Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa October 2013 by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa

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www.thunderroadsiowa.com www.th th hunde d rroads d io i wa w .com

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New recruits Amanda and Amy grace this 2013 OCC Chopper being raffled off by the Lehigh Fire Department. The bike will be given away on October 19th at 8 PM at the Riverside Tap in Lehigh. Tickets can be bought at the Riverside Tap in Lehigh and many other places locally and online. More information can be found on the Lehigh Fire Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www. lehighfire.com Proceeds from the raffle are going toward a new fire station in Lehigh.

Riding season is not over…Riding season is not over…Riding season is not over…I have to keep telling myself this, out of fear of sinking into the abysmal Iowa fall and winter. There is still some great riding to be had in Iowa this time of year; it just takes a little bit more planning. One needs to plan for departure and arrival times. It gets colder at night and one has to make sure that there are enough warm clothes and riding gear. With the fall rain that tends to move in we also have to be concerned about getting wet and getting cold. Hypothermia is less of an issue in the hot summer months, but a distinct threat during fall and winter riding. Less sunlight means,that the good temperatures for riding in are fewer, so pack accordingly. Fall brings out more moving critters on the roads, as well as farmers and their oversize equipment being transported on the roads. Be wary of those things that can make us not get home. On another note, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa is looking to get out to even more spots across the state. We are a free publication, which is funded by supporters and advertisers in the magazine. To get to more distribution spots, we need more biker friendly businesses of all kinds to help keep this thing rolling. If you own or know of a place that would love to have the magazine on hand for their customers to pick up, let one of the crew know. Look on the staff page to find the closest TRMI rep and fire away. We thank you for the help, and would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the current supporters of the magazine. Please frequent their businesses and tell them that Thunder Roads sent ya!

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On more of a personal side, one of my deepest regrets as of late was not taking the time, or I guess making the time to make the trek to DC for what seems to have become the ride of all rides. This was not just a memorial ride to honor the fallen from 9-11-2001 to me, but it has become in my mind a symbol of what America should be. This was a group of bikers that has made the statement that we are fed up with how things are going with this country, and that we are not going to stand for it any longer. In a short month’s timeframe, this ride was organized and th conducted, and it looks to c be an annual pilgrimage to b honor the fallen and stand up h ffor what is right. The purpose of this trip was multi-faceted, o and even though faced with a a denial for a permit, the ride continued and showed the c Nation that WE THE PEOPLE N mean business and that we m will not stand idly by and w let things “just” happen any le longer. On that note, I beg lo of every single one of you o tto stand up, be counted, be informed, and make intelligent in decisions about what is d happening in our country h and in our lives. The Bill of a Rights is there for a reason, R and should not be trampled by a bureaucracy. I am a firm believer of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights and consider myself a patriot. Let us all stand up for what we believe, and throw party lines to the curb. Let’s take America back, it is ours, and we have earned it. See you on the road! Vernon Quote of the Month, Author Unknown: You start the game with a full pot o’ luck and an empty pot o’ experience... The object is to fill the pot of experience before you empty the pot of luck.

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Thunder In The HEAT 2013 “Cock-a-doodledoo!!! Wake the Fu*k up, you mother fu*kers!!” came booming though the PA system at 4pm on August 29th, with the temperature nearing triple digits-it was time to get the annual Thunder In The Sand rally going in Conesville. The vulgarities streamed out of Fu*k Man Charlie’s mouth non-stop through the weekend on a new PA system donated by long time rally goers Chris and Teri Kinney. With the 3 day heat advisory in full effect, everybody was stripped down to the bare minimum (some clad only in boots and a bandana) attempting to beat the heat. The Circle of Pride offered an abundance of entertainment options to stay out of the sun including a scavenger hunt on the rally grounds and a beer pong and tippy cup tournament in the shade of Possum Lodge, but the misting station proved to be the most enjoyed and entertaining spot to stay cool.

wheeled beauties of all makes and models. Our very own editor, Vernon, took home 1st place in the Special Interest category with his white and green 1977 Shovelhead, sporting some new pin striping by Bart at Midwest Art.

As always, the bands and stage entertainment were off the roof! 3 on the Tree rocked it out Thursday and Friday with their rockabilly sounds in Possum Lodge. DJ Andy Minder kept the music flowing at One Eyed Jacks all weekend and his choice of music every night kept the cage full of The heat also put the hip thrusting, boobie shaking hotness. Skin Kandy drag racing on hold put on a hell of a show on the Main Stage Friday for a few hours, but night and LA Guns kept us rocking into the night on once temperatures Saturday with their hits of the 1980’s, including The subsided on Friday Ballad of Jayne and Never Enough. Bag Lady Sue test and tune took the stage both Friday and Saturday evenings, continued and the smell of burnt rubber letting us know just how she felt about politics and our current administration - it seemed as though and racing fuel her thoughts were shared by most everyone in hovered in the air attendance. Nate Ullrich of well into the night. Twang and the crew lyfebehindbars.com was there with his from Motorcycle Specialties who run the smoking hot drag racing outdid themselves Saturday, models teasing keeping the bikes flying down the the crowd and track at a great pace. There was even a selling their new track record set this weekend; Al 2014 Natanic’s Mart of Cedar Rapids hit a top speed Classic Pinof 134.44 mph on the 1/8th mile strip. Ups Calendar. Mad Max was popping wheelies on his Hank Rotten renegade bagger and Ron Riehm burnt was bopping the tires off of his V8 Choppers Trike around the rally in a plume of red and blue smoke. The all weekend, bike show brought out two and three

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emcee’n the Exotic Pole Dancing Contest, the Pickle Lickin’ Contest and the final event of the rally the What T-Shirt Contest.

com, pictures are being uploaded by the hundreds. If you were there look for yourself and your friends, if you weren’t look at all the FUN you missed!! A HUGE thank you goes out to all the Circle of Pride folks for working their buns off hosting another killer rally! See ya’ll in May!!

