Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa December 2016

How about that? We are already staring the starting town, and we can get it added to December 2016 in the face, with 2017 the FREE events or bike night listings. We right around the bend. get out and about quite a bit Time flies faster every all over the state, but we year it seems like. We don’t see everything. ended up with a great October Get them to us and November so that we can weather wise, so continue to have the that means that most comprehensive the winter that is list of events coming will still and bike nights be short. Hopefully anywhere in the state. Thanks in it is not as nasty as some advance! of the predictions, but at least if it is terrible, it A recent development in will be over before we know it. With a shorter our world is our 2nd year as sponsorship of the winter, that means we have a shorter build/rebuild Midwest Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels in season before the 2017 riding season, so you better get at Omaha. This is something that we are very excited about it and get things rolling so you don’t miss any good spring and love the opportunity to build the show from last year riding days waiting on a build. and previous years with other sponsors. Shayne Morton came The whole TRMI family would over last year with his bagger like to wish each and every one all the way from Cedar Rapids of you a Merry Christmas and and walked away from the show a Happy New Year! Hopefully with trophies and cash in hand! everyone gets some cool stuff in It seemed fitting to have his bike your stockings and under your on the flier this year, and that is tree, and get to spend some time on page 37. The show is March with family and friends during this 17-19 at the Century Link Center holiday season. If you are out and in Omaha. We have bike show about looking for that perfect gift spots and some vendor spots for a loved one, don’t forget to take available, so if you are interested the latest issue of Thunder Roads in showing off your bike or with you, and utilize the Biker your wares, email Vernon@ Friendly Listing on pages 10-12. thunderroadsiowa.com for more If you need to stop for some food information or rates. We would or drink, those are listed as well. love to have you at the show!

These are the businesses that sponsor the magazine, so feel free to darken their doors, and tell them that TRMI sent Thanks to all of those that are serving away from home you! We would like to give thanks to all of those sponsors in the Military and in public service on Christmas. It is for keeping this thing going every month. A subscription appreciated that you are protecting our freedoms, as well to TRMI always makes a great gift as well! as those here responding to our 911 calls and taking care of any transportation issues that come up on the holiday.

We are working on building the 2017 TRMI Events List Keep them in your prayers on Christmas day if you are as well as the 2017 TRMI Bike Night Listing. We have with your families as they cannot be. gotten quite a few, but we need your help on this. Please email Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com when you come Until next year, take care, ride safe, and we wish you a across events and bike nights that are confirmed and Merry Christmas! we will get them on the list. If you are helping plan any events, let us know the date, the name of the event, and Vernon, Melanie, Sabin, Soren, and Violet

On the Cover & Calendar

On Saturday November 5th, the entire staff of Indian Motorcycle of Des Moines - Fenders Cycle Victory and Fenders Honda Ames wanted to organize a ride to show support for Sgt. Anthony Beminio and Officer Justin Martin. These officers were ambushed recently and shocked the state and the nation, as things like this do not happen here in Iowa, but sadly, they just did. They had no idea that on that afternoon there would be over 300 motorcycles and dozens of hot rods that would show their support for the blue line. The ride left Fenders’ locations and met up on Court Avenue and then to the memorials for the fallen officers. The cover shot is the first part of the procession, led by DMPD officers on their duty motorcycles and passing by the Iowa Capital building. Being a part of this ride was awe inspiring due to the support for the officers and their families, as well as very emotional considering the tragic loss of two servants of the public. The calendar page has a 1998 Ultra Peace Officer Edition, purchased new at the then Walker’s HD in Red Oak, now known as Loess Hills Harley-Davidson by Dan, a retired Iowa State Patrol Sargent. The ride was sold to his son Brian, who was in the USAF and worked as Security Police while serving. Ashley is modeling with the Police Edition bagger, and showing her support for her father and all of his brothers in blue. Ashley’s father is Frank Clark, the Harlan PD Chief and rider himself. With this cover and calendar, TRMI wanted to show our respect for the fallen officers, and our support for the Law Enforcement community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families and fellow officers of Sgt. Anthony Beminio and Officer Justin Martin.

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CMA Notes

Even though it’s cold out, we’ve finally reached the season that motivated a lot of charity rides over the last year – the Christmas Season!

Give yourselves a pat on the back for all the events that you participated in – toy runs, coat collections, hat and mitten drives, etc. - because your donation of time and money are now bringing a taste of the Christmas spirit to an underprivileged child, a disabled vet, or the family of a downed biker. Yes, we all had fun on the rides, but knowing we’re helping someone in need makes it even more satisfying. Just thinking about the little kids who will now have gifts delivered to them from Santa brings a big smile to my face.

comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

You and I are no different from the young man in the courthouse that day. He didn’t need a jail break to give him a “freedom” during which he would always have to run and hide, never be able to trust anyone, and never lead a normal life.

He needed a judge to set him free.

We have that judge. His name is Jesus. Isaiah 61:1 says this about him: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to There’s something about the Christmas Season that seems the poor; He has sent me to bring out the better side of people. Maybe it’s because to heal the brokenhearted, we’re more focused on trying to make other people happy to proclaim liberty to the during that time instead of just looking out for ourselves.

That’s certainly what was going on in the courthouse a few captives, and the opening years ago when I was there on business. I’d been out in the of the prison to those who hallway for a while and the spirit of giving was keeping the are bound.” delivery people hopping. They had been coming and going Just as we were motivated by compassion to give to those to different offices all morning. One was dropping off a poinsettia plant for some lucky boss, another was carrying less fortunate, Jesus was motivated by compassion for us in our helpless condition. He came to earth as a baby an armload of baked goods that was tied up with red and over 2000 years ago, grew into an adult, and putting his green ribbons, and two others were trying to find the right own desires aside, lived the kind of life that would buy homes for what looked like wrapped boxes of chocolates. our freedom. Won’t you accept his gift of new life this In spite of the bustle, people were waiting patiently and Christmas Season? wishing each other a Merry Christmas.

At that point, I heard a jinga-jinga-jinga sound around the corner of the hallway. “Ah,” I thought, “some hapless delivery boy has been saddled with wearing a Santa cap complete with bells to make his delivery!” I grinned in anticipation of seeing his embarrassed face and edged around the bushy Christmas tree to get a better look.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas – Karla Mark and Karla Cornick are Area Reps with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org .

