2 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thun Th under unde un derr Ro de Roa Roads aad ds Magazine Maga Ma g zi zine nee of of Io Iowa wa on wa on Facebook Face Fa cceebo b ok
www.thunderroadsiowa.com www ww w.th w. hun unde derr de rroa rr oads oa dssio d iowa wa.c wa .cco om m
TR T RM MII JJANUARY AN A NU UA ARY RY 2019 200119 - 3 TRMI
Thunder Roads Magazine nee ooff Io IIowa owa wa rreaches eacchhes ea each es beyond the Mississippi aand nd M nd Missouri isso is ssour soour urii lee eedd oover verr oour ur ur rivers. We obviously bleed ndi ding ng sstates, ng taatteess,, tate borders into our surrounding but we also ship subscriptions ipt p io onss aall llll ail oout utt over the country. We ma mail copies every month to do ddozens oze zeens zens of people that are eitherr fr from rom m Iowa, or have strong ties es to Iowa. I have often wondered what the subscribers in the southern states think about my whining in the winter time m me about the cold and snow w in in m my y editorials. Vast majorities ies es ooff the out of state subscriptions ppttiioons ons n are sent to locations above ovve th the he Mason-Dixon Line, but there are a few that are mailed down south. You know, where the weather is a lot nicer from November to April. I also have been curious if Dennis in Texas, Greg in Hawaii, or Helen and Allan in Florida would pay a postage due subscription package at their local Post Office? Next thing would be how do I get into a package large enough to be shipped? I don’t mean to stay permanently, just for a brief period during the cold months to get away from it here. I really love Iowa and don’t want to leave for good, but a slight diversion to some winter warmth would be great! Although that would never really happen, the USPS doesn’t want a 300 pound package to deliver, but the idea was fun to run through my mind. Back to reality though, we would like to thank our subscribers, readers, and sponsors for keeping this thing going. You are now reading our Volume 10, Issue 1 magazine. That means we are starting into our 10th year of publishing, with a handful of issues over 100 on the shelves over the years, and we could not have done it without all of your support. Thank you all! As the short cold days are getting on my nerves, at least I can keep in the back of my mind that the show season will be coming up very quickly. That helps me maintain a little bit of sanity and not be so growly for the poor people that share my household with me. The first show we will be set up at is the Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet in Rock Island on February 3rd. The following weekend we go to the Capital City Show and Swap Meet February 9th and 10th. The central Iowa standby for biker gatherings in the
wint winter wi int nter er iiss all alll set set and se and re an rready e to roll again for thiiss yyear. this th ear. r The Th he 21 221st 1s through the 23rd in 1s Fr Fremont, rem emon ont, on nt, N NE E is i the Omaha Chapter An Anti Antique nti tiqu que Mo M Motorcycle o Club of A Am mer eric ica N America National Swap Meet. I yyou If ou hhave ou a any interest in vvi vintage int int ntag ntag age bikes and their riders, orr ssimply im m want to know th the he li llineage in of your current ride, this is the place to be. I know we will sure be there with magazines an and nd some old parts to sell. Th The he fi firs rsst Sunday in March rst th then, hen en,, on on the 3rd, you will find nd uuss at a the Cedar Rapids Pa P Parts arrtts Gi G Girl Promotions Swap M Me Meet. eet et IItt always amazes me the number of people that meander through that show at Hawkeye Downs, and it is justified as there are more parts there than about any other swap meet in the Midwest. After CR we fast forward this year clear up to April 6th and 7th for the North Iowa Motorcycle Expo in Mason City. It is a blast and a great time to find that last minute stuff before the riding season finally shows up. It is great to re-connect with old friends and meet new ones up in the great white north for a weekend. After this last show, then we can hopefully get on with the riding season and some kick ass Iowa biker events! Hope to see some of you out and about at some of the shows. Until then, be safe, stay warm, get into gear on the winter mods, and enjoy your new year! Happy New Year from all of us here at Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa and Thunder Guns! Vernon and Melanie Quote of the Month: “You are on your own. You are not protected by two tons of steel, rubber, foam padding and safety glass. Neither are you steering two tons of guided missile toward other cars, people and property. If you are prepared to accept the responsibility of your own actions, then motorcycling can be both safe and thrilling. Riding is an art as well as a craft and no amount of explanation can take the place of experience.” ― Theresa Wallach, Easy Motorcycle Riding, 1970
On the Cover The Snyder family, along with Max and Alec from Iowa Legendary Rye want to wish you the happiest of New Year’s! Together they braved the cold temperatures to make sure that there are plenty of mouthwatering bottles of Iowa’s original recipe, small batch whiskey for you and yours to enjoy as you ring in 2019. So raise your glass in style this holiday season with the 100 year old bootlegger’s recipe that still comes direct to you, from small town Iowa. 4 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thun Th under un u nde der Ro R Roads oaad ds Magazine Maaga M aggaazziin nee of of IIo Iowa ow waa on on Facebook Faace F cebo boo okk
www.thunderroadsiowa.com ww w ww w..thun thun th und deerrrroa oaads dsiio ds dsio owa wa.c .com .com om
TR T RM MII JJANUARY AN A NUA UAR RY Y 2019 200119 - 5 TRMI
It’s not our fault - ask any guy and he will tell you. It’s genetics, a throw of the dice, grand design, gifting from God, whatever your perspective; it is true and scientifically undeniable. We, as males, are born fixers. We have that genetic predisposition in our DNA. Unfortunately, that gene is piggybacked with the procrastinator gene. My hypothesis is that I think one of the wife scientists must have made that discovery then broadcast it over the secret hormonal airwaves that guys can’t receive, then secretly lobbied to have it included in girl’s health class curriculum. Best I can figure that’s how they all know about it. Just kidding ladies! I know that gene thing really is scientific. It was just hard to find because of it’s overlapping with the love-pizza-take-a-nap gene. I know all this stuff formed my early childhood love of science. Unfortunately it was cut short and I was not able to make a career of the study. Had to do something with the lost directions to that Jr. Science kit, burning a hole in the bedroom carpet and setting the cat on fire. It really was an accident, and everyone knows you can’t believe anything little sisters say anyway; it was more of a miscalculation of the blast area than anything nefarious or malicious. I might mention my math wasn’t a strong suit, either. That whole fixer-procrastinator, geno-pheno phenomena thing surfaced during ride season with my old Road King. For most of the season I knew I had a shift shaft that was worn and wormed out which would occasionally manifest by the foot shifter working its way off the shaft. No biggie - I could usually feel it slipping and a after a couple quick well-aimed kicks it would be fine. Plenty of time to fix it before the next ride or maybe the one after that unless I get distracted by the pizza-nap thing again. Karla and I were out of town on a trip somewhere and the shaft betrayed me again, only