Thunder Roads Texas - March 2012 by Thunder Roads Texas

The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!

The New “Old School” Rally Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally April 12-15, 2012

March 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also Inside:

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Revisiting the Three Twisted Sisters Bikers Help Out True Blue Friends

EVENT

Contents 

March 2012 On the Cover 36 The New “Old School” Rally This Month

Revisiting the Three Twisted Sisters

Bikers Help Out True Blue Friends

Regular Features 6

From the Editor

From the Road

PigTrails: Learn, Live, and LOVE!

Two Wheel Thunder TV Review: Never Miss a Great Photo Again

Pink Thunder: How a Motorcycle Bill Becomes a Law

Snapshots: New Destinations and Tips

Monthly Ride Map: Journey from Scotland to Ireland

38 ThunderCam 40 Joker’s Wild

Resources 21

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out March 2012 Calendar 43

33 34

Biker Friendly Listing

On the cover: Carts, Bikes & Babes Rally shirt art supplied by Screened Images.

OWNERS Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

ADVERTISING SALES

FEATURE WRITERS

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

“Crazy Al” - PigTrails; Peggy Beck - Two Wheel Thunder TV Reviews; and sharing Pink Thunder, each sumbitting quarterly: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct), Brandy “Tex” Valdez (Feb/ May/Aug/Sep), & Terri Williams (TMRA2; Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec)

Laura Mae Benson - Sales Manager Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642

CORRESPONDENTS

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161 Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679 Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com 210.445.2477 Don “DB” McGovern - Dallas/Fort Worth ThunderRoadsDon@gmail.com 972.896.1919 Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. 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®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

Linda Morris - Houston; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - Spring Branch; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston/Gulf Coast... Jason English - East Texas; Gwen Tucker - Central Texas; Don McGovern - Houston; Travis Jacobs; Houston; MORE COMING ONBOARD!

Hello to the last month of the first quarter of 2012! This month, we have been able to add pages to the magazine, thanks to new advertisers coming in. As we add advertisers, we can add pages, which means we can add content… and we love adding content for readers! We absolutely love our advertisers, treat them like family, give them all kinds of extra perks, and truly believe we give them more for their money than any other publication out there! But… only you, our reader, can tell them you see them in Thunder Roads Texas – so please do so. And if you don’t see them here, ask them “why”! We’re willing to put our money where our mouth is... send us a HOT lead and if we close a sale, we’ll pay you a $25 “Finders’ Fee”. If you know a place that should be advertising, talk to your contact there and send us their name and contact information. We’ll pass the information to one of our Sales Representatives and they’ll go to work to make money for them... and for YOU! You can tell the riding season starts in March. We go from two pages of events to four pages! It’s on! We are pleased to be sponsoring some really great events this year. Kicking off the season this month is the Bikes & Bugs V series of events that run March and April. The Los Guys MC have teamed up with the Ragin’ Cajun to raise money for the Wallis Family Foundation which funds research for a cure for epilepsy. Check out BikesAndBugs.org for details. This is our fourth year supporting the South Texas Motorcycle Show in San Antonio (March 16-18). This year, they join forces with the O’Reilly AutoRAMA. Both events take place the same weekend at the Freeman Coliseum, offering two shows in one. You can go online to get a $5 off coupon, good at the gate. Check them out at TXBikeShow.com. New this year is our buddy Blowout… making his first appearance with his own rally after years of hosting bike games and stages for everyone else. It’s Blowout’s Biker Bash at the Galveston County Fairgrounds in Hitchcock. Help us make this first event the best! Visit BlowoutsBikerBash. com for details and to purchase your tickets now! I wanted to mention a few things about how we lay out the magazine. It’s not done “willy nilly”, it’s done with a lot of care as to how it “works” for the reader. For example, we try to keep most of the event ads near the middle of the magazine – near the Event Listing and Calendar. The calendar itself is always in the middle of the magazine so you can pull it out and actively use it to make your riding plans for the month – of course, suggesting those events that we sponsor and support. Our Monthly Ride Map is designed on a back-to-back page where you can pull out the single page to take with you. And, both our Event Listing and Biker Friendly Listing include Regional and Metro information. The regional information comes from the Texas Travel Guide. We’ve long envisioned the magazine to be something that riders can put up against the Texas Travel Guide to create a complete motorcycle travel resource package. The Metro information is based on the US Census defined Metro areas. There are quite a few places in Texas that do not “fit” into one of these metro areas, so we provide the closest metro area, just for quick reference while planning. What’s on the horizon with us? What will we come up with next? How about a Ride Map book? We have almost three full years of monthly maps under our belt. We’re going to take them out, dust them off, spruce them up, and print a book! We don’t have a publish date or retail price yet, but we will keep it reasonable and easy to get. If you’ve used our maps before, we’d love to hear from you. If something needs to be corrected – we’d like to know. Or maybe you’ve ridden it and can offer others some pointers. Wow… I had a lot to say this month! It’s an exciting year for us… with the new Mobile App going strong, new advertisers coming on board with us (recognizing our value as the ONLY motorcycle media for Texas), and an upcoming book. Life looks good and we’re going to be “riding” it all the way! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!

Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

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March 2012

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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Collin County Choppers AKA Frisco Custom Cycles These guys were so fun to chat with and there wife’s run their page for them! :-) They’re a friendly bunch! :-) Laura Benson 2011 Brazoria County Women’s Center Fundraiser Thank you for everything! This benefit is very near and dear to me, my husband Tin Man and Digger as we are going on year 9 and were there at the beginning…..we appreciate it so much when someone else recognizes our passion for this. Thank you again so much!! Karen Chillemi

Also, I don’t know how you would like to handle it, but I don’t ride with the GYPSY MC, as you put in the magazine for my introduction. I’m an officer for GUARDIANS OF THE CHILDREN. [Editor’s Note] I am so sorry Shelly! I kept seeing “GOC” and it incorrectly registered to me as Gypsy. We are fully aware (and thrilled) that you are part of the Guardians of the Children!

Somerville Jubilee Christian Center Thanks for the welcome... We are excited about the ad with y’all... Bonnie is a blessing here and was a great help in this coming together. Gary Faulkner

CORRECTION

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[Editor’s Note] Laura’s been working very hard to get up and running as our full-time Sales Manager. She really enjoys what she’s doing and loves our advertisers! We couldn’t ask for more!

March 2012

[Editor’s Note] We welcomed this new advertiser on Facebook and they were thrilled to respond in kind! We are tickled to see some of the biker friendly churches reach out to our readers. If you’re in Somerville over a weekend, be sure to stop by for biker-friendly church services!

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Learn, Live, and LOVE! y son-in-law is going to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Nothing gets me more excited than someone that is about to discover a whole new w a y to look at the world. I have always said, “Life begins when you get one!” I am really happy he is going to take the rider course. There is no better way for a beginner to get his feet wet before hitting the open road.

where you are riding? Last but not least is probably the #1 rule of all time; the two second rule. When you’re on a motorcycle, it is hard not to check out all the beautiful things you see along your journey. But never take your eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds. It only takes about two seconds and it’s all over! The adventure of riding is to ride another day!

I believe in the organizations that put on rider courses. I think they do a very good job when it comes to not only the information that they teach in the classroom but also when they put them on a Honda Rebel for the actual riding. The bikes they use are great. Small and light weight so if you do take a tumble you can just pick yourself off the ground and get going again. Much better than having 700 pounds of Harley running after you when you go down. There is still a world of learning to do once that course is over and you get your license. Like how to pick up that 700 pound Harley when you do dump it just trying to get it parked. I will try to hit as many tips as possible.

