2017 was quite a year. We got quite a few miles on two wheels, we made some more friends, we had some staff changes, and we have grown even better than ever before. As we are preparing for 2018 and the show season, we are very excited about some stuff coming up. We have been a little slack on getting out and about the past couple of months. That is not out of the ordinary for this time of year, but it will be nice after the first of the year to start hitting shows. It is always good to see old friends and make more new ones at the winter shows. It is nice to be able to chat with people about what and how they ride and actually be able to talk when it is cold outside, then when warm weather hits, we can get out on two wheels again! As far as prepping for shows, we set up a table at some events, we make an appearance at some events, and we try to get to as many as we can in Iowa and the surrounding areas. As of today, I am pretty sure we will be at Retro Rewind in Dubuque, Fremont, NE at the AMCA meet, Cedar Rapids at the Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet, we will of course be at the World of Wheels Midwest Motorcycle Show in Omaha March 16-18th, the Mason City Expo, and who knows which other shows. We may try to hit Lincoln and Donnie Smith for a couple of out of state shows to look around. As far as the February 10th and 11th show that is normally going on, we have no clue. No word about that show at all, so just have to wait and see if that goes on or not. We sure hope so! Anyway, hope to see a ton of people out and about at shows this winter.
2017 was a year that had many major losses in the Iowa and national motorcycle scene. There were some cats that passed away that have had tremendous impacts in the motorcycle world for many years. Thunder Roads would like to say Rest in Peace to those that have gone before us, deepest sympathies to those that remain, and hope that everyone continues on in their memory and continues to make them proud. Passing of loved ones or icons is always a sad event, but is also inevitable. Share the joys of your lives with those around you. Don’t be afraid to tell people you love them when you truly do. Share your stories and your experiences with younger generations so that you can live on through them for decades to come. Be a good steward of the motorcycle world that we live in and pass on the traditions of respect and honor to younger riders. Be true to yourself and let your legacy form. Not to be overly philosophical here, but just some thoughts of mine to start the year off. Vernon Schwarte Editor Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Quote of the month: “There’s very little advice in men’s magazines, because men think, ‘I know what I’m doing. Just show me somebody naked!” Jerry Seinfeld
On the Cover Happy New Year from Butterfield’s M-C Parts in Omaha. This long standing old iron icon on Blondo is THE source for old HD motorcycles. They also stock and can get you parts for your late model motorcycles, but the old stuff is certainly their niche. If they don’t have what you need for your old scooter, they can sure as hell find it for you, as well as being a great source of information that spans multiple lifetimes of riding and wrenchin’. So now you know where you can find your Ol’ Skool Harley Parts. Thanks to Breeze for smiling for the photo, without even knowing it! 4 - TRMI JANUARY 2018
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CMA Notes
We are crossing the finish line on this year, and I hope that your rides and times with friends and family were good, that you were able make great memories and to squeeze all possible joy out of 2017.
As a serial procrastinator I’m not yet real prepared or overly inspired at the thought of jumping on the 2018 hamster wheel. I am still debating the merits of raking the fall leaves, watching the NCIS reruns again or maybe taking a nap. I probably should be busy setting some lofty goals for the New Year and working on my calendar. The swap meets, chapter, regional and COC get-togethers are all looming. Anyway the leaves will soon be covered in snow so I could just wait and blade them off the drive and walks. Also that big buck that showed up on my trail cam is probably still out there, if I could only pick the right stand. All these decisions are wearing. Have I mentioned how tough it is being retired?
observation “Humanity cannot save itself; the belief that political systems or ideology can fix human problems has only led to more darkness. A turning to and seeking of God is needed. The human race constantly forgets that he is not God.” As we finish out the Christmas season and begin the New Year, let’s give thanks for all our blessings, refocus, put aside the trivial, look to what’s important and seek the one that truly holds the answers. Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org
On a more important note, we, as well as many of you, have lost family and friends this past year; they have left a big hole in our hearts and lives. The holidays seem hardest as we face the changes that come with loss. In the midst of loss I would encourage you, and at the same time remind myself, to take comfort in Jesus. Scripture tells us that our Lord also suffered in all manners, knew grief, pain, abandonment, betrayal, and ultimately death. The difference is that He willingly chose to suffer loss for our sake. The Creator of the universe is the same one that rescued us and continues to guide and care for us. His grace, mercy and peace are immeasurable, inexhaustible and inexpressible. I was reading a good passage pertaining to this in one of Timothy Keller’s books where he said, “Christianity says God has been all the places you have been; he has been in the darkness you are in now, and more. And, therefore you can trust him; you can rely on him, because he knows and has the power to comfort, strengthen, and bring you through”. We all have the predisposition to be so independent and are determined that the answers can be found and fixed in ourselves. All the way back to Adam and Eve, “I bet just a little bite of this apple will be Okay” or even all of our kids when reaching toddlerhood and the “I do it myself, you not bossa me” pops out. Vaclav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic, made the 6 - TRMI JANUARY 2018
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 HMC Industries, Inc. 702 S. 3rd Ave. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Toll Free: 844-957-1502 hmcindustries.com
Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com Fenders Honda 919 E Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727 Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com MCA Motors Motorcycles/ Car Sales 4200 E 14th Street DSM 515-291-5223 On Facebook Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net Route69Customs.com 2814 SE 14th St, DSM 515-288-9600 Custom American V-twins Follow us on Facebook
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Storm Lake Honda 3040 Expansion Blvd Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 StormLakeHonda.com 712-732-2460
Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
