The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!
Can We Say “Thank You” Enough?
Also Inside:
November 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
5th Annual Ride 4 Troops A “Boo”-tiful Rally Texas National Motorcycle Rally BIKE NIGHT... Two years... An Honor to Ride Little Rally, Large Heart
TAKE ONE
Contents
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November 2010 On the Cover 30
Can We Say “Thank You” Enough?
This Month
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12 17 26 28 34 36
5th Annual San Antonio Ride for Troops A “Boo”-tiful Rally Texas National Motorcycle Rally BIKE NIGHT: Two years, three locations, and Still Growing! An Honor to Ride Little Rally, Large Heart
Regular Features 6 10 14 18 38 40
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From the Editor PigTrails: I Wanna Ride! Black Leather Blues: Confederate Flag, Your Thoughts... The Scout Report: Shift Racing Vantage Jacket ThunderCam Joker’s Wild
Resources
21 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out November 2010 Calendar 23 Texas’ BEST Bike Nights 32 Ride Map 42 Biker Friendly Listing
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On the cover: “Ike”, a 2007 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail retrofitted to resemble a WWII era WLA courier bike. Motorcycle owned by Gary and Brenda Towers. Model: Karina Mangold. Photograph by Bob Cooney. Special thanks to the U.S. Army Helicopter Attack Group for use of their hanger and Apache helicopter.
ADVERTISING SALES
OWNERS
Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
MONTHLY FEATURE WRITERS
“Crazy Al”; Mean Gene Kelton; Elm “Scout” Valle 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.
Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com
Linda Morris - Houston tatewaci3322@msn.com 713.897.9109
M2 Motomedia - Statewide Reynolds Mansson M2Motomedia@gmail.com 210.259.9916
Angela Epperson - Waco/DFW ajoyepperson@aol.com 254.493.3830
Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161
James Williams - San Antonio/Hill Country james@texasmotorcycleadventures.com 830.708.6198
Heather “Phoenix” Wright - Houston info@redphoenixmarketing.com 832.527.4318
Laura Mae Benson - Houston/Galveston laura.thunderroadsmagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642
Travis “Blydawg” Blythe - DFW Travis.Blythe@grandecom.net 940.435.8226 Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679
Manuel A. Valladares - DFW mvalladares@saferis.net 214.245.6217
CORRESPONDENTS
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 - West Texas; Butch Hayes - Houston; Pete Martinez - Houston; Jason English - Piney Woods
Fall Rally Season Coming to End Happy New Year! October was the best riding month we’ve had in a long time… at least in Houston where we are headquartered. I can’t recall so many days in a row with no rain, low humidity, and moderate temperatures. As I write this, we just completed week number four and are just now getting a slight chance of rain over the weekend. I hope everyone has had such nice weather… we were so due! This has been an incredibly busy rally season and we offer a few highlights from the last couple months in this issue. We head into the final stretch sponsoring the Lone Star Rally (Galveston, November 4-7), the Texas Honor Ride (Houston to San Antonio, November 13), and the Toys for Tots Toy Fun Run (Pasadena, December 11). We hosted a Lone Star Rally kick-off party at our BIKE NIGHT in October, with other pre-rally parties and activities closing out the month. As the Official Media Sponsor, we will be ALL over the rally this year. Our national founders, Toni & Brian Shearon, are bringing in the big rig “Pete”; we’re involved in the 2010 Ranch Ride benefiting the Stevens & Pruett Ranch; we’re sponsoring the Eagle Cycles Saloon on The Strand @ 23rd Street – smack dab in the middle of the rally; we’ll be playing with Outlaw Dave as he broadcasts live Friday and Saturday from the rally; and we’ll be roving reporters. Many of our new correspondents and sales staff from across the entire state will come down and party with us! Speaking of Thunder Roads Texas staff… the most popular Texas motorcycle magazine is still growing. We now have more than 20 correspondents and over 10 sales staff helping us cover the entire state. If you want to be involved in our growth contact me (email is best) and I’ll get the information to you. We truly appreciate our growing and active staff. Without them, we couldn’t make this magazine what it is today. I’m waxing nostalgic this month… we’re coming up on three years of producing Thunder Roads Texas. We purchased it in November 2007 and took over publishing with the January 2008 issue. We started with a publication that didn’t have name recognition beyond a small group of Houston-area businesses. Today, with more than 350,000 monthly impressions through our multi-media efforts, we are the number one free Texas motorcycle publication. Only Thunder Roads Texas gives readers Texas-connected content. We are Texas-based, Texas-focused, and Texas PROUD! Add to that our focus on events and what people do and where they go when they ride and we have built a magazine that has broad appeal - no matter gender, race, reigion... or make of bike! As the year winds down, so does the inaugural year of the Points Across Texas™ reader rides program. We thank all who have participated and remind those who haven’t yet that it’s not too late. The new program will be announced in December complete with a new list and refined rules. A sneak peak is in this month’s Snapshots feature (page 9). This month our prayers are with active military men and women. We sincerely thank them and our Veterans for their service. There is so much we can say, but… Can We Say “Thank You” Enough? We are pleased to have another of Gary and Brenda Towers’ tribute bikes grace the cover this month. This particular bike reminds me of my grandfather and his stories of riding a motorcycle as stress relief during WWII when he was stationed in Germany. (See cover article, page 30.) Here’s wishing you and your family a very safe Thanksgiving holiday. Ride Safe & Ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Examiner.com/x-16815-Houston-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner - Not just for Houston!
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Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!
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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
November 2010
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EVENT Page 8
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November 2010
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Snapshots from
Sponsored by: •
D’Rose Inn & Cabins DRoseInn.com
•
Hurricane Alley Drag Races HARaces.com
I
t’s been a banner year for Thunder Roads Texas all around. But by-and-far, the most successful thing we did was to introduce the Points Across Texas™ program. Readers have embraced the program with thousands of booklets/qualified destination lists distributed/downloaded, thousands of pictures submitted, and hundreds of patches awarded. We’re thrilled with the results of this inaugural year! The most common comment we receive as to why riders are so excited about Points Across Texas™: “It gives us a reason to ride!” It made us realize, as riders that we’re in the same boat as most. We get on our bikes, look at each other, and say, “Where to?” We find ourselves going to the same old “haunts”, just because it is habit and we’re at a loss to come up with anything else. Participants are pulling out the destination list and identifying locations near them, or farther away for a longer or overnight ride, and visiting places they’ve never been. We’ve encouraged motorcycle/ riding clubs and groups to ride and submit pictures. As with all new programs, tweaking is always needed once it gets started. Situations and questions arise from participation and management that cannot be anticipated. As we start to close out the 2010 inaugural year (you have until December 31st to submit pictures taken this year), we look to our 2011 program. There are some changes to accommodate our learning curve. December’s issue will highlight the new program so you can get going on New Year’s Day! If you have any comments or suggestions, now is the time to say something! A sneak peak at the changes: • There will be a new qualified destination list. Some of the locations will remain the same. But in an effort to make each year’s program “new”, most of the 2010 destinations will not be on the 2011 program list. • There will be an increase of numbers of destinations to visit for patches and level awards. • Some of the locations will be worth more than other locations. • A category patch for group rides. But don’t wait! Send your pictures now. Riding season is in full force and the qualified destination list is so extensive (it can be downloaded from our website and from our Facebook page), everyone has an easy single day’s ride to earn a patch. It’s a FREE program, so take advantage of it!
