It’s not about the bike... it’s about the RIDE!
JUNE 2014 ThunderRoadsTexas.com
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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 2 * June 2014
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Contents ď ˜
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June 2014 On the Cover
28 Thunder Roads Texas Was There!
Regular Features 10
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6 Letter From the Editor 8 Two Wheel Thunder TV: Easy Rider: The Ride Back 10 Pig Writes: Troubled Times... Stabbed in the Back! 12 Ride Map: South Coastal Ride on 77 26 Reader Recommended: Best Pies in Texas 32 ThunderCam 34 Joker’s Wild
Resources
19 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out June 2014 Calendar 37 Biker Friendly Listing 35 26
On the cover: Collage of various events Thunder Roads Texas sponsored and/or participated in across the entire state of Texas. Graphic by Shelly Horan, Top of Mind Marketing.
OWNERS
ADVERTISING SALES
Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161
Bob “Just One More” Cooney CEO ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com
Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Managing Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Points Across Texas Administrator
Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com
Laura Mae Benson - Houston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642 Traci “Sweet N Low” McClure - East Texas Traci.McClure@yahoo.com * 936.671.9567 Shelly “Cricket” Silva San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com * 210.445.2477 Chris Hensley San Antonio/Hill Country chrishensley.ch@gmail.com 210.912.7852
Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
FEATURE WRITERS
“Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes Two Wheel Thunder TV - Product Reviews
CORRESPONDENTS
Raymond Meinhardt San Antonio/Hill Country meinhardtray@yahoo.com 210.410.5783 Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com
Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com
Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Shelly “Cricket” Silva - San Antonio; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom Piney Woods; Raul Carrasco - San Antonio.
Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.
Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas
Now we’re into the hottest days of the year, but we’re still riding! But because of the weather and, of course, summer break, events during June and July are fewer, but we have them listed! If you’re looking for a summer jaunt, take a look. There are quite a few very worthy events, some of which we sponsor, like the Biker Pallooza Summer Kick Off Party in Houston June 14, the Wolfe City Country Cruise near Dallas June 14, the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride in the DFW area June 28, and the Erath County Relay for Life “Cruizin’ for a Cure” June 28. For those who don’t think we cover enough of other parts of Texas, take a look – three events sponsored by us in the DFW area! We’re working on it. And if you know of others or, better yet, businesses who should be advertising, let us know! Last month, I got LED lights put on my bike. It’s a Honda Magna 750, so a little smaller in profile and visibility. Hoping the lights will help, especially at night. I now GLOW! For me, it’s more about safety, but don’t get me wrong – I can’t wait to light her up when parked at a local haunt or event! This month, we cover the events Thunder Roads Texas has sponsored and/or participated in across the state January through April. There are 15 events in this issue and more to come next month! Check it out… and put next year’s dates in your calendar! We’re all over! If you want to help us cover this grand state, send me a note! Shout out to Ann Ledbetter! She sent me a note in Facebook that is so much appreciated! She said, “Hello, just wanted to let you know I read your magazine all the time. Have saved a few back copies; the magazines are great for keeping up with happenings and good to refer back to later!” Thanks Ann! It’s always nice to know the magazine is appreciated! Happy Fathers’ Day to all our riding fathers out there! Hope you get to spend some time on the bike – but makes sure to wear your “gift tie”… or even soap on a rope! And send us a picture if you do… wouldn’t that be fun to see? Have a safe June. If you’re riding, be sure to do so conscientiously and courteously. 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
Happy Fathers’ Day!
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Easy Rider: The Ride Back
A Bond between Veterans and the Motorcycles they Love
ach month we bring you informative articles primarily about motorcycle products; products to bolt on, to individualize your bike, seats to sit on, or exhausts that sound awesome. We bring you products that clean and shine, products for safety, parts that make your bike start, cool stuff that make it go faster and stop faster, additives that conserve gas, even things that help preserve and protect your bike. We even bring you information on devices to locate your bike when too much partying makes you forgetful, or when some shyster steals it! We have even written articles on events, well known people, movies, and items of interest to veterans and motorsports fanatics. Or, like last month, great ideas to help promote an event, a charity, or a business. This month we have some really big news: The Movie “Easy Rider: The Ride Back” has partnered with the Disabled American Veterans. “Easy Rider: The Ride Back” is a prequel/sequel to the original and iconic movie Easy Rider, not a remake. You remember the original… it was the 1969 cult classic with Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson. The songs that make up the soundtrack were carefully selected to form a musical commentary within the film. Yes, it was the beginning of what we now know as music videos with great songs like “The Pusher”, “Born to be Wild”, “If You
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Want to be a Bird”, and, if you don’t remember, “Don’t Bogart Me”!
music… just like the original!
There is an interesting story behind the new movie “Easy Rider: The Ride Back”. The man who wrote the script is producer and star Phil Pitzer. He plays Peter Fonda’s younger brother in the movie. (Some would even say they could pass as brothers!) Several years ago Phil legally won the rights to the name, the characters, and the images of the original movie and he ingeniously set forth to build the storyline… the background, if you will, to answer the questions that were never breached in the original. Why did Peter Fonda become “Captain America”? What was happening in 1969 that made us all “look for America”? And what haunts all of us, what really did happen to that iconic bike? Yes indeed… every family has its secrets… every legend a beginning.
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is an organization chartered by the United States Congress on September 25, 1921 to provide help and aid for disabled military Veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The DAV provides services free of charge through a nationwide network of National Service Offices, Transition Service Offices, Hospital Service Coordinator Offices, state-level DAV Departments, Service Representatives, and more than 1,900 local DAV Chapters. For more information about DAV, visit www.dav.org.
