2 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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I cannot believe we are rolling into October already. It has been an interesting riding season to say the least. It started out with cool temperatures and a lot of rain, with many events getting wet or rained out. The Freedom Rally was the coolest I can remember, but Labor Day weekend events were hot and humid as they could be. Makes me wonder what the fall and winter seasons have in store for us? If the moisture keeps up the way it has, we will be wading through waist deep snow. I hope that is not the case at all, but cannot change what ol’ Ma Nature will throw at us. We just have to keep riding as long as we can and get in miles when we can and enjoy the changing of the leaves and the crisp fall rides. As you head out for your fall rides, don’t forget to pack up some extra gear for warmth, for wet, and be very cautious on the roads. We have already seen farm equipment in the fields and on the highways, and with the level of moisture in the ground; it seems they are dragging a ton of mud and debris onto the roads. The animals will start to run here soon as well, so be wary of those horny deer that will want to cross your paths. I wish the DNR would actually do something about the areas of the state with record deer populations, but hoping for them to change is about like hoping Ma Nature will change. Ride safe, ride smart, have a good time, and enjoy the changing of the season and the wonderful sights that autumn in Iowa has to offer.
today? Lawlessness will ensue and no one will be able to stop that train. Protect yourself, be wary of your surroundings, don’t put yourself into bad situations, and work to live and ride another day. October is the month of pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a difficult topic for many that have been affected by breast cancer and their friends and families. Early detection is the key, so this is a reminder to all that it is applicable, get squeezed in October. National Mammography Day is the third Friday in October: October 17 and would be a good day, but anytime is a good time to get checked out. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and get checked out for early detection. Remind your friends, remind your family, and go get a squeeze to keep ya healthy! Ride safe, ride straight, ride often… Vernon and Melanie Quote of the Month:
I have friends in many different parts of the state, of the country even. Some are riders, some are enthusiasts, some are club members, some don’t even ride, and some are officers of the law, but all are just as equally important to me. I do not like Johnny Law with lights on in my mirror any more than anyone else, but those folks are doing a job. Right, wrong, or indifferent, they are doing their job. The police are the people that enforce the laws of the land whether we like that or not. If you do get stopped, pulled over, brought in for questioning, or whatever; be respectful, be polite, follow commands within your rights, and if wronged, sort it out later. I do not understand how that is such a difficult concept to grasp. For those that think that calling out the cops and white people in general and targeting them for assassination is a good idea is preposterous. ALL LIVES MATTER! When groups of people start to target others, that is terrorism, anarchy, and a downward spiral that must be stopped. If the police are targeted, the officers of the law, then where will it end? Who will protect us when we need it if officers are shot and killed, or simply quit from the fear instilled by society 4 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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CMA Notes
From the looks of it this last weekend, we were not the only ones trying to squeeze the most out of the dwindling ride and rally season. We were camped at Conesville for several days but also rode back and forth to the Blackhawk Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet in Davenport so we wouldn’t miss out on that. The crowds at the Conesville rally are growing back to a decent level, the bands were good and another good sign was that we met people from several states who made the trip. They enjoyed themselves and are planning to return. Possum and Pam are committed to making this a good time for their attendees and the people see and appreciate their effort. The Davenport show with their hundreds of vendors blows me away. The vast multitude of treasure or junk, depending upon your bent, is staggering, and a person could spend days pawing through it all. I tend to accumulate, a fine hobby, though my wife does not share my enthusiasm and makes disparaging comments about hoarding and having my own segment on the television show of that name. I want to ride when we attend the swap meet but I also want to bring my enclosed trailer to supplement my hobby. Life so much of the time is a tradeoff.
I see spiritual applications and similar challenges in our day-to-day lives. All of our baggage, pursuits and busyness we drag around can greatly affect our everyday journey with the Lord and distract from our ultimate destination of Heaven. We can get so caught up in the logistics and lists, the emotions and uncertainties that we miss out on the good things God would have us experience daily. Our distractions become a burden to carry around. The book of 1 Peter tells us to cast all of our anxieties on the Lord, because he cares for us. We realize as we get older that we don’t have the wherewithal to handle everything, whether it’s situations with health, strength, resources etc… we can’t do it all or be it all. In 2nd Corinthians, Jesus says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. He helps us with our burdens because as human beings, we are definitely weak. However, to be healthy and successful in this journey called life there needs to be a balancing vertical reach to God and a horizontal reach to each other. Reading and knowing the Bible is key; its message of grace, sacrifice and hope should, if properly applied, lead us to reach out to God in our weakness and reach out to others in His strength. Philippians tells us that our strength is not sufficient but we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. Remember, Jesus is where the strength and the balance come from as we make this journey together. 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 .
Trying to strap everything onto my bike as we were leaving the swap meet reminded me of a discussion we had while going to Sturgis in August. Necessity dictated we trailer this year for several reasons, the main one being the crowds for the 75th changed our accommodation plans and we ended up sleeping in our trailer. Pull the bikes out throw the cots in type of deal. As we crossed over from Minnesota into South Dakota, places I would normally want to stop or roads I would like to explore didn’t interest me. The reason being was the trailer and all the junk we had with us. It created anxiety. It is a hassle to pull in anywhere, to turn around, to see, to fight the headwinds, to deal with the other traffic and to fuel up, which we had to do quite often at a miserable 8 MPG average. Anyway our focus became “Just get there”. We didn’t enjoy the journey like we should have and just wanted to reach the destination to shed the burden of the trailer. 6 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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8 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa. com
Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 J&P Cycles 13225 Circle Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 www.jpcycles.com 800-318-4823
Dealers
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic 4426 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563)359-7222 www.BRENNYS.com
Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.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
Churches
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
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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 & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-802
Events John Worthington Memorial Ride Sunday, Nov. 1st, 10:00 am $15.00/Single-$20.00/Couple Leave Hanging Rock 12:00 Noon Ends back at Hanging Rock for Vittles & Libations
Food and Drink Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigosfortdodge.com
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Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook
Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am
Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Bootleggers of Millville Durango Depot Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food 736 Burtons Furnace Road Tops in Scenic River Rides Open 3 to close Check us on Facebook Best Scenic Road With the Best Food! 563-252-7775 563-552-2291 Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner
C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810
Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Wednesday Bike Nights! Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com Cindi Mae’s 101 Main Street Earling, Iowa 51530 712-747-6262 Cindi Mae’s on Facebook Coon’s Corner 302 Front Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-2068 Coon’s Corner on Facebook Cruisers Lounge 411 Main Griswold 712-778-4111 Mon-Thurs 3PM-Midnight Fri-Sat 3PM-2AM Sunday 11AMMidnight Dee’s Catfish Cove 4815 S Concord Street Davenport Next to Sometimes IN the Mississippi River Closed on Mondays
Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 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!
Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
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. Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311 J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001
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Pizza 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 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
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Slaby’s Bar & Grill Plainview, Iowa 563-843-3443 Home of the Famous Jumbo Grilled Pork Tenderloin 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 Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000 The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook
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Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport (563)424-1123 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals
Pistol Pete’s Guns and Ammo Eldora, Iowa 641-858-6878 pistolpetesgunsandammo@gmail.com DISCOUNTS for ABATE Members Eric Ross & Steve Eggleston
Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Timerz Pub & Eatery 324 E 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51546 Timerz Pub & Eatery on FB Food & Fun Available 7 Days/Week
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
Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763
HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush
Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann St Irwin, Iowa 51446 712782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com
Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Vista Pub 7205 Vista Drive West Des Moines, Iowa 515-528-2186 Vista Pub on Facebook Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon.- Sat. 7am breakfast -2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395 Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 612 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 www.LockedandLoadedOutfitters.com
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SR Gunsmithing AGI Certified Gunsmith Scott Rule Council Bluffs, IA 402-850-5787 scottrule@q.com
Peebles Plumbing & Heating Luxaire & Mitsu 613 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2417
I ns ura n ce Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net AMK Insurance Agency Motorcycle, Home, AUTO, Commercial, Life, Health Shane Baker 712-310-7475 Srbaker@walnutel.net
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
River Street Auto - 118 River St. Iowa Falls - 641.648.5004 Motorcycle Tires & Auto Repairs We Fix Everything Except a Broken Heart Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541 SS Collision, CycleWorks & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call
Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
TATTOO
Services
Cutthroat Cycles 221 Broadway, Polk City 563-265-4687 or 515-290-1393 Roadside Repair- CALL ME F#$K Yeah ‘Merica
IowaBikerLawyers.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 977-209-9452
Photo and Art
A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901
Dead Heads Engineering, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
Skin Mechanix INKorpar8ted 117 No. 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712 256-2847 Check Us Out on Facebook
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
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Much like many of the weekends so far this year, Father’s Day weekend got a little wet and windy along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River; but that didn’t stop the party from going on. Under new event management, no one was too sure how the weekend would come out. Unfortunately, this rally has acquired a bad rap over the last few years, however, bikers from all over the state converged on the rally grounds despite the past years’ issues and filled the weekend with fun. I am happy to report that under the watchful eye of the Davenport Police Department there were no bikes stolen nor any faces smashed against a curb this year. The three day event proved fun for bikers of all ages! With a half dozen clothing vendors and many other specialty biker stands offering everything from speakers to sunglasses, my paycheck was pretty well blown before 7pm. Jim from Hetz studios was on hand, laying down some sick designs on a few bikes and the crew from Nunnikhoven Stone Art was also set up displaying all their awesome stone creations (I am still trying to come up with a location for the cool bench that sits atop of 2 EVO engines). The Insane Cage Riders drew ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ from the crowd as they put on a death defying stunt show inside a metal cage not much bigger than my Yukon. At one point, they even enticed a gal from the crowd to join them inside the cage. So glad it was her in there and not me!! The music got cranking up around 5pm with our pals from 3 on the Tree belting out some of the best rockabilly tunes ever written, followed by some great head-banging bands and ending the evening on the main stage was Cinderella front man Tom Keifer bringing us all back to the big hair/ballad era of the 80’s. Between the roaring of the pipes coming & going and 2 stages pumping out the tunes, it was a true plethora of delights to my eardrums all day!
Also making an appearance & meeting some lucky rallygoers were Chibs (Tommy Flanagan) & Happy (Dave Labrava) from Sons of Anarchy. I kept an eye on the line the entire afternoon and at no point did it ever looked like it was shortening, those 2 took the time to chat with each and every person in that line which meant they put in some overtime. I, personally, have never watched SOA but know the actors from other roles and must re-state my sentence from an article Jan 2014, Tommy is a hands down genuine, real down-to-earth cool cat & Dave didn’t let that bar slide either. They both spent a few hours meeting, listening, signing, hugging and selfie-ing (that’s not even a word, is it?) the afternoon away with the bikers from our great state. And that was all just the fun on Friday…. The show ran from Thursday thru Saturday and the riverfront rocked well into the dark each night. The three day weekend was packed with games, contests and entertainment of all kinds & once again proved to be a great place to spend some time and money. The bikini bike wash was a great was to cool off and heat things up all at the same time. ABATE D-15 hosted the bike rodeo on Saturday afternoon and as always, it proved to be entertaining! Many of the area’s motorcycle groups and clubs were on hand passing out info on their upcoming rides and to make sure our legal backs were covered, Hupy & Abraham and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists also had booths. Ending the Rally on the River with a big bang, Blue Oyster Cult brought down the sky during the final performance of the weekend. The powers that be have already begun planning the Rally on the River 2016 lineup, so keep your eye on www.rallyontheriverqc.com for information…. I am sure it’ll blow this year’s show right out of the river! ~ Pinky
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 35 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.
