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Thunder Roads® magazine ohio www.thunderroadsohio.com Main Office 300 East Water Street, Sandusky, OH 44870
Sales Office 24381 Aurora Rd., B-3, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 Chief Inspiration Officer Will Roeder Owner / Editor Julie Roeder Features editor Donn Shanteau Managing editor sales & marketing Derek Smith 440-785-7331 ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com Photography Donn Shanteau, David Wingate, Craig Fetherolf Jerry Murray, Crash, Amber Smith Road Reps Scott H, Ron R, Amanda W, Craig F, Sue L, Joe B, Terry T, Teresa L, Ryan Haas, Dennis Albright, Darryll Ard,Charlie I. CONTRIBUTORS Mary Ann Steffanni, Sue Lucas, The Iron Cowboy, Anthony Castelli, Don Hostetler, Amber Smith, Donn Shanteau Hairy George, Craig Fetherolf, Kit Hedges, Savannah S 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 Frenchie 101......................................................................................................................8 Riding B%$*&................................................................................................................. 11 Wetzelland - The 25th Edition........................................................................................... 12 Riding Safe with Kit Hedges............................................................................................. 14 Vermillion to Yellowknife................................................................................................. 16 The Road to Happiness in Vermillion................................................................................21 Motocross Ohio................................................................................................................26 APOS Motorsports Builder Feature....................................................................................28 Exile Builder Feature.......................................................................................................32 Center Calendar...............................................................................................................34 Thunder Raods Tech Tips..................................................................................................37 Piston Power Shoe...........................................................................................................40 Thunder Cam Bike Nights.................................................................................................43 K.I.S.S. in the Kitchen.......................................................................................................44 Ohio Ink Gallery..............................................................................................................45 Ohio Ink Street Shots.......................................................................................................46 Ohio Ink Gallery..............................................................................................................47 Thundercam Bike Nights..................................................................................................48 Biker Bar of the Month.....................................................................................................49 Southern Ohio Thunder Cam............................................................................................ 51 Quaker Steak & Lube Bikini Contest.................................................................................53 Biker Friendly Directory...................................................................................................54 Thunder Marketplace.......................................................................................................56 Joker’s Wild..................................................................................................................... 61 Clubs, Organizations & Associations.................................................................................62 K.I.S.S. in the Kitchen.......................................................................................................62 Upcoming Events.............................................................................................................64 NCOM Newsbytes.............................................................................................................66
On the Cover: Lora on the original six pack from Apos Motorsports. Photo by Craig Fetherolf, RHS Images Thunder RoadsÂŽ Magazine ohio
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Wow, what a summer!!! Seems like every weekend we were packing up the bikes and heading out, racking up the miles attending events and distributing magazines across the state. Typically, I wouldn’t even get my clothes put away. I’d unpack, do laundry, and put them right back in the T-bag! With all these miles comes the need for more maintenance. While my bike was in the shop to get a new tire installed in preparation to leave on yet another weekend trip, I mentioned that I might need an oil change. After being told that I couldn’t have put 3,000 miles on that quickly, we checked the records and discovered I had put 3,500 miles on my bike in just a few weeks! The next comment was “Not bad for a girl!” Wasn’t sure if I should have taken that as a compliment or not… Two of the bigger events we attended were an “old school” biker bash in Van Wert, Ohio, the 25th Anniversary of “Wetzeland” (see story on page 12), and the “Rally on the River” in Ironton, Ohio. Check out the feature on the events held during the rally at “Frogtown“ on page 49. We will have more in depth coverage of this rally in next months issue. One of the coolest things about the motorcycle community is the fast and strong friendships you make with other motorcyclists. Over the past 3 decades I have made countless friends that I will remain connected to for a lifetime. But the hard part about connecting with these friends is when their lives are cut short and we have to say goodbye. One such friend was Dennis P. Addy, pictured with me (above). Dennis was well known in the biker world through working as a sales person at North Coast Motorcycle in Toledo, Roeder H-D in Sandusky, and most recently at Roeder Racing in Monroeville. He truly lived the lifestyle as the sticker he placed on his motorcycle attested “I was a biker before it was cool.” Addy you had such a big heart and you loved your family and friends so deeply it’s no wonder it wore out so early! You touched so many lives through your kind acts and we are SO going to miss you! With summer winding down, the Thunder Roads team is gearing up for Ohio’s North Coast Thunder Fall Rally, featuring the Rolling Bike Night Finale in Downtown Sandusky September 16th and 17th. The streets will be blocked off in the traditional “Block Party” style. Friday night will feature a Classic Car and Motorcycle “Cruise In”. The bike giveaway will be on Saturday, when 104 qualifiers from this summer long promotion will draw a key out of the barrel. The lucky person whose key starts the customized 2011 Harley Fat Bob will take it home! The Barrel House Saloon on the pier will also be open with live entertainment both nights. For a complete list of events, check out the schedule on page 64. Hope to see you all there, but if not maybe we’ll “connect” somewhere along the road!
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Julie Roeder, Editor-in-Chief Thunder Roads Ohio Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
EVENTS Thunder Roads速 Magazine ohio
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As told by
The Iron Cowboy I remember exactly where I was 10 years ago – on September 11th. I was upstairs when I was called down to see what happened on the TV. It was a live news feed and they were showing where a plane had apparently flown into one of the World Trade Centers. Then right before our eyes – the second plane appeared and flew into the second tower. It was almost surrealistic as the reality of what we were witnessing sunk in. I didn’t know anyone that worked in the World Trade Center, and I didn’t know any of the first responders that so heroically ran into those Towers. But at that moment – we were all united. The tragedy of that day galvanized our nation and we haven’t been the same ever since. It’s been ten years and too many elections since that day. Far too often the politics confuse things and we lose sight of the realities of our situation. We were attacked as a nation. We responded as only the United States could do – and we declared WAR on terrorism. We then took the war to those that would harm us, and we attacked the base camps and the nations that sheltered the terrorists. We put them on the run and just this year – finally brought to justice the mastermind behind the attack.
impressive visual and reminded everyone of where our nation has come from and how we have been able to maintain our freedom. That is through the dedication and perseverance of dedicated men and women. So to all of them, I say Thanks You. I will never forget or lose sight of their sacrifices. And I will never forget that we are a nation at war. It’s not a war that we started; but by God’s grace and the determination of thousands here and abroad – it is a war that we will END. God Bless the United States of America.
THUNDER ROADS TECH TIPS
Wetzel
This month we introduce the first in a series of Tech Tip articles, focusing on aspects of your motorcycle. We plan on starting with the basics and then moving on to more advanced issues. This month we are starting with the fundamentals of engine performance and the basic Stage One upgrades.
If you are in the business or have experience working on bikes, we would welcome any contributions you might have. Over the next few months we will be examining Exhaust Systems, Cam Upgrades, and Big Bore Kits. Shoot us an email if you are interested in I would like to take a contributing or assisting in moment and thank every man Rally On The River - Yes I washed the shirt since Wetzel these articles. If you have a and woman serving our nation shop or are in the business, it’s here and overseas, every a great way to get your name out there. family that has and is sacrificing to support those serving, and most of all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Politics aside, these men and women have stepped up ROAD REPS and CONTRIBUTORS and are working to protect our nation and ensure our way of life. It is all too easy to forget that we are at WAR. We have As the magazine grows in reach and size, we need to grow that luxury, due to the sacrifices of others. as an organization. Our first and foremost need is additional Road Reps. The Road Rep position handles distribution and Last month I had the opportunity to witness an entire assists in representing the magazine within a designated community coming out to recognize and honor the sacrifice area. The Rep works with the Marketing / Sales Manager to of their local hero (SSG. Shannon Smith). While there I met coordinate coverage within their area. Veterans from several past wars and watched as the Rolling Thunder Ohio Memorial Wall was presented. It was an 6
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Thunder Roads has designated spots and established advertisers all across the state. A Road Rep can supplement this list with spots that you know. The idea is the Road Rep’s know the area better – know the local bikers – and know the real spots that we should be at. As the Road Reps develop the business within their area, they retain a portion of the revenue and are able to generate income in a variety of different ways. It’s a great way to make money doing what you love – riding and talking with bikers. Thunder Roads is also looking for more contributors. This would primarily be as either a writer or photographer. We are also looking for graphics folks and illustrators to assist in the development of the magazine. This could be on a regular monthly basis or simply a periodic contributor. If you enjoy writing, photography, or are involved in some other way within the motorcycle community – this is a great chance to make the most out of your interest and have some fun! If you are interested in more information on being a Road Rep, Contributor, or possibly both – just shoot us an email at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com
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WETZEL This past month I had the opportunity to join friends and head out to Wetzelland by Van Wert. This was my first time to the legendary party, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. From the great entertainment on stage to the even more entertaining crowds, it was an event that I will never forget. Our ace photographer and Road Rep. Craig Fetherolf joined me at Wetzel and it was a great time. As wild as it got, it was never out of control and we enjoyed ourselves. It’s not an event for everyone and certainly not one that I would bring my kids to. (Which is good, because you have to be 21 to get in.) We heard one rider complaining about how dusty his bike was and bemoaning the fact that he had just spent hours detailing his chrome. This was in the midst of one of the biggest parties in the Midwest – and it was obvious the event was not for him. I though had a great time and I would recommend it for anyone that doesn’t mind a little dust on the chrome. Craig wrote a great article on the event and we both took hundreds of pictures. We have printed a few, but you can find more online.
