Look at all those pretty colors… “Sno-Cone” it’s called, and this month’s cover bike is an old Panhead chopper, which could also pull ranks as the “digger” style. The bright metal flake hues were laid out in the 70’s, and other than some war wounds acquired over the years, is still all original from the era. But more notably the bike was pinstriped by the creator of the Rat Fink craze, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth in 1977! The long legged beauty alongside the ride is a delectable dame named Kelsey, who even added some blue tone to her hair to match the theme. The bike is part of “Natanic” Nate Ullrich’s collection, and can also be seen on the cover of his 2014 pin up calendar at www.Lyfebehindbars.com
November is here, another riding heard, make your vote count, and season is about in the books, and send a message to the powers soon another year down the that be that the ideals that this drain. I was always curious nation was founded upon are when I was much younger not dead. as I would overhear the ‘older people’ talk about Also this month on the 2nd we how time went by so fast and, it have the time change thing. seemed to go faster with each The end of Daylight Savings coming year. Maybe it is Time, and then we can all be coming of age and accepting goofed up with our internal my place in the world and clocks for a couple of weeks. being comfortable. Maybe Also the end of the month is it is the realization that some of course Thanksgiving. I things that used to rile me know that we have a lot to up do not really matter in be thankful for including our the grand scheme of things. family, TRMI Family, friends, Maybe it is growing up. I and all of those that support never intended to grow the magazine. Thanks to all up, but as I am in my mid for being a part of our lives! 40s now, I would say that I probably have. I do know Whether it be life or two that I still appreciate a fall wheels, ride it like you stole ride in the cool crisp air. The it! bikes seem to love the cool Vernon air and run very well this time of year. I love seeing Quote of the Month: Man the changing of the colors, once surrendering his reason, changing of the seasons, and changing of the times. It has no remaining guard against absurdities the most sure as hell does not mean that I am too old, too weak, monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of or too much of a wuss to enjoy the love of two wheels as every wind. -Thomas Jefferson to James Smith, 1822. long as I possibly can, both in season and in life. I will keep riding until it hits and stays below freezing, or when we get too much ick on the roads to ride safely. Gear up, hit the road, and enjoy it on the days that you can. When it is finally time to put the poor motorcycles away for the season, don’t forget to check them over, look for anything that needs to be replaced, plan your upgrades, and get them to the shop. Don’t wait until next April to schedule the big bore kit and cams. Make sure to hit up the supporters of the magazine on pages 10-12 in the Biker Friendly Listings. These folks make this merry go round go around month after month. There are far more than just dealerships and shops on those pages. These businesses represent the sponsors of the magazine and you can about find anything you want or need on those pages. If you know of a place that would want to be listed there, get ahold of any of the crew and they can discuss the options. The more supporters that we have, the bigger and better the magazine can be and have more About Iowa, For Iowa, and From Iowa content. There are some important dates to recognize in November. On November 11th, we have Veterans Day. We would like to thank all the Veterans for what they do and have done to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Had they not done what they did, we would not be able to show up on November 4th to vote. There are many different offices on the ballot this year, and I urge anyone that can legally do so to show up at the polls and voice your opinion. I for one am not happy about how things are going in this country and have been researching candidates to see whom may be the lessor of all evils in their respective offices. Make your voice 4 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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TRMI NOVEMBER 2014 - 5
If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, “You’re a biker?”, I’d be rich. This comment is usually made after I’ve handed out a magazine at a bar/grill, m ggas station, or other random location. Even when I’m wearing my Thunder Roads shirt or “biker attire”, I get w this comment. I don’t know what this “look” is, but I th ddon’t have it! I have had times when a person/group has gguessed me as a librarian or teacher, to which I reply, ““You’re right!” (What does that say about women in th those professions???) That always gets a comment or a nervous/embarrassed giggle. But, honestly, I was a professional children’s librarian for 23 years and n I am in my second year working in the special ed now d department in a local school district. Interestingly, I am n the only librarian on the not T TRMI staff! Do you know w else wears this badge of who h honor? I can remember my first m motorcycle ride. I was a kid m maybe 5 or 6 - and my brother hhad a motorcycle. He’d put m me on the bike in front of him aand we’d cruise around town. W When I was in first grade, he pput me on the back of the bike aand gave me a ride back to sschool after I’d gone home for lu lunch. He revved the motor so it was nice and loud everyone oon the playground knew someone was coming. I tthought I was pretty cool shit! I think that’s what got me hhooked. II’ve never had a bike of my own - nor did I want one, bbut I did date a couple guys that had a bike. I remember tthinking what a great feeling it was to be on the back oof the motorcycle, cruising down the highway. Then I m married a guy who had a motorcycle. Over the years we hhave gone from a little 250 all the way up to a Harley E Electra Glide Classic. (I must admit that the riding ccomfort has increased greatly!) He’s an experienced rrider (got his first bike at age 8) and I have a tremendous aadmiration for his ability to navigate around the ground ttrolls and 4-wheeled cages (as Eryka calls them). I believe it was January of 2010 when I chatted with Vernon at an event in Rock Island. It was a custom hot rod and motorcycle show. We chatted on the way in
6 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
that my husband and I were familiar with the magazine and made the usual small talk. On the way out, I told them that I had some vendor show experience and if they ever needed an extra hand working a booth, to let me know. That started the whole ball rolling and I, almost instantly, became a staff member. Lucky day for me! One of the coolest events I have attended is the MidAmerica Antique Motorcycle Auction in Minnesota. It was there that I fell in love with a motorcycle; A 1947 Indian Chief in the classic Seafoam Blue. To this day, it is, hands down, my favorite bike, aesthetically. I swooned. I oohed. I didn’t venture a bid, however. Another favorite place is the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa,. If you haven’t been there, put it on your list. Allow at least 2 hours. I’m a big vintage fan, and this place has it all, from bikes to memorabilia. I’ve been to the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee and it’s a cool visit, as well. A couple of my favorite places to ride are the roads around Balltown and the Mississippi River road on the Illinois side. I must admit that I prefer the back roads over the interstate. There’s much less traffic and so much more to see. I love hanging out with the Thunder Roads crew, but don’t get to do it very often. Occasionally I get to hang out at an event with Eryka - I’m the short one. We both have a sarcastic tongue, snappy comebacks, and are quick witted, so watch out! I knock on doors and make lots of phone calls in search of ad sales. I love to cover events - there aren’t very many in my territory, however, and I love to do interviews. But the best part of being a part of this fabulous magazine? The people I meet. Bikers are great people with great stories. So if you see me out and about, please introduce yourself to me; I’d love to hear your story, snap a picture for Thunder Cam, or just say “hi”! P.S. - I always have magazines in my Xterra, so just ask for one! Susan Mast Wayland, Iowa
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TRMI NOVEMBER 2014 - 7
CMA Notes
With the colder weather coming on, Mark has had to turn his focus from roaring around the countryside on his bike to finding a replacement for our old 4x4 pickup. He has been half-heartedly looking since late last winter, but when a person has limited funds to work with, it’s kind of a “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” story: Newer truck + low miles= too expensive. Old truck + low price = too scary to drive on the highway. Middle-aged truck + middling miles = Just Right!
