The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!
April 2011
Also Inside:
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Ride Map: Gulf Breezes & Texas History Pink Thunder: Finding the Right Bike Fit Easter Egg Hunt - Win Prizes
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Contents
April 2011
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On the Cover 37 Favorite Destination has New Owner
Regular Features 8
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From the Editor
10 From the Road: Letters to the Editor 12 Points Across Texas Snapshots 14 PigTrails: In a Flash 16 The Scout Report: The New Era of Harley-Davidson 18 Pink Thunder: Finding the Right Bike Fit 33 Monthly Ride Map: Gulf Breezes & Texas History 38 ThunderCam
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42 Joker’s Wild
Resources 22 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out April 2011 Calendar 31 Texas’ Best Bike Nights 44 Biker Friendly Listing
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On the cover: West of the Brazos in Damon, TX.
OWNERS Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com
Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679
Reynolds Mansson - Statewide M2Motomedia@gmail.com 210.259.9916
Linda Morris - Houston tatewaci3322@msn.com 713.897.9109
Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161 Justin Turnage - DFW jtrockone8@gmail.com 254.205.1447
Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Manuel A. Valladares - DFW MValladares@saferis.net 214.245.6217
Angela Epperson - Waco/DFW AJoyEpperson@aol.com 254.493.3830 James Williams - San Antonio/Hill Country James@TexasMotorcycleAdventures.com 830.708.6198
IN MEMORIAM
Mean Gene Kelton 1953-2010 Feature Writer - Black Leather Blues Thunder Roads Texas 2009-2010
Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.
Laura Mae Benson - Houston/Galveston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642
Amy Conklin - Houston TRM.Amy@gmail.com 832.498.6693 Bob Engler - Plano/DFW Trip@BlackBettysBlog.com 302.229.4156
FEATURE WRITERS
“Crazy Al” - PigTrails; Elm “Scout” Valle - The Scout Report; Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton
CORRESPONDENTS Kitti Kluna - Houston; Ron Blansett - Houston; Linda Morris Houston; Mark Appenzeller - D/FW; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Brian “Native NYer” - D/FW; Travis “Blydawg” Blythe - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Meghan Heller - Austin; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Chantelle Sandberg - East Texas; George Darcy - Midland/Odessa; Kim Ferris; Pamella Jody - Houston; Sir Richard Vance - Corpus Christi; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Butch Hayes - Houston; Pete Martinez - Houston; Jason English - Piney Woods; Sean Kester - D/ FW; Roger Bowles - Waco; Lonnie & Pam Fitch - Galveston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte
So Much Going On... and an Easter Egg Hunt Too! Whew… I thought rodeo (February/March) was going to kick my butt (and it did)… but the riding season has gotten off to a big BANG! We sponsored and had a booth at the South Texas Motorcycle Show in San Antonio. We thank our Sales Rep, James Williams, for manning the booth… and the impromptu manning by reader, Pam King – yes, I saw the picture on Facebook!! Our two bike nights were a huge hit – as always. Especially the March 17 St. Patrick’s Day party! In April, we sponsor so much more and this year will be another banner – a bigger banner – year for Thunder Roads Texas magazine sponsorships! Check out our event listing (red & bolded events are sponsored events) for more information. And, do we have plans for our big BIKE NIGHT April 28, just before Easter… some really special stage games are being planned! A reminder that all sponsored events are considered qualified Points Across Texas™ destinations! A special treat this month – an Easter Egg Hunt in the magazine. Find all 20 “Texas” Easter Eggs hidden in ads throughout the magazine. Submit your list to contests@thunderroadstexas.com (advertiser and page number) and we’ll draw at least one winner from all entries. Winner(s) receives a Thunder Roads Texas shirt and a one-year subscription to the magazine. Get hunting! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Owner, Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com
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Hi Shelly,
Call Out from the Road
I would like to see if maybe you could help get the word out for bikers. TWR Memorial Fund for Fallen Bikers raises funds to help our biker families who cannot afford burial. We have been in existence for almost a year and hold a 501(c)3. Our efforts have just paid off as we were able to help our first family in need out of Linden, Texas last week. We would appreciate any publicity you could help us with to get the word out to help us raise funds and to let the biker community know that we are here to help. Please check out our website TWRFund.com.
All my life, I’ve been curious to learn what makes things work and what motivates people to do the things they do. As such, I am often motivated, not by the grand and spectacular, but by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In the February Web-zine issue of Thunder Roads Texas, I read a great article by Sean “Wildflower” Kester who described his adventurous 1500 mile journey across the Southwest part of the country on a Sportster. Sean’s article sparked a little imagination deep in my soul. That spark, and a couple of nice spring-like days, fueled my desire to get on the bike for a real distance ride. Not just a ride around town but a ride with some decent miles – 500 to be exact. So began the journey. After deciding the route would be west on Interstate 20 and then a return via US 180, a quick call to my brother gained me an unsuspecting riding partner. At 6:00am the following Friday morning we were headed west out of Fort Worth. Other than the wind, the day’s ride was invigorating, beautiful, refreshing and spectacularly –uneventful. At the half-way point – about 250 miles out – we took a break at what happened to be the oldest Harley dealer in the state, The Harley Davidson Shop in Big Spring. The shop is a bit smaller than most of the metro HD dealerships, but it is just as welcoming and just as much Harley. We made some great new friends there – Diana Gonzales and Cathy Ey. They showed us
We thank you in advance for your support.
Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey TRT Correspondent
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Sincerely, Cheryl Meadows.
to the coffee first-thing and they let us stretch our legs as we wandered around the shop. These ladies, the staff, and even other local bikers were super-nice people and they were very excited to have Thunder Roads Texas in their shop. After some good conversation with Diana and Cathy and a quick glance at their road map, my brother and I headed out the door for the second leg of our journey. Snyder, Anson, Albany, and Breckenridge drifted past our shirt sleeves and all-too soon we found ourselves passing through Mineral Wells, then Weatherford, and then we were back home. A great start to a great spring riding season. Thanks, Sean, for giving me the spark to start the riding season off in fine fashion. And to the crew at The Harley Davidson Shop in Big Spring – thanks for all your hospitality!
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Sponsored by
Riding, Riding, Riding... GOLD DESTINATIONS Each worth 2 points D’Rose Inn & Cabins PO Box 720 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop; Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz www.bentrimgrill.com Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.friscocustomcycles.com
Goe Harley-Davidson 1350 S 288B Angleton, TX 77515 281.393.1000 www.goeharley-davidson.com Goe Kawasaki 1350A S Hwy 288B Angleton, TX 77515 www.goekawasaki.com Retreat Hill Cellars 14343 Liberty St Montgomery, TX 77356 936.449.5285 www.retreathill.com
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e welcome a new GOLD destination – George’s Bar & Grill in Conroe. When there, be sure to not only get your picture with their sign but go in and enjoy a cold one. Fast becoming THE music venue in Conroe, they feature live entertainment regularly. Donald Ryan and Gloria Ingram have already submitted more than 100 pictures for the Points Across Texas™ reader rides program! That’s 10 entries each for the end-of-year drawing, having earned their 2011 patch in January (brrrrrr). Their never-ending quest for PaT pictures has been
a joy to watch! Can you catch up? You have all year to do so … well,, almost. Deadline for submissions for drawing entries is November 1, 2011. The drawing will be held by November 15th, with winners notified via email/phone and announced in our December 2011 issue. Deadline for submissions to receive your FREE patch is December 31, 2011. You can submit pictures along the way - not waiting to hit your “10” mark. You never kinow, your picture might end up here!
