2 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OF IOWA
Letter from the Editor ................................... 4 F&J Racing Bike Blessing ............................. 6 Biker Friendly Listing .................................10 Freedom Rock Tour ....................................14 CMA ..............................................................18 99 County Tour ............................................20 Road Ramblings...........................................23 SAFR .............................................................24 Electronics ....................................................27 Follow the Leader ........................................28 Newton Thunder Nites ...............................30 Calendar .......................................................32 Girls of Thunder ..........................................38 From the Woman’s Seat ..............................39 Will Ride to Eat............................................40 Miliary Rider WLA Across the USA ........42 JDRF Memorial Run ...................................44 Thunder Cam ...............................................48 Blast From the Past ......................................52 I’d Eat That ....................................................55 Joker’s Wild.................................................. 56 COIR .............................................................58 Why I Ride ...................................................60 TRMI Events/Bike Night Listing ...............62
www.thunderroadsiowa.com P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543 OWNER/EDITOR Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
EVENT CORRESPONDENCE/SALES Eryka Driscoll Eastern Iowa 563-506-0389 eryka@thunderroadsiowa.com Susan Mast SC/SE Iowa 319-931-4546 susan@thunderroadsiowa.com Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy West Central Iowa 641-524-4808 vizslaboots@yahoo.com Harv and Sue Hunter Central Iowa 515-205-7410 harv@thunderroadsiowa.com Bob Colbert Knoxville 515-579-1343 thomasrcolbert@yahoo.com David McCoy Mason City 641-420-1171 david@thunderroadsiowa.com Patricia Kemner Dubuque 563-580-3292 patricia@thunderroadsiowa.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeff Sigwarth Dubuque 563-451-9225 jeff@thunderroadsiowa.com
Nate Ullrich natanic@hotmail.com
Netty Kawecki Copy Editor
Craig & Lynnette Little-Will Ride to Eat craig@thunderroadsiowa.com
Humphrey Western Iowa He May Stop in to Say Hey
Tony Darveau Carroll Cycle Center tonypa@carrollcycle.com
All rights reserved. All content is covered by copyright and ownership of said right is retained by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Photographs may be purchased on www.thunderroadsiowa.com Neither magazine or website materials may be reproduced, distributed, altered or posted to any other websites without the express written permission of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph, opinions, and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Iowa Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC, Thunder Publishing LLC. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs, advocate any unsafe practices, or encourage breaking of any laws.
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Darcy Ring 99 County Chic dring@thunderroadsiowa.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1421 Chapmansboro Road Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 3
That way we can meet more people, hear more stories, and get more pictures of the Iowa bikers. Who knows, maybe you will end up on the pages of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa! Rolling into June and the riding season, despite being late, is here now. We cannot change the weather, but it was rather frustrating to have to deal with rain/snow/sleet/hail/cold/wind, and whatever else Mother Nature threw at us. We will persevere though, and put on even more miles in the warmer months ahead! There are so many things going on in June that any rider should be able to find something interesting to do. Check out the exploding events and bike night listing in the back part of the magazine, and you can get dates even farther out on the website at www.thunderroadsiowa.com In June of 2010, we took this magazine over and it has been gaining ground and growing ever since. So this month is officially our 3rd Anniversary of publishing Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. We are and always will be About Iowa, For Iowa, and From Iowa, so that we can bring you a magazine a little different from all the rest. We like to focus more on where you go and what you do on your bike, and not on the bike itself. Not that we do not fully appreciate some of the awesome rides that people right here in Iowa have built, but there are plenty of other avenues for showcasing that. We focus on riders and things to do, as we realize it does not matter what you throw your leg over, just get on and ride. With the Anniversary, we would also like to send out a heartfelt thank you to the crew that makes this thing possible. The staff and contributors are what make this thing what it is, and we value each and every one of them for the help they provide putting out the Iowa Biker magazine each and every month. If you see one of the crew out and about, feel free to shake their hands, say hey, and let them know you appreciate all they do for the bikers of Iowa.
When you are out and about, stop by our advertisers’ shops and events. Make sure you tell them that Thunder Roads sent ya. This publication is free to the readers and funded with ad sales, so making sure they know where they are seen is paramount to keep us rolling. On that note, a giant thanks goes out to the readers and advertisers that keep this thing on the shelves each month, although they are grabbed quickly each month. If you cannot find Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa at your favorite place, tell them to call us to get on our pages and get magazines in their doors. Don’t just ask for it, demand it! On another note, the current state of affairs in this great U.S of A. is rather disheartening to me and a lot of others. I am fully in support of our Constitution and the rights that so many have fought and died for and I for one am not really ready to lie down and let those be taken away. I beg of you to keep apprised of current situations, speak your peace, stand up for yourself, and maintain an active part of what makes this country great. Watch out for yourselves, your family, and your neighbors. Sometimes the order of the day is to just stand up and say “enough is enough”. We will not go quietly into the darkness and be told how to live. God Bless the USA! Ride safe, ride often, rinse and repeat. Vernon Quote of the Month: Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you’ll ride alone.
ON THE COVER This month we bring you our very own Eastern Iowa Thunder Roads staffer, Eryka. She is looking sexy in white with a 1928 Ford Roadster Pickup and a Knucklehead Drag bike. The bike is on loan to the National Motorcycle Musuem and the truck is owned by Brock Gilmore. of Marshalltown. See more bikes and cars like these at Conesville for Rumble in the Stalks June 21-22nd.
4 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 5
This year’s spring weather (or lack there of) has left little to be desired for most riders around Iowa, and the folks in central Iowa were still battling snowstorms the first weekend in May. Sure, it’s an inconvenience for anyone, but Fred and Jackie of F&J Racing in Marshalltown had scheduled their 18th annual Blessing of the Bikes for May
4th, but with snow on the ground, they decided to postpone until the following Saturday, May 11th. The following week’s weather improved dramatically, and even though the day was bright and sunny, a cool breeze still kept temps at bay, but the high 50’s were far better than dealing with snow! Things kicked off at 10 am, with vendors opening shop and trying to sell anything that didn’t blow away, and the world renowned, and the greatest MC to ever walk the face of the earth, Moody grabbed the microphone to rope some fine tailed ladies in for a “Best Butt” contest. And the ladies were even treated to entertainment of their own, when a handful of central Iowa’s studs took to the stage to figure out which guy had the “Best Butt” too. A tattoo show was also held shortly after, and then Wiked Liker from Newton took to the stage for some killer tunes, before Pastor Doug gave his words of blessing. The afternoon continued with a fashion show by Zylstra Harley-Davidson, a live auction of donated items for charity, raffle prizes, good food, cold beer, and an impromptu burn out show by Fred on his XR1000, which I guess wasn’t so “impromptu” considering that he told me he does it every year. And another local took to his annual tradition too on his V-rod, and smoked the tire ‘till it split right down the middle! The event was held at the American Legion in Marshalltown, and Fred and Jackie do this all to benefit charity, so they’re not making a dime off it. It’s just a chance to get together with friends, make new ones, and give a little something back. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to get a good blessing from the man above early in the riding season too! Next year’s Blessing will again be held in the spring, although preferably with out any snow forecast! For more info, give Fred and Jackie a call at 641-752-7625. And yeah Moody, I figured I’d butter ya up a bit before Algona, so I can rest assured that I’ll still get those “special photos!” That is providing that you’re not “retired.” Nate Ullrich www.Lyfebehindbars.com 6 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 7
8 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 9
Biker Friendly Directory
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
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999 www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
CoolBikerStuff.com 1224 Celebrity Drive Marcus, Iowa 51035 Mention TRMI at Events for a Free Gift
Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
Ossy’s Show Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9102
Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson & Motorsports 174th and Maple Omaha, NE 68116 402-289-5556 www.dillon-brothers.com
Clark County Run June 21st-22nd 4H Fairgrounds Clark SD Clarkcountyriders.com 605-596-4339
Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N. Crescent Ridge Dubuque, Iowa 52003 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com 563-557-3735 Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 www.fullthrottleia.com
Food and Drink 14th Street Tavern 3418 East 14th Street Des Moines, Iowa 515-266-3446 M-F 8am-2pm Sat 10-2 and Sun 11-2
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
B & M Bar and Grill 110 W. Main Street Panora, IA. 50216 641-755-2806 Open Daily @ 11:00 am
Harley-Davidson of Mason City 706 South Federal Avenue Mason City, Iowa 50401 WWW.HARLEYOFMC.COM 800.205.7082
Beaver Hut Pub Happiness is a Wet Beaver 307 East 7th Logan, Iowa 51546 712-644-6100
Holtz Kawasaki 331 W. High St Avoca, IA 1-712-343-2177 1-888-803-7693
Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11
Convenience Stores/Gas
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
BJ’s Bar & Billiards 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa Home of Full Throttle Thursdays 319-234-9810
The Pit Stop Convenience Store 421 Main Street Jamaica, Iowa 50128 Gas, Beer, Tobacco & Grocery 641-429-3101
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
Dealers
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com¬
Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsales.com
Chocolatierie Stam-Dubuque 269 Main Street Dubuque, Iowa 52004 www.stamchocolate.com 563-690-4320
Entertainment
Dew Drop Inn Bar & Restaurant 109 Main Street McClelland, Iowa 51503 712-566-9360 Mon-Sat 11:30-Close
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com Big Barn Harley Davidson I-80 Exit 135 Des Moines, Iowa 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.com C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
10 - TRMI JUNE 2013
Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30
Dexfield Diner & Pub 904 1st Street Redfield, IA. 50233 515-833-2927 www.dexfielddinerandpub.com
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Dirty Ernies 201 1st Street NE Farley, Iowa 563-744-4653 Ride your Harley to Farley! Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441 Doyle’s Place 403 East Street Shelby, Iowa 51570 712-207-2150 Mon-Sat Open 3 PM Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Excuses Bar 405 Main Street Malvern, Iowa 51551 712-624-8233 Excuses Bar on Facebook Foxys Bar 108 East Jefferson Osceola, Iowa 50213 641-342-3700 Visit us at Facebook FOXYS 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 Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m. Hazard County LoungeIowa’s Premier Night Club
(above the BBQ Shack) 203 Main St. Lohrville. Iowa 51439 Open M-S 4pm-close. Sunday 12pm-close (712)-465-3278
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Homers Bar & Grill 207 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-9979 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311 Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPiranha Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9184 Piranha Club on Facebook Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
Lamp-Liter 143 South Grove Street Walcott, Iowa 52773 563-284-4061
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620
Rendezvous Lounge 909 Main Street Adel, Iowa 50003 Just West of the Courthouse 515-993-4422
Master Griller/The Field House 142 S Chestnut Earlham, Iowa 50072 Mastergriller.com 515-782-5850 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
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
Millerton Café 10 Miles S of Chariton Hiway 14, 1 Mile East J22
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
Millerton, Iowa Tues-Sat 630am-8pm Sunday 630am-3pm 641-897-3536
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Shenanigans Nightclub/Event Center
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900 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!
