Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa July 2020 by Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa

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A couple months back I commented ment me nted ed d about ab bo out ut m tthe hee eeditor dito di tto or writing the toughest letter from that I have ever written. Strange ggee tthing hn hi ngg now is that preparing for writing ng the th he July Letter to the readers, it seems ems ms to be even more difficult now. Even more things have happened ned d in our state, our country, our world, and it is even hard to fathom the end result of this year. I do know that we are staying the course and keeping on keeping pin ng on with both TRMI and Thunder der de Guns, and that will not change in in the foreseeable future. On that note, the first “threat” that we faced was the virus. There have been multitudes of information, misinformation, and sheer bullshit spread all over the internet, then television, radio, and even billboards all over the damned place. We are fully aware that it is a real virus, but not sure on the origination, and frankly, don’t care because the end result of such does not matter. No matter the origination of the virus, it has made people sick and has resulted in deaths. For that we are truly sorry to anyone that has been lost to this virus. On another scale, the resulting panic, hype, and scare tactics have closed businesses, disrupted our way of life, and changed how things will shake out in the future. With my father in law Mike pushing four years out on a double lung transplant, and a wife with an auto-immune disorder that is on medications that drops her immune capability, I have taken the recommendations quasiseriously. We have been even more vigilant about washing hands, covering coughs, and staying away from everyone if we (or they) have the faintest idea of being ill or feeling off. Our take on the whole matter is still much the same has been for years, with an added level of emphasis. We never did close Thunder Guns to the public, and we have gotten to as many places that were open as possible with time available. There have not been many events goings on up to the time of this letter, but there are many slated coming up. With that, we will be at the Freedom Rally and hope to see many old friends there and even meet some new ones. ABATE was in one hell of a predicament with all of these

recommendations and cancellations, but we feel that Duffy and crew made the right call, and we look forward to celebrating some Freedom on the 4th of July weekend north of Algona. We found a deal about the flag that we put in the center of the magazine this month. The Flag of the US of A is something that we hold near and dear, and felt the need to share this bit of information that we wholeheartedly agree with. Disrespecting the things that the Flag stands for and the Flag itself due to kneeling during the Pledge or Anthem is not acceptable in our minds. We are well aware that there are some janky things that happen, horrific things that have happened, and we support taking a knee or whatever form of peaceful protest, but if you choose to do that during the solemn period of reflection and celebration for what the flag stands for, then you are part of the problem. Two wrongs don’t make a right. If we stand together for the Flag, then we can work together to improve the things that are less than stellar with our great Nation. There are some that disagree with this notion of pride for our Flag and Country, and for those people, they have the right to their beliefs and to protest as such peacefully and respectfully. For those that choose to push their agendas in other directions, we only recommend that people keep their wits about them, keep their heads on swivels, arm yourselves as much as you can, and keep your powder dry. Together we can get through this and revel in the greatness of the Red, the White, and the Blue. God Bless America! You are not a rider because you ride, you are a rider because riding feeds your soul. Vernon and Melanie Schwarte Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa

On the Cover We got to go out on one of those crazy hot early June Saturdays and popped into Edwards Motorsports to check out some two, three, and four wheeled machines. These are the folks behind the Bikes on the 100 Block in Council Bluffs Bike Night, and sell a ton of new and used fun machines. We ran across this clean old 900 Kaw, with the flag whipping in the wind behind it and thought it was a great shot. Hope you agree and can enjoy beauty whenever and wherever you can find it! Ride Safe!

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Recently, I was sitting in our front room contemplating this month’s article (Of course this was after trying to trick Karla into thinking she forgot and it was really her month to write. I suppose when you try this on a regular basis it becomes harder to achieve the desired results.) As I was saying, sitting in the front room napping, I mean contemplating, I came to the realization that I/we are easily distracted, especially when facing a deadline or goal. One of my current distractions - or better yet, nemesis - is the mother of all potholes that has taken up residence in front of our house. Years ago when we purchased the old family home that my grandparents built, it had a more generous set- back from what was originally a nice, quiet residential street. Over the years, the street went from an eventual deadend to becoming an artery to the highway engulfing us in a complete east to west connecting fiasco. The street then had to be widened to the point that the magnificent 75-year-old trees had to be removed as well as the hundredfold increase in traffic that now includes big trucks. This nemesis pothole shakes the whole front of the house when big trucks drive by. Any one that has lost a wheel, tire or been thrown by one of these insidious monsters can appreciate my battle. Calls to the city have been sometimes met with a band aid coating of gravel and tar that may help for a month. At one point we even dug up lines from the yard and street after running the colonoscopy scope through its innards. This resulted in the uncovering and discovery of a new parking garage or mammoth cave under the street because of a break in the connecting joint with the main water discharge line. After the fix was in, quiet and peace abided until it didn’t. It gradually began to sink again. It’s back! Do I try to take matters into my own hands by sneaking wheelbarrows full of blacktop patch out there in the middle of the night, risking becoming a vigilante hardened criminal???? We will see.

being made holy. That’s us who believe! In God’s eyes we are whole and finished but paradoxically, that process isn’t done while we are still here on earth. We are currently being shaped into his likeness and by God’s word we see what we will become. The Old Testament required the High Priest to continually make blood sacrifices for the people’s sins and failures. Jesus, the new High Priest, was able to make the perfect sacrifice once and forever with his life given on the cross. We don’t have to worry about the spiritual potholes coming back as he is the fix for all eternity. Blessings, Mark

Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Like the pothole battle, too much of life seems to boil Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and down to a series of distractions and challenges and learning to deal with things. Some are beyond our control, God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org. many we initiate ourselves, and others are brought on by other people. The saying “you can’t fix stupid” comes to mind but I would add “God can fix stupid”. Not unexpectedly, the last household poll taken here resulted in the consensus that I wasn’t God. I did receive one vote from the dog but the rest not so much; in fact the cat has always believed that it is God and thinks it should be unanimous. All this road battle reminded me that all of us are continually under construction. We repeatedly cover or hide our potholes. They look good for a season just to have them resurface. A pothole in our life is a weak spot that has to be avoided or watched for another failure. It’s frustrating to realize that maturity doesn’t finish or perfect us and makes it increasingly obvious of our need for a Savior, which is Jesus. The book of Hebrews tells us that by one sacrifice, Jesus has made perfect forever those who are 6 - TRMI JULY 2020