Tommaso’s Italian Grill 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tommasositaliangrill.com
George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301
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In a Flash... n a flash your life can change forever. Mine did on February 10, 2011. My wife suffered an arteriovenous malformation hemorrhage in her brain. In a flash, my life changed forever! Here we are one month later and she is on the long road to recovery. At this time I would like to thank all the people who came forward to help my wife and me in every way I can imagine. When something like this happens it makes you think about all facets of life. I have never been shy about how much I enjoy the wonderful things that make our life enjoyable. I have always believed in family first; being a good person; trying to do what’s right in this world; and being responsible and paying your bills. I have always said live your life to the fullest. Take advantage of the things around you that make life more enjoyable. I work as a manager for Joe’s Crab Shack . My company has a killer catch phrase that I have learned to live by. It’s called “PRICE” – Passion, Respect, Integrity, Courage and Energy! It makes for an awesome motto to run a business. But I have found it’s even a better way to run your life. It’s hard for me to have a normal life right now. Everything is on pins and needles and my only focus is to do whatever I can to make life more comfortable and easy for my wife. As I go through my days though I can’t help but look, listen,
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and observe the world around me. It blows me away to see how much we take for granted; how wonderful life is; and how lucky we are to get to be alive and live in this incredible country that we live in! I would love to see more passion in our youth of today. Most of them are passionate about getting more sleep! Respect has reached an all time low. The words “Yes Sir” seem to have disappeared from the English language. Integrity is one’s own. It’s the only thing you can’t take away from a man! My wife is my Ambassador of Courage. She is going though this without a single complaint! She only knows that the only task at hand is to be strong and fight hard to recover! ENERGY! Do you realize it’s OK to get excited? Letting others feel your energy does nothing more than make them walk away and reflect on how great it was to see someone happy about their life! Show your energy! Get excited! It’s OK!
I will fight to get through this! I will support my wife in every incredible moment of her recovery! I have always believed that my wife and I have something special. We see it. We get it! We realized years ago that we can have nothing but fun in our relationship. We hear people say that marriage is good but you really have to work at it! Really? My wife and I always wonder what it is that needs so much work! The things my wife and I work on to better our marriage is to see how much money we can save up to have a better vacation than the one we had six months ago. We also
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have to work hard on seeing how many miles we can put on the Harley-Davidson we own. Our last motorcycle we put two hundred thousand miles on it and it still sits in the garage today in perfect condition! Our time spent on a motorcycle has brought pure enjoyment to our lives. Life truly begins when you get one! Turns out they were right. Marriage is wonderful but you really have to work on it! It just depends on what you call work! Now let me tell you about my wife! Her name is Paula Bunch and she has only been to a doctor for being sick twice in the 16 years I have known her. She has never had the flu! She is a vegetarian that still enjoys a fish once
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
in a while as long as it is cooked to death. My wife has never been in a bad mood. It’s hard to believe but you can ask anyone who knows her including her family. My wife never complains about anything. Ever… for real! My wife is always positive and always enjoys having a good time. My wife is kind of quiet. She always allows everyone to speak and never interrupts anyone. My wife is a hard worker. She has worked full time since the age of 18 and has been in management for over ten years. My wife is an incredible mother and is always there for her children and her family. My wife loves animals. Thank God we have a small yard or we would own every stray dog that has ever walked the
streets. I know that I am her husband and very lucky to have her for my wife. This may be just my opinion of this incredible lady, but it’s not just how I feel about her. You can ask anyone who has ever known her and they would tell you the same thing! The power of God’s healing hands is what is responsible for bringing my wife and best friend back to me from that horrible day in February. Please don’t stop praying for my wife’s recovery because she needs all the help she can get on this long road to recovery! Paula you are my wife, you are my life and my whole world! I love you more than life itself! Amen!
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The New Era at Harley-Davidson ou can see them everywhere, and you can definitely hear them. Coast to coast in America, HarleyDavidson (H-D) bikes have been the most popular type of motorcycle since 1921. The sound of an H-D bike is distinct and powerful. In fact, my Suzuki M-50, though considered a muscle bike, sounds pretty wimpy beside an H-D (but I still love my M50). The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company has a long and proud history that technically started in 1901 by William S. Harley. And with the help of his friends, Arthur and Walter Davidson; they built their first motor-bicycle in their backyard. Since then, Harley-Davidson has been the personification of American rebellious freedom and a symbol of the “outlaw bad boy.” In this review, I wanted to specifically cover some of the new features the motorcycle company is offering as a competitive advantage – who knows; maybe this article will convince you that getting an H-D is the way to go.
demand for technological advances by the customers. As their Asian competitors introduced electronic fuel injection, anti-locking brakes, liquid cooled engines, and smaller bikes to accommodate a wider population base; HarleyDavidson attempted to maintain their “classic old-school” styling and engine. Without a strategic plan to keep up with their competition, H-D suffered heavily. According to Interbrand, the value of the Harley-Davidson brand fell by 43% to $4.34 billion in 2009. The fall in value is believed to be connected to the 66% drop in the company profits in two
Harley Davidson, though ever iconic, is not invulnerable to the ups-and-downs of economics. In fact, the company has been sold and bought back a couple times since its inception. More importantly, H-D was not invulnerable to the ever increasing
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quarters of the previous year. In April 2010, HarleyDavidson stated that they must cut $54 million in manufacturing costs from its production facilities in Wisconsin, and that they would explore alternate US sites to accomplish this. The announcement came in the wake of a massive companywide restructuring, which began in early 2009 and involved the closing of two factories, one distribution center, and the planned elimination of nearly 25% of its total workforce (around 3,500 employees). In September 2010, the company announced it would remain in Wisconsin. Harley-Davidson was again on the verge of collapse. However, as resilient as the American spirit, H-D once again began to push into a new era. The Fit Shop. I must admit, I always thought HarleyDavidson was stuck in the dark ages as far as their motorcycle engineering, their marketing strategy, and especially their styling. It only appealed to the “older generation” and it lacked the new technology needed to attract the youth and a new generation of riders. I am excited to say they are actually making conscious efforts to change all that. An industry first, that no other dealer offers (as of this article) is what Harley-Davidson calls the Fit Shop. The concept of the Fit Shop is that H-D will modify the motorcycle of your choice to fit you. They take several Page 16
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things into consideration in the Fit Shop: grip diameter, feet to ground plant, arm reach, knee-leg position, and lumbar position. Harley-Davidson Fit Shop will adjust the rear suspension, seat, handlebars, front suspension, and foot controls. I was quite astonished that H-D has actually developed variable adjusted ergonomics into their motorcycles. This is a great marketing tool and more importantly will open up a whole new segment of buyers who shied away from Harley bikes because they were too big. The Fit Shop will now allow all kinds of people to enjoy a motorcycle. Whether you are a smaller stature female or a very tall male, a Harley of your choice can be modified to fit your specific physical needs. The H-D1 Customization. Another new feature that HarleyDavidson offers is what they call the H-D1 Customization. The very first thing that most people do upon purchasing a new motorcycle, is adding accessories, and adding modifications. Well, Harley has made it easier to customize your bike, so when you ride it off the lot; it is exactly as you want it. The H-D1 Customization center allows for 8,000 different ways to customize your motorcycle; of course all H-D genuine motor parts and accessories. Again, this is an industry first that will set Harley apart from its Asian competitors. You cannot walk into a Yamaha or Kawasaki dealer and walk out with a fully customized bike. Now, at the Harley dealer, you can fully customize their 1200 custom line. The 1200 custom achieves a synergy of modern and classic. The lines and look modern while retaining a classic spirit. While, the available color schemes are modern and attractive. For example, they have nine while and sprocket options, thirteen types of engine trims, front air dams, and fourteen color schemes! Of course you can also customize any of their other lines of motorcycles. Lastly, H-D provides customization options for performance parts such as exhaust, stage kits, and air intakes. I really liked the H-D1 customization feature on their website as well. I can “build” a motorcycle and price it out. And there are some really nice accessories that they show that I have never seen before. Conclusion. It seems like H-D is taking steps in the right direction, though they can still make some more minor advancements, like liquid cooling options and sportier options. All in all, the future looks really bright for HarleyDavidson with their new 2011 features. Even their new slogan, “No Cages”, is catchy and consistent with the American spirit and persona of freedom. It also maintains that rebellious outlaw feeling as well. I highly applaud Harley-Davidson for their step toward progressiveness this year. You know, I was thinking of a Ducati or Kawasaki as my next bike, but heck, I want a Harley now! For more information you can visit your local Harley Dealer or visit Harley-Davidson.com. So as always, ride safely and “See you on the high ground!”