were higher than those that are west of the Missouri. Today, the definition of a Loess Hill is a hill made of loess that is more than 60 feet in height; using that definition; about 640,000 acres of land in western Iowa constitute the Loess Hills landform. Although deposits of loess are found across the world, nowhere else but China are those deposits higher than they are in Iowa. Eventually, topsoil evolved on the dunes and a unique natural community developed. Ice age animals like wooly mammoth, camel, giant g beaver and giant sloth roamed the Loess L Hills during the Hills’ early years. Humans H have lived here off and on for 6,000 years as evidenced by stone tools, 6 spear points, pottery and burial sites. s
Mike and I got to take a day to ride down M to Mills County and check things out. We rolled into the county from the north on r L55. A few curves, hills, and it drops you L into in a valley town called Silver City. We were a little thirsty by the time we got w there, so th MILLS had h to COUNTY swing s into in the If you happen to be in southwest Iowa, right along the place with a couple of river and not far north of Missouri, you may just go 62 Chevy truck hoods through Mills County. It is the second county up from as the sign out front. the southern border, just south of the Council Bluffs The name of the place area. The county has Interstate 29 running north and happens to be The south through it on the west side, and Highway 59 Hood, and is located on going north and south on the east side. It is cut west to the east side of the main east by Highway 34. The county was formed in 1851 drag through town. The and named for Major Frederick Mills of Burlington, Hood has come to be Iowa who was killed at the Battle of Churubusco during known for their burgers, the Mexican-American War. Many of the communities and not to mention the of Mills County are known as “bedroom” communities, tenderloins. The owner with a short 20-30 minute commute to the Council Kevin said the secret Bluffs metro area. The residents here and visitors enjoy to the food is fresh the numerous scenic roadways as Mills County has never frozen meat, with the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passing right your choice of healthy through it. In western Iowa the Loess Hills make up or good. Grilled or some of the best riding around, with hills, curves, and breaded and fried are both options, and well worth the just the right mix of towns with watering holes to wet trip to Silver City for a loin. your whistle. Next up on the road trip was Mineola. Some of the So...what are the Loess Hills? They are hills made spots to check out here are the Hotel, the Hoosegow, almost entirely of windblown soils. Toward the end of and of course, Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse. All the last ice age, winds picked up soils that had been are located right across the street from one another, ground as fine as flour and formed dunes along the and Tobey ancient waterway that became Jack’s Ja is a great today’s o Missouri River. The place p for food p process repeated itself and a drink for during the thousands of sure. s Some years the ice age took to of o the nicest end, enlarging the dunes. locals lo you will Because the prevailing ever e meet, and winds were from the a great menu northwest, the dunes on makes m it a stop the t Iowa side of the river you y cannot Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook Thunder F www.thunderroadsiowa.com m 14 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
m miss. Stop in and say hey to Bill and tell him h TRMI sent ya! T On down the road on O sscenic L35 brings you into the north side in of the county seat of o G Glenwood. At the n north side of town is the Fallen Four M Memorial located n near the cemetery. D Dennis Chaney, S Steven Benscoter, D Dale Aspedon and Jay B Bock tragically lost th their lives five years a ago on the way home fr from Sturgis on I-29. T They were struck by a drunk driver, and have been memorialized here in
there is always something to do at LHHD. Stop in to say hey and see what new and exciting things are going on, or see what events they are hosting. Always something to do! Time was getting the best of us so we had to head east on Highway 34 and passed through Hastings on our way to Emerson. From 34 east, to 59 south a short jaunt and then hit Emerson. We stopped by the newly painted Freedom Rock, which features two young men from the town of just over 400 that were lost in battle. The rock features both US Army Sgt. James L. Skalberg and Army Specialist James C. Kearney III. It is a wonderful tribute to a pair of locals that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedoms. Just down the street from the Freedom Rock in Emerson was a spot for a frosty beverage called Harley’s Bar & Grill. Nice place in small town Iowa with the friendliest of bartenders. Jill was a sweetheart and helped in our search for Mills County points of interest, and even opened the door a little bit early for us to get in. Small town Iowa hospitality cannot be beat and Mills County is full of that! Check out Mills County when you are in southwestern Iowa. Good roads, good scenery, and friendly smiles around every town. Check out Mitchell County with Scary Jerry next month! Sources Available Upon Request Vernon
Glenwood as well as Mills County Veterans of the past, present, and future. All were members or tied to the Western Iowa American Legion Riders, and deeply impacted the community and the organization with their untimely deaths. Stop by and pay your respects to the Fallen Four and other Veterans of Mills County. A short jaunt down the road to Pacific Junction, then back up a different road to Loess Hills Harley Davidson was in order next. Debbie and crew have been shaking things up at this dealership with a ton of changes going on. Expanding the already wonderful facility is in order with cement trucks pouring concrete on the improving parking lot. The Rider’s Edge course is already paved and ready for action, so Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Lynn Anthony 2012 Switchback Newton
Melissa Hansen 2015 Victory Gunner Fort Dodge
