2 - TRMI MAY 2015
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Riding season is just getting rolling, and we must remember to be as safe as possible in our two wheeled journeys. This is the time of year that can be very hazardous with cages not being used to seeing motorcycles all over the place, wild life running, winter pot holes that have not been repaired, road debris all over the place, and agricultural equipment all over the place. Please be safe, and watch out for all of those things that like to creep up and grab us. It is entirely true that people in cages need to open their damn eyes and quit getting distracted and not seeing us, but it is up to us, the riding community to take our own safety into our control. Expect the unexpected, be ever diligent about the hazards that can put us in a box, and take an active part in coming home safe and sound. Dress for the weather, dress for protection, make sure your bikes are running well and operating safely, and keep your eyes peeled for hazards. We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2015 riding season!
Also on the same day, Cycle Dynamics in Council Bluffs is hosting their open house gathering and ride. May 21st at Big Barn HD brings the Women’s garage party, and the return of the Conesville events May 22-24th with the Redneck Revival. May 23rd is also the Kickoff Summer Bikes & BBQ Wieblers HD in Davenport as well as May 23-24th at the Midway Tavern in Soldier hosting their Annual Fun Run, BBQ, and Street Dance. If you cannot find something fun to do in the month of May, there must be something wrong. Get out on the bikes and enjoy the early season riding.
E very month we put this thing out to the readers and enjoy the connections that we make along the way. We are always trying to keep things interesting and truly making the magazine About Iowa, For Iowa and From Iowa. We could not do this without the readers, and especially without the sponsors of the magazine. When you stop in to the places you see on our pages, tell them Thunder Roads sent you, and thank them for the support of Iowa’s Biker Magazine!
E very spring the early events are always the most interesting to watch bikers getting out for the first few times of the year. Riders have new bikes, new licenses, new builds, new paint, new accessories, and a renewed spirit for rolling on two wheels. The excitement that it carries when people get out and about and want to show off their new rides is awesome. There are so many different styles, different themes, and a different design that is truly awe inspiring for the creativity that is abundant in Iowa. One thing that is cool as hell, in my mind. is that bikers tend to appreciate others hard work, vision, and designs, even if not their particular style. We are all living the Iowa biker lifestyle and all here for the love of two and three wheels and the open road. We cannot wait to get out to events to see old friends, meet new ones, and see all the new rides on the roads for the season.
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tarting off some of the big shin digs for the month of May is the Zylstra HD Hog Roast on May 2nd. This is an awesome gathering with good people and good food. You cannot beat some good ol’ pig and good times in Central Iowa. Steffens Cycle Shop in Atlantic is hosting their open house May 7-9th. It is their way of saying thanks to their many customers new and old. This is also the retail location for the TRMI swag, so stop in, grab a shirt and check out their unique shop and accessories. Also that weekend is F&J Racing’s 20th Annual Blessing of the Bikes. Jackie has been doing this for the last two decades and is ramping up to make it the best ever. It is always a great time and done for charity. Help Jackie celebrate her 20th year and get that bike blessed in the process. May 9th in other parts of the state also bring a Mother’s Day event at Dubuque HD, a pancake breakfast at Metro HD in Cedar Rapids, Wieblers HD Demo Day in Davenport, and Fenders Cycle big open house in Des Moines. Busy weekend for sure, I wonder if we can hit all of the events in one day? That would be one hell of a ride!
P ushing into the middle of the month, on the 16th, you can stop in Marne at Baxter Cycle for their spring open house. 4 - TRMI MAY 2015
C onsidering we could not do this alone, Melanie and I would like to also thank our wonderful TRMI crew that makes this thing happen each and every month. We have been blessed with a great crew, our little own TRMI Family, that you will see out and about at events all year round. These folks on the staff page are simply amazing. If you see one of them out and about, don’t forget to say hey and shake their hands, I know they would love to meet all of you!
T his month of May also brings Memorial Day. This holiday is for remembering those brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We take our hats off to the fallen soldiers, their families, and friends for the sacrifice for our way of life. We cannot thank you enough for what you have done so that we can continue to do what we do. Ride Safe! Vernon and Melanie Quote of the Month: A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. Joseph Campbell
On the Cover
The NEW owners of the Quad Cities ONLY bike rally are working hard to bring you a whole new experience. Rally on the River, now brought to you by TownSquare Media, will be held Father’s Day weekend along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River. To sweeten up the look of the NEW bikes, we have some hometown hotties gracing this month’s cover: Rachel from Davenport, Tia & Heidi from Wilton & Thunder Roads very own Eryka aka Pinky. Special thanks to Wieblers HD for lending us some of thier spectacular inventory and to Jerry Petersen Photography for his mad camera skills!
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TR RM MII M AY A Y 22015 015 - 5 01 015 TRMI MAY
Vernon asked Karla and me to write an article separate from our regular CMA Notes to tell the readers about ourselves and what we do. It made me think about what would be pertinent or interesting to others and I came to the realization that in the end, we really don’t know. Everyone has past experiences, things that shape each one’s life and different things we relate to. Personally, I ran with and hung out at the same places as a lot of the biking community in the Burlington area during the 70’s. Through a series of events and the Holy Spirit, I came to know Jesus in 1980 and met my future wife shortly thereafter. We then started our family and went through what we call our “Ward and June Cleaver era” - very active in church and in homeschooling, trying to look right and do the right things but not quite comfortable in our own skins. It was ok that we wanted to show that we were different people than we had been, but we didn’t realize that God was more concerned with our character than with our clothing; more interested in our attitudes than our attire.
people, dedicated babies in bars, blessed bikes and baptized individuals in ponds and backyards. We’ll do whatever it takes to bring a bit of Jesus to people’s lives, to those that may not step through a church door and to those that have been in church but have been burnt or hurt. Karla and I actually wrote for the previous Thunder Roads editor/owner and were pleased when we found out that Vernon took the helm and were glad to have the opportunity to continue to write. One of the first times I remember meeting and talking with Vernon was at an early Hawg Stock V Rally in Winterset. What a neat place R and a good memories. Those of you that were there will no doubt remember w the th infamous hill, the entrance and exit e that turned into an ugly adventure after even minimal rain. We seemed a to always have more than our share of rain and a few times were mired in for r the th duration in spite of the promoter’s valiant efforts with pumps and straw. v
We have always enjoyed meeting and hanging out with all the TRMI readership family and have had many We have great kids and grandkids and have been chances to share in the diverse brotherhood of bikers. blessed beyond our imagination. But in the late 90’s From the Confederation of Clubs to nursing home rides, I felt drawn back to the biking community and the from HOG to GWRRA, we all need what the Lord has for people involved in it. We now realize that today is us. Our desire is to be faithful in the things God gives us always preparation for tomorrow, and that God uses all to share with others. the things we go through to help us relate to someone else down the road. Through it all we found out Mark and Karla about the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), became members in 2001, and then Area Reps in 2003. It was a great fit for us in that we have a heart for and can relate to the biking community. The revelation that we all don’t have to be a Billy Graham or a Mother Teresa but just ourselves, with the personality the Lord has given us turned towards Him, was amazing for me. God has let us do the ministry in an area we love while riding our bikes and attending all the events. CMA is evangelistic in nature but also has very relational servant-type opportunities as opposed to in-yourface preaching, which has never sat right with me, or apparently with many others. Every rally or event is different; they all have their own unique personalities and needs. Sturgis is different than Conesville and Algona is different than Laconia, and CMA tries to meet those needs accordingly. Some events may need a First Aid presence or a church service; others need help with gate duty or cleanup. We have married
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CMA Notes
A couple of months ago, I wandered through the living room where Mark was flipping through TV channels and had paused on a talk show. The featured guest looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place him. Just then the guest turned his head and I realized it was Charlie Hunnam, who had played Jax Teller on the FX series Sons of Anarchy. In the show Jax is portrayed as a driven, decisive, dangerous young man. He is constantly on edge, having to make kill-or-be-killed decisions because of the life he leads. His voice is low and measured and he rarely smiles. Between the 3-day beard, the long hair, and the gun-concealing clothing, he manages to make the little old ladies of “polite society” a little nervous. Jax Teller is not someone most parents would be thrilled to have dating their daughter. Well, you know how some girls can’t seem to resist a bad boy. During the interview Charlie was telling how after the show became popular he was driving through town and a couple of girls in a convertible pulled up alongside him and kept yelling, “Jax! We love you, Jax!” I’m sure that type of scenario has been repeated since then more times than he can count.
nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. No excuse. So what are you really looking for? Are you looking for an excuse? Because apparently, there isn’t one. Are you looking for God? He is within our reach. Hebrews 11:6 tells us where to begin the relationship: Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. John 14:23 tells us how to build a healthy home life with God the Father: Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” If you have no idea where to go next in your relationship with God, a simple step in the right direction would be to go to www.ourdailybread.org where you can find free Bible studies that are no more than 5-10 minutes each. But another very important step is to get involved with a Bible-believing church. In order to grow, we need a place to give as well as get, and God has provided the church to help meet that need. You don’t have to go another day in deliberate ignorance that gets you nowhere. Believe that God is and begin your journey toward Him. Blessings to you – Karla Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org
But here’s the thing: I kept watching the interview, looking for Jax, but Jax didn’t show up. This Charlie Hunnam guy was relaxed. No clenched jaw like Jax. He was actually smiling and laughing. His face was clean shaven and his clothes wouldn’t have stood out at the mall. Not only that, but his voice didn’t sound like Jax at all. Not only was Charlie’s natural accent Australian, but the timbre of his voice was a little higher and the cadence of his speech was quicker than that of Jax. The guy in the interview was pretty much just an average Joe – which goes to prove that he must be a fairly decent actor, since his real self is not much like Jax Teller. Can you imagine what it would be like if some gal married Charlie Hunnam, convinced that she was marrying Jax Teller? Talk about a relationship based on a serious lack of reality! Charlie would never be appreciated for who he really is. Without a reality injection the marriage would be doomed. Unfortunately, that’s how many of us approach our relationship with God. We get a certain view of God in our minds – whether through our home life, TV, school, church, or society in general – and rather than find out who God really is and how our beliefs need to be adjusted to that reality, we choose to believe what makes us feel good. Or feel smart. Or feel justified in what we’re doing. We shake our heads in disbelief that anyone could be so deliberately ignorant as to believe that Charlie Hunnam is Jax Teller, but we’re no better. Here’s what Romans 1:20 says: For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine 8 - TRMI MAY 2015
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa. com
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!!
Nunnikhoven Art Stone 405 Wapello Street Mediapolis, Iowa 52637 319-394-3553 Ninnikhovenartstone.net
Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Dealers
Leer’s Cycle Center 101 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 1-800-870-6058 www.leerscyclecenter.com
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.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
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Entertainment
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic 4426 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563)359-7222 www.BRENNYS.com
Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Custom Tethers LLC Indianola, IA. 50125 (515) 962-2072 jsb@customtethers.com www.customtethers.com
Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com
J&P Cycles 13225 Circle Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 www.jpcycles.com 800-318-4823
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
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Olsen’s Outdoor Power 2800 E 7th Street Atlantic Iowa 50022 712-243-4867 www.olsensoutdoorpower.com R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion or EventCelebrationsdjiowa.com Facebook/Ray Johansen
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Knoxville Raceway 1000 N Lincoln Street Knoxville, Iowa 50138 www.knoxvilleraceway.com 641-842-5431
Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Crescent Roadhouse Bar and Grill 634 Old Lincon Highway Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-227-0101 www.CrescentRoadhousebar.com
Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-802
Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11
Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Wednesday Bike Nights!