So he finally found a decent truck (It’s gray and has 4 doors I only need to know enough about a vehicle to locate it in the parking lot) and right away here’s what’s going through my mind: “Hmm. The back seat isn’t as roomy as the one in the white truck that we test-drove. And it doesn’t have the sliding back window that the red truck had. And this truck won’t get the good gas mileage that the truck with the Eco-Boost gets . . .” Yes, it’s true. We’ve had the truck such a short amount of time that I keep thinking we have company when I see the gray truck in our driveway, and yet I’m already comparing it unfavorably to other trucks! Have you ever wondered why the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? The older I’ve gotten, the more I think it’s because there’s more . . . um . . . fertilizer on the other side of the fence. That must be the case because most of the time when you see people chasing after that greener grass it’s not too long before they land in a big ole’ pile of stinky stuff that they’re not too happy about. Jesus talked a lot about sheep in His teachings because raising sheep was something the people back in Bible days could relate to. Sheep apparently are not too aware of their surroundings and are pretty intent on finding food. They often wander off, not because they’re intending to be bad, but because their focus is on the next blade of that tender, luscious, green grass that’s just over the hill. It’s not long before a sheep is off on its own, lost, alone, and in danger, without even being aware of it. But the shepherd knows the missing sheep will soon be in trouble. In Matthew 18:12 & 14, Jesus says, “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? . . . In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” Jesus knows we’re a lot like those sheep. Often, we’re not even aware of the direction our discontented thoughts are taking us and before we know it – splat! We’re in a pile of fertilizer instead of in green grass. I’m grateful that He is there to rescue us and that He continues to love us in spite of our messes. The Bible also gives us advice that will help keep us focused in the right direction the next time the green grass is calling us. Ephesians 5:20 says, “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If I stay focused on thanking God for everything, I won’t be as likely to spend time wondering whether I might enjoy something else more. Thankfulness will help keep me on the right side of the fence and close to the Great Shepherd - Jesus. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving - Karla Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christina Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www. cmausa.org . 8 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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TRMI NOVEMBER 2014 - 9
Biker Friendly Directory It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999 www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 Hunter Detail Home of Hunter’s Bug Kutter Your amazing Complete Detail Cleaner. Find us at a Dealer, Event or Order Online
www.hunterdetail.com or 712-882-4243
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
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Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com Leer’s Cycle Center 101 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 1-800-870-6058 www.leerscyclecenter.com Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
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Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ and Karaoke Services 641-521-8036 Celebrationsdjiowa.com Any occasion or event Rider Owned! National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org National Sprint Car Hall of Fame/ Museum One Sprint Capital Place Knoxville, Iowa 50138-0542 www.sprintcarhof.com 641-842-6176 Vintage Sound 93.1 FM Muscatine’s Premier “B Side” Station Request Line (563)263-9393 www.Vintage931.com Listen ANYWHERE with free mobile app
Food and Drink 4 Way Good Eats Where Friends Meet Wed - Sun 7 a.m. to close Luxemburg, IA. 563-853-3451 Full menu of All Homemade Goodness! 411 Main/Rocket Joe’s 411 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-4111 FB 411 Main Street Bar & Rocket Joes
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4th Avenue Grill 115 N 4th Ave. Logan, IA 51546 712-644-3200 Find us on Facebook
Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Cadillac Jack’s on Facebook
Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!
Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226
Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.
Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week
Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783
Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com
Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
Booneville Bar&Grill Waveland West Café 35653 Ute Ave Booneville, Iowa 50038 575-987-2237 Breezy Hills Winery 31735 Tamarack Rd. Minden, IA 51553 712-485-2083 www.breezyhills.com
Cede’s Bark Bistro 519 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-8072 2 Wheel Thursday $2 Beers
Best Scenic Road With the Best Food!
563-552-2291 Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet
Chopper’s 601 Rhomberg Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-9666 Open Noon-Close 365/Year
Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner
Broken Throttle Saloon 621 Highway K45 Whiting, Iowa 712-455-1096 We are on Facebook
Coon’s Corner 302 Front Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-2068 Coon’s Corner on Facebook
Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
Dam Riverview Sports Bar The Rivers Closest Watering Hole Guttenburg, IA 563-252-4400 Unbeatable Views, Drinks, & Food!! Enjoy our Deck over The River!!
