The wonderful month of August is many things to many different people. To the little shavers it is the moth to start back to school, and most seem none too happy about that fact. For the crowd that loves to go to South Dakota for a few days or weeks during the first part of the month it is an annual journey, a trek, a pilgrimage, a ritual to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. There are many smaller scale events also happening in the month of August locally as well, such as Slide School in Marne the 13th and 14th, followed by Baxter Cycle’s Annual Open House and Auction the 15th through the 17th. Metro HD in Cedar Rapids is hosting Little Timmy’s Ride on August 9th as well as Kyle’s Mile 11 on the 23rd of the month. HarleyDavidson of Carroll is hosting a bike and car show-n-shine on the 23rd that should be a hit also. There are a ton of bike nights and supper rides that are still going on in August, but you better hit the ones you want to soon, as they are going to be winding down starting this month. Some go into September and maybe a couple go further, but for the most part, August is the end of the road for those types of gatherings.
The end of the month also brings the antique swap meet in Davenport that we have gone to for several years, and then to Conesville for the Redneck Revival Party, and then meander back home for the Labor Day holiday itself. This year I think that on September 1st, on Labor Day, I am just going to do nothing, rest, take it easy, enjoy the day with Melanie and that is all. We will see if that happens, chances are slim, but we can hope right? On that last weekend in August, specifically on the 31st, is our annual wedding anniversary and motorcycle trip that we have taken together every year, and this year marks 11 whole years of wedded bliss! I cannot believe she keeps up with me, or puts up with me, however you care to look at that. Anyway, happiest of Anniversaries to my beloved partner in crime, loves ya Melanie.
Now that we are in the last part of the 2025 riding season, we are looking to get our fall, winter, and next season Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Event List populated. If
you know of anything confirmed from now through next riding season, let us know. Email the date, name of the event, and starting location town to vernon@ thunderroadsiowa. com magazine of Iowa. We publish this list every month toward the back of the magazine, and during riding season also have the Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Bike Night/ Supper Ride list. We are always looking for those also. We appreciate the help on this, so that we can keep the most comprehensive list possible. Hope to see you out on the road in these waning months of riding season!
We would like to thank our faithful sponsors for being a part of this magazine. Without our advertisers, we could not publish Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa each month. We have been doing so since June of 2010, and hope to keep doing so for many years to come. Darken the doorway of our advertisers and tell them that TRMI sent you! If you have a business or something you would like to advertise in Thunder Roads or know of a spot that should be on our pages, let us know. Give me or any of the staff a call or email and we can try to get them hooked up! Thanks tons, have a great month, ride safe!
Vernon Schwarte vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Proud Editor/Owner Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Owner Thunder Guns and Thunder Guns West
IMDA Board Member
MRF Iowa Assistant State Rep
COC Liaison
NCOIR State of Iowa Representative
Quote of the Month: “When taking a trip on a motorcycle, you can either add up time sitting still, or add up miles on the road, try to decide what is most important to you.” VS
On the Cover the
This month we are bringing you a couple images of cute as a bug Tiffany with Glen McLaughlin’s BADASS 45 Inch Flattie. This lightly (understatment) modified side valve is dripping of antique motorcycle cool factor. Not much on this critter has not been modified or improved. Tiffany agreed to model and did a fantabulous job, all while working hard to NOT be late for her regular gig running the show at Village Court Family Restaurant.
It’s really hard to grasp that sand running through this year’s hourglass and the incredible fleetness of time. Hey, we need to be packing and preparing for the 85th Black Hills Rally already. I realized the other day that we have no reservations, and in trying to rectify the situation found out our regular cabin had been snatched up. If you believe the reports, the number crunchers are projecting a record turnout this year. The Buffalo Chip campground passes are up 67% over last year and some are speculating a 700,000-attendance figure for the rally, which could equal or surpass the last big anniversary year, the 75th in 2015. I know some of you math whizzes will say the 1938 beginning doesn’t jive with an 85th year anniversary but like so many other things, WW II messed up and derailed a few years in that run. Let’s hope and pray that we don’t experience that type of horror again but given human nature and current affairs overseas we very easily could. Unfortunately, with technology the world is smaller, the bombs are bigger and our enemies are just as crazy as ever if not more so.
While lamenting my procrastination with the cabin reservations, it struck me how spoiled I, and maybe a few others in general, have become. Our inconveniences become larger and larger as we selfishly focus inward and on our comfort. Even so, today we are still the most blessed and fortunate country I can think of. How many of us have multiple bikes and cars in the garage, adequate if not exceptional health care, jobs, abundant food and probably an overabundance of toys. If “What trailer should we take to Sturgis so we can camp in the air-conditioning?” is our biggest challenge, it’s pretty sad and telling. In so many ways we are the most blessed - or should I say convenienced - people to ever walk this planet. In other ways, the conveniences and dependence on tech and AI have alienated us from relationships with each other and God. Is it all a blessing or a curse? Probably both. But like a gain-of-function virus hiding in our souls, it’s slowly eating away more of our being, a sad state of dependence begetting helplessness. Just look at the cell phone and the change that has brought about. If an enemy were to drop an EMP on us sure there would be that part of society that would go Rambo and be trapping the neighbor’s cats for sustenance. And by week’s end, there would be those who would gang up and take what they wanted from the others that were curled up in a ball waiting to die. (Mad Max cheery thoughts.) Unfortunately, the more generations removed we are from those hardships that our parents and grandparents faced, the more soft, weak and entitled we become. We think we deserve and can make things happen by our will. We lose knowledge of things that helped our forefathers survive and thrive - not the least of which is the knowledge of God’s working in our lives and country. Unfortunately, it seems that to stand strong, each generation requires vigilance and testing. While we have very real natural enemies, ultimately our biggest enemy and hardest battles are with spiritual forces. Since Satan is considered the prince of this world, he greatly affects what happens through all his and his minions’ deceptions and lies. His distractions are effective and blinding. Kind of like when you go out into the mountains and spend a night looking at the septillion stars, you can feel our Creator God and his
magnificence, but when you are in the city with the bright artificial lights you can hardly see a star and the focus is on the glitter of the street or store front. Jesus rightly called Satan the father of lies, but even in the worst of times God still is the last judge and still is in control. In him there is no insufficiency. He is more than able to deliver us individually and as a nation. I believe one of the true remedies for our society’s maladies is gratitude, not taking things for granted. Gratitude to God leads to praise and becomes health to our body, mind and soul. It restores, refreshes and realigns that which we truly need so badly. The attitude of gratitude trains our minds to overcome the toxicity of life and experience the abundant life Christ talks about. “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his love endures forever. ”PS 107:1. “And let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Col 3:15
Let’s keep trying to appreciate and be connected to each other and our Creator God through his son Jesus. Blessings, Mark
Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and God’s plan for you at www.cmausa.org
The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments throughout Iowa that sponsor the magazine. You can pick up your copy here every month. Let them know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa Biker Friendly Business Listing and become a part of the network, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories
Dirty Biker Design
61 W Washington Street Winterset, Iowa 50273 www.DirtyBikerDesign.com 515-444-9050
I am a Constitutional Conservative so when I read the 2nd Amendment and see “shall not be infringed” in the text and look into the Federalist Papers, I know that our founders never set an age limit. They never meant for any restrictions to be placed on our right to bear arms. I understand that every gun law is repugnant to the Constitution. So, I knew that this was going to cause a massive stir in the population at large.