Bonnie Rood 2014 Sportster 883 Low Marshalltown 16 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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History Choppers of Motorcycles Galore manufacturers, Honda led the way. By 1969 the Honda name was big in the world of motorcycle racing, and they had also introduced the first mass market bike to come with a disc brake. So now that we are up to speed on the framework of the 60’s, we can get to the focus of this installment. The egocentric, inherently dramatic, attention whore of the motorcycle family….the chopper. In the 1960’s chop shops and custom builders started springing up everywhere. As custom shops multiplied, so did the number and the diversity of bikes. The original chopper movement was taken to extremes when builders started chopping down and lowering the frames and stretching the rakes. Some shops even built custom exhaust pipes Last time we took a look at the 1950’s and the “birth” of the biker lifestyle. The changes in American culture and for their patrons. Now, I know we are all about motorcycle safety, but safety wasn’t necessarily the top priority while society continued to rapidly evolve in the 1960’s as well. creating a custom chopper. Choppers are all about style, Harley-Davidson continues branching out during this beauty, getting noticed…a bit diva-ish if you will. Heavy time, introducing a scooter to their line of rides, as well rake angles sacrificed low-speed handling and cornering as the introduction of the Sprint model. In 1962 Harley ability, but damn you looked good tearing up the asphalt. purchased 60 percent of the stock in the Tomahawk Boat And let’s face it; by this time in motorcycle history, Manufacturing Company and by 1963 the factory is there was a big enough contingent of people modifying fully operational as a H-D facility. By entering the boat motorcycles that the chopper “style” had begun to take manufacturing game, Harley soon realizes the relevance hold. A certain set of modifications became somewhat of fiberglass in motorcycle production and shortly of a standard…narrow tires on 19”-21” wheels, forward thereafter begins production of its own components. In 1964 the three wheeled Servi-Car becomes the very first mount foot pegs replaced floorboards, headlights and Harley-Davidson motorcycle to receive an electric starter. tanks were often replaced with smaller versions, and last but certainly not least…chrome. Lots of chrome… In 1965 the Electra-Glide replaces the Duo-Glide and you’ve gotta have bling for your metal prom queen. One is updated with an electric starter. The Electra-Glide is motorcycle modification that began at this time and has the first FL available with electric start, and the Sportster stuck around since in one form or another came about due line followed soon after. Now don’t get me wrong, kick to the passing of a law that required a “retention fixture” starting a bike is cool as hell, but if you’re at all like me for passengers. So a vertical back rest was constructed (lacking in the excess muscle department) then the and added to the rear of bikes…the Sissy Bar is born. concept of electric start is consummate. 1966 brought about the birth of the Shovelhead in the Harley family, and And in true chopper fashion, many were custom made to be elaborate and often taller than the rider’s head. the beloved Panhead was replaced on the Electra-Glide models. 1969 brought about the start of the darkest days Now we can’t forget paint…the 60’s brought about a surge in Harley history for die-hard lovers of the brand…the in candy colored paint, metal flaking, and multi-colored merger with American Machine and Foundry, longtime patterns. A look that I like to refer to as the “tilt-a whirl” producer of leisure products. paint job…if you have ever been to a small county fair it will make sense. The chopper truly allowed for the On that note, I’m ultimate freedom for both going to pull a builders and artists. And June Cleaver and the 1960’s gave us some change the subject of the most memorable in an attempt to and most recognized divert attention from names in motorcycle Harley’s adaptation. history…let’s take a look During the 1960’s at a few. Floyd Clymer Imports continued Probably the most using the Indian recognized name in name on import bikes that were essentially motorcycles chopper history is Arlen fitted with Royal Einfield Interceptor 750 cc parallel-twin Ness. Ness’s bikes were engines. British manufacturers including Triumph, BSA, characterized by having low frames and highly raked and Norton continued producing bikes and remained springer front ends. Many of his bikes also retained the dominant in some markets until the rise of Japanese rear shocks to provide a more forgiving ride than the manufacturers in the late 1960s. Of these Japanese
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typical hardtail chopper. Ness started out of his garage in 1967, on a bike he bought with prize money from a bowling tournament. He entered his first bike in a show and won first place… this started his career in customs. He worked nights out of his garage in San Leandro, California until he had built up a customer base big enough to allow for him to complete customs as his primary job function. ..and the rest (as they say) is history. The biker world is damn happy you know how to bowl, Mr. Ness. In 1967 Denver Mullins and Mondo Porras opened Denver’s Choppers in San Bernardino, California and soon became famous for building “long bikes”…. Denver Choppers. Denver’s Choppers was the first company to manufacture long down
tube stretch frames, which came to be known as the Swedish style. This company was instrumental in starting the aftermarket industry that flourishes today with custom parts including frames and springer front ends. Mondo has been dubbed “The Godfather of Choppers” by his peers…quite an honor when your peers consist of motorcycle icons.
in his own incredibly unique and extreme style. In addition, Finch created metal sculptures that resisted any aesthetic classification….the guy may or may not have been a touch off his rocker, but what the hell, his twisted mind made some bad ass metal. Not content with just re-creating metal, he also is highly regarded for his experimentations with paint processes. His first nationally known custom was a 1966 BSA which he named “Kaleidocycle”, which provoked Ed “Big Daddy” Roth to headline Ron as “Michigan’s Motorcycle Madman”. The 1960’s brought lot of changes to the motorcycle world…not that any of these crazy modifications could have possibly been thought up in a pharmaceutically induced delirium, but it sure would make things a little easier to comprehend if they had been. Regardless of where the ideas came from, I’m damn glad they transpired from concepts into the entity that is the chopper. The 60’s made for a captivating installment in motorcycle history. Next time we will look at the 70’s, and what kind of changes the motorcycle lifestyle and industry faced.
Finally, we cannot discuss choppers without the mention of Ron Finch. Finch opened Finch Custom Cycles in 1965 Melanie Schwarte in a small building in Pontiac, Michigan (GO BLUE!). Finch Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com designed, built, and painted amazing one-off motorcycles
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I went out for a ride the other day and immediately came to the realization that everything Iowa bikers love about riding is changing and it is changing quickly!
