It’s not about the bike... it’s about the RIDE!
Sending a Strong Signal An Interview with Randy James Lone Star 92.5 KZPS Radio - Dallas
June 2012
ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Also Inside:
Easter Egg Hunt Winner Spring Rally Wrap Up Ride Map: Austin Area Biker Band Corner: CrossTown Renegades
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Contents
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June 2012 On the Cover 32 Sending a Strong Signal: Randy James This Month
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35
27
Easter Egg Hunt Winner
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Spring Rally Wrap Up
Regular Features 8 From the Editor 10 From the Road: Letters to the Editor 12 Two Wheel Thunder TV Review: Cardo Scala Rider G9 14 Pink Thunder: Rallying for Rights 16 Pig Writes: The Wedding Invitation 18 Snapshots: Still Adding New Picture Opportunities 35 Monthly Ride Map: A Little Bit of Everything... and a Patch, Too! 38 ThunderCam 40 Joker’s Wild 42
Biker Band Corner: CrossTown Renegades
Resources 21 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out June 2012 Calendar 43
42 34
Biker Friendly Listing
On the cover: Randy James of 92.5FM in Dallas. Photo by Randy McCamey.
OWNERS Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
ADVERTISING SALES
FEATURE WRITERS
Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com
Peggy Beck - Two Wheel Thunder TV Reviews; sharing Pink Thunder, each submitting quarterly: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct), Shelly “Cricket” Beatty (Feb/May/Aug/Sep), & Terri Williams (TMRA2; Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec); and “Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes
Laura Mae Benson - Sales Manager Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642
CORRESPONDENTS
Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - Houston ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161 Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679 Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com 210.445.2477 Don “DB” McGovern - Dallas/Fort Worth ThunderRoadsDon@gmail.com 972.896.1919 Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.
Michael Jackson - Galveston; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey Amarillo; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Mary “Ima Ryder” Taylor - Austin; “Pig” - San Antonio”; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Don Brewer Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston/Gulf Coast; Dan Harp - Keller; Jason English - East Texas; Gwen Tucker Central Texas; Don McGovern - Houston; Travis Jacobs; Houston; Jason English - Rusk; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods; Amy Jacobs - Gulf Coast; MORE COMING ONBOARD EVERY MONTH!
We have had a very busy Spring. We sponsored quite a few events around the state during the Spring. A snippet can be found on pages 28-31. If you’re interested in having Thunder Roads Texas sponsor your event, please contact me. We’re looking for smaller, local events in all metro areas of Texas, as well as the larger multi-day venues. Summer slows down as far as rallies, but picks up for riding as bikers take summer vacations and get out of the house a little more regularly. Thunder Roads Texas will still keep sending out good vibes and information about happenings, interesting places to visit, and good places to eat and shop. Watch our July issue for a feature on the “Best Little Eateries in Texas”, some of which are previewed in our Ride Map this month. Speaking of the Ride Map… we’re excited that our ride map features a day ride that gets you very close to earning your Points Across Texas patch – with eight qualified picture submission suggestions. Add a couple more on top from our 2012 Themed List of Texas State Symbols and you can earn your patch in a day! All riders who have sent in ten (10) qualified picture submissions by October 31 are entered into a drawing for a weekend stay at Koyote Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Check out our website (http://ThunderRoadsTexas.com) or our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas) for details and the list of qualified destinations/pictures. This month, we’re pleased to be highlighting a popular figure from the Dallas/Fort Worth area – Randy James from 92.5FM, host of the Lone Star Bike Nights. Check him out on page 32, then check out the 92.5 website for details on upcoming bike nights. Make sure you say “hi” and tell him you saw him in Thunder Roads Texas. We are also still growing in staff! We welcome Amy Jacobs (Gulf Coast area) and Leah Hanscom (photographer out of East Texas) to our team. If you’re interested in joining our team, we’re always looking for writers, photographers, cartoonists, artists, and, well… anything you think you can contribute that is related to motorcycles and Texas! AND… don’t forget… we accept reader submissions. Send in pictures for the Thunder Cam pages, articles about an event you attended or a road you really enjoyed, or fictional stories. We love it when our readers share with us! We tip our hats to the fathers in our riding community… keep going strong for your kids! Enjoy your June, send photos and write ups for your favorite activity… and keep riding! Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com
Find us, Befriend us, Follow us, Join us!
Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com
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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
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first destination on a four stop tour of Milam, Lee and Burleson Counties. “It is always thrilling to look back over your shoulder and see miles of bikes from all over Texas, Milam County, and some even as far away as Oregon”. The riders returned to the final stop and were greeted by the smell of brisket and all the trimmings. The Auction was once again the highlight of the day as John Fisher of Rockdale entertains the crowd as he draws the very best bid from the buyers. CORRECTION In our May 2012 issue, Pink Thunder feature, this picture was incorrectly identirfied as Mary and JJ. They are actually Caldonia and Wyatt, the children of one of the mothers higlighted in the “Tribute to Mothers” by Shelly “Cricket” Beatty.
Awards were given to several bikers: Farthest traveled, John Williams of Oregon. Oldest Biker Duane Williams of Rockdale, Oldest Bike Aaron Gifford of Rockdale and Ladies Choice went to Doug Nadeau. As always at the end of the day, the most exciting part is presenting the check to the MARC Center Board and consumers. This year, with donations still coming in, the Bad to the Bone Riders are proud to award over $23,000.00 to the Marc Center. The Riders appreciate so much all of our sponsors, our friends, and those who keep coming back to ride and donate every year. “Thank you all for making this one of the best years yet!” Charles Ray Starr
11th MARC RUN
POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION BENEFIT RIDE
This is a follow up of our Ride and some pics attached that you asked for to place in your Magazine. Thanks for your support and all you do for the Biker community. The 11th Annual Marc Run was held Saturday, April 14th at The Ranch in Rockdale. It was a huge success. This benefit hosted annually by the Bad to the Bone Riders And The MARC RUN Committee raised money to benefit the consumers of the MARC Center in Rockdale a 501C3 Organization that serves all of Milam County adults with mental and physical disabilities. In today’s economy there are only two words for what happens at this event every year..., love and heart. Throughout the years the ride has grown from a few local bikers interested in lending a hand to a major opportunity for bikers from all over the United States to enjoy a day of riding and fellowship and help some dearly loved people. An auction in the afternoon has been added and this year a BBQ meal was offered for sale to the public to allow those who don’t own a bike but wanted to participate to do just that. Rockdale once again shined through by donating items to the auction, attendance, purchasing plates, and lending a hand. This year was a huge success as the morning saw the local police escort lead over 100 bikes and riders through town as they headed out to their
American Legion Post 402 had a benefit to raise money to help the Police Officers Association (POA). They raised over $11,000.00. The POA donates to different organizations in Polk county such as, The Safe House, The Food Bank, and The Livingston Memorial Hospital for equipment. The post had a fun run on April 21, 2012 instead of doing the same thing each year. We went to Pine Ridge nursing center and Bradford nursing center in Livingston, Texas to visit the residents. All of the people that live there came out to look at the bikes and visit with us. It really did make there day. One man that is 85 years old got out of his wheel chair and was pushing one of the lady riders around. It made me feel sad watching how little we did for them make these people feel so good. Ride Safe, Don Brewer
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Cardo Scala Rider G9
Bluetooth Motorcycle Communication
oday riders long for the good old days of freedom on the road. However, most of us are very thankful for the improvements that technology now offers the motorcycle world. So with that being said think how much our life relies on keeping in touch with others instantly. Cardo Scala Rider is on the top of the technology wave in communications. As with technology, the options are endless and Cardo pushes the limits of endlessness. It may just be simpler to state what this system cannot do. It can’t bring you coffee in bed… but it can tell you where to find the coffee if you are out riding.