While it is still verbally unclear in House File 924 of Iowa code, in effect as of July 1st, 2025, it would seem that people 18 to 20 years old can now legally purchase and carry firearms, at least within the state of Iowa. It would seem that younger Iowans can now carry a handgun, acquire handguns from private sales, or be gifted a handgun legally. You still have to be 21 years old to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer. However, this brings up the issue of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Where does that come into play with this new law change?
have firearms. Many people are concerned that the lower age will cause a dramatic increase in the amount of violent gun crimes. We have those that believe firearms are okay, just so long as you store them in some sort of weapons bunker at an approved firing range and that they must be checked out every time you want to throw some lead down range.
The legal jargon is always so damn confusing. I’m sure that is by design. I mean, if the average layman can’t understand the twisted word salad of the “law” as written, then the so-called lawmakers and judges can tell you it means whatever they want it to mean. I don’t have the time or mental capacity to study law, so I guess I am at the mercy of the courts on this one. I just hope I’m getting this mostly right.
Anyway, I’ll figure all of that out at a later date, but right now the topic is the debate amongst the people this change affects.
There are mixed feelings about this change to the law, as evidenced by the multiple threads on Reddit, the standard gun grabbing rhetoric abounds on X (Twitter) and Facebook, and YouTube is rife with videos of people on the street being interviewed. The mix is about 50/50 of love it or hate it, as is to be expected in today’s society. For the record, I wholesale dismiss any opinion, for or against, from anyone that resides in any other country but the United States and is NOT a legal US citizen. They have no dog in this fight, so their opinion lacks all merit to me.
Obviously, we have the groups that hate firearms and want them all banned in the United States. We have those that believe only law enforcement and the government should
There is a common thought amongst the supporters of this change that if an 18 year old is legally considered an adult, can vote, can enter into legally binding contracts, can join the armed services to fight and die for this country, become a cop to “protect and serve” (is that still their motto?) the community, etc., then why can they not legally own and/or carry a handgun? Some pro-2nd people still don’t believe that 18–20-year-olds possess that wherewithal to have that much responsibility in their hands and, to a certain extent, I can agree with that sentiment, but that is a slippery slope to be on.
If you’re like me, you have a wide variety of acquaintances that span all ages, and I can almost guarantee that you know at least two 30 or 40-somethings that you wouldn’t trust with a state fair marshmallow shooter. So where do we draw the line? If the level of intelligence and maturity is different between every person, how do we determine the “correct age” at which a person is responsible enough to possess a firearm?
One might argue that it’s simply too easy for a minor to gain access to firearms now that the law has changed, but I’m going to disagree with that sentiment. Not because I don’t think it’s easy, but because it has always been easy. The ease of access didn’t improve after the law went into effect. There have been firearms in our society almost since the beginning of our society. In the 1970’s and ‘80’s, it was normal for high schoolers to have rifles in the back window of their trucks in the school parking lots, with the windows down and doors unlocked. Schools even had gun safety clubs and trap shooting was far more prevalent than it is today. Nobody
was shooting up schools or gunning down random strangers while rolling down the street after school. School shootings were virtually nonexistent until the 1990s. That’s not opinion, that’s fact. Prior to Columbine in 1999, school shootings were incredibly rare.
So, what changed?
The FBI’s own data shows that over 95% of mass shootings are committed by males. That’s not bigotry, that’s reality. Statistically men are more violent, particularly in cases involving rage, dominance, and mass destruction.
But recently, something new has started happening. Now we have biological females... claiming to be “trans men” ... that have started showing up in the headlines for attempted mass shootings. A high-profile example was the Nashville Covenant School shooting in 2023, where Audrey Hale, a biological woman who identified as a trans man, murdered six people, including three children. Suddenly, we’re seeing females commit these heinous crimes that were once almost exclusively committed by males. Why?
It’s not complicated. It’s the hormones.
Testosterone is a powerful, mind-altering drug. When a female is injected with high doses of synthetic testosterone, it alters brain chemistry. Science has proven that testosterone increases aggression, reduces impulse control, and shifts emotional regulation toward more typically male patterns of behavior. We are literally transforming the emotional and psychological structure of women through these hormone regimens.
When a biological woman starts the “transformation,” she’s not just changing her outward appearance, she’s chemically altering her brain to function more like a man’s. When that happens, you start to see male-typical violence emerge, including the kind we used to think very few women could be capable of. Unfortunately, the progressive agenda has parents and teachers encouraging all facets of gender transitions in our young people and they are being poisoned with “gender affirming care.”
Care… that’s a pretty interesting choice of words, considering we’re allowing children to be chemically and surgically altered.
One thing we need to remember is that almost every single one of these mass shooters, regardless of gender identity, was on psychiatric medication. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), antidepressants, mood stabilizers. For as long as I can remember, our society has been drugging children. I remember my cousin being on Ritalin for ADHD issues. Hell, my own child was on a couple different medications for ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Then we add in social alienation, a media that glorifies victimhood, 24/7 bullying on social media and confusion and we have the perfect storm. Then for some reason we all act shocked when their cheese slips off their cracker.
We have created our own mental health crisis, and it is now our children that are suffering the most. How did we end up with activist doctors, a corrupted school system, and these weak-minded cowards that shamefully pass for parents who “affirm” these delusions and nurture the confusion rather than protect their children from this disgusting trend?