Once the learning out of the way it’s time to live the life! Get out and ride that damn thing. Point a finger on a map and go there for a destination. Pick out a few of Thunder Roads Points Across Texas™ destinations that you like. Put a few of them together and make you a route for the day. When I started riding my favorite thing was Texas lakes! Pick one out and Roll. Some of the best motorcycle roads you will ever find are the ones lake wind around the shore lines of our awesome lakes and state parks. Stop often. Enjoy the scenery. The last thing you ever want to be on a motorcycle is in a hurry. Plan your first motorcycle vacation. This will open up a whole new world of travel and relaxation. After you try it, you might not want to ever travel in a car again. Stay off the freeways as much as possible! Freeways suck! Get to the smaller roads and head to the country. Live the life. It’s the only one you’re ever going to have!

My first tip to new riders is to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground anytime you are moving at a very slow pace. Test what your feet are on to make sure you are not on gravel or loose dirt. When you’re coming to a stop don’t wait to the last minute to get your feet off the pegs. At the last minute I drag mine just a bit till I slow to a stop. Every second you are on a bike be planning an exit strategy just in case something goes wrong. Believe me one hundred things will go wrong on every ride. Not the bad stuff just things like those damn cars moving into your lane and don’t even know your there, a dog sitting on the side of the road, or even kids playing ball. You have to always be aware of your surroundings. The big stuff would be when a car decides to pull out in front of you. Don’t ever trust cars coming from the side streets. Exit strategy is know what your road conditions are. Are there cars coming in the other lanes? Do the streets have curbs? Is there grass on the side of the road? Are there a lot of trees

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March 2012

Fall in love with the lifestyle! From the bikes to the bars, the rallies, and most of all, the people. You will never find a better group of fun loving people in the world. Strangers turn into friends on an afternoon ride! Bikers give more to charity than they own themselves. You can be having lunch on a ride at your favorite BBQ spot and have more different cultures than you can imagine at one table. Rich, poor, working, or not. Nobody cares and nobody is judged. We’re bikers! Only one class of folks. We love our bikes. We love our state. We love our roads and we love our country! We don’t take life for granted and we make the most out of every ride we get to embark on. We love our mom’s and our children and we all feel like we are a part

of the same family. We wave to each other going down the roads and we will stop in a moment if we feel a fellow biker needs help. I love being a biker! I am so proud to be a part of something magical. One year ago my wife and I went through a horrible time of our lives when my wife suffered a stroke. The biker community flooded our lives with help, money, support, and prayers! One year later we are a success story! I have my greatest treasure in my life. My beautiful wife Paula! I still got the bike too! Learning to ride a bike is a lot like life. You have to be careful to keep the fun going on forever!

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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Never Miss a Great Photo Again! ow many times have you jumped on your bike and saw something that you could not believe, but when turning back around it was gone? How many times have you ridden on a beautiful day and wanted to stop and take pictures of something so amazing no one would believe you? I have traveled from Del Rio in South Texas all the way up to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. When you ride, you have to pull over to take that photo of the view, an object, a memorial marker, an aftermath of a hurricane, or just another beautiful bike that just passed. Not anymore!! I have found the answer. The GoPro helmet and bike camera. With the GoPro you will never miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot again. Mounting is easy; it is light weight, water proof, mud proof, and climate proof. GoPro was a hit at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The GoPro booth, the team, and the latest products impressed the onlookers so much so that GoPro received the Popular Mechanics 2012 Editor’s Choice Award! Their team of technology editors recognized GoPro for its outstanding achievement in new product design and innovation! GoPro also received another notable award from Videomaker Magazine. It recognized GoPro’s Wi-Fi BacPac, soon to be released, as the Best Accessory of CES 2012! This type of positive feedback and acknowledgement is what fuels GoPro’s goal: to help democratize professional content capture, creation, and broadcast to gain recognition. Just look at what others have to say about this incredible device. I have one, and I will never leave home without it! GoPro’s WiFi BacPac allows riders to transmit live video

streams from the camera to smart devices such as tablets, smartphones, or computers, offering a wide assortment of video options as well. For the long distance rider, the good news is that it can travel a long way without losing a signal. So those once-in-a-lifetime shots in the middle of nowhere are possible. GoPro cameras are used by more motorsports professionals, race teams, and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. The HD HERO2: Motorsports Edition is the most advanced GoPro camera yet. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing professional full 170º wide angle 1080p video and 11 mega pixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second, the HD HERO2 is the world’s most versatile camera. Whether your goal is to capture footage of a spirited rip through backcountry roads or you want to capture and study lapping footage to learn how to set a new track record, the HD HERO2: Motorsports Edition is going to be one of your favorite motor sports purchases of all time. Included are mounting accessories you’re most likely to use during motor sports activities: • • • • • • • • •

1 11MP HD HERO2 Camera 1 Waterproof Housing (197′ / 60m) 1 HD Skeleton Backdoor 1 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 1 USB Cable 1 Suction Cup Mount 1 J-Hook Buckle 2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts 3 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts

• 1 Three-Way Pivot Arm • Assorted Mounting Hardware • Note: SD card not included Cameras range from $150 (HD Hero 960) to $300 (HD Hero2 professional editions). Additional accessories, such as the BacPac, SD cards, auto charger, handle bar mount, wrist mount battery packs, and more are available as well. Visit GoPro.com for more information, to see videos taken with the GoPro Hero cameras, read testimonials, and, of course, order one for yourself. Leave your camera at home, I promise you one thing, you will be saying to yourself: “How did I not have something like this before”? I have used my Go Pro for two years now and have captured the most remarkable photos and videos that anyone could possibly imagine. This is just one of many products I have tested and by far this device is a must to everyone that rides. Don’t lose that “special capture moment” because you could not turn around and go back to capture it. This is a device I recommend very highly, and once you get the GoPro… you will never leave home without it.

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GoPro Fan Andie Woodman as posted on Facebook

GoPro Fan Joe Yonek as posted on Facebook GoPro Fan Tristan Nitot as posted on Facebook Page 12

March 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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How a Motorcycle Bill Becomes Law Terry Williams, TMRA2 Legislative Task Force

he Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2) has been in the Bill writing business now for twenty years. We thought it would be a good idea to share with the readers exactly how a Bill becomes law. Most of this knowledge was written and taught to me by my mentor and founder of TMRA2, Sputnik. I hope everyone can benefit from this information. First you must realize you are not trying to pass a law but rather write a Bill to amend an existing law. There are already laws covering nearly every facet of our lives. Once that is determined you have to choose an author for your Bill. This is a very important decision. The author must be someone who holds a position to help move the Bill through the process, preferably someone on the committee where the Bill will be sent.

encounter glitches it would be much more than that. As the only organization with an office in Austin and a full time presence in the capitol the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association works the point for biker’s rights in Texas. With the support our warriors receive from all the other motorcycle rights groups in Texas, the number of those involved are less than 1% of the licensed riders in Texas. We need to change that. Visit TMRA2.org for information on current legislative efforts and to get involved.

