Welcome to May! May brings us Motorcycle Safety Month! This little extra boost to awareness to those of us on two and three wheels is brought to us by the National Highway Safety Administration. This is the National level designation, but Iowa has its own as well, Motorcycle Awareness Month. This proclamation was signed by the Governor on February 8th immediately following the ABATE of Iowa Lobby Day. In Iowa and Nationally, this month of May has been designated for motorcycle and rider safety as it is the month that two wheeled travel increases exponentially. What does all of this mean? On the large scale it means that lawmakers at many levels actually see the validity of our preferred mode of transportation and would like to help to keep us safe as we travel. On a personal level to me it means that I will do my part to promote the sport of motorcycling and try to remind myself that my favorite pastime is still a very dangerous one. Support motorcycle safety and rights organizations. Start right here at home and become or continue membership in ABATE. Follow that through with supporting the AMA and/or the MRF. You can support or even volunteer to help with Share the Road programs across the state. Help remind vehicle drivers that they can kill us in an instant through distraction and blocked views. Mark’s MAG article this month is a prime example of blocking out motorcycles and that is an example of things that need to stop. Though we have state and federal level officials proclaiming it awareness or safety month for motorcycles, I still understand that it is all on me to try to return home. It is on me to ride safely. It is on me to ride defensively. It is entirely on me to ride straight and not mix riding and overindulgence. It is on me to take or re-take a motorcycle rider coarse, it is on me to properly maintain my motorcycle, it is on me to follow the laws of the land and the road, it is also on me to wait out the storm and not ride in bad weather. It is on me to signal my lane changes and turns, it is on me to avoid vehicle blind spots, it is on me to be extra cautious at intersections, it is on me to assume that everyone is out to get me, it is on me to expect an oncoming car to turn in front of me, it is on me to ride as defensively as possible and to try to get home safely. There are so many more things that we need to consider, but just pointing out that helping to make sure cars see us is important, but being safe and riding safe is our responsibility as well. Get out there and ride and have fun, but do so with safety in mind. Everyone come home!
also always Check-In at the Registration stops, as well as the yellow lettered Check-In stops designated on the list. With 40 spots across the state, you should be able to Check-In multiple times at multiple locations for chances to win the monthly prizes at each of the spots. On September 9th at Big Barn HD we will be giving away a bunch of prizes including a 2017 Street Bob! All of your Check-Ins add up throughout the year, and if you are present on the day of the drawing, you are eligible to win the big prizes. Cards from last year are still good, they NEVER EXPIRE, or if you don’t have one get registered and get your FREE Tall Corn Run Ride & Win card! Check-In at some spots for your chance to win monthly and grand prizes! The Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Events list and the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Bike Night & Dinner Ride List are on the inside back cover pages. The events list is for onetime events and the Bike Night & Dinner Ride List is for any recurring events. If you are hosting or know of any confirmed events, bike nights, or dinner rides that we should have on the list, email them to Vernon@ thunderroadiowa.com. This is your list Iowa, so help us make it as complete as possible! Thanks to all of the sponsors and supporters of the magazine. Without them we could not bring you these pages every month, or cool stuff like the Tall Corn Run! Darken their doors; tell them Thunder Roads sent ya! Thanks! Ride safe, ride frequently, ride straight! Vernon Quote of the Month: “While only one day of the year is dedicated to honoring our veterans, American’s must never forget the sacrifices many of our fellow countrymen have made to defend our country and protect our freedom”Congressman Randy Neugebauer.
As you get out and about in this busy month of May, don’t forget about the Tall Corn Run that is going on until the end of August. See on pages 56-59 the map and list page of this year’s Registration Stops and Check-In Stops. You can register for the program and get your cards at any time throughout the year at the green lettered stops. You can 4 - TRMI MAY 2017
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CMA Notes
Hallelujah, it’s finally time to take the water wings off the arms and the pontoon outriggers off the bike. March showers brought April craziness especially after riding 5 days in a row in February.
We were at a dinner with one of the local ride groups last night when we ran into a friend who was limping through the restaurant. When questioned he said that it had happened last year when losing his balance and dropping his bagger on his leg. The local hospital gave him the thumbs up so he went back to work and regular life while dragging a leg behind him. Fast forward 8 months and a different hospital; turns out the leg was broken in two places and they missed it. Oops. Got us talking about all the different times we have all lost our balance and dropped the bike, some with injuries and others with just injuries to our egos. We lost a friend in February when he got out of control and wrecked his ride. I’ve laid mine down just backing out of the garage thinking I had the forks unlocked and found out quickly how fast that Street Glide can go over and how heavy the thing really is. Karla had an interesting one several years back at one of the big club funerals. It was crowded, really packed crowded and the funeral directors were trying to figure out where to park all the people. We parked and before we got off were directed down a side walk into another lot. Not having that far to go we just duck walked our way down the side walk and got into the line. Unfortunately Karla forgot about the kickstand and came within inches of domino-ing a whole club’s line of bikes. All of us guys looked at each other, picked up her mirror and handed it to her and said to each other, “Boy, I’m sure glad we didn’t do that.” Girls can get away with a lot of things guys can’t, and oh, she was also the only girl riding her own that day. They moved over and gave her plenty of room at the cemetery. A few years back I had terrible inner ear balance issues which still occasionally come back to haunt me, but I’ve found that cranking the throttle smooths things out and keeps me upright. I guess there is some kind of gyroscopic thing going on that rights me, though it doesn’t help when stopped at the stop lights.
Anyway, those past failings and circumstances don’t have to hinder or define our identity. We need to twist that spiritual throttle and look ahead to Jesus, not behind to those past failures. Remember, where we focus is where we will go. That also applies to what you worship is what you will become. Good reason to focus on Jesus and being more like Him. We go from balance to wreckage when our eyes wander and we become distracted. Satan desires our destruction and if he can cut you out from the herd and isolate you then you are a lot more vulnerable. We all need a good support system and part of that is remembering that God determined your value a long time ago when He paid the price of His son for you. It’s He that sets that value, not other people. Our lives can be a testimony of God’s mercy and grace. 1 Peter tells us that God called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light and Romans 8 tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We find our balance in Him. Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps for the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org
It’s not just riding but everything in life seems to be a perpetual struggle for balance. We struggle with marital, parental, all kinds of relational balance, spiritual balance, maybe balance with alcohol use, you name it; we tend to go too far one way then overcorrect and go too far the other way. Kid Rock in talking about his past substance abuse and things he has learned over the years had good advice. He said that “If you don’t think you will be able to put something down, don’t pick it up ‘cause it will get heavy.” Many can’t let go of past failures, traumatic events etc.… making it hard to go forward, like trying to stay upright when that throttle cable breaks. 6 - TRMI MAY 2017
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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 Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers
Fe F Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727
National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org
Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com
Loess L Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
CJ’s Bar and Grill 105 E Marion St Monroe, IA 641-259-2222 & Facebook M-F 11am-Close, S-S Noon-Close Homemade Food-Live Entertainment
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
Food and Drink
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 55320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
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Ambro’s Roadhouse 917 Guthrie St De Soto, Iowa 50069 515-468-2236 Great Food! Ambro’s Roadhouse on Facebook American Legion Post 46 1301 S 6th Street Marshalltown, Iowa50158 641-752-3612 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigosfortdodge.com Bailey’s Pub -N- Grub 918 E Euclid Ave Des Moines 515-266-6560 Mon-Sat 6am-2am Sun 8am-12am Home Cooked Food Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!
Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30
Bootleggers of Millville Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food Tops in Scenic River Rides Check us on Facebook 563-252-7775
Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions
Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill 2013 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-328-1033 Open 7 Days a Week 11 – Close
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Culvers Marshalltown Car Shows & Bike Nights Thurs Nites April-Sept 5-Dusk 16 Iowa Avenue W Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close Best Scenic Road With the Best Food! 563-552-2291 Eddies Tavern 407 D Street Sergeant Bluff, Iowa 51054 Open 11am 7 Days/Week 712-943-9924 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet Fore Seasons Golf Bar 6232 HWY S-74 South Newton, Iowa 50208 641-792-1246 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Greencastle Tavern – Mingo Outdoor Patio – Friendly Service Wed Bike Nights – Fri Steak Night Coldest Beer in Central Iowa Greencastle Tavern/Ryan Maher on FB Grinnell Eagles Club 616 4th Avenue Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us on Facebook Grinnell Pub 909 State Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-260-8003 Grinpub@aol.com
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Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!
Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com
The Buck Snort Oakland 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 The Buck Snort Oakland on FB
Happenings Bar 508 W Market Street Steamboat Rock, Iowa www.happeningsbar.com 641-868-2000
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
The Dog House 402 Main Street Colo, Iowa 50056-7720 Open 1st and 3rd Saturdays 641-485-8425
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue M Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Southside Lounge 408 2nd Street Dedham, Iowa Open 4-Close Weekdays Open 3-9 Sundays 712-683-5664
Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook Ickey Nickel Bar & Grill 4700 41st Street Sioux City, Iowa 51108 712-239-2772 The Ickey Nickel Bar & Grill on Facebook Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
Suds S –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
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
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Jerrys 100 W Washington Exira, Iowa 50076 Jerrys Exira on Facebook “The Party Lives On”
Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook L&S Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-6999
The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill 113 W Walnut Street Ogden, Iowa 50212 515-275-9946 The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill on FB The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S Noon-2a Find Us On Facebook The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
Team 36 Bar & Grill 101 1 2nd Street NW Mitchellville 515-957-0360 Sunday S Funday Summertime Stop Open 7 Days a Week, Weekend Breakfast
The Still Templeton, Iowa 712-669-9445 Check Us Out on Facebook Web Page Coming Soon!
Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week
The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty
Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
The Buck Snort Restaurant & Sports Bar 25 Scott Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-328-2825 The Buck Snort restaurant and sports bar on FB
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
The Buck Snort 419 Sharp Street Glenwood, Iowa 51534 712-520-6454 Buck Snort Glenwood on Facebook
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
Good Lunch Specials, Cold Beer
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub Open 11-2 Seven Days a Week-New Ownership
Sundown Bar and Grill 112 W State Street Williamsburg, Iowa 52361 319-668-2994 Patio Bar and Brick Oven Pizza
The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
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The Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
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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
Guns and Ammo
Insurance
Shops & Fabricators
Farm Bureau Financial Services 208 Faith Ave Underwood, IA 51576 Shane.baker@fbfs.com 712-310-7475 or 402-379-3237
Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook
Legal
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com IowaBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Photo and Art
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Amend 2 Defend Firearm Sales – Concealed Carry Classes
Travis Cullen President/Instructor 515-771-6323 tcullen@amend2defend.com JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Doublas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services
2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com
A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901
McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS
AMSOIL Iowa Synthetics Iowa’s Leading Wholesale Distributor Guaranteed Low Prices 641-751-2893 www.iowasynthetics.com
Pistol Pete’s Guns and Ammo Eldora, Iowa 641-858-6878 pistolpetesgunsandammo@gmail.com DISCOUNTS for ABATE Members Eric Ross & Steve Eggleston
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
Stand Your Ground Firearms Sales and Service 2820 N Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-435-9042
Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763
Hair & Beauty
Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com
Cutters Cave Hair Salon Call for Appointment-Walk Ins Welcome 2820 N Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-322-2129
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
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Cycles Plus Bikes, ATVs, Snowmobiles 300 Walnut Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3987 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 M-F 8-6 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Weeks Manufacturing & Powdercoating 2235 400th Street Walnut, Iowa 51577 402-651-6977 weeksmanufacturing@gmail.com
Tattoo Skin Mechanix INKorpar8ted 117 No. 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712 256-2847 Check Us Out on Facebook
TIRES Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
Vape
Machine Shop 6821 Fleur Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50321 515-285-4332 RIDE SAFE
The Fog Zone Vape Store 420 Chestnut Street Atlantic, Iowa, 50025 Facebook.com/fogzonestore 712-243-4024
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook
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Constitution of United States of America 1789 (rev. 1992) Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Constitution of United States of America 1789 (rev. 1992) Amendment XIV Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Bikers tend to draw attention. Sometimes that attention is wanted by the rider or warranted by actions, but many times the attention is not a welcome addition to their day. y Bikers like to be on the fringe of society in many aspects, and like to maintain a low ow profile and out of sight. Most tend to enjoy living by their heir own terms, on their own time, and in their own way without ithout out undue influence from the “outside” world. Many anyy riders ride with shirts, jackets, vests, and d all sorts of insignias that identify them as a member of a particular group. They enjoy being g a part of something bigger, gerr, a group that enjoys somee of the same aspects of life fe together. When this becomes com mes a problem is when thosee gr groups, roups,
Profiling: The practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics. Offender profiling, also known as criminal profiling, is an investigative tool used by law enforcement agencies to identify likely suspects (descriptive offender profiling) and analyze patterns that may predict future offenses and/or victims (predictive offender profiling). Offender profiling dates back to 1888 and the spree of Jack the Ripper, and the profiling theory describes how profiling will ideally work. Current applications include predictive profiling, sexual assault offender profiling, and case linkage (using profiling to identify common factors in offenses and to help with suspect identification.
affiliations affi liations, style of dress, or simply riding a motorcycle makes them a target for undue attention from law enforcement.
Profiling, targeting, and discriminating against bikers is not a new thing, not even here in Iowa. Some have looked down on motorcycles and their riders for over a century. One such instance of profiling in Iowa happened in the western part of our fine state. This example happened a You may wonder what the above referenced items have to short time ago with no negative consequences for any of do with anything in our great state of Iowa. You may also the parties involved legally, only the loss of a ridiculous wonder why in the hell I am writing about something that amount of time. A couple with known MC club affiliations seems to happen only in other places far away from our was stopped in their vehicle by local law enforcement. homes? You may also wonder how this fits into our long The reason for the stop was vague and variable when they standing beliefs, opinions, and support of law enforcement asked for cause, but the couple politely did as the officers in general. I totally understand those questions, and asked. This was their best course of action, as being welcome them with open arms. We still support law confrontational with law enforcement never seems to end enforcement and do not foresee that changing anytime soon. well, even if the citizen is 100% right in the situation. Extra We still have the thin blue line on our cover to show our officers were called to the scene, and one officer even stated support. Don’t get me wrong, there are officers of the law to the couple that it was good training for a new officer on that do not deserve that respect and support, but we feel the force. After looking through the vehicle and ensuring they are dealt with and that for the most part in Iowa we have officers of the law that are truly there to protect and serve. As far as the questions about dealing with something that does not happen much in Iowa, or at least has not been documented as well as it could have been, makes this our way to help raise awareness and solicit for notification if any type of profiling is occurring here. It is our job to keep our elected officials and public servants honest, and without keeping an eye on them, sometimes things can go awry. Good and bad trends tend to spread across the country, so even though there is not a giant problem with motorcycle profiling in Iowa, some residents travel to other areas, and trends tend to spread. Keeping vigilant ensures it does not get to be a problem here, and also by doing our part, we are supporting brothers and sisters across the country. Just because it is not an issue here now does not mean it could not be in the future. 14 - TRMI MAY 2017
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all paperwork was good with the vehicle and concealed carry permits and such, the couple was left to go on their way. y With no solid reason for the stop, p, and calling of extra officers to “help” with the stop, it appea appeared to be a training exercise for the officers at the expense of a known patch holder and his wife.
America. Double D spearheaded the effort in Washington as spokesperson for the movement. Double D represents the Washington State COC and US Defenders, NCOM Legislative Task Force, US Defenders National Office, BOLT, and he is a member or supporter of ABATE, the MRF, and the AMA. Double D was a power behind the formation of the Motorcycle Profiling Project. The While it is a giant gray are area ea for private business MPP is dedicated to the grassroots effort to pass laws tto discriminate addressing profiling and discrimination. The MPP is not against a any group, intended to replace other organizations. Rather, the project when w it happens in is intended to coordinate and unify the different elements th the h business world, and organizations in each state towards this common goal, an and nd it is accepted, including the Confederations and Coalitions of Clubs, US the then en it seems to follow Defenders, C.O.I.R., ABATE, MMA, NCOM, MRF, AMA suit in the legal and law and the many smaller MRO’s that exist around the country. enforc enforcement ce realms. One instanc instance ce of this came after Many people were involved with creating the MPP, and they the Waco iincident when an have numerous Iowans on board that are helping to stand up for bikers’ rights across the country. This unified effort resulted in the first law addressing motorcycle profiling in America. Importantly, Washington’s law passed through the legislature unanimously and the same Iowa business legislation is receiving support in many other states. The made the decision Maryland COC/US Defenders and ABATE, worked with to ban any and all patches from their the Project, unanimously passed profiling legislation bike nights. While through their Senate in 2016. there were no problems here ever, The MPP provides assistance to the state Motorcycle this business decided Rights Organizations; in this case ABATE of Iowa, to that things in Waco help pass laws when needed addressing the issue of were enough of a motorcycle profiling and discrimination. They have threat to disallow any made the leap, fought the battles, and can help get things patch holders from attending bike night at their business. rolling right here in our state. MPP has been active at the This included any and all patches, not just diamonds, but national level with lobbying for resolutions that would pave also excluded any back patches including American Legion the way for states to enact their own anti-profiling laws. In Riders and other riding groups and organizations. Like I essence, the MPP is paving the way for localities to enact said, not illegal, they reserve the right to refuse service to legislation to protect bikers. What can you do to help? Be anyone, but if private entities can do it, then it becomes an active part of the riding community and help protect accepted. your rights. Be active or join ABATE of Iowa and be an informed rider. Sign up for alerts on the Motorcycle Profile Any instances of discrimination and profiling must be Project website at www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com brought to the attention of someone that can make a and also go to the same website to report any instance of difference. We rolled into Heartland STEAM in Sioux profiling on the contact us tab or emailing directly to info@ City recently and got to interview one such cat that has motorcycleprofilingproject.com made it his mission to make a difference. We met with David “Double D” Devereaux, who is a motorcycle rights Ride safe, ride free, ride often… activist from Washington State, and a leading advocate Vernon for laws addressing the issue of motorcycle profiling in
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the boring stuff
As I sit here and read TRMI it occurred to me we never see any information about protecting the very thing we all love. OUR BIKES!!!! Ok I know that means insurance and who doesn’t hate insurance? I mean you pay your good hard money on something you hope you never need. Over the next few issues I am going to put together some information from each part of a policy to better explain what you are paying for.
That being said all insurance is not the same. This is truly an area where you get what you pay for. Here is a fair question. How many of you have ever read your policy? Do you know what it covers and how it covers you or did you take someone’s word that it is ok? Let me give you some examples of what I am talking about. Before I became an agent, I trusted someone else to insure my bike. I looked at price as the main factor and never looked back. I am thankful every day I never had to use that policy! It barely met state minimums! I know of another client who had insurance with a large internet company and they ended up being in a crash. The insurance company denied the claim because they were riding on an unapproved surface. Now in Iowa if you are riding on a hard surface it is concrete or Asphalt. How mad would you be if one of the most used materials was not covered in your policy? Isn’t the point of paying for insurance is that you are covered when you need it? What good is a cheap rate if they won’t help you in a time of need? My point is price should not be the factor you should be worried about when it comes to protecting your bike or yourself. The agent you trust and the company you choose should thoroughly explain all the options to you. Let’s start by talking about your liability limits. Has your agent taken the time to explain how that impacts you? As
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you look at your policy you will see the very first thing stated are numbers usually written like this 100/300/100. The first two numbers stand for your bodily injury liability portion. Using the numbers above 100,000 per person and 300,000 per accident worth of liability. When you are found legally responsible for an accident, bodily injury liability coverage is the part of your insurance policy that pays for the costs associated with injuries to the other person or people involved. This coverage also provides a legal defense in the event that you are sued for damages. Now take a minute and think about the world we live in. How long would it take to burn through $100,000 if someone was hurt in an accident and it was your fault! What if you were riding and heaven forbid you go down and cause another biker to crash that has a passenger. How long do you think $300,000 would last? Now imagine if your company only gave you the state minimums of 20,000/40,000? You can see where you have the potential to lose a lot. Who do you think is responsible if your insurance is not enough to cover the losses. That’s right you are! This is also why I recommend an Umbrella policy but that is for a later discussion. The final number is the amount you are covered for if you cause property damage. The definition of this is when you are found legally responsible for an accident, property damage liability coverage is the part of your insurance policy that pays for the costs associated with repairing or replacing another person’s property. Using a previous example if you had an accident and multiple bikes were involved, how long do you think it would take to use up $100,00 or even the state minimum of $20,000? You can clearly see why these numbers matter. Why these conversations are important. Next month I will take a look at other areas of your policy like the medical coverage. Until then ride safe!
Shane Baker….Rider and Agent…. 2012 Road Glide…shane.baker@fbfs.com
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The Greene County Motorcyclee Charity (GCMC) is looking forward to the 9th Annual Bell Tower Festival motorcycle events on Saturday,, June 10th as it continues to grow in popularity, drawing participants from all corners of Iowa and near-by states. In addition to the traditional Poker Run and Cycle Show in Jefferson, IA the committee is excited to announce another new w guided tour ride in their series. The inaugural event entitled thee “Brew Pub Tour Ride” will depart part Jefferson at 9:30 am. Join this unique guided motorcycle tour ride to 209 Main in Paton, Boone Valley alley Brewing in Boone, and Alluviall Brewing in Ames. Short ort tours will w be provided at each brewery along g with the opportuni opportunityy to sample their products. ucts. The Prairie Moon Winery tasting g room located next to Alluvial will also be available for riders to visit. Participants rticipants will get a special edition ion T-shirt, a limited edition coin, n, and an opportunity to draw a poker hand upon return to Jefferson. rson.
in Stuart. Stu Participants will get a special spec edition T-shirt, limited edition coin and lunch at the Dexter Roundhouse. Ro The T final stop on both tour rides ri will be at Wild Rose Casino Ca in Jefferson. Participants will wil then return to the festival beverage bev garden to draw a poker pok hand and get their special limited lim edition coins sponsored by Trophies T Plus of Templeton, IA. The T cost per person for each guide guided tour ride starts at $35.00. Proceeds from all GCMC events benefit the Raccoon Valley Kiwanis Aktion Club, a community service group of local adults li living with disabilities. Please consider joinin joining ng us in Jefferson Jef for this oneof-a-kind and extremel extremely fun cycling event! More information ab about the Greene County Mo Motorcycle Charity and the Bell B Tower Festival motorcy motorcycle events can be found at www. btfcycle.info al along with event registrat registration.
