Dean Foresman, Kelsey Handy, and Scott Steffens are seen here hanging out at the bike show portion of Atlantic Fest on August 9th. The whole downtown is inundated with motorcycles, cars, and people that come to have a good time and see some cool iron. The bike show is headed up by Scott and Renea Steffens of Steffens Cycle in Atlantic. Dean helps out with the show and even brought his freshly restored 1949 EL to the show to be admired. Kelsey and her beau Josh came down to check out the show and take a few photos. Thanks for helping out! Look for the show the 2nd weekend of August next year in Atlantic.
September means that the riding season is starting to wind down, but also sparks a renewed interest in getting out and about before the weather turns. September is one of my favorite months of the year to ride. I enjoy a little cooler weather to ride in. I enjoy the changing of the colors of the countryside. I enjoy having fewer bugs to murder. I enjoy the time to ride more for pleasure than having a schedule to try to keep constantly getting from place to place. I enjoy reflecting upon the past year of riding, living, learning, loving, and growing. I turn 43 this month, and despite the fact that I am utterly amazed some days that I made it this far, I see it as being 43 years young. I have done a lot in my 4.3 decades, and would not trade any of my life experiences for anything. I have met a ton of great people, done a lot of cool things, and revel in the fact that I have a lot of time left to live. So, for all of those that share a birthday in the month of September, happy birthday! Enjoy the gift of life that we were given and live it up. Remember the roads we have traveled, but always look for that future ride!
If you are looking for some stuff to do in the closing of riding season, there is still plenty going on. On August 31st in Lake Park is the Okoboji H-D Biker Bash ’14. On that same Labor Day weekend, the party of Midway Tavern cannot be beat. That Sunday night is the big party so why not put on some miles and hit both! On September 6th there is a Remembrance Run out of the Freedom Rally grounds in Algona. It is in memory of the late Steve Rector, Daryl Chase, and all fallen riders. On the 13th on the west is the Ride for the Ta Tas out of Kirkman at the Beer Barn, and the Celebrate Freedom Run in Dubuque at Catfish Charlie’s. The next weekend on the 20th there is Ames and Zylstra’s Hog Roast. This is always a cool event. Also in the H-D world is Wiebler’s open house in Davenport that same day. Stop in there and tell them TRMI sent ya. A couple of runs that day are the fall ride at Sutliff at Baxa’s or the Greg Auburt Foundation Run in Adel. Looks like another good weekend to put on some miles and hit more than one event. Saturday the 27th brings the last weekend of the month and R/J Performance Fun Day at Eddyville and Carroll Cycle center is having their big open house shin dig. You never know when the weather will change for the rest of the season, so get out and ride when you can in September. This time of year is also exciting because the motorcycle and parts manufacturers are coming out with new models. There are new bikes, new colors, new parts, and all sorts of stuff to check out to see if you have the itch to upgrade your ride. There are some exciting and interesting new models that have already been released. I hope to be able to track some of them down to be able to give them the once over, put some miles on, and then report back what we find. Putting a new bike through the paces is always a fun experience. I recommend getting out to the dealers and checking out what is new, taking a test drive, and even if you are not interested in trading, the new models may have some features that you can add to your own ride. Don’t even be afraid to try out some other brands. You never know what might spark an interest. Thanks to all of the readers and sponsors of the magazine. We truly appreciate the support and loyal readership. We will keep doing what we do as long as you keep reading and supporting us. Stop by the places listed in the Biker Friendly Listing and tell them that TRMI sent ya. Ride On! Vernon Quote of the Month: Every sinner has a future, every saint has a past.
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We are proud to call ourselves members of the TRMI family. We have both had a love of bikes for as long as we can remember. I grew up riding behind one of my parents and he grew up riding mopeds and dirt bikes. At 14 he bought his first bike and has had one ever since. It took me a little longer to want to ride my own. I enjoyed riding behind Harvey for several years. Then on a nice ride one evening we topped a hill and a truck veered into our lane. Thank goodness my husband is an experienced rider as he leaned the bike sideways and all I felt was the breeze of the truck inches from my leg. It was at that moment that I came to the realization that I wanted my own bike because I did not want to orphan my three boys. If we were on two bikes and an accident occurred one of us would likely still be around to raise our children. This led me to take the riding class and obtain my license before summer was over. We both enjoy being on our own bikes now and riding side by side. We had the pleasure of meeting Vernon at Hawgstock in 2009, but did not really get to know him until Hawgstock 2010 preparations began. Harvey and I were part of the entertainment in 2010. We had chosen to get married on the main stage that year. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa asked to do a story on us to promote the event. A
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flattering article was written and we became avid readers of the magazine from then on. After the rally Harvey talked with Vernon about doing some ad sales and event coverage for the magazine. From there a friendship and business relationship was born. Harvey enjoys talking and handling ad sales and meeting other avid riders. I prefer to be in the background taking photos and writing up articles to go with them. We try to make it to as many events as we can, and love meeting new people. We have made some lifelong friends and hope to make more doing what we love. You will find Harvey riding his Roadglide all over the Midwest to meet up with friends. We also welcome fellow riders and friends into our home anytime. We love the biker community, as they are always there for each other. It amazes me the way they all come together for others in need. Harvey and I both work full time jobs and we have three teenage boys at home, ages 14, 16, and 18. We lead a very busy life and enjoy every minute of it. When we are not working or at a sporting event for one of the boys we enjoy taking off on the bikes. We always reserve one week a year for ourselves. We call it our adult vacation. You will find us that week down in the back forty field at the Freedom Rally in Algona. We set up a large teepee to party in, make some kind of shot to share with anyone that stops by, and just enjoy the company of friends both new and old. If you are ever at the rally please stop down and say hi, there will most likely be Jello shots waiting there for you. Susan and Harv
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CMA Notes
It may be kind of girly to admit this, but I’m not crazy about riding in bad weather. Sane people don’t normally LOOK for rain to ride in, so if we’re roaring around in the rain, it’s usually because we’ve seen some weather on the horizon but were willing to gamble that it would skirt around us. It’s a good thing we’re not into gambling for money because we frequently lose the toss of the dice and end up wet!
