Thunder Roads Ohio April 2016 by Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine

It’s the ride that matters.

When the sun meets the horizon and there’s nothing in front of you except the open road. That’s the only way to live. Get GEICO Motorcycle insurance today.

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4679 Great Northern Blvd North Olmsted, OH 44070 440-777-7272

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MAIN OFFICE: 12467 Kinsman Rd, Burton, OH 44021 • (440) 273-9000 • (440) 425-0314 fax RETAIL STORE & OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday • 10am - 4pm PUBLISHER & EDITOR Derek Armstrong Smith • ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com • (440) 785-7331 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amber K. Smith • Events.ThunderRoads@gmail.com • 440-678-8608 SALES & MARKETING Iron Cowboy Productions, LLC • info.ironcowboy@gmail.com • (440) 678-8608 LAYOUT & DESIGN Bob Mazur • Bobmazurphoto.com SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THUNDER ROADS OHIO are available for $34.95. Check or Money Order, payable to Iron Cowboy Productions, can be sent to: Iron Cowboy Productions 12467 Kinsman Rd, Burton, OH 44021 You can also order online - www.ThunderRoadsOhio.com To update your address or other questions, email: Acct.TRO@gmail.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER April is upon us and the first of the outdoor events and seasonal Bike Nights are starting to appear! Despite enjoying the mildest winter in several decades, everyone still has cabin fever and is looking forward to covering miles this summer. April really is a month of transition and preparation as we move from winter shows to preparing for the summer season. As I write this, we have just wrapped up the “winter bike show season” with the I-X Piston Power Show. This was an apt finale for us as we awarded the International Master Bike Builder Association National Championship Ring right here in Cleveland. This is something that we’ve been work towards for years, and it was really something to see it all come together. Some of the most celebrated bikes we’ve seen this past year were all brought together and just one was awarded the Championship Ring. The ring itself was an achievement, perfectly symbolizing the quality and craftsmanship found in the bikes competing. My thanks to Lenny, from Vivid Jewelers, for creating a masterpiece that truly captured the spirit of the event. The show has served as an exciting springboard as we head into the final stretch of preparing for what will certainly be one of our busiest seasons ever. We’ve formalized many of our event appearances into what we are billing as our 2016 Thunder Tour – a tour of recommended events and locations all across the Midwest. We will be hitting many of our traditional favorites – such as Thunder on the Strip, Margaritaville, and of course – Ohio Bike Week. We’ve also added new stops as well, such as Rip Rap Roadhouse in Dayton and the Lima ½ Mile Races. We’ve incorporated many of these events and stops into the 2016 Buckeye Thunder Run which now includes over 20,000 active registered riders! The Thunder Run kicks off in May, so April is our final month of setting stops before we launch. We add additional stops and events throughout the summer, but many want to run through the entire season. With each stop being recommended by our readers and vetted by our editors – a lot of work goes into finalizing these stops. They aren’t simply given out to anyone writing us a check, because we are essentially vouching for every location that’s a stop on our run. You’re going there because we’ve recommended them – and we take that seriously. With everything we do, we aim to serve you the rider. Sure that sounds like a sales pitch, but it really is part of our core mission. We aim to serve the riding community and support the local rider. Regardless of who they are and what they ride, we want to actively promote our sport and ensure its future. That’s only accomplished by keeping an eye on what’s important – and that’s you the rider. We strive every day to deliver you the finest possible riding magazine. It’s through this commitment that we’ve grown and achieved the success that we have, through your support. For this, we thank you.

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Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 email: thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com 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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Derek Smith, Publisher - Thunder Roads Ohio Smith.Ironcowboy@gmail.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

TRO SUMMER PREVIEW

TRO PRESENTS A CHAMPIONSHIP RING IN CLEVELAND

BIKE FEATURE: ONE MORE TIME

CUSTOM VICTORY

DEPARTMENTS 04

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ROAD TALES

AMA REPORT: Dirt Track Racing

ABATE OF OHIO

OPERATION GUIDED VALOR

CMA REPORT

KENNEDY STYLE

SHOP TALK WITH WALT

CALENDAR FEATURE

BUCKEYE FIREARMS REPORT

TRO NETWORK: Where to get the mags!

SERVICE SPECIALISTS

MARKETPLACE

UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS

RECIPES

WORD SEARCH

FUNNY STUFF

SPONSOR INDEX

ADVENTURE TRO

ON THE COVER: Cole Rogers, from 138 Cycle Fabrication (www.138cyclefabrication), took home both the Best of Show Award for his 03’ Sportster and 1st Place in the ProBuilder Class for his 75’ Sportster “Salvador” at the Piston Power Show in Cleveland. THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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As Told By

THE IRON COWBOY

Second-Annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis Announced. Call for Open Nominations through “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” Full Vision Productions has announced that the second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) will be hosted in summer 2016 and a new nomination program, “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime,” has been added. Starting in Los Angeles, California on July 30, the nine-day ride to Sturgis, SD will provide twenty veterans a chance to use motorcycle therapy as a way to decompress from the challenges of post-war life. VCR 2016 will give 15 ambulatory and five amputee/disabled veterans of various military branches – the majority of whom are post9/11 vets – the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges on the open road. Riding from Los Angeles to Sturgis, the veterans travel through the most scenic back roads of the western United States on the latest Indian® Motorcycle models, some with Champion sidecars and custom trikes. They experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, using motorcycles as a mechanism for healing. Along the ride route, the group will stop in small towns to meet with other veterans, supporters and riders, and participate in various adventures, including offroad excursions, and street rallies. Upon arrival in Sturgis, the group is treated to a special “Hero’s Welcome” and have a week-long “ultimate rider” experience, taking part in the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and further solidifying a brother/sisterhood that was formed on the open roads of the Wild West. Founded in 2015 by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy-award winning director Robert Manciero, VCR uses motorcycle therapy to provide a healing and fun experience for a select group of veterans who need support. “Giving veterans an outlet for their stress, and creating a way for them to find emotional balance, is critical,” said ride founder Dave Frey. “As a veteran myself, I’ve used long motorcycle rides for years as a mechanism to decompress. It occurred to me that others would benefit from the power of motorcycle therapy. VCR provides a group of veterans with the benefits of riding, plus a camaraderie and brotherhood that veterans often have difficulty finding on their own.” The challenges for veterans are well documented. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and difficulties with re-assimilation to civilian life are common. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – many who are still young individuals – are facing a major crisis, with an estimated 20 percent of those veterans having PTSD and/ or depression according to a 2014 survey*. Motorcycle therapy is one of several effective therapies for veterans seeking relaxation, peace of mind and enjoyment. In addition to the veterans chosen by the sponsoring team from various organization, the new program “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime”, enables the public to nominate two deserving 8

AMA Hall of Fame Bike Night April 30, 2016 5-8pm veterans to join the ride. People are asked to visit Veterans Charity Ride to nominate their favorite post-9/11 veteran and describe why he or she is deserving of this amazing experience. Two heroes will be chosen to join the group – one rider (motorcycle license and experience required) and one amputee/ disabled veteran (motorcycle license not necessary), who will ride in a donated Champion Sidecar. The online nomination program will run from March 4 through April 15. The two chosen heroes will be announced on Memorial Day, May 30th, More details and nomination forms are available at Veterans Charity Ride. “Champion Sidecars & Trikes is thrilled to participate in this program for a second year. This year, we are providing more vehicles, so more veterans can reap the benefits of motorcycle therapy and everything this great program has to offer. We believe in the power of motorcycle therapy, and are proud to partner with VCR to change and save lives,” said Craig Arrojo, President of Champion Sidecars & Trikes. Back for a second year as primary sponsor is Indian Motorcycle, with additional sponsorship and support provided by Liberty Sport (official eyewear sponsor of VCR), Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab, UT), Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney, and The Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, SD. www.fullvisionproductions.com for more details.

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Join the American Motorcyclist Association as we closeout April as AMA Go Ride! Month and welcome the riding season with an AMA HoF Bike Night! Along with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Open House, there will be live music by local band Contagious Til 4 CT4, a food truck, giveaways and more. Thunder Roads Ohio will be on site hosting a Thunder Run Ride Stop, with special prizes for Card Holders stopping out. FREE ADMISSION TO THE AMA HALL OF FAME! Stop on out and checkout the Hall of Fame. If you’ve never been to this local, nationally recognized landmark- now’s the time!

TRO SCAVENGER HUNT Our winners from March were Mark Kuhl and Joey Newton– each won a Thunder Roads Ohio T-Shirt and full year subscription!

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Royal Enfield: One of the most historic names in motorcycles, seeks to expand in more competitive markets worldwide.

Michael Barnes wins 75th running of Daytona 200 oming out of retirement to make his 13th start in the DAYTONA 200 By C Victory over a 20-year span, Michael Barnes of Boca Raton, Florida won the 75th running of the prestigious motorcycle road race at Daytona

International Speedway, riding a Yamaha 600. At the age of 47, he becomes the oldest winner of the event. Barnes, who had retired after the 2014 season, started second in the 53-rider field. In a dominating performance, he finished 10.084 seconds ahead of fellow Yamaha rider Geoff May, who started on the pole. Wyatt Farris finished third, also on a Yamaha. Barnes was presented with the speedway’s signature champion award – a steel-and-gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch. “I’m kind of speechless and fumbling for words,” said a tearful Barnes during Gatorade Victory Lane ceremonies. “All of the people who helped me … you know who you are. I just can’t thank everybody enough. This one is for quite a few people.” “It’s awesome for him to come out of retirement and put a whuppin’ on all of us,” May said. “‘Barney’ had the pace today; he was getting after it.” John Ashmead of Palm City, Florida set a DAYTONA 200 By Victory record for career miles completed. Ashmead finished 20th in the event on a Kawasaki, running 53 laps, in the process breaking the record previously held by Ricky Orlando. Prior to the race, Ashmead participated in a well-received fan autograph session with two all-time greats: fivetime DAYTONA 200 By Victory champion Scott Russell and three-time champion Dick Klamfoth. “I took it real easy in the beginning of the race, didn’t want to take any chances and fall off or get hit by somebody,” Ashmead said. “[Later] I got on the gas. I had a great ride.” Arthur Kowitz of Ormond Beach, at the age of 66 believed to be the oldest rider in the event’s history, finished 41st on a Yamaha, completing 41 laps. “I did pretty well [although] we had an electrical problem in the middle of the race that stranded me on the backstretch,” Kowitz said. “I had to push the bike back from the chicane to the pickup spot, and that put me back a bit. But when I got back on the bike it didn’t take long to get back in the groove.” NASCAR will return to Daytona International Speedway on June 30-July 2 with another XFINITY Series/Sprint Cup Series weekend doubleheader. On Friday night, July 1, the 15th annual Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola will be held, followed on Saturday night, July 2 by the 58th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.

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The Enfield Cycle Company was originally founded in 1893 and introduced the first Royal Enfield motorcycle to the British in 1901. Amongst their earliest models was the Royal Enfield Bullet, which remains in production today making it the longest-lived motorcycle design in history. In 1955, the Enfield Cycle Company began producing the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet in India through various partners. From 1955 to 1959, Royal Enfields were painted red and marketed in the USA as Indian Motorcycles by the Brockhouse Corporation, who had control of the Indian name at the time. They had shuttered the Springfield factory and had turned to Royal Enfield to produce badged Indians. The largest Enfield ‘Indian’ was a 700cc twin named the Chief. In 1960, however this process stopped, and Royal Enfields were shipped to the US under their own name. In 1965, the Indian Government began ordering Royal Enfield Bullets for their police and army as an effective means of patrolling the country’s border and less developed areas. With these government orders, Royal Enfields became a staple for riders throughout the region. Eventually, British production of the motorcycles ceased in the late 60’s – but the Royal Enfield name has not only endured, but flourished in the “sub-continent”. It’s often regarded as the “HarleyDavidson of India”. In August of 2015, Royal Enfield Motors announced that it was establishing a North American headquarters and dealership in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has since announced its intention to offer three bikes, the Bullet 500, Classic 500 and Continental GT 535 Cafe Racer as they feel this engine size represents an underserved market. The dealership is be Royal Enfield's first company-owned store in the U.S., according to Rod Copes, president of Royal Enfield North America. The company wants looks to establish about 100 dealerships in American cities starting with Milwaukee. Royal Enfield is working on its global brand image with in the foreseeable future an upcoming range of higher performance, highway-worthy motorcycles to be marketed into mature and developed markets. In the USA. Royal Enfield intends to reposition the existing motorcycle models, which are referred to as slower bikes, as city motorcycles. Then, the company will launch a new range of motorcycles worth of highway riding, if not super fast.

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REPORT Want To Race Dirt Track? DTX Rules Make It Easy By Ken Saillant

ne of the most traditional forms of motorcycle competition in the United States, dirt-track racing grew from the age when riders would compete on county fair horse tracks groomed to deliver a hardpacked surface. Riders compete in four different types of events: oval short-track, half-mile and mile tracks, and TT courses, which feature at least one right turn and a jump. Dirt-track bikes include both traditional dirt-trackers (sometimes called “framers” because of their custom-built frames) and DTX bikes, which are converted motocross or off-road motorcycles. Due to the few modifications required off the showroom -- generally, wheels, tires and suspension -- DTX bikes are the most popular models in the discipline today. Each summer, the AMA sanctions the Dirt Track Grand Championship and presents the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award to the most promising rider on the verge of a professional racing career.

AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship Since 1975, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship has pitted top amateur dirt trackers against each other in friendly competition. As the premier amateur dirt-track event in the United States, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship is unmatched in terms of history and prestige. Riders at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship traditionally compete in all types of dirt-track races, with the overall class winners crowned national champions. As with most AMA amateur national championships, and in recognition of the range of participants in amateur competition, the event includes multiple classes to provide ample opportunity for amateur racers to compete. Both agedisplacement- and bike-configuration classes are featured. Grassroots Racing In addition to the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship, the AMA sanctions

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numerous local dirt track events all over the country. Riders converge on these tracks, many of which have been operating for decades, to battle for bragging rights, trophies and pro-am purses. Dirt Track Rules AMA-sanctioned events run according to the rules developed and written by AMA Congress, the rules-making body of the AMA composed of AMA organizers. The AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook is for the exclusive use of AMA-chartered clubs and promoters running AMAsanctioned events. The rulebook applies to all AMAsanctioned competition. Supplemental regulations are additions to the rulebook based on the needs of a specific series. All supplemental regulations are approved by the AMA. Dirt track rules are included in the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook.

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BIKE NIGHT

Open

April 30, 2016 5 to 8 p.m.

Food

13515 Yarmouth Drive • Pickerington, OH 43147 www.MotorcycleMuseum.org THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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REPORT Want to Know More? Go straight. Turn left. It’s so simple, yet so fun—especially with 11 of your fastest friends. Now it’s even easier for more racers to experience the amazing sport of dirt-track racing. DTX rules—“DTX” refers to “dirttrack cross”—allow for a minimum amount of modifications to fresh-off-the-showroom-floor motocross bikes. DTX classes have been around for some time. However, the original rules were written in the 1990s. This was before the four-stroke motocross revolution. Modern rules take into account not only current engine technology, but suspension changes. The most important thing, though, is they reflect the growing interest of off-road and motocross racers in dirt-track racing. The rules are on the right, but, basically, you can now line up and race by simply swapping out your front rim for a 19-inch and spooning on some dirt-track tires. Considering motocross

AMA DTX Rules: An Overview

bikes now come with 19-inch rear tires from the factory, the rear is ready to be fitted with standard dirt-track rubber. (Also—this is a simple, but important one—lose the front brake! Front brakes are only legal for TT competition. This can be as simple as taking off the lever, but it needs to come off. Please don’t forget. One thing I don’t enjoy is disqualifying riders for this basic oversight.) If you want to go to the next level, consider getting your suspension modified for dirt-track racing. However, for most local races, you’ll be just fine with the stock setup. For advice on clicker and sag settings simply talk to some of the more experienced riders in the pits. Here is a summary of the current rules. You’ll notice it closely resembles the rules for other disciplines. If you have any specific questions about how you can get involved in dirt-track racing, on a converted motocross bike or a traditional dirt-tracker, feel free to drop me an e-mail at ksaillant@ama-cycle.org.

This is only a partial list of DTX rules, and just an overview. For the official word, see the AMA Competition Rulebook. To download the full rulebook, see the racing section of www. americanmotorcyclist.com. * To be eligible for a DTX class, the following cannot be changed or modified: airbox, carburetor, (jetting allowed), electronics, complete exhaust, all engine components, body work, intake, swing arm, wheel hubs, triple clamps (including handlebar clamps), frame and subframe. * Engine must be the same year as frame. * Front fender must be OEM or OEM replacement. It may be removed. Number plate may be replaced with traditional DT style plate. * Front brake must be used for TT events but must be disabled or removed for DT events. * Any standard production tire that is available through normal commercial channels will be accepted. Knobby tires are promoter’s option. * For DTX classes that use oil injection systems, only oil may be put in the reservoir. Injection pumps must be working at all times. Pre-mix gasoline is not allowed in the oil injection system or fuel tank. * Violations of the DTX class rules as determined by the protest process or by the event referee will result in disqualification from the event. A second violation of the DTX class rules will warrant a one-year suspension from all AMA-sanctioned competition. A warning or fine may be imposed if the violation is deemed by the meet referee to be cosmetic in nature and/or non-performance enhancing.

Enter for your Chance to Win!

2016 Raffle Bike

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ABATE OF OHIO, INC.

SAFETY REPORT Hi Friends, When you get this article it will be just four weeks till the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. Before that, we have some hard facts to look at. This year has not gotten off to very good start. To start, on the first day of this year we a fatality and there is now one more making 2 fatalities and 61 crashes for 2016, compared to 0 fatalities and 27 crashes for 2015. Yes, the weather has been better than last year but that is no excuse. We need to start out slow and get back in riding shape and have fun. Now back to Motorcycle Awareness month, the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. This year the Rally will be on Saturday, April 30th, one day before Motorcycle Awareness Month begins. We’ll kick it off in great style by shutting down I-71 from Sunbury to downtown Columbus, going to the Statehouse to read proclamations and to get inspired by guest speakers, and let everyone know that we are back out on the Ohio Roads again. (see flier on this page) ABATE of Ohio Inc. has been informing Motorcyclists and Motorists for years that we need to “Educate, not Legislate”. By educating motorists through “Look Twice Save a Life” signs, billboards , truck signs and bumper stickers, we have made a difference. And with Motorcycle Ohio www. motorcycle.ohio.gov/ training motorcyclists to properly ride motorcycles, we are making a difference. In the past five years we have decreased the number of fatalities. A few facts: Motorcycle riders at fault 53%. At fault crashes caused by UNENDORSED rider 45.8%. Crashes involving UNENDORSED riders 42.1%. Motorcycle Ohio trained in crashes 20.2% and Motorcycle Ohio trained at fault crashes 10.2%. We need to get these unendorsed riders trained they will become safer riders. These riders are our friends so help them get signed up today. We are still gathering Motorcycle Awareness Month Proclamations to read on the State House Steps. If you can stop at your Mayors office, Town ship Commissioners office, and even your State Legislators office and ask them to give you a Proclamation. I have samples of letters of introduction and proclamations. Give me a call and I will mail or email to you. Ride within your limits, Mike Stock ABATE of Ohio Inc. Safety and Education Director 419-654-5446 Mikestock419@gmail.com

LEGISLATIVE REPORT This article is being written prior to The State Seminar, but will be published and mailed after the seminar. See next month’s article for details on what took place. I would like to thank Robin Biltz Pickens for all her work on dealing with the hotel on accommodations and for her help in organizing the program. I would also like to thank Mike Stock for his help with the program. Also on the list of thank you is Barb Tittle. She volunteered on getting a keynote speaker this year Thank you to our sponsors, Rod Taylor for sponsoring lunch, ABATE of Ohio Foundation for sponsoring lunch, and Reineke Motors for sponsoring coffee and doughnuts. Thank you to everyone that led a session. Most of all thank you to everyone that attended. I hope the seminar met your expectations. Regards, Scott “Woody” Wood State Government Relations Director ABATE of Ohio, Inc legislativedirector@abate.com 14

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By Keith “Elmo” Tickle, Ohio State President -- U.S. Veterans MC (USVMC)

Caring for our Nation’s Veterans, their Survivors, and dependents continues to be the guiding mission of VA. Under the leadership of Secretary Bob McDonald and Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson, VA has charted a path forward and made significant progress to enhance our health care system, improve service delivery and set the course for long-term reform. So what are the reforms? How about we take a look in specific areas the VA is working in …

Expanding Access To Care

•

Continued Excellence in Service

•

• • •

For the fifth consecutive year, VA’s Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy received the highest customer satisfaction score among the nation’s public and private mail-order pharmacies, according to a J.D. Power study. Since 2004, the independent American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey has shown Veterans give VA health care higher ratings than most private hospital patients. VA trains 120,000 healthcare professionals a year, more than any system in the Nation. An estimated 70% of all U.S. doctors have trained with VA. VA guarantees two million home loans with lowest foreclosure rate/highest satisfaction rate in mortgage lending For the fifth consecutive time, VA’s National Cemetery Administration topped the ACSI survey of customer satisfaction.

Increasing Transparency and Accountability •

•

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began publicly posting patient access data online in June 2014. VA provides this access-to-care information to Veterans and the public knowing that transparency and accountability would help improve care for Veterans over time. In 2014, VA established the Office of Accountability Review (OAR) to ensure leadership accountability for improprieties related to patient scheduling and access to care, whistleblower retaliation, and related matters that impact public trust in VA.  VA has terminated more than 1,495 employees since Secretary McDonald was confirmed on July 29, 2014. (Note: this includes removals and probationary terminations.)  VA has proposed disciplinary action related to data manipulation or patient care against more than 130 employees nationwide. Since June 2014, 91 percent of VA medical facilities have new leaders or leadership teams.

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Nationally, VA completed more than 51.8 million appointments between June 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015. This represents an increase of 2.7 million more appointments than were completed during the same time period in 2013/2014. Average wait time for completed primary care appointments is 4 days, specialty care 5 days, and mental health care 3 days. More Veterans are coming to VA for their care even though 81% have Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance. In Fiscal Year 2014, the Veterans Health Administration activated 80 new leases totaling 1.3 million square feet and activated new owned facilities totaling 420 thousand square feet. Over 1 million appointments are completed per month through doctors and clinics in the community, which represents nearly 20 percent of total appointments.

Reducing the Number of Homeless Veterans •

•

VA, together with federal, state, and local partners, reduced the estimated number of homeless Veterans 33% Through the homeless Veterans initiative, VA committed more than $1 billion in 2014 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among Veterans.

While we recognize these achievements for Veterans, the VA continues to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities for transformation that they bring. To achieve lasting success, the VA must develop a strategy for meeting an increased demand for services and benefits, and for meeting the needs of a changing Veteran population. This includes preparing for the increasing numbers of women Veterans coming to VA for care; looking at the unique needs of post-9/11 Veterans; and using innovative approaches to reach every Veteran who needs services. By focusing on rebuilding trust, putting the Veteran first, and setting the course for longer-term excellence and reform – the VA must continue to improve and better serve our Veterans and the American people. We will continue to watch and until next month; ride safe, and always keep the doors of wisdom open. USVMC is a non-profit 501(c) (19) organization driven to show respect/support for all Veterans who served honorably. USVMC is a proud member of the Ohio Confederation of Clubs (COC). Ohio COC is rich in Veteran support initiatives and can assist with critical Veteran necessities. If you have a Veteran need, please speak to a member of COC or please email elmo.usvmcoh@gmail.com

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CMA

Have the storms become so wild you feel as if you have been thrown overboard and are now in the belly of a “Great Fish”, unable to get out?

Who Else is Affected?

Well listen to this, just as God extended His mercy to Jonah and the Assyrians as recorded in the book of Jonah, God will extend to you His mercy. But what does it take? Just like Jonah and the Assyrians, you must repent. You must ask for God’s forgiveness with sincerity. You must understand that when you ask for His forgiveness, He may ask you to go and do what you initially refused to do. Are you ready to accept that outcome? If so, now is the time to ask for His forgiveness and let that “Great Fish” spit you out onto the shore. And when he does, rejoice in the Lord and go and do what God has called you to do.

Bikers For Change event in Ohio is now posted. For the next 30 days there is a daily Devotional Guide to help attendees continue to draw closer to the Lord. On day 6 the title for the devotional was, “Who Else Is Affected?” The recommended reading for that devotion was the entire book of Jonah which is only four short chapters. As I look at Jonah I feel there are four main themes. 1) The Sovereignty of God; 2) God has a message for all the world; 3) Repentance; 4) Compassion of God. Let’s remember Jonah was a prophet of God yet he tried running away from God and what God had asked him to do. But God was still in control of the stormy sea and the great fish which swallowed Jonah whole without chewing him up. Jonah’s purpose was to preach to Nineveh a great Assyrian city which Jonah hated because Assyria had conquered Israel. See Jonah had not yet learned God’s love was for all the world, including the Assyrians. What happened when this reluctant Prophet obeyed God and went to Nineveh? The Assyrians repented and turned to God. This proved to be a rebuke to the Israelites because they thought they were better than the Assyrians even though the Israelites refused to respond to the message of God themselves. Here’s a key point, God will forgive all those who will turn from their sin. The message of love and forgiveness was not for the Jews only but it was for all peoples of the world. Assyrians did not deserve it but because of Jonah’s obedience to God, they did repent and God extended His mercy to them and spared them. Here’s another key point, God did not reject Jonah for aborting his initial mission. In the devotional for Day 6 it makes this statement, “The story of the prophet of Jonah is very familiar to us. Jonah found himself in a situation like many of us routinely face: He was called by God to do something he didn’t want to do, so he ran.” Hum, what about you? What was your call? What did God ask you to do? Did He ask you to repent? Did He ask you to change your vocation? Did He ask you to forgive that person who offended you? Did He ask you to support financially some ministry or person and you have refused? Did He ask you to be content with what you have? Did He ask you to stay where you are at in your job? Did He ask you to read a certain passage or book and you have refused? Did He ask you not to be a part of an event but you went anyway? Are you running from any of these calls or situations? 18

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Who else is affected? It might be your entire family; it might be your entire co-workers; it might be, as in Jonah’s case, a whole city; but, ultimately, you will be forgiven by God. And that’s a good thing! GR (Jerry) Niver CMA Ohio State Coordinator

Christian Motorcyclists Association COME RIDE WITH US! CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with a nondenominational message of hope and love through Jesus Christ. Enjoy the family atmosphere, make life-long friends, and join an army of people dedicated to changing the world, one heart at a time in the highways and byways. Visit us at www.cmausa.org for more information. Have a message you’d like to share? If you have a message that you’d like to share with riders across Ohio and the Midwest, let us know. TRO welcomes the opportunity to work with established motorcycle ministries. Feel free to share upcoming events with us as well, by emailing information to Events.ThunderRoads@gmail.com

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KENNEDY STYLE

by: Denise Kennedy, TRO

Well another Daytona Bike Week is in the books.