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Finding the Right Bike Fit By Join “Even Meaner” Kelton
wrote this article in early 2010. I thought it was still relevant to what goes through a woman’s mind in deciding on which motorcycle. Okay, at least my mind. I’ve been thinking about what bike I want. We (Mean Gene Kelton and I) have a Dyna Street Bob, and it rocks. But it’s a 700+ pound rock. I said “we”. This is about me. Me? I am 46, 4’10”, and have been riding since I was five years old. I took the Bob out a couple weeks ago on a beautiful February day (eat your heart out Carl in Michigan) and, although the weather was clear and crisp, it was really gusty and windy. Stupid me, I didn’t think about the fact that I had been under an excellent acupuncturists care that week for my back. It was a great ride, but I found myself leaning hard into the gusts. It didn’t take long for me to realize that my back wasn’t up for the challenge. I slowed down (dammit) and came back in to town fairly slowly. Got up in the driveway. The second I got the bike parked I knew I had un-did all what my great acupuncturist had done. In thinking about how difficult it is for me to maneuver the Bob, and the fact that the Bob is really Gene’s bike, I am torn between getting another Harley or something a little lighter. I really want a Harley – but if I can’t back the damn thing up or have a remote chance of picking it up on the inevitable gravel driveway drop, why have it? I mean, I weigh what, 110? If you do a calculation at the weight ratio of bike-toass, that’s sheer stupidity. What to do, what to do. Harley Davidson. HD. Hundred-dolla. Whatever you call it, it’s the mac-daddy. And it was the only choice of my daddy. My step-daddy. My uncles. Gene’s stepdaddys. And a fair number of my female rider friends. Forgetting for a minute Harleys are weighed by the ton, the only one in the showroom that I can touch floor on is a Deuce. Ok, a Deuce is cool. Seat height is good. But why the three-foot-wide stock seat? Geez. Ya, I know, I can change it. Hundred-dolla. We’ve dropped the Bob by about 1.5”. Lowered is better, but I still can’t back it up. I love the way it handles though. Regardless if it fit perfectly, it’s his Harley. (I let him think that.) I know, I got girly germs on his big bad black denim bike. I’ve been seen around on it more than he has – my excuse to ride is always “Someone has to drive the band van!” Works most of the time.
I’ve been considering my friend Dannys “Purple Haze,” a 1999 Yamaha V Star 650. All tricked out with a cool custom black and purple zebra paint job, chrome, and all that jazz. Pros? It’s so frickkin cool. I can back it up. Only con… Wish it was an 1100. It’s certainly a head turner, and it fits me to a T. The Yamaha V Star Silverado is a great bike, decked out like a smaller Ultra. Hard bags, floorboards, beach bars. (If you don’t know what all this stuff is, well, catch up!) I sat on a used Silverado at the HD dealer, and it was comfortable, with a great gel seat (but not too whalebloated looking); lots of chrome studs (you know I like my studs!) and I could back the damn thing up. Very nice, very cushy. Have to consider that one, especially for longer trips. Suzuki recently came out with the Raider – bad, bad boy. Almost too bad for this biker chick. It’s long, lean, raked and ready. Very hot. Ridley has some great designs, but I can’t get past the automatic tranny. I understand some people prefer that, but the day I drive an automatic bike… well, you know. There is some weird-ass form of satisfaction and stress relief I get from pushing the red line to the next gear, and let me tell you – on the Bob that’s the sh*t; that thing eats the red line for lunch and begs for more. The Bob just gets breathing good at the redline. The Honda Shadow Aero is another strong contender. Low but fat. Beach bars. Tons of great accessories. I found one online that rivaled a fifties police bike, all tricked out with fringed leather studded seats and bags, double laced spoke wheels, all the goodies. The bike is well balanced, and so customizable. Not to mention the track record Honda has with maintenance. My first road bike was a Honda Twinstar. At the time, it was a cool bike. I worked in a restaurant, and paid for the bike
with my paycheck, while I lived off my tips. Suzuki tourers, well, they’re ok. I’m surrounded by them. A couple friends own them. I rode ones around the HD dealer at one of our shows; it was not made for my short arms. Might as well ride a crotch rocket. The Boulevards are the equivalent of the Yamaha Silverado. BMW? In my dreams. Just Neal Peart and I, riding off around the Canadian Rockies following the Rush tour bus around. (If you like motorcycles and rock and roll, you gotta read his book, Traveling Music… trust me.). Also in my dreams? I’m six feet tall. Apparently superior German engineering still discounts anyone under 6’ tall; the bikes are made for legs that I don’t have. Beautifully crafted machines though. Whatever I end up with, I’m sure it will take me where I want to go, get some wind in my hair, and give me stress relief that only the open road can bring. And 99% of the time when I can’t decide on the ride, I feel like my Daddy is there, over my shoulder whispering to me, Harley… Since I wrote this article, a lot has happened in my life. I now own the Harley and Purple Haze, and depending on the destination, I have a choice. But now, I have another angel whispering to me on my shoulder, riding with me wherever I go.