1805 Maime Eisenhower Ave Boone, Iowa 50036 515-298-0435 www.partyatshenanigans1.com Slaby’s Bar & Grill 6020 New Liberty Road Plainview, Iowa 52773 563-843-3443 Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Tailgators Bar & Grill 621 Willow Street Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-482-6269 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 Middle of Nowhere 112 Main Street Cumberland, Iowa 50843 712-774-5425 The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 Third and Main 301 Main Street Manning, IA 51455 712-655-2304/712-210-2304 www.thirdandmainmanning.com facebook.com/thirdandmain T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
Guns and Ammo 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 lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net
Healthcare/Wellness Sandra Grace Health Care Team 2884 AAA Court, Bettendorf, IA (563) 343-5344 sandragracehealthcareteam.com Massage, Hypnosis, Reiki & more Will travel to your event or office
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Photo and Video
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
Services
Wet Goods Food & Lounge 113 N. Chestnut Street Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-2111 Where You Can Grab a Rack, And Not Get Slapped! Venture Inn Blencoe, Iowa 712-452-2205 Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery 350 Commercial Drive Walford, Iowa 52351 319-846-4476 Open 7 Days a Week Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
BC’s Custom Wood Floors Brian Christensen 1908 8th Street Harlan, IA 51537 712-755-2098 BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Joe Karsten-Authorized Dealer Cornwell Tools 329 West Street Manning, Iowa 51455 712-310-0765 mobile Larsen Equipment Aaron Larsen PO Box 126 Kimballton, IA 51543 712-310-1762 Smith Urndustries 3615 300th Avenue Dickens, Iowa 51333 712-260-9638 www.smithurndustries.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 11
Services Continued
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403
Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Traci Davis Real Estate Specialist 319-400-2000 traci.realtor@gmail.com Skogman Realty
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
TVC Home Improvements
Flying Eye Psycol Circus 512 Main Street LaPorte City, Iowa 50651 319.495.8016 flyingeye@mediacombb.net
Certified Lead Abatement Contractor
1422 Farnam Davenport, Iowa 52803 866-322-1754
Shops and Fabricators Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
12 - TRMI JUNE 2013
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392
Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com Moser’s 4-Way Service Center Motorcycles.ATVs.Jet Skis Harley-Davidson Certified Luxemburg, Iowa 563-853-3390 Moser4way@iowatelecom.net
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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 Strip Club Choppers Nebraska/Iowa 2023 North 11th Street Omaha, NE 68110 402-342-4054
Cell 712-263-9685 XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net
Tattoo Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc. Dubuque Tattoo Club 150 JFK Road Suite 5 Dubuque, Iowa 52002 563-845-0767 To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com Top Gun Customs 607 South Main Street Garnavillo, Iowa 52049 563-964-9899 Top Gun Customs on FB Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 13
If you are traveling on Interstate 80 in west central Iowa, a slight diversion that one should take is to go south about a mile at the 86 mile marker. Here sits The Freedom Rock. Now if you have not heard of this behemoth of a stone, you must have been living under a rock. This thing is a huge boulder that is estimated at over 60 tons, and was dug out of a rock quarry years ago and has sat right here south of the interstate on Highway 25. Right off the highway, the rock was a popular canvas for youth inspired to write names and profanity. That is until Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II got a hold of it about 15 years ago. Bubba wanted a way to honor the Veterans of our great nation, and he painted the rock with a patriotic military theme. That began the transformation from a graffiti rock, to something that draws people from all over the country to see. Bubba repaints this rock every year as a way to show recognition and thanks to Veterans on Memorial Day. The Freedom Rock has become a popular spot with bikers, military groups, and tourists from all over.
murals across the country, and he came up with an idea to expand the Freedom Rock theme to all 99 counties. He had some help developing the idea, and a Freedom Rock Tour was born. The overall goal is to have one Freedom Rock in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. The additional rocks will be painted with local themes for the area, and he and his family plan to travel the state over the next few summers to complete the goal. So far, there are five Freedom Rocks completed, with many more commissioned. The Freedom Rocks, as part of the 99 County Tour, are commissioned and scheduled on a first come first serve basis. More information can be found about getting a rock in your county at www. thefreedomrock.com. The town of Earling in Shelby County, in western Iowa is one of the slated Freedom Rocks to be painted. Their project started last fall when Bubba began the program. The Earling American Legion Post 615 reached out to Bubba to commission him for work on the Shelby County Freedom Rock. The location was established, the rock was located, and arrangements were made to plan the art work.
Bubba does the painting on this rock with only the support of his friends and family, and donations to help pay for expenses. He is also commissioned to paint
14 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
One of the organizers for this county’s Rock is Jack Kenkel. He is a very active American Legion Rider, and Patriot Guard Rider
The Roar Into Harlan/Kevin Kjergaard Memorial Run out of Harlan on June 29th is going have the Earling Freedom Rock as a stopping part so that the run can see history in the making. To make this project come to fruition, it has taken many volunteer hours and donations. The total project cost is $25,000 and any donations to the cause can be sent to the Earling American Legion Post 615. If you find yourself anywhere near Earling, Iowa at the intersection of Highways 37 and 191 after June 1st, stop to check out the Freedom Rock. You may even catch Bubba there and witness history in the making.
