Thunder Roads® Magazine of Iowa www.thunderroadsiowa.com P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543 (712) 249-5630 tt@thunderroadsiowa.com Owner/Editor Tina (TT) Schwarte (712) 249-5582 tt@thunderroadsiowa.com
Letter To The Editor………………………......…...4 Skin Art……………………………………........…...5 99 Counties: Boone County................................6 Joker’s Wild..........................................................8 Military Riders.......................................................9 Biker Friendly Directory.....................................10 Girls of Thunder..................................................12
Editor Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Will Ride to Eat...................................................13 Let There Be Rock……………………………......15 ThunderCam ......................................................16
Representatives Josh (Stampede) and Pam Brown Regional Sales (SE Iowa Area) 563-571-1617 josh@thunderroadsiowa.com
See our Affordable Line of Hyosung Motorcycles, Scooters & ATVs. Two-year Warranty on Motorcycles Financing Available Prices start as low as $1599.00
Phone 402.894.3050 I Fax 402.894.3055 I 14410 Frontier Road I Omaha, NE 68138 I www.wernercycleworks.com
NCOM News Bytes.............................................22 ABATE Update....................................................24
Photography
Girls Ride Too…………………………………......28
Kandi Schlensig kandi@thunderroadsiowa.com 712-249-0713
Road MC..............................................................29
CMA.....................................................................24 Fron the Woman’s Seat......................................26
Sudoku................................................................30 KISS in the Kitchen............................................31 Cast Iron Ride.....................................................32 Subscription........................................................33 Alcohol Poisoning..............................................34 Event Listing.......................................Back Cover
ON THE COVER
Design & Layout Barbara L. Garner art director
Omaha’s Largest Custom Bike Store Dyno Jet Approved Tuning Center V-Twin Factory Technicians Pickup & Delivery Available Complete Line of Parts, Accessories & Clothing
Northern Iowa Bike Show..................................20
Reader’s Submissions……………………....…..25
Contributors Craig Little-Will Ride for Food Dude craig@thunderroadsiowa.com
Check out our New Line of Victory Motorcycles Financing Available
February Calendar..............................................18
Event Coverage/Magazine Distribution Ad Sales Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy vizslaboots@yahoo.com
Thunder Illusions Rich thunderillusions@gmail.com
Retailer of
Letter from the Editor...........................................2
National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadscharter@charter.net All rights reserved. All content is covered by copyright and ownership of said right is retained by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Photographs may be purchased on www.thunderroadsiowa.com Neither magazine or website materials may be reproduced, distributed, altered or posted to any other websites without the express written permission of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph, opinions, and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads magazine. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs, advocate any unsafe practices, or encourage breaking of any laws.
My name is Sarah and I am 27 years old. I am from Omaha, Nebraska, I went to Capitol hair School and have my license in cosmetology. I have been with Fringes Salon for four years and love being in the hair and fashion industry. With my job, I get to help people achieve their ideal look. It is very rewarding to see my clients leave happy, sometimes with a whole new look! Through the opportunities with Modeling, I get to have fun with being the one in the chair. My co-worker and my stylist, Tiffany Welch and I have had a blast creating all the different looks for all the shoots I’ve done, especially this last one for Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. It was exciting dressing up as cupid for this February issue. I look forward to the opportunities this may bring my way. Happy Valentine’s Day! To get a hold of me please contact tt@thunderroadsiowa.com
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FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 1
Wow, February is upon us, and that means that we have a little bit of this dismal weather left before we can get out and ride. Hell, maybe February will bring an early spring? We can only hope I guess. We will see what the little rodent does, and if he sees his shadow or not, and go from there. At least the January through April timeframes give us some stuff to do in the biker world. Swap meets and shows are all over the place, and they are a great way to at least hang out with other scooter hounds. This is not quite as good as riding, but the best we can do living in a four season state. We have been out and about to a couple events so far, and you can sure tell people are getting in the mood for riding weather already. It is always great to see the wide variety of parts and accessories available, and only at a swap meet or trade show can you see this amount or types of stuff. Most have a bike show along with it, which is another way to appreciate the biker world in all its creativity. Cool paint, dressed up, chopped down, interesting fabrication, or even all the above mixed together, there always seems to be something cool to see. We plan on making a lot of the events around the state, so if you see the Thunder Roads crew, stop and say hey, and tell us your story. We always love to meet more bikers, and hell, we may even take a pic and get you in the magazine. How do you know where all the shows and meets are going on? Well we have been searching high and low, and taking submissions from readers about stuff going on, and have compiled quite the list so far. We found as many as we could for the January issue, and plastered that right there on the back cover for easy reference. We will keep the events list pasted on that back cover for an issue or two yet probably. Hang onto the whole mag, tear off back cover and tack it on the fridge, or fold it up and put it in your saddle bag, wherever you wanna keep it for easy viewing. For the March issue we are working on getting a list of the bike nights across the state. If you know of any events we missed or any bike nights to get listed email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com to make sure we get them listed. We now have a new website that is up and running. Same web address at www.thunderroadsiowa.com but with a new look and we feel a lot better presentation. We have to thank Dan and Cindy at DAC Designs for that. They ride as well, and you may even see a picture of her cuteness on a cover sometime in the future. You will see more from them on these pages as well. They had the expertise to take the information and make it look better. Some of the changes you can see when you check it out is an expanded photo section. With the new site, we finally have the ability to post a ton of the event pictures for everyone to peruse. There is also the option of purchasing digital copies of any if you
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so choose. Looking is free though, and we wanted to give the readers what they ask for, and a common theme is, “more pictures please”! When we do hear any suggestions on how to make things better, we try like hell to make it happen. Sometimes it may take a bit due to time or the almighty dollar, but we want you to know that our reader’s opinions count. Check out the new website, look around and enjoy. This is also the time of year that a lot of bike projects are hopefully humming right along. How are your bike projects coming? We always love to see and hear what people are doing, and how things are going. If you have some interesting modifications, paint schemes, or just want to send a pic, email it away. Share your ideas with the readers; it may inspire others to be creative in this off time we call winter.
and swap season is here, then into the spring when riding takes off, you will see all of us out and about more. Don’t ever be afraid to come up and tell us hi, and to shake our hand and introduce yourself. It takes all kinds of bikers to make this world go ‘round, and we would not have a problem meeting all of them. That is what makes the biker community what it is, the bikers themselves.
and lived to tell the tale? Is it a lady rider that gained the courage to become a rider instead of a passenger? Is it the couple that rides together and lives by the credo, “those that ride together, stays together”? Let us know who it is and why you think so highly of them. Just may grace pages of a future issue. Email any submissions to tt@thunderroadsiowa.com
For all of you hot biker chics, there will be a casting call for calendar girls at Quaker Steak and Lube in Council Bluffs on February 10th. Sign up for interested ladies will be from 5 to 7 pm, with judging to follow. The calendar is going to be published for M/C Mags for Military as a fundraiser to send more care packages over to the troops. Dana got this ball rolling with M/C Mags just over a year ago, and it is going strong and growing. They send magazines and creature comfort packages to the troops across the big water. You may even notice a picture of one of them with one of my favorite magazines in the Thunder Cam section. It should be a great time, so come on out and help support the cause and have some fun.
Until we meet again, be safe tt and V
E V E N T
One last thing for you for this month’s letter from us. We would like you to let us know about someone cool in our biker world that exemplifies the biker lifestyle. Let us know about someone that you know, respect, look up to, or admire for some reason in this Iowa biker world we live in. What makes a biker? When you look up biker in the dictionary, it says see “??????”. Is it your local District coordinator? Is it the old gray beard down the road? Is it a friend that never misses a month of riding? Is it someone that has come close to paying the ultimate price for riding,
As always we would like to throw a thank you out to our advertisers. Without them, you would not be reading this. Please patronize the businesses and places listed in the Biker Friendly Listing. They have all gone above and beyond to get the word out that they are truly biker friendly, and that they not only sell to, but cater to the biker world. It is sure nice to know where you can stop and feel welcome when you are out on the road. When you go into one of the advertiser’s place of business, tell them Thunder Roads Iowa sent ya. We would also like to throw a thank you to our staff. Some you see more than others, but they are all there helping to make this rag what it is. Murph and Annette have been out and about as much as any of the staff, and we want to pass on a special thank you to them. You may have seen Murph doing some magazine distribution and ad sales. He hails from the Menlo, Iowa area, but he cuts a wide swath with getting the mags out and about all over central and western Iowa. As the show
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FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 3
To The Editor, I am 61 years of age, served during the Vietnam Era. I have seen many changes in our culture as did my parents and theirs before them. Life has always been tough for the Blue Collar and Champagne for the wealthy. There have been extra lean times all through our history beginning with the Pilgrim Age, Disease, Indian Conflicts, and wars of some sort. The Depression of the 1930’s and the Dustbowl of the 1940’s not to mention other earthly natural disasters. So, our past has endured hardship and famine. But through all this one thing has remained constant, “WE THE PEOPLE.” Today one must ask – Who are “WE THE PEOPLE?” Who is really in control of our destiny? I believe there is no single answer. But, I am sure there are many questions that many know the answer but are hiding behind a transparent curtain. This leads me to voice my opinion as follows: Don’t Let Them Take Down Our Flag In these troubled times, “WE THE PEOPLE,” do fear what lies in our future, we sense some type of end maybe near. Even if you think that our nation will stand tall and free, with all the high office promises and plans, it looks sad – what “WE THE PEOPLE” see. “WE THE PEOPLE” have built this nation by the standards of the past. Who would have thought that how we evolved could do anything but last. We’ve built and served this nation through good and bad, shed blood and died. But now newcomers and the young don’t care, don’t hear the cries. We do not hear the Liberty Bell, it may be broken. Every year “WE THE
PEOPLE” loses another Liberty – Another Freedom. The statue of liberty is now on her knees. Will we wake tomorrow from a night of sleep to find things have so changed, everyone will weep? Our way of life has already changed; the past will be no more. Our History, our Heritage, may soon become old folklore. If this nation does not soon get a grip, our heart from our chest will be stripped. And so, while the back door is being left open for those to enter, the front door is blocked by leadership fraud.
It is the only symbol left for “WE THE PEOPLE” that we know who we are, Americans of the USA! “WE THE PEOPLE” Stand For us. Do not take the Bus!
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God Bless What is Left of the USA Gary R. Robb Annette and Murph,
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Words cannot express our thanks for covering our BAD Ride Event and writing such an awesome article in Thunder Roads Iowa! It was a pleasure to meet you both and I look forward to working, and riding with you in the future.
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Our back is to the wall, the Nation is in grid lock lag: Now all we can do is say – please Mr. President – do not let them take down our flag!
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 90 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal of ours, also our summer vacation that year, was to ride through each of Iowa’s counties, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will feature a different county, and new things to go see, and hopefully spark a little touring curiosity for our own wonderful state.