If you are a technologically savvy person you already know that this “information age” has developed through stages. First there were the Web 1.0 companies, next there was the Web 2.0 companies. Now everything is going mobile. It is a little like Eric Clapton “unplugged”. Now your info comes to you through phone and blue tooth. On the go. Technology is where you are. Communication is essential, not only for progress but for safety. With the new G9 you can talk to your passenger, other riders in your group, and even other G9 and G4 users nearby. Click-to-Link™ is a unique Cardo intercom feature that empowers users to make spontaneous connections to any Scala Rider G9 or G4 user within range. “Flash Pairing” allows users to establish a connection in seconds by bumping two-Scala rider G9 units together. The Scala Rider G9 can communicate up to one mile, allowing users to toggle back and forth to converse with up to eight riders, talk to as many as two friends simultaneously via an intercom system. The Intercom Conference Mode allows full duplex conversations with fellow riders, enabling four-way conversations between two drivers and two passengers, three-way conversations between three separate riders, and two-way rider-to-rider or rider-to-passenger conversations. Ride organizers and road guards can quickly see the need
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for these units. The larger the ride the more imperative for the road captains in the front of the pack to communicate with the middle and the end of the group. There is always the problem of “rubber banding” issues during the ride and traffic signals. To say nothing about communicating basic directions, stops, mechanical problems, and problems with cages.
You can use them to access the radio or even your MP3 player. You can receive GPS navigation to get that cup of coffee. Many functions can be controlled by voice command for safe, hands-free operation (EX: “music on” or call “Bill Smith”). An incredibly smart priority management system allows riders to automatically disconnect from the intercom or music to receive incoming phone calls or inear GPS instructions. The rugged Scala Rider G9 has a unique social side with the Cardo Community web platform, which gives users an online venue to name tag their G9 unit, invite friends for a ride, plan tours, meet up with fellow riders, and customize the Scala Rider G9 to enhance social networking. The G9 is upgradeable to ensure that users can take full advantage of all the latest technical features, including Group Signal, which allows a rider to alert others on the ride and Hot-Dial calling. It’s like social networking on wheels. The G9 provides users with up to twelve hours of talk time with a standby time of seven days. The unit charges in three hours and features advanced Digital Signal Processing.
Cardo Systems, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has specialized in the design, development, manufacturing, and sale of state-of-the-art communication and entertainment systems for motorcycle helmets since 2003. Cardo has pioneered the majority of the most useful and enjoyable innovations for Bluetooth motorcycle headsets. The company’s Scala Rider line of headsets, now available in over 60 countries, is the world’s best selling Bluetooth system for the motorcycle industry. So the good old days are not as good as they seem and with the innovations from Scala Rider the future of communications on motorcycles is looking brighter each day. Look them up, check the Cardo Systems out. With all the events and the great list of “Points Across Texas” in Thunder Roads Texas, you will sure be glad you didn’t leave home without it… Ride Safe, and please remember to have all your safety gear incase you run into bad weather. Looking forward to meeting all you bikers this month.
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Rallying for Rights Terri Williams, TMRA2 (Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec)
erri Williams, secretary Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA; TMRA2.org) and TRT feature writer, has allowed us to use her space this month to highlight the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents (COC&I; COCTX.org) 2012 State Rally held April 20-22 at Bryant’s Ice House in Katy Texas. This year represented the rally “coming home”, where it originally started - Houston. Each year, the group gets together with the US Defenders and the Coalition of Independent Riders (COIR) to raise funds for the cause, go over legislative and other rights’ accomplishments across the state, and have some fun while doing so. Texas riders lead the nation in many ways. We have one of the most organized groups of dedicated bikers fighting for motorcyclists’ rights. We help other states start their own COC. And we raise funds year round to fight the good fight to keep Texas’ state laws from eroding our rights. Additionally, these groups are heavily involved in educating the general public through road signs, proclamations, and more hoping to raise awareness and save riders’ lives. They work closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) as well as creating and running their own campaigns. This event, mostly put together by the Lost Inc Motorcycle
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Club and Bear Prince, was three days of camping, contests, games, raffles, vendors, presentations, bands, and more; all for only $20 donation at the gate! While the event had a very wet start Friday, the weather cleared out late Friday night and beautiful blue skies Saturday and Sunday. We have been lucky to have Bear Prince support many of our efforts and were pegged early in
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the planning process as the Official Media of the Rally. If you don’t know Bear, he is one big guy – physically and in heart. He is a firm believer in our rights as Americans, not just motorcyclists. He serves as president of the Cut N Shoot Chapter of Lost Inc MC and COC Houston Region chairman. He and his crew did a great job with the rally and we salute him and the COC’s efforts year-round on our behalf. It was a huge event, thousands were in attendance representing all colors around the state.
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
While the state rally is an annual event and Legislative Day (January 21, 2013) is only every two years, fighting for our rights is a daily job that these folks take on… voluntarily. It is important to get out, be a part of it, get heard. Be an advocate, do what you can do for the cause. It could be as simple and easy as putting one of Suds’ “Share Road” yard signs so you’re neighbors see it; attending a monthly meeting of the COC&I in your region; joining the TMRA or Texas ABATE (TexasABATE.com); or simply talking to your
friends and family, encouraging them to pass the word along. If you have a little more passion about the subject and really want to get involved, contact the COC&I in your area to see how. They always welcome more hands for the cause. Thank you Terri, for the space this month and for your tireless efforts on our behalf. Terri’s updates from the capital will continue in September.
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The Wedding Invitation ear Pig, It’s springtime here in south Texas and love is in the air. And I, Krista “Rainbird” Wilkerson, along with my fiancé, Shaun “Panther” Canfield, have decided we wish to spend the rest of our lives together in love. We will be having a biker wedding on May 12th and you are invited to attend.”
black and white. It was a list of Do’s and Don’ts I had to follow if I wished to be a part of the wedding. I couldn’t believe it, how could Krista think that I, Pig, would ever do something to ruin her wedding. Rainman grabbed the list out of my hand. “Let’s read it, shall we?” he said with a laugh.
That was what I read on the invitation card. Krista handed them out at Motorcycle Fellowship Church in early April. “Hey, this is cool, I get to go to a wedding,” I said to Rainman. But then something caught my eye. I noticed that my invitation seemed a little thicker than the others. Perhaps there was a gift card inside for me to buy some new leathers for the party. I just knew Krista would want me to look my best for her big day. I decided I better wait until we got home to open the envelope. I didn’t want anyone getting jealous that I got something more than them.
Dear Pig,
Since I don’t have fingers, I had Rainman finish opening the envelope for me. He pulled out a piece of paper along with the invitation. That was when I saw it. It was not a gift card for me. No, it was more like a list of requirements I had to meet in order to be able to attend the wedding. “Requirements, what is up with that?” I thought to myself.
• Must take a bath or shower before arriving to the ceremony.
Hey, where is the fun in that?
• No drinking before the ceremony.
