THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OF IOWA www.thunderroadsiowa.com P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543 OWNER/EDITOR Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
EVENT CORRESPONDENCE/SALES Eryka Driscoll Eastern Iowa 563-506-0389 eryka@thunderroadsiowa.com Susan Mast SC/SE Iowa 319-931-4546 susan@thunderroadsiowa.com Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy West Central Iowa 641-524-4808 vizslaboots@yahoo.com Harv and Sue Hunter Central Iowa 515-205-7410 harv@thunderroadsiowa.com Mark Swearingen Council Bluffs/Omaha Metro 402-651-2471 mark@thunderroadsiowa.com Bob Colbert Knoxville 515-579-1343 thomasrcolbert@yahoo.com
Letter from the Editor ............................4 Warrior Chopper Raffle Party ...............6 Ullrich Bonfire ........................................8 Biker Friendly Listing ..........................10 99 County Tour ....................................12 CMA ......................................................14 Road Ramblings ..................................15 Motorvation Engineering ....................16 Roadlok ................................................19 Calendar ...............................................20 Girls of Thunder...................................22 From the Woman’s Seat ......................23 Will Ride to Eat ....................................24 Military Rider ........................................26 Thunder Cam .......................................28 Blast From the Past .............................34 KISS ......................................................35 Joker’s Wild ........................................ 36 COIR......................................................37 TRMI Events Listing ............................40
David McCoy Mason City 641-420-1171 david@thunderroadsiowa.com
CONTRIBUTORS Netty Kawecki Copy Editor
Humphrey Western Iowa 712-592-1720
Nate Ullrich natanic@hotmail.com
Jenn Chess Des Moines Jenn@thunderroadsiowa.com All rights reserved. All content is covered by copyright and ownership of said right is retained by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Photographs may be purchased on www.thunderroadsiowa.com Neither magazine or website materials may be reproduced, distributed, altered or posted to any other websites without the express written permission of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph, opinions, and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Iowa Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC, Thunder Publishing LLC. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs, advocate any unsafe practices, or encourage breaking of any laws.
Craig & Lynnette Little-Will Ride to Eat craig@thunderroadsiowa.com Tony Darveau Carroll Cycle Center tonypa@carrollcycle.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1421 Chapmansboro Road Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com
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On the cover this month you can see one of Paul Grinstead’s creations. He owns Lethal Design & Development in Des Moines and is one of the local talents that you need to check out. This from a distance looks like a painted up sport bike, but this Buell is so much more. You can study the cover and February is upon us! Groundhog’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, calendar photographs and notice some of the fine fabrication Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Swap Meets, Bike work that was put into this unique piece of machinery. You Shows, and another day closer to the riding season. As of can see this and other creations of Paul’s on display at the the time of writing, the rain is coming down melting some Capital City Show and Swap, February 16-17th. Just wanted of this stupid white stuff off the ground, but keeping in to make sure everyone notices the date change, you cannot mind that winter is only temporary in Iowa. This winter, miss this one! as opposed to last, we actually have had typical temps and snow accumulation. Not my favorite, but we do need the We would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all the moisture so cannot complain. It gives us some time to do readers and the wonderful comments that keep coming in. maintenance and projects though, so that is a great thing! Many lines of banter and comments go on and on via our Facebook page. Search for Thunder Roads Magazine of Maybe a bit too early to ride but at least Iowa; hit the like button, because despite our we can go check out some biker types of numerous requests to the Facebook gods, things going on. Come on out and see us they will not install a LOVE tab! We have at the Swap Meets and Bike Shows. There kept plenty busy this winter getting out and are a few on the event listing, but some about as well and not just on the computer. of particular interests are the Parts Girl We get to as many spots as we can, and Promotions Swap February 3rd in Rock always love to meet new friends in the biker rd Island, and then March 3 in Cedar Rapids. world. If you ever see us or any of our crew Joe puts on an awesome one day show at around, come up and say hey and introduce each spot, and really gets the crowd and yourself. Tell us something cool, pose for a vendors in. Feb 16-17 in Des Moines is the picture, and share with us your adventures, world Famous Capital City Bike Show and because you never know when you may see Swap meet. Tator Gilmore puts on about the yourself on our pages. That is exactly what biggest two day show in the state. Note the this magazine is for, to be About Iowa, For date on this event, as some scheduling issues Iowa, and From Iowa. caused it to be the week after previously scheduled dates. Look for some of the Also when you are roaming around don’t coolest custom bikes from builders across be afraid to hit up our advertisers when Iowa at this shindig. If you are heading to shopping/eating/partying or whatever. The th Des Moines for the swap meet on the 16 , loyal supporters of the magazine are the swing into Hawkeye HD in Coralville for reason that we are here, and we value them some Chili on their big annual Chili Cook greatly! Thanks to all of our supporters! Off. In Dubuque on Feb 23rd, we have the Let them know that Thunder Roads Hogs Gone Wild Fan Fest. This event will Magazine of Iowa sent you. Have a safe have tons of vendors, fashion show, comedians, bands, and wonderful February. See you at the shows and on the and even Tig and Juice from Sons Of Anarchy on hand road soon. to meet and get an autograph from. Also that weekend in Monticello is the 44th Annual O’Reilly Rod & Custom Vernon Bike/Car Show, always a great time with some of the most unique cars and bikes you will ever see. If you cannot find something of biker interest in the fine month of February, you must be scared to leave the house!
ON THE COVER
The sweet blonde this month is Mary Weigel from Iowa City. She graces this ‘01 X1 Buell Lightning, it’s a full custom with more work than you can shake a stick at. All work was done by Paul Grinstead of Lethal Design and Development in Des Moines. Not only does it look fab, but it will do 0-60 in 3 seconds! 4 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
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Roger Borror will tell you he’s had motorcycles in his blood since day one; add that to a deep passion to help those who have served in the military and you get one amazing custom built chopper. After having a vision in the back of his mind for many years, and trying to find a way to unite these two passions, Roger found the solution. What began as a fundraiser to benefit local military families, including his grandfather who served with the Navy in WWII, soon proved to symbolize so much more.
