Thunder Roads Texas - Mar2013 by Thunder Roads Texas

It’s not about the bike... it’s about the RIDE!

Get In, Get Out... Get Riding!

March 2013 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Also Inside:

 2012 Christmas Toy Runs

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EVENT

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Contents 

March 2013 On the Cover 30 Get In, Get Out... Get Riding! Also This Month 18 20

Getting Lost Hill Counry Holler - Preview of New Rally

Regular Features

8 Letter From the Editor 10 From the Road 12 Two Wheel Thunder TV Review: UltraCool Oil Cooling Systems 14 Pig Writes: Springtime is Near! 16 Pink Thunder: Legislative Day - Bikers at the Capitol 33 Ride Map: Go for the GREEN! 36 ThunderCam 40 Joker’s Wild 42 Biker Band Corner: Point Blank

Resources

23 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out March 2013 Calendar

35 33

43 Biker Friendly Listing On the cover: Speedy Cycle Lube, Houston

OWNERS

ADVERTISING SALES

Bob Cooney, CEO/Photography ThunderRoadsBob@yahoo.com

Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, Editor Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Randy McCamey Harley.Doc@hotmail.com We are pleased to announce Randy McCamey has been promoted to Associate Editor. Randy has been writing and taking photos for Thunder Roads Texas for more than three years. Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Shelly “Cricket” Beatty San Antonio/Hill Country CricketGOC@yahoo.com * 210.445.2477

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes ThunderRoadsBill@yahoo.com 321.960.6161

Don “DB” McGovern - Dallas/Fort Worth ThunderRoadsDon@gmail.com 972.896.1919

Laura Mae Benson - Houston Laura.ThunderRoadsMagazine@gmail.com 979.481.9642

Diane G. - Houston trmtx@mail.com * 832.253.3262

Traci “Sweet N Low” McClure - East Texas Traci.McClure@yahoo.com * 936.671.9567 Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country AngelWing1555@yahoo.com 512.673.6679

Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

D. Grey - Houston trmtx@mail.com * 832.881.9244 Darlene “Lady Diva” Hanson Dallas/Fort Worth ladyd1va@hotmail.com * 817.680.8121

FEATURE WRITERS

Shelly “Cricket” Beatty, Pink Thunder (Feb/May/Aug/Sep) Terri Williams, Pink Thunder (TMRA2; Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec) “Pig” Meinhardt - Pig Writes

CORRESPONDENTS

Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian Shearon National Founders 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com

Layout & Design Shelly Horan Top of Mind Marketing 832.585.4045 Top.of.Mind.Marketing@gmail.com

Michael Jackson - Galveston; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Dean Downey Amarillo; Mary “Ima Ryder” Taylor - Austin; Don Brewer - Livingston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte; Mike “Biker” Boone - Houston/Gulf Coast; Jason English - East Texas; Don McGovern - Terrell/DFW; Jason English - Rusk; Donna Herrin - Edinburgh; Leah Hanscom - Piney Woods.

Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas. Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsTexas

The riding season is officially here! Are you ready? I sure am! This month, we’re sponsoring Blowout’s Biker Bash in Hitchcock, March 14-17. Blowout knows how to put on a party like no other! Live music, leprachauns, naughty contests, campsite contests, bike show, biker games, and so much more. Keep in mind this is a 21+/adult event. For our Monthly Ride Map, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we offer an Irish route in the Texas Panhandle – traveling from Dublin to Shamrock – both of which boast “big-as-Texas” Irish celebrations. This time, there was too much information about the route to put in the magazine, so we are offering a BONUS article with an additional list of qualified Points Across Texas picture opportunities for the towns along the route we couldn’t cover in print. Remember, every map now offers enough stops/destinations/picture opportunities to earn a FREE patch! Our Houston-area BIKE NIGHTS continue (always year round!) and the Lone Star Bike Nights (which we sponsor) started back up last month – every Thursday in the DFW area. If you have a bike night you’d like us to sponsor, please email me with the information and I’ll send information about our special bike night sponsorship package. We are also still looking for events to sponsor around the state – all around the state! No event is too large or too small. But contact us early so we can make sure you get the best deal available! Randy McCamey, TRT Associate Editor, continues to provide great articles for our readers. This month, he talks about getting lost. Admit it… we know you’ve gotten lost. But hopefully, you made the best of it and maybe found something you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Check out his experiences on page 18. A new rally has hit Boerne and the Texas Hill Country, the Hill Country Holler. It’s the latest venture from the creator of the Lone Star Rally, Ron Limbock. See page 20 for a preview. Also in our pages (page 30, “Get In, Get Out... Get Riding!”), from our cover, take a look at what Speedy Cycle Lube in Houston is doing for us riders. While they are not the first in the state to offer “while-you-wait” oil change, tire, and battery services, they sure are doing it the right way! Rumor has it… riders in other parts of Texas will be seeing this new business pop up in their area. Bet you can’t wait! We encourage you to ALWAYS let our advertisers know you’ve seen them in Thunder Roads Texas… and for those who aren’t advertising with us – tell them they should! It’s because of our fabulous, wonderful, fantastic (too much?) advertisers that we are able to continue bringing you the BEST motorcycle magazine in Texas – FREE. Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER! Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan Editor / Owner, Thunder Roads Texas and Owner, Top of Mind Marketing Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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In December, we enetered a float int he citiy’s Christmas parade. We have a yell which we use all the time UG! We have stickers on our car windows, they are on our bikes and some even have it tattooed on them. Since that last letter I sent to you our membership stepped up just an inch or so to remind the community we are a FAMILY CLUB. We are going to continue to step up the community’s awareness that not all patches are the same, but gangland is the same. I know that you are very busy and again I appreciate all of the effort your team provides for all of us motorcyclist in Texas. BARN STORM SURVIVORS LIKE BIKER BAND CORNER!

Armadillo “FATBOY”, VP

Just wanted to let y’all know... I shared the February issue of the magazine on my Facebook page yesterday & have already received multiple emails (all members of the Barn Storm Survivors & a few fans & friends) saying they loved the article about the Barn Storm Survivors & the band said they are going to frame it and hang it in their studio!

WINNING BIKE

Traci McClure - TRT Sales PIG LIKES THE COVER Thanks for the cover story. It’s my first and if I do things right, it won’t be my last. I love it. I can’t wait to get a frame and hang it on the wall of my office. It will go right next to my first issue and A J Floyt. I called Keyman today to see if he got his copies yet. He said yes, but he didn’t open them yet, why? So I asked him if Ladybug was home. No, why, what’s up. so I told him not to open them until she got home. They called back about an hour later. They were on speaker phone, she was crying and he was speechless. They both loved it. Thank You again.

My name is Caeser and I own a 2000 Road King . I did a custom build with Misfit Baggers of Dallas . We entered it in the Radical division at the Lone Star Rally . My Road King won Baddest Bagger in Texas , Baddest Bagger in Texas Editors Pick and first place in the Radical division. The King’s Ransom is a true lay frame bike.

