Thunder Roads Texas - June 2011 by Thunder Roads Texas

The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also Inside:

  

Thanking The Rose They Call Me Wildflower Experiencing “The Thunder”

Page 4

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 5

Contents 

June 2011

On the Cover 36 Work for Rights, Rally for Fun This Month

Thanking The Rose

They Call Me Wildflower

Experiencing “The Thunder”

Regular Features 8

From the Editor

From the Road: Letters to the Editor

Points Across Texas Snapshots

PigTrails: Planning Routes 101

The Scout Report: Safety, Service & Smiles

Pink Thunder: Working in the Shadow of a Legend

Monthly Ride Map: Panhandle Canyons

38 40

ThunderCam Joker’s Wild

Resources 23

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out June 2011 Calendar 43

33 34

Biker Friendly Listing

On the cover: Texas Motorcycle Roadrider Association State Rally; Comanche. Photo by Randy McCamey.

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

ADVERTISING SALES

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679

Reynolds Mansson - Statewide M2Motomedia@gmail.com 210.259.9916

Linda Morris - Houston tatewaci3322@msn.com 713.897.9109

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161 Justin Turnage - DFW jtrockone8@gmail.com 254.205.1447

Laura Mae Benson - Houston/Galveston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642 Manuel A. Valladares - DFW MValladares@saferis.net 214.245.6217

Angela Epperson - Waco/DFW AJoyEpperson@aol.com 254.493.3830 James Williams - San Antonio/Hill Country James@TexasMotorcycleAdventures.com 830.708.6198

Amy Conklin - Houston TRM.Amy@gmail.com 832.498.6693 Bob Engler - Plano/DFW Trip@BlackBettysBlog.com 302.229.4156

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

Mean Gene Kelton 1953-2010 Feature Writer - Black Leather Blues Thunder Roads Texas 2009-2010

Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

“Crazy Al” - PigTrails; Elm “Scout” Valle - The Scout Report; Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, Brandy “Tex” Valdez

CORRESPONDENTS Kitti Kluna - Houston; Ron Blansett - Houston; Linda Morris - Houston; Mark Appenzeller - D/FW; Joyce Siegert - 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; Kim Ferris; Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - Spring Branch; Sir Richard Vance - Corpus Christi; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Don Brewer - Livingston; Pete Martinez - Houston; Jason English - Piney Woods; Sean Kester - D/ FW; Roger Bowles - Waco; Lonnie & Pam Fitch - Galveston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte

Events and Safety - It’s Connected Last month’s issue was all about Memorial Day and our military heroes, including POW/MIA. This month we highlight many of the great events we’ve been out to over the last couple months and take time to talk about riding safety (May was Motorcycle Awareness Month). As we head into the summer… fewer of the larger events take place. Just too darn hot in Texas, but also many of us have kiddos and spend the summer on vacations and such. But when you do get on that steel horse to ride, please be very careful. There are far too many great bikers being lost to the cages. Ride defensively, keep your eyes wide open at intersections, and park that bike at home with you safe and sound each time. We want to see you ride another day! For International Female Ride Day (May 6), I rode to Gilhooley’s with Monica Clark (HOG Area #1 member and road captain extraordinaire), meeting her daughter, my mom and another friend for a couple beers and some great roasted oysters. Did I mention I don’t like oysters? But somehow, the ones at Gilhooley’s are to die for! The ride back I did on my own – almost 75 miles. First time for that distance and I loved it! Will start riding longer distances on my own more often. I have to give kudos to Donald Ryan and Gloria Ingram. While they are going crazy with this year’s Points Across Texas™ program, submitting close to 200 destination pictures so far, they took a little time to send me a photo of a big-ass dragonfly hanging on the side of a building in Marble Falls, in honor of my “road name”. Thanks Donald!! Speaking of the road names… we take a break from all the event coverage and poke a little fun with road names. For those who aren’t aware… my road name is “Texas Dragonfly”. I have an “I-turned-40” tattoo, okay, tramp stamp, of a lotus blossom and dragonflies. I felt like I was coming out of a deep funk; had been thinking about a tattoo for years. But my favorite part… Mean Gene Kelton gave me the road name when we first met him and Joni for lunch, back when we first took over Thunder Roads Texas. So now, the tattoo and the road name have so much more meaning for me. One thing I like about Sean’s (“Wildflower”) article, he is an independent, showing that you don’t have to be in a club to have a great road name! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Owner, Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

Page 8

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 9

TRIKE OR NO TRIKE As we get older and the bikes get heaver you might want to check in to having your bike triked. I have been riding all my life two years ago i bought a new ultra classic tried to drive it home and really had a hard time. My hip is wore out and could not hold it up with out alot of pain.

BIKERS FOR BIKERS, INC. ANNOUNCEMENT Bikers for Bikers is a charity organization that helps bikers that find themselves in emergency situations. The Bikers for Bikers board is made up of seven currant riding bikers that are elected by riders at our April rally attendees. Bikers for Bikers has been in the business of providing emergency help for bikers for over 21 years. We hold two rallies per year to fund the needs of Bikers that meet the requirements for help. 100% of all proceeds taken in at the two rallies go directly to needy recipients. All operational costs are covered by donations from various vendors and private supporters. The Magnolia Bikers Park donates its facilities and provides camping, hot showers, and clean restrooms for free to all paid attendees of the rallies. Our October 2011 rally will be our 10th Halloween Rally. It will be held at the Magnolia Bikers Park in Montgomery, Texas; October 28-30, 2011. Gates open on Friday at Noon; registration opens at 6:00 p.m. that day (honor system). Friday we have free refreshments and a “get to know ya” along with get together with old friends. Saturday will start off with a poker run. First bike out at 7:30 a.m.; last bike in at 1:00 p.m. Field events (games) will start at 1:30 p.m. Kids games and bike show will start at conclusion of field events. Trophies will be presented to 1st & 2nd places after the free dinner and auction. For the finale, we have a band to provide you with entertainment. Or you can retire to your campsite and relax around a warm campfire and enjoy the evening. On Sunday we begin with a religious service and following that we will hold our Board of Directors meeting and Elections. We need your input and this is your opportunity to volunteer to serve on the board of directors or vote for your choice of Bikers to serve on the board. At the end of the meeting the Bikers for Bikers rally ends. If you would like to stay and camp out for another day or two you will be welcome. The Bikers park is available to all bikers for camping for no charge except during a paid event. Address is 41021 Sandy Hill Rd Montgomery, Texas,77316 281-356-1648 We need your support and hope to see ya there. Please go to our web site for a flyer and complete info about Bikers For Bikers Inc. BiikersForBikers.com or e-mail us at bikersforbikers@yahoo.com.

