Thunder Roads Texas - April 2012 by Thunder Roads Texas

The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!

Growing Weekend Event Set for Luckenbach May 4-6, 2012

April 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also Inside:

  

Massacre for Charity Not So Great Weather... Really Good Deals Pig Writes NE W!

Page 4

April 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Contents 

April 2012 On the Cover 36 Growing Weekend Event Set for Luckenbach Hill Country Run, May 4-6 This Month

Massacre for Charity: St Valentine’s Day Massacre Rally

Not So Great Weather, but Really Good Deals Fort Worth Lifestyle Expo & Swap Meet (Texas Scooter Times)

Pig Writes: Road Names NE W

Regular Features

From the Editor

PigTrails: Find Your Happy Face!

Two Wheel Thunder TV Review: Spice Up Your Life; Fulmer Helmets

Pink Thunder: Freedom Means a Little More to Jennifer

Monthly Ride Map: A Ride Through Texas History

38 ThunderCam 40 Joker’s Wild

Resources 21

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out April 2012 Calendar

30 34

Biker Friendly Listing

On the cover: 2011 Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally; Photo by Randy McCamey, TRT Correspondent & Photographer.

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

ADVERTISING SALES

FEATURE WRITERS

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

“Crazy Al” - PigTrails; Peggy Beck - Two Wheel Thunder TV Reviews; and sharing Pink Thunder, each sumbitting quarterly: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct), Shelly “Cricket” Beatty (Feb/May/Aug/Sep), & Terri Williams (TMRA2; Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec)

Laura Mae Benson - Sales Manager Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642

CORRESPONDENTS

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161 Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679 Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com 210.445.2477 Don “DB” McGovern - Dallas/Fort Worth ThunderRoadsDon@gmail.com 972.896.1919 Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com 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.

Linda Morris - Houston; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Mary “Ima Ryder” Taylor - Austin; “Pig” San Antonio”; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston/Gulf Coast; Dan Harp - Keller; Jason English - East Texas; Gwen Tucker - Central Texas; Don McGovern - Houston; Travis Jacobs; Houston; Jason English - Rusk; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; MORE COMING ONBOARD EVERY MONTH!

Hoppy Month of Easter! The weather has turned and it’s riding time for sure! Unfortunately, as many of you many be aware, I’ve been underweather, dealing with allergies. With spring comes pollen… large, sweeping dust clouds that cover everything for a few days. Thank goodness for rain! Now the spring flowers are blooming and riders are all around! As we did last year, we’ve hidden 20 eggs (with the State of Texas on them; see examples on right) throughout the magazine, in our clients’ ads. Find them all, email contests@thunderroadstexas.com with your answers and we’ll enter you into a drawing for a weekend stay at Koyote Ranch in beautiful Medina … middle of the Texas Hill Country. The value of this package – more than $300! Just for finding 20 hidden eggs in this issue!

t he -

Easter Egg Hunt!

We are getting comments from potential advertisers that we’re a Houston-based magazine. This is so far from the truth!! We are statewide, read cover-to-cover by readers from El Paso, to Lubbock, to Nacogdoches, to Corpus Christi, to Brownsville, to Beaumont… and everywhere in between. We have more than 200 distribution points across the entire state, including EVERY Harley-Davidson dealership, EVERY Cycle Gear store, plus a whole bunch of independent shops, biker bars, accessory retailers and more. We are the MOST widely distributed and read free motorcycle publication in the state. While Bob & I are based in Houston – we have worked hard to build a staff representing from across the entire state. Crazy Al #55 of PigTrails fame is out of Fort Worth; Shelly Beatty of Pink Thunder (Feb/May/Jul/Nov) is out of Boerne (San Antonio), Terri Williams of Pink Thunder (Mar/Jun/Aug/Dec) is out of Austin; regular contributor and photographer, Randy McCamey, is out of De Leon (between Abilene and Fort Worth); Dean Downey out of Amarillo; Linda Nilsson in Lufkin, Jason English in Rusk, and our newest addition, “Pig” is out of San Antonio. We have sales staff in Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio (as well as Houston). AND we cover events, rides, maps, and folks from all over the state of Texas. Add our multi-media approach with email, Facebook (social networking), and active website, accessed by riders from all over the world. So, why are advertisers so hesitant to reach the riders reading the magazine? Makes you go “hmmmmmm.” Now… readers… go out and tell these folks you want to be represented by advertisers, too! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

CORRECTION POINTS ACROSS TEXAS SNAPSHOTS The Hog Pound listing in last month’s issue was incorrect. Their address and phone:

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

Page 8

April 2012

13710 Ranch Road 12 #4 Wimberley, TX 78676 512.847.3444 See their ad on page 35 We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Make sure you visit them when in or going through Wimberley! They’re GREAT folks and we’re happy to have them as part of our Points Across Texas program!

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 9

Find Your Happy Face! ith all the stress of day-to-day life sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Whether it’s trying to pay all the bills or just trying to make it to work on time. Stress is a killer! Don’t let it take a tragedy to make you realize you are lucky to be alive, well, and even working. My son-in-law recently posted a profound statement on his social network and it made my day. I read it again and again. It just made such good since. I asked him if I could use his quote and would he charge me for it. He laughed and said I could do whatever I want with it! So here it is for your enjoyment now one of my favorite quotes by my son-in-law Jose Martinez. “Sorry for the length, but it was a long thought...

matter how hard the world tries to make me grow up. “ It just gets better with every read! And so true. I find myself having to force my brain to think in the right direction at times myself. I see things every day that upset me with the world and how people abuse the simplest things. I

I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point I began to grow up. It is something that as a child I promised my heart I would never do. I was always amazed at how people can become embittered all the while possessing all the blessings they will ever need, and reflecting upon myself I find that a little of that has slipped into me. I’m not sure how long the disease has been there. It has been innocuous and silent, festering and feasting on my insides, clouding my heart.

I know what’s important now! Nothing comes before the love and the care of your own family! If you’re having a hard time with your kids or you’re having a tiff with your brother… you need to realize it’s all a waste of time. In the end your family will still be around when hundreds of friends have come and gone!

As a child I never knew sarcasm or spite, yet find myself admiring a sharp retort or firing some off myself without having to think of it. I find myself holding on to things that anger me when they used to so easily be replaced with happy thoughts. Today I looked into my heart and saw it needs mending. I have a wonderful life, love, friends and am fully sound in finances and other worldly needs. So why is there that shadow? Today I spoke to my Little Prince, my Peter Pan... whomever that bright star or glimmer of pixie dust is inside and he reached out his hand to mine. Let’s pull you out of the darkness and into my countenance for all to see...here’s to a happier me, hand-in-hand with my inner child who will not go down without a fight no

Page 10

April 2012

calm as calm can be. We’re doing well though. Her health is good and our spirits are up! While most of the changes we would give up in a second to have our old life back but there are just as many changes I would never want to give up. We look at life differently now. Believe me life itself is precious! You never know what tomorrow will bring. It used to take a whole day of riding to make me feel the day was put to good use. Now a long walk in the park or just a short ride to Sonic for a Sunday brings back my Happy Face! When I plan on going anywhere I give myself more time to get there. This has been an amazing stress reliever. No road rage! Hell I just let them all blow by me! And I still try very hard not to make a mistake. I don’t want to die at the hands of crazed maniac flying through traffic to get his kids to cheer practice!

see road rage that scares the daylights out of me. Some guy wants me to die all because I made a simple traffic mistake. Wow! It’s been a little over one year since my wife Paula suffered a serious stroke. Our lives are changed now. We are as

Let’s throw a little biker bits in here so I can keep my job writing this column! I’m not Dear Abby you know. Take your time when riding on the open road. I have always stated that the adventure of riding is to ride another day. If you have been a biker as long as I have you have probably lost someone close to you due to an untimely accident. If I could talk the whole world into slowing down just a little bit I would do it in a heartbeat. My life was forced to slow down but you still have a choice! It’s a good choice to make. Take a couple of extra stops when you’re out riding just to take a deep breath and take it all in. It’s your life! It’s the only one you’re ever going to get. Make the most of it and enjoy the ride! I want to thank my son in law Jose one more time for making me think about my inner child and allowing me to find my happy face! Much love!