A fundraising event was held in January 2008 that enabled Roger to start the ‘Wounded Warrior Chopper’ project. Thanks to that event he was able to purchase the frame & wheels and over the years more parts were purchased as funding came in. Unfortunately, the down-turn in the economy proved a harsh struggle for Roger’s desire to build this bike. And although the funding for the bike had screeched to a halt, the dream of giving back to the military never died. Fast forward to January 2011, with the economy looking up, donations started to roll in once more. Roger and the rest of the crew at Wapello County Customs (along with family and many good friends) worked, drove, lost sleep, sweated and bled in order to complete the bike in time for its official unveiling on Veteran’s Day, 11-11-11. After its introduction, Roger and the chopper traveled the country selling raffle tickets from Sturgis to the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati and everywhere in between for over a year. Word of the outstanding customization job 6 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
spread fast, the bike was featured in many national motorcycle publications and photographed with the likes of Jesse James, Charlie Hunnam “Jax” from SOA, and many more that are well known in the motorcycle world. On 12-12-12 with 100’s of people in attendance, a stage rocking courtesy of 3 different bands, and Tommy Flanagan “Chibs” from Sons of Anarchy signing autographs, Roger’s dream was realized. Ottumwa Mayor Frank Flanders took a moment as the event began to proclaim December 12th, 2012 “Wounded Warrior Day”. The winner of the raffle was announced and since he wasn’t in attendance, Tommy (with his thick Scottish accent) gave him a courtesy call that went something like this “Joey, this is Tommy Flanagan, Chibs from Sons of Anarchy…. and I’m calling you to tell you that YOU just won an AMAZING motorcycle. You should probably call this number back to claim your prize”. IMAGINE checking your voicemail and hearing THAT message. Joey Smith (seriously, that IS his name) from Bunker Hill, IL bought one, singular raffle ticket simply because the proceeds were going to the Wounded Warrior Project, a great cause worthy of the donation. And the man behind this entire vision couldn’t agree more saying, “It’s not about
the motorcycle we’re giving away, the bands or the celebrity actor; it’s about honoring the men & women serving our country for the freedoms we have today”. Well said Roger, I couldn’t have said it any better myself!! Thanks to all who donated money, time and all of the other important things we don’t ever seem to have enough of, your kindness is much appreciated! Overall the project raised over $11,000 to benefit our soldiers. This is another showing of the fact: One person CAN make a difference!! Until next time, Ride Safe & Have Fun ~ Pinky
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The Hooter’s Girls took the blind fold off of Joe Smith and Roger handed him the keys
Joe (seated on the bike), Roger, family, and friends
50/50 winner, Jack Mester, received $415 and donated half back to the Wounded Warrior Project
Roger would like to send special thanks to: Mom & Dad Sister: Anita Kids: Kat & Mouse Janice Carlson Tim Johnson Jay Brown (Ghost) Johnny Shanahan Tom Reynolds Mike Mier Jeff Kelderman Don Kirchner Linda Kennedy Sherry & Bob Beghtol Julie Engle Debbie Hines SSgt Eric Miller India Hills CC: Marty Roberts, Jeff Long, Jerry Gilbert Southern IA Custom Choppers/Scott Pomcy 101.5 Kiss FM/Margie Stansberry PB Choppers/ Jim Wubben PartywithPipes.com No Limit Custom Design FSB Exhaust/Frankie Serano Midwest Motorcycle Supply /Christy Neil & Howard Schroeder TarJac Midwest Auto Thunder Cycles Ted’s Harley Davidson, Alton, IL Pizza Ranch, Ottumwa Aaron’s Appliances, Ottumwa Midwest Auto Copy Max Plus, Ottumwa Golden Eagle Budweiser Distributing Eagle Riders UFCW Local #230 Pat Lanips One Brick Shy Fast Henry Pyramid Graphics Splash Design Quality Thread Fort Leonard Wood Thunder Roads MO/So IL-Dennis Thunder Roads OK/AR-T Thunder Roads WI/No IL-Dan Thunder Roads Iowa And everyone else I forgot to mention, couldn’t have done this without ya!!
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What do a bunch of bikers do on November 10th in Iowa? Well, if you are anywhere near Clinton, and Nate and Theresa Ullrich’s place, partying it up with folks at their Annual Biker Bonfire. This past event was really not bad temperature wise, typical November, but with a giant bonfire, aka, a chunk of the yard and tons of flammables, as well as a band playing, and plenty of adult beverages, it was easy to keep warm. Some drove, some rode, some just did burn outs in the garage at intermission, but fun was had by all involved. There were plenty of bikes and biker nostalgia around to check out. Never is there a problem finding someone to share your stories with, or hear others tell tall tales of riding escapades. Theresa makes some killer steak chili, and tons of people bring in munchies, snacks, and desserts of all kinds. If you go away hungry, bored, or thirsty, there is definitely something wrong with you. Pat Jones with his band 3 on the Tree were slinging some cool Rockabilly Sounds, and went way past their normal playing time, not surprising though, as these guys rock the house and enjoy jamming out whenever they can. Check them out on Facebook and catch one of their shows in the future if can in Eastern Iowa or Western Illinois. You will not be disappointed. Maybe next year watch out for the announcement of the party, and hang out with other bikers and burn some shit! Vernon
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Biker Friendly Directory Crispy’s Biker Apparel
Werner Cycle Works
It’s important for you to Cedar Rapids, Iowa 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 www.bncbikerwear.com Omaha, NE 68138 know who your friends 319-241-0916 402-894-3050 are out on the road! The www.wernercycleworks.com¬ Biker Friendly Directory Whipp Sales and Service, Inc Convenience Stores/Gas is a list of establishments 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 throughout Iowa that want 1.800.477.0195 The Pit Stop Convenience Store you to know that they’re www.whippsales.com 421 Main Street here for YOU. Whether Jamaica, Iowa 50128 Gas, Beer, Tobacco & Grocery it’s a bike dealer, service 641-429-3101 Entertainment shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of business Book Em Dano’s Dealers that welcomes our biking 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 community, you can count 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Baxter Cycle on our family of friends to Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 311 4th Street always welcome you in. Marne, Iowa 51552 Ossy’s Show Club 712-781-2351 The staff here at Thunder 1215 Plaza Drive www.baxtercycle.com Roads greatly appreciates Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9102 C&C Custom Cycle our advertiser’s support 130 E Lincoln each month. WE WOULD Chariton, Iowa 50049 Food and Drink 641-774-7494 NOT EXIST WITHOUT www.cc-cycle.com THEM! So please give 14th Street Tavern Carroll Cycle Center them the support that they 3418 East 14th Street 1327 Plaza Dr truly deserve for being Des Moines, Iowa Carroll, Iowa 515-266-3446 with us & drop by to see 712-792-1610 M-F 8am-2pm Sat 10-2 and Sun www.carrollcycle.com them for a visit. Let them 11-2 know that you saw them Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson & Beaver Hut Pub Motorsports here in Thunder Roads. If Happiness is a Wet Beaver 174th and Maple you know a business that 307 East 7th Omaha, NE 68116 Logan, Iowa 51546 402-289-5556 would like to advertise 712-644-6100 www.dillon-brothers.com in Thunder Roads Iowa BJ’s Bar & Billiards Fenders Cycle and Motorsport Biker Friendly Places, 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa 1109 E Army Post Road please email vernon@ Home of Full Throttle Thursdays Des Moines, Iowa 50315 319-234-9810 thunderroadsiowa.com 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
Bail Bonds Iowa Bail Bonds 200 4th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-243-4411
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999 www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe. com CoolBikerStuff.com 1224 Celebrity Drive Marcus, Iowa 51035 Mention TRMI at Events for a Free Gift Follow us on Facebook!!
