturally hold .5% water in suspension, but when water levels exceed this threshold, or when the fuel cools significantly, the water/ethanol mix drops out of suspension. This is phase separation. Excessive water in the fuel tank causes engines to run rough, stall, and can lead to internal damage to engine components. Ethanol provides a significant amount of the fuel’s octane, so when the ethanol/ water solution separates and drops to the bottom of the tank, the remaining fuel is left without enough octane to properly operate the engine. Additionally, the ethanol/water solution can become partially combustible, which can lead to engine damage. PROBLEM 3: ETHANOL FUELS BREAK DOWN QUICKLY - Over a short period of time ethanol fuel begins to break down. As ethanol and other components evaporate, 6 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

the fuel loses octane and becomes “stale.” This causes hard starts, pinging and engine knock, which robs your engine of power and can cause damage. PROBLEM 4: ETHANOL CAUSES LOST POWER, PERFORMANCE AND DECREASED FUEL ECONOMY - Ethanol fuel does not produce as much energy as traditional fuel. This results in inefficient combustion, decreased performance, reduced throttle response and poor fuel economy. So what’s being done to keep motorcyclists from using E15 and ruining their engines? The EPA said a sticker must be displayed on the pumps. Do you think that works? How many other stickers have you seen on pumps and do people really read them? What color is the sticker currently displaying, “Could contain up to 10% ethanol?” Speaking of pumps, E15 is generally dispersed through a “blender” pump where you can select the amount of ethanol you want (10%, 15%, or other if so programed). Here’s where another problem arises. If the motorist ahead of you dispersed E15 and you want E10 in your motorcycle, or your 1 gallon gas can to use in your lawnmower, you could get up to 1/3 of a gallon of E15 that was left in the gas hose before actually pumping E10. The EPA’s initial response was that you MUST pump at least 4 gallons to dilute the E15. Many bikes don’t have 4 gallon tanks. The EPA’s next solution (which is noted on the “Warning Sticker”) was to make it illegal to use in the above mentioned vehicles and equipment. So you not only ruin your engine but you break the law too! In addition to the negative, physical limitations of E15, numerous environmental / economic issues exist. The Associated Press reported that 5 million acres of land set aside for conservation have vanished as farmers fill in wetlands and plow pristine prairies to grow more corn. Increased production of ethanol has also raised food costs. Click on the following link to read. “Ten Reasons To Care That E15 Ethanol Is On The Way To Your Gas Station”; http://www.forbes.com/sites/ larrybell/2012/09/23/ten-reasons-to-care-that-e15-ethanol-ison-the-way-to-your-gas-station/#5edba6d96ac0 So where do we stand legislatively on the E15 issue? U.S. Congress has bill H.R. 21(To provide for a comprehensive assessment of the scientific and technical research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends, and for other purposes) pending, which is strongly supported by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The real problem stems from the EPA and the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). Title II of the Energy Interdependence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) requires the total volume of biofuels to increase yearly from 4.7 billion gallons in 2007 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The volume required in 2016 is 17.4 billion gallons. A National Poll was conducted about the RFS mandate which showed that a majority of voters nationwide have serious concerns about the

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effects of the RFS — and at least half of voters from all parties rated engine damage, environmental degradation and rising food prices that come from ethanol as very serious concerns. 78 percent of those polled had serious concerns that higher blends of ethanol such as E-15 can cause severe damage in cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment and other small engines. 73 percent of polled voters had serious concerns about an EPA analysis showing that emissions that contribute to climate change are 28 percent higher from corn ethanol than pure gasoline. 77 percent of those polled had serious concerns about corn ethanol production consuming 34 times more water than pure gasoline. 80 percent of polled voters had serious concerns about how diverting corn to produce ethanol could increase food prices. Also in the U.S. Congress, S. 577 (Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015) and H.R. 704 (RFS Reform Act of 2015) address the RFRS mandated requirements. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is showing support for E15 in the form of Federal Grants. Colorado could get $600,000 to install 7 tanks and 28 pumps at 7 gas stations. Of course the money has to be met 1:1 by the CO Department of Agriculture or private partners. Here are 2 links so you can read more about it: www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/energyprograms/bip/index and www.usda.gov/wps/portal/ usdahome?contentid=2015/10/0300.xml. Additionally, On March 22, U.S. Rep. David Loebsack (D-Iowa) introduced H.R. 4673, the Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion, and Leadership Act” or the “REFUEL Act.” The bill would provide federal grants to purchase and install new or existing infrastructure (i.e., pumps, storage tanks, internal tank lining, piping, and electric vehicle chargers). The infrastructure must be used in the “process of dispensing fuel containing covered renewable or alternative energy.” The bill contradicts the will of Congress, which prohibited funding for special ethanol blender pumps in the FARM bill. Despite congressional intent to stop blender pumps from being subsidized, this bill follows U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s end-around efforts to use other programs to fund blender pumps. These pumps would be a key component in helping to expand the availability of E15 fuel, a blend of gasoline that includes up to 15 percent ethanol by volume. On the state level, there was SB-175 introduced on 3/28 to give a tax credit to retailers to sell E15. This was an attempt to increase the sale of E15 in Colorado. After much effort, letters, meetings, and attendance at the Senate Finance Committee Hearing by ABATE members, the bill was killed in committee. Hopefully now, you all understand the importance of the E15 issue and will contact your legislators about your concerns. ABATE and other Motorcycle Rights Organizations (AMA & MRF) are working hard to avoid the wide-spread sale of E15 so there’s less chance of accidently misfueling and ruining your motorcycle engine. Isn’t it time to join the fight? Stump Legislative Affairs Officer – ABATE of Colorado www.thunderroadscolorado.com

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Hospital Shenanigans: Know Your Rights By Scott O’Sullivan O’Sullivan Law Firm Please read this article before you get on your motorcycle again! If you get in an accident and end up in the hospital, you need this information. Hospitals are playing games with insurance and it could impact your life deeply. (In fact, make sure you pass this information on to your friends and family.) Here’s what’s happening, and this scenario is playing out all over Colorado right now: Victims of auto accidents and motorcycle accidents are entering emergency rooms and trying to supply the hospital with their health insurance information to cover their bills. Hospitals are saying (in a nutshell): “Oh, you shouldn’t have to pay for this. You were the victim. Give us the other driver’s insurance information and we will bill them instead.” Sounds so nice, right? But hospitals can’t do anything with the other driver’s insurance. Nothing. Nada. Here’s what they’re really doing: They are avoiding billing until the victims settle their lawsuits and the hospitals then get their fees paid out of the settlement. It’s complicated, but here’s why they are doing this: ❱❱

Hospitals have agreements with health insurance providers that allow them to be paid only a percentage of a full bill, usually .50 or .60 cents on the dollar.

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Hospitals are instead trying to forego billing and then they put a lien on any settlement that the victim receives as a result of the accident.

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Through the lien, the hospital is trying to get the full bill paid. However, this ends up costing victims a lot more, and victims usually need every dime from a settlement to address ongoing issues as a result of the accident (loss of job, loss of home, other bills).

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Essentially, the hospitals are refusing to bill the victim’s health insurance and are instead billing the victim.

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Even worse, if the victim receives no compensation for the accident (if, for example the at-fault driver had no insurance), the victim may be forced to pay medical bills that medical insurance would have covered.

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hospital practices.