Imagine my shock when instead of seeing a young man in a red Santa hat, I saw a young man in an orange prison jumpsuit. And what I thought was the happy jingle from the bells on the fuzzy red cap was the jingle of his manacled hands and feet.

Ugly reality having intruded into my imaginary scene, I sank back into my place.

Almost instantly, this realization came to my mind: Due to sin, this is the scenario every one of us faces repeatedly throughout our lives. We pursue the things that we are convinced will make us happy only to end up disappointed, at best, and making a disastrous wreck of our lives, at worst. James 1:14 – 15 states it this way: “Temptation 6 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

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

Biker Accessories CoolBikerStuff.com 1606 P Avenue Milford, Iowa 51351 877-816-2200 Follow us on Facebook!!

Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916

Churches Rebels In His Hands 600 16th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa Mark and Lora Schiller Pastors 712-329-9901

Dealers Baxter Cycle 311 4th Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2351 www.baxtercycle.com Big Barn Harley-Davidson 81 NW 49th Place Des Moines, Iowa 50313 515-265-4444 www.bigbarnhd.net C&C Custom Cycle 130 E Lincoln Chariton, Iowa 50049 641-774-7494 www.cc-cycle.com Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com

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Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com

Uptown Motors Sales, Inc 310 Cleveland St Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-2944 www.uptownmotorsales.com

Bailey’s Pub -N- Grub 918 E Euclid Ave Des Moines 515-266-6560 Mon-Sat 6am-2am Sun 8am-12am Home Cooked Food

Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2613 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com

Whipp Sales and Service, Inc 701 S 8th Street Clarinda, Iowa 51632 1.800.477.0195 www.whippsalesandserv.com

Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook

Fenders Cycle and Motorsport 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 www.fenderscycle.com

Wiebler’s Harley-Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Drive Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-6437 www.wieblers.com

Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern 5546 130th Street NE Lisbon 319-624-2204 Cold Beer, Delicious Food, Good Music & Great Times!

Entertainment

Bill’s Boat Landing Clayton, Iowa 563-964-2112 Check Us Out on Facebook Where the River is Calling & You Must Go!

Fenders Honda 100 South 16th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 info@fendershonda.com 515-233-4727

Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30

Heartland Harley-Davidson 117 S. Roosevelt Ave Burlington, Iowa 52601 www.heartlandhd.com 319-754-1100 Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-622-4000 loesshillshd.com McGrath Dubuque Harley-Davidson 145 N Crescent Rdg Dubuque, IA 52003 563-557-3735 www.dubuqueharley-davidson.com

Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions

Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook

Marshall County Hangmen DUO ACT AVAILABLE Bike Nights, Bars, Private Parties Large Events & Small Dave Gray 641-691-0822

Buck Snort 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315

National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org

C&L Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, IA 51557 712-646-2300 or 712-216-0975 Hours Daily 11-close

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

Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com

Food and Drink

CJ’s Bar and Grill 105 E Marion St Monroe, IA 641-259-2222 & Facebook M-F 11am-Close, S-S Noon-Close Homemade Food-Live Entertainment

McGrath Hawkeye Harley-Davidson 120 Westcor Drive Coralville, IA 52241 319- 545.7495 www.hawkeyehd.com Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.com Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.com

Bootleggers of Millville Awesome Stop, Great Staff, Fantastic Food Tops in Scenic River Rides Check us on Facebook 563-252-7775

Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net

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American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public Newtonamericanlegion111.org Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigosfortdodge.com

Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Dirty Ernies 201 1st Street NE Farley, Iowa 563-744-4653 Ride your Harley to Farley!

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Durango Depot Knuckleheads 736 Burtons Furnace Road Anamosa, IA 319-462-2724 Open 3 to close Like on FB Knuckleheads Pub & Grub Best Scenic Road With the Best Food!

Open M-F 11-2, S-S 10-2 563-552-2291 The Knucklehead Burger “Git IT IN YA”

Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com

The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook

Ferg’s Bar & Grill 806 Hwy 30 Grand Junction, Iowa 50107 515-738-5416 Where Good Friends Meet

Lampe’s Pub 608 Iowa Avenue Dunlap, Iowa 51529 712-643-5781 Open 7 days a week at 11 AM

Sambetti’s Bar and Grill 1430 2nd Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50314 515-245-9780 Mon-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-7p

The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S Noon-2a Find Us On Facebook

Fro’s Pub ‘N Grub 309 Cedar St, Wilton 563-732-3977 Fro’s Pub n Grub on Facebook A Surprise Around Every Corner

Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com

Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com

The Roadhouse 105 Washington Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2272 Home of the Marne Burger

Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook

Minden Bowl Café & Lounge 209 Broadway Street Minden, Iowa 51553 712-483-2937 Minden Bowl on Facebook

Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill 228 East 4th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-235-8865 www.partyattheeagle.com

The Sawmill Bar & Grill Now with a Full Menu 401 Main St New Market, IA 51646-3079 712-585-3601

Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Mon-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12

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

Shooters Bar 661 Main Anita, Iowa 712-249-7370 Mon-Fri 3:00-Close Sat-Sun 10:00-Close

Thirsty’s on 3rd 2202 W 3rd, Davenport 563-424-1143 Follow Us on Facebook Daily Thirst Quenching Deals

Mudders in Minburn Coldest Beer in Dallas County Bar Food-Wings-Pizza-ETC 515-897-9223 Open M-Sun 11AM Facebook Mudders

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

T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON

Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015

Sparetime Bar & Grill 136 West Main Street Ute, Iowa 61060 712-885-2226

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

Hawkeye Bar & Grill 110 North 4th Street Mapleton, IA 51034 712-882-1226 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. ~ Sun 12:00 p.m.

Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook Iron Saddle Saloon 39 S Main Street Dayton, Iowa 50530 515-547-3311 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

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

Jerrys 100 W Washington Exira, Iowa 50076 Jerrys Exira on Facebook “The Party Lives On”

Pizza Ranch DENISON 510 HWY 39 North Denison, Iowa 712-393-3333 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week

Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials

Just 1 More 515-570-4206 403 3rd Ave Under the Water Tower Jamaica, Iowa Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook

Pizza Ranch HARLAN 613 Court Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2262 Check Us Out on Facebook Open 7 Days a Week Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788

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The Back Forty 317 Main St. Macedonia, Iowa 51549 712-486-2687 facebook.com/thebackforty

Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House Mineola, Iowa 712-526-2078 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us Out on Facebook Uncle Harley’s Bar & Grill 202 W Mayne, Blue Grass (563)381-1717 Great Pizza & Food Bikers ALWAYS Welcome Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 3, Sat 10, Sun 3 Whitetails Bar & Grill 101 N. Main St. Marble Rock IA,50653 641-397-9900 Mon.- Sat. 7am breakfast -2am Close www.whitetailsbarandgrill.com Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395

The Home Plate Diner 304 E. 30th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50317 515-262-7000

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Guns and Ammo

Services

2A Firearms Training Training to Protect Your 2nd Ammendment Rights 641-439-6660 Craig.2aft@gmail.com

A+ Affordable Heat, Air, Refrigeration & Geo Thermal 22274 Old Lincoln Hwy Crescent, Iowa 51526 712-329-9901

McCunn Specialty Firearms 74980 Richland Road Massena, Iowa 50853 www.mccunnsguns.com 712-779-GUNS

BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com

I n s u r a nc e

CJ Now Plumbing Sewer & Water Specialists 309-786-2002 Serving the Quad Cities Area On Call 24-7

Matt McCall Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance 102 East South St, Tipton 563-886-6120 www.mattmccall.net Oakland Insurance Agency Motorcycle, Home, AUTO, Commercial, Life, Health Specializing in Teen Drivers Shane Baker 712-310-7475 shane@oaklandins.com

Legal Hupy and Abraham sc, pc Lawyers for Bikers 800.800.5678 Hupy.com IowaBikerLawyers.com Leehey Olson Law, PC Riding & Defending Your Rights for Over 30 Years 877-209-9452

Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com

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Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Creative Concepts Collision 422 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712.755.2231 Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954

Hoker Trucking NOW HIRING Dixon, Iowa Hokertucking.com 563-843-2763 Irwin Locker & Catering 502 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-3215 irwinlocker@gmail.com Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook Southwest Iowa Sandblasting Mike Magers 65162 Oxford Rd Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-249-3995

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

Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076M-F 9-5 Most Sat 9-12 Or Call

Tattoo

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

Skin Mechanix INKorpar8ted 117 No. 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712 256-2847 Check Us Out on Facebook

Machine Shop 6821 Fleur Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50321 515-285-4332 RIDE SAFE

Vape

Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220

The Fog Zone Vape Store 420 Chestnut Street Atlantic, Iowa, 50025 Facebook.com/fogzonestore 712-243-4024 To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com

Pike Run Services 320 Main Nichols, Iowa 52766 Shop 319-723-4244 Cell 319-330-4541

Shops & Fabricators Bent Wrench Cycles 911 7th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-235-2453 Bent Wrench Cycles on Facebook

SS Collision, Cycle Works & Graphics 2902 11th Ave SW Spencer, Iowa 51301 712-262-3959 www.sscollision.com

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

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Birthday Butt Burner 1,000

I have done them before on the anniversary day of my uterine release, but missed it last year due to being too busy and other things going on. I have always enjoyed, whenever possible, partaking in a different sort of ass cheek torture on a birthday other than spankings. Not that I have anything against a good birthday flogging, but I prefer to do something for hours on end to aggravate the ass cheeks, and do a good one thousand mile ride. I have the luxury of going on a bagger, but have done it on other types of bikes in the past. It tends to make shorter work of accomplishing the goal of 1,000 miles, as the quicker you can get it done, the less fatigue sets in and thus, the more safely it can be completed. This year was all by my lonesome, although I am not opposed to having company on these rides. Maybe next year a few of you could join along?

This year the 2016 Birthday Butt Burner 1,000 started off at 05:51 hours from Kimballton on September 23rd with an odometer reading of 42,201. A couple of my goals this year were to hit the 1K mark in less than 24 hours, and hopefully beat my best time record of 17 hours. Another goal was to ride in Iowa and all of the surrounding states in said 24 hour period. I headed south on 173 to Atlantic where I got on 71. I took that road south clear to the Missouri state line at Braddyville. I crossed the state line, turned around at a gas station and headed right back north on 71. A couple of miles north I then changed direction to head west on J64, a nice little county pavement that flanks the Stateline over to Hamburg. I hooked up with I-29 at Hamburg and headed north to the Highway 2 exit and made a quick detour over the bridge to turn around in a state park over the river in Nebraska. That made for Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska so far. I know both of those so far I just simply made a brief appearance and vacated, but that was all part of the plan. I had no time to linger in any of our neighboring states, as I had a lot of miles left. I got back to the big slab, and headed north to the Glenwood exit, and grabbed the first splash of fuel for the day as well as water, bathroom and granola bar break. I took off from there and kept on my journey.

Next exit was Sioux City. I got off the interstate in North Sioux City, South Dakota hitting the fourth state for the day. I meandered through northern Sioux City and got over to 75, that turns into 60 and kept rolling northeast. I had other opportunities to stop in different towns for fuel, but doing a ride like this requires more miles, less stops, or you will never make it in the allotted time frame. I stretched the mileage as far as I cared to and stopped at a truck stop on the east side of Sibley with 214 miles on the tank of fuel. Fuel, water, bathroom, chicken strips, candy bar and back on the road in short order.

I grabbed 50 again to head north to Worthington and I-90.

Just short of Worthington came some fog, haze, light drizzle occasionally, and some of the crappiest roads I hit the whole day. For starters, there was one of those round-a-bout things to get ON to the interstate, I found that rather odd, but that is what those MN people do I guess. It was an uneventful trek across 14 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

flatland of southern Minnesota and the fifth state of the day, and then I turned south at Albert Lea. Next stop was in Mason City with another 189 more miles logged for the day.

I had to make a quick stop off to see Scary Jerry and give him some stuff for Heather and David, and then the typical g,b,w,g break. Eastbound on 18 then hammer down for the next state. I rode 18, 218, 27, and whatever else they number that Avenue of the Saints road through Waverly and Waterloo, and then got to 20 east.

Next stop Dubuque for the typical fuel and other stuff, and hit the 750 mile mark for the day. It was on a Friday, and it was right at 5 PM, so there were crazy cages all over the place ramming to get home or out of the city. I needed to make a quick loop to hit states number six and seven, so I rode across the East Dubuque bridge into Illinois, then north into Wisconsin, and then onto 151 heading southwest for quite a few miles. I got back into Iowa at Dubuque again, and had officially ridden in 7 states in one day, but was miles away from home.