BREMER COUNTY On a hazy day, we took off to go check out Bremer County to see what it has to offer the loyal readers of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. It is a little stretch away from our home, but the beauty of this great state is worth a little time and an ambitious spirit. We have found that you can make it about anywhere and back home in a day. Bremer is located in northeastern Iowa, just north of the Waterloo/ Cedar Falls metro area. As we have both previously lived in the Black Hawk County area, we know the area pretty well and have visited there many times in our lives. Our first date actually involved some of our time in this county. Picture this if you can a spur of the moment blind date running around the area with a great group of good friends. One of our stops was at the Rite Spot. This restaurant has a great atmosphere, good food, and a 6 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
small price. This is where we had split our first meal; due to neither one of us were all that hungry, with our bellies full it was a great time to get out and dance. Well tt wanted to dance and we both wanted enjoy the company of friends so we walked the short distance to the Whiskey Junction in Denver, so this place has kind of a fond spot in our hearts. The county is intersected by Highway 3 going east and west and Highway 63 going north and south. It includes the County Seat of Waverly, with Denver, Frederika, Janesville, Plainfield, Readlyn, Sumner, and Tripoli rounding off the list of towns. The geography of the area varies about as much in any one county as we have seen with flat as a table areas that allow you to see for miles and take in the sights, to some slight rolling hills, to some neat curves winding along river bottoms. The county has some significant rivers crossing it, the Cedar and the Wapsinicon. The Wapsi makes for some interesting sights in Waverly with the bridges and the dam right along the main drag. An old rail bridge is now a walk bridge that spans quite a distance on the Cedar, and is a very pretty bridge to watch the scenery from. Not far north of the old rail bridge is the Nestle factory that produces a variety of beverages and beverage additives. Tours are available and you may even be able to grab a big cup of hot cocoa. This industry here is just one example of why the area was settled to begin www.thunderroadsiowa.com
with. The rivers that pass through offered power for saw and flour mills, and the close proximity to the railway system. Power and transportation made for an ideal area to settle and develop industry. This of course was the settlement by the Anglos; the original settlement had different causes and effects. The original settlers of the area in and around Bremer County did not choose this location to permanently settle of their own free will but were actually here against their will. Originally this area was an Indian Reservation. The first settlers were called the Winnebago or aka Ho-Chunk. Their land was stripped of them when they were suspected of helping Chief Black Hawk during the Blackhawk War in 1832. Original numbers recorded of the Winnebago were about 20,000 in 1634. They were to receive compensation via land and money paid in the amount of $270,000 for the loss of their lands east of the Mississippi River. Also at this time the Winnebago/Ho-Chunk were forced to lose several of their tribesmen that were thought to have murdered whites during the Blackhawk War. Iowa became a state in 1846 and the Native Americans were moved by troops from Fort Atkinson, Iowa to Minnesota. This went on again and again totaling a number of five times with the following states involved which included Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and currently located in Northeastern Nebraska.
A great deal of information can be found on Waverly. As the county seat, it is the most populated city in Bremer County, but still with a modest head count of about 9,100 people. Some interesting facts found were the current Waverly House/ Bremer County Historical Society Museum was built in 1862 as the first large hotel and stagecoach stop in the area. The motel has had a long life and I am sure has seen many things over the years. It is now a home for pioneer artifacts. If you have interest in pioneer artifacts this would a place to kick out the kick stand and stretch your legs for a bit. Sumner is home to one of the few remaining ambulance companies in the United States. There are only a couple dozen builders of ambulances that are in business in the US today. Lifeline is one such company. They take modified cab and chassis units, and then custom build the aluminum box with all of the cabinets and accessories to produce an ambulance ready to be sold to customers. When it is built, wired, equipped, and ready to go, it gets a nifty paint job, and on to the customer. Their units are bought by Cities, Counties, Fire Departments, EMS services, and other entities across the country. The squads are then equipped locally and put on the street. We have both worked in the back of a Lifeline ambulance that was manufactured right here in Iowa. If you are ever in Sumner, stop by and check out how an ambulance is made. Hopefully it will be the only time you see the inside of one. Another point of interest in the Emergency Services world is right north of the fire station in Waverly. All over this state we have true volunteerism of Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personal. Without these volunteers stepping forward and giving of their time to train, protect, teach and provide a service to the general public we would truly be at a loss. As volunteers, this is done without any pay or compensation or at best a token amount. This area is no different in Waverly, Iowa. Here is located a Fire Fighters Museum. This four thousand square foot building that is adjacent to the towns fire department houses some of the equipment of the fire service of days gone by. This museum is owned and operated by the Volunteer Firefighters and is a pretty neat stopping point. Next month we are off to Buchanan County! tt References available upon request.
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Military Riders Ten Top Up & Coming Country Songs for 2009 10. I Hate Every Bone In Her Body But Mine. 9. I Ain’t Never Gone To Bed With An Ugly Woman; But I Woke Up With a Few. 8. If The Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me. 7. I’ve Missed You, But My Aim’s Improvin’. 6. Wouldn’t Take Her To A Dogfight ‘Cause I’m Scared She’d Win. 5. I’m So Miserable Without You.... It’s Like You’re Still Here. 4. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Miss Him. 3. She Took My Ring and Gave Me the Finger. 2. She’s Lookin’ Better with Every Beer. And the Number One Country & Western song is... 1. It’s Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chewed My Ass All Day. Yesterday I had a flat tire on the interstate. So I eased my car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk. I took out 2 cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of my car facing oncoming traffic. They look so lifelike you wouldn’t believe! They are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies and private parts to the approaching drivers. I started to change my tire, and to my surprise, cars started slowing down looking at my lifelike men. And of course, traffic started backing up. Everybody was tooting their horns and waving like crazy. It wasn’t long before a state trooper pulled up behind me. He got out of his car and started walking towards me. I could tell he was not a happy camper! “What’s going on here?” “My car has a flat tire,” I said calmly. “Well, what are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?” I couldn’t believe that he didn’t know. So I told him, “Hello-o-o-o-o-o, those are my emergency flashers!” A guy is 72 years old and loves to fish. He was sitting in his boat the other day when he heard a voice say, ‘Pick me up. ’He looked around and couldn’t see any one. He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say again, ‘Pick me up.’ He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog. The man said, ‘Are you talking to me?’ The frog said, ‘Yes, I’m talking to you. Pick me up then, kiss me and I’ll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I’ll make sure that all your friends are envious and jealous because I will be your bride!’ The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully, and placed it in his front pocket. The frog said, ‘What, are you nuts? Didn’t you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride, forever and ever.’ He opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said, ‘Nah, at my age I’d rather have a cool, talking frog.’ (* With Age Comes Wisdom.) 8 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
Once upon a time a man appeared in a village and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10 each. The villagers, seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them. The man bought thousands at $10 and, as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort. He next announced that he would now buy monkeys at $20 each. This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again. Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms. The offer increased to $25 each and the supply of monkeys became so scarce it was an effort to even find a monkey, let alone catch it! The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at $50 each! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his Assistant would buy on his behalf. In the absence of the man, the Assistant told the villagers: “Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has already collected. I will sell them to you at $35 and when the man returns from the city, you can sell them to him for $50 each.” The villagers rounded up all their savings and bought all the monkeys for 700 billion dollars. They never saw the man or his Assistant again, only lots and lots of monkeys! Now…….. you have a better understanding of how the WALL STREET BAILOUT PLAN works. A magician landed a good gig on a cruise ship. The audience was different each week so the magician did the same tricks over and over again. There was only one problem: The captain’s parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick. Once he understood, he started shouting in the middle of the show, ‘Look, it’s not the same hat!’ or, ‘Look, he’s hiding the flowers under the table!’ or ‘Hey, why are all the cards the ace of spades?’ The magician was furious but couldn’t do anything. It was, after all, the captain’s parrot. Then one stormy night on the Pacific, the ship unfortunately sank, drowning almost all who were on board. The magician luckily found himself on a piece of wood floating in the middle of the sea, as fate would have it ... with the parrot. They stared at each other with hatred, but did not utter a word. This went on for a day... and then 2 days and then 3 days. Finally on the 4th day, the parrot could not hold back any longer and said .... ‘OK, I give up. Where’s the f****in’ ship?’
other than American Made in his garage. He joined the Marine Corp in 1951, and then when on leave, had a serious motorcycle accident, and was discharged because of it. He stayed in and worked in Vinton and began his life. Riding motorcycles, becoming a car racing fan, and riding and racing whenever he got the chance became his passions. He would ride with friends, and travel to the local dirt track, Knoxville, and even Daytona when he could to take in the races. He still attends regularly at the local track in Vinton during the summer, cheering on Modified driver Scott Hogan and others.
This month we bring you Dick Bridge from Vinton, Iowa as the featured military rider of the month. He is 80 years young, and has lived in Vinton in Benton County his entire life, with the exception of his 2 years of Military service. He was a Corporal in the Marines that served in 1952 and 1953. He was stationed at both San Diego and the Great Lakes during his tour, and his primary MOS was performing small arms repair. After the Military, he worked and retired from his work as a janitor at the Vinton School. He is still a member of the American Legion in Vinton.
Dick no longer rides, and has not regularly for quite some time, but still has a love for motorcycles. This past summer one of his friends got a new bike, and gave him a ride, Dick stated “Sure a lot different ride than my old ’39 EL.” That 39 was one of his former bikes, as well as owning a 1951 61, a 1947 74, and even a little 165 Pacer. He has some very interesting stories, and is quite the historian for the Vinton area, among other things. If you want to try to glean some of this information from this cool cat, you can find him every morning at the Ron-Da-Voo in Vinton at 9 am for coffee. Friends state that if there were a club for good old guys, that Dick could be the President! If you see Dick out and about, give him a nice Veteran’s wave, and if you get a chance, shake his hand and thank him for his service. Ride Free Thanks to our Military!
We first had contact with this gentleman via a phone call quite a few months back. He just wanted to pass on that he liked the magazine, and was very helpful with some hints for places to go in Benton County. Later he sent us a four page hand written letter about more interesting stuff in and around Vinton, as well as a couple of pictures of him on past motorcycles that he has owned. It was not that he wanted or needed anything, but just sharing life stories and some interesting things in his area. We fully encourage this, and really got a kick out of his photos and correspondence. We know a couple of people in Vinton, and we gathered some information to do our military write up about Dick this month. Thanks Larry and Tom! Dick was raised on a farm northeast of Vinton, graduated High School there, and became a member of the Vinton Motorcycle Club. He was always a Harley rider, and still to this day has a strong feeling of always buying American. His friends state that there has never been anything
M.B., an energized and horny legend of 75, walks into his local Community Bank and notices that the new Receptionist is quite fetching. He walks up to Shayne, the bank President and inquires, “Quite the pretty lass you have hired on…..what’s her name? Shayne dryly replies, “Really, M.B., the girl is only 22!”, and M.B. never missing a stroke replies, “Oh, that’s too bad. Does she have a younger sister?”.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL YOU SEXY LADIES WHO HAPPEN TO LOVE CHROME !
