Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa November

IOWA

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2010

MAGAZINE R

FREE

TAKE ONE

Established 1999

If You Are Reading This, Thank a Veteran Happy Veterans Day Happy Thanksgiving

IN THIS ISSUE:

Convicted Clothing Harvest Band 99 County Tour: On To The B’s

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATION

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

CONTENTS On the Cover

This Thanksgiving month we have our lovely Pilgrim Wendi sitting atop an Indian Chief Vintage from Indian Motorcycle of Omaha. She is a wife, mother, and frequent back seat passenger on her husbands scoot.

Editor Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Josh (Stampede) and Pam Brown Regional Sales Representatives (SE Iowa Area) 563-571-1617 stampede196@yahoo.com

99 Counties On The Wall..............................................4

Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy Event Coverage/Magazine Distribution vizslaboots@yahoo.com

Will Ride To Eat.........................................................13

Contributing Photographer Kandi Schlensig kandi@thunderroadsiowa.com 712-249-0713 Photography Thunder Illusions Rich thunderillusions@gmail.com

Craig Little-Will Ride for Food Dude craig@thunderroadsiowa.com Layout and Design Warren Ells, Art Director Thunder Publishing Warrenlayout@yahoo.com National Founders Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadscharter@charter.net

From The Woman’s Seat..............................................6 KISS............................................................................7 Joker.............................................................................8 Military Riders...............................................................9 Biker Friendly .............................................................10 Girls Of Thunder.........................................................12

Rip’s Bad Ride III.........................................................14 Events........................................................................15 The Light Of Your Life..................................................16 Thundercam...............................................................20 NCOM News Bytes.....................................................22 Convicted Clothing Line..............................................24 Geneva’s Puzzle Page...............................................26 TNT...........................................................................27 Road Rash.................................................................29 The Guardian Bell.......................................................30 AMA Motorcycle Knoxville Nationals.........................31 Skin Art.......................................................................32 Harvest......................................................................34

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. 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 OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

OK everyone, here goes nothing. The big bad boss lady is finally letting the troll out from under the bridge. You may have seen me out and about at events, and read some of my bantering, and even perused some of my photos, but until now I have been fairly silent. Since this is our sixth issue working together as a team on this magazine, she feels it is time to let me out of my cage to greet our growing readership.

Thanks boss!

I have been a motorcycle enthusiast since I can remember. In school I was always most comfortable in blue jeans and a Harley T-shirt and I bought my first bike when I was 19 while going to college and working in the Waterloo area.

It was a 1975 Sporty that I rode the wheels off of. That bike did not have the nicest of endings, but that is a story for another day. A Triumph, a 79 Fat Bob, and a ton of miles later, I sold my bike to get a boat for the family (I know, but cut me some slack). We did have some great times on the boat with the kids, and would not trade that for anything, but they got older and it was time to get back on a bike. A nice denim blue Night Train began calling my garage its home and tt started riding along on the back. She did not like the rear seat of that scoot, but I told her to tough it out. She took a rider education course and decided she would get a more comfy seat, on her own bike. A new seat and sissy bar would have been one HELL of a lot cheaper, but riding is about independence, right? That has led her to logging almost 50,000 miles on her own since then, and we would not change a thing. We ride a lot and love to ride together.

We always welcome anyone to come along with us, so feel free to email or holler at us to go out for a ride. Who knows what cool stuff we may run across? (No pun intended)

I have worked as a parts manager for a Harley Dealership, for a tractor and implement dealership, and have been a public servant. I worked in public works, and as a volunteer Fire Fighter and as a Paramedic. I am still on the local FD, and I’m a part time Medic, but primarily work with hospitals in Southwest Iowa on disaster planning and education. I was raised on a farm right here in Iowa and despite my occasional growling about the weather of any particular season, I do love this State.

I am also the husband of the smart/cute/sweet/sexy/driven/ influential/fill-in-the-blank State Editor Owner, Tina Schwarte, aka tt. We have been together since 1997 and still kind of in the honeymoon phase of our relationship. Maybe we’ll be one of those lucky couples where that never fade out. We approached this endeavor of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa like we have everything else in our lives; together and with 110 percent commitment. We are partners in every sense of the word and love to hang out, ride, and spend time with one another. That is one of the things that make this so cool; it gives us another interest to share. We love to meet new people, make new friends, and to hear those cool and interesting stories. Everyone seems to have at least one or two, so we love to listen and share our own.

In the past six months we have been on the road covering as many events as we can, meeting people, making friends, and learning about some of the awesome businesses and business owner’s right here in the Heartland.

All of this would not be possible without the advertisers.

They are the funding for making this all happen. When perusing the articles, please take a look at the advertisements and try to frequent those establishments. When you do, tell them that Thunder Roads sent you. We cannot thank the advertisers enough for their support and hope to have long and mutually prosperous relationships.

We would both like to thank the growing base of loyal readers for picking up and subscribing to our magazine. It is with great appreciation that we accept all the wonderful comments about our efforts every month. We would also like to thank our staff and friends who have helped and supported us on all levels during this exciting time in our lives. One more word of thanks goes to all those who have been submitting articles, ideas, and pictures of events here in Iowa. With your help we can make this a genuine Iowa magazine and one you enjoy reading.

Thank you and have a safe and happy Turkey Day! Vernon vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Thunder Roads Magazine 2

Thunder Roads Magazine 3

99 Counties on the Wall Benton County

away from city noise. Get lost in your thoughts or spend time with family. Returning to E66 traveling east we folAppreciating lowed the railroad line on a road surrounded by nature and Benton County can’t its beauty. be done by just Did you realize that in the beginning the railroad system researching it on the was responsible for creating and maintaining their railinternet or reading roads? Just imagine if the automobile industry was responthis article. As we all sible for the creation and maintenance of the roads. How know, a picture and/or much would a vehicle cost? (tt moment). words cannot totally This entire county is known for baseball, and Norway capture the beauty of is known for producing many that have been a part of the an area but I will do Major Leagues by either coaching and/or playing. Norway my best to describe also has a baseball museum located across the street from this journey through the grain elevators. Even in October the baseball diamonds Benton County. I are in full use. had the privilege of We noticed signs referring to ‘Bloomsbury Farm’ and approaching this county from the west and from the south. locals told us about it having activities all year long. EveryAs you enter you will become aware of the vast open areas, thing from tours, special events, a pumpkin patch, mazes much like a plateau or mesa. Then as you tour the road (even a haunted one). This is surely a place to make lifeyou will be greeted with valleys that will take your breath long memories with your family. away, especially with the fall hues of the trees changing; Traveling into Shellsburg you will immediately apprecithe prairies’ displaying different shades of reds, browns, ate the railroad bridge within a few feet of another bridge. and golden arrangements and even the recently harvested Approaching from the south, look toward the east to see fields all blending together. the top of a rather large rock. The story goes that at one Belle Plane was our first stop and friendly people invited time they attempted to dig this rock up but never found the us into a local tavern to enjoy the football game on a beauti- bottom. To this day it remains in the field, adding a special ful Sunday afternoon. We cruised on E66, which proved to challenge to working that ground! As you travel into town be a smooth road with some fun curves and many rolling you will find a great place to enjoy a cool drink and signs hills to enjoy the scenery; not a high speed road but more outside let you know that Coop’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill of a scenic drive with big valleys allowing views many miles welcomes riders. At Coops you will see a wide open area in either direction. Belle Plane was once a popular stopto enjoy food or drink and the staff told us that this is a maping point for those traveling across the United States. The jor stopping point for many porker runs. railroad was a major employer for many immigrant groups Don’t forget the Pearl Street Social Club. Everyone is searching for a better life. Up to five hundred were emfriendly and out back you may be surprised to find one of ployed at the railroad’s peak employment in this community. the best cooks around. He was cooking a deer loin the day Although the railroad no longer passes through town, the we visited. Also out back is a place for bands during the train depot still stands with architecture that is 19th Century summer months and a rim full of wood for friends to gather English, one of only three in the United States. The “Ice around a fire and relax on a crisp fall day. The people here House” has been given a new task: instead of providing welcomed us as newcomers and were glad to share their ice to the railroad it is now an ice cream and eatery. In pride in the town they call home. They talked about how the south part of town is a strategically placed rock with a people come from all around for the Legion’s fish fry, not plaque marking an artesian well that was drilled in 1886 and only to enjoy fine food but also to try and figure out the se“erupted” shortly thereafter, taking many months to get uncret of the great taste. This town had two streets: Main and der control. The Lincoln Highway passes through the area, Pearl; thus the name Pearl Street Social Club. I had the and was another great path across the country. Highway good fortune of meeting this establishment’s owner, Shatravel still means easier access to many of the things travel- doe. He is down to earth, quick to listen, has some interesters require, such as motels and cafes. In historic areas ing tales and gives valuable recommendations of places to such as this, one is given a perspective of how different see or stay. He truly is a Biker Friendly type of guy. Thank life is today. Our ancestors did amazing things without the you Shadoe; we could have spent much more time visiting internet! and hope to do so down the road. And last but not least, Rolling through Blairstown (known for being a 30+ year there is a snowmobile trail that is being linked from Waterhost to Sauerkraut Days held every Labor Day weekend) loo, passing through Shellsburg and extending past Cedar we took V66 to Hannen Lake/Park on winding scenic county Rapids. drive. Hannen Lake roads are typical of other country roads Heading to W26 north of Shellsburg the road is full of so be on the lookout for gravel in the corners and farmers twists and turns with smooth pavement. We turned west entering the road. Hannen Park is a great place to camp E24; watch out for the horse crossing signs. The only way Thunder Roads Magazine 4

to describe this road is as a ridge road; a place to twist the throttle and enjoy the ride. Be wary of the farm machinery and critters, but enjoy a classic Iowa road with views of farm ground, trees, hills and valleys.