I meandered down highway 151 with a purpose, to get

home and to hopefully beat my best time record for a 1,000 mile day. I watched the Cascade, Monticello, and Anamosa exit signs come and go and I kept twisting the wick to get home. I hit the Cedar Rapids area and luckily ran into no issues with closed roads due to the flooding problems they had there at the time. I hooked up with 30, and then down the superspeedway dragstrip of Iowa known as I-380, and got down to I-80. I headed west on I-80 rolling with traffic and pushed it a little further distance wise in the cooler night air to 229 miles since the Dubuque fuel stop. It was almost 20:30 hours and I had plenty of fuel left, as I only put in 5.684 gallons. I could have gone a lot further with the 0.316 gallons left! Typical stop for the last one of the day and back onto the big road to continue home.

I hit the 1,000 mile mark around Stuart area, and looked at the clock and it was exactly 2051, so I hit my goal in exactly 15 hours’ time. That was a new record for me and I was ecstatic! I continued rolling home and hit a total for the day of 43,258 on the odometer to make 1057 for the day in 15 hours and 45 minutes. Rides like these are not for the faint of heart or ill prepared. It takes a lot of planning to have all the gear you need for the weather, a bike that will stand the pace, a rider that can handle the fatigue, and being able to choose roads that have a high enough speed limit to be able to make the journey safely and within reason. I will shoot for my next big ride like this on my birthday next year, unless we have a fabulous spring and it is warm enough for my half birthday on March 23rd! See you on the road!

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Monteuczomah, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico. This town I have visited quite a bit in the past few years, as this is the home of Sutherland Printing, where every issue of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa has been printed for quite a few years. Owner Dave and General Manager Poweshiek Dick have taken very County good care of TRMI and will continue to do so for years Poweshiek County is to come! Their facility is located smack dab pretty impressive for small between Des Moines and town Iowa, and the level of Iowa City. The county loyalty and commitment is named for the Indian of the employees is awe inspiring. Also in Montezuma Chief of the Fox tribe who is the Poweshiek County Freedom Rock. They just signed the treaty ending finished this thing up a few short months ago, and it the Black Hawk War is located on the southeast corner of the courthouse and is dissected by Interstate 80, with Highway 6 also square. We ran into some of the local Legion Members crossing it horizontally and split vertically by Highway putting some finishing touches on the lighting, and they 63. Other major highways that traverse the county filled us in on the history of the subjects on the rock. If include 146 and 21 for state roads, and many other you can catch Ron Hensel on the square at Ron’s Barber paved county roads.

Shop, he can fill you in on it a little bit.

On the north side of the courthouse We rolled into the county from the are the All Vets Memorial and Bill Southeast after a wonderful breakfast of Rights Monument. Also worth a get together with Mark and Karla, the gander as you are checking out the CMA contributors. We were heading square in town. for home and rolled through Deep River first. This little town is about the If you head west out of town you same population as where we live, just will see a couple of different lakes, short of 300, and it equals the level Diamond Lake and Lake Ponderosa. of excitement! Don’t get me wrong, I Diamond Lake is a county park would not trade living in small town that is open all year around. Lake Iowa for anything, but there is not a lot Ponderosa is a private lake and to see here. We asked a couple of locals about what subdivision just west of Diamond a bit. Although the was cool in the area, and got zip for responses. They lake is private, a little place right off the highway and even looked a little disgusted that we would even ask. easy to get to is not private, Jumpin Jimmy’s. This is We did see outside of town is the Deep River Timber a restaurant and bar located right on the shore of the Reserve, but opted out of going to take a look on the lake, and it a great place to stop and grab some grub gravel roads. or wet your whistle.

99 Counties to tour on the bike, 99 counties to tour, take one down, drive on around, 21 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 touring curiosity for our state of Iowa.

Next stop was the county seat of Montezuma which is located about 9 miles south of the big road at the intersection of 163 and 85. Montezuma sports a population of about 1,500 people. Montezuma was first established in 1848, when local veterans of the Mexican-American War named the city after

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With a lot more county to cover, we headed back east and then north on V18. We had to stay awake so that we would not contradict the song, and arrived in the town that is the community of flags, aka, Brooklyn. In 1991 Brooklyn put up an avenue of flags to welcome RAGBRAI riders into Brooklyn. That gave Alexander Wehrle an idea. He hoped to raise enough money to build a flag display in Brooklyn.

One flagpole was to be so tall that motorists Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com

could see it from parts of Interstate 80 and Highway 6. That idea is now a reality with a large Flag Display sitting up on a hill next to the Brooklyn Museum. At the top of the hill is an 80 foot flag pole bearing a 20 x 38’ US Flag. There are 11 rows of 5 similar flag poles that gradually lead up to steps to the larger pole. Each of the 25’ poles has one of the 50 state flags. Also in Brooklyn is the John Wayne Historic Marker which is located on the corner of Jackson and East Des Moines Street. This is the site of the boyhood home of John Wayne with an interesting sculpture and rock to commemorate the famous actor. One other historical site in Brooklyn is The Brooklyn Hotel which is located at 154 West Front Street. The hotel was built in 1875 and has served as a hospital, hotel and private residence.

We headed west and did a quick jaunt through Malcom, and then on to Grinnell.

Grinnell is much larger than any other town in Poweshiek County, as it has six times the population of the county seat, so it has over 9,000 residents. This is one of the counties with the county seat NOT being the largest population point for a county. There are quite a few things to see and do in Grinnell, as well as being packed with historical attractions. There was an Underground Railroad stop in Grinnell. One of the most famous events occurred in February 1859, when John Brown, a strong abolitionist, and the 12 slaves he was helping escape to freedom, were hosted by J.B. Grinnell

1,300 miles. The trail was traveled by an estimated 100,000 plus travelers from 1846 to 1869, including some 70,000 Mormons escaping religious persecution.

The Pioneer Company of 18461847 established the first route; from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. Today, the Pioneer Trail is still visible through many parts of rural Grinnell. The town is also home to Grinnell College and was home to Spaulding Manufacturing.

H.W. Spaulding began making carriages and spring wagons in Grinnell in 1876. In 1909 the Spaulding Manufacturing Company added automobiles to its production line. At one time, the factory was the largest employer in the county. The college remains, but the Spaulding Company is long gone due to the onset of the cheaper Ford cars over 100 years ago.

Grinnell is also home to the Chicago/ Rock Island Railroad Station, and the tracks dissect the historic burg in eastern Iowa.