I remember one ride of this type when we were coming home from a J&P Open House a number of years ago. Ten or so people in our group had left Anamosa earlier than originally planned in hopes of getting ahead of the coming storm, but no such luck. The rain came down in sheets and was so heavy that Mark and I lost sight of all the other bikes, both ahead of us and behind us. If you’ve ever ridden in that kind of wind and rain, you know that it wears you out pretty quickly. You find yourself hanging onto the grips so tightly that the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and hands knot up and you have to remind yourself to relax. I was trying to blink enough water out of my eyes to be able to see the white line marking the side of the road and was relieved to see Mark’s turn signal blink on. He had spotted a side road that would allow us to get off the highway. We pulled into what turned out to be a parking lot and bailed off the bikes to hunker down under an overhang that would give us a little protection from the torrential downpour. After about ten minutes, the rain let up enough for us to see across the parking lot. Lo and behold, two or three other friends from our group had dodged into the same place, but the rain had been so heavy that we hadn’t been able to see each other. Due to the continuing sporadic deluge and the lightning, what should have been the last 45-minute leg of the trip took about twice that long. We had to keep hopscotching between convenience store overhangs, carwashes, and bank drive-through. I love riding, but that was one day I was really glad to pull into our driveway and know I was only a few minutes away from dry clothes and hot soup. Life has a way of throwing unexpected and unwanted storms at us too. The storms may be in our health, our marriage, our job, children, or friends. We find ourselves gripping more tightly until we are in knots just from trying to stay in control of the issue. Or maybe growing older is making us realize that this life on earth will never be what we hoped for. We see the storms and disappointments as problems, but maybe God has a different viewpoint. What if His goal is for the storms to loosen our grip on this life so we will hold onto Him instead? Hebrews 12:1 & 2 reminds us that Jesus was our example on how to suffer hardship and cheers us on with these words: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus knew there was an awesome time coming in eternity –and that knowledge gave Him the strength to keep going. Are you wondering what lies at the end of your ride? If you have recognized that you are in need of a rescue from the Lord God, have accepted Jesus’ life as payment for your sin and are now living for Him, you can expect the same awesome eternity as Jesus was expecting. The Bible tells us we can’t even imagine the things that God has prepared for us, but since He created the universe and everything that exists, I’m pretty confident that eternity will be far better than dry clothes and hot soup at the end of a wet ride! Hope to see you there – Karla Mark & 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. 8 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
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Biker Friendly Directory It’s important for you to know who your friends are out on the road! The Biker Friendly Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Places, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories Backroads Biker Leather Shoppe 305 N Main Street Everly, Iowa 51338 712-834-2999
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com
CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!! Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916
Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com
www.hunterdetail.com or 712-882-4243
R/J Performance HWY 63 North Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 641.684.8400 www.rjperformance.com
J&P Cycles 13225 Circle Drive Anamosa, IA 52205 www.jpcycles.com 800-318-4823
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net www.leatherandhawgs.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 Your amazing Complete Detail Cleaner. Find us at a Dealer, Event or Order Online
Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com
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Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30
Booneville Bar&Grill Waveland West Café 35653 Ute Ave Booneville, Iowa 50038 575-987-2237
National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org
Breezy Hills Winery 31735 Tamarack Rd. Minden, IA 51553 712-485-2083 www.breezyhills.com
National Sprint Car Hall of Fame/ Museum One Sprint Capital Place Knoxville, Iowa 50138-0542 www.sprintcarhof.com 641-842-6176
Broken Throttle Saloon 621 Highway K45 Whiting, Iowa 712-455-1096 We are on Facebook
Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1109 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com Leer’s Cycle Center 101 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50701 1-800-870-6058 www.leerscyclecenter.com
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Entertainment
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
BJ’s Bar & Billiards 110 Ida Waterloo Iowa Home of Full Throttle Thursdays 319-234-9810
Vintage Sound 93.1 FM Muscatine’s Premier “B Side” Station Request Line (563)263-9393 www.Vintage931.com Listen ANYWHERE with free mobile app
Food and Drink 4 Way Good Eats Where Friends Meet Wed - Sun 7 a.m. to close Luxemburg, IA. 563-853-3451 Full menu of All Homemade Goodness! 411 Main/Rocket Joe’s 411 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-4111 FB 411 Main Street Bar & Rocket Joes
Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
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4th Avenue Grill 115 N 4th Ave. Logan, IA 51546 712-644-3200 Find us on Facebook Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Beer Barn and Grill 226 State Street Kirkman, Iowa 51447 712-766-3395 Open Mon 4, Tue-Sun at 11 Bikerz 313 Main Ave. ClearLake, IA 50428 641-440-4255 Noon-2am 7 days a week
Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook Cadillac Jack’s 106 Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-227-3611 Cadillac Jack’s on Facebook C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close Captains Quarters 807 Main Adel, Iowa 50003 M-F 2-12, Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 515-993-4417 Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com Cede’s Bark Bistro 519 W. Main St. Sac City, IA 50583 712-662-8072 2 Wheel Thursday $2 Beers Chopper’s 601 Rhomberg Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-9666 Open Noon-Close 365/Year Dam Riverview Sports Bar The Rivers Closest Watering Hole Guttenburg, IA 563-252-4400 Unbeatable Views, Drinks, & Food!! Enjoy our Deck over The River!! Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings
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Dew Drop Inn Bar & Restaurant 109 Main Street McClelland, Iowa 51503 712-566-9360 Mon-Sat 11:30-Close
Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311
Doc’s Roadhouse 309 East 7th Street Logan, Iowa 51543 712-644-3636 Open 365-8 am to Close
Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country
J.R. Willie’s
Dolly’s Bar & Grill 109 N. Pine Street Auburn, Iowa 51433 712-688-2220 Come for the Food, Stay for the Scenery
Do Drop Inn 403 3rd Avenue Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa 50128 515-314-0783 Durango Depot 736 Burtons Furnace Road Open 3 to close
Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 OPEN M-F 10AM S-S 7 AM Home of the Willie Whopper Keasey’s Hideaway Lounge 911 Court Street Adel, Iowa 50003 515-993-3001 Kelly’s Irish Pub & Eatery 563-344-0000 2222 E 53rd Street #10 Davenport, Iowa 52807 Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook
Best Scenic Road With the Best Food!
563-552-2291
Knuckleheads Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724
Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet
Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub
Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA”
George And Dales Bar & Grill Downtown East Dubuque,IL Open 11 am 7 days a week Wed Bike Night 815-747-8810
Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
Good Sons 2815 Beaver Ave Ste 102 Des Moines, Iowa 515-681-5375
Los Altos Greenfield, Iowa 641-221-9081 Stuart, Iowa 515-523-8000
Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
Lugger’s 201 N Main Street Kimballton, Iowa 51543 712.773.8620
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m. Hazard County LoungeIowa’s Premier Night Club
(above the BBQ Shack) 203 Main St. Lohrville. Iowa 51439 Open M-S 4pm-close. Sunday 12pm-close (712)-465-3278 Huffy’s Mule Barn 802 Main Street Anita, Iowa 50020 712-762-9995 www.huffysmulebarn.com
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!
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Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788 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 Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com Shenanigans Pub-Dubuque 3203 Jackson Street Dubuque, Iowa 563-513-4001 Open 364 - 3 pm - 2 am Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Slaby’s Bar & Grill 6020 New Liberty Road Plainview, Iowa 52773 563-843-3443 Softail Saloon & Grill 811 Hwy 9 Superior, Iowa 51363 712-858-4500 Softail Saloon on Facebook
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook The Chrome Spur 105 2nd Street Schleswig, Iowa 51461 Chrome Spur on Facebook The Edge 3157 Joliet Avenue Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-2229 The Edge on Facebook The Getaway Where to Go When You Need a Break!
221 Main Street Vail, Iowa 51465 712-677-2200 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 Onion Grove Bar & Grill 502 Lombard St, Clarence (563)452-3030 Check out our fun on Facebook!! The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601 The Wagon Wheel 521 E 7th Washington, Iowa 52353 319-653-3637 Wagon Wheel Tap on Facebook T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON
Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226
Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome
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Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395 Woobies 134 W. Main St. New London, IA 52645 319-367-2211 Woody’s Roadside Tavern 100 West Jefferson Albion, Iowa 50005 (641) 488-2220 Woody’s Roadside Tavern on Facebook
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com Dales’ Guns Buy-Sell-Trade-Gunsmithing 109 Main Street Ute, Iowa 712-885-2671 rustyshot2000@yahoo.com Locked and Loaded Outfitters 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-4867 lockedandloadedoutfitters@gmail.com
Shooter’s Outlet 114 Main Street Arcadia, Iowa 51430 712-689-2772 Tues,Wed,Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, Sat 8-12
www.shootersoutlet.net
Healthcare/Wellness Road Weary Muscles?? Stephanie Warren, LMT Suzanne & Co Salon, Davenport, 563-355-4200 eve & wknd appts available
Insurance Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net
Legal
Shops and Fabricators
Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
Bob’s Atomic Garage 2850 16th Ave SW Cedar Rapids 319-200-4257 60+ Years of Experience In HD & American V-Twin Motors
IowaBikerLawyer.com Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C. Riding and Defending Your Rights for Over 29 Years 977-209-9452
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com Ben Franklin/Radio Shack 106 N Wilson Jefferson, Iowa 50129 515-386-4122 Hometownvarietyinc.com HetzStudio.com (563)263-2803 Muscatine, IA Full Custom Paint, Pinstriping & Airbrush Peebles Plumbing & Heating Luxaire & Mitsu 613 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2417
Custom Paint Specialists 2905 Delaware Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-971-4579 Facebook.com/CPSpaint Creative Industry LLC 200 N Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 creativeindustryiowa@gmail.com 515-689-7844 cell Dead Heads Eng, Fab, Repairs & Sales 426 Railway Street Gillett Grove, Iowa 51341 deadheadsmceng@gmail.com 712-835-3353
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-5876 M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call Trike Your Bike 503 1st Avenue North Altoona, Iowa 50009 515-957-8920 trikeyourbike.net Waderich’s Towing 420 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 Phone 712-263-3687 Cell 712-263-9685
To buy ad space in our directory, call 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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 Main Street Bikes and Trikes 522 Main Street Granville, Iowa 51022 712.727.3515 www.shopmsbt.com
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995 Tame Your Mane at MY BARBER 7th & Fillmore, Davenport 563-322-8762 Biker Owned & Operated
Revolution Cycles 120 South Main Street Baxter, Iowa 50028 641-507-9250 www.rev-ia.com
Elite Auto Upholstery & Embroidery
Sound and Service Bike/Car/Home Audio and TV 712 Quint Avenue Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-792-5403
United Stop & Shop 810 Hwy 175 Stratford, Iowa 50249 515-838-2833 91% Premium Nolead 6:00am - 10:00pm
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Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Photo and Art
Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541
Metal Ink 911 7th Street Ste 102 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 www.metalink.org 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
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70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
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English River Outfitters’ 1st Annual Veterans Bike Jamboree was held the 2nd weekend of July. Growing from a poker run in 2013, the entire weekend was packed with great fun for a great cause. Last year, the goal of Chuck Geertz (organizer of ERO) was to raise enough money to purchase a track chair for his lodge that caters to injured veterans. With the help of the 2013 poker run, many corporate sponsors and private donations- that goal was achieved in early 2014 and the chair was purchased. This year all proceeds are going to ERO’s Life Skills Program (more information can be found at www. englishriveroutfitters.org) and over $1200 was raised for this great cause over the weekend.