This is where “The Ride Back” begins, with a new adventure, a new ride with a long time buddy, and, after all these years, a ride that is still “looking for America”. There was a war back then and there is a war now. This movie brings out more than just a story, more than just a ride. It shows the generations of Veterans who fought for our freedoms and is highlights the troops today who are still fighting for our freedoms, for our country, and for our children. And then there is the music! Absolutely awesome
The partnership between The Ride Back and the DAV is better than biscuits and gravy! The movie has a focus on wars and the consequences of wars. The DAV assists our Veterans and families with the consequences they have as a result of war. Pan America Pictures and the Producers of “Easy Rider: The Ride Back” are donating 100% of the first night ticket sales to the DAV in every city and state in which the movie is shown! Check out www.twowheelthundertv. com for show dates and locations or to purchase the movie on DVD.
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Troubled Times... Stabbed in the Back Greetings Piglets. As I reach out to you all this month, my heart weighs heavy. I am very sad. I’m sad because I lost one more battle. I lost because of betrayal by one of my own; stabbed in the back with the knife blade twisted. I have never felt this much pain in my life. Please allow me to explain. Now some parts of this may be difficult for my loyal readers, but please have the courage to read on.
place so fast, so hard, they wouldn’t know what hit them. There would be no mercy. The waitress – the server of hog death – approached. I waited with guns loaded.
It all started back in March of this year with an invite to make the 7th Annual Chicken Fry Run out in the small town of Snook. This run is always held at Sodalak’s Country Inn. The details of the run were a little sketchy; we had the meet up time and place but that was about all the real info we had. It wasn’t until the day before the run I received the rest of the details. Seems that someone (Rainman) forgot to tell me it was a Chicken Fried BACON Run. Now I ask you, what’s up with that? Bacon!?! Really people… a bacon run? A Pig was invited to a bacon run? Oh, Rainman thought it was quite funny when he finally told me and he is still laughing about it today, the traitor.
“I’ll have the same”, Art chimed in.
I think about all of those poor, poor little hogs who bravely gave up their lives so a few people could enjoy their bacon. Oh the horror; the shame. Too bad that none of that bacon was made from Cousin Wilber, that’s only because we all know the he ain’t no damn good. I laid in bed that night tossing and turning. I kept seeing those cute little hog faces being turned into bacon. I thought bikers always stood up for what was right and protected those in need. So, I decided I would have to make a stand on my own. The day came and Rainman and I met up with the group. They were all people with whom we had never ridden with before. Our good friend, Art Koeing, was there. This was to be his first group ride on a bike. The route took us up IH-35 into San Marcos where we picked up Highway 21 into Bastrop. There we met up with the organizer of the run, Mr. Billy Brewer. We continued up 21 to Caldwell. The Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush were out in full bloom; splashing color all along the roadways. It made for picture perfect day on two wheels. In Caldwell, we cut over to Snook. Once in Snook, we pulled into the parking lot of Sodalaks’s Country Inn. It didn’t look like much of a place, just a quiet and peaceful diner in a small town. That is, until we got off the bikes. Oh yes, the time had come for me to avenge those poor hogs! I was glad that the inside of Sodalak’s didn’t look like a chamber of horrors. In fact, it was decorated wall-to-wall with T-shirts from fire fighting companies around the country. It had a nice, honorable feel. Before we could grab a table, the group from Corpus had seen us walk in and the Fabulous Ms. T., C.O.I.R. Commander for Region 8, announced to the whole place that we had arrived. I just love that lady; she has lots of good hugs and kisses. After all the hellos and back patting, we finally got seated at a table. Now as we all know, bikers always wait for the right moment to strike and I had my plan set. I would hit this
“Hi, what can I get ya’ll to drink?” she asked with a smile. “I’ll have a sweet tea” Rainman responded. The waitress then looked over at me. That was when I attacked. With full bore and no mercy, I let her have it. I whipped out my protest signs and gave her a double shot of it. Her only response was “Oh Hell No, that ain’t happening here”. Now being from Texas, we all know what comes next when we hear a southern woman speak those words. It’s common knowledge that when those words come out of her mouth, her mind is made up. She was in her stance and she was not going to back down till one of us was dead. The only unforeseen element was knowing what caliber pistol she was about to pull out and use. And, judging by the size of this broad, I’d go with a .44 mag or maybe a .45. What happened next was too much for me to bear. It was when the betrayal hit me full force. My own best friend, my wingman, the only one whom I trust with my very own life, Rainman, broke his silence “Pig, how many times do I have to tell you, knock that c off? No one here is interested in that crap”. I felt the pain of the knife blade piercing my skin. Then Art had to put his two cents in, “Yeah Pig, knock it off. I’m hungry and I didn’t ride this far to be turned away”. The knife blade was now twisting in my back. Then came the coup de grace, my own Fabulous Ms. T spoke up from across the room “Pig, you better not be causing any trouble over there.” Then the most painful of all comments came from somewhere in the back of the room, “Hey, let’s fry his ass up!” Oh the shame. They were willing to cook me! Outnumbered and out-gunned, I withdrew my protest quietly. I would like to say that the rest of my time spent there was better, but no, it was not. Art thought it would be funny to get up in my face with a piece of chicken fried bacon in his mouth. I just wanted to cry. Doesn’t anyone out there even care? The ride home was rather quiet for me, not much point in it, I thought.
“I’m sorry I protested your restaurant.” The service was great and the food was good but be warned, I’ll be back next year! Ride HARD or Stay Home
So, to the folks at the Sodalak Country Inn, I want to say
You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 10
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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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South CoastalT Riding on 77 his month, we head South – far South! Starting in Port Aransas the route heads to South Padre Island, with a total riding time of about 3.5 hours and running a little over 200 miles. There is an abundance of Texas history along this route, so saddle up and let’s go for a ride!
