Thunder Roads Texas - January 2014 by Thunder Roads Texas

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

NEW PROGRAM! Check out the details on pages 6 and 16

Also this month:

January 2014  

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Laconia 2013 Rally and Cabot Trail Ride Frogs for Freedom Ride 2013 Christmas Toy Runs

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 2 * January 2014

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 3 * January 2014

Contents 

January 2014 On the Cover

30 Highway Star: Marlene Hilton

Also Inside 16

16 Laconia 2013 Rally & Cabot Trail Ride 24 3rd Annual Frogs for Freedom Ride 26 2013 Christmas Toy Runs

Regular Features

6 Letter From the Editor 8 Two Wheel Thunder TV: Kryptonite RealTime GPS 10 Pig Writes: A Genuine Hole in the Wall 13 Ride Map: Day Trip from Fredericksburg 32 ThunderCam 34 Joker’s Wild 36

Biker Band Corner: Ronda Ray

Resources

19 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out January 2014 Calendar 37 Biker Friendly Listing

35 26

On the cover: Marlene Hilton of Dallas/Fort Worth’s WFAA News. Photo by Randy McCamey.

OWNERS

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 Laura Mae Benson - Houston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642

Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

FEATURE WRITERS

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

Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Shelly “Cricket” Silva, Pink Thunder (Feb/May/Aug/Sep) Terri Williams, Pink Thunder (TMRA2; Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec) “Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes

CORRESPONDENTS

Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com

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

Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Mary Taylor - Austin; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern Terrell/DFW; Jason English - Rusk; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods; Ann Edwards - El Paso; Chere Laine Corpus Christi.

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.

Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas

Well… we made it! It’s a New Year. Time for all those nasty resolutions where we set ourselves up for failure. For me… I propose we head straight into the new year and simply do our best, be kind to each other, give to those in need, and don’t worry about the small stuff. A New Year, to many, means a fresh start. As many of you may be aware, I had a very rough year in 2013. Losing my dad hit much harder than I could ever have imagined. Still hard and dealing day-by-day, but have so looked forward to 2014… this is MY year! I hope all of our readers have a great start to this New Year. With all that said, let’s talk about this year. We’re revamping our Points Across Texas reader rides program – targeting participation by riding clubs and groups, as well as individuals. Details will come out in our February issue, so keep on the lookout for that. We already have on tap to sponsor events we’ve sponsored before: Blowout’s Biker Bash (Hitchcock in March); Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally (Lake Somerville in April); Oldest Town in Texas Rally (Nacogdoches in April); Hill Country Run (Luckenbach in May); Texas Honor Ride (all events); and more in the works. If you have an event you’d like us to sponsor, please contact me for information; the sooner, the better. We suggest at least three months’ worth of advertising prior to your event. A reminder that we consider this YOUR magazine. We welcome reader suggestions and submissions. This month, we offer a couple of these submissions: 3rd Annual Frogs for Freedom Ride by FM “Doc” Cox (page 24) and the 14th Annual Wise County Toy Run by Bill “Moe” Moore (page 27). If you have something you want to share with our readers please feel free to send it our way. All we ask that it be motorcycle related and in some way connected to Texas (a place in Texas or a Texas rider visiting another state/country). Thunder Roads Reader Recommended! Something new we’d like to try this year… each month, we’re going to pick a topic/theme and we want to see what YOU come up with. Let’s start out with your favorite watering hole. It can be one you like to travel to or one you frequent near your home. Submit the place and its location. If you have pictures, send those too! Deadline for submission is February 5; send it to me (email below). We’ll put it all together and show you what others’ came up with in our March issue. All submissions will go into a drawing for a Thunder Roads Texas care package (T-shirt, subscription, patch, stickers, and whatever else we can come up with!). Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner, Thunder Roads Texas and Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Kryptonite RealTime GPS Let’s get serious about security. It costs money to protect your bike and insurance is NOT protecting it. Insurance helps offset the cost of losing your bike; it does not keep it from getting stolen or help recover it. Let’s break it down. How does one measure the emotional cost when your bike is stolen? You are angry, astonished, indignant, violated, shocked, and most of all, stressed. It should not be a surprise to know that this also injures your mental and physical health? When something as important as your bike gets taken from you, the cost to your mental and emotional health is high – and may cost you real money from a medical stand point. How much has the thief stripped from you when the bike that was taken is an extension of yourself and who you are? How much freedom has been striped from you when you no longer have a bike to ride? And these are “MINOR” issues you encounter. Let’s examine some bigger issues. So you may say “it is no big deal… I have insurance”! There are a lot of questions here and the answers will enlighten you, and maybe even scare you. Ask your insurance agent these questions: “How good is my insurance? Do I have more than the minimum? What does it really cover? Do I have comprehensive? What is my deductible? Does it cover all that bling chrome I spent good money for?” Let’s go one step further. Do you know insurance companies have the best actuaries and number crunchers that money can buy? It will really make your head spin. They know the stats, the percentage of thefts, and all the probabilities to calculate your premium for your insurance. In other words, you and I pay for all the thefts, even if you have never had a bike stolen. Think of it this way… if the insurance companies absorbed the costs of all the bikes stolen, they wouldn’t be able to stay in business long. Many riders rely too heavily on the

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assumption that they have sufficient insurance to recoup all the money they have put into their bike. And still they do not take into account the emotional loss and the time lost just to regain what was taken.

vehicle, providing you with a map and street address from any web-enabled computer, smart phone, or tablet.

