Thunder Roads Texas - April 2014 by Thunder Roads Texas

It’s not about the bike... it’s about the RIDE!

Five Years and Growing! April 10-13 * Lake Somerville

April 12

April 2014

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also this month:

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Bikers for Bikers Legacy Last Ounce of Courage (movie review)

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 2 * April 2014

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 3 * April 2014

Contents 

April 2014 On the Cover

38 Five Years & Growing! Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally

Also Inside 16

16 34 36

Reader Recommended: Hamburgers Bikers for Bikers Legacy Last Ounce of Courage (movie review) SPECIAL EVENT SECTION: 18-33

Regular Features

6 Letter From the Editor 8 Two Wheel Thunder TV: Shorai LFX Lithium Technology 10 Pig Writes: Massacres Are Not for the Weak! 13 Ride Map: Day Trip from OTT Rally 40 ThunderCam 42

Joker’s Wild

Resources 35 36

21 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out April 2014 Calendar 45 Biker Friendly Listing On the cover: Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally

OWNERS

ADVERTISING SALES

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161

Bob “Just One More” Cooney CEO ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Points Across Texas Administrator

Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com

Laura Mae Benson - Houston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642 Traci “Sweet N Low” McClure - East Texas Traci.McClure@yahoo.com * 936.671.9567 Shelly “Cricket” Silva San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com * 210.445.2477 Chris Hensley San Antonio/Hill Country chrishensley.ch@gmail.com 210.912.7852

Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

FEATURE WRITERS

“Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes Two Wheel Thunder TV - Product Reviews

CORRESPONDENTS

Raymond Meinhardt San Antonio/Hill Country meinhardtray@yahoo.com 210.410.5783 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

Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Shelly “Cricket” Silva - San Antonio; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom Piney Woods; Raul Carrasco - San Antonio.

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

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First, I must give my sincere apologies. The magazine is late this month. I volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (nine years now) and this year really took a toll on my time. Add to that multiple issues arising as I worked on the magazine… but no excuses… it’s late and I’m really sorry. So… my boo-hoo’ing out of the way! This month, there is so much going on! Just check out the Events Section (pages 18-33), plus other ads marked with a red “event’ banner on the edge of the page. Choose one, or two, or three, or MORE and get out there and ride!! As you will see in many of the ads, we once again are sponsoring a whole host of events around the state. I encourage organizers to contact me about sponsorship options. We have a GREAT package deal for any and all! Our Ride Map this month is designed for those visiting Nacogdoches this month for the Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally (April 25-27). Always beautiful riding in the East Texas Piney Woods… so even if you don’t go this month, save the map for a future visit to the area. On our cover, we’re tickled to have our good friends’, Damon Dave and Wendy’s, rally – Carts, Bikers, & Babes Rally on Lake Somerville (April 11-13). They always put on a great party and this is no exception! This spring rally has grown by leaps and bounds! We’ll be there – will you? We continue our Reader Recommendations… this month highlighting the best hamburgers in Texas, as recommended by YOU! Keep the recommendations coming in – this month, we’re asking for the best PIE in Texas (submissions due by May 5). Wishing out all the best this Easter Season! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER ! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Co-Owner and Managing Editor, Thunder Roads Texas and Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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EVENT

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Shorai LFX ™ Lithium Technology his winter was without question the most brutal winter I can remember. The people in the stores, on the social media blogs and discussion boards were all complaining about it… EVERYWHERE! You would think those people in the north would be accustomed to it, but not with a winter THIS bad and temperatures THIS low!! You would think the south is so much better? THINK AGAIN! The storms and bitter cold hit nearly every state this year. In any other winter, a hard core rider may find a cold day every once in a while. This winter, we asked for a decent day every once in a while just so we could make sure the battery still had enough juice to turn over the engine and bring that sweet music to our ears. We know that batteries are needed to start the engine, even if we don’t always understand the technical details that make the battery work. What we do know, and expect, is that they better work when we want to ride! After all, it is the battery that brings to your world, your love, your freedom, and that sweet sound of music to LIFE! Batteries, for the most part, are the same as they have always been. There are the conventional batteries and the maintenance free batteries. Yes, technology has improved battery efficiency, and the development of new materials has also improved efficiency, but basically batteries are all the same… or are they? We have found and written about some notable batteries in the past but we have now found something that is revolutionary and unique. Shorai (pronounced Show- RI) falls more into the maintenance free category of batteries. Shorai LFX™ Lithium Technology is something special. The moment you hold it in your hands, you know you are in for a real treat. There are other Lithium-Iron-based batteries on the market, but I have read that they are originally produced for powertool applications. Shorai’s “Prismatic LFX” batteries are

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designed and produced for specific applications. Shorai makes nearly two dozen battery options designed to fit street, dirt, touring and cruiser motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, personal watercraft, riding lawnmowers, and utility vehicles. In other words, a battery made specifically for YOUR motorcycle equates to a superior battery for you. Shorai is the world’s principal producer of prismatic cell, lithium iron phosphate power sports batteries. Shorai is leading the market’s conversion from traditional lead-acid batteries to lighter, more efficient and higher performance lithium starter batteries. How much lighter? What do you think about 80% lighter than their lead acid equivalent? That means the battery for our HD Ultra Classic Touring bike weighs less than 5 Lbs! That is an incredible 17 lbs LIGHTER than the comparable Lead-acid battery!!! So, it is light weight and since you are lugging around less weight, you are improving the handling of the bike and reducing fuel consumption. A real win-win! Holding this battery you may wonder about whether or not it will be powerful enough to turn over the engine. There is an enormous amount of technical knowledge that goes into fully understanding how a battery works, however, the basic terms like cold cranking ratings (CCA) is something we all understand. What does it take to start a motorcycle? Shorai Batteries CCA ratings are 1.5 times greater than comparable Lead Acid battery CCA. The speed of cranking is impressive. You get more power faster and more consistently! A battery on steroids! That will impress you! So after a winter that can only be described in four letter words… without hesitation, we turned the key and our bike started right up! Oh the sweet sound of a Harley bringing life back to our frozen tundra! We know it is not yet spring, and most states are still

experiencing bad weather, but if you can handle the cold, Shorai Batteries will work down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With Shorai Power you get what you pay for. They offer a three year warranty with the battery, but over and over again as I researched, I read that they could last 5-6 years with the proper maintenance. Shorai LFX Batteries are made with electronics in the battery that keeps them from discharging and they do not suffer the chemical degradation that is common with lead acid batteries. Maintaining their power also provides another benefit… less wear and tear on the starter! If you are like us, you have added your own electronics, like radios, GPS, lights and even computers. All the more reason to have a battery you can rely on. Shorai LFX™ batteries can be purchased at over 2,500 dealers and also online at www.shoraipower.com