Make sure to check out www. circleofpridemc.

~Pinky

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CMA Notes

constantly wipe the rain off the glasses but not go so slow that some knucklehead could take us out from the rear. The next morning we again woke up to rain, decided to wait a couple of hours but eventually still Hope everyone had a great had to take off in full rain gear. You ever notice that time at Algona, in Sturgis and is harder to start out in the rain than take off and get more recently at Thunder in wet along the way? Anyway, we were tired and wet the Sand in Conesville. By the but did get to spend quite a bit of time drinking coffee time you read this we will also and getting to know other soaked travelers at various have had the State Line Rally gas stations along the way. It is interesting the stories in Keosauqua knocked off this each person has about their trip, the unexpected year’s all-too-quickly-passing list highs and lows. Some had neat things that they saw of events. and experienced while we also talked with one who was returning home without friends because of an It has been a different kind accident. of year for us with health issues and then the freak storms that smashed our house and vehicles with hail Similarly we can’t always escape the storms of and then ripped the top off the chimney and dropped everyday life. They come in many forms, sickness, trees all within 2 weeks. So in the midst of all this we jobs and finances, kids, and just plain busyness, again find that the riding season is slipping away from fill in the blank. Sometimes it’s smooth sailing but us, with trips untaken that will just have to be dreamed sometimes it takes all our concentration to handle the about for next year. road we’re on and the situations we face. Sadly, being human we are easily distracted and get off track. The My brother-in-law, a buddy from the local CMA Lord knows this and will gently nudge us back the chapter, and I did get to ride on our annual pilgrimage right way when we remember to focus on Him instead to Sturgis this year. What a good time, with the ride of trying to fix the situation with our own wisdom and out being perfect weather. The kind of days that after puny capabilities. God tells us in the book of Matthew 10 hours you didn’t want to stop for the night, but that He knows what we need even before we ask keep going. I told the guys that it is days like those and to seek first the kingdom of God and these other that make you almost be able to trick yourself into things will added. The idea is that He does want us to thinking that, Hey! it is a good idea to ride to Sturgis. ask and we do have to seek. It takes a concerted effort Sure enough, on the way home reality hit. We had to on our part to allow God to implement the blessings make 540 miles for our first night’s reservation with and provisions He has and desires for us in this life 400 of that in the rain. It was coming down so hard as well as in eternity. The Bible tells us that if we that at times it took all the concentration I could muster search for Him with all our heart and soul, we will find to try to see the tail lights in front of me or see which Him and to hold tightly without wavering to the hope way the road went. We had to slow down enough to we have because God can be trusted to keep His promises. Frequently our ability to see is hampered. We need to remember to seek Him in good times, seek Him in bad times and we will find that He is right there watching over us, all the time. Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa. org

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Biker Friendly Directory

It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com

Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999 www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com

CoolBikerStuff.com 1224 Celebrity Drive Marcus, Iowa 51035 Mention TRMI at Events for a Free Gift

Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.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 R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com

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Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com

C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close

Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com¬

Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417

Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsales.com

Chocolatierie Stam-Dubuque 269 Main Street Dubuque, Iowa 52004 www.stamchocolate.com 563-690-4320

Entertainment

Dew Drop Inn Bar & Restaurant 109 Main Street McClelland, Iowa 51503 712-566-9360 Mon-Sat 11:30-Close

Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30

Dirty Ernies 201 1st Street NE Farley, Iowa 563-744-4653 Ride your Harley to Farley!

National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org

Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close

Ossy’s Show Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9102

Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441

Food and Drink B & M Bar and Grill 110 W. Main Street Panora, IA. 50216 641-755-2806 Open Daily @ 11:00 am Beaver Hut Pub Happiness is a Wet Beaver 307 East 7th Logan, Iowa 51546 712-644-6100 Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11 BJ’s Bar & Billiards 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa Home of Full Throttle Thursdays 319-234-9810 Booneville Bar&Grill Waveland West Café 35653 Ute Ave Booneville, Iowa 50038 575-987-2237

Homers Bar & Grill 207 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-9979 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311 KC’s Tavern 120 North Main Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 641-369-2017 KC’s Tavern on Facebook Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Lamp-Liter 143 South Grove Street Walcott, Iowa 52773 563-284-4061 Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620

Excuses Bar 405 Main Street Malvern, Iowa 51551 712-624-8233 Excuses Bar on Facebook

Master Griller/The Field House 142 S Chestnut Earlham, Iowa 50072 Mastergriller.com 515-782-5850

Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375

Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com

Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.

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(above the BBQ Shack) 203 Main St. Lohrville. Iowa 51439 Open M-S 4pm-close. Sunday 12pm-close (712)-465-3278

Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783

Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook

Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook

Hazard County LoungeIowa’s Premier Night Club

Millerton Café 10 Miles S of Chariton Hiway 14, 1 Mile East J22

Millerton, Iowa Tues-Sat 630am-8pm Sunday 630am-3pm 641-897-3536 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

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Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015

Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534

Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!

Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226

Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPiranha Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9184 Piranha Club on Facebook

Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com

The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000

Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867

The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook

Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week

The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601

Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788

The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook

Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p

The Middle of Nowhere 112 Main Street Cumberland, Iowa 50843 712-774-5425

Third and Main 301 Main Street Manning, IA 51455 712-655-2304/712-210-2304 www.thirdandmainmanning.com facebook.com/thirdandmain T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook

Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill

228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com

Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3

Shenanigans Nightclub/Event Center

1805 Maime Eisenhower Ave Boone, Iowa 50036 515-298-0435 www.partyatshenanigans1.com Slaby’s Bar & Grill 6020 New Liberty Road Plainview, Iowa 52773 563-843-3443

Guns and Ammo

The Chrome Spur 105 2nd Street Schleswig, Iowa 51461 Chrome Spur on Facebook

Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week

Rendezvous Lounge 909 Main Street Adel, Iowa 50003 Just West of the Courthouse 515-993-4422

Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook

Where You Can Grab a Rack, And Not Get Slapped! Venture Inn Blencoe, Iowa 712-452-2205 Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395

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lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com

Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12

www.shootersoutlet.net

Healthcare/Wellness Sandra Grace Health Care Team 2884 AAA Court, Bettendorf, IA (563) 343-5344 sandragracehealthcareteam.com Massage, Hypnosis, Reiki & more Will travel to your event or office

Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com

Photo and Art JW Custom Artwork 610 Grove Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-577-5264 Jwagoner13@gmail.com Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com

Services

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

Shops and Fabricators Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231 Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery

Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com Moser’s 4-Way Service Center Motorcycles.ATVs.Jet Skis Harley-Davidson Certified Luxemburg, Iowa 563-853-3390 Moser4way@iowatelecom.net

BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com

Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220

Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com

Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541

Larsen Equipment Aaron Larsen PO Box 126 Kimballton, IA 51543 712-310-1762

Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com

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Shops and Fabricators Cont. Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call

Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc. To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com Top Gun Customs 607 South Main Street Garnavillo, Iowa 52049 563-964-9899 Top Gun Customs on FB Waderichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685

Tattoo All Pro Custom Tattoo 1007 E Kimberly Davenport, Iowa 563-323-5765

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Suicide has become b a serious cconcern for yyoung adults in this day and age. A a lilife is lost to suicide every fifteen e minutes m in the t United States. S Suicide S is the third leading cause of death among fifteen to twenty-four year olds and the second leading cause of death among college students. However, most Americans remain unaware that suicide is a national health problem. The impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends, co-workers and the community is devastating. The loss is immeasurable. Kim from Shananigans in Boone knows the impact of suicide first hand. In May of 2012, her son, Lawrence William Cunningham (Gibbie) was only 17 years old, and he took his own life. The tragedy has forever changed the family, but Kim began to look for ways to press on in a positive way. She became active with the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to help raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Team Gibbie was formed to participate and be an active part in raising funds and awareness of the magnitude of the problem of suicide. Parts of her efforts are geared toward the Out of the Darkness Community Walk which is held every year. This year it was on September 15th. In support of the walk with Team Gibbie, Kim and Shenanigans also hosted the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

First Annual Ride to Live 4 Gibbie Fun Run on August 17th. Kim and crew wanted to show support for the families and friends of the more than 36,000 Americans who die by suicide each year, as well as the 20 million that suffer from depression. The ride started and ended at Shenanigans in Boone, with live music, food, and an auction. The group ride drew more than one hundred bikes for a first time event, on a gorgeous A August day. There is something a about a group of bikers all rolling to together for a great cause that m makes you feel proud to be a b biker. The route stopped first at C Crossroads Tavern in Kelly. Now tthis place which used to be a gas sstation where the roads cross has b become quite the biker haven. Out o of the way yet close enough to be ccool. Then the group took off for C Cadillac Jack’s in Baxter. Some llunch and a cold one were the way to go and then on to Road Hog’s in State Center, Nigel’s in Zearing, RC’s S Lounge in Story City, then back to L Shenanigans in Boone. This run was S a little longer than most fun runs, but well worth the miles with a great group w of bikers. Food and a couple of cold o ones flowed, and E11eventh Hour o rrocked the house for the after party. The event was deemed a success, T sso keep your eyes open next August for the run to go around again at fo Shenanigans. S Vernon V

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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 58 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa. Hancock County Iowa This month’s voyage gave me a lesson in geography! I reside in southwest Iowa and thought I was going to do some exploring close to home, turns out I wound my way through central Iowa to the wide open terrain of Hancock County. It is filled with interesting little towns that all have their own charm, nothing too flashy but just unique enough to be worth the trip. Hancock County has a rich history. As you can imagine it was named after John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It, like many other Iowa counties, has 573 square miles of land and many lakes to camp and fish in. It is located in the north central part of Iowa just to the west of Interstate 35 two county tiers south of the Minnesota border. Nine inviting communities house the urban residents of the area with the county seat being Garner.

the county R70. R70 is not a long road but it is fun to ride and worth seeking out. R70 took us again to B14 and east out of the county I went. A good friend who grew up in the area told me that I had to go to Kanawha to the Town Tap because they still have a Snooker table. When I arrived around noon it was closed, not to open until 3:00. I had a lot of county to see so I chose to move on up the road, however, by talking with a few other locals it is said that the Town Tap is full of some beautiful antique gaming tables to stop in and see. It is also worth noting that for such a small town they had a lot of nice businesses, a grocery store, a BBQ joint and even a winery/inn. Given more time I would have loved to spend the day there eating and shopping! Scootching north brought me to Britt. This is another small town with a thriving downtown. I ate lunch at J & D’s Hob Nob. Dale, the owner, served me up the fastest lunch ever! J & D’s serves typical pub food with a few exceptions. I couldn’t help myself when I saw the Rueben bites on the menu. They were quite enjoyable and exactly what you would expect and the fact that you can buy jalapeno poppers by the popper is also a nice option. Britt is famous for its National Hobo Convention. They take this very seriously, with a Hobo restaurant, museum and the annual convention. If you get a moment, check out the Hobo museum web page and take time to read the “Hobo Code” under the, “What is a Hobo” tab. There are some simple life lessons in this code that could help us all!

