Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa March 2024

Sitting down to write this Letter from the Editor on deadline day, once again. It seems that this is one of the last things that I can put off any longer on a monthly basis, and I generally prefer to write this at the last possible moment. I have been working on getting events for the upcoming riding season on the list, and even started early on gathering bike nights for the summer months updated on my list for this year. I beg of all of your help to get me this kind of information so that we can include it on our pages and on our Facebook page. If you know of any confirmed events, please email them to me at vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com with the date, name of the event, and starting location town. That way I can get them added to our list. Additionally, if you know of or are hosting a bike night in 2024, let me know the schedule and place and we will get that on the list, and as soon as riding season hits, they will be printed in the magazine and posted on our Facebook page on Mondays the same time we do the event listings. We sure appreciate the help populating the list. If people don’t know what is going on, they don’t know when and where to ride to!

I would like to thank all of the valued customers and loyal readers that have been a part of our world for the last decade and a half. It means the world to us that we have the amazing level of support through thick and thin over that span of time. We sure as hell don’t plan on going anywhere soon, and look forward to putting cool things on our pages to share with each and every one of your, month after month. Thanks for being valued members of our community! ML&R to all of you!

Over this past year or so, I have been noticing a change in the biker world. There seems to be more of a sense of camaraderie and less bickering amongst the different aspects of the biker world. It has always been this type of thing in the background, and nothing to be really concerned about, but it was at times palpable. There will always be some sorts of disagreements, and differences of opinions, but when we can all come together as a unified voice, then the biker world can defeat any obstacle. Frankly, there is not

On the Cover the & Calendar &

any better time than now to actually have people come together for the common cause of protecting our way of life. There have never been any more serious threats to the biker community than now with attacks on the internal combustion engine, the need for a right to repair legislation, motorcyclists’ discrimination practices increasing, distracted drivers of other vehicles on the roadways, and even major safety issues with autonomous vehicles threatening our way of life and our lives. Pair all of that with an aging community of riders with very little in the way of instilling the love of the ride in younger generations, and we are looking at a questionable future at best. We NEED to stand together to fight untoward legislation. We NEED to stand together against mandates that will attempt to force us off of the roads. We NEED to stand together and say enough is enough of allowing other vehicles to kill us when we are enjoying our freedom of the roads. We NEED to be good stewards of the industry and do everything we can to bring new riders to the streets in a safe, responsible, and effective way. We NEED to have younger riders, and non-traditional riders becoming a part of the fold and joining us on rides, at events, and at the capital. I implore each and every one of you to help us all keep our lifestyle intact and maintaining our place in society as the movers and shakers. Together, we can make it happen!

Until we can ride again,

Vernon Schwarte

Proud Editor/Owner Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Owner Thunder Guns and Thunder Guns West IMDA Board Member

MRF Iowa Assistant State Rep COC Liaison

NCOIR State of Iowa Representative vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Quote of the Month: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party’! – Robin Williams

Matt and Vic agreed to bring their bikes to lobby day, and lucky for them it was way above freezing that day and pretty damned nice out. I wanted the opportunity to grab a few shots of bikes with the gold dome in the background. They came out so cool looking so we had to show them here. I hope it also reminds everyone that we own that building, and the people in there do in fact work for us. Bikers have rights, bikers vote.

“Honey, when you get my coffee refill would you also unplug and bring me the stupid box?” Before you think what a selfish, sexist pig I am, Karla and I do take turns getting refills and reading morning devotions, though I must admit because of her skittery nature she may get in a few more steps and turns at the coffee pot each morning. The dog and I, being of a more laid-back disposition, after peeing, having our 1st cup of Java and a doggy snack, are able to relax and more appreciate the mornings than she. One recent morning I was checking aforementioned stupid box/i-phone for all the important things I’d missed in the last 7 hours. You know, all the latest catastrophes, world crises, celebrity spotting’s and the dog’s favoritethe “dolphins on fire rescuing a kitten from drowning while playing music on squeaky toys” video. Somehow in all that I did manage to catch a post from a friend detailing some struggles that he was experiencing with a recent brain trauma. It reminded me that it’s now been 5 years since our wreck where I suffered head/ face and brain trauma, with the accompanying health frustrations and the long road to recovery. I so appreciate the family and the friends that were patient and showed me grace during all that. Time flies but life goes on in new ways and norms.

The thought also struck me that there are a lot of similarities between brain trauma and time spent on the stupid box. I saw an article on recent university studies coming out of the UK which gave a partial list of some of the scary things that are manifesting and are directly attributable to so much screen time: huge increases in the incidences of ADHD, depression, autism-like symptoms, and anxiety with the accompanying irritability were a few things mentioned in what to me seems to be the overall Zombification of society. Seems that we are easier to control and herd when drugged, dumbed-down and deceived. Technology may seem smart but how many generations are being ruined by those who program the algorithms and pass it off as today’s norm? Out with the old; in with the new. It seems as if history, heritage and common sense are now bad and the ridiculous and evil are now good.