As we ran out of time and space, that is all we have for you in Poweshiek County. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the roads and attractions, but may spark some curiosity for you to check it out yourself. Next month we will travel to the south central border of the great state of Iowa to see what Ringgold County has to offer.

Vernon Vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com Sources available upon request

and several other community residents. Because of J.B.’s efforts to help slaves and end slavery, in 2013 the National Park Service included his gravesite at Hazelwood Cemetery on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom listings.

Grinnell was also a stop along the Mormon Pioneer Trail, which spans across five states covering about Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

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I was sitting here trying to figure out what to bend yawls’ ears about this month, and I was drawing a blank; it suddenly popped into my head about a few words that seem to get forgotten about in today’s society in general. Let’s see if this works In the motorcycle community, there’s a word that is spoken quite often. It’s a word that at one time meant a lot to the biker world. The word is BROTHERHOOD. Now before the females in the biker community crucify me, the word also stands for the sisterhood.

When I refer to the Brotherhood in this article, it most certainly includes the ladies as well.

To me, the Brotherhood means a person or group of people that exhibits Integrity, respect, and honor. I learned about these three traits in the military.

I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y.

Integrity is a rather simple word. If you say you’re going to do something, you do it. Too many people today will tell you one thing, but never deliver on their promises, thus lowering or erasing their level of integrity. They seem to do this for personal gain, and often with little or no consideration for anyone around them.

Often it means they are throwing a brother or sister under the proverbial bus.

with honor”. To me, the word means that you live your life the best way you know how. Do things that will make people proud to call you brother, or sister.

Lead by example, if you are in a leadership role. Be a stand up person and always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Be there for your friends.

The Brotherhood mantra and way of life is still alive today. Many people choose the easy way over living by the way of the Brotherhood. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood suffers because of it.

It doesn’t only exist in the biker world. Veterans, fire departments, law enforcement, and other tight knit professions all know what the Brotherhood is supposed to be about.

Politics, red tape, and everyone looking for personal gain has made the Brotherhood seem too old school to survive in today’s society and fast paced world. We sacrifice the Brotherhood if we can better ourselves. Decisions are made based on “what’s in it for me?” mentality. If they step on a few people, but come out ahead, they are good with it.

On the flip side, there aren’t too many people who will speak up against those who choose this route.

Integrity, respect, and honor go right out the window, and so does the Brotherhood. This is what I see, to some extent.

Can this be fixed? Of course it can. How, you ask?

We have to stop and remember we are all part of a lifestyle and of a much grander picture. Not everyone can live this lifestyle, nor do they want to. We are the last of the free spirits. As these free spirits, we need to start looking out for each other.

Yes there will be conflict amongst the Brotherhood.

That’s how families work. It happens. Once it does, work it out, put it behind you, and carry on.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect, to me, is treating Hopefully you’d do that for your blood relatives. The Brotherhood is your family that you choose to have, someone the way I wish to be treated. This doesn’t unlike blood relatives whom you can’t choose. mean that you should expect any special treatment I challenge all who read this and enjoy the lifestyle from anyone, just simply treat people the way you we have chosen. I challenge all of you to bring back want to be treated yourself. It does mean that I expect a fair shot, and in return, you’ll get a fair shot the Brotherhood. It’s not that it’s gone, just that it’s lacking a bit from what it once was. Be there for from me. Too many people today demand respect each other. Watch out for others in the wind despite without having earned it. By showing people you have integrity, you will earn their respect. Once you what they ride, how they ride, or where they ride.

To use an old military term from way back, watch have earned the respect, never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. If and when put each other’s 6. Treat people like they deserve to be treated, and on the reverse of that act in such a in that situation, you best be prepared to have your bluff called. When this happens, it is time to put your manner that people can see that you deserve it. money where your mouth is. Trust me, once you do, If I call you brother, or sister, I do this because you it’s not likely it will happen too often. have earned my respect. Hopefully I’ve earned yours at that point. Later, my Brothers and Sisters.

H-O-N-O-R. How does one describe honor?

Honor is not the easiest trait to describe, nor is it an Gary Emery, aka Wildman easy one to obtain. A good example is in the veteran firefighter200463@hotmail.com or the military ranks. You often hear “He/She served 18 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

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Roxann Carnicle 2011 Road King Cedar Rapids

Joey Adams 2009 V Star Classic Wapello

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

Kathy Porter 1997 Valkyrie Trike Greenfield 22 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

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This month we bring you a featured Military Rider, and add a couple of twists to the story. TRMI would like to introduce Mike Ball from Rhodes. He served in the United States Army from 1975-1978. He was a Specialist E-4. He served with 1st Cav Division at Fort Hood in Texas, and also was stationed on Johnston Island in the Pacific Ocean where chemical munitions were stored such as nerve gas, mustard gas and Agent Orange. His primary MOS was Military Police.

Military service has been a big part of Mike’s family. His father served during the Korean War. His grandfather served with the 127th Machine gun battalion in World War I and His uncle Ron was killed in action in the Philippines in World War II. His great, great grandfather served in the Civil War. Mike continued with the US Army, and now two of his children are serving.

Mike’s son Trevor is currently serving in the United States Army 75th Ranger Battalion. He has completed tours in Kuwait and Afghanistan, and is currently stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He owns a Harley-Davidson Night Rod and enjoys riding almost year round in Georgia.

Trevor has attained the rank of Sargent.

His daughter Kayla is also currently serving in the Army National Guard as a Spec4 Military Police.

She is stationed at Camp Dodge in Iowa. She does not currently own a motorcycle, but enjoys riding every chance she can get.

Mike has been riding motorcycles since his father brought home a Honda 90 when he was 12 and Mike was hooked on the lifestyle of riding. He has owned motorcycles most of his life, from dirt bikes and hill climbing bikes to street bikes. He ended up owning many models of HarleyDavidson motorcycle over the years. He currently owns a 2016 Road Glide with a 110 cubic inch motor. He chose the Road Glide because he is fortunate enough to do a lot 26 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

of riding and Mike enjoys the comfort and space to store needed items for trips.

Mike belongs to the American Legion and he has been a Legion rider for over 10 years as well as a Patriot Guard Rider. He is currently president of the Marshalltown Post 46 American Legion Riders. They try and get together whenever they can to do rides, even if it’s just a day ride for lunch or something else small. He states “It is great to be able to ride with friends even if you don’t have a plan when you start the day, it seems like someone always comes up with a great idea.” A couple of the Post members started a Paws and Effect fundraiser ride and they are honored to help sponsor that ongoing event. The money is used to train service dogs for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as children with disabilities.