The absolute perfect weather (not a rain cloud in sight all week) and the 75th Anniversary brought out record crowds of all kinds of bikers. Ohio was well represented as on the trip down we passed many Buckeyes along with dozens and dozens of fellow bikers from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ontario and Quebec and states too many to list.

I am a people watcher and the characters that come out never cease to amaze me. From customization to the expression of personal taste there is something for everyone.

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Entertainment was endless from Destination Daytona to New Smyrna Beach. If old school was your preference Molly Hatchet started the week and Charlie Daniels and The Marshall Tucker Band rounded out the last Saturday’s festivities. For those that like hard rocking music Jasmine Cain did not fail to deliver. Main Street Station Garage Bar was jumping with The Living Deads, Saving Abel and Drowning Pool. And the ever popular Razorbacks again packed them in at Bank and Blues. Main Street was an endless stream of bikes and people taking in the sights and sounds that are bike week. And of course the full program at Daytona International Speedway from Supercross to Flat Track to the Daytona 200 had something for every race fan. We made some new friends and met with some old friends enjoying each others stories of Bike Weeks past, shared a few cocktails and promised we would get together down the road somewhere. By my observations the 75th Annual Daytona Bike Week was a success. Hope you had the opportunity to be part of that history. Ride safe...

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PRESENTED BY GEICO INSURANCE & THUNDER ROADS OHIO MAGAZINE Thunder Roads Ohio is proud to announce that this summer; we will once again be hosting the BUCKEYE THUNDER RUN - a state-wide, summer-long riding challenge hitting the coolest riding destinations and events across Ohio, presented by GEICO Insurance! This is a riding challenge like no-other and features great prizes every month that you earn by simply getting out to ride!

The Way it Works

ach month Thunder Roads Ohio will announce a list of Thunder Run Stops each month. These stops are selected based upon the recommendations of our readers and confirmed by our editors. ALL STOPS have been screened by our Editors and are places we feel comfortable recommending to you. We never simply add a stop because they are willing to write a check. Riders can then hit these locations and present their Rider Cards in order to register at each stop. Once a Rider has registered at the stop - their Card number is then entered into the drawing for that stop. Thunder Roads will then select rider checksin’s randomly each month from across the state for special prizes and incentives. Extra “check-in’s” are awarded for ride stops more then 100 miles from home. Prizes are developed by both Thunder Roads and our sponsors - allowing for some exciting options. They may include stays at exciting locations, riding gear or accessories, gift certificates, cash, rally passes, concert tickets, and even the opportunity to win factory and custom motorcycles! The beauty and simplicity of this program is that anyone can win with any check-in, but your chances of winning are increased by the amount you ride! The dedicated rider treking across the state has a greater chance of accumulating prizes - but the couple that can only get out a few days a month to ride can also win! Every check-in counts as an entry in the “drawing” - so if you hit 40 stops in a month, you have twice as many chances of winning as someone that only hits 20. The more you ride - the more opportunities you will have to win! That’s the whole idea - to encourage everyone to get out and ride!

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State and Stop Prizes

very month the TRO staff will randomly select winners from the check-ins. Some prizes will be specific to the particular stop - and usually sponsored by that stop. For instance, a leather shop may award a custom leather vest to someone visiting their store during the month of June. That would be a prize specific to that stop and only riders checking in at that location would be eligible for that prize. Other prizes will be state wide, with everyone checking in at any location eligible to win!

The Winners

f your check-in is drawn, Thunder Roads will post your card number both online and in the magazine. Riders will then have at least 45 days to “claim” their prizes. For state-wide prizes, winners will often have the opportunity to select from a number of prize options. For instance, a rider might have the option of winning an Ohio Bike Week Rally Package that includes accommodations and extras for attending North Coast Thunder Rally. If that rider isn’t able to take advantage of that prize - they might opt for a Premium Leather Jacket instead. • Riders are able to win multiple prizes - based upon the drawing of their check-in’s. • Some prize drawings are specific to only check-in’s for the particular month - while others prizes are drawn from check-in’s all season long. • ALL CHECK-IN’s remain in the system for end of the season prizes! • Riders are able to check-in once a week at a stop (Monday-Sunday), for a maximum of 4 check-in’s per month (not counting bonuses). In 2015, riders had the chance to win 4 different motorcycles, Sturgis Rally Packages, hundreds of tickets to concerts and some of the most exciting motorcycle events in the state, and countless other great prizes! 2016 WILL BE EVEN BIGGER with MORE PRIZES, MORE RIDERS, and EVEN MORE EVENTS!

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BONUS Check-in´s!

he 2016 Buckeye Thunder Run is supported by our sponsors, so we want to encourage everyone to support them in turn. For that reason, we will issue a BONUS CHECK-IN to riders spending $10 or more at the stop. The bonus criteria may be adjusted at some stops to accommodate riders on particulars of that stop. Specifics of each stop will be listed each month in Thunder Roads as part of the Stop Listing. It’s really that simple!

hosting the run as simply a means of supporting the magazine, but as a fun way to promote partners and cool destinations all across the state. This is not simply a “Chinese fire drill” or mad-dash across the state. This is a Ride program. It is meant to be a means for readers to discover new riding destinations and enjoy the ride there. In fact, we have designed the program to encourage folks to break out of their local routes and trek to the furthest corners of the state.

1. Get your Ohio Ride Card. 2. Get the list of stops each month from your Thunder Roads Magazine, the website (ThunderRoadsOhio.com), or Facebook. 3. Ride out to these stops and show them your card. 4. And then you win cool prizes, including cold hard CASH! The first step will be for riders to register for their Thunder Roads Ohio Ride Cards. A number of select locations will serve as Registration Centers. Riders can easily register at these points – free of charge. They will then receive their Ride Cards.

You can request a Ride Card through our website!

ou can now go online and register for your Thunder Run Ride Card through our website – www.ThunderRoadsOhio. com. Simply head to the TRO Online Store and order your Ride Card. There is a $5 convenience fee for this option – but ALL PROCEEDS are applied to our Warrior Fund, sponsoring charitable motorcycle events and organizations across Ohio. PLEASE NOTE - You can still use your previous Ride Cards. All Ride Card registrations carry over, however you are welcome to pick up a new shiny one if you’d like. Thunder Roads will also be registering riders for Ride Cards at specific events throughout the year as we distribute magazines. Key events, such as Ohio Bike Week or Bike Nights will have special booths for Ride Card registrations. In most cases, we will be offering special incentives both for those registering for the cards and those checking in with their previously issued cards at these stops. Thunder Roads will also be working with charities and various non-profit events to include them in the Run schedule as well. This will be an easy means of encouraging participation and attracting riders from outside the local communities. In many cases, we will have specific prize drawings for those at these events.

Just Get Out and RIDE! One of the really exciting aspects of the program is that the Buckeye Thunder Run can be modified and added to throughout the summer – if not the entire year. We will be adding and dropping stops each month. Readers will be able to nominate stops, we’ll investigate them, and if we agree that it’s a suitable stop – they’ll be invited to join the run. Some stops will only run a few months – and possibly not consecutive. A cool winery in Geneva might be a stop early in the season, and then we bring them back during the harvest season! We can also modify the run if it turns out that something just isn’t working. We want to keep things exciting for you – the readers and riders on the run. We’re bikers and it’s all about the ride. We want to help create fun experiences for you and share some cool spots in our state. And we want to discover new spots as well, which is why we are encouraging everyone to nominate their favorite riding destinations. Again this is not simply a sales tool for us or meant to subsidize the magazine! We have designed this run to entertain and challenge our readers – as well as promote our partners.

The Ride Cards will allow participants to easily and safely check in at all stops. Some Thunder Roads Sponsors will also be offering discounts to readers that present the cards. Thunder Roads will be listing special discounts and offers in the magazine throughout the year as an added value to readers and means of encouraging our partners to offer these extra savings. PLEASE NOTE: Once you have received your OHIO RIDE CARD, you will not be asked to provide personal information or emails at any location for check-in. You simply enter your ride card number! One key aspect of the BTR is that we will be limiting the number of stops to a reasonable amount each month. We are NOT simply adding anyone willing to write a check. We will be considering stops recommended by our readers and editors, and we will only select those that offer a legitimate interest to riders – making them worth the ride to visit. We are not THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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One of the really exciting aspects of the program is that the Buckeye Thunder Run can be modified and added to throughout the summer – if not the entire year. We will be adding and dropping stops each month. Readers will be able to nominate stops, we’ll investigate them, and if we agree that it’s a suitable stop – they’ll be invited to join the run. Some stops will only run a few months – and possibly not consecutive. A cool winery in Geneva might be a stop early in the season, and then we bring them back during the harvest season! We can also modify the run if it turns out that something just isn’t working. We want to keep things exciting for you – the readers and riders on the run. We’re bikers and it’s all about the ride. We want to help create fun experiences for you and share some cool spots in our state. And we want to discover new spots as well, which is why we are encouraging everyone to nominate their favorite riding destinations. Again this is not simply a sales tool for us or meant to subsidize the magazine! We have designed this run to entertain and challenge our readers – as well as promote our partners. As with the magazine itself, the Buckeye Thunder Run is presented through the support of our sponsors and partners all across the state. We have secured several key sponsorships already, but opportunities remain. If your business would like to get involved, this is a great way to promote yourself all across the state in a positive manner. Even if your organization is not a riding destination you might become a sponsor for the tremendous promotional value it offers through the constant media attention it will receive. Obviously this will be a heavy focus within the magazine but we are also working with radio and other media outlets to help spread awareness of the run. Sponsors are able to tap into this network and enjoy great exposure. We also have a number of unique opportunities for branding - including being featured on contest motorcycles, jackets, shirts, and other opportunities. The exact number and nature of these options will be determined as details are finalized and as the promotion develops over the summer. Sponsors will ALWAYS have first priority in these placements. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to team up with Thunder Roads to help promote various charity events across the state. The Buckeye Thunder Run is a great vehicle to help promote non-profit events in communities all across the state. With the support of regional and state-wide sponsors – Thunder Roads can help promote these community events to a larger audience. Thunder Roads is involved in countless charitable events all across the state already – but with the support of our sponsors, we will be able to assist even more. Partners can assist in the sponsorship of specific events, areas of concern (such as breast cancer, child abuse, or animal shelters), or other specific areas. For more information on sponsorship, please email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com Of course one of the key components in this whole program, second only to the riders themselves, is the stops. The Thunder Roads team has spent a lot of time collecting nominations and researching stops for the Run; but there are undoubtedly plenty of more stops out there. If you have a venue or event that you would like to get involved in the run, please don’t hesitate to let us know about it. If it’s your place, we will get in touch shortly with more information on the run and what’s involved. If you are recommending a spot for someone else – we will reach out to them and let them know they have been nominated. If you can suggest a contact person, that can help expedite the process. You can send information to BuckeyeThunderRun@gmail.com or call 440-678-8608.

The RIDE kicks off in MAY!

Pick up your card this winter at local shows or stops and get ready for a great summer! As we mentioned, this is a dynamic event – intended to be tweaked and developed over time. If you have ideas, suggestions, or concerns – please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can email us at BuckeyeThunderRun@gmail.com 24

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Sommerfest 2016

Thunder in the Valley June 23-26, 2016

July 9-10, 2016 Bavarian Sports Club, Toledo Poker Run, Music, Bike Show, Pig Roast The Bavarian Sports Club is once again hosting Sommerfest, a 2 day event with traditional Bavarian music, food, and fun – combined with traditional motorcycle oriented fare such as a Poker Run and Bike Show. Saturday features a live rock show, while Sunday is a more traditional Bavarian event with the band Badinov! For more information on Sommerfest, visit the Thunder Roads Ohio facebook page where you will find this featured event and a link to their page.