Motorcycle thefts dropped by 1% in 2012 but thieves still grabbed 46,061 bikes nationwide according to the latest study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The recovery rate is only about 39%. These are the stats for motorcycles alone, but many of you have other “toys” like ATV’s, dirt bikes, snow mobiles, PWC, and boats. Over 70,000 powersport vehicles are stolen annually in the U.S. Consider just how you set yourself up to be a target. If you travel with your powersport vehicle on a trailer and stop for gas, lunch, etc., your vehicle is a target. Does your trailer have a huge logo on it with your favorite manufacturer? If you are attending larger group rides, rallies or festivals, your vehicle is a target. There isn’t always safety in numbers when you are advertising that you are busy with a group of friends having fun. You are providing the thieves with the perfect opportunity to take they are looking for. You might as well just park it down a dark alley. Take heed and take advantage of technology-based systems including alarms and aid location and recovery devices. You may recall we wrote about a GPS system about a year and a half ago. Since then Ingersoll Rand, the parent company of Kryptonite Locks, bought out the rights to that same incredible system. Now it is well known as Kryptonite RealTime GPS! I think it is better than ever, simply because of the company and the people that stand behind RealTime GPS. Their customer service is awesome and they are truly serious about security. RealTime employs the same satellite technology used by most navigation systems. After the quick installation of RealTime GPS, a user is provided with an easy to use, web-based control panel. The control panel locates your

This control panel also offers you the ability to customize numerous features including remote starter disable/ enable, fall-over sensor, and text or email security alerts. Some other features of RealTime GPS: • Compact and discreet • Waterproof • Vibration resistant • Doesn’t drain the battery – draws 4mA in “rest” mode • Starter disable/enable (optional relay installation) • Alarm notification • Towing/Movement notification • Low battery notification You can protect yourself even better by bundling your security! We have Realtime GPS installed, a Kryptonite New Yorker chain, and a disk lock, too! When asked what we are afraid of, our answer is absolutely nothing! Kryptonite is serious about security and serious about customer service. Look it up for yourself and buy enough to protect all your powersports equipment. It doesn’t just protect your bike, boat PWC, snowmobile, quad, and dirt bikes. It even protects tractors, backhoes and other power equipment. Do yourself a favor and check it out at KryptoniteLock.com/RealTimeGPS.

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A Genuine Hole in the Wall Wishing a Happy New Year to all my fans of pork a n d pork by-products. Pig here to let you know that Rainman and I are starting the New Year off hard at work just for you. Oh don’t worry, I’m not the one who is doing all the sweating, I leave that up to Rainman. I’m just here to tell of another one of our great adventures along the Texas highways.

through ice house with a good selection of beer and other items. Picnic tables and shade trees filled the front area landscape. It was perfect. We dismounted our bikes and walked on in. The shade of the indoors gave way to a Mecca of relaxation in Texassize proportions. Behind the stage was an overhead door opened to reveal a perfect backdrop view of the hills behind the building. Tables decorated the floor and were

Not long ago our buddy Chris Hensley called me on the phone. He said he needed a favor. Now when Chris calls for a favor, you have to be very careful. First, you must remember he is a salesman for the magazine. That means he will try to sell you the very shirt you are wearing. Second, you need to know what’s in it for him rather than think about what you are going to get out of the deal. It seems that Chris wanted me (us) to check out some hole in the wall joint out in Leakey and write up an article on it.

A big party was planned for that night and the headliner band for the evening was the Rough River band – a country and classic rock type band with roots traceable back to the old days of the Austin City Limits. Another treat we had was not only having the opportunity to sit with the band but to meet and sit with the opening act, Ronda Ray, a country styled singer who can belt out songs just as pretty as she is. (See our Biker Band Corner for more information about Ronda.)

One fine fall Saturday, the three of us began our journey into the Hill Country up Highway 16 from San Antonio into Medina. There we turned down FM 337 for a ride down one leg of the Three Sisters. I never get tired of riding the Three Twisted Sisters. Once we got into Leakey, we hooked it south on Highway 83 for four miles. That was where we found the Buckhorn Bar & Grill.

As we pulled in the parking lot the first improvement I noticed: some new covered parking was recently installed on the left side of the building just for motorcycles. The bar was the main part of the building along with a drive-

After I laid my Piggish charms on Chris I quickly found out she is all business when it comes to running the place. I quickly got to the point and asked Chris about why we were there. “Because the dumbass that ran it before is gone” she answered back. I like this girls’ style; it’s quick and to the point. She went on to say that the past problems at the Buckhorn are now gone. Quick and to-the-point service is also a priority. To prove that point, Tayler returned with a round of beers and a sampler platter of some of their finest munchies consisting of chicken wings, fried mushrooms, cheese sticks, pickles, and more. We hung out at the Buckhorn for several hours watching football, playing a round of pool, and enjoying a few more cold drinks. When the hunger pains returned, we ordered up a round of cheeseburgers to munch on (think of it as product testing, just for my readers). I have to say that if you desire a good cheeseburger, you need to try the one at the Buckhorn. Ol’ Rick in the kitchen does a good job not only cooking but keeping the kitchen clean too.