NEW! This space is reserved for three GREAT Texas women riders: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, Brandi Valdez, and Terri Williams. They have been specially chosen to bring a female voice, but with content that is of interest to a wide range of riders, each appearing once per quarter. Joni is the widow of Mean Gene Kelton (1953-2010). Mean Gene used to write for us, providing us with two years of backstage stories - both biker and band related. Joni grew up on bikes... proud biker bitch to the core! She joins us this year to write about general riding tips for women. Brandi Valdez hails from El Paso. Former member of Team Rebella, an all female stunt riding group, she brings us the wilder side of riding as seen from the sportbike. And rounding out our female writing troupe, Terri Williams. You may know her already, as she is an instrumental figure in the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2). She works hard for biker rights in Texas and will bring us the legislative view and updates. If you see these women out-and-about, be sure to recognize their achievements in their own lives and acknowledge their new roles as Thunder Roads Texas Feature Writers! Page 18
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Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
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10th Annual MARC Run 512.540.2561 Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple
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Lone Star Rod & Kustom Round Up LoneStarRoundUp.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Riders for Rights Bikes & Bass Rally TMRA2.org Point Blank Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
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Fool’s Gold Rally 361-386-0506 Austwell Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Victoria
Bikes & Bugs Party @ San Jacinto HD SanJacintoHD.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 12pm-4pm; Ragin Cajun will be at all locations serving up great mud bugs with all the fixin’s. Vendors, live music, door prizes, car and/or bike washes at most. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.SanJacintoHD.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas. Arlington Monster Energy AMA Supercross SupercrossOnline.com Arlington Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Deguello MC 5th Anniv Party DeguelloMC.com Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Bluebonnet Rally GoldwingAustin.org Fredericksburg Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
Texas Motorcycle Expo & Bike Show TexasMotorcycleExpo.com Dallas 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. Subscribe to our FREE Web-zine for updates with events that don’t make print, two weeks’ worth of events are provided every week to your email inbox. You can always visit our website to download a list of the “next two weeks” events. NOTE: All events listed have some motorcycle element. preference for listings are given to motorcycle-only/motorcycle-specific events.
Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT @ Choppers ChoppersSportsBar.com Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston First Thursday every month at Choppers (18419 Kuykendahl, Spring, 77379). Built by bikers, for bikers, this large venue in NW Houston offers plenty of bike parking with cameras on the parking area. Live music by Bill Nelson Band. $1.50 domestic draft, $1 jello shots, door prizes, vendors, and more. Rain or shine, we party like bikers anyway!
Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!
Not 2 Hot Run 214-552-8278 Alice Region: South Texas Metro: Corpus Christi
Bikes & Bugs Party @ Mancuso HD MancusoCrossroads.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 12pm-4pm; Ragin Cajun will be at all locations serving up great mud bugs with all the fixin’s. Vendors, live music, door prizes, car and/or bike washes at most. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.mancusocrossroads.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
TMRA State Rally TMRA2.org Comanche Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Abilene 1st Annual Steel Horse Round Up WeathervaneFoundation.org Cypress Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The Weathervane Foundation is a Texas NonProfit Corporation supporting breast cancer patients and raising funds for research for a cure. This is their first annual benefit ride and event, starting and ending at the Northwest Forest Conference Center (12715 Telge Rd, Cypress, 77429). Kick stands up 7:30am. After the ride, enjoy a tasty lunch while shopping the Weathervane Corral Vendor Fair. Return that evening for the Wild West Casino Night, including games, raffles, dinner and dancing. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas. 11th Annual “To Hell and Back” Biker Run 210-617-5107 Kerrville Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 1st Annual Road Rally RiverBendRetreat.org Glen Rose Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Texas State 6th Annual Rumble on the River USMVMCTX2.org Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi
2nd Annual Fundraiser for Abused Kids GuardiansOfTheChildrenGulfCoast.com Alvin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 2nd Annual Memorial Party & Poker Run 214-507-5313 Balch Springs Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 2nd Annual Titty Twister Run ChromeDivasCentralTexas.com Spring Branch Region: Gulf Coast Metro: San Antonio 6th Annual Pachanga Cook-Off 361-547+2276 Sandia Region: South Texas Metro: Corpus Christi
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Three Sisters Spring Fling ThreeSistersRally.net Camp Wood Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Live music, games, contests, JENGA, organized rides through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. $20 online registration; $30 at the door; and $10 Saturday only pass. Entry fee includes tent & self-contained RV camping. Free Rally Koozie with online registration. Held at Rocky River Camp in Camp Wood. Some of the proceeds benefit Hero’s Night Out, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing wounded warriors and their families dinners, sporting events, amusement park trips and more during their recovery from injuries.
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Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station “Let Out Your Bad!” at Big Creek Park & Marina. Last year was so successful Damon Dave is doing it again! A Cart & Bike Rally, plus some babes! Live music by Blues Crew, Blues Brothers (tribute), national acts for Friday and Santa headliners: Black Oak Arkansas and Blackfoot. Also: vendors, camping, cart & bike contests and parades, biker games, fun runs, and more – truly something for everyone! Sites & tickets on sale now. RV sites will go fast. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
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Bikes & Bugs Party County Line Bar & Grill Richmond
Snake’s 15th Annual Easter Run to Shriners Houston
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Bikes & Bugs Party Stubbs HD Houston
Bayou Fest Houston
Carts, Bikes & Babes Rally Lyons (Lake Somerville) April 7-10 16
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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 22.
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Little River Swap Meet & Drag Temple
Bikes & Bugs Party Mancuso HD Houston Three Sisters Spring Fling Camp Wood April 8-10
Mean Gene Kelton Music Festival Houston
1st Annual Steel Horse Round Up Cypress
Calendar Sponsored by Walker Texas Lawyer * 713.552.1117 * WalkerTexasLawyer.com
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EVENTS
EvenT Listing Relay for Life Fun Run 903-330-9233 Hawkins Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler
10th Annual Thunder in April ThunderRidersCC.bravehost.com Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi
World Biker Benefit Run 817-902-4260 Arlington Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Rescue Run 903-243-1247 Cooper Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
12th Annual April Absolute 2011 903-262-8306 Kemp Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Wounded Hearts in the Wind Again ScooterPetes.com Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler
21st Annual Bikers For Bikers Spring Rally BikersForBikers.com Montgomery Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
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American Veterans Traveling Tribute Escort AVTT.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Old School Swap Meet & Party 817-363-3118 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Cruisin For CASA Of Collin County CASAofCollinCounty.org McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Bikes & Bugs Party @ Stubbs HD StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 12pm-4pm; 2 lbs Crawfish with all the fixin’s and a drink for only $5! Vendors include Champion Ford, AT&T and the Army. 200 bonus points on your Rider Rewards Card for attending. Free car wash provided by Carisma Car Wash. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.stubbshd.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
“The Original” Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! It’s the Thursday before Easter – so we have some egg-citing fun planned, including Easter Egg Hunts! Held at Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77069. Co-hosted by Outlaw Dave. Live music, vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston. Bikes & Bugs Party @ Stag’s Head Pub StagsHeadPub.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 7pm-2am; Ragin Cajun will be at all locations serving up great mud bugs with all the fixin’s. Vendors, live music, door prizes, car and/or bike washes at most. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.stagsheadpub.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
3rd Annual Motorcycle Fun Run ANewYearOfHopeFoundation.org Irving Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Bikers for Grub 2nd Annual Spring Poker Run BikersForGrub.com Glen Rose Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Snake’s 15th Annual Easter Run for Shriners BikerOutletStore.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Little River Swap Meet & Drag TexasScooter.com Temple Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Held at Little River Dragway. Used parts, new parts, cheap accessories, “off season” leather deals, and lifestyle necessities. PLUS the Spring All Bike Drags; 32 Harley classes; $20 entry. Admission just $10; $5 for military and children 5-14; under 5 free. Gates open at 9am; track opens at 11am. Visit the website for more information.