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“Frenchie” 101
Thunder Roads had the pleasure of doing a one on one interview with Virginie Massing better known as “Frenchie”, the 2009 WERA North Central Novice Senior Superbike, Women’s Supersport, and 2010 Expert Women’s Supersport Champion. She was born in France (hence the nickname) and lived in Canada for a while. Now located right here in Findlay, OH for the last eleven years, Thunder Roads couldn’t resist the chance to speak to our own local racing “Super Mom”. Here’s what I learned: TRO: So tell me, how long have you been racing? Frenchie: Well I started doing ¼ miles in 1984. I actually then moved from Montreal, Canada to Tampa, Florida to pursue my road racing. Shortly after, I became pregnant with my first son, Kevin (now 23). I also have another son, Donavin (8). After Kevin was born I focused on raising him and then my other son Donavin. Finally though in 2007, I got back into racing at the age of 40. So that was pretty wild. TRO: So what do you ride currently for racing and what is your daily ride? Are they stock or have they been modified at all?
Frenchie: My race bike is a 2004 Yamaha R6. It’s stock but it’s been modified for regulation. For racing they are certain rules and things you can and cannot have. I make sure my bike is up to regulation. We have changed the suspension of course to make it better and things like that. I have a pretty average set up. My daily ride is a black 2009 1900CC Yamaha Raider with of course new show gun pipes. I like it loud. (Laughs) 8
TRO: So how did you get started racing exactly? Was your dad into it? Frenchie: No actually my brother’s both had bikes. So for birthday each year they would give me rides. So finally when I was fourteen they taught me to ride. I got pretty into it so for the next two years I saved up as much money as I could. For my sixteenth birthday I bought myself a Honda 1984 450 Nighthawk. That same year I rode from Montreal to North Dakota. It was an amazing experience for me to do on my own and taught me a lot. TRO: How did your family feel about you racing? Frenchie: My mom was very supportive actually. Although she would prefer me wear dresses and be a girly girl that just wasn’t me! But thankfully for mom, I do wear dresses now. And I love my heels! (Laughs) She taught me that we only live once so in the mean time I should do what I love. I’ve always said that my motorcycle is like a cheap counseling session. (Laughs) Rather than get upset I go for a ride. TRO: What type of racing do you do? What class do you race?
Frenchie: I do road racing in the Senior Super bike (SSBK) and Women’s Superstock (WSS) Expert Classes. I also teach the novice group the fundamental of road racing school as well. At my age, I like that better sometimes because it gets tough out there with the “youngins” (laughs). But I find it very fulfilling. I teached at MidOhio last year and I’ve helped teach classes at SST school. This year for 2011 though I am primarily focused on my racing. TRO: What do you feel is your biggest achievement so far in your racing career? Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
Frenchie: I would say in 2009 when I won the Novice Senior Supervised Championship. I was the only woman and I won! That had been like a lifetime goal for me since I was fourteen so it was definitely so awesome. TRO: It seems to be a generalization that racing is for men. How does it feel to be a woman in the sport? Not only do you match their skills, but also surpass them! Frenchie: I like racing against men. It’s awesome to win a race or place well and be the only girl out there. I really do have to push myself. They have been a great bunch of guys thru the years and have helped me a lot so I could be a better racer) TRO: Can you tell me a little bit about you and your life outside of racing? Frenchie: Well first and foremost I’m a single mom. I love my kids and they are everything to me. Kevin is 23 and Donavin is 8. It’s great and keeps me busy but it’s not easy! I am also a credit rep for Marathon Petroleum and work 50 + hours a week on top of racing. When I was 35 I went back to school and got my business degree with an accounting minor at the University of Findlay. That wasn’t so easy either! (Laughs) TRO: So what does your youngest think about your racing? Frenchie: Oh he loves it! He is so into it and wants to be just
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like mom, but I won’t let him. (Laughs). He wears his crew jersey all the time when I take him to the track and is always on my bike. He totally supports me and just started riding dirt bikes. TRO: Any tough obstacles you’ve had to surpass for your racing career? Frenchie:
Sometimes (especially in the beginning) people try to ridicule me and give me a hard time about racing and being a mom. Like what kind of mom am I doing that? That I am risking my life. In 1995 a drunk driver hit me. I spent time in the hospital and very well could have died. The truth is you could die doing anything. You could die tomorrow in a plane crash. So what if I do something a little risky and love what I’m doing. I don’t want to have regrets and I’d rather be remembered for something passionate then wake up when I am 80 and wish I would have done something more. TRO: So I have to ask… do you still wear makeup to the race? Frenchie: Oh yeah! Of course. I am proud to be a woman. I want girls to know it’s ok to be a mom and ok to have goals! I still find time to work out. I just let Donavin watch 30 minutes of cartoons if he lets me work out. You figure it out and make time. I want to be respected as a lady and I wear makeup whenever I go anywhere. The main thing, especially because of my kids, is
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I want to be a good role model. So yeah, I wear makeup. I love looking my best. I never know whom I’ll run into! TRO: So what’s some advice you have for those wanting to get started in racing? Frenchie: Well first and foremost do lots of track days to start. Learn the fundamentals of racing. Start of with a stock bike and work up from there. You really need to make sure it’s something you like first and understand the cost commitments. It’s very expensive to race and sponsors are very difficult to get right now in these bad times. TRO: Who are your sponsors currently? Frenchie: RiderDiscount.com is my big one. (RidersDiscount.com will provide parts support, technical expertise and some great looking bodywork) They do my bike up for me and help me with all the parts. Vortex, Pitbull and Marathon also sponsor me. TRO: So what does your upcoming schedule look like for those wanting to see you in action? Frenchie: Well Labor Day weekend I’ll be racing at Beaverun in Pennsylvania. Then on the weekend of September 24th I’ll be at Nelson’s Ledges! I really found “Frenchie” to be a great inspiration in terms of setting goals and sticking with them – and not being afraid to tackle something great! After hearing all that she does, I really wanted to find out what it took for her to do what she does. I found for Frenchie this means having a great support system and dedication to what she loves. Frenchie came back to racing after being away from it for over 20 years. It’s pretty apparent that when she starts something she’s going to finish it! And these days, many times she’s finishing ahead of the guys. Thunder Roads wishes her all the best and appreciates her taking the time to share her story. 10
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• Follow Your Riders Lead! It’s no good to throw your driver off balance. Wiggly passengers are no fun and can make it difficult for someone to maneuver their bike. Just follow your rider’s lead and stay centered behind them.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned within the past few years or so about riding it’s that bikers come in all shapes and sizes. Contrary to the popular belief of media, bikers aren’t cookie cutter and can be anyone from your white-collar executive to the hillbilly down the road looking for a thrill. One type in particular I feel that doesn’t get as much credit as is due is the backseat driver. Yep, I’m a proud rider and I ride b%$*&!
• Be Courteous. Some riders will even like you to signal for them. Be there for what your rider needs and try to be courteous to them. I always take care of making sure all the saddlebags are closed before we head out. I also make sure my feet aren’t out too far so I am out of the way for my rider to have full motion to ride!
I’ve rode on the back of bikes since before I was even licensed to drive or ride anything and just a few short years after I could even ride a bicycle. Growing up around motorcycles has got to give you a little passion for the wind if nothing else! If Dad could give me a quick ride up to school on the bike… Oh yeah… that was definitely my choice mode of travel!
• While we are on the topic of balance, it’s always good to Wait To Get On. Before every ride I always wait until my rider says it’s ok to hop on the back. For his (or her) sake and yours, it’s always good to make sure they are ready and have their feet firmly planted before you ad a little weight! And on that note, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn how to pick up a bike that’s fallen on the ground either… but we’ll save that for another time.
Although I have widened my horizons and been more open minded in the last couple years… I have to admit, I was raised a pure Harley girl. Before the age of seventeen it wasn’t uncommon for me to be able to rattle off a make and model after a quick glimpse with ease, or even from the roar of the engine without even seeing the bike; which is a lot to say compared to some of my fellow b%$*& riders that couldn’t tell a Harley from a hair dryer! One thing people don’t realize is being a backseat rider isn’t just about jumping on the back of a bike and holding on. There are multiple ways you can be safe, have a blast, and actually be helpful to your rider (AKA wind blocker ;-). One of the fondest memories I have of my youngest cousin is her first time on a bike. Immediately she decided rather than holding on to the rider, the sissy bar, or strap, it was a GREAT idea to wrap her hands around his forehead and hold on for dear life. Needless to say, that didn’t go over too well with him and her ride was kind of cut short. Regardless of how experienced your rider is, it always helps to have a cooperative passenger. Here are a couple tips to keep safe: • Most importantly, and I can’t stress this enough, KNOW YOUR RIDER! I’ve been in the situation once and it was enough for me. You can’t trust just anyone. Not all bikers are responsible ones. I don’t ride with anyone I don’t know or someone I am close to doesn’t know. Don’t ride with someone that is drunk either. It’s not worth your life.