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George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810 Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375
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J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country
Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 OPEN M-F 10AM S-S 7 AM Home of the Willie Whopper Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Kelly’s Irish Pub & Eatery 563-344-0000 2222 E 53rd Street #10 Davenport, Iowa 52807 Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook
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Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub
Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA” Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Los Altos Greenfield, Iowa 641-221-9081 Stuart, Iowa 515-523-8000 Story City, Iowa 515-733-1518 Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900 Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook! Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
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Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
The Onion Grove Bar & Grill 502 Lombard St, Clarence (563)452-3030 Check out our fun on Facebook!!
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger
Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook
Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome
The Chrome Spur 105 2nd Street Schleswig, Iowa 51461 Chrome Spur on Facebook The Detour Bar & Grill Good Food, Cold Beer, Hot Staff M-F 3:30 - 2:00, Wknds 12:00 - 2:00 Petersburg, IA (563) 875-7632 “By God, Lets Have One!!” The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook
Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net
Healthcare/Wellness Road Weary Muscles?? Stephanie Warren, LMT Suzanne & Co Salon, Davenport, 563-355-4200 eve & wknd appts available
Insurance Freedom Insurance Services LLC Motorcycle.Home.Business.Life.Health
Shane Baker 712-310-7475 sbaker@fisomaha.com Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net
Legal
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
IowaBikerLawyer.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 977-209-9452
Woobies 134 W. Main St. New London, IA 52645 319-367-2211
The Getaway Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220
Where to Go When You Need a Break!
221 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-2200
Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000
Guns and Ammo
The Lewis Place 506 W Main Street Lewis, Iowa 51544 712-769-2290 Come Relax in the Beer Garden
2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com
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Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush Peebles Plumbing & Heating Luxaire & Mitsu 613 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2417 River Street Auto - 118 River St. Iowa Falls - 641.648.5004 Motorcycle Tires & Auto Repairs We Fix Everything Except a Broken Heart Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995 Tame Your Mane at MY BARBER 7th & Fillmore, Davenport 563-322-8762 Biker Owned & Operated United Stop & Shop 810 Hwy 175 Stratford, Iowa 50249 515-838-2833 91% Premium Nolead 6:00am - 10:00pm
Shops and Fabricators Bob’s Atomic Garage 2850 16th Ave SW Cedar Rapids 319-200-4257 60+ Years of Experience In HD & American V-Twin Motors Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231 Custom Paint Specialists 2905 Delaware Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-971-4579 Facebook.com/CPSpaint
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Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call
Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392
Trike Your Bike 503 1st Avenue North Altoona, Iowa 50009 515-957-8920 trikeyourbike.net
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com
To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab
70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 46 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month I will revisit each county as a featured article. I will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa. Keokuk County Iowa What can I say about Keokuk; it is a bit elusive. My exploration of this fine county came in two parts; one day I was battling a horrific storm (you can see it blowing up in the county sign picture), the other day I was fighting for daylight, a battle that I lost more quickly then I would have liked! Either way a trip down and around the county can keep you reasonably entertained for a day.
planned to do some touring. After spending a good share of the day touring a different county I knew I needed to give Keokuk a little more attention. I entered from the south on V41 and headed east on 78/149 into Martinsburg. Martinsburg is small but they are not without their point of interest; right there on the highway I witnessed the elusive Yeti and I am not talking about the cooler! I even took a photo just to prove it, strange that it turned out a bit grainy, as it is the same camera that I took all of the other pictures with, but I digress. Hwy 149 took me into the county seat of Sigourney. While it is not a large town by any measure of the word, they have an absolutely beautiful courthouse square. This year they celebrated the 105-year anniversary of this specific courthouse, which is actually the fourth courthouse. It has a four-sided clock tower, is filled with marble, murals and an extensive arrowhead display. I really appreciate Kristy and the ladies with the courthouse for taking the time to chat with me about what they have going on there.
Off of the northeast corner of the square you will find the Copper Keokuk County is in the southeastern portion of the Lantern. state; it is of average size with 580 square miles. It is There were one of our older counties dating back to 1843 and is bikes sitting named after Chief Keokuk, the leader of the Sac tribe. out front The county seat is when I pulled Sigourney. Out of the up so it seemed like as good as any place to stop twenty- two “towns”, and grab a bite to eat and dampen my pallet. When only two have more I went inside it was beautifully remodeled and had than 1,000 people some great parlor games. I am a big fan of anyplace and most have 250 or that has the trifecta; food, booze and games! I might less. Consequently be a bit competitive and love a good challenge. Don’t there is not an over forget to check out how they remodeled the bar, a little abundance of eating something for any Iowa collegiate fan! While there, I establishments or did have the pleasure of chatting with Lee and Monie, watering holes. a couple of locals who ride. We both agreed that it had been a long full day but they are so worth a mention, as The first time I came into the county, I entered from the they were really a bright spot in the county! northwest corner on HWY 21 and headed south. Just as I entered the county and saw the county sign I also The daylight was fading and I needed to keep on saw the clouds blowing up. Within half an hour I was moving, as luck would have it I was able to get lost in fighting torrential rains and hail. Needless to say this is a town of 2,000 people. After a few zig-zags through a not the best time to tour a county so I headed on south, few neighborhoods I saw a sign for Hwy 92. This was a grabbed HWY149 east and V37 south out of the county familiar road for me so I took it. My light was gone and and sought shelter with friends. I do have to say, the eyelids were heavy. Home seemed like a good place to quality of the roads are really nice; not overly crowned head towards. or broken apart! Next month I am closer to home with Kossuth County. Fast-forward to a few weeks ago and I had a day It’s that time of the year, CHRISTMAS TIME!!! Maybe I will find some presents, maybe everyone will be Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 14 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
getting TRMI swag?! See you on the road. Sources Available Upon Request DRing dring@thunderroadsiowa. a. com
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Recently my eyes have been opened to a special trait harder to find in today’s ever changing world. This trait I speak of is called cooperation. Society through leadership changes and the increased pace of our lives, have decimated its purpose.