There are many things about this practice that get my dander up, but here is the first one: IT IS ILLEGAL FOR THEM TO DO THIS! This is why: Senate Bill 15265, hospitals must bill a victim’s health insurance upon providing service. This bill came about because so many victims were being re-victimized by predatory

If you are the victim of an accident and you end up in the emergency room, make sure you provide the hospital with YOUR insurance and tell them specifically: “You must bill my health insurance company for the care that you provide to me.” Make sure you give them a copy of your health insurance card. This is just one more example of why accident victims need a good accident attorney. Most victims have no idea how to negotiate these treacherous waters and they may have no idea that their hospital bills aren’t even being paid! I’ve seen people whose credit scores have plummeted because they had no idea until too late that hospitals were toying with their payment processes. If you have any questions at all, or if you’ve been in a recent accident and have question about the billing process, please contact the O’Sullivan Law Firm: 303388-5304 or visit https://osullivan-law-firm.com/

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RIDE YOUR RIDE By Peggy Bogaard-Lapp

It is always time to get serious about the safety of your ride. Across the U.S. during May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month tries to bring attention to riding safety year-round –not just in the coming summer months. Colorado boasts enough sun that you can see motorcycles on the street nearly all year, as long as the sun is shining and roads are (mostly) dry. Our state has the perfect everything for riding; weather, roads, places to see, and many biker-friendly destinations. Motorcycles have become more prevalent and are more affordable today than they have been in the past. Since nearly half a million new bikes are purchased each year by both men and women, the numbers of riders on our streets is growing. There are three wheelers, scooters, and sport bikes that are all quickly becoming more popular. However, only three percent of the total vehicles on the road are motorcycles and this makes it a more hostile riding environment than ever before. Since there are more riders and drivers on the streets, the chances of colliding with a car or truck have increased, quite a bit for motorcyclists of all types. Motorcyclists cannot depend on other drivers to see us, be aware of us, or accommodate those of us on bikes. It is up to us to ride defensively. Many accidents are preventable, and the best way to ride is to ride prepared.

RIDING DEFENSIVELY

The most important defensive riding technique is to pay attention. Pay attention and be ready for anything to happen. Always be looking and aware of everything around you— front and back, left and right, near and farther away. Keep looking ahead twelve seconds and make your assessments of road signals and signs, road conditions, and other vehicles, including vehicles in driveways. This is something that should be made into a habit. According to Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) statistics, 1 in 4 motorcycle riders do not actually have an endorsement on their driver’s license. That means 25% of the bikes you see on the road have an operator that has not passed a test demonstrating their understanding of how to ride a bike, the rules of the road, and how to be a responsible rider. If you are one of those riders, do yourself a favor and take a riding course, it is fun. When you finish you can take your completion certificate to the DMV and get your endorsement for a few dollars and no additional testing required. 10 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

SKILLS FOR SKULLS The best way to increase your safety as a rider is to take a training course. Today, most rider training programs have advanced rider training along with comprehensive beginner instruction. If you haven’t looked at what is available recently, take another look. Since training can make a very big difference for a rider and their safety no matter how many years they have been riding. These courses aren’t just for beginners anymore. Both intermediate and advanced courses are available and you can do many of them on your own motorcycle. They are also quite affordable and many offer group and/or private classes and some offer discounts if you get an intermediate or advanced group together. If you took a course years ago, consider advanced training, it can help you stay a good rider and become a better one and it might just save your life. There are many local area options, including ABATE, Full Throttle Academy in Thornton, or The Motorcycle Rider Training Center in Lakewood.

DISTRACTION

It would be nice if we could but we really canot always blame other drivers. While we want the car drivers, to be

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aware of bikes and to not text, eat, apply makeup, play with their phones-- or anything else that takes their eyes off the road. We have to be more aware or how we ride as well. We need to know how to avoid how to avoid accidents and make it to our destinations. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 2016 campaign is focusing on better awareness of car and truck drivers. They want drivers to go beyond the “look twice” message. Take Action Against Distraction, like the Look Twice campaign, is aimed to increase the consciousness of everyone that we all need to ride and drive responsibly.

TRAFFIC LANES

To “optimize your lane position” is a catch phrase, but essential when riding on a multi-lane highway. Think of the lane as being divided into three sections, or smaller lanes. The far left, or blocking lane, is generally the best for overall visibility and maneuverability to avoid other vehicles. The center can be less safe if there is debris, oil or other compounds on the road. However, that center area is often the smoothest on wide open roads and highways. Using the far right can make you more visible to oncoming cars entering the road. Keep in mind that every ride is different and things can change quickly. Being prepared and having experience and training is your best safeguard.

standards. A SNELL rating on a helmet means that the helmet has tested to a higher impact standard than the DOT standard but both are good safety standards. Look for the endorsement decal from either SNELL or DOT on new helmets – stay away from used helmets, and helmets without DOT or SNELL certifications and any helmet labeled “novelty” since those helmets are not made to any standard of safety at all.

STATISTICS SUCK

None of us wants to be a statistic, but too many riders end up as one. During 2014 seventy-nine percent of the fatalities of motorcycle riders involved only the motorcycle and no other vehicle. We are our own worst enemies sometimes– not the cage drivers, not the texting teenagers or otherwise distracted drivers. Those statistics also show that many riders set themselves up by riding impaired or under the influence. Again during 2014, sixty-nine percent of fatalities were determined to have the rider to be “at fault” and whether you want to hear it or not, sixty-three percent of those fatalities were not wearing a helmet.

LEATHER NOT LACE

While wearing black is certainly the coolest look, consider wearing a reflective patch or a bright color to increase your visibility to drivers. Always ride with your gear, especially good boots - never with flip flops, unless you want to lose that little toe! Dress for the ride, but prepare for an accident. Anyone who has gotten a scuff on their leather knows that it is better to have the leathers hit the pavement than the skin. Levi’s will shred once you hit the pavement, and the next layer is your skin so chaps or Kevlar jeans can protect you. Quality gloves are another must, for adequate protection. “Just in case” pretty much sums up how all ride preparation can be described. Sure, many times you won’t need that protective gear but there may very well come a day that you do need it. Keep an eye on quality for your gear. The quality of that gear is important if it protective gear. Sometimes spending just a few dollars more on those boots, jackets, chaps, protective pants and helmets can sometimes make a big difference in the quality.

CRANIUM CANDY

GROUP FORMATION Riding in a group can be fun, but also takes practice. Use hand signals to communicate with your group, to warn of road hazards, upcoming stops, or to signal the need to ride single file while passing an obstacle. Stay in a zig-zag formation, giving each rider space to react if needed. Use one lane for your group, rather than take over several on the road, so cars can safely pass you. If you see a car that indicates they want to pass, open a gap and let them pass. Stay with your group – don’t leave everyone guessing as to where you are headed or why you are racing a mile ahead of everyone. But don’t be afraid to separate if the group is going too fast for your skills or if it would not be safe for you to follow. Ride within your skillset, not in competition with other riders.

Helmets are a personal choice, and each year the styles get better, they provide better coverage and better protection and more comfort. It is essential to feel safe when you ride and a good helmet can help you feel more comfortable. Shop around and choose the best helmet for you. Choose a helmet for its protection and for proper fit and comfort. The best fit holds tight to your cheeks, jaw, and holds firm to your head. Currently there are certifications by Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL) and by the Department of Transportation (DOT) that indicate a helmet is designed for safety. Both ratings verify helmets through vigorous testing and high www.thunderroadscolorado.com

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NO-BRAINERS

• Do not tailgate. Be aware of your cushion of space, and how fast you (don’t) stop. Since car drivers usually can not accurately gauge or guess how fast a motorcycle is going, obey the speed limit. Many accidents are caused by speeding bikes that a car driver inaccurately judges to be going slower, pulling out in front of the bike and well, you know the rest. Make eye contact with drivers when possible, to verify they see you. continued... Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 11


• Take responsibility for your own safety. Riding impaired puts everyone at twice the risk. Don’t risk it with drugs or alcohol, it just isn’t worth it. • Aggressive cornering is another frequent cause of accidents. Slow down and only ride within your ability. Remember, gravity will win – every time. • Risky driving is always a bad idea, especially riding wheelies and cutting in and out of traffic on the highway.