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Once the Bill is filed and you have a number it is passed on to those who are active in the political arena along with you. While they write letters to their legislators you begin the chore of walking and talking at every office of the House members making the staff aware of the Bill. After the Bill receives the first vote and is sent to committee you start making the rounds again either meeting with the Representatives or setting appointments to do so. At this point you pay special attention to those members on the committee. Once you can show a majority of the committee members and of the full House are in support of the Bill you then ask the author to request a hearing from the chair. If you are successful and pass the Bill with no amendments it then goes to another committee to determine when or if it will be heard on the floor. You then ask everyone to encourage those committee members, especially the chair to send the Bill on to the Floor for a vote. Let’s assume everything goes well and the Bill passes and is sent to the Senate. You begin the same routine all over again in the Senate. If all goes smoothly each Bill requires about 500 individual meetings with the state legislators. If you

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EVENT

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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New Destinations & Tips

ast month we presented the 2012 Points Across Texas ™ program. We already have photos! While we officially kicked off the program as of March 1 with a deadline of October 31, 2012, we will accept photos through the end of the year. The October deadline is for the end-of-year drawing, but riders have until December 31, 2012 to submit pictures for a FREE patch. All you need is 10! The drawing already includes a weekend stay at Koyote Ranch in Medina. We’ll be adding more items to the drawing through the year.

or a bike in a field of bluebonnets… or a group on a ride sitting around eating any of the state “foods”… or a bike with the Texas Flag waiving from it… We left this whole section open to a little creativity. You still have to have you and/or your bike in the photo. To help, there are two examples here.

NEW DESTINATION POINTS… Two new locations know you ride the roads looking for Points Across Texas and they want you to visit their place! The Hog Pound 13710 Rural Route 12, #4 Wimberley, TX 78676 830.864.2911 TheHogPound.com “Ride more… whine less!” When you visit, check out their motorcycle gear for both domestic and metric bikes. They are located half a block south of Wimberley Square. Tommaso’s Italian Grill 507 N Gordon Street Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 TommasosItalianGrill.com “Home of the Original Flying Pizza” – Second Tuesday of the month they welcome bikers with their 2-Wheel Tuesdays… $2 Food & Drink (bottomless soda), $2 beer, and live music. A few questions have come up about the “theme” list for the year – Texas State Symbols. We are asking our readers to get creative! Some of the symbols can be a place to ride to that would represent the symbol – say a pecan grove or plantation (health nut: pecan). It could be some other form of representation for the symbol – say a picture of an armadillo (with a Lone Star bottle) on your bike seat…

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March 2012

Our winners from last year, Donald and Gloria, have already started their riding adventures and found a way to represent the bluebonnet and the pecan in their travels. This year, we are accepting photos via our Points Across Texas™ Facebook page. Just post your photos there and we’ll get them! You can submit them as you ride or hold on to them until you have your 10 photos. And you can always get updates and information from our website (http://thunderroadstexas.com/ pointsacrosstx.htm) or by subscribing to our Web-zine (weekly email). Let’s see what you have Texas riders!

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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March 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Revisiting the Three Twisted Sisters

By: Don “DB” McGovern

recently got a surprise call from an old friend living in Indio, California. He called to announce that he and his long-time riding partner had just bought their tickets to the 2012 Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally. For several years we have talked on and off about them visiting the Lone Star State but somehow it just remained good natured talk. My wife, Janet, and I first hooked up with Matt and Dave at the 2006 Four Corners Rally in Durango, Colorado where we also met Relio and Martha from Baytown, Texas. We talked around a campfire about ROT and riding the Texas Hill Country; but then, as it always does, time just slipped on by. Being Matt, it came as no surprise that he was not willing to wait until June to see Austin. Matt wanted a pre-ROT warm up and decided he and Dave would visit Texas in March. This was a major announcement from California so planning needed to get underway. Our goal is to send these lads home with lasting memories of Texas and a yearning to come back. I quickly got on the phone to fellow Texas riders to confirm who was available to expose these California lads to some of the finest riders and roads in Texas. One of my best friends, BenT in Ennis, reminded me of our

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

weekend in Leaky riding the Three “Twisted” Sisters. We made that trip in preparation for January and my Colorado trek over the Continental Divide. Our Texas Twister may not aspire to the Million Dollar Highway, but it clearly stands up to any state road with lots of ups and downs and sweeping curves. It also throws in a dash of treachery as you climb to the summit of the Edwards Plateau. The plans began in earnest. If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of The Three Sisters let me introduce you to our infamous Texas Ranch Roads. As you leave Kerrville heading west on Texas 16, you wind up switchbacks through a canyon to Medina, home of Koyote Ranch and the Medina apple orchards. Continue west on FM 337 to Vanderpool and begin the climb into the high ridges. Travel through Vanderpool for more canyons, some sweeping curves, and some very steep drops and climbs. Elevation goes from 1,600 feet in Leakey to as high as about 2,400 feet at the highest point of the road. The road is hewn directly through the Central Texas rock in some areas with 100 mile views in spots and amazing scenery. Eventually you drop down in to the Frio River valley alternating between tight and twisty through the hills, then

straighter through the valley into Leakey. Following the course of the Nueces River, RR 335 is a true roller coaster and comes to an end after 29 miles, where you are forced to take Highway 41 East. This part is more twisty roads with great scenery as FM 336 snakes along the route of the Frio River, crossing it once. RR 336 climbs up into the mountains, and offers some spectacular scenery. Ranch Road 336 has a generous amount of tight and technical curves demanding heightened skill levels while dropping through various grade changes. Lastly but not to be overlooked, is the shortest Sister, Ranch Road 337. This stretch is the most famous of the Sisters having been repeatedly voted the #1 road to ride in Texas. Elevations range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet with deep dramatic canyons cut by Frio and Nueces Rivers. With the Texas foothills, mountain passes, tight twisters, switchbacks and long fast sweepers all combine to make for memorable riding. I am grinning confidently that this is a trip Matt and Dave will be sharing with others for some time to come.

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March 2012

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EVENT

Event Listing

The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!

MARCH m

1st Annual Ride and Shine Car & Bike Show 409.594.2271 Newton Region: Piney Woods Metro: Beaumont

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ County Line BikesAndBugs.org Richmond Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The first pre-party of 2012! Join the folks of Bikes & Bugs V and County Line Bar & Grill for fun activities including a Gumbo Cook Off; Crawfish Boil; Prize giveaways; and Live music. You can purchase raffle ticket to win a Harley-Davidson. Drawing for bike will be done at the Main Event on April 28. Visit the Bikes & Bugs website or County Line Bar & Grill’s website for updates. County Line Bar & Grill; 19412 FM 1093, Richmond 77407; 281.398.4800 www.thecountylinebarandgrill.com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

2nd Annual A Just Cause Charitable Chili Cook Off BayAreaESA.org Webster Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Arlington ABATE Biker’s Ball 972.955.3761 Arlington Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

3rd Annual Spring HOG Run BrazosportHOG.org Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL

Grand Opening of The Loading Dock, TOO LoadingDockToo.com Bacliff Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Join Big Dog and his new crew at Loading Dock TOO. Grand Opening Party starts at High Noon. Free BBQ while it lasts. Live music all day. The new location features live music, karaoke, food, game room, full bar, and, of course, BIKER FRIENDLY. Located behind the XTC Boutique in what was formerly Mother’s Speak Easy. 3505 Highway 146, #300, Bacliff 775118; 281.549.4789.

