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Merry Christmas from Locked & Loaded Outfitters in Harlan, Iowa. Our sexy elves this month are sporting a few of the long guns available at the shop. An expanding full service outfitter, Locked and Loaded can help you get the perfect Christmas gift for those special people on your list. Maria, Amy, Ashley, and Leah are the sexy elves showcasing the shop. We could not leave out a couple of cool rides though either. Blacky Madsen’s 1971 RS/Z28 Camaro with a hot running 396 and Mike Wohlhutter’s totally badass 1948 Pan/Shovel give the gals some cool iron to pose with. Enjoy!
As we roll into the month of December, we have 2014 coming to a close. The time has gone by so quickly and hard to imagine another year has come and gone. The older we get, the faster they seem to go; I guess that means I am getting older, because I remember years ago hearing the old graybeards talking about how quickly time passed. Now, just maybe, I am one of those old graybeard bikers. I have not complaints about that though, as I have enjoyed the ride. In 2014, I have had some interesting things happen both personally and professionally, but would not change any of it for all the money in the world. Getting to a point of being comfortable is quite a feeling. Here at the magazine we have been growing and expanding all year. The whole TRMI family has been out in force all year long meeting people, attending events, and looking for those cool Iowa stories that make this thing what it is. At home things have expanded as well with Melanie and the kids all getting used to the biker life. Melanie was raised in a biker household, but the kids seem to be loving being able to hop on the bike whenever the opportunity arises. I am excited for Christmas with my family, and am looking forward to time with loved ones. I must say that being surrounded by good, caring, loving people makes the days go much better and I am fortunate to have a wonderful family, TRMI family, and tons of great friends that make this ride enjoyable. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas with the hope that you have the opportunity to surround yourselves with friends and family to enjoy the holiday season as much as possible. I worked for a lot of years in the back of an ambulance as a Paramedic as well as being a volunteer Fire Fighter. I have also previously worked for a small town and was in charge of lots of things including snow removal. This background has given me the utmost respect for those that work in the public service arena. These people work on holidays, evenings, weekends and overnight busting their asses to make sure that we are taken care of in the event of winter
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storms and all kinds of emergencies. We would like to say thank you for all that you do, for being on shift and on call to come to our assistance at times of need, and to miss time with your own families during this holiday season to respond to our emergencies and needs. We are working on getting CONFIRMED Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Event Listings. If you know the dates of events for 2015, please email the event date, name, and starting town to Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com. If people do not know what is going on, they won’t know how to plan for the next riding season. The list is included in the magazine every month and the calendar can also be found on the website at thunderroadsiowa.com On every Monday I also post the next week or two’s upcoming events listing on Facebook. Look for Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa for our page and be sure to hit the “like” button. Help get the word out to bikers across Iowa about your runs, rallies, parties and gathering and thanks in advance for the submissions! For your Christmas gatherings and shopping needs, don’t forget to look in the magazine for sponsors of TRMI. These places help make the publication possible every month and we would not exist without them. We thank them for their support, and in turn make sure to send people through their doors as much as we can. Frequent these places whenever you can, grab your new copy, and tell them Thunder Roads sent ya! We are always looking for cool and exciting material for the magazine, as well as new sponsors that would like to support the magazine. One has to go with the other, and we would love to hear from the readers about both topics. Let us know what you would like to see on the pages of Iowa’s biker magazine. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa is truly “About Iowa, For Iowa, From Iowa” and we vow to keep it that way. Have a Merry Christmas! Vernon and Melanie Quote of the Month: The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. George Carlin
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S now it’s my turn to write about So hhow awesome I am! I mean, you hhave to be when you are on the staff oof TRMI.
Maryland with Vernon and Melanie. I blew out my rear tire going 80, pulled over, and commenced screaming…I kept it up…safe and sound. Yes…I rock! Before any more trips, my dad and I put As a baby you would have found A new pipes on my bike, along with some m me playing in a box of motorcycle routine maintenance to avoid testing my pparts. At the age of 4 Santa brought riding skills again. My next big ride was m me a Black Suzuki 50 with yellow to Sturgis, awesome ride with my dad. flames on the tank….and yes, I was That is God’s country! My biggest trip tthe coolest kid in town!! The rules solo was Iowa to Maryland and back! tto riding were as follows… jeans, Before the trip, my dad and I replaced bboots, and if I couldn’t start it, I my clutch plates. But along the way I ccouldn’t ride it! Well, I’m a hard lost my breather cover and air filter on hheaded girl... so, this girl got to ride! My next bike was an the interstate, watching the Semi run the damn thing over! I oorange 80 that I did hill climbing with. This upgrade was to was thankful to have good friends nearby that hooked me up! bbecome the same bike that I broke my hand and dislocated Thanks to TANK from SBMC for hooking up a gal in need. my finger on after wrecking while giving my brother, Keith, a That was my best trip yet, the smells in the air, the black bear ride. As a teenager I was out tearing up the Iowa gravel roads I saw playing in the river bed, the guy I cussed out for texting with my best friend, Steph, on an Orange 125. Time went on his cell phone while driving next to me! The highlight of by, and I was the passenger on many bikes. I often rode my the Maryland trip was being able to give my mom a ride on my brother Keith’s 47 Knucklehead, as well as my dad’s Road Harley though, hard to top that. Glide and Electra Glide. Well guess what… this girl was not destined to remain a passenger… I had to get my own!! So, I am big on bikers’ rights! Yes…we do have rights! It amazes I purchased a blue2006 Electra Glide. I had to have comfort me at how many people do not realize what is going on in the and a radio! While living on the East Coast I had some long biker world, let alone care!! I work hard at my job…ensuring distance rides, and rode to Sturgis from there as well. But biker rights are known, as well as supported! I go to meetings to nothing beats living in Iowa! So, my Daughter and I moved learn what is going on, just to share with fellow bikers. back here right after Christmas ‘13. I come from a family of riders…Dad, Mom, Step-Dad, StepToday you will find me riding the Iowa roads with my Mom, and Brother. I am excited to say we will be adding a new Daughter, Makayla. And of course I had to give my best member to our riding family next year…my daughter, Makayla! friend, Steph, a ride this summer….who doesn’t love 2 chicks If you see me out and about and my daughter isn’t my passenger, on a Harley? LoL she will be the one by my side…riding her own! This year my riding started in April, leaving Ocean City,
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Tina Doyle Mills
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CMA Notes
