Welcome to 2017! Happy New Year from the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa family to yours! We are really excited to get rolling into another year, and as it is the start of a new year, it means the riding season will be upon us before we know it! The amount of riding and interacting with bikers the past couple of months has been a lot less than normal, just like every year at this time, but it sucks. It will be nice to be able to get together with some biker friends that we may not have seen for a while at the upcoming bike shows and swap meets. They sure keep us hopping during the winter and spring months, but I suppose that is good because it keeps us out of trouble! Look on the events listing on the back cover to see when the shows are happening. As you peruse the events list, I am sure that you will notice that it is starting to grow. Some have already been getting us their events, but there are many more that need to be on the list. When you get your event date(s) established, or you see fliers or postings for confirmed events, get them to us. You can email them to Vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com. This is a FREE event listing that is printed in the magazine every month, as well as the next few weeks of events are posted each Monday on the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Facebook page. We need the event date, name of the event, and the event starting town. Any other information than that we don’t have room for and do not need. If you want more information included, we can also talk to you about ad space for your events. In the spring time, we also add a FREE bike night listing, so keep that in mind as you see bike night listings to get to us as well. With your help, we can maintain the most comprehensive biker event and bike night listings around. We are excited to announce that the Tall Corn Run is returning in 2017! The format of the program is the same as last year, with only a couple of minor changes
based on reader input. The cards that people signed up for last year are still good and active, so do not get rid of them. Keep your current card, and there is no reason to re-register. If you did not get a card last year, there will be registration points just like last year so that people can get cards through the entire program. We will also be signing people up for cards at the shows this winter just like we did last year. We did change the length of the program, so it will run from April 1st through August 31st. We listened to riders from the 2016 program, and ending the end of August will allow for a better chance of riding to the end of year drawing party in mid-September. We had quite a few riders come from quite a distance last year on October 15th, but it was pretty cool and some places a little wet for that. Look in the magazine, on thunderroadsiowa. com, and on the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Facebook page for updates and information for the 2017 Tall Corn Run. If you know of any places that would want to be a stop on the 2017 Tall Corn Run, give us a holler! Thanks to the sponsors of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. The folks that you see on the pages of the magazine during the winter are generally the year around supporters of the magazine and we greatly appreciate the love. Please take the time to check out the spots that are listed in the magazine and tell them that Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent you. We could not the monthly pages without them. Shoot me an email anytime you have any ideas, events, complaints, or just wanna share some cool biker information. Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Vernon Quote of the Month: “Sex is one of the most wholesome, beautiful and natural experiences money can buy.� Steve Martin
On the Cover
George Cardenas was gracious enough to let Mark Fountain shoot his 1996 Fatboy for the January issue. Nancy is looking awesome showing off the bike in front of a graffiti laden wall. Mark Fountain from Fountain Photography is a Missouri Valley native that gravitated toward Omaha as an adult. He photographs about anything he can get in front of his lens, but his passions are of all things wheeled and their owners. He will be on hand at the March 17th-19th, 2017 Midwest Motorcycle Show with camera in hand. This motorcycle show is held in conjunction with the Omaha World of Wheels and Mark will be checking out not just the bikes, but also the tons of hot rods available as well. You can check out his work on Facebook under Fountain Photography and his website at fountainphoto.net. www.thunderroadsiowa.com 4 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
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CMA Notes
It’s ironic that the act of remembering spurs us on to successfully looking and going forward. Be “I went down to the thankful for relationships crossroads, fell down and the Lord’s blessings, on my knees, asked favor and mercy shown to this Republic we have. the Lord above for mercy, save me if Eric Clapton said “we do you please” - Eric Clapton and Cream. need to fall down on our knees, ask the Lord for mercy and to save us if Crossroads - how He pleased”. God says, apropos with the He does please to save us. end of the year and the beginning of the It was done on the cross. We need the realization new. The changes that it is okay to question our country will and cry out to God. He is see in the makeup big enough to handle the of Congress, the questions, and doubts, the presidency and headaches and heartaches. possibly Supreme Court justices - so-called movers and shakers, power brokers who deal with a myriad of things We all have areas of that affect our lives in every way. Uncertainties in world alliances; political, moral, spiritual and financial issues hang influence; it just changes in the balance. It’s as if the Lord has given us a brief pause as life progresses. Be to regroup and see our decision in what fork in the road we faithful to point others to Jesus, God’s direction. will take. Yes, I believe in His omniscience, omnipotence This will stand the test of and omnipresence but I also believe he gives us free will time and lead to the right in some of these areas of decision on our direction. Kind fork of this crossroad. of like, “Are you going to take the path with the signs and guideposts I’ve laid out for you or are you going off on your own understanding struggling up the treacherous steep Blessings, Mark path laid with the enemy’s mines?” Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and I have always been a history buff, loved nostalgic things God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org. and wanted to know why people did what they did. What influenced our great historical figures to do brave, sacrificial deeds and make world changing decisions at crucial times? Modern society seems to have lost the reason why we are who we are and have done what we’ve done. I read of past leaders whose faith was a real and practical mainstay of their daily lives. Theodore Roosevelt in a speech at Oyster Bay talked of a large number of people forgetting that the teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally, not figuratively, impossible for us to figure for ourselves what life would be if these teachings were removed. We would lose almost all the standards by which we judge both public and private morals and the standards by which we strive to raise ourselves. Really hits home hard today doesn’t it? So much of life and our priorities are nothing more than distracted running to and fro, worry about feelings and self. Circumstances overwhelm, health issues can dominate, political correctness dictates. How many ball games we attended, how many new bikes we owned, the question of if the 107 that much better that the 103, how many days were spent in the tree stand, new cars, houses, clothes will probably not be high on the list in eternity. What will stand the test of time? It’s important to share stories generationally of ourselves and loved ones, to remember the historical facts and reasons and to be intentional in passing along knowledge and faith.