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• After riding for a little bit it’s good to remember the bike gets hot. That being said, Watch Your Legs! Those pipes get hot and you are awfully close to them. I might know someone that has melted part of a shoe or two as well… so it’s important to keep that in mind! • The last tip here I’ve been known to cheat on a few times for some short rides…but it’s something to take seriously. Dress The Part! Especially for long rides, shorts and flip-flops don’t really cut it! Rocks flying up at 60 plus miles per hour don’t really mix well with those. Jeans and boots are usually your best bet. If you really can’t survive otherwise ladies, bring the flip-flops in the saddlebag or pair the shorts with some cute high boots to protect your legs! There’s no showing ‘em off anyway when they are all cut up! Above and beyond it all, enjoy the ride! When you are with a great friend, family member, or someone you love that makes all the difference. Don’t get me wrong; I plan on one day soon learning to ride up front. I know I’ll love it and can’t wait. But for now and until then I’m perfectly good & happy enjoying the ride back here. I know even when I do learn to ride for myself; I’ll still be begging to ride in back sometimes! For now I’m enjoying riding all over the country to different bike nights, rides, and rallies to join fellow lovers of the wind… whether it be full faced or riding b%$*&! — Baby Bear 11
Wetzelland The 25th Edition
by Craig Fetherolf I still have a lot of unattended parties left on my bucket list. This year I eliminated one of them. For the last two decades I have heard about the good time to be had at the annual Wetzel MC party so when the opportunity to attend presented itself, I pursued it diligently. Riding along on Van-Wert-Paulding County Line Road I calculated the distance from the house numbers along the way. I was thinking it may be easy to pass the entrance to the event in this rural setting. Two intersections before I saw an A-framed road-closed sign, it had been placed off to the side so I proceeded on. At the next intersection was another road-closed sign, set off to one side, but from there it was clear that I had arrived. About a half mile down the road I could see the mass of tents and a line of bikes and various other vehicles waiting to enter. My first impression was this event 12
is huge. My second impression came as I got near enough to see the separate entrance for motorcycles; this was truly a motorcycle event. The folks directing traffic were keeping the gate open to only motorcycles waving the other vehicles to the next gate where they were slowly backing up down the road. Following suit to the bikes ahead of me, I passed the stopped trucks and motor homes and rode to the gate. During my life time things have changed at motorcycle events. My chosen mode of personal transportation and my lifestyle have become main stream and new trends have been incorporated into these types of events, the endless parade of golf carts being the most prevalent. Also, there has been a curious adoption of MardiGras beads. While the beads have been around motorcycle events for a decade or so, it is still a fascinating blend of popular and counterculture traditions to me. Thinking about this event, I looked Thunder Roads速 Magazine OHIO
for terms that aptly described my impression of Wetzel land. I began riding in 1973, so I am from the era that I fondly remember as BE (before evolution). The iron headed machines of my youth were not for the masses. They were a true counter-culture machine ridden by those with an understanding of their mechanical aspects and had the ability to maintain them. While the Evolution engine guaranteed Harley Davidson’s success, it also popularized the motorcycle counter culture by making it accessible to those who couldn’t have survived in the iron-age. With the influx of people came a blending of cultures and traditions. Swap meets became parties, tents were replaced by motor homes and bikes tailored to events. Despite the changes in the motorcycle world, Wetzel has managed to maintain its traditional feel. It is what I would call a “heritage event”. At twenty-five years the Wetzel MC party has earned its place among the premier biker parties in the Midwest. Its size, quality of entertainment, and atmosphere place it in the top tier in our region of the country. Friday opened with Little Texas, who played all their hits and fired up the early crowd ready for a full weekend of partying. The crowd adored them song after song and went wild when they played their well-known anthems “Kick a Little” and “God Blessed Texas”. With the crowds primed, the preverbal biker party band; Burnt River Band took the stage to keep the party rocking. Burnt River was followed by the 69 Band who kept the party alive until the early morning closing Friday’s entertainment with the Star Spangled Banner. The Saturday morning sun promised a typical late July day with a blue sky filled with white puffy clouds. The late morning and afternoon were filled by the poker run, bike show, tattoo show and the field events. With temps in the high 90s many partygoers took refuge in the famous bar and shield shaped pond. Excitement filled the air with the arrival of two wrapped tractortrailers containing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s God and Guns tour. A steady stream of fans could be seen posing for photographs in front of trailer through out the day. When they took the stage early in the evening any area with a view of the stage was filled by the throngs Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio
of people. From my vantage point near the stage it looked like a sea of people with a wave created by the pond banks in the distance. True to their stature the bands performance was impeccable. Burnt River took the stage following Skynyrd’s performance, and the party continued on. Wanting to get an early start and avoid the rush leaving Sunday morning I had loaded my camping gear on to the bike so that I could leave that evening. I managed to pull out behind Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tour trucks and followed them out the county road to the highway. As I slowly pulled to the intersection and checked both directions I only saw one car about a quarter mile away. Typical to my riding style, I pulled out with out stopping. Before I was a half a mile from the intersection the lights came on. The officer approached and informed me that he had stopped me for ignoring the Stop sign. I was sure that a ticket would be coming my way. He asked me to sit in the cruiser and before he could sit in the driver’s side he somehow dropped my drivers license. This turned into a forty five minute fiasco as he moved the cruiser trying to find the lost license, then searched under the seat, had me look under the seat, and both of us searched the grass along the highway without luck trying to find the missing license. After fifteen minutes he informed me that I would be receiving a warning, during which time he responded to several calls from the dispatcher checking his status. Finally, by luck he found them stuck flat under the driver’s door where their edge had slid between the doorframe and the weather strip. A picture perfect finish to the weekend, but also recounted here as a warning. Wetzel land is privately held but law enforcement is close by so be cautious if you leave the grounds. They are well aware of the party and are likely to pull you over for the slightest infraction. If you have never attended Wetzel’s annual party do yourself a favor and go. To survive twenty-five years is a feat in itself, but Wetzel MC doesn’t take it for granted. Their hospitality, the great crowds, location and top-notch entertainment place their party in the top tier of motorcycle events. Wetzel’s 26th is already on my slate for next year, and if you like a great party it should be on yours as well. 13
“Swoosh” Through the Curves By Kit Hedges Between the State MSF classes and the Rider’s Edges classes, I know I’ll miss some fun rides and events, like the “Tunnel of Trees” ride to Traverse City and much more. Some weekends I don’t feel like teaching, but then I get to the range and begin to witness people that have never ridden before. Some learn quick and some don’t. Some struggle with certain physical skills involved with riding. Then I get excited as they begin to “get it.” Then I’m glad I’m there. I won’t ride as many miles this summer as I usually do, but I feel good knowing that my efforts in class will contribute to many thousands of miles and smiles for the student that I’ve helped infect with the riding bug.
pushing the left grip. If you see you are going wide in a right hand curve, press a little harder on the right handgrip to tighten up the turn. Make sure your press is smooth and not a sudden push on the handgrip. On slow turns we have to turn the handlebars to turn, but above 15 mph we “counter steer” to turn. The push right - go right or push left - go left.
Riding Safe
Let’s take “a ride in our mind.” You are approaching a right curve. Before you get to the curve, ease over to the left third of your lane. Remember, the tighter the curve looks as you approach, the slower your entry speed should be. Slowing down before the curve, look to the right through the curve. Press slightly down and forward on the right handgrip and gradually and smoothly roll on some throttle. If you feel like you are going too wide in the curve simply press harder on the handgrip in the direction you are going. Use an outside-inside-outside path of travel and smoothly swoosh through the curve.
with
Kit Hedges
At the end of every class I always reflect on what skills the students had trouble with. The first obvious skill that present some challenges is clutch control or using the friction zone. Then braking and then riding through curves. Doing tight figure eights always intimidates students and causes great concern when they test out. While tight u-turns and figure eights are great practices for developing slow speed control, there aren’t many statistics for injury or death while doing them. On the other hand there is a lot of crash related stats for improper braking and crashes in curves. In fact the highest deaths for single vehicle crashes happen in curves and the most common problem is the motorcyclist running wide during the curve. So let’s concentrate on riding through curves.
Good places to practice cornering are on and off ramps to the expressway and rout 65 along the river. Route 64 actually has a couple big curves North of Swanton Ohio that are excellent since it is away from city traffic and nothing to obstruct your view. You’ll also find great twisty roads in southeastern Ohio, especially 555 out of Zainesville. See you around the bend.
