2 - TR T RM MII M ARCH AR CH 2016 20116 TRMI MARCH
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Rolling into March means that spring is almost here! There can still be some really crappy weather but we are one hell of a lot closer to riding season than we were in December! March is the month to get the bikes checked out, finished up, projects completed, and making sure we are ready to roll once we get some good days hit the roads. It seems very easy during the winter to keep thinking that there will be plenty of time to get projects, accessories, and maintenance things taken care of, but now is the time to get it done! If you need parts or service, look to the Biker Friendly Listing on pages 10-12 to get the stuff you need. They help keep this thing going every month, so let them know TRMI sent you!
March 18-20th at the CenturyLink Center. We have been getting in quite a few registrations, but still have some more spaces to fill. For more information you can email or call me at 712.249.5630 or Vernon@ thunderroadsiowa. com. Registration is $50 per bike and that includes a couple of weekend passes to the show. Look inside for the flier and registration form. This is a chance to show off your ride to thousands of people. March also brings the last few swap meets and bike shows of the season. March 6th is the Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet in Cedar Rapids. Joe puts on a great gathering here and we will be there with bells on! On March 13th, Metro Harley-Davidson is hosting a swap meet in Cedar Rapids. March 18th-20th is the World of Wheels TRMI Motorcycle Show in Omaha. The swap meet season pretty much comes to a close April 9-10th in Mason City at the North Iowa Motorcycle Expo. TRMI will be set up at most of these events, so stop by and grab a magazine, we would love to meet you!
In March we will also be preparing the FREE Bike Night listing for the AprilSeptember issues. This listing in conjunction with the year around FREE Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Event listing is the place to let people know about your biker events and bike nights. If you are hosting a bike night, hosting an event, or have any CONFIMRED listings, get them to us. People need to know what is going on and where it is happening, so email In case anyone was wondering, Mrs. TRMI, Melanie your information to Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com and we Schwarte made it to and beyond her 40th Birthday in can get it on the list. February unscathed. It was touch and go there for a while, but she made it! Love ya MJ! The Tall Corn Run will be starting on April 1st and Run through September 30th. The registration sites have been in Vernon and Melanie Schwarte the magazine, with a couple more being added by print time Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com for the March issue. Get to these spots to get registered for your Tall Corn Run Ride & Win card, and then anytime Quote of the Month: ” Never iron a four-leaf clover, from April through September, check in at sites listed in because you don’t want to press your luck.” ~Author the magazine and on thunderroadsiowa.com and the TRMI Unknown Facebook page. New Registration stops for the Tall Corn Run that have been added include McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson, Chipp’s Harley-Davidson in Osceola, and a couple of non-HD dealer stops. Roar Into Harlan Bike Night runs from May-September on the 3rd Thursday of the month is a site that you can register and Check In, as well as Indian Motorcycle of Wapello County, aka R/J Performance in Ottumwa. Rick and crew can get you a card and let you check out the Victory and Indian motorcycles that are built right here in Iowa. The latest addition is Decorah Kawasaki Suzuki Sports Center, so there is a spot in the far northwestern part of the state. Stop in to these spots, grab your cards, and check out their wares. Don’t forget to tell them TRMI sent ya! Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa is sponsoring the 61st Annual World of Wheels Motorcycle Show in Omaha on 4 - TRMI MARCH 2016
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On the Cover Photo:Josh Bruggeman Mod Photography
What is Roller Derby? Why Roller Derby? What does Roller Derby have to do with motorcycles? Well, to start off, the River City Dames of Anarchy Roller Derby team is sponsored by Harley-Davidson of Mason City. Steve and crew have been on board and helped get the Dames started in 2011. They were the first and have continued to be the biggest sponsor helping with uniforms, fundraising events, and endless encouragement. Most of the Dames are looking for something. Looking for some type support system, others are looking for a healthier lifestyle; some are just looking for more from life in general. Roller Derby finds people at their worst and transforms them into a positive, determined member of society, or takes a person at their best and polishes them into a highly trained athlete. Either way, it makes them better. A lot of the same empowerment offered as a roller derby girl parallels women hopping on motorcycles and riding the open roads. A new skater is referred to as fresh meat, the women first strap on their skates and skate around with crazy legs. The ladies often report that it is like a baby giraffe trying to get the feel for new legs. Each week, they feel themselves getting stronger, and more stable. Then inevitably they fall. Whap. When they hit the ground, it crushes their egos. In Derby though, there’s a team mate, they might not physically help you up, but they’ll tell you. “We all fall, it’s a part of it, now get up, and let’s do it again.” As a new skater, that’s exactly what is needed. To be lifted up by your teammate’s makes the crowd go wild. Its jammers, fighting their way encouragement. Teammates become an extended family. They have each other’s backs, on and off the track. They are thru the pack, dodging screens and hits while taking on the other jammer, hit by hit. And who doesn’t like a jammer family and hold a lifelong sisterhood with one other. on jammer action? Why do they do it? They do it to show themselves that they are capable. They are more than Erin Myers, aka Audrey Tuffburn, has been playing Derby mothers, wives, and daughters. To their families and fans, for 3 years now. She has friends from other teams all across Iowa and even in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and they are role models. Their son’s think they are super heroes and their daughters think they are stars. Their husbands Nebraska. Even though they hit, block and fight their way through the pack on the track, off the track, they’ll tell each see their dedication and strength. That strength is carried on and off the track. They empower others to follow their other how amazing the opponent is, and how much respect they have for each other. Erin tells of a time that they played passions. They really are family friendly. Kids 12 and under can attend free. They make sure that the announcers, Mankato’s MAD team. On the track, one of the opposing ScaryJerry and Jay Brooks keeps things PG-13 on the mic. skaters, turned around and was accessing her next move. They roll around at half time and talk to the kids and have Erin made a legal hit on her and sent her flying. She felt them “roll “the players around. so bad, because it was a SOLID hit, and the crowd let out a collective gasp ”oooww”. Erin looked at her to make sure The River City Dames of Anarchy started in 2011, and she was ok, and when she got up, high fived Erin, and said, since then they have given $7,500 to local charities in “That was an AWESOME hit.” That’s the respect that can North Iowa. Some of the benefactors include: My Happy be seen in derby. Players from opposing teams encourage Place, Crime Stoppers, Humane Society, North Iowa Youth and support one another. Empowerment is a major perk of being a team member. Erin Center, Patriots for Pets, FAVA, United Way and Francis believes this to be the one quality that she sees derby players Lauer. Currently there are 22 members of DOA. The team consists of many people from various walks of life. They are cultivate. When skaters start with the team, most of them of different ages, body types, and backgrounds. Together, are unsure of themselves. Little by little, these skaters gain confidence and trust within themselves and their team mates. they become a team of greatness. This is a team that is They begin believing in their own skills and empower others accepting of all people, and it’s not just for women. They are always looking for men and women to join and referee. to see their passions and power. It’s a little bad ass. If interested, email devonthomas1979@yahoo.com for more information. They all know that one of the best parts of Roller Derby is ladies hitting each other and having a blast. It’s fast Erin Myers paced, packed with GIANT hits that could crush souls and Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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CMA Notes
statement. “All things” covers it all. Our health, our hobbies, our family, our habits, our jobs, our eternity.