Dam Riverview Sports Bar The Rivers Closest Watering Hole Guttenburg, IA 563-252-4400 Unbeatable Views, Drinks, & Food!! Enjoy our Deck over The River!!
Food and Drink
Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week
Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com
Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
4 Way Good Eats Where Friends Meet Wed - Sun 7 a.m. to close Luxemburg, IA. 563-853-3451 Full menu of All Homemade Goodness!
4th Avenue Grill 115 N 4th Ave. Logan, IA 51546 712-644-3200 Find us on Facebook Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook
Breezy Hills Winery 31735 Tamarack Rd. Minden, IA 51553 712-485-2083 www.breezyhills.com Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Buck Snort 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-482-6881
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Cede’s Bark Bistro 519 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-8072 2 Wheel Thursday $2 Beers
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Chopper’s 601 Rhomberg Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-9666 Open Noon-Close 365/Year
Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Coon’s Corner 302 Front Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-2068 Coon’s Corner on Facebook
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783
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Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220
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Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close Best Scenic Road With the Best Food! 563-552-2291 Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro›s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
Timerz Pub & Eatery 324 E 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51546 Timerz Pub & Eatery on FB Food & Fun Available 7 Days/Week
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810
Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook
Goozman›s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman›s Westside on Facebook
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
TC’s Pub 921 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 641-752-0551 TC’s Pub on Facebook
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. 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 J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Kelly’s Irish Pub & Eatery 563-344-0000 2222 E 53rd Street #10 Davenport, Iowa 52807 Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub
Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA”
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Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lewis Place 506 W Main Street Lewis, Iowa 51544 712-769-2290 Come Relax in the Beer Garden The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook The Onion Grove Bar & Grill 502 Lombard St, Clarence (563)452-3030 Check out our fun on Facebook!!
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
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The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook
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 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 Woobies 134 W. Main St. New London, IA 52645 319-367-2211 Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 612 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 www.LockedandLoadedOutfitters.com Pistol Pete’s Guns and Ammo Eldora, Iowa 641-858-6878 pistolpetesgunsandammo@gmail.com DISCOUNTS for ABATE Members Eric Ross & Steve Eggleston
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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 SR Gunsmithing AGI Certified Gunsmith Scott Rule Council Bluffs, IA 402-850-5787 scottrule@q.com
I n s u r a nc e Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net AMK Insurance Agency Motorcycle, Home, AUTO, Commercial, Life, Health Shane Baker 712-310-7475 Srbaker@walnutel.net
Legal
Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763
HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush
Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com
Peebles Plumbing & Heating Luxaire & Mitsu 613 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2417
Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com
S&S Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com
River Street Auto - 118 River St. Iowa Falls - 641.648.5004 Motorcycle Tires & Auto Repairs We Fix Everything Except a Broken Heart
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
IowaBikerLawyer.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 977-209-9452
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
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
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com Decker Trucking 877-2-Decker Drivedecker.com
Onion Grove
Cutthroat Cycles 1351 W. Locust Davenport 563-265-4687 Roadside Repair – CALL ME F#$K Yeah ‘Merica Cycle Dynamics 511 23rd Ave Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-8866 Specializing in American V-Twins Dead Heads Engineering, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
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Stop That! Brake Fluid Many riders spent all sorts of time, money, and effort to try to make their rides go faster than the guy next door. Countless dollars are spent on the engines and drive trains to be able to “hook up� and be the fastest around. Many times though the brakes are often overlooked in this process of going fast. If you are going to increase speed, you sure need to increase your braking ability. Even without making a go fast ride, brakes are a common maintenance item that tends to fall low on the priority list. Until there is a problem, we go, we stop, and don’t give it any second thoughts. Braking problems are those that can get us injured or killed, so the braking systems require some inspection and maintenance.
the rotor or drum to cause friction and stopping power for your bike. The greater the pressure, the more friction, and theoretically the more stopping power. Over braking via too much brake pressure for the conditions can cause skids, but that is a topic for another day. Brake fluids main job in this system is to relay that pressure consistently and evenly. It does so due to not being a compressible fluid. The brake fluid when new, works on the principle that it cannot be compressed, but due to chemistry of most types of brake fluid being glycol based, it tends to attract water. This can create huge problems in a braking system. The Department of Transportation has ratings for different types of brake fluids. DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, and DOT5.1 have varying qualities that are at use in different vehicles. The ratings on these have to do with the boiling point ranges of each individual fluid. DOT3 for example has a dry boiling point of 401 degrees F and wet of 284 degrees F . The difference in the rating refers to the amount of water content. Dry means no absorbed water, wet means 3-4% water content. Where water comes into play in this equation is that brake fluid by nature has an
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of your braking system is the brake fluid. Many people will keep an eye on tire pressures, change oils and fluids, and perform routine maintenance on the systems that make them go down the road, but never even look at the brake fluid. This is of utmost performance for safety and overall ride. Knowing the basics of how the braking systems work is a good starting point. The brake pedal or lever is pushed or pulled, and that pressure is transmitted from the master cylinder through the brake lines to the caliper or drum. The pressure is transmitted from the caliper or drum to the pads or shoes, which in turn compress against
affinity for water, it attracts it. Water has a boiling point of 212 degrees F, so that lowers the overall boiling point of wet brake fluid. Your brakes can heat up immensely as they can generate over 1,000 degrees F of heat, with almost half of that amount transferring to the caliper. The brake fluid then heats up and if it gets hot enough, it can and will boil in the caliper. This boiling fluid then produces gas bubbles as any boiling liquid does, and these gasses are NOT compressible. 16 - TRMI MAY 2015
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The color of the fluid varies by the type, and brand. Knowing what your fluid looks like fresh is of utmost importance, and then if you notice any changes in discoloration, it is time to go out with the old and in with new. Generally when it starts to darken, or takes on an amber or brownish hue, it has been absorbing water or started to show signs of overheating. Any debris or sediment in the master cylinder is a bad sign and something that needs serviced right away.
This can lead to soft brake action, longer brake lever travel for slowing or stopping, or even the need to pump the brakes to get the desired braking effect. End result, after time and/or after excessive use of the brakes, they will absorb water, and will become less effective at performing duties as a non-compressible fluid to stop your motorcycle.
In reference to the type of brake fluid, utilize the correct type for your motorcycle. From 1984 to 2005 for example, Harley-Davidson used DOT5, Since 2006 on most models, they have used DOT4. Make sure to use the recommended fluid for your type of system. Braking components such as the seals and lines are manufactured for recommended fluids and adding improper types of fluids can be problematic. Many shops when performing brake maintenance will often just check for fluid levels and bleed the brakes, so if you have old or water soaked fluid, it will still be there. How often the fluid needs changed should be listed in your service manual, or chat with your technician about when to do it. It is relatively cheap insurance for a preventative maintenance item, and if you can go, you sure should be able to stop. Vernon
The more moisture in the environment, or the harder braking utilized for riding speeds up the process. Brake fluid needs to be changed on occasion, and not just checked for proper fluid level. As the fluid takes on more water, it will start to break down, but there is a considerable loss of function before it takes on enough water to visibly look different. For sure if the fluid is cloudy or discolored, the entire system needs purged and the fluid replaced with new. Also, if you do run your fluid to the point of a boil in the system, it will not recover; you must change out the fluid and bleed the brakes. 18 - TRMI MAY 2015
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WORDS TO CONSIDER How often have we all heard the words, “If you gotta’ trailer it, you ain’t a real biker”? Or even heard the words out of your own mouth (me included), as you’re traveling down the highway and spot someone’s truck and trailer all loaded up, obviously on their way to Sturgis, “What a pussy, must be one of those “weekend riders”. Well, I’m here to tell you; those words are probably the farthest thing from the truth that I have ever uttered. During this journey that I call life, I have experienced what it takes to bring a “true” biker to the point of trailering, or loading up in the truck, or going from 2 to 3 wheels. In our earlier years, when we were more able bodied, we thought nothing of jumping on the bike and taking off for hours, or even a couple of days, with not much more than what I could throw together in the 10 minutes notice that Murph would give me. Through the years we thought nothing of riding for a few hours, stopping here and there, and then riding in the wee hours of the morning, watching the sun come up as we made our way home. The years went by and we became a little more aware of our mortality with the arrival of grandchildren!
hauling the bike in a trailer was difficult to acknowledge, even to himself. So we keep moving on, and adjusting as we become more active with the magazine. Covering events, rallys, bike shows, he starts to adjust to the restraints of his body. July 31, 2013 I receive a phone call from my sister-in-law, there’s been an accident. A motorcycle and car have collided on a 2-lane highway, life flight was called and my brother-in-law picks me up from my night job to drive me to the hospital. I have no clue exactly what has happened, only that it is bad. Upon arrival, I am informed that he must go to surgery right away, he has already lost a LOT of blood, he has a brain bleed, and they are going to need to amputate his left leg. Forty-five days later, twelve of them spent in ICU, we were finally headed back home; but not to our own home, we were going to stay with his family until we got the home place ready.