Clearly, riding a curvy road and leaning into curves is one of the greatest pleasures of riding a motorcycle. If you find your cringe meter in your stomach going off during a curve, perhaps some thought on curve and corning technique will help. If you have taken any safety training or read any articles on cornering, you’ve probably heard of corner entry speed, look, press and roll, gradually increasing acceleration in a curve, and cornering lines. You may have also heard of an “outside-inside-outside” path of travel. So let’s put it all together. Cornering entry speed is defined as the speed coming into a corner that allows you to gradually increase your throttle through the corner (curve). If you find you have to reduce speed in a curve by braking or deceleration, you probably came into the curve too fast. The best and most fun way to enter a curve is to come into the curve at a slower speed, a speed that allows you to roll on the throttle through the curve. An entry speed that allows you to roll on some throttle does two things: It stabilizes the bike’s suspension and helps to increase the bike’s ground clearance, therefore providing more fun because you can lean even farther. The “outside-inside-outside” path of travel is pretty simple. This technique helps you to see better through the curve. If you are entering a right curve you want to position your bike in the left third of your lane and as you go into the curve you are gradually easing the bike closer to the right side of your lane and easing more toward the outside or left side of your lane as you exit the curve. This would be just the opposite on a left curve. Remember that, due to the “crown” of the road, you will have less lean angle on a curve to the left, and if you are to close to the center line of the road, your body could actually be over the center line. You don’t want to be there with on-coming traffic. We’ve talked about the “look” and “roll” part of the equation, but what about the “press” part? You may have heard of “press rightgo right” which is a short explanation of “counter steering.” If you press a little down and forward on the right handgrip, the bike will lean to the right and curve to the right. The opposite happens when 14
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Vermillion toYellowknife By Don Hostetler Art Murray and I left Vermilion June 15th with an intermediate destination of the town of Yellowknife, in Canada’s North West Territory. I know you’re asking yourself “why would those two fools want to go there?” I guess just because it’s the end of the highway…… and the start of the ice road. We left Vermilion at 7:15 AM and crossed the Mississippi River about 3:30 allowing us to reach LeClaire, Iowa before the 5 PM closing time of Antique Archaeology made famous by the History Channels’ series, American Pickers. The building looks just as it appears on the show. Many of the items featured on the show are actually on display and for sale along with a wide selection of American Pickers T-shirts. Mike wasn’t there but the lady said he has run the business for over 25 years. We spent the night in Davenport and the next morning rode just down the interstate to Walcott and into the I-80 World’s Largest Truck Stop. It houses a Barber shop, dentist office, library, 50 seat free movie theater and a shop with every imaginable truck accessory known to man. We headed 75 miles north to the recently relocated National Motorcycle Museum. This place has over 300 bikes, side cars and three wheelers on display from the early 1900’s up to about the 60’s. Another 75 miles north led us to Waterloo, IA home to the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Two of the 5 brothers had served prior to the outbreak of WWII. Then all 5 enlisted and were assigned to the light cruiser the USS Juneau. In November 1942, during and after the battle of Guadalcanal it
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was torpedoed, exploded and sank, leaving the 5 brothers to perish. A second reason for this stop was it is located on US Route 20. Yup, that same route that travels through my boyhood hometown of Wakeman, Ohio. US Route 20 is a coast to coast route and runs between Boston Mass. and Newport Oregon. It is 3,365 miles long and is the longest route in the United States. We rode it from Waterloo, Iowa 1,042 miles to Cody, Wyoming. Along the way we saw: Sioux City, IA, we were told some tall tales concerning the flooding of the Missouri River Turns out I-29 which runs ALONG the river was the only road closure. However, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center was closed, safe from the flood, protected by a dike but completely surrounded by water, The Flight 232 Memorial commemorates the rescue efforts undertaken by the Sioux City community after the crash July 19, 1989 but it was nearly completely under water. The river was 33 feet above normal. A record since the previous one of 55 feet above normal, which was set in 1952. We noticed some commotion in the parking lot at the Tyson Events Center. Upon getting closer we found 30-40 people filling sand bags. We stopped to take pictures and Art noticed the sign recruiting volunteers. “Maybe we should give them a hand?” he said. We signed in and shoveled and sacked sand for a couple of hours until quitting time at noon. They work 2 shifts 8-12 and 5-8 due to the hot humid weather. One of our crew was a guy from Los Angles who had come to Sioux City to
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visit a sick Aunt and ended up shoveling sand for his week-long vacation. On the Nebraska side, along the river we saw homes with sand bags piled 4 feet high, but still safe so far. Along the Nebraska section of Route 20 we took a slight detour up to Vermillion South Dakota. Then we headed over to the Gravin’s Point Dam. It was releasing the record amount ever of water. The park below had a carnival air as it was the weekend and people were coming by the car load to witness the event. Kids were playing in the spray produced by the turbulent water. We were gassing up as a Gold Wing rider pulled in towing as casket. The license plate read LST RIDE. He was only too happy to open it up and highlight all its features. He assured us it was genuine and had come directly from the Batesville Casket Company’s “Scratch and Dent Outlet”. So all you coupon clippers and thrifty shoppers, take heed, you save all the way to the grave and beyond. Douglas, Wyoming claims to be “Home of the Jackalope” and has an 8 foot tall life size replica of the elusive critter sitting on both the downtown square and in front of the tourist office. 10 miles outside of Douglas is Ayres Natural Bridge. The arch is set in an amphitheater of red sandstone walls and over the past millennium, the LaPrele Creek eroded a hole 50 feet high and 100 feet long through it. In Cody, we visited the Irma Hotel, where Buffalo Bill kept 2 suites. It was established in 1902, and includes a restaurant and saloon. We also visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center which actually consists of 5 Museums in 1 location and only one entry fee. The five museums are the Cody Firearms Museum, with literally thousands of guns of all types, Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indians Museum and History & Art Museums.
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At our motel one of the owners was giving golf cart rides to kids and shortly came by with a Shetland pony as a passenger. She said they used to race him at the nightly Cody Rodeo until her daughter got too big. She said she couldn’t talk long as the pony likes to ride and gets mad when stopped. He starts biting her to get her attention. Beartooth Highway is a 67 mile stretch of US Highway 212 that, from its western end at Cooke City, runs east to Red Lodge, Montana. This route was voted #1 by American Motorcycle Association members last year. The road crests at 10,947 feet and allows views of more than 20 mountain peaks each over 12,000 feet. Along this route, Top of the World Store sits at 9400 feet where you can stop for a soda or a beer if the buzz you’re getting from the high elevation isn’t enough. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway runs 47 miles from Cody north to intersect with the Beartooth Highway. We scoffed at the notion of the guide’s suggestion we allow 4 hours to travel this 114 miles. Wrong, it took us just over 5 hours!! The locals told us we were in for a treat as this past winter had near record snow falls. (Which is causing the flooding of the Missouri River) We rode through a 2 lane path chewed by a giant snow blower with snow still up to 20 feet high on either side. We spent the night in Butte Montana. From there to Helena, MT to see the awesome Cathedral of St. Helena, constructed over a period of 7 years starting in 1905. All the stained glass was imported from Germany and the 3,000 pipe organ just underwent a restoration costing over $750,000. Our Lady of The Rockies, is a 90-foot tall statue, in the likeness of Mary, Mother of Jesus sitting atop the Continental Divide The base sits at an elevation of 8,510 feet above sea level and 3500 feet above the mile high city of Butte, Montana. The project began in Dec of 1979 and was completed by all volunteer labor in Dec. 1985 after a Ch-54 Sikorsky Sky Crane
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set the 4 sections into place. We arrived at the kiosk about 10:45 AM to find the statue is accessible only by private road. The lady told us we just missed the shuttle which runs twice daily at 10 and 2. Then to rub salt in the wound she went on to say what a beautiful ride it is, crossing the continental divide no less than 8 times. We went on to tour the town which claims to have “The Nation’s Largest National Historic District, 10,000 miles of underground tunnels and HAD the second largest Red-Light District in the west! The Myra Brothel Museum is located in the heart of downtown. Located just 3 miles off Interstate 90 near the Montana town of Three Forks, is Missouri Headwaters State Park. Both are appropriately named as this is the confluence of the 3 rivers, the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers, creating the mighty Missouri River, longest in the nation at 2,341 miles. The State Park has a viewing area which had been temporally closed due to flooding but was opened shortly after our arrival. So far we have accumulated over 3,000 miles about the total mapquest showed as the total for a direct route Vermilion to Yellowknife.
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Back Row: Lisa Billman, Connie PeponFront Row: Debbie Holliday, Marie Kubach, Julie Roeder BY JULIE ROEDER Editor’s Note: While my counterpart Don Hostetler was off exploring Vermilion, Montana, I was back here checking out his home town of Vermilion, Ohio. Vermilion, dubbed “A Small Town on a Great Lake”, is the crowning jewel of the south shore of Lake Erie. From quaint shops to fine dining, the arts, entertainment and unmatched festivities, Vermilion truly has it all. There you will be reminded of a simpler time when an afternoon at the beach, a hand-dipped ice cream cone and a stroll along Main Street made your day special. It is a very scenic ride coming from the East or West along Route 6. A few weeks back several members of my riding group the Road Sisters took a ride to celebrate Lisa Billman’s birthday. Our destination for lunch was Quaker Steak and Lube in Vermilion, and our taste buds were ready for the “Biker Chick” Salad, our favorite item on their menu. Imagine that! Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio
My wing girl Connie Pepon was out in front and as always, led us to an interesting spot to stop at along the way. Sherod Park, where she has visited in the past with her Dad, is located on Route 6 approximately ¼ of a mile to the west of Vermilion, Ohio on Lake Erie. The park features green space, trees, natural areas and beaches, and overlooks the breathtaking Lake Erie. As we were pulling out we noticed a beautifully landscaped lighthouse and thought it would be a perfect backdrop for a photo. There was a “Men Working” sign next to it which we thought was rather humorous as we were out riding and the men were back home working! There was someone just pulling in to his driveway next door, so we asked if he would take our picture. This gentlemen, Ben Drombrowski, gladly obliged and explained to us that the lighthouse and flowers were part of a Memorial Garden that he had built next to his home in honor of his wife Marianne. He was kind enough give us a little tour 21
and a brief history of the garden.
Garden in the back of the Guest Registration book.
I thought that it would be a good destination to share with our readers so I stopped back there recently to get more information. Ben was very gracious and invited me to share a glass of wine on his lanai as we talked and watched the sunset and the spectacular night sky over the lake.
When you enter the garden through the flowering pegola you will find a stone pathway adorned with numerous statues, fountains, and trellis’s. But Ben likes to keep the flowers central and many people take several trips to the garden during the year as it is different with every season.
In the fall of 2002 the Vermilion township trustees granted Ben permission to convert the unused boat ramp at the north end of Coen Road into a Memorial Garden. April 5th of 2003 marked the ribbon cutting ceremony when the public was officially invited to visit the garden. Ben had planted hundreds of bulbs and flowers as a memorial to his wife Marianne, who died July 22, 2002. Because Marianne loved flowers, lighthouses and flowers so much during her life, the Garden was felt to be an honest tribute to her love of beauty. In fact, her ashes were spread into the lake and beach off her garden.
One of the focal points in the garden is a sculpture entitled the “World’s Children Peace Monument” and was created by David and Renate Jakupca. The stone is among many of the same in places around the world, with another in Berea, Ohio. It was presented to the garden in the fall of 2005 and represents a dove rising to the sky symbolizing the universal quality of peace: But this peace is carved in stone and thus is peace forever.
