The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!
Kick Start the Riding Season
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Also Inside:
Big Bend Memorial Ride Riding Group Round Up - Por Vida Beware of Sharks! Snapshots from Points Across Texas
Contents
March 2010
24
On the Cover 24
Kick Start the Riding Season
This Month
15
9
Snapshots from Points Across Texas
15
Big Bend Memorial Ride
26
Beware of Sharks!
31
Riding Group Round Up - Por Vida, Houston
Regular Features
26
6
From the Editor
8
From the Road
10
PigTrails: Go for the Roads!
16
Black Leather Blues: Texas Icehouse Season
28
The Scout Report: The Strong Arm
32
ThunderCam
34
Joker’s Wild
Resources 13
Mapsco Map: “Points” Around San Antonio
19
Event Listing
CENTER - Pull-Out March 2010 Calendar 36
31 34
Biker Friendly Listing
On the cover: 2009 South Texas Motorcycle Stunt Competition Winner, BILL D (Bill Dixon). Cover shot provided by Motorcycle Events, Inc.
OWNERS Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Shelly
Bob
ADVERTISING SALES Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com M2 Motomedia - Statewide Reynolds Mansson M2Motomedia@gmail.com 210.259.9916
Reynolds
Greg Harris - D/FW thunderroads.greg@gmail.com 214.434.4545
Bill
Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS Crazy Al Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes Mean Gene Kelton Elm “Scout” Valle CORRESPONDENTS Dean Downey - Panhandle Houston & Margaret Pruett - Houston Kitti Kluna - Traveling Meghan Heller - Austin Mark Appenzeller - D/FW Joyce Siegert - D/FW Ron Blansett - Houston Linda Morris - Houston Linda Nilsson - East Texas George Darcy - Midland/Odessa Ken Foster - D/FW
Crazy Al
Elm
Dean
Meghan
Pruetts
Kitti
Mark
Joyce
Linda
Linda
Ron Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Gene
Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1421 Chapmansboro Road 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.
A Lot New Going On... Happy Year! It’s been a crazy weather year and we’re only two months in! One day is beautiful and warm enough to ride… the next day is cold and rainy. Hopefully, by the time you’re reading this, the weather will have settled in for some great Spring-time riding… it’s time – I’m ready – let’s go! We’ve been running our Bike Night every month since November 2008. It’s been in three different locations. We simply outgrew the first location. The second location just couldn’t offer the service level we required. But our current venue is just right! January and February have been our best Bike Nights yet – with more than 250 bikes and almost 400 people – wow! Our new home, Texas Rock Tavern is working out nicely. They are very concerned with service and are thankful to the Thunder Roads Texas family and friends who show up month-after-month and are quickly becoming loyal fans of the venue itself. We’ve been blessed to have Outlaw Dave and “Babe Wrangler” Bryan Miller, along with the support of their Outlaw Nation and the 9*5*0 Radio Mojo. Additionally, we sincerely thank our sponsor, Eagle Cycles on Jones Road (Houston) who came on in November 2009 and have helped us add another dimension to the event. We are constantly asked if we’ll host a bike night down South, out West, out East… well… everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s only me and Bob running the show. While we’d love to accommodate, until we can figure out how to clone ourselves for find others to help us carry the torch, the Northwest Houston bike night is all we can handle. Take a ride, come visit us – we party like bikers, rain or shine! On a sad note… the economy. Final tallies in Harley-world – 28 dealers in the US, gone; four of those in Texas. Suzuki just announced they are not planning to import most of their 2010 street bike models into the US, in an attempt to help the dealers rebound. And who knows the untold number of small shops, metric dealers, and other motorcycle related business that had to close their livelihood… their “baby’s” last year. But when it’s tough, that’s when you fight back! Most businesses obliterate their marketing budget… not the way to go. Studies have shown businesses that advertise during tough economic times come out of the situation with BIGGER MARKET SHARE than those who don’t. If you pull your business out of the spotlight and take a back seat… when the train starts moving again… you’re still in the back seat. Meanwhile, those who kept their brand in front of consumers will bypass you, straight to the front of the train – and to the bank. This is a GREAT time to advertise! Deals are all over the place. Take advantage of media (like Thunder Roads Texas) offering special deals designed to get businesses advertising. Sign that longer term contract with much better terms than what will be offered with the economy comes out of the sludge. Don’t take the back seat! Take advantage of the situation – move to the front! And don’t forget, we offer website and Web-zine advertising opportunities for those who like to reach their customer electronically. You may have noticed an absence in our pages. “Shovelhead” Bill has asked for some time off (like we work him so hard !) from his Out-N-About column. We’re not sure if he’s trying to recover from 2009… but he promises to be back soon. In the meantime, we have added so many correspondents from across the entire state, we’re able to fill his boots – but we do miss him and look forward to welcoming him back. I’m going to show my reality TV habit here… but I can’t help mentioning that I’m watching American Idol and rooting for Casey James from Fort Worth. There are six contestants from Texas out of the 24 who made the final round. Why Casey? You have to have a reason to root for someone. He’s good, but specifically, he survived a motorcycle accident that should have ended his musical career. He was told he’d never play guitar again. That didn’t stop him – he plays just fine! Call me a “softy”. So GOOOO CASEY! This year, we are sponsoring a lot of great events around the state. In March, join us in San Antonio for the South Texas Motorcycle Show & Stunt Competition (March 19-21). We’ll be roaming around, taking pics… who knows what will end up in the pages of Thunder Roads Texas? We’ll also be partying with Damon Dave as he hosts his famous party before the party (March 13 at Route 36 Bar & Dance Hall in Rosenberg) for the new Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally (in Somerville, April 9-11). And I can’t ignore the huge – and immediate – success of our Points Across Texas™ reader rides program! We’re out of the free booklets, but are talking orders for those who wish to purchase one. They’re only $5 and can be purchased online at http://thunderroadstexas.com. Of course, you can download the destination list online as well – FREE. Since we had patch earners within the first three weeks of the year (Wow! They beat us to ordering the patches!), we’re working on some additions to the program which will be introduced soon… so keep an eye out. To get these updates as they happen, we highly recommend subscribing to our FREE Web-zine – a weekly email that provides unique content not available in print (except at the beginning of each month) and gives you the latest update of motorcycle events across the state, two weeks at a time. Here’s hoping you’ve had a good start to your 2010, that you have a GREAT next few months… and that you join us on the road, wherever we are. Ride Safe & Ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Examiner.com/x-16815-Houston-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner - Not just for Houston!