Struthers Bros Kaw-Suz-Tri 5191 NW 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-282-3634 www.struthersbros.com
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com
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Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822 National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Food and Drink (Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations) American Legion Post 46 1301 S 6th Street Marshalltown, Iowa50158 641-752-3612 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill 2013 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-328-1033 Open 7 Days a Week 11 – Close
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Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
Eddies Tavern 407 D Street Sergeant Bluff, Iowa 51054 Open 11am 7 Days/Week 712-943-9924 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet Firehouse Bar 1211 5th Street Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00 Flat Tire Lounge 304 S Madison Madrid 515-795-4174 Outdoor Patios – Happy Hour 3-9 Flat Tire Lounge on Facebook Fore Seasons Golf Bar 6232 HWY S-74 South Newton, Iowa 50208 641-792-1246 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Greencastle Tavern – Mingo Outdoor Patio – Friendly Service Wed Bike Nights – Fri Steak Night Coldest Beer in Central Iowa Greencastle Tavern/Ryan Maher on FB Grinnell Eagles Club 616 4th Avenue Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us on Facebook Grinnell Pub 909 State Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-260-8003 Grinpub@aol.com Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Happenings Bar 508 W Market Street Steamboat Rock, Iowa www.happeningsbar.com 641-868-2000 Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
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J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper
Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders
Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
KC’s Tavern 120 N Main Street Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 Mon-Fri 4:30-Close, Sat-Sun 1-Close Find Us on FB 641-369-2017
Outsiders Pub 207 N. Main Street Roland, Iowa, 50236 515-388-4443 Outsiders Pub on Facebook
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Sundown Bar and Grill 112 W State Street Williamsburg, Iowa 52361 319-668-2994 Patio Bar and Brick Oven Pizza
Polk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon.
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
Team 36 Bar & Grill 101 2nd Street NW Mitchellville 515-957-0360 Sunday Funday Summertime Stop Open 7 Days a Week, Weekend Breakfast
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Lynn’s On Merle Hay 6014 NW 59th Ct Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-270-9806 Find us on Facebook! Mainstreet Bar 204 E. Main Street Terril, Iowa 51364 507-841-0978 Check Us Out on Facebook Main Street 519 S Main Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-3613 Open 7 Days a Week McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00 Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar! 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
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com RJ’s Bar & Grill 228 High Street – Kellogg Mon-Sat Lunch and Dinner 6 AM Breakfast Sat-Sun 641-526-9911 Ruby’s Pub and Grill 114 NE 2nd Street Stuart NEWLY REMODELED Full Kitchen & Bar Check us out on Facebook Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com
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Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty The Buck Snort Restaurant & Sports Bar 25 Scott Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-328-2825 TheBuckSnortrestaurantandsportsbaronFB The Buck Snort 419 Sharp Street Glenwood, Iowa 51534 712-520-6454 Buck Snort Glenwood on Facebook The Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill 113 W Walnut Street Ogden, Iowa 50212 515-275-9946 The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill on FB The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Whatcha Smokin? BBQ+Brew 403 Iowa Avenue Luther, Iowa 50152 515-257-7490 Everyday 11am-9pm Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon- Sat 7am breakfast 2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
The Buck Snort Oakland 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 The Buck Snort Oakland on FB
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Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Amendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Doublas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577 Magnum Gun Sales 26487 Mulberry Lane Underwood, Iowa 51576 712-566-8100 Just Off I-80, Exit 17 McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS Wendl’s Weapons 529 N East Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-775-2338 www.wendlsweapons.com
Insurance & Financial Farm Bureau Financial Services 208 Faith Ave Underwood, IA 51576 Shane.baker@fbfs.com 712-310-7475 or 402-379-3237 O’Malley Weatlh Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930 State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
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TheBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452
Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Walker, Billingsley & Bair 208 N. 2nd Ave. West Newton, Iowa 50208 Corey@WalkLaw.com 641-792-3595
Shops & Fabricators
Lodging/Food Laid Back Manor 312 Parker Street Green Mountain, Iowa (870)484-2561 “A great little place to ride to!”
Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook Bigfuuts Paint & Repair Baxter, IA 515-577-6730 Custom Paint & Fabrication After Hours Service & Parts Stereos-Electrical-Repairs
Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Services
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
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 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12 or Call
A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Action Towing Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-325-8235 Discount or FREE Motorcycle Towing
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Weeks Manufacturing & Powdercoating 2235 400th Street Walnut, Iowa 51577 402-651-6977 weeksmanufacturing@gmail.com
AMSOIL Iowa Synthetics Iowa’s Leading Wholesale Distributor Guaranteed Low Prices 641-751-2893 www.iowasynthetics.com
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Tires
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
Halo Motorsports Dyno Tuning/Trike Conversions/Service 101 2nd Street Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-370-2568
CJ Now Plumbing Sewer & Water Specialists 309-786-2002 Serving the Quad Cities Area On Call 24-7
Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336
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The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY ONLY
Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
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99 counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 8 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of curiosity for our state of Iowa.