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Edwards Motorsports and RV’s The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments 1010 34th Avenue throughout Iowa that sponsor the Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 magazine. You can pick up your 712-366-8400 copy here every month. Let them fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to Indian Motorcycle of Des Moines advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa 1500 E Army Post Road Biker Friendly Business Listing and Des Moines, Iowa 50315 become a part of the network, 515-256-9062 please email Indianmotorcycleofdesmoines.com vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Biker Accessories Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook Leather & Hawgs 121 1st Street Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net (712) 884-2701 www.leatherandhawgs.com

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 Carroll Cycle Center 1327 Plaza Dr Carroll, Iowa 712-792-1610 www.carrollcycle.com

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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 Nishna Valley Cycle HONDA – YAMAHA – KTM Atlantic, Iowa 50022 1-888-577-6406 www.nishnavalleycycle.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

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

Bea’s Place 108 N Main St Baxter 641-227-2080 Check Us Out on Facebook Food, Live Music, Bike Nights Bloodline Irish Pub 214 Public Square Greenfield, Iowa 50849 Bloodline Irish Pub on Facebook

Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Catfish Charlie’s Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee On the Mississippi River Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 Specializing in Weddings & Receptions (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Desperados Anamosa, Iowa 52205 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 319-462-3925 712-243-7087 Nationalmcmuseum.org Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop Firehouse Bar 810 Jeppeson Road 1211 5th Street West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-332-8029 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00

Food and Drink

(Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations)

Ambro’s Roadhouse 917 Guthrie St De Soto, Iowa 50069 515-468-2236 Great Food! Ambro’s Roadhouse on Facebook American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org Amigo’s 280 North 1st Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-576-0142 Amigos Bar & Restaurant on FB

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Flaming Office 201 W High Street Toledo 641-484-2255 Outdoor Patio, Happy Hour 5-7 Flaming Office on Facebook & Google Goozman’s Westside Bar & Grill 1019 7th St Harlan, Iowa 712-755-2259 Goozman’s Westside on Facebook 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

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J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper

Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook

Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook

Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery 112 E Jefferson Street Prairie City, Iowa 50228 515-630-9639 Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery on FB

Johnie’s Tap 112 NE 2nd Street Stuart, Iowa 50250 515-523-1146 Mon-Sat 9:00 AM-Close

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

The Exchange 171 S Elm Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-343-2609 Lang’s Pizza, Cold Beer, Sports

Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395

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

Pearl Street Social Club 110 Pearl Street SW Shellsburg, Iowa 52332 319-436-7100 Find Us On Facebook!

The Open Road Bar & Grill 501 Ann Street Irwin, Iowa 51446 712-782-4545 The Open Road, Bar and Grill, LLC on FB

Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill

McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00 Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar! Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165 Newt’s Place 403 East St Shelby, Iowa 51570 712-207-2150 Newt’s Place on Facebook North 40 Bar Magnolia, Iowa 402-301-8234 Look Us Up on Facebook Come Have Fun at the GYM!

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. Riverside 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

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The Pastime Lounge 114 S 4th Street Cherokee, Iowa 51012 712-225-0219 Facebook/Patio/Food 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 Twisted Corn Tavern 1405 Walnut Street Dallas Center, Iowa 50063 515-992-3868 Twisted Corn Tavern on Facebook Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens Sun-Fri 2:30, Sat 9:30

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Guns and Ammo JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577

Insurance & Financial 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

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

Services Jason Roberts, LLC Haul It, Dig It, Doze It Code931993@yahoo.com 641-740-1411

Shops & Fabricators 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 Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954 F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com 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

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Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220 ‘Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY & INDIAN ONLY Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172 Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook

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

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

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

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Scooter Tramp

RAMBLINGS

If you caught my ramblings last month, I made mention of the various events I’ve covered for national magazines over the past 20 years. What most people don’t know is occasionally an event article would not get published, for whatever reason, but the print magazine world has changed so much in recent years that it’s getting harder and harder to get anything published in a national publication. With that said, the following story was sent to a wellknown national biker publication, which (un-known to me at the time) had sold to a new publisher right about the time I sent this in to them. New publisher shut down publication to revamp the format and come back the 1st of this year, with what I’d consider nothing less than a supreme insult to the legend of that title! In that process they passed on a pretty cool story here, so TRMI readers will beneﬁt from their loss. And although not an Iowa event, this is a party of true hard working honest people, which is safe to say most of us here in Iowa can relate to. I’ll also mention that while on the New England leg of my 48 state ride last summer, Harlan and I stopped for the night in Indiana, near the Cincinnati area and literally within viewing distance of Ohio and Kentucky right across the Ohio river. I was only about 20 minutes from Troll, one of the good folks from Shadetree, and we spoke on the phone as he was on his way into work, so timing wasn’t good to meet with him that night. But 8 days later I was back on the bike and riding right past this same location to get to their World Party for this event. So this journey didn’t make it into my notes for the 48 States, but did add to the 22,000 miles I logged in the wind last year. Enjoy…

Some people claim to host th the best parties around the world, w whereas other folks just throw ssomething together and roll with w whatever shenanigans might unfold. T The latter is such case for them S Shadetree folks… Just a bunch of h honest hard working folks looking to h have a good time. Now that’s not to ssay that they don’t put a bit of eﬀort in into things, but when it’s time to p party, that’s the only thing on agenda! T Their annual World Party takes place e every July 4th holiday, and although ty typically held in Kentucky back ccountry, the location changes up from yyear to year. But ya know it’s in just th the right spot when directions take a fella down “Double Culvert Road,” w while passing “Turkeyfoot Road” and ““Hinton Cemetery Road.” Yeah, that ta takes ya back to the days when folks p put a lot of forethought and creativity in into naming them dirt paths. Highway n numbers and “left at McDonald’s” just ain’t gonna get ya there!

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But r regardless o where of t their World P Party takes p place, them T Trees know h how to m make things m memorable. P Plenty of c cold (well k kinda, sorta, b not but r really cold) b beer can be dug up from the horse ttrough, but don’t expect any wellkknown brews like you’re accustomed to at your local pub. However, your p palate will be delighted with the w wide array of taste testing options tthat might be present. And food, o oh yeah, lots of it… If chicken fresh o oﬀ the grill and spicy corn on the ccob temps your taste buds, then yyou might have found yourself a lilittle piece of Heaven. And if ya like m music then ya better like it live… A All sorts of bands from all over tthe universe are hauled in on the M Millennium Falcon for the honor of p playing at the World Party. And with n names like The Tree Amigos and 3 o on the Tree, a person might think F FLIP TH E PAGE MAN!