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916
Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers
Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727 Heartland Harley-Davidson 117 S. Roosevelt Ave Burlington, Iowa 52601 www.heartlandhd.com 319-754-1100 Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822 National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org
McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com McGrath Hawkeye Harley-Davidson 120 Westcor Drive Coralville, IA 52241 319- 545.7495 www.hawkeyehd.com
Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Food and Drink
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
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Entertainment
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public Newtonamericanlegion111.org Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigosfortdodge.com Bailey’s Pub -N- Grub 918 E Euclid Ave Des Moines 515-266-6560 Mon-Sat 6am-2am Sun 8am-12am Home Cooked Food
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Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Bill’s Boat Landing Clayton, Iowa 563-964-2112 Check Us Out on Facebook Where the River is Calling & You Must Go!
Bootleggers of Millville Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food Tops in Scenic River Rides Check us on Facebook 563-252-7775 Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Buck Snort 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com CJ’s Bar and Grill 105 E Marion St Monroe, IA 641-259-2222 & Facebook M-F 11am-Close, S-S Noon-Close Homemade Food-Live Entertainment Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Dirty Ernies 201 1st Street NE Farley, Iowa 563-744-4653 Ride your Harley to Farley! Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close Best Scenic Road With the Best Food! 563-552-2291 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
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Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m. Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon.- Sat. 7am breakfast -2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper
Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty
Jerrys 100 W Washington Exira, Iowa 50076 Jerrys Exira on Facebook “The Party Lives On” Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA” Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders
Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S Noon-2a Find Us On Facebook
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com Shooters Bar 661 Main Anita, Iowa 712-249-7370 Mon-Fri 3:00-Close Sat-Sun 10:00-Close Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226
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Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome
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Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com IowaBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452
Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901 BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
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Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Shops & Fabricators
Machine Shop 6821 Fleur Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50321 515-285-4332 RIDE SAFE
Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
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Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
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SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call
Tattoo
TIRES Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
Vape The Fog Zone Vape Store 420 Chestnut Street Atlantic, Iowa, 50025 Facebook.com/fogzonestore 712-243-4024 To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thun th unde deerr rroa o dssio oa iowa.com m thunderroadsiowa.com
Skin Mechanix INKorpar8ted 117 No. 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712 256-2847 Check Us Out on Facebook
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BB Reproduction Bubble Bags
It is probably no surprise that I am a big fan of vintage iron. Keeping these things on the road can become quite a task, and to me if they are not on the road, they are not worth the garage space. Ride them as much as you can, and try to keep them as original as you can. I am not a giant fan of reproduction or re-pop parts for old motorcycles for a number of reasons. One reason is that it just seems much better to have original equipment whenever possible. One problem with this is that OEM parts are no longer available for motorcycles as new as 20 years old in some cases, let alone the older stuff. One other problem with reproduction parts and this is the big one; many of these parts simply do not fit or look worth a damn at all. When you get the parts, many times they are made somewhere that requires a boat trip to get to you, and when you get them, it requires highly modifying or redoing the parts just to make them work.
I got a set to put on my ’60, and that is when I realized that not all re-pop parts are less than desirable. The box arrived and I immediately tore into it and noticed that the bags were packed snugly into a box wrapped individually in a plastic bag, with divider to keep them from rubbing, and with plenty of packing to protect them in transit. I took everything out of the box and laid it out and then took off the original bags to start to compare them. Right off the bat I was very impressed. The feel and texture of the plastic was so similar to the originals it is amazing. One change though that I noticed was the plastic is thicker and heavier than the originals. I have a set of original Bubble Bags for my 1960 FLH. I Heavier duty is not a problem in my book. Another ride that ol’ girl every chance I get and it is handy to have great improvement I noticed is the leather tether strap the bags to throw in a coat, extra magazines, spare oil, tools, for the lid. My original bags did not have this, and it or whatever. This style of bags first came out for K models always was a fear that a bag lid would come off and in 1952 and added bags for the Big Twins in 1954. They be gone forever. The tether alleviates that problem were the main hard plastic bag up until 1962, and then the and is a great improvement. With both the old and box style bags were introduced in 1963. Bubble Bags could the new sitting side by side, it was time to install the still be added on as an accessory though until about 1968. new BB Reproductions Bags. Much to my surprise, One either loves them or hates them, but to me with the they slid right on to the stock mounts just like they should limited run, and being a far cry from the rectangular box and just like the original bags do. The included spring and style HD bags that are still used today in revised format, I hairpin kits mounted perfectly on both the inside pins and find these pretty the outside the bag hanging supports. It was very cool. It goes nice to have a reproduction item that surpasses the with that retro original, without any need for modification. 50’s style look, and they were BB Reproductions also makes bubble bags to quite popular. fit late model Softails, Dynas, Victory, and even Elvis even ran metric motorcycles. Check out their website to Bubble Bags on see what brand and models they have bags for. I his motorcycles! know that I will be saving up for a set of them Over time though, for my 1977! You can buy just the bags if you my original set have mounts like I of bags has some did for my ‘60, or issues with the buy the mounting plastic becoming brackets and bags brittle and together like I cracking. I like to will be doing for have the bags so my ‘77. The bags don’t want to take depending upon them off, but also don’t want to ruin an original set. color and trim start at $530 and the Richard Brown at BB Reproductions came to the mounts are $120. rescue. Right in the heart of Pennsylvania is this mom Decent price for and pop type of manufacturing facility. No glitz and an American made glam, just a family owned and operated business that product, especially concentrates more on the product than anything else. something like They have a website bbreproductions.com, but it may this with the 50’s be easier to just call and talk to Richard Brown at vintage appeal. 814-422-8862. These folks produce incredible reproduction Check them out, and tell Richard that TRMI sent ya! Bubble Bags! Vernon Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 20 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa.
