2 - TRMI TR T RM MII SEPTEMBER SEP EPT TE EMB EMB MBER ER 22013 0113
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This month we have cutie Claire Corrow with Marty Pringle’s 1960 FLH Panhead. This old school Pan was put together by Marty and Randy Hoover, painted Root Beer Brown and Cream White with Pearl and Metal Flake by Bacon Body Shop, pin striping my Bart Baugh, the prep work before painting was done by Marty himself. He runs a soda blasting business called the Soda Jerk. His mobile soda blasting unit will go anywhere you need anything blasted. Bikes, cars, tractors, furniture, or anything you want stripped. Call him at 515972-4797 or email to martycarlo@lvcta.com.
September is always my favorite month. The riding season has been going for quite a while, and the temperature for riding is always a bit more comfortable. It is the time of year that you can go from full leathers to light riding gear all within a day’s time. The bikes always seem to run incredible with the cooler pre-autumn air, and the sights and countryside seem to change from the earlier vibrant green to shades of yellow and brown. It is kind of a nice transition of the season that brings with it the reminder that all good things must come to an end. It becomes a time to start thinking about the fall and winter projects on the bikes and figure out what we are going to do to make our rides our own. All of the manufacturers are starting to get inventory of the newest model year motorcycles, and with that comes new models, new colors, and new features. Even if you are not looking at upgrading, it is always fun to keep up with what is coming out. It is a time of year of change, and sometimes a change is a good thing. Another reason I dig the month of September is that it is the month I get another year older. Some see birthdays as a somber occasion, getting older, getting closer to the end, but I have always looked at this differently. I have always been happy that I am able to celebrate another year of being on the proper side of the grass! I am happy for every day that I have on this world, and love those that are around me and have helped me become the man that I am today. I have been blessed with incredible friends and an amazing Thunder Roads family that will never be forgotten. I look forward to more miles, more time, more beers, more rallies, more laughs, and more of life in this year, and hopefully many more to follow.
come check it out. We partied down at the summer shindig in June, and for sure we are going back! Other stuff this time of year to hit up is August 31st, Vic’s Main Tap Fun Run in Audubon, The Piranha Club Run September 7th in Carroll is one to be at, for those that dig the tattoo scene, the Dubuque Ink and Art Expo is happening September 13-15th, the 14th in Exira is the Alzheimer’s Fun Run and Street Dance at TJ’s Poorhouse in Exira which is always a blast, on September 21st in Kirkman at the Beer Barn is the “Ride for the TaTas”, and to start off October we have the Battle on the Bluff in Dubuque. All these events should be a great time to round out the end of the riding season. Look us up when you get there, we will have a drink and shoot the shit with ya! Recently one of our own went down. Richard Murphy AKA Murph was involved in a motorcycle crash and sustained some pretty serious injuries. He is a fighter and is working on healing up, but will be a long road to recovery. You will not see him out and about delivering magazines or at events for awhile, but wants everyone to know that he is still here and getting stronger. Please keep him and Annette in your thoughts and prayers. Everyone ride safe, enjoy the awesome September riding, and spend time with those you love. Vernon Quote of the month: “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” Ursula K. LeGuin Also keep our fallen brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers: As a biker, we are unique. The open road is what we seek. The camaraderie of our brothers, our friends. Knowing they’ll be there ‘till the very end. But when we take that final ride. There’ll be another by our side. And one thing I know for a fact, God will also have my back. For it’s in him now, we place our trust. For this road we travel is a must. So as we reach this road trips end, know in your heart we’ll meet again. Someday soon the thunder will roll. As we ride down those streets of gold. With wind in our face, we’re free at last. The troubles here are now all past. And with brothers there, we’ll meet again. And ride for eternity. Peace in the wind.
One of the last reasons I enjoy September, and the end of August, is the end of the season rallies that are going on. The cooler temperatures at night make for great camping, and I plan on hitting both the fall Conesville TITS event, and the Midway Tavern’s Soldier Valley Run. Both parties are a blast, with lots of fun stuff to see, do, and enjoy, as well as hosted by some incredible people. Possum with Circle of Pride and Hairball at the Midway sure know how to welcome in the bikers of the Midwest. Check out these events, and also at Conesville is another hot rod party September 20-21st. If you like old cars and bikes, rockabilly music, and a retro feel in a party, www.thunderroadsiowa.com 4 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
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Most of us are too young to personally remember the fierce competition, especially in the racing world, between Indian and Harley-Davidson decades ago. Although Indian originally shut down in 1953, in recent years, the company has made a comeback; but it has shown to be an uphill battle. So many people assumed the name-sake had seen its last hurrah. That was until nearly 2 ½ years ago, when Iowa based Polaris Industries announced their purchase of the then North Carolina based Indian Motorcycles, and immediately announced plans to move operations to Iowa, with a totally new bike to roll out of its Spirit Lake, Iowa facility within a couple years.
w fenced off for the was c curious public, anxiously a aiting the unveiling aw o a new era. For dieof h hard admirers of fulls skirted fenders, such as m myself, the anticipation w nearly unbearable, was a live music got things as s started. All be it great t tunes, for some of us, it w worse than making a was k sit in front of the tree kid o Christmas morning, on without touching a single present! But in all, the music, lights, big screen LED’s, and the thousands of lighted red, white, and blue wristbands that were handed out to the masses created an energy that I’ve never felt in my 19 years at the rally! Finally, Polaris V.P. Steve Menneto took the microphone for some final words, before the big
Born In Iowa
Jump ahead to Daytona this past March, where Indian unveiled the new Thunderstroke 111 c.i. engine, with the classic Flathead finned down spout exhaust look of yesteryear. It was then announced that the new Indian Chief would be revealed in downtown Sturgis at the annual motorcycle rally this August. Meanwhile, Indian started a new advertising campaign with the slogan, “Choice is coming to American motorcycles,” raising the suspicions that they were ready to respark their historic rivalry with that Milwaukee based manufacturer! On the evening of August 3rd, downtown Sturgis was blocked to motorcycle traffic as usual, but the 900 block of Main Street, right in front of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
screens paid homage to Indian’s rich r history h (which ( helped h to t start the t Sturgis S rally r I might m add) a and a the design of the new Indian I Chief. Once the movies m stopped, and the smoke s cleared, 3 new Chiefs C were unveiled on the t roof of the museum, s showcasing the 3 new m models, including the C Classic: a bare bones b beauty. The Vintage: a more classic style w leather seat and with s saddlebags. And the Chieftain: which for the first t time in Indian history, offers a full fairing, with p power adjustable windshield, Bluetooth technology, a hard saddlebags. and A the crowd cleared later in the evening, folks took As turns t getting an up-close view of the new stallions that t various celebrities rode in for the party. Immediately I following the unveiling, more Chiefs were w seen being unloaded at the Indian display on Lazelle L Street, where they could be seen up close all a week. Additionally, other events took place later i the week, including Indian night at the Buffalo in
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Chip campground, and 70 new Chiefs were available for demo rides all week. My schedule didn’t allow for a demo myself, but I did get a chance to throw a leg over one and take it off the kickstand. I’ve ridden many bikes from full baggers and hard-core choppers, to crotch rockets and café racers, and I have to say this new Chief is probably the most perfectly balanced bike I’ve ever sat on! In comparison, the seat height and handlebar placement closely resemble that of a Heritage Softail Classic, but once off the stand, feels a lot lighter. Which is surprising, considering the new Chief packs a few more pounds than the aforementioned Softail. Needless to say, my next new bike purchase will definitely be rolling off the Spirit Lake assembly line here in Iowa. New Indian dealers are popping up now that the tribe is back in town, so do yourself a favor and check them out for yourself! Nate Ullrich www. Lyfebehindbars. com
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CMA Notes