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It’s important for you to know who your friends are out there when you hit the road! Welcome to our Biker Friendly Directory. The following is a list of our establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a bike dealer, service shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of business that welcomes our biking community through their doors, you can count on our family of friends to always welcome you in. The staff here at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates our advertiser’s support each month- they are the sole financial supporters of this magazine. WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please give them the support that they truly deserve for being with us & drop by to see them for a visit. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to join our Thunder Roads family of Biker Friendly Places, please give us a call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Shops & Fabricators Batt’s Cycle American V-Twin Service 1006 Linn Street Boone, Iowa 50036 515-298-0375 Battman69@mchsi.com www.battscycle.com Twisted Grip Cycle Your Dynojet & Tire Center 2444 L Avenue (I-29 & 25th St. Exit) Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-7323 Aaron@twistedgripcycle.omhcoxmail.com Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com Trustworthy Cycles 3781 Balk Road Fulton, Illinois 61252 563-249-1777 Specializing in Making the “Old Iron” Trustworthy Bike Pit Motorcycle Services 2694 5th Ave, Building B-Unit 2 Marion, IA 52303 319-651-8835 Jason.Bikepit@yahoo.com Guthrie Auto Body John Beer owner 1804 State Street Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-332-2484 10 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
F & J Racing Fred & Jackie Ingraham 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net J & S Custom Cycles Des Moines, Iowa 515-779-4632 M&M Garage 408 Market Street Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2425 mmgarage@iowatelecom.net Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
Bail Bonds Doc’s Bail Bonds Your 24/7 Prescription to Freedom in Minutes Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-4773 Iowa Bail Bonds 200 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 243-4411
Services RJM Trucking Cedar Rapids, Iowa 319-360-5433 Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995 BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
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Biker Accessories Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa Leather@netins.net www.leatherandhawgs.com Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa www.bncbikerwear.com 319-241-0916
Photo & Video Thunder Illusions Photo and Video From Mild to Wild Des Moines, Iowa thunderillusions@gmail.com www.thunderillusions.com Ulrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 (402) 894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa (712) 792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Big Barn Harley Davidson I-80 Exit 135 Des Moines, Iowa 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.com
Food & Drink Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900 Thomas Street Tap 1109 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2379 Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Wet Goods Food & Lounge 113 N. Chestnut Street Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-2111 Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 ToJo’s Jamaica Bar & Grill 408 Main Jamaica, Iowa 50178 641-429-3007 sellinsuds@yahoo.com Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Nitro’s Bar & Grill 310 Main Street Gravity, Iowa 50848 641-418-0004 Home of Sunday-Funday Rusty Duck Bar & Grill 723 Marshall Street Dexter, Iowa 50070 Tue-Sat 4-10pm 515-789-4142 Quick Rick’s Rib Joint 406 East Lincoln Highway (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6161 Tue-Sun 11:00am-8:00pm Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11
Phil’s 20oz Prime Rib Friday Nights 9956 Swanson Blvd Clive, Iowa 515-270-0959 Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p Texas Roadhouse 8744 Northpark Drive (I-80 at 86th street exit) Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-251-4597 Escape Lounge 8843 Northpark Ct, Johnston, IA 50131 515-276-2209 RJ’s Lounge 109 North Main Street Conrad, IA (641) 366-2687 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am Sunday 12pm-12am
The Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, IA 50120 (641) 475-3321 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am Sunday 12pm-12am Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh IA, 50557 515-359-9998 Email: riversidetap@gmail.com Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, IA (515) 681-5375 Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street, Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Tattoo
Corner Tap 35 North Center Street Marshalltown, IA (641) 753-9925 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am Sunday 12pm-2am
Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc.
Goat Ranch Saloon 105 South Main Street Baxter, IA (641) 227-3502
Bad Girlz Ink 1217 Willis Perry, Iowa 50220 515-465-2205
O’Kelly’s 106 North Main Street Baxter, IA 50028 (641) 227-3013
Attorneys
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com Rumours Sports Bar & Grill 309 South 12th Ave. Place Marshalltown, IA (641) 752-5477 Steve Priske-Owner 14th Street Tavern 3418 East 14th Street Des Moines, IA (515) 266-3446 Open Weekdays 8am-2pm Sat 10am-2pm and Sun 11am-2pm
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AIM/NCOM Richard M. Lester 800-531-2424 / 800-on-a-bike www.onabike.com
Events Across the Border Raid Bedford, Iowa August 4-6, 2011 Nitro’s Bike Rally Gravity, Iowa July 7-9, 2011 Circle of Pride Conesville, Iowa Hog Wild Rodeo May 26-28 Independence Bash July 1-2 T.I.T.S September 1-4 To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 11
Girls Of Thunder
flying mango restaurant and catering Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday from 5:00 PM 4345 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310 Reservation Requests and Carry-Out: 515-255-4111
Renee Gross Ferguson Harlan, Iowa 1992 Harley Softail
Laura Wine Lake City, Iowa 2009 Harley Fat Bob
During my visits to places to eat and review, I’m generally accompanied by my wife Lynnette and frequently we are joined by tt and Vernon. Believe it or not it’s difficult to find new and interesting places to go to for review (the tendency is to be lazy and go to the usual favorites). Since tt and Vernon were going to be in Des Moines anyway and Lynnette would be flying back into Des Moines from a work conference in Dallas, TX I would let the Schwartes decide on the venue for the evening’s culinary delight. When Vernon called and said they had decided on a place called Flying Mango, upon the recommendation of a friend, my first reaction was “Um, I’m not really into fruit that much!” I refrained from expressing my feelings, determining to keep an open mind, and immediately upon hanging up I went to the internet to see what I could find out about this fruit place. My search landed me at the restaurant’s web site, www.flyingmango.com. Check out their site for more info Upon arrival at the restaurant’s location I found that this place is EXTREMELY popular and has limited parking so a large majority of the parking is relegated to the side streets so be prepared for a bit of a walk. When I drove past I noticed an ambulance parked in the alley behind the restaurant... hmm, that’s interesting! Upon investigation it used to be an ambulance, now it’s a novelty vehicle used for catering... whew! You definitely want to make a reservation here, as I mentioned this place is VERY popular and a wait for seating could take a little while. Customer service is the cornerstone of this establishment; the waitresses are very helpful and friendly. The owner, Michael Wedeking, makes it a habit to come out and interact with his customers... tell a few jokes, fix a wobbly table and just make sure you are enjoying your meal (he also rides so he’s got to be OK, right?)
Dixie Harrison Anthon, Iowa 2005 Honda Shadow 500
Pat Staples Carroll, Iowa Black 2005 Yamaha V-Star
Are you from Iowa? Are you a Girl of Thunder? 12 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
Email us your pictures (highest resolution possible) to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Be sure to include the year, make, and model of your ride and what town you are from!!! Look for more Girls of Thunder next month.
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delicious... the honey butter was like the icing on the cake! Lynnette had the Big Chop and I have to tell you it was the largest chunk of pork chop I have ever seen!
Although I had checked out the menu online ahead of time and had narrowed my selection down to a couple of different dishes the final decision was still difficult. The menu is packed with so many delectable dishes that even eeny, meeny, miny, moe will land you on a delicious dish every time! My final selection Looking for a meal of was the Pick 3 BBQ platter so I could get a taste of more than just one dish. fruit? Although the name may indicate it Flying Mango isn’t the place to go. I chose ribs, chicken and brisket as my 3 BBQ selections. You also get your However if you’re looking for an interesting change in your BBQ diet then Flying choice of 2 side dishes of which I chose the cowboy beans and the cornbread Mango should be your destination! with honey butter. Allow me to start with the ribs, tender and tasty are the two words that best describe them. The chicken was moist and tender and very Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! delicious. The brisket was fall-apart-with-your-fork... no-knife-required tender Craig Little and delectably tasty. As long as I’m talking about meat I would like to touch on the homemade sauce in the squirt bottle on each table, this stuff is amazing! It craig@thunderroadsiowa.com can be put on any of the meat and it actually enhances the flavor of anything PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the it’s applied to. The cowboy beans is a mixture of several different types of woods, shoot me an email. beans in a sauce, they were awesome and the cornbread was mouthwateringly FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 13 www.thunderroadsiowa.com
E V E N T
Let There Be Rock!
If you are anything like me, I like to have music on all the time. I have a system in my house, and, of course, in my car and I listen to my iPod while I’m on a plane. I like my music… I really, really like my music. What better way to enjoy life then listening to your favorite artists while riding your motorcycle?
jam out to your favorite tunes.
Upgrading your speakers in you motorcycle can be a great way to maximize the stereo system currently on your bike and increase your enjoyment cruising down the highway. Doesn’t matter if you are rocking out to some AC/DC and Uncle Ted Nugent, feeling the base with some Gucci Mane, or keeping the rhythm to Lady A. There are some great manufacturers of some high quality speakers out there such as, Hogtunes, Harley-Davidson’s BOOM Audio, J&M, Hawg Wired, Kicker, and many others. The most popular brand now is Hogtunes. They cover everything from simple replacement speakers for around $100 to complete amplified upgraded systems for $550. The most popular speakers we sell are Amp and Front Speaker kit for the FLHX, FLHTC and FLTR/X models and the “3-Way for the Freeway” Complete Six Speaker kit for the FLHTCU, FLHTK, and FLTRU. The Amp and Front Speaker kit includes 24 watt x 2-channel amplifier with a pair of their high quality replacement front speakers. This kit can increase your sound level up to 50% over stock. The six speaker kit includes all four replacement speakers, fairing lower speakers with proper hardware, and a MAXXBASS amp to power all four front speakers. If you see Vernon out and about ask him what he thinks of this kit. He runs the Six Speaker kit on his FLHTK along with the Hogtunes “Hog-Pod”. The Hog-Pod is a complete add on tweeter kit that drastically improves your high-end sound and after being installed on your motorcycle looks like it came there from the factory. If you’re worried about it looking out of place on your painted inner fairing it can be easily disassembled and painted to match. Hogtunes also has speaker kits for the bikes without radios so that you can plug your iPod or other MP3 player in as you travel down the road.
J&M have been making speaker since the 1960’s. They have always been an excellent quality product and keep adding and changing their speakers to keep up with needs and trends. Their new BIG thing now is the 7 ¼” upgraded fairing speakers instead of the 5 ¼” from the factory. These are the largest speakers that can be installed into OEM Harley fairings and come with an adapter to be able to mount to the 5 ¼ mounting hole. They carry a 140 watt max power per speaker and the tweeters are mounted in the grille work instead of the center of the speaker itself. When installed with their 250 watt amp that puts out 125Wx2 they can put some serious vibrations in the air. And if that isn’t enough for you Hells Foundry has what they call the “Woof Pak” which is an 8” JL Audio subwoofer and 200 Watt amplifier in a custom enclosure that fits right into your tour-pak and still leaves plenty of room for your other belongings. If they can’t hear your exhaust they will be able to hear your radio coming down the road. These are just a few your options of better sound systems available for your bike. I have covered the choices I think are some of the best on the market. Come into Carroll Cycle Center and witness the Six Speaker kit by Hogtunes and the BOOM Audio system in person; we have both options installed in bikes on the show floor. We are also here to answer your questions and help you make the best choice for you and your bike. So when spring comes, do Ozzy proud and wave the devil horns while listening to a fantastic system on your bike. Tony Parts Manager, Carroll Cycle Center
Harley-Davidson’s Boom Audio is another heavy hitter on the market. Released just last year, I’ve been getting some good feedback on these. Simply switching out the factory speakers has been a huge improvement. With their new 40 watt per channel amplifier on the Tour-Pak equipped models your system will be distortion-free at freeway speed. This year they also released the BOOM Audio Cruiser Amp and Speaker Kit that mounts two 3.5” speakers on your handlebars or the windshield mounted version that you can hook up to any MP3 player and www.thunderroadsiowa.com
FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 15
16 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
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FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 17
Presidents’ day
Bike: 2010 Victory Ness Jackpot-Werner Cycle WorksModel: Sarah Langfeldt Photo: V
IOWA
February2011
March 125:00 pm Ladies only event for potential riders
North Iowa Motorcycle Expo 2010 ~ April 10th-11th, 2010 It’s no secret that wintertime through out the Midwest can get pretty hairy. Folks in Iowa know this all too well and have dealt with their share of mountainous snow falls and bitter cold, so come the first part of April, the season’s change is in the air and cabin fever has made us all a little crazy-er! It’s not unusual to see a few snowflakes this time of year, but by April spring fever sets in, and it’s hard to keep us biker folk locked up in a cage any longer!