North of Shellsburg is Urbana, with its own baseball legacy, having two major league baseball players to its credit. The local motel, the Urbana Inn & Suites, is a clean place to stay with a pool and hot tub. One of the big wigs there is Rex, who is a biker himself, and made sure that our stay was pleasant. Many local businesses are open so you can grab something to eat.

Entering into Vinton you find a clean, well kept town that remains true to the small Iowa town way of life we know and love. You’ll even find brick streets and a bed and breakfast to hang your hat for a peaceful night’s stay.

The passenger railroad station depot still stands but even though it is not open on a regular basis, it is a great place to take photos. Use this depot for a perfect backdrop or recording a glimpse of the past. There is history inside the depot to be viewed, you just need to call ahead to arrange a visit. We noticed a funeral home across the way and I wondered if it was here when the station was in service.

Ron Da Voo lounge and deli is located in the heart of downtown Vinton and was recommended to us as a Biker Friendly place that has great homemade tenderloins. It was said that Rick, the owner of the Ron Da Voo, is a bigtime ABATE supporter. The Vinton airport has skydiving as a spectator sport and as a service, if you’re into jumping out of planes. Vinton just had its annual Boomtown pyrotechnics convention and has weekly IMCA stock car races on Sunday nights. There is a great deal of history to view in the town including the Horridge House and The Ray and Carriage House.

Mount Auburn, north of Vinton, has a Tuesday Night Airplane Factory that builds a kit plane. Check out Bleshee Creek for honey and maple syrup.

On December 21, 1837, fourteen counties were created and one of them was Benton County. The current population is 26,962. It is said that the current county seat has been known as such since 1846, and is now known as Vinton. In my travels I found treasures all over this county, including great people.

Headed north on highway 218 out of Vinton will bring us into Blackhawk county; tune in next month for more ; ) tt Sources: http://bentoncountyiowa.com/communities.html; Welcome to Benton County Iowa flyer; the people of Benton County

Thunder Roads Magazine 5

From the Woman’s Seat

I whole heartedly attribute riding to helping with my self image, concept, and just getting to where I am today in my career and personal life.

You might wonder how this works; well let me start from the beginning because I feel I need to tell the whole story. Even as a child I noticed various riders traveling the roads and as I watched the bikers over the years I can remember thinking I would never be able to do that. Even at a young age I had started to allow self doubt to enter in, thus detouring myself from career choices, activities, and simply enjoying life.

I remember sitting in my middle school class on career day with a variety of different professionals talking about what they did. At one point a nurse was up in the front of the classroom talking and I had a feeling that I might want to be a nurse and asked “so do you have to be a good speller to be a nurse” and her reply was immediate with no hesitation; “oh yes nurses do a lot of writing and if you can’t spell, you might as give up now.” So simply I choose a different career path. This was the start of giving others the power to influence my life choices. I do believe in getting advice and knowledge from others to make an informed decisions but it all breaks down to a fundamental belief that my father always told me: “You can be whatever you choose to be.”

I began a path of selling myself short by allowing myself to enter into an abusive relationship and as a result, I eventually hit bottom. In retrospect all the signs were there, I just chose to look the other way.

Don’t get me wrong, I did make some good life choices along the way.

My time spent in the Marine Corps helped me mature, instilling the belief that I can be more in this world. The Marines gave me a very good, solid foundation. Without a good foundation I could have easily never risen from hitting bottom to becoming who I am today.

After meeting my current husband I started on a path of self discovery and major redirection. My wonderful spouse took over where my father left off in his passing, which was to believe in me and he did not see the tt at face value but as potential if I had support. Much later in life (and I stress much later) from the day as a middle school student, I took a giant step and I went back to school. Yep, you guessed it, nursing. Shortly after graduation from nursing school decided that is was time to learn how to ride a motorcycle.

The decision to learn to ride was not an easy one, taking much thought and research before committing to the class. I told myself that I would take the class to learn how to ride a motorcycle to become a better passenger. You may have read my husband’s article at the beginning of this edition of our magazine. On the very day I went to take boards (that is something I never want to endure again in my life) he ended up driving home a Softail Night Train. I would get on the back of this bike and after a short ride my hind end would hurt and after a couple of hours it hurt enough to bring tears at times. I had thought that taking the class would make me a better passenger and be able to ride with him longer and learn not to irritate him while riding behind him.

Taking the rider education class was one of the most important things I have ever done. I am a strong advocate of education. The more knowledge one has, the better equipped one will be for a given situation.

Halfway through the rider education I was out looking for a starter bike.

Learning to maneuver, stop, park, and take curves are all taught in class but the experience gained with getting out there and riding will amplify all those lessons, so getting out and riding was our goal. I learned that riding with other motorcycles takes practice and a great deal of communication. For example, when I was getting off work one morning I felt good (maybe working all night and going for a ride is not the best of ideas) and suggested we go for a ride. We fueled up and headed down the road. We began riding a staggered formation with me to the right and to the rear of his bike. As a result of a great misunderstanding I was

forced to react to my spouse turning in front of my bike. You may not see me wear a helmet now but in my first 10k miles or so I wore one. I do believe in head protection as you are learning, especially if you are anything like me and will meet the ground a couple of times. At this precise moment my bike and I ended up on the ground with a very loud noise as my helmet smacked the ground. Luckily, with only my pride bruised, I returned home to sleep and went riding again later.

I learned in the early on that when initiating or performing a turn it can be challenging to maintain my own designated path on the road. When sharing the road with another bike it is extremely important that the other bike knows that you will be in your lane. At this point I usually take a deep breath and lean more into the turn (leaning more or less depends on your speed and the radius of the curve) and push away from the turn with your inside handlebar. Rolling on the throttle just a little can also allow the bike to settle in and hold the line much better. Each bike handles differently and I suggest learning how your bike handles before becoming too daring.

Another lesson learned is that when buying gear (especially riding boots): make sure the zippers will stay up. I bought boots that had two front zippers that constantly inched down as I rode. I have since learned that spraying some silicone on the zipper will help keep the zipper in the correct spot. There is also a cool feature on some riding boots that is a combination of different materials to better grip the ground and some are even oil resistant for when you need a sure grip. The increased grip allows better control; always a good thing. Remember that the lines on the ground are slick no matter what boots you are wearing. My husband who has been riding since he was wet behind the ears recently listened and bought boots designed for riding. He was one who used to think that any boot will do. We can all learn from each other even if you have vast experience or are just starting out.

Learning to become a better rider does not happen overnight, but only with experience and persistence. I’ve made mistakes that have cost me money and/or put a dent or two in my pride, and have become a better rider. I thought bikers had it easy. Not true. Riding a motorcycle requires your head to be constantly in the game, looking for what other people are doing. There are times I have had eye contact, thinking the other person saw me approaching. Wrong! They never did and I learned quickly to have a backup plan for every approaching situation.

As I travel through heavier traffic, my finger stays close to the horn button. I have started to protect myself with increased awareness when any cars are around. People and animals are very unpredictable and caution is required at all times.

With all this said, I still love to ride. Just getting out there and not having to talk while enjoying all the beauty around me is very therapeutic. I have become more aware of my surroundings and even more aware of the people around me. I find myself looking up, not down (even when walking) and paying attention to what is going on around me, which makes things safer and more enjoyable. With increased confidence in myself, I have advanced my riding skills and recently moved up to a touring bike, which makes the many mile I ride even more enjoyable. I’ve learned there is a vast difference in the handling of motorcycles from a starter, immediate, and now a touring bike. With the confidence I gained thus far I have accepted the challenges that riding offers and the rewards of facing those challenges. Confidence has also improved my career.

Last spring I have took on a position of night charge nurse for a medical surgical floor which comes with more responsibility. I have adapted my way of thinking around the fact that I have only one go around in this world and if I don’t get up and take a chance, no one else will do it for me. As the saying goes: misery is easy, happiness is hard work. tt

Thunder Roads Magazine 6

K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee CHAMPAGNE BASTED ORANGE, LEMON, & PARSLEY TURKEY I prepred this recipe a couple years ago, using a large turkey breast only, instead of the entire bird, but it was simple & scrumptious. The secret is to baste baby baste......4 times per hour!

1 Turkey; thawed - (14 to 16 lbs.)

1 Stick Real Butter; softened 1 tsp. Celery Salt Salt & Pepper to Taste 2 Large Whole Oranges; zested & Cut In Fourths 2 Large Whole Lemons; zested & Cut In Half 1 Spice Jar of Orange Peel Seasoning 2 Cups of Ballatore’ Gran Spumante Sparkling Wine 2 Medium Onions; chopped 1 Bunch of Fresh Parsley; Minced 1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme 1/2 tsp. Produce Seasoning 1/2 tsp. Dried Marjoram Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Get a large, high-sided roasting pan. Spray w/ non-stick butter spray heavily and all up sides and coat bottom well. Next, clean out cavity of bird and pat dry w/ paper towels really good.