and serves as a ride Captain. Jack states that it is his contention to never forget our fallen, and to honor those that have and are serving. He adds “For many years, patriotism was not popular, during the past in times of the Korean and Vietnam wars, and we vow
Vernon to NEVER Photos courtesy of thefreedomrock.com and Judi let Soldiers Schmidt come home, or families of fallen Soldiers not know that we appreciate their sacrifice and devotion to our country.” The Freedom Rock in Earling will have several themes pertaining to that particular area. The primary face will feature our Military with representation of the local fallen and MIA’s including Colonel Paul Finken, who is the most recent fallen son of the community. Another side will honor local volunteers in the Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services, and other volunteers that come forward in times of need. Another side with have a Religious side to let everyone know that we all have belief in the God of our choice and this freedom is protected by our service men and women. The final face will be about the pioneers by recognizing our forefather’s pioneering spirit to homestead this county. This rock itself is about 32,000 pounds and will be placed June 1st. Bubba will start painting on the rock the 2nd week of June and hopefully be done by July 1st. There will be a dedication on July 12th at about 5 P.M., followed by the start of the Earling Parish picnic. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 15
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 17
CMA Notes
Blessings in the midst of chaos. What a difference a year makes, and are we ever ready for the challenges the changes in seasons brings? Last year we had already logged hundreds of miles with the early great weather while this year we seem to be more occupied with leaking roofs and basements, health issues and cantankerous vehicles, and now, of course, chasing the elusive morel mushrooms. While mushrooming the other day, searching the woods and being scratched and skewered by all the stickers, I was thinking about weeds. I was also thinking how much I regretted leaving my heavy Carhartt coveralls at home. Anyway, the multiflora rose, gooseberries and other weeds seem to thrive on their own while the good plants need nurturing. Also, the deer don’t eat the nasty stuff but love the plants that we want to grow. Our lives are very similar in that respect. The Enemy of our souls wants to destroy the good things but makes it easy for the bad things to thrive. We need to be on guard and aware of those weeds or troubles of life and stay plugged in to our God who sees us through. The reality of this life is that challenges and bad things do happen. Most of us do not like to be vulnerable or be in situations that we can’t control. This was made very clear to us recently with a car breakdown on the way home from Texas. We had been down to see our son graduate from Air Force basic training and were on a very tight schedule. Next thing we knew we were standing along an Oklahoma highway hoping for help from strangers. Then
we had to be holed up in a hotel for 2 extra days while the dealer-only repair was completed. Not fun.
We like to think we are masters of our own destiny but situations pop up which remind us differently. In the middle of all this we ended up meeting some great people and we have to trust that there was a reason beyond our understanding. The Bible tells us that God comforts us in all our tribulation so that we may be able to comfort others with the same kind of comfort we received. Things always look better when we are able to look outside of ourselves and help others, so remember those experiences and try to apply them for good in the future with whomever the Lord brings into your path. Philippians 4 tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. A Run for the Son note: CMA’s 25th Annual Run for the Son is now completed and I wanted to send out thanks to all who partnered with CMA to make it a success. This is the onetime-a-year fundraiser that helps CMA reach out both in the States and around the world. It allows us to do the things we do at the various events, locally and bigger venues such as Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia etc. The money is also used to help translate and show the Jesus film throughout the world, to distribute Bibles and training to people in closed countries and to purchase transportation for indigenous pastors. As of last year CMA has placed over 4,490 motorcyles, 6,170 bicycles, 22 horses, 16 boats and one camel to pastors working in ninety different countries. Some of these pastors may walk for days to cover numerous remote villages and with your help we are able to supply many of them now with a way to get there faster. Thanks and blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa. org.
18 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 19
99 Counties on the Wall 99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 62 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa. Greene County Another day starts here in Iowa and it can’t decide if it is going to rain or shine. Either way it is going to be a great day because the hubby and I are off to Greene County. The day will be an interesting one; we explored some nature, some history, a really big bell tower and ate some food that is served by a waitress so welcoming she might even give you a hug hello and goodbye!
If you are on E57 look to the north, if it is a sunny day you will see the sun glistening off of the wind turbines and it makes for an imposing landscape. Then you can jog south and east into Cooper. Cooper is what I would call a burg as opposed to a town. The burg decided that since no one of real consequence had ever come from the area they should find an honorary fifty-first member to add to their mighty fifty residents. In 1981 Johnny Carson got wind of this and he was on board! There was much fanfare over the entire deal and The Tonight Show ended up flying three residents out to LA to do his show. They have a great memorial to this event in the center of “town” and if you want to take a load off your bike you can sit at a picnic table and enjoy the day or go for a walk on the walking trail that is paved and runs north and south through the town. If you are traveling through the river valley you might actually get to enjoy a few curves and some trees. There are not many of either in the entire county, however they do have smooth roads and very wide shoulders should you need to pull over and send a text or if you want to take a quick picture of the vast prairie.
Greene County is located in central Iowa. It was founded in 1851 and named after the Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. It covers five hundred seventy one square miles, so it makes for a nice sized county, but it’s population is relatively low at just nine thousand three hundred and thirty six folks. There are eight welcoming communities in the county: Churdan, Cooper, Dana, Grand Junction, Paton, Rippey, Scranton and the county seat where most things are happening is Jefferson. We covered this county from southwest, to east, up north and then diagonally back to the southwest. We came in on E63 and noticed that things got really flat very quickly, but there were a number of barn quilts to take a look at. Turning north up P14 we noticed even more barn quilts in every color and pattern. I decided to look into the barn quilt phenomenon and it turns out that 20 - TRMI JUNE 2013
it was a conscious effort organized in 2005 to try to help save old barns in the county. Barn quilts are traditionally eight foot by eight foot and are to be mounted on barns or corncribs that are at least fifty years old. Greene County has 32 registered barn quilts on hard surfaced roads only. You can pick up postcards with these quilts on them at the Chamber office in Jefferson; the sale of the postcards is the number one fundraiser that they have to further their cause.
If you are on P46 headed north you can get a better look at the impressive wind turbines. They have become a fixture in the area. Other fixtures to the area are the abundance of wild life areas. We stopped at the Snake Creek Wild Life area and watched it rain over to the east and listened to the very noisy geese. If you are headed north on Hwy 144 you may run across the Pound Pits Wildlife Area.
At the Pound Pits you will find hunting and fishing access, but they put a minimum limit on
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
your bass of fifteen inches. Greene County has many public hunting and fishing areas, so bring your guns and your tackle. prominent pass in the county is A very v the Lincoln Highway also known as Hwy Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
30. In Grand Junction they have the Lincoln Highway museum. The local Lions Club has a Lincoln Highway park that is beautiful. On the east end of town you can stop and check it out. While there read the history of the road and surrounding area. We finally found our way into the county seat of Jefferson and man were we hungry! Jefferson has this great family owned restaurant that puts popular breakfast chains to shame, it is called the Uptown Café. They serve breakfast all day, but their sandwiches are worth putting in your mouth too. What really stuck out to me about the Uptown Café is the fact that the people there really care about each other and it showed! There was a little girl hollering for her grandma…I was hoping this grandma would materialize soon, turns out she was cooking in the back and came out to kiss her sweet little grandbaby on a Sunday morning. Another touching scene came when our waitress, I believe her name was Val, welcomed an older gentleman to the café with a hug and Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
a kiss on the cheek. Sometimes going out to eat by yourself and ordering your food is the only real human interaction you have. We all should take a moment and say “hi” to a stranger eating alone and ask them about their story. Jefferson is also well known for their Bell Tower Festival. This happens June 7th and 8th this year. They have a fourteen-story bell tower that was built in 1966, you can see forever from the top! The festival has a “Show and Shine” and a poker run that goes along with the festival, check out their web sites for more information, www. belltowerfestival.org and http://www.btfcycle.info/ I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a unique point of interest on our trip and that would be the Scranton water tower! The Scranton water tower is the oldest working water tower in the entire state of Iowa. It is tied for the ninth oldest working water tower in the entire country. On a Sunday afternoon in Scranton Iowa you can stand in the middle of Main Street and take all the pictures that you want of that water tower and not be bothered by a soul! Next month we travel up to Grundy County Iowa. This is the first county I lived in even though I didn’t grow up there so, I look forward to exploring a little of my history, see you there! References available upon request. D Ring dring@thunderroadsiowa.com
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 21