Page 10

June 2011

There is a company in Onalaska that sells and builds trikes. H-H Motor Sports, (Kevin 832-721-3613). These guys have been in business for seven years and rated number two in the nation for building trikes. The trikes are a lot safer to drive. I see more and more trikes on the road every day. Have a safe ride and when you need a little extra help think about a trike. I will keep riding if i have to put a wheel chair on my bike for a seat. Don Brewer AKA “Biker Don” SOME HAPPY READERS... Shelly, I was looking through LinkedIn and saw your profile. I am new to riding, but picked up one of your magazines last year and really enjoyed it. I went on my first organized ride as a result and went on the Texas Honor Ride. David David... We’re glad your’e enjoying and using the magazine to find events of interest to you. The Texas Honor Ride is one of my favorites! ~Shelly Shelly, I saw the information about the Oldest Town in Texas rally last year in Thunder Roads Texas magazine and decided then that I would go this year. A friend and I rode over on Friday and we stayed at the Days Inn that was advertised on the web site. The rally was awesome. We did the bike parade through town, the poker run (er, you can’t say that) but as usual we didn’t win, but did get to donate to breast cancer research, and heard some of the best music we have ever heard. Every band was great, but especially noteworthy was the Alan Fox Band, Wes Jeans and Lance Rodriquez (possibly the best guitar players ever including, dare I say it, SRV), and I finally got to see Mean Gene Kelton who not only kept his clothes on but put on a great show. The stunt bikers were also excellent. We wrapped up the weekend by doing the loop down to Zavalla, San Augustine and back to Nacagadoches that you published in last month’s magazine. What a beautiful ride. Thanks so much for providing the information on the rally and sponsoring it as well. I look forward to next year’s event. Jim Horn Dallas, Texas Jim... You really used the magazine to its fullest! That’s what we’re here for. We’ll be there again this year - September 15-18. They’re starting the music on Thursday this year! ~Shelly

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 11

Sponsored by

Two New Points - Capitals GOLD DESTINATIONS Each worth 2 points D’Rose Inn & Cabins PO Box 720 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop; Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz www.bentrimgrill.com Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.friscocustomcycles.com George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301

Page 12

Goe Harley-Davidson 1350 S 288B Angleton, TX 77515 281.393.1000 www.goeharley-davidson.com Goe Kawasaki 1350A S Hwy 288B Angleton, TX 77515 www.goekawasaki.com Retreat Hill Cellars 14343 Liberty St Montgomery, TX 77356 936.449.5285 www.retreathill.com Tommaso’s Italian Grill 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tommasositaliangrill.com

A reminder, for every ten points you submit, you get an entry into our end-of-year drawing. Currently, we have goody bags from various advertisers, a weekend stay at our sponsor, D’Rose Inn & Cabins, and a weekend stay at Koyote Ranch. So the more you ride, the better chance you have to win some great stuff! We are pleased to announce that there are two new points being added: Speed Trap Capital of Texas - Rogers (hey - I got a ticket there!!) Granite Capital of the World - Marble Falls These are both regular destination points, each worth one point. But don’t forget - those listed to the left are GOLD destinations and each is worth two points! If you have any suggestions for additions to the qualified destination list - feel free to let us know! Submit your pictures, comments, suggestions to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.com.



June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 13

Planning Routes 101 o you want to plan a ride? There are 100 things that go into planning a great route. The first thing you need to figure out is how far you want to travel. I am going to give away a little secret of mine that always helps me plan a good day route and ride. It is a fact that you are only going to be able to travel a total of 50 miles in each hour. Trust me on this one! There are many factors that lead to this conclusion. First of all how many riders do you think are going to show up on your ride. The more riders the fewer miles you will end up riding in a one hour period. Bathroom breaks alone can take up to thirty minutes if you have more than 15 riders. Rule #1: Never pull into a bar to have a cold one! Your ride will be over! Nobody ever wants to leave. My rule is always plan a great watering hole at the end of the route. That way you don’t care if they stay or keep riding. Plus it makes for a great way to go back over the day’s events with good pals. Rule #2: Know where you are going to stop for a bite to eat. I will never figure out why it is so important for bikers to eat but it is! Trust me you will get 45 miles into your 200 mile route and the first place you stop someone is going to walk up to you and ask you where are we going to eat? So plan ahead! Do the research. Make a phone call ahead of time and confirm the location and the hours; or even that the restaurant is still there at all. I did this before. Pulled up to the BBQ place I had loved out in West Texas and not even the building was still there! Believe me you don’t want to have to find a place for chow while on your ride because your route will be destroyed! You will end up finding the nearest freeway to get to a big city as fast as you can to shut everyone up! Ok dammit let’s eat! I always

thought it was called a RIDE! Not an EAT! Sorry just had to vent about that. If you really want to impress the folks that are going to join you on your ride my advice would be to run the route a week before the day of the event. This way you can make Page 14

June 2011

sure all the roads are in good condition. You can scout out the best places for stops to take a break. Also have a good idea where the gas stations are along the route. You never know when one of your buds is going to forget to top off the scooter’s gas tank before you leave. Also you might just find that one killer roadside attraction that everyone will love. The gigantic rocking chair! Or Billy Bob’s Land of Reptiles! The most important thing for your ride needs to be the roads themselves. No freeway! Take out a really good map book

the route. When the route is a long one in the heat of our Texas summers it’s a good idea to stop for a cool off swim. Most of these parks charge a small admission to get into the park but it is well worth it. The money goes for a great cause. It is used to maintain the grounds at the park and the restrooms are usually very clean! The ladies will thank you! That’s a good thing right? It always amazes me how many great roads we have here in our great state! The routes are endless!

like “The Roads of Texas” and take the time to find the wiggly lines! I have found that if it wiggles, it’s usually a great road. Make sure it is a paved road and no gravel. The best way to do this is to get on your computer and go to Google Earth. You can zoom in on any road you have picked out and get a close up look to see if it is paved. Texas lakes usually have awesome roads all around them. Some of my favorite roads are the ones that run along the shores of many Texas lakes. Some have incredible overlooks and awesome places to take in some great scenery. State parks at our Texas lakes are also another great place to take a good break along

Here are a few tips on group rides. Always have a pre ride meeting. Make sure everyone is aware of the type of ride they are going on. Give them an idea of the pace, whether it be slow or a little on the speedy side! Hand signals are more important than anything. Make sure everyone knows what they are and also that they need to be passed back to the last rider in the group! Be sure and give the group an idea of how many miles you are doing and how long the day will be. For God’s sake tell them where you are going to stop and eat! Make sure everyone knows to ride at their own pace. Group rides are not the time to test your riding abilities. Plus why screw up the day for the rest of the group when we have to scoop your ass off the pavement! Safety is always first and foremost. My saying in life has always been that the adventure of riding is to always be able to ride another day. Enjoy your time off! You have earned it. Enjoy your friends! You deserve them. Take care of your family because you never know what tomorrow will bring. And always live your life to the fullest because it’s the only one you’re going to get! This column is dedicated to my wife Paula. Who is still on the long road to recovery from a Brain Aneurism that happened back in February 2011. These are the things we enjoyed the most and my dream is that we will be back to doing the things we love to do! For now I just pray that she gets better each and every day! Paula I love you more than life itself. Because without you my life is not complete! Crazy Al and Paula Bunch Together forever!