Hogg H Chapter all should be proud. Each level involved i has made this event a model of what cooperation c really means. A model I would like to t see used at any level; from your home, to our Great G Country. (hint,hint!)
The T Mighty Mississippi’s Hogg Hope Ride for MDA M is truly one of my favorite rides of the year. They draw people in from near and far, so one T can c catch up with old friends and make new ones. o The first couple I greeted had traveled q quite a distance to attend. They believed the friendly, f fun, courteous, and organized group they t previously met at the Dubuque dealership Don’t get me wrong, many instances in our lives left NO doubt of the fun to be had. The organization already overwhelm us with cooperation. Such as of the ride, games, and entertainment proved them cooperating with our employers to make sure that right. I caught my new friends, Will and Ashley we are pushing ourselves to the edge of sanity; Henry smiling all day long. As they say “the more this for the satisfaction of filling our employer the merrier”, and with 115+ bikes, riders and others and Uncle Sam’s greedy pockets! Cripes, we attending it was j sacrifice our well-being of health and sanity to just that! The Poker R led us through satisfy their gluttony. Maybe it’s the cooperation Run we give in our personal lives, as we sacrifice our breathtaking b roads time for our family’s wants. You know, spending and a scenery. The your evenings running all over town for games stops, s as always, a Biker favorites and school activities. Immediately then pushed are onto the next venue. We do this, still finding a of o the Tri-States. I way to do our daily chores, without interrupting asked a fellow riders w their busy schedules. Cooperation has become what they enjoy one-sided to many of us, so I want to share a most m about this run; m recent experience which felt more like a breath many claimed the of fresh air, than a prison sentence. Poker Run is the most fun, which I concur. A few talked about the Rumble Run booklet which involves The cooperation I’m enthused about is when hitting area bars and businesses to get a stamp. This people work together for the common good of gains you extra chances for fabulous prizes! People many. This type of cooperation is rewarding and love this opportunity to see new roads, faces, and I’ve seen it from a group people most would never places. Others are always excited at the chance of expect it from, Bikers! the Grand prize giveaway, a Brand new Harley That’s right…I’ve said e every year! it Bikers! You can see Bikers involved with E Every year I gain fond memories of the many wonderful things to p people and fun attained. I am super stoked o aid America’s citizens by of what is to come next year. They are already cooperating in fighting d digging in on preparations for the biggest for our rights and their li lineup of entertainment ever! Starting many charity events. o off Friday with a bike night launches you in I would like to share into Saturday’s events with no shortage of e the Mighty Mississippi excitement the remainder of the weekend. Hogg Chapters “Hope W With plans for a bigger venue, they will have Ride for MDA.” It epitomizes cooperation like the room needed to house a crowd for the Monster few events I’ve ever experienced. Why is this Rock band they will also be booking. Please don’t so high on my list? Because of the different miss this amazing group of “Bandana’s & Leather levels of organizations, people, and skills all Working Together” for your enjoyment while COOPERATING together to aid the Muscular helping the MDA. Make sure you mark “Hope Ride Dystrophy Association. Our local Dubuque for MDA” Aug. 29, 2015 as a must! Harley-Davidson, the National & Local MDA Association, and of course the Mighty Mississippi Sigs
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The last thing on my mind July 26th should have been Christmas; but along with 35 other bikes and 2 cars, Christmas was all we were focused on. The weather was beautiful, for the normally stifling end of July¬, we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day to raise money for the Jones County Toys for Tots program. Once again, the folks from the Teufelhunds in Anamosa lucked out with the weather (I swear they have connections!) and picked the perfect day to ride. This wasn’t an ordinary poker run with everyone rushing from bar to bar though. That just didn’t seem appropriate, given we were on a mission for the benefit of little kids, kind of doing the job of that one guy in the red suit. Instead we embarked on a photo scavenger hunt and were encouraged to get out on our own and explore Jones County. Now, I know all of you have read DRing’s 99 counties article recently, so you are a bit more familiar with the area.
Before the day was out we rested at the beach in Central Park, swung a club at Wapsi Golf, stopped at a City Hall disguised as a gas station and plopped down on a bench in “Christmas City”. Not only did we hit every spot, we had time to take some bonus photos inside 3 boats, alongside a few squad cars and 1 fire truck. My big burly ol’ biker of a husband and I visited the Monticello Nursing Home to meet Great Aunt Tillie, 99 years young (worth 2 bonus pts!) Now she’s not MY great aunt, but we met her greatgrandnephew when we missed a turn & decided it was a sign from above to swing into the tavern and have a cold one! He suggested we swing over and tell Tillie he said ‘hi’. We ended our afternoon at the Eagle’s Club in Monticello and began the ‘check in’ process. Team Thunder Roads A list of clues and how to collect bonus points was handed Magazine collected $15 along the way and got a whopping 53 points for the day’s ride. I wasn’t the overachiever of the day, but we had such a fun time for a great cause that I felt like I had won. Overall, $525 was raised through the ride, but the generosity didn’t end there. From the corner of the room I hear “We will match that amount!” and Jerri Henderson owner of North Liberty Painters, Inc stands up with a big smile. The giving didn’t stop that day even, thanks to on-going support from the community, the Teufelhunds were out after Padre gave a quick blessing of the bikes, the able to present a check for $1,740 to Jones County Toys for parking lot at J&P Cycles roared and we were off. As Tots and J&P Cycles matched $1.500 of that as well. That the fender ornament, I gave the list a quick look over and amount of money will allow a WHOLE bunch of children told the ol’ man to head into Anamosa, there were 3 clues in the area to have, what might not have been, a GREAT that I knew the answers to: The Teufelhund’s Club House Christmas. As we roll into that time of year, I ask that you (across from Knucklehead’s on Main St), The Anamosa find a Toys for Tots drop off box in your area, toss in a few State Penitentiary (NO! we didn’t go inside, however we toys and may have goosed it on the way down the street… what’s up help make fellas?) and off to Stone City General Store. We didn’t run Christmas into Fred or Barney as the clue eluded we would, but we 2014 a did come across a very helpful group of locals who helped good one us with the rest of the clues and the best route to hit all for those the points of interest. I was ashamed, I live in the county in need!! directly to the south and before the day was over I visited 6 Getting in spots that I had never been to previously!! Guess I DO need the Spirit to get out more ~ Pinky Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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As the calendar runs out of pages, the number of days available to get out and enjoy a ride is becoming more and more limited. November is ramming its way into Iowa and along with it comes the 2014