Take real, softened butter, celery salt, salt & pepper and orange and lemon zest (save some zest for basting sauce) from fruits and form a paste and rub all over entire bird generously and inside cavity also. Place bird in roasting pan. Place cut oranges & lemons inside the cavity, squeezing a bit of juice out of them into cavity as you do. Next, rub bird down all over the outside with Orange Peel spice; cover that bird up with orange spice! Place breast side up in pan and bake for 3 to 3-1/2 hours tented with foil. In large bowl combine the butter, Ballatore’, onions, parsley, zests, thyme and marjoram; pour half into roasting pan and keep half for basting. Bake for 3 hours longer; remember to baste 4 times per hour while tented and the last hour of cooking, when you remove the tent. Be sure and tuck wings down under turkey as these burn easily. Remember.....

Baste! Baste! Baste! Remove bird from pan and let sit for 20 mins. after removing from oven so that all juices go back into meat. For authentic & simple roast turkey

gravy, mix a good brand bottle of turkey gravy with pan drippings, in the same roasting pan and then pour into gravy boat. Now, you ‘ve got a phenomenal bird & gravy you’ll be proud to serve your Family and it’s totally unique fruity flavor compliments the turkey flavor superbly.

LIME BUTTERED BROCCOLI FLORETS WITH PEARL ONIONS 1 Box or Bag of Frozen Broccoli Florets 1 Box or Bag of Frozen Pearl Onions 1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Melted 2 Tbls. of Real Lime Juice & Zest Salt & Pepper to Taste Microwave frozen veggies in a large, serving bowl together until crisp tender but not wilty. Combine lime juice & melted butter & salt/pepper in a small saucepan.

Toss butter sauce thuroughly all over veggies when butter melted and nice and hot. *If you’ve got more to feed, just double or triple the recipe. This is so dang easy, but so incredible tasting!

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH BANANA & DARK RUM SUNDAES 1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Melted 3/4 Cup Quality Maple Syrup Dash of Ground Nutmeg & Cinnamon 4 Medium-Firm Bananas; Halved & Sliced 1/4 Cup Golden Raisins 1/4 Cup of Dark, Spiced Rum 2 Tbls. Slivered Almonds (or any nut of your choice);* Be sure and grease a cookie sheet and toast up whichever one you choose though.

1 Quart of Premium Country Vanilla All-Natural Ice Cream In large, non-stick skillet, melt butter over med-low heat. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon & nutmeg until blended. Remove from heat and add the bananas, raisins, dark rum and almonds. Cook over med. heat until bananas are totally glazed, stirring gently. Divide up into individual serving bowls & add ice-cream over top.

Slurp!

From Our Thunder Roads Family To Yours..

God Bless, Be Grateful & Give Thanks.

Thunder Roads Magazine 7

Military Riders

One day a father gets out of work and on his way home he suddenly remembers that it’s his daughter’s birthday.

He pulls over to a Toy Shop and asks the sales person, ‘How much for one of those Barbie’s in the display window?’ The salesperson answers, ‘Which one do you mean, sir? We have: Work Out Barbie for $19.95, Shopping Barbie for $19.95, Beach Barbie for $19.95, Disco Barbie for $19.95, Ballerina Barbie for $19.95, Astronaut Barbie for $19.95, Skater Barbie for $19.95, and the most popular; Divorced Barbie for $299.95’.

The amazed father yells: ‘It’s how much?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $299.95 and the others only $19.95?’

The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs, and answers: ‘Sir..., Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken’s Audi A-8, Ken’s Malibu Beachouse, Ken’s Danzi Z33 Race Boat, Ken’s Designer Futniture, Ken’s Screamin’-Meanie Platinum Computer, one of Ken’s Best-Looking Friends, and a custom key chain made with Ken’s Balls.

A biker is riding a new motorcycle out on the highway, while passing a car, he knocks on the window. The driver of the car opens the window and says, “Yes?” The bike responds, “Ever driven a Honda motorcycle?” The driver says, “No I haven’t.”

The biker drives on, until he sees the next car. While passing it, he knocks on the window. The driver of the car opens the window and says, “Yes?” The bike responds, “Ever driven a Honda motorcycle?” The driver says, “No I haven’t.”

Then, suddenly, there is a curve, the biker sees it too late. He crashes off the road into a ditch. A car stops and a man runs to the unlucky biker. Looking slightly crunched up and battered, the biker asks, “Ever driven a Honda motorcycle?” The man replies, “Yes I have. I had a Honda for 20 years”. The crashed biker gasps, “Where the hell is the damn brake?”

Chopper Zeke was in a bar n’ grill yesterday, feeling no pain and chillaxin’ with a great mellow buzz, when he suddenly realized he desperately needed to fart. The music was really, really loud, so he timed his farts with the beat of the music.

After a couple of songs, heI started to feel a whole lot better. He finished his beer, and noticed that everybody was staring at him...

Then it dawned on him that he was listening to his iPod. Two blondes living in So. California were sitting on the beach talking and gazing at a beautiful full moon when one blonde says to the other, ‘Which do you think is farther away... Florida or the moon?’

The other blonde turns and says ‘Helloooooo, can you see Florida ???”

Two bikers; Buster and Bodie rode into a gas station in Kentucky for a fill-up because they heard about a contest being offered by the station to patrons who purchased a full tank of gas. When they went inside to pay, the guys asked the attendant about the contest.

“If you win, you’re entitled to free sex” said the attendant. “How do we enter?” asked Buster.

“Well, I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10, if you guess right, you win free sex.” “OK. I guess 7,” said Bodie. “Sorry, I was thinking of 8,” replied the attendant.

The next week, the two buddies go back to the same station to get gas. When they went inside to pay, Buster asked the attendant if the contest was still going on.

“Sure,” replied the attendant. “I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10, if you guess right you win free sex.” “2” said Buster.

“Sorry, I was thinking of 3,” replied the attendant.

“Y’all come back soon and try again.”

As they walked back to their bikes, Bodie said to Buster, “You know, I’m beginning to think this contest is rigged.”

“No way,” replied Buster. “My wife won three times last week.”

A 3-year old boy examined his testicles while taking a bath. “Mom’, he asked, “Are these my brains?” the mother sighed and calmly replied, “Not yet”.

Business Slogan of The Year: If Our Service Is Not Up To Your Standards....

Please Lower Your Standards.

What do you do with 365 condoms?

Melt them down and call it a very Goodyear.

What is an Australian kiss?

Same as a French kiss.....but down under.

What is a man’s ultimate embarrassment?

Running into a wall with a hard-on and breaking his nose.

Life is good in the South.

A biker’s greatest achievement was his brood of six kids.

He was so proud that he continually called his wife: “Mother of Six”, which pissed her off to no end. But he kept referring to her as “Mother of Six” no matter where they went.

At end of a poker run, he shouted across the bar, “Hey, “Mother of Six”, you ready to go home?”

His irritated wife screamed back: “Anytime you’re ready, “Father of Four”!”

Thunder Roads Magazine 8

John Travis is this month’s featured military rider. John comes from the far southwest corner of the State, a stone’s throw away from Missouri and Nebraska. Hamburg is the place that John hails from. He was in the United States Navy from 1969-1973, and then back to military service in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1989-2010. While in the USN, he attained the rank of E5, second class petty officer. In the more recent service in the National Guard, he attained the rank of E-8 First Sergeant. His service career was spent in many locations such as on United States Coasts, Panama, Guantanamo Bay Cuba in the Navy, then Operation Enduring Freedom in Kosovo with KFOR-9 in 2007-2008.

John’s primary MOS was a 68W combat medic. In fact, John adds, “my bikes license is a Soldiers Metal with 68W “which only reinforces the pride he has with his service and area of specialty. He also has a family history of military service with his father that was the BAR man for his squad of combat engineers in the battle of Attu, and an uncle that was an artillery man in France and England in World War 2.

He has been without bikes in the past, but not by choice. His military service has made it almost impossible to keep and maintain a motorcycle.

That is a common theme with these military riders, making the sacrifice in yet another way for our freedoms. His current ride is a 2010 Harley Electra Glide Custom that he picked up at Dillion Brothers in Omaha, but has ridden other Harleys, Hondas, and Yamahas in the past. He chose his current ride for comfort, and the only planned accessory that he wants is a GPS system to help him find his way.

John is also a proud member of the American Legion Riders Post 141 from Glenwood, Iowa as well. That is the Post that lost four riders this summer in a tragic accident on I-29. He knew these men well and the week prior to the accident, they had all escorted the 168 Company B from Shenandoah to St Joseph Missouri to marry up with the other busses taking the troops to Camp Shelby, Mississippi for training prior to going to Afghanistan. John adds “I have found other bikers to be a very close knit bunch of family. No matter what you ride, we all have a love of the road and our country in our hearts.”

Another bit of interest that John wanted to share was about his service in Kosovo. Here he rode a homemade motorcycle that had a metal seat on it from a farm implement---was pretty rough. Another testament to the heart of military riders is evidenced by the picture of John with the young boy. The picture is with a war orphan taken on his last deployment to Kosovo. His group kind of took Deni under their wings to make sure he was fed, had a roof over his head and clothes to wear. Miles from home, our troops still worried about the well being of another human being, this is part of the definition of honor.

If you see him out on bike, 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!