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Our starting point, Port Aransas, has a long history, from the Karankawa Indians, to being part of Mexico, to American colonization, to pirates, to the MexicanAmerican War, to the Civil War, to… well, you get the picture. Originally settled as a sheep and cattle grazing station, it is now a resort and fishing community. In 1850, Robert A. Mercer settled on St. Joseph (San Jose) Island, then moved south to Mustang Island (named for the many wild horses found in the area), and started the town. In 1888 this small town was known as Ropesville, named for Elihu H. Ropes, who attempted to build a 30foot channel across the island to provide residents of Corpus Christi easy access to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
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In 1896, the town changed its name to Tarpon, to market the great fishing opportunities. In 1911, the town officially adopted the name Port Aransas. There is some speculation about how “Aransas” came to be, tying it to the first recorded Spanish expedition in the area by Captain Oribio Basterra (Mexican Governor or Texas in 1739), who named the nearby stream/river, “El Rio Nombrado Nr’a Senora de Aranzazu” (“the river named Our Lady of Aranzazu” – a saint). Over the years, the name shifted from the river to the bay, to the pass and eventually, the port; though there are no records to indicate exactly how that came to be. To do in Port Aransas… Visit the many historical markers around the small town. Being the largest natural bird watching area on the coast, visit the Birding Center or the Port Aransas Nature Reserve. For beach goers, Mustang Island State Park provides over 3,500 acres, with 5 miles of beach frontage. More history can be found at the Port Aransas Museum. For lighthouse hunters, there is the Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse. It’s privately owned, so no entering the actual lighthouse, but there are some great photo opportunities. And for those anglers, there are many fishing charters available. Architecture-lovers can visit the historic Tarpon Inn (National Register of Historic Places and Texas Historic Landmark designation), built in 1866 with surplus lumber from Civil War barracks to house workers building the south jetty. The 1919 hurricane destroyed the main structure and the inn was sold and rebuilt in 1923. It was built with stronger reinforcements so the next rounds of storms, the structure housed many residents and has served as headquarters for the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and various military units. Two of the walls are covered in tarpon scales. Each scale has the signature and hometown of the angler, as well as the size, weight and date of the catch. For events, the town hosts several of note: Whooping Crane Festival (February), Outboard Fishing Tournament (July 18-20, 2014), and Texas Legends Billfish Tournament (August 6-10, 2014).
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Keep an eye out for buried pirate treasure. It is said that Captain Jean Lafitte buried a treasure chest. Supposedly, a Spanish silver dagger is laid on its side with a silver spike driven through the hilt, securing the location. Out of Port Aransas, take Highway 361, south through Mustang Island State Park. Turn right onto Park Road 22/South Padre Island Drive and travel over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway. This turns into Highway 358, heading into Corpus Christi. We’ve highlight Corpus Christi in our March 2011 Ride Map. You can find an archive of our maps in PDF form online for download. So feel free to pull down that map, head into Corpus and check out the sites! Out of Corpus Christi… or continuing our ride route… take a left on Highway 357, the a right on Highway 286, into Driscoll. The town was named for Robert Driscoll, Jr. This man was popular! The town of Driscoll in Nueces County preceded this one, but the oldest town of Driscoll opted to change their name to Alfred to avoid confusion. There isn’t a lot to see… but one item of note – the town is a notorious speed trap! On Highway 77, the speed limit drops from 70 MPH to only 35 MPH through town – and very abruptly. Traffic violations are a major source of revenue for this small town. So watch it! In Driscoll, turn left onto Highway 77, off of Highway 286, heading south. The ride route takes us through Bishop, then Kingsville. Both were covered in our December 2012 issue. Again, check out our online map archive to download it if you want to stop and check out the attractions. The next 10 towns are all along Highway 77, heading south… so just continue riding. Stop when you need gas or a stretch… or if something in this article about the town strikes your fancy. Remember, all specific towns and sites listed in this monthly ride map are all qualified destination points for our Points Across Texas patch! After Kingsville, comes Ricardo. Again, with many of the Texas towns, this one grew out of the railroad. The rail depot was established at the request of the manager of the King Ranch in the early 1900s. The station was given the name Richard, which was later transformed into the Spanish version, Ricardo. Most of the land around the depot was sold by the King Ranch and the small railroad town developed. Cotton was the main crop and later dairy also became a primary source of income for the area. Next up, is Riviera. Founder, Theodore Koch purchased the land from the King Ranch in 1907. The name comes from his fond memories of the famous French Riviera. Koch’s plan was to develop both Riviera and Riviera Beach, connect them, and make a tourist destination resort town. By 1916, Riviera Beach had a beautiful park designed by a Pasadena, CA florist. The future looked bright… until a seven-year drought ruined the park and the 1916 hurricane almost wiped it off the map all together. The town was rebuilt, but would never become the tourist mecca Koch dreamed of. Today, it’s a popular stop for gas and food, as there isn’t ThunderRoadsTexas.com
much between here and Raymondville, about 57 miles away. Additionally, birders can visit Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park. Others can find various historical markers, like the ones for the Indian Burial Ground and the Civil War Raid from Camp Boveda. Sarita comes up next. Established in 1904 and once part of the Kenedy Ranch, John G. Kenedy named the town after his daughter. It served as a center for the ranch and the Kenedy Pasture Company. Many settlers worked for the Kenedy Ranch. Others purchased or leased pasture from the Kenedy Pasture Company to raise cotton. Sarita had originally been in Cameron County and became the seat of the newly formed Willacy County in 1911. Then in 1921, when Kenedy County was formed, it took over as county seat again; and remains so today.
