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am very thankful for the wonderful staff that we have at Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa and at Thunder Guns. These are some of the best friends and great folks that anyone could have near and dear to them. Our amazing customers of the magazine are the best we could ever hope for and thankful for those that have always been there for us and have grown with us over the years. Additionally, we are thankful for the loyal readers that peruse our pages month in and month out. Without all of the aforementioned people, we simply would not be here the way that we are today. We are thankful for all of those that are behind us, with us, and beside us. Thanks tons for riding along!
I have never been so happy to se see ee th the he month of November. This year, ar,, this pandemic, this election, and nd this cancel culture, this riot and nd nd protest season, this entire batch ch of horseshit just needs to get over with. I hope that after the 3rd of the month of this 2020 November that things get back to what we can hope will be normal. I guess that “normal”” iiss a moving target anymore. I hhope ope op the “new normal” is where wee can eat, drink, ride, see friends, respect others, be respected by others, not judge people by the sign in their yard or the sticker on their car, and just get along. We need to put on our rally hats for “WE THE PEOPLE” and start acting like it. Hopefully after the election is over, no matter what the results are, we can move forward as the United States of America and won’t have to rename a new nation or two after dust and smoke from gun powder settles. Everyone get out and vote. Respect your fellow citizens. Be a part of a solution and not part of a problem. Veterans Day is the 11th of November, and falls on a Wednesday this year. Please thank a Veteran and take a look at some information on the Military Rider page in this issue about Veterans Day. Sometimes confused with concept or meaning of Memorial Day, hopefully this clears up any of that confusion. Thank a Veteran for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made for our rights to be upheld and important in this day and age. Don’t let their sacrifices be for naught. From Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa to all Veterans, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for our wonderful US of A. November also gives us Thanksgiving and a great time of year to be vocal about what we are thankful for. I know for sure that I am thankful for the family in my abode that supports everything that I do. I am also thankful for my extended family, and especially thankful to have Father in Law Mike still among us and feisty and kicking yet. I
Ride On, Right On!
Everyone get out there and vote for the candidates that you see fit to run our local, state, and federal offices. Don’t sit back and think that your vote does not matter, because it sure as hell does! Be a part of our Constitutional Republic and the democratic process!
Vernon Schwarte Editor/Owner Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Quote of the Month: “The Star-Spangled Banner” first verse showing spelling and punctuation from Francis Scott Key’s manuscript in the Maryland Historical Society collection. O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bomb bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the Cover We could not resist putting this awesome shot from Mark Fountain at Fountain Photgography on the cover this month. It happens to be an awesome angle of Joe Nielsen’s 1963 ass kicking Panhead. This clean scoot is sadly in loose hands,so if you find yourself interested, you can talk to Joe or see it at Dillon Bros HD in Omaha. If you want a kick ass bike to run around on, this would be the one. 4 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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“No, dear, we don’t have too many bikes, three and 4 wheelers, side by sides, mini bikes, snow blowers, riding mowers or anything else you can think of. It’s just that those darn battery tenders are so inefficient and can’t hop from one unit to another by themselves when the time is right.” All you guys can relate I’m sure. With winter fast approaching, the “batten down the hatches” chores have piled up causing loads of stress, not to mention threatening the time and mental effort that should be spent in the tree stand wondering if old Mossy Horn survived to this season. A guy only has so much mental space and like a garage it seems to run out of room much too soon. We won’t mention the accumulation or maybe even the proliferation of cobwebs that occurs in both, either. Did I put Stabil in this one last year or not? Has this one even run this season? Why is this one stone cold dead while the battery tender is happily lit and sucking juice but not performing? The newer bike with the anti-theft system seems to really eat the power reserves and needs more attention than the old stand byes. It becomes sluggish and persnickety quickly like a wife…. No! Darn auto-correct. It was supposed to say, “like our life”.
overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome I’ve observed while in ruminating mode - probably in the the world – our tree stand - that our spirit seems to get more sluggish the faith. Who is he farther away we are from our power source. Like our bikes who overcomes need a battery tender, our spirits need constant time in God’s the world, but he word and communicating with Him to keep a full charge. who believes that The further and longer we are away from our source of life Jesus is the Son and power the quicker we become spiritually sluggish, cold, of God.” and in danger of dying. Our faith foundation needs that full charge to sustain us in the cold, hard times of life. Proverbs Tap in to the source. 4 says, “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep Blessings, Mark them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh”. Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and This year has brought many challenges and difficulties God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org to us all and doesn’t seem to be improving so it’s all the more important to plug in to our source. God assures and PS. Other non-spiritual places we should plug into as bikers encourages us in the book of Isaiah, “Fear not, for I am with are ABATE and MRF as they are doing lots to support us. you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen Also, congratulations to Slider Gilmore on his recent and you; Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous much- deserved Hall of Fame award from the MRF! right hand.” He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Jesus can relate to what we go through. He was no stranger to our sufferings. He chose to become a man and experience the same temptations and cruelty that humanity experienced and eventually took it all upon himself for us. Just as a charger does no good if it is lying unplugged beside the bike, our faith cannot be accessed and charged without plugging into Jesus. “For whatever is born of God 6 - TRMI NOVEMBER 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
Indian Motorcycle of Mason City Mason City Powersports 12499 265th Street Mason City 641-423-3181 Masoncitypowersportsinc.com
Candy Store Harlan Sweets & Treats 1004 6th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-7018 Harlansweetsandtreats.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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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 Zylstra Harley-Davidson 1930 E 13th Street Ames, Iowa 50010 515-232-6223 zylstrahd.com
Entertainment Book Em Dano’s 33 S Main Street Denison, Iowa 51442 712-263-9818 Mon-Sat 4-2 Dancers Nightly 5-1:30
Big Daddy’s 506 W Main Street Lewis, Iowa 51544 M,W,TH,F 4PM-*, Sat-Sun Noon-* Zipp’s Pizza & Big Patio! 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)
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 Bea’s Place 108 N Main St Baxter 641-227-2080 Check Us Out on Facebook Food, Live Music, Bike Nights
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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 Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill 1500 E 7th Street Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Atlantic, Iowa 50022 Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 712-243-3606 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PMHome of the Willie Whopper
State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent NMLS# 1679997 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com
The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook
Just 1 More 515-570-4206 641-757-0159 309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128
Polk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon.
