Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa January 2022

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January, what in the hell? It seems ems ms tthat hat ha at itt should be a new year, new start, t,, bblah, lah, la lah, h bblah, laahh,, blah, type of deal. It never really lly y sseems eems ee m ms to be a new start at all. We may y ma m make akee some changes for a brief period d personally, but then we get back k into our old routine, and the old d ways, and get comfortable with things being the way they are and then away we roll again. It is all good though, as things sometimes happen the way they are supposed sed ed to. It is coming up on about two wo years’ worth of a lot of change th tthat hat at was made that we had about zero ro input on, and will never be able to change back. About 22 months ago, all of our lives were irrevocably changed, not really for the better at all. Many of our favorite events were postponed, cancelled, and some even gone forever. What I do look forward to in the new year is hopefully more events, more riding, more of the biker lifestyle that has been missing a bit the past couple of riding seasons. With the heart of winter upon us, it is nice to know that we have some events coming up in the next few months that can take away the winter blues, and reunite us with our brothers and sisters of the road. The swap meets and bike shows are right around the corner, and a few of them are highly noteworthy and worth the trip to attend. The first on the calendar is the Capital City Custom Cycle Show & Swap Meet February 12th and 13th. This year the event is moving close to the river in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center. This will be a great improvement for the vendors to get in and out, as well as a massive improvement for the spectators for traffic, parking, accommodations, and a ton of other reasons. We are really excited to see what Tator and crew have lined up for this new location. Next on the schedule is February 24th to the 26th with the Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet in Fremont, NE. I know, not in Iowa, but that chapter covers the western portion of Iowa as well and is the closest AMCA Judging event to our fine state. There are tons of vintage parts, a plethora of vintage motorcycle knowledge, and some awesome machines to peer at. The motorcycles that are there to be judged, as a rule have to be started, so that is cool to see some of the old iron of all vintages come to life. The last two that I would like to mention are the two Parts

Girl Promotions Swap Meets in Cedar Rapids and Rock Island, IL. CR is the 6th of March, and Rock Island is the 3rd of April. These one day, Sunday only meets are pretty unique for the area as they have a much higher percentage of just motorcycle parts than any other swap meet in the Midwest. Joe and Kim put on quite a show. If you cannot find what you need at one of the Parts Girl Promotions show, you probably don’t need it. We will be at all of these shows, and then maybe even some more, so stop by our booth, grab the latest copy of the magazine, and chat us up a little bit. It will be nice to reconnect with so many old friends and make new ones! You may have noticed the past couple of years that there has been some sketchy shit going on all over this country. We are at the pinnacle of things about to go horribly south, and that to me is scary as hell. We must be ready to fight for our freedoms, and in that regard, we simply cannot lose. We don’t want to suffer the losses of freedom like down under. We must stand for what we believe in and dig our heals in the ground and push back. There IS strength in numbers, and with those numbers, we can make our voices heard. Eric Ross is the Motorcycle Riders Foundation State Representative for Iowa, and he has asked that I come join the fight to help maintain and expand our rights as motorcyclists at the federal level. I am now a MRF Assistant State Representative and want to help further our cause and step up my game of being a Freedom Fighter. If you are interested in joining the fight, you know how to reach me; we would love to have you on board alongside us fighting for our rights. Vernon vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Quote of the Month: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

On the Cover

To start off the year we have here on cover and calendar David Jensen’s Knucklehead Chopper. The royal color and beauty of this machine was captured by Molly Wade. Bring your cool iron to the show at the NEW and IMPROVED location of the Capital City Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet on February 12-13th. It will be held at Hy-Vee Hall A, formerly known as Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The new gig location will be way better for vendors and attendees alike. Looking to be a great swap meet season, hope to see you at the shows! 4 - TRMI JANUARY 2022

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According to Plato “The beginning is the most important part of the work”. Does that mean looking out the window and watching the dog clear the yard of invading squirrels is or is not the proper inspirational means to hammer out a completed article for the magazine? Actually, maybe I was multitasking by lamenting the stinky weather while simultaneously being glad I was inside. Who knew you could lament and be glad at the same time? On the glad side, we did sneak out the other day and get what was probably the last ride of the season in. Now the bikes have received their fuel stabilizer treatment and battery tender attachments so I guess it’s officially firewood and hunting season. Can’t fight it; even the book of Ecclesiastes says there is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven. Actually, watching the dog did make me think of an analogy. It’s amazing what I learn from the dog. Too bad my teachers in school or even my wife didn’t have as much success (though SHE keeps trying). Anyway, we were getting ready for company so I decided to give the dog a bath so he would be somewhat more welcome in polite company. “Somewhat more” in that you can improve the smell but not necessarily the manners. Before company arrived but after his bath he took the opportunity of rolling in something quite dead in the yard. He then came in and wanted to crawl up in our laps on the sofa. We love him and want him to be with us but because of the stink we wanted him to not be in such close proximity. The analogy part is that I wondered how often we try and do something similar with God. Here he makes a way to clean us up and we turn around and go roll in something bad again. Something that we know better than to do but can’t quite pass up. We want to be close to him but know we have screwed up again. The good thing is that he loves us and has the mercy and grace to not throw us out in the proverbial dog pen. The sad truth is that we are all broken people living in a broken world and we can’t quite resist or get it right by ourselves. We were originally created to be clean and healthy but sin has made us all toxic. The solution is then found not in what we can do but in what Jesus does in us. We can’t on our own become perfect or clean. Ain’t going to happen. But our responsibility is in the consistency of coming back time and time again to God’s grace and mercy, just like King David in the Bible who messed up far more than the regular person. He wanted to be pleasing to God but couldn’t. God didn’t reject him but blessed and gave him grace because he kept humbling himself and seeking after God. Our circumstances and brokenness doesn’t have to define us. We have to believe He is bigger and can protect and redirect our lives for good. Don’t let the disappointment of what you expected in life keep you from the experience and blessing God has for you. Contrast David’s actions to the religious leaders who thought by their own actions they were righteous. In their pride they were most unforgiving in their lives and towards others. We only achieve a measure of cleanness or goodness by humbling ourselves and looking to Jesus. The gospel motivates us towards these things.