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 11

Spice Up Your Life: Fulmer Helmets hey say “variety is the spice of life.” Fulmer Motorcycle Helmet Company gives us a lot of spices to choose from. They have over 40 years in the helmet industry developing exactly the right spice for you.

many just want a tried and true classic. Everyone can find the style and comfort they desire from the diverse Fulmer line. My helmet is the modular style. I personally like it

Fulmer Helmets was founded in 1969. (A very “spicy” year indeed!) They also have the most unique business policies. The Arthur Fulmer Company does not permit the sale of Fulmer brand helmets by anyone, anywhere online, nor can you find them in discount stores. They do not sell these helmets on their own website, nor via authorized dealers’ individual sites. Why? Because they understand that fit is paramount to safety. The smallest size that fits comfortably is usually the safest. You can only buy Fulmer Helmets directly from an authorized dealer. We met up with a representative from Fulmer at a local Honda store in Orange, Texas. The company arranged for us to try out their newest design. When I first picked it up, I could not believe how light weight the helmet was. With these industries increasing their safety ratings, it is impressive that they’re also making them lighter and more comfortable… and more stylish. There has to be over 100 different styles, colors, and graphic designs; for both men and women. But the most important thing is their safety rating. I know Texas is not a “required helmet” riding state. However, if you want to look cool, feel cool, and be safe, please try out one of their helmets. Fulmer offers designs for street, off road, dual sport, junior sizes and accessories. Their helmets meet all the necessary DOT requirements, with an appeal to please just about every type of rider. Of course, different riders want different things from their helmets. Some want outrageous graphics; some simple. Some want the smallest, lightest helmet that’s legal. Others want the latest Snell-approved technology. And

Page 12

April 2012

job that just won’t quit. It is beautiful in the day with the awesome graphics and visible at night with retro-reflective capabilities for low light conditions. It incorporates millions of glass beads embedded in the paint with highly reflective ability. Fulmer Helmets is the only manufacturer currently using this technology. In laymen’s terms; you know how those new stop signs and DOT signs really glare at you at night when your headlights hit them? Well it is a bit like that when you are riding at night with this helmet on. Now your head glares back at anyone behind you or coming toward you from the side. We actually found people backing off from us at night. Fulmer also has a new “Zero Fog” anti-fog visor available, allowing for even better visual ability for the rider. Of course we all like the breathable air vents, the comfortable padding, ultra plush removable and washable interior, and EPS padded chin bar. After riding over 450 miles in one day with this helmet, we can honestly say it is extremely comfortable. One of the most important aspects to this helmet is to be seen! The retro-reflective technology makes this the most visible helmet we have ever experienced!

because of days where I want an open face I have it. Days I want to flip down the shield and block off sun rays, wind or dust, I can choose that option as well. What makes any helmet stand out more than another? How about something new and different? How about visibility? We are entering into a very welcome trend towards highvisibility motorcycling. Fulmer’s D5 full face Flamethrower technology has a paint

So no matter what you may like in the way of a helmet – shorty, three-quarter, full-face, or modular – Fulmer has it. If you want outrageous graphics, great colors or just plain and simple, Fulmer has it. If you want the smallest, lightest helmet that’s legal, or the latest industry safety rating technologies, Fulmer has it. After my experience, I highly recommend the flamethrower D5 for your “spice for life”. The 2012 Fulmer catalog can be downloaded from FulmerHelmets.com. Take a look, then visit one of their authorized dealers and go try one on. You can find the closest one to you from their online search. Get the right fit, the right helmet, and enjoy safe, comfortable riding!



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 13

Freedom Means a Little More to Jennifer Joni Kelton, TRT Pink Thunder (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct)

In the fall of 2011, I was cruising around Facebook and ran across a flyer that said “A Rider Looking For A Driver.” The flyer showed a beautiful, smiling lady, riding with a gentleman on a red Harley. I was curious why someone would hire someone to take them riding. Reading the flyer, I found out that the beautiful lady in the picture is Jennifer Wishum. Jennifer has Cerebral Palsy (CP) and despite the inherent risks and dangers of riding, she is determined to ride, and to feel the freedom only a motorcycle can bring. Her passion really caught my attention. We all have a passion for riding, but hers goes beyond anything I’ve ever seen. She is an absolutely amazing woman. She owns her own business, rides motorcycles, and works with children. Like she says, she “talks funny and walks funny” but she has a great sense of humor and a smile that could light up Houston. I got a chance to Skype with her recently, and she was excited I was going to do an article on her. She couldn’t understand why... read on, and you’ll know why I had to introduce this remarkable lady rider to you. Q: Tell us a bit about yourself - where you live, your business and your connection to Texas. A: I graduated from Clear Lake, Texas where most of my family still lives. I got married in 2000 and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. I travel back to Houston every few months. In February 2011, a friend asked me to do a baby scrapbook for her. I got to thinking, “Hmm, I bet a LOT of people have pictures laying in a box not knowing what to do with them!” With that, Jennifer’s Memories was created! I do books, slide shows and DVDs. Right now I am creating something else. Stay tuned!

A: I’m pretty used to shocking people by doing what I do. I must say I get a kick out of shocking people. Hey, I have to have my fun! For me, this opened a door to a whole new community that for the most part has accepted me - and I just am in love with it. Q: How do you think the motorcycle community reacts to your wanting to ride? A: From what I hear, “Wow! You go girl! “Like everything, I’m sure there are negative things said, but as of now I haven’t heard them. I would hope someone would think “Wow, she’s doing that with a disability - maybe I could do that!” Maybe they can find their passion. I honestly believe that we ourselves set our limitations. Q: Have you ever been turned down for a ride? A: I like to find out what kind of bike people have before I ask them for a ride. So I don’t know if I’ve ever been turned down, because I am very honest about whom I can ride with. I am hoping to ride with some ladies

Q: What is your first recollection of motorcycles? Do you remember your first ride, and how did it feel? A: My dad had a bike when I was growing up and I kinda remember him taking me around the block. I rode down to Galveston on my dad’s Road King in 2002. I remember the feeling - feeling so free - I knew I wanted to do it again. I rode off and on, but I really didn’t get interested in riding until my mom joined the Bayou City Sisters (BCS) Chapter of Women In The Wind. For some reason seeing other women riders caught my interest. Before I even met the BCS, the ride I remember most was about four years ago. It was around Thanksgiving of 2007. My dad said, “Hey lets go for a ride!” I was like thrilled. It was a chilly night - I actually still have the picture of that night! The bike was my Dad’s Road Glide. We went around Seabrook and I remember going over the Kemah Bridge. I loved it!! It’s my favorite thing still, to this very day! After that, Mom invited me to go to lunch with the BCS, so Dad and I rode with them. If I wasn’t hooked before, I was definitely hooked then! I can honestly say I’ve never met a more open group of women. It’s like they just ignored the CP and right then I knew my life’s passion! When I am on the bike, I honestly feel like I can do anything! There is no CP. There is no feeling that I can’t. There is something about being in the wind that makes life well worth living! Q: How has riding a motorcycle changed your life? Page 14

