It is only an hour. It is only a day. It is only a week. It is only a month. It is only a year. Holy Shit! Where does time go so quickly! December is already upon us we are staring 2018 right in the face. 2017 was an interesting and exciting year for sure. Here at TRMI we have continued to grow and expand our reach and getting out and about in the biker world. We got out and about to even more events this past year, put on even more miles, printed more pages than in past years, and are totally digging working for the bikers of Iowa to publish the best biker magazine that we can. We truly enjoy sharing our work with you and are totally thankful to our sponsors for being a huge part of making this happen. Please don’t forget to darken the sponsors’ doors throughout the year, but especially during this holiday season. Support those that support THE Iowa biker magazine, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa.
eye, tell them “nice to meet you”, and we sure hope that is reciprocated.
Another difficult topic this time of year, from about Thanksgiving until Valentine’s Day, is seasonal depression. There are many contributing factors to this type of seasonal issues for people. In Iowa, the winter time brings far colder temperatures, little if no riding, no Vitamin D from the sun, and then top that off with any possible family issues, and it can be a mess. Things such as family gatherings and the holidays that bring about sad times for those that are not close with family members, have issues between family members’, or have relationships statuses that are less than ideal. When I worked on the Ambulance years ago, this time of year was known for 911 calls for people dealing with the less than ideal holiday season. Why do we care? Well, because in the biker world, we seem to have many The kids are even getting into the mix and having fun black sheep that don’t conform to their family’s norms. learning about how things work and what it takes to publish This can and does cause alienation, and can cause issues. a magazine. You may have seen them at some family We are just asking to help take care of our own. Keep tabs friendly events with us this past year or two. Now their on your blood relatives, as well as your biker brothers and ages are from 6 to 16 years old, so to us it is a great time sisters. Make sure the people in your world are doing OK to teach them how to meet people, to shake a hand, look and even give them an invite to have a place to go or hang someone in the eye, and have real personal interaction, not out on the holidays so they are not alone. To me this is a just something via text or social media. We are trying to far cry better than something bad happening, and then many prepare them for life beyond school, for business life, for people looking back and realizing that we should have seen work life, and almost an apprenticeship to working for the the warning signs. Be good stewards of our community magazine. It is not that we are going to just hand it over and take care of those around us. Put our differences aside, to them, but I think that it is great to be able to have these watch out for our fellow humans, and have a safe and young ones learn the trade, learn the skills needed to put enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s season. cool stuff on the pages, learn the business aspects, and learn how to communicate with people. In the process we are We would like to say Merry Christmas from all of us here at trying to teach them life lessons, teach them some hands on Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, as well as the Schwarte skills, prepare them for the future, and then they can make household. choices on their careers as they get older. We feel this is a responsibility as parental units, and wanted to share why Vernon, Melanie, Sabin, Soren, and Violet, your TRMI you may see little shavers out and about with us at biker family! events around the state. Shake their hands, look them in the
On the Cover Never hurts to so a little side-shoot on occasion, I guess... Cassy paid a visit a while back, to model for Natanic’s Pin-ups calendar, and we talked her into a few photos on my old Ironhead chopper before calling it a day too. No real rhyme or reason to the photos, just an opportunity to photograph a half-naked babe on a bike again. Ya know, typical routine for most people. And as it turned out, we worked till sunset, which proved to be stunning that day! Plus Cassy’s long legs and perfect figure made for some pleasant eye candy to adorn that old ride of mine. Not too shabby for “just for the hell of it” kind of photoshoot! Nate Ullrich www.natanic.com 4 - TRMI DECEMBER 2017
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you go into shock and disbelief mode: I can’t believe this is happening! Then into anger mode where you Well, I hate to see it, but ask God: Why are you we’ve hit that letting this happen? Don’t you care? time of year Can’t you fix this? Do when even you even see what’s the best of happening? us have to really work to I don’t want to be get up some an amateur spiritual enthusiasm “first responder”, for hopping but I’ll give you the on the bike. (The craziest spiritual First Aid among us will steps I’ve learned to use on myself in these ride all year occasions. First, I round, but that’s another remind myself that God is in control. story!) The Daniel 4:17 tells us older I get that “God rules over the more pounds I pack on but I still need more layers of motorcycle gear to stay warm. How does that work? the affairs of men”, so By the time I get everything on I end up feeling like the whatever is happening Michelin Man and can hardly get my leg up high enough did not catch him by to swing it over the seat. Not much cool going on there! surprise. Second, there is a way to get However, even if the weather is not up to snuff for my heart back into riding, we still have the opportunity to hop in the car to meet up with friends or to hit the bike shops. Those little the right rhythm with outings give us something to look forward to during the God. Philippians 4:6 & 7 give us these shorter, darker days of winter. instructions: “Don’t be anxious about Evidently, I’m not the only one looking for distractions anything; instead during the winter because that’s the time of year when our local Harley shop hosted a Ladies’ Garage Night and pray about everything. Make your requests known to another shop up near Dubuque hosted a basic Motorcycle God and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can Safety class. Last year, one of our CMA chapters understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds decided to make use of the “down season” by hosting as you live in Christ Jesus.” One of the things I had to a First Aid class. (And if you’ve gone to regular First Aid classes but never made it to one of Slider Gilmore’s come to grips with is that these verses don’t promise that we will get what we want. However, they do promise “Golden Hour” classes, you should make every effort us God’s peace in the middle of our broken situation in to hit one of those. They’re very informative.) I had this broken world. While none of this magically changes kept up my First Aid certification for many years, then quit going to the training for a while, so I was surprised the circumstances, it does have the power to change our hearts in the middle of what’s taking place. And heart when I took my last class that the instructions for CPR change is what our relationship with God is ultimately had changed so much. The powers-that-be have gone to fewer breaths mixed in with the compressions, which about. actually made it easier. I was kind of disappointed that May God’s peace be with you in this Christmas season – we didn’t get to use the portable heart zapper machines Karla but we did get plenty of instruction about them. Like: “The machine will not help anyone if you don’t take it Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian out of the case.” And: “The machine is in control and will not let you shock someone who isn’t having a heart Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA problem, so don’t be afraid to hook the person up to it so and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org . it can do its analysis.” That knowledge really takes some of the anxiety out of the situation, because the last thing an amateur first responder wants to do is make things worse.