Before I get too deep into this article let me say that the county roads are mostly all flat, wide-open roads with an occasional small hill and very No tour through Hancock few curves. We traveled from County would possibly the southwest corner on B63 be complete without to Kanawha, north on R35 stopping in Crystal Lake through Britt and Crystal to see the “World’s Largest Lake, shot east on B14 to Bullhead”. The shear R44 and across on B20 so girth of this monstrosity is that I could hook up with the inspiring! If you have ever only hilly, really curvy road in fished in an Iowa farm pond Thunder Roads Magazine Maga Ma gaziine ne of of IIo Iowa owa wa on on Facebook Face Fa cebo bo b ookk www.thunderroadsiowa.com 14 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

you have met this creature. Besides the bullhead there is also a great campground overlooking the lake that has some nice cabins to rent or you can pitch a tent and enjoy the sunset over the lake. If all the flat roads and straight lines have got you down while you zip through the county take a few moments and ride County Road R70. It is unlike any roadway I found in the area. There are some hills; there are LOTS of curves and just enough excitement that if you are a heart patient the ride wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last too long so it will be cardiologist approved! Touring Hancock County was a lovely way to spend the day. Good people, good food and nice open roads. You will not be disappointed if you take a little time to more deeply explore the little towns I mentioned. If you are feeling even the least bit ambitious after riding R70 I would turn around and do it all again, that is if your cardiologist says your old ticker can handle it! Next month I am off to Hardin County. My favorite motorcycle-riding cousin is taking me on that tour! Looking forward to some fall colors and crock-pot cooking, see you on the road! Sources Available Upon Request D Ring dring@thunderroadsiowa.com

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Road Ramblings random thoughts of a scooter tramp ound out an article articlle for for or the month on I sat down to pound the old manual typewriter then quickly came to the conclusion what I really needed was a good dose of riding. So I strapped the typewriter on the back of the bike and rode off in search of inspiration. While rolling down the highway, my twisted mind began contemplating, should I write about how bikers got a reputation for being such “bad assess”? Probably not, since I’m likely to twist something the wrong way which would result in nothing more than putting a hit out on myself. Should I write about why the non riding public “thinks” bikers are scary? Another difficult topic since the only scary biker I‘ve met was at a Biker ONLY Halloween party. She was scary, big breasted, hairy and her name was Dave. After several hours of rolling down the scenic Iowa countryside in search of inspiration, I concluded that a pit stop for hydration and fuel was necessary. I rolled into a town, found a local convenience store and flipped on the right turn signal as I approached the driveway. After a quick glance in the mirror, I immediately noticed the white minivan that had been following close enough to examine the infected hair on my ass was missing. After multiple attempts of chemical concoctions, even my warped mind knows that it is impossible to be invisible. I quickly checked the left mirror, followed by a quick glance over the right shoulder. My theory of invisibility was justified. The chic driving the white minivan was a genius. She came up with the brilliant idea that the gravel along the right shoulder was actually a passing lane just as I started to make a right hand turn directly in front of her. Then again, it might have been a scary, big breasted, hairy biker named Dave driving that van.

the bike to the far right side of my lane, lane I reached behind me in attempts to set that old typewriter free. Needless to say before I even got my hand on the bungee cord the driver had put himself back into his own lane of traffic. As he passed me, I noticed he had a real book lying across the steering wheel. Apparently he doesn’t know how to read a book on his smart phone while driving. Further down the road as I rolled through a small Iowa ghost town that is fortunate enough to still have a highway running through it but no longer has a post office, grocery store, fuel stop or bar. I came upon a stop sign. I did the typical biker move, slow down, look both ways, maintain perfect balance for a quick second then roll on through maneuver. A block later red lights and sirens were hunting me down. As the public servant in uniform approached me from the rear, I was told to hand over license, registration and proof of insurance. I gave him my license then started un-strapping the typewriter to remove the seat in order to accommodate his last 2 requests. The officer started to chuckle and asked me if I was writing a book. Not finding much humor in his inquiry and knowing if I had to explain it, he wouldn’t understand, I immediately began telling him about all the scary experiences I had in my travels. Which included the cage driver that I met a few miles back cruising down the road while reading “Driving for Dummies”. Immediately followed by the story about the bearded gal named Dave who thought the gravel along side the shoulder of the road was nothing more than a biker laxative.

Needless to say he didn’t find any humor in my stories. He ripped a two hundred dollar ticket out of his book then sternly explained to me that my feet need to hit the ground when stopping at a stop sign in his jurisdiction. As he handed me the ticket, he gave my typewriter a I came to a tire screeching halt in the middle of the road nudge with his foot and with a chuckle he said “don’t to allow her the courtesy of using her new found illegal forget this or I will have to write you up for littering too”. passing lane. All the while, knowing that the cage driver behind her was trying to sneak up and take me from I defiantly picked up my typewriter, took a moment to behind. As the minivan sped away, I beeped the horn, consider my options then strapped it back on the bike. slapped my best “bad ass biker” snarl on my face and Deciding that I had enough inspiration for one day, I gave her an old fashion hand signal. I’d like to believe headed home. As I sat down to gather my thoughts a true “bad ass biker” would have unstrapped that old and return to my mission of pounding out an article for typewriter and launched it through her window. the month, I noticed that the letter Z was sitting cock eyed on my trusty old typewriter and now it barely I proceeded to pull in, top off the tank, check my works. Apparently that officer of the law, who graciously britches for any remaining evidence of the scare, then handed me a ticket, bent it with his boot. Needless to return to the road. About 5 miles outside of town just say this article cost me $200 and a whole lot of ZZZZ’s. as I had settled into the saddle, legs stretched out, all It’s just down right scary how fast October is rolling in. kicked back not only to enjoy the ride but to regain my search for inspiration. I made a quick glance to check Shifty LaRue my speed and as my eyes refocused on the road, the car coming at me was drifting across the center line, politely consuming my lane of traffic. As I maneuvered Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 16 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

