Thunder road sept13

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a few short rides together but I would really like to know every ones opinion on a woman riding while pregnant. I think it is safe but our doctor feels it is not so we are not risking it. With that said the events that I did make it to and the rides that I took always remind me that any Reason 2 Ride and any day that you get out with your fellow riders is a great day.

Reasons 2 ride! Reasons not 2 ride?

I am sure many of you are saying wow September already; where did the summer go? September 2nd is Labor Day and for many that means the end of summer and September 22nd is the first day of fall even though it really didn’t ever feel like summer to me this year. It was a great summer for riding for most with the cooler weather and all of the great events and rides held the last few months. The summer as always went by way to fast but I am looking forward to the fall riding season to come. I never got to put the miles on that I wanted this summer in part to working 2 full time jobs and having 2 major changes in my life. The 1st job is my job in sales for a company that keeps your food safe to eat and the 2nd job is this magazine. Yes working on this magazine is a fulltime job but is also very rewarding because of the people that I get to meet. The 2 changes in my life that have kept the bike in the garage much more than I would like to admit are that I got married this spring and we are expecting our first son in November. 2 great changes to my life but we both decided that my wife probably should not be riding on the back of the bike while pregnant so I decided to forgo riding alone to spend what little free time I have on the weekends with her. We have taken

This month we feature 2 events that prove that bikers and the motorcycle community are about more than just our 2 wheels and our desire to be free. Darrell Broten writes about the Ride For Kids. The Ride For Kids is an event that Darrell has taken part in for over 18 years so you know that he believes in the event and what his time and money is going towards by being a part of it. The 2nd event is an event that I took part in and is the annual REASON 2 RIDE benefit ride. REASON 2 RIDE is a riding club that does charitable work in and around the Madison Wisconsin area. You can check them out at www.reason2ride.com. It seems like there are more and more “charity” rides asking for us as riders to donate our time and money. It is great to read about 2 such rides that I personally know the money is going to exactly what they say it is. So if you went on only one, 2, or more rides this summer then you have ever in the past, there never has to be a real reason just as long as you ride. Because really is there any reason not 2 ride?

Owner / Editor Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603

Cool School..................................................8

Layout & Design Barbara Laszewski Garner / art director

Reason 2 Ride............................................10

Peoria / Galesburg / Kewanee Illinois Kimberly Thierry ~ Kim@TRWINOIL.com Central WISCONSIN Greg (Mac) MacDonald ~ Wisales1@trwinoil.com

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contRibuting correspondents ~ Writers & Photographers Kimberly Thierry / Don Kruse (Kruser) / Doug Mitchel / Darrell Broten Greg (Mac) MacDonald / Mike Chitko / Daniel L. Ryner / Jane Wollenweber LeeAnne Pirus, Bill Bish (NCOM) / Toni McCoy Shearon (TR Corp) Phil Hoffman (Black Magic Customs) / Nate Ullrich (www.lyfebehindbars.com) Dean Bartosh (ABATE) calendar photo Tom Wyzykowski ~ The Foto Guy, LLC

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2 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

Kimmy’s Corner............................................4

WIsconsin / NORTH ILlinois Daniel Ryner / dan@trwinoil.com / 630-608-8603

Daniel L. Ryner Owner/ Editor/Rider

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Letter From The Editor….....................……..2

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Harley Davidson Museum..........................13 ABATE........................................................17 Pull Out Calendar.......................................18 ThunderCam..............................................20 2012 Kawasaki ZX14R...............................22 NCOM........................................................24 BFD............................................................26 Ride For Kids..............................................29 Upcoming Events...................……………..32 Illinois Valley Fallen Biker Memorial Wall ...34 KISS...........................................................35

on the cover Doug Mitchel bike 2012 Kawasaki ZX14R photo

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Kimmy’s Corner

by

The Best Burgers in Town!

Kimberly Thierry

Friday Fish Fry !

K.I.S.S. ~ Keep It Simple Sweetie! www.twistedironcustomcycles.com 920.219.2357

Creative Custom Beyond Bolt ON! With

each article my goal is always to reach out to my fellow sister riders and share useful information. Recently while traveling home from Mississippi, I stopped at a gas station in Arkansas that actually had the old fashion gas pumps. I could hear the sound of the price tick as each number rolled to the next. I have to say I was just a little concerned about the quality of gasoline at such an old station. Which made me think about the importance of gasoline to motorcycles. In researching this topic I discovered just how complex the entire issue of gasoline is. I barrowed a term from the scientific community, K.I.S.S. The accorynm means, keep it simple stupid. Which is the method I decided to use to address the topic of gasoline. One could easily get lost in the complexity of gasoline. From types of gasoline, the production and distribution of gasoline, wholesale vs. retail and of course price. I also decided to adjust this term and call it, Keep it Simple Sweetie. According to the motorcycle safety foundation, choosing to accept the challenges of being a responsible motorcyclist means to think about the consequences. To follow, a well maintained motorcycle is a necessity for all riders. There are many negative consequences if you fail to accept the responsibility of a well maintained motorcycle. As discussed in my previous article the number of women riding their own motorcycles has increased nearly 50% in recent years and as well we female riders must be equally responsible to increase our overall knowledge of the mechanical operation and maintaince of our machines. One very important element that cannot be over looked is the type gasoline used in the motorcycles we operate. Because motorcycle tanks are small there is little if any room for error when it comes to using the proper gasoline. The best resource for knowing the correct answer to this, your motorcycles owner’s manual! The manual will instruct you on the proper gasoline to use in your machine. If by some chance you cannot locate the M.O.M, the internet is another excellent resource. Most motorcycles require the use of higher octane gas. The reason being due to the small engines on a motorcycle, they must work harder. The gasoline in your tank is compressed and the higher octane the better compression. Higher octane gas burns cleaner, does not leave carbon buildup, keeps your bike running close to like new and helps protect it against the ping!

The question then becomes, what is the relationship between quality of gasoline and ethanol. Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from crops particularly corn. Again using K.I.S.S, more simply put, gasoline is then mixed with a percentage ethanol to increase the level of octane. There are two competing opinions of the effectiveness of ethanol in gasoline varies depending on the two main industries. The motorcycle community experts weigh toward avoidance of ethanol use. While the oil industry will assure you that the quality of gasoline remains the same with the addition of ethanol. To gain more insight on the production and use of gasoline, I spoke with Jeff Herr of Herr Oil. Tucked away in between the Santa rail yards and Knox College is Herr Oil in Galesburg, IL. According to Jeff, gasoline producers have added ethanol for years and current government mandates require the blending of ethanol. The government also offers tax incentives to encourage the use of ethanol in the production of gasoline. I concluded after spending time with Jeff, gasoline is gasoline regardless of the octane level; it is pretty much all the same. To illustrate this point, Jeff reminded me of how I feel after my car has had an oil change and how I just know the engine is running smoother and just feels like it is running better. Then he compared that to how I feel when I have purchased premium gas in my car. The quality is all the same you just feel better when you pay more. All that being said, here are a few tips to consider when it comes to using gasoline in your machine ladies. Always remember ladies to K.I.S.S. ~ Keep It Simple Sweetie! Tips: • When traveling try not to ride so long that if you do get bad gas our a lower grade as your only option, there will be plenty of gas from your last pump to filter out the new bad or lower grade of gas. • Carry a bottle of non-alcohol additive when lower octane is the only option • Avoid older gas stations with older gas tanks • Avoid stations that are currently receiving gasoline as it tends to stir up sediment • Make each stop a bonus and develop a strategy for fueling up gas. www.trwinoil.com

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 7


cool school

by lynn Hoffman

What’s cool about insurance? I’m sure you’re thinking what could be cool about insurance? Well, it’s also about what’s not cool about insurance. I’ve been in the insurance business for 30 years now so I’ll give you an overview of what you need to know. It’s really not as complicated as the insurance industry would like you to think. How do you know what you’ll be paid if something happens to your bike? One way is to have an insurance agent who knows about bikes and will take the time to ask the right questions about your bike and cares that you’re covered properly. That’s usually not a person at the end of a toll free number. You need to have physical damage coverage which consists of comprehensive and collision coverage. Most companies out there insure newer bikes for the actual cash value. That means a book price and market value help determine what they’ll pay. Another way to insure bikes is a stated amount value. That means they’ll pay either the stated amount listed on the policy or a lower value if they can show it’s worth less. The best way to insure a bike is on an agreed value. The insurance company agrees to pay a certain value listed on the policy in the event of a total loss. That’s usually for custom bikes and antique bikes. Always make sure you have current photos of your bike and you keep receipts for the parts you add to your bike. I’m also part owner of a custom bike shop called Black Magic Customs. We do a lot of customization on bikes. Insurance companies that specialize in insuring motorcycles will normally give you some accessory coverage. That could be used for a custom paint job, parts you’ve added to your bike that didn’t come from the factory like saddlebags, windshield, chrome covers, a different exhaust and stuff like that.

Remember that if you change your seat or exhaust the amount of the accessory is the difference between the stock part and the custom part. What’s nice about the accessory coverage the insurance company gives you is they usually don’t charge for it and you don’t have to tell them what you have. You do need to know how much they offer so you have enough. Dairyland Insurance gives as much as 5,000, Allied Insurance gives 3,000, Foremost gives 3,500, Progressive gives 3,000 but some like Allstate and Geico only give you 1,000. There are also extra coverage’s like towing and trip interruption. Insurance companies use different names for these coverage’s but towing will help pay if someone has to come and pick you and your bike up. Trip interruption or as Dairyland calls it excursion diversion covers you if you’re on a trip and break down. They’ll help pay for a hotel room, food and even a rental vehicle if you’re stuck there. There are limitations to what they’ll pay but if you actually go on trips this coverage could be very helpful. What will your policy pay if you get hurt? This is a very important question and bodily injury can mean big bucks. Many people think the medical payments will take care of them and pay their medical bills. Medical payments coverage on a bike policy covers your injuries whether the accident is your fault or not. The problem with this coverage is it’s really only meant to help pay your health insurance deductible or your out of pocket expenses. It’s not meant to replace health insurance and is not usually more than 5,000. About 70% of motorcycles vs. car accidents involve a car turning left in front of the motorcyclist. If you’re riding your bike and this happens to you it’s usually up to the driver of the car to pay for your injuries. The problem with relying on that is they could have no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries and missed time from work. That’s why it’s so important to carry higher limits of liability coverage and uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage. The normal amount most people carry is 100,000 per person and 300,000 per accident. We all need to consider bumping that up to 250,000/500,000. Ask your agent the difference in premium. It’s usually not as much as you think it is. Don’t assume your motorcycle policy will replace health and life insurance. Most motorcycle companies offer certain discounts to their insured’s. One of these discounts is for completing a motorcycle safety course. In Illinois you can take a riders course for 20.00 through the state. I highly recommend it and not just for the insurance discount. Another discount is a group association discount.

8 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

little discount helps.

This would be for HOG (Harley Owners Group), A.B.A.T.E. (A brotherhood aimed toward education), AMA (American Motorcycle Association) and many more. Some companies will give you a discount if you’re a homeowner too. Don’t be afraid to ask, every

I still come across people who think their motorcycle is covered for physical damage while it’s parked in the garage. This is not true. The insurance company doesn’t consider a motor driven vehicle such as a motorcycle to be personal property. They’ll cover your riding lawn mower that’s used to service the residence but not your bike! So, in closing know how you’re covered on your policy. If you don’t know ask your insurance agent. You’re welcome to shoot me an e-mail at hwywoman@earthlink.net if you have any questions. Til next month……………ride free! Lynn Hoffman


Reason 2 Ride

by

Daniel Ryner

As

you read in my letter from the editor I have not had the chance to do as many rides as I would have liked this summer but in August I got on the road early to head up to Waunakee Wisconsin for a Reason 2 Ride! For those that are not familiar with Waunakee it is the only Waunakee in the world. If you don’t believe me they will tell you right on the sign entering this town just northwest of Madison. Waunakee is home to a motorcycle club called Reason 2 Ride and after taking part in their annual benefit ride I have to say they are a great organization. Reason 2 Ride is more than just a group of riders, they are a group of people that have a goal to help others. I took the following directly from their website and after riding with them just once I think it says it all. We are a NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION, consisting of a growing group of people banned together for the sole purpose of having fun helping others. We have all dedicated a large portion of our time to organizing the rides, getting donations, preparing food, hanging poster and fliers, among other tasks that are required for our benefits.

What drives us? It is a lot of work putting these benefits together, but it is also fun. The people we meet, the time spent getting to know and love each of the families, the laughs, along with the tears make this a wonderful and rewarding experience, and that drives us to continue our efforts. We have all had our own personal “hard times” and the help, and support that we received is what makes us want to help others. It is true, that what goes around, comes around, and with that in mind we are a committee of few dedicated to helping many.

WE ARE: Dedicated, Committed, and Caring. Contact us via email- info@reason2ride.com

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This year the benefit ride was to purchase a physical therapy bed for a local teen named Justin Benes. Justin was born with a rare form of Cerebral Palsy and the bed will aid in his therapy. Having been to many “benefit” rides I rarely if ever had a chance to see who the benefit was for. Most rides I have been on were in memory of someone that has passed and the money raised donated to a cause that the organizers deemed worthy or for raising funds for someone that was in the hospital and the funds were going to go for their care. Seeing Justin at the ride with his smile that truly could light up the world, as the group’s flyer stated, it made this ride very special. Now to the ride itself. I have been on poker runs where you all start at one location and end up back there later in the day. Most of these rides have been you leave at a time between 9:00 and 11 and you all have to be back by say 4:00 for the prize drawings. The Reason 2 Ride run was much better organized and the group stayed together the entire day. Yes there are challenges with this type of riding and accidents do happen if a rider is not paying attention to the bikes and road in front of them but on this day I never felt like we were rushing or riding in any way that would endanger us or the general public around us. The run started with a group of road blockers leaving about 15 minutes before the pack. These road blockers were set up at every left hand turn or intersection with a stop sign or light. Dressed in bright green vests and waving flags to stop traffic while the group of 100+ bikes thundered through intersections was very well orchestrated. We even had a police escort and police blocking traffic for us through two larger towns that we went through. Why am I telling you all this? I guess it impressed me. Rides I have been on in the past gave me a map with turn here to get to point a b and c. This ride gave be a card to be stamped at each location with just

the town and the name of the business that we would be stopping. At first when they handed it to me I was like ok I have no idea where these places are. Once we left as a group I focused on the ride and not where do I have to turn as I would with the map. It was nice not being familiar with the area to just follow the bikes in front of me. It was also nice because if you wanted you could meet new people at each stop because the entire group got there and left at the same time. The ride started and ended at the Waunakee American Legion Post 481 where after the ride we all enjoyed an included meal and entertainment by a local band called Buck Neck-ed. The first stop was in Lodi at KD’s Bar. KD’s is a great bar with an outdoor patio, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits. KD’s is a great place to stop if in Lodi. The second stop was to Loganville and the Carson City Bar. Carson City Bar is a little harder to find but I was told this place has a great Saturday night steak meal. If you make it out there write to me and tell me how it is. I am always up to hear about biker bars that serve great steak. The third stop was Trader’s in Arena. Now I have driven past Trader’s several times and I never stopped because you can also rent canoes and float tubes on this property. The building has Indian carvings and a totem pole for exterior decorations. You should stop in and actually see how large it is in the inside. I was pleasantly surprised and will stop the next time I am in the area. The final stop before going back to the Legion was Kirk’s on Main in Cross Plains. Kirk’s is a great bar but another location that as a biker I never felt I should stop. These two places are great examples of why a bar should be listed in our Biker Friendly Directory. As a biker I want to stop at places that appreciate us as bikers and not every bar has a banner out front that says welcome bikers. Once inside Kirk’s I knew we bikers are welcome so stop the next time in town and tell them Thunder Roads sent you. In closing I want to thank the owners of all the stops and also to the Reason 2 Ride group. If you live in the Waunakee area and enjoy helping others while doing what we love as a biker check them out. My favorite quote from the ride: “He likes it better when I take my teeth out.” Anonymous Reason 2 Ride” www.trwinoil.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 11


THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM

by

The Competition can

G

Kiss our ass!

W

e Wisconsin motorcyclists really do have a lot to be proud of. For far too long we’ve been far too silent about it. Not only does the southwestern part of our state possess some of the best motorcycling country in the world, but Wisconsin is also the home of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Our state is the epicenter of the motorcycling world.

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Most all of us know the story: In 1903 William S. Harley and brothers Arthur, Walter, and William Davidson developed a small engine meant for pedal bicycles. By 1905 the first three Harley-Davidson motorcycles were sold from Carl Lang’s dealership in Chicago. Success came early to Harley-Davidson and by 1920 they were the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, despite Henry Ford’s assembly line that made cars almost as affordable as motorcycles. The Great Depression decimated the ranks of American motorcycle manufacturers and out of hundreds only two—Harley-Davidson and Indian—survived. World War II was a boon to the company, as they supplied the war effort with motorcycles for US armed forces and its allies. At war’s end, Harley was healthy, but not for long. Indian declared bankruptcy in the early 1950’s, leaving H-D alone to face the invasion of British motorcycles and--a bit later--Japanese motors coming to our shores. In 1969 American Machine and Foundry (AMF) took over the com-

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pany. They held it until 1981 when, within hours of H-D declaring bankruptcy, a group of 13 investors that included Willie G. Davidson, grandson of cofounder William Davidson, bought Harley-Davidson back. Using innovative modern inventory strategies, tighter quality controls, and focused marketing, Harley was poised perfectly to take advantage of the aging baby boomers’ swelling demand for its newly improved motorcycles. Sales skyrocketed in the 90’s and early 2000’s. H-D is once again the largest motorcycle company in the world. It is an international icon. That’s where The Harley-Davidson Museum comes in. It uncovers the detail and tells the story of this remarkable company. Whether or not you ride a Hog, one has to marvel at the resiliency of H-D and turn of events that have woven Harley into the fabric of Americana. So, as a Wisconsin motorcyclist, how can I not want to visit it? Once again taking advantage of my Green Bay relatives, I rode down from Titletown to take in the Museum. I-43 got me close, then Exit 72E and 11th Avenue to Michigan Street even closer. Then a right turn on Sixth Street, one mile to a futuristic looking metal grated bridge, and I spotted the museum on my left. It’s on Fifth and Canal Street in Milwaukee. I had to make a U-turn to finish the job, but, hey, I’ve never been here before. I arrived a few minutes before the Museum opened at10AM. The large assembly of bikers that caught my eye was a gathering of Harley riders on their way to Rockerbox Moto Fest and Street Party, a Museum scheduled event. It looked like an ideal place for staging a group ride. (I, too, visited Rockerbox later in the day and used the same route as that group ride. However, a crucial lakefront street was blocked off due to an ongoing event and I got lost. A young Milwaukeean named Joel aboard a 1979 Puch MKII moped volunteered to lead me to Rockerbox. Nice young man.) continued on next page

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 13


THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM The Museum complex is composed of two buildings. The collection is housed in a two story structure trimmed in gray-and-black. Outside facing the canal is a concrete square. In the center of it is a sculpture of a hill-climbing motorcyclist about to fall off his motorcycle and it provides a perfect photo opportunity. Everything is done very museum-y, in industrial tones. Opposite, mirroring the museum is a café, restaurant, and gift shop. A huge parking lot devoted to motorcycles only—of course—separates the two buildings.

is shown prominently. As I progressed, motorcycles from each year and era were displayed. On the walls were draped posters, banners, and relevant headlines of the day. The early growth of the company was featured, the company’s struggle to survive the Depression was illustrated, and the years of World War II chronicled. There is a nice section of wartime vehicles and an interesting newsreel played a continuous loop that showcased the military training of male and female motorcycle couriers. When I crossed to the other side of the second floor I went past more motorcycles and entered a room dedicated to the history of Harley racing. A large portion of a board track has been put together. It’s surrounded on three sides with posters, awards, newspaper headlines, and newsreel footage of bygone racing. On my way down to the first floor, one entire wall was devoted to gas tanks. I took a picture of what behind glass had to be nearly 100 gas tanks of every color, year, and type. The second floor presented newer Harley-Davidsons. As I descended stairs and turned the corner, on my left was a wall full of signs and posters, in the center was a glass case of Harley marketing material, and on my right was the entrance to a section detailing the cinema and Hogs. I never realized how many movies involved Harleys, or motorcycles, for that matter. One screen played a very long loop of interesting bits from all sorts of movies, from “Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man” to “Born Losers.” And, of course, “Easy Rider.”

And more motorcycles. The 40’s models morphed into the 50’s, and then on to 60’s. If you are nerdy into Harleys, this is your place. And if you are not, you can always step back and see the big picture. The formal presentation of motorcycles ends with the 2007 models. After that there is a technology section which shows a robotic arm doing something-or-other. That leads to the engine room, where every single engine type that has ever been made by H-D is shown. One entire wall is covered with engines. Just past that is another wall called the Celebration Wall. At first I thought I was simply a section of special pictures of average Harley riders. However, when I touched the picture, the image came alive and it became a short video during which the people pictured described their riding experiences and various road trips. I’ve never seen anything like that in a museum. The last major section of the Museum is the Experience Gallery. There you can see and touch many of the current Harley models and jump on them and see what it’s like to ride them.

But there is so much more that I did not see. Frankly, there is so much there that I got overwhelmed just a tad. A suggestion is to take a break from things, get a cup of coffee and read some literature or visit the gift shop or take a walk. Come back and re-immerse yourself. Either that or come back another day. That’s what I’m going to do. So there’s also the Exploded Bike, Imagination Station for kids, Soaring Replica of the Evel Knievel Wembley Jump Bike, the archives building, a yearlong schedule of events, shop classes you can enroll in, and the Steel Toe Tours of the engine facility on Pilgrim Road. You can even “ride” a motorcycle without a license. Outside, as you enter, Harley personnel will set you up on one of two motorcycles and you can rev it up, go through gears, and hear the sound of a Harley while safely secured to a platform as part of the Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART Rider Experience. I’ve never seen anything like that before, either. There’s a lot to see and do at the Museum. My impressions? Impressive. It must have been a gargantuan task to put all this together and I am sure many discussions went on as to what should go where and how to present things. I think the curators have done a wonderful job. Everything is clean and neat and the museum personnel were friendly and helpful. Lockers are available to store stuff and restrooms are plentiful. I’d like to see the station numbers a little bit larger and easier to read but that’s a nitpick. And, prices at the café were very high to me, but Milwaukee is a big city, after all. Overall, the museum is one of the best such places I’ve ever been in. Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee, and Wisconsin should be proud.

I entered two tall swinging doors to enter the main part. A hostess directed me to the ticket counter, where I bought the standard $18 adult admission and spent an extra four dollars for the audio headset. On the second floor, where the exhibits begin, I found the first of 52 numbered stations. When I keyed in the station number on my audio-pac, I could listen to narration that explained the exhibit in detail, or provided background information. I didn’t have the time or patience to listen to every narration—that would have taken me over 3 hours—but I listened to a lot of them. I highly recommend the audio pac. The first machines I confronted were the older Harleys and information on the company’s beginnings. I like that because it’s easier for me to understand things chronologically. Harley-Davidson Serial Number One, the oldest H-D in the world, 14 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 15


What a Great Team We Make Dean “D-Day” Bartosh Director of Public Relations ABATE of Wisconsin

So, here I am being the ABATE of Wisconsin cheerleader again and touting what a great organization we have and how awesome my brothers and sisters are. If you folks weren’t such great people, I wouldn’t have to sound like a broken record and I could write about something else. But here I go again…. Since my days at Officer’s Training this spring, I have been truly blown away by the number of our members who have stepped forward to help get our Public Service Announcements on the radio airwaves. I’ve had public relations footsoldiers coming out of the woodwork asking me for our PSA recordings on CD and having great success getting a commitment from their local radio stations to play our announcements during this riding season. This will undoubtedly end up being the best awareness season our organization has ever seen. I could not have done this alone. But as a team, we are making it happen.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work as a team also and stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are. During each riding season, I urge each and every one of you to reach out and find out how you can become a part of our “V” formation. Make every year the year that you step forward and become a bigger part of the ABATE team. Find out what events other regions are holding and join them. Get involved in a new committee. Run for an open officer’s position. For as we’ve discovered several times in the past, our organization can truly move mountains when we band together. It takes two wings to fly,

On our annual Lobby Day this spring, I was scheduled to help present our positions in a meeting with three state senators and nine state representatives. It wouldn’t be honest of me if I didn’t say that I was at least a little bit nervous. But when I walked into the meeting room, all I could see were the dozens of ABATE members that were there to support our positions and each other. And a couple of times when my argument needed some extra information, other members were there to fill in the gaps. ABATE of Wisconsin Lobby Day is now just a memory but the impact from that day will last a long time. It had a huge effect not only on our elected officials but on our organization as well. If I were alone that day, the message would have been delivered but not nearly with the same effect as it had with all of us there working together. Consider what science has discovered as to why you see geese flying along in a “V” formation. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. 16 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 17


Trisha Smith from Fall River, Wisconsin 2002 Honda RC51 bike owner Scott Smith photographer Tom Wyzykowski ~ The Foto Guy, LLC

LABOR DAY

September 2013

bike

model


N I ’ S O J FOOD & SPIRITS

Joni Peterson ~ Owner 608.532.6517 608.574.0529

20 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

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403 Front Street Avoca,WI 53506 pinkbandana55@yahoo.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 21


2012 Kawasaki ZX14R

2012 Kawasaki ZX14R Built by: JDA Custom Owner: Patrick Osawaru By Doug Mitchel

22 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

The Kawasaki ZX14R was first seen as a 2006 model and replaced the ZX12R at the top of the performance family from Kawasaki. In stock trim the ZX14R was no slouch and was capable of reaching 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 2.5 seconds. It could run the quarter mile in 9.78 seconds and was limited to a top speed of 186 MPH, as are all superbikes sold worldwide.

When completed the machine was shipped to the owner in Nigeria where were sure it will stand out just as loudly as it does here in the states. The months required to do the conversion from stock to wild was well worth the time as another unique cycle rolled out of the doors of JDA Custom, who also were responsible for the application of the gleaming chrome found on the Kawasaki.

There are always riders who demand more from their machines regardless of the power and features provided in stock trim. Lucky for the owner of this ZX14R, Patrick Osawaru, JDA Custom is in the business of turning any machine into the ultimate in performance and appearance. Obviously turning up the heat on a machine as capable as the ZX14R would be a challenge but Josh and his crew at JDA were up to the task.

If you have a cycle that needs to be revised to the highest standard, check out the JDA Custom website for more information. www.jdacustom.com

Besides the intense yellow paint with finely done flames painted on the bodywork, one of the most obvious alterations is the single-sided swingarm and 330 series rear tire. Putting more rubber on the road allows the rider to accelerate at faster speeds and this massive donut certainly fills the role. Built by Roaring Toyz, the new 330 OSD swingarm may be missing one side of the typical design but provides as much rigidity while saving weight and looking great. A pair of rims from Performance Machine brings an added level of style while also increasing the level of performance. Upgrades to the brakes assist the rider to slow the KZ down from speed, no matter how high it may have been. Speaking of boosted performance, by adding a Short Allen Head 2, full system exhaust from Brocks, the ZX14R breaths more easily and allows the Power Commander to do its job with less drama. Air filters from K&N permit a smoother flow of air into the engine, another facet of the enhanced power on this ZX14R. The body is treated to a paint scheme applied by JP Customs and will stand out in any crowd regardless of location or intensity.