I am constantly asking myself, “How the hell did we get here?” The only answer I can come up with is complacency and remind myself of the quote from author G. Michael Hopf in his novel Those Who Remain. This quote inspired another piece from back in March of 2024. He wrote, “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”
Our complacency has given too many people the idea that society and life is easy. It’s not. We have to work at it every day. Far too many people have become the weak that Mr. Hopf wrote about. We can’t just sit back and let life happen to us; we have to work to make a good life.
The human race needs to figure out what we want. Will we be a race that has been chemically and surgically altered into androgynous, halfwit mutants or will we be a race of strong men and women with clear minds? The choice is ours; we just have to make it. - David McCoy - david@thunderroadsiowa.com - FaceBook.com/TRMIDave - FaceBook.com/TRMINSUR
THE
ADELAIDE
REGISTER
WAS CLEARLY staffed by journalists of the finest kind: every week a full broadsheet page edited by ‘Fixit’ was devoted to ‘Motor Cycling and Club Doings’. And that worthy, having expressed his laudable devotion to motorcycles, provided the Register’s readers with an excellent summary of the year’s fastest rides, leading to the records set by messrs Anderson and Temple. He wrote like an antipodean Ixion so let’s dive into the Aussie bike scene of the midtwenties, from news of new models to the ‘doings’ of some thriving bike clubs. All these yarns came from a single issue so motor cycling was clearly flourishing down under. Fixit, over to you:
“NO MORE A TOY!
motor, cycle history was unsuccessful, getting within one-fifth of a mile an hour of the coveted century. It is all the more pleasing, therefore, to be able to record now that he was the first motor cyclist in the world to cover 100 miles inside the hour. One or two cars have accomplished a. similar feat, and a team of three British cars averaged over 100 miles an. hour throughout last year’s 200-mile mile race. In all those cases engines of 1,5OOcc or more, in most instances supercharged, have been used. At present British motor cycles have not employed supercharging methods, but it will be interesting to see how speeds will soar if and when riders resort to supercharging.
Most motor cyclists recall the tolerant contempt of their friends who believed that they were fooling with toy engines and refused to take the motorcycle seriously. The belief lingers in some quarters, but people willing to consider facts have surrendered it. They realize that the motorcycle has proved itself no toy, but a serious and valuable means of transport in any country. It has preceded motor cars to the summit of the highest mountains climbed; it has crossed the Sahara; wild beasts in African forests have fled from the sound of its exhaust; the steppes of Russia have been conquered by it; one has gone round Australia; and snow, sand, and mud alike yield to its power. Pitted against the most powerful motor cars it has proved itself superior in speed and equal in durability. Should any part of the machinery of’ either refuse to function, the motor cycle is away on its journey again while the car driver is still searching for the cause, the reason being the immediate accessibility of all parts in the former and the absence of complications caused by a watercooling system. In proportion to weight the motorcycle engine gives greater power than that of a car, and it loses nothing in a comparison of relative durability. It is cheaper to own and run a motor cycle in proportion to power, because of the lessened cost of tyres and the lower weight of every section.
100 MILES IN THE HOUR.
INDIAN MAKES WORLD RECORD.
A famous British track rider on a British 1,000cc machine covered 100 miles in just under an hour at the Montlhery track near Paris recently. That was the first time in the history of the motor cycle movement that 100 miles an hour had been maintained for an hour, though the same rider a short time previously went within a few minutes of accomplishing the feat, which constituted the outstanding speed achievement in the motor cycle year. Four short years ago he was one of three famous speedmen making frenzied efforts to exceed 100 miles an hour over a kilometre. All three machines making that attempt were of American origin, and on that occasion the rider who has just made
World speed records were established by Paul Anderson on an Indian motor cycle, racing at the Arpajon (France) Speedway, on October 11. They were 135½mph, mean average speed over the mile, two ways, and 121mph, mean average speed over the kilometre, two ways. Crowding on pace in the mile, Anderson flashed into the startling speed of 159mph, equivalent to a mile in 22⅗sec. That is the greatest speed attained by any vehicle on land, and leaves Capt Campbell’s famous achievement of 150 miles an hour a few months ago far behind. The records are official. The races were held by the French Motor Cycle Club, under the sanction of the Federation of International Motorcycle Clubs, and were electrically timed. While in Australia recently Anderson, on an Indian, at Sellick’s Beach, established a one-way record for Australasia of 125mph. Another noteworthy motorcycle speed achievement during the past year was 99.31mph by a 250cc machine over a kilometre. Fancy that, a speed being attained with such small nominal power, a thing no one would have dreamt of a few years ago. Since then 100mph was exceeded by an 1,100cc three-wheeler and also by a 750cc solo machine, 92 miles in the hour recorded by a 500cc machine, and more then 59 maintained for an hour by a 175cc machine. In addition 100mph was exceeded on the sands of the Lancashire coast, and in an Irish speed trial by 1,000cc twins, while a 500cc sidecar outfit covered 300 miles at more than 60mph. Development in Great Britain for some years has been in the direction of producing small machines with engines of. such high efficiency, that they equal the big twins of a few years ago. At the same time attention there, as everywhere else, has been given to engineering methods, which ensure longevity of every part. One result has been to attract general attention to the smaller machine, and American companies have given it a place among their products also.
Tiff y Jo’s Diner and Energy Bar
2727 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 449-9998
7AM-2PM 7 Days a Week
In 2023, Tiffy Jo’s Diner and Energy Bar was opened in Cedar Rapids with a mission to provide good food and excellent service. Tiffany spent years as a waitress and dreamed of opening a diner that would become a local staple. She opened Tiff y Jo’s to provide the CR community with delicious breakfast and lunch staples, unique menu options, and specialty drinks. Whether you are looking for sweet options or savory meals like classic biscuits and gravy, Tiffy Jo’s has what you’re looking for. Tiffy Jo’s also serves lunch, offering a variety of lunch and comfort food options.
In addition to tasty meal options, Tiff y Jo’s also offers specialty coffees in both hot or iced varieties and energy drinks.
Vernon and I have been to Tiffy Jo’s more than once, and we finally had enough self-restraint to take some photos of our plates before diving in. We have sampled various breakfast items and have never been disappointed. They are ALWAYS busy, but NEVER slow to serve customers. On the latest visit, we ordered a couple cups of coffee and perused the menu. Trying to decide between tried-and-true breakfast options, and sampling something new from the breakfast section. This time, we each chose something new, and we hadn’t been sipping our fresh brewed coffee for long when our server returned with our piping hot breakfast plates.