They had a great turnout at their first ride and raised over $16,500.00 and they hope to be able to do this for many years to come.

They also volunteer at the Veterans Home in Marshalltown for many events and do bingo once a month for the Veterans at the Veterans Home. They also do community dinners once a month at the Legion Post.

The Riders enjoy meeting and talking to the public to let people know that Veterans care and are still serving, now as active members of the community.

Mike is very proud that his children have chosen to serve their country just as he and many family members have in the past, even though as a parent, he worries about them with the way things are in the world today. If you see Mike, Trevor, or Kayla out and about on two wheels, thanks them for their service and remember we would not be free to ride if it was not for dedicated patriots like them! Thanks from TRMI! Vernon

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I hate to bring this to everyone’s attention but we are down to the last and final page of the 2016 calendar. It has been a good season for riding; the scooter left the garage in March and continued burning up fuel deep into November. Instead of being bummed out about parking the two wheeler, I have decided to focus on my bucket list for the off season.

But before we get to the bucket list, you must know that I recently shared with a TRM Iowa reader that the Thunder Road Magazine is available in states other than Iowa. I always knew there were slow readers out there but this guy doesn’t even understand the pictures. Since I have a strange obsession with maps, I whipped out the latest edition of TRMI and showed him the full size page with the map of the USA. I explained how that map outlines each state that has a Thunder Road Magazine. Then I explained how the color coding on the map shows the states that TRM is for sale by the publisher and which states need a publisher in order to have a Thunder Road Magazine. This doesn’t happen very often, but I walked away from that conversation looking like a real Genius.

Needless to say, when I travel, I find myself searching for Thunder Road Magazines in other states. Most of the time I pick them up while shopping for a new wardrobe but I have occasionally found them at fuel stops. And just like Iowa, they are always free.

I recently came across Thunder Road Magazine Oregon; the cover

alone got me excited, Volume 1 Issue 1. Now since there are readers out there that have no idea Thunder Road Magazine is available in other states, my warped brain thinks it is appropriate to explain that Volume 1 means it is the first year in production and Issue 1 means it’s the first magazine of the year. So Volume 1, Issue 1 in my sick mind is like finding a virgin.

This virgin issue of TRM Oregon sparked a burning desire deep inside me. Since my sick mind needs something stimulating to do during the off season I crossed shopping for sunglasses and shining my riding boots off my bucket list and added knowledge.

Have you seen or heard about a film called “Project 22”? It is an independent documentary film that can be seen on the World Wide Web and just like TRMI it is FREE! I found it on IPTV, that’s Iowa Public Television for you slow readers. It is about 2 young veterans who set out on a 6,500 mile journey of healing, from San Francisco to New York City. In hopes to do something about the fact that 22 veterans a day are committing suicide. I have managed to squeeze in the first 30 minutes and I’m hooked. Watching this film in its entirety once or twice is a definite must do for the off season bucket list.

Then I read an article in the TRM Oregon about Senate Bill 533, they call it the “Dead Red”. In January 2016 this bill became a law in Oregon. It is now legal for a motorcyclist to proceed with caution through a red light if the bike has come to a complete stop, the light has completed a full cycle and the red light never changed because the traffic signal didn’t recognize a motorcycle as traffic.

Now this may not seem like a big deal to some riders but I have one of those lights between my garage and my favorite fuel stop. I have spent too much precious riding time sitting at a red light watching it cycle over and over again, giving everyone but me a green. That damn light does not recognize a biker and at times it doesn’t recognize multiple bikes as traffic. It is prejudiced against bikers and I hate it! So the bucket list now includes finding out if Iowa has a “Dead Red” law.

Because if I get caught trying to talk my way out of a ticket by quoting Oregon law my status could quickly change from genius to dumbass.

I think it’s cool to read about the rides hosted in other states and this issue reinforced the fact that there are a lot of good people out there willing to ride for a lot of good reasons. Since TRM Iowa signs my paychecks, I will remain a dedicated reader and contributor to the Iowa edition. After all there is no place like home, but that isn’t going to stop me from occasionally getting some strange.

Start checking things off your bucket list, Iowa will be riding again soon.

Shifty LaRue

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Part II The Great Brand Wars – why we need to stop it and all get along

full potential, you can’t help being impressed. They lean so far over in a corner you couldn’t slip a piece of paper under the bike. They crack wheel stands on the back straights while already in triple digit speeds. I may never own one, but I can If you missed last month’s column, you need to get caught certainly respect the talent it takes to ride like this. But here’s up. Last month we discussed some of the half-truths and a word to the wise, they aren’t all “Jap” bikes. A Triumph urban legends about America’s motorcycle, the Harley Daytona is a beautiful and highly capable sport bike that Davidson. Evidence was presented to dispel the notion that never spent a day near a rice paddy, because it’s British, just Harley’s are slow and/or leaky, and that Sportsters are a like your author is. A Buell is a marriage of a Sport Bike and chick’s bike. If you missed that column, you’re forgiven, but Sportster motor, and they too can run with the best of them, don’t let it happen again. particularly on a short course where the astounding torque of the Harley motor gets them out of the turns faster than the This month, we’re going to talk about all the other bikes we high-revving bikes they compete with. share the road with, because at the end of the day, there’s nobody out there on the roads of Iowa that has more in Dual Sports- these are relatively new to the scene. They common with you than the other motorcycle riders, no look like Sport bikes, but with more ground clearance, matter what brand of bike they swing their leg over. We all and knobby-ish but not quite motocross like tires. My next want to have a good time on our bikes. We all want to get sentence might scare you coming from a guy that has owned home safe at the end of the ride. We all are threatened by nothing but Harleys and Choppers for over twenty five years. distracted drivers, and we ALL appreciate the right to choose But one of these will be my next bike purchase. And here’s whether to wear a helmet or not in this great state. So why- in another life, I also ride the hell out of bikes, the kind without further delayyou pedal. I guess I was born to live on two wheels. My garage has 11 of them in it, if you want to get technical about Metric Cruisers- these bikes came along in the mid-nineties it. And the great majority of the miles I’ve pedaled over the to capture a piece of the American V-twin market which was last year have been on the gravel roads of Iowa. You can exploding. Harley couldn’t build bikes fast enough, even go all day and see maybe 4 cars. The scenery is amazing, after they got the York, PA plant up and running. Everybody and you can stop to pee anywhere you want. And the threat wanted one, and insane prices were being paid. Not to get of distracted drivers is all but non-existent. So just like my left out of this mad rush, the Asian manufacturers began pedal bikes, my natural move for the most motorcycle riding cranking out V-twin bikes with retro lines and undeniable at the least risk while having the most fun is going to be on American styling. The battle lines were drawn, and a lot of ill gravel. If you get over by the rivers, the roads get twisty and will developed in the market which still exists. Harley sued hilly, and the trees get thick. You don’t even think you’re in to protect their distinctive exhaust note for example. Then, Iowa. And the best part? According to the Iowa DOT, there’s depending on who you believe, the Fat Boy was introduced over 60,000 miles of it to explore.

