The O'Sullivan Motorcycle Law Firm Motorcycle Giveaway Benefiting BikerDown!
Register FREEfor a chance to win! a 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG Benefit for:
Sponsored by:
Scott O’Sullivan, Motorcycle Lawyer
Enter & official rules @ www.Osullivan-law-firm.com/contest Entry forms can also be found at all events in which BikerDown Colorado participates, organizes, or has a booth presence including: • Two-Wheel Tuesdays • Cruizin’ Colfax events • Colorado Springs Swap Meet • Tejon Bike Fest • Realities Ride for Kids See BikerDown.org for up-to-date event listings. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Approximate retail value of prize is $16,000. Winner must claim motorcycle in Denver - delivery of prize not included. Winner announced Fall 2015. Exact date to be announced.
Scott O'Sullivan has been helping injured riders since 1996. Call him today for immediate help in dealing with the insurance companies, so you can focus on healing and getting your life back together.
Personal Injury Law Firm 600 Ogden Street Denver, Colorado 80218
303-388-5304 NOT A REFERRAL SERVICE
www.OSullivan-Law-Firm.com
THUNDER ROADS® Magazine COLORADO Published by Flying Hound Press, L.L.C. 7477 W. Layton Way Littleton, Colorado 80123 720-458-3134 www.thunderroadscolorado.com feedback@thunderroadscolorado.com
ABATE..................................................................... 4 Baby on Board......................................................... 6 From The Experts.................................................... 8 Tailgating............................................................... 13 Motorcycle History Part 1...................................... 14
EDITORS Patrick J. McCauley “5” President and Senior Editor Patrick@thunderroadscolorado.com
Calendar................................................................ 18 Events................................................................... 20
Carrie McCauley Vice President and Editor Carrie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Veteran’s Drive & Patriot Way............................... 22
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vickie Jo Mullin Vickie@thunderroadscolorado.com
Skin Art.................................................................. 28
Ladies Up Front..................................................... 24 Tasty Recipes........................................................ 29
Wayne Madison wayne@thunderroadscolorado.com
News Bytes........................................................... 30 Biker Friendly Directoy.......................................... 32
ADVERTISING AND DISTRIBUTION REPRESENTATIVES Western Slope Chris Blumke chrisb@thunderroadscoloraodo.com (303)478-2335
Joker’s Wild........................................................... 33 Thunder Cam........................................................ 34
Greater Metro Denver Area Toby Schmidt tobyb@thunderroadscolorado.com (720)829-7954
ON THE COVER Photographer: Wayne Madison Motorcycle: 2008 Suzuki Custom HAYABUSA GSX-R 1300 Model: Jesica Alm
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ay is Motorcycle Awareness month and we have several items in the line-up this month that focus on that very issue. Over the last few months I have heard about several fatalities of very experienced riders. It seems like motorcycle awareness only exists for those that are part of the motorcycling community. To be honest with you, this pisses me off—a lot. Why do I see people texting and driving almost every time I am on the road (whether I am on two wheels or in a cage)? Does anyone but me think this is a pretty stupid idea? Can’t you put your phone down for the half an hour it takes you to drive to where you are going? Do you not care that every time you take your attention from the road to that phone you are putting someone’s life at risk? Apparently not. The worst part of this whole thing is that this is not a new issue and worse than that is that there doesn’t seem to be much we can really do about it. I wish there was. I invite all of our readers to think about this problem and if you find any solutions that might help, let us know here at Thunder Roads Colorado. We will be happy to publish any ideas that might help this situation. Right now my view is that things are pretty bad with more and more car drivers tuning out and texting their way through life. Any thoughts? Let us know and keep the shiny side up!
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“That little yellow sign can’t be ignored. I’m telling you it’s mighty nice Each trip’s a trip to paradise With my baby on board!” – Homer J. Simpson
A
h the 80’s? When ubiquitous yellow, men-at-work placards seemed to be suctioned cupped to the back of everyone’s car window? Simply stating, “Baby on
Board.” It began in 1984, with seemingly good intentions, by the Safety First Corporation. However, it did not take long before it devolved into parody and all sorts of variations began appearing. Any good intentions were soon drowned out. New signs cropped up, each trying to out do the other with outlandish claims, such as, “body in trunk” or “Jedi on Board.” Prior to the “Baby on Board” campaign there was another dip into the baby sentimentality pool when the 1982 movie Fast Time at Ridgemont High featured Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby” in its soundtrack. Is it possible that the Safety First Corporation had this song on their mind when they created their campaign? I doubt it. But it is possible that Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) Chairman Bob Doiron heard it when he coined the phrase, “Check Twice – each rider’s responsibility to avoid the latte drinking, texting Save a Life, Motorcycles are Everywhere!” “cagers” that proliferate the roads. If they look up from their Facebook feed, long enough to read the bumper sticker, then Why do I bring up this comparison? Well, because I’ve always maybe there is hope. But I am not so sure. There is only one struggled with the “Baby on Board” approach. Don’t get me slogan I subscribe to on a regular basis and that is, “Watch wrong. I love babies. I have two of them who have grown out for the other guy/gal.” into fine young girls. All without the aid of a “Baby on Board” placard. What bothered me about it was the request that we When I was got hitched to my first wife (full disclosure: she is should treat a car, with such a sign, more courteously and still my wife – but calling her my first wife, is just as accurate safety just because a baby was on board. I believe we should and yes, I like being punched in the arm every time I say do that all the time? it) over 14 years ago, I encouraged her to take the ABATE (http://www.abate.org) motorcycle course. I never suspected This is why, I believe, the “Check-Twice” campaign is she would become a fulltime rider. What I hoped for was that important, but also almost as silent as the “Baby on Board” she would gain an understanding about this crazy world of campaign. I know I am preaching to a choir of riders but it is riders that I love being a part of . . . She attended her class 6 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
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like a champ, even dropping her bike and scraping her knee, but still finishing successfully! She completed her test and received her “M” endorsement. She only rode solo on the street for a short time, but she gained an appreciation for motorcycle safety and more importantly it made her a more aware driver in a car. I believe the motorcycle safety course should be the prerequisite for anyone wishing to obtain a driver’s license, even if they never intend on riding motorcycle on the street. Perhaps, if everyone felt that vulnerability, even briefly they could have a more visceral awareness when they see motorcycles around them. Maybe then they would keep their eyes on the road and their phones down. And one last thing, on that topic, I have actually heard people say, “ I wasn’t texting I was checking my email.” Newsflash, emailing is the same as texting! Ok, down off my soapbox for a minute. As I write this article, I am riding through the Southwest. I was headed west, but had to detour south from Colorado due to snowstorms. Something that folks in cars rarely have to consider, except in very extreme situations. As motorcyclists we need to consider weather conditions constantly. In a car, they are often taken or granted and settled with no more than a flick of the windshield wipers. To add to the difficulty of travel on this particular trip, I am writing from an unexpected extended stay at the Inn of Governors in Santa Fe as a result of a recent breakdown. One of the cells in my battery collapsed and my bike simply stopped running. Fortunately, I was able to recover quickly and safely, but that is not always the case when the unexpected happens.
