Feb. 2012

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Sales Office 24381 Aurora Rd., B-8, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 Chief Inspiration Officer Will Roeder Owner / Editor Julie Roeder Managing editor sales & marketing Derek Smith 440-785-7331 ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com Features editor Donn Shanteau PHOTO EDITOR Craig Fetherolf RHS Images Photography Donn Shanteau, Craig Fetherolf Jerry Murray, Crash, Amber Smith, Heather Winniestaffer-Allen Road Reps Scott H, Ron R, Amanda W, Craig F, Sue L, Joe B, Terry T, Dennis Albright, Mark and Carmen CONTRIBUTORS Mary Ann Steffanni, Sue Lucas, The Iron Cowboy, Don Hostetler, Amber Smith, Donn Shanteau Hairy George, Craig Fetherolf, Kit Hedges, Savannah S, Scott “Woody” Wood Jeff “Stinger” Brown, Misty Layout & Design Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 email: thunderroads@charter.net ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, 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 ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

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Letter from the Editor.............................................................................4 Road Tales.............................................................................................6 Riding Safe with Kit Hedges...................................................................9 ABATE of Ohio Report........................................................................... 10 Letters from the Road by Don Hostetler................................................ 14 Toledo’s Motorcycling Mayor ...............................................................20 Swap Meets......................................................................................... 24 Women Who Ride & Women Who Rock!................................................28 Hairy Bikers.........................................................................................30 Thunder Cam.......................................................................................33 Center Calendar...................................................................................34 Ohio Ink: Biker Tattoos.........................................................................36 Thunder Roads Ohio Factory Feature....................................................40 Ohio Ink Gallery..................................................................................43 Ohio CCW Permit..................................................................................44 Motocross Ohio....................................................................................49 Biker Friendly Directory.......................................................................50 Thunder Roads Marketplace.................................................................52 Joker’s Wild.........................................................................................59 Old School Biker Movies Part II.............................................................60 Upcoming Events.................................................................................62 Mrs. Herbs and Spices Recipe...............................................................64

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IT’S SHOW TIME! The International Motorcycle Show (IMS) at the International Exposition Center (IX) in Cleveland, Ohio has always been an exciting event to attend. Since it occurs at the end of January most of us that live in Northern Ohio (during a typical winter) have not been able to ride our motorcycles in months so we are itchy to get out on a motorcycle based excursion.

For the Thunder Roads team, the IMS show will be twice as exciting this year because we will be passing out the first anniversary edition of our magazine! If you are attending the IMS show on Jan. 27th – 29th, be sure to stop by our booth and say hello. Just look for the Black and orange Thunder Roads Ohio Banners. We’d love to hear our readers’ thoughts on what you like or how we can improve our magazine. For more details on the IMS show, visit www. motorcycleshows.com.

If you miss us in Cleveland, you have another chance to check us out in Columbus Ohio at the biggest, baddest, bike show tour in the country. The Easyrider Invitational will be held on Feb. 10th- 12th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. See the ad on page 47 or check it out online at www.easyriderevents.com Look for coverage on the IMS and Easyrider Shows in upcoming editions of Thunder Roads Ohio and on our newly launched website. www.thunderroadsohio.com It’s also that time of year when indoor swap meets and bike shows are being held all over the state. In our feature story on page 24, we take a look at how swap meets have traditionally offered a unique chance to meet other bikers and to buy, sell, or swap Vintage motorcycles or parts.

During my travels around Ohio last summer, I had the distinct pleasure of spending some time with Mike Bell, a long time motorcycle enthusiast who also happens to be the Mayor of Toledo Ohio. Mike welcomed us at his 22nd floor Downtown Toledo office (what a view!). Here is where feature editor Donn Shanteau and I spent a few hours speaking with and interviewing Mike for our Feature Story on Toledo’s Motorcycling Mayor. (See page 20).

Several weeks later, I joined Mayor Bell and Donn Shanteau, for a photo shoot and a cruise around Toledo on our bikes. (See picture above) As we ventured around the city Mike was continuously approached by the business owners and citizens of Toledo. He was gracious enough to greet every single one of them. Not only did he take the time to speak with them, it was obvious that he was listening intently to whatever they were sharing with him, whether it was of a personal nature or involved city politics.

I knew right then that this man held great passion for the city he grew up in. It was obvious as we rode through the streets and he looked around with pride at the new development occurring along the Maumee River, most notably the soon to open Hollywood Casino. Riding alongside Mike and viewing the City of Toledo through the eyes of the Mayor was just about as cool as it gets.

A year ago the Thunder Roads staff blazed down a new and unfamiliar road - publishing Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine. As with any road trip, we hit a few pot holes along the way.

None of them were big enough to keep us from continuing our journey.

And now here we are a year later, more excited than ever to pursue our mission which is to inform our readers about and offer them a wide perspective of the Ohio motorcycling scene.

Thunder Roads Ohio’s Staff is on the road year-round to report on the events that our readers want to know about and attend. We will inform you of Ohio Bike Week activities state-wide, cool rallies, poker runs, charity events and biker friendly businesses that serve you in style when you are out there on the road.

As always, we thank everyone involved in making our magazine available to our readers, our regular contributors and our growing staff of dedicated workers in their continuing efforts to make Thunder Road Ohio the best magazine possible. We also want to shout out to our advertisers for continuing to make our magazine a free publication available at over 800 locations in Ohio and growing.

So Old Man Winter, move on over or we’re gonna pass you by…..It’s time to get the Thunder Roads Ohio Show on the road for the 2012 season!

Julie Roeder, Editor-in-Chief Thunder Roads Ohio 4

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BIKE NIGHTS Thunder Roads速 Magazine ohio

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As told by

The Iron Cowboy So, its been a year. This time last year, we were scrambling to get our first issue out to production as Thunder Roads returned to Ohio. We were pretty ambitious as we sought to cover the entire state and create a unique magazine like non-other. It hasn’t always been home runs, but I’m pretty proud of what we’ve accomplished.

In just our first year back, we have become a fixture at motorcycle shops, dealerships, and riding events all across the state. As the map on our cover illustrates, we pretty much have the state covered from edge to edge. Its taken a lot of work, but we are distributed through over 800 locations in our state alone! We’ve also established great relationships and in many cases sponsorships with most of the key motorcycle organizations in Ohio. As you turn our pages you will see both corporate dealerships and small independent shops. We aren’t just chasing advertising dollars, we are looking to build a network that reaches riders of all interests and backgrounds.

We’ve also expanded our focus into new areas, which our riders had an interest in. Our Ohio Ink section has become increasingly popular and our magazine is now found in over 250 tattoo shops! We regularly feature the artwork from award winning artists right here in our home state. Not all bikers have tattoos, but we can all appreciate the talent and creativity they display.

Motocross Ohio has developed into a regular feature, but it will really take off this spring with regular track features and results as the motocross season launches. We’ve brought on new sponsors, writers, and photographers that will ensure that Thunder Roads is an integral part of the motocross scene.

Driven by reader interest, we have also introduced a focus on firearms and gun safety in this issue. We’ve included a basic introduction to Ohio’s concealed carry permit process and our marketplace section showcases a number of select instructors that we recommend. All are certified and help support the various organizations that enabled Ohioans to obtains a CCW permit in the first place.

Look for articles on firearm safety, continued training, and related events in upcoming issues. If you are an instructor or have a range that you would like featured, please email: ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com.

OHIO BIKE WEEK It’s getting to be that time of year, when we start planning out our summer road trips and envisioning where the roads will take us once warmer weather hits. Our biggest focus is of course on Ohio Bike Week, which really kicks off the season for us.

Ohio Bike Week is the largest motorcycle event in the Midwest, drawing over 160,000 riders to the North 6

Coast for the week long extravaganza. And it’s not only about the riders. The folks who keep track of such things, estimate that Ohio Bike Week brings in over $60 million in revenue to the region. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and of course tourist destinations flourish during this jump start to the season.

As with most biker events, there’s another more charitable aspect that often get over The Cowboy and The Boss out on the islands looked. Ohio Bike Week during OBW has always welcomed local organizations to join in their efforts, being a locally developed grass roots effort from the beginning. Local charities are encouraged to host activities, rides, and other events as part of the rally. They also benefit from direct involvement in areas such as beer sales and providing staffing assistance.

Ohio Bike Week also provides direct donations in many cases to help support organizations in the area. Over the last five years, it’s estimated that at least $250,000 was generated for local charities in the form of net revenue. That’s amazing, especially when you consider that the weather and other challenges have not always been kind the last few years to event organizers.

In our mind, the important thing to remember when considering Ohio Bike Week is that it’s our rally. As a biker in Ohio, this is OUR EVENT. Daytona, Sturgis, Laconia, and the Lone Star Rallies are all very cool – but this one is OURS! If you’re an Ohio biker, I don’t see how you miss it. If you have a motorcycle related business in Ohio, I don’t see how you The Iron Angels don OBW don’t take part. This is the Gear for Bike Week! event that draws bikers from all across the state and beyond, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds. Sport bikes, vintage bikes, drag racers, metric cruisers, motocross, and of course American V-Twins – they Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO

are all there.

I recently had a chance to talk with the Ohio Bike Week organizers, and discovered that their prime focus this year is going to be really developing the downtown block party – and to really showcase the motorcycles. Last year they made a dramatic change, removing the vendors from Columbus Ave (“main street”) and leaving it all for bikes. The look was great and it really gave the area a great feel. This year they are taking it a step further and transforming the entire area into a tribute to bikes.

It sounds pretty cool, and we can’t wait to see it.

Once again, Thunder Roads Ohio will serve as the OFFICIAL RALLY GUIDE for Ohio Bike Week. Our May issue will include all of the schedules, event details, and information you need to know in order to get the most out of Bike Week. It will be distributed throughout the entire region for the duration of Bike Week, reaching an estimated 100,000 bikers (at least). This is in addition to the thousands of readers we already have across the state. All Rally Guide Ads will also be visible on video displays throughout the Rally and accessible through the website and social networking sites. For information on getting involved in the Rally Guide – email: ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com THE SEAT KING If you’ve been touring Ohio at all, chances are that you’ve stopped by Bear’s in Ravenna. Bear’s Vintage Metal Works and Harley-Davidson ® Museum is one of our favorite stops and one we would recommend to anyone with a love of Harleys.

It’s a hard thing, though, to really describe what Bear’s is. It’s more then a shop, and it’s not just vintage stuff. It’s a little bit of everything HARLEY, but its not a dealership. I really just think it’s a cool vintage Harley shop – that happens to sell parts and accessories for just about every Harley ever made. Now though, things are little more complicated.

Bear - The Seat King!

Bear has always had plenty of seats in his shop. In fact the back walls are covered with them, hundreds of different styles and fits. Apparently Bear has decided to fully embrace his dedication to motorcycle saddles and he has sought to establish himself as the SEAT KING. It’s a strong claim to make, but I don’t see how I or anyone could challenge him on it. Not only does he have more then 250 different styles and fits in stock – he now has things set up to restore Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio

or create entirely new custom seats. You can pick just about any material imaginable, reinforce it, do whatever you want with it – and Bear can make it happen.

Getting a new saddle is always a tricky thing, especially when you have an older bike.

It can be a challenge to get the right fit. Bear eliminates that by offering you the chance to “re-make” your old seat – exactly the way you want it. Bear has also taken the time to make sure that it’s done right and through his own people.

Just a few of the seats at Bears

“We use durable French stitching which leaves a flat seam that is more durable and a lot more comfortable to sit on.” Bear boasts. I don’t really have know too much about stitches, but more comfortable and longer lasting sounds great!

Once again, and for an entirely new reason, we would recommend stopping out to Bear’s. Check out their selection of saddles. Improving your seat or changing up the style can make a world of difference in your riding experience. So, stop on out and see The Seat King!

POKER RUN FEATURE Unfortunately, we’ve had to table the follow up to our Poker Run article from last month. We had an overwhelming response, especially in regards to folks getting involved. In order to get it the proper attention and get everyone in, we’ve chosen to run the next installment in our March issue.

This means that you still have time to get your venue or run included. Just let us know.

EATEN PEPPERS Admittedly, when I first picked up a bottle of Stich’s Eaten Peppers from Granny’s Cycles in Warren – I didn’t really know what to expect. A bike shop is not exactly where you’d expect to pick up a culinary delicacy, but that’s exactly what you get in every bottle. I have to admit, that I’m addicted to these Eaten Peppers! I find myself constantly coming up with new uses for them and planning meals around what I can use them on. It seems that I’m not alone in this. Word is spreading and more and more folks are picking up the bottles. There are even a number of restaurants that have incorporated Eaten Peppers into their menu recipes. If you’ve never tried them before, you may be laughing. If you have – you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Eaten Peppers - courtesy of Granny’s Cycles!