Washington County Washington County is in the southeast corner of the state and has a population of nearly 22,000 residents. Washington County has an area of 571 square miles; 569 of those miles are land and just over 2 miles is swathed in water. The county seat is in the town of Washington. The county was originally formed in 1838 and was named Slaughter County, but was renamed in 1839 in honor of George Washington. The major waterways through Washington County are the Skunk and English Rivers and the Crooked Creek. Timber is abundant in the area, and became a major source of industry in the area during early settlement.
split to either Wellman or Riverside, so we jumped on Hwy 22 and headed towards Riverside. We enjoyed the nice curves and scenery along the way, and were met with galactically themed signage upon entering “Riverside…where the trek begins”. Riverside is known as the future birthplace of Captain Kirk, and even has a monument/photo op to prove it. The town is lined with trekky oddities that any fan can appreciate. We grabbed Roger Duffey of Duffey’s Cycles and took a stroll through town over to Murphy’s Bar and Grill on 1st Street East for a drink and a bite to
We entered Washington County from the North, and made Kalona our first stop. In Kalona you will find more quaint little shops and places to grab a bite or wet your whistle than you can shake a stick at. The day we buzzed through, there were a vast number of Goldwings in the area, but we also noticed there was an abundance of road apples that we needed to avoid with our two wheels…there is a large Amish and Mennonite presence in the Kalona area, which makes for great shopping and eating, but can make for a real shitty day if you don’t watch your step. If you are in Kalona be sure to check out the historical village on D Avenue. Kalona Brewing Company makes its home here, and they have some delectable brews that you are sure to enjoy. If ice cream or baked goods are more your speed, take a look on B Avenue at Yotty’s Ice Cream or Golden Delight Bakery, you won’t be disappointed. There are many unique mom and pop businesses here, and we could have spent hours p perusing them all all, but the rest of Washington County was calling our names. F From Kalona yo you can easily
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eat. Murphy’s has some good grub and friendly staff, and we recommend the tenderloin if you stop in! We picked Roger’s brain on some Washington County attractions and history, and he was full of leads for us to chase down. One of those leads was just up the hill at Ned’s Auto and Cycle, a British bike place with loads of racing history inside. We were enjoying our visit in Riverside, and at Duffey’s Cycles, but once again needed to peel up some pavement and cover some more miles.
We took Roger’s recommendation and followed W61 over to Washington. W61 has some nice curves, but keep your eyes peeled for loose gravel, as there are many gravel roads that meet up with 61 along the way. Washington is not only the county seat, but is also home to Chuck’s Cycle and English River Outfitters, who are both fine sponsors of our monthly publication. We also found some fine residents while in Washington. We stopped by a BP for a drink and ran into Dana who just happened to be leaving for the day. We asked Dana what was cool in Washington, and she called in the welcoming committee to help us out. Her hubby Greg showed up, followed by Zick who rolled in on a cool old Shovelhead chopper. Next thing we knew, the cops showed up….thankfully Officer Sorrells was a rider of the dirt bike version, and together they came up with some pretty cool things for us to roll around and look at. The Scofield House, which is a funeral home, turned B&B, the Veteran’s Memorial by the Sheriff’s office. The Wooden Wheel Winery on 92, Lake Darling, as well as mentioning the work that ERO does for Veterans… Thanks for the help guys, it was great to meet you all! We hopped on Hwy 1 and journeyed south towards Brighton. In Brighton we found Camander’s Bar and Grill on East Washington Street where you can find both food and drink, and some entertaining locals to boot. We took a few minutes to stretch our legs before heading over to Lake Darling. The lake is amazing, with curvy roads and trees that would make for an incredible leaf ride in the fall. Plenty of small cabins for rent, fishing and boating, and acres upon acres of tent camping. There is even a large building on the water available to rent for your big event. We enjoyed our trip to Washington County, and I am sure we will be back. Friendly residents and great places to visit make Washington County well worth the ride. Next month we are heading south towards the border and checking out what Wayne County has to offer the weary two wheeled traveler. Melanie J Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com Sources are available upon request.