April 2012

in April in Houston and I am taking my first ride in North Carolina this month. My true dream is to find a woman driver to go riding with on a regular basis. Q: What kind of riding do you like best - short hops, longer tours, etc? A: The longer the better! I am taking a three hour trip in April to the Texas Hill Country and I’m very excited to go on the trip. Q: What do you require in someone willing to take you as a passenger? A: I would like for someone to have been riding for at least ten years, but that could change based on the person. I understand that [number of] years doesn’t always mean a better rider. Q: If you could have your own set of wheels, what would

be your dream bike? A: My favorite question - If I had a hired driver (which I will soon!), my bike would be a Harley Street Glide - red, of course! I can’t find a finer example of the true spirit of motorcycle riding. Jennifer’s love of riding is not stopped by her disability - if anything, she has much more of an appreciation for it than most of us. We should all aspire to have the drive and determination that she has. Jennifer will be in Houston in early April, so check Thunder Roads and my Facebook - we’ll be meeting up with Jennifer and the Bayou City Sisters, and showing her a great time!



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Mass acre for charity 35th Annual St. Valentine’s Day Massacre * Boerne * February 10-12, 2012 By: Gwen “Froggy” Tucker, TRT Correspondent

nce motorclyes became popular in the 1920’s motorcycle clubs began popping up all over the place. They carried with them an outlaw demeanor and a no-nonsense attitude as they rode and rallied all across the United States. Of course while some clubs truly exhibited outlaw ways, others chose to take a different route. The Alamo City Gypsy Motorcycle Club established in 1932 roars into Boerne annually for their St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Bikers come in droves, despite the wind and chill to the Kendall County Fairgrounds to support this club and their charities. Registration proceeds for this event were donated to equine therapy organizations Triple H Equitherapy Center and Equessense. Every building was filled with many types of vendors to keep the attendees busy. Food vendors selling everything from Boudain balls and alligator legs to deep fried ribs, really make this rally one of the go to rally’s year after year. This year, with paid registration, each attendee received a ticket to be entered into a drawing to win a 2012 Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob. The lucky winner of the Harley did not need to be present to win and I had the privilege of being present while President Toe Dig called to deliver the awesome news. This year’s rally festivities included a fun run, silent auction, exotic bike exhibit, bike games, and live music. Every year this rally gets little bigger, more support comes in and the organizations mentioned above get to benefit from it. It just goes to show that once again, the stigma that surrounds the man on the motorcycle really does not truly comprehend the heart he has. Triple H Equitherapy Center’s mission is to provide people with disabilities and wounded warriors nationally accredited equine assisted activities and therapy in a safe Texas Hill Country environment. Since 1995, a growing number of people with disabilities have found healing with the help of specially trained therapy horses. Their professional staff, assisted by trained volunteers, serves clients primarily from Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, Medina and

Page 16

April 2012

Kerr counties. Equessense is a program that utilizes horses in a therapeutic approach to bettering the quality of life for children, teens and adults with wide range of abilities and needs. All of these exceptional individuals love to ride. It is one thing they do well and about which they can feel proud. They each have specific needs to which the amazing horses of Equessense instinctively respond. All of them have their own moving story about how experiential riding has changed their lives. They are developing skills and confidence as they learn responsibility, compassion and cooperation. These positive traits will assimilate into their characters and profit them for the rest of their lives. Thank you Alamo City Gyspy’s for supporting Triple H Equitherapy Center and Equessense and Congratulations on your continued success on this annual event. [EDITORS NOTE: We were pleased to be a sponsor of the 2012 St. Valentine’s Massacxre! And we’re working on continuing our support of this wonderful event in 2013.]



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 17

Not So Great Weather, but Really Good Deals Ft. Worth Lifestyle Expo and Swap Meet * Fort Worth * February 19, 2012 By: Dan Harp, TRT Correspondent

unday February 19, 2012 I attended the Fort Worth Biker Lifestyle Expo and Swap Meet sponsored by Hank Bauer Attorney At Law and presented by The Scooter Times. It was a nasty, cold, wet morning and I assumed most people were inclined to stay inside and catch up on some sleep. However, I’d already planned on going and, as we all know, bikers and bike enthusiasts are not like most people anyway. If you love and live it, where there’s an event, we’ll be there. This was the third time I have attended this annual event. Honestly, I as I stated before with the poor weather that morning I figured attendance would be down markedly

Page 18

April 2012

compared to the previous years. That certainly was not the case. I arrived at 11:30 a.m. and was pleasantly surprised. The building was packed. The doors opened to the public at 10:00 a.m. and there was a steady flow the rest of the day. I noticed that enthusiasts and bikers were still arriving and going in the doors as I left the parking area later that afternoon. It appeared one thing that was much improved over past events was the number of vendors and booths. As I walked into the building some of the first vendors that I met were Jim and Deb Shockley out of Canton, Texas sponsors of the SOOTOS booth (Something Out Of The Ordinary

“Stuff”). Jim initially began the business 20 years ago at a little thing called First Monday Trade Days there in Canton. He started out selling fishing hats with patches he applied and added other items after meeting Deb. Through the urging of friends, after a few years, they eventually added vests and jackets. What started out as a side business has now grown to include multiple machines and custom work that they do from their home. From the looks of things at their booth, business

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

was good and getting better. Another interesting group was the Friends of Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in a booth sponsored by the Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club. This club was one of the first to begin collecting funds 23 years ago for the eventual Texas Vietnam Vets Memorial at Fair Park in Dallas. Through their efforts and many like them the monument park was built a year later. It stands to this day as a tribute and memorial to the valiant and courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to this great country. It’s a tragedy that I’ve lived here all my life and been to Fair Park in Dallas many times over the years for the State Fair of Texas and many auto shows, concerts, and bike shows, but never knew there was a Vietnam Veterans War Memorial there. Sadly still, I feel sure that I’m not the only one. While at their booth I also met and spoke with James “Tin Man” Gibbs from the organization Run For The Wall whose mission is; “To promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA),

to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world.” They accomplish this by a yearly motorcycle ride across the nation ending in Washington D.C. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. There were many different types of merchandise available in the booths. It’s not just the usual products and fare you expect but everything from candles, incense burners, “water pipes”, Girl Scout cookies (sold by Troop 3716 in Venus, Texas), to a porcelain statue of Marilyn Monroe. There were earring and necklace vendors, stocking cap vendors, and even a guy selling “balance” bracelets. They’re designed to keep your molecules “in line” so you can stay standing when you feel like falling over I guess. I think he could probably make a killing when the local bars close down for all those needing to “maintain their balance”. The amount of spare parts this year was incredible. I could have easily made several complete bikes with just the parts lying in bins and boxes around the floor at the booths. Prices were fair with one or two of the booths in the middle of the room having very low prices on some very popular parts in “like new” condition. The deals were there as always just waiting on the right buyer to come along. A side note: In my opinion here in Ft. Worth on average we are very realistic about what we expect to get for a good, usable part we have for sale. Some swap meets I’ve been to in the past in other areas folks want ridiculous prices for questionable parts in rough condition. I did some shopping, made some new friends, heard some great music by Pete Barbeck and 7th Son, and overall enjoyed my day. Keep up with the current events here in Thunder Roads Magazine and next year if you’re in this neck of the woods, bring your walking shoes, your wallet, and come on out to Cowtown for some great deals. I highly

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

recommend this one. It’s always a good time being around fellow bike lovers doing what we love to do…anything bike related! [EDITORS NOTE: Texas Scooter Times is a long-time advertiser. Check out their ad in our Events List section for upcoming shows in major metropolitan areas of Texas.]



April 2012

Page 19

EVENT

Event Listing

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

6-8 7

10th Anniversary & Band Showdown DallasHD.com Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

7-8

Dallas Leukemia Ride & Bone Marrow Drive Dallas.LeukemiaRide.org Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Steel Cowboys Biker Bash Poker Run 210.430.3879 Universal City Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

7-8

28th Annual Easter Run 254.366.5622; 254.715.5627; 254.205.8765 Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Lyons 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 Quiet Riot and Pat Travers. RV Sites, free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors and more. The party never stops! $45/person weekend pass. Call for availability of RV Sites – they go fast! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

1st Annual Delta Colunty Fair Car & Truck Show Circlepad.com/DeltaCountyFairCarShow Cooper Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 3rd Annual See Us Save Us Ride SeeUsSaveUs.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

24th Annual Bayshore Car & Motorcycle Show BayshoreFineRides.net Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston 39th Annual TMRA1 State Rally TMRA.org Comanche Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Abilene Three Sisters Spring Fling ThreeSistersRally.net Camp Wood Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 6th Annual Back the Badge Ride BackTheBadgeRide.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Police escorted ride starts at San Jacinto HarleyDavidson (SanJacintoHD.com) in Pasadena and goes to the Texas Association of First Responders Wild Game Cook Off at Sam Houston Race Park. Check-in starts at 11am. Kick stands up at 2pm. Proceeds benefit the 100 Club and the Texas Association of First Responders. $25/person fee includes ride, gift bag, and FREE entry to the Cook Off. Great food, cold beer, solid ride! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! 11th Annual Marc Run 512.540.2561 Rockdale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

13-14

1st Annual Spring Bash 817.902.9734 Milsap Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ San Jacinto HD BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Another pre-party! Join the Bikes & Bugs and San Jacinto HD folks for lots of fun. 2 lb plates of crawfish for only, potatoes, corn and a drink - only $5. Free prizes all day long. Special guest sports legend Dan Pastorini. Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. San Jacinto Harley-Davidson; 3636 E Sam Houston Pkwy South, Pasadena 77505; 281.991.4275; www.sanjacintohd.com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

30th Annual World Famous Blue Bonnet Run rsmorris.1@verizon.net Menard Region: Panhandle Metro: San Angelo

4th Annual Downs Syndrome SA Poker Run DSASA.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio 8th Annual Ride for the Red 830.832.4073 New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Jericho Ride IV & Blessing of the Bikes 254.855.1559 Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco Kelly Fest 903.573.4041; 903.884.3447 Omaha Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Motorcycle Fun Run 817.270.3400 Azle Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Proud to be a Biker Benefit Facebook.com/events/240760812668702 Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

Continued on Page 22... April 2012

Page 21

EVENTS

Billy the Kid Rides Again BillyTheKidMuseum.com Hico Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

APRIL m

9th Annual Beach-N-Biker Fest BeachNBikerFest.com South Padre Island Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Brownsville/Harlingen

Big Mike’s Bike Show BigMikesApparel.com Deer Park Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

13-15

Texas Party Drags TexasScooter.com Holland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Racers get ready! “Who’s the April Fool?” All motorcycle drags at Little River Dragway. Visit the website for more information as it becomes available.

12-15

10th Anniversary Celebration FrioCanyonMotorcycleStop.com Leakey Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Stop by any weekend in April to help Bob & Robin celebrate 10 years! Every weekend will feature Texas Bike Builders and exhibitions, giveaways, entertainment and more! Visit our website or Facebook page for details as they become available.

All Month

TCOC&I State Rally COCTX.org Katy Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Come support the fight to protect the rights and freedoms of all motorcyclists! The State Rally is COMING HOME to Houston! All bikes welcome. Lots of goings-on: bike raffle, vendors, live bands, bike games, bike/hot rod shows, wet T-shirt contest, mud wrestling, fun run, bikini bike wash, burnout contest, tattoo contest, sport bike stunt riders, camping & RV area available or hotels close by. Admission is only $20/person for the weekend at the gate. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! 11th Annual JC Motorcycle Rally & Cook Off bikerdave.s@gmail.com Sweetwater Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

Page 22

April 2012

26 26-29

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

27-29

ATR Roundup AmericanTrikeRiders.org Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

3rd Annual Cruisin for Christ Kick Off Car Show FirstChristianWichitaFalls.org Wichita Falls Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls 3rd Annual Pablos Lifechanging Rally 806.292.5989 Plainview Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock 3rd Annual Pig Roast 817.874.5218 Azle Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Go Hog Wild Ride ShelbyCountyChamber Center Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview KLNM Car, Truck & Bike Show 936.238.3610 Lufkin Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Max’s Ride MaxALS.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Houston Ride for the Bear LindsayFoundation.org Porter Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston 10th Year Anniversary Breast Cancer Benefit TheHarleysAngels.org Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Lake Somerville Rally LakeSomervilleRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

Ein-Stein Rally 830.564.6554 Seguin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: San Antonio Tonkawa Bash Cen-TexRoadRiders.com Killeen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Bikes & Bugs V Main Event @ Ragin’ Cajun BikesAndBugs.org Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Doors open at Noon and close at 11pm (16100 Kensington, 77478). Outlaw Dave will MC. Prizes given away all day. Plus vendors, live bands, Hooters Girl Bike Wash, Bikini Open Promotions Mrs. Bikes & Bugs pageant, bike & car exhibition, games, silent & live auctions, cocktails and food available – including Ragin’ Cajun’s famous boiled crawfish! Family event – so bring them all. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson, a custom crawfish boiler, or a gas powered minichopper. Raising money for the Wallis Family Foundation, supporting research to find a cure for epilepsy. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

22nd Annual Bikers for Bikers Spring Rally BikersForBikers.com Magnolia Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

12th Annual to Hell and Back Biker Benefit Run FisherHouse.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

19-21

8th Annual Oilman’s Invitational Hill Country Ride OilmansHillCountryRide.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

20-22

APD American Heroes Rally & Motorcycle Escort Facebook.com/events/249050958517299/ Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

20-23

EVENTS

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! THIS MONTH: It’s Easter Egg hunting time again!!! And we’ll bring back the East Egg Roll contest that was such a hit last year! Held at Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77068). Co-hosted by the Outlaw Dave Show. Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials (big ass beer night!), 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!

... continued

Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party @ Outlaw Dave’s BikesAndBugs.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Join the Bikes & Bugs crew as they descend on the NEW Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters. One of the first events at the new icehouse! Purchase tickets to win a Harley-Davidson being given away at the Main Event on April 28. Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters; 6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007; www.outlawnation.us; Check either website for details as they become available. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

25-29

WHCEMS 566 Charity Ride Ride.WHCEMS.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

World’s Longest Poker Run WorldsLongestPokerRun.com Study Butte Region: Big Bend Metro: El Paso

14-15

EvenT Listing

14th Annual Blue Ribbon Rally Car & Bike Show BlueRibbonRally.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock 1st Annual Derrick Days Biker Bash DerrickDays.com Corsicana Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 972 Benefit Fun Run 214.869.2961; 214.536.2105 Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 9th Annual Shakers Scrapers Open Car Show ShakersAndScrapers.com Corsicana Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Alvin Rotary Club Frontier Day Car & Bike Show AlvinRotary.org Alvin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Continued on Page 26... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENTS

15 22 29

1 8

Wednesday May 2012 T

Tuesday

March 2012

Monday

April 2012 5

Thursday

Friday

Visit Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop 10t Year Anniversary Celebrations Every Weekend Leakey

Saturday

PALM SUNDAY APRIL FOOLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY

Texas Party Drags Holland

Sunday

BUGS BUNNY DAY

AUDUBON DAY

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Houston

13 Back the Badge Ride Houston Bikes & Bugs V Pre-Party Pasadena

INCOME TAX DAY

EASTER SUNDAY

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

Bikes & Bugs V Main Event Sugar Land

Cartts, Bikers & Babes Rally April 12-15 * Somerville

GOOD FRIDAY

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

BLAH! BLAH! BLAH! DAY

WORLD PARTY DAY

4-6

Ride for Relief RideForRelief.webs.com McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Ride for Restoration MissionAtSerenityRanch.org Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

11th Annual Ride for the Fallen POMF.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin The Peace Officers Memorial Foundation is a 501©(3) charity that strives to perpetuate the memory of Texas law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. All bikes welcome. Motorcycle multi-stop ride. Tribute at the Wall. BBQ Cook Off. Motorcycle Raffle. Visit the website for more details. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

EVENTS

Ride The Hood 817.964.9663; 940.659.8398 Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Ride to Restore Life TheCircleForLife.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

3-5

MAY

Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

3-6

Welcome Home Warriors Ride HornyToadHD.com Temple Region: Piney Woods Metro: Killeen/Temple Houston Ride for Kids PBTFUS.org Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Spring Fling Fun Run RiversideRanch.net WARNING: Adult Content Website Elmendorf Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

Page 26

April 2012

Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social at Mahaley’s; 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 before April 20, 2012 to receive a T-shirt. $45/per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show T-shirt. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

2012 Bikers for Vets Annual Fundraiser Bikers4Vets.org Georgetown Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Crusin’ for the Cure KomenTyler.org Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Justin Hunger Run Sites.google.com/site/justinhungerrun2012 Justin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 20th Annual Spring Dallas Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Admission only $8 adults; $5 kids (5-14) & Military; Kids under 5 FREE. Lots of vendors! Booth space goes fast, so reserve today. Only $40 for 10x10 space and includes one admission. Mail payment to Texas Scooter Times, 124 West Main St, Itasca, TX 76055. Payment must be received one week in advance. Walk-in vendors are welcome, but beware… reserve early to guarantee space. Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

4th Annual Boomtown Car & Bike Show Facebook.com/boomtowncarshow Burkburnett Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls Hosted by, and for the benefit of, the Burkburnett High School Air Force Junior ROTC unit. The event features more than 25 car classes, 3 motorcycle classes and special contests. Vendors, concessions, live music, raffles, and more! 9am-3pm; Free to the public; $15/car; $10/bike; Registration 8am-11am; Judging @ 11:30am; visit our Facebook page or call 817.734.3415. If it rolls, we want to see it! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Texas Honor Ride Spring Fun Run TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston For the fourth year in a row, we support the great works of the Texas Honor Ride. Their Spring event will be held at Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Raising money to take to the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio which treat our wounded warriors. Watch their website and our magazine for more information as it becomes available. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

BACA Annual 100 Mile Run & Fundraiser 281.620.8249 Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

One Night Stand Against Ovarian Cancer WeFightLikeAGirl.org Richards Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

International Female Ride Day Motoress.com Call for all women riders – clubs, groups and independents – to get out and ride! If you’re riding in a group, let us know and we’ll list these rides in our Facebook page and website. For those in Houston, Shelly will be riding again! Contact shelly@ thunderroadstexas.com for information.

11-20

Miracle Motorcycle Ride for Kids MCHOdessa.com Odessa Region: Big Bend Metro: Midland/Odessa

... continued

2nd Annual Pink Ride WhiskeyriverHD.com Texarkana Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

Brendan’s Wish to Cure Histio BrendansWish.com Corinth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

EvenT Listing

Pink Ride - Starts at Whiskey River Harley Davidson. Registration starts at 10:00am; Kickstands Up at 10:30am. All proceeds go to Amy Smith for her medical expenses. $30/rider; $10/passenger. Entrance fee includes a t-shirt and patch. This police escorted ride will go thru Texarkana and to Bikers Dream in New Boston before ending with vendors, Live Music and More. For More information call Diana (903) 319-9157 or email diana.rains@ yahoo.com 14th Annual Stacked Deck Poker Run 972.245.1492 Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 3rd Annual Bikers Fun Run 214.718.5773; 972.825.2949 Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Continued on Page 29... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENTS Page 28

April 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EvenT Listing 4th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer BABCTexas.org Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Antique Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet 830.931.3046 Smithville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin Cruise Fest 361.648.0192 Port Lavaca Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Victoria Drive for Kids Fun Run 972.838.2277 Melissa Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

25-27 28 31-Jun 3

The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM 7th Annual Party in the Pines PineRally.com Longview Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Online registration open NOW. $30/person for all weekend; includes entry, Rally T-shirt and rally pin with online-pre-registration (ends May 7th). Memorial Parade, bike games, Joker Run, bike show, escorted and non-escorted rides through the beautiful Piney Woods, American Dyno Racing, live entertainment, vendors, food, and more!

FUTURE

June 7-10 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin June 9-17 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH Region: Metro: June 18 International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org June 30 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth August 6-12 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD

October 12-14 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler October 18-21 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL November 1-4 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston ABOUT OUR EVENT LISTING: Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $15/month. 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.



August 30-September 3 Ignacio Bike Week IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO August 31-September 3 Four Corners Biker Rally FourCornersBikerRally.com Durango, CO September 6-8 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR

Ride to the Texas Wall RideToTheTexasWall.com Kaufman Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth They died for us… we ride for them. From all over the state, riders will gather at the Wall in Kaufman to remember the lives of the 3,416 Texans who are among the more than 58,000 heroes named on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The event raises funds for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s planned Education Center in Washington, DC. Visit the website to find the nearest starting point to you. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

September 7-10 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

Branson Motorcycle Rally BransonMotorcycleRally.com Branson, MO

September 26-29 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

October 3-7 Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

September 12-16 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM Septembe 14-16 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

April 2012

Page 29

EVENTS

17-20

Relay for Life Team Citizens for a Cure Poker Run CitizensForACurePokerRun.eventbrite.com Bridgeport Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