this time I didn’t notice it until coming into a small town with a four-way light. I went to downshift and the lever was not there. I looked down and saw it laying on my floor board wiggling away, trying to work itself to the edge where it could jump off to freedom. I went from 65 to stop alongside the road by pulling the clutch in, still in fifth gear, gliding to a stop on the shoulder next to the four way light. Unfortunately, the procrastinator thing had bit me again. Oh, and I didn’t have any tools with me. Trying to start that lever on that wormed-out shaft called for some ingenuity and adaptability. I scoured the ditch to find the perfect rock/hammer tool and proceeded to smash and kick the offending lever back into an operable position. Needless to say we seemed to have attracted a lot of attention from passersby. I was wearing my colors, as always, standing along the road alternately kicking then hitting the side of this Harley with a rock while Karla calmly looked on, amazed at my mechanical ability. A lot of people stared then quickly looked away not making eye contact. Surprisingly, 6 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
no one stopped to help. I’m pretty sure I didn’t look crazy or violent. Must have just been more of that motorcycling profiling stuff. With the help of some zip ties, good aim and not so gentle persuasion we were again on the road. I was reminded of all this when I was thinking about how bad our country and our individual lives need fixing. Our country’s freedoms and morals are wormed out. We procrastinate and get used to things deteriorating little by little. Yeah, every four years we make a halfhearted attempt at the polls to kick things back into position to get further down the road. But these are just rock and zip tie, temporary fixes at best. This grand republic had great beginnings. Overwhelmingly Godly, the framers created a place where freedoms allowed ingenious, creative people to accomplish great things that were world impacting. In recent decades we have forgotten that the sources of our blessings and freedoms are rooted in Christ. Enemies of this once great nation use political correctness to attack Christianity, our constitution and even our history. It’s been said that we never really own freedom but it’s a thing to be protected and passed on to the next generation. George Orwell stated that “the most effective way to destroy a people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their own history.” The book of Matthew says, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Let us not forget the source from which our freedoms and blessings emanate. Blessings, Mark 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.
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 7
8 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 9
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 @ The Old Bait Shop 2103 Okoboji Ave MILFORD, Iowa 51351 712.338.888 & 214.914.4555 Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook 319-241-0916 J&P Cycles 13225 Circle Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 www.jpcycles.com 800-318-4823
Churches Least of Saints Ministry 1305 E 10th Street S Newton, Iowa 641-521-0156 Leastofsaintsministry.com
Dealers
Indian Motorcycle of Des Moines 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 Indianmotorcycleofdesmoines.com
National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org
Grinnell Eagles Club 616 4th Avenue Grinnell, Iowa 50112 Open 7 Days a Week Check Us on Facebook
Indian Motorcycle of Mason City Mason City Powersports 12499 265th Street Mason City 641-423-3181 Masoncitypowersportsinc.com
Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Grinnell Pub 909 State Street Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-260-8003 Grinpub@aol.com
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-800-3500 loesshillshd.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 Okoboji Harley-Davidson 1005 Eastview Avenue Okoboji IA, 51355 712-332-7700 www.erniesharley.com Okoboji Leasing Company Looking for 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Vintage Bikes to Buy! Contact Jim Wilcox 515-320-6416 Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net
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
Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com
Entertainment
Edwards Motorsports and RV’s 1010 34th Avenue Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-366-8400 fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com
Ernie’s Harley-Davidson 2701 Hwy 18 East Algona, IA 50511 515-295-7951 www.erniesharley.com
10 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
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
(Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations)
Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook
American Legion Post 46 1301 S 6th Street Marshalltown, Iowa50158 641-752-3612 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week
Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Tues-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org
Hog Stop BBQ 2327 S. 24th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 712-EAT-BBQS Hog Stop BBQ on Facebook
Barney’s 203 S Mill Street Wadena, Iowa 52169 563-774-2525 Barney’s Wadena on Facebook
Iowa Legendary Rye 707 N Main Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 Iowalegendaryrye.com
Food and Drink
Calvin Rockett Bar & Grill 2013 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-328-1033 Open 7 Days a Week 11 – Close Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com 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 bllicc 7 D Days ayss a We ay W Week ek
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
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 Just 1 More 515-570-4206 641-757-0159 309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128 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 Knickers Saloon 2186 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-557-0887 365 Days a Year Knickers Saloon on Facebook Lynn’s On Merle Hay 6014 NW 59th Ct Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-270-9806 Find us on Facebook! McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
l
Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!
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 Oakland 310 Dr Van Zee Road Oakland, Iowa 51560 712-355-5315 The Buck Snort Oakland on FB
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Facebook Sandar Mondamin
The Buck Snort Red Oak 322 E Coolbaugh Street Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-357-1701 The Buck Snort Red Oak on Facebook
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Scooters on Broadway 475 NE Broadway Des Moines, Iowa 515-288-1053 scootersonbroadway@hotmail.com
The Exchange 171 S Elm Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-343-2609 Lang’s Pizza, Cold Beer, Sports
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
The Lounge 1005 Chatburn Ave Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-5050 The Lounge Harlan Iowa on Facebook
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
Sportsman Bar & Grill 103 1st Street Pisgah, Iowa 51564 712-456-2222 FOOD, FUEL, FUN
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
k
try
Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!
The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook
Suds –N- Jugs Bar & Grill 807 Iowa Avenue Onawa, Iowa 51040 712-433-4880 Nightly Food Specials
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMPolk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon.