CMA Notes
Maybe you’ve been having some of your own heart problems lately – no, not the kind a defibrillator would work on. The kind where a major and unexpected blow takes place in your life, leaving you in turmoil. First 6 - TRMI DECEMBER 2017
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 HMC Industries, Inc. 702 S. 3rd Ave. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Toll Free: 844-957-1502 hmcindustries.com
Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com Fenders Honda 919 E Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727 Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com MCA Motors Motorcycles/ Car Sales 4200 E 14th Street DSM 515-291-5223 On Facebook Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net Route69Customs.com 2814 SE 14th St, DSM 515-288-9600 Custom American V-twins Follow us on Facebook
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Storm Lake Honda 3040 Expansion Blvd Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 StormLakeHonda.com 712-732-2460
Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
Struthers Bros Kaw-Suz-Tri 5191 NW 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-282-3634 www.struthersbros.com
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com
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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 /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822 National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Food and Drink (Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations) American Legion Post 46 1301 S 6th Street Marshalltown, Iowa50158 641-752-3612 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Bootleggers of Millville Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food Tops in Scenic River Rides Check us on Facebook 563-252-7775 Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill 2013 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-328-1033 Open 7 Days a Week 11 – Close
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Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Eddies Tavern 407 D Street Sergeant Bluff, Iowa 51054 Open 11am 7 Days/Week 712-943-9924 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet Firehouse Bar 1211 5th Street Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00 Flat Tire Lounge 304 S Madison Madrid 515-795-4174 Outdoor Patios – Happy Hour 3-9 Flat Tire Lounge on Facebook Fore Seasons Golf Bar 6232 HWY S-74 South Newton, Iowa 50208 641-792-1246 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Greencastle Tavern – Mingo Outdoor Patio – Friendly Service Wed Bike Nights – Fri Steak Night Coldest Beer in Central Iowa Greencastle Tavern/Ryan Maher on FB Grinnell Eagles Club 616 4th Avenue Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us on Facebook Grinnell Pub 909 State Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-260-8003 Grinpub@aol.com Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Happenings Bar 508 W Market Street Steamboat Rock, Iowa www.happeningsbar.com 641-868-2000 Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook
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Ickey Nickel Bar & Grill 4700 41st Street Sioux City, Iowa 51108 712-239-2772 The Ickey Nickel Bar & Grill on Facebook
Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook
Ruby’s Pub and Grill 114 NE 2nd Street Stuart NEWLY REMODELED Full Kitchen & Bar Check us out on Facebook
The Buck Snort 419 Sharp Street Glenwood, Iowa 51534 712-520-6454 Buck Snort Glenwood on Facebook
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
The Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper
Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders
Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com
The Buck Snort Oakland 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 The Buck Snort Oakland on FB
Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
The Dog House 402 Main Street Colo, Iowa 50056-7720 Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays 641-485-8425
KC’s Tavern 120 N Main Street Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 Mon-Fri 4:30-Close, Sat-Sun 1-Close Find Us on FB 641-369-2017
Outsiders Pub 207 N. Main Street Roland, Iowa, 50236 515-388-4443 Outsiders Pub on Facebook
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook
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
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Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
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Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill 113 W Walnut Street Ogden, Iowa 50212 515-275-9946 The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill on FB
Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
Lynn’s On Merle Hay 6014 NW 59th Ct Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-270-9806 Find us on Facebook! Mainstreet Bar 204 E. Main Street Terril, Iowa 51364 507-841-0978 Check Us Out on Facebook Main Street 519 S Main Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-3613 Open 7 Days a Week
k McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00 Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook
Polk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon. 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 RJ’s Bar & Grill 228 High Street – Kellogg Mon-Sat Lunch and Dinner 6 AM Breakfast Sat-Sun 641-526-9911
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
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The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger
Sundown Bar and Grill 112 W State Street Williamsburg, Iowa 52361 319-668-2994 Patio Bar and Brick Oven Pizza
The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com
Team 36 Bar & Grill 101 2nd Street NW Mitchellville 515-957-0360 Sunday Funday Summertime Stop Open 7 Days a Week, Weekend Breakfast The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
The Buck Snort Restaurant & Sports Bar 25 Scott Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-328-2825 TheBuckSnortrestaurantandsportsbaronFB
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Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
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Whatcha Smokin? BBQ+Brew 403 Iowa Avenue Luther, Iowa 50152 515-257-7490 Everyday 11am-9pm Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon- Sat 7am breakfast 2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Amendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Doublas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577 Magnum Gun Sales 26487 Mulberry Lane Underwood, Iowa 51576 712-566-8100 Just Off I-80, Exit 17 McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS Wendl’s Weapons 529 N East Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-775-2338 www.wendlsweapons.com
Insurance & Financial Farm Bureau Financial Services 208 Faith Ave Underwood, IA 51576 Shane.baker@fbfs.com 712-310-7475 or 402-379-3237 O’Malley Weatlh Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930 State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com TheBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452 Walker, Billingsley & Bair 208 N. 2nd Ave. West Newton, Iowa 50208 Corey@WalkLaw.com 641-792-3595
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook Bigfuuts Paint & Repair Baxter, IA 515-577-6730 Custom Paint & Fabrication After Hours Service & Parts Stereos-Electrical-Repairs
Lodging/Food Laid Back Manor 312 Parker Street Green Mountain, Iowa (870)484-2561 “A great little place to ride to!”