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As county seat, there is beautifully restored county courthouse to plant yourself in front of for Points Across Texas pictures! This was the last stop on Highway 77 until the 1940s, when the thoroughfare to Brownsville was completed. Across the street, is the Kenedy Ranch Museum, located in the restored former headquarters of the Kenedy Pasture Company building.
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Next on the map is Armstrong. Founded by Captain James B. Armstrong of the Armstrong Ranch around 1893. The first post office (town name) operated as Katherine, Texas, but was renamed in 1915. There is one interesting thing to see, if you’re a history buff, the tiny post office still stands and is actually still in operation. You can drop a note in the little blue box that sits outside. As for a postmaster, the hours are minimal, like only an hour a day. Continuing on is Raymondville. Established in 1904 by Edward Burleson Raymond, the small town is another railroad legacy. Raymond was a former employee of the King Ranch and acted as agent for selling the Ranch’s land in the area. Originally in Cameron County, it is now the seat of Willacy County, after Kenedy County was formed. This, of course, provides a Points Across Texas photo opportunity. Interested in Texas history? The Willacy County Historical Museum is located in the old school building on South Seventh Street. For events, Raymondville hosts the annual Wild in Willacy Nature & Heritage Festival (October). Farther down Highway 77 is Lyford, named for William H. Lyford, attorney for the Chicago and Easter Illinois Railroad. There was some connection to the trains that brought the first Anglo settlers into the region, many of whom hailed from Illinois and surrounding states. As with many of the small railroad towns along Highway 77, land for the town site was purchased from the King Ranch. During the Mexican Revolution, raiders would cross the border, so soldiers and Texas Rangers were stationed during 1913-1914 in Lyford to control this illegal immigration. The only thing left to see is the 1911 Lyford School building that sits in ruins. On down the road is Sebastian. Settled sometime before 1906, it was first known as Stillman. The town was renamed to Sebasitan in honor of John Sebastian, vice president of the Rock Island Railroad Company, Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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which helped to develop the area.
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Next is Combes, named for Kentuckian Charles B. Combes who relocated in the area in the early 19002 and formed Combes Ranch. The railroad came through in 1904, giving rise to a community.
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Next we enter Harlingen and then San Benito, both of which were covered in our December 2010 ride map (again, available online).
On the way to our final destination, let’s take a look at the small community of Los Fresnos. A ranch called Los Fresnos is said to have occupied a nearby site as early as 1770. However, the El Espiritu Santo was located on the current site of Los Fresnos. After the Mexican War, four tiny communities (Los Cuates, Charco Hondo, Tres Norias, and Agua Negra) merged to form Los Fresnos. The name translates to “ash”, referring to the scattering of Mexican Ash trees (Faxinus berlandieriana) along the streams in the area. In 1912, a local company developed a canal system to use the Rio Grande for farm irrigation. This led to the success of major crops, such as cotton, sugarcane, grains, orange, and red grapefruit orchards. There is a local saying in Los Fresnos, “when you stop at an intersection in town be sure to look both ways because a parade might be coming!” They host annual parades for
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1 - Tarpon Inn, Port Aransas; 2 - Lydi9a Ann Channel Lighthouse; 3 - Marker for Civil War Raid, Riviera; 4 - Marker for Indian Burial Ground, Riviera; 5 - Kenedy County Courthouse, Sarita; 6 - Kenedy Ranch Museum, Sarita; 7 Armstrong Post Office; 8 - Willacy County Courthouse, Raymondville; 9 - 1911 Lyford School, Lyford.
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After passing San Benito exit Highway 100, heading toward Port Isabel and South Padre Island.
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10 - Little Graceland, Los Fresnos; 11 - Bobz World, Los Fresnos; 12 - Port Isabel Lighthouse & Museum; 13 Dolphin Watching, Port Isabel; 14 - Port Isabel Historical Museum; 15 - Pirate Cruise, Port Isabel; 16 - South Padre Island Birding Center; 17 - Cristo de los Pescadores, South Padre Island; 18 - Whaling Wall, South Padre Island; 19 - Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island; 20 - Schlitterbahn, South Padre Island.
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South Coastal Riding on 77 the Los Fresnos Rodeo, Fourth of July, Homecoming, Christmas, and any other excuse for a parade that one can give them. Additionally, they have an active event resume, including the Los Fresnos Music Festival, Los Fresnos Rodeo, Elvis Festival, and more. Los Fresnos is home to Little Graceland, an Elvis Presley tribute by Simon Vega. Vega was a friend of Elvis while stationed in Germany with the US Army. Not far away, just east of town, is Bobz World where the latest robotic tehnology brings dinosaurs, marine animals and mummies from the ancient world to life. As with most of these coastal towns down Highway 77, the area is a bird-watching magnet. Then there’s fishing, hunting, surfing, or just being a beach bum.
This is one of the most convoluted backgrounds with respect to the various names of this small town; see if you can follow this! Brazos Santiago was settled nearby, on Brazos Island, in the mid-1700s. By 1800, the site was used as a summer resort. Official claim to the land was made in 1828, granted to Rafael Garcia as part of the Potrero (“pasture”) de Santa Isabel. During the 1830s El Frontón de Santa Isabel developed at the site and the name later changed to Punta (“point”) de Santa Isabel. The community took on the English version of the name, Point Isabel in 1845. In 1849, the name was changed to Brazos Santiago, when the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (French missionaries) arrived and established Our Lady by the Sea Church. In 1881, the
name was changed from Brazos Santiago to Isabel. In 1915, the community officially became Point Isabel (yes, again) and when the town incorporated in 1928, the name was finalized as Port Isabel. Whew… did you follow all that?
