Thunder Roads Ohio February 2015 by Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine

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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 Derek Armstrong Smith • ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com (440) 785-7331 SALES & MARKETING Iron Cowboy Productions, LLC • info.ironcowboy@gmail.com (440) 678-8608 LAYOUT & DESIGN Paul Malanij • PJM 23 Design 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 order also order online - www.ThunderRoadsOhio.com To update your address or other questions, email: Acct.TRO@gmail.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ast year, we adopted a new mantra for the magazine and our team – “PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE LOCAL RIDER.” To us, this meant that we were focused on supporting, informing, and serving Midwest bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. As a “Supporter” we consider ourselves partners – meaning that we will never attempt to steer you wrong or place the priority of our sponsors / advertisers ahead of you. That should never be a challenge, if we have the right partners. Indeed, our magazine has grown through the development of great partnerships and relationships within the industry. These are partnerships with companies, organizations, and individuals that also share a commitment to the motorcycle community. We are proud to be a part of the motorcycle community and feel privileged to serve a role in the lives of so many riders. We strive to keep everyone informed of new trends and cutting edge technology as it’s introduced. At the same time, though, we are always looking backwards at the history and traditions of our culture. Why does everyone travel out to Sturgis in August? What’s the story behind the old school multi-level chopper seats – and more importantly, where can I get one? The motorcycle community is one of the most charitable segments of the population, as we strive to help support brothers and sisters in need. We have an incredible sense of patriotism and recognize our debt to those that have served and sacrificed for our communities. In 2014, Thunder Roads Ohio supported and helped to promote HUNDREDS of charitable events and organizations. We seek to do even more in 2015 – but in a manner that remains responsible. Like any of our relationships, we seek to verify and confirm their validity before presenting them to you. If we find something amiss, we step back and it doesn’t go in our magazine – let alone on our cover or in any manner that represents a recommendation to our readers. That’s our primary focus – our readers. We have created one of the largest regional motorcycle magazines in the nation – through the support our readers, partners, and the overall motorcycle community. We appreciate that support and recognize the responsibility that comes with it. As we charge into 2015 and look ahead towards the riding season, we are renewing that commitment and seek to expand upon it. We are THUNDER ROADS OHIO – PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE LOCAL RIDER, and all that entails. As always, we in return – appreciate your support!

NATIONAL FOUNDERS

Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 email: thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com

Derek Smith, Publisher - Thunder Roads Ohio Smith.Ironcowboy@gmail.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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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

GETTING STARTED: THE RIDING ACADEMY AT IRON PONY

EASYRIDERS BIKE SHOW

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ROAD TALES

AMA REPORT

ABATE OF OHIO

16 CMA 20 BUCKEYE THUNDER RUN 50

CENTER CALENDAR

56 TRACKSIDE

MOTORCYCLE 101: IN THE BEGINNING

POKER RUN BASICS

42 CAVALCADE OF CUSTOMS 46 VIBRATIONS RECYCLED

TABASCO REPORT

72 BUCKEYE FIREARMS REPORT 76

THE TRO NETWORK

THE MARKETPLACE

88 UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS 92 RECIPES 52

IRON & INK: H-D STREET 750

FUNNY STUFF

SPONSOR INDEX

58 CINCINNATI ARENACROSS 63

PATRIOT PIN UP

IRON & INK

ON THE COVER Chasidy, 2014 Miss Inked 216, as shot by Bob Mazur, TRO; on a Harley-Davidson Street 750.

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As Told By

THE IRON COWBOY ABATE OF OHIO WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FROM AMA AMA Hosts Annual Awards Banquet

t the annual AMA Championship Banquet held on January 17 at The Alladdin Center in Columbus; ABATE of Ohio was recognized as the AMA RECREATIONAL ROAD RIDING ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR. “We are really pleased to win this honor. We’ve been nominated several times, but this is our first time wining.” Jim Elgin, Chairman of the Board – ABATE of Ohio, commented. Thunder Roads Ohio was nominated for the AMA Media Award at the same Banquet and was in attendance to witness ABATE of Ohio winning the award from AMA. Vurb Moto ended up wining the AMA Media Award for their outstanding coverage of the both professional and amateur motocross racing. Based in Atlanta GA they host a great website and active social media pages. (www. verbmoto.com and www.facebook.com/ vurbmoto) Congratulations to these folks on the win!

ABATE of Ohio. Left to right: Derek Smith, Thunder Roads Ohio; Jim Elgin, ABATE of Ohio Chairman; Ed Schetter, ABATE Executive Director; Diane Thompson, ABATE News Director; and Mike Stock, ABATE Safety & Education Director.

GEICO ANNOUNCED AS NEW PRESENTING SPONSOR OF 2015 BUCKEYE THUNDER RUN

hunder Roads Ohio has partnered with Sidney Taghiof, GEICO Insurance Agent and his GEICO Local Office to present this year’s edition of the Buckeye Thunder Run. Sidney and his staff have long supported Thunder Roads Ohio – and the Tri-State Area even longer! He has been in the business since 1992, and a GEICO Insurance Agent since 2005. “While we offer a full range of insurance products – cars, home, life, boat, and more; we’ve always enjoyed working with motorcycle owners. We are excited about being a part of the Thunder Run and look forward to working with even more riders!”, announced Taghiof. To reach Sidney, you can email him at staghiof@geico. com or call his office toll free at 855-441-9939. He has a tremendous team of great folks that we strongly recommend. The 2015 Buckeye Thunder Run – Ride n’ Win Challenge onces again kicks off in May and will offer even more exciting opportunities for riders as we expand the program to include even more stops, more states, and MORE PRIZES! Last year, Thunder Run participants had the chance to 6

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win more than 6 different motorcycles by simply checking in with their cards at stops all across Ohio. This year the challenge is expanding to include stops in MICHIGAN and PENNSYLVANIA. Details are being finalized to ride and event stops throughout the Midwest and as far away as FLORIDA, MARYLAND, and even SOUTH DAKOTA. With the support of GEICO and other sponsors, we are certain that this will be the best year yet for Ohio’s Biggest and Most Exciting Ride Program! For information on how you can become involved in the Thunder Run – as a sponsor or ride stop, email us at buckeyethunderrun@gmail.com

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THUNDER ROADS OHIO TRAINING SEMINARS

or those involved in the motorcycle community or with a passion for riding, Thunder Roads Ohio offers many opportunities to get involved. As a Contributor, you can help cover events throughout the state and just about anywhere motorcycles are present – by writing or taking pictures. As a Road Rep – you have the opportunity to turn the open road into your office and make some cash doing what you love! We also have lots of other options – which really just depend on what you’d like to do. Regardless of what your background is, if you want to get involved in a grass roots driven business that serves the motorcycle community – there isn’t a better place for you

than Thunder Roads Ohio! And now is the time to get involved! Over the next few months, Thunder Roads Ohio will be hosting Seminars and Training Sessions all across the state for those interested in getting involved. Even if your time is limited, there are many opportunities for you to help the local riding community by representing TRO in your area. We often hear people say that they wish they saw more of their area in the magazine. Here’s the best way to ensure that happens – join the team! For more information – email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@ gmail.com

POWERSPORTS INSTITUTE AND IMBBA REPRESENTED AT EMIRATE BIKE FESTIVAL

he International Master Bike Builders Association (IMBBA) was selected to handle judging and sanction the first annual EMIRATES BIKE FESTIVAL held in Dubai, UAE December 16-19, 2014. As part of the IMBBA Team – Ron Radake, PowerSports Institute V-Twin Director and IMBBA Master Judge, traveled to the Middle East to help judge the event. The IMBBA has established a global standard for the judging of bikes and their involvement gives instant credibility to even a first year event. The event organizers embraced not only the IMBBA system of evaluating entries – but the wealth of knowledge and experience brought by the judges themselves. The growing Middle Eastern custom motorcycle community came out in force and welcomed the American judges. The festival featured rides, entertainment, and of course plenty of amazing works of rolling art. “It was really an incredible experience,” commented Radake. Look for more on the show and some of the award winning bikes in upcoming issues of TRO!

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Award Winning Bike - Dubai

Ron Radake reviews a show entry.

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THE WORLD TALLEST BUILDING

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AMA Championship Banquet honors top motorcycle and ATV racers from all disciplines

ICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The country’s top racers from American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle competition were honored at the AMA Championship Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Aladdin Event & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The AMA presented champions their 2014 AMA National No. 1 plates, recognized the season’s best organizers and announced the 2014 AMA Athletes of the Year. AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman congratulated the racers and their families on their success in 2014 and thanked them for their contributions to motorcycling. “The riders, families, crew members and sponsors in this room tonight are what make AMA-sanctioned competition the greatest in the world,” Dingman said. “Here, we recognize those who excel in the simplicity and ferocity of dirt track, the balance and control of trials, the speed and grace of road racing, the daring of motocross, the rush of hillclimb and land-speed competition, the endurance and variety of off-road racing, and the extreme demands of ice racing. “Congratulations on your success in 2014, and thank you for your support of the AMA!” Dingman said. Motorsports media personalities Laurette Nicoll and Greg White emceed the banquet, which awarded national championship trophies to racers in more than a dozen AMA-sanctioned series and events. The AMA’s highest competitive honors, the AMA Athlete of the Year Awards, recognize riders from each of the two categories of national championship competition -- AMA National Championship Series andAMA Grand Championships -- as well as a rider from ATV competition. AMA Athletes of the Year are voted on by AMA members. Kailub Russell, Grand National Cross Country XC1 champion and the 8

Erin Hunter-Sills

Jordan Jarvis

top American at the International Six Days Enduro, won the AMA National Championship Series Athlete of the Year Award. Russell, from Boonville, N.C., races for the FMF/KTM factory team. “It was a good year for me, both in the GNCCs and going to the ISDE, and I appreciate this award,” Russell said. “I have to thank my family, my wife and the Racer Productions crew, and I also want to wish a happy birthday to my step mom Carrie. It takes a large group of people to win a national championship, and it’s tough to get the job done, but motorcycle racing is a fun sport.” R.J. Hampshire, the 2014 AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner and multiple champion from the AMAAmateur Motocross National Championship, won the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year Award. Hampshire, from Hudson, Fla., competes in the 250SX East Supercross Championship for GEICO Honda. “For me, this is a great way to cap off not just the year, but it also caps off my amateur career,” Hampshire said. “I’m looking forward to the [250SX East] Supercross season starting in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone for this award. I really appreciate it.” Chris Borich, who won the XC1 ATV championship in the GNCC series, was the AMA ATV Athlete of the Year. Borich, from Sunbury, Pa., races for Team Maxxis. Borich was unable to attend the event due to off-season training. Tim Cotter, GNCC event director, accepted the award on Borich’s behalf.

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Kailub Russell “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Chris is that he is tenacious in his racing,” Cotter said. “When he goes to that starting line, it is all about that first turn, but the most important thing about Chris is his family. They are always there. His parents are always there supporting him.” In addition to the AMA Athlete of the Year Awards, the AMA also recognizes outstanding competitors in three categories: AMA Female Racer of the Year, AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year. Erin Hunter-Sills, land-speed racer and AMA and world record holder, was announced as the AMAFemale Racer of the Year. Hunter-Sills is from San Francisco. “I am incredibly honored, primarily to represent all of the women in the room -- from the grandmothers to the 13-month old I saw sitting on a motorcycle over here and naturally grabbing the throttle and turning her wrist,” Hunter-Sills said. “I’m honored not only to represent our half of the species, but the sport of land speed motorcycle racing, where women and men race against each other, which I think is genuine and puts us on equal footing regardless of gender.” The AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year was Steve Bromley from Trevose, Pa. Bromley won the 750 Hotshoe and 50+ Open championships in the 2014 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series. “It feels pretty awesome,” Bromley said. “It felt good just to be nominated for OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

Photos courtesy Jeff Guciardo / AMA.

REPORT

HE AMA N T T OD

Thousands of riders like you join the AMA to unite together for a common goal – to protect our freedom to ride. The AMA is where you belong.

WH ER

AmericanMotorcyclist.com (800) AMA-JOIN

this award, but to win it felt special. I just want to thank my brothers and my dad -- he passed away a couple years ago and he got us all into racing. Plus, I want to thank my wife, who is behind me 100 percent.” Jordan Jarvis, who won the Girls Jr. (9-13) championship at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship and the Girls (7-13) championship at the AMA Arenacross Grand Championship, was theAMA Youth Racer of the Year. “We’ve had a really good year this year, and I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings to us,” Jarvis said. “We’ve had some struggles in the past, and getting this award really means a lot to me. It is special to be recognized among youth racers from all disciplines. I want to thank

DERS BELO

my whole family. They’ve really done a lot for me. I can’t thank everybody enough.” Sponsors and supporters of the 2014 AMA Championship Banquet included 1.7 Cleaning Solution, ASK Motorsports, Atlas Brace Technologies, Barnett Clutches, Beta USA, Bromley Motorcycle Sales, Brooks Leather Sportswear, Fly Racing, Galfer USA, Helmet House: Tourmaster, Iron Pony Motorsports, Matrix Concepts, Next Components, Shoei Helmets, SPOT LLC. Other award winners announced at the banquet included: Motocross Organizer of the Year 2X Promotions Off-Road Organizer of the Year Racer Productions

Track Racing Organizer of the Year Industry Speedway ATV Organizer of the Year Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year ABATE Of Ohio Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year Dixie Dual Sport AMA Club of the Year San Jacinto High Rollers AMA Media Award Vurb Moto Thunder Roads Magazine was honored to have been nominated as well for the AMA Media Award.

AMA HALL OFFAME: Feature Bike 1981 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STURGIS CR: How Harley-Davidson Survived

his 1981 Harley-Davidson Sturgis is a clean, stylish example of the classic cruiser look with its stretched appearance, low handlebars and blacked-out engine. But its heritage is what makes it truly special. This particular Sturgis, with its serial number ending in 000013, is a rolling monument to a momentous time in Harley-Davidson’s history. It is one of the 13 HarleyDavidsons that were customized and set aside for the 13 investors who bought the company from its corporate parent AMF in 1981. This bike was assigned to Tim Hoelter, the only member of the leveraged buyout team who wasn’t a Harley employee at the time. Hoelter later bought the bike from Harley. Acting on a thought that he said had been in the back of his mind for a long time, he donated his historic Sturgis to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s permanent collection in 2005. “It was not easy to give it up,” he said at the time. “It’s a special, special vehicle. But the AMA has always been special to me, too. I felt that rather than have it sit in my garage and be ridden now and then, it would be better for it to be where people can enjoy it—in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.” The buyout commemorated by this cool motorcycle

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would lay the groundwork for a generation of growth at Harley-Davidson. As American riders embraced the revitalized company’s large V-twin motorcycles. The 1981 Sturgis is on display at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in central Ohio, along with motorcycles and memorabilia from all eras of motorcycling. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located at 13515 Yarmouth Drive in Pickerington, Ohio, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. It is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Learn more at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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2014 AMA RECRETIONAL ROAD RIDING ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR

ABATE OF OHIO, INC. Legislative Report

would like to welcome everyone that has stepped up and accepted county and/or regional Legislative Officer positions. Anyone that is new to the position, feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions, or complaints. I remember when I first became county Legislative Officer, I received a lot of help getting started. I feel it is part of my job to do the same for anyone that wants help. My email is legislativedirector@abate.com. At our State Seminar coming up on March 28 we will discuss, round table style, ABATE of Ohio’s legislative agenda. This section of the seminar IS NOT a lecture. It is a group discussion. Come prepared to get involved in our legislative endeavors. I am looking forward to working with Ohio’s General Assembly this year. There are several that have helped us in the past that were re-elected. Our Legislator of the year in 2012, Representative Cliff Rosenberger, is the newly appointed Speaker of the House. Congratulations Representative Rosenberger!