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 15

Service, Safety & Smiles n a recent Sunday I heard the roaring of several dozen bikes as they passed up my house. It was another meet up and ride event – probably a fundraiser. Everywhere you look now on the weekends, bikers are out and about. The weather is perfect and the smell of spring is in full bloom. Well, you probably already knew that, but did you know that May was Motorcycle Safety Month? We often don’t think of any government agency as a service organization. In fact most of us view them as an inconvenience and control mechanism that inhibits our personal freedoms. However, these organizations provide services that help protect our lives so we can enjoy our freedom. These organizations are as much a service as any organization that looks out for the well being of the general public. Both the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide needed services and, in fact, promote a safer riding experience for motorcyclists. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, more than 800,000 people in Texas are licensed to operate a motorcycle. The DPS is urging all riders to hone their skills by attending professionally taught motorcycle courses such as a Basic Safety Class or an Advanced Riders Class. The basic motorcycle operator training course is for unlicensed or inexperienced riders and the advanced course is for more experienced riders. The basic course may be used to waive the licensing road test and both of the courses may qualify for ticket dismissal and insurance discounts. There are many places in Texas to attend these classes. Additionally, the DPS advises riders to: • Wear protective equipment, including a DOTapproved helmet, whenever riding. • Ride defensively. • Avoid risk-taking behavior, such as speeding, weaving in between traffic, and riding while intoxicated. According to national statistics, almost half of all motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol use by the motorcyclist or the driver of the other vehicle. And intersections are proving to be especially hazardous to riders, so be sure to slow down and make sure you get through each one safely. While Texas does not require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, the DPS strongly encourages riders to wear helmets to increase safety and save lives. Texas law states that in order to be exempt from wearing a helmet, a person must be at least 21 years of age. In addition, they must successfully complete a motorcycle safety course or be covered by a health insurance plan providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries. Page 16

June 2011

clearly.” • Set

Brenham Proclmamation; May 5

As of going to print, Texas riders have received a total of 269 proclamations (258 cities, 11 counties). These proclamations help bring more awaerness to local governmental entities. Additionally, the proclamations provide newsworthy photo/story opportunity for local media.

The value of wearing a helmet and saving your life far outweighs the perks of ‘looking cool’. There are many types of helmets from skid lids to half helmets to full helmets. There are also dozens of helmet manufacturers to accommodate your own personal style and taste; not to mention the availability of colors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages bikers to hold promotional events or activities that help increase biker awareness in our local areas. The NHTSA recommends we even hold these events to the public to ensure our safety message is communicated. Thought Starters for Promotional Activities • Convene a press conference for Motorcycle Awareness by holding a small motorcycle road rally that starts at one location and finishes at the state Capitol, city hall, shopping mall, motorcycle dealership, etc. to showcase the “Share the Road” with motorcycles message. You can check out RideSafeInTexas.homestead.com for information about getting Proclamations from your local governmental entity. You can also share your pictures there and with Thunder Roads Texas motorcycle magazine. • Promote Motorcycle Awareness Month by holding “washouts” at local restaurants, shopping malls, etc. where bikers quickly wash motorists’ windshields (free of charge!) and handout safety tip cards to encourage drivers to “start seeing motorcycles

an information booth at a county fair, school fair, shopping mall, etc. featuring motorcycles and bikers on-hand to give out safety tip cards and “Share the Road” stickers to other motorists.

• Stage a photo op of surviving family members/fellow bikers of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. Take the large photos and a wrecked motorcycle to schools, malls, town squares, etc. to help dramatize the issue.

• Park a mangled motorcycle in the middle of a mall, town square, any busy place, etc. with a sign that reads “Share the Road” with Motorcycles. • Create a partnership with a local motorcycle dealership to host a public open house where safety information can be shared with the general public. EDITOR’s NOTE: Don’t underestimate the value of speaking with family and friends, sharing the “Share the Road “stickers, and asking them to pass the information on to their friends… the ol’ “she told two friends, and she told two friends…” Both the Texas DPS and the NHTSA are here to help us riders to stay safe out in the roads. Though motorcycle safety is officially only one month, it should be followed all year long. Information about the Motorcycle Safety Unit classes can be found on the DPS Web site at www.txdps. state.tx.us/msb. For additional information on motorcycle training, call 512-424-2021 or toll-free at 1-800-292-5787. Information for Motorcycle Safety statistics and safety information can be found on NHTSA.gov. This is the Scouts Report signing out and “See you on the high ground!”

 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 17

Working in the Shadow of a Legend By Terri Williams, TMRA2 Task Force

or seven years I have been with the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association and have been learning and working as much as I can on motorcycle rights and constitutional rights to protect the bikers of our great state. I write this after returning from the National Coalition of Motorcycles (NCOM) convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico which was dedicated to our founder, Sputnik. People would ask me all the time what it’s like to live and work with Sputnik. My standard answer was, “it is like a roller coaster ride. It always has its ups and downs, but never a dull moment.” That pretty much sums up what it has been like since I lost my beloved Indian Warrior. The Task Force walks the halls of the capitol, but the halls feel empty. We continue to try and struggle getting benefits done, working on the Share the Road program, tracking rider training money, but after eight months, it still hard to keep going. Numb is a good word to use. When NCOM had their convention this weekend they honored Sputnik like no other. They honored him at the ringing of the bells, at the COC regional meetings, then another ceremony to spread his ashes by the NCOM Task Force (which Sputnik was a part of). By the time the banquet started with another round of Sputnik stories late Friday night it started sinking in all over again how sad I

would be how to testify in front of senators or how to negotiate the bills. You might think that how the political process works or what the constitution says is the most important thing he taught us. His famous “Five Steps to Freedom”, you might think that’s most important thing. The truth is the most important thing that Sputnik taught me was to NEVER GIVE UP. Working the capitol is like a bad recurring nightmare. You work for and against the same things over and over and over again, every session just like clock work. We constantly have to watch dog the capitol and everyone down there because when they are in session no one is safe. And trust me when I tell you, it would be easier to just give up. God was good when he sent our new chairman, Paul Landers, to take Sputniks place because if I had not had him on my side, I would not have made it. We are now more than half way through the session

Texas State Constitution Article 1 Section 2: “All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient.”

have been without my chairman. How hard it’s been to keep going. A person would think that Sputnik taught me all these important things about how to work at the capitol and he did. You might think the most important of those things

at the capitol here in Texas and I must say we are doing really well. It seems the bikers of Texas are pulling off another incredible session by introducing a can of worms at the capitol called the Fusion Center Privacy Policy Bill (SB1572). We are still working to get it passed and by next issue should know if it was signed into law. We testified

against all of the road block and check point bills and the US Defenders, with other groups, completed two very successful “Calls to Action” this session: one on a sport bike bill hb2470 and the other on the Fusion Center Bill.

Despite the sad weekend, I still have faith that we will be stronger than ever after we get through this very difficult session and finish reorganizing. As the saying goes, that which does not kill you makes you stronger. My hope is that the Texas bikers come out of this session stronger than ever ready and organized for the next roller coaster that comes our way. You see there is no giving up, Sputnik won’t let us. For more information and/or to get involved to preserve your motorcycle rights, go to TMRA2.org or COCTX.org.



NEW! This space is reserved for three GREAT Texas women riders: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, Brandi Valdez, and Terri Williams. They have been specially chosen to bring a female voice, but with content that is of interest to a wide range of riders, each appearing once per quarter. Joni is the widow of Mean Gene Kelton (1953-2010). Mean Gene used to write for us, providing us with two years of backstage stories - both biker and band related. Joni grew up on bikes... proud biker bitch to the core! She joins us this year to write about general riding tips for women. Brandi Valdez hails from El Paso. Former member of Team Rebella, an all female stunt riding group, she brings us the wilder side of riding as seen from the sportbike. And rounding out our female writing troupe, Terri Williams. You may know her already, as she is an instrumental figure in the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2). She works hard for biker rights in Texas and will bring us the legislative view and updates. If you see these women out-and-about, be sure to recognize their achievements in their own lives and acknowledge their new roles as Thunder Roads Texas Feature Writers! Page 18

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENT

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 19

EVENTS Page 20

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Tha nk ing the Rose By Paula Haenshen with The Rose

ore than 500 riders, volunteers, and supporters participated in the 3rd Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer (BABC) record-setting ride Saturday, May 7. And at least one new rider plans to make it an annual event.