driver. With this in mind, being on the road can be dangerous. It is filled with unexpected happenings. At the risk of sounding like a lawyer, preparation is truly the best defense. Reports show that on average 384 riders die in the U.S. every month. That is an ominous 13 unlucky riders a day. It is a sobering reminder, that we must all be careful out there. I am passionate about motorcycle safety. I fully support the “Check-Twice” campaign, but I am also, as I am sure many readers are as well, painfully aware of the realistic dangers of riding. In 2012, my father, rode with me from Colorado to Vegas. He then flew home to Connecticut. Weeks later, he was riding home from his local grocery store, from picking up a chicken, of all things, when a neglectful driver pulled a “left hand Louie;” hit and killed him. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that. Mere hours before leaving for my most recent trip, which has me here in Santa Fe, a friend died while riding home. The details of whether a car was involved or not, have yet to be released, but it hurts nonetheless. It only reinforces how aware we all must be, whether we are riding or driving. As riders, we know, motorcycles are everywhere, but getting motorists to recognize this requires more than slogans. Yes, it is a start, but we must always be vigilant when we ride, not aggressive, simply hyper-aware. Yes, it takes away some of the freedom feeling that we all seek on two wheels, but if we want to live to ride another day, it is a must. In the end, aren’t we are all Somebody’s Baby?
In Memory of Brian Sanders of Colorado and my dad, Chris Motorcycle awareness, is much more than drivers being more Trey of Bolton, CT and to everyone who has lost a loved one aware and riders watching out for cars. Proper maintenance, pursuing their passion of two wheels . . . basic pre-ride safety checks, and having proper insurance and endorsements on our person when riding are all very Joe Trey important. As a rider, we often check out tires, fluids, mirror Adventure Hermit positions, cables, etc. prior to riding; perhaps not as often as Don’t go anywhere . . . Go Somewhere! we should, but far more often than the average automobile www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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FROM THE EXPERTS
You’re Ready to Ride! Is Your Bike? (Part One)
By Eli Ohlhausen, Attorney and Motorcycle Fanatic
bike started, but it puts a hell of strain on the charging system and will probably leave you stranded somewhere.
I
’m not just an attorney, I’m a biker. And I’m not just a biker, I’m a certified bike lover. I have five motorcycles sitting in my garage right now waiting for me to rev ‘em up and take ‘em out!
2. Check your tires: Obviously, check the tire pressure. Then, check their age. Most people don’t realize that tires have a shelf life and you shouldn’t use them after they are five years old. They become hard and offer less traction, which could get you injured. If you’re not sure how old your tire is, look on the side of the tire and find the DOT #. It’s a long number. At the end of that number, stamped into the tire, you’ll find four numbers that are about 3/8 inch high and they are in an oval. They tell you when the tire was manufactured. If says “1009” it means they were made in the tenth week of 2009. Also, if your tires were flat, check for cracks where they rested on the floor.
Before becoming an attorney, I worked in the motorcycle industry. I attended the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix and, upon graduation, I was hired by a BMW dealership where I became a certified mechanic. I loved it, but the boss found out that I was also good at talking to customers, so I was “promoted” to service advisor, which turned out to be a good thing, as that eventually led to my becoming manager of the service department. Then I went totally crazy and went back to school to become a personal injury attorney.
3. Check your fuel: Pop the fuel cap and smell the gas. Old gas has a rancid odor. If you stored your motorcycle without a lot of fuel in the tank, it was exposed to a lot of air and so it probably went bad. If it smells funky, go get some new gas and pour it on top of old gas to blend in some good stuff.
So, yeah… I sort of know what I’m talking about when it comes to motorcycles – mechanically and legally. I thought I’d write today about motorcycle maintenance and how to get your bike ready for summer riding after a long winter of sitting around. I’m guessing that your bike is in one of two conditions: 1. Winterized properly last fall
4. Check all your lights: Make sure your headlights, running lights, taillights, and turning lights work. Also check your horn.
2. Ridden hard and put away wet last fall I’ll share some tips below for getting any bike out of winter storage, including some special tips for those who didn’t winterize. 1. Test the battery: Whether your battery has been stored in a warm, dry place on a charger or just left in your bike, you should take it to an auto parts store and ask them to do a load test, also called a “dynamic test,” on it. (The volt tests you can run in your garage won’t tell you much about the true health of the battery.) Assuming the battery is in good condition, install it on your bike. If your battery was completely dead, you really should buy a new one. You might be able to charge up a dead battery and get the 8 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
Now, if you don’t have a carbureted bike, you can fire it up! Put your helmet and jacket on and take an easy ride around the block. Go back home and let it sit for 30 minutes and check for leaks. If everything looks good, then ride it like you stole it! Go on a long ride and get rid of the old gas in the tank. In the next issue, I’ll share special instructions for getting carbureted bikes ready for summer. Hope to see you on the road! About the author: Eli Ohlhausen is a motorcycle lawyer with The O’Sullivan Law Firm. Feel free to give Eli or Scott O’Sullivan a call at 303.388.5304 or visit them on the web at www.OSullivan-Law-Firm.com.
May 2015
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HELLO ective I’m also a slaesperson in print. I talk to tens of thousands of prosp talk to? customers every month. How many prospective customers do you Nothing happens if you don’t advertise. Call 720-458-3134 to start talking to your prospective customers
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Start this Memorial Day Weekend with the ‘Young Realities Riders’ Patriotic themed bicycle parade. Cheer on these young riders and honor those who gave all as we open the Rally with Presentation of the Colors, National Anthem and Free Apple Pie in the Park! Enjoy this All-American weekend with: Live Music All Weekend Long ◆ Beer Gardens ◆ Food and Merchandise Vendors ◆ Classic Car Show ◆ Patriotic Pin-Up Girl Contests Hot Wing Eating Contests ◆ Dunk Tanks ◆ Zip Line FMX Motorcycle Stunts ◆ Fireworks and Much More Headlining: Aerorocks – the Worlds #1 Tribute to Aerosmith!
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SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 11am-6pm WASHINGTON PARK, DOWNTOWN, FORT COLLINS
Budweiser After-Ride Party Featuring Live Music 11am - 6pm, Headlining: The Steve Manshel Band ◆ Beer Gardens ◆ VIP Areas Webb’s Colorfest Tattoo Contest ◆ Hooters Bikini Bike Wash Silent and Live Auctions ◆ FMX Stunt Shows ◆ Dyno Power Challenge ◆ Food Vendors ◆ Quality Merchandise Vendors Zip Line ◆ Dunk Tank ◆ Presentation of all the Ride-Day Prizes including $1,500 Best Poker Hand and Custom Paint Job! This event benefits Realities for Children Charities, serving abused children in Northern Colorado. RFCC is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible and 100% serves abused children locally.
