THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OF IOWA
Letter from/to the Editor .................................. 4
A US VETERAN OWNED COMPANY
Cedar Rapids Swap Meet ................................. 6
www.thunderroadsiowa.com P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543 (712) 249-5630
Biker Friendly Listing ..................................... 10
Owner/Editor
CMA ................................................................. 17
Tina (tt) Schwarte (712) 249-5582 tt@thunderroadsiowa.com
H-D Dealer Show............................................. 18
EDITOR
Will Ride to Eat ............................................... 23
Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Calendar .......................................................... 24
EVENT CORRESPONDENCE/SALES Susan Mast SC/SE Iowa 319-931-4546 susan@thunderroadsiowa.com
99 County Tour ............................................... 14 Military Rider ................................................... 16
Girls of Thunder.............................................. 22
TRMI Custom Paint Contest Winner ............. 26 Thunder Cam .................................................. 30 KISS ................................................................. 33 From the Woman’s Seat ................................. 34 Tattoos ............................................................. 38
Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy West Central Iowa 641-524-4808 vizslaboots@yahoo.com
Joker’s Wild .................................................... 39
Harv and Sue Hunter Central Iowa 515-205-7410 harv@thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI Event Listing ......................................... 46
Mark Swearingen Council Bluffs/Omaha Metro 402-651-2471 mark@thunderroadsiowa.com
COIR................................................................. 41 Blast From The Past ....................................... 43
ON THE COVER Do you recognize this scene from the end of the movie Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man? Well, sans Mickey Rourke of course.He was not available, but these two hotties were. Jennifer and Erika were doing their best to mimic the closing shot with this famous bike. Come check out THE HDMM bike at Loess Hills H-D. They are turning the Iowa H-D world on it’s side, just like the cover and calendar shots. Enjoy!
CONTRIBUTORS Netty Kawecki Copy Editor Nate Ullrich natanic@hotmail.com Craig & Lynnette Little-Will Ride to Eat craig@thunderroadsiowa.com Tony Darveau Carroll Cycle Center tonypa@carrollcycle.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1421 Chapmansboro Road Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadscharter@charter.net
All rights reserved. All content is covered by copyright and ownership of said right is retained by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Photographs may be purchased on www.thunderroadsiowa.com Neither magazine or website materials may be reproduced, distributed, altered or posted to any other websites without the express written permission of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC. 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 Iowa Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC, Thunder Publishing LLC. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs, advocate any unsafe practices, or encourage breaking of any laws.
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of the support. We are growing in both pages and distribution this spring, which is totally awesome. We had enough demand over the winter that despite cutting back a few pages, the quantity printed was still in high demand. We were not able to cut back production, in Exciting times are upon us, riding without a ton of fact we increased over the winter. If you continue to gear just happened, and it has been awesome. So very want it, we will get it to you! The magazine is funded cool! Exciting times are upon us, as the spring riding by the advertisers dollars, so please check them out season is one of our favorite. Riding through the when you have a chance, and country seeing everything start to turn green, smelling tell them that Thunder Roads the scents of mother nature renewing herself, and being sent ya! Thanks to all of our able to see more biker friends that become scarce in advertisers, we look forward the winter for various reasons. Not that there is a to being out and about at lack of hazards in the spring, rough roads with Buick your events and shops this sized potholes, debris and tons of sand and gravel on season. the road, cars that don’t watch out for us, and even the damn deer are roaming around stupid. Gotta be To the readers and those careful, but get out and about and we hope to see you that submit events/stories/ on the road! pictures, a thank you as well goes to you. We simply cannot get everywhere and As we get into April, we will have bike blessings, cover everything, so your submissions from IOWA some fun runs getting started, and also the last of the bikers is imperative to producing the magazine “About swap meets. Also getting into some open house parties Iowa, For Iowa, and From Iowa�. If you have any at biker places around the state. If you cannot find events or bike nights that you would like to submit, something to do on two wheels, you are not looking email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com we always love hard enough! Check out the inside back cover for the to hear from people all over the state. listing of events that we have so far. We also added the As it is too nice out right now to be sitting in the office bike night listing for your reference as some of them typing, I am gonna cut this short and get done with get rolling in April as well. work so I can ride. I hope all of you are doing the same. Be safe, ride often, and see you on the road. Our advertisers and readers are making this magazine what it is today, and for sure we are grateful for all Vernon
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ENT
Cedar Rapids Swap Meet Parts Girl Promotions hosted the 32nd Annual Cedar Rapids swap meet. Kim and Joe have been doing this for quite a few years, so this is not their first rodeo, and it shows. This is a one day event along with another held previously in Rock Island in February. The date this year was Sunday March 4th with 14 degree weather to start off the day, but that did not keep almost 2000 people from coming out to check out one of the most Harley parts geared swap meets in Iowa. In the past there were about 120 spots available, but with some expanded room this year, there were 79 vendors in 185 spots. The additional 15,000 square feet of area was just what the crowd ordered. There are more parts at this show than about any other Iowa show that have seen. It is touted as a real parts meet, and it holds true to it’s name. Used, new, old, and project stuff abound. There are a few vendors that have other than parts, but just enough sprinkled in to make it interesting. The show is short run, so you have to get it, find what you want, then spend a little time with friends before it ends. The official show is 10 am to 3 pm, but for a few bucks more you can get in a little early. Rolling around the crowd, despite the cold, you can tell that people are ready to ride. The folks that fought the cold, and later day blizzard to get home were the true die hard biker types. See you in Cedar Rapids next year the first Sunday in March, and the first Sunday in February in Rock Island.
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NTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS
NTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS
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www.thunderroadsiowa.com www. ww w.thun w. th hun unde derr de rroa rr oads oa dsio ds iowa io w .c com
TRMI TR MI A PRIL PR L2 012 01 2-9 APRIL 2012
Biker Friendly Directory It’s important for you to Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa know who your friends 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa are out on the road! The leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want Dealers you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street it’s a bike dealer, service Marne, Iowa 51552 shop, restaurant, bar or 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com any other type of business that welcomes our biking Brown Motorcars 330 NW 49th Place community, you can count Des Moines, IA 50313 on our family of friends to www.brownmotorcars.com always welcome you in. 515-282-0123 The staff here at Thunder Carroll Cycle Center Roads greatly appreciates 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa our advertiser’s support 712-792-1610 each month. WE WOULD www.carrollcycle.com NOT EXIST WITHOUT Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson & THEM! So please give Motorsports 174th and Maple them the support that they Omaha, NE 68116 truly deserve for being 402-289-5556 with us & drop by to see www.dillon-brothers.com them for a visit. Let them Fenders Cycle and Motorsport know that you saw them 1109 E. Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 here in Thunder Roads. If 515-256-9062 you know a business that www.fenderscycle.com would like to advertise Hawkeye Harley-Davidson in Thunder Roads Iowa Coralville, Iowa I-80 Exit 240 319-545-7495 Biker Friendly Places, www.hawkeyehd.com please email vernon@ Open 7 days per week thunderroadsiowa.com
Bail Bonds Iowa Bail Bonds 200 4th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-243-4411
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Biker Accessories
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa www.bncbikerwear.com 319-241-0916 Jose’s Custom Leather Only a Phone Call Away (402) 926-6967 Joses_leather@yahoo.com
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Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195
www.whippsales.com
Food and Drink
Excuses Bar on Facebook Foxys Bar 108 East Jefferson Osceola, Iowa 50213 641-342-3700 Visit us at facebook FOXYS
14th Street Tavern 3418 East 14th Street Des Moines, Iowa 515-266-3446 M-F 8-2 Sat 10-2 and Sun 11-2
Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375
Amigos 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
B&M Bar and Grill 110 @ Main Street Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-2455 Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11 BJ’s Bar & Billiards 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa Home of Full Throttle Thursdays 319-234-9810 Boxer Barbeque 722 Creek Top Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-325-4227 Tuesday - Saturday 11 - 8 pm www.boxerbbq.com
Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Cheers II 100 North Franklin Dow City, Iowa 51528 712-674-3746 Coldest Beer Around!