And I’m not afraid to admit that I enjoy the Mild ones.

Baby Bear gets the HOT, which are bit much for me. But, that’s ok. I don’t have to have a tough tongue. I can accept that.

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How many times do I have to tell you?

This article’s title will immediately take many of you back to your childhood remembering one of your parents having that as a mantra. How many times do I have to tell you… to take out the garbage- to cut the grass- to be home on time etc. Or another one was “If I have to tell you one more time, I’ll “fill in the blank”.

As an MSF and Riders Edge Instructor I find myself saying those mantras to students, at least in my head. There’s one riding principle that elicits these mantras in my head.

That’s the correct use of the head and eyes. The correct use of the head and eyes is a major principle for safe riding.

When I took the Police Training in Michigan there was much discussion about the five principles of safe riding. They are head and eyes, throttle and clutch control, and the rear brake.

The head and eyes were top of the list in importance. The rear break is used by itself, only during slow maneuvers as a control brake. Both brakes are always used during any stop, from parking lot speeds on up. The correct use of the head and eyes is a principal that when used correctly, makes some of the more difficult maneuvers on a motorcycle easier. Maneuvers like slow tight turns, a tight figure-eight, right angle turns from a stop, high speed twisties, riding straight, and of course stopping with good balance at the end of the stop. From this list we can see that proper head and eye use is utilized whether going fast and straight, stopping, or turning.

If you’ve taken any professional training you no doubt remember your instructors telling you to turn your head on turns, especially in the figure-eight box. How about being advised to keep your head and eyes up and ahead in all riding situations?

This head and eye directional control is not unique to motorcycle riding, its’ taught in other sports as well. Car races, mountain bike classes, and even jumping horses use this technique. But with some students, no matter what you say, they’ll fight turning their head while others follow directions and feel the benefits

Riding Safe with

Benefits of head and eye control: Where you look is where you go. If you’re turning the motorcycle, try to look where you want your front tire to go.

When going around an object in the road look at your escape not the object.

Keep your head and eyes up to slow the scenery down. That first experience, as a new rider, seeing the road surface flying under you at speed can be a little scary at first. Slow it down by keeping your head and eyes up.

Many people fear lean angles on a motorcycle. In a tight U turn keep your head turned, looking where you want to go, not down at the ground. Keeping your head and eyes up will make you notice the lean angle less.

Maintaining balance is easier with correct head and eye control. When starting from a stop keep your head and eyes up right from the start. When coming to a stop you’ll have better balance by keeping your head and eyes up. It’s also easier to keep the handlebars straight at the stop by keeping head and eyes up until the end of the stop.

During straight line riding your head and eyes should be scanning your environment constantly. I’m amazed at how many riders I ride behind that don’t move they’re head while riding.

They stare straight ahead. They don’t notice the car coming from the side street until later than they could have. There’s a lot going on with the head and eyes directional control technique that directly relate to our safe riding., And like anything else that relates to motorcycle safety it takes practice to make it a habit.

This principal really needs practice because you are fighting a strong urge to look in front of the bike on turns instead of where you should look… where you want to go.

Ride safe.

Kit

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Kit Hedges

immediately.

So why is head and eye control so important? There’s the obvious point that as soon as the bike moves forward you better be looking ahead so you don’t hit anything. But wait, there are times you don’t want to look at an object, (like a pothole, or piece of debris) because you’ll more than likely hit it.

So there’s more to this head and eyes thing than just looking ahead and riding. So let’s break it down to the benefits of correct head and eyes control.

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FEBRUARY 2012 LEGISLATIVE REPORT During the holiday break, I ran into Rep. Rosenberger. He promised to get back on our handlebar bill right after the holidays. I am working to try to find proponents to testify in favor of the bill. Specifically what I am looking for is small business owners, bike shop owners, who can testify that this bill would help them by making it easier to fulfill customers’ wishes. If you know of anyone in the bike shop business that would be interested in either coming to the state house and testifying, or providing written testimony contact me at legislativedirector@abate.com or call me at home at 937987-2396.

I’m sure I don’t have to remind anyone that it is election year. I’m sure the television commercials will have everyone well informed of that. Candidates will be out campaigning. Read your local paper. Find out where they will be. Introduce yourself. Ask them if they are aware of our Right Of Way bill. Ask them to support the bill.

Remember to email any questions, ideas, or opinions to legislativedirector@abate.com.

Ride Legal.

Scott “Woody” Wood Government Relations Director ABATE of Ohio, Inc.

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If you are reading this article prior to Feb. 4, and have not made your reservations for ABATE of Ohio’s 2012 Legislative/ Safety/Education Seminar at the Columbus Embassy Suites, put this article down and call 614-790-9000 right now to make your reservation. We are planning an interactive seminar and WE NEED YOU THERE. We want to hear your opinions and ideas on the direction ABATE is moving. There are several different issues we can be moving on. Do we want to stay the course on the issues we have been working on? Do we need to work on other issues? We want to represent the membership.

When I go talk to our legislators I want to be able to say the voting membership of ABATE would like for you to take this stance. In order for me to know what you want, I need to hear it from you. The Embassy Suites are at 5100 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

We had a Proponent Hearing on S.B. 92 (Right Of Way Bill) back in December. A substitute bill was added to the bill. This substitute is the amendment I discussed in last month’s issue.

This changes the bill to include all traffic related misdemeanors covered under section 4511 of the Ohio Revised Code that result in serious injury or death. It increases the penalties for serious physical harm to a fine of up to $500 and 4 points. For cases that have resulted in death a fine of up to $1000 and 4 points. Both types of offenses will become nonwaiverable and the offender must appear in court to answer the charges. It also creates a highway safety education fund in the Department of Public safety, funded by the fines. What the substitutes does is that it makes the ROW consistent with other similar offenses.

Testimony was given by Imre Szauter (AMA), Hairy George Nitzky (COC), Sharon Montgomery, Tom Whiteman, written testimony was provided by Bill Bish, editor of Ridin On Magazine. There were no questions or opposition expressed from any members of the committee. Even though there was no opposition expressed at the committee hearing, we believe that there is still opposition to the bill. ABATE of Ohio needs to remain vigilant on our support and let our legislators know that we support this bill.

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View the full picture gallery of this segment of Don’s travels on our newly launched website www.thunderroadsohio.com

The Yukon and the Alcan Highway Note from the Editor: Letters from the Road is a series of articles chronicling the travels of our roving correspondent, Don Hostetler.

I

stayed July 3rd in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory Canada at The Air Force Lodge.

It is a restored 1942 US Army Air Corps Pilots Barracks owned and run by a young German named Mike. I got a room for $69.00. Everyone has to take off their shoes at the front door!

The rooms are quite Spartan, mine with just a single bed, a small desk and chair, the same as provided for those WWII pilots back in the day. The showers and toilets are down the hall. Mike said it took him 2½ years to restore the barracks. I asked him why the Woman’s showers? I had forgotten about the WASP’s (Woman’s Air Service Air Pilots) They had a major presence in delivering many of the aircraft to the Russians in Alaska during WWII. The original WWII airfield is still in operation down the street, complete with the 70 year old control tower built of logs from locally fallen timbers.

This is my third stay here. I was here twice in 2008, once each way, coming and going. Mike is very outgoing and engages each customer in conversation. His wife is evidently confined to home so he doesn’t stray far from his lodge. He speaks 5 different languages fluently and travels through the eyes and words of his guests.

There were two 1931 Ford Model A’s parked at the lodge.

One a coupe and the other a sedan, both equipped with original wire spoke wheels and four cylinder engines. They were from Maine and New Hampshire respectively and returning from Alaska. What an adventure it must be for those two old gents driving them!!

Signpost Forest is also located here at the Watson Lake Visitor Center. It was started during the construction of the Alcan Highway and has grown to over 72,000 signs. I noticed one from Elyria, Ohio.

Onward the next day to Whitehorse, the Capitol City of the Yukon.

I stopped at a motel just south of the town. The lady wanted 14

$125.00 for a room but “For you I have a special cabin, for $70.00” she said, one room, 10X10, no toilet, no shower. I could use the facilities by the camping area.

A jug of water sat in the corner next to the small coffee pot. The rest of the room contained a double bed, electric heater, an old treadle sewing machine used as a desk, a 13 inch TV and a MILLION DOLLAR VIEW from the bed. I’d been on the road 3 weeks now and hadn‘t stayed in the same place twice. I liked the place and ended up staying 3 nights’ Just outside Whitehorse the river is dammed and turbines supply power to the city. To allow salmon access to their spawning grounds they have installed “Longest Fish Ladder in the World“, I dropped in to take a look. The guide said the salmon are in as far as Dawson City and should be to White horse in about a week.

I pulled out on July, 7th headed south to Alaska. The route to Skagway (the White Pass) follows the trail thousands of prospectors took north during the Klondike Gold Rush back in 1898. The other route, one mountain pass away is the Chilkoot Trail. It is the iconic one you always see photos of the prospectors struggling to ascend the snow covered pass at a 45 degree angle. The White Pass was longer but not as steep.

This was one awesome ride!

Skagway has a year round population of only 862 residents.

The town is actually quite large and many of the buildings have been restored by the National Parks Service. Two cruise ships were in port and their passengers were touring the town. Most of the stores are high end featuring jewelry, ivory carvings, etc.

I managed to find Alaska’s oldest Fraternal Order of Eagles Post and relaxed a bit.

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I rode down to the ferry dock and booked passage for myself and the bike, at $31.00 each, for the next day’s 7 AM passage to Haines, Alaska. Skagway to Haines via road is 352 miles, 9 and 1/2 hours. Via ferry boat 19.5 miles and 1 and 1/2 hours.

Once in Haines, I checked in at the Alaskan Sojourn a Hostel not far from the center of town. The $25.00 overnight fee included a bottom bunk, with sheets, blanket and towel, in a room with two bunk beds, use of the kitchen until 9 PM, free range of the entire house for the rest of my stay. Quite hours 10 PM - 7 AM. And just like Mikes Air Force Lodge, “Take your shoes off at the door”. It turned out the only other guests were a family of 5 from Austria, and a young lady from California, so I ended up with the room to myself. In the morning I was in line with the other bikes to board the ferry. They had each paid $30.00, the night before, to pitch tents at a campground!

Haines is more of a working class town. It has a few motels and hardly any gift shops. Not at all like Skagway. One claim to fame is The Hammer Museum, it features more than 1,800 hammers!! I didn’t wait for the 10 AM opening, just peaked in the window and snapped a few pictures.

The lady at the tourist information stand suggested I ride out of town to view the glaciers and the cannery. I saw the sign “Something’s Fishy“gift shop and pulled in. The girl insisted I hurry over to the cannery building and take the tour as the workers would be stopping for break in 5 minutes. It was a regular fish holocaust. It was like an assembly line or in this case a dismemberment line. Off with their heads and out with the roe, fillet and pack them in ice. The building sits on high pilings and the cove it sat in was very picturesque. They told me the tides here average 22 feet.

The ride out of this canyon was even better than yesterdays.

The road runs along the base of the Kluane Mountain Range.

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Haines, is a town with 2,400 residents. The town is on the shores of America’s longest fjord and is surrounded by glacier covered mountains. In the fall bald eagles migrate by the

Thousands (estimates range up to 3,500) to the nearby Chikat Bald Eagle Preserve.

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I’m not sure which individual peaks I was looking at but the range contains the highest peak in all of Canada “Mt. Logan” standing tall at 17,850 feet. As I rode I enjoyed the snow capped mountains with the snow sometimes reaching down to the road itself.

I got back on the Alcan Highway at Haines Junction in the Yukon and rode a grueling 150 miles to Beaver Creek for the night. I encountered lots of construction, gravel and frost heaves. A frost heave is like a big wave in the pavement. They encourage keeping a death grip on the handle bars.

I awoke to 45 degree temperatures and rain, 35 miles later at US Customs it was dry and warm.

Forget what I said about the last two days ride. This is the one. The road to Valdez is the best ride in Alaska. Here you ride between the mountains and this route has the steepest vertical drops so far. Mountains thousands of feet tall on both sides, waterfalls come down right to the pavement and a glacier is just 300 feet from the road!!

I arrived in town concurrent with the finish of the annual bicycle race. The tourist center said there were no rooms available in town and the next town 150 miles back north. Ha! I had squirreled away in my notes “The Man Camp”. I know it sounds like something from Tim Taylor’s “Tool Time Show” but it’s only too real. A complex of seven 230 foot long by 20 wide two story bunk houses, each having 56 rooms, with a total capacity for 500 men. Rooms are 8X15 and communal showers and toilets down the hall.