The town of Brighton welcomed this event with open arms, allowing (the usually taboo) camping in the city park. The festivities kicked off with a ride-in car and motorcycle show downtown. Following the show, Iowa’s versions of Faith Hill, Brett Michaels and Kenny Chesney donned the stage, singing karaoke until the wee hours of Saturday morning. The next morning a 5 stop poker run began at 10am. I didn’t join the group for the run because I felt my time would be better utilized staying stationary downtown… well, that and I was SO HUNG OVER I didn’t want to toss my cookies all over the shoulder of my planned driver. While the poker run attendees were out on their ride, CaManders Bar & Grill stayed busy selling cold beverages and delicious munchies to the other folks that didn’t go on the ride. Main Street Brighton stayed lined with bikes for most of the afternoon, with 2 other poker runs coming through the town while our group was out on their cruise. Many of those other poker run folks stopped by the ERO booth to learn more about the ongoing amazingness happening at English River Outfitters. Once the poker run group returned, it was time to kick this party into high gear- thank goodness the hangover had almost subsided by then. The bike rodeo, although only 4 bikes competed, filled the afternoon with laughs, hoots and hollers as passengers attempted to grab a hanging hotdog with only their mouth. What seemed like a million passes later, a winner was crowned. Equally entertaining was the water balloon toss, with no participant (or journalist) getting away dry; considering the temperature was hovering around 90 degrees and the humidity made the air similar to the
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consistency of peasoup, no one was upset about being wet! Three great bands kept the tunes rolling through the air all afternoon and well into the night. Chuck hopes that this event continues to grow, dreaming of it becoming one day like the Eastern Iowa version of the fall party in Soldier, where the whole town shuts down and opens their town to the motorcycle community. The priority of English River Outfitters is to help veterans overcome mental and physical issues, problems and disabilities, and assist with readjustment back into civilian life. This is partly accomplished through their “Life Skills Program” in an environment that provides a positive outdoor experience wherein veterans can fish, hunt, or just relax around a campfire. If you’d like to learn more about the program, sign up for the program, or donate to the cause, all of this can be done on their website mentioned above or by contacting Chuck Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Geertz at 563359-4923. English River Outfitters is a 501c(3) registered charitable cause and all donations are tax deductable. Chuck would like to send a big thank you to Mandy and the CaMander’s crew, the town of Brighton, and everyone who has helped him along the way in accomplishing his dream of helping Iowa veterans. Be sure to keep your eyes on the pages of Thunder Roads Iowa to find out when next year’s event will be held- and don’t miss it! ~Pinky
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99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 48 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month I will revisit each county as a featured article. I will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of touring curiosity for our state of Iowa.
was fortunate enough to run into the Old 218 Tap. It was a great place with a really pleasant bartender. The locals were friendly and the drink had just the right amount of mix! You could watch your favorite game on the big screen or play any one of the standard bar parlor games. I had an appetizer while we were there that was enjoyable, and reportedly the wings are worth a ride for. Judging by the steady stream of to-go food heading out the door, I am going to say you can’t go wrong if you stop and eat here.
Johnson County Iowa A trip all around the center! Everyone talks about the Iowa City/Coralville area. Let’s face it, they are the home of the Hawkeyes, and being raised in eastern Iowa I tend to bleed black and gold, not to say that a little Cyclone red and Panther purple doesn’t trickle out every now and then, but fundamentally I am a HAWKEYE! My trip to eastern Iowa made me want to explore the lesser-known parts of Johnson County and see what else she had to offer. I was fortunate enough to take part of this trip with our very own Ms. Eryka! Johnson County Iowa is in the east central part of the state and is divided by interstate 80. Johnson County became a county in 1837 and was named after our great country’s sixth vice president, Richard M. Johnson. It is a little larger than most Iowa counties, encompassing 623 square miles. They pack 130,000+ people into that space, but if you try real hard you can avoid most of them!
If you’re feeling adventurous you can meander through Iowa City and Coralville, they have plenty of shopping and night life, but they also have plenty of traffic and stop lights!
I came into the county from the southwest corner on Hwy 1 and ran straight into the Kalona Cheese House or Twin County Dairy, which is actually in Johnson County while Kalona is in Washington County, hence the twin county reference. They make cheddar cheese for Kraft, but you can still purchase plenty of varieties of handcrafted goodness. If you really want to see the entire county, I would recommend taking F67 west to Joetown, but there is not a whole who lot there except some nice lush lush rolling hills. I then headed lu northeast n no to Frytown, which coincidentally has nothing to do with Hayden Fry. You can easily grab county road F62 and head east out of Frytown and take that to thee little town of Hills, Iowa. I th 18 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
At this point in my county tour I stayed the night with our own Ad Sales Team Leader Eryka “Pinky” Driscoll! I was up bright and early to head out on the rest of my adventure through the northern side of Johnson County with the benefit of a local. We reentered the county from the northeast on F14 locally known as the Lisbon Road to White Oak Ave. e. We followed White Oak Ave.
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October brings us on another adventure, there are some real characters in Jones County; I am talking about you Darrell! See you all next month when the leaves are turning and its football season…GO HAWKS! Sources Available Upon Request DRing dring@ thunderroadsiowa.com to the Sutliff Bridge and Baxa’s Store and Tavern, which is on the Cedar River. The bridge has was taken out by the floods of June 2008, but the community helped raise funds and convinced the local board of supervisors that there was a need to resurrect the Sutliff Bridge to its historic glory! When you are done ogling the bridge make sure you take time to stop in to the Baxa’s Store and Tavern. You can read the walls and learn all of the history of the bridge and eat some darn good prime rib while you are there! Eryka will vouch for its juicy tender goodness! Don’t forget the Sutliff Fall Ride the weekend of September 20th! Then back onto F14 into Solon, then east out of Solon to Lake Macbride State Park on F16. This is a great park to ride through! There are plenty of hills and curves and the views of the water are beautiful. The rock cut outs that are all through this park and along the river make you want to look for fossils or take your family pictures…the views are breathtaking! We then backtracked into Solon, got on F28 to cross Coralville Dam. Turned around AGAIN because our navigating skills were a bit lacking and took Sugar Bottom Road to Newport Rd., south on HWY 1 for a mile or two and east at F8W and into Morse. If you ever are around the area for the third of July Morse has a great fireworks display! Johnson County was toured in parts instead of as a whole, which made for a different type of adventure. Eryka and I had a great time on our tour even if we did do a fair amount of backtracking our way around. Take the time to get over there and see the sights, eat the food, and meet the people!
