It’s not about the bike... it’s about the RIDE!
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Also this month:
Ride for Rozzy Old Cowboys and Bikers
TM
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 2 * August 2014
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 3 * August 2014
Contents
34
August 2014 On the Cover 34 Bitten by the Dragon 17-33 SPECIAL EVENT SECTION
Regular Features 10
6
Letter From the Editor
8
Two Wheel Thunder TV: National Cycle’s Wave vs. The V-Stream
10 Pig Writes: Let’s Go to Lucekenbach 12 Ride Map: Bridges in the Heart of Texas 16 Reader Recommended: Best Chicken Fried Steak 12
40 ThunderCam 42
Joker’s Wild
Resources 21
Event Listing
CENTER - Pull-Out August 2014 Calendar 35 16
45
Biker Friendly Listing
On the cover: The “Tree of Shame” at Dealers Gap Motorcycle Resort on the Tail of the Dragon. Photo by Don Brewer.
OWNERS
ThunderRoadsTexas.com Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas ADVERTISING SALES Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Bob “Just One More” Cooney CEO ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com
Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Managing Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Points Across Texas Administrator
Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com
Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161
Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Laura Mae Benson - Houston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642
FEATURE WRITERS
Traci “Sweet N Low” McClure - East Texas Traci.McClure@yahoo.com * 936.671.9567 Shelly “Cricket” Silva CricketGOC@yahoo.com * 210.445.2477 Chris Hensley chrishensley.ch@gmail.com 210.912.7852
“Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes Two Wheel Thunder TV - Product Reviews
Raymond Meinhardt meinhardtray@yahoo.com * 210.410.5783
CORRESPONDENTS
Annette Smith AnnetteSmith7@yahoo.com * 979.324.5995 Elaine “Ridin’ Around” Smith RidinAround@yahoo.com * 254.967.5672 Jason Kinsey J.Kinsey@yahoo.com * 817.965.6780 Mike Stubbs TexasCustomCycles@yahoo.com 361.446.9339 Raquel Gonzalez RaquelMG1969@hotmail.com * 281.837.8101 Connie Wunderlich cwunderlich@stx.rr.com * 830.377.6155
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
Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Shelly “Cricket” Silva San Antonio; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods; Raul Carrasco - San Antonio; Diannia Clawson - Cedar Creek; Alice Cates - Houston; Garrett Stanley - Photographer; Todd Wunderlich Kerrville. 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.
It’s August and it’s HOT! It’s also the month when kids start getting back to school and the rallies start kicking back in gear. We hope your summer has been more than wonderful – full of riding! Speaking of rallies, we are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Biker Pallooza. It’s held in Houston and last year blew out the walls! Live music all weekend, free tent camping, vendors, food, and more. The folks at Road Dawg Rallies – Lonnie Fitch and his gang – are pros at putting on a good time. Later in the year, we are also sponsoring Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball (Houston; September 20), the Texas Honor Ride Fall Fundraiser (Conroe; September 20), 8th Annual Steel Horse Trail Ride (Chappell Hill; September 27), Ride for Life Fun Run (Houston; September 27), Stevie Ray Vaughn Remembrance Ride (Dallas/Fort Worth; October 5), Lone Star Rally (Galveston; November 6-9), the Lone Star Campground & Biker Bash (Hitchcock; November 6-9), and the Texas Honor Ride – The Ride (Houston to San Antonio; November 15). On our cover, we did go outside the state… but with our Thunder Roads Texas Correspondent, Don Brewer. He went out to ride the Tail of the Dragon. This is one of the most popular motorcycle roads in America. Check out his experience and photos! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER ! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Co-Owner and Managing Editor, Thunder Roads Texas and Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Page 6
H
August 2014
EXCITING NEWS… We have a VIP table at the Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball with open seats! During this month on Facebook, we’ll give away tickets to sit with myself and our CEO, Bob Cooney. Headlining the event… Brett Michaels! Going to be an awesome time and we hope YOU WIN and join us!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 7 * August 2014
National Cycle’s Wave Versus The V-Stream he year is 1975, The Vietnam War ends. Now, America begins the healing process once more. Attention is devoted to life instead of war. Veterans and non-veterans alike find therapy and healing in motorcycles and the freedom they represent. Research is just starting for motorcycle windshields. It’s easy to see some of the great advances research has made in since then. There are only a handful of manufacturers of motorcycle windshields or screens, but an almost unlimited number of styles, shapes, colors, tinting, heights, designs, and materials used to make windshields. Some say it is all a matter of personal preference, but I believe it is more than that. I believe there is a science to developing the right size, the right design, using the right materials. Just look at all the different companies that have come and gone. One reason that a windshield company survives is its ability to build a quality motorcycle windshield that can exceed the demands of wind, weather, and sun in all seasons. A quick history of windshield materials reveals that in 1928, polymethyl methacrylate plastic was developed and later marketed as Plexiglas™, Acrylite™, and Lucite™. In the 1930s and 40s, windshields were made from materials like butyrate and DuPont’s Pyralin. Both of these materials, however, were subject to chemical degradation from sun
and weather and they quickly turned yellow and became flimsy. By the mid 1960s, windshields made from acrylic plastic material, such as Acrylite® and ICI Lucite®, became the standard in the motorcycle industry. In 1975, National Cycle was the first company in the world to introduce and use General Electric’s new MR4000 polycarbonate material (later called FMR hardcoated Lexan®) for motorcycle windshields. National Cycle’s advanced windshield design and polycarbonate’s inherent durability led to the first modern styled, optically clear, custom motorcycle windshield. National Cycle went on to create a far better hardcoating then had previously been used. Their exclusive Quantum™ hardcoating, developed in 2004, offered scratch resistance 10X greater than FMR and 30X greater than acrylic! Enough history. Now that I have found the right manufacturer for my windshield, another major factor for my decision is that their windshields are made in the U.S.A. and covered by National Cycle’s 3-year warranty against breakage. Excellent customer service is an added bonus. National Cycle is the world leader in windshield manufacturing, with more distribution than any other windshield company in the world. They are the OEM supplier to BMW, HarleyDavidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha – a very distinguished list I would say! National
