Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

TOMAHAWK Fall Ride Guide INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Hundreds of Bikes Take Part in the Thunder Parade.............................. 8 SARA Park Welcomes Riders................................................................... 12 Win a raffle bike or travel voucher........................................................... 10

Let’s Ride!

By Dean S. Acheson, Editor

Published By: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 Southpark Drive Tomahawk, WI 54487 800-353-4511 • 715-453-4511 E-mail: info@5StarUpNorth.com

Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5StarUpNorth.com

Welcome to the 2015 edition of the Tomahawk Fall Ride for MDA – now in its 34th year and still raising funds for a special cause while celebrating the open road. Welcome also to 5 Star Marketing & Distribution’s Fall Ride Guide. We hope you will find the stories and advertisements from businesses and services useful as you embark on another Fall Ride. This year the official Fall Ride to Tomahawk sponsor is Dairyland Cycle Insurance.

Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com

Four full days of fun -- Sept. 17-20 – await riders with organized events, open houses, street dances, live music and food, vendor sales and twisty blacktops that weave through the Northwoods forest and around her lakes. The fall leaf colors are beginning to show themselves by mid-September, changing into a full dress rehearsal by the end of September and bringing down the house the first two weeks of October.

Marketing Associates Al Hanley Jody Peterson Janine Dutton-Slatinsky

Our personal rides have included a Harley and Triumph Bonneville. Which is to say Fall Ride welcomes all brands and makes of bikes. Most are Harleys and most are stock, but some are outrageous works of art. We’ve said it before: Though their brand names may differ, riders are all united in their love of the open road.

Perhaps reflective of the impact of the Fall Ride on the Northwoods, this year there are three – count them, three! -- bike raffles stretching from Tomahawk through Minocqua/ Arbor Vitae to Manitowish Waters. All three fundraisers benefit excellent causes. You can read more about them inside this edition of the Fall Ride Guide.

If you’re from out of town, take time to look around and plan a return trip to the Northwoods for a vacation, weekend getaway or even to consider a second home or retirement in the land we call Up North! Remember to ride safe!

Accounting Jackie Blodgett

Distribution Brandee Benson Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman Production Office Lori Morris Graphic Designers Danelle Pretasky Brittany Hazelquist

© 2015 5 Star Marketing & Distribution, LLC. All material in this publication is copyrighted and may not be reprinted in any form without the written consent of 5 Star Marketing & Distribution.

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Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

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Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

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Thunder Parade is all about good vibes

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

TOMAHAWK – With that bodacious flowing white beard, William H. Bradley, the founder of Tomahawk, would have been right at home on a motorcycle leading the Thunder Parade, the grand procession of hundreds of motorcycles (mostly Harleys) that kicks off the annual Fall Ride to Tomahawk.

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Alas, W.H. Bradley passed on the baton of life in 1902 and missed all those wonderful Thunder Parades. But don’t you miss this year’s event, set for late afternoon Friday, Sept. 18.

The parade welcomes all brands and models of motorcycles (your 5-year-old’s Big Wheels being the exception).

Spectators line the countryside at intersections and at the end of their driveways to wave on the riders. Many more citizens temporarily homestead on downtown sidewalks as they watch, cheer and photograph. Intermixed with the stock bikes is a healthy dose of custom works of art. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a camera to record the great ride.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and local officers lead and bring up the rear of the parade. The Tomahawk Fire Department helps out with a few trucks and the wail of sirens. Dignitaries from Harley-Davidson Company, members of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and Harley-Davidson Employee Riders Association are among the first riders.

As usual, participants will line up at the Tomahawk School District complex starting at 5pm. The goal is to have everyone ready for the parade by 5:30pm, so please plan accordingly.

There is no cost to join the parade, which goes on rain or shine.

After a 5:55pm blessing of bikes by the local clergy and the playing of the National Anthem, the kickstands go up and riders start rolling out of the school parking lot at 6pm.

The bike forks are turned east on Kings Road to County Road D, then to County Road H, north on H to County Road A. From A, the bikers turn south on North Fourth Street en route to Wisconsin Avenue. Their 18-mile journey ends in Historic Downtown Tomahawk to the applause of hundreds of appreciative fans. As noted elsewhere, the end of the ride marks the start of the street parties downtown.

Visually impaired can ride, too

For the past several years, the Tomahawk Lions and the Northern Lights Harley Owners Group have led the Thunder Parade by pairing the visually impaired with their members. This year, the Lions Club also welcomes those on Medicare or Medicaid disability in the 54487 Zip Code.

A limited number of seats are available. Dress for the weather.

Riders under age 18 require helmets. All riders must be able to sit on the back of a bike (side cars will not be available). Those interested in riding in this year’s parade should contact Kevin Koth at kothkkjjj@gmail.com. Transportation to and from the parade is not provided, however.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

The route

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Bike raffle to benefit MDA TOMAHAWK – The 2015 FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle is a real beauty and it could be yours if you hold the winning ticket for the Fall Ride to Tomahawk bike raffle to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The bike raffle is the main fundraiser for MDA of North Central Wisconsin.

The grand prize sports a custom paint job by Kris Gille, an employee of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company – Tomahawk Operations, and a tour pak signed by Willie G. Davidson himself.

The drawing for the featured prize in the MDA drawing will be announced Saturday evening just before the concert at SARA Park. The Tomahawk Operations donated the bike, valued at more than $25,000 to benefit MDA. The second prize is a collector’s item, a Harley-Davidson glass eagle with stand and case. The winner of either piece does not have to be present for the drawing All you need to win is a few bucks, some luck and space in the garage! Here’s how: Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

They are available at local businesses, at SARA Park, and at the Tomahawk Operations open house at their Kaphaem plant.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

A couple of requirements: You must be 18 years or older to buy tickets or to claim the prize. Taxes are also your responsibility.

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Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Pick SARA Park for music, food and merchandise

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

TOMHAWK – SARA Park is the Fall Ride to Tomahawk headquarters of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s North Central chapter, which sponsors activities there on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-19. It’s also the only place in Tomahawk where all proceeds benefit MDA that serves North Central Wisconsin.

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It’s a great place to see different bikes and what their owners have done in way of customizing them. SARA Park is also the place to kick back, chow down on festival-style food, drink your favorite brew, chat about past, present and future rides, and listen to the music.

Bus shuttles will be available, with stops at Bubba’s, HarleyDavison Tomahawk Operations plant on Kaphaem Avenue, downtown Tomahawk, and SARA Park.

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Thursday: 3-9pm

Friday – 9am to midnight

Saturday – 9am to midnight.

Look elsewhere in this annual Fall Ride Guide for expanded coverage of essential events, such as the Harley-Davidson – Tomahawk Operations open house on Kaphaem Road. Pick up a copy of our Up North Action magazine, free at many locations throughout the Northwoods, for additional information about fun things to see and do during your visit.

Your Fall Ride Guide wants you to know that that the following will be held all three days:

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SARA Park – Official H.O.G. pin stop.

Official MDA Fall Ride to Tomahawk and official Harley-Davidson – Tomahawk Operations merchandise. There is lots of it available, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and pins, women’s clothing and kid’s clothing.

Fun Runs -- Saddle up and take a Fun Run through the scenic Northwoods. Each run maps out the official stops. Those who complete a Fun Run will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.

Children’s Area – Variety of activities for children of all ages, hosted by the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Merchandise Vendor Displays & Sales -- Vendors will feature leather and other clothing, motorcycle products, Harley-Davidson dealers, jewelry, leather sewing, Sturgis souvenirs, services such as airbrushing and pin striping, and more.

Food and drink vendors -- From soda drinks to beer, from cheese curds to hamburgers, you won’t leave SARA Park hungry or thirsty.

Raffle tickets – Purchase one or a handful of tickets for a chance to win a 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle with custom paint. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

• Park opens at 3pm for food and merchandise sales, raffle ticket sales and Fun Run sales; • Paddle Raffle – The popular paddle raffle at the main stage beer tent features a custom “paddle bike wheel.”

• “Rumble through the Woods” pledge ride – Sign up for the Saturday afternoon ride, which will be led by Wisconsin State Patrol motorcycle officers on an approximately 60-mile loop to the Merrill area and back to SARA Park in time for the concert and big drawing.

Friday, Sept. 18 10am to midnight • Demo rides – The 2016 bikes from the design and engineering experts at Harley-Davidson are available to try out. A tour guide leads each group out into the countryside and back to SARA Park. Registration 10am to 5pm.

• Paddle Raffle – The popular paddle raffle at the main stage beer tent features a custom “paddle bike wheel.”

• “Rumble through the Woods” pledge ride – Sign up for the Saturday afternoon ride, which will be led by Wisconsin State Patrol motorcycle officers on an approximately 60-mile loop to the Merrill area and back to SARA Park in time for the concert and big drawing.

• Live music – Under the tent: Scott Kirby 10am to 1:30pm; and Howard Leudtke & the Blue Max Band 1:30-5:30pm • Live music -- Oil Can Harry on the runway stage 7-11:30pm, sponsored by The Liquor Store and Dairyland Cycle Insurance

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Saturday, Sept. 19 10am to midnight

Demo rides – The 2016 bikes from the design and engineering experts at Harley-Davidson are available to try out. A tour guide leads each group out into the countryside and back to SARA Park. Registration 10am to 5pm.

Northwoods Derby Knockouts Roller Derby Bout: 11:30am in the Ice Arena.

“Rumble Through the Woods” pledge ride – Registration 9am to 3pm, ride leaves the park at 3:30pm Live music: Brian Bethke 10am to 1:30pm, and Dave Steffen Band 1:30-5:30pm Live auction -- beginning at 5:30pm inside the tent.

Here’s your chance to win hard-to-find Harley-Davidson collectibles and memorabilia.

Bike raffle and Fun Run drawings start at 5pm.

Live music – Chasn’ Mason on the runway stage 7-11:30pm, sponsored by The Liquor Store and Dairyland Cycle Insurance.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

The particulars: Thursday, Sept. 17 3-7pm

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photo by Dean S Acheson

Chamber welcomes all to brat fry, bonfire TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce staff invites everyone to their annual bonfire and brat fry Thursday, Sept. 17 adjacent to the SARA Park boat landing. It will kick off the 2015 Fall Ride to Tomahawk.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Enjoy brats hot off the grill, cold beer and a huge bonfire, all along the waterfront of Lake Mohawksin. Music and food will all start at 6pm and continues until 9pm. The welcome party is open to the public as well as riders. The music is free, with the food and drink available by purchase.

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‘Pork in the Park’ Ribfest set for Fall Ride weekend MERRILL – The verdict is in – “Pork in the Park” Ribfest is a blast! More than 3,000 people indulged their taste buds at last year’s Ribfest, making it a resounding success! They served more than 1,100 pounds of ribs, and sold out in the afternoon.

The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their third annual Ribfest, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 (rain or shine) on the grounds of the Merrill Area Recreation Center (M.A.R.C.). Serving begins at 11:30am ’till gone. Cost is just a “buck a bone.”

In addition to the many different ribs, they will have sweet corn, steak and chicken sandwiches and ribbon fries. The Merrill Hockey Association will provide beverages including beer; HAVEN will serve slices of pie; Ed & Sharon’s Restaurant will offer their famous cheese curds. The colorful “Pork in the Park” tees will be available for purchase. Live musical entertainment is planned.

Fall Ride bikers are encouraged to travel Highway 107 from Tomahawk to Merrill. It’s a scenic and twisty route that follows the famed Wisconsin River. MARC is located at 1100 MARC Drive, on the north side of Merrill. For more information, contact the chamber at 715-536-9474 or visit merrillchamber.org.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Local grill masters will compete for three cash prizes and bragging rights to the title of “best rib.” They will crown a grand champion, champion and reserve champion, plus the “eaters” will select the recipient of the People’s Choice Award. (You might want to invite the winners to your next backyard barbeque for cooking tips!)

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Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Harley-Davidson – Tomahawk Operations sets open house at Kaphaem Road facility TOMAHAWK – The open house hosted by the HarleyDavidson – Tomahawk Operations during the 2015 Fall Ride returns to its production facilities on Kaphaem Road, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19. Hours are 10am to 3pm each day.

Last year, the open house was at their Somo Avenue plant.

During your visit you can purchase MDA raffle tickets for a Harley-Davidson 2015 FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

The Tomahawk Operations facility was established in 1963 and quickly became the sole supplier of fiberglass parts for HarleyDavidson motorcycles. After several expansions, the Kaphaem Road and Somo Avenue facilities now comprise 192,000 square feet, standing on 96 acres of land.

Plant tour guidelines During the plant tours, visitors are asked to follow the guidelines for both safety and protection of manufacturing operations: • No cameras are allowed inside the plant; • Bags or packages such as knapsacks, luggage and camera bags are not allowed inside the plant; • Fully enclosed shoes, low-heeled 1 inch or lower are required. Safety glasses will be supplied; • Children under age 12 are welcome in the Tour Center, but are not allowed on the factory tour. An adult must accompany visitors under 18 at all times, and • Every effort will be made to accommodate those with disability-related needs.

At the Kaphaem Road facility employees paint and produce components that are shipped to the York and Kansas City Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations facilities. These parts are assembled on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Employees also ship parts and accessories directly to dealers.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

During the self-guided tour you will discover the individual touches that give Harley-Davidson motorcycles their distinctive style as parts are coated and painted. Afterwards, move down the line for a look at the finished products.

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Fire department to raffle off Road King MANITOWISH WATERS – The Manitowish Waters Volunteer Fire Department announces its 19th annual raffle of a HarleyDavidson motorcycle with the drawing set for the fire company’s open house on Sunday, Sept. 20, noon to 3pm at the fire hall.

Only 3,500 tickets are being sold for this raffle of a 2015 HarleyDavidson Road King, valued at about $18,500. Harley-Davidson describes its style as: “Timeless cruiser styling combined with all the features you need for the long haul.”

Tickets are $10 each, and they are available at Dietz’s Phillips 66 and other local businesses. The Harley can be seen at Dietz’s, although it may be at other locations on special occasions. All proceeds benefit the fire department.

Brings the kids and enjoy the open house at the fire department on U.S. Hwy. 51, which is just north of the Manitowish Waters Community Center. Fire trucks and department equipment will be on display. They will be selling brats and hot dogs. The drawing for the cycle (purchased through Northwoods Harley-Davidson in Arbor Vitae) takes place right at 3pm. The winner need not be present.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

To purchase tickets by mail, make the check payable to the Manitowish Waters Fire Company and send it to: P.O. Box 367, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545. Include your name and mailing address so that the tickets can be sent back to you.

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Fun runs & a ‘Rumble’ Again this year there will be at least two “fun run” routes for motorcycle riders who want to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the Fall Ride to Tomahawk.

The fun runs wrap up Saturday night with the awarding of prizes. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to MDA to help patients and families.

Each route is different and has varying mileage. You are free to do the route on your own, as there are no ride guides. And you can do more than one fun run. Each completion gets you an extra chance at a prize. Fun run sheets are $10 each and can be purchased at SARA Park.

Rumble through the Woods Here’s another opportunity to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) – take a scenic 60-mile pledge ride starting from Tomahawk.

Known as the “Rumble through the Woods,” the sixth annual pledge ride takes place Saturday afternoon from SARA Park.

Registration is 9am to 3pm. Or call 920-499-4571 for more information. Led by members of the Wisconsin State Patrol, the riders will leave the park at 3:30pm.

Riders are encouraged to get pledges for MDA, but if don’t have them you can still ride with your own donation of at least $20 at the registration table. Those who raise $100 will have their ride fee waived and will receive a “Rumble” tee and a ticket for the bike raffle. This is an out-and-back ride with no stops. They will get you back to SARA Park in time for the concert and drawings for the fun runs and for the Harley-Davidson bike.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

You do not get cards for a “best” poker hand, rather your name is entered in the drawing Saturday night if you complete all official “stops” outlined on the fun run sheet. You must turn your card over to MDA staff before the deadline, which is 5pm, Saturday at SARA Park in Tomahawk.

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Chasin’ the tunes TOMAHAWK & NOKOMIS -- Among the favorite draws of the Fall Ride are the many opportunities to listen to live music throughout the area, including the Tomahawk area. A number of taverns in the area are also hosting musical entertainment.

SARA Park in Tomahawk will have musical entertainment, including two bands that The Liquor Store is sponsoring to benefit North Central Wisconsin chapter of MDA. Formerly part of the evening street dances in downtown Tomahawk, the bands will be playing at SARA Park instead. Dairyland Cycle Insurance is a sponsor of the two bands and also of those at Bubba’s Big Party.

Oil Can Harry will be playing at SARA Park on Friday, beginning at about 7pm. Then on Saturday, at 7pm also, Chasin’ Mason will be playing. Both will be playing on the runway behind the hockey arena. In case of rain, the venue will move inside.

MDA will have bands playing in the afternoons on Friday and Saturday at Sara Park.

The Liquor Store will have two bands playing on their property, downtown Tomahawk: Brad Emanuel at 1pm Friday and Older Budwiser at 1pm Saturday.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Pic’s Pub on the east side of downtown Tomahawk traditionally has a band playing Friday and Saturday nights. That information was not available also when this issue went to press.

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Over at Nokomis Park, a few miles north of Tomahawk, Bubba’s will have Black Night, Great White, Madman’s Diary, Black Frog, and Lukyn Skywyrd Southern Rock. Off the subject, Bubba’s will have lawnmower tractor and motorized barstool races.

HURLEY & MERCER –The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce and Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce invite Fall Ride bikers to discover the colorful back roads lined with pine and birch trees in Iron County. The two communities offer distinctive charm, warm hospitality and a casual atmosphere.

Ride on miles of paved roads with very little traffic. By midSeptember, the leaves and roadside foliage are beginning to turn colors. Thundering waterfalls, with easy access, are within a short ride. Old mine sites along with rustic cabins are just a few of the cycling experiences Up North.

The Mercer Museum’s bright red Soo Line caboose and the huge Claire d’ Loon statue are perfect backdrops for a photo.

Hurley’s historic Silver Street is famed for its nightlife. The world’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Superior – is just a short distance north of Hurley.

When the body says it’s time to refuel, Mercer and Hurley have a number of restaurant offering grilled burgers, Friday night fish frys and sizzling steaks. We know you didn’t pack a fishing rod on your bike, but local guides have the fishing equipment, boats and knowledge to make a morning on the water an added feature of your ride. Iron County has 214 lakes to explore, including the famed 19,000-acre Turtle-Flambeau Flowage.

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U.S. Highway 51 is the main traffic artery that runs through Mercer and Hurley. But don’t forget the back roads. Among the great riding routes consider Hwy. FF and the Popko Circle loop. Go north of Mercer about 2 ½ miles on Hwy. 51 to Hwy. FF, turn on Popko Circle west, which loops back to FF.

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Or try Hwy. J out of Mercer, left on Hwy. H by the town park and follow H to Hwy. G, take a left, and back to Hwy. 51, where another left takes you back to Mercer or up to Hurley.

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Another route is on Hwy. 51 before Mercer: turn left on Hwy. 47, turn on Hwy. 182 from Springstead to Park Falls, north to Butternut and take a right on Hwy. F, which turns into FF, to Hwy. 51 and back to Mercer or up to Hurley.

For more information, contact the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce (715) 476-2389 visit mercercc.com and the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 561-4334 or visit HurleyWi.com.

Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015

Mercer & Hurley: Welcome to the Great Outdoors

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Tomahawk Fall Ride 2015