Photo and Art
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Services
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901 Action Towing Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-325-8235 Discount or FREE Motorcycle Towing AMSOIL Iowa Synthetics Iowa’s Leading Wholesale Distributor Guaranteed Low Prices 641-751-2893 www.iowasynthetics.com
Halo Motorsports Dyno Tuning/Trike Conversions/Service 101 2nd Street Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-370-2568 Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12 or Call Weeks Manufacturing & Powdercoating 2235 400th Street Walnut, Iowa 51577 402-651-6977 weeksmanufacturing@gmail.com
Tires Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
CJ Now Plumbing Sewer & Water Specialists 309-786-2002 Serving the Quad Cities Area On Call 24-7 Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com
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99 counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 9 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 curiosity for our state of Iowa.
if you are in the area. Also, we spotted Sweeney’s…It appears to be a man cave of sorts, but is decorated with some cool license plates of days gone by, as well as a couple of cool old rides…worth a peek, and a good photo op. If you don’t get enough to drink at the distillery, The Cumming Tap is open daily at noon and offers some good menu items if you need to grab a bite.
From Cumming we hopped on G14 and cut east towards Norwalk. Norwalk is home to just under 9,000 residents, and offers more modern Warren County is conveniences than our first stop of the day. There located in the South is a classic Maidrite store on the main drag that was central portion of Iowa, recommended to us by friends, but we had arrived a with the county seat bit too early for lunch. There is also a Taco’s Andreas finding its home in the on Sunset Drive that comes highly recommended city of Indianola. Warren if you dig authentic Mexican and killer margaritas. County has a population Norwalk is also home to a couple of nice community of over 46,000 residents parks if you within its 573 miles. Warren County was formed in need to stop 1846 and and stretch a was named bit. for General Joseph We left Warren, a Norwalk on R63 and enjoyed the
Warren County
Revolutionary War hero. The present Warren County Court House was opened in 1939. There are portions of Warren County that fall within the greater Des Moines area. We began our tour of Warren County on a chilly Saturday morning, entering the county from northwest corner and hitting the small community of Cumming. Cumming is a small town that just happens to be the home of Iowa Distilling Company. This distillery is located in a 100-yearold brick building at 4349 Cumming Ave, and is open Tuesday through Sunday at 11 am and by appointment for tours and tastings. Among their p products are bourbon, rum, an and vodka selections from lo local Iowans. They have a motto to reflect their ties to home, “TOP-SHELF SPIRITS WITH A DOWNHOME SPIN”. Stop by a and check out what they ha have to wet your whistle
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nice curvy roads and fall colors all the way down past Spring Hill and cut back west on 92 to make a quick stop in Martensdale. Martensdale is a tiny burg with not much more than a Jeep supply store and a gas station Godfather’s, but it was a nice quiet place for the locals to call home. From here we kept heading south on R45 towards St Mary’s. St. Mary’s has a population of 127 people, but despite the small size, you will find the North Side Bar and Grill if you are in the area and need a cold one, or some vittles. The North Side is located at 131 E Iowa St, and can get you a beer or a burger in a hurry. We jumped back on R45 and kept cruising south into New Virginia. In New Virginia we happened upon a small storefront at 508 West Street bearing the name The Wooden Bakery…curious of just what one would locate inside an establishment with this name, we went inside. Not only was there coffee and baked goods, but there were hand crafted wood items to boot. We chatted a while with owners Kristina and Adam and discovered that they were transplants to New
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Virginia, and used to make their home closer to TRMI headquarters before relocating to south central Iowa. We bought a kolache and some home-made granola and headed on our way. Nice people, and even nicer hand crafted wood items. Swing by New Virginia and see for yourself, or check them out online at www. thewoodenkitchenandbakery.com.
Once reaching Indianola we scouted out a place to get a temporary fix for our leaky tire, and then set our sights on some vittles. Having spent all day checking out the local sights, we were starving. We settled on local establishment Winn’s. Great place to eat, good food and good service….you can read all about it in this month’s Will Ride to Eat! After satisfying our empty bellies, we checked out the courthouse and We took off in an easterly direction along G76 towards the National Balloon Museum. Indianola is also home Lacona. Motoring towards the next destination we to two TRMI supporters, Route 65 Harley-Davidson were greeted and Bike Down to I-Town, so by the ever shout out to the local Warren alarming flashing, County advertisers! Route 65 dinging, dash has great staff to assist you with alert signaling bike service and retail needs in the Indianola area. If you haven’t been down to Indianola’s bike nights, you should try it at least once…these things are huge! There are lots of cool shops and places to wet your whistle around the historic downtown square
that we had issues aboard this grand voyage. Somewhere along our Warren County tour, we had apparently run over something of a sharp nature. As any traveler knows, lack of air in one’s sail, err tires, provides more than a slight inconvenience. We proceeded ahead in search of air. We got to Lacona and quickly located an air hose. We added air, but it seemed to be vacating its new home just as fast as we could move it in. Being a Saturday afternoon, there was no shop open to offer assistance, so we quickly perused the small town before we found ourselves flat again. Lacona is home to a cool historical site, The Willis Cabin. The Willis Cabin has a very cool story of early settlers in Iowa, and an even cooler story of how it was resurrected so that it can be enjoyed today. It was apparently originally built in 1846 by William Willis, and was eventually “covered” by another house that sat for years and was used for little more than storage since WWI. In 1980, said house was being torn down, and the cabin was uncovered. It was relocated and re built in its present location in time for Lacona’s 150th Celebration.