Cycle is an innovative company that holds more patents for the design and production of windshields than any other company in the industry. National Cycle can help you decide the right height of windshield and the right style for your bike and for your type of riding. They have many choices for windshields and can quickly narrow them down by the year, make, and model of bike you ride. So, on my Ultra, I looked at The Wave and The V-Stream shields. First I tried out V-Stream®. The patented “V” shape and advanced dimensional contours push the turbulent wind away from the rider’s head. This creates a pocket of air that results in a quieter and more comfortable ride. When riding 2-up, the passenger is not left out as this unique shape also reduces wind noise and helmet buffeting for those riding pillion. The Quantum™ coated Lexan® polycarbonate provides the rider with outstanding optical clarity and strength. It’s a personal thing, but I think a windshield is useless unless I can see thru it. The V-Stream® has 30X more abrasion resistance than acrylic materials and 23X better crack and impact resistance. After the great experienced with the V-Stream, I wondered what I would find when I tested The Wave. Just like the V-Stream, it provides outstanding strength, unbeatable scratch resistance, and impressive clarity. As for the appearance - it looks fantastic! Probably the best-looking shield I’ve seen yet. It looks good from every angle and really compliments the lines of my bike. This windshield is an Engineer-driven product concept. A culmination of custom style and quality, and with the seamless curves that are enough to drive a rider insane, the Wave is aesthetically captivating, enhance the motorcyclist experience. So how did I make up my mind after several thousand miles of riding with both? For me the choice was simple. I took both the V-Stream AND the Wave! They are simple to install, cost efficient, and I can change the style of the bike in less than five minutes. So, flip a coin and you will win with either one. Both are awesome windshields, both are made in the USA, both are made with the best material available, both are made by National Cycle using scientific methods and designs to give you, the rider, the right sizes, the right designs, using the right material. Check them out www.nationalcycle. com or just call their awesome customer service at 877-972-7336.
Page 8
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 9 * August 2014
Let’s Go To Luckenbach Texas reetings Piglets; I’ve been pondering a question deep inside that I would like to share with you all today. Ready? Here goes… “What is the appeal of Luckenbach Texas?” For years now we’ve all been riding over to that tiny speck of a town on the map, and for what reason? All it has is a Dancehall, a General Store and a Post Office, yet we go and buy the souvenirs with their name on it, we wear the T-shirts, we sing along to that famous song with Waylon and Willie. Why? Why do we do it? What makes Luckenbach so frigging special? I’m not so sure I understand why. Are there no other places we can go to that offer us more appealing choices? So I asked a few of my friends what they thought about Luckenbach. Some said that it’s some pretty country to ride, being in the heart of the Texas Hill County and all. I agree with that statement. Some said it’s just another stop for a cold beer and a break from the heat. I agree with that statement even more! I had a few friends to admit they didn’t know why they like stopping there, just that it is a famous place and they have done it for years – some call it a “Texas State of Mind”. Well ya’ll know how I am; those answers would never do for me. Like a little a pig in a poke, I fired up the internet and did a bit of research online about Luckenbach. Here are a few tasty tid bits I found that you might like to know. Luckenbach started as a trading post way back in 1830’s by a bunch of German settlers. One guy, named Jacob Luckenbach, had actually helped fight for Texas independence from Mexico. It wasn’t until around 1849 that Luckenbach got the official name from Minna Engel, sister of the original Post Master, August Engel Jr. It seems that when they were filling out the application for the Post Office, she used the name of her fiancé, Carl Albert Luckenbach, who was the son of Jacob, as the town’s name. Well, as another Texas legend has it, the name just sort of stuck. A tale about a cactus plant recipe was given to the early settlers by the local Indians. After consuming this recipe there would be the sudden appearance at the edge of town of the beloved Elfendritschenwolpertinger (Yeah, I dare you to try and say that fast three times). It was considered nature’s most perfect of all living things. Taking sight of this creature would cause the settlers to collapse in sheer ecstasy, not waking until dawn. The tale is that this creature had all the towns’ children wanting to hunt this creature but they had to wait until they were “old enough” before they could join in on the hunt. It has been reported that the creature has been spotted in the downtown area of Luckenbach from time to time. Hmmm, something sounds a little off there if you ask me. I just wonder what was really in those cactus plants? One thing is for sure, the more I dug in to learn more about Luckenbach, the more I realized there was a whole lot more history behind Luckenbach than I first imagined. To test my theory about the popularity of Luckenbach I