These units were originally used to house the men working on the Alaska Pipeline in the 70’s. They were transported in 1989 from their original location in Livengood, Alaska 450 miles south to Valdez to house workers cleaning up the tanker oil spill. During this operation they crammed 4 men to a room, housing over 1,000 and serving more than 3,000 meals per day.

It cost $93.00 a day, with 3 cafeteria meals “all you can eat” included OR an option of just a room for $54.00. I opted for the room and the evening meal was a surcharge of $25.00 but for some reason when I returned for the meal she let me in for $20.00. All you could eat, soup, salad, burgers, salmon, fries, red skins, etc. and a desert bar. First good meal I’ve had since Mom cooked for me 3 weeks ago.

In the pictures you’ll see the front of a semi truck and a massive grill made of steel tubing. I finally found, today, a driver with one on his truck and asked him what they call it. It’s “A Swamp Donkey Bumper” he said. “My Dad hit a thousand pounder last year and knocked him plumb off the road and didn’t hurt the truck a bit” he said. Swamp Donkey is Alaskan for moose.

Valdez holds title to the Snowiest Place in Alaska, averaging 551.5 Inches (46 Feet) Per Year. On Dec. 29, 1965 a Record 62 Inches (6 feet 2 inches) fell in one 24 hour period, The most ever anywhere in Alaska.

Three glaciers are accessible from Valdez , The Mears, Columbia and Shoup Glaciers.

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Mike Bell, Julie Roeder on the Maumee Riverfront in Toledo Ohio

Toledo’s Motorcycling Mayor

Michael Bell

by Donn Shanteau I’m pleased to have the opportunity to talk about and with Toledo Ohio’s Mayor, the honorable Michael Bell.

I don’t throw the “H” word around very much, especially when referencing politicians, but in the case of “Mike” it describes the man accurately and he’s not a politician. Toledo is fortunate to have a man of his integrity at the helm during these most trying times. The thing about Mike that still flips me out is that he reached a time in his life where he had the world by the ass. He did what he wanted, when he wanted and had the finances to do it in style. He chose to give up the freedom and privacy he enjoyed in a ballsy attempt to correct the tailspin that his beloved hometown (Toledo) is in.

Mike grew up in the tough North end of Toledo and graduated from Woodward H.S. where he excelled at Football and built his people skills. He attended the University of Toledo and was a member of the Football and Cheerleading Teams. My short lived tenure as a student at UT coincided with Mike’s era, so while I didn’t know him yet, I had heard of him from student activities and the press.

I took a job with the City of Toledo in 1974 20

and shortly thereafter, Mike began his career with the Toledo Fire Dept. It didn’t take long to distinguish himself in his new job and before you knew it, he was on a fast track to the Fire Chief Position. It wasn’t long before I started reading or hearing about this “Mike Bell” fellow that I remember from my college days. One of the things about Mike that came to light in news reports was that he was a serious motorcycle rider. I thought that it was refreshing to find that Toledo’s Fire Chief was just a normal guy who did not make a big deal out of his position. If you didn’t know who he was, he wasn’t going to tell you. I like that.

Mayor Bell enjoying Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine

After I retired from the city position I spent more time with my wife and her custom painting business. As we began to attend more local custom car and motorcycle events with our airbrushing display, there was Mike again. He was usually leading a ride to benefit a local charity or cause. Sometimes, he would be leading the ride for the same charity that we were donating our services to support. It just seemed that our orbits kept getting close but we never intersected directly, until a friend gave him a gift certificate for airbrushing on his Harley.

Mike decided to do an Indian themed paint job on his Harley piece by piece. I think he wanted to test the waters of the customizing scene by sticking his toe in just a little bit, instead of doing a cannonball. So, my wife Pam airbrushed some Indian themed art on his front fender. The Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO

Fall Ride

Toledo Skyline

Northwest Ohio Countryside Julie Roeder, Mike Bell in Mayors office

Mike Bell / Donn Shanteau before leading the Crystal Bowersox Parade in Toledo Ohio next year his gas tank was airbrushed with Shawnee warrior and pony images to honor Mike’s brother Shawn who had passed.

The next year the fairing was adorned with an Indian Chief mural.

Lastly, the stretched saddle bags had some Southwest Indian style airbrushing applied to them which completed the package. The bike is a real head turner and has appeared in calendars, magazines and promotional videos for BASF paints.

lions in the red. Local businesses have been fleeing downtown for decades. River front development has been stalled for at least 10 years and the city’s water/sewer system is hopelessly outdated and in need of serious upgrades. Add to that, all of the contracts of Police-Fire and City Employees had to be re-negotiated, immediately! That’s quite a load to bear, I don’t care who you are, and why would anyone choose to jump into the middle of this tempest?

Mike retired from the Toledo Fire Chief position and moved to Columbus Ohio to become the State Fire Marshall. He kept his Toledo digs and commuted between Toledo and Columbus on the weekends. Then it happened…It was something that I have joked about while we were hanging out. I’ve always said that Mike could be Mayor of Toledo. Anywhere he goes, folks come up and say hello, shake his hand and thank him for something good that he had done. The guy’s a people magnet, everyone seems to like him and he returns the sentiment.

Even though Mike had never run for office before, and ran as an independent, he won the election handily. As promised, He got right to work negotiating with city unions and city council to balance the city’s budget while providing a plan for rebuilding the badly deteriorating infrastructure. His highly publicized trips to China and other points in the Far East have resulted in the millions of dollars the Chinese are now investing in Toledo.

I remember when Mike called me and said he was resigning the State Fire Marshall gig to run for Mayor of Toledo. Immediately, I was polarized, on one hand I knew he would be a great choice for the job. On the other hand, He’s not a politician and I wondered why he would want to be thrown into a pit with vipers. Toledo’s city council was fragmented. The operating budget was many milThunder Roads® Magazine ohio

I ask again. How can a person want to deal with problems that his predecessors have ducked for decades? Why would someone want to put themselves in a position to make tough decisions that are guaranteed to alienate people no matter what you do? How does a guy who was the undisputed darling of the press and the toast of the town expose himself to politics and politicians while every move is scrutinized in the press? I sat down with Ohio’s #1 motorcycling mayor to find out.

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TRO: So tell me Mike, why did you do it?

MB: I’m a product of Toledo. Almost every skill I have was developed Cruising the in Toledo. I went back roads to Spring Grade School, Woodward H.S., University of Toledo and Medical College of Ohio, all in Toledo. After working for a few years as the State Fire Marshall in Columbus Ohio, I decided to bring the skills that I developed in Toledo and used to be successful on the state and national level, back to Toledo and help my own hometown. Who better to address the ugly situation than someone who knew the system, knew the people and was familiar with the problems? With over 27 years of service with the city, I have an idea what the solutions need to be. Whether someone likes or dislikes my decisions, they know where I stand and if they have a better resolution for the problem, I will consider it.

You can’t make everyone happy, but if you do the right things for the right reasons, occasionally, people will understand and work with you. The problem we have here in Toledo is that we never have really told people the truth. If we tell them the truth, they can deal with it. They are adults they might not like what the truth holds, but they can deal with the truth. If they are going to live in Toledo, they need to know the truth so they can help me fix it. When you tell people the truth, they are going to get upset, because they don’t want to hear it, some of it is negative. We are working to get past all of that.

In the last 18 months, it’s changing. People are starting to feel good about themselves and the direction that the City is going in, but hard decisions had to be made first before that could happen. When I took over the City Government, I often was forced to choose between the better of two bad decisions. Neither decision was going to be liked, but which one would be the least of two evils. When you are in a hole, you can’t just stand there and do nothing. You must start one step at a time in the right direction. It can’t happen all at once but eventually you will make that goal, step by step. We started with a 48 million dollar deficit. A lot of folks bailed out on trying to find a way to fix it. We ended up cutting pay instead of cutting jobs in a lot of cases. To get that done I was forced to enact “exigent circumstances” and modify contracts with the unions. That way, we could still deliver full city services and keep all our workers off unemployment.

TRO: What inspired you to gravitate towards the motorcycle scene?

MB: I had ridden a 125 dirt bike when I was young and enjoyed the experience. In my adult years I liked hanging out at Theo’s in Toledo and a friend of mine (Jimmy Fitzpatrick) always used to be on my case about needing to get a bike. Then a friend of mine let me try his Honda 750 and it seemed like a nice way to find some freedom. I also appreciated the culture of motorcycling. I took a county motorcycling course and really enjoyed it. Once I decided to buy a bike, I chose a Honda Shadow with big white walls. Then, I moved on to a Yamaha Silverado. Once I began to immerse myself into the biker culture, I realized that I wanted a Harley 22

and I bought the 2002 Road King that I have now. It is named “Cochise” and has 63000 miles on it. It would have more miles, but the mayor’s duties have cut into my riding time quite a bit. The hard bags are stretched and it was airbrushed by your wife Pamela Shanteau, who you know. Everywhere I go, people stop me to look at the Indian themed artwork and talk about the bike. Oh yeah, I need some more of Pam’s business cards. They go like hotcakes.

I like the idea of traveling long distances on a motorcycle. My first long ride was to “ground zero” in New York. Subsequent trips have been to Key West, New Orleans, Sturgis, Las Vegas and many points on the west coast. I like the long rides because it takes a few days on the road to get in the zone. Once you get adjusted to the changing weather and different locales, everything just seems to flow naturally.

TRO: Have you had any incidents during the course of your travels?

MB: They say that there are those who have yet to fall, those who have already fallen. I am in the latter group. I encountered a moss covered hairpin curve just after a rainstorm. It was as slippery as ice. The bike and I took minor damage. The bike got fixed and I healed up but If you feel the front of the gas tank on the left side there is a bit of a goose-egg that is still there. I call it my “humble spot”. If I ever think about being stupid, I just reach up and touch it to remind myself how much it hurts to slide on the asphalt.

TRO: Is there a ride that you want to do that you haven’t been able to do yet?

MB: I would like to make a ride to Alaska. I haven’t been there yet. I would like to take about a month and go back to California.

When I was there the last time I discovered that the confidence that I picked up learning how to ride and integrate into the biker community helped me be more comfortable with the people I met in the little towns I would go through. My parents were very concerned when I took off by myself on the cross country ride. They worried that I might return in a body bag. Not from an accident, but from running into the wrong people. I can tell you that America itself is a great place. I ran into nice people all the way there and back. In most cases, if you treat people with respect they will treat you with respect in return.

TRO: That is the biker way.

MB: I was in Huntington Beach Ca. when about a dozen guys flying colors run up on me in traffic. They looked over the top of their glasses at me and my bike. One of them says” We are going into the bar over there, why don’t you come and have a drink with us? I knew it was a risk but I accepted. It was one of the best times I had on that trip. We went in there in the middle of the afternoon and didn’t leave until almost dark. Some of the guys didn’t have headlights on their bikes so they needed to go. We all hugged and headed off in different directions. Months later when the Neo-Nazis held a rally in Toledo and it made national news, I got a call from my friends from Huntington Beach to see if I was OK. They were some crazy cats, I’ll always remember being with them. Those are the times that I cherish from the road.

It was time to end the interview. There was more pressing city business for Mike to deal with so it was time for us to hit the road. As we left the 22nd floor of the Toledo Government building I couldn’t help but being proud to know someone like Mike Bell. His personal integrity, confidence and commitment resonate as a perfect example of the American biker spirit.

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Swap Meets Biker Treasures all laid out on drop cloths and folding tables.

Photos by Dennis Alright

Local Swap Meet in Delaware.

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By Iron Cowboy

or years now, grizzled bikers from across Ohio have filled their pickups, vans, and trailers with the spare parts, basket cases, and extra clutter from their shops and trekked over to the fairgrounds in Springfield, Ohio. Even in the dead of winter, this is a regular rite that brings out even the most reclusive of bikers from their hibernation. They are coming out for Walneck’s Swap Meet – a gathering of bikers, pack-rats, recovering hoarders, and vintage motorcycle aficionados. It’s a totally unique crowd, because in an era of bigger and bigger (yet often generic, corporate) motorcycle shows centered around glitzier and glitzier products – the swap meet remains something unlike anything else.

Years ago, long before Al Gore invented the internet, restoring a vintage motorcycle or even working on your own bike involved reaching out to other bikers in order to obtain parts or advice. Indeed it was part of the appeal of the whole undertaking, the opportunity to network and relate to other bikers that had similar interests. These days, though, the internet has become a tremendous resource for parts and made the whole process much more efficient. It’s now possible to easily locate the foot peg from a 78’ Honda or the original tank for a 48’ Panhead without ever leaving your home. It’s clear, though, that this increase in efficiency has come at a cost. (in more ways then one..)