in the closet but one day that struggle will end. The book of 1st John tells us that “What we will become has not yet been made known. But when he appears we will be like him. For we shall see him as he is.” Blessings, Mark Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org

Next time you find yourself rolling in something or some situation remember you are not alone. We all have skeletons 6 - TRMI JANUARY 2022

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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 Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook

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

Indian Motorcycle of Mason City Mason City Powersports 12499 265th Street Mason City 641-423-3181 Masoncitypowersportsinc.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 Route 65 Harley-Davidson 1300 S Jefferson Way Indianola, Iowa 50125 515.962.2160 www.route65hd.net Storm Lake Honda 3040 Expansion Blvd Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 StormLakeHonda.com 712-732-2460 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

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

fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com

Heartland Harley-Davidson 117 S Roosevelt Ave Burlington, IA 52601 319-754-1100 www.heartlandhd.com

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

Flaming Office 201 W High Street Toledo 641-484-2255 Outdoor Patio, Happy Hour 5-7 Flaming Office on Facebook & Google

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

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

Food and Drink

(Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations)

American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Bea’s Place 108 N Main St Baxter 641-227-2080 Check Us Out on Facebook Food, Live Music, Bike Nights

Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Tues-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12 Iowa Legendary Rye 707 N Main Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 Iowalegendaryrye.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

Bloodline Irish Pub 214 Public Square Greenfield, Iowa 50849 Bloodline Irish Pub on Facebook

Just 1 More 515-570-4206 641-757-0159 309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128

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

KC’s Tavern 120 N Main Street Bridgewater, Iowa 50837 Mon-Fri 4:30-Close, Sat-Sun 2-Close Find Us on FB 641-369-5010

Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings

Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!

Firehouse Bar 1211 5th Street Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00

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

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Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015 Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook! Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill

1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMRiverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Facebook Sandbar Mondamin Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook

The Exchange 171 S Elm Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-343-2609 Lang’s Pizza, Cold Beer, Sports The Full Nelson 205 West 2nd Street Halbur, Iowa 51444 712-658-2425 The Full Nelson on Facebook The Garage 621 K45 Whiting, Iowa 51063 (712)420-5895 Facebook The Garage The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com VFW Post 9662 Bar and Grill 1309 NE 66th Ave Des Moines 515 - 289 - 9914 and Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens M-F 2-Close, Sat 9-Close, Sun 12-Close Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery 112 E Jefferson Street Prairie City, Iowa 50228 515-630-9639 Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery on FB Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395

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Guns and Ammo

Photo and Art

JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmshooterssupply@gmail.com 515-331-1577

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

Hobbies & Collectibles Shops & Fabricators Treasure Island Diecast/Facebook Hot Wheels, M2, Matchbox, Jada Ertl, Lightning, Harley, Maisto Buy-Sell-Trade 641-521-8036 rayaustinhd@gmail.com

Insurance & Financial

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

O’Malley Wealth Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930

Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954

State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent NMLS# 1679997 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com

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

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

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Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336 Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220

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Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook Steffens Cycle and Detailing 1311 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-250-8493 steffenscycle@gmail.com Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172 Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook

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Tires

SHOP EQUIPMENT

Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook

Shop Tools Outlet Powersport / Auto Lift Supplier Marshalltown, IA 50158 888-288-6657 www.shoptoolsoutlet.com

Trailers

To buy ad space for your business or service in our directory, give us call at 712-249-5630 or email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Lacaeyse Trailer Sales 4192 HWY 146 Grinnell Trailers & Truck Accessories 641-990-2674 www.lacaeysetrailers.com

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also projected to increase slightly, from around 2 million in 2021 to approximately 2.2 million in 2046. The number of male veterans, on the other hand, is projected to drop from about 17 million in 2021 to around 10.3 million in 2046. As with trends in the U.S. population overall, the veteran population is expected to become more racially and ethnically diverse. Between 2021 and 2046, the share of veterans who are non-Hispanic White is expected to drop from 74% to 62%. The share of veterans who are Hispanic is expected to double from 8% to 16%, while the share who are Black is expected to increase slightly from 13% to 15%.

The changing face of America’s veteran population BY KATHERINE SCHAEFFER From https://www.pewresearch.org/

Projections also indicate that the veteran population will become slightly younger, with 33% of veterans being younger than 50 in 2046 compared with 27% in 2021, even as the overall U.S. population continues to age. The share of veterans ages 50 to 69 is expected to shrink from 36% to 33%, while the share of those 70 and older is predicted to be around a third of the total (34%) by 2046, slightly lower than the current share (37%).