The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com
McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
Twisted Corn Tavern 1405 Walnut Street Dallas Center, Iowa 50063 515-992-3868 Twisted Corn Tavern on Facebook
Mi Casa Family Restaurant 512 Market Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-2258 Enjoy Drinks at the Full Bar!
Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Facebook Sandbar Mondamin
Vic’s Main Tap 304 Broadway Audubon, Iowa 50025 712-563-2122 Opens Sun-Fri 2:30, Sat 9:30
Midway Tavern 206 1st Street Soldier, Iowa 712-884-2230 www.midwaytavernsoldier.com
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery 112 E Jefferson Street Prairie City, Iowa 50228 515-630-9639 Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery on FB
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook
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
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
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Legal
Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
Guns and Ammo
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
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
JLM Shooters Supply 6931 Douglas Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 jlmgunshop@gmail.com 515-331-1577
Shops & Fabricators
Insurance & Financial
Blackwell Gas 431 3rd Street Manilla, Iowa 51454 712-654-2812
O’Malley Wealth Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930
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Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768
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Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278
Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336
The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY & INDIAN ONLY
Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM
Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172 Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook
Eagle Motorsports 1425 Washington Street Eldora 641-939-1461 hotrod70@mchsi.com Eagle Motorsports on Facebook
Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com
Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook
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Tires Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
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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
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top of everything. He landed on the rear wheel and kept it that way across the length of the parking lot. I’ve tried and tried to figure out how he made the jump with no ramp, and although I saw him do it, I still can’t figure it out.
The kid pulled the Harley Sportster up on the rear wheel and held it that way all the way down the asphalt arena. When he got to the barriers at the south end he made a circle with the front end still up and came back to the center. His partner did the same thing with his Harley and they stopped side by side in the middle of the arena facing the crowd. The area was a blocked off section of a parking lot with waist high barriers at each end. A prefab set of bleachers ran along one side and the other side was blocked off with the toy hauler the stunt riders had arrived in. The show was part of a customer appreciation day put on by a local cycle shop.
One of the boys said “that old son of a bitch just stole my motorcycle!” The other one said, “I’ll go get him.” and jumped on his Harley. After blasting down to the south end of the arena, it must have occurred to him that he couldn’t jump the barrier and would have to find a different way out. While the two were auguring about what to do next, the crowd heard something the boys couldn’t hear through their helmets. The old guy was coming back. All day long we had heard the Sportsters’ engine wind up until the rev limiter shut them off making the du-du-du sound like the engine had a bad plug misfire. But this time the engine revved up like an old iron head Sporty with a good cam and a hot magneto. By the time the boys figured out he was coming over the wall right where they were standing, it was too late to get out of the way. It didn’t matter because the old man and the Sportster cleared both the wall and them.
By Phil Hall
The boys had radios and mics in their helmets so they could talk to the crowd over the P.A. system and they were working the crowd, trying to get some applause out of them. The crowd was nice to them, but it was right after lunch on a hot day and after you have seen half dozen wheelies and a few “stoppies” there wasn’t much the crowd hadn’t already seen before. With the rock music playing so loud, they probably couldn’t have heard us cheer anyway. While the boys were standing there beside their bikes, an old guy walked out from between the bleachers into the center of the arena where they were standing. He had kind of a limp, maybe from an old injury or maybe arthritis. He wore a scuffed brown leather jacket with a faded Indian logo on the back, thread bare blue jeans and worn out leather boots. A gray pony tail stuck out from under a WW I leather flying helmet and matching goggles were perched up on his forehead. This got the people’s attention. They thought he was part of the act.
He landed on the back wheel about half way down the arena and headed towards the north end. The crowed up there scattered, sure he would jump that wall, as he was still moving fast. But he didn’t. Instead, he laid the Harley down into a slide as if he were on a dirt track. The rear wheel sliding out and the front wheel turned to the outside. The bike was practically on its side but he still had both boots on the pegs and the motorcycle made the turn and headed up the side of the arena. The crowd was on their feet, and cheering. They didn’t expect to see riding like that. They still figured it as part of the act.