Johnstown, PA Thunder in the Valley® Motorcycle Rally, located 60 miles east of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, PA, has grown into one of the top ten rallies in the United States. Scheduled for June 23-26, 2016, Thunder offers something for everyone with a variety of live entertainment, vendors and activities throughout the weekend. The Harley-Davidson Corporate Demo Fleet will be making its first appearance at Thunder 2016. This display features hundreds of Harley-Davidson models and is bigger and badder than the past displays featured at the rally. The Thunderbolt Saloon will be back for another year serving up cold Budweiser products and beautiful bartenders. ILLConduct stunt riders will return to tear up some tires in the streets of downtown Johnstown along with America’s original thrill show, American Motor Drome Wall of Death. A.B.A.T.E. hosts the Official Welcome Party Friday at Greenhouse Park, just a few miles from Johnstown and gives rally goers a chance to get a bit more wild and crazy. The party features tattoo artists, a beer tent, food and merchandise, biker games, and live entertainment. Thursday night’s Lighted Bike Night Parade gives bikers a chance to show off their custom

lights, and The Grand Thunder Parade on Saturday afternoon roars through downtown Johnstown. Thunder 2016 will feature headline entertainment, Jackyl on Saturday, June 25 at 10 PM and Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds on Friday, June 24 at 10 PM. Rally favorites, Jasmine Cain and The Stickers will also be back to rock the three stages located in the rally venues. Broaden your Thunder experience by taking in all that Johnstown and the surrounding area has to offer. Johnstown’s Historic Stone Bridge lights the night with a light show each night during Thunder. Watch the Academy Award-winning movie, The Johnstown Flood, by Charles Guggenheim at the Johnstown Flood Museum. Ride your motorcycle onto the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane; or as we call it, the world’s slowest roller coaster! Enjoy Johnstown’s aesthetic beauty as you ride to one of its National Parks-Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Flight 93 National Memorial (Cambria/Somerset/ Westmoreland A.B.A.T.E. provides guided rides to the Flight 93 Memorial). Take part in a variety of self-guided tours around the beautiful Alleghenies region. For more information on the rally, call the Johnstown Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-237-8590, or visit www. johnstownthunder.com.

STARTING MAY 5th Madness on Manchester! BIKE NIGHT

2727 Manchester Rd Akron, OH 44319 (234) 208-9014

M.T . and Pockets Bar & Grill

THURSDAYS 6-10pm

2759 Manchester Rd Akron, OH 44319 (330) 745-6677

JOINING FORCES TO BRING YOU THE TASTIEST FOOD, COLDEST BEER, & BEST OF TIMES WITH GOOD FRIENDS! 26

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Hooters Bike Night RETURNS to TOLEDO!

One of the Toledo area’s most popular Bike Nights returns in 2016 as Hooters brings back their Wednesday night Bike Nights! “We have a great location, with plenty of outside space, to host a Bike Night!,” said Charlie Marczewski, General Manager. “We are going to have a lot of fun with this and look forward to bringing the tradition back!” Thunder Roads Ohio is pleased to be a part of the Hooters Bike Nights, and will host several events throughout the summer there. Hooters will also be a 2016 Thunder Run Stop – meaning that Ride Card holders from throughout the Midwest will be able to check in with their cards for a chance to win great prizes all summer long!

Hooters Toledo 4782 Monroe St Toledo, Ohio

Check them out on facebook as well – www.facebook.com/hooters.toledo

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A Championship Show in Cleveland!

Piston Power Show hosts Thunder Zone Bike Show Awarding of the IMBBA National Championship Ring

Power Show. A similar call went out to Thunder Roads Magazines all across the country, inviting them to select the top builders and their Once again, Thunder Roads Ohio bikes from shows they participated teamed up with the International in. These top bikes from 2015 Master Bike Builders Association were invited to participate in this (IMBBA) to help host the motorcycle component of the Piston Power Show. IMBBA Championship Bike Show and This year had even more excitement, compete for the custom gold and diamond ring to be awarded. though, as the IMBBA and TRO awarded a Championship Bike Builder To judge the bikes and select the Ring to the Best of Show – highest winners, the Piston Power Show scoring bike of the show. That honor and Thunder Roads turned to the went to Cole Rogers of 138 Cycle IMBBA. The International Master Bike Fabrication of Lebanon, Ohio. His old Builders Association has established school styled 03’ Sportster captured a global standard points system for top honors amongst the crowd of judging bikes and certifying builders. more than 100 bikes on display. With They are now in over 16 countries the highest score of the entire year, and have over 1,700 professional “Mephisto” was truly worthy of members. Their team of judges receiving the ring and recognition as reviewed each bike subjectively and the IMBBA NATIONAL CHAMPION. assigned a score based upon their For the past year, the Thunder Roads evaluation of the bikes. Bikes are Ohio team has helped judge and host scored with consideration of the form, fit, function, and safety of bike shows all across Ohio and the each. This objectivity and the depth very best from these shows were of their scrutiny goes far beyond invited to participate in the Piston

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simply eye balling each bike and deciding whether they liked them or not. Even some experienced builders were caught off-guard with their first time entering an IMBBA show. Several incredible looking bikes were penalized heavily when it was discovered that they were not really functioning rides – lacking functioning brakes or even clutch cables. One beautiful bike had a starter which was bolted in, but no actual wiring going to it. Cole’s bike, “Mephisto”, had previously earned top honors at the Ohio Bike Week TRO / IMBBA Show. Cole wasn’t satisfied with even the few deductions he received there, so he meticulously addressed each of the items the judges commented on

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following the Sandusky Bike Show. Heading into this Championship Show, he clearly was aiming for the top score. “This National Championship Competition was judged by the IMBBA using the established industry standards for Fit, Form, Function, and Safety. Our new National Champion, Cole Rogers, clearly displayed these criteria along with personal style and simplicity. His Harley Sportster, styled after the old school trackers, was well executed and exemplified these standards at the highest level,”said Jeff Starke, IMBBA President and founder. After the winners were announced, the IMBBA Judges met with the builders and answered any questions they had. Each entrant had the opportunity to review their score with the judges and get an exact THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

accounting for their score. This type of feedback is unprecedented for a bike show, and is part of the reason IMBBA shows are so popular with series builders. It’s hard for them to really get such a straight, objective review of their bikes from such experienced builders. The team scoring the Piston Power Show bikes had over 100 years of combined bike building experience, and every IMBBA Judge has to score at least 100 bikes in order to obtain certification. Cole Rogers, from 138 Cycle Fabrication (www.138cyclefabrication), took home both the Best of Show Award for his 03’ Sportster and 1st Place in the ProBuilder Class for his 75’ Sportster “Salvador”. Dennis Troll from DZ Customs (www.DZKustoms. com) in Youngstown and Jimmy Messina from Iron Horse Cycles (IronHorseCycles.net) in Brookpark (Cont'd p.34) THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

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(From p.33) rounded out the ProBuilder Class. Other noteworthy shops with award winning bikes included Evil Iron Customs (www. evilironcustoms.com), Tried & True in Hamilton Ohio, Austin Martin Originals, Straight Customs from Indiana, and Obsolete Engineering in Avon, Ohio. Many more incredible builders were represented by their customers entering their bikes. Still other builders exhibited bikes but chose not to take part in the competition this year, vowing to make a splash in next year’s competition. A special award, unique to this show, is the Duck Award, which is awarded to the bike that best captures the passion, style, and elite craftsmanship of the late show veteran Roy “Duck” Schable. This award, though, is restricted to bikes entered in competition for the first time at The Piston Power Show. This year the Duck Award went to Dion Matthews for his custom Harley-Davidson, built by DZ Kustoms. This is the second year in a row that DZ Kustoms has brought the Duck Award winner to the show.

shows and more information on the Championship Show. It’s sure to be bigger and better, now that everyone has seen what’s at stake. Our thanks go out to everyone that participated in the show and helped to make it such a success. In particular we would like to thank the Thunder Zone Sponsors - American Heritage Motorcycles and Vivid Jewelers for their support. With dealerships in Willoughby Hills, Sheffield, and Cincinnati – American Heritage Motorcycles has quickly established themselves as cornerstones of the riding community. The entire team at Vivid Jewelers went above and beyond to not only create the Championship Ring but supported the show throughout the weekend. Two truly great teams that we are proud to work with. Thank you.

June 4, 2016 Ohio Bike Week / Thunder Roads Ohio Bike Show, Sandusky OH July 4, 2016 Mike Corbin Hollister Bike Show, San Francisco, California July 16, 2016 Erie BikeFest Bike Show / Thunder Roads PA / OH, Erie PA

Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine also hosted the voting for the People’s Choice Award. While the IMBBA presented a technical scoring of the bikes, certainly it’s the fans and their attention which drives the shows themselves. This year the TRO People’s Choice Award went to Joe Ballard for his Vietnam Tribute themed custom 09’ Big Dog. His bike featured an incredibly detailed paint job done by Aerografix (Elyria, Ohio). Joe also showcased the bike in a display that featured an extensive collection of memorabilia and photos recognizing the countless that served and sacrificed for our country.

For more information, visit www. MasterBikeBuilders.com

Over the next year we will be inviting the top bikes from shows all across the Midwest and country to compete for the 2016 Championship Ring. Stay tuned to the pages of Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine for upcoming 34

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UPCOMING 2016 IMBBA / THUNDER ROADS BIKE SHOWS:

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2016 IX Piston Power IMBBA Thunder Zone Bike Show Class

ProBuilder American Custom Antique Metric Custom Touring Custom Sport Custom Old School Factory Custom

1st

2nd

Cole Rogers - 75 HD Root Beer Dennis Troll - HD Flat Red

Iron Horse - 96 HD

Fred & Penny Waltz -’09 HD Rocker C

Tennesse Steve - HD XLH1200

Chester Rodney - ‘10 HD Street Glide

Jack Feryutz - 64 HD

Danny McGill - ‘10 HD Gray

Philip Santora ‘18 HD Green

John Bartos - 81 Yamaha Candy Apple red

John Bartos - 77 Yamaha Red/ Orange

Mark Klco -

Dion Matthews - HD Orange

Edward Milkos - 2014 HD Street Glide

David Schmidt - 2002 HD Black

Rick Hernandez - 06 Kawasaki ZX14 Brown

Nestor Jakimysgyn - 19778 Kawasaki KZ1428

Pat Reyes - 77 Kawasaki KZ900

John Shipley - 2016 HD

Thomas Fenrich - ‘49 HD Black

Jay Steiner - ‘62 HD Black

Paul Kovach - ‘08 Big Dog Larry Joyce - ‘02 HD Firefighter Andy Lamman- 2011 HD

Radical Road Glide Vintage Vintage Custom Garage Build Three Wheeler Duck Award Best of Show

Donn Oglivie - 2014 HD Custom

Brian McCavish - 1986 Honda 250 Dave Mayher - 1972 Honda Orange

Danny McGill - 2006 HD Black

Chris Guggenbiller - 1964 HD Orange

Justin Tokos - ‘69 Triumph Bonneville

Josh Krager -

Scott Colosimo

Garry McCune

Mario Howard - 2016 Polaris Candy

Robert Schroeder - 2005 Honda Shadow w/side car

David Moore - 1983 Honda Blue

Dion Matthews Cole Rogers Jace Campbell

3rd Place

Bill Ellis

People’s Choice Award

Henry Gillan - HD Red and White

Brock Kavanagh - 1947 HD Black

2nd Place ProBuilder

3rd

Cole Rogers - 75 HD Joe Ballard 09’ Big Dog

People's Choice Winner For hundreds of more pictures from the show, please visit our facebook page. www.facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio or for up to the minute event listings, thunderroadsohio.com

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THE BIKE “Mephisto” 2003 H-D Sportster Frame: degrees Engine: Front End: Paint: Powder: Trans: Wheels: Brakes: Fenders: Gas Tank: Oil Tank: Seat: Pegs: Exhaust: Grips: Handlebars:

138 Cycle Fabrication Hard Tail, 2 down 2 out 36 H-D, 1300cc Built by 138 Cycle / Bob Colvin 138 Cycle Bullet Girder, 8 under Good Time Reform Steve Martin H-D / Jims AWW Rear – Sproter 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication 138 Cycle Fabrication

138 CYCLE FABRICATION 6387 NORTH ST. ROUTE 48 LEBANON, OH 45036 www.138CycleFabrication.com

IMBBA National Champion 36

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THE RING When it came time to design and create a ring worthy of inspiring the finest custom bike builders in the nation, there was only one place for us to go – Vivid Jewelers in Bay Village. Leonard “Lenny” Strnad is not only a nationally recognized jeweler and master craftsman, but he is also a motorcycle enthusiast and owner of several award winning bikes. Lenny started off using a state-of-the-art CAD system to design the ring and then created rough gold castings which were then hand polished and assembled. The end result was a ring that had builders and judges alike coming to the case again and again to admire it throughout the weekend. IMBBA Founder and President, Jeff Starke commented, “It’s an incredible challenge to come up with a design and ring that captures not only the essence of the show, but inspires such a wide range of professional bike builders. Lenny accomplished this and so much more, with a complex design that had both clean lines – yet so many complex features. He really did an incredible job.

THE 2016 PISTON POWER SHOW

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

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Jay Leno and Mr. Park

Ohio is blessed with a number of motorcycle events that are recognized nationally and draw riders and enthusiasts from across the country. Ohio Bike Week is not only the largest motorcycle event in the Midwest, it’s one of the largest rallies in the country. The Lima ½ Mile and Devil’s Staircase in Oregonia are two of the most historic and prestigious racing events of the year in their perspective categories. The Wetzel Biker Bash and Chillicothe Rodeo bring riders from across the country and even out of country. To these, we can now also add the ‘Piston Power Show’. The Piston Power Show – formally known this year as the 50th Anniversary Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Power Auto-Rama presented by Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Center. Yeah, that’s really the show name. Incredibly enough, though, it’s a show that lives up to it’s exhaustingly long name. The I-X Center is the largest single floor exhibit hall in the country, within the 2.2 million square foot facility – and the Piston Power Show fills the entire facility with everything from tanks to planes, cars to motorcycles, tractors to trucks. As they say, “If a Piston Makes it Go – It’s in the Show!” Two years ago, the Piston Power Show teamed up with Thunder Roads and agreed to bring on the International Master Bike Builders Association to help develop the motorcycle aspect of the show. Clearly, this year was the best ever for motorcycles and the show overall. Attendance was up over 20% over the past two years, and more than 2 ½ times the first year of the Piston Power Show. “The 2016 Piston Powered Auto-Rama was an amazing success and Jay Leno was the high-gloss wax on the paint too,” said Show Manager, Steve Legerski. “In the past two years, attendance has grown 20%, but it is much more than numbers, it’s the energy, the vibe, the horsepower that the show brings to the attendees. We will open on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2017, the 17th in 17 and our whole team at the I-X Center is looking forward to another year with more high quality vehicles and features.”