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Corner Tap 921 Main Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-993-2240
Nitro’s Bar & Grill 310 Main Street Gravity, Iowa 50848 641-418-0004 Home of Sunday-Funday
Crazy Lady’s Café Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52414 Crazyladyscafe.com 319-389-5427 Mobile Unit for Catering & Events
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900
Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441 Double Shot Bar & Grill 6500 Hickman Road Windsor Heights, Iowa 50322 515-309-0580 Bar 3p-2a Kitchen 6p-9p Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Excuses Bar 405 Main Street Malvern, Iowa 51551 712-624-8233
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Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Phil’s 20oz Prime Rib Friday Nights 9956 Swanson Blvd Clive, Iowa 515-270-0959 Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMHARLAN-Pizza Ranch 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Open 7 Days a Week
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788 Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p The Sawmill Bar & Grill 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
Guns and Ammo Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 W Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com First Shot Iowa Concealed Carry Permit Classes Training That Counts as Much as the First Shot
First Shot Iowa on Facebook Western Iowa 712-579-0869 Central Iowa 515-802-1514 Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues-Fri 2-7, Sat 8-3 www.shootersoutlet.net
Signs & Wonders 101 W Main Street Lockridge, IA 52635-9708 (319) 750-0814 signsandwondersbysue.com
M&M Garage 408 Market Street Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2425 mmgarage@iowatelecom.net
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org
Shops and Fabricators Baggers MC 1611 Avenue J Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-1791 2 Rivers Customs: Brekkes Custom Paint & J and J Motorcycles
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
Insurance
4017 14th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50313 2riverscustoms.com 515-991-8532 * 515-321-2265
Shorty’s Playhouse 210 Mulberry Street Little Sioux, Iowa 51545 712-649-2138 Open Noon-2:00 AM 7 Days/Week
United Group Insurance, Inc. 2 East 6th Street Atlantic, Iowa 712-243-6557 507 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 712-778-2575
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Sandbar 103 N. Noyes Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Open 7 days a week at 10 a.m. Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Where You Can Grab a Rack, And Not Get Slapped! Venture Inn Blencoe, Iowa 712-452-2205 Wet Goods Food & Lounge 113 N. Chestnut Street Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-2111 Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036 515-433-1395
Motorcycle Racing Eddyville Raceway Park 3260 Merino Avenue Oskaloosa, Iowa. 52577 eddyvilleraceway.com Track Phone - 641.969.5596
Photo and Video Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Hippie Boy Designs Graphic Design/Website Design 712-898-5220 hippieboydesign.com Joe Karsten-Authorized Dealer Cornwell Tools 329 West Street Manning, Iowa 51455 712-310-0765 mobile
Dead Heads Engineering, Fab, Repairs,Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 Doubletake Cycles L.L.C. 2632 9th Ave Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-355-1961 www.doubletakecycles.com F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392 Guthrie Auto Body John Beer owner 1804 State Street Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-332-2484 Joe’s Custom Signs 104 South Main Lenox, Iowa 50851 641-333-2675 Award Winning Custom Airbrushing
J & S Custom Cycles 3630 Merle Hay Road Des Moines, Iowa 515-779-4632
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Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 4-Evening, Sat 8-3 Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com Trike Your Bike 503 1st Avenue North Altoona, Iowa 50009 515-957-8920 trikeyourbike.net XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net
Tattoo Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc.
Events Across the Border Raid Bedford, Iowa August 2-4 Bike Down to I Town Indianola, Iowa 3rd Friday April - September Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown, Iowa April 28
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Circle of Pride Conesville, Iowa Hog Wild Rodeo May 25-27
Nitro’s Bike Rally Gravity, Iowa July 12-14
Cornstalk Music Festival June 29-30
T.I.T.S August 30-September 2 Iowa State HOG Rally Des Moines June 14-16 Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally Newton, Iowa July 26-29 Knoxville Bike Nights 1st Friday of the Month May – September MAG Motofest III Motorcycle/Motor Scooter Rally Clear Lake, Iowa June 2 Midway Tavern Annual Memorial Weekend Run Soldier, Iowa May 26-27
Roar Into Harlan Harlan, Iowa Every 3rd Thursday of the Month May – September Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone April 14th Thrills In The Hills Rally Council Bluffs June 8-10 Warriors Across Iowa Eddyville Raceway August 25th
To buy ad space for your business or service or event in our directory, give us call at 712249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Mississippi River Motorcycle Rally Davenport, Iowa June 14-17
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99 Counties on the Wall 99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 76 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa.
rides. Just short of 50,000 folks call Clinton County home, with the county seat of Clinton being the largest.
Clinton County Iowa is located on the farthest east portion of Iowa; actually it’s the farthest east you can go before you drop in the mighty Mississippi river. The county is intersected by the Lincoln Highway, aka Highway 30, running east and west and The Great River Road, aka Highway 67, running north and south. The topography of Clinton county is as
Clinton County was formed on December 21, 1837. It was named for DeWitt Clinton, a Governor of New York and the most ardent advocate for the construction of the Erie Canal. The cities of DeWitt and Clinton were also named after him. In 1835, Elijah Buell built a log cabin for himself and his family and was thus the first settler o the region. In 1854, of t first newspaper was the i issued and in 1858, the L Lyons Female College for g opened its doors; the girls t tuition was set at $175 p student. per T original county seat The w not in Clinton, but was i DeWitt. It was moved in t Clinton because the to p population increased a along the Mississippi R River more rapidly than a the interior of Clinton at C County. Rumor had it t that the bell from the D DeWitt courthouse would be taken to Clinton when the county records were moved, but in a midnight raid, public-spirited citizens of DeWitt took the bell from the tower and buried it in Elmwood Cemetery. The bell remained buried for more than a year, until a bell was needed for the Christian Chapel (now Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church). Those responsible for hiding the bell again made a midnight visit to the cemetery. On the day the new church was dedicated, the surprised congregation heard the familiar tones of the old courthouse bell. Clinton, DeWitt, and Low Moor were considered three of the strongest points along the Underground Railroad system, which, in the late 1850s, spirited slaves out of the south. With the river for transportation and supplies, and easy travel by foot, this pathway to freedom was one of the least treacherous routes.