The old man made two laps like that with the same high-speed sliding turns and then rolled up to where the boys were standing in the center of the arena. He stepped off the cycle and left it standing there, idling. Leaning over to the bike owner, he said “thanks for the use of your scooter, kid,” then walked back to the bleachers. I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but when he got off the bike, We heard the boys start to tell him he would have to go he didn’t put the side stand down, but the motorcycle didn’t back to the bleachers as they were going on with their act, but the old guy leaned in close to one of them and we heard fall over. It just stood there as if were waiting for him to him say, “I need to borrow your bike, son.” The kid started come back. After he disappeared into the crowd, it was if the bike remembered it wasn’t supposed to stand up like to shake his head and then the old guy said the strangest that, and it toppled over on its side. thing. He said “it’s all right, the motorcycle knows me.” And with that he threw his leg over the saddle, dropped the Well, of course, after that the show was over, and I heard bike in gear and with a blip of the throttle had the Harley on the back wheel headed down the arena towards the south later that some promoter was looking for that old man, but nobody seemed to know anything about him or where he barricades. I’m sure the people down there leaning on the went. I’m sure of one thing, if I ever run into him, I’d buy barricades figured he would stop the bike up on the front him drinks all night long just to hear the motorcycle stories wheel like the boys had done. At the last minute, it came he could tell. to them that he wasn’t going to stop. They dived out of the way just as the old boy jumped that bike right over the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Scooter Tramp Turkey Run
RAMBLINGS
The holidays are approaching, and that crazy bullshit called “Black Friday” is gonna set the world a fire once again! But, some people do whatever they can to avoid that mayhem… A few years back, like over 20 years ago, one fella decided that the best thing to do on Black Friday was go for a motorcycle ride. My friend Pat Jones, who I’ve mentioned in a few of my TRMI travels, is a person with absolutely no interest in that annual disaster known as Black Friday, so in 1998 he decided he’d start what has come to be known as the Turkey Run. Like the mailman, the ride is to take place regardless of the weather conditions, and after 22 years of doing a November ride in Iowa, you can imagine that pretty much all weather has been seen… That first year had temps in the 30’s, and rain made it miserable, but many folks liked Pat’s idea and rode along anyway. The coldest year was in 2005 with a balmy 19 degrees when the ride left, and temps dropped another 5 degrees as the day progressed. To make it worse, sleet in Dubuque put a couple people on their sides, but luckily no major injuries. 2007 was notably cold too, with light snow accumulations on the shoulders of the highway, but in contrast between those 2 years, 2006 holds the record as the warmest at 69 degrees and understandably the largest turn-out of bikes at somewhere over 100! So technically, I guess it’s called the “TriState Turkey Run” because Pat’s idea was to ride up
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the Mississippi River along the Iowa side of the river, crossing in Wisconsin at Dubuque, then back down the Illinois side. The ride always meets at 10am on Black Friday at Lyons Tap on Main Avenue in Clinton, IA, with kickstands up at 10:15AM. This start time and location is the same every year, so there’s no need to bug anyone to find out these details. It’s the same EVERY year! There are plenty of stops along the way to help thaw the fingers and down some anti-freeze as needed, with the first stop just a short jaunt to Sabula, Iowa. A few different bars have changed hands there over the years, but Iowa’s only island city is pretty small, so any bar that’s open counts. Next stop is in Bellevue, Iowa, about a 20 mile ride (and great eagle watching, if you’re a passenger of course!) where bars also have changed hands, but ya can’t miss all the bikes along Highway 52 through town, so just pick any watering hole. Bellevue to Dubuque is probably the longest stretch without a scheduled stop, running about 30 miles, where Kalmes’ was a great stop for many year, but it seems they’ve decided to spend that day shopping too, as they haven’t been open on Black Friday in recent years. Therefore the Dubuque warm up has varied as of lately, but across the river into Wisconsin, Lou and the crew at New Diggings General Store had been a stop every year, except in 2005 when the cold temps and sleet made the decision for everyone to head back south to be the safer option.
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Illinois stops over the years have included Galena and Hanover, with the more regular stop being at the Iron Horse in Savanna, or Hawg Dogs just down on the corner, as the Iron Horse is closed during winter months now-a-days. But owner Jerry sits upon the throne at both establishments, and since he first opened the Iron Horse (somewhere around 2003-ish) he’s offered free hot chili to all Turkey Runners stopping in along the route. And typically by that time it’s just getting dark, and the town also hosts their annual Christmas Walk, so it’s quite entertaining when Harleys are rolling into town to park, and little kids eyes are aglow with the sights and sounds of loud pipes, rather than the beer bellied grey beard from up north. And no… I’m not talking about Jerry this time!
actually happened when Pat’s cousin Todd and I ended the ride in 2000 at Todd’s house, with big intentions for Todd to do a smoke-show on his front sidewalk. Well, a fried clutch put that idea to bed! The ride has been a lot of fun for many years, with a few mishaps, but all stuff to look back at and chuckle at the memories that were made. And when it comes to memories, I can’t talk about the history of this ride without mention of the 2010 run… A good friend to a lot people passed away in October, about 5 weeks before the Turkey Run. Flying Phil Hein was a great guy and a recognizable figure around the area with his camouflage painted Ural with a sidecar. So before Thanksgiving dinner was served, Phil’s lifelong friend Jason Maresca and Pat got together and painted their bikes in camo, along with a few others (including my Softail) and on Black Friday that year we all rode in camo in Phil’s memory. Oh… And Phil’s Ural broke down on the ride!
From there it’s typically back down to Fulton, IL, which is directly across the river from Clinton, the ride’s last official stop was at Large 1’s for many years, but again they too have closed up shop. For a few years, the ride ended at Remington’s over in Clinton, which is conveniently housed in a hotel, but it also closed up shop Black Friday this year is on November 27th, and years ago. However, new owners just took over and rejust in case you can’t retain what you’ve already read, opened it, so who knows, but maybe the end of the ride the ride always meets at 10am on Black Friday at Lyons again this year??? Tap on Main Avenue in Clinton, IA, with kickstands up at 10:15AM. If you feel such a need to bug someone for The colder it gets, the more likely something more details, call or text Pat at 563-212-3347 but don’t mechanical is gonna break down, and motorcycles are no expect any replies. If ya know Pat, then ya know what I exception. Just about every year, someone needs a push mean, so just be at Lyons Tap at 10AM on Black Friday start or two along the route, but typically if someone’s if ya wanna go! And you’ll know who Pat is when ya get gonna break down, it’s gonna be Pat! Sometimes it’s a there, because he’ll have a 4-month baby bungee corded simple fix and he gets the bike home, or sometimes it to his backrest! sits overnight to lick its wounds, awaiting a trailer till the next day. Or, it’s not unusual for him to jump on Nate Ullrich his dad’s bike for the remainder of the ride, while his www.Natanic.com dad gets all warm and cozy in a chase vehicle with heat! Regardless, if you’re gonna ride with Pat Jones, then ya better expect a break down. Just don’t go anywhere near Sioux Falls, South Dakota! Other notable break-down
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Autumn Deemer Eldora 2012 Dyna Wide Glide
Nancy Larson Glenwood 2018 Anniversary Triglide 16 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
Rachel Santomauro Urbana 2012 Harley Davidson StreetGlide
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Burrito options, salad choices, soups, enchiladas…You name it, Fiesta Brava has got it. Oh, and did I forget to mention that they have an expansive margarita menu available if you are in full on fiesta mode? There are always a few “go to” options for Vernon and I…kind of favorites if you will, that we like to try all over the place and see how they compare to each other. Well, we were on the same page this visit, as Vernon ordered the Carnitas Dinner and I went with Carne Asada. As a general rule, these two options have never really treated us poorly.