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Hawkeye Harley-Davidson Coralville, Iowa I-80 Exit 240 319-545-7495 www.hawkeyehd.com Open 7 days per week Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Excuses Bar 405 Main Street Malvern, Iowa 51551 712-624-8233 Excuses Bar on Facebook Foxys Bar 108 East Jefferson Osceola, Iowa 50213 641-342-3700 Visit us at Facebook FOXYS 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 Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Chop’s Old Bank 400 6th Street Waukee, Iowa 50263 515-987-3000
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441
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Phil’s 20oz Prime Rib Friday Nights 9956 Swanson Blvd Clive, Iowa 515-270-0959
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPiranha Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9184 Piranha Club on Facebook Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week 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 Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 Tailgators Bar & Grill 621 Willow Street Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-482-6269 The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
The Middle of Nowhere 112 Main Street Cumberland, Iowa 50843 712-774-5425 The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Wet Goods Food & Lounge 113 N. Chestnut Street Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-2111 Where You Can Grab a Rack, And Not Get Slapped! Venture Inn Blencoe, Iowa 712-452-2205 Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
Guns and Ammo Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-4867 lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues-Fri 2-7, Sat 8-3 www.shootersoutlet.net
Healthcare/Wellness Sandra Grace Health Care Team 2884 AAA Court, Bettendorf, IA (563) 343-5344 sandragracehealthcareteam.com Massage, Hypnosis, Reiki & more Will travel to your event or office
Insurance United Group Insurance Inc. 2 East 6th Street Atlantic, Iowa 712-243-6557 507 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 712-778-2575
Photo and Video Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services Absolute Computer Services 519 Cedar St; Tipton, IA 52772 absolutecomputerservices.us (563)886-8068; surveillance systems; Comp sales, svc, networking &repair
BC’s Custom Wood Floors Brian Christensen 1908 8th Street Harlan, IA 51537 712-755-2098 BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Joe Karsten-Authorized Dealer Cornwell Tools 329 West Street Manning, Iowa 51455 712-310-0765 mobile Larsen Equipment Aaron Larsen PO Box 126 Kimballton, IA 51543 712-310-1762 Signs & Wonders 101 W Main Street Lockridge, IA 52635-9708 (319) 750-0814 signsandwondersbysue.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 Traci Davis Real Estate Specialist 319-400-2000 traci.realtor@gmail.com Skogman Realty TVC Home Improvements Certified Lead Abatement Contractor
1422 Farnam Davenport, Iowa 52803 866-322-1754
Shops and Fabricators Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Dead Heads Engineering, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
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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 Flying Eye Psycol Circus 512 Main Street LaPorte City, Iowa 50651 319.495.8016 flyingeye@mediacombb.net Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org 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 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net
Tattoo Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc. To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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99 Counties on the Wall
99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 66 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa. Fayette County
“Where the hills and prairie meet” Cedar Road, W51 travels North of Arlington through Wadena and into Elgin. This little trip will give you a taste of all that makes riding fantastic; flats, hills and curves! Arlington is a quiet little town with a three to one church to bar ratio, you can find a lot of God but not a lot of beer. Moving on up the road to Wadena where they had the Wadena Rock Festival in 1970, it was heralded as Iowa’s Woodstock! They also have the Harriman Mansion, also known as “The Brick”. I wonder what those walls would say if they could talk? Don’t forget to grab a Famous Barney Burger while in town. This
This month on our 99 county tour we head north east to Fayette County. We are talking about Iowa so you know that it will be beautiful, you know that the people will be friendly but what you may not know is the history and how reasonably you can get a FANTASTIC meal at a ridiculously frugal price! They have 720 square miles to get lost on. Let’s start just southwest of Oelwein with the Amish Blvd, W13. This is a nice newer road that is very wide with huge shoulders to accommodate the horses and buggies you will come across as this is a thriving Amish community, so keep your eyes peeled while tootling around. Spring and Fall are particularly pleasant to watch the planting and harvesting. There are rows and rows of corn shocks in the fall. There are many great shops in this community, if you need hardwood flooring, furniture or cabinets you can find it here. If you are hungry I highly recommend Yoder’s bakery for your baked goods any Friday or Saturday! Moving north to Fayette you might want to check out Kornhill Road, C24 which is just east of town. The county tourism office is located here. It is the smallest town in Iowa with a private University, Upper Iowa University, and the fighting peacocks! What better reason to send your kid off to a private college, so you can visit them and take a ride through the Volga River State Recreation Area four miles north of town. Beautiful bluffs and river valleys. Then to satisfy your hunger bone stop into Boike’s Trailside Inn, most everything is under $10.00 and it is home cooked heaven! 12 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
leg of the Fayette county tour will end you up in Elgin, The “Little Switzerland of Iowa” and home of the Irish Shanti and their renowned Gunder Burger. This area is a sportsman’s paradise with deer and fish readily available for harvesting along the Turkey river. If you have a good sense of direction try out the corn maze just outside of town, I promise you that you will get lost…and found!
From Clermont to Eldorado you can run the Great River Road due to the four sections Grea river you cross on B40. Let’s start in of riv Clermont, “Brick City” due to the Cl quantity of brick buildings in the town. All honed from the limestone and natural material in the surrounding area. Stop in and visit the Mantauk Mansion, home to Iowa’s twelfth governor William Larrabee and open for go tours. As you continue on you will see tou trees, hills, rivers and prairies, one right trees www.thunderroadsiowa.com
after the other and they will guide you into Eldorado which technically is not a town, it is an unincorporated village but the 60-80 people that call it home are proud to do so due to its beauty and tranquility.
As I look back over this article on Fayette County I realize that I am hungry and should probably grab some lunch, nevertheless I can tell that you that this is a wonderful area of the state. Its varying topography makes for scenic views, challenging courses and new experiences around every curve. Take some time and check out this little slice of pie… um I mean heaven! D Ring
There is a great little tour from St. Lucas to Waucoma on the Nature Road, B44 or Hwy 150, you can call it whatever you like as long as you take a little bit and check it out! St. Lucas is a lovely little town steeped in there German Next month will be Floyd County in north central Iowa. Catholic heritage and known for having one of the best steaks houses in all of Iowa, The White House Supper Club. Photos courtesy Fayette County Tourism. Other sources They start you off with delicious bread and you can’t go available upon request. wrong with anything on the menu, the surf and turf is highly recommended. Following this scenic path will bring you to Waucoma. “A few short streets where people come to meet”, this is evident at the town’s only bar the Riverside Bar and Grill. As a biker friendly establishment they will welcome you with open arms. The Riverside has great noon and evening specials and a Taco Tuesday feast that brings them in from nearby towns. If you need to cool off you can always jump into Lake Waucoma! The Turkey river is dammed up to create Lake Waucoma and Little Turkey campground. You can enjoy great parks, fishing and camping.