Both Elizabeth and Debbie thought of her own child when the report was received. Blue-eyed Aiden inspired Elizabeth. Debbie confesses her first thought was “Why not me?” and described the experience as “the hardest thing a parent can see her child go through.”

Debbie Stokes has arthritis, so she never considered a long ride an option. But as soon as she heard the BABC ride would be benefitting The Rose, she immediately signed up. According to Debbie, her daughter Elizabeth is alive today because of the breast cancer organization that provides services for the insured and uninsured.

The Rose assisted Elizabeth in accessing the state-funded Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program. Soon she was insured and receiving aggressive rounds of chemotherapy at MD Anderson. She finished her last round March 7 and was pronounced cancer free on April 1.

At 21 years of age, Elizabeth found a lump during a routine breast self exam. The Liberty resident had learned about the importance of breast health care when she was 19 and a t-shirt attracted her to an educational booth at Houston’s annual Buzzfest concert. Since then, she’s taken care of herself and encouraged her friends to do so as well. However, as a young mother, she told herself the lump and her needs could wait and decided not to mention it to her doctor. Elizabeth’s father, Larry, had other plans. Elizabeth’s aunt (Larry’s sister) is a 30-year survivor. He didn’t want his daughter taking any chances, so he applied a bit of paternal pressure. When Elizabeth went for a checkup after having given birth to son, Aiden, she mentioned the lump. Aware that she was uninsured, her doctor also knew of the services provided by The Rose and referred her for a screening. A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy later, she got the news from Dr. Dixie Melillo, her physician and the Co-founder of The Rose. She had breast cancer.

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Inspired by Elizabeth’s courage and tenacity, Debbie claimed her own victory when she completed the 45 miles on Saturday. “I owe it to The Rose,” Debbie noted. “I wish I could do more. I tell everyone about what a great organization The Rose is, because, unfortunately, it’s still a secret to many.” On top of caring for Elizabeth and helping out with her grandson, Debbie plans to continue to be a vocal advocate for The Rose and for young women not having to wait until they are 40 years of age to get coverage for mammograms. Totals for the event are still being tallied, but 2011 BABC ride looks to be another record-breaking year. The event has grown from 125 bikes raising $10,000 in 2009 to this year’s estimated 391 riders and 85 ghost riders, raising nearly $50,000 for The Rose. A new opportunity called a “ghost rider” allowed for participation for those who would not be riding but who wanted to make a donation. In addition, more than 75 volunteers assisted with the

registration, silent auction, and raffle. “I applaud the incredible Bikers Against Breast Cancer Committee led by D’Etta Casto DeLeon for creating an outstanding event,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Cofounder of The Rose. “Looking over that sea of bikes was amazing. And I celebrated as stories were shared, tears were shed, and laughter and music made for a great day. There aren’t enough words to adequately thank the riders, committee, volunteers, and staff who made this fundraiser such a success.” Bikers Against Breast Cancer launched in the Houston area in 2009. The committee consists of volunteers, assisted by The Rose staff. In its three-year history, BABC has raised a total of nearly $100,000 to benefit The Rose.



June 2011

Page 21

EVENT

Event Listing

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

Tater Motorcycle Rally 903-638-5547 Golden Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Crawfish Boil BrotherhoodOfBikers.net Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco Cruise For Kids BKTX43.com Corsicana Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ballinger Biker Bash 325.365.5880; 254.631.2694 Ballinger Region: Panhandle Metro: San Angelo

11 11-12

Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH 1st Annual I-35W Cow Pasture Motorcycle Rally CowPastureMotorcycleRally.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Fun Run Elks2322.org Kemah Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston “The Original” Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Held at Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77069. Cohosted by Outlaw Dave. Live music, vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston!

Not ROT NotROT.TMRA2.org Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Republic Of Texas (ROT) Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Biker Saturday 469.230.2124; 972.834.8287 Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

AMA Womens National Motocross AMADirectLink.com Wortham Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Road to ROT Kick Off JavelinaHarley.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

10-12

13th Annual Summer Jam Car & Bike Show SummerJamCarShow.com Rosenberg Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

5th Annual HubCity Bikefest HubCityBikefest.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

10-13

10th Annual Gatorfest SJHR.org Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

5-6

Iron Butt Ride (Pearland to Ft Stockton) MCTourer.com Pearland Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Online pre-registration required

5-9

South Texas Stangs Benefit SouthTexasStangs.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

East Texas Choppers BIKE NIGHT Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas EastTexasChoppers.net Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Join Randy and the crew at East Texas Choppers in Terrell for live music, vendors, food, drink specials, giveaways and more! Thunder Roads Texas correspondents will be there when avaialble…don’t forget to get a picture with them for your Points Across Texas™ entry. This is a great venue – a good ride – and just plain FUN… THUNDER-style!

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

June 2011

Page 23

EVENTS

Bikers for Baseball Fun Run VFWMG8.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

2nd Annual Shriner Burn Hospital Galveston Fundraiser 281.635.3446 Bacliff Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

11-19

Operation Finally Home Biker Rally OperationFinallyHomeSanAngelo.com San Angelo Region: Panhandle Metro: San Angelo

Bike & Trike Show 817.891.1935 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

2nd Annual Callahan County Cookoff 325-673-2634 Clyde Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Supercross.com Wortham Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Melon Rally 254.395.4640; 254.230.7417 Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

3rd Annual Harley’s for Hooters Fun Run 817.783.2623 Hurst Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ironhorse Bike & Car Show RVLake.com Brookeland Region: Piney Woods Metro: Beaumont

Ride for Life RidersForTheCure.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

JUNE m

1st Annual Fun Run 281.259.7789 Magnolia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

Tuesday

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

Monday

June 2011 1

Wednesday 2

Thursday 3

Friday 4

1st Annual Fun Run RPMs Bar Magnolia

Saturday 5

Sunday

27 29

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Houston

9 Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally June 10-13 Austin

17 24

Fathers Day Party Independence HD College Station

5 12 19 26

11 18 25

1 8

FATHERS DAY

July 2011

RPMs Bar Anniversary Party Magnolia

May 2011

East Texas Choppers BIKE NIGHT Terrell

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

FLAG DAY

2nd Annual Rally for the Walk 254.813.2194; 254.214.3042 Milano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

3rd Annual Run The Lake 214-929-8619 Seven Points Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Big Ol’ BACA Bash thumpbacaftw@sbcglobal.net Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Gryphons MC - Bike Raffle and Party 469-576-0307 Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Page 26

June 2011

3rd Annual Battle of the Biker Bands HDNorthTexas.com Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

2nd Annual Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride TexasFallenHeroesRide.com Cypress Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 8th Annual Ridin’ for the Rose RidinForTheRose.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Armadillo Motorcycle Swapmeet 619.850.4091 Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Wharton Freedomfest 979.677.3344 Wharton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

26 2 2-4

1st Annual Summer Fun Run 281.814.7917 Magnolia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