We are planning on re-introducing the Road Guard Bill. This bill creates a State ran training and certification for blocking traffic during group rides. The previous sponsors, Representative Doug Green and Representative Al Landis, were both re-elected. I am looking forward to working with them again on this bill. I hope to see you at the seminar. Regards, Scott “Woody” Wood State Government Relations Director ABATE of Ohio, Inc. woody702001@yahoo.com

Safety & Education Report

i Friends, Suffering from CRD? (Can’t Ride Depression) SRS? (Salty Road Syndrome) You aren’t suffering alone, believe me! Spring is only a couple months away :) FREEDOM has many definitions; Liberty, Independence, Choice, Free Will and many more. ABATE of Ohio fights for FREEDOM for Bikers and their choices involving motorcycles. As an American and a Motorcyclist, FREEDOM of CHOICE is what we fight for. How do we fight? Politics. One of the most hated words used today, but if we don’t fight in that arena, we lose our Freedom of Choice to those who think they know better. I call them the do-gooders of the world. To be fair, the do-gooders do do some good, but they don’t know the Biker world so they shouldn’t be able to dictate what or how we ride. Through the years our organization and Political Action Committee have fought and won many battles with the do-gooders. Lately, the do-gooders are getting stronger because no one wants to be involved in “politics”. Belonging to a grassroots organization like ABATE means you

support the officers who do the fighting for you. Two common sayings are very true to us – “There is strength in numbers” and “Money Talks”. Belonging to ABATE is not very expensive but very effective. Are you curious what ABATE does? How they reach politicians? How they influence decision makers? On March 27th & 28th there is a seminar at Deer Creek State Park Lodge, open to the public, to share information. Come one day or both. Learn who we are and what we believe. For more information about the seminar, go to abate.com and click on ABATE events for March. We always have a lot of fun after the work is done. We will be showing our strength in numbers when Bikers from all over the state have an escorted ride from AD Farrow in Galena (Sunbury) to the steps of the State Capital building and proclaim that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Bikes are back on the road in the spring and people notice when a few thousand bikes make them stop and wait for our parade. The Awareness Ride is May 2nd. I will also mention our state party,

June Jam. Not a whole lot of politicking going on here. This is where we all relax and party, listen to great bands, watch or participate in bike games and enjoy the warm, summer weather. Since we are all about riding, June Jam is in beautiful Hocking Hills in a private campground on June 19-21. Thanks for listening and I hope you’ll join us for one or more of our events, Joining ABATE means you care about your FREEDOM as much as you care about your MOTORCYCLE! Mike Stock Safety & Education Director ABATE of Ohio, Inc. Mikestock419@gmail.com 419-654-5446

THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY IRON COWBOY PRODUCTIONS, LLC AND THUNDER ROADS OHIO IN SUPPORT OF ABATE OF OHIO AND THE WORK THAT THEY DO FOR THE RIDING COMMUNITY.

For more information on ABATE of Ohio, please visit www.abate.com 12

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Powder Keg Harley-Davidson® 2383 KINGS CENTER CT MASON, OH 45040 WWW.POWDERKEGHD.COM 513-204-6962

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FROM THE BACK OF THE BIKE

BY NANCY BEACH

oesn’t it seem that I just gave you some advice on shopping for Christmas? And, now….it’s time to shop for your sweetie for Valentine’s Day! Now some of you aren’t going to want to read this because you aren’t “into” that special day or don’t have a one special sweetie right now. But, for the rest of you…do not turn the page until you have read and completely understand this article!!! So you wake up on Valentine’s Day morning and what is the first thing on your mind. Hmmm Maybe this weekend I will hit the local bike shop and pick up some parts I need. That’s always a plan but, do not forget about stopping at the local chocolate store for something yummy. Or a little piece of bling or something nice and shiny…even some biker jewelry. Ladies always appreciate the thought! That is, when actual thought goes into it. We know when you get something last minute out of pure desperation that you forgot. In other words, don’t just pick up something at the drugstore on your way home and hand it to her with a “here you go”. And cards! Because you have to read them and pick the right one, they show thought as well. by This is the one day that you can give back to that Presented ual n n A th special person that has been there for you and made in N February Sandusky h your life more fun and interesting so don’t look at it as Rotary 6th and 7t hips.com ns kerchampio po a chore. This is a way to say Thank You and you are ast co www.north important to me! Event r Charity A Premie So enough of that. I feel I have made my point so ation ral Inform n and Gene Registratio Online: onto to some other things. Coming up in February is the hips.com rchanpions coastpoke has www.north ze ri 202-0399 P 9) (41 st 9th Annual Northcoast Poker Championships at Kalahari e: ir F By Phon k Jack ranged from Action Blac ! Waterpark and Resort. This is a Sandusky Rotary Fundraiser n Go’s Live Sit 0! doors open 00 5, when the $1 rt Sta to $8,000 where you can win a lot of money with 2 poker tournaments at 6:00 pm nt ors Open Friday: Do s Open at 10:30 am Main Eve Door Saturday and Live Action, Sit n Go’s and Black Jack. Ladies…nice Saturday: $100.00 Entry Fee: uys - Cash Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetie! So, to register online d Re-b Add-ons an you can go to northcoastpokerchampionships.com and all the info is right there! I know many of you have attended this y 30th and r by Januar chips! Pre-registe al % addition 20 ive in the past so I hope to see you all there again this year! ce re 8:00 pm rd Game te Early Bi Let’s recap! Guys-Nice card…good chocolate or some Friday Ni lahari a mile of Ka bling. Ladies-entry to the poker tournament. Making your tes within Special Ra Rates nt me ker Tourna special someone feel special. And guys…remember this. That rthcoast Po Ask for No .9500 21 9.6 ites 41 special someone is the one that takes her role very seriously 95 First Prize Fairfield Inn & Su 419.627.95 Plus $10,000.00 on 400 players n ter es W Best ted jec riding on the back of YOUR bike! y. pro ne mo Payouts ck in prize try paid ba 70% of en Happy Valentine’s Day! 0 PM

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CMA

Fortieth Anniversary

n 1975 a horseman, pastor, and evangelist all in one person named Herb Shreve became a biker in an attempt to bridge a growing gap in his relationship with his son. From my knowledge of Herb’s story he didn’t intend on ministering to secular bikers, nor to become founder of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). He wanted to improve his relationship with his son. In Herb’s efforts to bridge that seemingly growing gap between him and his son with motorcycling, he discovered motorcycle rallies. Herb invited his son to attend a secular motorcycle rally with him in Texas, and there God began to birth Herb’s calling to evangelize the motorcycling world. It’s been recorded he prayed this prayer while struggling with this calling, “Please God, send someone to help these people. But please . . . don’t send me.”* As Herb continued to visit motorcycle rallies God continued to work on his heart and it’s recorded he prayed this prayer, “Lord, You know I’ll go wherever You want me to go, and do whatever You want me to do. I just hope You don’t want me to start riding a motorcycle on a full-time basis. But if that is what You have in mind . . . please give me a willing and obedient heart.”* Who did God call to build the foundation of integrity CMA has been built on from the beginning? Herb Shreve who was committed to the authority of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Today, CMA is still committed to upholding the integrity Herb built CMA on through 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” NASB True CMA is lead by a 6 member Board of Directors

including the Chairman of the Board, John Ogden, Sr., but the commitment to 1 Corinthians 3:11 has not waivered. God continues to bless CMA because of this continued surrender to God by its leadership. CMA is now in 32 countries sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ only after building relationships and walking through doors God opens for its members. Kerry Gibson, National Evangelist for CMA, coined a phrase several years ago that epitomizes CMA’s focus still today, “It’s all about Jesus.” In Ohio there are 29 Chartered Chapters and 1 Forming Chapter. On March 1, 2015, CMA will be conducting its annual CMA Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is, “Let’s pray for America and let God be God” as we are reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” KJV Feel free to contact one of our chapters and join us as we pray for America. GR (Jerry) Niver CMA Ohio State Coordinator *CMA Heartbeat, January 2015 Issue 348, Special Feature, The Birth of CMA, page 7

Christian Motorcyclists Association COME RIDE WITH US! CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with a non-denominational 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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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 checks-in’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

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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!.

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

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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 checkin’s 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 2014, riders had the chance to win 4 different motorcycles, hundreds of VIP Passes and tickets to some of the most exciting motorcycle events in the state, and hundreds of other great prizes!

2015 WILL BE EVEN BIGGER with MORE PRIZES, MORE RIDERS, and EVEN MORE EVENTS!

BONUS Check-in´s!

he 2015 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! 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! THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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. We have all new cards for 2015. 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 booth 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. 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

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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 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.

Just Get Out and RIDE!

ne 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 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

The RIDE kicks off in MAY! Pick up your card this winter at local shows or stops and get ready for a great summer! 22

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Getting Started Thunder Roads Ohio presents these as the first in a series of articles profiling various riding academies and instructional programs offered around the state. We believe that the greatest threat to riding is the proliferation of new riders jumping on bikes without the proper training and the increasing number of accidents that result. We encourage everyone to take the time to become perfectly comfortable with riding and their particular bike – before hitting the road! If you’d like to share your experiences as a rider or tell us about a training program you’re involved with, we’d love to hear. Please email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com

The Riding Academy at Iron Pony “The guys says, ‘What level rider would you say that you are?’ I don’t know, zero, nothing. Whatever the system is. I can’t do it. Is that clear enough for you? I’m going wherever the horse wants to go. That’s my ‘level’”. - Jerry Seinfeld By Aimee Ritz, TRO Associate Editor

hen I got signed up for the Basic Rider Course at the Riding Academy at Iron Pony Powersports, this is what I felt like my riding ‘level’ was. I had ridden a quad (and kept up pretty well with the guys), and a dirt bike a little. But not nearly enough that I felt comfortable like I could hit the road on my own on a bike. The idea of paying closer attention to the traffic around me on the road without the relative safety of a cage worried me. Riding a motorcycle requires an intimate relationship with the road – one in which I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit. Enter Iron Pony Riding Academy (referred to as IP-RA), endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). IP-RA offers courses to novice and veteran riders to enhance their skills and confidence. I chose the Basic Rider Course, designed to help riders with little to no seat time gain practical knowledge of motorcycle handling and best practices for riding. All of the people in my class had a different ‘level’ of experience – offroad racers ready to gain their motorcycle endorsement for street riding, seasoned riders that had been off the road for many years, and relative newbies like me. It was nice to know that I wasn’t the only one that had never taken a bike on the street. The class was small, with only about 12 people. We had 2 instructors – the ratio of students to teachers was great. According to the instructors, this was the normal size for the class. With more students, it’s hard to have a good flow during the actual riding sessions. All of the students enrolled had 24

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already obtained our Temporary Instruction Permit Cards via testing at the BMV. This is a must before straddling a bike in any MSF Course. The first portion of the curriculum was held in a classroom and tested us on all the principles in the Basic Rider Classroom Handbook. Some of the topics included: • Introduction to Motorcycling • Risk Awareness and Management • Preparing to Ride • Street Strategies It was amazing to me to learn from seasoned riders that some of the ‘common motorcycle knowledge’ I thought I had was not necessarily the truth. Myths were dispelled, and we were taught the proper way to handle a bike in adverse situations. Before we broke away for the riding sessions, I felt better equipped to take on the open road. Knowledge is power, right?? Wouldn’t you know, the first of our 2-day riding session was freezing! “You have to be prepared to ride in all weather conditions,” was the repeated remark from our instructors. We all groaned and got suited up to ride. Luckily, after a while, we all warmed right up during our exercises. We started with minor drills like learning the bike’s friction zone, stopping and starting, and shifting. Some of our classmates hadn’t ever been on a bike. The instructors were coordinated enough to be able to target some intense training for the real rookies while keeping the rest of us involved in tougher drills. We then moved on to cornering and stopping quickly. I was freaked out at first – but my instructors were next to me 100% of the drill helping me to remember all the things I had learned in the classroom. I’ll admit; sometimes it’s tough to put into

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practice something you’ve read in a booklet. I found that when my confidence was up, I performed each task much better. It was great that our instructors were like our own personal cheerleaders – never negative, and always faithful that we’d master the skill at hand. I left the first day of riding instruction with bolstered confidence and so many skills I didn’t feel I had even registered before the class. Wouldn’t you know, the next day the weather was worse. It was just as cold as it had been before, but it was drizzling. Cold and wet – absolutely miserable. “As long as there’s no standing water and it’s not lightning, you need to be able to maneuver the bike in wet conditions,” our instructors said. They were actually kind of excited because they felt like we’d receive a more intense day of training than other classes that were blessed with sunny skies. This far into the course, there was no argument from the students, and we took on tougher drills including limited-space maneuvers, obstacles, lane changes, and avoiding hazards. We all got a good taste of what being stranded in the rain on a motorcycle felt like - and all gained an appreciation for proper rain gear! After finishing our drills, we reviewed our progress. Our instructors allowed us some time to work on skills we were lessthan-confident about. This time was great because we could get targeted training on the tasks that were giving us grief. Mine was maintaining the same level of control in right turns as I could with left turns. I was given time to work my way around a figure 8 both ways until I was satisfied with my performance. Having that time to work on my concerns helped me get ready for the finale of the course – the Skills Assessment. Yes – a test. A riding test. The thought freaked me out – not about my proficiency on the bike, but because I had to perform the test in front of all my classmates. Yikes! What I didn’t realize is that I had been gaining cheerleaders all along. So not only did I have 2 wonderful instructors telling me I could knock THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

this out of the park, but I also had all my classmates wishing me through my test. It was a great feeling. Motorcycle riding is a very individual effort – but we had all become a team with one goal. We had to pass this test! Passing the test meant different things to different classmates – for some it equaled the right to ride, for others it was a lowered insurance bill (many insurance companies will lower your motorcycle insurance rate if you’ve passed this course). Either way, those that passed ended up with a certificate they could bring to the BMV to have our Motorcycle Endorsement applied to our license without testing through the State. How great is that?! So I came away from the BRC with an enhanced knowledge of motorcycle safety, better riding skills, and my motorcycle endorsement! I was so stoked I nearly walked into Iron Pony to finance a brand new bike – nearly! I am a better rider because of my time in this course. And what a great gift to give to your loved one that wants to jump on a bike! There are a few levels of courses to take – the BRC that I took, the Returning Basic Rider Course as a skill refresher, the BRC-2 for riders with their own bike and the Advanced Rider Course for experienced riders to step their game up. Each course offers new material and a deeper level of comfort and confidence while riding. I think they’re all a must! As much as you think you know about riding, I challenge you to learn something new! For more information on the Iron Pony Riding Academy, visit them online at www.ip-ra.com. Their website offers easy registration and shows the complete schedule and availability of upcoming classes. You can also call them at 614-942-0001. Let them know TRO sent ya! UPCOMING TRAINING FEATURES: One on One Instruction at Schiets Motorsports (www.schietsmotorsports.com) The Lake Erie Riding Academy (www.LakeErieHarley.com)