Vernon ordered the Loaded Biscuits and Gravy, and it arrived as a huge plate of breakfast goodness. Two fluffy biscuits covered with traditional sausage gravy comprised the bottom layer. This is where the magic happens and turns B&G into something spectacular…atop the creamy gravy was generous helpings of crispy bacon, tender sausage, ham, colorful bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and two eggs cooked “your way”. Vernon ordered his eggs cooked overmedium, and they arrived perfectly cooked. I ordered the Country Shipwreck on this visit, and I was not disappointed. My meal arrived piled high on my plate and fresh as could be. Perfectly seasoned country potatoes on the bottom (you can choose hashbrowns if you want), topped with sausage, onion, cheddar jack cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs, and creamy country gravy. Crumbled biscuit topped the allinclusive breakfast dish. I opted for the side of sourdough toast for my meal, but you can substitute pancakes or French toast if you think you have the stomach space… we did not have the space, but I wish we had. I guess that just means we will be returning to try more of the delicious offerings at Tiffy Jo’s next time we are in Cedar Rapids.
j
Every visit we have made to Tiffy Jo’s we have been treated wonderfully by the staff and have had more than our fill of delicious, freshly made food, even when the place is packed! Next time you are in the area, make it a point to stop at Tiffy Jo’s, and be sure to tell them Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa sent you!
Melanie
If you have a WRTE location for us to visit, please let me know at Melanie@thunderroadsiowa.com.
Have you ever seen Twenty Dollars all crumpled up?” the woman asked her husband. “No”...said her husband. She gave him a sexy little smile, unbuttoned the top 3 buttons of her blouse...and slowly reached down into the cleavage created by a soft, silky push-up bra...and pulled out a crumpled Twenty Dollar bill. He took the crumpled Twenty Dollar bill from her ...and smiled approvingly. “Have you ever seen Fifty Dollars all crumpled up?” she then asked her husband. “Uh... no, I haven’t” he said with an anxious tone in his voice. She gave him another sexy little smile, pulled up her skirt, and seductively reached into her tight, sheer panties and pulled out a crumpled Fifty Dollar bill. He took the crumpled Fifty Dollar bill... and started breathing a little quicker with anticipation. “Now,” she said, “Have you ever seen $50,000 Dollars all crumpled up?” “No way” ...he said (while obviously becoming even more aroused... and excited). “Well go look in the garage! I Crashed the car.
farmer, being a bit of a gambler himself, said she could have a try. The blonde looked at the flock and guessed, “157.” The farmer was amazed, she was right! So, the blonde, (who looked like a brunette), picked one out and got back into her car. Before she left, farmer walked up to her and said. “If I can guess the real color of your hair, can I have my dog back?”
How do you get a sweet 80-year-old lady to say the F word? Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*!
A woman runs into a doctor’s office and says “DOCTOR! DOCTOR! You have to help me! Everywhere I touch on my body it hurts!” The doctor replied, “Show me.” So, the woman poked her ankle and screamed of pain. Then she poked her knee and yelled OW. She poked her forehead and screamed again. She was about to continue when the doctor said, “That’s enough, let me think this over.” He thought for about a minute and said “I think I know what your problem is. You broke your finger.”
A man inserted an ad in the classifieds: “Wife wanted”. Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.”
A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead all die. In order to get into heaven though, they must go up 100 steps, each containing a joke. The trick is that they must not laugh. The brunette goes first and laughs at the first step and is sent to hell. The redhead goes next and makes it to the seventh step before she laughs. Finally, it’s the blondes turn. She gets all the way to the 99th step before she laughs. God asks her, “You were so close, why did you laugh?” and she responds, “I just got the first joke!”
A doctor wanted to get off work and go hunting, so he approached his assistant. “Seamus, I am going hunting tomorrow. I don’t want to close the clinic. I want you to take care of the clinic and take care of my patients.” “Yes, sir!” answers Seamus. The doctor goes hunting and returns the following day and asks: “So, Seamus, how was your day?” Seamus told him that he took care of three patients. “The first one had a headache so I gave him Tylenol.” “Bravo, and the second one?” asks the doctor. “The second one had stomach burning and I gave him Maalox, sir.” says Seamus. “Bravo, bravo! You’re good at this and what about the third one?” asks the doctor. “Sir, I was sitting here and suddenly the door opened and a woman entered. Like a flame, she undressed herself, taking off everything including her bra, her panties and lied down on the table. She spread her legs and shouted: “HELP ME! For five years I have not seen any man!” “Thunderin’ Lard Jayzus, Seamus, what did ye do?” asks the doctor. “I put drops in her eyes.”
A guy needed a horse, so he went to a temple and got one. Before he left, the priest told him that it was a special horse. In order for it to go, he would say “Thank God” and for it to stop he would have to say “Amen”. So, the guy went, and a few minutes later he dozed off on his horse. A few hours later, he woke up and was going off the edge of a cliff. So, he shouted “Amen!” and the horse stopped a few inches from the edge. “Whew,” he said. “Thank God.”