varied as you can find in Iowa with river front along the east, and rolling hills and farm ground as far as you can see especially from a few of the larger hills. The rolling Between the 1850’s and 1900, the cities of Lyons and hills and curvy roads make for some fun and scenic Clinton quickly became centers of the lumber industry 14 - TRMI APRIL 2012
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and were regarded as the “Lumber Capital of the World.� Huge log rafts were floated down the river from Wisconsin and Minnesota, cut into lumber at Clinton, and then shipped to the growing communities via the river and the railroads. When you hop on the bike to look around the county, do not forget to stop at some of the numerous river access points. Some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife can be found. Highway 67 or the Great River Road is an awesome road to see some of the varied Clinton county scenery. Highway 30, about the fastest way across east and west. If you have some time, cut across 136 from Clinton west or vice versa. This rolls through the northern part of the county, and looks strangely different than when crossing on 30. Rolling hills and curves to wide-open spaces is what you can find on many Clinton county roads. Check out some of the roads, shops, and history of Clinton County if you find yourself here. See you next month as we explore Crawford County Iowa. Sources available upon request. V
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MILITARY RIDERS
This fine April we bring you Coach as the featured Military rider. Coach lives and works in Des Moines. He served as an E4 Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1987-1991. He served in San Diego for Boot Camp, then onto LAAM Bn, in Yuma, Arizona, Okinawa Japan, and then in Saudi Arabia during the 1st Gulf War. His duties were as a Hawk Missile Systems Crewman/Armorer.
country, other clubs, as well as associations and riders all over the Midwest.
When asked if there was anything else cool he wanted to share, Coach added, “I was a school teacher for 16 years in Yuma, Arizona and South Tama Community Schools here in Iowa. I am a former Coach of most sports, City leagues and High School Football. Most recently I was the Head Military service has been a part of Coach’s family with his Football Coach at STC in Toledo, Iowa taking them to the Grandfathers both serving this great country. One served In state semi-finals in 2008. Currently I work and reside in Des the Army, and the other in the Navy in WWII. His Father is Moines having given up teaching in 2008.” an Army Veteran of Vietnam, and all three brothers served, If you see Coach out and about on his Street Glide, give him USMC, Army, and Air Force. a thank you wave, and if you get a chance, shake his hand He has had a stint without bikes for about eight years while and thank him for his service. Ride Free Thanks to our Military! traveling with his son’s hockey career, and traveling with coaching commitments. This kept him from enjoying the throttle, but he missed it, and felt it was something he needed to do. Coach’s riding history includes such rides as a 1982 Suzuki Katana, a 1985 Honda Nighthawk, 1991 Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster, 1995 Harley Davidson Nostalgia Softail Custom, 2006 Road King, and his latest ride/pride, a 2011 Street Glide Custom. He got the last ride at Mason City Harley Davidson, and after two bikes and a six year strong history with them, he will probably head back there in the future. He states the bike chose him, and the Custom Fat Bagger Inc customization made it long and low just like he wanted. On top of the body mods, he has a 54H Andrews Cam, Power Commander, Air Intake, and some 13” Fat Apes. Next step is some custom striping coming this spring by Hugh Hoffman. Rides for this year include Conesville, Algona, Sturgis, Club runs, Regional Veterans rides, and the AVMC Nationals. He rolls with the American Veterans Motorcycle Club, Iowa Chapter, as well as riding with other AVMC chapters from around the
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CMA Notes
just not too bad, and we may hold things together pretty well most of the time, but inside we are broken. It’s also a lot like the difference between religion and Christianity. Religion is very concerned with the outward appearance, but being a Christian is more about the heart and what Jesus would have you be and do. Some of the most critical words from Jesus were directed at the religious leaders of the day who thought they knew it all and had no need of a Savior. However, Jesus had words of grace and mercy for the sinners that saw their own need and wanted help. The Bible tells us that man looks on the outside but God looks on the inside. We can hide some things from man but God knows what is really going on. He sees our I was minding my own business struggles and our fears, our wants and the other day when a relative called our motives. He also is willing to help needing my truck and my help cleaning out some old farm buildings. us when we ask. The book of James Being desperate to get out of cleaning says that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. We approach out my own stuff, I readily agreed. Him in humility, out of our need, and When I got there it was like treasure hunting. I saw myself with Mike and He will lift us up. God is in the fixin’ Frank from “American Pickers”. I love business - he came to heal, restore, and to destroy the works of the enemy, that show! But for some unknown which is Satan. That was the purpose reason when I bring all my finds of the cross, to make a way back to home, Karla just gives me the stink God. He paid the price for us, a gift, eye. She sees it as more of a mental disorder, kind of along the lines of the not of our own doing but of His own “Hoarders” show and wants to arrange doing. All we have to do is ask an intervention. Anyway, I hit the mother load and one of the jewels was Blessings, an antique Plow Trac with 5 different attachments. This marvel from the 40’s Mark and 50’s would plow, cultivate, blade Mark and Karla Cornick are Area snow, cut brush and something else. Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Okay, I admit that I haven’t figured out the last attachment. For now, let’s Association. Find out more about just call it the popcorn maker. I didn’t CMA and God’s plan for you at www. cmausa.org. waste any time in getting to my local mechanic to get it operational. Several weeks later he called with the bad news: yes, it turns over; no, it doesn’t have any compression and the parts are not available. It looks good on the outside but has some major problems inside. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but this winter has been such a teaser. The temps will hit 50 but there will be a 30 mile an hour wind; it will hit 50 again but be raining. It’s driving me crazy, but I guess it beats last year and buried up to the knees in snow, though it does make it hard to put off those winter projects - the important ones being what parts to strip off and have powder coated and what to leave alone.