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sufficiently fed and hydrated, we continued on our trek and set our sights for the American Legion in Columbus Junction. It was a very scenic cruise winding us through hills, past farmsteads, and over rivers. A beautiful ride, but on a 90 plus degree day with little to no wind, coming into Junction on HWY 70 isn’t for the weak stomached rider. After a brief stop in the very welcomed air conditioned back room of the Legion, we headed back along our journey….. next stop, CaMander’s in Brighton. Considering the CaMander’s Our day began amidst the sea of denim, chrome, American flags, POW flags and every branch of the Armed Forces were represented with flags as well. The sun was shining brightly and the weatherman had predicted a gorgeous day for riding for a great cause (he used those exact words on the morning news). We showed up at J&P Cycles in Anamosa an hour before the ride was scheduled to leave and we were pleasantly surprised how many bikes and bikers were already
crew only moved into their new location 6 days before, they didn’t seem fazed by the overwhelming number of thirsty bikers who quickly overtook their establishment. It was growing closer to the time that we were scheduled to meet up with the police escort in Washington, who guided us through that little town and to our final destination, Lebowski’s Rock & Bowl on the east end. As we began to congregate in the parking lot that they had roped off for us, it became apparent that I wasn’t the only one ready to cut loose and have some fun. After stuffing our faces with delicious pork patties courtesy of the Johnson County Pork Producers, it was time to get rocking and rolling! The band’s drummer busted out a hidden talent and sung our National Anthem a congregating in the cappella, and soon thereafter “Timber Tooth” began parking lot. to get down to business bending strings and hitting the high notes of the most popular hits from the 80’s. Over 130 bikes We were even joined the festivities graced by the and we began presence of our journey from Anamosa to Kitty’s Saloon in Atalissa. There we were Dave Loebsack (D), District 2 fed some amazing brats and offered great drink representative specials. During our almost hour long stop, prizes in the US House were handed out and donations were collected. After winning the for a brief time. 50/50 raffle, a very Boy, you can tell it’s coming up generous biker on an election who had “never year. Most of won ANYTHING us enjoy our in my whole freedoms to the life” donated his fullest extent winnings back and many of to the cause. us keep an Once we were 20 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
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eye on what the “suits” are doing in our nation’s capital. Myself included in that group, I was shocked to see the same man who voted for the “Affordable Health Care Act” and against the “Save American Workers Act of 2014”, against the “Consumer Financial Protection Act” and against the “Fairness for American Families Act” trying to make friends in this group of freedom lovers and national protectors. Realizing we weren’t a bunch of under-educated leather wearers, and we were aware of who he was and why he showed up (a benefit fundraiser is NOT the place to attempt to further your political career), he eventually retreated into his cage wearing his starched white button-up shirt and left the party without donating a dime to the cause. Ultimately, we got the politics out of our system and had a great time well into the evening. More than $2800 was raised as we racked up just over 140 miles along the poker run route. All of the proceeds have been donated to the Midwest Military Outreach program which strives to connect service members, veterans and their families to the resources they need for a successful transition into civilian life. More information can be found at www.midwestmilitaryoutreach.org or by calling the Riverside office at 319-621-7878. This was the 2nd annual ride and if you missed it, make plans now to join us for the 3rd annual ride next July. ~Pinky and Susan
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As September rolls into Iowa there is still plenty of riding season left, still time to put on some miles, join a poker run, make it to a bike night or hit up a bike show. When you get to an
costs to build a bike like that. Just don’t mention that for that kind of money they should be able to ride it more than 3 blocks.
event be sure to spend some time enjoying the brotherhood of your fellow biker. We are all there for the same reason, we like bikes, the freedom of the open road and riding. I like to check out the bikes, but then my twisted mind wanders off to explore the unique classes of bikers in attendance. The “Kick Stand Kings” this class is for the bikers that have lived the lifestyle for many, many years. They have swung their leg over so many times they have acquired their very own individual riding stagger. You can pick them out of the crowd by the way they walk. They are very popular among the crowd and everyone seems to know them. You won’t be sorry if you walk up to these guys extend your hand and introduce yourself. You will learn something from this class of biker in every conversation that you have with them. They know about bikes and the lifestyle; they have seen it, done it, lived it, and straddled it. Show them some respect and the riding stories will start spewing out of them like an overfilled oil tank.
The “Go Biker”, this class is for the guys that show up just because the word bike is in the title of the event. This class never has wax and polish packed in their saddlebags. Their bikes haven’t seen water since the last rainstorm they rode through. Their idea of a bike wash is spitting on to a dirty bandana but only because it is necessary to clean the mirrors and windshield. If you talk to these guys you will quickly learn that they have put on more miles in the last week than many people put on during an entire riding season. They are usually packing a map and will eagerly share an awesome route that you never knew existed in Iowa. Don’t expect any bike wash stops on that route; they don’t waste time polishing and waxing because they are all about riding. Lastly is the “Come N Go” class. In order to be in this class you must frequently increase the RPM of the engine while do nothing but sitting still. You will hear them coming long before you ever see them. This class of bikers is easy to find in a crowd because they talk very loud. Not because they are boisterous, but because they are deaf or at least suffering from some partial hearing loss. These are the guys you want to spend time with if you want to be seen and heard. All eyes are on them when they come to an event and in true biker fashion they never go away quietly. It doesn’t really matter what class of bikers you roll with, as long as the rubber keeps rolling down the road.
The “Show Biker”, this class is for the biker who hauls his bike to an event with a trailer, parks 3 blocks away then rides it to the show. The bike is expensive, beautiful, and surrounded by people drooling over the size of its rubber. The owner will always be standing guard in close proximity and is easy to pick out of the crowd by the impeccably clean rag hanging out of his pocket. If a spectator gets too close, he steps in, using his drool rag to wipe away invisible imperfections. It Shifty LaRue is his bike; he has spent a lot of time and energy making that bike pretty and he wants to make sure that he is the only one fondling it. If you are considering going custom this is the class you want to talk to. They know the dos and don’ts, where to go, and who to avoid. Somewhere along the way they will blow your mind with what it 22 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
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motorcycle and rider, and several good riders have gone over in this bottomless stuff in our area. If it’s in use in your area, chances are good you also aren’t as safe as you should be on Iowa roads. So I contacted the Iowa DOT and asked them several important questions: 1. Was motorcycle safety ever considered when this machine was tested or purchased? 2. Why is it OK to leave a fresh pile of rocks on the road without a cone or a temporary warning sign about loose “I know it blows pavement? out gravel and Why is no housekeeping done after the patch is asphalt, but this thing 3. applied? Aggregate costs tax dollars to purchase, so why isn’t sucks” the surplus aggregate being reclaimed? (This would have the added benefit of keeping the road surface safer, which seems Maybe you’ve noticed the Iowa like a scenario where everybody would benefit). DOT machine So I heard back from the DOT. A nice gentleman and I in the pictures below, and maybe exchanged several emails. The essence of his reply is that you haven’t. But the Iowa DOT is responsible for 9400 miles of road in Iowa, and the results of this patch machine are dependent on how I’ll bet you’ve careful each crew is in applying the patch material, and that noticed more the Iowa DOT never leaves rocks on the road on purpose. I random piles of sent several pictures of the rock left over after the patching loose pea gravel process, and basically was told it either wasn’t on a state in recent years highway (OK, it was a frontage road), it wasn’t all patch rock when you ride (I said that when I sent the picture, but a lot of it is), so then on paved roads finally, “I don’t see a problem here”. It all left me feeling in Iowa. And like they really didn’t care and weren’t about to look into that’s likely the situation. Personally my stance is this; I have an Iowa because of the use of the “Crafco license plate on my bike. My registration dollars should be no different than those of any car or truck driver, and any road repair process undertaken in this state should be safe for ALL vehicles, including motorcycles. Not so long ago I remember we’d see a “hot patch” truck each summer, with about Spray Injection Patcher” . It’s four or five guys taking turns raking hot a European paving machine, asphalt out of the back and patching the billed as a one-man operation. roads. Looked like an OK job, and it The operator uses compressed provided for about four or five families. air to blow dirt, dust and sand Now we’ve got this draconian rock out of cracks in the road. Then spitting machine out there, purchased they spray what’s called the from Putin’s cousin, and I for one would “tack coat” on the road, then like some answers. You might think I they blow little rocks on it…a pick on the Iowa DOT in this column, but lot of little rocks. Lastly they that’s the organization that is in charge apply the “top coat”. It’s a four of providing safe roads to travel on in step process. Unfortunately this state, and in charge of making safe policies for riders for motorcycle riders, I don’t see the final step, which we and drivers. Talking to state legislators is a wonderful way to all learned in school, “Clean up after yourself”. When done spread our message, but I would argue that additional effort with step four, the machine just drives away, leaving a pile also needs to be directed towards the Iowa DOT. They have of unmarked loose gravel in random spots all over Iowa a web page set up, with a large motorcycle forum already in roadways. From a motorcyclist’s perspective, the aggregate size of this rock could hardly be worse. It’s just the right size place. It’s a great place to send and post information that gets to cause problems when turning and braking. Face it, we ride read by the organization that needs to see it most. Hope to see your posts on there. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more answers on a contact patch of tire no bigger than a 50 cent piece. It doesn’t take much loose rock to cause a problem. We’ve gone to the above questions, and have a safe riding season out there. And watch out for those rocks, they’re everywhere. to battle with this machine in our local area before, and it’s time to beat the drum again. We’ve found Crafco gravel as Mark Mullins, President, MAG, deep as your fingers are long just left on the roads, even on sharp corners. Needless to say, it’s a rotten way to surprise a Motorcycle Awareness Group, North Iowa. 24 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
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Kelsey Handy and Randy Baxter are hanging out at the bike show at Atlantic Fest. Randy is proud of his 1932 Triumph. The 500 cc engine is a real runner, meaning he was riding this bike around Marne, Iowa Friday night before the show. This and many other Brithish bikes can be seen at Baxter Cycle in Marne. baxtercycle.com
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Steve Cook headed out to college to become trained as a jeweler fresh out of high school. Not because he didn’t receive draft papers after graduating high school, but because he failed the physical. Steve is a smaller fella still today, but at 18 he was even smaller, too small to pass the draft physical. So, following in his father’s footsteps, he left for college- hoping to return to Tipton ready to work in the family business at Cook’s Jewelry. In the 2 years that it took to gain his jeweler’s training, much had changed in the Vietnam War and the United States was drafting any young man they could by the time Steve returned home from college. Again, the Army and Navy needed soldiers, but Steve was still too small by their parameters… so they took him over to the Air Force recruiter. What had been looked upon as a weakness in the other branches was a welcome sight to the Air Force. This little guy could fit up into the very small access panels (nooks and crannies basically) in the aircraft that were being used in the war overseas; Steve had found his ‘fit’ within the armed forces.
