Jessica Winter graces the cover this July issue. She hails from Auburn, and is sporting some Red, White, and Blue for this festive month of Independence. This little vixen not only looks good by motorcycles, she rides her own Ironhead Sportster.
Welcome to the heart of the riding season! July brings us some heat, tons of events, and my favorite holiday, Independence Day. I love starting off the month at the Freedom Rally in Algona. There is not a better way to celebrate if you ask me. It is a way to fully appreciate freedom to do whatever we want, hang out with other bikers, have some drinks, listen to some music, ride motorcycles, and just enjoy the biker life. This year the TRMI crew is going to have a little gathering of the minds, so don’t be shy, if you see one of the crew, introduce yourself, smile for a picture, and if you have a good one, share a story with us. We would love to meet you and chat. We are all looking forward to the weekend party as I am sure a lot of you are. There are a ton of other events shaking out in July so don’t miss out on the prime riding season. Look inside the back cover for the updated list. More events are still coming in almost daily, so you can also check the website www.thunderroadsiowa.com for the calendar for any new events between issues. If you have an event not on the list, simply email the date, name of event, and starting town to Vernon@thunderroadsiowa. com. This is the best way to ensure it gets onto the list. We are on Facebook a lot, but those messages and posts sometimes don’t get checked on a regular basis, so the regular email address is better. In 1776 our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. This was done to declare independence from Great Britain due to improper treatment, taxation, and rule without representation. The Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights were adopted by our country not as a suggestion, but as a way of life. It seems as if some of the reasons for breaking away in the past are present in our current system. Too much government, too
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many taxes, too many laws, too much bullshit seem to be the “normal” of today. What better time than the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this July to take a look at where we are and where we need to be. I request that each one of you ask if you are truly happy with where this country is, and if so, enjoy your solitude, and please don’t say a word about anything that happens next. If you are not happy, educate yourself, inform yourself, stand up and be counted. The Bill of Rights I hold near and dear. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom to live as we want to live have been infringed upon by the current system and it is time to take back our country. The time is here to stand up and speak for what we believe. Be active, don’t be a sheep. We are still free to bring you Iowa’s Biker Magazine every month because of the work and dedication of the founding fathers, and to the continued support of our sponsors. They are the backbone behind each and every issue, every article, every photograph, and every ad. We would like to thank them from the bottom of our patriotic hearts, and remind the bikers of Iowa to frequent the businesses on pages 10-12. These businesses allow us to do what we do and give the readers something to check out every month. Stop by their respective places of business and tell them that Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent you. Vernon Schwarte Editor Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Quote of the Month: We can’t all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots. Charles F. Browne
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TRMI JULY 2014 - 5
It is my month to write “my story” of my inception before print and I am sure there have been a couple that have into the TRMI family. Let me start by saying although made it to print. It’s just as important to me that you enjoy we all love a good drama, I am going to spare you the what you read as it is to the writers each month. details of that story. I do try and my best to get to biker events even if I have to We all seem to have that one family member that is drive my cage to get there. Good thing my TRMI family the black sheep of the family. I proudly hold that title doesn’t judge me for not having a bike of my own or because with the TRMI family. You see 1) I live on the wrong I live on the other side of the river; I hope our readers don’t side of the river 2) I was a biker world virgin when I judge me either. I do love to ride whenever I get the chance met Vernon 3) I prefer to be behind the scenes or in and find someone willing to allow me as a passenger. It is a the shadows. I know what you are thinking, what the goal one day to own my own bike it’s more a long term goal hell is wrong with Vernon to allow me to be a part of right now than short term; but it will happen, plus it would this family; I am sure there are many days he shares make my daughter very happy as she also loves to ride. that same thought LOL, all I can think is he keeps me around because I have an absolutely amazing alcohol As you read the magazine each month, remember our induced personality. advertisers because without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Let them know when you stop by that you saw I can’t even tell you for sure when I met Vernon but them in Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa; they like to know I am guessing it was about 4 years ago. I was not their advertising dollars are being spent in the right market. directly involved with the magazine in the beginning; I was just a tag-a-long to events and such. Once in Thank you everyone for allowing me to be a part of your a while he still lets me tag-a-long. At some point lives every month. I have met some amazing people along Vernon had asked if I could help out doing ad sales the way and hope to meet many more. Ride safe!! and distribution in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. I explained that I would be able to help out but was not Netty sure how much time I could actually devote to the process. I worked full time, was a single parent of an almost teenager and was always on the go. Of course my guilt was getting the best of me because I could not devote the time that it rightfully deserved. I always made time to read the magazine every month and in doing so I noticed a couple times of slight spelling errors. Lucky for me Vernon decided I needed to put my money where my mouth is and found something else I could do to still be a part of the family. Remember I said earlier that I like to be behind the scenes and in the shadows? Well, being the copy editor every month allows me to be a member of this fantastic family, the biker community and also be behind the scenes. I do my best every month to make the articles flow smoothly and to correct any spelling errors. I have missed a few that have been caught
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CMA Notes
We are lucky enough to have a whole slew of grandchildren, and like any good biker grandparents, we started taking pictures of them with our bikes from the time they were small. All but one of the eight grand kids are interested in anything that they can roar around on. We have an old three-wheeler at our cabin that the smaller ones enjoy riding with a grownup during family picnics. Our son-in-law got lucky and found a couple of small fourwheelers for their three kids to ride on their own. And our grand-daughter who just turned two already has her ears tuned to a Harley – every time she hears one rumble by she says, “Gapaw! Ride!” It caused her great confusion one day when Gapaw was sitting next to her and a Harley went by. She began her usual refrain and stopped, realizing that that couldn’t be Gapaw riding the motorcycle. Her awareness grew. Who knew there were more of those wonderful machines than just the one Gapaw rode? Our six-year-old grandson just had the heady experience of successfully riding his bicycle without training wheels and when his parents congratulated him on how well he did he responded, “Yep. Now I’m ready for a motorcycle!” Mark has been riding since he was just a kid, and as a 2nd grader I watched with envy as my older brother rigged an engine to our old bicycle frame to make his own motorcycle. I had my first ride on a real motorcycle the next year and knew then that I wanted one of my own some day. When our three kids began riding dirt bikes and the three-wheeler, we gave them instructions so they could safely experience the same joys of riding that we experienced. I guess a lot of it is in their blood, but surely watching us ride, seeing pictures of our trips, and hearing the stories about our rides plays a part in raising their desire to ride. And you know what they say – imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We’re pleased as all get out that our kids and grandkids like the world of wheels the way we do! It’s hard to beat sharing something like that. Believe it or not, the Lord God feels the same way about us. Ephesians 5: 1 & 2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God . . .” It’s amazing to me to think that God enjoys watching our efforts toward knowing Him and trying to imitate Him. We start out gradually and imperfectly, and like our two-year-old, we don’t very often get it right, but then through prayer and the Word and spending time with more mature Christians, we begin to see a bigger picture of what a relationship with God can be like. And eventually, we make the discovery that sacrificing for the benefit of others is actually freeing. Instead of spending our energy on trying to get and keep for ourselves, we’re giving it away to those in need – time, money, position – just like Jesus did when He laid aside His position as Son of the King of Heaven and Earth to come to Earth to live with us and then die for us. Lord Jesus, we look to You, the author and finisher of our faith. Help us as we go through our daily struggles to remember the joy we give as well as the joy we receive from imitating You. Amen Blessings – Karla 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 8 - TRMI JULY 2014
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Biker Friendly Directory 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
Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
Biker Accessories
Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 www.fullthrottleia.com
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com
Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999
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
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
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
Harley-Davidson of Mason City 706 South Federal Avenue Mason City, Iowa 50401 WWW.HARLEYOFMC.COM 800.205.7082
www.hunterdetail.com or 712-882-4243
Leer’s Cycle Center 101 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 1-800-870-6058 www.leerscyclecenter.com
J&P Cycles 13225 Circle Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 www.jpcycles.com 800-318-4823
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Bringing the Comfort of the Saddle to Your Iron Horse American Made Motorcycle Stirrups, Inc. 212 South 6th Street, Nebraska City, NE 68410 www.motorcyclestirrups.com
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Hunter Detail Home of Hunter’s Bug Kutter Your amazing Complete Detail Cleaner. Find us at a Dealer, Event or Order Online
Dealers
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Route 65 Harley-Davidson HWY 65/96 South Indianola, Iowa 50125 www.route65,com 515-962-2160
Brown Motorcars 330 NW 49th Place Des Moines, IA 50313 www.brownmotorcars.com 515-282-0123
Trike Your Bike 503 1st Ave North Altoona, Iowa 50029 515-957-8920 Trikeyourbike.net
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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 Knoxville Raceway 1000 N Lincoln Street Knoxville, Iowa 50138 www.knoxvilleraceway.com 641-842-5431 National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org National Sprint Car Hall of Fame/ Museum One Sprint Capital Place Knoxville, Iowa 50138-0542 www.sprintcarhof.com 641-842-6176 Vintage Sound 93.1 FM Muscatine’s Premier “B Side” Station Request Line (563)263-9393 www.Vintage931.com Listen ANYWHERE with free mobile app
Food and Drink 4 Way Good Eats Where Friends Meet Wed - Sun 7 a.m. to close Luxemburg, IA. 563-853-3451 Full menu of All Homemade Goodness!
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411 Main/Rocket Joe’s 411 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-4111 FB 411 Main Street Bar & Rocket Joes 4th Avenue Grill 115 N 4th Ave. Logan, IA 51546 712-644-3200 Find us on Facebook Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11 Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week BJ’s Bar & Billiards 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa Home of Full Throttle Thursdays 319-234-9810 Booneville Bar&Grill Waveland West Café 35653 Ute Ave Booneville, Iowa 50038 575-987-2237 Breezy Hills Winery 31735 Tamarack Rd. Minden, IA 51553 712-485-2083 www.breezyhills.com Broken Throttle Saloon 621 Highway K45 Whiting, Iowa 712-455-1096 We are on Facebook Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Cadillac Jack’s on Facebook C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
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Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com Cede’s Bark Bistro 519 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-8072 2 Wheel Thursday $2 Beers
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620
Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Slaby’s Bar & Grill 6020 New Liberty Road Plainview, Iowa 52773 563-843-3443
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900
Softail Saloon & Grill 811 Hwy 9 Superior, Iowa 51363 712-858-4500 Softail Saloon on Facebook
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m. Hazard County LoungeIowa’s Premier Night Club
Chopper’s 601 Rhomberg Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-9666 Open Noon-Close 365/Year
(above the BBQ Shack) 203 Main St. Lohrville. Iowa 51439 Open M-S 4pm-close. Sunday 12pm-close (712)-465-3278
Dew Drop Inn Bar & Restaurant 109 Main Street McClelland, Iowa 51503 712-566-9360 Mon-Sat 11:30-Close
Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220
Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country
J.R. Willie’s Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 OPEN M-F 10AM S-S 7 AM Home of the Willie Whopper
Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close
KC’s Tavern 120 North Main Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 641-369-2017 KC’s Tavern on Facebook Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001
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 George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810 Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375 Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Greaser’s Drive-In Hwy 52 South Guttenburg, Iowa 52052 563-252-1027 Open Tues-Sun 11-9
Kelly’s Irish Pub & Eatery 563-344-0000 2222 E 53rd Street #10 Davenport, Iowa 52807 Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
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 Los Altos Greenfield, Iowa 641-221-9081 Stuart, Iowa 515-523-8000
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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! Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN The Chrome Spur 105 2nd Street Schleswig, Iowa 51461 Chrome Spur on Facebook The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook The Getaway Where to Go When You Need a Break!
Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788 Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
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221 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-2200 The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
The Onion Grove Bar & Grill 502 Lombard St, Clarence (563)452-3030 Check out our fun 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
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The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook 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 Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395 Woobies 134 W. Main St. New London, IA 52645 319-367-2211 Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867
Healthcare/Wellness
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Road Weary Muscles?? Stephanie Warren, LMT Suzanne & Co Salon, Davenport, 563-355-4200 eve & wknd appts available
Tame Your Mane at MY BARBER 7th & Fillmore, Davenport 563-322-8762 Biker Owned & Operated
Insurance
United Stop & Shop 810 Hwy 175 Stratford, Iowa 50249 515-838-2833 91% Premium Nolead 6:00am - 10:00pm
Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net
Legal
Shops and Fabricators Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
IowaBikerLawyer.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 29 Years 977-209-9452
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Photo and Art
Custom Paint Specialists 2905 Delaware Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-971-4579 Facebook.com/CPSpaint
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services
Creative Industry LLC 200 N Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 creativeindustryiowa@gmail.com 515-689-7844 cell
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com
Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392
Forbidden Angels Promo Girls 515-505-4888 fmp_operations@yahoo.com Forbidden Angels on Facebook
lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772
HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush
Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net
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Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403
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Moser’s 4-Way Service Center Motorcycles.ATVs.Jet Skis Harley-Davidson Certified Luxemburg, Iowa 563-853-3390 Moser4way@iowatelecom.net Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab
70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Trike Your Bike 503 1st Avenue North Altoona, Iowa 50009 515-957-8920 trikeyourbike.net Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
Tattoo Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc.
To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org
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TRMI TR T RMI MI JJULY UL U LY 20 22014 01144 - 1133
V&H’s New 2014 Tuner It is mid June in Iowa and it feels like winter just left. Hopefully, between the wind and the rain, many of you have had the chance to get out there and put some serious miles on.
fit the new rides. One of the primary conversations regards tuners. With all of the companies out there, how do you know which one is the right one? Which one won’t leave you stranded in the middle of Nashville, TN during rush-hour traffic on I’ve been hearing the interstate? (Yes, that would be me.) I’m not great feedback here to tell you that I have the definite answer for from people out this question, although I know which one I do not there riding the recommend (as referred to in previous comment). new 2014 touring One of the first ones to catch my eye for bikes bikes. I knew the with the can-bus system is the Vance & Hines FP3 upgrades in these (Fuel Pak 3). I had a rep stop in and show me the bikes would have versatility and advantages of this adjustable tuner. people falling in Anyone can install this tuner. It is that simple. love with them. The You download the app onto your phone by going new technology to the website or download it through your app required a change store. Next, you to old style wiring, locate where the upgrading it to FP3 plugs in on your a can-bus style bike. For example, system. The canon touring bikes it bus system has is under the side been used for years cover. Set up the in automobiles. connection between Harley started your device and the adding can-bus FP3 via Bluetooth, components in and select the model 2011. The big and year of your improvement in bike. This takes you this system is the to the main menu. elimination of One downfall to wiring in exchange this product is they for circuit boards in certain locations. This can be only have Vance & both a good thing and a bad thing. The upside: Hines items listed, less wiring issues; if you are installing apes there but you should be are less wires to extend and feed through the able to match it handlebars. The downside: repairs like a busted up with something switch on your handlebars mean you have to similar to what replace the whole assembly. In the long run though you are running. it is probably about the same money by the time Once you are you have them installed. done selecting the pipes, it will display The new wiring required many of the aftermarket what downloads companies to change up their products in order to are available. Select which one fits your bike
14 - TRMI JULY 2014
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and hit flash. Once you hit the “Flash” button a naked cartoon of Vernon will run across your screen; no wait! Then no one would buy this product. LOL. Sorry. Once you hit “Flash” the program will start to download to your ECU and the FP3 will be “Married” to your V.I.N. When it is done downloading, it will simply say “Bike Programmed.” Click “done” and you’re set.. After you click done you are lead to a screen listing autotune, view/edit map, read trouble codes and view sensor map among others. The majority of the time you want to hit the autotune button and leave it be. If you wish to get more in depth, you can adjust other settings in the program. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to install this on a bike and play with it personally. One nice thing about putting this app on my phone is that it allows me to put it in demo mode and play with most of the settings to kind of get a feel of what it is all about. If you are interested, go to fp3. vanceandhines.com/download on your phone and download the app on your phone; ta-da you can play too. Retail on the FP3 comes in lower than most at $389. With the tech options it offers , it is well worth it. Hopefully, July brings us more good weather: 80-degree days with a light breeze, and a nice rain at night. The roll of thunder in the distance is great to calm the nerves after a nice long day of riding. One more thing to check out in this issue: the model this month. I am the lucky guy that gets to share my bed with her at night. She is also the owner of the ’77 iron head sporty I wrote about last year. Tony Darveau Carroll Cycle Center
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It’s that time of year. The sun is shinning, the birds are tweeting and the smell of sunscreen is thick in the air. It’s another day for another great ride in Iowa! Whether you are a person who likes to plan ahead or an instant gratification kind of gal there are some great events in Iowa like The Party In The Pasture at the Softail Saloon in Superior Iowa that you should check out this summer. Remember this tall drink of water, our April cover model? Maybe this will refresh your memory, our April calendar center fold? This is Tobi Goodel and she is the Softail riding owner of the Softail Saloon. Every year the weekend BEFORE Labor Day weekend her and all of her women dominated staff throw a great weekend long event called, The Party in the Pasture! The Party in the Pasture is not just an event to raise money for her and her establishment but a fundraiser to help support the Shayla B Fund, remember that cute little bee on the cover? What they are is a non-profit for the working people. People just like you and me who works hard every day, pay their bills on time every month but who have children who are hit with a medical crisis that threatens to thwart years of hard work due to the high cost of getting medical help for our children. Tobi and her family were recipients of assistance from the Shayla B Fund and this is her way of giving back
the weekend before Labor Day. There are a fair amount of things to do at this event and it is growing every year! You are encouraged to do a little redneck camping, by this I mean there are no electrical hook ups for your camper but bring them anyways! If you are on your bike there is plenty of room to pitch your tent. There is always live music at The Party in the Pasture and this year will feature a great local band the Big Ass Hoo Rah Band along with Friday: 5-9 Russel Sachney and Saturday 4 to 8 Russel Lachney and Kefier Brandt. On Saturday of The Party in the Pasture there is a fun run. Registration is at 10:00 there at the Softail Saloon. Even if you are not able to make the entire weekend of events this is a great one to show up for. Some other fun things over the weekend are a great bags tournament; huge bon fires each night and the great food and drink specials inside the Softtail. The weekend sadly comes to an end with a delicious breakfast buffet on Sunday morning that won’t leave you hungry. What it will leave you with are new friends, great memories and good feeling of having supported a great cause, The Shayla B Fund! Hope we see you there! DRing
The Party in the Pasture will be August 22nd thru August 24th this year. It is always 16 - TRMI JULY 2014
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The Iowa Thunder Ride did not start out as such. For the first two or three years it was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Parade. It did not take long for the reality to sink in that we were not the first generation to step forward in the service of our flag. Memorial Day weekend, 1989, I was in Washington D.C. performing a song I had written titled ‘My Brothers Missing’. As a consequence of that journey, I witnessed the national Rolling Thunder tribute. The name of our event comes in part from Rolling Thunder and the event was indeed inspired by the national ride. Our first ride was an orchestrated goat fuck. It was well attended, with approximately 650 bikes from 5
approach you witnessed this year. We picked up the P.A. around our 6th year, and then added the cordless mic about 5 years later. Our singer is from Missouri and has been doing an excellent job for the last ten years. In 2003 one of the first casualties in Iraq was the husband of a lady from Des Moines. It was the first year we had named the ride for an individual, “The James Kiehl Memorial Ride”. Both the new American flags, one on my lead bike and the other on the bike of a Vietnam Veterans M/C rider in the rear position were retired by the American Legion Riders flag detail and presented to the mother and father of James and to his mother and father in law. His infant son, wife and father in law were foremost between the patrol car leading the parade and my bike. His mother in law rode left front and his father and mother rode right front behind me. The ride in 2011 was the “Steve ‘Piper’ Layton Memorial Ride”, 2012 was the “Dillion Naslund Memorial Tribute”.
states. There was no Honor ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial after the ride. What was intended to be a onetime tribute became an annual event when someone asked what the date for the next ride would be. After the first ride, turnout bounced from 175 to 250. Quite a few of this year’s riders have 20 rides in. I think I am the only one with all 25. The first ride staged at Veterans Memorial Auditorium and went east on I-235 to I-80, then west on 80 to the junction of I-235 and 80. It then headed back to the memorial. Year two we staged at Vets and rode down town and straight to the Capital. We chose the same route again in our third year. Year four we came up with the plan to stage at Southridge, up East 14th and that has remained the route since. We have tried adding pomp and circumstance a time or two with Color Guards, rifle squads and such, but we seem to enjoy the most success with the good ol’ down home 18 - TRMI JULY 2014
Our goal in the beginning was to honor and show respect to Vietnam Veterans, We have since issued a mission statement that we will never let the sacrifice and service of any veteran be forgotten. The Iowa Thunder Bell has been a fixture for nearly a decade. What started out as a website in ATT has morphed into a Facebook page, ‘Iowa Thunder Ride’. And recently due to its size, the Honor Roll has been moved to a page of its own. In 25 years, we have been honored with the presence of veterans from WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, non-conflict veterans of every service, and countless individuals who embrace the ideals of freedom, honor, and respect. You would think there should be more to say about this ride but it boils down to people stepping up in support of those who have served. The city of Des Moines has been gracious in its continued hosting of our event. Rabbi
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 50 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 I will revisit each county as a featured article. I 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. Jasper County Iowa Befuddled. That is how Jasper County, Iowa left me. I would say I have a child like enthusiasm for the great people that I have met and the interesting places that I have seen along this 99 Counties Tour, but Jasper County still has me wanting more! Let’s start with a little history; Jasper County is in Central Iowa just northeast of Des Moines and was named after the Revolutionary War hero Sargent William Jasper. It is a bit bigger than most counties with 732 square miles of land, fourteen towns with the county seat being Newton.