For many years, folks with ABATE of Iowa’s District 7 have hosted their annual Northern Iowa Motorcycle Expo on the 2nd weekend in April, which always keeps folks watching the weather man. Past years have shown the frigid face of old man winter, which is why the event is held indoors at the North Iowa Fairgrounds in Mason City, Iowa. This past year’s event took place April 10th-11th, but for a change in pace, the weather couldn’t have been better. It’s pretty safe to say that more people attended the event on 2 wheels, rather than 4, which made for some show quality bikes sitting outside in the sunshine too. The show is housed in two buildings on the grounds, with the swap meet and vendor area in the main building, where vendors packed into every nook and cranny of the joint. Any unusual parts, leather goods, biker artwork, and accessories could be found, with DJ music all weekend, along with food and cold beer served all day. The crowds rolled in on Saturday to witness the excellent assortment of artwork on display in the tattoo contest, and rumor has it that a few ladies might’ve shown some ink in unmentionable areas of their shapely bodies after the show. The town of Mason City opened up its doors for bikers, and the local watering holes were happy to keep folks entertained. There’s a killer bar-b-q joint just down the road, and if the beers hadn’t been flowing so heavily, a fella might remember the name of that particular establishment. Oh well, guess they should’ve combined the place with a titty bar, ‘cause just the other direction sits a hole in the wall called Willow Run. Now, after a few too many cocktails a handful of hotties decided to bare some chest hair for any watching soul, so a person can’t forget the name of a fine establishment like that! Come Sunday morning back at the Expo, folks showed signs that they must’ve tied it on a bit too hard, ‘cause a best beard contest was slated, but cancelled for lack of contestants. But then again, with the weekend’s warm weather, all the 20 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
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Develop skills, meet new friends feel comfortable with the sport of motorcycling. For any woman who is looking to take the next step to get behind the handlebars… Space is limited. RSVP Required.
(515) 265-4 4 4 4
Big-Barn Harley-Davidson® 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, IA 50313
www.bigbarnhd.com
hairy biker folks might’ve shaved their winter coats. That’s OK though, ‘cause over in the bike show building a couple of long legged brunettes were spotted prancing around the place, and stopping to pose on folks rides, and for some reason they really took a liking to a killer Triumph chopper! Bike show awards were handed out around 3PM Sunday, with nearly every contestant taking home a trophy. Shouts need to go out to Kent Clemons, Mike Cmelik, Phil McCormick, and the numerous volunteers from District 7 that make this happen every year. Oh shit, just about forgot to mention that blonde babe in the pink dress who was handing out trophies. Damn sure wish I could remember her name! This year’s Expo will be held at the same location, on April 9th-10th. For more info contact Mike at 641-529-0466.
We Do Custom: Hats, Can Cozies, T/shirts, Patches etc.. We also Offer Leather Repair & Sewing..
(319) 241-0916
Nate Ullrich (www.natanic.com) www.thunderroadsiowa.com
FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 21
E V E N T
News Bytes THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com. NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES - Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
MOTORCYCLE-RIDING CONGRESSWOMAN SHOT In what has been described as a national tragedy, a deranged gunman opened fire during a public meeting with constituents by Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords outside a Tucson supermarket on January 8 that left six dead and more than a dozen injured including the state rep who was critically injured with a bullet wound to the head. Giffords, 40, rides motorcycles and married an astronaut at a wedding where everything had to be biodegradable. She is a centrist three-term Democrat who champions gun rights, lists fiscal discipline as one of her top issues and was re-elected in a conservative district when Republicans took control of the House. Before entering politics she ran the family tire business, which was founded by her grandfather in 1949. Perhaps growing up in an auto-focused family led to her love of motorcycles. She is a co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus with Republican Walt Jones of North Carolina. In 2009 Rep. Giffords taped a video message encouraging people to ride their motorcycles to work, saying that she likes to ride motorcycles, but also likes that they leave a smaller carbon footprint than cars. She also sided with motorcycle riders who favor state legislation to ride helmet-free, as she does. Though early reports suggested Giffords was fatally shot, she miraculously survived being shot point-blank through the brain and her doctors are optimistic about her chances of recovery. The thoughts and prayers of America’s motorcycling community are with her and the other victims of this tragic assault. NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS The New Year rang in several new laws across the country affecting the motorcycle riding community, including the onerous new California anti-noise law that requires EPA-labeling for motorcycle exhausts on bikes built after 2012. Other less volatile laws also took effect on January 1st, including another California law that requires would-be motorcyclists under 21 to complete an approved safety course before an applicant can receive an instruction permit to learn to ride. California lawmakers also passed a law to curb motorcycle thefts by outlawing possession of so-called “pigtails” which are homemade ignitions that allow a crook to start a motorcycle in as little as 20 seconds. Previously, burglary tools for the purpose of breaking into or stealing a vehicle other than a motorcycle were prohibited. Several states have recently enacted legislation requiring the completion of a motorcycle training course before being issued a motorcycle license endorsement, and this year Connecticut and North Carolina join the growing list of states tightening restrictions on motorcycle licensure for newbie riders. In Oregon, a new training requirement went into effect to mandate safety classes for new motorcyclists under the age of 30, and the law will expand over the next few years to include all new riders regardless of age. Already in the works for 2011, state legislatures are considering new laws to ban passengers under 8 years old in Virginia (House Bill 1850), allow Sunday motorcycle sales in Indiana (Senate Bill 108), and calls for a helmet law in Kentucky (House Bill 163). In Nebraska, Legislative Bill 62 has been filed to allow adult riders to opt out of the state’s mandatory helmet law with the completion of an approved motorcycle safety course. EUROPEAN COMMISSION ADVOCATES MANDATORY ABS FOR MOTORCYCLES A European Union Commission has presented its proposal for new framework regulation for motorcycles. It plans to mandate anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for motorcycles with more than 125cc displacement from 2017 onwards. 22 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
News Bytes
Although the first anti-lock braking system was installed on a motorcycle in 1988, only 16% of all newly manufactured motorcycles in Europe were equipped with ABS, and by comparison car manufacturers have made ABS standard equipment since 2004 which has contributed to a 49% overall decline in fatal car accidents in the EU. Experts regard anti-lock braking as a huge boost to safety. For example, a benefit analysis conducted for the European Commission calculates that the proposed regulation would reduce the number of fatal motorcycle accidents by more than 5,000 over a 10-year period. A study presented by Vagverket, the Swedish highways authority, in October 2009 showed that 38% of all motorcycle accidents involving personal injury and 48% of all serious and fatal accidents, could have been prevented with ABS. This active safety system allows motorcyclists to brake safely in critical situations without locking the wheels, and thus without having to fear an inevitable fall. Braking distance is also significantly reduced. The proposal is currently passing through the EU legislative procedure but will likely be adopted next year. The regulation will come into effect from 2017. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has considered requiring ABS on new motorcycles sold in America, and will likely take up the issue in the near future. ECONOMIC UPTICK HAS AMERICANS BUYING LEISURE PRODUCTS AGAIN People are buying expensive leisure products again, after they held back during the recession. A new report from Milwaukee’s Robert W. Baird and Company said motorcycle sales fell by half during the downturn, and ATV sales were just 30% of what they used to be. But Baird analyst Craig Kennison says many consumers now have a brighter outlook, in spite of high unemployment and a housing market that continues to be depressed. He said inventories for new leisure items are low, and there’s a strong demand for used goods. Kennison said Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson Motor Co. slashed its production during the recession - and that drove up the prices for used bikes. But now, he says more folks are buying new Harleys with the help of trade-ins. And while it’s hard to prove, Kennison expects the same trend for cars, RV’s, and other big ticket items. He also said consumers are more confident about their personal wealth, especially after the Bush tax cuts were extended. Had Congress not acted this month, Kennison said it might have been a disaster for discretionary spending. SURVEY SAYS; AGE UP, QUALITY DOWN Bikers are getting older and they spend more at a motorcycle dealership they are happy with, according to a new ownership survey recently released by J.D. Power and Associates. J.D. Power’s 13th annual U.S. Motorcycle Competitive Information Study also reveals that motorcycle quality has dipped to 2008 levels, with 152 problems reported per 100 motorcycles (PPM) -- an increase of 29 PPM. One half of owners surveyed reported that most of those problems (44%) are engine related, and the study suggests that gearshift problems, clutch chatter, and insufficient engine power have the greatest impact on overall satisfaction. The study cites a few no-brainers, like the fact that “Sales volumes and revenue of ancillary goods and services tend to be considerably higher -- by an average of $957 -- at motorcycle dealerships that provide a highly satisfying experience vs. dealerships that do not.” But the causal relationship between customer satisfaction and dollars spent is less ominous than their findings that the average rider age has risen from 40 to 49 since 2001, “an indication that many owners may soon exit the market”... combined with the study’s findings that first-time motorcycle buyers are on the decline, makes it all the more imperative that the motorcycle industry seeks to capture the interest of younger riders who might consider buying their first bike.
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FEWER BUSINESSES SELLING MOTORCYCLES, PARTS & ACCESSORIES There are 10,428 retail outlets in the United States that conduct business related to motorcycles, scooters or ATVs, down by more than 25% from 13,973 such businesses in 2009, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. These were the principle findings of the MIC 2010 Retail Outlet Audit, a summary of which the council sent to its members this week. The audit was completed in December 2010. The report broke down the total by the number of retailers that sell new major-brand vehicles -- 5,134, or 49.2% -- and the number of retailers not selling new vehicles, but specializing in parts, accessories, apparel, used vehicles or service: 5,294, or 50.8%. The MIC conducted its research by collecting information from all the manufacturers above, as well as from the trade magazines Dealernews and Motorcycle Product News. Because the study’s sources vary from year to year, the MIC warns that comparisons with previous years are subject to “considerable error.” The report further indicates that 58.8% of the new vehicle retail outlets carry only one of the 13 major brands. Slightly less than one-fifth are dual-line outlets, and 21.9% carry three or more of the major brands. The total number of franchises distributed among the 5,134 new vehicle outlets declined 5.6% to 9,182 from 9,731 in 2009.
Quebec City motorcycle show. “They give the impression of being organized, documented and especially very motivated,” the firm stated in its two-page report after observing the group at the bike show. The report stated that the motorcycle owners were “dynamic and aggressive in their approach” with visitors. Members of the group were appalled to learn that the government would pay a private firm to monitor their activities. “We are outraged, flabbergasted and scandalized to learn that taxpayers’ money was used to spy on us. We are average taxpayers. We aren’t al-Qaeda,” said Éric Lessard, spokesman for the group. “The government is showing complete contempt for motorcycle owners.” The board denied spying on the group, telling the Globe and Mail newspaper that “There was a lot of anger and we knew protest groups were being formed,” according to a spokeswoman for the automobile insurance board, Audrey Chaput. “We granted a contract to the firm National to go out and listen to what the groups were saying and to feel the pulse of the movement.” Motorcycle owners have protested vigorously against insurance rate increases that have doubled since 2007 for owners of average-size motorcycles and more than quadrupled for owners of high-powered motorcycles considered more hazardous by the insurance board.