Well we are finished with another election cycle with the untold millions spent to manipulate our perceptions of reality. Hopefully things will get better and we can get on with the normal crazy business of life, at least the phone should quit ringing for a while. Lately with all the campaigning, I have been thinking of the whole perceptions vs reality issue. It reminded me of the fellow that desperately wanted a Harley but could never quite scrape the money together. He finally broke down and bought a new metric motorcycle. It was a nice bike, was dependable and rode well but he was never happy. He was so stuck with the idea that a real biker rides a Harley that from day one he tried to disguise and portray it as something different than it was. He took the tank emblems off, removed and replaced the air cleaner, installed HD saddlebags and blacked out the logo on the back of the seat. It was still not enough because the sound wasn’t right. He then had to find the right aftermarket pipes and rejet the carb. By the time he was done he could have been into a nice used HD. In the same way our politicians try to manipulate perceptions, hide their true alliances, distort their voting records play on people’s insecurities and create fear. It is amazing the rights and privileges we will give away or allow to be taken from us because of fear. Manufactured crisis is now the norm. At our recent international CMA rally the South African contingent made the comment that they didn’t hear of the Ebola crisis until arriving in the States. While a very real disease, the media and politicians use it as a distraction to sway the electorate. We get caught up in the idea that if so and so is elected everything will be okay. The guy that said, “The best of men are still men at best”, had it right. The good news is that we don’t have to be consumed with fear or even be pawns in the game. A disparaging political comment was made about those of us who cling to our guns and our religion. Well, I firmly believe in the 2nd amendment, you know, the one that allows all the others to stay in place. I also take comfort in clinging to my God and creator, the one who has made promises that He can and does keep. God does give us a true reality. He is called the Rock of Ages. The Bible says that God never changes. Hebrew 13:8 states that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”. God gave us the Bible and the Holy Spirit to be a guide and a standard with which we can judge and measure. A true reality to grab hold of and help us see through all the fluff and hyperbole. Some put their trust in politicians and the latest PC wave but I would rather look to Jesus and eternal truths. My hope is in the Lord and a sure destination beyond human comprehension that is available for all those who believe. The question then becomes, what is your hope in? Hope for today, hope for the future and do you even have hope? The answer is simple. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www. cmausa.org. 8 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
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Biker Friendly Directory It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999
Dealers
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic 4426 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563)359-7222 www.BRENNYS.com
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 CoolBikerStuff.com www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 877-816-2200 2613 Hwy 18 East Follow us on Facebook!! Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 Crispy’s Biker Apparel www.erniesharley.com Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 319-241-0916 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 Hunter Detail 515-256-9062 Home of Hunter’s Bug Kutter www.fenderscycle.com
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
Your amazing Complete Detail Cleaner. Find us at a Dealer, Event or Order Online
www.hunterdetail.com or 712-882-4243
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
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Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727 Leer’s Cycle Center 101 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 1-800-870-6058 www.leerscyclecenter.com
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Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion or Event Celebrationsdjiowa.com Facebook/Ray Johansen National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org National Sprint Car Hall of Fame/ Museum One Sprint Capital Place Knoxville, Iowa 50138-0542 www.sprintcarhof.com 641-842-6176 Vintage Sound 93.1 FM Muscatine’s Premier “B Side” Station Request Line (563)263-9393 www.Vintage931.com Listen ANYWHERE with free mobile app
Food and Drink 4 Way Good Eats Where Friends Meet Wed - Sun 7 a.m. to close Luxemburg, IA. 563-853-3451 Full menu of All Homemade Goodness!
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FB 411 Main Street Bar & Rocket Joes
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook
Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226
Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.
Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!
Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783
Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com
Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
411 Main/Rocket Joe’s 411 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-4111
Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week Breezy Hills Winery 31735 Tamarack Rd. Minden, IA 51553 712-485-2083 www.breezyhills.com Broken Throttle Saloon 621 Highway K45 Whiting, Iowa 712-455-1096 We are on Facebook Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Cadillac Jack’s on Facebook
Cede’s Bark Bistro 519 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-8072 2 Wheel Thursday $2 Beers
Best Scenic Road With the Best Food!
563-552-2291 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet
Chopper’s 601 Rhomberg Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-9666 Open Noon-Close 365/Year
Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner
Coon’s Corner 302 Front Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-2068 Coon’s Corner on Facebook Dam Riverview Sports Bar The Rivers Closest Watering Hole Guttenburg, IA 563-252-4400 Unbeatable Views, Drinks, & Food!! Enjoy our Deck over The River!! Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
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George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810 Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375 Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
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J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country
Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 OPEN M-F 10AM S-S 7 AM Home of the Willie Whopper Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Kelly’s Irish Pub & Eatery 563-344-0000 2222 E 53rd Street #10 Davenport, Iowa 52807 Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub
Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA”
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Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
Los Altos Greenfield, Iowa 641-221-9081 Stuart, Iowa 515-523-8000 Story City, Iowa 515-733-1518
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lewis Place 506 W Main Street Lewis, Iowa 51544 712-769-2290 Come Relax in the Beer Garden
Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050
Woobies 134 W. Main St. New London, IA 52645 319-367-2211
The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
The Onion Grove Bar & Grill 502 Lombard St, Clarence (563)452-3030 Check out our fun on Facebook!!
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 Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
The Detour Bar & Grill Good Food, Cold Beer, Hot Staff M-F 3:30 - 2:00, Wknds 12:00 - 2:00 Petersburg, IA (563) 875-7632 “By God, Lets Have One!!”
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook
The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
The Getaway Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
Where to Go When You Need a Break!