decided to take a little ride up there one Sunday afternoon. I had Rainman post on his Facebook COIR page that we would be headed up there just to see how many responses we would get. Much to my surprise and delight, we had several other riders take us up on our offer to ride along. Sunday came and we all met up at the Exxon station on the northeast side of San Antonio. The weather was acting like it was not going to cooperate with us that day, as a light rain was falling. However, all hope for a beautiful day was not lost for as soon as we rode north of Loop 1604 the weather turned perfect. For this trip, it was northbound Highway 281 through all that lovely road construction and on into Blanco. There, we turned off the beaten path onto FM 1623. This was a route that Rainman and I, nor any of the group, were familiar with. The winding road along side the Blanco River provided us a spectacular view of green fields still dotted with the few remains of the seasonal wild flowers. I’m not sure what Rainman had on his mind when he shot past the turn off onto FM 1888. He might have been lost in thought through all those rolling hills. Or it might have been that broad, Brenda, he had on the back of the bike, too. Whatever it was, it sure was funny watching everyone behind him try to wave him down to make the turn as he just continued down 1623. All was not lost, however, as when we dead-ended into Highway 290, he made a quick adjustment in the route (after much needling and teasing from the group) and we were headed once again toward Luckenbach. A short time later we entered the world of Luckenbach. It was the Mecca of being in a “Texas State of Mind”. I say “world” because Luckenbach has that feeling of one being transported back in time. If it weren’t for the Jonnie-onthe-Spot’s that lined the parking lot, I might have felt a little more transported. But still, Luckenbach was filled with plenty of Texas. The smell of BBQ wafted in the air, the old dancehall was there as was the general store and post office. Out back behind the store was the outdoor stage where a couple of guitar players were tuning up for an afternoon of country music entertainment. Along side them was the old hat fitter with every kind of straw hat you could think of. The sound of a rooster crow caught my attention and as I looked over I saw this big beautiful bird. So I asked the hatter what the birds name was. He just looked over at me from under the brim of his hat, smiled and said “Lunch,
make it a #2 with fries”. I wasn’t quite sure why they named the rooster a #2 with fries. Seemed like an odd name if you asked me. But after about 10 minutes of hearing that damn bird crowing, I could see why they named him Lunch! We hung around taking in all the tourist trap stuff Luckenbach has to offer along with some chicken for lunch when someone in the group hollered they were hungry and wanted to go over to Mamacita’s in Fredericksburg for Mexican food. I have to admit, the idea did sound pretty good. A big ol’ plate of cheese enchiladas went down easy and topped off this pigs belly just fine. After lunch we headed back towards San Antonio. On the ride back I was once again trying to think of what it is that makes Luckenbach so enticing. Maybe it’s that one must have the need for a connection with the past. Maybe this world needs more old men sitting under shade trees telling stories of the past while drinking a cold Lone Star while toking on the stub of a cigarette. What ever the case might be, I recommend that you take a ride to Luckenbach once in a while. But whatever you do, don’t follow Rainman. Just as sure as the good Lord made little green apples, he’ll miss the damn turn again. I’m just glad we didn’t end up in Johnson City! Ride HARD or Stay Home!
You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 10
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 11
bridges in the heart of texas By Shelly Horan, Managing Editor; Suggested by Points Across Texas fanatics, Donald Ryan and Gloria Ingram
T
his month, we’re in Central Texas, indeed, traveling through the “heart of Texas”. Some of the oldest and most unique bridges are in this area.
Starting in San Saba. Known as the Pecan Capital of the World and being a county seat, this town is already on our standard Points Across Texas destination list. Also in San Saba is an old Jail House (circa 1884). As of 2005, the building was still used as the San Saba County Jail. The small town began as a settlement for ranchers and cotton growers around 1855. It was founded on the banks of the San Saba River, where it took its name. By the 1890s, San Saba became a finance processing and marketing center for area farmers and ranchers. The San Saba County News, touted as the “first newspaper in West Texas” began publication in 1873. Another place to visit is the san Saba County Historical Museum. It offers 100-year old log cabins, among other historic artifacts from the area. But get there during the season – as it’s only open April through September, or by appointment. Heading out of San Saba, take Highway 190 West/W Wallace Street. A little detour, take a right on 9th Street, then left on China Creek Road. About a mile out on China Creek, you’ll ride under the beautiful Wedding Oak. The story goes… before settlers arrived, Indians stood under the tree to be wed. The tradition was adopted by the settlers and remained popular into the early 1900s. Continuing on... China Creek Road, you’ll end at the Beveridge Bridge. This single lane, parallel wire suspension bridge is 140’ long with a wood deck supported by three-pole pylons, iron pipes, rods, and castings. It has been rebuilt numerous times and was closed to vehicle traffic in 2004. A new concrete bridge was built beside it. You can stop, get off your bike(s), and take a walk around or across the bridge. The name comes from John h. Beveridge, who established the first crossing of the San Saba River at this location for the transportation of local crops to market.
From here, turn back and return to Highway 190. Back down China Creek Road, right on 9th Street, then right on Highway 190, heading west. Exit FM 236/Cotton Belt Road (go right) to the Cotton Belt Road Bridge. Built in 1936, this Warren pony truss structure originally had a wood deck on its 112-foot span. The unusual appearance comes from one of the remodels; the deck was replaced around 1996 with drill stem, recycled from oil drilling operations. Page 12
H
August 2014
San Saba County Courthouse
Continuing on FM 236/Cotton Belt Road after crossing the bridge. Take a left on FM 232, then left on FM 246, then left on FM 252, and another left on FM 45... into Richland Springs. Developed as a strong center for supply and processing for local cotton growers and ranchers. Jackson Brown and his family settled near the springs, on Richland Springs Creek (then known as Richland Creek) in 1854. Soon, the Tankersley and Duncan families joined them. A private fort, Fort Duncan, was established near the springs in the late 1850s when trouble with the Indians reared. It wasn’t there long, falling into disuse very soon. When the post office was established, the town took the name of this creek. Today, there aren’t many remaining, but it’s a nice little stop.