The traditional swap meet might appear to be little more then a motorcycle themed garage sale, which it might just be.

However, swap meets bring out a unique crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts that is unlike any other event. Folks attending swap meets – or “swappers” – are generally do-it-yourselfers that have a passion for not only riding but the machines themselves. And for these devotees there is nothing else quite like the swap meet.

Chad Dutmers, owner of Giant Swap Meets (www. motorcycleswap.com), describes swap meets as a mixture of “treasure hunting and shopping”. “A good swap meet is really 24

like a cleaning out of the closet, a chance for an entire city or region to clean out their back rooms, storage units, garages, and the back shelves. A lot of attendees have no idea what they are going to find, but that’s part of the excitement.”

“In Cleveland, for example, we’ve had some really great shows; because it had been years since the area had a really big swap meet. The closets were over flowing! A lot of individuals came out with some great stuff. This is our fourth year in Cleveland and I believe that we’ve really established ourselves as Cleveland’s Swap Meet by offering a great variety.”

Dutmers goes on, “Swap meets offer a lot of really unique items, because of all the individuals that bring stuff to show.

There’s a lot of back inventory and extra items from dealerships and shops, but swap meets are not just commercial. The real success of a swap meet, in fact depends upon the individuals.”

Swap meets offer anyone, not just commercial efforts, the chance to inexpensively rent space and exhibit to thousands of enthusiasts. If you work on your bike at home, to any extent; you are going to accumulate left over parts. It’s just a nature of the beast. An extra lamp here, handle bars that didn’t really do it for you or a saddle that looked a lot more comfortable in the catalog. If it’s not on your bike, chances are its in the garage collecting dust. Swap meets offer folks the chance to turn these spare parts into cash, while possibly having some a good time.

“Swap meets attract a diverse crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts that are not only looking for that special part, they are looking to break up the winter with a chance to meet other enthusiasts and have a fun time.” Dutmers commented.

“There’s a real practical aspect to the swap meet as well, which appeals to the do-it-yourselfer. With all the shops and individuals, it’s hard to imagine that you’re not going to be able to find the part you’re looking for. At the very least you will find a line on a source.”

It’s also worth noting that swap meets don’t only feature old Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO

Walneck’s Swap Meet

rusted parts – although there are a few of those. With all the shops and dealerships cleaning out their inventory, you will find a lot of new parts still in the packaging there for you to consider. As the model years creep on, your reliable iron steed might just become a “classic” before you know it. The corner dealership needs to clear room for the new inventory and gets less and less demand for “classic parts”. You may just discover that the accessories or options that you’ve always wanted are available at the swap meet for pennies on the dollar. All bright and shiny in the original packaging, but for a lot less.

“We charge a flat fee for our outdoor space. It’s $40 and bring as much as you want. You have to keep your focus on motorcycles, but we encourage folks to bring as much as they can.

You just never know who you are going to run into.”

You may have an old carburetor sitting on your work bench for years, just taking up space. However, chances are that there is a biker someplace looking for just that piece. You could leave it sitting there, or you might take it down to the swap meet – along with your other extra treasures. You may just run into that one guy that will fully appreciate the old Certainly, though, swap meets offer used parts. In this culture, carb and give it the new life it deserves. You make a few extra though, these are the “vintage parts” and for the right person dollars, and you help a brother out along the way. they are worth their weight in gold! Swap meets are the best For the vintage guys especially, swap meets offer another chance for someone restoring an old bike to find the parts that invaluable lure – the chance to talk with other enthusiasts. Buzz they are looking for. There are few shops offering inventory Walneck has been hosting swap meets for 33 years; and he for a 68’ Bonneville; but just about every swap meet will have laments that “the internet has taken away the ability to talk to something. other bikers about parts, about the bikes, and the traditions.”

“Our company pushes extremely hard to make certain that we have broad selection of parts and bikes. In particular, we make sure that we have a lot of metric parts – new and used.”

Dutmers explains, “We want to make certain that people can find the parts that they are looking for.”

Buzz Walneck, owner of Walneck’s Swap Meets and shows (www.walneckswap.com) takes a very laid back approach to his shows which create a really diverse result. “We rent out entire fairgrounds which gives us a lot of flexibility for our folks.”

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“Like many hobbies or sports, it’s the people that really make it worthwhile. Swap meets let bikers meet other bikers with similar interests. You can’t really do that through eBay.” Especially during the summer months, swap meets tend to become much more specialized as they appeal to more specific enthusiasts. Vintage bike shows – some focusing on British or older Japanese motorcycles are more and more popular as those devotees attempt to not only find the parts for their rare beasts, but also meet others with a similar passion.

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The WONE Swap Meet in Akron.

Saddle bags

swap meets continued...

Both Walneck and Dutmers describe their core audience as being slightly older, do-it-yourselfers. However, both agree that the crowd is changing in several ways. Possibly due to the economy or just an interest in classic motorcycles, there are more younger bikers attending the shows.

Dutmers also reports seeing more women. “In 2007, less then 5% of our attendees were women. Now we are averaging more then 20%.” This changes a lot as there is now a wider range of items being sold.

It’s also worth noting some other distinctions unique to swap meets, what they are and what they are not. Swap meets are all about the parts and the bikers attending. It’s not about entertainment or celebrities, unless they directly related to the Giant Swap Meet Cleveland IX Center

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bikes. A custom builder might be at a show as a chance for other “at-home builders” to meet and talk to, but rarely will you see a swap meet offer a celebrity meet and greet.

Music is also an annoying distraction at many of these shows. Buzz told us, “We’ve tried music, entertainment, just about everything over the years – but we’ve found that all just interferes with the sale. Folks can’t talk over loud music and that’s really what they are there for.”

Indeed most swap meets are all about efficiency and the focus on the motorcycles. Generally, they are a lot more limited in hours then other biker events. Usually just an afternoon or single day. Come, buy, and then go home seems to be the mantra – and that’s just fine with their attendees.

Motocross at Swap Meet.

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Dutmers took over Giant Swap Meets in 2007, and he has developed a passion for the business. “Swap meets have a great tradition, which I really enjoy. Our company has been around for over 30 years, and I’ve seen cases where 3 generations of bikers have been coming to a swap meet. It’s an annual event which has become a tradition for their family.”

We attend countless motorcycle events every year, and I’ve come to really appreciate the swap meet crowds. It’s just a great opportunity to meet real bikers that love their bikes. So, chances are you may see me out and about this summer if you hit any of the swap meets across Ohio. I’ll be there taking pictures and listening to stories from the road. I’ll also be looking for a spare foot peg to match the one I lost on the way to Ironton last year. Chances are I’ll find one.

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Women Who Ride and Women Who Rock!

1st Annual Thunder Roads of Ohio Ladies Ride

By Julie Roeder It was an absolutely stunning fall day (October 8th) when nine ladies departed Mad River HarleyDavidson in Sandusky for the first ever “Thunder Roads Ohio Ladies Ride”. Our destination was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio to experience the “Women Who Rock” exhibit that is on display there.

On the way to the Rock Hall we were joined by two more women riders when we stopped for lunch at the famous Harley Diner located inside South East Harley-Davidson on Aurora Road in Bedford Heights Ohio. The Harley Diner is open for breakfast and lunch 6 days a week and is famous for its huge hand formed burgers.

South East Harley is a mega dealership and has been in operation since 1948. This place is a museum in itself. When you visit there allow yourself enough time to meander through the extensive showrooms which are filled with the latest in Harley product. There is also a ton of memorabilia and antique bikes, including one owned by the legendary Elvis Presley.

It is always a pleasure to visit with South East Harley’s founder and my long time friend Paul Myers Sr. (photo w/caption) Paul is the epitome of a motorcycle enthusiast and after 64 years in business, he is still the person who opens the doors every morning.

The Rock Hall’s “Women who Rock Exhibit” pays tribute to the roles that women have played in rock and roll from its inception through today. We checked out the memorabilia and artifacts on display from legends such as Janis Joplin, Cher, Madonna and 28

Tina Turner, newcomers Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and even included Lady Gaga’s meat dress.

The walls were filled with quotes from these women that stated their passion for music and life itself.

After scoring some mementos at the souvenir shop, we walked a few blocks in search of some refreshments. As we all chatted, I noticed that our group of girls consisted of very seasoned riders to novices. Carmen from Cleveland was initially hesitant about going on her first group ride. Carmen was riding a recently purchased Indian Motorcycle, and was grateful for the guidance and leadership of the more experienced riders leading and bringing up the rear of the pack. The more experienced riders in our group commended her and the other novices for having the courage to join us and assured her that we were all new riders once and the only way to get over that is time in the seat!

Carmen shared with us that she had wanted to ride her own bike for quite some time, and once she finally took that step she wondered why she had waited so long! I can relate to that as fear of the unknown kept me on the back of a bike for a long time.

And although riding on the back of a bike is still an experience I enjoy, the best thing I discovered about riding your own is that you don’t have to depend or wait on someone else to go for a ride!

When I eventually decided to move up to the front seat to grab those handlebars and controls for myself, I started out on a Honda 250cc Rebel. This bike was very lightweight and the perfect bike for me to gain confidence on.

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The first step any new rider should take is enrolling in a rider education course. The State of Ohio offers courses through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Registration for these classes begins February 6th, and you can find more information at www. motorcycle.ohio.gov. Many motorcycle dealerships also offer rider education programs such as Harley-Davidson’s Rider’s Edge Course.

There is a wealth of information available to new riders in motorcycle forums online. You can learn a great deal about what to do and what not to do when reading about other rider’s trials and successes on the road, or in the parking lot. A good resource is www.ridelikeapro.com. You can never read enough or practice enough on motorcycle safety, and remember to listen to those tips from the more experienced riders.

So practice, practice, practice – which means ride, ride, ride!

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Be confident, but don’t get too cocky because as soon as you do you’ll find yourself in a situation you may not be able to handle.

One of the statements made by the instructor in my MSF course still sticks in my head today – “NEVER ride above your ability”.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st Annual Thunder Roads of Ohio Ladies Ride. The Women Who Rock exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a perfect destination to bond with other women riders who share a sense of adventure and a freedom of spirit.

The exhibit will be on display through February 26th, 2012.

Although it may be too cold to ride, it’s definitely worth loading up the car for a fun girl’s day out.

Till then sisters of the road, let’s keep on rockin’…. until we can start rollin’!

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Breaking Bread on America’s Back Roads

By Shelly Horan, Editor, TRM Texas

So… you want to do a biker foodie show where two guys ride around looking for the most unique food and experiences America has to offer. How do you cast that?

With America’s “Hairy Bikers” stars Bill Allen & Paul Patranella

Paul is a classically trained four-star French Chef, having attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin. He’ll tell you the truth… “The law was on my [his] heels” as he headed straight to Austin after graduating from high school. His pedigree doesn’t stop there. After selling his own Bryan-based restaurant, he took a spin at the George Bush Presidential Library as head of catering. Yes, he’s served the former president and Barbara Bush, considering it one of the highlights of his career. Today, he has a bait and tackle shop in Bryan, where much of his family works with him. He brings the show culinary takes on the food they are presented. He’ll be the first to tell you he’s learned a lot of cooking techniques from this new show that differ greatly from his culinary education; what Bill calls “backyard cooking”.

These two did not know each other growing up, but you’d swear they’ve known each other

You go to Texas and find Bill & Paul. Talk about the perfect pair! One is a long-time certified Harley-Davidson mechanic with his own shop. The other is a classically trained chef. Both ride, love food, and have been great friends for more than 20 years. Being Texas’ best motorcycle magazine (really, the only one that covers only Texas and/or Texas-based riders), we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring their story to our readers!

“You know you’re making waves when you appear on South Park,” says Paul Patranella as he entered the shop the place was buzzing as we arrived to do our interview with America’s “Hairy Bikers”. They were spotted on the popular adult cartoon, South Park just the night before. So we were whisked away to a computer station to watch the snippet a friend had recorded for them.

The scene: a young kid sitting in front of the TV, his dad telling him to change the channel to something more educational. The TV switches to the History Channel showing previews of upcoming shows and highlighted were Bill and Paul of History Channel’s new show, “Hairy Bikers”. The comment from the cartoon kid… “eewww”.

If you’ve seen the show and enjoy Bill and Paul, know that they are the same in person as they are depicted on TV. These are not seasoned actors playing a part. These are down-home, Texas bikers from the Bryan/College Station area, doing what they love to do – ride and eat; meet and greet.