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Massacres Are Not for the Weak! an I just love going to Rallies. Hello to all my lovers of deep fried pork rinds. It’s time once again for another bull session with the Pig, so grab a jar of shine or make it a bottle of beer and let’s get this rolling. Yes, I do love going to Rallies. If you were one who didn’t make it to this years’ St. Valentines Day Massacre hosted by the Alamo City Gypsies, then brother, you missed a good one. The Massacre is one great way to kick off the rally season each year. The Rally was held on Feb 7th-9th, right in the middle of all that cold and rainy weather we had back then. Oh, wait a minute, I see now why you didn’t make it – it was too cold for you, too, huh? Now, before you get all weepy-eyed ‘cause I just busted you for wimping out, sit down for a minute and I’ll fill you in on a few things that went down. The St. Valentines Day Massacre was held at the fairgrounds in Hondo, and, like I said, it was hosted by the Alamo City Gypsy’s. I do have to say that those sour pickles sure do know how to put on a party! We never want to miss a good time, so Rainman, Chris, and I were there in the midst of the fun tossing back a few while passing out free copies of this here fine magazine. There was plenty of cold beer flowing, along with some pretty tasty food, with music and dancing in the big hall. They even threw in a couple of fun runs to the Hill Country and some field games so that a good time to could be had by all. The freezing cold temps with the threat of ice, sleet and snow on Friday, only added to the discomfort of those who didn’t drink enough beer. It isn’t a massacre unless someone losses some toes to frostbite. Speaking of frostbite, I did see a lot of campers out there who were brave enough to fight the forces of nature and who still had an excellent time at the rally.

The only drawback I had was in having to get up at 3:00 a.m. to venture out in the cold and walk to the bathroom to take a leak. That part sucked! The camaraderie and relationship of brotherhood among the clubs and independents make the rally all that much better. The telling of the old stories and remembering lost brothers and sisters helps keep them, and us, alive. Chris tried to call it “People with a common cause who can relate to one another.” I think it’s more of “All my beer drinking buddies were there”. As the days shifted to evenings and evenings shifted to nights, the party stayed at full throttle and roared on – a great opportunity to make some new friends all the while chasing those lovely wild women. Last year at Massacre I told you about the Piggy Puffs. Yeah, you know those puffy little fried pork rinds that melt in your mouth. The same one’s everyone keeps buying and walking around stuffing their faces’ with. Well, once again I ran into my fine pig massacring friends who make those tasty little snacks. Only this time

I was a little nervous when they were all glad to see me and I was invited back behind the table to watch how they make them. I was sure they remembered everything I said about them last year. I was assured that it was safe and that they would never use my worthless Cousin Wilber’s dead body to make Piggy Puffs (as much as I’d like to see Wilber’s ass skin-deep in a fryer with a coating of hot seasoning, cause we all know he ain’t no damn good). Well it seems that the Piggy Puff people actually liked my articles. They assured me that they would never hurt me and that they do not use any of my family members in the making of Piggy Puffs. Yeah, right, and cousin Wilber is an outstanding member of society! So kudos to my Alamo City Gypsy friends Toe Dig, and his sour pickle crew; you guys did a great job as always. I’m looking forward to next years Massacre. May I suggest ice racing? Ride HARD or Stay Home.

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You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 10

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2014

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 12 * April 2014

EVENT

Day Trip from By Shelly Horan; map route provided by the CMA Piney Woods Peacekeepers

For those traveling to the OTT Rally, here’s a suggested ride map through the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods from the rally grounds. A special thanks to the Christian Motorcyclists Association Piney Woods Peacemakers chapter for providing this month’s route.

expected, we start and stop in Nacogdoches. In the past, we’ve provided maps in and around Nacogdoches… but haven’t ever really talked about Nacogdoches itself. So, here we go!! As the nickname suggests, Nacogdoches is considered the Oldest Town in Texas. Archeological research found the mounds in the area date from about 1250 AD. The town was named for the Nacogdoche Indians, a Caddo group that lived in the area.