The Babylon Bee, which many of you know gives humorous predictions and stories, revealed that its editors were lamenting the fact that they were having a hard time coming up with comedic items. Apparently, what would have been seen as absolutely ridiculous in previous years is now coming true in a matter of days, completely ruining their satire. A recent remodel of the men’s room at the local YMCA is a good example. Upon its completion, we discovered the urinals were all removed from the men’s locker room and bathroom. Now there are special enclosed, empty “changing” stalls. We are told the changes were made to line up with current government regulations. To me, whoever is offended, inconvenienced or can’t understand the importance of urinals in a men’s room shouldn’t be there. I hate to see what happens if they remodel the women’s locker room. I suppose that’s where the urinals will reappear. I guess in the mean time we pee in the floor drain. In 2nd Peter we are warned of false prophets and teachers who will bring in destructive ideas and deny God. It is said about them that they forsake the right way and have gone astray. They promise freedom but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

We are inundated and overwhelmed with useless and /or

just downright evil information that robs us of the ability to think for ourselves and make rational decisions as well as meditate on God’s word and hear his voice. It’s like too much junk crowded into a hoarder’s house and we are supposed to navigate through it in the dark. When we lose the ability to hear God’s word, we also lose the ability to discern between good and evil, right and wrong and instead become wise in our own eyes. Think Tower of Babel. God has demonstrated that he has ways of dealing with an unrepentant people. In 1st Corinthians, God tells us “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” The Bible tells us that Satan is the thief who “comes to steal, kill and destroy”. His desire is to keep us from being in a right relationship with God. Thankfully, Jesus tells us that “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full”.

As Spring is sprung, the penguins, polar bears and illegals start their march northward, the snow turns to muddy sand, and the bikes escape from their winter lairs. Be careful out there.

P.S. If you run across anymore videos of dolphins on fire saving kittens or baby bunnies let me know - the dog and I need things to watch while my lovely wife skitters around.

Blessings, Mark

Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org

The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Biker Accessories

Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook

Dirty Biker Design

122 S. John Wayne Drive Winterset, Iowa 50273

www.DirtyBikerDesign.com 515-444-9050

Dealers

Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351

www.baxtercycle.com

Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444

www.bigbarnhd.net

Indian Motorcycle of Mason City

Mason City Powersports

12499 265th Street Mason City 641-423-3181

Masoncitypowersportsinc.com

Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496

www.metro-motorsports.com

Route 65 Harley-Davidson

1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160

Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue

Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400

fullthrottleia.com

Harley-Davidson of Carroll 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610

www.carrollcycle.com

Desperados

105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087

Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings

Flaming Office

201 W High Street Toledo 641-484-2255

Outdoor Patio, Happy Hour 5-7

Flaming Office on Facebook & Google

Haverhill Social Club

202 1st Street

Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321

Mi Casa Family Restaurant

512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258

Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!

Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230

www.midwaytavernsoldier.com

Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165

www.route65hd.net

Storm Lake Honda

3040 Expansion Blvd Storm Lake, Iowa 50588

StormLakeHonda.com 712-732-2460

Entertainment

Book Em Dano’s

33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818 Mon-Sat 4-2

Dancers Nightly 5-1:30

Okoboji Classic Cars

Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029

Closed Mon-Tues, 4-Midnite Wed-Thur-Fri, 10-Midnight Sat, 11-Midnight Sunday

Iowa Legendary Rye 707 N Main Street Carroll, Iowa 51401

Iowalegendaryrye.com

Jake’s Station

107 West HWY 59 Hancock, Iowa 51536 712-741-BEER

Like Our Page Jakes Station on Facebook

J.R. Willie’s

Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095

Open Tuesday - Sunday 11AM

Home of the Willie Whopper

Johnie’s Tap

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!

Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998

Email:riversidetap@gmail.com

Shootout Saloon 3571 310th St Dexter 1 Mile West of Bonnie & Clyde Shootout 712-249-0041

Secluded Bar in the Woods

Food and Drink (Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations)

Bloodline Irish Pub

214 Public Square

Greenfield, Iowa 50849

Bloodline Irish Pub on Facebook

Catfish Charlie’s

On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600

www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com

112 NE 2nd Street Stuart, Iowa 50250 515-523-1146

Find Us on Facebook

Just 1 More 515-570-4206

641-757-0159

309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128

McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th

Des Moines, Iowa 50313

Bike Parking

M-F 2:00-2 S-S 11:00-Close

www.thunderroadsiowa.com

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

Stumpy’s Bar & Grill

423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222

Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook

The Exchange 171 S Elm Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-343-2609

Lang’s Pizza, Cold Beer, Sports

The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com

VFW Post 9662

Bar and Grill 1309 NE 66th Ave Des Moines 515 - 289 - 9914 and Facebook

Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122

Opens M-F 2-Close, Sat 9-Close, Sun 2-Close

Western Iowa Ice 514 East Street Shelby, Iowa 51570 402-681-6521

Ice Delivered to Your Location

Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395

Guns and Ammo

Hobbies & Collectibles

Treasure Island Diecast/Facebook Hot Wheels, M2, Matchbox, Jada Ertl, Lightning, Harley, Maisto Buy-Sell-Trade 641-521-8036 rayaustinhd@gmail.com

www.treasureislanddiecast.com

Insurance & Financial

Thunder Guns 201 4th Ave

Portsmouth, Iowa 51565 712-249-5630

Find us on Facebook

Thunder Guns West 1101 Chatburn Ave STE 103 Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2632

Find us on Facebook

O’Malley Wealth Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930

State Farm

Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724

Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com

Legal

Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678

Hupy.com

TheBikerLawyers.com

The Biker Lawyers, P.C. Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452

Quilting

Bam-Bam Quilting 724 E Benton Winterset kerneskimmie@gmail.com 515-468-0264

Find us on Facebook

Shops & Fabricators

BS & Bikes 300 E 17th St S Suite 700 Newton, IA 50208 641-521-8448

Find us on Facebook

Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768

Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair

S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 307 E 5th StreetWashington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278

Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954

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

Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111

Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook

F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651

Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172

Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook

Trailers

Lacaeyse Trailer Sales

4192 HWY 146 Grinnell Trailers & Truck Accessories 641-990-2674

www.lacaeysetrailers.com

Photo and Art

Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715

www.natanic.com

www.fandjracing.com

Mean Machine Cycles

Elkhart, Iowa 50073

Custom & Full-Service HD Repair

Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat by appt only 515-367-7336

Motorcycle Medic

3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818

Open Tues-Fri 9-6, Sat 8-12

www.thunderroadsiowa.com

The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI.

