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....................................................... 7 AMA ........................................................................ 8 Wild Ride Radio..................................................... 10 Sturgis................................................................... 12 Calendar................................................................ 18 Events................................................................... 20 2017 H-D® Milwaukee Eight................................. 22 Tasty Recipes........................................................ 25 Across The Pond................................................... 26 Skin Art.................................................................. 28 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 CONTRIBUTORS Adventure Hermit (Joe Trey) joe@adventurehermit.com
ON THE COVER
Bill Maddick - Veteran’s Corner billb@thunderroadscolorado.com
Photographer: Vickie Jo Mullin Model: Karen DuHaime Motorcycle Owner: Karen DuHaime Bike Name: Hocus Pocus
Peggy Bogaard-Lapp peggy@thunderroadscolorado.com Scott O’Sullivan http://osullivan-law-firm.com Stump - Abate stump@thunderroadscolorado.com Whiskyman whiskeyman@thunderroadscolorado.com 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 ©2016 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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hunder Roads Colorado would like to thank Bill Maddick for his time here at Thunder Roads Colorado writing the Veteran’s Corner. Bill brought us a great deal of insightful information about those helping our veteran community. His stories will be greatly missed here at Thunder Roads Colorado. Bill, thanks again from all of us at Thunder Roads Colorado, we will miss you and your insight into veterans clubs, services and the people that make them work here in Colorado and help veterans. Patrick McCauley Editor-in-Chief
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Legislative Update: Autocycles and Toll Roads
Hello Motorcycle Enthusiasts, I attended the interim committee meeting of the Transportation Legislative Review Committee (TLRC) on Aug. 31st and there was a discussion about an Autocycle Bill. In previous articles I mentioned the need for such a bill to keep accurate data on accidents and fatalities. Statistics show there has been an increase in highway fatalities for both cars and motorcycles in 2015 and so far in 2016. But how many of the motorcycle fatalities involve 3-wheeled vehicles that really aren’t motorcycles, such as the Polaris Slingshot, the Tanon Invader, the Campagna T-Rex or Toyota’s Elio and I-Road? Or even the newly introduced in Denver, the Tuk-Tuk? The concern is that Legislators and unelected bureaucrats will think the only solution is a mandatory helmet law. ABATE supports safety measures when riding, but believes that helmets should be a personal choice. We think accident prevention is a lot better than “safercrashing” and fatalities can be prevented through rider education and public awareness of motorcycles. The Autocycle discussion at the TLRC, driven mostly by the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), wasn’t exactly about categorizing all these 3-wheeled vehicles but more about child safety regulations. There are no child safety regulations on motorcycles in Colorado, other than the passenger has to be able to reach the foot pegs and must wear a helmet. So you could sit your 4-year old in the passenger seat of your Slingshot, put the seatbelt down across his helmet (since seat belts aren’t really designed for small children) and be perfectly legal. But really, how safe is that? Currently, CRS 42-1-102 (7.5) says: “Autocycle” means a threewheeled motor vehicle in which the driver and each passenger rides in an enclosed seating area that is equipped with: Safety belts for all occupants that comply with section 424-237; Airbag protection; and A hardtop enclosure that protects occupants from the elements and that supports the vehicle’s weight without harming the occupants when the vehicle is resting on the enclosure. The State Patrol’s thoughts are that if the definition of Autocycles is changed or a new category established such as “alternative vehicles”, then child regulations could be written for these 3-wheeled vehicles and child passengers 6 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
would be much safer. Below is the actual verbiage from the TLRC August 31st Meeting summary: Representative Tyler requested Dave Hall, Colorado State Patrol, to come to the table to discuss a bill related to safety regulations for three-wheeled vehicles. Sgt. Hall discussed prior legislation related to autocycles, how autocycle design has changed, and child safety concerns related to a lack of hard-top enclosure in these new designs. He stated that the bill would be a temporary fix until federal regulations are put in place. Sgt. Hall discussed two places in statutes that could be amended to create this fix, and reminded the committee that it will have to have a future discussion about vehicles that do not fit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Representative Tyler recommended that a sunset date or a repeal date when the NHTSA standard was set be included in the bill. Dennis Haberstumpf, ABATE of Colorado, came to the table to describe autocycles to the committee. Final vote - YES: 14 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS A draft bill is being written and at the next meeting of the TLRC (October 5th) discussion and approval of interim bills will be take place. Also of importance to Colorado motorcyclists: “This fall, CDOT will begin implementing new procedures for motorcycles on the Colorado Express Lanes. Currently, motorcycles need an ExpressToll account and a Motorcycle Sticker Tag in order to drive for free on the US 36 and I-25 Express Lanes. Later this fall, motorcycles will no longer need an ExpressToll account or sticker tag in order to drive these Express Lanes for free. These changes will not affect the I-70 Mountain Express Lane, Northwest Parkway, or E-470, as these locations do not offer free travel for motorcycles. Motorcycles can continue to drive all Colorado tolling facilities without a Motorcycle Sticker Tag, but as always, drivers with an ExpressToll account will receive the lowest toll rate.” ABATE fought this regulation during the 2016 General Assembly session. Advocacy and persistence does pay off! As for the questionnaires I sent via Survey Monkey to the candidates for the CO General Assembly elections, the results are printed in ABATE’s October newsletter, the Spokesman, which can be viewed at www.abateofcolo.org. It will give you an idea of how “biker-friendly” the candidates are and help you when election time comes this year. Hope all of you are registered to vote and participate in the elections. Stump ABATE of Colorado – Legislative Affairs Officer
October 2016
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“You’re Covered…” Or Are You? If not, call your insurance agent and say, “Do I have Underinsured Motorist Coverage?” If he or she says, “No,” tell them you need it. If they say, “Oh, your health insurance will cover those expenses. You don’t need UIM,” ignore their advice and demand UIM.
By Scott O’Sullivan The O’Sullivan Law Firm
This is a story that I have to share, even though it’s a sad one. We recently were contacted by a man who was a victim in a bad motorcycle accident. This man had been told by his insurance company that he was covered for any accident. And, to an extent, that was true.
Here’s why: health insurance doesn’t cover everything that UIM covers. Underinsured Motorist Insurance covers: Lost wages
However, he only had $25,000 in coverage.
Future medical expenses
Now, $25,000 might seem like a lot of money on an average day, right? If any of us suddenly got a $25,000 check in the mail we’d feel rich! But it didn’t come close to covering this man’s medical bills.
Any damage arising from the accident (with the exception of property damage)
To make matters worse, the person who hit this victim only had $25,000 in coverage also. So, the maximum he could get was $50,000. Again, that’s a lot of money but it is nothing when you’re facing medical bills, lost work, physical therapy, a totaled car… truly, this man’s financial needs will exceed $200,000 and there is absolutely nothing we can do to get him any more than $50,000.
Here’s another recent case with a happy ending. It illustrates the value of UIM perfectly.