ose Red Oak Tap 419 E. Reed Red Oak, Iowa 51566 712-623-4788 Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com 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
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook T.J.’s Pourhouse 100 E. Washington Street Exira, Iowa 50076 712-268-2353 Open M-SAT.@11, SUN.@ NOON 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 The Buck Snort 113 4th Street Neola, Iowa 51559 712-485-9090 The Buck Snort on Facebook The Buck Snort Neb City 715 1st Corso Nebraska City, NE 68410 402-713-5169 Buck Snort Neb City on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa 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 Sun-Fri 2:30, Sat 9:30 Whatcha Smokin? BBQ+Brew 403 Iowa Avenue Luther, Iowa 50152 515-257-7490 Tuesday-Sunday 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
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577
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 TheBikerLawyers.com The Biker Lawyers, P.C. 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
Photo and Art Ullrich Photography PO Box 1842 Clinton, Iowa 52733 563-243-8715 www.natanic.com
Services BCS Computers 100 Industrial Road Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115 641-747-3344 www.brubakercomputer.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 11
Jason Roberts, LLC Haul It, Dig It, Doze It Code931993@yahoo.com 641-740-1411 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 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
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Indian Phil’s 2135 S. Ankeny Blvd Ankeny, Iowa 50023 indianphill@yahoo.com 515-795-6158 Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336
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
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Tattoos Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing 515-257-7940 3 Locations Des Moines * Ankeny www.luckygaltattoo.com
Tires Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
Trailers
Steffens Cycle Shop LLC 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3076 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12 or Call
4 Seasons Trailer & Equipment 187 Highway 6 Grinnell, Iowa 50112 641-990-8732 www.4seasonsgrinnell.com
The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY & INDIAN ONLY
Lacaeyse Trailer Sales 4192 HWY 146 Grinnell Trailers & Truck Accessories 641-990-2674 www.lacaeysetrailers.com
Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172 Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook
12 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
Weeks Manufacturing & Powdercoating 2235 400th Street Walnut, Iowa 51577 402-651-6977 weeksmanufacturing@gmail.com
To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
m
ok
r
m
January Slump Next, explore new frontiers. It’s always a great time to try new things. Whether it’s a new bar and grill, stretching your physical limits on an iron butt, or a week-long cross-country Are you one of the millions of bikers feeling the January slump? The cold air and freely flowing white crap have been adventure to numerous places unknown. Whatever you decide, remember that your buddies are likely fresh off New here for a while now, and the post-holiday lull has settled in. Though it is fairly easy to sit around and complain about Year’s resolutions themselves, so setting a mutual goal now is a good approach. things like the disappearance of that big yellow thing in the sky, now is actually a great opportunity to set yourself up for an efficacious new year. Here are a few places to Then, analyze some data. Can everyone involved in the consider channeling your extra time while you await the plan afford the financial obligation? Is everyone likely to return of blue skies. stick to their end of the bargain? Can everybody get the necessary time off? Don’t let last minute snafus throw a wrench in your well-planned goals. Not that anybody wants First, look at making some goals. If you haven’t already, to exclude a buddy from some cool riding plans…but make work on setting New Year’s resolutions. Not your regular resolutions…nobody wants to set exercise goals, or stock up sure you leave the flakes behind in January. on healthy recipes. These goals are for riding season. Talk to your riding buddies and friends about what you might shoot for this year. Once you’ve nailed down a few concrete This brings us to the next point. Learn about your things to strive for, get started on detailed action plans. And compadres. Can Bob still hang with the hard riders, or has of course, make sure you follow through when spring comes he transitioned to a more leisurely riding approach? Does Nancy spend most of her time bitching about the numbness back to Iowa. in her posterior, or does she shake it off like the rest of your group? Don’t let your companions ruin something you have Secondly, save for a rainy day. Saving time is the name of put so much time and effort into, and trash the whole trip. the game here…don’t let a lack of green founder the goals you have set in one fail swoop. Many a fun time has been If the January weather keeps you from getting out and about strangled by lack of capital. Setting aside a small amount of dough throughout the year into your own little adventure on two wheels, the next best thing is to set some goals to spend as much quality time on the road next season as you fund will make sure you can achieve the summer riding can. Spending a little time on any of these things now will goals you have set for yourself. If you have goals larger surely help you to hit the road running once weather breaks than your wallet will allow for such short notice, don’t be in the spring. discouraged…simply extend your end date and save what you can, when you can. Melanie J Schwarte melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com
Why the January Slump Can Be a Good Thing
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 13
When ya Gotta Go...
6. The Historic General Dodge House in Council Bluffs. Grenville and Mrs. Dodge constructed their 14 room, threestory, Victorian General Dodge House in 1869. Dodge was a Civil War general, railroad builder, banker, and politician. He was very involved in the planning, making several modifications Did you know that Iowa is home to a whopping 26 National including cutting edge central heating and hot and cold Historic Landmarks? I am sure that over the years we have running water. The Dodge House would have been state of the art for its time. It is now a popular venue for weddings at some time touched on some of these places, but while perusing the ol’ interwebs on a cold snowy Iowa winter day, and parties. I realized that I wanted to….no, I NEEDED to get off the couch, get out of the house, and just GO somewhere. Now, 7. The James B. Weaver House in Bloomfield. The house I love our great state of Iowa, but I was surprised to find so is now operated as a bed and breakfast inn. Originally, many cool things I could go see and do even in the dead of the Weaver House was the home of Bloomfield lawyer winter. Places that let visitors take a step back in time and and Civil War General James B. Weaver. This striking, two-story, pink brick structure was built discover Iowa’s past. in 1867 by the one-time United States Let’s take a roll call of these landmarks that are open to the representative. public. 8. The Lone Star Steamer 1. The Amana in Le Claire. Colonies. There The Lone Star are actually Steamer was the seven historic last wooden-hull villages which sternwheeler and were founded is now housed in by German the Buffalo Bill immigrants as a Museum in Le religious society Claire. Originally in 1855. The constructed Amana Colonies in 1868, the are one of Iowa’s boat plied the most famous waterways historical attractions, where residents preserve their crafts of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri and culture while offering a variety of experiences. Rivers. The Museum serves as a tribute to legendary native “Buffalo Bill” Cody as 2. Mines of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque. This well as a memorial to American Indians, landmark includes hundreds of archaeological sites near pioneers, and steamboat days. Dubuque, providing a rich history of American Indian settlement, lead mining, fur trading, lumbering, and farm 9. Merchants National Bank in Grinnell. life. The Mines of Spain includes a vast 14 miles of trails, Constructed in Grinnell in 1914, this river overlooks, prairies, and an interpretive center. simple cubical plan structure is one of the best examples of the “jewel box” banks designed by Louis 3. The Farm House Museum in Ames. The Farm House Sullivan. Today, the restored Merchants National Bank was built in 1860, and was the first building at Iowa State houses a number of civic organizations. Agricultural College and Model Farm in Ames. The museum is home to more than 6,000 pieces of Victorian 10. The Blood Run Site in Granite. Blood Run was an decorative art and antique furnishings. The displays offer intertribal and ceremonial center for the Oneota and Prairie visitors a glimpse into the early 19th century life of the Dakota tribes until the year 1720. It is located along the university and its first two presidents. Big Sioux River and the Blood Run Creek. The site includes 4. The George M. Verity Riverboat in Keokuk. The George both village sites and burial mounds that are accessible by walking. M. Verity paddlewheel steamboat was built in 1927 in Dubuque and wasn’t retired until 1960. Visitors can view its original boiler, machinery, crew quarters, and pilothouse. 11. The Old Capitol Building in Iowa City. The building has been restored to reflect the years it served as the last There are also displays of 19th century riverboats and capitol of the Iowa Territory (1842-1846), the first State artifacts of the steamboat era. Capitol building (1846-1857) and The University of Iowa’s first building. Visitors can complete a self-guided tour, 5. The Toolesboro Mounds in Wapello. The Hopewellian and alternating exhibition galleries reflect Iowa’s history, mounds at Toolesboro are among the best-preserved and culture, and heritage. most easily accessible remnants of an ancient culture flourishing from around 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. The five-acre 12. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House in Lewis. site includes several large surviving mounds, an education The Hitchcock House was built in 1856 by Reverend center, and a prairie demonstration plot.