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there’s some sorta theme going on here, which is all ok, as long as you’re not rolling in on a ﬁretruck theme bike.

didn’t d realize they were w a couple, who would’ve w guessed that t one?) Yep, safe s to say them Shadetree S folks know k how to have a rootin-tootin good t time!

A person should come to expect a strict dress attire at such a high fashioned event, so if you ever ﬁnd yourself so lucky as to attend the World Party, be sure to pack your jogging suit and Hawaiian shirts. And ya better be a fan of them really short cut-oﬀ shorts they refer to as Daisy Dukes, just don’t be surprised to see grown men struggling to keep their man parts from falling out.

S ya say ya So w wanna go next ti time? Well, ya better know a Tree, so they c give ya the top secret location. And I can w wouldn’t say it’s by invitation only, but ya b better know the secret handshake and be a able to recite the Water Buﬀalo Pledge with y your mouth closed all while standing on y your head and drinking from the infamous C Chalice. Seems simple enough. N Show Nate – Natanic.com No N Nate Ullrich www.Natanic.com

If its biker games ya like, well the Trees know all about that kinda stuff too… They made an honest attempt to talk about doing some rodeo games. Bikes show, well if you’ve got your heart set on winning a thrift store clearance 40 year old plastic ballet trophy with the head broke off, then this is just the place for you. And there are plenty of hills, so one should expect that there was a lot of talk about doing a hill climb, but of course only some serious talking about thinking about doing said hill climbs. If grass drags are your things, well you guessed it, there’s plenty of grass to drag your ass through at any given time. And what biker party would be complete without some dirt track racing? Luckily Skeeter has a dirt track just up the way, so a person could just run their bike up the hill climb, then jump right into the dirt track action! Bikini babes… Yep, they’re a plenty. Old motorcycles… More than your happy little heart could ever desire. Hot rodders, vanners, axe throwers, burnouts, tattoos, square dancing, mosh pit, kilts, hair rollers, puppies, beach volleyball, figure skating, poolside bar, thumb wrestling, chess, Lego building competitions, some pretty intense Hungry Hungry Hippos wagering, and a surprise visit from Optimus Prime and She-Ra. (I

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Heather Poggensee 2016 Indian Scout Johnston

Tiffany Nissen 2013 Street Bob Stratford Ivy Morelock 2009 Suzuki Gladius Des Moines 16 - TRMI JULY 2020

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

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waitress was quick to approach and take our drink orders and provide us with menus. We each got a Bloody Mary and some more water to enjoy while we chose our grub. The bloodies are to die for…just a little spicy, pickle spear and green olives along for the ride, but the salt concoction on the rim is truly unique. Peppery to start, but a distinct bacon ﬂavor follows up the spice. If you stop in, I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Thirsty Carp 930 9th St Hwy175 and 71

Lake View, Iowa 51450 (712) 665-2313 Monday-Friday 4 PM - 2 AM Saturday & Sunday 3 PM – 2AM Getting to the end of what seemed to be a never ending winter season, followed up by a bonus quarantine season, Vernon and I decided that enough was enough, and we set out on the bike to see a couple of old friends and maybe, just maybe, ﬁnd some place that was open to grab a bite worthy of sharing with our readers. When we left K-Town it was drizzling and a chilly 62 degrees, but about 20 minutes or so into the ride the clouds parted and the skies smiled upon us, as if to say “It’s about damn time you got back to tearing up a little pavement.” After a couple of hours on the bike, we met up with our friends Toni and Charlie and spent a little time working out the frustrations of an extremely weird and everchanging world that we live in. Adam and Dick swung by as well, and a special thanks to Adam for showing everyone up…. seriously, this guy shoots damn well. Many bullets and targets were destroyed in the making of this visit, and we thank our dear friends for the hospitality. After chatting and having plenty of water to account for frivolous restroom stops along the way home, we pointed the bike southward and set our sights on some sustenance. Dining out in the time of COVID can be more of a challenge than one would think. Some places are still not open, or are operating on limited hours. Yet others are not welcoming in diners yet, and I challenge you to try and eat spaghetti, or maybe a taco on two wheels. By the time we had traveled as far south as Lake View, we were ready to take a peek at a menu and stretch our legs. We pulled in to the Thirsty Carp parking lot and found a spot of pavement to park the bike for a bit. The Lake was hopping, as it was a sunny Saturday, and ﬁnally warm enough to spend some serious time outside. We entered the bar and grill and seated ourselves. The 18 - TRMI JULY 2020

The menu offers a wide range of burger options, all available on bun, Texas toast, or flatbread…your choice. There is also a selection of chicken sandwiches, either fried or grilled and salads to boot. If none of these options strike your fancy, there are numerous appetizers, wings, and pizza options as well. After careful consideration, Vernon chose to order the Triple Threat…. a hamburger option that comes topped with thin sliced prime rib, shoulder bacon, and pepper jack cheese. For a side he went with the classic French fry option. I opted for The Rhonda (grilled)…this chicken sandwich is topped with creamy spinach artichoke dip and any fresh “fixins” you care to add. I chose curly fries as my accompaniment. We enjoyed our drinks, and a short time later our waitress returned, arms full of freshly prepared goodness. The Triple Threat arrived in all its juicy glory with melty pepper jack oozing off the delicious bun. The fries were more than a generous portion, and were perfectly crisp on the outside, with pillow-y soft potato on the inside. The Rhonda was certainly no disappointment either. Piled high on a soft, fresh bun, the grilled chicken was perfectly seasoned and juicy, but putting the dip on top was a total bonus…creamy and delicious. BTW, you can order the dip as an appetizer if you prefer. My curly fries were a perfect addition to the sandwich. They were crispy and seasoned perfectly. They even offer a couple of dessert options…if you have any room left after the main course. Small portions are NOT a part of this menu, but there are both healthy and gluten free choices to enjoy as well. We visited on a Saturday, but we are told that if you stop on a Sunday, you will be privy to Sunday Funday Specials on drinks and food, so next time you go for a nice drive around the lake, make sure to swing by the Thirsty Carp and tell ‘em Thunder Roads sent you! Until the next Course… Melanie J Schwarte

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2. We stand for the ﬂag not to focus on what divides us but on what unites us, which is being an American.

“I believe every American, when the national anthem is played, should cover their hearts and think about all the men and women who have been maimed and killed. Every American should stand and think for three lousy minutes,” John Kelly declared in response to the NFL controversy.

