THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OF IOWA www.thunderroadsiowa.com P.O. Box 29 Kimballton, Iowa 51543
Letter from the Editor ....................................... 4
OWNER/EDITOR Vernon Schwarte (712) 249-5630 vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Across the Border Raid .................................. 6
EVENT CORRESPONDENCE/SALES Susan Mast SC/SE Iowa 319-931-4546 susan@thunderroadsiowa.com Richard (Murph) and Annette Murphy West Central Iowa 641-524-4808 vizslaboots@yahoo.com Harv and Sue Hunter Central Iowa 515-205-7410 harv@thunderroadsiowa.com Mark Swearingen Council Bluffs/Omaha Metro 402-651-2471 mark@thunderroadsiowa.com Bob Colbert Knoxville 515-579-1343 thomasrcolbert@yahoo.com David McCoy Mason City 641-420-1171 david@thunderroadsiowa.com Marilee Millang Humboldt 515-890-9423 marilee@thunderroadsiowa.com
COIR................................................................... 4 Biker Friendly Listing ..................................... 10 99 County Tour ............................................... 12 From the Woman’s Seat ................................. 14 CMA ................................................................. 16 Road Ramblings ............................................. 17 GoPro! ............................................................. 18 Calendar .......................................................... 20 Girls of Thunder.............................................. 22 Will Ride to Eat ............................................... 24 Military Rider ................................................... 26 Thunder Cam .................................................. 28 KISS ................................................................. 31 Joker’s Wild .................................................... 32 Blast From the Past ........................................ 36 Events/Bike Nights ......................................... 38
ON THE COVER The Shovelhead Chopper is a bare bones put together runner that can be seen all over the place. The bike was put together to be just a motorcycle with nothing fancy. He rolls this thing all over creation and can be seen on it in multiple states. The fanciest part is the tank which has some cool flames with a unique type of paint by Bart of Custom Pinstriping & Signs. He can be reached at 515-729-8848
Eryka Driscoll Tipton 563-506-0389 eryka@thunderroadsiowa.com Humphrey Western Iowa 712-592-1720 CONTRIBUTORS Netty Kawecki Copy Editor Nate Ullrich natanic@hotmail.com Craig & Lynnette Little-Will Ride to Eat craig@thunderroadsiowa.com Tony Darveau Carroll Cycle Center tonypa@carrollcycle.com NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1421 Chapmansboro Road Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 thunderroadsfounders@yahoo.com
All rights reserved. All content is covered by copyright and ownership of said right is retained by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. Photographs may be purchased on www.thunderroadsiowa.com Neither magazine or website materials may be reproduced, distributed, altered or posted to any other websites without the express written permission of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph, opinions, and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Iowa Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa LLC, Thunder Publishing LLC. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs, advocate any unsafe practices, or encourage breaking of any laws.
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C.O.I.R. Report
Coalition of Independent Riders
STUFF I’VE COME TO BELIEVE Hello Fellow Iowans! Greeting fellow bikers! It is sad to say but September is rolling right up upon us, and that means we have a few more miles yet this year, so we have to take advantage of every chance we get. Leaf rides are going to start firing up soon, toy runs are getting rolling, and of course we have the last of the rallies, fun runs, and get togethers. Join your fellow riders for as much as you can and take advantage of the wonderful fall weather and colors we have the opportunity to see. The fall riding is always one of my favorite times of the year to ride. Temperatures drop a little and it gets more comfortable, evening hours can get a little chilly though, so don’t forget to gear up appropriately. The farm equipment also becomes more prevalent on the two lane highways so be careful, as well as watch out for those damn range maggots. The deer are already starting to run, I have been fortunate to avoid a couple of close calls recently with the whitetails. Always keep an eye out for them and ride safe. Feel free to share with us your stories and any cool pictures you have of your adventures. We always love to see and read about other rider’s escapades, so feel free to send them to us at vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com. Also, let us know what your favorite events are that happen right here in Iowa. We want to know why everyone likes to attend what they do.
Peter Sieben ABATE of IA District 20 Legislative Officer Lt. Commander C.O.I.R. of IA You see, my father is a self-made independent man. Some 50+ years ago he started a construction company and outworked his competition. One of the many things he taught me is that you have to have a code, a set of rules by which you live your life. Many of the things I’ve learned can be summed up by several ‘sayings’ by which I live my life. This issue, I’ve decided to share some of them with you. The first and most important is “If a job is once begun, do not leave it till it’s done. Be it great or be it small, do it well or not at all.” Another one that sort of ties into the first is “Life is a competition, only the strong survive.” To sum things up so far: I believe in the efficiency that competition naturally brings. I also believe that as an American I am not guaranteed success, what I’m promised is the opportunity to compete for success, but you have to work harder than the next guy to earn it. Another ‘saying’ I’d like to mention is “Can’t is a fool too lazy to try.” That is a fact. Too many times today we come face to face with people who completely refuse to do their best. In my opinion, we need to get this country back to when the cream was allowed to rise to the top instead of continually propping up those on the bottom.
I’m told that today approximately half of all adult Americans pay no taxes. That means that half of us are paying for A great big thank you to all of our readers and adver- everyone. I’m told that 35% of people are on public tisers; if you did not read the pages, and the advertis- assistance. How can that be? No wonder we’re broke. We ers did not support us; we could not offer you the Iowa all have the responsibility to leave this country a better place than we found it. We owe it to our kids. Biker Magazine all 12 months of the year. Please support the advertisers and let them know that ThunWhen government goes too far is when it seeks to protect us der Roads Magazine of Iowa sent you! Thank them from ourselves. In my experience, people who are paying for being on our pages too if you get a chance. WE their own way out of necessity are better at managing their sure would like to thank everyone for all the support and awesome interaction when we are out and about. money than some faceless bureaucrat. It’s time to take our country back! It’s not that hard to do. Get involved! Get Never be afraid to come up and say hey! off the couch and take action. Don’t know how? I’ll help. Contact peter@riderpromotions.com Ride Safe! Vernon
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and enjoy the sunshine and relax. Our travels for the day included the need to find some oil for a fellow rider with a leaky tranny. Lo and behold, Stateline Cycle on Highway 148 had just what we needed. Right across the border in Missouri, so even got to get some cheaper weeds while there. Alcohol, tobacco, and motorcycle service and parts, cannot be beat.