Contact Vernon at vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com or 712-249-5630 For More Information

Thunder Roads Magazine 9

Biker Friendly Directory 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 tt at 712-249-5582 or email tt at tt@ thunderroadsiowa.com or Vernon at vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995

Services

Thunder Illusions Photo and Video From Mild to Wild Des Moines, Iowa thunderillusions@gmail.com www.thunderillusions.com

Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa Leather@netins.net www.leatherandhawgs.com Doc’s Bail Bonds Your 24/7 Prescription to Freedom in Minutes Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-4773 Ulrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com Iowa Bail Bonds 200 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 243-4411 RJM Trucking Cedar Rapids, Iowa 319-360-5433

TeeGee Studios Omaha, Nebraska 402-680-8944 glen@teegeestudios.com www.teegeestudios.com BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa www.bikerwear.com 319-241-0946

Dealers and Shops F & J Racing Fred & Jackie Ingraham 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Guthrie Auto Body John Beer owner 1804 State Street Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-332-2484 Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com Thunder Roads Magazine 10

Moto-Cycle Parts, Inc. 909 Guthrie Street De Soto, Iowa 50069 motocyclepartsinc.com motocyclepartsinc@mchsi.com Shop Cell 515-250-4800 Shop 515-834-2786 XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com 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 Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa (712) 792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Indian Motorcycle Omaha I-80 Exit 432 Gretna, Nebraska 402-332-4802 www.Indianomaha.com

Bars, Restaurants, Lounges & Clubs

Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900

Biker Friendly Directory 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 (Hiway 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

Corner Tap 35 North Center Street Marshalltown, IA (641) 753-9925 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am Sunday 12pm-2am Goat Ranch Saloon 105 South Main Street Baxter, IA (641) 227-3502

Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh IA, 50557 515-359-9998 Email: riversidetap@gmail.com Porky’s Pub and Garage 5125 NE 14th St Des Moines, IA 50313 515-266-6983 Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, IA (515) 681-5375 Tequila Bar Hwy 70 North Columbus Junction, Iowa 319-728-0948

O’Kelly’s 106 North Main Street Baxter, IA 50028 (641) 227-3013

Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015

Roadhog’s Bar 104 East Main Street State Center, IA (641) 483-2126 Tracey and John Abate- Owners

Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com

Rumours Sports Bar & Grill 309 South 12th Ave. Place Marshalltown, IA (641) 752-5477 Steve Priske-Owner

Tattoo

14th Street Tavern 3418 East 14th Street Des Moines, IA (515) 266-3446 Open Weekdays 8am-2pm Sat 10am-2pm and Sun 11am-2pm The Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, IA 50120 (641) 475-3321 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am Sunday 12pm-12am

Thunder Roads Magazine 11

Bad Girlz Ink 1217 Willis Perry, Iowa 50220 515-465-2205 Attorneys Richard Lester www.on-a-bike.com 800-on-a-bike To buy ad space and list your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5582

r e d n u h T f O Girls

Roxann Hoogland Paullina, Iowa 2008 Harley Softail Custom Jo Brown Harlan, Iowa 2008 Harley Heritage Softail

Are you from Iowa? Are you a Girl of Thunder? 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 Betsy Showers Indianola, Iowa 2008 Harley Softail Deluxe

are from!!! Look for more Girls of Thunder next month.

Thunder Roads Magazine 12

Bett & Bev’s BBQ 901 N Elm Street, Jefferson, IA 50129 515-386-4999 Monday – Wednesday: 11AM – 2PM Thursday & Friday: 11AM – 9PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed What the heck is a Frip Pie? Bett & Bev’s BBQ is located in Jefferson, IA, on the east side of the road just north of the railroad tracks on Highway 4. It’s housed in an old Pizza Hut building, the architectural design of that chain of restaurants remains so it’s easy to spot. Rest assured there is no pizza to be found under this roof anymore… this is the place to find some of central Iowa’s best home-made BBQ! I once asked if they closed on Saturday and Sunday so they could attend BBQ contests and the reply I received was “I don’t attend any contests because contests have rules… I don’t do rules!” I can honestly say I have concluded after savoring many of their tasty offerings that if not doing rules is wrong then I definitely don’t want to be right!!!!!

They have a different lunch special every weekday: Monday – Bett & Bev’s Saucy Trio, Tuesday – Hot Turkey, Wednesday – Adam’s Choice, Thursday – Ham, Friday – Hot Beef. They also run a dinner special on Friday nights (if you get there early you might even be able to get the lunch Hot Beef special for $6 until it runs out), serving BBQ Pork Spare Ribs every other Friday night, the opposing Friday nights run specials such as Prime Rib, Beef Ribs, etc. This is not to say their other Friday night specials aren’t spectacular, let’s just say that in my opinion if this were an art gallery their pork spare ribs would be the Rembrandt on display. You can get the ribs in full rack, ½ rack and ¼ rack alone priced $15, $10, $6 respectively or as a dinner combo including 2 side dishes and a drink priced $17, $13, $9 respectively. As long as I mentioned the side dishes I should point out that they make their own baked beans and if you like beans these are not to be passed up (I consider them a food group of their own!) I prefer the full rack which is served up in a 12X10 aluminum pan which doubles as a receptacle for the picked clean bones that you generate as you consume this delectable meal. The ribs are coated in a proprietary mixture that enhances the flavor of the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat concealed underneath. We haven’t even talked about their homemade BBQ sauce! This is offered up in two flavors, sweet or spicy (I prefer a 50/50 mix of both!)

Another one of their homemade concoctions, and one of my wife’s favorites, is the Frip Pie. What the heck is a Frip you ask???? It is a homemade deep-fat fried potato slice. To make it a pie they use the frips as a base (a crust so to speak) and then add pulled pork, baked beans, and homemade coleslaw all in a heaping pile on a plate! It is truly a sight to behold! Delicious and filling? You betcha! And for $5.00 it makes for an inexpensive meal!

Prices for their everyday menu items range from $3.50 for a sandwich to $8.50 for a combo.

So whether you come in for the BBQ Ribs, the Frip Pie or one of the many other dishes they offer up, you need to make a trip to Jefferson, IA to Bett & Bev’s BBQ. You won’t be disappointed!!!!

Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty!

Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.

Thunder Roads Magazine 13

Rip’s B.A.D. Ride III Gigglin’ Goat Boone, Iowa

is put together by many people from all walks of life that have been touched by diabetes in one way or another. It has brought together different organizations, such as American Diabetes Association and ABATE District 25, and who woulda Brett Michaels! While he wasn’t there, he has lent his support to this Saturday Oct. 2nd, 2010 thought, cause through the donation of monies made from the sales of endorsed memorabilia. Over 80% of funds raised go to Diabetes education in Iowa.

The third annual Rip’s B.A.D. Ride There were plenty of ways to spend our cash and contribute at the same time started out with everyone bundled up that day. I had a blast participating in the gold fish races, after I bid on and won and hoping the sun would come out my fish named Leather and Lace. No, I didn’t win, but we came in 3rd. It was and stay out. It sure did, and although all in fun and Leather and Lace was returned in good health and 3rd place cash the clouds were pushed away with the prize was also returned. The auction had some really cool stuff up for bid, but by help of a little breeze, the sun felt good far the best was the homemade quilt and matching pillow made from the Brett despite a little bit of brrrr! The weather Michaels Bandana’s by Carla’s mom. Way to go Carla’s mom, it was beautiful! was well worth it, and this stellar ride There was an auction, with all the items donated. My favorite was the B.A.D. ended at the Gigglin’ Goat, in Boone.

Ride Basket. That one was packed with all kinds of BAD Ride gear and memoGreeted by the reception and regisrabilia. Throughout the day we were treated to the music of Midwest Remedy, of tration committee, everyone got their which member Chris has diabetes. They did the gig free gratis, (hope that tip jar wristbands and started browsing all the was full when they were done), and the old man was a tapping his toes! Moody vendors and tables set up. Jay was our Insurance Agency ran a booth and raffle for $100.00 gift card to Zylstra’s or an contact and a familiar face from HawIPod Shuffle, Debi Schmitz ran a jewelry booth with a raffle for a piece of jewelry gstock. It was good to see him again. up to $100.00. I’m guessing any of the ladies that stopped to look were probWe found him running the balloon/dart ably just as enchanted as I was by all the pretty sparkles! The bike show went wheel, wearing his top hat and having quickly, as the temperature was starting to drop again and the breeze had kicked a grand time talking folks out of their back up. Each and every bike was exceptional in their own way, but there were money for the cause. He introduced us certainly some unique ones. My personal favorite was the orange trike. Makes to Carla who took me under her wing me think I might go in another direction when I’m ready for my own, hmmm. All and filled me in on all the background in all, we can’t forget why we were there to start with. Diabetes, we’ve all been of this event. touched by it, our mother, father, grand parent, sibling, cousin, best friend. You First thing she told me was that it rained last year, so the weather this year was an 80% improvement! Then she proceeded to list all the local, and a few not so local, establishments that contributed to the event. The Gigglin’ Goat, (whose building we were on top of), was the site provider, along with hot chocolate, hot coffee and a truly tasty hot meal. They also provided a cash bar for anyone desiring stronger refreshment. Zylstra’s was one of the motorcycle shop sponsors and they had a table filled with some really cool memorabilia for this year’s ride.

Trophies were courtesy of Adams Kawasaki and Cycles of Nevada, Iowa.

KIOA 93.3 and Lazer 103.3 were both on hand and supplying some great music and support with their presence and airtime. It’s not just the local establishments that come together to support this cause either. This event Thunder Roads Magazine 14

know someone who deals with it on a daily basis. The best ammunition is education. Educate people on how to prevent it or manage it. If you’re interested in helping with this cause and/or this event next year you can contact Carla at Carla@ hoskey.net. Maybe you have some ideas for the next event. This took the coming together of some diverse organizations to accomplish this event and they deserve kudos for all that they have accomplished. Give them a hand, yeah clap, clap; now give them a hand, in the spirit of the “way of the brothers and sisters”.

Annette and Murph

Thunder Roads Magazine 15

The Light of Your Life!