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TAILGATING – HOW TO DEAL WITH TAILGATERS What is it with tailgaters? Especially those that will tailgate a motorcycle. You have probably been there, most of us have; riding on a fine (or not so fine) sunny afternoon minding your own business--when the SUV behind you decides you aren’t going fast enough. They ride up on what feels like your back tire and stay there. It is an event that is dangerous and can be frightening. Unfortunately, it is one that most of us will probably experience several times during the upcoming riding season. One of the first reactions that I have is to get angry. I want to try to bully the driver into backing off. I have just as much right to the road as he does! Unfortunately, this is absolutely the worst possible reaction. In the equation of bike vs. car, truck or SUV—the motorcyclist always loses. I have watched several of the helmet camera videos of motorcycles being rear-ended by car, truck or SUV being passed around on Facebook. It is terrifying to see the lurch of the camera and the motorcyclist flying through the air- off of the motorcycle and on to the pavement. You will never win if that car hits you. There are many reasons why having a tailgating vehicle behind you is not safe, motorcycles can stop much faster than cars trucks or SUVs, motorcyclists have more things to watch for and more reasons to slow down or stop when a car or truck may not need to slow or stop. Road hazards, mechanical troubles, tire problems, are just a few things that come to mind. If the person behind the wheel in that tailgating car has never ridden a motorcycle, they will not be aware of any of these facts. The person in the car behind you either does not know he/she is driving dangerously—or does not care that they are driving dangerously. Definitely someone to avoid! There are several things you can do to keep yourself safe from a tailgating car or truck. • Tap your brake lights; there is nothing wrong with using your brake lights to show that the driver is not leaving a comfortable safety cushion between you and them.
•
If they do not back off, then turn on your blinker signal and use your hand signals to move to another lane or pull off the road. Wait for the driver to pass (get their plate number if possible to report them as an aggressive driver) and merge back into traffic. It is much better to “waste” a few minutes of your time rather than have someone rear end you on your motorcycle.
•
Use your “Rider Radar” to always have a logical escape route (both left and right if possible) so you can maneuver to safety if the car does not stop in time. This may place you in an awkward place on the road, but again, you and your bike are still in one piece.
Whether it is someone texting on their cell phone, in a hurry to get somewhere, road rage or simply, someone that just is not paying attention—since the motorcyclist always loses to the car or truck in a collision, do the smart thing and get your bike to a safer place in a different lane or a different road. Release the anger of the moment and get yourself safely away from the tailgater. Let them court danger somewhere you aren’t and without involving you and your bike! Ride safe out there! – Carrie McCauley
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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Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 13
Motorcycle history Part 1
The first Motorcycle? I often find myself asking the question “what if…?” What if forks weren’t called forks? What if no one had invented drinking straws? Who sat down and actually decided that toilet paper was a necessity, not just a luxury? And what did their friends and family think and say when these inventors announced their fabulous plans to change the world one convenience item at a time? I’m sure that Martin Cooper’s wife probably thought to herself “What in the hell is he thinking??” when he shared his idea in 1973 to revolutionize the world with the modern day cell phone…but we all know how that turned out for him. So this thought process has lead me to the following question… Who in the hell sat down and looked at their bicycle, and with what I assume was complete and utter disappointment in its slow moving, two wheeled existence and said…”I can make that bitch fly!” Well that person just happened to be a Massachusetts born son of a carpenter, named Sylvester Howard Roper. Roper made his living as a machinist in Boston, but began inventing at an early age. By the age of twelve he had constructed a small stationary engine, and at only fourteen a locomotive engine. Roper continued to invent throughout his life, including guns, sewing machines, and finally steam powered carriages and bicycles. You may be saying to yourself, a steam powered bicycle is not a motorcycle, but I believe it is clearly a predecessor to our modern day two wheeled objects of affection. Riding on two wheels began with a primitive push bike on which the rider sat, but there were no pedals. The rider propelled himself forward by pushing his/her feet on the ground (a Flintstone’s bike if you will). Next came the high wheelers with a huge front wheel and a small rear wheel, and nearly impossible to ride. Finally came the “safety bicycle”. Quite the invention in and of itself considering it had wheels of equal size, as well as a set of pedals to drive the rear wheel through a chain linkage. The evolution of two wheel travel continued and it became a common means of personal transportation. Later it would come to be seen as a “racing” vehicle, so of course it wouldn’t be long until someone looked at the bicycle and knew that it had a higher purpose. An evolutionary need to be better, and by better of course I mean faster. I like to imagine that Roper arrived home after a long day to his little inventors shop out back, tired after a long day, and an even longer ride home on his bicycle. He sits down with a cold one and stares at his two wheeler…”stupid bike anyway. No worldly reason it should take me so long to get home each night. Keeps me from working on the things I love.” Then it hits him…the light bulb moment…”I’m gonna make this SOB fly!” Fast forward through hours and hours of painstaking disappointment and doubt to the design that actually works, and Ta-Daa! The first motorcycle is born. The year is 1869, and the world was about to change. History states that when Roper began riding his two wheeled contraption it was not well received. It apparently spooked horses, and was loud, as well as emitting a noxious odor 14 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
when he rode through town. Rumor has it, he was actually arrested once for riding it, but had to be released when it was determined they could not find any laws he was actually breaking….and; the modern day biker was born. Interestingly, this first model anticipated many modern motorcycle features. Roper used one steam cylinder of 2 ¼” bore by 2 ½” stroke to either side of the frame behind the seat and connected piston rods to cranks on the rear wheel axle. A firebox and boiler were suspended on springs attached to the hickory wood frame between the wheels. Piston valves for the cylinders were operated by eccentrics adjacent to their cranks, and the water pump was operated by the left-cylinder crank. Exhaust steam was carried via tubing into a short chimney projecting up from behind the saddle. A coal fire heated the water stored in a reservoir that was constructed as a part of the seat and generated steam to run the engine. While this model utilized a twisting hand grip to serve as throttle control, and also had a cable that was attached to the handlebars to allow for braking, it was still quite primitive in design. The operating temperature was nearly 300 degrees Fahrenheit between the rider’s legs, and the travel distance was extremely limited. A second model Roper designed later boasted a one gallon water reservoir and allowed for rides up to eight miles in length. June 1st, 1896 Roper would showcase this model at the Charles River bicycle racetrack in Boston. The idea was to test the motorcycles viability as a pace-making machine for bike races. Initially Roper covered a mile in 2 minutes and 12 seconds…that’s roughly 30 miles per hour. Elated by his results, 70 year old Roper apparently got that old feeling again, and decided he could definitely go faster. Flying around the 1/3 mile wooden track he lost control on the back stretch and was thrown from his bike into the surrounding sand. Sylvester Howard Roper was pronounced dead at the scene, but later it was determined it was not a result of the accident itself, but rather heart failure. I don’t know about you, but seems to me he must have died a happy man. Both of Roper’s steam powered motorbikes were purchased by museums…the original steam powered bike still residing at the Smithsonian. While Roper’s motorcycles never found commercial success, they surely provided a source of inspiration and direction for inventors in the gas-powered motorbike era. Speaking of the gas-powered era….I wonder what possessed Daimler to put that first gas engine on his old wooden bike… Melanie Schwarte Courtesy of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