Bayou Fest 2011 BayouFestHouston.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Three stages, great music rocking them starting at 1:30pm. Join Buffalo Wild Wings, Jim Beam, HI-Printing, IYFMusic.com, MyCityRocks, Verizon Wireless Theater and Thunder Roads Texas for a ROCKIN’ time! Proceeds benefit the Layla Grace Foundation, children’s cancer research. Featuring Saliva, Rev Theory, Dimitris Rail, Back From Ashes and more great Texas music.
Motorcycle Swap Meet earlkat2008@yahoo,com Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Beach-N-Biker Fest BeachNBikerFest.com South Padre Island Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Brownsville
Mean Gene Kelton Music Festival MeanGeneKelton.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 10am-7pm; Celebrating Mean Gene’s Birthday (April 10) and benefitting his supported charities: Texas Equusearch, Harley’s Angels, Houston Blues Museum, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This is not a benefit for Gene’s family. 2 stages, 7 bands, including the Die Hards with special guests… and lots of vendors. Kid friendly. $20/ person. FREE tent and self-contained RV camping. No ice-chests, but bring your lawn chair. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
Annual Spring Party & Poker Run 469-766-6093 Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Ride for the Red SaredCross.org New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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Ride for the Bear LindsayFoundation.org Porter Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston
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Annual Thunder Fun FireAndIron62.org Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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Fenix Autism Awareness and Bike Rally FAABR.com Weslaco Region: South Texas Metro: McAllen
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Ride for Relief RideForRelief.webs.com McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Ride for Wind 2011 RideForWind.com Sweetwater Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene
Ride for Kids - Houston PBTUFS.org Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
9th Annual Mudbug Boogie MudBugBoogie.com Coppell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
See-Us Save-Us Biker Awareness Ride deannajandrew@yahoo.com; d.turnbow@yahoo. com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock US Military Vets TX2 Spring Fun Run USMVMCTX2.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
Cinco de Mayo & Fun Run 361-425-1801 Ingleside Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi Post City Bike Fest PostCityBikeFest.com Post Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!
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Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Lunkenbach Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
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1st Division Rally/Benefit for Veterans AirPost310.com Gun Barrel City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
International Female Ride Day Motoress.com Intenational Ladies… get together and RIDE. Anyone planning a women’s ride is encouraged to email Events@ ThunderRoadsTexas.com for inclusion in our Webzine dedicated to Female Ride Day! Watch our website for listings.
Antique Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet 830-931-3046 Smithville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin Bikers Against Breast Cancer 281-464-5165 Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Rockin’ At The Ranch 817-247-2126 Bedford Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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4th Annual TCOC&I State Rally DFWRally.com Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Bikes & Bugs Party @ County Line Bar & Grill TheCountyLineBarAndGrill.com Richmond Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 12pm-??; Ragin Cajun will be at all locations serving up great mud bugs with all the fixin’s. Vendors, live music, door prizes, car and/or bike washes at most. County Line is also hosting a Gumbo Cook-Off. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.TheCountyLineBarAndGrill.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
Bikes & Bugs Main Event Ragin-Cajun.com Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Live music, including Zedeco Dots, 4 AM, and Black Dog. 3,500 pounds of crawfish, cold beer, Los Guys bike wash, moon walk for the kids, games, art auction, silent auction, thousands of dollars in prizes given away every hour. Craig Ackerman, the voice of the Houston Rockets, is Emcee. AND the raffle drawing to give away a 2009 Crossbones HarleyDavidson – drawing at 8:00pm. Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
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Blue Ribbon Rally Car/Bike Show BlueRibbonRally.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock
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Bikes & Bugs Party @ Loggia LoggiaSugarland.com Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 9pm-2am; Ragin Cajun will be at all locations serving up great mud bugs with all the fixin’s. Vendors, live music, door prizes, car and/or bike washes at most. Buy raffle tickets to win a 2009 Crossbones Harley Davidson (to be given away at 8pm, May 7 at Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land). Proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Visit www.LoggiaSugarLand.com for details about this pre-party. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
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Hawgs Of Texas Rally HawgsOfTexas.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station
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EvenT Listing
Texas Rally on the River TXRallyOnTheRiver.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Rally In The Crater 903-938-2995 Marshall Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Beaumont Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Beaumont 16th Annual May Day Run BrotherhoodOfBikers.com Oglesby Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple 29th Annual Campout ArmadilloCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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EVENTS
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC
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Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser Fun Run TexasHonorRide.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston It’s the Texas Honor Ride’s annual May fun run and fundraiser. Music, prizes, food, drink, 50/50 drawing. Ride starts and ends at Stubbs HD (StubbsHD.com) All proceeds collected during the year are ridden down in style, from Houston to San Antonio in November, visiting the fund recipient, Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) with more than 800 riders! The BAMC houses and assists rehabilitating wounded warriors and their families. $20/bike; $5/passenger. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas. Back the Badge Ride BackTheBadgeRide.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Ole Fashion Biker Party 979.921.0771 Waller Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Ride 4 Troops SARide4Troops.org New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Benefiting The Fisher Houses, a non-profit organization that provides a home away from home for military families during a time of medical crisis. $25/person, includes 2011 rocker. Check-in 8:00am-9:00am. Previous years’ rockers can be purchased for $5. 100% of all registration fees will be donated solely to the San Antonio Fisher Houses. 50/50 Raffle and door prizes at the finish point. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.
BUB Rally BUBRally.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Held again at the Hawg Stop; BUB stands for Broke Urban Biker… so tickets are only $25/ weekend pass and $15/day pass. Bike games, bike show, nightly contests. FREE tent camping. FREE self-contained RV site w/ purchase of 2 weekend passes. FREE T-shirt with prepaid registration. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas. The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM
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6th Annual Cruise Fest 361-648-0192 Port Lavaca Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Victoria
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South Texas Biker Jam & Expo SoTXBikerJam.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston For two days only, motorcycle enthusiasts will find, shop and discover all the latest gear, parts, and information relating to the exciting sport of motorcycling. It does not matter what you ride ….it’s the thrill of the road. Tickets are available online through our website. Inquiries for booth space or volunteer opportunities contact Christine at 281-241-7333 or by email at christineb@ nfinitepromotions.com or C.J. at 832.359.2708 or by email at cjvanwart@nfinitepromotions.com. FREE MOTORCYCLE PARKING! Promotional Partner: Thunder Roads Texas.