That old farm implement resembles many of us at some point. We may look good, or in some of our cases maybe www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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current model year bike. The Hard Candy Flake has that classic sparkle (the bass boat sparkle) that just attracts big attention. Available in twelve different color combinations ranging from Red and Silver Flake, Orange and Black I think it’s safe to say that spring is here and the days of riding have begun for many of us, including myself. This Flake to PINK! We will be getting one of these paint sets had to have been one of the mildest winters in my memory. in to install on a Street Glide for a very good customer Given the new snow-blower I bought at the beginning of who just so happens to be married to my boss. I’m sure you will see her out and about proudly on her new ride the season was used just twice; I won’t complain. Going into this next month we will, I’m assured, face many rain very soon. storms along with customary spring weather. With that Another great item Harley released is their Headlamp in mind it’s time to get in to your local dealership and see what new products they have brought in from the last Modulation Kit. Get noticed in traffic with this modulator. During daylight hours only, it flashes your low beam light dealer shows and expos. from full to low intensity four times per second. The kit also includes an override switch to turn off at will. To go February marked the very last Winter Dealer Meeting along with this they released their independent control for Harley-Davidson. Restructuring their model year auxiliary lamp harness. This harness allows you to keep and pushing their main dealer meeting later in the year your auxiliary (passing) lamps on with your hi-beam to the tail end of August. All of you out there that like to headlamp which would normally kick them off; great for go to Sturgis to see the new bikes you may have to find that late night riding to keep an eye on those pesky critters. something else to look at. While this year’s dealer show wasn’t the longest it sure did pack a lot into a couple days. Keeping with the light subject, I’ve had numerous customers with trikes wish that they could have Harley’s First off, I will tell you about the release of Harley’s two LED taillights installed but could not because of the load new models; The Softail Slim and the Sportster 72. The capacities. Well Harley listened. You can now purchase Slim is going back to the original styling of the Fatboy the LED tail lamp and stripping it down to the bare bones, docking the kit for your trike fenders and giving it a seat height of just 24 inches, the to make sure you lowest of any models. The wheels are the classic spoked are seen. Not only 16 inch wheels with black rims; bars are Harley’s new are these lights “Hollywood” bar which to me has that dirt bike handlebar brighter but also look just missing the pad that goes on them. The 72 is draw less current the better of the two models they released this year (in from your bike my opinion). It has that old school look which took it’s and saves your inspiration from Boulvard 72 in California where the low charging system rider look originated. The 72 boasts a 21 inch front white a bit. wall wheel, chopped fenders, solo seat with a 26.6 inches height. The bike to the core right down to the heavy metal With so many flake paint and matching seat that is available for it. new products released I can’t Speaking of heavy metal flake, Harley announced the fit it all into one release of a new “Core” paint series called Hard Candy article so check Flake. This paint is available to add on to almost every back next month to see what else is on the market from Harley and maybe even some new aftermarket accessories. Until then get out there and ride. Enjoy the warm days ahead. IT’S RIDING SEASON!!
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Jamie Bordeaux Waterloo, Iowa 2010 Fatboy Low
of Iowa
Jackie Kugler Waterloo, Iowa 2008 Harley Street Glide
Sharon Henricksen Spencer, Iowa 1992 Harley Springer Softail
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com 22 - TRMI APRIL 2012
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Rides Bar & Grill 723 South 31st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-2811
will ride to eat
Kitchen Hours: Lunch Mon - Fri 11AM-1:30PM Evening Mon - Thurs 5PM-9PM Friday Night - 5PM-11PM Saturday - 11AM-11PM Rides Bar & Grill in Fort Dodge... a gear-head’s paradise! The first thing you notice when you walk in the door is the amount of automotive and motorcycle memorabilia. The walls and portions of the ceiling are artfullyy covered; there is even a tastefully framed page from a local motorcycle magazine! They have a party room attached that appeared to be quite large (it was being used by a... you guessed it... a party the night we were there). I’m sure most of you have been to your share of bars and have probably eaten your share of bar food... at Rides you will not find your typical bar food; no hockey puck burgers, frozen pizzas or greasy fries here!
of pepper jack cheese nuggets, chipotle seasoned mozzarella sticks, chipotle seasoned onion rings, jalapeño rings and southwest bites. If all those items sound hot... well, that’s a good thing because they all certainly had varying degrees of “bite” to them (just the way I like it!!!!). For F our main courses, Lynnette had the catfish dinner and I had a double quarter pounder d burger, called the Deuce Coupe. Lynnette’s b catfi c sh dinner came complete with 3 fillets of catfi c sh, Texas toast, a baked potato and a salad. Lynnette described it as “delicious and flavorful L flakey white fish fillets”. My burger included 2 quarter pound patties that were juicy and cooked q to t perfection. Both patties were covered with American and pepper jack cheese. I ordered the A burger with everything which included lettuce, b onion, pickles and tomato. I would describe the o burger as a b “juicy slice of “ paradise”! As p ifi the burger wasn’t w enough, e the t basket included a i large pile of l wavy chips! w Given the G size of the s appetizer a basket and b our o main dishes I was barely able to finish all of mine (but d given the reputation I must defend I fought my way g through to the end!). Lynnette was able to finish t all a but her last catfish fillet and instead of calling ffor a box to bring it home, she called upon her MacGyver-like ingenuity and used the aluminum foil M ffrom her potato to wrap it up in to bring it home!
Rides menu is full of novel and innovative food selections, Looking for a different kind of sandwich? Ride your L most being ride to Rides Bar & Grill in Fort Dodge. Just make r named sure to bring your appetite! s using car or motorcycle references. The appetizer section (known Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! as Kick-Starters) has your usual items like cheeseballs, poppers, onion rings, etc. with some interesting Craig Little new (at least to me) items. To give you an example of “new”, I’m sure you’re familiar with chili-cheese craig@thunderroadsiowa.com fries... Rides’ version, called the Burn Out Pit, takes it to a new level by adding onions, bacon bits and PS If you have someplace you think we should check cubed ham! Lynnette and I decided we needed to try out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. one of these different appetizers so we decided on a sampler platter, the Sting Ray Sampler that consisted www.thunderroadsiowa.com TRMI APRIL 2012 - 23
L t ffall ll Th d R d M i off IIowa hhosted t d a bbestt off Last Thunder Roads Magazine Iowa custom painter contest. Artists that were interested, submitted pictures of their work, and they were posted on the TRMI Facebook page for reader voting. The top two vote winners were then asked if they accepted the challenge. Sue Hopper and Matt Riha both took on the task of painting a bagger with instructions to paint a Thunder Roads logo on the fairing and both saddlebags, paint a Military Tribute theme, and have an Iowa feel, and a deadline of February 1st. The pieces were installed, and the bikes were on display at the Capital City Swap Meet and Bike Show. A crowd favorite vote was held, and Sue Hopper of Lockridge, Iowa was crowned “Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, Best Custom Painter”. d by tt, The winning bike is owned and these pictures will not do it any justice at all. Thiss is one of those works of art that needs to be seen in t. person to fully appreciate it. Good thing she will be out and about all over the state,, so you very well may see itt somewhere along the way. If you want to know where n we will be; check us out on Facebook at Thunder Roadss Magazine of Iowa. uns n Signs aand nd nd We spoke with Sue, whom ru runs waa aabout bout her painting, Wonders in Lockridge, Iowa ection. She is an inspiration of her inspiration, and her direction. nd an all around n wonde erf r ul gal. talent, faith, humbleness, and wonderful ys loved to paint, but had trouble She said that she has always figuring out how to make a living of it years ago. Despite the lack of means to do what she loved every day, she went to work and did the best she could to raise her three kids and make ends meet. Factory type of work was just the thing to make her appreciate her love of painting even more, and give her a drive to pursue her dream. She prayed that God would give her direction, assistance, and strength to be able to follow that dream. She states she saw God opening her first door when a rural Lockridge resident asked Sue to paint a picture of the old Fairfield Logan School. After delivering the painting, the customer asked if Sue could teach her some basic drawing skills. Sue did this and she said God opened this door for her. One student turned into two, and then into almost 500 over a five year period.