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
November 2010
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I Wanna Ride! I Wanna Ride! I Wanna Ride! had some vacation time in October so my wife and I spent a couple days in Fredericksburg. This place is awesome. If you have never been there it is a must for all bikers. Getting there is half the fun. I don’t think there is a bad road leading in and out of this area from any part of our state. I want to take the time to point out some of the better roads that are a must see. The first is Highway 39, heading West out of Kerrville, Southwest of Fredericksburg. This road is kick ass! It runs along the side of the Frio River which creates these incredible views of the river on one side and magnificent mansions and estates on the other. The best thing about this road is it hops across the river every half a mile or so. From the air this road would look like a big snake that just goes back and forth forever. Keep your eyes out for great photo opportunities. There are many waterfalls, beautiful parks, and incredible homes with really cool names like “Toad Hall”. We were disappointed when we went to visit one of our favorite tourist attractions “Little Stone Henge…” it’s GONE! Torn down! I’m not sure why but the land is for sale and it now looks like an ancient ruin. What a loss. We used to love to take all kinds of silly pictures at that place.
Well that mountain would be the Talimena Scenic Byway, Highway 1. This 53 mile stretch of road is as good as it gets. It starts in Talihina, Oklahoma and ends in Mena, Arkansas. It’s hard to describe this road but I am going to try! It starts by going up a 45 degree angle till it hits the top of the mountain range. It then runs on the very top of this mountain with nothing separating you from the cliffs below accept guardrails on each side. This road has no buildings on it at all. Just incredible forest and the best twists and turns on the planet. Well we got to Mena, stopped for a killer
We also had a chase car. You guessed it. My good buddy, Pat Brady, in his hot rod “go cart;” the Miata MX-5 the Black Pearl. This ended up being awesome because we were able to get photos that I have never been able to get. Our buddy Kenny Krueger Rode along with Pat and was in charge of two things: photography and navigation. We got some killer shots! The whole reason for doing thais ride was to stand on top of a mountain. Page 10
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I went for another ride with the Fort Worth HOG Chapter! I have always felt like me and organized structure is like mixing peanut butter and ketchup. It’s just not gonna work. I broke like four rules on my first ride with these folks. I knew by me just showing up I would hear the whisperings of “Oh lord it’s Crazy Al;” which is fine by me! It’s like giving Howard Stern bad press! Bring it! Well I have to say first thing is these dudes and gals are perfect. I can’t believe it! From the great planning, I’m talking over-planning! They probably know how many drinks of water you can take in a 30 mile stretch and how long you can go before you have to pee! Then they put all the coordinates into the HOG Chapter of all knowing computer riding application. With the route also inputted it will not only give you the mileage but it will tell you which Valero Station you will be stopping at! Don’t break from the plan. The Gods of perfection will shine down on you! Okay, screw that these guys are off the hook cool! Believe me riding and hang out crowds are easy to come by in this wonderful lifestyle that we choose to live in. But I have found a rare jewel in all this perfection! The leader of this wild bunch is no less than the general manager of the Fort Worth Harley dealership. He is also a person with down to earth southern charm and the will and determination to make sure you enjoy your time off!
The next is Highway 16 heading South out of Fredericksburg. It’s another bad ass road that really takes you on a journey of many different types of Hill Country landscapes. From mountain like overlooks that take your breath away, to zig-zag small back roads. The scenery is always changing on this awesome road. Highway 16 will take you through the city of Bandera. This is a great little party town with very rich history when it comes to the old west. Be sure and stop off at one of the cool Cowboy bars along Main Street and enjoy a piece of great Texas culture! Part Two of my vacation. I called up a couple of my riding pals and told them I wanted to do something big on my last day of my vacation. I want to start out in my garage at 5:00 a.m. having a cup of coffee and by mid-day I want to be standing on top of a mountain with my fist in the air hollering out, “Hell Yea” Then before midnight be back in my garage have a cold beer and telling all the tall tales of the ride we just completed! Mena, Arkansas baby! 600 miles of nothing but riding, pals, roads, one mountain, and lunch! It was freaking awesome! We took off at 5:00 a.m. without a hitch. Only one other bike joined me. My good friend Charlie Chaffin on his Heritage Softail Classic.
enjoy the pinball machine known as the Dallas Freeway! But, I’m biased; my heart belongs to Fort Worth!
lunch at the Chopping Block Steak House, and plotted our way home! We chose to run down south through Arkansas and pick up the freeway and jet back home. Some folks think 600 miles is a huge undertaking but I’m here to tell you we enjoyed every minute of this ride! Wait ... I did not
At this point in the ride I was an example of the member that abides by the rules kinda guy! But I could not just stand by and watch an injustice of time take place. So I went up to Kim Briggs, the leader chick Harley general manager and road captain… crazy cool biker chick that I love already and said to her, “It would suck to have to finish this ride by going from here all the way home on the freeway.” With me in pure shock, she turned and asked everyone in our group if they would like to follow the route we just took backwards all the way home! She looked at me and said, “It’s a hundred percent. Let’s roll! “ I have to mention a couple of the great roads we blasted that afternoon. FM 1189, then FM 1188 take you South from a little town called Lipan all the way to Bluff Dale. Some of the best sweeping roads I know of. Not too tight and with the 60 MPH speed limit these two roads are a total blast. I want to thank all the members of the Fort Worth HOG Chapter for putting on one really awesome day of riding! Let’s do it again soon! With riding season in the palm of our hands there are thousands of motorcycles on the roadways. Take the time to ride safe, look out for each other, and be aware the cages that don’t look our way! Because the adventure of riding is to ride another day!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
November 2010
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5th Annual San Antonio Ride 4 Troops T By Sherry Lex, Coordinator
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he day started off with a cool nip in the air that was swiftly alleviated with the coming of the morning’s first light. The Ride 4 Troops crew began setting up at Caliente Harley-Davidson in the hours of darkness in preparation for the events of the morning. Tables were in various states of readiness when the first riders began to emerge, coming to life gradually with the break of day. The trickle of riders soon transformed into a steady stream eager to engage in the day of festivities. The once peaceful stage quickly morphed into a sea of movement. People wandered from table to table, registering and checking out vendors’ wares. Old friends and new faces, handshakes and warm embraces filled the gazes of those who came to join the cause this day.