• Cannot leave with more than one (1) date from the wedding.
There it was, right there in front of me, all spelled out in
• No writing messages like “Help Me” on the bottom of
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We would love for you and Rainman to attend our wedding. However, since we know a little of your past partying habits, we would like for you to not do a few things that may (or may not) place us in an embarrassing situation. I have enclosed a list of those items.
• No drinking before the ceremony.
• Must not attend the bachelor party (I don’t want Shawn on probation).
• Cannot bring more than one (1) date to the wedding.
• No disgusting loud belches during the ceremony. • No drinking during the ceremony.
the grooms shoes. OK, I get the point “No Drinking” before the ceremony. • Must ride to wedding and reception on a motorcycle.
• No objections to the Preacher during the ceremony.
• No chasing the bridesmaids. • Must use the proper restroom and not a tree.
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• No looking up women’s skirts. • No pushing the bride in the pond. • No pushing anyone else in the pond. • No swimming in the pond. • No putting your beer purchases on someone else’s tab without permission. • No starting any fights. • Must keep your pants on the whole time. The list seemed to go on and on. Then, at the bottom, she included that “Thor” would be watching over me to make sure that I behave myself. “Thor, what the hell is a Thor” I said to myself. “Does she honestly think that I would do things like that at her wedding?” I asked Rainman. “I would have to say that she knows you quite well Pig” Rainman replied. The bachelor party I can understand. I have already been banned from the strip club for life. But what gives with all of this other stuff? In all honesty, I think these are more guidelines, I know that Krista would never hog-tie me like this.
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Still Adding New Picture Opportunities SPONSOR (qualified destination) Tommaso’s Italian Grill 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 BIZ LISTINGS (qualified destinations) D’Rose Inn & Cabins US 83 Leakey, TX 78873 The Hog Pound 13710 RR 12, #14 Wimberley, TX 78676
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e are always glad to hear from those participating in our reader riding program, Points Across Texas! Monica McClaskey Clark found another “capital” missing from our list - the Eagle Scout Capital of Texas, Shiner! We started our list with the Texas Legislature listing of “recognized” capitals around the state. But there are plenty self-proclaimed capitals that are a little harder to find or know about. So if you run into one, send us a picture showing the city/town promotional item, sign, banner or such that indicates the “capital” and we’ll add it to our list. Be sure you and/ or your bike are in the picture so you’ll get immediate credit for the “Point” picture! Thank you Monica... not only for letting us know, but being such an avid participant! Also, last month our editor, Shelly, set out to prove how
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easy it is to earn the Points Across Texas patch. In a single weekend to the Texas Hill Country, she took Mia and Becky to at least 10 locations (actually more!) and earned their patches in just one weekend’s trip. No bikes (not required to earn the patch). Two of the pictures were from this year’s Texas State Symbols list - silver (Becky bought them all matching silver bracelets) and chips &
salsa (they celebrated Cinco de Mayo in Kerrville). So to those who are nervous about trying, it is very easy - and fun - to earn YOUR Points Across Texas patch. The deadline for entry into the end-of-year drawing is October 31, 2012. However, you can still submit photos for a patch through December 31, 2012. You can post them to our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas) or email them to PAT@ ThunderRoadsTexas.com.
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EVENT
Event Listing
The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!
Hub City Tattoo & Bike Fest HubCityBikeFest.com Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock
Oilfield Helping Hands Car & Motorcycle Rally OilfieldHelpingHands.com Tomball Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
A New Year of Hope Motorcycle Fun Run 972.822.4452 Irving Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Ride for Life StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Texas ABATE TALES Seminar 940.210.1857 Belton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple
NAPA Car & Bike Show NAPAHouston.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Cars for Heroes Car & Bike Show Support.WoundedWarriorProject.org Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
3rd Annual Vets & Hawgs Rally 281.592.5543 Cleveland Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Double A Charity Bike Run Facebook.com/DoubleACharityBikeRun Randolph Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
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Austin Motorcycle Extravaganza 512.619.1881; 512.928.3252 Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin
Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH
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Clarksville VFD Historical Poker Run RedRiverCOC.com Clarksville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Texarkana
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Benefit for Gypsy Parachute Facebook.com/events/124178181049731 Helena Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
Wolfe City Country Cruise 903.496.2331 Wolfe City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Gena Guffee Freedom Fighter Run ABATETexoma.com Sherman Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Denison
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Summer Jam Car & Bike Show SummerJamCarShow.com Rosenburg Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Texas COC&I Meeting - Houston COCTX.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Crosby/Huffman VFW Bike Run VFW-Post-9761.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Biker Bash 2012 VHMI.org Gatesvillle Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple
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BACA Bash & Gun Raffle baca_tazftw@yahoo.com; mecharles49@aol.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Ride for Warriors 806.633.4476 Tulia Region: Panhandle Metro: Amarillo
EVENTS
4th Annual Harley’s for Hooters Fun Run 817.783.2623 Hurst Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Held in the Ellis County Expo Center Hwy 287 & I-35 service road. It’s the Waxahachie Motorcycle Swap Meet – Parts & Party! Door prizes, vendors, swap meet space available for only $40/space, live band, and more. Free parking! For more information, visit the website or call 254.687.9066. $8/adult; $5 kids 5-14 & Military; Kids under 5 FREE. Show hours: 10am-4pm.
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Heroes for Holden Ride HeroesForHolden.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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EMS Angels Ride 832.579.4262 Port Bolivar Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
1st Annual Summer Poker Run 903.283.2663 Murchison Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Tyler
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3rd Annual BON Party USA Benefit Ride Facebook.com/events/285342978195864 Crystal Beach Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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13th Annual NOT ROT Rally NotROT.TMRA2.org Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Benefit Ride for KJ Rabe GoeHarley-Davidson.com Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Gryphons MC Party & Bike Raffle 972.454.0880; 469.766.9063 Waxahachie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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Fathers Day Car Show @ Watters Creek MorningManiacs.com Allen Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Memorial Ride for Rafael Del Val Jr Facebook.com/events/337664776300766 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org
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Calvary Car & Bike Show 469.774.7191 Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Youth World Kids Fundraiser Poker Run YouthWorld.org Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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5th Annual Juneteenth Car & Motorcycle Show BlueFlameCruisers.com Bastrop Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin
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RPC Classic Car & Motorcycle Show RiverPointe.org Richmond Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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2nd Annual Fathers’ Day Car/Bike Show & Swap Meet Len-Mar.net San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio
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EvenT Listing
June 21 Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! THIS MONTH: We celebrate Fathers’ Day. All fathers get an extra door prize ticket! Held at Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77068). Co-hosted by the Outlaw Dave Show. Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials (big ass beer night!), vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston!
