Thunder Roads Texas September 2014 by Thunder Roads Texas

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

Motor Maids Riding High

Annual Convention July 8-10, 2014 Kerrville

September 2014 

Also this month:

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Ride for Rozzy Old Cowboys and Bikers

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Outlaw Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch Ride November 8 Escorted Ride from Stubbs Harley-Davidson to Lone Star Rally $20/person, includes breakfast & ride Live Auction before Kickstands Up 8:30am Registration begins; KSU 11am Sharp

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Contents 

September 2014 On the Cover 38 Motor Maids Riding High Also This Month 18-35 SPECIAL EVENT SECTION

18-35

Erath County Cruzin’ for a Cure

Regular Features 6

Letter From the Editor

Two Wheel Thunder TV: IKON USA Shock Absorber

Pig Writes: Skeeter’s Run

Ride Map: Llano River Ride

Reader Recommended: Best Small Town Experience

40 ThunderCam 42

Joker’s Wild

Resources 19

Event Listing

CENTER - Pull-Out September 2014 Calendar 35

Biker Friendly Listing

On the cover: Motor Maids escorting Wounded Warriors. Motor Maids Annual Convention July 2014 in Kerrville. Photo by Todd Harmon.

OWNERS

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

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Points Across Texas Administrator

Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161

Monica Clark Monica@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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

FEATURE WRITERS

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

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

Raymond Meinhardt meinhardtray@yahoo.com * 210.410.5783

CORRESPONDENTS

Annette Smith AnnetteSmith7@yahoo.com * 979.324.5995 Elaine “Ridin’ Around” Smith RidinAround@yahoo.com * 254.967.5672 Jason Kinsey J.Kinsey@yahoo.com * 817.965.6780 Mike Stubbs TexasCustomCycles@yahoo.com 361.446.9339 Raquel Gonzalez RaquelMG1969@hotmail.com * 281.837.8101 Connie Wunderlich cwunderlich@stx.rr.com * 830.377.6155

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

Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Shelly “Cricket” Silva San Antonio; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods; Raul Carrasco - San Antonio; Diannia Clawson - Cedar Creek; Alice Cates - Houston; Garrett Stanley - Photographer; Todd Harmon Kerrville. Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

Summer is gone and cooler weather is on its way! Time to get riding again, now that all those summer vacations are over and the heat isn’t near as tough to deal with. This month, we are pleased to be sponsoring The Texas Rally (September 11-14, Lake Somerville); the Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball featuring Bret Michaels in concert (September 20, Houston); the Texas Honor Ride Fall Fundraiser (September 20, Conroe); and the 8th Annual Steel Horse Trail Ride (September 27, Chappell Hill to Papa’s on the Lake in Conroe). Watch our Facebook page for one more chance to win tickets to see Bret Michaels and sit with me and Bob at the Thunder Roads Texas VIP table! In addition to those – check out the many, many events that know Thunder Roads Texas is the place to go for information – by advertising with us! And when you attend any of these – make sure they know you found them in Thunder Roads Texas! We are still looking for ad sales representatives and correspondents from across Texas. Some experience is necessary and there are minimum requirements (very minimum). So if you’re interested in joining our Team Thunder – email me and I’ll send you the information! Hope you all are riding safe and having fun! 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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September 2014

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IKON USA Shock Absorbers Riding season is in full swing and you should be racking up the miles on your bike. But if your bike has over twenty thousand miles, it may not ride like it once did. If you have been riding two up, doing a lot of city riding with all the “potholes” in the road, carrying more weight in the saddlebags and tour pack than OEM suggests, or have been off the beaten path a bit you may be having a few suspension problems. Dave Gardner, who for 34 years worked as a mechanic and shop owner specializing in classic BMW motorcycles, operates IKON Suspension USA. Since the beginning of Dave’s career, suspension has been one of the top 3 priorities in building a safe and dependable motorcycle. Dave says, “Brakes, tires, and suspension are a must”! At Two Wheel Thunder TV, we have also found these 3 items are on the top 7 list of items that are serviced the least or not dealt with unless they are causing a real problem. IKON Suspension USA imports and distributes IKON Shock Absorbers right from the factory. Great spring rates, adjustable rebound dampening, and the possibility of rebuilding them without sending them back to the factory is a “BIG” plus. I run a set of IKON 76101601 on my Ultra Classic. They work great on all types of road conditions. I just returned from over 2,000 miles of riding on roads like the “Tail of Dragon”, across the Smokey Mountains, in several major cities with streets that were under construction, smooth interstates of Kansas, and slick wet roads in Indiana. The bike never handled better. For your money, the best way to improve the handling of your bike is to install an IKON Suspension ASAP! The original parent company had been building shock absorbers since 1967. Deciding to stop production of motorcycle shock absorbers in 2000, the parent company came made a special license agreement with Geoff Lowe of IKON, Australia. This allowed IKON to make the motorcycle shocks under its own name for the worldwide market. The IKON suspensions have been available since 2001 and now are well established. Ask yourself: Has your bike experienced what’s called “Suspension Sag”? This happens when a passenger and/ or luggage increases the spring load dramatically. For most springs this is just too much and your suspension will sag beyond a safe limit. The rear springs of most bikes is normally calculated to take about 50% of the weight of both bike and rider. A progressively wound spring will correct part of the problem, but it works best by adjusting the spring seat position. By increasing the spring height, the bike will be restored to its original ride height. Does your bike feel unstable in tight or high speed turns? If so, this could be caused by a suspension that may be under-damped. It may feel unpleasant, but it will not be unsafe as long as the driver takes it easy. However, if ridden hard, a bike with incorrect damping will be unstable, especially when cornering. With IKON Shocks fast corners Page 8