Harley-Davidson. There they stopped to water their steeds, quench their stifling thirst, and sate their rumbling appetite. The sun’s intense rays began to emerge from billowy cover of the clouds above and the assembly once again mounted up and proceeded to their final destination, Texas Pride BBQ. There they imbibed in the wealth of delectable treats and taste bud tingling liquids. They rested their bums in the cool shade and gentle breeze that flowed through the place. The culmination of events and robust merriment facilitated the accumulation of over $20,000 that would be donated to the San Antonio Fisher Houses, supporting our Service Members and their Families.
More than 500 riders steadied their great iron steeds, the buses readied their mounts and the Lone Red Convertible geared up his team as the directions were read and the day was blessed by the Crusaders for Christ. The Sheriff’s Department forged the way ahead as they led the pack onwards on this eventful journey. The South Central Chapter of the San Jacinto High Rollers skirted the edges of the crowd, blocking wayward travelers from entering into their steadfast path. Onlookers cheered them on and welcomed them at Javelina
Thanks to all of the Sponsors, Supporters, and Riders in all shapes and fashions. Without you none of this would have been possible.
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
The Confederate Flag... Your Thoughts... eing a musician, biker, and growing up in the South, I see the Confederate Flag proudly displayed in the circles I live, work and play in. Many bikers wear the Confederate Flag patches on their vests. Others display decals, bumper stickers, license plates, tattoos and wear jackets, shirts, caps, and bandanas designed to look like the Confederate Flag. I have seen helmets and motorcycles custom painted with the ol’ Stars ‘n Bars. In the music biz, many musicians have incorporated the Confederate Flag as part of their logo and image: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alabama, Hank Williams Jr., Davis Allan Coe, Toby Keith and many more. At numerous events where I have performed, I have often seen the Confederate Flag flying next to the Texas flag and The American flag. Any display and discussion about the Confederate Flag will always spark heated debates filled with passion and conviction from people with varying opinions about what that flag represents! I ran a Facebook survey and asked: What does the Confederate flag mean to you TODAY? Below are just a few of over 60 passionate comments I received in just one afternoon: Rick Kotowski - The first thing that comes to mind is a country divided. Susan Bollier - Crawfish and I wear it. We are bikers and we feel that bikers wear it because we are the rebels, in a way rebels are those who stand up.... not afraid of what people think. It’s a personal thing for each person and has many meanings... But the right to stand up and have the choice is what it is to many. Sharon Newman - I am about as southern as a turnip green... I display 3 flags in my yard. US, Texas, and Confederate. Ronni Hood - I fly the confederate flag loud and proud. I don’t see it as hateful or prejudice. I am proud of my rebel heritage and I am definitely a rebel myself. I also have a great passion for the republic of Texas flag and you will find those at my place too. We have as much right as anyone to fly or wear our flags. American, Texas, Confederate. Heritage not hate. Pride not prejudice. Everyone else has that right and by golly we do too!! Some people attach and associate the hatred and prejudice to our confederate flag... that is their own ideas. The majority of us are proud hard workin’ rebels who aren’t concerned with mamby pamby tired old racial stuff! We are just PROUD...of who we are and where we came from..and this bunch certainly won’t bring shame on any of our flags or ancestors...freedom..it’s for rebels too!!... Proud of my heritage. Marie Chauncey Turner - I fly my Confederate flag proudly… I am proud of my southern heritage. I even fly one on the back of my boat! Lee Jergensen - The unthinking use of a symbol that stands in part for one of the greatest abuses man ever subjected on his fellow man, mistakenly thought of as a quaint reminder of southern heritage... no disrespect meant this coming from a yank... but you fail to think of what the symbol of the stars and bars means to others.... Page 14
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just giving the “outside” opinion. I have no problem with anyone having pride in their heritage or beliefs it just needs to be tempered with the knowledge that it has more than one historical connotation.... So fly the colors you will and take pride in them just remember that there’s a responsibility to not only defend them but to keep those colors untarnished. Joe Daniel - For some of us it is actually about family, heritage and culture. It has zero connection to racism. Unlike those that sport a certain panther tattoo seem to think. It also reminds us that we can rise against the so called “establishment”. Chris Pando - I don’t see the point of celebrating a painful defeat. Gary Huntsman – It’s Heritage not Hate! Proud to be from TEXAS! Patti Lucas - I believe it’s a symbol of our history as Southerners. It is unfortunate that some individuals have tarnished it by associating it with hate. Heck there is more love in the south than anywhere else in our great country... (i.e. “Southern Hospitality”). Rick Rogers -The “Southern Cross” was the battle flag of a group of proud people. I wish there were a way to protect the flag from being used by hate groups. It was not a flag of hate but of hope, and a beautiful flag it is. It reminds me of the men that died under it on the field of glory. Karen Vines - Why do other groups get to display their symbols of their pride and nothing is ever said? Even if these symbols are against the USA! The Confederate flag is a symbol of pride, NOT slavery!! ... Pride and Heritage! Chryl Majors Lemmons - I wear the Rebel Flag in the shape of a Heart to show my Love of the South!! Proud to be a Southern Gal!!! Sandy Blue - it is a symbol of our US history and those who fly it are showing their southern pride. I have one hanging over my bed and I’ve seen some use it as a license plate. Glory to the South!!!!! Git Er done! Chuck Holland - To me, the Confederate Flag represents pride and rebellion. Such symbols will always be popular. If a piece of cloth can generate offense or indignation, you allowed it to have power over you. I simply wear it, because I like it. Bill De La Vergne - The Confederate Flag was the battle flag for the Confederate States of America - It symbolized a new nation that was formed because of new federal laws in contradiction of states’ rights - Most families of the South did not own slaves, however they fought for their states’ rights - This flag is a representation of the thousands and thousands of families from the South who lost their lives defending states’ rights and should be viewed and cherished as such - In this day, whereby the government has unashamedly infringed on the lives of all Americans, We can never allow political correctness to affect our ingrained values as a people - Fly the