221 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-2200
Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome
Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 612 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 www.LockedandLoadedOutfitters.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net SR Gunsmithing AGI Certified Gunsmith Scott Rule Council Bluffs, IA 402-850-5787 scottrule@q.com
Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook 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
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Insurance Freedom Insurance Services LLC Motorcycle.Home.Business.Life.Health
Shane Baker 712-310-7475 sbaker@fisomaha.com Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com IowaBikerLawyer.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 977-209-9452
Photo and Art 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 Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com
Peebles Plumbing & Heating Luxaire & Mitsu 613 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2417
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541
River Street Auto - 118 River St. Iowa Falls - 641.648.5004 Motorcycle Tires & Auto Repairs We Fix Everything Except a Broken Heart
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com
Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403 Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995 Tame Your Mane at MY BARBER 7th & Fillmore, Davenport 563-322-8762 Biker Owned & Operated United Stop & Shop 810 Hwy 175 Stratford, Iowa 50249 515-838-2833 91% Premium Nolead 6:00am - 10:00pm
Shops and Fabricators Bob’s Atomic Garage 2850 16th Ave SW Cedar Rapids 319-200-4257 60+ Years of Experience In HD & American V-Twin Motors Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
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Custom Paint Specialists 2905 Delaware Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-971-4579 Facebook.com/CPSpaint Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab
70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 45 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 I will revisit each county as a featured article. I 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. Kossuth County Iowa Wide open spaces, that is what comes to mind when I reflect on my time in Kossuth County. Well that and some very interesting history and creativity that
we too often take for granted. Kossuth County reminded me that, to understand where we are going we need to remember and take a look at where we have been. According to the Western Iowa Tourism office Kossuth County is in the northwestern part of the state, if I ran the world I would say it was more north central. You cannot get any closer to Minnesota and it is by square miles the largest county in the state. It came to be a county in 1851 and was named after a Hungarian President who was exiled to America…lucky guy! I first came into the county from the eastern boarder on Hwy 18 and grabbed P64 north to Titonka. This was a simple little unassuming town but it came recommended because of a great little establishment called Racers. Unfortunately it was closed and didn’t open until three; but I was fortunate enough to have a nice chat with an elderly woman who liked that I was in her town and appreciated the motorcycle community and the business that they brought to her town! I meandered my way north to Hwy 9 and headed west through Lakota and Swea City, not too much going on with the exception of Iowa hospitality at its finest. Well that and a liquor store with a really funny name! Let me know if you have seen it?! I then proceeded south down P30 to Lone Rock. You will never guess what they have in Lone Rock, okay maybe you will but I commend this little towns dedication to preserving a little bit of history. You see back in the day when people crossed the state this 175-ton bolder was used as a landmark by everyone to know they were headed in the right direction. In the 70’s; they blew it up into four pieces and put it back together in town and have a cute little historical village around it. Not a bad place to stretch your legs on a day trip.
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From there I continued on P30 south to B30, which took me into Algona. We all know or should know about the Freedom Rally held there over the Fourth of July but what you might Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com
not know about is the Camp Algona POW Museum. Back in the 40’s there was a German POW camp that over about two years saw 10,000 POW’s come through. It is amazing to think about that and the museum in Algona helps us remember. They have hours on the weekends and by appointment. It was getting on in the day and I decided it was time to get my grub on. I was lucky enough to find a place called Pitchers in Wittemore. Just Follow B40 west out of Algona and it will take you there. Pitchers is a comfortable place with excellent food and nice decor. The cook was funny and the owner, who was really enjoyable to chat with. recommended I put an egg on my burger, who knew that could be so enjoyable? I am sure my cardiologist would disagree but I will deal with her later! Then it was off to West Bend and the Grotto of Redemption. I think we could all use a little of that. The Grotto is the largest of its kind in the world. Father Paul Dobberstein ironically a German immigrant got sick with the flu and promised that if he got better he would build a shrine to the Virgin Mary. He healed and followed through with his promise. The use of fossils, shells, petrification’s and minerals are beautiful. What came of his work and subsequent men who completed this promise is quite awe-inspiring. They are fully funded by donations so if you go please utilize the little donation boxes you will find on the grounds! Kossuth County Iowa reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from a movie, ”Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Take a little time and look around Kossuth, you might be amazed at what your missing! Next month I will tell you all about my adventure with Captain Ron in the southeast corner of the state in Lee County. I hope your holiday season is wonderful and full of friends, family and good food! Ho Ho Ho! Sources Available Upon Request S DRing dring@thunderroadsiowa.com
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History negates an enduring fascination with the freedom of the open road and the lives lead by those who travel it. Unfortunately for the “fairer sex” and the otherwise vertically challenged, this can sometimes be difficult to experience independently. While looking around at what is available to be able to get on my own bike, I thought I would share some interesting considerations that I have found. When planning to purchase your own bike, something important to consider before closing the deal is ensuring you can comfortably handle your new ride. When you are physically comfortable on your bike, you will possess the confidence required to ride safely and smartly, therefore thoroughly enjoying your riding experiences. That being said, make sure you look at two major factors influencing the comfort level of your bike….seat height, and bike weight. Seat height, while important, is often overlooked in accommodating for female riders. Seat height is measured by standing your bike upright and measuring from the lowest point of your saddle to the ground. While measuring, make sure to take into account the width of your seat. The wider the seat, the further apart your legs…thus increasing the distance between your feet and the ground. While sitting on your bike, check out your foot placement. While experienced riders frequently use one foot to maintain balance at a stop, newbies best ensure good foot placement with BOTH feet. Using both feet also helps to handle the weight of your ride, which just happens to be the next major consideration in choosing a bike. Weight is a major consideration when determining the manageability of your bike. Not to invite Captain Obvious to the article, but the lighter your bike, the easier it will be for you to handle. There a wide variety of bikes ranging greatly in size and weight that may catch your eye, but if you don’t have the physical strength to maneuver them…. 18 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
don’t ride them. The best way to determine what is a manageable weight for you….Try ‘em out. There are several bikes that are recommended for women and other “smaller” riders. You may find yourself in a situation that leaves you finding the perfect bike. It’s more beautiful than your first born child, it’s a manageable weight, and the seat seems to have been custom molded just for your cheeks…If not, no worries. There are many reputable dealers who can customize the height of your bike, and not always requiring a lowering kit. Many times it’s as simple as altering your seat buy cutting the foam to reduce the height and width of the seat itself. Or maybe take a hint from our old friend Radar, and find yourself some taller footwear. Within reason of course…Stilettos are not recommended. There are a few bikes that are considered good starting points for the shorter statured. This is by no means an allinclusive list, but a few motorcycles that may fit the bill are as follows. The Suzuki Boulevard S40 has a standard seat height of 27.6 inches and weighs only 381 pounds. These are a great size and have a respectable 652 cc engine. The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow has a seat height of 25.5 inches and weighs in at 562 pounds. A little heavier, but has an ultra-low seat and a smaller front wheel which helps it sit lower…allowing for the weight to sit low in the chassis. Finally, the Yamaha Star Motorcycles all-new Bolt comes in with a seat at 27.2 inches and a weight of 540 pounds. Still a bit on the heavy side, but has a compact, standard style and an air cooled 942 cc V-twin engine. Having been given some points to consider before you shop is helpful, but only you can decide when you’ve found the perfect fit. Take some time this winter to shop around…find what suits you best. By the time the snow clears, and the sun starts shining again, you’ll be ready to hop on and find your own freedom. Sources available upon request. Melanie Schwarte
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Well it’s only a matter of time now before the white haired bearded guy jumps on his sled in order to silently and secretly invade homes across Iowa while increasing his caloric intake and
your riding suits in black, I’d like it to come with some built in protection from the government or at the very least keep me safe from Ebola.