Now this Pig here may have been born at night, but he wasn’t born last night. I had a few conditions that needed to be met before I did anything. As everyone knows, I have a certain reputation to uphold for this fine and outstanding magazine. (Hopefully, that last line will grease up my editor and get me a raise). And, as everyone also knows, I am not easily paid off with cheap freebies. But Chris, being the fine salesman he is, used this Pig’s kryptonite to get what he wanted – FREE BEER! Whatever you need Chris, this Pig is at your beck-and-call.

The Buckhorn Bar & Grill has been around for a while and they also advertise here in the magazine so I’m certain that most of you have been there before. Not long before our visit, the new general manager, Chris Vaughan, was hired to improve the place. Apparently Chris has applied some new spit-shine to the place and made some improvements.

she greets every customer when they come in the door.

filled with locals enjoying their Saturday afternoon with cold beer and hot food. We were welcomed with a warm smile by Tayler, one of the bartenders on duty that day. Before we could sit down, we were immediately greeted by Chris. Now when you walk in the joint, you can’t miss Chris. She’s that tall, cool, blondhaired drink of water that looks great in jeans and a long sleeve shirt. And I guarantee she won’t miss you either, as

All in all I would have to say we had a pretty good time at the Buckhorn Bar & Grill. The place is clean, the food is good, and the service comes with a smile. The Buckhorn Bar & Grill gets “Pig’s Stamp of Approval” and should be on the list as one of your destinations for 2014. This place is an official hole in the wall and I will enjoy coming back again one day soon. I guess one could say that, for once, ol’ Chris came up with an ideal way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The best part was, it only cost Rainman an extra ten bucks to buy the shirt he was wearing! 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

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Day Trip from Fredericksburg Enchanted Rock

Featuring the Willow City Loop and Enchanted Rock

ontinuing our “beefing up” of the first year or so of maps from Thunder Roads Texas, we revisit the map from January 2010, “Day Trip from Fredericksburg”. I addition to riding some of the BEST roads in the Texas Hill Country, we add in some stops of interest and historical information. Starting in Fredericksburg… we’ve started here before and have it as a stop in the December 2011 “Hill Country Lights” ride map. However, we’ve not gone into detail about the history or highlighted sites to see. So, here we go!

RIDE

Fredericksburg is the seat of Gillespie County and therefore, the county courthouse and historic jail building are on our “base” list for the Points Across Texas reader rides program. The town was founded in 1846 and named for Prince Frederick of Prussia. The town is known for its German heritage, home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English. The town was laid out like the German villages along the Rhine, with one long, wide main street.

MAP

As with so many of our Texas towns, the railroad really gave birth to Fredericksburg as we know it today. In 1913, a railroad trestle was built and still exists as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Old Tunnel bat habitat. Up to 3 million Brazilian free-tailed bats and 3,000 Cave myotis bats call the Old Tunnel home from about May through October. During these months, visitors can watch bats emerge from the tunnel each night. Another worthy stop (among so many in this historic town) is the National Museum of the Pacific War, home of the Admiral Nimitz Museum. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was born and raised in Fredericksburg. He lived with his mother at Grandfather Nimitz’ famous steamboat-shaped hotel. The 6-acre museum complex offers the ability to immerse yourself in Pacific War history, as well as American and Japanese cultures of the time. Like museums? Visit the Pioneer Museum Complex. Located on 3 acres of shaded grounds, the complex offers Texas Hill Country

By Shelly Horan, Owner/Managing Editor Revisiting the ride from January 2001

Continued on Page 16...

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

January 2014

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Day Trip from Fredericksburg ... continued

Enchanted Rock

native plants, various historic buildings, sculpture, educational programs, and more… all celebrating the life of Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg is home to many festivals and community events. For example, this month: the 8th Annual Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff (January 1) and the 45th Annual Hill Country Gem & Mineral Show (January 18-19).

Main Street Fredericksburg

MAP

Gillespie County Courthouse

Settled before the Civil War, it became a gathering point for English-speaking settlers in Gillespie County. Residents preferred the long-distance commute to Austin for doing business, as they preferred to do business with other Englishspeaking Anglo-Americans, rather than the closer German town of Fredericksburg. The school building here was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas. And a good place for a tank refill (adult beverage, that is), is Harry’s on the Loop.

Old Tunnel Bat Habitat

Nimitz Museum

RIDE

Take FM 2721, heading out of Fredericksburg. Go left on FM 1631. This is a nice winding road for about ten miles. At FM 1323, go left, heading toward Willow City.

