The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!
Fast, Agile, Safe & Fun The Texas Sport Bike Riders Association
February 2010 ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Also Inside:
Snapshots from Points Across Texas A Bikers’ Anniversary Less Than a Second to React You Won’t Find Rocky Here!
Contents
February 2010
22
On the Cover 22
Fast, Agile, Safe & Fun: The Texas Sport Bike Association
This Month 9
9
Snapshots from Points Across Texas
14
A Bikers’ Anniversary
27
Less Than a Second to React
31
You Won’t Find Rocky Here!
Regular Features
14
6 8 10 16 24 28 32 34
From the Editor From the Road PigTrails: A Valen-Tale, Crazy About Paula Out-N-About: Phantom Cycles/950 Bike Giveaway Black Leather Blues: Two Great Bands in February The Scout Report: K’s Motorsports ThunderCam Joker’s Wild
Resources
13 Mapsco Map: A Little Loop in East Texas 19 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out February 2010 Calendar 36 Biker Friendly Listing
31 34
On the cover: Fort Worth Chapter Texas Sport Bike Association members (L-R): Mac Russell, Bob Smith, Carl McCullar, Rachael Burleson, Brandy Moreland, Chris Bartholow, Josef Lubczyk, and Scott Cermak. Models provided by Hot Bod Bikinis. Photo by Mark Appenzeller of MJ Digital Photos (MySpace.com/MJDigitalPhotos) and Thunder Roads Texas Correspondent.
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 Peggy Sue Skipper - 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
Crazy Al
Elm
Peggy Sue
Dean
Meghan
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.
Wishing on anNew Early Riding Season Happy Year! Another month into the New Year and I can’t shake the cold bug! Funny... I catch a cold when it warms up – not when it’s actually cold outside! But all better now. Our January Bike Night was AWESOME! While I was down with a cold and Bob had to run the event without me, we had worked hard to promote January’s Bike Night. The band, Soul Junkies, was great – just the kind of band that turns on a biker crowd! Outlaw Dave from 950AM, the Radio Mojo was on hand, helping Bob emcee the door prize giveaways. A special thanks to our friend Angelia for arriving to help, as our other helpers didn’t make it. There were over 200 bikes and almost 400 people, some coming from over 50 miles away on a Thursday night to party like bikers! Just goes to show that riders still want a place to go, even in the winter time. I do believe we hold one of the few winter-months’ bike nights in Houston. So far, this was the best Bike Night we’ve had in the 14 months we’ve been holding it. February should be great too! We have Mean Gene Kelton coming back, followed by his sons’ band, Clovis. Read more about the bands in Black Leather Blues this month (page 24). We’re hoping Outlaw Dave and his crew come back… they’re checking their calendars. The Points Across Texas program is a big hit. We are working feverishly to get the weather-resistant booklets out in mid-February – for those who’ve already asked for them. If you haven’t, it’s not too late. You can request it at any time. All we need is your mailing address and we’ll send you one! You can email that information directly to me (email below). There’s an update on page 9. This month, we’re highlighting the Texas Sport Bike Association. Until now, I had generally thought the sport bikes more for the younger crowd, a bit dangerous for me. But I’ve had my little cruiser to 115 MPH, so who am I to talk? This group, however, is made up of more mature riders with an eye on safety than I had expected. The group began as a way to simply ride and have fun with other like-minded riders. Does that sound familiar? We’ve long said it’s all about the ride, not what you ride. So enjoy some information on this growing group (page 22). The weather turned nice early again this year. I’m hoping that trend will continue. The biker community and businesses need an early start to the season to make up for last year’s economic woes. It’s time to get back on the bikes and RIDE! As you ride, don’t forget to tell our advertisers that you see them in Thunder Roads Texas motorcycle magazine. For businesses you don’t see advertise, tell them to call us. It’s advertisers that keep this rag free to you. On a personal note, our patch vendor at Bike Nights, Sunshine, asked us for a favor. She had parked her van and someone stole her trademark hat (pictured to right) from it. If anyone has seen the hat and/or would like to return it, please contact us and we’ll help facilitate its return. 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!
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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
February 2010
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Bikers w ere busy in Novem Decembe r, helpin b e r an d g brighter f make C or Texans hristmas across th e state. Project Angel Tree December 12, 2009 Lacey Lakeview * Prairies & Lakes * Waco By: Paul “Pablo” Baron
Angels on Wheels Raised $12,000 for Dell Children’s Medical Center November 14, 2009 Austin * Hill Country The children of Central Texas are grateful to everyone who made Angels on Wheels a success!
Project Angel Tree is an ad hoc committee of volunteers in the Waco area who each year endeavor to raise funds to provide toys at Christmas for children who have one or both parents incarcerated in the prison system. We are currently in the process of expanding our services to include other disadvantaged
Central Texas motorcycle enthusiasts gathered for the second annual Angels on Wheels Motorcycle Run to support children’s healthcare, which raised $12,000 to support programs and services at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Even “Scotter” (pictured) was there for the second year in a row! The day began with sunny skies and a motorcycle ride through the scenic hills of Central Texas, followed by a street party at the Hill Country Galleria sponsored by Zingers Bar & Grill. Guests enjoyed food, drinks and a fabulous lineup of local bands, including Dale Watson, Gary P. Nunn, Down 1450 and Andrea Marie and the Magnolia Band. “Our employees were so excited to be part of this fantastic event,” says Larry Leonard, owner of Zingers Bar & Grill. “It’s wonderful to see so many people come together for something so important. We are already looking forward to next year—and doubling the amount we raised this year!” Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas is grateful to the Circle of Friends chapters for making Angels on Wheels a success. Circle of Friends is a network of regional support groups across Central Texas that raises funds and awareness to support Dell Children’s Medical Center. For more information, visit childrensaustin.org.
children as well. While we did not match amounts raised in previous years, in light of current economic conditions, we considered it to be a success. While the event was a success, one of our riders lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident. Richard Craig Schroeder aka Hat Trick was a staunch supporter of Project Angel Tree and will be missed.