sucking up the moo juice. Ok maybe not every home in Iowa, he hasn’t shimmed down my chimney in years. I figure since he knows who’s been bad or good, that might have something to do with it. So I decided to send the jolly old boy my wish list before he takes off on his annual toy ride. And it goes something like this. Hey Fat Man, Don’t take the name personally, if you’re going to ride a sled sooner or later you end up with a nickname. No one ever truly likes their nickname and even and if you give up the milk and cookies now it’s too late you’re stuck with it. I have not bothered you with my demands since I was 8 years old. I hope by now you have employed a new elf in the list checking department. Even with checking the list twice there was some confusion about my order that year. I requested a dirt bike and you left me an erector set and a note. The note indicated that a dirt bike was too dangerous and could warp my mind but the erector set would help unlock creativity. I put my young creative mind to work and traded my friend Timmy that erector set for his mini bike. He went on to become an architect and I became a biker. Don’t tell Timmy but I think he got screwed. This year I’d really like you to disclose a couple of your secrets. First off I’d really like to know where you get your riding gear. The suit you wear must be pretty warm considering the miles you put on that sled in one night during the coldest time of the year. I’m not real fond of the color red so I’m wondering if there are any other color options. My first choice would be black. Secondly, I’m wondering if you can do something about our government. They think they are keeping us safe by trying to take away our rights and our guns. Then they decided that wasn’t enough protection so they did something even dumber. So if you can get me one of 20 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
I’m not sure if you realize that Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen have some distant inbred relatives living here in Iowa. I know you spend a lot of your off season time playing reindeer games. I have spewed a variety of words when these Iowa deer run out in front of me. What is the magic word that makes them fly? Iowa riders are heading into the off season so I’m also wondering if you would share the secret to your abstinence. My warped mind figures it must have something to do with Egg Nogg since it becomes very popular when you’re coming to town. I’ve tried drinking that crap, it made me sick for a couple of days, didn’t want to get too far from the john for about a week. But it sure as hell wasn’t enough to make me want to give up riding the sled for 364 days. If that’s your secret you need to get off the sauce Fat Man. I also wanted to let you know that I have been working on improving my life this year by furthering my education. I have spent a great deal of time reading those Shades of Grey books that everyone is talking about. If you happen to have a blind, deaf, mute, nymphomaniac, elf chic or two that looks good in leather and begs to ride your sled. Drop them off at my place; I’d really like to practice that naughty and nice stuff. Lastly, I have a couple nonbeliever friends, these guys are perverts and hard to buy for. So if you could manage to get me a couple 8X10 color glossy photos of the old lady posing with your sled while wearing pasties and assless chaps that would be great. Ho,Ho, Ho that’s not Mrs. Clauses nickname, I was just trying to say goodbye. Shifty LaRue
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www.thunderroadsiowa.com w ww w th w. hunde unde un derr rrroa o ds d iio owa.c wa.ccom wa
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Guns, Girls, and Bikes, what is not to love! Locked and Loaded Outfitters offer the lowest prices on brand name firearms, ammunition, and accessories. If we do not have it in stock we can have most items next day. We also carry hunting and fishing equipment, PSE archery equipment, and gun safes. New stock is arriving daily. Ashley, Leah, Amy, and Maria are sporting some cool hand pieces here in the shop with Mike Wohlhutter’s totally custom 1948 Pan/Shovel.
Iff you’re looking to make some classic biker me memories mories in Iowa, and it happens to be late October, you might want to drop in on Nate & Theresa’s yearly biker bonfire. I made it a point to check it out this year, seeing as I have recently modeled for Natanic’s Pinup Calendar. I figured I was deserving of an invite, not to mention the fact that his wife Theresa insisted that I stop by for a few! I pulled into the Ullrich acres, struggling to find a parking spot. To me this was a surprise, because they live on an old farmstead, so there 26 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
should be plenty of pasture space to park, right?? Wrong! Between the huge bonfire, Nate’s collection of motorcycles, and the many friends Nate & Theresa have made over the years, it was quite the endeavor to find a location to plant four wheels for the night. I eventually came upon some prime real estate! So I back the GMC in, drop the tail gate, and prepare my nerves for the icy dive my hand is about to take into the cooler for that bottle of sweet ambrosia, and then made my way towards the music. Nate’s good friend, and also one of his calendar models, Melissa, came all the way from Nashville with her band “Orchard Fire.” With an amazing band like this in tune, what did I find when I got to Natanic’s garage, besides hot women and rusty tools from wall to wall? Nate, over there bobbing his head to the beat and trying to focus his camera phone on the band! I shook my head at this site, as it was only a few days prior that I had been asked by Nate to please bring my camera because, as Nate slurs it, “ I’m taking the night off.” HA! Yeah right. See for Nate, photography isn’t just his job or a very expensive hobby it’s a passport to the past. The next best thing to actually living the moment! A photo to remind us; because we might not remember for one reason or another, and in some cases, might not want to remember! But who wouldn’t want to remember this moment surrounded by good friends, live music, and plenty of “nectar of the gods!” Aside from the great tunes and beer chugging, my sense of smell leads me
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to Theresa’s Kitchen ‘O Plenty! My taste buds had been awaiting this famous steak chili of hers, and it certainly lived up to its reputation! There were plenty of things to try, which I certainly did, thanks to Theresa and many other party goers who so generously brought a dish of their own to share with fellow party patrons. But ah, what’s that outside??? The beat has changed and the next band is up! It was time to go check out “3 On The Tree” and a couple special guests from “Hillbilly Casino,” who were in the neighborhood and caught wind of Theresa’s chili, and decided they needed a taste of the grub for themselves. After a few hours of photographing everything that I thought people might want to remember, or not remember, I decided it was time to put the camera in my truck. Only to return to the garage and frantically dig my camera phone out of my pocket, because moments to remember were still happening! I guess that Natanic guy didn’t have such a bad idea after all! Nate and Theresa make crazy efforts to make this simple little party come together, and what was intended to only happen every other year. Due to a huge response to Melissa and Orchard Fire the conversation turned to the fact that it might be an annual gig. For future and up to date info, check out Nate’s Facebook page, or follow his calendar girls on Natanic’s Pin ups Facebook page! Jenna Sue
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Did you leave a bar with maybe one too many in your tank? Did you ride on a really windy day and wish you’d left the scoot on the kickstand? Did you stay out past deer-thirty and have a white knuckle ride home?