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Models: Amanda Hammer and Amy Goodpaster of the Riverside Tap in Lehigh Bike: 2013 OCC Bike Being Raffled Off by the Lehigh Fire Department on October 19th at the Riverside Tap www.lehighfire.com

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MILITARY RIDERS

This month’s Military Rider is James Jackson of Harlan, Iowa. He left Harlan on Christmas Day in 1995 to join the United States Marine Corps. He returned to his native town in January of 2000 after serving and attaining the rank of Sergeant. Hard work, dedication, and performance of duty helped him attain that rank in the spring of 1999. He attended boot camp in San Diego and infantry training at Camp Pendleton and then on to India Company 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at Twentynine Palms, California. He was off on a couple of deployments to Okinawa, Japan, as well as some other excursions to Germany, Sicily, Thailand, Mainland Japan, and Kuwait. He followed in his father and older brother’s footsteps with his Military service, as they had both been Navy men. His primary MOS was 0311 Infantry Rifleman, and he served as the Squad Automatic Rifleman for nearly a year before he was given the chance to try out for the elite Scout Sniper Platoon.

training and what he calls “a few trips around the globe for short visits to exotic places.” He states that the training and excursions were pretty intense. Some people pay for adrenaline rushes that he got from being a Marine. He also adds that “Any veteran will tell you that there is no stronger bond between men than the bond forged by sweat, blood, tears, fear, loss, and triumph over extreme adversity.”

James riding career started out at age seventeen with an 83 Honda Nighthawk 650. While deployed overseas he saved up to buy a new 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200. He states that was quite a fast bike and he found it hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. He rode that bike in Southern California on the Pacific Coast Highway and up through the Sequoia National Forrest and everywhere in between. He admits that when his enlistment was done and that bike came home, the flat straight gridlines of Iowa were just not the same to ride on. He bought an acreage and the bike was One specific goal that James had was to become a Marine traded for a four wheeler as he did not have much time to Sniper. James adds, “I had read many books about famous ride two wheels. After about ten years, he got the itch back and infamous snipers throughout history; loved, hated, after some life changes and he started looking for a new feared but most of all respected for their field skills, ride. He found his current ride, Vicky, a 2000 Victory 92C, marksmanship, cunning and discipline to pick the time and on cycle trader and he was off on his first heaver cruiser. He place that their enemies were dispatched.” He felt a call to found it quite different from the rockets of the past, but he take up this profession and become one of the few that can loved the lines of the bike. Nothing fancy, just a big 92 inch make the cut. If a Marine proved to be the most physically black and chrome motor, wheels, and a saddle. The bike fit, most disciplined, toughest, and one of the best shooters, was in storage for quite a while, so his plans for the bike they may be considered to try out. He went with 39 other include continuing to clean it up and continue using it as a Marines to “Hell Week”, and stood at the end as one of the daily rider. He rides to and from work each day and will ten that made the cut. Out of those few, he was one of seven do so as long as the weather allows. He has found that not that were chosen to join Scout Sniper Platoon and off to all Iowa roads are straight and flat, and he and his girlfriend Camp Pendleton for more intense training in advanced field Dana have enjoyed finding the curves and hills not far from skills, marksmanship training, and long distance shooting. Harlan. Next year they hope to have Dana on a bike beside He graduated Scout Sniper School with honors achieving him, and not riding on the seat behind him. a perfect rifle score. This feat had not been accomplished in seven previous classes at that point. He was training If you see James out and about on his Victory, give him a alongside many noncommissioned officers, some on second thank you wave, and if you get a chance, shake his hands and attempt through the course, and he was at that time a Lance thank him for his service. Ride Free Thanks to our Military! Corporal. He states this time in the Marines was “the most intense, challenging, and empowering experience in my Vernon life.” The next two years in the Corps was a mixture of

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209 Main 209 S. Main, Paton, IA 50217 515-968-9109