Before, it was just a matter of accommodating his limitations with riding, and physical activity in general. Now, we had to figure out how he was going to maneuver around the old trailer that was our home. He was in a wheelchair, had a woundvac on his stump, cuz’ he had a staph infection, and we were still taking him to the hospital every day, (for 3 months), for an antibiotic DRIP. Yes, my friends, Time goes by, and once again, we are 45 min. to deliver this antibiotic that was reminded of what is important in our fighting his infection, 6 days a week. lives when the old man falls at work. Plus, the wound vac’s dressing had to be Farming has always been a dangerous changed 3 times a week. Remember me occupation. Who knew that one of the saying we had to work out how he was most agile men I know was going to going to maneuver the old home? In the take a fall stepping out of a grain bin? meantime, my brother-in-law, and our Who knew that that fall was going family friend Scott, who builds homes to basically cripple him? Who knew for a living, had determined that redoing that there would be no procedure that the interior of our home was going to would fix what was wrong, because of cost just about the same as purchasing a the location, and what was injured. No manufactured home. Moving wasn’t an quick easy fix with surgery, therapy, option, as we own the acreage that our pain meds, or anything else. This was home is on, and we had no intention of an injury that caused permanent, letting go of our little piece of heaven. inoperable damage to his spine! When With the help of Murph’s brother, you are limited in how long you can Badger, yes it’s a nickname; everyone in stand, or sit, or lay, in any one position for any length of time, his family has a nickname. Murph’s si, The Rock! Anyway, you kinda know that riding a bike isn’t going to be easy. Badger helped us get everything set up, and we proceeded to move the old home off the acreage into Badger’s adjoining Knowing and acknowledging can be two very different pasture ground, and move the new home in. I won’t bore you things, especially when you are referring to an old school, with all the details, but suffice it to say, getting around that farmer/country boy/biker! He finally acknowledges to winter was not an easy thing for the old man; wheelchairs himself, (and me of course), that he would be able to enjoy don’t roll real well on snow covered gravel driveways! that poker run, or that ride out of Bedford across the border, or just that good ol’ Sunday Ride, a lot more if he arrived in We’re gonna fast forward to the fall of 2014, Murph is having good shape. The better to enjoy the time out and about and problems with the prosthetic, he can’t put weight on his left the better to make it home in one piece! Pain can be mighty knee hardly at all, and wearing the prosthetic is painful to the distracting, not a good thing when on a motorcycle! It took stump. It seems that there is a bone protrusion on the stump more than a few times of going off for the day, or weekend, that might be giving him problems. His knees are old, and and being in so much pain by the time that we got home, abused, and aren’t holding up well. The leg isn’t comfortable, for him to come to the conclusion that we needed to do and it hurts his back to walk for too long. Winter again, and something different. So we got a truck, and when he realized it is still hard to maneuver in the snow, mud, muck, and the that loading the bike into the truck on his own, or even with wheelchair does not go any better on the gravel driveway this my help, wasn’t going to work, we got a trailer. Now, the year than it did last year! trailer had dual purpose. We could camp in it, and haul the bike(s) in it. Regardless of how much more he enjoyed riding A couple of months ago, we finally went back to the due to hauling to events, he still felt the sting of the stigma. prosthetist, (the fake leg doctor), and learn that he needs a For someone who has lost the ability to use some of the new socket, (the cup that holds his stump) and we proceed very attributes that he felt defined him as a man, and a biker, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 22 - TRMI MAY 2015
with the appointments to get this accomplished, which means 3 trips to Des Moines for us. When he is fitted, and stands up to walk, I see the smile on his face as he takes steps back and forth on the platform that is set up with bars on either side. He doesn’t even touch the bars for balance; he just walks along with this big grin on his face! So we are back to him being new at the prosthetic again, and there are many little, and not so little, issues that continue to pop up, and present themselves at the most inopportune times! Like the time we were out and about in a business that was not at all wheelchair accessible. The bathroom was way too small and he needed my help getting his bibs pulled up in the back, cuz’ he had the strap hung up somewhere. As he always had me wait outside the bathroom door, for just this reason, he hollers out for me to come and help him. As I squeeze through the doorway and past his chair I can barely shut the door. I finally figure out what needs to be done, and reach over and grab the strap that’s stuck. As I do, I also yank on his bibs, apparently hard enough to through him off balance, and he starts to fall. All I can think is he’s going out the door with his bibs around his ankles, and he reaches out and catches the handle of the wheelchair. Before I can blink, he loses balance again, and lands head first into the seat of his chair! I’m laughing so hard I can hardly breathe, and I keep eyeing the door and him. I was waiting for him to yell at me for the indignity, but it didn’t take me long to realize that he was laughing too! It was funny, but it was reality too. Not too many places out there that are wheelchair friendly! Think about this the next time you go into your favorite place to hang out! How accessible is the entryway, the bathrooms, or even just the ability to make your way through the establishment, if you were in a wheelchair.
hair, and the roar of that motor between our legs! What’s that, you say? Oh, can he ride? Yep, he can ride 2 wheels even! Using a heel/toe shifter, and relocating the highway pegs, he shouldn’t have any trouble riding that 2000 HD Road King! Add me on the back, and well, that is going to take a little bit of practice. In comparison, the trike that we tried out for a few months about this same time last year was more difficult for him to get on, but we didn’t have to worry about balance! I’m just going to have to remember that we aren’t on the old shovelhead, and I can’t whip my head from side to side checking out the scenery, or looking right while he looks left at the intersections. It’ll be a little bit of adjustment time, but I assure you, you’ll be seeing us both out and about before long. I have learned much about myself in this journey also. The most important being, I am stronger even than I thought I could be and with the help of family and friends, who we consider extended family, (cuz’ ‘we don’t know no strangers!) we can get through just about anything. So, the next time you spot that truck loaded down with the bike, the gear, and everything/everybody else, remember; one of these days, that might be you! No matter the limitations, once a biker, always a biker. If you want to ride, you will find a way to do it, and still enjoy it. When it no longer becomes enjoyable, then we’ll hang up the chaps. Until then, whatever it takes to enjoy some time in the wind, we’ll do. Cuz’ we ain’t ready to hang those chaps up yet, although we might have to get some bigger sizes!! Till the next time we meet, be safe and stay upright. Annette and Murph
Here we are, ready to rejoin the world, maybe a bit slowly, but nevertheless ready to hit the road, feel the wind in our
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 40 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.
construction company in Lester, and tinker with old Honda’s, Ageson Construction seemed like a good place to stop for a minute and chat. What we encountered inside was far too interesting for just a brief stop.
Upon pulling up out front we were greeted by the first half of the father-son business. Jerad Lyon County Iowa walked up and introduced Lyon County, himself and graciously invited Iowa is the most us inside, where we met Paul northwesterly county Ageson, Jerad’s father…and the in the state. Founded other half of what is an incredible on January 15, 1851, team. The Ageson’s not only work Lyon County covers construction, they do dirt-work, 588 square miles and have a tree farm, an orchard has 8 towns varying producing apples, pears, and in size and points of plums, and are bee keepers. In their spare time they interest. The land are quite the activists for preserving local history… Jerad having recently saved the old jail from demolition, taking it down brick by brick, and repurposing it by building his family a picnic shelter on their land. Did I happen to mention that this father-son team also hosts a benefit car and bike show each year out of the shop… food and fun provided, with all proceeds going to their local Legion Post? With the number of projects these guys have going, we felt honored to have them sacrifice several hours to give us a tour and shoot the shit.
The Ageson’s do far more than “tinker” with these bikes. They completely restore old Hondas to their original state….and then some with their “other business”… Bearded Goat Cycles. Their restorations are meticulous, involving about 500 hours to fully restore each bike. According to Paul and Jerad, these beautiful restorations couldn’t transpire without the help of Adam Gerritsen. Adam is Jerad’s right hand man… responsible for running the blasting cabinet encompassing Lyon County was originally ceded and spending a to the Federal Government by the Sioux Indians lot of time on the and the first settlement was established in 1866. buffing wheels The county seat lies in the municipality of Rock “making the old Rapids, and has a total population of over 11,000. n ugly look new”. The county’s namesake is Nathaniel Lyon. He was The Ageson’s the first Union General to be killed in the civil started off just war, and a revered soldier, credited with preventing the restoring bikes for themselves, but soon branched out state of Missouri from joining the Confederacy. and offered their genius to other enthusiasts. With the amount of parts and bikes these guys have, it would be Deciding that this trip was ours to make, there is a shame to keep it to themselves. When asked how they absolutely no rhyme, nor reason to the path chosen are able to acquire parts for the obscure restorations, to check out Lyon County. The first stop made was the answer was simple. “We were pickin’ before pickin’ in the town of Lester. Covering only a little under 2 was cool”…did I mention these guys are funny as hell? square miles and with a population under 300 people, Whether you’re a fan of old Honda’s or not, I recommend you would assume not much goes on in Lester…that visiting these guys if you’re ever in Lester, or shoot them assumption couldn’t possibly be further from the an email at beardedgoatcycles@gmail.com. While we truth. Given a tip about a couple of guys that own a were having a hell of a time in our current placement, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 26 - TRMI MAY 2015
we figured we better hit the road and see what else Lyon County had to offer, and let the two busiest men in Iowa get back to work.
to perfection, and included choice of potato, salad AND vegetable soup, bread, and a relish tray. The food was good, and there was a LOT of it. Plan on stopping by here if you are in the area (there is also a huge bar attached to the restaurant if you’re just looking for a drink).
We headed east out of Lester down Highway 9 for a stop in Rock Rapids. Rock Rapids hosts an annual 2 day celebration called Heritage Days the third week of June. Proud of its From Doon we headed to Larchwood. heritage, the community displays Small in size, but big in the world an incredible collection of murals of sports, Larchwood is the home of throughout the town. The Rock Rapids professional athletes like MLB player Mural Society completed its first mural Jeff Grotewold and Kyle Bosch of the in 2002 and hasn’t stopped since. Detroit Lions. If you’re looking to wet They are truly a beautiful part of Rock your whistle, Larchwood can help. Its Rapids’ scenery. Rock Rapids is also main street houses 3 establishments home to the Melan Bridge…the first concrete supported just for those of you looking for a cold one. bridge in the United States. Our willy nilly tour of Lyon County then had us headed By this time we were in need of food and beverage, so for Inwood. On our way, I just had to stop at the Gitchie we headed to George. The main street is lined with Manitou State Preserve. The state preserve is a small some small shops, and what appears from the outside (91 acre) area to be a tiny bar…The Last Call Saloon. The waitress known for its welcomed us inside and informed us that it was “twoancient Native fer” day, so we sat down to have a quick drink (they offer American daily food specials as well). While we looked around burial and discovered that the establishment was indeed mounds and quite a bit larger than it had first appeared, she passed Precambrian around the latest issue of TRMI and told the locals what Sioux we were up to. A particularly friendly customer, Derek Quartzite stopped to chat a while. Derek let us know that The Last outcroppings Call Saloon was a favorite stop for bikers, and a frequent believed to stop on area poker runs. He also let us know that a be 1.6 billion years old. While a nice sunny day would have made the mile plus walk more enjoyable, it was very cool to see, and the view of the river was stellar. Also on the way to Inwood is Lake Pahoja. The 282 acre multi-use recreation area offers activities for all seasons. With a great lake for fishing, camping available or cabins to rent, boating, and swimming…it’s a great place for the whole family.
neighboring town, Doon, had an awesome steak house if we needed somewhere to eat. By this time, supper sounded like a damn good idea, so off to Doon we went. We arrived at the Doon Ste St e House just before Steak th he evening rush. We were the s seated quickly and the waitresses were all friendly and attentive. I chose the prime rib dinner, and Vernon o opted for the ribeye. Bo B o steaks were cooked Both Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Once reaching Inwood, we visited the Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery. Perched atop a large bluff, the winery offers gorgeous views near the Big Sioux River and delicious wines. Established in 2010 by Will and Ashlee, a husband and wife duo, Calico Skies has a 5 acre vineyard with onsite production and bottling, and hosts monthly events including live music and more. The Winery also has a facility that seats up to 300 available for private events. If you are ever in the Inwood area stop by, or check out all Calico Skies has to offer at www.calicoskieswine.com. Lyon County was full of things to see and do. You definitely need to plan a road trip, and experience all that Lyon County has to offer for yourself. Next month we will be heading for South-Central Iowa and a tour of Madison County. While I’m sure a visit to the covered bridges will be in order, I guarantee there is a lot more going on in Madison County than meets the eye…Until next time! Sources available upon request Melanie Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
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At this point in our journey, j the th Wright Brothers are making quite a name for themselves buzzing around the skies, and Model T’s are rolling off Henry Ford’s assembly lines. But what is happening in the world of two wheels? The early 1900’s continued to bring changes to the motorcycle world. Once manufacturers had tackled the basic change over from bicycle to motorcycle, the need to start improving took over. There was an aspect of the pre-war production era that was not included in last month’s installment, that simply cannot be excluded from the evolution of these beloved machines…racing. The new sport of motorcycle racing began drawing large crowds bent on celebrating our piston powered future. And with racing came an increased need for comfort, safety, and of course speed.
were circuits of 1.25 miles constructed out of 2 x 2 and They 4 x 4 llumber. b Th featured f t d severely l turned t d banks b k which allowed riders to reach speeds previously unseen in the motorcycle world. Crashes were frequent and horrific. Riders who went down faced being impaled by the wooden track, and they were often fatal. Despite the dangers of racing, people flocked to watch, and riders wanted to go faster. This need for speed resulted in demands for more powerful, versatile, and comfortable machines…and there just happened to be some American companies ready to satisfy that need. While Indian and Harley Davidson continued to keep up with the times and improve their production models, there were two other companies whose focus was simple…SPEED. I’m pretty sure these guys followed the motto “if ya ain’t first, you’re last”…or maybe that was Ricky Bobby…but who the hell cares?? These people helped ensure that today you can pass everyone in the hammer lane, give ’em the old one finger salute for slowing you down, and wear a smile while doing it.