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CMA Notes
I know it’s now February as you read this but since I didn’t write last month’s article. Happy New Year! For some yes; for others not so much. I guess it is a matter of perspective. Recently we survived the elections, the Mayan end of the world, and the fiscal cliff. With the beginning of 2013 we are looking at new gun bans, new tax increases, Obamacare, selling of cable channels to Al Jazeera, record debt and the further devaluing of our currency, abortion at record levels, on and on. It’s mind numbing and overwhelming if we dwell on it. We have undertaken the symptomatic treatment of a sick world while ignoring the cause of the disease which is in fact, spiritual. For every God and good thing there is, Satan tries to devise a mirror image of something dark and bad. As in the Garden of Eden he will twist and lie to bring about man’s downfall.
We as a country have worked so hard to right things by being open and accepting of everyone’s views, religion, culture, socalled sexual orientation, and a myriad of other things that now black is white, dark is light, and wrong is right. Society is producing people whose lives have become increasingly meaningless and full of despair and we are seeing the results in ever increasing tragedies. We have gotten to this place by rejecting the founding principles that made this country exceptional. Our laws, common decency, and courtesy were founded in biblical principles. Some have said that we are now
living in a post-Christian nation and it seems so, as we have reached a place that talking about God’s truth has become an infringement and in many cases illegal. We need to get back to the basics. Some of you may remember the line from the song about being so open minded that your brains fall out.
Just as children benefit from loving parents, who set up fences for their protection, God has set certain boundaries in place for us. They are not to hinder or hamper our joy in life but to protect us and give us a way to enjoy true freedom. Psalm 1 declares “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” I read a quote by a counselor recently that stated that in all the years that they worked with people they had yet to meet someone whose life was all messed up because they kept God’s commands. Back in the eighties Keith Green had a song with the lines “Keep doing your best and pray that it’s blest and God will take care of the rest”. That’s it in a nut shell. Whatever our personal or corporate situation may be or look like, it is not bigger than God and hasn’t taken Him by surprise. Jesus is the answer as we look to God for help, do our best and trust that He loves us and is in control. Keep the faith and get those bikes ready. 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.
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Road Ramblings random thoughts of a scooter tramp Wow, February rolled olled d inn fast. It is offi fici cially iallly ““Hump Hump Month”, which has nothing to do with cupid. By practicing two wheel sobriety, Iowa biker addicts have successfully made it over the hump of the off season. Spring is right around the corner, bikers and their machines will soon be unleashed for public consumption. Just four more gears then I can proclaim that I have practiced two wheel sobriety through the off season, and I owe it all to the twelve gear program. If you haven’t ridden along through the first eight gears you have missed a couple of issues of Thunder Roads of Iowa. Race out to your local hot spot, grab the last two issues or check them out on line at thunderroadsiowa.com then twist the throttle to get caught up. Ninth Gear – Faking it! Yep, there’s an app for that. When the temperatures and wind chills are in the single digits and the riding itch is unattainable, fire up the cell phone and explore riding apps. “Highway Rider” sounded appropriate so it was first on the list. Flying down the highway swerving in and out of traffic, screeching the tires around curves, being chased by the cops and hitting the nitrous oxide got the biker addict blood pumping. Then again, the disclaimer which read “no one should attempt to recreate or reenact this insanely irresponsible behavior“ got me all wound up before I even hit the throttle. I’m a slow learner, but there is a lot of truth in the propaganda about not using the cell phone while driving. After 24 wipeouts in the first 7 miles, I realized that I can’t even hold on to the damn phone while pretending to ride without slamming into something big and hard at a dangerously high rate of speed. Don’t ever use the cell phone while riding, but if you find it necessity to use the phone to “fake it” find comfort in knowing, there’s an app for that. The app was good entertainment for several hours and I really enjoyed deleting the $4.6 million I had quickly accumulated in medical bills, limping into tenth gear. Tenth Gear – Just do it! The planning addiction outlined in fourth gear has now become the doing addiction. The holidays are over; there is a little change left in the hog bank, the way I see things, I just survived another lethal dose of family time so I deserve a little solo time with the bike. Remember the dirty little wish list; it is time for bike
modifications, just me, the bike and the toolbox. It is time to get serious about the bike makeover that has been planned and obsessed over for months. Heat up the garage and get the wrenches turning. Out with the old and on with the new, bigger, better, faster, louder. Spring is coming soon, will the bike be ready? I’ve been caught with my pants down in some pretty awkward positions before but having a spring day come early and not being able to get the rubbers on the road, now that is just down right embarrassing! Then blast on into eleventh gear. Eleventh Gear – Let the count down begin! The 2013 calendars are out, check out the event list in the Thunder Roads Iowa magazine, call up your riding buddies, get them committed, circle the dates and start making plans to attend events around this great state. Then grab a big red marker and start crossing off the days until the riding addiction gets fulfilled. All the while, keep an eye on the day to day forecast and be prepared for any upcoming days that are predicted “warm enough” for riding. Even a short ride around the block, down the street, to the gas station or just around the yard can help feed the addiction and remind the riding deprived brain that spring is on its way. After twisting wrenches a quick “test drive” is a must to hear the new pipes, try out the new seat or just cop a quick feel of the new heated grips. After all, a quickie with a friend or by your self beats the alternative of abstinence. Twisting it all off into twelfth gear. Twelfth Gear – Don’t forget your dealer! Every riding addict has a favorite dealer that feeds their riding addiction. Whether your dealer is on-line, out of a magazine, the local bike freak on the corner or a genuine authorized dealership; now is a good time to stop by and give them a holler. There is a lot of new stuff on the market, the new models are in stock and new and improved riding gear is available. If you need parts, service, fluids or just some good advice, seek out your favorite dealer. Remember the dealers have also been experiencing the biker withdrawal so they will be glad to see a familiar face. Pay your dealer a visit and let them know you rode the biker wagon through another Iowa winter but now you are ready, able and willing to feed the riding addiction again. Shifty LaRue
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Motorvation Engineering, How to Get Hacked! A couple of years back, the motor company quit making their side cars for Harley Davidson motorcycles. This was no big surprise to anyone, with the prevalence of the trike in the modern marketplace. It seems you cannot throw a dead cat anymore without hitting a trike on the road. Not that this fact is a problem, but with the aging baby boomers, more female riders, and those that just want a bigger feel on the road, trikes are a part of modern two, I mean three, wheeled travel. Without the motor company making side cars as a normal three wheeled alternative, what would people do that want to take a third person, have a seat for Fido, or just have a ton of gear to pack? In comes Motorvation Engineering, an Iowa company that produces some of the coolest side hacks you will ever see.
including Arnold “Terminator” Schwarzenegger, Russ Mitchell of Exile Cycles who customized a badass version, and even seen on television on The Discovery Channel’s Myth Busters show. Check out the episode on Discovery Channel’s website, or Motorvation’s website. It had to do with if a bug could kill a rider. Quite the interesting episode brought to reality with a side car, right from Iowa. They produce over 100 side cars per year here, as well as the trailers and help keep motorcycles in a three wheeled mode, without a trike.