You Gotta Go...
14 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
George Hitchcock, whom was a Congregational minister. The house also served as a station on the Underground Railroad. In 2001, the home was officially recognized as a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. 13. The William M. Black Dredge in Dubuque. This working 1934 dredge boat once roamed the Missouri River. Today, guests can tour the engine room and pilothouse of the William M. Black Dredge and even experience an overnight in a stateroom to see what life was like on a working steamboat. 14. The Sergeant Floyd Towboat in Sioux City. This diesel inspection ship plied the inland waterways for 50 years as the flagship of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction fleet. Visitors can experience the history of Missouri River transportation through rare photos and artifacts located on the Sergeant Floyd Towboat. Visitors can also view one of America’s largest displays of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboat models. 15. Terrace Hill in Des Moines. This luxurious 1869 Victorian mansion was built by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin F. Allen. The mansion currently serves as the Iowa Governor’s residence. Terrace Hill overlooks downtown Des Moines and is situated on eight acres with a formal Victorian garden. 16. Herbert Hoover’s Birthplace in West Branch. The West Branch grounds of this presidential library and museum include President Hoover’s birthplace cottage, grave sites of President Hoover and Mrs. Lou Henry Hoover, a reconstructed blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and an impressive 76 acre tall-grass prairie. The visitor center is run by the National Park Service, and has a display interpreting the early life of Hoover in Iowa. There is also a temporary gallery offering changing exhibits relating to American history. 17. Van Allen and Company Department Store in Clinton. This building was designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan. It is a four-story, steel-frame skeleton faced with brick and has exuberant terra-cotta embellishment on the upper level. The first floor of Clinton’s Van Allen and Company Department Store now contains a retail business. 18. The Sergeant Floyd Monument in Sioux City. This 100-foot-tall white stone obelisk was the first registered National Historic Landmark in the United States. The monument overlooks Sioux City and the Missouri River valley, marking the burial place of Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition. 19. The Woodbury County Courthouse in Sioux City. This structure is a Prairie-style building designed by William LaBarthe Steele and was built in 1918. The Woodbury County Courthouse is adorned with thousands of colorful tiles depicting panoramic scenes on the first two interior floors and topped with an incredible stained-glass dome. I know, I know…that’s only 19 and I specifically said there were 26 landmarks…. well, not all of them are open to the likes of you and me. There are 7 more sites that belong to the list of National Historic Landmarks, but are not open to the public. These include the 1857 Old Jail Museum, Davis Oriole Earth Lodge Site, Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School, Indian Village Site (Wittrock Area), Kimball Village Site, Phipps Site, and the William P. Hepburn House. If you can get yourself into any of these, let me know what you find, just don’t tell them TRMI sent you if you get caught! I hope at least one of these locations sparks some interest, and successfully peels you from your couch…ending the winter emaciation that becomes each of us. Melanie J Schwarte
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 15
16 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 17
Janell Hansen Des Moines 2006 Victory Jackpot
Tracey Butler Neola 2005 Heritage
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
18 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Paula Stogdill Des Moines 2017 Street Bob Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 19
What more do you need than a pair of cool old vintage Triumphs and an old style still to make your New Year complete? The Snyder family brought along Max and Alec from Iowa Legendary Rye to share in the holiday spirits produced locally in Carroll, Iowa from the same 100 year old recipe that dominated the bootlegging game during prohibition. Producing small batch whiskey and vodka is what I.L.R. does best. Stop by the distillery and sample why Lorine Sextro’s secret recipe was destined for greatness!
Time to begin the New Year! New YOU Bullshit!
without first first writing down goals goals. I am not a “self “self-help” help” motivational guy, I do NOT know magic words, phrases, We get a fresh start now, at least in our mind, right? That techniques, tips or tricks for you, a group, a company or calendar is changing and dammit, 2018 sucked large anything to be able to reach and achieve goals. Zig Ziglar, I amounts of ass but we are going forward to a better 2019! am not, but I can tell you one thing if you look at any sucIt really doesn’t matter what; year to year we get the same cessful person, team, company, organization or whatever; message, the same feeling, the same pressure to make this if they are winning at life, they have clearly stated GOALS one (the New Year) better than the one before. To not make written down and a plan to follow them. the same mistakes and to not fall into the same patterns, you know those self-destructive things we do to ourselves. We Back to my kids, and I am the first to say, I am really lucky know we really shouldn’t do them but dammit, a lot of the to have the brats, er, children that I do. For the most part, time, it’s a kick ass time and really they have been nothing but a pleathat is where all the cool stories sure to raise. They aren’t idiots in come from anyway; our screw ups. public, they engage in conversation, they can eat in public with the I do believe in fresh starts, new proper utensils, they are competitive beginnings, achieving dreams and at sports, dedicated to improving, self-improvement; I really do. I they get great grades and the cops think everybody, no matter your have never asked me about their current situation in life, should whereabouts (yet anyway). I harp hope, plan and dream to be beton them a message one of my best ter. We all do, we all hope that bosses used to harp on me all the next week, next month, the next time. When I was asked how I was day will be better than it is now, going to achieve something, I would and you know HOW I know this? tell her, and then she would always People stand in line all the time say, let me see the plan. HER way to buy lottery tickets. Lotto baby, of holding me accountable to my the quickest, easiest way to fix all our problems, just hit the own dreams, my own goals. It used to piss me the hell off lotto and life is great. Now, I am not going tell you NOT all the time, but finally, it dawned on me; I can TELL her to play the lotto to improve your life, but that might not be bullshit all I want but how am I going to achieve the results the most effective and efficient way to budget your time or I told her if I haven’t taken the time to actually write down money. Speaking of that, where in the hell is all the money my course of action. It was a pain in the ass lesson but man from lottery really going? We were told schools were godid it work and it still works. No matter what I “dream” of ing to see a windfall, yet our schools are not improving. doing, I know deep down until I sit down to figure out my Do you think our schools are any better now than 30 years course of action and put it in writing, it’s not a goal, it’s just ago? Seriously, the lottery is one of the biggest scams ever, a dream and one that I am always going to have. I harp on but since it is run by our friends in the government, we just my kids when they say what they want to do “How are you think it’s the bee’s knees! Lotto Fever, CATCH IT or some- going to get there? What is the plan? “ thing. Some quick lessons that I have picked up on over the years When it comes to making 2019 the better year, maybe when it comes to goal planning and flipping the calendar to banking on winning a jackpot isn’t the best, most efficient the New Year. option. Sure, you can grab a few tickets here and there, join a group at work, pitch in five bucks a week, maybe grab a Be specific. Powerball while gassing up, we all need to dream, but don’t have that as your only path to making your life better in Dream: I wanna ride The Old River Road. GREAT. One of 2019. the coolest things you can do anywhere on a bike. Take it to the next step and write it down, then it becomes a goal! Last year, I wrote about seeing riding goals for The New Year, I even set forth a plan to help jump start some ideas. “I want to ride the Old River Road, stay in ……. Town…. For example, if you have never been to Sturgis, write it This June”. Now, you have a goal in mind, on paper you down, maybe you want to ride in a charitable poker run or can look to. Okay, so, now you know, make sure your bike two, write it down. Maybe ride to another town for a night is ready for this adventure. What clothes to bring? Where to to see what their local bike night brings, write it down. The eat? Book lodging now, make sure vacation request forms common theme isn’t to figure out what riding plans best fit are turned in, whatever details you need to do that trip, now you and your love of saddle time, it’s writing it down! you are goal planning. The difference between a Dream and a Goal is if it’s written Make it a measurable goal, how much money will I need, down or now. when will I have to have certain details worked out etc. My kids get tired of me preaching to them all time about It is attainable? Do I have the means to pull this adventure goal setting, it’s near IMPOSSIBLE to achieve any dreams off? Is the ride relevant to my true dreams? Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 22 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
Finally and I think this might be the most important rule of all, have a timeline attached to any goals! For example, I need to book hotels for this trip by X date. I need to have work time off requests in by X date. This isn’t a tedious practice, it is actually fun, taking the time to plan what you want to achieve not only WORKS but you can do this as a couple, as a family or whatever. Start off small with your goals to get in the practice and then, when you achieve a couple, you will want to do more and see what limits you can push to accomplish. I am the first to admit, when it comes to this stuff, I don’t have all the answers, but I do know I am the ONLY person that really controls my future, my hopes, my dreams and my goals. It’s up to each of us to make 2019 better than the last year, make this the best riding year of your life and the best way to go about that is to write down your goals! If you want to chat about his more, pop me an email! Sludges!@ yahoo.com, hell, you might be able to teach me something. In the meantime, I am dreaming of June riding and another trip down the Old River Road, time to start writing that plan down myself! Happy New Year and all that other warm fuzzy crap, hope 2019 completely kicks ass for you and if you are planning, plan BIG! Todd “Crash” Davis Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 23
The general sentiment regarding self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles is skepticism. What happens if the computer malfunctions? What happens if the operating system is hacked? How are they going to operate on gravel roads or where there is no Wi-Fi or cellular coverage? Who is responsible if a crash occurs? All of these are valid concerns that are being addressed everyday while testing this new technology.
Making sure that these systems can “see” is critical. In order to be effective, they must detect things through adverse weather conditions and unexpected situations such as a pedestrian not in a crosswalk, a stalled car, or an animal. One of the things not involved in preliminary testing was motorcycles. The idea was if it could detect a person or animal it could detect a motorcycle. While it is true that motorcycles have a small profile, they also move at a vehicular rate of speed which people and animals Understanding and being involved in this testing is critical cannot. Programming and testing had to be modified to for motorcyclists. The technology is not going away. account for this. Even so, in February of 2018 Dynamic Components are already becoming standard equipment in Research reported on the reliability of the front collision new cars. Automatic braking, lane departure notifications early warning system and found that a car approaching and global positioning systems (GPS) are obvious ones; but a stopped motorcycle, the warning system failed 40% of what about automatic headlights, cruise control and back up the time either warning the driver too late, or did not warn cameras? These are things that have been around for years the driver at all. The National Highway Traffic Safety and are also integral elements of autonomous vehicles. Administration (NHTSA) fail to even mention motorcycles in their latest recommendations regarding autonomous Imagine if your chances of being involved in a crash vehicles. If motorcycles are not included in testing then or killed on Iowa roads could be reduced by over 80%. they will be rendered obsolete on our roads. That is simply What about making that infamous phrase “I didn’t see not acceptable. you” obsolete? Depending on which source you are quoting, human error accounts for 80%-95% of crashes Cyber security is something that is getting a huge amount and 65% - 85% of roadway deaths. Computers, while of attention regarding these systems. My personal belief is not perfect, have a much better success rate at tasks for cyber security is an oxymoron. If it can be programmed, which they are programmed. Yes, they will malfunction it can be hacked. Vehicles today have “black boxes” but at a much smaller frequency than humans. It is that record almost everything a vehicle does. Most are important to understand that humans are still expected to equipped, as are cellular phones, with GPS that record be attentive, regardless of the automation. Unfortunately, their location at all times. Consumers can opt out of some that responsibility is often neglected as people become of these but what if opting out disables the system? If reliant on the systems designed to assist them. There are too the system is disabled does that preclude the vehicle from many stories of people driving into lakes, fields and ditches using some roads? If they don’t opt out, who owns that because “the GPS told me to turn there”. Or people driving data collected? Is it the owner or the manufacturer or the without headlights in poor conditions because “I’ve never operator? What about a crash? Is it the manufacturer, owner turned on my headlights, the car does it when it should”. or operator that is responsible? Again, these are things that our developers and governments are trying to establish. The way roads are seen by these vehicles has been evolving for over 20 years. Originally, we talked about Intelligent One of the difficulties in managing all these variables is Traffic Systems (ITS). This involved things as simple the speed at which they are changing. Communications as sensors and cameras sensing when a vehicle was at an technology is moving so fast that guidelines are often intersection and controlled the traffic lights. Inductive obsolete by the time they are published. That’s not to sensors evolved to infrared, laser, acoustic and camera say we are not trying. Of 14 related bills introduced in controlled sensors. Now, our cellular phones, tablets the House, HR 3388 (SELF DRIVE Act) was passed and and installed GPS programs have provided real time forwarded to the Senate in September 2017. The Senate navigation, and not only for us but also those around us. introduced S 1885 (AV START Act) which is very close