... continued

The Process of Selecting a Road Name or anyone who has been a biker for a long period of time, or perhaps is a member of a club, they will have a road name or a handle of their own. Road names are unique for a person as the assigned name must match that person perfectly. They are sometimes considered a label that can describe who we are or perhaps a reminder of who we once were. When a road name is assigned to a biker, it is intended to be an honor to that particular biker. To give you an example or two, I asked some of my road riding friends if they minded helping me out here, and for the price of a couple of beers, they all agreed to help. Even my own trusted pilot Raymond AKA Rainman – he was named after the Dustin Hoffman character in the movie of the same name, it was given to him as a nickname that stuck. Road names given to a patch-holder of any particular club is also a sign of respect earned by that particular patch-holder. Road names are assigned through a very complicated process requiring much research and development. You don’t want to give a biker the same road name as someone else already has, how would that look with a bunch of bikers all riding around with the same name. Bikers are legendary people, and we want to be known for the great things we do in our lives. So in the selection process, care must be given that the road name

Page 30

April 2012

easily rolls off the tongue. That is why it has been known for road names to be given to a biker after some type of incident, that is why it is so easy for others to remember a biker’s name. During a recent gathering of friends one Saturday afternoon at the Deer Crossing Saloon, a bunch of us were enjoying a few cold beers and camaraderie. A new addition to our fellowship, Donna, who Ken AKA Keyman has been a Beacause of his biker for a few love for playing years, had the keyboard not selected a road name for herself yet. So following proper biker protocol it was left up to the rest of us to pick out what we felt would be a proper road name for her. Unfortunately Donna had not achieved legendary status

Keith AKA Gunner - from his military career Donna AKA Backwash (read the story) Kathleen AKA Banshee - from her “Irish heritage”

Paula AKA Bubbles Describes her personality perfectly!

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

yet so we had to go back to the basics in the selection process. With Donna being about 5’ tall (when she stands on a woodened box dressed in high heels), she started out receiving a suggested name like ‘Little Bit’. Rainman But Gunner quickly shot that name down with a “no”. Turned out, that was the same name as his cat. Next we tried Shorty – nope, no good, the glare in her eyes said she refused any inkling of accepting that for a road name. A few more suggestions were brought forth and they continued to be shot down. For us in the group, Donna was being more stubborn than a pissed off wife. So Banshee said “Well then, we’ll just call her Piss-Ant!” Now one must understand the current situation, there we were, the five of us, hanging out in the rain and mud, while we drank our beers. Donna takes a drag off of her beer just as Banshee says to call her Piss-Ant. Donna laughs, chokes, and spits a mouth full of beer back into the bottle. Gunner immediately raises his hand with one finger in the air and proclaims loudly for all to hear “BACKWASH, Donna’s road name is now Backwash.” Once our now labeled newbie was finished wiping the beer from her chin, she filed a protest with the group. We all agreed to take a vote to settle the dispute. It was 4 to 1 Donnas’ new road name passed. (Of course Donna was the only nay sayer.) Yes, selecting a proper road name is very serious business in the biker world. A road name never changes; it is a name that is carried to the grave. As I type these words, Gunner is busy over at the patch shop right now having Donnas’ new badge of honor made up. We hope to present it to her next weekend. But somehow, I get the feeling, we may have to steal her vest and have the patch sewn on.



Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

INTRODUCING A NEW WRITER… PIG Hi, my name is Pig and I reside in San Antonio, Texas. I read your magazine all the time and have noticed you do not have a correspondent listed for the San Antonio area. I would be very interested in applying for the position if it is still open. Some of my writing background includes I am currently writing my first book titled “Pig Tales: The Adventures of a Pig Gone Wild in Texas”. I also have a blog page that I use to tell some of my adventures. As you can see by the photo, I stand about 14” tall, I am pink in color, and I always wear my leathers. I am a true biker pig, who is Texas loud and Texas proud. I enjoy activities like riding motorcycles, drinking beer and chasing wild women. And I have been known to have started a bar fight or two. (Not my fault.) Rainman says of Pig: “Pig is real, he is very real. He exists by how we all have a little bit of Pig inside each of us. He is a representation of our wild side. He always has fun, and is energetic even when we are not. Sometimes I think of him as the little devil on our shoulder that always tells us to “go for it. I take him everywhere I go on the bike, even to church at the Open Road Fellowship. Pig was orphaned at birth, my wife took him in and raised him as one of the family. He loves us in return (yes, even the cats), and tries hard to do the right things in life. But somehow, he always manages to screw things up. Pig is alive and free when the wind blows through his hair. He always looks for the good side in people, and how the biker community is a tight knit group with support for each other. He does all this even when they try to BBQ his rib cage. Women adore him with hugs and kisses and men laugh at his ability to stay out of jail.” For now, we will include something from Pig when we have room and when he decides to share his adventures with us. In the between, you can read more about Pig’s antics in his blog: www.pigsblogg.blogspot.com.

April 2012

Page 31

A Ride through Texas History U.S. Highway 180 from Hobbs, NM to Hudson Oaks, TX By Randy McCAmey, TRT Correspondent and Photgrapher

Many of my fondest memories as a kid are of travelling by car from west Texas to Fort Worth in the 1960’s. At the time, old Highway 80 – the Bankhead Highway – was the route of choice when traveling east and west across Texas. The Bankhead Highway, like the Mother Road, Route 66, has long since been paved over by Interstates 10 and 20 in West Texas. Today, it is only visible in some very small slices across our great state. Most of what is left of the historic highway is east of Dallas and runs into east Texas. Highway 80’s sister highway, US 180, contains some of old Highway 80 in Palo Pinto and Parker Counties. US 180 is well-travelled and takes much of the traffic load from the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex into central and southeast New Mexico.

RIDE MAP

One of my favorite long highways in Texas is US 180. This highway is on my list of favorites because I can do a good number of easy miles and see a wide variety of Texas landscapes and, most importantly, it reminds me of old times. It is a wide road – four lanes in some spots – but it is not an interstate. US 180 is well-maintained and easy to ride. The ride this month starts in Hobbs, New Mexico, just at the border of Texas, and the highways runs westto-east, north of and roughly parallel to Interstate 20 until it terminates with the interstate in Hudson Oaks, Texas. In total, this stretch of blacktop clocks in at about 330 miles. Not a bad day-trip even with a few stops to see the sites along the way. With the towns and a few stop lights to keep you awake, this highway is certainly more interesting than its Interstate cousin. While US 180 also runs west from Hobbs to El Paso then on to the Grand Canyon, we will leave that part of the highway for a Ride Map some other time. US 180 has a wide diversity of scenery from the flat west Texas desert to the rocks, trees, and hills of the Brazos Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

River Basin and the Edwards Plateau. Due to the length and location of the highway, there are a lot of side trips to be enjoyed along the route if you decide to make a weekend cruise instead of a single day-long ride. The highway is easy to get to from Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, or Lubbock as you head east or from DFW if you are headed west. For this ride, we will start way out west in Hobbs, New Mexico and travel east. Hobbs is an unassuming southwestern town of about 25,000. And it is definitely as flat as any of the west Texas town in that area! There is a casino and horse racing in Hobbs, so a few days in town before the ride east might not be a bad idea. Hobbs itself is only an hour from Carlsbad if you like spelunking in a cavern, two hours from Roswell if you are “out of this world”, and only about three hours from Ruidoso if you crave the mountains. Twenty-nine miles east of Hobbs, the first city we pass is the birthplace of country singers Larry Gatlin and Tanya Tucker. The view around Seminole, Texas is largely cotton fields but most of the country along which US 180 travels

is rural and agricultural in nature. Continuing east, the next stop along the highway is Lamesa. According to the official web site for the city, Lamesa is the home of every Texans favorite meal, the chicken fried steak! It just does not get much better than that! I have not spent enough time in the Lamesa area enough to recommend a good eating joint, but most any café in the home of the chicken fry ought to be worth trying! The next town along the route is Snyder, the biggest small town on the highway west of Weatherford. Snyder is the epitome of the West Texas town. Wind turbines dot the skyline both east and west of Snyder along

Continued on Page 34... April 2012

Page 33

A Ride through Texas History

US 180 as well as oil wells and the ever-present pumpjacks. For the readers of Thunder Roads Texas, Snyder is probably best known for the White Buffalo Bike Fest held each year in October in conjunction with the White Buffalo Days. This year, the dates are October 5-7. For west Texas riding, October is usually prime-time as far as weather is concerned and the White Buffalo rally is just the icing on the cake!