2-3

RPMs 1st Anniversary Party 281.259.7789 Magnolia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

18-19

The Big Ol’ BACA Bash baca_tazftw@yahoo.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

3rd Annual Mid-Year BBQ Cook-Off 713.502.2715 Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Biker Boyz Weekend 918.812.6217 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Wet N Wild Rally WetNWildRally.net Graham Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls

JULY

Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth One Ride, Three Nations: United in Remembrance of Our Fallen Heroes. Riding grops from the UK, the US (7 states), and Canada are riding on the same day in remembrance of those in the allied forces, who have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the freedom and security we enjoy today. Join them – or start your own. Contact George “Tank” Sherman: 682.597.7469; g.shermanf-16@hotmail. com. All profits from the Texas ride benefits the Terrell Veterans Memorial Fund. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

Pound Party 325.642.1949 Brownwood Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene 37h Annual Aardvark Rally Seguin Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser for My Cheerleading Scholarship MyCheerleadingScholarship.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

3-4

A Tribute to Our Troops Poker Run DDDRRBBQ.org Canyon Lake Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Benefit for Brandon RockysPelicanJunction.com Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

EVENTS

4th Annual Juneteenthh Car/Motorcycle Show BlueflameCruisers.com Bastrop Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin

Father’s Day Party IndepdendenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org International

24-25

Bare Butt Biker Rally PondarosaResort.com (adult content) Wills Point Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

CONTINUED...

Summer Dayze Motorcycle Show YesterdaysTexas.com Bridgeport Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

24-26

3rd Annual West Texas Cookoff & Bike Rally 325.673.2634; 254.433.3830 Clyde Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

24-27

17-19

EvenT Listing

City of Laredo 4th of July Festival/ Twin City Bike Rally TwinCityBikeRally.com Laredo Region: South Texas Metro: Laredo Pleasure Island Texas Motorcycle Rally 512.971.1377 Port Arthur Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Beaumont Biggest Small Town 4th of July Parade in Texas VisitSeguin.com Seguin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: San Antonio Cross Bones Giveaway Doolins.net Texarkana Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana 4th Annual Toys for Tots Mid-Year BBQ Cook-Off ToysForTotsToyRun.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Continued on Page 29... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENT

EVENTS Page 28

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EvenT Listing 4

4th of July Benefit - Hawg Stop HawgStop.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Grass Roots Freedom Ride for FairTax Overview GrassRootsFreedomRide.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston McKinney 4th of July Parade (bikes welcome) woodynhl@sbcglobal.net McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

McDade Watermelon Festival Car/Bike Show McDadeTexas.com McDade Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin Spokes 4 Hope Spokes4Hope.com Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

September 16-18 Tin Star Ranch Rally & Fundraiser TinStarRanch.com Fredericksburg Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin September 24 Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

EVENTS

14-17

September 16-18 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

September 28-October 2 Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

FUTURE

September 14-18 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

September 28-October 1 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

Winstar Promotions Bike Fest WinstarPromotions.webs.com Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

CONTINUED...

September 30-October 2 Texas National Motorcycle Rally TNMRally.net Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

August 8-14 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 31-September 5 Ignacio Bike Week IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO September 2-4 Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival FreeportBluesFestival.com Freeport Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston September 8-10 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR September 8-11 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 7-9 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler October 13-16 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL November 3-6 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston November 12| Texas Honor Ride - The Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston/San Antonio Region: Gulf Coast/South Texas Metro: Houston/San Antonio Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!

ď &#x2DC;

June 2011

Page 29

EVENT

They Call Me Wildflower By Sean “Wildflower” Kester, TRT Correspondent

’ve always said I answer to any name I’m called. After all, when your parents name you Sean and it can be spelled seven different ways, what can you expect? And when your last name is Kester – which sooo closely resembles Kessler and Keeeester – well, what can I say? “Kiss my Keeeester”? In kindergarten, a kid called me Scene Keester and I pushed him off the monkey bars and broke his arm. I’m way past that now – almost! My father, who was in show bizzness, always said, “I don’t care what you say about me, just spell my name right”. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter to me if my name is spelled right as I’m not looking to be famous. In Thunder Roads Texas, my byline has shown up as “Sean Kester”, “Sean ‘Wolf Rider’ Kester”, and most recently as “Sean ‘Wildflower’ Kester”. That last one slipped out, and my brothers are busting my ass while laughing theirs off. So I had to write about the topic of road names. Besides, since TRT has a wide variety of readers, this might be beneficial. I ride Independent, not part of an organized Motorcycle Club (MC) at this time. So my road name is really just an informal thing. About now, you’re asking yourself where my road name Wolf Rider came from. Alright, more realistically, you’re asking where Wildflower came from. Hold tight and I promise to get there (after I thoroughly bash the guy who made it stick). First a bit about the wolf… I have a long living passion for wolves. Beyond the lone wolf tradition that many subscribe to, I’m more in the alpha wolf camp. My family is my pack with a couple long-inthe-tooth wolves, and my lady wolf, and our three pups. Plus three dogs, we’re a big pack. My previous bike was gray and themed around the gray wolf, complete with a custom, one-off designed speedometer faceplate. Even the guardian bells were wolf-themed. The bike was known as “Wolfie”, and I had to have a personalized plate. Good luck getting “WOLF” in Texas, so I worked through some stuff and came up with another available plate. More on that later. If you’re part of a true MC, and you make it past the HangAround, Friend, Prospect/Probationary progression and you are officially patched in, you are given a road name. What you are called during the transition is one thing (remember the Prospect in SOA they called “Half-sack”?)

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

When you’re made a full member the name you are given is a reflection of what you exhibited during your journey. It’s a view of how others in the MC see you and what you represent to the chapter. It’s a name that doesn’t have the baggage that your given name holds. Your road name releases that past and puts you into a new realm that likely more accurately represents who you’ve become. In the MC world, it’s both fun and serious. When assigned, you can appeal for a road name change, but most of the time it fits well so why bother. You still have more options than your parents gave you -- and honestly did they really know you when they came up with Albeautis? If you should leave the MC (unthinkable, but it happens), you relinquish your road name. As I said, it can be fun, but your road name is serious enough that it can be lost forever. Just a word to the uninitiated, don’t mess with a club member’s name as it is quite disrespectful. I’m a friend of a Motorcycle Club in the area, and glad to be so. They are a great group to hang around with and have great road names. Out of respect, I’m not going to name them in print without explicit permission. I asked, but they denied an on cameral interview. I really understand that as I even wonder about what kind of trouble I’m going to get into by writing anything for publication. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press are just like the rest of our freedoms these days. Those freedoms are all on a short list to be further restricted by the government and every busybody out there. Especially since I intend to remain a friend, I’ll respect their wishes and throw you some easy road name stories.

forever, he scrapped the hell out of the engine guard and both pipes on my Sporty. He did a number on his knee that day, too. My dad-in-law is Craig “Papa” Matthews. Since he’s a big ol’ Texas grandpa and rides a trike – you see how it fits. But not everyone gets a name. It takes some time behind bars together for something to be attached. But enough about others! You want to know how I went from Wolf Rider to Wildflower. In 2009, I got a personalized plate for Wolfie and me: WLFRDR. It’s simply Wolf Rider, minus the vowels. A bunch of us rode out to Big Spring HD (the oldest Harley dealer in Texas) to meet up with Scrapes as he picked up his first Harley. We left early in the morning, rode hard and beat him there by a couple hours. While we sat around, the conversation turned to my plate. Mark, who must be a bit slow and is certainly dyslexic, thinks in his outside voice that WLFRDR somehow translates into Wildflower. And as so often happens with a bunch of guys – it friggin’ stuck. After the damage was done, and after a fun filled night at Rolling Thunder in Fluvanna, several of us really tried to stick something on Mark. It never really took, but for the sake of my loyal readers he responds well to Tulip! If and when you meet up with him on his Cross Bones, don’t hesitate to call him by that road name. Seriously, help me out here! My new bike, a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra (yes, I am on cloud ten), is named Wolfie II. And I am – well I answer to pretty much anything. But if you call me Wildflower, you best be one of my brothers!