we look around at a universe where everything is custom we can’t seem to figure out that the universe itself has come from a talented builder? Fingerprints. Stars. Snowflakes. Even unique DNA for each identical twin. And the more Most of the big bike bashes of the we look and learn, the more questions we have. Scientists year are over now, but if you made have recently discovered that everything we can see in our it to any of them you were sure universe only accounts for 4% of its mass. What composes to see a number of custom bikes the other 96% of the universe? The Bible makes it clear in – and maybe you even got to rub the very first verse – Genesis 1:1 – who the builder of the shoulders with some of the builders. original universe was. “In the beginning God created the I know that you guys are interested heavens and the earth.” Even in this broken version of our in the size of the motor and the world we can see a faded copy of what God intended. hidden wiring and the rake of the front end, but let me be honest for So why do people claim they don’t believe in God? It pretty just a minute: most of the time the much boils down to two reasons: pride or pain. Pride, bikes I enjoy are the ones that are finished as theme bikes because if a person acknowledges that there is a God who where the longer you look, the more you notice related exists and who created him, then he must also acknowledge details that you didn’t see at first glance. You know the that this God has some right and rule over his life. Pain, kind I’m talking about - the bike that catches your eye by because a person has suffered tragedy in this broken world using a real saddle for the seat, after which you notice the and he can’t reconcile within himself why a supposedly converted shell casings used for valve stem caps, and then loving God didn’t prevent the damage. see that the highway “pegs” are real stirrups that the builder welded on, etc. Oddly enough, the cure for both problems is the same: repent for trying to be the one in control. God tells us that Once a bike has your attention, you begin to wonder who His thoughts are not our thoughts, and neither are our ways the builder is and if he has other bikes you can scope His ways. His intention is for us to be brought back into a out. Most of the big rallies have display areas with each right relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ. builder’s bikes grouped in the same area. Just look for the Won’t you make peace with the Creator of heaven and big sign with your favorite builder’s name on it and head earth? on over. Often you find similarities in the bikes built by the same builder because the builder can’t help but let some Blessings – Karla of his personality come through. Most of us could quickly ID an Arlen Ness bike or an Indian Larry bike before they Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian became so popular that everyone began to copy them. Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org If we can figure out that a steady stream of awesome bikes must have come from a talented builder, why is it that when
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Biker Friendly Directory Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com
Beaver Hut Pub Happiness is a Wet Beaver 307 East 7th Logan, Iowa 51546 712-644-6100
Harley-Davidson of Mason City 706 South Federal Avenue Mason City, Iowa 50401 WWW.HARLEYOFMC.COM 800.205.7082
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
Biker Accessories
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
www.backroadsbikerleathershoppe.com
CoolBikerStuff.com 1224 Celebrity Drive Marcus, Iowa 51035 Mention TRMI at Events for a Free Gift
Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.com
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsales.com
Dealers
Entertainment
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30
Big Barn Harley Davidson I-80 Exit 135 Des Moines, Iowa 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.com
National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Ossy’s Show Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9102
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Food and Drink
Find us at a Dealer, Event or Order Online
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C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
www.hunterdetail.com or 712-882-4243
Your amazing Complete Detail Cleaner.
Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
Werner Cycle Works 14410 Frontier Road Exit 440 I-80 Omaha, NE 68138 402-894-3050 www.wernercycleworks.com¬
Hunter Detail Home of Hunter’s Bug Kutter
Booneville Bar&Grill Waveland West Café 35653 Ute Ave Booneville, Iowa 50038 575-987-2237
Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417
Doyle’s Place 403 East Street Shelby, Iowa 51570 712-207-2150 Mon-Sat Open 3 PM Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 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 Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226
Chocolatierie Stam-Dubuque 269 Main Street Dubuque, Iowa 52004 www.stamchocolate.com 563-690-4320
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.
Dew Drop Inn Bar & Restaurant 109 Main Street McClelland, Iowa 51503 712-566-9360 Mon-Sat 11:30-Close
(above the BBQ Shack) 203 Main St. Lohrville. Iowa 51439 Open M-S 4pm-close. Sunday 12pm-close (712)-465-3278
Dexfield Diner & Pub 904 1st Street Redfield, IA. 50233 515-833-2927 www.dexfielddinerandpub.com
B & M Bar and Grill 110 W. Main Street Panora, IA. 50216 641-755-2806 Open Daily @ 11:00 am
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Dirty Ernies 201 1st Street NE Farley, Iowa 563-744-4653 Ride your Harley to Farley! Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close Double R Bar and Grill Quick Ricks Rib Joint 209 East Erie (Highway 30) Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-600-6441
Hazard County LoungeIowa’s Premier Night Club
Homers Bar & Grill 207 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-9979 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311 KC’s Tavern 120 North Main Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 641-369-2017 KC’s Tavern on Facebook
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Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM Lamp-Liter 143 South Grove Street Walcott, Iowa 52773 563-284-4061 Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620 Master Griller/The Field House 142 S Chestnut Earlham, Iowa 50072 Mastergriller.com 515-782-5850 Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Millerton Café 10 Miles S of Chariton Hiway 14, 1 Mile East J22
Millerton, Iowa Tues-Sat 630am-8pm Sunday 630am-3pm 641-897-3536 Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Off Sides Pizza 1119 Thomas Street Redfield, Iowa 50233 515-833-2900 Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook! Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPiranha Club 1215 Plaza Drive Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-9184 Piranha Club on Facebook 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
The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
Third and Main 301 Main Street Manning, IA 51455 712-655-2304/712-210-2304 www.thirdandmainmanning.com facebook.com/thirdandmain
Rendezvous Lounge 909 Main Street Adel, Iowa 50003 Just West of the Courthouse 515-993-4422 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
T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
Slaby’s Bar & Grill 6020 New Liberty Road Plainview, Iowa 52773 563-843-3443 Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226 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 Middle of Nowhere 112 Main Street Cumberland, Iowa 50843 712-774-5425 The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601
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Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Photo and Art JW Custom Artwork 610 Grove Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-577-5264 Jwagoner13@gmail.com
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Where You Can Grab a Rack, And Not Get Slapped! Venture Inn Blencoe, Iowa 712-452-2205
Shenanigans Nightclub/Event Center
1805 Maime Eisenhower Ave Boone, Iowa 50036 515-298-0435 www.partyatshenanigans1.com
Sandra Grace Health Care Team 2884 AAA Court, Bettendorf, IA (563) 343-5344 sandragracehealthcareteam.com Massage, Hypnosis, Reiki & more Will travel to your event or office
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com
Healthcare/Wellness
Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery 350 Commercial Drive Walford, Iowa 52351 319-846-4476 Open 7 Days a Week 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
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com Joe Karsten-Authorized Dealer Cornwell Tools 329 West Street Manning, Iowa 51455 712-310-0765 mobile
Guns and Ammo
Larsen Equipment Aaron Larsen PO Box 126 Kimballton, IA 51543 712-310-1762
Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com
Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403
Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net
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Shops and Fabricators Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
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Continued Shops and Fabricators Continued Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231 Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353 Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Specializing in Motorcycle Seats 1313 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-276-4392 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org
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Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com Moser’s 4-Way Service Center Motorcycles.ATVs.Jet Skis Harley-Davidson Certified Luxemburg, Iowa 563-853-3390 Moser4way@iowatelecom.net Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
Greenridge Steam & Gas Engine Antique Show
Top Gun Customs 607 South Main Street Garnavillo, Iowa 52049 563-964-9899 Top Gun Customs on FB
September 21-22 Irwin, Iowa
Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541
Featuring Rare Antique Motorcycle Collection
$5 admission good for BOTH days! Children under 8 FREE. Camping & Handicap Parking available Directions: from Irwin, IA. 1 mile South, 1 mile West, 1½ miles South
Tattoo All Pro Custom Tattoo 1007 E Kimberly Davenport, Iowa 563-323-5765
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
Crave Tattoo 201 S 12th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 51501 515-576-8289 FB Crave Tattoo, Inc.