RIDE

MAP

Snyder also hosts many other events during the year including rodeos, a car show in May, and the West Texas Western Swing Festival in June. For those of you looking for Points Across Texas (PAT) destinations, Snyder is also known as The Land of the White Buffalo and there is an albino buffalo statue on the courthouse square! You can also get PAT points by visiting and photographing yourself at the Scurry County Jail.

Anson Opera House For all you cowboys and cowgirls, the next stop along US 180 is Anson, the home of the Texas Cowboy Christmas Ball. Enjoying a 78 year run, the traditional event features great entertainment including music by Michael Martin Murphy. There are several murals downtown and you want to take a look at the old Anson Opera house. Only a shell today, it must have been a grand sight in its time. Anson is also the seat of Jones County, housing the county couthouse (PAT destination). The road east of Anson becomes more rolling and hilly. More cowboy culture awaits us in Albany, home of Fort Griffin and the Fort Griffin Fandangle, the outdoor musical held each year in June. While in Albany, check out the old Shackelford County Jail for a great bit of history – and another Points Across Texas photo opportunity!

Fort Griffin If you are really into Texas history, ride north of Albany on US 283 to Fort Griffin; the crossroads of the Overland Stage Route and the Great Western Cattle Trail of years gone by. Fort Griffin is also home of the Official State of Texas Longhorn cattle herd where you can get even more PAT points! Page 34

April 2012

... continued

Breckenridge Murals

Breckenridge, the next stop along the highway, is the Mural Capital of Texas. You can tell that some incredibly talented artists have been at work as there are huge, detailed murals on almost every block in the downtown area. The landscape outside the city changes as we travel east. Gone are the flat lands of the western part of the state and a more varied, tree-lined hill-country feel comes to the highway. Mesquites and brush give way to oak, cedar and pecan trees. From Breckenridge to Mineral Wells, US 180 reminds me of a lot of the Texas Hill Country around Sonora and Ozona as the highway carves through a lot of rock hills and the highway gains some character with its gentle curves, swells, and rolling hills. The City of Palo Pinto is actually the Palo Pinto County seat even though Minerals Wells is the larger of the two cities. Something of a “spot in the road”, the square in Palo Pinto is a nice place to stop and stretch the legs. You can also get more Points Across Texas points with a picture of you and your bike in front of the Palo Pinto County Jail and courthouse. Riding into the west side of Mineral Wells it is easy to spot many of the old buildings and signs that have seen better days. Mineral Wells seems to have somewhat of a nostalgic allure and that nostalgia comes to life in grand fashion as you enter Palo Pinto Jail the city center. The Baker Hotel, undoubtedly the most prominent feature in Minerals Wells, greets us in the downtown area. I’ve talked about the Baker in previous articles so I won’t take up more space here. Suffice to say that it is something to see if only for a few minutes. Another favorite stop on the east side of Mineral Wells is Lake Mineral Wells State Park. The park is one of the best in the state and it is a great place to stop for a picnic or to camp overnight. As this lake does not allow boats with anything other than small trolling motors, camping is quiet and peaceful. My friends and I enjoy camping in this park a couple of times each year. Although the whole of US 180 is filled with history, Weatherford is probably the city most steeped in notable figures

and events of any town on the ride. Weatherford is known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World and hosts the annual Frontier Days and the Parker County Peach Festival. Weatherford is the home place of Mary Martin of Peter Pan fame, and her son Larry Hagman of the “Dallas” and “I Dream of Jeanie” television shows. Bob Tallman, the Professional Rodeo announcer, also makes his home in Parker county. From the historical perspective, Weatherford and Parker County is the starting point of one of the greatest western cattle trails ever ridden. Before there was Gus and Woodrow, there was Oliver and Charles. The Goodnight-Loving trail sets off from near the small towns of Oran and Loving in the northern part of Parker County, then heads southwest to San Angelo where it turns northwest to Fort Sumner, New Mexico. If you are so inclined, you can visit the gravesite of Oliver Loving in the Greenwood Cemetery. US 180 ends as it merges with Interstate 20 in Hudson Oaks, just east of Weatherford. But before you make the last red light that will take you onto I-20, there is one stop everyone has to make. The trip on US.180 would not be complete without eating Cajun food at Boo-Ray’s of New Orleans; the best Cajun food

Greenwood Cemetery Weatherford

Boo-Ray’s west of Louisiana. Everything on the menu is delicious, including the alligator, crawfish, and shrimp, but my favorites are still the traditional Etoufee and Jambalaya. Mmm, Mmm, good! From Weatherford, it is an easy jaunt into Fort Worth and the rest of the metro-mess – if you dare! I hope you have enjoyed the ride this month through a big patch of Texas history. Whenever you are headed to or from west Texas and prefer to stay off the Interstate, you just can’t beat the nice and easy ride of US 180.



Mineral Wells State Park ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 35

Growing Weekend Event Set for Luckenbach May 4-6, 2012

By Debbie Farquhar-Garner

any riders from across the State and beyond will enjoy the Hill Country in a whole different way - astride a motorcycle - at the 16th annual Hill Country Run motorcycle rally, which is headed to Luckenbach on May 4-6, 2012. This event is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Fredericksburg. Billed as “More than just a plain ole motorcycle rally,” the Hill Country Run is three days filled with hearty food, live music, new friends and miles of riding through the towns and vistas of the scenic Texas Hill Country. Our rally is a laid-back, safe and friendly getaway with good music, nice scenery, and interesting people from all walks of life. It is a small town event that is getting big. The weekend gets an early start on Thursday, May 3, with a social and welcome at Mahaley’s Café on Main. Guests are invited to an informal social gathering featuring music and food, with extra surprises for attending registrants. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, check-in and registration begins at 9:00 AM, and participants can enjoy more live music all afternoon and evening. On Friday, there will be a Hill Country Ride and an actionpacked afternoon of fun. Some of the exciting action includes Daniel Weeks, owner of PiNN-iT, has enjoyed riding and jumping dirt bikes for years and has always pushed it to the limit, will be joining us. Friday there will be two demos and three on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday Page 36