there comes a time that you have to put your clothes on. I begrudgingly dug the leathers out of the bags and garbed up. As I grabbed the handlebars with my gloved hands, to swing my leather wrapped leg over The first thing I noticed is that everything that was once the seat I realized, it has been months since I have felt luscious and green has changed colors. Everything leather against my skin but I welcomed the warmth like that was vibrant and alive in the ditches and fields has a long lost friend. A few miles down the road I realized suddenly changed to brown. Riding along thinking even though I hate watching the riding season charge about how depressing it is to watch the Iowa landscape toward the finish line, I’m not going to miss the collar of turn brown I caught a glimpse of antlers moving in the my tee-shirt beating the shit out of my Adams apple. ditch out of the corner of my eye and they were headed straight into my path. My razor sharp reflexes kicked I aimed towards home as the sun began to drop, in, I hit the brakes, downshifted and revved the engine. bringing with it even cooler air which seemed to calm If the pipes didn’t change its travel plans, I was hopeful the engine into a soothing steady purr. It was then that the brakes would soften the blow. Just as the brakes that I realized that the cooler evening air even smells did their job and the rubber started to grab hold of the different. Fresh cut grass doesn’t smell as sweet as it road I realized what appeared to be a 10 point buck was did this spring. The evening air now smells of burning nothing more than a tree branch blowing in the wind. I leaves and wood burning stoves. The pungent smell of regained my composure and cruised onward thankful corn pollen has been replaced with the dusty smell of that I was riding alone so I wouldn’t have to explain that harvest and even the blackest of asphalt roads has lost hallucination to anyone. its hot tar stench. It was then that I realized it’s a damn good thing that I hadn’t eaten that convenience store As I rolled through a small Iowa town I realized that chili before that deer incident, or that hallucination even the sounds of riding are changing. There wasn’t might have included an enema. a lot of activity in this little town, no bar, no gas station, no post office and I didn’t see a single living soul. But After making it home to the safety of the garage, I the entire town was filled with the deafening sounds of immediately grabbed the calendar off the wall. Just as I cicadas, crickets and bull frogs. It was a rather spooky had suspected, the calendar makers used the “F” word feeling riding through such a noisy little ghost town. again this year. They say loud pipes save lives, so I did my part to save that little town by cackling the pipes straight out of Spring is gone! Summer is over! Fall is here, exercise town. your senses get out and ride. I eventually rolled into a convenience store to top off Shifty LaRue the tank and take a much needed stretch break. As I stood in front of the coolers pondering which beverage to consume, I began to realize that a cold chill had started to set into my fingers, face, arms and legs. I chuckled to myself thinking about riders who only wear shorts and flip flops, because their riding season is over! Suddenly, a cold beverage didn’t seem like such a good idea. So I scooped up a bowl of convenience store chili, grabbed a hot cup of coffee and topped it of with a pumpkin bar. As I sat there eating my 3 course meal, I realized that the riding season wasn’t the only thing changing, so are my taste buds. Once I got the blood circulating into all my body parts again, I was ready to hit the road. The pit stop lasted about 15 minutes but the air seemed a lot cooler now than when I rode in. Even my warped brain knows
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“If you don’t do it, you’re a complete idiot.” That’s what Adam heard when he told his dad about his dream.
Having raised over $100,000 so far, Adam and Scooter have already inspired us to help him with his dream.
“I want to make the biggest impact possible. I think this Many bikers have a dream of selling everything they own and riding their scoot around the globe. Some just dream of campaign has the potential to raise a million dollars for traveling the two lanes of the USA. Unfortunately, not many these kids, the problem is that I don’t have the money to market it the way I of us get the chance. should. I hope that it But that is just what keeps growing the way Adam Sandoval is it has been growing.” doing. Adam expressed hope that he’d gain a major Adam spent much of corporate sponsor, his adult life running but it won’t stop his MMA training centers, mission if it doesn’t promoting MMA happen. It would fights, and developing be great if Harleya production company Davidson Corporate or that produced over another large sponsor 43 episodes of MMA would pony up and reality TV, but he help make that happen. always had regret for not joining the armed While Adam and services. This regret is Scooter were in Iowa, Adam’s spark that set they spent some downtime in and around the Mason City him on his journey... Scootin’ America. area, due to a top end rebuild, where they were introduced to “the voice at the ABATE Iowa Freedom Rally”... Scary Adam decided that he and his Chihuahua, Scooter (Trash) Jerry Meyers. Adam says that Scary Jerry went above and were going to give back to our military for everything that far beyond any full time marketing director to get his story they do. Adam sold everything that he owned, except for out into the media. TV news interviews, radio spots, web a few sentimental items, to finance his travels across the continental United States. He and Scooter will stop at every videos, and newspaper articles, and a heads up to TRMI, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle dealership on the map to raise just to name a few. Adam was also impressed with the money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, welcoming he and Scooter received at Big Barn Harley which helps to ensure that higher education is a possibility Davidson in Des Moines. I have to wonder if their side trip for children whose parents lost their lives in the line of duty. to The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend wasn’t a great way to relax and clear their minds for a short time. Originally, Adam estimated that he would take a year of Adam and Scooter are, at the time his life and travel about 65,000 of writing, currently on their way miles to complete this journey, but towards Maine and the rest of the due to the various side trips and New England region. If you see unforeseen delays along the way, them on the road, and you have the plan has changed a little bit. the time, feel free to join Adam After already being on the road and Scooter for some miles or you for about 10 months and only can follow their progress on the accomplishing half of the trip, Scootin’ America website (http:// Adam has decided to extend his www.scootinamerica.com) and journey another year and at least on Facebook at ScootinAmerica another 15,000 miles. (http://www.facebook.com/ ScootinAmerica). Find out where “The original world record was they will be next and make plans to 23,700 miles so I will probably visit. Scooter loves the attention. quadruple the current world record.” “I hope that we do raise a million dollars for these kids. I can’t think Adding another year to his trip and of anything better to raise a million already completing the southern states last season is going dollars for. How do you put a price on what these children to put Adam and Scooter traveling across our central states in the upcoming winter. “It’s going to be a very ugly, nasty, have given to our country?” - Adam Sandoval. very difficult winter for me and I hope to just keep in mind David McCoy what our soldiers go through overseas. Keeping that in David@thunderroadsiowa.com mind, I hope it keeps me moving and motivated.” 24 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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Injection Patcher is alive and well, leaving the surface of many an Iowa road like a game of marbles is in process. Good luck if you hit that stuff, its pea-sized gravel, sometimes several inches deep. And unless you are aware that it is being applied in your area, you will find no warning signs or cones after it’s applied. Just a pile of soggy rock waiting to eat you and your bike.