Cruisin Texas Toy Run By: Elizabeth Juarez Baytown * Gulf Coast This year was above and beyond the best year. Santa heard nearly 3,000 Christmas wishes! This was an example of a community pulling together and giving children an unforgettable memory. The toy run and toy drive brought people together in the community that may or may not ever meet, and the reason could not be any more special than giving a child a Christmas. The children were all so happy and the parents were, too. No proving income; no waiting lists; the children got to pick out their own gift. The trudge of life is something the parents left at the door as they watched their children smile in amazement when Santa Claus opened his arms to sit them on his lap. I addition to the adult volunteers, we are very proud of our “little” elves (children volunteers). Without them helping us and giving us “big” elves a break here and there and pitching in help without having to be asked, this would not be possible. Each of the “little” elves helped tirelessly, and without realizing it, learned the true meaning of Christmas. Santa and his elves want to thank all of the volunteers who started very early with us and stayed until the end! They go above and beyond every year to pitch in and help.
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ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Snapshots from Points Across Texas
Sponsored by D’Rose Inn & Cabins * Leakey
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hen we came up with a new program for readers to participate in, we never dreamed how successful it would be. Don’t get me wrong, we hoped it would be wildly successful! But, as with many new ventures, there are a lot of unknowns that keep you from going “all hog in” and getting too excited. Our readers have floored us! We already have two patch recipients, Neil and Pam King. They beat me to the punch – I don’t even have the patches in yet. And a whole group, Waller Roads Dawgs, have hit three spots as a group with active plans to finish out their patches. This is a great program for riding groups or clubs. Some, such as the Cowtown Motorcycle MeetUp group in Fort Worth have a single ride planned that will visit the five necessary destinations to earn all participants patches. Another group, Chromed Angels out of Grapevine are using Points Across Texas with their own mileage contest, killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. These are GREAT ideas! Tell us if your riding group/club is, as a group, actively pursuing the Points Across Texas patch.
Pam
Neil
As we go through the year, we may adjust the program – add levels or category-specific awards. We’ll keep you posted here, online, and in our Web-zine. Keep riding the roads of Texas and sending us pictures… like these!
Waller Road Dawgs
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
February 2010
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A Valen-tale, Crazy About Paula walked into the restaurant wearing a pair of mustard colored shorts, checkered Vans, and a concert T-shirt of Jason and the Scorchers, and got the job! The bartender that day was a young lady in her 20’s that took one look at me and said to herself “What the hell was that!” For the next eight months the bartender, Paula, grew to dislike me to no end. I was young, cocky and wild as hell! I had no interest until that fateful day when all the guy waiters were in the beverage station and the question was asked. What female in the restaurant suits your fancy? I thought about the bartender, who up till then had never spoken to me. All the other waiters were shocked that my choice was the quiet one! I told them you never know about those quiet ones! I went straight up to the bar and asked her why she had not ever said a word to me? She said she did not speak until spoken to! I thought about that as I walked away but returned every day after that to say a few words to the attractive young lady behind the bar. Little did I know that she was going home to her mother and claiming her pure distaste for my every word. After about a week I started my master plan. First it was a Teddy Bear the size of a Pez dispenser, then a pack of gum, then a single rose. I would simply sneak up to the lounge and set my little traps so she would find it as she arrived for work. One night we happened to show up at a local watering hole at the same time. This was not planned and it wasn’t even a date. So I decided to perform a little test. As we walked in I asked her if she would like a drink. She said yes! I bought her the most expensive drink I could think of. We talked for a while as I bought her another one of the pricy drinks. Then I told her to have a good night as I walked away. I left the bar shortly after that and went home for the night. When I walked into work the next day she promptly asked me why I left the bar the night before. My test was a success and the hook was set! I wanted to plan my next move very careful so I asked Paula if she would like to join me and my children in a game of bowling. Paula had two young children of her own and I asked
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her to please bring them along. Over the next couple of weeks Paula and I, and all four children went out and had a blast. We went roller skating, swimming, and tore up some miniature golf. By this time she wasn’t telling her mom she hated me anymore. She was asking her mom, “What the hell is happening to me? “I never stopped with the gifts. One day I sent her a pizza just because she said she was hungry. On her birthday I sent her a 100 balloon bouquet. And my finest trick of all should go down in history for the ultimate way to steal a woman’s heart. I paid a pizza delivery dude to take two large pizzas to her house one night. When I knew she was home with her kids. But to everyone’s surprise when they opened the box there were two dozen red roses! No pizza! Paula was beside herself. The kids were not impressed. They wanted pizza! You would have to ask Paula but I believe after that she was falling in love! We dated for about a year after that before finally tying the knot! Let’s skip ahead a few years. Paula and I have been married for 14 years now! I proudly proclaim that I have the best marriage I have ever heard of. We are truly best friends. Our life is one adventure after another. We raised all four children till they all left the nest and are doing well. We don’t tell each other NO. Instead its usually “let’s go!” We are bikers and enjoy every minute of the lifestyle. We have taken the last 13 vacations on the motorcycle.
has made our life more fun than a barrel of monkeys! I always say life begins when you get one! A good day off for us is getting on the bike and going for a 200 mile back road ride with a stop at a lake somewhere and having a picnic and a couple of cold beers while we sit on some cliffs
overlooking the lake and wonder what the hell people do that don’t own a motorcycle. Our vacations are something we live for. Usually six days and five nights. No freeway just cool country back roads. No big cities. Why deal with the stress of traffic. And there is nothing more soothing than staying in a country cabin way out in the woods! The moral to this story is that if you love your wife and you love your life; you have raised your kids and the bills are paid… don’t let life pass you by! Get on the bike and go for a ride! Paula you are my whole world!