by The Motor Company as the one bike the Asian’s wouldn’t dare copy, because its name was a contraction of the two Geezer-glides and trikes- these guys are bikers too, and a atomic bombs dropped on Japan, Fat Man and Little Boy. lot of them used to ride on two wheels, or on sportier bikes.

The distinctive yellow bands around the heads of the first Many of them are Veterans; all of them are our elders. The year Fat Boys were said to mimic the yellow lines chalked next time you see an old fart on a Gold wing, try a little around the front of bombs that are loaded onto war planes so respect and kindness. I hope like hell I can still ride anything the guys on the flight line can tell which end goes “boom”. when I’m 85 besides the little electric romper cart at the But once all the dust settled, they kept making those bikes. nursing home.

And they made some incredibly durable cruisers that have developed a huge following because they simply work. The A few years ago I was trying to catch up to my motorcycle next time you talk to some guys that ride them, ask to see group. We were going for a ride to celebrate Shorty’s their odometer. Some of those bikes are running strong with engagement. I had some biz to handle first, and I was 80-100K miles on the clock, and that’s hard supposed to meet up with the gang along the to criticize in anybody’s book. One important way. I was talking to my buddy on the phone, point needs to be mentioned though. It’s a rare and he told me he just saw the group go by. metric cruiser that sounds good with straight I asked how he was sure it was us, and his pipes. Advice from this old biker is to leave the comment is something I’ll never forget- He stock pipes on. said “Because it was mixed bikes”. Meaning metric cruisers, sport bikes, Harleys and Sport Bikes- we’ve all seen these swoopy, ass dual sports. Because it was such an unusual in the air bikes out on the roads, the ones that sight, he knew it was us, but that’s how we look like they’re doing 110mph while on the rolled. We rode together for the sheer joy of kick stand. I’ve done my share of teasing about it, not because we had to have matching Road these in my column, probably Glides. It’s sad that we as because I get my share of motorcyclists can have so good natured ribbing right much in common and never back from them. But if you share a single mile together ever watch a Grand Prix race, on the roads. or head over to You Tube to watch some clips of one of Mark Mullins, these bikes being used to its President, MAG 32 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

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Fat Tuesday 6112 Southwest 9th Street Des Moines Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM Sun 11AM-6PM (515) 285-3552 When someone mentions Fat Tuesday the first thing that comes to mind is usually Mardi Gras and New Orleans. Well thanks to a reader submission (thanks Michael) I have learned that it just might mean some of the best Cajun cooking north of the Mason/Dixon! Fat Tuesday is a restaurant on the south side of Des Moines. When locating the building, look close. It’s back off the street a ways on the west side of the street. Fat Tuesday not only serves in house but you can get take out and they cater as well.

We visited on a Friday night and discovered that every Friday and Saturday night they have Big D in the house playing authentic Louisiana blues for tips. He created the perfect atmosphere to match the food! And speaking of the food; their menu may not be the largest nor most expansive I’ve ever seen but it’s all home cooked and authentic Cajun!!!!!

They cover all the basics with chicken, pork, and roast beef then up the ante with catfish, shrimp, oyster and alligator...

Yes, you read correctly, ALLIGATOR!!!! And don’t leave without having some pie; they are all made by the owner’s daughter!

that as far back as I can remember anywhere we ate catfish there was either a take home box or some left behind. Well, that was not the case here!!!! To say she finished the whole thing is an understatement!!! She DEVOURED ALL OF IT!!!!! Now, I must admit that the Cajun Fry consumption suffered because of it but that was a worthy trade off!

I must say I was duly impressed!!!! The only comment I could manage to pry out of her was “This was the best catfish I’ve ever had!!!!” In all fairness once the food arrived there wasn’t much conversation from either one of us. I let the adventurer in me kick in... I HAD to try the White Meat Alligator Po’ Boy!!!! I had them fix it up “Fully Dressed” which included all the fixings. The Po’ Boy itself is huge but I added on a side of Cajun Fries as well. I’m sure you’re all wondering about the alligator! Well, wonder no more, it was delicious!!!! Breaded chunks of white meat that was amazingly tender. When I say tender I don’t mean more tender than chicken... I mean more tender than normal fish, almost to the point of literally melting in your mouth!!!! I do need to warn you that these were liberally doused with red hot sauce which complimented the flavor of the alligator perfectly but did cause the sweat to roll on my forehead!!!! (I’m perfectly good with that, in fact I invite it and actively seek it out, but your mileage may differ!!!)

We were preparing to grab our ticket and head out when the owner stopped by and asked about us having some pie that her daughter made.

Homemade pie??????

YES PLEASE!!!!!!!! The offerings that night were Apple and Pecan. I opted for Apple and was not disappointed!!!! It was full of huge slices of apple coated in the most delicious glaze and the crust was light and flaky and perfect throughout! Lynnette decided on the Pecan since she is my resident Pecan pie connoisseur.

Her mother holds the prestigious title of world’s greatest Pecan pie baker! (In our family at least, LOL) Upon attempting to finish her pie she had to leave the last 3 or 4 bites behind. Her maximum overload capacity had apparently been reached. Although she was unable to finish the pie she did say it was incredibly rich and at least as good as her mother’s!!!! That’s quite a compliment!!!!

Fat Tuesday, if you’re longing for an authentic taste of New Orleans, this is the place to be! Look them up on Facebook at their page FatTuesdayRestaurant or check out their website at www.fattuesday-restaurant.com. So the next time y’all in the area “pass by” and check them out!!!!

Until next month, ride safe and eat hearty!

Craig Little craig@thunderroadsiowa.com PS If you have someplace you think we should check out in your neck of the woods, shoot me an email.