But we have a choice. We can continue trying to do it on our own or we can go to the Great Physician, Jesus, and admit I had been under the weather with respiratory problems for several years that we have a problem. Some may not have ever gotten to and hadn’t ridden my Dyna Low-Rider the point of giving over control of their lives to Him. Others much during that time, so last summer have a relationship with the Lord but are still under the wrong impression that they have to work everything out on their own. I was happy that I had improved Ephesians 2: 8&9 speak this truth: “God saved you by His enough to get out and around again. grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; But it wasn’t too long before I began it is a gift from God.” A few have gone the opposite direction to have the uneasy feeling that I had and think that they don’t have to make any effort or cooperate been off my bike for too long and with the Lord on His project of renewing their lives. John that somehow my easy riding had 14:21 blasts that idea out of the water: “Those who accept my evaporated. It just felt like I wasn’t in control of my bike commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.” somehow. I determined that I would just really pay attention So the balance of our spokes to God’s hub is this – we accept to my basic skills till my mojo came back and decided that Jesus as our Savior by faith, and after that we do our best to I didn’t want to say anything to Mark to make him worry. obey God’s commands, but with the full knowledge that we (Because I can take care of this on my own, ya know?) will never get it quite right and that that is what God’s grace is So imagine my dismay when over the next weeks the problem for, to cover our inadequacies. didn’t improve, but instead became worse. Every time I went over about 55 mph, I felt like I was losing control of the I leave you with this encouraging thought from Ephesians 3: steering. And just so you know, I like going fast on my bike. I 17&18: “Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep enjoy the 70pmh roads when we get the chance to ride them, so this new spooked feeling was really unusual for me. I had you strong.” Jesus is the sure cure for the wobbles in our lives. no recourse but to break down and tell Mark that I had lost Blessings to you all – Karla my mojo. His response? “Hmm. Let me ride the Dyna and see if it’s an issue with the bike.” I was SO relieved when he Mark and Karla Cornick are Iowa Area Reps with the Christian experienced the same problem on his ride! Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org. So off the Dyna went to our bike doctor. Mark described the symptoms to Charlie and Charlie said, “Sounds like loose spokes on the rear tire.” Mark: “You mean front tire?” Charlie: “No, rear tire. That can cause front-end wobble.” So after he worked on the spokes, Mark took it for a test run, and guess what – Charlie was right! No more front-end wobble. Seems that no matter how good of shape the rest of the bike is in, if the rim isn’t securely connected to the hub, it throws the whole bike out of balance which can result in a bad wreck. Our lives are in much the same position. We can cruise along for a while doing life on our own, aware of a few issues, but thinking things are going to get better. Then we gradually become aware of a little loss of control here, a little wobble there, but instead of going to someone with more knowledge than us, we listen to our pride and just keep trying to power our way through it. We think that if we try a little harder, work a little longer, do a little more that it will have to make a difference. And then the pressures start piling up and we have to run a little faster just to keep up, and the realization kicks in: we are not in control. The truth is that no matter how good the rest of our life looks, if it’s not securely attached to the hub we’re in for a serious wreck in the future. And the hub isn’t a what, but a who – Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us, “God…has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…who is upholding all things by the word of His power.” That is a pretty unambiguous 6 - TRMI MARCH 2016
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN SITE FOR THE TALL CORN RUN
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916
Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
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Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com
Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic 4426 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563)359-7222 www.BRENNYS.com
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
W Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 55320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Entertainment
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, O Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727
Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net
Heartland Harley-Davidson 117 S. Roosevelt Ave Burlington, Iowa 52601 www.heartlandhd.com 319-754-1100
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
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Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-802
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Food and Drink Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigosfortdodge.com Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Beach Pub Along Highway 22, Buffalo,IA Open Daily 10am-2am Join Us Weekly For HomeCooked Sunday Breakfast Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220 Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close Best Scenic Road With the Best Food! 563-552-2291
Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook
Shooters Bar 661 Main Anita, Iowa 712-249-7370 Mon-Fri 3:00-Close Sat-Sun 10:00-Close
Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Slaby’s Bar & Grill Plainview, Iowa 563-843-3443 Home of the Famous Jumbo Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook! Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 Bootleggers of Millville 712-882-1226 Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m. Tops in Scenic River Rides Pizza Ranch DENISON Check us on Facebook Hog Stop BBQ 510 HWY 39 North 563-252-7775 2327 S. 24th Street Denison, Iowa Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-393-3333 Buck Snort 712-EAT-BBQS Check Us Out on Facebook 113 4th Street Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 Iron Saddle Saloon Pizza Ranch HARLAN The Buck Snort on Facebook 39 S Main Street 613 Court Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 Harlan, Iowa 51537 C&L Sandbar 515-547-3311 712-755-2262 103 North Noyes Street Check Us Out on Facebook Mondamin, IA 51557 J.R. Willie’s Open 7 Days a Week 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Hours Daily 11-close Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Red Oak Tap Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM 419 E. Reed Catfish Charlie’s Home of the Willie Whopper Red Oak, Iowa 51566 On the Mississippi River 712-623-4788 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Just 1 More (563)582-8600 515-570-4206 Riverside Tavern www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com 403 3rd Ave 450 E Main St Under the Water Tower Lehigh, Iowa 50557 Cindi Mae’s Jamaica, Iowa 515-359-9998 101 Main Street Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Earling, Iowa 51530 Knickers Saloon 712-747-6262 2186 Central Avenue Sambetti’s Bar and Grill Cindi Mae’s on Facebook Dubuque, Iowa 52001 1430 2nd Avenue 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Cruisers Lounge Knickers Saloon on Facebook 515-245-9780 411 Main Griswold Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p 712-778-4111 Knuckleheads Mon-Thurs 3PM-Midnight Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Scooters on Broadway Fri-Sat 3PM-2AM Sunday 11AMLike on FB Knuckleheads Pub & 475 NE Broadway Midnight Grub Des Moines, Iowa Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 515-288-1053 Desperados The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA” scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Lampe’s Pub Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill Home of Cold Beer, 608 Iowa Avenue 228 East 4th Street Good Times, Pizza & Wings Dunlap, Iowa 51529 Waterloo, Iowa 50703 712-643-5781 319-235-8865 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM www.partyattheeagle.com
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Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook 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 Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger
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The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport (563)424-1123 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Vista Pub 7205 Vista Drive West Des Moines, Iowa 515-528-2186 Vista Pub on Facebook Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon.- Sat. 7am breakfast -2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395 Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 612 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 www.LockedandLoadedOutfitters.com
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McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS
Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com
I ns ura n ce
Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net Oakland Insurance Agency Motorcycle, Home, AUTO, Commercial, Life, Health Specializing in Teen Drivers Shane Baker 712-310-7475 shane@oaklandins.com
Legal
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com IowaBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 SS Collision, CycleWorks & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call
TATTOO Skin Mechanix INKorpar8ted 117 No. 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712 256-2847 Check Us Out on Facebook
Photo and Art
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
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Services
Hyperformance 5152 E University Ave Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327 515-266-6381 kingofcubes.com
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A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901 BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com CJ Now Plumbing Sewer & Water Specialists 309-786-2002 Serving the Quad Cities Area On Call 24-7 Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 30 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. Muscatine County Located on the Eastern side of Iowa, with the Mississippi River forming its southeastern border, Muscatine County has been woven into American history since its inception. The county boasts of its 449 square miles of bluffs, hills and flat land. The county, comprised of the towns of Muscatine, Wilton, Durant, West Liberty, Nichols, Atalissa, Fruitland & Conesville is home to a very diverse population. There are many highways and by-ways that wind through the county, including a stretch of the Great River Road.
