Welcome to April! It is about time that we can get some warm weather and start racking up some miles. I know that we are looking forward to some of the runs and events firing up. The last couple swap meets are in April and TRMI will be there at both with bells on! April 7-8th is the 32nd Annual North Iowa Expo in Mason City. This meet is always a great time, and I know this year the Sleeping Angels folks will be setting up right next to us, so come on by and join in on the banter and good times. On April 20-22nd Sarge and the crew from Pike Run Services in Nichols is hosting their very own Swap Meet in West Liberty. They have more swap meet stuff than you can shake a stick at, so head to see them at that show to finish up, or even get a good start on, your next project. Some other stuff to try to hit is the Big Barn HD Fashion show on April 7th, Route 69 Customs Bike Blessing on the 14th of April, or the folks at Route 65 are doing their Bike Blessing in Indianola on April 21st. The parties at Conesville get rolling on April 21st as well at the Rumble in the Sand Outlaw Street Drags in Conesville. All vehicles are welcome at the Rumbles throughout the year at Conesville, but bikes rule the roost on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends down there. April 28th ends up the month with the Spring Open House & Demo Rides at Carroll HD, and also the Bike Blessing at Big Barn HD in Des Moines. If you cannot find something to do, or somewhere to ride, you must be too picky! Get those bikes out and we hope to see you out and about at some events in April.
back out and Ride & Win May – August this riding season. Notice in the back of the magazine, we have also added the summer bike night and supper ride list next to the FREE event listing. As always, get us your events to add to the list if they are not already included. We need the date, name of event, and the starting location town. Also, if you are hosting, or know of a confirmed bike night, get us the information so that we can get it on the list. We have always tried to have the most complete list of events and bike nights anywhere. We also post them the first of every week on Facebook. To get an event or bike night listing to us, email Vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com. Thanks for your input in advance; we appreciate the help making the lists as complete as they can be. One last parting note, if you see an advertiser on these pages, stop by their place of business or attend their events and let them know you saw them in Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa. These folks keep this thing coming every month, and we greatly appreciate the support. Thanks for the readers and the sponsors alike! Ride safe! Vernon Quote of the month: “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’” Robin Williams
This riding season brings us the 2018 Tall Corn Run. We have changed things up considerably, but still have the Ride and Win program for this riding season. Although we are not giving away a bike, there will be some cool prizes each month, and at the end of the program. Also, there are only one month Check In sites, not summer long Check In Sites like we have had in the past. We wanted more spots to be able to participate, and not be so labor intensive on the sites for Checking In riders. All of this stuff is spelled out in this issue, so check out those changes, and get your TCR cards
On the Cover The Sleeping Angels Foundation board members took a little time out of their busy schedules to pose for the camera and promote one of their annual fundraisers, The Sleeping Angels Fun Run. This year will be the 7th year for the Fun Run, on Saturday May 5th. You can register at secure.getmeregistered.com and join this great ride, for a great cause. The Foundation is operated (left to right) by Denise Robinson, Sara Sharp, Grant Creger, Todd Green, Eric Sharp, Joey Droste, and Tony Smith. Together, this fine group raises money for Iowa families struggling with the loss of a child. In addition to the Fun Run, Sleeping Angels also hosts a golf tournament, and gun raffle to help raise funds each year. Go to sleepingangels.com or email sleepingangelsfoundation@yahoo. com for more information on the run, and how to win yourself a new gun! 4 - TRMI APRIL 2018
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I know we’re all bikers here, but generally, most of us ride between the white lines. We’re all aware of the shoulders of the road and know that they serve a safety purpose – shoulders provide a place to pull off if you have vehicle troubles, a place to dodge over if someone comes at you in your lane, even a place to park if you need to check a map or your GPS. And obviously, if the shoulder is paved, it’s easier to jack up your car or put your kickstand down on your bike. Other than being aware of the right lane and those facts, I didn’t spend much time thinking about shoulders. Until this particular the other person needs to get off June day about seven years ago . . . the road. Whatever It was one of those days that are so beautiful you the reason, we’ve all ended up riding wish you could bottle it up so you could take it out and the shoulder of life experience it again later. A bunch of us were headed north on some pretty, windy little back roads. The birds more than once. God’s grace is like were singing and flowers were blooming in the ditches on both side of the road and the bees were crossing back having a paved and forth to pollinate until suddenly, one of the bees was shoulder – it keeps us from going down no longer crossing the road but was now stuck onto my in a disastrous cheek with its stinger embedded in my face! It was so big I could see it flopping up and down below my glasses wreck. and I really wanted to get the bee and its stinger out, but Yes, I really wanted to get stopped to do so. Just like that, the pretty scene changed into a scene of potential disasters: God loves us and wants Would the people behind me notice I was stopping in time to slow down and not create a major wreck? Would us to work at staying anyone get caught on the curves and be invisible to white lines, but vehicles approaching from the rear? And then, I realized within the can’t do it, he’s that on top of it all, instead of being paved, the shoulders when we just not waiting to kick us the were rutted mud in some spots and too-deep gravel in rest of the way over into others. Sweet. the ditch. In Hebrews chapter 4, we’re told that Jesus came to live here on earth Gritting my teeth and white-knuckling my and so he understands our weaknesses and brings that handlebars, I managed to get off the pavement without before God. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now find wrecking myself or causing anyone else to wreck. And grace from God to help us in our time of need. It may I was grateful for the Sting-Kill ointment Mark dug out begin with a quick desperate prayer and lead to a Christof the bottom of his bag. But that little event made me centered recovery group or be somewhere in between, very aware of how vital paved shoulders are when you don’t have time to assess a situation. They can mean the but there’s help out there for each of us. And once we’ve difference between life going on as it was before and life learned to appreciate God’s grace, we are called to extend that grace to another person who’s caught outside the never being the same again. white lines again. Life isn’t just about us, but about the people alongside us or coming along behind us. We have All throughout the Bible, the Lord God has a responsibility to them, as well as to the Lord, so go painted some pretty clear white lines to mark out the to God for grace. Life is too short to be lived from the correct path for us on the road of life. And if that’s not enough, he has installed rumble strips for us. Sometimes shoulders. it’s the voice of our own consciences; sometimes the Blessings to you – Karla voices of our spouses (yes, I know you thought it was just nagging) or friends who care about us; and less often now, society may still serve as a rumble strip. But Mark and Karla Cornick are Iowa Area Reps with the still, sometimes we just get too caught up doing our own Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org. thing and don’t realize we’re coming into a situation a little too hot. Or maybe we’re convinced we’re in 6 - TRMI APRIL 2018
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The Biker Friendly Business Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Directory is a list of establishments Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 throughout Iowa that sponsor the 712-366-8400 magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com know that you saw them in TRMI. Fenders Cycle and Motorsport If your business would like to 1500 E Army Post Road advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Des Moines, Iowa 50315 Biker Friendly Business Listing and 515-256-9062 become a part of the network, www.fenderscycle.com please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Fenders Honda 919 E Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 Biker Accessories info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727 CoolBikerStuff.com Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 1606 P Avenue 57408 190th Street Milford, Iowa 51351 Pacific Junction IA 51561 877-816-2200 712-622-4000 Follow us on Facebook!! loesshillshd.com Crispy’s Biker Apparel MCA Cedar Rapids, Iowa Midwest Cycle Authority Find Us On Facebook 4200 E 14th Street DSM 319-241-0916 515-266-2100 On Facebook HMC Industries, Inc. 702 S. 3rd Ave. Metro Harley-Davidson Marshalltown, IA 50158 2415 Westdale Drive SW Toll Free: 844-957-1502 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 hmcindustries.com 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com Leather & Hawgs 316 Main, Hornick, Iowa Nishna Valley Cycle 121 1st St, Soldier, Iowa HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM leather@wiatel.net Atlantic, Iowa 50022 www.leatherandhawgs.com 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com
Churches
Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901
Dealers
Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net Route69Customs.com 2814 SE 14th St, DSM 515-288-9600 Custom American V-twins Follow us on Facebook
Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com
Storm Lake Honda 3040 Expansion Blvd Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 StormLakeHonda.com 712-732-2460
Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net
Struthers Bros Kaw-Suz-Tri 5191 NW 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-282-3634 www.struthersbros.com
C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com
Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
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Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822 National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Food and Drink (Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations) Ambro’s Roadhouse 917 Guthrie St De Soto, Iowa 50069 515-468-2236 Great Food! Ambro’s Roadhouse on Facebook American Legion Post 46 1301 S 6th Street Marshalltown, Iowa50158 641-752-3612 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times! Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill 2013 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-328-1033 Open 7 Days a Week 11 – Close
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Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com Chrome Horse Saloon 1201 3rd St SE-319-499-0751 1140 Blairs Ferry RD NE 365-1234 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 Check Us Out on Facebook Live Music Friday & Sat Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Firehouse Bar 1211 5th Street Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00 Flat Tire Lounge 304 S Madison Madrid 515-795-4174 Outdoor Patios – Happy Hour 3-9 Flat Tire Lounge on Facebook Fore Seasons Golf Bar 6232 HWY S-74 South Newton, Iowa 50208 641-792-1246 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Greencastle Tavern – Mingo Outdoor Patio – Friendly Service Wed Bike Nights – Fri Steak Night Coldest Beer in Central Iowa Greencastle Tavern/Ryan Maher on FB Grinnell Eagles Club 616 4th Avenue Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us on Facebook Grinnell Pub 909 State Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-260-8003 Grinpub@aol.com Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook Happenings Bar 508 W Market Street Steamboat Rock, Iowa www.happeningsbar.com 641-868-2000 Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook
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J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper
Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders
Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p
The Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook
Just 1 More 515-570-4206 641-757-0159 309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Facebook Sandar Mondamin
The Buck Snort Neb City 715 1st Corso Nebraska City, NE 68410 402-713-5169 Buck Snort Neb City on Facebook
KC’s Tavern 120 N Main Street Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 Mon-Fri 4:30-Close, Sat-Sun 1-Close Find Us on FB 641-369-2017
Outsiders Pub 207 N. Main Street Roland, Iowa, 50236 515-388-4443 Outsiders Pub on Facebook
Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com
The Buck Snort Oakland 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 The Buck Snort Oakland on FB
Kippy’s Place 364 NW Main Street Elkhart, Iowa 50073 51-37-3104 Open at 11 Daily..find us on FB
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
The Buck Snort Red Oak 322 E Coolbaugh Street Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-357-1701 The Buck Snort Red Oak on Facebook
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Polk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon.
Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook
Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM
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Lynn’s On Merle Hay 6014 NW 59th Ct Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-270-9806 Find us on Facebook!
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Mainstreet Bar 204 E. Main Street Terril, Iowa 51364 507-841-0978 Check Us Out on Facebook Main Street 519 S Main Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-256-3613 Open 7 Days a Week McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00
k Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar! Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com RJ’s Bar & Grill 228 High Street – Kellogg Mon-Sat Lunch and Dinner 6 AM Breakfast Sat-Sun 641-526-9911 Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger Ruby’s Pub and Grill 114 NE 2nd Street Stuart NEWLY REMODELED Full Kitchen & Bar Check us out on Facebook Rumors Bar & Grill 400 F Ave Cedar Rapids, IA Live Music & Food 319-286-0806
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Sundown Bar and Grill 112 W State Street Williamsburg, Iowa 52361 319-668-2994 Patio Bar and Brick Oven Pizza T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty The Buck Snort Restaurant & Sports Bar 25 Scott Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 712-328-2825 TheBuckSnortrestaurantandsportsbaronFB The Buck Snort 419 Sharp Street Glenwood, Iowa 51534 712-520-6454 Buck Snort Glenwood on Facebook
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The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill 113 W Walnut Street Ogden, Iowa 50212 515-275-9946 The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill on FB The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Whatcha Smokin? BBQ+Brew 403 Iowa Avenue Luther, Iowa 50152 515-257-7490 Everyday 11am-9pm Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon- Sat 7am breakfast 2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com
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Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
Guns and Ammo 2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Amendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577 Magnum Gun Sales 26487 Mulberry Lane Underwood, Iowa 51576 712-566-8100 Just Off I-80, Exit 17 McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS Wendl’s Weapons 529 N East Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 712-775-2338 www.wendlsweapons.com
Insurance & Financial Farm Bureau Financial Services 208 Faith Ave Underwood, IA 51576 Shane.baker@fbfs.com 712-310-7475 or 402-379-3237 O’Malley Wealth Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930 State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent NMLS# 1679997 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com
Jewelry Bill’s Jewelry Shop 903 Main Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-236-1008 Rings Checked FREE!
Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com
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TheBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452 Walker, Billingsley & Bair 208 N. 2nd Ave. West Newton, Iowa 50208 Corey@WalkLaw.com 641-792-3595
Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Lodging/Food
Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231
Laid Back Manor 312 Parker Street Green Mountain, Iowa (870)484-2561 “A great little place to ride to!”
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Halo Motorsports Dyno Tuning/Trike Conversions/Service 101 2nd Street Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-370-2568 Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336 Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
All Action Towing Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-325-8235 Discount or FREE Motorcycle Towing BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
CJ Now Plumbing Sewer & Water Specialists 309-786-2002 Serving the Quad Cities Area On Call 24-7
Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541
Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12 or Call The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY ONLY Weeks Manufacturing & Powdercoating 2235 400th Street Walnut, Iowa 51577 402-651-6977 weeksmanufacturing@gmail.com
Tires Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995
Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook Bigfuuts Paint & Repair Baxter, IA 515-577-6730 Custom Paint & Fabrication After Hours Service & Parts Stereos-Electrical-Repairs
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Spring Time Reminders: Major Road Hazards for Bikers
Spring Ha
Spring time is one of those bitter sweet times of year for motorcyclists. We are all itching to get out on the roads, but need to be wary of hazards. We can never let our guard down when out on two wheels, but spring adds some seasonal issues that can come into play and affect our safety. This list is not all inclusive by any means, but just some things to keep in very careful with the brakes if able to use them at all. Try mind for this time of year. to avoid an issue rather than be forced to react when in the middle of one.
1. Debris
The birds are chirping, the grass is greening, the air is warming up, and the roads are still in terrible shape. There is more gravel, sand, general debris, agricultural mud and dirt, and left over ice melt on the roads than anyone can imagine. We need the April showers to wash all this crap off of the roads and help us out with our important needs for stability and traction. Be more careful of the intersections for debris, and make sure to scan ahead even more than normal. It is much easier to whoa up a little bit if you happen to run into mud drug onto the roadway by farm implements. If you do find yourself in a batch of sand or on some mud, roll off the throttle and be
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2. Four and more wheeled vehicles After our wonderful Iowa winter, cages have become used to NOT seeing motorcycles on the roads. We need to make sure that we are watching out for them and stay clear of cars and trucks, or at least give them a wide berth. Make sure that you do not ride in any vehicles blind spots. There are many different positions around and behind a car in which the driver of those cars simply cannot see us at all. Add the lack of motorcycles on the road during winter, and hanging out in a blind spot, and then you have a recipe for disaster. Allow extra following distances, and if you need to get around a vehicle, do so quickly and don’t delay getting into clear roadway.
3. Poor road surfaces It always seems to take a bit of warmth and time for the roads to “smooth” out during the spring and summer. The winter brings about an opening of pavement seams and then when added to that are the craters that some people refer to as pot holes and a rough ride is the least of our worries. Equipment damage and even crashes can be caused by some of these roadways so we need to be careful early in the year before seams are sealed, pavement warms and expands, and potholes are patched in. Some roads are better than others, some are much worse. Avoid the worst when you can if at all possible for a safer and more enjoyable spring ride.
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Has Sprung
defensively and ride like every car is trying to kill you. As always, we need to plan alternatives to your intended path to try to avoid crashes. Know where you are, where you are going, and where you MAY have to go based on roadway and traffic hazards.
This is far from an all-inclusive list, but hopefully something to get riders back into the mindset of riding defensively and being as safe as possible. Other ideas to try to ensure your return home after every ride is taking or retaking a rider education class, riding without over imbibing, and making sure we are riding safe and legal machines on the roads. Be careful out there, but have fun Everyone seems to be in a much bigger hurry in the spring on your ride! than any other time of year. Maybe they are just as excited to be out and about as we are. Whatever the reason, they Vernon vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com forget to actually stop at stop signs, they forget to look before turning, they merge without blinkers, and they roll through yellow or even red lights. Intersections always seem to be a special kind of hazard for motorcycles with other vehicles that turn rapidly in front of us when we are following, cross at intersections in front of us, or the dreaded left turn in front of us by oncoming traffic. It is hard enough to be seen and heard on a motorcycle, but when cars are not as astute to our comingling on the roadways, it can be even worse. As we should be already running a bit slower than normal due to road conditions, we should also be watching every other vehicle on the road and expecting them to make our day very bad. Ride
4. Intersections and cross streets
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99 counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 5 counties to tour on the bike. A few years back, a summer riding goal was to ride through each one of the counties of Iowa, and what was found was a wealth of interest and beauty. Each month we will revisit each county as a featured article. We will tell you about new things to see, places to ride, and give you a little spark of curiosity for our state of Iowa.