The Waltham Manufacturing Company was actually founded in 1893, but it wasn’t until 1903 that they would commence production of the famous “Orient While numerous small companies throughout Europe Racing Bicycles”. These bikes were first introduced were involved in the racing industry, many operated to the world at the Charles River Race Track in only a short time before ceasing production. One Boston, at what would come to be known as the first highly notable advancement that came from across recorded motorcycle speed event in the United the pond occurred in 1908, the development of States. The Orient set a tack time of 7 minutes over a telescopic pneumatic suspension systems. The new 5 mile course. Not bad for a first run, but exhibiting suspension designs made their way from England the primal need to go faster, to push the limits if you to the US, and the result was well received. After all, will…they went on to develop an improved 4 HP, 1,000 who doesn’t appreciate a cc V-Twin that powered ride that doesn’t end with the Marsh-Metz before your body aching and the the company’s motorcycle famed “iron butt”? division went belly-up in 1908. Meanwhile, in the states, motorcycle The other, more familiar, racing popularity US name in motorcycle was increasing by the racing was Excelsior Motor minute. Early racing was Company. Though the actually held on horse company operated overseas racing ovals or bicycle as well, the US division velodromes, but by 1909 began operations in 1905. construction of wooden A Chicago based division; tracks specifically Excelsior’s first motorcycle designed for motorcycles was a 21 cubic inch, 344 began to appear. They cc 4stroke, single speed called their tracks machine with a leather belt motordromes, and they drive. It had a top speed 30 - TRMI MAY 2015
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of 35-40 mph. This first attempt would not suffice. Humor me, if you will, but at this point in my writing I am forced to take a small break and giggle at the scenario unfolding in my head…Four chimps in all their ginger glory, standing around this bike. The first is smiling at his brilliant creation, awaiting praise from the others on a job well done. Chimps 2 and 3 pat him on the back and commence telling stories of the awesomeness that has just unfolded in front of them. But chimp 4 stands a bit apart…scratching his head (or whatever chimps scratch) and pondering. (Number 4 you see…he is the crazy one, the envelope pusher, the friend that always sees another option…that usually gets you all in trouble). The other 3 stop and stare at Number 4, and Number 1 of course has to ask what the problem is… Number 4 looks up, one eye making contact and the other trailing up and off to the left (as usual). He smiles as he raises his arms, lets out a loud abrupt conglomeration of excited grunts…and begins flexing his throttle hand. Squealing and grunting commences, and they all begin exercising those throttle hands. And so it begins….back to the drawing board. And so it was for Excelsior… there had to be a better way, a faster way. By 1910 they had introduced an engine configuration they would become famous for, and continue to produce until 1929….the notable “X Series”. This engine was the V-Twin measuring 61 cubic inches (1,000 cc) and would become the first ever to hit the century mark. The “Model Big X” was the mainstay of Excelsior production, sporting an inlet-overexhaust V-Twin, it was firstly belt driven, and later had 2 speed and 3 speed gearboxes. Production was limited in comparison to Indian and Harley, and many of these models were exported to Europe and Australia. This era brought about the evolution of spring frames, magneto ignitions, kick starts, spring mounted seats, improved tires, and heavier/sturdier frames to accommodate the larger engines. The motorcycle had become its own entity, no longer a bicycle with an engine, but a separate machine with its own technology. In late 1913 and early 1914, at what was then its heyday, motorcycle production suddenly began to slow to a crawl… production turned its focus almost entirely to producing motorcycles for the military. By the outbreak of WWI in 1914, the motorcycle had rapidly progressed into a dependable, speedy, and relatively inexpensive means of transportation. Next time we’ll take a look at where the First World War propelled the motorcycle. Melanie Schwarte melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago the Iowa bikers were begging for warmer weather. Spring throttled its way into this great state and the next thing you know its May.
How about some big billboards along the roadways reminding motorists to LOOK for motorcycles? It’s only 4 letters so it shouldn’t cost too much. There seems to be an unlimited budget when you
Along with May comes one of the states best kept secrets. I call it a secret because I have searched the World Wide Web looking for information on the topic. The entire topic is summarized in one sentence. “The governor of Iowa signs a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.” Yep that’s it, a piece of paper gets signed by some politician and that is supposed to keep Iowa Bikers safe, must be magic ink. So I sat down and wrote this guy a letter. Hey Mister Politician I understand you are responsible for proclaiming May to be Motorcycle Awareness month in Iowa. Motorcycle enthusiasts across the state would like to thank you for your interest in this matter. But it is going to take a lot more than some magic ink on a piece of paper to keep the Motorcycling Community safe. I have a few suggestions.
want me to vote for you, so I don’t think I’m asking for a lot. Maybe all those folks that started drawing unemployment after the election could come back to work and make some harassing phone calls to motorists about Motorcycle Awareness month. Can you mail all Iowa bikers one of those bright orange prison transport jumpsuits? Then get your magic ink pen out and make it mandatory that bikers wear these outfits all month long. Maybe then motorists would be able to see motorcycles. Implementing a dress code for bikers should be easy, since the government enjoys making decisions about our rights and choices. One last thing, I don’t think closing those mental health facilities in Iowa is a good idea. Being an avid motorcycle rider in Iowa, I have dealt with some pretty bad drivers through the years. Signing a proclamation declaring May to be Motorcycle Awareness month is a good start but something more needs to be done to educate motorists and to keep bikers safe. I’m pretty sure the next time a motorist pulls out in front of me or puts me at risk, I’m going to lose my mind. If you close those mental health facilities where in the hell am I going to spend my retirement years?
Let’s kick off May 1st with a statewide parade of motorcycles. Everyone always stops and gawks when a large group of motorcycles are put on display. This would be a great way to educate people about Motorcycle Awareness month. Maybe then motorists would realize that they are sharing with road with fathers, mothers, sister, brothers, sons, daughters and grand parents from all walks of In case you haven’t seen the proclamation, May is life. I’m pretty sure a lot of bikers would show up if Motorcycle Awareness month, beware of motorists you invite those Westboro Baptist Church Protestors. who didn’t get the memo. Ride Safe What do you think of doubling the fines for the month for any motorist that puts the safety of a motorcyclist at risk? If you can double the fines in construction zones, I don’t know why that couldn’t apply to drivers that don’t see a motorcycle. Then find a way to kick some of that revenue back to the biker involved in the incident. With riding season in full swing, I’m pretty sure bikers would spend that money on the new 10 cent road tax that your magic ink pen enforced.
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Shifty LaRue
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The 29th Annual North Iowa Motorcycle Expo took place on April 11th and 12th this year in Mason City, Iowa; and it sure was a busy place. Many vendors from years past were in attendance, as well as many new businesses. Besides having retail and food vendors, there was a flea market, tattoo and beard contests, and of course bike show. This being the last show of the season offers a rather unique opportunity for bikers. The ability to actually get out on two wheels to attend provides the Expo with the makings of a copious bike show. And let me tell you, there were a lot of great bikes entered for judging.
Vernon put his math skills to the test by tallying all of the votes. There was some pretty cool ink, including several pieces which came with some heart-wrenching stories that we felt honored to have shared with us. Eryka got to be the “trophy girl” for the bike contest on Sunday, and put smiles on the faces of all the winners. The booth was busy for all of us, and it was great to get some time with everyone. Our Mason City staff, David and Heather McCoy spent a lot of time handing out our latest issue, and taking some great pictures as well. If you were in attendance this year, make sure you check out the Thunder Cam section this month… you just might be on our pages.
The TRMI crew was there in full force, and had many opportunities to help out with the show this year. I got Melanie and Vernon to take my first shot at judging the tattoo contest, while
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Saturday June 13th
The Greene County Motorcycle Charity (GCMC) is looking forward to the 7th Annual Bell Tower Festival Motorcycle Event on Saturday, June 13th. Each year it continues to grow in popularity, drawing participants from all corners of Iowa and near-by states. Proceeds from all GCMC events benefit the Raccoon Valley Kiwanis Aktion Club, a community service group of local adults living with disabilities. In addition to the traditional Poker Run and Cycle Show in Jefferson, IA, the committee is excited to announce a new event, which is an annual guided tour ride. The tour ride is limited to 60 participants.
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The inaugural event, entitled the “Bootlegger Tour Rye’d”, will depart Jefferson at 9:00 am for a tour of the Templeton Rye facility in Templeton, Iowa. The tour includes a guided walk-through of their production area, barrel warehouse, bottling line and tasting room led by Templeton Rye Co-Founder Keith Kerkhoff “We are excited about this tour and look forward to hosting the motorcyclists in Templeton. We hope this can become an annual event in support of the Aktion Club” stated Kerkhoff. Tour participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Templeton Rye Bootleggers Society, a community of Templeton Rye enthusiasts that allows you to stay in-theknow about anything and everything having to do with “The Good Stuff.” After the Templeton facility tour, the group will visit Schoeppner Designs, crafters of barrel furniture made out of used Templeton Rye Whiskey barrels. Participants will get a special edition t-shirt, a Templeton Rye shot glass, and lunch at “The Still” Restaurant & Bar in downtown Templeton. The cost per person for the tour ride is $40.00. After departing from Templeton, riders will stop at Carroll Cycle Center for a scavenger hunt including donated Templeton Rye product and merchandise that will be placed throughout the store. The final stop on the ride will be at Doc’s Stadium Bar & Grill in Jefferson. Participants will then return to the event location to draw a poker hand and get their “Bootlegger Tour Rye’d” special limited edition Challenge Coin sponsored by Trophies Plus of Templeton. Please consider joining us in Jefferson for this one-of-a-kind and extremely fun cycling event! More information about the Bell Tower Festival Motorcycle events can be found at www.btfcycle.info along with registration for the Bootlegger Tour Rye’d and Poker Run.