Across The Border Raid once again pulled off one hell of a party the first weekend in August this year. It was held at the Taylor County fairgrounds again for the 5th year in a row. These folks have been known as the “We RALLY to GIVE� people, as proceeds from the rally are all donated to area organizations and projects. They make sure that there are
We returned to the rally and got some great photos of the participants in the parade of bikes. They have a designated route through the town of Bedford so that everyone in town can also enjoy all the bikes. Again, it was another positive turnout and something
plenty of events to watch or participate in, plenty of good music and entertainment, and plenty of rides to go on. These folks are good at showing you plenty of Southern Iowa hospitality! Saturday morning started off a little wet with some much needed rain coming through, and the need for some to dry out their stuff and empty water out of their tents. This caused only a slight delay in the poker run for the day, but still had a great turn out. For those that chose not to partake in the poker run, it was a beautiful day to just chill out
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everyone seemed to be looking forward to. Also, there was a bikini bike wash that was extremely busy due to the rain and the fact that to enter the grounds, you traveled on a gravel road. The girls did a fabulous job
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in making sure the bikes were clean and had a blast doing it. The rest of the evening had bikini wrestling and since the weather was too warm for jell-o they used KY Jelly. There was a wet t-shirt contest with the winner earning themselves $502. Bag Lady Sue took the stage and performed her act. After Bag Lady Sue, the night ended with live music on the stage and plenty of dancing in front of it. All in all, it was a fabulous way to spend a weekend and will definitely be an event to go to year after year. Check out acrosstheborderraid. com and plan on being there next August 1-3. Netty
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Biker Friendly Directory It’s important for you to Leather & Hawgs know who your friends 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa are out on the road! The 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net Biker Friendly Directory www.leatherandhawgs.com is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want Dealers you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a bike dealer, service Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street shop, restaurant, bar or Marne, Iowa 51552 any other type of business 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com that welcomes our biking community, you can count Brown Motorcars 330 NW 49th Place on our family of friends to Des Moines, IA 50313 always welcome you in. www.brownmotorcars.com 515-282-0123 The staff here at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates Carroll Cycle Center our advertiser’s support 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa each month. WE WOULD 712-792-1610 NOT EXIST WITHOUT www.carrollcycle.com THEM! So please give Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson & them the support that they Motorsports 174th and Maple truly deserve for being Omaha, NE 68116 with us & drop by to see 402-289-5556 www.dillon-brothers.com them for a visit. Let them know that you saw them Fenders Cycle and Motorsport here in Thunder Roads. If 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 you know a business that 515-256-9062 would like to advertise www.fenderscycle.com in Thunder Roads Iowa Hawkeye Harley-Davidson Biker Friendly Places, Coralville, Iowa I-80 Exit 240 319-545-7495 please email vernon@ www.hawkeyehd.com thunderroadsiowa.com Open 7 days per week
Bail Bonds Iowa Bail Bonds 200 4th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-243-4411
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999 www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa www.bncbikerwear.com 319-241-0916
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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 Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195
www.whippsales.com
Food and Drink 14th Street Tavern 3418 East 14th Street Des Moines, Iowa 515-266-3446 M-F 8-2 Sat 10-2 and Sun 11-2 1889 Saloon 118 Broadway Street Carson, Iowa 51525 Find us on Facebook 712-484-3888 4th Avenue Grill 115 N 4th Ave Logan, Iowa 712-644-3200 Amigos 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 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 Boxer Barbeque 722 Creek Top Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-325-4227 Tuesday - Saturday 11 - 8 pm www.boxerbbq.com Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417 Cheers II 100 North Franklin Dow City, Iowa 51528 712-674-3746 Coldest Beer Around! Chop’s Old Bank 400 6th Street Waukee, Iowa 50263 515-987-3000
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Corner Tap 921 Main Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-993-2240 Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441 Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close Excuses Bar 405 Main Street Malvern, Iowa 51551 712-624-8233 Excuses Bar on Facebook Foxys Bar 108 East Jefferson Osceola, Iowa 50213 641-342-3700 Visit us at facebook FOXYS Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375 Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com 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 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
O’Hara’s Steakhouse & Lounge 501 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-4545 O’Hara’s Steakhouse on Facebook
Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226
Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900 Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Phil’s 20oz Prime Rib Friday Nights 9956 Swanson Blvd Clive, Iowa 515-270-0959 Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMHARLAN-Pizza Ranch 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788 Ron’s Dawg House Sports Bar 2117 E University Ave Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Ron’s Dawg House Sports Bar on FB 515-266-8900 Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000
Motorcycle Racing Eddyville Raceway Park
1422 Farnam Davenport, Iowa 52803 866-322-1754
Shops and Fabricators Baggers MC 1611 Avenue J Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-1791
3260 Merino Avenue Oskaloosa, Iowa. 52577 eddyvilleraceway.com Track Phone - 641.969.5596
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
The Middle of Nowhere 112 Main Street Cumberland, Iowa 50843 712-774-5425
Knoxville Raceway www.knoxvilleraceway.com 641-842-5431
Dead Heads Engineering, Fab, Repairs,Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Well Sports Pub 252 8th Ave Wellman, Iowa 52356 319-646-2202 Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 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
Guns and Ammo
Tailgators Bar & Grill 621 Willow Street Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-482-6269
Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 W Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
United Group Insurance, Inc. 2 East 6th Street Atlantic, Iowa 712-243-6557 507 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 712-778-2575
TVC Home Improvements Certified Lead Abatement Contractor
The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
Insurance
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues-Fri 2-7, Sat 8-3
Photo and Video Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Services
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392
BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
Guthrie Auto Body John Beer owner 1804 State Street Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-332-2484
Hippie Boy Designs Graphic Design/Website Design 712-898-5220 hippieboydesign.com
Joe’s Custom Signs 104 South Main Lenox, Iowa 50851 641-333-2675 Award Winning Custom Airbrushing
Joe Karsten-Authorized Dealer Cornwell Tools 329 West Street Manning, Iowa 51455 712-310-0765 mobile
J & S Custom Cycles 3630 Merle Hay Road Des Moines, Iowa 515-779-4632
Signs & Wonders 101 W Main Street Lockridge, IA 52635-9708 (319) 750-0814 signsandwondersbysue.com
M&M Garage 408 Market Street Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2425 mmgarage@iowatelecom.net
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org
Traci Davis Real Estate Specialist 319-400-2000 traci.realtor@gmail.com Lepic-Kroeger Realtors
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
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Events
Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Throttle Shop LLC 1988 Arion Avenue Arion, Iowa 51520 712-674-3325 throttleshopllc@gmail.com XTreme Cycle & Off Road 206 E Main St Panora, Iowa 50216 641-755-4288 xtremecycle@netins.net
Avenue of the Saints St Charles Bike Nights 1st Fridays Bike Down to I Town 3rd Fridays Circle of Pride Conesville T.I.T.S August 30-September 2 Concourse De Cornfield Earlham, Sep 23 Roar Into Harlan Harlan Every 3rd Thursday of the Month May – September Warriors Across Iowa Eddyville Raceway August 25th
Tattoo Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc.