To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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The control lay out is somewhat simple when you think about it. Two Kawasaki Master Cylinders replaced the stock levers. Front brake on the right, rear brakes on the left. By Carl Schaffner The clutch is a rather ingenious EFM Auto clutch which for simplicity of this article operates like a giant chainsaw No! After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and a clutch. To shift, the foot lever was replaced with a Jockey benign brain tumor that’s about all I’ve heard from doctors. Shift from Marty’s Fabrication. The only other refinements No to activities, no to exerting myself so basically NO to were sticking an automotive 175/60-16R tire on the rear live life! Well frankly, living more to the free spirit of biking rim and adding a steering stabilizer, as sidecars tend to have than what medical forms proclaim, I decided to build a fully acceleration wobbles. Going “Darkside” for a sidecar is the accessible handicapped friendly motorcycle rig. only way to roll. I put 1,000 miles on my rig in the first two weeks. What Information on how to make this happen was nonexistent a blast it was to see the world from a new perspective. save for a couple YouTube videos. I was on my own. My Tweaking the “Math” as I fine tune my “hack” is still going build criteria therefore had to be simple. It had to be all on but for all those that have been told that their health is hand controls, no lights or safety devises could be covered their prison, I invite you to dream big and apply a bit of and it would have to be useable without assistance. I garage engineering. Grease stains might not be permanent considered trikes, reverse trikes bolt on outriggers but none but memories are. Get out and ride! seemed to quite fit the idea of what I was looking for. Sure it had to be function first and foremost but it also had to be me. This is when I became intrigued with sidecars. While sidecars are for a special breed they do offer many advantages. They are stable and legal in all 50 states, have multiple mounting options and many come with enough steel to weld on. I was sold on the idea. Turning to Vern of Vern’s Cycles as my guide and mentor I purchased a new zero miles 2008 Yamaha Road Star 1700 as my “victim”. Not knowing if I’d have to modify the motorcycles frame I opted for the long wheel base and aggressive rake of the Road Star which proved to be a very wise choice. Next was finding or building the sidecar that would make this happen. Sadly many sidecar dealers prefer to mount only to Harley’s which is fair but I’d be dang if I was going to chop up a Harley as I experimented. This is when eBay became my pal. I did more sidecar research on eBay than anywhere else. Looking at what was for sale then researching each model I quickly narrowed my search. My sidecar was to be a vintage Vetter Terraplane. Designing a wheelchair rack to fit the sidecar turned out to be the easy part. My “Farm Fresh” 70’s gem wasn’t as clean and complete as advertised. Many a long night went into locating parts using only Internet photos as a guide. When I finally had a good selection of parts on hand the restoration went into full swing. Scooting on the garage floor for months popping dozens of rivets and then teaching myself the fine art of fiberglass repair wore out as many jeans as it did my patience. After 9 months of repair, paint & fabrication I was ready to ride.
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Not everyone goes to Sturgis, and in Iowa, the first couple of weekends in August, there is not a lot going on in the biker world. The first weekend in August though is the Across the Border Raid in Bedford, so if you are looking for something to do, this is the place to be. Bikers from all over the Midwest, and hell, even as far away as Florida show up to party down. This party has been going strong and growing for the past six years, and their tagline is “We Rally to Give”. You see, proceeds from the rally are
given back to the community around Bedford and the community loves the support and welcomes the bikers into town with open arms. What is there to do at a rally at the county fairgrounds? Well let’s see, you have a poker run, rodeo games, vibrator races, homemade bikini contests, wet t-shirt contests, bands, plenty of beer to go around, a parade ride around town, bike wash, and this year even had a hypnotist. This dude was the life of the party for part of Friday and Saturday night, all at the sleepy victims’ expense! If laughs were worth a nickel, we would all be rich! The stage was also used
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by some of the best local and regional bands that can be had. Live music always seems to be the way to go, and the folks at ABR make sure the bands are top notch. Southern Iowa offers some very scenic riding, rolling hills, green as far as you can see, some different lakes and state and county parks within a short distance from Bedford, and plenty of places to stop and grab a cold one. If you fancy a trip to another state, the Missouri border is not very far away. You can even run down to State Line Cycle, just over the border and get a deal on some
parts, alcohol, or tobacco if you need some at the best prices around. Ride around the area and visit some of the small towns and see what southern Iowa hospitality is all about. You won’t be disappointed. y 31st-August g 2, 2014 or check the website at Check it out July www.acrosstheborderraid.com Vernon
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 59 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. Hamilton County Iowa
Leaving Williams you can see interstate 35, which travels north to south along the eastern side of the county. Parallel, just to the west of I-35, you will find county Road R-61. This is a nice easy road to travel with a few curves. It doesn’t appear to be heavily traveled and will take you through a few small towns.
Hamilton County proved to be feast or famine. Some people in the community truly did not appreciate the hidden gems that surround them. But if you give them a second chance, and stumble on the right people, you discover this county has some unique and interesting things going on!