“We’re Not Second Class Citizens” I hate to be this way, really. I hate to be such an angry rider all the time. But it needs to be said- Two wheels do not make us worth less than someone on four wheels. But it’s a constant battle for us. Just this week I had a car cut me off as he made a left turn in front of me. I had to go full lock on the brakes. I then followed the guy to his house, and asked him if he had any problem seeing me. He said, and I quote- “Nope, I seen you the whole way”. I guess it would be too much to ask for him to use proper grammar as he described my near death experience. Maybe then you “had seen” me crap my pants too. Allowing for the fact that he had admitted he saw me ( and yes, “saw” would be the correct word there for those of you left wondering), there wasn’t much else to discuss. I thanked him for scaring me half to death, and went on my merry way. The reason I followed him was because I truly wanted to know why it happened. And maybe to put a little fear of God into the guy. Maybe the next rider that he cuts off will come up swinging. Because really, I try to wear bright clothing, and like every modern bike, my headlight is on all the time. I ride like I assume every car wants to hit me, I always cover my brakes when a car is in a position to end me. I truly wanted to knowwhy did you cut me off? If I hadn’t been doing all those things I would have t-boned the guy, and I would be writing this column from the hospital. The punch line is he was less than a block from home, and the two seconds he saved by cutting ahead of me rather than waiting until I passed were apparently all that mattered to him. Holy crap we have a tough battle on our hands.
And how about that Liberty Mutual Insurance company? I’ve mentioned this program they have before. If you have their coverage, and you have a new vehicle and it gets totaled in the first year, and has less than 15,000 miles on it, they buy you a new one, no questions asked. Except if it was a motorcycle. Those don’t qualify at all. I really want to know if they have such little faith in the drivers they cover that they assume they will be taking out bikes, of it they have an assumption that motorcycles are inherently dangerous and just assume we will be crashing on our own. I intend to contact Liberty Mutual soon and find out what rationale they used by excluding so many potential customers. Frankly it almost seems like it should be illegal. To bring my argument full circle, every motor vehicle in Iowa is required to carry insurance. So why is the insurance on a motorcycle allowed to be exclusionary and different than that on a car? On another note, the numbers coming out of Sturgis this year are unacceptable. 13 riders died this year, setting an all-time record. I know some were due to motorists taking out riders. But how many were due to hotdogging and dangerous riding? When are we going to reach the point when we no longer need to feel the need to show off in front of each other, at the potential cost of another rider’s life? I watched a Facebook video yesterday that absolutely left me speechless. Some knot head pulled a bagger up into a full blown wheelie and rode it that way for miles. Good for you if you can do it, but how freaking stupid. He was in a group of other riders, one of them who were actually filming him while riding (dumb shit #2). What bothered me about this was they were meeting a constant stream of other riders coming at them. And this guy was all over the road, way over on the shoulder and out on the center line. He was a pot-hole or tar strip away from catastrophe, and if he had cart-wheeled that bagger into a group of oncoming bikes all would have been lost. Not impressed.
Mark Mullins, That little piece of reflective steel the state of Iowa President sells you that you hang on the back of your bike defines you as a “motor vehicle”. It’s time we demanded that North Iowa we were treated as such. Is it too much to ask that every MAG pavement repair process be evaluated in terms of every motor vehicle out there, including motor-driven cycles? I guess it must be too much to ask, because that rock-spitting demon known as the Crafco Spray
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I know an interview is going to have a good result when I ask “what was your first bike?” and the answer I get in return is “Does a red power wheels count?” Drew Schlichting from Cedar Rapids has grown up with a motor between his legs and has always loved taking things apart or modifying them to perform better. As an adult, Drew still has the passion for both, running deep within his veins along with a lifetime of stories resulting from those loves. As a teenager Drew was riding one of the many mopeds that he’d modified when he was hit by a car, bounced up the hood, over the car, rolled off the trunk and landed squarely on his feet as the driver hit the gas and took off. Had there not been a witness who called the cops, Drew’s parents would have never known; he’d pushed the moped back down to his house, cleaned himself up & was headed out to his original destination (a basketball game) when the police caught up with him. He wasn’t in trouble, they were just looking for the kid who’d been hit, that kid was irritated because they were making him late for the game….And that’s just one of the times he narrowly escaped death.
was almost a week before he was relieved from his 20 hr/day shifts and was allowed to go back to his apartment carrying on with everyday life until his orders were passed down. Those orders were eventually received and right before he was set to deploy, there was an explosion while servicing the fuel system of a BlackHawk Helicopter that left a nasty gash in Drew’s face from the nose up thru his forehead. A After serving active duty with the A ARMY, Drew re-enlisted with the N National Guard back here in Iowa. H He was set for deployment with the 1168th Company and was headed into A Afghanistan, until pre-deployment te testing showed Drew had developed a rare blood disease that left him uunable to leave with his company aand gained him an honorable ddischarge from the service. There he w was, almost back to square one less th than a decade after graduating high school. I say almost because while in the service, not only did Drew perfect his mechanical ability on helicopters and large wheel vehicles, he learned to work on bikes- remember that Ironhead I mentioned earlier, yeah, learning the ins and outs of motorcycle engines is a must when you buy your first Harley from a mess hall sergeant. In honor of a friend who had passed away from injuries sustained in an accident on Drew’s Ironhead- who always wanted to become a motorcycle mechanic and enjoying life with a wrench in own his hand, Drew pursued his degree in Motorcycle Mechanics at MMI in Arizona. He now spends his days working on bikes at Metro Harley, Suzuki, Can AM in Cedar Rapids and spends his evening split between 2 wheel therapy & spending time with his 5 year old fur child, Knucklehead.