Winterset Bike Night 3rd Saturdays
To buy ad space for your business or service or event in our directory, give us call at 712249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
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99 Counties on the Wall 99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 71 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. Delaware County Delaware County, established on December 21, 1837 having their first county seat at the location of Eads’ Grove. The residents were not satisfied with this location and set out in search for what they felt would be a prime location for their county seat. Finding this location after visiting several communities, they approached the site of Delhi. Upon their approach, a deer sprang up and ran off. This was the sign they needed and a claim was made to make Delhi the county seat. Just staking the claim did not make it so, it had taken four long years to raise the money of two hundred dollars to purchase the land. This task only became a reality due to the help of two residents loaning the county these funds. The battle over the county seat continued until 1880 when Manchester took over the title. Did you know that seven hundred county citizens bought a clock that was placed in the Court House tower in 1895? Located in Northeastern Iowa, Delaware County is mainly a manufacturing and agricultural area. This county is in a prime position with just a fortyminute drive to the three metropolitan areas of Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Dubuque. Not to forget the availably of the excellent transportation network, you can be in downtown
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Chicago, Milwaukee or Minneapolis within four hours. The county provides impressiveness of the “large city” amenities while maintaining the small town feel with a true Iowa smile. The county states “it is your roadmap away from the rigors of everyday life to a place of fun and relaxation.” Year round excitement is provided through fairs, festivals, an NHRA Raceway, rodeos and much more. There are over one hundred miles of scenic snowmobile trails, boating and skiing on Lake Delhi and canoeing on the Maquoketa River. For all of the campers out there, this county has over twenty-seven hundred acres of parks. With numerous fishing spots, freshly stocked trout streams. Get off the bike a bit and enjoy paddle boating or cross-country skiing at Backbone State Park, which is Iowa’s oldest state park . Cricket Hollow Zoo should make for an interesting stop. All travels should include a walk about an exotic petting zoo. This petting zoo features animals for your entertainment like tigers, camels, monkeys, reptiles, and much more. The zoo it is located 1.5 miles west of Manchester on D22. Some of the breath taking views in the area you will not want to miss are located in the local state parks. First, I will highlight Pikes Peak State Park, which is said to be one of the most photographed places in Iowa. This is where you will stand upon a bluff (1,130-foot elevation) for a breath taking view of the merge of the Wisconsin and Mississippi River. This area has long been referred to as “little Switzerland of Iowa.” The parks name comes from Lieutenant Zebulon Pike, who the government sent in 1805 to select a site for a military fort. This site was his selection but the government built across the river. The second park is Backbone State Park, which is Iowa’s first state park and one of the most geographically unique parks of the park system. Backbone named after the steep and narrow ridge of bedrock that has been cut by a loop of Maquoketa River and forms the highest point in the northeast Iowa – The Devils Backbone. If some of your interests are bicycling, climbing, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, or picnicking then I have on good authority this is the place for you. The last but certainly not least is Ledges State Park. This is for the lovers. A must see for the natural
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beauty and the structures built by the Civilian Conversation Corps. There is a stone arch bridge to a shelter in Oak Woods to a stone trail steps and a shelter in lower Ledges. The state parks in Iowa are some of the cleanest and well cared for parks I have seen out of the whole United States. Enjoy the treasures you are blessed with around this beautiful state. Some of the other points of interest are Steffen 1/8 Scale Railroad located on 2077 Highway 38 in Manchester. This railroad has about 1700 feet of track pulls three riding cars near flower gardens down the main line and through a sixtyfoot tunnel. Barn quilts are blossoming around this county. I have read the number of quilts has grown each year. Taking the tour will get you out and about the area on some of the most scenic roadways of Iowa. I will leave you with Annual Hot Rods and Harleys Car, Bike, and Rat Rod Show that is the first weekend of October. Open to all makes and models of cars, trucks, motorcycles, rat rods and nostalgic hot rods. Located in downtown Hopkinton, which is a small town. There is a great many more interesting things to do, see and be a part of so now it is your turn to get on the bike; ride, explore, and make new memories. I have not mentioned places to eat because Craig is the master and I will only pale to his awesomeness. References available upon request Tina Marie
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From the Woman’s Seat
My very first visit to Iowa in 2003, I was afforded the opportunity to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle for the first time. I was quite a bit nervous as the driver of this motorcycle was considerably smaller than me, but she drove that bike like there was nothing to it. I continued to be a passenger to this driver for five and a half years never giving much thought to taking the reins myself.