Fiesta Brava 2620 Iowa Ave N Onawa, IA 51040 Phone: (712) 423-9066 Open Daily 11 AM -10 PM Vernon and I frequently enjoy pretty much everything that Mexican cuisine has to offer. There is just something about Mexican spices and flavors that we can’t often turn down. So when our good friends at Leather and Hawgs in Soldier had been bragging about their visits to a little spot known as Fiesta Brava in a truck stop in nearby Onawa we had little choice but to stop by one Sunday afternoon and see what was up. When we entered the restaurant it was filled with delicious smells, and we immediately thought that Gerri and Greg must be on to something. We were seated by our waiter and he brought us drinks and a menu to peruse. Like many Mexican restaurants, this menu had more offerings than I knew what to do with, so I began to sort my options by eliminating things and narrowing my choices. A large basket of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa arrived at the table, temporarily distracting me from the task at hand. I know, I know… chips and salsa isn’t an anomaly in a Mexican restaurant. Well, these salty chips happened to be the absolute perfect complement to the spice level in the Fiesta Brava version of this mainstay, and therefore noteworthy as a step above your average chips and salsa.
After a very short wait, the waiter returned to our table with our order. Vernon’s plate was first to arrive, piled high with tender, juicy, flavorful pork carnitas and grilled onion slices. The bite sized pork pieces did not disappoint. On the side was a hearty serving of creamy refried beans and tender rice. Then the waiter returned with yet another plate filled with lettuce, fresh pico, and guacamole, as well as hot flour tortillas. My carne asada was close behind Vernon’s delivery, and it was certainly no slacker in the flavor department either. Thin sliced skirt steak, marinated to perfection and grilled alongside sliced onions covered more than half of my platter. The steak was tender and flavorful all by itself, but it too arrived with beans and rice on the side, as well as all the fresh fixins and tortillas to boot. The tortillas were piping hot, soft and delicious…a perfect partner to the steak and onions. When you make your visit to Fiesta Brava, make sure you bring your appetite, because these portions are big enough for two…if you decide to finish it all on your own, make sure you have planned enough time for a nap, because a food coma is in your future.
Buuut…back to the menu. There are beef options, pork options, chicken and seafood. 18 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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So…Gerri and Greg, thanks go out to you guys for this visit. Well-deserved props for this one, because it was definitely right up our alley. Next time we are in town, maybe we can treat you to a little Fiesta. Everyone else, when you stop by Fiesta Brava be sure to tell them that Thunder Roads and Leather and Hawgs sent you! Melanie J Schwarte If you have a WRTE suggestion, please email me at Melanie@ thunderroadsiowa.com
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Each h month h on the h pages off T TRMI you will ll find d a page dedicated to military riders. It is our way to give a little shout out to those who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms as Americans. Well, the large-scale version of this is Veterans Day. Veterans Day 2020 will be on Wednesday, November 11th. As a federal holiday Veterans Day is typically observed on November 11th every year. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated as the Federal holiday, and if it occurs on a Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be designated. Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, which was proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. Armistice is when warring parties agree to stop fighting; Armistice Day recognizes the end of World War One when hostilities ceased on November 11th at 11 A.M, 1918 (11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month).
and d the h experiences they’ve h ’ gained d and d continue their h service to our nation by participating in various Veteran’s groups aimed at strengthening our communities. As a whole, veterans make up some of the most active volunteer groups in our country.
There are many local services that you can attend in your community to honor veterans. There are also many nationally known events, that if you ever get a chance to attend, you should. A couple of these happen in New York and Arlington. If in the New York area, attend America’s Parade. This event will occur on Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day), rain or shine. It starts at noon and concludes around 3:30pm and includes a motorcycle ride, wreath lying, and more. In Virginia the National Veterans Day Ceremony will occur in Arlington National Cemetery. This Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th and commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath lying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and keynote speakers. One place that would be very cool to visit on Veterans contribute to Veterans Day is The Anthem American society in Veterans Memorial. The many ways, and it is not just during their time in active duty. memorial has five pillars that represent the five branches of Throughout American history, military service members the United States military. They are staggered in size and the have put on their uniforms to protect the values and liberties military seal placements on each pillar are based upon the that our great nation was built on. For Veterans, that doesn’t Department of Defense prescribed precedence, ranging from stop once the uniform comes off and their time in active the United States Army, the United States Marine Corp, duty has ended. Veterans take the lessons they have learned the United States Navy, the United States Air Force, and 24 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day, beginning at 3:11 pm Atlantic standard time, in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the nation. People in different time zones can observe the moment of silence at these times: Eastern Standard Time; 2:11 p.m. Central Standard Time; 1:11 Mountain Standard Time; 12:11 Pacific Standard Time; 11:11 a.m. Alaska Standard Time; 10:11 am; Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time 9:11 a.m. This year on November 11th, remember to thank a Veteran for their service. Attend a local service honoring vets, or take the time to observe the moment of silence. To all Veterans, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your service from all of us at TRMI! the United States Coast Guard. (The Anthem was created before the 6th branch of the military; the Space Force was created.) Why is this such a sight to see? Well, at precisely 11:11 AM on Veterans Day, November 11th, the sun’s rays will pass through each of the five pillars’ elliptical openings to illuminate a glass mosaic medallion of the Great Seal of the United States. If you are unable to attend a national or local Veterans Day service, you can still show your support and respect by participating in the Veterans Day Moment of Silence. The Veterans Day Moment of Silence calls on all Americans to
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Melanie J Schwarte If you, or someone you know is a Military Rider, please drop us a line at Melanie@ thunderroadsiowa.com or Vernon@thunderroadsiowa. com and ask us how you can be on our pages!