May 2015
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MAY National Coalition of Motorcyclists
30th Annual Convention Date: May 7, 2015 - Sunday, May 10, 2015 Location: Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 South Syracuse St. Denver, CO 80237 National Coalition of Motorcyclists Convention-event highlights include R.I.C.O Law and How It Affects Your Group, U.S. Defenders Anti-Profiling Laws, Confederation of Clubs Meeting, Christian Unity Conference and Special Meetings and Workshops! http://www. onabike.com or call (800) 531-2424. Phone: (303) 779-1100 Website/Facebook: http://www.onabike.com ----------------------------------------------------Blessing of the Bikes Date: May 9, 2015 Registration: 10:00 AM Location: Restoring Hope Biker’s Church, 1110 E. Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Sponsor: Bikers Church The ride will include stops at area bike shops before ending with free food, raffles, 50/50 drawing, and an evening service. Phone: (719) 339-6801 Website/Facebook: http://www. bikerschurchcs.org/. ----------------------------------------------------Lonnie Falk Benefit Run Date: May 16, 2015 Registration: 11:00 AM ñ 12:00 PM Location: Greeley Harley-Davidson, 3010 West 29th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Sponsor: American Legion Riders Post 18 The ride starts at Greeley HarleyDavidson. The poker run will include stops in Dacono, Carter Lake, and Severance before ending in Evans with a benefit auction and party. Proceeds to go to Falk family to help with a recent illness. ----------------------------------------------------6th Annual National Armed Forces FreedomRide - Colorado Date: May 16, 2015 Registration: 7:30 am to 10:15 am Location: Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker, CO 80134 Pre-Registered: $20.00 for the rider and $5.00 for a passenger Day of the ride: $25.00 for the rider and $5.00 for a passenger The ride starts at Takoda Tavern. The ride 20 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
will have various stops including one at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The ride ends with giveaways, an auction, and more. All proceeds to benefit Blue Star Mothers of Colorado and Pets For Vets. Phone: (303) 250-1337 Website/ Facebook: http://cofreedomride.webs.com/. ----------------------------------------------------Frank’s Ride for Children - 29th Annual Poker Run Date: May 16, 2015 Registration: 8:00 am ñ 10:00 AM Ride Fee: Donation of $20.00 Location: Moose Lodge 1548, 2210 Pratt St, Longmont, CO 80501 Sponsor: Moose Lodge of Longmont, Anderson Farms, High Country Harley Davidson, High Country Beverage, Make A Wish Colorado, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group The ride starts at Longmont Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1548. Registration is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. All participants must have a photo ID. The ride ends with live entertainment, food, raffles, door prizes, and more. There will also be a bike show. For more information go to Website/Facebook: http://www.franksride.com. Phone/Contact: Phone: (303) 775-9190, Greg Risedorf, greg.risedorf@franksride.com (303) 718-0110, Dave Stover, dave. stover@franksride.com Phone: (303) 619-6595, Bob Sickler, bob. sickler@franksride.com ----------------------------------------------------Look Twice Save a Life - Motorcycle Awareness Run Date: May 17, 2015 Registration: 9:00 am ñ 10:30 am Start: 11:00 AM Pre-Registered: $20.00 and you will receive a Look Twice Save a Life t-shirt. Location: Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson, 2885 W. County Line Rd., Littleton, CO 80129 BikerDown, along with our sponsors are hosting the 2nd Annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride. This year we are focusing on Look Twice! Save a Life! We will depart Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson at 11:00 am and ride spreading our awareness and letting the cagers see us. Phone: Laurie at 303-641-7937 Website/Facebook: www.bikerdown.org Email: laurie@bikerdown.org
May 2015
Ride 4 The Fallen Colorado Date: May 23, 2015 Registration: 8:00AM ñ 10:00 AM Start: 10:30 AM Ride Fee: $25.00 for the rider and $5.00 for a passenger. Location: Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson, 5867 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Sponsor: Military Veteran Project The ride starts at Pikes Peak HarleyDavidson. The ride will end in Florence with a short ceremony to honor all the Veterans and a chance to talk with veterans in the State veterans Home. Phone: (580) 478-6701 Website/Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/events/1410716885894127/?ref_ dashboard_filter=upcoming. ----------------------------------------------------4th Annual Killed In Action Recognition Ride Date: May 24, 2015 Registration: 10:30 am Start: 11:45 AM Ride Fee: Donation $10.00 Location: Summit County Elks, 1321 Blue River Parkway in Silverthorne, CO 80498 Sponsor: Lake County Veterans Memorial The ride starts at Summit County Elks. Registration begins at 10:30 am and motorcycles go out at 11:45 am. The ride fee is a donation of $10.00 per bike. Proceeds will go to the Lake County Veterans Memorial. For more information call Phone: (719) 207-1380 ----------------------------------------------------Realities Ride Date: May 24, 2015 Registration: 10:30 am Start: 10:00 AM Ride Fee: Pre-Registered Riders at 8:00am Event Day Registration at 9:00am Location: Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson 4250 Byrd Dr., Loveland, CO 80538 The Realities Ride will start at Thunder Mountain Harley. If you only do one ride this year, make it this one! Join the Worldís Largest Motorcycle Poker Run as we make every mile help a child in need. All proceeds benefit the Realities For Children Charities Emergency Fund for Larimer County youth who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. Phone: (970)484-9090 Website/Facebook: https://www. realitiesride.com/the-ride/ www.thunderroadscolorado.com
Realities Rally Date: May 24, 2015 Start: 11:00 am-9:00 pm Location: Washington Park, 301 Maple St., Fort Collins, CO 80521 The Realities Rally will be held at Washington Park in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 24th, 2015. The Rally is a FREE community event at Washington Park in Fort Collins. Everyone is invited to join The Rally, motorcycle enthusiasts, families, residents, visitors and anyone looking for entertainment on Memorial Day Weekend! Come on out to this community event and join us as we rally against child abuse and neglect in Larimer County. All proceeds benefit the Realities For Children Charities Emergency Fund. Phone: (970)484-9090 Website/Facebook: http://https://www. realitiesride.com/rally/ ----------------------------------------------------Bessie’s Hope Two-Wheel Fantasy, Poker Run to Change Lives Date: May 30, 2015 Registration 9:00 AM Ride Fee: Online Registration (thru May 29): $20 Single - $25 With Passenger Registration Day of Event: $25 Single $30 with passenger Location: Platte River Bar and Grill, 5995 S Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120 Sponsor: Platte River Bar and Grill The event includes stops at several locations throughout the Denver Metro area, including a bowling alley and several elderly care facilities. Proceeds will benefit for Bessie’s Hope organization, which strives to enrich the lives of the nursing home elderly and atrisk youth. Phone: (303) 332-3403 Website/Facebook: http://www. bessieshope.org/content/2015-poker-run.