AWESOME! My grandfather and great-grandfather worked for the railroad so I have an appreciation for them and our editor Vernon has a toy train fascination so this seemed like a place I needed to check out. Back north up 117, I went to find Train Land USA. It wasn’t too far up the road and when I pulled in I was a little hesitant at first. It did appear a bit strange at first but thirty seconds of talking to Red the proprietor and I had the train fever! There is an authentic depot and train car but the crème de la crème of the entire experience was in the basement of Red’s home. Red and his wife are a testament to, ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!’ You see, his wife wanted a new home and Red wanted to display his toy trains, what better to do then build a new home whose entire basement is a United States spanning toy train world? There is so much going on in that basement that it is almost stimulation overload! A team of people has helped keep things running for the last thirty-five years and I am hoping it keeps going for thirty-five more!
Upon many recommendations, one being my growling stomach, we headed I entered the county on back south down I80 from the west and 117 to Prairie City immediately jumped to a little café called off of the big road and Goldie’s Ice Cream headed south on county Shop. They not only road 117 into Colfax. had delicious ice cream they also had mouth-watering food! Not sure what to expect Since they were the Iowa Pork Producers Tenderloin of the I first saw a closed year in 2009, that is what I ordered, along with Goldie fries; historical museum they are like French fries only bigger and better. I topped with a pioneer village. I wasn’t able to stop but it looked it off with a brownie Sunday. There was standing room interesting. I was in need of a few things so I stopped at only, and the owner, Brad still took a moment to plug in my the local pharmacy, Weirick Drug Store, and what a find camera battery for me. Just another example of small town that was! The lovely women I asked for assistance turned hospitality! out to be the third generation pharmacist owner of the drug store. Now a pharmacy really is not all that exciting until Having looked at the county map I noticed that there was you notice that they are also a 50’s style soda fountain, ice The Neal Smith National Wild Life Refuge and Visitors cream shop in the pharmacy! I learned very quickly that Center. This also seemed right up my alley, so on the Jasper County is full of self-proclaimed great ice cream eastern side of Prairie City I grabbed S6G and headed south, shops. I look forward to trying more of them out on my I wouldn’t recommend this as you will have to take a few next visit! miles of gravel to get to the park, if you head west out of town on 163 you will see big signs directing you to the park Any time I have traveled east on I80 I and the road into the park is curvy as all have always seen the sign for Train Land get out! The park is a 700-acre prairie full USA and been of bison curious c ri cu r about and elk what w sort of wh and natural attraction prairie this grasses. would There is a turn out bookstore, a to be? movie theater er A it turns As and several ou out ut it was education 22 - TRMI JULY 2014
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centers. It is open from dawn till dusk and if it is cold or raining you can watch the animals from indoors. If you are really brave you can walk the trails through the prairie and be amongst the animals. The only way that we can preserve the history of the land and its native species is to educate ourselves on how to care for them; the Neal Smith National Wild Life Refuge does just that! At this point in my trip I realized that I had been in the county for seven hours and I hadn’t left the western third which left me a bit panicked! I went back towards Prairie City and found F62 and started east. I stopped in the city park of Sully and saw the beginnings of their freedom rock and rang the bell in the city park. Then I decided that I should head north on T33 that met up with T22 and followed that north to the famed Hwy 6. Maybe it was the excitement of everything I had been doing all day but the views were beautiful and the roads were in really nice shape!
After a great day of touring Jasper County it was time to take a load off and have a beverage. I couldn’t think of a better place to end my tour then at Cadillac Jacks in Baxter. I followed F48 west and hooked up with S52 north to F17 east on into town. Like a stereotypical women something distracted me and that something was Todd at Revolution
Cycle. If you need Harley engine work done this guy is an artist! His shop also happens to be one block from Cadillac Jacks, thank goodness because it was time if you know what I mean?! Regan is in back cooking for their Wednesday night bike nights so come hungry and ready to listen to some good music with some great people!
There were so many out of the way treasures in Jasper that I barely made it out of the western third of the county, too bad I could not write about them for two months but the boss This was an easy step into the county seat of Newton. They man was having no part of that! are known for the Iowa Speedway. They are also known for a really FANTASTIC bike night, Thunder Nights in Next month it is on to Jefferson County. They have the Newton; the second Friday of newest city in the state; I look forward to seeing what a new the month May thru September Iowa town will look like. See you on the road! which brings 800-1000 bikes to the town square each month, Sources Available but what they are not as well Upon Request known for is having one of four remaining, functioning drive in DRing theaters in the state. Who doesn’t dring@ remember hanging a speaker on thunderroadsiowa. their window and sideling up to a com date at the drive in? Why not do it again? You can on the west side of Newton at the Valle Drive In on F48.
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What are you doing tonight? What are you doing this weekend? What are you doing for the next two months? Thanks to the PALS organization you can now give the same answer to all three of these questions, a Summer Long Fun Run that culminates with an all day long music festival and overnight campout at the Poweshiek County fairgrounds in Grinnell, Iowa. Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, PALS, is hosting its third annual Summer Long Fun Run in Central Iowa. You can pick up a passport book full of great sponsors, grab an Iowa map so you can plot your course and take off to get your stamps, meet all kinds of fascinating characters and eat and drink to your hearts delight! The PALS organization is a no kill animal shelter just south of Grinnell, Iowa. They are a fully volunteer staffed organization wholly funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. You will remember them from our June cover and calendar centerfold! A team of twenty core volunteers keeps this place running like clockwork. A few years back they could see that funding was getting harder and harder to come by and with so many great animals in need of their forever homes the idea of a summer long Fun Run with a music fest was born! Every year has gotten bigger and better and this year is no exception.
beverages all on hand. If the weather is looking at all iffy there are indoor facilities to keep you from melting away in the rain. All of the proceeds go to paying for the running of the animal shelter and maintenance to the animal shelter, which has an annual budget of about $75,000. Last years event generated enough money to cover two months of operation costs, this year let’s help them raise enough to cover four months! There is still plenty of time to pick up your sponsor booklet at one of the sixtyeight sponsor businesses. Your passport is also your admission ticket into the festival or you can purchase a ticket at the door. You can find a full list of sponsors on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pals.funrun along with funny biker tidbits, animal jokes and information on a few other Iowa events. PALS is a great organization staffed with wonderful people doing great things for the animal world! I can’t think of a better way to help them continue to save so many wonderful animals, all you have to do is throw your leg over your bike and rock out to some great music, see you on the there! https://www.facebook.com/pals.funrun?fref=ts DRing
PALS has secured some top notch Iowa bands to tickle your eardrums all day and night on August 23rd. Small Town Super Heroes will delight you with their female fronted classic rock sounds. Next on the docket is Whiplash! Whiplash is a self-professed band comprised of “old guys trying to rock again” who will satisfy your hair band fetish. Lipstick Slick is a hard rocking band out of Cedar Rapids who knows how to have a good time. Last but not least is Wikid Likir. If you check out their Facebook page you will know that they are an “in your face party time bolt down everything but the beer band”. You can rock on from 1pm till 1am! The fairgrounds will have everything you need to enjoy the weekend! There are vendors, camping, food and adult 24 - TRMI JULY 2014
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“Is your comfort zone too comfortable?” I sure see a lot of creature comforts on bikes these days. In fact I just saw an “Iphone5” handlebar mount before I started this article. It actually made me shudder. Really? Put the damn phone in your pocket. I’ve seen bikes with elaborate stereos, satellite radio systems, on-board GPS, two-way helmet mics and more. It really begs the questionwhy not stay home and watch a movie about a motorcycle ride instead?
drive a car, assuming everyone sees you and is going to yield when they should, you aren’t giving yourself enough margin for safety and you will get burned. Face it, cars don’t even see EACH OTHER some times, and crash on a regular basis. Every time I encounter a cage driver that’s in a position to do me harm , I assume they don’t see me until I know otherwise. I roll my fingers up over the front brake lever, and gently cover the rear brake with my foot. This only takes a second to do, but it’s a second you’ll wish you had back when they pull out in front of you. Next, I try to make eye contact with the driver. I’ve been known to toot the horn. Maybe flick my high beams. If I’m still not getting thru, I’ve been know to shout at them. Last summer, I got forced off the road and into several front yards before recovering without dumping. I had quite a discussion with the guy in the SUV that did the deed after I got it back on the road. He felt really bad, didn’t see me, and actually owned a bike too. His window was down, and in retrospect, I should have screamed like a Comanche Warrior at him before he pulled out. All this stuff might seem like overkill, but for me it’s worth it. I’m tired of watching good riders go down, and if I have to do a few things extra to insure I get there on the bike, I guess I’ll do it. If you hear a war cry mixed with the sound of an EVO this season, it’s probably just me. But don’t laugh, I want to be here next season too. Mark Mullins, President, MAG
A follow up to the previous article “STOP BLOCKING ME OUT”- regarding drivers having personal items and/ or handicap placards on the rear view mirror while driving. I don’t mean to pick on highly accessorized bikes, but to If you read that article, you’ll know that we at MAG are me the essence of pure riding is to have as little between dedicated to a campaign to rid driver’s windshields of things you and your surroundings as possible, thus the feeling of that block their vision. Firstly, I asked an Iowa DCI Agent freedom while riding. I ride to get away from all that crap. that I know why drivers in Iowa aren’t being stopped and Believe me, it was big deal when I went to an electronic cited for obstructed visionspeedometer and trip and her answer was great. odometer. And I still miss the She said “I drives me crazy, old school numbers turning I’m from Minnesota, and you around in the display like can’t have anything in your a slot machine, and always windshield there”. Secondly, smiled when I got something I’ve been so bold as to talk like “777” to come around. to drivers when they got out Now it’s black LCD numbers of their car about the proper on a light gray background. use of the Handicap Placard, Whee. and I swear the Iowa DOT isn’t doing something right, The other day I was waiting most of them had no idea to pull out in my truck while the placard was not to be a couple on one of these on while driving. Just so fully-loaded cruisers went you know, I’ve also thanked by me. They were yakking drivers profusely when I see back and forth on the helmet them hang it after parking, mics, Kenny Rogers was which is is how it’s supposed singing something awful on the radio, and I think I actually heard a ding signifying their to be used. My dad saw a great solution, the people had actually rubber-banded the handicap placard to the sun visor microwave popcorn was done. I’m saying all this because sideways, and flipped it down when parked. Brilliant. they were completely oblivious to me- I could have been on fire, driving an alien UFO, or something else equally ludicrous, and they never would have noticed. Not once Mark Mullins, President, MAG did the rider ever make eye contact with me, or alter his riding posture in the least. If you ride a motorcycle like you 26 - TRMI JULY 2014
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For some unknown reason, I have been thinking a lot about how cell phones have affected the riding community. So I set out to do my very own research project on the topic. No need for federal funding or any
necessary to pack a camera, a laptop or the “little black book”. They are handy to have along for keeping an eye on the weather or snapping a “selfie” while rolling down the road. They can be real handy when you’re
grant money to support my research, all I needed was the bike, the open road and a tank full of gas. The plan was to conduct my research on the highways throughout Iowa; I wanted to count the number of drivers I encountered that were distracted by their cell phones during the time it took to burn up a tank of gas.
looking for a food stop, a fuel stop or a place to spend the night. Hell, you can even plan a route even if you’re not smart enough to know how to refold a map.