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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
Yvonne Williams Belmont 2015 Street Glide Jamie Barker Ames 2016 Softail Deluxe
Angie Creger Northwood 2016 Street Glide 18 - TRMI JANUARY 2018
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Deb McDonald Jefferson 2009 Street Glide Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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All of the current and former employees at the Midway Tavern in Soldier wanted to get together for a photo recently. Steve Harris, aka Hairball was always trying to get the best of the best people to serve the bikers and other customers of the Midway. He sure as hell succeeded, and I am sure his legacy of one of the best biker bars in Iowa will live on for many years to come. If you have never been, check them out anytime, or during one of their big events on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
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From Harley-Davidson Enthusiast
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To start off the New Year, we are going to feature a quad city young man, Paul W. McCullough IV, who is from Davenport. Paul served our great nation in the United States Army as an active duty soldier from 2004 through 2011. He served as a Staff Sergeant/E-6 on a weapons squad. His official MOS designation was 11B, Infantryman. He was based out of duty stations in Fort Benning, Georgia, South Korea, and Rose Barracks Germany. Combat stations include Iraq in 2004 and 2008, and Afghanistan in 2010. Military service has been a very big part of Paul’s life with grandfathers, father, step mother, uncles, and also himself serving our great nation in the Military. He also notes that his girlfriend’s father also served.
As far as plans for modifications to his bikes, Paul plans on making his Sportster a suicide shift bike. He said that he knows it needs some TLC, but it runs great. With his Road King, he has a long list of things he wants to do to the bike, starting with going through the motor to make sure it is in tip top shape. Other changes he wants to make include painting and powder coating, adding some gloss black to wheels and hubs and fat spokes, as well as a different seat at some point. He has a paint scheme in mind, but all of this is what he is working for and will get it all done in due time.
Paul has many friends and family that ride in the Quad Cities area and beyond. He Paul did not goes on as start riding until 2011, and since that time, was without many rides and attends as many events as possible. Also a running bike for a couple of years due to his Sportster being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he has being broken down. He still rode during that time when links to riding and Military folks in all aspects of his life. If friends and family would loan him bikes to get to bigger you see him out and about on his Sporty or Road King, give bike events. When the funds were available to get the 1983 him a wave, or better yet, shake his hand and thank him for XLX Sportster fixed, he did so, as well as picking up a 2002 his service. Ride safe thanks to the people that have served Road King Classic. After he got his Sporty running, he our great nation! still wanted something a bit more comfortable for longer rides. He keyed in on the Road King because of the looks Vernon and how they ride. He got his from a friend that he worked with. Paul said, “one day he was messing around with me about not having a big bike, and said he would sell his Road King to me. I didn’t know he was joking until after I bought the bike. I called him up that weekend and asked where he lived and that I had cash in hand. Despite the fact that he really didn’t want to sell it, I called his bluff, and he couldn’t pass up the stack of cash in my hand.” Paul’s first big bike came about kind of goofy, but he sure loves that his friend sold him that ride! 28 - TRMI JANUARY 2018
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I declare the TRMI January issue to be the official kick The last 18 years have really changed the riding off to the 2018 Riding Season in Iowa. Ok, so it might community. There are a lot more bikes on the road and a not be quite warm enough to take advantage of the riding lot more ladies season yet, but at least it is one month closer. behind the handlebars instead of the old man. Sometimes As the New Year rolls into Iowa my sick mind is stuck while I’m rolling down the road reflecting on the how in reverse. I keep pondering back in time when the entire much riding has changed through the years, I try to world was panic stricken because Y2K was coming. predict what riding will be like in the future. The three Remember when the computers were going to come to wheeling community has definitely grown, 18 years ago life and take over the world so everyone stocked up on trikes were for kids. So what do kids have today that supplies. I am a slow thinker, because I still haven’t some genius will turn into a motorcycle in the future? figured out how we were going to be saved from an Could be a Segway. Imagine a motorcycle that requires electronic take over with toilet paper and bottled water. you stand up to ride it. Makes me wonder if I go for a ride standing up the whole time, is it still a ride? I just I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting back on don’t see leather clad, tattooed bikers cruising down the how riding has changed since the Y2K frenzy. The interstate at 70 MPH standing up. But then again I never pot holes are still a problem and some genius has yet thought a motorcycle would have a cigarette lighter and a to come up with a way to make all cage drivers see cup holder either. motorcycles but the motorcycles now come with some definite improvements. Radios, GPS and USB ports, I I’d like to believe that I invented heated riding gear. understand that GPS is an awesome thing, if you know It was a rather simple invention, one size bigger boots how to use it! Not going to mention any names but I so I could stuff hand warmers into them. Now you can know a few electronically challenged individuals and buy heated jackets, pants, vests, socks, gloves, handle let’s just say they don’t ever get to lead. I don’t use GPS grips and seats the only thing missing from that line up because I don’t have it, even if I did, I’m stubborn and is a heated helmet. Maybe I should invent one. I could stuck in the old school ways, I like to pull over and pull call it the “The Hot Head” then add a pony tail, paint out the paper map to figure out where I’m going in life. it psychedelic colors and rename it “The Hot Headed The USB ports come in handy for charging the phone Hippie”. and streaming music through the sound system. The way I remember things, 18 years ago people went riding What does our future hold for riding? A couple more to avoid the phone, I also sang my own songs. I’m still months of detox and we will all find out. singing the same songs but now I can do it with a phone in my pocket. Shifty LaRue Some of my personal favorite changes to riding include self-canceling turn signals, no more following the leader wondering if he truly knows where and when we are really going to turn or if he is just an idiot that hasn’t shut off the signal from the last turn. And how about that push button starter, that little button is a luxury item for those who have attempted to kick start a stubborn machine. It definitely increases the miles ridden in a day, no more stopping for a drink and staying for 5 just because one bike won’t start. Then there is the push button cruise control, no more thumb screwing. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining about screwing, I just think doing it with my thumb is a little awkward.