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Columbus, Ohio February 21-22, 2015

ne of our favorite and certainly most unique bike shows of the year returns to Columbus in February – as the EASYRIDERS 2015 BIKE SHOW TOUR concludes with its traditional finale in the Buckeye State. This show brings the most celebrated custom bikes from across the country to the Columbus Convention Center to compete for top honors. This isn’t a dealer show, although there will be factory bikes on display. This show is all about making a bike your own and pushing the limits as to what custom fabricators and painters can do. These are truly rolling works of art and worthy of showcasing them in an event such as this. Many of the industry’s top vendors will also be showing off their products and on-hand to answer questions. And of course, Thunder Roads Ohio will be there! The Thunder Roads Ohio crew will once again host a Thunder Zone right there in the midst of the show in support of our Easyriders friends and all of the bike exhibitors. We will have many of our Iron Angels™ on hand as well to pose with fans and the bikes. Cover and Calendar girls and other feature models will be available as well to autograph magazines and posters. We will also be checking in Ride Card holders for chances to win great prizes – including a $500 Gift Card. If you don’t already have a card – don’t despair! Those same Iron Angels and TRO Staff Members will be able to quickly get you set up with your own, for Free! Just stop by the Thunder Zone and we will take care of everything! 30

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Celebrities and Entertainment This is an exciting show with something happening throughout the weekend on the main stage and podiums set up throughout the show. The lovely PURRFECT ANGELZ from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” will be performing live throughout the weekend. This year’s show also features the lovely Lisa Ligon as MC / Announcer. The cast of the hit TV show “Full Throttle Saloon” will also be on site and available for autographs as well. John Shoppe and Paul Yaffe from the Biker Battleground Phoenix Show will also be at the show, talking with attendees and showing off their creations. Tommy Flanagan One of the hottest shows in the history of television came to an end this past year, and one of its most popular characters will be represented by the actor that portrayed “Chibs” on the “Sons of Anarchy” show. Tommy Flanagan will be signing autographs and even hosting a VIP Meet & Greet at the show. I had the opportunity to meet Tommy a few years ago at one of the shows, and he’s the real deal. A limited number of VIP Passes are available for the Meet & Greet. You can get more information on them and the show at Easyridersevents.com

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FULL THROTTLE SALOON

PAUL YAFFE

PURRFECT ANGELZ

TOMMY FLANAGAN

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LISA LIGON

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Easyriders Invitational Bike Show Saturday Feb 21 and Sunday Feb 22, 2015 Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 Show Hours: Saturday, February 21, 2015 10am-7pm Sunday, February 22, 2015 10am-5pm Admission: Saturday $25, Sunday $20, Weekend Pass $35 Kids: 6-12 $10 each day. 5 and younger FREE Tickets sold at the door. Exhibiting Your Bike If you’re a professional, part-time, or even recreational bike builder – the Easyriders Bike Show is an incredible opportunity to showcase your work and possibly get it featured in national publications. And incredibly, it’s FREE to enter your bike in the show! Compete for your chance to take home one of over 40 Custom Bike Show Trophies and the bragging rights that go with them! Judging of the bikes includes both public voting and scoring by official show judges. There are fourteen classes and four special categories to be awarded – including Best of Show, People’s Choice, Editor’s Choice, and the John Green Award. The John Green Award is given to one old school, badass bike that is selected in the spirit of the legendary promoter and host of the Easyriders shows. Basic 5’x10’ bike display spaces are FREE! Of course, you can upgrade your space for additional costs – but the basic spots are offered free of charge. The only catch is that they do ask for competitors to pay standard entry fees for the shows.

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AMPLIFIED AWARENESS CONCERT February 21, 2015 THE ALAROSA VILLA nce again, Thunder Roads Ohio has teamed up with The Make It Fit Foundation for their OAMPLIFIED AWARENESS BENEFIT CONCERT to

benefit kids with Autism and Tourette Syndrome. This is a tremendous event that we are proud to be a part of. Held at the legendary Alrosa Villa, the concert features JASMINE CAIN and special guests LATTER and PERFECTLY DAMAGED. Jasmine is one of our favorite performers, and she recently headlined the weekend at Piqua BikeFest. She rocked the streets of downtown Piqua, and we are looking forward to once again seeing her in this more intimate concert venue. This is a great “after party” attended by many of the builders and celebrities from the show. It’s not to be missed! The show is held each year over “Easyriders Weekend” and falls on Saturday, February 21st this year. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster – or $15 at the door. For more information, you can visit www. MakeItFit.org or www.Alarosavilla.com. Thunder Roads Ohio would like to also thank C&A Harley-Davidson and Kixson Creative for helping to make the concert possible. THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

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MOTORCYCLE 101 IN THE BEGINNING…

The First Motorcycle

often find myself asking the question “What If…?” What if forks weren’t called forks? What if no one had invented drinking straws? Who sat down and actually decided that toilet paper was a necessity, not just a luxury? And what did their friends and family think and say when these inventors announced their fabulous plans to change the world one convenience item at a time? I’m sure that Martin Cooper’s wife probably thought to herself “What in the hell is he thinking?” when he shared his idea in 1973 to revolutionize the world with the modern day cell phone…but we all know how that turned out for him. So this thought process has lead me to the following question… Who actually sat down and looked at their bicycle, and with what I assume was complete and utter disappointment in its slow moving, two wheeled existence and said…”I can make this fly!” Well that person just happened to be a Massachusetts born son of a carpenter, named Sylvester Howard Roper. Roper made his living as a machinist in Boston, but began inventing at an early age. By the age of twelve he had constructed a small stationary engine and at only fourteen a locomotive engine. Roper continued to invent throughout his life, including guns, sewing machines, and finally steam powered carriages and bicycles. More importantly, though - in the late 1860’s, Roper began demonstrating a steam driven cycle at fairs and circuses in the Eastern United States. You may be saying to yourself, a steam powered bicycle is not a motorcycle, but I believe it is clearly a predecessor to our modern day two wheeled objects of affection. Riding on two wheels began with a primitive push bike on which the rider sat, but there were no pedals. The rider propelled himself forward by pushing his/her feet on the ground (a Flintstone bike if you will). Next came the high wheelers with a huge front wheel and a small rear wheel, and nearly impossible to ride. Finally came the “safety bicycle”. Quite the invention in and of itself considering it had wheels of equal size, as well as a set of pedals to drive the rear wheel through a chain linkage. The evolution of two wheel travel continued and it became a common means of personal transportation. Later it would come to be seen as a “racing” vehicle, so of course it wouldn’t be long until someone looked at the bicycle and knew that it had a higher purpose. An evolutionary need to be better, and by better of course I mean faster. 36

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I like to imagine that Roper arrived home to his little inventors shop out back, tired after a long day, and an even longer ride home on his bicycle. He sits down with a cold one and stares at his two wheeler thinking there is no worldly reason it should take him so long to get home each night. It keeps him from working on the things he loves. Then it hits him…the light bulb moment…”I’m going to make this bike fly!” Fast forward through hours and hours of painstaking disappointment and doubt to the design that actually works, and Ta-Daa! The first motorcycle is born. The year is 1867, and the world was about to change. History states that when Roper began riding his two wheeled contraption it was not well received. It apparently spooked horses, and was loud, as well as emitting a noxious odor when he rode through town. Rumor has it, he was actually arrested once for riding it, but had to be released when it was determined they could not find any laws he was actually breaking….and; the modern day biker was born. Interestingly, this first model anticipated many modern motorcycle features. Roper used one steam cylinder of 2 ¼” bore by 2 ½” stroke to either side of the frame behind the seat and connected piston rods to cranks on the rear wheel axle. A firebox and boiler were suspended on springs attached to THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

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the hickory wood frame between the wheels. roughly 30 miles per hour. Elated by his results, 70 Piston valves for the cylinders were operated by year old Roper apparently got that old feeling again, eccentrics adjacent to their cranks, and the water and decided he could definitely go faster. Flying pump was operated by the left-cylinder crank. around the 1/3 mile wooden track he lost control Exhaust steam was carried via tubing into a short on the back stretch and was thrown from his bike chimney projecting up from behind the saddle. into the surrounding sand. Sylvester Howard Roper A coal fire heated the water stored in a reservoir was pronounced dead at the scene, but later it was that was constructed as a part of the seat and determined it was not a result of the accident itself, generated steam to run the engine. but rather heart failure. I don’t know about you, but While this model utilized a twisting hand grip seems to me he must have died a happy man. to serve as throttle control, and also had a cable Both of Roper’s steam powered motorbikes were that was attached to the handlebars to allow for purchased by museums. The original steam powered breaking, it was still quite primitive in design. The bike still resides at the Smithsonian. While Roper’s operating temperature was nearly 300 degrees Fahrenheit between motorcycles never found commercial success, they surely the rider’s legs, and the travel distance was extremely limited. provided a source of inspiration and direction for inventors in A second model Roper designed later boasted a one gallon water the gas-powered motorbike era. Speaking of the gas-powered reservoir and allowed for rides up to eight miles in length. era….I wonder what possessed Daimler to put that first gas June 1st, 1896 Roper would showcase this model at the engine on his old wooden bike… Charles River bicycle racetrack in Boston. The idea was to test the Melanie Schwarte, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa motorcycles viability as a pace-making machine for bike races. Initially Roper covered a mile in 2 minutes and 12 seconds…that’s Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an updated version of an article we’ve previously ran. It was an incredibly popular feature and remains one of our most requested copies. As we prepare for the Midwest riding season we will begin looking at how to effectively plan, organize, promote, and execute various motorcycle events. For immediate assistance with your next event, please send an inquiry to ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com

POKER RUN BASICS How to Host a Successful Ride Event – Part 1

“A POKER RUN is an organized event where participants, usually using motorcycles,.., must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. The event has a time limit, however the participants are not timed—winning is purely a matter of chance.”

By Derek Smith, Thunder Roads Ohio

- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Poker Runs can bring together riders of all styles and backgrounds. 38

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ikers celebrate a lifestyle that is built around riding and enjoying the camaraderie of other bikers. With our increasingly hectic lifestyle, few of us have the opportunity to take off on an Easy Rider style ride. More often we look for local organized rides as a chance to meet other riders and simply get out on the bike. Some of the most popular events are the local poker runs that fill our event listings all summer long. Poker Runs are basically a chance for folks to get together and ride - usually to benefit a worthwhile cause with the off-chance to score some prizes or cash. In most cases, you end up at a party with other riders with similar interests. Even if you register and start the day riding by yourself, chances are that you will end up riding and hanging with a group of kindred spirits by the end of the day. It really is a basic staple of the modern “motorcycle lifestyle”. Golfers have scrambles and bikers have poker runs! Over the last few years, more and more organizations have taken to hosting motorcycle poker runs as a means to raise funds and spread awareness. In many cases, the poker runs are hosted by local biker bars; but often times the host organizations have nothing to do with riding at all! Despite any stereotypes or media attention otherwise, our society has certainly recognized the generosity of OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

The key to a successful poker run is a well thought out and executed plan. bikers and our willingness to help others. “Years ago, there were four or five bike poker runs that every one attended. Now there are a dozen every weekend. Some of us joke that one of these days we’re going to find ourselves riding on the Wounded Butterfly Run,” Hairy George, a local promoter lamented, “It’s not a bad thing, but certainly some runs are better then others. And I’m not just talking about the cause, but the ride itself.” Without a doubt there are many important considerations when it comes to planning any charity event – and there are many unique ones when it comes to planning a motorcycle ride. Even if you’re an experienced rider, that doesn’t necessarily make you competent to host an event. Planning a ride for 1,000, THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

Choose a Cause Sometimes this is what starts it all and this sounds like a foolish step - but other times a Poker Run is established by folks BASIC STEPS that love to ride and need to adopt a Here are some basic steps, in terms cause. of planning a Poker Run. There are plenty of worthy causes 1. Choose a Cause to choose from. Many poker runs 2. Set Up A Committee / are held to raise money for local or Identify Key People national charitable organizations, private 3. Consider Staffing Needs foundations, or accounts established for 4. Set a Date families struck by tragedy. Sometimes 5. Establish a Budget runs are hosted to assist a specific 6. Find Sponsors / Stops individual with medical needs. As long 7. Spread the Word - Advertise as you are dealing with a reputable 8. Finalize the Plan organization or sincere beneficiary there 9. Lock in the Volunteers really no “wrong choice” when it comes 10. HOST THE EVENT to selecting a charity. It’s important, 11. Thank your sponsors, volunteers, though, to make sure that its a cause that and participants. sufficiently motivates those involved. In 200, or even 100 riders is a lot different then planning a run for you and a few friends.

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POKER RUN BASICS most cases there’s a lot of work involved in hosting a successful poker run. You don’t want to get in the middle of the project and have people deciding that it’s not worth it.

Set Up A Committee / Identify Key People It’s important to clearly identify your key organizers and leadership. There are many specific tasks that need to be accomplished and its often easiest to break these down early on. For smaller rides or organizations one person may handle a specific area, but if you have a large enough pool – you can set up committees to tackle specific tasks. These are standard areas of responsibility for either your key people or committees to handle. • Ride Logistics • One-Site Logistics • Registration • Volunteer • Marketing • Sponsorship • Awards • Social If you have enough people, you can set up committees to address each of these areas. If you don’t, a few hard working and dedicated individuals can cover these responsibilities. Either way, they need to be covered. If this is your first motorcycle event or ride, we would certainly recommend that you find someone with experience in organizing such events. Our first recommendation would be to partner with an entire organization that has experience in such things. There are countless riding organizations out there. From Harley Owners Groups ™ and traditional AMA motorcycle clubs to civil service and military riding groups, there are plenty of experienced groups that can help with your event. There are also professional organizations and promoters that handle such events as well. As always it’s a question of cost and return on investment. A grass roots riding organization may be able to bring a lot of volunteers (and consequently riders) to your event – all for a portion of the proceeds or maybe even just for the exposure. A marketing 40

professional or event organizer may do it all for a flat fee – working with your own volunteers or his staff and temps. It all depends upon your situation and the dynamics of your situation. A 50% split with a local riding organization may end up costing a lot more then a $3,000 consulting fee charged by a professional promoter. But if you find a partner charity with a large volunteer base – they may work a deal that is much more beneficial for you. It all depends upon your specific resources and needs. Most importantly, you need to determine how many people you have available to help plan, promote, and finally host the event.