I was riding along pondering my research when my cherry got popped. I saw a guy riding a motorcycle through city traffic while holding his cell phone to his ear. I was so Since there is already enough prejudice towards the biking busy picking my jaw up off the pavement I didn’t even community, I decided my research should only include get a good look at the bike. I attempted to catch up to him motorized vehicles that had more than 3 wheels. As I tore just because the curiosity of how he navigated so easily off down the highway, I astutely paid attention to every through the traffic without using both hands was driving driver I met while making mental notes of what each my warp mind insane. I gave up the chase after he cruised driver was doing when I came upon them on the road. straight through a red light without even flinching. I never More than 50 percent of the drivers I encountered were did figure out what he was riding, but I’m pretty sure he distracted with their damn cell phones. In a very short had a tattoo on his forehead that said “Stupid”. distance, I had met 18 vehicles, 11 of them were either talking on the phone or texting, I watched as 2 of them Now before you start sending me hate mail. I have seen crossed over the center line several times as they came at many responsible riders out there using their phones me head on. I was struggling with keeping track of all this and electronic devices for streaming music or using it data, I had used up all my fingers and I was just about out for navigation while rolling down the road. I get it, I of toes so I decided to drop the entire project like a bad understand it, and personally I prefer not to do it. I have habit. I quickly realized my research project was a more seen many riders practice safety with these devices by horrifying experience than flashbacks from the 70’s. only fondling them when they are stopped. To those riders a big THANK YOU for helping to keep the roads a safer I concluded that there are a vast number of the idiots place for all of us. behind the wheel which bikers are forced to share the road with. The potential for disaster has greatly multiplied by With more and more gadgets and gizmos entering the allowing these idiots to have cell phones. In Iowa, if you market aimed at making these electronic devices more are charged with operating while under the influence, accessible for bikers I figure it is time that someone comes your privilege to drive is suspended for a minimum of 6 with an app strictly for the biking community. I’m not a months. I think if your caught texting and driving your cell genius, I can barely use the damn cell phone but if I were phone privileges should be suspended for 6 months. The a genius I would create a “Ride Safe” app for bikers only. fines for texting while driving are very small compared to price of some of these damn phones, in my opinion the First and foremost the “Ride Safe” app must have the second offense should cost you both thumbs. ability to find lost things. Anything that falls off while hauling ass down the road would be found easily with The use of cell phones while in motion has truly impacted the touch of a button. No more wasted riding time the safety of the riding community. The cell phone has back tracking to walk the ditches looking for lost hats, done nothing more than add another distraction for the bandanas, sunglasses, luggage or parts. The app will already blind drivers that struggle to see bikes. pinpoint the exact location of all lost items and take you directly to them. A real genius could probably design this On the other hand, the cell phone has also proven to be to pinpoint the exact location of your riding buddy when a very handy tool for the riding community. It makes he is lost in the crowd and its time for the kickstands to packing for trips much quicker and easier. It is no longer go up. Of course this feature could have its downfalls; 28 - TRMI JULY 2014
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sometimes there are people in your life that just need to get lost.
It might not hurt to have the ‘Ride Safe” app include some features that would help bikers maintain their law abiding status. Something that would quickly alert bikers of the The “Ride Safe” app should also be able to map out a riding laws as they approach and cross state lines would be route that is filled with sunshine, warm weather, clear pretty cool. And a built in breathalyzer that would keep the skies and no wind. Of course clear sky and perfect weather bike from running if you tested too high. Even if it didn’t means longer routes, more miles and a lot more seat time. get used much it would be a fun to watch your buddy There will be no more riding in the rain, no more stopping explain to law enforcement that he couldn’t be intoxicated under the overpasses, no more hiding in car washes or because “there is an app for that”. hanging out under the overhangs at convenience stores in order to ride out the storm. I will sacrifice the wet To ensure that the biker could continue to use the “Ride crotch as long as this feature doesn’t screw up wet t-shirt Safe” app during the off season it would need to be able contests. to put the smell of spring in the air, produce the warm sensation of sunshine; create the feeling of wind in the hair The app would also have to have a built in road and breeze in the knees. Or at the very least conjure up an hazard awareness signal. Within a short distance of occasional riding season flashback. all road hazards Siri will begin politely screaming at you. “Pothole.. Move Left.” “Road Rubbish.. Swerve Of course no biker app would be any good without a Now.” “Suicide Alert it’s the animal or you…. Decide feature that could analyze the broke down on the side Quickly!!!!”, “Asshole incoming, FINGER HIM!!!” Its of the road scenario. Simply snap a picture with the kind of a turn on to think of Siri as a dominate screamer. “Ride Safe” app then the phone determines the problem, develops a list of parts needed to fix it, scans your credit The “Ride Safe” app should be able to properly and card then a drone flies over and drops your package at your quickly analyze if the tires are properly inflated, if the load feet within minutes. Don’t laugh; things are changing is properly strapped down, if the oil level is adequate and fast, the older you get the more likely you are to see your there is gas in the tank. It would be awesome if you could package land at your feet. simply snap a picture of the bike and within seconds the app would produce a full analysis determining if the bike Get out and ride before technology and time make it was safe to ride. Added bonus if this feature worked on the impossible to do so, Ride Safe. opposite sex, it sounds more reliable than beer goggles. Shifty LaRue Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Here is Jessica Winter with a Memorial that will be placed at the gravesite in Glidden for Sammy Baugh. We lost Sammy last year to a motorcycle Accident on July 21st. His son Bart Baugh (who owns Midwest Art) and crew wanted to build a proper biker monument to a lifelong biker. This monument along with a few of the other choppers Sammy most frequently rode with are included for one last ride. This will be erected in his honor, and be the last bike Sammy rides. Rest In Peace SB.
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Honoring Sacrifice by Dick Tremain
couldn’t go with us to Europe so we had to leave her at home. However, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t ride! We left the Des Moines Airport May 14 and flew into Paris the afternoon of May 15. We landed, dropped bags off at our hotel and went to complete the motorcycle rental paperwork at Bastille Harley-Davidson. First thing Friday morning, May 16, we picked up our 2014 Ultra Limited and followed the French language GPS unit’s instructions to take us out of the city. We were on our way to Normandy.
The Arc de Triomphe was coming into view. Built by Napoleon, this symbol of French pride was ours to enjoy for a moment. A gentle turn through the rotary and we were now on the Champs-Élysées--the place to see and be seen in Paris. We ride We chose Normandy because the area is very scenic and historic. Maureen also has a through the strong family tie: her father, heavy traffic to Richard Miller, is a World War another rotary II veteran that landed at Utah at Place de la Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Concorde. The We chose this trip to honor him GPS unit now directs us along the Seine and pay tribute to the hundreds River as we glide past the Musee d’Orsay, of thousands of brave men who the Louvre, and Nortre Dame Cathedral. fought for us and clawed freedom We pop up from the river road at the back from Hitler’s oppressive Bastille and made a 300 degree turn onto Third Reich. Boulevard Beaumarchais. Three blocks later we are at ATS Paris Bastille HarleyThe ride west out of Paris was Davidson. It’s time to turn in our rental. on modern four and six lane toll roads. We rode some 300 kilometers before switching to My wife, Maureen, and I like to travel. We enjoy Europe, narrow back roads heading north to the English Channel. especially Paris and Normandy, and we love motorcycles. Since 2000, we’ve been to Europe 13 times. We’ve been from England to Austria and many places in between. We’ve The clouds were few, the sun bright and the temperatures were in the low 70s. rented cars, traveled by train, boat and plane. We really like Europe. While the weather was perfect, the bike’s Harley-Davidson GPS unit was not; it talked only in French, a language I do Maureen not understand. While the unit may have worked flawlessly, and I also it got us lost! Not thoroughly badly lost, but it enjoy riding “Blackie,” our got us lost. Paper 2011 Harley- maps and a few correct French Davidson Ultra Limited. word guesses got us on track and back Blackie has to enjoying the taken us stunning Normandy to Sturgis, countryside’s Daytona and rolling hills and Key West, steady slope to the through Tailof-the-Dragon sea. and to “Roar on the Shore” Like much of Iowa, this is an in Erie, Pennsylvania. agricultural area. Unfortunately, The vegetation was lush and green and Blackie there were many Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 40 - TRMI JULY 2014
fields of grazing cattle and freshly tilled fields offering the promise of soon-to-sprout seeds. Every five miles or so in Normandy there is a cluster of very old stone buildings; sometimes the buildings were few--a farm house and outbuildings--and other times there were enough to form a village. Along the way we also saw hedgerows; those dense, centuries-old field border fences made of trees, shrubs and rock that gave the Allies so much trouble 70 years ago. We finally arrived at the Utah Beach Memorial and parked the bike. We walked past the museum and the monuments and headed to the beach. It was low tide; the sand was beautiful, the sky clear, the air salty, the sun warm and the wind was blowing just right. Peaceful; the beach was very peaceful. We spent about 30 minutes enjoying the view, collecting sand for gifts, and thinking about what took place there so long ago. We thought of the fighting and the thunder of the bombs, guns and artillery shells that took place on the very spot we stood. Soldiers died fighting on this land while others survived. The extreme sacrifice of Allied troops freed Europe. Soldiers like Richard Miller. I never met my fatherin-law. He died in 1982-one year before I met Maureen. In many respects Richard Miller was an extraordinary man. Growing up he had a very strong and accurate pitching arm that helped him win many baseball games including two no-hitters in one day. In 1943 he got scouted first by the New York Yankees who wanted him in their bull pen and then drafted by the United States Army who wanted him to wear a uniform without pinstripes. Even though the Yankees paid better, Richard Miller went with Uncle Sam. Richard joined the Army and he served. He fought in many battles, was wounded three times and decorated twice for bravery. A German bullet may have ended his baseball career, but he survived. Afterwards, he went home to Jefferson, Ohio, and met and married Maureen’s mother, Charleen. Together they raised three children: Rick, Maureen and Kelly. Life continues. In the beauty of the French seaside the lesson Normandy offers is crystal clear: we are free to ride motorcycles and enjoy the big and little things of life because of the sacrifices of others. Richard Miller and his fellow soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen put their lives on the line and sacrificed for all of us. Veterans, thank you! We honor you for your selfless service. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Oddfellows Burger Kitchen
will ride to eat
823 Wheeler St. Ames, IA 50010 515-292-2066 Weekdays: 11am-2pm for Lunch, 4pm for Dinner Saturday: 11am-11pm Sunday: 11am-9pm
I usually start these articles off with some kind of humorous or informative lead-in to set the stage for the remainder of the article. Well this month is a little different. This month I’m going to paint you a mental picture of what we ate. To start out close your ey... on second thought, just read along. Picture a perfectly done burger, slightly pink in the middle, juices flowing. All your favorite toppings piled high. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is just writing about it!!!! This month we paid a visit to Oddfellows Burger Kitchen in Ames. You may have noticed the address above and wondered where the heck is Wheeler Street? There is a simpler way to describe how to get there. Take Grand Avenue to North Grand Mall and go two more blocks north (of course that’s coming from the south, if you’re coming from the north then take Grand Avenue south and stop two blocks before... well, you’ll figure it out). Oddfellows is in the Northern Lights Shopping Center on the west side of the street. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the atmosphere you will enjoy at Oddfellows. They have decorated the entire place with some really cool stuff: flying guitars, bumper stickers, paintings and drawings, old road signs and much, much more. They have tried to make it a late 60s to early 70s motif and they’ve done a pretty good job of it. As neat as the place is, the real star of the show is the food!!!! The menu is full of interesting selections; so many that we will have to make some repeat visits to try them all!!! We had cheated and viewed the menu online at their website www.oddfellowsburgerkitchen.com ahead of time so we had an idea of what we wanted to try before we left home. The first thing that caught my eye was the Deviled Eggs in the Starters category. I love deviled eggs; they rank really high on my list of favorite things!!!! But these are deviled eggs with a twist... they mix in bacon and jalapeños (yet two more things straight off of my favorite things list!!!) If you like deviled eggs you’ll love these!!!! Another thing 44 - TRMI JULY 2014
that really impressed me was the speed with which the eggs arrived at our table. I swear they arrived faster than they could have been served over the counter at a fast food joint!!!! There are several other things listed on the Starters menu that have certainly piqued my interest such as Armadillo Eggs and Spicy Mac & Cheese Cakes. My crystal ball shows many more trips here in my future; and that just for the starters. Then there are the Burgers! I had a difficult time deciding which of the list would be my first conquest. All of the burgers consist of a little over a third of a pound of beef, ground daily and hand formed. They are grilled to order on a flat top surface to seal in the juices. The burgers are all served with your choice of fries, mac & cheese or tator tots. You can also substitute grilled salmon, grilled chicken breast or a veggie burger on any of the burgers. One final option is that you can have your burger in a lettuce wrap, if for some reason you don’t want the bun. And on the topic of buns, these buns are handmade in their own bakery!!!!! I finally decided at the last minute to go with The Ring of Fire Burger. Now if you’re like me, when you saw the name, the first thing that came to mind was the Johnny Cash song. Well the difference here is I didn’t fall into this burning ring of fire... I jjumped in willingly... head first... with gusto!!!!!!! When the burger arrived, the first thing I noticed was the shade of red of the hot sauce. I had never seen sauce that bright red before. I’m sure the contrast of the white pepperjack cheese beneath it helped but it jjust seemed to cry out something about regretting the day or your birth or some similar taunt! What a wonderful combination: jjalapeños, pepperjack cheese, cajun spice rub and this magical hot sauce.