Winnebago County Winnebago County is located in northernmost central portion of Iowa. The population is roughly 10,900 residents, with the county seat lying in Forest City. Winnebago County was founded in 1847 and was named after the Winnebago Tribe of Native Americans. The county is intersected by Highways 69 running North/South and Highway 9 running East/West. Something unique about Winnebago County is that the county seat of Forest City actually spreads into the neighboring Hancock County… not something very common to see in a county seat. As we are just about as far from Winnebago County as one can get and still be in Iowa, we enlisted the help of our friends, the Clappers…Chad and Angie are not only amazing people, they are die hard biker folk, and like all of those places that you and I want to visit as well, and they certainly
have the low-down on what’s shakin in the Winnebago area. We entered Winnebago in the southwest corner and jumped on R16 and headed north to the town of Buffalo Center. Buffalo Center is home to the first consolidated school west of the Mississippi River (August 23, 1897). Buffalo Center was incorporated as a city in 1894 and covers an area of only 1.07 square miles for its 900 residents. One of the original settlers, Howard Pomeroy, took a mower and mowed through his wheat fields to show where the streets would be, and a hardware store and a blacksmith shop were the first
stores in town. Buffalo Center has survived many fires which destroyed Main Street businesses over and over, a couple tornadoes, and several blizzards like the Armistice Day storm of November 11, 1940. Despite the trials over the years, Buffalo Center is still here, and offers a great stop for the weary traveler at Oranges Bar and Grill at 309 5th Ave SW. If you need to grab a quick bite, or just wet your whistle, Oranges is your stop! If we had headed east out of town on Hwy 9, we would have hit Thompson, home to the Winnebago County Fair each summer, and Squid Willy’s, whose friendly staff and great fish on Fridays is well worth the stop! However, since it is not Fair time, from Buffalo Center we continued north on R20 towards Rake. Platted in 1900, Rake covers a mere 0.8 miles of territory, and is home to approximately 225 people. Despite its small
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stature, Rake has several options for food and drink, all of which you are sure to enjoy. The Bird’s Nest and Captain Ron’s are located right on Main Street, and just a skip away is Captain’s Choice on East Grace Street if you are looking for some killer seafood. Next up on our tour of Winnebago County was Scarville, so we jumped onto A16 and headed east.
the Clapper’s…of the 3 locations in Iowa, this one is the best. Awesome grub and amazing, friendly staff at the Lake Mills location. If you want to check out a little local history, stop by 1901 Victorian House at 308 South Lincoln Street. It is a cool historical site, and you can tour both the house and surrounding gardens.
Scarville is the smallest burg in Winnebago County, with only 72 residents calling its .08 miles of land home. The city was platted in 1899, but was not incorporated as a city until 1904. The town was named for a local landowner at the time, Ole Scar. Scarville is probably best known because of an incident in 1973 when investigators from the United States Atomic Energy Commission were called in to investigate a possible criticality accident on a railcar at the local grain elevator. A criticality accident is an uncontrolled nuclear fission chain reaction. Criticality accidents can release potentially fatal radiation doses, if they occur in an unprotected environment. Nothing conclusive was ever found in the investigation. If you are in the Area of Scarville, be sure to grab a drink at Vinje Pub out on 490th Street, or scoot on down Main Street to ShellDan’s for the best pizza in the area.
After Lake Mills, we had one more stop on our list for the day….the county seat of Forest City. So we hopped on to Hwy 69, flew past Leland, and rolled into town from the north. Forest City is by far the largest city in Winnebago County, boasting a whopping 4,200 residents. It covers 4.64 miles and was incorporated in 1878. In addition to the courthouse, Forest City is home to Winnebago Industries, today’s leader in worldwide RV motor home manufacturing. Pilot Knob State Park is located a few miles east of the city, and extends riders a curvy ride on the way to a cool lookout tower that visitors can climb to the top of and enjoy the impressive views Pilot Knob has to offer. Every July locals and visitors alike head to Heritage Park on Hwy 69 south to experience the Tree Town Music Festival, and in September the same venue hosts a steam threshing festival, where attendees can see old tractors, motorcycles, and threshing machines, in action. If history is right up your alley, be sure to visit the Mansion Museum at 366 north Clark Street, or take the Forest City Historic Architecture Walking Tour on Clark Street. Forest City has numerous options for the thirsty and/or hungry, so you definitely won’t go without, but a favorite place for local bikers is Shooterz Bar and Grill at 1126 Hwy 69 N. Not only is Shooterz a ton of fun, but it has great pizza and wings to boot. Be sure to stop by and tell ‘em that The Clappers and TRMI sent ya!
Just a short drop down R74 led us smack dab into Lake Mills. Lake Mills occupies 2.7 miles of Winnebago land, and this is the first stop with a little water! Rice Lake State Park is just south of town, and is perfect for camping, boating, and fishing when you are in the area. Access to the lake does involve a little gravel travel though, so prepare accordingly! Downtown Lake Mills has tons to offer visitors. There is a cool shop that is open by appointment called HWY 69 Pottery, where you can paint your own pottery or fuse some glasswork, and it is for all ages. You will also find Main Attractions, selling home décor, Iowa wines, and Scandinavian novelties…. among many other items great for gift giving. If you find yourself needing sustenance rather than retail therapy while in Lake Mills, there are bar and grill choices on Main Street, Mexican food at Ay Jalisco, or pizza at Main Street Pizza. All great choices, but if you are in the mood for a swankier dining experience, check out Woodfire Grill at Diamond Jo Casino…but be aware that this experience is open to 21 and older only, as it is inside of the casino. You may have heard of Tel-U-Wat before, and according to our friends, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
We had a great time experiencing all that Winnebago County has to offer, but as always, responsibility… and my couch inevitably call my name, and have me heading for home. Next month we will inch even closer to the finish line when we peruse Winneshiek County in the northeast corner of our great state. See ya then! Sources available upon request. Melanie J Schwarte melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
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We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us a quality image, your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to: vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Stevie Nichole Des Moines 2006 V-Star 650
Angie Craft Valeria 2006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail
Melonie Robuck Knoxville 2008 Electric Glide Classic
Patty Davis Oskaloosa 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Trike
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Every year we bury too many of our brothers and sisters of the road due to motorcycle or trike crashes. Sometimes things happen that cannot be prevented, but many times there is someone at fault. I know that this is not an easy topic to discuss, as people in general do not like to admit any of their own shortcomings, but we live in a dangerous world, and we happen to all love a dangerous pastime. Motorcycles are dangerous for a s. variety of reasons. They have a very high horsepower to weight ratio. They have half or ¾ the number of wheels of a normal passengerr vehicle. They are lightweight comparatively with all other vehicles on the road and have way different stopping distances. They require a much higher level of concentration and hand/eye acuity than any other mode of transportation. Motorcycles don’t have any type of cabin or “cage” to keep us from becoming missiles in the event of an unexpected dismount. They are so damn fun to ride that sometimes we may twist the wick and ride more aggressively
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than we w should. On the other hand, people in cannot see us. We cars c are ssmaller, quicker, and harder to judge in h reference to space and refer approaching distance. appr Peop in cars even when People payi attention 100% paying don’ see us, then add don’t br in breakfast, morning new newspaper, coffee, GPS, cell phones, music, and 9,00 other distractions, 9,000 then we are really not safe on the roads. A com commonly accepted figu is that we are 26 figure tim more likely to be times kill in a crash than if killed we were in a car. The are many of There the variables that these we cannot change. No ma matter how annoyed we are getting cut off by a distracted driver, we are not responsible fo them, not can we for ch change what they are do doing. What we can ch change is how we ri ride, how we prepare, h how we react, and w what we do to make s sure we make it home s t end of safely at the e rid Thunder every ride. R Ma Roads Magazine of Iowa, Iowa Motorcycle D Dealers A Association, a ABATE and o Iowa are of se sending ou this joint out m message to rid riders to do wh needs what b done to to be curb the motorcycle fatalities Io in Iowa. In 2016 there were 60 motorcycle related fata fatalities, tying the highest fatalities per year on rec record Help us SAVE 60 and reduce that number m of motorcycle crash deaths. Make sure yourself an your riding buddies have a valid motorcycle and en endorsement. Take or encourage enrollment in a Rider Education Program. Ride straight by av avoiding overindulgence when on two wheels. H Help spark public awareness of riders with A ABATE of Iowa yard signage and IMDA bumper st stickers. Together we can ride more safely and re return home to ride another day. H Help us SAVE 60 Vernon and Melanie
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Jennifer and Lindsey took time out of their busy day at the Swap Meet to pose with Tyler Davis’ Road King that was built by Mean Machine Cycle Parts. These guys all wanted to help support the cause, SAFR. The Sleeping Angels Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that assists Iowa families who have or will suffer due to the loss of a child. The objective of Sleeping Angels is to make varying monetary donations to these families, based on their individual needs, and help them offset the costs of expenses such as medical care and burial costs. The Foundation has provided a significant amount of assistance to Iowa families this year and is in great need of donations in order to successfully continue their work. Please put yourself in the shoes of these Iowa families and support the Foundation’s work. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.sleepingangelsfoundation.com or submitted by mail at Sleeping Angels Foundation P.O. Box 165 Boone, Iowa 50036.Please Donate today!