I am thankful for the cage community. The assholes that have pulled out in front me, cut me off or abruptly changed directions without warning. Without cage drivers, my
riding season finale. As the riding season winds down my first thoughts are “this just sucks”. Since November is the month for giving thanks instead of writing about how much I hate parking the bike, I decided to review the riding season in search of things that I am thankful for. First and foremost, I am thankful for the United States Veterans. The men and women, past, present and future that vigilantly protect my rights and freedoms. Without the Veterans, I would not be able to ride what I choose, with whom I choose, whenever and wherever I choose. I am thankful for the Iowa State Patrol, especially the officer that clocked my scooter doing 78 in a 55. Without the State Patrol, I would not remember that life happens fast enough, you might as well slow down and enjoy the ride. I am thankful for the motorcycle dealers. These are the people who bring the newest makes, models and chrome into the biking community. Without the dealers, my pockets would be full of money but my life would be dull, boring and lackluster. I am thankful for the Iowa Department of Transportation. These people put a lot of time into maintaining a great number of awesome roads to ride throughout this state. Without the Iowa DOT, life on two wheels would be nothing more than just another bad trip down a bumpy road.
defensive driving skills would always be impaired. I am thankful my scooter has a seat, a place to park my ass when life gets shitty. Without a comfortable seat, living life would be a lot like having a hemorrhoid, that’s a pain in the ass for you slow readers. I am thankful for rain gear. A tiny little package of protection, nothing more than a body sized condom. Without rain gear Mother Nature could really fuck up a great day of riding. I am thankful for a comfortable pair of boots; they bring pleasure to slamming gears and hitting the brakes hard. Without boots, I would look like just another idiot riding in flip flops. I am thankful for my riding buddies. The people I can count to always have my back, the ones who bring laughter and memories to each and every ride. Without my riding buddies, I may actually forget some of the stupid shit that I have done. I am thankful for my bike mechanic, the guy who makes sure that my iron horse looks and runs like a stallion. Without the VIP treatment from my mechanic, I would be nothing more than another stud on a bike waiting to be serviced.
I am thankful for handlebars, when used properly they can clear the mind, straighten out the thoughts and keep me from killing people. Without handlebars, life behind bars wouldn’t be near as pretty.
I am thankful for the new people in the riding community that I have met throughout this riding season. Without them I would have no one to stalk on Facebook. I am thankful for road kill, each and every one of those I am thankful for headlights; they illuminate every path dead critters, laying smeared into the roadways. Without that I choose to follow. Without headlights, some of my life road kill, there would be a lot more of them bastards choices would take me to some very dark places. playing a game of Frogger with my life. I am thankful for the $158 speeding ticket that I received I am thankful for the TRMI sponsors, supporting from the Iowa State Patrol. Without that speeding ticket, businesses, contributors and crew, the people who make I may have forgotten that the price you pay to ride could this publication possible each month. Without these people, much higher. Thunder Road Magazine Iowa would not exist. I am thankful to the dude who invented air chucks, a cool little tool that makes quick work of properly inflating the Ride warm. tires. Without that dude, I would be forced to my knees, ass in the air, in order to tongue and blow my own valve stem. Shifty LaRue 18 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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This month’s cover shows off Kelsey’s beautiful smile, but for the calendar this month, she’s blessed us with a great view of her amazing legs, that stretch all the way up to her, um… Well, we’ll just let the photograph speak for itself! “Sno-Cone” Panhead Digger pinstriped by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth in the 70’s, and is currently part of “Natanic” Nate Ullrich’s personal collection. See more of this bike on the cover and inside pages of Natanic’s 2014 calendar, and get another view of Kelsey’s well rounded personality as Miss September in Natanic’s 2015 calendar. Both calendar years are available for a special price at www.Lyfebehindbars.com
Welcome to Iowawhere apparently it’s open season on motorcyclists. Up here in North Iowa those of us in the motorcycle community are having a real hard time with a recent event where a local rider’s life was lost in an accident. We’re having a hard time of it for several reasons. First off, by all accounts, David Crowe was just one hell of a guy. You need only look at the photo of him with his Granddaughter to see the joy they were sharing. He was a darn good rider too, and lost his life on a bike he’d just purchased. By every measure of every test, he was simply riding his motorcycle in a perfectly legal manner, slowed for and signaled for a turn, and was run down from behind by a young lady that was “day dreaming”. The bike was embedded into the front of her SUV, and she shoved Dave and his bike a considerable distance down the road before stopping. I don’t call that a dream, I call it a nightmare.
device (2013), Purchase Alcohol (2011), and eerily, was cited for Following too Closely (2007). One might wonder why she had a driver’s license at all. We finally thought there might be justice in the land. But the Floyd County Attorney died of cancer. Then the case got referred to the state level. Now I’ll quote the local newspaper- “Assistant Iowa Attorney General Scott Brown’s motion to dismiss stated no evidence exists that Ms. Mercer was traveling at an excessive rate of speed under the circumstances*, had been consuming alcohol or drugs, was using her cell phone, driving erratically or engaging in highly dangerous behavior”. Personally, I don’t think this is a gray area- running a motorcyclist down is EXACTLY the definition of highly dangerous behavior. It reminds me of the whole blame the victim rape defense- “She asked for it”. Apparently David “asked for it” by getting on a motorcycle. *(she’s admitted that she was speeding, but apparently it’s not considered “excessive” if you only cause one fatality) The State’s Attorney General office has promised some “enhanced charges” in this case now, but we’re not holding our breath. It’s been a battle from the start. It seemed like once they figured out she probably wasn’t texting and driving, they lost interest in the case. What about when cell phones weren’t invented? Didn’t people get arrested for manslaughter anyhow?