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Using the wisdom of having walked down similar roads before, I opted to add the onion, tomato and lettuce, included on the side, to my burger, in hopes of taming the flaming beast. This tactic was partially successful, the heat was held to a reasonable level during the actual consumption period. I have to tell you though... later that night I learned the hot sauce had been held at bay but was far from tamed!!!!! This was an absolutely delicious burger that I will have again and who knows, next time I may even dare to consume it without a safety net of cold toppings!!!!! For my side I had ordered the mac & cheese. I am always interested in different versions of the timeless classic. This version did not disappoint! It was very delicious and obviously homemade. Of course I couldn’t leave without sampling the strawberry cheesecake which is also made in-house. The perfect balance of firm and soft, cuts with a fork but melts in your mouth! Absolutely exquisite!!!! Lynnette ordered the Black and Blue burger. This is a burger with Cajun seasonings, ba-
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con and... you guessed it... Blue Cheese!!!!! She described it to me as “Absolutely Amazing!!!!” She had ordered onion rings for her side and was shocked at the quantity that was included! It was a huge pile of sweet, lightly battered and fried rings, some of the best we have had!!! Oddfellows Burger Kitchen, too many awesome selections to try in just one trip. Keep coming back to try them all!!!! Check out their website at www.oddfellowsburgerkitchen. com and “Like” them on Facebook where they list their daily specials! 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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f o s l r i G
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to v vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Trudy McLaughlin 2009 Road King Davenport
Angela Wheeler 2005 Heritage Softtail Council Bluffs
Melissa Doyl 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster Central City 46 - TRMI JULY 2014
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I have heard it told that some folks are born with gear lube running through their veins, a wrench in each hand and the natural ability to make things run better and faster. One of those talented individuals is Fred Ingraham from Marshalltown. Fred has devoted a great majority of his life to enhancing and customizing rides from all over the country, entirely because it gives him pleasure (I won’t use his exact words but it involves the
Fred & Jackie (the owner’s daughter & Minnesota native) tore down & moved the entire facility up to Minnesota. Realizing they made a great team, they began dating and subsequently married in 1985. Fred next landed a job at Hyperformance in Des Moines. It was here that Fred became extremely skilled in top end racing and what modifications it took to make an engine perform at its peak. He began working on friends bikes in his garage in his spare time (the inception of F&J Racing). During these years, Fred also found time to race the “top gas” class with the AMRA. In 1989, he led the points bracket all season long and was seemingly unbeatable. That is until a professional rider was hired to knock Fred off the top, that plan didn’t exactly work the way folks had expected. Fred was knocked off the top in the last race of the season not due to his competition’s speed, Fred won the race by 5/1000ths of a second, but at the starting line Fred red lighted. He may have finished the season in 2nd place, but that didn’t stop word and recognition from spreading quickly about his
blood rushing to a certain part of the male anatomy) to make talents. Soon Fred & Jackie outgrew the shop, which had things go faster and work been converted from a barn on their homestead in rural better. Marshalltown. F & J Performance Racing was opened for business full time in 1991 and has been located at 701 Fred landed his first gig North 3rd Avenue in Marshalltown since first opening in a shop while still in their doors in town. high school. He learned the basics at Virg’s Twenty nine years of marriage later, Fred & Jackie still Garage in Laurel and make a great team and F&J is just one testament to that. came out of high school They work together every day, with Jackie in the front (unlike many) with a taking care of the business clear direction of what he aspect and Fred in the shop wanted to spend his life doing what he loves almost doing. Thanks to that as much as he loves his wife, job, he was able to pick up his first motorcycle in 1973 wrenching on bikes. They at 18 years old; he got a hot deal on a 1959 Sportster. remain the best of friends It was that Sporty that he first turned a wrench on, like and enjoy meeting all the most bikers he wanted it to move quicker so he tore new people that the business into it. Fred entered a new adventure in 1977 when he has brought into their lives, bought into Cripple Creek Customs. It was there that crediting their customers for Fred learned the ins & outs of owning/running his own the wonderful & interesting shop, lessons that continue to pay off to this day. In life they have been blessed early 1979 Charlie Hoskins, owner of Hoskins Harley with. F&J caters to all walks Davidson in Marshalltown, walked down the street of life, from the young broke to Cripple Creek Customs and offered Fred a job as a biker to the richest of the mechanic. Finishing Harley Davidson service schooling in rich, working on the oldest pile that hasn’t run for years to December 1979, Fred spent the next few years diagnosing the newest models out there (none of that really matters to and repairing a variety of bikes as they flowed through the Fred or Jackie); they work on everything on two wheels HD service shop. from Flat Heads to Fat Heads and do everything from oil changes to performance work. Of course their specialty is After Charlie Hoskins sold the dealership, Fred found cylinder & high end performance work, but they can do it himself without a job. At this time, the Midwest Spring all. Stop by F&J Racing next time you are in Marshalltown facility in Marshalltown was closing & the entire plant & tell ‘em Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent ya! needed to be relocated to other Midwest Spring facilities across the country. So Fred stepped up for the task (it didn’t ~Pinky hurt that he was sweet on the owner’s daughter & wanted to put forth a good impression). After lying about being able to operate a fork truck, he was hired on. Together 48 - TRMI JULY 2014
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I I s e r u s a e r T a w o I n r e t s e W Iowa n r e t s e W o t e d i u A Travelers G ods o F l a c o L d n a s e Breweri They
see what all they have on tap I recommend stopping in or checking their Facebook page. In addition to ales they also offer some domestics and soda. A really nice addition to their menu is pizza! They utilize the leftover grain from their lef brewing made crust. “Waste b e i process oce for fo their thei hand h not want not,” I always say!
say if you do not like the weather in Iowa just wait a minute, it will change. As most of you know this happens all the time and I then found my way east on Hwy 30 to Carroll, Iowa was quite evident on the day I took off to explore and the Santa Maria Winery. Santa Maria not only Northwestern Iowa in search of tasty food and ale. offers a There was a storm due to move in at 9:00 in the number of evening, that should have given me all day to get out ales, they and about, no such luck, but I did learn the quickest also have way home from Okoboji and how not to do my hair some of the on a motorcycle! best Iowa produced The State of Iowa tourism office in Des Moines wines you divides all will find of us up into anywhere three distinct in the regions. state! They Eastern have been Iowa has offering twenty-eight great counties, food and Central Iowa beverages for over five years. They have a beautiful indoor and outdoor facility with a huge fireplace to cuddle up in front of on a cool evening. has thirty-five counties and There is plenty Western Iowa has the lion’s of room for share of space with thirtyan event or six counties. That is a fair just a great amount of ground to cover lunch at their but I am the kind of girl bistro. I highly who relishes a challenge. recommend If you are willing to poke the Turkey around you will find some artichoke incredible places and Panini! people. Now it was I started this tour off in time to head north. When I was researching places Woodbine, Iowa at a great to visit for my tour I wasn’t looking at a map per little start up brewery say, and five of my six locations called Brick Street turned out to be right on or right Brewing Company. along Hwy 71. The rest of this The young couple journey can be done along Hwy71 Justin and Nicole Eilers or you can wonder off and back decided to move back again, either way this part of the to his hometown and state is beautiful to visit with it’s take his passion from rolling hills and big blue skies! a hobby to a business. The results have Lake View, Iowa is a great little town been overwhelmingly on Hwy 71 that offers a beautiful positive! Their doors lake for boating, fishing and have been open now relaxing on. It also offers supper for about a year and each evening from Ryan’s Bar and they are growing by Grill right on the north side of the leaps and bounds. To Thunder R Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com www thunderroadsiowa com 52 - TRMI JULY 2014
lake. Ryan’s husband and wife owners are ABATE members and riders themselves. They have a huge bar with great views of the lake. This time of year the fresh vegetables are abundant and can be found at Ryan’s along side some of the best prime rib you will have the pleasure trying.
