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..................................................................... 4
EDITORS Patrick J. McCauley “5” President and Senior Editor Patrick@thunderroadscolorado.com
Calendar................................................................ 18
Reid’s Story............................................................. 7 Motorcycle Evolution............................................... 8 Holiday Gift Guide................................................. 12 Veteran’s Corner.................................................... 17 Events................................................................... 20 Tasty Recipes........................................................ 23
Carrie McCauley Vice President and Editor Carrie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Ladies Up Front..................................................... 24
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vickie Jo Mullin, Lead Photographer Vickie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Skin Art.................................................................. 29
Seats & Saddles.................................................... 28 News Bytes........................................................... 30 Biker Friendly Directory......................................... 32
Wayne Madison wayne@thunderroadscolorado.com
Joker’s Wild........................................................... 33 Thunder Cam........................................................ 34
David Campbell davidc@thunderroadscolorado.com ADVERTISING AND DISTRIBUTION REPRESENTATIVES Western Slope Chris Blumke chrisb@thunderroadscoloraodo.com (303)478-2335
ON THE COVER Model: Julie Harrower Motorcycle Owner: Julie Harrower Photographer: David Campbell
Greater Metro Denver Area Toby Schmidt tobyb@thunderroadscolorado.com (720)829-7954 Northern Colorado Zak Clayton zak@ThunderRoadsColorado.com (970) 301-4674 LAYOUT & DESIGN Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics mhancockgraphics@gmail.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Thunder Publishing LLC, Offices 615-792-0040 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com www.thunderroadsmagazine.com ©2015 Flying Hound Press, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of the content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not liable for errors beyond the cost of space occupied by the error, slander by any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors/contributors are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Road Magazine® Colorado, Thunder Publishing. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
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elcome to the December edition of Thunder Roads Colorado. Thanksgiving has passed, Black Friday has come and gone and New Years is right around the corner. Do you have all of your shopping done? If you don’t, please check out our advertisers. They offer some fantastic goods and services and they help to bring Thunder Roads Colorado to you each and every month at a price everyone can afford— free to readers at any of our more than 250 distributors across Colorado. This month there are toy runs in Colorado Springs, Greeley and Denver and ABATE brings us the Last Brass Monkey Run with several starting locations. If that isn’t enough, remember that the Colorado Motorcycle Expo and Swap Meet is coming in January, the week before the Super bowl. Thunder Roads Colorado is a proud sponsor of the Expo and we look forward to seeing you there. There will be hourly cash prizes, great vendors and sponsors, a bike show and the ever-popular bikini and wet t-shirt contests. Hey—Just because it is winter and the “motorcycle season” is over for 2015 doesn’t mean that we can’t have some fun! Anyway, all of us here at Thunder Roads Colorado and our advertisers wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season! Patrick “5”
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Reid’s Story: A Rider Who Sees the Good in All By Janalee Card Chmel
splitting his shin in half and his head was then split open when he landed on the ground.
O’Sullivan Law Firm Reid is one of those rare human beings who can find the silver lining in anything, absolutely anything. On August 25, 2014, Reid was the victim of a motorcycle accident that put him in a coma for two weeks, resulted in the loss of one of his legs, and has left him with nerve damage and pain that haunts him each and every hour of the day. What is his reaction to this? He looks at the bright side, “I am so blessed by the Lord. I have a beautiful wife, a wonderful home and a fantastic business. If God parted the skies and said to me, go ahead and complain, I’d say, I’m not complaining about anything. You’ve done right by me, brother!’” Many of us, probably most of us would not have the same attitude as Reid were we in his situation. He has a pretty inspiring outlook for someone who was riding his HarleyDavidson legally on the way to work one day and, due to the negligence of another driver, has seen his entire life shaken up and flipped upside-down. It was 8:30 in the morning and Reid was riding at twenty mph through a school zone at 38th and Vivian in Wheat Ridge, when he saw an oncoming truck turning left across his lane. “I saw him and I knew he would take a left to go onto Vivian,” recalls Reid. “I veered to my left to swerve around him but he got into my lane and stopped! If I had veered six more inches, I’d have missed him, but he stopped!” The impact, even with both drivers at only twenty mph or less, launched Reid off of his motorcycle and threw him sixty feet after destroying his leg. Reid’s leg was caught between the rear bumper and quarter-panel of the truck at the moment of impact. “It ripped my whole kneecap off like opening a bottle of pop,” It also ripped his leg muscles and tendons, essentially
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After the accident, Reid was in a coma and on life support for two weeks. Doctors told his wife that he might never emerge from the coma and, if he did, he would likely have the mentality of a three-year-old due to brain injury. Fortunately, a few days later Reid opened his eyes and sat up. When he did, he was in possession of his full mental capacity. His doctors called him a miracle. Having had a frustrating meeting with another attorney, Reid was referred by BikerDown to the O’Sullivan Law Firm and Scott drove to the hospital to meet with Reid. “Scott worked for me and worked for me,” recalls Reid. “He is magnificent. The dude is unbelievable. He works hard and he still does things to help me.” Scott discovered that the man driving the truck who hit Reid had a $1.5 million umbrella policy. Scott immediately set about getting it for Reid. Just four months later, he handed a check to Reid, but Scott wasn’t finished there. “I had Medicaid and they wanted me to pay $700,000 in bills,” says Reid. “Scott went to bat for me and I only had to pay them $65,000.” He adds, “Scott is the elite attorney of the attorneys. The only thing he cared about was helping me. He worked twenty-four hours a day for me. Scott is the best of the best!” Unfortunately, Reid is still faces lifetime of chronic pain and other health issues due to the accident. He is now very susceptible to pneumonia and has had to be hospitalized and put on life support three times with that illness. Another thing that has been changed is his motorcycle riding, he now needs help getting on and off his bike, which frustrates him and has impacted how he feels about riding. Still, this is a man who always chooses to look at the good in his life. “I’m so blessed that I couldn’t complain.”