will ride to eat

burgers, sandwiches, chicken and appetizers. Guess what I had... The Tool Bar Burger! This is a burger that must be experienced! Words are sure to come short of adequately describing this masterpiece but I will try. Some of Iowa’s greatest eating treasures are hidden away off the beaten path. This month we visited one of You know when you order a burger with bacon on it those treasures. Well... it’s not exactly “off the beaten how there is always at least one, if not several bites that you don’t get bacon with? They take care of that path”... I mean there are roads going there not paths problem here by creating a 50/50 mix of ground steak and they are actually paved! “Where is there?” you and ground bacon. That’s right every bite is half steak ask. This month’s “there” is Paton, IA . Basically go until you get to the middle-of-nowhere and take a left. and half bacon!!! It just doesn’t get any better than that! This burger includes lettuce, tomato, pickles and LOL Ok, it’s not that bad, take Highway 30 to Grand onion on a toasted bun. The menu shows that you can Junction, IA, turn north, go 10 miles... then turn left and you’ve found Paton. Paton is almost small enough add your favorite toppings. I elected to add pepper jack cheese but felt that anything else would detract to qualify as one of those towns that if you blink you from the glorious mixture of steak and bacon. I stand miss it. To miss Paton you have to blink twice. Once in Paton turn south at the Fire Station, go a couple of by my decision! Burgers and sandwiches come with your choice of fries, pasta salad or garden salad. I blocks and on the west side of the street you will find chose the fries. The fries came perfectly done the way a large grey building with a brick front. This is 209 I like them, slightly crispy outside and soft and flaky Main (the name of the establishment is also the adinside. I also elected to add a side of baked beans. dress... clever, huh). The somewhat plain front does As you know, the quality of the baked beans an esa great job of hiding the wonderful things inside. If you are in a hurry I would recommend their call ahead tablishment offers plays a large part of my approval seating. The night we visited we had a 10 minute wait of a place to eat. 209 Main did not disappoint on this front!!! The baked beans were just the right balance of and during that time as people continued to come in sweet and smoky. the wait continued to extend to 20 minutes, then 25. We sat in the lobby but you are welcome to wait at 209 Main in Paton, IA, a little off the “beaten path” but the “Tool Bar” (another title that does double duty... absolutely worth the trip!!! 5 Star quality at small town it’s also the title of one of their specialty burgers). If cafe prices! you happen to visit while your favorite team is playing don’t worry, they’ve got you covered on that point as well... there are TVs EVERYWHERE!!!! We visited Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! on a Monday evening which is typically a slower night Craig Little for restaurants but not here, if this was slow I’d hate to see busy!!! We were able to speed up the process craig@ thunderroadsiowa. com 11 AM - 10 PM Sunday thru Thursday, 11 AM - 11 PM Friday and Saturday

PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.

by asking for a menu while waiting. This was more for Lynnette’s benefit since I had perused the menu online at www.209mainpaton. com. The menu is one of the most diverse that I have encountered; steak, pizza, 24 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

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Susan B S Brinn i Red Oak 2005 Harley Davidson 1200 Trike

Nicole Manning Center Junction â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;75 Shovelhead

Jennifer Skalsky Ely 2000 Titan, 113 Cubic Inch

We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com 26 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

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IOWA Thunder cam

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No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise When we made the decision to purchase a 2010 Road King Classic brand new, we too were brand new to the motorcycle world. The old man grew up on a farm and I grew up in the city. He rode 3 wheelers throughout his youth and I gazed out my window dreaming of riding on a motorcycle almost every day. We decided to take the plunge in September 2009 and after trying on many different models, opted for the fairing free bike. We failed to think about the future in our

Once the box arrived, we took it and the Road King down to our buddies at Pike Run Services in Nichols. Knowing our limits in the DIY world, we enlisted Sarge’s help to install this new system. In no time, Sarge had all the parts scattered on the table and was planning out the installation. The speaker brackets were easily mounted to the underside of our mirrors (at this time, that’s the only option- hopefully BOSS will soon offer a few other options of mounting brackets or clamps so the speakers can be mounted a anywhere on tthe handlebars). A After splicing a and extending tthe speaker wires tto fit our 14” a ape hangers, the w wires were run ssimultaneously

decision and after 4 seasons of riding ‘silently’ (I guess my husband was tired of me singing the Jimmy Buffet classic “Cheeseburger in Paradise” one of the few songs I know beginning to end) we began to research music options. Since the bike doesn’t have a fairing and I WAS NOT about to give up any coveted saddle bag space, we focused our search on a system that would connect directly to an iPod or Cell Phone, eliminating the need for a stereo receiver. Ironically, as we were discussing options on a return trip from Minnesota, we ended up next to a Road King Classic on the highway that was jamming out some crisp tunes. I tried to figure out the setup on the other bike as the ol man maneuvered the Tahoe through road construction and somehow we lost sight of the bike. We pulled into the next town for a fuel stop and low and behold, behind us came that same black bike still blaring the tunes! After a brief chat we were introduced to BOSS Audio’s MC400 amplifier and speaker package. And a smile of delight came across the ol man’s face when I said to him, “Guess we have our answer, no more cheeseburgers in paradise!” There were a number of options when we first started shopping for our music setup. We knew two must haves were ease of installation and durability and weatherproofing. And thanks to that stranger’s rave reviews (and our own first hand sound quality check) we decided that BOSS Audio’s MC400 speaker and amplifier kit satisfied our needs and was the way to go. With 2 chrome 3” High Temp/High Power/High Impact ABS exterior weatherproof speakers, a rotary wired volume control and the dual channel 600 Watt amp, we felt we couldn’t go wrong. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

w with the tthrottle a and b brake ccables d down to tth frame f d then th into i the and the w wiring harness. The wiring h harness was hidden under t dash panel and those the w wires hidden under the seat a finally connected to the and a amp which was installed in t auxiliary box that comes the s standard on most new m motorcycles. *Mechanics n note: Always connect to an a auxiliary fuse, not directly into the electrical system; if connected directly, the speakers will turn off upon shut down, but the amplifier stays on and will silently drain your battery.* The wired volume control proved to be the trickiest to install. Sarge first had to fabricate a mounting bracket using a piece of stainless steel and his mad Dremmel tool skills. That bracket was then mounted on the outside of the auxiliary box to sit just below the driver’s right thigh. We chose to hand this project off to a mechanic, but it very well could have been a home project if you have basic knowledge of your bike and the time to do it. My ol man and I couldn’t be happier with the sound quality from this little set-up! We are enjoying the clarity of the speakers along with the power of the amp. At 65 miles per hour the lyrics are clear even in the passenger seat, whether it’s Jonny Cash or Insane Clown Posse, Madonna or Metallica on the iPod. At a bike night recently, we had the opportunity to play “speaker wars” with another couple who recently installed another name brand, more expensive set-up and we blew their system out of the water. These types of set-ups run from $40 through $400 and I am here to warn you-the more expensive the system is does not mean the better sound quality you will receive! ~Pinky www.thunderroadsiowa.com