h FUTURE h June 9-12 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin June 11-19 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH June 20 International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org International July 2 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth One Ride, Three Nations: United in Remembrance of Our Fallen Heroes. The Royal British Legion (UK) in assocation with the American Legion Riders (US) and the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders (Canada) are riding on the same day. They ride in remembrance of those in the allied forces, past and present, who have paid the ultimate price. Proceeds from the US ride benefits the Terrell Veterans Memorial Fund. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas. July 14-17 Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
August TBD Mean Gene Kelton Memorial Ride to Sturgis MeanGeneKelton.com Houston to Sturgis Presented by Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival, The Texas Rally and Thunder Roads Texas. Reserve your Sturgis accommodations at the Broken Spoke Campground with code “meangene” (limited availability; first come, first served). For more information, contact Stephanie Brown @ 979.215.6019 or Damon Dave @ 979.742.3284. Also looking for organizations to sponsor some of the riders, like Shelly Horan of Thunder Roads Texas and Joni Kelton. If interested, please contact Shelly @ 281.866.8149 – any amount is appreciated. Blogs and regular postings featuring sponsors are planned before, during, and after the ride. August 8-14 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 31 – September 5 THE Four Corners Rally IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO September 2-4 Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival FreeportBluesFestival.com Freeport Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston It’s all about the BLUES! Live blues music all weekend long, brought to you by the VFW Post 4341 and Freeport Main Street. Raffle with grand prize of a 2011 Harley Softail Heritage Classic. Tickets are on sale NOW online. Bike wash, bike games, food, vendors, giveaways, and new this year, a Swap Meet by Texas Scooter Times (to be a vendor, visit TexasScooterTimes.com or call 254.687.9066) and a classic car show. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine. September 8-10 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR September 8-11 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Lyons (Lake Somerville) Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station It’s a Luau and Biker Bash at Big Creek Park & Marina! Free Luau dinner Saturday night. Great live entertainment, biker games, bike contests, feasts, parades, and CASH giveaways! Proceeds benefit the Texas Biker Relief Organization (T-Bro). The Zoo (RV camping) sells out quickly – better reserve today! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine! September 14-18 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM
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September 16-18 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler It’ll be another great year in the East Texas Piney Woods and historic Nacogdoches! Plans are underway for live music, stunt exhibitions, vendors, camping, bike show, and loads of fun! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine! September 24 Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston
Two Brothers Cigars Every Tuesday 1100 W 14th Street Plano, TX 75075 TwoBrothersCigars.blogspot.com 15% off cigars plus 3-for-2 select specials; swag with purchase; BYOB; 50/50 benefits Wounded Warrior; indoor smoking lounge, large outdoor deck. More info on website.
September 28 – October 1 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR September 28 – October 2 Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC September 30 – October 2 Texas National Motorcycle Rally TNMRally.net Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston October 7-9 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler October 13-16 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL November 3-6 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston November 12 Texas Honor Ride - The Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston/San Antonio Region: Gulf Coast/South Texas Metro: Houston/San Antonio
Basic Listing is FREE. Upgrade to Premium for only $25/month! Email: Events@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for more information.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
EVENTS
Choppers hosts a BIG ASS Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT 1st Thursday Evey Month 18419 Kuykendahl Spring, TX 77379 Phone: 281.251.1673 ChoppersSportsBar.com Join the Thunder Roads Team and friends for another biker party! Live music, free wings until they’re gone, $1.50 domestic drafts, and $1 jello shots. Rain or shine, we party like bikers anyway! “The Original” Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT @ Concert Pub North 3rd Thursday Every Month 2470 FM 1960 W Houston, TX 77068 Phone: 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com Join the Thunder Roads Texas team for our “original” BIKE NIGHT - the one that started it all! Co-hosted by everyone’s “buddy” Outlaw Dave. Called a “mini rally”, our big bike night features live music, no cover, drink and food specials, door prizes, vendors, stage games, and more! Rain or shine, the BEST biker party in Houston!
Want your bike night listed here? Starting at only $25/ month. Call 281.866.8149 for more information.
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ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Gulf Breezes & Texas History
By Shelly Horan
organization dedicated to promoting environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the Gulf of Mexico wildlife. The first exhibit opened to the public in 1990. Originally, named Corpus Christi Aquarium Association, the organization adopted a new name, Texas State Aquarium Association, after the Texas State Legislature designated it to be the “Official Aquarium of Texas”. The facility is a federally-permitted animal rehabilitation facility and is accredited with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. From static exhibitions to full animal interaction programs, the aquarium offers something for everyone.
his month, we head South, down the Gulf Coast, where the Gulf breezes blow across hundreds of years of Texas history. Starting our journey in Corpus Christi… First to settle the area were the local Karankawa tribe of American Indians. Then came the French and Spanish explorers in the 17th century. By the early 19th century, smugglers used the site as a staging point for moving contraband into Mexico. Today, Corpus Christi is the largest coastal city in Texas, the gateway to Padre Island, and has become a tourist destination in and of itself. So before you start out on the suggested route to Goliad, take a look around and visit some of these interesting places: The USS Lexington The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16, is a World War II-vintage aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1943, she served the United States longer, and set more records, than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation. The Japanese reported Lexington sunk no less than four times! Yet, each time she returned to fight again, leading the propagandist, Tokyo Rose, to nickname her “The Blue Ghost.” The name is a tribute to the ship and the crew and air groups that served aboard her. Visiting the vessel, the sights and sounds are so real and so intense, you become a part of the story. Texas State Aquarium The Texas State Aquarium is a non-profit Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
Selena Museum If you’re not from Texas, you may not be aware of this local music legend. She was a rising star that successfully crossed Tejano and Western music boundaries; starting at the ripe age of 12 with her first album. Her life tragically ended at the age of 23 after being shot by the president of her own fan club. Learn more about Selena, her life, and her music at the museum. Now that your site seeing is over in Corpus, climb on Texas 81 North, crossing the Nueces Bay and picking up US 35 North into Rockport. Rockport is a quaint fishing town full of things to do. So before leaving for our next destination, visit these highlights: Fulton Mansion This 1870’s French Second Empire structure is the former home of cattleman George W. Fulton. Innovative for its time, the house features several modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, central lighting and heating. Get a glimpse into the life of the affluent Fulton family in the late 1800s. Texas Maritime Museum The Texas Maritime Museum has been educating visitors about the rich maritime history of Texas for over 20 years! View Texas history from exploration and settlement, to boatbuilding and shipbuilding, to sports and commercial fishing, and finally the search for offshore oil and gas.
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Texas Surf Museum You don’t always link surfing with Texas; the Gulf is so shallow, we rarely get waves that would draw an international crowd. But this unique Texas museum compiles a record of Texas surfing history and culture and educates the public.
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Britton Evans Centennial House Built by Captain Forbes Britton in 1849, the Centennial House is the oldest structure in Corpus Christi. In 1862 during the Civil War, the house served as a Confederate hospital. It was also used as a hospital and officers’ mess hall for the Federal Army in 1866, and as a citizen’s refuge during desperado and Indian raids during the 1870s. Unlike so many other historic structures in Corpus Christi, the Centennial House survived the 1919 hurricane. Currently, it operates as a museum.