Last year a 2003 Harley-Davidson Fatboy came into Hawkeye Harley. Jodie sent me a picture message and the first thing I said was it wasn’t blue. She said you have to see this bike, so the next day I went in and checked it out. The first thing I noticed was the white saddlebags. I looked at them as blank canvases I could have some wolves painted on. We bought the bike on August 30, 2011 with about 6,800 miles. Since that day I have got it up to over 23,000 Some people have asked what made me decide to learn to miles. I have been on trips by myself, throughout the Iowa ride myself and this is where I have to say peer pressure had countryside and some out of state adventures. I also got to a play in it. Plus I know how much it meant to my friend go see my family in Michigan with my bike! Could have Jodie to have someone to ride with her, not necessarily on done without the riding in SNOW but then again, I wouldn’t her bike but on their own bike. So in 2009 I signed up for have the fun story to tell. the Rider’s Edge course offered through Hawkeye HarleyDavidson. I did quite well with the course, got 100% on I am very proud of every mile I put on this bike. I thank the test, but when it came to the riding test I screwed up on two people…my best friend and roommate for giving me one point and it just went downhill from there. Bob, the the passion she has for riding and my Mom. She told me instructor, once she always wanted to ride a pulled me motorcycle, but never did. I am aside and doing something she has always told me he wanted to do. Last November on was going to Thanksgiving Day, I got to take pass me, but my Mom for a motorcycle ride. I needed to That was truly a Thanksgiving I really work will remember forever. on several things before Now, almost a year after buying I considered a bike of my own, I am also a going out on very active member of our local the open road. Hawkeye Harley-Davidson H.O.G Chapter. I enjoy being a Living out in part of our weekly rides, chapter the middle meetings and group activities. of nowhere I also assist with the chapter it is hard to newsletter and lead dinner rides get anywhere on occasion. The only thing without that beats life on the open road getting on the open road to practice. Jodie was very patient with helping me get more comfortable riding. is sharing I still remember the first time I had a semi pass me from that spark the opposite direction I thought he was going to tear my with others shoulder off. just getting started, just For 2009 and most of 2010 I was content to still remain as Jodie did a passenger most of the time. If nothing else, I found the with me the 1st Rider’s Edge course made me a better passenger. With the time I jumped passing of Jodie’s sister, she lost the passion I had seen for on the back riding. Close to the end of the season I told her we needed of that HD to go riding before I forget what I did know. In the spring motorcycle. of 2011, I had an opportunity to go on a solo ride. Jodie May many and her sister were going to a Bon Jovi concert in Des more miles Moines so I found a wild hair and decided to take the bike grace my out by myself. Best thing I could have done. I made a few wheels and mistakes on that short jaunt into Washington (stalled it at many more one of the few lights in Washington) but I got through it friends be made without getting too rattled and now continue to rack up the along the way. miles. Anne Schimke 14 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
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CMA Notes
If you’ve been riding for any time at all, you’ve no doubt been on a ride where someone’s bike started acting up and disrupted the plans for the day. Once, when Mark and I were cruising along some back roads, I noticed that he kept looking down at his left floorboard and wriggling his foot around. Pretty soon he pulled off onto the shoulder where I pulled up behind him in time to see him pick his gearshift lever up off the floor board. I don’t know much about bikes, but even I knew that was bad! The good news: the lever hadn’t fallen off the floor board before he noticed the problem. The bad news: we weren’t parked in front of a Harley dealership, but were in the middle of miles of cornfields. Mark rooted around in his saddlebags and came up with an emergency repair kit – a zip tie and a rubber band. Those two unlikely items held the shift lever in place while we limped back to town where he could get some real repairs done. Another time, we were out with a group of friends when one of the bikes kept sputtering and dying. The fuel gauge said there was gas, so the guys were guessing possible electrical issues. We’d push the bike down the slope of a hill and it would roar to life and head out like nothing was wrong – till it hit the flats again. Turned out that the fuel gauge was no longer working and the bike really was out of gas. One of the guys had to call his wife at home and ask her to come to our rescue with a can of gas. In the end, the issues that disrupted the rides (gear shift lever out of place and sputtering, dying engine) were only symptoms of the real problems (missing bolts and no gas) and our attempts to get rid of the symptoms were only temporary fixes. 16 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
We tend to deal with other issues pretty much the same way. When the ugly side of life rears its head, we naturally focus on relieving the stress from the issues that are disrupting our lives. Eventually, our “fix” becomes just another symptom of the problem. The temporary fix may be drinking, drug addiction, cheating, unwise methods of handling money, a bad temper, habitual lying, determination to have our own way, being so hungry to succeed that you’ll step on everyone around you – the list goes on. However, the real problem for all of us is that we were born broken into a world that is broken and until we come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we will spend all our time trying to hold things together with our temporary fixes. We need someone from outside our ride to come to our rescue. In the book of John, 3:7, we are told that the answer to our problem is that we must be born again – but this birth is to be into the perfect, unbroken kingdom of God. God gives us the opportunity to hit the re-start button! Ephesians 2:4 & 5 tells us, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” Quit trying to jump-start your life on your own and make the call to God for his help. You’ll never regret it. Blessings to you – Karla Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps for the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www. cmausa.org.
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Road Ramblings random thoughts of a scooter tramp I was out for a quick putt on the scooter trying to clear my head after a very long, very hot week of punching the time clock. As I’m scooting along, sucking in fresh air, I come up behind a rig that in a weird sadistic kind of way made me feel whole.
and having a good time simply pulls them all together into a giant brotherhood. I believe bikers have an ability to look deep into their own soul, figure out who they are what they stand for and be perfectly content with what they find even if it varies greatly from the buddy they ride beside. A biker will walk away from their own life commitments to deliver Its 85 degrees outside, the sun is shining, and this “Dilbert” aid to others in need. A biker makes time to help a complete is pulling a trike on a trailer behind an SUV. It is one of stranger broke down along side the road on another bike. those things in life that make me go hmmm. Immediately A biker instills morals and values on children not because my dirty little mind starts to play tricks with my roached out they are obligate to, or paid to, but simply because they care brain. After following for awhile, I decide to grant “Dilbert” about the minds of American youth. A biker will get in your the benefit of the doubt, by concluding that he too had face to defend what they believe in, then shake your hand, experienced a horrible week, the trike must be broken down, pat you on the back, declare you to be a friend and buy you and he is towing it in for some well deserved warranty a beer. A biker knows to cherish the miles and memories work. shared with others because in the blink of an eye it can all change. A biker has the ability to strike up a conversation Sometimes I wish I could ride with blinders on so I wasn’t with a complete stranger anytime, anywhere and learn more so observant to the things around me. But as I pull out to about their lives than their own momma knows, then walk pass, I notice that the sticker on “Dilbert’s” bumper reads away with another person on their list of life long pals. A “Forty grand and forty miles does not make you a biker” biker knows how to live today and not worry about what and he is driving a Cadillac Escalade. After I catch my tomorrow will bring. A biker knows what freedom behind breath from laughter, my mind begins to race. What is it bars feels like but is unable to put it into words for anyone exactly