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The annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run will travel to the northwest in 2015, taking riders on a 119 mile journey with stops in Lehigh, Fort Dodge, Barnum, and Paton before returning to Jefferson. Registration can be done in advance online at www. btfcycle.info, as well as on site Saturday, June 13th from 8 am to 12 pm. The entry fee will be $20 per participant, and will include a Poker Run T-shirt (while supplies last) for the driver and a poker hand. Additional T-shirts and Challenge Coins will be available for purchase as well. Participants are to gather at Peoples Trust and Savings Bank as the rally point beginning at 8 am, with last bike out by 12 pm. All bikes must be back by 5 pm. Poker Run prizes of $250 (1st place), $125 (2nd place) and $75 (3rd place) will be awarded to the best hands drawn. After returning, riders can take a break at the Bell Tower Festival Beer Garden for a cold beverage to draw their poker hand. Hy-Vee will be hosting a Beer & Wine Tasting event in the afternoon, along with a Templeton Rye Bottle signing with co-founder Keith Kerkhoff. Beginning at 2 pm, those at the event can enjoy live music, as Planet Rock from Fort Dodge will be performing until 6 pm.
Trike, Custom, Bagger, and Late Model. Plaques are to be awarded to winners of each class when the judging concludes at 4 pm. The Dixie Chopper built by Orange County Chopper will also be on display. Additionally, plans are to have a Dyno onsite provided by VanWall Powersports at a reduced rate of $30. The popular motorcycle table lift raffle tickets are available for a cost of $20 each or 3 for $50, while 150 tickets last. Additional raffle prize items this year include tailgate benches and Adirondack biker chairs.
Doc’s Stadium of Jefferson is the 2015 Challenge Coin sponsor and will provide special promotions for coin holders. Other valued sponsors this year include: Tshirt sponsor -McLaughlin International, Gold sponsors - Carroll Cycle Center, Van Wall Powersports, 209 Main - Tool Bar, Dan’s Spicy Barbecue Sauce, Neese Inc., Templeton Rye, and Trophies Plus, Silver sponsors - Oly’s Corner and Hog House/Lucas Oil. Sponsors and vendors will also have the opportunity to display and sell their products onsite. As always, all proceeds for this year’s event will go to the Raccoon Valley Kiwanis Aktion Club of Jefferson. Last year the Aktion Club was the recipient of $1,500 and with your help, even more will be available in 2015. More informaAs always, a free motorcycle show will be included with tion about the Bell Tower Festival Motorcycle events can the activities. be found Registration at www. will be from btfcycle.info 9 am to 1 along with pm, with the registration show startfor the Booting at noon legger Tour and ending at Rye’d and 4:00. Show Poker Run. classes will We hope to include Metric, see you there! Vintage (pre1990’s), Peo- GCMC and ples’ Choice, TRMI
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That’s Not a Motorcycle.... Is It? The Slingshot comes standard with a list of attributes that would eat up my word limit, so jump on the website for a full description, but I will tease u with a few of the finer details. Boasting a 2.4L, 4-cylinder, 173 hp, DOHC General Motors engine and a 5-speed manual transmission powering one of the largest carbon fiber reinforced drive belts I had ever laid eyes on surrounded by a lightweight steel tubing space-frame, this puppy can scoot (and get a good second gear scratch if you know what you’re doing). Needing to have a motorcycle endorsement to drive this baby in Iowa, I jumped in the passenger seat and let my pal Dave from Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic show me what On one of my many visits to the local power sports dealer, I heard some news that confused me. Polaris was slated to unveil a new 3 wheeled motorcycle, but not a trike. My interest was piqued and I was on the edge of my seat awaiting the arrival of the Slingshot. I heard the news late fall of 2014 and finally had the chance to play in one this past March. Being only a passenger all my life, I came armed with questions... Most importantly how am I gonna control the throttle and brake without my legs wrapped around my ol man? (Every fender ornament knows to squeeze the driver tightly with their thighs to relay the “get on it” or “slow the f down” message). Every question was answered with a quick head-turning zip around Davenport.
the Slingshot SL could do. Climbing into the machine, I instantly felt like Robin in the Batmobile. Sitting only inches off the pavement and with a seatbelt securely fastened, it didn’t feel like a motorcycle ride until we hit the corners. The two wheels in the front adds stability as the single wheel in the back pushed us rapidly, rounding the corners at 55mph plus. Dave is a bit larger than me and I was pleasantly surprised at the great weight distribution and the machine’s ability to remain on all wheels while scooting around those curves a bit faster than we maybe should’ve been going. Am I convinced that this should be classified as a motorcycle? Let’s just say I am still on the fence.
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However, Polaris has produced an eye-popping machine unlike anything else on the market. The Slingshot was created to appeal to the lovers of the open air and chasers of fine pavement who can no longer sit in a straddle position for any length of time, those who are looking for a more stable platform and may be a little slower with the reaction time then they once were, and those who want to get out and explore, although their bodies may not be able to hold up a traditional motorcycle any longer. With waterproof bucket seats that cradle you nicely and the motorcycle experience offered from a vehicle type stance, Polaris hit that mark dead on! And the slight “Dukes of Hazard” feeling was enjoyable as I climbed over the frame and out like Daisy Duke exited her Jeep on many occasions, since there are no doors to this machine either.
There are three models of the Slingshot; the base model retails for a modest $19,999 and comes standard in a ‘titanium metallic’ color. The Slingshot SL adds a blade windshield, upgraded forged aluminum wheels, infotainment console with a 4.3 inch LCD screen, backup cam, 6 speaker audio system and is Bluetooth integrated in a sporty ‘red pearl’ paint job at an MSRP of $23,999. But for a mere thousand dollars more u can purchase the SL LE model in an eye popping ‘nuclear sunset orange’ color with dual windscreens and interior lighting. However, if you are absolutely in love with the titanium metallic, you have the option to personalize the base model with any of the accessories offered on the other models. Polaris has intelligently designed an attention grabbing, extremely responsive and thoroughly entertaining machine. My suggestion to you is you figure out the question for yourself- what makes a motorcycle a motorcycle? Is it a throttle located on some handle bars or is it the experience that it provides? The new Polaris Slingshot can be found in Iowa at Brenny;s Motorcycle Clinic in Bettendorf, Olsen’s Outdoor Power in Atlantic, and R/J Performance in Ottumwa. Go check one out for yourself and tell ‘em Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent ya! ~Pinky Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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For me, this is the biker spirit, whatever your past life, Who you are, your job, your religion, your age, your gender, We don’t care. Nobody will judge you, nobody will question you. We’re here for sharing fun, for helping, and listening to each other. In short, to live our passion, our love of two-wheelers. I believe that the biker spirit is just a special way of enjoying life. To Paul, Cedric, and all the ones that have left us too early, Thanks to all of you for allowing me to live this adventure.
The Bond Between Bikers- Explained I was reading a biker blog the other day and on it had been posted a video that had won a European motorcycle video contest- Le defi #iCasque : c-est quoi l’esprit motard? It’s only two and half minutes long, but I can see why it won. It solidified for me why bikers are bikers, worldwide, and why we bond. (more on that at the end) Here’s the audio portion of the video- and bear with me because it’s been translated from French: Since I ride a motorcycle, I’ve met a lot of people Guys and girls, young and old Arabs, black or Chinese people, and even Gypsies. In one word, bikers! The biker spirit, this is the connection between all of us. We don’t know each other, but we wave at each other. No matter the kind of motorcycle we have. This biker spirit, this is also the universal topic we all talk about. This is being alone on the bike, but with a community in your heart. This is visiting someone you don’t know from Adam Because he has the necessary tools and skills for repairing your bike. This is when you crash, and all the other bikers stop, help you pick up your bike, And ask if you are ok.
I read this and watched along with the video, and I admit it really struck home. I’m watching people an ocean away, speaking in a foreign language, riding bikes I don’t even recognize, yet having the same joy I experience when I ride with my friends. “Roads are the playground of our passion”pretty amazing when you think about it. So then I started reading the comments in the blog. Most were of the same vein, happy to see people so far away having the same fun and sharing the same bond we all do on bikes here in the USA. Then this one guy chimes in, and frankly he really pissed me off- he wrote: “Couldn’t watch it, what a shame. Riding a motorcycle isn’t about riding a motorcycle? It’s now about #bikercommunitylove. Seems a bit dumb. Motorcycling spirit eh? What ever happened to just enjoying an activity. Holy crap....it’s not like tennis players make videos of their deep connection with other tennis players”. Well I answered him- (imagine that): “It’s a rare tennis player that doesn’t come home from a match. Unfortunately good riders die every season. It’s part of the bond that unites us and created the brotherhood to begin with. It’s also why we never pass a down or stalled rider- ever. I’ll thank you to never confuse motorcyclists and tennis players again!”
That was it, I finally understood it. Why we wave even though we don’t know each other. Why we always help each other out. It’s because no matter how hard we try, every year we lose some riders. Every year some are victims, some are just victims of their own misjudgment, some we lose simply because of weather, wind or a bright sun in somebody’s eyes, and some live on but never ride again. That’s the bond we share. The famous NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon once related a talk he’d had with his family, it’s similar in a way. He said something to this effect “When I leave to go to my job, it’s not a for sure thing that I’m coming home. Good drivers But the biker spirit isn’t only that . . . this is also to feel alive. crash, and good drivers don’t come home. So when I say good bye before a race, make sure your heart’s in it. Because This is thrilling experiences. it might be my last.” This is coming to work with a smile because You haven’t lost one hour in traffic jams. We know as riders that we are doing something that is This is also this glance at the other bikers you meet at red inherently dangerous. Let’s be realistic, it’s far safer to go in lights. a car and always will be. We ride because we love to ride, For the ordinary Joe, roads are just a way between two and because we feel trapped in a cage. We accept the risks locations. along with the rewards, because to us it’s worth it to be on For me, for you, for us, roads are the playground of our a bike, and that is the bond between us. No matter who else passion. you meet on the road on a bike, they’ve made the same choice. When you share a commitment as deep as that, it’s no Let’s not forget that the biker spirit, this is also sharing the wonder that we wave, even if we don’t know each other. road And cultivating our image with the respect shown Mark Mullins, President, MAG To other road users.
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Motorcycle Rider Education (MRE) Program?
From http://www.iowadot.gov/mre/#myAnchor4
The training season, somewhat weather dependent, varies throughout the state. However, the course is generally available from early April through mid-October. Sponsors of the BRC or BRC II include 13 of Iowa’s 15 community colleges, ABATE of Iowa Inc. and Bandy Motorcycle Training. Iowa also has the Harley Davidson Rider’s Edge Program, currently with four sponsors — Big Barn Harley Davidson of Des Moines, Clinton Harley Davidson of Clinton, Hawkeye Harley Davidson of Coralville, and Silver Eagle Harley Davidson/Yamaha Cycle Center of Waterloo. The course is taught at all 15 community colleges, either by the college or the mobile programs of ABATE. Sponsors, sites and course registration telephone numbers are listed below.