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Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Date: May 30, 2015 Location: Thunder Valley Motocross Park 701 S Rooney Rd, Golden, CO 80401 The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross will be held at Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Golden, Colorado on May 30th, 2015. Website/Facebook: http://www. motorcycle-usa.com/934/19091/ Motorcycle-Article/AMA-Pro-Motocross2015-Schedule.aspx ----------------------------------------------------Bikin’ for Berkeley Cruisin’ for a Cure Date: May 31, 2015 Registration 9:00 AM Registration Fee: $20.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger Location: Burnout Grill, 1760 Broad Street Milliken, CO 80543 Sponsors: Fireball, Bruce’s Bar, Burnout Grill, Beaver’s Den, the New Plantation, Canyon Grill, and the Office The poker run begins at Burnout Grill. Early registration is available. Wear purple and get an extra raffle ticket. Prizes will be awarded for the best and worst hands. The ride will end in Evans with raffles and more. All funds raised go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Phone: (970) 371-1210, (970) 405-9240 Website/Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Bikinforberkeley?ref=hl. ----------------------------------------------------Thin Blue Line Memorial Run Date: May 31, 2015 Registration: 9:00 am to 10:00 am Location: Colorado FOP Building, 2701 W. 84th Street, Westminster, CO 80031 The ride will go to the grounds of the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Golden. The ride ends with food, silent auction and 50/50. Proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial and to the Colorado Chapter of Concerns for Police Survivors, Inc. Website/Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/events/430258530409788/
6th Annual Bikers Against Diabetes Poker Run Date: May 31, 2015 Registration: 9:00 am ñ 11:00 am Registration Fee: $25.00 for rider and $10.00 for the passenger Location: Eagle Riders #595 1674 US Hwy 50 in Grand Junction Sponsor: Eagle Riders #595 The ride starts at the Eagle Riders in Grand Junction. The event includes food, door prizes, live music and more. Proceeds will benefit Community Hospital’s Diabetes Foundation. For more information call Phone: (970) 314-3627 Website/Facebook: http://www.facebook. com/EagleRiders595. ----------------------------------------------------Team Strauss Brothers 321 Annual Poker Run Date: May 31, 2015 Registration: 9:30 am Start: 10:00 am Location: 7376 McLaughlin Rd, Falcon, CO 80831 Sponsor: Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association The poker run starts at Frankie’s Too. Ride pins will be given to the first 200 to register. The ride ends in Colorado Springs with door prizes, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, band and more. Prizes will be awarded for the top three poker hands. Music by Exit West Starts at 2 pm. Food for $5 per person (burger or 2 hot dogs, baked beans, chips, dessert). Door prizes, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, live band by Exit West, t-shirt sales, and more. Ride pins limited to first 200 registrants. Prizes awarded for best 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place poker hand winners. Team fundraiser for the local Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Associationís Buddy WalkÆ benefiting Colorado Springs Down Syndrome residents. Phone: (719) 352-7885 Sandra Seidell, TeamStraussBrothers@gmail.com Webpage/Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100008793074448
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by Bob “Bulldog” Ousley Dear Fellow Veterans and Patriots: There are some significant events this month associated with honoring service and sacrifice in defense of the freedom of our nation. These give us an opportunity to ride motorcycles with patriotic flags flying high. Armed Forced Day is Saturday, May 16, 2015. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States armed forces. If you see or know someone who is in service please take a moment to thank them for serving. It is also a great day to fly the American flag and the service flag of your choice. My personal preference is the U.S. Army flag but I owe much of how I think, who I am and what I do to this great institution of higher learning. That’s just me. Those who serve or served in the Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard carry an inner pride in their service just as I and those who served in the Army do. I have to tell you, it is always touching when someone gives us a thank you for the sacrifices we have made. Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2015. Memorial Day is the day we honor and pay tribute to everyone who died fighting for our country. I have several good friends, many I knew and worked with and others I knew of that I pay special honors to on this most important day. They are the ones I ride for because they can’t. It is also a day that I thank God I’m an American and that many have been willing to put their lives on the line to preserve the freedoms we have in this country. Please don’t take that to mean we still have the freedoms we used to have because we don’t but we still have more freedoms that most countries and many men and women with courageous hearts went to battle with enemies who have tried to take those freedoms and enslave us. Many of them gave their life to preserve selfdetermination and the freedom to decide how you want to live your life. Those who enter service take an oath to protect our country from enemies both foreign and domestic. In a few years I will have lived seven decades as an American citizen. In my life I have never seen the threat to our way of life so large and clear as it is today. I don’t know if I will again be put in a position to participate
in protecting our country from our enemies but I fail to see how my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will not face that option at some point in their life. I only hope they will rise to the challenge when faced with the choice of fighting for liberty and accepting the risk of death. For those who value freedom, that day will come. We can lessen the chance if we come together as a nation and stop allowing so called leaders to pit us against each other with a “divide and conquer” strategy aimed at keeping them in power and us in check. Another event that will take place over the Memorial Day weekend is “Chrisapolooza.” This is a reunion event in Lafayette, Tennessee for soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. The reunion honors Sgt. Christopher Scott Readling who served with distinction as a sniper in the unit. He was wounded in combat and returned home. He was rehabilitating when complications from his injuries took his life in January of this year. His mother, Dana Jones, told me the reunion is to give soldiers from 10th mountain a chance to be together away from the military and have some light hearted fun together. Christopher has been honored by the Army Sniper Association and the Wounded War Heroes organization. If you are in Lafayette over Memorial Day weekend and you see some of these guys please let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing and have done for our country. As we honor those who rest in known locations please also remember there are approximately 83,000 American service members who remain missing in action since World War II. That includes every major combat action and many small actions since that war. There are still live Americans being held captive and being used as bargaining chips by many of our enemies around the world. No matter what recognition our nation has granted a country, if they still hold a live American or are refusing to repatriate remains – they are still our enemy. 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. article courtesy Thunder Roads Magazine® Tennessee
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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.
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
Mara’s Journey
In July of 2013 I found myself feeling pretty helpless; the last 12 years had provided a series of heartaches that had kicked my ass and left me wondering how I would pick myself up… again. The loss of my first child, parenting two beautiful children - one whose special needs came with a complicated medical history, and learning to live life outside of my marriage was taking its toll. I was a 47 year old divorced mother who had lost all imagination for what life could possibly offer, that is until my best friend let me sit on her motorcycle. We had just returned from a walk and the bike was parked on the street. She mentioned that her husband was encouraging her to sell it because they had upgraded. We had been friends for 40 years and I had listened to her dream about riding a motorcycle since we were 16, but it never captured my interest. Only crazy sick lunatics rode motorcycles! Funny how life changes one’s opinions. The minute I sat on the 500cc Kawasaki Vulcan, I knew it was mine! When I realized my feet were solidly on the ground and that the bike wasn’t too heavy for me to move, I asked her how much she wanted for it. The price was reasonable and she was willing to let me pay her over a year, but she made it clear that she wouldn’t sell it to me unless I had taken the basic Motorcycle Safety Training Course. I was in! I had enjoyed being the passenger on motorcycles, but didn’t see riding becoming my passion – in my mind it was a guy thing or something you did with a man. From that moment, I knew I’d never have to wait for a ride again. I’d spent my entire adult life waiting for a ride and this time I was ready to be in charge of where I was going. I also knew this would be a decision that would be hard for many people in my life because it was outside the box I had lived in so comfortably for far too many years. 24 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
I called another close friend that evening and told him what I’d decided; he had held my hand through many low points and could sense the excitement in this proposition. He thought it was totally crazy, but said it was a great idea and offered solid encouragement – he also teased me endlessly about buying a pair of black leather chaps. I took his ribbing and was grateful there was another friend cheering me on. The next day I phoned my mother, the woman who would only be happy if I wore a full body helmet and never got a tattoo – two areas where I have completely failed her. Since this was a big deal and there was no way to avoid sharing such a major decision, I just called her and let her know why I felt like it was a good choice for my life. She hesitated to offer full-on support because she didn’t want to be responsible if something unfortunate happened. However, she did say she wouldn’t tell me not to do it. That was blessing enough for me!