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 23


NEWS BYTES

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

NCOM NEWS BYTES 10-06 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists FEDERAL BILLS WOULD PROTECT MANUFACTURERS OF ETHANOL FUELS Even as motorcyclists and others are calling for further research and testing of fuels containing ethanol, and the fact that E-15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol) is not approved for use in any of the millions of motorcycles on and off-road, two bills have been introduced in Congress to protect the fuel industry from lawsuits resulting from its use. Illinois Congressman John Shimkus, otherwise a longtime friend of motorcycle riders, has authored H.R.1214, the Domestic Fuels Protection Act of 2014; “To provide liability protection for claims based on the design, manufacture, sale, offer for sale, introduction into commerce, or use of certain fuels and fuel additives.” Likewise, Texas Congressman Gene Green has offered H.R.2267, the American Fuel Protection Act of 2013, which “Deems a claim for liability against a qualified entity as a claim against the United States for damages resulting from, or aggravated by, the use of transportation fuel containing ethanol in concentrations greater than 10% to operate an internal combustion engine. Abrogates U.S. sovereign immunity and makes the United States exclusively liable for such claims. Limits awards to actual damages sustained by a claimant. Defines “qualified entity” to mean an entity engaged in the manufacture, use, sale, or distribution of: (1) transportation fuel or renewable fuel, or (2) products which use transportation fuel. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive jurisdiction of any civil actions on such claims.” Both bills have been referred to committee, and either proposal would indemnify fuel manufacturers and suppliers from legal actions for damages caused by their product, leaving U.S. taxpayers to foot the bill for clean-ups from leakage and limiting their liability to actual damages by a claimant, such as the out-of-pocket cost to rebuild an engine damaged by E-15 gas. MISSOURI INITIATIVE MAY PUT RIDERSHIP TO A VOTE The secretary of state’s office has announced that a petition to restrict passengers on motorcycles has met standards for circulation, and supporters can begin collecting signatures to get the proposal on the 2014 ballot. The proposal, to be put to voters to decide, would require Missouri motorcycle operators to be at least 21 and complete a rider-safety class before they could carry passengers. The restrictions would not apply to those who have had had a motorcycle license for the previous two years and were born in 1984 or earlier. The first violation would be a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $300. Penalties would increase for repeat offenses. PINK PLATES PANNED BY MAINE MOTORCYCLISTS The Maine lawmaker who was the driving force behind the popular pink ribbon breast cancer awareness license plate in that state says the response to creating a motorcycle version has been lukewarm. The Maine Cancer Foundation says nearly 70 people have committed to the motorcycle license plate, but 500 pre-orders are required for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to begin production. State Representative Meredith Strang Burgess (R-Cumberland) has told the Journal Tribune newspaper that she’s setting a deadline of year’s end for collecting pre-orders. If the pre-registrations are gathered, it will take three months for the state to produce the plates before the first ones will be seen on Maine motorcycles. 24 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

NEWS BYTES

BIKERS ROUSTED AFTER SHOOTING SUE POLICE

ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS

Members of a motorcycle club claim their constitutional rights were violated when Arizona officers rousted them at gunpoint at a campsite where a man shot his wife and two others before killing himself at a 2011 bike rally near Flagstaff.

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HIRE ATTORNEYS WHO RIDE

The Sons of Hell have filed a federal lawsuit last week against the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office seeking monetary compensation. Its members claim officers were trying to collect information for a criminal street gang database, even though they knew club members weren’t involved in the shooting. MOTORCYCLISTS LAUNCH $100M SUIT AGAINST QUEBEC INSURANCE BOARD The Motorcyclist Movement of Quebec, which represents more than 8,000 motorcyclists in the province, says sky-high hikes in insurance premiums are unfair and discriminate against motorcycle owners, and held a protest in downtown Montreal to launch a $100 million class-action lawsuit against Quebec’s automobile insurance board (SAAQ). The organization’s president and founder, Michael Mosca, says license plate registration fees have increased by 400% since 2008. “They’re being discriminated upon. It’s a very abusive law,” he says. However, the SAAQ says the premiums are needed in order to compensate victims involved in motorcycle accidents. The board adjusted insurance premiums after a review revealed a $109 million deficit in 2006. While Mosca admits that motorcycles are higher-risk vehicles, he claims that “When there are accidents between cars and motorcycles, 94 or 95% of the time it’s the car’s fault, so the motorcyclist is being punished when he’s not at fault.” Instead of increasing fees, Mosca suggests the SAAQ should do more to educate people about road safety, adding that it’s time people change their minds about motorcycles. “Motorcycles consume less fuel, they cause less pollution, less damage to the roads, which is beneficial to the whole planet,” he said. NEW LAW COULD DOOM MOTORCYCLE FIRMS IN EAST AFRICA Motorcycles account for over 65% of motor vehicle registrations every month in Kenya, but new rules requiring motorcycle assemblers to use locally generated parts, when no companies in East Africa are manufacturing them, could spell doom for motorcycle firms. Manufacturers are raising the red flag over the new law, in force effective July 1st, which stipulates a 25% duty remission on motorcycle assemblers who fail to adhere to the new regulations which require parts such as seats, mudguards, wheel rims, break-gears, exhaust pipes, tires, chassis, batteries and shock absorbers to be manufactured within the East African Community (EAC). Assemblers are concerned about the capacity of the region to produce the specified parts, and they say such a move is likely to compromise safety standards, kill employment opportunities and make motorcycles unaffordable. “The EAC region lacks capacity to produce these parts,” said Honda Motorcycle Kenya Ltd chairman, Isaac Kalua. “Currently, there is no particular company that can produce any of these parts.” The new law crafted by the EAC seeks to encourage consumption of locally produced materials, but it is now causing jitters within the manufacturing fraternity. The Kenya Association of Manufactures (KAM) called the decision “a bit premature” and KAM Chief Executive Officer Betty Maina told Business Beat, “We are currently investigating to establish whether there is local capacity to produce those parts in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania before we advise the Government on the timing of that decision.” MOTORCYCLE HELMETS BANNED IN PHILLIPINE CITY DUE TO BOMBINGS For an easier identification of criminals, local authorities in Cotabato City have banned the wearing of motorcycle helmets after several deadly car bomb blasts. City police said the measure will help them identify known criminals in the area, and are also hoping that the city council will support their move, radio dzBB has reported

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Following objections from motorcycle clubs, the Transport Authority (ATTT) decided to postpone the enforcement of the decree regulating the new safety standards for motorcycles, Resolution 904, which was originally set to begin July 24th. Motorcyclist groups in this Central American country say that the measure will not help reduce the use of motorcycles in acts of crime, such as drive-by shootings, and they also insist that the measure is unconstitutional.

ATTT head Roberto Moreno said that motorcyclists only disagree with the use of numbered helmets and vests but are not opposed to driving with their lights on, and they also have no qualms about restrictions on driving on sidewalks and shoulders of the roads and in the middle of streets and avenues around the country. BMW DEVELOPS INFLATABLE SAFETY CLOTHING BMW Motorrad and Dainese have announced that they are to cooperate in a joint development of innovative motorcycle safety clothing, partnering to develop motorcycle rider equipment with fully integrated inflatable protectors. The first product to emerge from the cooperation will be the DoubleR RaceAir one-piece leather suit designed exclusively for use on racetracks, and the next stage will be to develop the Dainese D-Air Street System as a retrofit solution for BMW Motorrad. The system is scheduled to be launched in 2015, following successful completion of all the crash tests. BMW Motorrad customers will then be able to retrofit the innovative safety system to their motorcycles. Based in Germany, BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer to have developed the complete range of rider equipment ever since the 1970s - from motorcycle helmets to rider suits, boots and gloves. The ABS pioneer says it has always regarded motorcycling and safety as being inseparably linked and anchored in the “Safety 360°” principle, which breaks down the overall concept of safe motorcycling into three facets: safety technology in

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Local Wisconsin/N. Illinois Offices to Serve You Free Legal Consultation AIM 3255-E No Recovery = No Fee We Make House Calls Attorneys in Every State and Province Who Ride No Fee on Motorcycle Damage Recovery Also Auto Accidents 24 Hours - Toll Free (800) 531-2424

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 122 Motorcycle brake systems (49 CFR 571.122).

Amid nationwide protests from motorcycle riders, a controversial new set of laws may soon force motorcyclists in Panama to emblazon their license plate number on reflective vests and helmets.

Ricardo Mosquera, the President of the Motorcycle Association of Panama, described the move as arbitrary, and as an imposition. “At no time were we consulted on this new standard, it also strikes me as having been negotiated with whoever is going to sell the vests. Moreover, a criminal could simply make a vest bearing any number, commit their crime, and the innocent would then be blamed,” Mosquera told Panama-Guide.com.

r

the vehicle, safety deriving from rider equipment and safety through rider training. FEDS PETITION FOR MANDATORY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ON ALL STREET BIKES

Several countries had cautioned their nationals to take precautions in traveling to Mindanao, in the Philippines, due to the bombings. Cotabato City is a mixed Muslim-Catholic city on the main southern island of Mindanao where Muslim insurgents have waged a decades old rebellion that has claimed 150,000 lives. PANAMANIAN RIDERS TO BE REQUIRED TO WEAR NUMBERED VESTS AND HELMETS

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“This standard should be strengthened to require ABS on all new motorcycles manufactured for on-highway use in the United States,” wrote the IIHS and HLDI in joint letter on May 30, 2013 to NHTSA Administrator David L. Strickland. Research by IIHS and HLDI indicate that ABS reduces the motorcycle fatal crash rate by an estimated 31% and the collision insurance claim rate by an estimated 20%. ALLSTATE INTRODUCES “GOOD RIDE GRANTS” FOR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY IDEAS Allstate Insurance Company announced the newest initiative under its Rider Protection Project portfolio – a series of programs all focused on making the roads a safer place to ride. The Allstate Good Ride Grant contest will award a combined total of $25,000 to five contest winners with the best ideas for advancing motorcycle safety and awareness. Now through August 31, 2013, contest applicants may submit their Good Ride Grant submissions through the designated tab on Allstate Motorcycle’s Facebook page at facebook.com/AllstateMotorcycle. Entries are welcome from anyone, including local governments, dealerships, rider clubs and individuals. A six-person judging committee will determine the top 15 finalists, whose ideas will then be featured on the Allstate Motorcycle Facebook page where fans can vote for their favorites and the top five will each receive a $5,000 grant to help put their ideas into action. QUOTABLE QUOTE “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) 26th President of the United States

NCOM

National Coalition of Motorcyclists

SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 25


BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

If you would like to see your business listed and receive Thunder Roads Magazine each month call 630-608-8603. Thunder Roads Magazine WI/NOIL is distributed monthly at the following locations

Wisconsin Bars & Restaurants Appleton, WI Dixie’s Clubhouse 5015 Greenville Dr M-F 2-7 S+S 11-Close Coldest beer in town! Come sit on our BIG DECK! Avoca, WI Joni’s Food & Spirits 403 Front Street 608-532-6517/ joni.55@live.com Serving Food 7 days a week Friday Night Fish, Steaks, and more! Home of the Pink Bandana Ride, October 5th Beer Garden, Pool, Darts, Bean Bags 2013 Cannon Run Stop Beaver Dam, WI Charlie Brown’s 1019 N. Spring St. 8:00 to 2:00 Sunday -Thursday 8:00 to 2:30 Fri - Saturday Cocktails Bar & Grill 1305 N Center St Great Food and Good People! Hogz N Honeez W 7771 State RT. 33/ 920-356-8741 Open 7 days 11a.m. to close Open Thursday - Sunday 11a.m. to close Bike Night Every Thursday / Friday Fish Fry Like us on Facebook www.hogzandhoneez.com Black River Falls, WI First and Last Chance Saloon N5090 Highway 27 / (715) 284- 3121 “Project Christmas Poker Run” October 12th 2013

Leland, WI The Schellter Bar and Grill E7428 CTY RD C/ 608-544-3091 Like us on Facebook Tuesday nights 5 – 9 Broasted Chicken dinners & All you can eat wings (4 kinds of wings) Thursday nights 5-9 Prime rib sandwiches and fries, Friday night 5 – 9 Fish Fry Manchester, WI The Hitching Post W3350 Main St / 920-398-2443 Sun-Thur 11a- 2a Fri, Sat 10a-2:30a Tue- All you can eat chicken wings $6.95 Thur- $1.50 Tacos Fri- All you can eat Fish and Chkn $7.75 Sunday- Chicken and Ribs $9.95 Markesan, WI Mac’s BBQ Wood smoked BBQ Catering 920-296-4233 Serving Southern Wisconsin

Beaver Dam, WI Mischler’s Harley-Davidson & BMW N8131 Kellom RD 920-887-8425 www.mischlershd.com / www.mischlersbmw.com 9-5:30 M,T, Thur, 9-8 W, F 9-2:00 Sat Steelhorse Motorsports 101 Carroll St./ 920-219-9779 The source for V-Twin Parts accessories sales & service Like us on Facebook www.steelhorsems.com Twisted Iron Custom Cycles 146 Webster St./ 920-219-2357 Creative Custom Beyond Bolt On! Like us on Facebook www.twistedironcustomcycles.com Black River Falls, WI Al Muth Harley Davidson (715) 284 – 4725 www.almuth-harleydavidson.com

Vandy’s Lakeside Pub & Hotel www.vandysbarhotel.com Off Highway 44 along Little Green Lake Sun-Thurs 10am to 2am Fri & Sat 10am to 2:30am

Onalaska, WI La Crosse Area Harley-Davidson 1116 Oak Forest Drive (608) 783-6112 www.lacrosseharley.com

New Diggings, WI Anton’s Saloon 26320 County RD W / 608-965-4881 Open Thur-Sunday at Noon “Home of the Macho Burger”

Janesville, WI Team Triumph 4747 E. US HWY 14 / Janesville, WI 53546 608-741-9900

Oak Grove Enders’ Tap N5268 County HWY A M-Fri 11-close Sat & Sun 9-close

Madison, WI Badger Harley-Davidson 6200 Millpond RD 608-221-2761 / www.badgerehd.com Summer Hours 9-7 M-F 9-5 Sat 10-4 Sun

Cambria, WI The Dump 105 W Edgewater St. M-S 10 a.m. to close Sunday 11-11 Bike Night Every Thursday TRWINOIL favorite Wisconsin Burger!

Rio, WI Otsego Yacht Club W3408 HWY 16 / 920-992-6036 Tuesday to Sat 10:30 to close Sunday 8:00 am to close Thursday Bike Night/ Friday Fish Fry Wed. Jack Daniels BBQ Ribs/Fri. Fish Fry “Best Damn Burgers in the Tri-state Area” “What competition?”

Columbus, WI JodeeO’s Bar & Grill 220 E. James St. / 920-623-3417 Open 7 days 10:00 to 2:00

Waupun, WI The Other Bar 105 E. Main St. / 920-324-5505 11:00 to close 7 days a week.

Fox Lake, WI The Wharf 221 W. State / 920-928-2111 6 am to close Daily Breakfast & Lunch / Friday Fish Fry

Bike Sales & Service Appleton, WI Harley-Davidson of Appleton 5322 Clairemont Dr M-W 9-6 T-F 9-7 Sat 9

Juneau, WI Pumpkin Center Tap N4851 CTY RD I Mondays 3:00 to close / Tues-Friday 11:30 to close Sat & Sun 9:00 to close 26 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

Plover, WI Plover Motor Sports 2540 Plover RD / 715-544-6006 West Bend, WI West Bend Harley-Davison 2910 West Washington St. www.wbhhd.com

Custom Motorcycle Services Ettrick, WI Premier Powdercoating 22787 South Main St. 608-525-5005/ www.premierpowdercoating.net

Hotels/ Lodging Markesan, WI Vandy’s Lakeside Pub & Hotel www.vandysbarhotel.com Off Highway 44 along Little Green Lake 920-398-2113 to make your reservations today

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY Law Offices/ Attorneys Wisconsin State Wide Steelhorse Law www.steelhorselaw.com / 1-888-38-COURT

Photography La Crosse, WI Fine Lines Photography and Graphics 611 Powell St. 54603/ 608-782-4849 Facebook; James Whistleman jmsfinelines111@AOL.com www.fine-lines.smugmug.com

Residential & Commercial Repairs Manchester, WI Mac’s Welding & Repair 920-296-4233

Specialty Services Southern WI, Eastern Iowa, Northern IL Passion Parties by Mindy Get your friends together and see what Mindy has to make your night time fun. To Host, Shop or Join Contact Mindy 608-712-8400 www.passionpinkladies.com

NORTH ILLINOIS Apparel, Leather & More Utica, IL Mix’s Trading Post 602 Clark St/ 815-667-4120 Areas Best Price and selection of motorcycle leather Indian art and gifts. Open 7 days 10 to 5

Auto Services Wyoming, IL Wyoming Custom Auto Body 601 North Main / 309-695-3001 Body and Fender Repairs Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles

Bars & Restaurants Bristol, IL The Bristol Tap 46 Cannonball Trail (630)553-6229 Home of the Bristol Burger

Ladd, IL Softails Bar & Grill 246 N. Main St. / 815-894-2221 Lunch 11-2 daily / Dinner 4:30-9 Mon- Sat Come enjoy the covered patio! Just north of I-80 exit #70 Thursday Night Bike Night! Millington, IL Last Chance Saloon & Restaurant 102 S. Church St. (815)695-5660 Good Friends! Good Food! Good Times! Palatine, IL Alley 64 (Next to City Limits HD) 2001 N. Rand Road / 847-934-6408 Open 7 days at 11 am - www.Alley64palatine.com Outdoor Bar & Bike Parking / Private Party Room Bike Night every Thursday Plano, IL The Friendly Tap 14 N. Center Street / 630-552-3696 Check out the daily food specials! TRWINOIL Favorite Illinois Burger! Seneca, IL Fat Daddys 176 W. Jackson Sun- Thur 11-2 Fri-Sat 11-3 - Kitchen open till 9 Covered Beer Garden Spring Valley, IL Uncle Stewy’s Road House 225 E. St Paul St/ 815-663-8338 10 am to 1 am Beer Garden , pool tables and cold drinks St. Charles, IL Alley 64 (Downtown St. Charles) 212 W. Main St / 630-513-6464 Open 7 days at 11 am - www.Alley64.com Great Food & Cold Drinks Outside Bar / Patio / Bike Parking Ray’s Evergreen Tavern 1400 W. Main St./ 630-584-3535 Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am Fri & Sat 11 am to 2 am Covered Patio/ Bike Parking / Great Food Stickeny, IL Third Down Sports Bar 4839 S. Central/ 708-458-0804 Open 7 days 11-4

Galesburg, IL Broken Spoke Saloon and Grill 2085 Grand Ave. 309-344-8736 Kitchen open Monday thru Sat.

Summit, IL Fat Daddys 5437 Center Ave/ 708-563-0807 Open 7 days 11-4 Kitchen till 9 Covered Beer Garden/ Off Street Parking

Huntley, IL Offies Tap Corner of Church and Main St. Beer, Darts, Video Gaming, Fun

Corner Joynt 7600 60th Ave/ 708-563-0804 - Open 7 days 11-2

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Willow Springs, IL CC’s Grove Inn 8258 S. Kean Ave / 708-839-1959 / www.ccsgrove.com Open 11 am to 2 am 7 days a week Major Events and Benefits hosted at CC’s Grove

Yorkville, IL Rowdys 210 S. Bridge St. / 630-553-5054 Outdoor seating coming soon! Open during construction, Parking in back!

Bike Sales & Service Glenview, IL Chicago Harley Davidson 2929 Patriot BLVD / 847-418-2929 www.chicagoharley.com Pekin, IL Best Synthetic Fluids Independent AMSOIL Dealer 913 N. 11th St 309-267-3368 / www.BestSyntheticFluids.com Sandwich, IL Black Magic Customs, Inc 4686 E. 29th Rd / 815-786-1977 www.blackmagiccustoms.com Woodstock, IL Woodstock Harley Davidson 2050 S. Eastwood Dr.- RT 47 / 815-337-3511

Convenience Stores Plano, IL Plano Liquor & Wine 401 E. South ST / 630-552-7044 Cigars, Wine & Liquor, Keg’s Available Sugar Grove, IL Village Liquors 84 S. Main St / 630-466-4900 Cigars, Wine & Liquor

Custom Paint and Graphics Morton, IL Pinstriping & Air Brush Art by Brad Grimm 1406 S. Main St./ (309)369-5485 Murals* Signs* Flames* Brush Pictures* Graphics* Portraits* Lettering

Photography Palatine, IL Photography by Doug Mitchel 847-485-7246 Focus on transportation! Stock Images available of classic cars & motorcycles

Tattoo Elburn, IL Five-O Tattoo 109 E. North St / 630-740-9770 - Call for shop hours Now offering the newest in Tattoo Removal

Specialty Services Southern WI, Eastern Iowa, Northern IL Passion Parties by Mindy Get your friends together and see what Mindy has to make your night time fun. To Host, Shop or Join Contact Mindy 608-712-8400 www.passionpinkladies.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 27


RIDE FOR KIDS 2013 by

Darrell Broten

As I take part in each successive Ride For Kids (RFK) event, motorcycle fund raisers for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), memories pile up. As I rode along I-94 the morning of July 21 this year, on my way to the Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, RFK darkening clouds triggered my recall of the last time rain endangered an RFK. Years ago my friend Jerrie and I were forced to stop at the Hwy 128 exit by black clouds, rain, and lightning. We doubted that we would arrive in time. The fierce thunderstorm, however, was fast moving. In twenty minutes the storm passed and we were on our way again to what eventually turned out to be a beautiful day. As I approached the ever thicker sky, I wondered if organizers would ever be forced to cancel the ride. In the 18 years I’ve done RFKs, the weather has never been a factor. Maybe this is the year it would be. Anyway, I made it as far as the Somerset exit before I stopped at a gas station to don my rain suit. And a good thing I did. A very light rain turned into a steady one during my time in the rest room. It rained (lightning struck somewhere a couple of times) from there to the time I pulled in at Jimmy’s Event Center, the host facility, and –if anything—rained even harder while I registered under a leaking cover. What seemed like quite a few motorcyclists all had rain suits on. Inside our helmets and rainsuits dripped all over the place. Few seemed to pay too much attention to the rain, though. There was coffee to drink, doughnuts to munch, and a ride to prepare for. I searched the room for RFK co-rider Jerrie. He was at a table with his wife Mary Lee, who had driven over with her daughter and grandson Nicholas. We chatted up while I dropped my sopping gloves, helmet, and jacket on the table. A few minutes later I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. It was Gaylen, my other RFK brother, who also never misses an RFK. Gaylen, a hard-core motorcyclist if there ever was one, works nights for the St Paul water department. Gaylen has been known to ride for most of the year, winter be damned—in the Twin Cities. From the room’s stage a young lady sang country and western songs, interspersed 28 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

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by announcements no one listened to. Soon it was time for our formal welcome by Jerry Harvey, the head RFK organizer. I scrambled around taking pictures. Bill Barnett gave us a short pre-ride briefing (“keep a staggered formation and if the bike in front of you has trouble and pulls over, just keep going. We will take care of whoever has to drop out.”) and we were set to go. You know what? When we went back out into the parking lot, the rain had stopped, the skies were clearing, and the roads were dry. It was time to rock ‘n’ roll. The Twin Cities Motorcycle Escorts and various other police agencies blocked all the intersections during the 62-mile ride, so once our group was underway, we never stopped until we got back to Jimmy’s. It’s exciting and at the same time kind of scary to have escorts whip by us on their

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 29


RIDE FOR KIDS 2013 way to the next road block, but their skill and dedication—I’ve seen some of the same escorts at every one of my RFKs— are impressive. We waved and smiled as we rode. There was no loudspeaker, no waving banners, and no gaudily painted lead vehicle. Our goals as riders are to raise money and awareness, but I wondered how a big group of motorcycles causing traffic inconveniences on a Sunday morning creates any awareness of brain tumors. I’m sure people wondered what was going on, but,

really, why? This whole business of getting pledges for a ride, walk, run, swim, read-athon, etc was a great idea 30 years ago, but isn’t it getting kind of old by now? There’s a charity motorcycle ride—sometimes more than one—almost every weekend. There are so many, in fact, that Ride For Kids analysts wonder if simple, basic competition is a reason our numbers are falling slightly each year. But here’s my take: because I asked people for donations and gave the money to an agency which commissioned medical researchers and joined motorcyclists whom provided a venue for doctors to report their progress, I learned that young lives have been saved and prolonged. So, for a few hours on a Sunday and a few hours during the year, I was a motorcyclist that was part of something bigger than myself. On that Sunday morning I was part of the solution and not part of the problem. On three occasions while wearing my RFK T-shirts I’ve had strangers come up to me and thank me for raising money because they knew of a child with a brain tumor. Twice I’ve received phone calls from former patients

who thanked me for their survival and the scholarships PBTF provided them. And once a couple from Fall Creek phoned me to ask about support programs for a local family coping with a kid’s brain tumor. Those sorts of things don’t happen if we bikers aren’t turning in donations and spreading the word. I wonder whether the paltry sums I’ve turned in eventually went to research, or grants, or scholarships, or family counseling. I only know the money did something. Therefore, as long as people respond to Ride For Kids—old idea or not— I will be a part of it. And Ride For Kids is fun! Our group returned to Jimmy’s 90 minutes later. The route was slightly different this year, but we still passed Marine-On-St. Croix, as well as new curvy section close to a state park. At ride’s end we were stiff and cramped, but we jumped off our bikes for the water and soda to go with our box lunches. Tshirts were handed out and we settled in for the Celebration of Life reception, when the child/patients were interviewed, large fund raisers were congratulated, and prize drawings were held. I’m pretty stoic when it comes to kid stuff but it never fails: you can hear the sniffling and see people wiping eyes after the kids are done talking. During the reception Harvey also explained the new computer procedures in registering and obtaining fund raising premiums. We

30 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

were all exhorted to bring one motorcyclist back with us next year. I took more pictures at the reception and of the bikes parked outside. I got a shot of Jerrie and his grandson, who rode as a passenger with him. Mary Lee took a picture of Jerrie and I right after we got done with the ride. Before we left for the day, while Jerrie did some T-shirt haggling, I bought two left over box lunches (there were a lot left due to the rain dampening participant numbers), grabbed some leftover sodas, and redid my riding attire. Just as they were about to leave, I ran over to the escorts to ask about their machines. The escort I spoke with told me they run with 2011-2013 HarleyDavidson Road King Police Specials and every year they put the “old ones” up for sale. For $8,500. With 20,000 miles on them. With a history of regular intensive maintenance. Hmmm. Jerrie and I negotiated heavier city traffic out of town to Baldwin where, as is our tradition, we stopped at the A&W for a root beer float. My turn to buy. As we enjoyed out frosty treats, we discussed various issues, including how to get more riders involved. Maybe we could spend extra time with motorcycle clubs and somehow get participation commitments from them. Or maybe we could attend more border motorcycle functions and pass out more RFK literature. And, we talked about other

things. Jeez, do I have to spell it out for you? That’s where the fun kicks in. It’s the riding, the connecting, the learning, the supporting, the ice cream, the fund raising, the do-gooding. Ya da ya da ya da. Yes, RFK has raised its registration fee to $50. So what? Ask two friends for a donation and you’re in. It’s worth it. We avoided the interstate by following Highway 12 to a short cut around Menomonie that Jerrie knew. In forty minutes, we stopped on the west side of Eau Claire to compare notes and say good bye. I gave Jerrie a copy of Thunder Roads to read and laid out my riding schedule for the next two weeks.

“Look at this,” said Jerrie, as he scanned the sky. “We’re coming home and it’s perfect for riding. It’s 75 degrees, no wind, and the air is dry,” “Yes, Jerrie, it’s perfect now. We had another great ride, as we always seem to with Ride For Kids,” I said as I shook his hand. The dark clouds, lightning, and rain had once again blown over. It was a beautiful day.


October 18-19—Gallery Night and Day. HarleyDavidson Museum, 400 W Canal St., Milwaukee WI. A premier art event sponsored by the Third Ward Association. 414-287-2789.

NORTH ILLINOIS

UpComing Events 2013 Send your charity events to: darrell@trwinoil.com always Free The upcoming events page contains rides, meetings, parties and other events focused on riding and being surrounded by others that have a passion to ride. Some events listed are for members only but are listed to show you what kind of events these great organizations offer to their members. Please contact the group or business for further details on attending these events. If you have an event your organization or business is having please send the information to darrell@trwinoil.com Thank you to Darrell Broten for his assistance in putting this list together each month.

WISCONSIN september

September 11-15—32nd Annual Tomahawk Fall Ride. A variety of activities in the Tomahawk area, including the Rumble Through The Woods Pledge Ride. Live entertainment, auction, vendors, and more at SARA Park. 715-612-0498. September 13-14—Tomahawk Fall Ride Pit Stop Party. 9:00 AM. Harley-Davidson of Wausau, 1570 Cty Hway XX, Rothschild WI. Live music, food, door prizes, and more. 715-355-4464. September 14—Flood Run. Ride US Hwy 35 on the Wisconsin side, Hwy 61 on the Minnesota side. Benefits Gillette Children’s Hospital. Nelson WI. 651-436-5065. September 14—Boob-A-Luscious Bike Run. 11:00AM. Star Prairie Sports Bar, 206 Main St., Star Prairie WI. Proceeds to New Richmond Cancer Center. 715-248-7332.

September 6-7—SCVR Chili Feed. 12 Noon. GasLite Tavern, W8945 US Hwy 10, Ellsworth WI. 715273-4839.

September 13-15—16th Annual Midwest Triumph Ride-In. Chalet Landhaus, New Glarus WI. The longest running R.A.T.get together in the country. 608-527-5234.

September 6-8—Davis Rally. Mikkelson Park, New Hampton IA. $20. Grand poker runs, camping, evening parade, and more. 563-578-5331.

September 17—Sheboygan Harley Dealer Ride. 5:30PM. Route 42 Harley-Davidson, 3736 South Taylor Drive, Sheboygan WI. 920-458-0777.

September 6-8—43rd Annual Wisconsin Dells BMW Rally. Chula Vista Resort, 2501 River Road, Wisconsin Dells WI. $39. Seminars, door prizes, 5k run, field events, 50/50, and more. 800-388-4782.

September 18—Madison Motorcycle Club Meeting. 7:00PM. Alt-n-Bach’s Town Tap, 2602 Whalen Lane, Madison WI. 608-271-9955.

September 7—Craig Allen Memorial Motorcycle Ride. 9:00AM. W2108 Larson Road, Springbrook WI. Scenic ride, silent auction, and more. 715-6345394.

September 19-22—Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail Dual Sport Tour. Galena IL to Cornucorpia WI. A mix of pavement, dirt, sand, gravel, and mud from the Illinois border to Lake Superior. Eric Lange. 414687-7076 or 305-600-0611.

September 8—4th Annual Suicide Awareness Ride. Big Swede’s Resort, Holcombe WI. 10AM Reg., 12noon ride. $10. Ride, meal, raffle, and door prizes. 715-595-4284.

September 21—2nd Annual Watson Street Classic Cycle Show. 8:00AM. 217 Watson St., Historic Downtown Ripon WI. Pre-1995 and 1995-to-present categories for each class. 920-229-6598.

September 10—Appleton Women’s Ride. 6:00PM. Harley-Davidson of Appleton, 5322 Clairemont Drive, Appleton WI. 920-757-1651.

September 21—Ride For The Wolf. 11:00AM. Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc WI. All proceeds to Dane County Humane Society. 262-259-8500.

32 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

September 28—3rd Annual New Glarus Ride. 9:00AM. House of Harley-Davidson, 6221 W. Layton Ave., Milwaukee WI. Following country roads to the New Glarus Hotel/Restaurant. Keith. 414-988-7050. September 28—Ridin’ To A Cure Breast Cancer Ride. 9:00AM. Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc WI. 262-5698500. September 28—Chili Cook-Off. 9:00AM. Milwaukee Harley-Davidson, 11310 W. Silver Spring Road, Milwaukee WI. 414-461-4444. September 28—Bikers For Barkers Charity Ride. 9:45AM. Oshkosh Area Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh WI. All vehicles welcome. Ride, raffles, and buffet lunch. 920-424-2128. September 28—Honor The Fallen Motorcycle Ride and Fundraiser. Veterans Memorial Association, Hwy 27, Ladysmith WI. 8:30AM registration. Proceeds support veterans programs. Tim Vacho. 715-5324848. October October 4-6—30th Annual Apple Run Campout. Northwestern Elementary School, Poplar WI. Food for the body, food for the soul, and riding to Bayfield Apple Fest. Hosted by Lake Superior chapter of Christian Motorcyclists Association. 218-729-1838. October 5—Slimy Crud Motorcycle Gang Run. Pine Bluff, WI. Peter Egan and gang ride from Red Mouse Tavern in Madison to Sprecher’s Tap in Leland. Pat Hanson. 414-429-0574 or www.slimeycrudrun.com. October 5—Dyno Days. Harley-Davidson of Appleton, 5322 Clairemont Drive, Appleton WI. 9:00AM. Free dyno runs until 3:00PM. 920-7571651. October 12—Taste of Sauk Prairie. 9:00AM. Sauk Prairie Harley-Davidson, 836 Phillips Blvd., Sauk Prairie WI. 800-972-6895.

september September 1—AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Racing. Springfield Mile. Illinois State Fairgrounds Race Track, 801 E Sangamon Avenue, Springfield IL. 386492-1014. September 2—5th Annual Labor Day Bike Show. 9:00AM. 215 South Third Street, Vandalia IL. 8 Bike classes, clubs welcome. Proceeds to Shriners Hospital. 618-283-9739. September 6-8—Illinois CMA State Rally. Illinois District Camp, 14137 State Hwy 51, Wapella IL. Doug. 60-678-2801.

September 14—7th Annual Starved Rock Ride to Benefit the DAV. 9:00AM. Veterans Pub & Pizza, 2525 N.E. Adams Street, Peoria IL. $15. Ride, prizes, and raffle. 309-382-1115. September 14—9/11 Memorial Ride. 9:00AM. Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL. $20. Lunch provided at last stop. 815-332-7125. September 14—SRHD Peanut Ride. Starved Rock Harley-Davidson, 750 Centennial Drive, Ottawa IL. 815-431-1900. September 14- Bikes, Blues and BBQ 1PM to 10PM VFW Post 1232 15665 VFW Road, Pekin, IL. $10 per person, all ages welcome and kids 12 and under free with an adult paid admission. September 15—Autism Speaks Benefit Ride. 10:00AM. Fox River Harley-Davidson, 131 S Randall Road, St. Charles IL. Raffle, silent auction, food, live music, and more. 224-567-8573.

September 6-8—Chiggerfest. Miller’s Mill Road, McLean IL. Heart of Illinois ABATE annual fund raiser. Live bands, adult entertainment, scavenger hunt, and bike rodeo. Rob. 309-261-0916.

September 15—Property Of No One Ride. 9:00AM. McHenry Harley-Davidson, 2103 West Route 120, McHenry IL. McHenry’s Ladies Only riding club “tear up the countryside and leave the stress of the week behind.” 815-534-4411.

September 7—Hooters and Scooters Run. 10:00AM. American Legion Post 5, 705 S Larkin Avenue, Joliet IL. 800-872-2283.

September 15—Bruce’s Annual Turkey Run. 9:00AM. Peoria Motorcycle Club, 605 S. Cameron Lane, Peoria IL. 309-697-4981.

September 7—Heroes Assemble Ride. 9:00AM. Kegel Harley-Davidson, 7125 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL. $10. Costumed charity ride benefitting Court Appointed Special Advocates. 815-332-7125.

September 21—AHRMA Vintage Motorcross. Archview Motorcross Park, 5100 St. Clair Avenue, Washington Park IL. 615-420-6435.

October October 5—AHRMA Vintage Motocross. DuQoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack, DuQuoin IL. 615-4206435. October 5—Bruce’s Color Ride. Kegel HarleyDavidson, 7125 Harrison Avenue, Rockford IL. The beauty of autumn and the open road. Weather permitting. 815-332-7125. October 6—Big Thunder Run. Illinois HarleyDavidson, 9950 Joliet Road, Countryside IL. 708387-8750. October 6—Peotone Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo. 7:00AM. Will County Fairgrounds, 710 S. West St., Peotone IL. Bikers, parts, vendors, food, beer, and more. 800-800-6034. October 12—5th Annual Reindeer Toy Run. 24741 W Renwick Rd, Plainfield IL. 100 mile ride with stops, home cooked meal, raffles, and more at the end. Julie. 630-669-3500. October 12—Tribute To The Troops Ride. 9:00AM. Chicago Harley-Davidson, 2929 Patriot Blvd., Glenview IL. Gold Star family ride. 866-440-6506. October 13—DuKane ABATE Toy Run. Illinois Harley-Davidson, 9950 Joliet Rd, Countryside IL. 708-387-8750.

NATIONAL september

September 22—Independent Order of Odd Fellows Swap Meet/Flea Market Fund Raiser. Vasa Park, South Elgin IL. Motorcycle parts swap meet and flea market. Proceeds to charity. 312-391-3114.

September 6-8—23rd Annual Great Smoky Mountain Rendezvous. Tally-Ho Inn, 8314 State Hwy 73, Townsend TN. 615-812-0650.

September 27-29—36th Annual Fall Jefferson Swap Meet and Car Show. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 1570 N Jackson Avenue, Jefferson WI. 608-2448416.

September 18-23—Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally. Fall temperatures, twisting mountain roads, shaded pines, massive trade show, and many poker runs. Ruidoso NM. 575-973-4977.

September 7—Mohawk Less Cancer/Code 3 For A Cure. 9:30AM. Jesse Oaks, 18490 W Old Gages Lake Rd, Gages Lake IL. Providing financial assistance to firefighters battling cancer. $20. 847421-8996.

September 28—Illinois Great Rivers Fall Motorcycle Ride. Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Road, Galena IL. Starts also in Alton IL with poker stops along the way. Dinner and evening entertainment. $65. Proceeds to Great River Honor Flight. 309-837-7460.

September 20-22—Ray Price Capital City Bikefest. Raleigh NC. Patriot ride, tattoofest, stunt shows, live music, parade, prizes drawings, church service. 919832-2261.

September 7—Toy Soldier Poker Run. 9:00AM. 1752 Division Street, Diamond IL. Food, entertainment, games, and more after the ride. 708508-9755.

September 29—Walneck’s Bike Show and Swap Meet. 8:00AM. Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 N Rte 47, Morris IL. $6. 630-985-2097.

September 7—11th Annual Durand Biker Bash and Chili Shootout. Center Street, Durand IL. Live bands, chili tasting, bike contest, and more. 815262-3137. September 7—Mel/Amy Ride. 11:30AM. Coziahr Harley-Davidson, 150 W. Marion Avenue, Forsyth IL. 217-877—7115.

September 12—McHenry Bike Night. McHenry Harley-Davidson, 2103 W Route 120, McHenry IL. Hang at the “Little House That Rocks” and enjoy live music, food, refreshments, and more. 815-344-9300.

www.trwinoil.com

September 29—Chrons Passport Ride. Illinois Harley-Davidson, 9950 Joliet Road, Countryside IL. 708-387-8750.

September 20-22—Hog Daze Motorcycle Rally. Highway 169 Exit 264, on SR 18, Marion IN. Gates open 5PM Friday. Vendors, ABATE field events, hog roast, live music, and more. $5 entry fee. 765-662-1192. October October 11-13-Big Bike Weekend. Redding CA. Riding, entertainment, and vendors, plus the Redding Police Dept Invitational Motor Competition. 530-2228025.

SEPTEMBER 2013 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS 33


Illinois Valley Fallen Biker Memorial Wall

K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by Toni McCoy Shearon aka “MaMa Thunder” of Thunder Roads Tennessee FINGER LICKIN’ WINGS.....CAJUN STYLE

The Illinois Valley Fallen Biker Memorial Wall came about after many miles of riding and never seeing a mass memorial for fallen bikers. My very good friend and fellow biker, Dave Oaks and myself had been jawing out in the beer garden at my bar, Uncle Stewy’s RoadHouse, just talking about our lives and some of the rides we had been on. One thing came to our minds, and BAM there it was! I had some ground that needed attention and it was the perfect size and placement for such a project. <some crazy good master thinking, which doesn’t happen most of the time with Dave or myself!> Coming up with the project was simple, starting it on the other hand was a different story. After nearly a year of planning, hunting ideas, and preparing the property. Things started to fall together. I ran into Houndog Henry at the “Rally in the Valley” a great 3 day party put together by 3 ABATE chapters around the Peoria, IL area. Now Houndog is a very talented artist, etching glass by hand. A few people at the rally had been up to my roadhouse and introduced me to Houndog. “Stewy you need some of this guy’s art at the RoadHouse” they all were telling me! So after talking to Houndog

and seeing just some of his master pieces I said to him that I had the perfect piece of glass you can etch first. Two days later, Houndog and a few of the Rally goers rode up to the RoadHouse to check things out. And for the last 60 days Houndog has been putting up his magic. First up was the names and then the bikers prayer went up next.

Bikers Prayer May the sun raise in front of me The rain fall behind me and the wind follow me May the angels guard my travels For they know what is ahead of me Keep me safe through the rolling hills And swirling turns Let the eagle guide me to the mountain tops Let the moons light guide me through the night

LORD Thank You For Letting Me Be A Biker!!! On the 2nd of July 2013 the first names were put in place. Since then with a little muscle help from friends and family we have put in a plaza with 3 flag poles, and a bench to sit and reflect, and flowers pots to soft-

34 Thunder Roads WISCONSIN / NORTH ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 2013

en the space a bit. Lights are the next thing that will be put in place to highlight the glass at night. The unfortunate part of the IVFBMW is that there are plenty of names flooding in. I’m not soliciting names, we are placing them on the wall as they come in by word of mouth. Over the last month of names being put on the wall many families, friends and fellow riders have been coming to visit their loved ones. Needless to say it has been very moving for this guy! I have never met most of these people until now, and every time a group rolls in to show the love they had for a fallen rider it becomes a teary eyed, lump in your throat moment. It’s moving just writing about it! The parameters for being placed on the wall are that the fallen had to be riding at the time of passing or from complications from an accident. Rider’s family or the rider needs to be from the Illinois River basin area as far out to the quad cities, Rockford, Chicago, Springfield would be the outside lines of area. They get added by contacting via Facebook to Bill Stewart, Uncle Stewy’s RoadHouse or IVFBMW. or Email HYPERLINK “mailto:streetglide9@gmail.com” \t “_blank” streetglide9@gmail.com Please proof read your post before sending because that is how they will appear on the wall. All that we need is their name and the month/year of their passing! Bill Stewart ~ Uncle Stewy’s RoadHouse

Mix together as a rub in a large bowl: 1 tsp. of ground red pepper or Cayenne pepper 1 Tbls. of Dry Mustard 1 Tbls. of Dry Thyme 1 Tbls. of Dry Mustard 1 Tbls. of Onion Powder 1 Tbls. of Garlic Powder 1 Tbls. of Smoked Paprika 1 Tbls. of Hot Paprika 1 Tbls. of Regular Paprika 1 Tbls. of Parsley 1 Tbls. of Basil Heat up your grill to medium high. Brush rack with olive oil * This rub is based on enough for 20 wings. If you have more, just double or triple the recipe amounts. Fresh ground black pepper & salt to taste Take your wings and cut-off the wing tips. These really have hardly any meat on them. Now, take your solid wing pieces and cut winds at joint. This makes each wing a manageable and fair size for eating. Dry your wings off thoroughly and 3 at a time, add to bowl and coat completely both sides. Don’t shake off excess. Place on a platter to take out to grill. Arrange wings in a straight lines on grill and grill on each side for 4 minutes with lid closed. Then move wings either over to an unlit side of grill or up to the top shelf to continue cooking 3-4 more minutes to ensure no pinkness at the bone. The wings should have a great blackened look to them from the rub and the flavor is amazing! Serve with bleu cheese dressing, Ranch, or whatever your favorite dipping sauce might be. Gimme’ some wing, baby! TOMATO PIE 1 9-inch Pie Shell, prebaked per instructions 2 Tbls. Dijon Mustard 4 Home-Grown or Market Stand Tomatoes; Peeled & Sliced into solid 1/4 inch slices 4 Ounces White Cheddar cheese; grated 4 Ounces Yellow Cheddar cheese; grated 1/2 Cup of (premium) Mayonnaise

1/3 Cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees Spread the entire inside of the pie crust with mustard; all up the sides and even on the crust. Layer the tomatoes in the crust in a lap over effect and sprinkle with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Top with the Cheddar cheese. Mix together the mayo & Parmesan and spread that on top of pie. Sprinkle dried Parsley all over the top of that and bake apprx. 20 mins. Let cool and serve at room temp. * I always drizzle thinned down Ranch dressing on my slice, but that’s your choice. Any way you take it, this pie is one delicious side dish. MaMa Thunder’s SUPER SIMPLE CHEESE & BACON BISCUITS 1 Cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese 1/2 Cup of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese 4 Cups of Bisquick brand biscuit Mix (box) 2 Cups of Whole Milk Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste 1/2 Cup of crumbled bacon bits (cooked crisp but not burned) 1 Tbls. of Bacon Grease Spray a large non-stick backing sheet with non-stick spray (better to be safe than sticky) Take an ice-cream scoop (the kind with the scoop out handle on the side) and drop equal amounts of biscuit dough onto sheet pan. Allow for them to spread out some. Now, in a small bowl, melt down a 1/2 stick of butter with 1/2 tsp. of Garlic Powder. Take a basting brush (I just use cheap 50 cent paint brushes) and baste biscuits generously with garlic/butter mix. Bake for 12 to 15 mins. until they are cracked on top and golden brown. Take out of oven and immediately baste generously with more garlic/butter. Oh MaMa....these make me slap myself upside the head! K.I.S.S. TIPS: Instead of using buttermilk, milk or water in the next batch of pancakes you make, try substituting with lemon-lime soda. Your pancakes come out light as air and just begging for lots of butter and warm maple syrup. Use your crock-pot for mac n’ cheese. Just add 1 cup of elbow macaroni, 1 can of Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup, same can, only full of whole milk, pinch of nutmeg and a 1/2 stick of butter. Let cook on high for an hour. Fab Mac!

TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home.




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