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The Motorcycle Evolution-from Modified Bicycle to True Motorcycle
M
otorcycles have been bringing excitement and pleasure those of us who cannot resist the call of the wind and the road. For more than a century beginning with their humble beginnings as bicycles rigged with a motor, motorcycles have been developed into the smooth running and powerful machines we ride today—whether that is a dirt bike, a sports bike, crotch rocket or cruiser. This article covers that evolution from early production up until World War I. Thunder Roads Colorado is proud to bring our readers more of the history of motorcycles and motorcycling courtesy of Thunder Roads Iowa and Melanie Schwarte. Motorcycle Production In the earliest days of motorcycle production the biggest players in the industry remained the bicycle manufacturers. They began adapting their designs to accommodate the up and coming internal combustion engine. As engines became more powerful and designs began to outgrow their bicycle origins, the number of motorcycle producers increased. With so many people trying to succeed in the motorcycle industry, many of the 19th century inventors inevitably moved from motorcycle development to automobiles. Survival of the fittest at its finest, and at the turn of the century the first major mass production firms were established. 1894 marked the year of the first production motorcycle in Germany. Hildebrand and Wolfmüller developed the “Motorrad”. They even patented the Motorrad engine, a revolutionary 1488 cc model, but only a few hundred bikes were ever completed. At the same time the term “motorcycle” was first used in the English language
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when it appeared in materials promoting machines developed by E J Pennington. Sadly, Pennington’s designs never progressed past the prototype stage—but the name “motorcycle” is still going strong. In 1896 The Excelsior Motor Company began selling motorcycles to the public in Coventry, England. (Excelsior would also operate a company in the U.S. from 1905 – 1931) 1898 presented us with a U.S. development in the industry, when the Orient-Aster was built by Charles Metz at his factory in Waltham, Massachusetts. At this point in the game, many names that have become household standards began to emerge. The first familiar name in motorcycles appeared out of the bicycle era in 1898 and it was Triumph. Triumph extended its production focus to include the motorcycle, and by 1902 had successfully produced its first model for sale. The first Triumph was essentially a bicycle fitted with a Belgian built engine that boasted a whopping 2.2 HP, and a short year later Triumph had emerged as the largest producer of motorcycles boasting an annual production of over 500 units. Clearly not considered “mass production” by today’s standards, but in 1902, Triumph was kicking some serious ass in the motorcycle revolution. By 1907 Triumph had perfected a new 450 cc 3.5 HP engine and was producing 1,000 units annually. 1901 was the birth year for the famed Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The love child of two former bicycle racers, Indian quickly became (and has remained) a beloved name in motorcycles. Their first design was the “diamond framed” Indian Single. Its engine was built by the Aurora Firm in Illinois per
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Indian’s specifications. The Single was made available in one color, deep blue. Indian also increased its production to over 500 bikes by the close of 1902, making Indian a strong competitor for Triumph. Along the way, Indian pushed the evolution of the motorcycle in several ways…in 1902 Indian produced the first chain driven bike sold to the public, as well as released the first American V-Twin in 1906 (which remains the most popular motorcycle engine today). 1907 brought the first police unit to NYC (Indian bikes were chosen by all), and by 1914 Indian had created the “loop frame” positioned gas tank, swing arm and leaf spring suspension, and the world’s first electric lights and starter. No more need for a flashlight, or parking your bike at dusk; diehards could now ride all night! Indian would continue to rise in the production game as well, up to 32,000 units per year, their best year ever in 1913. 1901 also brought an eager young man by the name of William S. Harley into the biking world. At the age of 21 he completed his first blueprint of a bicycle engine. In 1903, William and his partner Arthur Davidson produced their first motorcycle in their meager 10 by 15 foot factory. Henry Meyer of Milwaukee bought the
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original 1903 model directly from the founders. Meyer obviously had no idea how lucky he was! 1904 marks the year that the first Harley dealership was opened in Chicago, Illinois by C. H. Lang, where one of the first production models was sold. In 1907, Harley-Davidson was incorporated and builds a new, larger factory. 1908 saw the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle delivered to the Detroit Michigan Police Department and Detroit’s first motorcycle patrol unit was created. The following year, for the first time ever, spare parts for the Harley-Davidson V-twin were made available for sale—I wonder what you the hell you did before that if your bike broke down? By 1914 Harley had introduced the world to the renowned bar and shield logo, begun production of the “F-Head”, and brought us sidecars and the beginning of the tag-along ride. By this time, mass production was in full swing, and competition was in full force. Experimentation and innovation were taking over and being further driven by the growing sport of motorcycle racing. A powerful incentive to produce tougher, faster, more reliable machines was on the rise. While initiated for the racing world, these enhancements were to quickly infiltrate
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the machines sold to the public as well. Remember that mention of the U.S. Excelsior Motor Company? Well, they can be thanked for being a huge driving force for improvement and enhancement helping that bike parked in your driveway today to do more for you than just take you from point A to point B.
Feeling the Need, the Need for Speed
Right about this time, while the Wright Brothers are making quite a name for themselves buzzing around the skies and Model T’s are rolling off Henry Ford’s assembly lines; changes continue in the motorcycle world through the early 1900’s. Once manufacturers had tackled the basic change-over from a bicycle to a motorcycle, the evolution of these beloved machines continued and began to be driven by a new sport--motorcycle racing. As motorcycle racing began drawing large crowds, racings brought increased need for comfort, safety, speed, and more speed. While numerous small companies throughout Europe were involved in the racing industry, many operated only a short time before ceasing production. One highly notable advancement that came from across the pond occurred in 1908 was the development of telescopic pneumatic suspension system. The new suspension designs made their way from England to the US, and the result was well received. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a ride that doesn’t end with your body aching and the famed “iron butt”? Meanwhile, in the States, motorcycle racing popularity was increasing minute by the minute. Early racing was actually held on horse racing ovals or bicycle velodromes, but by 1909 construction of wooden tracks specifically designed for motorcycles began to appear. They called these tracks motordromes, and 10 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
they were circuits of 1.25 miles constructed out of 2 x 2 and 4 x 4 lumber. They featured severely turned banks which allowed riders to reach speeds previously unseen in the motorcycle world. Unfortunately crashes were frequent and horrific in the racing world. Riders who went down faced being impaled by the wooden track, and that was often fatal. Despite the dangers of racing, people flocked to watch, and the riders wanted more and more speed. This need for speed resulted in demands for more powerful, versatile, and comfortable machines and the American manufacturers were ready to satisfy that need. While Indian and Harley-Davidson continued to keep up with the times and improve their production models, there were two other companies whose focus was simply SPEED. These people helped ensure that today you can pass everyone in that fast lane and wear a smile while doing it. The Waltham Manufacturing Company was actually founded in 1893, but it wasn’t until 1903 that they would commence production of the famous “Orient Racing Bicycles”. These bikes were first introduced to the world at the Charles River Race Track in Boston, at what would become the first recorded motorcycle speed event in the United States. The Orient set a tack time of 7 minutes over a 5 mile course. Not bad for a first run, but exhibiting the primal need to go faster, to push the limit, they went on to develop an improved 4 HP, 1,000 cc V-Twin that powered the Marsh-Metz before the company’s motorcycle division went bellyup in 1908. The other, more familiar, US name in motorcycle racing was Excelsior Motor Company. Though the company operated overseas as well, the US division began operations in 1905. A Chicago based division; Excelsior’s first motorcycle was a 21 cubic inch, 344