It’s a poor comparison, but valid only to prove my point- I was watching a Liberty Mutual Insurance commercial the other night. They have a new deal out- if you total your car in the first year you own it, and you bought it new, and it has less than 15000 miles on it, you can get a new one. Sounds terrific doesn’t it? Read the fine print“Excludes Motorcycles”. Why? I guess we’re just supposed to go down, and “we asked for Now I don’t know about you, it”. It’s like one of my previous but if I was “day dreaming” and articles about that awful Crafco ran over a little kid on a bicycle pavement repair machine that leaves the surface of the road and killed him, I’d fully expect to do some prison time. If I was “day dreaming” and slammed into the side of a minivan like a game of marbles just ended- I guess we “asked for it” and killed somebody’s mom, I’d expect to do some jail time by assuming every pavement repair process used in this state would be safe for all types of registered transportation, just also. But I guess it’s OK if it was a motorcycle rider. I say this because apparently the State of Iowa thinks it’s OK. Let’s not motorcycles. back up a minute and review- on May 21st of this year, David Crowe, 66, of Nora Springs, was legally riding his new bike Somebody please tell me the life of a motorcyclist is worth on the Avenue of the Saints, also known as State Highway 18 more than a traffic ticket. Please tell me great guys like David up here. He slowed to turn from this roadway and was struck Crowe, and all the other fallen riders we’ve lost, don’t have from behind by a Stephanie Rae Mercer, 23, of Charles City. to die because people are too distracted behind the wheel, or “day dreaming”. Call your local legislators, and tell them He was killed instantly. We were all saddened by this news, to start protecting the lives of motorcycle riders by enacting and then in turn outraged when Ms. Mercer was cited for stiffer laws to protect us, and to send a message to the courts “Failure to Stop in an Assured Clear Distance”. Really, a that we aren’t going away quietly this time. Accidents like traffic ticket? We all cried; public pressure was put on the this don’t have to happen, and when they do, there needs to Floyd County attorney’s office. Local motorcycle groups rode in parades. The family carried signs. We posted stuff in be genuine consequences. our yards. Finally, Ms. Mercer was charged with involuntary Mark Mullins, President, MAG manslaughter, a felony. She’s had quite a career with the courts already, previously cited for Failure to Obey a traffic
“A Plea for Justice”
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Catching up with a Marine can be a task; catching up with an active Marine and student fully dedicated to his family can be even more of a challenge. The task of catching up with Sergeant Joshua “Humms” Henderson of Cedar Rapids proved to be quite a chore; only accomplished thanks to doctor’s orders. While he was healing from a recent surgery, I tracked Humms down (he’s not quite bedridden, but not 100% yet either). Throughout our conversation, one thing became very apparent to me, family is everything to this soldier. Enlisting immediately after graduating high school in 2003, Josh followed in the footsteps of generations past. His family ties to the military run deeper than most; not only did both of his grandfathers serve (one a Vietnam Vet) and his uncles have served our country in every branch of the military, but his family’s military history runs clear back to the Civil War with relatives fighting on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. Humms was driven to enlist wanting to follow his family traditions and as a bonus, he has been able to obtain a college degree in Criminal Justice that he wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. Josh has been stationed on both coasts as well as deployments to Iraq twice and Okinawa once. His primary mission of service is Amphibious Assault Vehicle Operator although he has carried out other missions throughout his time in the Marines as well. Continuing his dedication to our nation, Joshua has aspirations to work in Homeland Security once his time in the service is complete.
two wheel world in 2012. Humms doesn’t have a favorite destination to ride to on his 2009 Yamaha VStar 1100, saying his favorite place to ride is any two lane, exploring the back roads of our great state is one of his most favorite things to do. And he isn’t out wandering alone; Josh enjoys getting to ride often with his Mom and not as often as he’d like with his Uncle Brett from Knoxville. Humms is a proud member of the Teufelhund Veterans Group (his second family) and spends much time riding alongside other members of our military from the area as well. Taking pride in his education and his military service, Josh is also a member of Kaplan University Student Military Association, an organization that helps to build relationships between service member students to help foster the completion of classes and achieve ggraduation.