when you visit as well. Warren County dealt us a good amount of struggle, but was also a great adventure for the 99 Counties tour. So many friendly faces, cool historical elements, and fabulous food…Speaking of food, I still had a kolache to share with the big guy upon returning home, so we shifted gears towards K-Town and made tracks towards a hot pot of coffee and a fresh pastry. Next time we will have some new tires and a new adventure in south east Iowa’s own Washington County. Melanie J Schwarte Sources are available upon request. melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
Meanwhile, air continued leaking, so we high tailed it up S23 towards Milo in search of all things cool…..and air. Milo has a killer stop for wood fired pizza called Houston’s on Main. Houston’s is open every day serving burgers, salads, and more…but if the wood fired pizza is what you’re after, make sure you stop after 4, when they have the ovens fired up. Houston’s also serves up daily specials that are sure to please. Milo sports a rather unique downtown feature as well, there is a large gazebo smack dab in the middle of the main street intersection…curious sight, but kinda cool. We grabbed a good dose of air at the local Casey’s and hauled ass towards the county seat of Indianola. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Catherine Presley Pleasant Hill 2016 Harley Davidson FLRT Ginger Wiebers Boone 2001 Low Rider
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From Harley-Davidson Enthusiast January 1954
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Glenn Veik, AKA “ZEEK” is our December Military Rider. He now hails from Johnston, Iowa, and is a United States Army Veteran. Zeek attained the rank of E-4 while serving from September of 1981 until September of 1985. Zeek completed Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then to Advanced Infantry Training at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. He was trained and worked as a 63H, a Track Vehicle Repairman. Stateside he was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas and overseas duty stations included Baumholder, Bad Kreusznach, and Mainz in Germany.
Future riding plans include a motorcycle ride in Nova Scotia in 2018. Better get ready Zeek, 2018 is almost here! The whole rhyming thing I totally understand, but had to ask where Glen got his nickname. Usually the names give no real indication of how the moniker came about, so we checked. He states, “I got my nickname Zeek the Freak while serving in the United States Army. In 1982 I gave an Army buddy $20 so I could ride his Honda CX500 on a Friday night. I returned it to him the next Monday morning at PT formation. That motorcycle ride changed my life.” Zeek was hooked with two wheels, and wanted to go fast on two wheels as well. He started at the drag strip on his ‘94 Sporty at Pacific Junction in 2011. One track was not enough, so that year he also raced in Eddyville and Humboldt. His best finish was 2nd place in Humboldt that year. He also took Fastest Bagger awards at the Humboldt Dragway in 2014, 2015, and 2016 with his 2007 Electra Glide.
Although Military Service has not been a big part of Zeek’s family history, it sure is a big part of his life. He is currently a member of the American Legion Riders Post 232 in Polk City, Iowa, with many of his riding friends being Veterans as well. When we asked if any of his friends ride regularly, he stated, “Yes, all my friends ride!” Zeek has not been without two wheels since 1988, and has quite a list of former rides. He has been on a few Yamaha If you see Zeek out and about motorcycles including a 1979 on one of his rides, give him a Special 750 Triple, a 1981 650 wave, or better yet, shake his Special, a 1983 750 Maxim, and a 2000 650 V-Star. Also hand and thank him for his service. Thanks Zeek for doing in the group were a couple of Hondas including a 1978 what you did to allow us to do what we do! Goldwing and a 2005 1800 VTX. His Harley-Davidson rides include a 1994 1200 Sportster Chopper, a 2005 1200 Vernon Sportster, a 2005 Heritage Softail, as well as his latest ride, a 2007 Electra Glide Classic. The 1994 Sporty Chopper is a one off built frame up project that Zeek completed with used parts from friends, swap meets, and off that internet thing. The 2007 he picked up at Big Barn Harley-Davidson in Des Moines, and he got it for the long distance travel that he loves. He put over 10,000 miles on that bike alone last year. He is pretty happy with the bike the way it is now and plans to leave well enough alone, on that bike at least. 28 - TRMI DECEMBER 2017
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It’s that time of the year again. Time to park the scooter. There are a few “must do” things that I attempt to accomplish each year when the riding season comes to an end. First up on the “must do” list is to top off the tank. I like to fill the fuel tank as full as possible with the highest grade premium fuel I can find then add the manufactures recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Now I’ve heard a lot of discussion or should I just call them opinions on this topic. Some riders say that with the new fuel injected models you shouldn’t use a fuel stabilizer, others says you should. You know what they say about opinions! Everyone has one.
the subject of tire storage has come down to this. There are only 2 of them, my life depends upon them, so if being parked for a 3 or 4 month period of time causes big problems I will smoke the back one then replace both of them. Or simply roll the bike around every now and then, so the tire aren’t sitting in the same spot all winter long.