By Tony Darveau of Carroll Cycle Center

Well ladies and gentlemen, another summer has come and gone. Even though it wasn’t the best one on record for weather it’s still better than white stuff that seems like it take forever to get rid of. A lot of the farmers have been harvesting, or have pulled their crops out by now.

I know that this has pushed more of those pesky deer into some very unwanted places. And with the deer population being at a seemingly all time high, we have to take certain precautions for our own safety. One big thing that can do to help prevent accidents is probably one of the simplest things to do. Replace your headlights! With so many aftermarket companies out there producing what the call “the best” or “the brightest” how do we know what the best really are for us? Hopefully, I’ll help you figure out what is the best route for you.

While attending the 2010 Harley-Davidson dealer show a short while back, Harley introduced new LED headlamp and auxiliary lamps. Now I was a little iffy on these at first, but as I got to the display they had for them, my opinion changed a bit. I was actually really impressed by them! They had a side by side comparison with the new LED lights and just a stock headlight. To me it looked like it was double the working length and width of light over that of the stock set up. I couldn’t believe how much of a difference there really was. Now I know the price point may have some of you a little scared away, but is there a price on our safety?

Plus not only is it that much brighter but also has a much longer lifetime over the traditional H-4 style bulb and also pulls less power than them too.

If this didn’t convince you to spend that kind of money, let me give you a couple of other options. First off if you have a 2004 or older Harley please, I beg you, get rid of those outdated fluted glass headlamp and passing lamps. Simply changing those out will make a huge difference. I know you can pick those up at your local

motorcycle shop from anywhere between forty to a hundred dollars. As far as bulbs go, there are so many on the market, it is hard to know what to go with. I personally run a WIXTECH Extreme Xenon H-4 and I am really happy with it. Plus it carries a lifetime guarantee as long as you do not touch the bulb with your bare hands, but that is a rule with all halogen bulbs. Another heavy hitter is PIAA. I know you have seen their stuff before. They have bulbs for every price range, it just depends on how bright you want to get. Their brightest that I have seen is their GT-X Super Plasma. It runs about 5000 Kelvin and considering the sun is rated at 5250 Kelvin, that’s a really bright light. The GT-X usually runs around fifty dollars which in the end is a small price to pay for safety.

Another thing that has been getting a little more attention is headlight modulators. These won’t help you for night riding but they do help you be seen during the day. Part of good lighting is seeing, and the other part is being seen. What the headlight modulators do is make your headlight pulsate while you are riding, similar to a strobe light. It really helps catch the eyes of other people on the road. Once the night time starts to set in they have a little light sensor, just like what is on most late model vehicles, which will turn it off.

Lighting on a motorcycle sometimes a little low on the priority list, but it deserves to be much higher. Technology has advanced in the way of lighting to see better, and be seen better, so we need to take advantage of it. Get into your favorite shop, and check out what is available, what will fit your bike, and what is legal to operate, and let the “Light or Your Life” lead your way into safe night riding.

Thunder Roads Magazine 16

A couple weeks back Mark and I were up at Anamosa where we shopped our way through J & P Cycles before heading over to the new location of the National Motorcycle Museum to catch “Slider” Gilmore’s Accident Scene Management presentation. Parked right there in the lobby of the museum was the bike that’s going to be raffled off in the near future. A 2010 custom Knucklehead with a Springer front end and blue and silver paint job, this bobbed beauty looks totally road-ready. It looks GOOD! There’s just one problem. I bet there’s no gas in the tank. No matter how good that bike looks on the outside, it’s missing something on the inside - the fuel needed to power it. In its current condition, the bike is just a display. The lucky dog who wins the bike could push its heavy weight along in this condition with his feet for a short way, but if he really wants to get out on the road and go somewhere he’ll have to acknowledge, “Hey, this bike needs something more. It needs some gas!” The act of fueling up will complete the transition from looking road-ready to being road-ready.

The Bible tells about a rich, young leader who had a similar problem. He came to Jesus asking what good thing he needed to do in order to have eternal life. Jesus told him, “You must keep the commandments: Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie. Honor your father and your mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The young leader replied, “I have done all these things from the time I was young. What else do I need to do?”

Right here, let me say that I’m impressed with this young guy. Since he was a rich, young leader, he probably had women throwing themselves at him on a regular basis - but he’d never committed adultery. And if he had ridden his camel through the desert, he was no doubt tempted to stretch the truth about the size of the sandstorms he had encountered when he told his road trip story to the guys back at home - but he’d never lied. And if he had made it through his teen years without dishonoring his parents well, he’s way ahead of me on that one, too. He looks GOOD! But now comes the one problem. Jesus answers him with this: “Sell all you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.”

The rich, young man couldn’t do it. He turned away, sad, because while he wanted to help the needy, he wasn’t willing to become needy himself.

He didn’t want to really NEED Jesus, and if he did as Jesus said and got rid of all his riches, he would really need Jesus. The very thing he said he most wanted - eternal life - would remain just out of his reach because he wasn’t willing to put himself in the position of needing Jesus’ help.

If we were honest with ourselves, we’d probably see that we’re a lot like the young leader. We want to do good by our own strength and we want that to be enough. We’d rather just struggle along and push a little harder against the weight of life than to say “I am in need of something more.”

But Jesus made it clear that we must quit counting on our own ability to do good, acknowledge that we’re in need of a relationship with him, and follow him. It’s that relationship with Jesus that changes a person from just being a display model into a person that has the power to roll on down the road of life. Isn’t it time to stop pushing and get on for the ride?

Blessings to you!

Karla Cornick Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you atwww.cmausa.org.

Thunder Roads Magazine 17

Bike: 2009 Indian Chief Vintage from Indian Motorcycle Omaha Model: Wendi Photo: Kandi

IOWA

Thunder Roads Magazine 20

Thunder Roads Magazine 21

News Bytes FEDS PUSH HELMET LAWS AND MOTORCYCLE-ONLY ROADBLOCKS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking applications from law enforcement agencies across the country to conduct federally-funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. Now mirrored in other states, “Motorcycle-Only Safety Checkpoints” were initiated in New York last year and are set up during large motorcycle rallies or near large biker gathering spots to check not only license, registration and insurance, but also for DOT-compliant helmets and legal exhaust systems. ABATE of New York is working with NY A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) attorney Mitch Proner on legal actions to halt these discriminatory roadblocks in the Empire State.

But police forces across the country may soon receive public funds to target motorcyclists, though U.S. Reps F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) and Tom Petri (R-WI) along with several colleagues in Congress have written to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking him to suspend funding of the federal grants for the NHTSA checkpoint program.

In addition, after learning that NHTSA recently testified to the Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation that “The most important step we could take would be to assure that all riders wear a DOTcompliant helmet,” according to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, who added “NHTSA will actively work with Congress to promote helmet use,” Congressman Sensenbrenner and fellow Congressional lawmakers have also introduced H. Res. 1498 which “supports efforts to retain the ban on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ability to lobby state legislatures using federal tax dollars and urges NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education.” The US Defenders have joined with other state and national motorcycle groups in urging riders to contact their Congress members to support H. Res. 1498, and to write DOT & NHTSA to oppose federally-funded motorcycle-only safety checks. “This is one more piece of evidence of the constant profiling attempts targeting our community at large,” said Escondido Paul, National Lt. Commander of the US Defenders, in issuing a nationwide Call To Action through all Confederations of Clubs and coalitions in every state.

For further information, consult www.USDefenders.org.

BLACK MOTORCYCLISTS AT HIGHER RISK African-American motorcyclists are more likely than others to die in crashes, even though they are more likely to wear a helmet, according to a study done to determine if race had anything to do with motorcycle crash mortality; and the results stood out in black and white. Researchers at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions analyzed statistics from the National Trauma Data Bank of 68,840 people involved in motorcycle crashes from 2002-2006, and found that black motorcycle crash victims were 1.5 times more likely to die than similarly injured white riders. The findings do not help support the push for helmet laws since AfricanAmericans mortality rates were still 50% higher even though they were 30% more likely to wear a helmet; although the highest mortality rates are among African-American motorcyclists without helmets. Whites who weren’t wearing helmets were less likely to be killed in crashes than blacks who wore protective headgear. The study, published in the American Journal of Surgery, raises questions about the efficacy of injury prevention strategies such as state helmet laws that may not be protecting all riders equally. “For reasons that we are still trying to figure out, one size of injury prevention does not fit all groups of people and

News Bytes

just wearing a helmet is not enough,” senior author Dr. Adil Haider says in a statement. “Helmet for helmet, African-Americans have more lethal injuries.” Haider suspects several factors -- such as lack of health insurance, reduced access to healthcare, poorer quality of care and a greater number of pre-existing illnesses/injuries -- may be combining to account for the survival gap. It is possible, he says, riders of different races may prefer different types of helmets or style of motorcycles, suggesting that more research is needed.

MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES PLUMMET IN 2009 It’s not surprising when accident rates increase in proportion to increased usage and number of miles travelled, but last year motorcyclist fatalities decreased more than any other category of road users despite more motorcycles being ridden more miles! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports that 4,462 riders died in 2009, 850 fewer than in the previous year, representing a 16% drop in fatalities despite a 5% increase in miles traveled and 4.5% increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. The Motorcycle Industry Council recorded half a million more motorcycles in use in 2009, up from 11 million in 2008, and according to the MIC 2009 Motorcycle Owner Survey, they were ridden 1.3 billion more miles. There was also a decrease in motorcycle accident injuries, down 6.3% from 96,000 in 2008 to 90,000 last year.