bbooking ki more and d more jjobs. b Sh d d where h and d hhow She expanded she went to paint, and started going all over the country. New York, the Smoky Mountains, California, and Wing Ding’s all over were now some of her rally and run visits to paint at. Sue has been painting for 30 years, and has enjoyed meeting people and making friends all over this great nation. She has been married to “Hopper” for 11 years, and he loves to drive, as getting Sue to her shows that she paints at is invaluable. Hopper also builds Roadsmith and Motor Trike Conversions. Sue states that “Happy customers are our goal, to bless others as we have been so blessed.” Sue was at a transitional point in her career, and wanted to spend a little bit more ttime around home to be with her grandc grandchildren, when she saw the paint con contest flier in the magazine. She ente entered the contest, painted tt’s bike, an and won! She was delivered the stoc stock black Harley Davidson Li imited parts, and could not decide Limited what to ppaint on them. In January, pict c ures e flooded her mind, and she pictures ddid di d th tthee project in about an eight dday da ayy period. On to clear coat by N Nick at Riverside Collision iin n Mt Pleasant that gave the pproject pr ro the shine it deserved. B Both bikes were finished, as assembled, and on to Des
es Moines for thee al City Capital show. Bikes were judged how they by thee crowd on ho leted the th hem me an nd the completed theme and y of the work. Su ue wa w quality Sue wass the hands down winner. See the ad on these pages if you want to contact Sue and some work that you want done. Certainly Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa recommended!
Sue added that this opportunity to compete and showcase Teaching students then led Sue into paining some signs. her work could be the answer to not traveling so much. First it was a student’s husbands business sign, and then This would be the way to do more with the kids in our another here, and another there. This expanded greatly into community. On top of awesome painting work, they have a a flourishing business, then God opened another door for youth ministry in the front of their building and have Camp Sue and she was transformed once again. After painting on Grandma on their property the end of June. She adds “We her brother’s van, she started getting phone calls to paint want to give the kids some guidance and purpose. Give on other wheeled items. A customer wanted a motorcycle them hope. Introduce them to the wonderful God who has trailer painted, and this opened into more opportunities. led me on a fantastic journey, and who isn’t done yet!” This Snake Alley mural led to a neighbor that wanted an eagle on their bike, then an Elvis themed bike. After some Congratulations Sue, from all of the Thunder Roads of those bikes were painted, she was asked to come to a Magazine of Iowa Family! show, and with her paint and calendar in tow, she started www.thunderroadsiowa.com 26 - TRMI APRIL 2012
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K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee
This is my birthday month, so this page will pay homage to just some of my all-time comfort foods. GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER & MARSHMALLOW MELT 2 Thick Slices of Either Sour Dough Bread, Potato Bread or French Bread Quality Brand of Peanut Butter; smooth or w/ nuts Quality Brand of Marshmallow Creme A cast iron skillet works best when grilling any sandwich.Take real butter and spread generously and thoroughly both sides of each side of slices. Turn onto counter and then spread really generously one side with marshmallow creme and the other with quality peanut butter. Slap together and you may need to scrape some butter off of counter and re-apply to outer sides. Your skillet should be hot, but only medium hot. But it should definitely be heating up while you’re preparing skillet because you want that sizzle when you put sandwich down. Throw in a pat of butter to coat the bottom of skillet evenly. Gently place sandwich in and DO NOT TOUCH IT. This is essential. If you push or tug at it you’re just tearing the bread and ruining that golden brown caramelizing that occurs. So, just let it go and keep watch on it......after about 2 minutes, gently lift a corner with a spatula and if it all appears to be a gorgeous golden brown, then hold the sandwich up in the air on spatula, take your other hand and add another pat of butter, let it melt outwards, then flip the sandwich over and in the pan to grill the other side.Take it out of pan, place on a plate and just let cool for 1 full minute before cutting as it lets the sandwich “rest”, just as meat needs to and all the juices blend together beautifully. OMG! I was making this sandwich when I was 7 years old, by myself, and it was and always will be one of my Top 5 Yummies. *Note: If you don’t use a cast iron pan, then you’ll probably need a weight while grilling. Just use a really heavy lid that is apprx. the size of your sandwich. Something like a porcelain coated cast iron lid or, like .R.R. does; wrap a brick in aluminum foil. As with anything else in life, whatever it takes to make it all come together makes the end result even better.
REALLY SIMPLE & FAST CHILI CONQUESO DIP 1 Bottle of Walmart’s Brand of Conqueso Cheese (found by the chips aisle) 1 Can of No-Bean Chili 1 Can of Ro-Tel (brand name) Original Style Canned Tomatoes With Green Chilies *These can be found in any grocery store in the USA (Be sure & drain off liquid) 1/2 Bottle of Chopped Pimentos Mix all together in a ceramic or glass bowl; cover with Glad Press N’ Seal (leave small corner pulled back slightly to vent) Nuke for apprx. 3 minutes and stir well when done. Eat w/ your fave chips. Our preference is those super crispy Tostido’s Scoops. Olay! CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES WITH BUTTER CREAM FROSTING 1 Pkg. of Betty Crocker’s Super Moist Carrot Cake Mix 2 Tubs of Betty Crocker Buttercream Frosting 1/2 Cup of Dark Raisins 1/2 Cup of Chopped, Roasted Walnuts 1/2 Cup of Pure Pineapple Juice Just prepare mix as directed, adding in the raisins, walnuts and pineapple juice. Spray a pan with butter spray and medium-chop walnuts. Sprinkle them really heavy with cinnamon. Place in preheated 350 degree oven. When pull from oven dump directly into mix, give it a little mix up and spoon mix into muffin liners in a cupcake pan. The mix should make apprx. 24 cupcakes. I always remove the wrappers so it’s easier to just dig in. Cool them completely on a wire rack and I get 2 tubs of the Buttercream frosting because I am excessive about frosting and let’s face it, if you’re going to blow it out and make your own cupcakes, then gorge on them, you might as well go all out. Like Paula Deen says, everything in moderation. I chose Sundays a long time ago and I don’t go crazy, but Sunday is my day to eat my fave food without the guilt. You have to reward yourself for eating so damn goodie-goodie all week long. At least, that’s how I justify it. Happy Birthday to all you Aries RamHeads. Oh yeah, we’re stubborn as mules but also highly romantic, passionate & loyal. We love bikers because they have all those qualiteis no matter what sign they are. Happy Spring!