Next up on the list is of “must do” is a good old fashion hand job. It is a ritual, it is a time of bonding for me and my machine and it is the only way I know how to say good bye for the winter. This part of the winter storage ritual can bring tears to my eyes. Now for those of you who don’t believe in ending the season with a good hand job and want Next up on the list is the oil, clean oil and filter every year to give it a try, I recommend HD bug remover and HD boot is part of the storage ritual. The crude in oil settles after mark remover. Beware the bug remover is a little tricky prolonged storage that sludge will then be pumped through to apply, the top tends to rotate on every bottle I have ever the engine next spring. I am a premature rider, at the first owned, which makes it delightfully easy to spray yourself hint of spring, I will eagerly lift my leg and welcome some in the face with. I am a slow learner but I am quick enough long overdue power between the knees. So it makes sense to to know that when I’m out on the open road and my mouth do it now instead of wasting an opportunity to throttle down and attitude get my ass in trouble, bug remover to the eye the road at the first sign of spring doing the dirty work. balls is the next best thing to pepper spray, don’t ever leave And the last thing on my sick mind when spring arrives is home without it. lubrication. Lastly on the “must do” list, taking care of the battery. For And what about the tires. me this means simply plugging in the battery tender, the I’ve heard a lot of opinions challenging part is remembering to unplug the damn thing on how to properly store before leaving on the coveted spring ride, then it’s time to the tires. My personal cover the bike up, out of sight out of mind until we pound favorite is off the ground the pavement again. There is a feeling of accomplishment with reduced air pressure for completing the “must do” winter storage check list in order to keep them but that feeling is immediately followed by being totally from getting flat spots, bummed that another riding season has ended. cracks and bulges. When I first heard about this Until we ride again. I considered removing both tires and suspending Shifty LaRue them from the ceiling with ratchet straps. Then I decided, why waste valuable riding time putting the tires back on. So, I came up with this genius idea to suspend the entire bike from the rafters in the garage with ratchet straps. To this day, I still hear wise cracks about turning my scooter into a sex swing. Like I said before, opinions! Everybody has one. Since that disaster in the making, my opinion on 330 - TRMI TRM RMII DECEMBER D CE DE CEMB MBER MB ER R 22017 0117
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arrived. Vernon had chosen to order the 10 oz. top sirloin meal with french fries. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare, juicy and delicious without any excess seasoning to hide the delectable flavor of the beef. The french fries were amazing; they were of the thin shoestring variety which was perfectly crisp on the outside, with just the right amount of fluffy potato on the inside and just a touch of salty goodness at the end. I had a hard time getting many of those off of the plate!
Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse 122 West Ashland Avenue Indianola, Iowa 50125 515-961-5757 Winn’s Pizza finds its home on the north side of the historical downtown square in Indianola, which just happens to be smack dab in the middle of all those fun filled Indianola bike nights all summer long. Well the day we passed through doing research on another monthly magazine feature was a little cooler, and a little quieter, but none the less Winn’s was open for business and ready to serve up all the steaks and pizza you can handle. Inside you walk past the huge pizza ovens and grill to a comfortable seating area (there is even a party room in the back for large crowds). The smell of well-prepared vittles hits you with full force upon entering, and makes you anxious to order.
There were seemingly endless options when it came to choosing a pie, and any combination is welcomed by the staff at Winn’s, but to try and keep it simple I chose directly from the menu and went with the House Special as our pizza. It came as a piping hot masterpiece with a plethora of toppings. Beef, mushroom, onion, green pepper, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and of course, a regional favorite Graziano sausage were layered under gooey mozzarella cheese. The toppings were all freshly prepared, no rubbery ccanned mushrooms here. The ccrust was a nice combination of cchewy with just enough crunch to sstand up to all those toppings, and th the tomato sauce base was there ju just to add a little fresh tomato flavor to the finished product, w without slopping up the whole ppie.
In addition to steaks and pizza, W Winn’s offers a variety of chicken aand seafood dinners as well as nnumerous burgers and salads. We eeven saw a delicious looking ham steak at a nearby ta table th that is oon the li list for aanother vvisit. W Winn’s is a ffamily fr friendly lo location with an eeclectic menu sure to please anyone’s palate. Winn’s even has some delicious daily specials including lasagna and prime rib. We visited on a Saturday evening and the special was a nice looking rack of baby back ribs that included a choice of potato or rice, salad bar, and Texas toast. Winn’s is open daily at 11 We decided that to experience the best of both worlds, Vernon am (as late as 9 pm most days…later on Saturday and Sunday) would choose an entrée and I would choose a small pizza. and offers dine in and carry out options. If you are in the IndiAppetizers like onion rings and cheese balls were on the menu, anola area and get a hankerin for some delicious grub, stop by and while they looked delicious we both wanted a salad, so Winn’s and tell them that Thunder Roads sent you. You won’t threw on a trip to the salad bar to start us off. The salad bar be disappointed! has all the essentials, and even a couple of extras like home style potato salad or macaroni salad to add to your plate. This Sitting in for Big Little, Melanie J Schwarte of course had me piling too much onto my plate….but it’s just Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Craig Little salad, right? We sat down to enjoy our salads and await the arrival of our chosen meals to share. Our waitress was very craig@thunderroadsiowa.com attentive and we never had to want for a full glass. PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. We had no more than finished our salads, and the main courses 34 - TRMI DECEMBER 2017