14th Annual Summer Music Fest AustinCountyFair.com Bellville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Texas Fallen Heroes Ride & BBQ TexasFallenHeroesRide.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Rumble Through the Pines Gypsy-MC.org Huntington Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler
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Lewisville Motorcycle Swap Meet & Show TexasScooter.com Lewisville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Held at the Lewisville Events center, it’s a bike show, it a swap meet – it’s a party! Door prizes, vendors, swap meet space available for only $40/space, live band, and more. Free parking! For more information, visit the website or call 254.687.9066. $8/adult; $5 kids 5-14 & Military; Kids under 5 FREE. Show hours: 10am-4pm. Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Escort 979.541.7253 Rosenburg Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall TravelingWall.us El Campo Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Victoria Dad’s Ride 1st Annual Memorial Ride for Vince Keplar Chucksleather.conm Lockhart Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin
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Ride to Sam Houston Raceway for Pat Green StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Freedom Fest Car/Bike Show 82FSS.conm Wichita Falls Region: Panhandle Metro: Wichita Falls
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Ride for Operation Backpack GoeHarley-Davidson.com Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Hells 1/2 Acre Charity Poker Run TAFB.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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4th Annual Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride-Texas AlliedRide.org Terrell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth One ride, three nations; taking place in England, the United States, and Canada – on the same day! United in remembrance of fallen heroes around the world. This year, a flyover of vintage aircraft has been added to the fun. Multiple starts around the DFW area, all culminating at the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell for a short visit. Then a short ride from the museum to the cemetery where British fallen heroes of the era are interred.
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Biker Boyz Weekend BikerBoyzWeekend.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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Wet-N-Wild Rally 903.447.0637 West Tawakoni Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
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September 7-10 The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station September 12-16 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM
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September 26-29 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR
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October 3-7 Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC October 12-14 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler 2011 saw a record year - $253,000 raised for burn victims. Join them again this year for vendors, bands, beautiful rides, and more! Over 50,000 bikes take over the small town of Jefferson each year – all to help “Boo” raise money for burn victims. Boo, a burn victim himself, started the ride/event in 1997 and it has continued growing and growing. Help him make a difference! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! October 18-21 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL
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September 6-8 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR
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August 31-September 3 Four Corners Biker Rally FourCornersBikerRally.com Durango, CO
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August 30-September 3 Ignacio Bike Week IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO
Basic listings are FREE! Send your events to Events@ThunderRoadsTexas.com.
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August 10-12 4B Wild West Bike Rally 4BWildWestBikeRally.com Brownfiield Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock
November 1-4 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston
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August 6-12 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD
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September 14-16 The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Join the OTT team for another rockin’ year in Nacogdoches! They have a great band line up, including Iron Cowgirl Missy, Dean Seltzer, CrossTown Renegades, Dazed, and more! Also, custom ride-in bike show, bikini contest, burnout competition, BBQ Cook Off, Charity Poker Run (We Fight Like a Girl), 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!
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Blowout’s Biker Bash March 16-18 Hitchcock TRT Correspondent: Mike “Biker” Boone
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lowout has been hosting biker games and emceed stages for rallies all over Texas. He finally decided it was time to host a rally himself. It’s all about celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a group of rowdy, fun bikers! Even had a Leprechaun handy for photo opportunities! It’s a 21-andup event with free tent camping, weekend and Saturday passes; RV camping, biker games (of course – it is Blowout) and cash awarded contests and stage games. Vendor spots filled up fast and great bands included CrossTown Renegades (see our Biker Band Corner this month), Chris Low Band, Dimitri’s Rail, Red Cap, JJ Dynomite, and John Epperson & Driving Blind.
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Some comments from rally-goers: “I SURVIVED BLOWOUT’S BIKER BASH 2012!!! I had an absolute blast with all my peeps!! You guys rock!!” “OMG so tired. That means we had an awesome time this weekend. Great job Blowout and Barbara. “I had a great time! Meet lots of nice and koool people and seen friends that I haven’t seen in awhile. Seen several badass bikes, golf carts, every campsite we stopped at folks there, next door, across the way, behind all partying and having fun. Great job Guys!” Next year is set – March 14-17, 2013. Visit BlowoutsBikerBash.com for more information as it’s added.
h South Texas Motorcycle Show (STXM) March 16-18 San Antonio Photos by: Les Pierce of Barnett Harley-Davidson
Sponsored by
This year brought the STXM a new title sponsor, O’Reilly Auto Parts. They joined forces to bring attendees one big show that included cars and bikes under one roof. Adding to the excitement, appearances by David LaBrava, “Happy” from the Sons of Anarchy TV show and San Antonio Roller Derby girls. There were stunt exhibitions, vendors, food, drink, contests, and more. Watch their website (TXBikeShow.com) for information about 2013… they’ll be celebrating their 10th year!
h Thunder in the Hill Country March 30-April 1 Bandera, Texas TRT Correspondent: Shelly “Cricket” Beatty
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was back in Bandera this spring for Thunder in the Hill Country, one of my favorite rallies. Now dubbed the Little Big Rally by me; it’s a smaller rally, but always big on fun.
I arrived to the event on Friday evening to find it packed. Check in at the gate as prepaid is a breeze when you arrive this late in the evening. I spent my Friday night down town at 11th Street Cowboy Bar, which never disappoints. The bikes were packed in and thick this year in downtown Bandera. The locals have truly come to embrace our biker community and welcome us into their businesses. Saturday, the little town was buzzing with the hum of bikes everywhere. This year I ventured into the Longhorn Saloon. I actually had to park down a bit to make sure I was getting out when I choose to leave. I was a first time visitor of The Longhorn Saloon. It’s a neat bar, larger than it looks with a cool view of the river out back. I met the owner Brian Black, a very nice man, who is busy doing his thing at his bar and socializing with his customers. I was graced with a plate of amazing crawfish from Crazy Cajun Cookers now serving Cajun food there. They are actually attached to the bar in the front. Cory, Christina, and their girls are serving up some great food. If you stop in say hello to Cory and Christina and tell them Cricket sent you! This year at the rally, they had venders, a bike show, tattoo contests, a hill country ride, biker games and of course the night time entertainments naughty nighty and the bathing suit contest. One thing I enjoyed this year was the live DJ outside the pavilion. This gave an after party that everyone could participate in. There was actually a lot of dancing and some karaoke. I was impressed at how many could actually sing even if they hid behind something to sing. The only down side was the Rubber Ducky showers price went up. Instead of twenty dollars it’s now twenty five for a wrist band. I have a feeling that this will be the new trend at other rallies this year. I finished my visit, as every year at OST Restaurant on my way out of Bandera. The best breakfast in town that I look forward to every year. Next up for the Biker Rallies of Texas is the Rumble on the River in Bandera in September. Watch their website for details (BikerRalliesOfTexas.com). See you at the “Little Big Rally” next year!
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Carts, Bikers & Babes (CB&B) Rally April 12-15 Lake Somerville TRT Correspondents: Bob Cooney and Don Brewer
Sponsored by
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or Damon Dave, it’s all about the bands. And this year’s lineup really rocked the rally, including the Texas Blues Brothers (tribute), Pat Travers, Charlie Parker Band, Signal Rising, Quiet Riot, Victim, and The Mike Elliot Company Band. Also entertaining the crowd, History Channel’s Hairy Bikers, Bill Allen and Paul Patranella (see our December 2011 issue). Bill is famous for doing crazy things and the CB&B was no different, offering an audience challenge for the Hot Pepper Throw Down!