daughter entrance. His son, Alexander Clark Jr, was the 1st black man to graduate from the University of Iowa, College of Law in 1879. Five years later, Clark Sr. also graduated from the same alma mater at the age of 58, strictly to serve as an example to citizens of the state and more importantly the diverse population of Muscatine County. Clark Sr is also credited with organizing Iowa’s first black regiment, the 60th US Colored Infantry in 1863, although a preexisting injury prevented him from serving. Samuel Clemmons (more popularly known under his pen name Mark Twain) spent the summer of 1855 in Muscatine, helping his brother Orion with his newspaper “The Journal” which is still in operation to date. There is a quote from Clemmons engraved in a plaque at Mark Twain Overlook (a small city park, fabled to be a favorite hangout for its namesake) that reads “And I remember Muscatine still more pleasantly for its summer sunsets. I have never seen any on either side of the oceans that equaled them. It is the true sunset land. The sunrises are also said to be exceedingly fine. (However that) I do not know.” And once the sun sets over the Mississippi River, residents & visitors of the area are now treated to a magnificent light show (a gift from Muscatine based corporation MUSCO Lighting to the town) across the Norbert Beckey Bridge, the only bridge in the county that connects Iowa to Illinois. HJ Heinz built its first manufacturing plant outside of Pittsburg, PA in Muscatine in 1892 and the plant is still in operation today, utilizing the great workforce and fertile soils to grow tomatoes, watermelon and other fruits & vegetables. It remains among the top employers in the area. By 1905 nearly half of Muscatine’s workforce produced nearly 40% of the globe’s buttons, earning the town the title of “Button Capital of the World”. The button industry contributed tremendously in the growth of this little town set along the crooks of the Mississippi River, however, only one of the original button factories remains in operation to date. Cut from mussel shells found in the depths of the murky river, this industry also created jobs outside of the factory that helped Muscatine form its deep communal roots.
The county seat of Muscatine started out as a trade post in 1833, founded by representatives of Colonel George Davenport. Becoming incorporated in 1839 under the name Bloomington proved challenging as that name was also being used by other towns in the general vicinity. Shortly after becoming incorporated, the city’s name was changed to Muscatine, paying homage to the native Mascouten Indians who inhabited the area. From the 1840s through the Civil War, Muscatine had Remembered by many in the medical profession as the largest black one of the most ruthless quacks in American History, population in Iowa. Muscatine was also home to Norman Baker who Prominent community started out on his own as a vaudeville performer & leader & citizen of used that career to travel the nation. Meeting many Muscatine County, healers, peddlers and other colorful characters Alexander Clark along his travels, eventually Baker settled back in his Sr. is credited with hometown with all the swindling knowledge one could desegregating Iowa absorb in the short time he was absent from Muscatine schools thanks to an & shortly after his return, founded the first radio station 1868 lawsuit stemming in the area KTNT (Know The Naked Truth) on which from a neighborhood he would spout inaccuracies and create fear & hype school refusing his among the residents, even referring to the American Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 16 - TRMI MARCH 2016
Medical Association M as the “Amateur Meatcutters Association” on air. Baker was not a trained doctor, but began treating people at the Baker Institute in 1930 after h hearing of a cancer cure ffrom another quack healer. Baker’s cure consisted of injections of corn silk, watermelon seeds, clover, water and carbolic acid (extracted from coal tar); and although all 5 patients treated with this ‘cure’ died shortly after the injections, Baker continued to believe this was the cure. There are also stories of lobotomy usage to cure common ailments at the Baker Institute as well. In 1931 the State of Iowa received an injunction that forced the closing of the institute. Despite his lack of actual medical knowledge or formal training of any kind, Baker was well revered in the area & became very wealthy through the radio station, the Baker Inst. and a little thing he invented called the calliaphone (or calliope as we call them today).
the curves of New Era Rd until taking a right at a stop sign that landed me on Sweetland Rd. I stayed on that stretch of highway for a few miles, jumped over highway 61 & followed F70 until coming to Y14 (Taylor Ave intersection). I swung a wide right and continued on my trek for a cold frosty one. This route was pretty flat and at points I felt I could see for miles now that the crop had been taken out, majestic Iowa fields, yeahwe’ll call it that. Coming to a stop sign over a set of railroad tracks I turned left onto Highway 927 (Historic Route 6), I could almost taste the suds on my tongue, I knew I had to be getting close. I followed Hwy 927 into Wilton & decided to head down and check out the ‘business district’ as the sign on the road pointed me to. Off to the left, I saw the brightly colored store front and signage for the Wilton Candy Kitchen. Not realizing they had closed for business after the death of owner, George Nopoulos, in June; I was deeply saddened that I wouldn’t be getting a hand dipped root beer float and that this iconic landmark was closed for business after opening its doors in 1910. With luck on my side, right across the street was Fro’s Pub & Grub. A low lit bar that serves cold anything was sounding quite nice as the unseasonably warm weather began to take its toll on me. Owner, Brian “Fro”, was slinging the drinks that day and he was quick with a drink & the newest joke he’d heard. After chatting for a while about the Hawkeyes & upcoming poker runs I was cooled off enough to continue my journey.
Adding to the list of some-what famous folks who call (or have called) Muscatine their home is Cory Jens, holder of the Guinness World’s Record for the longest handshake (9.5 hrs, completed in San Francisco on Memorial Day 2008)…. And me. Yep, this is the county where I was raised, this is MY home and no matter what Jumping back onto Historic Route 6, I followed it out of zip code I’ve ended up in, the 52761 will always be my town. I headed south on Hwy 38 for a few miles and home & where my mind reverts to in times of peril. this time took a right onto the real Highway 6. Passing over the Cedar River and going thru the little town of I began my journey in Atalissa (there used to be a few places to stop in this the eastern-most spot of one horse town, but as of print both bars and the gas the county, cruising west station were still closed down) I had my sights set on down Highway 22 along some tacos for an early afternoon snack. The town of the Mighty Miss. My first West Liberty has a high Hispanic population and with stop brought me to Wild that-some really great Mexican restaurants. I have Cat Den State Park where eaten at all of them and couldn’t recommend one over I toured the old grist another, so you make the choice there! I chose to run mill (super interesting up to Gabby’s because I knew it would be quick. After and full of history, for throwing a Steak Torta (it’s like a Mexican Whopper®) more info check out down my throat I was back on my way. I headed out of PineCreekGristMill.com). town south on Highway 70, next stop Pike Run Services I jumped on the bike and headed up the hill to park at in Nichols. Somewhere along the way, I began to hear the mouth of the hiking trails, shed my leather jacket a rattle from the bike that wasn’t there when I’d left and began hiking the miles of trails that took me past home that morning and I knew Cyle & the boys at Pike Devil’s Punchbowl & through Fat Man’s Squeeze. It Run would be able to help a gal out. Sure enough, Cyle was about this time that I realized I was getting thirsty had that bolt on the muffler bracket tightened that and the tepid water I had stashed on the bike wasn’t had loosened itself and after a brief visit, I was back cutting it. I headed back out onto New Era Road, at on my way again. I followed Hwy 70 into Conesville the entrance to the park instead of going right and and decided to pull into Max’s for something to wet heading back down the hill, I went left and followed my whistle. Since I attend the biker rodeos down here
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pretty regularly, I frequent The Thirsty Camel (just down the road a few miles, next to the rodeo grounds) over those weekends & haven’t had a bad experience once; I only chose Max’s because I was looking for a new experience. The porch on the building is very inviting & usually packed with people when I drive by, but this was early Wednesday afternoon and most people have real jobs, so it was just myself and a few local farmers in for a late lunch. I was smelling all kinds of great scents wafting from the kitchen and fought the urge to order anything, although I have heard rave reviews about the pulled pork sandwich & the whole catfish, I had just eaten an hour or two earlier. Even though I only stayed long enough to finish my tea, I know that this is a place I will be coming back to a lot, now that I’ve finally ventured in there.