Another favorite, the “Bonnie & Clyde Tour Ride”, will depart Jefferson at 9:00 am. This guided ded tour ride destination is Dexter,, IA where riders will hear the real story ry about the biggest shoot out in Dallas County ountyy history from one of the finest local orators, Rod Stanley. A short walking tour of the downtown area where Bonnie & Clyde bought food, clothes and medicine will be available. Opportunities will be available to visit the Dexter museum and the scene of the bank robberyy
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The annual Bell Tower Festival Poker oker Run will travel to the southeast in n 2017, taking riders on a 108 mile journey with stops in Jamaica (Just ust One More), Minburn (Mudders), Woodward (Whistlin’ Donkey), Ogden (Lucky Pig), and Paton (209 09 Main) before returning to Jefferson’s on’s Wild Rose Casino. Registration can be done in advance online at www.btfcycle.info, as well as on site Saturday, June 10th 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), raffle ticket and a poker hand. Additional T-shirts and challenge coins will be available for purchase as well. Riders may leave anytime after 8 am, with last bike
will be hosting a Beer & Wine Tasting event in the afternoon. A benefit auct auction is planned in the beverage gard garden at 6:00 pm featuring some favo favorite items from years past for participants to bid on.
As always, a free motorcycle show will be included with the activities. Registration will be from 9 am to 1 pm, with the show starting at noon and ending at 4:00. Show classes will include Metric, Vintage (pre1990’s), Peoples’ Choice, Trike, Custom, Bagger, and Late Model. Plaques are to be awarded to winners of each class when the judging concludes at 4 pm. A Additionally, plans are to have a D Dyno onsite provided by VanWall Powe Powersports at a reduced rate of $30. Speci Special GCMC charity fund raising rraffle tickets – only 200 tickets available - are being sold for a cost of $10 each or 3 for $25, until sold out. Items on the raffle include an awesome Henry 22 Golden Boy rifle, a out by pair of VIP concert tickets to a noon. All riders must concert of your choice at Jefferson’s Wild Rose Casino be back by 5 pm. & Events Center, and a $100 gift card at Hy-Vee. Poker Run prizes of $250 (1st place), Wild Rose Casino of Jefferson is the 2017 Challenge $125 (2nd place) Coin sponsor and will provide special promotions for and $75 (3rd place) coin holders. Other valued sponsors this year include: will be awarded to T-shirt sponsor - Scranton Manufacturing (New Way the best hands drawn. After returning, riders can take Trucks/McLaughlin International /New Way Ford), a break at the Bell Tower Festival Beverage Garden Gold sponsors - Carroll Cycle Center, Van Wall for a cold drink and draw their poker hand. Hy-Vee Powersports, Fenders Cycle, 209 Main/Tool Bar, Dan’s Spicy Barbecue Sauce, Neese Inc., Hamilton Redi-Mix, Jefferson A&W, Pemble Digging & Drainage Service, River Farm Recreation, and Trophies Plus. Silver sponsors - Oly’s Corner, Hog House/Lucas Oil, and Shadran Industrial. Sponsors and vendors will also have the opportunity to display and sell their products onsite. As always, 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 2017. More information about the Bell Tower Festival Motorcycle events can be found at www. btfcycle.info along with registration for the Guided Tour Rides and Poker Run. We hope to see you there! Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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From: March Harley-Davidson Enthusiast Magazine
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99 counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 16 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of curiosity for our state of Iowa.
locations scout out on our visit to Sioux County.
From Alton we headed West on Hwy 10 to Orange City. Orange City is the county seat and has a population of just over 6,000 residents. The city is best known for its Dutch background, which it celebrates with an annual Tulip Festival for 3 days every May. Many of the city’s buildings are faced with Dutch architectural fronts, so it was unusual to see the like of the local Fareway with a “dutch” façade. The city was founded Sioux County in 1870 by settlers from Pella Sioux County was who were looking formed on January 15, for cheaper 1851 and was named and better land. after the Sioux Indian Orange City has tribe. The first county a total area of seat was Calliope in 3.94 square miles, 1860, then a small village all of it land. It with a population of 15 is located just that is now part of Hawarden. The first courthouse off the Highway was built here in 1860 and served as such until 1872, 60 corridor when Orange City was declared the seat. Locals in connecting Hawarden allude to the notion that there was some Omaha to thievery of public records that led to the relocation Minneapolis. So of the county seat, regardless of how, it relocated and it is an easy jump off to In June 1902 the construction began on a new Sioux visit, or grab a bite to eat. County courthouse. This remains the operational But don’t look too late courthouse today. Sioux County has a total area for a cold one, as most of 769 square miles, and less than 1 square mile restaurants stop serving is water. Sioux County has numerous highways to around 9pm. If you are travel, including U.S. 18, U.S. 75, Iowa 10, Iowa 12, and looking for good grub Iowa 60. There are numerous small towns scattered try Blue Mountain for throughout the county, and several larger cities. barbeque, or P’s Pizza The combined municipalities give Sioux County an House, which is more overall population of over 34,500 residents. than just delicious wood fired pizza. The industrial We entered Sioux County on the South East corner game is strong in Orange in the town of Alton. Alton lies along the Floyd River, City; it is home to the likes and has a population of around 1,200 people. It was of Staples Promotional originally called East Orange and was laid out in 1875 Products, Pioneer Hiwhen the railroad was extended to that point. In 1882 Breds, and Diamond Vogel it received its current name and was incorporated. Alton occupies an area of only about 2 square miles, but has a plethora of crafty type stores along its main drag. On the same stretch of pavement are a couple of places to wet your whistle or grab a bite. The DD is a small town bar that sits across from the 10th Street Pub. This place has a lot of room and sports décor, but the real draw is the full bar and daily specials from a kitchen that’s cookin’ til 9pm…but make sure you sw swing by on the right day as they take their weekends on Sunday and Monday. We chatted with Megan and Amanda during our visit, and they were kind e enough to help us add more
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Paints, among others. Northwestern College also makes its home in Orange City. If you cruise through downtown, check out The Old Factory Coffee Shop and the Windmill Park, where you can take little Dutch selfies in their giant wooden clog. From Orange City we jumped on Hwy 10 again to 75 north until we reached the burg of Sioux Center. Sioux Center has a population of 7,000 people, and a total area of 6.31 square miles. Sioux Center is located on the north to south spine of western Iowa, so the eastern side of Sioux Center drains to the Floyd River while the western side of Sioux Center drains to the Big Sioux River. This “divide” is profoundly unnoticeable. A minor tourist attraction in Sioux Center, Iowa is a scale model of the Eiffel Tower. There is also a pretty stellar Veteran’s Memorial next to the library when you travel down 75 through town. If you need some vittles while visiting, check out the Sioux County Livestock Co from some good steaks and other tasty Iowa staples. If drink is what you’re craving, look to the Backdoor Lounge, just behind the steakhouse. After Sioux Center we continued west to Hawarden. Hawarden has a population of 2,500 friendly people. It is located on the Big Sioux River, and for this reason, the original burg of Caliope continually flooded. After fighting a losing battle against the Big Sioux, the town was moved a little east, to higher ground and renamed Hawarden. Hawarden was platted in 1882 and named for Hawarden Castle, the Welsh home of statesman William Gladstone. The city has a total area of 3 square miles, just over 1/10 of a mile is water. Residents of Hawarden have saved buildings from the original town of Caliope, relocated them, and established a small historical sector on the north edge of town. There are several small diners on the main street, and also a bowling alley, which happens to be the only place to grab a cold one within city limits. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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We decided to take some county roads north in search of the next stop on our tour, Rock Valley. Rock Valley is along the Rock River, and therefore boasts some nice curves and hills to enjoy riding. The population sits at around 3,300 locals. The first homesteads were established in 1868 on the cities’ 3.27 square miles. Rock Valley is located on U.S. Route 18 and is named after the Rock River. The downtown business district is home to several restaurants and watering holes, many of them still housed in the town’s first buildings. Rock Valley is proud of its community events and comradery. Each year the town puts on Rockathlon Swim, Bike, and Run! And Rally in the Valley. The Rockathlon event starts and finishes at Rivers Bend Campground and will follow the city’s scenic trails. Rally in the Valley is the major community celebration sponsored by the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce each year, with the likes of sports tournaments, tractor pulls, car shows, and kiddie events.
chose to head for home and the comfort of TRMI Headquarters where we could see what kind of yarns we can spin for you next month when we look into Story County. Melanie J Schwarte Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com Sources available upon request
From Rock Valley we cut back east on 18 to Hull, where I had every intention of making numerous bad choices at The Foreign Candy Company warehouse, unfortunately we had spent so much time perusing the county that we pulled into the parking lot at exactly 4:58 pm…. closing time is 5:00 PM. I may or may not be still crying a little over that one. Hull has a population of 2,100 sweet souls, and was named for John A. T. Hull, a U.S. Representative from Iowa. The city is a mere 1.2 square miles, all of it land…and candy. Sweet, sweet, candy. Further east on 18 we passed through Boyden on our way to Sheldon, on the eastern edge of Sioux County. Sheldon is a city, dissected by Sioux and O’Brien counties along the Floyd River. The population is 5,200, but the largest percentage of the county lies across the border, so most of the good places to eat and drink aren’t allowed in our current discussion. Sheldon is most known for its annual display of marigolds, and is the home of Northwest Iowa Community College and the Carnegie Library. By the time we headed south out of Sheldon, the sun was dropping pretty low in the sky, and our minds were reeling from all of the cool things Sioux County had to offer, so we
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This month I have a lot going on with family, so instead of trying to come up with a new topic, I thought I’d go into further detail on one of my rants from a couple months ago. Remember, this is strictly my opinion.
a holiday that has nothing to do with the founding of this country, but when it comes to these other AMERICAN holidays, they seem to act afraid of them. Hard to be politically correct here. Businesses go out of their way to create special discounts on a make believe holiday. Oh don’t get me wrong, they use every holiday to create sales. That’s another issue. How dare we take a day like Memorial Day, and use the very name as an advertising tool? We can’t even observe the day as it was meant to be because it gets drug out over a month for some stupid advertising gimmick. I agree that we need to remember those lost more than just one day, every day actually, just not when it comes to a used car sale or whatever else can be thought of.