Consider Staffing Needs One of the earliest and most critical considerations is making sure that you have enough people to work the event. There’s a lot of work to be done before hand, which a few hard working people can knock out; but you’re going to need people to work the actual event. From the folks handing out the cards to people flagging the bikes in the lot, it takes a lot of people to host a well organized run. Regardless of where they come from, you will need bodies to pull the event off. You need to be confident that you have either the volunteers or resources to pay staff to work your event. If you don’t, there’s no point in going any further. We will address staffing and organizing / recruiting volunteers in the March 2015 issue of TRO.

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Set a Date The next step is to determine a date for the event. A date that allows enough time for you to effectively plan, doesn’t conflict with other events in the area, and makes sense in terms of weather. Being in Ohio, there are some fundamental restrictions in terms of our riding season. Traditionally, our season starts in May and ends in October. May and October are both dicey though, as inclement weather can hit us on either end of the season. It’s not uncommon for parts of Ohio to get hit with snow in October and the last few May’s have been amongst the wettest on record. Fall runs get complicated with end of summer commitments, last minute vacations, football, and school being in session - so September and even late August events are more difficult to promote. So that leaves us with June through early August as our primary season. This equates to approximately 11 weekends for you and everyone else planning motorcycle events to choose from. So your next consideration is what else is already going on in your area? For this you need to consult with the various dealerships and venues in your area. You can call them up, check their websites, or even just ask around. Veteran riders in your area will know all of the big, established events. For instance, in Northeast Ohio the Louie Run is traditionally the first big riding event of the season. Since 1984, The Louie Run OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

has been held the first Sunday of May and attracts around 5,000 riders every year – regardless of the weather. It’s a great time and tradition for most riders in the area. It would be hard to imagine another ride being successful on that same date anywhere close. If you’re planning a first year event, I’ve found that it’s helpful to follow another event that might allow you the opportunity to promote your run. For instance, if you are hosting a poker run or charity run in Northeast Ohio – I’d recommend you getting a booth at the Louie Run. It’s a great chance to promote your ride to thousands of dedicated riders. If your ride is within an hour of Painesville (The Louie Run ends at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Painesville) and in May or June, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When bikers have a great time at an event, they often get primed for “the next ride” so I enjoy striking while the “iron’s hot”. These established events often present a great opportunity for you to present your ride to a group of riders together, when it’s easy to get everyone to commit. When launching a new ride, it’s worth considering opportunities such as this. Every little thing helps and it’s worth considering not only things that might conflict with your date, but also things that might contribute to your numbers as well. The earlier your ride falls in the season, the less time you have to promote THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

it to riders through other riding events or bike nights. This is especially important to consider for new rides. Lastly, you need to feel comfortable that you’ve allowed yourself enough time to effectively plan and market your ride. If you are an experienced organizer with a solid pool of riders to draw from, (ie. from a riding club, customer base, or larger organization) you may be able to throw together a ride in just a few weeks. If you or your organization are new to the motorcycle community or inexperienced in planning a ride – you need to allow yourself more time to effectively plan the run. If this is a first year event and you are looking to reach out to unknown riders in the community – you will need to allow yourself at least 6 to 8 weeks. If you are looking to secure sponsorships and outside contributions, you should allow yourself at least 3 to 4 months of advance work. Of course a lot of this depends upon how many people you have working on the Poker Run. If you have a larger organization to draw on for support and contributions, you can organize things much more quickly. If it’s a smaller team project – such as your local bar or local riding club; you will need to allow yourself more time to knock off everything that’s on the list.

BASICS FOR THE RIDER A Poker Run is basically just a good excuse to get out and ride - usually to support a charity. The event begins when you check in and receive a score sheet and route map. Typically there are five checkpoints along the route and you will draw a card at each one. You draw a card, it will then be noted on your score sheet and you will ride on to the next checkpoint. And like a game of poker, the person with the best hand at the end will be deemed the winner. Riders of all types of bikes and riding styles take part in poker runs. Given the charitable causes they support - generally everyone is welcome. Some of the most hard core clubs host charitable poker runs, sometimes to support local families or victims and sometimes just to support the host club themselves. In most cases everyone is welcome, and of course the expectation is that everyone plays nicely. BASIC POKER RUN TIPS 1. Fuel up before you arrive at the event / registration. If you're riding with others, you don't want to be the one holding everyone up to start the day. 2. Keep track of the time. Most rides have basic parameters regarding Last Bike In and such. It's easy to find yourself spending too much time at a stop. Keep moving. 3. Don't (Over) Drink. Many poker runs involve running between bars. A "beer and a shot" at each stop - quickly turns into eight to ten drinks in a relatively short period of time. NEVER forget YOU'RE ON A BIKE and don't find yourself riding impaired. COMING UP, in next month’s issue. Managing and Recruiting Volunteers and Establishing a Budget for your event. We will also be featuring a listing of Poker Run destinations. If you have a bar, restaurant, dealerships, or other riding destination that is interested in being a stop on poker runs this summer – send us an email at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com Please include contact information and some details on your stop.

Derek Smith is the Publisher of Thunder Roads Ohio and President of Iron Cowboy Productions, LLC. Iron Cowboy Productions is an event management and marketing firm that specializes in motorcycle and live entertainment events. THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

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55TH Annual KOI Federated Auto Parts

Cavalcade Of Customs Cincinnati, Ohio

By Doug Taylor, TRO Cincinnati

lassic cars, hot rods, trucks and motorcycles rolled into the Cincinnati Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati for the 55th Cavalcade Of Customs January 9-11. Two floors were loaded with more than 500 cars and bikes on display for everyone’s enjoyment. They ranged from stock classics to all out custom. Entries came from Cincinnati and the surrounding areas as well as others that follow the show circuit. This is a ISCA (International Show Car Association) event. The association’s purpose is to oversee the competition at each event, supervise the judging staff, keep track of exhibitor points and manage the series championship, which is known as the Summit Racing Equipment Show Car Series. The Squires Car Club started the event over 55 years ago. A legacy handed down from his grandfather & father, Greg McDaniels continues to be in charge of putting the show together and does a great job again this year to make it happen. The bikes at the show included vintage originals, modified to fully custom with designer paint and art. We spoke with local designers including Jon Westerkamp of JMC Motorsports on the eastside, who had 4 custom bikes in the show and Don’s Custom Cycles in Cleves. There was even one of Jay Leno’s motorcycles, signed by celebrities, displayed by Midwest Customs. The show included vendors with everything from custom bike wheels and seats to custom paint shops including Boitnott’s Custom Paints in Fairfield. I’ll be looking forward to next year’s show. 42

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CAVALCADE OF CUSTOMS

For more photos from the 2015 Cavalcade of Customs – visit our facebook page. www.facebook.com/thunderroadsohio

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VIBRATIONS RECYCLED CUSTOME FEATUR

HONDA CB750 Geoff Baldwin, ReturnoftheCafeRacers.com

espite all the hullabaloo surrounding global warming there’s nothing quite like piloting a vehicle powered by oil derived fuel that explodes beneath me and spews noise and filth out into the atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for saving the planet, but it will be a sad day when I have to lay my fossil fueled beast to rest and pilot whatever sustainable form of transport they dictate we should use instead. Until then though Italian Design studio ‘Vibrazioni (Vibrations) Art Design’ may have the perfect solution. Rather than looking for new materials to shape the bodywork of their custom creations, the Vibrations workshop uses the recycled steel of old signs and storage drums. Painstakingly beating and shaping the recycled panels to form everything from the front fairing to the rear cowl on this Honda CB750. Adding to the awesome effects are the areas where the guys have chosen to let the old paint remain, hinting at exactly where each piece came from and what task it performed in its past life.

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“The main material from which comes this story, is a material of recovery: plate barrels normally used in different industrial sectors, ranging from petrochemicals to food. These barrels, with their bright colors and unique screen-prints, suggest a multitude of colors combinations and surface patterns. Furthermore, the forced exposure to the atmospheric elements over time make possible an unrepeatable aesthetic transformation .... here comes the fun!” THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

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Photo by Bob Mazur, Thunder Roads Ohio

Model: Chasidy, 2014 Miss Inked 216

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

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V-TWIN FACTORY FEATURE

HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET 750

his month we had an opportunity to present the lovely Chasidy, the 2014 Miss Inked 216 Winner, as our Iron & Ink Cover Model – and the exciting new Harley-Davidson Street 750 seemed like the perfect partner for her. Harley introduced the new Street 750 in Austin, Texas while the X Games were in town – and that pretty much says it all right there. This is not your dad’s Harley – nor is it intended to be. This is a totally new bike meant to appeal to a whole new generation of riders that might not be interested in the rumble, size, or “tradition” of a big v-twin. The Street 750 is a true modern motorcycle designed to compete worldwide against the sea of metric bikes that traditional Harleys have never really stacked up well against for anyone looking for something lightweight, practical, and value priced. That’s not to say that this is a kid’s bike or even an “entry

Photos: Bob Mazur | Model: Chasidy, 2014 Miss Inked 216 52

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET 750 level” bike. It’s a lightweight, practical bike that’s fun to ride. I have a 900 pound Road Glide Ultra that I wouldn’t hesitate to ride across the country on. It’s a beast that I love and they start at well over $20,000 new. The Street 750 weighs in around 450 pounds and has a list price of approximately $7,500. These are different bikes with different purposes. Whenever we talk about these online (www.facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio), I always get a slew of howls from the Harley die hards that wake up in a cold sweat from nightmares of EFI Dyna’s and water cooled Electra Glides. Relax folks – this bike doesn’t represent a threat to the V-Twin monsters that rule the roads across America. I loved riding this bike – there I said it. It was a blast to ride, but it certainly didn’t remind me of my Road Glide or even the trusted Softail that I rode for 15 years. It did, however, remind me of the old 85’ Honda Shadow 700 that I rode in college. It was smooth shifting and responded quickly to the twist of the throttle. I’m a 6’, 250lb guy – and it was a comfortable ride for me. I would probably want a different seat – something with more support – for a longer ride; but for dashing around town – it’s a perfect ride. I’ve always thought that Harley had a whole in its lineup when compared to their BIG 4 world competitors (H-Y-K-S). While their competition has never been shy about going toe to toe with their reincarnations of the V-Twin spirit – Harley has not created something that really compares to the seemingly endless variety of inexpensive smaller displacement sport and lightweight cruisers. And even though the V-Rod was water cooled – it certainly isn’t lightweight or a bike for entry level riders. The Street 750 – and its smaller sibling Street 500 – fills that gap. It goes head to head with the smaller metric bikes and might just win the hearts and riding passion of a whole new generation of riders. Maybe those riders will evolve into V-twin riders down the road as their interests change and their budgets increase. Or maybe not, maybe they will just remain content with this practical, fun, new style of Harley’s.

Our thanks to Mike Stevens and the staff at Lake Erie Harley-Davidson for providing the Street 750 and space for the shoot.

STATS: 2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET 750 PRICE $7499 ENGINE TYPE Liquid-cooled 749cc 60-degree V-twin BORE & 85.0 x 66.0mm STROKE INDUCTION Mikuni EFI 38mm COMPRESSION 10.5:1 RATIO VALVE TRAIN Four valves per cylinder, sohc TRANSMISSION Six-speed manual FINAL DRIVE Belt FRONT Fork SUSPENSION REAR Twin rear shocks SUSPENSION FRONT BRAKE Single disc, dual-piston caliper 54

REAR BRAKE Single disc, dual-piston caliper FRONT TIRE 100/80R-17 REAR TIRE 140/75R-15 RAKE 32.0º TRAIL 4.5 in. WHEELBASE 60.4 in. SEAT HEIGHT 28.2 in. WET WEIGHT 503 lb. FUEL CAPACITY 3.5 gal. PERFORMANCE 0-60 MPH 4.6 sec. 0-1/4-MILE 13.69 sec. at 93.8 mph BRAKING, 152 ft. 60 MPH-0 HORSEPOWER 57.6 hp at 7955 rpm TORQUE 43.2 lb.-ft. at 3790 rpm

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TRACKSIDE WITH MIKE WEBBER

ARENACROSS A Day in the life…

ll across the US the weekend warriors who race every different type of vehicle do it because they love the sport and racing has gotten into their blood. They don’t do it for the money. After spending an evening with the immensely talented young men and women of Arenacross I quickly learned that this is also a labor of love and definitely a tough way to make a living. Professional motocross racers start early and once they reach the upper echelons of the amateur ranks their season is a long grinding road. Most of today’s pros started when they were 5 or 6 years old and have raced full time since then. The top amateur race is Loretta Lynn’s Nationals and they have classes for 4, 5 and 6 year old kids on 50cc and 80cc minibikes. To even qualify at this age you have to race and place at the top at qualifying races around their region. The nationals also host the top young amateurs and everything in between. Within the Motocross industry Loretta Lynn’s gets extensive TV and print coverage. The elite of this group can go pro and get signed to a factory contract if they perform well enough. Pro careers start early and retirement before one reaches 25 years of age is common. In 2012 top amateur Adam Cianciarulo signed a pro contract with Monster Kawasaki at age 15 and began his pro career shortly after turning 16. As kids get older, most racers run nearly every weekend during the season and practice regularly at the indoor tracks during the winter. At the top of the amateur ranks it is normal for kids to be home schooled to help with their training. There are even training camps where kids will live away from home to further their racing career. As they get close to their teenage years many will even have a personal trainer to reach the high level of fitness required and to deal with ever present injuries. As one would expect this level of commitment requires a significant outlay of time and money from the racers family. If they have sponsors that can help in the form of parts, 56

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equipment, and possibly a bike. Also the sport is known for the amount of injuries racers suffer. Between this and burnout careers often end early. If a racer can make it out of the amateur ranks there are three professional series in the US. The most prestigious is the AMA Supercross series which races in the winter and the spring. AMA also puts on the summer outdoor motocross series for these same pros. Slightly below these two series is the AMA Arenacross which also runs in the winter and spring. Our esteemed editor arranged for some media passes that allowed me access to the riders and teams in the hallways beneath US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio for the Saturday night January 10th Arenacross show. Although they may gain fame and qualify to run the premier Supercross series this is not a quick path to fortune. 300 plus riders jammed their bikes, equipment, crews and themselves into the bowels of US Bank Arena for opening night of the AMA Arenacross Series. The Vast majority of these elite riders went home early with nothing to show for their efforts as only 16 riders would qualify for the main event in each class. The day starts early at 9:00 o’clock when the gates to the arena open. After registration, teams have to unload all of their gear from their trailers and vans and carry it all into the arena. As there is no area for an actual pit, the riders and teams set up wherever they could find space. The underside of US Bank arena is just a large circular concrete hallway that goes all the way around the venue. There are various storage areas and ramps that lead down to garage doors that open to the street. There are a number of concrete walled locker rooms off the hallway. As a consequence of the limited space there were teams jammed in every possible area. Most team pits consisted of a couple fold out chairs, toolbox, cooler, rider gear bag and motocross bike. Welcome to your home away from home for the next 12 hours. The opening and closing of the garage