May 2015
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At that point my path was clear and I quickly found a deal on a riding course through Groupon for $94 – a big thank you to Iron Buffalo Motorcycle Training! A friend and I decided to take the class together and with significant anxiety, I started my training class on October 13th. I was scared that I wouldn’t be capable of operating the bike and that I might not be able to go through with my plan, but my instructor talked me down and convinced me that he could teach me to ride. At mid-point on the first day of class I was hooked. I got to the test and had a very uncomfortable exchange with a fellow student right before I was to proceed with the last part of the exam. She was my age, a parent herself and asked me how old my children were. When I said 8 and 10 she shot me an accusing look and said, “You shouldn’t be riding!” She totally psyched me out and pissed me off! I passed the test and went to my friend and told him what happened. I fired out that what she did was wrong and asked, “When am I supposed to start living my life?” She wasn’t the first person to attempt to scare me with their fear, but in time I would learn that their path was not mine.
loved the challenge of riding, but had yet to find the comfort and connection I knew was possible with my bike. I discovered that vulnerability and freedom were the perfect combination for a challenge which would bring me out of my comfort zone while also offering potential for growth. This new hobby had all the ingredients of a great love affair. The night I turned 49, after my party guests had left, I sat at my kitchen table and sobbed because my life felt completely stalled. My youngest child was going to have surgery and waiting for the appointment to come had me completely gripped – the process to determine the necessity of the surgery was long and the conclusion was that it was a good choice despite his issues with anesthesia. I didn’t like it, didn’t want to put him through it and also didn’t want to obstruct what could possibly offer him a long term benefit. So, the next morning I got on my bike and took a ride. When I returned I texted a close friend who had encouraged me in my riding and asked if he wanted to go for a ride. I had not felt at ease on mountain roads and he was a very patient teacher who made me feel safe in challenging situations – he was on board! We rode up and down Coal Creek Canyon in the rain the following week and after the ride, I told him about the plan I was hatching. I asked him lots of questions – he was the most experienced rider I’d ever met and was quite willing to share what he knew. He thought my goal was possible.
It was still a long process of dropping the bike, falling off it and regaining my riding confidence before I wanted to attempt going somewhere outside my county alone. I www.thunderroadscolorado.com
When I first floated the idea that I wanted to ride to Yellowstone May 2015
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to my BFF who sold me the bike, her suggestion was that I should travel with a companion. There I was, with a way to get there and still waiting for someone to take me for a ride! It felt more than unacceptable and I wasn’t going to wait for my life to start (again!), so I decided that I would attempt the trip alone. When I gave myself permission to do this everything began to fall into place. My stress over my child’s upcoming surgery dissipated. Anxiety over a future that was uncertain in many ways made dreaming of the trip an unexpected emotional rescue; whenever I allowed myself to be distracted by the planning and preparation, I experienced immediate relief. I began riding every moment that the children were out of my care.
knew that even if I didn’t get close enough to home, I was never more than a day away by truck. From every angle this was an achievable goal – it also put me in line to domesticate my worst demon – being alone. The larger part of three weeks without companionship was the best way I could think of to beat that bitch into submission – riding head on into that fear seemed the next logical step toward wholeness. On July 30th 2014, with a very late start and the gentle sendoff of my dear sensei, I set out in a downpour hoping I would get to Longmont without event. As I slowly moved through the storm and maintained warmth, I pushed forward and continued on to Loveland where it was dry and ended my day in Fort Collins. The weather forecast for the week indicated that heading to Jackson Hole would leave me traveling though rain the entire week, so day two altered my route to Yellowstone – the Tetons would have to wait. This would be the rhythm of the trip – approach each day as a mystery and see which direction is most appealing. If I had been rigid and attached to the initial route I’d planned, I would have missed all the wonder I experienced along the way. I made it to glorious Yellowstone via Casper and Cody, left the park in Montana and continued exclusively on the road less traveled until I hit I-90 in Butte.
What began with solo rides from Boulder to Berthoud turned into trips up Golden Gate Canyon, rides to Conifer and comfortable cruising along the Peak to Peak. My riding guru took me up Trail Ridge Road, on a one day round-trip to Buena Vista (280 miles baby!) and taught me how to adjust the drive chain on my bike! At that point I knew I was ready to attempt a trip that was a bit more ambitious than I had initially envisioned. As my abilities grew so did my desire to take a longer trip and by the time I left town I had cleared the calendar for 3 weeks and was attempting to see if I could make it to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington. The route was familiar to me, I calculated the time it would take to get there based on my capabilities and concluded it was possible. I knew I couldn’t fail because I only had to try, all of it was a success from the moment I left the driveway. I had AAA, so I knew they could tow me if the bike had trouble and my mentoring friend shared his story of having to put his bike on a U-Haul to get it home when it died on the road, so I always 26 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
I had never been on the Interstate and approached it on my own – I only committed to traveling one exit and at the end of the day had gone 323 miles landing on the south side of Lake Coeur d’Alene in the charming town of Harrison. What followed was a frightening ride through windy Washington that lasted days, drained my tank into the reserve, brought me close to a collision with a car that couldn’t see me in the blinding sunset and had me weeping when I finally found a safe place to fall apart. Every lesson and experience on this journey was worth the discomfort; it forced me to deal with fear in countless ways and allowed me to slow down and relish the journey. When I traveled previously by auto, May 2015
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I was focused on getting to my destination. On the bike all the fun was on the road and I had a difficult time stopping some days because the ride was so delicious. Slow and steady – I unapologetically embraced my inner dorky turtle! I made it to the Washington State Ferry dock in Anacortes on August 7th (my 9th day on the road), and traveled to Friday Harbor with my wonderful hand holding, chaps-teasing friend. I spent 5 days on the island visiting him and his family while working out repair issues on the bike – time for new spark plugs, an oil change, a professional chain adjustment… All well worth the wait because it gave me time to rest and regroup. The owner of Beast Custom offered me advice on an alternate route back to Colorado and told me the road I had taken was one of the most challenging in the country. I left the island on August 12th and headed South on I-5, hitting more rain south of Seattle. It would be that way, combined with miserable road construction and more wind, on and off until I made my way to Bend, Oregon. From there the route brought me through bucolic southern Idaho into arid Utah where the silent desert landscape engaged my heart in an unexpected way, giving me access to and appreciation for the dream I was manifesting. Who knew I’d be so delighted by filling stations out in the middle of nowhere (they functioned as grocery store, café, pub, post office, town square and in one case, as a regional archery supply center), but they offered welcoming respite and connection to small rural communities that were far more intimate than anything I found in larger cities – they were so happy I stopped by! I was dazzled by the colors of Moab and the winding roads into Gunnison, traveled once again over the Continental Divide via Monarch Crest and swiftly into another deluge in the Buena Vista area. That final showery day on US-285 cleared up in Jefferson and I continued safely through Evergreen, Morrison and home to Boulder on CO-93, grateful for my good fortune and the opportunity of a lifetime. If it wasn’t for the family I love and wanted to return to, I could have imagined staying on the road for months, but 21 days of loving and caring for only me provided a joyful beginning for the happy life I share with them now. The 3,600 mile journey only had the possibility to occur because I gave myself permission to dream, took it just a little bit at a time and didn’t allow fear to sabotage the enjoyment of it. I wasn’t the girl you would have pictured on a bike, but I am the woman who healed her life on one. www.thunderroadscolorado.com
May 2015
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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. All of the recipes this month are from my Mother-In-Law’s cookbook. About ten years ago I took her monster three ring binder that contained all of the recipes she had collected for over 30 years and input all of them into a cookbook software program. Below are some of the highlights that have become favorites during our yearly stay in Ponce Inlet Florida;
BBQ PORK TENDERLIONS
Top Layer Preparation: 1. Mix sugar & cream and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. 2. Remove from heat and add gelatin and water mixture, sour cream and vanilla pour into a mold and chill for at least 45 minutes Bottom Layer Preparation: 1. Cool the mixture and pour over the top of the molded cream mixture and allow to chill for another hour. 2. Once it is chilled you can unmold and serve as a dessert or salad.