Most GPS systems can detect where your vehicle is within to the SELF DRIVE Act with the notable exception inches. It can also detect traffic congestion, slow downs that it specifically includes motorcyclists as something and construction by using the information automatically to sense in the safety system. A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa, and transmitted from device locations in other vehicles. You the MRF included these bills as talking points on our can see this in real time, not delayed, most everywhere respective lobbying trips in 2018. You can read these there is cellular service. Cameras and roadway markings very comprehensive bills by going to www.Congress.gov. are used in ITS where service is not reliable or available. The Iowa Department of Transportation as well as Iowa These are autonomous features. Also in development are Universities have been collaborating with developers, as “connected vehicles” or V2X. This is where the vehicles Iowa has long been a testing ground for these vehicles. The not only rely on their own sensors but also read the sensors City Council of Iowa City announced in May that it would of the vehicles and infrastructure around them. This is be hiring a researcher to see what the impact autonomous how “platoons” will work. One lead truck with a platoon vehicles would have on their community in the future. of unconnected trailers following, much like a train, but instead of rails and hitches, the trailers use software reading Whether it is years or decades before autonomous vehicles wi-fi, radar, and GPS to follow the trailer in front of them. are the standard rather than the exception, it will happen. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 24 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
BMW has already developed a self-driving motorcycle, no rider involved. The company stated that it doesn’t instead to sell an autonomous bike but rather use this to help integrate advanced safety features into motorcycles currently in development and production. It is important for each of us to be aware of our impact whether that is lobbying Congress keep motorcycles in the plan, or simply remembering that the technology is a tool, not a magic wand. Respectfully submitted, Jodi Right A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa State Legislative Officer
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 25
26 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 27
Each month on the pages of TRMI you will find that we give thanks to a Veteran of the United States armed forces, and kicking off 2019 is no different in that respect. Our featured military rider for January comes from Oskaloosa, Iowa and his name is Robert W. Mason Jr. Robert served in the United States Army from 1998 until 2014, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 with a primary MOS of 12B Combat Engineer. He fought for all of our freedoms in both Iraq and Afghanistan during his time of service. Robert found his way into the military, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. His dad served in the Navy for 4 years of active duty, which he followed up with over 16 years in the Army National Guard. Robert’s grandfather served the United States in World War II. In addition, Robert has many other family members that served in various branches of the armed forces, and in other wars. When asked if he has ever been without motorcycles in his life, the answer was NO. Robert has owned Kawasakis and Harley-Davidsons in his days of riding, but has always been fortunate to have had some form of two-wheel transportation. If we were giving out awards for bike bought the furthest from home, I’m pretty sure he would have this one in the bag…Robert’s current ride was purchased in Balad, Iraq through Harley-Davidson’s overseas sales during his second deployment. When asked why he chose to purchase this particular bike, especially when he could hardly “ride it home”, the answer was simple. He liked “the blacked out hot rod look and feel of the Night Train”. Kind of hard to argue with that. We have 28 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
all been there…when you know it’s the one, you just know. Since bringing the Night Train home, Robert has added all kinds of accessories and made modifications, even some that are parts he made himself, which is pretty cool in our book. Robert has more friends R that ride than he can th ccount, and a number of those riding buddies stem th from the Combat Veterans fr Motorcycle Association 39M 55, where he just happens to bbe the Chapter Commander. This Chapter covers the T ssoutheastern portion of oour great state of Iowa. Besides just getting out B aand putting for the fun of it, Robert and the CVMA it hhost the Annual Patriot Ride on Memorial Day R Weekend at the Keosauqua W Fairgrounds. Also at the F ffairgrounds is the Stateline Rally each year. The Thank You IIs Not Enough ride out of Mt. Pleasant is a favorite, as well aas several other rides throughout Iowa and even a few in IIllinois. Pretty much any day the sun shines….and even a ffew when it doesn’t you will find Robert out tearing up the ppavement on two wheels. IIf you haven’t been to a CVMA event yet, please make ttime to do so. The CVMA is comprised of Veterans from aall branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles for fun, and have come together with a mission m tto “Support and defend those who have defended our ccountry and our freedoms”. The individual chapters put on their own events and fund raisers, but the focus is always on th hhelping other Veterans in need. Hard to go wrong when you hhelp out those who have selflessly protected you and your family’s way of life. Start your new year off right…thank a veteran. And if you catch Robert out and about be sure to give him a big thank you as well, he sure gets one from the TRMI family! Melanie J. Schwarte If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a military rider, please contact us at vernon@ thunderroadsiowa.com
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 29
carne asada version and a carnitas version. The carne asada was perfectly cooked, tender chunks of beef and the carnitas was tender and juicy. Interestingly, the real star of this plate was the tortillas. I know, I know…. corn tortillas aren’t on my list of exciting things either, but these were amazing. We asked the waitress about the recipe, as they are not your average corn tortillas, but rather a softer, more pliable, flavorful version. We learned that they use some masa in their recipe, so we will be modifying our recipe at home as well to try and copycat the El Bajio recipe.
El Bajio Mexican Restaurant 555 Gateway Pl. SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 1-319-366-1715 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am – 10 pm Friday 11 am – 11 pm Saturday 8 am – 1030 pm Sunday 8 am – 9 pm
In a busy place like Cedar Rapids, there are a lot of choices for grabbing a bite. If you tend to drive on by small joints in crowded plazas, then you may have missed this gem. El Bajio Mexican Restaurant may not look like much from the street, but what you find inside will make you think twice every time you pass by another little establishment. El Bajio prides itself on bringing grandmas cooking from their kitchen to your plate in a relaxed friendly atmosphere…and we think they do just that.
Previously I had eaten the Guiso De Puerco, which is tender pork in your choice of either red or green salsa and served with rice or beans…delicious. I too could have easily made the same choice again, but opted for investigating a new area of the menu. This go around I ordered the Chile Rellenos. This is another go-to favorite of mine in Mexican restaurants, and the El Bajio version did not disappoint. A plate piled high with 2 poblano peppers, generously stuffed with queso fresco, breaded and topped with salsa arrived accompanied by rice and beans. The peppers were perfectly fire roasted and tender, and the cheese was hot and gooey. Definitely a delicious choice.