Bill owns Bill Allen Motorcycle Company located on College Avenue in Bryan; just a couple miles away from Aggieland (my alma mater). He is a Mechanics’ Institute Florida alum and specializes in servicing Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

His work ethic is obvious – he cares about the motorcycles he works on, cares about his customers, and is serious about doing “top notch work”. When asked about his shop, he told us about opening day – September 11, 2001. The only thing to be said… it was a rough opening day. He is an admitted foodie, being the more adventurous “taster” of the two.

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Filming the “On Fire” episode at the Alabama Ice House in

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forever. Well… I’m guessing for some of our younger readers, 20+ years IS forever. When asked how they met, you can’t tell a better story! Bill is in a “punk rock” band, Street Pizza. He’s been in the band for more than 20 years (yes, there are still punk rock bands out there!). Neither man can tell you exactly their first meeting, but their first memory of being friends was at a party where Street Pizza was playing. During a break, they were out on the patio in line for beer. The place was on a lake and the water was lapping at the un-railed deck. Bill remembers Paul at the edge of the deck with a fresh beer. He heard a splash and turned to find Paul climbing back up on the deck with a cup full of lake water. Being the friend that he was, he got Paul a fresh beer and they kept on partying.

So where does the “biker” come in? They both grew up with bikes. Bill recounts memories of wanting a small bike back in the 70’s… back when “Boys Life” magazine had an ad for a 50cc Indian. The price was out of his reach, so he worked to save up enough money to buy a one-out 80cc Suzuki dirt bike and remembers riding it until it had no compression and wouldn’t even start.

And eating? “Who doesn’t like food,” they both say. And they believe that sitting around a table full of good food is the great equalizer. They enjoy riding the back roads of America, finding new folks to talk with and regional foods to try. Along the way, they make a lot of new friends… all through “breaking bread”.

The History Channel sets up the locations to visit, but Bill and Paul aren’t always satisfied with sticking with the schedule.

But that’s probably why the show works so well. The producers let Bill and Paul get away with some unscheduled stops and detours along the way; let their personalities shine.

Quite often, they get off the bikes, walk up to strangers, and just start talking. In one episode, they park on the side of the road, walk out into a field to discuss local produce with the farmer picking lettuce. Not only do they learn some of the history of the area, they walk away with a Dutch oven (promising to return it), and some of the local produce they, themselves, pick. Additionally, they’ve gone off with just the camera crew to do some local riding, such as the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina and the Natchez Trace in Mississippi.

They’re not ones to miss out on great riding when it’s so close by. Their excuse, “we need riding shots, too!”

Walking away with “gifts” seems to be one of the unique aspects of the show, but there are so many more.

Bill and Paul are introduced to local fare, using local ingredients.

They learn about the area, how the dish they try developed, and how it relates directly to the history of the area. Additionally, the History Channel adds subtitles with related historical trivia. Not only do the guys learn about the recipe, they help from the very beginning – harvesting and hunting for the ingredients all the way through to cooking and eating. Often, there’s a challenge thrown down between Paul and the cooks they’re visiting.

Paul says, “It is always a tie.”

At many of the scheduled cooking stops, the guys use ingredients they received at previous stops along the way, like wheat they

n Houston.

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BACK ROADS BIKER RECIPES

Chile-Lime & Shrimp Stuff Avocado Paul Patranella – “Hairy Biker”

8 avocado cut in 1/2 and scooped out 1 pound shrimp peeled and cut up into small pieces 2 shallots minced 4 cloves garlic minced 3 Serrano chilies minced 1/2 stick butter 1 bunch cilantro 1 lime juiced 1. Lightly brown butter in skillet over high heat 2. Quickly add shrimp, followed by the shallots and garlic, stir and toss quickly 3. Cook 1 minute then add lime juice to de-glaze a little, add the chilies and toss 4. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat, chill 5. Add to avocado and add chopped cilantro, re-stuff avocado husks A Biker Beverage Bob Cooney, TRM Owner/CEO - Houston Bud Light - bottle 1. Chill 2. Open 3. Serve 4. Dispose of bottle when done Biker Road Kill Chili Shelly Horan, Owner/Editor - Houston 2 pounds Ribeye or Sirloin Tip Roast (or road kill, if you dare!)

2 cans stewed tomatoes (chopped) 1 can tomato paste 1 can Rotel tomatoes (drained) 1 each green bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion Cumin (1/4 cup or to taste) Garlic (2 Tablespoons) Salt/pepper (2 teaspoons each) Tabasco – I like the Chipotle flavored (2 teaspoons) Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon – makes “mild” – increase for more “alarms”) Shiner Bock Beer (half bottle or any dark beer) 1. Cut meat into small, bite sized cubes. Brown (to a very medium rare) & drain.

2. Meanwhile… start the stew base in a large pot: • Add all tomatoes and tomato paste • Chop veggies and add • Add seasonings (to taste) 3. Add meat to stew base 4. Stew on low for 1 hour for eating that evening or stew for 30 minutes and place in fridge to reheat next day.

Makes makes about 8-10 servings. Don’t forget the beer… it helps tenderize the beef.

Cajun Crabby Sticks!

Crazy Al #55, Feature Writer - Fort Worth 1. Take a head of celery and cut your sticks about three inches long.

2. Take Imitation crab leg meat (the long ones) and slice into strips.

3. Place the crab meat into the celery sticks.

4. Take (whipped) cream cheese and spread it to cover the crab meat.

5. Take large olives and slice each in half. Place into the cream cheese.

6. Here is the magic! Take Cajun seasoning and sprinkle on top of each stick.

The combination of these flavors is odd. But the outcome is awesome!

Shrimp Scampi with Pasta (of your choice) Brian Scott, Correspondent 12 oz. to 16 oz. of thawed, raw, shelled, deveined shrimp 2 tablespoons of olive oil 2 teaspoons or minced garlic 1/2 (4 oz.) stick of butter 8 oz. pasta of your choice 1. Cook pasta as instructed on package 2. In large skillet, add butter, garlic and olive oil; Cook over medium heat 3. When the garlic in your pan starts turning brown, add your shrimp in a single layer. Fry the shrimp on each side about two to two and a half minutes then turn over and cook the other side 4. When your pasta is done, drain in colander, don’t rinse 5. While the pasta is still in the colander, add the shrimp to the top of the pasta then pour the remaining garlic, butter and olive oil mixture from the pan over the shrimp and pasta in the colander then mix 6. Serve while hot Feeds at least two hungry people but as many as four.

Mississippi Sin Dip James Williams, Sales - New Braunfels 16oz sour cream 8oz cream cheese, softened 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup chopped ham 1 green onion, chopped 1/4 tsp hot sauce 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Salt Pepper French bread loaf 1. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except French bread; stirring until well blended.

2. Cut a thin slice from top of bread loaf; set slice aside. Using a gentle sawing motion, cut vertically to, but not through, bottom of the loaf, 1/2 inch from the edge, to cut out center of bread. Lift out center of loaf. Fill hollowed bread loaf with the dip. Wrap loaf with foil.

3. Bake dip at 350° degrees for 1 hour. Serve with reserved bread cubes, crackers, or potato chips.

Ham and Potato Bake Laura Mae Benson, Sales & Correspondent - Rosharon Canned Ham (diced) Canned Diced Potatoes (drained) Onion Soup Mix Canned Carrots (drained) Chopped Green Peppers Garlic Salt and Pepper Grated Cheese 1. Brush heavy foil with butter.

2. Add veggies and diced ham.

3. Seal the foil into pouch.

4. Put on hot coals, turning often.

5. Bake for about 25 minutes.

6. After opening pouch, sprinkle with cheese.

This can be assembled beforehand hand kept chilled until ready to cook.

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Breaking Bread on America’s Back Roads helped harvest at one place to brew a local beer at the next stop or fresh frog legs they use in a Redneck Gourmet cook off. Many times they try foods that are not in most folks’ daily diet, such as “Lamb Fries”, fried lamb testicles.

Bill says, “Yummy, but they must be well done”. And we can’t forget about the nutria they hunted and cooked. If you’re not familiar with nutria – it’s a 20 pound Louisiana swamp rat. I won’t recount here Bill’s description of the aroma when cleaning that “varmint”; you don’t want to know. What they bring to the screen most of all is their unique and fun-loving personalities; they’re just plain fun to watch!

We asked about a favorite experience from the show. They had a hard time choosing just one for many reasons. They feel all the folks they’ve met along the way are now friends and are a little uncomfortable choosing. We won’t say this is their favorite, but when asked to provide a sample of what they experienced, they offered the “Guerrilla Cuisine” episode. After learning a little more about it, I have to admit, I would love to try it out! Guerrilla Cuisine, founded

by Jimi Hatt, is a South Carolinian event company that specializes in exclusive one-of-a-kind “Low Country” food, music, and art events. Each event they plan features a different set of popular local chefs, local live music, and local talented artists. An email goes out to over 2,000 members for an event. A limited number of tickets are sold on a first-come, first served basis; keeping the numbers at an “intimate” level (20-50 depending on location). Ticket holders are not told where the event will take place until 24 hours in advance. They receive an email with the address, directions, and more information about the event they’re going to partake in.

“Hairy Bikers” crashed one of their events in August. The featured chef was Nathan Thurston from Charleston’s The Ocean Room, along with four other chefs that created an exceptional meal. The “old school menu” included Frogmore Stew, Geechie Boy Mills’ “Big Grits”, Keegan

Continued...

Filion Farms Heritage Pork Liver Mush, and Coconut Layer Cake. The event was held on the private Crosby Family dock. Paul added that when they ran out of crab for the stew, they simply went to the edge of the dock and caught more.

Both Bill and Paul enjoy learning new things, meeting new folks, and simply enjoying what the American way of life has to offer. This is probably what the producer, Dawn Fitzgerald, saw when she first met Bill. Ever wonder how to get your own reality TV show? You be the right person(s), in the right place, at the right time. Bill organized a ride to a Junk Gypsy show filming (coming soon to HGTV) by their friend Amie Sikes, Junk Gypsy founder. They know Amie from her time attending Guerilla Cuisine event Texas A&M University (yes, another Aggie). During the in North Carolina shoot, Bill left their mark work. The basis of the show is all on Dawn. It wasn’t too long about exploring the best of what the after that initial meeting country has to offer, with a historic that Dawn contacted Aimie twist. You can’t do that in America for Bill’s phone number. with British riders. It needed to be She had been looking for cast with “good ole boy” American the right bikers to cast for bikers! the American version of “Hairy Bikers” and liked Dawn had considered others, but Bill Bill’s style. She asked and Paul seemed to be perfect. They Bill if he cooked. He said helped by providing Dawn with some Jimi Hatt and “no, but my riding buddy video of them interacting and riding.

Paul does.” He went on to Chef Nathan Thurston Additionally, the producer sent a film explain Paul’s background team down to do a test reel to make and the experiences they sure this was the team. The entire shared on the road. The show is very popular in the UK. process took about a year before they hit the airwaves.

But simply bringing that show to the US wasn’t going to The first episode aired October 14, 2011 and the entire series is 12 episodes long.

It isn’t all fun and games. Most people don’t realize how much work goes into filming a show. Bill, Paul, and the crew put in what Paul calls “doubles”; 14-16 hour days. There were 11 travelers, going a total of 8,000 miles, visiting 46 cities, in just 65 days. That’s two months away from home and family, working like crazy. To top that off… only about 26 seconds of every hour of film is used. Calculating that out for a 30 minute show, it comes to just shy of 24 hours of filming to get a single episode. When asked about recovering from this grueling schedule when they got home, Bill quickly answered with “it was two weeks before I was right.”

“Hairy Bikers” film crew (L-R): Dan DeForest, Lee Ostner, Paul Patranella, Ryan Pavlesky, Mark St Marie, “Cool Daddy” Jack Sparks, Andy Lipson, Bill Allen, and Amanda Tinpson 32

I asked what their normal riding is like and Paul said, “riding from bar to bar.” Sounds like our kind of riders! But they also both add that there is nothing better than getting paid to go out and do something you love to do. Bill comments “I’m just taking it as it comes and feel blessed”. Paul added, “We get to do what we love most… ride, meet folks, and eat!” They have the time of their lives in the show, you can tell. They’ve gone shrimping, lobstering, crabbing, giggen frogs, boar hunting, and more. And you can go along with them. Visit HistoryChannel.com for more information on their show and tune in Fridays, 10:00 p.m./9:00 p.m.