I happen to be one of those that have an interest in a side car, but with very few manufacturers building them, they are hard to come by, until you travel to Sibley, Iowa. Motorvation, started as a California company with owner Mary Sontag and her late husband Jim. They began building side car units in 1979 out west, and then moved the manufacturing business to Sibley in 1994. With the business comes a person like Mary and her lead Tech Gary, who has been with the company for over 30 years. A call was made and Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa was welcomed in with open arms to check out the wares at this unique Iowa business.
Vernon
If you have any interest in a hack, check out www. motorvation.com or call up Mary at 800.305.3664 to get all the information you could ever want.
The side cars, with three completely different body styles, as well as some fancy trailers are produced right in this plant. Finished products are not set out on a sales show room, but customers and interested folks actually get to see the various stages of production, and may even be able to see a car being mounted on a bike as you are touring the small town Iowa plant. Side cars can be put together and finished with basic fitment of accessories, or even painted, trimmed, and matched to your ride right down to fenders, wheels, and lighting. They can be as custom as you want to make it, and unlike some of the other side car companies, Motorvation can and will mount a side car on just about any type of motorcycle. Their cars have been rolled in by many around the globe,
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the pin is in place the tolerances are so tight that if you put it into gear and try to take off the front tire won’t budge and your motor will just stall without causing damage. The Roadlok system is meant to work on OEM braking systems, either with Well ladies and gents the world did not end; or without ABS, so for those who have it’s hard to believe we are half way through aftermarket brakes they cannot guarantee a true fit. Some models may require a longer the winter already and that much closer to lower brake line but for the most part there riding time. We have been lucky to ride should not be any issues with a stock brake in January with +40 degrees. You have to line. There is a lifetime warranty on the LOVE the bi-polar Iowa winters!! lock body, pin and the key cylinder and Getting back to the topic at hand, this month two year warranty on the chrome. Be sure to register you Roadlok and you can be I’ve got something for the riders who like worry free if you misplace or lose your to have a little more security on their ride. The Roadlok Anti-Theft System is the latest keys. Replacement pins can be purchased at a local dealership and greatest brake or on-line at roadlok. rotor lock and with com. such a simple bolt on factor, it’s a no As we head into brainer. It’s not like spring and the riding the traditional rotor season nears, get lock of yester year your bikes ready for that you have to the road. Hopefully carry along in a bag many of you are taking up space. thinking ahead for your spring services, Installation of the Roadlok can be done by getting them scheduled and you are not one riders with general mechanical knowledge and a torque wrench. The Roadlok bolts on of those that need’s it last minute on the day between your brake caliper and the fork leg, it hits 70 degrees outside. Save yourself the stress and get set-up an early appointment and is available in chrome so it looks like and you will be prepared for the first part of it belongs on the bike. Once the Roadlok the season. One other thing, don’t forget, is bolted in place, insert the removable pin that Valentine’s day is in a couple of weeks and roll the bike just a little bit for the pin so make sure to get the to fall into the slot one you love a little and fully engage. something special and Once it’s in it can’t maybe pick something be removed without up for the wife and/ the key, even if the or girlfriend too. Just bolts are removed, kidding ladies… or am it is still locked and I? secured to the rotor and won’t budge. Tony Darveau If you are worried about if you forget to remove the pin before you ride, don’t be. When
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Model: Mary Weigel from Iowa City Bike: ‘01 X1 Buell Lightning Built By Paul Grinstead of Lethal Design and Development in Des Moines
44th Rod and Custom Show 8am - 8 pm Monticello, IA Berndes Center Day 2
President’s Day
Lincoln’s Birthday
Valentine’s Day
44th Rod and Custom Show 11 am - 11 pm Monticello, IA Berndes Center Day 1
Groundhog Day
Ryleigh R l i h Jae J McFarland M F l d Lehigh, Iowa 49cc Custom
Stac Stacy St S tacy ac cy Fi Fit Fitz Fitzpatrick itzpa tzpatr tz pattri pa trick tr iic ck Cedar Falls 2003 Softail Standard
Northwest Iowa Girls Club, the “Wild Sows.” (Sibley, Ashton, Sheldon, & Lawton, Iowa) Carla- 1997 1200 Sportster Custom, Kristine – 2001 Heritage Softail, Tonya, (Road Captain) 2010 Super Glide Custom, Jodi – 2008 Super Glide Custom, & Donna – 2012 Street Glide.
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com 22 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
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Hello from the ladies seat A few years ago I went on a poker run with some friends and have wanted my own bike ever since. However, being a short type of girl, it was very hard to find a bike that I felt comfortable on. I was searching for the perfect bike for me and the name on the side of it didn’t really matter. I wanted something I could sit flat footed on. Almost every bike I sat on I had to lean to even touch with one foot and that is a scary thought for me. Would I dump it at the first stop sign I came to? I was also looking for something that would be a good starter bike, not too big or powerful to start. I was starting to wonder IF I would ever find
me “Do I really want a bike”, “Am I too old to start now” or “Is this a mid-life crises that I will regret later” and yes I chickened out. Two months later the guy called and asked me if I was still interested. I thought about it long and hard that day and ended up going to his house that night to check it out....guess what it fit me perfect! I bought it that night and hauled it home. You would all laugh if you could have seen my first try on it, I even laughed at myself! I should have taken a video; I probably could have won some big prize for funniest video.
I have since fallen in love with this bike that is mine. I instantly hit motorcycle sights online and plan to make it even more mine. I didn’t realize there was so much stuff. I have picked out saddlebags, forward controls and an engine guard. I also already purchased a really cool looking helmet! When spring rolls around I am taking the motorcycle course at the local college. I have friends that have told me they will ride with me to teach me the things I have forgot. I am all kinds of nervous that bike or if I would because I have not rode solo for twenty some (shhhhh) just keep begging for years. I’m hoping it,s like riding a horse or bicycle and you rides from friends, don’t always remember. Maybe I will wear bright orange so you get me wrong rides from can all be on the lookout for me. If you happen to see me friends are a blast. out and about and I don’t give you the bikers thumbs up as I’m going down the road it’s not because I’m rude it’s I was about to give up because I am too scared to take my hand off the handle bars. when I found a 800 But I will get the hang of it and eventually give you all a Suzuki S50 on a swap thumbs up. sight on the internet. I called the guy and the Until next time peace to you my future fellow bikers.... first thing I asked was “would Angie it work for a short person”? His answer was yes and I instantly got excited. Then it hit
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Dew Drop Inn
will ride to eat
109 Main Street McClellan, Iowa 712-566-9360 Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-10:00 PM, Closed Sunday
Then you get your choice of potato, Texas toast, and of course the prime rib (cooked to order by the way). That’s where the ordinary ends... in addition to all this you also get a bowl of pasta with tomato sauce! The prime rib also arrives on a plate of its o own and rightfully so. Royalty such as th deserves to be showcased! My this c of prime rib had the best flavor I cut h have ever tasted! It appeared to be a about an inch thick. It was cooked t perfection, warm and pink in the to c center and slightly more well done a around the edges. It was tender, ju juicy and full of flavor. Did I mention it was the BEST tasting slab of meat I I’ve ever had? After finishing off this m massive amount of food one would th think I would be too full for desert.... w then one would not know me well v very well would one? Of course I m made room for desert! I do have a r reputation to uphold!!! After hearing m options I chose the chocolate my c cake with whipped cream on top. I was a deliciously fitting end to a It w wonderful meal!