Pig - TRT Feature Writer “Pig Writes” ARMADILLO CYCLE CLUB MAKES STRIDES Six months ago Thunder Roads published a letter that I emailed you about familiy clubs and the community. Just wanted to update you on the progress we have made. We will be in Houston for the COC state rally in April, have no idea if you will be out there or a correspondent but we look forward to the ride.

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GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE?

Send your news, updates, comments, etc. to shelly@thunderroadstexa.com

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

March 2013

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UltraCool Oil Cooling Systems ll bikers know that oil is the lifeblood of your motorcycle. We even get into debates on which oil is the best and why. We acknowledge the fact that all the big V-Twins generate a lot of heat and friction which are the main causes of engine wear and breakdown. All that heat is rather uncomfortable to the rider in the middle of the summer as well! If you ride a liquid cooled bike you do not suffer from these problems as often as V-Twin riders but keeping your engine at safe operating temperatures is the key to long life of any bike. So where is all this heat coming from? The heat generated from the fuel detonation in the cylinders is obviously the main culprit, but stop and go traffic, long engine idling, friction plates in the clutch assembly, and even the transmission can generate huge amounts of heat. If the bike weighs around 800 pounds, add on a rider, some gear and accessories and, bam, you’re pushing 1,100 lbs or more. Texas riders know better than anyone that summer asphalt temperatures can get very hot before 12:00 p.m. and, just like they taught us in school, heat rises. And where are the piston heads? You guess it; they are placed right are under the gas tank forcing a lot of that heat to escape right between your legs! And heaven help you if you have a batwing or frame-mounted fairing and sitting at a stoplight during the summer. So what are we to do? Stop riding in hot weather? You know that’s not going to happen! First, you need to know something about the maximum oil temperature recommended for your bike. You don’t know? This is very important because if your bike gets too hot you could be sitting on the side of some back county Texas road starring at a mass of melted metal! Check your owner’s manual or talk to your dealer to get accurate information about the normal operating temperatures for the engine and oil used for your specific make and model. Harley-Davidson maintains that its oil will not break down significantly at temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but becomes too thin above 300 degrees. What are the options to minimize the heat on the engine? One option is to add additional cooling to the engine with some type of external fan system. Besides not looking “cool” there is just no room on a custom bike. If the oil temperature in your Harley consistently exceeds 250 degrees during hot-weather riding, a better option, I

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think, is to invest in an oil cooling system. For the life of me I do not understand why every V-Twin dealer in the U.S does not try to set up every new bike with at least an average oil cooler. Anyone who does distance riding, runs at high RPM’s, rides in hotter temperatures or doesn’t change their oil regularly would be wise to invest in an oil cooling system as well, not just V-Twin riders. The UltraCool deluxe oil cooler is the best oil cooler money can buy for your Harley-Davidson. The UltraCool comes with a dual-fan assisted oil cooler with an electronic thermostat integrated into the oil filter adapter that switches on the fan at 220 degrees. The fan then switches off once the oil temperature drops lower than 190 degrees. This maintains your engine oil temperature between 200-210 degrees. As mentioned, heat is the worst enemy for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. And the UltraCool is easy to install with basic hand tools. If you are a good mechanic you can install it yourself. We choose to have a professional put ours on. The complete kit, ready to install comes with a dual fan assisted 19 row oil cooler, mounting hardware and brackets, braided stainless oil lines, an oil filter adapter and thermal switch, and a 1 year Warranty. The UltraCool comes in chrome and black with stainless steel cables and fasteners. Before we go too far talking about running your bike too hot, don’t go the other extreme and run your oil too cool. Harley-Davidson maintains that acid and water contamination can occur if the engine is operated for long periods at an oil temperature below 200 degrees. You can install a cover over the cooling unit while riding in

cooler temperatures to keep your oil temperature above 200 degrees just to be on the safe side. For those of us who have the big bore kits and cams in our bikes, the more cubic inches, the more you need the UltraCool Oil Cooling System. Reports from riders state a drop in oil temps from 20 to 50 degrees in the 110 and larger cubic inch engines. With an efficient oil cooler in place there is less danger of overheating. The UltraCool Oil Cooling System may just be the best investment you can make for the long term care of your bike! Made in the USA! Contact them at 831-6301322 or on the web at UltraCoolFL.com

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Springtime is Near reetings to you, all of my lovers of pork and pork byproducts. For those of you who have followed me for a while, you already know that I love to use quotes from famous people in my writing. When I do find that special quote, it always seems to work just right in my articles. This month’s article is no exception. I searched high and low for the perfect set of words and wisdom and I think I found it. It comes from none other than President Harry S. Truman. Old Harry said, many years ago, “Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day”. Now that’s good advice from a smart man! Thank you Mr. President. Now I know that you are sitting there wondering, “Just what in the Hell does kicking turds have to do with motorcycles”? Allow me to explain. It looks like spring has sprung in Texas once again. That means it’s time to kick the tires and light the fires. Soon we will head out into the great unknown in search of bluebonnets and other splashes of beautiful colors in the country. It is also a time when we need to be careful as we tiptoe through the bluebonnets so that we don’t step on anything lumpy. Everyone has their favorite route to find that perfect patch of flowers. The Texas Hill Country in and around the Fredericksburg, Comfort, and Boerne offers some really nice views for riding. On the other hand, Rainman also likes to point our bike to the South and the East of San Antonio. We have been known to run a lot of the backroads and small towns around Seguin, New Berlin, La Vernia, Gonzales. We try our best to get lost (as mom always tells us to do) by running the county roads. The small farms that make up Texas always offer beautiful views for the eyes to enjoy. Wherever you go, as you prepare for this years riding season, remember that Thunder Roads Texas has your

back with great road maps and an ultimate list of rally’s to attend. This year the list includes a few Rally’s in the San Antonio area. There will be the Hill Country Holler, April 12–14 and the Texas State HOG Rally, May 16–18. I am sending out a personal invite for all of you to come to San Antone’ and enjoy some of our fine hospitality. San Antonio has plenty of cold beer and some good Mexican food. Drop us a line (Rainman & I) as we would love to meet up and ride with you this year. There are always new places to go and new people to meet. This year, as you make your plans on where to travel, I would like to suggest you try something a little different. Try riding the interstate a little less and riding the backroads a little more. Do some small town running. But don’t just ride through those small towns. Try stopping longer than the red light in a few of them. Support the local businesses if you can. Try that hole in the wall café you just passed. Stop and take in some of the local flavor. But be careful of the local pork products, they might be made from my cousin Wilber, and we all know he ain’t no damn good! I always have the best trips when I get the chance to converse with the locals. Of course that’s after they stop staring at me. There is much more to learn about the area. You might find a festival going on that you may not have heard of before. Taking in some local history can be quite interesting it you make the time to look and listen. The best planned trips are always the ones with no time schedule to follow, so stop worrying about the destination. Instead, take a little more time to enjoy more of the journey itself. Get out of the heavily populated areas you live in and take in some of what the real America has to offer. If you think everything around you is dull and boring, then you

are not digging deep enough. Wherever our travels take us, there are always new adventures to find on the other side of the hill. For those of you who like to do the Point Across Texas program, did you know that Rainman and I are now a mobile destination? That’s right, this year if you come across us out there on the road, get your picture taken with us, send it to Shelly, and it will count as a Points Across Texas destination. Now how cool is that? We are also making plans to attend a few out-of-town bike nights this year. We’re planning to head to both the Dallas and Houston areas to attend a few. We’re not sure when and where just yet, but we will let you all know. By the way, please let Shelly know if your club or group plans on hosting a bike night at a special place. I know she’s looking for more to sponsor around the state. And if your club is hosting a fundraiser, let her know about that too! She’ll list it for free in the magazine. One more thing before I go. I would love to hear from you guys. Feel free to drop me a line from time to time. So, in closing, I would like to use one more famous quote. It was coined by a great guy you all know and love. Before I give the quote you need to be in the proper mindset. Imagine you are in your favorite bar with a few of your best friends. Now, imagine Rainman stands up (kind of tilting to one side or the other) with a beer in his hand and announces to the whole bar, “Never try to teach a pig how to sing. It’s a waste of your time and it annoys the Pig”! Then he falls over backwards as he takes a drag off of his beer. I’ll call those smart words from another very smart man. Ride HARD or Stay Home!

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You can contact Pig or Rainman by e-mail at pig8080@LIVE.COM For more of Pig’s wild adventures, check out his blog at pigspage.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook.com/pig.meinhardt Page 14

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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Legislative Day - Bikers at the Capitol Terri Williams, TMRA2 (Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec)

his 2013 session’s Legislative Day was a huge success. Bikers from all over Texas, and some from out of state, came together on January 28 for a march up the capitol steps in Austin. The Confederation of Clubs & Independents (COC&I) Color Guard lead the way. I get emotional every time I hear over a thousand bikers say the pledge of allegiance as loud as they can! The National Anthem was performed solo by Gloria King. There is truly nothing like it and the feeling you get is a “this is our house” kind of feeling. The weekend started out at the VFW the Sunday before where Texas ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education), TMRA2 (Texas Motorcycle Rights Association), the U.S. Defenders, and the COC&I all offered speakers and talked about the upcoming events at the capitol. We were also given pointers about how to “walk and talk the halls”. This time it was a little different because the representatives did not meet in the gallery as usual. So it seemed that more of the bikers got to speak directly to their representatives or they made short appointments like Sherri and I did with new representative, Drew Springer, of North Texas - he rides a Harley by the way!

The weather was beautiful with no rain and everyone reported having a good ride to Austin. If you were one of those many who made a showing or who may have taken off work to show our government that you have a say in your freedoms, thank you for coming. To those who couldn’t attend this year, thank God for those who fight in your place, because without them, we would all lose more of our freedom. I would also like to thank the Austin COC&I for hosting and arranging the meeting Sunday and the parade to the capitol on Monday morning. It was quite impressive. TMRA2 looks forward to working with our state representatives and congressmen this session. And, now that we bikers have been down there in large numbers, it makes my job that much easier. If you would like to become a member of Texas Motorcycle Rights Association please feel free to e-mail me at secretary@tmra2.org and we will hook you up. We need all the help we can get. Ride Free-Ride Sober.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Along with Terri, Thunder Roads Texas had several representatives attend Texas Legislative Day. We encourage everyone to get involved, at least at their local level. If you want your voice heard - you mst get involved.]

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The main subjects that the bikers spoke about were the Motorcycle Safety bill that was presented, gun laws, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) nullification. To read in more depth about what Texas

is working on go to tmra2.org. Better yet, visit and get involved if you want to have your voice heard!

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Getting

Lost

By: Randy “Harley Doc” McCamey, TRT Associate Editor

I’mwhen things don’t go the way I expect them

a planner. I like things to be in order. It hurts

to go. I like stability. I like to make motel reservations six months in advance. I’m a creature of habit with a real need to be in control. Why do I not like change? Fear of the unknown, embarrassment (which is why none of us males ever asks for directions!), not being in control, or just afraid I won’t make it to my next appointment on time. So, why do I ride motorcycles? Isn’t riding on two wheels unstable and thus inherently risky? Yes, but I know that I have to get out of my comfort zone and nobody can deny that riding bikes is the thrill of a lifetime. I have the skills and the desire, so I ride to expand my horizons, to see and do things I would not otherwise see and do, to learn new things, and to meet new people. Motorcycles are a great way to do all those things – “live on the wild side” so to speak – in a fun and exciting way. Bikers are the first ones to say that we choose a direction not a destination when we ride. We don’t have an agenda or a preconceived ending point when we ride. So, by that measure, it is fully our intent to get lost. Some of my most interesting rides came about when I got lost. The article I wrote about the Atlas/ICBM Highway (Thunder Roads Texas, May 2012 Monthly Ride Map) was the result of something I just stumbled onto. I was headed toward Abilene when I took a turn onto an unassuming little farm road. About a mile down the road I spotted a rather ominous road sign that said something about Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles – now that got my attention! Or the time I took a wrong turn in Meridian and found a beautiful little backroad (Farm Road 1991) that parallels Texas State Highway 6 between Meridian and Clifton. A quiet little blacktop, the road has its own unique set of curves and character. I would have likely never ridden that little stretch had I not gotten lost. Without getting lost I would have never found the JotUmDown store in Oplin, a roadside marker commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. near Coleman, the little town of Ireland, a sign in memory of the great motorcycle artist David Mann in Eastland, or the giant waterfall in downtown San Saba. So, what have I learned? I’ve learned that there are some real benefits to getting lost: 1. You discover things you never expected. 2. You expand your experience and often find places you want to visit again.

experiences at getting lost so that your next ride might be something memorable. When I get lost I keep my eyes open for something unique and unexpected and I always remember that some of my best memories were made when things didn’t go exactly as planned. So the next time you see a biker who seems lost, stop and say “Hi”! When was the last time you got lost? You’ve probably been lost yourself, so why not share your story? Jot down a few sentences about your experience and send it to me or Shelly. We can edit the rough parts and help you get your story in print, and maybe a few pictures to boot. Besides, there is no reason to keep the story of your wrong turns all to yourself! Take comfort, my friend, because at one time or another we’ve all been lost!

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3. You gain focus. (You have to find your way back home sometime, right?) 4. You meet new people and make new friends. One of the great things about my job as associate editor and correspondent for Thunder Roads Texas is that I get to share my best Page 18

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By Ron Limbock

EVENT

hen Lone Star Rally (LSR) was created in 2001, we never dreamed it would grow to become the biggest event of its kind! Yet, when I sold my shares to other stockholders in 2010, over 480,000 of you were planning your time to be in Galveston each fall. I remain very proud of it and thank you for your attendance. LSR offers something for everyone and it appears everyone has a great time. One thing is for sure. In over ten years of running LSR I learned a lot about entertaining motorcycle riders! Over the next three years, one question lingered in my mind: “What do I do next?” What could even begin to offer the fun and uniqueness of Lone Star Rally? It would have to be held some place so cool, so different, so special that riders would talk about it to everyone they meet after the first year. A place the press couldn’t stop publishing pictures of and motorcycle riding country so good no one could ever forget it. I knew it had to be in the Texas hill country. It only took two steps on the ground at the Enchanted Springs Ranch to convince me that I had found the perfect place! I said immediately…”Bikers have never seen any place like this!” Hence was born the Hill Country Holler! Located just west of I-10 on Highway 46 West towards Bandera, Enchanted Springs Ranch offers over 100 acres of beautiful camping and activity space. Its centerpiece are a perfectly recreated Old West Town, Mexican Village, and Indian Village; all circa 1872. Endorsed by both Oprah Winfrey and the History Channel, the town has been used to shoot six feature movies and dozens of commercials. Real old west bars, hotels, livery stables, and much more! The ranch also features a huge buffalo and exotic livestock population that you will be able to see up close from our free wildlife tours in real covered wagons. Bring your cameras! You’ll see zebras, wallaby’s, Russian stags, axis deer, and several other species of deer plus the largest Texas Longhorns you’ll ever see. If you weigh less than 130 pounds you can get your picture taken on Woodrow, the ranch’s most famous Longhorn. Catch him in town! The Ranch will come alive with old west shoot-outs and a

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quick-draw contest you can win! Be the fastest draw hitting both targets over the weekend and win a new .45 caliber pistol! Enter our steer roping contest; enter or just watch a very fun biker/cowboy rodeo; plus enjoy daily shows from Pistol Packin Paula, two- time World Champion Gun Twirler. Got a friend that bugs ya? Have them arrested and thrown into the town jail. All bail money goes to charity. The old west bars will be packed with live rock, country, and other entertainment. For you singers, the Cowboy Karaoke Contest offers you the chance to prove you’re the best crooner in the west! Don’t miss the incredible collection of Hot Rods and beautiful bikes! Late night entertainment in the campground includes Lady Pillow Fighting and more late night fun! Of course, we’re packing the entire place with great bike and retail vendors, plus lots of good food and drink. We’ll even offer breakfast! Besides the best regional artists in the bars, main stage concerts will be headlined by the incredible Los Lonely Boys on Friday and Brian Howe, lead singer of Bad Company on Saturday. Sunday, the fun continues with more of the same!

Bikers can camp directly on the main site next to our beautiful lake! Motorcycles, vendors, camping, and other attractions are all together to maximize the fun! You can reserve sites that include electricity and we offer special package deals for folks coming in RVs and with their clubs. Several local hotels (2.5-3 miles away) are offering special rates thru our web-site as well. The biggest star of the rally will be the poker run! You’ll enjoy spectacular views while riding through canyons and switchbacks, enjoying amazing sweeping roads all while visiting some of the coolest places the Hill Country has to offer. Bonus! It’s springtime! The weather should be beautiful and the bluebonnets should be out! It’s the perfect time to visit the Texas Hill Country! There is way too much going on to list it all here. Visit HillCountryHoller.com for full details. While you’re there, register to win a cool ZERO Electric Motorcycle. This machine really screams! Follow our blog, like us on Facebook and Twitter. Tell all your friends that the place to be this spring is the Texas Hill Country at the Hill Country Holler, April 12-14. You can also listen for details on KZEP-FM, KJ-97FM and 92.3FM Look for our ad in this great motorcycle publication!

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It’s easy to stay all weekend long! Primitive motorcycle camping and all concert admissions are free with your paid rally entry fee. Don’t ride a motorcycle? Don’t miss the fun! Our four wheel driving friends can park and camp in an area designated just for you (small charge for parking). You even have your own special entry gate! A short walk or motorcycle (only) ride takes you directly to the concert/vendor site and town. You may also ride our free covered wagon shuttle. It’s not far… some people simply need a little lift! It is bikes only on the main event site.

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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Event Listing

The MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!

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La Feria Gypsy MC Fiesta Run 2013 Facebook.com/events/413536595396749 Harlingen Region: South Texas Metro: Brownsville/Harlingen Daytona Bike Week DaytonaBikeWeek.com Daytona, FL Region: National 5th Annual Oilfield Helping Hands Auto Show & Motorcycle Rally OilfieldHelpingHands.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston VFW Bike Run vfwlady1@live.com; gmr@msn.com Crosby Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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14th Annual Spring Thaw LongridersMotorcycleClubOfTyler.org New Summerfield Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler 38th Annual St Patrick’s Day Rally 830.719.0667; 830.313.1745; 830.734.3184 Del Rio Region: Big Bend Metro: San Antonio 7th Annual Pickle Party Facebook.com/events/311620628956894 Elm Mott Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco March Mayhem Benefit 214.499.4367; 972.5571 Seagoville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Thunder on the Colorado ThunderOnTheColorado.com Smithville Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

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Lone Star Bike Nights LoneStar925.com D/FW Area Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/ Fort Worth The parties have started back up! It’s a roaming bike night! Randy James of Lone Star 92.5 hosts an every Thursday bike night at various locations around town. Visit LoneStar925.com for information about upcoming bike nights. Proudly sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Blowout’s Biker Bash BlowoutsBikerBash.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Registration is now open for Blowout’s second annual biker rally & party. Bike games; special contests, including best leprechaun nighty contest; best dressed leprechaun; best St Patty’s Day themed campsite. Live music all weekend, with headliners Dimitri’s Rail (Friday) and John Eipperson & Driving Bind (Saturday). Adult rally; 21 & up only. Held at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. $35 weekend pass includes FREE tent camping. $140 Self-contained RV sites include 2 FREE weekend passes. Preregister by March 3, 2013 and get a FREE T-shirt per weekend pass. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

St Patty’s Day Musical Festival Bryant’s Ice House Facebook.com/events/448942641839341 Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Cleburne Armadillo Cycle Club Horseshoe Tournament ArmadilloCycleClub.net/ Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth 12th Annual Spring Bikers’ Expo & Swap Meet TexasScooter.com Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Parts & Party! Humble Civic Center. Admission only $8 adults; $5 kids (5-14) & Military; Kids under 5 FREE. Lots of vendors! Booth space goes fast, so reserve today. Only $40 for 10x10 space and includes one admission. Mail payment to Texas Scooter Times, 124 West Main St, Itasca, TX 76055. Payment must be received one week in advance. Walk-in vendors are welcome, but beware… reserve early to guarantee space. Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT NORTH ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Our monthly (third Thursday) biker party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Hosted by Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77068). Co-sponsored by the Outlaw Dave Show. Live music with no cover or drink minimum, drink specials (big ass beer night!), vendors, stage games, door prizes, and MORE! LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston! SHELLY & BOB AT THIS LOCATION THIS MONTH! Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT SOUTH ThunderRoadsTexas.com Kemah Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Hosted by Jackie’s Brickhouse on Marina Bay Drive (FM 2094) just west of Highway 146. Cosponsored by the Outlaw Dave Show. Live music, Big Ass Beer, door prizes, CRAWFISH, and more! Reserved motorcycle parking. Rain or shine!

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Bikers Against Bullying 214.415.4806 Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth Cleburne Armadillo Cycle Club Land Blessing ArmadilloCycleClub.net/ Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway Welcome Home Run TexasWelcomeHomeRun.com Perryton Region: Panhandle Metro: Amarillo

15-17

1st Annual North Side Chili Cook Off Facebook.com/events/413536595396749 The Woodlands Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

9-13

R3VAN Memorial Ride Facebook.com/events/411412538953541 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

MARCH m

1-3

Hellelujah Rally HellelujahRally.com Cleveland Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

17th Annual Snakes Easter Run Facebook.com/events/508602829190068 Dickinson Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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TMRA2 Bikes & Bass Rally texasbarker@aol.com Point Blank Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

Robert Arellano Dawg Fest Rally DawgFestRally.com Mt. Pleasant Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview Named in honor of Robert “Dawg” Arellano who lost his life in a motorcycle crash in 2010. He was a well-known peace officer with over 30 years serving his community. Funds raised benefit the Robert Arrellano Criminal Justice Scholarship and other charities. Featuring live bands, biker games, church service, vendors, food and drink… and so much more. Open to the general public. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

Benefit for Raymond Fregia 936.391.4537 Liberty Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

10-14

Medical Benefit for Jesse Ramirez 409.789.7744 Santa Fe Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

5-7

Galveston Helping Hands Feed the Homeless Run heavyd.cma@gmail.com Alvin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Arizona Bike Week AZBikeWeek.com Scottsdale, AZ Region: Out-of-State

11-14 12-14

Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com WARNING: Adult Content Wills Point Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Carts, Bikers & Babes Rally CartsBikersAndBabesRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station BRING OUT YOUR BAD – we’re stepping back in time! Join Damon Dave and the crew for a weekend full of music and fun at Big Creek Park on beautiful Lake Somerville! Live bands, plus Bag Lady Sue returns to entertain. RV Sites, free tent camping (with entrance fee), bike & cart games, vendors and more. The party never stops with the Battle of the After Hours Campsite Parties! Registration is open now – with special “Early Bird” pricing. Call for availability of RV Sites – they go fast! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! Hill Country Holler HillCountryHoller.com Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio A new Texas rally with an Old West twist! Held at the beautiful Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne, surrounded by some of the most beautiful riding in the US – the Texas Hill Country. Live music, old western town central, onsite camping, lots of vendors, trick shooting & wild west who, quick draw contests, covered wagon rides, tours of the exotic wild life preserve and MORE. Saturday headliner, Bad Compan featuring Brian Howe. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! TMRA State Rally TMRA.org Comanche Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Abilene

CVMA 3rd Annual Fundraiser hd4556@att.net La Porte Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Louisiana State HOG Rally LAStateHOGRally.com Houma, LA Region: Out-of-State

13-14

40th Annual Zodiac Run SJHR.org Damon Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

APRIL

19-21

Chris Nelson Benefit Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters Facebook.com/events/403979549679752 Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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2nd Annual Route 49 Biker Rally Route49Rally.com Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Biker Bunny Run rongway@coastal-link.net Angleton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston Cleburne Armadillo Cycle Club Crawfish Boil ArmadilloCycleClub.net/ Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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2nd Annual Easter Bunny Run Facebook.com/events/333645673416806 Marlin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

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American Legion Fun Run Legion490.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

4-7

EVENTS

EvenT Listing

2nd Annual Sole Mission Benefit Run hamiltonduane@sbcglobal.net Conroe Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston Jericho Ride Jerichoride.yolasite.com Various Cities See website for city closest to you or to create your own. Wounded Heroes Rally WoundedHeroes-Texas.org Maypearl Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler Join the OTT team for their 5th year in Nacogdoches – NOW IN THE SPRING! They always have a great band line up all weekend. Also, custom ride-in bike show, bikini contest, burnout competition, BBQ Cook Off, Charity Poker Run, Downtown Parade, vendors, onsite camping, beer gardens, biker games, and awesome scenic rides through the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas!

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EvenT Listing FUTURE May 2-4 Arkansas State HOG Rally ARStateHOGRally.com 479.890.6241 Hot Spring, AR Region: National

EVENTS

May 3 International Female Ride Day Facebook.com/InternationalFemaleRideDay International May 3-5 Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Bandera Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Annual fundraiser for the Fredericksburg Optimist Club. The fun starts Friday social in Fredericksburg; Saturday includes helicopter rides, live music, stunt riders, Hill Country rides, bike games, bike show, Cowboy Breakfasts; Ending with Sunday services provided by the CMA. Registration is open NOW. Register before April 26, 2013 to receive a T-shirt. $45/per person includes: entry all four days, social “kick-off” on Friday, Cowboy Breakfast Saturday & Sunday, Hill Country rides; bike games, and bike show T-shirt. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 10-19 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC Region: National May 16-18 Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com San Antonio Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio Hosted by San Antonio this year in the Alamodome! Registration deadline is March 28. Register by January 30, 2013 and be eligible to win a Three Night Stay at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, our host hotel. Saturday night – see the Charlie Daniels Band! Vendors, brothers, concerts, rides and more! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas! May 16-19 Rally in the Crater - Spring Rallys-R-Us.com Mount Enterprise Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview May 16-19 The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM Region: National

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May 22-27 Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally RedRiverMemorialDayMotorcycleRally.com Red River, NM Region: National Metro

September 26-29 Rally in the Crater - Fall Rallys-R-Us.com Mount Enterprise, TX Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

May 31-June 3 Branson Motorcycle Rally BransonMotorcycleRally.com Branson, MO Region: National

October 2-6 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC Region: National

June 8-16 Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH Region: National

October 11-13 Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

June 13-16 Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin June 17 Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day RideToWork.org International July 6 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AMRR.org Dallas/Fort Worth Area (multiple starting points; ending in Terrell) Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

October 17-20 Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL Region: National October 31-November 4 Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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August 5-11 70th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD Region: National August 29-September 2 Four Corners Motorcycle Rally (Previously Ignacio Bike Week) IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO Region: National September 5-7 Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR Region: National September 18-21 Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR Region: National September 18-22 The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM Region: National

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ON THE COVER

Get In, Get Out... Get Riding! For as long as most bikers can remember when it comes time to get their bike serviced it involves planning. You need someone to follow you to a dealer or some other facility and then give you a ride as you leave your bike there. A day or two later, you will need another ride back to the facility to pick up your bike. In addition to all this inconvenience, you’ll pay high prices and worst of all, extra services might be added to the bill all in the name of “keeping your bike in good riding condition”. In a world where everything comes quick and is easily accessible, why do bikers still have to go through all of this for a simple oil change? Speedy Cycle Lube is changing all that; revolutionizing how bikers get their bikes serviced. This is a service facility that specializes in 30 minute oil changes, tires, and batteries while you wait. They have done away with the need of dropping off your bike and inconvenience that came with the old ways of servicing your bike. “I knew there had to be a better way,” says owner David DeCasper, “Quick oil change facilities have been available for cars for years. But for some reason bikers were left with this antiquated way of servicing their motorcycles. I figured if I was tired of it, there had to be others.”

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March 2013

Boy, was he right! Speedy Cycle Lube opened in August 2012 and word has quickly spread. Their Facebook has over 1,400 “likes” in just a short time and many rave reviews on this new concept. Speedy Cycle Lube is already in the planning stages to franchise more locations. “We have had huge amounts of requests to open shops in cites all over Texas. With any luck we will have more locations open by the end of 2013,” DeCasper declares. Some mechanics are just determined to find something to repair, but Speedy does not fix bikes. “We help keep them running right and serviced,” says Decasper, “At Speedy Cycle Lube, we offer preventive maintenance to help you leave the “repair shop” worries behind.” “A lot of riders are not proficient in the mechanics of a bike, they’re worried when they bring their bike in for something that a mechanic will find something different that they weren’t aware of,” said Mike McAnespy, shop manager and DeCasper’s business partner, “There’s always that uncertainty: ‘Is the work being performed on my bike really necessary?’ ” Speedy Cycle Lube promises quick professional service, low prices, and quality products. They have several different kinds of oil and filters as they know bikers have a wide variety of products they like to run in their bikes. Speedy carries Castrol, Drag Specialties, Amsoil and Royal Purple and have a huge selection of tires. DeCasper says, “We carry OEM tires along with other brands as

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

everyone rides different so the tire one person needs may not work for someone else.” Since they are a Drag Specialties dealer they can also order apparel and any chrome parts customers want at a much cheaper price than anywhere else. They have a $59.99 and $69.99 special for oil changes and every oil change comes with your choice of chrome or black filter, at no extra charge; complete visual bike inspection; tire pressure check; and complete bike wipe down. “A bike needs to leave Speedy Cycle Lube running good and looking good,” says McAnespy. Speedy Cycle Lube took their concept a bit farther and added a Mobile unit. DeCasper says, “We are trying to make things as easy for bikers as possible and we figured what is easier than sitting at your favorite watering hole and having someone change your fluids while you are hanging out and having a good time.” Speedy Cycle Lube purchased an 8.5’ x 20’ trailer, offering fluid changes at many Houston-area bars, events, and rallies on the spot – including Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHTS!. They even have their own bike night at Joe Koolz in Crosby, held the second Wednesday of every month. Come enjoy a cold beverage, biker camaraderie, and get your bike serviced! “It’s just one more way we are trying to make things easier for bikers,” says DeCasper. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and visit their website at SpeedyCycleLube.com. Speedy Cycle Lube also supports our military and first responders and offers 20% discount to active police officers, EMTs, military, and firemen. If you haven’t tried them yet, get online and make an appointment or visit them when they are mobile.

Speedy Cycle Lube 2702 N Shepherd Dr Houston, TX 77008 281.788.0724 Hours: Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Come to Speedy Cycle Lube and Get In, Get Out… Get Riding!!

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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EVENT

ust about every town in Texas has their own St Patrick’s Day celebration. Some of the larger metropolitan areas have multiple options. But, we’re honing in on the Panhandle and two of the most recognized Irish heritage celebrations in the state; Dublin and Shamrock. The whole ride is over five hours, so this is not necessarily a one-day challenge – especially if you’re imbibing all that green beer! But these celebrations are multiple days during the weekend, so take a look at their schedules, pick and choose your poison, and schedule your trip accordingly. While we bring you Dublin and Shamrock to honor our Irish forefathers, we have found this route to be full of Texas history and worthy of a stop along the way! A couple are mentioned here and a full listing with information about each town along the route is available on our “ARTICLES” page at ThunderRoadsTexas. com.

RIDE

Starting in Dublin, the southernmost point on the map and the Irish Capital of Texas (yes, a Points Across Texas (PaT) destination every year). This small town was briefly mentioned last year (March 2011 “DFW to Dublin”, archived on our website). But we didn’t talk about the history or what to visit while there. So here we go!

The town hosts a large and famous St. Patrick’s Day Celebration that starts mid-week before St. Patrick’s Day. Their festivities include a Shamrock Queen Pageant, Celtic parade, Irish stew cook off, live Irish music, cloggers, steppers, public dances, Highland games, plus all of your traditional fare. Of course, as with just about any business establishment, you’ll find plenty of Irish fare and fun by just walking around and touring Dublin. Also to see while in Dublin, is the famous former Dr. Pepper bottling plant, now known as Dublin Bottling Works. In 2012, the bottling company lost a lawsuit with the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, forcing them to stop bottling Dr. Pepper and change their name. The base of the lawsuit… Dublin insisted on using pure cane sugar, while the rest use the less expensive high fructose corn syrup. Dr. Pepper Snapple had officially changed the trademarked recipe to be made with corn syrup, rather than pure cane sugar; making what Dublin produced a Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

MAP

Dublin was founded in 1854 by A.H. Dobkins and named in 1860. There are many stories on how the town was named, but the most popular is for the capital of Ireland, thanks to the Irish settlers in the area. Dublin was one of the first in the state to have streetcars; is the birthplace of pro-golfer, Ben Hogan; is home to a world-championship rodeo; and is the former home of the annual Grand Army of the Republic Reunion (fraternal organization related to the Civil War). In 2005, the Governor Rick Perry signed a bill designating Dublin as the “Irish Capital of Texas”.

By: Shelly Horan, Editor/Owner trademark infringement. Sticking to their guns, and using what they consider to be the better tasting sweetener, the bottling company now produces their own brands of pure cane sugar sodas available for purchase in the area and at the plant. Hundreds of UFO sightings have been reported in and around Dublin over the last few years. While there has probably always been an unknown phenomenon in the area, UFO followers have started visiting the area more after a series of sightings were reported in national media in January 2008 and featured on the History Channel’s UFO Hunters (episode 110, “Invasion: Texas 2008”, which first aired April 9, 2008). And let’s not forget the other sites, the Dublin Historical Museum, Rodeo Heritage Museum, Wright Historical Park & Museum, and Turnbow

Barbee Cabin (circa 1855). If interested, there is also a Veterans’ Memorial on Highway 6 in town. The memorial honors Dublin-area veterans in all five branches of the military for all wars, from the Civil war through the War on Terror. Also there, a Texas Historical Marker for Lieutenant Colonel George A. Davis, Jr, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner, whose birthplace is Dublin. Out of Dublin, take Highway 6 North, heading west. Pass through De Leon, Gorman, and Carbon, Eastland, then into Cisco. Out of Cisco, climb on I-20 West, going through Baird and Clyde, before landing in Abilene. Then from Abilene, head north on Highway 83, passing through Hawley, Anson, Hamlin, Aspermont, Guthrie, Paducah, Childress, Wellington, and into the final destination, Shamrock.

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MAP

Go for the GREEN! Traveling Highway 83 is something special in itself. Before 1926, the US was crisscrossed by hundreds of “trails” or highways that were mostly unpaved dirt roads maintained by counties and states. In 1924, the Federal Highway Commission was tasked with establishing a federal highway system that would end all these ad hoc, unpaved roads and replace with them with paved roads maintained by the federal government. Part of the process was to standardize the naming of these new federal roads and the commission decided to stick with numbers. Even numbered roads travel east to east and odd go north to south, with the coast-to-coast roads ending with “0” (like, I-10, I-20, I-40 that travel through Texas). Highway 83 was created out of various roads and travels from the Texas-Mexico border at Brownsville, up through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota, in Westhope at the Canadian border. It is the fifth longest northsouth highways in the US, at a total of 1,885 miles; with 897 miles in Texas, making it the longest in the state. The name, Shamrock, was first suggested for good luck and courage, by Irish immigrant sheep rancher, George Nickel when he applied to open a post office at his dugout home (about six miles north of the current location) in 1890. While the name was accepted by the postal service, it never opened… probably because the Nickel home burned that same year. The town’s official

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beginning was with the arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway in the summer of 1902. Lots were sold at the present townsite, then called Wheeler. The railroad named the stop Shamrock in 1903. It was a popular stopping point along the famous Route 66, and still is, as unlike some of the other Route 66 bypass casualties, Shamrock landed on the new I-40. Shamrock boasts one of Texas’ oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Glen Truax, a Shamrock bandmaster, envisioned the town capitalizing on its Irish name to draw thousands of visitors to the Irish City. The Shamrock Boosters Club helped with the first festival in 1938. There was a brief hiatus during World War II, when the city canceled the celebration in 1941. In 1950, the festival was resurrected by the American Legion and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1951, the event was canceled again, this time due to the Korean Conflict. The Shamrock Chamber of Commerce took over the task and reactivated the event in 1952. It’s been held annually ever since. Like Dublin, this is a multi-day event (March 14-17, 2013) that incorporates official parades, contests, fairs, food, entertainment, and more; along with various local businesses offering their own in-store celebrations in which to partake. They even host the Donegal (beard growing) Contest. The Donegal is a specific type of beard. It is a fringe around the lower chin and jowls. Shaving is done on the upper lip, upper chin, and just above the collar line. Abraham Lincoln had a great example of a Donegal beard! It is said that all men caught on the streets of Shamrock without a Donegal will be slammed in the Barefaced Jail to cool their heels… while their beards grow to the proper thickness benefiting a true Irishman! For those with really cool bikes – be sure to enter their

Antique/Classic Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show (judging Saturday at 2:00 p.m.). Aside from the holiday festivities, there is plenty to see in Shamrock. Get your picture taken at the U-Drop Inn. This unique 1936 building serves as the gateway to the city on Route 66 (at Highway 83). It was restored to its original glory and adapted into a museum, visitors’ center and gift shop; and is home to the Shamrock Chamber of Commerce. Why might this building look familiar? If you had kids (and even if you didn’t!), you might recognize it as the model for Ramone’s body Shop in the Disney movie, Cars. In Elmore Park, a fragment of the genuine Blarney Stone from the Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland, is mounted on a pillar. Visit the Pioneer West Museum, housed in the former Reynolds Hotel (circa 1920s). It features exhibits on the city and county history. If you’re in the area March 30-May 12, it’ll be Turkey Season (for the hunters). The town hosts the tallest water tower in Texas (get a picture!). And for the shoppers, it’s a great place to find antiques. Whatever you do this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you’re wearing your green so as not to get pinched! Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

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Points Across Texas Qualified Destination List March 2013 Ride Map Dublin “Irish Capital of Texas” sign St Patrick’s Day Celebration sign/banner Dublin Bottling Works UFO sighting reference Dublin Historical Museum Rodeo Heritage Museum Wright Historical Park & Museum Turnbow Barbee Cabin Veterans’ Memorial Lt. Col. Davis Marker

De Leon

Anson

Gorman

Hamlin

Carbon

Aspermont

Eastland

Guthrie

Cisco

Paducah

Baird

Childress

Clyde

Wellington

Abilene

Highway 83 Sign

Shamrock St Patrick’s Day Celebration sign/banner Gentleman with a Donegal beard Barefaced Jail U-Drop Inn Route 66 sign Fragment of the Blarney Stone Pioneer West Museum

Hawley

For additional Points Across Texas qualified pictures in the towns along the route, visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com.

Quick Rules:

• Locations/items must be easily identifiable in the photo. Signs are best (cities, events, mountains, parks, etc.), but some are self-explanatory (like Prada Marfa, a mural, the bank vault, etc.). • Your AND/OR your bike must be in the picture. • Photos must be emailed to PaT@ThunderRoadsTexas.comor can be posted on our Points Across Texas Facebook page (Facebook.com/PointsAcrossTexas). • Deadline for 2013 photos is January 15, 2014. Page 34

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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A group of Americans was touring Ireland. One of the women in the group was a real curmudgeon, constantly complaining… The bus seats are uncomfortable. The food is terrible. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. The accommodations are awful. The group arrived at the site of the famous Blarney Stone. “Good luck will be followin’ ya all your days if you kiss the Blarney Stone,”the guide said. “Unfortunately, it’s being cleaned today and so no one will be able to kiss it. Perhaps we can come back tomorrow.” “We can’t be here tomorrow,” the nasty woman shouted. “We have some other boring tour to go on. So I guess we can’t kiss the stupid stone.” “Well now,” the guide said, “it is said that if you kiss someone who has kissed the stone, you’ll have the same good fortune.” “And I suppose you’ve kissed the stone,” the woman scoffed. “No, ma’am,” the frustrated guide said, “but I’ve sat on it.”

O’Sullivan was not home at his usual hour, and the wife was fuming. The clock ticked later and later. Finally, about 3:00 a.m. she heard a noise at the front door and, as she stood at the top of the stairs, there was her husband, drunk as a skunk, trying to navigate the stairs. “Do you realize what time it is?” she asked. He answered, “Don’t get excited. I’m late because I bought something for the house.” Immediately her attitude changed, and as she ran down the stairs to meet him halfway, she asked, “What did you buy for the house, dear?” His answer was, “A round of drinks!” She gave him a slight push backwards. Oops! An Irishman, by the name of O’Malley, proposed to his girl on St. Patrick’s Day. He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond. The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler. He took one look at it and saw it wasn’t real. The young lass, on learning it wasn’t real, returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness. “It was in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, ‘he smiled. “I gave you a sham rock.”

O’Reilly went to trial for armed robbery. The jury foreman came out and announced, “Not guilty.” “That’s grand!” shouted O’Reilly, “Does that mean I can keep the money?” Irish St Patrick’s Day Toasts… It is better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money! I drink to your health when I’m with you, I drink to your health when I’m alone, I drink to your health so often, I’m starting to worry about my own! Here’s to women’s kisses, and to whiskey, amber clear; Not as sweet as a woman’s kiss, but a darn sight more sincere! To live above with the Saints we love, Ah, that is the purest glory. To live below with the Saints we know, Ah, that is another story! That the tap may be open when it rusts!

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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By: Don “DB” McGovern, TRT Sales & Correspondent

n a cold, January afternoon I drove east from Poetry on I-20 headed for Tyler/ Bullard. I am meeting my hosts, Amy Fish of Jaguar Artist Management and local promoter Dennis Nail. I am their guest at KE Bushman Studio 333’s evening event “Legendary Rockers - Point Blank .” Two local acts, Ally Venable and Dazed, will precede the infamous southern rockers. Point Blank was discovered in 1976 and managed by Bill Ham’s Lone Wolf Productions (manager of ZZ Top) who aided them in recording their debut album Point Blank. The original six albums were recorded in Memphis, TN with Engineer/Producer Terry Manning. Their 1981 album American Exce$$ included the top 40 hit “Nicole”. After a relentless touring schedule of 250 shows a year, an exhausted Point Blank disbanded in 1984. I sat down at Studio 333 with current band members, Rusty Burns, John O’Daniel, Mouse Mayes, Larry Telford, Kirk Powers, and Greg Hokanson, to discuss the band’s 2005 reunion… Rusty Burns: ”The band’s core members reunited for a benefit concert in 2005. The “Reloaded” recording was not intended to be an album. We pulled together as many of the band members as we could, to do a benefit for one of our former road crew members in desperate need of a liver transplant. I felt we should record the show to document the music and spirit of the event. When we listened to the recording afterward, we were all shocked that we had such a memorable performance after 25 years of not playing together! When our loyal fans in France heard we had recorded the show, the wildfire began! Suddenly, we had new fans, a big record deal, and a European tour.” John O’Daniel: “We played in front of 85,000 at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2007 and for the France HOG Chapter’s Morzine Harley Days. During this journey we’ve shared stages with Lynard Skynard, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Johnny & Edgar Winter, Foreigner, Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Bachman Turner, Billy Idol, Winger, Nazareth, Rick Springfield, Slayer, Uriah Heep, Twisted Sister, Motörhead, Lita Ford, Blackfoot and so many of the top names. And, we have been blessed by being invited to return to Europe each year. Plus, plans are in place for our 2013 performances abroad.” Point Blank is in the studio putting final touches on their ninth album release. Join me along with their legion of loyal fans to see Texas performances during the 2013 year. Watch their website for updates. You can always pickup your favorite Point Blank music at PointBlankSouthernRock.com. Many, many thanks go out to, Amy Fish of Jaguar Artist Management, KE Studio 333, members of Point Blank, Dennis Nail with Dazed, Terry Miller of 99.3 talk FM, and Euphoria Photography (my sincerest apologies to those whom I may have forgotten) for your hospitality, your contributions, and a THUNDEROUS good time.

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ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Biker Friendly These businesses are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in business categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “ * ” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas! Want to be on this list - it’s only $149/YEAR - visit our website or email Shelly@ThunderRoadsTexas.com for information.

Accessories & Parts * Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bands & Entertainment BE THE FIRST! ONLY $149/YEAR http://ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Bars & Restaurants * Deanville Bar & Grill 1789 FM 60 S Deanville, TX 77852 979.535.7776 Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station * Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.com www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Headwaters Saloon 229 S Ranch Rd 783 Harper, TX 78631 830.377.5034 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Hot Rods and Harleys Bar & Grill 13124 FM 306 Canyon Lake, TX 78133 830.864.2911 www.hotrodsandharleysbar.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

* Johnny O’s Ole House Tavern 9905 Camp Bowie West Fort Worth, TX 76116 817.874.2535 www.chulachaser.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Loading Dock, The 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 http://loadingdockgalveston.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) http://rollingthunderbarandgrill.com/Home_Page.php Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock * Tommaso’s Italian Restaurant 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tomasositaliangrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.WestoftheBrazos.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Dealerships & Shops * Collin County Choppers AKA Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.collincountychoppers.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth * Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio * Custom Cycles Texas 14205 River Rd New Braunfels, TX 78132 210.846.1081 www.customcyclestexas.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio * Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Tyler

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Biker Friendly * Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76711 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco

* Motorcycle Tire Shop Welding/Technical Services 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) http://motorcycletireshop.synthasite.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Hawgs N Dawgs Motorcycle Shop & CafĂŠ 1333 SE Military Dr San Antonio, TX 78214 210.924.0203 www.HawgsNDawgs.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 18143 FM 314 Conroe, TX 77302 281.572.4774 www.potterosa.net/ Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

... continued * Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 http://www.kps-sa.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

For the Girls * Coco & Duckie 20 E Main St Bellville, TX 77418 979.865.9393 www.CocoAndDuckie.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Houston GOT GREAT BIKER GIRL GEAR? ADVERTISE HERE! http://ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Insurance & Attorneys

* Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

* Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa

* Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Tugs Cycles 19529 County Rd, #2 Brazoria, TX 77422 979.798.6061 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Freeway Insurance 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 http://insuranceladyinc.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

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March 2013

* Woods Cycle Country 1933 I-35 East New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.606.9828 www.woodscyclecountry.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Lodging & Campgrounds

Motorcycle Towing

* D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Cyclone Cycle Rescue 1100 Crane Dr Euless, 76039 76039 817.308.9086 www.MotorcycleTowingTX.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

DUBL-C Guest House (Vacation Rentals by Owner) Kerrville area: located on Hwy 39 between Ingram & Hunt; Stay 2 Nights, get 3rd FREE 866.427.8374 www.vrbo.com/385945 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Scoot On Inn CAbins & Camping, LLC 4397 South Highway 83 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.4442 Office/Home 512.517.5349 Cell-Tim Region: HIll Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Riding Gear & Leather Goods

.The Overnight Bunkhouse Bed & Kitchen 13132 Highway 90 North Singleton, TX 77831 936.395.2601 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston * Three Sisters Rally & Lodge 751 River Road Camp Wood, TX 78833 www.ThreeSistersRally.net Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

* American Man Cave 18 E Main St Bellville, TX 77418 979.865.9383 www.american-man-cave.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Houston * Motorcycle Outpost, The 103 S College Westminster, TX 75409 972.838.8222 www.TheMotorcycleOutpost.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Coppersage Biker Gear 1002 Goodson Rd Magnolia, TX 77355 281.730.1835 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston

Miscellaneous AFL Motorcycle Camping Trailers al444@yahoo.com 281.685.5814 Cell, 832.695.0077 www.afltrailers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston American Legion Post 402 11457 US Highway 190 West LIvingston, TX 77351 936.646.7411 Oklahoma Backroads OKMotorcycleTours.com 405.996.0411 888.785.8733 blongarborist@wildblue.net Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 www.OutlawNation.us Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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Thunder Roads Texas * Page 47 * March 2013

Thunder Roads Texas * Page 48 * March 2013