SEE YOUR PATH, SEARCH, EVALUATE, EXECUTE. Consider the entire area around a car as the blind spot, and ride as if you are invisible to the driver. Even when drivers are scanning the road, they often don’t recognize a motorcycle because they are not looking for it. Make yourself visible with clothing, have your headlight on, use your horn if necessary, and ride using the SEE method. Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) promotes the Search-EvaluateExecute strategy (SEE) to judge situations while riding, and have the ability to react to hazards. • Search – visually recognize the area around you and ahead of you, by examining the situation and obstacles, checking mirrors, watching for traffic signals and signs. • Evaluate – Anticipate and be ready for all types of incidents. Is the car approaching the light going to stop? Is the curve ahead tighter than you think? Is the

road filled with grooves and potholes that can cause an accident? • Execute – Assert the proper action in response to the situation. Adjust your speed (maybe increase it), take an evasive maneuver, or simply honk or wave to get a driver’s (or pedestrian’s) attention. You may have to give up your right of way, or change your route, but those are small concessions to give to remain safe. All Colorado riders are part of our fun-loving and responsible two-wheel family, and we don’t want to lose anyone. If you don’t have your endorsement—please go get it! Visit our training and testing advertisers in the Biker Friendly Directory The road is not entirely a danger zone, but going with your eyes open and the right attitude, can lead you to some great places. Ride safe! Source: 2015 MOST Annual Report


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Casper Iron Swap and Show

By Dave Campbell Photo CI-01.jpg Chilling on my back porch with the cool evening breeze and sipping some Wyoming Whiskey, I am pondering my recent trip to Casper Wyoming. The annual Casper Iron Swap and Show was my destination. Traveling through Wyoming is always a challenge with snow, wind, rain, burning sun, and road constructions being a few of the obstacles that might confront you-- all on the same day. On this run the one that evaded me was the sun and I certainly missed it. The cool spring and unrelenting rain was chilling me to the bone. Then again, part of the fun of making it out to these events is the personal victories one has along the journey. My victory was beating the rain and wind-- and Wyoming wind has a mind of its own. Cruising north on that black four lane ribbon, one moment the wind would be from my right the next from my left and then the next moment it was hitting me straight on. If the wind would just make up its mind I could find a grove and lean in to it, or better yet why doesn’t it just quit? My theory is those big fans they turn on, Wyoming has so many they call them wind farms. But my mind wanders as that Wyoming Whiskey begins to set in. When I got the call from Bobby I marked my calendar and started preparing for the trip. That mark on the calendar said a motorcycle ride to Casper and that was what I planned on doing. A lot of thoughts go through your head when planning spring time rides and most of those thoughts tend to deal with the weather. Part of my preparation was checking my rain gear and helmet.

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I also was in need of a tour pack for my Road King. My last trip with camera gear, clothes, and riding gear was a tight fit and left scratch marks on my rear fender. Trips this year would be better. Being a Scotsman at heart I couldn’t see shelling out big bucks for a factory tour pack so I started my search and began compiling the required parts. A 10 inch chopped pack was just the right size along with, a back rest, hinges, latches, luggage rack, and quick disconnect mount were on my shopping list. These projects, of course are never as quick and easy as you think they will be. This time, I learned how to work fiberglass, since the latches did not fit. However, I think it turned out well for my first attempt. The paint job looks good-- well good enough for government work anyway. The trick was mounting it high enough so I could still operate the cop style saddle bag lids I have. I also designed the mount so it is a one-up back rest. This turned my two hour Danny Gray seat into an all day rider. I won’t tell you how much it ended up costing me but it did come in at slightly under the factory model price.

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some sweet custom rides too. The show draws people and bikes from all over. I met a couple that cruised up from Colorado Springs just for something to do that weekend. There were a good variety of vendors peddling their wares as the crowd steadily made their way in between the light rain showers. All in all, a good showing for a small town show.

Wyoming, where the old west meets the world of the iron horse with bikes, like horses, providing a view of the world and of Wyoming that many do not get to see. Casper Iron is a local bike show like those you find anywhere across this country but with a distinctly Wyoming flair. At the fairgrounds that weekend the high school rodeo competition was in full swing. So bikes and horses were sharing the road. I was impressed by the calm and sturdiness of the horses, a straight pipe Sportster wouldn’t shake them. This calmness was also reflected in cowboys, cowgirls, civilians and 1%’ers all getting along with no hassle or concerns. It was a refreshing sight after all the turmoil in our country right now. I guess I needed a break from the rat race and everyone elses problems.

A new comer to the show was MR Speed Co, a Casper bike shop looking to provide something different. Their drift trike was the big draw, pulling in a crowd all day. MR Speed is scratch building custom drift trikes and looking to make a name in the market. All frame work is done in house and they are building a quality trike. These guys are not only building bikes, they are discussing building a track and looking to promote Casper as a destination for motor-sports of all kinds. One of my favorites at the show was a collection of Indian motorcycles. The collection currently set at nine and I believe and he is looking to make it bigger for more. The owner has

Bikes from all around the state came in for the show and there were some decent showings. Custom Harley, BMW, Indian, Kawasaki, trikes, some scratch-built specials and www.thunderroadscolorado.com

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a love for Indians that started in his childhood and his uncle’s Indian back in Nebraska. Leaving Casper I slipped into a package store and grabbed a bottle of Wyoming Whiskey, I knew I would need something to warm me up after riding through the turmoil of the wild, wild west. Bobby – Thanks for having me back...

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Tasty Recipes All of these recipes have been kitchen tested and biker approved.

Stuffed French Toast with Blueberry Syrup This is a great make ahead breakfast or brunch item. Super easy and very delicious!! French Toast: 1 loaf French bread, sliced and cubed, approximately 6 cups of 1 1/2 inch cubes 2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, cubed 1 cup blueberries 10 large eggs 1/2 cup maple syrup 2 cups whole milk Blueberry Syrup: 1 cup sugar 1 Tbs cornstarch 1 cup water 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 Tbs butter French toast: Grease13X9” baking pan. Place half of the bread cubes evenly in pan. Scatter cream cheese cubes on top and sprinkle with blueberries. Arrange remaining half of bread cubes on top. Combine eggs, syrup and milk and pour over bread mixture. Cover with foil and chill overnight. Remove Pan from refrigerator and allow to come warm for 30 minutes Preheat oven to 350° Bake covered 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 30 more minutes until puffed and brown and is no longer “jiggly”.

Serve with Blueberry Syrup Blueberry Syrup: In small saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch and water and heat over medium high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until thickened. Add 1 cup of blueberries and simmer, stirring occasionally until most berries have burst, about 10 minutes. Add butter to the syrup and stir until well blended. Transfer to serving bowl. Cut French toast into individual pieces and serve with the blueberry syrup.

Pepper Prosciutto Baked Eggs 3 Medium yellow or red bell peppers, halved lengthwise 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, divided 6 eggs 2 Tbs Parmesan cheese 1 Tbs chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, tarragon or rosemary Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove seeds and scrape insides of pepper halves, being careful not to break through skin. Place peppers, cut side up, on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Line pepper halves with prosciutto and carefully break 1 egg into each half. Return to oven and bake 7 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle each egg with salt pepper and 1 teaspoon of Parmesan. Bake an additional 1 - 2 minutes just until cheese begins to melt. Watch carefully, making sure not to overcook egg. Remove from oven and top with herbs and serve immediately.



LOOK TWICE ... SAVE A LIFE RIDE

REALITIES RIDE & RALLY

REALITIES RIDE & RALLY


MAY 2016

Biker Blessing 12505 Colorado Blvd Thornton, CO 80241 5/1/2016 10:15 AM North Metro Church Join the group and Pastor in the NMC parking lot at 10:15 am for our Blessing of the Bikers. This blessing is an opportunity to come together in worship and praise as we ask for safe roads, good weather, and good witnessing for the Lord during our travels. You are welcome to attend our worship gatherings at 9 or 10:45 am No rain date. All are welcome. Bring your friends. Wear your leathers. Ron Hall northmetrochurch.org/ rph4750@q.com. 303-452-6251 3rd Annual IFRD Sunrise Ride to Red Rocks, CO Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, Colorado 80465 5/7/2016 5:00 AM EXPERIENCE A RED ROCKS, COLORADO SUNRISE + A FRIDAY EVENING MEET IN GREET 3rd Annual Sunrise Ride to Red Rocks, CO hosted by the S.T.R.O.N.G Women of the Steel Horse Sisterhood 4:00 am - Meetup at Denny’s Restaurant 565 Union Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80228 (if you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or quick breakfast) 4:35 am - Kickstands up heading for Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colorado 5:15 Arriving at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 5:15 - 6:15 am - Incredible amounts of fun as we shoot Photos and videos, all women will be included in the photo of the S.T.R.O.N.G. Women of the Sisterhood 5:32 am - EXPERIENCE A REDROCKS SUNRISE 6:45 - 8:30 am - Breakfast and Speaker Location TBA 8:30 - 8:45 am - Kickstands up for a Ride into the Rockies. Location TBA 3:00 pm - Returning to the Hampden Inn 5:30 - 8:30 pm - Brews, Blues and Pizza Party SUNDAY, MAY 8TH, 2016 6:30 am - Breakfast at the Hampden Inn Blessing of the Bikes as we head home. Ride to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison,