Confederate flag in Honor and Respect - God Save Texas and the Republic!!! Larry Lownote Johnson - SOUTHERN PRIDE~YA EITHER GOT IT OR WANT IT!!!!!!! John Renner - A bunch of poor redneck boys in a bunch confederate graveyards. They died to preserve the lifestyle of wealthy folks who labeled us “rednecks” to begin with. Sea to shining sea, brother, I love the UNITED States of America. Michael Zinna - It means defiance and individualism in the face of 21st century corporate conformity. Marcia Young McGinty - It is a symbol of the growth of our nation.... There is a Confederate soldier buried not far our home, this was my husband’s great-great grandfather. He has the Confederate flag engraved on his head stone... a symbol of Pride and Courage... This country could probably use some lessons from an old soldier in standing up for what you believe in.... I am proud to be from the South and just as proud to be an American and I will display both flags. Caren Harkins - Southern heritage; history not racism. Forrest Osborne - Independent, hardworking, nonconforming Rebels, in your face. Dick Boba - Since I am not from south of the Mason Dixon line, I have to recuse myself. I think that the Confederate flag has suffered the same fate as the American flag. It is overly commercialized. Whatever it once represented is totally lost, and the people that carried it into battle have been in the ground for over 100 years now....so people really have no valid reason to bitch about seeing it. That’s my theory and I’m stickin’ to it! Gloria Christenbury – Proud, Independent as a hog on ice willing to fight for what I believe in and loyal to family friends and beliefs! Leslie Gault - Since my family were born and bred pure Southern and several died defending the South and their beliefs (read your history, it wasn’t all about slavery, as taught in school) I wear and fly the flag to honor their courage and convictions.... by the way, recently at a civil war reenactment I had the privilege to meet a black man who was wearing a southern uniform, proud that his family had served, fighting for the Confederacy. Amy Merrill Lorenz - It’s honoring history, not prejudice as many people believe. Davyd Ondrejko - ... some people use it as an excuse or rallying symbol for racism. It doesn’t mean that to me at all. I find in the Confederate flag a symbol of people who believed in their own independence and right to selfdetermination enough to lay down their lives to defend it. They were in spirit much like the original American colonists fighting against the British. I wasn’t born in Texas but i got here as fast as I could! Mean Gene Kelton – Heritage, NOT Hate!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
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A “Boo”-tiful Rally! By Jason English - Correspondent
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he 13th Annual Boo Benefit motorcycle rally was held October 8-10 in Jefferson. What started as a benefit ride for Charles “Boo” Chaler (burned in a welding accident in 1998) has turned into one of the largest rallies in the state. The proceeds went to the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation that year and every year since. Starting in 2008 a donation has also been made annually to the Shriners Hospital for Children at Galveston. There were over 30,000 in attendance this year which was said to be the best ever.
Till next time... everyone ride safe and enjoy the open road.
On Friday there was a new special ride (Cruisin’ with Boo) in which there were an estimated 200 plus motorcycles, including my own. We made two stops during the ride. The first was at Greer Farm in Dangerfield (GreerFram. com), a nice place to camp with log cabins and a lake with lots to see and do. Second stop was Ashley Mountain Group Resort on Lake O’ The Pines just west of Jefferson (AshleyMountain.com). It’s a beautiful place overlooking the lake. Relax by the pool or explore the more than 38 acres. It was a great ride of around 75 to 80 miles. There were bikes of all kinds and from many areas at the rally including some from out of state. The weather was nice all weekend and I met some interesting people and saw more bikes in one place than I’ve ever seen. There were live bands playing at several locations one of which was Auntie Skinner’s (Auntie-Skinners.com). A band called Zedhead from Canada played there on Friday and Saturday nights. The music was great and the food there was excellent. The Hamburger Store (HamburgerStore.com) on Market Street in Jefferson was also a great place to visit and eat. I put MY personalized dollar on the wall before I left. And I took photo of very the first dollar put up. The amount of dollars put up was too numerous to count; they were everywhere on walls and ceiling. I also visited the General Store (JeffersonGeneralStore. com) located on East Austin Street. It was like stepping back in time. They have lots of stuff for both biker dudes and biker babes! There were many vendors selling good food and a large variety of biker related items. One of my favorites was Grim Reaper Leather Works (501.241.1272) operated by Thomas G. Morgan and his family who came from Jacksonville, Arkansas. They offer a nice variety of goods that are all handmade and of excellent quality. They are very nice people and very good at what they do. On Saturday there were numerous activities to enjoy such as the poker run, live music all day, bike show, bike games, tattoo contests, and even helicopter rides by Reed Helicopters, LLC. I did not ride on it, but some friends of mine did and they said it was very fun. They got a great view of all the bikes from above. And the biggest fundraiser associated with the event is the bike and trailer giveaway, won by a Richardson, TX resident (they even matched his truck!) The rally was a great experience and a must to check out if you’ve never been. Jefferson is a great little town with something to do or see any time of the year. All those involved with the rally did a great job and a lot of money was raised for a great cause.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
November 2010
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Shift Racing Vantage Jacket ovember is full of great things. Nice cool Texas weather, Thanksgiving feasts, and of course, holiday time off for most of us. It is also time to put away the mesh jackets and get back to wearing those ‘bad-ass’ leather jackets. There is something about a good leather jacket that just completes me, as I ride my motorcycle. This fall, I get the privilege of donning the new Shift Racing Vantage jacket. By combining great styling, functionality, and protection, Shift Racing has done it again and developed a great jacket. Style. At first glance, the Vantage actually looks really
plain, but a closer look shows its very slick and clean lines. There are two basic styles available from Shift. One design appeals to the cruiser populations while the other for the sport bike enthusiasts. The cruiser line Vantage, is reminiscent of the Harley styling; rugged and classic. The leather has a distressed look which says “bad to the bone!” On the other hand, the Vantage made for those sports bike riders is finished in a matte color that looks like part of the Dark Knight’s wardrobe. The leather is a darker and cleaner look that gives it an aggressive finish. There are minor differences between the two styles, but give each one a very distinct look and feel. For example, the logos differ on each of these jackets to compliment its styling. All around, the styling is very basic and classic, and because of this, both jacket types work well as a casual leather jacket even when not riding. Comfort. The Vantage is a heavy jacket in general so it can get very hot; especially in ambient temperatures of Page 18
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over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to allow for cooling, Shift placed two zippered air intakes located on the upper part of the torso and near the shoulders. The air flow is then forced to the back via an inconspicuous flap located in the upper rear of the jacket. Unfortunately this is the only real cooling system this jacket has. I found that by pulling the zipper up on the forearms does provide a little extra ventilation through the arms. At first, the jacket was difficult to move in due to the heavier leather. It takes time to break the Vantage in, but over time it has proven to be a comfortable jacket to wear.