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cc four-stroke, single speed machine with a leather belt drive. It had a top speed of 3540 mph. This first attempt would not suffice. Humor me, if you will, but at this point in my writing I am forced to take a small break and giggle at the scenario unfolding in my head… Four chimps in all their ginger glory, standing around this bike. The first is smiling at his brilliant creation, awaiting praise from the others on a job well done. Chimps 2 and 3 pat him on the back and commence telling stories of the awesomeness that has just unfolded in front of them. But chimp 4 stands a bit apart…scratching his head (or whatever chimps scratch) and pondering. (Number 4 you see…he is the crazy one, the envelope pusher, the friend that always sees another option…that usually gets you all in trouble). The other 3 stop and stare at Number 4, and Number 1 of course has to ask what the problem is…Number 4 looks up, one eye making contact and the other trailing up and off to the left (as usual). He smiles as he raises his arms, lets out a loud abrupt conglomeration of excited grunts…and begins flexing his throttle hand. Squealing and grunting commences, and they all begin exercising those throttle hands. Back to the drawing board for Excelsior, there had to be a better way, a faster way. By 1910 they had introduced an engine configuration they would become famous for, and continue to produce until 1929, the “X Series”. This engine was a V-Twin measuring 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc) and would become the first ever to hit the century mark. The “Model Big X” was the mainstay of Excelsior production, sporting an inlet-over-exhaust V-Twin that was belt driven at first and later had two speed and three speed gearboxes. Production was limited in comparison to Indian and Harley, and many of these models were exported to Europe and Australia. This era brought about the evolution of spring frames, magneto ignitions, kick starts, spring mounted seats, improved tires, and heavier/sturdier frames to accommodate the larger engines. The motorcycle had become its own entity, no longer a bicycle with www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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an engine, but a separate machine with its own technology. In late 1913 and early 1914, at what was then its heyday, motorcycle production suddenly began to slow to a crawl and production turned its focus almost entirely to producing motorcycles for the military. By the outbreak of WWI in 1914, the motorcycle had rapidly progressed into a dependable, speedy, and relatively inexpensive means of transportation. Melanie Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Holiday Gift
N
ot sure what to get that special motorcycle enthusiast in your life this holiday season? Thunder Roads Colorado has a few ideas that just might fit the bill; give something that will make them wish riding season was here already.
Motorcycle Helmet Cover and Accessories
These helmet covers are sure to get you noticed on the road. Iron Horse Helmet have lots of products that are sure to please any biker in your life, but the handmade helmet covers are what caught our attention. They have many options, but some of our favorites are the Mammal, and “Yellow (a take on a popular animated character from the movies) Motorcycle options. They are kept in place by elastic that is stitched in the bottom of the cover. They also have motorcycle helmet pigtails, mow hawks and printed visor covers. Check out all their items available at http://www.ironhorsehelmets.com/
Motorcycle Dolly
We have all seen the YouTube videos of the motorcycle dollies. Did you know that you can purchase one at your local Harbor Freight store? You can pick one up for less than one hundred dollars that can handle up to a 1,250 pound motorcycle. It sits very low to the ground to help prevent against tipping. This dolly gives you the option to roll your bike around in the garage for the winter or any other time of the year. Plus they often send 20% off coupons out in the mail. 12 Thunder Roads MagazineÂŽ Colorado
Motorcycle Chock
If you want to spend less than $50, Harbor Freight also carries a nice front wheel chock that can be attached to your trailer or garage floor and the chock will hold your cruiser upright. Just ride your bike onto the chock. There are several different sizes and styles to fit sports bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, etc. These are great if your bike does not have a center stand. A definite benefit is the amazing amount of space you save by bringing that motorcycle upright, and not leaning it over on a side kickstand. An affordable and helpful gift for that motorcycle lover.
Gift Certificates and Gift Cards
Do not know the size, or cannot afford what they really want? How about a gift certificate or a gift card to help them out along the way to that bigger item they want? You can go to any motorcycle dealer or visit the company websites for gift certificate and cards. Gift certificate and gift card ideas: Rider Training Courses (Please consider our advertising partners, several of them write training and safety articles for TRCO and have excellent courses. You can find them in the biker friendly directory and their advertisements in the magazine). Motorcycle Dealerships Restaurants and Bars J & P Cycles Local Motorcycle Apparel Shops Motorcycle Repair and Customization shops Kuryakyn Ebay Amazon
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Giving Ideas Our Advertising Partners
Don’t know what to get? Visit any of our magazine advertisers to find that perfect gift or sell you a gift certificate for the biker in your life! Tell them that Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine sent you!
Shift Sock
The Shift Sock is an inexpensive gift that will please any motorcyclist. This item is made by several manufacturers and helps in two ways. It slips over the shifter to help prevent marring your boots and it gives you that little extra grip in the rain.
Drymax Socks
Do you remember when you dreaded getting socks for a holiday gift? Well the biker in your life will be happy with these socks. These socks are designed to keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away from your feet. This keeps your feet cooler when it is hot outside and warmer when it is colder outside. The work boot sock has dense padding areas to help keep from adversely affecting the fit of your motorcycle boot. These are the same sock-material that runners use to keep their feet dry—even on runs of more than Twentyfive miles. They come in five sizes that ensure comfort and fit.
Cramp Buster
This inexpensive item will help with those long trips if your bike doesn’t have cruise control. The Cramp Buster helps to reduce hand fatigue and it is designed to clip on and adjust to any motorcycle throttle. They come in many colors including a chrome plated one. This reasonably priced item is a great addition for your next long ride. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
Cooling Sleeves
I know it is cold and snowy outside, but this summer when the temperatures raise again wanting to stay cool will be on the mind of most bikers. These cooling sleeves by LD Comfort are sold in pairs and come in five sizes. This helps to add a cooling effect when worn under a leather jacket. They are designed to keep the skin dry and can be rehydrated while worn.
Adventure Touring Training
Have you been following the Adventure Hermit articles and thought about maybe trying a little adventure touring yourself? There are multiple classes all around Colorado that you can take on adventure touring as well as renting an adventure tourer to try out. Who knows, maybe those unpaved Colorado roads are calling to you!
Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine Subscription
Make sure the rider in your life never misses an issue. Have Thunder Roads® Colorado delivered to their mailbox every month. Give a gift subscription to the magazine for the cost of shipping and handling $25.99 per year (inside Colorado, slightly higher outside Colorado). The magazine is free, we only charge for shipping and handling. Send in the form included in this issue and give a gift they will receive every month of the year.
Happy Holidays from Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine!!!
December 2015
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ABATE OF COLORADO’S 28TH ANNUAL
DECEMBER 31, 2015
Join us for... Food, Chili Cook-off, Chili eating contest, 50/50 drawing, door prizes, poker walk, & the famous Last Brass Monkey Run Brass Nuts
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AT THE GRIZZLY ROSE
Waiver Sign In & Starting Points from 10 - 11 a.m.
(corner of 32ND Ave and Airport Road)
NORTH
Rocky Mountain Saloon 4329 CO HWY 66 Longmont, CO 80504 (970) 535-0905
SOUTH
Big Train Family Restaurant 3050 N Nevada Ave Colorado Springs, Colorado (719) 473-8218
EAST
Flying J Truck Stop I-70 Exit 285 16751 East 32nd Ave, Aurora, CO 80011 Phone: (303) 366-7600
WEST
In The Zone 15600 West 44th Ave. Golden, CO 80401. 303.279.3888
Finish Line Registration at the Grizzly Rose starts at 11 am. ABATE members $15, Non-members $20
Join ABATE and RIDE FREE – Renew your membership at the event and get in for $5 14 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
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BRITISH MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO Meets 1 st Saturday of every month, 10 am South Side Johnny’s 528 S. Tejon Colorado Springs, CO www.bmacinc.com All makes and models of bikes welcome! Contact John @719-213-3239 or 5pointsltd@gmail.com
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LIVE MUSIC EVENTS HERE!
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by Bill Maddick
VETERAN’S CORNER
The Redistribution Center, Inc., the Warriors Warehouse and Founder Rayna Kelley
T
he directions brought me to a house on the corner with a large metal building in the back. It looked like it could have been a home shop or home business, with a box truck and several vehicles in the side parking area to confirming my suspicion that I was in the right place. Once I finished parking, I saw three busy women through an open door, each bent on some task or another. I walked toward the open door and before I was halfway there, one of the women noticed my arrival and said, “Hi I’m Ranya Kelly.” After returning her hearty welcome I introduced myself as a writer for Thunder Roads Colorado and we began to chat. I realized quickly that we spoke the same language. Having a disability rating myself and having had the experience of being needy and disadvantaged myself, I know that I would never have made it through without the help of people like Ranya. Just after our conversation began, Ranya’s phone rang. She politely excused herself and, responding to the caller, she began giving directions to her warehouse, and unabashedly instructing the listener not to bring the kids or the dogs because she was going to fill their car with food. Arrangements made, she ended the call and we returned to the conversation as we began walking out in the parking lot towards a group of volunteers who were there to sort donations. At issue was something about a truck with 40 Christmas trees and a load of coats going to the coats giveaway that was in addition to the normal load of furniture, household goods, food, bedding, utensils, etc, which are sorted weekly by the Redistribution Warehouse. Trailing along to keep our conversation going, but respecting my intrusion on her schedule, I handed her a card and pledged to get back in touch. I hoped for more conversation but realized that the busyness and distraction she experiences, often while undertaking two conversations at once, is fairly routine for her as a woman running a charity that gives away $2.5 million worth of goods per year. Ranya’s story begins in 1986 when she discovered 500 pair of shoes in a dumpster; she salvaged those shoes and gave them to a local charity. Seeing the need and the lack of resources she founded the nonprofit the volunteer Redistribution Center, Inc. in 1991, which is staffed by volunteers. The intention was to distribute new but unsold items, helping to provide some basic necessities for those in need. The charity thrived and by September 11, 2001, she found herself distributing in several different states and for the victims of the World Trade Center attack and their families. More recently, she has also contributed to the Colorado flood victims of 2012, providing both immediate and long term assistance. The Redistribution Center, Inc. has redistributed over $69 million worth of household goods, toys, food, furniture and other basics since its founding, receiving these donations from such notable charities as 9 Cares, Feed the Children, the Archdiocese of Denver, the American Legion and the VFW just to name a few. Ranya proudly proclaims that they acquire, sort and redistribute these goods with an administrative overhead of only one percent, keeping the other 99% available to those in need.
Aviation Headquarters Company command at a stateside base. Now Ranya found herself caring for her seriously ill son at home with a medical discharge, while simultaneously fulfilling her role as CEO for a very busy and prominent charity. So with her firsthand experience dealing with a veteran returning home from the theater with a life threatening disease, and with renewed purpose, Ranya subsequently established the Warriors Warehouse at Fort Carson in November of 2012. Intended to provide basic necessities to enlisted military ranked sergeant and below, it is accessible at building #302 from 10:30 hours through 13:30 hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Soldiers are referred from on base social services and charities, but are limited to only five items per month, with records kept to prevent the same items from being used repeatedly. It is intended to provide the basics in helping soldiers through unplanned rough spots and the hardships that military life can place upon a family, but it is not intended to be a means of primary or permanent support. Notwithstanding, 1,831 coats just got distributed at the annual Coat Giveaway there on November 5, 2015, only 150 were left over. The Warrior Warehouse also distributed 150 turkey baskets for the seriously ill (the excess of these giveaways will be distributed to families of the National Guard). And this was all done while conducting the regular daily business of the Warehouse—distributing furniture, household goods, bedding, towels, etc. to all the needy families that came in that day. Ranya remarks that, “This is all about being sure that those who are sworn to protect our freedoms are as free as they can be themselves when they struggle to make ends meet.” Ultimately, Ranya and I were able to connect again and I innocently asked Ranya if she did anything specific for Christmas, since the Christmas season is upon us. The line went uncomfortably silent for a second before she responded that they had just finished the coat giveaway and they also contribute to Toys for Tots—not to mention distributing forty Christmas trees. I felt embarrassed for putting her on the spot in such a way, considering all the good this woman has done through the years and all the contributions she has made. But then just as quickly, I realized that Ranya creates Christmas for people every day, in some way or another. She has devoted her life to it and when things became more difficult with her son ill she could have reduced what she was doing, but she didn’t, she increased what she was doing by creating the Warrior Warehouse. So this Christmas, I will be grateful for Ranya and those like her who keep the spirit of giving alive and well all year long, working to help our soldiers and those in our community that are in need.. Since the Redistribution center runs on volunteer labor, volunteers are welcome and if you can’t spare the time, contributions are always welcome. If you are interested in either contacting her to volunteer or to make a donation, call 303-263-9919. You can also check out their website: http://www.redistributioncenter.org/. Prepare to be inspired, I certainly was. I would also like to wish all of our readers a safe and happy holiday season from myself and all of us here at Thunder Roads Colorado!