20 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

Colorado Celebrating International Female Ride Day Joan https://www.facebook.com/ events/1614939642113029/ joan@ladyroaddog.com Sixth Annual Chicano Pride Ride 8000 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, Colorado 80214 5/7/2016 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Join us as we celebrate the Sixth Annual Chicano Pride Ride, one of Denver’s fastest growing events!! With last year’s ride being the biggest one to date, we had over 500 registered bikes, and raised over $11,000 for the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF). Way to go riders, it wouldn’t have been possible without you! This year LAEF, Chicano Pride Ride and Avalanche HarleyDavidson are teaming up to throw one huge ride / party, and our goal is to break last year’s record! The poker run starts and ends at Avalanche Harley-Davidson, and will stop at 4 different locations, including La Raza Park for the annual CPR photo! We will meet at Avalanche H-D at 8am, with kick stands up at 10am, we will be escorted to our first stop imagine how long that line will be after seeing last years! After making our way around town to each listed location, we’ll head back to the final stop, Avalanche Harley-Davidson and this is when the fun starts! Be ready for food, beer for purchase, music, vendors, dancing and of course our legendary pig roast! Chicano Biker’s 6th Annual Raza RUN Ted’z Place 5271 E 52nd Ave, Commerce City, Colorado 80022 5/7/2016 11:00 AM Join us yet again for a fun filled day with music, food and festivities all in the name of commUNITY!!! ONCE AGAIN IT’S ON.... as Chicano Bikers put on the party of all parties to kick off summer right! All proceeds raised go towards Chicano Bikers annual toy drive benefitting families in need! Be sure to come out and check out the vendors, join us in our renowned RUN PHOTO, which gets bigger every year, and be prepared to have an all-around great time! FOR VENDOR OR SPONSORSHIP INFO email us at chicanobikers@gmail.com! https://www.facebook.com/ events/1694353647449286/

May 2016

1 Year Anniversary Party And Bike Wash Leathers And Lace Rider Resale 15985 S Golden Rd, Unit A, Golden, Colorado 80401 5/14/2016 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Come celebrate 1 year of successful business! There will be Food and drinks, music provided by Uncle Dutchies Karaoke, bike wash, raffles and great deals on quality gear! Don’t miss out! Frank’s Ride for Children 30th Annual Poker Run Longmont Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1548 - 2200 Pratt Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501 5/14/2016 • 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Frank’s Ride for Children 30th Annual Poker Run to benefit the Make a Wish foundation of Colorado. Registration begins at: 8:00 AM Donation of $20 each for adults and $10 donation each for ages 13 - 20. Registration is at the Longmont Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1548 - 2200 Pratt Street, Longmont, Colorado. Breakfast will be available at Registration for a $5 Donation All participants must have a photo ID The last stop is at Anderson Farms 6278 County Road 3-1/4, Erie, CO 80516. There will be food, drinks raffles, car & bike show, and live entertainment from Code-4. For more information and to register, go to http://www.franksride.com Look Twice....Save a Life Ride Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson, 2885 W. County Line Road, Littleton Colorado 5/14/2016 • 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM This is BikerDown’s 3rd annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Ride. Look Twice....Save a Life Ride to raise awareness of motorcycle safety and to help other vehicles see our motorcycle riders. Registration is $20.00 per rider and includes a free Can you See me Now t-shirt! http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?l lr=phomnjnab&oeidk=a07ecbwoq5oc42ff180 BikerDown helped in 2015 over 150 accidents and 49 fatalities - Bikerdown helped 1/3 of all the accidents/fatalities in Colorado last year ....on a shoe string budget. We Need Your Support! We will start our event at Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson, 2885 W. County Line Road, Littleton Colorado. Kickstands up at 11:00 am and we will head out on our ride. We will also be drawing the winner of our Sturgis Giveaway, so if you haven’t registered for that, please take a moment to register at:https://osullivan-law-firm.com/contest/2016sturgis-motorcycle-rally-getaway-giveaway/

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Northglenn Food Truck Carnival 5/12/2016 – 5/15/2016 5:00 pm - 4:00 pm Check out the food trucks that will be at Food Truck Carnival Over 20 trucks will be visiting the City of Northglenn at Food Truck Carnival. Closer to the event we will update who is coming on what day. The trucks are currently in “no particular order.” Find out where the trucks will be before and after the Food Truck Carnival by following them on their Facebook page. Join us at the “Big Top” for 3 great days of music! We have searched the Front Range for the best bands that play Americana and Bluegrass music and have invited them to play at Food Truck Carnival in our “Big Top” tent. http://www.foodtruckcarnival.com/foodtrucks.html 303-450-8935 Old Bike Ride 14 Large parking lot behind the old Foss Drugstore, one block west of Washington Ave on 13th Street 5/15/2016 9:30 Norton Colorado and Bob Ohman Welcome to Old Bike Ride Fourteen! This annual event is a venture between Norton Colorado and Bob Ohman. The purpose of the Old Bike Ride is to encourage people to bring out their old motorcycles and ride them. American, British, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, motorcycle, scooter, sidecar, concourse original or hideous mongrel, any engine capacity, we do not care as long as it’s old enough. The approximately 110-mile route takes us over some of the finest motorcycling roads of the Front Range. The Old Bike Ride is open to anyone riding a motorized vehicle with less than four wheels made in 1980 or earlier. We also honor people who refuse to quit riding just because they got old, so a rider over the age of 75 can ride whatever they want to, dammit. Except for this Extremely Important Exception: We are trying to encourage more riders of the female persuasion to get involved in vintage motorcycling. Therefore, for OBR13 and until further notice, women of any age are welcome to participate while riding (not as a passenger) a motorcycle or scooter of any age. Ladies, here’s your chance to ride with a choice collection of the crustiest old motorcyclists you could ever imagine! This is not a race. Everyone rides at their own pace and, to quote the old song, “”never is heard, a discouraging word”” about the mechanical preparation of one’s machine or one’s rate of forward progress, cornering abilities, or navigational skills (no one could be worse than Jerry www.thunderroadscolorado.com

Pokorny). We’d really, truly like you to join us. As in recent runnings of the Old Bike Ride, the special decals commemorating this event will not be issued until the lunch stop. Bob Ohman http://www.nortoncolorado.org/obr/OBR14.html reohman@att.net 303-570-9333 Sandhills Poker Run Riverside Park I76 and Hwy 52 Fort Morgan, CO 80701 5/15/2016 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM This is a fundraiser for ABATE of Colorado and District One. There will be 7 cards drawn at stops in Ft. Morgan, Brush, Akron, Sterling, Merino, Hillrose, Brush again and last stop in Ft. Morgan with the end point at Buchanan Welding. For a $25 entry fee, participants will receive a poker hand, t-shirt (for 1st 350), door prize ticket, and a meal at the end. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and low hand will be given. Entertainment and items for sale will be at the end point. www.abateofcolo.org denninga@kci.net 970-768-5599 7th Annual National Armed Forces FreedomRide Takoda Tavern 12311 Pine Bluffs Way Parker, CO 80134 5/21/2016 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Registration from 7:30 am – 9:30 am $15.00 Rider and $5.00 Passenger (Preregistration) $25.00 Rider and $5.00 Passenger (day of event) Breakfast is available for purchase at Takoda Tavern. Route details to come soon. We will be stopping again at Fort Logan National Cemetery. At the cemetery there will be an opportunity to honor those you know that have served. Then back to Takoda Tavern for giveaways, auction, some fun and whatever else comes our way. LIVE AUCTION! I need a Captain Save A Bike. If you are interested or know someone who is please contact me at gloria@ cofreedomride.com or 303-250-1337. All proceeds to benefit Pets for Vets – Denver Chapter http://pets-for-vets.com/ category/southwest/denvco/) and ViT – Veterans in Trouble: Your Turn to Serve (http://www.veteransintrouble.com/) Pre-registration has begun on our website!! Please visit at: www.cofreedomride.com. We accept credit cards via PayPal We are looking for businesses that would either like to be a sponsor or would like to donate raffle or auction items. Give me name, give me a number...anything helps!!! Gloria www.cofreedomride.com gloria@cofreedomride.com 303-250-1337

