Thunder Roads Texas - March 2015 by Thunder Roads Texas

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

Spring Riding Season is Upon Us... Coming Event Highlights

March 2015

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also this month:

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TRT Was There! Bonnie & Clyde Ride Map

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 2 * March 2015

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 3 * March 2015

Contents 

March 2015 On the Cover 30

Spring Riding Season is Upon Us... Coming Events Highlights

Also This Month 28 28

Thunder Roads Texas Was There!

Regular Features 6

Letter From the Editor

Ride Map: Ridng in Their Footsteps: Bonnie & Clyde

Two Wheel Thunder TV: Tuff-N-Lite - Protect Yourself

Pig Writes: Malorie’s Law

32 ThunderCam 9

Joker’s Wild

Resources 19

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out March 2015 Calendar 37

Biker Friendly Listing

On the Cover: Stephenville ride by Elaine “Ridin’ Around” Smith, TRT Correspondent.

OWNERS

ThunderRoadsTexas.com Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas ADVERTISING SALES Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Bob “Just One More” Cooney CEO ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Managing Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Points Across Texas Administrator

Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161

Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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

FEATURE WRITERS

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

“Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes Two Wheel Thunder TV - Product Reviews

Raymond Meinhardt meinhardtray@yahoo.com * 210.410.5783

CORRESPONDENTS

Annette Smith AnnetteSmith7@yahoo.com * 979.324.5995 Jason Kinsey J.Kinsey@yahoo.com * 817.965.6780 Raquel Gonzalez RaquelMG1969@hotmail.com * 281.837.8101 Connie Wunderlich cwunderlich@stx.rr.com * 830.377.6155 Jill Chatman 936.648.4178 * jillers1968@gmail.com

Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Shelly “Cricket” Silva San Antonio; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods; Raul Carrasco - San Antonio; Diannia Clawson - Cedar Creek; Alice Cates - Houston; Garrett Stanley - Photographer; Todd Harmon Kerrville Elaine “Ridin’ Around” Fields - Dublin. 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.

This month brings us solidly into the Spring Rally season. In addition to our Event List that takes you through most of the year, at least for the larger events, we also offer a preview of Spring events through May. Take a look, pick one, or two, or even three or more and GO! Be sure to tell the organizers you saw them in Thunder Roads Texas!! This year also brought a couple controversial motorcycle laws that became effective January 1st. One of the most discussed is Malorie’s Law (Texas HB 3838). This is the one that requires vehicles with passenger seats to have foot pegs and hand holds. Pig goes a little out of character here (becomes Rainman instead…) and highlights the ups-and-downs of this new law and how it affects you. Keeping on the line of safety, Two Wheel Thunder TV reviews Tuff-N-Lite® products that offer the summer Texas rider light-weight, but very effective under garments for safety purposes. These are some really good options for those of us that don’t want to wear leather during the summer. Take a look! As we close out our March issue, we are going to tease you all, just a little. There are some BIG changes coming to Thunder Roads Texas and we are thrilled about what’s coming! Watch for our April issue for more information and a BIG announcement. 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

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March 2015

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Riding in Their Footsteps B o nn

ie & C

lyde’s

Fede ra

l Wan

te d P

o ste r

By Shelly Horan

We do not take the locations in order that Bonnie and Clyde traveled; you’d be nauseous from all the crisscrossing! Instead, we offer the map in a rideable route, moving west to east. Refer to the “Brief History of Bonnie & Clyde” to understand the map’s highlights in relation to the events. First on the map is Ranger. On February 19, 1934 Bonnie and Clyde, along with Ray Hamilton and several others, robbed the National Guard Armory. The armory is no longer on the map, but Ranger is a historic small town with great architecture (for those who like that sort of thing). The town’s name comes from frequent visits of Texas Rangers from a nearby 1870s Texas Rangers camp. Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

From Ranger, we’ll take a jaunt down to Waco. Take I-20 and head east just a short way. The route picks up Highway 108 near Gordon. Take the exit off I-20 to continue on 108, heading toward Stephenville. After passing through Stephenville, pick up Highway 281, toward Hico. Just before reaching Hico, Highway 6 joins the route. Continue on Highway 6, taking a long leisurely ride out to Waco; about 65 miles.

MAP

In doing research for this map, there were so many ways we could look at the short but legendary crime life of the couple. There is the whole Barrow Gang, following antics of all members of the gang. We could look at just the instances where folks were killed… or instances where they kidnapped people and released them. For this map, we focus primarily on Bonnie and Clyde in North Texas. It is interesting to note that many say there would not be a legend had it not been for Bonnie’s involvement. All the small-scale thefts and needless killings didn’t really add up to much in relation to other legendary criminals of the day. It was unusual to hear about such a prolific woman criminal. Add to that the sassy, sexy pictures that came out after the Joplin, MO raid, and it was a love story that captivated the public during one of the darkest times in American History, the Great Depression.

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wanted to offer a different kind of map. This isn’t just about great roads or specific destinations. This is about traveling in the infamous footsteps of Bonnie and Clyde. Their crime spree spanned eleven states in just two years’ time. We focus on their hometown turf and yes, we will cross the state line to visit the ambush location in Louisiana. Total ride time is 13.5 hours, so this is a weekend or longer trip. However, you can confine your visit to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, then head to the ambush location in Louisiana. This reduces the ride time to just 7 hours; still a weekend trip after stops, but more manageable for some. Or, do a little more research and really make a multi-state trip out of the adventure!

Related sites to visit in Waco: Roosevelt Hotel; 400 Austin Avenue. Today it’s a ballroom and event center, but the exterior is still reminiscent of the Bonnie and Clyde era. It was here that Clyde was arrested with William Turner and Frank Hardy in October 1929 (just before he met Bonnie). He was able to get out of any charges by crying and telling the officers that he had hitchhiked with the others and had no idea of their background. McLennan County Jail; 3201 East Highway 6. It housed Clyde for a time in February 1930, stemming from convictions on seven counts of auto theft and burglary. Not even a week of his incarceration passed, when Bonnie smuggled in a Colt hand gun during one of her visits and he broke out of jail, bringing William Turner and Emory Abernathy with him. At this point in our chronology, Bonnie and Clyde had only known each other a few months. His freedom only lasted a week, when he was recaptured in Middleton, OH and returned to Waco. While at this location, be sure to get a picture of the County Courthouse for our Points Across Texas program! Texas Ranger Museum; 100 Texas Ranger Trail. Full of great history, including the infamous Captain Frank Hamer and the ambush of Bonnie and Clyde. Hamer was inducted into the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, not just for the ambush, but for his exalted 27-year Ranger career.