If you come up from the south central part of the county on State Highway 17, you come to Stanhope. It does not look like much at first glance, but Trent and Katt Flockhart, at Flocky’s Pub, are the real deal when it comes to Iowa hospitality. The self proclaimed “dive bar,” is anything but. Hamilton County is in the central part of the state and They boast the “Mother Flocker Food Challenge.” Being named n after unsuccessful earns you a spot as a “Mother Flockin Failure” William W H. and success will put you on the “Mother Flocker” Wall of Hamilton, H Fame. If that is not enough take the “69 Beer Challenge.” a former Don’t forget to ask for “A Larry.” Trent would be proud to President P tell you all about that one while you are there. of o the Iowa I State As you head north out of Stanhope, go east on D-56, then Senate. S shoot north on R-38 which takes you into Kamrar. Pickles Although A is right in the center of town and is the eating establishment the th th that came the most highly recommended. If you stop in, population p you can’t go wrong with the ultimate pizza. I didn’t think has h sauerkraut and pineapple would be declined d in a yummy combination, but that, the tth h last few mixed with other toppings, totally years they are a welcoming friendly lot…for the most part. worked. On my first attempt at exploring Hamilton County, I came I then headed northwest out of into the northeast corner and found myself in Williams. Kamrar toward Webster City on Some people said there was nothing there. As I was leaving D-41. This again hooked up to town, I saw a sign that I couldn’t help but check out. It State Highway 17. Right before turned out to be the Hemken Collection Auto Museum. you come into Webster City, They exhibit mostly unrestored vintage cars including the strangely enough you will find rare 1948 Playboy Retractable Hardtop. Daryl Hemken the McMurry Hatchery which is started this collection and upon his death, his widow, Ann, your “world’s rare bread poultry carries on the collection. There are three floors of shiny headquarters”. You can pick up metal goodness to please the the freshest chicks right here in our eye, absolutely worth the $5 little corner of the state. admission. Ann will appreciate you visiting and she is very Webster City being willing to share the stories the county seat and of all her husband’s largest city in the area joys. If you need some has all your modern refreshment after checking conveniences. On the out the vintage cars just western side of Webster cross the street and to the City, you can hook up with north is an ice cream parlor. R-27, a county road that Thunder Roads Magazine Maaggaaziine M ne of of Io IIowa owa wa on on Facebook Faace F cebo b okk bo www.thunderroadsiowa.com 16 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
I took tto ook ookk ssouth o th ou th oon n a hunt in search of the eastern or Allegheny mound builder ants. Their red heads and the extreme size of their mounds are what differentiate them from other ants. Their mounds can be as tall as three feet high and twelve feet across. I found one, but not quite that big. These ants, not being indigenous, were supposedly brought to the area in the 1800’s in supply crates for the Dragoon Calvary, a lightly armed group who patrolled the area against the “fierce savages.” You can follow the Dragoon trail but there is is a lot of gravel so it might not be the best road m to to take on the bike. This T county showed me that th if the first person th you y talk to doesn’t have anything nice to say, the a next n people might be a farm family pulling out f of o their hay field who ride horses and were actually h able a to direct me to the fascinating ant mounds, f or o the waitress who was a single mom holding down s the tthh fort, willing and ready to to giggle and share some fun fu stories about her home fu county. c The important thing is don’t be afraid to ask questions. You might just meet some fantastic people. Next month takes us to Hancock County which is nowhere near Hancock Iowa the town…so confusing ;) Sources Available Upon Request D Ring dring@thunderroadsiowa. com
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Road Ramblings random thoughts of a scooter tramp Motorcycle riders rs in Iowa w are pretty prettyy darn darn lucky; we don’t da have to abide by very many “made for biker” state laws. No helmet law, no eye protection law, no handlebar height law, you don’t really even have to have turn signals. The law says that every bike must have a working taillight, valid registration and proof of insurance. Iowa bikers can carry a passenger of any age as long as the passenger has a seat and foot pegs. Newer bikes must have daytime headlights, every bike must have at least 1 mirror but the rider gets to choose where they want it. I’m sure there are more laws that I haven’t mentioned but these are a few of my favorites.
The code of ethics on waving does NOT include waving at cage drivers, especially if they are waving one hand out the window. If driving a cage makes a guy happy enough to wave out the window, you know he is driving with his knees, because the other hand is on the back of the old ladies head.
Then there is the unwritten law about riding someone else’s bike. Don’t even ask! The code of ethics indicates that asking someone to ride their bike is like asking to sleep with their old lady. If a biker offers to let you ride their machine, consider it a sign of respect, then the choice is yours. Bikers are not offended if the offer is declined; after Then there is a collection of “unwritten laws” about being a all if it is accepted and the bike is returned damaged there biker in Iowa or the “Code of Ethics”. will be hell to pay. Then again, bikers are offended if the offer to ride the old lady is declined and there will be hell When thinking about the “Code of Ethics” the first thing to pay for that too. that comes to mind is nicknames. They are earned like a rite of passage. Some nicknames come with a good story Of course there are exceptions to the code of ethics about about how it was earned, but the story seldom gets repeated riding someone else’s bike without asking. If your good in a truthful manner. Since the brotherhood of being a biker buddy is helping turn the wrenches, he will be respectful includes being willing to do a life sentence for a friend. and ask permission to test drive the bike. If you’re paying a Once a nickname is earned you are stuck with it for life, mechanic to turn wrenches, he doesn’t need permission to even if you don’t like the name. So if you’re a big hairy ride the bike but with permission he can ride the old lady to guy covered in tats and riding a beautiful kick ass machine, pay off the bill. you somehow find a way to live with a name like “Panties”. Then there is the unwritten law about a busted down biker The code of ethics also includes the bike to bike wave. on the side of the road. Bikers go above and beyond for Bikers wave at other bikers, it is that simple! There are other bikers in distress. Whether they need a wrench, a zip many different varieties of the biker wave but regardless tie, parts, an overhaul or just a place to crash for the night, how it is done; waving at everyone you met simply because there is no such thing as a stranger when a fellow biker is they are riding a two wheeler is a personality disorder in distress. If you offer aide to a biker in need, just don’t specific to the biking community. Think about it, have ask why, when he offers a hand shake and says “they call you ever seen a cage driver waving at every cage driver me Panties”. they met on the road? If the cage driving code of ethics included a wave, there would probably be a lot less road On a more serious note, there is a code of ethics regarding rage and a lot more people than just bikers with personality biker down. Every biker knows the possible consequences disorders. of their choice to ride. Each time they leave home, they put their life in the fate of the iron horse. Many times riders Many bikers won’t wave at anything but other bikers. The return home safely, but sometimes they don’t. Many bikers code of ethics on waving should include waving at all kids have been down and live to talk to about their choice to standing along side the road, especially if the kid waves ride, but others don’t. When the word gets out about a first! Even though most bikers are good role models, there biker down, it might be a biker you know or a biker you always seems to be a battle to get non-riders to look up to have not yet met. You may know the real story about how them. Kids come into this world with a non-judgmental the biker nickname became a life sentence or it may be a innocence which gives them the ability to look up to bikers. biker that you have shared nothing with, but a wave. In the So it should be a biker’s civic duty to return a wave to all “unwritten law” or the “Code of Ethics”, a biker down is kids besides that it is an excellent opportunity to warp the a fellow rider, a brother and family member to the entire young minds of tomorrow’s leaders. riding community. The biker code of ethics on waving should also include waving at every grey haired old lady that waves first, especially if she is wearing a dress. That wrinkly old gal has dreamed of hiking up her dress to mount and straddle a bike all of her life. Her life is coming to an end and if she dreams of hiking up her dress for me, the least I can do is satisfy her with a little finger action. 18 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
Shifty LaRue
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MILITARY RIDERS
This month’s Military Rider is Kerry Lindstrom. He is a 62 year old Air Force Vietnam Veteran who joined in 1969 after graduation. His schooling was in Texas, and then was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He was in the Air for seven years as an air frame/power plant technician. He states, “that would be prop airplanes, we screwed our way around the world, versus the jet jocks that sucked and blew”. He spent a year in Vietnam from 1972-1973 in the Central High Lands working and flying on aircraft that he states were much older than himself at the time. After Vietnam he was sent to England AFB in Alexandria Louisiana. In 1975 he was transferred back to Offutt, and has been in the area ever since.
chopper fashioned from the year he graduated 1969. It is an Easy Rider Captain America replica hard tail, built in 1999 by California Motor Cycle which was commissioned by Peter Fonda to make 500 Captains and 500 Billy bikes. CMC was bought by Indian shortly thereafter and less than a hundred were produced. This bike has carried him around Lake Michigan, Sturgis twice, and many other awesome rides. ”Believe me at the young age of 62, 500 miles in one day on a hard tail will drive you to drink!” Kerry states.