I honestly think we have become so sensitive to each other’s beliefs that we have a tendency to not want to hurt someone’s feelings, and I don’t just mean holidays. Participation trophies, safe rooms, days off from school The month of May is upon us. And it has come to my because someone is traumatized by not getting their way or attention that people seem to have created a holiday in this being offended. And you best not be accused of offending country, for absolutely no reason. I guess to some heritage anyone these days. When did we become such a bunch of gurus out there, there might be a reason, but anyhow… wimps? We allow desecration of our beloved flag and call The holiday Cinco De Mayo (May 5th) is the holiday I’m it free speech. Our national war monuments down south are referring to right now. People say it is like our independence called racist because there is a depiction of the confederate day, only in Mexico. I’m not going to research it, but feel battle flag. And we toss our beliefs aside to satisfy others free to do so if you feel so inclined. It has nothing to do who don’t share our beliefs. with me, my heritage, or my country, so to be quite frank, I don’t care about the holiday. What I do care about is how Ask yourself this. Would our troops serving today do what people who have nothing to do with the Mexican heritage, they do if they believed in society becoming a bunch of suddenly think they have Mexican ancestors. It’s a day wimps? Do you think they enlisted to watch our rights created by big business, to sell tacos and tequila in order and freedoms eroded away? They serve today not because to turn a profit. The sad part is society these days is eager they hate what is in front of them, but because they love to jump on the bandwagon and become Mexican for a day. what’s behind them...their families. Did those who died Some make a pretty big deal out of it too. for this country do so to allow our country to turn into just another 3rd world society? They died serving in the most Now , the issue that really gets me in an uproar, is there are powerful military machine ever known to man. They died two other holidays in the month of May that are a big part because they cared about you and me, they cared about their of the American history, and many people in this country families, and they cared about their country. Duty, Honor, have absolutely no clue the true meaning of them. First, Country. Three words I grew up with. is Armed Forces Day. This day is set aside to honor those brave men and women who serve this great nation right So, this month when you suddenly become someone you now, in the present time. There was a time where you could aren’t, just so you can fit in with what I call a holiday with wish me a happy Armed Forces Day, but right now you’d no significance, ask yourself, Is this what is most important be wrong if you did. Why? Because it’s been 30 years since in your life? And ask yourself, who gave you the freedom to I got out of the military. Remember, present time? Some even be able to think like a free human being? And finally, veterans might say they appreciate that you actually wish ask yourself if you are doing everything in your power to them Happy Armed Forces Day, but to me you just made live up to the sacrifices made by the people those other two yourself look ignorant, or worse yet, stupid. Remember the misunderstood and forgotten holidays in May are meant to difference? represent. Second major holiday in May is Memorial Day. This day To wrap this up, I offer the following: is set aside to honor the men and women who died serving this country. A very sacred day indeed. Again, don’t wish I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG me a good day or thank me on this day, as I or any other OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA living veteran did not die serving in the military. A very AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS sacred day, yes, not just for me and all veterans, and the ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, families who lost someone, but it should be a sacred day to INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY each person who considers themselves to be an American. AND JUSTICE FOR ALL . And we only allow one day for this? And then we tag the weekend as the official start of summer…Leave it to society Gary “Wildman” Emery to commercialize a sacred American Holiday District 8 Coordinator ABATE of Iowa The whole reason for this rant is the fact that the majority of Solo Adventures Outdoor Skills and Survival School American citizens are quick to run out and eat tacos or buy Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa a bottle of tequila or some Corona, and actually celebrate 30 - TRMI MAY 2017
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2017 TRMI Midwest Motorcycle Show at World Of Wheels The 2017 TRMI Midwest Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels in Omaha was a huge success! This was our second year hosting the event and it was a packed house with almost double the number of motorcycles on hand for judging and crowd viewing. We actually ran out of space and some had to be turned away, but those that made the show were great examples of all types, brands, styles, and ages of rides. Mark Fountain with Fountain Photography was on hand to get some great shots of the bikes on display. The motorcycle in the photo on the center calendar spread of this issue was done by Tyler and Matt of Road Rage Bike Works in Avoca, Iowa. This BA Softail was painted by Creative Concepts in Harlan. Photos on this page and the calendar page by Mark Fountain. Hope to see you next March at the show!
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Mark Fountain from Fountain Photo in Omaha grabbed some photos of this killer 2007 Softail built by Road Rage Bike Works in Avoca, Iowa. This Special Police Officer Edition Harley-Davidson was the winner of the motorcycle entrants voting for Best of Show at the TRMI Midwest Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels in Omaha in March. On top of a cool as hell glass trophy, Tyler won a photo shoot with Mark. Thanks for being a part of the show and to Mark for the great photo! Ride on everyone!
It’s a cool cliché, Riding is life! I live to ride and ride to live. Pick one, maybe it fits. At the very least it fits on a t-shirt or looks cool as a Facebook status. If you ride, you have a level of importance, a scale if you will, of what it means to you. To some it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon poker run. Put on the leathers, make sure the bike is super clean, and crank out 100 miles or so; have some laughs, help a cause, be a rider. And it’ a beautiful thing.
it’s a beau
I found the battery removed, and this one time (when dad was super pissed) the front wheel… gone! Lesson learned! A painfully, seemingly never ending lesson was learned. If I was going to ride and live my dream I’d best do what was expected of me.
Others dream of a simple pack, hundreds of miles a day, living on the road, being a pure road warrior throwing caution in the wind. And it’s a beautiful thing
It also taught me another lesson and one that I was lucky enough to figure out and take to heart at a young age and that was a simple as this. Don’t take riding for granted. Nobody owed me riding time, it was a It was Easter 1974 and the Easter Bunny hooked me up “right” but something that I had come to love and it with a mini-bike and while I didn’t know it at the time, a was a natural extension of who I was becoming, a kid path, a passion, a way of life, an extension of who I was that loved to ride. That kid, like so many others, moved eventually to become, was established. That beautiful from small dirt bikes to trail/road bikes, and eventually red machine, featuring a hot white 5 hp motor was the to my first street bike and the day when dad said, “No coolest thing on the planet. Jet black seat, mini-ape more bikes from me, buy your own dammit”. Sure, try style bars and no brakes. Brakes? Pffft, you had to make grounding me now! choices and when pappy restored that piece of art the brakes didn’t actually get over-looked, he didn’t get Sadly, he did! around to it and it was just “one of those things” to get around to eventually. Who needed brakes when the As I moved through life, my passions ebbed and flowed world was mine to be explored on two wheels anyway? for riding, and many times life would get in the way. And it was a beautiful thing. Job demands, schedules, and financial freedom limited seat time but the goal still burned in deep. Sure riding While living on a decent size farm with some woods, to work when possible helps, seat time is seat time, dirt paths, adjoining fields and pastures, I wasn’t limited but to get out and burn some serious road time always on where I could go as long as I never left the property. lingers. Where could a cool road take you? What’s in At 6 ½ years old, even for a few years after that, I the next state? Where is a largest ball of twine? (It’s in had all I could dream to explore. It didn’t talk long Kansas by the way.) Sometimes to get through winter, for pappy to figure out, should he need to “modify” you find a cool tourist trap to ride to and use that as an my behavior or see an uptick in my studies, it was excuse. as simple as limiting my seat time. Quickly I learned what goal riding was all about. My goal was to ride, my Goal planning when life gets in the way can help with parents goal was to see me do whatever they want and the down time when bikes are parked. Again, I was when I did, that goal was rewarded. lucky at an early age to appreciate the special bond bikers share. Not to take a ride for granted. Be it the The goal quickly became to do what the hell they said Freedom Rally, a quick day trip via the Loess Hills, a under threat of not having my machine at my disposal. week in Sturgis, or a random three day weekend to the The times when riding was taken from me were, for a Old River Road in Eastern Iowa. That last one should be boy on a farm in Iowa, pretty dark days! every rider’s goal! Great roads, friendly watering holes, amazing vestiges, various tourist traps, shops, hotels Those goals didn’t change much as I grew. Sure the and locals that are very welcoming to bikers. I try to bikes changed, but the goal was always the same; make a voyage there once a year, it’s a great goal. The spend as much time riding as I could. While the key remains the same, with those riding goals; I never confines of the farm satisfied my mini bike days, like take those rides, adventures for granted. You never anybody else with an itch to explore soon I needed to know if that could be your last ride. see what the horizon could be. My goals soon became a modified version of the original. How far of a radius My father never learned that lesson, and I never could I push it before my parents tried to reel me back. understood why. He gave up riding many years back, Of course, I would push it, I was a teenage boy with a but still loved and supported the cause. Many nights bike, and it had to be done. The neat thing looking back around a beer or three, he and I would talk about new was, as long as I wasn’t too stupid, got in trouble with bikes, old bikes, stuff he did back it the 60’s and 70’s the law or at school, or messed up with my “chores” and how, while he loved those bikes, the new bikes on the farm, I wasn’t too restricted. Sadly, being said were better built, more comfortable, and more. Same teenage boy, of course I was going to screw up. A with his time hunting, a pure passion sure, but he would young, testosterone fueled boy with a dirt bike is going many times find a work excuse not to hunt or ride. I to screw something up as sure as ants are gonna find a broached that subject many times, often telling him picnic. They just go together. When that happened, the that life is too short, you need to embrace what you bike got parked. Never hidden, just parked. Parked so have and worry about living life. He would always I would see it on a daily basis. He knew exactly what considering doing better but it never changed. he was doing, it wasn’t enough to just take away my seat time, it tortured me that she just sat there, waiting In 2009, lung cancer reached out, grabbed him, and for me. Most times, just the key was taken, a few times ended his life quickly in July of that same year. While
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autiful thing
we could see the end was approaching, he would tell me the lesson you hear from many people, dammit, he wished he would have taken time to ride, hunt, screw off, shoot more or whatever, and not spend all his time working, but instead living. All the goals he had, the dreams he kept putting off were never going to happen. It’s often said that nobody on their deathbed wishes they had spent more time at work, or mowing their lawn for that matter, but instead that they would have embraced life more.
Life shit just got real. Thankfully, it has been caught early. “Pro tip”…get your ass checked out and don’t put this one off! But with a great team of doctors and amazing nurses, my treatment plan appears to be working and there appears to be an end-game goal of being cured. Sure it’s going to be bitch to get to that date, but dammit, I have too much to do to check out now.
This is how riding is even more important to me now. I try to ride around treatment days, plan getaways when I am feeling good, and when I have my chemo infusion days and recovery time, I use my past rides to ease the stress and depression of dealing with cancer. But I I think riders tend to do that. I like to hope so. have found that goal planning, dreaming of more rides, helps bridge that gap as well. Knowing I will be strong Those conversations with my old man, who I had a great enough to swing over a leg and get back in the seat relationship with and hold no regrets, only solidified keeps me positive to the best of my abilities. what profound beliefs were already entrenched in my soul; I was going to live, not merely get by. It doesn’t Don’t take even a beautiful quick run on a Sunday matter if it’s time with my kids, wife, friends, a dinner, a spring day, a ride to Eastern Iowa, or a week in Sturgis vacation, stay-caytion, day on the boat, or a week riding for granted. More importantly, don’t put it off; the lawn my bike… I am not taking it for granted or putting it off can always be mowed later, because memories need to for another day. I decided to set my goals doing what I be made now. love and make sure I was true to them. And it will be a beautiful thing. January 3rd of this year, that path of living life became more important than ever as I was coming out of a Crash Davis colonoscopy haze only to learn that I have colorectal cancer.