When we told the man this bad news, he kept saying, “But I’m covered! I’m covered!” He thought that simply having insurance meant that he was protected from financial ruin. He has learned the hard way what I want you to learn the easy way: Get as much insurance as you can afford! Also, protect yourself with another layer of insurance by buying UIM or Underinsured Motorist Coverage. UIM covers you against other drivers who aren’t covered or who have low coverage. Do me a favor. Get your insurance card out right now and look at it. Does it have a “U” or “UIM” on it?
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All economic and noneconomic loss, which includes pain and suffering
This man was riding his motorcycle south on Santa Fe Boulevard when a car hit him by making a lefthand turn across his lane. The driver of the other car only had $25,000 of coverage but our client had $250,000 in UIM. He should not face financial ruin due to someone else’s negligence. Do you really want to trust other drivers to carry enough insurance to cover your medical bills if they hit you? Health insurance and UIM insurance are completely different. To learn more about this topic, download my free book: https://osullivan-law-firm.com/areasof-practice/motorcycle-accident/motorcycle-law-alittle-book-about-the-big-things-you-should-know/ If you have any questions about this article, don’t hesitate to call me: 303-388-5304 or https://osullivanlaw-firm.com/
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American Motorcyclist Association encourages riders to Vote like a Motorcyclist Campaign, website help riders learn candidate positions on motorcycling issues technology and many others. The AMA Vote Like A Motorcyclist website (www.cqrcengage. com/amacycle/VLAM) also provides a report on how incumbent candidates have voted on issues important to motorcyclists and whether they have cosponsored bills favorable or unfavorable to motorcycling interests. In addition, the AMA has provided a map that links visitors to each state’s page, where they can find the candidates who will appear on their ballot. “With so many seats in Congress up for a vote, as well as the White House, this election will set the political tone for years to come,” Allard said. “It is important for riders to identify motorcycle-friendly candidates and factor motorcycling issues into their decision on Election Day.” For more information about the AMA Vote Like A Motorcyclist campaign, visitwww.cqrcengage.com/amacycle/VLAM. To learn about the mission and programs of the American Motorcyclist Association, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association is reaching out to riders across the country to encourage them to become informed about motorcycling issues, ask their candidates where they stand and then Vote Like A Motorcyclist on Election Day, Nov. 8. “Since 2010, we have made this online tool available, so motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle owners can educate themselves and help them decide which candidates to support,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “Everyone who is eligible should register to vote, support candidates who reflect their views, get involved with campaigns and cast a ballot on Election Day.” This year, voters will determine who will reside in the White House for the next four years, who will occupy 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, who will win 34 spots in the U.S. Senate and who will occupy the governor’s mansion in 12 states. Important motorcycling issues these politicians are likely to address during their terms in office include increasing amounts of ethanol in our fuel supply, motorized access to public land, distracted driving, lane splitting, federal exhaust regulations for competition-only bikes, vehicle-to-vehicle communication 8 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
Dick Burleson honored as 2016 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Ceremony on Oct. 13 in Orlando to induct eight Hall of Famers PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Each year at the ceremony inducting a new class into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, an existing Hall of Famer is honored as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. For 2016, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend is Dick “King Richard” Burleson, the most successful racer in the history of the AMA National Enduro Championship.
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“One man has achieved more than any other in America’s grandest and oldest off-road racing discipline: Dick Burleson,” said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “We are pleased to recognize Mr. Burleson as our 2016 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend and showcase the drive, athleticism, talent and focus that powered him to eight consecutive AMA National Enduro Championships.” Burleson, who was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1999, will be honored Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando alongside the Class of 2016.
RACING FEATURE: Hillclimbs
“First of all, I would like to congratulate all the members of the Class of 2016 for being elected to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” Burleson said. “As for me, I’m humbled to be selected as the 2016 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. It’s a great honor to be recognized among other legends of motorcycling. Hillclimbs are essentially one-person drag races up the face of I can’t wait for the ceremony in Orlando. It’s going to be an a challenging hill, with each rider allowed at least two attempts amazing time.” to conquer the hill. The winner is the rider who climbs the hill For 2016, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction the quickest or, if no one reaches the top, makes it the farthest. Ceremony includes a formal sit-down dinner. Tickets are $130 Some hills are speed hills, where most riders make it to the per person. AMA Life Members pay $120. AMA Motorcycle Hall top and speed determines the winner. Other hills are technical, of Famers can attend for no charge. Reservations can be made where few riders reach the summit and the length a rider makes here:www.americanmotorcyclist.com/induction. it up the hill determines where he or she places. From 1974 to 1981, Dick Burleson won eight consecutive AMA National Enduro Championships, a record so extraordinary that it may never be broken. In addition to his incredible domestic record, Burleson also won eight consecutive gold medals in the International Six Days Trials (now called the International Six Days Enduro).
The best amateur riders in the country compete every year in the AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship. This year, the AMA Hill Climb Grand Championship was held July 30-31, in Neoga, IL. As with most AMA amateur national championships, and in recognition of the range of participants in amateur competition, the event includes multiple classes to provide ample opportunity While Burleson’s first sport was motocross, earning AMA for amateur racers to compete. Both age-, displacement- and recognition as the national motocross champion in 1970 before bike-configuration classes are featured. the creation of the national series, he is one of the all-time greats 2016 AMA Hill Climb Grand Championship, Neoga IL July 30among American off-road racers. 31, 2016 The Class of 2016 includes road racing champion Miguel Photos by Jen Muecke for the American Motorcyclist Duhamel, Indian motorcycle designer and engineer Charles Association, reprinted with permission. Franklin, racer and tuner Chris Haines, engine builder Dennis Mahan, race frame builder Jeff Cole, desert racer Jack Johnson, motorcycling pioneer Gloria Struck and dirt track racer Ronnie Jones. They will be honored along with Burleson, now an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Legends are Hall of Famers whose accomplishments transcend their categories in impactful ways. In addition to Burleson, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends include Mark Blackwell, “Willie G.” Davidson, Roger DeCoster, Torsten Hallman, Bob Hannah, Mert Lawwill, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts and Malcolm Smith. For the third year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo, an event that brings together consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the world press in one location for global product launches, demo rides, motorcycling seminars and more. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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like packing for a trip. You are probably needing underwear, socks and pants but end up packing toilet paper, light bulbs, an extra tire, and three kinds of salsa, all the while forgetting the pants. A good way to avoid this fiasco is to start making a list of what you NEED a couple of weeks before the trip. Go through everything you may want and need to take, and write it all down. As the days pass, and the more you think on what will be necessary, you can begin paring down and before you know it you will have a solid and comprehensive list of what will be NEEDED and not UNNECESSARY on the trip.
Line it out
By Dallas Hageman, Wild Ride Radio Host www.WildRideRadio.com
Pack Like You Mean It
Motorcycles are great. We know this. In fact, the only thing I would personally change on any of them is their storage space. It is a battle I have dealt with for years and years and this article has come from pain… lots and lots of pain; mostly in the butt. Now, hopefully my pain can be your gain. The techniques of packing seem to have baffled and confused many heavy laden bikers for decades. If you carry a lot of stuff and think you may need to pare it down (considering the kitchen sink hanging off your loaded down scoot) this article just might be your saving grace. I have traveled coast to coast numerous times and have always found one thing to be an annoying constant... I pack too much. WAY too much.