As with all of Damon Dave’s efforts, proceeds from this rally go to help support the Texas Biker Relief Organization (T-BRO). For information on how to help fellow bikers in times of need, visit TexasBikerRelief.org. Next up – The Texas Rally (TheTexasRally.com) at Big Creek Park & Marina on Lake Somerville, September 6-9 for their 6th Annual Luau and Biker Bash. And watch CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com for information about next year’s Spring event.
h Back the Badge Ride April 14 Pasadena TRT Correspondents: Travis and Amy Jacobs
Sponsored by
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n 2007, while Bryan Miller was hanging with Outlaw Dave (OD) at Hooters, the 100 club was doing their “Fill the Boot” charity. Bryan turned to OD and said “we can do more,” Bryan told Dave. He said if you help promote a charity ride for the 100 Club, I will organize it. Notes were taken on napkins and off they went. The 1st Annual Back the Badge ride took place, April 2007 (BackTheBadgeRide.com). “There are very few of us that have dangerous jobs. Police officers and firefighters are out there every day to protect us, and it’s not for the money. If I were doing that job on a daily basis, the question that would always be in the back of my mind; who would be there for my family and my children? This ride is giving them back security of what they give to us daily. If we continue to give, then our community continues to be a better place,” says Bryan Miller The 6th Annual Back the Bade Ride benefiting the Houston 100 Club took place Saturday, April 14, starting at the San Jacinto Harley-Davidson in Pasadena. At 2:00 p.m. kickstands were up and police escorted the hundreds of riders from Pasadena to the Texas Association of First Responders (TAFR) annual Wild Game Cook-off held Sam Houston Race Park. Police Escorts were arranged by the Houston Chapter 7 Blue Knights Motorcycle Club.
One of the escorts, Roger “Crash” Byars (pictured), has dedicated his time for the Back the Badge Ride since the beginning. This ride is not only important to him for what it represents, but also the sentimental value it holds to his heart. “Roger’s late wife Rose was the first person to phone me about the ride within ten minutes of it being put online,” says Bryan Miller. “We had not even gotten sign-up sheets ready or printed when Rose came down and met me in the parking lot with a sign-up sheet and a check. It was the first time I had met her. She jumped in right in feet first” says Bryan. Rose invited Bryan to visit one of the Blue Knight Chapter meetings to discuss the ride with the members. Bryan raised his first $1,000 that night, signing up 10 members at $100 per person back then, to participate in the ride. Rose Byars passed away December 1, 2007. Bryan had a plaque made in her honor and presented it to Roger Byars at the 3rd Annual Back the Badge Ride that was dedicated in her honor. As I was taking a picture of Roger on his bike, I noticed a teddy bear strapped to the back with leather riding gear and glasses. I asked what his bear represented. “The bear was given to me by my grandson after Rose passed. He told me that he never wanted me to have to ride alone.” says Roger. What made you want to be a police officer? “Too lazy to work, too nervous to steal, and the only job that I can ride my motorcycle and enforce the law” says Roger Byars.
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This year’s event was reconfigured a little and included some new sights, such as the sexy bartenders from Full Throttle Saloon - for both the guys (Kristi) and the girls (Chris). They both offered body shots and eye candy! The event also offered all your normal rally fare, a fun run, stage games, Pit Stop Lounge area, cart and biker races and games, bike and people contests for cash prizes and trophies, campsite contests, and even a carnival ride, the Speed.
Bikes & Bugs V Main Event: April 28 Sugar Land TRT Correspondents: Bob Cooney and Shelly Horan
Sponsored by
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or the past five years, Los Guys Riding Club (RC) team up with the Ragin Cajun and the Wallis Family Foundation each Spring to host a series of pre-parties (this year, there were seven), culminating in one big blowout at the Ragin Cajun in Sugar Land. Dominic Mandola (Owner of Ragin Cajun), Mark Wallis (Founder of the Wallis Family Foundation) and Chris Nelson (President of the Los Guys RC) established Bikes & Bugs in 2007, with their first event held in the Spring of 2008.
SPRING RALLY WRAP UP
Through these events, they raise money for the Wallis Family Foundation. The foundation was established by Mark Wallis as a commitment to ensure people with epilepsy are able to participate in all of life’s events. They work to build public awareness of this debilitating disease, as well as fund research to find a cure. Each of the pre-parties features crawfish by Ragin Cajun, drinks, bikes, live entertainment, and more. The Main Event is family friendly and includes bouncy games, bikini contest, bike wash, and Outlaw Dave broadcasting live. Also, at the pre-parties, the team sells raffle tickets for one lucky person to win a new Harley-Davidson that is given away at the Main Event. This event is the first ever to be backed by the newly formed Houston-area Harley-Davidson Dealership group (Stubbs, San Jacinto, Mancuso Central, and Mancuso Crossroads). In their first year they raised $13,000 for the foundation a solid number for a new event. This year, the number is well past $85,000 (dollars are still coming in as of our publication date). You can still help by going to the BikesAndBugs.org website to donate online. Next year’s Main Event is already set for May 4, 2013, so mark your calendars now. Because of their growing success, they will have a new home… they simply outgrew the Ragin Cajun restaurant in Sugar Land. But you’ll still be able to get great Cajun crawfish at the new venue. Keep watching their website and Thunder Roads Texas for news as next year’s party series comes about.
h Renegade Classics The Woodlands We Fight Like a Girl Parking Lot Party April 29 The Woodlands TRT Correspondents: Bob Cooney, Shelly Horan, and Laura Benson
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ou can always find Stan of Renegade Classics in The Woodlands (RenegadeTheWoodlands.com) up to something at the store. Most Sundays there is a parking lot party, usually hosting a benefit event or ride starting point. This weekend (April 27-28), We Fight Like a Girl (WeFightLikeAGirl.com) held a multi-location event, ranging from Nacogdoches, through Point Blank, to Houston. Their mission, to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer. Many of the patients were available at these events and their stories will truly touch your heart. We encourage you to find out more about this organization and how you can help. As for Stan, he’s not done… he is working on a Cancer 2 Cure Ride from Galveston to Alaska, July 13-August 14, 2012. The lofty goal is to raise $200,000 for MD Anderson Cancer Research on behalf of Harley’s Angels (breast cancer; HarleysAngels.org) and We Fight Like a Girl. 100% of the money raised will be donated, no money is being used to fund the ride in any way. You can make a donation online or even join Stan for the ride of a lifetime! Check out Renegade Classics The Woodlands website for more information and to donate.
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Texas State HOG Rally May 3-5 Fort Worth TRT Correspondent: Mike Jackson
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ou know, I have always been a bit impulsive; a fact to which anyone (and perhaps all of my ex-wives) will attest. So it came as no surprise that at 11:45 a.m., Thursday, May 3, I decided to ride up to the 2012 Texas State HOG Rally in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The Opening Ceremony was scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. I arrived, registered (with the assistance of Sandra Womack), and was in place with camera in hand with 10 minutes to spare.
The registration area was between cones, began at were available, as well as Vietnam Vet, I chose the
open early Friday morning and the Riding Competition Preliminaries, a track of twists and turns 8:00 a.m. For those more inclined to travel a straight path, maps for 13 Self-Guided Rides two guided rides, the Big Cat Rescue, and the National Vietnam War Museum Ride. Being a latter. Over 40 bikes left Stockyard Station led by Roy Hinrichs with Bob Corey bringing up drag. They were two of the many dedicated volunteers on hand which made the rally such a success. We took I-20 and US 180 through Weatherford in order to arrive at the Museum in a timely manner, but after the visit, and a break for lunch in Mineral Wells, a more leisurely, scenic route was chosen for the return. The National Vietnam War Museum is another story unto itself. I would encourage all to visit NationalVnWarMuseum.org to learn of their remarkable story. Other activities available throughout the rally included the A-Mazing Chapter Challenge, Stockyard Station Poker Run, Wall of Ink Contest, Ride-i n Bike Show Competition, Biker Games by the American Eagle HOG and Panther Creek HOG Chapters, and a Long-Horn Cattle Drive up Exchange Street every day at 4:00 p.m. For the shoppers amongst us there were dozens of shops from which to choose within the Stockyards site as well as the usual cadre of faithful bike vendors who had set up shop across the way near the holding pens.