NO BONES ABOUT IT Most “experts” agree that riding motorcycles helps you to FEEL younger, but can riding actually make your body healthier and more youthful? A recent Medical College of Georgia study found that; “A daily dose of whole body vibration may help reduce the usual bone density loss that occurs with age,” on top of improving muscle strength and promoting weight loss... so it would appear that pulsating power from a motorcycle engine and the rumble of the open road will help aging bones get stronger. The extrapolation isn’t entirely far-fetched, and may lead to a healthy new excuse to ride; “Honey, I’m taking my exer-cycle for a workout.”
2011 NCOM CONVENTION IN ALBUQURQUE Mark your calendar now for the 26th annual NCOM Convention, to be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 5-8, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque located at 330 Tijeras Ave NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual gathering will draw bikers’ rights activists from across the country to discuss topics of concern to all riders, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $80.00 by calling (800) 233-1234. Airport/Hotel transportation is available. Registration fees for the NCOM Convention are $75 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $40 for the Convention only. All motorcyclists are welcome and encouraged to attend. Meetings, seminars and group discussions will focus on legislative efforts and litigation techniques to benefit our right to ride and Freedom of the Road. To pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
WEIRD NEWS: CANADIAN BIKERS OUTRAGED OVER GOVERNMENT SPYING Motorcycle operators in Quebec are outraged that the province’s automobile insurance board hired a private PR firm “to spy on us” and gather information about the group. The insurance board decided to monitor the group of motorcyclists earlier this year after learning that a coalition of angry owners had been formed to fight huge insurance rate hikes. The public relations firm National was granted a contract to investigate the activities of the Front Commun Motocycliste, which had set up kiosks at a
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Political tags - such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth - are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire.” Robert Anson Heinlein (1907-1988) American author and science fiction writer
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FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 23
ABATE
readers’ submissions Dream Rider
Update
To start I would like to wish everyone a late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The start of new Legislative decisions is upon us and we need to stay alert. There are many new people in the State House and we need to watch them closely. Lately, there has been much talk about a helmet bill and we need to keep a watchful eye to ensure it remains just talk. I would like to encourage you all to join ABATE of Iowa if you are not already a member. After you join, make a point to attend your local meetings and see what ABATE is doing to protect your rights. Come and help us as we fight for Iowa to remain a helmet free state. Your rights are on the line here.
I hope you all have a good and safe year ahead, Assistant State Coordinator Abate of Iowa Steven “Rambo” Schilmoeller
It’s probably a fairly safe assumption that if you are reading this you survived the Christmas holidays. There we are, in the middle of everything, focused on Christmas and the twelve gazillion parties and get - togethers and all of a sudden -bam - it’s over and time again to get the calendars out and start planning a new year. It’s time to start the process of deciding where to go, who and what to see, what worked and what didn’t. As the sage American philosopher Clint Eastwood so aptly put it, “A man’s got to know his limitations.’’ CMA starts the New Year with regional and state meetings that are designed to get everyone on the same path. I was asked to put together a class for one of these on road captains for some of the new chapter officers coming on and I got thinking about the journey of life and the parallels between the natural and the spiritual. In the beginning there is preparation and planning to get ready and to know where we are going. A good road captain knows the route; he has traveled the path and is aware of the dangers. He has great concern for his riders, he knows where they are, their ride levels and the condition of their equipment. He is a good communicator before, during, and after with words, signals, and by overall example. A good road captain also knows the value of having other experienced riders along to help watch and instruct the novices. The safety and well being of the riders is important. You have to remember that Sportster tanks don’t go as far on gas as a Road King, and that ladies like more bathroom stops, which is okay because it promotes visiting and bonding along the way. Flexibility is important because you have so many variables to take into account. No matter how well you plan there is the unforeseen that may manifest as break downs, illnesses, and the inevitable changing weather. The group needs to talk at rest stops to see how everyone is doing, if there are potential problems ahead, and what is coming up along the road. You may have seen the patch around that says “Jesus is my road captain”. It’s important that we have him leading us in this journey. He has gone before us to scout the route. He came as a baby, lived life, was tempted in all ways that we have been and then he provided a safe way home. He is not limited in the ways of our natural Road Captains. Being omnipresent and omniscient, Jesus knows where we are at all times and that we are in different places. He can handle that and knows exactly what we need for our situation, whatever we may be facing. The book of Jeremiah says, “ For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’. He cares for us. So as we look forward to a new season, whatever your situation now or down the road, don’t forget where to look for help and direction. God is bigger than all your problems whatever they may be. He has seen it all before and has made a way for us all. Look to Jesus.
Like a lover Sneaking looks Through cracked doors Separating me From dream filled desires. Shafts of light Cut through half dark spaces chrome and polish Reflecting rhythms in my soul. Impatiently She rests With haunting need To find Open air and flowing roads. In reluctance I resist Mounting her and awakening Memories of motion and sound.
My needs Outweigh cold But ice And snow Rule reason this day. With remorse And determination I avert my eyes Stepping away From her insistent calling. Soon I lie To her and I We shall Once again Share entwined adventures. Behind the door My partner anxiously Awaits As dreams of escape and explored limits take me away. EAR
Everybody has a story!
Another year has ended, A new one just begun. How many lives were given, For how many battles won? It seems never ending, The “casualties” of war. When will the World stand up and say, “We won’t take it anymore”? We all pray for miracles. Not just now, but everyday. It shouldn’t take a miracle, To make war go away. Why can’t we all just get along? How often someone says those words. It takes a conscience effort, To be seen…and not just heard.
Dana Vincent
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Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org.
24 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
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From the Woman’s Seat ride down to Hamburg, Iowa and back to Omaha. It was a great time and all of the ladies were awesome. We bonded and ended up doing a few rides together that year.
My name is Gretchen... (G for short).
This year will be my fourth year riding solo. I ride a 2001 Fat Boy. This was the bike I started on and have loved every minute riding. I’ve always known that I would someday have and ride my own Harley. I had met a woman rider named Lisa a few years back and was so envious of her. I think I told her once “I want to be just like you”. She would tell her story about how she started riding and she seemed so confident and secure with herself, I knew in the back of my mind that someday I WILL riding. I think if you set your mind to something you will always find a way to make it happen. It may take a while but it is well worth the wait. I was a passenger for a couple of years and loved being able to go for rides. But after awhile (being the Miss Independent that I am) I just didn’t feel like waiting around for someone to take me out for rides. I wanted to go when I wanted to go. So I bought my bike, yes I did that first, took the Riders Edge class and have been riding ever since. What an experience that class was. I was the only female in the class. It was so cold that weekend and I think it was even sleeting during our riding time. I wanted to quit so bad. But I couldn’t be a wimp in front of the guys and my Bad Ass bike was waiting for me in the garage. So I passed the class and got my endorsement!! The first year I started riding I had no women rider friends. I always rode with the boys. Fortunately my riding partner was very understanding to my learning needs. He let me take my time and always had helpful advice.
During the following year I would meet a new lady rider who would come through the dealership just about every week if not more. So for the 2nd annual ride I had a signup sheet a few months in advance, hoping to get at least 25 ladies signed up, then when that number quickly got filled my goal was 50. But by the time May rolled around, I had just about 100 ladies wanting to join in on the ride!!!! It officially ended up being 50 ladies because it was soooooo cold! It was a great day though. We had a light breakfast, took some cool group pictures then had a police cruiser escort us up to 72nd and Harrison. What a great feeling that was. I had goose bumps seeing all of the ladies in my rear view mirror all the way down 72nd. It was an awesome sight to see. The day was great and the sun finally came out when we got to our final destination, Route 66 for our after party which we had an all women’s band “The Clincher” playing for us. It was such a great time.
Molly’s 30th Feb 5th Live Music Feb 12th Tim’s B-Day Party Feb 26th
I cannot wait for our 3rd ride coming up in May 2011 on the 14th. I am so fortunate to have met so many great women. It is unbelievable when I think about how many of us are out there living our dream. It’s not a “men’s” only world anymore in the biker community. I often find that the women are doing more RIDING then the men. Don’t get me wrong fellas, I love riding with you too. It’s just a great feeling to know that there are so many of us out there and we are all sisters with a common bond. Keep riding ladies and keep building those friendships. It is never too late in life to start riding. If it is something you can dream about, it is definitely something you can make happen. I am so excited for future rides and being able to be involved in LOH (Ladies of Harley) this year. I was nominated by the Omaha/Council Bluffs chapter to be the LOH Officer. One thing I have learned about the biker community, men and women riders are the most caring generous people when It comes to helping people out in need. I plan on giving as much to the community as I can in my new position. I can’t wait to meet more of you lady riders and you always have a riding partner as long as I’m on two wheels. Peace Out, Ride Safe. G.
The more and more I became confident with my riding ability the more and more I started wondering…….where are all the ladies at, I know I’m not the only one out here. Having the advantage for working at the Holstein’s Harley Davidson dealership, I started noticing and meeting more and more lady riders. After talking with some of the ladies it sounded as if a lot of them were longing for a connection with other women riders also. So I had this idea of getting a ride together just for women to meet other women riders and maybe build friendships, support systems and have some riding buddies. Our first year we had 17 lady riders on our run. It was a beautiful day in May. We picked May because it is Lady Riders Month. With the help of my very first lady rider friend Marge (my very own personal GPS) who helped me with mapping out the route, we had a nice 26 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
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Girls ride too
ditch my beautiful, unmarked, not-a-scratch-onit, Sporty flew. I skid across the pavement on my knee and left hip. And I cried.
My boyfriend, Kevin (49 years old) and I (50 years old) decided to buy Harley motorcycles the winter of 2008. My initial motive was to be able to ride with my son, who has ridden motorcycles for years. June 2008, he was deployed to Iraq for 18 months with the Iowa National Guard. I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible when he returned. He loves his time on his Harley. I knew that he would spend many hours on his bike that first summer home. I had never driven a motorcycle; I had ridden a couple of times (as a passenger) which scared me to death! My boyfriend, on the other hand, had had a serious motorcycle accident at the age of 21, which left him in a coma for three months. He had not ridden since then. After he was released from the hospital, he said he drove his bike around the block and never got on another motorcycle again. So we started looking for bikes on Craigslist. I really did not know what I wanted. I just knew I wanted a Harley, and the smallest would be a Sportster. Kev found an ad on Craigslist for a sporty that was owned by a woman my size. She looked really cute on her bike! We went down to look at it. Here was the kicker. I needed my boyfriend, who had not ridden in 27 years, to test drive it. Down the driveway he went, wobbling to and fro, jumped the curb, and out of sight he went. The lady began 28 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
screaming, “He’s going to drop my bike!” I reassured her that all was fine, even though that was not how my stomach was feeling. When Kevin did return, he pulled in the driveway like an old pro. Once he was out on the road, he said it all came back to him and it felt great to be riding again!! That cold November day, I bought my first Harley Davidson motorcycle. It is a 2003 883 Sportster 100th anniversary model, gun metal blue. It has a lowering kit, forward controls, and handlebar risers so that the handlebars are closer to the rider. It fits me like a glove! Shortly thereafter, Kev also bought a 2000 1200 Sportster on Craigslist. This bike he test drove with snow on the streets! Now I needed to learn how to ride and he needed a refresher course. We turned to our local Harley Dealership and signed up for classes in April 2009. That was a long winter. After the snow melted, Kevin was out on his bike riding up and down the road, back and forth, back and forth. Then after a while, he would drive to one of the small towns close to us and just drive around practicing on stop and go, and turns. I was feeling a little left out. So I begged him to show me how to start and stop. I wanted to just go up and down the drive. I have a Miata that has a stick so I understood the basics of shifting gears. Bad idea! The bike took off and across the road and into the www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Kevin told me maybe I was not meant to ride. Don’t tell me I can’t do something!!!! I took that as a challenge, but I did wait to get on the bike again until after my safety class in April. The class was very exciting. We had 2 days of class work and we were ready to start riding! There were 5 guys ranging from 16 to 49, and myself. I had new chaps, gloves, helmet, and a leather riding jacket. I was soooo excited. The teacher was about my age. After the first hour, he pulled me off to the side and told me to get off my bike. I did, but I did not understand. Yes, I was having difficulty keeping the bike running, but I had paid $300.00 to learn how to ride! The teacher said I should never ride a bike!!! Determination was setting in hard. I WILL RIDE A MOTORCYCLE!!! And I will be good at it!! I spent the rest of that weekend watching Kevin, and engraving into my brain every instruction the teacher gave the guys. Monday morning I had Kevin get my Sporty out and take me to the farm yard. By the afternoon I was driving my Harley around the burn pile and up and down the farm drive. I rode every day, and as I became more and more confident, I ventured out into what used to be horse pastures, around the house, the barn, and the machine sheds. I was very happy. A girl friend of mine saw me riding in the horse pasture one day. She said I needed to be on the road, “it will be a lot easier”. What do you know!! It was easier on the paved road. I signed up for another safety class to be taught in June.