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M Mechanix Illustrated Motorcycle Book Fawcett Book #123 B
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ere it is November and by the time you read H this, the election will most likely be history. I hope you all got out and voted, because voting is your voice in making changes. If you don’t use your right to vote, you have nothing to complain about in the next 4 years.
ow with the election over what new challenges N will face us at ABATE of Iowa? We will be looking at who won and lost the elections at both the federal and state levels. This will help to give us an idea on what types of bills we may have to fight in the upcoming legislative session. So, if you are a rider in Iowa and worry or care about your rights as a rider, there are two organizations you need to support. ABATE of Iowa and the Motorcycles Riders Foundation (MRF).
hese two groups work tirelessly for motorcycle T rights and they can always use your help. By joining these two groups you are helping in the
fight for your rights as riders. Do your part to support those who support us all as motorcyclists. Below are membership forms for both groups, so join today and make sure your voice is heard.
David Duffy ABATE of Iowa State Coordinator
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Two old ladies are walking through a museum and got separated. When they ran into each other later the first old lady said to the second, “Oh my! Did you see that statue of the naked man back there?” The second old lady replied, “Yes! I was absolutely shocked! How can they display such a thing! My gosh the penis on it was so large!” Where upon the first old lady blurted out, “Yeah, and cold, too!” There was this old woman who heard a song called “Two Lips and Seven Kisses.” She called up information after hearing the song on the radio to get the name of the record company. In dialing, she erroneously called up a gas station, and she asks, “Do you have “Two Lips and Seven Kisses?” The gas station attendant who answered the phone said, “No, but I have two nuts and seven inches!” So, the woman asked, “Is this a record?” To which the man replied, “No, its average!” A police officer pulls over an elderly female for speeding while driving her husband to a doctor’s appointment. The officer approaches the vehicle and attempts to explain that he stopped her for speeding. She looks at her husband and asks, “What did he say?” The husband replies, “He said he stopped you for speeding.” The officer asked the elderly female for her driver’s license and she turned and asked her husband, “What did he say? The husband replies, “He wants to see your driver’s license.” The women hands the officer her license and he sees that she is from his old home town. The officer tells the couple that he remembered the town because he had the worst sexual experience of his life there. The woman looks at her husband and asked, “What did he say?” The husband replies, “He says he knows you.” A guy goes to the supermarket and notices an attractive woman waving at him. She says hello. He’s rather taken aback because he can’t place where he knows her from. So, he says, “Do you know me?” To which she replies, “I think you’re the father of one of my kids.” Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever been unfaithful to his wife and says, “My God, are you the stripper from my bachelor party that I made love to on the pool table with all my buddies watching while your partner whipped my butt with wet celery?” She looks into his eyes and says calmly, “No, I’m your son’s teacher.”
A waitress walks up to one of her tables ables bles iin bl n a Ne New ew at York City restaurant and notices that the three Bulgarian businessmen seated there are furiously masturbating. She says, “What the hell do you guys think you are doing?” One of the Bulgarian men says, “Can’t you see? Ve arrrre all verrry, verrry hoongry.” Th Thee waitress makes a stroking motion o on and says, “So how is whacking off in i the middle of the restaurant going ng ng to help that situation??” One of tthe he other businessmen replies: “The menu enu ssays, ays, ay s, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!” A man walked into a restaurant and n sseated nd eaate ted d himself. Soon, the waitress came over ove verr to take his order.”. . . and to drink?”” she asked. The man said he would like coffee. The waitress promptly returned with a cup of coffee, but utt spilled it on the man’s lap when she stopped topp to pped pp ed at the table. “Oh my God; I am so so sorry!” sorr rry! rr y!”” y! “That’s OK,” the man said, soppingg u up p th thee puddle on his pants with his napkin in - “but “but tell me, is this regular or decaf?” “Regular . . . ,” she replied. “Oh great, now this thing is going to be up all night!” There were twenty priests and 50 young men on a ship. The ship was about to sink and one priest said to the other priest “There is only one life boat and this ship is about to sink. What should we do with the young men?” The other priest looked at him and said “fuck um” To which the first priest said “You think we are going to have enough time?” I heard they’re naming a new paint color after you. It’s called Whore Red. It’s not very bright but it’s Cheap and spreads really easily.