A blonde was really tired of being made fun of, so she decided to have her hair changed so she would look like a brunette. When she had brown hair, she decided to take a drive in the country. After she had been driving for a while, she saw a farmer and a flock of sheep and thought, “Oh! Those sheep are so adorable!” She got out and walked over to the farmer and said, “If I can guess how many sheep you have, can I take one home?” The
A first-grade teacher, Ms. Brooks, was having trouble with one of her students. The teacher asked, “Harry, what’s your problem?” Harry answered, “I’m too smart for the 1st grade. My sister is in the 3rd grade and I’m smarter than she is! I think I should be in the 3rd grade too!” Ms. Brooks had had enough. She took Harry to the principal’s office. While Harry waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Ms. Brooks he would give the boy a test. If he failed to answer any of his questions, he was to go back to the 1st grade and behave. She agreed. Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test. Principal: “What is 3×3?” Harry: “9” Principal: “What is 6×6?” Harry: “36” And so it went with every question the principal thought a 3rd grader should know. The principal looks at Ms. Brooks and tells her, “I think Harry can go to the 3rd grade.” Ms. Brooks says to the principal, “Let me ask him some questions.” The principal and Harry both agreed. Ms. Brooks asks, “What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?” Harry, after a moment:
“Legs.” Ms. Brooks: “What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?” The principal wondered why she would ask such a question! Harry replied: “Pockets.” Ms. Brooks: “What does a dog do that a man steps into?” Harry: “Pants.” Ms. Brooks: “What starts with a C, ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin, whitish liquid?” Harry: “Coconut.” The principal sat forward with his mouth hanging open. Ms. Brooks: “What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?” The principal’s eyes opened really wide and before he could stop the answer, Harry replied, “Bubble gum.” Ms. Brooks: “What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?” Harry: “Shake hands.” The principal was trembling. Ms. Brooks: “What word starts with an ‘F’ and ends in ‘K’ that means a lot of heat and excitement?” Harry: “Firetruck.” The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher, “Put Harry in the fifth grade, I got the last seven questions wrong…”
A lady walked into a drugstore and told the pharmacist she needed some cyanide right away. The pharmacist naturally was concerned by such a request and asked, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?” The lady then explained that she needed it to poison her husband. The pharmacist’s eyes got big and he said, “I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband! That’s against the law! I’ll lose my license. They’ll throw both of us in jail and all kinds of bad things will happen! Absolutely not! You cannot have any cyanide!” The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, “Well, now. You didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”
A Chinese man rings his boss, “Me no work I sick.” Boss says, “When I’m sick, I make love with my wife. Try that.” Two hours later the Chinese man rings back, “Me better, you got nice house.”
Get out a here, ye shameless girl! You are an evil-doer! You’re a disgrace to this Catholic family.“ “OK, Dad... as ye wish. I only came back to give mum this beautiful new fur coat, the title deed to a huge mansion with a swimming pool, plus 3 million dollars cash. For me little brother, this platinum Rolex. And for ye Daddy, the brand new Porsche 911 sitting outside plus a membership to the country club ... (takes a breath) ... and an invitation for ye all to spend New Year’s Eve on board my new yacht in the Riviera.“ Paddy replies “What was it ye said ye had become again?” Still sobbing the daughter replies through her tears “A prostitute, Daddy!“ “Oh! My Goodness! Ye scared me half to death, girl! I thought ye said a Protestant! Come here and give yer old Dad a hug!“
A man walks into his psychiatrist’s appointment wearing nothing but cling film. The psychiatrist takes one look at him and says “well I can clearly see your nuts.”
Mrs. Peterson went to the doctor: “I’m terribly worried about my boy. He thinks he’s a chicken.” The doctor asked, “And how long has this been going on?” “Almost a year,” Mrs. Peterson replied. “Well for goodness sakes! Why didn’t you bring him to see me sooner?” “Because we needed the eggs!”
I was at the dentist the other day and he says to me “this might sting a little bit, are you prepared?” I said “yes”. He then went on to say “I am sleeping with your wife.”
I saw a man smoking in church on Sunday. I was so shocked that I nearly dropped my bottle of gin.
I distinctly remember my mother telling me, “I do not have a favorite child.” I found this extremely hard to take as a kid, mainly because I was an only child.
Paddy’s daughterr hadn’t come home for over 5 years. When she finally returned, Paddy cursed her heavily. “Where have ye been all this time, child? Why did ye not write to us, not even a line? Why didn’t ye call? Can ye not understand what ye put me and your ma through?“
I asked my doctor for advice on how to lose weight. He said “Don’t eat anything fatty.” I said “Thanks.” He said “you are welcome fatty.”
What is the best thing to do if your partner starts smoking in bed? Slow down, you are moving too fast.
What is the difference between a hormone and a vitamin? You can’t hear a vitamin.
Why was the anti-vaxxers 5-year-old son crying? Midlife crisis.
What do anniversaries, the toilet bowl and the clitoris all have in common? Men usually miss all of them.
A man enters heaven and asks God a question, “Excuse me God, why did you decide to make women so beautiful?” God replied,” So men would love them.” The man then asks, “Then tell me God, why on earth did you make women so dumb?” God immediately replied, “So they would love you.”
The girl was sobbing and replied, “Dad.. I have been selling my body, I became a prostitute.“ “Ye what!?
A lady had been taking golf lessons and was playing her very first round of golf when she was unfortunately stung by a bee. She was in agony and decided to head back to the clubhouse to get some medical help. Her golf instructor saw her heading back and asked, “you were only out there ten minutes, why are you back so soon? what is the matter?” The lady replied, “A bee stung me!” The instructor asked “Where abouts?” The lady replied, “Between the first and the second hole”. The instructor knowingly nods his head and replies “Your stance is a little too wide”.
I hate it when guys say that a woman belongs in the kitchen. How on earth is she going to clean the rest of the house from there?
A priest, a pastor and a rabbit entered a clinic to donate blood. The nurse asked the rabbit “what is your blood type?” The rabbit replied, “I’m probably a type-o”.
What’s worse than two girls running with scissors? Two girls scissoring with the runs.
THE BIG “D”
INTRODUCTION:
The first time I ever heard about the antique motorcycle swap meet in Davenport, Iowa was in June of 1981, just a day after I bought my first Old Motersickel. Having just been introduced to a handful of Old Motersickel Enthusiasts, all the chatter was about ‘how we could find the missing components needed to get that old bike on the road.’ The ‘D’ word was mentioned several times before it became clear to me that these fellas were talking about the Grand National Antique Motorcycle Club of America Show and Swap Meet in Davenport, Iowa.
Back in those days. the Davenport Meet was held on the second or third weekend of September, a week or two after the Labor Day Weekend. I was quite excited to learn about an antique motorcycle swap meet that was less than five hundred miles away on the map and only a very few months away on the calendar. Just as quickly as my hopes soared, they were snuffed out like a candle in a thunderstorm. All of these guys were skipping the Davenport swap meet that year. Hard as it may be to believe, there was something happening less than 50 miles from Sioux Falls (where I was living at the time) that would eclipse the trip to Southeast Iowa that year.
September of 1982...
DAVENPORT, 1982:
Back in those days, The Chief Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America hosted a most lovely meet for all the participants, Buyers and Sellers alike. That 1982 meet was small. Very small by comparison to the Monster it would soon become. In 1982, Buyers would step on Knucklehead parts (Panhead parts nor Post-WWII Indian parts were yet allowed at AMCA meets.) to have a look at Excelsior parts and step on Excelsior parts to pick up and fondle Ace bits and pieces. For the most part, the Vendors were set up in the shade around the outside of Turns One and Two of the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Half-Mile Racetrack.