Old School in Willow City

Out of Willow City, we’re going to “ride the loop”… the Willow City Loop that is! Take this out of Willow City and enjoy 13 miles (about 30 minutes) of winding and dipping riding. The Loop offers of the oldest and most unique geology in central Texas. Ride through canyons carved by picturesque Coal Creek and over hill tops where the views are stunning. Ride during the wildflower season (March-May), when the hillsides and low lying meadows are ablaze with the colors of many different wildflower varieties. Please note, all land along the Loop is privately owned. Please keep moving and do not park or walk in the wildflower fields. Turn right when the Willow City Loop dead ends at Highway 16. Travel about 4 miles and turn left on Ranch to Market Road 965. About 8 miles down is the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The “rock” was named for a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome that rises 425 feet above ground and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States. In 1970 it was declared an National Natural Landmark and in 1994, the State of Texas opened it up to the public after adding facilities. That same year, Enchanted Rock was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Continue on down Ranch to Market Road 965 and you’ll catch a glimpse of the ghost town of Crabapple. Today, only the church, a community building, brush arbor, and one other structure remain. It’s an excellent picnic area. If you like old cemeteries, there are plenty in the area! The initial settlers were of German descent; around the mid-1800s.

Willow City Loop

To finish up the loop, continue down 965, back into Fredericksburg. St John’s Lutheran Church in Crabapple

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Points Across Texas 2014 We are putting the final touches on our 2014 Points Across Texas Reader Rides Program. For now, the “base” list of qualified desintations will continue. These include all current county courthouses, historic county courthouses, historic jails, and “Capitals” of Texas. For a complete list of these locations/destinations, visit our website or Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas. Page 14

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EVENTS

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 15 * January 2014

Laconia 2013 Rally & Cabot Trail Ride By Donny Phillips, TRT Correspondent

rode out to the Laconia rally by myself back in 2011 with a slight detour through Canada and Nova Scotia. In 2012, I skimped out on my travel planning and found out I really missed a lot both years. Last year (2013), I added saddle bags to my bike and took my wife, Pam, along for the ride to visit Laconia again for the 90th anniversary rally. We tried the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way up, but there was too much rain and we had poor visibility. We left the Parkway and booked it up to Orange County Choppers in Newburg, New York, making it into New Hampshire the following day. The Laconia Rally was its usual awesomeness and we had a great time riding in New Hampshire, even with all the rain. From there, we hit the road again and made it to Saint John, New Brunswick the following evening in time to catch the third game of the Stanley Cup on TV with some fellow bikers in the hotel lounge. It’s always fun to watch hockey with a bunch of Canadians! We caught the ferry to Digby the next morning and rode across Nova Scotia to Halifax. The timing was perfect and we got some nice pictures of Peggy’s Cove before the rain started again. Now, for what I missed in 2011: the following day we headed northeast and made it to the start of the Cabot Trail. I had not heard about this ride until after my first trip up here and man was I upset! Not long after my first trip, I saw an article listing the top 10 scenic rides in the world. The Cabot Trail was something like 5 on the list; I looked it up on the web and immediately started kicking myself for going so far and not looking into the local sites better. Just remember, the IBA (Iron Butt Association) has the world’s toughest riders, but not always the world’s smartest. Things were not looking good, weather-wise, as we rode in the rain for 12 hours straight before arriving in Port Hood. However, the following day we had the most beautiful riding weather you could ask for and all our pictures came out great. I highly recommend looking up the Cabot Trail Ride on Cape Breton Island and adding it to your bucket list. We started back home the next day with a stop in Kennebunkport and Boston. I would like to thank the guys at Boston Harley Davidson for taking us in so late and fixing my bike. We made it back to Houston a few days later without further incident. All together we logged more than 6,000 miles on this trip and all I can say is – my wife is tough!

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Pictures top-to-bottom: • Blue Ridge Parkway... too foggy and rainy. We bailed and hit the highways straight into New York. • Orange County Choppers’ fireman bike. • Laconia Rally main drag through town. • The Canadians Donny & Pam watched the Stanley Cup with. • Pam and Donny at the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove on the Cabot Trail. • Donny & Pam stayed at the Governor’s Inn in Rochester, NY for the Rally and small world... ran into a Houston couple staying at this out-of-the-way place. • Retired Police Officers/Blue Knights from northeast states on their way to the Rally.

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EVENT

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 17 * January 2014

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 18 * January 2014

EVENT

Event Listing

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

JANUARY m

New Year’s Day CMA Blessing of the Bikes troublefulk@aol.com Dickinson Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Thunder Roads Texas HOUSTON-AREA BIKE NIGHTS ThunderRoadsTexas.com 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!

NORTH: Shifters Saloon (5001 Treaschwig Rd, Spring 77373). Steve & his crew throw a mean party!