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doors and the limited ventilation system kept the pits a balmy 45 degrees all day. After setting up the riders have to go thru tech, track walk and then the riders meeting. ArenaCross is divided into two divisions, Arenacross and Arenacross Lights. The Lights Class has an east coast and a west coast championship ARENACROSS OPENING CEREMONIES and is the entry level series for riders. The Arena cross class is the premier division with one champion who normally races all 15 rounds. Both of the divisions actually run 250cc four strokes. At noon timed practice starts for all of the divisions. There are two of these practices per class and each rider gets about 30 to 40 laps per session. Considering each lap takes about 23 seconds that is not a lot of track time. Also considering that you have to be one of the top 30 fastest bikes of each division at the end of the two practices makes the track time even more important. At the Cincinnati round over 100 Arenacross and over 90 Arenacross Lights bikes signed in. Only 30 bikes in each division make the evening show and the rest go home empty handed. I spent some time talking with a team that had hauled in from Minnesota arriving at 3:00 am. I left the arena as the second practice was ending. When I came back a couple hours later they had not made the top thirty and had already packed up and started the 15 hour drive home, ouch. The AMA has created a new program call “Ricky Carmichaels Road To Super Cross”. This requires up and coming riders to race the arenacross series. In order to qualify to race Supercross the riders have to earn 3 points in Arenacross. A point is earned by qualifying for the evening show (top thirty). Prior to this many riders had no interest in Arenacross and only raced Supercross and the outdoor summer season. This gives the fans the opportunity to see some of the top young riders throughout the US. The evening show started at 7:00pm and even though there are some added twists the night ran like a normal race program. Each class started with two heats of 15 riders that would last 8 to 10 laps. The top 7 from each heat advanced to the A main. The remaining 8 riders went to the Last Chance Qualifier (B Main) and the fastest 2 (yes I said only 2) would get the final transfer spots. Out of the fastest thirty -16 riders would make the feature and 14 would go home with nothing to show for their efforts but some good stories. If you have the opportunity to make a show don’t miss it. These are some of the best riders in the country. The track is five turns inside the space of a hockey rink. It consists of THUNDER ROADS® OHIO MAGAZINE

whoops, a series of doubles (or two good size triples) and a marquee 50 foot plus double at the start finish line (affectionately known as the catapult). The track length is about 1,000 feet. Approximately 170 truckloads – 40,500 cubic feet – of dirt are brought into each arena to build an AMSOIL Arenacross track on any given weekend. It is rough and rutted yet fast. A rider with average skills would have a tough time turning a lap, let alone even being close to the pace. While watching the Arenacross practice it was amazing to note that not a single rider out of the 100 bikes hesitated and just rolled the big double. They all hit it hard and no rider crashed, much less cased it or came up short. The dirt used to make the track was impressive. It stayed moist and tacky all afternoon and night without the use of a water truck. All of the dirt used in the series is stored locally within the city the event is taking place. The dirt from one region to the next also possesses its own unique characteristics. The Northeast dirt has a sandy texture but develops more of a clay base as you head south down the coast. In the northern Midwest it is rich with a lot of moisture but turns hard and dry as you go south. I spent a lot of time talking to various racers. While there were a number of local racers from the tri-state who are only doing a couple stops on the series, the riders who want to contend for the championship come from all corners of the US and travel all over the country to run the whole series. From start to finish, the AMSOIL Arenacross season will cover 10,738 miles, visiting 10 different states between Colorado and Massachusetts. Out of all the riders I spoke with only one raced full time as a living. As you would expect he did not rely solely on the prize money alone for income. He had a number of sponsors who provided money and equipment for support. While the other riders also received equipment (including bikes) and some funds they could not make ends meet without more income sources (that would be defined as a “real” job). All of these riders were consistent in saying that they were living the dream, out on the road traveling from show to show. Racing Under the bright lights in front of thousands of fans is as good as it gets and they would not have it any other way. Mike Weber, Attorney, handles motorcycle accident, automobile accident and workers compensation cases in Ohio and Kentucky. If you have been injured in any way or have questions please give him a call. He can be reached at 513 621 2260 or at MLWeber@fuse.net.

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BACA - EMPOWERING KIDS

recently grabbed a cold one with a good friend of mine, “Hollywood”, who happens to be a State Vice President of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.). If you’ve spent any time on the Biker set, you assuredly have run across a BACA patch or two. I’ve known some local fellows who participate in BACA, but have not until now fully understood their mission. Many folks might think that they are a Motorcycle Club. They are not. They are a nonprofit Charitable Incorporation {501(c)(3)}. Their mode of transportation is Motorcycles, when applicable. Don’t get me wrong, most of these Guys and Gals are Bikers through and through, but Bikers who have chosen a higher calling - that is to Empower the most innocent of crime victims, children. You will hear this word a lot when around them; EMPOWERMENT. The BACA Mission Statement is a good place to start: Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional 64

support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner; however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle. That, my friend, is a powerful Mission Statement. I think that some believe that BACA was created as a resource to deliver vigilante justice to those who have abused and continued to threaten children. It was and is not. Don’t get me wrong, these Bikers will at all cost protect one of their own. BACA started as an idea to help one wounded child. This child was 8 years old at the time and was so frightened he wouldn’t even leave his residence. A Biker named “Chief”, after having been taken under the wing of a local biker club in his own youth, was moved to include this child in his Biker Circle. Within weeks the child was seen out riding his bicycle around town

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with new found confidence. In Utah in 1995, the first ride of only 27 bikes was organized to visit wounded children and bring them into the Biker Family. BACA is now an International Organization with well over 100 Chapters in 44 states, as well as 8 countries. These aren’t just Bikers on their own personal agenda. “Chief”, the founder of B.A.C.A., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist/ Supervisor. He also taught part time at Brigham Young University for 17 years. For the members of B.A.C.A, the highest reward for a job well done is seen in the faces of the children whose very lives are changed by the organization’s involvement. So not only is the power of B.A.C.A. in a child’s life evident, but it’s also statistically proven. BACA conducted an actual research project where the same set of questions was asked of the guardians of these children with a Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire. “The preliminary results all show statistically significant reduction in emotional distress upon receiving B.A.C.A. intervention and that the stress continued to decrease over the time of OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

the intervention.” That in my opinion is the definitive result of Empowerment! As was mentioned earlier, B.A.C.A. is a non-profit organization. They are proud that 100% of any monies collected go to the end result of Empowering their Children. They host a couple of annual fund raisers. One being the 100 Mile Ride, for which every BACA Chapter in the world sets up and participates in a local ride to bring awareness to their fight. There is an annual “BACA Blues and BBQ” as well. I personally attended the local version of this event last summer. I saw the children who have benefited from BACA up on stage telling their stories in front of a crowd of people. I witnessed the power of their participation in the BACA Family on their faces and in their confidence. If you have a soul, I’m not sure anything can rival the feeling you get deep inside from knowing that you may not only have saved a child’s physical life, but you also have participated in actually improving

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their quality of life. Hopefully, helping the children individually will break the potential chain of abuse that could affect future generations. Simply put, you gave them a chance at success and happiness they may have never had. There is so much more to B.A.C.A.

than I can fit in one article. I highly encourage you to visit their website www. BACAWorld.org and see the levels of intervention that they offer, read the news articles about their involvements, and educate yourself on their mission. Most of all, I encourage that if you are aware of a case where a child needs Empowerment of this type, reach out through the Contact Information on their Website and get that child the support he or she needs and deserves immediately! I appreciate your continued reading. Perhaps check with your local BACA Chapter and maybe put one of their support events on your calendar in 2015! Keep it REAL! Tabasco Tabasco.tro@gmail.com

I always welcome open dialog on any subject matter I write. Feel free to email me or visit the “Tabasco – Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine” Facebook Page and leave an intelligent comment. The link is www.facebook.com/TabascoThunderRoadsOhio or email me at Tabasco.tro@gmail.com.

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So what do you want to get?

ERIC BAUMANN, EXTREME TATTOO

JAMES LOCKER, HAMMERS

f you’re wondering how to find tattoo ideas, chances are you already want something a bit more unique and interesting than a traditional and mass produced design. If you’ve ever stepped foot into a tattoo shop, you’ll find most have walls with framed tattoo flash to help inspire and provide choices for your body art. However, some people want a tattoo that offers more sentiment to them, especially since they’ll be wearing it for a lifetime. If you find yourself in need of finding the perfect tattoo idea, it helps to first understand the most popular tattoo styles so that you can begin to either work with your artist and brainstorm ideas.

Types of Tattoo Art Styles Tattooing is an art form. Rather than using paper or any other medium for a canvas, a tattoo artist uses your skin. Some of best tattoo artists are those that have actually studied art and familiarized themselves on all different types prior to becoming a tattoo artist. While many artists have a niche, or rather a special or distinct style they have mastered, others excel in all tattoo art styles, simply from their mere talent to the diligent practice and exposure to various forms. Some of the most popular forms of tattoo art styles include: Asian, Biomechanical, Old School/Traditional, black and grey, and tribal designs. Asian Loved throughout the world for their colorful and graceful beauty and designs, Asian tattoos include language symbols to full body art depictions of koi fish, cherry blossom tattoos and dragon and tiger tattoos. Geisha women are yet another popular tattoo design if you want to honor the pin-ups of the Eastern world.

ANDY ROBERTS, THERAPY INK 66

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BIOMECHANICAL For the hardcore sci-fi or industrial types, biomechanical tattoos are a tough choice. Paired with ripped apart flesh or robotic parts, these types of tattoos look best when placed on muscled parts of the body. Think of your legs, arms, or even a neck tattoo and then get inspired by fantastical machinery for a tattoo design.

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You may choose to draw the design yourself or shop around for a skilled biomechanical tattoo artist.

JOSH WOODS, BLACK 13

MICHELLE, HAMMERS

TRADITIONAL OLD SCHOOL Traditional and old school tattoos are often used interchangeably and their designs include eagle tattoos, pin-up girls, ships and anchors. From memorial pieces to love and glory tattoos, one of the most popular artists that specialized in creating this type of tattoo style is Norman Keith Collins, also known as Sailor Jerry. You can read more about Sailor Jerry and explore the history of old school tattoos here. BLACK AND GREY Fine line black and grey tattoos originated in the Chicano communities of East LA during the 1970s. The use of a single-needle created fine lines with smooth and subtle shading in varied shades of black and grey. Once infamous amongst prison mates, today these artsy sketches include roses, memorial and portrait pieces.

ROB, ROUTE 42

JOE HALL, ROUTE 42

BEN DIXON, LONE WOLF STUDIOS

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STEVE BAUMANN, EXTREME TATTOO

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TRIBAL Depicting rich culture and meaning from Native American history, tribal tattoos became a very popular armband piece in the 1990s and lost much of their significance in the process. True tribal tattoos tattooing practices are often considered rites of passage and may involve monks, blessings, and more painful hand-poked tattooing methods. Rich in spiritual meaning, tribal tattoos mark one part of life to the next. If you already know the tattoo style you like, you can narrow your choices and begin to focus on that genre, eliminating all the other ideas that may otherwise overwhelm you during this important decision-making process.

Get Inspired with Styles Narrowing your favorite art style down to just a few can be helpful in many ways. Once you’ve determined your general likes and dislikes you can begin to add sentiment to your general tattoo idea. Would you like a verse or a special phrase tattoo? Look to your favorite books for quotes and ideas. Biblical tattoos often include a few verses paired with either

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crosses or angel wings. Do you love the look of Old School designs? Traditional tattoo choices from this category include anchors, pin-ups and ships. How about a tribal tattoo? While tribal tattoos reached their height of popularity during the overcrazed armband fad, those commonplace designs aren’t actually considered authentic tribal pieces. For a true tribal tattoo, you’ll need to do some homework and find an artist that specializes in authentic tribal tattooing. Remember, some tribes frown upon anyone wearing their symbols as tattoos unless they’re part of the tribes, as it can also be considered very disrespectful. To prevent regret, think long and hard about any form of cultural tattoos to make sure they represent your own identity, rather than just a fashion statement.

SARAH MILLER, PITTSBURGH

JESSICA HANEY, MY MUSEUM

Books, Art and Nature Books, art and nature walks can all help you find tattoo ideas. Keep your eyes and mind open and explore different channels of various art forms. Television, movie stars and pop culture also provide endless exposure to tattoo styles and themes. Do you want a portrait tattoo of your mother? How about framing it with her favorite flowers? Tattoo magazines and books provide plenty of visual inspiration for design ideas. Remember, tattoo artists are usually always willing to add their creative counsel to your design ideas. Spend some time working with an artist and have them draw up a few pieces once you’re narrowed your style and selection down. While some artists charge a design fee for this process (which is later deducted from your tattoo cost) others will gladly create something custom without adding any extra expense. Plan Ahead Planning ahead can be the most difficult part of choosing your tattoo idea. If you’re the type who tattoos on a whim, you may be better off just learning your favorite style and then just going with it. You can also intertwine all different tattoo art styles rather than stick to one basic theme. Lastly, write it down. Get a journal and keep it handy whenever a tattoo design strikes your fancy. Record the details, style and shape and refer to your journal as needed to find tattoo ideas. Whether you detail the most magnificiant tattoo you spied on the subway, or simply write down your favorite verse, when the tattoo itch strikes, a journal will ensure you’re prepared with a meaningful tattoo idea, which can then be translated into custom body art.

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BUCKEYE FIREARMS REPORT

BY TOM MCHALE

Gun Safety Begins With You

id you know? • The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Project ChildSafe program helps coordinate distribution of firearm safety kits which include a free cable-style gun lock. Since Project ChildSafe’s inception, more than 36 million safety kits have been donated throughout the U.S. • Firearm-related fatalities in the U.S. have been decreasing consistently since record keeping began in 1903 and dramatically in the last 20 years.[1] • More than 600 different organizations have signed on to support the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.” campaign, designed to help prevent firearms from

age and under has decreased by 28 percent; in the last 20 years, they have decreased by 74 percent.[1] • In the past 10 years, firearm-related fatalities in the home have dropped by 33 percent; they have decreased by 50 percent in the last 20 years.[2]

falling into the wrong hands. • During the last decade, the number of unintentional firearm-related fatalities involving children 14 years of

Not Good Enough See a relationship between some of the statistics just mentioned? You should, and you would be exactly right if you surmised that lower accident rates were driven by the gun industry’s drumbeat emphasis on safety. Our collective efforts are moving the trend in the right direction, but our goal should be no gun-related accidents. That’s

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why the NSSF and member companies continue to stress safe practices, education and development of safety products. If you own guns, it’s up to you to assume complete responsibility for their security from unauthorized use. Let’s take a look at some simple steps you can take to improve gun safety in your home.