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Ruby’s Pub and Grill 114 NE 2nd St Stuart, Iowa 50250 515-523-8052 rubyspubonline.com and on Facebook When we got an invite to join Harv and Susan at Ruby’s Pub and Grill, we did not think twice about it! I had never eaten there, but kept hearing how good their tenderloins were, and just had to try one for myself. The night that Harv chose was the grand re-opening party night, so we went early, before it got too busy. Although it never actually closed, it did change hands. Austin Vanlandingham took over running the place after a very long “apprenticeship.” Austin is not new to the area nor to the business, but he will be adding his own special flair to the restaurant. One of the things that he vows to bring to the table, (pun intended), is to serve the best quality food and drink to the patrons of his small town Iowa establishment. Part of the grand re-opening involved a live band, so we decided to get rolling right away, and started off our culinary tour of Ruby’s with a combo plate. This combo plate has it all; cheeseballs, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken strips, and some spicy little southwestern bites. Accompanied by dipping sauces of your choice, our party chose ranch and barbeque. The plate was enough to feed our crew, maybe more than we needed, but we decided to move on to our main courses without delay. Violet opted for chicken strips and mozzarella sticks and chose her staple dipping sauce, ranch. The chicken strips were perfectly cooked; crispy and golden on the outside, with juicy white meat on the inside. Her mozzarella sticks were the perfect amount of gooey, with not a single empty shell. 34 - TRMI JANUARY 2018
Soren picked the hot ham and cheese with a side of fries. Soren describes the hot ham and cheese as, “tasty, buttery, and all-around delicious.” The sandwich had toasted, buttery bread which was accompanied by a giant stack of ham and cheese. There was enough on the sandwich for him to end up needing to bring some home. The fries were golden pieces of salty goodness. Harv, Vernon and I chose the tenderloin with varying side dishes. The tenderloins, which we could hear being pounded out from our table near the entrance, were fantastic. The tenderloins are hand breaded, turned out an appealing golden brown and were almost large enough to need a second bun. Susan had a Zipp’s pizza, which was a vampire killer. In addition to the thin crispy crust, there was an ample amount of garlic, which we don’t turn our nose at, plus a combination of sausages forming one delicious pie. Melanie chose a chicken strip sandwich with fries. These are the same chicken strips that Violet ate, only with the addition of a freshly baked bun. This sandwich is served plain, so if you desire mayo or lettuce, be sure to ask. The service was great, even for such a busy night. Our waitress was very polite and attentive, our drinks were always kept full and cold, even for a large table with so many requests, she always had a smile for us. If you want to swing by Ruby’s and try the grub for yourself, they are open seven days a week. Lunch service begins at 11 am, Dinner service starts at 5 pm, and the kitchen is open an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays for the late night munchers. It is definitely worth a stop. Sabin Henery, filling in for Big Little 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.
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I was standing at the bar at the VFW one night minding my own business. This FAT ugly chick came up behind me, grabbed my behind and said, “You’re kinda cute. You gotta phone number?” I said, “Yeah, you gotta pen?” She said, “Yeah, I got a pen”. I said, “You better get back in it before ore the farmer misses you.” Cost me 6 stitches...but, When you’re a biker..............who cares? An old farmer was getting his hand stitched up after an accident at his cattle farm. He and the doctor start into conversation, which leads into politics. The old farmer explained, “Well, as I see it, most politicians are ‘Post Turtles’.” Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked what a ‘post turtle’ was. The old farmer explained as best he could, “When you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle on top, that’s a ‘post turtle.’ The doctor remained puzzled. The farmer continued further. “You know he didn’t get up there by himself, he doesn’t belong up there, he doesn’t know what to do while up there, he’s elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb arse put him there to begin with.” Jenny was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?’ ‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly. At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jenny and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.
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Two Italian men get on a bus. They sit down T and engage in an animated conversation. The lady sitting behind them ignores them at first, but her attention is galvanized when she hears one of the men say the following: “Emma come first. Den I come. Den two asses come together. I come once-a-more. Two asses, they come together again. I come again and pee twice. Then togeth come one lasta time.” “You foul-mouthed I co swine,” retorted the lady indignantly. “In this sw country we don’t talk about our sex lives in co public!” “Hey, coola down lady,” said the pu man. “Who talkin’ abouta sexa? I’m a justa m tellin’ my frienda how to spella ‘Mississippi’.” tel What do you call a deaf gynecologist? A lip reader. Two deer were leaving a gay bar...One turned to the other and said, “Man, I can’t believe I blew thirty bucks in there!” An autopsy professor was giving an introductory lecture to a class of students. Standing over a corpse, he addressed the class. ‘There are two things you need to make a career in medical forensics. First, you must have no fear.’ Having said that, he shoved his finger up the corpse’s anus and licked it. ‘Now you must do the same,’ he told the class. After a couple of minutes of uneasy silence, the class did as instructed. ‘Second,’ the professor continued, ‘you must have an acute sense of observation. For instance, how many of you noticed that I put my middle finger up this man’s anus, but licked my index finger?’ Henry Ford dies and goes to heaven. At the gates, Saint Peter tells Ford, “Well, you’ve been such a good guy and your invention of the car changed the world. As a reward, you can hang out with anyone you want in heaven.” So Henry Ford thinks about it and says, “I want to hang out with Adam, the first man.” So the guy at the gates points Adam out to Ford. When Ford gets to Adam, Ford asks, “Hey aren’t you the inventor of woman?”