Ringgold County
She later ran track at Missouri, even though softball was her favorite sport. Her son is Ezekiel Elliot, who was the 4th round draft pick running back for the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. Dawn no longer lives in the area, but still has family in Ringgold County. She has stated that she loved growing up in Ringgold County because it was a warm and loving community. I can attest to that fact, because after touring around Ringgold County, I think we so far have a winner for one of the friendliest of places in Iowa. We have a few more to go, but the friendly people here would be hard to improve upon!
Ringgold County is located at the Another noteworthy person of intersection of Highways interest from Ringgold County 169 and 2, on the bottom is Astronaut Peggy Whitson. tier of counties that We spoke to her brother Hugh, border Missouri. The and he said she was just his county is named after older sister that used to pick Major Samuel Ringgold, on him growing up, and that a hero of the Battle of it is hard to fathom how much Palo Alto fought in May 1846, during the Mexicanshe has accomplished. She American War. Ringgold County is unique for a variety was a hard worker growing up of reasons; one reason is that it is one of the 26 Iowa on the farm, and then took her counties which have a name that is not shared with any career to unbelievable heights. other county in the United States. It is a county with She has been to space three just over 5,000 people in total population disbursed times, logging a total of over a rurally as well as in 10 cities and towns entirely within year’s worth of time in space on the borders of the county. This makes it the second different missions. She was on from smallest populated county in Iowa, but still with a Expedition 5, and on Expedition 535 square mile surface area. Ringgold County is also 16 she was the Commander, the home of the three towns of Beaconsfield, Delphos, making her the first female Maloy, which happen to be three of the top ten smallest commander of the ISS. She populated towns in the state of Iowa. Between the recently went back into space as three towns, there are a total of 69 people that call the Commander for Expedition these towns home. Ringgold County is proof that size 51, and will return to earth in April 2017. does not matter, and that great things come in small packages! A common Iowa grocer set roots in Beaconsfield, Iowa in 1930. The When I knew when I was going to be coming through store was started the area, I reached out to a couple of great friends from with a goal to a former life of disaster planning, Joe Dukes who is the provide “good EMS Director at the hospital in the county seat of Mt merchandise, Ayr, and Teresa Jackson who is the EMA for the county. appreciative These two gave me tons of ideas about where to go service, and low and what to see, as well as I got to spend the afternoon prices.” Charles with Joe, who took the afternoon off of work to show me Hyde (1883around. Highway 2 traverses the county west to east, 1970) and David and is one of my favorite highways to travel across the Vredenburg state. It is a decent highway, and areas like Ringgold (1884-1949) County have rolling hills, some curves, and offer a leased the great view of rural Iowa with just enough towns to building for break up the ride and offer a break if needed. There the store only are quite a few miles of sealcoat roads in the county, a few weeks but currently they are in very good shape and great to before the stock travel. market crash of October, 1929, As we got to chatting with folks that live in Ringgold but continued County, it was easy to realize that despite the lower with their plans despite the recent financial collapse. population, Ringgold County has more than its share of The two men began calling their operation Hyde claims to fame. A 1990 graduate of Mount Ayr, Dawn & Vredenburg in 1933. Since its founding, Hy-Vee Huff Elliot was all-state in softball, basketball, and track. stores have operated autonomously, choosing their Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 16 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
Iowa. There were a few gems buried in the mix that are worth a look though. On the northeast side of the square in Mt Ayr there are a couple of businesses that are connected. Doug and Gina Still own and operate Designs by Gina, which has all sorts of home décor and signage, as well as an outdoor outfitter in the back of the store. This place has decorations, guns, ammo, and targets, what could be better? In the attached building are a banquet room and a restaurant called Still Smokin’ BBQ. We were early enough in the day that the vittles were not being served, but the owners were a couple of cool cats with a passion for what they do. Joe even had to buy a new sign to hang up at his home. We went up the street and grabbed a sandwich at Jamie’s Coffee Mill & Deli. A unique little spot you can read more about on the Will Ride to Eat page. Also for something cold to drink in town is Rumors right on own inventories and setting their own prices. Store Highway 2. This bar & grill is where Christie Barber Directors were then, and still are today, encouraged to works, and the 10th test new ideas. One of the first such entrepreneurial Annual Brooke concepts – employee bonuses – was introduced in 1936 Barber Memorial and endures to this day. Run will leave from Roger Townsend from here on July 29th, the Mt Ayr store was 2017. We have more than gracious to been on this run in share the history of the friendly southern chain. He also noted Iowa more than that the Mt Ayr store has once and it is been in operation since always a blast. A 1947. 50’s themed diner named Gregg’s is Another point of history also on the square in Ringgold County is in Mt Ayr, and worth a trip around the square at least to that the Dragoon Trace see the outside building decoration. goes right through the county. This is With waning daylight, and a long trip back home, we an historic trail that had to part ways with the friendly and historic county runs north and south of Ringgold. I had to hit one last spot and check out through central Iowa something though, a painting at the Post Office. Orr C and Missouri. It was Fisher’s “Corn Parade” oil on canvas mural is just short originally made by of 12 x 7 feet in size and was painted based upon one migration of the artists cartoons from the late 20s. It is amusing of animals, and wonderful work on the USPS wall. You can check and because it out yourself, and look for anything else you can find the animals in Ringgold County. If you find something else cool, would cross let us know about it so we can see it also! Join us next waterways month for Sac County. at the best points, Native References are available upon request. Americans knew this fact and followed the Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com same path for the best travel. Later pioneers Vernon Schwarte used the same trail. Native Americans used the trail when they were forced to leave Iowa and resettle in Kansas. The trail has been marked with Indian picture writing so that the removal of these tribes out of Iowa is not forgotten. With small towns in the county, some do not have much for services, so plan your fuel and food stops accordingly if you are going to roll around this part of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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2016 was a very long year for most of us for a variety of reasons. Coupling the everyday trials and tribulations we normally face topped with dealing with the presidential and all of the other elections; it just seemed to put things over the top for some people. Now is the time that we need to just put all of that behind us. I know I have said I don’t care to discuss politics here, but we are going to somewhat talk about it. I see and hear a lot of people talking about deleting friends from social media, contact