G Great friends! Great food! Great t times! Enjoy them all at the Dew Drop I in McClellan! Inn One of the greatest blessings that Lynnette and I have is the blessing of great friends! (I am sure you all can relate!) Rob and Terry are two of those friends! All of my friends know my love for food (some call it a passion... I call it an appetite!!!) On the many rides these two have led we have always ate at some place interesting. One place that has always been a favorite is the Dew Drop Inn on Main Street in McClellan (next door to the fire department). We have stopped there on a few occasions and the food is always superb! One of our favorites there is the hot beef sandwich! When Lynnette orders this she can rarely finish it so I get the honor of polishing it off. (I know, I know... you’re all thinking it so I’ll say it with you... ALL TOGETHER NOW... “it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it!”) (I know... I’m sooooo predictable!) All the times we had been there I had no idea that Friday nights were Prime Rib nights. Well, they are and that’s what we had (you’re shocked aren’t you).
U Until next month, ride safe and eat h hearty! Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email
When you order the prime rib at the Dew Drop Inn you had better hang on tight because you are in for a ride! You see, most places when you have prime rib, you get your choice of potato and maybe a salad. In McClellan you start out with a salad, not just any salad... this salad covers a dinner plate of its own. I’ve seen Chef’s salads smaller than this! 24 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
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MILITARY RIDERS
The best thing a person quickly realizes about the motorcycle community; is how friendships not only spawn from the common interest of being in the wind, but also helps old friendships to reconnect. Ken McQuistion, who resides in Clinton, is a long time friend of mine from all the way back in middle school days. After high school, Ken and I both worked various fast food joints, so that we could party like rock stars on the weekends, and drive rusted out beater trucks, but also spoke of our big dreams to someday own a couple nice bikes and one day ride to Sturgis together. Looking back roughly 20 years ago, Ken and I used to hang out with friends on Clinton’s riverfront into the early morning hours, with out a care in the world, and big hopes for 2-wheeled freedom in our futures. We were all young, dumb, and ready to conquer the world, until I landed a steady factory job, which meant I finally had the financial means to look into a good scooter, but also meant no vacation time so our Sturgis plans would be pushed back a couple more years. In the meantime, Ken joined the Marine Corp in 1994 and pursued his military career to the fullest. That same year, I purchased a new Honda, and followed through with those Sturgis plans in ’95, all be it a few years late. But my party plans didn’t score any points in comparison to the important role that Ken held by serving this great country! While stationed at Camp Legeune in North Carolina, Ken took great pleasure in, as he so characteristically says “having fun blowing shit up,” as a combat engineer. Ken’s grandfather Paul Stormes served in the Army during WWII, his father Nick also served in
the Army in Vietnam, and brother Joe served in the Air force, so his family has somewhat of a military background. Ken decided the Marine Corp had more to offer to his liking, and looked forward to many years of “blowing shit up,” but he suffered a serious back injury during the course of his duties, which ultimately led to an honorable discharge. But to aid in his civilian ventures beyond the Marine Corp, Ken’s walls are adorned with plaques and letters of recommendation to ensure a stable future. K came back home Ken to start a family with his w Marla, and move wife fo forward fulfilling life’s d duties away from the M Military. Like many other m military personnel, Ken fo found solace behind the b bars of a two-wheeled v vehicular mobility unit, or m more commonly referred to as motorcycles! Ken to to a liking to a black took H Honda Shadow 600, w which surprisingly was the s same model I’d bought, a although we hadn’t seen e each other for years. His b brother Mike, had an orange Shadow Sabre that grabbed his attention too, so eventually Ken talked Mike out of that one, which he still owns. He says he picked up a 350 Honda at some point over the years, as a side project, but claims it was a total piece of crap, so he sent it down the road before he ever got it running again. Ken and I lost touch for many years, but occasionally I’d see him out riding one of his bikes, and it put a smile on my face knowing that we were both enjoying that motorcycle bliss. On a more somber note, Ken’s health took a turn for the worse… Ken’s back injury has now left him unable to use one leg, and more recently he’s been fighting lung cancer. He’s been through radiation, and now starting chemo, so his family and fellow Marines are helping him to battle this fight, but his days of riding have now been put on hold. Aside from his bout with cancer, Ken’s says his back injury could potentially keep him off two wheels for the rest of his life, but only time will tell. For now, his main concern is to fight this cancer battle, and move on to any other battles that life should bring his way, ‘cause as the can koozies say, “Losing is not an option!” Besides that, he still needs to see Sturgis at least once! Nate Ullrich natanic@hotmail.com
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blast from the past -
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February 1968 Enthusiast
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KISS
the scrumptious sauce all over the steaks generously. Top with parsley. This is so easy and SIRLOIN w/PEPPERCORN SAUCE tastes like a steak you’d order in a 5-star restau(inspired by Michael Symon’s recipe on The Chew) rant......but tastes better because it’s home. 1-1/2 lbs. of Beef Sirloin; sliced into 1/2” thickness GINGER ALE GLAZED CARROTS *If you ring the bell and ask the Butcher of any 1 Bag of Peeled Baby Carrots (in fresh produce supermarket chain , they will gladly do this for you. section) Drizzle of High-Quality Olive Oil 3/4 Cup of Quality Ginger Ale 3 Cloves of Garlic - leave skin on, but smash with Next, mix up the following ingredients: middle of knife blade so it’s garlic bulb is flat. 2 smashed cloves of garlic 1/3 Cup of Cognac 1 Tbls. of Ginger (dried is o.k.) 1/3 Cup of Quality Beef Stock 1/2 Cup of Drained Green Peppercorns (in spice aisle 1/4 Cup of Chopped, Toasted Hazelnuts (in nut section of grocery) at large chain supermarket) 1/4 Cup of Parsley (dried is o.k.) 2 Tbls. Spicy Brown Mustard Olive Oil for drizzling 2 Tbls. Real Butter 1/4 Cup of Fresh Parsley or dried will work, just rub 2 Oranges; zested and juiced; divided Salt & Fresh Cracked Pepper it between hands to release the potency. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, toss Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper *I do this recipe w/ Filet Mignon, but Sirloin is def. a the carrots with 5 Tbls. of olive oil and salt & pepmuch more financially feasible way to go, especially per generously. Zest 1 orange over & juice over top carrots. Add garlic cloves and toss up good to if serving more than two. “If” you have a large (10 or 12”) cast iron pan, this coat evenly. Get a non-stick skillet heated up over medium-high heat. Arrange all the carrots in an is the way to go, if you don’t, then just use a highquality non-stick skillet pan. Get your pan screamin’ even layer. Pour in the Ginger Ale and cook on the stove top until they begin to turn bright orange. hot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in high-quality Place skillet in oven (if handle is not oven-proof, Olive Oil to completely cover bottom of pan. Salt just wrap it in aluminum foil). Cook or30 mins. & fresh black pepper season both sides of your in oven. Remove and in a small bowl take 2nd steaks generously. Place them one by one in the orange and juice, hazelnuts, parsley and salt & pan and DO NOT TOUCH them once placed. This pepper and pour all over the hot carrots. Drizzle allows for perfect carmelization. At this time, toss in your smashed garlic cloves to get that flavor into with honey if want. These are festive & fab! the steaks. Cook exactly 2-1/2 mins. on each side SNOW ON THE ROOF BROWNIES for medium rare, 3 minutes for medium. Once each Buy your favorite brand of box Brownie mix. side is beautifully browned, remove and let the Make it up in the bowl, add in any of your favorsteaks rest on a side plate. Add your Cognac to the pan; (step back so you don’t singe your eyebrows); ites; chopped pecans, chopped macadamia nuts turn down to medium heat, let the alcohol burn off, (my fave), raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips, remove garlic pieces and any skins, add peppercorns whatevs....bake as directed; making sure to spray and beef stock and mustard. Stir until all well incor- pan down well with non-stick, then flour lightly. porated together, then add butter and swirl around When done, invert onto a plate, the re-invert onto another plate so you have brownies upper side up until totally melted. Turn off heat and add steaks back into pan and take a large spoon and repeatedly and not the bottom. Let cool totally. Then take a full jar of quality Marshmallow Creme’ and swirl it keep covering each steak with peppercorn sauce. all over the top very heavy & generously.Yo-Yum Take your tongs and place each steak (total of 5) onto a serving platter with all steaks in a row, pour K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon aka “MaMa Thunder” of Thunder Roads Tennessee
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For the final test, the CIA agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. “We must know that you will follow your instructions, no matter what the circumstances. Inside this room, you will find your wife sitting in a chair. “Kill her!!!” The man said, “You can’t be serious. I could never shoot my wife.” The agent said, “Then you’re not the right man for this job. Take your wife and go home.” The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about five minutes. Then the man came out with tears in his eyes. “I tried, but I can’t kill my wife.” The agent said, “You don’t have what it takes. Take your wife and go home.” Finally, it was the woman’s turn. She was given the same instructions to kill her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one shot after another. They heard screaming, crashing, banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet. The door opened slowly and there stood the woman. She wiped the sweat from her brow. “This gun is loaded with blanks”, she said. “I had to beat him to death with the chair.”
A married couple were asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning. The wife (undoubtedly blonde), picked up the phone, listened a moment and said, “How should I know, that’s 200 miles from here!” and hung up. The husband said, “Who was that?” The wife said, “I don’t know, some woman wanting to know if the coast is clear” A guy is browsing in a pet shop and sees a parrot sitting on a little perch. It doesn’t have any feet or legs.The guy says aloud, “Jeesh, I wonder what happened to this Parrot?”The parrot says, “I was born this way. I’m a defective parrot.”“Holy crap,” the guy replies. “You actually understood and answered me!” “I got every word,” says the parrot. “I happen to be a highlyintelligent,thoroughly educated bird.”Oh yeah?” the guy asks, “Then answer this,how do you hang onto your perch without any feet?”Well,” the parrot says, “this is very embarrassing but since you asked, I wrap my “winkie” around this wooden bar like a little hook. You can’t see it because of my feathers.”Wow,” says the guy. “You really can understand and speak English can’t you?””Actually, I speak both Spanish and English, and I can converse with reasonable competence on almost any topic: politics, religion, sports, physics, philosophy. I’m especially good at ornithology. You really ought to buy me.I’d be a great companion.”The guy looks at the $200. price tag. “Sorry, but I just can’t afford that.””Psssst,” says the parrot, “I’m defective, so the truth is, nobody wants me cause I don’t have any feet. You can probably get me for $20, just make the guy an offer! “The guy offers $20 and walks out with the parrot.Weeks go by. The parrot is sensational. He has a great sense of humor, he’s interesting, he’s a great pal, he understands everything, he sympathizes, and he’s insightful. The guy is delighted.One day the guy comes home from work and the parrot goes, psssst,”and motions him over with one wing. I don’t know if I should tell you this or not, but it’s about your wife and the postman.” “What are you talking about?” asks the guy. “When the postman delivered the mail today, your wife greeted him at the door in a sheer black nightie and kissed him passionately.””WHAT???” the guy asks incredulously. “THEN what happened?” “Well, then the postman came into the house and lifted up her nightie and began petting her all over,” reported the parrot. “Oh No!,” he exclaims. “Then what?” “Then he lifted up the nightie, got down on his knees and began to kiss her all over, starting with her breasts and slowly going down....””WELL,” demands the frantic guy, “THEN WHAT HAPPENED?” The parrot responds, “Damned if I know. I got a hard-on, fell off my perch and knocked myself unconscious.”
A man joins a very exclusive nudist colony. On his first day there he takes off his clothes and starts to wander around. A gorgeous petite blonde walks by, and the man immediately gets an erection. The woman notices his erection, comes over to him and says, “Did you call for me?” The man replies “No; what do you mean?” She says, “You must be new here. Let me explain. It’s a rule here that if you get an erection it implies you called for me.” Smiling, she leads him to the side of the swimming pool, lies down on a towel, eagerly pulls him to her and happily lets him have his way with her. The man continues to explore the colony’s facilities. He enters the sauna and as he sits down, he farts. Within minutes a huge, hairy man lumbers out of the steam room toward him, “Did you call for me?” says the hairy man. “No; what do you mean?” says the newcomer. “You must be new,” says the hairy man, “it’s a rule that if you fart, it implies that you called for me.” The huge man easily spins him around, bends him over a bench and has his way with him. The newcomer staggers back to the colony office, where he is greeted by the smiling, naked receptionist, “May I help you?” she says.The man yells, “Here’s my membership card. You can have the key back and you can keep the $500.membership fee.” “But sir,” she replies, “you’ve only beenhere for a few hours. You haven t had the chance to see all our facilities.” The man replies, “Listen lady, I’m 68 years old; I only get an erection once a month but I fart at least 15 times a day; I’m outta here!” Happy Valentine’s Day Bikers, From Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa www.thunderroadsiowa.com 36 - TRMI FEBRUARY 2013
C.O.I.R. Report
Coalition of Independent Riders One Man’s Opinion By: Peter A. Sieben Free Roaming Radical Constitutional Controversy “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent” ~ Thomas Jefferson Amendment II - U.S. Constitution: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Because of unfortunate and tragic recent events, there has come a focus upon what has been called an assault rifle. What does that mean? Let’s remember that when the constitution was written the only guns were guns belonging to the people. Basically, all weapons were considered to be military weapons. The United States of America is still today the ‘free-est’ there is. We as citizens also own the most guns. Blaming a gun for someone getting shot is like blaming a spoon for someone becoming fat.