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Twas the night before Christmas, Old Santa was pissed. He cussed out the elves and threw down his list. Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks. I have a good mind to scrap the whole works.

I’ve busted my ass for damn near a year instead of “Thanks Santa”, what do I hear? The old lady bitches cause I work late at night ... The elves want more money, the reindeer all fight.

Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids, Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS. And just when I thought that thingss would get better, the assholes from the IRS RS sent me a letter. They say I owe taxes- if tthat hat ha ain’t damn funny, Who the hell ever sent S Santa antaa an Claus money? And the kids these days, they hey y are all the pits. They want the impossible, those osee os mean little shits. I spent the whole year making wagons and sleds, assembling dolls... their arms, legs and heads. I made a ton of yo-yo’s no request for them, they want computers and robots, they think I’m IBM. If you think that’s bad, just picture this, try holding these brats with their pants full of piss. They pull on my nose, they grab at my beard and if I don’t smile the parents think that I’m weird. Flying through the air dodging the trees, falling down chimneys and skinning my knees. I’m quitting this job, there’s just no enjoyment I’ll sit on my ass and collect unemployment. There’s no Christmas this year and you know the reason. I found me a blonde and I’m going South for the season.

The Top Ten Santa Pick-Up Lines 10. “I’ll make you shake like a bowl full of jelly.”

9. “I put the ‘scroo’ in Scrooge.”

8. “I’ve got something you can hang a wreath on.”

7. “One hour with me, honey, and you’ll see flyin’ reindeer!”

6. “Buy you a Zima?”

5. “That is a candy cane in my pocket, and I am glad to see you.”

4. “Uh -- yeah, that’s right, I’m Kenny Rogers.”

3. “I got your stocking stuffer right here, Shirley!”

2. “Giddy-up over here and say ‘howdy’ to your fat, bearded cowboy of love!”

1. “I’ve got an elf in my pants!”

Q. Why are women’s breasts like a train set a kid gets at Christmas time ?

A. Because they were originally made for children but the father wants to play with them.

Q. What do the female reindeer do when Santa takes the male reindeer out on Christmas Eve? A. They go into to town and blow a few bucks.

Q. What’s the difference between snow men and snow women? A. Snowballs Confucious say, “Is good for girl to meet boy in park but is better for boy to park meat in girl.”

36 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

YOU YO U KNOW KNO YOU DRINK TOO MUCH KN COFF CO COFFEE FFE FF EE WHEN...

E Juan Jua JJu a Valdez names his mule after you.

You chew on your roommate’s fingernails.

You can jump-start your car without cables.

You do twenty miles on your treadmill before you realize it’s not plugged in.

You can’t remember your second cup.

Y You have a picture of your coffee mug oon your coffee mug.

S Starbucks has a mortgage on your house.

Y Your birthday is a national holiday in Co C Columbia.

Yo Y You don’t sweat - you percolate.

Y You grind coffee beans in your mouth.

A man dies, and his wife gets him cremated. She takes the ashes home and starts talking to them. “You know that fur coat you promised me? I bought it with the insurance money. You know the new car you promised me? I bought it with the insurance money.” Then she whispers, “You know that blow job I promised you? Well, here it comes.”

A blonde goes on a hot date and ends up making out with the guy in his car. The guy asks if she would like to go in the backseat. “No!” yells the blonde. Things get even hotter, and the guy asks again. “For the last time, no!” says the blonde. Frustrated, the guy asks, “Well, why the hell not?”

The blonde says, “Because I wanna stay up here with you!”

One day at the end of class, little Johnny’s teacher asks the class to go home and think of a story to be concluded with the moral of that story. The following day the teacher asks for the first volunteer to tell their story. Little Suzy raises her hand. “My dad owns a farm and every Sunday we load the chicken eggs on the truck and drive into town to sell them at the market. Well, one Sunday we hit a big bump and all the eggs flew out of the basket and onto the road.” When the teacher asked for the moral of the story, Suzy replied, “Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.” Little Lucy went next. “My dad owns a farm too. Every weekend we take the chicken eggs and put them in the incubator. Last weekend only eight of the 12 eggs hatched.” Again, the teacher asked for the moral of the story Lucy replied, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Next up was little Johnny.

“My uncle Ted fought in the Vietnam war, and his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He jumped out before it crashed but could only take a case of beer, a machine gun and a machete. On the way down, he drank the case of beer. Then he landed right in the middle of 100 Vietnamese soldiers. He shot 70 with his machine gun, but then he ran out of bullets! So he pulled out his machete and killed 20 more. Then the blade on his machete broke, so he killed the last ten with his bare hands.” The teacher looked a little shocked. After clearing her throat, she asked what possible moral there could be to this story.

“Well,” Johnny replied, “Don’t f**k with Uncle Ted when he’s been drinking.”

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TRMI DECEMBER 2016 - 37

38 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

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TRMI DECEMBER 2016 - 39

Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov 25 Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 17

Carroll Cycle Center Mens Night Out Carroll Black Friday Metro Cedar Rapids Turkey Run Clinton Steffens Cycle Open House Atlantic Santa Visits Metro Cedar Rapids Santa Visits Carroll Cycle Center Holiday Open House Big Barn Des Moines

2017 Jan 7 Jan 29 Jan 29 Feb 2-5 Feb 10-12 Feb 17-19 Feb 24-25

Retro Rewind Dubuque Wild Wade’s High Performance Swap Meet Des Moines Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island IL International Motorcycle Show Minneapolis International Motorcycle Show Chicago 31st Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE

40 - TRMI DECEMBER 2016

Feb 25-26 Mar 3-5 Mar 5 Mar 17-19 Mar 18 Mar 25-26 Apr 7-8 May 5-6 May 6 May 7 Jul 15 Jun 29-Jul 1 Aug 3-5 Aug 26 Sep 9

48th O’Reilly Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello World of Wheels Chicago Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids TRMI Motorcycle Show at World of Wheels Omaha ABATE D3 Spring Dance Jerry’s Exira 30th Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN ABATE of Iowa Heartland STEAM Sioux City Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone 11th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Blue Grass “Ride for Time” with “ Friends of Mine” Baxter ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Across the Border Raid Bedford Jami Jam VI: Ride For Mental Health Action & Awareness Terril No Nipple Dipple for Hunt of a Lifetime Buffalo

Oct 15

ABATE D3 Toy Run Atlantic

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