Visitors to the Garden are invited to sign a Guest Registration book. There have been close to 10,000 visitors over the past nine years. Ben marvels that it is one thing to have people stop by from Pennsylvania, New York, and Kentucky, but to come in from Tasmania Australia, Dunbar South Africa, Manchester England, Rio de Jeneiro Brazil and Thailand is amazing. There have been several wedding ceremonies at the garden as well. Part of the reason why people come from all over is that there is a geocache hidden in the garden. He explained that searching for a geocache is like a treasure hunt or playing hide and seek. There are 1,497,451 active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers worldwide. Geocachers find their locations by entering in the latitude and longitude into their GPS or smartphone. When the geocache is found, it is opened up and whatever is inside is taken and something new is left behind. It is all tracked online and you can also monitor geocachers comments regarding their stop at the site. You can also view several years worth of these comments on visits to the Memorial 22
The symbol carries the hope of a future for the children of the world. They are our most cherished legacy caring our dreams and aspirations into a tomorrow where we cannot go. They like the dove have the power to soar beyond our imagination and our future. Our job is to protect them in the present and give them wings so that they may take flight. When Ben was approached with the idea of placing the monument in the garden he liked the connection to children. Ben and Marianne were both youth counselors at Lorain Schools. One of the stones in the garden which reads “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” helped Ben after the loss of his wife. He was such a delight to speak with and his stories and insights were too numerous to share. He told me that in Bluebeard Beach, which is not far from his house and Sherod Park, there is a street named “Road to Happiness”. It occurred to me that Ben has been driving down the Road to Happiness for most of his life. Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
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Stage One though is our primary focus here, as this is an easy progression which many can do at home on their own – or for a reasonable investment at your local shop or dealership. We will examine the more advanced stages in later articles. Stage One involves a number of different basic modifications that primarily alter the flow of air into the engine. These are largely bolt on procedures but may require you to get your bike rejetted or tuned in order to handle the new flow.
PERFORMANCE 101 Part One – Stage One
George Roeder II from Roeder Racing in Monroeville, Ohio is considered by many to be one of the true experts on engine performance. His bikes have won national titles and set the standard by which many are judged. “When starting with a stock bike, we always look first at the Airbox and then the exhaust to get things started, “Roeder advises. For someone on a budget, Stage One upgrades can be done in several parts with each producing noticeable improvements. Generally it would be broken down in the following order; based upon ease, cost, and necessity. 1. Air Cleaner 2. Exhaust
It’s important to recognize that when you purchase a motorcycle that is just the first step in the journey. You’ve started down a path that few outside the biker world fully understand. It’s not enough to own a motorcycle, because once you start riding – both you and your bike will begin evolving. You want the bike to reflect you and your personality; and eventually, your riding style. In many cases this means getting more power from your bike. For those just dabbling in motorcycles and looking to simply add a possession, high performance might mean trying to make your motorcycle look like a ‘cable TV theme bike”. That’s fine, but chrome and a cool paint job don’t really equate to “get up and go”. Or you may want to push the limits on the “dyno” and really see what your bike can do. There are countless options for you to consider, including many that can be done in your garage. Even if you never consider wrenching on your own, it’s important to understand the concepts and stages involved in upgrading your motorcycle’s performance.
3. Rejetting the Carb or Remapping the EFI (depending on your bike). 4. Upgraded Ignition (if needed) Air Cleaner This is the easiest upgrade to perform and can yield immediate noticeable results. There are countless options in every shape and size. You can go with a basic filter upgrade such as those offered by K&N or you can install a higher end unit such as a Forcewinder or Hypercharger. These also give your bike a high performance (Cable TV Bike) look. Or if you want something more basic and possibly maintain the look of your bike, there are Screamin’ Eagle and other assemblies that allow you to use your stock cover. Regardless of your choice, you may discover an amazing difference over your stock system.
If you own a basically stock motorcycle, the answer is to move up to the next “stage” in your motorcycle’s performance evolution – or a Stage 1 Kit to be more exact. The techies refer to motorcycle engine upgrades in terms of stages. Each stage represents a distinct step in terms of your motorcycle reaching its full performance potential. In its most basic breakdown the stages look like this. Stage 1 – Air and Exhaust (Rejetting and Tuning) Stage 2 – Cam Upgrade Stage 3 – Upgrading heads, big bore cylinders, and stroker kits. Some may refer to additional stages but they all basically represent a complete overhaul of the engine – essentially rebuilding or replacing it. Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio
Aftermarket air cleaner on a Roederized Engine
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Exhaust Just as it’s important to drive the air into the engine, it’s important to maintain a proper flow out. In most cases this can be referred to as a Free Breathing Exhaust. There are many different types of exhaust systems, but they can basically be broken down into the following types:
A Yamaha with a Cobra 2 in1 exhaust system Slip On Mufflers from Custom Dynamics
1. Short Drag Pipes 2. Large Diameter Open Pipes 3. Long Straight Pipes 4. 2 into 1 5. True Duals
Dynotuning
6. Slip-Ons We will have an entire article focusing just on exhaust in a future article, but it’s important to consider what the best fit is for your style of riding and your particular bike. Bigger is NOT always better and simply running open pipes or punching holes in the side with a screwdriver will most likely result in decreased performance from your bike. There is a lot more going on inside your exhaust system then it may appear which we can tackle in the Exhaust article. For this basic discussion we can summarize the issue as balancing high end performance and torque, while still considering fuel economy and of course noise. In most cases, Slip-Ons are an excellent, economical choice for basic performance improvements. Since they retain your stock header pipes while adding improved performance and sound. Your bikes velocity and lower end torque is retained, while increasing flow when compared to the factory mufflers. Longer pipes and 2-1 systems are most likely the best overall
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Short drag pipes
performers covering a wide range of performance needs. Drag pipes and large open pipes have a “cool” look and sound but are definitely designed for larger engines. For a daily rider you will sacrifice the power.
In terms of specific makes and designs there are many good quality manufacturers to consider and it may just come down to your particular preference in look or that of the shop you are using. Rejetting the Carb or Remapping the EFI Now that you’ve modified the air flow in and out of your engine, it’s going to need to do a better job at providing a stable fuel mixture. Your carburetor or EFI will need to be corrected to compensate for how differently the engine now breaths. On carbureted models this means rejetting. This is a simple operation that is relatively inexpensive at most shops or can be done with a little experience (or sense of adventure)
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bikes fuel and ignition curves (mapping) via the Power Commander’s onboard microprocessor. Removing the PC returns the bike to its previous stock condition. Depending upon your riding style you can customize the PC’s map and fine tune the throttle response and peak power of your ride. There are many similar products on the market that you can choose from.
A Dynojet Power Commander
TTS MasterTune System
at home. There are a number of kits available to recalibrate the carburetor.
“The Thunder Max and Power Commander are all well established tools. Our preferred system is the TTS Master Tune System,” advised George Roeder. The TTS Master Tune is designed for more modern bikes (2001-) with Electronic Fuel Injection. The system gives you the ability to tailor the calibration of your bike to your specific needs through software programs that can be run on a laptop computer. The TTS Master Tune System includes an interface that connects the ECM to your computer.
EFI models are another story. Fuel injected models use a preprogrammed Upgraded Ignition map to instruct how much fuel is to be delivered. Since you have changed the This is an optional component way the engine breaths, those instructions An installed dynojet power commander that really only applies to Evo and may not supply the proper stable fuel earlier Harleys – or older other mixture under all conditions. Modern makes. Newer motorcycles, such electronic control modules (especially those on the Twin Cams) as the Twin Cam Harleys feature advanced single fire ignitions use information from system sensors to automatically calculate that are more then sufficient. Older bikes, such as the Evo the engine’s airflow and load. It then determines the correct fuel Harleys, have dual-fire ignitions that can really benefit from the and spark timing. Modern ECM’s have the flexibility to adapt single-fire upgrade. These are also relatively easy upgrades to changing conditions and components on the engine under that offer significant results. a variety of normal running conditions. The ECMs can adapt to small changes in equipment without any re-calibration, but That pretty much gives you a basic overview of Stage One larger changes will require an adjustment. For instance, if a Performance upgrades on your motorcycle. The next step high-flow air cleaner or slip-on mufflers are installed, the ECM is Stage 2 which includes cam upgrades and more internal will adapt to this change. However, if both are installed, the structural modifications of your engine. We will review this ECM should be recalibrated for best results. Granted your bike and go into more detail on some of the other areas covered will still run, but the only way you are going to get the most out today in future Thunder Roads TECH TIPS. of your EFI bike is to have it remapped by a qualified shop. There are simple ways to do this yourself using devices like a Power Commander. Cody Bryson, a performance specialist at Cycle Analysis in Cleveland, point out “a new set of pipes and a Hypercharger can make a solid difference in power, as long as it’s tuned right. If you don’t do it right, you can actually lose power.” Bryson’s recommendation is the Power Commander. “It’s the easiest thing you can do to make a significant difference in just about any bike for less then $500.” The Power Commander (PC), by Dynojet, is a fuel injection and ignition timing (on some bikes) adjustment unit that simply plugs inline with the bike’s stock electronic control unit. The PC installs easily in just a short amount of time, using many of your bike’s original connectors. The PC unit makes changes to the
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numerous other planes. With over a million square feet of exhibit space, the I-X Center in Cleveland is one of the largest convention and exhibition centers in the county; and with that much space you can hold events that just aren’t possible elsewhere. The Piston Power Show is one such show. The I-X Piston Power Show is the largest indoor showcase of cars, bikes, and planes in Ohio – and it’s all under one roof at the I-X Center September 30-October 2, 2011. As the event organizers like to say – if it’s got a piston, it’s in the show! That includes everything from classic cars to vintage war planes and of course – motorcycles. With its expansive hangar doors, The I-X Center is the only facility in the country able to coordinate and move in large planes like B-17’s and other military aircraft. The Piston Power Show takes full advantage of this by featuring both the famous B-17 “Memphis Belle” and a the B-25 “Martha Jean” as well as 40
The “Memphis Belle” is a fully restored B-17 “F” complete with operating top and ball turrets. This exact plane was featured in the 1990 film and is available for attendees to explore. Walk through the cargo hold, take a seat in the gunner’s chair, and experience what it would be like to soar through the skies in this “flying fortress”. The “J” model B-25 “Martha Jean” is a living example of the first aircraft to bomb the Japanese mainland. The plane and its infamous “Doolittle Raiders,” the men who took part in the attack, had a huge impact on American morale for the war. Other planes on display include a P-51D Mustang, a P-40M Kittyhawk, and a Douglas EA-1E “Skyraider” – to name just a few. Of course, while the planes capture our imagination – most of our time is spent “flying” on our two wheeled mounts. The Piston Power Show is all about motorcycles and they have gone to great lengths to ensure that there’s no mistaking that this is an event for the motorcycle community. To get it straight from the Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
top - Thunder Roads caught up with Bill Perrin, the Director of Operations for the I-X Center and Steve Legerski, the I-X Piston Power Show Manager. TRO: Tell us about last year’s event. Bill P: Last year’s show was an awesome event. It was a firsttime show and a late launch at that. It was a true team effort to pull it together. Once the word got out, response was tremendous. We were actually selling spaces for cars until 10:30pm the night before! TRO: Looking back, what was your favorite thing from last year’s show? Bill P: It would have to be the excitement and the look of everything on the show floor. It really all just came together. As I walked the show floor it was amazing to see the amount of attendees on their cell phones calling families and friends telling them that they “had to get down here”
collection of motorcycles, cars, trucks, planes, boats – just about anything with an engine! We even had tractors and heavy construction equipment. And to think that we’ve added even more piston-powered equipment is truly mind boggling and exciting! TRO: I understand that Ohio Bike Week has gotten involved. Steve L: I went to Sandusky this summer and was blown away by the amazing gathering of bikes, bikers, and bands. That event has a LOT of energy and we wanted to capture that and bring it here to the I-X Piston Power Show.” TRO: So we can expect to see more of a focus on motorcycles this year? Bill P: Oh, yeah! We’ve taken the entire South Hall and made it the Ohio Bike Week Motorcycle Pavilion.