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On many motorcycles, les, one of the first things that someonee changes after getting a new or new w to them bike is the exhaust. Exhaust haust systems and mufflers are changed ed for a variety of reasons including the rider wanting a different look, a different sound, or that they want a different fferent performance profile than the stock exhaust. Due to emissions, most new vehicles no matter the number of wheels, are de-tuned to meet regulations, and with a few modifications can perform better than one could imagine. Now with that said, the legality of changing intake and exhaust systems as well as fuel management systems is entirely on the buyer, so do your research and make your own decisions if changing any or all of these parts. Dory is a good friend of ours, and he ended up with a brand spanking new Harley-Davidson Limited sitting in his garage that he got at Okoboji HarleyDavidson. It is colored in black, and it was just waiting for some new stuff to make it a little bit better. He got some Reaper handlebars from Wild 1s at wild1inc.com
The next step was to find a set of pipes that would fit the bill. Our copy editor Netty happened to move to Lincoln a few years ago and was recently chatting about a company there that she found called T Tab Performance Inc. They can be found online at www. tabperfo tabperformance.com or physically at 2166 Magnum Circle, Ste.3 Lincoln, NE 68522 or call 888-822-0070. I spoke with Casey there and he got us all set up with what we needed. Dory had a black bike, so he got black handlebars, and wanted the exhaust to match as well. Casey shipped out a set of 2 into 2 black shield head pipes, TAB’s B.A.M. (Bad Ass Muffler) Sticks with Zombie baffles, a TAB Performance Auto Tuner for fuel management, and a high flow air filter. Essentially this is the Stage 1 kit. As Casey explained, “It comes down to a few very simple realities. The bikes come off the factory running lean, so the tuner will help with performance on its own. The bikes come suppressed on exhaust, so the free flowing exhaust helps with performance on its own. The intake filters are designed for the suppressed exhaust, so once the exhaust is opened up, more intake is needed to take full advantage of your performance exhaust. All three items really work together to ensure you receive full benefit from your purchase.” After the parts came in, we let Scott get to work and get the performance parts installed. Everything was straightforward and fit and finish on the product was spot on. When chatting with Casey, he stated that TAB believes in supporting the local economy, and so all of their products are made right here in the United States. They keep a firm dedication to quality and craftsmanship. It certainly shows when fitting and installing the parts. It is nice when things line up and bolt on as designed. The
and was going to have Scott and staff at Steffens Cycle Shop in Atlantic put them on for him. Dory also wanted something different for exhaust because, well, you guessed it, he wanted the black exhaust pipes for a different look, he wanted a heartier V-Twin sound, and wanted better performance than the stock choked down quiet mufflers. He hit the trifecta of reasons why people change stock exhaust. 44 - TRMI MAY 2017
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Overall, the system is very impressive for fit and finish, looks and style, and performance. The system met all of Dory’s goals and makes for one happy bagger. Check out TAB Performance Inc. in Lincoln, NE for some great American Made products. Thanks to them for getting us the Stage 1 kit, to Steffens Cycle Shop for the installation of those parts and the Wild 1’s Reaper Bars! Ride safe everyone! Vernon
instructions were clear and concise and if there were any issues, information could be attained from the website or calling TAB for assistance. After installation, the next step was to go for the test run and let the TAB Performance Auto Tuner do its magic. It takes about a 50 mile run to “learn” the system, and after that it is ready to roll. The box does all of this on its own with no Dyno tuning required, it works with all stock and aftermarket exhaust, requires no ECU mods, and as it is an auto tuner, gives power when needed, and goes for fuel economy when power is not required. Dory reported that on the initial run, there were a few hiccups and some spots of running rough, but after the initial 50 mile learning run, it runs smooth as can be. I got to hop on and put some miles on the bike to be able to see how it sounded and performed. The exhaust note on startup and idle was markedly deep, the sound a V-Twin should make. Some brands of exhaust have a tinny sound at different engine speeds, but the TAB Performance exhaust has none of the high pitched or tinny sounds at any RPM. It has a nice even exhaust note through the RPM range, but does have a slightly higher bark at higher engine speeds.. The low rumble of normal highway cruising speeds is replaced by a slightly louder growl, one that Dory described as the growl of an angry lion. The power with this setup is also impressive. Compared to my own 2014 limited with a 2 into 1 exhaust system only, Dory’s bike with the TAB Performance system has better acceleration and power throughout the engine speed ranges.
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With Memorial Day fast approaching, many of us find ourselves reminiscing about friends and/or family who gave their all to keep us here at home safe and sound. Giving one’s life for his or her country is something none of us expect from the soldiers’ who defend our homeland, unfortunately it is a truth we frequently witness. It seems that in many cases with loss comes a focus on maintaining traditions and in some cases the invention of new traditions. One interesting tradition encompassing the loss of a soldier is leaving coins on the tombstones of the fallen. Have you ever been to a cemetery and seen a coin lying on a tombstone? There is a reason behind it. Some say this particular tradition dates back as early as the Roman Empire. Now, obviously I can neither prove, nor disprove the validity of these dates, but if history is at all accurate, I believe the Romans probably would have spent coinage on the fallen’s funeral banquet, rather than decorating his grave. Regardless, of its roots, this tradition is pretty cool. Throughout time, various cultures added their own specific purposes for coins being left with the dead. In Greek mythology, Charon, the ferryman of Hades, required payment for his services. Therefore, a coin was placed in the mouth of the dearly departed to ensure he would reach the world of the dead rather than be left by the ferryman to wander the shore for a hundred years. In England and the U.S., pennies were routinely placed on the closed eyes of the dead. The purpose for this practice varies by historical period…frequently it was said it was to keep the eyes of the corpse from flying open. In these more modern days, coins and other small items are sometimes discovered on grave markers. These small tokens are left by visitors for no greater purpose than to indicate that someone has visited that particular grave. It has long been a tradition among the Jewish community to leave a small stone or pebble atop a headstone just to show that someone who cared had stopped by. Coins (especially pennies) are favored by others who wish to demonstrate that the deceased has not been forgotten and that instead his loved ones still visit him. The coin tradition became more prominent in the U.S. during the Vietnam War, when soldiers left coins as a way to buy their fallen buddy a beer, or hold his place in the 46 - TRMI MAY 2017
poker game when they met again on the other side. So, while all walks of life place remembrances on the final resting places of loved ones, the tradition involving soldiers encompasses a specific code that is not known by all. This code uses certain denominations to depict a distinctive message for those who observe it. Leaving a penny means you visited to pay your respect to the deceased. A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you actively served with the deceased, you leave a dime. A quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that soldier was killed. In theory, the amount of coins placed could add up to a significant amount in national and/or veterans’ cemeteries. So what happens to the coins after Memorial Day? The money is collected and used for things like cemetery maintenance, the cost of burial for soldiers, and even the care for indigent soldiers. Military folk also sometimes leave very special remembrances at the graves of deceased servicemen: challenge coins. Challenge coins are very special in the lives of service men and women, and are used in many civil service branches as well as the military. These tokens identify their bearers as members of particular units and are prized and cherished by those to whom they have been given; thus any challenge coins found at gravesites were almost certainly left there by comrades-in-arms of the deceased. If you see these, please leave them where they lay, as they are not to be collected. If you are ever the recipient of such a coin, don’t take it lightly, as you have done something pretty extraordinary to have been trusted with it in the first place. So no matter how you choose to show your respect this Memorial Day, do it proudly, and carry on your own traditions. Maybe you already partake in the “coin” tradition, and maybe now you have a new tradition to commence this year.
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Have you heard about House File 517? It’s called the Stand Your Ground Provision. What does it have to do with riding a motorcycle in Iowa? Nothing! But it’s about “dangerous weapons” and that’s kind of the same thing as most bikers I know.
revolver by persons under 14 years of age”. The way I read this a parent can allow or give consent to an instructor so that their child under the age of 21 can possess a “dangerous weapon” provided there is direct supervision and instruction on proper use. The parent is liable I have heard bits for injuries or and pieces about damages caused HF 517 and by the child decided maybe if the child is I should under the educate age of myself. 14. After I found the child it on-line turns 14 and attempted to read it, even years of age, the liability is released though it was written by a bunch of boring politicians I from the parents. Now I assume that means at the age of learned a few things. Sawed off shot guns are still illegal. 14 the child becomes liable for their own actions. So if Going “armed with intent without justification” is a class D something bad happens, the judge will order them to make felony. Possession of a “dangerous weapon” while under the restitution by forfeiting their zit cream budget. influence is a serious misdemeanor unless you are at home, your place of business or dirt you legally own and use such Then there is a bunch of blah, blah, blah about records, weapon for justified self-defense. The trick is you can only state subdivisions, the capital buildings and grounds. Then possess the weapon long enough to resolve the emergency. it finally gets down to my favorite part “Justifiable Use of In other words, fire quick shots at every blurry figure you Deadly Force”. The way I read this, if someone enters my see, then immediately drop the weapon. home, place of business or dirt that I own. I am justified in the use of reasonable force if I believe that such force is There is a bunch of stuff about safety training courses necessary to defend myself or another person from unlawful in order to qualify for a permit to carry, which basically force. I can use deadly force against any person that says if the sheriff says “no”, you can take him to court unlawfully attempts to use force to remove someone from which sounds like a great way to piss off your local law my home, place of business, employment or vehicle as long enforcement. Iowa will recognize a permit to carry for as it’s not a cop or someone that has legal right to be there another state but nonresidents can’t purchase “dangerous in the first place. And if done correctly, I will be immune weapons” with these credentials. You can be charged with from criminal or civil liability. So I have concluded that if an aggravated misdemeanor for selling a handgun to a buyer I owned a strip club and the old lady is dancing on the pole without a permit, if you selling a handgun knowing that a and a disgruntled customer pulls a knife on her and tries to person is not qualified to buy a handgun it turns into a class drag her out of the club I can shoot them, even if I have been D felony for the seller. What I don’t understand is why the drinking. lawmakers don’t just make it mandatory for people that can’t buy weapons to have a no weapons sign tattooed onto It goes on to say that a reasonable person must be able to their forehead. You know the red circle with a slash through justify that it was necessary to use deadly force to prevent a handgun similar to stickers found on the front doors of injury or loss of life even if an alternative course of action establishments that many of us refuse to support. was available. The best part about it I can be wrong as long Now there is this section titled “possession of pistol or as there is a reasonable basis for my belief. I am slightly concerned about who is going to determine that my beliefs are reasonable because so far in this life no one has ever agreed with me on that. Now, I am not a genius, you can buy motor oil with a weight number bigger than my IQ so I encourage everyone to educate yourself before you pull the trigger. Be Safe! Ride Safe! Shifty LaRue
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“Electronic Warfare” That’s what I decided to start calling it after my last drive across most of this state. “Electronic Warfare” pretty much fits in with the state of the world right now anyhow, and after I spent better than a half dozen hours of observing our fellow Iowans behind the wheel, that’s the only name I could come up with for it. Everybody is on their phones now, and not just the driver. It seems like if there are four people in a car, you can bet all four of them have their nose stuck to a phone. You used to be able to possibly count on the passenger to be the co-pilot, and at least offer some occasional guidance or observation skills, but we can probably toss that out the window at this point. I have a feeling we’re in for a rough spring, as these digital drivers hit the roads without being used to seeing any motorcycles at all on the roads after a long winter. The picture in the month’s column was taken on Hwy 218, also known as the Avenue of the Saints. You can’t see why I had my girlfriend take the picture, so you’re going to have to take my word for it. But believe it or not, that driver actually had a large GPS stuck to her driver’s side window. Let that one sink in a minute. I’ve seen some stupid drivers do some incredibly stupid things, but this one blew me away. You have no chance, whatsoever, as a motorcyclist, of being seen by the driver of this car. Not when you pass her in the other lane, not when she’s waiting to pull out while you’re coming down the highway. Not when you ride along side of her. None. I can’t imagine what would possess a person to use a machine to block out most of a window on a car, let alone one that is as important as the driver’s side window. But she’s actually out there on the roads of Iowa, so let caution be your guide. I saw an elderly gentleman stopped at a gravel /pavement four way intersection last month. He was obviously somewhat distressed and fussing with something inside his truck, so I thought I’d be nice and offer some help. I pulled up alongside him and rolled down my passenger window and asked him what was wrong. Turns out he was fumbling around with a smart phone. He said “I can’t get my map to work right”. I asked him if the last guy had folded it up wrong, which I thought was funny as shit. He didn’t think it was funny at all, but we can’t all appreciate smart-assed humor, particularly when it’s pointed at us. The point of this story is that if you had bet me that this old fella had a smart phone in his truck, I would have lost my ass. So as to my point earlier, everybody is packing a phone these days, even your Great Uncle Elmer.
