Thunder Roads Texas October 2010 by Thunder Roads Texas

The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!

Texas Rallies - Texas-Sized Fun

Reports from: • Texas State HOG Rally • Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival • The Texas Rally • Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally

HOG Rally Parade in Wichita Falls

October 2010

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also Inside:

 Ride Map - Lost Pines  Snapshots from Points Across Texas

Contents

 October 2010 On the Cover 34

Texas Rallies - Texas-Sized Fun

This Month 15

Snapshots from Points Across Texas

Monthly Ride Map - Lost Pines & History

Regular Features 15

From the Editor

PigTrails: Cleaning Up the Pig

Black Leather Blues: What Inspired YOU to Ride?

The Scout Report: Rebel With a Cause

ThunderCam

Joker’s Wild

Resources 25

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out October 2010 Calendar 32

Texas’ BEST Bike Nights

Biker Friendly Listing

Cover by Randy McCamey. Joe Vaccarella of the Red River Chapter HOG leading the Texas State HOG Rally paradein Wichita Falls. Vaccarella is riding a 2006 Heritage Classic.

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OWNERS Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com ADVERTISING SALES

Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

Heather “Phoenix” Wright - Houston info@redphoenixmarketing.com 832.527.4318

M2 Motomedia - Statewide Reynolds Mansson M2Motomedia@gmail.com 210.259.9916

Travis “Blydawg” Blythe - DFW Travis.Blythe@grandecom.net 940.435.8226

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161

Bonnie Estes - Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679 Linda Morris - Houston tatewaci3322@msn.com 713.897.9109

MONTHLY CONTRIBUTORS “Crazy Al” Mean Gene Kelton Elm “Scout” Valle CORRESPONDENTS: “Shovelhead” Bill Barnes - Houston; Houston & Margaret Pruett - Victoria; Kitti Kluna - Houston; Ron Blansett - Houston; Linda Morris - Houston; Mark Appenzeller - D/FW; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Ken Foster - D/FW; Brian “Native NYer” - D/FW; Travis “Blydawg” Blythe - D/ FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Meghan Heller - Austin; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Chantelle Sandberg - East Texas; George Darcy - Midland/Odessa; Glenn “Gambler” - San Antonio; Kim Ferris; Pamella Jody - Houston; Sir Richard Vance - Corpus Christi; Randy McCamey

Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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Banner Year forNew ThunderYear! Roads Texas Happy This year has flown by so fast! In December, we’ll celebrate our third complete year of producing Thunder Roads Texas. While the magazine has been in existence since 2003, Bob and I have owned it since November 2007, producing our first issue January 2008. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s been very rewarding. We’ve met some of the greatest people ever – because that’s about all we find in the biker community – and we love it! 2010 has been a banner year for Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine – and we’re not through yet! So far this year, we’ve added 12 new correspondents, 4 new sales people (still looking for more), introduced the incredibly popular Points Across Texas™ reader rides program, improved the look of our Web-zine, added weekly event updates for download from the website, grew the biggest bike night in Houston (some call it a “mini-rally”), AND sponsored 12 rallies (including one of the largest in the nation – Lone Star) and another 11 runs/benefits throughout the state of Texas. Whew! For our growth and success, we thank our advertisers (they keep us in business), our readers (incredibly supportive!), and all those who help us with the bike nights and magazine in any way. We can’t do it without you. Sponsored events remaining for this year: •

Texas National Motorcycle Rally (October 1-3 in Baytown; TNMRally.net). I’ll be partying at the Rally – it’s my birthday that Friday – come join me!

•

Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride & Concert (October 3 in Dallas; SRVRideAndConcert.org). Our correspondent, Travis Blythe, will be riding to cover this huge annual event which raises money for the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund.

•

Boo Benefit (October 8-10 in Jefferson; BooBenefit.org). There is a great story behind this 13-year event… read more about it on their website. We met Boo for the first time at the Oldest Town in Texas Rally last month. Gotta love his commitment to helping burned kids.

•

Thunder in the Pines (October 22-24 in Bastrop; ThunderInThePines.org), benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA is dedicated to children who have been removed from their homes where there is evidence of abuse and/or neglect.

•

Lone Star Rally (November 4-7 in Galveston). This year, the Rally honors our nation’s heroes. So bring on your patriotism… wear your red, white & blue and join us. We’ll have our national big rig onsite with goodies to give away and just having fun!

•

Texas Honor Ride (November 13; riding from Houston to San Antonio). If you haven’t ridden in this, it’s well worth it. Ride with hundreds to visit wounded heroes at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). At the end of the ride, the Texas Honor Ride presents a check to the BAMC that represents a year’s worth of fundraising efforts.

As we head into the end of the year, think about getting your riding buddy, spouse, or even yourself… a subscription to Thunder Roads Texas! If you order now, but want it to start December/January, simply tell us so – either on the form or if you order online, simply email/call us and let us know. We’ll even include a gift card to let them know who got the subscription for them. Ride Safe & Ride with THUNDER!

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

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!

October 2010

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EVENTS

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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Cleaning Up the Pig! he biggest surprise when I bought the Harley was how much cheaper it was to add stuff to it than I had originally thought. All the accessories seem to be under one hundred dollars. I always thought the meaning of H-D was “Hundred Dollar”. The only problem with this theory is there are over one thousand available accessories to add to your average Harley-Davidson! The wool is being pulled over our eyes folks! These guys at Harley actually know what they’re doing. I’m guessing they make a pretty good chunk of change! I bet they got guys hired to sit in a room and the big bosses of Harley just open the door and throw in a part. The guys pick it up and the dollars start rolling.

feel like you should have known the answer but of course you don’t. Have you added the heated seat to your bike yet? Do they make those? Does it really help when your fingers are going numb but yet your butt is nice and toasty? Hey guess what? They have heat grips as well! I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Who would have figured that! Don’t get me wrong. I want this stuff! All of it! I have already added a few choice goodies just to clean up the pig! By

Punch it out! Dude you have to punch it out! I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this! We are talking about performance addon’s. This is when the big money comes in. I’m going to stay away from this trend for now. I am sure once you start dipping into this area the addiction gets down right out of control. Everything from big bore kits (punch it out) to exhaust, air filters, cams, ignition hop ups, and the list goes on and on!

You know they got one old school biker in that room that jumps up right at the start and says “Let’s put a skull on it,” and the room applauds! “Hey let’s make a chrome version,” more applause. “Do we want to give them the screws to attach the part?” “Hell no!” “Those could come in stainless steel, chrome, brushed aluminum, black, satin, polished, or even get ready for this… wrinkle finish!” These guys are smart!

the way I named my bike “The Blue Pig” I actually try my best to go with function over flash. So I opted for the highway pegs; stuck with the clean stock look. They did have the fancy ones with even turn signals in them. But I went classy and clean. Total cost: 170 bucks! I also opted to go with newer technology when it comes to the tunes! I figured if it has a radio in it I am going to Rock and Roll! Of course the first thing I found out is you can buy a pair of quality speakers for a car for 75 dollars, but if you buy them for a Harley-Davidson than you can go ahead and add on the big “H-D” Hundred Dollar! You can do a lot to

Now for a little bragging! My 2005 Harley is bone stock and I think it is the most perfect machine ever built. It is smooth as silk. For now It’s quiet as a whisper. The low rumble of the motor feels like a well tuned monster. It glides through the air; skates on ice! On our next vacation I don’t have to pack or bring a single bungee cord. For the first time it’s all going to fit right in the bags! I love this bike and I love Harley-Davidson! My dealership has made me feel like a member of a family since the day of the purchase! That’s Fort Worth Harley Davidson in Fort Worth Texas. It’s up to you what you do to your bike but the best thing is that every time you add another piece to the machine you truly feel it is a one of a kind and it belongs to you and only you! I have only had my Hog for three months and so far I have racked up a whooping 5,000 miles on that baby, so if you will excuse me I gotta get out there and clean up the Pig! And always the adventure of riding is to ride another day! Be safe, ride offensively and never trust a cage!