1983 Yamaha 80 Enduro, 1975 Honda XL 125, 250 Honda Rebel, 1970 Harley Leggero, something yellow, Late 60’s Honda Dream, 56 Cushman Eagle, 125 cc Riverside, 1969 Honda Trail 90. Me, in the late 50’s, I believe it was a Red Fox…or so that was the sticker.
best to stay on point and continue focusing on riding. Bikes.
It was Easter and the first spring we moved about 5 miles north, to a different farm. It might as well have been across the country to a six and a half year old boy. I had a new room, new bus route, A bit back, the Boss with all new kids on of Bosses posted on the bus that I didn’t the Thunder Roads know. Everything I Magazine of Iowa knew, every secret Facebook page a simple pplace to hide, every question. bbarn I played in, the woods in my backyard My First Motorcycle Was _________? I explored, all changed. While I was excited, it was all different at the same time. That first Easter on the “new” First, a plug for the magazine, you should like us and follow farm, the Easter Bunny knew there were trails to be made us on Facebook, we do a great job updating current events, in those new ditches and woods, so he provided me with a rides, shows, and things that the boss thinks we would enjoy. Red Fox mini bike. It had a new paint job, 5 hp Briggs, no Look at me, being a good “party line kid” and plugging stuff brakes, and a long black seat with new, wide tires. without being asked! I’d say this should give me some killer points come Christmas bonus season, but it is more likely It was the ideal bike. For a kid, the greatest machine ever that I will screw up more than a few times before this year created by man. Even if I would learn later that it was a is over and show a negative balance on the Thunder Roads hand me down from my cousins, just with new paint and ledger before it’s all said and done. Meh, the best I can do is tires. It didn’t matter, it was mine! After a solid 45 seconds try. of instructions from the Easter Bunny, I was off, and I never looked back. In a couple of years, I had saved up for Back to the original point of reference: I found the question a slightly newer motor, then along came a Honda Trail 90, a great one and not only because again, the Boss of Bosses a Yamaha 80, a 3-Wheeler that I had for a red hot weekend asked (Yes! Another kiss ass point) but it’s one I have loved until Grandma saw me doing my best Evel move…and then asking people that I have talked bikes with over the years. it was gone. In those days, 3-Wheelers were the stage coach Bikes are like our sex partners, only we tend to ride bikes for the Devil and only motorcycles were a safe option. Never more and hopefully have fewer problems with them…and piss of an Irish grandma, lesson learned. let me explain why bikes are like sex partners in at least two ways. 1) You never forget your first and 2) Many times you It wasn’t long until the trails while fun, no longer satisfied regret one along the line that you no longer have. If you my riding needs. The girls lived in town, not along the trails, wanna see their face light up, ask any biker about their first so to get there (the Easter Bunny had banned the bikes from bike. If you are that curious, ask about the other, but you are the road) I had to get a moped. Honda Express. It was blue, on your own… at least the bike they will talk about in front but I was LEGAL to drive on the road. BTW, if you modified of their partner. the mufflers on a Honda Express moped you could go from the legal 30 MPH to a more palatable 40 MPH (or so I was Invariably, we start with what is available to us. Again, told). I was a safe child that would never skirt the rules of talking bikes here. Yes, I mean it, bikes. We start with the road put forth by our government. “The Man” didn’t whatever we can swing a leg over and go. Along the way, seem to care about the speed of the moped back in the day, we have that defining moment that just clicks and that but hell was to pay if “The Man” saw you giving anybody a throttle reaches down and touches our soul, its graphite cable ride on one. That was an instant ticket. Funny that when my intertwines to our central nervous system and all we can brother was on the back, no ticket. But the deputy’s niece think about is that magical feeling you get when riding. Once just happened to need a ride, and I get a ticket. it is in us, you look forward to the next mile, the next trail, the next bike. We need to learn more about these magical As soon as I was legal, like so many, the moped was gone machines that transform us, make us feel the way we do, we and it was a Honda CB 360 that was actually The Easter want to touch it more, take it to the next level. (Still talking Bunny’s bike. He never rode it, so I figured it was mine… about bikes here people, stay with me.) We delve deeper into until it wasn’t, then it was a purple POS for about a month, the concept, the idea, the dream of our next ride, our next then a 750 and so on and so forth. adventure. We start reading about other bikes, start watching programs that show killer bikes, grab great biker magazines You see, we all have one thing in common, we all had like Thunder Roads (chaa Ching!) and we start chasing our that first ride and for just about all of us, that first ride is next ride. something we all look back and recall how awesome it was. I have never understood why people complain about what Soon, that first bike isn’t good enough and we upgrade. For somebody rides, but that is a topic for a different day, and some, it’s a slow, gradual upgrade, slowly increasing CC’s, what a topic it would be. But we never forget our first. For size, payments. For others still, it’s a rapid growth, bike after one last time, I am talking about MOTORCYCLES. bike after bike. The common goal, no matter the path, is still the kick ass joy we get from cracking that throttle. I bet you thought I was leaning away from bikes there for a bit and Todd “Crash” Davis being naughty, I wasn’t. It wasn’t easy, but I am doing my 28 - TRMI APRIL 2018
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I gott the th opportunity t it tto chat h t with this month’s Military w Rider before and at the Parts R Girl Swap Meet in Cedar G Rapids. Ray Ropa, aka R ““8Ball” hails from Cedar Rapids and is employed by R Metro Harley Davidson. Ray served our country in the Iowa Army National Guard in the 1-168INF. He attained the rank of E6 Sergeant and served from 1994 until 2014. Ray was deployed in 2001 to Kuwait, C Co/1-168INF, and then again in 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan, HHC 1-168INF. His MOS was both 11B and 35F, which were Infantry and All Source Intel. Ray certainly comes from a long line of men in uniform with many years of service in the Ropa lineage. He is preceded in service by his father who was in the United States Navy during World War II, his Grandfather who served the United States Army during World War I, and his Great Uncle and Uncle that both served in World War II and also a brother in law that served in the United States Coast Guard.
IIowa gravell roads d and d th thatt developed into an invitation to participate in a 24 hour test ride in California. As he has gotten older, the off road rider has taken its toll on him, so he has moved more toward street and highway riding for his two wheel enjoyment now.
Ray started out his riding career on sport bikes. He cut his teeth on a 1990 Yamaha FZ700, that he later traded for a 1995 883 Sportster. He had to do the responsible thing and sell the Sporty for cash to use towards a down payment on a home. In the late 90s he started riding dirt bikes and picked up a 1991 Suzuki RM 250 and then a batch of KTM dirt bikes came next with a 250, 300, 360, 400 and then three 640 Adventures and three Honda XR650Rs. In 2011 Ray purchased a Harley Bobber, which started life as a 2001 Dyna Wide Glide. Ray worked with a builder while he was deployed to make some changes to the bike to make it his and to meet his needs better. The last bike that Ray has purchased is his 2014 Street Glide Special that he got at Metro HarleyDavidson in Cedar Rapids. Overall he has been without bikes for about two years in between the Sporty and the first dirt bike.