San Saba County Jail
Leaving Richland Springs, go right on Highway 190. Just before reaching the larger town of Brady, you’ll go through the small town of Rochelle. Originally known as Crewville and then Crothers, after early McCulloch County residents, the town donned the name Rochelle when the post office was established in 1879. The name comes from La Rochelle, France, suggested by a local settler from the French town.
Continue on Highway 190, exiting FM 402 to head into downtown Brady. Brady is known as the “Heart of Texas”, being at the geolocial center of our state. It is also another county seat on our map, so visit the McCulloch County Courthouse, as well as a historic county jail that houses the Heat of Texas Historical Museum. The jail building entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1976. The county was named for Ben McCulloch, who fought at San Jacinto, served in the Mexican War, and served as a US Marshall in Texas.
Beveridge Bridge
McCulloch County Courthouse
The area was originally called Brady City, after Brady Creek, which runs through town. The name was shortened to Brady when the town incorporated in 1906. In 1926 Brady residents celebrated the building of 43-acre Richards Park by holding a 2-day BBQ on the 4th of July weekend, labeled as the “July Jubilee” and became an annual event. In 1942, Curtis Field (airport) opened as a pilottraining school. And during World War II, a German prisoner-ofwar camp was built three miles east of town. It housed more than 300 Germans, most of them members of Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Aside from their annual July Jubilee, Brady is known for the World Championship Barbeque Goats Cook Off, held Labor Day
McCulloch County Jail & Museum ThunderRoadsTexas.com
RIDE MAP Total seat time: 3.5 hours Total miles: 170 miles weekend at the Richards Park.
Leaving Brady, take Highway 377 North. As you cross the Colorado River at Winchell, you can see another of the old bridges we’re highlighting. The bridge was decommissioned in 1987 and a new bridge built alongside.
The old bridge was built in 1932. It was designed with three through truss camelback structures. The original span was just shy of 850’. When the bridge was condemned, about 60’ of approach was removed from each end, to prevent access. First called Broadtown or Browntown, for EJ Broad who built a store there, the small town of Winchell was founded around 1900.. The named changed in 1903, probably to honor BL Winchell, president of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway, which went through the town. During the 1920s, a block in the main square of downtown that housed the post office and other businesses burned. It was never rebuilt.
Continue north on Highway 277 into Brownwood. Winchell Bridge Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
Here is another county seat, Brown County in Brownwood… another standard location on our Point Across Texas
destination list! Present day Early was the original site of Brownwood. A dispute arose over land and water rights, so the settlers moved to the current location. During World War II, Camp Bowie was located in Brownwood and had a peak complement of over 80,000 soldiers; the largest training camp in Texas. Today, the camp serves as a training camp, located at the intersection of FMs 45 and 2126. Other things to see in Brownwood… the Brown County Museum of History, located in the old jail; Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, a museum that contains MacArthur memorabilia; and the Indian Creek Cemetery. For those who are star struck, there are quite a few notable residents from Brownwood, including Candy Barr (stripper, burlesque dancer, actress); Bob Denver (AKA Gilligan);
Continued on Page 14... August 2014
H
Page 13
Bridges in the Heart of texas Jerry Don Gleaton (Major League Baseball pitcher, once on the Texas Rangers); Robert E Howard (creater of Conan the Barbarian); Jim Morris (brief baseball career; the 2002 The Rookie with Dennis Quaid is based on Morris’ life); George M Shelton (Medal of Honor recipient); Clint Walker (star of the 1950s western series on ABC, Cheyenne).
Continue out Highway 377 into Early. The area was settled by farmer Welcome W Chandler in the early 1850s. It wasn’t until the early 20th Century that the small town earned its own separate existence. Named after Walter U Early, an attorney who donated land for several school buildings.
Head out on Highway 183/84 East. The small town of Zephyr was originally located on the banks of nearby Blanket Creek in 1850. The name Zephyr means “soft, gentle wind”. The phrase was first used by land surveyors who were trapped in the area during a blue norther. When the railroad missed the settlement by about a mile, the town up and moved to the new railroad line, becoming a station on the line.
tornadoes in the state’s history. The community rebuilt and continued to grow.
As you enter the small town, take a left on FM 590, then exit to FM 306. Just a mile out of the main part of Zephyr is a small, old “pony bridge”. Built in 1936, the 61’ bridge was built over Blanket Creek. It’s still used today.
Brown County Courthouse
Continue down FM 306; take a right on FM 218; then right on Highway 183/84 East. Next is the small town of Mullin. Built by the railroad, one of the first businesses in the area was a saloon! Not much to visit, though there are some historic markers around.
Take FM 573; then left on FM 433. We’ve saved the best for last; the Regency Suspension Bridge. Also known as a “swinging bridge” this old bridge is the only remaining suspension bridge still open to vehicular traffic. Originally built in 1936, the structure underwent renovation in 1999.
Brown County Jail
Continue across the bridge and take a left on FM 500, then a right on Highway 16 heading back into San Saba.