lists, and from their phones, due to difference of political opinions. Really? Because their political view don’t coincide with yours? Isn’t that one of the personal freedoms we enjoy in this country? You know, being able to have our own opinions. We have the freedom to have our own thoughts and beliefs. We have the freedom to disagree with one another. That’s called having an opinion ladies and gentlemen, and everyone can have one, and it does not mean that you cannot still get along if they happen to differ on any given topic. Opinions are just someone’s idea of what they think they see or how they feel. We have become a society in which our idea of what we, as individuals, see or think is the way it is. If anyone offers a differing view, we instantly become offended. Being offended, to me, is a sign of how weak we have become as a society. It’s ok to disagree with each other. We have to learn to respectfully disagree and not let it tear us apart as a community, as city, a state, or a nation. I also see a lot of people becoming offended by the most trivial issues. When did we become so weak that mere words cause us such agony? In my life, the word offended has no place and does not exist. You either let it go, or do something about it, but intentionally turning it into something that controls your day, and causes so much chaos in your life, is to me completely idiotic. Why invent something that causes you problems you don’t need? Don’t we have enough crap in our lives without inventing something we don’t need?
Americans whining, crying, and being offended never crossed their minds. If they could see what their vision is becoming, do you think they’d approve? I think they would be shooting by now. And using my right of thinking on my own, I’d have to agree. We need to get rid of the latest trend of offering safe spaces. When I first heard of this, it reminded me of the time I read about the little cards new recruits carry. When the Drill Sergeant gets too abusive, or when someone’s feelings got hurt, they display this card and the DS has to back off. My drill sergeants would’ve shoved that card somewhere you’d prefer not to have it. What’s next? Crying towels at work that can be used when the boss gets on your case too much? People like to laugh when the words “old school” are used. How many old school individuals do you know who get offended by anything? Where do we go from here? We need to take a good look at what people say and how they express themselves to us. We need to ask, is it worth losing the friendship or relationship we have with that person? If you’re willing to give that up because your feelings were hurt, maybe the friendship wasn’t what you thought it was. As a reminder to all, these views are strictly my opinion. As I said, you are allowed to disagree, and I would pretty much bet, we can still remain friends. Have a great year. If there is a rant topic that you would like me to touch on, shoot me an email. There is usually plenty to rant about, but sometimes a little help would be cool. Holler at me and let me know your thoughts. Gary Emery aka Wildman firefighter200463@hotmail.com ABATE of Iowa District 8 Coordinator, Solo Adventures Outdoor Skills and Survival School, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa
I don’t live in a perfect world, and I don’t claim to know everything. But in my non perfect world, I will listen to opinions, and I do respect what anyone has to say. In return, I expect the person to show me the same respect in listening to my opinion. The great thing about all of this, we can still remain friends even if a difference of opinion occurs. It’s a simple method. Do I lose many friends from it? No, because if they ditch me for speaking my mind, they really weren’t that good of a friend anyway. Do I lose sleep over it? Not really, but speaking my mind, to me, shouldn’t be a matter where friendships fail. They are just words. It’s just a grumpy old biker speaking his mind. Get a little thicker skin. I have to believe when our founding fathers sat down and penned our Constitution, the thought of over sensitive 18 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
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Nancy is not in riding attire in this shot by Mark Fountain, but owner George Cardenas did not mind. George bought this bike in 2013 and due to an inattentive driver, it was crashed. While recovering he rebuilt the bike to its current state. It sports a 90 CI engine with matching torque and HP, Carlini Apes, DNA wheels, a custom 8 Ball air cleaner cover, and so much more. George would like to thank Jim at Clifford Cycles, Scott Rush for the Green Candy paint job, Jim Curan for the hand pin stripe flames, Lynette Lynch custom front fender art, Greg Frost and Ron Dreesen, and Bob and Breeze at Butterfield MC Parts, and especially Bob Janousek and his Dad
Gina Chesling 2013 Honda Shadow Muscatine Dee Brinson 2015 Harley Freewheeler Council Bluffs
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us a quality image, your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to: vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Kim Riley 2014 Fat Boy Low Creston 22 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
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We are ringing in the New Year with a Marshalltown Patriot, Randy Kessler. He and his son have started the Kessler tradition of serving in the Military as Randy states there were no family members that served before him, but since him his son is also in the United Stated Air Force. He served in the United States Air Force from 1983-1987. He was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida as well as Florennes Air Base in Florennes, Belgium. Randy was s Security Police Officer in the Air Force, and was stationed on a couple of pretty significant bases. In Florida the base housed not only an early warning missile radar site, but also a wing of alert F-15s. While stationed in Belgium it was on a base that was a GLCM base, which means a nuclear ground launch cruise missile site. Growing up as a kid, Randy had a Kawasaki 90 Enduro motorcycle, and then upgraded to a Kawasaki 440 LTD, and then onto a Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. As the years progressed then he went to a Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Nomad, then a 2009 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electraglide. His latest ridee is a 2014 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited Electraglide. He got his latest ride at Big g Barn Harley-Davidson in Des Moines as he likes to do business there or in Indianola at Route 65 HarleyDavidson. He traded his Ultra that he really liked for the Limited because he wanted to upgrade to the liquid cooled heads, the new infotainment center it offered, and he really liked the color. When asked about future plans for additions to his bike, he states that he always says he is done, but his wife points out that he 26 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
says that all the time, but still buys more things. Sounds like a work in progress! He was without bikes for a significant timeframe from teen years until he was about 40. Like many he had other priorities and he could not justify the expense for owning and riding a motorcycle. Randy got back into riding when the local American Legion Riders were becoming popular, and he missed having a bike, so they got back on one. He joined the first American Legion Rider Chapter in Iowa, the Marshalltown Post 46 American Legion Riders. It is easy to keep riding and to belong to the ALR as a majority of their friends ride regularly and many are members as well. Randy is actually the Post Commander for Post 46 as well as being the Chairman of the Department of the Iowa American Legion Rider Committee. He has been a Police Officer for over 29 years and is a detective with the Marshalltown Police Department. His unit specializes in investigating crimes against children.