If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST TO GET READY FOR SPRING from HDI

Every year in February and March, we get antsy, waiting for spring to arrive in all its motorcycling glory and warmth. While some of us ride year-round, many are just waiting for the first warm day to get the bike out of winter storage. How to Get Your Motorcycle Ready for Spring

If it’s been sitting for an extended period, then it’s crucial that you thoroughly inspect the bike in accordance with your owner’s manual requirements.

We’ve created a short spring motorcycle maintenance checklist you can do to get your bike ready while waiting for the first day of the season. That way, you’ll know as soon as you try to start the bike you can ride to your heart’s content. Our Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Checklist:

1. Make Sure You Are Legal and Road-Ready

Make sure your tags are up to date, and your motorcycle insurance is up to date. Get peace of mind that you are covered in case of an unplanned incident. Reach out to our insurance specialists today for a quote.

2. Check Your Service Manual

This is the single most vital kit you can keep around your garage. Refer to the manual to see what regular maintenance tips your bike needs and how often you should do it. We bet there’s at least one thing you can do to improve your bike that’s covered in your manual.

3. Visual Inspection of Your Motorcycle

While this might sound basic, take a quick inspection of every part of the bike for signs of damage.

What’s out of place?

Are there any signs of excessive wear or visible damage where they shouldn’t be?

If you haven’t ridden through the winter, and especially if you keep your bike outside, you should check to ensure that an animal hasn’t made your engine its home—mice and squirrels in particular, love to move into unused engine blocks and chew through wires.

A quick look can tell you a lot, especially if you know your motorcycle well.

4. Battery and Electrical Check

Batteries get drained in the cold, harsh winter weather. Nothing kills the mood faster on the first nice day than dead batteries.

Turn your key halfway to make sure that the headlights come on. If they don’t, it’s time to attempt a trickle charge and hope you don’t need a new motorcycle battery.

Does your brake light work?

How about the blinkers?

If the lights work, move on to the rest of your electrical system. Clean the spark plug and battery terminals, check your fuses, and replace whatever needs to be replaced.

5. Check Your Fluid Levels

Fluids power your bike and ensure that you don’t destroy the engine in the process.

Gas: Fill the gas tank with some fresh fuel and inspect the fuel lines and seals for cracks in the rubber.

Fuel Tank: How’s the fuel tank—does it need a new fuel filter?

Engine Oil: Check your oil level; it’s probably time for an oil change.

Brake Fluid: Does your brake fluid need a closer look?

6. Lubrication

So many places on your bike can use a little love from a touch of grease.

Your brake lever, pegs, shifters, and other moving parts love

to be lubricated.

If that’s in order, when was the last time you checked your clutch and throttle cables, or for that matter, your steering head bearings?

Take a little time for some motorcycle TLC.

7. Chains and Belts

Unless you are riding a 1942 Harley-Davidson® XA (the only shaft drive Harley-Davidson ever made), you need to inspect your drive system.

Chains and belts wear and need replacing over time. Ensure that a drive chain is cleaned and oiled and that the chain alignment is up to spec.

If you have a belt, ensure your drive belt tension matches the specifications outlined in your motorcycle Owner’s manual and inspect the belt for cracks.

8. Tires and Brakes

Flat tires can quickly ruin an otherwise great day, but losing control out on the road is a bit slower. This is why inspecting your bike where the rubber truly meets the road is crucial. Ensure your tires are holding air at the proper tire pressure and if not using paddock stands, ensure your tires haven’t developed flat spots or cracks.

How worn are the tires?

Do they still have tire tread in spec with what the tire manufacturer recommends, or are you the owner of sad balding tires?

9: Brake Check

Confirm the brake cables operate properly.

Check the front and rear brake to ensure your brake pads are still doing their job and that the brake lines are in perfect working order.

Brake pad wear that goes unnoticed can be dangerous!

10. Make Sure Everything’s Tight (But Not Too Tight)!

Critical fasteners should be checked at specific mileage intervals based on the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner’s manual. In addition, each fastener has a specific torque value that is defined in the Service Manual.

If maintenance is required and the proper manual or tools are not available, or if the service is outside of your comfort level, it’s best to take your bike to a professional or dealer for servicing.

There’s nothing worse than having to drill out a bolt and go through the process of rethreading or sizing a piece because you overtightened or lost a part on the road.

11. Clean Up

Check your air filter and all the nooks and crannies to ensure you are cleaned up.

If there’s nothing else to be done, it’s time to give the bike a bath and a wax; that way, your pride, and joy is gleaming on day one.

12. Enjoy the Warm Weather on the Open Road

Take to the streets with joy; it’s riding season.

Bottom Line on Spring Motorcycle Maintenance Tips

After weeks or months of minimal or no use, preparing for spring riding season will be necessary.

Taking the time to perform a motorcycle maintenance checklist is an essential part of ensuring an enjoyable riding experience. Following these motorcycle care tips, you can prepare your motorcycle for spring and enjoy the open road.

Remember to check your bike insurance coverage to ensure you are protected if you encounter any unexpected incidents. With proper maintenance and care, your motorcycle can provide years of riding pleasure.

So, get your checklist ready and give your motorcycle the attention it deserves before hitting the road this spring!

not so USELESS RAMBLINGS not so USELESS RAMBLINGS

Weak Men Create Hard Times

“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” - G. Michael Hopf, Those Who Remain

There is no doubt that men like Klaus Schwab and George Soros are powerful men, in their own way. They have garnered the support of millions and have amassed great wealth during their lifetimes. Despite all of that, they are, in my opinion, absolutely horrible and disgusting human beings. They have used their wealth to buy support or to buy force to get the support. They have used their wealth to buy propaganda. They have used their wealth to buy weak men, because they are weak men.

Let me be clear that when I say “weak men” I don’t specifically mean they are physically weak. While that may be true that a lot of them are in top physical form, they are mentally weak; they lack intestinal fortitude. They have no heart.

This is where men, and I use that term loosely here, like Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts take the spotlight. Together, they, along with eleven more Democrat co-sponsors, put forth legislation that would create a federal prohibition on paramilitary groups. Their hope was to stop such groups as The Three Percenters, The Oath Keepers, and The Proud Boys.

Raskin and Markey, when discussing their proposed bill and the resulting media coverage continually referred to these groups as being filled with “white supremacists” and that they were “forces of bigotry, hatred, and violent extremism” despite the fact that chairman (leader) of The Proud Boys, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, is of Cuban descent and identifies as Afro-Cuban and that many other known members are Hispanic and even African American. I’m not exactly sure if Raskin and Markey understand the term “White”

supremacy.

To quote one of my favorite movie characters, Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, “You keep using that word, but I do not think it means what you think it means.”

The Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024 (PPPAA) would seek to “amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit unauthorized private paramilitary activity, and for other purposes.” Surprisingly enough, the bill was only 10 pages long, but it still used an enormous amount of space to include a vocabulary of terms such as ammunition, dangerous weapon, firearm, large capacity ammunition feeding device (ie: anything more than 10 rounds of ammunition), and even the word person, just to name a few.

The PPPAA would make it illegal to publicly patrol, drill, or engage in techniques capable of causing bodily injury or death. Opponents of the bill were quick to point out that this could very easily be bastardized later to remove your ability to participate in any form of self defense classes; any form of martial arts or even firearm range training.

Imagine that you and a group of friends travel to northern Minnesota or out to Wyoming for a hunting trip. You have a truck full of gear to include several firearms that fit their ambiguous glossary terms and you get pulled over. Under the PPPAA, you’re now guilty of interstate travel with a dangerous weapon and ammunition or a large capacity ammunition feeding device. You could all be fined and/or imprisoned for not more than 1 year and you will forfeit any and all property.

Of course, this is a bit of an extreme example, but considering the way that the laws have been added, rewritten, twisted, and bastardized over the last few years, nothing should be considered too far fetched. It’s blatantly obvious, at least to me, that the “rule of law” only exists when they are making the rules.

I find it highly amusing that in several news stories about this legislation, images of men, mostly all dressed alike, carrying flags, wearing hats, and face coverings were used with captions of “A militia like group…” and one of my favorites, “... many dressed for war”, but I don’t recall any mention of “militia like groups” when the beloved and fawned over groups ransacked, looted, vandalized, and terrorized entire cities causing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of destruction, destroyed an entire police precinct, occupied the capital, and showed up at the homes of Supreme Court justices. No, these groups were praised and financially supported. They were given almost free reign to do whatever they wanted to do all while being painted as “mostly peaceful protests” by media bobbleheads all while entire city blocks were seen burning in the background.

If the PPPAA should make it into law, which I highly doubt because this is just more political grandstanding, it would make it illegal for groups to publicly patrol, “falsely assuming the role of law enforcement and training to engage in such behavior.” This sounds like your neighborhood watch organizations are now out the window.

Over the years the definition of militia has been argued; proponents argue that We The People are the militia, while opponents argue that a militia is a group that predates the National Guard and answers to the governor.

But they do go on to include this…

3 : a private group of armed individuals that operates as a paramilitary force and is typically motivated by a political or religious ideology

specifically : such a group that aims to defend individual rights against government authority that is perceived as oppressive

People like Markey and Raskin want you to believe that the militia is wholly controlled by the United States government and that anyone that would consider opposing or taking up arms against said government are to be considered traitors and treasonous. They NEED you to believe this because they are afraid of anyone that questions their authority. They fear losing their power. These people do not believe they work for the people; they believe the people are there to work for them.

“Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American… The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.” – Tench Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788. Tench Coxe (May 22, 1755 – July 17, 1824) was an American political economist and a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788–1789.

It would seem that our founders believed that the militia was, in fact, composed of the average citizen. Many references to this idea can be found in historical documents; to include newspapers, journals, The Elliot Debates, and even The Federalist Papers.

The opponents would have you believe that the historical context of militia did not mean the regular citizen, but rather the (fairly recently changed) definition provided by a once trusted Merriam-Webster.

1 a: a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency

b: a body of citizens organized for military service

2: the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service

These people are weak. They have been the recipients of many things that have made their lives easy. They have taken advantage of the positions they hold. They have used the powers of their positions to enrich their lives off the hard work of the very people that allowed them the position.

Strong men created a great country. Strong men and women have kept it that way for a long time. The strong have helped to ensure a pretty decent life for American citizens. Today we are faced with the products of that easy life; weak countrymen. These weak, power hungry people know that the only way they keep their power is by the threat of taking away all of your freedoms. They continually seek to discredit and demonize anyone that questions their authority. They seek to criminalize any opposition because they know that they are few and we are many.

It has been the topic of great debate for a long time, but there is said to have been a short exchange between Dr. Benjamin Franklin and a woman on the last day of the Constitutional Convention, September 18, 1787. The woman asks, “Well doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” to which Franklin responds, “A republic, if you can keep it.” I will not debate on the subject, I will just say that the U.S. Constitution, in Article IV, Section 4, it clearly states:

“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government…” The question is… will we keep it?

David McCoy

- david@thunderroadsiowa.com

- facebook.com/TRMIDave

- facebook.com/TRMINSUR

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107 East Main

Lake City, Iowa 51449

712-464-3564

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Tues-Fri 6:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sat 6:00 am – 12:00 Noon

Matt and I wanted to try another breakfast place one day on our trips to meetings in Eldora. We rolled into Lake City and he had found a place that was described as a coffee shop/bakery/diner. Sounded like a great place, so we parked and went inside. The place was about 75% capacity, but we were instantly greeted and seated, then waited a few minutes for the wait staff to get to us. Busy place and that was totally understandable. We sat there at our table and looked around at the décor, and chatted with a few of the locals sitting nearby. We admired some of the chairs at the table next to us that were the old padded style tractor seats on rotating pedestals, that were pretty cool additions to the place. The waitress after our brief wait then apologized more than once for the delay, despite telling her that we were all good and it was fine. It was nice though to have the staff recognize the delay and apologize for such. We got our coffee and water that we ordered quickly, and decided on what we were going to eat.

Matt went with the loaded omelet, and added on a pancake, and afterwards got a piece strawberry-rhubarb and a package of three big monster cookies. Just the loaded hash browns would have probably been enough, but the kid can sure eat. I told him to just wait, that shit will catch up with him! The omelet was stuffed overfull with bacon, sausage, hash browns, peppers, onions and cheese. His food was served with a side of toast, like he needed that, and a large single pancake. Pretty damn good breakfast that was more than filling. He did see some pie in the cabinet on the way in, and as we were getting ready to leave, asked for a piece of pie in a to go container, that he ate in the truck on the way to the meeting. The rest of the trip up, and on the way home, he then ate the package of three monster cookies. He commented that he would not need to eat at all the rest of the day after all of that scratch made goodness.

I opted for the country fried steak and added on a bacon wrapped hard boiled egg. My breakfast already came with a couple of eggs, as well as hash browns, gravy, and toast, but had never seen a bacon wrapped hard-boiled egg on a menu, so had to give it a try! I of course had to try that first when the food showed up. It was an interesting combination, and if ever offered the chance, will order it again. The country fried steak was placed upon a hearty batch of hash browns, and then my over medium eggs on top of that, and then the whole thing was topped with creamy sausage gravy. The whole thing all stacked and mixed together made for an interesting presentation, and even better blending of all of the flavors. The crispy steak went well with the gravy and eggs. If you are one that doesn’t like your food to touch on your plate, then this isn’t for you! I thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast though, and was stuffed. I still don’t know how the hell Matt had room for pie and cookies after all of that. If you are ever in the Lake City area when they are open, it is well worth the stop in for some small-town Iowa hospitality, and some great vittles. Tell them Thunder Roads sent ya!

Vernon

If you have a WRTE location for us to visit, please let me know at

Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com

If you can make a woman laugh, you’re almost there. If you’re almost there and then she laughs, then you’ve got a whole different problem on your hands.

How is a wife like bacon?

They both look, smell, and taste amazing. They also both slowly kill you.

What do you call an Irish spider?

Paddy long legs.

What do you say to a blonde that won’t give in? Have another beer.

I asked my partner if I was the only one, she’d been with. She said, “Yes, the others were at least sevens or eights.”

An elderly couple, who were both widowed, had been going out with each other for a long time. Urged on by their friends, they decided it was finally time to get married. Before the wedding, they went out to dinner and had a long conversation regarding how their marriage might work. They discussed finances, living arrangements, and so on. Finally, the old gentleman decided it was time to broach the subject of their physical relationship. ‘How do you feel about sex?’ he asked, rather tentatively. ‘I would like it infrequently’ she replied. The old fellow sat quietly for a moment, leaned over towards her and whispered - ‘Is that one word, or two?’

An Irish priest is driving along a country road when a policeman pulls him over. He immediately smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and notices an empty wine bottle in the car. He says: “Have you been drinking?” “Just water,” says the priest. The cop replies: “Then why do I smell wine?” the priest looks at the bottle and says: “Good Lord! He’s done it again!”

What’s the difference between “incomplete” and “finished”?

A man without a wife feels incomplete. Once married, he’s finished.

What is Irish and left on the lawn?

Paddy O’Furniture.

The leader of the vegetarian society just couldn’t control himself anymore. He just needed to try some pork, just to see what it tasted like. So, one summer day he told his members he was going on a vacation. He packed out of town, and headed to the nearest restaurant. After sitting down, he ordered a roasted pig, and impatiently waited for his delicacy. After just a few minutes, he heard someone call his name, and to his great chagrin he saw one of his fellow members walking towards him. Just at that same moment, the waiter walked over, with a huge platter, holding a full roasted pig with an apple in its mouth. “Isn’t that something,” says the leader after moments pause, “all I do is order an apple, and look what it comes with!”

Where do you find a dog with no legs?

Exactly where you left it.

I was at the park the other day when a mother sat down beside me. After a while, she leaned over and asked, “Which one is yours?” I looked at her and said, “I haven’t decided yet.”

Billy stops Paddy in Dublin and asks for the quickest way to Cork. Paddy says: “Are you on foot or in the car?” Billy replies: “In the car.”

t d k. r in e car. . ” y,” says s

“Well, that’s the quickest way,” says Paddy.

Two men, Jim and John, were walking their dogs when they passed by a restaurant.

g can’t”

“Let’s go in and get something to eat,” Jim suggested. “We can’t” responded John, “don’t you see the sign says NO PETS ALLOWED.” “Aah that sign,” said Jim “don’t worry about it” and taking out a pair of sunglasses, he walked up to the door. As he tried walking into the restaurant he got stopped at the door, “sorry no pets allowed.” Can’t you see” said Jim “I am blind, this is my seeing eye dog.” But it’s a Doberman pincher, who uses a Doberman pincher as a seeing eye dog?” the man asked “Oh,” Jim responded “you must have not heard, this is the latest type of seeing eye dog, they do a very good job.” Seeing that it worked, John tried walking in with his Chihuahua. Even before he could open his mouth, the doorman said “don’t tell me that a Chihuahua is the latest type of seeing eye dog.” Thinking quickly John responded in an angry voice “You mean they gave me a Chihuahua?”

e the ” “Aah

What’s the difference between men and women? Women can fake orgasms, but men can fake their entire marriage.

What’s the difference between jelly and jam?

You can’t jelly a clown into the tiny car.

What is the worst combination of illnesses? Alzheimer’s and diarrhea. You’re running but can’t remember where.

What’s the best position for leprechauns to play on a baseball team?

Shortstop.

Karen loved the golf game but was not very good at it. She was out on the links one day, playing with her husband John. As usual, every time she swung at the ball, she made the earth beneath it fly every which way! “My goodness, John,” she said, blushing at her ineptitude, “I bet the worms think there’s an earthquake going on.” “Don’t be so sure, Karen. The worms on this course are mighty smart. My guess is that most of them are hiding beneath your golf ball for safety.”

My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.

www.thunderroadsiowa.com

They say there’s a person capable of murder in every friendship group. I suspected it was Dave, so I killed him before he could cause any harm.

Paudie goes into a bar and orders seven shots of tequila and one Guinness. The barman lines up shots and goes to get the Guinness. When he comes back with the pint, all seven shots are gone. The barman says: “Wow! You sure drank those fast.” Paudie explains: “You would drink fast too if you had what I have.” The barman asks: “What do you have?” The guy reaches into his pocket and says: “Fifty cents!”

Some people say their wedding was the best day of their lives. I’m guessing they’ve never had two candy bars fall out of the vending machine simultaneously.

How much did the pirate pay for his peg and hook?

An arm and a leg

My therapist told me to write letters to the people you hate and then burn them, so I did. But now I don’t know what to do with the letters.

Why did the leprechaun stand on the potato? To keep from falling into the stew.

An Irishman is struggling to find a parking space. “Lord,” he prayed. “I can’t stand this. If you open a space up for me, I swear I’ll give up the Guinness and go to mass every Sunday.” Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot. Without hesitation, the Irishman says: “Never mind, I found one!”

How do you make a pool table laugh?

Tickle its balls.

What did the leprechaun put in the vending machine? A lepre-coin.

A biologist, a chemist, and a statistician are out hunting. The biologist shoots at a deer and misses five feet to the left. The chemist takes a shot and misses five feet to the right. The statistician yells “We got ’em!”

A sobbing Ms. Murphy approaches Fr O’Grady after mass. He says: “So what’s bothering you?” She replies: “Oh, Father, I’ve terrible news. My husband passed away last night.” The priest says: “Oh, Mary, that’s terrible. Did he have any last requests?” “Certainly father,” she replied. “He said: “Please Mary, put down that damn gun.”

A naked man broke into a church. The police chased him around and finally caught him by the organ.

The barman says to Paddy, “Your glass is empty. It looks like you could do with another. Would you like another one?” Paddy looks puzzled and replies, “Ey, why would I want another empty glass?!”

An Irishman goes into a bar in America and orders three whiskeys. The barman asks: “Would it be better for if I put all three shots in one glass?” The Irishman replies: “No! I have two other brothers back at home, so every time I come into a pub, I order a shot for them both.” The following week, the Irishman orders just two whiskeys. The barman asks: “Did something happen one of your brothers?” “Oh no,” replies the Irishman. “I just decided to quit drinking!”

What does the sign on an out-of-business brothel say? “Beat it. We’re closed!”

Two Irishmen were working in the public works department. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind him and fill the hole in. After a while, one amazed onlooker said: “Why do you dig a hole, only to have your partner follow behind and fill it up again?” The hole digger wiped his brow and sighed, “Well, I suppose it probably looks odd because we’re normally a threeperson team. But today the lad who plants the trees called in sick.”

I asked my wife why she never blinked during foreplay. She said she didn’t have time.

Jack strode into ‘John’s Stable’ looking to buy a horse. “Listen here” said John, “I’ve got just the horse you’re looking for, the only thing is, he was trained by an interesting fellow. He doesn’t go and stop the usual way. The way to get him to stop is to scream “hey, hey” the way to get him to go is to scream “Thank God.” Jim nodded his head, “fine with me, can I take him for a test run?” Jim was having the time of his life this horse sure could run he thought to himself. Jim was speeding down the dirt road when he suddenly saw a cliff up ahead “stop!” screamed Jim, but the horse kept on going. No matter how much he tried he could not remember the words to get it to stop. “Yo, yo” screamed Jim but the horse just kept on speeding ahead. It was 5 feet from the cliff when Jim suddenly remembered “hey, hey!” Jim screamed. The horse skidded to a halt just 1 inch from the cliff. Jim could not believe his good fortune, he looked up to the sky, raised his hands in the air, breathed a deep sigh of relief and said with conviction “Thank God.”

Karen: People need to stop calling me “Karen” It’s so offensive. Me: That’s fine we’ll go back to what we used to call you. Karen: Thanks…. Me: You’re welcome, Miserable fucking Bitch.

Why do leprechauns make great secretaries? They’re good at shorthand.

What’s the difference between a G-spot and a golf ball? A guy will actually search for a golf ball!

Enthusiast June 1951

Clean Streets, Clean Sheets...

Riding season is upon us! I mean, depending on what your breakdown of riding is, and I know that a great many of us don’t believe in an “off season” as much as the road conditions and ambient air temps dictate our seat time.

I don’t have any true, hard fast rules that come to mind before I go hard core into the riding season but I do have a couple. First and foremost, I hope for most of the winter road sand to be washed or swept away. I can handle a good deal of road conditions, but there are few things worse than coming to an intersection, putting your feet out only to have them slide out from under you! Embarrassing sure, but it’s even worse and scary if the bride is on the back. Cornering in that can be a bitch as well. I have seen plenty of experienced riders have a wheel spin out and end up sideways from it. The best cure is a nice, hard thundershower to clean shit up and make it better for all of us. The rains also bring the cleansing of that white scum left over on the roads that is used for treatments in winter conditions but sticks around, ruining bikes and rusting our vehicles. I do cast a jaundice eye towards that brine they put down, seems like a scam by the time it’s all said it done. I mention what it does to vehicles, but talk to anybody in the bridge or road business and they will tell you how much it accelerates the deterioration of it all. (Hint: stuff is bad)

about “what a terrible job the state/county/ city is doing because they have trouble getting round in their tiny shitbox car on perfect roads while the storm is happening. Just the worst people…Where was I dammit?

Oh yea, riding season. Maybe that is why I am a little pent up, it’s because I need to get my ass away from work, swing a leg over my bike, and get the flock out of Dodge. Thinking about riding kind of put me down a trip rabbit hole for lack of a better term. Last year I was able to ride a bit, mostly back and forth from work, which I completely love. I know I am a lucky bastard; I don’t take that for granted, but I have been doing what I love for my entire life. I have never dreaded doing what I do. I have despised PEOPLE I have worked with and for, I have hated situations, and was convinced that if “so and so” happen to have their teeth on fire, I wouldn’t walk across the street to piss in their mouth, but that has never taken away the pure love of what I do and have done.

Quick side bar, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing, stop it. Go do something else. Life is a bitch the way it is, why get stuck waking up filled with dread? I legit wake up and smile every morning because the day is going to kick some serious ass!

Sadly, it’s never going away because if you get one bad weather event and people can’t get out, they raise holy hell

It kicks even more ass on those days where I get to ride my bike to work! I have two commutes, one to the studio in the morning that is always pre-sunrise…always, so the route for that is pretty basic, mundane, but still enjoyable on a bike. The second part of my day could be 30 miles in either direction and always fun, not as much fun as the commute home, but it’s a fun ride, a chance to reset my brain and focus on what is important, riding.

Last year I went on a nice “get out of Dodge” adventure, which I wrote about last summer and that trip is going to lead a group of us to an even more smile filled riding season for 2024 and I am slowly coming around to something I in the past never really did…

Advanced planning.

I know the pure ideal of beauty when it comes to the romantic idea of riding, point the front wheel in a direction and head out until you find a place you want to end up and embrace the adventure. It’s a perfect, romantic notion that in all reality really doesn’t work all the time, and never works if you’re traveling with a group. I have done it that way before. Few things are worse after riding your ass off

all day and you decide you are ready to call it, you want a meal, a shower, and a bed only to pull into a town with no lodging options, forcing you to ride “to the next town” and that place is a pure shit hole. It will work, just de-lice everything the next day. Oh, the romance of being a biker and sleeping in a park next to your bike, or under a bridge. Screw that. I don’t work my ass off to NOT be able to afford indoor overnight quarters. Oh, sleeping under a park bench next to a pile of dog poop, sign me up for that.

Planning has its place and no matter what anyone claims, it does not make you less of a biker or any silly notion.

What surprised me as of late is how much discussion has been going in some of our summer riding adventures, be it alone with just my wife or the rides are we planning as a group. While a couple of these trips are a few months down the road, this is the most I have ever spent discussing the details of any of them.

And that is okay. I’m having a ball finding out what is important to other people, where they want to eat, places they want to see, photos they must take, etc. Normally, my ride or die and I just happen to be in tune with each other. We have the same level of expectations for lodging, we like much of the same styles of food, (which is most styles lol) and we like to not take the same roads if we can. Her and I can come up with a direction we want to go, she’s great at

finding place to crash and/or eat, and I plan the roads. It’s easy because we have been doing it for decades.

It’s different now that there is a new social dynamic, with a new group of riders, but at the same time it’s fun because like I mentioned, we are learning what they are into and for us it’s an easy mix of making it work. I enjoy being open minded enough to go with the flow and not stress out about minuscule details that in the big picture don’t really mean all that much. After all, the reasons I ride (while plenty) are also filled with reasons not be caught up in the BS.

Riding apps, digital maps, social media, and more have changed how we plan many of our trips but I still have this weird vibe that calls me to pull out a map from my bike, lay it down on the table, and look at the roads in the direction we are thinking of heading. Sure, once it’s decided and plugged into the GPS we rock, but planning that way just works.

Clean streets, clean sheets, and drama free riding, not much more you need to plan for.

Todd “Crash” Davis

EMAIL vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Thanks in Advance!

Feb 24 Sleeping Angels Foundation 6th Annual Angel Gala

Boone

Feb 24 HOG Chapter Chili Feed Waterloo

Feb 25 620 Polar Roller Bowling Tournament Metro HD Cedar Rapids

Feb 24-25 55th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod and Custom Show Monticello

Mar 1-10 Daytona Bike Week Daytona, FL

Mar 3 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet

Cedar Rapids

Mar 9 Two Wheel Trauma Class Davenport

Mar 22-24 Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet

Fremont NE

Mar 23 29th Annual Metro Pancake Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids

Mar 23-24 35th Annual Donnie Smith Show and Swap

Saint Paul, MN

Apr 3-7 Arizona Bike Week Scottsdale, AZ

Apr 6-7 37th Annual North Iowa Motorcycle EXPO

Mason City

Apr 7 Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet

Rock Island, IL

Apr 7 Hill Blazers Hill Climb Logan

Apr 19-20 Iowa Vintage Motorcycle & Scooter Swap Meet

Humboldt

Apr 20 Bike Blessing Route 65 HD Indianola

Apr 20 D18 Leather Ride Burlington

Jun 2 Shootout Saloon Sunday Funday Dexter

Jun 2 Motorcycle Hill Climb Anamosa

Jun 8 Clean, Fast, & Loud Tour Road Rage Bikeworks

Avoca

Jun 15 Roar Into Harlan Fun Run Harlan

Jun 14-15 Rumble in the Sand Conesville

Jul 3-6 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona

Jul 4-6 Iowa Hog Drags and Nostalgia Reunion

Humboldt

Apr 27 BACA Pancake Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids

May 3-4 Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque

May 4 13th Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone

May 4 4th Annual Iowa Paralyzed Veterans Poker Run

Donnellson

May 5 6th Annual 1st Baptist Bike Blessing Muscatine

May 5 40th Annual Spring Auto/Motorcycle Swap Meet

Monticello

May 11 Bikes, Coffee, Trophies Pleasant Hill

May 11 Clean, Fast, & Loud Tour Pleasant Hill

May 17-18 Rust Resurrection Traditional Hot Rod Show/Swap

Conesville

May 18 Mean Machine Dyno Shootout Elkhart

May 20-21 15th Annual MRF Bikers Inside the Beltway

Washington D.C.

May 23-26 Redneck Revival Conesville

May 25-27 Midway Tavern’s 26th Annual Veterans Memorial BBQ, Poker Run, & Street Dance Soldier

May 26 Dale Michel Memorial Poker Run Woodbine

Jul 6 17th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca

Jul 12-13 11th Annual Combat Vets Chapter 39-3 Benefit Ride/Cruise Elkport

Jul 17-21 Sturgis Kentucky Bike Rally

Jul 19-21 43rd Annual British Biker Cooperative Rally and Bike Show Blue River, WI

Jul 20 7th Annual Cruizin for a Cure Charity Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids

Jul 20 11th Annual Ride 4 Time With Friends of Mine Poker Run Baxter

Jul 20 Clean, Fast, & Loud Tour Pleasant Hill

Jul 20 D18 Hospice Ride Burlington

Jul 25-28 Omaha Bike Week Ralston, NE

Jul 25-28 H-D Homecoming Milwaukee, WI

Jul 27 1st Annual Memorial Ride for Andy Wiese Council Bluffs

Aug 2-11 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally South Dakota

Aug 10 AtlanticFest Bike and Car Show Atlantic

Aug 16-18 19th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg

Aug 17 Hell on Wheels #7 Donnellson

Aug 18 6th Annual Cancer Sucks Car, Truck, & Bike Show Council Bluffs

Aug 18 D18 Quad Picnic Blakesburg

Aug 28-Sep 1 Redneck Revival Conesville

Aug 29-31 53rd Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet Davenport

Aug 31-Sep 1 Midway Tavern’s 261960th Annual Soldier Valley Poker Run, BBQ/Dance/Concert Soldier

Sep 8 Motorcycle Hill Climb Anamosa

Jun 1 Patti’s Riders 4 Thrivers Poker Run Council Bluffs

Jun 1 D18 Memorial Ride New London

Sep 14 Mean Machine “Smalltown Throwdown” Burnout Contest & Stereo Battle Elkhart

Sep 15 18th Annual World-Famous Butterfield’s M-C Parts Hot Dog Daze Omaha, NE

Sep 18-21 Bikes, Blues, BBQ Motorcycle Rally Rogers, AR

Sep 20-21 Rumble in the Sand Conesville

Sep 21 Bike Night & BBQ Cook Off Stuart

Sep 22 D18 Toys for Tots Ride Burlington

Sep 26-29 40th Annual MRF Meeting of the Minds St Louis, MO

Sep 28 Apple Fest Car and Bike Show Woodbine

Oct 31-Nov 3 Lone Star Rally Galveston, TX

Nov 1-3 Iowa Steam Council Bluffs