His latest project started when he found a 1968 Harley Sprint 250SS that had sat outside for the last 40 years without a cylinder head on it. ”I paid the Although he lives in Omaha, Nebraska, he has guy $40 for it and it has taken me a better part of a strong ties to Iowa. He was married to an Iowa girl year to restore it.” This bike has been restored for in Defiance, Iowa in 1970, Suzanne Graeve. He still the purpose of breaking the land speed record in helps out his brothers in law Tim and Dave with the Bonneville this August. (He will be racing at the time fall harvest around the Defiance area. this is going to print. Look up the Salt Flats Speed Week to check results) He will be racing in the His motorcycle history is one of many bikes, many modified pushrod fuel class. That means he was able miles, and many stories. Chat with this cat for a to take the lighting equipment off, install a solo seat, few minutes and you will realize that he has lived a straight handle bars, straight pipe for exhaust and century in his 62 years. He states he simply cannot run any type fuel. The record as of 2003 is 79.1 mph remember a time in his life when he did not have on a 3 mile course. He took the Red Rocket out for a something with two wheels and a motor. His first big test run on Father’s Day and was clocked at 82mph. bike at the age of sixteen was a Triumph 250 Tiger When he got back to his garage he remembered that Cub. He had to pimp it out a hadn’t checked the tire pressures little and cut the mufflers off and for some time. When he checked add some apes. While stationed the front it had only 12lbs and in Louisiana, he purchased a the rear 25lbs. With correct tire 1946 Harley trike for $400 and pressures and racing fuel the tried to ride the bike to work record should be possible. “If you on the base and was turned ever want to try to break a speed away at the gate, they told him record at Bonneville, I know from it didn’t fit the Air Force image. experience that it’s not cheap and While in Louisiana he also it takes a lot of help from friends purchased a 250 Honda XL and and family to get it done.” raced moto cross for a year. In the rest of his spare time, Kerry Besides riding, Kerry has a passion for restoring old neglected bikes that haven’t see the road in decades. Most of the bikes he has restored have been his own. He has tackled everything from flat heads to shovelhead Harleys, even a 1951 Cushman scooter with service car. His current ride is a 22 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
helps Veterans, and is the Commander of the VFW Post 3421 in North Omaha. If you see Kerry out and about on his Captain America Chopper, wave and if you have the chance, shake his hand and thank him for his service. Race Safe! Vernon
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Model: Claire Corrow Bike: Marty Pringle’s 1960 FLH Panhead Built by Marty and Randy Hoover
Patriot Day P
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Labor Day
L is everywhere; it seems to Loss bbe sprinkled throughout our lilives, from childhood into old aage. Some losses we shrugged off without much
would do scholarship awards each year, when we realized how big the event was, we knew we could do so much more with community donations, the community supports us and we pay it forward.” The year Brooke was to graduate, all of her classmates will get scholarships from this fund.
th thought or acknowledgement, others we manage, nnavigate, and quickly set aside, but others are so bbig we cannot ignore them. They lay us on the floor with sorrow, and the grieving process takes hhold of us completely.
The community was very open to outsiders and showed that Iowa small town spirit that I have grown to love. See you next year at the seventh Annual Brooke Barber Memorial Run.
I have been away from the typewriter for a long ti time but recently I was on a run that touched m my heart, and would like to share it with you. So ppull up a chair, grab a drink, and do not forget a ti tissue or two and let me tell you a story.
tt
It begins with a family that loved to ride to together. On August 25th, 2007 two of the kids, B Brooke and Braydon went with their parents D and Christie and set out for a small ride Dan w friends. Christie has said that she thought with th Brooke’s love for the ride and open air was that ev more than hers; let me tell you this had to be even a great amount because I know Christie’s love off the road. For this ride, Brooke was on the b of Christie’s bike. When they came upon back a water-covered road just north of Grand River, C Christie states, “Brooke and I were the last bike, w I saw the water I over executed my scan, when ev evaluate, execute and lost control. My kickstand h a dimple in the road and my bike flipped. I hit re reached back to pull Brooke with me and never m contact with her. When I came to my made k knees, the horror hit me. I knew how awful my m mistake was. We had an EMT riding with us, T did everything she could to revive Brooke, Tash k knowing it was too late. Our older daughter, C Casey, met us at the hospital; we made the d decision to donate Brooke’s organs. She was the m giving ten year old you could have met.” most C Christie continues, “This town, Mt Ayr, was at ou side before we made it home, at the site, and our a the hospital which was twenty-five miles from at h home, and they never left our side. They believed in us and did not judge us. I judge myself enough, th community support and confirmation that the ‘a ‘accident’ is in the dictionary for a reason, that’s si simply what it is, uncontrollable, unplanned; th faith amazes me.” their S Since this terrible day, the family wanted to do so something in Brookes name and to give back to the community of Mt. Ayr. They started the B ‘Brooke Barber Memorial Run.’ This year was the si annual ride. The apparel sales have grown sixth ffr a couple hundred items to 1,200 this year, from a still sold out. The number of registrations and ffo the original run was 35, with this year for re reaching almost 300. Proceeds from the run will b split between the Aquatic Center Fundraising be C Committee and the Ringgold County Fairgrounds. C Christie tells me “in the beginning we knew we 26 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
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Route 169 Burger Cafe 118 Nile Kinnick Drive Adel, IA 50003 515-478-1020
will ride to eat
ers (DUH, why else would they call it a burger cafe?), smoked meat sandwiches, mexican, and even pizza (seems to be a theme for this building!) On this particular night Lynnette opted to have the Nacho Grande. If this plate of nachos played baseball it would be on Cruising around a 4 season suspension for the use of performance on a Friday night, hunger sets in... who enhancing drugs!!!! This thing is HUGE!! (even by my would have thought standards!) If you order this make sure and keep your fork close, you’re going to need it. This platter (that’s it would be so hard to get something to right, I said platter not plate) of nachos is piled high! They start with a base of homemade tortilla chips, then eat???? The first pile high the taco meat, cheese, jalepenos, and black place we stop... olives. Add sour cream and salsa, available by request sign on the door and you’ve got nachos fit for a king! If you like nachos reads, “Closed for you will not be disappointed ordering this. I went for Vacation, Open again on Monday.” the brisket sandwich (I’m I’m not waiting that long for food!!!! sure you’re all shocked!). Second place we stop... go in, get Normally I would be telling seated, wait.... finally get a drink you about how tender their order placed, wait... finally get our meat is and