The second class was being taught by a young man in his twenties. This class had other women that, for one reason or another, had flunked out of their first class. He was great. When I had difficulty with something, he would laugh at my response which was, “Am I done? Are you going to kick me out?” I passed the course with flying colors, and he said I am a good rider!! I live in the country so we would drive to one of the little towns or the state parks that are within an hour from our home. One day there was a strong wind from the south. I had a semi coming towards me (on a two lane east-west road) and my boyfriend was behind me. At the same instant that I passed a house on the south side of the road, the semi also passed me. What a rush. The house blocked the wind and I was leaning so hard that I was instantly driving on the gravel on the side of the road. Once again, the cardo-riders that we bought to be able to talk to each other, paid for themselves. Very calmly Kev said, “Karen, hand off the throttle, no braking, slow down, and get back on the pavement.” I would like to know what went through that semi drivers head when I left the road, or if he even saw me. The idea that you have to look the way you are turning was difficult for me to grasp. Kev would ride behind me and as I would turn
there would be a running commentary from him saying things like, “Don’t look at the ditch; turn your head, look the way you are turning.” We were riding with a friend of Kev’s one day. Kev was the leader, I was behind him, and the friend was behind me. We stopped at a T intersection. Kev turned left. I looked at the ditch and drove across the road right down into the ditch. His friend was messing with his earplugs and looked up and I was gone from sight! It’s a good thing I learned to ride in a horse pasture! I just rode down the ditch to the next driveway and got back up on the road. The early days were eventful for me. Kev says riding with me is never a dull moment. Once I pulled up to a stop sign and fell over. That was probably the most embarrassing. OK, OK! That wasn’t the most embarrassing moment. We were at a bar with friends, you know, new riding buddies. I had a drink but I was in no way drunk. The bar was on a steep hill, so that when I parked, the kickstand was uphill. I came out, sat on my bike, and when I stood it up, the bike and I fell downhill! That is my most embarrassing moment. I did learn that once the bike tips, you have to turn the bike completely off, and back on, to reset some switch. Then it will restart. Another time we were headed to a t-ball game for my grandson. Kev made a left turn and
I was supposed to follow him. However, I overshot the turn, there was a car coming and cars parked on both sides of the road. Once I started my turn, I realized I could not make that sharp of a turn at my speed; on to plan B. I hopped up on the sidewalk. Kev looked in his rearview mirror and he couldn’t see me. He said, “Where are you?” I answered, “Look to the right, I am on the sidewalk!” He said “What the hell are you doing up there?” So if you see a biker riding on the sidewalk or through your neighbor’s flower bed, don’t be so quick to judge. Maybe he just couldn’t make the turn. LOL 2000 miles under my belt was my goal that first summer. We rode to work, went to bike rallies, patriot guard events, and just wandered aimlessly. I actually put over 8,000 miles on my Sporty, and Kevin logged 13,000 on his that summer. My son came home from Iraq safe and sound to a new bike of his own. He is very proud of me, and is proud to introduce me to his buddies when we ride together. And I am very proud to be the mother of an American soldier! God Bless America, Keep it on two! Karen Shepard & Kevin Powell
ROAD M.C. Well, ROAD M.C. was founded in Germany while some of our boys were stationed there. We are one of the older clubs still in existence. Our chapter here in Iowa has become known for helping people in need. There are many ways to help others, and one way is to do benefits to raise some funds for those who need a little boost. We do a fundraising breakfast once a month, usually the second Sunday of the month, throughout the winter, and then a dance in the spring of the year. We used to give our profits to large foundations, such as Spinal Cord Research, Alzheimer’s, A plastic anemia, and Diabetes Association, but we decided to keep our profits closer to home, and help people locally that are having a tough time and a troubled time in life. We’re not a large chapter by any means, but we pull together and work hard at fund raisings. Our next breakfast is the 13th of Feb, and our last breakfast is the 13th of March. All of our breakfasts are held in Brayton, Iowa. If you are worried about finding it in Brayton, don’t worry, there are signs, and Brayton is a very small town. Our dance will be the 2nd of April and it will be at Uncle Jerry’s in Exira, Iowa. We are raffling off a Toshiba Laptop, with a Cannon printer, and 1/2 of a hog, and 1/4 of a beef, along with a live auction, and a silent auction. Travlin Light will be playing. I wish to thank everyone who has donated and trusted us to put their donations to good use. Come see us sometime! On behalf of ROAD M.C., Thanks Mayor Erv www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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BACON
LOVERS CHEESEBURGER MEATLOAF
In large mixing bowl, combine: 3 Hefty Handfuls of Thickly Shredded, Extra Sharp, Cheddar Cheese Add in 2 Slightly Whisked Eggs (as a glue base) 2 Tbls. Worcestershire 10 Pieces of Thick Bacon, Fried Up Crisp & Crumbled 1 Large Purple Onion; large chop 1/2 of an 8 oz. Can of Tomato Sauce 2 Pounds of Ground Round Dash of Garlic Powder & Dash of Rosemary Salt & Ground Pepper to Taste 1 Pkg. of Pre-Sliced Fresh Mushrooms 4 Beef Bouillon Cubes Dissolved in 1/4 Cup Hot Water 2 Tbls. Liquid Smoke (*optional)
BROWN
SUGAR & SPICE GLAZED SALMON
2 Tbls. Brown Sugar 4 Tbls. Butter 2 tsp. Honey 2 Tbls. EVOO 2 Tbls. Dijon Mustard 2 Tbls. Soy Sauce Salt & Ground Pepper to Taste 2 Salmon Fillets (apprx. 2 to 2-1/2 lbs. each)
Mix it all up good. Transfer to a baking ban with higher sides than a cookie sheet. Line your pan with double foil for easy clean-up. Pat firmly to form a loaf shape. Bake in 350 degree pre-heated oven for 1 hour. 10 mins. before time to pull, pour remaining can of tomato sauce all over it to cover well and return to oven. When you pull from oven, allow to “rest” for no less than 10 minutes. Because you used the Ground Round, it will far less greasy and the bouillon gives it a good, hearty taste to offset the cheesy taste. * Remember...it’s the month for lovers...don’t let your “meat” loaf. :) CURRIED SWEET POTATO LATKES (Basically, Russian style hashbrowns) 1/2 Cup of All-Purpose Flour 2 tsp. Sugar, Splenda or Truvia 2 tsp. Curry Powder 1 tsp. Baking Powder 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper 1 tsp. Brown Sugar 1 tsp. Ground Cumin 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper 2 Eggs, Slightly Beaten 1/2 Cup Whole Milk 4 Cups of Grated, Peeled Sweet Potatoes 3/4 tsp. Salt - 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper Light Oil for Frying
In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir the brown sugar, butter & honey until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the EVOO, mustard, soy sauce & salt & pepper. Cool for 5 minutes. Place salmon in a foil-lined broiling pan; brush generously with glaze mixture. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven and after plating up, pour more of the glaze sauce over top of fillets. * Even if you’ve never really liked or even tried salmon before, you will absolutely love it if you make it this way. LEMON
LOVERS COOKIES FOR LOVERS
3/4 Cup of Real Butter, Softened 3 Tbls. Sugar, Splenda or Truvia 2 tsp. Real Lemon Juice 1-1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour 1/2 Cup Cornstarch 1 tsp. Grated Lemon Peel
LEMON FROSTING: 1/4 Cup Butter, Softened 1 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar 2 tsp. Lemon Juice & 1 tsp. Grated Lemon Peel In small bowl, cream butter & sugar. Beat in lemon juice. Combine flour, cornstarch & lemon peel; gradually add to creamed mixture & mix well. Shape into 1-1/2 inch roll & wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Unwrap & cut into 1/4 in. slices. Place on un-greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 9 minutes. Cool completely. In small bowl, beat all the Lemon Frosting ingredients until silky smooth. Spread over totally cooled cookies & sprinkle with additional lemon peel. Let stand until frosting is set. * These are perfect w/ coffee or hot tea.
In a small bowl, combine the first (9) ingredients. Stir in slightly beaten eggs & milk until blended. Add grated sweet potatoes, toss to coat. Heat oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into oil; press lightly to flatten out. Fry for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown & crispy, adding a tad more oil if needed. Drain well on thick paper towels.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home. 30 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
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Main Street Savanna.
Jerry also owns another bar just a couple doors down called Hog Dogs, where he supplied free burgers to everyone after the ride, and event T-shirts for only $5 bucks! He also rolled up the front doors of the building, so that everyone could sit around the tables with beers in hand, and watch the traffic stroll through
Sunday’s ride this year was also changed up a bit… The ride crossed back over into Iowa, and took a trip across Highway 64 to Anamosa for their hill climb. The National Motorcycle Museum and J&P Cycles are also located in Anamosa, so it seemed like a “no brainer” to point the ride that direction. The ride later returned
back to the Iron Horse Sunday afternoon, where local favorite the Cal Stage Band was entertaining the crowd. The ride will likely take place again in early September 2011, and for more info you can check out www. castironride.com, or call the Iron Horse at 815-273-2600. Nate Ullrich (www.natanic.com)
Saturday’s ride so much last year, that it was decided to do the exact same route again. Only problem was that during lunch in Balltown, word spread that the Cassville Ferry was closed, so the ride redirected through Dubuque, and continued on towards New
A few years back, a couple by the names Earl and Julie Reichmann got together with some friends, and started what they called the Cast Iron Ride. Earl and Julie both ride Shovelheads, so the idea was a ride for 1984 and earlier bikes, and everyone was encouraged to ride at their own pace, rather than feel pressured to ride at a pace with others who wanted to hot rod it up from stop to stop. For years, the event was always held on a Sunday in September in central/northern Illinois. Last year, Earl decided to ad the Saturday before, and start the ride at the Iron Horse Social Club in Savanna, Illinois. The Iron Horse is a beautiful watering hole with about 35 antique bikes on display, so it seemed like a natural spot to start. First stop from there was at Jim Long’s shop in Bellevue, Iowa. Jim’s shop is in a great location right along the Mississippi River,
Diggins and the Iron Horse.