Unfortunately, tragedy struck and Ranya’s son, a West Point graduate, contracted lymphoma following two tours in Iraq and he was medically discharged after treatment and after completing his www.thunderroadscolorado.com December 2015
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first day of Hanukkah
Winter Solstice Last Brass Monkey Run
DECEMBER
30th Annual Children’s Hospital Toy Run Sunday, December 6, 2015 Aurora Sports Park, 18601 Sports Park Drive Aurora CO Please call (303) 703-2885 for exact times Help bring a smile to a child’s face! The ride fee is 1 new unwrapped toy to be donated to the kids at Children’s Hospital. Riders may pre-register at any Denver Metro Harley-Davidson dealers. Sponsored by Rocky Mountain H-D 2885 W. County Line Road Littleton, CO www.rockymountainhd.com Children’s Hospital Toy Run After Party 16565 E 33rd Dr. Aurora CO Sunday, December 6, 2015 12:00 pm - 5:00pm Join us at Mile High Harley-Davidson to celebrate the Children’s Hospital Toy Run for a special fundraiser event! Jim n’ Nicks BBQ will be here along with Music and Beer! Big Joseph Memorial Toy Run Action Cycles & Leather 2605 Delta Dr, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910 December 6th, 2015 – Snow Date December 14th 11:00 - KSU 1:00 PM Join us for the Oldest Toy Run in Colorado Springs. Registration is at 11:00 am with coffee and donuts provided. ONE UNWRAPPED TOY PER RIDER. Toys will be given as presents to the children of: State Hospital Children’s ward and Grandparents Raising Grandkids (Kids range in age up to 16 yrs. old) Biscuits & Gravy will be available at the Knucklehead beginning at 9:30. Always a great ride with a jaunt through the Broadmoor and Manitou Springs. Last year was a great turnout and we are looking to make this year even bigger, all bikes, riders and cages & Hot Rods welcome!! Even if you don’t ride, please consider supporting this great toy run, come out and check out all these beautiful machines that will be riding the toy run route. Please contact Pete Blair for additional info: (719)339-6241 20 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
30th Annual Toy Run with A Righteous Ride - V-Twin Motors 2881 31st Avenue, Suite B-14, Greeley, Colorado 80631 December 6th, 2015 12:00pm - KSU 1:00pm 30 years of fun, great people and happy kids! Bring a new, unwrapped toy and join us at noon at A Righteous Ride. At 1:00, Santa will lead us to The New Plantation for a party. Call (970) 339-5781 for more information Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience Summit Music Hall 1902 Blake St. Denver, CO Monday, December 7, 2015 8:00 PM Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, embarks on a special tour, melding the legacy of Led Zeppelin with his own life. The show will include film clips and photos, creating a multimedia spectacle that will feature guest performers. Call (303) 487-0111 for ticket prices www.jasonbonham.net El Mac: Aerosol Exalted 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Tuesday, December 1st, 2015 - Friday, December 11th, 2015 El Mac (Miles MacGregor) is an internationally renowned graffiti artist whose gorgeous large-scale works blur the lines between fine art and graffiti. Graffiti art is a natural progression for the FAC, following in the artistic traditions of mural art that extend back to our inception as an institution. El Mac began painting with acrylics and painting graffiti in the mid ’90s, when his primary focus became the life-like rendering of human faces and figures. Please call (719)634-5581 for more information http://www.csfineartscenter.org/exhibits/ el-mac-aerosol-exalted/
December 2015
Santa Express Train Santa Fe Depot located one block south of Hwy 50 & 3rd Street Canon City, CO 81212 December 1st – December 27th We’ve all seen the movie Polar Express. Now you can experience the train that takes you to meet Santa Claus himself. The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and relax with family and friends on a journey you’ll treasure year after year. On the way to the North Pole, Christmas music and Santa’s elves will keep you entertained, while you nibble on cookies and sip hot cocoa. A delicious, locally sourced lunch or dinner and drinks are available for purchase on every Santa Express Train.Call (888)724-5748 or (719)27-4000 for schedule and to make your reservations today! http://royalgorgeroute.com/specialevents/santa-express-train/ Wreaths Across America at Fort Logan Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave Denver, CO December 12th, 2015 9:30 AM - ? Come help lay wreaths on the fallen at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Please arrive by 9:30am and wear appropriate clothing to be outdoors for the entire time. The ceremony starts at 10:00 AM. The number of volunteers will determine the length of time to complete the laying of the wreaths. If you would like to donate a wreath please go to the following website for instructions. http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Photos with Santa Mile High Harley-Davidson 16565 E 33rd Dr. Aurora CO Saturday, December 12th and 19th, 2015 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Free Breakfast & Pictures with Santa & Free Gift Wrapping www.milehigh-harley.com/
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Sleigh Riders Motorcycle Toy Run 2501 35th Avenue Greeley, CO Sunday, December 20th, 2015 The thirteen mile ride starts at the John Elway dealership off 35th Avenue and ends at Ricky B’s in Windsor. First three hundred people get a free t-shirt and for each toy your bring (must bring one to ride) you get a raffle ticket. https://www.facebook.com/sleighriders www.sleighriderstoyrun.org Last Brass Monkey Run 5040 N Valley Hwy Denver, CO 80616 Sunday, December 31st, 2015 Last Brass Monkey Run is the last major motorcycle event in Colorado for 2015. There are start points at Longmont, Colorado Springs, Golden and Aurora with the main event at the Grizzly Rose. The ride has four start locations. In Aurora the ride starts at Flying J Truck Stop, 16751 East 32nd Ave. In Golden the ride starts at In The Zone 15600 West 44th Avenue. In Longmont riders will start at Rocky Mountain Saloon, 4329 CO Highway 66. In Colorado Springs start at Big Train Family Restaurant, 3050 N Nevada Avenue. Remote site registration is 10-11 am with final registration and payment at the Grizzly Rose starting at 11 am. Chili cook-off, chili eating contest, chili feed, poker walk, 50/50 drawing, door prizes and the famous Last Brass Monkey Run brass nuts. Cost is $20 for non-Abate members and $15 for ABATE members. Join ABATE of Colorado as a new member and get in free. Don Enninga 970-768-5599 denninga@kci.net www.abateofcolo.org
JANUARY
The vendor fee is $120.00 for a 10’ x 10’ space if you were in the Jan 2015 show and would like the same spot again, otherwise the rate is $135 per booth. The fee to enter a motorcycle in the show is $40.00 which includes two weekend passes to the event. First, second and third place trophies, and payouts, will be awarded in 10 different bike categories. There will also be awards for best paint, best display and best of show awards. The event will also include live music, contests, tattooing
and more. For more information call (303) 8356967, click here to send e-mail, or go to http://www.ColoradoMotorcycleExpo. com.