Iron Horses Chili Cook-Off IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre MassacreRally.com Hondo Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio 37th Annual St. Valentine’s Day Massacre hosted by Alamo City Gypsy MC. Back in Hondo, TX! Come join us at the Hondo City Park and Fairgrounds located at 733 FM Rd 462 N. Plenty of camping and room for self-contained RV’s. Food & merchandise vendors; Run Pins for the first 1000; Fun run w/ cash prizes; Live music all weekend! For info visit our website or call (210) 601-1932. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Great Texas Burnout Competition VIPBikersApparel.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houstin

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FEBRUARY

Mardi Gras Biker Ball Facebook.com/Events/165761876955943 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

21-23

Party on the Trinity RoadDawgRallies.com WARNING: Adult Content Liberty Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

MARK YOUR CALENDARS March 7-16 Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL March 13-16 3rd Annual Blowout’s Biker Bash BlowoutsBikerBash.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Bike games; special contests, including best leprechaun nighty contest; best dressed leprechaun; best St Patty’s Day themed campsite. Live music all weekend, with headliners Point Blank (Friday) and Sid 17 (Saturday). Adult rally; 21 & up only. Held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. $35 weekend pass includes FREE tent camping. $140 Self-contained RV sites include 2 FREE weekend passes. Preregister by March 3, 2013 and get a FREE T-shirt per weekend pass. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! April 2-6 Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ April 3-5 Louisiana State HOG Rally LAStateHOGRally.com Lafeyette, LA

April 10-13 Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station BRING OUT YOUR BAD… Join Damon Dave and the crew for a weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands including Pat Travers, Midnight Special (tribute), Molly Hatchet & more. RV Sites (book NOW), free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors and more. The party never stops with the Battle of the After Hours Campsite Parties! Registration is open now. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! April 25-27 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Join the OTT team for their 6th year in Nacogdoches – BACK IN THE SPRING! They always have a great band line up all weekend. Also, custom ride-in bike show, bikini contest, burnout competition, BBQ Cook Off, Charity Poker Run, Downtown Parade, vendors, onsite camping, beer gardens, biker games, and awesome scenic rides through the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 2-4 Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Fredericksburt Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social in Fredericksburg; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Ending with Sunday services provided by the CMA. Registration is open NOW. Register online now… $50/ per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and more. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 9-18 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC Ma 15-18 Rally in the Crater - Spring Rallys-R-Us.com Mount Enterprise, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Continued on Page 22... January 2014

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EVENTS

CENTRAL: Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Wsahington Ave, Houston 77007, behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop.

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 Wsahington Ave, Houston 77007, behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop.

Thunder Roads Texas HOUSTON-AREA BIKE NIGHTS ThunderRoadsTexas.com 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!

MONDAY

TUESDAY

NEW YEAR’S DAY

CMA Blessing of the Bikes Dickinson

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MARTIN LUTHER KING’S BIRTHDAY

Spring, Houston & Kemah

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16 23

TEXAS’ WASHINGTON & NATIONAL GUARD DAY

4 11 18 25

10 17 24

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February 2014

Iron Horses Chili Cook-Off College Station

December 2013

DID YOU KNOW... It’s still a hanging offense in Texas to steal cattle or to put graffit on someone else’s cow.

DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY

Bikers Babes & Books Stubbs Harley-Davidson Houston

EvenT Listing ... continued May 15-18 Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Abilene Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

May 22-26 Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally RedRiverMemorialDayMotorcycleRally.com Red River, NM

June 12-15 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin One of the largest and best know rallies in the state! Visit Austin and the Travis County Expo Center for loads of fun; live music in various venues; parade from the rally to the Capitol, down 6th Street; and so much more! Visit their website for more information as it become available. Preregistration and RV reservations open up 10am, January 11 online. Be sure to pick up your April issue of Thunder Roads Texas when available for a preview of this awesome event!

June 5-7 Arkansas State HOG Rally ARStateHOGRally.com Hot Spring, AR

June 14-22 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH

May 16-18 The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

November 6-9 Lone Star 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/event. Send your event to: events@thunderroadstexas.com. Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.

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EVENTS

August 4-10 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD October 9-11 Oklahoma State HOG Rally OKStateHOGRally.com Claremore

Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas

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EVENTS

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

January 2014

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3rd Annual Frogs for Freedom Ride Bandera, Texas – 5 October, 2013

F.M. “Doc” Cox, CPO USN (Ret.) IUWG, Chairman Frogs for Freedom (Reader Submission)

he weather gods smiled on the 3rd Annual Frogs for Freedom ride in Bandera, once again. We had a great Texas Hill Country day; low 80’s with plenty of sunshine. This brought out bikers and supporters for the cause. People came from all over…California, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Oklahoma and, of course, Texas. Owned by James McGroarty and Stella Tedesco, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar and Harleys and Horses Market Place complex was alive with the sound of motorcycles coming and going all day. The 11 Street has been our venue for the last two years. James and Stella have been tremendous supporters of the event, providing not only the venue, but the band and the pulled pork. Much appreciated, James and Stella! There were 18 former SEALs in town for the ride. I won’t try to name them all, as I would surely forget someone. These SEALs/UDTs (underwater demolition team) served our country from late WWII to the present. It was a group of men to make any American proud. The oldest, longest serving SEAL was Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) Rudy Boesch, with over 41 years of active service. Many will remember Rudy from the very first “Survivor” program. He is a legend in the SEAL community. MCPO Hershel Davis came over from North Carolina to assist with the MC duties. Thanks, Master Chief’s! We had two rides, a short run of 70 miles, and a longer ride of 125 miles. Both rides covered beautiful territory with plenty of curves and hills, and a water stop. Our riders returned to the 11 Street Cowboy Bar for live music and dancing to the sounds of the