Education The first step to learning anything new is always education. The good news is that, in this case, it’s simple and free. Visit the NSSF’s firearm safety website to learn more about Project ChildSafe and take the Own it? Respect it. Secure it. pledge. You can also order free safety education materials and sign up for periodic emails regarding safety and gun ownership so that your conversations about these subjects with family members, friends and other shooters can be ongoing. These materials aren’t just for personal use. They are frequently used to help teachers and administrators at local schools learn about his subject,

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along with teaching aids to provide gun safety information in the classroom. That’s exactly what the Sonoma County, California, school district and others are doing. Have you thought about talking to your school administrators about instituting such a learning program? You might be surprised what happens when you start the conversation. While people may not agree on gun policy, we can all agree on the importance of teaching firearms safety.

Free Gun Locks If you’re a gun owner, especially a gun user in the law enforcement or

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security professions, you can secure your gun at home for no cost at all. NSSF Safety Kits include a cable lock that renders a handgun completely inoperable. If you have a semi-automatic handgun, the cable winds through the slide and magazine well, preventing the gun from being loaded or fired. Own a revolver? No problem. Run the cable lock through the cylinder to put the gun out of operation. You can use a simple cable lock on most any kind of handgun, rifle, pump or semi-automatic shotgun. Every new gun on retailers’ shelves today includes a complimentary gun lock. If you have a gun that you bought as a used gun, inherited or otherwise acquired without a lock accompanying it, you can get a free lock at most gun stores or your local law enforcement officer. The NSSF has partnered with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies to help distribute safety locks—they’re out there, and all you have to do is ask for one in most cases. For more information, check www.projectchildsafe.org to see what

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BUCKEYE FIREARMS REPORT continued communities near you have partnered with NSSF in this very smart project.

Gun Safes and Boxes When you keep a gun for home or self-defense, it’s still your responsibility to keep your gun secured away from unauthorized users (certainly minors, but also nosy visitors, burglars, really anyone who does not have your specific permission to access your firearms). With the many affordable gun security systems on the market today, you can keep your

gun ready and accessible—important when you need to protect yourself—yet secure from unauthorized access. While a traditional gun safe is a great way to secure your guns, it may not offer quick access in the event of emergency. Companies like GunVault, Hornady and The GunBox offer secure storage solutions that allow authorized users to gain immediate access to their gun using touch-combination or fingerprint scanners. Those are just some of the many quick-access gun security devices out there, so really, there’s just no excuse

for careless gun handling when so many safety resources are available at low or no cost. Do your part to continue driving down the gun-related accident rate. Check out the NSSF’s safety programs today. It’s just part of the organization’s overall effort to promote, protect, and preserve our firearms rights. It’s just part of the organization’s overall effort to promote, protect and preserve our firearms rights. [1] National Shooting Sports Foundation: Firearms-related Injury Statistics. www.nssf.org/PDF/research/IIR_InjuryStatistics2013.pdf [2] National Shooting Sports Foundation: Firearms-related Injury Statistics [3] National Shooting Sports Foundation: Firearms-related Injury Statistics

Taking Care of Your Guns Before You Store Them BY BARBARA BAIRD

fter you purchase a gun, you must store it properly. But, just like that lovely vintage lace dress from your great grandmother or a treasured coin collection from your favorite uncle, you must take care of your newly acquired item properly before storing it.

Make it a Clean Machine First thing you should do with any newly acquired gun is clean it. If it’s brand spanking new, it’ll need at least a patch or two run through it to absorb oil from the factory, and you should do this either before you take it to the range and shoot it for the first time or store it. If it’s a used gun, you’ll definitely want to take the gun apart (after you’ve made sure it’s unloaded, of course), following exactly the directions in the manual regarding disassembly and reassembly. If you didn’t get a manual with your firearm, you can either request one from the manufacturer or go online to the company’s website (for currently produced and most other relatively modern firearms),

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to find the appropriate publication. You can always take a newly acquired gun to your local gunsmith (remember to bring it to him unloaded), and have them disassemble it and give it a good once-over to see if all the parts are in working order; this can be especially prudent with used guns. If you choose to go the gunsmith route, while you’re visiting with them, inquire whether they can store the gun for you until you acquire a proper storage device for safe keeping at home.

Storage After you’ve cleaned your new gun, you’ll need to store it properly. Tom McHale has described different types of gun safes that provide options for the many different ways and places you intend to use your firearm. Make a Record Before you put your gun under lock and key, you should record its serial number, any specifics about the gun, and the price you paid for it. Snap a photo of the gun and file it someplace safe, along with your descriptive record. If someone steals your gun or it becomes destroyed in something like a housefire, such a record will help immensely with a future police report and insurance claim. Appraisal Options With new guns, you know their value (or at least enough, even given the slight variations in retail price), which can help greatly with insurance coverage and claims. With used guns, however, especially those that are inherited and may have significant monetary value, as well as recognized collectibles and antiques, you will likely want to have such firearms appraised. Not everyone needs an appraisal, nor does every gun. How should you decide if you need one? Ask yourself these questions:

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• Will you need an appraisal for insurance purposes? • Would you like to have an appraisal because you want to know the gun’s market value? • Are you planning on donating a particular firearm to a charitable organization or museum? (Note: The appraisal fee for charitable donations may be deductible.) When searching for an appraiser, do not hesitate to ask for qualifications, experience, and references. Get more than one appraisal when possible and, if you want to check on the values, purchase the latest edition of Blue Book of Gun Values, Standard Catalog of Firearms, or other comparable valuation guide.

Don’t Shoot It! Jim Supica, Director of the National Firearms Museum at the National Rifle Association, recommends that if you acquire an unfired gun and don’t intend on ever using it, leave it unfired. Don’t even dry-fire it. He says, “Even if the gun has never been fired, if the action has been worked to the extent that wear is visible, the value may be less than “NIB” (new in the box) or “AS NEW” to a collector. For example, the faint drag line that appears on the cylinder of a revolver that has been dry-fired a few times will reduce the value to less than “AS NEW” for a condition purist on an out-of-production revolver.” Supica says you should keep the original box of any gun you purchase. Older guns especially often had a serial number penciled on the bottom or marked at the end of the box by the factory. These small things are important to collectors. Supica also recommends noting each gun’s historical significance, and this should happen whether it’s a family heirloom that’s been passed down through generations, or whether you’re buying a current model you expect to pass down through your own family members or sell sometime in the future. Supica advises, “Take time to write it down now in a notarized statement. Keep the document with the gun.” Again, he reminds gun owners to identify each gun by its serial number and to explain how the aforementioned information is known. He concludes, “All too often, history is lost forever when a gun changes hands.” COPYRIGHT © 2014 by National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. and the individual authors of the materials contributed or referenced in NSSF® First Shots News for Beginner ShootersSM. Permission is granted for the broadcast, publication, retransmission to e-mail lists, Web sites or any other copying or storage, in any medium, online or not, of NSSF copyrighted material herein if 1) the text is forwarded in its entirety, including this paragraph, and 2) no fee is charged.

Firearms Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens Bto uckeye own and use firearms for all legal activities, including

self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. For more information, including information on membership, please visit them online: buckeyefirearms.com

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ATTORNEYS Ralph Buss RalphBuss.com 1-800-ON-A-BIKE Michael L. Weber 1726 Young Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 621-2260

BIKER FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENTS FOR FOOD AND DRINK American Legion Post 496 1945 Mogadore Rd. Kent, OH 44240 Bailey Road Tavern 2920 Bailey Road Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 (330) 920-8350 Barrel House Saloon 101 E. Shoreline Drive Sandusky, OH 44870 Carmel’s 2947 Tremainsville Rd Toledo, OH 43613 (419) 474-1414 Chaps Saloon 2352 South Yellow Springs St. Springfield, OH 45502 (937) 521-2583 Chuggers Bar & Grille 9274 Market Square Drive Streetsboro, Ohio 44266 330-422-0400 Grand River Manor 1153 Mechanicsville Road Geneva, Ohio 44041 466-9229 Hillsboro Grill & Tavern 804 McLister Avenue Mingo Junction, Ohio 43938 (740) 282-5599 Knucklehead Saloon 2012 Cleveland Rd W Huron, OH 44839 (419) 433-6944

Lake Effectz 6710 Lake Rd. Madison, Ohio 44057 (440) 428-5400 Legends Sports Pub & Grille 1840 Town park Blvd. Uniontown, Ohio 44685 (330) 896-4433 Mantua Corners Bar & Grille 11697 St Rt 44 Mantua, Ohio 44255 330-274-8403 Murphy’s Ale House 7503 Granger Road Valley View, Ohio 44125 (216) 524-2077 Musketeer’s Bar & Grill 3027 Brecksville Road Richfield, Ohio 44286 (330) 659-4114 Powerhouse Bar & Grill 497 Airport Road Warren, Ohio 44481 (330) 394-5106 Quaker Steak & Lube 15312 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 221-5823 4094 Pearl Rd. Medina Township, OH (330) 723-5823 5150 Liberty Ave. Vermilion,OH 44089 (440) 967-3724 5935 Canal Road Valley View, OH 44984 (216) 986-9464 4900 Transportation Drive Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 934-9464 Rey’s Rt 62 Bar & Grill 2109 W. State St Alliance, Ohio 44601 (330) 821-7862 Rounder’s Lounge 9175 Mentor Ave. Mentor, Ohio 44060 (440) 255-4773

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Sassy’s Bar & Grill 10755 Ravenna Rd. Twinsburg, OH 44087 (330) 486-0978

The Villa Tavern 6303 Rip Rap Road Huber Heights, OH 45424 (937) 237-0091

Shamrock Sports Bar & Grille 251 Main Street Addyston, Ohio 45001 (513) 941-8277

Treva’s 704 East Ave. Dover, Ohio 44622 (330) 602-8425

South East Gears & Cheers 23333 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 440-232-0029 segearsandcheers.com

Zeppe’s Tavern & Pizzeria 11110 Kinsman Rd. Newbury, OH 44065 (440) 564-1300

Sports Rock Bar & Grill 453 Old St Rt 74 Mt. Carmel, Ohio 45244 (513) 688-1009 Sportsterz 5422 Lake Rd E. Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-2361 Spotted Dog 9617 Clinton Road Cleveland, Ohio 44144 (216) 939-9052 Taylor’s Pub 5131 St Rt 322 & 534 Windsor, Ohio 44099 ( 440) 272-9191 Ten Mile Inn 7229 West Broad St Galloway, Ohio 43119 (614) 984-5908 The Basement Sports Bar 480 W. Aurora Road Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067 (330) 468-2008 The Barn 1947 Linden Ave. Zanesville, Ohio 43701 (740) 455-2276 The Rusty Nail 339 ST Rt 126 Miamiville, Ohio 45147 (513) 831-6245 The Train Stop 7837 Old 3C Highway Maineville, OH 45039 (513) 683-0207 The Vault Tavern 761 N. Co. Rd. 25A Troy, Ohio 45373 (937) 339-5005

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25780 Miles Road Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 (216) 378-9400

CAMPING Camp Sandusky 3518 Tiffin Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 626-1133 Iron Horse Campground 20446 State Highway 79 Sturgis, SD 57785 605-450-0321 Shade Valley Campground 20158 137th Place Sturgis, SD 57785 (605) 347-5556

CCW CLASSES Hi-Point Firearms hi-pointfirearms.com Point Blank Range 5957 Heisley Road Mentor, Ohio 44060 (440) 639-1911 Vandalia Range & Armory 100 Corporate Center Drive Vandalia, Ohio 45377 (937) 387-0485

INSURANCE Nestor Insurance Agency 8 Mound Ave. Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 (917) 866-6138 Geico Insurance Sidney Taghiof Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 (513) 794-3426 Matt Clegg Columbus, Ohio 43235 (614) 336-4240 OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

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James Moyer North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 (440) 777-7272

PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Amsoil Thunderroadsohio.com ANAC Baggers 4033 E. Main Street Whitehall, Ohio 43213 (614) 745-1077 Arts Parts Custom Cycle & Service 35 E. Church St. Marshallville, OH 44645 (330) 855-3762 B.G. Motorcycle 110 West Poe Rd Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 (418) 352-6640 Bear’s Vintage MetalWorks 408 West Main St Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 297-7755 Bulldog Battery 37645 Vine Street Willoughby, Ohio 44094 (440) 942-2555 Evolution Machine & Cycle 15385 Gaskill Rd. Alliance, OH 44601 823-5454 IMBBA Certified! Overkill Motor Works 8750 Sprucevale Rd Rogers, Ohio 44455 (330) 227-2161 Papa Bags P.O.Box 1673 Medina, Ohio 44258 (330) 242-1588

Youngstown Cycle Supply 6915 Market Street Boardman, Ohio 44512 (330) 788-9078

Norton Sporting Goods 100 Norton Rd Waldo, OH 43356 (740) 726-2616

Z Performance 81 Woodman Drive Dayton, Ohio 45431 (937) 252-8575

RIDER ORGANIZATIONS

PATCH SEWING Irv’s Cycle Leather Outlet 9156 State Route 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 (330) 626-9600 L.A. Alterations 526 Fouse Ave. Akron, OH 44310 (330) 375-1850

RETAIL

ABATE of Ohio, Inc. 1 800-25-BIKER abate.com AMA 1 800-AMA-JOIN americanmotorcyclist.com American Legion Post 496 Streetsboro, Ohio (330) 673-9743

Greater Akron Motorcycle Club 1540 Smith Road Akron, Ohio 44313 (330) 760-3715

Baker Built AirWings, Inc. 11877 Walnut Grove Ch Road Ohio City, Ohio 45874 (800) 451-9464

Moose Riders of Dayton 1134 Richfield Center Dayton, Ohio 45430 (937) 431-5162

Biker to Biker Consignment Shop 489 Batavia Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45244 718-7559

Moose Riders of Akron 14444 State Rd Peninsula, Ohio 44264 (330) 928-6323

Bison Leather Co. 7409 W. Central Ave Toledo, Ohio 43617 (419) 517-1737

SALES (TRAILERS)

Damsel in Defense Joanna Haslam Independent Damsel Pro (614) 374-0602 Guardian Oil Protector kbents.com Hudson Leather 14700 Ohio 15 Pioneer, OH 43554 (419) 485-8531

Soles Motor Sports LLC 101 North Defiance St Stryker, Ohio 43557 (419) 682-1108

Irv’s Cycle Leather Outlet 9156 State Route 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 (330) 626-9600

VIP Autoworks 7564-A Mentor Ave Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 527-8743

Kames Sports 8516 Cleveland Ave. NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 499-4558

Addy Polaris 2143 Brightwood Rd. New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 339-3351

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Adventure Motorcycle & Accessories 20660 US RT 6 Weston, OH 43569 (419) 669-4709 American Heritage Motorcycles 2821 Bishop Road Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44092 (440) 943-3400

C & A Harley-Davidson 7610 Commerce Place Plain City, Ohio 43064 (614) 764-2453 Carlton Harley-Davidson 11771 State Route 44 Mantua, OH 44255 (330) 274-3141

Competiton Accessories 343 W. Leffel Springfield, OH 45506 (937) 323-0513

SALES (MOTORCYCLE)