April 2012

you will also have a chance to get a birdseye-view of the Luckenbach area, as we are offering helicopter rides; and we will have a bungy jump, too. Another new feature will be the meal Saturday evening. Brisket & Brew, tickets sold in advance, is $12 per person. Strictly speaking, the Hill Country Road Trip is not a competition, but more of a leisurely ride in the beautiful Hill Country. The Optimist Club has planned a route for Saturday’s Hill Country Road Trip, with detailed directions. The distance is less than 100 miles, so the entire trip can easily be completed in several hours. Along the way, riders will pull into designated stops, where they can drop tickets in a box. At the end of the event, tickets will be drawn from each stop, with the winners receiving prizes. Saturday and Sunday start with a hearty Cowboy Breakfast, included in your $45 registration fee. Deadline for pre-registration is April 13. The hosts provide the ingredients and 30 individual cooking stations, so earlyrisers can fry up their favorite breakfast of eggs and bacon, laid on warm tortillas, garnished with cheese, onions, and green peppers, and washed down with fresh, hot coffee and orange juice. During the day, hungry riders can satisfy their hunger with pulled pork sandwiches and cold drinks. The weekend entertainment includes the Flashbacks on Friday from 6:00–9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Cheap Sunglasses – A Tribute to ZZ Top, also 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Booths offering motorcycle-related items and souvenirs will be on hand throughout the event. On Sunday, the event closes out with a final Cowboy Breakfast and Sunday morning service. The Optimist Club encourages riders to arrive early and stay late in order to enjoy all the hospitality Luckenbach and Fredericksburg have to offer, including antique shopping, fine dining, Texas history, and ample sightseeing. Proceeds from the Hill Country Run go to fund Fredericksburg Optimist Club projects, including the T-Ball Program, Scholarship Program, Pioneer Memorial Library Reading Hour Program, Tri-Star Sports contests, Oratorical Contest, and Essay Contest. The focus of the Optimist Club is “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be. All of our rally’s net proceeds are returned to the youth in Fredericksburg, Texas. Every year, overall, Optimist International conducts 65,000 service projects and serves well over six million young people. For information, call 830-997-8515 or visit www. hillcountryrun.com

 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

EVENT

Page 38

April 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Aprilo 2012

Page 39

A Pastor’s wife was expecting a baby, so he stood before the congregation and asked for a raise. After much discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the Pastor’s family expanded; so would his paycheck. After 6 children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the Pastor’s expanding family and salary. A great deal of yelling and inner bickering ensued, as to how much the Pastor’s additional children were costing the church, and how much more it could potentially cost. After listening to them for about an hour, the Pastor rose from his chair and spoke, “Children are a gift from God, and we will take as many gifts as He gives us.” Silence fell over the congregation. In the back pew, a little old lady struggled to stand, and finally said in her frail voice, “Rain is also a gift from God, but when we get too much of it, we wear rubbers.” A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her regular bouffant (totally 70’s) hair style for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, ”Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?” “We’re taking Continental,” was the reply. “We got a special rate!” “Continental?” exclaimed the hairdresser; “That’s an “iffy” airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ancient and slow, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?”. “We’ll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome‘s Tiber River called Teste.” “Don’t go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it’s going to be something special and exclusive, but in all actuality, it’s a dump.” “We’re also going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.”

Page 40

April 2012

“That’s rich,” laughed the hairdresser. “You and a million other people trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy sounding trip of yours. You’re going to need it.” A month later, the woman again came in for a hair appointment. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome, in a very sarcastic manner. “It was magical,” explained the woman, “not only were we on time in one of Continental’s brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to First Class. The food and wine were 4-star quality and I had a handsome 27-year-old Steward who waited on me hand and foot….literally, he gave me a foot massage. And the hotel was exquisite! They’d just finished a $5 million renovation project, and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner’s personal suite at no extra charge!” “Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “That’s all well and good, but I know as a fact you didn’t get to see the Pope.” “Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, in person, and if we’d be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet us both. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me..” “Oh, really! And just what exactly did the Pope say to you?” He said: “My goodness woman, who screwed up your hair so badly?” In a Kentucky church one Sunday morning, a preacher said, “Anyone with ‘special needs’ who wants to be prayed over, please come forward to the front by the altar.” With that, Bubba got in line. “Bubba, what do you want me to pray about for you?” asked the Preacher. “Preacher, I need you to pray for help with my hearing.” The Preacher put his hand on Bubba’s head and the entire congregation joined in prayer. After a few minutes, the Preacher removed his hands, stood back and asked, “Bubba, how is your hearing now?” Bubba answered, “I don’t rightly know. The hearing ain’t till Thursday.”

For several years, a man was having an affair with a gorgeous, young Italian woman. To avoid a costly divorce and protect his business reputation, they agreed she would move to Italy. To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a postcard, and write ‘Spaghetti’ on the back. He would then arrange for the child support payments to begin and he would visit as often as possible. About 8 months later, he came home to his confused wife. “Honey,” she said, “You received very strange postcard today.” He took the postcard and as he read, his wife watched him turn white as a ghost and faint. The card read: ‘Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Three, with meatballs, two without. Send extra sauce!!!!! An older guy with a pot-belly was working out in the gym when he spotted this sweet young, well-built woman. He immediately asked a trainer that was near-by, “What machine should I use to impress that “sweet thang” over there?” The trainer looked him up and down, and dryly replied, “The ATM machine in the lobby.” Which came first... A chicken and an egg are lying in bed. The chicken is smoking a cigarette with a satisfied smile on its face and the egg is frowning and looking a bit pissed off. The egg mutters, to no-one in particular, “Well, I guess we answered THAT question!” Real Church Bulletin Bloopers Don’t let worry kill you. Let the Church help. Thursday night-Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow. For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. Thursday at 5PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All wishing to become Little Mothers, please see the minister in his private study.



ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Page 42

April 2012

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Biker Friendly

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

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

Bars/Restaurants * Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Barbed Rose 113 E Sealy St Alvin, TX 77511 281.585.2272 www.barbedrose.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Boll Weevil’s 16003 FM 1236 Needville, TX 77461 979.793.6163 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Concert Pub North 2470 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 www.theconcertpub.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Curtis Lowe’s Bar 11800 FM 1960 E Huffman, TX 77336 281.324.7400 www.facebook.com/pages/Curtis-Lowes/104115916292466 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz; www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Gordon Street Tavern 114 N Gordon Street Alvin, TX 77511 281.968.7402 www.GordonStreetTavern.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

* Hot Rods and Harleys Bar & Grill 13124 FM 306 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 830.864.2911 www.hotrodsandharleysbar.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Loading Dock, The 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 http://loadingdockgalveston.com/ Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston *Loading Dock, Too 3505 Highway 146, #300 Bacliff, TX 77518 281.549.4789 www.loadingdocktoo.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 281.259.7789 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * Tommaso’s Italian Restaurant 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tomasositaliangrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * 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

Dealerships & Shops * Collin County Choppers (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 * Custom Cycles Texas 14205 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 210.846.1081 www.customcyclestexas.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * 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 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Hawgs N Dawgs Motorcycle Shop & Café 1333 SE Military Dr San Antonio, TX 78214 210.924.0203 www.HawgsNDawgs.com Region: South Closest Metro: San Antonio * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Continued on Page 44... April 2012

Page 43

Biker Friendly * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com/ Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 281.689.0400 www.potterosa.net 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 * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Page 44

April 2012

Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 www.kps-sa.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Insurance & Attorneys * Ball Insurance - Texas Edition 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 http://insuranceladyinc.com/ Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Closest Metro:

Lodging & Campgrounds * D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St; BILL FOR JAN-DEC 2012 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Continued... 210.341.0333 www.missionwrecker.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Riding Gear & Leather Goods * 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 * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Miscellaneous AFL Motorcycle Camping Trailers al444@yahoo.com 281.685.5814 Cell, 832.695.0077 www.afltrailers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * 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 www.outlawnation.us Houston/Statewide via Podcast



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: Closest Metro:

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

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

April 2012

Page 47