how it comes drinks, wait... I’m sure this service on the hoagie bun slathisn’t normal but I feel like I would ered in BBQ sauce. This have gotten served faster at the first is all true with one excepplace!!!!! Well, this isn’t working out tion... the sandwich comes so well and hunger is REALLY startwith no sauce... wait... ing to set in! We’re in the Adel area, what... no sauce? Yes, sort of, let’s go there and see if we folks you heard (or read can wrestle up some grub. Heading as the case may be) me into town we meet a passel of law right, no sauce. A selecenforcement officers heading sometion of homemade sauces where in a bit of a hurry. I guess at is provided for you on the table so you can experiment least the doughnut shops won’t be busy! (OK, OK, it’s a joke... I love law enforcement... really!!!! Shoot, I on your own to see which your favorite is. I won’t tell used to be one of them in a former life!) A quick cruise you which one was my favorite, I’ll let you guess. (A hint: I had to keep wiping my brow!) The meat is some around the square yields nothing interesting, but, as of the most tender smoked brisket I’ve had in quite a I roll to a stop back at the highway I notice a TexMex while. If you happen to be someone who prefers to eat sign yelling at me from across the street. “Didn’t that their BBQ sans sauce, then you won’t be disappointed use to be a pizza place?” I inquire of Lynnette which here. The flavor of the meat plain is awesome! she confirms. Well it certainly isn’t a pizza place anymore, now it’s Route 169 Burger Cafe! Both the name and the advertising in the window have my attention... it’s time to go check it out! Before we left, we spoke with the owner. He is thinking of starting a bike night in the future so keep your eyes open for that. Check out their entire menu on their The food website route169burgercafe.com. I came away full and you will too. But don’t just take my word for it, check it here out for yourselves!!! is both diverse and spectacular! The Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! menu Craig Little runs the gamut; craig@thunderroadsiowa.com salads, sandPS If you have someplace you think we should check wiches, out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email. burg-
11 AM to 9 PM Daily
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Sue Weinberg S W i b Hills 2012 Sportster 883 Low
Margy W M Watson Altoona 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
Kimberly Foster Ankeny 2010 Harley Davidson Road King
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Wikipedia states “A First Lady is an unofficial title used in the USA and other republics for the wife of the president”. Unofficial? Yes, that’s about right, that’s me, I’m a First Lady. My name is Chris McCormick and my husband is the equivalent of a president, he is the Coordinator of A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education). Actually I had never heard if the former Coordinators wife used that title, but a member asked me how it felt to be the First Lady, and I latched on to that and held it fast! After five years I still feel a lot like Rodney Dangerfield, “I get no respect!” But I have no official duties or reason to deserve any respect either. What I do is accompany my husband occasionally to meetings in or out of state, proofread articles and remind him of appointments. We share ideas and talk about what is going on across the state. He also has three assistants to consult with, as we have about 8,000 members. Sometimes, especially during our 4th of July rally and before, there can be a lot going on across the state.
aim for what seemed to be the only opening to me and let it slide out from under me, without hitting either car or the hydrant. It wasn’t the first fall I had taken, not my first road rash, in fact it was my third. I had dumped Flash twice and have scars to remember it by. The difference between those two and that last one? I was riding alone on Flash. I had no choice but to get back in the saddle, and ride again injured or not. Luckily blood washes off and skin heals over; but there is something that can’t be fixed as easily; confidence. I lost my confidence somewhere out there in that street and have never found it again. Part of this was that I did some damage to my upper thigh and minor damage to the bike, in part, a broken tail light and a bad scrape on the pristine tank. It was enough to bring one of us to tears.
You can’t prepare yourself for being left limping at the side of the road in the care of strangers while your partner wheels his true love home. After awhile I What I don’t do is hobbled home. The fun of wind ride my own bike. in my hair and sun warming I did for awhile. I my skin was replaced with a had a 1942 flathead trike, and a quick little cold chill. The street had been filled with kids, what if I had Harley Sportster I called Flash and then my made the corner only to have lost control when one of them downfall, my husband’s 1979 Lowrider. Or darted across my path. What if I had hit a kid, one of my maybe I should say my fall down. It was kids? My confidence was lost; might I have found it if it had a big bike for me, and I had ridden been on any other bike, maybe? Might I have found it if I it a number of times but was pretty had gotten back on the next day, or if I waited a few weeks nervous because it was his pride and later when my leg had healed, maybe? One thing I do know joy. We were heading out is the wait has been my undoing. It’s been over 15 years. to a big parking lot so I Not getting back on right away is the worst mistake I could could get more practice have made. Never wait! with it, when he turned left out of the alley instead A.B.A.T.E. has Rider Education courses; I took one to learn of right like I anticipated how to ride. Will I take one again someday, maybe? I can and then he turned again say I highly recommend them to everyone learning to ride and headed down our block. or wanting to get a license. They are invaluable. They also The block was full of kids have Returning Rider courses. My husband just took one and somewhere in that and he has been riding for over 40 years. You are never too turn I hit the throttle too old to learn and A.B.A.T.E. is all about education! hard, and the next So that’s my story. I am a former rider in the states largest thing I knew I was motorcycle organization. I’m a has been, a poser as my kids heading between used to call them. I have never felt I fit in anywhere, no two parked matter where I am, and least of all when I am surrounded by cars with a people who have a passion for all that is motorcycle. I think fire hydrant of myself as a wannabe. I want to be more than I am; as a in my path! I person, as a life member of a great group and as it’s First couldn’t find Lady. Sometimes a name reminds us of where we’ve come the brake and I from, and sometimes it reminds us of where we want to go. was tipping too far over. I tried to Christi McCormick
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IOWA Thunder cam
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blast from the past
by David McCoy Bair his to him. Approximately 30 B i and d return t hi things th minutes with the Google search engine was all it took m to come up with some helpful information. Sadly, an obituary dated in 2009 was among the search results. o However, a wife named Shirley was listed as a H ssurvivor. Another Google search found a Shirley Bair in a nearby town. Theresa called this Shirley and told h her the story of finding the items in the glasses case a and that she thought she had found her husband’s d dog tags. “She was very sweet and I offered to bring tthem over the next day.” says Theresa.