Action Sport Cycles Inc. 11333 Union Ave NE Alliance, Ohio 44601 (330) 821-8777

Adventure Harley-Davidson 1465 State Rt 39 NW Dover, OH 44622 (330) 364-6519

Century Harley-Davidson 3053 Eastpointe Drive Medina, OH 44256 (330) 721-1702

Majestic Trailer & Hitch 1750 E. Waterloo Road Akron, Ohio 44306 (330) 798-1698

Action Extreme Sports 241 16th St SW New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 365-9022

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10575 Loveland Madeira Rd Loveland, OH 45140 (888) 713-3949

Dayton Motorcycle Club 417 Grants Trail Dayton, Ohio 45459 (937) 609-0931

Avon Boot Shop 38450 Chester Rd. Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-3230

Robert’s Cycle 1201 N. Main St. Marion, OH 43302 (740) 223-0999

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Eastgate Harley-Davidson 699 Old State Route 74 Cincinnati, OH 45245 (513) 528-1400 Gover Harley-Davidson 1501 E. Ash St. Piqua, Ohio 45356 (937) 773-8733 Hale’s Harley-Davidson 1400 Harrington Memorial Road Mansfield, Ohio 44903 (419) 522-8602 Harley Davidson of Chillicothe 818 Eastern Ave. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 (740) 773-8826 Harley-Davidson of Cincinnati 1799 Tennessee Ave Cincinnati, OH 45229 (513) 641-1188

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Harley-Davidson of Erie 3712 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 (814) 838-1356

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

Thiel’s Wheels 350 Tarhe Trail Upper Sandusky, OH 43351 (419) 294-4951

Cycle Tech 950 W. Mansfield St. Bucyrus, OH 44820 (419) 562-6931

Honda East 1230 Conant St. Maumee, OH 43537 (877) 437-1631

Neidengards Harley-Davidson 284 Canton Road Wintersville, OH 43953 (740) 266-6188

Thoroughbred Harley-Davidson 8025 Action Blvd Florence, Kentucky 41042 (859) 282-2111

Honda Marysville Motorsports 640 Colemans Crossing Blvd Marysville, OH 43040 (937) 645-4080

Northern Ohio Ducati and Triumph 1955 Brittain Rd. Akron, OH 44310 (330) 630-9340

Tri-County Harley-Davidson 5960 Dixie Highway Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 874-4343

Dougherty’s Motorcycle Repair 21941 Forbes Road Bedford, Ohio 44146 (440) 439-8688

Indian Motorcycle of Erie 10320 Wattsburg Road Erie, PA 16509 (814) 825-2396 Indian Motorcycle of Toledo 1212 Conant Street Maumee, OH 43537 (419) 891-1230 Iron Pony Powersports 5370 Westerville Rd Westerville, Ohio 43081 (614) 942-0063 Joe’s Cycle Shop 3315 N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 278-8081 Johnny K’s Powersports 420 Youngstown-Warren Rd Niles, Ohio 44446 (330) 544-9696 8450 Orrin Dr. Burbank, OH 44214 (330) 302-4155 Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd Avon, OH 44011 (440) 934-5000 Lehman’s Big Open Road 401 N. Wooster Ave. Dover, Ohio 44622 (330) 364-6936 Mad River Harley-Davidson 5316 State Rt. 250/Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 502-2244 Mathias BMW Cycle 851 Commercial Ave SE New Philadelphia, OH 44663 (330) 308-8868

North Ridge Yamaha 5929 North Ridge West (Rt. 20) Geneva, Ohio (440) 466-2712

Triumph of Cincinnati 3251 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45213 513-631-2000 triumphofcincinnati.com

Evolution Machine Cycle 15385 Gaskill Dr. NE Alliance, Ohio 44601 (330) 823-5454 Flame Thrower Customs 18139 James Way Doylestown, Ohio 44230 (330) 604-6559

Off Road Express 10320 Wattsburg Rd Erie, PA 16509 (814) 825-4747

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

Iron Hogz Powersports 6387 N. St. Rt. 48 Lebanon, OH 45036 (513) 836-3824

Powder Keg Harley-Davidson 2383 Kings Center Court Mason, OH (513) 204-6962

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

Overkill Motor Works 8750 Sprucevale Rd Rogers, Ohio 44455 (330) 227-2161

SERVICE (MOTORCYCLE)

Renegade Gentleman Customs Orwell, OH (440) 413-6136

Rock N Roll City Harley-Davidson 14550 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111 (216) 252-3111 Rubber City Harley-Davidson 32 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave Akron, OH 44310 (330) 535-9900 Schiets Motorsports 1557 Oak Harbor Road Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 332-9902 South East Cycles 23105 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-5300 South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd Bedford Heights, Oh 44146 (440) 439-5300 Sporty’s Trikes & Bikes 7426 North Dixie Dr Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 387-6294

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Balcer Performance & Restoration 565 Broadway Ave Unit R Bedford, OH 44146 (440) 945-6829 Bent Wrench 2709 St Rt 60 Loudonville, Ohio 44842 (419) 994-5812 Chrome & Speed Cycle 3490 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Beavercreek, Ohio (937) 429-5656 Cleveland CycleWerks 1265 West 65th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44102 (216) 651-0657 Criminal Customz Shop 1053 Broadway Lorain, Ohio (440) 245-8626 Cycle Analysis 4984 West 150th St Cleveland, OH 44135 (216) 362-9060 THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

South East Cycles 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 439-5300 Toyz Cycle Center 141 Melcher Rd. Bucyrus, OH 44820 (419) 563-9748 Warrior Racing 38 Weller Drive Tipp City, Ohio 45371 (937) 667-6418

SPECIAL INTEREST STOPS MAPS Air Museum 2260 International Pkwy North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 896-6332 Marlboro Volunteers Maximo, Ohio 44650 (330) 206-1629

OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

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Extreme Tattoo 120 W. Water Street Piqua, Ohio 45356 (937) 778-1055 Hammer’s Tattoos 1840 Whipple Ave. NW Canton, Ohio 44708 (330) 478-1070

Route 42 Tattoo 201 S. Franklin St. Ashley, OH 43003 (740) 413-4042 Therapy Ink 7668 Leavitt Rd. Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 984-3099

TECHNICAL TRAINING

Ink Up North 109 East 5th Street Marysville, Ohio 43040 (614) 900-1350

PowerSport Institute 21210 Emery Rd Cleveland, OH 44128 (216) 587-5000

My Museum Tattoo 209 E. Ohio Ave. Dover, OH 44622 (330) 343-8500

TRIKES

Pain & Pleasure Tattoo & Body Piercing Studio 6015 Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-0069

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TATTOO SHOPS

Service Specialists

THE TRO NETWORK

Schiets Motorsports 1557 Oak Harbor Rd. Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 332-9902 Sporty’s Trikes & Bikes 7426 North Dixie Dr Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 387-6294

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MARKETPLACE

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Joanna Haslam - Independent Damsel Pro 614-374-0602 damsel3603@att.net www.mydamselpro.net/jhaslam

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Mention this ad and get a free mounted spare tire on any ordered trailer.

AKRON 1750 E waterloo RD. Akron, 44306 330-798-1698 800-691-9914

CANTON 1220 30th St NE Canton, 44721 330-580-4445 800-311-1260

M-F 8-6, Sat 8-2

M-F 8-5, Sat 8-2

Pit Stop $265

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   

Simple Chock $185

  Aluminum Wheels   White Interior Torsion Axle

Set for 2 bikes

Radial Tires

RV Side Door 2-tone + Shiny bottom AND MORE!

Wheel Chock $69.99

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Parts & Accessories MARKETPLACE Made in Ohio! F4 Customs Announces a New FLHT Windshield with an “Adjustable Vent”

ver wish you had a vent in your windshield that could give you more air on those hot days. F4 Customs has just developed a .156 thick clear windshield for the FLHT with an adjustable vent. This shatterproof polycarbonate windshield is manufactured through a proprietary process that gives this shield a hardcoat surface un-matched by any other. F4 Customs sells state-of-the-art replacement motorcycle windshields that are manufactured right here in Ohio. They specialize in Honda and Harley-Davidson windshields; including models for Goldwings, FLHT’s, and Road Kings. They also offer windshields for Can-Am Spyders and Yamaha’s. F4 Customs windshields are Highly Scratch Resistant even when rubbed with steel wool. The F4 has Excellent Optical Clarity, No Distortion, and Shed Water extremely

well. There is very little maintenance required; just clean it with any household windshield cleaner and paper towels and ride. Windshields are DOT approved. For more information, contact sales@f4customs.com or see www.F4customs.com.

Baker Built offers Air Wings™ for Harley’s

IR WINGS™ are fully adjustable air deflectors designed to make riding more comfortable in all weather conditions. They are easily adjusted to accommodate changing conditions – even on the same ride. Long enjoyed by long distance Gold Wing riders, they are now available for Harleys! Ultra Wind Blockers are available for Ultra Classic, Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide models. The Air Wings™ stop up to 90% of the wind coming up from under the windshield that causes helmet buffeting, head & shoulder buffeting, and excessive mic / road noise. Both the rider and

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passenger are much warmer and dryer in cold and wet weather. You can also open them up to direct cooler air in hot weather. Specially designed models with “Uppers” ™ are offered for the V-Rod owners. These help direct air to legs, thighs, and upper body as desired – allowing for a more comfortable ride and effectively eliminating the dead air space behind the windshield. Installation is quick and easy, with a single bolt on each side in most applications. For more information, visit them online at bakerbuilt.com or call 1-800-451-9464.

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NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

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JANUARY 30- FEBRUARY 1, 2015 PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP I-X Center One IX Center Drive. Cleveland, OH 44135 Ultimate Bike Builder Show, Demos, Entertainment, Celebrity Appearances, Vendors, and More! motorcycleshows.com/cleveland FEBRUARY 3, 2015 8th Annual Thunder in the Alley Bowling Night Rolling Meadow Lanes 3304 Zuck Road Erie, PA 16506 Call Laurie Thompson today at 814 838-1356 FEBRUARY 5-7, 2015 Gold Wing Riders Cabin Fever “The Movies” Deer Creek Lodge- Mt. Sterling, OH ohiogwraa.org FEBRUARY 6-8, 2015 Timonium Motorcycle Show Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 For More Info Call: 410-561-7323 FEBRUARY 6-8, 2015 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Minneapolis, MN http://www.motorcycleshows.com/ FEBRUARY 6-8, 2015 Amsoil AMA Arenacross Mohegan Sun Arena- Wilkes-Barre, PA arenacross.com FEBRUARY 7, 2015 EASYRIDERS 2015 BIKE SHOW TOUR Nashville, TN FEBRUARY 7, 2015 Napoleon Harley-Davidson’s Garage Party! Napoleon Harley-Davidson 862 American Rd. Napoleon, OH 43545 RSVP to Elizabeth at 419 592-7123

CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

FEBRUARY 7, 2015 1st Annual Garage Brewed Moto Show Rhinegeist Brewery 1910 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 garagebrewed.com

FEBRUARY 14, 2015 Life Share Community Blood Services South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44106 10am-3pm southeastharley.com

FEBRUARY 7, 2015 Chili Bash & Indoor Salvage Sale South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 9am-5pm Call to Register @ 440 439-5300

FEBRUARY 15, 2015 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Euchre Tournanment Sponsored By Abate Of Ohio Region 1 The Brierwood 80 Old Route 7 Steubenville, OH 43952 abate.com/ohio/region1

FEBRUARY 7, 2015 C&A Harley-Davidson Chili Cook Off! C&A Harley-Davidson 7610 Commerce Place Plain City, OH 43064 12pm-5pm ca-hd.com FEBRUARY 7, 2015 Winter Melt Down Party Sponsored by A.B.A.T.E of Ohio Region Zero Sail Inn- Milton, OH FEBRUARY 7-8, 2015 15th Annual V-twin Expo By Easyriders This is a TRADE ONLY show. You must be a bona fide dealer / retailer to attend this trade show. Cincinnati, Ohio www.vtwin-expo.com FEBRUARY 13, 2015 5th Annual Steak Fry Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon, OH 44011 6pm-9pm Call For Reservations... Limited Seating 440 934-5000 FEBRUARY 13-15, 2015 Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Chicago, IL The ultimate motorcycle manufacturers show featuing all the new models, the J&P Custom Builder Series, and vendors from across the nation! http://www.motorcycleshows.com/

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FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Zanesville Trail Riders Motorcycle Swap Meet & Bike Show THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP Muskingum County Fairgrounds 1300 Pershing Rd. Zanesville, OH 43701 Admission: $5 Children 12 and Under FREE zanesvilletrailriders.com FEBRUARY 17, 2015 Ducati Demo Tour Competition Accessories 343 W. Leffels Lane Springfield, OH 45506 ridemotorcylesinc.com FEBRUARY 20-22, 2015 Indiana Motorycle Expo Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN indianamotorcycleexpo.com FEBRUARY 21, 2015 Cabin Fever Soup Cook-Off Lake Erie Harley-Davidson 38401 Chester Rd. Avon, OH 44011 12pm-4pm Call To Reserve Your Spot In The Competition! @ 440 934-5000 FEBRUARY 21, 2015 Amplified Awareness: A Benefit Concert THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP Al Rosa Villa- Columbus, OH Featuring Jasmine Cain with Special Guests Latter Perfectly Damaged alrosavilla.com makeitfit.org OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 21-22, 2015 Easyriders Bike Show THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215 “The Biggest, Baddest, Bike Show in North America!” easyriderevents.com FEBRUARY 28, 2015 Tri-County H-D LOH Dinner Social Rick’s Tavern & Grille 5595 Boymel Drive #5 Farifield, OH 45014 tricountyharley.com MARCH 6-15, 2015 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach, FL officialbikeweek.com MARCH 7, 2015 Daytona North Party Franklin County Region 9 Location TBD abate.com MARCH 14, 2015 Spring Fling Miller’s 1531 Amherst Rd. NE Massilon, OH 44646 8pm abate.com MARCH 14, 2015 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis, Indiana amasupercross.com MARCH 14, 2015 St. Patty’s Day Celebration! South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 southeastharley.com MARCH 15, 2015 25th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet Sponsored By Abate of Ohio Region 1 Xtreme Honda, Polaris, Kawasaki 198 Penn Rd. Brilliant, OH abate.com/ohio/region1 MARCH 20-22, 2015 I-X Piston Power Show THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP The ultimate custom show with more vehicles on display than any other show in the nation. www.pistonpowershow.com

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MARCH 21, 2015 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS Ford Field. Detroit, Michigan amasupercross.com MARCH 21, 2015 Pancake Breakfast & Open House Honda Marysville Motorsports 630 Coleman Crossing Blvd. Marysville, OH 43040 hondamotorsports.net MARCH 22, 2015 Yankee Lake Motorcycle Swap Meet and Annual Biker Ball Yankee Lake Ballroom 1814 State Rt. 7 NE. Brookfield,OH For more information call (330) 448-2074 MARCH 25-29, 2015 Arizona Bike Week WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ azbikeweek.com MARCH 27-28, 2015 A.B.A.T.E of Ohio Inc. State Seminar Deer Creek State Lodge 22300 State Park Rd 20 Mount Sterling, OH 43143 abate.com APRIL 4, 2015 Easter Egg-Citement! South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 southeastharley.com APRIL 11-12, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipMid-east Area Qualifier Malvern MX- Waynesburg, OH mxsports.com APRIL 12, 2015 Akron Motorcycle Swap Meet Summit County Fairgrounds Arena Complex 229 E. Howe Rd. Tallmadge, OH For More Info Call 330 324-7230

CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

APRIL 18-19, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipNortheast Area Qualifier Pleasure Valley Raceway-Armagh, PA mxsports.com APRIL 18-19, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipMid-east Area Qualifier Wild Cat Creek MX- Rossville, IN mxsports.com APRIL 22-26, 2015 Laughlin RIver Run Colorado Belle Casino Resort 2100 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV laughlinriverrun.com APRIL 24-26, 2015 19th Annual Leesburg Bikefest Leesburg, FL Free admission, live bands on 8 stages, over 40 free concerts, demos, ms. bikefest contest, and more! APRIL 25, 2015 8th Annual Fisher House Ride THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP 9am-Start @ C&A Harley-Davidson 7610 Commerce Pl. Plain City, OH End @ Quaker Steak & Lube 8500 Lyra Dr. Columbus, OH $20/bike $5 Pancake Breakfast ohiocvma.org APRIL 26, 2015 Spring Fever Motorcycle Swap Meet Sandusky County Fairgrounds 901 Rawson Ave. Fremont, OH 43420 9am-3pm APRIL 27, 2015 12th Annual Rally For The Troops Start: 100 Public Square. Cleveland, OH 44113 End: Rock & Roll Harley-Davidson 14550 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 9am-3pm

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MAY 1, 2015 Fostoria Awareness Rally Fostoria Courthouse Lawn 213 S. Main St. Fostoria, OH 44830 Noon abate.com MAY 2, 2015 ABATE OF OHIO MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS RALLY THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP 9:30am - 11am - Registration at A.D. Farrow H-D 12 noon - Escorted Parade leaves for State Capital 1:30 - 5pm After Rally Party! For more information, visit www.Abate.com MAY 2, 2015 After Rally Rally Flanagan’s Tavern 3001 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd. Blacklick, OH 1:30pm-5:30pm abate.com MAY 2, 2015 Blessing of The Bikes South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd. Bedford Heights, OH 44146 10-11 DAV 10-3 southeastharley.com MAY 2-3, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipNortheast Area Qualifier High Point- Mount Morris, PA mxsports.com MAY 2-3, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipMid-east Area Qualifier Baja Acres- Millington, MI mxsports.com MAY 3, 2015 Blessing of the Bikes & Show Sponsored by Abate of Ohio Region 16 Wiley’s Lounge 518 West Main St. Amherst, OH 44074 MAY 3, 2015 32nd Annual Louie Run Lake County Fairgrounds-Painesville, OH louierun.org OHIO’S MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE

UPCOMING MOTORCYCLE EVENTS Presented by NORTHWEST OHIO EVENTS

Cincinnati 513.794.3426 | Cleveland 440.777.7272 | Columbus 614.336.4240 NORTHEAST OHIO EVENTS

MAY 6-8, 2015 SPRING BEACH RALLY Garden City Beach, SC springbeachrally.com MAY 8-17, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipMid-east Area Qualifier Daniel Boone MX- London, KY mxsports.com MAY 16, 2015 11th Annual Armed Forces Day Ride American Legion Post 532 1571 Demorest Road. Columbus, OH 43228 columbusvets.org

CENTRAL OHIO EVENTS

SOUTHERN OHIO EVENTS MOTOCROSS/RACING EVENTS

MAY 23-24, 2015 AMA Amateur National Motocross ChampionshipMid-east Area Qualifier Briarcliff MX- Nashport, OH mxsports.com MAY 29, 2015- JUNE 7,2015 OHIO BIKE WEEK THUNDER ROADS FEATURE EVENT / RIDE STOP Sandusky, OH ohiobikeweek.com JUNE 1-6, 2015 Americade Lake George, NY americade.com

MAY 16, 2015 Ohio Patriot Bikers & Dakota’s Roadhouse Poker Run Dakota’s Roadhouse- Chillicothe, OH For More Info Call: 740-466-8902

JUNE 3-6, 2015 2nd Annual Trikeapalooza! Camp Sandusky 3518 Tiffin Ave Sandusky, OH 44870 1 800 431-7749

MAY 16-17, 2015 Mtn. Dew AMA ATV National Motocross High Point- Morris, PA atvmotocross.com

JUNE 6-8, 2015 Queen City Mods & Rockers Rally Cincinnati, OH queencitymodsvsrockers.com

MAY 17, 2015 Blessing Of The Bikes Presented with: Abate Of Ohio Region 6, Dayton #73 Moose Riders, Crystal Lake #2464 Moose Riders More Information To Come Abate.com

JUNE 7, 2015 Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet Clark County Fairgrounds 4401 S. Charleston Pike Springfield, OH 8am-3pm Admission $7 For More Info Call: (630) 985-2097 walneckswap.com

JUNE 11-14, 2015 Republic of Texas Biker Rally Travis County Expo Center- Austin, TX rotrally.com JUNE 13-21, 2015 Laconia Motorcycle Week Laconia, NH laconiamcweek.com JUNE 14, 2015 11th Annual LCpl Daniel Nathan Deyarmin Jr. Memorial Benefit Poker Run 484 East Ave. ( Rt 18 ) Tallmadge, OH 44278 (Tallmadge Middle School) dndfunds.org JUNE 19-21, 2015 June Jam! Hocking Hills- Logan, OH Sponsored By Abate of Ohio, Inc. abate.com JUNE 19-21, 2015 Armory Fest Military Vehicle Show- Alliance, OH marlborovolunteersinc.com JUNE 20-21, 2015 Aires AMA/NATC Mototrials National Championship Series Toronto, OH amaracing.com, mototrials.com

2015 Raffle Bike

#AMARaffleRestore

Restoration In Progress

1965 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLH ELECTRA GLIDE Buy a Ticket and Follow the Build at www.MotorcycleMuseum.org (800)342-5464 Proceeds benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

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RECIPES

Baked French Toast

Cheesy Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken Serve 4 (or 2 hungry bikers) Cals 289, Fat 9.9g (saturated 2.6) Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts 4 tbsp low fat ranch dressing ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 4 oz low fat cream cheese 4 jalapenos, seeds and veins removed, cut into halves 8 slices turkey bacon (or regular bacon, just adds more calories) Instructions: 1. Heat your grill to about 350 degrees and cover grates with tin foil (or heat the oven to 350). 2. Pound all chicken breasts to about ¼ inch thickness then sprinkle the outside lightly with salt and pepper. 3. Turn chicken over and smear 1 tbsp ranch dressing over the inside of each one. 4. Place 2 halves of jalapenos on one end of each breast, then add 1 oz cream cheese as well. 5. Starting from the end with the cheese and jalapenos, roll the chicken breasts up around the filling. 6. Wrap each roll with 2 pieces of bacon and place on grill (or into oven safe baking sheet if roasting). 7. Cook about 15-20 minutes then turn and cook another 15-20 minutes to an internal temp of 165.

Contributed by The Biker Chick’s Kitchen www.facebook.com/TheBikerChicksKitchen 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! - The Iron Cowboy 92

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Serve 6-8 (or 4 hungry bikers) Ingredients: ½ cup butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 loaf of Italian, French, or sour dough bread, sliced THICK 4 eggs 1 cup milk ½ cup condensed sweetened milk ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans Powdered sugar mixed with a cinnamon for garnish Instructions: 1. Place the butter in a small bowl and microwave until melted. 2. Add in the brown sugar and stir till well mixed. 3. Pour the sugar and butter mix into bottom of 9 x 13 pan casserole dish and spread it around till it covers the entire bottom of the dish. 4. Place the slices of bread into the baking dish in rows, laying each slice slightly on top of the previous, like dominoes or coins. 5. In small bowl whip the eggs, milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla till smooth and creamy and pour over the bread. Sprinkle the pecans over the top then cover & chill in fridge overnight (or at least 2 hours - this allows time for all the egg to soak up into the bread completely). 6. Remove from the fridge and allow it to sit on the counter for about 15 minutes to take the chill off a bit while you preheat the oven to 350. 7. Bake for 30 minutes covered then another 15 minutes uncovered for a total of 45 minutes. 8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar & cinnamon while still hot. 9. Serve with warm syrup and butter on the side! I’ve seen several versions of this recipe but my Grandmas is STILL my favorite. Its sweet, crunchy and creamy all at the same time! You really don’t even need syrup, but I melt a little butter and syrup together to serve on the side!! THUNDERROADSOHIO.COM

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FUNNY STUFF BECAUSE EVERYONE NEEDS A GOOD LAUGH NOW AND THEN...

ur manager at the restaurant where I worked was a much beloved, jovial man. But there was one subject you didn’t dare discuss in front of him — his height. Or, should I say, his lack of it. One day, he stormed through the door and announced angrily, “Someone just picked my pocket!” Most of my fellow waitresses and I were speechless, except for the one who blurted out, “How could anyone stoop so low?” My younger brother, I explained to a friend, had quite a temper as a boy. Our parents had tried extra love, attention and patience on him, with little success. Then, in the middle of one of his tantrums, they simply handed him a shovel, pointed to the backyard and instructed him to go out and dig and not come back until he had control of his anger. “Apparently,” I said, “the therapy worked, because he’s turned out very nicely.” “What does he do for a living?” my friend asked. “He builds in-ground swimming pools.” Brian always wanted a pair of authentic Harley Motorcycle Boots, so, seeing some on sale, he bought them and wore them home. Walking proudly, he sauntered into the kitchen and said to

his wife, “Notice anything different about me?” Maria looked him over, “Nope.” Frustrated, Brian stormed off into the bathroom, undressed and walked back into the kitchen completely naked except for the boots. Again he asked Maria, a little louder this time, “Notice anything different NOW?” Maria looked up and exclaimed, “Brian, what’s different? It’s hanging down today, it was hanging down yesterday, it’ll be hanging down again tomorrow!” Furious, Brian yelled, “AND DO YOU KNOW WHY IT’S HANGING DOWN, MARIA?” “Nope” she replied. “IT’S HANGING DOWN, BECAUSE IT’S LOOKING AT MY NEW BOOTS!!!” Without changing her expression , Maria replied, “Shoulda bought a new helmet Brian!” A biker’s greatest achievement was his brood of six kids. He was so proud that he continually called his wife: Mother of Six, which pissed her off a lot. But he kept referring to her as Mother of Six no matter where they went. At end of a poker run, he shouted across the bar, “Hey, Mother of Six, you ready to go home?” His irritated wife screamed back: “Anytime you’re ready, Father of Four!” An old man goes to the doctor for some tests. When he gets the results, the doctor tells him that he has bad news. The old man says, “Just give it to me straight, doc.”

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The doctor says, “Well, you have cancer, and you have Alzheimer’s.” The old man says, “I guess it could be worse. I could have cancer.” A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his beautiful, blond, female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it, looked inside, slammed it shut, and stormed back into her house. A little later she came out of her house again, went to the mailbox, again opened it, and slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went. As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came again. She marched to the mailbox, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever. Puzzled by her actions, the man asked her, “Is something wrong?” To which she replied, “There certainly is! My stupid computer keeps telling me I’ve got mail!” An officer assigned to a lonely stretch of highway came upon the scene of an obvious hit and run. There in the middle of the road was a local biker known for his extramarital activities, his bike was a twisted heap, and the biker was pretty banged up, but alive. Hey Joe the cop asked did you get the license plate of the vehicle that hit ya? No, Joe grunted painfully, but I know my old lady’s laugh anywhere!

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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. Flamethrower Customs / Steven Hennis........................................... 80

Quaker Steak & Lube, Valley View............................................... 29

Adventure Motorcycle & Accessories........................................... 37

GEICO.........................................................1

Quaker Steak & Lube, Medina..................................................... 27

AMA......................................................9,91

Guardian Oil............................................ 80

American Heritage Motorcycles....... 18-19

Hammer Tattoo........................................ 71

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)...............................9,91

Harley Davidson of Chillicothe.............. 17

AABATE.................................................... 13 Action Extreme Sports............................. 61

AMSOIL.................................................... 49 Art’s Parts.................................................. 79 Avon Boot Shop....................................... 81 Baker Built................................................ 79 Balcer Performance................................. 79 Bears............................................................5 Bears - Seat King..................................... 84 Biker to Biker............................................ 81

Gover Harley-Davidson.......................... 13

Hi Point Firearms...................................... 72 Honda Marysville.................................... 60 Indian of Toledo..........................................3 Iron Pony................................................... 23 Irv’s Leather Outlet.................................. 81 Johnny K’s Powersports........................... 32 Knuckleheads........................................... 48 LA Alterations........................................... 80

Quaker Steak & Lube, Sheffield.................................................... 95 Ralph Buss, Law Offices of........................... Back Cover Renegade Gentleman............................. 79 Robert’s Cycle.......................................... 79 Route 42................................................... 71 S&S Cycles............................................... 62 Sassy’s...................................................... 29 Schiets Motorsports................................. 49 Skin Art Tattoo.......................................... 69 South East Gears & Cheers.................... 35

Bulldog Battery........................................ 81

Lake Erie Harley-Davidson............ Inside Front Cover

Cacklebery Campground....................... 86

Majestic Trailer........................................ 83

Carlton Harley-Davidson........................ 28

MAPS........................................................ 15

Carmel’s................................................... 76

Mike Weber............................................. 44

Chuggers.................................................. 26

My Museum............................................. 71

Competition Accessories..........................11

Napoleon Harley-Davidson................... 48

Criminal Customz.................................... 79

Norton Sporting Goods...........................74

Cycle Analysis.......................................... 49

OHIO BIKE WEEK.....................................2

Cycle Tech................................................ 79

Old School Biker Brew.......................61,27

Damsel in Defense................................... 80

Piston Power Show................................... 87

Villa Tavern............................................... 82

Eastgate Harley-Davidson...................... 55

Point Blank - Gun Range / Shop............ 75

Warrior Racing........................................ 81

EasyRiders Show........... Inside Back Cover

Powder Keg Harley-Davidson................ 14

Wyld Chyld Tattoo.................................. 69

Evolution Machine Cycle........................ 81

PowerSports Institute...........................61,83

Youngstown Cycle................................... 48

Extreme Tattoo......................................... 71

Quaker Steak & Lube Lakewood / Vermillion.................................................. 17

Zanesville Trail Riders.............................. 89

F4 Customs............................................... 84

South East Harley-Davidson................... 34 Sporty’s..................................................... 48 The Vault Tavern....................................... 82 Therapy Ink............................................... 71 Toyz Cycle Center................................... 80 Train Stop................................................. 82 Tri-County Harley-Davidson.................... 45 Twisted Tea............................................... 10 Vandalia Range & Armory..................... 73

Zeppe’s Pizza.......................................... 26

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 96

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