Focus First
Before a long road trip I am, shall we say “amped up”. I am excited for what is planned, what I will see and where I will go, and I do not wanting to miss a thing. This, as you might imagine, is a bad time to start planning what you are going to take. It is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You go into the store only needing bread and milk and leave with cookies, donuts, chips, eggs, more chips, Cheetos, gummy bears, chili, and three kinds of salsa… all the while forgetting the milk. Your mind is not focused on the important stuff; it is looking for the fun and entertaining part of the venture, much 10 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
If you are going on a multi night road trip and plan on carting your things to and from your campsite or hotel room, make it easy on yourself and purchase some duffel bags that fit nicely in your saddlebags. Some companies offer custom fit bags that line your saddlebags perfectly but you can spend far less at a sporting goods store and pack your things inside the bag. This makes a road trip much more enjoyable when you do not constantly have to bundle up your stained undies and waltz through the lobby of a different hotel every night. Everyone will thank you, believe me.
Double it up
Believe it or not, going on a four week road trip is almost exactly like going on a one week road trip, clothing wise. After packing a certain amount of shirts, pants and socks, you can always reuse that same clothing. Pants and shirts can be worn a couple of days at least and underwear can be reworn, if you are desperate enough, about four different times (fold it inside out, backwards, forwards... you get the idea) (Editor’s note: Are there any ladies out there actually ready to reuse underwear for more than one day?!). One thing to definitely remember to pack is laundry detergent. Stores do offer single use liquid packets that work relatively well but I like the dry detergent and just throw it in a clear baggie. It saves a bunch of money and allows you to clean and use minimal clothing without smelling like a caveman that fell into a big pile of dinosaur vomit.
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Folding is NOT your friend When packing clothes you can lose valuable space if you
crumple them up into a ball and throw them in your bag and even more so if you fold your clothes! I have never been great (or even relatively good) at science so I guess that is why I still cannot understand WHY folding is worse than rolling and takes up more space, but it does, and I will leave the science nerds to figure out why it is that way. Nevertheless, here is an example of how to pack pants. When packing pants fold them over once so they go from two pant legs to one. Start at the waist and tightly roll them all the way to the bottom, kind of like a burrito. The military uses this technique to conserve space and keep clothes relatively wrinkle free. You can use this same method on pretty much every article of clothing you own and it will save you valuable space in your saddlebags.
Dumb Stuff
Sometimes the best road trips can be paused, or even halted if you forget to pack the inane and seemingly dumb stuff. You know, the things that would generally fly under the radar UNTIL you need them, then their worth becomes priceless because they are hard to find, and so important. Today’s bikes are not your grandpa’s bikes. They actually have more technology than the NASA space shuttle that landed on the moon (really, look it up)! I have always found that while technology is nice... it is also the bane of human existence when it decides not to work. Every time I start to worry about computers taking over the world, my Microsoft computer crashes from its 32.000 updates a week and I breathe a sigh of relief. Bikes are no different. They have computers in them that get cranky if all systems are not go and can leave you stranded. A great example of this is your key fob. It is an innocuous little thing that sits in your pocket and does relatively nothing right? Not really, if you lose it or the battery runs out, you are stranded. Yeah I know, the factory has a master override setup that is supposed to help you out of a jam. The problem with that is, the only person I have seen who was able to actually COMPLETE the steps without some serious hair pulling was the engineer who designed it and made the how to video for it. So, if you want to stay free from these types of hassles bring an extra key fob. Stick it in your luggage so if you lose the one on your person, you have a backup. It is also a good idea to take an extra battery for your key FOB... you never know when the one in your keys will give out. They are cheap, and take up no room whatsoever. Get one and pack it, you will thank me later. While we are on the topic of technology I would like to mention that good old-fashioned maps are a great addition to any saddlebag. A phone can run out of power or lose service, a GPS can get dropped or unplugged and when you need to know where to go, the tried and true method is to use maps. I mean, Lewis and friggin’ Clark sacrificed a ton to get some lines on a paper, the least you could do is glance at it from time to time. Find some good quality, water resistant maps of the U.S. and stick them where they’ll be easy to grab in a pinch. It is much more dignifying looking at a map on the side of the road rather than going into a convenience store like a helpless idiot. Find some good maps, and pack them. Another item that may slip under the radar but is worth www.thunderroadscolorado.com
it’s weight in gold is the bungee cord. Bungee cords take up little room and can hold an enormous amount of gear if done right. At one point (before I really knew how and what to pack) I looked like the Beverly Hillbillies travelling to Sturgis, using just three bungee cords to hold the equivalent of four saddlebags on the back of my bike. They work, are cheap, and exist to help you…. use them.
Much more than a tool kit
Tool kits are great; take one, seriously... you can purchase a tool kit for your specific bike or put one together yourself. Granted, you can get carried away with it and try to pack an entire tool box in your bags which is unadvisable, but going with some bare essentials never hurt anyone. Pack items like allen wrenches, screwdrivers- Philips and flat head, a crescent wrench, pliers, knife, wire cutters, a couple of pertinent standard wrenches for your specific bike model, electrical tape, duct tape, zip ties, fuses, an extra spark plug, tire pump or CO2 tire inflator, four foot hose (to siphon gas), etc. Like I said, you can go crazy with things to pack here, but some bare essentials just might help you stay on the road longer. The most important thing to pack in your tool kit however is a cell phone. It is the single greatest tool in any “on the road” tool kit. Period. Remember to pack battery pack/ charger for your cell phone as well. Keep a way to juice up your phone if you find the need to call the wrecker.
Safety feels good
One item I have found that many Riders need, but few pack or even think about until it is too late is a first aid kit. Now you do not have to be an ambulance on two wheels but packing some health items just may make your trip more enjoyable. You can purchase a preassembled first aid kit for a fairly reasonable price or make your own. If you do go the “build a bear” route there are a few necessary items you will definitely want with you at all times. Band aids- all different shapes and sizes but preferably the ones that are made of that mesh type material. You know, the ones that once placed on your skin can only be removed by blowtorch or a hot shower... those band aids work the best in all-weather conditions that riders face on a daily basis. Pack some sterile cotton pads and medical tape to help stop a bigger cut than a band aide could. Iodine and alcohol (no, not Jack Daniels) are a necessity to hinder any infections and should be plentiful in your pack at all times. Bug sting ointment, sun burn cream, sunblock, burn and bug spray should all be in your medical pack somewhere as well. Dollars to doughnuts you or one of your friends will get stung or burned at least once on a long road trip, so be prepared. Ibuprofen for swelling and headaches is also a good and cheap addition that can really make the difference on the road.
Moral of the story
I am certain you can think of a thousand other things to pack and your list is probably a little different than mine... that is to be expected. Every rider has different needs and priorities but if you plan in advance and consider what you NEED verses what you WANT to take, you will have less clutter and weight which will make any road trip easier and more enjoyable and really, that what It is all about!
October 2016
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 11
A GOOD RALLY IS IN THE PLANNING
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turgis... the very name of this small high plains community summons visions of motorcycling at its best. But what you should know before you go is that the rally experience can be motorcycling at its worst. For example, a few years ago after Colorado had already passed laws concerning medical marijuana, a friend and I were making our annual pilgrimage to the rally. We were roughly twenty miles Sturgis on the interstate when a South Dakota highway patrolman put on his lights and pulled us over, which we did unaware of any violations we could have incurred. “Good day, gentlemen... can I see your licenses, registration and insurance.” We complied. He returned to his cruiser and after a few moments on the radio, brought back our documents. “Thank you for your compliance and have a nice day,” he said handing them back. “By the way, South Dakota does not recognize medical marijuana.” Damn, guilt by Colorado. Things that you and I take for granted at home are still outlawed in other western states. And while I myself don’t smoke, eat or otherwise imbibe, those that do need to be mindful that you could still end up in the pokey for ‘smoking mother nature’ as the old song lyrics go. But that isn’t what this is about specifically. There are a whole lot of different things you need to prepare for each year at this time whether this is your first timer or your fifty-first time. So listed below are some of the top things that should be at the fore front of your mind as you prepare for a rally whether in Sturgis or elsewhere. WEATHER: Colorado, weathermen aren’t perfect, but in the northern and central-tier states, particularly the plains states of Eastern Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Western Minnesota there are vast stretches of rural, thinly populated areas with no shelter should a severe thunderstorm move in quickly, which can happen at any moment it seems like. Even 12 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
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NOAA automated weather service can seem to shrug its shoulders at how fast storms develop and sweep west to east. I am talking lots of ground strike lightening and tornado activity, heavy rains and flash flooding. You need to know where you are, where you are going and what your emergency options are. Be conscious of what is going on around you and remain safe. Carry foul weather gear including a helmet even if you do not plan to wear it. LOCATION: Know where you are at all times. This may sound like a no brainer, but there may be many ways home where you ride daily or on weekends. Not so in South Dakota and other states where 20 below winters can destroy a spring chip and seal on an asphalt highway by December first. You have two choices on these roads. Go all the way to the next town, which can be 45 minutes to an hour or more away or, be prepared to turn around and go back the way you came, possibly inclement weather. Either way, what you do when you are out riding requires you to commit and to have a plan B. LOCOMOTION: No gas, no go... that has been true since time immemorial. And while there is plenty of gas in South Dakota and around the rally. It can be a long way to it if you have to walk there on the back roads because you thought half a tank would get you there. And if you are crossing Wyoming or Nebraska to hit a traffic artery, the same is equally true. Plan your stops, know how far you can go with the load you are carrying... plan for tailwinds but expect headwinds. It is always a good idea to top off your tank anytime you stop and there is a gas station. Better safe than sorry.
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COLORADO RIDERS AND THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE CLASSIC Creek Pass or Rocky Mountain National Park, it does have its share of interesting riding, winding S-curves, nine and ten percent grades, vistas and views which you get to share with several hundred thousand other enthusiasts. If the thought of traffic is a drag, remember early starters really do get the best of open roads and less stop and start. Parking in downtown Sturgis and some outlying communities like Wall can be time consuming. But Sturgis does have public transportation from the campgrounds in and around the city for a fee to eliminate some of the frustration. If you are drinking, the public transportation is a great option. What keeps a rider from Colorado going back to the same rally year after year knowing that weather can be unpredictable, crowds and traffic can be urban and riding... at least compared to Colorado’s high passes and endless vistas can be tame. First of all, it’s the racing. Whether you are looking at the oldest sanctioned hill climb, some of the last organized sanctioned flat track or the drags, motorcycle racing is what served as the beginning of the Sturgis Motorcycle Classic. There are events all over the city during the week, and the available literature from the rally organization, provided free at every vending location in the Black Hills region, will not only give you a schedule of racing, but every organized and commemorative ride, vendor locations, where to eat and show times for entertainment. Secondly, it is the west’s largest Harley-fest. You want to try out a new model before you buy, manufacturers want to give you that chance -- at no charge, and no sales pressure. Harley has set up their demo tent at the Sturgis Recreation Center for the past two years, while Victory and Indian has their test ride location just off of I-90. These aren’t ‘take it around the block’ test rides either. The manufacturers have set up these locations for demonstrations that can take riders ten miles or more on both back roads and interstate driving. In addition to the factories, you get to see the latest offerings from private builders, bling from every aftermarket business in existence whether its chrome or black, and accessories from both national companies and sole proprietors, all crammed into one location. Thirdly, experienced riders know that each destination creates its own riding challenges. And while the Black Hills may not be the Million Dollar Highway, Wolf 14 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
And finally, friends... anyone who has attended more than one rally and camped has spent an evening as the companion of a neighbor over a drink or dinner, has shared rally or riding stories then closed the evening with ‘see you next year.’ Speaking personally, this was my eighth rally, and some of those people have become first name friends and even cigar providers. I’ve even gotten to know some of the entertainers who return every year. With Laconia or Daytona being several days trailering your bike to the East, and with Laughlin being a hard day’s ride to the West, Sturgis Motorcycle Classic is a day ride up, has all the best vending and riding for an away trip and with a little planning can be a very affordable and doable destination for every rider’s summer.
MUST RIDES AT STURGIS
Mt. Rushmore National Monument -- Conceived and planned in 1927 as a cultural memorial to previous American Presidents, Sculptor Gutzon Borglum worked on the memorial until 1939, when his son Lincoln succeeded him as chief sculptor. Completed and dedicated in 1941, the park host three million visitors a year, many from the rally. Roads to the park are excellent and it can be approached from US 16 south from Rapid City or US 385 south from Deadwood and Lead.
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Crazy Horse Monument and Visitor Center -- At the invitation of Chief Henry Standing Bear, Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski returned to the Black Hills after assisting work on Mt. Rushmore in 1947 and is still in the process of completion. The memorial is privately funded and is on Indian lands. The purpose of the memorial is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American native peoples, and features a cultural center, museum and gift shop. The memorial is easily accessed from US 385. Badlands National Park -- Extreme temperatures, lack of water and the rough terrain led the indigenous peoples to give this region its name. Established in 1939 as a National Monument, the park is visited by one million people a year and is approximately 100 miles east of Sturgis. Plan your ride accordingly.
and rolling terrain. Home to a herd of free ranging bison, it is easy to become surrounded on your bike the way I did. Serenity is the key to such encounters and the herd passed in peace. Not so the begging donkeys that will push their head through open windows of stopped cars looking for handouts on the backroads.
Devil’s Tower National Monument -- The tower, a 1,267 foot geological formation rising from the floor of the plateau below, is sacred to six major indigenous tribes in the region. There is an organized day for riding to the tower from the rally including stops for refreshments and souvenir hunting along the way. The Monument is located approximately 85 miles west of Sturgis and can be accessed from the Interstate or via SD 24 from Belle Fourche, SD. A couple of rides you must take while at the rally are Vanocker Canyon, the closest ‘long’ ride into Sturgis. The ride is a combination of gently rolling hills, tight S-curves and steep grades of nine and ten percent that take the rider out to the community of Nemo and ends on the south side of Rapid City. The mileage is approximately 35 miles and with the return on the Interstate allow two and a half to three hours unless you stop at Wonderland Cave. Also, Spearfish Canyon is another favorite ride, though access takes a little time through the National Forest or via the Interstate. Leave early, and enjoy the silence of the canyon and stops at Bridal Veil Falls and Savoy. Custer State Park -- Be prepared to do a few close encounters with wildlife in Custer State Park. Wildlife abounds in this park which covers both mountainous
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OCTOBER 2016
2016 BCA Ride Info October 1, 2016 10 S. Parkside Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80910 8:00 AM Proceeds will be donated to the Southern Colorado Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Show up in your pinkest attire. There is a $15.00 donation per person (includes a pin for the first 200 people). All Bikes Welcome! Everyone is welcome! Your support will help families in Southern Colorado battling breast cancer. The after-ride party starts at approximately 1:30 PM Betty – spiritclimb50@gmail.com Dody – DodyDayMSR@msn.com 14th Annual Fall Festival & Corn Maze October, 1 2016 – October, 30 2016 Harvest Farm, Denver Rescue Mission 4240 E. County Road 66, Wellington, CO 80549 Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $10 - $15 Get lost in the family fun! Visit Harvest Farm’s annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze. The event features a 10-acre corn maze, pig races, hay wagon rides, corn cannons, petting zoo, natural play area, hay bale maze and more! Harvest Farm, an outreach of the Denver Rescue Mission, is a 209acre working farm and long-term rehabilitation center in Wellington, Colorado. Accommodating up to 72 men, the Farm helps those recovering from chronic homelessness and addiction attain self-sufficiency. 20 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
https://www.harvestfarm.net/fallfestival 29th Annual High Country Toy Run October 2, 2016 11:00 AM Walmart 4425 Venetucci Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80910 The biggest & best toy run making Christmas better for local kids. - Admission: 1 new toy per person - Free USMC ride pin for every participant - POLICE ESCORTED ride courtesy City of Fountain Police & Fire - Huge raffle and auction at the post run party at Anchors Country Bar - GREAT food, COLD beer and more FUN than you can shake a stick at! Would YOU or YOUR COMPANY like to help make Christmas better for THOUSANDS of Kids in need this year? It’s easy! - Just give up $500.00 in cash OR merchandise and you are in! 100% of all Cash is used to buy Toys and ALL merchandise is auctioned off to the same end. This is our 29th year and we challenge YOU to get on board! info@pro-promotions.com www.pro-promotions.com/proevents/hctr Punkin Chunkin Colorado October 8, 2016 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 9, 2016, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Concert Saturday, Oct. 8 doors at 6 p.m. show at 7 p.m. Arapahoe Park racetrack - 26000 E Quincy Ave. Aurora, CO 80016 Festival Entry Tickets sold at the gate (no presales). Ages 13 & older: $5 per day and children 12 & younger: FREE October 2016
The 2016 event will mark the 19th year for this wild weekend that engages the energy and ingenuity of youth and adults. In addition to the competition, the event offers an exciting fall festival: Family activities • pumpkin patch • live music • food vendors • beer garden New This Year: Evening Concert with the Josh Abbott Band, a nationally touring Texas-country band will make it’s only Colorado appearance at Punkin Chunkin along with Buckstein at the concert Saturday night! Tickets on sale now. Car Show: Enjoy our car show in partnership with the Central Colorado Corvette Club: Oct. 8, Open Car Show (all classes) Oct. 9, Corvette Fall Blast Car Show https://www.auroragov.org/cms/ one.aspx?pageId=2037813 CVMA 3-2 GHOULFEST October 8, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Registration is at Pikes Peak Harley Davidson, Colorado Springs, CO CVMA 3-2 Poker Ride for everyone motorcycles, cars, trucks, vans, bicycles literally everyone is invited!!! St. Dominic’s, Oktoberfest October 15, 2016 St. Dominic Parish 2905 Federal Blvd Denver, CO 80211 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Free Admission. Beer and food tickets available for purchase at the event TICKETS. 1,200+ neighbors and friends www.thunderroadscolorado.com
6 micro-local breweries 2 Highlands food vendors 4 Denver-based bands 1 amazing Kids Zone 50+ Silent Auction items Breweries Community Events Festivals http://stdominicdenver.org/ oktoberfest/. 303-455-3613 FALL FESTIVAL AT MESA MALL October 15, 2016 Mesa Mall 2424 Hwy 6 & 50 Grand Junction, CO 81505 Admission: Free, Hours: 11 am - 2 pm Join us for the 2nd Annual Fall Festival and enjoy a variety of family fun activities, including a free pumpkin patch sponsored by Taylor Farmers Market, an outdoor beer garden provided by Horizon Sunrise Rotary, live music by The Band W, and food trucks! http://shopmesamall.com/eventsnews/event/fall-festival Phone: 970-242-0009 ZOMBIE ZONE at Denver Pavilions Saturday, October 22, 2016 12:00 – 5:00 PM 16th St Mall & Glenarm St, Denver, Colorado Denver Pavilions hosts it’s free annual Halloween family event Zombie Zone featuring the Drop Dead Zombie Fashion Show, and more to be announced! 4th Annual Zombie Poker Run Saturday, October 22, 2016 Mile High Harley-Davidson 16565 E. 33rd Drive Aurora, CO 80011 Join Mile High Harley-Davidson for the 4th Annual Zombie Run! Phone: 303-647-9086 Website: www.milehigh-harley.com/ events/
8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128 Cost: $35 Starting: 9:00 AM The Great Pumpkin Haul involves picking out a pumpkin from the patch at the Chatfield Botanic Gardens and “hauling” it through a 2 mile cross country course with fun obstacles to get over, under and through. Start the day in our free Pumpkin Bootcamp by Orange Theory Fitness or join the Pumpkin Yoga class late morning to warm up with exercises and stretches using your pumpkin. After the Haul hang out at our fall festival for seasonal craft brews, hot apple cider, food trucks, hay rides and more! http://thegreatpumpkinhaul.com/ Dia De Los Muertos October 21 2016 - October 23 2016 Riverwalk Center 150 W Adams Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424 October 21, 6-8 pm October 22, 10am-4pm October 23, 10am-2pm An exhibition and celebration of Day of the Dead featuring hands-on workshops, skull face painting, art installations and altars made by local participants in the Breckenridge Arts District. All activities are free and open to the public. http://www.breckcreate.org/ddlm/
sand art, among other attractions for the whole family to enjoy. http://www.maizeinthecity.com/ E-mail: Info@MaizeintheCity.com Phone: 720-408-0006 CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH AT MOON FARM October 01, 2016 - October 31, 2016 Moon Farm 1360 18 1/2 Road Fruita, CO 81521 Admission: $7 (4 & Under-Free), 10 AM - 7 PM Every day in October Enjoy the Moon Farm this October 7 days a week from 10 AM - 7 PM. $7 per person admission fee includes all the farm has to offer including: Themed Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch (Pumpkins sold separately) Hay Rides Haunted Castle Creepy Clown House Petting Zoo Cultural/Historical Play Houses Phone: 970-858-7176
The Great Pumpkin Haul October 22 2016
Maize in the City September 24 2016 - October 31 2016 10270 Riverdale Road, Thornton, CO 80229 Cost: $1 - $12 Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM 6:00 PM On Saturday, September 24, Maize in the City opens for the 2016 season. The site includes the Crazed Corn Maze, a mini maze, a pumpkin field, pony rides, petting zoo, jumping castles, air slides and
2016 Chili Cook-Off and Toy Drive Sunday, November 13 at 11 AM - 3 PM Key Largo Lounge 3621 W 10th St, Greeley, Colorado 80634 This is the second year for the Chili Cook-Off and Toy Drive. We will combine the toys and money collected to fill boxes of toys for all 6 Northern Colorado Hospitals and for Dare to Care which helps families in Northern Colorado that need a helping hand during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Come watch Denver play, eat chili and gather toys for our local kids! $20 entry for your chili, winner gets 1/2 of entry fees, other 1/2 goes to fill the toy boxes! Email: ccep9401@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ events/298917343821951/ http:// www.claytonconsulting.org/chilicook-off-and-toy-drive
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2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MILWAUKEE EIGHT
A
‘game changer’ is what came to mind after a test ride of the new 2017 Street Glide from Harley-Davidson of Folsom. I was eager to see for myself what the first new motor in 15 years - the Milwaukee Eight was like with this all new engine and drive train. So when Matt Guidera from Folsom Harley-Davidson hooked me up with this bike to demo I jumped at the opportunity to share it with all of you.
Right away, you will notice the different appearance of the 107ci engine with oil cooled cylinders and four valve per cylinder head not only giving the engine a stylish look but it greatly increases the intake and exhaust flow capacity. Another thing I noticed upon start up was the mechanical sound and idle vibration that
I was accustom to hearing with the Twin Cam was gone with only a pleasant exhaust tone that was still all HarleyDavidson left, I suspect that the counterbalanced flywheel has something to do with that and is a big improvement. Come to find out the whole thing has been changed with nothing the same as its Twin Cam predecessor. Once I kicked it into 1st gear that big clunking sound was gone and it was just a smooth shift; as the ride went on the same smooth quiet feel through all the gears remained even when downshifting - it was noticeably smoother. The moment that I really knew that things had changed with this engine is when I hit 2nd gear and twisted the throttle on this 107ci beast. The acceleration was instant as I felt like the bike just wanted to leap forward and get up to speed quickly - thanks to that sizable increase in torque and horsepower. Make sure you are hang-
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ing on because this is defiantly not like any other stock Harley-Davidson you have ever ridden. I was able to take the bike through regular city streets where it maneuvered through traffic with ease then out onto a 2 lane highway where I could get a feel as it handled twisties like a champ - this is where the all new suspension really shined. HarleyDavidson has changed the rear shock system to be adjustable with no more worries about the air suspension losing air over time. Once they are set for your preference, it will stay that way until you decide to change it. Up front they have replaced the fork cartridges with a much higher performance set up and it feels rock solid in the turns even for this big bike. Next it was out onto the freeway to see how she felt at a higher speed. I would say that this motorcycle is a runner as it easily got up to speed as I merged onto the freeway and effortlessly rolled up to 85mph before I could back off
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the throttle and cruise. The entire bike just feels and sounds rock solid. If you get an opportunity to demo one of these bikes, I would highly recommend that you do so, I am confident that you will be just as impressed as I was! Make sure to bring your wallet too because you are going to want one. Article and photos by Stan and Terri Hil Thunder Roads MagazineÂŽ Northern California
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TNT
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Tasty Recipes All of these recipes have been kitchen tested and biker approved.
Baked Penne with Sausage and Garlic AKA Dracula’s Revenge
Set garlic aside. Increase oven temperature to 400°. Remove casings from sausage. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Place sausage in a large bowl; stir in sage and rosemary.
You might think that a whole head of garlic is a lot for four servings, but the garlic is roasted before you add it to the dish, so the taste is much milder. You can replace the low-fat milk for whole milk so that the dish is creamier, and I prefer Gruyère cheese over Swiss cheese. 1 whole garlic heads 1/2 lb Italian sausage 1/2 tsp chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage 1/2 tsp chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Add the flour to melted butter, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add the milk; cook until slightly thick, stirring constantly with a whisk (about 10 minutes). Stir in roasted garlic, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Remove mixture from heat. Add 5 1/2 cups cheese sauce and cooked pasta to sausage, stirring to coat. Spoon pasta mixture in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with remaining sauce. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Servings: 4
1 Tbs butter or stick margarine
Liquefied Ghost Cocktail
2 2/3 Tbs all-purpose flour 3 cup low-fat milk 1/2 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese 1/2 tsp red pepper
Be careful, this white cocktail goes down like a milkshake and has a kick. You can serve this up or in a glass over ice, make a whole pitcher and add some dry ice for a misty effect.
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 oz vanilla vodka
4 cup hot cooked penne or rigatoni
1 oz syrup
Cooking spray
1 oz cream
Preheat oven to 350°.
2 oz soda
Remove white papery skin from garlic head (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap the head in foil. Bake at 350° for 1 hour; cool 10 minutes. Separate cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp. Discard skins.
Mix simple syrup, cream, vanilla vodka and soda together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold and serve in a martini glass or in a glass over ice.
1/4 tsp salt
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Servings: 1
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FROM ACROSS THE POND
1959 A10 Rocket 650 twin. This was BSA in her prime.
“THE HISTORY OF MATCHLESS MOTORCYCLES” family-run business behind. In 1930, Charlie designed a narrowangle (26-degrees) 400cc V-twin, the Matchless Silver Arrow. They expanded this into a 600cc V-4 in 1931.
MATCHLESS BUYS AJS
The quintessential Matchless: 1948 G80 500cc single.
BY ANDY TALLONE Classic-British-Motorcycles.com
STARTED WITH BICYCLES
Established by Henry Herbert Collier as ‘Collier & Sons’, with sons Charlie and Henry, Matchless Motorcycles started out making bicycles, as did so many makers of classic British motorcycles. They built their first prototype motorcycle in 1899 and had it in production by 1901. In 1905 they produced a JAP V-twin powered bike with one of the earliest versions of rear swing arm suspension in motorcycle history.
THE EARLY YEARS
Also in 1931, Matchless bought AJS Motorcycles from the Stevens brothers, then in the late 1930s bought Sunbeam Motorcycles also, which it would later sell to BSA in 1943. From this point on, all Matchless and AJS Motorcycles would be mechanically nearly identical, with slightly different styling. The only major mechanical difference between the two was that Matchless positioned the magneto behind the cylinder, and the AJS had its magneto in front of the cylinder. Otherwise, they were essentially the same machines built on the same production line. Each had its own model designation. The Matchless G80 (500 single) became the AJS Model 18. The Matchless G9 (500 twin) was the AJS Model 20, and so on.
A SUPPLIER OF ENGINES
In 1933, Matchless began supplying V-twin engines to the Morgan Car Company for their cute little 3-wheeled cars and became the exclusive supplier by 1935. From 1935 to 1940, Matchless V-twins were supplied to Brough Superior for all their motorcycles (this is the bike that Lawrence of Arabia rode). In 1935, Matchless engineers invented the ‘hairpin valve springs’ that would become a trademark of the two brands.
Then they started racing. In 1907, son Charlie won the Inaugural TT Singles Race at an average speed of 38.21 mph (blistering speed at the time). His brother Harry won in 1909 and Charlie won again in 1910. At the time, they were building mostly singles, with a few V-twins for sidecar duty. Until this point, Matchless Motorcycles were built using other manufacturers’ engines, but starting in 1912, Matchless began building their own engines. WWI came and went without them landing any military contracts to build motorcycles for the War Department. But in 1919 production resumed with Matchless building a new V-twin and in 1923 a new single. The father died in 1926, leaving a vibrant
AJS engines (left) had their magnetos in front, Matchless (right) put theirs in back. Otherwise they were identical. 26 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
Matchless supplied V-twin engines to Morgan for their 3-wheeled cars.
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AMC IS BORN
the factory stopped racing. The 1959 Matchless G50 500cc single, for instance, had 50 hp, would do 135 mph and was faster than a Norton Manx. When Bert Hopwood left AMC for Triumph in 1961, some of the racing magic faded.
WAR INTERVENES
By 1960, the handwriting was on the wall: sales were down and the future looked bleak for AMC. Between their five onceproud brands, Matchless, AJS, James, Francis-Barnett and Norton, only Norton was actually making money. The decision was made to drop everything but the Matchless/AJS singles and focus everything else on Norton Motorcycles. The singles never sold well, even Norton sales weren’t as strong as hoped, and by 1966, AMC was in bankruptcy. Manganese Bronze Holdings (who also owned Villiers Motorcycles) bought them out, forming a new company, Norton-Villiers, with ambitious plans to become big players in the British motorcycles industry. They planned to do this with a one motorcycle: The Norton Commando. The rest is history. But for Matchless and AJS, a few 1967s were sold, and some unsold bikes retagged as 1968s and licensing deals produced a few more bikes scattered here and there. Alas, by the close of the decade, Matchless, AJS and the entire AMC stable of brands (except Norton, which would fail very soon) were relegated to the junkheap that once was the British motorcycle industry. Truly a pity. For more history and great photos of classic British motorcycles, please visit our website at www.Classic-British-Motorcycles.com.
In 1938, Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) is formed, to hold a stable of brands that included not only Matchless and AJS, but also Sunbeam, James, Francis-Barnett and ultimately Norton Motorcycles. In 1941, Matchless and AJS introduced their new telescopic front fork, called “Teledraulic”, to rave reviews. WWII saw Matchless build 80,000 G3 and G3L 350cc singles. The post-war singles were based on the wartime Matchless G3L. 1949 saw the company’s first vertical twin, the 500cc Matchless G9. In 1956 it was enlarged to 600cc (G12) and in 1959 to 650cc (G15).
HARD TIMES
Matchless’s first twin, the 500cc G9. The AJS version was called the Model 20.
POSTWAR RACING
In racing, the supercharged AJS Porcupine, Matchless G50 and AJS 7R were winning races and helping to cement the reputations of Matchless and AJS as fast, dependable machines. In 1952, Derek Farrant won the Manx GP on a 1952 Matchless G45 twin averaging 88.65mph. AMC withdrew from racing at the end of the 1954 season, concentrating on sales. But, unlike most manufacturers, Matchless and AJS were selling pretty much the same race bikes to the public that the factory had fielded. And their sales of race bikes continued long after
One of the last: 1968 Matchless G80CS 500 single. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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LAST YEAR WAS THE FINAL EMILY’S PARADE.
Please consider sending your donation to the “I Love U Guys” foundation or another worthy charity. http://iloveuguys.org/ please_give.html Photos by Julie Powell
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
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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) PROSECUTOR DROPS EFFORT TO SEIZE DEVILS DICIPLES TRADEMARK ‘COLORS’ As Motorcycle Clubs continue to fight to save their patch, federal prosecutors have dropped a controversial bid to seize the trademark owned by the Devils Diciples MC, though the move does not end trademark challenges involving club colors. In filings made on August 29, 2016 in federal court in Detroit, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan filed a notice dismissing the DDMC Trademark forfeiture, which states; “The government hereby provides notice that it is not seeking to forfeit the DDMC Trademark in this criminal proceeding and hereby dismisses it from the First Forfeiture Bill of Particulars.” Most law enforcement asset-forfeiture efforts target conventional property, but prosecutors began trying to seize the Devils Diciples’ trademark as a byproduct of a criminal case in which prosecutors in October 2014 itemized property they wanted to seize, from guns to slot machines, and at the end of the 32page property listing prosecutors included the club’s trademark. “These trademark cases are important to the clubs, whose free association has been threatened by the attempts by (prosecutors) to enjoin use of their membership (marks) by non-indicted persons,” Devils Diciples attorney Fritz Clapp told the McClatchyDC news site, adding that such cases have established important precedents regarding forfeiture of collective membership marks and the implications of free speech and association. The prosecutor’s decision now to leave the Devils Diciples’ trademark alone does not put the brakes on other attempts to seize clubs’ colors as, most notably, the government is still taking aim at the Mongol Nation, whose intellectual property has been sought by federal prosecutors since 2008. A federal appellate court is now considering the Mongol Nation case. OREGON BIKER SCORES A WIN IN DISCRIMINATION CASE After 14 years of spotless service, Ron Godwin was fired from his job as an Oregon youth corrections officer because of his club patch. A Grants Pass, Oregon police officer saw Godwin on his bike, wearing his club patch, called his boss and said Godwin was a member of a “criminal gang.” After a brief, socalled investigation, Godwin’s boss fired him. Oregon’s AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) and COC (Confederation of Clubs) Attorney Sam Hochberg took up the case and filed suit in Federal Court in Medford, with assistance from lawyer Chris Bottoms. Depositions were taken, and with the