There was a safety meeting in work today and my boss asked me, “‘What steps would you take in the event of a fire?” I was told that “Fucking big ones” was the wrong A wife and husband are having money issues. One day they answer. decide to have the wife work the corner. Later that night the husband goes to pick the wife up. He asks, “How much “How is a thunderstorm similar to sex? You never know did you make, sweetie?” She answers, “I made $200.50.” how many inches you will get or how long it will last.” The husband says, “What asshole gave you 50 cents?” She replies, “All of them.” Two married buddies are out drinking one night when one turns to the other and says, “You know, I don’t know A gynecologist was getting sick of her job and decided that what else to do. Whenever I go home after we’ve been she needed a career change. She’d always enjoyed tinkering out drinking, I turn the headlights off before I get to the with engines so thought she’d become a mechanic. So, she driveway. I shut off the engine and coast into the garage. went along to mechanics school and the final test was to I take my shoes off before I go into the house, I sneak up strip the engine completely and reassemble it – obviously the stairs, I get undressed in the bathroom. I ease into bed back into perfect working order. So, our gynecologist friend and my wife STILL wakes up and yells at me for staying did the test and anxiously awaited the result. The day she out so late!” His buddy looks at him and says, “Well, you’re received the results she got quite a surprise, she got 150%! obviously taking the wrong approach. I screech into the She quickly called the instructor and asked about her score. driveway, slam the door, storm up the steps, throw my The instructor said “no, no that’s right. First, I gave you 50% shoes into the closet, jump into bed, rub my hands on for stripping down the engine – – a very thorough job. Next, my wife’s ass and say, ‘How about a blowjob?’ ….and she’s I gave you 50% for reassembling it – a fantastic job really, always sound asleep.” and then I gave you the extra 50% for doing it all through the muffler. 32 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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A wife and husband are lying in bed as they wake up the husband always lets out this horrendous fart. The wife always gets upset and tells him one of these days he’s going to fart so hard his intestines fall out. This keeps happening and the wife just keeps getting more and more angry. One day she gets an idea and goes out and buys a chicken for dinner. The next morning, she wakes up early and creeps downstairs. She has an idea for revenge, and a way to make this morning ritual stop. As she opens the chicken, she removes its innards and takes them upstairs. As the husband always sleeps naked, she easy sneaks under the covers and places the chicken’s innards between the husband’s legs in the bed and goes back downstairs to wait. Not long after, she hears her husband leg out his fart followed by a scream. She walks up the stairs laughing to herself. When she reaches the room, her husband runs out and tells her she was right all along about farting his intestines out. The wife looking at her husband smugly ready to tell him when he says “well, by the grace of God with these two fingers I was able to push ’em back in.”
A cop pulls over an old lady for speeding on a Texas highway. He asks for her driver’s license and registration. When she opens her wallet, he notices a conceal-carry permit. He asks, “Ma’am, do you have a weapon in your possession at this time?” She responds that she has a .38 Special in her purse. And a .45 in her glove box. And a 9mm Glock in the center console. And a shotgun in the trunk. “Jesus, lady,” says the cop. “What are you so afraid of?” The old lady looks him in the eye and says, “Not a damn thing.” On Christmas morning a cop on horseback is sitting at a traffic light, and next to him is a kid on his brand-new bike. The cop says to the kid, “Nice bike you got there. Did Santa bring that to you?” The kid says, “Yeah.” The cop says, “Well, next year tell Santa to put a tail-light on that bike.” The cop then proceeds to issue the kid a $20.00 bicycle safety violation ticket. The kid takes the ticket and before the cop rides off says, “By the way, that’s a nice horse you got there. Did Santa bring that to you?” Humoring the kid, the cop says, “Yeah, he sure did.” The kid says, “Well, next year tell Santa to put the dick underneath the horse, instead of on top.” I met a fairy who said she would grant me one wish. Immediately I said, “I want to live forever.” “Sorry,” said the fairy, “I’m not allowed to grant eternal life.” “OK,” I said, “Then, I want to die after Congress gets its head out of its ass!” “You crafty bastard,” said the fairy.
Three women: one engaged, one married, and one a mistress, all decide to wow their men that night by wearing a leather bodice S&M style, stilettos and mask over their eyes. After a few days they meet again…. The engaged girlfriend said: ‘The other night, when my boyfriend came back home, he found me in the sexy outfit and said, ‘You are the woman of my life, I love you, then we made love all night long.’ The mistress stated: ‘Oh Yeah! The other night we met in the office. I was wearing the leather bodice, mega stilettos, mask over my eyes and a raincoat. When I opened the raincoat, he didn’t say a word. We just had wild sex all night.’ The married one then said: ‘The other night I sent the kids to stay at my mother’s for the night, I got myself ready, leather bodice, super stilettos and mask over my eyes. My husband came in from work, grabbed the TV controller and a beer, and said, “Hey Batman, what the A pompous minister was seated next to a hillbilly on a flight hell’s for dinner?” across the country. After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken. The hillbilly asked for a whiskey and soda. The Twelve monks were about to be ordained. The final test was flight attendant then asked the minister if he would like a for them to line up, nude, in a garden while a nude model drink. He replied in disgust, “I’d rather be savagely raped by danced before them. Each monk had a small bell attached brazen whores than let liquor touch these lips.” The hillbilly to his privates, and they were told that anyone whose bell then handed his drink back to the flight attendant and said, rang would not be ordained because he had not reached a “Shit, me too. I didn’t know we had a choice.” state of spiritual purity. The model danced before the first monk candidate, with no reaction. She proceeded down A guy tries to impress his date with his knowledge of wine. the line with the same response until she got to the final He tells the wine steward to bring a bottle of 1985 Sterling monk. As she danced, his bell rang so loudly it fell off and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Carneros district. After clattered to the ground. Embarrassed, he bent down to pick tasting it, the young man berates the steward. “This is a 1992 up the bell, and eleven other bells began to ring…. vintage from the Diamond Creek vineyard in the Mayacamas range. Please bring me what I ordered.” Watching from the A young man was talking to his grandfather, when his bar, an old drunk comes up to the table with a glass in his grandfather posed a question to the boy. “How are women hand and says, “Can you tell me what this is?” Winking at and tornadoes alike?” asked the grandfather. At a loss, his date, the young man sips from the drunk’s glass. “Christ, the boy said “I don’t know.” The grandfather smiled and this tastes like piss!” he exclaims, spitting it out. “Yeah,” says said… “They both moan like hell when they come, and take the drunk, “but what year?” the house when they leave.” A man joins the navy and is shipped out immediately to an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The captain is showing the new recruit around the ship, when the recruit asks the captain what the sailors do to satisfy their urges when they’re at sea for so long. “Let me show you,” says the captain. He takes the recruit down to the rear of the ship where there’s a solitary barrel with a hole in it. “This’ll be the best sex you’ll ever have. Go ahead and try it, and I’ll give you some privacy.” The recruit doesn’t quite believe it, but he decides to try it anyway. After he finishes up, the captain returns. “Wow! That was the best sex I’ve ever had! I want to do it every day!” “Fine. You can do it every day except for Thursday.” “Why not Thursday?” “That’s your day in the barrel.”