On December 27th it was reported that Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif) on January 3 will introduce a new gun ban bill. This new gun ban would expand the definition of what is an assault weapon to include most semi-automatic handguns and some shotguns, basically anything with a detachable magazine holding 10 or more rounds of ammunition. In addition here in Iowa we have Representative Dan Muhlbauer (D-Manilla) vowing that “Even if you have them, I think we need to start taking them.” Are you kidding me? I thought we were in the United States of America. I don’t know why that young man snapped and shot up that school. I don’t know why his mother didn’t keep her guns and ammunition locked up. As a responsible gun owner I believe that to be EVERY gun owner’s responsibility unless of course, they’re out exercising their constitutional right to have them. I wish I was smart enough to know what the right thing to do is, but I do know one thing; the easiest, fastest and only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. When you think about it, “Gun Free Zones” = defenseless victims! Well, that’s one man’s opinion. I invite you to reply: peter@riderpromotions.com
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IRL PROMOTIONS G S T R A P 33rd ANNUAL
Motorcycle Parts Swapmeet for the HarleyÂŽ Enthusiast Sunday Sunday MARCH 3rd, 2013 February 3rd, 2013 QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue
Hawkeye Downs Fairgrounds, 6th Street Southwest
ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS
CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA
Returning again, the Midwest’s #1 Announcing Host
Real Parts Meet� “A
“Pipes�
Vendor Set Up - 6am to 9am "5')+7 2978 (+ 6+7+6:+* 5'/* ,46 /3 advance to avoid an additional $10.00 per space charge at the door. Spaces are 10'x10' (2 people admitted per space / Maximum 4 passes) USED PARTS: +38+6
Wall or End $35.00 NEW PARTS: +38+6
Wall or End $50.00 OTHER: +38+6
Wall or End $60.00 BIKE CORRAL: $20.00 (1 Person admitted 5+6 75')+
Open to the Public 10am-3pm Adults $8.00 Under 12 Free with Adult
Early Bird $15.00 (Before 10am)
Over 150 Vendor Spots 6++ '60/3- ? '; +3,46)+2+38 43 *98= '11 *'= ? 4 '66= 37 ? 44* 545 (++6 ;/11 (+ 43 7'1+ 4 *4-7 '114;+* ? 48 6+75437/(1+ ,46 '))/*+387 46 8.+,8 Be sure to sign up for Door Prizes - This keeps our Mailing List current!
Please make checks payable to Joe Tracy
') )!- 0 % * ,* ) '& $$ ' ') !% % !$ ' + #) /."#+ . '' '%
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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
Jul 20 Warriors Across Iowa Eddyville Raceway Jul 20 Iowa Lakes Scholarship Poker Ride Estherville Aug 1-3 6th Annual Across the Border Raid Bedford Aug 5-11 South Dakota Party Aug 17 Bob Ezarski Memorial Run Iowa Falls Aug 18 Iowa State Fair Motorcycle Day Des Moines Aug 23-25 9th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 24 B.A.C.A of Central Iowa Bike Bash 2013 Aug 29-Sep 1 Circle of Pride Thunder In the Sand Conesville Aug 31-Sep 1 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 8 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sep 18-21 Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville AR Sep 20-21 Rumble In The Stalks Conesville Sep 28 Hawkeye Harley-Davidson Fall Open House Coralville Oct 17-20 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach Florida Nov 29 Turkey Run Clinton
Jan 24
Hawkeye HD Boot Camp “Recruiting Future Riders” Coralville Jan 25-27 Rod and Custom Motorcycle and Car Show Rock Island IL Feb 3 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL Feb 10 Road MC Breakfast Brayton Feb 13 ABATE Lobby Day Des Moines Feb 16 Hawkeye Harley-Davidson Chili Cook Off Coralville Feb 16-17 Capital City Show and Swap Des Moines Feb 23 Hogs Gone Wild Fan Fest Dubuque Feb 22-23 Omaha Chapter AMCA Swap Meet Bike Show Fremont, NE Feb 23-24 44th Annual O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Mar 1-3 World of Wheels Chicago Mar 3 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 8-17 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach Florida Mar 9 Flippin for B.A.C.A Flippy Cup Tournament West Des Moines Mar 10 Road MC Breakfast Brayton Mar 15-17 World of Wheels Omaha, NE Mar 16 Hawkeye HD St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Kick-off Party Coralville Mar 30-31 Swap Meet Sioux Falls, SD Apr 2 B.A.C.A Child Abuse Awareness Month Kick Off Bang Bang West Des Moines Apr 6-7 27th Annual North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City Apr 6 ABATE D14 TGIS Party Bridge View Center Ottumwa Apr 7 Hill Blazers Hill Climb Logan Apr 12 Hawkeye HD Women’s Garage Party Coralville Apr 26 Motorcycle Safety Forum State Fairgrounds Des Moines Apr 27 Fenders Cycle Open House Extravaganza Des Moines Apr 27 Sleeping Angels Ride Boone Apr 27 Memorial Run to benefit JDRF Muscatine May 1-7 Hawkeye HD Customer Appreciation Days Coralville May 3-4 Vintage Torquefest Dubuque May 4 F&J Racing 18th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown May 4 Hawkeye Harley-Davidson Spring Open House Coralville May 11 Roughnecks MC Charity Poker Run Gravity May 16-18Hog Wild Rodeo Conesville May 18 National Armed Forces Freedom Ride Iowa Council Bluffs May 18 B.A.C.A Annual 100 Mile Ride and Party Des Moines May 19 Iowa Thunder Veterans Ride Des Moines May 25 4th Annual Poker Run for Pink Ponca, NE May 25-26Midway Tavern 15th Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier May 31-Jun 2 Iowa Grand Motorcycle Rally Newton Jun 2 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Jun 8 Bubba Shuffle Run Book Ems Denision Jun 8-9 500 Challenge Sioux City to Anamosa Jun 12-15 Rally on the River QC Davenport Jun 20-22 Maquoketa Motor Madness Jun 20-22 Iowa State Hog Rally Clinton Jun 21-22 Rumble In The Stalks Conesville Jun 22 7th Annual Party in McKinley Park Creston Jun 22-23 J&P Cycles Open House Anamosa Jun 29 WinoPalooza Conesville Jul 4-6 ABATE Freedom Rally Algona Jul 11-13 Nitro’s Biker Bash Gravity Jul 19-20 4th Todd Weaver Memorial Ride and Concert Center Point Jul 19-21 Road Guardian’s 13th River Road Fundraiser Dubuque Jul 13 Goozman’s Westside Poker Run Harlan
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