F Facebook b k is i a horrible h ibl invention that, sadly, has me addicted. Usually it is filled with goofy pictures, misquoted famous people, political opinions, and people complaining about their life, but enough about my profile… Sometimes you run across a story that just needs to be shared with more people than can be found in a single person’s friends list. What follows is one of those stories. June 8th, 2013, Henry Hauersperger was cleaning out some of his father’s toolboxes and ran across an old, tattered glasses case. Henry took the case inside to his wife, Theresa, where they opened the small treasure chest. The case contained a set of dog tags with the name Archie R Bair, a sterling silver ID bracelet with the name Archie engraved into it and a tattered piece of paper. The paper was very brittle, but Theresa carefully unfolded it and found that it was an order for spectacles from Fort Riley Kansas dated in 1952. Theresa decided that she had to try to find Archie
H Henry and Theresa set out from their home in G Grinnell, Iowa, and made the short trip to Brooklyn. S Shirley met them at the door and invited them in. S Shirley confirmed that, yes, they were Archie’s things. A Archie was in the Air Force and he had passed away almost 4 years ago. Shirley admitted that she misses Archie every day. Shirley told Henry and Theresa about her children. She said that she has a son that is also in the Air Force, currently stationed in Texas. Shirley decided that she wants her son to have his father’s dog tags, but until she could give them to him, she would keep the dog tags and the other items from the glasses case on an end table where she had erected a memorial for Archie. The end table contained pictures, various other items, and the folded flag from his funeral. Shirley said she was amazed that someone would take the time and energy to track her down to return the dog tags. Theresa admitted that it hadn’t taken her very long to find the contact information and said that, “It was just the right thing to do.” Theresa shared this story on her Facebook wall, along with a couple pictures. When I read it, I was compelled to share it with others, but sharing it to my friend’s list just didn’t seem like it was enough, I had to share it with all of you. Henry and Theresa both love Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, so maybe when you see them you can get an autograph on your copy. Theresa you are correct… It was just the right thing to do. I can only imagine the joy you brought to Shirley.
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When the ark’s door was closed, Noah called a meeting with all the animals and said in a demanding voice: “Listen up kids! There will be NO sex on this trip. Not even the wetting of the tip of your penis. All of you males, take off your penises and hand them to Jim the Monkey. He will write you a receipt. After we see land, you can get your penis back.” After about a week, Mr. Rabbit ran over to his wife and very excitedly said, “Quick! Get on my shoulders and look out the window to see if there is any land out there!” Mrs. Rabbit got onto his shoulders, looked out the window and said, “Sorry, no land yet.” “Shit!” shouted Mr. Rabbit and out he went. This went on every day until Mrs. Rabbit got fed up with him. “What is the matter with you? You know it will rain for forty days and nights. Only after the water had drained will we be able to see land. But why are you acting so excited every day?” “Look!” said Mr. Rabbit with an impatient look on his face as he held out a piece of paper. “I GOT THE DONKEY’S RECEIPT!”
Bob joins a very exclusive nudist colony. On his first day a gorgeous petite blonde walks by him and he immediately gets an erection. The woman notices his erection, comes over to him grinning sweetly and says: ‘’Sir, did you call for me?’’ Bob replies ‘’No, what do you mean?’’ She says: ‘’You must be new here; let me explain. It’s a rule here that if I give you an erection, it implies you called for me.’’ Smiling, she then leads him to the side of the pool, lays down on a towel, eagerly pulls him to her and happily lets him have his way with her. Bob continues exploring the facilities. He enters a sauna, sits down, and farts. Within a few moments a huge, horribly corpulent, hairy man with a firm erection lumbers out of the steam towards him. The Huge Man says: ‘’Sir, did you call for me?’’ Bob replies ‘’No, what do you mean?’’ ‘’You must be new here, it is a rule that when you fart, it implies you called for me.’’ The huge man then easily spins Bob around, bends him over the bench and has his way with him. Bob rushes back to the colony office. He is greeted by the smiling naked receptionist: ‘’May I help you?’’ Bob says: ‘’Here is your card and key back. You can keep the $500 joining fee.’’ ‘’But Sir, you’ve only been here a couple of hours; you only saw a small fraction of our facilities...’’ Bob replies: ‘’Listen lady, I am 58 years old, I get a hard-on about once a month, but I fart 15 times a day. No thanks!’’
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A husband comes home to find his wife with her suitcases packed in the living room. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he says. “I’m going to Las Vegas. You can earn $400 for a blow job there, and I figured that I might as well earn money for what I do to you free.”The husband thinks for a moment, goes upstairs, and comes back down, with his suitcase packed as well. “Where do you think you going?” the wife asks. “I’m coming with you...I want to see how you survive on $800 a year!!!” A man was having premature ejaculation problems so he went to the doctor. The doctor said, “When you feel like you are getting ready to ejaculate, try startling yourself.” That same day the man went to the store and bought himself a starter pistol and ran home to his wife. That night the two were having sex and found themselves in the 69 position. The man felt the urge to ejaculate and fired the starter pistol. The next day he went back to the doctor who asked how it went. The man answered, “Not well. When I fired the pistol, my wife pooped on my face, bit three inches off my penis, and my neighbor came out of the closet with his hands in the air.” A lawyer married a woman who had previously divorced 10 husbands. On their wedding night, she told her new husband, “Please be gentle, I’m still a virgin.” “What?” said the puzzled groom. “How can that be if you’ve been married 10 times?” “Well, Husband #1 was a sales representative. He kept telling me how great it was going to be. Husband #2 was in software services. He was never really sure how it was supposed to function, but he said he’d look into it and get back to me. Husband #3 was from field services. He said everything checked out diagnostically, but he just couldn’t get the system up. Husband #4 was in telemarketing. Even though he knew he had the order, he didn’t know when he would be able to deliver. Husband #5 was an engineer. He understood the basic process, but wanted three years to research, implement, and design a new state-of-the-art method. Husband #6 was from finance and administration. He thought he knew how, but he wasn’t sure whether it was his job or not. Husband #7 was in marketing. Although he had a nice product, he was never sure how to position it. Husband #8 was a psychologist. All he ever did was talk about it. Husband #9 was a gynecologist. All he did was look at it. Husband #10 was a stamp collector. All he ever did was... God! I miss him! But now that I’ve married you, I’m really excited!” “Good,” said the new husband, “but, why?” “You’re a lawyer. This time I know I’m going to get screwed!”
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C.O.I.R. Report
Coalition of Independent Riders
other cage drivers and we may even save the life of some kid that gets hit because some dope was typing up a text.
4) We as bikers bury a lot of our friends every year due to drunk driving. It is all of our responsibility to look out for each other and remind our friends that they may have “had too much!” isn’t better to have them mad at us for a day or two, then have While thinking about what to write for this month’s them get busted for drunk driving or worse yet, C.O.I.R (Coalition of Independent Riders) report, it have to go to their funeral? occurred to me that I’ve got a lot of random thoughts that I’d like to share. 5) I enjoy the sound of a finely tuned V8 or V-twin as much as anybody, however, I 1) The Iowa state flag contains do understand that there are the motto “Our liberties other folks who don’t enjoy we prize, and our rights we having their relaxation time shall maintain”. To me this interrupted by somebody means that as Iowans, it is else’s “noise”. We owe it to our our duty to leave this land neighbors and fellow citizens at least as free as we’ve to be respectful of others, we found it and not let any certainly don’t want anymore well-meaning people or “loud pipes” laws. If we don’t politicians limit in any way, police ourselves, eventually the C.A.V.E. people the freedoms we enjoy. We don’t choose to give (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) will most up our right to make our own decisions instead certainly create new laws that will limit all our of letting the government tell us what to do. We freedoms. owe it to our children and grandchildren.