22 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Road Ramblings random thoughts of a scooter tramp Twenty one years ago a columnist l i for f a biker bik magazine wrote that it would be neat if there was one day each year that everyone who owned a motorcycle used it to ride to work. That single comment was then promoted by a Minnesota based tee-shirt company who started marketing the slogan “Work to Ride, Ride to Work”. From there a small group of people decided to show the non-riding public how valuable motorcycles are for commuting and that motorcyclists come from all walks of life. The “Ride to Work” day started out on the 3rd Wednesday in July but it was later moved to the 3rd Monday in June to better accommodate rider’s world wide and to give more riders an opportunity to participate. The intention of “Ride to Work” day is to educate the public about the benefits of riding a motorcycle to work. Call me selfish but when done right I think “Ride to Work” day could also be beneficial for the riders. It falls on June 17th which is a Monday, one of hardest days of the work week to show up for. Thinking about riding to work on a Monday morning sounds like just the motivation needed to end the repetitive cycle of alarm clock abuse. I’ve done some deep thinking about the “Ride to Work” plan. Since we live in Iowa where winter seems to be never-ending this year, I decided to have a little chat with Mother Nature. I told her she needed to make some cut backs and she can start with the winter storms in the middle of spring, no one finds the humor in it. I explained to her that summer is nearly here and her department is way behind schedule. Her warped idea of spring has not been beneficial to bikers and she will be hearing from the bikers union if she thinks we are going to forfeit the summer riding benefits also. Then I placed an order for 75 degrees and sunshine on June 17th, I politely explained the value of “Ride to Work” day, told her it was a national event and then asked her to keep her legs crossed because we don’t need her pissing on our parade. A national event of this magnitude can not happen without a few slight fabrications to the bike. Most time clock days, while mindlessly steering the cage down the well beaten path to the drama factory, I slam a big gulp of wake up juice. So, in order to avoid wasting valuable riding time sucking down caffeine, I mounted a flag pole to the bike. Now I can Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
ride while getting my caffeine intravenously injected with an IV drip. And just in case Mother Nature is confused about her job duties, I packed the rain gear, the heated gear and mounted a snow blower to the front axle. I am not going to let a controlling hormonal woman stop me from participating just because she thinks, she’s the boss. I spoke to the PR department at the drama factory about taking a group photo on “Ride to Work” day. This the only National Motorcycle Event that I will participate in this year, so I have put a lot of thought into the dress code for an event of this caliber. I think the “I would rather be riding” tee-shirt is a fitting statement for the company newsletter. I anticipate being unsatisfied with the 10 minute commute. So I plan to ride for a couple hours then grab some grub before clocking in. To ensure that I’m not tempted to use the “Ride to Work” day as a good reason to burn up a sick leave day, I invited the friendless guy from HR to meet me in the parking lot to do a little riding before work. He replied, “After all the screwing I have done with your retirement fund, you still want more?” When we stop for breakfast, I plan to top off his decaf with my IV bag when he isn’t looking. When the caffeine buzz hits him, I’m going to explain to him that I slipped something into his drink and he has been drugged. Then I’m going to suggest that he make me a settlement offer to drop the sexual harassment claim I filed against him or I will make sure that he gets piss tested when he gets to work. Its ok, he isn’t a real biker, he’s just a guy that owns a motorcycle. Of course I still plan to make my Monday morning stop at the local employment office just to see if my dream job is available. Living the dream, a high paying job, celebrity status, riding motorcycles all day and good health care coverage. I’ve been having wet dreams about that position for so many years, I’m beginning to wonder if the motorcycle crash test dummies ever retire. Don’t be a dummy, ride safe, ride smart, “Ride to Work” on June 17th and be careful who you invite to along side you. Shifty LaRue www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 23
2nd Annual Sleeping Angel’s Fun Run This ride was started in memory of a sleeping angel, and for anyone who has lost a child. Bikers have some of the biggest hearts and showed up in droves to support the cause. The proceeds from this ride will help so many Iowa families, as this year’s ride was able to able to donate $10,000
24 - TRMI JUNE 2013
to the Mercy Infant Hospice in Des Moines. Not a shabby amount for a second year event, which shows the work and dedica on of the founders of the ride. More informa on and pictures can be found at www.facebook.com/ sleepingangelsfunrun The first SAFR brought some less than pleasant weather with cool rainy skies, but that was certainly not the case this year on April 27th. A cool spring morning with full leathers ended up with short sleeves and glaring sun that the hundreds of riders fully appreciated this year with the backwards weather we have had lately. The ride started out from Toby K’s Hideaway in Boone, right on the nose at 11:00 on
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Saturday morning. The sun was trying to break out, with some success now and then, but we had so many riders gathered for this ride that we made our own sun shine! It was in the same general area as the ride the first year, with a few changes to shake it up a li le.
of folks! When we le there and made our way to the Iron Saddle Saloon in Dayton, there were a lot of full belly’s and big smiles, with a bar and grill like this and the street blocked off for parking, what could be be er?
Fergs in Grand Junc on had the most awesome of chow lines set up with loins, salads, (they looked homemade) and chips looked pre y good to a lot
From Dayton, we headed to Rides in Fort Dodge and man did those bartenders get a workout. My favorite place was next, Riverside Tap in Lehigh, I love the ride down to that town. We finished up back in Boone at Shenanigans, for the Boone County Ca lemen’s famous steak sandwiches and to listen to the Danny Grause Band. For the first ride out this season, it was long, but truly great. I just wonder if anyone else was as sore as I was the next day!? Anne e
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 25
26 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
sleeker handlebar mounted speedometer for around $50 including the mount. I didn’t upgrade from the old cable driven one. This is just a simple replacement that looks good Just when we all think that winter has and does all it needs too. To this, I added finally let go of us, it reaches up and slaps the necessary indicator lights. Now that this us in the face one more time. I’m sure all part is complete I come to the main part of of you were in just about as much disbelief the wiring harness. I don’t plan on replacing as I was waking up on May 2nd with eight the old harness because it is relatively inches of that heavy, wet, white stuff lying unmolested. I am, however, going to add on the ground. I personally don’t remember one of Signal Dynamics Corporation’s having a snowfall in May in my life but I ’Penta-Star XP” control module. What this could be wrong. As I’m writing this we are will do is; upgrade the turn-signals to that still working on getting rid of the piles left similar of newer bikes with self-canceling over, and waiting for those chosen days for feature. This turn signal will also turn the the sun to poke through the clouds so we rear turn-signals into additional brake lights can get some miles on. Last year spoiled for added safety. You can get one of these us way too much compared to the way this modules for around $110 new through year is going. I’m hoping that within the Drag Specialties. There are also alternative month I will be able to get my old iron-head modules that don’t do the brake light feature done so the girlfriend can get a little riding if you want to save a few bucks. For the in herself. added safety I thought it was worth it. This month I’m going to be tackling more of the electronic end of things. I’ve learned when restoring cars just as well as this motorcycle that when it comes to electronics, sometimes you are just better off to replace the problems versus just doing a possible temporary fix. If you have been keeping up with my articles you already know that I replaced all of the handlebar switches with new aftermarket OEM style components. That wasn’t where I stopped. I continued with adding new turn signals, both front and rear, new upgraded taillight for better visibility and a new rear wiring harness. For all of this I spent around $100. This for all brand new stuff, is not bad. I also just replaced the old HUGE tach and speedo combo for a much Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
I’m hoping when I go to install this I should be able to clean up some of the wiring nightmare that is in the headlamp bucket. If there is one thing I dislike the most about rebuilding or restoring something is the wiring. Just make sure you take your time and do it right. Please do not do the scotch lock, butt connector solution... it won’t last and you’ll end up redoing it all. Do it right the first time. A little solder and some heatshrink tubing can make a huge difference in quality and life of your electrical components and wiring. Hopefully next month I will have the bike back together and you will be able to see the end result. I just hope my girlfriend likes what I have pictured in my head. Don’t forget to stop in to Carroll Cycle Center on June 1st for our annual Rock N Ride, should be a great time with a charity ride for Matt Brauckman, Crave tattoo, music by Clock Work, beer garden, games, and the return of our BBQ contest. Tony Darveau
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 27
Follow the Leader
Leading Group Motorcycle Rides
One of the things that bikers do that builds memorable camaraderie is riding in a group. There is nothing like an organized group of bikes thundering down the highway and sharing the riding experience. Leading such a group can be a daunting task, and is not really for the faint of heart. There are a ton of things to consider, and being in the front always makes one THE person that the group looks to for direction, guidance, and safety. Leading a group is so much more than just being first in line. With careful planning, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. The amount of planning that goes into a group ride is proportional to the size of the group. The larger the group and/or longer distances require more planning and preparation. The larger the event, the sooner the plans should be thought out. If the group has a general idea of what is going on, where the group is going, and any other particulars of the ride, the riders will have a much better time. The more people know, the better they will be, because attitudes have a tendency to come out when people have no guidance.
When considering the distance traveled for any group, many factors need to be taken into consideration. How many riders, what is the experience level of the riders, what type of roads are on the journey, how far can everyone in the group comfortably ride in a stretch or in a whole day, how far can everyone go on fuel, and what is your timeline?