melt & soap shop (the Candle Shed Effect) and right next door was 3 floors of antiques & repurposed items at the Wild Thing. Down 2nd street to the east was the Muscatine History & Industry Center/The Pearl Museum but since I’d already been there a time or two, I opted to head the other direction towards Pearl Plaza Shopping Center. Calling Pearl Plaza home are various businesses ranging from a pizza bistro & craft brew bar, a wine lounge & gift shop, an upscale clothing store, an upholstery store, a gift & home accessories shop, a tea/coffee/ ice cream shop. Let’s just say, if I had bags on the bike, my credit card would have been smoking by the time I left. The sun was just about to set, so I headed up to Mark Twain Overlook (just past the bridge on business Hwy 61) and that guy WAS onto something, I could see for miles up & down the Mighty Mississippi River. Although it was mid-October, the warmth in the day time air led to one of the most stunning sunsets I’d witnessed, feeling full in my heart and soul but empty in the tummy, I headed back downtown for one of my favorites from childhoodA Brew Burger with Bacon at the Missippi Brew on Throwing a leg over my Deluxe, I noticed that Iowa Ave the sun was already beginning to descend right up and set my sights on my final destination of from the Muscatine (the town). I took Hwy 70 north river front just a little bit and grabbed G28 to the east. & my Although I didn’t stop on this trip, one of my memories favorite wineries is just off this road. If you get didn’t a chance to swing into Ardon Creek Vineyard deceive me. & Winery, don’t pass it up & don’t leave Once again, empty handed either, that bottle of wine will come there I was with juicy burger dripping down my chin, in handy- trust me! As the road meandered through sitting in an oversized booth just like I was 8. I invite curves and some wooded areas, across the Cedar River you to come explore my hometown, follow my route or bottoms I went, coming into Muscatine make your own, there are many gems on G28 (Hershey Ave). I continued on nestled in the county well known as ‘the Hershey Ave and eventually merged Pearl’. And when you stop by anywhere onto Mississippi Drive. I had a little bit in the county, make sure you tell ‘em before the sun actually set, so I went Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent 1 block up from the river onto 2nd St. you!! and decided to check out some of the cool little shops that have sprung up in ~Pinky the recently revitalized downtown area. There was a great homemade candle, Sources available upon request.
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Barb Henggeler 2015 H-D Freewheeler Trike Missouri Valley
Kelle Lehman 2008 105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Fatboy Winterset
Debbie Fetters 2015 V8 Chopper HotRod Trike Montour 20 - TRMI MARCH 2016
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us a quality image, your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to: vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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From: March 1968 Harley Enthusiast Magazine
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I was cruising home from work the other day after another boring, uneventful winter day at the Drama Factory when my warped mind started to wander off the road and into the future. I suddenly realized that either the time clock needed to be adjusted or my dreams were finally about to come true. It was 5 o’clock and the sun was still shining, every Iowa biker know what that means. The days are FINALLY getting longer! It was then that I realized the signs of spring have actually been popping up all around me. A few days earlier, I saw a flock of geese circling overhead. I figured they were like my riding buddy “Turtle”, he too is directionally challenged, struggles with deciding which way to go and is always the last one to arrive. I also watched a group of big fat Robins meticulously eat everything off the cherry crab tree. Instead of thinking about what seeing a Robin in Iowa means this time of the year, all my warped brain could think about was my riding buddy “Buzzard”, he will eat anything with or without a cherry. The more I thought about it, I realize that mud is a new hot commodity in Iowa and the local car wash has become the new hot spot in town. These are all signs that the calendar makers got it right again this year, spring is coming! I have also been really worried that driving the four wheeler while practicing my pot hole swerving maneuvers might just earn me a breath test. Grab ahold of your handlebars Iowa bikers, spring is officially on its way. As old man winter gets chased out of town now is a good time to start crossing things off the pre-ride checklist. Fire up the engine and check for leaks, top off the tranny and brake fluid. Check or change the engine oil, check the water in the battery, give the battery a good charge, check the connections or at the very least disconnect the trickle charger before leaving on the coveted first ride. Don’t forget to examine the fuel, deciding if it’s any good is just like picking a mate, if it looks bad, smells bad and you won’t eat it, throw it out.
accidently hit the kill switch while going down the road when you were trying find the volume button. The winter has made cage drivers dumb, blind and stupid so make sure your headlights and brake lights are working properly then practice your one finger wave, you’re going to need it. Lastly swing your leg over and make sure the seat still makes your ass happy. It won’t be long now before everything will be green and all will be right in the world of riding in Iowa once again. Better start brushing up on your decision making skills because soon you will be faced with trying to decide which roads to travel, which events to attend, what charity rides to support and where to eat. If the winter down time has impaired your decision making skills TRMI can help you out. Now is the time to check out the TRMI network of biker friendly businesses and start mapping out your 2016 Riding Destination Bucket list. Be sure to tell them Thunder Roads sent you. Lastly get yourself out to one of TRMI Tall Corn Run registration stops, get signed up and collect your ride card. Then get out and ride Iowa from April to September, frequent as many check in locations that you possibly can, as often as you would like. Don’t forget to flash your ride card, each time you do, you will be entered into the monthly drawing. The more times you hit up the check in locations, the greater your odds will be of winning some of the great prizes to be given away each month. Then keep your eye on the magazine, check out www.thunderroadsiowa.com or the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Facebook Page to see if you get bragging rights about getting lucky during the Tall Corn Run. Spring is coming to Iowa! Are you ready to ride yet? Shifty LaRue
With spring hiding around the next turn it’s a good time to check the tires for wear and get new rubber on now instead of forfeiting future riding time. If your rubber is good be sure that it is properly inflated. Don’t forget to test the controls to make sure everything is working correctly, while secretly familiarizing yourself again with which button does what. You don’t want to
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It’s not often that someone gets the chance to chat with an Iowa motorcycle enthusiast who jumped his motorcycle into the Mississippi River, so when the opportunity arrived there was no way I was going to pass it up! Bill Hopkins, life ling resident of Muscatine County, has more stories to tell than just that one crazy thing he did over Great River Days in 1973. His life has been woven around motorcycles-racing, riding & fixing them since his earliest recollection.