the other way around, but sometimes you just have to have a truck. So the first thing I did was figure out how to get the phone out of my hands as much as possible. Cell phones are a necessary evil in a lot of businesses, and mine is no exception. But nothing says you have to hold a phone to use it. I did some research, and found a nice Bluetooth headset for my phone. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use. I know some of you are grumbling about not liking high tech equipment. Believe me, you can do this. It only has two buttons, and the other one is for music. I’ve listened to music out of a minimum of two speakers my entire life, and therefore see no reason to poke something in only one ear that makes one-eared music. So, I don’t use the other button. I turn it on with the one button, and stick it in my ear. The lady with the nice voice says “powering on”. Then, when it reads the Bluetooth signal from my phone, she says “Connecting”. That’s it, we’re ready to go. From then on, if the phone rings, she tells me the number, and asks if I’d like to answer it or not, and I either say Yes or No. It’s really that simple. You’d think this much technology would be expensive, and you’d be wrong. I got this neat little gadget for under $30, delivered to my door. Now it’s the only way I’ll use my phone when I’m driving, and I feel foolish for waiting this long to figure this out. Even if it only made my life easier (which is really does) it would be worth having. When you add to it how much more time my eyes are looking at the road and not a phone, it’s worth its weight in gold. So keep a close eye on the cage drivers this year, and I’ll do the same. And if we happen to cross paths out there, I’ll be the guy with the little black earpiece in, looking like I’m talking to myself in my truck. Mark Mullins, President, MAG
After this trip, I decided to do whatever I could to be the most motorcycle friendly driver I could. Because just like many of you, I spend a lot of time driving, not riding. I’d rather it was 52 - TRMI MAY 2017
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menu was a help but the extensiveness of it still had me taking quite a while to make up my mind! I finally settled on a full rack of ribs. With this I got two sides included of which I chose baked beans and smashed potatoes and gravy. What the difference is between mashed and smashed you ask? I’m not really sure... Maybe it’s the enthusiasm you show when doing it! Lynnette opted for the Surf and Turf. The turf is a gimme, a 6 oz. sirloin topped with sautéed onion and mushrooms, pretty standard. But the surf is something completely different... 3 jumbo bacon wrapped shrimp! Yes, you read that right BACON WRAPPED SRIMP! Go on, go back and read it again, you know you want to! Her meal also included two sides of which she chose the Seasoned Curly Fries and on a large platter; they still WOBBLY BOOTS Roadhouse BBQ the Baked Beans. The ribs arrived hung off at each end, resting on a couple of slices of bread with 1301 NW 114th Street a slice of Texas Toast on top of them. The toast I’ve come Clive, IA 50325 across before but the bread 515-223-5700 was a new one to me. I’m told Open 7 Days a Week at 11AM that it’s a “Southern” thing. Bless their hearts, in my best Steak or BBQ, those were the choices I southern drawl. Regardless, was given to pick from for review this it was kind of convenient to month. Certainly narrows it down. I’m kinhave something left over that da hankerin’ (technical term) for a steak so is holding a remembrance of off to Google I go. You would be surprised the glorious rib flavor to clean what Google lists for steakhouses. Ok, up your platter with! The only maybe you words I can find to describe wouldn’t! my ribs are magnificently aweEverything somely delicious! can honestly I saw was say these are the best ribs I have ever tasted! Sorry to the one of three others I have loved in the past... There’s a new Sheriff things, white in town! The bar has been raised! These ribs have a rub tie and pricy, applied to them and are coated in a sauce that requires no a chain, or further treatment! I normally, while consuming ribs, keep a joke! I a heathy dose of BBQ sauce handy to fill in the blank can’t believe spots, not with these! They are tender to just shy of the what people point of falling off the bone all of their own accord! The accept as a smashed potatoes were, as I anticipated, quite delicious steakhouse but the baked beans were the star of this side show, sees anymore! To what I did there? Side... Get it? Ok, moving on! Along get a 24 oz. with the ribs I have to say these were the best baked beans steak you have to order 2-12 oz. steaks since that’s the biggest I have ever had short of home made by my relatives! These they’ve got!!!! What are they using, miniature cows? Well, were the kind of baked beans that let you know you are somelet’s have a look at BBQ, I can always do with some good where that takes their BBQ very seriously! Lynnette’s bacon ole’ fashioned low and slow cooked treasures!! And I hit pay wrapped shrimp I just can’t say that enough were every bit as dirt! How can you go wrong in your BBQ search with a place delicious as you might imagine. To quote Lynnette “its bacon called WOBBLY BOOTS Roadhouse BBQ?! I checked out wrapped shrimp, how can you screw that up? The steak was their website www.wobblybootsroadhouse.com and found done just a shade more than ordered but it was still tender their story “Born at the Lake Of The Ozarks - Raised in and very delicious! Her curly fries were lightly seasoned and Iowa.” I’ll let you read their story for yourself but the spoiler quite good and of course she shares my opinion of the baked is we’re truly blessed that they have branched back into Iowa! beans! Bless her heart! Southern drawl again They have renovated a building to look what your mind’s eye envisions a roadhouse to be thanks, more than likely, to a Lynnette and I loved it and I’m betting you will too but don’t movie by the same name!. take our word for it, check them out for yourselves! True southern BBQ in the heart of Iowa, WOBBLY BOOTS When you first pull in it may look like the parking is a bit Roadhouse BBQ. How could you possibly go wrong? “Like” sparse but continue on around to the north side where there’s them on their Facebook page and check out their website! plenty of room for the whole Run Run or whatever riding group you are with! The prices are very reasonable, the staff Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! extremely helpful and courteous. The menu, which can be Craig Little previewed on their website, is extensive. It does a great job craig@thunderroadsiowa.com outlining the choices available for dining in, carrying out PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in or having your gathering catered. The ability to preview the your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. 54 - TRMI MAY 2017
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dwar arf? ar f? f? Q: When is it okay to beat up a dw dwarf? A: When he’s standing next you girlfriend saying that her hair smells nice. Reporter: “Excuse me, may I interview you?” Man: “Yes!” Reporter: “Name?” Man: “Abdul Al-Rhazim.” Reporter: “Sex?” Man: “Three to five times a week.” k.”” Reporter: “No no! I mean male or female?” Man: “Yes, male, female... sometimes camel.” Reporter: “Holy cow!” Man: “Yes, cow, sheep... animalss iin n general.” Reporter: “But isn’t that hostile?” ?” Man: “Yes, horse style, dog style, any style.” Reporter: “Oh dear!” Man: “No, no deer. Deer run too fast. Hard to catch.” Sarah goes to school, and the teacher says, “Today we are going to learn multi-syllable words, class. Does anybody have an example of a multi-syllable word?” Sarah waves her hand, “Me, Miss Rogers, me, me!” Miss Rogers says, “All right, Sarah, what is your multi-syllable word?” Sarah says, “Mas-tur-bate.” Miss Rogers smiles and says, “Wow, Sarah, that’s a mouthful.” Sarah says, “No, Miss Rogers, you’re thinking of a blowjob.” A teacher wanted to teach her students about self-esteem, so she asked anyone who thought they were stupid to stand up. One kid stood up and the teacher was surprised. She didn’t think anyone would stand up so she asked him, “Why did you stand up?” He answered, “I didn’t want to leave you standing up by yourself.” Q: Which sexual position produces the ugliest children? A: Ask your mother. An old teacher asked her student, “If I say, ‘I am beautiful,’ which tense is that?” The student replied, “It is obviously past.” A wife asked her husband, “What do you like most in me, my pretty face or my sexy body?” He looked at her from head to toe and replied, “I like your sense of humor!” Wife: “I look fat. Can you give me a compliment?” Husband: “You have perfect eyesight.”
A man m asks, “God, why did you make woman so beautiful?” God responded,”So you would love her.” The man asks, “But God, why did you make her so dumb?” God replied, “So she would love you.” A tough looking group of hairy bikers are riding r diin when they see a girl about to jump off a ri bridge, bbrrid idge ge, so tthey h stop. The leader, a big burly man, gets off offf his hhiis bike and says, “What are you doing?” “I’m “I’m “I ’m m going to commit suicide,” she says. While Wh h he doesn’t want to appear insensitive, he he aalso doesn’t want to miss an opportunity, soo he h asks, “Well, before you jump, why don’t don you give me a kiss?” She does, and it do iss a long, deep, lingering kiss. After she’s fi fini nished, niss ni the tough, hairy biker says, “Wow! That T Th att w was the best kiss I’ve ever had! That’s a reall talent l you’re wasting. You could be famous. Why are you committing suicide?” “My parents don’t like me dressing up like a girl…” A boy asks his dad, “What’s the difference between potential and realistic?” The dad tells him to go ask the rest of his family if they’d sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars, and then he’d tell him the answer. The boy goes up to his mom and asks her. She responds, “A million dollars is a lot of money sweetheart. I could send you, your sister, and your brother to great colleges, so sure, I would!” He then goes and asks his sister to which she replies, “Brad Pitt? Hell ya, he’s the hottest guy ever!” Next, the boy asks his brother who replies, “A million dollars? Hell yes I would. I’d be rich!” When the boy excitedly returns to his dad with the family’s responses, the dad says, “Well son, potentially, we have three million dollars. Realistically, we have two sluts and a queer.” Three guys and a lady were sitting at the bar talking about their professions. The first guy says, “I’m a YUPPIE. You know, young, urban, professional.” The second guy says, “I’m a DINK. You know, double income, no kids.” The third guy says, “I’m a RUB. You know, rich urban biker.” They turn to the woman and ask, “So what are you?” The woman replies, “I’m a WIFE. You know - Wash, Iron, F***, Etc.” A man is lying on the beach, wearing nothing but a cap over his crotch. A woman passing by remarks, “If you were any sort of a gentleman, you would lift your hat to a lady.” He replies, “If you were any sort of a sexy lady, the hat would lift by itself.”