More barbeque and beer became available Friday night as the “Rock the Forty” party began at 7:00 p.m. with the band Déjà Vu providing the music. Entrants for the Saturday morning Parade of Flags had to be up bright and early for staging and briefing. The parade, with what appeared to be hundreds of happy, smiling riders, was directed through the adjacent downtown area culminating at the end of Exchange Street. More guided rides, bike games, Biker Bingo at Billy Bob’s, and other activities were available throughout the day. The Closing Ceremony was held at 7:00 p.m. after which The Monster Rock took the stage for a final night of musical entertainment. A grand time was had by all and with over 3,000 in attendance that was no small task. Can’t wait ‘til next year! Fort Worth Harley-Davidson was the main sponsor with supporting sponsors: World Vision, Coors, Harley-Davidson of Dallas, Dallas Harley-Davidson, Michelin, Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chaney Trucking, according to Kim Briggs, Trail Boss, and General Manager of Ft. Worth Harley-Davidson.
h Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally May 4-6 Luckenbach TRT Correspondent:: Shelly Horan
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outed as “Not just your plain OLE Motorcycle Rally”, the Fredericksburg Optimist Club takes over Luckenbach each year for their annual fundraiser, the Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally. They actually start the event with a “Social” in Fredericksburg on Thursday night. The highlight of the event is the Saturday Hill Country Ride, checking out some great stops and roads around the area. There are also live bands, food, vendors, biker games, helicopter rides, contests, demos, stunt shows, auctions and more. This year, our editor, Shelly Horan, attended… dragging a couple of her friends (Becky and Mia) along for the ride! So if you saw a blonde woman with a Thunder Roads Texas blue jean vest and black hat, you saw her! A little about the Fredericksburg Optimist Club… it’s a voluntary organization made up of civic-minded men and women who dedicate time from their busy lives to serve the community. The Hill Country Run proceeds benefit local children’s activities, such as T-ball, contests for junior and senior high school teens, scholarships, and more. Save the date: May 3-5, 2013; some of the activities and schedule are already available online, check out HillCountryRun.com.
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thankful prayer was given.
The Early Bird Party actually began at 5:30 pm on the “Back Forty”, an open-air area with seating capacity of 1,000, which was full by-the-way. There was barbeque and cold beer available. Valerie Ledterman, Regional Manager of HOG took the stage and welcomed all to the party. After a funny skit involving Miss. Kim breaking a bottle over the head of a cowboy for threatening to make her ride on a Goldwing, the Eastland Jr. ROTC presented the colors, and a Then the Dalton Gang Band took the stage, and it was on!
Sending a Strong Signal An Interview with Randy James Lone Star 92.5 KZPS Radio - Dallas By Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey, TRT Correspondent
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n occasion, I gain enough confidence to venture off the backroads and into the big city. Last month I had the chance to talk with 20-year radio veteran and program producer Randy James of the Classic Rock station Lone Star 92.5 KZPS radio in Dallas. If you have been in the D/FW area very long, you know that the real classic rock station is KZPS. Not only is Randy experienced in the radio industry, he is also a long-time avid biker. “I’m pretty lucky to get up and do what I love to do – work on the radio and ride motorcycles – and get paid for it.” Being one of seven children, his dad and brothers exposed him to dirt bikes and the fine art of motorcycle riding at an early age. Randy started riding motorcycles himself in California at the ripe old age of 16 when he bought his first one and brought it home. “My mom about hit the roof,” he says. She must have been a tolerant sort as Randy has been on a bike ever since. Randy moved to Texas in 1992 and he is a man-on-the-go. His main job at the station is as the producer and “third banana” of the top rated Bo and Jim morning show but his personal life goes well beyond the bounds of the radio station. ”It’s what I do. I work at the radio station, I play in three different bands, I ride motorcycles, and I hang out with my dogs…and my wife!” Now, his wife might argue with the order of that list, but we’ll leave the priorities to them! I said, “You’re burning the candle, man!” and he responded, “It’s hard to separate work life and personal life for someone running in 90 different directions, but when you love what you do, you know…” Combining his love for motorcycles and his radio persona, Randy is also the man behind the Lone Star 92.5 Bike Nights. As Randy puts it, “I promote the Thursday bike nights as a way to give back to our listeners. Bike Nights appeal to area motorcycle riders – one of our major market demographics – it promotes our advertisers, and it is a way for the station to remain visible in the community. What could be better?” Asked how the Lone Star Bike Nights got started, Randy says, “A former employee actually started the event and I took them over in 2006”. He goes on to explain, “The location changes each week to give bikers
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image of the station as a rolling billboard. “It gets a lot of looks and a lot of people want to check it out and get their pictures taken with it”, smiles Randy, “Even though it is the station’s vehicle, I get to ride it!” Wouldn’t it be nice if every job had such a benefit! The station bike is definitely a promotional tool and it helps Randy and the station promote a lot of good causes and charities near and dear to every biker’s heart. “The bike has let us be involved in the annual Stevie Ray Vaughan Remembrance Ride and Concert, the Big Texas Toy Run, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Spokes for Hope, HAWGS for Hope, and many other charity events”, says Randy. ”We like to give back to the community and the bike is our calling card to help generate interest and awareness these charity causes”. across the D/FW metroplex a chance to attend on their home turf rather than have to fight the traffic every week to get to one single spot. We like to mix it up and see different places and meet different people every week so bike night moves around between Dallas, Fort Worth, Watauga, Mansfield, Bedford, Eagle Mountain Lake, and several other spots in the metro area.” Another unique aspect of Randy’s motorcycle connection is the Randy James Gang Sick 6 Motorcycle competition at the Dallas AutoRama each February. Bikers upload pictures of their “sickest bike” to the website and people vote for the “sickest”. The top 6 sickest bikes are then displayed at the Lone Star 92.5 booth in the AutoRama. Attendees then vote for their favorite “sickest of the 6” bikes.” Last year, the winner, or the “Sickest of the Sick 6” bike (say that 3 times fast!) was Bill Byrd’s patriotic 911 tribute themed Harley. Randy, in his unique position as biker and radio personality, has one huge perk. He gets to ride and show off the station’s 2007 Martin Brothers painted Harley Davidson. The bike hosts a Martin Brothers paint job of red and yellow flames, a Boss Hogg seat, and a custom breather and exhaust system. The Lone Star Harley is used for promotions and it helps the
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
“For those precious few minutes away from work and the bands and such, what does Randy James do for fun? What makes you ride motorcycles?” I ask. “The fun, being in the environment – the elements, and the freedom” he replies. “Sometimes, riding to and from Bike Nights, I just don’t want to stop”. Randy has ridden the Talimena Scenic Highway in Arkansas, the Texas Hill Country, and around Oklahoma. “I still want to go to the Lone Star Rally in Galveston”, he says. He has also been to Sturgis, once in 2004 and again in 2006. “I met my brother and a cousin in 2006 and we rode to Sturgis. We did the rally and then left separately to go home so I headed back to Texas alone. The experience was… incredible. It is so much fun to be riding on your own with no schedule and no timetable. It was a very liberating experience riding from South Dakota to Texas all by myself and enjoying every minute of it”. I could not have said it better myself. We’ll catch you on the airwaves, my friend. Check out more of Randy’s exploits and sign up to get Lone Star Bike Night updates via email, at http://www.lonestar925.com/pages/bikenights.html Like everything else these days, you can even listen to the live streaming broadcast of Lone Star 92.5 with the iHeartRadio app on your smartphone, or online at http://www.iheart.com/#/live/3379/
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A Little Bit of Everything...