The route that the group will take has some of the same implications as the distance traveled, but the biggest key is to make sure everyone has an idea of where the group is going. Making maps for everyone is a great idea, or at least communication of the route prior to leaving. People feel safer and secure if they know what is going on, and no one wants to be or feel lost. People need to know where to go if they do take a wrong turn. Meeting spots and approximate times need to be on the list of items to share with the group. Also a good idea to make sure in large groups that cell phone numbers of the ride organizers is shared in case someone gets lost or has trouble. When planning the route, check with road reports and look for and avoid areas of construction if possible. Also, if the group is going to be stopping in a pack for food, fuel, or sightseeing, it is a good idea to call ahead to let stops know a group Some major things to consider when planning a motorcycle group ride include, but are not limited to: is coming in. Pre-planning these things can make a huge difference on the amount of down time during the total distance of the ride, the route for the ride, planned stops for fuel, restroom, and attractions, the your stops. speed the group will travel, budget for the trip, rider The number and frequency of stops for fuel, food, organization, and safety and emergency planning. and restroom breaks are entirely up to the group. If the group is to stay together, the stops have to If planning a group ride, there are a couple of approaches one can take. The organizers can simply be planned for the least common denominator. If someone in the group needs a restroom break every plan all aspects, and then let the group know the hour that is the goal for stops. If it is acceptable for plans, or one can involve the group to get input on the group to split up, then it becomes an individual the aspects of the ride. Whichever way you choose thing, which is fine, but also something that needs to to plan the trip, it is a great idea to keep everyone be communicated to the group. The last thing you apprised of the situation, the plan, and how things want is to make someone feel left out, or make them are going to proceed. Usually group trips have a feel that they have to rush at stops and ride crazy designated start and end location, which helps the planning process, and then everything in the middle to try to catch up. In general, on group rides a stop every hour is a general rule of thumb. At stops, the is what needs filled in. group can do what needs done, and also partake of the social aspects of riders and riding. That is a part
28 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
of the reason for going in a group to begin with! The traveling speed of the group also is dictated by the slowest rider of the group. If you want to stay together, this is a major consideration. If people feel forced to ride beyond their comfort level, they will leave the group and do their own thing. The best thing to do is communicate before departure the general speed the group will travel. The rubber band effect never seems to completely go away, but with everyone knowing the expectations for group speed, it seems to be better. Another consideration on the speed of the group has to do with the experience of riders. It is great to be a part of a group ride, but if one is not comfortable with riding in a group due to inexperience, it may be better to wait for a future trip, or make accommodations for the newer riders in the group where they can be watched and taught along the way.
and riding gear. What is needed for the laws and weather conditions for the entire route. Another consideration is making sure that all equipment is safe for travel. If someone is running on a tire showing cords, that puts others in the group at risk as well as the bike rider. Deal with these things prior to departure. Even with proper planning, things happen, stuff breaks, and it needs to be dealt with on the road. The broken down rider is frustrated with the equipment failure, but so is the rest of the group if it delays the ride. Plan what will be done and how breakdowns will be dealt with before leaving. If the group all stays together, make sure that is communicated, or if some stay to help and the group proceeds. Knowing these things ahead of time is paramount to keeping attitudes at bay. It is never a bad idea to have a support vehicle on a group ride. If someone breaks down, gets sick, or needs extra gear hauled, there is usually someone Make sure the group knows what the plan is for that is willing to follow the group to help out if distance, time, food, overnight stays if applicable. needed. This is also a great place for a first aid kit, A group ride that spans more than a day can be and a safe spot to keep all the ride particulars such quite costly for all the above reasons, and make sure as phone number lists and maps and such. everyone knows and has enough means available to not get stranded somewhere. No one likes the lonely The biggest thing is to have fun. Taking some of face on the curb watching everyone else eat at the these things into consideration can make even diner because they did not bring enough cash. the largest group ride an enjoyable experience. Plan ahead and communicate with the group what Who rides where in a group is another consideration is going on and most other things then become for the group. There are different thought processes nothing more than minor speed bumps in the road. about where to put lesser experienced riders, who Ride safe! can ride where in the group, what riding pattern or style that is used, and countless other options. The Vernon main thing is to make sure the group knows the expectations and everyone is all on the same page. Safety and emergency planning is a commonly forgotten about part of planning a group ride. Many issues can come up, and the preparation put into planning for such can make the difference between a poor or decent outcome. One thing for safety is for the planners to look at general weather conditions and advise the group of required safety
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 29
Newton Thunder Nights
If you are looking for something family friendly to do on the second Friday of each month, May through September, you should check out Thunder Nites in Newton. The downtown courthouse square is barricaded off for bike parking, the various vendors
30 - TRMI JUNE 2013
and an area with a main stage for live music entertainment.
All of the bands scheduled to play in 2013 p are a native to Iowa, with I Insane Jane I playing p June 14th. J Show your S support for s your fellow y Iowans and I live li music. The T various vendors v range from r food and f drink, to clothing and specialty parts. d There is even a dyno so you can see just T what your bike can do. Don’t forget to w stop into the local watering holes around s the t square if you want to escape inside for a bit, as we all know how warm a summer
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
A As you can see tthere is a lot to ssee and do at T Thunder Nites iin Newton. IIf you are iinterested in u unique bikes, ffriendly people, g great food and eentertainment, tthen you sshould check o out one of the m many bike n nights in Iowa. night in Iowa can be. be One of the best things about bike nights is meeting up with old friends and making new friends. While walking around the square, you are bound to run into an old friend or strike up a conversation with a complete stranger whom you will
have something in common with. One thing is for sure, you will have something in common with all the people attending Thunder Nites in Newton, and that is the love of motorcycles. This event is for everyone whether they have a bike or not. It is a great place just to check out motorcycles and enjoy yourself and maybe get some ideas of things you might like to do with your own ride.
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
S Susan Hunter
Join Us for our Open House June 22
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 31
Model: Eryka Driscoll of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Bike: 1946 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead Drag Bike from the National Motorcycle Museum Truck: 1928 model A Roadster pickup , cab lengthened 4 inches box shortened 8 , 302 engine ,C4 transmision , 9 inch rearend , aluminum heads , chopped windshield , 32 Ford grill and dash , electric current blue owned by Brock Gillmore.
Father’s Day
Flag Day
34 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 35
36 - T RM RMI MI JUNE 2013 TRMI
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
AL Love ove R Run un for Adalynn B Brody and Mandy are the proud parents of Adalynn, their first child, born on November 220, 2012. After delivery the doctors noticed an abnormality in Adalynn’s features. She has a condition called craniosynostosis. This condition causes the soft spot on the top h of a child’s head to close prematurely resulting in an irregularly shaped head with facial o ffeatures close together. When Adalynn is six to nine months old she will have surgery to rreshape her skull. Adalynn also suffers from hearing loss. At sixteen weeks old she recceived her first pair of hearing aids. On January 2, 2013 Mandy, Adalynn’s mother, was in a car accident due to icy road conO ditions. She was flown by Life-Flight to Des Moines after she suffered from three fracd tured vertebrae, a fractured forearm, a broken nose, a fractured sternum, and a sprained ankle. After 5 days in the hospital she returned home limited to lying down or sitting at a thirty degree and required to wear a back brace anytime while standing or walking. Her arm was also in a cast. Unable to lift or bend Mandy couldn’t even pick up her precious daughter. Due to her injuries she was unable to return to work until just recently. As long as her back keeps improving and getting stronger, she may not need surgery on o it in the near future. “A “ Love Run for Adalynn” will be on June 29, 2013 Leaving Kc’s Tavern in Bridgewater and stopping at 7 other spots. All proceeds T will w go to the Brody Warrior family to help pay for Adalynn’s many medical expenses. The sign up time will be 10:00 a.m. and will m leave at 11:30 sharp. It is $10.00 a person to ride, must be 21 to ride,, l and a all vehicles are welcome. The ride will end back at Kc’s Tavern at a 6p.m. there will be food and karaoke.
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 37
Kristen K i Brownell B lll Urbanale 2011 Street Glide Nikki Ni kk ki Hill Hiillll H Nikki Wate Wa erl rloo oo o,, Iowa Iow Io wa a Waterloo, 19 993 93 S offta o taiill C ussto u tom 1993 Softail Custom
Stacy Pearson Baxter 2005 Softail Deluxe
Wendy Schaeffer Council Bluffs 2012 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Superlow
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 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com 38 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Here it is, FINALLY riding season in the Midwest! With that come old and new friends and old and new rides, routes, and destinations. It seems the common theme with women that ride is picking the besties you want to have along for the ride. I am so excited to get out there and meet and ride with as many of you as I can!
countryside. Pretty scenery, winding roads, and if you take your own food, you can stop at any number of parks and have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors.
Every year there are more and more organized rides and charity events. There is one ride that I loved to do in Florida that is put on by ROAR, a women’s I met a great lady on line through a friend. Her name is only motorcycle company that manufactures custom Zoe Ruchti from Carroll Cycle Center and she ladies bikes as well as customizes any motorcycle to has about 6 bff’s that call themselves the the lady rider needs. Two times a year once during Estrogen Girls and they go on Estrogen Biketoberfest and once during Daytona bike week Rides. They go all over the country, ride the owner of the company has a Women’s only ride an 8 to 10 hour day and have a blast the around Daytona. Anywhere from 100 to 200 women whole way. They pick fun places that come out and go on a great ride. It’s a great showing they agree on and GO! They have been of women that ride and a fun fellowship! BTW…ROAR from Arkansas to this year going to The has a web site and will build or customize your bike no Black Hills. Zoe and her friends are matter where you live, they have beautiful bikes! Let’s dedicated to riding hard and dedicated work on getting our own all women’s ride around Iowa! to each other for trust and support. Don’t forget about the biggest party in the state right As you get together with your lady around the corner, the Freedom Rally in Algona. friends and plan your ride, where Make a ride route to the Rally or make some rides do you ride too? What places are around during the Rally. Get your pack of riding friends right around Iowa to ride to and what together and go show some Girl Power at the Rally routes are already mapped out? this year! Maybe that’s where we can start our all Iowa Motorcycle Roads and women’s ride. Pick a day during the Rally and make a Rides on line can give you tradition of going out on an all- women’s ride around routes that others have done Algona? Hmmm…have to pursue this idea. What do and enjoyed. If you’re an Iowan you think? that rides and loves what As you get riding this year brush up on your safe this state has riding skills and group riding skills. Group riding does to offer you have etiquette and as you get to know the friends you already know ride with, you will get to know each other’s moves some of the best and learn to count on each other for a safe riding places to go; from experience. the Mississippi to Des Moines, Go ride, go with a plan, go spontaneously, ride to to the Missouri dinner or supper, have a great destination or don’t Rivers, through care about your destination at all. It seems the most the beautiful State important and most fun for us when we ride is that we Parks or just the have our best friends riding side by side with us…(well winding back staggered is the proper way) face in the wind and not roads of caring one bit where we will end up, just loving the ride Iowa there. Let’s hear your story. I want to know where you and your friends ride. Who do you ride with? Do you know of a ladies ride we should know about? Email me at women@thunderoadsiowa.com and send in your story. You can write an article about your experience about anything biker. Between 700 and 900 words are needed and the willingness to write it! Ruthie
Thunderr Ro R Roads ad ds Magazine Maga Ma g zine of ga of Iowaa on Facebook Facebo Fa ook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com www.th ww t underroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 39
Palmer’s Deli and Market 110 N Ankeny Blvd #200 Ankeny, IA 515-963-4500 Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM Sat 8AM-3:30PM
will ride to eat
When I hear the word deli the first thing that comes to my mind is New York City. Small, hole-in-the-wall shops, paper thin sliced meats, fresh baked artisan breads. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!! Who would have thunk (is that a word??? it must be, I just used it!!!) you could find a deli that is all that and more right here in central Iowa!!!! Well there is such a place and it’s called Palmer’s Deli and Market! They have 5 locations in the Des Moines metro area, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ingersoll, Kaliedoscope and the location we visited... Ankeny. I have to give the credit for the find to Lynnette, a lucky thing for you, my readers, is that she thinks outside the box when it comes to eating establishments. (When I think about eating out it falls into one of 4 categories... steak, BBQ, burgers or Mexican... ok, I like meat!!!!!) You can check out business hours, menus and even catering at their website, www.palmersdeliandmarket.com. After a quick scan of the specials chalkboard I decided to have a Chipotle Chicken sandwich which consisted of sliced chicken breast, bacon and cojack cheese on toasted focaccia with Chipotle BBQ sauce. This sandwich also includes lettuce and tomato on the side but I neglected to add it to my sandwich, preferring to not mar the perfection that this combination is. (I did, however, eat them separately... no sense in letting them go to waste!!)
of hot and that’s what I was expecting... ah contraire, Mon frère... the sauce was sweet with wonderful BBQ smokiness. I haven›t even started on the sides... actually the sides could also be main dishes. Take, for example, the homemade macaroni and cheese. This is what Lynnette ordered for a main course and I ordered as a side. This is not the same mac and cheese you usually get; this is made from shell macaroni, coated thoroughly in cheddar cheese with bread crumbs sprinkled liberally across the top. Words cannot adequately describe how good this mac and cheese is, you really need to try it! I also had potato salad for another side. My favorite kind of potato salad is mashed potatoes with potato chunks mixed in. I was not disappointed with this example! Lynnette had meatloaf for her side/main dish, I didn›t get the chance to sample it (actually I probably could have but by the time I got to a point to think about it I was FULL!!!!) but she informed me it was definitely homemade and excellent! As a final temptation we also had some delectable desert items, Lynnette had a peanut butter cookie and I had the biggest Rice Krispy bar I›ve ever seen!!! (however we did take them home for later!) Whatever you may be hunW gry g for it›s a safe bet that Palmer›s Deli and Market has P it!!! it If you leave hungry it›s your own fault!!! y Until next month, ride safe U and a eat hearty! C Craig Little c craig@thunderroadsiowa. c com P If you have someplace you PS th think we should check out in your neck of the woods, s shoot me an email.
To say this sandwich is delicious would be a gross understatement! The chicken was moist and succulent; the bacon was thick cut, crisp and crunchy. The cheese afforded just the right “bite” and the sauce... when I see chipotle I think 40 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 41
MILITARY RIDERS
He came up with the idea of showing the motorcycle to Veterans and trying to get donations and he chose the Wounded Warrior Project. Dave is not looking for notoriety at all for what he is doing, he even purposefully leaves his name off of the fliers. He states, “I discourage people from using my name only because this isn’t about me, it’s about our soldiers. The honor is mine.”
This month’s article is about a gentleman that is riding across America to honor Veterans and to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. His name is David Bieber, AKA Cave Dave, and he himself did not serve, but he states “I myself am not a Veteran, however my Dad who fought in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and died at 54 years because of his service, and that’s whom I’m dedicating this ride to.” About the ride: Dave is going to ride a completely restored Harley-Davidson built during WWII across the USA, coast to coast in June 2013 to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project. His personal goal is to raise $45,000. His mission is to ride across the great United States, stopping at fairs, motorcycle rallies and VFWs (anywhere that will have him!) raising awareness and money for the Wounded Warriors Project. Dave states, “When I built this motorcycle, I wanted to do something with it that honored the men who rode them, and in a larger sense all the soldiers and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. I have ridden in this country for over 45 years and everyone has heard, “Live Free Ride Free” well what all Americans need to remember is that we can do that because of them.”
His plan so far is to leave the west coast and trailer the bike with a few short jaunts to ride with on some events, and then ride the bike back across the country from Washington DC to San Diego. On June 1st, he will meet up with riders of different groups at 9am, after showing the WLA to patients that can come out, all will depart at 10am and ride to the CAF airshow at Gillespie Field and that’ s were I’ll load up the WLA on a trailer and take off for the next event in Camp Verde AZ on June 2nd, and on to the next and the next, riding just 50 miles to and from each event and trailering between all 15 events in 15 days, approximately 4,800 miles. He will have to trailer between the organized events because he will need to be on time. He reminds everyone to keep in mind that the purpose of the journey is to raise funds for the WWP, if he can get 4,500 Americans to donate just $10 or more, he will reach is goal to raise $45,000.00. Dave added “keep in mind that not a penny goes to me, the motorcycle or expenses.” After arriving in Washington DC on day 15, and preparing the motorcycle, he will leave on the ride back to San Diego on a different route, and riding all the way as long as he and the motorcycle hold up. There won’t be any planned events that he has to be at on the ride back. That route is approximately 2,800 miles, and he will be trying to raise funds as he goes by attending any rides, fairs, and events that he can locate along the route. More information, videos of the bike and the
42 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
re restoration, and pictures can be found on Facebook. Search for WLA Across USA. The F lillink to donate is as follows: H Help me raise money for our American Veterans...Please visit my Wounded Warrior V P Project website to donate https://support. w woundedwarriorproject.org/group-fundraising/ w wla45solo/ T To meet up with the WLA Across USA in Iowa, it w will be at a meet ‘n’ greet fund raiser at the Hog S Stop BBQ Restaurant in Council Bluffs on Friday JJune 7th at 5 p.m. On Saturday June 8th, he will b be at a breakfast from 9-11 a.m. at the American L Legion Post #2 in Council Bluffs and then ride a along on the first leg of a Poker Run to Tailgators B Bar & Grill in Oakland. V Vernon
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 43
JDRF Memorial Run Motorcycles, Memories and a Marvelous Cause
and with Tess’s early diagnosis of diabetes, the founding group decided there w was no better way to honor their llost friends than to donate to th the funding of juvenile diabetes rresearch. We all know that even th the roughest-toughest-meanest b biker to ever ride the roads will tturn to a big soft teddy bear w when it comes to sick or hurt c children. And that’s how this “ “memorial run” came to be k known as “The Memorial Ride tto Benefit JDRF”, as to not lose ttouch with the original reason ffor this spring-time ride.
FINALLY, a beautiful day to ride! It seemed as though this day would never come, after our brutally drawn out winter. And we couldn’t have asked for better weather to entice everyone into getting on I agree, it’s a long name, but it is their bikes ffitting as the effects of this ride and riding for a are felt all around the world. another great T This year with over 165 bikes cause. The signed up, 50 plus balloons released in memory sun was shining, wind blowing at a minimum, and of those who are no longer with us and tables full it was time to go raise some dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes of raffle prizes, an all time record was set. This year’s event profited $1,300 that will go directly to JDRF. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the only global organization with a strategic plan to progressively remove the impact of Type 1 diabetes from people’s lives until it is no longer a threat. The name is deceiving though, JDRF is an organization that is aimed at helping people of all ages and all stages of the disease; over 85% of those who live with Type 1 diabetes are adults. The causes of Type 1 diabetes are not yet fully understood, but with OUR help, JDRF is researching away. Over 80% of all the donated funds go directly to supporting research and research related e education. Over 371 m million people have b been diagnosed with d diabetes worldwide a and unfortunately Research Foundation. th that number just k keeps increasing The Memorial Ride began in 1988 e every year. Melody after a close riding buddy of the B Beeding, one of the group passed away in early April. e event coordinators, The next year there were 3 more h hopes that the brothers & sisters lost; their burial n number of riders and sites were added to the ride. This d donation amount from year, commemorating the 25th “ “The Memorial Ride anniversary, the group visited to Benefit Juvenile cemeteries in Muscatine, Fruitland, Diabetes” keeps increasing the same. Keep your Letts, Columbus City, Morning Sun & Wapello, eyes on Thunder Roads events calendar so you don’t stopping to pay their respects to a fallen friend. A few years ago, one of the organizers of the Memorial miss out next year! Ride received news that her 4 year-old grand~Pinky daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and the momentum of this ride shifted. Realizing that bringing this many bikers together created the perfect opportunity to give back to the community 44 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 45
46 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 47
48 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 49
50 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 51
blast from the past
52 - TRMI JUNE 2013
From July 1950 American Motorcycling
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
54 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 55
In a convent in Ireland , the 98-year-old Mother Superior lay dying.
“The one truly difference between Congress and daycare, is daycare has adult supervision.” Australian Personal Ad If this guy is not in advertising then he should be. What great copy! An ad found in the Canberra Times, Personal Section. This bloke should have gotten a few replies simply for taking the time to think of this!
The nuns gathered around her bed trying to make her last journey comfortable. They tried giving her warm milk to drink but she refused it. One of the nuns took the glass back to the kitchen. Then, remembering a bottle of Irish Whiskey that had been received as a gift the previous Christmas, she opened it and poured a generous amount into the warm milk. Back at Mother Superior’s bed, they held the glass to her lips. The frail nun drank a little, then a little more and before they knew it, she had finished the whole glass down to the last drop. As her eyes brightened, the nuns thought it would be a good opportunity to have one last talk with their spiritual leader... “Mother,” the nuns asked earnestly, “Please give us some of your wisdom before you leave us.” She raised herself up in bed on one elbow, looked at them and said: “ “ DON’T SELL THAT COW.” ************************************************ A man walks into a bar and orders four shots. Bartender pours them and the man drinks them all down, and asks for four more. Bartender pours four more and the man gulps them down. He then looks at the bartender and says “If you had what I have you’d be drinking like this too, gimmie four more”. Bartender pours four more and the man gulps them down just as fast as the others. Bartender pours several more and as the man is drinking them the bartender asks the man, “My God....this must be awful....what do you have”? The man replies “Three dollars”. ************************************************ Someone asked me, “Now that you’re retired, do you still have a job?” I replied, “Yes, I am my wife’s sexual advisor.” Somewhat shocked, they said, “I beg your pardon, but what do you mean by that?” “Very simple. The wife has told me that when she wants my fucking advice, she’ll ask me for it.” ************************************************
56 - TRMI JUNE 2013
Wanted A tall well-built woman with good reputation, who can cook frogs legs, who appreciates a good fucschia garden, classic music and talking without getting too serious. Interested? Then please only read lines 1, 3 and 5; still interested? Call me at ...... 8250-0327 ************************************************ Sitting at home one night with his wife, a man is casually tossing peanuts into the air and catching them in his mouth. As the couple take in the latest episode of their favorite program, the man loses concentration for a split second, and a peanut goes into his ear. He tries to get it out, but succeeds only in forcing the thing in awfully deep. After a few hours of fruitless rooting the couple decide to go to the hospital, but on their way out of the front door they meet their daughter coming in with her boyfriend. The boyfriend takes control of the situation; he tells them he’s studying medicine and that they’re not to worry about a thing. He then sticks two fingers up the man’s nose and asks him to blow, and low and behold, the nut shoots from the ear and out across the room. As the daughter and her boyfriend go through to the kitchen to get drinks, the man and his wife sit down to discuss their luck. “So” the wife says, “what do you think he’ll become after he finishes school? A GP or a surgeon?” “Well says the man, rubbing his nose, “by the smell of his fingers, I think he’s likely to be our son-in-law.”
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 57
C.O.I.R. Report
Coalition of Independent Riders C.O.I.R. Report By Peter A. Sieben Legislative officer ABATE of IA District 20 Iowa State Lt. Commander of C.O.I.R.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday June 1, Abate of Iowa Dist. 20, is sponsoring the TNT2013 re-ignited party, fun run and rodeo at the Ickey Nickel on 41st St. in Sioux City, Iowa. That same evening you can dance or just tap your toe to the classic rock sound of the Back Track Band. Proceeds will benefit New Perspectives, Inc. The mission of New Perspectives is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and development disabilities since 1922 through individualized programs that enable them to be as self-sufficient as possible. Their life enrichment center is a program that encourages the integration of intellectually and/ or physically disabled adults into the community. It promotes the maintenance
58 - TRMI JUNE 2013
and enrichment of daily life skills and activities outside of the home environment. Come and join us for a ride through the beautiful Loess Hills. Fun run registration begins at 10:00am. The cost is $20.00 for the driver and $5.00 for a passenger and includes the ride, motorcycle and classic car show and shine, motorcycle rodeo, meals, cards and band. We’ll eat around 5:00 with silent and live auctions to follow. Around 8:00 the classic rock band Back Track will play. Believe me, these guys rock. So here you go, an affordable party guaranteed to be a blast. Come and join 100+ of your friends and have some fun. All vehicles are welcome. Oh yeah, one more thing; I’m playing auctioneer. That alone should make it worth the price of admission. This is just one more example of bikers giving back to their community, while providing an affordable kick-ass event for all to enjoy. See you there! Comments or questions: peter@riderpromotions. com
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thun under unde der Ro de R Roads oad a s Magazine Maga Ma gazi ga zine of zi of Io IIowa owa w on wa on Facebook Face Fa c bo bookk book
www.thunderroadsiowa.com ww w www ww. w.th thun thun unde und derr derr rro oaads dsio sio owa wa.c .com om m
T TR MII JJUNE UN NE 20 22013 01133 - 5599 TRMI
Why I Ride by Janet Green “It’s only when you hit your 40’s that you can look back at a picture of yourself when you were in your 20’s and realize just how much potential really lay ahead.”
strongly at your heart when you come across a “young” picture: Did I become who I thought I would be? And perhaps more importantly: Do I like who I’ve become, even if it’s not who I thought I would be?
Why I Ride
That’s a paraphrasing of a remark I heard once on the radio that really hit home. And it’s so true: you really don’t understand when you’re young, what it’s going to be like when you look back. And then, when you are in your 40’s, and if you happen to come across a picture of yourself from, say, your college days, you probably gasp and think, “Look how YOUNG I looked!” And the reason it’s so surprising, I believe, is because you’re seeing not just your physical youth… but your innocence, too, and complete lack of perspective.
I recently read a lovely blog post by Jeff Maddox, who reflected on a few of the key moments in his younger days when “life became a little bigger.”
Life was going on around us and we were taking in the view beyond the grasshoppers, mud puddles and those really straight sticks you would find every so often that you couldn’t stand to leave behind.
That business about straight sticks really grabbed me, because for me it was pretty rocks: I’d walk home from elementary school every day past a house with a peagravel driveway, and almost daily I’d On my blog, I’ve been posting a series find a little rock that was so pretty I had of articles called “Why I Ride.” I’ve reto keep it – failing to understand that it traced the path that I think brought me was the whole driveway that was cool, to the tremendous enjoyment I get from not just one little rock. And that one little motorcycles. The photo of me shown here rock’s purpose was not to serve as my own is from the fall of 1983. I’m 21 years old; personal treasure, but to be a beautiful that’s just shy of 30 years ago. I’m about detail within something larger – something five years past my last ride on my beloved that needed to be left intact for others to Honda Express, but five years away from the epic trip I took see, and appreciate, if only they would take the opportunity. with my future husband to Colorado. Kind of a mid-point in my motorcycle journey where bikes aren’t even on the I think that’s ultimately why I ride. After the somewhat radar. odd and twisted path that brought me to motorcycling, I ride because it is a tremendous opportunity to live in the Today, I realize that at the moment this picture was taken, moment. To experience ordinary details – like deep green I knew what I wanted to do but I had no idea who I would corn stalks tipped in early Autumn gold, or a ten-degree become. And I think that is the question that pulls so drop in temperature at the bottom of a long hill, or the scent of manure coming off a farm field – that I would otherwise miss because life has become so much more complicated. I think it’s also why I spend so much time on my blog spotlighting the details of each and every ride. I want as many people as possible to simply look around for themselves and see the details of their own life – and appreciate their beauty, and the beauty of their own big picture. Even if they aren’t who they thought they would be. *** Janet Green has been riding motorcycles since 2002 and blogging about her adventures at www.bikerchicknews.com for almost ten years. She began riding on a 1980 Yamaha Exciter commuter bike that sounded like a Singer sewing machine at its top speed of 70 mph. She currently rides a 2010 Harley Davidson Super Glide Custom. 60 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 61
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 May 25 May 25 May 25 May 25
Main Street Bikes & Trikes Open House/Poker Run Granville 4th Annual Poker Run for Pink Ponca, NE Moose Riders Memorial Veterans Ride Iowa City Freedom Flight Bike Ride/Poker Run/Hog Roast Ames
May 25
High RPM SPEED SHOP “Rockin” & Revin’ Up The Riding Season” Dubuque
May 25 Warrior Brotherhood “Summer Kick Off ” Dubuque May 25 (USATVSAR) Off Highway Vehicle Poker Run Glenwood May 26 8th Annual Dan Sesker Memorial Run Ogden May 25-26 Midway Tavern Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier May 27 2nd annual Memorial Day Poker Run Foxy’s Osceola May 31-Jun 2 ABATE D25Rodeo and Bike Show Boone May 31-Jun 2 Iowa Grand Rally Newton Jun 1 Carroll Cycle Center Rock-N-Ride Carroll Jun 1 Matthew Scott Brauckman Benefit Ride Carroll HD Jun 1 Loess Hills HD 1 Year Anniversary Party Pacific Junction Jun 1 Jaster’s 8th Annual Ride for Life Elkader Jun 1 3rd Annual Charity Bike/Car Show Kimballton Jun 1 Vietnam Vets M/C Bike Blessing/Poker Run VA Hospital IA City Jun 1 4th Annual ALR Charity Ride Shellsburg Jun 1 Winneshiek County Hospice Ride Spillville Jun1 Veterans Freedom Center Annual “Freedom Run” Dubuque Jun 1 English River Outfitters Benefit Run West Chester Jun 1 Veterans First Dillion Naslund Memorial Run Alta Jun 1 Fun Run for The Fisher House Davenport Jun 1 Open House Dead Heads Gillett Grove Jun 2 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Jun 2 Alan Badger Biker BBQ Benefit Council Bluffs Jun 7-8 WLA ACROSS USA Council Bluffs Jun 8 American Legion Post #2 Poker Run Council Bluffs Jun 8 Bubba Shuffle Run Book Ems Denison Jun 8 Sharp 9- Brain Aneurysm Awareness Ride Lampe’s Dunlap Jun 8 5th Bell Tower Festival Poker Run & Cycle Show Jefferson Jun 8 Easton Memorial Run Dillon Bros HD Omaha Jun 8 HOH Summer Bash Clinton Jun 8 Iowa City Eagle Riders #695 Poker Run Iowa City Jun 8 6th Annual Backpacking to School Ride Cedar Rapids Jun 8 Annual Lost Cause Fun Run Hubbard Jun 8 Little Trojan Fun Run Atlantic Jun 8 Solon American Legion Riders Poker Run Solon Jun 8 Homer Fire & Rescue Dept.Poker Run Homer, NE Jun 8 2nd annual Riding for a Cure Poker Run Cedar Rapids Jun 8-9 500 Challenge Sioux City to Anamosa Jun 8-9 National Motorcycle Museum Vintage Rally Anamosa Jun 12-15 Rally on the River QC Davenport Jun 13-15 Awesome Biker Nights Sioux City Jun 14-15 Big Barn Spring Open House Des Moines Jun 15 5th Audubon Fire Dept Poker Run Audubon Jun 15 Crazy Carl’s Poker Run McGregor Jun 15 5th Annual Charity Whitetails Poker Run Marble Rock Jun 15 Poker Run for Shriner Hospitals Algona Jun 15 Zylstra HD Father’s Day Event Ames Jun 15 Jeremy Courtier Memorial Scholarship Run Macedonia Jun 15 Wallace Winkie Legion Motorcycle Run Belle Plaine Jun 15 ABATE D22 Fundraiser Ride Sherrill Jun 20-22 Maquoketa Motor Madness Jun 20-22 Iowa State Hog Rally Clinton Jun 21 Relay for Life by Windbags Atlantic Jun 21-22 Rumble In The Stalks Conesville Jun 21-22 Romper Room Run Earlville Jun 22 Leather & Hawgs Annual Charity Run Hornick Jun 22 7th Annual Party in McKinley Park Creston
62 - TRMI JUNE 2013
Tuesday Desperado’s Wheatland Lynch’s Bar Rockwell City Outfield Richland Tallyrand Keota Krazee Kafe Des Moines Missippi Brew Muscatine Chrome Horse Cedar Rapids (2nd Tuesdays) Wednesday Do Drop (Under the Water Tower) Jamaica Beer Barn and Grill Kirkman Shenanigans Boone Wild Hogs Walford Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Rusty Duck Dexter Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly OP Clear Lake Cadillac Jack’s Baxter Rides Bar and Grill Fort Dodge BluePort Junction Davenport Shuey’s Shueyville The Pour House Davenport Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo The Buck Snort Neola BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo Iron Saddle Saloon Dayton Dexfield Diner & Pub Redfield Throttle Thursdays Dillon Bros HD Omaha (1st Thursdays) Gathering on the Grounds Fairgrounds (Selected Dates) Bronson Bar Bronson Beach House Humboldt Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge Il. Kings Korner Grand Mound Daytonas Des Moines McGrath Cedar Rapids (Last Thursdays) The Wagon Wheel Washington Crossroads Tavern Kelley Brooklyn’s in Ottumwa inside the Bridge City Bowl The Wagon Wheel Washington Crazy Coyote Burlington, (3rd Thursdays) Krazee Kafe Des Moines Crossroads Tavern Kelley (every other) Jesse’s Saloon Silvis, IL Friday Avenue of the Saints (2nd Friday) St Charles Thunder Nites Newton-Second Friday May thru September Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Captains Quarters (2nd Friday) Adel Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Woody’s Roadside Tavern Albion last Friday Starr’s Two Wheel Tap Davenport Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset The Buck Snort-Biker Breakfast Sat AM- Neola Von Tuck’s/Dave’s Place Oelwein Rumors Mt. Pleasant Cruise Into Madrid (Selected Dates) Sunday Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Scooter Sunday 411 Main Griswold Team 36 Mitchellville Broadway Sports Bar & Grill Des Moines The Bonneville Lounge Danville
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JUNE 2013 - 63
64 - TRMI JUNE 2013
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook