Rolling into March is always an exciting time for bikers all over. The hard core riders have never really put the bikes away, but most tend to keep them under wraps for the winter. March means that things are thawing out, the days are getting longer, the temperatures are coming up in general, the show season is in full swing, and the riding season is just around the corner. This past winter has been rather odd weather wise for sure. I was riding on Christmas, rode in January, a brief bit one day in February, and then a massive statewide blizzard within a week after that February ride. Temperatures in one week in February had an almost 70 degree swing. Crazy weather for sure, but still gotta love this state. One of the things that we will be getting ready for the April issue is the ever popular FREE Bike Night listing. This, in conjunction with the FREE Events Listing is our way of showing the bikers of Iowa what is going on and where. If people don’t know what is happening, they cannot plan ahead to get there. If you have any events, or are hosting or know about a bike night that is a confirmed event, let us know. You can email Vernon@thunderroadsiowa and we will get it on the list. People often ask where the TRMI crew can be found. Well in March you will find us, our booth, and new magazines at many places. To start with we will roll through the AMCA meet in Fremont, NE before setting up at the Midwest Motorcycle Show. This bike show is held in conjunction
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with World of Wheels in Omaha on February 27th, 28th, March 1st. Werner Cycle Works sponsors this show and it has been growing the past few years with Tom and crew’s hard work. The next weekend we will be in eastern Iowa at the Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids on March 8th. This one day event packs in the parts and the people, Joe and crew put on a good show, so don’t miss it! Another noteworthy event is in Davenport with the ABATE D15 Two Wheel Trauma class. This is a wonderful presentation by a group that is highly respected in the motorcycle and emergency response realms. Contact D15 is you are interested. Other than that, March brings us Daylight Savings Time, and the first day of spring on March 20th. It is not that March 20th is of any significance, but at least it is a sign that two wheeled therapy should be coming soon. As riders start to get out, please be safe. Make sure to check over the iron steeds before heading out. They may have been sitting for quite some time, so check the tires, check the brakes, and make sure all fluids are up to snuff. When you get on the roads, don’t forget the roads are rougher in the fall and the spring, and potholes have been dug out by snow plows and are quite hazardous. There is plenty of road debris including sand and gravel so watch those corners and curves closely. As always, keep an eye out for the cars that do not even think about seeing us. They are not used to bikes over the winter months, so they have to get acclimated to the biker presence. Be safe and be careful to ride another day. Vernon and Melanie Schwarte Vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com Quote of the Month: George Hanson: I think I’ll order kidneys, ‘cause I left mine out there on the road somewhere. Easy Rider 1969
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