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From the Woman’s Seat The “Biker”
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Can words describe a picture with a thousand meanings? When you hear the word biker, a certain picture comes to mind. Some good and some bad. The biker, to me, is the person next door that gets up every day and puts a hard day in. Whether it be at the office, the field, the hospital, or they may even be the wonderful road workers that keep us on even ground. There was a time that you could judge a book by the cover but not any longer. The Biker could be anyone of us. You may even be surprised at who you see enjoying the open roads. Who is this person? What is this person? Why do they do what they do? The freedom that is felt with a simple twist of the throttle as you head down the open road is undeniably a rush of emotions, thoughts, and smells. Emotionally, life can try to overtake us chew us up and you know the rest. Well, when these pressures are felt from the world that is my clue to disconnect for a wee bit and enjoy the view of our beautiful land. This is simply a clearing of the head of all unnecessary cobwebs that seem to accumulate daily. We all have overwhelming thoughts and responsibilities that a simple ride can help us un-jumble. Where a simple disconnect can help us form a plan, allow ideas to rush in, and a big sigh can be let out. Smelling the different smells has a clearing effect
on the mind, the body, and the soul. No matter what is going on in my life I can relax and appreciate each section of the road. Even the change from day to dusk is noticeable as a protective, fresh, clean, and open smell that is very inviting as you continue your journey onward. We all have family we were born into and then we have the family we fit. The motorcycle community provides an open minded, nonjudgmental acceptance of all who truly ride. This family will be there in the time of need. Some of the needs are for celebration while others can be times of tragedy. We share the road together, we enjoy a laugh together, and we create a memory together. The Biker also takes pride in the machine. Even respects the machine. You take a peak around at any bike. The new, the old, the falling apart, or the top of the line motorcycle you will see the owner that respects the ride. There is a science to keeping a bike running. There is an art to making the ride your own.
Being a Biker is about the brotherhood. I have a great respect for my teachers that have taught me well. I would not be the rider I am today without them. Some are from formal education that provided the basics but most have been from the experience of others sharing. I need to give a special thank you to my spouse, my partner, and my friend that has taught me the ‘ol school way, with the theme of “if you can’t keep up then stay home.” I love my man dearly but when he was instructing me, we did not always get along. Whether it is Fire Fighting, EMS, or motorcycle riding, I can expect no mercy. This has been undeniably beneficial. Do not get me wrong I am a bit of a perfectionist myself, always striving to be better, and always trying to learn more. Some have tagged me as a Life Learner. Life is an adventure that every minute is meant to be lived, meant to be experienced, and always to be fully appreciated. This is a Bikers way. Our clothing tells a story of who we are and where we have been that only those that know the language can truly read. The Biker gathers in masses to support those in need as evidence of all of the rides to help others. We stand together as one in solidarity to fight adversity. The Biker will make a stand to protect the people, their rights, and their freedoms. We gather for the fun. You can see many at the bike nights, rallies, and just a simple ride out and about. Some take a ride alone, while others to socialize with others enjoying ourselves with other likeminded people. The tools of our trade, our lives, our trusty steeds, so much a part of our being. We are complex individuals that each one of us is family, jesters, brothers, and sisters. Do not judge our lifestyle. Do no judge who we are. We are humans that laugh and cry. We live. We love. We ride. We die. Through all of this, we experience life…the life of a biker. Remember the picture that can have a thousand meanings as with the biker can mean a thousand different things. tt
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ABATE Lobby Day March 8th, 2012
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us their Owner’s personal suite at no extra charge!” “Well,” muttered the hairdresser, “that’s all well and good, but I know as a fact you didn’t get to see the Pope.” “Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we A Pastor’s wife was expecting a baby, so he toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the stood before the congregation and asked for shoulder and explained that the Pope likes to meet a raise. After much discussion, they passed some of the visitors, in person, and if we’d be so kind a rule that whenever the Pastor’s family as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope expanded; so would his paycheck. After 6 would personally greet us both. Sure enough, five children, this started to get expensive and the minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and congregation decided to hold another meeting shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few to discuss the Pastor’s expanding family and words to me..” “Oh, really! And just what exactly did salary. A great deal of yelling and inner bick- the Pope say to you?” He said: “My goodness womering ensued, as to how much the Pastor’s an, who screwed up your hair so badly?” additional children were costing the church, and how much more it could potentially cost. In a Kentucky church one Sunday morning, a preachAfter listening to them for about an hour, the er said, “Anyone with ‘special needs’ who wants to Pastor rose from his chair and spoke, “Chilbe prayed over, please come forward to the front by dren are a gift from God, and we will take as the altar.” With that, Bubba got in line. “Bubba, what many gifts as He gives us.” Silence fell over do you want me to pray about for you?”, asked the the congregation. In the back pew, a little old Preacher. “Preacher, I need you to pray for help with lady struggled to stand, and finally said in her my hearing.” The Preacher put his hand on Bubba’s frail voice, “Rain is also a gift from God, but head and the entire congregation joined in prayer. when we get too much of it, we wear rubAfter a few minutes, the Preacher removed his hands, bers.” stood back and asked, “Bubba, how is your hearing now?” Bubba answered, “I don’t rightly know. The A woman was at her hairdresser’s getting her hearing aint till Thursday.” regular bouffant (totally 70’s) hair style for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the For several years, a man was having an affair with a trip to the hairdresser, who responded:” Rome ? Why gorgeous, young Italian woman. To avoid a costly would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and divorce and protect his business reputation, they dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you agreed she would move to Italy. To keep it discrete, getting there?” “We’re taking Continental,” was the he told her to simply mail him a postcard, and write reply. “We got a special rate!” “Continental?” ex‘Spaghetti’ on the back. He would then arrange for claimed the hairdresser; that’s an “iffy” airline. Their the child support payments to begin and he would planes are old, their flight attendants are ancient and visit as often as possible. About 8 months later, he slow, and they’re always late. So, where are you stay- came home to his confused wife. ‘Honey, ‘she said, ing in Rome?”