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“Do I like being wrong all the time?” Because Van Halen freaking wails, and when Panama comes on while you’re riding, the throttle twists a little deeper, it’s just the facts man…don’t fight it.
Are we even allowed to be thankful? Well kids, here we are, entering our ninth month of this bullshit, a level of bullshit that doesn’t even need to be discussed any more. We all know about it. We all know every little detail, whether we want to or not, due to the simple fact that it’s shoved down our throats every damn day. It doesn’t need to be mentioned, we all know. Hell, likely we all know someone that contracted it in one form or another. I am not making light of the, well…thing, because it has caused some folks to die, but death continued in many other forms for as long as there has been life and yet somehow we were able to soldier on over and over. Makes you wonder how in the hell we ever did anything and survived! Nine plus months for us to be trying to figure out what shoe is going to drop next. What protocol some official is going to shove down our throat in an attempt to make us feel better. Sure, there won’t be any science behind it, but dammit if we all just do…… blank… for the next two weeks we can flatten the curve. Like cute sheep that just got the top prize at the State Fair, we comply, then, seemingly like the cute sheep at the State Fair, we are lead to slaughter, er, I mean, led in another direction to make us feel like THIS is the next step and by gosh if we just do this, it will all be better.
Sure, 2020 has been a shitshow, but that doesn’t mean we cannot take a few moments to be thankful for many things this year. I could go on and on for a while about the wonderful things that happened in my life in 2020 when I really stop and think about it. Of course, like everybody else, I lost some people dear to me, but that is going to be in case in any given year really. Friends that died young, friends that were killed by assholes not paying attention while they were on a ride, cancer took some, and so on and so forth. Hell, I had an aunt that passed away, she was living a terrible life due to Alzheimer’s and in the end, pneumonia took her life. Sure, she was in a home where that one thing we won’t mention was around, and she was never tested for that thing, but still they listed her death as being caused by it. Forget that she was in her upper 80’s, in terrible shape for Alzheimer’s and pneumonia, but in the end, on her death certificate, that one that is what it was.
be thankful for?
In my own personal world, am I guilty for being happy and thinking, “hell, it could have been worse?” Sure, our world had its own personal challenges but has this year given me anything less to
No. As I look back, I didn’t ride as much as I would have liked to, but it seems every year I look back and wish I would have got on my damn bike more and just cruised! 2020 had nothing to do with it, a metric shit ton of projects and family obligations took care of that. I really wasn’t limited in the amount I got to swing a leg Are we permitted to be thankful this year? over my bike, I am the fault of those limitations, like I normally am. I did get to put up and down some miles, It’s something that has been rattling around in my got to spend time with friends, share some laughs, often damaged melon a great deal as of late. It’s almost beers and wings and even watched the sun set as we like we are being trained to feel bad if we are happy, chased the horizon a few evenings, felt the chill move trained to be melancholy when something positive in as the cool evenings over took the heat of the day, happens. With the continual piss pounding of bad news even got a few days chasing the changing of the leaves, fired at us on an up to the minute basis, something some of my favorite riding do to. good happens, we seem to be frowned upon by others for enjoying a brief respite in an otherwise shitty year. I I did spend a great deal MORE time with my family, mean, this year claimed Eddie Van Halen for crying out I loved and cherished that a great deal. We ate more loud! Screw 2020. Van Halen is one of the quintessential home cooked meals, entertained friends that are like biker bands, and if you disagree ask yourself this ques- family more, bonded, laughed, and remembered what tion. it was like to NOT be going 100 mph all the time between school, sports, cheerleading and whatever. It
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was a neat breather and now I want more of that. While we were stuck together we also did more outdoor stuff together. We spend a ton of time on the water, something that I know is slowly going away as my kids find their own path. I hope those paths find their way back to us, but I know that is a pipedream. As it should be, you raise them to go out on their own, make the right choices in life and hope for the best. It’s all we can do, after that, you hope they don’t end up on the news in some embarrassing way or turn into complete morons. Ya love them, even if they are morons, but we hope for the best right? Heck we even spent more time fishing and just being outdoors. That thing we don’t talk about gave me more time to fish with my family, that’s not all bad right there. It also (for many people) got people doing family things, as I have written about over the course of the year. There hasn’t been an uptick in hunting permits, fishing permits, campers sold, dirt bikes purchased, guns sold, range time booked, even golf carts are at an all-time high level of sales and a great deal of it can be pointed back at that one thing that happened nine months ago. Man, I am thankful for all of that. Once we create habits of doing something, like being with family on a dirt bike or in a camper, or holding a fishing rod, that becomes our new normal. I am not sure if I will ever miss going to a movie theater, I know I won’t miss the hundred bucks I seem to drop whenever the family goes, because now we gather in our home theater without our own food and love it even more. I am thankful for that. It sucks that some business took in right in the nerts, many for no reason, still others were affected a great deal, but I see many coming out even stronger and more solid going forward. We get hammered enough about how shitty things are, sure, it can be tough, but at the same time, since it’s the time of the year we are thankful, take a few minutes to reflect on the good, focus on it, and be thankful. Make it your new goal to look for the good. You will Thank me for it. And while you’re at it, get ready to ride more and make sure you have enough Van Halen on hand. Todd “Crash” Davis
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Warrior Memorial Ride 2020 Morning of September 12th folks gathered at Two Good Park in Preston, IA to kick-off the Warrior Memorial Ride. For 10 years now, the ride takes place in memory of service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice, with money raised going towards charities that benefit wounded warriors and their families. This year’s funds were again donated to Deafinitely Dogs out of Cedar Rapids, which provides specially trained dogs to veterans dealing with PTSD. The day started out rainy and dreary, but after the 1st stop in Maquoketa, the rain let up and the roads were dry for the remainder of the ride. Roughly 150 bikes were in attendance, along with about 2-dozen Jeeps and other
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vehicles, as this was open to all bikes, cars, and trucks. And considering the weather that morning, it’s pretty amazing that so many bikes still showed up!
Other stops were made at Desperado in Wheatland, Lucky Frog in McCausland, and the ride wrapped up at Stalkers in Miles for a hog roast, live music, numerous donated items were auctioned off, and names were drawn for winners of 2 AR-15’s and a 9mm. In all, the events total far exceeded the goal with a total of $15,500 raised for the cause! Next year’s event is set for September 11th, and for up to date info and to get in on the gun raffles, follow them on social media at www.facebook. com/warriormemorialridee Nate Ullrich www.Natanic.com
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MRF legislative direction Legislative Agenda set during Meeting of the Minds 2020 One of the most important events at Meeting of the Minds is the legislative strategy session. Each year, during this session, state motorcycle rights groups develop the federal legislative priorities for the following year. Items are discussed, debated and eventually voted on, with each Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization (SSMRO) having a voice and a vote. Legislative priorities are placed in one of three categories, “High,” “Medium” and “Monitor”. These priorities will serve as a roadmap, for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. team, as we focus on 2021. While you can see the full detailed list of priorities • Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to in the next American Bikers’ Journal, below is brief preview the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). of the “High” priority items approved during the session. • Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any • Profiling: Continue pursuit of the House antilegislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning profiling resolution mirroring the Senate version that passed connected and autonomous vehicles. unanimously. Build momentum for inclusion of antiprofiling language in other legislation. • Emission Regulations: Engage the EPA & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations. • Definition of a Motorcycle: Educate policymakers and advocate for change to current definition, that better reflects the current two- and three-wheel motorcycle landscape. • Crash Avoidance: Continue to promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing urging NHTSA and the DOT to focus on crash prevention and rider education. • Helmet Laws: Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel or conspicuity standards. • Black Box: Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer and in which the consumer has the choice to opt-out of having their personal data communicated to interested parties. • Surface Transportation Reauthorization (Highway Bill): Advocate and pursue legislative efforts that impact motorcyclists in the Highway Bill, now set to expire in 2021. Remember, as part of your MRF membership you receive an issue of each American Bikers’ Journal (ABJ). Not a Member of MRF? Go to mrf.org/join-the-mrf/ and sign up. The next ABJ is where you will find more details on these specific priorities, as well as the list of over a dozen other priorities in the “Medium” or “Monitor” categories. Looks like 2021 will be a busy year! 38 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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F$%&i@# Winter!
One thing that I despise the thought of is “winterizing” any of my two wheeled vehicles. I love living in Iowa, but don’t like this whole winter season thing, but it is what it is and we have to deal with it. There are a ton of ideas on how to winterize, but thought I would share a few points that I feel are important.
is pulled out for the first ride. I always like to use a battery charger on a low maintenance charge to keep the battery at top notch power and ready for a ride at any time we get a good day in the winter season. Maintaining the battery also in my experience adds to the life of the battery, so that is an added perk. Before tucking it away, it is always a good idea to get all the bugs and road grime off your treasured machine, before it has a chance to sit and eat through clear coat and finishes. Those nasty little bastards can do a lot of damage to paint and clear coat with their acidic little corpses. If your storage place has any possibility of rodents, cover up any openings into intake or exhaust, as well as getting any paper products out of storage areas so they don’t become a mouse nest.
Find a safe and secure place to store your motorcycle. Ideally, a weather-controlled location would be ideal, but for many that is simply not possible. Just make sure it is tucked safely There are a ton of other things away and thing don’t get knocked into it or dropped onto that can be done to help protect your ride, but even just it. When ready to store it for the winter, I like to top off doing the bare minimum will make for a more rapid process the tank with high-quality high-octane pump gas and add and a give you a better chance of getting out on two wheels a bit of Schaeffer Oil’s Neutra fuel additive and stabilizer the next time you want to wake your beast from its slumber. to help keep the gas as fresh as possible over the winter Stay safe, count the days until spring, and enjoy the slumber. It is also a good idea if time allows to freshen up upcoming holiday season. the oils in the bike if at all possible. Change of replace the air cleaner and also this is a great time to look at brake pads, Vernon belts or chains, and tires to know what can be taken care of now, and not forgotten about in the spring when the bike Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook www.thunderroadsiowa.com TRMI NOVEMBER 2020 - 39
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! Oct 31 Nov 6-7 Nov 6-8 Nov 11 Nov 27 Nov 27 Dec 5
Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 12 Dec 18 2021
Ladies Night Loess Hills Harley-Davidson Pacific Junction Santa at Metro Metro HD Cedar Rapids Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines Men’s Night Loess Hills Harley-Davidson Pacific Junction
Feb 19-21 Feb 25-27 Feb 27-28 Mar 7 Apr 11 May 1 Jul 1-3
ABATE of NE Dist 2 Bike Show Lincoln Omaha Chapter AMCA National Swap Meet Fremont NE 52nd Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL 10th Annual Sleeping Angels Fun Run Boone ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally Algona
Halloween Spooktacular Big Barn HD Des Moines Veteran’s Day Event Big Barn HD Des Moines ABATE of Iowa Steam Marshalltown Veteran’s Day Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Black Friday Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Turkey Run Clinton Chrome Diva SLD (Santa’s Lil Divas) Cedar Rapids
40 - TRMI NOVEMBER 2020
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