There are around 19 million U.S. veterans as of this year, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing less than 10% of the total U.S. adult population. Here are key facts from the VA, the U.S. Census Bureau and Fewer members of Congress have prior military experience other sources about those who have served in the military than in the past. As the share of Americans who are veterans and how this population is changing. has declined, so has the share of legislators who have previously served in the military. In the current Congress, Gulf War-era veterans now account for the largest share of 17% of lawmakers in both houses had prior military service, all U.S. veterans, having surpassed Vietnam-era veterans down drastically from just a few decades ago. in 2016, according to the VA’s 2018 population model estimates. VA estimates for 2021 indicate there are 5.9 The share of senators who are veterans reached a postmillion American veterans who served during the Vietnam Korean War peak of 81% in 1975, while the share among era and 7.8 million who served in the Gulf War era, which House members peaked in 1967 at 75%. However, in recent spans from August 1990 through the present. There are also elections, both Democrats and Republicans have made around 240,000 World War II veterans and about 933,000 special efforts to recruit veterans for congressional contests, who served during the Korean conflict, the VA estimates. and the newly elected freshman class includes 15 such Some veterans served through multiple eras but are counted lawmakers. only in their earliest era. Roughly three-quarters (78%) of veterans in 2021 served during wartime, and 22% served The Department of Veterans Affairs receives a relatively during peacetime. (Veterans with wartime and peacetime low favorability rating compared with other government service are only counted in wartime.) agencies. The VA received the third-lowest rating among 10 agencies and departments in a Pew Research Center survey The share of the U.S. population with military experience is last spring. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults (65%) had a declining. In 2018, about 7% of U.S. adults were veterans, favorable view of the VA, and 22% expressed an unfavorable down from 18% in 1980, according to the Census Bureau. view. As with many of the agencies and departments in This drop coincides with decreases in active-duty personnel. the survey, there were partisan differences in approval. Over the past half-century, the number of people on active Republicans and Republican-leaning independents expressed duty has dropped significantly, from 3.5 million in 1968, higher favorability for the VA (72%) than Democrats and during the military draft era, to about 1.4 million (or less Democratic leaners (61%). than 1% of all U.S. adults) in today’s all-volunteer force. The draft ended in 1973. A 2019 survey found veterans themselves had mixed feelings about the agency: 9% of veterans said the department VA projections suggest the number of living veterans will was doing an excellent job meeting the needs of military continue to decline over the next 25 years. By 2046, the veterans; 37% said the VA was doing a good job. About half department estimates there will be around 12.5 million said it was doing only a fair (37%) or poor (15%) job. veterans, a decrease of about 35% from current numbers. By that time, Gulf War-era veterans are projected to make up a Americans continue to see veterans’ services as an important majority of those who served, and most veterans who served priority. In a March 2019 survey, a 72% majority of U.S. in the Vietnam era or earlier will have died. adults (and identical 72% shares of Republicans and Democrats) said that if they were making the federal budget, The demographic profile of veterans is expected to change they would increase spending for veterans’ benefits and in the next quarter century. Currently, about nine-in-ten services – the highest share of all 13 program areas included veterans (89%) are men, while about one-in-ten (11%) in the survey, except for education (also 72%), and the are women, according to the VA’s 2021 population model second-highest level of support for increased spending on estimates. By 2046, the share of female veterans is expected veterans’ services since the Center first asked the question in to increase to about 18%. The number of female veterans is 2001. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

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companion to the cold citrusy deliciousness that filled the glass. Shortly after the platter of spicy goodness we ordered for an appetizer arrived. The halved jalapenos filled with creamy queso and sprinkled with crispy bacon was outstanding. The peppers had just the right amount of spice to let you know they were of the chili variety, but not enough to overwhelm the cheesy goodness that filled them. This recommendation was spot on…I would eat this any time!

Garcia’s Family Mexican Restaurant

118 Third Street, Underwood, IA (712) 566-3606 Garciasmexrest51576@gmail.com CLOSED Monday and Friday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday Our Friends Justin and Haley had been bending our ears for months about this Mexican joint in Underwood that we needed to try. Finally, after wrapping up the day at the gun shop we hopped in with Justin and his better half to make the trip over and try it out. When we walked in the door, we were immediately greeted by staff and ushered to a table. Fresh chips and salsa were delivered to the table as our drink order was taken, and of course we ordered the house specialty margaritas. Justin had been raving about this jalapeno appetizer at Garcia’s, so we got that ordered as well. When the margaritas arrived, they were HUGE! I am talking fishbowl size….so if you don’t have a DD along for the ride…order a small! The salty rim was the perfect

We munched on the jalapenos while we waited on our meals to arrive. When they did, there wasn’t a disappointed person at the table. Haley ordered the Hawaiian Fajitas with beef and chicken. Her meal required 2 plates just to get all the good stuff to the table. Flavorful sliced meat and veggies paired up with juicy pineapple chunks was a definite hit. Rice, beans, and all the toppings with soft flour tortillas filled the second plate. Justin ordered the Garcia’s Chimichangas, two crispy fried carne azada chimichangas drizzled with white cheese sauce. On the side were rice, creamy beans, sour cream, and guacamole. Vernon ordered one of his favorite Mexican dishes, Pork Carnitas. This dish consists of tender, perfectly seasoned and slow cooked boneless pork meat sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. On the side were, rice, beans, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and corn tortillas. I ordered the Choripollo. The perfectly seasoned, grilled chicken breast arrived topped with chorizo and covered in white cheese sauce. On the side were rice and beans, and of course, flour tortillas. Not that we had any room for desert, but we decided to order sopapillas to share. The crispy, sweet pastries arrived with a scoop of the most decadent black raspberry chocolate ice cream I have ever tasted in the middle. A dollop of whipped cream rounded out the dish. We joked with the waiter about where we could buy more of the ice cream… but in all honesty, we weren’t really joking. I would haul that home by the gallon if I could. All in all, Garcia’s is worth the drive. Whether you are a margarita connoisseur, a cheese dip diva, or a desert specialist… Garcia’s has what you crave. Make the trip, eat the jalapenos, and tell then them that Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent you! Until next time, Melanie J Schwarte If you have a WRTE location for us to visit, please let me know at Melanie@ thunderroadsiowa.com

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Cruising Corsica By Dick Tremain, Route 65 H.O.G. Chapter Assistant Director

and thought this is very interesting. Then my wife and I started thinking, “What if?” Well, the stars aligned and I took the trip. The result? A fabulous time! The riding was extraordinary; 2,850 kilometers of exceptional scenery, adventure, and everything French.