May 2016

Fremont County Veterans Motorcycle Rally 5/21/2016 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 4th and Grant Street Penrose, CO Penrose VFW Post 2788, CVMA Chapter 3-7 The rally is being held at Penrose Park, the corner of 4th and Grant Street in Penrose at 9:00 am. The event includes a motorcycle rodeo. The rodeo will have a weenie bite and various other games. Awards will be given to winners. There will also be bands, food, kid’s events, and more. Travis 719- 285-5966 9th Annual – Defenders of Freedom: Veterans Recognition Ride May 22 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm The Longest Law Enforcement Escorted Motorcycle Procession in Colorado! Over 40 Miles Through El Paso County & Colorado Springs. Defenders of Freedom Ride 5/22/2016 9:00am – 5:00 PM Compassion International 12290 Voyager Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO 80921 The Defenders of Freedom ride is a recognition and tribute to honor all the men and women who serve or have served in any of the five branches of the U.S. Military, especially those who have been wounded or have lost their lives in service to our country. It especially recognizes those serving at any of the the five military installations in the Pikes Peak Region (U.S. Air Force Academy, NORAD, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base and Schreiver Air Force Base). Registration Donation: $20.00/Bike (up to 2 riders) Note: Credit cards accepted on-line. CASH ONLY on-site. * Additional Donations Encouraged & Appreciated * * 2015 Ride Pins Given to All Registered Riders * * Must register and sign-in to receive Ride Pin * 2015 Official Ride T-Shirts are also be available for purchase http://www.veteransride.org/ Brian L.A. Wess 719-528-6672 VetsRide@gmail.com MC-1 Honor Run 6201 S. Pierce St. Littleton, Colorado 80123 5/22/2016 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM The MC1 Honor Run is a motorcycle ride fundraiser to provide financial support for public service employees, and their families, when that employee has been injured or killed in the line of duty. KSU 10:00 AM $25 per motorcycle This year’s destination has been decided to be The Hoffbrau Bar and Grill! There will be live music, food, vendors, and raffle! We hope you will join us! http://www.mc1foundation.com mc1foundationcolorado@gmail.com Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 21


3rd Annual Veterans Benefit Above the Clouds 5/22/2016 • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Above The Clouds Tattoo 517 S Baldwin St Woodland Park, CO 80863 We would like to welcome you back, for our Third Annual Veterans Benefit Above the Clouds! This year we have new vendors, live music, and tattoo competition! There will also be a bike show, bikini bike wash, food from the Historic Ute Inn, and beer from multiple breweries! Also for you wine connoisseurs, this year wine from Pikes Peak Winery! All proceeds go to helping various Veteran’s Charities in the area! Above The Clouds Tattoo 719-686-7472 barrettleary@hotmail.com Cañon City Balloon Classic May 27 - May 30 The Abbey, 2951 US-50 CO 81212 Join us for the 2016 Create Cañon City Balloon Classic on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28th, 29th and 30th, 2016). Enjoy great food, award winning wines and see the works of local artisans. Watch balloon launches, skydivers and kite flying by Connor Doran. Enjoy a great music lineup. Participate in races. Bring the kids! They can launch model rockets and play in the Kids’ Zone. Stay in the evening for Balloon Glows and the Abbey Glow. The Create Cañon City is open to the public with FREE Admission and FREE parking. Many thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, St. Thomas More Hospital! Hot Air Balloons from all over the USA and Canada! The balloons will launch early in the morning and will fire up at night for a spectacular nighttime show! Exciting Events! Run or walk a 5K race! Taste Wine selections from the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey Enjoy wonderful food Listen to live entertainment Visit the many vendor booths Picnic on the beautiful Holy Cross Abbey grounds http://www.canoncityballoonclassic.org/ 855-946-4222 Ext 705 Realities Ride & Rally Fort Collins, in Civic Center Park (corner of LaPorte Avenue and Howes Street) 5/28/2016 - 5/29/2016 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Rally is a FREE community event at Washington Park in Fort Collins. Everyone is invited to join The Rally: motorcycle enthusiasts, families, residents, visitors and anyone looking for entertainment on Memorial Day Weekend! Come on out to this community event and join us as we rally against child abuse and neglect in Larimer County. All proceeds benefit the Realities for Children Charities Emergency Fund. www.realitiesride.com/ amy@realitiesforchildren.com 970-484-9090 2nd Annual Ride Against 22 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

Domestic Violence Poker Run 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A Parker, Colorado 80134 5/28/2016 • 9:00 AM Expendables Motorcycle Club Denver Chapter and the Eastern Plains Safe Shelter The ride starts at Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A in Parker. Registration begins at 9:00 am and the motorcycles go out at 10:00 am. The ride fee is $20.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. Extra hands are $10.00 each. The ride ends with raffles, a barbeque and more. This ride will help prevent domestic violence by supporting The Eastern Plains Safe Shelter. For more information call (949) 939-4262 5th Annual Fallen Heroes Run Elks Lodge 1321 Blue River Parkway Silverthorne, CO 5/29/2016 10:30 AM Lake County Veterans Memorial The ride starts in Elks Lodge 1321 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne. Registration begins at 10:30 am and motorcycles go out at 11:45 am. The ride fee is a donation of $10.00 per bike. The ride ends in Leadville with a memorial service. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the Lake County Veterans Memorial. For more information call 719-207-1380, 719-207-1380 Look Twice Ride 5/29/2016 • 9:30 AM Brickhouse Bar and Grill 424 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Help Pikes Peak ABATE District 2 spread awareness and protect our local riders and all riders. Registration begins at 930am, KSU at 11am, see attached flyer for route. Join us for our after party at 6pm and enjoy great music from The Hardway!

JUNE 2016 2016 True Value Thunder Valley National @ Thunder Valley Motorcross Park 701 S Rooney Road Lakewood, CO 80465 6/4/2016 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Thunder Valley Motocross Park The 12th Annual True Value Thunder Valley National in Lakewood, CO is Round 3 of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Thunder Valley Motocross Park plays host once again to the fastest racers in the world on June 4th, 2016. Be ready for a full day of pro racing beginning at 8:00 am and ending at approximately 5:30 pm. 2016 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive pro motocross seasons for both classes in quite some time. Thunder Valley is guaranteed to provide a few surprises when the gate drops on what is predicted to be a deep field of competitors. Whether you want to take advantage of hillsides, trackside, chairs, or bleachers, we encourage you to May 2016

explore the many places that allow for viewing 80% or more of the track. Be sure to check our website at www.tvmx.net for full event information and Like us on Facebook. This event is rain or shine. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1663980673878732/ Be the Gift 6th Annual Poker Run 4250 Byrd Dr Loveland CO 80538 6/4/2016 • 8:30 AM This is our 6th annual benefit. Registration cost is donations for the goal of repairing homes for single moms and their children. Registration begins at 8:30am and the last bike out is 9:30am. Events include a silent auction. Starting location: Thunder Mountain HarleyDavidson, 4250 Byrd Drive, Loveland CO 80538 Free lunch and prizes to follow at Loveland Fairground Park, 700 S Railroad Ave. Chris www.bethegift.com chris@bethegift.com 970-691-8777 Falcon Freedom Poker Run 2016 6/4/2016 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Please come out and join our Riders group from the American Legion Riders “Dane R. Balcon” Post 2008 on June 4, 2016. We are a veteran’s group and this is our primary fundraiser for veteran programs we support. We will register between 8-10am at Frankie’s Too. There will be a stop that you get to shoot for your first card, if you choose (guns, ammo, and safety equipment provided). $20 per rider/ $10 for a passenger at the door. There are prizes and a 50/50 raffle. First Stop: Magnum Shooting Center Last Stop: Frankie’s Too http://FFPR2016.eventbrite.com Freedom Fest Colorado 6/4/2016 11:00 am 5995 S Santa Fe Dr Littleton, CO 80120 We will have a benefit ride followed by a concert with legendary bands starting with Dokken, Warrant, Jack Russel’s Great White and Country star Ryan Weaver! Our mission is to help our veterans be victorious and end veteran/military suicide. 100% of the proceeds go American Soldier Network, an amazing service member and veteran support charity and our heroes! For tickets: www.freedomfestcolorado.com 10:35 to 11:35 – Ride registration 11:35 to 1:35 – Ride https://www.facebook.com/ castlerockfreedomfest For those of you that have been to the Platte, The layout for this concert will be far different than anything the Platte has done! This is going to be awesome! 6 bands, awesome ride, great food, drinks and great people! http://freedomfestcolorado.com