CHICKEN PICKUPS
This recipe was created by my Mother-In-Law and her friend Joan while they were at their condo in Ponce Inlet Florida. 2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lbs. asparagus chopped into 1 1/2 - 2” pieces 4 Tbsp. garlic, minced 4 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 cup white wine 1 - 2 tsp red pepper flakes 2 Tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped 1 lb. linguini, cooked to package directions to al dente 1. Blanche the asparagus in the microwave or boiling water and set aside. 2. Add butter and olive oil to a large fry pan or deep sided skillet. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic browns slightly 3. Add the shrimp and wine and cook on low until the shrimp are pink turning once during the cooking process. 4. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes 5. Add the parsley and asparagus and toss to warm in the pan 6. Add the parmesan and toss with the linguini Serve with additional grated parmesan on the side. Serves: 4 - 6 Do you have a recipe you would like to share with our readers? Just email them to us at recipes@ ThunderRoadsColorado.com, we will try them out and might just print them here! Make sure you include a little history of the recipe and where you got it from or how you created it.
This is a yummy summer dish that can be used as a main course or as an appetizer. 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 Tbsp. dry red wine 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. Honey 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 clove crushed garlic 1. Marinate the tenderloin overnight in the refrigerator 2. Cook in a 400 degree oven or on a medium hot grill for 10 minutes. 3. Serve with a salad or as an appetizer. Servings: 4 This is my Mother-In-Law’s recipe that she originally got from a friend (Flois Page) many years ago. They are crunchy and delicious 1 1/2 lb. little chicken legs (wings) 1 egg 1 Tbsp. cold water 2/3 cup chopped almonds (toasted) 2 Tbsp. flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/4 cup butter, melted 1. Combine egg and cold water for dipping. 2. Combine almonds, flour, salt and ginger for a coating. 3. Dip chicken wings in egg mixture and then roll in coating. 4. Drizzle melted butter on the top. 5. Bake at 375° for 45 - 55 minutes Servings: 8
BLUEBERRY JELL-O MOLD
This recipe is an oldie, but goody. You can make it with blueberries or raspberries! Top Layer: 4 cups heavy cream 1 cup of sugar 1 package unflavored gelatin, soaked in 1/4 cup of boiling water 2 cups of sour cream 1 tsp vanilla Bottom Layer: 1 small package of Jello 1 cup of boiling water 1 15 ounce can of blueberries with juice www.thunderroadscolorado.com
May 2015
DAYTONA SHRIMP PASTA
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News Bytes
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) NCOM CONVENTION HONORS FALLEN RIDERS; INVITES NAMES FOR TRIBUTE With the 30th Annual NCOM Convention in Denver just weeks away, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have died since May 2014, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board, or e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com. Attendees are also encouraged to bring an item on behalf of their organization for the Freedom Fund Auction, with proceeds benefiting the motorcyclists’ rights movement nationwide through Getting Our People Elected donations, NCOM Speaker Program, lobbying activities and other pro-motorcycling projects as determined by the NCOM Board of Directors. The 30th annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 7-10, 2015 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse St. in Denver, Colorado. This annual gathering will draw bikers’ rights activists from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $99 by calling (303) 779-1100. Registration fees for the NCOM Convention are $80 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $45 for the Convention only. All motorcyclists are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meetings, seminars and group discussions will focus on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride and Freedom of the Road. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 5255355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
AIM & NCOM FOUNDER RICHARD M. LESTER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and affiliated & supported groups and organizations, extend Congratulations to founder Richard M. Lester on his recent induction into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has announced their 2015 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and one into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. Lester, a California attorney who founded AIM & NCOM three decades ago and numerous subsequent motorcycle outreach groups, is the first national bikers’ rights attorney to be inducted. “The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community,” said museum Executive Director Christine Paige Diers. “The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists, and who have made a significant impact through their work in grassroots rights efforts.” Richard became an attorney at the ripe age of 45. While in law school he realized that motorcycle riders were an unrepresented group who didn’t have a voice. His love for the sport prompted him to focus on the need of a voice in the motorcycling community. In 1982 after passing the bar, his work for motorcycling began. It took him a couple of years to organize a team of attorneys who rode motorcycles, and who also had an understanding of what was needed in the motorcycle community and how to go about finding the voice that was needed. Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) was founded in 1984, and is a legal 30 Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado
protection program that is free for all motorcycle riders, providing free medical information and emergency contact of next-of-kin. To date, over 2 million cards have been distributed nationwide, with A.I.M. attorneys in every state providing legal services for riders and doing pro-bono (free) work within the motorcycle community. The following year, in 1985 Richard Lester founded the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) to provide a much-needed voice for the motorcycling community. Today NCOM is a national organization with over 2,400 motorcycle groups and organizations that have joined together as a whole to tackle the legal and legislative aspect of motorcycle riding. Today, more than 30 years later, Richard is still working hard for the motorcycling community. He has attorneys in every state, and has also founded three (3) additional organizations so that every motorcycle rider has a voice. One program is the Confederation of Clubs, which is comprised of motorcycle clubs, from 1%ers to family clubs. The Christian ministry sector came together in 2005 to form Christian Unity to improve networking with both secular and Christian bike groups. And the newest addition is the National Sports Bike Association, the sport bike division of NCOM to have a clear and unadulterated voice directly from the Sport Bike Community on issues that directly affect them. “Richard has dedicated his life to the lifestyle of motorcycling and has contributed so much of his time and effort, not to mention the financial investment he has donated to the cause,” reads his nomination for the Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame. “He is the only attorney who has always, and continues, to give back to the motorcycling community by creating five (5) FREE and useful national programs, and by hosting many conventions and seminars to educate and inform all motorcyclists of their right to ride.” Individuals chosen for induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame will be honored at the annual induction breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at The Lodge at Deadwood during the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This event is open to the public and tickets are available at www.sturgismuseum.com/hall-of-fame/freedom-fighters, or by calling (605) 347-2001. SOUTH DAKOTA RAISES SPEED LIMITS IN TIME FOR STURGIS South Dakota became the latest state to kick up the speed limit, as an amendment to Senate Bill 1 passed on March 24, 2015 changing the speed limit on the state’s two interstate highways. The new law took effect on April 1 (no joke), so you’ll legally be able to travel at 80 mph on the I-90 and I-29, meaning that motorists and bikers going to the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Rally will arrive a little bit faster. States across the country have been raising their speed limits as lawmakers argue that roads and cars are safer. Idaho, Wyoming and Utah have already raised their limits to 80 mph; on one toll road in Texas, it’s 85. CONGRESSIONAL MEASURE WOULD CREATE “AUTOCYCLE” VEHICLE CLASS With a growing number of 3-wheeled vehicles hitting the marketplace, Congress seeks to create a new classification of vehicles to be designated as “Autocycles”. Previously, these types of vehicles have been classified as motorcycles, so Senator David Vitter (R-LA) has introduced the Autocycle Safety Act, S. 685, to create their own new category and require the new class of three-wheeled enclosed vehicles to meet both motorcycle safety standards as well as certain passenger vehicle standards. 3-wheelers are currently exempt from many state and federal rules that dictate safety and emissions standards that apply to cars, but the new category created under S.685 would impose many rules on