In addition to full meal choices, they offer a large selection of seafood entrees, a kid’s menu, breakfast choices, and an assortment of salads. Not to be forgotten Coming in to write this is the appetizer section, laden with nacho WRTE was actually our choices and dips second visit to El Bajio. On our first trip, we got a little galore. If guatoo enthusiastic when the chips and salsa hit the table and camole is your we completely forgot to take any pictures…not that either thing, then this of us were disappointed in a return trip! The salsa is fresh is the place to and delicious, with just the right amount of zing to get you get some. Your sipping on one of their incredible margaritas. They have guac is made to more varieties of this classic Mexican elixir than I can comorder…. right prehend, but staff say that if you’re only going to partake at your table. in one variety, then the Smoked Pineapple Margarita is a Doesn’t get any “must try” flavor. But I am pretty sure they don’t have a fresher than flavor on the menu that would disappoint even the most that! Next time finicky margarita authority. you are in the Cedar Rapids area, do yourself a favor and visit El Bajio…and tell them TRMI sent you! Just don’t try On our first visit, Vernon had the Carnitas, a plate filled with to visit on Christmas Day…it’s the ONLY day of the year tender pork sautéed with onion and served with a side of they are closed! rice and beans. While the Carnitas were well worth revisiting, he decided to try something different this time and ex- Melanie J Schwarte pand our article base. Vernon opted for a taco sampler this melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com time around. All were served “Mexican style” with onion and cilantro on house made corn tortillas. He opted for a Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com 30 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 31
32 - T 32 RMI RM MI JA JJANUARY ANU UA AR RY 2019 2200199 TRMI
www.thunderroadsiowa.com w ww www ww th thu hunde deerr rroa rroa rr oad ads dssiiio owa wa co om m
Thu Th under un u nde der R Ro Roads oad ads Magazine Maggaazi Ma zine ne of of Io IIowa owa wa on on Facebook Facceebo Fa bookk
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com w ww ww th thun hun un nd derrrro de derr oaads dsio dsi iow waa com m
TRMI TR MI JJANUARY ANUA ANUA AN UARY UARY RY 2019 201 0199 - 333 TRMI
marr rrie rr iedd ie Three couples are trying to get ma married at the same church. There is a young couple, a middleaged couple, and an elderly couple. The three couples meet with the priest and discuss when they can get married. “If you wish to get married d in my church, you must all go one month without having sex,” says the priest. One month later the three couples return to the church hur urch ch and talk to the priest. He then asks ks tthe he elderly couple “Have you completed eted et ed the month without sex?” “Yes we have, it was easy,” replies the elderly couple. “How about you?” He asks the middle-aged couple. “It was hard, but we didn’t have sex for the whole month,” ont nth, h,”” h, they respond. “And how about you ou two?” He asks the young couple. “No we couldn’t do it,” responds the boyfriend. “Tell me why,” says the priest. “Well my girlfriend had a can of corn in her hand and she accidentally dropped it. She bent over to pick it up and that’s when it happened.” The priest then tells them, “You’re not welcome in my church.” “We’re not welcome in the supermarket either,” says the boyfriend.
There’s Th he nothing worse than waking up at a party and finding a penis drawn on your face... apart from finding out that it was traced. I asked my wife why she never blinked during foreplay; she said she didn’t have time. ti Bill Billl w went e to see his doctor and nervously asked if hhee had ever laughed at a patient. The doctor docc reassured him, “In over 20 years I do haven’t havv ha laughed at a single patient because I always alw al w remain thoroughly professional.” With Witt that Bill dropped his trousers revealing Wi the the tiniest penis the doctor had ever seen. It wasn’t wasn wa sn any bigger than a AAA battery. The doctor doct do ctoo just couldn’t help himself and burst ct into laughter before composing into uuncontrollable n himself and saying, “I’m sorry I really am, I don’t know what came over me. I promise it won’t happen again. Now what seems to be the problem?” Bill said, “It’s swollen.”
Two deaf people got married one day. During the first night of their honeymoon, they discover they’re unable to communicate in the bedroom when they turn off the lights beOn New Year’s Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he cause they can’t see each other using sign language. After sensibly left his van in the parking lot and walked home. several nights of fumbling around and misunderstandings, As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. the wife comes up with a solution. “Honey,” she signs to ‘What are you doing out here at four o’clock in the mornher husband, “Why don’t we agree on some simple physical ing?’ asked the police officer. ‘I’m on my way to a lecture,’ signals? For instance, at night, if you want to have sex with answered Roger. ‘And who on earth, in their right mind, me, reach over and squeeze my left breast one time. If you is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year’s Eve?’ don’t want to have sex, reach over and squeeze my right inquired the officer sarcastically. ‘My wife,’ slurred Daniel breast one time.” The husband thinks this is a great idea grimly. and signs back to his wife, “Great idea. Now if you want to have sex with me, reach over and pull on my penis one time. If you don’t want to have sex, reach over and pull on A man walks into a bar and orders ten shots of Jagermeister. my penis 50 times.” The bartender says, “Wow, that’s a lot. Are you celebrating?” The man replies, “Yes! My first blowjob!” The bartender says, “Oh, congratulations! But if you don’t mind What’s red and smells like blue paint? me asking, why ten shots?” The man says, “If that won’t Red paint. get the taste out, nothing will.” Why do Jewish men get circumcised? Because Jewish women won’t touch anything unless it’s 20% off. Cleavage is the only thing that you can look down on and approve of at the same time.
A young woman buys a mirror at an antique shop, and hangs it on her bathroom door. One evening, while getting undressed, she playfully says, “Mirror, mirror, on my door, make my bust line forty four”. Instantly, there’s a brilliant flash of light, and her breasts grow to enormous proportions. Excitedly, she runs to tell her husband what happened, and they both return to the mirror. This time the husband crosses his fingers and says, “Mirror, mirror on the door, make my penis touch the floor!” Once again, there’s a bright flash...And then the husband’s legs fall off.
I was telling a girl I met in a bar last night about my uncanny ability to guess the day a woman was born on just by feeling her boobs. “Really?” she said. “Go on then... Try.” After about 30 seconds of fondling she began to lose What do you call an endowed puppet? Well strung. patience. “Come on,” she demanded, “What day was I born A mortician was working late one evening. It was his job on?” “Yesterday?” I replied. to examine the dead bodies before they were sent off to be buried or cremated. As he examined the body of Bernie Schwartz, who was about to be cremated, he made an amaz34 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
ing discovery: Bernie Schwartz had the longest penis he had ever seen! “I’m sorry Mr. Schwartz,” said the mortician, “But I can’t send you off to be cremated with a tremendously huge penis like this. It has to be saved for posterity.” And with that the coroner used his tools to remove the dead man’s schlong. The coroner stuffed his prize into a briefcase and took it home. The first person he showed was his wife. “I have something to show you that you won’t believe,” he said, and opened his briefcase. “Oh my God!” she screamed, “Bernie Schwartz is dead!”
my God, my wife is going to kill me! I’ve never been so late in all my life!”
I’m not saying my wife’s fat but if I had to name the 5 fattest people I know, she’d be 3 of them.
How many Mexicans does it take to screw in a light bulb? Juan.
Jenny was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?’ ‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly. At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jenny and handed her small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.
Two young rednecks were looking at a Sears’s catalogue and admiring the models. Earl says to the Bubba, “Have you seen the beautiful girls in this catalogue?” Bubba replies, “Yes, they are very beautiful. And look at the price!” Earl says, with wide eyes, “Wow, they aren’t very expensive. At this price, I’m buying one.” Bubba smiles and pats him on the back, “Good idea! Order one and if she’s as beautiful as she is in the catalogue, I’ll get one too.” Three weeks later, Bubba asks his friend Earl, “Did you ever receive the girl you ordered from the Sears catalogue?” Earl replies, “No, but it shouldn’t be long now. I got her clothes yesterday!”