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Riders for Moebius Poker run 5867 n. Nevada olorado Springs, CO 80903 6/4/2016 • 8:30 AM A beautiful ride through the mountains of southern Colorado. Registration starts at 10:00 am at Pikes Peak Harley Colorado Springs CO. $10.00 per rider. $5 per extra rider. We leave between 10 and 10:30. Ride south on Hwy 115 to Penrose,the next stop is Florence,then up the mountain road to World Famous Bishop’s Castle, then down past Lake Isabel to Colorado City, where we find out who won the $250 jackpot. This is where the BBQ burgers and dogs are. And great raffle gifts.All proceeds go the Moebius awareness foundation. Terry Brailsford, tebrailsford@gmail.com 719-489-2703 Bikin’ for Berkeley, Cruisin’ for a Cure The Green Mill Evans, CO 80620 6/5/2016 • 8:00 AM Come out and join Berkeley’s Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis by raising money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Motorcycles and cars welcome!! 6 stopping locations, drawing/auction, great people, good food and guaranteed smiles. www.facebook.com/ events/1530716977221502/ Teamberkeleybae@gmail.com The Thin Blue Line Memorial Wall Run 2701 W. 84th Ave Westminster, CO 80031 6/5/2016 • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM The Thin Blue Line Memorial Run 2016 is the Eleventh Annual event that the Sentinels Motorcycle Club has done for the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial Wall. It is also going to be the Third Annual sponsoring the Colorado Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). There will be a Pig Roast, Auctions, Raffles and a ride to the memorial wall. www.smctbl.com, tbl2016@sentinelslemc.com 720-935-8913 26th Annual UNITED Run (Colo Spgs) 6/5/2016 • 8:00 AM Sponsored by: The Hub Car Wash & Diner, Eagles Lodge Pikes Peak Aerie #143, Nature of Things Chain Saw Art Hosted by Bikers United For America (B.U.F.A.) Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 5th, 2016! Proceeds benefit a local person in need. Nominees to be determined soon. Cost: $10 Single or $15 Couple. Registration Stop: 8:00am @ Hub Car Wash, 4460 Forest Hill Rd. Last Bike Out: 10am. End Stop: Eagles Lodge Pikes Peak Aerie #143, 1050 S 21st St, Colo Spgs, CO (719) 632-1934. Food and beverage available at END stop. Barb Manka 719-635-0138. www.thunderroadscolorado.com

Vintage Motorcycles Reborn 2016 Exhibition Colorado National Speedway 4281 Graden Blvd Dacono, CO 80514 6/5/2016 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM If you want to experience the history of motorcycling first hand then join us for the 6th annual Vintage Motorcycles Reborn 2016 charity exhibition Sunday, June 5th from 10 AM to 3 PM, at the Colorado National Speedway, 4281 Graden Blvd., Dacono, CO. Admission is free. There will be a donation bucket for Pathways Hospice and 100% of donations will go to Pathways. Take a trip down memory lane as you stroll through the exhibit and talk to the owners. We should have motorcycles from the 1920’s to the 1980’s in mint and operating condition. For general or participation questions contact Ron at wttwphoto@comcast.net. If you are a true enthusiast this is a must see exhibit. Ron wttwphoto@comcast.net 970-776-6355 3rd Annual Steel Horse Sisterhood Women’s Motorcycle Summit Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs Ouray, CO 6/9/2016 - 6/11/2016 Join us at the Steel Horse Sisterhood Women’s Motorcycle Summit, June 9, 10 and 11, 2016 in Ouray, Colorado, for a weekend of motorcycle riding, women mentoring women and networking, packaged with a Photo Scavenger Hunt, Hot Springs Resorts and the Girls Out West Fest wrap up party . Tickets are

limited–Register now to secure your spot and receive the exclusive Gift Bag, inspired and designed by Lady Road Dog herself (first 100 women). Tickets are limited. Sell out expected. Joan www.steelhorsesisterhoodsummit.com/ joan@ladyroaddog.com 608-335-0852 10th Annual Molly-Dharma Run for Colorado Animal Shelters 5995 S. Santa Fe Drive Littleton, CO 80120 6/12/2016 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM T-Bird Roadhouse, Platte River Bar and Grill Sponsored by Thunderbird Motorcycles, Platte River Bar & Grill, and Kicked to the Curb Platte River Bar & Grill Registration begins at 9:00 am with Kick stands up at 10:00 am. The last bike out by 10:30 am. The first 200 to register will receive ride pin and breakfast burrito. The ride fee is $20 for the rider or $30.00 with a passenger. Pre-registration is available through June 7th. Pre-registered riders will receive a $5.00 discount. The ride will go through the foothills and end in Wheat Ridge with a band, food, auctions and more. Proceeds will support Evergreen Animal Protective League. Live Band – Food – Drinks - Prizes Kirk http://molly-dharmarun.org/ kirkzimmerman@comcast.net 303-548-5123

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May 2016

Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 23


Aims Call, aka Glitter

D

Girl in the Wind

espite growing up and living in a small town in Wyoming from kindergarten through high school graduation, I am a true gypsy at heart. Traveling is a passion of mine and as soon as I left my hometown of Green River, Wyoming I traveled the world as much as possible. I’ve had the chance to live in some exciting cities ranging from New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. and I even spent some time living in northeastern China. While in China I backpacked solo through most of the country and spent time in the mountains at a Buddhist monastery. Of all of the places I have lived Denver, Colorado is by far my favorite city. A true Rocky Mountain girl needs her mountains and I absolutely love the riding our beautiful state has to offer. Road trips on my bike are the very best way to travel. I love being out in the open air riding through beautiful canyons and countryside. Riding is pretty much always on my mind. I’m always daydreaming of what new things I can do to my bike and the next bike I am going to buy. I am constantly daydreaming of new roads to travel and new places to see. I want to cover the U.S. Canada and also ride new roads internationally. The world is just one big riding opportunity! Before I bought my bike I had no idea of the entirely new (to me) world of riding that I was about to enter. One of the most life-changing aspects of learning to ride has been meeting all of the amazing people I have had the chance to meet so far. Riding has been a true gift and I have made some amazing friends in the wind along the way. I have learned to appreciate good riders who not only ride safely themselves but look out for those in their riding group as well. These are the riders I stick close to and while I love riding alone, riding with great friends can be even better. Similar to how a wolf pack travels making sure that the more vulnerable wolves are always protected. My friends and I make sure we know the riding skills of all of us on the road together and we ride at a pace and choose a route that is rider-friendly for all of us to enjoy together. We don’t leave a fellow rider behind or put them in a position where they may feel pressured to “keep up” and we don’t take unnecessary risks that would risk group safety. My advice to any new rider, especially women riders, is to find your wolf pack and ride with them. One of the best parts of riding is being a part of the conversations along the way. Riding is so much more than the incredibly free feeling of having our knees and face in the breeze. Riding has an entire culture. Being a part of this culture you get to meet some interesting fellow riders along the road and hear their stories. I 24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

believe if we really sat down and talked to just about anyone we would be amazed at the stories that we all have to share. We share stories to make each other laugh, we share stories to entertain, we share stories to grow closer and understand one another and we also share stories to help each other. Riding has helped me start to enjoy life on a wholly different level. A few years ago I survived a home invasion and an attempt on my life. I fought hard to survive and apparently I’m meant to be here because I was allowed to live. I see life each day as a gift and I try to live life to the fullest. After the attack I had a hard time sleeping and relived the event in nightmares for years. It has taken a lot of time, prayer and hard work for me to heal and for me to get better. I hated the person who had done this to me—and, waking up hating someone every day can make you miserable. I don’t know if you have ever heard the saying, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die”? This

May 2016

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seems to me to be very true. I eventually chose to forgive my attacker and while it was the hardest thing I have ever done, it was also one of the best things I have ever done. Freeing myself from the hate and resentment has given me a much better way to live. Forgiving someone who wrongs you doesn’t mean you talk to them or try to have any kind of relationship with them, it simply means you set yourself free from their actions that hurt you. When you do this, you can truly be free. Everyone has their own path they need walk, and my path was forgiveness. Forgiveness allowed me to stop being a victim and turn into a strong survivor. My attacker was very remorseful and doesn’t remember attacking me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not excusing what happened. But today, I can say that I have seen the effects that drugs and alcohol can have, and how it can steal someone’s soul and put them into a downward spiral where they end up doing things they would never normally do. Now, I try to live my life how I ride my bike—moving forward, not backward. I think riding is symbolic of life in general, sometimes we find ourselves caught in a storm, and it sucks, but we push through or find a safe place to wait out the storm. No matter what, the storms always go away and the sun does come back out. Over time, experience helps us to become better riders. Experience also helps us to become better at this crazy thing called life. One thing I really love about riding is that when I’m on the bike I’m in the moment. I’m paying attention to the road and my surroundings and just taking it all in. I’m not stressed about work or anything else. Riding demands your full attention and to me it is true happiness and freedom. There’s nothing a great motorcycle ride can’t fix! Those of us that ride know this feeling well so keep on riding my brothers and sisters in the wind and I’ll see you on the road!