Steve could pretty much come and go as he pleased- so long as his job was being done. After being on base just under a month, Steve noticed many servicemen cruising base and beyond on a motorcycle. He ended up buying a 120CC Suzuki from a Japanese dealer for $275 and 2 cartons of Camels. The dealer took the $275 and walked Steve down to the Thai drivers license station, the dealer explained that Steve needed his Thai drivers license and tossed the 2 cartons of Camels onto the official’s desk. Next thing Steve knew, he was having his picture taken and within 10 minutes and with no testing, Steve was an official Thai driver. In the 11 months that Steve owned that Suzuki, he put over 16,000 KM (approx 9940 miles) riding everywhere he could on his 3 day passes and riding around the base and countryside. Upon getting his orders to return stateside, Steve sold that bike to an airman who had jjust arrived on base since shipping it home would cost more than he originally paid to purchase it.
After completing basic training, Steve was sent to Chanute AFB in IL for aircraft environmental systems training. Steve was taught the ins and outs of keeping the air crews and avionics equipment cool during flight, maintaining cabin pressurization and providing oxygen. After receiving training in Illinois, he spent 6 months at Nellis AFB working on F-105 fighter/ bomber aircraft before being sent to Korat Royal Thai AFB in Thailand. Servicing the ever damaged fleet of F-105 aircraft Steve kept busy in Thailand for just over a year. Returning stateside, Steve finished out his time in the Air Force training troops and air crews who had yet to head to the Far East on the F-105s at McConnell AFB and was part of a design and test mission on F-105 electronic bomb targeting system (aka wild weasel) at Eglin AFB.
This Suzuki was not Steve’s first time on a motorcycle. Growing up in small town Tipton, kids were forced to be creative with their time. Wanting to get around a bit faster than walking everywhere, Steve built a motorcycle from a bicycle frame and his dad’s rototiller engine and rode that thing around the neighborhood. Returning stateside, Steve had been bitten by the freedom of the motorcycle and immediately purchased a new 200CC Suzuki Twin in Wichita; he rode that bike until the tires were bald and chose to upgrade the bike instead of replacing the tires. Along came a 1973 Honda 750 and shortly after that came family life. Steve was without a motorcycle for just about 10 years, while his 2 young boys (Ben and Shane) were growing up. In 1994, Steve picked up a 1984 Shovelhead Sportster and he finally
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felt like he could ride with the big boys. It didn’t take long for Steve to realize this wasn’t exactly the long distance ride he was hoping for and he picked up a rare 1984 Super Glide II (FXRD, only 600 made). This was the bike that helped Steve’s wife, Cindy, get bit by the motorcycle bug and she can still be seen smiling behind her man’s shoulder out on the road. In 1999, Steve purchased a brand new Wide Glide adorned with a beautiful orange flame paint scheme. Unfortunately, that bike was a casualty of a deer vs motorcycle accident; fortunately, that bike was the ONLY casualty with Steve and Cindy suffering only minor broken bones and bruises. That Wide Glide was Steve’s favorite bike and he dearly misses it, but that hasn’t stopped him from falling in love with his current ride, a 2010 Street Glide. Steve was a charter member and officer of the Iowa City HOG chapter and still is very active with the group. He is also a trustee at the Iowa City VFW, 1st vice chair at the Iowa City American Legion and serves on the Legion Color Guard. He rides with the Legion Riders when he has the chance and enjoys honoring other veterans and their Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
families as he welcomes them home or escorts them to their final resting place. Steve and Cindy ride as much as possible and their sons both ride too. The boys still have a bit of the speed bug within them and rarely ride with Mom and Dad because they are “too slow”. Ben and Shane are the proud owners of a pair of Ducati Hypermotards (among other bikes) and plan on riding “the Dragon” this summer. Steve and Cindy have attended the 95th, 100th, and 105th HD anniversary rallies in Milwaukee and have been to Sturgis several times. Steve and his riding buddies just returned from the trek to Sturgis without the ladies (wives didn’t goit’s not like they were left in South Dakota!) When Steve isn’t out on his bike, he spends his time at Cook’s Jewelry in Iowa City designing some of the most exquisite rings and necklaces; the business has been in the family for over 60 years. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa and I thank you for your service and willingness to share your story with our readers! ~Pinky www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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The Chicken Coop
will ride to eat
12725 Meridith Drive Urbandale, IA 50323 (Corner of 121st/James Street and Meridith Drive) 515-334-2667 Hours Sun-Sat 11 AM - 12 AM
I grew up on a farm. We were mainly grain farmers, but when I was a small child I do remember us having some hogs (pigs, not bikes, I know how you people think!!!!!). We did not have chickens but my grandmother did and I can remember that the chicken coop was a nasty place... it always stank of chicken poo and the noise was deafening! When my oldest son, Chris, called me and told me he had a place that I needed to check out I was pretty excited. You see, all three of my boys share my tastes in food. So when one of them tells me they found a place I would love to eat at I know it’s going to be a place that I will enjoy! When Chris told me the name... The Chicken Coop, all those childhood memories came rushing back!!! He kept describing the wings he had there and the diversity of the menu. I had to admit it did sound appealing, but still... Finally my curiosity won out and we headed for The Chicken Coop. When we arrived outside I thought the logo of a rooster holding a mug of adult beverage was cute. However the darkened windows still hid the true interior. Lynnette and I entered the establishment we were assaulted by the sound of sports. It turns out this chicken coop is a sports bar and grill!!!! TVs adorned all the walls showing various sports. Seating is either at normal tables, high tables, or at the bar. Menus are on the tables so you don’t have to wait for someone to bring you one. You can start shopping for your meal as soon as you sit down (or up depending on your choice of table). I call perusing the menu “shopping” 36 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
because the variety is so broad that it’s akin to being in a department store! The menu includes wings (DUH!) and other appetizers, dinners of steak, ribs, grilled salmon, grilled chicken, cod, shrimp, etc. Also they have sandwiches, burgers, pizza, salads, and quesadillas. See what I mean? Now as most of you realize by now if there are ribs on the menu I’m all in. If I happen to not be in the rib mood (like that ever happens!!!! LOL) and the menu has steak, that’s where I’m at! This menu had both and they were REALLY tempting! This time I thought I’d explore my more diverse side. This menu holds something I don’t usually see... grilled salmon! With the dinners two sides are included. My choices were baked beans (OK, that should not be a surprise to anyone!!!!) and potato salad (once again, regular readers know this is one of my test sides for new restaurants). Lynnette
went with the ribs (ha... I still got to try them!!!!!). Her choices of sides were macaroni and cheese and coleslaw. Of course we would have been remiss to not order the object of the recommendation... a ten piece order of wings. Our choice for sauce... Jamaican Jerk sauce, it was listed as sweet but I knew it would have some bite to it as well. (Those Jamaicans know how to make hot stuff!!!!) I was right, the jerk sauce certainly had a kick to it but it was very sweet as well, an awesome combination! And as long as we’re talking about awesome combinations, let’s talk about the baked beans. I’m pretty critical when it comes to baked beans and these are in my top five baked beans of all time! Without having all 5 in front of me at the same time I can’t say where these stand in the top 5 but I would be surprised if these were pretty darn close to the top!!!!! These beans have
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just the right amount of sweetness and a generous amount of brisket mixed in. The potato salad is very tasty homemade style. The salmon arrived grilled to perfection and coated with a honey glaze that really accented the flavor of the salmon! Lynnette’s order of ribs was absolutely fall off the bone tender and dripping with a very tasty, smoky flavored barbeque sauce. The macaroni and cheese was very smooth and creamy, much better than from a box! (And I love mac and cheese from the box!!!!!!) I didn’t have the opportunity to try the coleslaw but when we were done the bowl was empty so it must have been good. One thing the menu doesn’t list is desserts, so make sure and ask what they have. We had the chocolate volcano. Chocolate cake filled with melted chocolate “lava” and covered with chocolate frosting with a bowl of vanilla ice cream on the side! Don’t miss out on this!!!!!!
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Check out their website at www.chickencoopsportsbar.com. They have their menu on the website. It wasn’t exactly the same as the one we had, but you’ll get the idea of what’s available. Also the Urbandale location isn’t listed there yet, I’m sure updates to the website are in the works. They are also listed on Facebook under The Chicken Coop Sports Bar & Grill (Urbandale, Iowa). The Chicken Coop... Certainly not the coop I remember from my childhood... THANKFULLY!!!!!! Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty! Craig Little 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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f o s l r i G
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to v vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Pam Stroh 2013 FatBoy Blue Grass
Dee Johansen 1984 Honda Shadow VT 700 Newton
Brenda Garren 2000 FatBoy Wilton
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First Light and Tall but True Tales…..
It often starts at first light as pre-dawn brings the sounds of life to my awakening ears. The night coyotes fade into bird calls of all kinds of chirping-squawkingand screeching feathered friends, accented by the flopping of spawning carp in the backwaters and a lonesome fishing boat humming thru fog shrouded waves. I live at the dead end of Mud Lake road along the great channel of Mississippi River about ten miles north of Dubuque where the road, the rails and the river ribbon together. It is always a magnificent everchanging on-going work of art, glorious in nature and my constant inspiration. Between music gigs and piles of wooden string instrument repair, old truck restoration, jungle-like yard work and gardening, I’m finding time to write you all a letter from home just to share another month of adventure along our thunderous roads. Wherever you live, the long ride on the road from home is one of the last bastions of freedom of choice we have. Whether it be an epic journey with much planning, or a “let the motorcycle decide” moment where its’ just time to blow the stink off, once more we cast our fate to the wind and go. Multitudes of faces and places weave together as old friends make new friends and groove to a universal soundtrack. Over the years and many opportunities to play music at biker bashes we were always on the lookout for the biggest, baddest, orneriest, most lovable biker in the crowd. You always hoped when he came to the stage that he liked the tunes you were playing and you’d make it thru another gig. Why….I remember one biker who was so huge he was eye level with the band when he was standing on the ground…His presence would temporarily block the sun from view and birds would land on his shoulders as if he were a tree. We’d see this guy (an amicable chap) pick up smaller bikers, one in each hand and roll them playfully in the dirt just for a little good natured fun. He was so large his motorcycle would get stuck in his rear end now and then. He was a bouncer in a bar out west and was known to single-handedly pull on the horizon just to stretch the day out a little longer. He eventually got a job with a descendant of Pecos Pete, working for the weather service catching tornadoes by the tail, tying them in a knot and hurling them into outer space. Don’t know whatever happened to him…A tall but true tale… Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Another little poignant tale comes from a return trip from Sturgis one hot dusty year long ago…It is all originally Native Lands and Indian Country and when traveling thru “reservation” territory always carry some loose tobacco to share and a deep respect for the 1st Americans. That scorching stretch of road that goes by the Pine Ridge reservation called to me, and I went. As I approached I saw a solitary lonesome figure under a rickety shelter in that blistering sun. For some reason he was the person I needed to talk to. He was a tough shape lookin’ man of Native blood and seemed like a brother to me. We shook hands and he said his name was Rufus Fast Horse. “Great name” said I and we spoke of many things. He was a Viet Nam veteran who survived some of the worst and was now back on the reservation raising five kids and trying to eek out a living selling little homemade tom-tom drums to tourists. I was low on dough for the ride home but I said “I can show you how to chip arrowheads”. He looked at me with an ancient recognition, so I went to my motorcycle and g got out my leather b bag of stone-age ttools I use to make p points. As I chipped h him an arrowhead I saw a tear form in h his eye as if he were rremembering other a ancient skills that h had lain dormant ffor too many moons. I gave him some ttools and some flint a and obsidian and h he thanked me for rreminding him of a lo long forgotten past. I ffelt good about that a and rode on home. H However the stars decide what paths will cross in our lives, it’s always worth pondering how we got here in the first place. Pioneers of motorcycling have been traversing this great land since the roads were the remains of buffalo trails and the technology of engines and machinery were straight from the foundry. The hundreds of thousands of motorcycles out there on the roads today are a vast testament to the longevity of the lifestyle. Whatever level you approach it at, keep a watchful eye out for brothers and sisters of the highway for your awareness is essential for our survival… Peace and love. “Driftwood” Denny Garcia August 9th 2014…
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A man asked his wife what she’d like for her 40th birthday. “I’d love to be six again,” she replied. On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear, everything there was! Wow! Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down. Right to a McDonald’s they went, where her husband ordered her a Happy Meal along with extra fries es and a refreshing chocolate shake. Then, it was off to a movie - the latest Disney and what a fabulous adventure! Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed. He leaned over and lovingly asked, “Well, dear, what was it like being six again?” One eye opened. “You idiot, I meant my dress size.” The moral of this story is: When a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will still get it wrong.
A young guy was complaining to his Boss about the problems he was having with his stubborn girlfriend. “She gets me so angry sometimes I could hit her, the young man exclaimed.” “Well, I’ll tell you what I used to do with my wife” replied the Boss. “Whenever she got out of hand I’d take her pants down and spank her”. Shaking his head the young guy replied “I’ve tried that... it doesn’t work for me. Once I get her pants down I’m not mad anymore.”
“I’m worried that I’m losing my wife’s love,” the husband told the counselor. “Has she started to neglect you?” “Not at all,” the dejected man replied. “She meets me at the door with a cold drink and a warm kiss. My shirts are always ironed, she’s a great cook, the house is always neat, she keeps the kids out of my hair. She lets me choose the television shows we watch and she never objects to sex or says she has a headache.” So what’s the problem?” “Maybe I’m just being too sensitive,” the husband ventured, “but at night, when she thinks I’m sleeping, she puts her lips close to my ear and whispers, ‘Die! You son of a bitch, die!’”
A beautiful blonde lady stepped onto a plane going to L.A. and sat down in first class. The flight attendant proceeded to go around the airplane checking the ticket stubs of each passenger to make sure they were all in the right seats. When she got to the Blonde woman she noticed that it was for Coach seating, not first class. She tells the woman, “You’re ticket says coach maam and we have a full flight today. I’m going to have to ask you to move.” To which the blonde replies, “You don’t understand, I’m blonde, beautiful, I’m going to L.A. and I’m getting there in first class.” Confused, the stewardess gets her supervisor. Again, she tells the woman that she must move. Again, the blonde replies, “You don’t understand, I’m blonde, beautiful, I’m going to L.A. and I’m getting there in first class.” Also confused, they go get the captain. He tells the woman that she must move. The blonde starts to say, “You don’t understand, I’m blonde, beautiful...” when he interrupts and asks, “Can I whisper something in your 48 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
ear?” ““Sure” she replies and he proceeds to whisper so something in her ear. Suddenly she gets up and goes back to coach seating with a look of surprise on her face. The flight attendants are startled. “How did you get her to move?” “I told her that first class wasn’t going to L.A.”
An elderly woman went to her local doctor’s office and asked to speak with her doctor. When the receptionist asked why she was there, she replied, “I’d like to have some birth ccontrol pills.” Taken back, the doctor thought for a minute and then said, “Excuse me, Mrs. Glenwood, but you’re 80 years old. What would you possibly need birth control pills for?” The woman replied, “They help me sleep better.” The doctor considered this for a second, and continued… “How in the world do birth control pills help you sleep?” The woman said, “I put them in my granddaughter’s orange juice, and I sleep better at night.”
Half dressed redneck couple sitting on couch watching news on TV with man’s arm around the woman. The man says “Lookit them homo-sekshuls a ruining the sanctity of our institution. We oughta go to San Francisco just to show them liberals that marriage means one man, one woman. Right, Darlin’” The woman replies, “That’s right, Daddy.”
A rabbit one day managed to break free from the laboratory where he had been born and brought up. As he scurried away from the fencing of the compound, he felt grass under his little feet and saw the dawn breaking for the first time in his life. “Wow, this is great,” he thought. It wasn’t long before he came to a hedge and, after squeezing under it he saw a wonderful sight: lots of other bunny rabbits, all free and nibbling at the lush grass. Hey,” he called. “I’m a rabbit from the laboratory and I’ve just escaped. Are you wild rabbits?” “Yes. Come and join us,” they cried. Our friend hopped over to them and started eating the grass. It tasted so good. “What else do you wild rabbits do?” he asked. “Well,” one of them said. “You see that field there? It’s got carrots growing in it. We dig them up and eat them.” This he couldn’t resist and he spent the next hour eating the most succulent carrots. They were wonderful. Later, he asked them again, “What else do you do?” “You see that field there? It’s got lettuce growing in it. We eat them as well.” The lettuce tasted just as good and he returned a while later completely full. “Is there anything else you guys do?” he asked. One of the other rabbits came a bit closer to him and spoke softly. “There’s one other thing you must try. You see those rabbits there,” he said, pointing to the far corner of the field. “They’re girls. We shag them. Go and try it.” Well, our friend spent the rest of the morning screwing his little heart out until, completely knackered, he staggered back over to the guys. “That was fantastic,” he panted. “So are you going to live with us then?” one of them asked. “I’m sorry, I had a great time but I can’t.” The wild rabbits all stared at him, a bit surprised. “Why? We thought you liked it here.” “I do,” our friend replied. “But I must get back to the laboratory. I’m dying for a cigarette.”
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IT’S RANT TIME
that some of you will instantly label me as a racist for not ‘towing the company line’. Isn’t it interesting that anyone who disagrees is instantly attacked personally, yet not argued with when it comes to things like facts or true information?! By the way, those of you who want to know where the information comes from should know that it is all available to anyone. It is hidden in places like books, and the internet, not on your network news. Be a patriot. Find out the facts. Show up and do your civic duty. If you are not sure what that is or what that means I invite you to research and read the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Do a little research into the history of the revolutionary war and how the United States of America was born and why. I’ve figured out over the years that it doesn’t matter nearly enough to an awful lot of people.
Let me start out by reminding everyone that my opinions are my own. If you agree congratulations, if not, well, you Now you’re probably wondering what any of this has to do with motorcycles. Now that the federal government runs are reading my articles so at least there’s hope. the medical sector of our economy by way of the so named “Affordable Care Act” they will decide which activities So here’s my problem. Right now will be deemed to be ‘dangerous’ and on the national level there is a guy subject to additional taxation and unilaterally changing my country in higher insurance rates. Of course it’s ways I absolutely don’t agree with. all fully documented by your local What happened? I don’t get it. I physician in order for them to be can’t find anyone who will admit to compliant with all their new reporting supporting the current administration. requirements too, else they be fined. I know that I should be grateful that That puts us as motorcyclists in the the people I run across in my corner same column as skydivers, stuntmen of the world are probably smarter and a multitude of others. Added to than most, but the fact remains that this is the fact that our president’s someone elected this guy. ‘ideal’ transportation bill template includes a helmet mandate for all Some interesting information for motorcycle operators and passengers. you to chew on; in August of 2006 Don’t get me wrong, I’m not antithe media was reporting that the helmet, but I am against having average retail price for a gallon of anyone who has never ridden a unleaded regular gasoline was going to approach $2.00 per gallon by the end of the year. Today motorcycle telling me how I must dress when I do so. I the nationwide average is $3.52 per gallon. In September pay my own way, always have. I will always resist the of 2007, when our supreme leader was elected the average government limiting my choices. If you choose to wear a helmet, great, that is your choice. All I ask is that price of a gallon of milk was $3.59. Today I paid $4.88. you respect my right to choose as well. Let us also not I know, we all have examples to offer, but if you are like forget about states and federal funding of motorcycleme, I’m betting that your wages haven’t kept up with the only checkpoints that have been set up in several states inflation we are experiencing. Ok, enough economics. to harass motorcycle riders exclusively. What makes us Let’s talk about freedom. First, I didn’t used to be required by the government to buy anything and somehow more likely to be doing something wrong compared to the general population? Since when does “equal protection now I am. Second our rights guaranteed by the 2nd under the law” not apply if you ride a motorcycle? It is Amendment have been under constant assault ever since the inauguration; and how about the regulatory agencies? time to stand up and be counted. We can never have too many patriots. Holy S#*!! Starting with the IRS, the agency that has proven to be a group of folks who nearly guarantee I think we motorcyclists have plenty to worry about persecution if you disagree with the administration. The without having to defend ourselves against our own EPA’s regulations have closed countless manufacturing government, but that is exactly what we must do. Besides facilities across the map. Then the biggest slap in the face – wish I could say ever (but that was that whole Viet wondering whether or not the person in the car nearby is seeing us or playing with their phone, we need to monitor Nam thing) known as “Disrespect of our Military”. I’ll whether or our elected hired help are padding their power only mention a couple of easy to prove examples, so I’ll mention Benghazi and the refusal to back up our country’s by stealing liberty and freedom from us. And there you offspring in uniform or even tell the truth about it. Second have it. I’ll just mention the whole VA scandal. No matter who I invite differing opinions so please contact me with yours. you are, as an American this should make you mad. Well, I gotta say that felt pretty good. Now I know Peter@Riderpromotions.com Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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This was a heartfelt ride and one I will never forget. This ride was for a three year old named Kelly with a terminal illness. Her mom explains that she was a normal red headed child up until she started having uncontrollable seizures. She also suffers from brittle bones now and the seizures cause her frail bones to break. Even after her illness was in full effect she loved the sound of motorcycles. Her past babysitter tells me that when Kelly would be sitting in her parents van and a bike would start up, the van would start rocking because Kelly was bouncing around in her chair excited by the sound. Kelly’s seizures became worse and she was admitted to Childserve in Johnston where her mom has been told that Kelly will probably never get to go home.
and the group would ride to Childserve to make this wish come true. Things went better than planned. A large group of bikes were escorted by law enforcement to their destination. Kelly was sitting inside the front doors of the facility when the bikes started roaring in. The riders would rev their engines as they came in, making sure she knew they were there. After most bikes were parked, Kelly was brought outside to greet the bikers. Motorcyclist after motorcyclist came up to Kelly to either say a prayer, wish her well, take a photo or give her a gift. This little lady scored some pretty great toys including a lot of stuffed animals along with a couple new shirts. A collection was also taken up and given to the family. The initial amount was $2620.20, then someone in the audience spoke up and said “Come on folks; let’s get her up to $3000. I was standing on a pillar above the crowd and all I could see were generous people opening up their wallets and purses passing more money up to the family. What a sight to witness. In the end, the family donated all of the proceeds to Childserve on behalf of the family.
Kelly is said not to smile too much anymore, but one thing that still gets her attention is the sound of a motorcycle. Kelly’s mom had a final wish for her daughter, to have a large group of motorcycles come to Childserve and cheer up her daughter. A motorcyclist by the name of Alan heard this and started the makings of Ride for Kelly. The plan was for motorcyclists to meet at 10:30 on July 20 at the Flying J in Altoona, Iowa. Then around 10:40 kickstands were to go up BER 2014 50 - TRMI SEPTEMBER
I attempted to count how many motorcycles participated in the event and with the help of a friend we came up with around 600 motorcycles and 1000 people in attendance. I glanced at the license plates on some bikes and they seemed to be from all over the state. There were also folks from out of state, including Nebraska. There was also a van full of kids that attended the event. One of the young men from the van was so excited as the bikes came rolling in, he was clapping and laughing. During the event one motorcyclist, Dennis Putney, took the boy to his bike and helped him sit on it. The reaction from the boy was so overwhelming that words cannot express. This event for me was truly a heartfelt endeavor. There were many bikers shedding tears and showing true emotion at this event. The family was very grateful and welcoming. This ride was about making a little girl feel special and there is no doubt that was accomplished. Susan and Harv Hunter TRMI
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Tuesday
Thursday Continued
Desparado’s Wheatland Brooklyn’s Bar & Grill Ottumwa Lynch’s Bar Rockwell City Century Bar Alta Starr’s Two Wheel Tap Davenport Kitty’s Long Branch Saloon Atalissa The Outfield Richland Schneids Lowden Johnny’s Pub Lake Park
Ducky’s Lagoon Taylor Ridge IL Jesse’s Saloon Silvis IL Throttle Thursday Dillon Bros HD (1st Thurs) Omaha Clueless Bar & Grill Mason City OverTime Neighborhood Hub Sports & Pub Des Moines Founders Bondurant
Wednesday SOS Clubhouse Muscatine Slaby’s Plainview Wiebler’s HD (Alternating weeks) Davenport The Buck Snort Neola Greencastle Tavern Mingo Shenanigan’s Boone OP, Clear Lake Cadillac Jack’s Baxter Ride’s Bar & Grill Ft Dodge Shuey’s Shueyville Joe’s Nighthawk Waverly The Pour House Davenport Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Samz Sports Bar Muscatine 2nd Ave Bike Night (2nd Wednesday) Des Moines Joe’s Night Hawk Waverly Fro’s Wilton Dee’s Catfish Cove Davenport George and Dales East Dubuque The Edge Missouri Valley Overboard Des Moines Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Harlan Ferg’s (Last Thursday) Grand Junction Krazee Kafe, Des Moines Chrome Horse Saloon/JP Cycles (2nd Thursdays) Screaming Eagle Bar & Grill Waterloo BJ’s Full Throttle Thursdays Waterloo The Wagon Wheel Washington Crossroads Tavern (every other) Kelley Crazy Coyote (3rd Thursday) Burlington 52 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2014
Friday Thunder Nites (2nd Friday) Newton May thru Sep Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Knoxville Dubuque Harley-Davidson (Last Friday May-Aug) Zylstra Harley-Davidson Ames (4th Friday) Spanky’s Bar & Grill Emerson Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday) Indianola Woody’s Roadside Tavern Albion last Friday Biscuit’s Bar and Grill Buffalo Onion Grove Clarence Breezy Hills Wings & Wine-a-Ritas Minden Saturday Winterset Bike Night (3rd Saturday) Winterset Von Tuck’s/Dave’s Place Oelwein Gravy’s Bar and Grill Davenport Sunday Dolly’s Auburn The Edge Missouri Valley Haverhill Social Club (3rd Sunday) Haverhill Scooter Sunday 411 Main Griswold Team 36 Mitchellville Icky Nickel Sioux City Captains Quarters Bike Days Adel Avenue of the Saints (2nd Sundays) St Charles Cozy Café Des Moines (1st Sunday) 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. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Aug 22-24 Party in the Pasture Softail Saloon Superior Aug 22-24 BTW 10th Annual Trike In Kellogg Aug 23 6th Annual Werner Cycle Works Bike/Car Show Omaha, NE Aug 23 AHeinz57’s 6th Ride Your Hawgs for Dogs Run Adel Aug 23 Vic’s Main Tap 6th Annual Fun Ride Audubon Aug 23 Old School Bike Show and Rodeo Muscatine Aug 23 B.A.C.A. Bike Bash Des Moines Aug 23 New Model Party Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Aug 23 Big Barn H-D Fall Open House Des Moines Aug 23 Challenge Run Dolly’s Auburn Aug 23 4th Annual Bill Vincent Memorial Ride Keota Aug 23 Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS) Fun Run Grinnell Aug 23 Jami Jam III Milford Aug 23 Shake, Rattle, and Roll Motorcycle Ride Story City Aug 23 2nd Annual “Ride to Save a Life” Redfield Aug 23 VFW Poker Run Ottumwa Aug 23 JDRF Poker Run Swisher Aug 23 Harleys & Hot Rods Evansdale Aug 23 4th Ann Labor Poker Run & Solidarity Ride Cedar Rapids Aug 23 Baylee’s Bike Run for Lupus Davenport Aug 23 MS & AA 1st Annual Thunder in the Streets Manly Aug 24 Children’s Miracle Network Fun Run Ida Grove Aug 28-30 43rd Int’l Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Davenport Aug 30-31 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Aug 30 3rd Annual SPC Donny Nichols Memorial Ride Shell Rock Aug 31 OKOBOJI H-D presents “DRIVEN” at Biker Bash ‘14 Lake Park Sep 5-7 Hogs4Dogs Benefit & Ride Ottumwa Sep 5-7 Davis Motorcycle rally New Hampton Sep 6 Custom Paint Specialists Open House Des Moines Sep 6 National Motorcycle Museum SideCar Rally,Anamosa Sep 6 Sidney’s Wish Poker Run Des Moines Sep 6 3rd Hope for Hayley ITP Benefit Ride Kelley Sep 6 Broken Spokes 2nd Annual Poker Run Davenport Sep 6 Ride 4 Tyler Dubuque
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Sep 6 2nd Annual Ladies Lovin Life Poker Run Creston Sep 6 Wheels United Poker Run & Car Show Cedar Rapids Sep 6 Guy Doyel Benefit Poker Run 4th Ave Grill Logan Sep 6 Remembrance Run Algona Sep 6 2nd Annual Teufelhunds Vets Group Support Ride Anamosa Sep 6 7th Annual Run for our Veterans Bettendorf Sep 6 2nd Annual Ride 4 The Cause Orion, IL Sep 11 911 Ride Mason City Sep 12-14 25th State Line End of Summer Rally Keosauqua Sep 13 7th Cancer Benefit “RIDE FOR THE TA TAS” Kirkman Sep 13 Celebrate Freedom Run Catfish Charlies Dubuque Sep 13 Monona CO Veterans Museum Benefit Ride Onawa Sep 13 No Nipple Dipple 1st Annual Benefit Ride Buffalo Sep 13 Lupus Poker Run Stanhope Sep 14 Hill Climb and Swap Meet Anamosa Sep 14 Operation Comfort Warrior Ride Decorah Sep 19-21 Rumble in the Stalks Conesville Sep 20 Fall Open House Wieblers H-D Davenport Sep 20 Cedar County Heroes Memorial Ride Tipton Sep 20 20th Annual Zylstra Hog Roast Ames Sep 20 Greg Auburt Foundation Poker Run Adel Sep 20 Fall Ride Sutliff Sep 20 Retrieving Freedom for Autism Benefit Waverly Sep 20 Jessica Peine Memorial Ride Muscatine Sep 20 Ride 4 Raylan Benefit Hartford Sep 20 Charity Run For Austin Scheper Slabys Bar & Grill Plain View Sep 21 Concours de Cornfield Antique Motorcycle Show Earlham Sep 24-27 Bikes Blues & BBQ Fayetteville, AR Sep 27 Carroll Cycle Center Open House Carroll Sep 27 Chosen Few MC End of the Year Party Cedar Rapids Sep 27 The Edge Sports Bar & Grill Motorcycle Midwest Connection Missouri Valley Sep 27-28 RJ Performance Fun Day Eddyville Raceway Park Sep 28 Fall Balltown Ride Wieblers H-D Davenport Sep 29 Big Barn H-D 7th Annual Summer Ride ends Des Moines
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Oct 2-5 Hog Rock’Toberfest Cave in the Rock IL Oct 4 2nd Annual Savanna’s Ride Dubuque Oct 4 Tailgate Party Wieblers H-D Davenport Oct 4 2nd Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ride Cedar Rapids Oct 4 Toys for Tots Mason City Oct 4 Ride for Freedom Wheatland Oct 5 Big Dog Wine Run with Dogs on Skis Tama Oct 5 30th Annual Toy Run w/USMC Reserves Davenport Oct 5 ABATE D19 Toy Run Denison Oct 5 Carroll Cycle Center Toy Run Carroll Oct 11 Knickers Annual Leaf Run Dubuque Oct 12 ABATE D4 31st Toy Run Des Moines Oct 16-19 Biketoberfest Daytona, FL Oct 19 Eagles Toy Run Atlantic
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Oct 31 Nov 7-9 Nov 21 Nov 28 Nov 28 Nov 28 Dec 13 Dec 13
Halloween Party Metro H-D Cedar Rapids ABATE of IOWA STEAM/BOD Mt. Marshalltown Carroll Cycle Center Ladies Night Out Carroll Turkey Run Clinton Carroll Cycle Center Guys Night Out Carroll Black Friday Metro H-D Cedar Rapids Carroll Cycle Center pictures with Santa Carroll Santa Metro H-D Cedar Rapids
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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