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tion lost A guy traveling through Mexico on vacation Q: Why ddid the Snowman want a divorce? his wallet and all of his identification. A A: Because his wife was a total flake. Cutting his trip short, he attempted to make his way home but was stopped by the U.S. Customs Agent at the border.” A multinational company held a reception May I see your identification, please?” tto celebrate Christmas. The waiter gave each asked the agent. “I’m sorry, but I lost gue guest a glass of Champagne, but on inspection my wallet,” replied the guy. “Sure buddy,, each guest noticed that their glass contained a fly. I hear that every day No ID, no entry,” said aid The Sw Swede asked for new Champagne in the same the agent. “But I can prove I’m an American!” ican!” glas glass. he exclaimed. “I have a picture of Donald d The Englishman demanded to have new Trump tattooed on one side of my butt Cha Champagne in a new glass. and George Bush on the other.” “This I The Finn picked out the fly out and drank the gotta see,” replied the agent. With that, the he Cham Champagne. guy dropped his pants and showed the agent gent The R Russian drank the Champagne, fly and all. his behind.” By golly, you’re right!” exclaimed The Chinese ate the fly but left the Champagne. the agent. “Have a safe trip back to Chicago.” “Thanks!” The Israeli caught the fly and sold it to the Chinese. he said. “But how did you know I was from Chicago? “The The Italian drank two thirds of the Champagne and then agent replied, “I recognized Obama in the middle.” demanded to have a new glass. The Norwegian took the fly and went off to fish. The Irishman ground the fly and mixed it in the Champagne, I went to our local biker bar last night and saw a BIG which he then donated to the Englishman. woman dancing on a table. I said, “Good legs.” The The American sued the restaurant and claimed $50 million in girl giggled and said, “Do you really think so?” I said, compensation. “Definitely! Most tables would have collapsed by now.” The Scotsman grabbed the fly by the throat and shouted: Cost me 6 more stitches, but...When you’re a biker.............. “Now spit out all that you swallowed!” who cares? Q: What’s the most disappointing thing for a man on Christmas morning? A: When he gets a sweater, but he’s hoping for a screamer or a moaner. Three men die on Christmas Eve and go to heaven, where they’re met by Saint Peter. “In order to get in,” he tells them, “you must each produce something representative of the holidays.” The first man digs into his pockets and pulls out a match and lights it. “This represents a candle of hope.” Impressed, Peter lets him in. The second man pulls out a tangle of keys and shakes them. “These are bells.” He’s allowed in too. “So,” Peter says to the third man, “what do you have?” The third man proudly shows him a pair of red panties. “What do these have to do with Christmas?” asks Peter. “They’re Carol’s.”
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A pastor I know of uses a standard liturgy for funerals. To personalize each service, he enters a “find and replace” command into his word processor. The computer then finds the name of the deceased from the previous funeral and replaces it with the name of the deceased for the upcoming one. Not long ago, the pastor told the computer to find the name “Mary” and replace it with “Edna.” The next morning, the funeral was going smoothly until the congregation intoned the Apostles’ Creed. “Jesus Christ,” they read from the printed program, “born of the Virgin Edna.” Q: How is Christmas just like any other day at the office? A: You do a bunch of work and some fat guy in a suit gets all the credit. Q: How does Santa stay STD free? A: He always wraps his package before shoving it down the chimney.
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Jennifer was a pretty 18 year old girl. In the week before Christmas she sauntered up to the curtain counter, and was trying to decide which of the many types of tinsel she would buy. Finally, she made her choice and asked the spotty youth who was manning the fabric section: ‘How much is this gold tinsel garland?’ The spotty youth pointed to the Christmas mistletoe above the counter and said: ‘This week we have a special offer, just one kiss per yard’. ‘Wow, that’s great’, said Jennifer, ‘I’ll take 12 yards’. With expectation and anticipation written all over his face, the boy measured out the tinsel, wrapped up the garland, and gave it to Jennifer. She then called to an old man who had been browsing through the Christmas trees and said: ‘My Grandpa will settle the bill.’
A local United Way office realized that the organization had never received a donation from the town’s most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute. “Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you did not give a penny to charity. Wouldn’t you like to give back to the community in some way?” The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, “First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness, and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?” Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, “Um, no.” The lawyer interrupts, “Or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?” The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology, but was interrupted again. “Or that my sister’s husband died in a traffic accident,” the lawyer’s voice rising in indignation, “leaving her penniless with three children?!” The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, “I had no idea.” On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again, “So if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any to you?”
Two factory workers are talking. The woman says, “I can make the boss give me the day off.” The man replies, “And how would you do that?” The woman says, “Just wait and see.” She then hangs upside down from the ceiling. The boss comes in and says, “What are you doing?” The woman replies, “I’m a light bulb.” The boss then says, “You’ve been working so much that you’ve gone crazy. I think you need to Q: What do you call a girl who cheats on you during the take the day off.” The man starts to follow her and the boss holidays? says, “Where are you going?” The man says, “I’m going A: A ho ho ho bag. home, too. I can’t work in the dark.” Q: What do all the female reindeer do when Santa takes the males out to guide his sleigh? A: They go into town and blow more than a few bucks. A doctor and a lawyer are talking at a party. Their conversation is constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice. After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asks the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?” “I give it to them,” replies the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.” The doctor is shocked, but agrees to give it a try. The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepares the bills. When he goes to place them in his mailbox, he finds a bill from the lawyer. Q: What do you call an elf wearing earmuffs? A: Whatever the hell you want. He can’t hear you. Employee: “I bet you $6,000 i can piss in your cup 30 meters away.” Boss: “Ok I would like to see you try.” Employee: As he moves on pissing all over the floor losing $6,000 not caring. Boss: “Ha you just lost $6,000.” Secretary: “God damnit!” Boss: “What’s wrong?” Secretary: “He bet me $200,000 he could piss allover your floor and you would be happy about it!” Q: What do a train set and your wife’s boobs have in common? A: They were both made for kids but dads can’t help playing with them. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
As a group of soldiers stood in formation at an Army Base, the Drill Sergeant said, “All right! All you idiots fall out.” As the rest of the squad wandered away, one soldier remained at attention. The Drill Instructor walked over until he was eye to eye with him, and then raised a single eyebrow. The soldier smiled and said, “Sure was a lot of ‘em, huh, sir?” A teacher said to her class, “Right now, I’m going to hold something under the desk and I want you to guess what it is. This item is round and red.” Little Johnny’s hand shot up, but he was ignored. “It’s a plum, Ms. Simdorn,” said a girl. “No it’s an apple, but I like the way you think. “ The next item is oval shaped and green.” Little Johnny’s hand shot up again, but the teacher ignored Little Johnny and a boy said, “It’s a kiwi Ms. Simdorn.” No, it’s a guava, but I like the way you think. “Little Johnny said, “ I got one Ms. Simdorn, its stiff, about an inch and a half long and with a red nib on the end.” “Johnny, that’s disgusting,!” shouted the teacher. “No it’s a match, but I like the way you think. “ Said Little Johnny.