Although the man’s name escapes my memory some 44 years later, this Old Boy (Lloyd Kaufman?) was having a two-day auction on his farm place south and west of Sioux Falls. This was not your typical South Dakota pre-harvest farm auction sale. This was a once-in-a-lifetime divestment of one man’s lifetime of collecting antique motorcycles and parts. They were all there! American. Orient. Pope. Merkel. Thiem. Miami. Yale. Cleveland. Thor. And a couple ‘other’ brands, such as Harley and Davidsons, as well as Indian. Almost all of this stuff was pre-WWII, and was, to the best of my memory, all Made in the USA. There were a LOT of Buyers at this sale. Buyers with money they weren’t afraid to spend. Best as I can recall, none of the Sioux Falls Crew bought anything that weekend. I do have a handful of old low-grade color photos of the event, but they do not do justice to that auction, nor are they likely acceptable for use in this publication. (Get your mind out of the gutter, you Creeps! There was nothing pornographic about these pictures, mind you, simply old photographs taken by a young man, using a cheap camera.)
MY FIRST AMCA SHOW/SWAP MEET:
Having said all that, I did not make it to the Big Davenport Show and Swap Meet until mid-September of 1982. I was, however, able to attend my first Antique Motorcycle Club Swap and Show meet in February of 1982. It was an Omaha Chapter AMCA ‘Regional’ Meet held at Howard Wagner’s Four “T” and Spring Shop in Carter Lake, Iowa. My first trip to Davenport would have to wait until mid-
The meet was a three-day event back then. Friday morning was the time for the Vendors to set up and check out each others’ wares. Some Buyers would show up on Friday but were mostly (lovingly) scorned by the Sellers through the morning and early afternoon on Friday. By mid-afternoon Friday the Vendors would soften their attitude quite a bit and welcomed the commerce. Many Vendors tent-camped in their spaces and barbeque smoke filled the air as evening approached. Shortly before dusk, the parts would be covered with tarps before the evening dew set upon them. Hanging out socializing were the orders of the evening. Being a First Timer at the meet, I had many people to meet and begin building new acquaintances. (Little did I know at that time just how much of an impact that event would have on my life in the years to come!)
Saturday was the day Buyers and Sellers would exchange intelligent conversation as well as dollars and parts, and I was amazed at how accommodating these Vendors were at helping a New Kid identify parts and their fitment on a bike. Saturday evening was much like Friday evening.
Sunday morning was the time slot for judging the machines. Judging was different back then, as the 100-point ‘must’ system had yet to be introduced to the AMCA. One handful of Judges looked at all the bikes and discussed them together, as a group. Their decisions were usually spot-on and disagreements were few. Vendors continued to sell their goods as the Judges examined the bikes, but when it was time to hand out the Awards, everyone, Buyers, Sellers, EVERYONE gathered around to support and applaud the winners in the different classes. Soon after the awards were handed out, bikes were loaded up, parts were packed and stacked, and those wonderful last-minute deals were brokered. Everyone helped by cleaning up their spots and they left the place as tidy as when they moved in on Friday.
That 1982 meet made a huge impression on my then 26-year-old mind. I decided that “Davenport” would be a part of my future. I had made one ‘other’ life-altering decision in the very first few days of September of that year,
too, and I thank God Himself for those experiences of the first half of September 1982.
OVER THE YEARS:
As the years have gone by, I can tell you that I have missed the “Davenport” swap meet TWICE since first attending in 1982. The first time I missed “Davenport” was in 1994. I was the Road Captain for the Omaha Chapter AMCA, and we were hosting our first National Road Run in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the days shortly following The Chief Blackhawk National Meet. Being our Chapter’s first National Road Run and having never had a Road Run in the Black Hills, I felt it best for me to be in the Black Hills to tie down any loose ends and/or last-minute details prior to the beginning of the Road Run. Chief Blackhawk Chapter graciously allowed me to miss that year and to retain my Vendor Spaces for the following year. The second time I missed “Davenport” was in 2009. I had recently bought a small motel with a small restaurant and bar in a small town in Northeast South Dakota. (If you’re a fisherman, you know where Waubay is located!) The business was rising from the ashes of its previous Owner, and I felt it more important to ride herd on the Property than to make the trip to Davenport. We ALL missed the trip to Davenport in 2020 due to the ‘Election Infection’ aka Novel Corona Virus Number Nineteen...
Somewhere along the line, the Chief Blackhawk Chapter seceded from the Union of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, and in all probability, for justified cause. I have done a pretty good job of staying out of the politics* of the National Antique Motorcycle Club of America in all the years since joining the ‘National’ in 1981. (I have served as Vice-President, President, and Road Captain of the Omaha Chapter and have recently received the status of Honorary Member of that Chapter.) Once upon a Time, many years ago, I was asked by four members of the National Hierarchy to serve on their Board of Directors. I immediately and abundantly made it clear to them right then and there, that THEY “were not ready to have me serve on that Board.” I went on to explain that they may have thought it to be a good idea to ask me to serve on the Board in public, but I assured them that they probably would not much care for me behind the closed doors of an Executive Session.
In all honesty, I do not know for sure exactly why Chief Blackhawk Chapter seceded, nor do I really give even a part of a bit of fecal matter why. (Nor do I give a rat’s posterior appendage why.) All I know for sure is that The Chief Blackhawk Antique Motorcycle Club has ALWAYS had an incredible Staff and Crew of Volunteers (not you, Fitzie!) to plan, set up, execute, tear down, and clean up for what has become Universally Known as “Davenport!” These People have become more like Family to me than simply Friends. I look forward to heading to “Davenport” 51 out of 52 weeks every year. (In later years, I spend six to seven days on the Fairgrounds before and during the Meet.)
When asked what he thought of me writing a story about Davenport, my Good Old Friend, Ron says, “It would seem to me that writing an interesting story about Davenport would be difficult. It’s really kind of a mundane experience. You look for parts, you sell parts, you see old friends. In reality no one gives a damn about what you did. We’re all
there for the same reason...” (It should be noted that Ronnie has an extremely dry sense of humor!)
Around the World, you may ask any run-of-the-mill Motorcyclist what they know about ‘Davenport’ and they will stare blankly at you and then ask if you’re talking about a piece of living room furniture. Ask any Old Motersickel Enthusiast around the World about ‘Davenport’ and they will IMMEDIATELY tell you that they’ve been there, plan to go there, or have always wished they could make it there. To the Antique Motorcycle Enthusiast or Old Motersickel Enthusiast, ‘Davenport’ is Mecca.