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I’m here to tell you as a consumer we buy the farm! Or at least the whole HOG! It’s like a new drug or even gambling. We know the bike payment is just a couple of weeks away but we can’t help ourselves when we are gazing at that wall of parts at the local shop! God I really want that water bottle that is the shape of a hog that slips into that black leather holder that attaches to my lowers with those glossy black satin finished bolts that have the little Harley skull printed right on top! I’ll take it! I’ll take it! Then comes the BIG stuff. The salesman always asks the question that makes you

the sound systems on the Ultra Classic models and so far it has been well worth it! I got my entire system from two really great companies called Hog Tunes and Biketronics. Look them up; it’s good stuff. The best thing I added to my bike so far is my windshield. This is a great product that really works and looks incredible. They come from my sponsor Coolcycleparts.com. The product is called Freedom Windshields. Be sure and tell Jim that Crazy Al sent you. “Shameless Plug!”

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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Snapshots from

Sponsored by: •

D’Rose Inn & Cabins DRoseInn.com

•

Hurricane Alley Drag Races HARaces.com

As the Fall Rally season winds up, we encourage you to send in your pictures for the Points Across Texas™ program now. Don’t wait. The deadline for this year’s program is January 15th to get your pictures turned in, riding all the way through New Year’s Eve (though be careful if you do that!). A reminder that all Lone Star Rally Headquarters are qualified destination points. The latest addition (as of going to print) is our own BIKE NIGHT sponsor, Eagle Cycles (11800 Jones Road, Houston, TX 77070; 281.890.0400; www.EagleCycles.net). You can always visit the Lone Star Rally website (www.LoneStarRally.com) for the most current headquarters list. You don’t have to wait until we announce it. We’re working on changes to the 2011 program, including destination points. If you want to visit destination points on this year’s list and get credit for Points Across Texas, you need to visit them before December 31, 2010. The most recently updated destination list, with a log, is available online at www.Facebook.com/ PointsAcrossTexas. And you can post your pictures to that fan page. However, if you do, you must send a message to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com or message in her Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/Shelly.Horan). Hands up to Donald Ryan. He sent in a record 30 pictures at one time. Hope he didn’t ride it all in one trip! You can see him there with Gloria Ingram in front of Stubbs HarleyDavidson – a Lone Star Rally Headquarters. If you have any suggestions for our 2011 program, please contact us at Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. And if you know of any businesses that should be destination points – tell them it’s the cheapest advertising they’ll find – only $99/year per location!

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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BIKERS! What Inspired YOU to Ride? ike most musicians, I can go on for days about all the great musicians who influenced me to play music. Along with music, I’ve also had a life-long love affair with motorcycles. When I was a kid, my bedroom was plastered with posters of bikes. While making comparisons between my music and bike influences, I decided to post a survey on Facebook and ask bikers what it was that inspired them to ride. Here are a few of their answers: Sheri Meekins - FREEDOM, that simple feeling! Marie Chauncey Turner - My mom and dad had trikes and they bought me a 450 Honda when I was a teenager, have always loved motorcycles, now with grown kids I am back to riding although my daughters say I am in my 2nd childhood. I say Hell yeah and what a childhood it’s gonna be! I now ride a Heritage Softtail

wheels and I jumped from bicycle to motorscooter and never looked back. Since I don’t fly, this is the closest thing to it.

Jefferson Lee Clark - I just like to find a two lane blacktop, long and curvy, no cars or anything else and just roll into the throttle. Awesome to keep the head clear.

Johnson CJ - breathing the fresh air, enjoying all the scents that are in the air, as well as wind in my hair...

Geoff Fish - My older brother had an ironhead Sportster chopper. Big ol’ stretched front end and straight pipes. He’d take me for a ride every once in a while when I was about 9. He was about 25 or so. And, my Dad rode bikes back in WWII in England, France, Germany. After the war, he went to Amsterdam on his bike. Cool pics!! So I was destined to ride!! Started at 15, and still going 30 years later.

Tommy Low - My inspiration to ride is the wind in my face and the feeling of Freedom, being one with nature as I’m able to take in the view. Long rides are my favorite. Connie Blanchard - My inspiration is being wrapped around my honey and the wind blowing against my face with a big smile plastered on it. And my honey says that

Kelley Chapman - When you get on a bike, you feel the wind on you, the sky above you, and all your problems become a world away. All you focus on is God’s wonderful creation. Now, that’s a cool feeling.

Patti Ward - my inspiration to ride began a little late in life. My son was killed in Iraq, 2-9-09, and because of the PGR and the posse of bikes that escorted me to his funeral and burial, I bought a classic softtail to ride in honor of my son for the soldiers and now I cannot get off my bike, I am truly addicted after never riding a bike my entire life. I LOVE IT and now not only do I ride for the soldiers, I ride because I LOVE IT.

Joseph Chapa - The feeling of being Free without a care in the world. Just Me, My Harley and the open road. Forrest Osborne - Independence, looking down that open road and know’n I can go forever and the curiosity to know what’s over the next hill. Started with a toto goat, Honda 50, on to a Trail 90, Honda Scrambler, 30 years of work to put food on the table and a roof over the families head, then a 1400 Intruder, and now the Roadking and all those great results of ride’n on two wheels.

Tom Canfield - Riding made my Mom mad, and after some 40 years of riding it still does. Alan Leger - 5th grade in Welsh, La. some of the guys were getting Cushman’s and other types of scooters. At lunch time I would give somebody my lunch money to let me ride their scooter. Back then kids could leave the school ground to go to the little store or go home for lunch. I would always get my moneys worth sometimes staying gone the whole lunch time. The guys quit letting me ride after a while because I would not just go around the block...... unless I did it several times.