One night a man walks into a bar looking sad. The bartender asks the man what he wants. The man says “Oh just a beer”. The bartender asked the man “Whats wrong,why are you so down today?”.The man said “My wife and i got into a fight,and she said she would’nt talk to me for a month”.The bartender said “So whats wrong with that”?The man siad “Well the month is up tonight”.
Merry Christmas from all of us at TRMI....NO JOKE!
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ABATE General Member vs Active Member I have been a member for 5 years now and have been active in my district since day one. I was honored to be nominated for secretary of District 8 my very first year and held that office for 3 years; for the past 2 years I have been the legislative officer. Our family has made ABATE a family affair. My husband has also held various offices in the district, currently he is the Assistant District Coordinator, as well as a member of the ABATE of Iowa Public Relations Team. After our daughter saw the Share the Road program during Drivers Ed she came home and asked if she could also become a member. Since joining she has used ABATE of Iowa as the topic for various projects in school and 4H. She is now the district Public relations officer.
the 4th of July in Algona,IA. Then there is Iowa S.T.E.A.M in November in Marshalltown, Lobby Day in February, and the Safety Forum in the spring. These events are what keep ABATE of Iowa going. They are also very instrumental in keeping the Share the Road program and Rider Education classes alive. Let’s not forget ABATE’s partnership with the Two Wheel Trauma program, but most important, they keep our P.A.C and legislative efforts intact, thus our freedoms as riders intact.
There are 23 districts in Iowa and every district holds a meeting once a month (consult your Freeway Flyer or www.abateiowa. org) for dates, times, and places. This is where you will meet your officers, new and old friends, learn about what’s going on in the district, as well as at state and federal levels on our rights as a motorcyclist. This is also where you can voice your It always makes me wonder when I hear a general member say, concerns and ideas. As a member you are always welcome to “I’m a member what else can I do?” Without the membership attend the State B.O.D meeting (board of directors). These stepping up there would be no ABATE, there would be no rally, meetings are held every other month in Eldora at the state there would be no fight. We have a great group of individuals office. Here you will get to meet the State Coordinator, Assistant that run this organization, put on our rally, and work day to day Coordinators, Legislative Officers, Share the Road, and Rider to carry on the fight for our rights. Without our membership we Education Directors, as well as all 23 District Coordinators. At would be unable to continue to grow and maintain our status as this meeting you are also able to voice any concerns, questions, one of the top motorcycle rights organizations in the country. or ideas that you may have. It takes all of us to make this organization what it is. This means attending your district meetings and events, stepping up to help out at the rally, attending lobby day at the capital, and volunteering for Share the Road and Rider Ed programs. I realize that we all have busy lives and families that are important, so check out the events for your district or any other district and make a commitment to yourself to attend the ones you are interested in. In doing this, not only are you helping the organization grow and become stronger, but you will benefit personally from it as well. Maybe its donating a toy on the toy runs, being the best chili maker in the district, becoming the pool/dart/bowling/golf tournament champion, best shot at the District 21 shootout, motorcycle rodeo champion, helping a fellow person in need (charity rides) ....the list goes on and on. Don’t forget the friends you make on any of the many rides and events put on by the districts, but the most rewarding part is making sure our freedoms are just that…Ours.
Becoming a member of ABATE of Iowa is as easy as filling out an application and sending in your dues, being an active member is as easy as attending a few meetings, volunteering your time, or stepping up as an officer. It’s just my humble opinion, but there is no better group of people than those of us who enjoy the freedom of the road with the wind in your face, a true brotherhood/sisterhood of bikers. In closing I would like to thank ABATE of Iowa for helping me keep the freedom to ride as I chose and Thunder Roads of Iowa Magazine for giving us this forum to voice our opinions and promote an organization that I truly believe in. Ride safe, ride free. Hope to see you at a meeting or event soon. Kim Cox ABATE of Iowa District 8, Legislative Officer
In addition to the district events there are a few state events. The big one is of course the Freedom Rally, every year around Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Ah hell yes, the gift giving season is here and all the over wrought bullshit that goes right along with it hand and hand. It’s not bad enough that riding season, for the most part across all of the great state of Iowa is done, but now we get to deal with much of the “fun” that goes along with the holiday season; let’s face facts, one of the massive reasons we ride is to be alone. Being alone on your bike on a hot summer night is considered normal; try being alone on the holidays and people around you are considering having you “talk to somebody” about how you’re feeling.
H-D Zippo lighters. Hell, they are a great piece to look at, but I would be the asshole that would use one to fire up a quality cigar at the crack of Midnight as we ring in the New Year.
Okay, let’s get after it. We know a couple of things. Chances are you are going to get asked, “What do you want for Christmas” and the other, shit, what am I gonna get “_____” for Christmas. For space considerations, I am going to put some different biker ideas out there, you can use this as a guide for the biker on your list, or the list you give to your spouse, grandma, uncle, kids, secret Santa, girlfriend, boyfriend, well, you get the gist of it. If somebody asks, rather than shrug, use some of these ideas to actually get something you might enjoy.