Ray tells us that riding time has been greatly reduced since he started work at Metro Harley-Davidson, but there are 2 rides and events he plans to be at. The Teufelhund Veteran’s Group has their support ride in September and Metro HarleyDavidson is hosting their first ride this year in June. Metro is leading a ride to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, to “wave” to the kids. Every year the Teufelhund Veteran’s Group out of Anamosa hosts an awesome ride that keeps getting better with cookouts and music.
Currently Metro Harley-Davidson is completing his Stage 2 upgrade on his 2014 Street Glide. The bobber has always been a work in progress with changes here and there. He has made it a tribute bike to the 1-168 INF and known as the “Red Bull Bike”. “It has been featured at several Iowa National Guard Battalion dine outs across Iowa. Sen Joni Ernst was able to see it when she was visiting Cedar Rapids last year with a few tears as she looked at the details and some of the artwork on the bike. She served with the Red Bulls in the Iowa National Guard,” added Ray. Ray has always had a fascination with dirt bikes, off road riding, and flat track racing. Ray has a good friend names Bill Klymer that helped him get back into riding when he sold Ray the RM250 and later the KTM300. Ray started racing some local hare scrambles and explored some great 34 - TRMI APRIL 2018
Ray started riding his bobber around and started on some longer trips. One trip took him to Deadwood, and that is when he decided he needed more of a highway bike. He got his Street Glide, and then the highway trips became much easier and enjoyable. He took off for Gettysburg, PA, as well as doing several 24 hour “Iron Butt” types of rides including one to Houston. As many Veterans can attest to, PTSD is real, and Ray is no exception to this reality. He noticed that the long trips were a great way for him to relax and escape the effects of PTSD.
Ray is a member of the Teufelhund Veteran’s Group where his road name is “8Ball”, and he handles their Public Relations. He also serves as a commissioner for the Linn County Veteran’s Affairs office. In 2017 Ray was appointed as the Veteran Liaison for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders Hockey Team. He is also a member of the Cedar Rapids JCI (Jaycees). During riding season, Ray can often be found riding with Teufelhund Brothers and with his wife Kris Ropa. She started riding in 2011 when he returned from Afghanistan and did a couple of rides with him on the 2014 Street Glide. It wasn’t long before she was hooked and bought a 2012 Soft Tail Slim which she traded last fall for a 2017 Road Glide. Ray also wanted to add a few words, “Because of my service in the military, I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014. I struggled for several years with it, bounced around employment, struggled with my family and with life in general. I was on a trip and met stranger who became a very good friend and showed me I still had skills and introduced me to JCI (Jaycees). Jenifer Gracey from Des Moines got me involved with JCI and helped me develop new skills in
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public speaking. I developed a program that began speaking to Vets, volunteer groups, church groups…etc…sharing my story. It’s true, war changes a man, and it changed me. My wife once wrote to my doctors that she “loaned her husband to the Iowa National Guard and he never returned from Afghanistan, instead this completely different man returned”. I’m thankful for the understanding she had, thankful for a conversation with a stranger, thankful for a great employer (Metro Harley Davidson) and it all turned a lot of negative into a positive life. I lost count of how many Vets and people who have heard my story come to me and tell me they now have hope. Since my retirement from the Iowa National Guard, I struggled with not being around other Vets. I looked around and found the Teufelhund Veteran’s Group who had the similar goals and mission to continue to help Vets. When we are deployed we rely on the guy next to you to get through the day. The same can be said for Teufelhund and other Veteran groups, they are there to help you through the day, every day.” We would sure like to thank Ray for his service, and hope that he continues his work with Veterans to help those that have served our great Nation. Vernon
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April has finally made its way into words were spoken “maybe we can be Iowa. I hope it brings along with it, friends” flashback, that bridge burned to one big, huge, hefty April shower not the ground a long time ago. I snuck off because I haven’t showered to the bathroom, downloaded for weeks, for the the app on my smarter roads! Iowa than me phone, needs one while I could big gusher still remember to wash what it was away called and the quickly sandy bailed debris out the left behind back door. by old man winter, then bring on the Flashback, this might be the first time I left sunshine. As April sneaks into Iowa it also means longer days with all my clothes on. and a rabbit that lays eggs. Speaking of egg laying rabbits, in my warped mind April is rolling into town with a big dose of I have learned a lot about this STD called Facebook since flashbacks. that encounter. I can stalk people that I don’t know without any legal charges. I can make friends with people that I I stumbled into my favorite watering hole the other day and have never met, then terminate their friendship without it ran into an X-squeeze. Let the flashbacks begin. Its been becoming a domestic dispute. I can support my favorite a few years, ok maybe decades but as my warped mind causes, air my dirty laundry, shop for motorcycle parts, remembers things the last time we spent any quality time closely examine tattoos without getting my face slapped, get together it ended with a high-speed pursuit across I-80 with sucked into fake news and buy used undergarments all in the a loaded gun. Flashback, that was the moment that I realized same day. living life behind bars can be experienced several different ways. Who would have thought that an STD could alter your relationship status? Flashback, no more high-priced attorneys We sat down for a cold one and began our journey down or divorce court for me. memory lane. First topic, “Shifty, do you have Facebook?” For a moment my sick mind thought this was a confession to The next time you are fondling the pages of TRMI and some STD that had been shared with fools like me. stumble on to the little blue box with the big white letter F in the middle, whip out the smart phone and check them out. I replied, “what the hell are you talking about?” The I guarantee you will find some of your favorite dealerships, response, was screamed at me, “FACEBOOK!” Flash back, I clubs, watering holes, eating joints, TRMI supporting remember why this didn’t work out. businesses and events around Iowa that you will want to be a part of. I have done some dumb shit in my life. Flashback, here sits one of them, but I am not deaf! Just because you’re Flashback, the roads are clean, two wheelers are rolling down missing some teeth, does not mean that I have lost my ears, them, the sun is shining, the smell of spring is in the air and I am clueless to this word “Facebook”. So, she showed me Iowa bikers across this great state are happy once again. April hers…….…Facebook you perverts! is finally here, get off your damn phone and get out and ride. Let the demo begin. You can keep in contact with old friends, family members and people you never really liked Shifty LaRue in the first place. You can argue with complete strangers about politics, world events and what is wrong with society. Flashback, I do love a good argument, especially when it pisses people off and it’s a bonus that it doesn’t end in a fist fight. My sick mind just kept thinking “I’ve spent a lot of my life avoiding these idiots why would I want to be friends with them now?” Wait a minute, that looks like a pretty good place to eat, possibly a new destination for riding. Hold up, did that say Iowa HD parts for sale. Flashback, the old bike sitting the corner of the garage covered in dust, hidden behind years of accumulation just a couple more coveted parts and it will be ready to roll. Hold the phone, I think I just saw Greybeard Bikers, an entire site devoted to my kind of people and everyone of them is just as ugly as me. Hmm this STD thing might not be so bad after all. Iowa Biker Events, ok my curiosity is peeking. Then the 36 - TRM MI APRIL 2018 TRMI
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Well, guess what... Borderline Pizza cuts their pizza into (you guessed it!!!) Slices!!! As long as we’re talking about slices I chose a large 5 meat pizza. This was a pizza that made me wish I could have it twice a week for the rest of my life!!!!! (OK, maybe three times a week!!!) The crust was the perfect combination of a firm, crunchy bottom (browned but not charred) and a soft inside that was just the right balance of chewy without being gooey. It reminded me of a perfectly baked loaf of Italian bread! The sauce was layered perfectly so as to add just the right amount of spicy tomato flavor without being so thick as to cause the toppings to slide off when you pick it up. The meat... oh, all that meat!!!! Piles of Canadian bacon, beef, Italian sausage, bacon and pepperoni!!! Every bite an explosion of meaty flavor!!!! Now, I didn’t ask but it appeared to me that they used just short of an Imperial Metric Ton of cheese to hold this all together!!! (Anything less would not have done the job!!!) This is one of those pizzas that you order the next 1145 Highway 69 N size bigger than you can eat so that you are assured there Forest City, IA will some left over to take home and have later!!!!! My daughter-in-law Lani had one of the Taco Jerry’s famous 641-585-3151 tacos. These tacos are a little different being that they are on a soft shell tortilla and wrapped up to look like a burrito!!! Monday-Saturday - 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Probably for good reason since these things are HUGE!!!!!! Sunday – Closed They are at least six inches long and probably that big around as well!!! They are rolled tight with the ends tucked in the keep the pile of contents from spilling out!!! I would I learned long ago not to judge a book by its cover. That is especially true of food establishments! We have found some advise not ordering more than one unless you are training for some kind of eating competition or you just want someof the most awesome food in some of the oddest places! Borderline Pizza & Taco Jerry’s certainly fits the “odd” cat- thing to take home and eat later!!! egory! Having grown up in rural Iowa when I see a Quonset When cruising through Forest City, either solo or with your building I automatically think of grain or farm equipment storage... not an eating establishment!!! But let me tell you crew, take a rest stop at Borderline Pizza & Taco Jerry’s!!! (They’ve got a huge parking lot that will accommodate you and all your riding companion’s rides!!!) Don’t let the humble exterior fool you... inside is some of the best eating to be had!!! Borderline Pizza and Taco Jerry’s... Check ‘em out on Facebook and give them a “Like” while you’re there!!!