Overall U.S. traffic fatalities hit the lowest level ever recorded, since 1950 when the government began tracking such statistics, and the 33,808 road deaths in 2009 was down 9.7% from the year before. All traffic accidents, fatal or not, declined by 5.3% between 2008 and 2009, though motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 3 and 34, NHTSA said.

CALIFORNIA ENACTS ANTI-MOTORCYCLE NOISE LAW Motorcycle-riding California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has put his stamp of approval on a controversial law aimed at cracking down on motorcyclists who replace stock exhaust systems with aftermarket pipes that don’t comply with federal EPA noise and emissions standards.

Under SB 435 by State Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act makes it illegal for motorcyclists to remove and replace federally required emissions equipment, and motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 2013 will be required to display a readily visible and unalterable label stamped into the pipes that indicates that they meet federal standards. Bikers will still be able to install aftermarket exhausts, but for bikes built after 2013 the replacement parts must be EPA-certified and permanently stamped.

Similar anti-noise laws have been enacted recently in Boston and Denver. Illegal tampering with emissions systems in California will be a secondary violation, meaning that motorcyclists would have to first be pulled over for some other infraction before officers could inspect for the presence of the EPA stamp and issue a citation. First time offenders could face up to $100 fine, but it will be considered a “fix-it” ticket and proof of repair would get the violation dismissed, though subsequent infractions could result in fines of up to $250. Pavley’s original bill sought to include motorcycles in the state’s SMOG emissions testing program, but after being stymied by intense lobbying by state and national motorcyclists rights organizations, she later reintroduced the measure to instead force

Thunder Roads Magazine 22

motorcycles into compliance with existing federally-mandated sound and air pollution levels.

US SUPREME COURT TO RULE ON PROTESTS AT MILITARY FUNERALS A group of patriotic motorcyclists recently staged a counterdemonstration during the Arlington National Cemetery burial of a local Navy SEAL, parking motorcycles and revving engines to oppose a protest staged by members of the fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas. Similar scenes play out across America, as a grieving family lays their loved one to rest, the funeral of a service member killed in action is disrupted by vocal protesters shouting vindictive and incendiary remarks at mourners and wave signs that read “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “God Hates the USA”. The motorcyclists, mostly veterans who are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, led the funeral procession and then strategically parked their bikes in between the family and the protesters and revved up their engines to drown their chanting, and saluted in respect as the funeral cortege passed by giving them a thumbs up. The church protesters, who contend that God is killing members of the military because of the nation’s sins, often demonstrate at military funerals, and are now the subjects of a United States Supreme Court case that will decide if the Constitution protects highly offensive hate speech from civil claims filed by grieving relatives. In Snyder v. Phelps, the father of a Marine killed in Iraq in 2006 was awarded $5 million in his lawsuit against the church for “intentional infliction of emotional distress”, but a federal appeals court overturned the ruling on free speech grounds, and now Albert Snyder is asking the High Court to reinstate the verdict. Justices heard oral arguments in the case on October 6th and the Supreme Court is expected to render a decision late next Spring.

pared to the motorcycle riders. Researchers gathered information from a national trauma bank on nearly 60,000 accidents that occurred between 2002 and 2006 (13,749 from off-road motorcycle riding and 44,509 from ATV mishaps). There are somewhere between 800 and 900 deaths due to ATV accidents each year, according to ATVSafety.gov, a government web site. Dr. Adil Haider, a surgeon from the Johns Hopkins Center for Surgery Trials and Outcomes Research in Baltimore, Maryland, who headed the study, said he and his colleagues don’t know yet why the ATV riders are more at risk than the motorcyclists. “We think there are much more energy transfers when an ATV turns over, but we can’t tell whether that is because of the stability of the vehicle or the weight of the vehicle as it rolls over on a rider,” he said in a statement prepared before the presentation.

YEMEN BANS MOTORCYCLES DUE TO TERRORISM THREAT Riding a motorcycle is a popular pastime in Yemen, but fearing al-Qaida assassins on wheels authorities in Yemen’s Abyan Governorate, a growing terrorist stronghold in the Arabian Peninsula, have banned motorcycles from cities in the region’s urban centers. “Using motorbikes in terrorist operations to assassinate intelligence officers and security personnel have been massively mounted over the past nine months in the province,” a Yemeni Interior Ministry official told the Xinhua news agency following a series of assassinations by al-Qaida militants throughout Abyan and will affect some 5,000 two-wheeled vehicles.

“Motorcycles are typically used by terrorists and insurgents to deliver weapons directly if it’s a suicide attack or to make a quick getaway,” Dr Theodore Karasik, Director for Research and Development at the Institute for Near East Gulf Military Analysis told The Media Line. “The banning of motorcycles is indicative of how the government, with help ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES MORE DEADLY THAN from US officers, is trying to cut down on the movements of al-Qaida MOTORCYCLES If you think 3 or even 4 wheels are safer than 2, remembers and tribal members who support them.” search suggests you think again as more people die after ATV accidents But while the Yemeni government has shown some concern over althan after motorcycle accidents.

Qaida’s presence in the country, this is a relatively recent development According to trauma surgeons and public health researchers in a presen- seen by many as a ploy to please the United States. tation during the annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons, even when the severity of injuries was the same, the patients who had QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The world is run by those who show up.” - Anonybeen riding ATVs were 50% more likely to die, and 50% more likely to mous need treatment in an intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation, comThunder Roads Magazine 23

During a recent visit to Leather & Hawgs in Hornick, Iowa, I was talking to the owner, Greg Crook, and looking through his vast array of clothing and leather products.

I came upon some nice quality sweatshirts with artwork that stands out from other similar clothing you see and asked Greg about them. I commented on great quality and design, asking why the Leather & Hawgs logo wasn’t printed on them? He replied, “These are the Convicted Clothing line.” With a brand name like that, I had to find out more to satisfy my curiosity.

The Convicted Clothing line begins with Adam Overstreet and his supportive wife, Mindy. Adam spent twelve years in the prison system paying back his debt to society. Not wanting to return to his old ways he began to work on himself. He was fortunate to meet a woman named Mindy who introduced him to an alternate way of thinking.

He started to utilize self help books and techniques. One book in particular was “The Secret”, by Rhonda Byrne which is based on William Walker Atkinson’s prior works and school of thought. Atkinson was a believer in working hard, positive thinking, empowering others, and paying it forward. Mindy, along with Adam’s father, believed in and supported Adam every step

the life of an upstanding citizen. Many who leave the prison system return a short time later due to the lack of a support system. Many out there will not knowingly give a job to a convicted felon. Adam and Mindy made it their mission to empower inmates by giving them the tools to make a positive change in their life. A long-term goal is to be able to open a life training facility for the artists when released.

They have been able to assist in helping a small handful of people who are currently out and working on becoming productive members of society. Two are currently productive members of society that have started families. Adam would have been very proud to see this. Adam had issues with Asthma and during the Laughlin River Run Show developed a lung infection. Despite being totally run down from working to promote the clothing line, he would not go to the doctor until he got back home. Long hours, sleepless nights and the intense stress of getting his business noticed had totally worn him out. On April 27, 2008, the day he was to return home to his family, he did not awaken.

Medical reports state that his airway had shut down. Adam was thirty nine years old.

Mindy has taken over the business. While raising her daughter and with the support of her father-in-law with multiple health issues, she continues their efforts to spread the word about the Convicted Clothing line. For Mindy, the last two years have been about moving forward and not giving up. The art and quality of the products will sell itself. She told me she has many new art designs to release and needs the public to see what she has to offer in order to make a difference.

Leather & Hawgs is located in Hornick and they have a second seasonal location in Soldier, both selling the Convicted Clothing line here in Iowa. For a complete listing of dealers check out Mindy’s website http://www. convictedclothing.com Sources: http://www.convictedclothing.com/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(book); Special thanks to Mindy Overstreet for sharing her story to satisfy my curiosity. tt of the way. They were blessed with a daughter named Madison and Mindy felt strongly about never glorifying prison to anyone, especially their daughter.

Adam was a people person, a poet, who even had a poem published and was always giving to others. He had heart. He began a business endeavor, opening up a print shop and finding it a very competitive market which compelled him to find something to make his business stand out. So he and Mindy started a clothing company with a cause. The idea began to form when one of his employees placed some art on the wall of the print shop sent to the employee from a prison inmate. Adam came up with the idea of printing the works from prison inmates to share the incredible talents that might never be seen, certainly not by the public. Thus the term “Art From behind the Walls” began. Each piece of art is purchased from the artist during the artist incarceration. The artist places their signature, date, and location when the artwork is created. Inmates are unable to earn an income while in the prison, so money earned goes to the artist’ family or in the form of a package sent to the artist. Convicted Clothing’s future goal is to use some of the proceeds of sales to provide support to organizations that help with victim restitution. Some examples are Children of Incarcerated Parents or the Victims of Violent Crimes.

When an inmate is released they receive two hundred dollars from our federal prison system and are expected to find a job, a place to live and to maintain

Thunder Roads Magazine 24

Thunder Roads Magazine 25

TNT

Thunder Roads Magazine 26

Thunder Roads Magazine 27

Join Thunder Roads On Facebook:

Blue Tooth Biking?

By Kevin G. Charleville

Search for Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa

We Do Custom: Hats, Can Cozies, T/shirts, Patches etc..

We also Offer Leather Repair & Sewing..

(319) 241-0916

Everybody has a story!