JJosh has big plans for ccustomization of his VStar bbut, like so many of us, is limited by funds; he wants to li make it his, saying “your bike m sshould be a reflection of your ppersonality-and right now mine is NOT”. Knowing m that Rome wasn’t built in a th dday and his bike won’t be eeither, Humms is standing by ppatiently, selflessly sacrificing ffor his children Dakota, 9 and Rosslyn, 3. Dakota is a very R aactive young man staying bbusy enjoying all those things that 4th grade boys th do and already has that passion for motorcycles instilled deep within him. However on the flip side, Rosslyn suffers from Trisomy 17p, which is a chromosomal abnormality and needs constant care. Although Rosslyn can’t walk, crawl, talk or fully control her limbs, she’s a tough cookie like her dad and has already surpassed the life expectancy the doctors gave upon her birth. But T-17p hasn’t stopped Like military service, Humms’ ties to motorcycle riding run Rosslyn from becoming fond of motorcycles either, her deep in the family. With fond memories of riding his 50cc eyes lighting up with joy when she hears a nice set of pipes Suzuki at an early age on Freddy’s Beach at Lake Delhi coming down the road. alongside his family on ATV’s, dirt bikes and go-karts, Humms was hooked on the freedom of the “open road”, So now you know WHY tracking down this active Marine, or as open as it can get for an elementary school aged kid. student, husband, father and son was such a task. I thank Knowing she couldn’t stop Humms from getting hurt, Jeri, you for taking time out to share your story with me Humms his mom, let him jump in head first but mitigated potential and Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa and myself send a damage by adjusting the governor to keep his speed under HUGE thank you to you for your continuing service to our control. He realized at a young age he didn’t want to be nation! stuck in a cage so Josh saved his pennies and picked up a street bike in 2006. Subsequently selling that bike to buy ~Pinky a car for his wife Nicole, he was finally able to re-join the
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Ferg’s Lounge and My Tighe’s Restaurant
will ride to eat
806 Hwy 30 East Grand Junction, IA 50107 515-738-5416 Mon-Thurs: 11a-2p, 4:30p-11p Fri: 11a-2p, 4p-2a Sat: 11a-2a Sun: 11a-8p I have a special treat for you this month! I brought in a guest writer to help me out! I think most that know me know I have three sons that I am very proud of (if you didn’t know that you do now!), Chris-
topher, Cameron and Clayton. Any parent can tell you that you can see many of your own character traits in your children (if you’re not a parent yet, PAY ATTENTION!!!! Here is your free counseling session!!!!), both the good and the bad! One of my traits that I see in all three of my boys is my appetite and my taste in foods. Last month, if you will recall, I was joined by Cameron
tapped Chris to write his own description of his choice. So without further adieu, here is Chris’ description of his burger: My Tighe’s Classic - Double - Spicy - The perfect amount of sweet and spicy on 2 perfectly formed and perfectly cooked burgers. It was big enough that I wasn’t exactly sure where to attack it from, or how to attack it without compromising the stability of the burger. The cheese was melted, but not to the point of running off the burger, so none of it was wasted. The bacon was made perfectly (to my standards of being just above warm, but not to the point of being crunchy). Combine all that with the sauce that was put on the burger. The sauce was essentially the cherry on top. The sauce was (to my best description) like a honey chipotle sauce, with the most amazing amount of sweet and spicy, but neither the sweet nor spicy was over the top. Topping it off (literally) was a pretzel bun. The bun was lightly toasted, just a little crunch, but still like bread. You can take a bite without having to tear it off, unlike a lot of pretzel buns that get overly chewy and you end up pulling it apart like an animal. All in all, it is a burger well worth having. Not bad... a chip off the ol’ block!!!! I chose the Ferg’s Burger which uses the main section of their ‘Egg Static’ Burger (main section meaning the 1/3 lb. burger topped with an egg and a slice of American cheese) and adds bacon and peanut butter on a toasted bun. I have heard about and wondered about eggs and peanut butter on a burger but had never tried it. Well, check that one off my bucket list!!! Done and Done!!!! I highly recommend it! The tastes create a wonderfully contrasting balance that really has to be experienced. Now, I don’t want you to think burgers are the only thing available at Ferg’s. They have quite a diverse menu! The sign on the table indicated that Wednesday night is Wing Night and Friday night is All-You-Can-Eat Fish Night. Their Facebook page indicates that Saturday night is Prime Rib night. Sounds to me like something for everyone! Check out Ferg’s Lounge and My Tighe’s Restaurant for the best of great food in a small town! Like their Facebook page as well!!!
Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! (my middle son) for some oriental cuisine. This month I am joined by my eldest son, Chris, for some good Craig Little old ‘merican food BURGERS; but not just any burgers. craig@thunderroadsiowa.com We made an excursion to Grand Junction to visit Ferg’s Lounge and My Tighe’s Restaurant, also known to us as PS If you have someplace you think we should check just plain Ferg’s! By now I would hope you could figure out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. out who the guest writer is!!! LOL You guessed it... I Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 28 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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f o s l r i G
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to v vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Stacy Griffith 2002 Dyna Wide Glide, converted to trike. Mechanicsville
Jeri Henderson 2014 Tri Glide Cedar Rapids
Sarah Emry 1992 SuperGlide Brighton 30 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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Wyoming ranchers were having problems with coyotes killing their sheep. They had a town hall meeting to solve the problem but a PETA lady from New York snuck in with some advice. “It would be more humane to live trap the coyotes, castrate them and turn them loose. More humane” An old rancher from the back row said, “Lady, you don’t understand. The coyotes are killing our sheep, They’re not fucking them!”
“A” for the Exam.” Professor: “Okay, it’s a deal. So what is the question?” Student: “What is legal but not logical, logical but not legal, and neither logical nor legal?” Even after some long and hard consideration, the professor cannot give the student an answer, and therefore changes his exam mark into an “A”, as agreed. A Afterwards, the professor calls on his best student and asks him the same question.
Q: Why did Raggedy Ann get thrown out of the he toy box? A: She kept sitting on Pinocchio’s face, and moaning, “Lie to me!” One day, Little Johnny overheard his parents fighting. Later, he asked what “bitch” and “bastard” mean. They explained that they mean “lady” and “gentleman.” The next day, he overheard his parents having sex. He later asked what “penis” and “vagina” mean. His parents explained that they refer to “hats” and “coats.”
He immediately answers: “Sir, you are 63 years old and married to a 35 year old woman, which is legal, but not logical. Your wife has a 17 Year old lover, which is logical but not legal. The fact that you have given your wife’s lover an “A”, although he really should have failed, is neither legal nor logical.” Q: Why do walruses go to Tupperware parties? A: To find a tight seal.