Kiss Me, I’m Irish!! (I really am... stop laughing!) Page 6
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 7
Page 8
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Snapshots from
Sponsored by D’Rose Inn & Cabins * Leakey It has been amazing! You have responded in force to this new program and we can’t be more pleased! More than 50 have submitted pictures, including four riding groups; 9 have earned patches already;l and we’re out of the free booklets! But you can order one online for only $5.00. The entire list is available online for download FREE. As with any new program, you work kinks out in the beginning. In order to help clarify some items, here are some questions that have been asked: Q: What qualifies in the pictures for a nonmotorcycle event? A: First, only the events listed in the Destination List qualify. Second, the picture must include a banner or sign indicating what event you’re attending. Q: Can I submit a group picture and all in the picture be qualifed? A: Absolutely! However, be sure to identify each person in the picture so we can keep appropriate records. Q: My county has more than one courthouse, can I go to any or all of them? A: No. Only the primary courthouse that is the “seat” of the county qualifies. However, if the county has a “historic” courthouse as well as a modern current courthouse, either qualifies, but only one per county can be submitted. Q: Do I have to have a Thunder Roads Texas magazine in the picture? A: Not at all, but it really is cool to see our magazine in pictures from around the state! And, admittedly, they are more likely to be used in the magazine. Q: Can I use pictures from travels that I’ve taken in previous years? A: No. The pictures must be from your travels this year. Q: Do I have to get a booklet to participate? A: Nope. The list is available as a free download from our website. The booklet just makes it easier to keep on your bike and offers a log to trakc your explorations. We’re working on some exciting additions to Points Across Texas, so keep an eye out.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 9
Go for the Roads! iding season is upon us! Whether you’re planning a day ride or that next weeklong vacation, it’s all about the roads! The roads are the personality of the ride. When the roads are twisty it makes your adrenalin flow! When you hit the rolling hills you can’t help but relax. My favorite roads are the ones that the trees have grown in a way that forms a tunnel of green that blankets over the road. Also the roads that run right along the cliffs that make you feel like you’re riding a roller coaster that twist and turns through the hill side! Sometimes the roads are so twisty you feel like you’re riding on the back of a coiled rattle snake. Awesome bridges always bring on incredible sights. Whether its over a river or one of our beautiful lakes, you always feel like turning around and making one more pass just to take it in one more time. How about the road that travels straight up a hillside where you know the crest is right up ahead. When you finally hit the top the view will take your breath away! When you can look out and see forever! Mountain roads going down the other side always gets the blood flowing. When you know you have to balance the act of using the brakes and using the gears to make it safely down the hill. Believe me you don’t want to ride the brakes for too long. I did this once and to my surprise the brakes went away! In Texas the roads can change very quickly from one corner to the next. One minute you feel like you’re in the mountains and the next minute you’re in those endless fields of grain! Enough said, let’s go visit some of these kick ass Texas biker treats! Let’s start in North Texas and work our way South. Starting from Muenster go north on FM 373 To Bulcher then turn
Page 10
H
March 2010
south on FM 2382. This is only around 35 miles of road but the changes will blow you away. It’s one crazy road that has you twisting and turning through the hills one minute. Then it rides along a ridge where you can see for miles and miles and ending up coasting through mellow sweepers that zip back and forth through fields of grain that are ten feet tall. Be sure and run back into Muenster and hit Centers Restaurant for German Sausage and a frosty mug of beer! Now let’s go south just a few miles to the city of Jacksboro. From this point on you only need to know one magical number! FM 4, near Fort Richardson State Park (a Points Across Texas destination)! This road stacks up in my book as one of the best roads in the whole state of Texas! It simply has it all… from twist and turns that will scare the crap out of you, to country canvases that only a painter could imagine! There is a part of this road that will make you feel like your right in the heart of the hill country. As it snakes down the hillside there is a guard rail on one side where the cliff drops 150 feet to the other side that the cliffs go straight up! The road only goes in a straight line just long enough to get you through some of the coolest little country towns around. Then it’s right back to rock and roll! Hang on for 85 miles of pleasure till you reach the historic city of Granbury. Visit the Square while you’re there for some homemade ice cream at the soda shop. Who wants to go to the hill country? I do! I do! It’s easy to find awesome roads when you get anywhere near the Hill Country but I like to find those little treats bikers only
dream of! Well I found one and here it is. In the little town of Ingram right outside of Kerrville is Highway 39. This baby is the treat of all treats. This road never stops going back and forth; right then left, right then left! I love it! The best part about this road every time it switches directions it hops back and forth over the south fork of the Guadalupe River. I found myself singing. “Over the river and though the woods, to Grandmother house we go!” No I didn’t. Ok, yes I did, but don’t tell anyone. Along this road are some great sites to take in. You can stop and see Little Stonehenge outside of Waltonia. Some dude had way too much time on his hands. It’s still pretty damn cool! There is also the spillwaydDam for Lake Ingram. If the water is flowing it makes for a really cool site to see. A long time ago I was showing a friend of mine a cool road on a map when he made the comment that the road on the map was only one inch long. You never know what lies ahead until you cover each and every road on the map one inch at a time! Some of those inches have provided me with more pleasure on a bike than you could ever imagine! One thing I always say is get off the freeway. Get off the bigger roadways. Get you a map and find those little treasure treats that will show you the true Texas country that’s just waiting to be explored. Slow down and take it all in. Stop and smell the roses or the bluebonnets! Find the time to pet a cow or check out our great Texas Longhorn Cattle. And always remember the adventure of riding is to ride another day! Just twist the throttle and let the roads take you away!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 11
Page 12
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Some information above was provided by MotorcycleRoads.US. You can find a link on our website to this great mapping resource. STARTING POINT – South Texas Motorcycle Show Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219 • North on Coliseum Rd • Left at Interstate 35 Access Rd • Enter ramp onto I-35 S • Take exit 155B toward Downtown • Right at W Durango Blvd • Left at S Santa Rosa • Right on Dolorosa; Destination is on the right FIRST STOP – Bexar County Courthouse 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205
Total of 100 miles and about 2.5 hours.
• East on Dolorosa toward S Main Ave; onto W Market St • Merge onto I-37 S via the ramp to I-10 S • Take exit 109 toward Pleasanton/Floresville/TX-97 • Right on Campbell Ave SECOND STOP – Atascosa County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Circle Dr , Jourdanton, TX 78026-3416 • Southwest toward Main St; Turn right at Campbell Ave • Left on Oak St/TX-97 E • Left on S Main St • Slight right on 2nd St • Right on Commerce St • Slight left at TX-97 E • Left at 3rd St; Destination is on the right
THIRD STOP – Wilson County Courthouse 1420 3rd St, Floresville, TX 78114 • Northwest on 3rd St • Right onto C St • Left on TX-181 Loop N/US-181 BUS N • Turn left at US-181 N • Slight right at Co Rd 350/Stuart Rd • Right on Charles Anderson Loop/TX-1604 Loop N • Right on La Vernia Rd; Destination is on the right FINAL STOP – Texas Pride BBQ 2980 E Loop 1604 S Adkins, TX 78101
Visitng San Antonio
Page 14