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blast from the past

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from October 1968 Enthusiast

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A husband and wife decided they needed to use “code” to indicate that they wanted to have sex without letting their children in on it. They decided on the word Typewriter. One day the husband told his five year old daughter, “Go tell your mommy that daddy needs to type a letter”. The child told her mother what her dad said, and her mom responded, “Tell your daddy that he can’t type a letter right now cause there is a red ribbon in the typewriter.” The child went back to tell her father what mommy said. A few days later the mom told the daughter, “Tell daddy that he can type that letter now.” The child told her father, returned to her mother and announced, “Daddy said never mind with the typewriter, he already wrote the letter by hand.” A man walks into a store to buy a Barbie doll for his daughter. “How much is that Barbie in the window?”, he asks the shop assistant. In a manner she responds, “Which Barbie? We have Barbie Goes to the Gym for $19.95, Barbie Goes to the Ball for $19.95, Barbie Goes Shopping for $19.95, Barbie Goes to the Beach for $19.95, Barbie Goes Nightclubbing for $19.95, and Divorced Barbie for $395.00. “ The guy asks, “Why is Divorced Barbie different from all the others ? “That’s obvious,” the assistant states, “Divorced Barbie comes with Ken’s house, Ken’s car, Ken’s boat, Ken’s furniture... “ This woman’s husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day. One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, “You know what? You have been with me through all the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side... You know what?” “What dear,” she gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth. “I think you’re bad luck.....”

not stand it, so he went behind the house to relieve himself, as he did, he shot his load on the ground and covered it with a rock. The next day he thought to himself that no one caught him so he will go do it again. When he got there he seen the rock and looked up under it and saw a lizard. He picked up the lizard looked at it carefully and said “ your an ugly little thing but daddy still loves you.” A lady is having a bad day at the tables in Vegas. Down to her last $100, completely exasperated, she cries, “What rotten luck! What in the world should I do now?” A gent next to her, trying to calm her down a bit, calmly suggests, “I don’t know... Why don’t you play your age?” He walks away. Moments later, he is intrigued to hear a great commotion at the roulette table. Maybe, she won! Rushing back to the table and pushing his way through the crowd, he is stunned to see the lady lying limp on the floor, with the table operator kneeling over her. He asks, “What happened? Is she all right?” The operator replies, “I don’t know, buddy.... She put all her money on 29. When 36 came up she fainted!” An enthusiastic door-to-door vacuum salesman goes to the first house in his new territory. He knocks, a real mean and tough looking lady opens the door, and before she has a chance to say anything, he runs inside and dumps cow patties all over the carpet. He says, “Lady, if this vacuum cleaner doesn’t do wonders cleaning this up, I’ll eat every chunk of it.” She turns to him with a smirk and says, “You want ketchup on that?” The salesman says, “Why do you ask?” She says, “We just moved in and we haven’t got the electricity turned on yet.”

A man was walking in the street when he heard a voice. “Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill you.” The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished. He went on, and after awhile he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted: “Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step a car will run over you and you will die.” The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him. “Where One day a young teenager was in his room jacking off when are you?” the man asked. “Who are you?” his father came into the room and caught him. He said “son “I am your guardian angel,” the voice answered. I dont want to ever catch you doing that again, that will “Oh yeah?” the man asked. “And where the hell were you cause babies. when I got married?” The next day the teenager was so bothered that he could Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 36 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

Another Year By Peter A. Sieben, COIR of Iowa Lt. Commander

that the state should decide for me. Let’s remember, there’s no law against wearing one.

As a rule they always start by “looking out for the kids” by trying to pass a law to require children to wear a helmet. If I want my kids to wear a helmet, or long Here we are once again coming face to face with the pants, a jacket, boots, or whatever else as a parent, I start of another legislative session. The time of year can get the job done without the state being involved. when many of us wonder what we’ll be up against this I very much resent the implication that some elected time. As of the date I’m writing this we already know official can better raise my children than I can. that we’ll be fighting another helmet bill here in Iowa. Once again there are folks who think that they should We as citizens need to remind our elected, hired help decide how we have to dress. that all of their power comes from us, not the other way around. We need to require our legislators to For the most part the people guard against any new law on the other side honestly that will limit our freedoms. I believe that they are looking want my kids and grand-kids out for us. Most have never to enjoy the same freedoms ridden a motorcycle and don’t I could as a kid. When I was understand why anyone would eleven years old, I brought my want to. They firmly believe dad’s 22 rifle with me on the that we as citizens aren’t smart bus to school for gun training enough to make our own class. Today we suspend a kid decisions and need them to tell for drawing a picture of a gun. us what to do. I totally reject We can’t sit idly by and watch that line of thinking. our rights wither and die. It’s time to be vigilant and defend Statistically you are no more likely to survive an the freedoms that so many generations of veterans accident wearing a helmet vs. not wearing a helmet. have fought to protect. To get started go to www. Those of us who rely upon our motorcycles for abateofiowa.org or send me an transportation can tell you that the main danger we email – peter@riderpromotions.com face is a lack of awareness by 4-wheel vehicle drivers. I’m not trying to stop anyone who wants to wear a helmet from doing so, I just resent the big brother idea