Oilfield Helping Hands Car Show & Motorcycle Rally OilfieldHelpingHands.org Tomball Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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Sinners & Saints Rally TakeBackTexasRally.com Axtell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Feeling Lucky? IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Bikini Bike Wash; FREE burgers; Live music by the Green Whiskey Band. Enter to win a FREE Weekend Ride Getaway (includes 2 nights stay at Koyote Ranch and $100 gas card). 12pm-3pm. 4101 State Highway 6 South, College Station 77845; Exit Barron Road. 979.690.1669

4th Annual Brandi Sander Scholarship Fundraiser 210.260.8143; 830.822.4478 Spring Branch Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

Rockdale Downtown Assoc Auto & Cycle Show RockdaleDowntownAssociation.com Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

Bikes and Bugs Motorcycle Fun Run Facebook.com/events/264067696998607 Santa Fe Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston El Mina Shriners Builders Club and the EMS Angels Motorcycle Club Chapter 17 host the 6th Annual Crawfish Boil and Motorcycle Fun Run & Bike Show. Held at the VFW Hall in Santa Fe. Escorted Motorcycle Ride; Bike Show; Live Auction; Live Band; Raffle. Friday Dance $10/ person. Saturday Fun Run $25/bike includes a plate of crawfish, KSU 10am; Crawfish $5/pound; Raffle $10/ticket for rifles, shopping cards, and more; Bike Show $5/entry; Live music 1-3pm; Live auction @ 3pm.

Capital City Rockers vs Mods RockersVsModsAustin.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Las Moras Spring Run SCRCDelRio.com Brackettville Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

Heat It Up Chili Cook Off SanJacintoHD.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Live Acoustic Music! Free Food! Door Prizes! This is a tasters choice event with prizes for everyone! Space is limited to the first 15 registrants. Don’t miss it! Over $400 in Prizes! Free registration available online. All chili should be pre-cooked and brought in a crock pot/slow cooker to keep it warm. Sampling starts at 10:30am with prizes given away at 4:30pm!

Welcome Home Run TexasWelcomeHomeRun.com Perryton Region: Panhandle Metro: Amarillo Long John Run 972.642.3094 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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EVENTS

Texas Independence Celebration IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Free Domino’s Pizza @ Noon. Tent event 9am5pm. 4101 State Highway 6 South, College Station 77845; Exit Barron Road. 979.690.1669

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The Texas Independence Day Rally TheHotRally.com Groesbeck Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ Bogies BikesAndBugs.org Missouri City Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Another great pre-party at Bogies! Crawfish Boil; Bikini Bike Wash; Bikini Contest; Giveaways; 50/50 Drawing; Vendors for shopping. AND purchase raffle tickets to win the Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. Bogies Pub & Grill; 2803 Dulles Ave, Missouri City 77459; 281.499.9898. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Blowout’s Biker Bash Pre-Party RedfishRoadhouse.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Join the crew at Redfish Roadhouse for a pre-party for Blowout’s Biker Bash. Live music by Red Cap 3-7pm. Live onsite broadcast of the Outlaw Dave Show 7-9pm. Karaoke with Dennis; 9am-1pm. Of course, the Blowout’s Biker Bash crew will be on hand with lots of goodies!

Around the Bend TWTEX.com Terlingua Region: Big Bend Metro: El Paso

2-4

1-4

Thunder on the Colorado ThunderOnTheColorado.com Smithville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin

6th Annual Pickle Party 254.563.7877; 254.421.4898 Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ Stubbs HD BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Another pre-party! Join the crew of Bikes & Bugs and Stubbs Harley-Davidson for some fun and partying! Details will be available soon online. 2 lb plates of crawfish, potatoes, corn and a drink for only $5. Free prizes all day long. Special guest sports legend Dan Pastorini. Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. Stubbs Harley-Davidson; 4400 Telephone Rd. Houston 77087; 713.644.7535; www. stubbshd.com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Bikers for Bikers Fun Run BikersForBikers.com Magnolia Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

2-Wheel Tuesday TommasosItalianGrill.com Alvin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 2nd Tuesday of every month treat yourself to some great Italian food and cold beer at Tommaso’s Italian Grill! $2 Food & Drink specials (including bottomless soda); $2 Beer; and Live Music. 507 N. Gordon St., Alvin 77511; 281.331.6262.

Cruisin’ to Cure Open Car & Motorcycle Show 940.456.2818 Graham Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls

Casting for the Cure Benefit Fun Run 210.573.4695 New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

St Patty’s Day BBQ & Bikes DallasHD.com 972.270.3962 Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Louis Motorcycle Rally & Car Show ThorndaleTX.com Thorndale Region: Piney Woods Metro: Austin

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1st Annual Easter Bunny Run 936.672.2867; 254.598.9997 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 2nd Annual Veterans MA Fundraiser 832.643.9725 La Porte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bell Fun Run BellFunRun.webs.com Colorado City Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

24-25

Innaugural Route 49 Biker Rally Route49Rally.com Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

23-25

Wild Hog Explosion WildHogExplosion.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

Spring Racing Championships TexasMotorcycleDragRacing.com Seven Points Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Service Seminar StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

28-Apr 1

State Commanders Ride 440.865.1547 Plano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Cajun Festival KingwoodHarley.com Kingwood Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ

29-Apr 1

South Texas Motorcycle Show TXBikeShow.com San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio This is the organizers welcome title sponsor, O’Reilly Auto Parts and the show will be held in conjunction with the San Antonio Autorama! Featuring an ISCA-sanctioned bike show. $50/ entry, includes ISCA membership. Also returning, the popular STXM Stunt Competition. See stunters from across the states give you their best! Also… live music, vendors, and more! Buy tickets now $15 for adults; Kids under 15 FREE – good all weekend long! Free parking for motorcycles, with a special services section for oil changes, new tires, accessory installation and more. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Spring Thing 903.520.4957; 903.594.8244 Kilgore Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Blowout’s Biker Bash BlowoutsBikerBash.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Registration is now open for Blowout’s first annual biker rally & party. Bike games; special contests, including best leprechaun nighty contest; best dressed leprechaun; best St Patty’s Day themed campsite. Live music all weekend, with headliners Dimitri’s Rail (Friday) and John Eipperson & Driving Bind (Saturday). Adult rally; 21 & up only. Held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. $30 weekend pass includes FREE tent camping. $100 Self-contained RV sites include 2 FREE weekend passes. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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37th Annual St Patrick’s Day Rally 830.313.1745; 830.719.0667 Del Rio Region: Big Bend Metro: San Antonio

16-18

Antique, Touring & Custom Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Great bargains on motorcycle parts! Held at the Humble Civic Center, just northeast of Houston. Admission only $8 adults; $5 kids (5-14) & Military; Kids under 5 FREE. Lots of vendors! Booth space goes fast, so reserve today. Only $40 for 10x10 space and includes one admission. Mail payment to Texas Scooter Times, 124 West Main St, Itasca, TX 76055. Payment must be received one week in advance. Walk-in vendors are welcome, but beware… reserve early to guarantee space.

EVENTS

EvenT Listing

Thunder in the Hill Country BikerRalliesOfTexas.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Mansfield Park. Bike show, biker games, wet T-shirt contest, naughty nighty contest, tattoo contest, burn-out pit, concerts, and tons of vendors. FREE tent camping with entrance. Onsite RV camping (with and without hook-ups). Only $35 per person for the weekend. Pre-register online and receive a FREE event T-shirt upon check-in. No one under 18 admitted. Visit the website for more information or call 409.995.0073.