MAP
In 1909, an F4 tornado struck Zephyr, killing 34 and injuring 70. To date, this remains one of the deadliest
...continued
RIDE
Indian Creek Cemetery, Brownwood
Pony Bridge, Zephyr
Points Across Texas Qualified Destination List - August 2014 Ride Map
San Saba • Pecan Capital of the World (sign) • San Saba County Courthouse • San Saba Old County Jail • San Saba County Historical Museum • Wedding Oak Tree • Old Beveridge Bridge • Regency Suspension Bridge Richland Springs • Cotton Belt Road Bridge
Rochelle Brady • McCulloch County Courthouse • Heart of Texas Historical Museum • Curtis Field (marker) • World Championship Barbeque Goats Cook Off (banner) Winchell • Old Winchell Bridge
Quick Rules: • Locations/items must be easily identifiable in the photo. • Your AND/OR your bike must be in the picture. • Either a current issue of Thunder Roads Texas OR a print out of the 2014 Points Across Texas logo/patch must be Page 14
H
August 2014
Brownwood • Brown County Courthouse • Brown County Museum of History • Douglas Mac Arthur Academy of Freedom • Indian Creek Cemetery Early Zephyr • Pony Bridge Mullin
visible in the photo. • Photos must be emailed to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.comor can be posted on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas). • Deadline for 2014 photos is January 15, 2015. ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 15
We Asked - You Recommended! In June, we asked where you’ve found the best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas. For our readers, we thank everyone who responded to the request! Below, in alphabetical order, are the places you recommended. From our July issue, you still have until August 5th to submit your recommendation for the best small town experience. We have many, many wonderful small towns in Texas. All have things in common, like market days around the courthouse or main square, historical main streets, etc. And each offers something unique. Tell us about it! For this month, the call goes out for the BEST Fall Festival. It doesn’t have to be big - just the best!
Barbeque Inn – Houston Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ – Fort Worth Country Inn – Brenham DeWese’s Tip Top Café – San Antonio Florida’s Kitchen – Livingston Fran’s Restaurant – Dallas Fuentes Café Downtown – San Angelo Gary’s Café – Orange Goodson’s Café – Tomball Green Chile Willy’s – Amarillo Hoffbrau Steakhouse in Porter! Home Plate Diner - Lubbock Hoover’s Cooking – Austin Jake Y& Dorothy’s Café – Stephenville Mary’s Café – Strawn Nolan’s Original Poorboys – Corpus Christi Parkway Grill & Club – Wichita Falls Ponder Steakhouse – Ponder
The Bluebonnet Café – Marble Falls
Popo’s – Boerne
The Gristmill – Gruene
Radicke’s Bluebonnet Grill – San Antonio
Wall Street Bar & Grill – Midland
Segovia Truck Stop – Segovia
Zentner’s Steak House – San Angelo
Page 16
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENT
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 17 * August 2014
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 18 * August 2014
EVENTS
EVENT
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 19 * August 2014
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 20 * August 2014
EVENTS
Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
15-17
Busted in Baylor County Motorcycle Rally BustedInBaylorCounty.com Seymour Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls
Mountains, Music & Motorcycles MountainsMusicMotorcycles.com Mountain View, AR
Moonlighter Fun Run Rally MoonlighterFunRunRally Mansfield Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 4B Wild West Bike Rally 4BWildWestBikeRally.com WARNING: Adult Content Brownfield Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock Brazoria County Biker Bash AngletonBikerBash.com Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
16
Salute to American Veterans Rally TheVeteransRally.org Cripple Creek, CO
21
ALR 393 Honor a Veteran Cook Out Facebook.com/events/510954359026559 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Hill Country Rally for Kids HCRally.com Driftwood Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Hot Fun Summer Run longridersmotorcyclecluboftyler.org New Summerfield Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Tyler
5th Annual Watermelon Run for the Fallen Facebook.com/events/151733281700501 Hempstead Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston One Night – THREE Parties! Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! 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! Reserved motorcycle-only parking.. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston! NORTH: Shifters Saloon (5001 Treaschwig Rd, Spring 77373). Steve & his crew throw a mean party! SOUTH: Jackie’s Brickhouse (1053 Marina Bay Dr/ FM 2094, Kemah 77565; just west of Highway 146). Always a party – hosted by Blowout and his team! CENTRAL: Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007, behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop.
22-23
2 4-10
Powerhouse Bike Rally 806.928.2828 Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD
15-16
Quaker Steak & Lube – Waco Bike Nite – EVERY Thursday TheLubecom Waco Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook.com/WacoLube for updates and specials!
Burke Bike and Hot Rod Rally BurkeRally.com Driftwood Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
Humble Summerfest and Classic Car & Bike Show MyHoustonEvents@Yahoo.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
9
Quaker Steak & Lube – Carrollton Bike Nite – EVERY Thursday TheLubecom Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook.com/CarrolltonLube for updates and specials!
Wednesday Bluez, Rock n Red Dirt with Wild Rabbit Salad Band EVERY Wednesday 8pm-10pm WildRabbitSalad.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by the Red River Ice House on Main Street (10308 Main Street, Houston 77025 located just outside the loop 610 near Reliant Stadium). Find Wild Rabbit Salad in Facebook!
10
Lone Star 92.5 Bike Night EVERY Thursday LoneStar925.com DFW Area Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth It’s a roaming bike night! Randy James of Lone Star 92.5 hosts an every Thursday bike night at various locations around town. Visit LoneStar925.com for information about upcoming bike nights. Proudly sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
Bluez Sundays with Wild Rabbit Salad and Friends EVERY Sunday 4pm-8pm WildRabbitSalad.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by the Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston 77068). Featuring the best of the Houston Blues Scene. Find Wild Rabbit Salad in Facebook!
14-17
Quaker Steak & Lube – League City Bike Nite – EVERY Wednesday TheLubecom League City Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook (search for Quaker Steak & Lube League City) for updates and specials!