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June 17th-19th 2016 101 Idaho Springs Rd. East Idaho Springs, CO. 80452

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26 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

May 2016

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by Bill Maddick

VETERAN’S CORNER

Memorial Day at Fort Logan National Cemetery By the 1880s, the development of the railroads had rendered the concept of “wild west” forts obsolete since troops could be shuttled across long distances fairly quickly. The expense of maintaining them thus became prohibitive. Nonetheless, the citizens of Denver, feeling isolated and threatened by east coast immigration, petitioned the U.S. Army to build an outpost near the city. So Colorado senator Henry Teller introduced a bill in Congress in 1886 to establish such an outpost. The bill was signed the following year, the fort was then occupied originally by members of the 18th Infantry from Fort Hays and Leavenworth, and the first recorded burial was on June 28, 1889--Mable Perkin, the daughter of a certain Private Perkin. It is also probably fitting that the man who Fort Logan National Cemetery was named after, General John A. Logan, is the man who established the forerunner of our current Memorial Day holiday. As a general and as the commander of volunteer forces for the Union during the Civil War, he became the head of the Grand Army of the Republic’s post-war veteran organization. In that capacity, he issued General Orders No. 11, establishing May 30th as “Decoration Day,” to honor the Civil War dead, which later became a our national holiday called Memorial Day. Though 340 acres of land was added in 1908, Fort Logan was reduced to being a recruiting depot by 1909. Referred to as “Fort Forgotten,” it did see a resurgence of activity during the WWII years, but was then closed in May of 1946. In 1960, most of the land was deeded to the State of Colorado to establish a state hospital (still known as the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan). Then on March 10, 1950, Congress authorized the use of military lands at Fort Logan as a national cemetery, but limited the size to no more than 160 acres (since then, the cemetery has expanded to 214 acres). Now a part of the VA’s National Cemetery Administration, which maintains 134 national cemeteries in 40 states and Puerto Rico, it currently contains 122,000 graves from 1889 to the present. So the reason this history is included here is that it now comes to pass that Fort Logan holds one of the most impressive and patriotic Memorial Day celebrations to be found anywhere. It is estimated that 3500 people will attend, there are guest speakers (Governor Hickenlooper spoke last year), prayers, condolences, a flyover, salutes to the fallen, bagpipes, commendations, a three gun salute, doves released, etc. And as a commendation to all the services, each respective song of each service is played by the band (including the Merchant Marine), while the veterans of that branch stand and are recognized. The ceremony is situated on a lake overlook, facing west at the main flag staff, which provides a very scenic backdrop for the event. And this year, the ceremony will be on Memorial Day itself, Monday, www.thunderroadscolorado.com

May 30th at 1100 hours. I reached out to O’neal Hughes, retired Air Force and currently a Staff Assistant at the cemetery, for more details. In particular I’ve always been curious as to how a flyover gets arranged. O’neal informs that it starts with submitting a flyover request to the Department of Defense. In turn, they check with the Federal Aviation Administration to be sure that the flyover wouldn’t conflict with commercial air traffic or cause any other safety issues. If not, and The FAA gives their “OK,” the request goes back to the DOD to be scheduled, whereupon they have to find a unit who can accommodate the request without compromising the mission of the command. Then, if all of these criteria are met, the petitioner is informed whether a request is approved or denied. This year the flyover will be performed by the National Guard 160th Fighter Wing out of Buckley Air Force Base (which does not have any active duty Air Force fighter wings). Another impressive thing the cemetery does for Memorial Day is that they place an American Flag on every single grave site. It is quite a stunning visual to behold and is enough to make a patriot even out of someone as calloused as Benedict Arnold. But with 122,000 graves, placing a flag on each one gets to be quite an undertaking. More impressively, all of the flags are placed by volunteer effort. O’neal shares that flag placement starts on Saturday before Memorial Day and this year both West Middle School and Trailor Elementary have volunteered their efforts. Just as importantly, all of those flags have to be taken down the day after and that is done by volunteer labor also. So if you are an individual who likes to volunteer or if you happen to know of any group or organization that volunteers for public service, please feel free to call the cemetery at 303761-0117. They would be glad to hear from you. As a personal note, I am not sure I have ever experienced a more moving tribute to veterans in my life. Even just walking through the cemetery and noticing the hallowed gravestones from all of our wars would be an experience worth the trip, even without the Memorial Day festivities added on. And to keep perspective, I’ve personally observed what appeared to be a widow, totally crumbled on the ground in front of a grave stone, paying respects, and an elderly man who had taken his hands off his walker and used a head stone to steady himself. So with the guest speaker line-up this year (Representative Mike Coffman; Colonel John Wagoner, C.O. of the 560th Space Wing and David Johnston, Governor General of Canada), it proves again to be an event worth attending and an honor to expereince. The address of Fort Logan National Cemetery is; 440 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. Every time I’ve gone though, I take Hampden to Sheridan south and the first entrance you come to is the north gate (on the left). Traffic will be an issue but it is a small price to pay to honor of our veterans. I hope to see you there.

May 2016

Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 27


ve Music. 2 Days of Li er: Head lin viva l Waterloo Re

Tri- City Cyc le Best Poker H s’$150 0 and Prize

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ities R iders Young Real cle Pa rade cy Patriotic Bi

article courtesy Thunder Roads Magazine® Mid-Atlantic

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TITLE SPONSOR

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2016,11am-9pm CIVIC CENTER PARK, DOWNTOWN FORT COLLINS

PREMIER EVENT SPONSORS

Start this Memorial Day Weekend with the ‘Young Realities Riders’ Patriotic-themed bicycle parade. Cheer on these young riders and honor those who gave all as we open the Rally with Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem and Free Apple Pie in the Park! Enjoy this All-American weekend with: Live Music All Weekend Long ◆ Beer Gardens ◆ Food and Merchandise Vendors ◆ Classic Car Show ◆ Patriotic Pin-Up Girl Contest Hot Wing Eating Contests ◆ Dunk Tanks FMX Motorcycle Stunts ◆ Fireworks and Much More Headlining Band at 7pm: Waterloo Revival Band

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Every Mile Helps a Child in the Fight Against Child Abuse! Enjoy Breakfast & Coffee ◆ Skydiving Presentation of the Colors Free Realities Ride T-Shirt (first 500 pre-registered riders) Live Music at Every Stop ◆ Dickey’s BBQ Lunch New this year: a chance to Win $250 at Each Ride Stop! PRE-REGISTERED RIDERS RECEIVE Free Realities Ride T-Shirt ◆ 3 Entries to Win the Custom Paint Job ◆ Pre-Registered Riders’-Only Drawing for a 50” TV Priority Ride Day Check-In ◆ First Chance to Buy VIP Tickets Pick Up Your Rider Band on Saturday for Beer Garden Discounts!

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Join us back downtown as the 2-day Rally continues from 11am-6pm on Sunday ◆ Budweiser After-Ride Party Featuring Live Music 11am - 6pm ◆ Budweiser Beer Gardens ◆ VIP Areas Webb’s Colorfest Tattoo Contest ◆ Silent and Live Auctions FMX Stunt Shows ◆ Win a Custom Whizzer at the Yard Games Challenge! ◆ Food Vendors ◆ Quality Merchandise Vendors Dunk Tank ◆ Presentation of all the Ride-Day Prizes including $1,500 Best Poker Hand and Custom Paint Job! ◆ After Sunday’s After Ride, join us at the Hideout Patio Bar & Grill!