From Waco, take I-35 heading north toward Hillsboro, the next stop on our history tour; only 30 miles up the road. It is here, while Bonnie was incarcerated, that Clyde played wheelman in a jewelry and service station robbery (April 30, 1932). The store’s owner, JN Bucher, was shot and killed. The wife mistakenly identified Barrow as a shooter. This was his first murder accusation. In the end, Ray Hamilton was convicted of the murder and after two trials, sentenced to prison. It was this conviction and incarceration that set the stage for the breakout at Eastham Prison Camp, which in turn put in motion the wheels that would end in the deadly ambush in Louisiana. Now climb back onto I-35 North and head into Fort Worth. There is so much to see around this area. On our map, there is Fort Worth, Grapevine, Dallas, Cedar Hill and Lancaster. In these locations you’ll find (in the order we have them on our map):

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Riding in Their Footsteps

... continued

FORT WORTH Stockyards Hotel, where Bonnie and Clyde reportedly stayed in room 305; North Main and Exchange Streets. A pistol Bonnie left behind is displayed and the room door proudly sports the infamous couple’s names. Ponder State Bank, where Ray Hamilton attempted to rob it, but it failed just the week before; 2538 North Main Street (currently home to the Ponder Boot Company). GRAPEVINE

Bonnie & Clyde stayed at the Stockyards Hotel.

The Bonnie & Clyde Suite, Room 305 at the Stockyards Hotel.

Grapevine Cemetery; N. Dooley Street @ Wildwood Lane. Tarrant County Deputy Malcolm Simmons Davis is buried here, killed by Clyde Barrow January 6, 1933. Marker at the intersection of Dove Road and Highway 114, marks the spot where EB Wheeler and HD Murphy (motorcycle cops) were killed. Home Bank of Grapevine, robbed by Barrow associates Odell Chambliss and Les Stewart. The investigation led to the home of Lillie McBride, where Officer Malcolm Davis was killed by Clyde. DALLAS

Barrow Family Filling Station; Singleton Boulevard at Borger Street. The station was added to the front of the family’s residential shack after Clyde’s father, HB, won a small lawsuit from a car accident. HB Barrow, Clyde’s father, in front of his store.

Grapevine marker for EB Wheeler & HD Murphy.

Bonnie’s old elementary school, “Eagle Ford District 49”; 1620 Chalk Hill Road, south of I-30/Tom Landry Parkway, in front of Stewart & Stevenson. (Private property, please be respectful.) Fish Trap Cemetery (now called La Reunion Cemetery), Bonnie’s first grave site; Fish Trap Road (off North Hampton Road, just north of Singleton Boulevard).

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MAP

Hamilton family “safe house”, site of Tarrant County Deputy Malcolm Davis shooting by Clyde; 3111 N. Winnetka. (Private home, please be respectful.)

Crown Hill Memorial Park, Bonnie’s final resting place; Webb Chapel Road (Note: The cemetery does not allow non-family members to take photos of graves.)

The Barrow station/store as it looks today.

Western Heights Cemetery, Clyde and his family grave site; 1617 Fort Worth Avenue. (Note: The gate is almost always locked and there are numerous “No Trespassing” signs.) McKamey-Campbell Funeral Home (Parker’s services); 1921 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd (formerly Forest Avenue). (The building is no longer there or recognizable.) Belo Mansion, where Clyde laid in repose and more than 20,000 people visited his body before he was buried; 2101 Ross Avenue. Hargrave’s Café (now Evans Grinding Co.) where Bonnie briefly worked before meeting Clyde; 3308 Swiss Circle (SE corner of Swiss Ave and Hall Street).

Bonnie’s elementary school, front porch close up. Bonnie’s elementary school building.

Marco’s Café, where Bonnie worked after Hargrave’s closed and she met posse member Ted Hinton who later admitted to a crush on her; 702 Main Street. Building is no longer there. It was located just around the corner from the Dallas County Courthouse, ironically. Texan Café, another waitressing job of Bonnie’s; 210 South Houston Street.

Bonnie’s grave marker. Page 10

March 2015

Dallas County Criminal Court and Jail; Dealey Plaza, northeast corner of Houston and Main Streets. Where Dallas County Sheriff “Smoot” Schmid, along with deputies Ted Hinton and Bob Alcorn, operated in the early 1930’s, trying to put a stop to the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde. Various members of the gang were incarcerated here at some point, though never Bonnie or Clyde. Clyde’s grave marker.

Continued on page 12... ThunderRoadsTexas.com

• March

Brief History of Bonnie & Clyde

24, 1909: Clyde Chestnut “Champion” Barrow was born in Telico, TX (Ellis County).

• October 1, 1910: Bonnie Elizabeth Parker was born in Rowena, TX.

• 1914: The Parker family moved to Dallas after Bonnie’s father died. She was just four years old.

• 1921: The Barrow family moved to Dallas. Clyde was then 12 years old.

• September

25, 1926: Bonnie married high school sweetheart Roy Thornton, dropping out of school at just 16. Thornton was later imprisoned. By January 1929, they no longer cross paths, though they never divorced.

• January 1930: Clyde and Bonnie met in West Dallas.

Bonnie was helping a friend who had a broken arm. Clyde dropped into the mutual friend’s house and the rest was history.

• February

1930: Clyde was arrested at the Roosevelt Hotel and incarcerated in the McClennan County jail. (See Waco on the map.)

• March

8, 1930: Bonnie smuggles a Colt handgun to Clyde during her visit, which he used to escape (Waco).

• March 19, 1930: Clyde was captured in Ohio, extradited

to Texas, and sentenced to 14 years. Most of it was served at the Eastham Prison Farm, notorious for prisoner abuses and mistreatment. It was here that Clyde developed a strong hatred for the Texas prison system, on which he vowed to take his vengeance. Fellow inmate and Barrow associate, Ralph Fults, was quoted as watching Barrow “change from a schoolboy to a rattlesnake.”

• February 2, 1932: Clyde was paroled due to the efforts of his mother. The couple quickly reunites.

• April 18, 1932: The Barrow gang robbed a hardware

store in Kaufman County. Clyde escaped, but Bonnie and Ralph Fults was arrested the following day. The two spent a night in the Kemp Calaboose (visit Kemp on the map).

• April

30, 1932: The Barrow gang robbed a store in Hillsboro, killing the owner, John Bucher. Clyde was identified as a shooter by Bucher’s widow, but he was simply the getaway driver. This marked his first murder accusation and the first confirmed civilian death attributed to the Gang. (See Hillsboro on the map.)

• June 17, 1932: Bonnie was released from jail after the

Kaufman County grand jury declined to indict her. She reunited with Barrow just a few weeks later. During her stay, she wrote poetry, specifically her poem, “The Story of Suicide Sal”, which was later published in newspapers after it was found in the raid on their hideout in Joplin, MO. She also wrote “The Story of Bonnie & Clyde” (originally titled “The Trail’s End”) where she predicted their untimely end together.

• August 5, 1932: At an outdoor dance in Stringtown, OK, Sheriff Deputy Eugene Moore was killed, and Sheriff C. G. Maxwell was wounded. This marks Clyde’s first actual killing (outside of prison). Bonnie was in Dallas, visiting her mom at the time.

• October 11, 1932: Clyde killed a grocery store manager,

Howard Hall, during a robbery in Sherman, TX. The total take: $28 and some groceries.