Staring down a future of college (he wasn’t fond of the notion) or factory work (also not high on the list), Drew met with an ARMY recruiter. Realizing the many benefits of enlistment, he signed up his junior year and looked forward to the opportunities that were coming his way. Nearly 25% of Drew’s graduating class at North Tama High School (class of ‘99) had enlisted before graduation and twenty days after accepting his diploma, Drew was on his way to basic training. Fast forward a few years, Drew was stationed in California, getting himself ready for another day working on equipment This spring Drew picked up a 2009 Electra Glide Classic only as a heavy wheel truck mechanic when the first plane hit the hours after it came into the store on a trade. He was walking towers. Living off base at that time, he was unaware of the through the building to get a part for a bike he had up on the events that were unfolding on the East Coast until his superior lift in his bay when he first laid eyes on it. He knew at that was beating down the door, rushing Drew to get a move moment, that bike must be his. And despite just installing over on. He burst into the apartment and turned the TV on as an $700 of new accessories on his 2000 Wide Glide the week explanation of his assertion, within moments the reality of before, he dropped that bike like a hot potato and went all in the situation sunk in & Drew was packing everything he may on this ‘09 beauty. Within 24 hours, he had himself a new (to need, not knowing what he needed or where he was going him) bike with a list of plans for engine modifications over the or when he’d return to that apartment . One minute he was upcoming winter. Drew called himself a roamer, he likes to taking his time with his morning routine, prepping for a normal go to new places, branch out and try new things but plans on day at work and the next he found himself packing down his sticking around Iowa until the foot problems that arose from everything upon an ’85 Ironhead Sportster & heading to the the blood disease subsides. Knowing that he has one of the base. As quickly as the planes went into the buildings, the best doctors in the country right here 30 minutes from home, military bases around the nation had all been put on lock-down, he is assured that Iowa is the place for him to be, at this point in with every vehicle entering or exiting searched to the hilt. It his eventful life. took Drew almost 3 hours to report to work that morning, since every bag, satchel & pocket that had been loaded carefully Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me and thank upon his bike needed to be unloaded and thoroughly searched, you for your service to this country, Drew! then packed back on so Drew could proceed to his station. It ~Pinky Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 30 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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keep up the good work because it was AWESOME!!!! The meat is a larger than average sized patty that is thicker than normal, this initially led me to be concerned about how well done it would be. My first bite laid those fears to rest, this was done perfectly throughout and not overdone so as to burn up all the juices. To say this meat is juicy would be an understatement! Which brings me to the bun… one of my pet peeves is I love a juicy burger but I hate a soggy bun! That is a problem since the majority of places use a bun that has a bottom layer so thin that it turns into mush shortly after the meat is 320 Broadway Street laid on top of it. Not so at El Adobe, they use a bun that Audubon, IA 50025 is EASILY twice as thick as a normal bun thereby allow712-563-2210 ing it to absorb some of the juices without becoming bread-mush! YAY!!!! Ok, we’ve covered the meat and the Sun-Thurs 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM bun, now for the rest! This burger comes with American cheese and mayonnaise on top of the meat and sliced avWhen I say Italian Mexican American does it make you think of Audubon, IA? No!?!? How about Albert The Bull? ocados under the meat. Tomato, lettuce, onions and jalapenos’ are on the side. I of course added the tomato slice, AH, now we have some recognition! Well, from here all the jalapenos’ and all the onions to my burger and on out BOTH things should bring immediately to mind complimented that with a smattering of lettuce. This then Audubon!!! You see, Audubon not only has Albert The presented a challenge… crushing Bull watching over the southern this down to fit in my mouth (reapproach into town but it also has member how much I raved about El Adobe Italian Mexican American the bun… I present to you the down Restaurant residing prominently side of said bun!!! LOL). Fortunately on Broadway Street, the main street the combination of my crushing of the business district! Once you skills and my larger-than-average know how to get there it’s really mouth overcame the challenge! easy to find. Highway 71 is the WOW, this has to be experienced to main highway running north and fully comprehend the flavor explosouth through Audubon. There is a sion!!! The toppings are the perfect stop light on Hwy 71 with a Casey’s complement to the meat (my mouth Store on the corner. Turn east is watering just remembering!) This here (or uphill if you are compass meal includes fries, just the right challenged) and go to the seccombination of crispy outsides with ond block. It resides in about the soft flaky insides! I couldn’t even middle of the block on the north bring myself to dip them in ketchup… I added a little salt side of the street (or the left side), right next to the old theater. If you get to the square you have gone too far but and tore ‘em up!!! Our waitress arrives to police up my never fear, the square is one-way and will lead you back plate and wonders if we would like some desert. Well… around in a circle (sort of a circle in a square kind of way) it turns out their “specialty” is Homemade Chocolate Cake!!!! Yes, please with 2 spoons!!! Don’t leave without and head you back the way you came. Just look to the sampling a slice of this chocolate paradise!!! Perfectly right this time. When we were there it was self-seating, never fear if you brought a large entourage… they have moist cake blanketed by smooth and creamy frosting… plenty of seating all the way to the back of the building! the perfect ending to a perfect meal!!! Our waitress waited for us to be seated and brought over menus and a basket of warm tortilla chips with salsa. The El Adobe Restaurant, a little off the beaten path but too good to pass up!!!! Check out their Facebook page, salsa was what I would consider mild but Lynnette did manage to find a little fire bomb hidden in it that opened Adobe Mexican Restaurant, and “Like” them while you’re there! That is where you’ll find information about specials her eyes wide when she bit into it!!!! LOL they may be having and any dates they are going to be closed. Oh… We perused the menus which are they also have pictures of most very nicely laid out with each type of their dishes (yes, with food on of food categorized for easy choosthem… for Pete’s sake!!!) so you ing. I did note that while they do can get a visual idea of what they serve both Italian and American offer!! cuisine as well as Mexican, it all has a Mexican flair to it. This is not a Until next month, ride safe and eat bad thing by any means!!!! I decidhearty! Craig Little ed upon the restaurant’s namesake craig@thunderroadsiowa.com burger The El Adobe Burger. The PS If you have someplace you think menu says this contains a “special we should check out in your neck meat mix”, I’m not exactly sure of the woods, shoot me an email. what the “mix” is but I hope they