that makes a biker? Bikers come in many sizes and that has never experienced it. shapes, the ages vary, as does the hair color, hair length, color of their eyes, the way they walk, the clothing they I finally decided that if that broken down trike riding on wear, the brands they choose to ride, the tats they proudly that trailer being pulled by a Cadillac Escalade proudly display and the nicknames they are given. So what is it that supporting that bumper sticker was mine, I would have truly defines a biker? straddled that machine, grabbed hold of the handlebars, stretched my legs out on the cruising pegs, and let my hair Maybe it as simple as being excited to ride hours from fly freely in the wind just to prove that a true biker never home, to pay an entry fee to a poker run, in a location they turns down an opportunity to ride. have never been to, where they don’t know a soul, but yet are motivated to attend because it is a good cause or it has Non judgmental even though they are judged by society a catchy name and they are driven to be a part of it. Or does daily. leaving home on the bike for a 10 minute trip to town then returning 2 days later, broke, hung over and bragging about Shifty LaRue your adventure to your pals for the next 10 years make you a biker? Is it about being able to sleep, drink and ride in the same clothes for so many days that you are capable of shedding water if caught in the rain? Or being able to smoke a tire in a burn out pit or leave a block long black mark down the middle of Main Street at every rally while under the influence? What is a biker? I have pondered it over and over, round and round in my head so many times it makes me dizzy. I never come up with the same answer twice. I’ve discovered that bikers are a lot like their bikes; they are built and created the same way over and over again. Then after entering the world, the biker is customized and the end result is never the same twice, just like the bikes they ride. After a few more miles, I came to the conclusion that I agreed with the bumper sticker, the amount spent on a bike and the miles put on it doesn’t make a biker. I believe bikers are made up of a whole bunch of very intricate yet complicated things; riding, attending rallies, meeting people www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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It’s hard to believe we have reached this time of the year. By the time this issue hits a stand near you, the thunder in the Black Hills of Sturgis will be just a slight rumble of the last few bikes leaving the menacing mayhem that is Sturgis Bike Week. Kids will be just starting or just about to start back to school again. Friday nights will be full of football games and countless other activity’s will be upon many of you fellow readers and riders out there that will likely draw you away from jumping on your bike and seeing where it takes you for a couple of days. Just because these things are happening doesn’t mean you can’t just jump on and go for a short ride to a favorite choke-n-puke or a weekend trip to somewhere different in this beautiful state of ours. There is still plenty of time ahead of us before the snow starts flying. You may have to bundle up a bit more but that is all just part of the experience that we all enjoy. One thing that I’ve noticed on some very picturesque rides is the want to be able to either capture it in a photo or relieve it in a video. Well photo’s can be a very tricky thing, especially if you do not have passenger along to snap away as you’re going down the road. I’m not trying to promote you taking pictures while heading down the highway. I’ve often seen many photos turn out of the bags on the back of the bike or an often angled blurry pic. I have found a great safe solution!! The good people at GoPro have developed a camera that can video some very majestic scenery or just a pleasant evening ride. I know to some of you out there this isn’t necessarily a “New” item but to many of you I’m just bringing something that has been out for a little while, into the spotlight. The GoPro camera has a shock-proof design to withstand the vibration from not only your ride but also the elements and a waterproof casing so if you by chance get stuck in a lovely little downpour that we all dread but inevitably happens to all of us a sometime, your GoPro will be safe and dry. The camera has a vast array of mounts available to go just about anywhere you can think of, from on top of your helmet to your handlebar. They also offer a LCD screen that goes onto the back of the camera so that you can watch what you just videoed when you stop to munch on a little food or just fill up your tank. The GoPro is an excellent camera to have on a trip to help keep some memories of the many rides and places that you go. I may just have to get one of these before my next trip out to Milwaukee in a couple weeks for the 2013 Harley-Davidson Dealer Show. I’m sure many of you noticed that the new models were not at Sturgis this year. Just have to wait a little bit longer to see what H-D has in-store for their 110th Anniversary. So until next month, keep the rubber side down and ride safe. Tony Darveau 18 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
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Richard & Chickie Prince started this Shovelhead project in 1985. It started with a 77 FXE Mill and Tranny, and a 55 Ridged Frame. All of the engraving was done by hand on all the aluminum parts. Bayonet pegs round out the custom features.
of Iowa Christie “Nana” Swalley Clarinda 2004 1200 Sporty
Becka Polk Shenandoah H-D 2008 1200N Nightster
Cyndie Johnson DeWitt 2001 Softtail Heritage 2008 Street Glide
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
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The Piranha Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, IA 51401 712-792-9184 Open Daily at 4 PM
will ride to eat
Normally I try to start these arƟcles out with some kind of humorous anecdote. Or perhaps a great lead in that grabs your aƩenƟon and forces you to conƟnue under my spell (ok, ok, I may have goƩen a liƩle carried away there)! But try as I may I just couldn’t come up with anything that I felt was appropriate for this establishment. I could have made a big deal about this outstanding purveyor of amazing delicacies being housed in the back half of a building whose front half houses a strip club. But I’m really not here to whet your entertainment appeƟtes, just your hunger ones. So since I’m unable to come up with an entertaining opening let’s just dive into the food... shall we?
described it as a tender, juicy prime rib in an easy to handle package. The prime rib wrap also comes with a side and LynneƩe chose the french fries. The fries were done to perfecƟon, not too soŌ and not too hard... in the words of Goldylocks... “just right”! We just explored the Ɵp of the iceberg on our trip to The Piranha Club; the menu there is very diverse. It appears there is something there for anyone’s taste. If you find yourself on the east side of Carroll and you’re hungry, do yourself a favor and check out The Piranha Club! (I never thought I’d hear myself say this!) I HIGHLY recommend “The Heart AƩack”... you won’t regret it!!!!
The Piranha Club had been recommended to me by a friend of mine (thanks Chris) who had told me about this amazing sandwich they make there called “The Heart AƩack”. The name alone was enough to grab my interest but then he described it! Two hamburger paƫes, a breaded tenderloin, 4 strips of bacon, Swiss and American cheese, onion, leƩuce and pickles, holy crap!!! This wasn’t the biggest burger that I have Ɵed into but it runs a close second. I was able, with much crushing of the burger, to get this into my mouth but it wasn’t easy! The mix of flavors you experience with each bite is nothing short of spectacular! Oh, yes I could almost feel my arteries harden while chewing! As if the burger wasn’t enough, it comes with a side. I chose the potato salad and was not disappointed. This was some of the best homemade chunky potato salad I have ever had (short of my grandma’s of course)! They have nightly specials on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Since we visited on a Wednesday night the special was Tacorita Night with $1 homemade tacos and $2 Margaritas. Neither LynneƩe nor I are Margarita drinkers but she loves tacos (so do I for that maƩer) so it was a perfect fit. LynneƩe described the taco as “a Mexican party in your mouth”! She did let me have the last bite of it and she was right, it was VERY delicious! Although the enƟre meal could have been made from tacos she decided just one would be good enough to go with the prime rib wrap. The prime rib wrap consists of prime rib (duh) with sautéed mushrooms, onions and Mozzarella cheese wrapped in a tomato basil wrap and grilled, served with a side of au jus. LynneƩe 24 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
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UnƟl next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Craig LiƩle craig@ thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.
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MILITARY RIDERS
This month’s Military Rider is Ronald Olsen; he resides at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. He has been serving Active Duty since 1984 in the United States Marine Corps and is currently holding the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant with a total to date career of 27 years. Ronald is the first of his family to be a Marine with a strong background of family in the service, mainly Navy folks. He has served all around the States as well as assignments in 49 foreign countries. His current position is as an 8412 Career Recruiter.
For his riding hobby, Ronald owns a 1967 Harley-Davidson Sprint 250 that he has owned since high school. He had a 1975 Harley-Davidson Electra glide, but has since upgraded to a 2001 HarleyDavidson Road King Custom. He was without bikes when stationed in Japan, simply due to strict laws of the country, and did not really like the thought of riding on the wrong side of the road. He got back into riding when he came to Iowa and there were a bunch of other Marines that he wanted to go riding with. He bought his latest ride at Big Barn in Des Moines and he likes it because he loves the awesome color and the old school look of the Road King Custom. His plans for accessories and modifications are too many to list, because hey, it is a Harley, you have to do as much as possible!
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When Ronald was asked if he is a member of any Clubs, Associations, Riding, or Veterans groups he simply stated, “The only club I am a member of is the United States Marine Corps but will keep looking for one as worthy of the Corps.” There are about 10 others in the command that ride motorcycles and they go as frequently as possible. Ronald was also asked if he had any other interesting tidbits about him or his military career to share and he stated that he was on the Marine Corps Boxing Team and competed in National and International competitions, and that he qualified for the Olympics twice during his career; pretty impressive accomplishment. If you see Ronald out and about on one of his bikes, give him a thank you wave, and if you get a chance, shake his hand and thank him for his service.
Ride Free Thanks to our Military!
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a hard boil. Drop the clusters of cauliflower into boil. Don’t let go too long. About 5 mins. max. Make sure still stiff, don’t let it go limp on you (no woman apPRETZEL COVERED PORK CHOPS preciates that). Drain cauliflower and place into 1 10 pack of center-cut pork loin chops an ice bath to completely stop them from cooking *Pound them with meat mallot until 1/2” thick. any longer. In a saucepot, heat butter over me2 Eggs; lightly beaten dium heat. In a saucepan, heat up your butter or 1/4 Cup of All-Purpose Flour margarine, Mix it all around carefully until all flour 1-1/2 Cups of Sourdough Pretzels; pulsed in food proces- incorporated; should be a gray-pale yellow color. sor, or just put in gallon size zip lock bag, leave open just a Let this remain to cook down for about 2-3 minute to get that flour taste out. This process should be fraction and roll over & over with rolling pin until fine done fast and steady. Then, add your milk and ground. nutmeg a little at a time while still whisking. Salt, 1/2 Stick of Butter Pepper & Nutmeg to taste. Next, add your cheese Salt & Peper to Your Taste generously. Spread it all out. Set up 3 pie pan shape bowls; one filled with flour, one Place all in open lid casserole dish and bake for in with beaten egg mixture and one with ground pretzels. a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes. Make sure the Season your chops on both sides with S&P and any other top gets brown & bubbly. Just be sure to layer the spices you prefer; rosemary goes great w/ pork, as does cheese & other ingredients but also have enough mint or sage. Mix spices in a small bowl and rub all over of the sauce to add as a dunk-in dip. This cheese chops. Meanwhile get a pan medium hot, but get it searing gravy is actually perfect for the pork. hot, drag all chops thru your three mixtures; First dredge GRILLED WATERMELON 1 big, long, juicy watermelon in flour, then beaten egg bath, then onto pretzel dredge. Cover them thoroughly and pat them down into the pret- Get a really good knife and make sure it’s sharp Cut deep into the wa watermelon several lines zels to hold onto and cling to chops. along the length, then cut across the other way to Heat butter in a BIG skillet or an electric or flat electric create a chess effect. skillet. Put them in when a drop of water in skillet jumps I love to grill watermelon and get grill marks on it back; you want that nice sizzle when dropping your chops which makes it much sweeter and succulent. If you’re doing on grill, you can fit all of them in, otherNow, while watermelon chunks on medium grill, wise, just do in (2) batches. When done place on plate remember, they don’t have to grill for long. Just covered with 3 sheets of paper towels to drain off excess throw together some fresh mint, garlic, olive oil, basil and mix it all up to pour over baby spinach grease. Keep in warm 200 oven until 2nd batch done. or any lettuce of your desire. This is so refreshing These are so crunchy outside and the pretzel flavor just and perfect for September evenings. soaks it all up, It’s easy to make, but baby, wayyyyyy CUCUMBER & HONEYDEW MARGARITA’S easier to eat. These go quick! Go get ya’ some. 2 Cups of Honeydew Melon 1 Cup pf Seedless, Peeled Cucumber plus extra CAULIFLOWER GRATIN (fancy name for cheese) round discs for garnish 1 Head of Fresh Cauliflower (very inexpensive). 1/4 cup of Mint Cut into cauliflower and cut up into clusters, like you’ve 2 Tbls. Honey seen done to the frozen kind. 1/2 Cup of Lime Juice 3 Tbls. of All-Purpose Flour 2 Cups of Tequila 4 Tbls. of Real Butter or Quality Margarine (ICBINB)_ Take a Marqarita glass, slide a slitted cucumber (I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter) all around rim of glass and dip into a flat plate of 2 Cups of Whole Milk salt. Throw in a cup of cubed ice for frozen style Sprinkle gently with Nutmeg or blend longer and just pour over cubes of ice. 1 Cup of Shredded Gruyere cheese Either way goes down smoothas honey....dew. K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee These are just a few of the many, fabulous recipes on “The Chew” this week.
Salt & Pepp\ter to Taste
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A husband and wife were sitting watching a TV program about psychology which was explaining the phenomenon of “mixed emotions”. The husband turned to his wife and said, “That is an absolute bunch of crap. I bet you can’t tell me one thing that will make me happy and sad at the exact same time. She said: “Out of all your friends, you have the biggest penis.”
and dumped a box full of cash on the teacher’s desk. “$2,467.”, he said.”$2,467!” cried the teacher, “What in the world were you selling?” ”‘Toothbrushes”, said Little Johnny. “How could you possibly sell enough tooth brushes to make that much money?” “Well, I found the busiest corner in town”, said Little Johnny, “I set up a Dip & Chip stand and I gave everybody who walked by a free sample. “They all said the same thing, “Hey, this tastes like dog poop!” Then I would say, “It is dog poop. Wanna’ buy a toothbrush?
While examining his lady patient, the doctor tells her: “Your heart, lungs, pulse & BP are fine. Now let me see that cute little thing which gets you ladies into all kinds of trouble.” The woman a tad turned on by the A married couple is driving down the interstate young doctor starts quickly taking off her slacks and doing 55 mph. The husband is behind the wheel. panties and is standing nude from the waist down. His wife looks over at him and says, “Honey, I The Doctor turned around , stopping her and said: know we’ve been married for 15 years, but, I “No! No! Please put on your clothes. I meant for you want a divorce.” The husband says nothing but to just show me your tongue.” slowly increases speed to 60 mph. She then says, “I don’t want you to try to talk me out of it, because I’ve been having an affair with your Steel Cowboy’s Tombstone: best friend, and he’s a much better lover than you.” Again the husband stays quiet and just The Headstone of Russell J. Larsen in the Logan City speeds up as his anger increases. She says, “I Cemetery , Logan , Utah . want the house.” Again the husband speeds up, I wonder if he died knowing he won the ‘Coolest and now is doing 70 mph. She says, “I want the Headstone’ contest? kids, too.” The husband just keeps driving faster, His five rules for a happy life are at the bottom in on and faster, now he’s up to 80 mph. She says, “I want his headstone the car, the checking account, and all the credit cards, FIVE RULES FOR MEN TO FOLLOW FOR A HAPPY too.” The husband slowly starts to veer toward a LIFE: bridge overpass piling, as she says, “Is there anything 1. It’s important to have a woman who helps at home, you want?” The husband says, “No, I’ve got everycooks from time to time, cleans up, and has a job. thing I need.” She asks, “What’s that?” The husband 2. It’s important to have a woman who can make you replies just before they hit the wall at 90 mph, “I’ve laugh. got the airbag!” 3. It’s important to have a woman who you can trust, and doesn’t lie to you. 4. It’s important to have a woman who is good in bed The kids filed into class Monday morning. They were and truly likes to be with you. all very excited. Their weekend assignment was to sell 5. It’s very, very important that these four women do something, then give a talk on salesmanship. Little not know each other or you could end up dead like Sally led off. “I sold Girl Scout cookies and I made me. $30” she said proudly, “My sales approach was to appeal to the customer’s civil spirit and I credit that approach for my obvious success.” “Very good”, said the My wife was screaming at me: “Leave!! Get out of this teacher. Little Debbie was next. “I sold magazines” she house!” she ordered. said, “I made $45 and I explained to everyone that As I was walking out the door she yelled, “I hope you magazines would keep them up on current events.” die a slow and painful death!” “Very good, Debbie”, said the teacher. Eventually, it So I turned around and replied “So now you want me was Little Johnny’s turn. The teacher held her breath. to stay?” Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom 32 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
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Blast from the past was a page started with buying an old collection of Harley Enthusiast magazines from Dick Bridge in Vinton. The cool old cat had quite a few of the old mags, as well as some other dated motorcycle material. It has become a page in Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa issues that we can share some things of days past. This month though, we give you a working piece of history that we can see, walk around, and admire. Ron Ronfeldt of Harlan has been a biker type since the tender age of 13. His first motorcycle was a 1942 HarleyDavidson WLA that had been “civilianized”. He got into riding Triumphs when they were the hottest thing on the road, then went to the service. He has been collecting old motorcycles since he got out of the service in 1969. He found an Indian Chief in Fremont after getting out of the service, and still has that bike today. At this time, between himself and his son in law, they own over 30 vintage motorcycles, mainly Indian and Harley-Davidson. His oldest is a 1928 Harley-Davidson JD, with the newest being a 1951 Panhead from his vintage collection. His newest bike, that he calls his touring bike, is a 1986 FXRT. Even his newest ride is over 25 years old! His favorite brand would be the Indians, but says he likes and has nothing against the Bar and Shield. He and his good friend Emmert Andersen have spent many hours tinkering with the old bikes, and would not trade a minute of that time. They truly love the old iron. Ron’s obsession with the Indian name has come with some cool perks. Polaris Industries got a hold of Ron in the recent past and wanted to see his collection, and pick his brain a bit about the history of Indian. Since they have taken over the Indian name, Polaris has been set on improving and making the Indian motorcycle name proud once again. They sent 12 of their engineers down to Harlan for a day of show, tell, and ride some of Ron’s old Indians. They were looking at the historical perspective that many of these young men had never been exposed to. He was invited to both of their plants and has even gotten to see some of the most secret of future Indian endeavors; quite an honor for an Iowa man that has collected out of sheer passion for the machines. When asked what advice Ron had for anyone wanting to get into any old iron, he said the thing to do would be to join one of the Antique Motorcycle Clubs, and to go to the Davenport Antique swap meet. He advised that it has to be something you are passionate about, and think of it as preserving history. He also warns that collecting old motorcycles is not something that is a “quick fix” and that it is also very expensive. Original parts are expensive, and reproduction parts are just about as bad. He says you can look for years for one tiny piece to make a bike complete, and some pieces you may never find. Ron keeps a pretty tight lid on his collection, but on September 15th and 16th, he will have a considerable portion of his collection on display at the Greenridge Steam, Gas Engine, and Antique show in Rural Irwin, Iowa. He has a whole shed for just his motorcycles for display and admiration by the crowd. He will be available for questions about his collection, and welcomes such. Stop in and see Ron, Emmert, and the old iron. 36 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012
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Aug 24-26 8th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 25 Warriors Across Iowa to Benefit WWP Des Moines Aug 25 4th Annual Ride Your Hawgs For The Dogs Poker Run Aug 25 “Where are we at?” Fun Run Foxy’s Osceola Aug 25 Vic’s Main Tap 4th Annual Fun Ride Audubon Aug 25 Werner Cycle Works Bike and Car Show Omaha Aug 25 HarleysNHotrods Cruise for Kids Antique Acres Cedar Falls Aug 25 Shake, Rattle, and Roll Parkinson’s Benefit Run Rhodes Aug 25 Jami Thielen Charity Poker Run Arnolds Park Aug 25 Shane Scroggs Memorial Poker Run Clarinda Aug 25 Make-A-Wish Ride Council Bluffs Aug 25 B.A.C.A. Bike Bash 2012 Des Moines Aug 25 Lt. Michael R. Emerson Memorial Poker Run Cedar Rapids Aug 25 V/S Special Olympics Fundraiser/Poker Run Vinton Aug 25 Lt. Mike Emerson Memorial Ride Cedar Rapids Aug 25 Classic Car and Motorcycle Show and Cruise Logan Aug 25 Keith’s Benefit Ride Granger Aug 25 Iowa Riding to Cure Poker Run Council Bluffs Aug 26 1st Annual RAD Ride for the Diabetes Assoc Des Moines Aug 26 Children’s Miracle Network Poker Run Ida Grove Aug 26 Widows Sons Masonic Riders Assoc Bike Show Clinton Aug30-Sep1 Davenport Antique Motorcycle Rally Aug 31 Vintage Flat Track Motorcycle Races Davenport Aug 30-Sep 2 Circle of Pride Thunder In the Sand Conesville Aug 31-Sep 3 Iron Horse Bike & Music Festival Sabula Sep 1 SPC Donny Nichols Memorial Ride Shell Rock Sep 1-2 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 7-8 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand Nationals Knoxville Sep 7-9 Hogs 4 Dogs Benefit Weekend & Ride Ottumwa Sep 8 Charity Bike Ride for Sprint Car Museum Knoxville Sep 8 Donald Griffith Jr Ride Mechanicsville Sep 8 Summerfield Benefit Poker Run Lampe’s Pub Dunlap Sep 10 East Central Iowa Side Car Rally Anamosa Sep 10-11 Cannonball Run Anamosa to Spirit Lake Sep 14-16 State Line End of Summer Rally Keosauqua Sep 15 Ride for the TaTas Benefit Run w/Cheshire Grin Kirkman Sep 15 Thunder Roads Magazine Corn Cob 1000 Ride Sep 15 Amigo’s Bike Show Fort Dodge Sep 15 U of I Children’s Hospital Ride for the Kids Dubuque Sep 15 Carroll Cycle Center New Model Open House Carroll Sep 15 2nd Jessica Peine Memorial Ride & Music Festival Muscatine Sep 15 ABATE D8 Toy Run Everly Sep 15 Jim Williams Memorial Poker Run Hubbard Sep 16 “Halfway to St. Pat’s Day” Poker Run Lampe’s Pub Dunlap Sep 16 ABATE D2 Toy Run Council Bluffs Sep 22 ABATE D10 Toy Run/Auction Fort Dodge Sep 22 Zach Reiff Memorial Ride Preston Sep 22 Buck N Wild Saloon 1st Annual Poker Run Macksburg Sep 22 Scavenger Hunt by Windbags Atlantic Sep 23 Concourse De’ Cornfield 2012 Penn Center Church Earlham Sep 29 309 Club Inc. Recovery Run Atlantic Oct 6 ABATE D25 Biken For Tikes Run Boone Oct 6 Cedar Rapids Chrome Divas Breast Cancer Awareness Ride Oct 6 Helmets From Heroes Poker Run by ALR Post 34 Oskaloosa Oct 7 Hot Rods and Harleys Car/Bike/Rat Rod Show Hopkinton Oct 7 ABATE D15 28th Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Davenport Oct 14 ABATE D4 29th Toy Run Des Moines Oct 14 Carroll Cycle Center Fall Color Ride Carroll Oct 14 Road MC Breakfast Brayton Oct 20 ABATE D15 Harvest Run Davenport Oct 21 Carroll Cycle Center Toy Run Carroll Nov 4 Road MC Breakfast Brayton Nov 9-11 STEAM Marshalltown Nov 16 Carroll Cycle Center Ladies Night Out Carroll Nov 23 Turkey Run Clinton Nov 30 Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Dec 1 Cedar Rapids Chrome Divas “Santa’s Little Divas” Christmas Event Dec 9 Road MC Breakfast Brayton Dec 12 833rd Chopper Raffle Party Ottumwa
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2013 Jan 13 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 26 May 16-18
Road MC Breakfast Brayton Road MC Breakfast Brayton Road MC Breakfast Brayton Motorcycle Safety Forum Ames Hog Wild Rodeo Conesville
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
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Monday Fireside Grill Altoona Johnny Mac’s Des Moines Tuesday Ron’s Dawg House Des Moines Desperado’s Wheatland Gathering on the Grounds Fairgrounds (Selected Dates) J&P Cycles Cruise Nights (Selected Tuesdays) Anamosa Victory Lane Des Moines Samz Sports Bar Muscatine Brooklyn’s Ottumwa Shenanigans Boone Lynch’s Bar Rockwell City Wednesday Do Drop (Under the Water Tower) Jamaica Amigos Fort Dodge Rides Bar and Grill Fort Dodge Blueport Junction Davenport Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Rusty Duck Dexter Skatterkats Davenport Lynn’s Des Moines Latitude 41 Bar & Grill Johnston Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly OP Clear Lake Cadillac Jack’s Baxter 2nd Avenue at I-80 Des Moines (2nd Wednesdays) Elkhart Pub Elkhart Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Beer Barn and Grill Kirkman Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo The Buck Snort Neola BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo Trophy’s Bar & Grill Des Moines Beach House Humboldt Cedar River HD (1st and 3rd Thursdays) Grid Iron Grill & Sports Lounge Webster City
Tapz Pub Clive Michelle’s Des Moines Woody’s Roadside Tavern (3rd Thursday) Albion AJ’s Des Moines Square One Clive Linden House Lynnville Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge Il. Kings Korner Grand Mound Daytonas Des Moines Crossroads Tavern Kelley (1st and 3rd Thursdays) Friday Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Avenue of the Saints (1st Friday) St Charles Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Grapplers Bar & Grill (2nd & 4th) Dallas Center Captains Quarters (2nd Friday) Adel Throttle Down to “O” Town Osceola Fatboyz Saloon (2nd & 4th Friday) Grimes Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Ferg’s Grand Junction Hicklin Powersports Dinner Rides(4th Fridays) Grimes Newton Bike Nights (2nd Fri, except July) Chrome Horse Saloon Cedar Rapids Biscuits Bar & Grill Buffalo Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset Booneville Bar Boonville Von Tuck’s/Dave’s Place Oelwein AMVETS Post 2 (2nd Saturday) Des Moines Sunday Scooter Sunday 411 Main Griswold Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Ickey Nickel Sioux City Team 36 Mitchellville The Edge Missouri Valley
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TRMI SEPTEMBER 2012 - 39