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The Legacy Scholarship Fund was started by the American Legion shortly after 9/11 with the main goal to ensure that no child of a veteran, who has given his life in conflict since 9/11, will want for a college education. Any child who lost a parent in a time of conflict along with the grades and desire to attend college, g , but not the resources ources can apply for the Legacy Scholarship. This is done online nline by visiting www. ww. American Legion. on. com and searching hing under Legacy Scholarship for the required directions and
When I was elected State President of the American Legion Riders, one of the first requests for me was… could we do our own Legacy Run here in Iowa. As a Marine veteran and a Legion Rider I can tell you that there is nothing more important to us than to ensure that our active duty y members,, our Veteran’s and their families are cared for. As a Marine, Mari the mottos Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) (Alway Never Leave and Ne a Man Behind was burned into our heart and soul; so much so that we all carry that with us to this w day. I am proud of American Legion the Americ American and the A Legion Riders for carrying this ideal carryin forward on behalf of forwar children, who these ch have lost aand sacrificed their parents so much by th devoted service to our Nation. We must always let them know their parents and their sacrifice will never be
applications. Currently, the Federal Government nment provides a stipend end of around $37,000 0 for college to dependent ndent children of our fallen Hero’s. It is predicted edicted that when a majority jority of these children come of age to attend college, ge the” average” cost will be in the neighborhood of $133,000.00 without a foreseeable significant change in the federal allotment. Last year, through all of the events and fund raising, the American Legion and the American Legion Riders raised just over One Million Dollars nationally. Iowa received its first recipient of the Legacy Scholarship, and we are being told that they are doing outstanding. Identities of the recipients are kept confidential for obvious reasons.
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forgotten. Thank you for your support Bear State President American Legion Riders of Iowa
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American Legion Riders Grand Ride 1000+ Mile Iowa Legacy Run Route June 19th, 20th & 21st $50.00 per Person Registration Fee *All Riders and Cages are welcome to join in at any point of the run* Proceeds will go toward the Legacy Scholarship Fund, its goal is to pay for the college education of every child whose parent has fallen in combat since 9-11 One Million Dollars was raised nationally in 2014 Help Iowa Reach its goal of 25,000.00 for 2015 and present its funds, on behalf of Iowa, at the National Convention in Maryland Day #1.) June 19th, Loves Travel Stop 11820 Hickman Rd. 180 exit 125. Register 0600hrs-0730hrs. KSU @ 0800. 1st stop, Council Bluffs, American Legion Hall 716 S. 4th St. ETA 1000Hrs. KSU@ 1100Hrs Ride Loess Hills north. 2nd stop, Sargent Bluffs, Legion Post 662, 901 Topaz Dr. stop for lunch @ Legion Hall ETA 1400Hrs. KSU @ 1530Hrs, Ride Old O’Brian’s Glacial Trail. 3rd stop, Spencer Iowa, Legion Hall 2320 Highway Blvd. Drinks, ETA 1630Hrs. KSU@1730Hrs 4th Stop, Storm Lake Iowa, Check into Hotel for the night, When reserving rooms tell them you are with Legion Riders Legacy Run for Discounted rates Budget Inn…1504 Lake Ave. (712)-732-2505, 15 Double rooms Blocked $65.00 a night. Super 8…101 West Milwaukee Ave. (712)-732-3063, 10 Double’s & 2 Kings blocked $79.99 a night Lakeside Marina & Campground…96 Lakeshore Dr. (712)-732-7465, 1st come 1st served Day 1 Estimates…..425 miles and 7 Hrs. Saddle Time Day #2.) June 20th, KSU@ 0700 1st stop, Webster City, Breakfast @ Legion Hall 726 2nd St., ETA 0845Hrs. KSU @ 1000Hrs 2nd stop, Manchester Iowa, Lunch @ Legion Hall, ETA 1230Hrs. KSU@1345Hrs Ride scenic Byways 38 south & 64 north. 3rd stop, Savanna Illinois,” Poopy’s” Overnight stop. Super 8…101 Valley View Road (815)-273-2288, 15 Double room’s Blocked $81.10 per night L & M Motel…2000 North Oakton Rd. (815)-273-7728 Poopy’s Campground Free-1st come 1st served… Register inside Poopy’s for site on arrival. Day 2 Estimates…..325 miles and 6 Hrs. Saddle Time Day #3.) June 21st, KSU@0730 Follow Scenic river road south, back into Iowa then head East on 92. 1st stop, Muscatine Iowa, Fuel Stop, ETA 0930Hrs. KSU 1000Hrs 2nd stop, Oskaloosa Iowa, Lunch @ Legion Hall 302 High ave East, ETA 1100Hrs, KSU @ 1300Hrs Last Stop, Des Moines, Legacy Grand Ride Rally, AMVETS 2818 5th Ave, Des Moines. Day 3 Estimates…..275 miles and 5 Hrs. Saddle Time ETA 1430Hrs, Food, Beer, Alcohol...3 Live Bands, Nest of Snakes, Crown King Revival & Origami Animals, Classic “80s” Rock Event T-shirt and coozie Sales… Raffle Prizes such as Tattoo’s, Hotel Rooms and Biker merchandise. $5.oo Cover at the gate. Admission is Free to all Riders that attended the Grand Ride Donations can be made to Iowa Legacy Run C/O Triumph Community Bank P.O. Box 1030 Bettendorf, IA. 52722-0018
Although we don’t have one located in Iowa, the International Motorcycle Show is not far away in neighboring states and various dates. This year we had Ron Sindric from Waverly that attended both Minneapolis and Chicago shows, and got us some photos to share.
International Motorcycle Show The basis for the show is new motorcycles, gear, and accessories that are open to the public and even J&P Cycles sponsored the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. There is a lot to take in during the three day event. Check it out next winter if you feel the need to see some cool new bikes and products.
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come from they number their streets backwards!!! Now keep in mind that Templeton is not a bustling metropolis, if you’ve got an extra 10 minutes or so I’m pretty sure you can drive every street in the town. Well, at the intersection of 2nd Street and Main Street a turn to the north will put you a block and a half away from The Still’s front door. One other great thing about small towns like Templeton, get to Main street and look for where the most vehicles are parked, that’ll get you close!
The Still
109 N Main Street Templeton, IA 501463 712-669-9445
Bar Hours: Mon-Sat 4:30pm - ??? Restaurant Hours: Thurs-Sat 5:30pm - 9pm Does anybody else have a love/hate relationship with their GPS? I certainly do! I love it when I have NO idea how to get where I’m going or when I’m in need of something in an unfamiliar area (you know, like gas!!! although, I’m probably the only one that lets his bike get on fumes before looking for fuel... ya, right!!!!!!). I hate it when I know where I’m going and out of curiosity I program my destination in just to see where it takes me (although, truth be told, it’s usually more to show me how late I’ll be!) I got a call from the boss (Vernon) inviting me to come out to eat with him and his bride who I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting yet (Melanie, it was great to finally meet you!!!) This worked out great for me since my wife (Lynnette) was out of town on business and I was having to fend for myself (WOOOOHOOOO, no Subway or frozen pizzas.) Of course, as usual, this dinner outing had to be wedged between other prior engagements but it was doable. However, time was of the essence so I plug Templeton into my GPS and add the address to The Still Bar and American Restaurant. (You see when I entered The Still, my GPS had no idea what I was talking about... maybe I should update it!) Not being my first time traveling to Templeton, I followed my own route which turned out to save some time (hmmm, so much for the fastest route!) and upon arrival I turned in and headed for Main Street. Now, this is where the hate part comes in, not being 100% sure of the location of The Still I thought I would just follow the directions provided. I don’t know where they write the programming for these GPSs but upon arrival at Main Street it wanted me to turn south... which is obviously a residential area. Apparently where the programmers
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This place is VERY popular! The main entrance opens into the bar area and then you go to the restaurant entrance to get seated or put on the waiting list. The advantage to this setup is if you must wait you are already in the bar and if you have to wait there’s not a much better place to do so! While in the bar, check out the impressive beer can collection displayed there. They have specials most every night and they are listed on a sign next to the restaurant door. There is also a very impressive salad bar available both as a main dish and a side dish. We started out our meal with the Combo Platter appetizer which allows you to pick 3 choices from cheeseballs, mini tacos, rings and wedges. We chose the cheeseballs, mini tacos and the rings. They were delivered quickly and were all quite delicious; I was especially fond of the onion rings. They were the perfect combination of salty and sweet. For my meal I ordered the Boom Boom Burger which consists of a mega patty of hamburger done to perfection, cheese, a pile of jalapeños and a healthy dose of hot sauce. As you all know, hot is my favorite but let me set your minds at ease. The hot sauce leans more to the mild side but the flavor is awesome and the jalapeños are much more flavorful than they are hot. I also added that impressive salad bar as a side and piled my plate high with lettuce salad and macaroni salad. Salad is one of my secrets to satisfying my hunger, you see salad doesn’t have to be cooked, just put together. By virtue of that, salad will be delivered quickly and long before cooked food will be done. Or, as in this case, the salad bar is available immediately after your order is taken. Sustenance provided quickly!!! The Still in Templeton, good food, great service and friendly people. It’s a great place to stop at for a drink and stay at for a meal! Check them out and “Like” them on Facebook! Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.