TODAY:
This year will be the 54th Annual Chief Blackhawk Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show. The location will be as it has always been: The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa. The dates have changed slightly this year: August 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2025. The Antique and Vintage Half-Mile Dirt-Track Races will be held on site on Thursday evening, August 28th and Rain Date Friday evening, August 29th. I addition to the Bike Show, Swap Meet and Flat-Track Races, there will also be an Antique Motorcycle Parade, Field Games, and Food Trucks a-plenty! The theme for this year’s Show is “Riding Back to the ‘80’s!” (Good God, THAT makes me feel OLD! I bought my first and only new motorcycle in 1980!)
If you’re seeking additional information, you may call 563-529-4940 or Czech them out on the Interwebs info@chiefblackhawk.org or on Farcebook @ CBHantiquemotorcycleclub.
SUMMARY:
In summary, I have attended/participated in this Meet 39 times over the past 42 years and I am giddy as a Little School Girl to be a part of Davenport, 2025! The incredibly cool bikes, all the parts, memorabilia, activities, et cetera are a calling to any Old Motersickelist, and should be a calling to ANY Motorcyclist, PERIOD! To the best of my understanding, this is the Largest Gathering of Old Motersickelists and Old Motersickels in the Known Universe.
Be a part of it or be apart from it. The choice is yours. My choice is to be There, not to be Square.
You’ll find Dirty Gurl and I smack dab in the middle of the Vendor Field. Stop by and say, “Howdy!” There’s always some (man-made) shade, a place to park yer butt and a bottle of water. Davenport is, after all, the place where Old Friends meet and New Friends are made!
Much Love, Much Respect,
Alice, aka LS, aka Landshark, aka Sharky, aka Mark the Shark, aka Mark LaFleur
“If you do not know your History, you ain’t got much of a Future!”
~Yours Truly~(For many years already.)
*(Politics: n. ‘poly’ meaning ‘many’ and ‘ticks’ meaning more than one blood-sucking parasite.)
Don’t Let the Dog Days of Summer Bend You
Over Doggie Style.
STOP let me clarify, before we go down a path of wrongness where you get some misguided idea flowing in your mind that I am some demonic pervert of the first world order…you know, the kind of person that is on some list, somewhere. There was an island involved, but maybe there is not a list (maybe there is) but we will never know who is on that list or if there even was an Island. No, do not go there at all just because I made some doggie style reference. I am pro (as in a giver) pro doggie style, but I don’t care what you do, I do not, nor will I ever kink shame. I will grade it, I will comment on it, I may even question it, but I will not, and I cannot stress this enough, I will never shame your kink. You do you.
Now, since we are on the path of kink, I am not, have not, did not…attend the big rally out in the Black Hills this year and I am completely at ease with it which I will get to in a second but I have a couple “dudes” that I know that never miss. They. Never. Miss.
You may be thinking they are dedicated, hard core riders that love the adventure, the sights, the sounds, smells all of it, that rally means different things to different people and that is what’s so amazing about it. No, that is not why they go. They go for the hot bartenders at the different bars scattered all throughout the Hills! First, they have no game, well they did when there were younger, but that “game” has long since passed them by. They are enthralled by the talent that shows up every year. I swear they have a spreadsheet of ladies’ names and photos attached and what bar they are working. This is why they go every single year, it’s what they talk about between the rally dates on the calendar,
and my guess is that one pretty lady gave one of them a kiss about 1995, they fell in love, and that fuels their sojourn to the Paha Sapa (The hills that are black). Again, whatever floats your boat, or inspires you to ride, kick stand up, clutches out and crack that throttle baby.
I took this year off, last year kind of burned me out a bit and I will go again, but I will do it a bit different next time.
Last year was amazing but with added pressure, for multiple sets. My ride or die had already taken a long-extended trip of a lifetime earlier that year that burned a full two weeks away. No regrets, I mean ZERO regrets about that adventure, pure bucket list stuff, but in addition to being away from work that long it was freaking expensive. But Hey, The Rally is CHEAP. HA comedy…jokes…I got you.
We (ride or die) took some friends, some that have been there years ago, some that have never been, and some that have never ridden that far. This was not a trailered event. When you are the, well for the lack of a better term, “leader” of the trip you just feel added pressure or tension to make sure all the details work out. Making sure the lodging is dialed in, making sure everyone going gets along, which is a PAIN IN THE A$$ when you are dealing with different personalities, long, hot as balls days, wind beat, sunburned, different ideas on where to stop and eat, bathroom breaks, who wants to do what sightseeing on the way, making sure the roads you travel will get you there safely but also offer anything but I-90 and so and so forth.
Still had a blast, but people wanted to see different stuff, eat at different places, and drink different hours, all good, but consuming none the less.
This year, work is jammed for both of us and while we are getting away for smaller bike adventures, sadly a week on the road just isn’t going to be in the cards this year. Quick trips will be the road therapy and it’s weird, I am super good with that. I love love love love the Black Hills, for more than just the riding, which is incredible, I love the history, the beauty, the adventures, food, hospitality, and personal connections I feel when I am out there. But NO REGERTS about not attending this year. Besides, some of my favorite memories of two- and three-day trips were all in the state of Iowa, many of which I have discussed here on the pages of this award-winning motorcycle publication, printed, guided, and managed flawlessly by our leader, Vernon.
I keep trying to kiss his ass so he will take me out for a beer and pork tenderloin sammich, the man knows some spots, I just need to find the right trigger point. It’s my goal, my quest, my inner most desire.
In years past we would sneak out to Anamosa to the museum, now that It is gone, but my favorite post around there, Stone City is shut down, I can’t get jacked up for that. I love the riding around there, and still need to find a reason
to hit Northeastern Iowa, the roads are wonderful. That said, I looked up some other quick options, but this is not based on anything other than some iPhone research. I have been around much of the Hawkeye state. Seen the Grotto, the Largest Frying Pan, the Locks along the river, the plow in the oak park, the curvy street in Burlington, Sedalia (when they had the old bridge), the original Pikes Peak (yes, the OG Pikes Peak is In Iowa, and worthy it is) Effigy Mounds, Field of Dreams, and so on.
All behind the bars. And the majority of it, in the last 20 plus years with Ride or Die.