RIDE

The town boasts nine flags flown overhead: French (1685-1689). While the French never officially settled in East Texas, they are the reason the Spanish became so aggressive with their own permanent establishments. A Frenchman working on establishing illicit trade between Louisiana and Mexico was instrumental in creating what it known as the Old Spanish Trail. Spanish (1519-1821). During the early 1700s, the Spanish increased their settlement efforts. In 1721 they built six missions and two presidios in East Texas, one near today’s Nacogdoches. In 1773, many of the Spanish inhabitants moved to San Antonio (well, were kind of run out of town). But many were granted permission to move back into the Trinity River area. After a flood in 1779, Antonio Gil Y’Barbo led the survivors back into Nacogdoches. Eventually, Y’Barbo laid out Nacogdoches as a Spanish town with two squares, one for government and one for church. He built the Old Stone Fort to do business out of. This historical building still stands today; located on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. Gutierrez-Magee (1812-1813). In 1812, the Old Stone Fort served as headquarters during the first attempt to create a Texas Republic. The name of the flag and effort comes from Augustus Magee, a former lieutenant in the US Army and Bernardo Gutierrez. They joined forces to take Texas as an independent nation. Dr. James Long (1819-1821). Dr. Long was from Natchez, MS, who, along with many, incorrectly assumed Texas was included in the Louisiana Purchase. As such, we went into Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Nacogdoches and claimed Texas for the United States. He, too, made his headquarters in the Old Stone Fort, but his group was wiped out while he was visiting Galveston to secure additional assistance from Jean Lafitte. Mexican (1821-1836). Mexico formally gained its independence from Spain in August 1821. At this time, they officially claimed Texas as theirs and Nacogdoches grew in size and character during this time. Freedonia Rebellion (1826-1827). This was a rebellion to free Texas from Mexico, led by Haden Edwards. Mexico gave Edwards rights to settle 800 families in the area. When he arrived to collect on this contract, he found Indians and Mexican descendants who had already been there several generations. He gathered his men at the Old Stone Fort and declared the group Freedonians (freedom seekers). Again, the rebellion failed. Texas Colonization became so popular with the Anglos that Mexico reversed its position and barred immigration. This led to the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832, said to have been the opening shot of the Texas Revolution.

Nacogdoches lost its state political prominence due to a lack of transportation facilities, particularly railroads and navigable rivers. From here, the county of Nacogdoches was reduced, having other counties carved out of its borders. United States of America (1846-present). And here we are with the final flag, the US Flag. On October 13, 1845, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a United States annexation proposal. In December of that year, President James Polk signed the Joint Resolution for the Admission of the State of Texas into the Union, making Texas the 28th state. In 1923, Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College (now

Lone Star (1823-1846). Of course, we have the Texas flag! The Battle of Nacogdoches freed the areas east and north of San Antonio of all Mexican troops. Many residents of Nacogdoches went on to continue the fight to free Texas. Confederate Stars & Bars (1861-1865). As with much of Texas, Nacogdoches men went to fight in the Civil War on the Confederate side. After this “skirmish”,

Old Stone Fort

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MAP

Nacogdoches Chamber - 9 Flags

Day Trip from Stephen F Austin State University) was established and is now the community’s largest attraction to new residents. Aside from the university, there are many things to see in the historic town. Of course, there’s the Old Stone Fort, but also a variety of old churches and residences in the area, as well as one of the quaintest historic downtown main squares in America.

...continued

town incorporated in Nacogdoches County, although the proceedings were delayed and not completed until after others had formally incorporated. One undisputed fact: Garrison elected the first female Mayor in Texas in 1937, Garrison - Wiley Hotel

Of course, you can’t leave without obtaining one of our standard photo opportunities for the Points Across Texas

Maud Irwin.

RIDE

MAP

Nacogdoches Courthouse program, the Nacogdoches County Courthouse! Leaving the Rally, head north on US 59/NW Stallings Drive/224 Loop (go right out of the rally and U-turn at FM 2609). Continue on US 59 North into Garrison. The town is named after Captain J.H. (Jim) Garrison who bought land in the mid-1880s. He sold part of the acreage to the expanding Houston, East and West Texas Railroad, which was looking for a right of way into Louisiana. Around the right of way, the railroad built a depot and plotted for businesses and residences. Garrison lays claim to the first

While in Garrison, visit the Wiley Hotel (circa about 1900). The structure is a fine example of an early 20th century railroad hotel, exhibiting Queen Anne style influences. There is also the First United Methodist Church of Garrison, erected in 1926.

Here the route turns back south, taking Highway 87 into Center. Land for the town site was donated in the mid-1850s. In 1866, Center became the county seat for Shelby County, upsetting the residents of Shelbyville, the original county seat. The election was disputed, but the county records were stolen and taken to Center, effectively settling the dispute. The original courthouse burned down in 1882. The current courthouse replaced it and is usually regarded as one of the “handsomest” in Texas. The 1885 Romanesque Revival building was inspired by the castles of Irish architect, John Gibson’s, native home, affectionately known as the “Irish Castle”. As a county courthouse, this is, of course, a Points Across Texas standard destination. Also nearby is the historic jail, built at the same time, also on our standard list. There are plenty of attractions to take in, the Shelby County Museum, the historic Rio Theater, and the world famous Lily Farm. Continuing on Highway 87 out of Center, heading south

Next up on the route, continuing up 59 North, is the small town of Timpson. Founded in 1885 with the arrival of the railroad, the town was named for P.B. Timpson, a railroad engineer. The town became well known in the 1930s/1940s thanks to the popular Tex Ritter song, “Tenaha, Timpson, Bobo, and Blair”, referring to a string of towns in Shelby County.

Historic Courthouse in Center

Points Across Texas Qualified Destination List - April 2014 Ride Map Nacogdoches Oldest Town in Texas Rally (banner/shirt) Stephen F Austin State University (sign) Old Stone Fort Nacogdoches County Courthouse Garrison Wiley Hotel First United Methodist Church of Garrison Timpson Center Historic County Courthouse (not the new one for this map) Historic County Jail Shelby County Museum Rio Theater The Lily Farm

Shelbyville First United Methodist Church Bickham House Myrick’s Ferry Log Home Sabine National Forest San Augustine San Augustine County Courthouse San Augustine Historic Jail Log Cabin on the Bayou Stripling Drug Store Augus Theatre/Museum Theatre Milton Garrett’s Pioneer Home Statue of Texas Governor, James Pickney Henderson

Quick Rules: • Locations/items must be easily identifiable in the photo. • Your AND/OR your bike must be in the picture. • Either a current issue of Thunder Roads Texas OR a print out of the 2014 Points Across Texas logo/patch must be visible in the photo. • Photos must be emailed to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.comor can be posted on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/ PointsAcrossTexas). • Deadline for 2014 photos is January 15, 2015. Page 14

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note around the small town. Out of Shelbyville, you have two options. Our route shows a direct trip to San Augustine, using Highway 147 South. But you can also choose a round-about trip through the gorgeous Sabine National Forest, continuing on Highway 87, then catching Highway 21 West.