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Adam says, “Yes.” “Well,” says Ford, “You have some major design flaws in your invention: 1) There is too much front end protrusion 2) It chatters at high speeds 3) The rear end wobbles too much 4) and the intake is too close to the exhaust.” “Hmmmmm...” says Adam, “Hold on”. So Adam goes to the celestial computer, types in a few keystrokes, and waits for the results. The computer prints out a slip of paper and Adam reads it. He then says to Ford, “It may be that my invention is flawed, but according to the stellar computer, more men are riding my invention than yours.” I was talking to a young woman in the VFW last night. She said, “If you lost a few pounds, had a shave and got your hair cut, you’d look all right.”; I said, “If I did that, I’d be talking to your friends over there instead of you.”; Cost me a fat lip, but... When you’re a biker..............who cares? A blonde was walking down the street. A policeman was walking the opposite way. “Hmmm,” he wondered, “It looks as if that lady’s right breast is hanging out of her bikini top.” As he got closer, he realized it was. He approached her. He said, “Ma’am, do you understand your right breast is hanging out of your bikini?” She replied, “Oh shit. I left the baby on the bus!” One day Jake is walking into town with a wagon load of duct tape. Farmer Jim say’s “Where are you going with all that duct tape?” Jake says “I’m going to catch me some ducks” “You aint gonna catch no ducks with that there duct tape” Says Farmer Jim But sure enough the next day Jake comes back with some ducks and a wagon load of Chicken Wire “What are you going to do with all that Chicken Wire? Now don’t tell me....” Says Farmer Jim Jake says “ I’m gonna catch me some chickens” “You aint going to catch no chickens with that there Chicken wire” Says Farmer Jim But sure enough the next day Jake rolls into town with chickens and a wagon load of PussyWillows Farmer Jim says “Is that a wagon load of PussyWillows?” “Yup, the finest I could find” says Jake Father Jim says “Wait I’ll go get my coat!” I went to the drug store and told the clerk “Give me 3 packets of condoms, please.” Lady Clerk: “Do you need a paper bag with that, sir?” I said “Nah... She’s purty good lookin’.....” When you’re a biker..............who cares? A wife and her husband were doing yard work, after a while the wife felt she had done enough for the day and went inside to have a shower. after she was in and soaping herself her husband threw a pebble at the sliding door she got out sopping wet to see what he wanted her husband then pointed to his EYE , then his KNEE and made raking motions with his arms. (I need the rake) his wife then pointed to her eye grabbed her left breast and smacked her ass and walked inside. The husband seeing his was confused and went into the house. After his wife Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
dried off and put on a robe he asked her “what on earth was that u did?’ she then said” I left it behind the bush” A little boy and his grandfather are raking leaves in the yard. The little boy finds an earthworm trying to get back into its hole. He says, “Grandpa, I bet I can put that worm back in that hole.” The grandfather replies, “I’ll bet you five dollars you can’t. It’s too wiggly and limp to put back in that little hole.” The little boy runs into the house and comes back out with a can of hairspray. He sprays the worm until it is straight and stiff as a board. Then he puts the worm back into the hole. The grandfather hands the little boy five dollars, grabs the hairspray, and runs into the house. Thirty minutes later the grandfather comes back out and hands the little boy another five dollars. The little boy says, “Grandpa, you already gave me five dollars.” The grandfather replies, “I know. That’s from your grandma.” I was telling a woman in the Club about my ability to guess what day a woman was born just by feeling her breasts. “Really” she said, “Go on then... try.” After about thirty seconds of fondling she began to lose patience and said, “Come on, what day was I born?” I said, “Yesterday.” She tried to kick me in the nuts, but... When you’re a biker...............who cares? An old lady went to visit her dentist. When it was her turn, she sat in the chair, lowered her underpants, and raised her legs. The dentist said, “Excuse me, but I’m not a gynecologist.” “I know,” said the old lady. “I want you to take my husband’s teeth out. A little boy and his grandfather are raking leaves in the yard. The little boy sees an earthworm trying to get back into its hole. He says, “Grandpa, I bet I can put that worm back in that hole.” The grandfather replies, “I’ll bet you five dollars you can’t. It’s too wiggly and limp to put back in that tiny hole.” The little boy runs into the house and comes back out with a can of hair spray. He sprays the worm until it is straight and stiff as a board. The boy then proceeds to slip the dying worm back into the hole. The grandfather hands the little boy five dollars, grabs the hair spray and runs into the house. Thirty minutes later the grandfather comes back out and hands the boy another five dollars. The little boy says, “Grandpa, you already gave me five dollars.” The grandfather replies, “I know. That’s from Grandma. Two hookers were on a street corner. They started discussing business and one of the hookers said, “Yep, it’s gonna be a good night, I smell cock in the air.” The other hooker looked at her and said, “No, no. I just burped.