Mo Morrill - Seeing how free it made people when I saw them riding down the road. I wanted to be a part of that as well! I’ve always wanted to ride as long back as I can remember! Joni Kelton - Riding a Honda MiniTrail at 5 years old. My first bike I owned was a new mid 70s Kawasaki KE175 Enduro. At 7 years old I could barely reach the footpegs. Got real good at parking it against a tree stump. I was a good rider, and I could keep up with the boys that rode motocross, flying thru the air on the jumps, flattening out the turns, and never backing down from speed. That motorcycle saved my life in alot of ways. Live to ride, ride to live. No truer than in my life. Susi Green - ANY WHERE THE ROAD TAKES ME Traci Barnhill-Wologo - being able to get on that Harley and feel the wind n my hair is like my therapy!! Being able to get away from all the bullshit of life and just feel free. There is no other feeling n the world like it... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, ITS LIKE NO...THING ELSE IN THE WORLD!! Digger Dickie O’Dell - ALL THE ABOVE AND MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ruben Vasquez - parents finally let me take off training Page 16

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Danny Cheatham - Friend of mine in La. older than me let me ride his Electra Glide at 15....never been on a bike before in my life...little skinny self rode it like a champ...that did it for me. Rode a million bicycles like a pro when i was younger so that groomed me. bike was turquoise and white....never forget it.

Randy Ashford - Able to get driver license for under 125cc but had a 250 I put 125 stickers on.

his inspiration is FREEDOM!!!! Christine Grainger - I have loved being on the motorcycle for years. Now that I ride, love the wind, the feeling, everything about it is great!! Would never give it up. Chuck Holland - A cool Uncle always rode. Carl Moratto - I often take the long way home for a little more time in the saddle, NEVER do that in the truck. Tammy Williams Early - My uncle used to give me rides all the time, then my cousin would clean his Harley in the living room. I have loved to ride since I was little bitty.

Bill Nelson - I was raised by Bandits, and we always had bikes and parts of bikes laying around. My uncle could build a whole 74 shovel from parts on any given day. So I guess it was a forgone conclusion that I would ride... but I have not figured out how to get my guitar rig on to a bike yet. If I ever figure that out, I will have it made. Mean Gene Kelton – My grandpa rode an Indian and jumped it through flaming hoops with my Mom on the back. I guess showbiz runs in the family. My first bike was a late ‘60’s, 160cc Italian Cimatti. Nowadays, I ride an ‘08 Harley Street Bob. Want to add yours? Post your “I ride because…” on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thunderroadstexas.

 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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October 2010

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EVENTS

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October 2010

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Rebel with a Cause hese past months it seems like everyone I know bought motorcycles or are looking to purchase one in the near future. By no means do I consider myself an expert rider, but I think my 20,000 miles a year on my bike gives me some credibility; so eventually people seek out my opinion on motorcycles. Naturally, the first thing I think about is safety so I always recommend the smaller and much more agile motorcycles within the 500cc and below range. Then comes the laughter: “250CC!!??” However it may sound ridiculous in a society where bigger defines better; there is a trend breaker rebel that really shines in

the motorcycle world. Once upon a time, I too, owned a Honda Rebel. It taught me all the basics and instilled a confidence in my riding. The Honda Rebel CMX250 was first manufactured in 1985. Ever since its entry into the motorcycle world, it has captured the hearts of thousands of beginner riders. Weighing about only 331 pounds, this motorcycle may be just the smallest bike in the cruiser class. However, the bike has bigger features than meets the eye. The Rebel is powered by a 5-speed, 234cc inline parallel four-stroke twin engine that produces 25 horsepower; enabling highway speeds up to 85 MPH. This equates to a motorcycle that is capable in town and highway travels. Honda publishes that the Rebel does 50 miles per gallon, but it is known to get around 60 MPG on average. In fact, the one I owned reached 70MPG. Unfortunately, the gas tank is only carries 2.6 gallons of fuel total. Despite, a very efficient engine that allows for highway speeds, don’t expect the Rebel to be passing many other drivers on the road very frequently or very fast. The only real downside I found with the Rebel is that it carbureted. Overall, the engine is a proven four-stroke power-plant that is smooth, quiet, fuel-efficient and easy to maintain. The screw-type valve adjusters simplify engine work, while automatic cam-chain tensioner and solid-state CD ignition Page 20

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are both maintenance-free. Since the bike is extremely light, it is also very agile. It makes leaning into turns, stopping, and overall handling pure fun. To complement its light weight, is a low seat of 25.7 inches. This gives new riders confidence as it allows even the smallest riders to flat foot the bike. The total length of the bike is only 57.1 inches, which makes it very easy to park almost anywhere. The Rebel boasts a very comfortable seat for the rider, but don’t expect to have a happy passenger. The passenger seat is small by all standards though a sissy bar does help. Dual shocks

with preloaded adjustability, five-position springs give the Rebel a smooth ride. And there are the single disc brakes. These specifications make it a perfect starter bike. The Rebel is a minimalist all around, to include the gauging or lack of. A single speedometer with an odometer sits on the handlebar, and that’s it! The only other two lights on the gauge are the turn signal and high beam indicators. The aesthetic designs are also minimalistic in nature, but this doesn’t mean it is not appealing. In fact, the Rebel’s lines are true to the cruiser spirit and boasts big-bike styling. Many Rebel riders have even converted their bikes into choppers or even trikes, because it resembles its bigger brothers like the Honda Shadow Cruiser. Don’t get discouraged because this is a smaller displacement bike with minimal bells and whistles. For those just starting out riding motorcycles, less is more, and lighter is better. Overall, the Honda Rebel CMX250 is a great beginner motorcycle and at an MSRP of only $3,999 it has great value. It is such a good beginner bike that they are very difficult to find at the Honda dealers. They are usually sold out and most buyers have to go on a wait list to get one. Specifications • Engine Type: 234cc air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder • Bore & Stroke: 53.0mm x 53.0mm • Induction: Single 26mm diaphragm-type constantvelocity (CV) carburetor

• • • • • • •

Ignition: CD Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder Transmission: Five-speed Final Drive: O-ring sealed chain Front Suspension: 33mm fork; 4.6-inch travel Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with five-position springpreload adjustability; 2.9-inch travel • Front Brake: Single-disc with twin-piston caliper • Rear Brake: Drum • Front Tire: 3.00-18

• • • • • •

Rear Tire: 130/90-15 Rake: 30-degree 40’ Trail: 113mm (4.4 inches) Wheelbase: 57.1 inches Seat Height: 26.6 inches Curb Weight: 331 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank) • Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve • One Year Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan Conclusion: Bottom line, the Honda Rebel is a fun beginner cruiser to learn on and is built to outlast most motorcycles. “There are heaps of style and loads of user-friendly performance wrapped in this timeless 250-class package. Classic styling, reliable four-stroke power from its 234cc air-cooled twin, effortless, confidence-inspiring handling—that´s the Rebel, hands-down the best entry-level bike on the road, in a nutshell.” For more information visit your local Honda Motorcycle dealership or visit http://powersports.honda. com. So as always, ride safely and “See you on the high ground!”

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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MAP RIDE

Riding through Lost Pines and History Some information above was provided by MotorcycleRoads.US. You can find a link on our website to this great mapping resource.

Approximately 40 miles; 1.25 hours Starting at Bastrop County Courthouse • North on Pecan • Right on Chestnut/Hwy 150 • Highway 150 picks up Hwy 21 • Enter Bastrop State Park Right on Park Road 1 Slight right to stay on Park Road 1 Slight right onto Park Road 1-A Right on Park Road 1-C Exit park – right on Alum Creek Road/County Road 190 This month, we combine history, beautiful scenery, and great sweepers outside of Bastrop, where the Thunder in the Pines Rally (sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas) is being held October 22-24. Get there early or take a break from the rally and enjoy the ride. Starting in Bastrop, it is the seat of Bastrop County and as such, offers a county courthouse as a qualified

• Left on TX-71 E/TX-95 S Go into Smithville for Main Street America experience Exit and go right on Loop 230 Return to TX-71 for sweepers • Left on TX-230 W/TX-95 N/FM 153 • Slight right to stay on FM 153 • Right on US-77 to La Grange Don’t forget to stop and take pictures for the Points Across Texas Program. For a list of qualified destination points, visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com.

destination for the Points Across Texas program. Bastrop is a scenic town, located on the Colorado River. It boasts more than 130 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, earning the title “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.” Thanks to a fire in 1862 that destroyed most of the downtown commercial buildings, including the county courthouse, most of the current structures post date the Civil War. Bastrop’s namesake is Felipe Enrique Neri, Baron de Bastrop. Neri was born Philip Hendrik Nering Bogel, a commoner from the Netherlands. He moved to the newly established United States in 1793, fleeing his native Netherlands under not so honorable circumstances. He was a tax collector accused of using tax funds for personal gain; IE

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embezzlement. In Spanish Louisiana, Neri introduced himself as a Dutch nobleman, giving himself the title Baron de Bastrop. After Louisiana’s sale to France, he moved to Texas. In 1806, he landed in San Antonio, where he posed as a loyal subject of Mexico who strongly opposed the sale of Louisiana to the United States, earning an appointment as second alcalde of a Spanish town. He helped Moses Austin, and later, Stephen F. Austin, obtain land grants to bring Anglo-American settlers to Texas, later to be called the “Old Three Hundred.” In 1820, Stephen F. Austin chose him to be commissioner of colonization in his colony. He was elected to the provincial deputation of San Antonio and later the Legislature of Coahila y Tejas, serving there until his death in 1827. It wasn’t until years after his death that his true identity was revealed. Regardless of his shady background, he is still credited with being instrumental in the colonization of Texas. Without him, Texas might never have been populated with Anglo-American settlers. Leaving the Bastrop County Courthouse (804 Pecan Street), travel north on Pecan to Chestnut Street (and Highway 150). Go right (East) on Chestnut/Highway 150, picking up Highway 21 as you cross Highway 95. Outside of Bastrop, as 21 and 150 split at a fork in the road, take ThunderRoadsTexas.com

views La Grange and the Colorado River stands a monument to, and the tomb that contains remains of, Texans who died in the Dawson Massacre of 1842, the dead of the Texan Santa Fe and Mier expeditions, and for those captured during General Adrian Woll’s raid on San Antonio. On September 18, 1848, the remains were buried in a small tomb with full military honors in a ceremony attended by Sam Houston and other dignitaries. The tomb deteriorated and the Kreische family (land owners) asked to have the tomb moved because of constant vandalism. In 1907, the state acquired 0.36 acres of land the grave was on by condemnation. In 1933, the State

Highway 21, going left at the fork. A very short distance, take the second right onto Park Road 1, heading into Bastrop State Park. Stop and take a picture in front of the park sign… as a qualified destination in the Points Across Texas program. When this road dead ends (with Lost Pines Golf Club on the right), take a right onto Park Road 1-A. About two miles on Park Road 1-A, you’ll take a right onto Park Road 1-C and follow it out of the park. You’ve just ridden through a portion of the Lost Pines Forest.

This section of the route was suggested by Rob; he posted it to the MotorcycleRoads.us site with this description: “This road provides some tight sweepers and good elevation changes in the ‘Lost Pines’ area of Central Texas. Traffic is sparse and the road is in good condition.”

Travel a little South on Highway 77 to Monument Hill State Park (another Points Across Texas destination). On a bluff with sweeping

Highway Commission fenced the land and agreed to maintain it as a state park and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas provided a new granite vault to encase the deteriorated original tomb. In 1936, as part of the Texas Centennial celebrations, a 48-foot shellstone monument with an art deco mural was erected to permanently mark the mass grave. On it, the names of the men interred were inscribed. Sharing the site is the old Kreische Brewery, one of the first breweries in Texas. In 1849 German immigrant, Heinrich Kreische, purchased 172 acres on the bluff overlooking La Grange, including the Dawson/Mier tomb. Over the years, he built a home, a brewery and faithfully maintained the tomb. The grounds became known as Monument Hill. There is a load of history to experience at this site. Those interred here played a major role in nation relations (Mexico, Republic of Texas, and United States) and in the annexation of Texas into the United States. To get back to the rally, simply climb on Highway 71 back to Bastrop.



Finished with the sweepers, now back to history. Stay on FM 153 until you hit Highway 77, where you’ll turn right and head into La Grange. History abounds in La Grange. Most will know the name from that house of ill repute which was the basis of the song “La Grange” by Texas favorite, ZZ Top. This small town is big in Texas history. Starting with the obvious, a Points Across Texas destination, the Fayette County Courthouse. This 1891 building is architecturally-significant and was designed by J. Reilly Gordon. The courthouse square includes a large monument to the heroes of the Dawson Massacre and subsequent Mier expedition on the courthouse lawn. “Muster Oak” stands on one corner of Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

MAP

As you exit the park at Alum Creek Road/County Road 190, turn right and head south. Take a left onto Highway 71 East/Highway 95 South toward Smithville. At Smithville, you have two options: 1) take Loop 230 East through downtown or 2) Go left on FM 153 to the remainder of the route, full of sweepers. If you need a break, downtown offers you Main Street America complete with self-guided walking tour. If you like old town Main Streets, you’ll enjoy strolling Smithville’s. Just follow 230 back out to 71 to catch the rest of the ride… now it gets fun!

the square. Here, Captain Nicholas Dawson and the men of his expedition gathered to ride to their fates at the battle of Salado Creek in San Antonio in 1842 (you’ll have to read up on your Texas history to get the whole story). Fayette County men during eight wars and conflicts have joined military service since that time under this tree. An old stone jail building (circa 1883) can be found on South Main Street, just one block south of the square. Today, it’s used by the Chamber of Commerce, where you can get more information about visiting La Grange.

RIDE

Lost Pines Forest is a 13 mile belt of seemingly misplaced loblolly pines. It is more than 100 miles from the East Texas Piney Woods, yet it’s closely related, genetically, to the loblolly pines found there. The theory explaining how these pines got “lost” surmises that it was part of a larger forest that shrank in size during the last glacial period of the Pleistocene era; that a moving glacier created the separation. The loblolly pines found in Bastrop State Park and neighboring Buescher State Park are protected from current logging and development.

October 2010

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EVENT

Event Listing

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

OCTOBER

1-3

Operation: Healthy Hooters Poker Fund Run 903-244-1252 New Boston Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

13th Annual Fall Down Run 281-755-2886 Santa Fe Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

1st Annual Cycles for a Cure Charity Fun Run CyclesForACure.com Hurst Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

White Buffalo Bikefest WhiteBuffaloBikefest.com 325-573-3558 Snyder Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

5th Annual Ug Fest ArmadilloCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Sputnik Memorial Run TMRA2.org Point Blank Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

American Legion Riders 11th Annual Bike Rodeo 972-268-0335 Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes

Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride & Concert SRVRideAndConcert.org 972-971-6050 Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Sponsored by LoneStar 92.5, Hooters, East Texas Choppers and Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine! The ride starts at Hooters in Dallas. $20.00 in advance or $25.00 on the day of the ride. The ride ends with a concert. All proceeds benefit the S.R.V. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

DFW Ride For Kids PBTFUS.org Grapevine Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

7-9

Texas Stars Motorcycle Awareness Event MeetUp.com/Austin-Riders Cedar Park Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

VA Hospital Fun Run 254-630-4519 Copperas Cove Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

Sunrise Optimist Rally for Youth 2010 940-781-2280 Wichita Falls Region: Panhandle

7-10

VFW Post #9761 Ride & Bike Giveaway RollingThunderTX2.com Crosby Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bike run with guaranteed $1,000 prize for first. First bike out at 11am; Last bike in at 4:30pm. Bike drawing at Pooky’s Tavern at 5:00pm. First prize is a 2010 Harley Street Glide; 2nd Prize $3,000 VISA gift card; 3rd Prize is $2,000 VISA gift card. Tickets are $100/each and only 600 will be sold. Buy tickets online at www.rollingthundertx2.com/vfw.htm. Cosponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

Real Fur Poker Run ABATETexoma.com Bells Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Denison

Texas National Motorcycle Rally TNMRally.net Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Reclaim your independence at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown. $50 weekend pass; $30 single day (Fri/Sat); $20 Sunday only. Live music: Ghost Riders and Swamp Da Wamp on Friday; Seven Mary Three, Trantric, and Sponge on Saturday. Onsite camping available. CoonAss Racing sponsors the racing this year – all makes and models are welcome. Also vendors, contests, games, and more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

Thunder in the Pines & Music Jam JacksonvilleRally.com Jacksonville Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

8-10

Trike Riders Internat’l S Central Rendezvous SCR-Trikes.org Wichita Falls Region: Panhandle

1-3

Sep 29-Oct 2 Sep 29-Oct 3

Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

2010 NTNOA Lake O’The Pines Rally NTNOA.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

EVENTS

Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

Sep 30-Oct 2

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, 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. NOTE: All car shows listd promote “motorcycles welcome” or at least one motorcycle category.

Hawg Stop Fall Cook Off HawgStop.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Double Eagle Biker Rally DoubleEagleBikerRally.com Brownsville Region: Gulf Coast South Padre Island Bike Fest SPIBikeFest.com 958-668-7484 McAllen Region: South Texas Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Started in 1998 by a group of friends as a fun run benefit to help a friend “Boo” who suffered from burns from a welding accident. Boo, in turn, gave the money to the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation. Today, the Boo Benefit draws 30,000-50,000 riders, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for two charities: still giving to the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation and this year, to the Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Union in Galveston. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

Continued on Page 26... Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

Page 25

14-17

Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL Eagle Pass Bike Rally 830-352-3931 Eagle Pass Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio Fish Fry Benefit & Poker Run 713.416.0787 Houston Region: Gulf Coast

BBQ Cook Off for Houston Marine Moms 713.870.2363 Houston Region: Gulf Coast

Buffalo Run Benefiting BACA 469-487-6149 Carls Corner Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Old Town Lewisville Farmers Market Motorcycle Show 972-219-3712 Lewisville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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October 2010

East Texas Choppers hosts a Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com EastTexasChoppers.net Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth A monthly biker party in the DFW area. Head East to Terrell and East Texas Choppers HUGE venue. Live band, drink specials, vendors, door prizes and more! This is a Thunder Roads Texas sponsored event – so what you’ve been hearing about at our Houston bike night is now going to take place in the DFW area. Join us and East Coast Choppers for one heck of a party! Rain or shine – we party like bikers anyway! Harvest Classic Vintage & European MC Rally HarvestClassic.org Luckenbach Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Nun Run ChristusFoundation.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast

Harley’s Angels Poker Run HawgStop.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast

Sams Jam III RidersForTheCure.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast

Bikin’ for Breast Cancer Poker Run & Concert BikinForBreastCancer.eventbright.com Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

3rd Annual Wheelhouse Road To Recovery Motorcycle Ride 281-478-4488 LaPorte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

West Texas Crude Bike Rally, Hot Rod & Car Show MySpace.com/WestTexasCrudeBikeRally Big Lake Region: Hill Country Metro: San Angelo

3rd Annual Angels on Wheels Run for the Children COFAngelsOnWheels.org Austin Region: Hill Country CORP of Encouragers Toy Run GWIAChurch.com Dayton Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston Deep East Texas Amber Alert Fundraiser LugNutzSportsBar.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

2nd Annual Buddy Poppy Benefit Run 817-808-6490 Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Our monthly biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Sponsored by Eagle Cycles on Jones Road. Co-hosted by Outlaw Dave. Burnout Trailer, live music, vendors, door prizes and MORE planned! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BIGGEST bike night in Houston!

7th Annual Alvin Blue Santa Motorcycle Ride & Bike Show AlvinBlueSanta.org Alvin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

15-17

EVENTS

Ladies Into Purchasing Stock (LIPS) is a Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) group that raises money throughout the year to purchase livestock and artwork raises/created by Texas youth in the HLSR auctions Over $700 in prizes awarded, plus a Bucket Raffle & door prizes. $30 to ride. Registration at Crazy Frogs on West Road opens at 9:30am. First bike out @ 11:00am; Last bike out @ Noon; Last bike in at 4:00pm. Trail ends at Mac’s Sports Bar & Grill on Telge with drawings beginning promptly at 4:30pm. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

Steel Horse Trail Ride TexasLIPS.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast

Isaih’s 4th Annual Cancer Run ScooterPetes.com Tyler Region: Piney Woods

Strokers 15th Anniversary Party StrokersDallas.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Texas Renaissance Festival TexRenFest.com Plantersville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Behold the sights and sounds of the 16th Century featuring hundreds of daily performances; international cuisine, unique fine artisan and craft shoppes; human-powered rides; strolling performers, and the Royal Fireworks display at dusk. Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday. Themed weekends, School Days, personalized weddings, and group event planning services. Located 50 miles Northwest of Houston on more than 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Parking is free and campsites are available for an additional charge. Discounted “Early Bird” tickets available online through September 24.

22-24

Run On the Brazos Motorcycle Rally & Fun Run HaskellTXChamber.com Haskell Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

Oct 9-Nov 28

8-10

Johnson City Pig Roast 2010 JCPigRoast.com Johnson City Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

CONTINUED...

22-23

EvenT Listing

Thunder In The Pines ThunderInThePines.org Bastrop Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin Benefitting Texas CASA, Court Appointed Special Advisors for abused and neglected children. Featuring top local, regional, and national bands all weekend. Activities include fun run, biker games, food, onsite restaurant and a biker bar, vendors, biker church on Sunday, $2 beer, and more. Rustic tent camping, RV camping & motel rooms available onsite. Tent setup and breakdown services available. $15 (in/out wristbands); only $12 if purchased by August 1. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine. 27th Annual Halloween Run GypsyHouston.com Mathis Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

Continued on Page 30... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENT

September

Monday

9 16 23 30

Tuesday

November

Wednesday

Thursday 1

Myrtle Beach Fall Rallky Myrtle Beach Sep 29-Oct 3

Friday 2

Sunday Stevie Ray Vaughan Ride & Concert Dallas

Texas National Motorcycle Rally Baytown October 1-3

VFW Bike Giveaway Crosby

Saturday

Biketoberfest Daytona, FL Oct 14-17

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Houston

East Texas Choppers BIKE NIGHT Terrell

Samhain Harvest Festival & Biker Bash October 30-31 Waller

Jailhouse Saloon Halloween Party Spring

Thunder in the Pines Bastrop October 22-24

Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Event San Antonio

All Motorcycle Drags Dallas

No Kills in the Hills Canyon Lake

Big Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open House Pasadena

Boo Benefit Jefferson October 8-10

Texas Renaissance Festival Begins - Oct 9-Nov 28

LIPS Steel Horse Ride Houston

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

8th Annual Winter Garden Toy Run 830-325-2402 Carrizo Springs Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

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October 2010

29-31 30

Pink Ribbon Poker Run & Lunch 325-656-7298 San Angelo Region: Panhandle Ghosts & Spokes Benefit Run GhostsAndSpokes.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes

Veterans Day Run 254-220-1877 Adkins Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

1st Annual Samhain Harvest Festival & Biker Bash SamhainBikerBash.com Waller Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

11-14

Teddy Bear Ride CACPlano.org Frisco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Three Sisters Fall Rally ThreeSistersRally.net Concan Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Iron Angels BikerRalliesOfTexas.com Liberty Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Texas Honor Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston to San Antonio Region: Gulf Coast to South Texas Metro: Houston to San Antonio More than 800 bikes on a police escorted ride from Houston (Addicks Park & Ride, Exit 751 off I-10; departure at 7:15am sharp) to San Antonio, ending at the BAMC with staff and Wounded Warriors greeting riders with open arms, free food, entertainment, and brotherhood. This is one of the most unique and moving rides you can ever participate in. Riders can join at Exit 619 Rest Area just south of Luling (around 10:30am). This is an active army base, so protective gear is required to enter. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine.

2nd Annual Wheels for Vets Rally wheelsforvets@gmail.com Hearne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

12th Annual Cross Timbers Toy Run ArmadilloCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

18th annual Teddy Bear Ride CACCollinCounty.org Frisco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

12-14

Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine is the OFFICIAL media sponsor for this year’s Lone Star Rally! The 2010 Rally celebrates our military, past & present with a patriotic theme. Visit Rally Headquarters locations throughout the Houston area to get your rally gear. Poker Run and Crawl, Biker Promenade & Best Decorated Bike & Rider Contest, see military tribute bikes, including the famous “Joe’ that honors all branches of our military, Tattoo Expo, visit Seawolf Park, Harley’s Angels Women Riders Event, organized and casual rides, live music on two stages throughout the event, and tons of vendors. Check out Pre-Rally events, such as the Texas City Music Festival where the Lone Star Rally hosts a ride in bike show and October’s Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT in Houston will be a Rally Kick Off party. There will be more – check out the website for updates.

16th Annual Blanket Run 361-548-3231 Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast

24 29-30

Red Cross Ride for the Red 903-816-0009 Denison Region: Prairies & Lakes

5-6

2nd Annual Banks, Bikes, Cars & Off Road Show 903-489-2200 Athens Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Tyler ROQ & Ride Community Fest RobertQuiroga.org San Antonio Region: South Texas

Howl-O-Ween Biker Bash TheHOTRally.com Groesbeck Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Outlaw Dave S&P Ranch Ride OutlawNation.us Houston Region: Gulf Coast Benefits the Stevens & Pruitt Ranch an Animal Rescue and Boys Ranch totally supported 100% by donations. Each year, hundreds of bikers join local radio DJ, Outlaw Dave, and his crew for a ride from Stubbs Harley-Davidson to the Lone Star Rally in Galveston. Sponsors cover the hard costs, so every penny of the $20 registration donation goes directly to the charity. This year, there are plans in the works for a big party when the ride gets to Galveston, as part of the Lone Star Rally experience. Check the website for updates.

Dallas Stars Toys for Tots Ride & Hockey Game DFW-TFT-MR.org Allen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

9th Annual Halloween Rally BikersForBikers.com Montgomery Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

h NOVEMBER h

AGC Houston Road Warriors Auto & Motorcycle Rally AGCHouston.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 3rd Annual Springtown Spin TCYC4Kids.org Springtown Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

CONTINUED...

4th Annual Fallen Heroes Run FallenHeroesFund.org Hempstead Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

EVENTS

1st Ever Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Event TheMotorcycleSchool.com San Antonio Region: South Texas FREE – OPEN TO ALL RIDERS. Staging: 4918 Fredericksburg Road. 8:00am-9:30am – registration, speakers, safety briefing and invocation. 9:30am – KSU for the ride. 11:00am1:00pm, free BBQ, drinks, games & prizes. Sponsored by Save a Life, The Motorcycle School, Alamo Cycle Plex, Joe Harrison Motorsports, and Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Coalition of Clubs & Independents, Texas Motorcycle Riders Association and the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association.

30-31

Hills & Harleys River Rally HillsAndHarleys.com Concan Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

4-7

22-24

EvenT Listing

12th Annual Veteran’s Day Toy Run 817-578-3035 Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Continued on Page 33... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENT

EvenT Listing

CONTINUED...

h FUTURE h November 19-20 NCOM Region 2 Convention DFWRally.com De Soto Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth March 4-13, 2011 Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL

March 18-20, 2011 South Texas Motorcycle Show TXBikeShow.com San Antonio Region: Hill Country March 30-April 3, 2011 Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ April 7-10, 2011 Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station April 8-10, 2011 TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Comanche Region: Prairies & Lakes June 9-12, 2011 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country June 11-19, 2011 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH August 8-14, 2011 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Thunder Roads Texas @ Texas Rock Tavern 3rd Thursday 2470 FM 1960 W Houston, TX 77068 Phone: 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com 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. Co-hosted by Outlaw Dave and Bryan “the Babe Wrangler” partying with the team! Rain or shine, the BIGGEST biker party in Houston! Frankie’s Sport Bar & Grill 3rd Thursday 2516 S Stemmons Fwy Lewisville, TX 75067 214.488.1000 FrankiesBar.com $3 Margaritas; and10% off all food orders. Door prizes, giveaways and more! Follow them on Twitter (Twitter.com/FrankieSportBar) or “like” them on Facebook (Facebook. com/FrankiesSportsBarGrill). East Texas Choppers hosts Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT 3rd Thursday 4122 W Hwy 80 Terrell, TX 75160 EastTexasChoppers.net DFW area bike night, sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine. Featuring live music, onsite tattoo parlor, door prizes and more. Join Thunder Roads Texas correspondent, Travis Blythe at the best bike night in town! Want your bike night listed here? Call 281.866.8149 for more information.

October 2010

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EVENTS

March 3-15, 2011 Thunder in the Tropics Cruise ThunderInTheTropics.com The High Seas Thunder Roads Magazine® and ETA Motorcycle Cruises are setting sail with a bike rally on the high seas! Leaving from Miami, FL on the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, visiting St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee. Biker-only activities include a Thunder Beard contest, Thunder Belly-Flop Contest, Leather Dinner Nights; Poker Walk, and Scavenger Hunt. Bike builders, motorcycle-related vendors, and top entertainment will make this a rally-to-remember. Tickets must be purchased through ETA (www.cruiseeta.com/themecruises.htm; 615.356.0702) in order to be a part of Thunder in the Tropics.

Texas Pride Barbeque Every Thursday 2980 E. Loop 1604 Adkins, TX 78101 Phone: 210-649-3730 TexasPrideBBQ.net 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.

Texas Rallies

- - -

By Shelly Horan

Texas State HOG Rally Wichita Falls * September 2-4 The smell of exhaust and the roar of Harleys filled the streets of Wichita Falls Labor Day weekend as thousands of Harley Owner Group (HOG) riders descended on the small northwestern town. This four day event is for HOG members only, drawing riders from as far away as Australia. Activities included a ride to Kiowa Casino, where a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster was given away (winner pictured below: James Henderson of Shamrock, TX); a Historical Marker Ride, sponsored by Red River Harley-Davidson where riders tromped across west Texas for obscure markers in order to earn a ride pin; an opening party at Red River Harley-Davidson with live music by Falford Milligan; Wichita Falls Motorcycle Demo Team showed off their synchronized riding skills; biker games, downtown parade, vendors and a final concert by Lonestar. At the closing ceremony, before the band played, a first in Texas State HOG Rally history, a military retirement took place. Darrel Little, rally organizer and retired Lt. Colonel, presented retirement papers and pinning to Lt. Colonel, Kim Seufert. Little shared with the HOG crowd that he met Lt. Colonel Seufert in Sturgis. He was impressed, because she rode her Sportster about 1,000 miles by herself to visit with friends at Sturgis. Seufert retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force. Next year’s HOG Rally will be in Beaumont.

Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival Freeport * September 3-4 Threats of rain along the Gulf Coast didn’t stop thousands of riders joining in on the fun in Freeport. Hundreds rode with Joe Gordin and his crew from Amen Motorcycles in Angleton after participating in a benefit rally for the Brazos County Cavalry. The stage reverberated with music all weekend long, highlighted by the Blues Brothers (tribute) Saturday afternoon and our own Mean Gene Kelton & the Die Hards who rocked the stage with one of their best performances we’ve seen them do. Saturday night, Amen Motorcycles gave away a $40,000 custom bike (winner pictured above: Tom Brown from Bastrop, TX). Other activities included the burnout trailer by the Houston COIR chapter, bike show sponsored by Amen Motorcycles of Texas and Willie Galvan’s Ultimate Pro-AM, biker babe contest sponsored by Stubbs Harley-Davidson, stunts, bike wash, bikes games and more. We enjoyed the fun and can’t wait until next year! Page 34

October 2010

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

- - - Texas-Sized Fun The Texas Rally Somerville * September 9-12 This year was a charm for Damon Dave! After a grand hit in the first year (2007), he dealt with severe weather the next two years. Hurricane Ike hit the Gulf Coast on the scheduled rally weekend in 2008 and 2009 was graced by a tropical storm and barely anyone showed. It was touch and go on Thursday, as Tropical Storm Hermes came through. Attendance was almost non-existent and the rain scared some vendors away. However, the skies cleared for a hot, humid remainder of the weekend. When asked, Wendy with the rally said, “we’d rather have heat than rain any day.” The festivities started with live bands and entertainment Thursday night, all the way through Sunday. The “Zoo” (camping area) was wild. Carts and motorcycles constantly paraded throughout the grounds day and night. This year, Davenport Dwayne (of Davenport Lounge in Houston & Clear Lake) offered an Adult Tiki Lounge. Providing the talent, Penhouse Mike with girls from the Penthouse Club. Strip Club Choppers offered their Roadhouse setup, including a bagger with a strip pole for the fun. This was an open-to-the-public onsite bar. This new concept will definitely be back next year.

Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally Nacogdoches * September 17-19 Traveling to the East Texas Piney Woods, we attended the second year of the OTT Rally. Bigger and better, Dennis Hinson and his group at Team MotorJam Sports put on a great show! Family friendly during the day, raucous fun at night. Rocking bands included Wes Jeans and our own Mean Gene Kelton. This year, the music stage was moved out to the middle of the rally and the alcohol borders were extended to include the main rally area so you could more readily walk around and enjoy more with a cold beverage in your hand. Activities included stunters, bike show, bike games, vendors, the OTT BBQ Cook Off, wet T-shirt contests, and more. The Harley’s Angels organized a benefit poker run. Hundredds of bikes lined up Saturday to parade in the red brick streets of Old Town Nacogdoches. And it was great to be greeted by townspeople, asking “are you here for the rally?” and offering a warm welcome to the small, historic town. We’ll be back again next year - this rally is here to stay!



Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Email pictures to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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October 2010

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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Joker’s Wild Top Ten Reasons Why Trick-or-Treating is Better Than Sex 10. You are guaranteed to get at least a little something in the sack. 9. If you get tired, wait ten minutes and go back at it again. 8. The stranger you look, the easier it is to get some. 7. You don’t have to compliment the person who gave it to you. 6. Person you are with doesn’t fantasize you’re someone else, you already are. 5. If you get a stomach ache, it won’t last nine months. 4. If you wear leather and chains, no one thinks you’re kinky. 3. Doesn’t matter if kids hear you moaning and groaning. 2. Less guilt the next morning from over-indulging.

The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and his staff was helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat. I hadn’t considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and explained, “I’m delivering him to my doctor’s office.” The other driver leaned out of his window. “I hate to tell you, lady,” he said, “but I think it’s too late!”

A man was in the hospital for a series of tests, which had left his bodily systems extremely upset. Upon making several false alarm trips to the bathroom, he decided the latest episode was another and stayed put.

1. If you don’t get what you want at one place, you can always go next door to get more!

He suddenly filled his bed and was embarrassed beyond his ability to remain rational. In a complete loss of composure he jumped out of bed, gathered up the bed sheets, and threw them out the hospital window.

On the night of a Halloween costume party a couple was having trouble picking suitable outfits. After a while the wife got mad and stormed out of the room. Fifteen minutes later she came back completely naked except for a lemon between her legs. The husband looked at her for a moment and then stormed out of the room himself. Twenty minutes passed and then he came back himself with a potato around his manhood. His wife gave him a weird look and then the husband replied, “If you’re going as a sour-puss, I’m going as a dictator.”

A drunk was walking by the hospital when the sheets landed on him. He started yelling, cursing, and swinging his arms violently trying to get the unknown things off, and ended up with the soiled sheets in a tangled pile at his feet. As the drunk stood there staring down at the sheets, a hospital security guard who watched the whole incident walked up and asked,

A couple was invited to a swanky masked Halloween party. She got a terrible headache and told her husband to go to the party alone. He, being a devoted husband, protested, but she argued and said she was going to take some aspirin and go to bed, and there was no need of his good time being spoiled by not going. So he took his costume and away he went. The wife, after sleeping soundly for one hour, awakened without pain, and as it was still early, she decided to go to the party. In as much as her husband did not know what her costume was, she thought she would have some fun by watching her husband to see how he acted when she was not with him. She joined the party and soon spotted her husband cavorting around on the dance floor, dancing with every nice chick he could and copping a little feel here and a little kiss there. His wife went up to him and being a rather seductive babe herself, he left his partner high and dry and devoted his time to the new stuff that had just arrived. She let him go as far as he wished naturally, since he was her husband. Finally he whispered a little proposition in her ear and she agreed, so off they went to one of the cars and had a little bang. Just before unmasking at midnight, she slipped away and went home and put the costume away and got into bed, wondering what explanation he would make for his behavior. She was sitting up reading when he came in and asked what kind of a time he had. He said, “Oh, the same old thing. You know I never have a good time when you’re not there.” Then she asked, “Did you dance much?” He replied, “I’ll tell you, I never even danced one dance. When I got there, I met Pete, Bill Brown and some other guys, so we went into the den and played poker all evening. But the guy I loaned my costume to sure had a great time!”

It was Halloween and three vampires went into a saloon and walked up to the bar. “What will you have?” the bartender asked. “I’ll have a glass of blood,” the first replied.

“What the heck is going on?” The drunk, still staring down, replied: “I think I just beat the crap out of a ghost.”

Two guys left the bar after a long night of drinking, jumped in the car, started it up and took off. After a couple of minutes, an old man appeared in the passenger window and tapped lightly. The passenger screamed, “Look at the window. There’s an old ghost’s face there!” The driver sped up, but the old man’s face stayed in the window. The passenger rolled his window down part way and, scared out of his wits, said, “What do you want?” The old man softly replied, “You got any tobacco?” The passenger handed the old man a cigarette and yelled, “Step on it,” to the driver, rolling up the window in terror. A few minutes later they calmed down and started laughing again. The driver said, “I don’t know what happened, but don’t worry; the speedometer says we’re doing 80 now.” All of a sudden there was a light tapping on the window and the old man reappeared. “There he is again,” the passenger yelled. He rolled down the window and shakily said, “Yes?” “Do you have a light?” the old man quietly asked. The passenger threw a lighter out the window saying, “Step on it!” They were driving about 100 miles an hour, trying to forget what they had just seen and heard, when all of a sudden there came some more tapping. “Oh my God! He’s back!” The passenger rolled down the window and screamed in stark terror, “WHAT NOW?” The old man gently replied, “You want some help getting out of the mud?”

“I’ll have a glass of blood, too, please,” said the second. “I’ll have a glass of plasma,” said the third.

Why don’t witches ever have babies?

“OK, let me get this straight,” the bartender said. “That’ll be two bloods and a blood light?”

Warlocks have hollow weenies.

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 2010

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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 *Big Mike’s Apparel 5014 Louella Deer Park, TX 77536 281.542.9938 BigMikesApparel.com *Choppers 18419 Kuykendahl Spring, TX 77388 281.288.5595 ChoppersSportsBar.com *Concert Pub North (formerly Texas Rock Tavern 2470 FM 1960 Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 TheConcertPub.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

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October 2010

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 *Hawg Stop 11335 Sheldon Rd Houston, TX 77044 281.456.7867 www.HawgStop.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 *Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston Spring, TX 77373 281.288.0255 JailhouseSaloonTX.com *Mancuso Harley-Davidson Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 MancusoCrossroads.com Mullis Air & Heat Houston Area 281.468.5819 *Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 281.689.0400 PotterosaCycles@att.net *Ron’s Relay Retreat 36009 Howell Rd Waller, TX 77484 979.921.0771 RonsRelay.com *Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 *Team Mancuso Powersports - Gulf Fwy 10222 Gulf Fwy Houston, TX 77034 281.486.4604 TMPGF.com *Team Mancuso Powersports - SW 7537 SW Freeway Houston, TX 77074 713.955.9944 TMPSW.com * VIP Apparel 2219 Post Office Street Galveston, TX 77550 VIPBikerApparel.com 409.457.8316 *West of the Brazos Bar & Grill 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 MySpace.com/WestOfTheBrazos

HILL COUNTRY

PINEY WOODS

*D’Rose Inn & Cabins 527 Hwy 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 DRoseInn.com

*Backwoods Bar & Grill 11310 FM 1725 Bear Creek, TX 77328 832.579.7668 BackwoodsBarGrill.com

*Cindy’s Gone Hog Wild 5496 Hwy 71 E Cedar Creek, TX 78612 512.247.4600 CGHW.com

*Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 CycleHeavenTX.com

*Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop & Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 FrioCanyonMotorcycleStop.biz BentRimGrill.com

*Phantom Custom Cycles 34507 SH 249 Pinehurst, TX 77362 281.766.1549 PhantomCustomCycles.com

*Gruene Harley-Davidson 1288 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.624.2473 GrueneHarley.com *Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 JavelinaHarleyDavidson.com *Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 PhantomRiderChoppers.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 *Bully’s Grill 8542 Seymour Hwy Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940.689.9195 *Flying V Creations 1903 College Ave Snyder, TX 79549 325.436.0197 MySpace.com/FlyingVCreations *Lubbock Custom Motorcycles 11804 South University #A Lubbock, TX 79423 806.745.7167 LubbockCustomMotorcycles.com *Midessa Motorcycles 8100 West Highway 80 Midland, TX 79706 432.563.4109 MidessaMotorcycle.com *Rolling Thunder Bar & Grll 6441 County Road 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) RollingThunderBarAndGrill.com

RPMs Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 281.259.7789

PRAIRIES & LAKES Dragonstar Motorcycle Transport Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 GetARide.net *East Texas Choppers 4122 W Hwy 80 Terrell, TX 75160 972.524.1055 EastTexasChoppers.net *Harley-Davidson of Waco 1524 I-35 South Waco, TX 76706 254.753.0393 HDWaco.com *Horny Toad Bar & Grill Cranfills Gap, TX 76637 254.597.1100 HornyToadBar.com *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 *Caliente Harley-Davidson 7230 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78245 210.681.CALI (2254) CalienteHarley.com

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

*Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 CowboysAlamoCityHarley.com

*Kent Powersports 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.656.9400 KentPowersports.com

*Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 214.403.2216 InsuranceLadyInc.com

Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 N Converse, TX 78109 MissionWrecker.com

*Joe Harrison Motorsports 9710 I-35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 210.656.9400 JHMS.com

*Texas Pride Barbeque 2980 East Loop 1604 Adkins, TX 78101 210.649.3730 TexasPrideBBQ.net

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

*Yamaha of San Antonio A Kent Powersports Company 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 KentPowersports.com

STATEWIDE *Mean Gene Kelton 713.866.4872 MeanGeneRocks.com Outlaw Dave Show 9*5*0 AM in Houston 950KPRC.com to listen online. OutlawNation.us

Air Evac Team 800.793.0010 LifeTeam.net

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October 2010

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