TRO: That’s a great feeling, knowing that your attendees are so enthused that they stop and take the time to call people.
Steve L: Working with the Ohio Bike Week folks, we’ve done a lot to make everything biker friendly and provide them with the things they expect to see in Sandusky. Bikes, Babes, Bands and Beers!
Bill P: Yeah, it was exciting. There was such a wide variety of things. I don’t know that anybody had ever seen such a
We even added an entire extra stage for entertainment in the Ohio Bike Week Pavilion.
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TRO: Will we see some of the same entertainment from Bike Week? Steve L: You bet! This summer in Sandusky, I saw the Earthquakers along with thousands of other fans. They were great and Ohio Bike Week has brought them and nationally recognized AC/DC Tribute Band – Thunderstruck to our biker stage! Other favorites from Bike Week and even local bike nights will also be on stage throughout the show. It’s all part of the Ohio Bike Week Motorcycle Pavilion. Bill P: Ohio Bike Week is also going the extra mile for bikers, by picking up the tab for anyone riding their bike to the show. Steve L: That’s right – all motorcycles will be able to park for free, courtesy of Ohio Bike Week. TRO: I’m already hearing a lot about your bike show. Of course, I’m guessing you’re judging more then just bikes. Steve L: This year we are awarding more then $50,000 in cash and trophies across Automobile, Truck, Boat, and even tractors. For just motorcycles, we are awarding $1,000 cash for the Best of Show Bike and $500 for Best Paint. We also
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have trophies and cash being awarded for 16 distinct classes which include vintage, classic, and modern categories for Domestic, European, and Japanese bikes. We also have distinct dirt, drag, and sport bike classes as well. TRO: What does it cost to enter a bike? Steve L: It’s $30 to enter a bike into the show. That includes 2 all-event access passes and an all-event parking pass. You also get a Piston Power keepsake as well. Bill P: For custom builders and shops we also have a special incentive package for the show. If they register at least six bikes – we will discount the price to only $20 each. We will also give them a 20’x20’ display space for not only their bikes, but also a table and anything else they want to exhibit. Steve L: And every bike they bring in is eligible to win part of the $50,000 in cash and prizes that we will be awarding! TRO: How should someone go about registering or finding out more information? Steve L: Registration and all the details are available online at pistonpowershow.com
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M A C R E D N U TH
s t h g i N e Bik Harry Buffalo Painesville
e b u L & k a e t S r e Quak
Ice House
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K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee
MOZZARELLA STUFFED MEATBALLS ON THE GRILL Butter Flavored or Olive Oil Cooking Spray 1 Bag of Italian-Style Meatballs (quality, & thawed) Dry Ingredients: (bottle style works great, but if you’re a stickler for fresh herbs, have at it.) 1/2 tsp. Oregano 1/2 tsp. Basil 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning 1/2 tsp. Parsley 1/2 tsp. Chives 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1/2 Cup of Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 Cup of Liquid Smoke 24 Small Cubes of Fresh Mozzarella Salt & Pepper to Taste Place all your frozen meatballs in a bowl and allow them to thaw thoroughly (apprx. 3 hours). Mix all your dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Get your electric grill (or charcoal; your pref.) going on medium and well heated up. Next, take each meatball and press your finger well into it, but not through it, and put one small cube of fresh Mozzarella cheese pushed to the center of meatball, and then gently keep pulling meat to bring it back together as a ball. Pour your Worcestershire Sauce & Liquid Smoke combined, all over your meatballs in the big bowl and make sure each is wet. Take dry hands and a big pinch at a time, place combined herb mixture in your hands and rub together over the meatballs. This helps wake up the flavor of dry spices. Each time you sprinkle herbs on meatballs, get in there with your hanbds and move the meatballs around until all are well coated with spices. Spray grill with butter spray or Olive Oil spray (your pref) and gently place meatballs on grill. You’ll have to watch carefully and keep turning. Have a big bowl shaped piece of aluminum foil on other side of grill and after you’ve obtained the greal grill marks, transfer meatballs to foil, turn heat way down and just lket them continue to cook on grill. The second you see any cheese oozing out of any single one...they’re done. Heat up a jar of chunky spaghetti sauce as a dip. These are fun to make and taste phenom.!!!
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WARMED POTATO, BACON & SUN-DRIED TOMATOES SALAD 2 Lbs. of Small, Red Potatoes - Leave skins on and quarter them into bite-size pieces Place on stove to over medium heat to got tender, but not mushy. Drain, place in a bowl, sprinkle your bacon pieces all over so potatoes can absorb the flavor, and cover with foil while you make dressing, Dressing: Combine Thoroughly 1 Tbl. Chives (fresh or dry) 1 Tbl. of Top-Quality Olive Oil 1 Tbl. Melted Butter 1 Tbl. Sugar or Splenda Juice from one Lime and Zest also 1 Cup Quality Mayo 1/2 of A Bottle of Sun-Dried Tomatoes- chopped (in any grocery store in canned toms. aisle) 1/2 Cup of Buttermilk 1/2 tsp. Sweet Paprika 1/4 Cup of Grey Poupon (have you any?) 1/2 Lb. of Bacon, fried crisp and chopped into big pieces. 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (when all mixed up if want to add more, than do) * Remember..you can always add more but it’s tough to take back, in the world of cooking. Mix your dressing up well. I just dump all the ingredients into a canning jar and then shake it up really good. Pour your dressing all over warmed potatoes with bacon, and toss gently with a wooden spoon and serve warm. This has the most incredible tastes and serving it warm just enhances those flavors. Ya’ gotta try this one! GRILL ROASTED PEACHES, PEARS, APPLES, PINEAPPLES & MANGO You truly owe it to yourself to at least “try” fruit off the grill. It takes on such a smoky, unique flavor. You can buy just about any fruit out there, pre-cut and ready for the grill. But peaches, pears, apples, mango, melon, pineapple, panko-dipped bananas. SUGGESTED DRIZZLES: Warm Honey or Maple Syrup Softened Quality “Homestyle” Vanilla Ice-Cream Heavy Cream Whipped Up To Be Frothy & Light Warm Ranch-Bacon Dressing w/ Honey Added Reduced Down Sweet Balsamic Dressing Ice-Cold Blue Cheese Dressing (great contrast to the super hot, grilled fruit) Get Creative!