All of this solidifies what we already know: motorcyclists Corsica. I’m telling you this is a place you must put on your are the best! Members of this French H.O.G. chapter “Gotta Ride Before I Die Bucket List.” invited me, a non-French speaker, to ride with them on their adventure. So, this stranger is suddenly a trusted friend. Corsica? France? In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea? Isn’t that the way it works in our riding community? Are you nuts??!? No. Google YouTube motorcycle trips on this island of mountains, beaches, beauty, history, and The leader of the group is a man named Eric Job. He was two-lane-country-riding fun! You’ll see what I mean. Ride director of the Dream Vallee’ HOG Chapter for five years Corsica. I did. starting in 2015 and took it from zero members to 175. Then, last year, he and a group of 15 or so very close friends I flew into Paris in late September. I checked into my hotel started their own non-dealer sponsored HOG chapter, in Versailles for two nights and headed to Harley-Davidson Viper’s Crew, and continued planning rides and riding. The Vallee’ de Cheveruse and rented an Ultra Limited for the Corsica trip is one of those rides. trip. I grabbed the bike and on October 1st headed south to meet up with four of the best friends I’ve never met: I contacted Eric early in 2021 and asked if I could go along members of the Viper Crew Independent Harley Owners with his HOG chapter on their Corsica ride. He said, “yes”, Group (H.O.G.) chapter that aligns with the Cheveruse, and we started planning. I contacted a French touring France, dealership. We then headed south to Marseille, agency, AMT, a motorcycle travel agency that brings groups grabbed an overnight ferry to the island, and spent eight of French riders to the US and other places including days riding. Corsica. (Motorcycle & Auto Trips American Motors Travel (american-motors-travel.com) I signed up for their hotel and Why Corsica? In 2018, when my wife and I rented an transportation package which included accommodations in Ultra Limited from dealership owner Philippe Tisserand Corsica and the overnight ferry trips to and from Marseilles to attend European Bike Week, I looked in the window of and Ajaccio, the capitol of Corsica. I made my flight and the Cheveruse dealer’s H.O.G. chapter office and noticed hotel reservations in the Paris area on either side of the a whole week was set aside on their yearly ride calendar motorcycle trip and waited. September 28th arrived, I for Corsica. So, I thought, chapter members must really boarded the flight to Chicago with my negative COVID test, like riding in Corsica. Then, following that chapter over and started my adventure. the years, I noticed they kept going I went to the Vallee’ de Cheveruse Harley dealership and back to this island met Eric. Philippe was there and we signed the paperwork where Napolean for the rental bike, a 2021 Ultra Limited. It had the was born for at requested backrest and I was ready to ride. least a week at a time. I saw Vimeo Early the next day, I met up with Eric and three other riders, videos (search Lau’son, Fred, and Fabrice, at a highway rest stop, and we Vimeo for Rock n headed south. We had 780 kilometers to ride to the port of Road Corsica and Marseilles to pick up our ferry. The toll road we took was Dream Vallee) exceptionally smooth and we made good time. (But then, for the cost of the tolls, it should have been very smooth.) We spent the night 2 ½ hours north of the Mediterranean coast and headed south in the morning. We visited the Harley 22 - TRMI JANUARY 2022

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dealership in Avignon and had lunch with the Avignon HOG chapter at a local outdoor restaurant next to an airfield. We enjoyed our French meal with flight after flight of parachuting students filling the air. So, between the food, friendship and student paratroopers landing nearby, it was a memorable stop. That afternoon we pushed on to the Port of Marseilles. Getting through the port traffic jam we queued up to board the ferry. Again, I had to prove I was COVID-free and I got my room assignment for the overnight trip. Our group, now nine bikes strong, rode up the three-story steel ramp to the cargo bay and we left our bikes to the care of the crew. This is a small detail, but very important: Eric reminded me that my bike needed to be put in transport mode to keep the movement of the ship from continually activating the bike’s motion sensors and draining the battery. This was an example of his experience keeping me from making a tiny error with big consequences. It had been some 45 years since I’d sailed the Mediterranean Sea. This time the ship was not Navy grey and it did not have any missiles, guns or torpedoes aboard. It only had people looking for a trip to the island known for its mountains, history, beauty, and adventure. I was ready. I was also full of myself. I confided in an English-speaking Corsican that I had ridden the Tail of the Dragon with

318 curves in only 11 miles. His reply was, “That’s nice.” (THAT’S NICE! HE SAID THAT’S NICE! I said to myself!?!) Then he said, “Do you want to meet a two-time winner of the Pikes Peak Motorcycle Race?” A two-time winner of that race, here? Riding the same ferry as me? The one headed to Corsica? “Yes, he is a native-Corsican and he’s with us,” he said. “Come meet him.” So, I went and met Bruno Langlois. What a nice guy. Then I asked myself, how did he train to conquer Pikes Peak? Why dismiss Tail of the Dragon? What’s going on? We arrived in the port of Ajaccio and we departed the ship on our bikes. We started out slow and headed to a local beach. We enjoyed a walk along a beach road to a small café within sight of a centuries-old pirate watch tower. Its function, along with many others up and down the coast, was to warn the population of the approach of pillagers and invaders. With as many of these tall stone structures built, I assume this early-warning system must have been very effective. The five of us headed back to our hotel, the Hotel Club Marina Viva resort, just outside of Ajaccio. There we met up with the rest of the Viper’s Crew members, some of which flew into Corsica to enjoy the adventure. The new participants included wives and friends. The resort that was our home base was a very large compound that reminded me of a huge apartment complex. There was an office, hotel buildings, pool, access to a Mediterranean beach, a multipurpose structure that served as a restaurant, club, bar, and outdoor stage and other resort-like amenities and activities I was too busy to use. There were perhaps 200 plus bikers from all over France attending the Rock n Road Rally mixed in with perhaps 300 more traditional tourists. I was the only American. For most riders, AMT-led island motorcycle tours were available, and most signed up for them. Our team, Viper’s Crew, had such experienced riders we went off by ourselves. Eric and the group planned their own rides and I was pleased to go along. To understand Corsican roads, you must first look at the history of the island. 26 centuries ago, it was Phoenician. Years later if had ties to Tuscany. This Tuscan influence