Americana at their best!
I took B40 back to Hwy 71 and headed north to Spencer. Just across the bridge, if you look over to the west, you will see what looks like a church. Hang a left and check out The Bear Coffeehouse and Bar. Now if you want to talk about utilizing locally grown food The Bear knows full and well how to do this as they host a farmers market in their parking lot. Talk about cutting out the middleman! Since I had just eaten a half of a hot beef in Royal I opted for the fruit and cheese plate and a glass of wine. The lovely women who were running things that day were so friendly and made things very Next it was on north again into Royal, Iowa knowledgeable. on B40. Royal is your typical small town Besides utilizing with a little league field, a grain elevator locally grown fair and one of the best little cafés I have had they also served the pleasure of eating in! The Royal Café cheese that was is located on the south side of Main Street. hand made right When you walk in it there are only a few here in Iowa. tables but if you look a little further there Between the is a good great people, the sized back room full great view and the great cheese and wine, The Bear of local history and is a great place to relax and take a load off! pictures of patrons who have come and Back onto Hwy 71 it was and into West Okoboji to gone over the years. try out the frothy goodness that the West O Beer The Royal Café Brewery had to offer! West O Beer is a relatively new utilizes fresh, locally brewery but they are doing some great things. They grown produce set themselves apart from other microbreweries from their loyal with stainless steal growlers a very industrial feeling customers. More tasting room and great happy hour specials! Well days then not they that and Karl, the brewmeister, he is a gem of a fella make homemade who found his calling in the brewing world. West O cinnamon rolls, Beer can be found all over Iowa so check your local pies and the hot liquor store. beef special put a smile on my face. At this point in the sun shiny trip clouds started Carroll has owned banking up to the west and text messages started the café for 18 coming in that the weather was getting sketchy years and has had back home and I better start heading south, which the same cook for I did. Thankfully I made it safely back before the most of those years so you know; they must be doing skies opened up on everybody in Southwest Iowa something right. The Royal Café and community are but I avoided the hail and the rain…never a good combination on a bike! Next month I look forward to wrapping up my exploration of Western Iowa’s Culinary/Ale trail with a few more hidden gems and maybe even another visit to the best of the best! If there is a place that you know of that does a fantastic job of utilizing locally grown fare in their business or has a special gift for mixing up an eclectic ale please do not hesitate to drop me an e-mail at dring@thunderroadsiowa.com. See you on the road. DRing Thunder der Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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“Stop telli telling ng me what what to do!”
It may sound like the tantrums of a teenager, but it’s actually a viewpoint on government from Des Moines’ new radio talk show host, Robert Rees on 98.3 The Torch. That teenager-like view is one of the many reasons Robert’s radio show has resonated with the younger generation in other cities and he’s hoping to do the same thing for Iowa.
REALTORS, he was a part owner of a green building construction company and a partner in a real estate investment company that flipped homes. He explains career change, “When the real estate market started to suffer, I realized I had to revise my business plan and pair things down to weather the storm...or...I could do something else. I decided to try radio.”
After a couple of years in Austin in radio, he moved to the “I think government is here to protect us from each Midwest to Bloomington, Illinois to do the morning show other and not ourselves. It’s none of your business there. Within a year he became the #1 morning show for what I do unless it will negatively affect you.” he men ages 18-54. It’s the 18 year old number that’s so unique says. about Robert’s show. Usually, talk radio tends Robert is quickly to resonate with the older becoming generation, those 45 and known in Des older. Robert has been Moines and the successful at winning surrounding area over teenagers! for his humorous and aggressive When asked what his approach to approach is he responded, talk radio. “I “Humor. Look, over hear people 60% of Millenials get describe me as their news from The aggressive, nonDaily Show on Comedy pc (politically Central, why? Because correct) or bold, it’s entertaining; I try to and I just laugh. entertain.” I don’t see it that way. I’m like, Listening to Robert on the dude, I just talk radio in Des Moines, you about things the may sound like a rising way you and I would at the water cooler or at a star, or someone who’s already a syndicated host, but sit backyard BBQ.” down with him for lunch or go on a ride with him and you find he’s just one of us. When you listen to Robert on his radio, you’ll find that he doesn’t just talk about politics. “I talk about You can listen to his show live on 98.3 The Torch or listen whatever’s in the news; sports, entertainment, to podcasts on http://983thetorch.com. Follow him on his relationships, whatever. I like to laugh, so I try to website, Facebook or Twitter. find ways to laugh at life. It just so happens that http://TheRobertRees.com politics is easy to make fun of.” http://Facebook.com/TheRobertRees http://Twitter.com/TheRobertRees Robert’s journey in talk radio is still new but impressive. Originally from Tennessee, he began Harvey Hunter radio 5 years ago this May in Austin, Texas where he worked most of his adult life up to that point as a real estate professional. He owned a real estate sales company and managed half a dozen
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There are 56,272 square miles of land surface in Iowa. There are 38,245.67 miles of paved roadways in Iowa. That is a lot of ground to cover on two wheels but I like a challenge! Whether you are one who likes to hop on two wheels and go with no destination in mind or if you are attending one of the awesome events or rallies in our great state; one simple, economical fun way to spend the night is to motorcycle camp while you are out on the road.
number of chairs, the Bison and the Mayfly chair fold up ridiculously small to fit in your pack.
In the morning when you get up it is really important to have a microfiber towel. They absorb a ton of water; they fold up very small and can be compressed down to take up almost no space at all in your saddlebags when space is at a premium. If you are staying somewhere that does not offer showers there is always the pond, lake or stream to tidy The state of Iowa offers 147 State and County campgrounds up in…don’t be scared fish generally do not bite! I like to that does not include city parks which offer camping or break in half a few hotel size bars of soap and put them businesses that offer camping. Quite a few of our little in a zip lock baggy, they are small and you don’t feel bad towns offer free tent camping in their city parks. Many for throwing them away after using the little bit that you county fair grounds have camping and these are great need. If you are lucky enough to have showering facilities because there are usually full restrooms with showering it is really important to have a pair of shower shoes with facilities. They say cleanliness is next to godliness, but you, these can be picked up at Old Navy for $1 and can I just want to be next to someone who doesn’t have that also double as your around camp shoes. Take it from me; gamey I haven’t showered in a few days smell, but I walking around your campground in motorcycle boots is digress! Let’s move on to some of the essentials that will not a good idea! make your experience more enjoyable and fit snuggly in your saddlebag or tour pack. Another item that can truly aid in your camp comfort is a good bug spray. Bug spray bottles can be bulky. I First and for most it is really recommend finding a good Avon Lady and getting their important to scope out and nab bug spray wipes. These are little moist bug spray towelettes. the best camping spot right away. When you are done with them you can just throw them Level ground is preferable but in the fire, no muss, no fuss! While we are on this if you find yourself on uneven subject don’t forget a really good sunscreen ground make sure that you plan and an essentials first aid kit. Band-Aids, to put your head uphill! Seems tweezers and triple antibiotic cream; like that should be common sense you can find a good little first aid kits but common sense is not really as at most grocery or outdoors stores common as it used to be. and they make kits that are smaller then a deck of cards. I am also an There is a company that makes a tent advocate for having some Ibuprofen specifically for motorcycle camping or regular old aspirin along. There enthusiast they are Redverz Gear. They is nothing worse then camping with make this crazy large looking tent with someone who is crabby because they a “garage” for your bike so it is never have a headache. far away. It folds up really small and will fit in your saddlebag. Next when it If you think about it and you have a comes to sleeping you will want to find Verizon cell phone, like so many of us yourself a German army-sleeping pad, do you can go to a Verizon store and they these can be found in army surplus stores sell a fantastic cell phone cordless charger. or on ebay. These fold up incredible small and I have one and it works insanely well. It is insulate you from the cold of the ground. They very small and will fit in your pocket. It will also will fit into your saddlebag. Last but not charge my completely dead cell phone two full times lease to aid your sleeping enjoyment you need to before the charger itself needs to be recharged. This works find yourself a slumber jack pillow. This pillow is only 7oz wonderfully if you are camping or not! and is compressible. All of these items should be stored in waterproof packaging or bags so that if it is raining on your All of the summer months are stretched out in front of us ride at least you will get a dry, good nights sleep! You may not unlike the 56,272 miles of paved Iowa roads. Why not have noticed that there is no cover to cozy up with, what take full advantage of this and take a trip to a park or a do you think all that leather is for? Double duty your warm rally! Maybe I will see you in Algona with the rest of the weather gear if you need some extra warmth at night. TRMI family? Try to keep things simple, plan for what you can and wing the rest! While hanging out around a campfire it is really nice to have a camping chair but they are not overly foldable DRing until now! A company named Alite Design makes a Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Motorcycles and Me
Then a glorious day came along when I was leaving early high school one day and low and behold across the street in this little old ladies gravel driveway sat I was born in Mason City, Iowa on April 27, 1949 and what appeared to be an old Indian Scout with a cardboard grew up and haired-over in Iowa Falls in the middle of for sale sign that read, $160. That feeling of impending corn fields, soy beans, gravel roads and mostly down to nutness overtook me. I went around the block, pounding earth people. My grandparents on my Dad’s side came to on the old ladies’ door and said I’d be right back with the Iowa from the Revolutionary times of old Mexico. And my dough. I don’t know how long it had been sitting but she Moms side where German farmers who thought that North fired right up with that old magneto and fresh gas and a Central Iowa reminded them of home. WWII brought my retard on the left handle. It had a stick shift, foot clutch, parents together as my Navy man Dad swooned my Mom little Indian headlight on the front fender – one blue tank away from one of his buddies. This was not before my old and one military tank. Had a lot of fun learning to ride that man had journeyed out west and down south when the war little V-twin across plowed black dirt and gravel roads. was over on an old leather bag knucklehead. When I was a kid that was the first picture of him on a motorcycle I ever When people ask me where it is now I bend over and let saw. It lit a light in me that never went out and continues them kick me in the ass. to burn to this day. Somewhere along the way, I was barely old enough to see cookies on a counter top, when we were The fever swiftly overtook me and the search was on. Way up at Mason City visiting Grandma; one of my Mom’s out in the country side east of Iowa Falls, there was a farmer grizzliest biker dance partners pulled up one early fifties named Dean Kelsey who also had old vintage motorcycles afternoon on a mid forties hog I’d never seen the likes laying all over his farm, I would go there and test drive all of. I was gently placed on the seat behind what appeared of his running machines. After a few 130 mile per hour to be a wall of studded worn black leather coat and an rides on hot rod Sportsters dodging pigs and wildlife, I enormous shaved head with a friendly voice saying, “just