• December

25, 1932: Clyde went in to rob a store in Temple, TX with WD Jones; Bonnie waited in the car around the corner. On the way back to Bonnie, WD saw

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

a car he liked with the keys in it; a Model A Roadster. He jumped in, but couldn’t get it to start; it was a cold day. Clyde got impatient and attempted to start the car himself. Passers-by attempted to stop the two men. Doyle Johnson, the owner of the car, happened upon the scene and started to fight with Clyde. He reached into the driver’s side and choked Clyde. Clyde had warned everyone, many times, that if they didn’t leave him be – he would kill them. So when Johnson didn’t stop, Clyde shot him dead. Then he got the car started, picked up Bonnie waiting around the corner, and took off.

• January

6, 1933: Police were investigating a bank robbery. They staked out a house related to the Barrow Gang (Lillie McBride, sister of Ray Hamilton; visit Dallas location on map) on a tip that Bonnie and Clyde would be there. Lillie wasn’t home, so the lawmen took over the residence for the evening. The tip panned out – Clyde did indeed visit the house. When he realized it was a trap, he pulled out a shotgun and fired into the window. Tarrant County Deputy Malcolm Davis ran toward the window, catching the second blast from Clyde.

• April

13, 1933: A shootout occurred at the Barrow hideout in Joplin, MO. Officers Wesley Harriman and Harry McGinnis were killed. The famous pictures of Bonnie and Clyde posing with cars, guns and cigars were found on a roll of film left behind.

• June 10, 1933: The gang was involved in a car wreck (Wellington, TX; washed out bridge). Bonnie’s right leg was severely burned. The Third Degree burns caused severe pain and eventually, the leg shrunk and was barely usable. When she died, she could barely walk… hopping on her good leg or Clyde carrying her around.

• June 23, 1933: Gang members Buck and WD bungle

a robbery in Alma, AR while Clyde was nursing Bonnie in nearby Fort Smith, AR. The Town Marshal Henry Humphrey was killed. This incident causes the gang to flee the area, despite Bonnie’s grave condition.

• July 19, 1933: After drawing attention to themselves, something they seemed to do often, a shootout occurred at the Red Crown Tourist Court south of Platte City, MO. Gang member and Clyde’s brother, Buck Barrow, was severely wounded by gunfire, and his wife, Blanche, was partially blinded by flying glass.

• July

24, 1933: The Barrow gang camped out at Dextfield Park, an abandoned amusement park near Dexter, IA. After being found out by local lawmen, they were surrounded and fired upon. Buck was hit in the back. He and Blanche are taken into custody, while the others got away. Buck dies in custody several days later; succumbing to pneumonia after surgery. Blanche was imprisoned.

• November

28, 1933: Both Bonnie and Clyde were indicted by a Dallas grand jury for the murder of Tarrant County Deputy Malcolm Davis. This was Parker’s first warrant for murder.

• January 16, 1934: A prison break was staged by Clyde

to get Ray Hamilton out of Eastham Prison Farm. This was Barrow’s big move of revenge against the prison that tainted him just a few years before. In the process, another escapee, Joe Palmer (serving 25 years for robbery), shot Major Joe Crowson. The wounded Crowson rode back to camp to sound the alarm and died of his injuries. In the meantime, Barrow aided the escape by offering fire from a nearby creek. Bonnie waited in the car to carry them all away from the scene. A total of five prisoners escaped. The Crowson killing

prompted the Prison Chief Lee Simmons to vow that all involved would be hunted down and killed. All were, except Henry Methvin, who turned in Barrow and Parker’s location in return for his life to be spared.

• February

10, 1934: Frank Hamer is hired to catch Bonnie and Clyde. He acquired a reputation for killing criminals – with 53 kills. Simmons officially stated that Hamer was his first choice, but evidence shows that he approached two others first. They declined because they weren’t fond of the idea of killing a woman.

• April

1, 1934 (Easter Sunday): Two Texas Highway patrol officers, Edward Bryant Wheeler and H. D. Murphy, are killed by Clyde and Henry Methvin. Bonnie reportedly stepped out of the car and shot the dying officers again, though some report that she was actually trying to help the officers – you decide. (Visit memorial marker in Grapevine on map.)

• April

6, 1934: Two police officers in Springfield, MO stop to investigate the Barrow’s stalled car. Constable Calvin Campbell is killed. Police Chief Percy Boyd is kidnapped, but later released.

• May

21, 1934: The posse learned that Barrow and Parker were planning to go to Bienville Parish with Henry Methvin to visit his family who lived in the area. It was Methvin that gave up the couple, though there is some lingering controversy caused by an alternate account given by Ted Hinton in his book Ambush (The Real Story of Bonnie and Clyde).

• May 23, 1934: Hamer and his posse ambush and kill

Bonnie and Clyde in Gibsland, LA. The posse consisted of Frank Hamer, retired Captain of the Texas Rangers; Ted Hinton, Dallas County Deputy appointed by Sheriff Schmid because he was familiar with both Bonnie and Clyde and could spot them at a glance (he would later admit to having a crush on Bonnie when he met her waitressing in Dallas before she ever met Clyde); BM “Manny” Gault, retired Texas Ranger; Bob Alcorn, Dallas County Sheriff Deputy who also knew Barrow and Parker by sight; Henderson Jordan, Sheriff of Bienville Parish, Louisiana; and Prentiss Oakley, Sheriff Jordan’s deputy. The officers emptied specially ordered automatic rifles, as well as other rifles, shotguns, and pistols at the car. To this day, some say overkill. Others say that the murderous history of the couple sealed their fate as the lawmen were simply protecting themselves before the couple could get a shot off and kill any more. Barrow was killed instantly by Oakley’s initial head shot, but Parker lived a little longer, even though she took the majority of the bullets. There were so many bullet holes, the coroner had difficulty counting them all, though the final report indicated Barrow took 17 bullets, while Parker had 26 bullet wounds. In total, the count was 167 rounds hit their car. Bonnie was only 23 and Clyde only 25 at the time of their deaths.

• May 25, 1934: Funeral services for Barrow took place

at the Belo Mansion and Funeral Home in downtown Dallas. He is buried in Western Heights Cemetery in Dallas, next to his brother, Marvin “Buck”. They share a single granite marker with an epitaph selected by Clyde prior to his death: “Gone but not forgotten.”

• May 26, 1934: Funeral services for Parker were held

at the McKamey-Campbell Funeral Home and initially buried in the Fish Trap Cemetery. In 1945, she was moved to the Crown Hill Cemetery in Dallas.

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Riding in Their Footsteps A&K Auto Top and Paint Works, one of Clyde’s legitimate, yet short-lived jobs; 2604 S Main St (corner of Main and Lloyd – latter no longer exists). Location no longer there; demolished several years ago to make way for the Julius Schepps Freeway overpass. Clyde worked at United Mirror and Glass Company between 1926 and 1928 (2606 Swiss Ave, south of Swiss between Good (now Good-Latimer) and Cantegral – about a block west of Wilson Historic District (as it’s known today). The address no longer exists, but there is a one-story building on the site. No longer appears as it did back then. Grove Hill Memorial Park, resting place of Edward (EB) Wheeler; 4118 Samuell Boulevard. Also reposing there: Blanche Frasure, Buck Barrow’s wife (Clyde’s brother) and part of the Barrow Gang; Ralph Fults, a member of the Barrow Gang; and Bob Alcorn, a member of the ambush posse. Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery; resting place of Ted Hinton, one of the ambush posse; 7405 West Northwest Highway. Cedar Hill Museum of History, located in the former First State Bank at Cedar Hill where Ray Hamilton robbed it on October 8, 1932 and again on November 25, 1932 while part of the Barrow Gang. LANCASTER RP Henry and Sons Bank, where Clyde and Ray robbed it while Bonnie waited in the getaway car; Located one block east of the Main Square (only the floor of the former bank building remains). As the boys were heading out the door, Clyde turns back to a WPA worker

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CEDAR HILL

... continued

that had been standing in line to make a deposit and asked him “Is this your money or the bank’s?” When the man replied that is was his, Clyde returned the $27.

After leaving the DFW Metropolis (departing from Lancaster), go back up to I-20 East. Exit 479B Highway 175 toward Kaufman. Go through Kaufman, into Kemp. Exit Business 175. Visit the small Kemp Calaboose where Bonnie Parker and Ralph Fults spent the night after a failed robbery. The location is just behind Kemp City Hall, on the corner of Civic Center Drive and West 11th Street. This was the first time Bonnie was jailed. A calaboose was a small, generally one-room building in small towns designed to hold criminals until they could be transferred to larger county jails; in Bonnie’s case, to nearby Kaufman. From Kemp, take East 9th Street back out to Highway 175 and continue south, toward Mabank. At Mabank, go east on Highway 198 (North 3rd Street; left). Continue on 198 to I-20 East, into Louisiana. Before Arcadia, take exit 61 on LA-154 toward Athens/Gibsland. In Gibsland, visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum; 2419 Main Street, operated by “Boots” Hinton, son of Ted Hinton who participated in the posse. Nearby is the actual ambush site, with a marker (though in disrepair and full of graffiti). If you hold on to this map for next May, you can make plans to visit the area during the Bonnie & Clyde Festival. It’s always held the weekend in May closest to May 23, the ambush anniversary date. There are other related sites outside of the map (Texas and into other states) that have been omitted for space. Feel free to do a little extra research to augment or extend your trip.

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TOP TO BOTTOM: Cedar Hill Museum of History in the old First State Bank of Cedar Hill. Kemp Calaboose. Ambush marker near Gibsland, LA.

The Barrow Gang The Gang (1930-1934): Clyde and Ralph Fults assembled a rotating core group of associates to steal money to fund a “raid of liberation” on the Eastham Prison Camp, Clyde’s revenge. In whole, it is credited with a total of 12-17 murders during their four-year history; nine of which were law enforcement. Additionally, they were known for kidnapping then releasing victims. Clyde Barrow (b1909-d1934) – More known for petty thefts initially, he grew into a killer after his stint in the Eastham Prison Camp that changed him forever. His sister, Marie, would later comment, “Something awful must have happened to him in prison, because he wasn’t the same person when he got out.” His favorite gun: the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR). His favorite car: Ford V-8. He even wrote a letter to Henry Ford extolling the virtues of the car, stating, “I have drove Fords exclusively when I could get away with one.” Bonnie Parker (b1910-d1934) – She was not the gun-toting, cigar smoking “moll” depicted in the media. Her reputation as a cigar smoker actually comes from a playful picture Clyde took of her (the roll of film found in Joplin, MO). Her preferred cigarette was Camel, which she chain smoked. She wrote poetry and predicted the couple’s mutual, legendary deaths. Though she never saw her husband, Roy Thornton, after 1929, she was still wearing her Tungsten wedding ring when she died. While in prison, Thornton learned of his wife’s demise and was quoted as saying: “I’m glad they went out like they did. It’s much better than being caught.” Raymond (Ray) Hamilton (b1913-d1935; Gang 1930-34) – Ray was a childhood friend of the Barrow family. Hamilton was the target of Bonnie and Clyde’s famous Eastham Prison Camp breakout scheme in 1934. By the time he was 21, he had amassed more than 362 Page 12

March 2015

years of prison time ahead of him. However, he was executed by the Texas Department of Corrections, not for a single murder, but through a statute on the Texas books at the time that made being a “habitual criminal” a capital offense. He walked calmly to the electric chair, seated himself, and remarked, “Well, goodbye all.” Ralph Fults (b1911-d1993; Gang 1930-32) – Helped Clyde assemble the loose group of criminal associates. After participating in a failed robbery attempt in Kaufman County with Bonnie and Clyde, he was arrested with Bonnie, while Clyde escaped. After Bonnie was released and he was convicted, he never rejoined the gang. Marvin “Buck” Barrow (b1903-d1933; Gang 1930-33) – Clyde’s brother. Married Blanche Calloway in 1931. He was severely injured in a shoot out with police in Platte City, MO, July 19, 1933; but he and Blanche escaped. Five days later, in another shoot out with police in Dexter, IA, he was shot in the back. Both he and Blanche were arrested. He died after surgery from pneumonia. Blanche Barrow (b – d 1988; Gang 1931-33) – Buck’s wife. After getting caught and her husband killed, she served her time. When she got out after serving only six years of a ten year sentence, she went straight. She eventually remarried to Eddie Frasure; never to be in trouble with the law again. Her memoirs, My Life with Bonnie and Clyde, were published in 2004. WD Jones (b 1916 – d 1974; Gang 1932-1930) – A childhood friend of the Barrow family, he was only 16 years old when he convinced Clyde to let him join the couple on a Christmas Eve (1932) when they left Dallas that night. The next day, he was initiated into the Gang with the killing of civilian Doyle Johnson in Temple. He would later recount in an article ThunderRoadsTexas.com

TOP-TO-BOTTOM (L-R): Bonnie in her famous cigar pose. Clyde with his guns. The 6-man ambush posse. Top Row (L-R): Ted Hinton, Prentiss Oakley & BM “Manny” Gault. Bottom Row: Bob Alcorn, Henderson Jordan & Frank Hamer. Bottom two: Bonnie & Clyde’s car after the ambush.

he wrote published in Playboy Magazine (1968) that Clyde told him: “Boy, you can’t go home. You got murder on you, just like me.” He would go on to fully participate in more murders before it was all over. Arrested in November 1933 in Houston and extradited to Dallas for trial, He never returned to the Gang. He was in jail when Bonnie and Clyde were killed. His comment, “I admit that I am relieved.” Joe Palmer (dates unknown) – Joined when he was a co-escapee of the Eastham Prison Camp when Clyde wreaked his revenge on the Texas Prison System breaking out Ray Hamilton. However, it was his shooting of Marshall Joe Crowson that set the wheels in motion for the deadly ambush in Louisiana. Henry Methvin (b1912-d1948; Gang 1934) – Joined when he was a co-escapee of the Eastham Prison Camp when Clyde wreaked his revenge on the Texas Prison System breaking out Ray Hamilton. He eventually rats out Bonnie and Clyde’s planned visit to Gibsland in return for no capital murder charges. There is some controversy over whether it was Henry who tipped off the police or his father, Ivan. Another story indicates he was stopped by lawmen and tied to a tree while his truck was disabled in order to lure Bonnie and Clyde. Extradited to Oklahoma for trial, he was convicted and sentenced to death in December 1935 for the murder of Constable Campbell (Stringtown, OK). In 1936, his death sentence was commuted to life and he was paroled in March 1942. He remained in trouble with the law. April 19, 1948, it is reported that he was drunk and fell asleep on railroad tracks; killed by an oncoming train. Some rumors hold that he was actually pushed by those seeking revenge on him for his betrayal of Bonnie & Clyde.

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2015

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Tuff-N-Lite - Protect Yourself While Riding iding motorcycles is one of the greatest pleasures many of us will ever experience. The sound of the motor and the wind in our face puts our minds and bodies in complete ecstasy. Then out of nowhere someone abruptly destroys our happiness. They change lanes, pull out of a driveway, or do not stop for a red light. Instantly a great day of riding turns into a nightmare. If you have ridden long or far you know what exactly I’m talking about. Sometimes this nightmare is short-lived and you do not wreck your bike. Other times, it last for days, weeks, or months; in the worst case, eternally. Like most Combat Veterans know, there is no “fixing” PTSD, and so it goes with horrific things that happen on a bike. There is no easy answer to stopping bad things from happening. So what can you do to help maximize your pleasures and decrease your riding nightmares? One thing I have found that helps us here at Two Wheel Thunder TV are products from a North Carolina company called Tuff-N-Lite®. Like you, I ride as much and as far as possible. However, having too many clothes on, or not enough, is always a balancing act. The weather changes; it gets dark and cold or hot and windy. Sometimes the clothes and jackets you are left with on that early morning ride are not the best a few hours later. The visibility is low, the roads are damp, and you’re riding in part of the country you have never ridden; all the right ingredients for another nightmare! This, for me, is where Tuff-N-Lite® comes in. Their products are as soft as cotton yet strong as steel. Ounce for ounce, the products are up to 15 times stronger than steel. But this material is soft, comfortable, and just as flexible. I’m not going to stop riding just because its dark, wet, cold or someone is “preaching” to me how dangerous it is to ride motorcycles. So I do the best I can to provide myself with the best defenses possible. Lots of people talk about the importance of a helmet and boots. I know there are pros and cons on both side of that discussion. However, few discuss the importance of having the right clothes. Page 14

March 2015

Tuff-N-Lite® is created by a unique, multipatented process that combines natural and synthetic fibers for almost unimaginable strength. It can be made cut resistant, slash resistant, tear resistant, abrasion resistant, flame resistant, and chemical resistant. They can even add MicroTexpur™ microbial and antibacterial protection. It stronger than garments made from commonly used aramid fibers such as Kevlar and Twaron. Aramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armor fabric, and ballistic composites. Tuff-N-Lite® material will not sacrifice its strength when wet or exposed to ultra violet sunlight. If you have been riding long, you know just how important it is to have a good pair of gloves, chaps, and neck protection. Your hands are the most frequently cut area of the body in a fall. For this reason, you should use special protection. Tuff-N-Lite has a cut resistant glove liner that can be used with a separate glove for griping in both in hot or cold weather riding. There are some hot days when wearing chaps is just not going to happen. The heat in Texas, combined with the heat off a V-Twin engine, makes this riding option not practical. You do still need to protect the inner leg where the femoral artery runs. “Long Boxers” from Tuff-NLite protects against cuts, slashes, or abrasion from the waist to just below the knee. These are up to 10 times more abrasion resistant than carbon steel, easily laundered, comfortable, flexible, soft to the touch, and can be worn under your jeans If “Long Boxers” are not to your liking, try the Productive Under Garment for Defense (their PUG) will mitigate injuries suffered from trauma, from large and small projectiles, and from the associated groin infections that accompany them. These are also very light, comfortable, stretchable, and breathable. The most often overlooked area to protect is the neck. With the potential of laceration of the carotid artery in a crash; it’s paramount this area is protected. Now I know you thought these went

out of style in the 60’s, the Protective Dickey is engineered protection. Ideal for MP’s, Police, SWAT, Correctional Officers, and bikers, the Protective Dickey is breathable, comfortable, and stretches. Created from their patented composite yarn, Tuff-N-Lite Protective Dickey has earned the ASTM Cut Level 5 in the collar and Cut Level 4 in the body. Tuff-N-Lite® clothing is lightweight, breathable armor that looks like the clothing you would normally wear. Research suggests that the majority of abrasive injuries due to bike accidents could have been avoided if the rider had worn protective clothing. Wearing protective clothing can mean the difference between walking away from an accident and being carried to the ER. In short, wearing Tuff-N-Lite® Personal Protective Apparel reduces injuries and can save you a lot of unnecessary pain! Check out all their great products at TuffNLite.com.

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 15 * March 2015

Malorie’s Law

tarting from New Year’s Day and for the following weeks all I heard from the biker community was “How did this happen? How did this slip by us? What are we going to do now?” And of course let’s not forget “Who the F@#$ is Malorie?” Yep, I’m talking about House Bill 3838, better known as Malorie’s law. I want to take a little time and address a few things about this law; to help all of us understand how and why it came into effect and what it takes to prevent this from happening again in the future. Who was Malorie Bullock? Malorie Elise Bullock was a 19 year old college student from Sherman, Texas. She was attending college at Texas A&M Commerce, studying to be a physical therapist. On Thursday night, April 8, 2010, she was riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle when he swerved to avoid a truck. He lost control and hit the center ditch of the road and struck a sign pole. She was pronounced dead at the scene while he was taken to the hospital with severe injuries and both arms and legs broken. Both rider and passenger where wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Malorie is survived by both of her parents, one brother, and one sister. Why the new law? A grieving mother, combined with a father who works as a city fireman (who had seen his fair share of motorcycle accidents during his career) lost one of their most precious gifts in a most horrible way; a daughter in a motorcycle accident. Parents are not supposed to have to bury one of their children. Being left with the grief makes your heart feel empty inside, stripped, and robbed. Every morning you wake up hoping and praying you will make it through the day. No parent wants to feel this way, ever, and no parent wants another parent to have to feel the same pain. So you try to do something; you try to prevent this from happening again. That became the mission of Malorie’s parents. How was the law drafted? HB 3838 was copied straight out of existing Pennsylvania state law. It was reviewed by our state lawmakers in committee, revised, edited, and generally worked over. Some of the Pennsylvania language was tweaked, edited, and some

removed. Then it was filtered down and watered down a bit; then it went up for a vote. The law passed without a single “no” vote. There was no way this bill was not going to pass. Written where it could squeak by without choking us to death and without raising too many flags, the power of the grieving parents prevailed. Hmmmmm? What exactly is the law and what does it say we have to do? This is the most misunderstood part and the part that has everybody in an uproar, and with just cause! The law says that: 1. Anyone applying for a class M license or endorsement for their Class A, B, or C drivers license must complete a DPS approved motorcycle operator training course. If you are driving a three wheeler, the course must be specific to the operation of a three-wheeled motorcycle to receive the three-wheeled endorsement. In other words, you will now have to have a special endorsement to drive a trike. 2. All motorcycles that can seat a passenger must have foot pegs and handholds for the passenger. The good news is bikes produced before 2015 (at the time of this writing) are not required to have handholds. The bad news is, the law was written in such a vague manner that it leaves open room for personal interpretation – yours, the police officer who pulls you over, and any the state agencies that might be involved. Does anyone see a problem here? So what do we do now? The first thing to do is to use good common sense. If you don’t want to give the police officer a reason to stop you, you better have some kind of handholds. The information I have says “the law was intended primarily for the sport bike enthusiast”. So if you own a sport bike, there are many after-market products out there that work well as handholds. For the Harley owners who are concerned, there are also some products that are easily bolted on the bike. Bing, you’re done. No more worries. Many bikes with factory seats will have a leather strap across the passenger seat that serves as a hand hold – not that a

leather strap will do much good, mind you! Again, common sense is needed here. A quick call to an official state inspection station revealed an interesting fact. When I asked, they, in turn, called the inspection auditor since they never received any word from the state as to any changes in the inspection requirements regarding Malorie’s Law. The State Auditor said that the handholds are not a part of the inspection process and that it is considered a traffic violation and not a safety violation. Wait a minute; I thought this whole thing was over safety in the first place. The sissy bar, the rider in front, and the leather strap are all considered hand holds. Oh my God, could this law be any more vague and easily misunderstood? Another biggie is that, if your bike has a passenger seat on it, you better have foot-pegs for the passenger whether you have a passenger on the bike or not! The fine for not having the foot-pegs or handholds on your motorcycle is $500.00. That’s a sizable chunk of change to give to the state for a law that is not clearly defined. Until the law is better defined by the state of Texas, I plan to have nothing more than foot-pegs for my passenger. On a more positive note, the Confederation of Clubs & Independents (COC&I) says that if you do get pulled over and are issued a ticket for not having handholds… • Do not argue with the cop, be courteous at all times. Be sure you don’t tell him what his mother has or has not being seen doing. • Get a video or audio recording of the stop if possible. • Get the officers’ name and badge number and note the date, time and location where the stop occurred and the reason why the officer pulled you over. • Turn the ticket over to the COC&I Strike Task Force and they will get the ticket dismissed for you. Malorie’s Law, while intended to do some good, is a very poorly written law. The battle is not over yet. And we will keep you updated as to any changes. Ride Hard or Stay Home!

You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 16

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 18 * March 2015

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Event Listing

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

Thunder on the Colorado ThunderOnTheColorado.com Smithville Riverbend Park located off of Highway 71 along the Colorado River. Come out and join us for a roaring good time. Live music, parade through historic downtown Smithville, a fun run, bike games, and the Miss Thunder Pageant. Adults age 21 & up ONLY. Camp sites are available. Camp site or RV reservations contact Smithville Parks and Recreation at 512-237-3283 Ext. 7. For more information call 512-237-2313, email chamber@smithvilletx.org. And LIKE us on Facebook.

2015 Arlington ABATE Bikers Ball ArlingtonABATE.com Arlington Boozefighters 114 2nd Annual Chilly Fest Facebook.com/events/1401597010137918 Caldwell Rough Riders Veterans Run Rough-Riders-MC.com/RRMC El Paso

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

20-22 21 25-29

St. Patricks Day Rally 830.734.9066 Del Rio

26-29

19-22 20-21

12th Annual Oil Field Motorcycle Rally RigRiders.com Ingram

20-22

6-8

Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL

T-Twisters Chlli Cookoff 432,288.3413, 432.634.1980 Water Valley (San Angelo)

6-15

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!

ABATE & Legislative Seminar Facebook.com/events/1039425016073283 Lake Dallas

Thunder in the Hill Country BikerRalliesOfTexas.com WARNING: Adult Content Bandera Kicking off the Spring Rally Season with the best Old School Texas Rally in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and Cowboy Capital of the World! $40 entry for entire weekend. Three full days of some of the greatest riding in the US. Rides, Poker Run, Stage Games by Roadhouse Entertainment, Huge Nightly Pallooza After Party, Live Concerts, Various Contests, Vendors, Food, and other Surprises! RV camping and Free Tent Camping. Vendors Contact: Paula Lopez at 936-776-1699 Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

27-28

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Co-hosted by the Outlaw Dave Show at Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007; cages, please park behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop. Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials, door prizes, and MORE! Reserved motorcycleonly parking.. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston!

3rd Semi-Annual Cricket 4 a Cure Facebook.com/events/1547285288861398 Channelview

John Beers Memorial Car & Bike Show Alpost121.org Elm Mott

27-29

12-15

Wild Hog Explosion All Bike Rally & Hill Country Poker Run WildHogExplosion.com/Bikerally.htm Bandera

4th Annual Route 49 Biker Rally Route49Rally.com Jefferson

Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ

Neals Spring River Rally NealsLodges.com Concan Central Texas Ride for a Child CTRFAC.org Harker Heights Compassion Run 2015 Facebook.com/events/409834772502176 Wichita Falls

Wednesday Bluez, Rock n Red Dirt with Wild Rabbit Salad Band EVERY Wednesday 8pm-10pm WildRabbitSalad.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

13-15

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!

Blowout’s Biker Bash BlowoutsBikerBash.com Hitchcock Bike games; special contests, including best leprechaun nighty contest; best dressed leprechaun; best St Patty’s Day themed campsite. Live music all weekend, with headliners Point Blank (Friday) and Sid 17 (Saturday). Adult rally; 21 & up only. Held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. $35 weekend pass includes FREE tent camping. $140 Selfcontained RV sites include 2 FREE weekend passes. Preregister by March 3, 2013 and get a FREE T-shirt per weekend pass. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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!

MARCH m

EMS Roaddocs Texas Escorted Ride & Party Facebook.com/events/1544182745833933 Austin Pink Ride PinkRide.org Texarkana

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EVENTS

WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville BRING OUT YOUR BAD… A weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands all weekend, RV Sites, free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors, and more. The party never stops with the Battle of the After Hours Campsite Parties! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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Not 2 Hot Run www.gypsy-mc.org Alice Rally Round our Heroes WoundedHeroesOfTexas.org Granbury TCOC&I State Rally COCTX.org Hondo

11 12

9-11

Louisiana State HOG Rally LAStateHOGRally.com West Monroe, LA

10-12

3-4

Thunder in the Pines JacksonvilleRally.com/ Jacksonville Pre-registration is required

9-12

EVENTS

APRIL

TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Comanche Comanche City Park; Gates open Friday at Noon. Pre-Registration by March 24 $20/ person. Gate $25/person. Under 16 free. Tent camping included. Weekend on site RV parking $25. Friday: Hobo Stew, Jam Session. Saturday: Fun Run, Bike games, Bike Show, Silent Auction, and much more. Awards Presentation 7pm Saturday. CMA Services Sunday. Please check website often for rally updates.

16-18

Tattoos, Blues, and BBQ Bike Show AmericanEagleHD.com Corinth

Christian Motorcyclists 2015 State Rally CMAusa.org Fort Davis

14th Annual Marc Run 512.540.2561 Rockdale Hogs for Hope Bike Show Facebook.com/events/587252034743640 Joshua Blue Ribbon Rally Memory Ride BlueRibbonRally.com Lubbock Lewisville Biker’s Lifestyle Expo and Swap Meet 254.687.9066 Lewisville Oilmans Hill Country Ride OilmansHillCountryRide.com Bandera Beach-n-Biker Fest BeachNBikerfest.com South Padre Island

17-19

Spring Poker Run 409.392.3595 Texas City

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Bikers for Bikers Annual Rally BikersForBikers.com Kenedy

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Sweetwater Motorcycle Rally and Cook-Off 325.721.2293 Sweetwater Rumble at the Fort 2015 Facebook.com/pages/Rumble-at-theFort/355510271267324 Corsicana Oldest Town in Texas Rally OTTRally,.com Nacogdoches Join the OTT team for their 7th year in Nacogdoches. Get ready for a weekend of bikes, babes, beer, BBQ and awesome live music all weekend long! OTT 2015 will feature a weekend full of live music, OTT Crawdad Throw Down, custom bike shows, motorcycle stunt shows, biker games, tattoo, contest, burnout contest, bikini contest, downtown parade, on site vendors, beer gardens, camping, scenic rides & much more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

EVENTS

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EvenT Listing

Blue Ribbon Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet BlueRibbonRally.com Lubbock

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

May 1-3 Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Luckenbach Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. Friday Social in Fredericksburg; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Sunday services provided by the CMA. Register online $50/per person includes: all four days, Friday Social, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 2 Bikes & Bugs VII Main Event BikesAndBugs.org SugarLand Time and place to be announced. The event will include art, silent and live auctions, on stage entertainment, celebrity appearances, motorcycle raffle giveaway, vendor tents, bike wash, kids moonwalk, games and great food. Raising money for pediatric epilepsy drug research with the Wallis Family Foundation. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

May 2 International Female Ride Day Motoress.com International May 9-16 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC May 14-17 Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Tyler May 14-17 The Aspen Cash/Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM May 24-25 Rolling Thunder XXVI RollingThunderRun.com Washington, DC June 11-14 Steel Horse Sisterhood Summit SteelHorseSisterhood.com Loveland, CO

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... continued

June 11-14 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin

June 27 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org DFW Are

September 16-20 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

June 13-20 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH

August 1-8 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD

September 23-26 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

June 15 Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day RideToWork.org International

September 9-12 New Mexico State HOG Rally NMStateHOGRally.com Las Cruces, NM

October 10-12 Oklahoma State HOG Rally OKStateHOGRally.com Poteau, OK

June 18-20 Arkansas State HOG Rally ARStateHOGRally.com Hot Spring, AR

September 10-13 9th Annual Texas Rally Luau & Biker Bash TheTexasRally.com Lake Somerville

October 15-17 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL

EVENTS

November 5-8 Lone Star Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston

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Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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WAS THERE!! Knights of the Round Table Conference San Antonio * October 16-19, 2014 Dear supporter, the Green Knight’s Chapter 04 - JBSA would like to “Thank You” for your participation and support this past October in making a donation to The 100 Club of San Antonio. There were many others behind the scenes that played important parts in this effort and we want to thank them as well! The 100 Club of San Antonio has recognized your company in their recent post as an honorable supporter of these valued public servants, hero’s and their families. While the event was closed, Thunder Roads Texas was very pleased to help these proud first responders to raise money during their annual conference.

Fort Bend Gypsy MC Toy Run Katy to Rosenberg * December 14, 2014 Our friend, Troy Burleigh, offers pictures of this wonderful annual ride. “It was an awesome day. The CMA Highway Disciples made breakfast tacos and hot coffee for the registrants.” The ride started at Wild West Honda in Katy, riding to Rosenberg National Guard Armory, raising money for various charities supported by the Fort Bend Gypsy MC. Troy is a member of the CMA Highway Disciples and a wonderful photographer who regular submits pictures of rides and events around the Houston area to share with our readers. We THANK YOU, Troy!

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38th Annual St. Valentine’s Massacre Rally Hondo * February 6-8 Medina County Fairgrounds host this long-running annual event. Located just outside of San Antonio, it is heavily attended by the local Confederation of Clubs & Independents’ and the Coalition of Independent Riders’ clubs and members. This was their third year back in Hondo and the weather was GREAT.

HOG Chapter HOU-TEX Reindeer Ride December 20 * Pasadena to Galveston While not an official member of our staff, Patrick Fisher sent this in and we wanted to share it with you. “I ride with the H.O.G. chapter HOU-TEX out of San Jacinto HarleyDavidson. We do a Christmas light ride out to Galveston. However the difference is we have a collection of helmets with deer-horns and line up behind a red trike with a white bearded rider (the sleigh) with “reindeer” in front.” They call it “Santa and his misfit reindeer”! Thank you, Patrick, for sharing your ride with us!!

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ON THE COVER

Spring Riding Season is Upon Us... Coming Event Highlights

Blowout’s Biker Bash March 12-15 BlowoutsBikerBash.com Hitchcock Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Bike games; special contests, including best leprechaun nighty contest; best dressed leprechaun; best St Patty’s Day themed campsite. Live music all weekend, with headliners Point Blank (Friday) and Sid 17 (Saturday). Adult rally; 21 & up only. Held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. $35 weekend pass includes FREE tent camping. $140 Self-contained RV sites include 2 FREE weekend passes. Preregister by March 3, 2013 and get a FREE T-shirt per weekend pass. Thunder on the Colorado March 20-22 ThunderOnTheColorado.com Smithville See their ad in this issue! Riverbend Park located off of Highway 71 along the Colorado River. Come out and join us for a roaring good time. Live music, parade through historic downtown Smithville, a fun run, bike games, and the Miss Thunder Pageant. Adults age 21 & up ONLY. Camp sites are available. Camp site or RV reservations contact Smithville Parks and Recreation at 512237-3283 Ext. 7. For more information call 512-237-2313, email chamber@smithvilletx.org. And LIKE us on Facebook. Thunder in the Hill Country March 26-29 BikerRalliesOfTexas.com Bandera Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Kicking off the Spring Rally Season with the best Old School Texas Rally in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and Cowboy Capital of the World! $20 DAY PASSES FRI N SAT! Three full days of some of the greatest riding in the US. Rides, Poker Run, Stage Games by Roadhouse Entertainment, Huge Nightly Pallooza After Party, Live Concerts, Various Contests, Vendors, Food, and other Surprises! RV camping and Free Tent Camping. Vendors Contact: Paula Lopez at 936-776-1699. Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally April 9-12 CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! BRING OUT YOUR BAD… Join Damon Dave and the crew for a weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands all weekend, RV Sites (book NOW), free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors, and more. The party never stops with the Battle of the After Hours Campsite Parties! Registration is open now. TMRA State Rally April 10-12 TMRA.org Comanche See their add in this issue! Comanche City Park; Gates open Friday at Noon. Pre-Registration by March 24 $20/person. Gate $25/person. Under 16 free. Tent camping included. Weekend on site RV parking $25. Friday: Hobo Stew, Jam Session. Saturday: Fun Run, Bike games, Bike Show, Silent Auction, and much more. Awards Presentation 7pm Saturday. CMA Services Sunday. Please check website often for rally updates.

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March 2015

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Oldest Town in Texas Rally April 24-26 OTTRally,.com Nacogdoches Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Join the OTT team for their 7th year in Nacogdoches. Get ready for a weekend of bikes, babes, beer, BBQ and awesome live music all weekend long! Featuring a weekend full of live music, OTT Crawdad Throw Down, custom bike shows, motorcycle stunt shows, biker games, tattoo, contest, burnout contest, bikini contest, downtown parade, on site vendors, beer gardens, camping, scenic rides & much more! Advance tickets now available for purchase for OTT 2015! Advance weekend passes are once again only $35 for a limited time only. This includes all events at OTT 2015, and your 2015 OTT Rally & BBQ Cook Off event shirt included FREE! Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally May 1-3 HillCountryRun.com Luckenbach Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social in Fredericksburg; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Ending with Sunday services provided by the CMA. Registration is open NOW. Register online now… $50/per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show. The Optimist Club of Fredericksburg was established in 1983 with the intent of “bringing out the best in kids.” Proceeds from the Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally help fund the many community youth programs of the Fredericksburg Optimists. Bikes & Bugs VII Main Event May 2 BikesAndBugs.org SugarLand Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Our signature event, Bikes, Bugs & Brew VII, will be held Saturday, May 2, 2015 at a time and place to be announced, and will include art, silent and live auctions, on stage entertainment, celebrity appearances, motorcycle raffle giveaway, vendor tents, bike wash, kids moonwalk, games and great food. This year we will be adding craft beer to the event. You will be able to come out and sample craft beer from all our local breweries. There will also be pre-parties around Houston leading up to the main event. Watch for pre-parties leading up to the main event. Raising money for pediatric epilepsy drug research with the Wallis Family Foundation.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2015

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There are only three kinds of Irish men who can’t understand women – young men, old men, and men of middle age. What Shall I Say About the Irish? The utterly impractical, never predictable Sometimes irascible, quite inexplicable, Irish.Strange blend of shyness, pride and conceit, And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.

An Irish biker went to confession in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. “Father”, he confessed, “it has been one month since my last confession. I had sex with Nookie Green twice last month.” The priest told the sinner, “You are forgiven. Go out and say three Hail Mary’s.”

He’s spoiling and ready to argue and fight, Yet the smile of a child fills his soul with delight. His eyes are the quickest to well up with tears, Yet his strength is the strongest to banish your fears.

Soon thereafter, another Irish man entered the confessional… “Father, it has been two months since my last confession. I’ve had sex with Nookie Green twice a week for the past two months.”

His hate is as fierce as his devotion is grand, And there is no middle ground on which he will tand. He’s wild and he’s gentle, he’s good and he’s bad. He’s proud and he’s humble, he’s happy and sad.

This time, the priest questioned, “Who is this Nookie Green?’”

He’s in love with the ocean, the earth and the skies, He’s enamoured with beauty wherever it lies. He’s victor and victim, a star and a clod, But mostly he’s Irish – In love with his God.

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March 2015

“A new woman in the neighborhood,” the sinner replied. “Very well,” sighed the priest, “Go and say ten Hail Mary’s.” At mass the next morning, as the priest prepared to deliver the sermon, a tall, voluptuous, drop-dead

gorgeous redheaded woman entered the Sanctuary. The eyes of every man in the church fell upon her as she slowly sashayed up the aisle and sat down right in front of the priest. Her dress was green and very short, and she wore matching, shiny emerald-green shoes. The priest and the altar boy gasped as the woman in the green dress and matching emeraldgreen shoes sat with her legs spread slightly apart, but just enough to realize that one could see all the way to the junction of O my goodness and O my gosh! The priest turned to the altar boy and whispered, “Oh, sweet Lord. Is that Nookie Green?” The bug-eyed altar boy couldn’t believe his ears, but managed to calmly reply, “No Father, I think it’s just a reflection from her shoes.”

May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2015

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March 2015

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “ * ” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR; $125 for churches, bands, MC clubs/groups, and VFW/ALR Halls - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information. Accessories & Parts

* Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Bands

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* West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com

* Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com

Wild Rabbit Salad Great Party Band! Houston Contact Bucky Goldberg Facebook.com/buckygoldberg Reverbnation.com/wildrabbitsalad Bars & Restaurants * Dots Burgerz & Brewz 31623 FM 306 Spring, Branch, TX 78070 830.885.2377 DotsBurgers.com * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.com www.bentrimgrill.com *Garrett Road Ice House 14303 Garrett Rd Houston, TX 77077 281.456.0440 Facebook.com/pages/Garrett-Road-IceHouse/268480946517754 * Pivo’s Ice House 1564 FM 1291 Fayetteville, TX 78940 979.732.2290 Find us on Facebook: Pivos-Ice-House *Drink Texas (formerly Road Hawgs Saloon) 31138 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 830.755.6449 www.roadhawgssaloon.com * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_ Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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Biker Friendly Biker Churches *Northeast Texas Bikers Church 749 E 16th Street Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 903.563.0948 NETXBC.com 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 * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com * Gulf Coast Trikes 1907 Lawrence Rd, Ste 200 Kemah, Texas 77565 832.864.2085 GulfCoastTrikes.com Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-3pm * Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com * Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Kent Motorsports 1575 IH-35 North New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-624-3000 www.kentmotorsports.com Facebook.com/Kent-Motorsports

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March 2015

Kent Powersports of Selma 15664 IH-35 North Selma, TX 78154 210-655-2625 www.kps-sa.com Facebook.com/KentPowersports * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com * Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com * Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Insurance & Attorneys * Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com * Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.FreewayInsurance.com

... continued 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 *Scoot On Inn Cabins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Motorcycle Towing Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Miscellaneous * American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West Livingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411

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BIKER FRIENDLY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $149/basic or $199/premium

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 39 * March 2015

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 40 * March 2015