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THUNDERCAM
Bike Nights
Quaker Steak & Lube Columbus
KICKSTANDS Columbus
Scoundrels
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o i h O n r e h t u o S CAM THUNDER
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Photos by Scott McWilliams
BIKINI CONTEST Canton, Ohio
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Biker Friendly Directory
Attorneys Anthony Castelli www.ohiomotorcyclegarage.com 1-800-447-6549 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 Chuck’s Steak House 456 East South St. Akron, OH 44311 (330) 384-8850 The Corner Diner 416 Parks Ave Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 532-1114 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 Harry Buffalo North Olmsted Location 4824 Great Northern Boulevard North Olmsted, OH 44070 (440) 734-4545 Iron Saddle Saloon 137 East South St Akron, OH 44311 (330) 434-3157 54
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 Legend’s Sports Bar & Grille 1064 W. McPherson Hwy Clyde, OH 43410 (419) 547- 7676 Little Bar on the Prairie 400 N. Stone St Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 334-9244 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 Quaker Steak & Lube 5800 Interstate Blvd Austintown, Ohio 44515 (330) 349-9464 7834 Reynolds Rd Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 954-9464
6073 Dressler Rd, NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 433-9464
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
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
Rider Insurance 1-800-595-6393 www.rider.com
(440) 967-3724
Scotty’s 6224 East Livingston Ave Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 (614) 755-9407
RJ Smith & Associates 18850 E. Bagley Rd Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (800) 886-0305
Scoundrel’s 826 Front Street Berea, Ohio 44017 (440) 234-3455
Smith Insurance Services, Inc 4942 Reed Rd Columbus, OH 43220 (888) 644-2232
Skelly’s Bar & Grill 37825 Vine St Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 942-9557
Taylor Insurance 3982 St. Rt. 43 Kent, Ohio 44240 (800) 211-6723
Skully’s 1151 N. High St Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 291-8856
Lodging
Snuffy’s Reloaded 1313 St. Rt. 6 Bradner, OH 43406 (419) 288-1718
Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive Columbus, OH 43232 877-33-SPLASH
Stringz n’ Wingz 9244 Market Square Streetsboro, OH 44241 (330) 422-3473
Parts & Accessories
Bike (& Cage) Washes Wet Willy’s 21813 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146
Gym & Fitness Centers King’s Gym 24775 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-KING
Bear’s Vintage MetalWorks 408 West Main St Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 297-7755 EC Customs (937) 623-5597 www.ecccyclefab.com
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Biker Friendly Directory
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
Championship Powersports Authorized Honda, KTM, Bombardier and Ski-Doo Dealer. 7755 State Route 108 Wauseon, OH 43567-9246 (419) 335-8600 Crazy 8 Motorcycles 416 N. 2nd St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-0225
911 Clothing 5011 Brookpark Rd Cleveland, OH 44134 (216) 398-7088
Honda of Marysville 640 Coleman’s Crossing Blvd Marysville, OH 43040 (866) 645-4080
Cycle Leather 9156 SR 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 (888) 827-5562
Integrity Cyles 156 Dering Ave Columbus, OH 43207 (800) 969-2005
Erie Street Leather 416 Erie Street N Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 833-2672
John’s Trailer Sales 2229 Tremainsville Rd Toledo, OH 43613 (419) 471-1175
Granny’s 2443 S. 5th St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-9463
Lima Harley-Davidson 3255 Fort Shawnee Industrial Dr. Lima, OH 45806 (419) 331-3027
Military Pride 29348 Euclid Ave Wickliffe, OH 44092 (440) 944-5180
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
Sales
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
South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, Oh 44146 (440) 439-5300
Wylde Rydes Inc. 4704 State Rd Cleveland, OH 44109 (216) 741-03701
Toledo Harley-Davidson 7960 W. Central Ave Toledo, OH 43617 (419) 843-7892
Scottsdale Interstate Transport (330) 206-0650 Truckyourtoys.com
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 DL’s Custom Cycle 61 County Rd 15 South Point, OH 45680 (740) 377-2940 Don’s Garage 8625 Harrison Pike Cleves, Ohio 45002 (513) 353-1446
Motorcycle Maxx 5838 Columbus Blvd Lewis Center, OH 43035 (614) 883-5800
Iron City Choppers 1119 ½ 3rd St. Ironton, OH 45638 (740) 534-9487
Napoleon HarleyDavidson 862 County Rd R3 Napoleon, OH 43545 (419) 592-7123
Roeder Racing & Service 3684 U.S Rt. 20 Monroeville, OH 44847 (419) 465-2247
Signature HarleyDavidson 1176 Professional Dr Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419) 873-2453
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Twin Visions 4520 Alum Creek Dr Columbus, OH 43207 (614) 409-1060
Transport
Tattoo Shops 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 Pain & Pleasure Tattoo 6015 Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-0069 Stained Skin 1255 N. High St Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 297-SKIN Sudden Urge Tattoos 9360 Mentor Ave Mentor, Ohio 44060 (440) 368-3529
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Market your business to local bikers here. Call 440-785-7331 for more info. or email ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com
MARKETPLACE
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A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop. The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage “Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?” The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his ha nds on a rag and said, “So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?” The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic. “Try doing it with the engine running.”
Three Bikers, a Honda Rider, a BMW Rider and a Harley Rider were sitting in a sauna. Suddenly, there was a continuing beeping sound.
Here’s a truly heart-warming story about the bond formed between a little
The others raised their eyebrows and stared at him.
4-year-old girl and some construction workers that will make you believe
The Harley Rider finally declared… “Well, will you look at that, I’m getting a fax!”
that we all can make a difference when we give a child the gift of our time.
The Honda Rider pressed his forearm and the beeping stopped. The others looked at him questioningly. “That was my pager, “he said, “I have a micro chip under the skin of my arm.” A few minutes later a phone rang. The BMW Rider lifted his palm to his ear. When he finished he explained, “That was my mobile phone. I have a micro chip in my hand.” The Harley Rider felt decidedly low tech. Not to be outdone, he decided he had to do something just as impressive. He stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom. He returned with a piece of toilet paper hanging from his butt.
A young family moved into a house, next to a vacant lot. One day, a construction crew turned up to start building a house on the empty lot. The young family’s 4-year-old daughter naturally took an interest in all the activity going on next door and spent much of each day observing the workers. Eventually the construction crew, all of them “gems-in-the-rough,” more or less, adopted her as a kind of project mascot. They chatted with her, let her sit with them while they had coffee and lunch breaks, and gave her 20 little jobs to do here and there to make her feel important. At the end of the first week, they even presented her with a pay envelope containing ten dollars. The little girl took this home to her mother who suggested that she take her ten dollars “pay” she’d received to the bank
Once upon a time there was a frog that lived in a lake all by himself. A local witch had given him special powers. One day he finally ventured out of the lake to get his first glimpse of the world outside. The first thing he saw was a bear chasing a rabbit and so he called out to them and asked them to stop. Then he said to them: “I am a magical frog and since you are the first two animals I have ever seen, I am going to grant you both three wishes. You will each take turns using them and you have to use them now.” The bear (being greedy) went first. I would like for every bear in this forest to be female except for me.” A magical sound and it was done. Then the rabbit, “I would like a helmet.” This confused both the frog and the bear, but after a
the next day to start a savings account.
magical sound there was a helmet. It was the bear’s turn again. “I would like
When the girl and her mom got to the bank, the teller was equally impressed and asked the little girl how she had come by her very own pay check at such a young age. The little girl proudly replied,
for every bear in the neighboring forest to be female.” A magical sound and
“I worked last week with a real construction crew building the new house next door to us.”
it was done. The rabbit went again. “I would like a motorcycle.” Both the frog and the bear wondered why the rabbit didn’t just ask for a lot of money with which he could buy himself a motorcycle, but after a magical sound there was
“Oh my goodness gracious,” said the teller, “and will you be working on the house again this week, too?”
a motorcycle. The bear took his last wish. “I would like for all the bears in
The little girl replied, “I will, if those a$$%@% at Home Depot ever deliver the *%@%)in’ sheet rock...”
rabbit then put on his helmet, started up the motorcycle, and said, “I wish the
Kind of brings a tear to the eye - doesn’t it? Thunder Roads® Magazine ohio
the world to be female except for me.” A magical sound and it was done. The bear was gay” and took off like a bat out of hell. 61
CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS
Ohio Clubs, Organizations & Associations Motorcycle themed clubs and organizations are invited to list themselves and their contact information here for $60 annually. This is a great way to promote your group and the activities that you host. Listed organizations are encouraged to share event information, pictures, and news on the club at no additional charge. Thunder Roads Ohio reserves the right to limit this due to space restrictions. For more information, email: thunderroadsohio@gmail.com ABATE OF OHIO, INC (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rights, improving the image, and promoting safe operating practices of Ohio Motorcyclists. www.abate.com (614) 319-3644 Email: sales@abate.com ALL AMERICAN INDIAN M/C Since 1965 www.allamericanindianmotorcycleclub.com Contact: Paul Clement 440-647-3723 paulteri@aol.com ARMED FORCES M/C The Armed Forces of America MC (AFMC) is a national organization with chapters throughout the United States. We are the second oldest 100% military MC in the USA comprised of active duty, reserve, retired, and honorably discharged veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces of America. We share a brotherhood of both service to our country and in the wind North Ohio Chapter www.afmcsoh.com South Ohio Chapter www.afmscooh.com afmc@afmcsooh.com ARMOR BEARERS M/C To Spread the Gospel to All Bikers www.armorbearersmc.com John (Preacherman) Harris johnjrharris@yahoo.com AXEMEN M/C Fundraising and active support for brothers in need. Axemenmc.org Central Ohio Chapter Meetings 3rd Wednesday of Every Month Rocky Lawrence, President rlfire23@hotmail.com BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE (BACA) We are an Organization of Bikers working to protect children from the horrors of child abuse by lending them support and friendship, and giving them a family they can count on. We are a non-political, nondenominational organization. Central Ohio Chapter Meetings @ 2pm 3rd Sunday of Each Month (614)271-7478 Contact: RED-President cenohbaca@gmail.com BLUE KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT M/C A non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles. Contact: Bob Flanagan- President (207) 947-4600 www.blueknights.org BROTHERS IN BLUE Brothers In Blue is a non-profit organization formed to bring Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMS together who share the common interest in motorcycles. we are open to guys with motorcycles of 750cc and up of any kind. www.brothersinblue.org CATHOLIC CROSS BEARERS M/M To bring the love of Jesus to the streets and to those imprisoned. An International Organization. www.catholiccrossbearersmm.com Eric Wardrum – National President / Founder catholiccrossbearersmm@gmail.com 62
CHELLE’S ANGELS Promote sisterhood and camaraderie among women motorcycle riders through participation in club rides and activities, shared goals and monthly meetings. Serving South Central Ohio Chelles-angels.tripod.com Contact: Michelle Storts 740-503-5456 chelles-angels@hotmail.com CHROME DIVAS Our Mission Statement: Through the diverse sisterhood of the Chrome Divas, our mission is to build a positive image of women motorcyclists and enthusiasts; promote motorcycle safety; elevate consciousness of automobile drivers; create awareness of women and children’s issues while giving back to our communities but most importantly, to ride and have fun! National Organization with multiple chapters in Ohio. www.chromedivas.com
Cincinatti Chapter Supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure! Email: socialbutterflyns@yahoo.com
Columbus Chapter Focuses on raising funds for The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Email: chromediva_vixen@yahoo.com Facebook: Columbus.chromedivas
Darby Creek Chapter Email: chromediva_wildthang@yahoo.com
Dayton Chapter Email: silvers81@yahoo.com Xenia Chapter Xenia Chrome Divas are commited to helping people affected by domestic violence,sexual assualt, and child abuse. Email: chromedivareaper@gmail.com Facebook: xeniachromedivas CLASSIC BRITISH M/C of CINCINNATI Dedicated to the riding, preservation, and enjoyment of British motorcycles past and present. www.cincybritishbikes.com Contact: FOLEYBR2@insightbb.com COMBAT VETERANS ASSOCIATION Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms. http://oh.combatvet.org Contact: Ohio State Representative jansokolnicki@att.net COPPERHEADS LE/ MC An association of law enforcement and military riders. Cleveland Region Steve Pumba MrPig4u@aol.com FREEMASONS RIDING CLUB The Freemasons Riding Club is an association founded and designed specifically to introduce motorcycling Freemasons to one another. We are comprised entirely of Freemasons with a love for freedom that is only found on two wheels – in the wind. We find our best place working in our communities and supporting various causes and charities, especially while riding with our Brothers. www.freemasonsrc.org fmrc@comcast.net INDIAN 4 CLUB The Club is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the Indian Four Cylinder Motorcycle and all other American-made 4 cylinder motorcycles no longer being produced. Since 1961 www.indian4club.org Contact: Beverly Corsmeir –Treasurer Beverly.Corsmeier@cbws.com Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
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EVENTS
Upcoming Events All events are listed as per the information submitted to Thunder Roads Ohio. TRO is not responsible for inaccuracies or the specifics of the information provided. If you would like your event listed, please email details and your contact information to: ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com
September 3, 2011 Booty Run Poker Run Sponsored by Abate Shaffer Shack Batavia, OH Registration 10:30 am $15/rider or $25 w/ passenger Call (513) 410-1930 for more info.