knew there was something else waiting for me. One day hang on tight, kid”. My very first motorcycle ride was a in an old chicken shed I had never explored I spied a 52 series of loops, corners, and dipsy doodles, rev ups, and rear Panhead sitting there all covered with straw and bird shit wheelies; cooler than any circus or county fair. I’m sure I and up to its axles in mud. It was a beautifully homely old was bitten by the bug right then and there and Mama knew I bike sled that hadn’t been fired up in years. With some would never be the same. And I haven’t been. That was the honest inexperienced effort we got it running, coughing, early fifties. farting and spitting some fire. He sold me that one for $365. Where are those deals today? She made it back home, to The dinkiest years started early with a Honda 50 my sister the home barn, where I tore into trying to make it run better. thought she owned but I was always on. Back then fifty I knew I needed help. This is when an old one armed man cents of gas would take you 200 miles. Of course it just named Russell Jim Hickathier became my motorcycle wasn’t cool enough or big enough so eventually one of my mentor. He would ride with his wife, Opal in his sidecar sister’s boyfriends offered to sell me an old Yamaha YDS2 and was one of the coolest people I had ever seen. It wasn’t that you had to mix the gas and oil in the main tank. I until I got my 52 Panhead that I got to know him better. I remember screaming down a side street in total bliss, for showed up with the Panhead on the back of an old pickup about ten minutes until the engine seized up and sent me truck and he would coarsely grumble in the raspy voice, skidding for at least fifty yards to my first real breakdown. “Goddammit Garcia, about time you got a real motorcycle”. Someone (not me) had not mixed the gas and oil properly. He was the guy to go to. Off the truck and onto the I bought it anyway and trucked it up to Mason City where pavement, he went at my old motorcycle with a screwdriver one of my Uncles’ was a mechanic. Not necessarily a and a small wrench and a few more cuss words. He would motorcycle mechanic but he said he would fix it for me. say “kick that sonumbitch over, Garcia”. After a few slight With an anxious teenage gut I waited and waited for weeks adjustments I was flying down the road flabbergasted at how growing more nauseous with anticipation of riding a rebuilt quickly and efficiently he helped sled. He was a bit of a my 52 Panhead roar to life. Just drunk and never really got to let you know how cool this guy around to it. I took out my really was, he could lift an engine first loan from a bank and to his workshop bench with that talked my folks into letting one good arm he had. Above that me trade it in on a brand work bench was a picture of him new mid sixties Yamaha at a county fair going airborne 305; a screaming little off a ramp through a flaming machine with oil injection hoop on one of his many finely that did easy wheelies restored motorcycles with one with or without a gal on arm. That is just a fraction of just back. After learning how how legendary this old man was. to tear that bike down and This is all the beginnings of my decarbon the heads and put love for the incredible world of it back together I became motorcycles. antsy with that two cycle sound and five gears going Peace and Love wahwahwahwahwahwah Driftwood Denny Garcia etc. Mud Lake, Iowa 56 - TRMI JULY 2014
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I couldn’t help but over-hear two bikers in their mid-twenties while sitting at a bar last week.One of the guys says to his buddy,“Man you look tired.”His buddy says,“Dude I’m exhausted. My girlfriend and I have sex all the time. I just don’t know what to do.”An old scooter tramp, about 65yrs old, sitting a couple of stools down had also over-heard the conversation. He looked over at the two young bucks and with the wisdom of years says,”Marry her. That’ll put a stop op to that shit!” Saturday morning I got up early, dressed quietly, grabbed some coffee, fed the dog, put on my leathers, slipped quietly into the garage to hop on the bike, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. There was hail mixed with the rain and the wind was blowing 50 mph. I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad throughout the day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. There I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.” She sleepily replied, “Can you believe my stupid husband is out riding his motorcycle in that shit.” A recently widowed biker chic, was sitting on a beach towel at Saylorville. She looked up and noticed that a man her age had walked up, placed his blanket on the sand nearby and began reading Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Smiling, she attempted to strike up a conversation with him.“Hello, sir, how are you?” “Fine, thank you,” he responded, and turned back to his magazine. “I love the beach. Do you come here often?” she asked. “First time since my wife passed away last year,” he replied, and again turned back to his magazine. “Do you live around here?” she asked. “Yes, I live over in Polk City,” he answered, and then resumed reading. Trying to find a topic of common interest, Sarah persisted.“Do you like pussycats?” With that, the man threw his magazine down, jumped off his blanket onto hers, tore off both their swimsuits and gave her the most passionate ride of her life! As the cloud of sand began to settle, Sarah gasped and asked the man,“How did you know that was what I wanted?” The man replied,“How did you know my name was Katz?” A guy walks into a bar with his midget wife and takes a stool, with his wife standing next to him. The bartender was busy at the other end and didn’t see them when they walked in.When he got done serving the 62 - TRMI JULY 2014
custom customers there, he walked down the bar and as asks the new customer what he would like. He asks for two glasses of beer, which the barman brings. After leaving him, the bartender goes about serving other patrons, when he notices the man has finished his beers. He asks if he would like a refill, and the man says,“Yes. I’ll have a couple more.“The barman gets two more beers and sets them in front of the man. Never having seen anyone with the guy, his curiosity is piqued, and he asks him,“Why, do you order two drinks at a time?” o The man replies,“Oh, one is for me, and the other for my wife.” Astounded, having not seen the midget wife, the bartender says,“Your wife? Where is she?” “She’s standing here next to me.” The bartender, standing on his toes, leaning forward looking over the edge of the bar, utters,“Well, I’ll be God damned, she ain’t any bigger than your fist!” The man replies,“No, but she’s a lot better!” A policeman sends his wife and kid to a resort for a vacation. After a week he joined them in the hotel. As soon as he came to the hotel room he wanted to make love to his wife and gave her “the look”.Whispering under her breath, the wife says “No darling, we can’t do it here, our kid is watching!” Husband replies,“You’re right, lets go to the beach.” After a while they make their way to the beach, they start to make love on an empty beach. All of a sudden, a policeman walks up to them.“Put your clothes on immediately, shame on you, you can’t do that in public!” Embarrassed, the husband admits “You are right, but I had a moment of weakness.We hadn’t seen each other for an entire week. Now, I’m a policeman too, and it would be very embarrassing if you fine me.” The cop thought for a second and said “Don’t worry... you are a colleague and it is your first time. But this is the third time I caught this bitch making love on this beach in the last week and she will have to pay.” Little 6-year old John Smith’s parents felt really horny at 11 AM on Sunday and wanted to make love, but had to get John away for at least one hour. So they told him to go to the balcony and report all activities of their neighbours for the next hour. Being the innocent, dutiful son he was raised to be, he did as he was told. His parents amused themselves, and then came the formality of the report at 12 PM. John said “For the past hour, the Wilsons were watching TV, Mr. Cole was playing the piano, the Johnsons were playing carrom together and the Donalds were having sex.” His parents were shocked! They asked him “How do you know that?” He said “Their son was out on the balcony too.”
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just not that trusting. I’m willing to spend the time to research each of the various candidate’s background, opinions and history. As an American citizen I feel it’s my duty to be an informed voter since the outcome will definitely effect the lives of my children and grand-children.
My personal mission statement: to provide interested people with information that is not adequately presented by the media at large, information specifically, that exposes efforts to limit our liberties or limit our choices as Bikers, but mainly as Americans. Most information provided by me has been sourced through the AMA, Abate of IA, Abate of NE, Abate of South Dakota or the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). Some information I also get from the NRA, IGO (Iowa Gun Owner’s Association) or National Write Your Congressman. As I return to my roots as a Free Roaming Radical, I thought it fitting to explain my position. I encourage you to become as involved in what’s going on as you have the time to do. I encourage all of you to send me your comments or questions to: peter@riderpromotions.com OK, time for a random thought. Seems to me that every weekend, almost everywhere I go, there is some kind of “motorcycle fundraiser” going on. If that’s your thing, congratulations, it’s not for me, until I make absolutely sure that the “group I’m helping isn’t somehow backing helmet laws or some other type of choice limiting. I’m trying to use my donation money to help raise money for the folks who stick up for me. A couple of ideas for you:
I hope I’m wrong but I’m starting to believe that I’m in the minority. 40 years or so ago I think that most folks thought like I do. I can’t simply accept that we’ve actually become that lazy. I still think that a single person can make a difference, but numbers do matter. One person involved gets noticed, two or three, now we’ve really got something going here. Two or three hundred or a thousand and now you’ve got a movement. That’s what this is. It’s the, “I’m not going to let you erode my rights” movement, and all you’ve gotta do to join is to get into the game. My opinions are my own. I encourage folks to email and let me know what you thinkagree or disagree. peter@ riderpromotions.com President Obama, on May 2, released his ideal version of a transportation bill. His proposal contains a specific provision that would allow the federal government to push a MANDATORY helmet law- nationwide. Look it up. Hidden in the 350 page bill it would amend current U.S. code to allow the federal government to actively lobby state legislators to enact mandatory helmet laws. They want to use your tax dollars against you to steal your liberties. What a crock.
•30th Annual Abate of IA Freedom Rally July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Check it out at www.abateiowafreedomrally.com •Abate of Nebraska State Rally July 11-13, Riverside Campground, DuBois, NE. www.abateofne.com
The draft is titled the Grow America Act, you can read it at: www.dot.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT_surface_reauthFINAL.pdf It also contains incentivized grants for graduated licensing. time to contact your Representative in the House and Hope you all got out and voted in the Primary on June 3rd. If It’s both of your Senators. The U.S. Capitol Switchboard phone not, you let someone else choose for you. By my experience, number (202) 224-3121. You can also contact the White that doesn’t usually work out all too well, like it or not this House and let them know that you don’t appreciate their is an election year. Like it or not someone is going to choose back-handed manner of trying to run your life by calling it the how government affects your life. If you are not involved you Grow America Act. The email address is www.whitehouse. are leaving the “who” in someone else’s hands. I guess I’m gov/contact
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District 21 Blessing of the Bikes Hard to believe it’s been 25 years… ABATE of Iowa’s District 21’s annual Blessing of the Bikes started ¼ century ago, with a mere 3 motorcycles in attendance, but my oh
our first Blessing 20 years ago, when the event had grown to a staggering 17 bikes! Pat’s dad Mike was a longtime friend with Bear, and Patrick and I had just come of age in the cruiser motorcycle scene, so these 17 bikes in one place were a pretty big deal to us at that point. But to now see over 500 bikes lined up downtown, has literally left everyone a little watery eyed! Father Arley Downie has officiated nearly every Blessing, and he walks around to each bike for an individual blessing of each bike and rider/ owner. Being the 25th running, organizers went all out to add more than just a Blessing to the event… A swap meet started at 10AM, a bike show with a wide array of custom scooters, and immediately following Father Downie’s services, local rock-abilly band 3 on the Tree cranked out some tunes in the street dance.