Protection. Since the Vantage is made of thicker, heavier leather, it provides generous protection from potential road rash. Additionally, the jacket has removable CE certified armor in the shoulders and elbows. However, there is no CE armor in the back, nor is there a rear pocket to add any. One of the biggest disappointments of this jacket is that it does not have a removable cold weather liner, and it is very limited on the waterproofing. I wore this once through a rainstorm and the rain soaked through. So to summarize, Vantage is pure road/accident protection but offers little defense from natural elements. Product Description: • 1.2-1.4mm premium grain leather for superior abrasion resistance and comfort. • Articulated design for superior comfort. • Removable CE approved shoulder and elbow armor for impact protection. • Dual layer leather in key areas for added protection
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and abrasion resistance. Custom zipper pullers and snaps for ease of use. Integrated pocket for a back protector. Custom zipper chest vents plus a back exhaust vent provides greater airflow and circulation. Internal chest pockets for safer storage of your wallet, cell or personal items.
Pros: • Great styling and high quality leather • Heavy leather and CE armor for ample protection • Did I say it looks good?
Cons: • No winter liner / limited rain protection • Ventilation is minimal • A little on the pricey side Conclusion: The Shift Vantage Jacket is by all means a Fall Season leather jacket for those more moderate and cooler riding days. It seems Shift intentionally designed the Vantage with minimalistic characteristics so it can be used in normal casual wear as well. The styling is excellent for both the cruisers and sports bikes. At an average price of $350.00 the Vantage is a little pricey but it is well worth the price. For more information on the Vantage visit ShiftRacing.com . So as always, ride safely and “See you on the high ground!”
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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EVENT
Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
NOVEMBER
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Teddy Bear Ride CACPlano.org Plano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Three Sisters Veterans Rally ThreeSistersRally.net Concan Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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16th Annual Blanket Run 361.548.3231 Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi
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Veterans Day Run 254.220.1877 Adkins Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
2nd Annual Wheels for Vets Rally & Show 979.255.6510 Hearne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
The Texas Honor Ride TexasHonorRide.org Magnolia Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston to San Antonio More than 800 bikes on a police escorted ride from Houston 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 any point along the route or just meet the group at the BAMC. Active army base, so protective gear is required to enter. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine.
Duck Creek Fall Poker Run for the Kids DuckCreek1419.org Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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12th Annual Cross Timbers Toy Run ArmadillowCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
East Texas Motorcycle Swap Meet 903.567.1144 Canton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Tyler
Iron Angels Rally BikerRalliesOfTexas.com Liberty Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Hosted by Biker Rallies of Texas. Held at the Trinity Valley Exposition Center on FM 563. Lots of fun including bike show, biker games, naughty nightie contest, wet T-shirt contest, tattoo contest, burn out pit, live music and lots of vendors. Onsite camping available (weekend rates). Only $30/person for the entire weekend and includes entrance into all contests and activities. Pre-register online and get a free event T-shirt. Visit the website for more information or call 409.995.0073. Progressive International Motorcycle Show MotorcycleShows.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes
22nd Annual Run to the Texas Vietnam Wall TexasVNVMC.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes
Eagle Cycles Saloon @ Lone Star Rally EagleCycles.net Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston THE place to hang out at the Lone Star Rally. Corner of The Strand and 23rd Street (Tremont Street), in the middle of all the action. The landing spot for Outlaw Dave’s Ranch Ride (see below) and home of the Outlaw Dave World Wide Headquarters, with the Outlaw Dave show broadcasting from the Saloon Friday and Saturday. 50/50 drawing, silent and live auctions and more, all benefiting the Stevens & Pruett Ranch, a non-profit ranch helping children and animals. Co-sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine.
Worst Bike Show & Beer Stein Holding Contest GrueneHarley.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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Outlaw Dave’s Annual Ranch Ride OutlawNation.us Houston to Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Benefits the Stevens & Pruett 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, the ride lands at Eagle Cycles Saloon, strategically located on The Strand at 23rd Street (Tremont Street), in the middle of all the Lone Star Rally action. 50/50 drawing, live & silent auctions, all benefitting the Stevens & Pruett Ranch. Co-sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine.
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Lone Star 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.
Barefoot Mardi Gras Fundraiser 361.446.4196 Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Kerrville Toy Run to Benefit the Salvation Army 830.257.3620 Kerrville Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 2nd Kaufman Fire Chiefs Poker Run CityOfTerrell.org Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Bike show & Rally Benefiting CASA WinstarPromotions.webs.com Paris Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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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.
12th Annual Veteran’s Day Toy Run 817.578.3035 Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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16th Annual For The Kids Toy Run ForTheKidsTexas.com Denison Region: Prairies & Lakes
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THCC Hog Chapter Toy Run JavelinaHarley.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 22nd Annual Brazos County Toy Run IndepdendenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes
Mesquite Santa-Cop Toy Parade CrossRoadRiders.com Mesquite Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
17th Annual Toys For Tots Toy Run ToysForTotsToyRun.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a $10 donation and join us at Walter Hall Park (League City exit off I-45, to Hwy 3) for this annual event supporting the USMC Toys for Tots program.. Kickstands up at 10:30am for an escorted ride to Campbell Hall at the Pasadena Rodeo Fairgrounds. Activities include bike show, field events, chili cook off, live music, kids’ zone, Santa and his elves, 4x4 show & shine, VW car show, live auction, raffles, vendors, and a brand new 2010 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide glide giveaway! Tickets for the bike giveaway are only $20 and available now (call 713.472.2235). “It’s all fo the kids.” Co-sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine. Butch Adkison Toy Run for VZC 214.676.7282 Wills Point Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
DFW Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run DFW-TFT-MR.org McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Lewisville Motorcycle Toy Run CityOfLewisville.com Lewisville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
22nd Annual Toy Run 936.539.1726 Conroe Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston 26th Annual Ellis County Toy Run 972.923.9155 Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
5th Annual Buddy Oney Toy Run 512.698.2784 Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Texas Scooter Times Holiday Expo & Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes
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25th Annual Longriders Toy Run LongRidersMotorcycleClubOfTyler.org Tyler Region: Piney Woods
Heal Sick Children 832.398.3950 Houston Region: Gulf Coast
Longhorn HD Bike Show LonghornHD.com rand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Evelene River’s 31st Annual Toy Run TrippsHD.com Amarillo Region: Panhandle
18th Annual Custom Specialists Toy Run 409.935.9873 La Marque Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Region 2 NCOM Convention DFWRally.com DeSoto Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
J.O. & Company Swap Meet 281.474.3939 Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Road Riders Inc. Toys for Kids Toy Run 979.245.1344 Bay City Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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East Texas Choppers Hosts a Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT EastTexasChoppers.net Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth A monthly Thunder Roads Texas 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!