Likely I don’t need to say anymore, but if so, buy YOURSELF tickets too and plan a little road trip. The tickets are good for life, which can’t really be beat. I bought a friend tickets for his 50th birthday, thinking we would do the same thing. He is now 54, and I don’t think he even remembers I bought them for him but it’s the thought that counts, right? Wisconsin in the summer is great riding and it is an easy trip from just about anywhere in Iowa.
Of course, the simple go to for most riders, get me a biker T-shirt, nobody does this better of course than THE Motor Company. If you grab a shirt from a cool shop location, you can’t miss. Hell, stop into any of the great showrooms across the state and you can find one. But, that’s limited and narrow minded. Besides, how many damn t-shirts do we actually need? I’m pretty sure I have at least 2 drawers of them that I never wear. Now, let’s think bigger and different.
It’s been out for a few years now, but has become a must have DVD for anyone that rides. It captures the history of the “hobby” and touches on nearly every different type and style of riding, and it’s never judgmental. It gives me chills every single time I watch it and I have seen it more times than I can recall. I was lucky enough to chat with one of the producers/directors, Brian Carroll about this project, and it’s amazing they were able to get this done. So much history and passion. If you don’t own it, buy two and keep one for yourself. It’s worth it. One last item I am going to suggest is something simple, yet thoughtful. You can do it with just a few clicks and it’s
It’s the most expensive time of the year!
From their web site: “Zippo® genuine windproof lighters have been first choice with Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders for decades - a steady road companion that you can always depend on. Now, these two iconic American companies have teamed up to bring you A Century of American Thunder Zippo® Lighter Collection, proudly presented by The Bradford Exchange”. Hey, it’s called a bar, leave us alone dammit and we will see Cheap? No, not really, but pretty damn cool none the less. you when spring cracks and the robins arrive. Oh, but it’s not that easy; so we adapt, overcome, and join Tickets to The Harley Davidson Museum. www.harleyin the cheerful holiday season. davidson.com
A Century of Lighters https://www.bradfordexchange.com The Bradford Exchange features a cool display of a legit
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Why We Ride DVD http://whyweridefilm.com
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really affordable. You see, I love magazines. I love getting them in the mail, or grabbing one from a news stand, rack or however you can find one. I love the feel, the texture, the way they are laid out, the stories photos and everything about them. Sure you can get just about any magazine (including this one) on line, and the digital age of access cannot be overlooked but what cannot be overlooked is the feel of an actual magazine. Sitting around in your easy chair, on a stool in a workshop, feet propped up in your man cave, a bike magazine that gives you that escape that cracking the throttle provides for us. Getting a magazine in the mail each month to feed and fuel us is pretty kick ass. Get a friend, family member, young rider or even yourself a subscription. Getting a stack of biker mags when I was a young man from a riding uncle was a connection to him I will never forget. No, none of them were the Easy Riders from the good old days either, I hear he has a stash hidden from his wife in the shop somewhere, but I never validated that. I do know this, I have given nephews and friends magazines all about riding over the years, and never once was it NOT appreciated. Enjoy the holiday season in whatever manner suits you, smile, enjoy, embrace, and remember that the day light will be sticking around a little longer each day, we can get through this winter bullshit together and soon be back to doing what we enjoy the most. Merry Whatever and see you next month. Todd “Crash� Davis Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Nov 24 Nov 24 Dec 1 Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 16 Dec 16 Dec 16 Dec 21
Turkey Run Clinton Black Friday Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Guys Night Out Carroll HD Pictures with Santa Carroll HD ALR Post 731 Tats for Vets Raffle & Chili Cook Off Des Moines Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines Holiday Open House Route 65 HD Indianola Custom Engine Build on the Showroom Floor LHHD Pacific Junction Men’s Night Out LHHD Pacific Junction
2018 Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 13 Jan 27 Jan 27-28 Jan 28 Feb 16-18 Feb 23-24 Feb 24-25 Mar 4 Mar 9-11 Mar 10
Retro Rewind Dubuque Welldiggers Winter Ride Baxter Cycle Marne Winter Sucks Party w/620 Foundation Bike Unveiling Metro Cedar Rapids Zero Run Big Barn HD Des Moines Colorado Motorcycle Expo Denver Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL 32nd Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE 49th Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Cycle Rama at World of Wheels Chicago B.A.C.A. of Central Iowa Flippy Cup Tournament West Des Moines
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Mar 16-18 Mar 24-25 Apr 7-8 May 3-5 May 4-5 May 5 May 12 May 19 Jun 2 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jul 5-7 Jul 6-8 Jul 13-14 Jul 21 Jul 27-28 Aug 4 Aug 5 Aug 25 Sep 8 Sep 15 Oct 6
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TRMI Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels Omaha 31st Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN 32nd Annual North Iowa Expo Mason City Rally in the Hills LHHD Pacific Junction Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone Heels on Wheels Women’s Ride Carroll HD B.A.C.A. Annual 100 Mile Ride ALL CHAPTERS Harley-Davidson of Carroll Rock –N- Ride Carroll Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson Ride With Levi Keokuk ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Gears & Gasoline Rally Farley CVMA 39-3 Annual Patriot Ride Elk Port 5th Annual “Ride for Time” with “Friends of Mine” Baxter CVMA 39-1 Annual Patriot Ride and Rally ABATE Land Algona 39-4 CVMA SPC Jordan M. Byrd Tribute to Our Fallen Memorial Ride Davenport B.A.C.A. Kids Day Des Moines B.A.C.A. of Central Iowa Bike Bash Johnson Broken Spokes MC Annual Children’s Hospital Ride Thirsty’s on Third Davenport WTF Fun Run Harlan Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL
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