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We asked Randy if they had anything cool planned for the 2017 riding season, and he said they have major plans, just to get on the bike and no m whenever they have the chance. Go where go whe ever sounds good at the time. That sounds like a darned great time! If you see Randy out and about on his Limited, give him a wave, or better yet, shake his hand and thank him for his Military and Law Enforcement service. Thanks to you for doing what you did and what you do so we can do what we do. Vernon Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Hey, Hey, Hey, it’s that time of the year, out with the old and in with the new. Bring it on Calendar Makers; I am anxiously waiting for 2017 to roll into my life. I have successfully survived another fun filled holiday season of family drama without any legal charges or pending court
appearances, so 2016 can officially end. In my sick mind, January kicks off a new riding season even though Mother Nature still has “PMS” that’s parked motorcycle syndrome for you slow readers. Since Mother Nature has not indicated that she intends to show mercy on Iowa Bikers by seeking treatment for her “PMS”, I am strategically working on a survival plan to get me through the days until I can fondle the throttle again. January will roll into Iowa soon bringing with it another 365 days to live the lifestyle. In order to survive the PMS season I am adding some must do things to the 2017 Calendar that should aide my survival until we can ride again. Day one of 2017, I plan to nail Miss January against a wall. Next up on the must do list is making an appearance at a swap meet. There isn’t a single part that I need, I’m not looking for anything and there is nothing on the must have list in order to finish the winter build. I’m not even planning to dig my wallet out of my pocket and I won’t be signing any autographs. I am swap meet bound for two reasons, the intoxicating smell of leather and grease and a full day fix of the brotherhood. After months of celibacy I need a day of back slapping and story sharing to revitalize my brain that sooner or later the wheels will meet the pavement again. My must do list also includes getting my ass across the Nebraska state line in order to check out the World of Wheels Midwest Motorcycle Show in March. Now I typically don’t like crossing the river into Nebraska. Two reasons, the first you may find shocking but I don’t like being told what to do and secondly I get some sick pleasure out of boycotting any state that force riders to wear a lid. But since TRIMI is proudly 28 - TRMI JA JJANUARY NUARY Y 2017
sporting Volume 8 on the cover this month and sponsoring the Motorcycle Show my warped brain suspects that they know what they are doing so it should be an awesome show. I figure it will be a great way to stock up on drooling material to fulfill all my winter dreams. And since riding isn’t an option right now, no one can make me wear a lid to get there. Also on my must do list is too take the four wheeler out for a trip to the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa. I have been through the museum a number of times but always during riding season. My warped brain believes that going through the museum while Mother Nature is dishing out PMS should make this time the best trip ever. Since I am a slow learner there is plenty of motorcycle history there that my brain hasn’t absorbed yet. I should be able to focus on everything the museum has to offer knowing that my bike is not parked outside, the sun is not warm enough for riding and leaving will be like spending another night in the doghouse, cold! Now with all this traveling there is only one thing missing from my must do list. You guessed it FOOD! My sick mind has this idea that I need to combine my love of food with my map obsession. I faithfully read the “Will Ride for Food” article in TRMI each month; it seems that Craig and Lynnette find some great places to eat. The problem is, when I get out on the open road, I can’t remember any of them. So I plan to dig out all the previous editions of TRMI and mark out all the food stops from “Will Ride to Eat” on my map. I can’t wait to impress my riding buddies with my food map during the 2017 riding season. If things go as planned, there will be a lot less time spent deciding where to eat and a lot more time riding to get there. Because when hunger strikes the journey needs a good destination. Do what you must do to survive until the 2017 Riding Season gets here. Shifty LaRue
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You’re still a biker in the off season-
when I built the bike in the first place. And once the oil tank is out of the way, it’s a quick job to pull that 5 speed out and drop in a 6 speed Baker gear box with a kicker. And since By the time you are reading this column it will be the dead of winter. And unless you happen to be one of the lucky dogs the gas tanks are off, it’ll be a pinch to pull the heads because everybody knows that stock heads strangle an Evo motor, so that goes to Daytona Bike week, your bike is permanently parked for the rest of the winter. Unless of course you’re one it’s a great time to pop on some better heads. And with the tanks, heads and all that out of the way, it’s a perfect time of those crazy guys that races on ice with the spiked tires. I’ve always wondered how they keep the riders and the crowd to open her up and stick an Andrew’s cam in there, because nothing sounds quite like a cammed Evo. You can see why safe at those events. Seems like ice skating through a chain I didn’t start this in the summer. It reminds me of my friend saw competition to me, but to each his