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gives this mountainous island a very Italian look and feel. Then it was ruled by the British, briefly independent, and finally French. This is a French island with a very Italian flavor. Being very mountainous, it is impossible to go from one village to another in a straight line. The paths the ancients took from village to village hugged the mountainsides and followed the contours of the hills for the easiest possible way to walk. Those foot paths became donkey roads, wagon routes and finally (mostly) paved roads. It’s these “grownup” mountainous foot paths turned paved roads we toured in Corsica. We were always mindful of the beauty of the island and the ever-changing landscape as we rode. We also were very mindful of the (non) protection the six-inch stone “guardrails” offered us as prevention from running off the road and plunging down a ravine. Additionally, there was always the chance wild sheep and goats could be around the next corner blocking our way. The Corsican mountain roads are narrow by American standards; very narrow. There is no shoulder. Oftentimes we would have to shift into first gear to maintain speed around a tight corner and we used GPS to “see around corners” to get an idea of how sharp the next curve would be. On some of the more challenging roads, Fabrice would ride ahead of me on his HD Pan America and flash his

brakes once if a curve was sharp; twice if the curve was first-gear sharp. That was a great system that could be used to help any inexperienced group rider anticipate upcoming challenges. Fabrice and the entire Viper Crew looked after me. Corsica is a beautiful island. We were reminded of that every morning when we would start our ride from the resort beach area and head over a mountain range. We would go to a top-of-the-mountain restaurant, visit a beachside family eatery, rest at a very small mountain-hugging Italian village, or explore a seaside town sporting a castle complex open for tours. The rides were always challenging and the roads full of twists and turns. There were numerous 180 degree turns. Oftentimes buses were so big, and the roads so narrow, all other traffic had to move over and let the bus by. (Then I saw two buses meet going opposite directions. It was interesting to see those buses maneuver and “dance” past each other.) I quickly learned the Corsican I had talked about my Tail of the Dragon adventure with had the right attitude. 318 turns in 11 miles? That was a “nice” start to the day. I also realized Bruno Langlois lived his life surrounded by the twisty, always challenging mountainous “paths” of Corsica. What better preparation could he have help him win the Pikes Peak Motorcycle Race? Is it any wonder he conquered that mountain’s curves? He felt at home! Riding was one thing. My French friends also believed in good eating. As is the French custom, we enjoyed multicourse meals and spent much time, often hours, at lunch and dinner. Savoring food and drink and each other’s company is important in this culture. French do not eat to

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live, they really live to eat…and they eat well. Viper Crew knew where to go on the island for the best sea food and superbly prepared dishes. I was in gastronomic heaven. Think of it: hours a day of amazing motorcycle riding, superb scenery, great food, and good friends. Corsica and Viper Crew made this trip so memorable. After eight days of riding, it was time to say goodbye to the island. We gathered our belongings, packed our bikes and headed into the nearby mountainside to a private home overlooking the Adjecco harbor. Local friends (Viper Crew is very well connected) prepared a seven-course dinner using an outside wood-fired oven. Delicious! Exceptional! Relaxing! Wonderful! All too soon we had to head down to the harbor and take the ferry back. We went through COVID document checks and boarded the ferry for the overnight trip to the French mainland. We arrived at the port of Marseilles and headed north. Viper Crew had one more surprise for me. Are you familiar with the PBS television show Escape to the Chateau? This is a series about an English couple renovating a centuriesold French chateau into a bed and breakfast hotel. Guests book rooms and are served dinner in stone buildings that are found behind renaissance-era castle walls updated for modern comfort. That was the last stop of our trip: an Escape to the Chateau stand-in named Chateau Beauchamp (www.chateau-beauchamp.com).

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We arrived at the 1830s era compound and checked into our apartments. We were served drinks poolside and enjoyed the solitude of being the only guests in the facility. Dinner was served in a converted tack room complete with polo gear hanging on the wall. We slept well. The next morning, we headed north to Paris. Along the way I said goodbye to members of Team Viper and soon I was alone heading to my hotel in Versailles. I took the bike back to the dealership the next morning and this motorcycle adventure was over. I have been asked, “Wasn’t this trip expense?” You can easily price a Harley rental, a flight to Paris (I shop hard and have flown for as little as $239 roundtrip), an AMT tour and hotel. Gasoline is at least twice as expensive as the U.S. and tolls are high. That said, think: There is “expensive” and there is “value.” My wife and I make it a point to shop hard for travel bargains. Cost-wise this trip was expensive, but it was a bucket list item. How do you cost-out a trip with this kind of value? Yes, the accountant will say, “Look at the credit card charges.” True. But, in my accounting system, the accounting system of cost versus fun, this trip’s cost/fun statement is vastly unbalanced in the fun/memory/ value column. It was well worth the money invested in fun and memories. The exceptional bonus is in the form of new friendships. Viper Crew is made up of exceptional people and now, very good friends. I’m ready for our next adventure.