End of Season Gut CheckHow many close calls did you have this year? Well if you’re like me, your bike has been stored for this season and is working on its first cobweb. You might get lucky and trailer it south for a rally, but most likely it won’t roll again under its own power until March or April depending on spring thaw. So when you look back over the past season, what does your gut tell you about it? Did you have a safe and worry-free season, free of any crashes or near misses? Then count your lucky stars, you’re doing something right. But if you’re like me, I’m stuck rehashing the times I could have gone down. The past season for me included two near-misses:
Did you get in with a pack that ran a lot faster than your comfort zone, maybe on a road you didn’t know? I did this one in the north deserts one time in AZ, my fault and waaaay stupid. The second time I kissed the edge of the road on a sharp corner I bailed out and let those crazy bastards run like rabid coyotes without me. See ya there! Whatever close call you dodged this year, I’m glad you’re joining us for this edition of MAG corner, because that means you got away with one, and we all only get so many close calls. I take an honest look at the forecast, wind speed, my own physical readiness and a bunch of other variables before I decide if and how far to ride, and when to come home. Have a great off-season, and we’ll see you back out there in the spring! Mark Mullins President MAG
The first came when I met Tiffany Text-A-Lot in her Pontiac Sunbird on county black top. I was following my “ride to the right on secondary rule” (TRMI May 2014) and it was a damn good thing. She went at least a full football field on my side of the yellow line before recovering and pulling it back in her lane. Sadly, when we met she had her eyes back in her socks. Yep, right back on that keyboard. If I had been center-lining it, I wouldn’t be writing this article. Why do they always seem to be in a Sunbird? They haven’t made that stupid car in a half decade, yet everyone seems to contain a driver who’s car won’t run unless the owner’s phone is on Instagram or Facebook. The second came when I was on a stretch of crowded shoreline road. Posted at 25mph, I rarely run it over 20mph. I hate that road; seems like every driveway has a car with the back-up lights on, waiting to ruin your day. As I approached the country club, I saw something moving through the windows of the parked cars. Sure enough, Hilda Big-Caddy came barreling out without even slowing down. I screeched to a stop, and so did she. I asked her what part of me was hard to see. (I did, really) She replied that she didn’t have time for motorcycles. Not sure we’ll turn that driver in our favorever. After that one I went and did it- I put straight pipes on my bike. I’ve heard the arguments both ways about straight pipes. But I truly see the difference now that I made the change. Children cover their ears. Pets circle their owners in frantic desperation. My neighbor had to re-caulk his windows because they rattled after the switch. Great, you hear me now. Loud pipes save lives. I’ll never put baffled pipes back on. So what is your definition a close call? www.thunderroadsiowa.com 28 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
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When an older brother brings home trinkets and t-shirts on his breaks from the Marine Corps, it tends to have an impact on a younger sibling. That’s exactly what happened to Eddie Sanchez of Davenport during his older brother’s brief visits home as Eddie was growing up. Through those trinkets and photos, his older brother made the Marine Corps seem awesome. And although it meant giving up a scholarship he’d earned for his skills on the soccer field, Eddie enlisted in the Marine Corps soon after high school graduation.
more, hoping to purchase more of a touring bike to provide a more comfortable ride for his wife Karla. She has been very supportive of not only his time in the service, but his time spent on two wheels doing the most good he can and Eddie considers his upcoming bike purchase a small token of appreciation for someone who has stood by him through thick & thin.
The father of 4 daughters, ranging from 16 yrs old to just over a year old, Eddie hopes that his passion for two wheels will positively reflect on his girls. As all parents First enlisting in the Marine Corps, Eddie was assigned do (or should!), Eddie strives to teach through good role to amphibious assault, artillery and infantry units; then modeling. When his youngest daughter was born 3 months continuing his military service in the Army with the infantry premature and in need of resuscitation, his service brothers and in Civil Affairs, Eddie views & sisters, his riding brothers & his entire time in both branches ssisters, friends, family & strangers of the Armed Services a very aalike showed tremendous support positive experience. He did 2 aand pulled together to help tours in Japan, and a single tour Eddie’s family in their time of E in Iraq, serving in Operation Iraqi nneed. Thankfully, his baby pulled Freedom, and Thailand. His through her hardships and the th time overseas was just how he’d ffamily is very blessed that she imagined thanks to the pictures is doing well now. Without that his brother had sent back while hhelp, Eddie knows he wouldn’t serving overseas in the Middle hhave been able to make it though & Far East, hard work but this hard time, emotionally or th completely worthwhile. While financially. Again, based off of serving in the Army, Eddie’s hhis personal experiences, Eddie mission included assessing new cchose to pay this support forward battle space as well as providing aas he had upon his return from security alongside US Marshalls oover-seas in the military. Today, ensuring safety in the Wasit Provence. Upon his return he does his best to make it to any fundraiser for newborn, ill stateside, he was greeted with open arms by many Vietnam or misfortunate children, knowing firsthand how important Vets who didn’t receive that “welcome” when they returned. those avenues of support are for a family in need. Eddie has made it his mission to pay that forward and honor not only the vets of the past, but the vets of the future as Eddie is an active member of the Combat Veterans well. Motorcycle Association, Eastern Iowa chapter (39-2) and rides with a core group of 5-6 others on a regular Like the lack of family military history, there wasn’t basis. He hopes to someday take a trip across country much influence from his family in the motorcycle world on his motorcycle, ending his journey in his home state either. Not handed down through genetics, Eddie’s love for of California, but only for a trip. Eddie & Karla hope to motorcycles was fueled by people watching; bikers always remain in the Quad Cities area while his girls are growing seemed so carefree, embracing their freedoms along the up, citing a large city feel without the dangers and hassles endless open roads. During his time in the Army, Eddie of living in a big city. For more information on the had finally saved up enough money to purchase his very CVMC, please visit their website at www.combatvet.org first motorcycle. Eddie chose his current ride because or the CVMA Eastern Iowa Chapter direct site at www. he saw the “cholo” potential and was quick to snag it up iacvma39-2.org or “CVMA39-2” on Facebook. from Reiman’s Harley Davidson in Kewanee, IL. Since purchasing the 2008 Deluxe, Eddie has customized it in Eddie, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa & I thank you for the fashion that he was hoping for by adding 16 inch Apes, your service and continued support of our military men & longtail exhaust pipes & fishtail covers, lowered his ride women. 2 inches in the back and installed a Stage 1 kit. With the original black paint accented by a bit of chrome, Eddie feels ~Pinky this bike is complete and doesn’t have any plans for further modification. However, he is saving his pennies once Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 32 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
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Checkerboard Restaurant 108 E. Monroe Street Pleasantville, IA 50225 515-848-3742 www.checkerboardrestaurant.net Facebook: Checkerboard-Restaurant Wed - Thu: 11AM-9PM, Fri - Sat: 11AM10PM, Sun: 5PM-9PM
will ride to eat Pretty cool!!!), your choice of potato: baked, french fries, steak fries, waffle fries (don’t just ask for fries... who knows what you might get!!!!!! LOL) or hash browns, a dinner roll and butter. I’ve ordered steak in all types of establishments and sometimes you get more than you expect and sometimes you get less. Checkerboard Restaurant is definitely a MORE than you expect establishment!!!! The steak showed up and it was HUGE!!! Easily 16 oz if not more!!! The menu advises that the steaks are hand-cut fresh after ordering... maybe they step out of the kitchen and see the size of who ordered it before cutting!!! This was easily among the most tender pieces of steak I have ever eaten!!! I ordered the hash browns for my side and was confused upon their arrival. They weren’t exactly what I was expecting... when I think hash browns I envision this heaping pile of grated potato, The best way for me to describe these is smashed out tater tots! Now don’t think this is in any way a negative thing! These were AWESOME!!! When you get the heap you usually end up with a pile of almost raw potatoes, (am I right?) this way they were all done to perfection and you can pick them up with your fingers!!! (I suppose you can pick up the piled ones as well, but me thinks that might be just a tad messy!!!!! LOL)
They say hindsight is 20/20. That statement is sometimes frighteningly true! It amazes me to look back on the way circumstances work together to place you somewhere you would have never found yourself! This review is the end result of a set of those circumstances. Let me see if I can give you the “Readers Digest” condensed version. This all starts with an ad for a bass guitar on Craig’s List. This guitar resides at an auction house in MelcherDallas. Arrangements were made to view said guitar on a Thursday evening. At around noon on that Thursday, I find a couple washing their motorcycle in my car wash. I invite them in to introduce them to Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Turns out they are familiar with our little periodical. I inquire if they are familiar with any interesting eating establishments in the Melcher-Dallas area. They proceed to give me a list of their favorites, but one stands out that when mentioned by the husband it elicited an “OOOOO!!!!!” from the wife. End of the story? Guitar purchased and a new addition to my favorite eat- Lynnette decided to try what you might call the anchor of the menu, the Corral Pies (AKA Pizza). I call this the “anchor” being places found! Checkerboard Restaurant in Pleasantville! cause this was what they served when they first opened! These are, for the most part, build-your-own pizzas, meaning they When you walk in the door it feels like walking into an ol’ give you a list of toppings and they have preset prices for one, western saloon! The walls are covered in barn board and two or three topping pizzas. (You can add more toppings for adorned with all manner of western memorabilia. They also an additional fee) They do have a handful of what you might have an antique store and gift shop in the basement. Their menu is quite unique, it is laid out in the format of an old time consider “specialty” pizzas: Cheese, Bacon Cheeseburger, Taco and Combination. Lynnette chose to go with pepperoni and newspaper! It even includes some interesting articles giving green olives. When this pie arrived the first thing that grabbed you a glimpse into the history of the area. A full page article enlightens you to the history of the Checkerboard Restaurant. my attention was that it was cut in squares (or as close as you (I won’t recap it here... I don’t want to spoil the surprise you’ll can get with a round pizza!), we established long ago that the get reading it for yourself!) The menu has enough options to fit best pizzas are cut in squares and this one certainly holds true to that!!!! The toppings are fresh, the cheese is melted perfectly, just about anyone’s appetite! but the part that really makes this a stand-out pie is the crust!!! The night we visited it took both Lynnette and I quite a while to The crust is light and crispy, definitely hand tossed and baked make our final choices. The one choice we immediately agreed to perfection!!!! upon was the Homemade Onion Rings for an appetizer. (well Checkerboard Restaurant, just off the square in Pleasantville. duh!!!!) These onion rings rank right up there with the best I have had, very sweet and crispy! We ordered the half order and You can visit their web site or visit their Facebook page (and were presented with a heaping pile on a plate! In fact we ended like them there) by computer but you MUST visit them in perup bringing home the leftovers from them, with everything else son to experience the awesomeness of their culinary delights!!! because we just couldn’t finish them all!!!! (Those who know Don’t take my word for it, give ‘em a try for yourself... Pardme are aware that bringing home the leftovers isn’t ordinarily ner!!!! on my agenda!!!) Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com For my main course I chose to go with the Sirloin Dinner. The dinners include a trip to the “Covered Wagon” (this is the PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in salad bar that is actually built in the form of a covered wagon! your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. 34 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
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recognize the names of these boys that ranked high in this international event, and some may even recognize the Gilmore name. Cody Gilmore is son to Tator who has an extensive racing history himself on the drag strip. He also has two Gilmore uncles, Slider and Chopper. These boys have been around for years, in fact his uncle Slider has been riding for over 50 years. Slider has also probably taught quite a few of you on his various presentations about helping a downed rider, diabetic riders, and classes geared toward the EMS crowd. The entire family it seems, are bikers, and have supported Cody since he first started riding when he was seven years old. The Gilmore boys hail from the Spencer, Iowa area, and so it was really nice to see an Iowa boy do so well in an international race of this caliber.
Twenty riders from over fifteen countries squared up on the starting block in one of the biggest races ever held in Pretoria, South Africa on November 1st. Monster Energy Supercross Africa was held at Loftus Verfsfeld Stadium, the first event of its kind at this venue. You may be wondering why the hell we are reporting about a motocross race that is not even in the USA, let alone Iowa, but fear not, we have a valid reason. The invitational race was inclusive of four riders bearing the Red, the White, and the Blue. The top two spots at the end of the race were held by two of our own American boys. Josh hill of Oregon went on to win the huge $20,000 first place spot, and Cody Gilmore took the $10,000 second place purse. Also on the list of top finalists was Jake Weimer of Idaho. The overall purse for the event was $50,000, and our boys brought home quite a chunk of that.
Cody races for the Yankton Motorsports/Race Tech/ Strikt team and is 26 years old. He rolls with number #87 in the Supercross 450 class. Cody had a very successful amateur career and claimed an AMA National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s in 2003. In 2005, Cody won Rookie of the Year in the AMA Arenacross Series. Then things took a slight detour for this young man when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. The prognosis was not good, as it was a rare type of spinal cancer, and doctors prepared the family for the worst. They said if he makes it, he will never ride again, and that he would be lucky if he could even walk. Cody refused to take this answer from the doctors, and kept his positive spirit going with the help of friends and family. His treatment was a success and he ended up with a year or so of therapy, and remarkably ended up back on the track and not just walking, but racing! In 2009, only three short years after his diagnosis, he returned to the AMA Supercross series and competed in the East Coast Lites series.
Those in the motocross world may
Cody’s 2014 AMA Supercross season got off to a slow start, after being sidelined with a broken clavicle for the first half of series. A bunch of top 15 finishes, in the premier 450 class, helped Cody move up to 27th overall in the Series. Now with this second place finish in the South Africa race, it sure looks like this young man that has faced a lifetime of adversity, is rising to the top. Good luck Cody, ride on, race on! Vernon Photos Submitted by Will Topete
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f o s l r i G
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Dee Rock 1997 Sportster 883 Atalissa
Michelle Petersen 2011 Streetglide Tipton
LeAnn Hughes 2013 Tri-glide Council Bluffs 38 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
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Q: What’s the difference between sin and shame? A: It is a sin to put it in, but it’s a shame to pull it out.
It is hard ha to find a joke today without a dirty w word or two in it, but here is one: Two tall trees, a birch and a beech, are growing in the woods. A small tree begins to grow between them, and the beech says to the birch, ‘Is that tree a son of a beech or a son of a birch?’ The birch says he cannot tell, but just then a woodpecker lands on the sapling. The birch says, ‘Woodpecker, you are a tree expert. C Can you tell if that is a son of a beech or a son of a birch?’ The woodpecker takes a taste of the small tree and replies, ‘It is nneither a son of a beech nor a son of a birch. It is, however, the best piece of ash I have ever poked my pecker into.
As the woman passed her daughter’s closed bedroom door, she heard a strange buzzing noise coming from within. Opening the door, she observed her daughter giving herself a real workout with a vibrator. Shocked, she asked, “Whatt in the world are you doing?” The daughter replied, “Mom, I’m thirty-five years old, unmarried, and this thing is about as close as I’ll ever get to a husband. Please, go away and leave me alone.” The next day, the girl’s father heard the same buzz coming from the other side of the closed bedroom door. Upon entering the room, he observed his daughter making passionate love to her vibrator. To his query as to what she was doing, the daughter said, “Dad, I’m thirty-five years old, unmarried, and this thing is about as close as I’ll ever get to a husband. Please, go away and leave me alone.”
A local bro walks into Victoria ‘s Secret to purchase a sheer negligee for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 in price -- the more sheer, the higher the price. Naturally, he opts for the most sheer item, pays the $500, and takes it home. He presents it to his ol lady, asks her to go upstairs, put it on, & model it for him. Upstairs the wife thinks (she’s no dummy), ‘I have an idea. It’s so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won’t put it A couple days later, the wife came home from shopping on, but I’ll do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow, and trip, placed the groceries on the kitchen counter, and heard keep the $500 refund for myself.’ that buzzing noise coming from, of all places, the family She appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose. The room. She entered that area and observed her husband husband says, ‘Good Grief! You’d think for $500, they’d sitting on the couch, staring at the TV. The vibrator was next at least iron it!’ He never heard the shot. Funeral is on to him on the couch, buzzing like crazy. Thursday at Noon. Closed casket. The wife asked, “What the hell are you doing?” The husband replied, “I’m watching the ball game with my sonin-law.” After 35 years of marriage, a biker couple went for counseling. When asked what the problem was, the wife went into a tirade listing every problem they had ever had in the years they had been married. On and on and on: neglect, lack of intimacy, emptiness, loneliness, feeling unloved and unlovable, an entire laundry list of unmet needs she had endured. Finally, after allowing this for a sufficient length of time, the therapist got up, walked around the desk and after asking the wife to stand, he embraced and kissed her long and passionately as her husband watched, with a raised eyebrow. The woman shut up and quietly sat down as though in a daze. The therapist turned to the husband and said, “This is what your wife needs at least 3 times a week. Can you do this? “Well, I can drop her off here on Mondays and Wednesdays, but on Fridays, I ride.” A hunky biker bro went to the hospital, as his wife was going to give birth. He waited for a few hours and the nurse comes in. The nurse said to him, “Congratulations, your wife has had quintuplets, five big baby boys.” The biker said, “I’m not surprised. I have a package the size of a chimney.” The nurse replied, “You might want to consider getting it cleaned. They’re all black.” Two Trees and a Woodpecker 40 - TRMI DECEMBER 2014
STAR TREK The Iranian Ambassador to the UN had just finished giving a speech and walked out into the lobby of the convention center where he was introduced to a U.S. Marine General. As they talked, the Iranian said, “I have just one question about what I have seen in America.” The General said, “Well, anything I can do to help?” The Iranian asked, “My son watches this show called Star Trek and in it there is... Kirk who is Canadian, Chekhov who is Russian, Scotty who is Scottish, Uhura who is black, and Suluwho is Japanese, but there are NO Muslims. My son is very upset and doesn’t understand why there aren’t any Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans, Egyptians, Palestinians, Saudis, Syrians, or Pakistanis on Star Trek.” The General leaned toward the Iranian Ambassador, and whispered in his ear, “That’s because it takes place in the future...” Q: What is the difference between an illegal immigrant and E.T.? A: E.T. eventually went home!