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I’m sure by now many of you have ventured into your local H-D shop and checked out what HDMC has to offer for 2014. Once again the Baggers were the ones to receive the big changes this year with very few changes to the other families of bikes. I will admit I was a little skeptical of the fairing vent when I watched its release but after seeing it in person and taking it out for a ride I am very impressed with it and all of the other changes that took place on the baggers. The first bike I had a chance to take out was the new Street Glide Special and man was I impressed with the new fairing. Traditionally the Street Glide comes with just a 4” windshield that for most of us is just tall enough that everything else hits you in the forehead. I took the Street Glide out with just a small pair of KD sunglasses with the vent closed, I had to squint and make sure they stayed on my face but as soon as I opened the vent they quit trying to blow away and I no longer had to squint from too much air coming around. Admittedly I was most excited about the new Street Glide Special mainly because it comes with the 6.5” Boom Box radio. One thing I discovered though was that all of the features I would mostly use on the radio, excluding the GPS system, were already on the 4.3” Audio system in the standard Street Glide. It has the optional bike to bike communication and Bluetooth with voice recognition so that you can make and receive calls flying down the highway. Downside to this is if you don’t wear a helmet, these options are not much use to you because you need the use of a headset. If you don’t mind riding with a helmet and want to talk on the phone going down the road then a bike with the 6.5” Boom Box would be the bike of choice for you. Along with the new “Scoop” in the fairing they also did a few other much overdue cosmetic modifications. The fairing took the brunt of most the changes with redesigned inner fairing, gauges and bigger stock speakers. They also finally upgraded the front forks to the beefier 49mm tubes from the 41mm ones they have been using since the 70’s. This improves the handling and the ride going down the road. I also had the chance to take out one of 38 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

the new Ultra Limited’s and put about a hundred miles on it. The Limited is one of the few bikes that received Harley’s new “Twin-Cooled” engine. One of the best things that Harley did was hide this fact. If a person walked up to this bike and didn’t know that it was water cooled they wouldn’t know the difference. They did a great job of hiding the radiators and electric fans into the fairing lowers. Now of course this eliminates the use of the traditional “glove boxes” that were there before. One of the oddest things though is when you pull into the garage after riding for a while and you turn the bike off the electric fans keep going until the temperature drops. I will admit my overall opinion of the “TwinCooled” Motor is not that impressive. I do like that it has more power than the past ones but that is done with the new camshaft that they put into these motors. I figured this new motor was going to run quite a bit cooler than the prior ones but I really didn’t notice much difference. I still had that hot spot on the bottom of my right leg and the electric fans kick out quite a bit of warm air that is aimed to go out and away from the bike but you can still feel it. It wasn’t until after I rode it that I found out HD didn’t do it to drop the temp that much but to get rid of the top end ping when different cams or motor work has been done. With the water jackets only going around the exhaust ports on each cylinder there isn’t much cooling that can be done. I’m still a believer in changing out the air cleaner and exhaust including the head pipe to reduce temperature. On the rear of the bike they changed the look of the saddlebags as well as the tour-pak. Surprisingly, to most people, the tour-pak looks smaller but in fact it is actually larger than the old style. It is a touch shorter but still fits two full faced helmets in it with ease. Along with the size change they changed the rear lights to the new LED wrap around set up and also improved the hinges and went to a single latch assembly. The saddlebags didn’t increase in size that much but the lids got a little more curve to them and they went to a much simpler one finger trigger lever to open them. I know I didn’t get around to talking about all the new accessories that came out but trust me I will get there. We have a little experimenting to do with some of the aftermarket stuff as far as fitment goes so keep a watch for that stuff in the near future. Take advantage of the weather and get out and ride! Tony Darveau

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T TR RM MII OCTOBER OC CT TOB OBER ER 22013 013 - 3399 01 TRMI

Sep 27-28 Indian of Sioux Falls Demo Rides Sep 28 Slaby’s 1 Year Anniversary Bash Plainview Sep 28 Bikin for Tykes Shenanigans Boone Sep 28 Party with Pipes Benefit Poker Run Joslin, IL Sep 29 RJ Performance Sunday Funday at Eddyville Raceway Oct 3-5 Hog Rock ‘Toberfest Cave in the Rock IL Oct 5 Battle On the Bluff Help Us Fight For Savanna Dubuque Oct 5 Murph-Fest Party and Benefit Redfield Oct 5 Crazy Carl’s Leaf Run McGregor Oct 5 1st Ann Breast and ovarian Cancer Awareness Ride Cedar Rapids Oct 5 Terri Rae Schutz Cancer Benefit Run/Auction Macksburg Oct 5 ABATE D18 Toy Run Burlington Oct 6 ABATE D19 Toy Run Denison Oct 6 ABATE D-15 29th Toy Run w/ USMC Reserves Davenport Oct 11-12 Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL Oct 12 Crazy Carl’s Leaf Run McGregor Oct 12 Warriors Brotherhood Autumn Leaf Run Dubuque Oct 13 ABATE D4 Toy Run Des Moines Oct 17-20 Biketoberfest Daytona Beach Florida Oct 19 Lehigh FD Chopper Raffle Riverside Tap Lehigh Oct 19 Hogfest/Swap Meet Loess Hills HD Pacific Junction Oct 20 ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic Oct 25-26 Swap Meet Sioux Falls Nov 2 Vince Salas Benefit Davenport Nov 8-10 Iowa STEAM Marshalltown Nov 29 Turkey Run Clinton Dec 7 7th Annual “Santa’s Lil’ Diva’s” Event Cedar Rapids 2014 Jan 11 Retro Rewind Dubuque Feb 14-16 World of Wheels Kansas City Feb 28-Mar 2 World of Wheels Chicago Mar 7-16 Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach Florida Mar 28-30 World of Wheels Omaha, NE

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

40 - TRMI OCTOBER 2013

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