The history dates back to Spanish exploration in the sixteenth century. Until the 1950s, the only way to reach the island was by boat or ferry. The Queen Isabella Causeway was completed in 1954.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse, built in 1853, is one of 16 lighthouses constructed along the Texas Coast. It is the only one open to the public. Climb the 75 winding stairs and 3 short ladders to the top for a stunning view, including South Padre Island. In 2000, restoration of the lighthouse was completed and returned to the appearance it had in 1880.
Sites to visit: the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center that offers some of the best of coastal birds, butterflies, and natural wildlife; Cristo de los Pescadores (“Christ of the Fisherman”), a lost fishermen memorial located at the Isla Blanca Park; Sea Turtle, Inc., dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles (April through November is sea turtle nesting season) which offers a hands-on experience; and The Whaling Wall #53 “Orcas off the Gulf of Mexico” by Robert Wyland, located at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
Be sure to visit the Museums of Port Isabel complex that includes the Port Isabel Lighthouse and Keepers Cottage; the Port Isabel Historical Museum, located in the historical Champion Building built in 1899 with the one of the largest collections of artifacts from the US-Mexican War; and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, which spotlights three 1554 Spanish shipwrecks. And if you’re in the mood, there are pirate cruises, and fishing and dolphin watching tours. Leaving Port Isabel, continue on Highway 100, crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway, onto South Padre Island.
Events of note: the Great Texas Catamaran Race (June 11, 2014), the Beachcombers Fine Art Show (July 26-27, 2014), and Texas International Fishing Tournament (which began in 1934; July 30-August 3).
Thus ends our journey to the southern-most island of Texas!
What the small town of Riviera wanted to be, a successful resort community, South Padre Island has become. This is one of the most popular Texas destinations. There are beaches, fishing, Gulf of Mexico tours, Schiltterbahn Water Park, various water sports, horseback riding on the beach, birding, and so much more! The Island is only a half-mile at its widest point, meaning you’re only steps away from the beach and world-class beach activities.
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Continuing along Highway 100/East Ocean Boulevard, head on into Port Isabel.
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Points Across Texas Qualified Destination List - April 2014 Ride Map Kingsville Ricardo Riviera
Los Fresnos
Sarita
Port Isabel
• Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park • Indian Burial Ground Historical Marker • Civil War Raid Historical Marker • Kenedy County Courthouse • Kenedy Ranch Museum
Port Aransas • • • • • • •
Birding Center Port Aransas Nature Reserve Mustang Island State Park Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse Tarpon Inn Outboard Fishing Tournament Sign/Banner Texas Legends Billfish Tournament Sign/Banner
Corpus Christi Driscoll
• Speeding Ticket from Driscoll (not recommended, but if you get one, we’ll give you credit!)
• Armstrong Post Office
Raymondville
• Willacy County Courthouse • Willacy County Historical Museum • Wild in Willacy Nature & Heritage Festival Sign/Banner
Lyford
• 1911 Lyford School Building
Sebastian Combes Harlingen San Benito
Any parade in Los Fresnos Los Fresnos Music Festival Los Fresnos Rodeo Elvis Festival Little Graceland Bobz World
• Port Isabel Lighthouse • Museums of Port Isabel (each museum counts as a destination) • Queen Isabella Causeway
South Padre Island • • • • • • • •
Schlitterbahn Water Park South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center Cirsto de los Pescadores Memorial Sea Turtle, Inc. The Whaling Wall #53 Great Texas Catamaran Race Sign/Banner Beachcombers Fine Art Show Sign/Banner Texas International Fishing Tournament Sign/ Banner
RIDE
Bishop
Armstrong
• • • • • •
Quick Rules: • Locations/items must be easily identifiable in the photo. • Your AND/OR your bike must be in the picture. • Either a current issue of Thunder Roads Texas OR a print out of the 2014 Points Across Texas logo/patch must be visible in the photo. • Photos must be emailed to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.comor can be posted on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas). • Deadline for 2014 photos is January 15, 2015.
MAP
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Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
Bikerpallooza Summer Kick Off Party Facebook.com/events/259487210842378 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by Garrett Road Ice House (14303 Garrett Rd, Houston 77044). FREE SWAG! Live music by Crosstown Renegades. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
Arkansas State HOG Rally ARStateHOGRally.com Hot Spring, AR
Bugs and Blues Rally EastTexasMotorcycleEnthusiasts.com Chireno Region: Piney Woods Metro: Nacogdoches Denton ABATE 12th Annual Not ROT TMRA2.org Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Gatesville Biker Bash VHMI.org Gatesville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple Gearing Up for Gracie Ride gearingup4gracie@yahoo.com Waller Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
7 Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
Massacre in Badsville Car and Bike Show Facebook.com/events/283067145185394 Huffman Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
3rd Annual Route 49 Biker Rally Route49Rally.com Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
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!
Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas
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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!
Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com denise@rotrally.com 512.296.7492 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 becomes available.
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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!