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Toman Brothers band, playing great old and modern country dance music, followed by pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, and all the trimmings. Cold beverages were welcomed by all. The largest group attending award, for the third year in row, went to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 23-3, out of San Antonio. This ride would not be nearly as successful without their valued support. The Iron Butt award (rider riding from farthest away) went to Kitty Melancon from Breau Bridge, LA. Duke Goldthwait from Morley, MI, last year’s winner, lost out as he actually pulled in just as the ride was over. Next year leave a day earlier, Duke! The auction was run for the second year in a row by our local chamber of commerce president Richard Berry (also a professional auctioneer). Richard definitely made the cash register ring. Awesome job, Richard! A special thanks goes to all of the terrific people who volunteered their time, efforts and treasure. The ride would not happen without your support. Again, I won’t mention names as I may forget someone, so thanks to you all! And, finally, thanks to the support of local citizens, the veterans, sponsors, donors and many others, we managed to send a check to the Navy SEAL Foundation for $14,933.00. Out best year yet!! We are already looking forward to next year, so please mark your calendars for October 4, 2014, for the 4th Annual Frogs for Freedom ride in Bandera, Texas.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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2013 Christmas Toy Runs TEXAS PANHANDLE

By Dean Downey, TRT Correspondent Every year in the Texas panhandle. Amarillo is blessed when motorcyclists get together to show their love, generosity, and support to help kids have a brighter Christmas with lots and lots of toys. This year was no exception. It all began on September 29 with the annual Marines Toys for Tots parade and Biker Sunday hosted by the Christian Heritage Church and the Hard Core Motorcycle Ministries. The event started at Skooterz with a parade. Participants lined the parking lot and streets on their bikes loaded with toys for kids. The parade was led by the Amarillo Police Department and members of the Amarillo Emergency Services and ended at the Christian Heritage Church. People with flags lined the streets to greet everyone as they arrived at the church and to show their support for a wonderful cause. We were all there to salute those who served in our military and risked their lives for the freedom we enjoy every day. After arrival at the church, bikers carried their toys to the Marines and were then treated to free BBQ sandwiches and water or tea. Once all the toys were collected, participants browsed through the vendors and played the bike games were that were offered. Door prizes were given away during the event and at the conclusion of the day a bike was given away. On October 6, the Original Eveline Rivers Toy Run was held at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. The event kicked off with a parade and car show and toys were collected for the kids at the fairgrounds. There were plenty of participants and lots of toys were donated to help make many children’s Christmas a happier and brighter one. This was the first year cars and trucks were invited to participate in addition to bikes. On November 24, Tripp’s Harley Davidson sponsored the Salvation Army Toy Run. Unfortunately, our Texas Panhandle weather wasn’t so nice this year with very cold temperatures and snow which forced the cancellation of the parade. This year did bring in approximately $3,600 in cash and toys in spite of our adverse weather conditions. Of course, no event would be possible without the participants, sponsors, and volunteers. A very special Thanks to everyone who participated and donated. A special thanks also goes to the Amarillo Police Department and the Amarillo Emergency Services for helping ensure we all had safe rides and great events! All of these toy runs helped put smiles on the faces of many children this Christmas and demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas in the Panhandle spirit.

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

14th ANNUAL WISE COUNTY TOY RUN By Bill “Moe” Moore (reader submitted)

Wow, wow, wow! The first three words that come to mind after attending the 2013 Wise County Toy Run in Decatur (December 1)! This year was our 14th annual run open to all bikers and bike types around North Texas and beyond. The weather and the Good Lord worked things out for us perfectly! Temps were around 60-65º and no rain, Hallelujah! Perfect weather for breaking out the Leathers! Festivities began in the Decatur Middle School parking lot, and proceeded to The City Park in Bridgeport, Texas about 13 miles away. Many bikers and friends made it to biker church that morning before heading out to the toy run. Our good friends from Fellowship Riders and Honor Bound Riders, from Dallas and Fort Worth came and worshipped at Full Armor Biker Church with us before we cruised on into Decatur to hopefully find a parking spot at the toy run. We had no longer gotten to the run, than the flood gates seemed to explode; bikes started showing up from everywhere! Wow, what a flood of bikers, many sported their toys for all the needy children on their handlebars, strapped to luggage racks, taped to their bodies, and all sorts of positioning to follow through with the holiday festivities. When all was said and done, about 1,600-1,800 bikers rumbled through the rural town of Decatur, a population of only about 5,500 with some real “motoring” pomp and circumstance. There were people lining the streets all along the route waving, smiling, taking pics, videoing this annual awesome event rumbling through the streets of this growing country town. You see, these bikers and bikerettes came to give back to this community and the surrounding Wise County area children who otherwise might not receive much, if anything, this coming Christmas. I am so proud of our biking community and brotherhood who came, willingly, all getting along, smiling, spending their Sunday afternoon furthering the purpose of good will for needy kiddos. While riding in the middle of this sea of bikers, I couldn’t help but feel really proud to be a part of this annual event that grows and grows and grows every single year. It was quite a task guiding, directing, and making sure hundreds of bikes get from point A to point B in a small country town who just isn’t used to this kind of stuff. But I really think they might be getting used to this annual affair. Every year there are more and more typical citizens showing up to support our efforts. When the ride reached the City Park in Bridgeport the festive mood really kicked into gear. There were drawings for all kinds of gifts, a free chili dinner, drinks, heaps of fellowship and seeing old friends (which I participate in generously!), and a drawing for the annual dual axle motorcycle trailer giveaway! Once again it seems to all happen to doggoned fast and then it’s over. But we’ll have it again next year, Lord willing! To all the bikers who came, we salute you! So please, please, please put The WISE COUNTY TOY RUN on your calendar for next year, we’d love to have you! It’s normally on the first Sunday afternoon of December. Keep an eye on the website: WCToyRun.com. God Bless and always remember: It is so much more blessed to GIVE than it is to receive! Join “Bigg Robb “Biker Santa” for services at Full Armor Biker Church, 3988 North US Hwy 287, Alvord, Texas 76225.