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This event benefits Realities for Children Charities, serving abused children in Northern Colorado. RFCC is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible and 100% serves abused children locally.

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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. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-ABIKE.com. NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH IS NOT PLANNING TO PROTEST 2016 BIKER RALLIES

WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS TO RACING PETITION

A few weeks ago, a purported news story made the rounds about the federal government instituting a curfew on all bikers, and now the latest trending UNTRUE story claims the “Westboro Baptist Church Announces Plans To Protest 2016 Motorcycle Rallies.” Citing a long list of major bike events, the article says a church spokesperson “confirmed that arrangements have been made for Westboro Baptist Church members to attend and protest multiple motorcycle rallies throughout 2016.” This spam is sourced from a known hoax website, but many have unknowingly forwarded and shared the “news” across the Internet. WBC has no such planned interactions with bikers, although the group’s vile protests at soldier’s funerals were themselves the catalyst for bikers to come together to shield funeral-goers from the hateful signs and chants, and forming the Patriot Guard Riders. While you obviously can’t trust everything you read on the Internet, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists has been a proven source of timely, reliable and valuable motorcycling information for more than thirty years, and NCOM encourages you to confidently share NCOM Biker Newsbytes with fellow concerned riders via print and social media.

ANTI-PROFILING MEASURE APPROVED BY MARYLAND LEGISLATURE Maryland is set to become the second state in the country behind Washington to pass a law restricting police from profiling motorcyclists. Companion bills HB 785 (passed 136-0) and SB 233 (passed 47-0) call for a statement condemning motorcycle profiling to be included in police policies and require training of officers on “motorcycle profiling,” defined in the legislation as “The arbitrary use of the fact that an individual rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle-related clothing or paraphernalia as a factor in deciding to stop, question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search the individual.” The motorcycle anti-profiling legislation passed unanimously

30 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado

through committees and both chambers of the Maryland legislature, without a single no vote and without opposition from law enforcement, and heads to Governor Larry Hogan who is expected to sign it into law. “Having the Police Training Commission add information on motorcycle profiling in their current training materials can only benefit everyone, by helping to raise awareness of any implicit bias officers may have against those who ride motorcycles or wear clothing associated with those who ride motorcycles,” stated the ACLU in written testimony in support of the measure, and drawing comparisons to racial profiling.

The White House has been flooded with nearly 170,000 signatures from racing enthusiasts and race industry stakeholders concerned over an over-reaching regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would prohibit street-legal vehicles, including motorcycles, from being modified for racing, and the Obama Administrations “We The People Team” recently responded, noting that the EPA is still considering the proposed standards and the issue is still in review. The EPA has reopened the proposed regulation for further public comment, with final approval expected this summer. While the battle over the EPA proposal continues, the U.S. Congress has introduced the bi-partisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act (HR 4715) which would ensure that street vehicles can continue to be modified for the track. Regardless of whether the EPA removes the onerous provision to prohibit racing conversions from its regulation, the RPM Act would guarantee that the longtime practice of modifying street vehicles into dedicated racetrack competitors is continued today, and protected for future generations of race fans as well.

CONGRESSIONAL BILL WOULD PROMOTE USE OF E15 GAS Despite controversy over the proliferation of E15 fuel, which is not approved for use by any motorcycle manufacturer and can invalidate warranties, Congress will consider a bill to expand existing infrastructure utilized in the “process of dispensing fuel containing covered renewable or alternative energy.” HR 4673, the “Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion, and Leadership Act” (REFUEL Act) would provide federal grant money to subsidize the installation of blender pumps and equipment necessary to expand the availability of E15 gasoline, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol. The measure directly conflicts with earlier Congressional action taken in the FARM bill to prohibit funding for ethanol blender pumps, in an effort to restrict E15 expansion in the U.S. marketplace.

May 2016

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News Bytes

APEHANGERS LEGALIZED IN GEORGIA

A bill in Georgia modifies their existing handlebar height law to allow for taller bars. House Bill 166, the “Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act,” passed the state Senate by a vote of 45-4 after clearing the House unanimously 166-0, and is headed to Governor Nathan Deal for signature. The new law increases the maximum measured height of a motorcycle’s handlebars from 15 inches above the seat to 25 inches. Discriminatory in nature, handlebar height laws were never about rider safety, and most were adopted by states in the sixties to give law enforcement a tool for pulling over bikers on choppers.

CALIFORNIA CONSIDERS TRAFFIC SCHOOL FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

Traffic violators in California have long enjoyed the option of completing an authorized “Traffic Violator School” in lieu of adjudicating certain minor vehicle code infractions, thereby avoiding “points” against their driving record and dismissing the citation. These traffic schools originated in California, where violators have a choice of approved defensive driving courses, everything from comedy to singles and even online courses, but nothing for motorcycle riders even if their ticket was on a bike. Now, Assembly Bill 1932 would “authorize a person who is ordered or permitted to complete a course of instruction at a licensed traffic violator school as a result of an offense committed while operating a motorcycle to instead complete an advanced-level motorcyclist safety training course.” The bill authorizes the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol to adopt standards for course content, contact hours, curriculum,

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instructor training and testing, and instructional quality control for the advanced-level motorcyclist safety training course.

FEDS RESUME CONTROVERSIAL ASSET SEIZURE PROGRAM Bikers have become all too familiar with the law enforcement tactic of asset seizure, with club patches and trademarks coming under fire in recent years, and now the Justice Department has just announced that it is resuming the controversial practice that allows local police departments to funnel a large portion of assets seized from citizens into their own coffers under federal law. Asset forfeiture is a contentious practice that lets police seize and keep cash and property from people who are never convicted - and in many cases, never charged - with wrongdoing. The “equitable-sharing” program gives police the option of prosecuting asset forfeiture cases under federal instead of state law. Federal forfeiture policies are more permissive than many state policies, allowing police to keep up to 80% of assets they seize. The Justice Department had suspended payments under this program back in December due to budget cuts included in last year’s spending bill, raising hopes the department was reining in the practice, but law enforcement groups recently rallied members of Congress to call on the Justice Department to restore the payments. Reports have found that the use of the practice has exploded in recent years, prompting concern that police may be motivated more by profit and less by justice. In 2014, federal authorities seized over $5 billion in assets. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “News is the first rough draft of history.” ~ Philip L. Graham (1915-63), journalist & newspaper publisher

May 2016

Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 31


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The IRS decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to the IRS office.

The auditor leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win.

The IRS auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his attorney.

But Grandpa’s own attorney moans and puts his head in his hands.

The auditor said, ‘Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, Which you explain by saying that you win money gambling.. I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.’

‘Are you okay?’ the auditor asks.

I’m a great gambler, and I can prove it,’ says Grandpa. ‘How about a demonstration?’ The auditor thinks for a moment and said, ‘Okay. Go ahead.’ Grandpa says, ‘I’ll bet you a thousand dollars that I can bite my own eye.’ The auditor thinks a moment and says, ‘It’s a bet.’ Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it. The auditor’s jaw drops. Grandpa says, ‘Now, I’ll bet you two thousand dollars that I can bite my other eye.’

‘Not really,’ says the attorney. ‘This morning, when Grandpa told me he’d been summoned for an audit, he bet me twentyfive thousand dollars that he could come in here and piss all over your desk and that you’d literally be happy about it!’ Guts-Is arriving home late, after a night out with the lads, being met by your wife with a broom, & having the “Guts” to ask: “Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?” Balls-Is coming home late after a night out with the lads, reeking of perfume w/lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the bum and having the “Balls” to say: ‘You’re next, Chubby.’ Both have same result. Sudden death.

Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn’t blind, so he takes the bet. Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye. The stunned auditor now realizes he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa’s attorney as a witness. He starts to get nervous. ‘Want to go double or nothing?’ Grandpa asks ‘I’ll bet you six thousand dollars that I can stand on one side of your desk, and pee into that wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.’ The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again. Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can’t make the stream reach the wastebasket on the other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor’s desk.

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Thunder

Cam

PHOTOGRAPHERS: CARRIE MCCAULEY AND VICKIE JO MULLIN 34 Thunder Roads Magazine速 Colorado

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