Sabine National Forest into Shelbyville. This small town is nestled on the edge of the Sabine National Forest. It was originally founded in the 1820s with settlers from Tennessee. It was originally called Nashville, but was renamed in 1837 to honor the American Revolution hero and Kentucky governor, Isaac Shelby. Shelbyville became the flash-point in the Regulator-Moderator War. Primarily a land dispute, this famous feud during the Republic of Texas was between those who wanted to “regulate” the activities of rivals and those who wanted to “moderate” the regulation. Eventually, Shelbyville - First Sam Houston was able United Methodist Church to get the two factions to make peace. There are a few historical sites to visit: the First United Methodist Church, The Bickham House, and Myricks’ Ferry Log Home. Additionally, there are several other historical markers of

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Also known as the “Cradle of Texas Independence”, San Augustine is the seat for San Augustine County. As such another Points Across Texas standard picture opportunity. San Augustine is one of the original 23 counties established after Texas won independence from Mexico.

this small, but historically important town. Of note, in our humble opinion, dare the Log Cabin on the Bayou (houses the San Augustine Civic and Tourism Center and the Chamber of Commerce), San Augustine Jail (Points Across Texas standard destination), Stripling Drug Store, Augus Theatre/Museum Theatre, Milton Garrett’s restored pioneer home (circa 1827), and the statue of Texas’ first governor, James Pickney Henderson (in front of the county courthouse). From San Augustine, we take the direct route back to the rally, using Highway 21 West. When entering Nacogdoches, take Loop 224 around, back to the rally.

The town’s history predates the American Revolution. As The ride time is about two hours, with a total of just over early as the 1540s, European visitors were getting lost in 100 miles (not including the side trip through the Sabine the pines in the area. On the Old San Antonio National Forest). Road (AKA “El Camino Real de los Tejas”), the San Augustine - Historic Jail And remember… Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los take pictures of all Ais (“Mission Dolores” for short) was built. This the destinations building has been restored and is one of the listed in the article town’s most popular attractions. (and below) to There are a number of historic sites around submit for your FREE Points Across Texas patch. Only five pictures are required!

San Augustine - Historic Courthouse

If you have a route you enjoy, we’re looking for new maps to share with our readers. Please send the information to shelly@thunderroadstexas.com

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We Asked - You Recommended! We introduced our new Reader Recommended program in January, with the first round (Watering Holes) published last month. Wow, has this caught on now!! W e received more than 200 responses via Facebook, email, and even text for the best hamburger in Texas! We can’t list everyone to thank you, but we have listed all of those submitted!! Listed in alpha order with a special call out to our advertisers that were nominated. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AJs Meat Market * Dickinson Alamo Springs Café * Fredericksburg Bent Rim Grill * Leakey Billy’s on Burnett * Austin Buckhorn Bar & Grill & Leakey Cabo Clear Lake * Houston - “Fester Burger is AWESOME!” Canyon of the Eagles Lodge * Burnet - “Gorgeous ride and hands down best burger.” Carpenters * Corsicana Casino El Camino * Austin Centerpoint Station * San Marcos Chris Madrids * San Antonio Denton County Independent Hamburger Company * Denton - “Old Fashioned w/ cheese!” Goode Company Taqueria * Houston - “Have a chocolate Cinnamon shake for dessert!” Hardtails Bar & Grill * Georgetown Hopdoddy Burger Bar * Austin Jetty Shack * Surfside - “Jetty Burger, the best big burger ever.”

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Loading Dock Too * Bacliff Lois & Jerry’s * Bartlett Mooseknuckles * Spring Old Kenney Store * Kenney - “Cooked to order, so can ba wait, but the burger is GREAT!” Old Trading Post * Richmond Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters * Houston - “Huge gourmet burgers and great fries!” P.O.’s Burgers & Beer * Cypress Pier Thirtee * Surfside - “Tasty JCB that you better be damn hungry to finish.” Porkchops * Point Blank Roadhouse Restaurant * Bastrop Taters * Crowell The Knot in the Loop Saloon * Willow City The Refinery Whiskey & Burgers * Houston - “The bomb!” The Spot * Galveston Thirsty Parrot * Monaville - “Their jallapeno bun is the BEST!’ Tookies * Seabrook - “The Squealer is the BEST bacon burger - bacon ground in with the beef!” Wallbangers * Corpus Christi West of the Brazos * Damon Wet Deck * Livingston Yankee’s Tavern * Carlos - “Fantastic! A great motorcycle destination”

Other mentions (because they’re chains): Whataburger Five Guys Steak N Shake In May, we hope to have some bathroom shots for you… last day to send those in – April 10th. And next up in our request for you recommendations, we go sweet on you – BEST PIE in Texas.

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EVENT

EVENTS

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2014

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EVENT

Event Listing

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

Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com WARNING: Adult Content Wills Point Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Bikers Helping Babies DLH14830@sbcglobal.net Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Our own Shelly Horan will be leading… as we sponsor this year’s ride! Registration opens at 8:30am with KSU 10:30am. The ride starts at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson in Pasadena and lands at Brickhouse Tavern & Tap on the Seawall in Galveston. $40/rider; $20/passenger preregistration; $45/rider; $20/passenger day of; $35 Ghost Rider registration for donations. Proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

TMRA2 Bikes & Bass Rally 936.337.5474 Point Blank Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

Thunder in April 361.816.3464 Sinton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

Blue Knights TX Police Memorial Ride BlueKnightsTexasChapterXI.com Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco Lone Star Bike Night LoneStar925.com Dallas/Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth It’s a roaming bike night! Randy James of Lone Star 92.5 hosts an every Thursday bike night at various locations around town. Visit LoneStar925.com for information about upcoming bike nights. Proudly sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station BRING OUT YOUR BAD… Join Damon Dave and the crew for a weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands including Pat Travers, Midnight Special (tribute), Molly Hatchet & more. RV Sites (book NOW), free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors and more. The party never stops with the Battle of the After Hours Campsite Parties! Registration is open now. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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Robert Arellano Dawg Fest Rally DawgFestRally.com Mt. Pleasant Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Rock the Hill Country Tphillips@mmbo.com Midland Region: Panhandle Metro: Midland/Odessa

St. Jude Hospital Concert for Kids Facebook.com/events/452380444861469/ 903.547.6720 Texarkana Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

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Fools Gold Rally Gypsy-MC.org/ Austwell Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Victoria

Garland High School Car, Bike, & Truck Show 972.494.8492 Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Rally Round our Heroes WoundedHeroesOfTexas.org Maypearl Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Comanche Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Abilene Bikes & Bugs VI @ Floyd’s BikesAndBugs.org Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bikes & Bugs is BACK! Join Los Guys MC for several pre-parties leading up to the main event; this one at Floyd’s (16549 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, 77479). At all pre-parties feature crawfish (of course!), music, vendors, and more. You can also buy tickets for the raffle of a Big Dog Ridgeback Chopper at the Main Event on May 3rd. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Dawgs Back On Hawgs Ride to the Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Houston to Lake Somerville Region: Gulf Coast to Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston to College Station/Bryan Meet up at one of the sponsored locations: Goe HD in Angleton, Outlaw Dave’s in Houston, San Jacinto HD in Pasadena, and Mancuso Crossroads in NW Houston. All bikes will leave from Mancuso Crossroads at 11:30am heading to the Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally on Lake Somerville. $40 registration includes ride pin, ride shirt, and admission to the rally. Pre-register by calling 979.742.3284; preregistrations entered into a drawing for a large gift box valued at over $500. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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3-6

Louisiana State HOG Rally LAStateHOGRally.com Lafeyette, LA

Blue Knights Spring Fun Run BlueKnightstx1.org Grapevine Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

TCOC&I State Rally COCTX.org Helotes Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio Beach-n-Biker Fest BeachNBikerfest.com South Padre Island Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Brownsville/Harlingen

GWRRA Region 8 Rally & Convention GWRRA-H.org Marshall Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

APRIL m

Bikes & Bugs VI Pre-Party @ Mancuso Crossroads BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bikes & Bugs is BACK! Join Los Guys MC for several pre-parties leading up to the main event; this one at Mancuso Harley-Davidson Crossroads location (12710 Crossroads Park Dr, Houston, 77065). All preparties feature crawfish (of course!), music, vendors, and more. You can also buy tickets for the raffle of a Big Dog Ridgeback Chopper at the Main Event on May 3rd. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

2-6

Lone Star Bike Night LoneStar925.com Dallas/Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth It’s a roaming bike night! Randy James of Lone Star 92.5 hosts an every Thursday bike night at various locations around town. Visit LoneStar925.com for information about upcoming bike nights. Proudly sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

3-5

Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ

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Quick Performance Cycles GRAND OPENING QuickPerformanceCycles.com San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

2nd Annual Harleys & Habits Fun Run SanarosaFoundation.org New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

NORTH: Shifters Saloon (5001 Treaschwig Rd, Spring 77373). Steve & his crew throw a mean party! SOUTH: Jackie’s Brickhouse (1053 Marina Bay Dr/ Page 26

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Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston-Area Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston One Night – THREE Parties! Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials, vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! Reserved motorcycle-only parking.. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston!

Laughlin River Run LaughlinRiverRun.com Laughlin, NV

Antique MC Club of America National Road Run CherokeeAMCA.org Kerrville Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

Big Mikes Bike Show Deer Park Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

25-27

14-16

Ride for the Bear LindsayFoundation.org Porter Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

Bikers for Bikers Annual Rally BikersForBikers.com Montgomery Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Join the OTT team for their 6th year in Nacogdoches – BACK IN THE SPRING! They always have a great band line up all weekend. Also, custom ride-in bike

25-27

Leesburg Bike Fest LeesburgBikeFest.com Leesburg, FL

Sweetwater Motorcycle Rally and Cook-Off 325.721.2293 Sweetwater Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

Shane Bennett Memorial Charity Run 832.247.4020 Montgomery Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Taste of Keller Poker Run TasteOfKeller.com Keller Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ein Stein Rally FnnbGypsy.org/einstein Seguin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: San Antonio

Marshall Bike Rally VisitMarshallTexas.org Marshall Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Ride for the Red SouthernBrothersMC.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

MARC Run 512.540.2561, 512.299.7446 Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Temple/Killeen Passion Riders Annual Spring Fever Run ThePassionRiders.com Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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EVENTS

Stubbs Car Show 713.933.3423 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Hogs for Hope Bike Show 817.556.2883 Joshua Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

show, bikini contest, burnout competition, BBQ Cook Off, Charity Poker Run, Downtown Parade, vendors, onsite camping, beer gardens, biker games, and awesome scenic rides through the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

CENTRAL: Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007, behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop. SHELLY & BOB AT THIS LOCATION THIS MONTH!

Join us for our GRAND OPENING celebration! Starting at 2pm and running until we’re all out of steam! Free food and drinks; giveaways, raffles, and more. Take a tour of our new repair shop and onsite paint & body shop and meet our Certified Technicians.

FM 2094, Kemah 77565; just west of Highway 146). Always a party – hosted by Blowout and his team!

Wild Hog Musicfest & Mogtorcycle Rally WildHOGMusic.org Helena, AR Live music all weekend, including All My Rowdy Friends (Hank Jr tribute \band), Geneva, Mustang Sally, Big Gun (AC/DC tribute band), and PULSE (Pink Floyd tribute band). Also featuring the Ms. Wild Hog contest with cash prizes, ,burn out contest, poker run, bike parade, field evnts, bike show, dyno contest, vendors, food, drink & more! Open to ALL bikes. Bikes & Bugs VI @ Stubbs HD BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bikes & Bugs is BACK! Join Los Guys MC for several pre-parties leading up to the main event; this one at Stubbs Harley-Davidson (4400 Telephone Road, Houston, 77087). At all pre-parties feature crawfish (of course!), music, vendors, and more. You can also buy tickets for the raffle of a Big Dog Ridgeback Chopper at the Main Event on May 3rd. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

EvenT Listing

San Jacinto Open House SanJacHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 13th Annual CC Templeton Golf Tournament 281.236.6644; 281.467.4976 Cypress Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 4-man Scramble; $100/person. 1:00pm Shotgun Start. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place trophies, games & more. Proceeds benefit the Fairbanks Masonic Lodge and its charities.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2014

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EvenT Listing Bash in the Brush Biker Party SanIsidroFestival.org San Isidro Region: South Texas Metro: Harlingen/McAllen

2-4

Roughriders MC Chisholm Chapter 5th Annual Pig Roast Facebook.com/events/416684155100714 Azle Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Heritage Days Motorcycle Fun Run VisitBohnam.com Bohnam Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Denison Inaugural BBQ Cook-Off & Plate Sale San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

Bike Rally and Poker Run 903.279.9812 Kilgore Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler/Longview 13th Annual Ride for the Fallen CLEAT.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Pre-registration open $35/bike; day of $40/bike; both include ride shirt. Check in opens at 8am; KSU 10am. Escort to the Capitol Tribute departs at 10am sharp from Central Texas Harley-Davidson (2801 North I-35, Round Rock 78664). The Capitol Tribute begins at 11am. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Peace Keepers Bike Show PeaceKeepersLEMCNTX.com Mesquite Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

4-8

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Cinco de Mayo Run Fun Run 361.229.2378 Palacios Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Hosted by Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill in the beautiful Panhandle of Texas! Live bands all weekend, free camping, vendor village, bike games, poker run, bike show, karaoke, and so much more fun! Admission is ONLY $15/person!

Westminster Motorcycle & Accessories Swap Meet RideforRelief.webs.com Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Texas Honor Ride Fun Run TexasHonorRide.Org Texas City Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by Memorial Lutheran Church (2021 29th Street, Texas City, 77590). Lunch provided to paid participants. Live music, military displays, vendors, 50/50 drawing, plus more. Family friendly! Selfpaced ride with great prizes for best hands: $20/bike; $5/passenger; $5/extra hand. Drawings for other prizes. Registration begins at 8am. Pre-register online through their website. All proceeds benefit the Wounded Troops at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! 3rd Annual FWVRA Poker Run FWVRA.com Kennedale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

2nd Annual Thunder on the Caprock Rally RollingThunderBarandGrill.com Fluvanna Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

Run to Batiwow 817.579.4489 Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ride for Kids; Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation RideForKids.org Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Every day, 13 families in the US get devastating news – their child has a brain tumor. You can help by joining Ride for Kids at the Humble Civic Center (8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, 77338). Registration opens at 8am; ride starts at 10am. Sponsored by Honda, Geico and supported by the Stubbs family of motorcycle dealerships.

Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit SteelHorseSisterhood.com Greenwood Village, CO A 3-day event specifically designed to broaden the skills, knowledge and experiences of women motorcycle riders. Speakers, rides, education, and best of all – sisterhood bonding! Proceeds benefit Helping with HorsePower, Grace After Fire, and Ride For Kids. Weekend pass $125; partner price $50. Texas… we have a CHALLENGE!!! We have been dared to bring the MOST female riders to the conference! The best represented state will receive a special commemorative patch and certificate.

Heart of Texas Rally Facebook.com/HeartofTexasRally; 2013hotrally. blogspot.com/ Georgetown Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

International Female Ride Day Facebook.com/InternationalFemaleRideDay International

EVENTS

Blue Ribbon Rally and Bike Show BlueRibbonRally.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

Ride to Restore Life TheCircleForLife.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

BBT XI - The Texas X Riders Bluebonnet Thunder Rally TexasXRiders.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Fredericksburt Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social in Fredericksburg; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Ending with Sunday services provided by the CMA. Registration is open NOW. Register online now… $50/per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Blessing of the Bikes StFrancisJournal.org/BlessingOfTheBikes.htm Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

Ride for Relief RideforRelief.webs.com McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Bikes & Bugs VI Main Event BikeAndBugs.org Richmond Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bikes & Bugs is BACK! Join Los Guys MC for the MAIN EVENT at Old Trading Post (9903 FM 2379, Richmond, 77469). Live music, 5,000 pounds of crawfish, bikini bike wash (12-6pm), Outlaw Dave emceeing and broadcasting LIVE. Drawing in the raffle of a Big Dog Ridgeback Chopper at 8pm, with other prizes offered all day long. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

MAY 1-4

Bikers for Babies ModBikersForBabies.com Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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Ride Around Texas Endurance Ride MCTourer.com Childress Region: Panhandle Metro: Childress

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Hunting for Bucks Poker Run for the Parkland Foundation Burn Camp 214.629.7231, 817.991.0099 Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

14-23

Mothers Day Womens Ride DallasHD.com Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Run For The Wall RFTW.org Nationwide

15-18

05-15 to 05-18 Rally in the Crater – Spring RallyInTheCrater.com Mount Enterprise Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Abilene Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

EVENTS

Bikers Against Breast Cancer Facebook.com/events/602691543102646 Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Armed Forces Freedom Ride (East Texas Freedom Ride) EastTexasFreedomRide.org Brookeland, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Beaumont Supporting our Armed Forces of all service branches, including veterans, POW/MIA, Wounded Warriors and Disabled American Veterans.. Ride starts at the Black Sheep Saloon (15590 Hwy 96 North,

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Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

Brookeland 75931). Registration begins at 9am. Classic car and motorcycle contests. Live music, door prizes, raffles, vendors and a gun raffle begin at 2pm. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! 3rd Annual Wounded Warrior Fundraiser PatrioticDefenders.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio Hosted by Lefty’s Draft House (15179 Judson Rd, San Antonio, 78247). 12-6pm. $5 Pre-sale at Lefty’s or $8 at the gate; kids under 12 free. Live bands, silent auction, vendors, door prizes. Proceeds provide trips for loical wounded warriors and heroes.

22-26

Vets & Hawgs Rally 2014 ALR393.com Cleveland Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

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Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally RedRiverMemorialDayMotorcycleRally.com Red River, NM

Texas Motorcycle Safety Forum LookLearnLive.org Bryan Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

9-11

ABATE State Rally 903.744.0749; 214.399.8353 Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

9-18

5-7

EvenT Listing

Rolling Thunder XXVI Rolling ThunderRun.com Washington, DC

FUTURE

(Previously Ignacio Bike Week) IgnacioBikeWeek.com/ Ignacio, CO September 17-21 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM September 24-27 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR October 10-12 Corpus Christi BikeFest (formerly SPI BikeFest)’CCBikeFest.com Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi November 6-9 Lone Star Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

About Our Event Listing: June 12-16 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin June 14 Wolfe City Country Cruise 903.496.2331 Wolfe City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth June 14-22 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH June 16 Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day RideToWork.org June 28 3rd Annual Erath County Relay for Life 254.485.1767 Stephenville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth June 28 Allied Memoral Remembrance Ride AMRR.org Dallas/Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $15/event. Send your event to: events@thunderroadstexas.com. 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.

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WE OFFER GREAT EVENT PROMOTIONAL PACKAGES! CONTACT US TODAY! ThunderRoadsTexas.com Facebook.com/ ThunderRoadsTexas 281.866.8149

August 8-10 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 29-September 1 Four Corners Motorcycle Rally

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BIKERS FOR BIKERS - A LEGACY Kenneth “Cap” Hutton passed away peacefully on February 1, 2014 By Forrest Osborne and Diannia Clawson; Photo credit: Forrest Osborne

Cap

founded Bikers for Bikers, Inc. and Biker’s Park 24 years ago. The premise for this unique organization was to bring all motorcycle riders and clubs together in April to raise funds to help bikers and their families in times of need. The April Rally became so popular that it was expanded to include a second rally in October. An imposing figure, Cap wasn’t hard to spot. He could usually be found putting around the rally on his golf cart or sitting at the bar serving as bartender. Regardless of what he was doing, he was usually doing it for someone else. While many bikers gathered together to raise funds for many different charities, Cap looked around and realized that there was just as much need in his own back yard. He saw that fellow bikers were sometimes having difficulty. Often times these difficulties were due to illness or accident. He set about to create an organization that could pitch in and help even if it was something as simple as buying groceries. Bikers for Bikers doesn’t hand out cash or checks, they pay bills. From assisting with burial costs or paying a hospital bill to keeping the rent or mortgage paid for a month to keeping the lights on. They also provide medical equipment such as crutches or wheelchairs when necessary. Being our Brother and Sister’s keeper. On February 15, 2014 a Celebration of Life party was held for Cap and at his request “NO WHINING ALLOWED”. The park was packed by Clubs, riders, and supporters from

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across the state to party and celebrate this highly respected and loved man. Bikes came and went throughout the day and riders gathered to tell their tales of a man who did so much for his fellow bikers. Gorilla led a Fun Run to Yankee’s Tavern while others chose to remain at the park to remember Cap over refreshments. A banner with pictures was hung next to the Biker’s Wall of Memories and a photo slideshow played on a monitor. There was live music and one young man took to the microphone during one of the breaks to say his goodbyes to Cap. One thing was common among all who attended. Cap will be missed. Cap stayed the course through good times and bad and on many occasions reached into his own pocket to make it happen. Though he is not physically present, I’m sure he’ll continue to steer this organization with his spirit. Now it’s time for us to step up and take the reigns and

continue the work that Cap so selflessly started. Come join us April 18-20 at Biker’s Park where we will continue to celebrate Cap’s life and the contributions he made to the biker community and to carry on his legacy. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your friend’s family! For more information, registration, or directions go to www.bikersforbikers.com or email Gorilla or Spider at bikersforbikers@yahoo.com.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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A Movie Review By Joyce Siegert

hile we were in Sturgis waiting on DaBus we saw a movie ad on an 18-wheeler’s trailer advertising the movie, Last Ounce of Courage. By the graphic on the trailer it looked like it might be a good movie since they say in the fine print, “A Movie Written by Bikers, For Bikers, About Bikers”. I had almost forgotten about this movie but, in going through my 2012 Sturgis photos, I found a picture of the movie ad I had taken to remind me to watch it. We located the movie and watched it at home. When we first started to watch the movie, we were not sure if it was a military, biker, Christmas, or Christian propaganda film (don’t get me wrong about the propaganda word, just couldn’t think of any other words). As we got further into the movie, we saw the tones of patriotism and how lucky we

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are to be living in the country we are living in. It starts with the family’s only son going off to war, leaving behind his pregnant wife. He dies in a raid some time after his son is born. The father feels remorse thus covering up his bike and his son’s rebuilt vehicle they had worked on together. More time goes on and the daughter-in-law and her young son move out of the father’s home, feeling he held them responsible for him going off to war and eventually dying. Further along in the movie, they come back when the son is about 16. He is confused as to why the town had no Christmas decorations or celebrates the birth of Jesus. The kids in the school he has enrolled in band together to change their “holiday” play back into a Christmas play. The father, and mayor, proclaims there will be Christmas.

This, then, begins a battle between the folks that want to celebrate Christmas and the other folks that feel their rights were being disregarded. As I watched the battle going on between these two factions it brought many tears to my eyes, and sobs, too. This movie truly made me realize how fortunate we are to live in the United States of America and how close we could be getting to NOT being the “Land of the Free”. This is a great movie to watch whether it is at Christmas time or not. It is a reminder of the freedoms we have and that they should not be taken for granted. If we close a blind eye, we could lose more than we realize. I hope I haven’t blown the storyline for anyone who wants to watch this WONDERFUL movie. I hope you all will watch it.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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ON THE COVER

Five Years and Growing!

By Damon Dave, Organizer of Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally

ell here we are in the 5th year of the Texas Rallies Carts Bikers and Babes Rally. What a ride! In five short years we have blown past our fall event, The Texas Rally Luau & Biker Bash.

We believe the reason for this fast growth is we cater to all bikes, carts, and attendees. Face it, the old school rallies are fewer and fewer every year. We still think of ourselves as old school because that is what most of our biker attendees are, old school. Disrespect one you and find out how old school can be. That said, in five years we have not had one arrest or serious injury; I'm knocking on wood right now that it never happens. This is a party that runs itself pretty smoothly from sun up to sun down. We have all the bells and whistles that most rallies have: bike shows, bike games, contests, vendors, beer and food. But we go one step further and acknowledge that folks like to bring carts and enjoy a little more rally fun on four wheels. A crowd favorite is our Saturday NASCART race. Here, hard core bikers get to watch souped up and decorated carts go round a round a quarter mile circle track paved and make it until the end without a crash or burn. To date we’ve had no cart-race-related injuries but we have seen spin outs, up on two wheels, bumping, grinding, and two years ago a blowup doll fatality. Yes a blowup doll strapped to a cart became untied and it was a bad day for her as she was run over by her driver. As our EMS wanted to humor the crowd they showed up with the heart defibrillator but to no success she was pronounced deflated. They used the wrong device they needed a compressor. This year Pat Travers takes the stage on Thursday and Midnight Special a classic rock two hour show you don't want to miss on Friday. Then closing the show Saturday, Molly Hatchet returns. Our famous late night after hour parties will be going on all over the zoo every night, so make sure and check them out. For those staying over, you can participate in the contest… with $1000.00 cash payouts to winners. Some new things we’re trying out this spring… Saturday, 10am-Noon a free concert and Bloody Mary’s, so bring a chair and enjoy until they’re gone. Also, the 2014 Jerk Off Contest. Bring you best homemade jerky (beef, venison, chicken, or even mystery meat). Only rule – no store bought jerky. Winner takes home a $200 prize. Continuing our charitable theme, we have partnered with the Outlaw Dave Show host the Dawgs Back on Hawgs Ride to the Rally on Saturday. $40 donation includes ride pin, ride shirt, and admission to the rally. Just want to ride only and not go into the rally? The ride is just $25. Check out our website for more information and a link to register. Proceeds benefit the Stevens & Pruett Ranch, a non-profit organizations helping kids and animals. Still one of the best rally deals… $50/weekend pass; $40 Saturday only pass. Tent camping and self-contained RV parking is always free; RV sites with hook ups are long sold out. We have a little of everything for you this year! Need more information? Visit our website CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com or call 979.742.3284.

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Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Send pics to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Page 40

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The problem: How to get two pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot. It was Easter Sunday morning and the Preacher had already given sermon to the adults in the congregation. Now he was presenting a children’s sermon. He asked the children if they knew what the Resurrection was? In response to the question, “Little Johnny” raised his hand. The Priest called on him and the Little Johnny said; “I know that if you have a resurrection that lasts more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor.” It took ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough for the service to continue. I said to the wife, “Get me a newspaper.” “Don’t be silly,” she said, “Here, use my iPad.” That damn spider never knew what hit it. The Rules of Chocolate... If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you’re eating it too slowly. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.

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Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It’ll take the edge off your appetite and you’ll eat less. A nice box of chocolates can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn’t that handy? If you can’t eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer. But if you can’t eat all your chocolate, what’s wrong with you? Redneck Etiquette... • Never take a beer to a job interview or ask if they press charges. • Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them. • It’s considered tacky to take a cooler to church. • When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer. A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss

my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.” When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.” Real Church Bloopers... Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Next Sunday, a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and get a piece of paper. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. What was the original point & click interface? A Smith & Wesson. When blondes have more fun.....Do they know it?

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Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business 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! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR; $125 for churches, bands, MC clubs/groups, and VFW/ALR Halls - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information. * Sisterdale Saloon Sat 10am-3pm Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bands Wild Rabbit Salad Great Party Band! Houston Contact Bucky Goldberg Facebook.com/buckygoldberg Reverbnation.com/wildrabbitsalad

Bars & Restaurants *Garrett Road Ice House 14303 Garrett Rd Houston, TX 77077 281.456.0440 Facebook.com/pages/Garrett-Road-IceHouse/268480946517754 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.com www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Headwaters Saloon 229 S Ranch Rd 783 Harper, TX 78631 830.377.5034 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * 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) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

1211 Sisterdale Hwy Sisterdale, TX 78006 830.324.6767 Facebook.com/Sisterdale.Roadhouse Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * 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

Biker Churches Northeast Texas Bikers Church 749 E 16th Street Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 903.563.0948 NETXBC.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Longview Church service on Thursdays @ 7pm Bible study on Sundays @ 5pm

Dealerships & Shops * Bill Allen Motorcycle Company 3607 S College Ave Bryan, TX 77801 979.822.4294 Facebook.com/BillAllen.Motorcycles * Collin County Choppers AKA Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * 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 * Gulf Coast Trikes 1907 Lawrence Rd, Ste 200 Kemah, Texas 77565 832.864.2085 GulfCoastTrikes.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm

* Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco

* 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 Welding/Technical Services 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

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Biker Friendly * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd 510, #2 Brazoria, TX 77422 979.798.6061 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

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 * Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.FreewayInsurance.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

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April 2014

Lodging & Campgrounds DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio *Scoot On Inn Cabins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Region: HIll Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Motorcycle Towing Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

... continued * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Pit Stop Biker Gear 13028 State Highway 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936-661-7518 www.pitstopbikergear.com

Miscellaneous * American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West Livingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411 Oklahoma Backroads blongarborist@gmail.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Road Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENTS

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 47 * April 2014

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 48 * April 2014