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EVENT

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2013 Christmas Toy Runs

... continued

34th ANNUAL SAN JACINTO HIGH ROLLERS TOY RUN By Shelly Horan, TRT Managing Editor/Co-Owner Photos from the event page from Facebook (Troy Burleigh)

On Sunday, December 8, the weather started out “iffy”, but when it cleared and was time to take off, more than 160 riders, plus the High Rollers’, climbed on their steeds, headed for the Boys & Girls Country in Hockley (northwest of Houston). For 34 years, the San Jacinto High Rollers (SJHR) have supported this awesome organization. The home for children provides a home to children from families in crisis. They offer a nurturing, Christian environment. The children housed here come from the greater Houston area. The center can hold up to 88 kids, ages 5-18. They are solely supported by donations from individuals, business, civic groups, churches, foundations… and the SJHR!! Normally Outlaw Dave plays Santa and leads the crew, and I participate. Unfortunately, due to us both being ill, the crew did it without them. This year, Grumpy (SJHR) played Santa and the kids just loved him. As riders enter the facility, there is a long rail fence line along the road. The kids make signs and hang on the fence to welcome everyone. It truly is a phenomenal and very moving sight. When the riders get inside, they are treated to cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate; as well as entertainment put on by the kids and staff. What I like best about this toy run… as you register and submit your gift, SJHR helpers (AKA elves) work with a list from the facility to match gifts with specific kids. The gifts are wrapped, loaded and taken to the facility with the ride. Santa actually gets to call out kids names, hand them their gifts and we are treated with the joys of kids opening gifts. What a wonderful way to truly share the Christmas spirit. After the ride and visit, riders headed to Cypress Saloon for an adult after-party. Here, more fundraising (getting a start on next year) takes place via live auctions and a “biker jail”. Thanks to all that make this toy run so special and safe!

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ON THE COVER

Highway Star

By Randy McCamey - TRT Associate Editor

roducer, director, television personality, traffic reporter…motorcycle rider. While Marlene Hilton is dedicated to her profession, she doesn’t mind taking time to get out on two-wheels and ride. And of all riders in the area, she knows when and where to ride – and when and where not to ride – around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you watch TV in the DFW area, you have seen Marlene on WFAA, Channel 8. She is one of the traffic reporters who lets us know about all the construction, accidents, and traffic tie-ups. She even relates her job to her riding. “Watching traffic patterns and traffic while riding a bike requires more focus. Riding a bike has made me a better driver when I’m in my car”. Marlene has not always been a biker. “I’m a late bloomer when it comes to riding”, she says. “I always wanted to ride. My mom rides. I just woke up one day in 2008 and decided to do it! I took the rider safety course, passed my license exam, and bought my first bike, a Sportster.” Like many of us, she found that a few hundred miles on the buzzy Sportster left her somewhat disappointed. She soon found a smooth-running silver and blue Heritage Softtail (can you say Dallas Cowboys?!) and that’s what she has been riding ever since. She smiled when she told me, “I often get that “Really?” response from my coworkers when they find out I’m a biker. I usually get a lot of questions about my bike when I’m on the road and someone spots me and stops to talk.” Reporting traffic on live TV is not her only job. Marlene owns Talent & Media, a company where she produces and directs an array of corporate training video’s as well as live events. She also acts as a corporate spokesperson and is an occasional actress. Marlene has experience as a television news anchor at a station in Louisiana. Her occupation became fairly clear to me when she rolled up to the interview on her bike and pulled out a giant makeup bag! “An occupational hazard”, she says, “Most of my clients expect me to arrive ready for the camera, so I have to have all the equipment available to freshen-up makeup and undo my “helmet hair”. Between her company, work at the station, and family life, riding time is not as much as she would like but she does manage to get in several thousand miles each year, mostly short trips near home. “I tend to go north of the DFW metro area. I really like riding in the Bonham-Melissa area”, she says. “I’d like to make some longer trips in the future. I always think about going to the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Rally in Arkansas, riding the backroads in Louisiana…maybe going to Daytona one day, too.” Marlene likes to be involved in public service activities and she participates in charity and benefit rides in the area as her schedule allows. Like many bikers, Marlene likes to ride with friends and says, “Riding motorcycles is a hobby that is fun to share with someone else.” But while Marlene is grounded in the real world, she also sees riding from a more holistic perspective. “Riding is so relaxing; thoughts and cares just seem to disappear.” She continued by saying, “As a Christian, riding has a spiritual connection and it seems that I’m closer to God when I’m out in the open air.” Amen, sister. So the next time you plan a ride and want to avoid the freeway jam in Dallas-Fort Worth, tune in to our favorite traffic reporter and take her advice. And the next time you spot a tall, dark-haired woman on a silver and blue Harley, stop and say hello to Marlene Hilton. Producer, director, television personality, traffic reporter, and motorcycle rider – she’s a highway star!