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As you head out of Rockport, continuing on US 35 North, on either end of the Lyndon B Johnson Causeway, you can fish from the Copano Fishing Pier. The pier is part a 5.9-acre State Park and was created from the old causeway, when it was cut to aid boat traffic. The south side, before crossing
the causeway, is 6,190 feet long (more than a mile!); the north side (after crossing the causeway) is 2,500 feet long. Next, you have another side trip option to view the “Big Tree,” located in Goose Island State Park. The tree was named State Champion Coast Live Oak in 1969. It is thought to be the largest in the nation and estimated at over 1,000 years old. It boasts a circumference of 35 feet, a diameter of more than 11 feet, is 44 feet tall, and has a crown spread of 90 feet… this tree is BIG! To get to Goose Island, simply exit East Main Street, which becomes Park Road 13; turn right on Palmetto Street, and the park entrance (South Street) is on the right. Hanging out in the area, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast (fishing, bird watching, etc), you might find a trip to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex of interest. To get to it, continue up US 35 North and take a right on FM 774. After “zigging” left, then “zagging” right…
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just at the next 90-degree left “zig” that takes FM 774 due North, the entrance to the refuge is on the right. To leave and head on to our final destination, you’ll head back out of the park to FM 774, going straight (don’t turn left and go out the way you came in). You’ll pick up Texas 239 and turn left. [If you didn’t take the side trip to the “Big Tree”, you’ll still be on US 35 North and will pick up Texas 239.] In Tivoli, Texas 239 takes a left turn and separates from Texas 35, stay on 239. You’ll find the next 35 miles into Goliad a nice, relaxing ride with a few sweepers through the country. Although it’s not the busiest place in Texas, Goliad is nevertheless unforgettable. It is one of the oldest municipalities in the state. The Spanish missions date back to 1722, and the presidio was built in 1749. After Mexican General Santa Anna won the battle at the Alamo, General Sam Houston ordered Colonel James Fannin and 400 volunteers to retreat from Goliad to Victoria. Their departure was delayed and Fannin set up camp on the open prairie, rather than moving on to a heavily wooded area only three miles away. Mexican troops came upon the camp and overwhelmed the Texans. Fannin was forced to surrender when Mexican reinforcements arrived with cannons. A week later, on
Palm Sunday, Santa Anna ordered the execution of the 342 surviving prisoners, and that devastating event is remembered as the Goliad Massacre. Presidio La Bahía Located about one mile south of Goliad on US 183/Texas 239 (as you head into Goliad on our route), across the river from Goliad State Historical Park. The history of this fort and mission constitutes a catalog of major battles in the area. Because of this nefarious past, the presidio has some unearthly inhabitants, or so some say! At the restored fort is a museum with artifacts and memorabilia from the battles. The Fannin monument and grave are behind the presidio. This is the only fully restored Mexican fort that has guest quarters available for weekend rental. General Zaragoza Birthplace Near the entrance of Presidio La Bahia is the birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza, a dedicated Texas patriot. Zaragoza helped defeat Santa Anna in 1855. Then, in Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862, he participated in a brave attack on French forces, thus delaying the coronation of Maximilian as emperor of Mexico. The Cinco de Mayo holiday, celebrated on both sides of the border, recognizes Zaragoza’s victory at Puebla. Mission Espiritú Santo Located in Goliad State Historical Park, this historic mission was founded in 1722 near Matagorda Bay for the Karankawa Indians. Later, it was moved to the San Antonio River’s northern bank. Spain’s colonization of the region is the focus of the museum exhibits. Fannin Battleground and State Historic Site Located a little more than 10 miles east of Goliad, off US 59. Fannin Battleground memorializes the brave soldiers who fought the Battle of Coleto Creek on this site in 1836 during the Texas War for Independence. The Goliad Massacre inflamed the Texas cause, spurring the battle cry “Remember Goliad!” Visitors here walk the landscaped grounds, taking a moment to remember the men who helped forge Texas’ destiny. Two hours of riding, hundreds of years of history – all in a day. Hope you enjoyed the trip!
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EVENTS
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Favorite Destination has New Owner By Bob Cooney, CEO
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bout and hour south of central Houston is a great biker bar, West of The Brazos (WOB). Considering their location, they cater to the cowboys-andgirls, as well as the steel horse riders! It is located 18 miles south of Highway 59, on Highway 36. This location makes a great day ride from Houston… through Damon… then Freeport, Galveston and home again (or do it in reverse). A favorite biker destination for individual riders, groups, and many biker charities, West of the Brazos is now under new ownership/management. Those of you that are regulars already know that Curtis Maricle retired and sold the bar to Jack Graham, AKA Cactus Jack. Jack is a rider, too! He owns a trike and an HD Deluxe. I wish Curtis all the best and hope our paths cross again. Word has it that Roxy, the original bar owners’ dog, is staying on with her normal greeter duties. It is only fitting that she was part of the deal, since she has the most tenure! Nice… you have to love that! Make sure to give her a head pet while there. Recently, at the West of the Brazos during a Damon Little League fundraiser, Jack called his long-time friend, Donna Johnson, to the microphone and added a marriage proposal to the long list of plans and changes in his life. Go Jack, you rock! You can find Donna helping Jack out (and with the tasks ahead, he’ll need it)… so be sure to say “hi” to her while visiting. To get things started off with a bang… Cactus Jack is holding a “Triple Header,” three-day event April 15-17. First, he celebrates his birthday throughout the weekend (I didn’t ask how old). The party starts Friday night with classic Kountry Karaoke with Brooks rocking the place throughout the evening. Saturday is the 25th Annual WOB Crawfish Feast, featuring 1,200 pounds of crawfish. Saturday night will be a change of pace in the music, with Rollin Boudreau’s Zydeco band, straight from Baton Rouge, LA. If these guys don’t get you blood flowing and your foot tapping, you need another drink! Maybe more! Then on Sunday, WOB is the destination for the John Ruff Memorial Ride that starts at Renegade Classics in Houston ($5 donation to ride). This is a police escorted ride in honor of the late John Ruff; bikers partying in memory of a fallen friend while raising money for T-BRO (Texas Biker Relief Organization). For more information about the ride contact Renegade Classics at 713-378-4441, see their ad in this issue, and/or visit their Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
website BikerOutletStore.com. I am sure they would love to have you join in the ride. As if they have nothing else to offer… there is plenty of room (five acres) and they welcome self-contained or tent camping – for FREE. But call ahead (979-742-3100) to make sure there is space for you. Weekends with events can fill the place up. Speaking of events, The Texas Rally (September 8-11) holds their big pre-party at WOB every year. This year, join Cactus Jack, Damon Dave, myself, Shelly, and about 500 bikers (date TBA, watch the website) to get ready for the rally! The pre-party features free food (while it lasts), live music, auctions, and more. Proceeds from this, as with The Texas Rally, benefit T-BRO. Also, for the last four years, Sam’s Jam has made WOB their destination point. This annual police escorted ride put on by MD Anderson’s Riders for the Cure, starts at Stubbs Harley-Davidson in Houston. For only $20, enjoy live music, free lunch, auctions, door prizes, and a nice ride with a great group of folks. I’ve talked about the events and biker friendliness and overnight “accommodations”, but I haven’t mentioned the great food. West of the Brazos is not only a bar, but a “grill” offering some of the best burgers in Texas. It is not unheard of to see riders making a threehour ride to eat one! And there are plenty of other choices on the menu to suit any taste. Whew… I am tired writing all of the things that Cactus Jack has taken on! And all of this by a guy that just bought the bar! A pretty full plate for anyone, but Cactus Jack is looking forward to the task. In fact, Jack has already begun putting his own touches on the bar. He paved over the old dirt parking lot; the dust and dirt are GONE! He has also added three more high definition TVs. I am certain that while Jack puts his own personality into the place, he will keep the warm, comfortable feel this destination bar has developed through the years. Check out West of the Brazos… it won’t be your last trip there!
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Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Send pics to Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com. Page 38
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EVENT
A businessman on his deathbed called his friend and said, “Bill, I want you to promise me that when I die you will have my remains
cremated.”