At supper the next day, Little Johnny’s mom cut her finger in the kitchen and yelled, “OH f**k!” Little Johnny asked what that Teacher and her 3 boy students: meant, and she said it means “cut.” Teacher: “Why did you laugh?” A week later, guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner. Little Boy 1: “I saw a strap of your bra.” Johnny welcomes them at the door, saying, “Hello bitches and Teacher: “You are punished to stay out of school for one week.” bastards! Hurry up with your penises and vaginas — we can’t wait to f**k the turkey!” Boy 2 laughed… Teacher: “Why did you laugh?” Boy 2: “I saw your bra straps.” Q: What do you call a virgin on a waterbed? Teacher: “You are punished to stay out of school for one month.” A: A cherry float. Teacher bent down to pickup a chalk. Boy 3 started walking out of the class… How fast can you guess these words? Teacher: “Why are you leaving?” 1._ _ _ k Boy 3: “I think my school days are over.” 2._ _ndom 3.d_ck Q: Your finger fits right in it. You play with it when you’re bored. Answers: Once you’re married, you’re stuck with the same one forever. 1. book What is it? 2. random A: A ring! Get your mind out of the gutter! 3.duck You didn’t get them right did you! A hot looking blonde walks in to a casino and wanders up to Q: What did the sign on the door of the whorehouse say? one of the craps tables. She looks at the two table handlers and A: Beat it - we’re closed. says “I want to bet $25,000 dollars. It’s all the money I have. The only request is that I play topless as I have found that this After having failed his exam, a student goes and confronts his provides me the most luck at winning.” lecturer about it. Student: The two men agree and watch anxiously as the woman “Sir, do you really understand anything about the subject?” unbuttons her blouse, removes it, and then removes her bra. She puts the money down on the table and rolls the dice. As the dice Professor: stop, she starts jumping up and down and screaming, “I WON I “Surely I must. Otherwise I would not be a professor!” WON I WON!” She gathers her winnings puts the chips in her bag, pulls on her shirt and walks out. Student: “Great, well then I would like to ask you a question. If you can The two men at the table look at each other, one asks the other, give me the correct answer, I will accept my mark as is and go. If “So what did she roll?” The other man says, “I thought you were you however do not know the answer, I want you to give me an watching?” 32 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2014
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nothing to worry about. The trouble is that sometimes not enough of us seem to be willing to do it. By the way, November 4th is Election Day. Elections have consequences, hope you’ve done your due diligence and have prepared yourself to fulfill your civic duty. Questions or comments? Contact me at: peter@ riderpromotions.com
It’s That Time of Year. A wise man once told me that a motorcycle has only 3 enemies. The first is rust. We avoid rust by maintaining our machines, keeping them clean, storing them properly and doing what we can to protect them. The second is nature. It sounds odd to say it that way but I’m not sure exactly what else to call it. Nature includes everything from road conditions, to other drivers operating vehicles within our environment, deer and other animals, and other obstacles that we might encounter. We do what we can to protect ourselves from nature by being ever vigilant to what is going on around us; paying particular attention to dangers like folks playing with their phones instead of looking for us on the road. If we’re not paying attention in a construction zone we could easily “fall off an edge” or come in contact with an obstacle. The third and most dangerous is politicians. With a single stroke of the pen politicians can restrict our most basic liberties. They enact all sorts of legislation seemingly to “protect us”. Believe me, if I want any help I’ll ask. Last thing we need is to have people who don’t ride or even understand why anyone would want to determining our handle bar height, mirrors or how we need to dress. It’s interesting to me how they seem to have a hat fetish, but seldom care whether I’m wearing sandals instead of boots or even whether or not I am wearing any pants. They only way we can protect ourselves from politicians is to be involved in the system. We need to stay close enough to keep an eye on what they are doing to remind them who they work for. As I think about it, the remedy for all 3 is the same. Pay attention. If we are doing our due diligence we will have
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Oct 31 Nov 7-9 Nov 10 Nov 15 Nov 21 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Dec 13 Dec 13
Halloween Party Metro H-D Cedar Rapids ABATE of IOWA STEAM/BOD Mt. Marshalltown Wiebler’s HD Boot Camp Davenport Baxter Cycle Fall Open House Marne Carroll Cycle Center Ladies Night Out Carroll Turkey Run Clinton Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Black Friday Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Carroll Cycle Center pictures with Santa Carroll Santa visits Metro HD Cedar Rapids
2015 Jan 17 Metro HD “Winter SUCKS” party Cedar Rapids Jan 23-25 Rod and Custom Motorcycle and Car Show Rock Island, IL Jan 31-Feb 1 Colorado Motorcycle Expo Denver, CO Feb 1 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL Feb 6-8 J&P Int’l Motorcycle Show Minneapolis, MN
Feb 7 24th Annual Metro HD Chili Cook-Off Cedar Rapids Feb 13-15 J&P Int’l Motorcycle Show Chicago, IL Feb 13-15 World of Wheels Kansas City Feb 20-22 29th Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Feb 21-22 46th O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Feb 27-Mar 1 World of Wheels Omaha, NE Feb 27-28 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Mar 8 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Mar 6-15 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach Florida Mar 13-15 World of Wheels Chicago, IL Mar 14 Metro HD Garage Sale Cedar Rapids Mar 28-29 28th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Apr 24 Motorcycle Safety Forum IA Events Center, Des Moines May 2 International Female Ride Day Worldwide May 16 Rosslyn’s Ride Anamosa May 23-24 Midway Tavern Annual Fun Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Jun 13 7th Annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run & Cycle Show Jefferson Jun 15 National Ride your Motorcycle to Work Day Jun 17-20 21st Annual Rally on the River QC Davenport Aug 3-9 South Dakota Party Aug 8 AtlanticFest Ride In Bike Show Atlantic Aug 29 Mighty Mississippi HOG MDA Hope Ride Dubuque HD Sep 5-6 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 12 No Nipple Dipple Ride Buffalo Sep 12 Broken Spokes Ride For U of IA Children’s Hospital Davenport Sep 23-26 Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville, AR
This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled for some reason. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email them with Date/Name of Event/Location to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com