Cycle Club of Ft. Worth’s Turkey Run CycleClubOfFortWorth.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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“The Original” 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. COIR burnout trailer. Live music, vendors, door prizes and MORE! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BIGGEST bike night in Houston!
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Texas Scooter Winter Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast
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Veterans Appreciation Day with Harleys Heros HDOfDallas.com Allen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
5th Annual Adopt A Hero For Christmas AdoptAHeroForChristmas.org Hempstead Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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EvenT Listing
31st Annual San Jacinto Highrollers Toy Run NWSJHR.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast
Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!
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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.cruise-eta.com/ themecruises.htm; 615.356.0702) in order to be a part of Thunder in the Tropics. March 4-13, 2011 Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL
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 May 19-22, 2011 The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM May 13-21, 2011 Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC 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
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
July 14-17, 2011 Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth August 8-14, 2011 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD September 8-10, 2011 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR September 8-11, 2011 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station September 28-October 1, 2011 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR
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. Thunder Roads Texas @ Concert Pub North (formerly 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!
EVENTS
March 18-20, 2011 South Texas Motorcycle Show TXBikeShow.com San Antonio Region: Hill Country
June 20, 2011 International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org
East Texas Choppers Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT 3rd Friday A monthly Thunder Roads Texas 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! Want your bike night listed here? Call 281.866.8149 for more information.
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Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride Houston to Galveston
Lone Star Rally & Eagle Cycles Saloon November 4-7 Galveston
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Multiple-day events appear on the first day of event. For details on these and other events, see our Event Listing, Page 23.
THANKSGIVING DAY
“The Original” Thunder Roads Texas 2nd Anniverary BIKE NIGHT Houston
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Blowout hosted the Biker Games and co emceeing with Outlaw Dave. Crowd favorites included: Wienee Bite, Honey I’m Home, Potato in the Hay, and the Women’s Hippity Hop Race.
Sombrero Tequila Club offered premium seating for the Texas Growers Supply Drag Race. Nightly entertainment with DJ and the Penthouse Girls to spice up your experience.
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Friday and Saturday Late Night Entertainment in the vendor area… many attendees made their own late night fun!
What a great event you’re a class act! GHOST RIDERS rate you number 1!
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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BIKE NIGHT... Two Years, Three Locations, and Still Growing “The Original” Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT is turning two in November! Come celebrate with us on November 18 at The Concert Pub North in Northwest Houston. From 50 bikes to 350 bikes and through three locations, “The Original” Thunder Roads BIKE NIGHT has become the largest monthly biker party in
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Houston. Held year round, rain or shine, bikers enjoy a monthly night of live music, drink specials, vendors, burnouts, door prizes, giveaways and just plain having fun. Some have called it a “mini-rally”. We just call it a party with a few hundred of our closest friends!
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Can We Say “Thank You” Enough?
By Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey, Correspondent/Photographer Cover Photography by Bob Cooney
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hank you. Words we say offhand all too often. But do we really mean it when we say it and can we really say it enough? For the fighting men and women who serve, and who have served, to protect our freedoms and our country, I believe we cannot say it enough. Those who serve put their lives on the line to protect us from our enemies and all too often that protection requires the ultimate sacrifice.
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I was fortunate enough to get my “Thank You” recalibrated at the 2010 State HOG Rally in Wichita Falls. Gary and Brenda Towers had on display several of what I call patriot bikes, including their Veterans Tribute Motorcycle they fondly call “Joe”. Some of you are familiar with the Towers’ bikes as you have probably seen them at many other events and, as of this month, three have graced the November cover, in honor of Veterans Day, of Thunder Roads Texas for the last three years. ThunderRoadsTexas.com
led the post war popularity of both the motorcycle and Harley in general.
On “Joe” (November 2008 Thunder Roads Texas, republished article available ThunderRoads.com), wonderfully crafted works of art are depicted on the fenders, tank, side covers, and bags of the deep blue Tribute bike. I asked myself, as I admired the military scenes on the bike, “Do we really need to see these images again in the pages of Thunder Roads?” The answer is “Yes”, because there really is no way we can thank our military men and women enough. And this wonderfully adorned motorcycle is a fitting way to keep all of us cognizant of the important work of our military. In November 2009, Brenda’s award winning “Miss Betsy” was featured in the magazine (still available for free PDF download from ThunderRoadsTexas.com). A V-Rod painted to look like a WWII fighter plane, the detail is incredible. This month, Thunder Roads Texas is pleased to feature “Ike”. This 2007 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail is being “retro-fitted” to look like a WWII WLA motorcycle, AKA “The Liberator”. The WLA is a model of Harley that was produced specifically for the United States Army. Before WWII, the WLA model was only produced in small numbers. But during the war, the Army commissioned more than 85,000 bikes. Most of the WLAs after WWII were sold as surplus and “civilianized”. Vast numbers of motorcycles available
Almost all of the parts Towers used are actually produced for restoring old Liberators to US Army specifications. Towers has taken these parts and created new brackets to fit a 2007 Harley. Even the .45 Caliber Thompson “Tommy” Gun is an exact replica of the standard Army issue. And faux Knucklehead heads have been added to resemble the 1940’s model. The bike is not done… the Towers plan to continue making the bike look more “period”. Because couriers in WWII would simply live where they stopped, making an overnight camp for themselves, plans are to add a mess kit, canteen, blanket, shovel, MRE and more. Note that the cover picture and some of the pictures here were taken a year ago. Since then, a star has been added to the gas tank, as well as a few other modifications. The picture inset here is more recent. Knowing the Towers’ attention to detail when creating these tribute bikes, it will take them a few years to get it “just right”. This year’s Lone Star Rally (Galveston, November 4-7) is honoring our US Military men and women. All three of these bikes, along with “Bob”, a Bobber tribute to 9/11 will be on display. Stop by and take a look at these moving tributes to our military. Thank you, Gary and Brenda, for keeping us grounded in remembering those who serve to protect us through your wonderful motorcycle display. And, above all, a great Thank You to all the men and women – past, present, and future – who work to protect the flag and foundation of the great United States of America. To see learn more about the Veterans Tribute Motorcycle, check the website at VeteransTributeMotorcycle.com.
cheap after the war gave rise to the chopper and other modified motorcycle styles, as well as the growing biker culture. Many young soldiers came home dreaming of owning a Harley-Davidson, similar to what they saw or rode while in the service overseas. This Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Galveston’s Newest Tourist Attraction Free to the Public
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By Shelly Horan Resource: Galveston.com
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n September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall along the US Gulf Coastline. The storm was huge in size, causing damage from the Louisiana coastline all the way down to the Corpus Christi area. Ike is the third costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States (an estimated $29.6 billion) and is blamed for at least 112 deaths in the US, of which 23 are still missing. Galveston Island was ravaged with a direct hit. One of the casualties… the beautiful tree canopy on Galveston Island. What the winds didn’t take down, the salt water of a tidal surge killed. About 40,000 trees were victims of Ike. Contactors cut down the trees, leaving unsightly stumps. The situation saddened residents. The tree “skeletons” were a constant reminder of the overall devastation Ike wreaked on Galveston. As Texans, we’re really good at making lemonade out of lemons and this is no exception. Out of the devastation of Ike come beautiful reminders of Texans’ resilience and fortitude. Donna Leibbert, of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, saw a chance to save these trees… well, in a sense save them. She envisioned turning what were symbols of destruction into signs of renewal. She fought to overcome obstacles and have city officials embrace the idea. Today, artists have resurrected some of the “lost oak” stumps into beautiful sculptures. Tucked into gardens, nestled in side yards, or standing in local parks, most of the sculptures can be enjoyed by the public. There are over 20 listed and mapped here, but more are on the way. The artists have plenty of work ahead of them, already commissioned for more, with thousands of opportunities we are sure to see this tourist attraction continue to grow. The battle to have these sculptures allowed in the first place has been won, but the war with financing to make other sculptures happen isn’t over. Visit Page 32
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GalvestonIslandTreeConservancy.org to donate and help make beauty out of devastation. For more information on the sculptures or to download a brochure, visit Galveston. com. Most of these sculptures are located on the East side of the island, not far from The Strand (home of Lone Star). Be respectful of the residents, as most of these trees are in residential neighborhoods – even in individual’s home gardens/yards. List of Sculptures on map: 1. Wildlife Tree; Scheiber Park; 83rd Street; Near Scholes Airport and Moody Gardens 2. Hand Clutching Diploma; Wright-Cuney Park; 40th Street 3. Two sculptures: Dalmatian & Fire Hydrant City Hall Fire Station; 823 25th Street 4. Birds of Galveston; 620 Sealy 5. Great Dane; 1228 Sealy (facing 13th Street) 6. Dolphin; 828 Ball (facing 9th Street) 7. Dolphins & Mermaid; 902 Ball 8. Four sculptures: Owl, Wildlife Totem Pole, Dolphin & Squirrel; 1302 Ball 9. Two Herons (birds); 1316 Ball 10. Toad; 1615 Ball 11. Two sculptures: Geisha & Sister Angels; 1717 Ball 12. Yellow Labrador Retriever; 1820 Winnie (inside fence) 13. Tin Man & Toto (Wizard of Oz): 1702 Winnie 14. Pelicans; 628 14th Street behind Mosquito Café 15. Monument to Galvston’s Trees; 1028 Winnie 16. Mermaid Holding Clam Shell; 1428 Church 17. Pelican Sitting on Piling; 1618 Church 18. Large Pelican; 1609 Post Office 19. Angel Cradling Bunny; 511 17th Street
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An Honor to Ride By Robert “Pig Pen” Biddison
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o honor, directly help, and improve the quality of life of wounded warriors and their families who are recovering at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas.” That quote is the mission statement of the Texas Honor Ride (THR), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. And after being a part of the fundraiser and ride on Saturday, September 25th, 2010, I can say they do a great job of following that mission. The day was full of fun activities for the whole family and it all benefited wounded warriors and their families.
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The festivities started with a guided 75 mile ride through the Sam Houston National Forest and surrounding areas. About 200 bikes and a beautiful clear sky made it a relaxing ride that went very smoothly. When we got back to the West Conroe Baptist Church they had BBQ sandwiches, along with many other treats for us. There was an Apache helicopter and a life flight helicopter for people to check out and take photos. They had a car show and a bike show, and let me tell you, there were some nice vehicles out there. Vendors were on site with lots of goodies for people to purchase. They did a 50/50 drawing and a raffle for lots of cool door prizes. All in all it was a great day.
The best part of the whole day, I believe, was the auction itself. Bear Prince was the Auctioneer and it was quite an emotional auction. There were several wounded vets on site and we got to meet them and hear some of their stories. One of the auction items was donated to one of the Wounded Veterans after bringing in about $500 for the benefit. A special item made by one of the Veterans brought in $1,000. It was a custom made table the Jason Marsh (the peer-chosen representative for BAMC soldiers since the first Texas Honor Ride) with an American Flag in mosaic on the top and a wrought iron base. He spent six months making the table specifically for this event. There were several standing ovations for the troops. The bidding between buyers was fierce, yet exciting and fun. We laughed, we cried, and we had a great time. We also witnessed a very moving presentation. When Jason was in Iraq his unit (4th Infantry, E-Company, 3-67 Armor) decided to create a special coin to represent their
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tour. They had a contest and Jason’s design was chosen. Unfortunately, he was hit by sniper fire and sent home before the coins could be made and distributed. After the unit finished the tour, the coins were all gone; Jason never got one. His wife worked with the Texas Honor Ride and their supplier of the THR Challenge Coins to recreate the coin for Jason. She presented the coin on that moving Saturday afternoon. (You can read more of Jason’s story at TexasHonorRide.org.) After all was said and done over $30,000 was raised for the BAMC that day. If you weren’t able to make the September fundraiser, you really missed a great time and a chance to honor our troops. But you still have time to show your love and support. November 13th, 2010 is “the” ride from Houston to San Antonio to present the BAMC with a check for the total of all money raised this year. It should be a great ride.
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To pre-register for the November ride, purchase a THR Challenge Coin or one of the many other items, find out how you can help, or just make a donation, visit TexasHonorRide. org. Anyone who pre-registers for the ride will get a special 5th Anniversary Ride Patch, supplies are limited and they will not be reordered… so get them while you can. Always remember and support our troops the best you can, they are the reason we have the freedom to fight to keep our liberties.
Ad Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Little Rally Large Heart Photography by Pamella Jody, Correspodnent Last year, Casey with the Tin Star Ranch in Fredericksburg, started a small motorcycle event in support of the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center. This year, they double their efforts and doubled their turnout. There was live music, a 50/50 drawing, poker run, vendors and raffle taking place on the 370 acre ranch that captures the feeling of the “old west of the 1800’s”. The local radio station, “The Rev” 94.3FM provided live remote broadcasts while there were biker games, cold beer and good food. The ranch offers a replica period western town full of historic buildings from the frontier, including Judge Roy Bean’s Jersey Lily Saloon, The Alamo, Longhorn Palace, and others. Built on a hill, the sweeping views of the surrounding pastures and hillsides are breathtaking. The ranch is best known for their shooting events, hosting up to 200 people with accommodations (cabins) for 60, plus RV and tent camping. The beautiful ranch is also ideal for corporate retreats and weddings. And, of course, the Texas Hill Country riding roads!
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Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Email pictures to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Joker’s Wild T
he pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, “You’re terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I’ll see to it that you get a huge bonus.” “Forget the bonus,” the turkey said, “All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?”
T
urkey Cooking Instructions for Bikers
Step 1: Go buy a turkey Step 2: Take a drink of whiskey Step 3: Put turkey in the oven Step 4: Take another 2 drinks Step 5: Set the degree at 375 ovens Step 6: Take 3 more whiskeys of a drink Step 7: Turn oven the on Step 8: Take 4 whisks of drinky Step 9: Turk the bastey Step 10: Whiskey another bottle of get Step 11: Stick a turkey in the thermometer Step 12: Glass yourself a pour of whiskey Step 13: Bake the whiskey for 4 hours Step 14: Take the oven out of the turkey Step 15: Take the oven out of the turkey Step 16: Floor the turkey up off the pick Step 17: Turk the carvey Step 18: Get yourself another scottle of botch Step 19: Tet the sable and pour yourself a glass of turkey Step 20: Bless the saying, pass and eat out
T
hings people say at Thanksgiving that sound dirty, but aren’t:
10. “Just reach in and grab the giblets.” 9. “Whew...that’s one terrific spread!” 8. “I am in the mood for a little dark meat!” 7. “Tying the legs together will keep the inside moist.” 6. “Talk about a HUGE breast!” 5. “And he forces his way into the end zone!” 4. “She’s 5000 pounds fully inflated and it takes 15 men to hold her down.” 3. “It’s cool whip time!” 2. “If I don’t unbutton my pants, I am going to burst!” . . . and the number one thing that sounds dirty at Thanksgiving but isn’t . . 1. “It must be broken ‘cause when I push on the tip, nothing squirts out.”
A
Thanksgiving Poem
He laid her on the table, So white, clean and bare. His forehead wet with beads of sweat, He rubbed her here and there. He touched her neck and then her breast, And then, drooling, felt her thigh. The slit was wet and all was set, He gave a joyous cry. The hole was wide...he looked inside, All was dark and murky. He rubbed his hands and stretched out his arms, And then he stuffed the turkey.
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L
ast year “Shovelhead” had the chance to do the traditional thing of shooting his own turkey for Thanksgiving… you should have seen the people scatter in the meat department.
“H
arley Gal” was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?” The stock boy answered, “No ma’am, they’re dead.”
I
hear the three most popular sports in Texas are professional football, college football and high school football.
A
true football fan is one who can sit in the front row at the 50 yard line and ask, “What cheerleaders?”
A
college professor at a university known for its football rather than scholastic record said: “The most underdeveloped territory in the world lies under any football helmet.”
F
ootball Rules from Various Political Structures
SOCIALIST FOOTBALL: After you score, the state takes half your points and redistributes them to the opposing team. COMMUNIST FOOTBALL: After you score, the state takes away all your points and gives you back what the Central Bureau of Points designates as appropriate (according to your needs). FASCIST FOOTBALL: After you score, the state takes away all your points and sells them back to you. NAZI FOOTBALL: After you score, the state takes away all your points and shoots your team. BUREAUCRATIC FOOTBALL: After you score, a tax of 50% will be imposed on the points. 10% of your points will be given to the scoring disadvantaged, 10% of the points will be given to the opposing team as an incentive “not to score,” while 40% of the points will be used by the state for administration. CAPITALIST FOOTBALL: The Super Bowl -- Winner Takes All
J
oe in Dallas calls his son in New York just before Thanksgiving and tells him, “I am sorry to tell you but your mother and I are going to divorcing. I just cannot take any more of her moaning. We can’t stand the sight of each other anymore.” I am telling you this first, Eddie, because you are the eldest, please tell your sister. When Eddie calls his sister Julie, she says, “No way are they getting divorced, I will go see them for Thanksgiving.” Julie phones here parents and tells them both “You must NOT get divorced. Promise you won’t do anything until I get over there. I’m calling Eddie, and we’ll both be there with you tomorrow. Until then, don’t take any action, please listen to me,” and hangs up. The father puts down the phone and turns to his wife and says. “Good news,” he says, “Eddie and Julie are coming for Thanksgiving and they are both paying their own way!”
A
sked to write a composition entitled, “What I’m thankful for on Thanksgiving,” little Timothy wrote, “I am thankful that I’m not a turkey.”
W
hy can’t you take a turkey to church? Because they use such FOWL language ThunderRoadsTexas.com
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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 *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 Haley Insurance PO Box 8787 The Woodlands, TX 77387 888.4.BIKERS (424.5377) HaleyInsuranceOnline.com
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*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
*Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop & Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 FrioCanyonMotorcycleStop.biz BentRimGrill.com *Gruene Harley-Davidson 1288 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.624.2473 GrueneHarley.com *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
*Ron’s Relay Retreat 36009 Howell Rd Waller, TX 77484 979.921.0771 RonsRelay.com
*Flying V Creations 1903 College Ave Snyder, TX 79549 325.436.0197 MySpace.com/FlyingVCreations
*Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572
*Lubbock Custom Motorcycles 11804 South University #A Lubbock, TX 79423 806.745.7167 LubbockCustomMotorcycles.com
*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 *D’Rose Inn & Cabins 527 Hwy 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 DRoseInn.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
PINEY WOODS *Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 CycleHeavenTX.com *Phantom Custom Cycles 34507 SH 249 Pinehurst, TX 77362 281.766.1549 PhantomCustomCycles.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 *Cowboy’s Alamo City Harley-Davidson 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 CowboysAlamoCityHarley.com *Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 214.403.2216 InsuranceLadyInc.com *Joe Harrison Motorsports 9710 I-35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 210.656.9400 JHMS.com *Kent Powersports 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.656.9400 KentPowersports.com Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 N Converse, TX 78109 MissionWrecker.com
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
*Texas Pride Barbeque 2980 East Loop 1604 Adkins, TX 78101 210.649.3730 TexasPrideBBQ.net *Yamaha of San Antonio A Kent Powersports Company 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 KentPowersports.com
STATEWIDE *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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