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SHOP TALK CUSTOMIZING YOUR BIKE: The Custom Paint Job Walt Snider, Thunder Roads Ohio Contributor

There’s a saying that the rarest motorcycle that exists is a stock one. Why? Because most of us want something different. Something unique. At RGC, we know our personal bikes will never get lost in a crowd of others. So what direction is best to go when you’re ready to start customizing? Well, unless you’re doing a full custom build, it’s really a matter of choice and budget. We always recommend paint first, because that will set a bike apart from others. Even a stock bike with a custom paint job will draw attention. And the choices are almost endless for colors and graphics. Remember though, you typically get what you pay for. Paint can be a large part of a budget for a bike.

Once the paint is applied, if any graphics or pinstriping are going to be done by someone else, the parts will need to be taken to them to have that done, and then brought back to be finished. Clear coating, wet sanding, buffing and glazing must be done to finish.

Some prefer to go the performance route instead or first. Making a bike more powerful and reliable is never a bad decision. There are many factors involved with that, mainly how far to take it. Anything can be streetable. Practical is something else.

Once the paint is complete, reassembly can begin. Extreme care needs to be taken to not scratch the paint, or get anything on it that could damage it. The shop/ painter should give you instructions on care of the paint pertaining to how long to wait to wash and wax, and what products they recommend.

There are plenty of other areas to look at too. Handlebars, seats, controls, rims, etc., which all contribute to making your bike different. Really it all comes down to your preference and budget. After all, it’s your bike. You are the one who will be riding it, and owning it. Do it for you.

So take your time and find a shop/painter who can do exactly what you want. Will they be doing the prep work? Some places will, others won’t. If not, you’ll need someone who does good body prep to get everything ready. Most subpar paint jobs can be attributed to poor prep work.

So, I thought we’d cover some of the different areas each month and what all can be involved. Next month we’ll cover performance options. If there is anything specific you’d like to see covered, feel free to email us here at ThunderRoadsOhio@ gmail.com From the shop floor Walt

If you are comfortable enough with handling disassembly and reassembly, you can take the parts to the shop to be worked on. Even the prep work itself, if you are capable. This will cut down on the cost for the job. If you aren’t comfortable or capable, the shop or whoever you choose will have to do that work. Usually this involves taking the parts down to bare metal, and ensuring everything is smooth so the paint will look good. This can involve filling small holes or dents and skim coating the pieces with filler and sanding everything smooth.

Renegade Gentlemen Customs

Once the parts are removed and prepped, they are ready for paint. Is there a strict design or theme for the bike? Or will you allow the painter some creative freedom? Discuss this with the shop/painter beforehand. We’ve had customers who have done either. It’s really a matter of choice. It’s your bike, so it’s your decision. Either way, the job should be to your liking. THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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One More Time When we first met Rich Gatchel at the World of Wheels show back in 2015 he was working on this kick ass Harley-Davidson. He was back at World of Wheels in 2016 and we had to shoot the bike. It’s a rider’s bike. Everything about it screams to be in the wind rolling up mile after mile. Rich himself is a humble guy so we didn’t get a nice long interview. The good news is the bike speaks for itself. From the early days pictured here when he first acquired the bike to what it has become its a testament to a rider who knows what he wants. Enjoy.

Photos by: jccpix.com, Model Unique J

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Name of the bike - ‘One More Time’

As Featured in

Owner - Richard Gatchel City - Bellaire Ohio Fabrication by Gump Mechanicals and assembly by JT’s Cycles Wintersville Ohio Brass by Ryan Robey - North Ferry Choppers Powder coat - Allegheny Metal finish Year, model - Custom FLH engine 1976 model shovelhead motor Harley Davidson Displacement - 76 stock S&S oil pump S&S carburetor S&S velocity stack Exhaust by Gump Handmade brass heat shields Open primary by Gump BDL belt drive Revtech 6-speed transmission Harley Davidson stock rake front end 2under 23 inch front wheel tire and custom Fender 16 in the back 150 rear tire Paint - Kustom orange Pearl and black paint and Graphics by Gump Nash gimp bars Filled rear fender Arlen Ness Dash Modified swing arm Manual start 32 Ford cowl lights for taillamps Fabricator - Kevin 4 piston tokico brake set up Custom oil tank Crass and chrome hard oil lines Modified mustang seat GMA hand controls

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NEW!

SPRING IS RIGHT AROUND THE BERM 1557 Oak Harbor Rd. Fremont, OH

419-332-9902 SchietsMotorsports.com

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Photo by Bob Mazur, Thunder Roads Ohio Model: Veronica, TRO

1949 FLP Harley Davidson 74 CI Production (#486) “Go Vivid”

Veronica

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EMAIL EVENTS.THUNDERROADSOHIO@GMAIL.COM TO GET YOUR EVENTS LISTED.

Iron Cowboy Productions, LLC 2015 ©

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A Vivid 49’ 1949 FLP Harley Davidson 74 CI Production (#486) “Go Vivid”

Factory built in 1949 and ridden from 49’ to 89’. Restoration project from 1990 to 2010, with work done by Howard Roosen - H R Prostreet, Brock R. Kavanagh – Obsolete Engineering, and Lenny the Jeweler (the owner and lead wrench). Morahan Paint and Gold Leaf

2010 Cleveland Auto Rama 1st Place Bike and Duck Award Nominee

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLP The FLP is a one year only model. Stock 74 CI Motor 4 Speed Transmission

Model: Veronica Photos by: Bob Mazur, TRO THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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360’s Victory 2013 Victory Highball I customized this bike myself, creating chain link handlebars and a Lost Hope suicide / jockey shifter to truly make it my own. Working with Witchdoctors’ – I also installed front and rear gunner style pegs, red open belt cover, old school Avon red grips, bright red spark plug wires, and a 30” sissy bar to name just a few additions. The wheels are Witchdoctor powder coated rims. Aaron, aka “360” Model: Chasidy, Iron Angels / TRO Photographer: Bob Mazur, TRO

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Longway Riders: Two of the world’s bestknown ’round-the-world motorcycle adventurers Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman aren’t just actors, motorcyclists and friends. They’re also two of the world’s best-known ’round-the-world motorcycle adventurers. We caught up with the twowheeled explorers to find out why they do it.

To the casual observer, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman might seem like grade-A gluttons for punishment. After all, over the last four years, the two actors have ridden across the majority of the globe, through countries not exactly known for their plush accommodations. In 2004 the two rode and camped literally around the world–eastward from London through Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the U.S.–for a documentary film and book titledLong Way Round. More recently they rode BMW R1200GSs south from the upper tip of Scotland to the lower tip of Africa, pretty much by themselves and without the massive support crew you might imagine. The 10-part documentary of this latest trek is called Long Way Down. Despite the logistical challenges, safety concerns and tough terrain of these grueling, multi-month journeys, Boorman and McGregor absolutely love the adventure and challenge of it all. And, like many of the rest of us, they would happily take off again tomorrow if they could somehow shake loose the three to six months necessary for trips of this nature. “Traveling aboard motorbikes is just intoxicating,” Boorman says. “Ewan and I just love it.” You’ve likely heard of 37-year-old Ewan McGregor, motion picture veteran, acclaimed theater actor and the man who played the young Obi Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequels, the brokeyet-romantic writer in Moulin Rouge! and heroin addict Mark Renton in Trainspotting. McGregor has also appeared in such films as Black Hawk Down and Big Fish.

Born in London in 1966, Boorman grew up in Ireland, spending much of his childhood riding dirtbikes. He started early on a 50cc Honda mini, quickly graduating to larger motocrossers on a nearby track in a friend’s yard. Of the two, Boorman is the more accomplished rider, something McGregor acknowledges without hesitation. “Yeah, Charley’s better,” he told us with a grin. McGregor didn’t get aboard motorcycles until later in life, but lusted after them from a young age, understanding deep in his gut even then the freedom and independence they represented. His first bike was a 100cc Honda learner bike, which he bought early in his acting career. He’s been at it ever since, riding as often as possible and even starting a collection of older motorcycles he finds fascinating. The two met on the set of 1997’s The Serpent’s Kiss and quickly realized they shared a serious twowheeled addiction. They rode together constantly, on road trips and at track days, quickly becoming fast friends. Within a year, they’d joined forces to support a British road-racing team whose rider, David Jeffries, won the 1998 Superstock series. Over the next several years the seeds of wanderlust began to germinate, and soon the idea to ride around the world took shape.

Boorman’s experience in Africa during the 2006 Dakar Rally opened his and McGregor’s eyes to the idea of a north/south trip, and the idea for Long Way Down was born. “Ewan met me at the finish of the race,” Boorman told us, “and I could see he was taken by the scene–the team trucks, the culture, everything.” “And after 30 seconds or so,” McGregor adds, “I told Charley, ‘We’re doing this!’ And that was it.” Long Way Down is an intense, wondrous documentary, one that chronicles a fantastic motorcycle journey every bit as well as it covers the amazing cultural and geographical landscape that is Africa. American Motorcyclist spoke to the two rider-actors recently about their motorcycle documentaries— Long Way Round andLong Way Down— and what makes them tick in a twowheeled sense.

On how they first got into motorcycling Ewan McGregor: I first saw a bike in a shop window in Perth, a few miles from where I was brought up. I took music

Long Way Round, the trek itself and the highly acclaimed book and documentary that followed, was the result. “The question was never what form of transport to take,” Boorman told us. “It was just which motorbike we’d take!”

Boorman, 41, is less-known cinematically, but has plenty of film credits to his name, including his first role as “Ed’s Boy,” Jon Voight’s character’s son in Deliverance, a film directed by Boorman’s father, John. He has appeared in more recent films, including Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory and others. 56

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lessons there. One night we stopped nearby for something, and in the window was a small bike, a 50cc Honda, I think. It wasn’t new, but it was a proper bike, not a scooter. In Britain at the time, you could ride a 50cc bike when you were 16. And you couldn’t drive a car ’til you were 17. So for a year it gave you independence. But more than that was Susan Williams, a girl I wanted more than anything. She and I had gone out previously, but her current boyfriend rode a bike. So I wanted a bike bad! It would give me freedom, and I thought it would get me Susan Williams back! So I asked my mum and dad. I started daydreaming about starting it and riding to school. I was 14 or 15. God, it was like someone had turned a light on. It was amazing to think of being able to ride somewhere by yourself. My parents ended up saying no. But it was too late. Riding was already alive in my mind. But I still didn’t get a bike. I moved to London to attend drama school, and while there I talked to a buddy back home who had an old scrambler for sale for fifty quid, in pieces. I thought I’d bring it back to London, then rebuild it and ride it. It was knackered, and I couldn’t make it work. I was 20, and working, so I thought, ‘Why don’t I just get a bike?’ So I went to a bike shop on my own and bought a 100cc Honda learner bike. I’d never ridden a motorbike at that point! But I knew where everything was, and it took me five minutes to figure it out. Everyone from the shop came out to watch. I’ve been riding ever since. Charley Boorman: I was 7 the first time I rode a motorcycle. It was one of those 50cc Honda monkey bikes(Mini Trail or Z50 in America—Ed.). When you’re young, you have a fascination with those things. But it wasn’t until I was 11 or 12 that my friend Tommy Watchford, who lived up the road, let me ride his Maico 400. I couldn’t hold it up myself, but he put me on it, got it started and pushed me off. I rode around this field and fell off. And I was hooked for life! I rode lots of dirt bikes growing up. We lived in the country, and a friend next door, his mum built him a motocross track, so we rode there a lot. So much fun.

On how motorcycles fit into their daily lives

When I was working in the theater recently, I rode a bike every day. Theater contracts aren’t as strict; they don’t mind so much. It’s the easiest way to get around by far. When I’m here in Los Angeles, I ride probably 50 percent of the time. It’s easier to use a car in L.A. My biking here is more for fun than transport.

On where the sense of wanderlust comes from CB: My father, probably. He was a film director, always traveling the world, so I was always moving along with him. So I always had that need or want [to travel]. When I started doing films, it was always based on going somewhere else. I’ve traveled ever since I can remember. EM: When I was in Australia for a film, I bought a Harley Softail. The director somehow got them to allow me to ride during the filming. During Easter break I was going nuts, so I bought a tent, stuck it on the Harley and took off for five days— just a complete detox of the mind. I slept on farms and under the stars. Got back and felt much better on the set. After that I started taking more trips. Just stopping and putting up your tent is incredibly freeing. For me, I think that’s where it all comes from.