A young woman was taking golf lessons and had just started playing her first round of golf when she suffered a bee A man driving a car hits a woman. Whose fault is it? The sting. Her pain was so intense that she decided to return to man’s. Why was he driving in the fu*ck#ng kitchen? the clubhouse for medical assistance. The golf pro saw her heading back and said, “You are back early, what’s wrong?” “I was stung by a bee!” she said. “Where?” he asked. What is easier to pick up the heavier it gets? Women. “Between the first and second hole.” she replied. He nodded and said, “Your stance is far too wide.” 60 - TRMI MAY 2017
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A man saw a lady with big breasts. He asked, “Excuse me, can I bite your breasts for $1000?” She agrees, so they go to a secluded corner. She opens her blouse and the man puts his face in her breasts for 10 minutes.” Eventually the lady asks, “Aren’t you gonna bite them?” He replies, “No, it’s too expensive.” How do you fix a woman’s watch? You don’t. There is a clock on the oven. Little Johnny runs into his house and asks, “Mommy, can little girls have babies?” “No,” says his mom, “Of course not.” After Little Johnny runs back outside, his mom hears him yell to his friend, “It’s OK, we can keep playing!”
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Glenn and his wife were working in their garden one day when Glenn looks over at his wife and says, “Your butt is getting really big. I bet your butt is bigger than the barbecue.” With that he proceeded to get a measuring tape and measured the grill and then went over to where his wife was working and measured his wife’s bottom. “Yes, I was right, your butt is two inches wider than the barbecue!” The wife chose to ignore the husband. Later that night in bed Glenn was feeling a little frisky. He makes some advances towards his wife who completely brushes him off. “What’s wrong?” he asks. She answers, “Do you really think I’m going to fire up this big-ass grill for one little weenie
If a firefighters business can go up in smoke, and a plumbers business can go down the drain, can a hooker get layed off?
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HappyMother’s Day Where did the tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day come from? In a society of highly commercialized holidays, one begins to question the origin and validity of the little highlighted days on the calendar. Truman Day, National Maritime Day, Dance Like a Chicken Day…what?? Now, it isn’t that I don’t think that mothers should have a special day for themselves. In fact, most mothers deserve far more than one measly day a year to honor all that they do. That being g said…why DO we have Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day in the United ited States is annually held on the second econd Sunday of May. It celebrates rates motherhood and it is a time me to appreciate mothers and nd other mother figures. Many people give gifts to their mother / mother figures, and it extends out to include grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers. Common Mother’s Day gifts are flowers, chocolate, candy, clothing, jewelry and treats, such as a beauty treatment or a trip to a spa. Some families organize an outing for all of their members or hold a special meal at home or in a restaurant. In the days and weeks before Mother’s Day, many schools help their pupils to prepare a handmade card or small gift for their mothers.
Howe called for Mother’s Day to be celebrated each year to encourage pacifism and disarmament amongst women. It continued to be held in Boston for about ten years under her sponsorship, but died out after that. In 1907, Jarvis held a private Mother’s Day celebration in memory of her mother Ann in Grafton, West Virginia. Ann Jarvis had organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” with the intention of improving health and cleanliness in the area where she lived. Anna Jarvis launched a mi mission for Mother’s Day to be more widely recognized. gaining financial After ga backing from a Philadelphia backin department store owner depa named John Wanamaker nam she organized the first sh oofficial Mother’s Day celebration at a local church in Grafton, West Virginia in May of 1908. That same day also saw hundreds of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia. This church has become an International Mother’s Day Shrine. It is a tribute to all mothers and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. L
Jarvis, ironically Ja remained unmarried and rem childless her whole life child was ccompletely committed seeing her holiday added to seein national calendar. Her to the nat persistence paid off in 1914 when Mother’s Day is not a federal Woodrow Wilson signed deral President Wo holiday. Businesses run their regular a measure officcially establishing the schedules just as they would ould any other second Sunday in May as Mother’s Sunday of the year. In fact, restaurants Day. Today Mother’s Day continues to be may be busier than usual, as some people take celebrated by presenting mothers everywhere with their mothers out for a special meal, that way she isn’t left flowers, gifts, and special meals; and it has become one of cooking and or cleaning up after the meal. the biggest holidays for consumer spending. I suppose its better to over spend on your mom than National Tuba Day The origins of Mother’s Day have been attributed to a (May 5th if you were curious)…that’s a purchase you’re couple different people, but most believe that two women, sure to lament. Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis established the tradition of Mother’s Day in the United States. Around 1870, Melanie J Schwarte 62 - TRMI MAY 2017
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ABATE of Iowa Rider Education Program ABATE of Iowa has been a longtime supporter of Rider Education. For those of you who aren’t really certain what this consist of, it is all about getting motorcycle riders educated. The program covers basic motorcycle controls and operations including roadway hazard avoidance. Looking back through old records and talking to different people, here is some history of the Rider Education Program. In 1986 the Safety and Education Committee was formed with Lee m McCubbin as Chair and Larry Shum named Co-Chairman. There were two ABATE members that volunteered and became Rider Education Instructors, Larry Shum and Doug Dahlin. In August of 1987 Larry Shum tion was appointed the first Rider Education re ABATE Director along with having five more nstructors. members becoming certified MSF Instructors.
current MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) curriculum being used in the state of Iowa. Since the beginning to the present day there has been three different curriculums taught in the state of Iowa. ABATE of Iowa started out with the BRC (Basic Rider Course). This class is mandatory by the state for students under the age of 18 that wish to get the motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Over the years they have added the BRC2 (Basic Rider Course 2) which is similar to the BRC but students provide their own bikes and learn what they can do with their own bikes. The RRBRC (Returning Rider Basic Rider Course) is a one day class t at iss great for a refresher class or for that those that have been away from the sport of riding motorcycles for a while. In 2016 ABATE of Iowa sponsored a Rider Coach Training class to get Coaches ce ed to conduct a 3 Wheeled certifi Basic R Rider Course. This class is to le help riders learn the proper skills for riding a three-wheel m motorcycle. With the successful completion of one of these classes the students receive a DOT license waver. In most cases with this waver the student doesn’t have to drive for the DOT to receive their license.
YOUR
cation In the spring of 1989 the Rider Education program began planning to pay their instructors. The fall of 1989 Lee McCubbin became the second Rider Education Director. Lee was the director of the program for ten years. During this time ABATE sponsored four Instructor Training Courses and assisted in three of them to get more Coaches in the State of Iowa.
Over the years the Rider Education program has developed into an outstanding program in the state. This is all due to the exceptional people that have been involved. Without the hard work and countless hours of ABATE members volunteering, this program would not be what it is today.
In the fall of 1999 Tammie Deeter became the Rider Education Director. Tammie worked hard to grow the program. She worked with coaches and the Rider Education Always Ride Safe ABATE of Iowa Rider Education Director Committee to keep the program moving forward. She Devere Adams (Beaver) helped bring in new Coaches (Instructors) and really grew the program financially. Tammie stepped down as the Director in 2014 with Mike Right taking the position. After Mike passing away suddenly in the summer of 2016 Devere Adams took over as Rider Education Director and is the current director today. At the present time the Rider Education Program has 20 Rider Coaches with eight of them sitting on the Rider Education Committee making the important decisions for the program. Over the years ABATE of Iowa has developed a good working relationship with the Iowa Department of Transportation. It has been a joint effort to keep the most
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As the riding season is really getting going, it is nice to have a little refresher on the major laws that affect riders not just here, but in our surrounding states. Sometimes things change a bit here and there and there is no sense getting a ticket on a trip out of state, or getting a ticket in state for that matter. Refresh your memory and put some miles on! Ride Safe!
Iowa Daytime use of headlight required on motorcycles newer than 1977, modulating headlight permitted Eye Protection not required No handlebar height restriction No restrictions on helmet speakers Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted No acoustical criteria for muffler, check local ordinance Safety helmet use not required Turn signals not required
Minnesota
Midwest Motorcycle Laws
Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single not referenced in Administrative Code Muffler required Helmet required by law Turn signals not required
Illinois
Daytime headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is installed Handgrips must remain below head height Helmet speakers allowed only for communication Lane Splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane not referenced in the Administrative Code Muffler required, Not modified to amplify or increase noise above that emitted by muffler originally installed. Maximum Sound Level, Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 feet. 80-82dBA at less than 35mph; 86dBA at more than 35mph. Helmet not required Modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is installed Traffic Actuated Signals, When a an automated system does not recognize a motorcycle at a red light, the No handlebar height restriction motorcycle may proceed with caution after 120 Lane splitting not authorized seconds. This provision does not include signals Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted within municipalities of over 2,000,000 people. Muffler required, cut outs prohibited Turn signal not required Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 Turn signals not required Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required No handlebar height restriction Helmet speakers limited to single earphone speaker only Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted Muffler required, check local noise restrictions Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 & permit holders Turn signals not required
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Nebraska Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection not required Handgrips must remain within 15” above fasten point Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted Muffler required, cut outs prohibited Helmet required by law Turn signals not required
Missouri Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection not required Handlebar height shall not exceed 15” above seat
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Daytime headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is at least 15” above handle bars Handgrips must remain below 30” above seat Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane permitted Muffler required, cut outs not authorized Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 & permit holders Traffic Actuated Signals, Motorcycles may proceed with due caution after a complete stop and 45 seconds Turn signals required All information compiled from the American Motorcycle Association and is current as of 3-9-2017. If you have any questions about specific legislation or lobbying efforts in Iowa, contact ABATE of Iowa.