Bring the open road to your mailbox.... Order your subscription today! and he’s been restoring antique motorcycles for over 30 years. His shop is literally like taking a step back in time!
a stop in the old mining town of New Diggins, Wisconsin, before heading back to the Iron Horse for a nightcap.
From there, next stop was in Balltown, Iowa for lunch, and to take in Iowa’s highest point of elevation, which looks across the river into Wisconsin. From Balltown, everyone took the Cassville Ferry across the river into Cassville, Wisconsin, with
Last year, the ride left the Iron Horse on Sunday morning, and continued to the Vintage Spokes motorcycle museum in Rockford, Illinois. This year however, Earl and Julie couldn’t make the trip, so Jerry from the Iron Horse took the reigns. Everyone enjoyed
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Alcohol Poisoning – What Ethanol is doing to your bike
By Gary Westphalen By Gary Westphalen Thunder Roads WV
It has happened to one of my bikes. It has happened to one of Donna’s bikes. It may well have happened to yours. We fed them Italcohol, has happened to onethem of my bikes. It has happened to one of Donna’s and it made sick.
bikes. It may well have happened to yours. We fed them alcohol, and it It sounds like a great plan, at first glance. By converting corn and made them sick. other crops grown on American soil into ethanol, we can reduce our
If you can find a filling station with a banner like this, patronize it.
The full text of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announcement regarding the approval of E15 gasoline is available on our website at www. thunderroadswv.com.
lower temperature than gasoline, yet it burns hotter. Inside your engine, this combination can lead to premature detonation – engine knock – which robs power and harms engine components. In our April, 2010 issue (see The $1,000 Fill-Up, on page 24) we brought you the story of a bike that had its head gaskets burned away. The service technician who rebuilt the engine attributed this to excessive heat in the cylinders, probably caused by ethanol blended gasoline.
Itdependence sounds like aongreat plan,oil. at first and other foreign Thisglance. alcoholByisconverting currently corn blended into The shelf life of gasoline blended with ethanol is questionable. most of the gasoline we buy. Regulations crops grown on American soil into ethanol, we can reduce our depenWhile the American Petroleum Institute enforced by the Environmental Protection dence on foreign oil. This alcohol is currently blended into most of the says ethanol does not affect the longevity Agency we (EPA) state that enforced each gallon gasoline buy. Regulations by the Environmental Protection of a properly stored tank of fuel, most of gasoline consist up oftogasoline ten Agency (EPA) may state that each of gallon may consist of up to ten other knowledgeable sources disagree. refers to ethanol blended gasoline as a percent ethanol. ethanol.Simple Simplemath mathsuggests suggests a percent a corresponding savings of ten testing related to this subject, The American Automobile Association, corresponding savings of tenalong percent believe that an ethanol blended tank of percent of our fossil fuel supply, with aofsimilar reduction of imported “temperamental product.” Others which has done extensive testing related our fossil fuel supply, along with a similar gas remains viable for no more than 90 to 100 days after the mixture was oil. Who could argue with that? to this subject, refers to ethanol blended reduction of imported oil. Who could argue first blended. gasoline as a “temperamental product.” But withalcohol that? is not gasoline, and many of its properties are downright detOthers thatand another ethanol blended Ethanol is a powerful solvent. It can believe loosen rust contaminants rimental to the operation of your motorcycle, But alcohol is not gasoline, and manyand the longevity of its parts. that might otherwise lie undisturbed tank of ingas remains viableIt for no to more your fuel system. is able disThere are five main that make ethanol just plain unsuitable for most of its properties arepoints downright detrimental than 90 and to 100 daysOver after time, the mixture was solve rubber hoses, seals, plastics, resins. ethanol can bikes. to the operation of your motorcycle, and blended. even eat away at soft metals first like brass and aluminum. All of this dissolved the longevity of its parts.produces Thunderabout Roads Gallon-for-gallon, ethanol a third less energy than gaso- material must then be pushed through engine. Ethanolyour is a powerful solvent. It can West Virginia first examined this issue in means you will see a deline. With a ten percent blend of ethanol, that loosen rust and other contaminants that a seriesinof reports lastpower fall. Inofour October ethanol brings to into your gas tank is its crease your engine’s about three to six percent, along with a Finally, the worst behavior that might otherwise lie undisturbed in your and November, 2009 issues (see Passing it attracts water. In fact, ethanol would accorresponding decrease in mileage. If you’re driving a gas hog cage that hygroscopic property, meaning fuel system. It is able to dissolve rubber Gas Parts I and II) we uncovered the dark When enough moisture has been drawn only gets ten or twelve miles per gallon, you probably won’t take much tually prefer to blend with water. hoses, seals, plastics, and resins. Over side of this clear distillate. There are five into the ethanol/gasoline blend, ethanol actually surrender its thebe epa is obvious, proposing this label for e15 note of the loss. But in a bike, where the difference can quite time,the ethanol canwill even eat away at soft main points that make ethanol just plain chemical bond with the gasoline, in favor of the water. Then, the alcohol pumps. a skull and crossbones might metals like brass and aluminum. All of you could lose much as 20 or 30 miles from every tank of gas. unsuitable for as most bikes. be more appropriate. and water mixture drops out of suspension withmaterial the gasoline, sinksbeto this dissolved mustand then Ethanol has a lower flash point, which means it explodes at a lower tem- the bottom of your fuel tank. This is a process called phase separation. Gallon-for-gallon, ethanol produces pushed through your engine. perature yet it than burnsgasoline. hotter. Inside your engine, this com- When the alcohol and water mixture is pumped into your engine, you will about a than thirdgasoline, less energy Finally, the worst behavior that ethanol bination can percent lead to premature – engine knock which With a ten blend of detonation ethanol, that means you– will seerobs a experience hard starting, a significant loss of power, and engine misfires. brings to into your gas tank is hygroscopic property, meaning it power andinharms engine components. In a three past issue, we brought you That’s assuming you can even getitsit to decrease your engine’s power of about to six percent, along start in the first place. attracts water. In fact, ethanol would actually prefer to Additionally, blend with the of a bike that decrease had its head gaskets burned away. The service withstory a corresponding in mileage. If you’re driving a gas since the ethanol provides about three rating points worth of octane, therwater. When enough moisture has been drawn into the ethanol/ hog cage that gets or twelve miles pertogallon, youheat probably technician who only rebuilt theten engine attributed this excessive in the emaining gasoline will be well below the octane rating your engine needs. gasoline blend, the ethanol will actually surrender its chemical bond won’t takeprobably much note of the Butblended in a bike, where the difference cylinders, caused by loss. ethanol gasoline. withuntil the October gasoline, in favor the year, water. theStates alcohol and water Up 13th of thisofpast theThen, United Environmental can be quite obvious, you could lose as much as 20 or 30 miles from The shelf life of gasoline blended with ethanol is questionable. While the mixture drops out (EPA) of suspension withgasoline the gasoline, and sinks to the Protection Agency had allowed distributors to blend no every tank of gas. bottom of your fuel tank. This is a process called phase separation. American Petroleum Institute says ethanol does not affect the longevity more than ten percent alcohol, by volume, into the fuel supply. That’s the a lower flash whichknowledgeable means it explodes a When the alcohol and water mixture is pumped into your engine, of Ethanol a properlyhas stored tank of fuel,point, most other sourcesatdishighest concentration of alcohol approved by any motorcycle manufacagree. The American Association, which 2010 has done extensive 6 ThUnder roads®Automobile WesT VIrGInIa deCeMBer 34 - TRM FEBRUARY 2011
$25-thousand fine, and the consumer could be fined up to $2,500 for a single incident, although the enforcement mechanism in unclear.
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But, even if the new E15 gasoline never comes near your bike, the problems presented by the ten percent ethanol blend remain. “This year we’ve seen more poor running conditions with fuel injected bikes than we’ve ever seen,” says Chuck Wiseman of JT Cycle and Hoodlum Garage, in Beckley. Chuck thinks the short time frame in which ethanol-blended fuel remains viable is the biggest problem his customers are facing. “A lot of our riders are weekends the bike might sit for two or three weeks. turer for use in bikes. But, under pressure from ethanol industry groups, weekends only, and sometimes only, and sometimes the bike might where the majority of it came from. We did find such as an organization called Growth Energy, the EPA has changed its I’m thinking that’s probably sit for two or three weeks. I’m thinking the customer is like, ‘How can that be? The Energy andstarting, 54 ethanol manufacturers theand EPA to bad fuel in lots of them, and that’s probably where the majority of it yourules. will Growth experience hard a significant losspetitioned of power, bike has only sat for a few weeks.’” Additionally, Chuck has found numerallowmisfires. for a blend of 15assuming percent ethanol, or E15 it isitcalled. The engine That’s you can evenasget to start in petition the came from. We did find bad fuel in lots of them, and the customer ous bikes plugged gas has cap vents, which alsoweeks.’” attributes to was submitted under the Clean Air Act, which says the petitioner must ‘Howthis canyear thatwith be? The bike only sat for he a few first place. Additionally, since the ethanol provides about three rating is like, the presence of ethanol. show that the altered fuel “will not cause or contribute to the failure of an points worth of octane, the remaining gasoline will be well below the Additionally, Chuck has found numerous bikes this year with plugged emission system needs.* to achieve compliance with the emission stan-gasSo, cap vents, attributes to the presence of ethanol. octane ratingcontrol your engine what can which you dohe to also protect your bike’s engine from ethanol damage?