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38th Annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street in Denver, Colorado January 30th – 31st, 2016 Sponsored by Sun Harley, GEICO, Coors, and Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Doors open Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am. Admission is $15.00 for one day or $20.00 for both days. The swap meet will have over 800 booths on over 300,000 square foot of indoor space. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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Team! r u O n i o J To
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December 2015
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Tasty Recipes All of these recipes have been kitchen tested and biker approved. This month’s recipes brought to you by Dave Tjarks
It is once again that time of year when I look back at some of the memories of my youth and one of my favorites is always getting a box of holiday cookies in the mail from my Grandma. Ever since my dad was a baby-the family recipe book says 1946, my Grandma and her neighbor would get together and make this huge variety of Christmas cookies all in one day (in a small 19?? something era kitchen no less) and at the end of the day their family, friends and neighbors would come over for coffee and cookies. Of course growing up and living three states away, we always missed that part but my Grandma would make up a big box for us and wrap the cookies in those little bags with the twisty ties. Here are a couple of my favorite of those recipes (one for each saddlebag) that I have made over the years with my dad as well as with my own kids as a Christmas present to my two wheeled family. Hope you enjoy making them with someone as well as sharing any that are left.
Brown Peppernuts (aka Pfeffernusse, Pebernodder and a bunch more names I’m sure) 1c sugar 3/4 c melted butter 2 large eggs 1 c sugar (1/2 dark 1/2 white) or sorghum 1T soda in a little water 1 t cloves 1 t cinnamon 1 1/2 quarts flour (not quite) Add part of the flour. Then add more as needed. Bake at 350 degrees So here’s how I remember things, use the sorghum, trust me. Soda as in baking soda, the cloves are ground. Mix it all up, and jump into the way back machine to your Play Doh days and roll out some long snakes of dough about as big around as your finger and then cut them into about 1” long potato chip bags (actual description I used in Kindergarten for this). Roll www.thunderroadscolorado.com
up your bags into little balls and bake them on your friendly neighborhood cookie sheet until done. I’ve heard they’re great to dunk in your coffee, although I’ve never tried it as coffee makes me gag. I just know they’re great to grab a handful of and munch when your mom’s not watching.
Fudge Nut Bars
1 c margarine (I think we’re lucky this didn’t say oleo) 2 c brown sugar 2 eggs 2 t vanilla 2 ½ c flour 1 t soda ½ t salt 3 c oatmeal (the pilgrim in a round tub kind not the packets) Mix in order given. For filling mix and cook over water (don’t sweat this whole double boiler thing, just put a smaller pan into a bigger pan with a bit of water in the bottom of the bigger pan until it gets all melty): 1 (12oz.) pkg. chocolate chips 1 cup Eagle brand milk (that sweetened condensed stuff) 2T margarine 1/2t salt Add: 1c chopped nuts 2t vanilla Pat 2/3 of mixture in a 15x10 pan, (I think they built houses out of 4x2’s back then too) Add filling then dot with remainder of oatmeal mixture. No temperature was given (I told you these were from my Grandma’s cookbook) but as someone once told me, everything cooks at 350 eventually. You’ll have to watch it, I’d give it somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes when I start checking it all. Let them cool a bit to set up and then bust out the glasses of milk!
Merry Christmas to you all!
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Julie’s Trikes
I have interests in my life that I enjoy, but motorcycles and classic cars are at the top of my list! I own a couple of classic cars, a ‘67 Chevy pickup and a ‘33 v8 Ford with suicide doors and I also own two motorcycles. Since the classic cars are more collectors’ items, I do not drive them much. The motorcycles are a 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic with a Lehman trike conversion and a 2015 Indian Chieftain with a Hannigan trike conversion. I do ride those and “triking” is my passion. I used to ride on the back with friends on their motorcycles and after about five years I wanted to decide when I rode and I did not want to have to rely on other people and an invitation to ride. I am a strong independent lady and I decided I wanted to be in control of my own destiny. So, on May 15th 2008 I purchased my first motorcycle, a 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic from Wild West Motorsports in Greeley, 24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
Colorado. I knew this Harley was going to be a trike when I bought it. From the Wild West showroom the Harley went directly to the Wild West shop to be customized with a Lehman trike conversion. There are a lot of logistics when putting together a trike on your own. A lot of decisions to be made, ordering of the conversion kit, having it custom painted to match the motorcycle and of course, the selection and installation of all the custom accessories, like the custom seat. It takes months of preparation and oversight to make sure all details are just the way you want them. It is not an instant process, where you just add water and poof, a trike is born. When building a trike patience is a virtue! I chose the Lehman kit for the Harley because it offered the solid axle suspension with no lean for better handling and control. At that time I felt it was the best trike kit on the market for my Ultra Classic. A great bonus is that the design of the Lehman kit matches the Harley Davidson Ultra Classic very well. I have won many motorcycles shows with it. I finally quit showing it because I knew at
December 2015
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some point I was going to be beat and I wanted people to wonder what happened to the lady with that pretty white trike known as Whiplash. As my passion for motorcycles has grown through the years, my interest turned to the Indian Cheiftan and, when I make my mind up to do something, I make it happen! In February 2015 I purchased an Indian Chieftain from Indian Motorcycle in Sturgis, SD. My goal was to trike the Indiana with the Hannigan trike kit. I was very impressed with their quality, engineering, craftsmanship and design. I liked the independent suspension that they offered, which provides a solid and smooth ride and, in case you are wondering, it rides like a Cadillac!!! The design of the Hannigan kit flows beautifully and exquisitely with the Indian. I did about two months of research before I chose to use the Hannigan Kit. After talking to the owners I knew that the Hannigan kit was the one to use. Although the Hannigan kit is made in Kentucky, they informed me that they had a representative for the company in Windsor, Colorado called Nece Trikes, owned by Monty and Cindy Loftus. I contacted Monty and Cindy and made a deal with them to trike the Indian. Once I had the green light from Monty and Cindy, I ordered my kit from Hannigan. It took approximately eight weeks to have the kit built and another week to ship it to Nece Trikes. Remember, it takes www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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patience to build a trike. Once Nece Trikes had the kit, they had to dismantle the whole bike to get it ready for the conversion process and custom paint. The Cheiftan is 111 cubic inches, with the power it needs to become a trike. The Indian sales person tried to convince me to use the Lehman trike kit (so they could sell it to me). I wanted the Hannigan so I told him that “Well I guess we can’t do business”, they sold me the Indian without the Lehman kit and had it shipped to me in Cheyenne, WY. When the Indian was ready for the custom paint it went to High Tech Auto Body in Greeley, Colorado. The Chieftain was black when I purchased it, but I wanted to change the color