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Motorcycle Helmet Laws
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Apr 28-30 Apr 29 Apr 29 Apr 29 Apr 29 Apr 30 Apr 30 May 5-6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 6 May 7 May 7 May 7 May 13 May 13 May 13 May 13 May 14 May 19 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 20 May 21 May 21 May 21 May 25-28 May 27 May 27 May 27-31 May 28 May 28 May 29 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 3 Jun 4 Jun 4 Jun 4 Jun 9-10
Shalya Bee Southpark Mall Motorcycle Show Spencer Bike Blessing Big Barn HD Des Moines Spring Season Opener Wieblers HD Davenport Spring Open House/Demo Rides (Weather Permitting) Carroll HD Dennis Preister ( from the Marne Roadhouse) Benefit Marne ABATE D18 Leather Run Ft. Madison Blessing of the Bikes Ames Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone HOG Pancake Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Zylstra Harley-Davidson Hog Roast Ames 3rd Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Motorcycle Awareness Fun Run Council Bluffs AMVETS Riders Motorcycle Awareness Ride (Veterans Fund Raiser) Cedar Rapids Bike Show Winterset Blessing of the Bikes West Bend 11th International Female Ride Day Bike Blessing Northwest Christian Church Council Bluffs 11th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass Joe’s Swap Meet Motorcycles & Classic Cars Omaha F&J Racing 22nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown Heels on Wheels Women’s Ride Carroll HD ALR Post 232 Barnstormers Veterans Ride Des Moines Sgt Kearney Memorial Motorcycle Run Emerson Biker Bed and Breakfast Grand Opening Green Mountain IDOT Motorcycle Safety Forum Ames Little Timmy Teel Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Armed Forces FREEDOMRIDE Loess Hills HD Pacific Junction ABATE D15 Music & Memory Ride for Iowa Masonic Bettendorf Chrome for Kids Ride Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids 8th Annual Armed Forces Day Toy Ride Legion Post 1 Spencer B.A.C.A of Iowa 8th Annual 100 Mile Ride Pleasant Hill Music & Memory Ride for Seniors Bettendorf Billy Shields Memorial Fundraiser Benton Spring Balltown Ride Wieblers HD Davenport Iowa Thunder Ride 2017 Des Moines Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Redneck Revival Conesville Kick-Off Summer Party Wieblers HD Davenport CVMA Benefit Fun Run Farley The Patriot Tour nationofpatriots.com Zylstra HD Ames Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Soldier 2nd Annual Rock Ride Manilla Veteran’s Fund Raiser/Auction Zylstra HD Ames Accident Scene Management by Slider Gilmore Harlan Harley-Davidson of Carroll Rock –N- Ride Carroll ABATE D6 Honoring Our Heroes Vets Ride & Rodeo Marshalltown Ride With Levi Keokuk Joni’s Roast and Ride Boone 3rd Annual Suicide Awareness Benefit/Ride&Drive Waterloo Demo Rides Wieblers HD Davenport Benefit Ride for Scott Moeller Davenport Juice Ride 8 Benefit Ride for Dwight Miller East Dubuque, IL Ride to Fight Suicide Mason City Lewie’s Fun Run for Kids Onawa Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe Customer Appreciation Day Everly Open House/Swap Meet Big Barn HD Des Moines
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Jun 10
Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson Jun 10 Vintage Rally National Motorcycle Museum Anamosa Jun 10 Cole Andersen Memorial Ride/Drive Harlan Jun 10 3rd Annual Ride for the Girls Memorial Poker Run LHHD Pacific Junction Jun 10 Remembering Jacob 4th Annual Ride and Drive Des Moines Jun 10 1st Annual Combat Vet Charity Ride and Benefit Mt Pleasant Jun 10 Clinton Kiwanis Poker Run/Car & Bike Show Clinton Jun 10 4th Annual Seu-Mo’s Memorial Ride Grinnell Jun 10 4th Annual Larry Schlichte Memorial Ride Alton Jun 11 Blakely’s Down Syndrome Awareness Ride Walford Jun 11 Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Jun 15-17 Awesome Biker Nights Sioux City Jun 16-18 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Jun 16-18 The Muddy Fest Davenport Jun 17 James Buwalda Memorial Roar Into Harlan Fun Run Harlan Jun 17 3rd Annual Paul “Six” Ladd Memorial Ride & Party The Dog House Colo Jun 17 Freedom Day & Ride Wieblers HD Davenport Jun 17 Keep It Movin’ Ride for MS Iowa Falls Jun 17 Durango Depot Car Cruise & Bike Poker Run Durango Jun 17 2nd Annual Journey For Hope Poker Run Council Bluffs Jun 17 Remembrance Ride Ionia Jun 17 Buck Grove Bust Poker Run Buck Grove Jun 23-24 Demo Days Big Barn HD Des Moines Jun 24 Ride It Out For Amber Sarcoma Ride & Drive Polk City Jun 24 ALR Post #2 Pets & Vets BlackJack Run Council Bluffs Jun 24 5th Annual Veterans Freedom Center Benefit & Ride Dubuque Jun 25 American Legion Dist 3 5 County Freedom Rock Ride Marshalltown Jun 29-Jul 1 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 2 Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Jul 2 60th Anniversary Golf Tournament AL Post 46 Marshalltown Jul 7-8 CVMA Chapter 39-3 Benefit Ride/Cruise Elkport Jul 8 10th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca Jul 8 Colo Crossroads Festival/Street Dance/Band The Dog House Colo Jul 8 Vets for Valor American Legion Post 46 Marshalltown Jul 8 ABATE Da5 Taco Run for Children’s Therapy Center Wieblers HD Davenport Jul 14-16 2nd A.round I.owa on a M.otorcycle (AIM) Ride Winterset Jul 15 “Ride for Time” with “ Friends of Mine” Baxter Jul 15 11th Annual Angel Ride to Save the TaTas Fort Dodge Jul 15 ABATE D18 Mystery Ride for Hospice Burlington Jul 15 Summer Celebration Big Barn HD Des Moines Jul 22 Rally Party Hog Roast Wiebler’s HD Davenport Jul 22 Deaf Poker Run Council Bluffs Jul 22 EFMC Ride In Bike Show Milford Jul 22 Rally Party Hog Roast Wieblers HD Davenport Jul 23 Butterfields M-C Parts Hot Dog Daze Omaha Jul 28-29 CVMA 39-1 Ann Patriot Ride and Rally ABATE Land Algona Jul 28-29 Special Forces Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Jul 29 Paws & Effect Ride American Legion Post 46 Marshalltown Jul 29 Big Barn HD Thank the Seals Motorcycle Ride Des Moines Jul 29 Thank the Seals Motorcycle Ride Bettendorf to Des Moines Jul 29 10th Annual Brooke Barber Memorial Poker Run Mount Ayr Jul 29 Volga City River Run Volga Aug 3-5 Across the Border Raid Bedford Aug 4-13 South Dakota Party Aug 5 Two Wheels Four Paws Poker Run Walford Aug 5 SPC Jordan M. Byrd Tribute to Our Fallen Memorial Ride/ Cruise Davenport Aug 6 Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Aug 12 AtlanticFest Ride In Bike Show Atlantic Aug 12 ABATE D15 Too Broke to Go to Sturgis Rodeo Donahue Aug 12 3rd Annual Old Glory Ride Marengo
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Tuesday Johnny’s Pub Lake Park (Mid May-Sep) Desperado’s Bar and Grill Wheatland Marshallton Legion Car & Bike Cruise (Last Tuesday Apr-Sep)
Wednesday The Buck Snort Neola Cadillac Jack’s Baxter 2nd Ave Bike Night Des Moines (2nd Wednesday MaySeptember) Thirsty’s on 3rd Davenport OP Clear Lake Ride’s Bar & Grill Ft Dodge Greencastle Tavern Mingo The Pour House, Davenport Dinner Rides Zylstra Harley-Davidson Ames
Friday Bike Down to I-Town Indianola (3rd Friday) Centerville Bike Nights (4th Friday of the Month) Monroe Bike Night (4th Friday May-Aug) Hot Rods & Harleys Knoxville (2ND Fri May, Jun, Jul) Thunder Nites Newton-2nd Friday May – September
Thursday
Saturday
Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Fenders Cycle Des Moines (1st Thursday May-Aug) Stumpy’s Bar & Grill Duncombe Eddies Tavern Sergeant Bluff (April-November) Calvin Rockett Bar and Grill Marshalltown (Last Thursday May-Aug) Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thursday May-August) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern Bike & Classic Car(Last Thursday of the Month, Starting in May) The Back 40 Macedonia (May-August) Barney’s Wadena (May-Labor Day) Des Moines Vintage Bike Night (1st Thurs May-Sep) Mainstreet Bar , Terrill Tip Top Ames (Every Other Thursday) Ottumwa Main Street Bike Night(3rd Thurs Jun-Sep) Culver’s Marshalltown (Every Other Thursday) Trophy’s Des Moines (2nd & 4th Thursdays) Toby K’s Hideaway (Every Other Thursday) Edwards Bikes on the Hundred Block Council Bluffs (5-18, 6-22, 7-13, 8-17) Aug 12 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 18-20 Aug 18-20 Aug 19 Aug 19
Route 65 BBQ & Open House (Sat after Bike Night) Dinner Rides Hicklin Powersports Des Moines Avenue of the Saints St. Charles Bike night (3rd Sat)
Sunday Just 1 More Jamaica (Starting in May) Haverhill Social Club Haverhill (3rd Sunday) Team 36 Bar & Grill Mitchellville Exira Sunday BAND Day (2nd Sunday May-September) 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
7th Annual Josh Davis Memorial Poker Run Perry Tom Fugle Memorial Ride In Bike Show Ickey Nickel Sioux City Car, Motorcycle, & Tractor Show Manilla Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Boji Bike Rally Okoboji Mikey Jones Memorial Dragfest Cordova, IL Tour de Shelby County Motorcycle & Car Scavenger Hunt Harlan Aug 19 Tribute to Our Fallen Davenport Aug 26 Jami Jam VI: Ride For Mental Health Action & Awareness Terril Aug 26 AHeinz 57 9th Annual Ruff Ride Adel Aug 26 Kyle’s Mile Suicide Prevention/Awareness Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 26 MIC’s M/S Ride and Park(s) Run Mitchelville Aug 26 2nd Annual Shayla Bee Black Tie Black Leather Affair Okoboji Classic Cars Aug 31-Sep 3 Redneck Revival Conesville Aug 31-Sep 2 Chief Blackhawk 46th Davenport Meet Davenport Sep 2-3 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 9 Tall Corn Run End of Year Prize Drawing Big Barn HD Des Moines Sep 9 No Nipple Dipple for Hunt of a Lifetime Buffalo Sep 10 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sep 14 Motor Madness Bike Giveaway Metro HD Cedar Rapids
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Sep 15-17 Sep 16 Sep 16 Sep 16 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 23 Oct 1 Oct 1 Oct 1 Oct 7 Oct 7 Oct 8 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct 28 Nov 10-11 Nov 17 Nov 24 Dec 23 Dec 1 Dec 9
Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville WTF Fun Run Harlan New Model Party Metro HD Cedar Rapids 11th Annual Cedar County Heroes Memorial Ride and Poker Run Tipton Rock-N-Rollie Ride Onawa Concours deCornfield Penn Center Church Earlham New Model Open House & Demo Rides Carroll HD Toy Run Carroll HD ABATE D15 33rd Annual Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Open Bike Drag Racing Tri-State Raceway Earlville Hell on Wheels Chopper Show Franklin ABATE D18 Toys for Tots West Point Fall Harvest Ride Carroll HD Motor Madness Check Presentation @ Wild Hogs Walford ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic HOG Roast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Trunk or Treat Carroll HD ABATE of Iowa STEAM Ladies Night Out Carroll HD Turkey Run Clinton Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines Guys Night Out Carroll HD Pictures with Santa Carroll HD
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