Happy New Year from all of us at Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa!
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Who in the hell would take motorcycles that are 90 years old parts piles have been adding up. and older across the country? I mean really, how in the hell would someone think that was a good idea, or something fun As the route is taking a more northerly path from Portland to to do? Surprisingly, quite a few! In 2010 the Motorcycle Portland, we are hoping that it will come into Cannonball fired up the enthusiasm of vintage motorcycle Iowa for at least a portion of the riders across the country, and across the globe. Since then, trip. The only confirmed pass every other year, old motorcycles have made a multi-week through town that I know of is coast to coast run, and the next is due this year. After four Sturgis, SD, so it could be in or successful events in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, the next run near Iowa at some point. A few has sparked even more interest than ever. The old machines years ago, I was in Anamosa at are used, but obviously not used up, to be able to complete the National Motorcycle such a trek across the great ol’ U S of A. This timed race Museum when the ride travels on designated roads, with rules to follow, came through there. It and points that are accumulated by was an amazing experience ce hitting benchmarks. At the end to see the old rides come a winner is crowned, and almost rolling in with road weary but immediately plans start for the next excited riders putting down race that is two years away. center stands and calling it a day. Not knowing the route The Motorcycle Cannonball is a and needing to plan ahead, we coast to coast endurance run on pre want to make sure we get to 1929 motorcycles. From September see the event at least briefly. 8th through the 23rd, the crew The only way we can see to will travel from Portland, Maine to do that is to take off on the Portland, Oregon. The route and other baggers and roll out to Maine ne information seems to be shrouded in to see off the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball. secrecy or maybe it just does not fall into Our good friend Travis Mericle and us are place until way later, but we have heard going to make a flying trip out to see off the run, and rumors of three Iowa teams that will be then roll back toward home. Maybe we can get ahead making the journey in 2018. One team of them and stop by an overnight town somewhere in is from Council Bluffs, one from Solon, or near Iowa to check on our Iowan teams. and one closest to the TRMI World Headquarters physically and emotionally This is quite an undertaking with hauling the bike to is team “Not a Chance”. Maine, then following with the support vehicle all the way to Oregon, and then trailering home, but the team is Rider Joe Chance of Westphalia, Iowa will tackle ready, willing, and able to make the journey. They have the task of riding a 1928 Harley-Davidson JD motorcycle established a Facebook page, Motorcycle Cannonball Team from east to west. The motorcycle affectionately known as Not a Chance, that you can follow to check on status of the “Shirley” is owned by Ron Ronfeldt of Harlan, Iowa. On team, of the ride, or even to buy a support T-Shirt to help board to help the team are Emmert Anderson and Mike the crew out with the trek expenses. Good luck Team Not A Wohlhutter, both of Harlan, Iowa. The crew has been Chance! assembled, the motorcycle has been going through some modifications to make it long distance road worthy, and spare Vernon Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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It’s time for the New Year! New you bullshit!
still got out and rode, I would hope so anyway, but I didn’t see many of my circles because I wasn’t around them, Look, I am not sure how your 2017 played out, but mine nor could participate in adventures with them. It seemed was a pain in the ass. In more ways than one. It actually weird not having an overnighter planned out, not having an started late in extended weekend 2016, but by somewhere on the New Year, our bikes. There 2017, ringing was no Old River it in was far Road this year from my mind. 2017, sucked ass and I am glad it’s gone but for me, very few bike nights, zero poker runs and only a the one thing all the ancillary crap from this past year did is few, “hey, let’s go ride to…… and get wings”. I likely can keep me off my bike, and for that, I simply cannot forgive count those on one hand and it’s just sucks. Now that we are 2017 for. looking at the long cold winter abyss across Iowa with not much of a glimmer of spring hope, I am saying the hell with Least amount of saddle time in the last ten years without it and plotting my throttle return! question. A goal is just a dream, until you write it down. I have riding friends, I have friends that ride, and I love the culture that culminates around riding. By NOT riding While that might sound like some hogwash that you read last year in the manner I did, I seemed to have drifted away on either an inspirational calendar or coffee mug, it’s from many of those relationships. I think many of them essentially true. Volumes and volumes of goal planning research always shows the same thing, just because you have a goal in mind the most important first step is to write it down. Now, this doesn’t have to be an expansive undertaking at all, but many years ago, work made the entire staff attend some goal training sessions, while I don’t recall everything I was supposed to do, the main take away was, you simply need to write a list of goals for any of your dreams to come true. This was around 1994 or 95, and one of the examples the instructor talked about
It’s Time for the New Year!