own, right? that nobody liked, Motor Mouth Mike. We learned about him in a previous column as my faithful readers may remember. So the bike is officially parked. We’re all stuck in the cages for another 8 weeks at least, unless we get a fluke warm spell. He ordered a new Fat Boy from the Victorville, CA Motor Company in about ’98. It was supposed to be solid black. And with my 200 Venom rear tire, it better be a real warm spell, because that thing breaks loose on a drop of sweat left Maybe the Motor Company made a mistake, or maybe the guy he wrote the order with didn’t on the road, let alone a patch of snow like him either, but when that bike and slush. Odds are good that thing is came in, it was a two-toned black and parked until the middle of March at purple. Motor Mouth hated it, but the best. The urge to ride is real, but the HD market was red hot back then, odds and the weather are against us. so it was either take a Barney purple So what’s a poor biker to do? bike or accept a six month back order. He rode it all the way back to AZ, Well for one, it’s a great time to and managed to drop a padlock on promote our motorcycle rights, the front fender the first day. When because the state legislature works I got back there in the morning, it in the winter, other than a break at was just in time to see him pulling Christmas. It’s also a great time to the engine block out the frame. He’d make a donation to a needy family disassembled the rest already, and or a Veteran’s charity. Lots of troops all the guts were either headed to the are stuck overseas at the holidays, paint shop or the chrome plating tank, and even the simplest things sent over all this on a 500 mile bike. I guess he from the states can mean a lot. So can really didn’t like purple. a warm coat for a cold kid. Also, there are a number of wounded and disabled bikers around; maybe you can help some of them. There’s a husband and wife here I’m going to close this column by continuing a rant I’ve been on for some time now here at TRMI. We just can’t continue in my town that had a hard motorcycle wreck a few years to tolerate people riding like assholes in front of the general ago, so hard they didn’t come away with all of their limbs. public. If we lose the battle of public opinion, we will lose Maybe I’ll see if I can help them with some snow removal this winter, or anything else they might need. Because even our rights, I guarantee it. If you want to look at another example where a few people ruined it for everybody, look at though the bikes aren’t moving, we’re still bikers and we what happened to private ownership of drones. I happen to need to remember to keep our cause and our rights in the have one of those, and I have a legitimate reason for using it. front of everyone’s minds. An example of this in another world might be Ducks Unlimited. You can only shoot ducks You see, one of the many ways I put food on the table here when they are in season, but those DU groups are very active is to inspect and estimate the remaining life of the roofs of houses and businesses for insurance companies. My drone all year around, probably more so in the off season, so they can spend more time hunting when duck season is open. Kind made that job a snap, I could get up and down and take a couple quick pictures and life was good. Now I would have of makes you think doesn’t it? to get a pilot’s license to do this because of a few jack holes that thought it would be fun to fly around in a wildfire and get It’s also a great time to do those tune ups and mods to the in the way of the aircraft that were there to put out the fires. bike that you were putting off all season. For example, I need to replace my gas tank grommets. The Motor Company sees Add to that a couple of jerks that couldn’t resist flying over fit to mount the pair of “flat side” tanks to the tank bosses by the neighbor’s back yard while his daughter was sunbathing virtue of a round black rubber grommet with a hollow metal and now I’ve got an expensive piece of junk that I’m too pipe through the center of the donut. This assembly then gets stubborn to just cut my losses on and throw away. In other words, less than 100 people ruined the personal drone market installed into a flat flange with a round hole cut into it. This for the whole country. And the next time you see somebody flange is ideally designed to cut the rubber grommet in two. This usually happens when you are at least three hours from riding like and asshole, also remember that one guy in all of recorded history tried to blow up a plane with a poorly made home, and you get to listen to the tank chatter in the mount all the way home. I figured out that if I push back against the shoe bomb, and now absolutely everybody has to take their tank with my knee that the chattering stops. Then my leg falls shoes off to board a flight. asleep from pushing on the tank. Then I quit pushing and the Have a productive and enjoyable off season, chattering comes back. I put off changing out the grommets this summer because I know as soon as I take the tanks off; I’m going to take a hard look at that bottom oil tank bracket. Mark Mullins, President, MAG Because I think I could have built a better piece than I did 32 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
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Jamie’s Coffee Mill & Deli
the place had a wonderful smell in the air of fresh espresso. I dig a great cup of coffee, and this was the place for that. The mocha was served in a very large ceramic cup as pictured here, and was a bit of chocolate creamy goodness. It was a far cry better, and far less expensive than the celestial body male deer type of chain coffee places.
The food arrived in quick order to the table from a friendly staffer. The sides were homemade sstyle, and tasted very fresh. The sandwiches w were grilled to perfection on the Panini press w with just the right amount of crunch and chew. JJoe’s pork was sauced and spiced just right, and w was certainly more than he could eat. At the Rolling around Ringgold County eend of the meal he had half of his sandwich to in the middle of the week with ttake with in a to-go container as it was too much Joe Dukes, about 1230 PM we for him to eat. My start to get a little bit hungry P Philly was great for some good vittles, and Joe b blend of roast beef, recommends we go see Jamie. S Swiss cheese, onAs he was the tour guide, I was i ions, peppers, and all for it and left the decision m mayo. The toasted up to him. One block north of the b bread held the fillsquare is where we had to go, and in ings in perfectly, it sure was a good choice. Jamie a and the fillings is one hell of a nice gal, and has a w were not so moist cool little place right there in Mt a as to make the Ayr. The place offers breakfast and b bread soggy. The lunch for food options, a damn good b beef was slightly cup of coffee from the first coffee s seasoned, with shop in the county, and in a couple p plenty of ooey gooey of adjoining rooms to the restaurant, c cheese. The sandwich a large selection of gifts and cards. w more than filling, was The 1920’s vintage building has s regrettably did not so been remodeled with a rustic décor and has many historical le leave room for any of items from the area on display. We ordered our food at the th the home-style desserts, counter and grabbed a booth. Under a protective coat of b but will have to swing poly on the table were various pages from local newspapers. b back through to try out Our table happened to have the local news for Kellerton s some of the sweet treats from 1909. when I can get back down that way. On the menu is a plethora of fresh made sandwiches, salads, For some good sandwiches, friendly service, and a good cup wraps, and more. The special of the day was a pulled pork Panini with a choice of a side, which is what Joe chose. No of coffee, swing into Jamie’s in Mt Ayr. wonder he got the pulled pork, as he competes in BBQ comDining in for Big Little this month, Vernon Schwarte. petitions under the team name Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ. He got Until next month, ride safe the coleslaw for his side to and eat hearty! go along with his sandwich. craig@thunderroadsiowa.com I opted for the Philly Panini PS If you have a place you with a side of macaroni salad. think we should check out in I also opted to add a large your neck of the woods, shoot mocha to the order, as it had me an email. recently began getting a little cooler when I was there, and
118 W Adams St Mount Ayr, Iowa 641-464-2422
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What is it, who is it and what do they do? Questions I get asked a lot. I’m sure many of you already know the answer to these questions but I know many don’t so let me tell you a little about this amazing organization. The name ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education.
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We are a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) and just because I know some of you are saying to yourself right about now... ... oh the guys who are against helmets, let et me just get this out of the way right up front ont we are in no way against helmets. We are however PRO Choice. We believe the choice of what you ride and what you wear is up to you the rider. We are not just Harley owners; it doesn’t matter what you ride it’s the same wind no matter if you’re on a Harley or a Honda. We promote Education over Legislation and we provide that education in our programs such as Rider Education. In our Rider Ed program, we have mobile classes that travel all over the state to reach as many of you as we can each year as well as our new permanent Rider Ed range located at Freedom Park in Algona. We also have our Share the Road program.
Organization, we fight for all motorcyclist rights and freedoms both at the state and federal level, no matter if you’re a member or not we fight for you the rider. Abate of Iowa is made up of 23 districts, we have our own web page as well as smart phone apps where you can find information on all things ABATE. So that brings me to my question for you. Are you a member of ABATE of Iowa? If yes, thank you for your support, if no why not? We need every person who rides to help keep up the fight for our rights and freedoms otherwise they will be a thing of the past. W Want to learn more about ABATE? Download the App, go to the web page. Look up when and w where the district you’re in is having their next me meeting and drop in, talk to the members, ask questions, join in on a ride or event. Have fun and meet new friends and join us in this amazing brotherhood / sisterhood. Hope to see you at a meeting and ride safe. For more information on ABATE of Iowa visit https://www. abateiowa.org/abate/ Want to join? Register here: https//www.abateiowa.org/ abate/membership/membership-online-application Kevin Cox Abate of Iowa District 8 Assistant Coordinator Abate of Iowa Assistant State Public Relations Officer
This program is given to any organization who would like to have it presented as well as a required part of all driver’s education classes in the state of Iowa. We also work with the Two Wheel Trauma program to make sure we as riders have the best trained Emergency Personal responding if and when the need arises. Abate of Iowa presents five Two Wheel Trauma classes throughout the State each year. As for who we are, we are your neighbors, your coworker, your doctor, lawyer, the waitress at the local bar or restaurant, we come from all walks of life and we all share one thing in common, our love and passion of motorcycles and riding. As I said before we are a Motorcycle Rights
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60 2013: I will get my weight down below 160 pounds. ly 2014: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 180 pounds. oouut 2015: I will develop a realistic attitude about my weight. 2016: I will work out every day. 2017: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week and eat fewer cookies The bell rang for school to start and John walked in late. Mr. Clark asked, “John, why hy are you late?” He replied, “I was on Cherry ry Hill.” Then he sat down. Ten minutes laterr N Nathan atha at hann ha walked in late and Mr. Clark repeated, “Why Why are Wh arre you late?” Nathan answered, “I was on top p of of Cherry Hill.” Five minutes later Kevin walked ed in late and Mr. Clark said to him, “Kevin, where have you been?” Kevin replied, “I was on Cherry Hill.” Ten minutes later a girl walked in the classroom and Mr. Clark asked, “Hi there, what’s your name?” The girl replied, “Cherry Hill.” Dear Luck, .....can we be friends in 2017 Please? A man and woman had been married for 30 years, and in those 30 years, they always left the lights off when having sex. He was embarrassed and scared that he couldn’t please her, so he always used a big dildo on her. All these years she had no clue. One day, she decided to reach over and flip the light switch on and saw that he was using a dildo. She said “I knew it, asshole, explain the dildo!” He said, “Explain the kids!” People treat New Year’s like some sort of life-changing event. If your life sucked last year, it’s probably still going to suck this year. Sarah goes to school, and the teacher says, “Today we are going to learn multi-syllable words, class. Does anybody have an example of a multi-syllable word?” Sarah waves her hand, “Me, Miss Rogers, me, me!” Miss Rogers says, “All right, Sarah, what is your multi-syllable word?” Sarah says, “Mas-tur-bate.” Miss Rogers smiles and says, “Wow, Sarah, that’s a mouthful.” Sarah says, “No, Miss Rogers, you’re thinking of a blowjob.”
while whil wh ilee la il later ate ter th thee te tea teacher aacch asked April, “Who is our Lord and Savior,” S vi Sa vior or,” or ,” B But, uutt, April didn’t even stir from her slumber. Once Once aagain, gain Johnny came to the rescue and stuck ga her her ag agai again. ain “JESUS CHRIST!” shouted April and ai the th he teacher said, “Very good,” and April fell f back to sleep. Then the teacher asked fe April A a third question. “What did Eve say s to Adam after she had her twentythird t child?” And again, Johnny jabbed her h with the pin. This time April jumped up u and shouted, “IF YOU STICK THAT F* F F*****G * THING IN ME ONE MORE TI T TIME, IM I’LL BREAK IT IN HALF AND ST S STICK TI IT UP YOUR ARSE!” The Teacher ffainted. fa aiin n M New Year’s Resolution is to break my My New Year’s Resolutions....That way I succeed at something! A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, “Everyone who thinks they’re stupid, stand up!” After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, “Do you think you’re stupid, Little Johnny?” “No, ma’am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!” My New Year’s resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New Year’s resolutions. A man is walking down the street, when he notices that his grandfather is sitting on the porch in a rocking chair, with nothing on from the waist down. “Grandpa, what are you doing?” the man exclaims. The old man looks off in the distance and does not answer his grandson. “Grandpa, what are you doing sitting out here with nothing on below the waist?” he asks again. The old man slyly looks at him and says, “Well, last week I sat out here with no shirt on, and I got a stiff neck. This was your Grandma’s idea!” I was going to quit all my bad habits for the New Year, but then I remembered that nobody likes a quitter.
Three boys were out hiking one winter day, and heard cries for help coming from the lake. Rushing to see what was the matter, they found Barack Obama who had fallen through some thin ice on a lake and was about to drown. Quickly the There have been many times in 2016 when I have annoyed boys formed a human chain and pulled him to safety. “I’d you, disturbed you, irritated you, and bugged the hell out of like to reward you boys with something special for saving you....today I just wanna tell you I plan to continue in 2017! me”, said Obama. “Just name it, and it’s yours!” “I want a ride on Air Force One”, said the first boy. “You’ve got it!”, said Obama. “I want a medal that I can show the other Little April was not the best student in Sunday school. kids at school”, said the second boy. “No problem!”, said Usually she slept through the class. One day the teacher Obama. The third boy thought for a moment, and said “I called on her while she was napping, “Tell me, April, who want a wheelchair”. “But why would you want that?”, asked created the universe?” When April didn’t stir, little Johnny, Obama. “’Cause when I get home and tell my dad that I a boy seated in the chair behind her, took a pin and jabbed saved YOU he’s gonna break my effin’ legs!”. her in the rear. “GOD ALMIGHTY!” shouted April and the teacher said, “Very good” and April fell back asleep. A 38 - TRMI JANUARY 2017
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Jan 7 Retro Rewind Dubuque Jan 14 Winter Sucks Party Metro Cedar Rapids Jan 28 Welldiggers Winter Ride Baxter Cycle Marne Jan 29 Wild Wade’s High Performance Swap Meet Des Moines Jan 29 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL Feb 2-5 International Motorcycle Show Minneapolis Feb 8 ABATE of Iowa Lobby Day Des Moines Feb 10-12 International Motorcycle Show Chicago Feb 17-19 31st Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Feb 18 ABATE D15 Tons-O-Slush Donahue Feb 24-25 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Feb 25-26 48th O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Mar 3-5 World of Wheels Chicago Mar 5 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 17-19 TRMI Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels Omaha Mar 18 ABATE D3 Spring Dance Jerry’s Exira Mar 25 ABATE D15 Two Wheel Trauma Genesis Heart Institute Davenport Mar 25-26 30th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Apr 1-2 ABATE D7 North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City Apr 7-8 ABATE of Iowa Heartland STEAM Sioux City Apr 15 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Apr 22 ABATE D15 Blessing of the Bikes Davenport May 5-6 Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque May 6 Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone May 7 11th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass May 13 F&J Racing 22nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown May 20 Armed Forces FREEDOMRIDE Loess Hills HD Pacific Junction May 20 ABATE D15 Music & Memory Ride for Iowa Masonic Bettendorf May 25-28 Redneck Revival Conesville
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May 28
Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Soldier Jun 10 Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson Jun 10 Cole Andersen Memorial Ride/Drive Harlan Jun 16-18 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Jun 24 Ride It Out For Amber Sarcoma Ride & Drive Polk City Jun 29-Jul 1 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 8 ABATE Da5 Taco Run for Children’s Therapy Center Wieblers HD Davenport Jul 15 “Ride for Time” with “ Friends of Mine” Baxter Jul 29 Thank the Seals Ride Burlington Jul 29 10th Annual Brooke Barber Memorial Poker Run Mount Ayr Aug 3-5 Across the Border Raid Bedford Aug 5 Two Wheels Four Paws Poker Run Walford Aug 12 ABATE D15 Too Broke to Go to Sturgis Rodeo Donahue Aug 12 2nd Annual Old Glory Ride TBA Aug 12 7th Annual Josh Davis Memorial Poker Run Perry Aug 18-20 Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 19 Mikey Jones Memorial Dragfest Cordova, IL Aug 26 Jami Jam VI: Ride For Mental Health Action & Awareness Terril Aug 31-Sep 3 Redneck Revival Conesville Aug 31-Sep 2 Chief Blackhawk 46th Davenport Fall International Meet Davenport Sep 2-3 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 9 No Nipple Dipple for Hunt of a Lifetime Buffalo Sep 15-17 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Oct 1 ABATE D15 33rd Annual Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Oct 15 ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic Oct 21 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Nov 10-11 ABATE of Iowa STEAM Nov 24 Turkey Run Clinton
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