Central to watch

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THUNDER CAM

Photos by Iron Cowboy Thunder Roads速 Magazine ohio

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BIKER TATTOOS W

hile Bikers hail from many different backgrounds and walks of life, they generally have some common traits that run amongst them. A sense of freedom and thirst for the open road, a craving for self expression, and a desire to demonstrate their uniqueness are often found amongst those riding iron mounts down the highway. Many bikers consider their motorcycles an extension of themselves and their uniqueness, and they seek to demonstrate this by creating a ride like non-other. Through custom paint jobs, sculpted sheet metal, and glistening chrome – they seek to create an image that stands out from the crowd. Many bikers take this same approach to their very own bodies – seeking to create a unique image that conveys a bold image for themselves. Indeed, the body is the ultimate canvas and vehicle for self expression. Tattoos allow someone to alter their image in a way that they determine, often seeking to define them or create a presence that better matches how they see themselves.

Biker Tattoos cover a wide range of subjects but most involve a love of motorcycles, the open road, or freedom. In many cases they include traditional biker symbols such as flames or skeletons – often conveying a sense of rebelliousness or outrage towards the norms of society. Some tattoos can carry this further with more graphic designs, seeking to shock and defy the mandates of society. Other tattoos may seek to reflect a more conservative dedication, such as religious beliefs or family. Either way, tattoos are a great way to make a statement for yourself.

Perhaps the most popular image of choice for biker tattoos is the skull. This design has a number of possible variations, including the addition of flames, red eyes, barbed wire, or the use of snakes within the picture. The skull may also contain a banner beneath it, above it, or even passing through it that contains a person’s name or the name of a specific type of bike.

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Since riding a motorcycle has much to do with achieving a sense of freedom, it should come as no surprise that another common image used in biker tattoos is an eagle. In the United States, the eagle has long stood as a symbol of freedom and independence. On a biker, a tattoo of this regal bird is often meant to convey the same message.

Many biker tattoos center around a specific type of motorcycle, such as HarleyDavidson ® or traditional chopper style bikes. In many shops, the Bar and Shield ™ are amongst the most popular designs sought. Similarly, sport bike enthusiasts often adorn themselves with corporate logos or racing designs to convey their passion for the sport. Amusingly enough, some bikers find themselves seeking help changing their logo as they change bikes.

Just like a passing relationship, some riders don’t want the name of their last bike on their arm.

Of course, an actual picture of a motorcycle is another popular choice for biker tattoos. This tattoo may be a simple picture of a motorcycle or may contain flames, wings, or other decorations to create a more menacing or symbolic appearance. Tribal designs in the shape of a motorcycle also make for excellent biker tattoos.

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Biker tattoos often include quotations or mottos that convey their philosophy and beliefs.

Expressions about living free, embracing freedom, or riding forever are popular. Patriotic or classic American images are also extremely popular – such as Uncle Sam, the US Flag, or other national images. The Biker Cross, which is derived from the Maltese and Iron Crosses became a popular tattoo component amongst bikers. Initially in the 1960’s it was adopted as a symbol of independence and rebellion by bikers, but now the cross is seen as standing for valor, honor, strength of character and defending your beliefs – more consistent with its historic significance.

While many tattoos are a means of individual expression, some biker tattoos may have specific meaning and possibly proclaim allegiance to a specific motorcycle club or group. These clubs are not gangs, necessarily, but rather they are groups of individuals that share a common interest and organize themselves as such.

Many riding clubs are centered around professional interests or military background. Some of the most visible groups at many events are the various veterans groups or military support organizations. Law enforcement, fire fighter, and tradesmen riding clubs are also becoming more popular as riders seek

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to solidify their camaraderie on the road.

In many cases, this bond is demonstrated through the use of bold tattoos. Of course, these are commitments that should extend beyond the payment of monthly dues if someone is going to adorn their bodies with membership status. Many times these clubs are registered with national motorcycle organizations such as the American Motorcycle Association (AMA).

Some clubs spurn this classification and symbolize this with a 1% tattoo. This is derived from the fact that the members of the group consider themselves to be “one percenters.” This term was derived from a statement once made by the American Motorcycle Association, which proclaimed that 99% of motorcyclists are good people and only 1% are outlaws. It is important to note that within the world of bikers, outlaw is not synonymous with criminal. Rather the term outlaw is reserved for clubs that are not interested in being affiliated or policed by such national organization.

They prefer to operate independently and under their own authority. You may see this as a patch, but those that fully embrace the lifestyle and commitment to their club may choose to make a bolder statement as only ink on skin can do.

Biker tattoos are becoming increasingly popular as the popularity of motorcycle riding also increases. It’s certainly worth noting, however, that there is no faster way to offend a true biker than to wear a biker tattoo without being an actual rider. And getting a club specific tattoo without

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really being a member of that club, can be cause for more then simple ridicule. In fact, many club images are actually copyrighted to prevent their image from being misused.

Just like any tattoo, its important to recognize the symbolism that lies beyond the image. Bikers are a passionate group, especially club members. Someone with an inappropriate tattoo may be considered more then simply an insult, it may represent a violation of a code that they hold dear. The tattoo of a fictional club, even if it’s on TV, may be considered an affront to actual bikers who may view it as an insult and clear sign that you are in fact not really a “biker” at all.

To many, biker tattoos are a badge of honor within the biker culture. Unlike other tattoo designs, getting a biker tattoo implies that you are, in fact, a biker. However, there is really no minimum level of commitment needed to get a biker themed tattoo. Casual weekend riders might get their favorite motorcycle logo tattooed in tribute to their new hobby. Hardcore or heavily involved bikers might have more tattoos, but not necessarily. Tattoos are not a requirement for being a biker, and likewise – having a tattoo doesn’t make one a biker. Bikers are often a close knit group and the symbolism and meaning behind certain tattoos is a clear message that others will recognize. Before getting a biker tattoo, make certain that you are choosing a message that you wish to send out and that you do in fact have the passion and commitment to live up to it.

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FACTORY FEATURE

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom is as all-American as any bike can get. Built for the long and winding roads of the country, this custom cruiser was designed with the idea of being an all-around companion for the most ardent of riders.

A wide front end and chunky 16” tire gives the new Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom a strong and contemporary stance. It features plenty of all the trademark Harley amenities, including new wheels, a pull-back handlebar, and a reshaped LED tail lamp.

All these elements give the Sportster 1200 Custom an exciting new look that should be an eye candy to a lot of riders. The headlamp offers a reshaped classic Sporter “eyebrow” look while the taillight comes with a new shape that features a bright, low-maintenance LED element. The pull-back handlebar, a critical piece of Harley’s design engineering, is mounted on a curved riser that likewise incorporates an LED warning light display. The bike is then finished off with a pair of chrome, 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels on the front and rear and wrapped in Michelin Scorcher “31” tires.

V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and mated to a five-speed transmission and a dual staggered exhaust system.

On top of all of its features, the Sportster 1200 Custom also comes with an H-D1 factory customization, a new opportunity that allows the customer to choose from seven option categories to optimize fit, function and style. By selecting from available factory-installed wheels, handlebars, seats, paint, foot control position, security system, and engine finish, the customer can create a 1200 Custom that is a truly personalized motorcycle that oozes of power and attitude.

Information and photos courtesy of Harley-Davidson®

In terms of powertrain, the Sportster 1200 Custom is far from a push-over, thanks to a mighty and rubber mounted 1200cc Evolution 40

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FACTORY FEATURE

SPECS

Engine

Air-cooled, Evolution Displacement (in./ cc)73.3/1200

Fuel System

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Transmission

5-speed

Miles Per Gallon

48 MPG combined City/Hwy

model highlights

Length (in./mm)

87.4/2220

Chrome, 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels front and rear

Seat Height (laden) (in./mm)

26.6/676

Michelin Scorcher “31” tires

Wheelbase (in./mm)

59.9/1521

Wider fork spacing and polished triple clamps

Tire

Michelin Scorcher “31” front and rear

Reshaped classic Sportster “eyebrow” over the headlamp

key features

Fuel Capacity (U.S. gals/liters)

4.5/17

Weight as Shipped (lbs./kg)

553/251

Taillight is smaller and has a new shape with a bright, low-maintenance LED element

Evolution V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Frame

Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections;

Front suspension rates are re-tuned to match the new tire/wheel combination. 39 mm front fork with 30 degrees rake.

Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration

Mild steel, rectangular tube section,

Pull-back handlebar mounted on a curved riser incorporates an LED warning light display

5-Speed transmission

Swingarm

Polished forward foot controls Front Forks

39 mm

Two-up seat is standard with 26.5 inch laden seat height

Rear Shocks

Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable

4.5-gallon fuel tank offers long riding range

Wheels:

Chrome 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum

Powertrain finished in black powdercoat with chrome covers

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Dual staggered exhaust Disc brakes Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free security fob

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43

Carrying In Ohio: Part One

Insight into getting an

Ohio CCW Permit

By Derek Smith

Over the last several years the Ohio legislature has made some dramatic changes to our laws concerning the carrying of a firearm within the state. These changes were the result of a concerted effort by a number of grass roots organizations aimed at supporting our 2nd Amendment rights and legalizing the ability of citizens to effectively protect themselves while they are outside their homes. These groups and other key advocates have made tremendous progress, but many are still unaware of the actual details surrounding the Ohio Concealed Carry Permit – especially with its recent changes. After speaking with a number of instructors and experts, it’s clear that there is a lot more to the process then simply signing up for a class. So, we thought we would start with the basics.

Ohio’s concealed carry laws refer to the ability of a registered permit holder to carry a concealed handgun. Permit holders must pass a variety of qualifications including a lack of felony convictions, no substance abuse problems, and no mental illnesses. The process also requires permit holders to complete a training and certification program.

Kim Rodecker, a Thunder Roads Sponsor and owner of Concealed Carry Courses, LLC (www.concealedcarrycourses. com), has been teaching firearms safety since 1979 when he served as a US Marines Range Instructor.

“I tell people that if they are considering taking a class or getting a permit – they should go ahead and get it! Once you have your permit, you can obviously still choose not to carry.

However, it’s better to have it and not use it – then need it and not have it.” Rodecker advises.

“In regards to getting approved, my first question is do you have a clean police record. All felonies will stop you, even as a juvenile. Any misdemeanors having to do with drugs or violence will also stop you. Even marijuana.”

Rodecker continues, though “some things can be expunged or addressed. If you have questions, my best advice is to simply contact the CCW office for the county in which you are applying. They can advise you as to your best course and options that you may have available.”

Once you’ve decided that you wish to get your permit, you need to find an instructor and a certification class. You will find a wide 44

range of course options and prices ranging from around $50 to hundreds of dollars. It’s important to realize though, that all classes are obviously not the same. Depending upon the instructor and their approach – classes can vary dramatically.

Detective Sergeant Mitch Houser, a 16 year veteran of the Euclid Police Department and owner of Right To Carry LLC (www.RightToCarryLLC.com), has been teaching CCW classes since 2004.

“It’s important research who your instructor is going to be and how they will be taught. Don’t hesitate to ask about their background and approach to teaching.” Houser advises.

“The law in Ohio requires that instructors cover basic safety and handling procedures such as those presented in the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting program, but there is nothing saying that the instructor has to cover the actual laws regarding the use of force.”

“I do a slightly longer class, in order to really cover the legal considerations of the use of force. Then we head to the range in a small group, so that everyone feels comfortable and gets the attention that they need.”

Judy, a Thunder Roads reader from Northeast Ohio, took a class through Right To Carry with Houser as her instructor. “I really enjoyed the smaller class size, but I’m glad that there were others there as well.”

Judy had never fired a handgun before and appreciated Houser’s rigid approach to the handling of the weapons. Her husband, Ken, also took the class with her. “It was clear that we had a very knowledgeable instructor and that gave us a lot more confidence on the range and in the information we were getting. We were in small groups that allowed us a fair amount of individual attention,” Ken commented.

Rodecker takes a very direct, one-on-one approach to their instruction – especially when it comes to range instruction. “We do small group classes and when we head to the range, we have an instructor assigned to each student. We believe that this is the best approach as it allows us to tailor the instruction to each individual. For the total novice we can start with the basics. If we have an experienced shooter, we can move onto some more advanced tactics – challenging everyone!”

Eric, a Thunder Roads reader and CCW permit holder from Cleveland, told us, “I took a class that had over 100 students in the room. The instructors were very passionate about the material and really focused on the law and the responsibility that goes with carrying a gun.”

“They didn’t really spend too much time on the guns themselves, which was ok with me. I’ve been shooting for 10 years, and I just wanted to get the certificate.”

Without a doubt there is a wide disparity amongst the classes offered. The class that Eric took cost $45 and provided the same certificate that Judy received, but she paid $100 more.

That’s not to say that either class was better, but they certainly Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO

serving liquor (unless you are NOT drinking and it’s not posted “no guns”), or any building or property that is posted as a “no gun zone”. This is just a simple summary and is by no means a detailed or complete listing.