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best unsettling to consider that the NSA believes it has the authority to gather emails, internet browsing records, social media posts and even mobile phone location information. Some people will always believe that the government should have as much information as possible about you, in case it can help you. Our founding fathers wrote the constitution from the As I write this it is October 28. Just today the U.S. Senate perspective that the more information the government voted not to sign the U.N. Resolution 2117. This lists has on you, the more it can hurt you. Why else would the 21 points dealing with firearms control. The biggest Bill of Rights have been added to the original text prior to liberty limiter is point #11; it “calls for member states to passage? support weapons collection and disarmament of all U.N. countries”. By a 53-46 vote the U.S. Senate voted against As we enter the holiday season, let’s take a minute to it today. thank those who have laid down their lives to preserve our rights. The brave men who founded our country risked The statement of purpose from the senate bill reads: “To everything to live free. We owe it to our children and uphold Second Amendment rights and prevent the United grandchildren to protect and defend our rights. States from entering into the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty.” Unfortunately, the Obama administration has promoted the Questions or Comments: peter@riderpromotions.com U.N. Small Arms Treaty. It would have severely restricted and/or banned the export and import of small firearms. This would have affected every U.S. gun owner by implementing an international gun registry on all private WHAT IS A “FREE ROAMING RADICAL”?? guns and ammunition. First of all, it’s not just some title you claim and then strive Interested to know who was willing to give your to live up to…… You’ve gotta earn it. As the original Free constitutional rights over to the U.N.? 44 Senators who Roaming Radical I thought I would fill you in. Rule#1: voted to let the U.N. take our guns were democrats and the Act independently. Don’t get me wrong, crowds are just other 2 were independents. The days of blindly trusting fine, but decide what path to take and do it even if you’re the government have passed. For decades, the anti-gun alone. Rule#2: Objectively look at the situation your own crowd has been obsessed over national gun registration. self and figure it out, don’t look to others to tell you what For some reason they want to know who owns guns, is going on. In other words, see Rule#1. Independent how many, what kind, and where they are kept. Really, means a lot. It means picking your own path, regardless. for no reason other than they want to know. History has It means standing up for what is important to you and shown that gun registration has often been the precursor to not merely standing by and letting things happen. It also confiscation in multiple instances. means being a patriot. Someone who feels compelled to keep an eye on what’s going on and letting others know; With the recent revelation about the NSA’s practice of someone who doesn’t necessarily follow “the herd”. It’s gathering information on citizens, we really don’t know more work but well worth it. the scope of the NSA’s surveillance program. What we do know is it is both involuntary and universal. It is at
Liberty maintained
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Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 13 Dec 13 Dec 13 Dec 20
Turkey Run Clinton Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Black Friday Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Ladies Day Wieblers HD Davenport Men’s Day Wieblers HD Davenport Carroll Cycle Center pictures with Santa Carroll Santa visits Metro HD Cedar Rapids MRMC Christmas party Sherrill Christmas Party Wieblers HD Davenport Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines
Aug 29 Sep 5-6 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 23-26
Mighty Mississippi HOG MDA Hope Ride Dubuque HD Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier No Nipple Dipple Ride Buffalo Broken Spokes Ride For U of IA Children’s Hospital Davenport Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville, AR
This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. 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 to list, please email them with Date/Name of Event/Location to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
2015 Jan 17 Metro HD “Winter SUCKS” party Cedar Rapids Jan 23-25 Rod and Custom Motorcycle and Car Show Rock Island, IL Jan 24 30th Southern Iowa Motorcycle Swap Meet Ottumwa Jan 25 35th Annual WIld Wades Sawp Meet Des Moines Jan 31-Feb 1 Colorado Motorcycle Expo Denver, CO Feb 1 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL Feb 6-8 J&P Int’l Motorcycle Show Minneapolis, MN Feb 7 24th Annual Metro HD Chili Cook-Off Cedar Rapids Feb 7-8 Capital City Show and Swap Des Moines Feb 13-15 J&P Int’l Motorcycle Show Chicago, IL Feb 13-15 World of Wheels Kansas City Feb 20-22 29th Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Feb 21-22 46th O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Feb 27-Mar 1 World of Wheels Omaha, NE Feb 27-28 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Mar 8 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 6-15 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach Florida Mar 13-15 World of Wheels Chicago, IL Mar 14 Metro HD Garage Sale Cedar Rapids Mar 28-29 28th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Apr 11-12 North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City Apr 24 Motorcycle Safety Forum IA Events Center, Des Moines Apr 25 Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone May 2 International Female Ride Day Worldwide May 2 ABATE D14 Charity Ride/30th TGIS Party Washington May 16 Rosslyn’s Ride Anamosa May 23-24 Midway Tavern Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Jun 6 Carroll Cycle Center Rock N Ride Carroll Jun 13 7th Annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run & Show Jefferson Jun 15 National Ride your Motorcycle to Work Day Jun 17-20 21st Annual Rally on the River QC Davenport Jun 20 Vintage Rally and Bike Show Anamosa Jun 20 ABATE D14 31st Baldy Memorial Ride Fremont/What Cheer Jun 20 ABATE D14 30th District 14 Anniversary Party What Cheer Jun 27 28th Iowa Iron Butt Ride Ottumwa Jun 27-28 J&P Open House Anamosa Jul 2-4 31st Annual Freedom Rally Algona Jul 30-Aug 1 8th Annual Across the Border Raid Bedford Aug 3-9 South Dakota Party Aug 8 AtlanticFest Ride In Bike Show Atlantic Aug 22 ABATE of Iowa M.A.R.S. Eldora
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