Two reasons why it’s so hard to solve a redneck murder: 1. All the DNA is the same. 2. There are no dental records. What did one Japanese man say to the other? I’ve no idea, I don’t speak Japanese.
This morning as I was buttoning my shirt, a button fell off. After that, I picked up my briefcase, and the handle fell off. Then I went to open the door, and the doorknob fell off. I went to get into my car, and the door handle came off in my An old woman called her husband during his drive home hand. Now I’m afraid to pee. on New Year’s Eve. “Herman, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on Interstate 90, Please be careful!” Herman replied, “It’s not just one car, Ethel. Why are hamsters like cigarettes? They’re completely There are hundreds of them!” harmless until you put one in your mouth and light it on fire. A woman who is pregnant with triples is taken hostage during an armed robbery at the bank. The robber shoots her three times in the stomach before he’s shot dead by the cops. Amazingly, the woman survives the ordeal and even more amazingly all her babies survive too and she happily gives birth to two girls and a boy. Fifteen years later, she comes home from work to find her first daughter crying. She asks her what’s wrong, and her daughter tells her she went to pee and a bullet came out. She reassures her this is nothing to worry about, and tells her the story of what happened when she was pregnant. The next day when she arrives home from work, she finds her second daughter crying, who also says she went to pee and a bullet came out. Once again the woman tells the story of what happened when she was pregnant. The day after that, she comes home from work and finds her son crying. So she asks him if he went to pee and had a bullet come out. He looks at her confused and replies, ‘’No, I was jerking off and I shot the dog!’’ What happened to the Irish man who thought about the evils of drinking in the New Year? He gave up thinking. A drunk man walks into a bar and says, “Happy New Year, everybody.” The bartender says to him, “We’re in the middle of June, you drunken fool.” The drunk says, “Oh Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
These three men are traveling through the Amazon - a German, an American, and a Mexican, and they get captured by a tribe who tell them that they are going to be whipped on the back. The chief of the tribe says to the German, “What do you want on your back for your whipping?” The German replies, “I will take oil!” So the tribe put oil on his back, and a large member of the tribe whips him ten times. When he is finished the German has huge welts and sores on his back, and is in so much pain that he can hardly move. The tribe hauls the German away, and say to the Mexican, “And what do you want on your back?” The Mexican bravely says, “I will take nothing!” and he stands there straight and takes his whipping without flinching. Finally, the tribe asks the American, “And what will you take on your back?” He replies, “I’ll take the Mexican.” What do you call a dog with no legs? It doesn’t matter what you call him, he’s not coming.
Happiest of New Years to everyone from Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa and Thunder Guns. We are looking forward tho this new year for sure with big things happening. We wish everyone good tidings and much joy, happiness, and success in 2019!
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 35
36 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 37
38 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
TRMI JANUARY 2019 - 39
Jan 5 Jan 12 Jan 12 Jan 19 Jan 19 Jan 25-27 Jan 26 Feb 2-3 Feb 3 Feb 9 Feb 9-10 Feb 15-17 Feb 21-23 Feb 23-24 Feb 26 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar 8-10 Mar 8-17 Mar 10
Retro Rewind Dubuque Winter Sucks Party Metro HD Cedar Rapids Welldiggers Winter Ride Baxter Cycle Marne Blackstock Basement Swap Meet Cedar Rapids ABATE D14 Swap Meet Ottumwa Rod and Custom Show Rock Island, IL Zero Run Big Barn HD Des Moines Colorado Motorcycle Expo Denver Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL Chili Cook Off Metro HD Cedar Rapids Capitol City Custom Cycle Show & Swap 7 Flags Clive 33rd Annual Lincoln Bike Show Lincoln, NE Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE 50th Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello ABATE of Iowa Lobby Day Des Moines Bikes at the Brewery Motorcycle Show LaCrosse, WI Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids World of Wheels Chicago Daytona Bike Week Daytona, FL Wild Wade’s High Performance Swap Meet & Trade Show Des Moines Mar 15-17 World of Wheels Omaha Mar 23-27 32nd Annual Donnie Smith Bike Show St Paul, MN Mar 30 Raccoon Valley Powersports Garage/Mancave Tour Jefferson Apr 6-7 33rd Annual North Iowa Expo Mason City Apr 19-20 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville May 3-5 Rally in the Hills LHHD Pacific Junction
40 - TRMI JANUARY 2019
May 3-4 May 4 May 4 May 4 May 4 May 18
Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque 8th Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone Sleeping Angels Foundation Bike Drawing Boone Pancake Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Blessing of The Riders Legion Riders Post 111 Newton Annual Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Motorcycle Awareness Fun Run Council Bluffs May 23-27 Redneck Revival Conesville May 24-26 CVMA 39-5 APR Keosauqua May 26 Midway Tavern’s Annual Neal Denny Memorial Poker Run Soldier Jun 1 Harley-Davidson of Carroll Rock –N- Ride Carroll Jun 7-8 Midwest Victory Rally The Vic Shop De Soto Jun 8 11th Annual Bell Tower Festival Poker Run, Tour Rides, & Bike Show Jefferson Jun 14-16 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Jun 15 CVMA 39-4 Annual Patriots Ride (APR) Davenport Jun 22 Heroes Ride Legion Riders Post 46 Marshalltown Jun 23 3rd Annual 620 Golf Outing Metro HD Cedar Rapids Jun 29 Paws and Effect Legion Riders Post 46 Marshalltown Jun 29 9th Annual Vintage Rally National Motorcycle Museum Anamosa Jul 4-6 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 6 12th Annual Freeman Ride Avoca Jul 20 Ride For Time w/Friends of Mine Baxter Jul 20 Thank the Seals Ride(s) Burlington AND Big Barn HD Des Moines Jul 27 FUEL Cleveland OH Aug 2-11 79th Annual Black Hills Party South Dakota Aug 11 2nd Annual Rumble to Recovery Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 17 IAFF Local 4906-MDA 3rd Annual Poker Run Loess Hills HD Pacific Junction Aug 24 A&W American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show Lester Aug 29-Sep 2 Redneck Revival Conesville Aug 31-Sep 2 Midway Tavern Soldier Valley Run, BBQ, Street Dance Soldier Sep 6-8 VROOM Vintage Riders of Old Motorcycles Mississippi to Missouri Rivers Sep 20-22 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Sep 25-28 Bikes, Blues, BBQ Fayetteville, AR Oct 10 620 Foundation Check Presentation Walford via Metro HD Cedar Rapids Oct 18-19 Rumble In The Sand Outlaw Street Drags Conesville Nov 29 Black Friday at Metro HD Cedar Rapids
www.thunderroadsiowa.com
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook