THUNDER ROADS® COLORADO
Letters to the Editor................................................. 2
Published by
Winterizing Your Ride.............................................. 4
Flying Hound Press, L.L.C.
ABATE..................................................................... 6
7477 W. Layton Way Littleton, Colorado 80123 720-458-3134 www.thunderroadscolorado.com feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com
In The Spotlight....................................................... 8 Bikes Blues and BBQ............................................ 10 The Other Side of the Lens................................... 14 Holiday Gift Giving................................................. 16
EDITORS Patrick J. McCauley “5” President and Senior Editor Patrick@thunderroadscolorado.com
Calendar................................................................ 18 Events................................................................... 20 High Country Toy Run........................................... 22
Carrie McCauley Vice President and Editor Carrie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Ladies Up Front..................................................... 24 From Veteran’s Drive & Patriot’s Way................... 27
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Chris Blumke chrisb@thunderroadscolorado.com (303)478-2335
Skin Art.................................................................. 28 Tasty Recipes........................................................ 29 News Bytes........................................................... 30
Jules Neville jules@thunderroadscolorado.com (720)988-9154
Biker Friendly Directory......................................... 32
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Vickie Jo Mullin Vickie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Thunder cam......................................................... 34
Joker’s Wild........................................................... 33 Where to Find Thunder Roads Colorado............... 36
LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics mhancockgraphics@gmail.com
ON THE COVER
National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Thunder Publishing LLC, Offices 615-792-0040
Photo by: Vickie Jo Mullin
thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com www.thunderroadsmagazine.com ©2014 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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Model: Ryan Barth
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Want to be a contributor or correspondent? It is December already and the holidays are fast approaching. Do you have all of your presents for the motorcyclists on your list? Check out our holiday gift guide for some suggestions. Readers of Thunder Roads Colorado will occasionally find articles that have appeared in Thunder Roads Magazines in other states and readers in other states see articles from Thunder Roads Colorado once in a while. Thunder Roads is a local magazine created by locals but, we also benefit from the network of 20 Thunder Roads Magazines across the nation. We strive to bring you the best of local content with some articles that appeal to a wider audience being published by more than one Thunder Roads Magazine edition. This allows us to bring you what we think is the best of motorcycling in the United States. Last month we ran the article WW2 Combat on a Harley Davidson: Africa 1943 Courtesy of Thunder Roads Ohio. If you enjoyed the article about combat on a Harley Davidson in Africa please join us in thanking Thunder Roads Ohio for allowing us to reprint the great article for our Colorado readership. You can find them on Face Book and at thunderroadsohio.com. Check out their magazine for a look at what Thunder Roads Magazine looks like in a different state. (We apologize for omitting the credit to Thunder Roads Ohio within that issue.) Let us know what you would like to see in upcoming Thunder Roads Colorado. We like to hear from our readers, they are the reason we are here. Happy Holidays to everyone! See you next year! Patrick - “5” www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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.
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Full-time and part-time advertising representative wanted. No experience required. Contact us at sales@ thunderroadscolorado.com or 720-458-3134.
We want your feedback Please email us and let us know what you think and what you want to see at feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com or 720-458-3134.
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.
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H
Winterizing YourPartRide 2
i Folks, so are you still riding? We’ve had those couple of snowy spells already, some very chilly days, but we’ve also had some amazingly warm days to get out and ride lately. Those kind of unexpectedly nice sunny days are exactly why I don’t put my motorcycle in storage during the winter months.
I hope you were able to enjoy them and get a few miles under your belt. I noticed right away though – that the surface condition of the roadways is more treacherous, even when dry these days. All that gravel and sand is piling up in the curves and near the center of the lanes – making the road more slippery in places. Don’t even get me started on the gravel in the parking lots. And that mag-chloride – that stuff is insidious, very slippery and difficult to see. Usually I feel the wheels sliding before I can see the dullish sheen that mag-chloride leaves on the roadways. If you are still riding – remember they start putting that stuff down before the snow storm hits – causing slippage even before the ice and snow arrive. Last month we were discussing winterizing the motorcycle – for those who don’t care to deal with these kinds of conditions. We discussed battery storage, tire and wheel care, the use of fuel stabilizers and antifreeze. There are still a couple more items to consider before long term storage. Cable Lubrication is important. Whether you lubed the cables last spring or not, it is now time to lubricate them again to prevent moisture inside the sheath over the winter months. Your owners’ manual or dealership can recommend a suitable cable lube product. In the past, we always used an oil-based cable lube, but 4 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
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now we prefer to use Dri-Slide™, a Moly Dry Film Lubricant. This product is easier to use as the molecules are smaller so it works its way through the cable sheath faster and is less messy. However, Dri Slide is more toxic. You will need to wear gloves and use with caution. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
about 50,000 v coming through With either product, simply follow those spark plug wires & caps the directions supplied with the during the time you are cranking cable lube and squirt that oil or the engine. Keep your body parts moly film into the sheath at the and anything flammable well away grips until it comes out the other from the spark plug caps. end (see pictures). This can take a bit of time. You can see it come Then, simply crank the engine out at the transmission for the once or twice only. This spreads clutch cable, or at the carburetor the oil to coat the cylinders to for throttle cables. Redo the cables protect them. Then simply reattach at the hand grips and your bikes the wires to the plugs. Note: do this cables are protected against rust and corrosion before you remove the battery for winter storage. for another season. There is a detailed chapter on how to do this in my book ABC’s of Motorcycle I always like to remind ya’ll that the best thing for Wrenching. your motorcycles over the winter is to keep riding Protecting the Internal Engine might be in order them! But then, Winter riding certainly carries its for some riders. This is probably not for you to do own hazards and is not for everyone. Chilly, short yourself unless you thoroughly understand these rides are great for relieving cabin fever and PMS directions. If you plan to start it up throughout the (parked motorcycle syndrome) and are good for winter, there is no need to think about this step the bike as well. at all. On the other hand, if you are planning to remove the battery some mechanics recommend If you take care of this maintenance now… I protecting the cylinders first by squirting about predict you will open your garage next spring to a 1 teaspoon of clean engine oil into the cylinders much happier motorcycle that is ready to hit the through the spark plug holes. Next you will want to road when you are. Now that is something to look Jasmine Bluecreek Clark www. spread it all around in there, by cranking the motor forwards too! without allowing it to fire, only a couple of cranks. bluecreekmotorcycletraining.com To do this you should replace the spark plugs, but Special Note: If you are not mechanically inclined not the plug wires. Carefully ground the spark plug – don’t mess with winterizing your own motorcycle caps, but do not reattach to the spark plugs yet. BE – take it to the dealership or shop to have it CAUTIOUS – Don’t electrocute yourself. There’s winterized. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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December 2014
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
F
rom time to time Thunder Roads Colorado will feature an article about a local motorcyclerelated business called In the Spotlight, introducing our readers to one of our advertisers, who they are and what is unique about their business.
bikes, bikes, bikes. This is a place for people to gather before a ride to make sure they have all their gear, or to fix a broken snap on a vest, sew a torn pocket, and of course patches and more patches!! Whatever it takes to get out there and ride. A lot of people know us as that local, one stop leather shop.”
In the Spotlight this month features Twin Peaks Leather, a father and son leather shop in Old Town Arvada. Twin Peaks is run by Harry and Ryan (his son) and features retail, repair and custom leather goods from gloves and custom gauntlets, to vests, jackets and chaps and while-you-wait patch sewing. While it is a bit outside his normal work, this month Ryan, his friend Jade, and his motorcycle participated in a photo shoot with Thunder Roads Colorado Lead Photographer Vickie Jo Mullin. The shoot was in Old Town Arvada to shoot the December cover and calendar photographs. Thunder Roads Colorado extends our thanks to Jade and Ryan for braving the weather and participating in the photo shoot. Twin Peaks Leather, like many businesses started with a dream to combine business with pleasure. I asked Ryan to write a bit about the shop and his views and he happily offered related to us his thoughts and a bit of history about Twin Peaks Leather. Just like any other bikers wet dream of working and completely submerging their entire life in the motorcycle lifestyle, that is what we do. We love the profession. Kat von D tattooed herself with the perfect acronym - LTP which stands for Love the Profession. Motorcycles and leather is what we eat, sleep and breathe. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! I love the fact that we sew patches on site while people wait, or better yet--while people chat on how they earned certain patches or the experiences they had getting their new ride patches. That is all we talk about is
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We have thirteen years running strong and have seen so much along the way. We’ve made many lifelong friends and customers. We’ve made countless custom leather dreams come true. Our foundation has been and always will be local, biker and family-owned. Twin peaks Leathers three strongholds are retail, repair, and custom leather. The youngest sibling of the family Cierra Rose is exactly as old as the shop itself. The first shop was so small that her crib was a drawer in a dresser in the back of the shop! (She still denies this.) The history for our passion of leather goes back three generations starting with Grandma Rae (mother of Harry the owner) She would tan her own hides Native American-style with salt to cure them. She tanned them with the traditional brain tan technique using the juices of the animal brain, salt, water, and a big metal pot. She also had the best deer jerky on the block. Harry picked up his passion there, living in the Colorado Mountains half of his life and learning how to make his own jackets, boots, holsters, and anything to keep warm and stylish. The retail side of the store started later when Harry saw someone with an amazing jacket in the mountains on a hunting trip. The guy said he found it at a shop in town. So Harry went on a mission. He found the store and sure enough the jacket was sold out. So he asked the store where they got the jackets. They told Harry the jacket was made by Carroll Leather and was purchased at the Denver Merchandise
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was born! Within the first couple of years we realized that no leather was as tough as the biker who wore it. From busted straps on saddle bags to broken zippers on jackets we saw, the poor ol’ bastards were falling apart at the seams. We needed some sewing machines and fast! That is how repair-side of Twin Peaks Leather started and that completed the perfect trio for a one stop leather shop - Custom, Retail and Repair. Since then we’ve moved into a larger building in beautiful Old Town Arvada and we’ve been here for more than eight years. We take in custom orders and repairs on almost anything leather or other heavy fabrics from any culture biker, military, camping, hunting, fishing, upholstery, fashion and western. Mart. The store owner warned Harry that the Denver Merchandise Mart wouldn’t just let him in (wholesale only). Since there is no quit in Harry, he somehow made it in, his problem was now he had to buy in bulk. Again, no quit, Harry came home with two dozen of those jackets just so he can have one himself. Before he knew it, he had sold all of twenty three jackets out of the back of his mustang and was off to get more. After about three of these trips with a car full of leather and cool Native American stuff, he bought a tiny old tattoo shop just off of Wadsworth in Arvada. Twin Peaks Leather
We have seen some pretty wild stuff come thru the doors. We have made U.F.C. championship belts, Santa belts, full Native American wardrobes as costumes for movies, guitar straps for iconic rock stars, and even giant hammocks. You name it and we have probably done it. We are always looking forward to the next custom creation. Now with some young blood in the shop-Ryan (son of the owner) and his high levels of energy and ambition is taking the shop to another level and pushing new horizons. He is making all kinds of wicked bracelets and gear made out of nasty eight foot alligators and has created his own line of custom vests branded as Dirty Rockstar. There is no telling what the future holds. It is sure to have more motorcycle runs and donations for the sick and wounded soldiers, biker parties, road shows, and creating any request that comes through the door. Hope to see you soon! Ryan
Photos by Vickie Jo Mullin, Dennis Line www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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BIKES BLUES AND BBQ WAS HUGE “T” Collier, Editor TRM OK/AR
Photos by Douglas Henderson
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This rally has grown to a huge rally! Not only were there an approximate 400,000 attendees, it’s spread out over many miles and many locations and venues. That’s one of the original things about it! But BBBQ hangs its’ hat on the fact that it is the largest charity rally in the nation. Now that’s something to brag about! Since 2000, the rally has donated over $600,000 to local charities of NorthWest Arkansas area. Not only are funds raised through monies collected at the rally, but the rally may not be possible without the local charities “working” the rally from set up to striking the location, donated space to promote their charities, breakfast locations, their own events and more. It’s truly an amazing thing to see from start to finish. We got to see more and be more involved in the process this year as we were the proud publisher’s of the first ever Official BBBQ Rally Guide and on-line GPS locator. Read it on-line at www.bbbqrallyguide.com. It was quite and honor and went over very well. As for the rally, we had a blast in the National Thunder Roads Magazine Booth as our National Founders brought in Thunder Pete for the big show. Thank you to all who stopped in to say Hello to us at Baum Motorcycle Village on the South side of Fayetteville. It was great to see folks from all over the United States www.thunderroadscolorado.com
stopping in to grab up magazines from over 22 states! There were some who were thrilled to have the latest copy of their next riding destination state. In addition to the TRM booth, “The Baum” area was filled with big vendor trucks, food trucks, product representatives, demo rides, helicopter rides and more. Many looking for motorcycle upgrades, products, etc, were able to find all they needed there. Dickson Street is where it all started or so the legend goes. This is simply a stretch of city roadway which goes way down a long hill with about a 50 degree slope and back up the other side. Highlights of this venue are the Parade of Power Saturday afternoon which passed by the crowded sidewalks
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and the exhilaration of the extreme downhill and uphill grade. The vendor booths packed the nearby parking lots. The bars were filled with laughter and music. The Barbeque Trailers and the Main Stage with bands daily in the Beer Garden at the “hollar” as we call it or bottom of the hill! One of “T”s favorite things about this rally is the Stokes Air “Battle of the Bikes” presented by Nabholz Construction where YOU pick the winner! She had a great time sharing the mic a bit with Laramie the wild and crazy MC of this bike show. It’s by all means the best bike show in the Nation! Check out video of a few rounds on our Facebook.com/thunderroadsmagazineokar during BBBQ. “T” and friends were housed at Washington County Fairgrounds Saloon and Campgrounds in Fayetteville this year. This is the official campground of the rally. Some of the craziest fun goes on in the Fairgrounds! For the biggest gathering of bar-b-q, the fairgrounds hosts the Bar-b-q cook off! Yummy! They also had the hilarious Hambone Express Pig Races, exhilarating Helicopter Rides, Lawn Mower Pulls, a Karaoke Contest and more. This is the place for a little wilder escapade to the rally, but yet still family friendly. Pig Trail Harley-Davidson, in Rogers AR played a large part in pulling some of the record crowd to a second location. Large vendors of motorcycle products, apparel, builders, food and more filled the parking lot of Pig Trail Harley-Davidson. Entertainment, Free Bikini Bike Wash, Beer Garden, Bud Girls, Live Music were but a small portion of what could be found there. We where honored to meet Michele Smith of Two Wheel Thunder! “T” also got the opportunity to host the Steel Horse Sisterhood reception at this location on Thursday afternoon. It was great to see and meet 12 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
sisters from across the U.S. After some serious level 5 rides on the nearby highways and byways such as the Pig Trail Scenic ride, Hwy 23, Hwy 21, Hwy 16, Hwy 45 and the list goes on and on, we had done it all! The roads brought the riders to the rally and the rally brought the fun to the roads! All in all, this year’s 15th anniversary rally was the best one yet! If you’ve not attended this rally, please do so in the future. Next year will be held on September 23-26, 2015. We will see you there!
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The Other Side of the Lens
Photos by Vickie Jo Mullin
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I
was warned that Ryan was an energetic good looking fellow, and that Jade was an experienced very hot model. And after my first phone call with Ryan to discuss the upcoming shoot and set a date I had no doubt he was definitely very energetic and this was going to be a blast! I loved Ryan’s ideas for the pictures to be taken inside the store and he would check out the local buildings for a worthy background on the outdoor shots. I’ve been riding motorcycles for three years now, a newbie by the standards of some and have never visited Twin Peaks Leather so I really had no idea what I was walking into and was hoping for the best in being able to get some great pictures for Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine. Sunday, I am so glad we set it for Sunday after the storm that had hit the day before. I arrived a little early to scope out the store and after getting lucky finding a nearby parking spot I trotted into the store with my camera bag in hand. When asked if I had all the ‘stuff’ I needed I had replied with confidence that I did and it would be me, my camera and some lenses. I plopped my bag on the counter and started to cruise the store. I couldn’t help but drool on the leather everywhere I looked, thoughts of cleaning out my bank account crossed my mind as I checked a few price tags. Smart man, my boyfriend is not bringing me here before! Beautiful leather purses, jackets, and unique jewelry everywhere I looked begged me to buy them and wear them the first chance I could get. But that’s not what I was there for. Before heading over, I Googled the store and checked their Facebook page noticing a very good looking young man I was hoping would be Ryan, and it was. YES!! Score!! Pictures of him would be easy. Soon Jade showed up, SCORE NUMBER 2!! Pictures with Jade would also be a walk in the park and the two together made for a striking pair. But lest we forget this is a motorcycle magazine so the star of the shoot was quietly waiting in the store near the back door. Oh yes, I looked at it, I looked really really good at it. The copper and chrome had been meticulously spit shined and she was ready to roll. I was glad to see Ryan had already set up for the idea he had before I got there. Three eclectic mirrors and some black leather drapery and the stage for the indoor shoot looked fabulous. We started with some shots of Jade and Ryan together to get comfortable, I explained why I didn’t need the external lights and that I didn’t even use a flash. I so love my Sony SLT A65. I can pick the program for the scene I am shooting in and focus on the pictures instead of spending time trying to figure out the F-stops and ISO settings. I started with my ever faithful 1.8/50mm lens but found it to be ‘too close’ for what I needed and switched to the never used 35mm that came with the camera. After some warm up photos, we brought in the star; Ryan’s Rat Rod Chopper. Negotiating it around the store was well worth the effort with the mirrors and leather jackets and wood flooring. After about an hour we headed outside, to the chilly cold outside, down the street towards the historic old Arvada
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Mill right next to the train tracks. Again Ryan had saved the day with another great idea. Jade couldn’t have been more comfortable outside in the chill with what she was wearing and ready to go to work for the second half of the photo shoot. Jade was such a professional, fun and all around beautiful woman to work with, no doubt we will all see her again in photographs. At one point during the photo shoot a truck driver hit the brakes to look at what we were doing, creating a traffic jam in old town Arvada. All too quickly the photo shoot was over and everyone headed back to the store. I said my good byes as I was eager to get home and start working though the pictures in Lightroom and Photoshop. I truly hope you the reader enjoy the selected few pictures that made it for the cover, the center fold and this article. I however will enjoy all the pictures of the giggles behind the scenes and the memory of my first cover photo shoot with Thunder Roads Magazine. Vickie Jo Mullen
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Holiday Gift G Are you stumped as to what to get that special biker in your life? Here are some ideas to fit any budget. COLD WEATHER GLOVES Cold weather gloves are not something that a biker thinks about wearing every day, but on those spring and fall riding days, when the temperature plummets, the protection offered will have them thanking you every time they put them on.
LUGGAGE Whether it is a simple windshield or handlebar bag, a tank bag, a new set of saddlebags, or a touring bag for the seat or sissy bar, they will appreciate the extra storage space (and so will you if you ride with them). A good quality, made for motorcycle piece of luggage is something most bikers would appreciate.
RAIN GEAR In Colorado rain gear may not seem like a necessity, but when you need it, you need it. Usually, the jacket and pants are something many bikers may already have, how about adding boot covers? (Any biker caught in a downpour can tell you how long leather boots take to dry out.) Waterproof gloves might even be better than boot covers. The best thing about waterproof is that it is windproof as well. If you are buying rain jacket and pants, look for gear that folds down to a very small package and has highly reflective materials. A finger visor wiper has saved me several times when I was caught in the rain to keep my glasses/visor clear of the rain
BATTERY TENDER/FLOAT CHARGER During the long winter months when the motorcycles sit in the garage waiting for spring to arrive, batteries have a tendency to lose their charge and most touring bikes discharge a little every day whether they are ridden or not. The unhappy surprise when you go out to try and start your motorcycle and hear the dreaded click of a dead battery can put a damper on that first good riding day. Avoid that discharged battery with battery float charger. It is a must have for any biker that wants a full charge ready to go.
MAGNETIC TRAYS Every motorcyclist who has added a custom part to their bike has experienced the frustration of having that nut drop and roll under the bike or bouncing away never to be seen again. A magnetic parts tray is the answer. The parts not only stay put on the tray, but the tray can be placed on the bike or a handy metal surface for easy access. 16 Thunder Roads MagazineÂŽ Colorado
BIKE COVERS These are a must for anyone who travels long distances or just want to keep the rain, dirt, dust and debris off of their bike. Don’t want to carry a full size cover? Seat covers are available that cover the driver and passenger pillion and the passenger backrest and the covers fold up small for easy packing.
TOOL KITS Several companies make everything from a small folding tool set that will fit in a windshield bag to a large tool set perfect for any long trip. Everyone needs to tighten that loose alien bolt that they discover after leaving home, give them a tool kit so that they can. You can even find folding multi-tools that are specific to metric and Harley Davidson.
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Giving Guide GIFT CERTIFICATES Think outside the box, give a gift certificate to Hot Leathers, J & P Cycles or a local Dealership. You can even get passes or tickets to the Buffalo Chip for the 2015 Sturgis Rally!
ETSY AND THE FIND
Go to www.etsy.com or www.thefind.com and type in “gifts motorcycle”, “motorcycle bling”, “motorcycle jewelry” for some great unique gift ideas.
BUTLER MAPS Butler Maps highlight the best paved and unpaved roads to take on two wheels. These maps are waterproof and available for every state and they have specialty maps for areas of each state. You can order them online or many local dealerships carry the maps.
MOTORCYCLE RIDING CAMERA Do you have a shutterbug motorcyclist in your life? They will be delighted to have a motorcycle riding camera. Give them the gift that lets them record their journey with their motorcycle riding camera attached to their handlebars or helmet. Many of us have seen the motorcyclists who record their journey with their motorcycle riding camera attached to their handlebars or helmet.
MOTORCYCLE COMMUNICATORS Do you have a pair of motorcyclists to buy for? Why not consider a Bluetooth helmet to helmet motorcycle communication system. Whether they ride two-up or two bikes, this lets them communicate to each other without having to scream.
GIVE THEM THUNDER ROADS® MAGAZINE COLORADO THIS YEAR!
Make Check payable to: Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado Mail check and this form to:
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 7477 W. Layton Way Littleton, CO – 80123 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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DECEMBER 40th Annual Parade of Lights Friday, December 5, 2014 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6 p.m. Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 40th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Coloradoís brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever! ---------------------------------------------Grand Junction Toy Run December 6, 2014 2747 Crossroads Blvd Grand Junction, CO 81506 Grand Junction, Colorado (CO) The Grand Junction Toy Run will be held at Grand Junction HarleyDavidson in Grand Junction, Colorado on December 6th, 2014. Grand Junction Harley-Davidson will be having a toy run on December 6th. Starts at 9am Please Contact For More Information: 970.245.0812 We hope to see you there! http://www.gjharley.com/-xListEvents?id=80333
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28th Annual Children’s Hospital Toy Run Sunday, December 7, 2014 8:00 AM A NEW Upwrapped Toy Pre-register at any Metro Denver Harley-Davidson Dealership starting in November. Free coffee and donuts provided Registration begins at 8:00AM Kickstands up at 9:00AM Will ride to Aurora Sports Park 19300 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80011- All Bikes leave Aurora Sports Park at 11AM SHARP! National Wreaths Across America Day December 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM Air Force Academy Cemetery, Colorado Springs USAFA, CO Arvada Cemetery, Arvada, CO Broomfield County Commons Cemetery, Broomfield, CO Campo Cemetery, Campo, CO Colorado State Veterans Cemetery, Homelake, CO Fairmount Cemetery, Lamar, CO Fairview Cemetery and Brown & Latimer Funeral Home, Burlington, CO Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO Fort Lyon National Cemetery, Ft Lyon, CO Lakeview Cemetery, Broomfield, CO Linn Grove Cemetery, Greeley, CO Louisville Cemetery, Louisville, CO Rocky Mountain Memorial Park, Aurora, CO Western Colorado Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Grand Junction, CO All wreaths are laid by volunteers on National Wreaths Across America Day - December 13, 2014 December 2014
Santa Shoot & Bake Sale December 13, 2014 8858 Pearl St. Denver, CO 80229 Denver, Colorado (CO) The Santa Shoot & Bake Sale will be held at Sun Harley-Davidson in Denver, Colorado on December 13th, 2014. Have you been naughty or nice? Well, come tell Santa in person and get a photo with the big guy to commemorate a special day, then grab some grub at our bake sale. Please Contact For More Information: 303.816.8057 We hope to see you there! ---------------------------------------------Last Brass Monkey Run December 31st 2014 ABATE of CO 23rd Annual Last Brass Monkey Run Tuesday, December 31 Time: 10:00 am Location: 2 Start Locations: Wrigley’s Chicago Bar and Grill, 18200 W Colfax, Golden & The Frontier Club, 18881 E Colfax, Aurora The traditional last ride of the year. entry fee $15.00 ABATE members $10.00. Renew and membership and get in for $5. Join us for ... Food, Chili Cook-off, Chili Eating Contest, 50/50 Drawing, Door Prizes, Poker Walk and the famous Last Brass Monkey Run Brass Nuts Registration at the Grizzly Rose starts at 11:00 AM, 5450 N Valley Hwy, Denver. Check their web site at: http://www.abateofcolo.org/ for more information. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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T
HIGH COUNTRY TOY RUN
his was the 27th Annual High Country Toy Run benefiting the USMC Toys for Tots program. There were over 750 motorcycles and over 1,000 people attended the auction at Cowboys on Tejon in Colorado Springs. This year the motorcycle community filled a 16’ trailer full of toys. Between the 8,000 dollars cash raised during the auction and raffle and the toys donated, over sixty-six 55 gallon trash bags were filled. That’s a lot of toys to benefit local children and 2014 was the one of the best years ever! This year Jim Wear received the Distinguished Citizen Award by the Pikes Peak Marine Corps League in recognition of his work with the Toys for Tots program as well as the Veterans
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Rally and POW/MIA recognition ride in Cripple Creek. The award is the highest given by the Marine Corps League. Jim Wear said, “I really appreciate these BUT the real credit goes to the Family of Bikers who support these events each year, and our crew of Staff Members and Volunteers who make it all happen. It’s a bit uncomfortable to seemingly get all the credit when I am only one wheel in the machine that drives these events. Having said that, I will repeat that I am humbled and honored. MOST IMPORTANTLY: What we do is a VERY small accomplishment when compared to what our VETERANS have done for us - all of us - since this great Country was founded. It is the LEAST we can do to try and give back.”
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Ladies up Front is a column by and for the women who ride in Colorado both on back and up front. Each month we publish an article written by a lady rider. You will find stories of how these ladies ended up where they are today, with their opinions, strange and funny things that have happened to them, their thoughts, dreams and points of view. Some tell the stories about their journey from the back to the front. Some relate how they came to motorcycles, some are just interesting experiences they have had.
M
We believe that every woman who rides, be it on the front or on the back, has a story to tell that is worth hearing. When they share their perceptions and knowledge, they often have insight and perspectives that can help us all as we journey forward. Here you will see those experiences and hear of the strength and joy we have found on motorcycles. All ladies are welcome and encouraged to join in and contribute to Ladies up Front. Please contact us at: ladiesupfront@thunderroadscolorado.com
Brook
y love of motorcycling riding stemmed from growing up surrounded by aunt/uncles and dozens of cousins, including my parents who all rode. I have loved everything about the biker way of life since I was a child. With that many people that were riders, we would have family events in a park and it would look like a mini motorcycle rally was taking place. I was never not around motorcycles, in fact, all of the families would often take off together on motorcycle trips. My Uncle Johnny even built a track on his property so that all of the kids could ride their mini bikes and dirt bikes. I have a many fond memories of my family and their motorcycles. Some that stand out are my Uncle Johnny’s three wheeled chopper that was painted with red sparkle paint, a red lip decal and was named “The Hickey Maker” – straight up 70’s. In the 90’s my Aunt Shirley had a motorcycle wedding. Her processional started outside the church, arriving at the steps riding behind the best man sitting side saddle, in her white gown, through two lines of motorcycles up to the church steps. In 2005 a girlfriend and I decided to finally take the 2 day motorcycle safety course and get our licenses. I don’t think the smile ever left our faces during those two days. We went together to take the online test (which we passed) and you should have seen us acting like goofy idiots out front holding our temporary license doing the happy dance. Before taking the course, I went from dealership to dealership looking and sitting on every bike I could. I finally purchased a 2005 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 – black with red flames. Add in some custom pin stripes, Vance & Hines exhaust, wide whitewalls and few other must have accessories – I was in heaven. I took the course and told the female instructor about my purchase, I was surprised when she told me that she thought that the bike was too big for me. I was determined to prove her wrong. 24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
My church was just starting the first chapter of United Methodist Motorcycle Enthusiast – started by my female pastor, no less. I went from my first ride with them to road captain in a matter of months where I experienced not only the thrill of the open road but bonds with chapter members I still have today. I also proved that instructor completely wrong! In 2009 I purchased a 2006 Yamaha V-Star 950. Now I was moving – I had upgraded to a larger bike and motor to match the experienced I had gained as a rider over the last couple of years. I went from short rides to cross country rides on a regular basis, riding to some of the big rallies and famous bike roads with an ever growing group of male and female riders. In 2012 we moved from Dallas to Denver and I decided to sell the motorcycle I had in Dallas. I moved to Colorado and figured I would purchase another bike once I got here. Everything in Dallas is flat and straight, but when I saw the endless twists/turns of the Colorado canyons and mountains I said to myself “Oh, I’m going to need a sport bike for this!” I went to a local dealership and bought a used Kawasaki Ninja 500 –to test the waters, make sure I was going to like the switch from cruiser to sport bike. Needless to say my mind was made up on the ride home from the dealership. Over the course of the next year I spent most of my free time sailing through the canyons, leaning into the curves and over the mountains and taking 3-10 day road trips. I love how I can experience a very different kind of ride on a sport bike. To take those corners in the mountains, all I have to do is lean. I still get a lot of grief from my cruiser friends when we all leave for a road trip. Everyone says “You’re going to ride a SPORT BIKE on a road trip???”. My response is always “Yes – I am”, and I do. We went on a 10 day trip over Labor Day this year doing 3500 miles in 9 days across CO, SD, UT, WY, MT, ID, and NM. Most sports bikes are typically much higher in the seat than cruisers and there isn’t a lot of room to lower them. So, being
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only 5’2” on a good day it is all about getting the bike that fits you. June of 2014 I purchased the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 that they just replaced the 250 model with, and it fit like a glove. Along with the new bike, I had digital controls, ABS brakes and *gasp* a gas gauge! People say “Oh, it’s just a 300?” – but I assure you, while it may not be a ZX-14 – but I keep with (and pass) the boys just fine. Drivers always stare – oh, that’s a girl…on a sport bike. Yes, gentlemen, it is 2014…we have the vote AND we ride motorcycles. 25% of motorcycle riders are female and our numbers have increased 35% from 2012 to 2013 and still growing. The number of female riding clubs and female rider publications are also on the rise. We don’t just ride to the nail salon either – we are daily riders, club riders, passengers and cross country riders. We work, keep house, raise kids, and we ride. We ride just as well (and better in some cases) than the male population – we’re just prettier. For all you women thinking about taking the course, getting your license and a bike, but aren’t sure if you can do it, I have one thing to say to you “You can”. For those that never intend to ride their own bike, but are a frequent passenger – TAKE THE COURSE! You and your partner will be amazed at what an improved passenger you will be. You will have a higher understanding of how the bike works and handles. And you never know – after taking the course you might just find yourself shopping for your own ride after all.
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Dear Fellow Veterans and Patriots of Tennessee: You may find it out of sync that during the season of Santa Claus and flying reindeer I delve into reality and the dynamics of personal perception but that’s where we’re going. I’m reminded of Forrest Gump! You know – “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get…!” I guess perception and reality are a little like Christmas presents. A box with shiny wrapping paper; As you unwrap it, your mind races to figure out what’s in it. You imagine it’s the one thing you’ve wished for. Your mind goes in a thousand directions but what you find is something from Aunt Nell you never thought of or much less wanted. How do you deal with it? I am troubled by the level of chaos and turmoil many of our veterans are going through these days. There has always been a certain amount of chaos and turmoil for veterans, especially those who have experienced the heat of battle many times. But, how do we explain service members who’ve not been in combat committing suicide? Is our ability to handle potential threats to our life or personal injury related to the environment we grow up in and the resulting approach we have to life? There was a time when living to your 40’s was considered a good run. Today we expect to live into our 70’s, 80’s or 90’s. When life expectancy was shorter I think it is safe to say life was harder. People lived a long way away from the doctor, communication was not fast, food had to be harvested or killed, wood had to be chopped, animals taken care of and there wasn’t a cop to respond immediately if you were under threat. If you didn’t take care of it or make it happen you suffered the result. Is it possible that people who grew up more than 60 years ago just expected that they would suffer pain, work hard and die young? Could the hard realities of life have seemed normal and not exceptionally hard to them? Today we expect to live a century and for our worn out parts to be replaced as needed so we can do what we want and still act young in www.thunderroadscolorado.com
later life. We no longer expect to suffer pain, work hard and die young. A century ago people viewed life through the prism of what they personally experienced, felt and saw. Today much of what we believe is fed to us at a distance through television, movies and game boxes. Government controls us with so many rules that people are losing their drive to take care of themselves and handle their own business. Society seems to be drifting towards more reliance on someone else to take care of their problems and insure they don’t suffer the result of their poor actions or bad decisions. Does this make trivial bumps in life look like mountains? Is the high suicide rate in our military and the number of veterans who have difficulty integrating back into American society or end up homeless on the street related to the cocoon today’s youth are raised in? What happens to the child who is told there is a boogie man behind every bush and that’s why they can’t go outside alone? What about the child who never puts much effort into school work, gets marginal grades but is passed up through grades anyway? What about those who get a awards for participation but never have to be number one to get a trophy? Would you rather have a child that never knows what it’s like to have his esteem damaged or have a child who had to earn his esteem and deal with the bruises of real life? Who becomes the more capable adult? What’s the result when you are shielded and told you are good as opposed to the reality of actually demonstrating you are good? I’m just asking questions but shouldn’t we all know that if we are thrown in a pile of crap we can pick up our feet and walk out of it? Do we have the same confidence in self-reliance our grandparents had? Don’t you think we are better people if we experience and learn to deal with stress? The Stress of life is no big deal if you are experienced at dealing with it and you are confident in yourself. Merry Christmas? Keep the faith. Thank a vet for the freedoms we still enjoy and support politicians who will bring back the ones we’ve lost. Fly the flag of the people and be proud you’re an American. Hug the families of those still missing because their quest for closure has not ended. Live the good life and ride for those can’t. Bulldog * My monthly column reflects my personal point of view and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publishers of this magazine, but they, like me, acknowledge the sacrifices made for the privilege of Freedom of Speech, therefore, they gratefully let me rant. Thank you for reading my rants. Hope my opinions don’t offend anyone, but, we all should be grateful for the right to have free opinions.*
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S K I N A R T
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Tasty Recipes
All of these recipes have been kitchen tested and biker approved. TRIPLE LAYER COOKIE BARS
My grandmother made these bar cookies every year for Christmas, and I remember I would consume enough that I would be nearly sick. 1/2 cups butter, melted 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 7 oz coconut, flaked 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 14 oz semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter or almond butter 1. Preheat oven to 350∞ (325∞ for glass dish) 2. Pour melted butter in a 13X9 inch baking pan. Sprinkle graham craker crumbs evenly over margarine and press down lightly. Sprinkle coconut eavenly over the Graham cracker crust. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the coconut, You can warm the milk slightly to get it to pour easier. 3. Bake 25 minutes or until coconut is slightly browned. 4. In small saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate with peanut (or almond) butter. Spread evenly over hot coconut later. Allow to cool and set up for 30 minutes. Chill thoroughly. 5. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature. Yield: 36 DATE BARS These are a favorite holiday cookie made by a dear friend of the McCauley Family. Each year she makes enough for my husband and my father-in-law. In fact, she makes each of them separate batches so that they don’t fight over them. 1 cup sifted all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 lb pitted dates, cut in small pieces 1 cup chopped nuts 3 eggs 1 cup sugar Powdered sugar. 1. Sift flour, baking powder and slat together. 2. Mix in dates and nuts. 3. In separate bowl, beat eggs until blended. Add sugar gradually mix well. 4. Blend in four mixture. 5. Pour into greased 9X9X2 inch pan. 6. Bake 350 degrees about 35 minutes. Cut into bars while warm. Roll in powdered sugar if desired. Servings: 24 Yield: 2 Dozen
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SPLIT PEA SOUP This is a perfect soup for a cold weather day, it may have a lot of ingredients, but it is an easy make ahead and forget about it soup. Serve with some hot crusty bread. 1 cup yellow onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp parsley flakes 1 1/2 cups carrots, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 lb dried split peas 4 cups chicken stock/broth 4 cups water 1 ham shank/hock 1 ham steak 1. In a saucepan on medium heat, saute the onions with the olive oil. 2. Add the garlic oregano, salt, and pepper once the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and saute for a few more minutes. 3. Add Add the vegetables and remaining spices to a crock pot along with the split peas, chicken stock, water and ham shank. Simmer on high until peas begin to cook and then reduce to low. 4. If the liquid reduces down to far, add a cup or water at a time. Cook until the peas are tender. Take half of the soup and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the crock pot. 5. Place the whole ham steak in a skillet and brown each side slightly. Cut into small bite sized pieces and add to the crock pot. Continue cooking for approximately 30 minutes. 6. Remove the ham bones, and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with fresh chopped fresh parsley. CHICKEN WITH KALAMATA OLIVES AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS The chicken breasts can be left whole or you can cut them up into bite size pieces, mix with the sauce and serve with pasta. 3/4 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 6 boneless chicken breast halves 1 tbs olive oil 2 tsp garlic, minced 2 1/2 tbs butter, chilled 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, chopped 2 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes 14 kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth 1. In small bow, combine oregano, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and rub into both sides of chicken breasts. Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. In large, heavy skillet, heat olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to platter and cover with foil to rest and keep warm. 2. In medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about five minutes or until just translucent. Add garlic and tomatoes and cook two minutes. Add chicken broth, roasted red peppers and olives and cook five minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve with pasta or bread.
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News Bytes NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) MOTORCYCLISTS GAIN SOME RELIEF FROM CONGRESSIONAL HELMET LAW EFFORTS Driven by discontent, disillusionment and distrust, American voters saw red in November’s mid-term elections and whisked control of the Unites States Senate to the first Republican majority since 2006 and won additional seats in the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives, as well as favoring the GOP in numerous statewide races and a majority of gubernatorial contests nationwide. While most of the electorate is simply happy to see an end to a record $4 billion in campaign ads appearing incessantly on television, radio and newspapers, and in in-boxes and mailboxes everywhere, motorcycle riders should be especially glad to have won at least a temporary respite from helmet law threats from Congress and in states where Republicans have remained or gained in governance. As recently as this summer, the Obama Administration included a thinly-veiled attempt to impose a national helmet law through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) surface transportation reauthorization proposal to Congress, but the measure was derailed by the Republican-controlled House. Three years ago, motorcyclists across America successfully opposed a proposed amendment to S.1449, the “Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011,” that would have called for a National Mandatory Helmet Law for all motorcyclists. Although federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will undoubtedly continue to advance their pro-helmet law agendas, lacking a Democrat majority in either chamber will likely curb enthusiasm for helmet law mandates from Washington, for now. PAY-TO-PLAY HELMET LAW PROPOSED IN NEW MEXICO In a unique scheme to punish motorcyclists for exercising their right to ride without a helmet, a Discussion Draft of a Senate bill proposed for the 2015 52nd Legislature for the state of New Mexico would create a system of taxation for riders who opt not to wear a helmet. Specifically, “The department [Motor Vehicles Division] shall make available distinctive motorcycle validation stickers that signify that any person age eighteen or older who operates a motorcycle on which that sticker is affixed are not required by law to wear a safety helmet. The department shall issue validation sticker when a qualifying person pays the fee as provided for.” A standard validation sticker is just $15 annually, but it would cost $692 per year for the “distinctive motorcycle validating sticker” that allows the rider to go lidless…the additional tax revenue to be distributed as follows: $541.60 to the trauma system fund, $135.40 to the brain injury services fund, and $15 as additionally provided by law. Otherwise, the rider and passengers must wear a helmet, even though New Mexico law currently does not require helmet use for those 18 and older. “My concern is this will turn into a helmet law in New Mexico,” said Annette Torrez, chairperson for the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization (NMMRO) and a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, who reported on the effort at a recent NCOM Regional Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. 30 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
“We found out that a lobbyist in New Mexico asked a senator to draft the bill, and though it does not have a sponsor yet, we are currently researching who is behind it.” TEXAS SAYS NO POLARIS SLINGSHOTS The Polaris Slingshot, a brand new three-wheeled sportsvehicle now just arriving at dealerships across the U.S., lacks componentry necessary to be considered “a car” and in most states you register it as a motorcycle; but the Texas DMV says “Whoa pardner, not so fast.” Though Polaris says they’d already received approval from the Lone Star State to sell their Slingshot there, according to a letter to Texas Polaris dealers posted on a Slingshot forum on November 4th they were notified by the Vehicle Titling and Registration Division of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that the DMV is taking the position that even if dealers are licensed to sell it as a motorcycle, owners of the Slingshot will not be able to register it because it is not street legal as far as Texas “motorcycles” are concerned. The conflict hinges on the wording used to define a motorcycle in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Operator’s Manual says three-wheelers are defined by certain characteristics, one of them being “saddle seating,” meaning “seating in which the rider/passenger straddles the vehicle,” but the Slingshot’s seats sit side-by-side. Because it doesn’t have a “saddle,” the DMV ruling prohibits the Polaris Slingshot from being registered as a motorcycle, so they will not be sold in the state until this “VERY urgent matter” is resolved. The Texas precedence has the potential to sway other states to define the Slingshot similarly, a scenario Polaris is surely hoping to avoid. Polaris has fought hard for their not-car classification, and have used the fact that their vehicles are legally considered motorcycles to ease their passage through regulatory waters, but this gray area has led to some other unintended legal consequences, such as operator licensing, vehicle registration and applicable helmet requirements. Ultimately, it has everything to do with the way laws are written and how “motorcycle” is defined therein, which varies from state to state. INDIANA SCOOTER RIDERS FACE NEW REGULATIONS Indiana officials are warning motor scooter drivers that starting in January they’ll need license plates on those bikes. Legislators have approved Indiana’s first license requirements for scooters, and under the new law drivers of scooters with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less will need to buy license plates and pass a Bureau of Motor Vehicles test involving road signals and signs. Operators of scooters with larger engines will be required to follow motorcycle requirements, including holding a valid motorcycle license or learner’s permit. Evansville police officials told a legislative committee that scooters had often been involved in accidents and used in crimes such as robberies, but that the owners couldn’t be found because they lacked any registration. The new law doesn’t require insurance for drivers of the smaller scooters, and the registration will cost $26.35, plus a $10 excise tax. Law sponsor Rep. Dave Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) said not
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News Bytes
requiring a driver’s license for scooter operators was important because he felt it was necessary that those with drunken driving convictions still have a way to get to work. MINIBIKE MANUFACTURER TO PAY RECORD $4.3 MILLION FEDERAL FINE Baja Inc. of Anderson, South Carolina, has agreed to pay a record $4.3 million civil penalty to settle a complaint from federal regulators that it delayed reporting safety defects on its go-karts and minibikes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported. The settlement resolves CPSC charges that the firm knowingly failed to report within 24 hours, as required by federal law, known defects and an unreasonable risk of serious injury involving 11 models of minibikes and go-carts sold nationwide from November 2004 through June 2010. The defects in Baja’s products, which consisted of fuel leaks and unintended acceleration, resulted in the recall in 2010 of 308,000 Baja Motorsports minibikes and go-karts, which is when Baja filed its Full Report with CPSC. Although the company agreed to pay the fine, it did not admit any wrongdoing and said it was paying to “avoid the cost, distraction, delay and uncertainty” of continued proceedings. Previously, the highest penalty the safety commission had issued was a $4 million fine against Graco Children’s Products in 2005 for failure to inform CPSC about dangers to children. NEW ARMY RULES BAN BASKETBALL SHOES AND CLUB COLORS U.S. Military installations worldwide require military members and employees to utilize a variety of safety equipment to ride motorcycles on base that is not required by laws outside their boundaries, but some new Army rules in Hawaii sound way off base. On Nov. 1, Military Police and leaders at all levels began enforcement of U.S. Army-Hawaii Policy Letter 11 on Motorcycle Safety, consisting of four major changes to the pre-existing policy, including changes to required safety equipment and prohibited equipment. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
“When operating a motorcycle on USARHAW installations, riders must wear a DOT approved helmet, protective eyewear, abrasionresistant gloves, long pants (excluding PT pants), long sleeves, and leather/canvass boots or sturdy over-the-ankle shoes,” and such regs are typical of most military bases, but their new policy “prohibits riders from wearing high-top basketball shoes while riding.” Additionally, the new policy specifies the use of reflective gear at all times, and riders must wear either a fluorescent (brightly colored) and reflective vest, jacket or upper outer garment, or they must wear a motorcycle specific jacket with padding/armor. But what’s most concerning is “Prohibited Equipment” that is NOT allowed to be worn: “Riders on-post are not authorized to wear any garment that displays an affiliation with a motorcycle club or other group that offers or solicits membership.” The new policy applies to all motorcycle operators on USARHAW installations. In addition, the policy applies to all 25th Infantry Division Soldiers, both on and off-post. LANE FILTERING APPROVED DOWN UNDER Following consultation with riders, motorists and road safety groups, the government of Queensland, Australia decided to make changes to the laws regarding motorcycle riding, and beginning early next year motorcyclists will now be able to move around stationary or slow moving vehicles, as long as they are travelling less than 30 kilometres an hour (18.64 mph). A trial in New South Wales found lane filtering could help ease traffic congestion and Transport Minister Scott Emerson agreed it should be rolled out in Queensland, but it will only be allowed for experienced riders and won’t be allowed in school zones during school hours. Among other “sensible changes,” motorcyclists will also now be able to legally stretch their leg off the bike to help avoid fatigue, take both feet off the footsteps to reverse into a parking space and turn their head to do a shoulder check. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Since when do we have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?” ~ Lillian Hellman (1905-1984), American playwright and memoirist
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In line at the company cafeteria, Bubba says to Ernie behind him, ‘My elbow hurts like hell. I guess I’d better see a doctor.’ ‘Listen, you don’t have to spend that kind of money, Ernie replies. ‘There’s a diagnostic computer down at Smart-Mart. Just give it a urine sample and the computer will tell you what’s wrong and what to do about it. It takes ten seconds and only costs ten bucks. Helluva’ lot cheaper than a doctor.’ So, Bubba deposits a urine sample in a small jar and takes it to Smart-Mart. He deposits ten dollars, and the computer lights up and asks for the urine sample. He pours the sample into the slot and waits. Ten seconds later, the computer ejects a printout: ‘You have tennis elbow. Soak your arm in warm water and avoid heavy activity. It will improve in two weeks. Thank you for shopping @ Smart-Mart.’ That evening, while thinking how amazing this new technology was, Bubba began wondering if the computer could be fooled. He mixed some tap water, a stool sample from his dog, urine samples from his wife and daughter, and a sperm sample for good measure. Bubba hurries back to Smart-Mart, eager to check the results. He deposits ten dollars, pours in his concoction, and awaits the results. The computer prints the following: 1. Your tap water is too hard. Get a water softener. (Aisle 9) 2. Your dog has ringworm. Bathe him with anti-fungal shampoo. (Aisle 7) 3. Your daughter has a cocaine habit. Get her into rehab. Talk to your Family Physician. 4 Your wife is pregnant. Twins. They aren’t yours. Get a lawyer. 5. If you don’t stop playing with yourself, your elbow will never get better! Merry Christmas and Thank You for Shopping at Smart-Mart.
A golfer is in a Christmas Charity Tournament with a friend, who is ahead by a couple of strokes. “Boy, I’d give anything to sink this putt,” the golfer mumbles to himself. Just then, a stranger walks up beside him and whispers, “Would you be willing to give up one-fourth of your sex life?” Thinking the man is crazy and his answer will be meaningless, the golfer also feels that maybe this is a good omen, so he says,“Sure,” and sinks the putt. Two holes later, he mumbles to himself again, “Gee, I sure would like to get an eagle on this one.” The same stranger is at his side again and whispers, “Would it be worth giving up another fourth of your sex life?” Shrugging, the golfer replies, “Okay.” And he makes an eagle. On the final hole, the golfer needs another eagle to win. Without waiting for him to say anything, the stranger quickly moves to his side and says, “Would winning this match be worth giving up the rest of your sex life?” The golfer is in the zone and most assuredly wants the win. “Definitely,” the golfer replies, and he makes the eagle. As the golfer is walking to the club house, the stranger walks alongside him and says, “I haven’t really been fair with you because you don’t know who I am. I’m Satan, and from this day forward you will have no sex life.” “Ahh, top of the day to you,“ the golfer replies, “I’m Father O’Malley. Merry Christmas to ya’ then”.
A little old lady was walking down the street dragging two large plastic garbage bags behind her. One of the bags was ripped and every once in awhile a $20 bill fell out onto the sidewalk. Noticing this, a policeman stopped her, and said, ”Ma’am, there are $20 bills falling out of that bag.” “Oh, really? Darn it!” said the little old lady. “I’d better go back and see if I can find them. Thanks for telling me, Officer.” “Well, now, not so fast,” said the cop. “Where did you get all that money? You didn’t steal it, did you?” “Oh, no, no”, said the old lady. “You see, my back yard is right next to a Golf course. A lot of Golfers come and pee through a knot hole in my fence, right into my flower garden.
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Cam
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Thunder Roads Magazine速 Colorado 35
WHERE TO FIND IT... Denver Metro Area
Bushwackers Performance Cycle 2 Wheeler’s Motorcycle Shop Blue Creek Motorcycle Training Avalanche Harley Davidson O’Sullivan Law Firm Sun Harley Davidson Piper Inn Bar Church in the Wind Sharps Roadhouse Quaker Steak and Lube Renegade Classics outlet store Sun Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris ExpMotorsports Foothills BMW GForce Powersports Grand Prix Motor Sports Inc Gunslinger Custom Paint & Collision Center Hawgback Saloon Holiday Bar Indian Motorcycle of the Rockies Jake’s Roadhouse La Fore’s Custom Motorcycle Shop Lakewood Grill MRTC Motorcycle Rider Training Center Platte River Grill Red Rocks Grill Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson RPM Motorsports Str8 Customs The Dive Bar Thunderbird Motorcycles Twin Peaks Leather Wrigleys Fay Myers Motorcycle World Thunder & Lightning Cycles Mile High Harley of Parker Colorado Tourbike Rentals and Sales Mile High Harley Davidson The Frontier Club Back Alley Cycles Motorcycle Depot Piper Inn Abate
1967 S Broadway 1990 S Broadway 1433 W 38th Ave 4704 Harlan Street, Suite 55 8020 W Colfax 600 Ogden Street 8858 Pearl Street 2251 S Parker Road 431 W 84th Ave 4730 W 99th Ave 10392 Reed St 8851 Washington Street 8858 Pearl St 3301 W. Hampden Ave. 1435 Wadsworth Blvd 7700 W Colfax Ave 3105 W County Line Rd 830 Pine Ridge Rd 15800 W Colfax Ave 403 Bear Creek Ave 3105 W County Line Rd 5980 Lamar St 155 Sheridan Blvd 8100 W Colfax 2176 South Cole Court 5995 S Santa Fe 415 Bear Creek Ave 2885 W County Line Rd 1251 Wadsworth Blvd 5626 Newland Way 11810 W Colfax Ave 9709 W. 44th Ave 5655 Olde Wadsworth Blvd 18200 W. Colfax Ave. 9700 E Arapahoe Rd 3986 South Broadway 6280 E Pine Ln 1801 East 33rd Ave., Unit B 16565 E 33rd Dr. 18881 East Colfax Ave 342 Norfolk St Suite I 231 Airport Blvd, Ste D 2251 S Parker Road P.O Box 111528
Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver Denver Commerce City Westminster Thornton Thornton Sheridan Lakewood Lakewood Littleton Golden Golden Morrison Littleton Arvada Lakewood Lakewood Lakewood Littleton Morrison Littleton Lakewood Arvada Lakewood Wheatridge Arvada Golden Greenwood Village Englewood Parker Aurora Aurora Aurora Aurora Aurora Aurora Aurora
CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO Co CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO
80210 80210 80211 80212 80214 80218 80229 80231 80260 80031 80021 80229 80229 80110 80214 80214 80129 80403 80401 80465 80129 80003 80226 80214 80228 80120 80465 80129 80214 80002 80215 80033 80002 80401 80112 80113 80138 80010 80011 80011 80011 80011 80014 80042
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36 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
December 2014
www.thunderroadscolorado.com
Northern Colorado
Frontline Cycles Brickhouse Leather Co. Jerry D’s Miner’s Tavern High Country Harley Davidson Local’s Grill Interstate Honda The Hideout Patio Bar & Grill A Classic Touch Sangers Cycles Front Range Cycles Charter Lake Windjammer Roadhouse Grill Hawg Wild Custom Choppers PHAT Rides Beaver’s Den Leather Thunder Mountain Harley Burnout Grill Bruce’s Bar and Restaurant The Twisted Stitcher Fullmoon Customs Greeley Harley-Davidson
1501 Nelson Rd 319 Main St 604 8th St 524 Briggs Street 3761 Monarch Street 153 E Elkhorn Ave 858 SE Frontage Rd 1903 East Lincoln Avenue 300 N College Ave 1724 E Lincoln Ave Unit A 2016 East Lincoln Ave. 3431 S County Rd 31 4315 S Lincoln Ave 518 S Lincoln Ave 9019 U.S. 34 4250 Byrd Dr 1760 Broad St 123 1st St 116 North 2nd Ave 115 Highway 85 3010 W 29th St
Longmont Longmont Dacono Erie Frederick Estes Park Fort Collins Fort Collins Fort Collins Fort Collins Fort Collins Loveland Loveland Loveland Loveland Loveland Milliken Severance Ault Ault Greeley
CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO
80501 80501 80514 80516 80516 80517 80524 80524 80524 80524 80524 80537 80537 80537 80537 80538 80543 80546 80610 80610 80631
Buckskin’s Saloon Apex Sports Hawgs Custom Cycles Pikes Peak Motorsports Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson Inc A & K Motorcycle Apparel Discount Cycle Works Chazwiks Motor Cycle Works Hymark Motorsports Inc Timme Motor Sales Inc Outpost Harley-Davidson
5607 N Us Highway 85 327 S Weber St 2101 bott ave 2180 Victor Place 5867 N Nevada Ave 103 West Abriendo 1405 W 4th St 4200 Thatcher Ave 175 E. Spaulding Ave 315 E Enterprise 5001 N Elizabeth St
Sedalia Colorado Springs Colorado Springs Colorado Springs Colorado Springs Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo Pueblo West Pueblo West Pueblo
CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO
80135 80903 80904 80915 80918 81004 81004 81005 81007 81007 81008
16 Mt. Evans Blvd 4651 Highway 73 28075 Highway 74 750 South Camino Del Rio 300 W US Highway 24 2747 Crossroads Blvd 2302 Devereux Rd
Pine Evergreen Evergreen Durango Woodland Park Grand Junction Glenwood Springs
CO CO CO CO CO CO CO
80470 80439 80439 81301 80863 81506 81601
Southern Colorado
Foothills/Mountains Crossroads Cactus Jack’s Sports Saloon Little Bear Durango Harley Davidson Pikes Peak Polaris Grand Junction Harley Davidson Doc Holiday Harley
MAKE SURE YOU TELL THESE BUSINESSES THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THUNDER ROADS COLORADO MAGAZINE!
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www.thunderroadscolorado.com
December 2014
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 37