Sadly, Bear passed away in 2005, but his old bagger, with over 300,000 miles on the odometer is the only bike to my how times have changed… This year’s Blessing was be at every Blessing, and this year was no different. To held on June 1st, and a staggering 540+ motorcycles were on add to the emotions, Bear’s granddaughter Catarina took hand! the microphone to sing the national anthem. While this young lady sang her heart out, the big man upstairs blessed It all started when everyone a little early with District 21 was in a quick rain shower, but its infancy, as one that didn’t stop anyone founding member, from showing their respect known by all as for the stars and stripes! “Bear,” orchestrated the new event, Although Fulton is located just for that little in Illinois, it’s sits directly nod from the man across the Mississippi upstairs throughout from Clinton, and the riding season. many downtown Fulton Myself, and businesses are District longtime friend 21 supporters, including Patrick attended
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Large 1’s Pub, which is always active in supporting the Blessing, and offered up cheap beer and pizza specials for the event. Next year’s Blessing is already scheduled for Sunday, June 7th, and will again take place in downtown Fulton, with services starting at 1PM, but if crowds are anywhere near this year’s numbers, you might want to find a spot before noon. For updated info, keep an eye on District 21’s Facebook page, or call Julie at 563-249-5681. Nate Ullrich www. Lyfebehindbars.com
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Tuesday
Thursday Continued
Desparado’s Wheatland Brooklyn’s Bar & Grill Ottumwa Lynch’s Bar Rockwell City Century Bar Alta Starr’s Two Wheel Tap Davenport Kitty’s Long Branch Saloon Atalissa The Outfield Richland Schneids Lowden Johnny’s Pub Lake Park
Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge IL Jesse’s Saloon Silvis IL Throttle Thursday Dillon Bros HD (1st Thurs) Omaha Clueless Bar & Grill Mason City
Wednesday SOS Clubhouse Muscatine Slaby’s Plainview Wiebler’s HD (Alternating weeks) Davenport The Buck Snort Neola Greencastle Tavern Mingo Shenanigan’s Boone OP, Clear Lake Cadillac Jack’s Baxter Ride’s Bar & Grill Ft Dodge Shuey’s Shueyville Joe’s Nighthawk Waverly The Pour House Davenport Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Samz Sports Bar Muscatine 2nd Ave Bike Night (2nd Wednesday) Des Moines Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly Fro’s Wilton Dee’s Catfish Cove Davenport George and Dales East Dubuque The Edge Missouri Valley Overboard Des Moines Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Harlan Ferg’s (Last Thursday) Grand Junction Krazee Kafe, Des Moines Chrome Horse Saloon/JP Cycles (2nd Thursdays) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo The Wagon Wheel Washington Crossroads Tavern (every other) Kelley Crazy Coyote (3rd Thursday) Burlington 68 - TRMI JULY 2014
Friday Thunder Nites (2nd Friday) Newton May thru Sep Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Dubuque Harley-Davidson (Last Friday May-Aug) Zylstra Harley-Davidson Ames (4th Friday) Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Woody’s Roadside Tavern Albion last Friday Biscuit’s Bar and Grill Buffalo Onion Grove Clarence Breezy Hills Wings & Wine-a-Ritas Minden Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset Von Tuck’s/Dave’s Place Oelwein Taylor County Bike Night (July 26th) Gravity Gravy’s Bar and Grill Davenport Sunday Dolly’s Auburn The Edge Missouri Valley Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Scooter Sunday 411 Main Griswold Team 36 Mitchellville Icky Nickel Sioux City Captains Quarters Bike Days Adel Avenue of the Saints (2nd Sundays) St Charles Cozy Café Des Moines (1st Sunday) This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Jun 27-28 Jun 27-29 Jun 28 Jun 28 Jun 28
Maquoketa Motor Madness Maquoketa J&P Open House Anamosa Roar Into Harlan Fun Run Harlan Bikers for Boobies Werner Cycle Works Omaha, NE Shenanigans Pub Freedom Ride for the Veterans Center Dubuque Jun 28 Ride it Out for Amber Polk City Jun 28 Girls Ride Waterloo Jun 28 Lady’s Cancer Ride Mason City Jun 28 First Annual BDADD Awareness Cruise & Concert Des Moines Jun 28 Okoboji Harley-Davidson Old Iron Cruise In Party Jun 28 Blown Budgets Club Cruze Night Muscatine Jun 28 Operation Comfort Warrior Ride Waukon Jul 3-5 ABATE Freedom Rally Algona Jul 4 Blues,Brews & BBQs Festival Glenwood Jul 5 7th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca Jul 5 Patriots for Pets Ride Mason City Jul 5-12 Summer Open House Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Jul 11-12 English River Outfitters Veterans Bike Jamboree Brighton Jul 12 Goozman’s Westside Poker Run Harlan Jul 12 6th American Soldier Past & Present Poker Run Brighton Jul 12 Fun Days Poker Run Calamus Jul 12 Angel Ride to Save the Tatas Fort Dodge Jul 12 Zylstra Beach Party Ames Jul 12 5th “Co” Smith Memorial Ride Fairfield Jul 12 Jeff Ernzen Ride and Benefit Farley Jul 12 1st Annual Combat Veterans Benefit Ride/Cruise Garber Jul 12 Make A Wish Ride Mason City Jul 13 2nd Annual Bike Show Rehabilitation Center Hampton Jul 18 Ames on the Half Shell Sponsored By Zylstra Ames Jul 18-20 Road Guardians River Road Fundraiser Dubuque Jul 19 MurphFest Panora Jul 19 Women’s Ride by Wind Bags Atlantic Jul 19 Ride 4 Time Baxter Jul 19 Patriot Ride Quasqueton Jul 19 Hogging for Heroes Hoopla Anamosa Jul 19 Dawn Waltz Hull Memorial Poker Run Orient Jul 19 American Legion Party with JJ Ace Garwin Jul 19 Parts Swap and Vinton Cruise Vinton Jul 20 Butterfields M.C. Parts Hot Dog Daze Omaha, NE Jul 25-27 CMA Iowa State Rally Des Moines Jul 26 Annual Zylstra Ride To Okoboji Ames Jul 26 Doc’s Roadhouse 13th Annual Benefit Poker Run Logan Jul 26 7th Brooke Barber Memorial Poker Run Mount Ayr Jul 26 Christmas in July Toys 4 Tots Ride Anamosa Jul 26 2nd Annual Onion Fest Clarence Jul 26 Lion’s Club Memorial Cruise Bike/Car Show Grand Junction Jul 26 Boot’s Fundraiser Poker Run Harlan Jul 31-Aug 2 7th Annual Across the Border Raid Bedford Aug 2 2nd Annual Ride to Live 4 Gibbie Fun Run Boone Aug 3 School Supply Ride Mason City Aug 4-10 South Dakota Party Aug 9 AtlanticFest Ride In Bike Show Atlantic Aug 9 Mighty Mississippi HOG MDA Hope Ride Dubuque Aug 9 4th Annual Josh Davis Memorial Poker Run Perry Aug 9 Too Broke for Sturgis Party at Zylstra Ames Aug 9-10 ABATE D15 Too Broke to go to Sturgis Rodeo Donahue Aug 16 Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe Fall Classic Everly Aug 16 Lu Brown’s Hep C Ride Richland
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Aug 16 Bob Ezarski Memorial Run Hampton Aug 16 Iowa Make A Wish Ride Council Bluffs Aug 16 Deb’s Veterans Freedom Center Ride Dubuque Aug 16-17 33rd Annual Baxter Days Marne Aug 22-24 Party in the Pasture Softail Saloon Superior Aug 22-24 BTW 10th Annual Trike In Kellogg Aug 23 6th Annual Werner Cycle Works Bike/Car Show Omaha, NE Aug 23 AHeinz57’s 6th Ride Your Hawgs for Dogs Run Adel Aug 23 Vic’s Main Tap 6th Annual Fun Ride Audubon Aug 23 Old School Bike Show and Rodeo Muscatine Aug 23 B.A.C.A. Bike Bash Des Moines Aug 23 New Model Party Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Aug 23 Big Barn H-D Fall Open House Des Moines Aug 23 Challenge Run Dolly’s Auburn Aug 23 4th Annual Bill Vincent Memorial Ride Keota Aug 23 Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) Fun Run Grinnell Aug 23 Jami Jam III Milford Aug 24 Children’s Miracle Network Fun Run Ida Grove Aug 28-30 43rd Int’l Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Davenport Aug 30-31 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 5-7 Hogs4Dogs Benefit & Ride Ottumwa Sep 5-7 Davis Motorcycle rally New Hampton Sep 6 National Motorcycle Museum SideCar Rally,Anamosa Sep 6 Sidney’s Wish Poker Run Des Moines Sep 6 3rd Hope for Hayley ITP Benefit Ride Kelley Sep 6 Broken Spokes 2nd Annual Poker Run Davenport Sep 6 Ride 4 Tyler Dubuque Sep 11 911 Ride Mason City Sep 12-14 25th State Line End of Summer Rally Keosauqua Sep 13 7th Cancer Benefit “RIDE FOR THE TA TAS” Kirkman Sep 13 Celebrate Freedom Run Catfish Charlies Dubuque Sep 14 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sep 19-21 Rumble in the Stalks Conesville Sep 20 Fall Open House Wieblers H-D Davenport Sep 20 Cedar County Heroes Memorial Ride Tipton Sep 20 20th Annual Zylstra Hog Roast Ames Sep 21 Concours de Cornfield Antique Motorcycle Show Earlham Sep 24-27 Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville, AR Sep 27 Carroll Cycle Center Open House Carroll Sep 27 Chosen Few MC End of the Year Party Cedar Rapids Sep 27-28 RJ Performance Fun Day Eddyville Raceway Park Sep 28 Fall Balltown Ride Wieblers H-D Davenport Sep 29 Big Barn H-D 7th Annual Summer Ride ends Des Moines Oct 2-5 Hog Rock’Toberfest Cave in the Rock IL Oct 4 2nd Annual Savanna’s Ride Dubuque Oct 4 Tailgate Party Wieblers H-D Davenport Oct 4 2nd Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ride Cedar Rapids Oct 4 Toys for Tots Mason City Oct 5 Big Dog Wine Run with Dogs on Skis Tama Oct 5 30th Annual Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Davenport Oct 5 ABATE D19 Toy Run Denison Oct 5 Carroll Cycle Center Toy Run Carroll Oct 11 Knickers Annual Leaf Run Dubuque Oct 12 ABATE D4 31st Toy Run Des Moines Oct 16-19 Biketoberfest Daytona, FL Oct 19 Eagles Toy Run Atlantic Oct 31 Halloween Party Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Nov 7-9 ABATE of IOWA STEAM/BOD Mt. Marshalltown Nov 21 Carroll Cycle Center Ladies Night Out Carroll
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Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Dec 13 Dec 13
Turkey Run Clinton Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Black Friday Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Carroll Cycle Center pictures with Santa Carroll Santa Metro H-D Cedar Rapids
This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled for some reason. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email them with Date/Name of Event/Location to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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