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EVENT

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Tuesday

February 2012

Monday

March 2012 25

April 2012

Wednesday 1

PIG DAY

Thursday 2

Texas Independence Day

Texas Indepdendence Day Celebration Independence HD College Station

Friday 3

Blowoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biker Bash Pre-Party Redfish Roadhouse Hitchcock

Bikes and Bugs Fun Run Santa Fe

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party County Line Bar & Grill Richmond

Saturday 4

Sunday

Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

2-Wheel Tuesday Tommaso’s Alvin

27 28

Stubbs Service Seminar Houston

Nametag Day

Thunder in the Hill Country March 29-April 1 Bandera

15 Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Houston

St Patrick’s Day

Bikes & Bugs Pre-Party Mancuso HD Crossroads Houston Car & Bike Show Benefitting Texas Lions Club Redfish Roadhouse Hitchcock

Multiple-day events appear on the first day of event. For details on these and other events, see our Event Listing, Page 23.

Daylight Savings Time Begins Spring Forward

11 Antique, Touring & Custom Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet Humble

South Texas Motorcycle Show Sann Antonio * March 16-18

Blowout’s Biker Bash Hitchcok * March 16-18

24 Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party Stubbs HD Houston

Loading Dock Too Grand Opening Party Bacliff

Feeling Lucky? Independence HD College Station

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party Bogies Pub Missouri City

Calendar Sponsored by Walker Texas Lawyer * 713.552.1117 * WalkerTexasLawyer.com

Alien Abduction Day

Page 26

March 2012

12-15 14

Big Mike’s Bike Show BigMikesApparel.com Deer Park Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

6-8

Billy the Kid Rides Again BillyTheKidMuseum.com Hico Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 1st Annual Spring Bash 817.902.9734 Milsap Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ride for a Child; Stopping Child Abuse RideForAChild.org Killeen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

10th Anniversary Celebration FrioCanyonMotorcycleStop.com Leakey Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Stop by any weekend in April to help Bob & Robin celebrate 10 years! Every weekend will feature Texas Bike Builders and exhibitions, giveaways, entertainment and more! Visit our website or Facebook page for details as they become available.

10th Anniversary & Band Showdown DallasHD.com Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

7-8

2nd Annual Benefit Country Motorcycle Fun Run 512.738.0240 Lockhart Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin

TCOC&I State Rally COCTX.org Katy Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Come support the fight to protect the rights and freedoms of all motorcyclists! The State Rally is COMING HOME to Houston! All bikes welcome. Lots of goings-on: bike raffle, vendors, live bands, bike games, bike/hot rod shows, wet T-shirt contest, mud wrestling, fun run, bikini bike wash, burnout contest, tattoo contest, sport bike stunt riders, camping & RV area available or hotels close by. Admission is only $20/person for the weekend at the gate. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Texas Party Drags TexasScooter.com Holland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Racers get ready! “Who’s the April Fool?” All motorcycle drags at Little River Dragway. Visit the website for more information as it becomes available.

1st Annual Robert Arelano Dawg Rally 903.575.8720 Mt Pleasant Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Longview 14th Annual Car & Bike Show DVPTXK.org Texarkana Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

APRIL

20-23

Car & Bike Show benefitting Texas Lions Camp RedfishRoadhouse.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Benefitting Texas Lions Camp, Inc. a 501c(3) charity that provides a camp experience at no charge to children with medical conditions. $25/ entry. Best 15 by People’s Choice (car & bike); 1 Redfish Pick; Door prizes; dedicated parking. Registration 9am-Noon; Gates open at 7:30am; Awards @ 3pm. Rain out date: April 1, 2012.

28th Annual Easter Run 254.366.5622; 254.715.5627; 254.205.8765 Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Lyons Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station BRING OUT YOUR BAD! Join Damon Dave and the crew for a weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands, including Quiet Riot and Pat Travers. RV Sites, free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors and more. The party never stops! Visit the website or call 979.742.3284 for more information. Registration is open now - $45/person weekend pass. Call for availability of RV Sites – they go fast! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ San Jacinto HD BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Another pre-party! Join the Bikes & Bugs and San Jacinto HD folks for lots of fun. 2 lb plates of crawfish for only, potatoes, corn and a drink - only $5. Free prizes all day long. Special guest sports legend Dan Pastorini. Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. San Jacinto Harley-Davidson; 3636 E Sam Houston Pkwy South, Pasadena 77505; 281.991.4275; www. sanjacintohd.com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

EVENTS

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ Mancuso Crossroads BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Another pre-party! Join the Bikes & Bugs and Mancuso folks for lots of fun. Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. Mancuso Harley-Davidson Crossroads; 12710 Crossroads Park Dr, Houston 77065; 281.970.9700; www.mancusocrossroads. com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Run to the Woods Motorcycle Rally & Fun Run 903.838.4969 Douglassville Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

Spring Thaw and National Porta Potty Drags LongridersMotorcycleClubOfTyler.org New Summerfield Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler TMRA2 Riders for Rights Fun Run & Fish Fry 936.662.6842 Livingston Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

All Month

Texoma ABATE All Fool’s Rally ABATETexoma.com Bells Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Denison

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Run for the Red Poker Run & Beat the Heat Fest TCVFD.org Tennessee Colony Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Tyler

30-31

Independence HD Bike Night IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Join us for music, events, giveaways and more! 6:00pm. 4101 State Highway 6 South, College Station 77845; Exit Barron Road. 979.690.1669

30-Apr 1

EvenT Listing

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ Outlaw Dave’s BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Join the Bikes & Bugs crew as they descend on the NEW Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters. One of the first events at the new icehouse! Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters; 6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007; www.outlawnation.us; Check either website for details as they become available. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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EVENTS

EVENTS Page 28

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EvenT Listing Bikes & Bugs V Main Event @ Ragin’ Cajun BikesAndBugs.org Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Doors open at Noon and close at 11pm (16100 Kensington, 77478). Outlaw Dave will MC. Prizes given away all day. Plus vendors, live bands, Hooters Girl Bike Wash, Bikini Open Promotions Mrs. Bikes & Bugs pageant, bike & car exhibition, games, silent & live auctions, cocktails and food available – including Ragin’ Cajun’s famous boiled crawfish! Family event – so bring them all. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson, a custom crawfish boiler, or a gas powered minichopper. Raising money for the Wallis Family Foundation, supporting research to find a cure for epilepsy. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

FUTURE

May 4-6 Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social at Mahaley’s; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Ending with Sunday services provided by the CMA. Registration is open NOW. Register before April 20, 2012 to receive a T-shirt. $45/per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show T-shirt. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 5 4th Annual Boomtown Car & Bike Show Facebook.com/boomtowncarshow Burkburnett Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls Hosted by, and for the benefit of, the Burkburnett High School Air Force Junior ROTC unit. The event features more than 25 car classes, 3 motorcycle classes and special contests. Vendors, concessions, live music, raffles, and more! 9am-3pm; Free to the public; $15/car; $10/bike; Registration 8am-11am; Judging @ 11:30am; visit our Facebook page or call 817.734.3415. If it rolls, we want to see it! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 11-20 Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

May 12 Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston For the fourth year in a row, we support the great works of the Texas Honor Ride. Their Spring event will be held at Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Raising money to take to the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio which treat our wounded warriors. Watch their website and our magazine for more information as it becomes available. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 17-20 The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM June 7-10 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin June 9-17 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH June 18 International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org June 30 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

October 18-21 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL November 1-4 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston About Our EventListing: Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $45/month. Send your event to: events@thunderroadstexas.com. To be included in the print version, information must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the month in which the event is scheduled or the month before you wish a Premium Event Listing to appear. Events must have some motorcycle element. Subscribe to our FREE Web-zine for updates with events that don’t make print, two weeks’ worth of events are provided every week to your email inbox. You can always visit our website to download a list of the “next two weeks” events. Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.