There are two critical practical requirements that follow getting a CCW Permit. The first is that you continue your training. The second is that you fully understand and stay current with the law regarding your permit and firearms.

had different approaches. As one instructor told us, “Before Ohio adopted these new concealed carry guidelines, the basic NRA class that qualifies you as competent with a handgun cost about $35 to take. Once the laws passed everyone wanted to take the classes and everyone wanted to teach it, supply and demand. And of course, the price went up. It’s still basically the same course though, in terms of the basic information required.”

This is not to say that the class is worth only $35 and the higher programs aren’t worth it. The reality is that even the pricier courses seem a bargain when you consider what you get with it in most cases. Quality instruction from a competent professional, training that may save the life of you or a loved one – seems a bargain at almost any price. The important thing is to find a qualified instructor that will cover the necessary information in a manner that works for you.

The class, though, is just the beginning. Once the class is completed and you have your certificate of competency, you have to head to the sheriff’s department of your home county or an adjacent county. There you will complete the necessary paperwork and submit your certificate and photo for approval.

Once submitted, the CCW office will review the application and conduct a background check on you. This process and the duration it takes will vary, but seems to be 8 to 10 days on average. Sometimes it can be turned around in far less.

“It used to be that smaller counties turned the applications around much quicker, due to the sheer volume that the larger ones had to process. I think that’s largely a thing of the past, though.” Rodecker commented. “Cuyahoga (Cleveland) for instance has an efficient department in place and is pretty quick. They also will mail your permit out to you, while most of the others will make you come back to pick it up.”

Once you receive your permit, you are legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon within the State of Ohio within the limits of the law. There are restrictions, but most of these are fairly common sense. You cannot carry a weapon into a government building or school, any law enforcement station or courthouse, any airplane and most airport buildings, a facility Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio

Ignorance of the law is never a defense in the State of Ohio or just about anywhere else. If you bring a firearm into a prohibited area, or you use it in a manner that violates the law – you can never plead that you were never told or that you misunderstood. It doesn’t matter. It is your responsibility to make certain that you fully understand the guidelines pertaining to carrying a concealed weapon as mandated by the state.

Before you begin carrying you should research the law and make sure you are following the latest statutes.

The most definitive resource in the state of Ohio is the Attorney General’s website – www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov There you can find a booklet which outlines the basics of the law and answers many questions. You can download it directly at: http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ConcealedCarryBook.

After reviewing these materials you may find that you have further questions. There are many online resources, but you have to be careful what you are looking at. First and foremost, you need to make certain that you are reading material covering current Ohio laws. Every state has different guidelines and it’s very easy to pull up information on another state. Even in-state, the laws are always changing – so you need to find a website that stays on top of everything. Most of the instructors we spoke with recommended two websites, there were: Buckeye Firearms Association www.buckeyefirearms.org A grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities.. (from their website) Ohioans for Concealed Carry www.ohioccw.org Founded in 1999, this was originally a grassroots organization focused on getting concealed carry passed into law. With that accomplished, their mission became to refine the concealed carry laws and to expand and preserve the rights of all gun owners in Ohio. (from their website) 45

Both of these organizations were critical in getting our current laws passed and working with legislatures to refine the laws as problems arose. It’s also worth noting that the National Rifle Association (nra.org) is the nation’s foremost advocate for your 2nd Amendment rights and is a tremendous resource for educational materials.

It is critical that you fully understand not only the legality but also the practical aspects of carrying a weapon. You need to be proficient in using your gun before you ever consider carrying it. One of the instructors we spoke with shared a quote he attributed to another instructor, Jeff Cooper “Owning a gun and thinking you’re armed is like owning a piano and thinking you’re a musician..”

ON A MOTORCYCLE • It’s important to understand that Ohio law treats a motorcycle just like any other vehicle in terms of the transporting of firearms.

• If you do not have a concealed carry permit, it must be unloaded and in a case or the “trunk”.

• If you do have a concealed carry permit it can be on your person.

• You should never have a weapon accessible to a child or anyone prohibited from carrying one.

• If you are stopped or have an encounter with law enforcement, • Promptly inform the office you have a license and if you have a weapon on you.

• Keep your hands in plain sight and do not touch the weapon.

• Comply with all officer commands regarding the weapon.

Next issue we will move our focus to continued training and learning how to properly use your firearm. Both the author and every instructor we spoke with strongly urges you to make sure you know what you are doing before you begin carrying a weapon. Beyond the legal requirements of carrying, there are practical requirements that must be met in order to avoid problems – and even dire consequences. We also want to remind you to follow proper handling of firearms at all times, especially around children. NEVER leave an unsecured weapon in a home with children or anyone else that should not have access to it.

We have included contact information on a number of instructors in the Marketplace Section of our magazine. We would encourage you to consider these instructors if you are considering taking a class. Don’t hesitate to ask many questions and make certain that you fully understand the process before you start. And don’t forget to mention that you heard about them through – THUNDER ROADS! This article is intended for basic educational purposes only and does not serve as legal advice or a complete detailing of the law. Thunder Roads Ohio, Iron Cowboy Productions LLC nor its author may not be held liable for its accuracy or consequences of the actions of anyone reading it. The author strongly recommends that readers seek further information as to the current legal guidelines regarding firearms and that everyone needs to practice proper safety procedures for handling of firearms.

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Winter and MX Break Time?

By Pamela Shiffert When the season is over and the outdoor tracks are closing, it is time to start thinking about how you are going to do better next year. How do we train in the off-season when there are no races all winter and limited riding? By deciding what is most important to you, Do you want to win your MX classes Summer Series? Do you want to move up a class? Do you want to increase your point standings? You as a rider need to figure out what is important to you and set a goal to work forward to, and you need to step up your conditioning now especially with the lack of racing.

Fitness training is very important for all sports if the athelte wants to do their best, and given that motocross is one of the most demanding sports, fitness training is a must. Justin and Jared are doing great with this so far for the year they work out at the gym and Justin will continue with track and field for the cardio portion and he has persuaded Jared into joining the track team in order to keep in shape.

While the off season can be a great time to relax, plan, and

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train for the next season, there is no denying that riding is the best part of motocross. So, it makes sense to at least ride some during the winter months. Even if you don’t ride every week, or even every month, the benefits of riding occasionally are invaluable. Getting in a few rides in February can warm you up for the next season without burning you out. Some riders like to keep up a constant riding schedule through the winter Even though all the outdoor tracks are closed, the indoor tracks have started to open and posting schedules for open practices. We try to get to the indoor tracks a couple of times a month until late winter early spring before the new race season begins then we try to get out even more often. Currently Justin and Jared ride at either Ram Jam or OMA since they are the closest indoor tracks to our location.

Also on the Winter to do list is to prepare your bike for the following year. The Winter season is not only a break for the racer but a break for the racers Mechanics, which with us is done by Roger Shiffert (Justin’s Dad) and Bill Brinker (Jared’s Dad) with a lot of help from PR racing and Turbo Speed Tuning on speed dial to assist with questions.

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Biker Friendly Directory

Attorneys Ralph Buss www.RalphBuss.com 1-800-ON-A-BIKE

Biker Bars & Restaurants Anchor Bay Carryout & Pub 12328 County Rd 27 West Unity, OH 43570 (419) 237-2728 Ape Hangers 4280 Shenandoah Pkwy Brunswick, OH 44212 Blue Eagle 218 ½ State Bettsville, OH 44815 (419) 986-5639 The Corner Diner 416 Parks Ave Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 532-1114 The Dog House 589 Broadway Ave Bedford, OH 44146 (440) 786-2260 Frog Town USA 2515 S. 3rd St Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 532-8337 Fuzzy Duck 100 Center St Coal Grove, OH 45638 (740) 532-3223 Iron Saddle Saloon 137 East South St Akron, OH 44311 (330) 434-3157 Jackass Flats 6024 Rip Rap Road Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 236-4329 Kate & Al’s 105 S. Main St Gibsonburg, OH (419) 637-7326 Last Resort Saloon 53 Lake St Delaware, OH 43015 (740) 363-8120 Little Bar on the Prairie 400 N. Stone St Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 334-9244 50

Main Street Saloon 1481 South Main Street Akron, OH 44301 (330) 724-8855 Margaritaville 212 Fremont Ave Sandusky, OH (419) 627-8903 Millstone BBQ 12790 Grey St Logan, OH 43138 (740) 385-5341 Nowhere Tavern 106 E. Main St Bellevue, OH 44811 (419) 483-2110 Portage Inn 355 Rice St Elmore, OH 43416 (419) 862-9942

Bike (& Cage) Washes Wet Willy’s 21813 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146

CCW Classes D&D Firearms (330) 645-6978 ccwfiringrange.com Dayton CCW (937) 486-4229 daytonccw.com Mike’s Gun Sales (937) 570-0437 mikesgunsales@aol.com

Quaker Steak & Lube 5800 Interstate Blvd Austintown, Ohio 44515 (330) 349-9464

Right To Carry LLC (216) 469-0866 righttocarryllc.com

Ohio Carry Conceal (740) 225-0643 ohiocarryconceal@gmail.com

7834 Reynolds Rd Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 954-9464

Ohio CCW4u (740) 621-1584 ohioccw4u.com

6073 Dressler Rd, NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 433-9464

Phoenix Center (440) 285-9512

4900 Transportation Drive Sheffield, Ohio 44054 (440)934-9464 5935 Canal Rd Valley View, OH 44125 (216) 986-9500 5150 Liberty Avenue Vermilion, OH 44089 (440) 967-3724 Scotty’s 6224 East Livingston Ave Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 (614) 755-9407 Scoundrel’s 826 Front Street Berea, Ohio 44017 (440) 234-3455 Skully’s 1151 N. High St Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 291-8856 Snuffy’s Reloaded 1313 St. Rt. 6 Bradner, OH 43406 (419) 288-1718

Scooterz-N-Shooterz (330) 563-4683 The Gun Teachers (419) 349-6787 gunteachers.com

Gym & Fitness Centers King’s Gym 24775 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-KING

Insurance Aok Insurance & Financial Services, LLC 4925 Jackman Road, Unit #24 Toledo, OH 43613 (855) AOK-BIKE

Nemecek Insurance 127 W Perry Street Port Clinton, OH 43452 (800) 686-3474 Rider Insurance 1-800-595-6393 www.rider.com

RJ Smith & Associates 18850 E. Bagley Rd Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (800) 886-0305 Smith Insurance Services, Inc 4942 Reed Rd Columbus, OH 43220 (888) 644-2232 Taylor Insurance 3982 St. Rt. 43 Kent, Ohio 44240 (800) 211-6723

Lodging Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive Columbus, OH 43232 877-33-SPLASH

Parts & Accessories Bear’s Vintage MetalWorks 408 West Main St Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 297-7755 EC Customs (937) 623-5597 www.ecccyclefab.com Pandemonium Choppers 8936 Christy Rd Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 576-6812

Real Estate

Howard Hanna Contact: Denise Quiggle (440) 251-9985 denisequiggle@howardhanna.com

Retail

911 Clothing 5011 Brookpark Rd Cleveland, OH 44134 (216) 398-7088 Cycle Leather 9156 SR 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 (888) 827-5562 Erie Street Leather 416 Erie Street N Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 833-2672 Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO

Biker Friendly Directory

Granny’s 2443 S. 5th St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-9463 Military Pride 29348 Euclid Ave Wickliffe, OH 44092 (440) 944-5180 Norton Sporting Goods 100 Norton Rd Waldo, OH 43356 (740) 726-2616

Integrity Cyles 156 Dering Ave Columbus, OH 43207 (800) 969-2005 Iron Hogz Power Sports 6387 N. State Route 48 Lebanon, OH 45036 (513) 836-3824 John’s Trailer Sales 2229 Tremainsville Rd Toledo, OH 43613 (419) 471-1175

Service

Beaver Creek Cycle 13172 State Route 7 Libson, OH 44432 (330) 386-7353

Canton Cycle Specialties, Inc 701 Cherry Ave., N.E. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-1555 Cycle Analysis 4984 West 150th St Cleveland, OH 44135 (216) 362-9060

Scooterz-N-Shooterz 1840 Town Park Blvd Suite D Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 563-4683

Mad River Harley-Davidson 5316 State Rt. 250/ Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 502-2244

Vivid Jewelers 27217 Wolf Rd Bay Village, OH 44140 (440) 835-0111

Motorcycle Maxx 5838 Columbus Blvd Lewis Center, OH 43035 (614) 883-5800

Don’s Garage 8625 Harrison Pike Cleves, Ohio 45002 (513) 353-1446

Sales

Napoleon Harley-Davidson 862 County Rd R3 Napoleon, OH 43545 (419) 592-7123

Driven Classics & Customs 4230 Coonpath Rd Carroll, OH (740) 756-7776

Signature Harley-Davidson 1176 Professional Dr Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419) 873-2453