El Adobe Restaurant
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While conducting some business at the Courthouse, I overheard a lady, who had been arrested for assaulting a Mammogram Technician, say “Your Honor, I’m guilty but..... There were extenuating circumstances.” The female Judge said, sarcastically, “I’d certainly like to hear those extenuating circumstances.” I did too, so I listened as the lady told her story. “Your Honor, I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met by this perky little clipboard carrier smiling miilliin ng from ear to ear and she tilted her head to one nee side and crooned, “Hi! I’m Belinda! All I need d you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?” I’m thinking, “Belinda, try decaf. This ain’t rocket science.” Belinda then skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors. With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, “Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?” Fine, I answered. I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck to finish me off? My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other breast wedged between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when I heard and felt a zap! Complete darkness, the power was off! Belinda said, “Uh-oh, maintenance is working, bet they hit a snag.” Then she headed for the door. “Excuse me! You’re not leaving me in this vise grip alone are you?” I shouted. Belinda kept going and said, “Oh, you fussy puppy... The door’s wide open so you’ll have the emergency hall lights. I’ll be right back.” Before I could shout NOOOO! She disappeared. And that’s exactly how Bubba and Earl, “maintenance men Extraordinaire,” found me... standing on my tip-toes, halfnaked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life and the other part smashed between glass! After exchanging a polite Hi, how’s it going type greeting, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off. Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible, “Uh, yes, I did, but thanks anyway.” “OK, you take care now” Bubba replied and waved good-bye as though I’d been standing in the line at the grocery store. Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, “Oh I am sooo sorry! The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?” And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between clamps....” The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said “Case Dismissed”.
She turned, ttu uur smiled and said, “Business. I’m going tto o the Annual Nymphomaniacs of America Convention in Boston.” He swallowed hard. Here was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen Sitting next to him, and she was going to a meeting of nymphomaniacs! Struggling to maintain his composure, he calmly asked, “What’s your Business at this convention?” “Lecturer,” “ she responded. “I use information that I have learned from my Personal experiences to debunk some of the popular myths about sexuality.” “Really?” he said. “And what kind of myths are there?” “Well,” she explained, “one popular myth is that AfricanAmerican men are The most well-endowed of all men, when in fact it is the Native American Indian who is most likely to possess that trait. Another popular myth is That Frenchmen are the best lovers, when actually it is men of Mexican Descent who are the best. I have also discovered that the lover with Absolutely the best stamina is the Southern Redneck.” Suddenly the woman became a little uncomfortable and blushed.. “I’m Sorry,” she said, “I shouldn’t really be discussing all of this with you. I don’t Even know your name.” “Tonto,” the man said, “Tonto Gonzales, but my friends call me Bubba”. ************************************************
I was at Wal-Mart buying a bag of Purina dog chow for my dog, while in the check-out line a woman behind me asked if I had a dog. Why else would I be buying dog chow, RIGHT ???So on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again, and that I probably shouldn’t because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in intens......ive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a Perfect Diet and all you do is load your pockets with Purina Nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff a poodle’s butt and a car hit me. I thought the guy ************************************************ behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard A man boarded an airplane and took his seat. As he settled in, he glanced Up and saw the most beautiful woman ************************************************ boarding the plane. He soon realized She was heading straight towards his seat. As fate would have it, she took Q: What did the hurricane say to the coconut palm tree? A: The seat right beside his. Eager to strike up a conversation Hold on to your nuts, this is no ordinary blow job! he blurted out, “Business trip or pleasure?” 34 - TRMI OCTOBER 2015
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2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” I’ve been around a long time. It’s worked pretty well. I’d like to discuss what it means to me. Back in the day of taking our country back from Great Britain, the majority of guns utilized by the Americans were privately owned. Keep in mind that these folks didn’t trust or like “government”. They were independent and free thinking. The militia they were talking about is you and me. Why do you think that in 240 years we have never been invaded? It’s because we have guns as private citizens. Now, why is this bugging me right now? To be honest I don’t trust the guy with the pen and the phone. Constitutional limits and rules of order mean nothing to him. As far as I can tell neither does right and wrong. Don’t get me wrong; when some nut job goes goofy and shoots up a “gun free zone” I agree that something should be done. Ever wonder why nut jobs don’t decide to ply their trade at a gun show? Let me give you a hint, it’s easier to inflict damage on defenseless victims than rednecks who exercise their constitutional rights.
it comes down to. It’s not as simple as gun control. It’s actually people control. The founding fathers understood that without an armed public, that tyranny was nearly inevitable. They understood that allowing their guns to be given up is the same as surrendering their freedom. I hope and pray that there are enough patriots left to save us from what we’ve done to ourselves. I realize that I’ve gotten pretty political this time through and that some of you may not like that, I’ve just had as much as I can stand without standing up. For those of you who will ask, “What’s that got to do with motorcycles?” I will ask- If they change the rules on a right that is constitutionally guaranteed, what is going to stop them from restricting dangerous activities. That’s right, that’s how NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) sees motorcycling, along with waterskiing, riding a snowmobile or an ATV, etc. “Once lost, liberty is nearly impossible to regain.” If someone a lot smarter than me didn’t say it before now, then I’ll take credit for it. Just ask the folks in Nebraska who still are required to comply with a draconian helmet law. We have enough laws. Maybe, we should enforce some of the ones we have. Want to talk about it?
When I sat town to write this I misspelled several words. So naturally, I threw away all my pencils. I agree, that is ridiculous, but it’s no different than banning guns because peter@riderpromotions.com some nut job uses one incorrectly. And that is exactly what
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