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Two Scenic Byways Out of Austin
s hundreds of thousands of riders hit our State Capital this month, we offer a scenic loop out of Austin, up through Marble Falls, then to Llano, and back. This particular map offers a few detours and the option to shorten the route if needed. It’s an excellent combination of twisty fun roads, quaint small towns, reader suggested restaurant stops from our “Best Little Eateries in Texas” highlight coming up next month, great small town shopping, and a recognized (TexasEscapes.com) scenic byway. For those not hitting Austin this month, as with all our monthly ride maps, we encourage you to keep it handy for a future visit. Starting in Austin, take Highway 183 North. Exit FM 1431 West. If you wish to avoid tolls, exit Lakeline Boulevard and turn left onto South Lakeline Boulevard. Turn left on Farmto-Market/Ranch Road 1431. This is where our journey starts. 1431 has twists, turns, dips, and hills. About three miles out, you have our first optional detour. If Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
you’re a Ghost Town junkie, before you enter Jonestown take a right on Nameless Road and travel about three miles north. Originally settled in 1869, the town committee had a hard time getting a post office name. Six names were submitted and rejected, though there are no records of these original names. Frustrated, the committee took it out by writing back to the bureaucrats in Washington, DC “Let the post office be nameless and be damned!” The postal authorities got a good chuckle and granted the name, registered as Nameless, Texas in 1880. Today, only the street name and a cemetery remain. Continuing on FM 1431 you’ll go through Jonestown and Lago Vista, situated on the North Shore of Lake Travis. There are parks and scenic back roads you can opt for. If you’re into air museums, Rusty Allen Airport houses the Lago Vista Airpower Museum. They offer WWI and WWII exhibits, military emblems, photos, soldiers’ stories, aircraft, engines, models, and some 1,200+ books. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
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If you’re a nature buff or simply enjoy some beautiful roads through the forest, you can take a slight detour through the Balcones Canyon Lands Wildlife Refuge by taking a right on Cow Creek Road/County Road 328 just a few miles out of the Lago Vista area. When Cow Creek Road dead ends at FM 1174, take a left, back to FM 1431. Just be careful of the varmints… don’t do this road at night on a bike!
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Back on our route, still traveling FM 1431… Before entering Marble Falls, there is something for the art lovers; the highly renowned Dan Pogue Sculpture Gallery. Pogue and his wife, Marti, founded the “Sculpture on Main” exhibition in Marble Falls. This is an annual public art program that exhibits year-round; now in its fifth year. More than 20 sculptures are displayed along sidewalks and in medians throughout the Historic Main Street area. You can visit DanPogueSculpture.com for details of what is currently on display. Now we come into one of our main stops that we suggest for everyone. Not just because your butt should be getting a little tired, but also because there are two restaurants here suggested by our readers. The first is the Blue Bonnet Café. Opened in 1929, this has been the place to see and be seen. They are best known for their Chicken Fried Steak and Peanut Butter Pie. The second is Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill. They have live music Thursday through Saturday and offer their famous “Hook, Line & Sinker” a smorgasbord of appetizers.
Rusty Allen Airport Lago Vista
Blue Bonnet Cafe Marble Falls
Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill Marble Falls
A little about Marble Falls… it’s named for the falls (also known as the Great Falls) on the Colorado River. Unfortunately, the natural falls, located just upriver from the present Highway 281 Bridge, were destroyed when the Max Starcke Dam was built to form Lake Marble Falls. They can occasionally be seen when the Lower Colorado River Authority lowers the water level for repairs. There is small town shopping, beautiful roads, museums, wineries, and more in the area. If you’re looking to shorten the route and get back to Austin, catch Highway 281 South can catch Highway 71 East. Or, there is another detour option, taking Highway 281 North up to Burnet. Here you’ll be able to snag at least three Points Across Texas submissions. Burnet is the Bluebonnet Co-Capital of Texas, houses a Historic County Jail, and is home to the Burnet County Courthouse. Full of historical markers, historic attractions, fishing, state parks, shopping, and more it’s worth the extra time if you do not get to this area often. If you take this detour, you’ll pick up our original route by taking Highway 29 West towards Llano, skirting the southern tip of Buchanan Lake.
Old Burnet Jail
If you forgo the Burnet side trip and don’t shorten your day, continue on FM 1431 into Kingsland. A small town full of B&Bs, Kingsland also offers the Junction House Restaurant and Lounge, another reader suggestion you’ll find highlighted next month. Located on the grounds of The Antlers Hotel, the historical building might seem familiar to many. The 1900s Victorian house is featured prominently in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” movie. It was originally located in Williamson County when the movie was filmed and moved to its current location in the 1990s.
Junction House Kingsland
Last on our route before heading back to Austin is Llano. If you took Llano County Courthouse the Burnet detour, continue on Highway 29 into Llano. If you stayed Llano on track through Kingsland, continue on FM 1431, then take a left on Highway 29. This small Texas Hill Country town is full of antique shops, clothing and jewelry stores, an art gallery, museums, parks, historical markers, B&Bs… all offering a relaxing atmosphere of friendly Texas folks. There are also more Points Across Texas opportunities, including the Llano County Courthouse, the Old Jail House, Llano County is the Bluebonnet Co-Capital, and it’s the Deer Capital of Texas. From Llano, climb on Highway 71 for a leisurely, scenic ride back into Austin.
Deer Capital of Texas A note about the Points Across Texas aspect of this month’s map, we have named no less than seven opportunities (capitals, courthouses, and jails). If you take a gander at the Texas State Symbols portion of the list, there is an Llano opportunity to submit another picture from anywhere along the way to represent the Bluebonnet flower; that’s eight! Then take a closer look to the symbols list and use your creativity. We bet you can come up with the two more submissions necessary to get that FREE patch! You can submit your photos to PAT@ThunderRoadsTexas.com or on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas).
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I went fishing but after a short time I ran out of worms. Then I saw a cottonmouth snake with a frog in his mouth. Frogs are good bass bait. Knowing the snake couldn’t bite me with the frog in his mouth I grabbed him right behind the head, took the frog, and put it in my bait bucket. Now the dilemma was how to release the snake without getting bit. So, I grabbed my bottle of Jack Daniels and poured a little whiskey in its mouth. His eyes rolled back, he went limp. I released him into the lake without incident and carried on fishing using the frog. A little later, I felt a nudge on my foot. It was that snake, with two more frogs.
A burglar broke into a house one night. He shone his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a Blu-ray player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying “Jesus is watching you.” He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, clicked the light back on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the Bose out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, “Jesus is watching you.” Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice.