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manufacturers by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): including automotive standards for seating systems, seat belts, child restraints, air bags, roof crush resistance, and flame-resistant interiors; as well as motorcycle standards covering brakes, lights, rims and tires, controls and displays, and glazing materials. NEW JERSEY BANS MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS On March 23, 2015 New Jersey Governor Christie signed into law a piece of legislation (A-2316/S-1614) prohibiting law enforcement agencies from conducting roadside checkpoints or systematic inspections that focus only on motorcycles. It will not prevent any other type of road block or checkpoint that is for a valid law enforcement purpose, but it must include vehicles of all types, not just motorcycles-only. This law goes into effect immediately. ABATE of the Garden State, worked with the legislators from District 1 (Cape May) and was successful in getting the bill introduced in February of 2014. In February 2015 it passed both houses of the legislature with unanimous votes from both chambers. Many NJ motorcycle riders wrote, called and emailed their legislators to ask for their support on this important legislation. “This new law will prohibit the unlawful practice of profiling a whole class of motorists simply because of their chosen, and legal mode of transportation”, says Jim Parker, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of the Garden State. RED LIGHT LAW PASSED IN KENTUCKY Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed HB 370 on April 2nd that allows a motorcycle to proceed through a red light if it fails to operate after 2 minutes or 2 cycles of the light with no other oncoming traffic. The Kentucky Motorcycle Association pushed for the legislation, which it says is needed because the lower weight of motorcycles sometimes means that traffic light sensors embedded in roads don’t detect them, meaning lights do not change. House Bill 370, sponsored by Rep. Johnny Bell (D-Glasgow) and Rep. Wilson Stone (D-Scottsville) creates an affirmative defense against a traffic violation for entering or crossing an intersection against a steady red light for a person operating a motorcycle. An affirmative defense is “a defense in which the defendant introduces evidence, which, if found to be credible, will negate criminal or civil liability, even if it is proven that the defendant committed the alleged acts,” which in this case applies if a motorcycle is brought to a complete stop, the traffic control signal shows a steady red light for two minutes
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or if the traffic control signal completes two lighting cycles and if the traffic control signal appears to be malfunctioning or doesn’t detect the arrival of a motorcycle. Another condition of the defense is that no person or motor vehicle is approaching the intersection or that any approaching person or motor vehicle is so far from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard. Jay Huber, president of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association, said the longer motorcyclists remain at a light, the longer they are a target for inattentive drivers. “It becomes an issue of safety,” he said. BILL WOULD REQUIRE MOTORCYCLE LICENSE IN ALABAMA Legislators in Alabama, the only State in the Union that doesn’t require a motorcycle license or endorsement, are considering legislation to end that distinction. An oversight in the 1990s led to a gap in the law that allows anyone 16 and older with a regular driver’s license to also operate a motorcycle in the state. If enacted, the new law would require operators to pass a knowledge test to obtain a Class M endorsement, and the bill also authorizes police officers to write a ticket if you are riding a motorcycle without a license. 40 states require a skills test for a motorcycle license, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but that’s not likely to happen anytime soon in Alabama. Political insiders indicate the bill is likely to reach Governor Bentley’s desk, who is expected to sign it into law. TEXAS BIKE BILL REQUIRES 3-FOOT CLEARANCE FROM DRIVERS A new bill could mean new rules for Texas drivers. House Bill 2459 states that drivers would have to give pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists three feet when passing or turning. HB 2459 was heard in the Texas House Transportation Committee for “unprotected road users,” and if passed a violation would be a Class B Misdemeanor. “At this point, I’m excited with three feet, anything is better than zero feet. We’re just waiting to see whether or not Governor Greg Abbott ratifies that bill,” cyclist Les Akins told Newschannel 6, adding that he hopes HB 2459 will raise awareness. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.” Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969), American pastor
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An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland , arrived at the casino . She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty thousand dollars on a single roll of the dice. She said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I’m completely nude .” with that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, “Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!” As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed. “Yes! Yes! I won , I won !” She hugged each of the dealers, picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed. The dealers stared at each other dumb-founded . Finally, one of them asked, “What did she roll?” The other answered, “I don’t know - I thought you were watching.” Moral of the Story: Not all Irish are drunks, not all blondes are dumb, but all men...are men! I recently spent $6,500 on a young registered Black Angus bull. I put him out with the herd but he just ate grass and wouldn’t even look at a cow. I was beginning to think I had paid more for that bull than he was worth. Anyhow, I had the Vet come and have a look at him. He said the bull was very healthy, but possibly just a little young, so he gave me some pills to feed him once per day. The bull started to service the cows within two days… all my cows! He even broke through the fence and bred with all of my neighbor’s cows! He’s like a mating machine! I don’t know what was in them pills the Vet gave him.......... but they kinda’ taste like peppermint.
Four old Catholic men and a Catholic woman were having coffee in St. Peters Square. The first Catholic man tells his friends, “My son is a priest, when he walks into a room, everyone calls him ‘Father’.” The second Catholic man chirps, “My son is a Bishop. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Grace’.” The third Catholic gent says, “My son is a Cardinal. When he enters a room everyone bows their head and says ‘Your Eminence’.” The fourth Catholic man says very proudly, “My son is the Pope. When he walks into a room people call him ‘Your Holiness’.” Since the lone Catholic woman was sipping her coffee in silence, The four men give her a subtle, “Well....?” She proudly replies, I have a daughter, Slim & Tall Extra Long Legs that go all the way up to form perfectly round buttocks. 44 D Breasts 24” Waist and 34” Hips When she walks into a room, people always say,“ JEEESUS!!”
Was in the Texas Rose Road House bar last night after riding my bike all day. Just sitting there waiting for a beer, remembering all the good events of the day’s ride, when a butt-ugly, big ole’ drunk heifer came up behind me. She slapped me on the ass,....hard. She hollered out really loud for the whole bar to hear. “Hey cowboy, how bout’ givin’ me your number! I looked at her and yelled out, “Have you got a pen?” She said, “I surely do, sweet cheeks.” I yelled back, just as loud, “Well, you better get back into it before the Farmer notices you’re missing.” * (I guarded my manhood, but my dental surgery is on Friday.)
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Photographer: Vickie Jo Mullin www.thunderroadscolorado.com
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