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Corsica? In my view it’s an island you need to put on your I-wantto-ride-there bucket list. Afterwards, I’m betting you will enjoy it so much you will go way out of your way to thank me for the suggestion. TRMI JANUARY 2022 - 25


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What is so great about being a test tube baby? You get a There was a blonde, a redhead, dhea dh ead, ea d, aand nd a womb with a view. brunette. They were alll trapped on an island An old woman is upset at her husband’s funeral. “You have and the nearest him in a brown suit, and I wanted him in a blue suit.” The shore was 50 miles mortician says, “We’ll take care of it, ma’am,” and yells to away. The redhead the back, “Ed, switch the heads on two and four!” swam trying to make it to the other shore What has 148 teeth and holding back a monster? My zipper. she swam 15 miles, There was a papa mole, a momma mole, and a baby mole. drowned, and died. Th Thee They lived in a hole out in the country near a farmhouse. brunette swam 24 miles, s, Papa mole poked his head out of the hole and said, drowned, and died. Th Thee “Mmmm, I smell sausage!” Momma mole poked her head blonde swam 25 miles, got go ot outside the hole and said, “Mmmm, I smell pancakes!” tired, and swam back. Baby mole tried to stick his head outside but couldn’t because of the two bigger moles. Baby mole said, “The only A hillbilly family’s only son on sa save saves vess ve thing I smell is molasses.” up money to go to college. ege. eg e. A Aft fter ft er about three years, he comes mess ba me back ack k Two bats are hanging upside down on a branch. One asks home. They are sitting aaround roun ro un nd the other, “Do you recall your worst day last year?” The the dinner table, when other responds, “Yes, the day I had diarrhea!” the dad says, ‘’Well son, you done gone to What’s the best waterslide for kids? college, so you must be Your throat. perty smart. Why don’t n’tt you you u speak some math fer’ us?’’ ? ’’ ‘’Ok, ‘’O ’Ok, k, Two tall trees, a birch and a beech, are growing in the Pa.’’ The son then says, ‘‘’Pi ’Pii R ’P woods. A small tree begins to grow between them, and squared.’’ After a moment, ent, en t, tthe t, he the beech says to the birch, “Is that a son of a beech or dad says, ‘’Why son, they h ain’t ’ a son of a birch?” The birch says he cannot tell, but just teached ya nothin’! Pie are round, then a woodpecker lands on the sapling. The birch says, cornbread are square.’’ “Woodpecker, you are a tree expert. Can you tell if that is a son of a beech or a son of a birch?” The woodpecker takes What’s the difference between a blonde and a washing a taste of the small tree and replies, “It is neither a son of a machine? A washing machine doesn’t follow me home beech nor a son of a birch, it is, however, the best piece of after I dump a load in it. ash I have ever poked my pecker into.” An old man and his wife went to the doctor for a checkA priest, a minister, and a rabbi want to see who’s best at up. While the man is with the doctor, the doctor asks him, his job. So they each go into the woods, find a bear, and “So how has life been treating you?” The old man replies, attempt to convert it. Later they get together. The priest “The Lord’s been good to me. Every night when I go to the begins: “When I found the bear, I read to him from the bathroom, he turns the light on and when I’m finished, he Catechism and sprinkled him with holy water. Next week is turns the light off.” While the old woman is with the doctor, his first communion.” “I found a bear by the stream,” says the doctor told her what her husband said. She replied, the minister, “and preached God’s holy word. The bear was “Damn it! The old fart’s been pissing in the ice box again!” so mesmerized that he let me baptize him.” They both look down at the rabbi, who is lying on a gurney in a body cast. Little Johnny came in from the backyard sobbing. His “Looking back,” he says, “maybe I shouldn’t have started mother asked “What’s the matter?” “Dad was fixing the with the circumcision.” fence and hit his thumb with the hammer,” he said through his tears. “That’s not so serious,” his mother said, “and a What’s white and 14 inches long? big boy like you shouldn’t cry about that. Why didn’t you Nothing. just laugh?” “I did!” cried Johnny. A man walks out on his front porch one day and sees a gorilla in the tree on his front lawn. He calls animal control and about an hour later a man shows up with a ladder, a pit bull, and a shotgun. The animal control employee tells the man, “I’m here to get the gorilla out of your tree. I’m going to use this ladder to climb up the tree and shake the branch the gorilla is on to knock him to the ground. The pit bull is trained to go after anything that falls from the tree and bites their balls which calms the animal down so I can put him in the truck.” The man says “Okay, I see what the ladder and the pit bull are for but what is the shotgun for?” The animal control employee says, “Oh, that’s for you. In case I fall out of the tree instead of the gorilla.” What do you call a nurse with dirty knees? The Head nurse. 28 - TRMI JANUARY 2022

Every ten years, the monks in the monastery are allowed to break their vow of silence to speak two words. Ten years go by and it’s one monk’s first chance. He thinks for a second before saying, “Food bad.” Ten years later, he says, “Bed hard.” It’s the big day, a decade later. He gives the head monk a long stare and says, “I quit.” “I’m not surprised,” the head monk says. “You’ve been complaining ever since you got here.” A lawyer is standing in a long line at the box office. Suddenly, he feels a pair of hands kneading his shoulders, back, and neck. The lawyer turns around. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” “I’m a chiropractor, and I’m just keeping in practice while I’m waiting in line.” “Well,