dards to which it has been certified over its useful life.” The act makes no So, There are can a fewyou things. what do to protect your bike’s engine from ethanol Up until October 13th of this year, the United States Environmental mention ofAgency protecting engines damage, nor doesdistributors it address loss There are a few things. Protection (EPA) hadfrom allowed gasoline to ofdamage? performance, or thealcohol, solvent and related First and foremost, make sure you buy good gasoline. There are still a few blend no more fuel thanshelf ten life, percent by hygroscopic volume, intoissues the fuel First and foremost, you buy There are If gas stations around make sellingsure gasoline that good is not gasoline. blended with ethanol. to ethanol. supply. That’s the highest concentration of alcohol approved by any still a few gas stations around selling gasoline that is not blended you can find a station selling ethanol-free gasoline, patronize it religiously. motorcycle use bikes. But, under pressure The EPA manufacturer partially agreedforwith theinpetition, issuing a waiver of itsfrom regula-with ethanol. If you can find a station selling ethanol-free gasoline, Ideally, the ethanol-blend you are probably going to have to settle for is ethanol industry groups, such as an organization called tions to allow for E15 to be sold for use in cars, light-duty Growth trucks, andpatronize it religiously. reasonably fresh, since the lifespan of blended gas is questionable. It Energy, has changed Energy and SUV’s the fromEPA the model year 2007its andrules. newer.Growth However, the EPA has54with- Ideally, the ethanol-blend arerating probably going to have toengine. settle for ethanol manufacturers petitioned the EPA to allow for a blend of 15 be the proper you octane for your motorcycle Conheld approval of E15 fuel for cars from the model years 2001 through should also fresh, since the lifespan offor blended gas isbut questionable. percent ethanol, or E15 as it is called. The petition was submitted is reasonably sult your service tech or bike’s manual the answer, I’m betting your 2006, pending further testing, and does not plan to approve it for use in also be the proper octane rating for your motorcycle engine. under the Clean Air Act, which says the petitioner must show that the It should tech will tell you to run premium. Since ethanol accounts for about three older cars, heavy duty vehicles, motorcycles, and off-road motors such as your service tech or bike’s manual for the answer, but I’m altered fuel “will not cause or contribute to the failure of an emission Consult of the octane rating points, the more octane the actual gasoline brings to lawn system mowers.to achieve compliance with the emission standards betting your tech will tell you to run premium. Since ethanol accounts control the equation, the better. to which it has been certified over itsbe useful life.” The act no asfor about three of the octane rating points, the more octane the actual The problem is, while E15 fuel is to clearly labeled andmakes dispensed brings to thefrom equation, better. Buy your gasoline stationsthethat pump the three different grades of mention of protecting damage, at nor address such, that dispensing engines is going tofrom be happening thedoes sameitpump islandsgasoline
gasoline Odds thatdifferent the guygrades in front of loss of use performance, fuelThe shelf the solvent andhigh-ethanol hygroscopic your through gasolinethree from different stations hoses. that pump theare three you to fill your bike. firstlife, gasorstation to sell the blend Buy you pumped the cheap stuff into his minivan. So, when you roll in and issues related to ethanol. of gasoline through three different hoses. Odds are that the guy in hit was in Vinton, Iowa. Within a couple weeks of the rule change, E15 was the Hi-Test button, those first few slurps your bike gets won’t be the top front of you pumped the cheap stuff into his minivan. So, when you being offered at the very same pump as all other grades of gasoline. AlThe EPA partially agreed with the petition, issuing a waiver of its shelf juice you’re paying for. How much low-grade you get depends on the regulations allow for E15 atoseparate be soldhose, for use cars, light-duty though it istopumped through E15 in is selected in the sameroll in and hit the Hi-Test button, those first few slurps your bike gets delivery system employed that station. be the top shelf juice at you’re paying for. How much low-grade trucks, and SUV’sasfrom theother model year anduninformed newer. However, row of buttons every grade of 2007 gas. An biker couldwon’t you get depends on the delivery system employed at that station. theeasily EPA opt hasfor withheld approval E15 fuel for cars model this cheaper blend,ofwithout realizing thefrom risks the being taken. I like this one: Don’t let the gas sit in your tank for very long. This is a good
years 2001 through 2006, pending further testing, and does not plan I like this one: Don’t let the gas sit in your tank for very long. This The federal ruling sale of E15 forvehicles, use in bikes, and there are thing. The only way to keep a healthy turnover rate in that tank is to ride, to approve it for useprohibits in older the cars, heavy duty motorcycles, is aride, good thing. The only way to keep a healthy turnover rate in that ride. penalties involved. retailer allows E15 fuel to be pumped into a andstiff off-road motors suchAas lawnthat mowers. tank is to ride, ride, ride.
vehicle not approved for its use can face a $25,000 fine, and the consumer Those are all fairly common sense suggestions. They help, to a certain
The problem is, while E15 fuel is to be clearly labeled and fairly common sense suggestions. help, to proba could be fined up to $2,500 for a single incident, although the enforcement Those extent. are But, all even if you follow those suggestions, youThey may still have dispensed as such, that dispensing is going to be happening at the certain extent. But, even if you follow those suggestions, you may still mechanism in unclear. lems. Ethanol and water can still lead to phase separation, for example. same pump islands you use to fill your bike. The first gas station have problems. Ethanol and water can still lead to phase separation, you can still end up with a tank of old gas. The the full text of the U.S.blend Environmental Protection Agency to sell high-ethanol was in Vinton, Iowa. Withinannouncement a couple forOr, example. Or, you can still end up with a tank of old gas. weeks of thethe rule change, E15gasoline was being offered on at the very same regarding approval of E15 is available www.epa.gov/otaq/ The only other option is the use of a fuel additive. Some bikers swear by The only other option is the use of a fuel additive. Some bikers pump as all other grades of gasoline. Although it is pumped through regs/fuels/additive/e15/ them, and others swear at them. There are very real reasons why some swear by them, and others swear at them. There are very real a separate hose, E15 is selected in the same row of buttons as fuel additives will onlyfuel make your ethanol worse. That’s the easy why some additives will problems only make your ethanol But,other even grade if the new E15 gasoline never comes bike,opt thefor prob-reasons every of gas. An uninformed biker near couldyour easily part. This issue gets trickier when you look at some additives that just presented bywithout the ten percent blend remain. “This year we’veproblems worse. That’s the easy part. This issue gets trickier when thislems cheaper blend, realizingethanol the risks being taken. might be what the doctor ordered. Are they salvation, or snake oil? We will seen more poor running conditions with fuel injected bikes than we’ve everyou look at some additives that just might be what the doctor ordered. The federal ruling prohibits the sale of E15 for use in bikes, and examine the subject of fuel additives in part two of Alcohol Poisoning Are they salvation, or snake oil? Thunder Roads West Virginia will in seen,” says Chuck Wiseman of JT Cycle and Hoodlum Garage. Chuck there are stiff penalties involved. A retailer that allows E15 fuel examine our March, 2011 issue. the subject of fuel additives in part two of Alcohol Poisoning thinks the short time frame in which ethanol-blended fuel remains viable to be pumped into a vehicle not approved for its use can face a in our January, 2011 issue. is the biggest problem his customers are facing. “A lot of our riders are www.thunderroadswv.com
deCeMBer 2010 ThUnder roads® WesT VIrGInIa 7
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
FEBRUARY 2011 TRM - 35
Feb 6
Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL
Jun 15-18
Sturgis on the River Davenport, Iowa
Feb 10
M/C Mags Calendar Girl Casting Call Quaker Steak Council Bluffs, Iowa
Jun 16-18
Awesome Biker Nights Sioux City, Iowa
Feb 12
M/C Mags - Troops Love Children Collection Party Grant St Bar Omaha, NE
Jun 18
Spring Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines, Iowa
Jun 18
Fathers Day BBZ Hawkeye HD Coralville, Iowa
Feb 12-13
Capital City Show and Swap Meet Des Moines, Iowa
Jun 25-26
J&P Cycles Open House Anamosa, Iowa
Feb 15
Cabin Fever Dance Desperado’s Wheatland, Iowa
Jun 30-Jul 2
ABATE Freedom Rally Algona, Iowa
Feb 19
Hawkeye HD Chili Cook Off Coralville, Iowa
Feb 25-26
AMCA swap meet Fremont, NE
Jul 1-2
Circle of Pride Independence Day Blowout Conesville, Iowa
Feb 26-27
Bike and Car Show Monticello, Iowa
Jul 7-9
Nitro’s Bike Rally Gravity, Iowa
Feb 26
ABATE D16 Wild Game Feed Evansdale, Iowa
Jul 9
Motorcycle Rodeo and Ride in Bike Show Missouri Valley, Iowa
Mar 6
Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Mar 4-13
Daytona Bike Week
Jul 9
3rd Annual Moose Riders Benefit Poker Run Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Mar 13
Road MC Breakfast Brayton, Iowa
Jul 16
ABATE D15 Taco Run for Charity
Mar 11-13
Lefty’s Cedar River Tattoo Expo Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Jul 14-16
Iowa HOG Rally Pella, Iowa
Mar 11-13
World of Wheels Des Moines
Jul 23
END 2nd Annual 100 Day Poker Run Party Soldier, Iowa
Mar 18-20
AMA Arenacross Council Bluffs, Iowa
Jul 23
Almont Run Clinton, Iowa
Mar 18-20
World of Wheels Omaha
Jul 30
Slopfest Beachfront Bar Wever, Iowa
Mar 26-27
Donnie Smith Bike Show & Swap Meet St Paul, Minnesota
Aug 4-6
Across the Border Raid Bedford, Iowa
Apr 2
ABATE D14 TGIS Party Ottumwa, Iowa
Aug 8-14
Sturgis
Apr 2
ABATE D15 2 Wheel Trauma Class Davenport, Iowa
Apr 2
Road MC Dance Uncle Jerry’s Exira, Iowa
Aug 13
ABATE D15 15 Rodeo “Too Broke for Sturgis” Donahue, Iowa
Apr 9-10
AMA Arenacross Des Moines, Iowa
Aug 19-20
American Victory Rally Spirit Lake, Iowa
Apr 9-10
ABATE D7 North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City, Iowa
Aug 20
10th Heartland Hemophilia Run Papa Joe’s Missouri Valley, Iowa
Apr 16
Blessing of the Bikes Big Barn HD Des Moines, Iowa
Aug 20
ABATE D21 Rodeo Miles, Iowa
Apr 16
START 2nd Annual 100 Day Poker Run Soldier, Iowa
Aug 27
Fall Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 16
Spring Run Off Ride Blue Port Junction Davenport, Iowa
Apr 29
Iowa Motorcycle Safety Forum ISU Scheman Bldg Ames, Iowa
Aug 26-28
4th Annual Iowa Lincoln Highway Assn Motor Tour Council Bluffs to Clinton
Sep 1-4
Davenport Antique Motorcycle Rally
Apr 29-30
Vintage Torque Fest Maquoketa, Iowa
Sep 1-4
Circle of Pride Thunder In the Sand Conesville, Iowa
May 7
Bi-State Motorcycle Awareness Ride Quad Cities
Sep 2
Vintage Flat Track Motorcycle Races Davenport, Iowa
May 7
Spring Open House Hawkeye HD Coralville, Iowa
Sep 2-5
Iron Horse Bike & Music Festival Sabula, Iowa
May 14
3rd Annual Women’s Fun Run Holstein’s HD Omaha, NE
May 14
ABATE D16 Motorcycle Awareness Ride Waterloo, Iowa
Sep 3-4
Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance, w/ Hairball Concert Soldier, Iowa
May 14
Revolution Cycle Open House/Band/Hog Roast Baxter, Iowa
Sep 9
Vintage Flat Track Motorcycle Races Knoxville, Iowa
Sep 10
AMA Pro Flat Track Grand Nationals Knoxville, Iowa
May 21
Blessing of the Bikes Cedar Memorial Church Davenport, Iowa
Sep 11
Anamosa Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa, Iowa
May 27-30
Iron Horse Bike & Music Festival Sabula, Iowa
Sep 9-11
Davis Motorcycle Rally New Hampton, Iowa
May 26-28
Circle of Pride Hog Wild Rodeo Conesville, Iowa
Sep 9-11
Loess Hill Motorcycle Rally, Pacific Junction, Iowa
May 28-29
Midway Tavern 13th Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier, Iowa
Sep 16-18
State Line Rally Keosauqua, Iowa
Sep 24
Leaf Run The Quarry Davenport, Iowa
Jun 4
National Motorcycle Museum Open House/Dedication Anamosa, Iowa
Oct TBD
RIP’s BAD Ride
Nov 11-13
ABATE STEAM Marshalltown, Iowa
Jun 4
2nd Annual Loud Pipes for the Silent Cancer Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nov 25
Turkey Run Clinton, Iowa
Jun 5
Anamosa Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa, Iowa
Jun 10-11
Bikes at Blackhawk Lake Rally/Rodeo Lake View, Iowa
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 as much information as you have to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com