The next day, she tried to buy two cans of dog food. Again the cashier said “I’m sorry, but we can’t sell you dog food without proof that you have a dog. A lot of old people buy dog food to eat, but the management wants proof that you are buying the dog food for your dog.” So she went home and brought in her dog. She then was able to buy the dog food. The next day she brought in a box with a hole in the lid. The little old lady asked the cashier to stick her finger in the hole. The cashier said, “No, you might have a snake in there.” The little old lady assured her that there was nothing in the box that would harm her. So the cashier put her finger into the box and quickly pulled it out. She said to the little old lady, “That smells like s*^%t! “The little old lady said, “It is. I want to buy a 12-pack of toilet paper; just trying to reassure the management.”
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“No way,” came the reply, “My wife won twice last week.” Hot & Cold Sex- you just can’t rush these things… After an examination, a doctor said to his biker patient: “You appear to be in good health. Do you have any medical concerns you would like to ask me about?” “In fact, I do.” said the old man, “After my wife and I have sex, I’m usually cold and chilly; and then, after I have sex with her the second time, I’m usually hot and sweaty.”
The burglar relaxed. “Warn me, huh? Who the hell are you?”
The doctor didn’t know what to tell the old biker, but when he examined the biker’s old lady a short time later he said, “Everything appears to be fine. Are there any medical concerns that you would like to discuss with me?”
“Moses” the burglar laughed. “What kind of stupid people would name a parrot Moses?” “Probably the same kind of people that would name their Rottweiler Jesus,” the parrot replied. Two bikers rode into a gas station in Indiana for a fill-up, because they heard about a contest being offered by the station to patrons who purchased a full tank of gas. When they went inside to pay, the men asked the attendant about the contest. “If you win, you’re entitled to free sex” said the attendant. “How do we enter?” asked one. “Well, I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10. If you guess right, you win free sex.” “OK. I guess 7,” said the other rider. “Sorry, I was thinking of 8,” replied the attendant. The next week, the two guys go back to the same station to get gas. When they went inside to pay, the one asked the attendant if the contest was still going on. “Sure,” replied the attendant. “I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10, if you guess right. You win free sex.” “2” said the Harley rider.
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As they walked back to their bikes, one said to the other, “You know, I’m beginning to think this contest is rigged.”
Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. “Did you say that?” he hissed at the parrot. ... “Yep,” the parrot confessed, “I’m just trying to warn you.” “Moses,” replied the bird.
A little old lady went to the grocery store to buy cat food. She picked up four cans and took them to the check-out counter. The girl at the cash register said, “I’m sorry, but we cannot sell you cat food without proof that you have a cat. A lot of old people buy cat food to eat and the management wants proof that you are buying the cat food for your cat.” The little old lady went home, picked up her cat and brought it back to the store. They sold her the cat food.
“Sorry, I was thinking of 3,” replied the attendant. “Y’all come back soon and try again.”
The lady replied that she had no questions or concerns. The doctor then said to her: “Your husband mentioned an unusual problem. He claimed that he was usually cold and chilly after having sex with you the first time; and then hot and sweaty after the second time. Do you have any idea about why?” “Oh, that crazy old coot” she replied, “That’s because the first time is usually in January and the second time is in August.” If you’re visiting Texas from out-of-state: • We do TOO have 4 Seasons: December, January, February, and Summer! • If someone tells you “Don’t worry, those peppers aren’t hot” you can be certain they are. • The value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but the availability of shade. • Everything goes better with Ranch dressing. • A Mercedes-Benz is not a status symbol. A Ford F-150 is. • Get used to hearing, “You ain’t from around here, are you?”
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CROSSTOWN RENEGADES
ased in Houston, they love to play biker rallies and benefits around Texas. The band started as a duo, Felix and Jerry (Felix Hayslip and Jerry Mantellini). Felix suffered a heart attack while playing a gig at the Jailhouse Saloon in April 2009. Jerry (AKA “The Music Man”) continued on, finding a new partner, Gary Greenburg, calling themselves CrossTown Renegades. They eventually picked up a few more band members, now providing a complete band. Over the last couple years, some of the band members have come and gone, but CrossTown Renegades is still going strong. Today, the band members include Jerry as lead vocals and guitar; Gary vocals, guitar and harmonica; Gordon Tess on guitar, acoustic lead, and slide guitar; Randy Rice on lead guitar; and the newest member Jeff Sieberton drums. Jerry, originally from Port Arthur, has been playing for more than 45 years. He moved to the Houston area in the 1980s to further his career and pursue his musical dream. “The energy and excitement from the crowd keeps me rocking,” he says. Gary (AKA “Skittles”) is a transplant from New Jersey, coming to Texas when he was just 10 years old. A graduate from Baylor University, he performs regularly at the Last Concert Café in downtown Houston. Gordon picked up his playing early in life, at the ripe age of eight. He’s rocked with some local Houston legends such as Last Train Out, Modoc, Breakin’ Point, and Troublemaker. Randy Rice is an accomplished musician, playing on two albums with Eric Burdon (House of the Rising Sun artist) and opening for The Beach Boys and Cheap Trick in the United States and Canada. Rookie CTR member, Jeff comes with an impressive background as well, including playing with Pat Travers and Wurk. CTR has played Blowout’s Biker Bash, Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT, Thunder in the Hill Country, and Rumble on the River. They’ve done many parking lot parties for both Houston-area Renegade Classics locations, as well as Houston-area biker bars.They are slated to play the Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally this September. Check them out when you get the chance: CrossTownRenegades.com.
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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 - visit our website or call 281.866.8149 for information.
Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
Bars & Restaurants * Barbed Rose (Alvin Restaurant Group) 113 E Sealy St Alvin, TX 77511 281.585.2272 www.barbedrose.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Boll Weevil’s 16003 FM 1236 Needville, TX 77461 979.793.6163 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Deanville Bar & Grill 1789 FM 60 S Deanville, TX 77852 979.535.7776 Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station * 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 * Hot Rods and Harleys Bar & Grill 13124 FM 306 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 830.864.2911 www.hotrodsandharleysbar.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!
* Loading Dock 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 http://loadingdockgalveston.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Loading Dock Too 3505 Hwy 146 Bacliff, TX 77518 281.549.4789 www.LoadingDockToo.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
* 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 Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 281.259.7789 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston * Tommaso’s Italian Restaurant 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tomasositaliangrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
Dealerships & Shops * Collin County Choppers (formerly Frisco Custom Cycles) 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Custom Cycles Texas 14205 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 210.846.1081 www.customcyclestexas.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio
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Biker Friendly Dealerships & Shops (cont’d) * Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Tyler * Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco * Hawgs N Dawgs Motorcycle Shop & Café 1333 SE Military Dr San Antonio, TX 78214 210.924.0203 www.HawgsNDawgs.com Region: South Closest Metro: San Antonio * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa
* Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 281.689.0400 http://www.potterosa.net Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 http://www.kps-sa.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
Insurance & Attorneys
* 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
* Ball Insurance - Texas Edition 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston
* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.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
* Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
* Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 http://insuranceladyinc.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio
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... continued Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Closest Metro:
Lodging & Campgrounds * D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Closest Metro:
Motorcycle Towing * Cyclone Motorcycle Rescue Tipsy Taxi & Tow for Bikers North Texas 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Pick up the phone, we’ll pick up your ride * 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 * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth
Miscellaneous AFL Motorcycle Camping Trailers al444@yahoo.com 281.685.5814 Cell, 832.695.0077 www.afltrailers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.outlawnation.us
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