September 1-5, 2011 Chillicothe Ohio Easy Rider Rodeo Ross County Fairgrounds Chillicothe, Ohio 46501 www.easyridersevents.com
September 7, 2011 Riding Thunder Bike Night The Barn Toledo, OH 6-9 pm Call (419) 842-8081 for more info.
September 3, 2011 3rd Annual Ride For Pride CPL Keith Nepsa Benefit 9am-12 Lehman’s Big Open Rd Dover, OH
September 10, 2011 Hilliard American Legion Poker Run American Legion Post 614 Hilliard, OH Registration @ 9 am Call (614) 876-4238 for more info. September 10, 2011 March Of Dimes Bikers For Babies Coney Island Cincinnati, OH $20/ rider and $10/passenger Contact Kara Kasee for more info: (513) 769-3588 September 10, 2011 Susie McElroy Benefit & Poker Run VFW Byesville, OH $15/rider or $20 w/ passenger Call (740) 685-9786 for more info.
BIKE NIGHTS
September 3, 2011 Annual Bill Stose Memorial Run Johnny A’s Grill & Spirits Delphos, OH 11 am $10/rider or $15/ with passenger Call 419-692-7414 for more info.
September 8th - 11th, 2011 “NEVER FORGET 9/11” Tenth Anniversary South East Harley-Davidson Bedford Heights, OH Four Day Ride to Shanksville, Washington D.C. and New York City Email kiksharley@aol.com Call (440) 439-5300 for more info.
September 10, 2011 3rd Annual Fall Rider Roundup American Legion Post #447 Plymouth, OH Registration @ 9 am $20/rider or $30 w/ passenger Call (419) 577-0246 for more info.
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September 11, 2011 Defiance Fire Fighters Poker Run to Benefit MDA Defiance, Ohio Call (734) 416-7076 for more info. September 11, 2011 American Legion Riders Annual Poker Run American Legion Wapakoneta, OH Registration @ 11 am. $10/person Call (419) 230-5514 for more info. September 17, 2011 Cody Brown Memorial Ride Toledo Harley-Davidson Toledo, OH Call Sara Shiels for more info. (419) 843-7892 x217
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September 17, 2011 Remembering Wojo 2nd Annual Scholarship Ride Cincinnati, OH American Legion Post 72 Registration @ 10 am/ Kickstands up @ noon $20/rider & $5/passenger Contact Susan Kroner for more info. (513) 919-5528
Englewood, OH 135 miler ride Registration @ 10:30 am $25/rider $5/passenger Call (937) 776-1108 for more info.
September 17, 2011 Tom’s Run Poker Run Memorial Run benefits the consumers of Vinton Industries and Vinton County DD McArthur SuperValu St RT 93 S McArthur , OH Registration begins at 10:30am last bike out at 1pm $10/ per hand Contact Craig for More Info rhsumages@gmail.com (740) 596 2249
September 23- 25, 2011 Toledo HD Open House & Thunder Bike Giveaway Party Toledo Harley-Davidson Toledo, OH Contact Sara Shiels for more info. (419) 843-7892 x217
September 17, 2011 Cruise for a Cure Making Strides against Breast Cancer of Dayton Kroger Marketplace
EVENTS
September 10, 2011 Lungapalooza Mainstay Rockbar Cincinnati, OH 8pm www.riseandriseagainfoundation.com
September 18, 2011 March of Dimes Bikers for Babies Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 769-3588
September 24, 2011 11th Annual Marge B. Welfle Teddy Bear Run Mad River Harley-Davidson Sandusky, OH $10/person or 2 Teddy Bears Registration 7:30 am-9 am www.RoederRacing.com for more info.
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Upcoming Events September 24, 2011 Horsepower for Horses River Ride Pride Leather Company Grand Rapids, OH Registration @ 9 am $15/rider or $20 w/ passenger Call (419) 832-7433 for more info September 25, 2011 Abate of Ohio Region 3 Toy Run Allen County Fairgrounds Lima, OH Registration @ 10 am September 25, 2011 5th Annual Helping Hands Charity Ride Quaker Steak & Lube Columbus, OH Registration @ 10am September 28-October 1, 2011 Bikes, Blues, & BBQ Motorcycle Rally Fayetville, Arkansas www.bikesbluesandbbq.org (479) 527-9993
September 29-October 2, 2011 Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally Panama City Beach, Florida thunderbeachproductions.com October 1, 2011 Pink & Chrome Ride for the Cure Thomas Cloud Park Huber Heights, OH Registration @ 11am $15/person Call (937) 431-0380 October 1, 2011 Annual Toy Run Marion Area Harley Riders Association Ohio Family Moose Lodge Registration @ 10 am $10/person For More Info Check out “Marion Area Harley Riders” on Facebook October 1, 2011 Vampire Biker Ball Yankee Lake Ballroom Brookfield, OH $5 Admission Doors Open @ 5pm Call (330) 718-7907 For More Information
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
October 8-10, 2011 3rd Annual Flying Horse Ride An escorted ride from the AMA Museum in Pickerington, Ohio to Gettysburg, PA. Benefits children with serious illness. Contact Flying Horse Farms for more information: (614) 505-6161 www.flyinghorsefarms.org October 13-16, 2011 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach, Florida Motorcycle transportation available from Scottsdale Interstate Transport (330) 206-0650 October 14-16, 2011 Biketoberfeast Ohio Biker Medical Clinic Lexington, OH $20/ couple by October 1st Call (419) 610-1027 for more info
News Bytes
PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS REPEAL OF KIDS’ MOTORCYCLE BAN President Barack Obama signed a bipartisan consumer safety bill on August 12 that exempts youth-sized motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 that bans children’s products that contain lead. H.R. 2715, introduced by U.S. Representatives Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), passed near-unanimously in the House 421-2 on Aug. 1 and was approved by unanimous consent by the Senate later that day. The measure excludes kids’ off-road vehicles from the overly-broad CPSIA lead certification rules, which previously prohibited their sale due to lead content of components such as batteries and brakes. “This law is a win-win for American consumers and the American economy,” said Congresswoman Bono Mack, “and I thank the President for signing this critically important bill into law.” Be sure to contact your federal legislators and thank them for rectifying the onerous “Lead Law” bike ban, and for supporting the rights of millions of off-road enthusiasts and future motorcyclists.
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October 8, 2011 Ohio Rider’s Chili Cookoff Roadhouse 66 Columbus, OH 12pm-5pm
NHTSA (AGAIN) PUSHES HELMET LAWS NHTSA Administrator David Strickland has testified once again before a Congressional committee urging federal action to get motorcyclists to wear helmets. On July 27, during a reauthorization hearing on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Strickland told a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation that “the most important step we can take to reduce the deaths of motorcyclists on our roads and highways is to assure that all riders wear a DOT compliant helmet.” He further stated that, “A grant program emphasizing the use of motorcycle helmets would be effective in reducing fatalities.” Last year, in response to Congressional testimony from Strickland that increased helmet use is the core component of NHTSA’s motorcycle safety plan, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced a resolution urging NHTSA to concentrate on motorcycle crash prevention and rider education instead of lobbying for helmet laws. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.” Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755), French philosopher and political thinker Thunder Roads® Magazine OHIO
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