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An Interview with Marlene Hilton, DFWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WFAA Traffic Reporter

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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How do you get a redneck to the dinner table? HEY THEY GOT BEER HERE!!

On New Year’s Eve, Marilyn stood up in the local pub and said that it was time to get ready. At the stroke of midnight, she wanted every husband to be standing next to the one person who made his life worth living. Well, it was kind of embarrassing. As the clock struck, the bartender was almost crushed to death. At the police station, “Screwball” explained to the police officer why his biker buddies shot him. “Well,” Screwball began, “We were having a good time drinking, when “Bingo” picked up his shotgun and said, “Hey, you want to go hunting?’”

New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep • • • • • • • • • •

Read less. I will start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store Stop exercising. Waste of time. Watch more TV. I’ve been missing some good stuff. Gain enough weight to get on The Biggest Loser. I will do less laundry and use more deodorant. Drink. Drink some more. Spend more time at work. Take up a new habit: maybe drinking!

So far this year I’ve done well.

“From what I remember,” Screwball said, “I stood up and said, ‘Sure, I’m game.’”

I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper, I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I’m very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I’m probably going to need a lot more help.

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

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As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman, “What are you doing out here at four o’clock in the morning?” asked the police officer. “I’m on my way to a lecture,” answered Biker Dan. “And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year’s Day?” enquired the constable sarcastically. “My old lady,” slurred Biker Dan grimly. Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. ~Mark Twain

Dear Lord

“And then what happened?” the officer interrupted.

New Year’s Prayer for the Elderly Biker

On New Year’s Eve, Biker Dan was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his bike in the parking lot and walked home.

Amen

“Crazy”, at a New Year’s party, turns to his friend, “Weasel”, and asks for a cigarette. “I thought you made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking,” Weasel responds. “I’m in the process of quitting,” replies Crazy with a grin. “Right now, I am in the middle of phase one.” “Phase one?” wonders Weasel. “Yeah,” laughs Crazy, “I’ve quit buying.”

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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By Rainman, TRT Correspondent & Sales

Ronda Ray

Cowgirl, Singer, Songwriter, Author

f you are one who likes to go to different bars in Texas on a regular basis, every now and then you will come across a band or a singer you particularly like. That happened to me one night in October when my friend Chris Hensley and I paid a visit to the Buckhorn Bar & Grill in Leakey. I was there to check out the place and see how good a biker bar it was. Round about three o’clock that afternoon we were sitting at our table when this tall, thin, pretty blonde country girl came walking into the joint. She was wearing her blue-jeans, T-shirt, and had everything topped off with cool sunglasses on her head. There was something

about her I liked right away; she had that cool stride about her. After we were introduced, she sat down at our table and gave us a chance to get to know a little more about her. I found out she is from Nocona, a small town east of Wichita Falls. With her North Texas drawl, we could see that Ronda Ray is 100% pure Texas cowgirl. She grew up riding barrels, working as a ranch hand, and learning music. Later that evening, Chris and I discovered that Ronda has a sweet and mellow voice; sweet as a mother singing to her baby. Being the opening act for the headliners, Rough River Band, Ronda started out singing several old favorites before she went into her original work. Her mixture of country and rock works quite well for her and we could tell she is true to her roots; call her a free spirit who lives by the very songs that she sings. She is a great artist and guitar player who shows a real love for her work in music. I, for one, consider her to be a real Texas treasure. I have a feeling that one day this little girl will be a big star. So if you ever get the chance, you need to check her out; I can promise you she won’t let you down. To find out more about Ronda Ray you can visit her web page at www.ronda-ray.com. Check her schedule and see if she will be playing near you. You’ll be glad you did!

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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. * West of the Brazos 800.397.7875 Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bars & Restaurants * 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

23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Biker Churches

* Headwaters Saloon 229 S Ranch Rd 783 Harper, TX 78631 830.377.5034 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

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

* Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Bill Allen Motorcycle Company 3607 S College Ave Bryan, TX 77801 979.822.4294 Facebook.com/BillAllen.Motorcycles

.* 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

* 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

Dealerships & Shops

* Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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Biker Friendly * 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 * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 18143 FM 314 Conroe, TX 77302 281.572.4774 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 * Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd, #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

For the Girls GOT GREAT BIKER GIRL GEAR? ADVERTISE HERE for only $149/year! http://ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Insurance & Attorneys

* Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.FreewayInsurance.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

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

... continued * Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Rd Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Road Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * 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 OKMotorcycleTours.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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