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I’m a lawyer, but you don’t see me screwing the guy in them.” Fascinated, Doris says, “How does that make them front of me, do you?” bigger?” “I don’t know, but it sure worked for your ass!” When my girlfriend said she was Two guys were playing golf. On the tee, Jack hit his shot leaving because of my obsession with way left of the fairway in some buttercups. Bob proceeded The Monkees, I thought she was to hit and his ball went way off to the right in the bushes. joking. And then I saw her face. Jack eventually found his ball and proceeded to hit in the buttercups. All of a sudden, he heard a big *POOF* and a I’ve spent the last two years looking for fairy appeared. She proceeded to say to Jack that she was my wife’s killer, but nobody will do it. Mother Nature and that she was really upset at him for damaging the buttercups. She said, ‘’Jack, for all the damage A man and woman are sitting on their porch that you did to my buttercups, you will not have any butter drinking a beer. The man says, “I love you.” The to put on your toast in the morning for the next month. woman says, “Is that you talking or the beer talking?” The No, as a matter of fact, I am so upset at you that you won’t man says, “That’s me talking to the beer!” have any butter for the whole next year! That should teach you a lesson so you won’t hurt my creations.” *POOF* She What do women and screen doors have in disappeared. Jack, stunned by what just happened, called common? The more you bang them, the looser out, “Bob! Bob! Come over here quick!” Bob replied, “Wait they get. a sec. I’m hitting my shot and I’ll be right over.” Jack yelled back at Bob, “Where are you?” Bob answered, “I’m over Someone asked me, “Now that you are retired, here in the pussy willows.” Jack shouted back, “Don’t swing do you still have a job?” I replied, “Yes I am Bob! For the love of God, don’t swing!” my wife’s sexual adviser.” Somewhat shocked, they said, “I beg your pardon, but what do you What is the difference between a snow man and a snow mean by that?” “Very simple,” I answered, “My woman? Snowballs!! wife has told me that when she wants my fucking advice, she’ll ask me for it.” Three football teams (Arsnel, Liverpool, and Hartsfield) are flying from England across Egypt for a match in the He named the street he owned after his wife. What a Middle East. Their plane crashes in the desert and they grand statement of his love for her, for she was cold, hard, survive. After days of wandering, they are really hungry so cracked, and only gets plowed around the holidays. when they come across a camel, the footballers decide to kill it and eat it. The Liverpool team says, “Because we play One day, little Suzie and her mom are walking down a for Liverpool, will we eat the liver.” The Hartsfield players beach when they see a couple having sex. Little Suzie decide, “Because we play for Hartsfield, we will eat the asks her mother, “What are they doing?” And her mother heart.” Arsnel says, “I think we might go hungry...” replies, “They’re baking a cake” so that she doesn’t have to explain sex to little Suzie. Later that day, after mom has Teacher: “Anyone who thinks he’s stupid may stand up!” tucked little Suzie into bed, little Suzie’s dad comes home. Nobody stands up. Teacher: “I’m sure there are some Mom and dad decide to have sex on the couch. The next stupid students over here!!” Little Johnny stands up. morning, little Suzie goes up to mom and asks, “Mommy, Teacher: “Ohh, Johnny you think you’re stupid?” Little were you and daddy baking a cake last night?” Mom Johnny: “No...Ii just feel bad that you’re standing alone...” replies, “Yes we were, Suzie. How did you know?” Suzie replies, “Cause I saw some icing on the couch.” Two little boys were known troublemakers, stealing everything they could get their hands, even from the Research shows that 80% of men don’t know how to use church. One day a priest stopped one of the boys and condoms. These men are called dads. asked, “Where is God?” The boy shrugged and the priest repeated, “Where is God?” The boy ran out of the cathedral What did the leper say to the prostitute? crying to his home where he hid in a closet. Eventually his Keep the tip. brother found him and asked, “What’s wrong?” The crying boy replied, “We’re in trouble now! God is missing and What’s the difference between a nun and a woman in a they think we took him!” bathtub? One has hope in her soul and one has soap in her hole. A Spanish captain was walking on his ship when a soldier rushes to him and exclaims, “An enemy ship is approaching An old lady was getting on the bus to go to the pet cemetery us!” The captain replies calmly, “Go get my red shirt.” The with her cat’s remains. As she got on the bus, she whispered soldier gets the shirt for the captain. The enemy ship comes to the bus driver, “I have a dead pussy.” The driver pointed in and heavy rounds of fire are exchanged. Finally, the to the lady sitting behind him and said, “Sit with my wife, Spaniards win. The soldier asks, “Congrats sir, but why the you two have a lot in common.” red shirt?” The captain replies, “If I got injured, my blood shouldn’t be seen, as I didn’t want my men to lose hope.” Doris is sitting in a bar and says to her friend that she Just then, another soldier runs up and says, “Sir, we just wants to have plastic surgery to enlarge her breasts. The spotted another twenty enemy ships!” The captain calmly bartender tells her, “Hey, you don’t need surgery to do that. replies, “Go bring my yellow pants.” I know how to do it without surgery.” Doris asks, “How do I do it without surgery?” “Just rub toilet paper between Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

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Rip That Damn Band-Aid off As I have stated on an almost yearly article betwixt and between the pages of this, the greatest motorcycle magazine on the planet, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, you will not, not now…not ever achieve your goals unless you create a plan for those goals. Now, sit back and allow me to regale you in a manner that many can relate too, or possibly have even used to mo-tivate themselves, a family member, team member or a co-worker. At times in life you have to shit or get off the pot. It’s as simple as that, but at times it may not seem that simple unless we hear it from a person that legit has our back. You see, I do embrace creating a plan and working a plan. Every single successful person, eve-ry single organization, every charity, has a plan to achieve the desired end result, whatever those results, or goals may be. You must have a plan if you are to get where you want to be in any manner of pursuits you’re involved in when it comes to life and this is the time of the year we are force fed the mantra, New You! New Results! New ect, ect, ect…blah, blah, blah and we get to the point that we either let it fall on deaf ears or we do something about it and make a damn plan on how to get done what you want to get done. You see, you can’t quit drinking until you make a plan to stop, you can’t lose weight until you make a plan to stop shoving shit down your pie hol-ster, you can’t get that new job until you make plans to make it happen. Whatever your 2022 looks to be it is completely up to you but first you make that damn plan, or start to think about making that plan.

food, addiction, bad job, people that held you back, ect. You see, much of what we think we need to acquire because it makes us “happy” or WILLl make us happy might be something that is just placating something in our life that we think we need but really don’t’. That drink we think we need to have, a group of friends that seem important but don’t really bring much to the table, a friend that you thought you could confide in but later learn they in fact did not or whatever that “thing” maybe. Removing toxic shit from our lives can improve it more than any things we may acquire. Many of the happiest people in this world have the least amount of shit, or baggage in their lives. Many times in our lives we don’t even know that we have crap like that holding us down because we reach a comfort level that just sort of numbs us. We forget what it was that made us happy when the happiness has long since left but we are so used to the current situation we don’t even realize that we are no longer happy. It very well could be your current job situation. You were happy when you got it, but it’s not the same gig anymore, you’re just used to it. You work through the motions, thinking you have it good because you remember when it made you happy, but the pain threshold is thus you don’t make a change, because, well that is what you know. My 2022 is going to be vastly different than not only my 2021, but most of my years over the last half of my lifetime for so many reasons. Many of them because I did get my eyes opened to how I was going through the motions in a way that I wasn’t expecting.