On the genesis of their trips

CB: When I moved to London I rode everything–-dirt bikes, streetbikes, anything with two wheels. Even today, I ride every day. It’s the only way to get around London, really.

CB: Ewan and I met on a film and started talking about motorbikes right off. We ran a race team, took trips, did track days. Then we started talking about doing a longer

EM: I ride as much as I can, but not as much as I’d like. The trouble is, being an actor, you’re often not allowed to ride a motorbike when you’re under contract for a movie. In London, I ride to get around. THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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journey. The question was never what form of transport, just which motorbike we’d ride! The decision to ride bikes was made before we even thought of the idea (for the book and documentary), and those came about because we couldn’t afford to take the time off. EM: When we started prepping for the trip, we talked about which bike. Charley was mad for KTM’s new 950 Adventure. I felt the BMW R1150GS was perfect—stable, wide, powerful, strong, the right bike for the job. Charley wheelied his out of the car park when we first tried them out. He’s a better rider than me. KTM ended up making the decision for us by saying no to our request.

On what they learned about long-distance traveling

CB: The importance of planning. Knowing where you want to go. Preparation is everything, especially when you’re crossing borders; have all your visas arranged. Otherwise you waste time trying to get into a country when you could be in that country. You need to optimize the time you’ve got, because most of us don’t have the luxury of taking five or six months off. A good sleeping bag and tent are also key. I always go Gucci on these items, whatever they cost, because getting a decent night’s sleep is so important. It makes everything easier. And eating—it’s important to eat right and regularly. If you’re going along, and it’s all a bit difficult, and the guy in front of you is going too slow, and you’re thinking, ‘Come on, get on with it!’ then you should probably stop

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and realize that you haven’t eaten since breakfast, and it’s 3 o’clock. And take a lot of baby wipes. They really come in handy. EM: Take less! Always, always, always! Look what you’ve got and half it.

On their most thrilling moments

EM: Great moments for me are when the riding comes together. Like, when I finally learned to deal with sand, in Tanzania. I finally got it, finally figured out what Charley was trying to tell me. That was a good moment! CB: What impressed me most of everything I saw was the people. The most enjoyable place was Mongolia ( inLong Way Round). It was just beautiful, but really difficult to get around. On Long Way Down, Ethiopia was amazing.

On overcoming the fear of the unknown

CB: A lot of these countries are nowhere near as bad as you think. Every country you go to, the people are just like everyone else. Whether it’s Russia or Georgia or

Chechnya or wherever, people are just people. They want their kids to go to school. They want a job. It seems that the less people have, the more friendly they are, the more willing they are to give. In the “civilized world,” people are less willing to do that. The funny thing is, I was never really scared. There was the odd moment where you’d look at a guy and think, “Oh, am I going to be mugged here?” but you’d get that feeling at home, too. That’s the thing. When you’re in, say, the Czech Republic, and people ask you where you’re going, and you say “Kazakhstan” and they go, “Ohhh. Dodgy place, isn’t it?” And then when you get there it’s as nice as any other place. And it’s like that all the way until you get to Russia. There, they asked where we were going, and we’d say, “the U.S.” And they were like, “Can we come with you?” EM: During prep for our Africa trip, people would scare us to death. But our experience was just the opposite. People were really helpful. No danger. Really lovely. Africa’s got an unjustified rep. Darfur, yeah, there’s been trouble there. And in some other

places. But it’s a huge country. The media have a responsibility. For me, the unknown is what makes it really exciting. Your senses have to be attuned to surroundings. You’re always making judgment calls, going on your instincts. When picking somewhere to camp, you have to ask, are we far enough from the road, too close, etc.?

On anyone doing a trip like this

EM: Yeah, a big trip is totally doable for anybody. So long as you’ve done the prep and paperwork, you can go anywhere. But you don’t have to go around the world to have a great experience. You can do California, or Mexico. CB: Absolutely. The hardest thing to do is get the time. Pick a date and stick to it. If you’re good friends, and seven of you want to do it, then do it. If only two people want to do it, then two works. I don’t think it really matters. I would never travel on my own. I’d find that really boring. I guess I’m not quite happy with my own company!

This article was previously featured in American Motorcyclist, reprinted with permission by The American Motorcyclist Association. http://www. americanmotorcyclist. com/ Words: Mitch Boehm Photography: Long Way Down For information on AMA Membership, you can also visit www. ThunderRoadsOhio.US

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Brotherhood I often wonder what the true meaning of Brotherhood is. Webster defines it as an “Alliance” or “Fellowship”. I guess that qualifies. But you know I’ve been wrong before. Especially in the club life. I mean I thought I knew where to find it. Sometimes our outside perspectives are so very wrong. I was one of those that grew up around a community of Bikers, Friends, and Brothers. But what I’ve grown to discover is the term is used way too widely and way too loosely. I mean I hear it all of the time. It could be another Biker at a bar, or even a gas station. “Hey, how’s it going Brother?’ Does the fact that I ride make me a Brother to everyone else who rides? You know what I’m talking about if you ride. That guy you pass coming down the road who gives you the quick wave. Sometimes even Jap Bike riders’ wave. Am I their Brother because we both share a passion for wind in our wheels? I’m pretty sure I don’t think so. What about members of other clubs? Do I automatically hate a person for the color or style of their patch? No, I usually don’t. But do I feel that they are my Brother because they wear a patch as I do? No, I don’t. So you know I’ve had the opportunity to ride with many different style clubs, even as a member and President in a couple. So are those current or former members automatically my Brother? No, they aren’t. I bought on earlier in life that members in my same organization were all my Brothers. But in the end, things don’t always work out like we think they will. I think some people find me approachable, others not so much so. In fact, one of my favorite sayings is that I want to be seen as “approachably unapproachable”. I find humor in that.

I have Brothers in my club, who decide for one reason or another not to do what is expected of them to keep their membership, and they leave good or bad, are they now not my Brother? I find it all very confusing. I think sometimes I give people more credit, or hold higher expectations for them than they do themselves. I’m often disappointed in people who I was too quick to call my Brother. I’ve seen top tier players in clubs betrayed by their own so called Brothers. Much of this has really tainted my view on what real Brotherhood is.

Editor’s Note – We previously ran this article back in 2013. We’ve had a few people ask us to re-print it. As always, you’re welcome to reply with a contrasting opinion. Just email us at Tabasco.TRO@ gmail.com

The truth is I think I’m still defining Brotherhood. I mean I ride with several Club Brothers that wear the same patch as I do. I assume that they are all my Brothers. The truth is it doesn’t always end up that way. The only constant in life is change. People change. Attitudes change. Things change. So I wonder if 60 60

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At this point in my life here’s how I see it. If I know you, ride with you, hang out with you and you are dependable and solid, I don’t mind if you think we’re Brothers. The truth is when I leave all of this, one way or another; I think that’s when I’ll know who my real Brothers are. The ones I will still hear from, who will visit me in Florida when I move away. The ones who will raise their glass to my memory after I’m gone, you will be my Brother. Until then, don’t get your britches in a bunch if I don’t wave back on the highways. If you don’t know me, don’t Bro me.

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s t a r g Con

Talon Tastrophe - Miss Inked 216 for 2015

Photos by: Bob Mazur, TRO 62

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Bike photos from the Easyriders Bike Show in Columbus in 2013

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BUCKEYE FIREARMS REPORT Ohio CHL-holders acting in self-defense “Columbine survivor, now a lawmaker, pushes to legalize guns in schools” USA Today reported recently that Colorado State Rep. Patrick Neville, a survivor of the Columbine High School shooting, has introduced a bill that would allow guns in Colorado schools. According to the article, Neville was a student at Columbine on April 20, 1999, when two peers opened fire, killing 13 people. From the article: “The only thing that is going to stop murderers intent on doing harm is to give good people the legal authority to carry a gun to protect themselves and our children,” Neville said in a statement, according to The Hill. “More of my friends would still be alive today.” The bill put forward by Neville, a Republican, would let teachers with concealed weapons permits carry guns at the state’s schools in an attempt to halt future shootings. “Unfortunately, the current system continues to leave our children as sitting targets for criminals intent on doing harm,” he said. As my friend Ron Borsch observes, “law enforcement is handicapped by “delayed notification time, call taking time, officer response time, entry time, locating the killer time in a typically huge facility, and dealing with the killer time.”

There was a good deal of acrimony over the need for Ohio’s Concealed Handgun Licensure law, and the General Assembly was accused of knuckling under to a vocal micro-minority. As the establishment media and the gun ban crowd told it, no one needed/ wanted this law. We will defer to the anti-gun rights extremists to produce their examples of someone obtaining a license to go on a crime spree, or of two CHL’s having a shoot-out at a fender-bender, as they predicted, and instead concentrate on the known examples of a CHL-holder acting in self-defense. (Disclaimer: these are just the examples we know of and can independently document.) It is not our intent to re-open old wounds or to gain from these tragedies. However, it is critical that the public understand how well this law is working. The following accounts are based upon media accounts, public records and/ or the permission of those involved. Mugging victim (Greater Akron area) CHL-holder R.O. was approached by four teens, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The armed gang demanded his cell phone and other property, police said. After giving up his cell phone, R.O. attempted to retreat from the situation, but the robber grabbed his arm. The CHLholder broke free, pulled his gun and fired one shot, missing the teens, who took off running. The victim then ran to a pay phone, but before he could call for help, the teens approached him again. When a gun was leveled at him a second time, R.O. fired again, scaring off the armed robbers for good.

Attacked by car thief (Greater Cincinnati area) Around 6 a.m., B.H., 61, went outside to warm up his car before leaving for work and then went back into his house. B.H. noticed someone driving his car towards the end of the street. He grabbed his gun, went outside and waived his arms in an attempt to stop the car. B.H., with the car headed directly towards him, shot into the car killing the driver. Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters did not file charges, saying “You know, Florida had had concealed carry well before Ohio and the horror stories that were supposed to happen involving gun fights on the expressway never happened. This man could have been killed by this [driver]. He wasn’t. It was a shame that the [car thief] died in this incident. I feel badly for his family, but he was embarking in behavior that ultimately led to his death.” Small business owner (Greater Cleveland area) Another pillar of the community, B.S. was a small business owner in the city of Cleveland, and was licensed to carry a concealed handgun. Five days after the Cleveland Plain Dealer identified him as a licensee by publishing the lists of CHL-holders as a “public service”, he was subjected to a very rare “ambushstyle” robbery at his place of business. According to accounts, the bad guys began the robbery by simply opening fire on B.S. without warning. B.S. managed to return fire, killing one of his attackers, who had a lengthy criminal record. (To see the rest of this article and more details about this story, please find us online at thunderroadsohio.us)

At Columbine, the killers enjoyed more than three-quarters of an hour to conduct their murderous rampage. State Rep. Neville knows all too well that the when violence strikes and students’ lives are on the line, every second matters. Faster response is better response.

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INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF TOLEDO 1212 CONANT STREET MAUMEE, OH 43537 (419) 891-1230

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IRON PONY POWERSPORTS 5370 WESTERVILLE RD WESTERVILLE, OHIO 43081 (614) 942-0063

RUBBER CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON 32 E. CUYAHOGA FALLS AVE AKRON, OH 44310 (330) 535-9900

JOE’S CYCLE SHOP 3315 N. DIXIE DR. DAYTON, OH 45414 (937) 278-8081

SCHIETS MOTORSPORTS 1557 OAK HARBOR ROAD FREMONT, OH 43420 (419) 332-9902

JOHNNY K’S POWERSPORTS 420 YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN RD NILES, OHIO 44446 (330) 544-9696

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UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS Presented by

Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240

NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

April 2-3,2016 ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motorcross Championship Mid-East Area Qualifiers: Malvern Motocross Park Waynesburg, Ohio mxsports.com April 2, 2016 Swap Meet Buckeye HarleyDavidson-7220 North Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414 BuckeyeHD.com April 2.2016 Red Cross Blood Drive Napoleon H-D http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar

April 2.2016 6pm Midnight Riders Band Fat Boys Country Club 13835 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, Oh April 3.2016 ABATE Region 1 Swap Meet Xtreme Honda, Brilliant Ohio www.abate.com/events.htm

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CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

April 3, 2016. Akron Motorcycle Swap Meet 10am to 4pm. Over 150 vendors. 229 E. Howe Rd. Tallmadge, OH. 44278 For more information: Call 330324-7230 or email jkestel@ sbcglobal.net April 3.2016 Sunday Cruisin’ at Buffalo Wings & Rings OPEN CRUISE iF YOU CAN DRIVE IT...bring it! Buffalo Wings & Rings 6325 E Broad St Columbus, Oh www.facebook.com/ ctowncruisers EVENTS April 3.2016 Cruis'in Firestone Harrisburg Pike 1313 Harrisburg Pike Columbus Ohio Info. - Ron (614)481-2114 Arizona Bike Week WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

April 7.2016 6:30p-8:00p HOG Dinner Ride to Shawn's in Waterville 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar

April 10.2016 HOG Spring Round Up Day Ride 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar

THUNDER ROADS OHIO FEATURE EVENT April 9.2016 Thunder Roads Calendar Contest Party 8pm

April 10.2015 10:30am-5pm 6th Annual Polar Bear Run Lake Erie H-D 38401 Chester Rd. Avon, Oh 44011