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Big Bend Memorial Ride In Loving Memory of Leo M. Romeijn By Danny “Lucky” Romeyn, Sons of Texas MTA
In Loving Memory of Leo M. Romeijn By Danny “Lucky” Romeyn, Sons of Texas MTA
T
here is a brotherhood in the big state of Texas called Sons of Texas Motorcycle Touring Association (SOT MTA). We have six chapters in most of the major cities in the state and I happen to be part of the Bayou City Gamblers Chapter out of North Houston. On November 1, 2008, I lost my older brother to a hard fought battle against cancer. This tragic event made me realize that since cancer plagues my family, someday I will be faced with this disease. In the mean time I realized I should live life to the max. I made myself a commitment that every year around the one year anniversary of my brother’s death I would drop everything and hit the open road to lose myself in the relaxed state of mind that riding a motorcycle does to me. Early 2009 I decided to plan the one year anniversary ride to Big Bend National Park in West Texas for a four day weekend ride. I contacted a couple of my brothers from my SOT MTA chapter and invited them to come along with me and my girlfriend, Jennifer Carlen, on the journey and I got a few takers. So day one of our trip arrives on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 6:00 a.m.., as we met at a local Bass Pro Shop on Interstate 10 in Katy, Houston. I met up with my fellow SOT brothers, Mike “Wicked” Stritz and Jeff “Shadow” Denison. Come to find out brother AJ “Big Daddy” Force had bike issues and would not make the trip. I felt bad for him, because this trip is all he talked about for weeks leading up to the ride. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
We knew going into the first few hours we were going to be riding through the back end of a front rolling in and would be dealing with some heavy rain We headed West on I-10 through a wet storm and finally cleared the front about two hours later, near Luling. We stopped at the next gas station to fill up and shed the rain gear for the cold weather gear. I would like to say that every minute from this point on we had no clouds and 62 degree weather. It made the ride through the rain all worth it. The ride continued on I-10 north of San Antonio, on to Boerne where we stopped for a little coffee and breakfast tacos with my sister who lives in town. Back on the bikes rested and warm from the coffee and conversation, we headed Northwest on I-10 through Kerrville. At this point the speed limit increases to 80MPH and it felt great to let the horses run the open range. This area of Texas was new to me and I wasn’t familiar with the area and I noticed my gas light came on and I started to think… “crap I hope there is a station near”. As my gas range indicates I have only ten miles left in my tank, I see a sign for Junction and “Gas 15 miles”. Yep this is going to be fun. My ride manages to make the 15 miles and I rolled into a gas station to fill up the six-gallon tank on my 2009 Ultra Classic to the rim for a total of 5.97 gallons. Boy that was close! We continue on I-10, seeing the wind generators on the hill tops and past the canyons all the way into Ft. Stockton. From there, we direct our steeds South on Highway 67, a lonely two lane roadway with some awesome views for
the last leg of day one ride where we stop at our motel in Alpine; a total of 544 Miles registered for the day. We get all checked in and hit the hot tub and meet up with two more brothers from the Gulf Coast Ghost Riders chapter out of El Paso. Marc “Ref” Huffman and Rafael “Blaze” Saucedo. After catching up and planning out the ride through the park we all decide to call it a night. After having a big breakfast to start our day two, we head South on State Highway 118, enjoying some spectacular roads and views to a quick fill up just outside the West Park entrance in Study Butte. We had to keep Jenn from going inside, because due to the cold she was wearing an outfit that looked like she was going to hold the place up. In the park we travel just about all the park roads enjoying majestic views, twisty turns, and steep grades throughout the park. We stopped at several spots to take in the views and managed to take some great shots as well. There is only one place to eat in the park and you have to make a serious climb up to Chisos Basin with a 7800 foot elevation to the restaurant. But the trek offered a reward of great views of the park. Sufficiently refreshed, we continued our ride through the park to the East side to Rio Grande Village. We stopped for a bit to take a look at the majestic Rio Grande River that separates USA and Mexico. After a full day riding through such a huge awesome land mass we headed back to end our 330 miles of day two. On day three, we say good bye to our El Paso SOT brothers
Continued on Page 30... March 2010
H
Page 15
Texas Icehouse Season t’s March! That means Texas Icehouse Season is upon us! Blacktop roads will soon be covered with endless streams of leather-clad road warriors on the never ending search for the coldest beer in Texas, at one of the thousands of Texas Ice Houses found in the Lone Star State. We in Texas take our icehouses for granted, but as a touring musician my travels around the country have made me aware that people outside of Texas, especially in northern states, have no clue what a Texas Icehouse is. For those folks outside of Texas (or those new to Texas), this article is dedicated to you. In Texas today, the term “icehouse” refers to what most people would call a “beer joint”; not a nightclub. Nightclubs; icehouses serve only beer, wine and soft drinks (though some are branching out to include liquor, the hardcore will still see icehouses as “beer only”). Its counterpart would be what people up north call a “pub” or “tavern,” and in other parts of the South they are called beer joints, juke joints, roadhouses and honky-tonks. How did a beer joint get to be known as an icehouse? Actually it was the other way around. During the early part of the last century, before the invention of the inhome refrigerator, an icehouse was a large building where giant blocks of ice were stored. Ice men, with their horse drawn wagons, would deliver blocks of ice to residents and commercial establishments. The recipients then stored the blocks of ice in their “ice box” (thus the term “ice box” was coined long before the word refrigerator).
hot houses. With their tin roofs, open doors and no AC, they can be hotter than nine kinds of hell in the Texas summer. Ceiling fans never put out enough wind, so most ice houses keep industrial-size shop fans on hand, blowing hurricane force winds across the room. Those open doors also allow street noise, mosquitoes, flies, birds, wasps, bees, wind, rain, dirt, sand, pollution and engine exhaust fumes to blow through. Oh yeah, then there is the occasional stray dog that wanders in looking for a handout. When the music is loud, the beer ice cold, and some tattooed waitress is dancing on the bar flashing her endowments, everyone is usually having too much fun to care or notice the grinding roar of shop fans, street noise, suffocating heat, insects, or the fact their clothes are soaked with sweat. Most Texas icehouses have concrete floors which makes them easy to sweep with a leaf blower or wash off with a water hose. Rarely do any tables and chairs match. Most parking lots are either gravel or ground-up oyster shells and dotted with potholes. When it rains, those parking lots can become muddy bogs full of water that can swallow a Volkswagen. Any icehouse with a paved driveway is considered a high class joint! I once saw a sign that read “Pickups in the front. Bikes on the side. Horses in the back.”
Working men, on their way to work every morning, began leaving bottles of beer at their local ice house so they could enjoy an ice cold beer as soon as they got off work. As the years passed, men congregating at icehouses after work to drink cold beer became a tradition. Ice house owners soon realized they could make a lot of money by keeping cold beer readily available at all times. Thus – the Texas Icehouse was born!
Texas icehouses are very earthy places that cater to a clientele of multi-cultural blue collar beer drinkers, hell raisers, construction workers, refinery workers, veterans, cowboys, roughnecks, rednecks, truckers, bikers, aging hippies, and literally people of all races. Anywhere you find real men still in their work clothes (which signifies they have a job and a paycheck), you’ll find real women ready to help them spend it! Tough women! Women who can out-cuss a sailor and bang your brains out or beat your brains out… or both... all in the same night! If the woman is wearing a Harley T-shirt, chances are she rides her own bike.
Today, the majority of Texas icehouses are big metal buildings with large, sliding overhead garage doors that make the place look more like a drive-thru oil change than a drinking establishment. Most icehouses should be called
Bikers love Texas icehouses because they can have a few beers, dance to a band, hang with friends, shoot a game of pool and still keep an eye on their bikes through the giant open doors. Many biker friendly icehouses offer
Page 16
H
March 2010
outdoor seating areas with picnic tables and designated bike parking. Anywhere you find a rowdy drinking crowd, you’ll find a smoking BBQ pit cooking up some of the world’s best flame-broiled brisket, burgers, sausage, or chili. Sunday afternoon fish fries and crawfish boils are also popular during icehouse season. With nearly a quarter century of performing in Texas icehouses, I’ve seen the same people sit on the same bar stool for years. I’ve seen people meet, court, dance, get laid, have sex in the parking lot, get married, have babies, fight, get hit, get their hair pulled out, get beat up, spit out teeth, stabbed, shot, wounded, shoot back, get naked, dance naked, streak naked, get caught, get busted, go to jail, get paroled, get religion, backslide, move away, move back, get divorced, lose their wife, lose their husband, get drunk, get high, fall down, get dragged out, get sick, get sober, catch fire, run in, run out, run off, run hide, get ran over, crawl, cuss, cry, pray, bleed, puke, shit, piss in their pants, laugh hysterically, throw fits of rage, throw glasses, knives, bottles, cue sticks, billiard balls, lit candles, chairs, tables, have heart attacks, and I’ve seen ‘em die... all in a Texas Icehouse in the glow of flashing neon beer signs while the band played on. Speaking of the band, depending on where you are in the Lone Star State, you’ll hear some of the world’s greatest unknown musicians and aspiring bands who play everything from classic country to Texas Swing, Cajun, Zydeco, Mexican, Czech, German Oompah, OldieGoldies, 50’s & 60’s, Classic Rock, Southern Rock and Texas Blues! You’ll meet the most unique characters in the universe, drink the coldest beer on the planet, eat the best BBQ you’ve ever tasted, and have and have the most fun you’ll ever have in your life. Now... ya’ll go have fun at a Texas icehouse! Tell ‘em Mean Gene (and Thunder Roads Texas) sent you!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 17
Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
m
MARCH
m
36th Annual Motorama TXShowCar.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes
13
5-7
1st Annual HOG Run BrazosportHOG.org Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
6
Benefit for Shannon Grissin 281.581.9411; 832.883.6792 Liverpool Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
St Patrick’s Day Rally 830.719.2406; 313.1745 Del Rio Region: Big Bend
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
14 14-17 18
12-14
9
7
2nd Annual Oilfield Helping Hands Motorcycle Ride & Car Show OilfieldHelpingHands.org Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
TCOC&I Meeting - Corpus Christi Region COCTX.org Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast
18
Katy Biker Fest 281.796.6029 Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Benefit for New Birth Ministries TexasThunderIcehouse.com Waller Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 26th Annual St Patty’s Day Run DallasHOG.com Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW 2010 Veteran’s Run 915.603.6800 El Paso Region: Big Bend Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Ride TexasWelcomeHomeRun.com Perryton Region: Panhandle TCOC&I Meeting - El Paso Region COCTX.org El Paso Region: Big Bend
Texas Thunder Biker Fest TexasThunderBikerfest.com Maxwell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin South Texas Motorcycle Show & Stunt Compeititon TXBikeShow.com San Antonio Region: South Texas A mix of dealers, accessory and apparel retailers, and related businesses in combination with live music and the top paying one-day stunt competition for what has become the largest show of its kind in South or Central Texas. Join Thunder Roads Texas, Texas Scooter Times, Inkslingers.TV, Miller Beer and many others. Activities include a swap meet, Miller Lite Beer Garden, service your bike while you shop, ride in benefit bike show, EXTREME stunt competition, and Tattoo Showcase.
Redbud Rod Run, Bike Show & Swapb Meet 409.289.2633 Buna Region: Piney Woods
3rd Annual Secret Service Riders Celebration of Life 512.426.7758; 512.694.5620 Pflugerville Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
Houston Motorcycle Expo & Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Carts, Bikers & Babes - Kick Off Party 281.344.8836 Rosenberg Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Damon Dave is at it again! A party before the party at Route 36 Bar & Dance Hall in Rosenberg (5406 Hwy 36 South, Rosenberg 77471). Voodoo Moon is playing a showcase for a national promoter. “Blowout” will be emceeing the stage. Hotels are available for overnight stays, as it’s going to be an all night party! Join Bob Cooney (CEO) and Shelly Horan (Editor) from Thunder Roads Texas – a proud sponsor of the Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally.
Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Sponsored by Eagle Cycles on Jones Road. Join the Thunder Roads Texas team at Texas Rock Tavern (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77068). One of the largest bike nights in Houston with live music, cheap drinks, good food, door prizes and GREAT times! If we’re lucky, Outlaw Dave and “Babe Wrangler” Bryan Miller will join us again! They’re becoming regulars - why don’t you?
Swap Meet - Texas Scooter Times TexasScooter.com 254.687.9066 San Antonio Region: South Texas Red puts on the biggest swap meets in Texas! Have something to sell? Needs parts/accessories? Are you an accessory-aholic? Enjoy Swap Meet priced leather, jewelry, clothing & more for the Biker Lifestyle. Entry is FREE with entry to the South Texas Motorcycle Show (STXM). Purchase tickets through any HEB in Texas and online at TXBikeShow.com. Discount coupon is available on STXM website. Reserve your Swap booth at TexasScooter.com. Walk-in booths are welcome. 8th Annual Wild Hog Explosion WildHogExplosion.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 4th Annual Thunder On The Colorado ThunderOnTheColorado.com Smithville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin
Continued on Page 22... March 2010
H
Page 19
EVENTS
Texas Independence Day Rally TheHOTRally.com Groesbeck Region: Prairies & Lakes
Fiesta 2010 LaFeriaGypsyMC.com La Feria Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Brownsville
18-20
5-6
6th Annual Las Moras Spring Run SCRCDelRio.com Brackettville Region: Hill Country
Spring Thing Campout MySpace.com/42Tillights Kilgore Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
19-21
Daytona Bike Week OfficialBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL
12-14
Feb 26-Mar 7
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. Remember, all events listed in Thunder Roads Texas qualify for the Points Across Texas™ reader rides program! Just have to prove where you are, so find a sign and send a pic. For updates with events that don’t make print time, two weeks worth of events provided every week to your email inbox - subscribe to our FREE Web-zine. Visit us online at http://ThunderRoadsTexas.com.
8
1
OFFICIAL BEER DAY!
Monday
March 2010
9
2
Tuesday
10
3
Wednesday
11
4
Thursday
12
5
Friday
13
6
Saturday
14
Houston Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet Humble
7
Sunday
23
30
22
29
PASSOVER
16
15
31
24
17 St. Patrick’s Day
25
26
19
21
27
28 PALM SUNDAY
South Texas Motorcycle Show & Stunt Competition AND Texas Scooter Times Swap Meet March 19-21 San Antonio
20
Multiple-day events appear on the first day of event. For details on these and other events, see our Event Listing, Page 19.
Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Houston
18
Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally Pre-Party Rosenberg
Mid Cities St Paddy’s Day Gold Rush 817.320.1633; 214.673.5751 Bedford Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
4th Annual Pickle Party 254.563.9376 Killeen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Temple
TCOC&I Meeting - DFW Region COCTX.org TBA Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
Rockwall County Poker Ride 214.662.2966 Rockwall Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
American Legion Rider Annual BBQ Cook Off, Car/ Bike Show LoneStarBarbeque.com Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes Thunder In The Hill Country BikerRalliesOfTexas.net Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
AMA Supercross - Dallas SupercrossOnline.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes
Arlington ABATE Biker Ball ArlingtonABATE.com Arlington Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
1st Annual Benefit Motorcycle Run MorningGloryRanch.org Magnolia Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
Page 22
H
March 2010
Ram Rally 281.955.6719 Cypress Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
27
Benefit for Rhett Fregia 936.336.8454 Liberty Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
Fools Run Rally - GWRRA Texas District GWRRA-TX.org Beaumont Region: Gulf Coast Anniversary Party & Meet-N-Greet DeguelloMC.com Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
11th Annual 3-Day Thaw LongridersMotorcycleClubOfTyler.org New Summerfield Region: Piney Woods
TCOC&I Meeting - NW Texas Region COCTX.org Levelland Region: Panhandle
Bikes & Bugs II Pre-Party @ Stubbs HD StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Bartlett Biker Bash 254.527.3658 Bartlett Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Temple
AMA Reckluse Nat’l Enduro Championship Series NationalEnduro.com Kalgary Region: Panhandle
H APRIL H
All Fool’s Day Rally 713.410.4584 Bellville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston 7th Annual Lone Star Camp Out LoneStarRidersCampout.com Gary Region: Piney Woods
Armadillo Crawfish Boil ArmadilloCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
Strokers’ Spring Fling StrokersDallas.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes
Police Memorial Ride BlueKnightsTexasChapterXI.com Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes
Fool’s Gold Motorcycle Rally RockportGypsyMC.com Austwell Region: Gulf Coast
26-28
20
2nd Annual Motorcycles for Mombasa HBCFW.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes
TCOC&I Meeting - Austin Region COCTX.org Austin Region: Hill Country
28
March Insanity Rally GWRRA-H.org Marshall Region: Piney Woods
Wild Step Child Run & Chili Cook Off 830.837.3808 New Braunfels Region: Hill CountryMetro: San Antonio
3
HOG Roast GureneHarley.com 830.624.2473; 830.609.1251 New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
11th Annual Louis McDaniel Poker Run Rodenbecks.com/LouisRun.html Thorndale Region: Prairies & Lakes
Spring Biker Sunday 979.229.2291 Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station
25-27
Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride TexasFallenHeroesRide.com Cypress Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
27
JO & Company Swap Meet 281.474.3939 Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
21
CenTex Roadriders Spring Fling Cen-TexRoadriders.xom Gatesville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Temple
Emma’s Bayou Bash emma2010bash@yahoo.com Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
EVENTS
CONTINUED...
26-27
19-21
Event Listing
26th Annual Easter Run 254.395.4640 Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Benefit for Blanca BloodKnightsMM.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Safety Day/Free Motorcycle Safety Checks 940.627.0627; 940.389.0200 Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Bikes & Bugs II Pre-Party @ Republic HD RepublicHD.com Stafford Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
All Makes & All Models Bike Show JasperInn.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Bluebonnet Rally & Camp Out GoldwingAustin.org Fredericksburg Region: Hill Country
9th Annual MARC Run 512.540.2561; 512.446.2821; 512.698.2784 Rockdale Region: Gulf Coast Ride for the Red Cross SARedCross.org New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
Cooper Fire Dept. Rescue Run CooperVFD.com Cooper Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: D/FW Rick Fairless Bike Show & Swap Meet RickFairlessBikeShow.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes
9-11
O’Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals NHRA.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast
Stroker’s Ace Bike Run 903.573.2276 Daingerfield Region: Piney Woods
Three Sisters Rally Spring Fling ThreeSistersRally.net Camp Wood Region: Hill Country
5th Annual Cook-Off Pachanga 361.547.2276 Sandia Region: South Texas
TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Snyder Region: Panhandle
12th Annual Antique Custom Car & Motorcycle Show DVPTXK.org Texarkana Region: Piney Woods
Corrupted Deeds CoruptedSpeed.com Wichita Falls Region: Panhandle
10-11
Bikers For Grub Spring Poker Run BikersForGrub.com Glen Rose Region: Prairies & Lakes
JIIZ Memorial Run - Kingsville SYPSY MC RZavas.tripod.com Alice Region: South Texas
24-26
Los Gavilleros Spring Rally 325.374.6678; 325.374.6089; 325.340.7972 San Angelo Region: Panhandle
10
Titty Twister Run CentralTexasChrome-Divas.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
Texas COC State Rally COCTexas.org Manor Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
AMA Supercross - Houston SupercrossOnline.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Ridin’ for the Rose RidingForTheRose.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
May 15 2nd Annual Chad O Memorial Benefit Ride CplChadO.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Help us get them “All the Way Home.” Ride or drive from North Austin to Fat Albert’s BBQ & Icehouse in Yoakum. Live music, food, games, door prizes & more. All proceeds benefit the Cpl. Chad Eric Oligschlaeger Foundation for post traumatic stress disorder. Registration opens at 8:30am at N. Hwy 183 & Anderson Mill. Kick stands up at 9:30am. Last bike in by 2:30pm. $35/rider/driver; $25 for Veterans and Active Military. May 19-30 Run for the Wall RFTW.org Washington, DC May 20-23 Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM May 22-23 2nd Annual Women Riders Conference Harley-Davidson.com/WomenRiders Milwaukee, WI June 10-13 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country
EVENTS
Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Bring out your BAD! Bear Creek Park in Somerville, TX. Golf carts are more than welcome with contests for carts, bikes and babes! Cart & Bike Show series finale held at The Texas Rally in September. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
Lindsay Foundation, Ride for the Bear LindsayFoundation.org Porter Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
10
7-11
Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ
9
TMRA2 Bikes & Bass Fishing Tournament TMRA2.org Point Blank Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
9-10
3
Dogwood Trails Bike Ride VisitPalestine.com Palestine Region: Prairies & Lakes
June 12-20 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH June 21 International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org August 9-15 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 9-15 AMA International & Women in Motorcycling Conference Motoress.com Keystone, CO August 31-September 5 THE Four Corners Rally IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO September 3-6 Four Corners Biker Rally FourCornersBikerRally.com Durango, CO
H FUTURE H May 7 International Female Ride Day Motoress.com May 7-16 Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC
Continued on Page 27... March 2010
H
Page 23
Kick Start the Riding Season
South Texas Motorcycle Show & Stunt Competition
2010 will mark the seventh year Motorcycle Events, Inc. has brought together a mixture of motorcycle dealers, accessory and apparel retailers, and related businesses in combination with a variety of musical entertainment and motorcycle motorsports competition for what has become the largest show of its kind in South or Central Texas. Join Thunder Roads Texas, Texas Scooter Times, Inkslingers. TV, Miller Lite and many other sponsors at the South Texas Motorcycle Expo. The San Antonio motorcycle community recognizes this annual March event as the official kick-off of the riding season where motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Texas gather with friends, check out new bikes and accessory options, and to watch the EXTREME stunt competition from the nation’s top riders and offering the top paying one-
day stunt even in America. This year’s ride-in, “people’s choice” bike show benefits Guardians of the Children, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of bikers that helps abused children.
will be able to have several services performed on their bikes while they tour the exhibits, watch the thrilling freestyle street bike competition and enjoy live music on the Thunder Roads Texas/Miller Lite Main Stage.
Returning this year is the Tattoo Showcase, presented by InkSlingers.TV, featuring Johnny Jackson from Texas Body Art and top artists from around San Antonio. New attractions this year include a three-day Swap Meet sponsored by Texas Scooter Times (visit TexasScooterTimes.com for information and reserving your swap-spot); an expanded stunt competition with a “Sickest Tricks Shoot-Out”; the Miller Lite Beer Garden. Nowhere in Texas is there an event quite like the South Texas Motorcycle Expo.
On the Main Floor show-goers can see all the new models from the major manufacturers in exhibits from, Alamo CyclePlex, Kent Powersports, Caliente Harley-Davidson, AF1 Racing and many others.
An Exclusive Service Vendors Area, will be located in the FREE motorcycle parking lot. This year’s show attendees
2010 Attendees will enjoy lower ticket prices through new 3-Day passes for just $15, Friday Night entry is only $5. Kids 15 and under FREE, all motorcycle parking is FREE all weekend!
March 19-21, 2010 Freeman Coliseum 3201 East Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78219
Friday: 3:00 p.m.-9:00pm Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Only $15 for a 3-day Pass Friday Only Saver Ticket: $5 Kids 15 and under FREE FREE Motorcycle-only parking ALL WEEKEND Tickets available at all HEB stores in Texas and online Visit TXBikeShow.com for a $2 Off Coupon! Page 24
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
F re e s t y l e S t u n t R i d i n g Competition
See the best in America all in one place.
2009 Winners Friday Bill Dixon, Dan Laird, Jason Bryant • Open Practice • Bill Dixon, last year’s top winner, opens Friday’s Stunt Competition with a performance of his top tricks. “Sickest Tricks Shoot-Out” • Riders get two 1-minute shots at their best single trick • Judged by last year’s winner Bill Dixon, Mike Nicely of Mike Nicely Films (a professional Stunt man), and John Zamora of Super Street Bike Magazine • $900 for Top Rider; $500 to Second place; $250 to Third Place Saturday Starting st 11:00 a.m. 36 riders compete in Freestyle Routines for a total of $8,000 in prizes.. Elimination process: • Four groups of nine riders each do three-minute routines. They are scored on difficulty, execution, and crowd appeal (10 points each category) • Top 16 point earners move on where the riders are divided into two groups of eight and perform four-minute routines. • The top six in points move to the finals; the “money round,” all finalists get a paycheck! Each rider gets five minutes to woo the crowd and interest the judges Top rider walks away with $3000 and $500 in gear from Alpinestar and Ogio. This is the TOP PAYING one-day stunt event in America!! Sunday • Winners perform two shows for attendees
Live Music
Presented by: Thunder Roads Texas & Miller Lite Friday: • Kat James’ “Troublemakers” and a separate “Janice Rocks” Saturday: • DJ Ocean from 98.5 The Beat • Escaping Gravity, alternative rock
Ride
- In
B e n efit
Bike Show
• RubenV, offering a smooth blend of Blues, Latin, Jazz, Country and Rock Sunday: • Southern Cross, with good ‘ol Southern Rock & Roll
• Benefits Guardians of the Children • Awards and cash prizes • All makes and models welcome • The number of People’s Choice Votes received determines winners. Each vote is a $0.50 donation. • $50/motorcycle entry fee, includes two 3-day admission badges to the South Texas Motorcycle Expo and free parking.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 25
screens that provide a life-sized broadcast experience. Last but not least, as you go outside there is a huge deck just beyond the
Beware of Sharks! By Joyce Siegert, D/FW Correspondent As I walked into Sharky’s I was quite surprised at how the place looked. It was not the same ‘ol place I remembered from several years ago. This used to be a favorite haunt for pool and dart players. They had leagues or you could simply play a social game with friends and acquaintances. The first thing you notice is a most impressive handcrafted, rustic cedar bar. They also now have Shiner and Fosters on tap with a pitcher running you $9. There is a small, multi-use lounge area at the front. It’s away from the games and music. To the left of this, which you can see as you enter, are five new dart boards and comfortable tables and stools. The interior has a warehouse look with freshly painted exposed trusses, new carpet, and the overall appearance is very clean. The hockey table that once stood in the center of the club is gone. It has been replaced by at least seven different video/arcade games, including Golden Tee ‘09 and Big Buck Hunter; a shuffle board table; and three pool tables. They have also added a bandstand complete with a hardwood dance floor at the far end of the club. Sharky’s provides a great sound system and they are looking for great local bands. If you have talent or know a group that is looking for a new audience, contact Sharky’s for booking info. The most noticeable changes are the nine strategically placed high definition TVs. You can catch a game from any seat in the house. They also have two huge projection
Page 26
H
March 2010
getting up on the stage. Sharky’s originally opened its doors in 1981and is the longest running club on Greenville Avenue. This area was formerly a part of Vickery a small community that was literally wiped off the map when it became incorporated into Dallas. At one time this was part of a 28-acre park featuring a small amusement park, miniature golf, shade trees, and a softball diamond. Then the shops were built along the creek which ran through the park. This creek also gave the liquor stores further north on Greenville Avenue the name “The Creek” when liquor stores were harder to come by. Sharky’s is located on the NE corner of Pinehurst and Greenville, in the corner of a strip of shops. In October 2009, Tommy Kemp and Richard Hendrix took over management of Sharky’s and the changes surely show. Since the club has such a rich history the owners thought it was time to make a few updates, and boy do they have an exciting new atmosphere for you to enjoy. I am ready to start hanging my hat at this club. They provide live music, karaoke, poker, and of course, a whole host of shark-themed drinks. Until they get their kitchen up and running, you can bring or order in food. Weekly events include:
bandstand. It offers a great view of the creek and trees lining it. My second visit to Sharky’s was on Saturday, the day after Christmas. There was quite a crowd. Kim Younkin (who plays every Wednesday) was performing and he was in rare form with his Chomp-Chomp nicky-nicky-nicky (set them puppies free) song. This is a part of his show you just have to see to enjoy and once you see it you will want to come back to see it again and again. Not only do the women bare the breasts but he offers equal opportunity and lets the guys show a little ass. Some women show more than others and some don’t show any at all. You never know what is going to happen or how many will be
• 7-Day-A-Week Happy Hour – 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. • Tuesdays - $2 U-Call it • Wednesdays – Kim Younkin live • Thursdays – $2 Cocktails for Ladies • Fridays & Saturdays – Live
music. • Steel Tip Darts – League play Tuesdays & Wednesdays; $2,500 Mystery Jackpot tournaments on Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays. • AHL Poker Tournaments – Wednesdays and Saturdays. Leisurely play the many games Sharky’s offers. But if you need something a little more competitive, join a league or test your skills in one of Sharky’s tournaments. For more information, visit them online at SharkysOnGreenville. com
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Event Listing
CONTINUED...
September 9-12 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station This year, Thunder Roads Texas is pleased to sponsor “The Best Little Rally in Texas” at Big Creek Park & Marina. It’s a Luau and Biker Bash! Free Luau dinner Saturday night. Great entertainment, including world famous comedian, Gallagher - no fruit/veggie is safe! Games, contests, feasts, parades, and CASH giveaways! Special 9/11 Tribute Saturday. Proceeds benefit the Texas Biker Relief Organization (T-Bro). Make Zoo reservations now – they’ll be sold out soon! September 9-12 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR September 15-19 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM September 17-19 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine will, once again, sponsor this phenomenal event - as it gets bigger! With the blow out turn out in 2009, we expect big things from this rally this year! Watch for upcoming news as the organizers get ready to make this a rally to remember! September 29-October 2 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR September 29-October 3 Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC October 14-17 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL October 23-25 California Bike Week CaliforniaBikeWeek.com Pamona, CA
Texas Pride Barbeque 2980 E. Loop 1604 Adkins, TX 78101 Phone: 210-649-3730 Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
A real Texas barbeque joint with a REAL bike night. Live music, no cover, “Class Rock” beer specials, drive through pavilion, and good Texas BBQ. Just 20 minutes East of San Antonio.
Thunder Roads Texas @ Texas Rock Tavern 2470 FM 1960 W Houston, TX 77068 Phone: 281.866.8149 Region: Gulf Coast
Join the Thunder Roads Texas team at Texas Rock Tavern for live music, no cover, cheap drinks, good food, door prizes, and more! Sponsored by Eagle Cycles on Jones Road. You may catch Outlaw Dave and Bryan “the Babe Wrangler” partying with the team! Rain or shine, we party like bikers!