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August 6-12 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 30-September 3 Ignacio Bike Week IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO September 7-10 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station September 12-16 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM September 26-29 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR October 12-14 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview March 2012

Page 29

EVENTS

May 3-5 Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

... continued

Bikers Help Out True Blue Friends Iron Horses Chili Cook-Off & Motorcycle Swap Meet By: Gwen “Froggy” Tucker, TRT Correspondent hat a great day Independence Harley-Davidson had for their chili cook-off and swap meet. It was an awesome day with great people donating their time and money to support yet another cause. All proceeds for this event benefited True Blue Animal Rescue (T-BAR). After a year of true devastation around the area it’s overwhelming to see the outpouring support Independence HD was able to bring in.

While at the event I had the opportunity to visit with Heather Beran, Marketing Director/Rider’s Edge Program Manager for Independence Harley-Davidson. Heather stated “We, along with Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), were able to help True Blue Animal Rescue raise the most money they ever have at an event and it was during a time they really need it. The economy, draught, and fires this past year have left animals displaced from homes. T-BAR is actively looking for foster and adoptive homes for dogs, cats, and horses. They are a great group of people that even have some riders on their Board of Directors.” The chili cook-off brought in a unique tasting experience for attendees, as well as the experienced chili chef. This particular chili cook-off consisted of both a CASI and a H-D Challenge. The CASI cooks win points to go toward an international cook-off in Terlingua and the H-D Challenge winners won gift cards to the dealership for up to $300. Below is the top place’s in each category. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Independence Harley-Davidson in College Station, it is worth the short ride from Houston. Located right off Highway 6 it’s easily accessible. The Motorclothes® staff, as well as the parts staff, has always been very helpful and their inventory is awesome. The service department is one of the best; with many riders that also attend their dealership’s bike nights. I highly encourage a trip to this exceptional dealership. True Blue Animal Rescue, based in Brenham, is only one of hundreds of rescue organizations throughout the

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

United States that works to help abused, neglected, and unwanted animals. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are a “no-kill” facility, meaning all animals that enter their program are not euthanized, except in severe cases where they are too sick or aggressive (dangerous). You can help. Just visit T-BAR.org to donate online or get more information about their programs. If you’re in the area and looking for a new pet, this would be a good place to start your search. Thank you Independence Harley-Davidson and Chili Appreciation Society International for supporting T-BAR!

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CASI WINNERS 1. 1.Toby Hawley - 1st win - Protégé of Tom Dozier 2. 2. Dorothy Hairston Spishock 3. 3. Greg Gardner - El Lago Show 1. 1. Terlingua Musuem of Chili History - Charlie Throop 2. 2. Pirate Chili - Lewis Garrett 3. 3. All About Cayenne - Cayenne Gardner Beans 1. 1. Anita Cornilius 2. 2. Chuck Charles Spishock 3. 3. Alison Kathryn Williams Cavender H-D CHALLENGE WINNERS • 1. Andy Williams • 2. Mark Sikes • 3. Sam Davee

EVENT

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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EVENT

Journey from Scotland to Ireland Connecting to the Lands of our Fathers By Randy McCamey, TRT Correspondent

“Everyone’s Irish on March 17th”

o give those of us of Scot-Irish decent (and those who wish they were!) another opportunity to participate in the celebration of Saint Patrick, this month’s ride is generally along US 281, a main state artery that cuts through the heart of Texas. As it turns out, US 281 links two small towns that carry, for many of us, the namesake of the land of our forefathers, Scotland and Ireland. Besides, with a surname MaC Camey, how can I resist writing about a ride that links these two very special places? US 281 is the longest continuous three-digit route in the US. It extends from Brownsville, Texas north to the Canadian border, where it becomes Highway 10. US 281 is also known as the American Main Street; it even has its own web page (USHwy281.com).

Ireland is one of those small Texas communities of only a few hundred people. As much as my imagination wants Ireland to be a thriving community, it has truly seen its better days. A few houses line the road along with the requisite empty barns and run down buildings. Peaceful would probably be the best way to describe it. According to the Handbook of Texas Online (TSHAOnline.org), “Upon completion of the Stephenville North and South Texas Railway in 1911, residents applied for a post office in the name of Ireland, in honor of Texas Governor John Ireland. Ireland’s term as governor was from 1882 through 1887. It was Ireland who insisted that the state capital building be made out of pink Texas granite rather than imported Indiana limestone.” Good for him! Using Texas materials and Texas people Ireland whenever we can is one more reason that we at Thunder Roads Texas are Texas focused and Texas PROUD of our heritage. Continuing north, the two-lane road hits the city limits of Hamilton (PaT: Hamilton County courthouse, jailhouse, and Dove Capital) where it winds through the residential area and dumps us out on Texas 36. Head toward the town square and turn north onto US 281. I know I have mentioned this in previous articles, but you have to try a burger at Storm’s

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March 2012

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MAP

We begin the ride on the south end headed north. Ireland is on FM 932 in Hamilton County about 12 miles southeast of the city of Hamilton. Probably the best big city to use as a starting point for this ride is Waco. Head west on US 84 out of the Waco area (PaT: McLennan County courthouse), go through Gatesville (PaT: Spur Capital), and ride about 14 miles toward Evant where FM 932 intersects US 84 at the South Purmela community. There are overhead caution lights at this intersection, so it is easy to spot. Head north on FM 932 The farm road takes us through central Texas farm country. True to the nature of a farm road, FM 932 has a few 90-degree turns as it follows the fence line of the farms and fields of the area. Don’t over-do the throttle on 932 as it may leave you staring much too close at a barbed wire fence if you don’t make the corners! Even though FM 932 is only a scant few miles, I’d have to say that it is one of the nicest country roads in central Texas. It is about 8 miles from our turn at South Purmela to Ireland.

RIDE

In Texas, the route runs basically north-to-south across the mid-section of the state west of, and parallel, to I-35. The highway runs through the great Texas cities of San Antonio, Lampasas, Jacksboro, and Wichita Falls. The highway is wellmaintained and smooth with ample shoulders making for an easy ride for those of us with touring bikes or cruisers. You canyon-carvers may find it somewhat lacking in twists and turns, but I guess you can’t have everything on every ride. Clocking in at about 170 miles, the ride between Scotland and Ireland is a nice day-ride that takes us through the cities of Hamilton, Hico, Stephenville, Mineral Wells, Jacksboro, Windthorst and many other small towns and “spots in the road”.

Journey from Scotland to Ireland Drive-in (StormsRestaurants.com). Storm’s is one of those old fashioned burger joints – a place that has been around since before there was a fast-food chain on every corner. The food at Storm’s is good, fast, and filling. Storm’s in located 8 or 10 blocks east of the courthouse square on Texas 36. The county courthouse in Hamilton is newly renovated but has retained the limestone exterior. It’s worth walking around the square just to check out the architecture.

RIDE

MAP

Continuing north, US 281 takes us to the much writtenabout little town of Hico – the home of Billy the Kid (or so the legend goes), the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant, and murals on every street corner. Hico is a great place to stop and relax. Take a walk around the city and discover the museums, shops, and local flair. Hico is a small town always filled with something to do like the Texas Steak Cook-Off in May, the Old Settlers Reunion in July, and, if you are interested in small town six man football, the Six Man Super Saturday in August. There is even a new Italian restaurant in town. I’ll check it out and post a review in the Thunder Roads Texas Web-zine next month, so be watching! The next stop on 281 is in Stephenville (PaT: Erath County courthouse), home of the state champion Yellow Jacket High School football team and, as many of you know, Hard 8 Bar-B-Que. At Hard 8, you order right from the pit so be careful, it is very easy for your eyes to be bigger than your stomach! About 25 miles north of Stephenville, stop and check out the world’s largest rocking chair, the Star of Texas Rocker. At almost 26 feet tall, I must say the chair dwarfs the motorcycle and everything else around it! The mercantile store (TXHCountry.com) is a nice place to stop, relax and shop. The bad news guys, is that the wife will find tons of must-have items in the store. The good news is that most of those items are much too large to carry home on the bike! As we continue north, US 281 crosses the on the historic Brazos River truss bridge in Palo Pinto County. The bridge is south of Mineral Wells and only a few miles north of where the highway crosses Interstate 20. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and is very similar to the truss bridges over the Llano River in Llano and over the Colorado River near San Saba. Climbing out of the Brazos river basin, the road becomes more scenic and the oak and pecan trees line the highway into Mineral Wells. The most prominent feature in Minerals Wells – and one of those “gotta stop” locations – is the famous Baker Hotel (BakerHotel.us). In efforts to tap into the tourist business brought to town by the “crazy mineral waters” of the area, the Baker was built in 1929 to attract high-end clientele to the area. According to the Baker Hotel website, many celebrities and personalities visited the old hotel during its heyday including Jack Dempsy, Marlene Dietrich, Dale Evans, Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Jean Harlow, Helen Keller, Tom Mix, Will Rodgers, Roy Rogers, and Elliot Roosevelt. Earl Baker closed the hotel in 1963 and the grand old lady has never recovered although there have been several attempts to do so. The Baker is now mostly in disrepair and access to the building is restricted. Mother Nature continues to take her toll and with all the safety concerns and legalese these days, it is a safe bet that she won’t be around much longer. It is worth the effort, however, to stop and walk around just to image what the grand hotel might have looked like those many years ago.

... continued

The lake is quiet and there are hiking and biking trails, a rock climbing area, and an equestrian trail. Continuing the journey, we travel toward Jacksboro (PaT: Jack County Courthouse and jailhouse) where, just before we hit the city limits we see Fort Richardson State Park (TPWD.state.tx.us). One of the original line of Texas frontier forts that extend to the southwest, Fort Richardson provided supplies and protection for travelers headed to Fort Phantom Hill (Abilene), Fort Concho (San Angelo), Fort Stockton and Fort Davis (near Alpine). This line of forts and the stage stops along the way would ultimately become part of the Butterfield Stage route through Texas. This general route would also become the Goodnight-Loving Trail. Our northbound trek takes us through Windthorst and finally into Scotland. The Handbook of Texas Online says that “Scotland was named for Henry J. Scott of Toronto, Canada, who bought land and established the town about 1907”. The town is home to just over 400 people and it much more intact than is Ireland. Being on a main thoroughfare rather than a farm road no doubt helps Scotland from becoming just another Texas ghost town. Scotland is on the shores of Lake Arrowhead, so you might make your way to the east side of town to enjoy some camping or fishing.

A nice side-trip in this area is to visit Archer City (PaT: Archer County courthouse and jailhouse), the stomping ground of Larry McMurtry’s The Last Picture Show and Lonesome Dove. Otherwise, if you need a few big city amenities, continue north just a few miles and end your travel in Wichita Falls (PaT: Wichita County courthouse). I hope you enjoy the ride from Ireland to Scotland. When you are settled in for an evening after your days ride, take up a bit o’ whisky or a pint of Guinness and toast our forefathers whose names will live on in the names of the cities and towns through which we have traveled. Be safe, my friends, and let me close with an old Irish Blessing, May the roads rise to meet you, May the wind be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Mercantile Store

Baker Hotel

Billy the Kid

While you are in Mineral Wells, you might check out one of my favorite places to camp, Lake Mineral Wells State Park (TPWD.state.tx.us). The park is just east of town on US 180 at the city limits. Lake Mineral Wells is a very pretty state park and is often rated as one of the best Texas state parks. Page 34

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The New “Old School” Rally

By: Damon Dave, Rally Promoter Extraordinaire

he Carts Bikers and Babes (CBAB) Rally is one of The Texas Rally creations. Our first CBAB rally was three years ago (April 2009). This year will be our finest no doubt! With Hawgs of Texas (HOT) joining us in our home. That same home, Big Creek Park (Lyons, Lake Somerville) is where HOT was also created. We have joined two of the oldest and best rallies that ever hit Somerville. Since the early days of my career promoting, directing, or owning a motorcycle rally, golf carts were a bad word and pretty much hated by the bikers. I remember in my early Dawgs on Hawgs (DOH) days (before Steve Roliard got involved), back in the Rock 101 Stevens and Pruitt days, golf carts were not even allowed near my festival area. I hated them! Times have changed and so have the rallies! When Dawgs on Hawgs was at its peak golf carts were everywhere along with about anything else that had a motor or rolled. Due to numerous accidents four wheelers were removed and replaced with the now known side by sides. I remember telling my “spiritual advisor” Billy “Spare Change” Helton, “Hell we just need to start putting on golf cart rallies!” This was in my Dawgs on Hawgs and Hawgs of Texas days. In 2007, The Texas Rally was born; always held the second week of September. After five great years it happened! Carts bikers and Babes… yes, we finally started a cart rally! Who would of thought? I know this is where all the hard core old school bikers are using this page of the magazine as toilet paper. But wait let me finish! As we said earlier rallies have changed and I mean almost all of them are cart rallies! We just admit

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doing it and it’s been a huge hit. It’s still a full blown bike rally, full of bikes, babes, breasts, and loud rock and roll. But over the years some of us, or I should say the majority of us, like and feel a lot safer on four wheels than two, especially when partying your asses off until 4:00 a.m. Fall off your bike, it lands on you. You may be there awhile. Fall out of a cart, there is a better chance you get up a bit faster and hope no one saw you. We have onsite camping with the best after-hours parties around! Just ask anyone who’s attended about the Zoo! They may or may not tell you… you know, what happens in the Zoo… The main camping area generally sells out. If you want a quieter space, we have a second area, just a little ways away from the music stage, vendor area, and main camping site. There are onsite restrooms and showers for those with tents, which are always allowed free with admission to the party! It’s not unusual to see bikers hanging from trees… in hammocks. It truly is no different than any of the other rallies except we offer things to do in your carts such as the “Bring Out Your Bad” Bike and Cart Show and the cart race on Saturday! Yes… a cart race! It’s the best chance you old school bikers may have to watch a cart crash and burn! We really do not want that to happen to any one of our patrons on a bike cart or even falling out of a RV. A couple years ago, it was a wet weekend at The Texas Rally. I got up on stage, had the beer trucks come in, ice down a bunch of beer, and handed it out to the crowd free. I wanted to thank all those who came out in the rain… and to have a cold one with my friends! I can’t do this every year,