Entertainment by Rusty G Sting 7:30 to 10:30 Come get entered for a chance for your photo to be showcased on the Margaritaville 2017 calendar! Looking for models and motorcycles! themargaritavelleonline.com April 9.2016 11am-4pm Spring Open House See all the 2016 Models. Special Spring Financing Available. Hot food, Cold Drinks & Familiary Faces! Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd, Avon OH lakeerieharley.com

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April 10.2016 2pm Kingdom Knights MM and Akron Bible Church Blessing of the Bikes and Spaghetti Dinner Bill Denton Outreach Center 783 Brown St. Akron April 4.2016 Guardians Monday Madness Party Guardians of Truth MC Party $5 cover. Free Food/Beer. Door Prizes, 50/50s 373 S. Arlington St. Akron April 14 - 17, 2016 Carts, Bikers and Babes Rally Big Creek Marina Somerville, Texas

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April 15.2016 Taste Of Westerville Open House Taste of Westerville put on by the Westerville Chamber Of Commerce at the Crown Plaza Columbus North. 7pm - 10pm. ponypowersports.com April 15-17.2016 THIEL'S WHEELS OPEN HOUSE Thiel's Wheels HarleyDavidson 350 Tarhe Trail Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351 April 16.2016 Ride For Rabbit Hash All proceeds to go directly toward the rebuilding of the historical Rabbit Hash General Store Knuckleheads Performance Cycles, Milford Ohio www.facebook.com/ events/1097662606945278/ April 16.2016 Blessing Of The Bikes Poker Run to follow Bike Blessing Powder Keg H-D 2383 KINGS CENTER CT. MASON, OH http://www.powderkeghd.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar April 16.2016 10:30am-4:30pm Bear Ride Tri-County Harley-Davidson 5960 Dixie Highway Fairfield, OH http://www.tricountyharley.com/

April 23.2016 First Responders Event Whether you are a First Responder or just want to show your support.. Plan to stop by! We will have food drink and plenty of info including how to get FREE riding academy if you are a First Responder or Military! Raffle Prizesincluding H-D gear and FREE Riding Academy class for 2016 Riding Season! Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon OH lakeerieharley.com April 23.2016 HOG Intro to Group Riding 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar THUNDER ROADS OHIO FEATURE EVENT April 23-24, 2016 AHRMA Great Lakes Regional Vintage & Post Vintage Motocross Series Dirt Country Raceway, Blanchester OH SWAP MEET ALL WEEKEND. Gate Fee: $25 all weekend, $10 / 1 day Includes Camping and Fishing dirtcountrymx.com April 24.2016 Deepwood Run Breakfast $15 Ride to Help Those with Disabilties Gunny Hall 8720 Twinbrook Dr, Mentor OH www.thedeepwoodrun.com

April 16-17, 2016 Trials Event Sardis, Ohio www.TrialsInc.org

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April 24, 2016 Spring Fever Motorcycle Swap Meet 9a-4p Sandusky Fairgrounds Mike and Kellee Jack 901 Rawson Ave. Fremont, OH 43420 April 24.2016 Blessing of the Bikes Trinity United Methodist Church, Lewistown Ohio ceaston@centurylink.net

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UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS Presented by

Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240

NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

April 24, 2016 14th Annual Rally For The Troops Greater Cleveland Veterans Memorial lakeerieharley.com April 24, 2016 Birch Run Motorcycle Swap Meet

CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

April 27 - 30, 2016 Laughlin River Run 2100 S. Casino Drive Laughlin, Nevada April 30.2016 Rubber City harley Davidson Jam Fest 1120 Main St. Akron, oh

Birch Run Expo Center 11600 North Beyer Rd Birch Run, MI 48415 10AM - 4PM bubbastricitycycle.com

April 27 - May 1, 2016 18th Annual Spring Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally

April 27.2016 11am-12:30pm HOG Work Stinks Ride 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar

April 29-May 1, 2016 Dave and Eds Canfield Swap Meet Canfield Fairgrounds- 7265 Columbiana Canfield, OH Autoevents.com/canfield.htm

Panama City Beach, Florida

SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

April 29- May 1.2016 12th Annual Women's Ride Weekend Regrestration form found online www.h-dsales.com Napoleon Harley-Davidson 862 American Rd. Napoleon, OH 43545

April 30.2016 11am-3pm 6th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Competition Accessories, Springfield, OH

THUNDER ROADS OHIO FEATURE EVENT

Chapel Hill Golf Course 9AM- $65 per person Info: 740-294-7141

April 30 2016 5-8PM AMA Hall of Fame Bike Night 13515 Yarmoith Dr. Pickington,OH 43147 May 1.2016 12pm Opening Day!

April 30 2016 2nd Annual Fire and Iron MC Charity Golf Outing

May 1 2016 8PM Benefit for Tamika Bostic Blind Bob's 430 E 5th St Dayton, OH 45402

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Sportsters Bar & Grill, Genevaon-the-Lake sportsterz.com

ALL BOOTHS ONE LOW PRICE

BIRCH RUN MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET WHERE: Birch Run Expo Center 11600 North Beyer Road Birch Run, MI 48415

INDOORS • OUTDOORS • RAIN OR SHINE • INDOORS • OUTDOORS

ur Out O Check Website: m New zzzrag.co zz thebu

WALNECK’S

MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEETS

shepherdsVILLe, KeNTUCKY MAY 15, 2016 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHEN: April 24, 2016 from 10am-4pm Admission: ONLY $6.00

“Turn your trash..into CASH!” Used parts, posters, bikes and all kinds of stuff... ALL BRANDS. American, British and Japanese. FREE Buzz Walneck’s The Buzzzzz Rag magazines will be given away at the meet. Admission $6.00 Under 14 are “FREE” Plus “FREE” Parking Vendor Spaces 10’ x 10’ $40 - Outdoor Unlimited Space for $40. Vendor Set-up 6 a.m.-8 a.m. and You Can Pay at the Gate. Indoors and Out as well as Under Cover

Actually, just a few miles south to Bullitt County Fairgrounds, 964 Clermont Rd., Exit 112 (Rt. 245) Off I-65, Shepherdsville, Kentucky 40165

For more info and to reserve your selling space call 989-893-5187 bubba@bubbastricitycycle.com • bubbastricitycycle.com

“MICHIGANS BIGGEST and BEST Motorcycle Swap Meet” 82 82

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WALNECK’S INC. 7923 Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL 60517

630-985-2097 www.walneckswap.com THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

Mark Your Calendar For Our Next Swap Meet at this Location: November 13

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Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240

NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

May 2.2016 5pm First Bike Night of 2016 We are kicking off our 2016 Monday Bike Nights with Ted Riser at 7pm! $1 Dogs, $1 Sliders, 50/50 Raffle benefiting Happy Trails Sanctuary, Beer Sampling and some great outdoor surprises! Mantua Corners Bar & Grille 11697 State Rt 44, Mantua, OH 44255

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CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

May 5.2016 Iron Horse Lodge Ride leave May 5, 2016 - stay evenings of 5th, 6th, and 7th return home May 8, 2016. 1755 Lower Stecoah Road, Robbinsville, NC For more information, contact Joseph Booher (JosephPBooher36@aol.com, 513-300-7638). May 5.2016 HOG Dinner Ride to the Barn Restaurant 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 http://www.h-dsales.com/ whats-going-on--xcalendar

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SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

May 7.2016 Fundraiser for the Christian Motorcycle Association In partnership with Christian Cruiser Chapter of Toledo. Free event, donations accepted. Coffee and donunts in the AM followed by a 100 mile ride. Call Kay @ 419297-7719 for more info. May 7.2016 Out of Hibernation Run Holmesville American Legion: 9150 OH SR 83. Sign up 10:30 AM $10.00 per person, $15.00 couple, run is free with new ABATE membership

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May 7.2016 Time to Ride Deck Kickoff Party Entertainment by Colin Dussault 2pm to 6pm 50/50 raffle ( winner chooses the charity that receives the donation) Enter our 2017 Margaritaville Calendar photo Contest! themargaritavelleonline.com May 7.2016 10am registration Woods-Rossi Bike Run Benefits Muscular Dystrophy $20/rider/$30 couple Moose Lodge #698 1028 W main Cross St. Findlay 45840

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UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS Presented by

Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240

NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

May 7.2016 9am CMA Righteous Riders Run For the Son Donation Ride 737 George Washington Blvd. Akron 44312 May 7.2016 Motorcycle Awareness Day starting at 12 noon, after party at 4 PM at the Defiance Amvets with live music, food and raffle drawings Amvets post 1991- 1795 spruce Street, Defiance, OH

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CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

May 7.2016 9:30am Fire & Iron MC Olympic Tour All proceeds from the Olympic Tour will go to the Crawford County Special Olympics. Saegertown PA American Legion Post 205. www.fireandiron117.com/ region-3-events.html May 10.2016 6:30pm Ice Cream Ride Tri-County Harley-Davidson 5960 Dixie Highway Fairfield, OH

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SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

May 13-14.2016 Ladies Weekender-Register by calling the dealership or picking up a form! Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon, OH 440-934-5000 lakeerieharley.com May 14, 2016 Blackburns Open House Medina, Ohio http://blackburns-trikes.com/ May 14.2016 10:00 AM Freedom Run Hopedale American Legion: 48225 Rabbit Rd. Hopedale Ohio

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May 14, 2016 ATV / Motorcycle Dirt Drags Dirt Country Raceway, Blanchester OH dirtcountrymx.com May 14.2016 10am-4pm Austin's Powersports Swap Meet Mespo Expo, 4300 Kinsman Rd NW, Mespotamia Ohio May 14, 2016 Gear Bombers Spring Bombing Run Poker Run 3001 Reynoldsburg -New albany rd. Blacklick, OH 43004 tickets online: gearbombersbombinrun. ticketleap.com

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May 14.2016 10am-3pm Pancake Breakfast & Blessing of the Bikes Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon, OH lakeerieharley.com May 14.2016 10am-4pm BIKIN' FOR BOOBIES Thiel's Wheels HarleyDavidson 350 Tarhe Trail Upper Sandusky, OH 43351 May 14.2016 11:30am BTW Brothers of the Third Wheel Poker Run Benefit for Cami Town Pump. 2080 Walnut St E Sparta OH May 14.2016 11am-8pm Back In The Saddle 17th Annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride Plaza Lanes-2641 E. State Street, Fremont, OH http://theplazalanes.com/ May 14, 2016 1st Annual Harleys Against Heroin Car & Bike Show Hosted at American Heritage Motorcycles Cincinnati www.HarleysAgainstHeroin. com May 14, 2016 Rider Safety Followed By A Safety Group Ride National Packard Museum Warren Ohio PackardMuseum.org May 15.2016 2nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes & Memorial Poker Run American Legion Riders Post 221 Massillon OH alrpost221.com May 15.2016 16th Annual Blessing of the Bikes NEW LOCATION - KIL-KARE RACEWAY Xenia, Ohio http://www.facebook.com/ Blessingofthe BikesOhio

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May 21 - 22, 2016 OMA MX Dirt Country Raceway, Blanchester OH dirtcountrymx.com May 21 -.2016 11am-4pm Bike & Car Cruise-In Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon OH lakeerieharley.com May 21.2016 Harley Davidson of Eastgate Open House 699 Old State Rte 74 Cincinnati, OH 45245 For More Info Call: 513-528-1400 THUNDER ROADS OHIO FEATURE EVENT May 21.2016 Combat Vets Association 9th Annual Fisher House Run Sponsored by Harry Buffalo: Ride starts here in Westerville, OH at 11:30 am. Registration 9-11:00. Family friendly event. More Info: http://ohiocvma.org May 21.2016 Uncle Sam's Avengers MC Poker Run- benefit a Veteran in Need Start: 10:30, Dayton Motorsports/Victory Dealership: New Carlisle End: Disabled American Veterans: Springfield, OH $15 Rider, $5 passenger. 50/50 Drawing, $100 best hand May 21.2016 Look Twice Save a Life Run hosted by ABATE, Region 8 Start at 10:30 AM. Live music, prizes and more! Carroll County Vets Club, Quaker Steak&Lube, Sammy Sue's BBQ North Canton Call Tim @ 330-243-4273, multiple starting points

Visit us on Facebook @ facebook,com/ thunderroadsohio or for up to the minute event listings, thunderroadsohio.com

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UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS Presented by

Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240

NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

May 21.2016 Benson W Hough VFW Post 3424 ARMED FORCES DAY 3RD Annual Armed Forces Day Cruise In 4299 Lockbourne Industrial Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio //www.facebook.com/ ctowncruisers (EVENTS) May 21 2016 4th Annual Bike & Rider Blessing Lebanon Eagle Riders Blessing 11am-Noon, Scenic Ride starts at 1pm Lebanon Eagles 209 W. Main St., Lebanon Ohio

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CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

May 21.2016 Pony Powersports/BETA @ AMA Dual Sport- Off Road Ride Come see Pony Powersports displaying Beta Motorcycles from Italy @ the AMA Dual Sport May 21-22 in Logan, Ohio www.ponypowersports.com May 21.2016 11am-4pm 3RD ANNUAL COWABUNGA DAY Harley-Davidson of Erie 3712 West 12th Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16505 May 21.2016 Rubber City Harley Davidson Bike Blessing 1120 Main St. Akron, OH

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SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

May 22.2016 Akron BMWClub Annual Poker Run 9:30am Mogadore Moose Club. 4095 Mogadore Rd Mogadore OH Dana 330-618-2816 May 25.2016 11am-12:30pm HOG Four Day Ride (TBD) Napoleon H-D 862 American Napoleon, OH 43545 May 27.2016 Riverfront Concert Series Tony Rio Rock Country 2085 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

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May 26 - 30, 2016 34th Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally Red River, New Mexico 87558 May 27-29, 2016 Springfield Bike Show & Swap Meet Clark County Fairgrounds: $8 day, kids under 12 Free Fri & Sat 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm May 27- 30, 2016 Hudson Leather Memorial Day Appreciation Weekend 14700 State Rte. 15 Pioneer, OH Swap Meet, Ride and Lots of Fun & Friendship, BBQ, Live Music, Bike Show, Vendors and more. This is a free event from 9-7:00 HudsonLeather.com

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RECIPES

Easy version: •

Brown off the beef and sausage in a skillet, drain off grease

•

Mix in pasta sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, egg, and pepper, mix well

•

To build your Lasagna cups, press ½ noodle into muffin cup, then press ½ noodle the opposite direction, into muffin cup – this should cover MOST of the muffin cup sides

•

Add about ½ cup of filling mix to each cup, top off with a bit of mozzarella and parm, repeat for all cups

•

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown then remove from oven and let cool a few minutes.