November 5-7 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 27
The Strong Arm conomic times have been tough and I have been looking for ways to be more financially savvy. The average oil change at a motorcycle dealership will run you about $120-$150; not to mention the 2-4 hour wait. Since I ride my bike an average of 700 miles a week, the oil changes have become very frequent. Upon this realization, I decided it was time to do my own oil changes and maintenance. I started to look for a motorcycle stand or jack but a standard jack costs about $300-$1,000… ouch! In my search, I stumbled on not only a great deal but a great product. I saw a leverage system motorcycle stand that claimed it can prop and hold a bike up with ease. At only $109 (plus shipping), I couldn’t pass it up to just try. I called the number and ordered the Strong Arm and within 48 hours it arrived on my doorstep.
that will lift either end of your ride off the ground. This begs the question, “how hard is it to use”? Answer ...easier than
So how safe and stable is it? It’s like it’s bolted to the floor! It will defy superhuman attempts at knocking it over and yet lowers back onto its side stand with equally little effort. Just lift the arm up slowly towards vertical and the bike eases over safely onto its jiffy stand. After one use, any doubts about the Strong Arms safety will vanish. Even its massive appearance instills confidence!
The Strong Arm came partially assembled and the overall assembly took less than 10 minutes. It felt heavy and durable, yet seemed simple enough to use. Once I had it fully assembled, I was ready to do my first oil change. I took my bike outside and slid the Strong Arm under it. Then with a push of the lever arm, my bike was raised off the ground with ease. I must admit I felt weary lifting the bike with just such a small leverage arm, but it worked like a charm. I was amazed how easily it lifted my bike. With my bike lifted and secured, I was able to do my oil change and air filter change within an hour. So exactly, what is this Strong Arm and how does it work? Ever roll your bike along the driveway cleaning your wheels one section at a time? Not much fun. Wouldn’t it be great if someone made a painless to use and portable device for lifting either wheel, whenever the need arises… in only seconds? Quasar Products, Ltd. introduced a lever actuated cam
Page 28
H
March 2010
it rests on the ground. Now look at your bike. It’s standing straight up with one of its wheels completely off the ground. You’ll astonish yourself with how effortlessly your bike pops upright. The padded lifting beam supports the motorcycle under the frame. It is a center stand that requires less effort and holds the motorcycle even more solidly than a normal center stand due to its wide footprint. The Strong Arm is adjustable for height to accommodate even very low motorcycles.
Every cruiser owner should have a Strong Arm to clean wheels, adjust chains and belts, and hold the bike upright in the garage. This is a serious piece of equipment with high quality construction. It is made in England and comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. For only $109, it’s a steal! I have been using my Strong Arm since December of 2009, for motorcycle maintenance, cleaning my wheels, or just propping the bike up for general accessory work. For more information, visit Stands-AndLifts.com. As always, ride safely, and ‘See you on the high ground!’ dunkin’ a donut! Position the base under the rear or front of the frame and give the lever arm a downward push until
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 29
Continued... and make our way East to Marathon. From there, we went North on Highway 385 on a road so quiet we didn’t see one car for 30 minutes. We finally made it back to I-10, where we head towards San Antonio. Again, I almost run out of gas due to extreme cross winds for most of the ride. After just dodging a gas issue again we made our way into San Antonio, where we would crash for the night. Once checked in to our motel, we met up with a few of our SOT sisters that came in for a girl’s night the night before. We all headed down to the famous River Walk where we enjoyed some really big margaritas and TexMex all while telling all our stories from the road. We hit a
few pubs to talk about future rides or possibly taking this ride again next year, then headed to our rooms, ending day three with a total of 460 miles. On our final day, we round up the crew and make
something that the open road on a motorcycle that just makes me enjoy life even more. It’s a feeling that only a person who experiences a long ride on a bike would understand. I love knowing that anytime I feel stressed by the world, I can hop on that machine and get rid of any worries or issues I leave behind me.
the 169 mile ride back in to Katy. We said “so long” to those who made my trip even more exciting than I could have expected. In the days following as I head back to the onehour commute to my job, I realize that there is
Page 30
H
March 2010
I have already planned my two year anniversary ride for 2010 and several of my SOT brothers and I are heading on a week long journey to the Southern Most Point in Key West, FL with several fun stops along the way. Although I have lost one brother, have gained a whole family that is the Sons of Texas. Thanks SOT brothers for coming along on that great ride to Big Bend.
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
event during Christmas 2009. But the best part of a motorcycle club, they support each other – their brothers. When a “family member” needs help, they are there.
Rebuilding a Club, from the “roots” up..
We were contacted by a club in Houston looking for some help in getting the message out that they are rebuilding and ready to begin accepting new members. Por Vida Motorcycle Club was originally formed about three years ago. It’s a familiar story… a group of friends started riding together and from
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
a common bond of friendship, built a motorcycle club. Por Vida grew initially, even had two chapters, one in Magnolia and one in Houston. Now, back down to one chapter and ten members, they’ve reorganized and are working hard to bring the family first club back. They work hard to promote a good image of the biker community. Members participate in various charitable events, such as the Elves & More bike building
Currently, they meet twice a month, every other Wednesday at the Horns & Halos Icehouse in Northeast Houston. Their goals at this point, simply stated – grow. They’re looking to add members, ride more, be able to participate in more community related events, and get a clubhouse. If you’re in Northeast Houston and are interested in finding out more, visit them online at PorVidaMC.com.
March 2010
H
Page 31
Page 32
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Email pictures to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 33
Joker’s Wild Note * (You have to read this joke with a full-on Forrest Gump accent)
F
orrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed. St. Peter said, “Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. You have to pass a short test before you can get into Heaven.” Forrest responds, ‘It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test is not too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.”
For those observing Lent:
A
priest and a rabbi were sitting next to each other on an airplane. After a while, the priest turned to the rabbi and asked, “Is it still a requirement of your faith that you not eat pork?”
The rabbi responded, “Yes, that is still one of our laws.” The priest then asked, “Have you ever eaten pork? To which the rabbi replied, “Yes, on one occasion I did succumb to temptation and tasted a ham sandwich.”
St. Peter continued, “Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions. First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T? Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: What is God’s first name?”
The priest nodded in understanding and went on with his reading. A while later, the rabbi spoke up and asked the priest, ‘Father, is it still a requirement of your church that you remain celibate?”
Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, “Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.”
The priest replied, “Yes, that is still very much a part of our faith.”
Forrest replied, ‘Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter ‘T’? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.”
The priest replied, “Yes, rabbi, on one occasion I was weak and broke my Faith.”
The Saint’s eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, “Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?’” asked St. Peter, “How many seconds in a year?” “Now that one is harder,” replied Forrest, “but I thought extra hard about that and I guess the only answer can be twelve.” Astounded, St. Peter said, “Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?” Forrest replied, “I counted, there’s got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd...” “Hold it,” interrupts St. Peter. “I see where you are going with this and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God’s first name?” “‘Sure,” Forrest replied, “it’s Andy.” “Andy?” exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. “Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how did you come up with the name Andy?” “Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,” Forrest replied. “I learnt it from the song, ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.” St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said, “Run, Forrest, Run.”
I
finally got around to going fishing this mornin’ - but after a while, I ran out of worms. Then I saw a cottonmouth with a frog in his mouth, and frogs are good bass bait. Knowing the snake couldn’t bite me with the frog in his mouth, I grabbed him right behind the head, took the frog and put it in my bait bucket. Now the dilemma was how to release the snake without getting bitten - I grabbed my bottle of Jack Daniels and poured a little whiskey in its mouth. His eyes rolled back & he went limp. I released him into the lake without incident, and carried on my fishing. A little later, I felt a nudge on my foot. There was that same damn snake with TWO frogs in his mouth.