AUGUST m
Branson Motorcycle Rally BransonMotorcycleRally.com Branson, MO
Continued on Page 28... August 2014
H
Page 21
EVENTS
WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
Quaker Steak & Lube – Plano Bike Nite – EVERY Wednesday TheLubecom Plano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook.com/PlanoLube for updates and specials!
WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS
m
EVENTS Page 22
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENTS
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 23 * August 2014
EVENTS Page 26
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENTS
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 27 * August 2014
Page 28
H
August 2014
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally (Previously Ignacio Bike Week) IgnacioBikeWeek.com/ Ignacio, CO
6
Biker Bash Texas 2014 Facebook.com/events/644132455656497 Granbury Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
11-13
SEPTEMBER Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR New Mexico State HOG Rally NMStateHOGRally.com Clovis, NM Texas ABATE State Rally Facebook.com/events/132752696895189 Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
US Military Vets MC Bike Wash 254.493.4384 Round Rock Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Bikini Bike Wash at Twin Peaks (100 Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock 78664) benefiting the US Military Vets MC. Raffles and music; Noon to 4pm. Alopecia Areata Awareness Ride Facebook.com/events/793568890676617 La Porte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
11-14
Texas American Ironhorse Gathering 800.843.4666 Fredericksburg Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
29-Sep 1
23-24
Biker Pallooza Facebook.com/events/490630124333422 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston VIP Apparel invite you to the best party you’l never remember! Party fee: $10 presale/$15 at gate; Free tent/self-contined camping with ticket. Hosted by The Hawg Stop (11335 Sheldon Rd). Live music all day every day, vendors, 50/50 contest, wet T-shirt contest, bike games, tattoo contest, fun run with cash pay out, bike show, nd MORE! 832.287.4586; lonnie!vipbikerapparel.com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
8-29 to 9-1
4-6
23
Hotter than Hell Party LonghornHD.com Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
... continued
5-7
22-24
White Buffalo Bikefest SnyderChamber.com/Bikefest.htm Snyder Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock
28-31
EVENTS
EvenT Listing
Judys 2000 Miles in 48 Hours Judys2000in48.Webs.com Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The Texas Rally Luau Biker Bash TheTexasRally.com Lyons Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Held at Big Creek Park & Marina on beautiful Lake Somerville (out of Lyons). Always a huge party and always with a Damon Dave surprise! FREE Luau meal on Saturday (while it lasts), Tiki Lounge, Moment of Silence for 9/11, live bands, bike show & games, bike & campsite decorating contests, and so much more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Lake of the Ozarks Bike Fest LakeoftheOzarksBikeFest.com Osage Beach, MO
... continued Bikers for Hero’s BikersForHeros.webs.com Anna Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
13
8th Annual Brazos Biker Bash BrazosBikerBash.com WARNING: Adult Content Axtell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco
Texas Gatorfest Rumble on the Swamp Facebook.com/events/600117380080108 Anahuac Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston/Sugarland
Rally for Heroes Fundraiser Facebook.com/events/285461978290278 Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Rumble on the Swamp TexasGatorFest.com Anahuac Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball with Brett Michaels DeaconsOfDeadwood.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Each year, the Deacons of Deadwood host a charity ball with exceptional entertainment. Tickets are going fast because Brett Michaels will be in the house! Tickets are $225/person and includes dinner, open bar, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Also featured is a fantastic Silent Auction and the giveaway of a new Road King (tickets can be purchased online; don’t have to be present to win). Proceeds benefit various Houston area children’s charities (listed on their website). Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Texas Honor Ride - Fall Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Police escorted “Ride to Nowhere”. Onsite after the ride… auction, live music, drinks, BBQ, military display and more! Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. A large ride and check presentation take place in early November (see list below). Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
Continued on Page 32...
August 2014
H
EVENTS
271 Biker Rally 271BikerRally.com Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Coming from one of the organizers of the famous Boo Benefit and benefiting the Wounded Warriors of Texas (TXWoundedWarrior.com), this rally already has the buzz going! Featuring the Traveling Veteran Wall. PLUS beer gardens, live entertainment, burn out contest, bikini contest, best tattoo contest, bike show, poker runs, vendors, RV sites, tent camping, and more! $30/person pre-register online; $40/ person weekend pass at the gate; $25/person day pass.