but I try to bring you something different. This year, we’re happy to announce that we will have the History Channel’s Hairy Bikers, Bill Allen and Paul Patranella (see Thunder Roads Texas December 2011). And they’re not there just to be “pretty”. We’ll host the Hairy Bikers Hot Chili Peppers Throw Down, live on-stage Saturday. Can you hang with the Hairy Bikers and eat hot chili’s? Prove it! Please come out and join in a truly different rally. You will not be disappointed. There are so many rallies these days; Texas is truly saturated with them. I think over the last few years everyone woke up and said, “Hey I’m a rally promoter. Let’s put on a party.” It’s a lot of work, so before you spend your hard earned dollars check the existing rallies out. Have fun, be safe, and remember, we promoters put it together for you. Make it safe; it’s about you and your friends that make the party! We hope to see you soon at one of our parties. TheTexasRally.com or CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com. I want to mention and thank some of our sponsors. The 2012 Carts Bikers and Babes Rally is sponsored by The Hawgs of Texas Rally, The Loading Dock Bar and Grill, Dupar, South Central Choppers, Brookshire Brothers food stores, Mark 3, Pekars Auto Body, Bryant’s Ice House, Golf Carts of Texas, Rob’s Fun Centers, Buck’s in Somerville, Ransco Landscape, and, of course, this great magazine, Thunder Roads Texas. Without our sponsors, we couldn’t bring you great bands like this year’s Quiet Riot and PatTravers!

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Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Send pics to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com.

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One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints, and were stuck in the thick head. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer, and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink, held it out over the beer, and started yelling, “SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT YOU BASTARD!!!!” A young Irishman sat at a pub in the US drinking beer and conversin’ with the barkeep. Another comes in and sits beside him. He says, “How you do?” and hears the lilt and says, “You be Irish?” “Yes I am.” The first man yells barkeep give us another round and one for my friend here he’s from the mother country as well. The second man asks, “So where in the old country ye from?” “Dublin,” responds the first. “Dublin you say? So am I,” and the second man hollers barkeep, “Bring us another round and a shot of your best Irish Whiskey for me and my friend here.” Afterwards the first man asks from where in Dublin and the second man responds with the street and the first man says. “Well I’ll be - so am I and yells barkeep another pair of beers and Irish Whiskey for the pair of us.” The phone behind the bar rings and the barkeep answers it. The owner of the pub asks - how is business. The barkeep responds - not too bad - The O’Malley twins are here getting drunk again. An American lawyer asked, “Paddy, why is it that whenever you ask an Irishman a question, he answers with another question? “Who told you that?” asked Paddy. The late Bishop Sheen stated that the reason the Irish fight so often among themselves is that they’re always assured of having a worthy opponent.

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Be careful what you purchase online. I spent $50 on a “Penis Enlarger” and the bastards sent me a magnifying glass. A young man lowers his car window and says, “Uh, yes, officer?” The cop says, “What are you doing?” The young man says, “Well, Officer, I’m reading a magazine.” Pointing towards the young woman in the back seat the cop says: “And her, what is she doing?” The young man shrugs, “Sir, I believe she’s filing her fingernails.” Now, the cop is totally confused. A young couple, alone, in a car, at night in a lover’s lane and nothing illegal or obscene is happening!

Limericks - The form Limericks consist of five anapaestic lines. Lines 1, 2, and 5 of Limericks have seven to ten syllables and rhyme with one another. Lines 3 and 4 of Limericks have five to seven syllables and also rhyme with each other. Limericks There was a young girl from Rabat, who had triplets, Nat, Pat and Tat; It was fun in the breeding, But hell in the feeding, When she found she had no tit for Tat. There once was an old man of Lyme Who married three wives at a time. When asked, “Why a third?” He replied, “One’s absurd! And bigamy, sir, is a crime.”

The cop asks, “What’s your age, young man?” The young man says., “I’m 22, sir.” The young man looks at his watch and replies, “She’ll be 18 in exactly 7 minutes.”

There once was an old man of Esser, Whose knowledge grew lesser and lesser, It at last grew so small He knew nothing at all, And now he’s a college professor

The History of the Limerick

Irish Drinking Toasts

Variants of the form of poetry referred to as Limerick poems can be traced back to the fourteenth century English history. Limericks were used in Nursery Rhymes and other poems for children. But as limericks were short, relatively easy to compose and bawdy or sexual in nature they were often repeated by beggars or the working classes in the British pubs and taverns of the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventh centuries. The poets who created these limericks were therefore often drunkards! Limericks were also referred to as dirty.

When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to Heaven. So let’s all get drunk and go to Heaven!

The cop asks, “And what’s her age?”

Where does the term ‘Limerick’ come from? The word derives from the Irish town of Limerick. Apparently a pub song or tavern chorus based on the refrain “Will you come up to Limerick?” where, of course, such bawdy songs or ‘Limericks’ were sung.

Here’s to me and here’s to you, And here’s to love and laughter. I’ll be true as long as you, And not one moment after. If you cheat, may you cheat death. If you steal, may you steal a woman’s heart. If you fight, may you fight for a brother. And if you drink, may you drink with me!

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Biker Friendly

Listed here are businesses that are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “*” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas!

Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bars/Restaurants * Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Barbed Rose 113 E Sealy St Alvin, TX 77511 281.585.2272 www.barbedrose.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Boll Weevil’s 16003 FM 1236 Needville, TX 77461 979.793.6163 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Concert Pub North 2470 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 www.theconcertpub.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Curtis Lowe’s Bar 11800 FM 1960 E Huffman, TX 77336 281.324.7400 www.facebook.com/pages/Curtis-Lowes/104115916292466 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz; www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Gordon Street Tavern 114 N Gordon Street Alvin, TX 77511 281.968.7402 www.GordonStreetTavern.com

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* Hot Rods and Harleys Bar & Grill 13124 FM 306 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 830.864.2911 www.hotrodsandharleysbar.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Loading Dock, The 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 http://loadingdockgalveston.com/ Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston *Loading Dock, Too 3505 Highway 146, #300 Bacliff, TX 77518 281.549.4789 www.loadingdocktoo.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 281.259.7789 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * Tommaso’s Italian Restaurant 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tomasositaliangrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Dealerships & Shops * Collin County Choppers (Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Custom Cycles Texas 14205 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 210.846.1081 www.customcyclestexas.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Hawgs N Dawgs Motorcycle Shop & Café 1333 SE Military Dr San Antonio, TX 78214 210.924.0203 www.HawgsNDawgs.com Region: South Closest Metro: San Antonio * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

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Biker Friendly * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com/ Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 281.689.0400 www.potterosa.net Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Page 44

March 2012

Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 www.kps-sa.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Insurance & Attorneys * Ball Insurance - Texas Edition 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 http://insuranceladyinc.com/ Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Closest Metro:

Lodging & Campgrounds * D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St; BILL FOR JAN-DEC 2012 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Continued... 210.341.0333 www.missionwrecker.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Moto Liberty - Dallas 11441 N Stemmons Fwy, Ste 201 Dallas, TX 75229 972.243.5995 www.motoliberty.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Miscellaneous AFL Motorcycle Camping Trailers al444@yahoo.com 281.685.5814 Cell, 832.695.0077 www.afltrailers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Barry Claffey - Mullis A/C Houston, TX 281.468.5819 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.outlawnation.us Houston/Statewide via Podcast

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DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Closest Metro:

Motorcycle Towing * Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 North Converse, TX 78109 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2012

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