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H ono r O u r F allen The month of May brings us a holiday that while extremely significant, is unfortunately often confused with another day that we devote to the appreciation of our military (Veteran’s Day) and the gratitude each of us owes those who serve for our freedom. Memorial Day iss celebrated on the last Monday in ay each year. Why is Memorial Day the month of May ause this is the day that we have set important? Because aside for citizenss to ance show remembrance ave of those who have died in service of es the United States or Government…for those who truly did give all. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day,, and st was actually first nor observed in honor diers of the fallen soldiers in the Civil War. On tion the first Decoration ames Day, General James Garfield made a gton National speech at Arlington 5 000 participants Cemetery and 5,000 decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. The holiday eventually grew to include all service men and women, and after WWII the name was changed to Memorial Day. Throughout the years, individual states held various memorial services to honor the fallen, but it wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was declared a Federal holiday in all 50 states. There are many traditions that have developed over the years that represent the Memorial Day holiday, and demonstrate the appreciation that Americans have for those who gave their lives to protect our freedom. One of the earliest traditions that remains prevalent today is the poppy. Almost everywhere you go you can purchase a small red poppy from your local VFW to wear as a sign of support for fallen and disabled Veterans. Another tradition is the decoration of graves of the fallen. This tradition first began in 1868 in the Gettysburg National Park; it includes decorating the soldiers’ graves, followed by a formal address. Decorating of soldiers’ graves continues to this day, throughout the United States. In years past, Memorial Day celebrations
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were well organized and quite extravagant… unfortunately, over time, many have forgotten the original meaning and tradition of the day. Some have even forgotten the proper flag etiquette for the day (raise your flag to full staff, lower to half-staff…raise to full staff again at noon). This tradition is intended to mem be symbolic of raising the soldiers’ memory. r To help re-educate America Americans, and remind w us all what Memorial r Day is really about, “Nat the “National Moment Reme of Remembrance” resoluti was passed resolution Dece in December of I asks that at 2000. It loc time, ALL 3pm local America American’s “voluntarily info and informally observ in their own observe way a moment of remem remembrance and respec Pausing respect. from w whatever they are do doing for a moment of silence or Tap listening to Taps”. So with May upon us, and the “official start of summer” at hand, please take a moment. While you pack up and head to the lake for the long weekend, please take a moment. While you watch your kiddos race around snatching up candy at that parade, please take a moment. Enjoy every minute of the summer, but remember why you are free to come and go as you please. Why you can have that lake house to share with your friends and family. Why your kids can spend an afternoon binging on candy while you drink a cold one after the parade. Take a closer look at what traditions you are passing on to your loved ones, and what important things are being forgotten. Take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who gave their lives so that each and every one of us would have the chance to be free. If the government has to pass a resolution to try and “encourage us” to remember the fallen…maybe we all need a little refresher course. Without those who gave their lives for us, for our country, where would we be today? Melanie Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Karla Cornick 2002 Dyna Low Rider Burlington
Jen Cummings 2005 EX500 Ninja Cedar Rapids
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 Tracey Boyd 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide Indianola
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Q: What did the prick say to the balls? A: You guys hang around here while I go inside! What did Cinderella do when she got to the ball? Make choking noises... A bus full of Nuns falls of a cliff and they all die. They arrive at the gates of heaven and meet St. Peter. St. Peter says to them “Sisters, welcome to Heaven. In a moment I will let you all though the pearly gates, but before I may do that, I must ask each of you a single question. Please form a single-file line.” An A And nd they do so. St. Peter turns to the first Nun in the line and asks her “Sister, have you ever touched a penis?” The Sister Responds “Well... there was this one time... that I kinda sorta... touched one with the tip of my pinky finger...” St. Peter says “Alright Sister, now dip the tip of your pinky finger in the Holy Water, and you may be admitted.” and she did so. St. Peter now turns to the second nun and says “Sister, have you ever touched a penis?” “Well.... There was this one time... that I held one for a moment...” “Alright Sister, now just wash your hands in the Holy Water, and you may be admitted” and she does so. Now at this, there is a noise, a jostling in the line. It seems that one nun is trying to cut in front of another! St. Peter sees this and asks the Nun “Sister Susan, what is this? There is no rush!” Sister Susan responds “Well if I’m going to have to gargle this stuff, I’d rather do it before Sister Mary sticks her ass in it!”
Theres this girl,she is five. She goes spying on her big sister and she hears her cussing out her boyfriend and she says,”you mother fucking asshole!” Just then jill, thats the little girl,interrupts them talking and blurts out, “Big Sis,what does asshole mean? The girl surprised by the question,says BOYFRIEND! Okay , so the girl runs off onto the bathroom. Jill sneaks up on her dad while he was shaving and says boo! THE dad says “Shit!” So the girl ask her dad “What does shit mean?” And he stammers “Shaving cream”. So she said okay and went about her day. Jill then runs into her mom, who was in the kitchen cutting the turkey. Her mom is startled when Jill comes in, cuts her hand, and says “Fuck!”. So Jill ask “What does fuck mean momma?” And scramblimg for an answer, her mom says “cutting.” All of the sudden, they hear the door. Jill answers and sees her Dads boss at the door. He ask “Sweetie, do you know where you everyone is at?” And she says, “Well, my sister’s talking to her asshole, my Moms fucking the turkey and my Dads wiping the shit off his face.”
The matchmaker approached a single woman and told her he had a husband for her. “I’m ashamed to bring this up,” he said, “but the man wants to be sure you are compatible in bed. He wants, he says, a sample.” The woman was shocked. “Such a thing you ask a Christian virtuous woman? Such a crude person would suggest such a thing? He must be a barnyard animal, not a gentleman.” The matchmaker, trying to earn a fee, said, “He’s a pragmatic, man. After all, to him it’s not a big deal… just a sample.” She thought a minute. “A pragmatic man, is he? So tell him I don’t give samples. I can give him 50 or 60 references, if he wants, though.
Police arrested Joe Bloggs, a 27-year old white male and resident of Lincoln, NE in a pumpkin patch at 11:38pm Friday. Bloggs will be charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, public indecency, and public intoxication at the County courthouse on Monday. The suspect aallegedly stated that after a night of drinking, as he was passing a pumpkin patch, he decided to stop. “You know, a pumpkin is soft and squishy inside, and there was no one around here for miles. At least I thought there wasn’t,” he stated in a phone interview from the County courthouse jail. Bloggs went on to state that he pulled over to the side of the road, picked out a pumpkin that he felt was appropriate to his purposes, poked a hole in it, and proceeded to satisfy his alleged “need.” “I guess I was just really into it, you know?” he commented with evident embarrassment. In the process, Bloggs apparently failed to notice the LIncoln police car approaching and was unaware of his audience until Officer B.T. approached him. “It was an unusual situation, that’s for sure.” said Officer BT. “I walked up to (Bloggs) and he’s...just working away at this pumpkin”. BT went on to describe what happened when she approached Bloggs: “I just went up and said, ‘Excuse me, sir, but do you realize that you are screwing a pumpkin?’ He got real surprised as you’d expect and then looked me straight in the face and said, ‘A pumpkin? Damn...is it midnight already?’” Q: What do a nearsighted gynecologist and a dog have in common? A: Wet noses. This guy goes into a Sperm Bank with a gun and a ski mask and yells at the receptionist to open the safe. She’s confused, thinking this is the world’s dumbest criminal. “Sir, this is a sperm bank, we don’t have money in here! That safe is full of donated sperm samples!” The robber screams for her to open it. At this point, she’s confused. Maybe he’s just a guy who thought better of becoming an anonymous donor and wants his sample back. She opens the safe like he commanded. The robber yells: “Now bring over that tray!” The woman does as he asks and brings the tray of sperm samples to the counter. As soon as the tray hits the counter, the menacing criminal makes further demands: “Now open that container and drink it!” The woman’s gag reflex triggers. She barely manages to stammer out “that’s disgusting! I won’t do it!” Angered the man in the ski mask cocks the hammer on his pistol and repeats his command to drink one of the samples. The woman complies, he tells her to drink another, and another until the entire tray is gone. Once the last cup is finished the man pulls off his ski mask and goes: “See honey, it’s not that fucking hard.” What’s the second thing that’s hard in the morning? Waking up! Why do midgets laugh when they play soccer? Because the grass tickles their balls.
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Iowa until 1952 when he moved back to Council Bluffs and went to work for the U.S. Postal Department for, in Connie’s words, ‘a regular paycheck’. He transferred to Spencer, Iowa in 1966 and remained there until his retirement from the Postal Service in 1979 when he moved back to Council Bluffs.
From Motorcycles In Competition #149
vintagemotorcycleworks.com/connie.htm The following was written by Paul Jensen.
Connie was a true motorcycle rider. For many years, he only owned motorcycles since he couldn’t afford both a car and motorcycle. He used motorcycles as his only means of transportation in summer and the bitter Iowa winters. Everywhere Connie and his wife, June, went was on a motorcycle. Even taking June to the hospital on a motorcycle in 1941 for the delivery of their son, Harley. Connie has owned many motorcycles including at least one of every year from 1926 through 1938 including 4-1930’s and 3-1936’s.
Conrad F. ‘Connie’ Schlemmer Long time AMCA Honorary Member and early Harley expert Conrad ‘Connie’ Schlemmer left this earth on May 4, 2008 and went where he can ride his beloved Harleys every day and occasionally blast a Harley hillclimber up a near vertical dirt hill. Connie was born on November 19, 1912 in Council Bluffs, Iowa and spent most of his life there except for a few years in Red Oak, Shenandoah and Spencer, Iowa. He became a motorcycle rider in 1931 when he bought a 1918 Indian Powerplus for $9. His next motorcycle was a 1922 Harley JD. In 1934, Connie bought his first really reliable motorcycle, which was a 1929 Harley DL. Connie graduated from high school in 1930 and went to work for Lincoln Battery and Electric in Council Bluffs where he gained his knowledge of automobile (and motorcycle) electrical systems. After a few years, he went to work for Otto Ramer, the Harley-Davidson dealer in Omaha, Nebraska. While employed at Ramer’s, Connie attended the Harley Service School a few times and was proud of the fact that he uncrated and prepared the first OHV Harley (Knucklehead) to come to Nebraska in 1936. In 1938, Ramer lost his Harley franchise so Connie left Ramer and went to work for the Harley dealer in Council Bluffs where he worked until The United States entered WWII. He then went to work for The War Department and was an instructor of motorcycle mechanics for the Army Ordinance School at Fort Crook (Offutt AFB today), Nebraska. Following the war, he started ‘Connie’s Cycle Company’ in Council Bluffs where he sold Triumph and Ariel motorcycles and Mustang scooters. In 1948, Connie became the Harley-Davidson dealer in Red Oak, Iowa and moved there. He was also the Harley dealer in Shenandoah, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Connie entered his first AMA sanctioned hillclimb on Sunday, September 16, 1937. He rode his 1933 Harley VLD and won $17 in prize money. That was within a dollar of what he was making at that time for a week’s work so he decided that hillclimbing would be an easy and fun way to make money. Connie did most of his climbing in the Midwest and accumulated enough points to qualify for the National Championship Climb in 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949. He placed third in 1946, but did not participate in the ’47 or ’48 climbs because they were held in California and he couldn’t afford the travel expenses. Connie participated in the 1948 Championship, but didn’t place. Connie continued his climbing until 1955 when a tree trimming accident broke his leg forcing his retirement from hillclimbing. Some of the records that Connie set still stand today. Connie joined the Antique Motorcycle Club of America in 1972 and became an Honorary Lifetime Member in 1984. Connie was an active member until recent health problems and attended numerous National events. He was instrumental in the forming of the Omaha Chapter in 1979 and served as the editor of ‘The Retarded Spark’ and chapter secretary for many years. Connie was known for his expertise of the details of Flathead and early OHV Harleys. Connie had an exceptional memory and when referring to Harley parts, he often referred to them by their part number. He has contributed to many books on Harley restoration and history and also contributed many articles to ‘The Antique Motorcycle’. Connie owned motorcycles continuously for 72 years, 1931 through 2003 when he sold his last motorcycle, a restored 1926 B single Harley. www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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call for a sub-committee on the bill!!! Capital insiders say that Chairman Sodders and majority Leader Gronstal are simply determined to kill both Stand Your Ground SF187 and Constitutional Carry SF 400.
Peter A. Sieben
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
So don’t fall for it when you hear a politician tell you that they are pro 2nd Amendment. Make them prove it. Ask them how they personally would vote on SF187, SF400 and HF527. If they don’t enthusiastically offer to cosponsor any or all of them, they are the wrong person for the job. Don’t be surprised when they “allow” HF527 to become law, or get a hearing. I understand it does do some good things but it’s not a fair trade for the right to stand your ground, or even better yet the constitutional right to carry for law abiding citizens. When it happens, remember what I said; it’s just another back door deal. The deal is, you see, that antigun leader of the Iowa Senate Mike Gronstal knows that Iowa citizens want our 2nd Amendment rights back. He also knows that if he doesn’t let them come up for debate he can keep them from passing. If one single person in the government can stop the government, how is that a representative government?! We have to stop letting them get away with it.