20
Cycles for a Cure Charity Fun Run CyclesForACure.com Kennedale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
14
Fire Fest Texas POG-M.com Gun Barrel City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
17-21
12-14
12
11-14
EvenT Listing
Page 29
EVENTS Page 30
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENT
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 31 * August 2014
25-28
Rally in the Crater - Fall RallyintheCrater.com Mount Enterprise, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
28-Oct 5
Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC
27
EVENTS
24-27
EvenT Listing
8th Annual Steel Horse Trail Ride TexasLIPS.com Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Texas LIPS (Ladies Into Purchasing Stock) throw one heck of a party every year! Bring your steel horse, classic car or sports car! Pre-registration online is $35/person biker or passenger; includes commemorative T-shirt. Registration/check in 10am11am at 291 Ice House (5075 Main St, Chappell Hill 77426), with 3 stops, ending at Papa’s On The Lake (14632 Hwy 105, Montgomery 77356). All rides in by 5pm. Proceeds benefit Texas Youth through the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo auctions. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS October 5 Stevie Ray Vaughn Remembrance Ride SRVRideAndConcert.org Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Join a fun-filled combination motorcycle parade and blues concert. All proceeds benefit the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund! Local police escorted parade to the concert at Cowboys Dancehall in Arlington. A 2014 SRV #1 Replica Guitar Package Raffle - $5/ticket; need not be present to win. Advance tickets $20 online; $25 day of event. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! October 10-12 Corpus Christi BikeFest CCBikeFest.com (formerly SPI BikeFest)’ Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi October 16-19 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL
... continued
October 25 8th Annual GOC San Antonio Rally GuardiansOfTheChildren.com Helotes Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio Guardians of the Children San Antonio chapter 8th Annual Rally will be held October 25 from 11:00am to 10:00 pm at the Helotes Cornyval Fairgrounds – 12210 Leslie Road in Helotes, TX (Northwest of San Antonio). $5.00 entrance fee. Vendors, food, cold beer, live music, silent and live auctions as well as the raffle drawing for 2014 HD Dyna Low Rider. $10 raffle tickets may be purchased online at www.guardiansofthechildren.com/chapters/ Texas/SanAntonio/satx-contacts November 6-9 Lone Star Campground & Biker Bash LoneStarCampground.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston It’s a huge party campground for visitors to the Lone Star Rally. Galveston Island no longer allows camper parking along the seawall and the island has very few other options for camping. Blowout Productions provides a full-blown campsite, complete with live music, vendors, contests, and after-hours partying (21+ only)… all for only Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Lone Star Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The best and largest 4-day motorcycle rally in North America. Free admission, lots of free live music on two stages. Beautiful historic venue. Hundreds of vendors. Visit their website for updates. Call 832.437.2318 for vendor or band information. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! November 15 Texas Honor Ride - The Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston to Galveston Region: Gulf Coast/South Texas Metro: Houston/San Antonio Annual police escorted ride from Houston to San Antonio to deliver the check of funds raised for the Brooke Army Medical Center throughout the year. Two registration/ starting points 1) Houston and 2) I-10 #619 Rest Area outside Luling. Pre-registration online is strongly encouraged. Ride ends on BAMC with food, music and mingling with Wounded Warriors. Refer to website for details, as there are some gear requirements for riding on base.
About Our Event Listing: Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $15/event. Send your event to: events@thunderroadstexas.com. Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.
Page 32
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENTS
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 33
ON THE COVER
BITTEN BY THE DRAGON Riders come from all over the world to test their skills on US Highway 129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon. The southern Appalachian Mountains are split into two ranges: the eastern range is the Blue Ridge Mountains; the western range is known as the Great Smoky Mountains. With altitudes of more than 5,000 feet at road level and 16 surrounding peaks reaching up to 6,000 feet, travel in the area is treacherous.
By Don Brewer, TRT Correspondent
318 curves in 11 miles - What else do you need?
of the most famous American Riding Roads is the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, North Carolina. Actually, the 11 miles of US 129 starts just south of Deals Gap in North Carolina. Deals Gap is basically on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee; with the best of the road continuing well into Tennessee. Touted as 11 miles and 318 curve, the road can be a challenge. Originally, the route was just an animal track worn down by large herds of buffalo. American Cherokee Indians used the trail for centuries. In the 1700s, white men used the trail for hunting and trapping in the area. Over the years, there were many conflicts between the US government and the Cherokee Indians. The Indians used portions of this route to evade the army during the Trail of Tears. During the Civil War, even more strife descends on the dragon. There is a Union soldier buried in the area after being killed by Confederates while he was being transported to prison. You can access the grave of Bas Shaw (d 1864) via a short hike up a trail at mile 6.5 on the Dragon, known as Shaw Grave Gap. In the late 1920s, the road was designated as TN72 on the Tennessee side and NC288 on the North Carolina side. When the bridge near Tapoco was completed in 1931, it connected NC108 to NC288, renumbering the stretch to NC108. In 1934 NC108 and TN72 were changed to US129. During the 1930s the route saw its first laying of asphalt. It wasn’t until 1992 that the road became more noticed for a scenic and challenging drive. Doug Snavely came up from Road Atlanta to ride it for himself. He met Pete, owner of the Crossroads of Time (cafÊ/motel located at the junction of
Continued on Page 37... Page 34
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 35 * August 2014
Page 36
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
... continued US129 and NC28). Doug sold Pete on promoting the road to motorcyclists… the beginning of the Tail. The plan worked. More motorcycle riders started visiting the Tail of the Dragon and spreading the word. Today riders from across the US, Canada, and many other foreign countries test their riding skills on the Dragon. Most of the time, there is very little traffic, but the best is in the Spring, while kids are still in school and the weather cooperates. Interested in a rally? The Harley Rally in Cherokee the last weekend in April draws a lot of riders. Thousands of riders visit every week. In fact, we saw about 300 a day – on weekdays – while we were there. While riding here, you have to worry about black bear and other critters. Riding with me was a friend, Shorty. He’s a Harley mechanic, so I like having him along! We were at the Dragon for three days. We met folks from all over, from Canada to New Mexico.
1.
2.
I have been to a lot of places to ride, but this was a ride I won’t forget. It was amazing! Not only the Tail of the Dragon, but everywhere around there is a biker’s dream. Next up, Eureka Springs, staying in a Haunted Castle, then to the Hot Springs Rally. I’ll send a report to let you know how it went!
3.
Pictured: 1. My helmet, courtesy of a friend’s son. Helmets are required. 2. The blue bike is located out front of Cherokee County Cycles in Robbinsville, NC. It has a 24.5” truck tire on the back, a 32” airplane tire on the front, an evo motor, and it runs! I can walk under the front forks, it’s so tall. 3. The dam photos… there are many dams along the route. This one is on the Little Tennessee River that runs through into North Carolina.