Harley’s fior Hooters Fun Run The3Day.org Hurst Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Wolfe City Country Cruise WolfeCityCC@Yahoo.com Wolfe City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Register at Downtown Main Street in Wolfe City for a very well organized and beautiful ride around the countryside. $20/bike; First bike out 10am. All participating riders receive free chili and live entertainment. Awards given for oldest bike ridden, oldest rider, best modified, best bike, and best classic. For more information, visit their Facebook page; call Tony @ 903.496.2331; or email wolfecitycc@yahoo. com. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Back the Badge Ride Facebook.com/Events/1427746047470190/? Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Classic Car & Bike Show 817.798.6462 Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Poker Run to South Padre Island Facebook.com/PokerRunToSPI Harlingen to South Padre Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Harlingen
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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
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Audie Murphy Ride a Crooked Trail Car & Cycle Show Hoodplates.com/pdf/alm2013.pdf San Antonio Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Ride 2 Remember Facebook.com/Ride2RememberTX Sherman Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Dennison Tip of Texas Rockin’ Rally 915.241.2596 El Paso Region: Big Bend Metro: El Paso Colorado State HOG Rally COStateHOGRally.com Snow Mass, CO
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Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston One Night – THREE Parties! Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Live music, drink specials & 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, Kemah 77565; just west of Highway 146). Hosted by Blowout and his team! CENTRAL: Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop.
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Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day RideToWork.org International
Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AMRR.org Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth One ride, three nations; united in remembrance of our fallen heroes. Two rides with three starting points. For details and registration, visit their website. All rides end at the No. 1 British Flying Training School (BTFS) Museum at Terrell Texas. Riders will have time to visit the museum and ask question of volunteers before climbing on their steel steeds in a procession to the Oakland Cemetery nearby for a memorial service, including a flyover. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
40th Anniversary Aardvark Motorcycle Rally Facebook.com/events/1503930809827964 Seguin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: San Antonio A Day for Dawn (benefit) Facebook.com/events/842817539065277 Longview Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
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Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH
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Uplift Vets Father’s Day BBQ Cookoff, Car & Bike Show Upliftvets.org LaMarque Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Erath County Relay for Life “Cruzin’ for a Cure” 254.485.1767 Stephenville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Help us raise moneyh for cancer research. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration begins at 9am. First out at 10am. Ride starts and ends at Stephenville City Park. $20/bike; $25/bike & passenger. $5 hot dog lunch (provided by Knights of Pythias). Silent auction, 50/50 drawing, bike game, Best of Show bike contest, and live entertainment! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!
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EvenT Listing Amarillo Elks 2nd Ramble Across the Panhandle Facebook.com/Events/1471471593065775 Amarillo Region: Panhandle Metro: Amarillo Phantoms Fundraiser 210.861.2771 San Antonio Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Blowout’s Old School Swap Meet LaMarque Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Motor Maids 75th Annual Convention MotorMaids.org Kerrvlle Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR August 4-10 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD August 22-23 Branson Motorcycle Rally BransonMotorcycleRally.com Branson, MO August 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! August 29-September 1 Four Corners Motorcycle Rally (Previously Ignacio Bike Week) IgnacioBikeWeek.com/ Ignacio, CO
September 11-14 The Texas Rally Luau & Biker Bash TheTexasRally.com Lake Somerville 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! September 17-21 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM September 24-27 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR September 25-28 Rally in the Crater - Fall RallyintheCrater.com Mount Enterprise, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview
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Gypsy MC International River City Chapter Silver (25th) Anniversary Party (open to the public) 830.597.4239 Camp Wood Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio
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October 10-12 Corpus Christi BikeFest (formerly SPI BikeFest) CCBikeFest.com Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi October 16-19 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL November 6-9 Blowout’s Lone Star Campgrounds & 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!
EVENTS
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.
WE OFFER GREAT EVENT PROMOTIONAL PACKAGES! CONTACT US TODAY! ThunderRoadsTexas.com Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas 281.866.8149
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We Asked - You Recommended! Las month, we aske for your recommendatios for the BEST pie in Texas. Wow... so many options and they all sound incredible!
had,” says Silvia.
Aunt Bea’s Buttermilk Pie at Dahlia Café in Liberty Hill “is to die for, best I have ever
Claude claims Lost Maples in Utopia has the best homemade pies in Texas! Their specialty: coconut.
Bea’s Buttermilk, Dahlia Cafe
Ganny’s Pie Shop in Winnsboro and The Shed Café in Edom were submitted by Kenny. Both offer a wide variety of pies.
The Shed
Ganny’s Pie Shop
Cocunut Cream, Lost Maples
Tim says the Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls has the best. They even have a “Pie Happy Hour” Monday-Friday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Tootie Pie Company, Inc., submitted by Ashely offers the famous six-pound “Original Apple Pie”. An odd submission, but hey, we will pass along the Reader Recommendations, no matter what… Tracie and Chris suggest the Angelina County Airport Grill, located between Lufkin and Diboll. Love Creek Orchards Cider Mill & Country Store inn Medina is offered up by Joe with the suggestion of a “big slice of apple pie… with apple ice cream.”
Blue Bonnet Cafe
Coconut Cream, Koffee Cup
Chris recommends the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant in Hico. He suggests the coconut cream or black forest pies. They also offer sugar-free pie options, for those watching their waste lines. Bob says the Must Be Heaven Coconut Meringue is the best. Located in Brenham, they also serve up a mean bourbon chocolate chip pecan pie.
Love Creek Orchards 6-LB Apple Pie, Tootie Pie Co
The Pie in the Sky Company in Conroe has this “hot & sloppy” Mississippi mud pie. “It’s so sloppy, they serve it in a bowl,” says Miranda. Bevers Kitchen in Chappell Hill “has this Sawdust Pie – a creamy dream,” comments Margie. Last on our list, but definitely not least, is the MidPoint Café and Gift Shop in Adrian. They are most famous for their “ugly crust pies”. Some of John’s favorites are the chocolate chip, homemade fudge and cherry pies.