to that Indian cream to give it that vintage look. The problem was, getting the paint color. Polaris doesn’t like to give up their paint colors. Luckily for me, Steve at High Tech Auto Body knew someone who had the vintage Indian crème color paint and he matched it and mixed it from that color. I had many suggestions as to what to put on the bike. Feathers, pin striping and other design ideas were given to me, but I wanted to keep it sleek and use the chrome on it for the decoration. The entire bike had to be painted along with the trike kit since the kit is primer coated from the factory. The painting process added another two weeks to the process. It was a handson experience to make sure my trike was customized perfectly for me. While the painting was in progress, I started making my decisions on the custom accessories I wanted to add. I chose Rusty Jones chrome footboards, passenger boards and toe shifter with a heel shifter to match, Aeromach accent coins, a chrome horn cover and chrome bolt covers, chrome windshield trim from Indian. I also chose lighted trim, passenger seat, heated grips, leather tassels, highway pegs, led light and a front chrome bumper. The trike has too many accessories to list all of 26 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
them here but I ordered all of the accessories with the encouragement of my brothers. The Indian then went back to Nece Trikes for installation of the trike kit and reassembly. This took several more weeks to complete. During reassembly Monty added the customized accessories that I chose. I am an admirer of the American free spirit and this beautiful trike that I feel very connected to deserves to be labeled “Crazy Horse” in my eyes. Having the opportunity to own and ride two custom trikes has helped me to feel confident with the safety, stability, visibility, of the trikes which has brought me a lot of pleasure. I also just like the looks of these two fantastic custom motorcycles because they lend themselves to my personality and character. I am caregiver for my 90 year old Mom who has Alzheimer’s disease. Taking care of her sometimes takes so much out of me and sometimes I just need a break. When I throw a leg over one of my trikes, my whole demeanor changes and I
December 2015
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leave it all behind and ride. I get in touch with my free spirit side and a little bit of the rebel that others don’t see when I twist that throttle and feel the torque between my legs! When I ride, it seems like nothing in the world matters, I am just enjoying the moment. The serenity that riding brings me helps to “move my soul”. That is why I choose to ride, I am in control of my own destination and I feel very much at peace within myself and the world that surround me. It just doesn’t get any better than that! This princess wears motorcycle boots and she rides it like she stole it.
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Seats & SADDLES
28 Thunder Roads Magazine速 Colorado
December 2015
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News Bytes CONGRESS MOVES TO DE-FUND MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS On November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives approved their version of the federal Highway Bill which, like the Senate companion measure, contains provisions of importance to motorcyclists, most notably the ban on federal funding of motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. In addition to curbing the controversial roadblocks, the House bill also authorizes a motorcycle crash prevention study; revives the federal Motorcycle Advisory Council; continues off-road trails funding; and makes highway safety grants more accessible. Approved by a bipartisan vote of 363-64, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (HR 3763) provides $325 billion in transportation funding over the next six years, corresponding to similar legislation passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year. Unfortunately, the House highway bill does not include similar Senatorial language that would ban the U.S. DOT from lobbying local, state and federal governments on policy issues such as mandatory helmet laws, so it is important to contact your federal representatives to adopt such a compromise when the House and Senate convene a conference committee to iron out the details. WACO INFO One hundred seventy-seven people were arrested and held on million dollar bonds following the melee in Waco, Texas in May that left nine bikers dead and nearly twenty wounded, and on November 10th prosecutors announced 106 felony indictments charging defendants with engaging in organized criminal activity. “The Waco Grand Jury indictments on 106 individuals for engaging in organized crime are not convictions,” explains David “Double D” Devereaux of the Motorcycle Profiling Project (www.MotorcycleProfilingProject.com), “The Grand Jury only determines whether the prosecutor has sufficient evidence to indict. The Grand Jury only hears from the prosecutor, no defense attorneys are allowed, and does not make a determination on guilt.” “Double D”, who is also a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists’ Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF), says that as examining trials have made clear, the basis of the prosecutor’s argument in many of these case relies solely on an individual’s association with a motorcycle club that had members accused of committing a crime on May 17th. “These indictments based solely on association, particularly the cases where the prosecutor admits that there is no evidence that the individual participated in any crime or violence, flies in the face of recent Federal Court precedent.” A U.S. District Court decision in Coles v. Carlini, 9/30/2015, relying on Supreme Court precedent, concluded that the government may not impose restrictions on an individual solely because of their membership in a MC, including a 1% club that the government labels as a gang or criminal organization. “The criminal activity of others does not justify 30 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
denying rights and privileges solely because of association with an unpopular organization,” according to Devereaux. “Although I agree with many that are concerned about the seemingly broken Waco criminal justice system, recent Fed decisions seem to say that the underlying assumptions of an indictment based solely on association are unconstitutional,” said Devereaux in a prepared document titled “Understanding the Waco Grand Jury Indictments.” “The decision by the Waco Grand Jury comes as no surprise to many considering the obviously over-broad arrests, excessive bail, and unsuccessful challenges to probable cause during examining trials,” he concludes, adding that an overly-broad indictment affords the prosecution the ability to offer plea deals, shield themselves against lawsuits, and pressure defendants to testify. IDAHO MOTORCYCLE CLUB WINS SETTLEMENT OVER CLUBHOUSE RAID Ten members of the Brother Speed MC, along with the club itself, will be splitting a $16,500 payment from the United States government, to settle their lawsuit over a 2013 raid on their Nampa clubhouse that yielded no charges. The club and its members sued numerous federal agents and the United States, saying their civil rights were violated when federal agents serving a search warrant broke down the door, set off flash-bang grenades, and sent dozens of heavily armed SWAT team members into the small home. The club members were detained for up to three hours while agents forcibly removed their personal property, including their clothing, and confiscated club memorabilia, according to the club’s attorney, Craig Durham. “These were regular guys minding their own business that night,” Durham told The Spokesman-Review newspaper. “They were not a threat, and there was no call for the use of terrifying, military-style tactics to serve a simple search warrant.” The government admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, under which the club will receive $4,000, and the individual members will receive payments ranging from $500 to $2,500. “This was never about money,” said chapter president Daniel Bugli. “It was about standing up for our rights as citizens and members of this community. Law enforcement officers shouldn’t be able to run roughshod over people’s rights based on speculation and assumptions.” BIKERS’ LAWYER FILES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT AGAINST VEGAS POLICE A Nevada lawyer who represents motorcycle clubs has filed a federal civil rights, false arrest and negligence lawsuit against Las Vegas police after he was acquitted in March of a misdemeanor obstruction charge. Southern Nevada Confederation of Clubs (COC) attorney Stephen Stubbs alleges that a Las Vegas practice of harassing motorcycle club members led to his arrest in November 2013, and that being found not guilty by a local judge showed