Early in March the Iowa House of Representatives passed HF527 by an excellent bipartisan 75-24 vote. The three most important things contained within it are: a) Removal of the “permit to purchase” requirement. This permit will now be optional and good for 5 years instead of 1. b) Legalize ownership of firearm suppressors for law abiding Iowa citizens.
I really don’t like anyone telling me what to do, especially if it’s anyone who won’t pay attention to the rule book. I want my rights back. One law I would like to see c) Remove the ban on would deputize motorcycle riders teaching young men and women with the authority to write tickets how to shoot handguns. As things stand now you cannot for distracted driving. Seems I can hardly go around legally allow anyone less than 14 years old to even touch a the block without seeing some moron playing with their gun. phone. Keep Safe – Stay Smart. There were no proposed amendments and zero debate; as Paul Harvey used to say “Now let’s hear the rest of the story”. Earlier this year I told you that State Senator Rick Bertrand introduced SF 400, with the backing of 16 other senators, however, the bill has been held up by Judiciary Committee Chairman Steve Sodders who refused to even
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Questions or Comments: peter@riderpromotions.com
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Tuesday
Friday
Desparado’s Wheatland Century Bar Alta
Fro’s Wilton Knoxville Bike Night Knoxville (1st Friday) Dubuque Harley-Davidson (Last Friday May-Aug) Bike Down to I-Town Indianola (3rd Friday) TC’s Pub Marshalltown (4th Friday) Woody’s Roadside Tavern Albion (Last Friday) Main Street Ames Bike Night with Zylstra HD (6-19) Biscuit’s Bar and Grill Buffalo Des Moines Vintage Bike Night (1st Friday May-Sep) Monroe Bike Night (4th Friday of the Month) Thunder Nites Newton-2nd Friday May - September
Wednesday The Buck Snort Neola Cadillac Jack’s Baxter George and Dales East Dubuque Slaby’s Plainview OP Clear Lake Ride’s Bar & Grill Ft Dodge Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Amigos Fort Dodge
Saturday
Thursday
Winterset Bike Night Winterset (3rd Saturday)
Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Beer Barn & Grill Kirkman Crossroads Kelley (Every Other Thursday) Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thursday May-August) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo Crossroads Bike Night Featuring Zylstra HD (5-7,6-4, 7-2,8-13,9-10) Calvin Rockett/Zylstra HD Marshalltown (Last Thursday) Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern Gravy’s Bar and Grill Davenport Maingate Bar & Grill
Sunday Haverhill Social Club Haverhill (3rd Sunday) The Edge Missouri Valley This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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May 2 Zylstra HD HOG Roast Ames May 2 International Female Ride Day Worldwide May 2 ABATE D14 Charity Ride/30th TGIS Party Washington May 2 ABATE D6 Down Biker Ride Marshalltown May 2 CMA Run for the Son Ottumwa May 2 Blessing of the Bikes Sioux City May 3 9th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass May 7-9 Steffens Cycle Shop Open House Atlantic May 9 F&J Racing 20th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown May 9 Mother’s Day Event Dubuque HD May 9 Pancake Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids May 9 Fenders Cycle Open House Des Moines May 9 Demo Day Wieblers HD Davenport May 9 Heartland HD Cruise Night #1 Burlington May 14 Metro Motor Madness Night Metro HD Cedar Rapids May 16 Baxter Cycle Spring Open House Marne May 16 Cycle Dynamics Open House/Swap Meet/Ride Council Bluffs May 16 6th Annual Armed Forces Freedom Ride LHHD Pacific Junction May 16 Super Saturday BBQ Route 65 HD Indianola May 16 Open House Fenders Honda Ames May 16 Rosslyn’s Ride Anamosa May 16 Marty Davidson Bike Show Oskaloosa May 16 B.A.C.A. 100 Mile Ride Ankeny May 16 Ride for Peanut Walford May 17 ABATE D 4-14/VNV Rabbi’s Iowa Thunder Ride Des Moines May 21 Womens Garage Party Big Barn HD Des Moines May 21-23 B.A.C.A. Legacy Run Adel May 22-24 Redneck Revival Conesville May 23 Kickoff Summer Bikes & BBQ Wieblers HD Davenport May 23 J.J. Bonnell Memorial Ride Fort Dodge May 23 6th Annual Poker Run for Pink Ponca, NE May 23 MSAA Bandfest Parade Mason City May 23 Dirty Ernie’s Fun Run Farley May 23 Quad Cities Motorcycle Rally and City Tour May 23-24 Midway Tavern Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier May 24 SGT Daniel Sesker Memorial Poker Run Ogden May 25 Rolling Thunder 2015 Washington DC May 30 Marty Davidson Memorial Ride Oskaloosa May 31 Cruisin’ for St. Jude Winterset May 31 CVMA 39-3 Bikini Bike Wash Davenport Jun 5-7 NC Victory Motorcycle Club Regional Meet WCW Omaha, NE Jun 6 Carroll Cycle Center Rock N Ride Carroll Jun 6 1st Annual Freedom Rock Ride LHHD Pacific Junction Jun 6 5th Annual Charity Bike/Car Show Kimballton Jun 6 Suicide Awareness Benefit and Ride Waterloo Jun 6 10th Annual Jaster’s Ride for Life Elkader Jun 6 Veterans Benefit Ride ALR Chapter 166 Shellsburg Jun 6 Joni’s 1st Annual Roast and Ride Boone Jun 7 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Jun 7 MSAA Autism Ride-Light it up Blue Clear Lake Jun 13 7th Annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run & Show Jefferson Jun 13 Men’s Night Dubuque HD Jun 13 American Legion Riders Blackjack Run Council Bluffs Jun 13 Michael Food’s Relay for Life Gravity Jun 15 National Ride your Motorcycle to Work Day Jun 16-17 Indian DEMO Truck Brenny’s Bettendorf Jun 18-20 21st Annual Rally on the River QC Davenport Jun 18-20 Romper Room Run Earlville Jun 19 Relay for Life by Windbags Atlantic Jun 19-20 Victory DEMO Truck Brenny’s Bettendorf Jun 19-21 Iowa Legacy Grand Ride Des Moines Jun 20 Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 40th Anniversary Party Algona Jun 20 Vintage Rally and Bike Show Anamosa Jun 20 Party in the Park Creston Jun 20 Chipp’s HD Shop 10th Anniversary Party Osceola Jun 20 ABATE D14 31st Baldy Memorial Ride Fremont/What Cheer Jun 20 ABATE D14 30th District 14 Anniversary Party What Cheer Jun 20 Mike Garner Memorial Run Gravity Jun 20 Hometown Heroes Run Rockwell City Jun 20-21 Outlaw Street Drags Race Series Conesville Jun 27 Roar Into Harlan Poker Run Harlan Jun 27 28th Iowa Iron Butt Ride Ottumwa Jun 27 Hawgs Dogs & Heroes Ride Waverly Jun 27 Rigid River Run Dubuque Jununder 27 Ride Magazine It Out For Amber Sarcoma Ride & Drive Polk City Th Roads of Iowa on Facebook
Jun 27-28 Jun 27-28 Jun 28 Jul 2-4 Jul 4 Jul 10-12 Jul 10-11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 12 Jul 12 Jul 17-18 Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 18 Jul 23-25 Jul 24-25 Jul 25 Jul 26 Jul 30-Aug 1 Aug 3-9 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 8-9 Aug 14-16 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15-16 Aug 16 Aug 21-23 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 30 Sep 2 Sep 3-5 Sep 4-6 Sep 5 Sep 5 Sep 5-6 Sep 6 Sep 9 Sep 11-13 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 19 Sep 19-20 Sep 26 Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 4 Oct 4 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 17 Nov 6-7 Nov 20 Nov 27 Dec 12
J&P Open House Anamosa Destination Fundraiser Ride for ERO Baxter Nishna Valley Wings of the G.W.T.A. Fun Run Emerson 31st Annual Freedom Rally Algona MSAA Parade Clear Lake English River Outfitters Motorcycle Jamboree Brighton CVMA 39-3 APR (Annual Patriot Ride) Elkport Goozman’s Westside Poker Run Harlan Angel Ride to Save the TaTas Fort Dodge 8th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca Memorial Ride & Drive For the Girls Evansdale Heartland HD Summer Biker Bash Burlington 3rd Annual Bike Show Rehabilitation Center Hampton MSAA Toys for Tots Ride Mason City Victory Demo Event Werner Cycle Works Omaha, NE IBEW Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids 2nd Annual Ride for Time Cadillac Jacks Baxter Hoggin’ for Heroes Hoopla III Coralville Iowa H.O.G. Rally Des Moines WMDRA and Inside Drag Racing at Eddyville Chrome Divas Ride for a Cause Metro HD Cedar Rapids Teufelhund’s Xmas in July Anamosa 8th Annual Across the Border Raid Bedford South Dakota Party AtlanticFest Ride In Bike Show Atlantic CVMA 39-1 APR (Annual Patriot Ride) Des Moines ABATE D15 Too Broke for Sturgis Donahue Boji Bike Rally Okoboji Mighty Mississippi HOG MDA Hope Ride Dubuque HD ABATE D8 Rider Ed Run Laurens A&W Car and Bike Show Lester 34th Annual Baxter Days Marne MSAA Hospice Ride Mason City 11th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg ABATE of Iowa M.A.R.S. Eldora Werner Cycle Works 7th Annual Car & Bike Show Omaha, NE MSAA Ag Days Bike Show & Parade Manly 4th Annual Jami Jam Terril Wish Ride (Make A Wish) Council Bluffs Iowa State Fair Motorcycle Day Des Moines 8th Annual Ride for the TaTas The Beer Barn Kirkman Spydermania II Atlantic ABATE D6 Honoring Our Heroes Vets Ride IA Vets Home Marshalltown Childrens Miracle Network Fun Run Ida Grove New Model Party Metro HD Cedar Rapids 44th Davenport Fall International Meet Redneck Revival Conesville 9th Annual Cedar County Heroes Memorial Ride Tipton Run For The Kids Madrid Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier ABATE D 8 Biker Bash 2015 Lake Park Heartland HD Cruise Night #2 Burlington Davis Motorcycle Rally New Hampton MSAA 911 Memorial Ride Mason City No Nipple Dipple Ride Buffalo Broken Spokes Ride For U of IA Children’s Hospital Davenport Waukee Legions Riders 7th Annual Toy Run Waukee Teufelhund Support Ride Anamosa Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sidney’s Wish Poker Run Des Moines Outlaw Street Drags Race Series Conesville 8th Annual Find Your Marbles Party Ernie’s HD Algona Carroll Cycle Center New Model Open House Carroll Chrome Divas Cancer Awareness Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Hot Rods and Harleys Hopkinton Carroll Cycle Center Toy Run Carroll ABATE D19 Toy Run Denison Outlaw Street Drags Race Series Conesville MSAA River Fun Run Mason City Heartland HD Fall Open House Burlington ABATE of IOWA STEAM Marshalltown Carroll Cycle Center Ladies’ Night Out Carroll Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Carroll Cycle Center Pictures with Santa Carroll
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