. “We’ll be at this exclusive little place ‘You received very strange postcard today.’ He took over on Rome‘s Tiber River called Teste.” “Don’t go the postcard and as he read, his wife watched him any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks it’s turn white as a ghost and faint. The card read: ‘Spagoing to be something special and exclusive, but in all ghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. actuality, it’s a dump.” “We’re also going to go to see Three, with meatballs, two without. Send extra the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.” “That’s sauce!!!!! rich,” laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He’ll look the size of an ant. An older guy with a pot-belly was working out in the “Boy, good luck on this lousy sounding trip of yours. gym when he spotted this sweet young, well-built You’re going to need it.” A month later, the woman woman. He immediately asked a trainer that was again came in for a hair appointment. The hairdresser near-by, “What machine should I use to impress that asked her about her trip to Rome, in a very sarcastic “sweet thang” over there?” The trainer looked him up manner. “It was magical,” explained the woman, “not and down, and dryly replied, “The ATM machine in only were we on time in one of Continental’s brand the lobby.” new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to First Class. The food and wine were 4-star A waitress is explaining to a New York guest in a quality and I had a handsome 27-year-old Steward small Tennessee diner that the special of the day is who waited on me hand and foot….literally, he gave calf tongue in beautiful moonshine sauce. The guest me a foot massage. And the hotel was exquisite! shakes his head and says, “I don’t want anything that They’d just finished a $5 million renovation project, comes from an animal’s mouth; just give me some and now it’s a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. 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C.O.I.R. Report Coalition of Independent Riders A Dereliction of Duty Peter A. Sieben Lt Commander C.O.I.R. of Iowa Legislative Officer ABATE of Iowa Dist 20 On Wednesday, March 1, I saw something I never thought would happen in Iowa - a group of legislators fled the capitol and hid. Why? What were they hiding from? They were hiding from the idea that Iowa should join 44 other states that have a Second Amendment Provision in their State Constitution. Chris Hall, Democrat from Sioux City, explained on the news why he went with the other 39 democrats, abandoning his post. I’m sure that the late Roger Wendt, his predecessor, would never have done that. Besides bailing on their responsibilities, they also failed to attend a scheduled Black History Month Celebration, leaving many of the attendees disheartened. They said they left because they were given no prior notice that the bill was to be debated. The truth is that the bill was publically posted on the debate calendar. Minority leader Kevin McCarthy said in the debate that I watched online, that he’s a life
member of the NRA but he had no idea it was going to be debated. That is incredulous since he would have had the same NRA alert I received 24 hours before. The original language of HJR 2005 reads: “The right of individuals to acquire, keep, possess, transport, carry, transfer, and use arms for defense of life and liberty and for all other legitimate purposes is fundamental and shall not be denied or infringed. Mandatory licensing, registration or special taxation as a consideration of the exercise of this right is prohibited, and any other restriction shall be subject to strict scrutiny.” In the debate, the anti-gun lawmakers pled for micro stamping of ammunition, special taxation, even requiring guns to be disassembled and locked up in order to be kept. Surely Jefferson and Madison had something different in mind when they believed that we have a right to keep and bear arms. Newspapers and the news media have over the years eloquently advocated our First Amendment rights, even if that means allowing someone hateful to protest a soldier’s funeral. When it came to our Second Amendment rights which are likewise fundamental, some lawmakers ran and others stood their ground. It states on the Iowa State Flag: “Our liberties we prize, and our rights we shall maintain.” Comments or questions? Email peter@ riderpromotions.com
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Mar 23 Mar 23-25 Mar 23-25 Mar 24 Mar 30
Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll World of Wheels Omaha, NE Heartland STEAM Omaha, NE Road MC Dance Rec Center Exira Blue Haired Old Ladies, Road Alligators, & Tar Snakes by Slider-Spencer Mar 30-31 Bak Open House Sioux City Mar 31 ABATE D14 27th Thank God It’s Spring Party O umwa Mar 31 Northwest Iowa ALR Breakfast Le Mars Mar 31-Apr 1 North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City Apr 1 40th Annual Hillblazers Motorcycle Club Hill Climb Logan Apr 7 Freedom Quilts Presenta on Fonda Apr 14 1st Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone Apr 15 ABATE D25 Blessing of the Bikes Ames Apr 21 Make-A-Wish Leather & Lace Gala Council Bluffs Apr 21 ABATE D25 New Moon Run Boone Apr 21 VFW Memorial Run-Poker Run Musca ne Apr 21 Spring Run Off Ride Davenport Apr 21 Bunny Hop Poker Run Sioux City Apr 22 Biker Sunday Oskaloosa Apr 27 Iowa Motorcycle Safety Forum ISU Scheman Bldg Ames Apr 28 F&J Racing 17th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown Apr 28 Fender Cycle Open House Des Moines Apr 28 Council Bluffs/Omaha 2012 Dealer Fun Run Apr 29 Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe Open House Everly Apr 29 Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe Swap Meet Everly May 4-5 TorqueFest Maquoketa May 5 ABATE D25 Awareness Ride Boone May 5 CMA Run for the Son O umwa May 5 Annual Bike Blessing and CMA Run For The Son Burlington May 5 Cedar Rapids Chrome Divas Motorcycle Awareness Ride May 5 Paula’s Poker Run Legion LeMars May 5 ABATE D25 Awareness Ride Boone May 5-6 Hawkeye Harley Davidson Open House Coralville May 12 Ride for the Girls, (Breast Cancer Ride) Booneville May 12 3rd Annual Sycles for Sight Polk City May 19 Miracle Rally for Children’s Miracle Network Farley May 19 Soldier’s Benefit Poker Run Waterloo May 19 3rd Annual Poker Run for Pink, Ponca NE May 19 Motorcycles On Main Pla smouth, NE May 19 Blessing of the Bike Run Davenport May 20 ABATE D4 Thunder Run Des Moines May 25-27 Hog Wild Rodeo Conesville May 25-28 Iron Horse Bike & Music Fes val Sabula May 26-27 Midway Tavern 14th Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier May 26 Sgt JJ Bonnell Poker Run Fort Dodge May 27 Vern Worley Helping Hands Poker Run Clinton May 28 ABATE D9 Memorial Ride Kellogg May 28 2nd Annual Memorial Day Fun Run Foxy’s Osceola Jun 1-2 MAG Motofest III Clear Lake Jun 1-3 ABATE D25 Rodeo Nevada Jun 1-3 Na onal Vintage Motorcycle Rally Anamosa Jun 2 Carroll Cycle Center Rock-N-Ride Carroll Jun 2 Jaster’s 7th Annual Ride for Life Elkader, Iowa Jun 2 3rd Annual Charity Ride for Veterans ALR 166 Shellsburg Jun 2 Vietnam Vets Chapter D Bike Blessing/Poker Run VA Iowa City Jun 2 Homer Fire Dept Poker Run/Cook Off Homer, NE Jun 2 ALR Post 166 Charity Ride Jun 2 ABATE D4 Butch Beam Memorial Run Grimes