The more than 1.2 million Americans who have died because of war. We stand for soldiers who initially inspired our national anthem, such as William Williams, a runaway slave who later died after having his leg blown oﬀ as part of the 38th U.S. Infantry at the Battle of Fort McHenry. We also stand for more recent heroes, such as Robert Kelly, the son of White House Chief of Staﬀ John Kelly, a marine lieutenant who died in a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010.

1. We stand for the ﬂag today, not to please ourselves but to honor those who paid the ultimate sacriﬁce for our freedom.

Hence, three weeks after the sacking of Washington, Francis Scott Key, a Maryland attorney who politically oppose the current president, was so moved at seeing the U.S. ﬂag ﬂying victoriously at the end of the battle for Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, that he wrote lyrics for The Star-Spangled Banner, the song we now call the national anthem.

Thirty-seven years later in Aug. 1814, the White House and U.S. Capitol lay in ashes after the British military burned the public buildings in Washington D.C. In the immediate aftermath, many Americans understandably feared that the Union Jack, the British ﬂag, would soon ﬂy over all of America again.

Americans have stood for the U.S. flag since June 14, 1777, the day the Continental Congress declared “that the flag of the (thirteen) United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Why do Americans stand for the U.S. ﬂag and the national anthem? In the midst of the NFL controversy over players who take a knee instead of standing for the national anthem, let us remember the many reasons why many of us stand for the ﬂag and how it all began.

“If we do not advocate a love of country to our children and the generations to come, then why would our children grow up to ﬁght for their countries, the founding principles and moral truths?” Melania Trump asked in a recent speech to the United Nations. Passing along patriotism is crucial to the future survival of America. The color of white in the ﬂag symbolizes the purity and innocence of our children.

5. We stand for the ﬂag not for our generation but to set an example for the next generation.

From John Adams and Thomas Jeﬀerson to Martin Luther King, Jr., many Americans have stood for justice for a more perfect union. “When the architects of our republic wrote the magniﬁcent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men—yes, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” King declared in his 1968 “I Have a Dream” speech. King tapped the principles created by our founders and applied them to make “justice a reality for all of God’s children.”

Patriotism is not pride in the pain of our nation’s past. Rather, patriotism is pride in the principles that paved the way for change, whether that change was trading royalty for representation in 1776 or exchanging enslavement for emancipation in 1863.

This is one of the three definitions for the color blue that Congress gave us in 1782. “The colors of . . . those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence. Red (signifies) hardiness and valor and blue . . . signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”

3. We stand for the flag not to pledge allegiance to a president, but to honor the reality that we have an elected president and When we stand for the flag and anthem, we are standing for not a lifetime king. our hopes for our children’s future, that they will embrace the principles of patriotism and live out its moral truths of By standing, we honor the fact that our country has had justice, perseverance and courage. We stand for the flag and 45 presidents. Our flag reflects our system of government, anthem so they can stand for the flag and anthem. divided by 50 states, the stars on the flag, but united under a federal government. The national anthem controversy in the Jane Hampton Cook is the author of “America’s StarNFL started during the term of our previous president and Spangled Story” and “The Burning of the White House: continues during our current president’s term. James and Dolley Madison and the War of 1812.” She is a former White House webmaster for President George W. 4. We stand not because of past or present pain caused by Bush. injustice, but to salute the principle of justice.

at a sports game or other public gatherings, symbolically shows that we are all Americans, no matter our race or religion, no matter our preferred sports team, and no matter our political diﬀerences. Standing is the ultimate salute to sportsmanship.

The same is true today. More than being a New Yorker or a Texan or being a Steelers fan or Rams fan, the name “American” deserves our highest respect and pride. Standing for the ﬂag and anthem

“The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of diﬀerence, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles,” George Washington, our ﬁrst president, declared in his farewell address in 1796.

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B Brotherhood h h d Pt. P #4. 4 Am I my brother’s Keeper?

h b h llooked k d at his h b h and d said, d ““Yeah… h one off his brothers, brother this is the guy”. They then commenced to giving Jake a beat down like no other. Punching and kicking like it was the biggest brawl imaginable. Jake ended up in the hospital. He Let me start this with a story. My sponsor told me this story was in and out for a day or so, broken bones, skull fracture, when I when I was about to get my prospect rocker. And it and one pissed off wife. pissed me off at first, then it made sense. So bear with me, Now, I’m gonna stop with that story for a second, but that’s cause it may open your eyes a bit, as it did mine. because I interrupted my Sponsor and said, “Man oh man, what the hell? I’d have been completely pissed at my brother. When Jake was first on the set and rockin his patch. He When I was better, I think I’d have and another brother came on the had to take him out back of the club set about the same time. And house. Put our money on the table believe it or not, they could truly with our cuts, and handle business.” have passed for biological brothers. Jake smiled at me. He just sat there, Similar height, same build, hair smiled at me as he took another color, and mannerisms. Difference pull from his Rum and Coke, is, Jake got “it” more than Dave. shaking his head. He looks at me and says, “Yeah, you’d have thought Jake was a family man and an that. But why?” Army Vet. Got pretty messed up during his fourth combat tour, with Now this is the part that got me…. the Army (Infantry), and out on got my own vision right about a medical. Dave never did much brotherhood. Jake waited for a bit, out of high school, but became I obviously I missed it, missed the known as a bit of a drinker and a lesson he was trying to teach me, womanizer. If it had two legs, it but he looked at me and continued seemed like Dave was gonna chase his story. He said that when Dave it. Well, Dave being Dave, never got to the hospital, Jake’s wife gave stopped those habits when he him the what for, for sure. Tears was patched in. I know what you streaming down her face. Sobbing are thinking, and no, even Dave as she was getting more and more knew that his brother’s wife was pissed. You’d have thought she very much off limits. That it was was ready to go toe to toe with family. But Dave didn’t mind if it Dave, as if he was the scrawny kid was someone’s wife from a different in school that everyone picked on. club. Still not cool. Jake looked at his wife and smiled. Said, “Hey babe, that’s Dave and Jake went out with some other brothers one night, my brother. Can you give us a min?” She kind of gave Jake and as the night was winding down, a chic come along and a puzzled look, but left the room. Dave was almost in tears next thing you knew, she was bar hopping with them on the seeing his brother all banged up and bandaged. He couldn’t get the words out fast enough to apologize. Just kept back of Dave’s bike. She looked every bit the biker bunny fumbling with them, and that’s when the tears really started. type and acted the part to a T. Dave will swear to this day that he didn’t know she had an ol’ man. Obviously, the two Jake stopped him. Still smiling. Jake looked at Dave and of them hooked up. From the sounds of it, it wasn’t for just said, “Brother, no worries. I’m glad this ain’t you. If I can’t take a black eye, or a beating, for YOU, why would I call one night but still short lived. A day or so at most. you brother? I’m just glad this ain’t you.” And then….that Well, Jake happened to be out and about at a bar, not flying moment, is when Dave got “it”. That big man sat there and cried for his brother. colors, and a big mf ’er from this other club come up with 24 - TRMI JULY 2020

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Now from my understanding, the other guy that jumped my sponsor Jake, he was dealt with. It stayed kind of in house but one on one. And then it was over. No more beef. I don’t know if I could have been as eloquent as Jake was, or as understanding, at that time. But it definitely put things more into perspective for me. I want my brothers always to be safe. I don’t want to wish them ill will. Not even those that have come and gone. I still wish them the best and to thrive. Why? Why would I waste my energy on hating someone or wishing bad upon them, when I used to call them brother? To quote Tupac, of all people (I’m not a fan of rap music), “Just because you lost me as a brother, doesn’t mean you gained me as an enemy. I’m bigger than that, I still wanna see you eat, just not at my table.” What I learned from my sponsor with this story is simple. He said it, I always want to look out for my brothers. They are my family the same as if they came from my very own mother. I call their mom, mom. I will be an uncle to their children. I would wish that any harm come to me long before it would come to my brothers. It may take me a bit longer to heal, because let’s face it, I’m no spring chicken. So my gift to pass on to you, is this. Are you your Brother’s keeper? I know that I am. I know that I will make some mistakes. And I’ll probably forget a time or two. But I know that I am, my Brother’s keeper. -A Veteran’s Perspective

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y the time you are B reading this we will have just wrapped up

the 36th Annual Freedom Rally in Algona. If you were there then you know what a great biker party it was. This year we had some extra-long hours of planning to pull off the greatest biker party in the Midwest. With the state shutting down this spring and everything that we had to look at due to the Covid-19 issues, it was definitely a challenge to pull it all off. But we did it and a big thank you to everyone that came out and spent your hard-earned money to attend the freedom rally. You may ask yourself, “Why the freedom rally is so important?” Well, besides being a great party, it is the main fundraiser for ABATE of IOWA. It helps us to fund all of our work we do throughout the year, from the day to day running of our organization, funding our share the road program, helping with our rider education program, and all of the work we do in Des Moines at the State Capital and our legislative work. So, THANK YOU again to those that came out to support ABATE of IOWA. I would also like to send out a big thank you to all the people behind the scenes getting the park ready and all the hard work that goes on during the rally. We could not

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do this without each and every one of you. If you missed the rally this year, mark your calendars for the 37th Annual Freedom rally on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 2021. We will see you down the road. David Duffy “Duff” State Coordinator ABATE of Iowa

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Riding into battle

Back in May my family received a message on Facebook from a very close family friend, asking if we could get a few of our friends together to lead a troop deployment out of Iowa City. Now for those of you that know my family know that we love to ride, we love to show our support in any way we can. We have planned benefits, awareness and support rides, and participated in many as well. Now I know that we aren’t the only ones who knew someone on those busses leaving Iowa City, but we knew we could send them off in the best way we Normally this far into know. While another group was the riding season most planning another escort that of us have participated day, we knew the word was out in multiple benefit there about what was going on. With some phone calls, text rides, awareness messages and even a Facebook group we pulled together rides or just getting 228 bikes for the Iowa National Guard Ironman Battalion. together with a group I am not sure the total number of bikes the other group had, of friends and taking but I know there was a lot. off for the day. This year is different, this We had riders come from all over to meet us at the armory year benefit rides are in Iowa City on Saturday May 30th. Our group had asked being postponed and those participating to dress in red, white and blue and boy even cancelled. The did we pull that off. While this escort was only approved to normal we all knew have bikes participate, those without bikes lined the streets is changing and is and bridges that were on the route after the family parade to causing things around send these brave men and women off with a smile on their us to change. While some of us have gotten face. together with a few friends to ride, others While those who were being deployed were not allowed haven’t done anything to have their normal sendoff ceremonies our communities at all. came together to send them off the best we could. The families of the Ironman Battalion lined the street near 28 - TRMI JULY 2020

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the Hawkeye Recreational Soccer fields and the streets to follow were lined by those who wanted to participate, but didn’t have a motorcycle. As the procession got on the interstate the over passes were covered with people and signs showing the troops their thanks for the sacrifices, they choose to make for us. It was truly an amazing sight to see and such a wonderful thing to take part in. Now I have participated and planned many rides over the last ten years and they all hit you differently. The ones you participate in bring you a feeling a joy and happiness, knowing that you are helping others who need it or bringing awareness to something. Planning a ride whether it is a benefit or awareness ride can be stressful at times and hard to enjoy until the moment you are on the bike and the kickstand goes up. This ride was a little different as there wasn’t much to plan. All we had to do was spread the word and get people to show up. The emotion of leading those busses through their families and friends as they say goodbye for now was a feeling of honor, but also a feeling of sadness. The feeling of sadness because loved ones are being separated for a while and the feeling honor knowing that I was a part of something so meaningful to those who put their lives on the line. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the military men and women who are currently serving and have served our country. Mandy James Photo Credit-Angi Wiggs and Ray Johansen

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Once upon a time, a doctor performed surgery on a young boy with an eye defect. After the surgery was done, he said to the parents, “” Your son is going to be just fine. We graphed some skin from his scrotum to widen his lid. He should have 20/20 vision when he wakes up.” The parents responded, “So his eye is going to be normal?” “Well, like I said, his vision will be normal but he may be a little cockeyed.” Two old ladies were outside their nursing home, having a smoke when it started to rain. One of the ladies pulled out a condom, cut off the end, put it over her cigarette and continued smoking. Lady 1 said, “What’s that?” Lady 2 responded, “A condom. This way my cigarette doesn’t get wet.” Lady 1, “Where did you get it?” Lady 2 told her that she could get them at any drugstore. The next day...Lady 1 hobbles herself into the local drugstore and announces to the pharmacist that she wants a box of condoms. The guy looks at her kind of strangely (she is, after all, over 80 years of age), but politely asks what brand she prefers. Lady 1 said, “It doesn’t matter as long as it fits a Camel.” What do a nearsighted gynecologist and a puppy have in common? A wet nose.

explains that it’s the card provingg she she knows know kn owss ow how to drive. “Oh, I have one off those,” she says. After checking her information in the squad car, the cop says, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to give you a ticket.” “What’s a ticket?” she asks. The cop thinks aboutt it, looks both ways, and pulls out u ut his penis. The girl slumps in her err seat and says, “Oh, no. Not another herr he Breathalyzer.” A man buys a lie-detecting robot ot tthat haat slaps people who fib and tests itt ou outt at dinner. He asks his son, “Did you ou go to to school today?” The son replies, “Y “Yes “Yes,” ess,”” and the robot slaps him. The son says, “All right, I went to the movies.” The father asks, “What did you see?” and the son replies,, “Toy “To Toyy Story 3.” The robot slaps him again, agai ag ain, ai n, and the son says, “OK, OK! It wass An Anal al Gang Bang 3.” His father snorts and says, nd sa says ys “When I was your age we didn’t know what porn was.” This time the robot slaps the father. The mother sputters in her coffee and retorts, “Ha! He’s your son, after all,” and the robot slaps her too.