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will be a pleasure. The handling of your motorcycle is essential for safe riding. Here, the qualities of the IKON shock absorber make a great contribution to your safe riding. Now here is something most of us who ride a lot know way to well… bottoming out. This happens when riding over excessive bumps and potholes both spring and damper will be compressed to the extreme. If the spring is too soft, the suspension will bottom out and hit its bump stop. This bottoming out subsequently is transferred to the rider and will put a high load on the suspension and gives a rough ride. A progressive rate spring, standard on the IKON motorcycle dampers, is the solution to bottoming out. Choosing a new shock absorber can be a bit of a gamble. It may function correctly, but for how long? Leaking shocks are commonplace and the damping can fade before long. A quality shock absorber with a long life is most manufacturers aim, but few achieve it. IKON is one manufacturer who achieved and maintained this goal. Replacing a (worn) shock absorber can be an expensive

business. IKON offers quality, a long life, with optimum damping characteristics, adjustable damping and spring seat, a progressive spring at a fair price and it’s all supported by a worldwide dealer network. IKON shock absorbers are produced from the finest materials, surfaces are machined to the narrowest tolerances, and quality control is incorporated in all production steps. At the end of the production line every single damper is 100% Dyno tested to assure the highest quality. Of all the products we have reviewed, this is one of the absolute finest aftermarket products ever! We definitely LOVE them! We love the way the bike handles with IKON and we love the immeasurable safety that comes with them. Ask IKON today for the price of an IKON shock and you’ll be surprised. Contact them to find out which suspension system is right for you. IKONSuspensionUSA.com, ikonusa@gmail.com or call Dave Gardner at (415) 738-9441 after 10:00 a.m. PST.

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Skeeter’s Run Just the other evening, we were all hanging out at our local sports bar after a ride, drinking a couple of cold ones and telling our usual manly stories if we had one. Skeeter looks over after he listened in a bit and said he had a good one to tell. He called it the Ride from Hell and it happened over the Fourth of July weekend. We all ordered a fresh one ‘cause we knew if Skeeter had a tale to tell it would be a good one. Anyone who has been riding for some time has one or two of these stories, you just can’t avoid them. Well it turns out that Skeeter had made plans to be with a special lady friend of his for the three day weekend. He had everything all set up. He would get off work early on Thursday when he would ride up to Canton and be there by 7:00 p.m. to have the weekend with her. Skeeter even rode his bike to work that day, loaded with his bags, just so he could get on the road that much sooner. Well, as Skeeter tells it, the day started out pretty good. His work load was light for the day and he had no problems getting everything finished up. His target time was to clock out around Noon. As all good riding adventures start out, if you have a set time to be somewhere, it usually doesn’t happen; and it can often indicate what is in store for the rest of the day. The boss man changed Skeeters schedule at the last minute and would not allow him to leave untill 3:00 p.m. By then Skeeter was not in a very good mood. The heat of the day had kicked in and he had a five-hour trip in front of him. Since Canton is up near Dallas, that meant he needed to head up I-35 through Austin, Round Rock, and so on. And that meant heavy traffic and slow going. So Skeeter decided to take the 130 toll road out of Seguin and head north to Highway 95 near Hutto, which would clear him of traffic all the way to the north side of Temple. He would only have to run from Temple to Waco on the interstate. Best laid plans of mice and men, right? So Skeeter is running on I-10 towards Seguin, the temperature was around 97 degrees, and sweat is just pouring off his back. About three miles out of Seguin, all power to the engine had suddenly stopped. Skeeter, with all of his wisdom and planning, forgot to gas the bike up before he left. No problem, he just rode in on his reserve. Once he got onto 130, the traffic was non-existent and the throttle was wide open. The hot summer air dried the sweat from his shirt as fast as his body produced it. Once in Hutto, he turned off onto Highway 79 over to Taylor. He noticed something in the sky that made Skeeter do a double take. Off to the northwest, over what he thought was the I-35 area, a very dark band of clouds loomed on the horizon. He was glad he was taking Highway 95 instead. As Skeeter pulled into Taylor he was having trouble finding Highway 95. So, like any smart biker, he pulled into a gas station to ask directions. There he struck up a conversation with some farm boy at the pump next to him. “Yeah, you’ll find 95 about a mile up the road, turn left and you’ll be on it”. The conversation concluded with

the guy talking to a friend of his up in Temple, he said that there was a little bit of light rain but nothing that should be a real concern. Skeeter thanked the man for his help and headed down the road. Skeeter soon found Highway 95 and headed north. No sooner had he left Taylor that he noticed the temperature had dropped big time; he scanned the sky line and noticed that it was awful dark straight ahead. He guessed the guy’s friend didn’t know what was between Temple and Taylor. About a mile or two out of Taylor was when the light rain started. Nothing too bad – didn’t even require rain gear at this point. The rain began to pick up and, at this point, Skeeter was about four miles outside of Grainger. He figured he could stop there and put on his rain gear. No sooner than Skeeter finds a gas station to stop at, the skies opened up on him. Perfect timing! Skeeter decided to play it safe and wait out the rain as it was coming down pretty hard. He left his bike under the pump canopy and went inside. There he met the proprietor, a Chinese guy who spoke very broken English. (Think Chinese accent on this next part...) “Ahh, it raining, you no go nowhere today”. Skeeter laughed ‘cause the guy was right, “You go no where silly biker cause you all wet.” Skeeter grabbed a Coke and a bag of chips, “Might as well have something to snack on while I wait”, he thought. The rain finally slowed down but didn’t show signs of stopping so Skeeter geared up in his suit and thanked the Chinese guy for his hospitality. By the time Skeeter hit third gear, Grainger was a mere speck in his mirror. Still a light rain and a sky full of darkness, about five miles down the road Skeeter knew he was about to get into serious trouble. A couple of lightening strikes off to the right made his skin crawl and that was when the wind picked up. Skeeter soon found himself leaning into the wind to keep from being blown over; the rain really started coming down. Skeeter was right smack dab in the middle of one of those Texas turd floater storms. He had it all; wind, lightening, and heavy rain. Thank God it wasn’t hailing. It was raining so hard that water was going behind his glasses, partially blinding him. His mustache was filling up with water and running into his mouth. Skeeter was in the middle of nowhere; no place to stop, no place to turn around, no cover, and now it felt like the rain was going through his suit. He was F…ed. The rain was so heavy it had built up on the road surface so as there was no way Skeeter could see any pot holes, road damage, or other obstacles that could be of harm. At this point, things were pretty scary and the only option he had was to go forward into the dangerous storm. They say we all have a guardian angel to watch over us, well for Skeeter, that day his angel was driving a pickup truck behind him. Whoever that person was, Skeeter says “thanks”, because the person had slowed down and paced behind Skeeter with their high beams and hazard lights on, giving Skeeter a little more visibility. It was that or the person was videoing Skeeter waiting for him to wipe out

so they could put it on YouTube! Another seven miles later Skeeter pulled into a gas station in Holland. This time Skeeter waited 45 minutes for the rain to pass and the road to clear. As Skeeter is telling the story, he reflects back to some of the different comments he received from people there at the gas station. Most people were nice and just asked if he was okay and if he needed anything. But one old boy gets out of his SUV, walks up to Skeeter with a big stupid grin like he’s laughing at Skeeter and asks, “Got yerself a little rain delay, huh?” Skeeter just looked over and said “Nope, just waiting for a bar of soap so I can take a bath.” The rain hadn’t fully stopped when Skeeter got back on the road. He continued on Highway 95 to the north end of Temple. As he approached I-35 the rains had finally quit and the sky began to clear. Everything was looking much better, better that is, until Skeeter hit the interstate. As he took the northbound on-ramp he noticed the traffic was barely moving through all the road construction. The southbound lanes were even worse as they were at a standstill. What should have taken 19 minutes to reach Waco turned into 90 minutes. This trip was wearing on Skeeter fast. He never did admit it but I think the only thing keeping him moving forward was the thought of his woman waiting for him at the end of his journey. He was past the halfway point, so it was closer to continue on than to turn back. Once in Waco the traffic eased up a bit and Skeeter began making tracks. A quick exit onto Highway 31 and he was rolling fast and hard. The wind was in his hair and his clothes had dried out from the rain. He hadn’t stopped to eat because there was no time to waste. Passing cars and avoiding the trucks, Skeeter was moving along well now. That is, right up to the point when the state highway patrol decided Skeeter needed to slow down. Yep, you guessed it, Skeeter was pulled over and written up for doing 83 in a 65. But of course you know it wasn’t just a simple pull over and hand over your license. Skeeter had to answer all the standard questions like “What’s your hurry boy? You been drinking boy? How fast do you think you need to be driving there boy?” Ol’ Skeeter really had to keep his cool at this point. He didn’t mind being called “boy” as long as it was by an older cop, or maybe one close to his same age but not by a young, wet behind the ears, rookie cop that pulled him over. A $283 ticket later and once more Skeeter was rolling down the highway. The night began to fall and that meant the critters would come out of the woods. The miles slowly clicked down as about this time Skeeter’s ass began to feel like an iron plate. A journey that should have only been five hours took him almost nine hours to complete. What is it about a woman that drives a man to undertake such task? Was she worth that much pain and suffering? All I can say is that must have been some woman to make a man go through that much agony. Ride HARD or Stay Home!

You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 10

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

September 2014

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Llano River Ride Llano County Courthouse Llano County Museum

“Red Top” Jail

Besides the courthouse, there is the Llano County Jail (AKA Red Top Jail). It is an imposing Romanesque Revival structure built in 1895. When Llano was incorporate in 1892, the Llano River was bridged. When that bridge was swept away during a flood, the current Roy Inks Bridge was built in 1935. To find out more about the area, visit the Llano County Historical Museum, located on the banks of the Llano River, just north of the Roy Inks Bridge. The building was originally Bruhl’s Drugstore and given to the Historical Society in 1965 by the family. Out of Llano, take Highway 16 South. Take a right on Ranch Road 152, just over the river.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

September 2014

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MAP

Roy Inks Bridge

The route starts in Llano, known as “The Granite City” and the seat of Llano County. While originally founded in 1856, the small town wasn’t more than a small frontier trading center with a handful of log buildings until well into the late 1880s. In 1885, an ornate brick courthouse was completed on the square on the south side of the river. A fire in 1892 destroyed this courthouse. The current courthouse was completed in 1893 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Llano experienced a short boom between 1886-1893 when iron deposits were discovered and investment money flowed. Today, Llano is a peaceful, historical small Texas town.

RIDE

few months back, we asked readers to tell us about their favorite roads in Texas. Here is one of those suggestions. Thanks to Gypsy Truck for the submission! Truck says this “quiet, little, twisty back road between Llano and Castell in the Texas Hill Country is a wonderful little ride when you need to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.” Truck’s route ended in Castell, but we have continued this ride map on into Mason, then back again to Llano.

Llano River Ride The first part of the route hugs the Llano River on Ranch Road 152. The name Llano, Spanish for “plain”, came into use in the 1840s. The river runs through rolling terrain and over limestone formations characteristic of the Texas Hill Country.

Castell still serves at a religious center for the area. In Castell, two very old churches still stand, Trinity United Methodist and St. John Lutheran. Both date back to 1852. For those interested in old churches and their related cemeteries, these are a “must see”. Continue on Ranch Road 152 to Highway 87 and go North.

Castell General Store

The settlement of Mason grew up around Fort Mason, which was established by the US War Department as a front-line defense against Kiowa, Lipan Apaches and Comanche in 1851. It was Trinity United Methodist Church - Castell named in honor of Lieutenant George Thomson Mason, US Army. After the Civil War, returning Confederate veterans and German ranchers clashed in 1875 over cattle rustling and other crimes. This became known as “The HooDoo War”. During this time, many were killed, but no one was tried.

MAP RIDE

... continued

St. John Lutheran Church - Castell About 20 miles out is Castell, established in 1847 by German immigrants with the support of the Adelsverein, officially named the Verein zum Schutze deutscher Einwanderer in Texas (Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas). The town is named for Count Carl Frederick Castell-Castell, business manager of the Adelsverein. The small community has the distinction of being the oldest surviving settlement in Llano County and most residents are descendants of the original settlers.

Fort Mason - Mason

Mason County Courthouse

Old Mason County Jail

there is Fort Mason. It was abandoned by the military in the 1870s. Mason citizens recycled stones from the buildings into homes and business buildings near the In 1869, the first courthouse and Broad Street Bridge - Mason town square. A restoration jail were built of stone walls lined of the fort began in 1975. with post oak timbers. After the HooDoo War, a new red sandstone jail was built in 1898 Today, the fort belongs to the Mason Historical Society. and a new courthouse was built in 1875. That courthouse Another site of note is the Broad Street Bridge. This is the was burned down in 1877, destroying all court records. The only example of a reinforced concrete truss bridge in Texas. subsequent 1878 courthouse was destroyed in 1900. The Originally built in 2918 for $9,000 by the Alamo Construction current courthouse was erected in 1909, built of granite in Company, the bridge is still in use today, crossing Comanche the Classic Revival style. Creek. Of course, there’s a museum – the Mason County Trivia… in 1918, after the US declared war on Germany, the Mason City Council of Defense drew up a resolution to abandon the use of the German language in the county. Back then, and still today, folks in the area are of German descent.

Museum is housed in an old schoolhouse (circa 1875), built from salvaged stone from Fort Mason.

For the trip back to Llano, a quick jaunt back on Highway 29, heading East.

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Of course, being a county seat, Mason offers the standard Points Across Texas county courthouse. Additionally,

Points Across Texas Qualified Destination List - September 2014 Ride Map

Llano • “Granite City” sign • Llano County Courthouse • Llano County Jail (“Red Top”) • Roy Inks Bridge • Llano County Historical Museum Castell • Trinity United Methodist Church • St John Lutheran Church

Quick Rules: • Locations/items must be easily identifiable in the photo. • Your AND/OR your bike must be in the picture. • Either a current issue of Thunder Roads Texas OR a print out of the 2014 Points Across Texas logo/patch must be Page 14

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Mason • Fort Mason Site (marker) • Mason County Courthouse • Broad Street Bridge • Mason County Museum

visible in the photo. • Photos must be emailed to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.comor can be posted on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas). • Deadline for 2014 photos is January 15, 2015. ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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We Asked - You Recommended!

July’s call for recommendations was for your favorite Texas small towns. Here’s the list of what readers say are “must see” small towns with asome information and references to any ride maps they may have appareed in (in alphabetical order). There’s still time to submit for our August call - Texas Festivals - submissions due by September 5. Next up - Best Bed & Breakfast/Small Inn in Texas.

Bandera – Hill CountrySan Antonio; Bandera County seat; “Cowboy Capital of the World” where you can see horses & motorcycles side-by-side; Authentic Western town with working and guest ranches; Western re-enactments Saturday afternoons; TRT December 2011. Canton – Prairies & Lakes-Tyler; Van Zandt County seat; First Monday Trade Days makes this small town the 7th largest city in the US with more than 400,000 shoppers; A National Main Street City, offering shopping, restaurants and historical buildings. Canyon – Panhandle-Amarillo; Randall County seat; A National Main Street City; “Gateway to the Grand Canyon of Texas”; Located on the edge of the Palo Duro Canyon with the natural theater featuring the famous musical drama “TEXAS”.

Texas writer) movie; “A World of Art Way Out West” – artists’ town; TRT Ride Map January 2013.

Granbury – Prairies & Lakes-Dallas/Fort Worth; Hood County seat; Downtown square listed on National Register of Historic Places; White sand beach on the Brazos River/ Lake Granbury; 1950s Brazos Drive-In Theater, one of the few still operating in Texas; Texas Independence Day celebration (Mar); Granbury Wine Walk (Apr); Harvest Moon Festival (Oct); TRT Ride Map October 2013.

Nacogdoches – East Texas-Tyler; A National Main Street City; “Oldest Town in Texas”; Home to the Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Motorcycle Rally (Apr); Blended Southern hospitality with its Spanish heritage; TRT Ride Map April 2014.

Hico – Prairies & Lakes-Dallas/Fort Worth; Pronounced “High-coe”; Historic downtown area features antique stores, artists and restaurants; Historic home of international known photographer Frank Rufus Wiseman; One of the oldest Old Settler’s Reunions, dating from 1882 (Jul); Largest steak cook-off in Texas (May); Billy the Kid historical sites; TRT Ride Map February 2014.

Columbus – Prairies & Lakes-Houston; Colorado County seat; “City of Live Oaks”; Restored historic buildings; Oak downtown under which the first court of the Third Judicial District of the Republic of Texas convened in 1837; Part of the Texas Independence Trail.

Hallettsville – Prairies & Lakes-Victoria; Lavaca County seat; Kolache Fest (Sep); Beer, Wine & Moonshine Festival (Oct); German/Czech community; Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! once called it the “13” City: in 1913, it had 13 letters in the name, 1,300 population, 13 churches, 13 newspapers, and 13 saloons.

Comfort – Hill Country-San Antonio; Much of midtown is in the National Register of Historic Places; Along the Guadalupe River; Great antique shopping; TRT Ride Map July 2011.

Jefferson – Piney Woods-Longview; Marion County seat; Former home to the famous Boo Benefit; “Best Bed & Breakfast Capital of East Texas”; Historical and romantic getaway; “Ghosts of Jefferson”; August 2011.

Fayetteville – Prairies & Lakes-Austin; Jeff Davis County seat; Texas Pioneer Trail (TX Hwy 159); Lickskillet Days Festival (Oct); Historic Courthouse on the Square (circa 1880) with second floor jail; Painted Churches; Museums; Historic cemeteries; Historic buildings.

La Grange – Prairies & Lakes-Austin; Fayette County seat; A Texas Main Street City; 1886 MKT Depot, and more. Texas Independence Trail and Texas Settlement Trail; Texas Quilt Museum; “Muster Oak” on the main square, where Texans fighting for independence would gather before setting of on their campaigns; TRT Ride Map October 2010.

Fort Davis – Big Bend-Midland/Odessa; National Trust for Historic Preservation; Davis Mountains State Park; Fort Davis Historic Site; TRT Ride Map March 2014. Fredericksburg – Hill Country-Austin; Gillespie County seat; Birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Nimitz Museum; More than 700 historical structures, many on the National Register of Historic Places; Oktoberfest (Oct); Gillespie County Fair (Aug); TRT Ride Maps December 2011 and January 2014. Goliad – South Texas-Victoria; Goliad County seat; “Remember Goliad” honoring Colonel James W. Fannin, Jr and his men who were massacred here; “Main Street City”; Courthouse Square Historic District is in the National

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September 2014

Llano – Hill Country-Austin; Llano County seat; A National Main Street City; “Where the Past Lives in the Heartland of Texas”; Beautiful downtown area and great water activities; Highlighted in this month’s ride map. Luckenbach – Hill Country-Austin; While not technically a town… just a destination, still one of the best experiences in Texas; Live music weekends with traditional sit-and-pick sessions when the bands are finished. Marfa – Big Bend-Midland/Odessa; Presidio County seat; Home to the mysterious Marfa Lights; Mean Gene Kelton (Texas Blues guitarist; former Thunder Roads

Pecos – Big Bend-Midland/Odessa; Reeves County seat; A National Main Street City; Early fame as a hangout for rowdy cowboys and fast-draw lawmen; “Home of the World’s First Rodeo”; Known for cantaloupes, harvested late July through September. Port Isabel – Gulf Coast-Brownsville; Seaside town known for famous lighthouse that dates back to the early 1800s, the only lighthouse in Texas you can still climb; Variety of fishing opportunities; Pirate ship experience; Good museums; June 2014. Rockport – Gulf Coast/Corpus Christi; Aransas County seat; Maritime Museum, saltwater fishing, birding and other water-related activities; not-to-mention, the Rockport Festival of Wine & Food (May); TRT Ride Map March 2011. Salado – Prairies & Lakes-Killeen/Temple; Romantic getaway spot, full of bed & breakfast inns, water gardens, carriage tours, and more; Main Street & vicinity offer lively marketplace with over 60 shops and artists’ galleries; Salado (salt) Creek, the first Texas Natural Landmark to be designated by the Texas Historical Survey Committee; Annual Gathering of the Scottish Clans & Highland Games (Nov). Smithville – Prairies & Lakes-Austin; Historic downtown full of antique shops, boutiques and restaurants; Location for several movies, including Hope Floats and Tree of Life; 2009 Guinness Book of Records for creating the World’s Biggest Gingerbread Man (“Smitty” stands near the chamber of commerce offices); Thunder on the Colorado Biker Rally (Mar); TRT Ride Map October 2010. Uncertain – Piney Woods/Longview; “Texas’ Best Kept Secret”; Scenic Caddo Lake on border of TX and LA; Swamp tours, shopping, fishing, and bed & breakfasts. Wimberley – Hill Country-Austin; Characterized by cool, shady pools beneath towering cypress trees and majestic hills; Second largest Market Days in Texas (1st Sunday Mar-Dec); TRT Ride Map December 2011.

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

September 2014

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EVENTS

Event Listing

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

Quaker Steak & Lube – Carrollton Bike Nite – EVERY Thursday TheLubecom Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook.com/CarrolltonLube for updates and specials! 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!

New Mexico State HOG Rally NMStateHOGRally.com Clovis, NM ABATE State Rally 903.744.0749; 214.399.8353 Decatur Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR

US Military Vets MC Bike Wash 254.493.4384 Round Rock Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

3rd Annual Wheels of Justice Ride & Event 713.259.9402 Woodlands Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Braking the Chains Across Texas Ride & Party CowboysAlamoCityDarley.com San Antonio Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Kristi’s Krusaders Annual Rally for the Walk 512.760.0143 Milano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

The Texas Rally Luau Biker Bash TheTexasRally.com Lyons Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Held at Big Creek Park & Marina on beautiful Lake Somerville (out of Lyons). Always a huge party and always with a Damon Dave surprise! FREE Luau meal on Saturday (while it lasts), Tiki Lounge, Moment of Silence for 9/11, live bands, bike show & games, bike & campsite decorating contests, and so much more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Lake of the Ozarks Bike Fest LakeoftheOzarksBikeFest.com Osage Beach, MO

271 Biker Rally 271BikerRally.com Tyler Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Coming from one of the organizers of the famous Boo Benefit and benefiting the Wounded Warriors of Texas (TXWoundedWarrior.com), this rally already has the buzz going! Featuring the Traveling Veteran Wall. PLUS beer gardens, live entertainment, burn out contest, bikini contest, best tattoo contest, bike show, poker runs, vendors, RV sites, tent camping, and more! $30/person pre-register online; $40/ person weekend pass at the gate; $25/person day pass.

Bikini Bike Wash at Twin Peaks (100 Louis Henna Blvd, Round Rock 78664) benefiting the US Military Vets MC. Raffles and music; Noon to 4pm.

Alopecia Areata Awareness Ride Facebook.com/events/793568890676617 LaPorte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Judys 2000 Miles in 48 Hours Endurance Run Judys2000in48.Webs.com Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Fire Fest Texas POG-M.com Gun Barrel City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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Lone Star 92.5 Bike Night EVERY Thursday LoneStar925.com DFW Area Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth It’s a roaming bike night! Randy James of Lone Star 92.5 hosts an every Thursday bike night at various locations around town. Visit LoneStar925.com for information about upcoming bike nights. Proudly sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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Quaker Steak & Lube – League City Bike Nite – EVERY Wednesday TheLubecom League City Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook (search for Quaker Steak & Lube League City) for updates and specials!

Wednesday Bluez, Rock n Red Dirt with Wild Rabbit Salad Band EVERY Wednesday 8pm-10pm WildRabbitSalad.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by the Red River Ice House on Main Street (10308 Main Street, Houston 77025 located just outside the loop 610 near Reliant Stadium). Find Wild Rabbit Salad in Facebook!

Brazos Biker Bash BrazosBikerBash.com WARNING: Adult Content Axtell Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco We Are Here Blowout Bash 830.510.6357 Johnson City Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

Seventh Seal LEMC Wheels of Justice MC Ride Facebook.com/events/669417729800660 The Woodlands Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

Quaker Steak & Lube – Plano Bike Nite – EVERY Wednesday TheLubecom Plano Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The best weekly Bike Nite on the planet! Live entertainment, theme nights, contests, giveaways, food & drink specials & much more! Like us on Facebook.com/PlanoLube for updates and specials!

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Rally for Heroes Fundraiser Facebook.com/events/285461978290278 Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

3rd Annual Motorcycle Show for the Wounded Warrior Project Facebook.com/events/1447290242190275 Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

EVENTS

Cycles for a Cure Charity Fun Run CyclesForACure.com

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Cowtown Round-Up Music Fest & Rally CyclesForACure.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Rumble on the Swamp TexasGatorFest.com Anahuac Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Thin Red Line Poker Run 817.657.4851 Mansfield Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Bikers for Heroes BikersForHeros.webs.com Westminster Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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Kennedale Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

9-11 Memorial Ride wiggles10282000@yahoo.com Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Texas Gatorfest Rumble on the Swamp Facebook.com/events/600117380080108/ Anahuac Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston/Sugarland

Skooter’s Ride - Benefiting Houston SPCA Facebook.com/skooterdave Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Come celebrate all of the animals that have touched our lives! 9am-3pm @ Mancuso Harley-Davidson, Crossroads (12710 Crossroads Park Dr, Houston 77065). 3-stop motorcycle fun run with last bike out at 10:30am. $10 BBQ plates. Pet/Owner look alike and pet costume contests. Silent auction. Houston SPCA mobile adoptions. Check Facebook for event updates or email skooter.rides@gmail.com.

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EvenT Listing

The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston One Night – THREE Parties! Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Co-hosted by the Outlaw Dave Show. Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials (big ass beer night!), vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! Reserved motorcycle-only parking.. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston! NORTH: Shifters Saloon (5001 Treaschwig Rd, Spring 77373). Steve & his crew throw a mean party! SOUTH: Jackie’s Brickhouse (1053 Marina Bay Dr/ FM 2094, Kemah 77565; just west of Highway 146). Always a party – hosted by Blowout and his team! CENTRAL: Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters (6502 Washington Ave, Houston 77007, behind I-Hop). Outlaw Dave broadcasting LIVE! Cages, please park behind I-Hop.

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Deacons of Deadwood Charity Ball with Brett Michaels DeaconsOfDeadwood.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Each year, the Deacons of Deadwood host a charity ball with exceptional entertainment. Tickets are $225/person and includes dinner, open bar, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Also featured is a fantastic Silent Auction and the giveaway of a new Road King (tickets can be purchased online; don’t have to be present to win). Proceeds benefit various Houston area children’s charities (listed on their website). Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Cricket for a Cure Facebook.com/events/1542752182619672 Channelview Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

POW/MIA Rememberance Run 972.859.9082, 817.905.2613 Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Ride for the G I Facebook.com/events/565813586847904/ Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston VFW Fun Run 972.436.5256 Lewisville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Big Mikes Swap Meet Facebook.com/events/616139341807328/ Deer Park Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Red Hot Road Rally CCHC-VIM.org McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Rock and Ride ClassicRock1045.com Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

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Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas

September 2014

EVENTS

Texas Honor Ride - Fall Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston Police escorted “Ride to Nowhere”. Onsite after the ride… auction, live music, drinks, BBQ, military display and more! Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. A large ride and check presentation take place in early November (see list below). Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

DFW Smiles for Life Ride 817.281.3444 Grapevine Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Stubbs HD New Model Open House StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Rumble on the River BikerRalliesOfTexas.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

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8th Annual Steel Horse Trail Ride TexasLIPS.com Chappell Hill Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station Texas LIPS (Ladies Into Purchasing Stock) throw one heck of a party every year! Bring your steel horse, classic car or sports car! Pre-registration online is $35/person biker or passenger; includes commemorative T-shirt. Registration/check in 10am11am at 291 Ice House (5075 Main St, Chappell Hill 77426), with 3 stops, ending at Papa’s On The Lake (14632 Hwy 105, Montgomery 77356). All rides in by 5pm. Proceeds benefit Texas Youth through the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo auctions. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Texoma ABATE Real Fun Poker Run AbateTexoma.com. Bells Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Sherman/Dennison

Buffalo Soilders MC Poker Run BSMCDallasTX.org Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Cleburne Armadillo Cycle Club UG Fest ArmadilloCycleClub.net/ Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Frogs for Freedom TexasFrogsForFreedom.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: Kerrville

Johnson City Pig Roast HCTRPigRoast.com Johnson City Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin Blanco County Fairgrounds on Hwy 281. $25/person for weekend pass; 4 and under Free; Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Live bands Friday and Saturday. Poker run, free camping, bike show, bike games, FREE BBQ Saturday night, vendors, Old Scjhool Run, and more! 100% of proceeds benefit the Cherokee Home for the Children. Corpus Christi BikeFest CCBikeFest.com Corpus Christi Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

Houston Texas Birthday Party StubbsHD.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

Oklahoma State HOG Rally OKStateHOGRally.com Claremore, OK

OCTOBER Lake O’ the Pines Rallye NTNOA.org/13LOPRallye.htm Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

Big Bob Cobb Benefit Facebook.com/events/1438654616401480 LaMarque Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Stevie Ray Vaughn Remembrance Ride SRVRideAndConcert.org Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Join a fun-filled combination motorcycle parade and blues concert. All proceeds benefit the Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund! Local police escorted parade to the concert at Cowboys Dancehall in Arlington. A 2014 SRV #1 Replica Guitar Package Raffle - $5/ticket; need not be present to win. Advance tickets $20 online; $25 day of event. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

$1000 Fun Run benefiting the Gulf Coast Marron Donor Program Facebook.com/events/664380463638800 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Roundup for Autism Parade RoundUpForAutism.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

EVENTS

25th Anniversay HAWG Wild Facebook.com/events/250109131863669 Warning: Adult Content Chireno Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

Wheelhouse Motorcycle Rally TheWheelhouseInc.com LaPorte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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San Jacinto HD New Model Open House StubbsHD.com Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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Sweetwater Jayceee Roosters Fall Motorcycle Rally & Cookoff 325.721.2293 Sweetwater Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

East Texas Burn Run Event BrothersKeepersMC.com Gladewater Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Hosted by Brother’s Keepers MC (firefighters), Chapters 13 Longview and 18 Tyler. Held at the Gladewater Rodeo Grounds. Poker run, bike games, bike show, vendors, and an area just for kids. Live entertainment featuring the White Trash Wannabes and the Darrin Morris Band. Live auction begins at 1:30pm, featuring the world famous auctioneer, Walt Cade, as seen on A&E’s Storage Wars Texas. Family friendly event. Admission is FREE. All proceeds benefit the Ark-La-Tex Burn Foundation’s Camp I’m Still Me.

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Rally in the Crater - Fall RallyintheCrater.com Mount Enterprise, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Cut-N-Shoot Toy Run Auction 936.697.1945 Willis Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston This year’s theme “Cowboys Like Us”, encouraging western attire. Held at North Montgomery County Community Center in Willis. Large silent and live auctions, including collectibles, trips, firearms, and more. Proceeds benefit the Cut-N-Shoot Charities, Inc. a 501(c)(3) charity that benefits select charities in Montgomery County. Additonal contact informationn: director@cutnshoot.org or Texan Harley-Davidson at 936.539.1726.

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Jewett Jalopy Jamboree Car & Motorcycle Show jumcjalopyjamboree.wix.com/carshow ewett Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco Sam’s Jam VI RidersForTheCure.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

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EvenT Listing 8th Annual GOC San Antonio Rally GuardiansOfTheChildren.com Helotes Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio Guardians of the Children San Antonio chapter 8th Annual Rally will be held October 25 from 11:00am to 10:00 pm at the Helotes Cornyval Fairgrounds (12210 Leslie Road in Helotes; Northwest of San Antonio). Only $5/person. Vendors, food, cold beer, live music, silent and live auctions as well as the raffle drawing for 2014 HD Dyna Low Rider. $10 raffle tickets may be purchased online. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

About Our Event Listing:

EVENTS

Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $15/event. Send your event to: events@thunderroadstexas.com. Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.

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November 6-9 Lone Star Campground & Biker Bash LoneStarCampground.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston It’s a huge party campground for visitors to the Lone Star Rally. Galveston Island no longer allows camper parking along the seawall and the island has very few other options for camping. Blowout Productions provides a full-blown campsite, complete with live music, vendors, contests, and after-hours partying (21+ only)… all for only Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! November 6-9 Lone Star Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston The best and largest 4-day motorcycle rally in North America. Free admission, lots of free live music on two stages. Beautiful historic venue. Hundreds of vendors. Visit their website for updates. Call 832.437.2318 for vendor or band information. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

November 8 Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride Facebook.com/outlawdaveshow Houston Region: Gult Coast Metro: Houston In its eleventh year, The Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride will once again roar down I-45 South to Galveston Island in an escorted ride to the Lone Star Rally on Saturday, November 8, 2014! Registration is at Stubbs Harley Davidson located at 610 South and Telephone Road at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast served at 9:00 a.m. After breakfast, be sure to pick up some goodies by getting involved in the auction starting at 10:00 a.m. Kick Stands Up promptly at 11:00 a.m.! We ask a minimum of $20 donation per person which includes breakfast, a commemorative t-shirt and more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! November 15 Texas Honor Ride - The Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston to Galveston Region: Gulf Coast/South Texas Metro: Houston/San Antonio Annual police escorted ride from Houston to San Antonio to deliver the check of funds raised for the Brooke Army Medical Cente. Two registration/starting points 1) Houston and 2) I-10 #619 Rest Area outside Luling. Pre-registration online is strongly encouraged. Ride ends on BAMC with food, music and mingling with Wounded Warriors. Refer to website for details, as there are some gear requirements for riding on base.

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Erath County Cruzin’ for a Cure By Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey, TRT Associate Editor Photos by Scott Randolph, Elaine Fields Smith, & Randy McCamey

Well,

Danny Boucher and his team did it again! The 2014 Erath County Cruzin’ for a Cause is in the books and the ride generated about $2,000 for the American Cancer Society. Danny and a few friends created the Cruzin’ for a Cause Ride and Fundraiser a few years back in efforts to support cancer research in conjunction with the Erath County Relay for Life. We all have to work together to make a difference if we are ever going to win the battle against

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cancer and Danny is not one to stand around complaining. He and his friends took action to get the fundraiser ride up and running – literally!

roads, winding our way along a different path back to Stephenville for lunch and fellowship.

Bikes lined up in the Stephenville City Park on June 28 and we took a relaxing ride through the back country to Glen Rose where we stopped for a break. For those of us lucky enough to get to the head of the chow line, fresh fruit pastries were available…and delicious!

Danny says, “We had a total of 67 bikes this year and 72 riders. The event keeps getting bigger each year and we have plans in the making for an even bigger and better ride next year. Thanks goes to Thunder Roads Texas Magazine® for sponsoring the ride and a special thanks goes out to Knights of Pythias for providing the lunch”.

After the short break, the group once again rode the back

Thank you, Danny, for making this ride possible.

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ON THE COVER

Motor Maids Riding High Annual Convention July 8-10, 2014 Kerrville

By Todd Harmon, TRT Correspondent

The Motor Maids, Inc. motorcycle group recently held their 74th annual convention in Kerrville at the Inn of the Hills Convention Center. Motor Maids is an all-female motorcycle group with over 1,200 members from all over the United States and Canada. Co-founded by Dot Robinson and Linda Dugeau in 1940, Motor Maids is one of the first and oldest continuously operating women's motorcycling organizations in North America. Betty Fauls, daughter, and Dotti West, granddaughter of Dot Robinson, were in attendance. Betty Fauls, at the age of 82, still logs miles on her motorcycle. Ms. Fauls served as the keynote speaker for this convention. Upon entering the convention center it became apparent this group of ladies had a common goal of riding motorcycles. I met with the Texas group, hosts for the convention. The ladies immediately made it understood that the rule is members must ride their own bike from home to the convention location. Some of the ladies rode over 3,000 miles to attend, coming from as far as Canada. “If you see a trailer parked outside, it belongs to some of the husbands,” a spokesman commented. Another member stated she started riding with this group because she wanted to meet people who rode, “We ride our bikes.” I had the opportunity to sit down with Gloria Struck from Clifton, New Jersey. Gloria, celebrating her 89th birthday, still rides her Heritage Softail. An energetic spitfire of a lady stated. “I am tough, I’m from New Jersey.” Gloria told me she did not want to ride a motorcycle as a young girl; “Girls didn’t ride motorcycles.” With the encouragement of her brother, Ms. Struck began riding at the age of 16. She joined the Motor Maids at 21 and is one of the oldest members of the group. One member shared a story about riding with Ms. Struck. Ms. Struck rides in on her bike and takes off her helmet presenting perfect hair. All the other ladies hair is messed up from the wind and “helmet hair”. She was told that Ms. Struck’s secret is that she wears a scarf on her head and around her neck when she rides. Ms. Stuck comments, “I wear a scarf because the wind hurts my ears”. Being a lady is a tradition that Dot Robinson instilled in the club. Ms. Robinson, a motorcycle racer, would come to the parties after racing all day dressed in a gown with

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white gloves. The members continue to wear white gloves when riding in parades, for group photographs, and when attending banquets carrying out Ms. Robinson’s motto, “You can ride a motorcycle and still be a lady.” In cooperation with Kerrville Mayor, Jack Pratt, the group was honored to serve by escorting seven Wounded Warriors on Tuesday night to the Veteran Hospital. The veterans were in the Kerrville area with their families to attend a retreat held by Operation Second Chance. The Motor Maid color guard lead the bus of Wounded Warriors through the streets of Kerrville that were lined with patriotic, flag waving citizens. Following the bus were 300 or more riders including guests of the Motor Maids group. The Veterans’ Hospital was decked out in United States flags lining the drive to the hospital. One of the members stated later, “It brought a tear to my eye when we rode onto the compound and saw the flags lining the drive.” The reported number of attendees at this year’s convention was 273 with 23 attending from Texas. The 75th convention will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada July 7-9, 2015. I would like to thank the ladies from the Texas Motor Maids for help in covering of this event. If there are any lady riders interested in joining an all lady rider’s organization, I would highly recommend checking out MotorMaids.org. ABOUT MOTOR MAIDS (from their website)… In 1940 Motor Maids, was established as a women's motorcycling organization in North America. It is one of the first and oldest continuously operated women's motorcycling organizations. With approximately 1,200 members across the United States and Canada, the Motor Maids are a diverse group of women motorcyclists united through a passion for riding while fostering a positive image and promoting safe riding skills. Joining the Motor Maids is a great opportunity to ride, travel and get to know great people all across North America. Ride safe and hope to see you down the road.

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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A man said to his wife one day, “I don’t know how you can be so stupid and beautiful all at the same time.” The wife responded, “Allow me to explain. God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me; and then in his infinite wisdom, made me stupid (as you put it) so I would be attracted to the likes of you!” A couple rode their bike down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of jackasses, goats, and pigs, the husband asked in a blatantly dry sarcastic manner, “Relatives of yours?”

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, and he went totally limp. I released him back into the lake, safe and sound and carried on with my fishing. A little later, I felt a thump on the side of the boat. There was that same damn snake with two frogs in his big mouth! Three Texans, Slim, Billy-Bob and Bubba died and went to heaven. At the pearly gates, they were met by St. Peter, who explained that although it was late and God had retired for the evening, he had asked Albert Einstein to show them around so they wouldn’t get bored before they met God in the morning. After Einstein had introduced himself to Slim, he asked, “By the way, Slim, what was your IQ when you were alive?” “159,” said Slim.

“Yep,” the wife replied, without skipping a beat, “That would be my in-laws”.

“Great,” said Einstein. We’ll discuss my general theory of relativity and maybe a little unified field theory as I show you around.”

I went fishing this morning, but after a short time I ran out of worms. Then I saw a cottonmouth 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.

“What an exciting opportunity,” said Slim.

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Einstein then introduced himself to Billy-Bob, and when he was done he said, “Tell me, Billy-Bob - what was your IQ when you were alive?” “141,” said Billy-Bob.

“Good,” said Einstein. “If you’d like, we can discuss a little mathematics and philosophy as I point out the heavenly sights.” “Nothing I’d like better!” was Billy-Bob’s reply. After Einstein had introduced himself to Bubba, he asked, “What was your IQ when you were alive, Bubba?” “58” said Bubba. Punching him on the arm, Einstein said, “Hey, Bubba - How ‘bout them Cowboys!” A Redskins fan, an Eagles fan, a Texans fan, and a Cowboys fan are climbing a mountain and arguing about who loves his team more. The Redskins fan insists he is the most loyal. “This is for the Redskins! “ he yells, and jumps off the side of the mountain. Not to be outdone, the Eagles fan shouts, “This is for the Eagles!” and throws himself off the mountain. The Texans fan is next to profess his love for his team. He yells, “This is for everyone!” and pushes the Cowboys fan off the mountain.

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Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “ * ” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR; $125 for churches, bands, MC clubs/groups, and VFW/ALR Halls - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information. http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php * Gulf Coast Trikes Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bands Wild Rabbit Salad Great Party Band! Houston Contact Bucky Goldberg Facebook.com/buckygoldberg Reverbnation.com/wildrabbitsalad

Bars & Restaurants *Garrett Road Ice House 14303 Garrett Rd Houston, TX 77077 281.456.0440 Facebook.com/pages/Garrett-Road-IceHouse/268480946517754 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.com www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Headwaters Saloon 229 S Ranch Rd 783 Harper, TX 78631 830.377.5034 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston *Road Hawgs Saloon 31138 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 830.755.6449 www.roadhawgssaloon.com Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock

* Sisterdale Saloon 1211 Sisterdale Hwy Sisterdale, TX 78006 830.324.6767 Facebook.com/Sisterdale.Roadhouse Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Biker Churches Northeast Texas Bikers Church 749 E 16th Street Mt Pleasant, TX 75455 903.563.0948 NETXBC.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Longview Church service on Thursdays @ 7pm Bible study on Sundays @ 5pm

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 Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco

* Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa * Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

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

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

* Collin County Choppers AKA Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

* Motorcycle Tire Shop Welding/Technical Services 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

* 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

* Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

Dealerships & Shops

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Biker Friendly * Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth * Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd 510, #2 Brazoria, TX 77422 979.798.6061 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

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

... continued

Lodging & Campgrounds

* Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Pit Stop Biker Gear 13028 State Highway 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936-661-7518 www.pitstopbikergear.com

*Scoot On Inn Cabins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Region: HIll Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Miscellaneous * American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West Livingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411

Motorcycle Towing Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Oklahoma Backroads blongarborist@gmail.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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

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Riding Gear & Leather Goods * Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Road Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston

BIKER FRIENDLY SPECIAL PURCHASE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION $149/basic or $199/premium Get an extra 6 months FREE!

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

September 2014

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 48 * September 2014