46 - TRMI APRIL 2012
Jun 2 Jun 3 Jun 8-10 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 13-16 Jun 14-16 Jun 14-16 Jun 16 Jun 16 Jun 18 Jun 22 Jun 22 Jun 23-24 Jun 23 Jun 23 Jun 23 Jun 23 Jun 29-30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jul 5-7 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul 10-12 Jul 12-14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 21 Jul 21 Jul 21 Jul 21 Jul 25-28 Jul 27-29 Jul 28 Jul 28 Aug 2-4 Aug 6-12 Aug 11 Aug 11 Aug 17-18 Aug 18 Aug 18 Aug 18 Aug 19 Aug 25 Aug 25 Aug 25 Aug 25
Indee’s Riverwalk Cruise for Make-A-Wish Independence Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Thrills in the Hills at Wes air in Council Bluffs The Ride For Soldiers Sco y’s Saloon Grundy Center ABATE D25 Bike Show Boone Bikes at Blackhawk Lake Rally/Rodeo Lake View Bell Tower Fes val Poker Run & Bike Show Jefferson ABATE D10 Fun Rain Run Humboldt Mississippi River Motorcycle Rally Davenport Awesome Biker Nights Sioux City Iowa State HOG Rally Des Moines Good Egg Days Poker Run Stuart Goat Fest Band Fes val w/Crave Ta oo Gigglin Goat Boone Ride Your Motorcycle To Work Day Around the Square, Relay for Life Benefit, by Wind Bags Atlan c Coyote Fest, Ba le of Bands/Rally East Dubuque J&P Cycles Open House Anamosa ABATE D14 28th Baldy Memorial Ride What Cheer 2nd annual VODEC Poker Run Fun Run and Party Goozman’s Westside Harlan ++5th Annual Ride it out for Amber Indianola Corn Stalk Music Fes val, Circle Of Pride Grounds Conesville Wounded Soldier Benefit Fun Run Nitro’s Gravity Iowa Iron Bu Ride O umwa ABATE Freedom Rally Algona “South by Southwest” Fun Run Foxy’s Osceola Yellow Ribbon Run Werner Cycle Omaha, NE VULCAN RIDERS USA Na onal Rally McGregor Nitro’s Rally Gravity 3rd Annual Co’s Memorial Fairfield Ride for Dyamond An que Acres Cedar Falls The Crew MC Mid Summer Bash/Rodeo Cedar Falls Goozman’s Westside Poker Run Harlan Moose Riders Club Benefit Poker Ride Cedar Rapids Taco Run for Children’s Therapy Center Be endorf 4th Annual Woman’s Fun Run Atlan c George O. Spain Jr. Healing Run, sponsored by NW Iowa ALR Le Mars The Landmark Depot 4th Annual Show & Shine Rockwell City Beamer’s Buddies Fun Run Fort Dodge Patriot Ride Quasqueton Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally Newton Iowa CMA State Rally 5th Annual Brooke Barber Memorial Fun Run Mount Ayr ABATE D10 Tin Bu Run Algona 5th Ann Across the Border Raid Motorcycle Rally Bedford “Event” in South Dakota Fall Classic, Show-n-Shine, Ride, Dinner & Street Dance Everly ABATE D15 Too Broke for Sturgis Donahue American Victory Rally Spirit Lake Tom Skaff Memorial Sioux City Bob Ezarski Memorial Run Hampton, Iowa ABATE D10 Bikes for Tykes Run Rockwell City Motorcycle Day Iowa State Fair Des Moines Warriors Across Iowa to Benefit WWP Des Moines 4th Ride Your Hawgs For The Dogs Poker Run “Where are we at?” Fun Run Foxy’s Osceola HarleysNHotrods Cruise for Kids An que Acres Cedar Falls
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Aug 25
Shake, Ra le, and Roll Parkinson’s Benefit Run Rhodes Aug 24-26 8th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 26 Children’s Miracle Network Poker Run Ida Grove Aug 26 Widows Sons Masonic Riders Associa on Bike Show Clinton Aug30-Sep1 Davenport An que Motorcycle Rally Aug 31 Vintage Flat Track Motorcycle Races Davenport Aug 30-Sep 2 Circle of Pride Thunder In the Sand Conesville Aug 31-Sep 3 Iron Horse Bike & Music Fes val Sabula Sep 1-2 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 7-8 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand Na onals Knoxville Sep 7-9 ABATE D25 Pufferbilly Days Bike Show Boone Sep 7-9 Hogs 4 Dogs Benefit Weekend & Ride O umwa Sep 8 Ride for the TaTas Benefit Run w/Cheshire Grin Kirkman Sep 10 East Central Iowa Side Car Rally Anamosa Sep 10-11 Cannonball Run Anamosa to Spirit Lake Sep 14-16 State Line End of Summer Rally Keosauqua Sep 14-16 Thunder Roads Magazine Corn Cob 1000 Ride Sep 15 Amigo’s Bike Show Fort Dodge Sep 15 U of I Children’s Hospital Ride for the Kids Dubuque Sep 15 Carroll Cycle Center New Model Open House Carroll Sep 22 ABATE D10 Toy Run/Auc on Fort Dodge Sep 23 Concourse De’ Cornfield 2012 Penn Center Church Earlham Oct 6 ABATE D25 Biken For Tikes Run Boone Oct 6 Cedar Rapids Chrome Divas Breast Cancer Awareness Ride Oct 7 Hot Rods and Harleys Car/Bike/Rat Rod Show Hopkinton Oct 7 ABATE D15 28th Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Davenport Oct 14 ABATE D4 29th Toy Run Des Moines Oct 14 Carroll Cycle Center Fall Color Ride Carroll Oct 20 ABATE D15 Harvest Run Davenport Oct 21 Carroll Cycle Center Toy Run Carroll Nov 9-11 STEAM Marshalltown Nov 16 Carroll Cycle Center Ladies Night Out Carroll Nov 23 Turkey Run Clinton Nov 30 Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Dec 1 CR Chrome Divas “Santa’s Li le Divas” Christmas Dec 12 833rd Chopper Raffle Party O umwa This list is what we have found and what has been submi ed. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled for some reason. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events or bike nights to list, please email them with Date/Name of Event/ Loca on to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Monday Fireside Grill Altoona Johnny Mac’s Des Moines Tuesday Gathering on the Grounds Fairgrounds (Selected Dates) J&P Cycles Cruise Nights (Selected Tuesdays) Anamosa Ron Dawg’s House Des Moines Victory Lane Des Moines Samz Sports Bar Muscatine Brooklyn’s Ottumwa Wednesday Beer Barn and Grill Kirkman Amigos Fort Dodge Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Rusty Duck Dexter Boss Hawgs BBQ Des Moines Skatterkats Davenport Lynn’s Des Moines Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Latitude 41 Bar & Grill Johnston Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly OP Clear Lake Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Trophy’s Bar & Grill Des Moines Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo Beach House Humboldt Rides Bar and Grill Fort Dodge BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo Cedar River HD (1st and 3rd Thursdays) Grid Iron Grill & Sports Lounge Webster City Tapz Pub Clive Michelle’s Des Moines Woody’s Roadside Tavern (3rd Thursday) Albion AJ’s Des Moines Square One Clive Ridgemont (BACA) Windsor Heights Linden House Lynnville Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge Il. Friday Double Shot Bar & Grill Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Throttle Down to “O” Town Osceola Fatboyz Saloon (2nd & 4th Friday) Grimes Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Ferg’s Grand Junction Hicklin Powersports Dinner Rides(4th Fridays) Grimes Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset Do Drop (Under the Water Tower) Jamaica Booneville Bar Boonville Water Street Bar & Grill Cambridge Sunday Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Ickey Nickel Sioux City Team 36 Mitchellville The Edge Missouri Valley
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TRMI APRIL 2012 - 47