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help of ACLU volunteer lawyer Sara K. Staggs, the case was thoroughly briefed. The trial court ruled that, based on statements in depositions, Godwin had no case under the law. The case never got to the jury, but the ruling was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and argued by ACLU volunteer lawyer Cody Hoesly. On August 10, 2016, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit issued a 17-page Memorandum opinion, including one dissent, and reversed that decision, sending it back to District Court for trial. The panel analyzed cases about government employees’ rights of free speech and association, and found the State showed no legitimate interest that outweighed Ron Godwin’s First Amendment rights. As a Memorandum decision, the “unpublished” ruling can be cited in any Federal Court, so it’s useful nationwide. “This is an important decision for the free speech and free association rights of all bikers, and club members in particular,” says Hochberg, now “Of Counsel” to Christopher Slater, the new Oregon and Washington AIM and Oregon COC Attorney. The case of Ronald Godwin v. Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility, et al, now goes back to the trial court, absent further appeal or settlement. TRAFFIC STATISTICS SHOW RISE IN FATALITIES, FEDS ISSUE CALL TO ACTION Statistics compiled by the U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 35,092 people died in traffic crashes in 2015, ending a five-decade trend of declining fatalities with a 7.2% increase in deaths, reflecting 2,348 more fatalities from motor vehicle crashes than in 2014. Fatalities increased from 2014 to 2015 in almost all segments of the population—passenger vehicle occupants (+6.6%), passenger cars (+5.7%), large trucks (+11%), SUV occupants (+10.1%), van occupants (+9.3%), pickup truck occupants (+4.7%), pedestrians (+9.5%), bicyclists (+12.2%), motorcyclists (+8.3%), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (+3.2%), male (+7.0%) / female (+7.4%), daytime (+7.2%) / nighttime (+7.1%). The estimated number of police-reported crashes increased by 3.8%, from 6.0 to 6.3 million, and there were 105,000 more people injured in motor vehicle crashes. According to NHTSA, job growth and low fuel prices were two factors that led to increased driving, including increased leisure driving and driving by young people. More driving can contribute to higher fatality rates. In 2015, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased 3.5 percent over 2014, the largest increase since 1992, nearly 25 years ago, though the fatality rate per 100 million VMT increased to 1.12 from 1.08 in 2014 which was the lowest since NHTSA began collecting fatality data through the Fatality Analysis Reporting System in 1975. Upon releasing this new data, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Call to Action: “We are calling on data scientists, public health experts, students and researchers
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News Bytes
-- even if you have never thought about road safety before -- to dive in to these data and help answer these important questions, especially on tough issues like pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.” Interested organizations, companies and concerned citizens can download and analyze the data (ftp://ftp.nhtsa.dot.gov/ fars/2015/) and share your insights at opendata@dot.gov. GEORGIA EXTENDS HANDLEBAR HEIGHT Affective July 1, 2016 legislation in Georgia has modified the state’s handlebar height law to allow for taller bars. Signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal, House Bill 166, the “Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act” increased the maximum measured height of a motorcycle’s handlebars from 15 inches above the seat to 25 inches. Georgia is among 30 states that limit the height of handlebars. Without a federal standard, the regulation of handlebars on motorcycles rests with the states. Currently, 11 states limit the height of handlebars to 15 inches above the saddle. Five others require the handlebars to be below the height of the shoulder. Last summer, South Dakota, which hosts the annual Sturgis Rally became the most recent state to repeal its shoulder level statute, legalizing so-called “ape hangers” just in time for the 75th annual rally. Discriminatory in nature, handlebar height laws have no impact on rider safety, and most were adopted by states decades ago to provide police with an excuse to pull over bikers on choppers. VULNERABLE ROAD USERS COMPONENT ADDED TO ACT DRIVER’S LICENSE TESTS Young drivers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) around Canberra, Australia’s capital city, will have to be able to prove they can share the road safely with cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians before they’ll be granted a license, the ACT government has announced. People applying for learner permits or provisional licenses must
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demonstrate they can drive around vulnerable road users or risk failing their test, the ACT’s Road safety Minister Shane Rattenbury told The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s really exciting that more and more Canberrans are choosing to walk and cycle around Canberra,” he said. “However, it’s important that we ensure that our road rules can accommodate all road users safely, and that all road users are aware of these rules.” Twenty extra questions will be added to the road rules knowledge test. Applicants must score 100% on this section to gain their learner’s license. During their practical driving test, learners going for their “Ps” (Provisional P1 license) must demonstrate they can navigate roads with bicycle lanes and move through areas of slow traffic where motorcyclists may be lanefiltering. Applicants will be tested in areas frequented by cyclists and pedestrians, including shared zones, town centers, group centers, aged-care facilities and school zones. DO YOU TRUST YOUR NEWS SOURCE? When Gallup pollsters recently asked the question: “How much trust and confidence do you have in the media?” respondents cited “Great Deal / Fair Amount” by only 32%, the lowest number on the subject in Gallup’s 34 year history. In contrast, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) has been disseminating timely and accurate motorcycle news and information for over three decades, and the AIM/NCOM Motorcycle E-News Service now reaches over a million motorcyclists across the country and around the globe with each monthly edition of NCOM Biker Newsbytes, Calls-To-Action, and important news releases of interest to ALL motorcyclists in the riding community. Concerned clubs, organizations and riders’ rights activists are encouraged to subscribe to this free biker news service at www.ONA-BIKE.com or by calling AIM/NCOM at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The law will never make men free, it is men that have to make the law free.” ~ Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American naturalist, poet and philosopher
October 2016
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 31
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Ratchet and his wife are watching t.v. when a Slim Fast commercial comes on and he being a natural born smartass says, “hey, why don’t we try washing your clothes in Slim Fast and see if that takes some pounds off”. Now, Lucy is nobody’s fool, so she did a little midnight magic. Next morning when Ratchet gets up, has coffee and grabs a fresh pair of underwear to put on after his shower, he notices as he pulls from drawer that all this white stuff is puffing up in the air. “Lucy, why in the hell did you put talcum powder in my damn underwear?”. Lucy casually screams out; “It’s not talcum powder, it’s Miracle Grow”. _______________________________________________ Two guys grow up together but after college one moves to NY, the other to California. Every ten years they agree to meet in Chicago and play golf. They finish their round at age 30 and go to lunch. “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “Well, you know, they got the chicks with the big boobs, and the tight shorts, cute butts and smooth tan legs. “OK.” Ten years later at 40 they play. “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “Well, you know, they got cold beer and the big screen TVs and everybody has a little action on the games.” “OK.” Ten years later at 50. “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “The food is good and there is plenty of parking.” “OK.” At 60 - “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “Wings are half price.” “OK” At 70 - “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” “They have 6 handicapped spaces right by the door.” “OK.” At 80 - “Where you wanna’ go?” “Hooters.” “Why?” www.thunderroadscolorado.com
“We’ve never been there before. “OK.” How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered? Why does a round pizza come in a square box? How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage? If the professor on Gilligan’s Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can’t he fix a hole in a boat? Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They’re both dogs. Why do they call it an asteroid when it’s outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it’s in your butt? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Why doesn’t Tarzan have a really long beard like ZZ Top after all those years in the jungle?
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVID CAMPBELL & JOHN CC
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