Iron City Choppers 1119 ½ 3rd St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-9487

South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-5300

Roeder Racing & Service 3684 U.S Rt. 20 Monroeville, OH 44847 (419) 465-2247

Adventure Harley-Davidson 1465 State Rt 39 NW Dover, OH 44622 (330) 364-6519 Apex Powersports 938 Cookson Ave, SE New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 308-8900 Buckminn’s D&D Harley-Davidson 1213 Cincinnati Ave Xenia, OH 45385 (866) 218-1452 Carton Harley-Davidson 11771 State Route 44 Mantua, OH 44255 (330) 274-3141 Competiton Accessories 343 W. Leffel Springfield, OH 45506 (937) 323-0513 Crazy 8 Motorcycles 416 N. 2nd St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-0225 Honda of Marysville 640 Coleman’s Crossing Blvd Marysville, OH 43040 (866) 645-4080

Titus Power Sports 1629 St. Rt. 73 Waynesville, OH 45068 (937) 206-9579

DL’s Custom Cycle 61 County Rd 15 South Point, OH 45680 (740) 377-2940

RWB Cycles 161 Yorkshire Ct Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 365-0589

Toledo Harley-Davidson 7960 W. Central Ave Toledo, OH 43617 (419) 843-7892

The Bike Shop 750 East Glenwood Ave Akron, OH 44310 (330) 940-2453

Warren Harley-Davidson 2102 Elm Rd Cortland, OH 44410 (330) 395-4700

Twin Visions 4520 Alum Creek Dr Columbus, OH 43207 (614) 409-1060

Western Reserve Harley-Davidson 8567 Tyler Blvd Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 974-6900

Wylde Rydes Inc. 4704 State Rd Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 741-03701

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Transport Scottsdale Interstate Transport (330) 206-0650 Truckyourtoys.com

Tattoo Shops 546 Tattoo 53 Benedict Ave Norwalk, OH (567) 424-6200

Addictions Tattoo 505 West Perkins Ave Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 621-8288 Art Bomb Tattoo 32 N. Erie St Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 834-2781 Bad Ass Tattoo 46065 Telegraph Rd Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 986-3845 Innovations In Ink 234 Columbus Ave Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 502-7152 Lazy Dave’s Tattoo 27084 Lorain Ave North Olmsted, OH 44070 (440) 777-4465 My Museum Tattoo 209 E. Ohio Ave. Dover, OH 44622 (330) 343-8500 Pain & Pleasure Tattoo 6015 Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-0069 Route 42 Tattoo 201 S. Franklin St. Ashley, OH 43003 (740) 413-4042 Stained Skin 1255 N. High St Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 297-SKIN Sudden Urge Tattoos 9360 Mentor Ave Mentor, Ohio 44060 (440) 368-3529 Tri-State Body Art 418 S. 2nd St Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 237-4500 51

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A motorcycle patrolman was rushed to the hospital with an inflamed appendix.

The doctors operated and advised him that all was well.

However, the patrolman kept feeling something pulling at the hairs on his chest.

Worried that it might be a second surgery the doctors hadn’t told him about, he finally got enough energy to pull his hospital gown down enough so he could look at what was making him so uncomfortable.

Taped firmly across his hairy chest were three wide strips of adhesive tape, the kind that doesn’t come off easily.

Written in large black letters was the sentence.

“Get well quick..... from the nurse you gave a ticket to last week.”

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EVENTS

Upcoming Events February 3-6, 2012 11th Annual V-Twin Expo Duke Energy Convention Center Cincinnati, OH Businesses Only vtwin-expo.com

February 10-12, 2012 2012 EasyRiders Bike Show Tour The Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, OH For More Info Call: (404) 886-3467 easyridersevents.com

February 4, 2012 Easy Riders Bike Show Tour Knoxville, TN easyridersevents.com

February 10-12, 2012 2nd Amendment Weekend Sponsored by NRA Cabela’s Dundee, MI 15 minutes North of Toledo www.gunteachers.com

February 4, 2012 Extreme Makeover Biker Edition Giveaway FINALE One Lucky Winner for Grand Prizes Mad River H-D Sandusky, OH For More Info Call (419) 502-2244 February 4, 2012 Gateway to Success Fundraiser Sponsored by Abate Embassy Suites Dublin, OH Cost: $20-30 depending on membership status For More Info Call: 800-252-4537 February 10, 2012 Friday Night Steak Fry Lake Erie Harley-Davidson Avon, OH $20/person For More Information Call: (440) 934-5000

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February 10-12, 2012 Cabin Fever Mardi Gras Hosted By: GWRRA Crown Plaza Hotel North Columbus, OH For More Info Call (614) 885-1885

$10 Donation For More Info Call: Tammy (330) 272-2038 Email: tbug3476@hotmail.com February 12, 2012 Motorcycle Swap Meet Presented by J&M Collectibles Allen County Fairgrounds Lima, OH 10 am-3:30 pm $6 Admission For More Information Call: (419) 795-4185 February 18, 2012 Men’s Boot Camp Buckminn’s D&D Xenia, OH For New Male Riders!

For More Info Call (866) 218-1452

February 11, 2012 Annual Chili Bash and Salvage Sale Battle of the Bikers Blood Drive South East H-D Bedford Heights, OH 9am-5pm southeastharley.com

February 18, 2012 Vintage Swap Meet and Show Medina County Fairgrounds Medina, OH 9 am- 3pm Admission: $6 For More Information Call: (440) 591-5099 www.classicswapmeets.com Email: willstoner@classicswapmeets.com

February 11, 2012 Winter Melt Down 2012 Sponsored by ABATE Sail Inn Lake Milton, OH 7 pm

February 19, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet Suburban Collection Showplace Novi, MI 11am-4pm, Adults-$10, Children (6-12)-$3 Parking-$5, motorcycleswap.com

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February 26, 2012 Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet Clark County Fairgrounds Springfield, OH 8 am- 3pm Admission: $6 walneckswap.com March 4, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet Perani Arena & Events Center Flint, MI 11am-4pm Adults-$9 Children (6-12)-$2 Parking-Free! motorcycleswap.com March 9-18, 2012 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach, FL officialbikeweek.com March 10-11, 2012 Thunder Roads JD High Performance Show Great Lakes Mall Mentor, OH For More Information Call: (440) 479-5461 Email: info@neojdrfwf.org March 11, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet I-X Center Cleveland, OH 11am-4pm Adults-$10 Children (6-12)-$3 Parking-$8 motorcycleswap.com March 18, 2012 Yankee Lake Swap Meet Sponsored By Unique Biker Apparel 10 am- 3pm $5 admission Parking-Free!

For More Information Call: (330) 797-1780 March 25, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet DeltaPlex Grand Rapids, MI 11am-4pm

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Adults-$9 Children (6-12)-$2 Parking-Free! motorcycleswap.com

Novi, MI 11am-4pm, Adults-$10 Children (6-12)-$3, Parking-$5 (Free If You Ride In!) motorcycleswap.com

April 1, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet Birch Run Expo Center Birch Run, MI 11am-4pm Adults-$9 Children (6-12)-$2 Parking-Free! motorcycleswap.com

April 25-29, 2012 Laughlin River Run 30th Anniversary Laughlin, NV laughlinriverrun.com

April 1, 2012 Akron Motorcycle Swap Meet Summit County Fairgrounds Akron, OH Admission: $5 Children Under 12: Free!

Parking: Free!

For More Info Call: (330) 324-7230 April 12, 2012 Akron Motorcycle Swap Meet Summit County Fairgrounds Tallmadge, OH 10am-4pm Admission: $5 Under 12: Free!

Parking: Free!

For More Info Call (330) 324-7230 April 13-14, 2012 Wounded Warrior Poker Run Frog Town USA Ironton, OH 5pm Friday- All Day Saturday $1000 Poker Hand Camping For More Information Call: Mark (740) 646-2131 April 14, 2012 Freedom House Fundraiser Dinner Sponsored by VFW Post #7490 Louisville, OH 4pm-10pm For More Information Call: (215) 609-5942 Email: cruitersbmc@netzero.net April 15, 2012 Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet Suburban Collection Showplace

EVENTS

Upcoming Events

April 29, 2012 Rally For The Troops American Legion Post # 627 Newburgh Heights, OH Pancake breakfast @ 7am Kickstands up 10:15, $5 Donation Email: kbartoszek@ameritech.net May 20, 2012 Reptile Run Benefiting Juvenile Diabetes Start: Quaker Steak & Lube Mentor, OH or: Lake County Speedway Bikes Out- 11am, Bikes In- 5pm $10 entry (includes coupon book, run, raffle, gate) Bikes & Cars Welcome!

For More Info Call: Steve (614) 390-5977 June 1-10, 2012 Ohio Bike Week Sandusky, OH ohiobikeweek.com June 5-9, 2012 30th Annual Americade Fort William Henry Resort Lake George, NY americade.com June 9-17, 2012 Laconia Bike Week Laconia, NH laconiamcweek.com June 10, 2012 Cleveland Ride For Kids Independence Field House Soccer Fields Independence, OH Registration 8am-9:45am Ride Begins at 10am sharp $35/person For More Info Call 1-800-253-6530

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It is perfect ost popular recipes. m y m of e on is is Th e cold and t especially so in th bu , ar ye of e tim y an stock and mix will create a lobster damp seasons. We e with the e to produce a Bisqu it into a lobster sauc e the effor t aroma that will mak depth of flavor and to share with gest making enough well worthwhile. I sug to let them know or friends. It is sure your closest family appreciated. how much they are

separately. Turn off the heat and leave everything in the pot on the stovetop.

Transfer the lobster parts in small batches (shells and all) from the lobster pot into a food processor. The claws from these lobsters were too thick to put into the processor, but all of the rest of it was used. The cooked body parts can be broken up by hand to make this operation easier.

Pulse the food processor until the shell pieces are small. Strain the liquids from the processed lobster parts with a fine mesh sieve into a heavy sauce pan or a Dutch oven if the liquid volume is too much for a saucepan. Discard the solids.

Bring the sieved liquids to a boil in the saucepan or Dutch oven, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. This is your Lobster Stock.

Create the Lobster Stock Ingredients: Remove the tails from the live lobsters and reserve for another meal. You will only use the body and claws in the stock to create the bisque. For this recipe today, I am using 2 huge lobsters. (approx. 6.5 and 4 lbs )

Create the Lobster Sauce 1 TBSP. Flour

1 TBSP. Heavy Cream

2 TSP. Fresh Lemon Juice

Add Salt and Cayenne pepper to taste ¼ cup Parsley

2 TBSP. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 TBSP. Unsalted Butter

½ cup Diced Onion

¼ cup ea. Diced Carrot & Celery

1 TBSP Tomato Paste

1 TSP. Black Peppercorns

2 Bay Leaves

2 Garlic Cloves smashed

Combine the ingredients and sauté at a medium high heat until the lobster body and claws turn bright red.

Leave the lobster parts in the sauté pan and de-glaze the pan for a few minutes with ¼ cup Brandy until it is nearly evaporated.

Place the contents of the sauté pan(s) into a lobster pot or Dutch oven. Add 2 cups of seafood stock. Cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour. After simmering, remove the Lobster claw and leg/shoulder meat and reserve them 64

1 TBSP. Butter

To make the sauce, combine the butter and flower until it is paste-like.

Whisk cream into the mixture and simmer for 2 minutes.

Whisk in the lemon juice, salt and cayenne.

Add in the reserved claws and other lobster meat that was cleaned from the carcass before processing.

Sprinkle Parsley on top. This is your Lobster Sauce Whisk the sauce and stock together to create the most amazing Lobster Bisque! It can be heated and served immediately, but it is way better the 2nd and 3rd day. I always make sure to have some nice crusty bread and a salad with vinaigrette dressing on hand to compliment the richness of the bisque.

Enjoy!

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TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY FROM ADVENTURE H-D!

!

N W O D T N COU 7

Ohio Dealer Top 100 Past 4 Years

6 Best Selection of

New and Pre-Owned Motorcycles

5 Best Selection of Parts and Motorclothes MotorClothes

Look for reasons 4,3,& 2 in our next mailer. Collect all 10 and bring back to the dealership on April 28 to be entered in a SPECIAL DRAWING!

! d r a C t f i G 0 0 1 $ WIN a

Bring In This Coupon & Enter to Name: Phone: Email:

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------------------------------------------Deadline for entries is Feb. 29, 2012

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