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
it’s on.
Some body parts should be floppy.
6. Write your letter on something misshapen and unconventional. Like on the back of a Kroger sack.
Keep your paws off other people’s jellybeans. The grass is always greener in someone else’s basket. An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
7. When you mail it, mail it in a big envelope (even if its just a single EZ form). Big envelopes have to be torn and sorted differently than regular business size ones. An added bonus to the big envelope is that they take priority over other mail, so the workers can hurry up and deal with your mess.
“And what,” his friend asked, “Do you want me to do with your ashes?”
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell.
The businessman said, “Just put them in an envelope and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service and write on the envelope, “Now you have everything.”
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey!
A fifty-ish woman was at home happily jumping on her bed and squealing with delight. Her husband watches her for a while and asks, “Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look? What’s the matter with you?”
HOW TO ANNOY THE IRS (Without Getting In Trouble!)
9. Always put extra paper clips on your forms. Any foreign fasteners or the like have to be removed and put away.
Well, it’s tax time again, boys and girls. So cough it up if you haven’t already! But no one says you have to go gentle into that dark night. Here are some hints on how to annoy the IRS if you owe them money...
10. Sign your name in ink on every page. Any signature has to be verified and then date stamped.
The woman continues to bounce on the bed and says, “I don’t care, I just came from having a mammogram and the Doctor said I have the breasts of an 18 year-old” The husband sarcastically replied, “What did he say about your 56 year old ass?” She quickly replied, “Your name never came up,” All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from the Easter Bunny: Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Walk softly and carry a big carrot. Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. There’s no such thing as too much candy. All work and no play can make you a basket case. A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention. Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
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1. Always put staples in the right hand corner. Go ahead and put them down the whole right side. The extractors who remove the mail from the envelopes have to take out any staples on the right side. 2. Never arrange paperwork in the right order, or even facing the right way. Put a few upside down and backwards. That way they have to remove all your staples, rearrange your paperwork and re-staple it (on the left side). 3. Line the bottom of your envelope with Elmer’s glue and let it dry before you put in you forms, so that the automated opener doesn’t open it and the extractor has to open it by hand. 4. If you’re very unfortunate and have to pay taxes, use a two or three party check. On top of paying with a third party check, pay one of the dollars you owe in cash. When an extractor receives cash, no matter how small an amount, s/he has to take it to a special desk and fill out of few nasty forms. 5. Write a little letter of appreciation. Any letter received has to be read and stamped regardless of what it is or what
8. If you send two checks, they’ll have to staple your unsightly envelope to your half destroyed form.
These are just a few of the fun and exciting things you can do with the IRS. These methods are *only* recommended when you owe money. Late one night a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. “Give me your money,” he demanded. Indignant, the affluent man replied, “You can’t do this - I’m a US Congressman!” “In that case,” replied the robber, “Give me MY money!” A woman was patiently trying to help her husband set up his new computer. He however was acting annoyed and impatient. She told him to choose a password for security purposes. He made it plainly obvious to his wife what he was entering by stating each letter out loud as he typed: P...E...N...I...S His wife fell off her chair laughing when the computer replied: Password Rejected. Not Long Enough.
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Biker Friendly
Listed here are businesses that are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “*” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas!
Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
Bars & Restaurants * Bully’s Grill 8542 Seymour Hwy Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940.689.9195 www.bullysgrill.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Wichita Falls * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop; Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz; www.bentrimgrill. com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio A 2011 GOLD Points Across Texas Destination worth 2 points. * Hawg Stop 11335 Sheldon Rd Houston, TX 77044 281.456.7867 www.hawgstop.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston Spring, TX 77373 281.288.0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Loading Dock 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 www.theloadingdockbikerbar.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) www.rollingthunderbarandgrill.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 713.557.1103 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston
* 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
* Curtis Lowe’s Bar 11800 FM 1960 E Huffman, TX 77336 281.324.7400 Find us on Facebook! Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Tyler
* Lubbock Custom Motorcycles 11804 South University #A Lubbock, TX 79423 806.745.7167 www.lubbockcustommotorcycles.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock
* Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 www.myspace.com/houstonsalamo Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Flying V Creations 1903 College Ave Snyder, TX 79549 325.436.0197 www.myspace.com/flyingvcreations Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock
* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Choppers 18419 Kuykendahl Spring, TX 281.251.1673 www.chopperssportsbar.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Location of a Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT.
* Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.friscocustomcycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth 2011 GOLD Points Across Texas Destination worth 2 points.
* Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) www.motorcycle-superstore.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
* Concert Pub North 2470 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 www.theconcertpub.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Location of a Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT. * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.myspace.com/westofthebrazos 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
Dealerships & Shops
* George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301 936.788.8222 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston 2011 GOLD Points Across Texas Destination worth 2 points.
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* 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
* Barnett Harley-Davidson 8272 Gateway Blvd. East El Paso, TX 79907 800.453.1513 www.barnettharley.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: El Paso
* Scooters & Shooters 525 E Hwy 29 Bertram, TX 78605 512.355.8070 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin
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* Two Brothers Cigars 1100 W 14th St Plano, TX 75075 972.424.7272 www.TwoBrothersCigars.Blogspot.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth
April 2011
* Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson 502 Padre Island Dr Corpus Christi, TX 78408 361-854-3146 www.corpuschristiharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Corpus Christi
* Goe Harley-Davidson 1350 S 288B Angleton, TX 77515 281.393.1000 www.goeharley-davidson.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston 2011 GOLD Points Across Texas Destination worth 2 points. * Gruene Harley-Davidson 1288 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.624.2473 www.grueneharley.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76706 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Houston Motorsports North 9550 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.890.2020 www.houstonyamaha.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa
* Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 832.971.3728 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * Team Mancuso Powersports Southwest 7537 Southwest Fwy Houston, TX 77074 713.995.9944 www.tmpsw.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 www.kentpowersports.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth
Entertainment/Bands * Mean Gene Kelton/The Diehards 901 N Gaillard Baytown, TX 77520 713-866-4872 www.meangenerocks.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Insurance & Attorneys
Motorcycle Towing
* Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station
* 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
Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 North Converse, TX 78109 210.341.0333 www.missionwrecker.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
* Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.insuranceladyinc.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
Lodging & Campgrounds * D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio SPONSOR 2011 Points Across Texas and destination worth 2 points.
Riding Gear & Leather Goods
936.661.7518 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station * Affordable Leather Company 3302 N Midkiff Rd Midland, TX 79705 432.699.0775 www.affordable-leather-wtx.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Moto Liberty - Dallas 11441 N Stemmons Fwy, Ste 201 Dallas, TX 75229 972.243.5995 www.motoliberty.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth
Miscellaneous * Barry Claffey - Mullis A/C Houston, TX 281.468.5819 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Motorcycle-Maps.us 1084 Blackstone Rd Sanford, NC 27330 www.motorcycle-maps.us
* Big Mike’s Apparel 5014 Luella Dr Deer Park, TX 77536 713.941.8080 www.bigmikesapparel.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * The Hog Pound 13710 RR 12, #4 Wimberley, TX 78676 512.847.3444 www.thehogpound.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * VIP Apparel 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 713.478.0592 www.vipbikerapparel.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * PitStop 13028 Hwy 21 West Austonio, TX 75835
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
April 2011
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