SEND US YOUR STORIES AND PICS (highest resolution possible) via email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Are You Reading This?

We want to hear your tales of the road. If you would like to have your story published in Thunder Roads Iowa send it our way!

If So, Advertising In Thunder Roads Works!

Thunder Roads Magazine 28

More and more you hear about states and individual communities that are passing laws banning or creating ordinances against using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. I would say that if there is this much concern about the issue, then there must be a good reason for creating these laws. Twice within the last 2 years, I have had 2 separate instances where drivers had pulled out in front of me while riding my motorcycle. Fortunately, other than a nasty gaze I projected at the drivers, it was at very low speeds and I was able to mitigate the situation and avoided collisions. Although many laws have and will take effect on prohibiting the use of cell phones while operating a vehicle, it will be ok for, “Hands Free” operation, i.e. the popular Blue Tooth devices. Many studies have shown however, that humans are still very distracted by just the mere conversations they have while using their cell phones no matter if they are holding the phones in their hands, or carrying on a conversation with an electronic device slammed into their ear. While driving a 4 wheeled vehicle, you can most likely get away with these two means of communication, heck, you can even get away with texting or searching the net.

However, we all know how critical it is (especially in heavy traffic) to be 110% on our best alert game while riding a motorcycle and anything to take away from this is a recipe for disaster.

I do see more and more riders using Blue Tooth devices while riding, I have yet to see someone texting while riding, but I am sure it has and will be done. This may sound like I have something against Blue Tooth devices and cell phones; however, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

I damn near have a coronary anytime I run off and forget my cell phone at home or somewhere else, and it’s a major melt down when my battery goes dead in my phone because I failed to charge it. I do not own a Blue Tooth device simply because I have not seen a style that would look good on me yet, maybe someday. So, what can we do to make things safer for all of us? While riding, turn your phones off. If you choose to have them on because you are waiting for that most important call, then maybe you should wait to ride until after receiving it. If you choose to ride with your phone on, put it on vibrate and wait until your next stop to view the call. If you must answer it while riding, pull off the road to a safe zone before answering it. If you choose to ride with a Blue Tooth device, again, I would pull off to a safe zone to have my conversation. Something else I have been noticing as well is the increasing amount of mp3 player usage with personal headphones. I have actually been thinking about this myself. Ahhhh, music can be so Mesmerizing sometimes, is this not a safe practice either?

Ride safe, ride free, help your neighbors, and please take care of the children.

Thunder Roads Magazine 29

The Guardian Bell Many of us have our own superstitions in everyday life. We also have our own ways we think, to ward off bad luck in our daily routines. Here is a story I ran across while doing some research, and thought I would share it with you.

Many years ago, on a cold December night, a crusty old biker was returning from a trip to Mexico with his saddlebags filled with toys and other assorted trinkets for the kids at a group home near where he worked.

As he rode along that night thinking how lucky he had been in life, having a loving riding partner that understood his need to roam the highways and to his trusty old pan that hadn’t let him down once in the many years they had shared the road together.

Well about 40 miles north of the border, in the high desert, lurked a small group of notorious little critters known as road gremlins. You know, the ones who always leave little obstacles like, one shoe, boards, and pieces of old tires on the road, and also dig those dreaded potholes for bikers to run over and crash, thus giving the road gremlins a chance to rejoice over their acts of evil.

Well, as the lone wolf of a biker rounded a curve that moonlit night, the gremlins ambushed him, causing him to crash to the asphalt and skid before coming to a stop next to one of his saddlebags that had broken free. As he lay there, unable to move, the road gremlins made their way towards him. Well, this biker, not being one to give up, started throwing things at the gremlins as they approached him. Finally, with nothing else to throw but a bell, he started ringing it in hopes to scare off the dirty little gremlins.

About a half a mile away, camped in the desert, were two bikers sitting around the campfire talking about their day’s ride, and the freedom of the wind blowing in their faces as they rode across this vast country. In the stillness of the night air they heard what sounded to them like church bells ringing, and upon investigating, found the old biker lying along the roadside with the gremlins about to get him.

Needless to say, being part of the biker brotherhood, they preceded to ward off the gremlins until the last ran off into the night.

Being grateful to the two bikers, the old road dog offered to pay them for their help, but as all true bikers do, they refused to accept any type of payment from him. Not being one to let a good deed go unnoticed, the old biker cut two pieces of leather from his saddlebags tassels and tied a bell to each one. He then placed them on each of the biker’s motorcycles, as near to the ground as possible. The tired, old road warrior then told the two travelers that with those bells placed on their bikes, they would be protected from the gremlins also known as evil road spirits.

or any of several hundred things that can go wrong. These problems are caused by Evil Road Spirits.

Evil Road Spirits can’t live in the presence of the bell, because they get trapped in the hollow of the bell. Among other things, their hearing is supersensitive, so the constant ringing of the bell and the confined space drives them insane. They lose their grip and eventually fall to the roadway.

Have you ever wondered how potholes are formed? The bell has served its purpose.

If you pick up a guardian bell of your own, the magic will work, but if your bell is given to you by a friend or a loved one, the power is doubled, and you know that somewhere you have a special friend helping to look after you.

So, if you have a friend who doesn’t have a bell, why not give them one? It’s a nice feeling for the recipient to know you care. The bell, plus a good preventive maintenance program by the bikes owner, will help eliminate Evil Road Spirits.

So, whenever you see a biker with a bell, you know that he has been blessed with the most important thing in life— friendship from a fellow biker.

After reading this information, I decided to purchase a bell for a few of my dearest biker friends. There are many locations to purchase a guardian bell and there are many styles to fit your favorite bikers personality.

AMA Motorcycle Knoxville Nationals Submitted by Thomas Schmeh Photos by Bob Colbert, Conrad Nelson, and Dwayne Betterton Promoter Matt George assembled seventy-four (74) vintage motorcycle racers from Michigan to Colorado to compete on Friday, September 17, at the legendary Knoxville Raceway half-mile dirt track for the finale of the Classic Flat-Track National Championship Series. The track was in perfect condition all evening for the show which included six main events.

The top three in each main event were: Modern Open Amateur: 1) Dustin Cassidy, Walnut, IL, Honda; 2) Tony Rulli, Des Moines, IA, Honda; 3) Ed Sater, Norwalk, IA, Honda.

Handshift/Footshift: 1) Mike Anderson, Princeton, IA, Triumph; 2) Corbin Erickson, Sioux Falls, SD, Indian; 3) Kelly George, Norwalk, IA, Indian.

250/350: 1) Jerry Cheney, Bloomfield, IA, Honda; 2) Jordan Baber, Carlisle, IA, Honda; 3) Bill Snyder, Manhattan, KS, Bultaco.

70’s Singles: 1) Mike Caves , Bateman , IL , Honda; 2) Cody Evans, East Moline , IL , Honda; 3) Jerry Cheney, Bloomfield , IA , Honda.

80’s Singles: 1) Corbin Erickson, Sioux Falls , SD , Rotex; 2) Steve Kasten, Hatley , WI , Yamaha; 3) Larry Erickson, Sioux Falls , SD, Rotex Twins: 1) Josh Koch, Cedar, MN, Harley-Davidson; 2) Tim Lindfors, Salina , KS , Harley-Davidson; 3) Larry Erickson, Sioux Falls , SD , Harley-Davidson.

Vintage Open Amateur: 1) Jamie Laughlin, Rock Island, IL, Honda; 2) Jordan Baber, Carlisle, IA, Honda; 3) Roger Johnson, Princeton, IA, Yamaha.

DVD’s of the 2010 event are available by calling the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum toll-free at 1-800-8744488. The 2011 edition of this show is tentatively slated for Friday, September 16. Individuals are urged to visit www. knoxvilleraceway.com or call Matt George at 515-202-7196 for more information.

Take care, ride safe and watch out for the gremlins.

Kandi

Winner: Josh Kock, Cedar, Minnesota 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000cc

1978 C&J Triumph 750cc

He went on to explain that gremlins live on your bike. They love to ride, and they’re also responsible for most of your bike’s problems. Sometimes your turn signals refuse to work; your battery goes dead, the clutch needs adjustment, Thunder Roads Magazine 30

Thunder Roads Magazine 31

1941 Harley-Davidson WLDR

Former American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Grand National Flat-Track racer John Tibben of Victor, Iowa, was honored at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville on the eve of the AMA Motorcycle Knoxville Nationals. The “Salute to John Tibben” was part of the museum’s “Sprint Car 101” Third Thursday series of monthly programs.

S K I N A R T

IOWA 2010 NOVEMBER ISSUE 11 VOLUME 1

d 1999

E MAGAZIN

Establishe R

FREE

ading This, If You Are Re ran Thank a Vete Day ns ra te Ve y Happ giving Happy Thanks

E:

IN THIS ISSU

TAKE ONE

99

othing Convicted Cl Harvest Band : On To The B’s County Tour

OWING BIKER

STEST GR AMERICA’S FA

Don’t Miss A Single Issue Have Thunder Roads Delivered To Your Pad!

PUBLICATION

GET YOUR THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OF IOWA, STILL FREE, BUT THE SHIPPING WE HAVE TO CHARGE YOU FOR. Send Check or Money Order for 1 Year of 12 Issues for $30.