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was compiling a list of 100 goals. Whoa, 100? Holy hell that is a daunting task. But he went on to say, that is an arbitrary number. He just happened to list 100 goals. Things that, no matter how wild and far fetch it may seem, you want to do, achieve, see and so on. So, I did it. I made a list of 100 life goals. Okay, I ran out of steam at 84. But I was surprised that once I got started, how easy they came to me.
Get after it this New Year! Take some time to reflect and plan on where you want to be in a year or what you want to do, make it fun, make it a group effort or do it with family. It’s not a chore at all and can become something you look forward to do, even pushing yourself more and more each time.
The number one goal, as always, have fun and be safe, but I wrote down all kinds of stuff, wild stuff, from owning just get out and do what your dreams are, that’s the best a wine collection, to living on a lake to boating down the advice for the New Year, New You. Plus, “wind therapy” is Nile, to riding to Sturgis and more. It was kind of cool to let something we can all use more of in 2018. the mind just be free and come up with fun things. Todd “Crash” Davis I put the list away and forgot about it for years, over 10 years as a matter of fact, in that time a lot of my life changed. I saw a marriage fall apart, my life blow up in my face to finding a new path, new wife and new happiness. What I noticed was I had achieved many items on that list, some were still a goal and others didn’t seem important and I couldn’t recall why I had them as a goal in the first place. Also with all those life changes, my new boss was a big “goal planner’ not just for work but she believed if your life is out of whack, your work life will be to. The main thing she taught me was do not rush into this, but take some time, a couple of hours during the week, down time around the holidays or a lazy Sunday morning. Be in a good “place” so your mind is right and start with a set of five or ten goals. I usually break it down to five or so work goals and about the same for my personal list. It’s become a habit and something I really look forward to doing. Every year, I try to plot out some “riding goals”. Will it involve a new ride? Or adding some cool shit to what I own. Perhaps plotting out a new adventure or a return to some old favorite roads? Maybe for you it could be helping out your favorite charity in the upcoming year with a poker run, or as a friend did, he and his wife/riding partner, searched out a different ride/cause each month, April-August to support. I freaking loved that. The goal was simple, find a charity they cared about, it couldn’t be a ride they’d ever done before and they would set aside extra money to participate in extra hands, raffles and donations. What a GREAT goal to have! Anytime a goal involves something you love and gives back, when you cross that off your list, it will feel even better.
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Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 13
Retro Rewind Dubuque Welldiggers Winter Ride Baxter Cycle Marne Winter Sucks Party w/620 Foundation Bike Unveiling Metro Cedar Rapids Jan 27 Zero Run Big Barn HD Des Moines Jan 27-28 Colorado Motorcycle Expo Denver Jan 28 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL Feb 16-18 32nd Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Feb 21 ABATE of Iowa Lobby Day Des Moines Feb 23-24 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Feb 24-25 49th Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Mar 4 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 9-11 Cycle Rama at World of Wheels Chicago Mar 10 B.A.C.A. of Central Iowa Flippy Cup Tournament West Des Moines Mar 11 Wild Wade’s High Performance Swap Meet Des Moines Mar 16-18 TRMI Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels Omaha Mar 17 ABATE D3 Spring Dance Atlantic Mar 24-25 31st Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Apr 7-8 32nd Annual North Iowa Expo Mason City Apr 21 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville May 3-5 Rally in the Hills LHHD Pacific Junction May 4-5 Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque May 5 Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone May 12 Heels on Wheels Women’s Ride Carroll HD May 12 4th Annual Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Fun Run Council Bluffs May 19 B.A.C.A. Annual 100 Mile Ride ALL CHAPTERS May 24-27 Redneck Revival Conesville May 27 Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Soldier Jun 2 Harley-Davidson of Carroll Rock –N- Ride Carroll Jun 2 CVMA 39-4 Bike Wash Wieblers HD Davenport Jun 8-10 ABATE D3 Campout Littlefield Park Exira Jun 9 Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson Jun 9 F&J Racing 23rd Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown Jun 9 Ride With Levi Keokuk Jun 15-16 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Jul 5-7 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 6-8 Gears & Gasoline Rally Farley Jul 13-14 CVMA 39-3 Annual Patriot Ride Elk Port Jul 21 5th Annual “Ride for Time” with “Friends of Mine” Baxter Jul 27-28 CVMA 39-1 Annual Patriot Ride and Rally ABATE Land Algona Aug 4 39-4 CVMA SPC Jordan M. Byrd Tribute to Our Fallen Memorial Ride Davenport Aug 5 B.A.C.A. Kids Day Des Moines Aug 11 CVMA 39-2 Annual Patriot Ride Ride Cedar Rapids Aug 17-19 14th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 25 B.A.C.A. of Central Iowa Bike Bash Johnson Aug 30-Sep2 Redneck Revival Conesville Sep 1-3 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 8 Broken Spokes MC Annual Children’s Hospital Ride Thirsty’s on Third Davenport Sep 14-16 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Sep 15 WTF Fun Run Harlan Oct 6 Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL Oct 20 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Oct 21 ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic Dec 16 ABATE D3 Christmas Party Brayton
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