3.
4. Girl in pink on the crotch rocket doesn’t look happy, because she isn’t! Her friend had an accident on the Dragon the day before. Another bike met his in his own lane and he went off the side of the mountain. Scary! He was okay, just beat up.
4.
5. Speaking of wrecking on the Dragon… see the picture of the “Tree of Shame” at the resort? If you wreck on the Dragon, you can hang a part from your bike there. Glad I don’t have any of my parts hanging there! 6. We stayed at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort (formerly Crossroads of Time). This is one of the oldest accommodations on the Dragon. And to commemorate their location, they proudly display a metal dragon in the front. 6. Across the street is Killboys. You can get your souvenir shirts there and they have photos set up along the route. You can visit their website, find your picture(s), and order them so you have proof you rode the Dragon.
5.
7.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
6.
6.
August 2014
H
Page 37
Page 38
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 39
Four guys go fishing. They discuss what they had to promise their wives in order to get out fishing that day. The first guy says, “I had to promise my wife that I would paint every room in the house next weekend to come fishing”.
Ma was in the kitchen fiddlin’ around when she hollers out… ”Pa! You need to go out and fix the outhouse!”
Two reasons why it’s near impossible to solve a redneck murder:
Pa replies, “There ain’t nuthin wrong with the outhouse.”
1.) All the DNA matches.
Ma yells back, “Yes there is, now git out there and fix it.”
2.) There are no dental records.
Pa mosies out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back, “Ma! There ain’t nuthin wrong with the outhouse!’ Ma replies, “Stick yur head in the hole!” Pa yells back, “I ain’t stickin’ my head in that hole!”
The second guy says, “I had to promise my wife that I would build her a new deck for the pool.”
Ma says, “Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix.”
The third guy replies, “I had to promise my wife that I would remodel the kitchen for her.”
So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around and yells back, “Ma! There ain’t nuthin wrong with this outhouse!”
They realized that the fourth guy has not said a word. “So, what’s your deal? What’d you have to promise?” The last guy says, “I just set my alarm for 5:00 am. When it went off, I shut off the alarm, gave the wife a playful little slap on the ass and said: ‘Fishing or Sex, your choice?’ She groggily replied ‘Be sure and wear sun-block, honey’.” A guy broke into my apartment last week. He didn’t take my TV, just the remote. Now he drives by and changes the channels. Sick S.O.B. !!
Page 42
H
August 2014
Sitting in a bar having drinks with a friend, I casually pointed to two old drunks sitting across the bar from us and said, “That’s us in ten years”. He said, “That’s a mirror, stupid!” Instead of “the John”, I call my bathroom “the Jim”. That way it sounds way cooler when I say “I go to the Jim first thing every morning, without fail.”
Ma hollers back, “Now take your head out of the hole!” Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole, then starts yelling, “Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!” To which Ma replies, “Hurt’s, don’t it?” A pharmaceutical truck that was fully stocked with various prescription medications was stolen today. The majority of the inventory consisted of Viagara. The police have asked the public to assist them by being on the lookout for a group of “hardened” criminals.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. Duct Tape is like “The Force”. It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the world together. When blondes have more fun.....Do they know it?
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 43
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 44 * August 2014
Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “ * ” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR; $125 for churches, bands, MC clubs/groups, and VFW/ALR Halls - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information. * Sisterdale Saloon * Gulf Coast Trikes Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
Bands Wild Rabbit Salad Great Party Band! Houston Contact Bucky Goldberg Facebook.com/buckygoldberg Reverbnation.com/wildrabbitsalad
Bars & Restaurants *Garrett Road Ice House 14303 Garrett Rd Houston, TX 77077 281.456.0440 Facebook.com/pages/Garrett-Road-IceHouse/268480946517754 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.com www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Headwaters Saloon 229 S Ranch Rd 783 Harper, TX 78631 830.377.5034 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston .* Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock
1211 Sisterdale Hwy Sisterdale, TX 78006 830.324.6767 Facebook.com/Sisterdale.Roadhouse Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
1907 Lawrence Rd, Ste 200 Kemah, Texas 77565 832.864.2085 GulfCoastTrikes.com Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-3pm
* West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.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
* Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station
* Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Biker Churches Northeast Texas Bikers Church 749 E 16th Street Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 903.563.0948 NETXBC.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Longview Church service on Thursdays @ 7pm Bible study on Sundays @ 5pm
Dealerships & Shops * Bill Allen Motorcycle Company 3607 S College Ave Bryan, TX 77801 979.822.4294 Facebook.com/BillAllen.Motorcycles * Collin County Choppers AKA Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
* Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Motorcycle Tire Shop Welding/Technical Services 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin
Continued on Page 46... Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 45
Biker Friendly * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd 510, #2 Brazoria, TX 77422 979.798.6061 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Insurance & Attorneys * Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers
1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
... continued College Station
Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Road Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston
* Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.FreewayInsurance.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
Lodging & Campgrounds DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio *Scoot On Inn Cabins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Region: HIll Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Motorcycle Towing Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX. com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
* Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Pit Stop Biker Gear 13028 State Highway 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936-661-7518 www.pitstopbikergear.com
Miscellaneous * American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West Livingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411 Oklahoma Backroads blongarborist@gmail.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/
Page 46
H
August 2014
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
EVENTS
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
August 2014
H
Page 47
Thunder Roads Texas * Page 48 * August 2014