Mail to: Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543 NAME______________________________________________________________________ STREET OR P.O. BOX______________________________________________________ CITY________________________________________ST___________ZIP______________ PHONE_________________________________ Thunder Roads Magazine 32

Thunder Roads Magazine 33

Born out of a fire in 1981 at the Yellow Rose night club in Des Moines, IA

In December of 1981, thanks to the fire chief who was a musician, the stage area was gently sprayed with water to prevent total flames. The plastic disco mirrored ceiling melted and dropped to cover our gear, thus saving total destruction. Jesse Cuno, who owned the expensive steel guitar covered with plastic ceiling tiles like a piece of cheese melted upon a cheeseburger asked, “Is this a sign?” The band leader, Jimmy “sticks” Robinson retorted, “It’s a sign we need to update our equipment!” The next week the band hit the road and never looked back.

The Harvest Band has spawned many young and upcoming stars in the entertainment business. The original line up launched Canadian singer Lori Carr who was replaced the following year by S.E. Iowa’s gifted Vocalist, Donita Brown. Jim Robinson on drums/harmonica, Mike Kennedy on bass with Jesse Cuno on guitars and steel guitar provided a solid foundation for several years until Tom Robinson (guitars and keyboards) decided to depart Arizona and join up in the early 1980’s.

The brothers Jimmy “Sticks” Robinson and “Travlin’ “Tom Robinson, who both played in their father’s band in Missouri, The Dave Robinson Orchestra, have launched some of the best performers in the Central United States.

Featuring several players in the mid 80’s, Harvest continued on with singer/songwriter Tex Shelly on bass, Bobby Lee Evans on lead guitar, producer and comedian Tim

Smith, bass/acoustic guitar, including for short stints, with “T Bone” and Justin Paul on bass. All of these men were fine vocalists as well. Associated with many agents, the combo found they would play more in Iowa if they hired the Ken Summers Agency of Ottumwa, IA. The band performed often in a club in S.E. Iowa for years owned by the Summer’s family known as The Red Stallion. This was a venue for variety entertainment. Harvest then became connected with producers in Nashville and toured with New York State’s own Wendy Sue Tibbets, featuring her #1 in the Canadian charts, One More Wonderful Time. During this same time we introduced the “voice of the Harvest Band “, Emcee Mark “By God” Bailey. With one phone call and a five minute interview he arrived in Pierre, S.D to play the Long Branch Saloon. One week later Mark made it to showcase with us in Vegas. His solid consistent performances have remained, as well as song writing and recording skills, Mark “By God” Bailey is now grandfathered into the Harvest history for nearly 25 years. Later, we “Harvested” our next talented vocalist from Salem, IA, in the late 1980’s.She was a very unique stylist and we can never forget the adorable Carla (Boom-Boom) Wilson. We covered many types of music and were able to perform with several national acts. With state of the art midi technology the automated light and sound show was second to none in the region which led to several encounters with greatness. Yes, the guys in Harvest have shared the stage with the likes of REO Speedwagon, Steppenwolf, opened for Foghat, Kenny Chesney and played in festivals for 30,000+ that include the likes of Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks. We performed an 8 state area of Mid Western night clubs from Wyoming to Michigan and Minnesota to Mississippi. When Carla left to pursue a career in nursing the band made the decision to form an image of an all male format. The power trio of Tom, Jim and Mark were the hub of several great singers. We found the astounding Kelly Odell from an Opry Show in Tightwad, MO. He was limited to country there and was doing marvelous comedy but Harvest brought the rock out of his amazing vocal abilities. We did a home movie in 1990 and are releasing it as a DVD 20 years later this year of 2010. The Great Western Tour gives the audience a slice of life on the road with us. We recorded the video in Thunder Roads Magazine 34

1990 and are delighted to offer it to our fans. After extensive touring and exhausted, Kelly went home to be with his family. We then heard rumor about a young man that won the Bill Riley talent Showcase at the Iowa State Fair, Jason Brown.

The band referred to him as Jason “the kid” Brown. He is featured on several songs of original selections with our 1993 Harvest release, Big Time. Jason moved on and the band found a Nashville recording artist named David Lambert along with a replacement bass player Jeff Cooper, “The “Pennsylvania Playboy” as he was known, to finish out our days on the road. These two players, although short lived, were very highly regarded and we regret not recording with them. The clubs were slowing down and the band decided to cease the constant traveling. The full time road band ended in the spring of 1994 in one of our favorite cities of our “second home”, C.J.’s Lounge in Rochester, MN. Within two weeks Tom and Jim got a call to perform in Wild Bill’s Opry In Allerton, IA and entertained once a month for 12 years with a fabulous 6 piece country shows. This group evolved into the Night Sky Opry featuring Beth Hunter. Mark was asked to render his fine skills as announcer, vocalist and bassist the last few seasons and the Night Sky Opry is doing reunion shows once a year presently. See: nightskyopry.com All the while the Harvest “tattered” banner yet waived at weekend festivals, clubs and fairs. For a time, Jimmy “sticks” pulled out because of his work schedule. Thanks to Craig “the hammer” Bride who held down the drum throne. Harvest recorded the first live CD Road Dogz during this period. After the demise of Maytag In 2005 Jimmy returned to the weekend fun and helped sculpt the 2008 release of all originals entitled Forbearance. This CD had some local airplay in S.E. Iowa and Missouri and showcases the songwriting skills and production techniques of both and River Road Studios (produced and engineered by Tom and Mark.) The latest project to give you a sample of our act is represented in the 2009 CD offering, Harvest, Live at the D&T Tap this compilation of one evening displays the diverse range of material we portray per show. What is next in the decade? We enjoyed playing at Charlie’s Bar and Grill in Coralville, IA with The Deputy Dawg Band recently and for a Thunder Roads Magazine party at O’Kellys in Baxter, IA for a motorcycle poker run party on June 26th. We have always played a variety of music with classic rock at the core.

Recently we have been submitted to be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Very flattering indeed and our hopes that this will all come about next year, the same year we will be celebrating 30 years! To keep in touch we have an easy way by sharing and signing up at one of our venues via email. Thanks to all our friends in the Buddy Club who have been so helpful and supportive. Stay tuned and keep up the good work. Stop in and ask Mark about meeting Reba backstage in Vegas in his powder blue tux or maybe quiz Jimmy about his chat with George Strait backstage in Canada. Ask Tom about a skiing accident which left him with a leg in a cast. Heavily medicated in one of the largest clubs in Wyoming, intoxicated cowboys put his leg up on a barstool, yelling for him to play piano on the Bruce Hornsby selection, The Way it is. Yes, so many fond memories with many more to come! The show must go on! Don’t forget to check out one of our T shirts, CD’s or DVD’s available at any show!

Keep up with Harvest on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/travlintomsharvest

Thunder Roads Magazine 35

Rallies & Events around Iowa Nov 4 Nov 5 Nov 6 Nov 6 Nov 12-14 Nov 20 Nov 26 Dec 4 Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 11 Nov 19 Dec 3 Dec 18 Dec 18 Feb Mar 11-13

Ladies Night Dillon Brothers Harley Omaha Movie Night Big Barn Harley Des Moines Chill Ride Silver Eagle Harley Waterloo Veteran’s Day Sale Zylstra Harley Ames Iowa STEAM Marshalltown Route 65 Harley Fall Fashion Show Indianola Black Friday Sale Zylstra Harley Ames Pictures with Santa Silver Eagle Harley Waterloo Christmas Open House Dillon Harley Omaha Christmas Open house Roosters Harley Davidson Sioux City Christmas Open House Silver Eagle Harley Waterloo Ladies Night Out Carroll Harley Davidson Guys Night Out Carroll Harley Davidson Route 65 Harley Indianola Holiday Celebrations Santa Visit Zylstra Harley Ames Iowa Rips BAD Ride Chili Cook Off (Date to be announced) at Porky’s Des Moines, Iowa Lefty’s Cedar River Tattoo Expo

Pictured: Mariano “I’ve been riding for over 30 years and now own three Harley® motorcycles,” wearing the FXRG® Perforated Leather Jacket, FXRG® Leather and Textile Overpant, and holding the FXRG® Full-Face Helmet. Harley-Davidson, H-D, FXRG and the MotorClothes logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. © 2009 H-D.

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 tt@thunderroadsiowa.com ®

Pictured: Mariano “I’ve been riding for over 30 years and now own three Harley® motorcycles,” wearing the FXRG® Perforated Leather Jacket, FXRG® Leather and Textile Overpant, and holding the FXRG® Full-Face Helmet. Harley-Davidson, H-D, FXRG and the MotorClothes logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. © 2009 H-D.

Revolutionary Schoeller® c_change™ membrane that regulates your body temperature by expanding in warm conditions and contracting in cool conditions.

First-of-its-kind perforated leather bonded to Cordura® abrasion-resistant mesh for maximum airflow and comfort.

New leather and textile riding pant is 12% lighter and more flexible for a more® comfortable ride.

Revolutionary Schoeller c_change™ membrane that regulates your body temperature by expanding in warm conditions and contracting in cool conditions.

3M® Scotchlite® reflective piping remains reflective in all conditions.

First-of-its-kind perforated leather bonded to Cordura® abrasion-resistant mesh for maximum airflow and comfort.

®

The season’s latest are always in stock at Harley-Davidson of Carroll.

GIRLS’ NITE OUT!

Friday, Nov. 19th • 6PM-9PM

Our special night for women only: drinks, h’ordeuvres, free gift wrapping... the perfect night to get your shopping done!

New leather and textile riding pant is 12% lighter and more flexible for a more comfortable ride.

3M® Scotchlite® reflective piping remains reflective in all conditions.

1327 Plaza Dr. • Carroll, IA

800-792-1610

Learn more at h-d.com/fxrg

Thunder Roads Magazine 36

www.carrollcycle.com