December 2015
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News Bytes
the arrest was improper. Stubbs told the Associated Press (AP) that he was prevented from representing a member of the Bikers for Christ motorcycle ministry who was being questioned by police, and who is a plaintiff in a recent lawsuit seeking at least $75,000 in damages from the department. Stubbs is representing members of biker groups, including the Mongols, Vagos, Stray Cats and Bandidos in a federal civil rights complaint filed in June 2012 alleging harassment by Las Vegas and other area police. The lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. It was filed a day after a meeting of Mongols national leaders in Boulder City was monitored by hundreds of local and state police and federal agents. 72 TYPES OF AMERICANS CONSIDERED “POTENTIAL TERRORISTS” Are you a conservative, a libertarian, a Christian or a gun owner? Support states’ rights? Belong to “The Patriot Movement”, or display a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag? Are you opposed to abortion, globalism, Communism, illegal immigration, the United Nations or the New World Order? Anti-establishment? Do you believe in conspiracy theories, or ever visit “extremist” websites? Are you a veteran? If you answered yes to any of those questions, or a vast array of others, you may be an “extremist” or a “potential terrorist” according to official U.S. government documents. At one time, the term “terrorist” was used very narrowly, explains the alternative website www.activistpost.com, but says now the Obama administration is removing all references to Islam from terror training materials, and instead the term “terrorist” is being applied to large groups of American citizens, which it delineates in an article on their website; “72 Types of Americans That Are Considered ‘Potential Terrorists’ In Official Government Documents,” by D.C. attorney Michael Snyder. The “list” covers much of our country’s demographics and most of its citizenry, but if you belong to a group of people that is now being considered as “potential terrorists” by the government, www.thunderroadscolorado.com
the author warns that you should not take it lightly. MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUND PROVIDES SIGN-LANGUAGE FOR DEAF RIDERS The National Motorcycle Safety Fund (NMSF), a 501(c)(3) charitable community organization created in 1980 to augment the work of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, has created a new grant program to help rider training sites cover the costs of hiring sign-language interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing students. MSF-recognized Rider Training Sites regularly receive requests to accommodate students with physical disabilities, so in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws, the NMSF grants will help defray the cost of sign-language interpreters. There are many deaf and hard of hearing car drivers and motorcyclists on the road today. To compensate, drivers and motorcyclists typically employ risk-reduction strategies such as Search/Evaluate/Execute (SEE), maintain longer following distances, make better use of peripheral vision, and check their mirrors more frequently. CALIFORNIA DMV OFFERS “VETERAN” DESIGNATION ON DRIVER LICENSES Veterans in California can begin applying to receive the word “VETERAN” on their driver’s license or identification (ID) card starting November 12, 2015. In accordance with the legislative language contained within Assembly Bill 935, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires veterans to first obtain a Veteran Status Verification Form and to pay an additional one-time $5 designation fee to apply for the special Veteran designation. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Tous pour un, un pour tous.” (All for one, one for all.) ~ Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) French author; “The Three Musketeers” Vive la France!
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BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY AUDIO
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EXP Motorsports 3301 W. Hampden Ave. Sheridan Co 80110 (303)688-4401 MOTORCYCLE RESALE/CONSIGNMENT
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PLACES OF WORSHIP
December 2015
Thunder & Lightning Cycles LLC 3986 S. Broadway Englewood, CO 80113 720.287.1670 thunderlightningcycles@live.com
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End of Year Thoughts As We Leave 2015 Behind....
and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important to protect. ___________________________________________________
* I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die. * Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong. * I totally take back all those times I put up a fight about taking a nap when I was younger. * There is great need for sarcasm emoji’s; the “finger”, the “mooning”, the “bite me”, the “suck this”......... * How the hell is anyone besides Martha Stewart supposed to know how to fold a damn fitted sheet? * Map Quest really needs to start their directions on prompt # 5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my own neighborhood. Also.....an Avoid This Neighborhood prompt would be greatly appreciated. * Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person actually died, right? * Why is it that bad decisions always make for really good stories? * You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you just know that you aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. * Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection...yet again. * I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call. * I totally disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Budweiser than Kay. * I have a very hard time deciphering that fine line between boredom and real hunger. * How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear, understand or really give a damn, about a word they said? * I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters....unite! * Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets stank. Jeans? Jeans seldom get dirty, and you can wear them all week. * Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket or finding their cell phone, but I’d bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 2 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time! * Why is it the older you get, the more the movie “The Borrowers”, about how little gremlins take or move your “stuff” around, truly makes so much sense? * The first testicular guard, the “Cup,” was used in Hockey in 1874
An old lady dies and goes to heaven. She’s chatting it up with St. Peter at the “Pearly Gates” when all of a sudden she hears the most awful, blood-curdling screams. Don’t worry about that,’ says St. Peter, ‘It’s only someone having the holes drilled into her shoulder blades for the wings.’ The old lady looks a little uncomfortable but carries on with the conversation. A few minutes later, there are more blood curdling screams. ‘Oh my,’ says the old lady, ‘now what’s happening?’’ Not to worry,’ says St. Peter, ‘She’s just having her head drilled to fit the halo.’ ‘I can’t do this,’ says the old lady, ‘I’m going to Hell.’ ‘You can’t go to that nasty place,’ says St. Peter. ‘You’ll be raped and taken advantage of.’ ‘Maybe so,’ says the old lady, ‘but I’ve already got the holes for that.’ ___________________________________________________
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