Must Be Heaven
Quite a few pie selections… looks like a good solid week of riding and eating pie, if you ask us! If you do visit any of these – be sure to send in a picture of you eating the pie! For next month, we’re sticking with food. Where can we get the BEST Chicken Fried Steak in Texas? It’s a staple, right? So there should be plenty of recommendations from across the state… let’s see ‘em!
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Pie in the Sky Pie Co
Ugly Crust Pie
Bevers Kitchen
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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 27 * June 2014
ON THE COVER
WAS THERE!!
Every year, more than 20 correspondents and other staff members attend hundreds of events around the entire state. These next few pages represent Spring 2014 events which we sponsored and/or participated in! Anyone interested in submitting articles and/or pictures for Thunder Roads Texas - we accept submissions from anyone... and if you’re interested in becoming a part of our team - email shelly@thunderroadstexas.com for details. We’d love to have you!
15th Annual What the Hey Ride
New Year’s Day * Brazoria Mike Boone, TRT Correspondent For 15 years now, Frank Dietz has put this ride together. There is always a good turnout, regardless of the cold weather; though there have been those rare occasions of unseasonably warm weather. Dietz is known for saying, “Do today, the first day of the year, what you’re going to do the rest of the year… RIDE!”
Party on the Trinity
February 21-23 * Liberty Don Brewer, TRT Correspondent Held in Liberty, between Houston and Beaumont off Highway 90, at the TVE Fairgrounds. All the normal rally fare was in full form. We are seeing more charity groups at the various rallies. This Party was well attended by Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and the EMS Angels Motorcycle Club. This year, Dwayne Lopez with Road Dawg Rallies, took the Party over and has also purchase Biker Rallies of Texas (Thunder in the Hill Country in March and Rumble on the River in September, both take place at Mansfield Park in Bandera.
Spring Rally Kick Off Party
March 1 * Houston SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Shelly Horan, Managing Editor/Owner Bob and I attended this opening of the Spring Rally season, put on by Roadhouse Entertainment and VIP Apparel. Live music all day, representatives from some of the more popular rallies, such as Blowout of Blowout’s Biker Bash and Dwayne and Paula Lopez, of Party on the Trinity and new owners of Biker Rallies of Texas. SWAG from other rallies, such as Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally and the Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally was readily available, as well as some offerings from Thunder Roads Texas!
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Blowout’s Biker Bash
March 13-16 Hitchcock SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Despite the poor weather and smaller than anticipated turnout because of it, Blowout still throws one helluva party! Nothing is going to dampen the mood at his rally! All the festivities and bands went on, rain… or rain!
Bikes & Bugs
Pre-Parties started March 22; Main Event held May 3 * Houston Area SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Shelly Horan, Managing Editor/Owner; Photos by Scott Albright The pre-parties for this three-month long fundraising effort began March 22 at locations around Houston ending with the Main Event at the Old Trading Post. All parties offered vendors, crawfish cooked by Floyd’s, live music, and the ability to purchase raffle tickets for the bike giveaway. The bike giveaway and live and silent auctions, were added at the Main Event. One of the servers at the Old Trading Post won the bike and has never ridden. Hope he takes lessons before climbing on! It sure is good to see Chris Nelson back at it,
after taking a year off for health reasons. This year, the Wallis Family Foundation and the Beth Francis Butler Charitable Foundation benefited from Chris’ efforts.
Snake’s Easter Run
March 30 * Galveston Donny Phillips, TRT Correspondent Over 320 riders joined together to help Edward “Snake” Aleman raise money and collect Easter baskets for the children and families at the Shriner’s Burns Hospital in Galveston. Riders and helpers gathered more than 500 baskets and 8,600 dollars in donations for the families and children. It was a rewarding experience to get to spend time with the ThunderRoadsTexas.com
children. They really enjoy the bikes and the attention. We could not have asked for better weather for riding this day. I’d like to recognize Heartbreakers for letting us use their lot and facilities. I also want to say thanks to the Warriors Bikers 4 Charity who stood in as road guards; had a great time with these guys after the ride out. Be on the lookout and join us next year to be a part of this great event. “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
~Proverbs 19:17
Biker’s Helping Babies
April 5 * Pasadena to Galveston SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Shelly Horan, Managing Editor/Owner I was truly excited… the first time any of the rides we sponsor/participate in asked me to lead a ride! Unfortunately, the weather forecast was not good, causing me to have to give up that spot to our Correspondent, Donny Phillips. Not “whimp” – I call it “safety”. Despite the day, hundreds of bikes turned out to help raise money and awareness for the March of Dimes. The ride began at San Jacinto Harley and ended at the Brickhouse Tavern on Galveston Island; complete with live auctions and more! I, personally, have benefited from the research done by this organization over the years. My son was born premature by two months, after I was in pre-term labor for a month. He is now going on 16 years old, 6’1”, 250 pounds of all healthy boy! Thank you March of Dimes! And thanks goes out to Denise and David Hewitt for the dedication to this event the last two years. They started the ride, with the help of Centerpoint Energy, after losing their grandchild to SIDS.
Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally
April 10-13 * Lake Somerville SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Shelly Horan, Managing Editor/Owner Wow… what great weather for this event! And the turnout was simply phenomenal. Damon Dave and Wendy, once again, filled Big Creek Park & Marina to the gills! This rally is built around the understanding that folks like to ride around on carts at these larger events, so they simply embraced that desire and ran with it. In addition to all the normal rally activities, they offer cart races and decorating contests, contests for best camping site party, and this year, FREE Bloody Marys Saturday morning.
Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association Rally
April 11-13 * Comanche Randy McCamey, Associate Editor Comanche, Texas, home of the 2014 State Rally of the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association. Home is the feeling I got because the rally was literally “near my home” – a mere 16 miles away – and also because there was a feeling of “being home” during the rally. Weather for the event was near-perfect. During the event, I met with many of TMRA’s officers including President Jean Hudgins and State Secretary Eva Owen. Over 300 bikes were present at this year’s rally that included a band on Saturday night; bike games; kids’ games; a bike show; vendors; and a 100-mile poker run, that included a stop at the historic Regency bridge. Also included in the festivities, a motorcycle awareness parade Friday night, a silent auction that raised $400 for the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department, and a food drive that benefited the Salvation Army. The TMRA State Rally has been held in Comanche for many years and Vice-President Catherine “Pegasus” Bochat-Duross told me that the Comanche community is so pleasant and accommodating that TMRA always enjoys coming back. “We are thrilled to have the TMRA State Rally in Comanche,” says Comanche Chamber of Commerce Director Christine Perkins, “and we attribute part of the attraction to our safe roads, friendly drivers, and wide open spaces – perfect for motorcycles! The TMRA encourages locals to visit the rally and we have a number of local riders who are TMRA members.”
Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally
April 25-27 * Nacogdoches SPONSORED BY THUNDER ROADS TEXAS Don Brewer, TRT Correspondent The OTT Rally and Bar-B-Que Cook-Off was held for its 6th year and it was another great success. There were too many bikes and people to even get a head count! BikeRallyPhotos.com was sitting out on the road taking pictures as you rode into the rally. It is a cool deal and the riders can go to their site and buy their picture. The Insane O’s were there to entertain the crowd and they put on a hell of show. They members would get bike in this round cage and ride upside and around and around. Thrilling…but scary! Haven Recovery sold raffle tickets for a 2014 Street Glide and trailer to be given away at Daytona Beach. All the money they raised goes toward helping disabled Veterans. And Dean Seltzer & the Redneck Mothers, sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas, took the stage Friday night, with an energetic performance. All-in-all, it was a great rally and I look forward to more fun next spring.
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1 Annual Outlaw Dave’s First Responders Wild Ride st
April 26 * Houston Shelly Horan, Managing Editor/Owner, Some photos by Van Cochran Bob and I joined in with the Outlaw Dave’s First Responders Ride. Working with the Texas Association of First Responders and their Wild Game Cook Off the ride started at Outlaw Dave’s and ended at the cook off. There was a host tent, offering free food and drink for the riders. More than 200 riders participated, a great showing for a first ride, especially with the “iffy” weather. Funds raised from the ride benefit the Association which provides assistance to law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel injured in the line of duty. Since their inception in 2007, they have issued a total of $166,855 in funds. As with all of these events, if you like what you see and read, be sure to check them out next year. Next month, we have more “Thunder Roads Texas Was There” to share with you! If you’re an event organizer and are interested in having Thunder Roads Texas as a sponsor, please contact Shelly via email: Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com.
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Dear Dad, $chool i$ great. I’m making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying hard. I $imply can’t think of anything I need, $o ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you. Love, Your $on Dear Son, I kNOw astroNOmy, ecoNOmics and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh. Love, Dad My father cannot finish a sentence. When we were kids he would go, “Girls the most important thing in life to remember is...” “Daddy, what is it?” “What’s what, honey?” “The most important thing in life to remember.” “Oh, what’s that?”
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If your dad is anything like mine, then you have no clue what to buy him for Father’s Day. The only Father’s Day tradition in my family is the annual conversation he and I have where I say, “Hey, Dad, what do you want for Father’s Day this year?” and he says, “Nothing.” Then I ask my mom what I should get him and she says, “He likes sandalwood soap, dangly jewelry and Chanel No 5 perfume.”
Junior had just received his brand new drivers license. To celebrate, the whole family trooped out to the driveway and climbed into the car for his inaugural drive. Dad immediately headed to the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.
A father was at the beach with his children when his fouryear-old son Bob ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore, where a seagull lay dead in the sand.
“Nope... I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you’ve been doing to me for sixteen years.”
“Daddy, what happened to him?” Bob asked. “He died and went to Heaven,” the dad replied. Bob thought a moment and then said, “Did God throw him back down?”
“I’ll bet you’re back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive,” said the beaming boy to his ol’ man.
“Daddy, where did I come from?” the seven-year-old son asked.
Her Daddy smiled, pleased, and said: “Yes!”
It was a moment for which his father had carefully prepared. He took him into the living room, got out the encyclopedia and several other books, and explained all they thought he should know about sexual attraction, affection, love, and reproductions. Then, his dad sat back and smiled contentedly. “Does that answer your question?” his father asked.
The little girl continued: “That’s because Mummy put you in charge, right?”
“Not really,” the little boy said, “Michael said he came from Detroit. I want to know where I came from.”
One evening a little girl and her parents were sitting around the table eating supper. The little girl said: “Daddy, you’re the boss, aren’t you?”
June 2014
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Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “ * ” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR; $125 for churches, bands, MC clubs/groups, and VFW/ALR Halls - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information. * Sisterdale Saloon * 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
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Biker Friendly * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd 510, #2 Brazoria, TX 77422 979.798.6061 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Insurance & Attorneys * Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.FreewayInsurance.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
Lodging & Campgrounds DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio *Scoot On Inn Cabins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Region: HIll Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Motorcycle Towing Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station
Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Road Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston
... continued * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Pit Stop Biker Gear 13028 State Highway 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936-661-7518 www.pitstopbikergear.com
Miscellaneous * American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West Livingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411 Oklahoma Backroads blongarborist@gmail.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
BIKER FRIENDLY SPECIAL PURCHASE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $149/basic or $199/premium Get an extra 6 months FREE!
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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 40 * June 2014