My Mom told me the best time to ask my Dad for anything was during sex. Not the best advice I’d ever been given, because when I burst in through the bedroom door saying, ‘Can I have a new bike?’ he was pretty upset. His secretary On his way to a golf tour in Newfoundland , Phil Mickelson was surprisingly nice about it though, and I did get the drives his new Ford Fusion into a gas station in a remote bike. part of town. The pump attendant, obviously knows nothing about golf, greets him in a typical Newfoundland What’s the process of applying for a job at Hooters? They manner completely unaware of who the golfing pro is. just give you a bra and say, “Here, fill this out.” “How’s she cuttin’ by ,” says the attendant. Phil nods a quick hello and bends forward to pick up the nozzle. As A shy but handsome fellow is sitting at a club, sipping a he does so, two tees fall out of his shirt pocket onto the cocktail, and sees a beautiful woman seated alone at the ground. “What are dose?” asks the attendant. “They’re bar. After an hour of screwing up his courage he finally called tees,” replies Phil. “Well, what on God’s earth are heads over to her and asks tentatively, “Um, hi. Would you dey fur ?” inquires the attendant. “They’re for resting my mind if I chatted with you for a while?” She responds by balls on when I’m driving”, says Phil. “Jaysus Christ,” says yelling, at the top of her lungs, “No, I won’t sleep with you the Newfoundlander, “Ford tinks of everyting !” tonight!” Everyone in the bar turns in unison and stares at them. Naturally, the poor guy is hopelessly and completely A guy runs into his ex-girlfriend at a bar. “I had sex with embarrassed and he shuffles back to his table. After a few another woman last night,” he tells her. “But I was thinking minutes, the woman walks over to him and apologizes. She of you the whole time.” “You miss me that much?” she asks. smiles at him and says, “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. You “No,” he says. “But it kept me from finishing too fast.” see, I’m a graduate student in psychology and I’m studying how people respond to embarrassing situations.” To which Two old men were sitting on a front porch just watching he responds, at the top of his lungs, “What do you mean, life pass by. Suddenly, a Great Dane walks across their 200 dollars an hour?” front lawn. The dog stops, lays down, and begins licking itself. The first old man says, “Boy, I sure wish I could do What did Cinderella do when she arrived at the ball? She that.” The other old man says, “I don’t know. If I were you, gagged. I’d try petting him first.” A wife goes on a trip for work. When she returns, she finds a pair of panties in her dresser that do not belong to her. Furious, she questions her husband. The husband says, “I have no idea where they came from I don’t do the laundry!” So, the wife goes to the maid and questions her. Indignant, the maid replies, “Madam, how should I know? These panties don’t belong to me. I don’t even wear panties just ask your husband!”

A brunette, a redhead, and a blonde are sitting around talking about their kids. The brunette says, “I found cigarettes in my daughter’s room, and I didn’t know she smoked.” The redhead replies, “I found liquor in my daughter’s room, and I didn’t know she drank.” The blonde chuckles and says, “That’s nothing. I found condoms in my daughter’s room, and I didn’t know she had a dick!”

Little April was not the best student in Sunday school. A cop pulls over a ditzy looking blonde driving a convertible Usually she slept through the class. One day the teacher and asks to see her license. “What’s that?” she asks. He called on her while she was napping, “Tell me, April, who 34 - TRMI JULY 2020

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created the universe?” When April didn’t stir, little Johnny, a boy seated in the chair behind her, took a pin and jabbed her in the rear. “GOD ALMIGHTY!” shouted April and the teacher said, “Very good” and April fell back asleep. A while later the teacher asked April, “Who is our Lord and Savior,” But, April didn’t even stir from her slumber. Once again, Johnny came to the rescue and stuck her again. “JESUS CHRIST!” shouted April and the teacher said, “very good,” and April fell back to sleep. Then the teacher asked April a third question. “What did Eve say to Adam after she had her twenty-third child?” And again, Johnny jabbed her with the pin. This time April jumped up and shouted, “IF YOU STICK THAT DAMN THING IN ME ONE MORE TIME, I’LL BREAK IT IN HALF AND STICK IT UP YOUR ASS!” The Teacher fainted. I was walking through the cemetery this morning and saw a guy crouching down behind a tombstone. I said, “Morning.” He said, “No, just taking a shit.” A teacher was reading the story of the Three Little Pigs to her class. She came to the part of the story where first pig was trying to gather the building materials for his home. She read. “And so the pig went up to the man with the wheelbarrow full of straw and said: ‘Pardon me sir, but may I have some of that straw to build my house?’” The teacher paused then asked the class: “And what do you think the man said?” One little boy raised his hand and said very matter-offactly… “I think the man would have said –Well, Fuck me!! A talking pig!!” A young man moved out from home and into a new apartment, all of his own, he went proudly down to the lobby to put his name on his mailbox. While there, a stunning young lady came out of the apartment next to the mailboxes, wearing only a robe. The boy smiled at the young woman and she started up a conversation with him. As they talked, her robe slipped open, and it was obvious that she had nothing else on. The poor kid broke into a sweat trying to maintain eye contact. After a few minutes, she placed her hand on his arm and said, “Let’s go to my apartment, I hear someone coming.” He followed her into her apartment; she closed the door and leaned against it, allowing her robe to fall off completely. Now nude, she purred at him, “What would you say is my best feature?” Flustered and embarrassed, he finally squeaked, “It’s got to be your ears.” Astounded, and a little hurt she asked, “My ears? Look at these breasts; they are a full 38 inches and 100% natural. I work out every day and my ass is firm and solid. I have a 28 inch waist. Look at my skin – not a blemish anywhere. How can you think that the best part of my body is my ears?” Clearing his throat, he stammered… “Well, because outside, when you said you heard someone coming… that was me.” A Guy Walks into a Hillbilly Bar and orders a white wine. The bartender says, “You ain’t from around here, are ya?” The guy says, “No, I’m from Canada. I’m a taxidermist.” The barkeep asks, “what in tarnation is a taxidermist? You drive a taxi?” “No. I mount animals,” the guy explains. The bartender grins and yells to his patrons, “It’s OK, boys – he’s one of us!” A man walks into a pharmacy and asks for some condoms with insecticide. “I think you mean spermicide,” says the cashier. “No,” he says, “I need condoms with insecticide. My wife has a bug up her ass, and I’m going in after it.” A soldier ran up to a nun. Out of breath he asked, “Please, may I hide under your skirt. I’ll explain later.” The nun agreed… A moment later two Military Police ran up and asked, “Sister, have you seen a soldier?” The nun replied, “He went that way.” After the MPs ran off, the soldier crawled out from under her skirt and said, “I can’t thank you enough, sister. You see, I don’t want to go to Syria.” The nun said, “I understand completely.” The soldier added, “I hope I’m not rude, but you have a great pair of legs!” The nun replied, “If you had looked a little higher, you would have seen a great pair of balls…. I don’t want to go to Syria either.” Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook

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Wait, are guns now suddenly good? Or are we still bad? I am not alone in trying to figure out just what in the hell is going on this year. It has been a nonstop laugh-fest for damn sure and just when you see what you think might be a little light at the end of the tunnel, it’s a damn train headed right for you. One minute we think we might be getting back to normal, then we have hornets that have invaded with one goal in mind, to murder us. Funny, you never hear about the murder hornets any more it seems, with everything since then that has happened. Death by hornet sounds like something I might face head on about right now and go out with a smile.

What is the most frequently asked question? We will circle back on that, but I bring this up because this year is more than a record in the firearms world but the reasons are all over the place. It’s not just because of the riots, err, I mean protests. It’s not because of COVID-19, well, it is a little but not completely, it’s not even just because of the murder hornets. The growth in firearm sales is all of that and so much more. A few years back, under a previous administration, there was a great deal of concern about the future of our gun rights and this caused a great deal of panic buying. There was also a shortage of products used to make bullets, metals being in short supply, so that cause manufacturing prices to rise and shortages the shortages led to panic buying because many were convinced the government was behind the shortages, so people stocked up on all kinds of calibers, making even more shortages and the circle just continued.

Then the new man took over, no matter what you say or think, people were very clear he was pro-2 A and things Let me hit reset for just a bit, while this is an award-wincalmed down, leading to what folks called the Trump Gun ning publication dedicated and devoted to the motorcycle Slump. People were all stocked up, no fear of our rights lifestyle of Iowa, (and yes, we have awards to prove how being suppressed, all was good and pure, and guns and much the bosses kick ass) we also have other interests ammo came down in price. in mind. Many times, those interests work together. You see, you can love riding, and love, say for example…fishLeading up to the uncertainty of an upcoming election, ing.You can love riding, and also love golf and so on. A mixed with really good prices, led to the single bigbig part of many bikers’ love is the freedom that we have. gest FBI background check day ever, Black Friday 2019. The freedom to do whatever the hell we please within the Boom…or rather, with a bang, the gun slump was over and confines of the rule of law. We, the biker community, many people were back buying guns. times are the front lines of celebrating but also protecting freedoms. We cherish the right to assemble, we cherish That was NOTHING. the right to express ourselves in whatever manner we want, and we sure in the hell support the rights of Ameri- In the first quarter of 2020, before we went batshit crazy cans to be left the hell alone, to live our lives, however we hoarding toilet paper and bottled water, the FBI conductwant. ed more background checks for gun sales that in ALL OF 2019. Then, Covid hit mid-March, sales went off the charts Many of us also support the right to defend ourselves and once again, as things were calming down, they spiked our family by one of the most important constitutional again, leading to shortages in both hand guns and ammo. rights, the right to bear arms.You see, our Forefathers un- Not critical supply side shortages as in years past, but a derstood how important this right is, that is clear because run once again either way. And something interesting was they wrote it out in 27 simple words…in order of imporappearing, it wasn’t the same demographic buying all the tance, being the SECOND amendment is right up there guns as before (IE old white guys). It was all demographnear the top.You see, without a strong second, none of the ics, across the spectrum, of people wanting to step up and others, including the First, mean a damn thing or even defend themselves, their property, their family, and their have much power to protect while exercising that right. business. That logic should be rather simple, defending your right to peaceable assembly, to worship, to NOT be forced to It’s a beautiful thing, celebrating our freedoms. provide quarters for troops.You can protect yourself with firearms, a right our nation says is yours. It’s laid out, in 27 Before we get out of here, let’s circle back to the question I words. get the most, about the best weapon for self-defense. When I am not cranking out articles for this incredible magazine, which happens to be a part of and practicing our 1st Amendment rights, I do have other things that keep me entertained. One such thing is being the host of an outdoor radio program called “Crash Davis Outdoors”, you can check it out on 1290 KOIL in Omaha or online… Saturday mornings at 7am, and the stream on my Facebook page. With that outdoor show and the years that I have been involved in the outdoor community, many people reach out to me on a wide number of subjects, from riding, to boating, to cooking, hunting, education, and so very much more. Including guns. I get a great many questions about firearms and I welcome each and every one of them.

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There isn’t one. It’s what fits YOUR personal needs and I suggest getting with a great gun shop or range and talking to the experts, and then get training, that might be the most important step. Okay fine, here is one suggestion for home security. Other than a big ass, mean dog that will rip the nuts off a bad guy, the sound of an 870 Remington Shotgun, racking a shell, will stop just about every POS breaking into your home rather quickly. But that is just my personal opinion, results may vary. Man, I do love that sound though. Todd “Crash” Davis

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Friday Centerville Bike Nights (4th Friday May-Aug) R Place Pub & Pizza Kelley (2nd Friday Jun-Sep) Stampede’s Mason City J&P cycles Anamosa (Jun 19, Jul 17) Firehouse Bar Sioux City (Jun 19-20) Friday Night Bikes Prairie City (3rd Fri Jun-Sep) Blood Run Bar Larchwood Before heading out for any of the scheduled events on our dinner ride/bike night list and our events listing, please call ahead to make sure they are still happening. With all of the closures happening as of late, many events have been forced to reschedule or even cancel all together. But with or without events to attend, tearing up some pavement has always been a bikers preferred form of social distancing. Ride safe and ride often!

Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Iowa Bike Nights and Dinner Rides Wednesday The Buck Snort Neola Bikes and Cars (2nd Wed) 2nd Ave Bike Night Des Moines (2nd Wed May-Sep) Amigos Fort Dodge American Dream/Hangout Omaha Bea’s Place Baxter Twisted Corn Tavern Dallas Center (1st Wed) Cruise Night Britt (3rd Wed Jul-Sep) The OP Clear Lake Whiskey Barrel Pub & Eatery Prairie City (Apr-Sep) Supper Rides Harley-Davidson of Carroll (7-8,8-19,9-9) Dinner Rides Zylstra Harley-Davidson Ames

Saturday Happenings Bar Steamboat Rock (3rd Saturday May-Sep) Ambro’s Roadhouse DeSoto (Last Sat May-Aug) Route 65 BBQ & Open House (3rd Sat ) Road Rage Dog Daze Open House (2nd Sat May-Sep)

Sunday Just 1 More Jamaica (Starting in May) Road Rage Fun Run at The Exchange Avoca (4th Sunday May-Sep) Oakland Acres Golf Club (Start in May) This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com

Thursday Edwards Bikes on the Hundred Block Council Bluffs (3rd Thursday) The Buck Snort Harlan Bikes and Cars (4th Thursday) Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thursdays) Stumpy’s Bar & Grill Duncombe Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery Walford (3rd Thursday) Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thursday May-Oct) Des Moines Vintage Bike Night (1st Thursday May-Sep) McCann’s Tap Des Moines (Every Other Thursday) Harley-Davidson of Carroll (1st Thurs May-Sep)

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Before heading out for any of the scheduled events on our dinner ride/bike night list and our events listing, please call ahead to make sure they are still happening. With all of the closures happening as of late, many events have been forced to reschedule or even cancel all together. But with or without events to attend, tearing up some pavement has always been a bikers preferred form of social distancing. Ride safe and ride often! Jun 26-28 Jun 27 Jun 27 Jun 27

Midway Tavern All Iowa 100 Day Poker Run Soldier Blessing of the Bikes Big Barn HD Des Moines Ride for the Dogs Kellogg Legion Riders Post 111 Annual Veterans Assistance Ride Newton Jun 27 Chains Interrupted Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Jun 27 Running Over Lupus Jewell Jul 2-4 ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona Jul 3-5 Vintage Torque Fest Dubuque Jul 10-11 Combat Veterans Chapter 39-3 APR, Benefit, Ride, Cruise Elkport Jul 11 7th Annual Ride In Bike & Hot Rod Show Milford Jul 11 PGI Support Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Jul 11 14th Annual Angel Ride to Save the TaTas Fort Dodge Jul 18 Ice Cream Poker Run Big Barn HD Des Moines Jul 18 Chloe Ann Memorial Ride Elk Horn Jul 18 Ride for Time w/Friends of Mine Baxter Jul 18 4th Annual Cody Willis Memorial Ride North 40 Magnolia Jul 18-19 “Ride In” Bike Show Des Moines Jul 25 9th Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone Jul 25 Union Trades Solidarity Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Jul 25 Harley and Hot Rod Summer Celebration Bike and Car Show Big Barn HD Des Moines Jul 25 Pine Lake Festival Motorcycle Show Eldora Jul 25 Volga City River Run Volga Jul 26 Jones Co Toys for Tots Christmas in July Anamosa Jul 31-Aug 2 Heartland Rally by Christian Motorcycle Association of Iowa Fort Dodge Aug 1 Largest Female Ride Ever (World Record Attempt) HarleyDavidson of Carroll Aug 1 CVMA 39-2 Patriot Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 7-16 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally South Dakota Aug 8 LT Ride for Babies Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 14-15 Rumble & Truck Yeah Conesville Aug 14-16 Baxter Cycle 40th Annual Open House & Auction Marne Aug 15 Cancer Sucks~Car, Truck & Bike Show Council Bluffs Aug 15 TJ Memorial Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 16 Western Iowa Bikers Winner Takes All Poker Run Dow City Aug 21-23 16th Annual BTW Trike In Kellogg Aug 22 Kyle’s Mile 7 Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Aug 22 Shayla Bee Black Tie Black Leather Affair Okoboji Classic Cars

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Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 30 Sep 3-6 Sep 3-5 Sep 4-7 Sep 5 Sep 10 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 18-19 Sept 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 20 Oct 8 Oct 9-10 Oct 16-17 Oct 17 Oct 31 Nov 6-7 Nov 11 Nov 27 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 12 2021 Feb 27-28 Mar 7 Apr 11

5th Annual Hell On Wheels Chopper Show Franklin Deputy Burbridge Poker Run & Car Show Council Bluffs Rumble to Recovery (620 Fund Ride) Metro HD Cedar Rapids Cruising for a Cure Metro HD Cedar Rapids Corn Dog Classic Poker Chip Run hosted by JAVELAN LHHD Pacific Junction 8th Annual Chasin’ Tails Fun Run Roland Un-Forgettable Ride for Alzheimer’s Association Charles City Angels for Sam 14th Annual Benefit Motorcycle Ride Des Moines Redneck Revival Rally (Over 21) Conesville Motorcycle Swap Meet Davenport Midway Tavern 22nd Annual Soldier Valley Fundraiser Poker Run Soldier MS Moments Heid Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Metro Motor Madness 620 Foundation Motorcycle Drawing Metro HD Cedar Rapids WTF Fun Run Harlan 9th Annual Warrior Ride Preston 2nd Annual Operation 22 til Freedom Poker Run Council Bluffs Teufelhund Veterans Group Support Ride Anamosa Hillclimb Anamosa Rumble In The Sand Conesville Chrome Diva BOCA Ride Cedar Rapids 5th Annual 22 Veterans Suicide Awareness Association Poker Run Council Bluffs Joyce’s Joyride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Boys and Girls Club Chrome for Kids Ride and Raffle Metro HD Cedar Rapids MSHeidRide Big Barn HD Des Moines Concours de Cornfield Earlham 620 Foundation Check Presentation to Children’s Hospital Metro HD Cedar Rapids Swap Meet & Flea Market Conesville EOY Drags Conesville Fall Frenzy Big Barn HD Des Moines Halloween Spooktacular Big Barn HD Des Moines Veteran’s Day Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Veteran’s Day Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Black Friday Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Chrome Diva SLD (Santa’s Lil Divas) Cedar Rapids Santa at Metro Metro HD Cedar Rapids Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines 52nd Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL

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