Having the bike
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
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ThunderRoadsTexas.com
A Little Bit of East Texas
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27.1 miles; About 49 minutes • Start at FM 256/US 190 intersection • Head North on 256 through Colmesnell, past Hwy 69 • Wind your way back South to Emille on US 190 This little ride begins about 5 miles West of Woodville, Texas (off US190), and makes about a 30 mile ‘loop’ north to east through the tall pine trees. Short straight-aways, sweeping curves and twistys, not to mention a few soft rolling hills. Some sites to see while in the area are the AlabamaCoushatta Indian Reservation, Lake Tejas, and Steinhaggen Lake.
Points Across Texas Destinations
1. Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville 2. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park on Steinhaggen Lake 3. Town Bluff Ghost Town (TexasEscapes.com) FM 92 and FM 1746
Some information above was provided by MotorcycleRoads.US. You can find a link on our website to this great mapping resource.
A Bikers’ Anniversary By Margaret Pruett * Victoria, TX
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ouston and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary on August 7. I know that anniversaries are usually all about the woman and what she wants. However, I decided to let Houston have this one. Wow! Was I in for a big surprise! Houston planned an 8-day adventure that would take us and our 2005 Heritage through 13 states and over 4,300 miles! We left Victoria, Texas at six in the morning, our first stop, except for gas, was Abilene. That was very special to me because I was born there at Dyess Air Force Base 37 years ago. We spent our first night in Amarillo, Texas because that was far enough in the HEAT! The next morning, we headed to Pike’s Peak. We only went about 10 miles when I asked Houston to pull off the road so I could defrost! It was a chilly 60°, but it felt colder than that on the back of the bike! We put on more clothes and headed out again. We rode through New Mexico and into Colorado. Houston had chosen Pike’s Peak as our next stop. It was sentimental to him because his great-great uncle had made the same trip on his Harley in the late 50’s. When we got to the top, it was a freezing 43°! I was okay with the temperature, but I thought I was going to faint from the thin air! We took some time to throw snow (yes, snow in August!) and then headed back down. The view was amazing from every aspect. The next day, we woke up to 52° weather (Do they have summer here?) and headed to South Dakota. We rode through Wyoming and I have NEVER seen so many mountains and bales of hay in my life! We finally made it to Mount Rushmore. The whole ride was breathtaking! The following day, we headed for Sturgis. I was amazed at
how many bikes there were in one place! There were miles and miles of bike after bike after bike! There were people everywhere, even in tents in the front yards of houses. In case you hadn’t guessed by now, this was my first time to Sturgis. I had heard stories and seen pictures, but it is never the same as experiencing it. We took a small trip to Montana and then came back for the night life of Sturgis. On our fifth day, we got up to a morning temperature of 48°. (I’ve decided there is no summer in the northern states!) We rode for the Mall of America in Minnesota. Houston is so sweet! He did include a few stops for me! The next day, we headed for the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We ran into Willie G and actually did not make tourist fools of ourselves. However, we were so taken aback that we forgot to take pictures! (Swing foot back, kick self in rear!) After a stop at the indescribable HarleyDavidson Museum, we headed to Lake Geneva. We saw the sunset and ate at a wonderful little restaurant called Hogs & Kisses. They had great food and even helped celebrate Houston’s birthday with singing and a piece of pie with a candle in it. Afterward, we headed out to our hotel in Chicago, Illinois and had a good night’s rest. On the seventh day, we drove through Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi to a quaint hotel called the Magnolia Inn. (Houston chose it because I love Magnolias!) The last day, we went to Little Rock, Arkansas and then, made our way back to South Texas. We knew we were in Texas because everything around us was the same color (dry brown!) and you could SEE the heat! We stopped in Nacogdoches and Neches to read a little about their history. After passing through Houston, we could see the light at the end of the tunnel and it looked like a great big BEAVER! We stopped at the Buc-ee’s store in Wharton, got something to eat, and got back on the road. When we saw the Victoria city limit sign, we were both happy and sad; sad because it was the end of this great adventure; but happy because we were back to the place we have called home since the day we were married; back to the place where we are raising our family; back to the place we are proud to be building our life together; back to the true adventure!
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avid so n Mu W is seu c on m sin
Peak Pike’s rado Coloo
Mo u nt R ushm or e So u t h Da co ta
Sturgis akopta So u t h D
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Phantom Cycles / The 9*5*0 Bike Giveaway Pinehurst * Piney Woods * Houston Metro
have been entering drawings, raffles, and contests for many, many years; all for not. I’m just not one of those guys that is lucky. Imagine my surprise when I call in to my favorite local radio station contest line and they answer! Hallelujah, I am the winner!! Well, actually I am the lucky winner of a CHANCE to win. Maybe my luck is a changing though; one in 95 ain’t bad odds. John Sallaz, owner of Phantom Custom Cycles, teamed up with his good friend Outlaw Dave and “The 950” radio station to give away a brand new, custom built, rigid bobber. They gave away 90 keys on the air over about 30 days and another 5 from a drawing box at the Phantom Custom Cycles location. The giveaway was held on Saturday, December 19. All the on-air key winners and about 100 or so other people hoping to win one of the keys being given out that day showed up about 11:00 a.m.. They had free barbecue and a live band provided by BACA, Biker’s Against Child Abuse. The Vixen’s Visions girls were on hand showing off the latest naughty wear, even in though it
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! R E N IN
was cold. After all the signing in and drawing for our positions we headed inside to try and unlock the bike. With radio host Outlaw Dave heading the show they picked keys and took turns attempting to unlock the awesome bike. When my turn came I was feeling pretty good, my odds were down to 1 in 48. I turned the key and Wham… nothing happened. Damn my luck again. The winner turned out to be the 73rd contestant, Jerry “Rooster” Ratliff. Should have seen his big grin and heard his famous rooster crow. He was one happy guy. How they could just give away a cool custom bike without even selling tickets is beyond me, but what a way to draw attention to a new business.
John previously owned Cycle Leathers in Katy. He got tired of just selling leather and decided to expand into a full blown motorcycle shop. He hooked up with mechanic/ fabricator Mark Stepic and got a deal on the new building northwest of Houston, in Pinehurst. They are a full service shop now, doing everything from selling and installing those cool aftermarket parts and accessories, service such as oil changes and tune-ups to doing full blown ground up custom builds. John of course continues to offer all of his leather riding gear. He has jackets, chaps, gloves, hats, boots, and saddlebags as well as t-shirts, doo rags, panties, jewelry, etc. He also just hooked up with the folks from Vixen’s Visions and plans to offer their full line of “naughty” wear for you ladies. John says so far business is growing pretty well as the word gets out. If the giveaway bike is any indication the shop should do very well. Phantom Custom Cycles is at 34507 State Highway 249 just north of Tomball in Pinehurst. Call John at 281-7661549… and remember to tell him you saw it in Thunder Roads Texas! ~ Always remember that half the people in the world are below average. ~
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ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
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Thunder Roads Bike Night w/ Mean Gene Kelton ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast
Our monthly meet & greet party at Texas Rock Tavern (2470 FM 1960 West, just West of Kuykendahl in NW Houston)! Sponsored by Eagle Cycles and Woodlands HarleyDavidson. Mean Gene Kelton is back, along with his two sons’ band CLOVIS, touted as the next big thing from Texas! Join us for no cover, cheap drinks, good food, door prizes, vendors and GREAT fun! Rain or shine - we party like bikers anyway!
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
Swap Meet & Biker Lifestyle Expo TexasScooter.com Ft Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth Will Rogers Memorial Center’s Small Exhibits Building at 3400 Harley Avenue in Fort Worth. Sponsored by Hank Bauer Rider & Attorney. New & used motorcycle parts & accessory vendors, Garage “cleanouts”, discount leather, jewelry, clothing & more for the Biker Lifestyle at “pre season“ prices. Rock & Blues by Pete Barbeck & 7th Son. Door Prizes and adult beverages. 10am - 5pm. $8 Admission, Military & Kids 5-14 only $5. For more info: TexasScotter. com or call 254.687.9066
5-6 5-7
AMA Arenacross Series ArenaCross.com San Antonio Region: South Texas
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Chilly Willy Fun Run SCRCConroe.com Montgomery Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
Benefit for Christy & Desi TexasBikerRelief.org Rosenberg Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Daytona Bike Week OfficialBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL
TCOC&I Meeting - Houston Region COCTX.org Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
TCOC&I Meeting - Tyler Region COCTX.org Tyler Region: Piney Woods
MARCH
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20 20-21 21
Valentine’s Ride In MomsBikerBar.com Longview Region: Piney Woods
26-Mar7
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1st Mardi Gras Party & Crawfish Boil 512-965-4807 Austin Region: Hill Country
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St Valentines Day Massacre MassacreRally.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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Motorcycle Safety Forum TTI.TAMU.edu/conferences/tmsf10 Austin Region: Hill Country
4th Annual Bad Boyz Biker Bash MidessaMotorcycle.com Midland Region: Big Bend
TCOC&I Meeting - SE TX Region COCTX.org Beaumont Region: Gulf Coast
6th Annual Las Moras Spring Run SCRCDelRio.com Bracketville Region: Hill Country Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show TXShowCar.com/ShowInfo.html Ft Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes 5th Annual Texas independence Rally TheHOTRally.com Groesbeck Region: Prairies & Lakes 3rd Annual Celebration of Life 512.426.7758; 512.694.5620 Austin Region: Hill Country Rockdale Auto & Cycle Show RockdaleDowntownAssociation.com Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show TexasScooter.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Humble Civic Center at 8223 Will Clayton Parkway. Sponsored by Bad-to-theBone Motorcycle & KT’s Cycle Service. Antique, Custom & Touring Motorcycles will compete in both Judged & People’s Choice Competition. New & used motorcycle parts & accessory vendors, along with leather, jewelry, clothing & more for the Biker Lifestyle. Live Rock & Blues Band, door prizes and adult beverages. 10am - 5pm. $8 Admission, $5 Military & Kids 5-14. For more info:TexasScooter. com or call 254.687.9066 TCOC&I Meeting - Corpus Christi COCTX.org Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast
Continued on Page 30... February 2010
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EVENTS
TCOC&I Meeting - Corpus Christi Region COCTX.org Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast
Slinging Ink Tattoo Expo SlingingInkTattooExpo.com San Antonio Region: South Texas Mardi Gras Party - Brotherhood of the 74 Kermit taker74@sbcglobal.net Kermit Region: Big Bend
4th Annual Love Run & Membership Rally 903-279-5652 Jacksonville Region: Piney Woods Big Mike’s Bike Show BigMikesApparel.com Deer Park Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
River City Bike Fest RiverCityBikeFest.com San Antonio Region: South Texas
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Accident Scene Management Course AccidentScene.org Odessa Region: Big Bend Metro: Midland
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Pig in the Ground Party MySpace.com/NacogdochesGypsyMC Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods
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FEBRUARY
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Monday
February 2010
GROUNDHOG DAY
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Tuesday 3
Wednesday 4
Thursday
Model: Rachael Burleson TSBA Member: Carl McCullar
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Friday 6
Saturday 7
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
Sunday
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w/ Mean Gene kelton & The Die Hards and CLOVIS! Houston
THUNDER ROADS TEXAS BIKE NIGHT
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Multiple-day events appear on the first day of event. For details on these and other events, see our Event Listing, Page 19.
WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
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PRESIDENTS’ DAY OBSERVED
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Daytona Bike Week Daytona, FL Feb 26-Mar7
River City Bike Fest San Antonio Feb 19-21
St Valentine’s Day Massacre Boerne Feb 12-14
LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
12 WINTER OLYMPICS Feb 12-28
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Swap Meet & Biker Lifestyle Expo Ft Worth
DAYTONA 500
VALENTINE’S DAY
By Shelly Horan Fort Worth Chapter photos by Mark Appenzeller Rio Grande Valley photos courtesy of Mase Molina
Fast, Agile, Safe & Fun The Texas Sport Bike Riders Association
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e found a sport bike group that is working to create a better image of the sport bike rider. Does this sound familiar? I think all motorcycle classes need a better image. It’s part of what we, as a motorcycle publication, hope to help with, regardless of what you ride. Enter Texas Sport Bike Association (TSBA). Started in the 1980’s, the TSBA provides an informal social forum for likeminded sport bike enthusiasts. The club offers organized day rides, sport touring events, free exchange of tips and technology, and a shared enjoyment of sport bike riding. Current membership includes mature experienced riders as well as new riders who desire to learn safe riding habits. Frequent weekend rides afford ample opportunity for fun and skill development for riders of all experience levels. Many members participate in the Central Motorcycle
Racing Association (CMRA) and other motorcycle racing organizations. When I first started working in the motorcycle industry a couple years ago, my impression of sport bike riders were young (making me feel old, kind of young) hot doggers, taking unnecssary chances, riding too fast, etc. But as I meet more riders of all kinds, I realize that there are many mature sport bike riders that actively promote safety in riding, while enjoying the speed and agility of a high
performance racing style street bike. Riders join for a variety of reasons and ride a wide range of sport bikes, but they have a few things in common. They wish to ride with safe riders and build friendships Page 22
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around riding. Most ride regularly; many use their bike as their primary mode of transportation. In this, they share the love of riding that we commonly associate with cruiser riders – simply getting on the road and riding for the love of feeling the wind in their faces and the open road in front of them. Also a common link is the love of curvy roads! When polled, 99% of the responses indicated the curves are high on the attraction list when choosing a route.
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
In order to participate in TSBA organized rides, they have the following safety guidelines: • • • • • • • •
Riders are encouraged to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses. Riders are encouraged to own and use the proper safety gear. Chapters have different requirements, so check each one before riding with them. Never cross the center line! Treat the centerline as the edge of the road. No passing in curves and no passing on the right! Acknowledge faster riders and allow them to safely pass. Everyone is encouraged to ride at their own safe pace. When riding in groups, always ride in a staggered formation. Always ride with skill in reserve. Know your limits and ride below them. Save 100% riding for the track.
started a new chapter. A few years later, one of the early members of the Houston chapter moved to San Antonio and began a chapter in the Alamo City. As one of the largest riding populations in Texas, Dallas/ Fort Worth started up their chapter and are now two distinct separate chapters. The latest chapter, the Rio Grande Valley is the news member. Today, there are more than 200 TSBA members and they’re actively growing their membership base. Each chapter meets monthly, has Sunday Morning Rides (SMRs), Austin 7:30 p.m. - Third Tuesday Fuddruckers on West Anderson Lane
For those with the desire to improve their riding skills, the TSBA emphasizes teaching individuals about limits. They encourage intervention if someone recognizes a motorcyclists riding beyond their skill level. While they promote safe riding practices and have set guidelines, their focus is still very much on the fun of riding and the camaraderie of a group of like-minded individuals.
Fort Worth 7:00 p.m. - Fourth Thursday Sammie’s BBQ on East Belknap Street in Fort Worth
The TSBA started when a sport bike rider, and member of the Utah Sport bike Association, moved to Austin. He modeled the club after the one in Utah. When he moved to Houston, he
Houston 11:00 a.m. - First Saturday Hickory Hollow Restaurant in the Heights
Dallas 7:00 p.m. - Second Tuesday Spring Creek BBQ on in Addison
and actively promotes safe riding skills. Additionally, they do periodic all-chapter rides, such as the annual tour of the Hill Country in the fall. Feel free to check them out and visit with them at one of their monthly meetings:
Rio Grande Valley 8:00 p.m. - Second Wednesday Rudy’s BBQ on West Nolana Loop San Antonio 8:00 p.m. - Third Thursday EZ’s Brick Oven & Grill on West Bitters Road And if you’re not in one of these metro areas, but have a group of sport bike riders where you live, visit their website (www.TSBA.org) for information on starting your own chapter.
Two Great Bands to Rock Thunder Roads Bike Night hunder Roads Texas Magazine’s monthly Bike Night event taking place Thursday, February 18 at the Texas Rock Tavern in Northwest Houston may prove to be the biggest and most exciting yet with three great bands: Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards, The Notorious Keltons, and CLOVIS! Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards will open the event at 7pm playing such trademark biker rally hits as “My Baby Don’t Wear No Panties”, The Texas City Dyke”, “Big Legged Mama” and many others as well as a heavy dose of good ol’ southern fried rock ‘n roll and hipshakin’, butt-bumpin’, house-rockin’ Texas Blues! See GeneKelton. com. Following Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards will be the hot, new Texas Rock group CLOVIS, which features Mean Gene’s two son’s Jamie Kelton on bass and Sid Kelton on drums. Come out and give these Texas boys your support. Check out CLOVIS’ music at myspace.com/cloviscamp. “Now that my sons are on their way to fame and fortune, we seldom get a chance to jam together. My sons played on 12 of the 15 songs on my first CD, Most Requested which was released ten years ago. It’s ironic that even after a decade and recording two more CDs since, Most Requested featuring Jamie & Sid’s performances, still
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outsells the others two to one!” Texas Thunder Roads Magazine publisher Bob Cooney and Editor Shelly Horan, will be on hand ram-rodding all the fun, giving out free copies of Thunder Roads Magazine and drawing for free stuff! Don’t miss the biggest and most exciting Thunder
com where you can subscribe to the free email version of Thunder Roads Texas Magazine. Texas Rock Tavern opened in 2009 as one of Houston’s finest music venues and the only REAL music venue in NW Houston. They offer fantastic service, an excellent range of Texas music, great drink specials, and good Texas food. Thunder Roads Texas began holding their monthly Bike Night at Texas Rock Tavern in November and are often joined by Outlaw Dave and his crew from Houston’s 9*5*0 Radio Mojo. Rain or shine… they party like bikers anyway! For more information about Mean Gene Kelton and the Die Hards, visit GeneKelton.com.
Roads Bike Night yet! Thursday, February 18, at Texas Rock Tavern, 2460 FM 1960 West, Houston, Texas 77069. Call for directions: 281583-8111. Visit Thunder Roads Texas online at T h u n d e r Ro a d sTex a s .
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Less Than a Second to React By Ken Foster - DFW Correspondent
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t was just a typical Friday evening ride in late spring. We had once again made our sub-hundred mile loop around Lake Lavon, Northeast of Dallas. The torture rack we had for a seat at the time forced us to stop at predetermined distances. The weather was exceptionally nice and we had watched the sun set from the picnic area on Highway 78 overlooking the lake. After a short ride south on Highway 78 from the picnic area to Highway 205, we stopped once again, this time for barbeque at Big Daddy’s Barbeque (I definitely recommend this as a stop if your hungry). After quenching our hunger we decided to call it a night and head for the house to relax with a movie before getting some rest for the Saturday morning ride. I purposefully took the back roads to keep away from traffic around Fire Wheel Mall and soon we were riding west on Beltline Road. In the mirror I had noticed another rider behind us, he was closing in slowly on us and once again I knew my speedometer was leading me astray. By the time we reached the traffic light for Jupiter Road he was maybe sixty yards away and since the light had been green for some time I didn’t think he would make it and was wondering if I would. This intersection is a busy one and the lanes on the west bound side of Beltline shift to the right about half a lane as you cross the intersection, at times this design will increase the pucker factor so attention to other westbound traffic becomes very important. This night however the traffic had already cleared the intersection as I approached it and my attention was focused on the eastbound car sitting in the left turn lane. I thought I noticed its headlights move up slightly then drop back down as if he wasn’t sure if he had room or if he should wait. As I was about a quarter of the way into the intersection he decided to go. I still had the green light and so did he but he was supposed to wait for oncoming traffic. I was traveling between thirty-five and forty miles per hour and he had been sitting still until his mind told him to go. I grabbed the front brake as hard as I could while keeping it from locking up and hit the rear brake so it would slide. I drifted the rear to the right towards the car. With other traffic in the oncoming turn lane behind him I didn’t have anywhere to go so my choice was to scrub off as much energy as possible before the impact, which came with a mighty WHAM! The impact stood the bike back up and threw the rear to the left. It was heading for the median and the sign standing right in the middle of it. That was the last thing I remember until we were about forty feet past the intersection and I somehow was regaining control of the dancing rear wheel that was swinging from side to side. I knew my wife was still with me as her fingers were embedded in my sides. The first thing I said was “I hit that guy!” immediately followed Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
by “Did I hit that guy?” The response from behind me was an astounded “YES!” Somehow I limped the bike into a nearby parking lot and stopped. I attempted to regain some composure while my wife pried her fingers out of my flesh and tried to gracefully dismount. I remember it took four tries before I could get the side stand down and shut the bike off as help arrived. You would think that this only took a minute but the reality was the guy on the bike trailing us had stopped at the light and waited until it turned green again before he crossed and came to help us. It was a very short time before we had many witnesses stopping to give their story and information on the driver that took off. Everyone said exactly the same thing; after the loud impact and as violently as we were bouncing side-to-side they couldn’t understand how we didn’t go down. With the help of the other biker we managed to find the point of impact on my bike. Can you believe this… I hit that car on his right rear quarter panel behind the rear wheel with my right floorboard. I had a four-inch long blue paint scratch on it but no other damage. Everyone that stopped to help, and even the police that responded, all told me what a fantastic job I had done keeping the bike under control. But I know better and said so at the time. I attribute the quick reaction to the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSF) I had taken almost a year earlier. This training set us up for surviving this accident to the point where we were heading for the sign in the median. From that moment until we were forty feet past the intersection and regaining control I wasn’t involved with the decision making process. Call it what you want, divine intervention, guardian angel or just plain old dumb luck, all I know for sure is it wasn’t me! With my bike in okay condition and the police report taken care of, I offered to go get the truck and come back to pick up my wife. She refused saying. “If I don’t get right back on I might never do it again.” We were only a mile from home and that mile was ridden slowly checking for any signs of mechanical trouble and hoping to inspire some reasonable measure of confidence back into my wife. We skipped the ride Saturday morning and chose to have the bike checked by the professionals. While we always wear helmets she didn’t have anything else for protection incase of a mishap. The bike got a clean bill of health with only an hour of shop time charged and the dealership got some serious sales in their apparel department. After all even though I really do like my bike I can always replace it, but I only have one wife and her selection of biker wear took less than a second for me to react “Put it on the card”.
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K’s Motorsports
Humble * Gulf Coast * Houston Metro n this day in age, it is rare to have a family owned business to last 30 years, especially with the tough economic times. Even harder to find is a business that is genuinely part of the community and fosters a sales philosophy of friendship. One particular motorcycle dealership, K’s Motorsports in Humble, has consistently been the leading Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris dealership in the greater Houston Metropolitan area since its inception almost 30 years ago.
Motorsports, you will find an enormous selection of motorcycles, jet skis, and ATV’s. The show room is
History: In 1978, K. Franks and his wife Dianne, both graduates of The University of Texas at Austin, purchased Humble Yamaha from a local Humble businessman. This decision began the tradition of this familyowned and operated business that thrives on customer satisfaction first! In fact, their daughter Deanne continues their vision as the General Manager. K and Dianne sold Yamaha Motorcycles and other products so well that they earned numerous honors and awards for their success. In less than four years, K Franks became the President of the Greater Houston Motorcycle Dealers Association and has served in this capacity three times, in 1982, 1987 and again in 1998. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association for twenty years. In 1984, K and Dianne acquired the dealership license to begin selling Suzuki products. When Yamaha and Suzuki sales soared, the warehouse was expanded ten times the original size in order to accommodate the vast inventory being sold as quickly as it arrived. In 1992 the dealership once again acquired a new license, this time to sell Polaris products and K and Dianne realized the name of their successful business was a mouthful so… K’s Humble Yamaha Suzuki Polaris became K’s Motorsports. In 2003 and 2004 K’s Motorsports continued to grow with the addition of Arctic Cat and Sea-Doo. To this day, K’s Motorsports maintains their core philosophy of “Customer First” that made them successful in the past. Because K. Franks and his wife are Texans, K’s motorsport is deeply rooted within the Houston community. They are always donating both time and products to fundraisers and charities to organizations such as The Northeast Mission, Project Graduation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Diabetes Association, and most recently the Houston Food Bank. Products and Services: When you first walk into K’s Page 28
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Steve Goulet and Henry Curtis, with years of motorcycle riding experience, are always helpful and friendly. More impressively, Shane Stubbs (no relation to the Stubbs Motorcycles), the holder of the new Texas Mile Track Record (clocked in at 259.99MPH on a Hayabusa), works as a mechanic at K’s Motorsports. The sales and service teams are led by their fearless leaders Rahnie Sandhu and David Neal. Of course, they report to Kourtney, the general manager. More importantly, K’s is very sensitive to the needs of first-time riders. They try to understand the wants and needs of new riders and try to fit them with the proper bike, taking safety into consideration as well. Lastly, K’s Motorsport offers free delivery to almost anywhere for first time buyers who have never ridden a motorcycle. “If they are uncomfortable to ride home with it, we can deliver it to their home for free.” A little known secret is that K’s features a full line of service. Not only can they do the routine maintenance of almost any bike, they also do custom work. Their mechanics can do everything from just “slamming down” a bike to full custom modifications. “We can even work on Harley’s; it’s just a challenge for us due to the whole metric versus standard sizing…but we can do it,” states Rhanie. In either case, service or sales, their philosophy is to make friends with anyone and everyone who walks into their doors, whether they buy something or not.
approximately 31,000 square feet and over 100 bikes on display on any given day. There is a good 50/50 split between cruisers and street bikes. A buyer can find anything from the heaviest touring cruisers to the sleek fast sport bikes, primarily produced by Suzuki and Yamaha. Their used selection isn’t too shabby as well, featuring bikes from a plethora of brands. Another reason why K’s is successful is because of its knowledgeable and friendly staff. They employ bikers that can talk the lingo and know the products. Employees like
Conclusion: K’s Motorsports has proven that with great customer service and a commitment to the community, a business can withstand the test of time. Even if you are not looking to buy a motorcycle, just stop by and say hello. Heck you can even meet a world record holder for speed such as Shane, or just hang around with Curtis, or maybe you can just help Rahnie harass Steve on various issues. K’s motorsport is not only a dealership but it’s a fun place to just hang out and learn from bikers. For more information about K’s Motorsport visit http:// www.ksmotorsports.com/ So as always, ride safely and “See you on the high ground!”
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
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Fiesta 2010 LaferiaGypsyMC.com La Feria Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Brownsville
April 23-24 Texas COC State Rally COCTX.org Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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May 7 International Female Ride Day Motoress.com
TCOC&I Meeting - NW Texas COCTX.org Levelland Region: Panhandle
May 7-16 Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC
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St. Patrick’s Day Rally MySpace.com/409722750 Del Rio Region: Big Bend
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Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway Ride Geocities.com/TexVetRide/home Perryton Region: Panhandle Metro: Other
May 19-30 Run for the Wall RFTW.org Washington, DC
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EVENTS
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Event Listing
South Texas Motorcycle Show TXBikeShow.com San Antonio Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Kick off the riding season in San Antonio. Live music, sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine; Texas Scooter Times hosted Swap Meet; stunt show and competition; Tattoo Expo, featuring Johnny Jackson from Texas Body Art in Houston; and lots of vendors.
FUTURE April 7-11 Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com April 9-11 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. April 9-11 Three Sisters Rally Spring Fling ThreeSistersRally.net Campwood Region: Hill Country April 9-11 TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Snyder Region: Panhandle
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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 Metro: Austin 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
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 November 5-7 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
September 3-6 Four Corners Biker Rally FourCornersBikerRally.com Durango, CO 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!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
You Won’t Find Rocky Here By Joyce Siegert - DFW Correspondent Plano * Prairies & Lakes * D/FW Metro
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or the past 10 months I have been frequenting Bullwinkle’s Pub and Bistro. It is a club on the northeast corner of West Spring Creek Parkway and Custer Road in Plano, Texas. What makes this club especially inviting is its Bike Night on Thursdays with live entertainment. This is one place where bike night is all night and not just a few hours! On this night you will usually see Kim Younkin, who is a biker as well as a musician. This man is awesome! He is a one man band… literally. He plays all the instruments you hear, but you only see his collection of guitars (and a keyboard to the side for effects). You see the rest goes through his iPod Classic and through his speakers. He takes requests since his library of music is so immense. He plays Chris Isaac, Chris Rhea, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, George Thoroughgood and Kid Rock to name a few artists. He plays country, rhythm & blues, and rock & roll (new and old) such as Brown-Eyed Girl, You look Beautiful Tonight, Mustang Sally and Crazy Lil Thing Called Love, along with some of his own creations. Also, don’t forget to ask him to play Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. Also, he is quite the entertainer. He kids with the audience and once he gets to know you, which is usually before the night is through; he will be kidding with you too. He loves to kid with the women – tight jeans, low blouses, show your stuff, etc. but he also banters back and forth with the guys, too. Not in a bad way, just a fun loving way. You can find out more about Kim and his schedule to find where he will be playing in the D/FW area at KimYounkin.com/ Bullwinkle’s is a great place to gather and meet.
Several of the bike clubs congregate here especially on Thursday nights You can find several of the Dickweed MC members there. They frequent it the most. They are a fun bunch to party with and are quite friendly. On occasion you can even find members of the Blacksheep MC kicking back with a few brews. Most times of the year except in the colder winter months everybody congregates on the patio. They have heaters for the cooler nights and fans for the warmer times. Even if it rains there is still a roof to protect from the elements.
The best part of bike night are the buckets of domestic beer containing 6 beers at $11.00 a bucket (domestic). You have to be able to show you are a biker to get this price. The pub offers an array of 25 different beers on tap; some domestic and several imported. They offer Black Butte Porter, Dos XX Lager, Drop Top Amber Ale, Fireman’s #4 Blonde Ale (Austin’s Finest), Guiness, Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale, Sam Adams, Shiner Bock, Smithwick’s Irish Ale, Spaten Octoberfest, Woodchuck Draft Cider, and Ziegenboch Amber to name a few and over 40 varieties of domestic and imported bottled beers; such as Bud Light Lime, Carlsberg, Corona, Fosters, Genesse Cream Ale, Grolsch, Heineken, Killians Irish Red, Landshark Lager, Molson Golden, New Castle Brown Ale, Red Stripe (my personal favorite), Rolling Rock, Sam Adams, Shiner, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and St. Pauli Girl Lager to name a few. You can even go to their website (BullwinklesBistroAndPub. net) and get a brief history on the beers as well as what they taste like or what they are brewed with. This is a pub with friendly atmosphere. The owner circulates to get to know the clientele. It is always good when the owner listens to his customers. This keeps a club fresh and growing. Once you pay Bullwinkle’s a visit you will return to this fun, easy-going, relaxed atmosphere. They have live music Thursday – Saturday with Karaoke on Wednesdays, Bike Night/Ladies Night on Thursdays, with all day free pool on Sundays and Mondays. They are also a proud participator in several charity bike runs and bike washes that go on throughout the year.
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Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Email pictures to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Joker’s Wild A little boy asked his father, “Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?” And the father replied, “I don’t know, son, I’m still paying for it.” A young woman was taking an afternoon nap. After she woke up, she told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for Valentine’s day. What do you think it means?” “You’ll know tonight,” he said. That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it--only to find a book entitled “The meaning of dreams”. A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing “Love” stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them. His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says, “I’m sending out one thousand Valentine cards signed, ‘Guess who?’” “But why?” asks the man. “I’m a divorce lawyer,” the man replies. A very shy guy goes into a pub on Valentine’s Day night and sees a beautiful woman at the bar. After a long struggle with his shyness, he finally managed to walk over to her and asked her politely, “Um, would you mind if I give you company?” She made a furious face and yelled at the top of her lungs, “How dare you asked me to sleep with you tonight?” Everyone in the pub started staring at the man who was completely embarrassed. After a few minutes, woman walked over to him and apologized. “You see I am a student of psychology and studying how people respond to embarrassing situations. I am sorry but I was just doing my experiment!” The young man suddenly gave a loud yell, “What do you mean $200?” After a quarrel, a wife said to her husband, “You know, I was a fool when I married you.” And the husband replied, “Yes, dear, but I was in love and didn’t notice it.” Roger, who was 19 years old, was buying an expensive bracelet, to surprise his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day, at a very smart jeweler’s shop in Hatton Garden, London. The jeweler inquired, “Would you like your girlfriend’s name engraved on it?” Roger thought for a moment, grinned, then answered, “No, instead engrave ‘To my one and only love.’ “ The jeweler smiled and said, “Yes, sir; how very romantic of you.” Roger retorted with a glint in his eye, “Not exactly romantic, but very practical. This way, if we break up, I can use it again.” To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all. Page 34
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Here’s a list of what NOT to give her for Valentine’s Day: • A box of chocolates, clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the fact you ate all the caramel ones. • Lingerie that you think will look almost as good on her as on the Victoria’s Secret model. • Any clothing item with the words “push-up” or “slim-down” on the label. • Any food item with the words “diet”, “light”, or “high fiber” on the label. • Any video starring Sylvester Stallone, Jim Carrey, or Jenna Jameson. • Flowers from a hospital’s gift shop--or worse, a mortuary’s. • Poetry, no matter how heartfelt, that starts out “There was once a girl from Nantucket...” • Anything you ever gave another woman, including your mother. • Any household appliance, power tool or other item from the harder side of Sears. • A gift certificate. • Cash. • Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the way over, even if you didn’t. • An apologetic look and the words “That was today?” Infatuation is when you think he’s as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Conners. Love is when you realize that he’s as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger and nothing like Robert Redford -but you’ll take him anyway. ~ Judith Viorst A recent study was made to find out what days men prefer to have sex? It was found that men preferred to engage in sexual activity on the days that started with “T”: Tuesday, Thursday, Thanksgiving, Today and Tomorrow. WOMAN’S POEM: Before I lay me down to sleep,I pray for a man, who’s not a creep, One who’s handsome, smart and strong. One who loves to listen long, One who thinks before he speaks, One who’ll call, not wait for weeks. I pray he’s gainfully employed, When I spend his cash, won’t be annoyed. Pulls out my chair and opens my door. Massages my back and begs to do more. Oh! Send me a man who’ll make love to my mind, Knows what to answer to ‘how big is my behind?’ I pray that this man will love me to no end, And always be my very best friend. A MAN’S POEM: I pray for a deaf-mute gymnast nymphomaniac with huge boobs who owns a bar on a golf course, and loves to send me fishing and drinking. This doesn’t rhyme and I don’t give a damn. ROMANCE MATHEMATICS Smart man + smart woman = romance Smart man + dumb woman = affair Dumb man + smart woman = marriage Dumb man + dumb woman = pregnancy 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 *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 *Jackel Motorsports West 3719 Hwy 90 Brookshire, TX 77423 281.934.4444 JackelWest.com
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*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
*Harley-Davidson of Waco 1524 I-35 South Waco, TX 76706 254.753.0393 HDWaco.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
*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
*Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 SouthernMetalChoppers.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 *Gruene Harley-Davidson 1288 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.624.2473 GrueneHarley.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
PRAIRIES & LAKES *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 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
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
*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!
February 2010
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