I don’t know how your 21 ended up. I hope life got back to whatever in the hell this new normal bullshit it. I hope you had a chance to ride your ass off or ride enough to make you smile. I hope you had a ton of laughs, ate great food, found love in a place you didn’t know where it was, got that new job, saw a kick ass sunrise, crossed stuff off your bucket list, danced naked like no-body was watching, bought a new bike, house, gun, truck, tractor, guitar, or whatever floats your boat, heck maybe it was a boat. I hope whatever you dreamed of, you made it happen.

I had a conversion with a person that I have legit not seen in what seems like 20 years. The kind of person that the moment you see each other, you pick up conversions like it was last week. They are also the same person that tells you things that you need to hear, but don’t want to hear, because you know they are right. You are lying to yourself and while it’s hard to hear, it is what you needed hear DAMN I HATE THOSE PEOPLE! LOL…but they force you to rip the band aid off, look at your entire life, and make choices that are hard. Choices that will upset the provincial apple cart and while it stings, it can be refreshing and rewarding at the same time. You hate them for it, but love them at the same time.

On the flip side, I hope you got rid of toxins in your life. Maybe it was a shitty relationship, a bad boss, bad habit,

I have a lot of changes on the way, new career that every

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morning I wake up wondering how I get to be that goddamn lucky, a rejuvenated love for my media pursuits, a daughter passing the torch from High School to College, another entering the final year of her high school career, and a son that will be continuing his military career serving our nation in the United States Air Force, I mean, he was six years as a rescue swimmer now his second go around in the Air Force, and possibly being stationed close to his old man? Yea, kinda happy and proud about that. Oh, and I will be riding and promoting a new brand of bikes, well, new to me but an American Legend, hint, hint, meaning…I will be riding my ass off with renewed enthusiasm in 2022. I see so many great things coming, and while good things are coming, something I will be leaving be-hind, because I now see some of the toxic crap I have been numb to, like a frog you put in a pot of cold water. The frog get used to it, he stays in the pot, even when the water slowly warms, he adapts, and keeps adapting until the water is scalding and he dies, he doesn’t leave because he adjusts, even though it’s slowly killing him. Don’t be that frog, maybe you aren’t lucky like me to have a friend grab you and say WTF dammit?!? Make your plan, make some goals, search goal planning, down load an app, ask a friend…it’s not as hard has you think it is. You can do it, hell, it can be as simple as getting a notebook and writing down what you want out of your life and 2022. That’s what I use, it works. Todd “Crash” Davis

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TRMI JANUARY 2022 - 35


2022 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 8 Jan 8 Jan 14 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12-13 Feb 18-20 Feb 19 Feb 25-27 Feb 24-26 Feb 26 Feb 26-27 Mar 6 Mar 11-13 Mar 13 Mar 19 Mar 26-27 Mar 26

Men’s Night LHHD Pacific Junction Final Rewind - The Last Retro Rewind Dubuque Indoor Car & Motorcycle Show Beer Tasting with Keg Creek LHHD Pacific Junction Winter Sucks Party Metro HD Cedar Rapids Ladies Night LHHD Pacific Junction Winter Sucks Party LHHD Pacific Junction Indoor Poker Run LHHD Pacific Junction Biker Luau LHHD Pacific Junction Pre-Superbowl Party LHHD Pacific Junction Metro’s 31st Annual Chili CookOff Metro HD Cedar Rapids Capitol City Custom Cycle Show & Swap Iowa Events Center Des Moines 36th Annual ABATE D2 Lincoln Bike Show Harley-tine’s Day! LHHD Pacific Junction World of Wheels Milwaukee Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE Sleeping Angels Gala Boone 52nd Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids World of Wheels Chicago Wade’s High Performance Swap Meet & Trade Show Des Moines Two Wheel Trauma by Slider Gilmore Davenport 33rd Annual Donnie Smith Show and Swap Saint Paul, MN Accident Scene Management Presentation by Slider Gilmore

36 - TRMI JANUARY 2022

Apr 1-3 Apr 3 May 7 May 7 May 14 May 26-30 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jul 1-2 Jun 30-Jul 2 Jul 9 Jul 23 Jul 30 Aug 5-14 Aug 13 Aug 20 Sep 1-5 Sep 3 Sep 18 Sep 22-24 Oct 1

www.thunderroadsiowa.com

Marshalltown World of Wheels Omaha Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL 11th Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone 16th Annual Chrome Divas Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids PGI Riders Blessing of the Bikes Metro HD Cedar Rapids Redneck Revival Rally (Over 21) Conesville Ride for Darcy Metro HD Cedar Rapids CVMA Patriots Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Two Wheel Trauma by Slider Gilmore Nevada Chains Interrupted Freedom Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Iowa Hog Drags and Nostalgia Reunion Humboldt Freedom Rally Algona PGI Riders Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Cruzin’ for a Cure – Cystic Fibrosis Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Solidarity Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Black Hills Motorcycle Rally Little Timmy’s Ride for Babies Metro HD Cedar Rapids Kyles Mile 8 Metro HD Cedar Rapids Redneck Revival Rally (Over 21) Conesville 2nd Annual Hot Rods, Hot Bikes w/Dave Kindig LHHD Pacific Junction World Famous Butterfield’s M-C Parts Hot Dog Daze Omaha, NE MRF Meeting of the Minds Des Moines Chrome Divas Mac & Cheese Cook-Off Metro HD Cedar Rapids

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