Bill’s 1st race happened his sophomore year of high school at the short track behind the airport, riding a Kawasaki 100 Green Streak, he made it to the main event. He quickly became hooked; the adrenaline rush that he got as he was in the blocks, awaiting the green light is the best natural high he’d ever experienced. Bill and his family spent 20 plus years travelling the country points racing. Bill’s list of accomplishments includes winning State Championships in Iowa, Illinois, & Wisconsin. Although his mother wouldn’t watch her sons race, she was their biggest supporter because One may think that after losing your father at the age of 2 she knew there was no stopping her boys. Mom was the 1st due to a fatal motorcycle crash, one would shy away from one to cheer after a win and the 1st person to on the scene if a life on two wheels, but exactly the opposite occurred. Bill’s mother remarried another motorcyclist and the love of the boys needed medical attention. 2-wheels was passed down to Bill and his brothers. In the Racing can be very hard on a motorcycle and subsequently, late 60’s as a young teenager, Bill began his racing career competing on flat tracks across the county, state & country. Bill rapidly learned how to work on his own motorcycles. Replacing motors & wrenching on bikes became second At the time, motor-cross was just in its infancy but AMA flat tracks were popping up everywhere, including Wild Cat nature to him in his late teenage years, a talent that still pays off for him to this day. Bill met his wife of 35 years, Lori, Den, Funck’s Hill & behind the airport in Muscatine Co. Local racer, Herbie Bellinger, was the driving force behind thanks to those bike wrenching talents. Lori’s family lived the beginning of Bill’s own racing career. Herbie helped the behind Bill’s place and Bill was known as the neighborhood AMA start numerous tracks across our great state as well as bike mechanic, so when Lori showed up in need of Bill’s mechanical skills- he fell in love instantly. He chased enticed the next generation of racers onto those tracks. Lori for a few years and finally she gave in & accepted
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his proposal. The couple were subsequently blessed with 4 boys, Thad, Justin, Keifer & Kaleb, which meant that Bill had four opportunities to pass on his passion for motorcycles. All of the boys had fun racing while they were younger, Justin beginning life on two-wheels at 4 years of age. Bill told Justin that he couldn’t ride a motorcycle if he still was riding with training wheels on his bicycle, so Justin told Dad “take em off!” Bill obliged & a racer was born. Justin inherited his Dad’s love for that adrenaline rush and quickly began making a name for himself in the racing world in the early 90’s including qualifying for the big race at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tenn. They built a track in the front yard, taught the boys how to earn money so they could pay their own entry fees & buy their gear, and used racing as an incentive to the boys to do good in school; not only passing on the love of 2 wheels, but teaching valuable life lessons along the way.
had an impact in Bill’s life and are no longer here, I started to realize why Dave makes it a point to salute a fallen rider with the words “God Speed”. When I asked Bill what advice he’d like to pass onto the readers of TRM of IA he quickly replied with “Always have fun with what you are doing; never let anything stop you! I have met some absolutely amazing & special people because I never walked away. Learn from EVERY person you encounter”. I couldn’t agree with his advice more! Thanks for being such a cool part of Iowa’s motorcycle background, Bill! ~Pinky Bill’s great grandpa is fabled to have been the 1st motorcycle owner in Iowa, owning a Henderson...anyone able to dispute this?
These days, you’ll find Bill spending most of his time in his shop, surrounded by motorcycles of all kinds and types. His love for 2 wheels ever apparent as Bill’s eyes light up at the mention of bikes, riding or racing. Bill has no ‘favorite’ motorcycle, he loves every cycle in his collection as each has impacted his life in different ways. He looks at them with admiration, smiling about the stories behind them and the life behind the frame. Bill spends the nice days on his eye-catching Honda Turbo when travelling alone and on his ’01 HD bagger when the missus is along for the ride, which I am sure she appreciates. Their favorite Iowa destination is Balltown in the north-eastern part of Iowa, mentioning that the breathtaking views almost make you forget you are in Iowa. In the winter months, Bill enjoys watching and playing around on the ice tracks in the area; telling me that you can take the man out of the race, but you can’t take the racer out of the man- however your body will quickly remind you that you aren’t as young as you once were. Bill was recently contacted by life-long friend Dave Despain, a nationally known AMA announcer and TV emcee who got his start in Muscatine at the old track down by the airport & at his home track in Fairfield. Dave and Bill met at the track in the early days and have kept in touch for more than 45 years. With Dave turning 70 this May and Bill not too far behind him, they got on the subject of the ol’ bucket list. The guys are tossing around an idea of riding through the mountain passes of Colorado together later this summer and checking another “gotta do” off the list. Bill is one of those squeeze out every bit of life from your life kind of fellas & from what I’ve heard, so is Dave. Looking at his almost shrine like wall of obituaries from friends who’ve Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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“So you want to build a bike?” Part II So welcome back to the second installment. Last month we laid out the basics of building your own bike with the intent of ending up with an Iowa license plate on the back. We’ll continue our story after a very important reminder for anyone that’s building a bike this winter or started one after last month’s column- save your receipts, for everything; in a big file that says “bike build” on it. The intent of any home-built bike is the ability to license and ride it and if you’re applying for a Special Construction title, there are guidelines to follow, and that is a big one. Even more important than receipts are MSO’s; MSO’s are Manufacturer’s Statements of Origin. It’s like a car title for something that has never been titled before and if you want to title a home-built bike in Iowa, you’ll need an MSO for the frame, engine and transmission. Our outlaw biker ancestors used to build a lot of their own bikes out of “recycled” motorcycle parts. Sometimes the prior owner wasn’t aware his bike was being “recycled” if you get my drift. Anyhow, due to that legacy there’s a pretty strict policy on you being able to produce purchase receipts for all your parts if asked, and MSO’s for the major components. You can use used parts on your bike also, but be well prepared to show where and how they were purchased. To round out this part on licensing, when you are ready to put your bike on the road, you call the DOT for an 36 - TRMI MARCH 2016
inspection. The DOT has field enforcement officers that come out to your bike and inspect it. Have all your paper work and the bike in a well-lit environment and make sure it has a charged battery. He will be checking that all the lights function, the speedometer works, and the one everybody forgets, is a high-beam indicator. If he likes what he sees, he takes a die set and physically stamps the new assigned Iowa VIN onto your frame. He’ll work with you on where the number goes to a certain degree. We stamped mine under the seat on a frame tube. There is probably a factory inscribed ID number on the frame you bought. He wants to see this, don’t obscure it, but that’s not going to be your VIN. It’s the one on the red and white sticker he puts on the steering neck, and that’s the number he stamps in to your frame. Then you and the officer go to the courthouse with your file of documents to get your original title and tags. It’s an exciting day when you finally get to hang a plate on your own bike, but there is a lot riding on it and often times you have to wait quite a while for your DOT appointment. Don’t waste your appointment; make sure you have what you need because you’ll wait a long time again for him to come back if you aren’t prepared. For me, the guy couldn’t have been nicer. He really knew his stuff, and I had the bike on the road less than 3 hours after my appointment started. My title says “2009 HOME” and I’m pretty sure it’s the only Homie on my block. So at the end of last month, we’d worked our way thru the various frame, suspension and engine choices available to a bike builder wannabee. I’ll repeat the message from last month- make it your goal to end up with an enjoyable motorcycle to ride. Don’t over-do any stretches, rakes, or bar heights on your first build. You don’t have the stripes for it. And no bike should be built without a rake and trail calculation. You have to know where the contact point of your front tire is in relation to the center line of your steering neck. They aren’t the same point on the ground, and the difference between the two points is the most important calculation there is in this entire process. If you get too much trail, the front end will be heavy, hard to steer and may not even return to center after a turn. Too little trail and your front wheel will be doing the shopping cart wheel wobble, only at 70mph. Neither is acceptable. There are numerous Rake and Trail Angle calculators available for free on-line, and any old gray beard can show you how to do it with a straight edge and chalk. But don’t skip it. Ever. Even if your cousin’s neighbor’s sister’s boyfriend built a bike just like this and didn’t have any problems. Run your own RTA, trust me. So, where does that leave us? The sheet metal, seats and tanks, bars and lighting; this is where I say have some fun.
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You can try a lot of unique stuff here and not affect the safety and enjoyment factor of your bike. I built my first gas tank in a “coffin” style. Not only did I like the 60’s vibe, it was also the obvious choice because I didn’t have an English Wheel, so I would need to work in flat or breakbent steel only. Came out great, and had fun doing it. Made my first seat out of a steel grain shovel, I cut the handle out of it and overlapped the steel on the anvil. I sat in it and traced around my ass with a piece of chalk. I cut it out with a die grinder, and spray glued some carpet foam to it. I shaped that with an air grinder, and riveted a leather coat around the edges, and cut off the extra with a carpet knife. I still have it, even though I don’t run it anymore. It cost me $20, and it would have lasted Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
forever. And people didn’t believe it was a shovel until you showed them the bottom. I made a battery box out of the back of a clothes dryer once. It had some nice louvers on it. Like Billy Lane says, “I don’t have a louver press, but I know louvered steel when I see it.” My point is people think it costs a lot of money to build a bike. It doesn’t if you use your head, build a lot of your own stuff, and keep an eye out for bargains and things that can be re-purposed. So until next month, happy building. Have a great off season, and we’ll see you on the highways this summer. Mark Mullins, MAG President
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This month’s featured Military Rider is one of our own staffers, Gary “Wildman” Emery of Alta. Gary served in the United States Army from 1981-1987 as an E-4 working as a Lance Missile Crewman (15D). He served our country in both Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and in Germany. He comes from a long line of Military tradition following in the footsteps of his father, several uncles, and all of his brothers. From his training g in the Military and a desire for being more self-reliant, -rrel eliiant, el t Gary G andd Chad Ch d Mobley recently started a pr pprimitive rim mitive outdoor survival school along with h oone n of his brothers ne who also rides. He also notes t that serving tes in the Military, and riding motorcycles seem to go hand in hand. The brotherhood and camaraderie fit well together. Gary states that he met a lot of interesting people in the Military, and has been all around the world. But right here in the USA is where his brothers and sisters are. There is no better place on earth to experience the thrill of riding than right here at home. Gary has owned many bikes in the past including a 1983 Suzuki GSX400, a 2004 Harley Davidson VRSCA V-Rod, and his latest ride, a 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. His current ride he picked up at Storm Lake Honda. He rode the V-Rod for 10 years, and had a lot of fun on that bike, but he states, that it is a young man’s bike, and the Ultra Classic was for both of them to ride when his wife Debbie was not on her own bike. He likes the Ultra and the way it is set up, with only plans to change the passenger pegs at some point. When asked if he had ever been without bikes the answer was a yes, from 1985 until 2005, for a common reason, which was to raise his kids. After the kids were grown, Debbie was the sole reason he got back into riding. After the kids were grown, it was an easy choice for Gary and Debbie to get back into the wind.
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After getting back into riding, Gary has been active in a couple of groups; ABATE of Iowa and the American Legion Riders out of Storm Lake, as well as riding with Shayla Bee whenever he gets the chance. He was the president of the Legion Riders for 9 consecutive years, and also a charter member. He is currently serving as the ABATE of Iowa District 8 Coordinator, an and rides to his monthly meetings tii whenever h possible, ibl as well as to the State Members meetings in Eldora. M emberrs oof his District ride well with him regularly, as w ell ass a small group he with on a regular basis. rides w wit He encourages and H welcomes anyone that wants to go for a ride with them though. Debbie is usually with him as well, either on her own bike or on the bback of Gary’s bike. This summer he plans Th ABATE toy Runs, the oon A ABATE A BA Freedom Rally, the Biker ik Bash at Johnny’s Pub Lake iin L k Park, and just about any other excuse to get him out riding. Gary has some connections in many different areas of the biker world. If you are in Northwest Iowa and want some information on the American Legion riders, Gary is the guy. If you want to be involved with ABATE of Iowa District 8 or anywhere in the state, Gary is the man. If you want to get some advertising in Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, Gary is the go-to guy. You can reach him at firefighter200463@hotmail.com Thank you for your service from all of us at Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Without your dedication, service, and commitment, we could not do what we are doing now. Thank you! If you see Gary out on the road on his bagger, give him a wave, or shake his hand and say thank you if you get a chance. Ride free! Vernon and Melanie
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and do so with great care and concern, making it a different type of “bar food” experience.
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 (515) 543-4222 10AM-Midnight Weekdays 10AM-2Am Fri-Sat Noon-8PM Sunday Sunday Brunch 1st Sunday of the Month North Central Iowa is speckled with little towns off the beaten path, and there are some true treasures that can be found if you stray off the main roads. Just north of the big slab of Highway 20, and between old 20 (D20) is the town of Duncombe. This little burg is the home of Stumpy’s Bar & Grill. Owned by the little dude with the nickname in the title, Stumpy is quite the character, but wanted to run a place with good old fashioned food with quality ingredients and great service. He sure as hell nailed it! We did not get a chance to confirm our ideas, but with a giant vault door in the hallway back towards the kitchen; it seems that the building was once a bank; repurposed like buildings in a lot of small town Iowa. The layout is quaint but open and inviting, with décor that would be appreciated by many including Vikings Fans, Harley Riders, and local history buffs. We sat down and were greeted by Vicki, who was quite the interesting gal and had plenty of laughs to add to our dining experience. She recommended the hand tenderized and breaded tenderloin as one of her favorites, and quickly followed up with everything is good and homemade style at Stumpy’s. The menu is plentiful but not overdone, and with enough variety to appeal to almost anyone. They make a short list of items,
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I finally decided on the tenderloin with homemade potato chips, while Heather and David went for the burgers. All of the sandwiches were served on homemade style buns that were baked to perfection with a slightly chewy exterior and soft interior. The tenderloin was tenderized and pounded to a thin layer of meat that was evenly thick and then hand breaded and perfectly fried. It was golden brown on the outside and juicy and perfectly cooked on the inside. I ordered it with all of the accompaniments, but ended up leaving them off of the sandwich as to not ruin the meld of bun and loin that made the perfect combination. The homemade style potato chips were cut with a waffle cutter, and were thin, crispy, and had the perfect ratio of crisp to potato. It is true; you cannot eat only one of these bad boys. David and Heather both settled on the cheeseburgers with one having French Fries, and the other having cheeseballs. The burgers were hand formed patties made with beef with just enough fat content to keep it juicy, but not shrinking up to nothing when cooked. There was a nice char on the outside offering that amazing burger crunch, with a juicy and perfectly cooked interior. The cheese was put on at the right time to melt and sort of ooze into the pores of the meat and perfectly accented the beef flavor. The homemade style buns, hand pattied burgers, cooked perfectly, were also accented by one of the sides, the cheeseballs. When we saw that on the menu, we thought it was probably the generic identically sized wads of processed cheese that are breaded, frozen, flash fried and thrown in the basket. That was not the case as these were actually curds of cheese of various sized that were breaded and fried. The added benefit of this style of “cheeseballs” is that these actually squeaked when biting into them! Anyone with a flair for eating cheese curds knows that the best and freshest curds give a little squeak when eating them. This was a wonderful addition to an already great meal. Heather, David, and I had a great time sitting in for Craig this month at Stumpy’s Bar & Grill in Duncombe. Check them out when you are in the area, you won’t be disappointed. Stumpy’s Bar & Grill will be one of the Check-In Spots on the Tall Corn Run, so stop in, Check-In, and enjoy a great meal! Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Vernon sitting in for Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.
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Better than a Flu Shot! Miss Beatrice, The church organist, was in her eighties and had never been married. She was admired for her sweetness and kindness to all. One afternoon the pastor came to call on her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have a seat while she prepared tea. As he sat facing her old Hammond organ, the young minister noticed a cut glass bowl sitting on top of it. The bowl was filled with water, and in the water floated of all things, a condom! When she returned with h tte tea ea and scones, they began to chat. The pastor ttried ried ri ed to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its strange floater, but soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist. ‘Miss Beatrice’, he said, ‘I wonder if you would tell me about this? Pointing to the bowl, ‘Oh, yes,’ she replied, ‘isn’t it wonderful? I was walking through the park a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven’t had the flu all winter? Two Irishmen, Patrick Murphy and Shawn O’Brian grew up together and were lifelong friends. But alas, Patrick developed cancer, and was dying. While on his deathbed, Patrick called to his buddy, Shawn, “O’Brian, come ‘ere. I ‘ave a request for ye.” Shawn walked to his friend’s bedside and kneels. “Shawny ole boy, we’ve been friends all our lives, and now I’m leaving ‘ere. I ‘ave one last request fir ye to do.” O’Brian burst into tears, “Anything Patrick, anything ye wish. It’s done.” “Well, under me bed is a box containing a bottle of the finest whiskey in all of Ireland. Bottled the year I was born it was. After I die, and they plant me in the ground, I want you to pour that fine whiskey over me grave so it might soak into me bones and I’ll be able to enjoy it for all eternity.” O’Brian was overcome by the beauty and in the true Irish spirit of his friend’s request, he asked, “Aye, tis a fine thing you ask of me, and I will pour the whiskey. But, might I strain it through me kidneys first?”
won wo w on the tth he prize for the best toast of the night.” She said, saiiid sa d, “Aye, Paddy, what was your toast?” So he h told her: “Here’s to spending the rest of me life sitting in church beside me wife.” “Oh,” she said, “that is very nice, dear.” The next day, Mary ran into one of Paddy’s drinking partners in the street. Mischievously, the man said: “Did you hear about your husband winning a prize in the pub the other night for a toast about you, Mary?” She replied: “Aye - and I was a bit surprised. Till now, he’s only been ddown there twice. Once he fell asleep, and tth the h other time I had to pull him by the ears to m make him come”. Into a Belfast pub comes Paddy Murphy, looking like he’d just been run over by a train. His arm is in a sling, his nose is broken, his face is cut, and bruised, and he’s walking with a limp. ‘What happened to you?’ asks Sean, the bartender. ‘Micheal O’Connor and me had a fight,’ says Paddy. ‘That little O’Connor,’ says Sean, ‘He couldn’t do that to you, he must have had something in his hand.’ ‘That he did,’ says Paddy,’a shovel is what he had,and a terrible lickin’ he gave me with it.’ ‘Well,’ says Sean,’you should have defended yourself. Didn’t you have something in your hand?’ That I did,’ said Paddy, ‘Mrs. O’Connor’s breast, and a thing of beauty it was; but useless in a fight.’ Mary Clancy goes up to Father O’Grady after his Sunday morning service, and she’s in tears. He says, ‘So what’s bothering you, Mary my dear?’ She says, ‘Oh, Father, I’ve got terrible news. My husband passed away las night.’ The priest says, ‘Oh, Mary, that’s terrible. Tell me, Mary, did he have any last requests?’ She says, ‘That he did, Father.’ The priest says, ‘What did he ask, Mary?’ She says, ‘He said, Please Mary, put down that damn gun....’
Two Irish mothers, Kate and Lorna were talking about their sons. Kate says, ‘My Patrick is such a saint. He works hard, doesn’t smoke, and he hasn’t so much as looked at a woman in over two years.’ Lorna responds, ‘Well, my Francis is a saint himself. Not only hasn’t he not looked at a woman It’s Saint Patrick’s day and an armed hooded robber bursts in over three years, but he hasn’t touched a drop of liquor into the Bank of Ireland and forces the tellers to load a sack in all that time.’ ‘My word,’ says Kate, ‘You must be so full of cash. On his way out the door with the loot one brave proud.’ ‘I am,’ announces Lorna, ‘And when he’s paroled Irish customer grabs the hood and pulls it off revealing next month, I’m going to throw him a big party.’ the robber’s face. The Robber Shoots the Guy Without Hesitation! He then looks around the bank to see if anyone else has seen him. One of the tellers is looking straight at Paddy and Murphy are working on a building site. Paddy him and the robber walks over and calmly shoots him also. says to Murphy “I’m gonna have the day off, I’m gonna Everyone by now is very scared and looking down at the pretend I’m mad!” He climbs up the rafters, hangs floor. Did anyone else see my face?’ screams the robber. upside down and shouts “I’M A LIGHTBULB! I’M A There is a few moments of silence then one elderly Irish LIGHTBULB!” Murphy watches in amazement! The gent, looking down, tentatively raises his hand and says, ‘I Foreman shouts “Paddy you’re mad, go home” So he think me wife may have caught a glimpse.’ leaves the site. Murphy starts packing his kit up to leave as well. “Where the hell are you going?” asks the Foreman. “I can’t work in the friggin’ dark!” says Murphy. Patrick O’Malley hoisted his beer and said: “Here’s to spending the rest of me life between the legs of me wife!” - and he took home the top prize for the best toast of the If you’re lucky enough to be Irish... you’re lucky enough! night. In bed later that night, he told his wife: “Mary, I 42 - TRMI MARCH 2016
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it’s a motorcycle and so are most of the conventional trikes, most of which started their lives as motorcycles. Now I realize this is just my opinion, but 2 CanAm Spyders can meet and pass on a motorcycle road in a campground, and 2 Polaris Slingshots can’t. To me they are kind of like a back-in-the-day Dune Buggy. Lots of fun, no airbags or crash tests, and you only use it in the summertime. I don’t think it makes any sense to require a motorcycle license to drive a Polaris Slingshot. Driving one is like driving a car, not like riding a motorcycle. One day when I get older I may decide that a Slingshot is the right thing for me, but that would only happen if I felt unsure of my ability to ride a motorcycle. They look like a fine machine. They just are not motorcycles.
Motorcycle Right now, according to Iowa law a motorcycle is a motorized vehicle with less than 4 wheels, (sometimes stated as not more than 3 wheels). A motorcycle has to be registered and the driver must have a motorcycle license to operate it. Okay, I guess that makes sense, but what about the new Polaris Slingshot?! Have you seen one? Let me tell you about some of its features and see if you think of a motorcycle. “Premium 18” Cast Aluminum front wheels, 20” Cast Aluminum rear wheel. Media console: 4.3” LCD screen, back up camera, 6 speaker audio system, Bluetooth integration, Interior LED lighting kit and a steering wheel”. That’s right, not handlebars, a steering wheel. It also has 3 point seatbelts, electronic power assisted steering; tilt steering wheel and a glove box. Oh, did I mention it’s as wide as a typical compact car? You don’t sit on it, you get into it. Don’t get me wrong, I think they look pretty cool; they are just not motorcycles in my opinion. I realize that by having only 3 wheels means that you don’t have to pass any crash tests or install airbags, but that doesn’t make it a motorcycle either.
As temperatures rise and roadways dry up we are tempted to pull our bikes out of the shed and take a ride. Great idea, just be careful. Remember that every corner is probably still full of all the sand that’s been thrown down all winter. You can still find frost or ice on the road in shady spots, and the biggest danger of all are all of the cage drivers who aren’t used to looking for us again. Many of those folks are busy with their phones or other devices and not concentrating on operating their vehicle. Several friends of mine have given up riding altogether to avoid the ‘texters’. It’s up to each of us to police our friends and families to reinforce the idea of paying attention to their driving. The life you save may be your own. Questions or Comments? peter@riderpromotions.com
So what about a CanAm Spyder? I personally know people who have one and they love it. It still leans into corners and has a handlebar. You still sit on it; to me,
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Feb 26-27 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Feb 27-28 47th O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Mar 4-6 World of Wheel Chicago Mar 4-13 Daytona Bike Week Daytona, FL Mar 6 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 6 Benefit for Lisa Dilley-Axtell Council Bluffs Mar 13 Swap Meet Metro Cedar Rapids Mar 18-20 World of Wheels TRMI Motorcycle Show Omaha Mar 19 ABATE D15 Two Wheel Trauma Genesis Heart Inst Davenport Mar 19-20 36th Annual Motorcycle Expo Sioux Falls Mar 26 Easter Egg Hunt Metro Cedar Rapids Mar 27 CMA Knights for Christ Polar Bear Ride Cedar Rapids Apr 3 Hill Blazers Hill Climb Logan Apr 2-3 29th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Apr 9-10 North Iowa Motorcycle Expo Mason City Apr 16 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Drags Conesville Apr 16 Bike Blessing Route 65 HD Indianola Apr 23 ABATE D15 Blessing of the Bikes & Run Davenport Apr 23 Bike Blessing Big Barn Des Moines Apr 23 Danville Auto 1st Annual Bike & Car Show Danville Apr 29-30 Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Apr 30 Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone May 1 10th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass May 7 Goozman’s Westside 40th Anniversary Party Harlan May 7 Pancake Breakfast Metro Cedar Rapids May 7 22nd Annual Spring Hog Roast Zylstra HD Ames May 13-14 English River Outfitters Motorcycle Jamboree Brighton May 14 F&J Racing 21st Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown May 21 7th Annual Poker Run for Pink Ponca, NE May 21 ABATE D15 Ride for Awareness Bettendorf May 21 Chrome for Kids Raffle & Ride Cedar Rapids May 26-29 Redneck Revival Conesville May 29 Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Solder Jun 4 Vintage Rally and Bike Show Anamosa Jun 4 2nd Suicide Awareness Benefit/Ride&Drive Waterloo Jun 5 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Jun 10-11 Open House Big Barn Des Moines Jun 11 8th Annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run & Cycle Show Jefferson Jun 11 Rigid River Run Dubuque Jun 11 Montgomery Street Pub Bike Night Creston Jun 11 Pets & Vets Blackjack Run Council Bluffs Jun 12 10th Annual Angels for Sam Benefit Motorcycle Ride Carlisle Jun 17-18 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Drags Conesville Jun 18 ALR Post 731 Ride Into the 90s to Barnstormers Des Moines Jun 18 Hometown Heroes Run Rockwell City Jun 18 Roar Into Harlan Poker Run Harlan Jun 18 Party in the Park Creston Jun 24-25 Conesville Two Rivers Music Festival Conesville Jun 25-26 J&P Cycles Open House Rally Jones County Fairgrounds Monticello
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Jun 30-Jul 2 Jul 1 Jul 8-9 Jul 9 Jul 9 Jul 9 Jul 16 Jul 29-31 Jul 30 Jul 30 Aug 4-6 Aug 5-6 Aug 8-14 Aug 13 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 19-21 Aug 20 Aug 20 Aug 26-28 Aug 27 Aug 31 Sep 1-3 Sep 1-4 Sep 2-4 Sep 3 Sep 10 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 16-17 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 23-25 Sep 21-24 Sep 24 Oct 2 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 22 Nov 11-12 Nov 25 Dec 10 Dec 17
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ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Buffalo Days Ride In Bike Show Buffalo CVMA Chapter 39-3 Annual Patriot Ride Elkport ABATE D15 Taco Run for Children’s Therapy Center Wiebler’s HD Davenport 9th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca 10th Annual Angel Ride to Save the TaTas Fort Dodge Montgomery Street Pub 11th Annual Poker Run/Pig Fry Creston Central Iowa Hawg Rally Norwalk Solidarity Ride (8 Seconds That Night) Metro Cedar Rapids CVMA Chapter 39-1 Annual Patriot Ride Des Moines 9th Annual Across the Border Raid Bedford Mikey Jones Memorial Dragfest Cordova, IL South Dakota Party ABATE D15 Too Broke to Go to Sturgis Rodeo Donahue CVMA Chapter 39-2 Annual Patiort Ride Cedar Rapids ABATE D15 Too Broke to Go to Sturgis Mex Memorial Fun Run Donahue 12th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Tour de Shelby County Harlan Baylee’s Bike Run for Lupus Davenport Spydermania III Atlantic/Council Bluffs Jami Jam V: Ride For Mental Health Action & Awareness Terrill New 2017 Model Party Metro Cedar Rapids 45th Davenport Fall International Meet Redneck Revival Conesville Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Madrid Labor Day Fun Run to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy 4th Annual Ride for U of IA Children’s Hospital Davenport CVMA Chapter 39-1 Freedom Rock Ride Des Moines Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Drags Conesville The Hunt of a Lifetime Buffalo ABATE D15 Leaf Run Davenport 4th Annual Dubuque Ink & Art Expo Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville, AR 10th Annual Cedar County Heroes Memorial Ride and Poker Run Tipton ABATE D15 32nd Annual Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Davenport Tall Corn Run End of Year Prize Drawing Okoboji HD Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Drags Conesville ABATE D15 Harvest Run Davenport Hog Roast Metro Cedar Rapids ABATE of Iowa STEAM Marshalltown Black Friday Metro Cedar Rapids Santa Visits Metro Cedar Rapids Holiday Open House Big Barn Des Moines
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