Borderline Pizza & Taco Jerry’s
Until next time, Ride Safe and Eat Hearty!!! inside this Quonset building is some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of devouring!!! They are also rule breakers!! If you have been following my little corner of the magazine here for a while you may remember that long ago we determined that the best pizzas are cut into squares, not slices. 38 - TRMI MARCH 2018
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As always if you have some place in your neck of the woods you think we would enjoy shoot me an email at craig@thunderroadsiowa.com Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook Thunder
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oker ok er aand nd What’s the difference between a hooker a drug dealer? A hooker can wash her crack and sell it again.
catt aand gets to buy the cat food. Next week the ca same man finds dog food at special prices. He picks a dozen cans of dog food and goes to check out. The Manager again gets suspicious. He thinks that this guy has a cat but he cannot have a dog and he will probably feed dog-food to his kids. He asks him to bring and show him the dog He befo be before fore fo re he can let him have dog food. The man ggoes go ess hhome omee and returns with a dog. He gets to buy om thee ddog food. Next week the man comes to the th groc gr grocery occ store with a bag. He asks the manager to pput his hand in the bag. The Manager puts hiss hand in the bag and immediately takes hi it oout. u He shouts at the man: “What! This is shit sh shit!” it He calmly replies: “Yes, and I want toilet ppaper”. pa ape
Three guys go on a skiing trip together. When they get to the ski lodge there aren’t enough rooms, so they have to share a bed. In the middle of the night, the guy on the right igh ght side of the bed wakes up and says, “Wow, Wow, Wo w w, I had this mad dream I was getting a hhand andd an job.” The guy on the left side of the bed has also woken up, and says that he’s had the same dream, too. The guy in the middle says, “Wow that’s haat’ ts funny, I dreamed I was skiing.” This old man and woman had been married for 30 years. In those 30 years, the woman had always insisted on the lights being off when they had sex as she was embarrassed. The man was thankful for this really as he was embarrassed too and scared that he couldn’t please her, so in the dark he always used a big dildo on her. After all these years of sex, she still had no idea that’s what he did. One day, she decided that they’d been together so long that there was no reason to be embarrassed even though her body was now old. So in the middle of sex she reached over and turned the bedside lamp on, only to see that her husband was using a dildo. She said angrily, “I knew it, asshole, explain the dildo!” The man replied, “Ok, but first - explain the kids!” How do you make your wife scream during sex? Call her and tell her about it. What’s the best part about gardening? Getting down and dirty with your hoes. What’s the difference between a pick-pocket and a peeping tom? One snatches your watch. The other watches your snatch. A man goes to a grocery store. He finds cat food at special prices. He picks a dozen cans of cat food and goes to check out. The Manager gets suspicious. He thinks that this guy cannot have a cat and will probably feed cat food to his kids. He asks him to show him his cat before he could let him have cat food. The man goes home and returns with a
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When Bill and Hillary first got married Bill said, “I put a box under the bed. You must promise never to look in it.” In all their 30 years of marriage, Hillary never looked. On the afternoon of their 30th anniversary, curiosity got the best of her and she lifted the lid and peeked inside. In it were 3 empty beer cans and $81,874.25 in cash. She closed the box and put it back under the bed. Now that she knew what was in the box, she was doubly curious as to why there was such a box and with those contents. That evening, they were out for a special anniversary dinner. After dinner, Hillary could no longer contain her curiosity and she confessed, saying, “I’m so sorry, Bill. For all these years, I kept my promise and never looked into the box under our bed. However, today the temptation was too much and I gave in. But now I need to know, why do you keep the 3 beer cans in the box?” Bill thought for a while and said, “I guess after all these years you deserve to know the truth. Whenever I was unfaithful to you, I put an empty beer can in the box under the bed to remind myself not to do it again.” Hillary was shocked, but said, “Hmmm, Jennifer, Paula and Monica. I’m disappointed and saddened by your behavior; however, I guess it does happen and I guess 3 times is not that bad.” Bill thanked her for being so understanding. They hugged and made their peace. A little while later Hillary asked Bill, “So why do you have all that money in the box?” He answered, “Well, whenever the box filled up with empty cans, I took them to the recycling center.” An elderly couple, Margaret and Bert, live in Arkansas. Bert always wanted a pair of authentic cowboy boots. So
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seeing some on sale one day, he buys them, wears them home, walking proudly. He walks into the house and says to his wife ‘Notice anything different about me?’ Margaret looks him over, ‘Nope.’ Frustrated, Bert storms off into the bathroom, undresses, and walks back into the room completely naked except for the boots. Again, he asks, a little louder this time ‘Notice anything different NOW?’ Margaret looks up and says, ‘Bert, what’s different? It’s hanging down today, it was hanging down yesterday, and it’ll be hanging down again tomorrow.’ Furious, Bert yells, AND DO YOU KNOW WHY IT’S HANGING DOWN, MARGARET? ‘Nope’ she replies. ‘IT’S HANGING DOWN BECAUSE IT’S LOOKING AT MY NEW BOOTS!!!!!’ Bert yells. To which Margaret replies… ”Shoulda bought a hat, Bert. Shoulda bought a hat.” The lawyer, assuming he could make some easy money, wanted to play a game with the blonde; he would ask her a question, and if she could not answer, she would pay him $5. Then she would ask him a question, and if he could not answer, he would pay her $5. The blonde had no interest in playing with the lawyer, so he offered her 10 to 1 odds, and said every time the blonde could not answer one of his questions, she owed him $5. But every time he could not answer hers, he’d give her $50.00. The lawyer figured he could not lose, and the blonde reluctantly accepted. The lawyer first asked, “What is the distance between the Earth and the nearest star?” The blonde thought about it for about a minute, and decided she did not know the answer. So she gave him his $5. She then asked, “What goes up a hill with 3 legs and comes back down the hill with 4 legs?” Well, the lawyer looked puzzled. He took several hours, looking up everything he could on his laptop and even placing numerous phone calls, trying to find the answer. Finally, angry and frustrated, he gave up and paid the blonde $50.00. The blonde put the $50 into her purse without comment, but the lawyer insisted, “What is the answer to your question?” Without saying a word, the blonde handed him $5. Bob walked into a sports bar around 9:58pm, sat down next to a blonde at the bar and stared up at the TV. The 10pm news came on covering the story of a man on the ledge of a large building preparing to jump. Bob said, “You know, I bet he’ll jump.” The blonde replied, “Well, I bet he won’t.” Bob placed a $20 bill on the bar and said, “You’re on!” Just as the blonde placed her money on the bar, the guy on the ledge did a swan dive off the building, falling to his death. The blonde was very upset but handed her $20 to Bob, saying, “Fair’s fair. Here’s your money.” Bob replied, “I
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can’t take your money. I saw this earlier on the 5pm news so I knew he’d jump.” The blonde replied, “I did too, but didn’t think he’d do it again.” Bob took the money. A man walks into a bar one night. He goes up to the bar and asks for a beer. “Certainly, Sir that will be 1 cent.” “One penny?” exclaimed the guy. The barman replied, “Yes.” So, the guy glances over at the menu and asks, “Could I have a nice juicy T-bone steak, with fries, peas, and a salad?” “How much money?” inquires the guy? “Four cents,” he replies “Four cents?!” exclaims the Guy.” where’s the guy who owns this place?” The barman replies, “Upstairs with my wife.” The guy says, “What’s he doing with your wife? “The bartender replies, “Same as what I’m doing to his business.” One evening a family brings their frail, elderly mother to a nursing home and leaves her, hoping she will be well cared for. The next morning, the nurses bathe her, feed her a tasty breakfast, and set her in a chair at a window overlooking a lovely flower garden. She seems OK, but after a while she slowly starts to lean over sideways in her chair. Two attentive nurses immediately rush up to catch her and straighten her up. Again she seems OK, but after a while she starts to tilt to the other side. The nurses rush back and once more bring her back upright. This goes on all morning. Later the family arrives to see how the old woman is adjusting to her new home. “So Ma how is it here? Are they treating you all right?” they ask. “It’s pretty nice,” she replies. “Except they won’t let you fart.” I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I’ve been tripping all day. A dyslexic man walked into a bra. I’ve taken up speed reading. I can read “War and Peace” in twenty seconds. It’s only three words but it’s a start. Little Sally came home from school with a smile on her face, and told her mother, “Frankie Brown showed me his weenie today at the playground!” Before the mother could raise a concern, Sally went on to say, “It reminded me of a peanut.” Relaxing with a hidden smile, Sally’s mom asked, “Really small, was it?” Sally replied, “No, salty.” Mom fainted.
I asked a Chinese girl for her number. She said, “Sex! Sex! Sex! Free sex tonight!” I said, “Wow!” Then her friend said, “She means 666-3629.”
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History of The Motorcycle Cannonball The Motorcycle Cannonball is the most difficult antique endurance run in the world. That is an undisputed fact. And as proud as we are to say that, it must also be said that when the first run was being mapped out in 2009, that wasn’t part of the grand scheme of things. When Cannonball founding father, Lonnie Isam, Jr., first started daydreaming about cruising America’s back roads with his antique riding friends, there was no way he could have possibly imagined what his musings would eventually become. All Lonnie wanted to do was to see the scenic Americana landscape one mile at a time from the saddle of ancient iron with his riding buddies. His main objective was to motivate antique owners to break the stigma of sequestering collectible old relics to museums and the life of oversized dust catchers and to let the old machines spend their geriatric years living as they were intended: on the road. He felt the ancient motorcycles deserved to be tended and ridden. Our forefathers took a great deal of time and ingenuity to build these great machines and they should be respected for their abilities. He wanted to pay homage to the long distance pioneer,
Erwin “Cannonball” Baker, and other historical figures that literally paved the way across the country in the early 1900s. His logic was that if the motorcycle greats could make those miles on the early machines, many with no roads whatsoever, certainly modern riders could do the same. In September of 2010, Lonnie gathered together a group of riders who shared his motorcycling passion. Along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, 45 like-minded riders left the historically celebrated city of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for a transcontinental journey to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. What played out along the miles of these great United States changed the sport of motorcycling forever. In 2012, the second iteration found 77 riders lined up at the starting line in Newburg, New York. The almost 4,000 mile ride to San Francisco played out exactly as the first run in as much that riders became a family as they struggled to get their ancient iron across the span of the nation. As Lonnie had envisioned, the Motorcycle Cannonball Run drew passionate riders who respected their machines as well as their fellow adventurists. The race, meant as an experience for people of integrity and grace, was embraced as a way to prove a rider’s mettle as much as that of their particular marque. Racers pulled together to support each other in the “man against the miles” battle of skill, grit and luck that played out each day for more than two weeks and spanned the breadth of America. As with the first run, lasting friendships and deep bonds were formed. And a third run was planned. September of 2014 found 101 anxious riders lined up on the sandy beaches of Daytona, Florida. Eagerly anticipating the 16 days of truly incredible riding that lay ahead of them, Cannonballers from around the world set their sights on Tacoma, Washington. Along the way, businesses hosted the group and invited local fans to visit the thrill seekers at organized events just the way early American’s did for Cannonball Baker on his cross-country excursions. People came out in hordes, packing venues for an opportunity to see the rolling museums and meet the brave jockeys as they passed through their towns. The words “Motorcycle Cannonball” became a household name and the world of motorcycling would never be the same. The interest in antiques was revived. Motorcycle auctions, eBay and every platform available for antique motorcycles and parts became flooded with Cannonball hopeful’s searches for a qualified vehicle to carry them across the country.
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The 2016 Race of the Century route from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Carlsbad, California was set; Lonnie Isam, Jr. was fighting for his life against cancer. As plans for the 2018 run were being laid out, the Motorcycle Cannonball’s beloved founder handed the mantle over to his business partner and friend, Jason Sims, before he quietly passed away in August of 2017. As the route is being finalized for the September 2018 run from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, the roster is full. There is a waiting list of hopefuls and riders are carefully preparing their machines for what guarantees to be an experience of life long memories. Thrill-seeking daredevils will jockey their antiques along the roads of adventure and brotherhood once again. For 2018, however, riders will honor their beloved and respected visionary’s memory as they continue to show the world what endurance and integrity in motorcycling is all about. The route this year will have overnight stays in Anamosa and Spirit Lake. Come and check out the antique iron and hopefully you can meet up with the three teams from right here in Iowa. The riders will roll into Anamosa on September 13th. Then next day the ride will cross most of Iowa and end up in Spirit Lake for the evening. If you are near either one or both of these locations, it would be a great experience for motorcycle fans of all ages to see the antique iron roll into these Iowa towns. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa will be on hand at both sites to welcome the riders to Iowa. Cannonball and Vernon Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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As a new year begins I thought I’d take a minute and discuss memberships in two very important organizations. ABATE OF IOWA and The MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation). On the State level there is no other motorcycle rights organization more dedicated to your personal freedoms, rider education and the greatest motorcycle rally in the state than ABATE OF IOWA. For less than the price of a meal out on the town you get a membership that allows you discounted entry to our famous Freedom Rally held around the Fourth of July weekend at our beautiful Freedom park near Algona, Iowa. It also gives you as a member and owner of this great park free camping from around April to the end of October, except during the rally and other special events. Your $25 membership fee helps us maintain this beautiful park and to help fund so many beneficial programs that ABATE OF IOWA offers such as our Rider Education program that teaches beginners and seasoned riders what to look for when riding to avoid an accident, what proper attire ire to wear when out on the roads, proper braking i techniques and when and how to swerve to avoid an accident. Our Share the Road presentations are shown to thousands of high schoolers every year; this training is intended to reduce accidents between motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists by seeing, respecting and understanding a motorcyclists needs and rights on the highway and learning to share the road. Our legislative team has repealed a helmet law and gave us a choice on wearing one for the last 30 years or so. It takes active members to keep this freedom of choice. There are no special requirements for joining aside from an interest in promoting motorcyclists rights and safety. As a member, you are showing support and help in the ongoing struggle against anti-motorcycle legislation. On the National level I think it is equally important to be a member of the MRF. This takes freedom fighting to the Washington level.