What about my Independent brothers, you ask? Craig “Big Hawg” Prigmore is the true biker from image to his awesome Ultra Classic. I don’t think anyone can even think of him as other than “Big Hawg”. Years ago, when he brought home his first Ultra, someone said, “That’s a Big Hawg” and it stuck. Ron “Scrapes” Clanton has truly earned his road name with us. ot only can he not keep the floorboards of his Harley off the pavement, he scraped the frame rails on his first ride. That was from running off a curb that he swears used to be a driveway. And while we played with some demo bikes last year, he scraped the pipes on a Cross Bones and scarred the primary on a CVO Custom Convertible (seriously, he did). To seal his name

June 2011

Page 31

Experiencing “The Thunder”

By “Cricket”, TRT Correspondent Photos by “Cricket” and Kim Ferris, TRT Correspondents

hunder in the Hill Country is a rally I attend almost every spring. I rolled in this year totally prepared for anything. Come rain, wind, blazing sun, fires ants or toilet paperless port-a-potties… I had it covered! I even had a new tent that stands alone or attaches to the back of a Suburban.

There were some changes this year. The venders seemed to be better over all. The bike show was still present and tattoo contests. Also, the rally offered an organized ride. The bike games were somewhat more organized and more people participated. The hubby and I were first time participants and won the balloon toss this year! The burn out contest lived up to its reputation of a great show again

this year! They had stripper poles and strip cages in the main hall. On a sad note, the stage announcer, “Glenn”, said it was going to be his last rally to host the party. Maybe next year he will be down on ground level partying with us? Out and about, the little town of Bandera was full of bikes! I stopped in at the 11th Street Bar off-and-on during the rally.

Continued on next page...

EVENT

I arrived at the event at Noon on Thursday, opening day, to find I was already camping farther back from the event than in previous years. I usually arrive on a Friday evening!

On check in, I smiled knowing…oh it’s gonna be a good one!

Page 32

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

It was packed and they provided some good bands. There were many choices for good music and fun in town and the people were friendly. OST, or the “Old Spanish Trail” restaurant was crammed with bikers, but the staff was awesome! They have come to expect the bikers to flood their tiny restaurant and had it staffed it in anticipation. They are located on the main strip in Bandera. If you have never stopped off at OST for breakfast, here’s a tip: tell them you don’t mind being seated with other bikers. They will give you some fellow bikers to have your breakfast with. I spent a good amount of time riding. I did my first trip to the Lone Star Motor Cycle Museum in Vanderpool. All I can say is wow. The husband-wife team have a very exciting collection of bikes. The museum is well put together and includes a chance to grab a bite if you didn’t stop any where to eat. I went on to ride out to the Bent Rim Grill in Leaky (a Points Across Texas™ GOLD destination point). This is a large outdoor/indoor biker bar. They have a store front, restaurant, patio area and plenty of bike parking. The ride out this direction is more challenging than the average ride in the area. The road way is full of switch-backs and hills. So, if you’re a veteran or new rider take it slow, but don’t miss out on a great ride! Over all the rally was little quieter than usual for so many people, but Bandera is what you make it! We always bring a group of friends who come back again the following year because we have so much fun! Our group this year grew to around 20 people! Good rally, good friends, and a good time! See you next year! NOTE: Biker Rallies of Texas holds three annual rallies. So mark your calendars and pre-register online today for the next one up: Rumble on the River, September 22-25 in Bandera.



EVENT

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 33

Panhandle Canyons By Shelly Horan, TRT Editor/Owner

t first glance at a map, there doesn’t look to be much around Amarillo. I’ve done a stint through there heading to Colorado one year, and only recall lots of flat lands with nothing much in between towns. But taking a closer look, there is a lot of history around this area. Match that with some beautiful scenic rides and you have one heck of a nice trip. If you’re from the area or already staying around Amarillo, this makes a nice day trip. For those of us who live elsewhere, you can start from any one of the towns on the loop. Accommodations include everything from hotels/motels to dude ranches to bed-andbreakfasts. So pick a spot and get on the road!

RIDE

MAP

On our map, we start in Claude and work our way clockwise. The town, originally named Armstrong, was established as a stop on the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad in 1887. It was renamed for Claude Ayers, a railroad engineer, when he drove the first train into town. Today it is the seat of Armstrong County. Claude claims to have had the first Boy Scout Troop (#17) west of the Mississippi. The small town is also a big hit with Hollywood, being host to three movies: The Sundowners (1960), Hud (1963), and Sunshine Christmas (1977).

From Claude, travel east on Highway 287 to Goodnight. Named for famed cattleman, Charles Goodnight of the JA Ranch, the first building in town was reportedly Goodnight’s ranch house, built in 1887. Still there, the Goodnight Page 34

June 2011

Ranch facilities, including the buffalo herd (established to help preserve the species); two churches; and the cemetery. Continue on Highway 287 to Clarendon. Seat of Donley Country, the town began with Methodist preacher, Lewis Carhart in 1878 and named it after his wife, Clara. It was established as a no-liquor, no-gambling Christian colony; a “sobriety settlement”, as Carhart called it. But became known as “Saints Roost” by those not allowed to be rowdy there. The original town site is underwater now (the Greenbelt Reservoir). For those who love old architecture, the 1890 Donley County Courthouse sits on East 4th Street surrounded by old red brick streets. Recently restored, the Romesque Revival stone and brick building is the oldest functioning courthouse in the Panhandle. Also in town is the Saints Roost Museum, housed in the former Adair Hospital. Originally founded in 1910 for local cowboys, the museum features antiques and memorabilia from area ranches, farms, and businesses; as well as a renovated railroad depot and a Red River War collection. Taking a turn south, heading out of Clarendon on Highway 70 with 44 miles of sweepers,

towards Turkey. Riders leaving notes on MotorcycleRoads. us describe this route as “beautiful twisting canyon roads around the edges of Caprock Canyon State Park…” and “the colors in the canyon, both rocks and flora, are incredible.” Just as you would think, Turkey (originally named Turkey Roost) was named for the wild turkey roosts found on nearby Turkey Creek. Originally settled in the 1890s, the town grew to its “height” in 1928 when the railroad came through town, making it an important

shipping point for area farmers and ranchers. However, the Great Depression brought the growth to a stop and population started scaling back. Turkey is best known as the home of Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. Wills was a barber here ThunderRoadsTexas.com

RIDE

during the 1920s. Wills formed the Texas Playboys band and their music introduced a new version of countrywestern music, known as “Western Swing”. You can visit the Bob Wills Museum any time of year, or during April for the annual Bob Wills Reunion.

MAP

Next stop is Quitaque (pronounced KIT-a-KWAY), west of Turkey on Highway 86. First settled by Comanchero trader Jose Piedad Tayfoya who operated a trading post on the site in the late 1860s, trading dry goods and ammunition to the Comanches for rustled livestock. In 1880, Charles Goodnight (whose name is all over the small town history of this area) bought the Lazy F farm and renamed the town Quitaque, which he believed to be the Indian word for “end of the trail”. Other translations offer “horse manure” and “whatever one steals” which might give you an idea of the nature of the area at the time. Quitaque is best known as the home of Caprock Canyons State Park, a beautiful 13,900 acre park in one of the state’s most scenic regions. Erosion has carved spectacular landscapes at the edge of the Caprock (referring to the High Plains) – providing colorful cliffs and canyons. Continuing west on Highway 86, you’ll find more beautiful canyon landscapes. Silverton, the county seat of Briscoe, is next on our

You can sometimes spot funny looking vehicles,

route. The name was reported to have derived from the silvery reflections of the shallow lakes in the area, suggested by the town founder’s wife. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

the Center for Severe Weather Research DOWs (Dopplers on Wheels). The area has long

been plagued with fires, grasshoppers, dust storms, and tornadoes. The worst disaster was the night of May 15, 1957, when a tornado killed 21 people and did over $1 million of damage. In town, you can visit the Old Jail Museum (and, yes, a Points Across Texas™ qualified destination). It was built in 1892 and is the oldest building in the county. Take Highway 86 out of Silverton until you pick up Highway 207. Then it’s a beautiful 48 miles through the western edge of the Palo Pinto Canyon, heading north on Highway 207 towards Claude. On nice Sunday afternoons, you can find local riders cooking out on “The Overlook”, the south end rest area found about midway on this portion of 207. The route offers changing scenes, from flat agricultural land to plunging grandeur of the canyons. Be sure to take it slow enough for safety – but also to enjoy the phenomenal view.



June 2011

Page 35

The 38th State Rally of the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association

Work for Rights, Rally for Fun By Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey, TRT Correspondent

ome…few words convey more of a feeling of comfort, satisfaction, and safety. Cruisin’ the backroads is always an adventure but being home is one of life’s simple pleasures and home is where I was for the 2011 State Rally of the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association. The reason I mention home is that that is the feeling I got because 1) the rally was literally near my home – a mere 16 miles away, and 2) because there was such a feeling of “being home” during the rally. All of the staff and participants were very friendly and spoke to me as if they had known me for years. This is one more reason I am always grateful and very comforted to be part of the brotherhood of bikers. During the event I met and spoke with many of TMRA’s officers, including President, Gary Dupriest; State Secretary, Laurie Munson; and State Treasurer, Suzanne Simpson. They, and many other volunteers from the various clubs associated with the TMRA, coordinated the rally activities. Over 400 bikes were present at this year’s rally. Event activities included bands on both Friday and Saturday nights, bike games, a chili cook-off, and a bike show. Vendors were also present with food, leather apparel, do-rags, and the ever-necessary bike bling. In lieu of the traditional Poker Run (and counter to the signs stating otherwise), the TMRA held an “observation ride”. Ride participants were instructed to count the number of windmills along the 70-mile route. The rider or rider/passenger team with the correct or closest answer won a prize and, of course, recognition by their fellow riders. Although the weather was hot and very windy, the Saturday morning observation ride worked out well; catching probably the coolest and least windy part of the entire weekend. One of the most exciting non-bike events I saw was the “potato dive”. A few potatoes were mixed in with some bales of hay and the gals would dive in to see if they could find the proverbial “potato in a hay stack”. Throwing hay around frantically searching for one of the spuds, I overheard one of the girls say, “This is not doing anything for my allergies!” Plaques and trophies were handed out Saturday night during the awards ceremony. Some of the winners include: Grand Champion Bike: Lee Floyd with his HD Softtail Open Class: Ronald Wetson with his Chopper Open Class Touring: Clarence Evitt with his Electra Glide and side car Long Distance Rider: Rick Sinclair with 325 miles Largest Club in Colors: Gryphons M/C

Continued on next page... Page 36

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

“Motorcycle safety is one of our top priorities and one of the core areas where TMRA puts emphasis and support”, says State Secretary Laurie Munson, “and the Share the Road signs and decals are just one example of our commitment to motorcycle safety and awareness”. In the mid-2000’s, TMRA was instrumental in working with state legislators and TXDOT to design and begin installing the signs across the state. So, when you see the blue and white triangle “Share the Road” signs on Texas’ highways, thank the TMRA for helping to make Texas roads safer for all of us. For more information on motorcycle safety initiatives and a list of upcoming TMRA meetings and events, and a link to join this amazing organization, you can visit their website at TRMA.org Oldest Female Rider: Pat Cooner (72 years young) Oldest Male Rider: John Hardy (90 years young) Highest Mileage on Motorcycle: LeRoy Green with 300,000+ Chili Cook Off winner: Pat Hoffman Windmill Observation Fun Run Winner: Jim Beavers As is the norm in the biker community, the TMRA is also aware of the need to give back to the community. Every year, as part of the state rally, the TMRA holds a silent auction with proceeds going to a local charity or needy cause. With the hot weather arriving early this year, TMRA gave the $600 collected this year to the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department. A hallmark of the TMRA, they also give back to bikers. For example, they have a Good Samaritan program that identifies bikers across the state who can provide assistance to other bikers

About the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association First, as you may or may not be aware, there are two TMRA organizations: the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association (TMRA.org; this article is about them and their 2011 Rally) and the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2.org; see this month’s Pink Thunder for information from Terri Williams who works in Austin with that group). While they are chartered separately and are not related, except for their coincidental acronym, both organizations work tirelessly for Texas motorcyclists’ rights and safety. The TMRA is one of the largest associations of clubs and individuals in the state of Texas. Founded in the early 1970s and now based in Lufkin, the organization works to preserve motorcyclists’ rights; provide education, fellowship, and communication for Texas riders; promote and protect the image of family motorcycling and sportsmanship; and promote communication and cooperation between clubs. The organization is comprised of six geographical areas, each with a vice president (volunteer) to represent members with the Board of Directors.

In 1975, the TMRA was responsible for providing instructors and instruction on motorcycle safety. Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Unit (DPS) oversees these programs. However, safety is still a large concern for the organization. They encourage every rider to take a safety course and ride defensively. Since the transition of classes to the DPS, TMRA has focused on safety related issues before the Texas Legislation. Membership is open to individual/independent riders for only $35/year (full membership) and includes a subscription to the organization’s magazine (Daimler’s Folly) and a choice of pin or patch. Individuals can also, on a volunteer basis, participate in the TMRA Good Samaritan Program. Participants around the state have signed up to help riders. TMRA members receive an annual listing of participating members and the services they provide.

who may become stranded or need assistance somewhere along the road. That, to me, is much more than just words. That kind of program is putting words into action – where the rubber really meets the road! I am thankful to have been a part of a great weekend rally with a great group of people. I’m sure the strong winds kept some of you from making the trip to Comanche for the rally, but if you missed it this year the good news is that the TMRA officers have found the area so inviting they are coming back next year. So mark your calendars for the 39th TRMA State Rally, the second weekend in April 2012, again in Comanche, Texas. See you there…er, I mean, see you here!

 Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Clubs can charter into the TMRA, provided they have at least six club members that are also TMRA members. Chartered clubs receive extra benefits, such as an article in the monthly magazine to promote their activities and membership, reduced advertising rates in the magazine, and regular visits from the area vice present to the club meetings. A couple other programs of interest offered by the TMRA: the annual State Rally, held in Comanche in April and the Eyes of Texas Tour. The tour is a two-year route designed to take riders through all six of the TMRA regions. There is a nominal entry fee, but at the end of the two years, they dole out cash prizes through a drawing. June 2011

Page 37

Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Send pics to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Page 38

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 39

Cletus is passing by Billy Bob’s hay barn one day when, through a gap in the door, he sees Billy Bob doing a slow and sensual striptease in front of an old green John Deere. Buttocks clenched, he performs a slow pirouette, and gently slides off first the right strap of his overalls, followed by the left. He then hunches his shoulders forward and in a classic striptease move, lets his overalls fall down to his hips, revealing a torn and frayed plaid shirt. He then slowly peels off his underwear, swings it around his head and lets it go, where it lands across the hood of the old Deere. Then, grabbing both sides of his shirt, he rips it apart to reveal his stained T-shirt underneath. With a final flourish, he tears the T-shirt from his body, and hurls his baseball cap onto a pile of hay. Having seen enough, Cletus rushes in and says, “What in tarnation are ya’ doin’, Billy Bob?” “Good Lord, Cletus, ya’ scared the bejeezers out of me,” says an obviously embarrassed Billy Bob. “Me ‘n the wife been havin’ trouble lately in the bedroom d’partment, and the therapis’ suggested I do sumpin’ sexy to a tractor.” (*Don’t make me come ‘splain this to you! Read the last line again, slowly.) I took my dad to the mall the other day to buy some new shoes (he is 66). We decided to grab a bite at the food court. I noticed he was watching a teenager sitting next to him. The teenager had spiked hair in all different colors -green, red, orange, and blue. My dad kept staring at her. The teenager kept looking and would find my dad staring every time. When the teenager had had enough, she sarcastically asked: “What’s the matter old man, never done anything wild in your life?” Knowing my Dad, I quickly swallowed my food so that I would not choke on his response; I knew he would have a good one!

Page 40

June 2011

In classic style he responded without batting an eyelid, “Got stoned once and screwed a peacock. I was just wondering if you were my daughter.” Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, ‘Name seven advantages of Mother’s Milk,’ worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote: 1.) It is perfect formula for the child. 2.) It provides diseases.

immunity

against

several

3.) It is always the right temperature. 4.) It is inexpensive. 5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa. 6.) It is always available as needed. And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote... 7.) It comes in two cute containers. He got an A. New arrivals in heaven have to go through a bureaucratic examination to determine whether admission will be granted. One room has a clerk who inputs computerized records of what each applicant did on his or her last day of life. The first applicant of the day named Biker Bob explains that his last day was not a good one. “I came home early and found my wife lying naked in bed. She claimed she had just gotten out of the shower. Well, her hair was dry and I checked the shower and it was completely dry too. I knew she was into some hanky-panky and I began to look for her lover. I went onto the balcony of our 9th floor apartment and found the SOB clinging to the rail by his fingertips. I was so angry that I began bashing his fingers with a flower pot. He let go and fell, but his fall was

broken by some awnings and bushes. On seeing he was still alive I found super human strength to drag our antique cedar chest to the balcony and throw it over. It hit the man and killed him. At this point the stress got to me and I suffered a massive heart attack and died.” The clerk thanked him and sent him on to the next office. The second applicant named Snake said that his last day was his worst. “I was on the roof of an apartment building working on the AC equipment. I stumbled over my tools and toppled off the building. I managed to grab onto the balcony rail of a 9th floor apartment but some idiot came rushing out on the balcony and bashed my hands with a flower pot. I fell but hit some awnings and bushes and survived, but as I looked up I saw a huge chest falling toward me. I tried to crawl out of the way but failed and was hit and killed by the chest.” The clerk couldn’t help but chuckled as he directs the man to the next room. He is still giggling when his third customer aptly named Harley enters. He apologizes and says “I doubt that your last day was as interesting as the fellow in here just before you.” “I don’t know” replies the biker, “picture this, I’m buck naked hiding in this cedar chest.....” A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS * It‘s not whether you win or lose, but how sympathetic you are to the lame-ass loser after you win. * You are not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on. * We have enough youth. How about a “Fountain of Smart”? * A fool and his money can throw one heck of a party before they soon parted. * The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Page 42

June 2011

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Biker Friendly

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

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

Bars & Restaurants * Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 www.myspace.com/houstonsalamo Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Boll Weevils 16003 FM 1236 Needville, TX 77461 979.793.6163 www.Facebook.com/Boll.Weevils Region: Closest Metro: Houston * Concert Pub North 2470 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 www.theconcertpub.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Curtis Lowe’s Bar 11800 FM 1960 E Huffman, TX 77336 281.324.7400 Find us on Facebook! Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Points Across Texas GOLD Destination * George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston Points Across Texas GOLD Destination * Hawg Stop 11335 Sheldon Rd Houston, TX 77044 281.456.7867 www.hawgstop.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston Spring, TX 77373 281.288.0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Loading Dock 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 www.theloadingdockbikerbar.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) www.rollingthunderbarandgrill.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * Rons Relay Retreat 36009 Howell Rd Waller, TX 77484 713.204.8333 www.ronsrelay.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 713.557.1103 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * Scooters & Shooters 525 E Hwy 29 Bertram, TX 78605 512.355.8070 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Dealerships & Shops * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Tyler * Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76706 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Houston Motorsports North 9550 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.890.2020 www.houstonyamaha.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) www.motorcycle-superstore.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 832.971.3728 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * Team Mancuso Powersports Southwest 7537 Southwest Fwy Houston, TX 77074 713.995.9944 www.tmpsw.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 www.kentpowersports.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Continued on Next Page... June 2011

Page 43

Biker Friendly Entertainment/Bands * Mean Gene Kelton 901 N Gaillard Baytown, TX 77520 713-866-4872 www.meangenerocks.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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

Page 44

June 2011

Closest Metro: San Antonio Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Lodging & Campgrounds * D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Points Across Texas GOLD Destination DUBL-C Guest House (Gastehaus Schmidt Properties) Fredericksburg area: Located between Ingram & Hunt Ingram, TX 866.427.8374 http://www.fbglodging.com/properties/129/ Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

Motorcycle Towing * Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 North Converse, TX 78109 210.341.0333 www.missionwrecker.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Riding Gear/Leather * Moto Liberty - Dallas 11441 N Stemmons Fwy, Ste 201 Dallas, TX 75229 972.243.5995 www.motoliberty.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * PitStop 13028 Hwy 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936.661.7518 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Continued... * The Hog Pound 13710 RR 12, #4 Wimberley, TX 78676 512.847.3444 www.thehogpound.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

Miscellaneous * Barry Claffey - Mullis A/C Houston, TX 281.468.5819 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston



Listings Starting @ ONLY $149/Year! Call Today: 281.866.8149

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

June 2011

Page 47