Random Brain Droppings
2) My last motorcycle was a 06 FLHX. It was black and loud. What I ride now is a 2011 FLHX in a copper color. It is much quieter, but because of the color it seems like a lot more cage drivers see me now than then. There must be something to what they say about bright colors making it easier for people to notice you when riding. 3) I both hate and like smartphones, I like that I can check the weather and look at the radar on my phone. I like that when I want to I can use it as a G.P.S. to help me find an unfamiliar address. I absolutely hate it when I see people texting or emailing while they are driving. I don’t care how good you think you are, NOBODY can look at two things at once. If it was up to me the state patrol would offer motorcycle operators the opportunity to write citations for distracted driving to anyone we see violating the state law on distracted driving. After all, we’re far more vulnerable than
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To Summarize: The freedom and liberty we enjoy comes with responsibility. Being a free citizen is most definitely a double-edged sword. While we enjoy the ability to make our own decisions, we must be willing to do what it takes to maintain those freedoms. Once again it comes back to one of my favorite sayings: “You gotta put some in to get some out”. In other words freedom isn’t free. Maintaining our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms require constant vigilance and effort. I invite your comments at: peter@riderpromotions.com Peter A. Sieben Free Foaming Radical
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Tuesday day da y Desperado’s Wheatland Lynch’s Bar Rockwell City Outfield Richland Tallyrand Keota Krazee Kafe Des Moines Missippi Brew Muscatine Chrome Horse Cedar Rapids (2nd Tuesdays) Century Bar Alta Wednesday Do Drop (Under the Water Tower) Jamaica Beer Barn and Grill Kirkman Shenanigans Boone Wild Hogs Walford Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Rusty Duck Dexter Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly OP Clear Lake Cadillac Jack’s Baxter Rides Bar and Grill Fort Dodge BluePort Junction Davenport Shuey’s Shueyville The Pour House Davenport Antlers Pub N Grill Clare Greencastle Tavern Mingo
Friday Avenue of the Saints (2nd Friday) St Charles Thunder Nites Newton-Second Friday May thru September Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Captains Quarters (2nd Friday) Adel Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Woody’s Roadside Tavern Albion last Friday Starr’s Two Wheel Tap Davenport Shipwrecked Saloon Guthrie Center (3rd Friday) Onion Grove Clarence Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset The Buck Snort-Biker Breakfast Sat AM- Neola Rendezvouz Lounge Adel Von Tuck’s/Dave’s Place Oelwein Rumors Mt. Pleasant Cruise Into Madrid (Selected Dates) Sunday Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Scooter Sunday 411 Main Griswold Team 36 Mitchellville Broadway Sports Bar & Grill Des Moines The Bonneville Lounge Danville
Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo The Buck Snort Neola BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo Iron Saddle Saloon Dayton Dexfield Diner & Pub Redfield Throttle Thursdays Dillon Bros HD Omaha (1st Thursdays) Gathering on the Grounds Fairgrounds (Selected Dates) Bronson Bar Bronson Beach House Humboldt Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge Il. Kings Korner Grand Mound Daytonas Des Moines McGrath Cedar Rapids (Last Thursdays) The Wagon Wheel Washington Crossroads Tavern Kelley Brooklyn’s in Ottumwa inside the Bridge City Bowl The Wagon Wheel Washington Crazy Coyote Burlington, (3rd Thursdays) Krazee Kafe Des Moines Crossroads Tavern Kelley (every other) Jesse’s Saloon Silvis, IL Grid Iron Grill Webster City www.thunderroadsiowa.com 44 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2013
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Aug 23-25 9th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 23-24 Big Barn Demo DaysDes Moines Aug 24 Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe Fall Classic Everly Aug 24 AHeinz57’s 5th Ride Your Hawgs for Dogs Run Adel Aug 24 B.A.C.A of Central Iowa Bike Bash 2013 Des Moines Aug 24 Dillon Bros HD 11th Birthday Bash Omaha Aug 24 Big Barn Fall Open House Des Moines Aug 24 2nd Annual Jami Jam Arnolds Park Aug 24 Tom Adams Memorial Fun Run Homers Vail Aug 24 Team Sabrina Benefit Poker Run Emerson Aug 24 Shake, Rattle, & Roll Fundraiser for Parkinson’s Disease Roland Aug 25 Auburn 2nd Annual Show & Shine Auburn Aug 25 6th Annual QC Ride for the Cure Milan, IL Aug 28-31 Circle of Pride Thunder In the Sand Conesville Aug 29-31 Chief Blackhawk 42nd Annual Fall Meet Davenport Aug 31 Vic’s Main Tap 5th Annual Fun Ride Audubon Aug 31 Muscular Dystrophy Benefit Poker Run Madrid Aug 31-Sep 1 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 1 Crazy Carl’s Bloody Mary Run McGregor Sep 1 ABATE D8 Biker Bash Lake Park Sep 6-8 Davis Rally New Hampton Sep 7 Silly String Run East Dubuque Sep 7 Piranha Club Poker Run Carroll Sep 7 Sydney’s Wish Poker Run Des Moines Sep 7 Shane Scroggs Memorial Poker Run & Cook Out Clarinda Sep 7 Ladies Lovin Life Poker Run Montgomery St Pub Creston Sep 8 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sep 8 10th Annual Hogs4dogs-USA Benefit Ride Ottumwa Sep 13-15 Ink & Art Expo Dubuque Sep 13-15 State Line Rally Keosauqua Sep 14 2nd Alzheimer’s Poker Run/BBQ/Street Dance/Rally Exira Sep 14 1st Annual Last Hope Animal Rescue Poker Run Marion Sep 14 Ride to Revive Sutliff Sep 14 Quad City Rollers Poker Run Rock Island, IL Sep 15 Hawkeye HOG chapter Cancer Ride Coralville Sep 18-21 Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville AR Sep 29 RJ Performance Sunday Funday at Eddyville Raceway Sep 20-21 Rumble In The Stalks Conesville Sep 21 6th Cancer Benefit “RIDE FOR THE TA TAS” Kirkman Sep 21 ABATE D15 Leaf Run Davenport Sep 21 Jessica Peine Memorial Ride/Music Festival Muscatine Sep 21 Super Saturday BBQ Route 65 Indianola Sep 21 Roger Bellville Memorial Ride Cedar Rapids Sep 21-22 Antique Motorcycle Display Greenridge Irwin Sep 28 Slaby’s 1 Year Anniversary Bash Plainview Oct 5 Battle On the Bluff Help Us Fight For Savanna Dubuque Oct 5 Crazy Carl’s Leaf Run McGregor Oct 5 1st Annual Breast/Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ride Cedar Rapids Oct 6 ABATE D-15 29th Toy Run w/ USMC Reserves Davenport
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Oct 11-12 Oct 12 Oct 17-20 Nov 29 Dec 7
Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL Crazy Carl’s Leaf Run McGregor Biketoberfest Daytona Beach Florida Turkey Run Clinton 7th Annual “Santa’s Lil’ Diva’s” Event Cedar Rapids
2014 Jan 11
Retro Rewind Dubuque
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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