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Did you know that the MRF is the ONLY Motorcyclists Rights Organization in Washington, DC dedicated to the cause of on-street motorcyclists? What’s more important is that your MRF is indeed YOUR MRF – made up of riders fighting for our collective rights from across the country. Did you know that your MRF was instrumental in stopping the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority from providing your tax dollars to states who were using them for motorcycle-only checkpoints? Did you know that your MRF is working on Anti-Profiling Legislation to further protect your right to freedom of access of roadways and facilities around the country? Of that your MRF is working on ethanol limits to prevent you from losing your warranty? The impact to motorcyclists regarding autonomous vehicles, fighting EPA emissions standards, and were responsible for the cr creation of the new Motorcycle Advisory Counci Council? Big b brother Bi th is always trying to push his will on us and it’s important that we stay vigilant here and in Washington to make sure that we keep them at bay from encroaching on our unique way of life. An MRF membership is just $30 a year and like ABATE OF IOWA comes with a death and dismemberment insurance policy at no charge. In closing I want to encourage everyone out there to consider joining both of these very worthwhile organizations. If you are already a member, thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you at the rally and out on the open road. To join either organization, you can follow these links. www.mrf.org or www.abateofiowa.org Eric Ross ABATE OF IOWA District 6 Coordinator State MRF Representative
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Tuesday Desperado’s Bar and Grill Wheatland Marshalltown Legion Car & Bike Cruise (Last Tue Apr-Sep)
Wednesday The Buck Snort Neola Cadillac Jack’s Baxter 2nd Ave Bike Night Des Moines (2nd Wed May-Sep) Thirsty’s on 3rd Davenport OP Clear Lake Ride’s Bar & Grill Ft Dodge The Pour House Davenport Amigos Fort Dodge McCann’s Tap Des Moines (Every Other) Pete & Shorty’s Clarksville
Thursday Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Stumpy’s Bar & Grill Duncombe The Buck Snort Oakland Firehouse Bar Sioux City Calvin Rockett Bar and Grill Marshalltown (Last Thur May-Aug) Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thursday May-Oct) Des Moines Vintage Bike Night (1st Thursday May-Sep) Edwards Bikes on the Hundred Block Council Bluffs (5-17, 6-?, 7-?, 8-? ) R Place Kelley Eddies Tavern Sergeant Bluff (Apr-Nov)
Friday Bike Down to I-Town Indianola (3rd Friday) Grub Run Traveling Bike Night Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart (1st Fri May-Sep) Centerville Bike Nights (4th Friday May-Aug)
Saturday Route 65 BBQ & Open House (Sat after Bike Down to I Town) Happenings Bar Steamboat Rock (3nd Sat May-Sep) Cruise In Motorcycle Ride & Show Ruby’s in Stuart (4th Sat Jun, Jul, Aug) Monroe Bike Night (2nd Sat May-Sep)
Sunday Just 1 More Jamaica (Starting in May) This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Mar 23-24 Mar 24 Mar 24-25 Mar 25 Mar 25 Mar 31 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 7-8 Apr 14 Apr 14 Apr 14 Apr 20-22 Apr 21 Apr 21 Apr 21 Apr 21-22 Apr 28 Apr 28 Apr 28 May 3-5 May 4-5 May 5 May 5 May 5 May 5 May 5 May 6 May 6 May 5 May 11 May 12 May 12 May 12 May 12-13 May 19 May 19 May 19 May 19 May 19 May 20 May 24-27 May 27 Jun 2 Jun 2 Jun 2 Jun 3 Jun 5 Jun 8-10 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 9 Jun 15-16 Jun 16
Iowa Vintage Cycle Swap Meet Humboldt Spring Open House Fenders Cycle/Indian of Des Moines 31st Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN CMA Knights For Christ Polar Bear Ride Cedar Rapids 13th Annual Hill Blazers Hill Climb Logan Summer Ride Kick-Off Event Big Barn HD Des Moines ABATE D15 Accident Scene Management Class Davenport Fashion Show Big Barn HD Des Moines 32nd Annual North Iowa Expo Mason City Blessing of the Bikes Route 69 Customs Des Moines Tom Simpson Birthday Run Anita ABATE D15 Blessing of the Bikes Run Davenport Pike Run Services Swap Meet West Liberty Bike Blessing Route 65 HD Indianola Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Steve Carlsen Memorial Ride Sugar’s Lounge & Diner Council Bluffs Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet Columbus, NE Spring Open House & Demo Rides Carroll HD Carroll Bike Blessing Big Barn HD Des Moines Cancer Sucks Benefit Run for Cindy Ruth Mount Pleasant Rally in the Hills LHHD Pacific Junction Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone 2nd Annual Boji Run Sioux City Two Wheel Trauma for Emergency Responders Marshalltown Run For The Son Bike Blessing and Ride Burlington International Female Ride Day Bike Blessing Northwest Christian Church Council Bluffs 12th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass Rev It Up for Awareness Davenport Motorcycle Safety Forum Des Moines Heels on Wheels Women’s Ride Carroll HD 4th Annual Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Fun Run Council Bluffs Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association Charity Ride Des Moines 38th ABATE of Sioux Falls Motorcycle EXPO Sioux Falls Mean Machine “Spring Smoke-out” Elkhart BBQ Open House Route 65 HD Indianola B.A.C.A. Annual 100 Mile Ride ALL CHAPTERS Chrome for Kids Ride Benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids ABATE D5 Spring Fling Run Cedar Rapids Iowa Thunder Ride Des Moines Redneck Revival Conesville Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Soldier Harley-Davidson of Carroll Rock –N- Ride Carroll CVMA 39-4 Bike Wash Wieblers HD Davenport Garwin Legion Riders Post 71 Bike Night Garwin 69th Annual Motorcycle Hill Climb Anamosa IA Water Environment Assoc Benefit Ride Waterloo ABATE D3 Campout Littlefield Park Exira Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson F&J Racing 23rd Annual Blessing of the Bikes Marshalltown Open House & Pig Roast The Vic Shop Desoto Ride With Levi Keokuk 5th Annual Seu-Mo’s Memorial Ride Grinnell 3rd Annual Journey for Hope Poker Run The Buck Snort Council Bluffs Pigs For Bubba Ride and Benefit Auction Sac City Audubon Fire & Rescue Association Poker Run Audubon Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Roar Into Harlan Cannonball Fundraiser Run Harlan
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Jun 16
American Legion Riders Post 46 1st Annual Heroes Ride Marshalltown Jun 16 Hometown Heroes Memorial Run Rockwell City Jun 16 BBQ Open House Route 65 HD Indianola Jun 22-23 ABATE D14 Baldy Party, Rodeo, & Memorial Ride What Cheer Jun 23-24 8th Annual Vintage Rally National Motorcycle Museum Anamosa Jun 23 IAFF Local 4906 MDA/Loess Hills Harley Davidson Poker Run Pacific Junction Jun 23 Ride to Fight Suicide Colona, IL Jun 23 Sons of American Legion Post 73 Bike Night Tama Jun 23 Annual Black Jack Run American Legion Post 2 Council Bluffs Jun 23 Gabby’s Second Annual CMA Motorcycle Ride Fairfield Jun 30 STD Run Alden Jun 30 Chasin’ Tails Fun Run Roland Jul 5-7 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 6-8 Gears & Gasoline Rally Farley Jul 7 11th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca Jul 13-14 CVMA 39-3 Annual Patriot Ride Elk Port Jul 14 “Blue Haired Old Ladies, Road Alligators and Tar Snakes” --What every street smart rider should know presentation by Slider Gilmore sponsored by Roar Into Harlan Jul 21 5th Annual “Ride for Time” with “Friends of Mine” Baxter Jul 21 Goozman’s Westside Annual Fun Run Harlan Jul 21 BBQ Open House Route 65 HD Indianola Jul 28 Volga City River Run Volga Jul 28 American Legion Rider Post 46 Paws & Effect Run Marshalltown Jul 28 8th Annual Solidarity Ride & Poker Run Metro HD Cedar Rapids Jul 27-28 CVMA 39-1 Annual Patriot Ride and Rally Freedom Park Algona Jul 29 Low-Key MC Bikini Bike Wash Des Moines Aug 3-12 South Dakota biker gathering Aug 4 39-4 CVMA SPC Jordan M. Byrd Tribute to Our Fallen Memorial Ride Davenport Aug 5 B.A.C.A. Kids Day Des Moines Aug 9 Hot August Night Car, Truck, Motorcycle, and Tractor Show Jefferson Aug 11 CVMA 39-2 Annual Patriot Ride Cedar Rapids Aug 12 Klondike Car,Tractor,Truck & Motorcycle Show Manilla Aug 17-19 14th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 18 BBQ Open House Route 65 HD Indianola Aug 25 3rd Annual Shayla Bee Black Tie Black Leather Affair Okoboji Classic Cars Aug 25 B.A.C.A. of Central Iowa Bike Bash Johnson Aug 30-Sep2 Redneck Revival Conesville Sep 1-3 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 7-8 New Hampton Motorcycle Rally New Hampton Sep 8 Broken Spokes MC Annual Children’s Hospital Ride Thirsty’s on Third Davenport Sep 8 Camp High Hopes Poker Run Fundraiser Sioux City Sep 9 Motorcycle Hill Climb Anamosa Sep 11 Burgers and Bikes Mount Pleasant Sep 13-15 St Jude Rides - Des Moines to Memphis Sep 14-16 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Sep 14-16 SLR Keosauqua Sep 15 WTF Fun Run Harlan Sep 15 Open House & Pig Roast The Vic Shop Desoto Sep 22 BBQ Open House Route 65 HD Indianola Oct 6 Iron Invasion Woodstock, IL Oct 20 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Oct 21 ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic Nov 9-11 ABATE of Iowa Steam Marshalltown Nov 17 Fashion Show Route 65 HD Indianola Dec 16 ABATE D3 Christmas Party Brayton
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