The rabbi then asked him, “Father, have you ever fallen to the temptations of the flesh?”
The rabbi nodded understandingly and remained silent, thinking, for about five minutes. Finally, the rabbi said, “Beats the hell out of a ham sandwich, doesn’t it?”
A
nd for St. Patrick’s Day: When the booze is inside, the pain goes elsewhere.
May the good Lord take a liking to you... but not too soon! Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one A pretty girl and an honest one A cold beer – and another one! There are many good reasons for drinking, One has just entered my head. If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living, How in the hell can he drink when he’s dead? St. Patrick -- one of the few saints whose feast day presents the opportunity to get determinedly whacked and make a fool of oneself all under the guise of acting Irish. ~ Charles M. Madigan It is better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money! A limerick is a five-line poem in anapestic or amphibrachic meter with a strict rhyme scheme (aabba) which is sometimes obscene with humorous intent. It’s known to have it’s roots from 18th Century Ireland. The following example of a limerick is of unknown origin. The limerick packs laughs anatomical In space that is quite economical, But the good ones I’ve seen So seldom are clean, And the clean ones so seldom are comical.
Page 34
H
March 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Biker Friendly Listing
Listed here are businesses that are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is sorted by Region, as provided by the Texas Travel Guide. An “*” means you can find Thunder Roads Texas at these locations. Additionally you can find us at ALL Harley-Davidson dealerships, and Cycle Gear and Renegade Classics locations in Texas. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas!
BIG BEND *Barnett Harley-Davidson 8272 Gateway East on I-10 El Paso, TX 79907 800.453.1513 BarnettHarley.com *Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 LegacyH-D.com
GULF COAST *Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 MySpace.com/HoustonsAlamo *Awesome Cycles 281.293.7663 AwesomeCycles.com *Backwoods Bar & Grill 11310 FM 1725 Bear Creek, TX 77328 281.592.2254 BackwoodsBarGrill.com *Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77563 800.444.7014 BallIns.com *Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson 502 Padre Island Dr Corpus Christi, TX 78408 361.854.3146 CorpusChristiHarley.com *Cowboy Harley-Davidson Beaumont 1150 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77707 88.839.4464 CowboyHarley.com *Eagle Cycles 11800 Jones Rd Houston, TX 77070 281.955.0064 EagleCyclesTX.com *Farrar & Ball LLP LAW TIGERS 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 888.LAW-TIGERS (529.8443) LawTigers.com *Goe Harley-Davidson 1350 S 288B Angleton, TX 77515 281.383.1000 GoeHarley-Davidson.com Haley Insurance PO Box 8787 The Woodlands, TX 77387 888.4.BIKERS (424.5377) HaleyInsuranceOnline.com *Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77365 281.358.0457 KingwoodHarley.com *Houston Motorsports North 9550 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.890.2020 HoustonYamaha.com
Page 36
H
March 2010
PRAIRIES & LAKES
*Jackel Motorsports West 3719 Hwy 90 Brookshire, TX 77423 281.934.4444 JackelWest.com
*Gruene Harley-Davidson 1288 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.624.2473 GrueneHarley.com
*Mancuso Harley-Davidson Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 MancusoCrossroads.com
*Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 JavelinaHarleyDavidson.com
Mullis Air & Heat Houston Area 281.468.5819
*Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 PhantomRiderChoppers.com
*Harley-Davidson of Waco 1524 I-35 South Waco, TX 76706 254.753.0393 HDWaco.com
*Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 SouthernMetalChoppers.com
*Horny Toad Bar & Grill Cranfills Gap, TX 76637 254.597.1100 HornyToadBar.com
*Republic Harley-Davidson 12707 Southwest Fwy Stafford, TX 77477 866.843.6481 RepublicHD.com Ride Like a Pro - Houston 281.844.6818 RideLikeAProHouston.com *San Jacinto Harley-Davidson 3636 E Sam Houston Pkwy South Pasadena, TX 77505 281.991.4275 SanJacintoHD.com *Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 *Stubbs Harley-Davidson 4400 Telephone Rd Houston, TX 77087 713.644.7535 StubbsHD.com
PANHANDLE *Affordable Leather 3302 N Midkiff Rd Midland, TX 79705 432.699.0775 Affordable-Leather-WTX.com *Big Apple Deli & Bar 1804 25th St Snyder, TX 79549 325.573.7788 *Bully’s Grill 8542 Seymour Hwy Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940.689.9195
*Team Mancuso Powersports - Gulf Fwy 10222 Gulf Fwy Houston, TX 77034 281.486.4604 TMPGF.com
*Flying V Creations 1903 College Ave Snyder, TX 79549 325.436.0197 MySpace.com/FlyingVCreations
*Team Mancuso Powersports - SW 7537 SW Freeway Houston, TX 77074 713.955.9944 TMPSW.com
*Lubbock Custom Motorcycles 11804 South University #A Lubbock, TX 79423 806.745.7167 LubbockCustomMotorcycles.com
*Texas Rock Tavern 2470 FM 1960 Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111
*Midessa Motorcycles 8100 West Highway 80 Midland, TX 79706 432.563.4109 MidessaMotorcycle.com
* VIP Apparel 2219 Post Office Street Galveston, TX 77550 VIPBikerApparel.com 713.478.0592 *West of the Brazos Bar & Grill 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 MySpace.com/WestOfTheBrazos
HILL COUNTRY *D’Rose Inn & Cabins 527 Hwy 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 DRoseInn.com *Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop & Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 FrioCanyonMotorcycleStop.biz BentRimGrill.com
*Rolling Thunder Bar & Grll 6441 County Road 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) RollingThunderBarAndGrill.com
PINEY WOODS *Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 CycleHeavenTX.com *Misfit Motorcycles 11210 FM 1488 Magnolia, TX 7354 877.MIS.FITZ (647.3489) MisfitMotorcycles.com *Phantom Custom Cycles 34507 SH 249 Pinehurst, TX 77362 281.766.1549 PhantomCustomCycles.com
*Cuttin Loose 744 N Burleson Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.7421 Dragonstar Motorcycle Transport Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 GetARide.net
*Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Prairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 LonghornHD.com *Moto Liberty 11441 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75229 972.243.5995 MotoLiberty.com *Snook Watering Hole FM 2155 Snook, TX 77879 979.272.3715 SnookWateringHole.com *Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 ThunderAlleyCycles.com *Yankee’s Tavern 10328 FM 244 Carlos, TX 77843 936.873.3314 YankeesTavern.com
SOUTH TEXAS *American Riders 10874 Leslie Rd, Ste 2 Helotes, TX 78023 210.695.6343 AmericanRiders.us *Caliente Harley-Davidson 7230 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78245 210.681.CALI (2254) CalienteHarley.com *Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 AlamoCityHarley.com *Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 214.403.2216 InsuranceLadyInc.com *Joe Harrison Motorsports 9710 I-35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 210.656.9400 JHMS.com *Kent Powersports 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.656.9400 KentPowersports.com
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 N Converse, TX 78109 MissionWrecker.com *Texas Pride Barbeque 2980 East Loop 1604 Adkins, TX 78101 210.649.3730 TexasPrideBBQ.net *Yamaha of San Antonio A Kent Powersports Company 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 KentPowersports.com
STATEWIDE MAPSCO 800.950.5308 Mapsco.com *Mean Gene Kelton 713.866.4872 MeanGeneRocks.com Thunderbolt Polish 830.796.7920 / 830.739.2996 WGarver99@yahoo.com Thunder Roads Magazine - National 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
March 2010
H
Page 37