•

Use a small spatula or a knife to loosen from pan, serve with a basil garnish and more sauce on the side

• You cant beat this SUPER low cal, low fat dish. It could be a main or side!! Heck with numbers this low I eat TWO! lol Veggie Stuffed Shrooms Serve 2 (or 1 hungry biker) 94 Cals, 2.6g fat (.07 sat) per mushroom Lasagna Cupcakes Makes 12 ½ lb ground beef ½ ground Italian sausage, no casings 2 cup of your favorite pasta sauce (or use homemade) 2 cups shredded mozzarella (plus extra for topping) ½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping) 1 cup Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese 1 egg ¼ tsp pepper 12 cooked lasagna noodles, cut in half (I cook a few extra incase I mess up)½ cup basil (plus extra for garnish) Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray muffin tin with cooking spray. •

Layered version: Brown off the beef and sausage in a skillet, drain off grease, mix in 1 ½ cups pasta sauce and set aside

•

In a bowl, add mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, egg, and pepper, mix well

•

To build your Lasagna cups, press ½ noodle into muffin cup, then press ½ noodle the opposite direction, into muffin cup – this should cover MOST of the muffin cup sides

•

2 large portabella mushroom caps 1 tsp oil 1 small onion, diced 1 stalk celery, diced ½ cup zucchini, diced ½ cup yellow squash, diced 1 roma tomato, diced ½ cup parmesan cheese 2 tbs fresh basil ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt

Add a spoonful of the meat mix, then cheese mix, then meat and cheese again then finish off with a small amount of pasta sauce (total filling should be about ½ cup), top off with a bit of mozzarella and parm, repeat for all cups

•

Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown then remove from oven and let cool a few minutes.

•

Use a small spatula or a knife to loosen from pan, serve with a basil garnish and more sauce on the side

•

Clean your mushrooms and remove the stem, don’t throw it away, its yummy. Cut off the end and dice it up

•

In a sauté pan add and heat oil to it medium high

•

Add in the onion and celery and cook 2 minutes, then add zucchini, squash, and tomato for another 4-5 till everything begins to soften

•

Stir in the parmesan, basil, salt and pepper and remove from the heat

•

Place mushroom caps in a baking dish and spoon equal amounts of sautéed veggies into each one and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

•

Remove and serve hot!

Have a recipe that you’d like to share? Write it all down and send with a picture – to ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com Put RECIPE in the subject line. If we use it, we’ll send you copies of the magazines and a TRO T-Shirt – so include your address and t-shirt size as well! Thanks!

For more great recipes, visit www.facebook.com/TheBikerChicksKitchen 92 92

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-The Iron Cowboy

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N E S L W P D E Y H R L N Y T

I G V K Q O K T E E S A R F S

O R W R D C N L V S S K E L A

Q H O J E U N I O Z W E T F E

U F Y N O S R Q N O X E S K H

J J R C P D E W F C J R E K T

W G I F A O S R K H Q I W C U

N R K M X E N B Z H L E A H O

T O S F R C V Y F Z F P E S S

I G E N A C I R E M A R V R M

W W R L C S B E L E I F C Q I

U B A N O C A R L T O N S V I

Y N D W F P W J A U Q I P U S

E H J Q Q L A G X I P S W E U

K L H J W X E N H L A L Q M P

•AMERICAN•HERITAGE•CARLTONS•IRONPONY• •LAKEERIE•MADRIVER•NAPOLEON• •PIQUA•SOUTHEAST•TRICOUNTY• •WESTERN•RESERVE•

February Winner Charles Weber ow at the Piston Power Sh THUNDER THUNDER ROADS® ROADS® OHIO OHIO MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

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FUNNY STUFF BECAUSE EVERYONE NEEDS A GOOD LAUGH NOW AND THEN... Stranded On An Island:

Slow Down or Stop? The police officer had just pulled over a yuppie on a new Harley for running a stop sign. “May I see your driver’s license and registration please...” the officer asked.

A man is stranded on a desert island, all alone for ten years. One day, he sees a speck in the horizon. He thinks to himself, «It›s not a ship.» The speck gets a little closer and he thinks, «It›s not a boat.» The speck gets even closer and he thinks, «It›s not a raft.» Then, out of the surf comes this gorgeous blonde woman, wearing a wet suit and scuba gear. She comes up to the guy and she says, “How long has it been since you’ve had a cigarette?”

“What’s the problem, officer?” the yuppie replied.

“Ten years!” he says.

“You just ran a stop sign.” the officer said.

She reaches over, unzips a waterproof pocket on her left sleeve and pulls out a pack of fresh cigarettes.

“Oh come on, pal, there wasn’t a single car anywhere in sight.” “Nevertheless sir, you are required to come to a complete stop, look both ways, and only then proceed with caution.” “You’ve got to be kidding me!” the yuppie said. “It’s no joke sir.” the officer said flatly, pulling out his citation book and preparing to write a ticket. “Look I slowed down almost to a complete stop, saw no one, and proceeded with caution.” The officer sighed and slowly shook his head. “That’s beside the point sir, you are supposed to come to a complete stop and you didn’t. Now if I may see your license and...” the officer began. “You sure do have a lot of time on your hands pal. What’s the matter, all the doughnut shops closed this early?” the yuppie asked sneering.

He takes one, lights it, takes a long drag and says, “Man, oh man! Is that good!” Then she asks, “How long has it been since you’ve had a drink of whiskey?” He replies, “Ten years!” She reaches over, unzips her waterproof pocket on the right, pulls out a flask and gives it to him. He takes a long swig and says, “Wow, that’s fantastic!” Then she starts unzipping this long zipper that runs down the front of her wet suit and she says to him, “And how long has it been since you’ve had some REAL fun?” And the man replies, “My God! Don’t tell me you’ve got a motorcycle in there!”

Old Dirtbiker Joke An 80 year old man went to the doctor for a checkup and the doctor was amazed at what good shape the guy was in. The doctor asked, “To what do you attribute your good health?” The old timer said, “I’m a dirt biker and that’s why I’m in such good shape. I’m up well before daylight on Sundays and out sliding around corners, “shootin” sand washes and riding up and down the steepest, gnarliest hills I can find at the crack of dawn.” The doctor said, “Well, I’m sure that helps, but there’s got to be more to it. How old was your dad when he died?” The old timer said, “Who said my dad’s dead?” The doctor said, “You mean you’re 80 years old and your dad’s still alive? How old is he?” The old timer said, “He’s 99 years old and, in fact, he went riding with me this Sunday, and that’s why he’s still alive... he’s a dirt biker.” The doctor said, “Well, that’s great, but I’m sure there’s more to it. How about your dad’s dad? How old was he when he died?” The old timer said, “Who said my grandpa’s dead?” The doctor said, “You mean you’re 80 years old and your grandfather’s still living! How old is he?” The old timer said, “He’s 117 years old.” The doctor was getting frustrated at this point and said, “I guess he went dirt bikin’ with you this Sunday too?” The old timer said, “No... Grandpa couldn’t go this week because he got married.”

“SIR!” The officer sighed. “I’ll over look that last comment now let me see your license and registration immediately!”

The Doctor said in amazement, “Got married!! Good Lord!!! Why would a 117-year-old guy want to get married?”

“I will, if you can tell me the difference between slowing down, and coming to a complete stop.” the yuppie said, folding his arms across his chest.

The old timer said, “Who said he wanted to?”

A smile appeared on the officer’s face. “Sir, I can do better than that.” The police officer quickly jerked the rude yuppie off his Harley, and proceeded to methodically beat him over the head with his nightstick. “Now sir, would you like for me to slow down or come to a complete stop?”

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SPONSOR INDEX WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR SPONSORS THAT HELP MAKE THIS MAGAZINE POSSIBLE. IT IS ONLY WITH THEIR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT THAT WE CAN PRODUCE WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE THE FINEST REGIONAL MOTORCYCLE PUBLICATION IN THE NATION. Abate of Ohio.................................. 14 Action Sport Cycles.........................67 Adventure Motorcycle & Accessories.. 77 American Heritage Cincinatti....Inside Back Cover

American Heritage Motorcycles North Coast..................................... 41 American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).....................................10,11,12 Avon Boot Shop......................... 47,71 B.G. Motorcycle..............................67 Bailey Road Tavern.........................66 Balcer Performance.........................69 Bavarian Sports Club......................85 Bears............................................ 5, 75 Bent Wrench....................................68 Biker to Biker....................................71 Birch Run Swap Meet......................82 Bison Leather....................................67 Blackburn Trikes...............................27 Bob and Peg's Handlebar..............73 Bostic Time.......................................47 Bout Time Tavern.............................66 Buzz Rag..........................................79 California Palms...............................30 Cash 4 Motorcycles........................69 Century Harley-Davidson............... 17 Chuggers..........................................46 Columbus Car Audio & Accessories.....72 Competition Accessories/ Ride 1..39 CROSSROADS................................25 Cycle Analysis..................................69 Cycle Tech........................................69 Dirt Country......................................59 EagleRider........................................85 Eastgate Harley-Davidson..............20 Erie BikeFest.....................................89 Evolution Machine Cycle..........69,71

Fastbacks.......................................... 61 Fat Boys Country Club....................48 Freedom Rally, ABATE Reg 8.........85 Ganley Ford West........................2 - 3 GEICO Motorcycle........................... 1 GoCruise2........................................71 Greater Good Tattoo Company....63 Guardian Oil....................................70 Heart and Soul................................79 Hi Point Firearms..............................65 Hickory Ridge Firearms...................64 Hog Shop Cycles.............................71 Hudson Leather..........................25,86 Indian of Toledo................................. 6 Iron Horse Campgrounds............... 76 Iron Pony...........................................49 Johnstown, Cambria City Conv & VB.. 81 June Jam...........................................38 Knuckleheads...................................66 Knuckleheads Performance Cycles.......69 LA Alterations...................................70 Lake Erie Harley-Davidson..............83 Lake Tavern......................................46 Legend's ...........................................28 Lima 1/2 Mile .................................89 Mantua Corners..............................48 MAPS................................................40 McClusky Chevrolet.................. 90,91 Michael's Pizza................................66 Mugg Shots......................................46 My Museum.....................................63 Napoleon Harley-Davidson...........84 Ohio Bike Week................................ 7 Original Margaritaville................... 31 Paradise Trikes.................................75 Piqua Harley-Davidson...................25 Powerhouse Bar & Grill...................66 Ralph Buss.........................Back Cover

Red Cloud - Indian Parts.................47 Renegade Gentleman.....................69 Rey's Rt 62 Bar & Grill....................66 Rip Rap Roadhouse.........................29 Rod Iron Crew Inc............................68 Roeder Racing.................................87 Sassy's..............................................37 Schiets Motorsports.........................48 Skelly's..............................................48 Sneaky Pete and The Players.........71 Soles Motor Sports LLC...................67 South East Gears & Cheers............95 T-Rex.................................................. 76 Tackett's BBQ...................................40 Taz Garage......................................67 Templar Knights-City Mission Ride.38 The Field Restaurant........................47 Theils Wheels HD............................89 Throttle-Up Motorsports..................68 Tim Owens Travelers Tavern...........26 TNT Bar............................................47 Toyz Cycle Center...........................70 Train Stop.........................................46 Treva's...............................................66 Tri-County Harley-Davidson............42 Tried & True......................................79 Twisted Tea.............Inside Front Cover Vandalia Range & Armory.............65 Veteran's Crisis Line................... 61,79 Villa Tavern....................................... 61 Vivid Jewelers...................................37 Walneck's.........................................82 Western Reserve Harley-Davidson.13 Wetzelland ......................................88 Witchdoctors - Victory Parts............55 Zeppe's Pizza...................................40

We’d also like to thank all of our subscribers... and of course the avid readers that bring it all together. Thank you for making all of this possible, for supporting this organization, and our families. Sincerely, The Thunder Roads Ohio Team

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