Oh, also Albert the Bull.
Learned there is something called the Cheese Bar in Leighton. Go on.
The World’s Largest Truck Stop is always a cool place, until we get our own Buc-ee’s, and yes, I have been to the Axe Murder House in Villisca.
About the Axe Murder House; first, go do that, it’s a great trip, not much to see, but tons of just strange, sad history around it. The VFW in town has cold beer and good people, we happened to be hydrating one evening and my friends knew nothing of it, I couldn’t let that pass and they were actually filming a seance! Creepy? Kind of, but what was even creepier, we stopped in Red Oak for more hydration and on the tv was a travel channel special talking ABOUT THE AXE MURDER HOUSE. You cannot make this up. It was just a lazy Thursday evening and we went for a ride and it happened. Proving the point I have made as a husband, uncle, father, and friend for so many years, life doesn’t happen sitting on your ass in front of a TV screen.
In the back of my increasingly dull mind, I have a list of “joints” I plan on traveling to for various dietary desires. I will ride out of my way for good BBQ, a burger, tenderloin, or heck…even really good fried mushrooms or cheeseballs.
I recently read a small piece about the Gas Station Museum in Everly, I know I have never been there (sounds kind of neat) I am sure with a bit more research I can find some other cool “photo ops” that are “Insta” worthy along the way.
Who knows, maybe I will cross paths with our leader there and he will buy me that tenderloin that I not only desire, but pretty sure I have it coming as a part of my compensation package.
Until Next Month.
Enjoy The Journey. Todd “Crash”
Davis
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Iowa Bike Nights and Dinner Rides
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
Tuesday
Johnny’s Pub Lake Park (Mid May-Sep)
Friday
Cruze N’ to Corydon Bike Night (3rd Fri May-Aug)
Bondurant Bike Night (4th Fri Jun-Aug)
Wet Spot Runnells (Every Fri)
American Legion Post 232 Polk City (2nd Fri MaySep)
Wednesday
Back Forty Bike Night at the Barn Des Moines (2nd Wed May, Jun, Jul, Sep)
Benolas Baxter
Cruise Night Britt (3rd Wed Jul-Sep)
Whiskey Throttle Bar & Grill Cherokee Supper Rides Harley-Davidson of Carroll (Sep 10th)
Dinner Rides Zylstra HD Ames
Thursday
Bikes on the Hundred Block Council Bluffs (3rd Thurs)
Roar Into Harlan (3rd Thurs)
Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thurs May-Aug, 3rd Thurs Sep)
The Station Slater (May 29th then 3rd Fri Jun-Oct)
Sisters Place Carlisle (Jun 14, Jul 19, Aug 23, Sep 20)
Ambro’s Roadhouse DeSoto (4th Sat May – Oct)
Mom’s Maxwell (1st Sat May, Jun, Jul, Sep)
Sunday
Just 1 More Jamaica (Starting in May)
East of Omaha Bike Night Griswold (1st Thurs MaySep)
Chommy’s Bar/Grill Eldon (3rd Thurs Apr, May, Jul, Aug)
Thunder N2 Atlantic Bike Night Atlantic (2nd Thurs May-Oct)
Maggie’s Rumble Room Des Moines
Capt. Roys Vintage Bike Night Des Moines (1st Thurs)
Hawkeye HD Coralville (2nd Thurs May-Sep)
The Honkytonk Clarksville
Bike Night at the Dock Council Bluffs
The Blue Goose Adair (2nd Thurs)
Burt’s Dog House Boxholm (Sunday Funday Live Music)
Meet B.A.C.A. Polk City Legion (2nd Sun Afternoons)
Keeping Iowa’s Roads Open and Safe: How We Found Common Ground & Built Lasting Solutions
By Alyson DeMoss, Lobbyist for IMDA (Iowa Motorcycle Dealers Association) & A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa
Iowa’s ATV/UTV road-access bill was a hard-fought victory for riders in 2022. But as the confetti settled, confusion reigned. Riders were frustrated and unsure where and how they could legally operate. Law enforcement struggled to interpret and apply the law consistently. Dealers and advocates faced unanswerable questions. This uncertainty clouded the promise of expanded access and fueled repeated legislative attempts to repeal the law entirely.
Amidst this, a misconception emerged. That groups like A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa and IMDA had fought against road access. This is unequivocally false. Like all Iowans, A.B.A.T.E. and IMDA are committed to rider safety and crystal-clear laws that encourage responsible riding. Our goal has always been sustainable freedom through frameworks that protect riders and encourage riding here in Iowa.
House with near-unanimous support, a testament to our collaborative strength. While this specific bill didn’t cross the finish line, the effort was far from wasted.
Here’s the undeniable victory. For the first time in Iowa’s history, riders, regulators, enforcers, and state agencies spoke with one voice on this critical issue. We transformed potential conflict into a resounding chorus of “how do we fix this together?” That powerful coalition isn’t just alive, it’s thriving. We’re still meeting. We’re still solving problems collaboratively, asking, “How can we help each other achieve our common goals?”
This groundbreaking collaboration has already yielded a crucial outcome. A comprehensive public education guide clarifying Iowa’s ATV/UTV laws, meticulously crafted and agreed upon by all stakeholders, is now being actively distributed statewide. This strictly clarifies the existing laws. IMDA is working diligently to ensure this essential guide reaches every rider, dealer, county official, and law enforcement officer across Iowa. This document is our hard-won shared understanding, a vital tool for consistent application of the law, directly addressing the confusion that fueled frustration and legislative threats.
Seeing the status quo failing everyone, riders, law enforcement, and public safety, we tried something radical: get everyone in the same room. We brought together passionate riders and advocates, key state agencies, the DNR, the DOT, DPS (Department of Public Safety), GTSB (Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau), county recorders, and law enforcement. Through IMDA and A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa, we facilitated an unprecedented gathering. Agencies used to working alone sat alongside rider groups sometimes seen as opponents.
Furthermore, this process has done more than resolve immediate confusion, it has opened a vital and ongoing dialogue. The need to refine and clarify the code is now a recognized priority for Iowa legislators. We are actively engaged with them, urging continued momentum next session. The table is set, the conversation is productive, and the commitment to improvement is shared.
Our mission wasn’t rewriting the law, but achieving clarity of what already was. We aimed to translate complex legislative language that spanned across Iowa code, into plain, actionable guidance. Riders deserved to enjoy their access responsibly and confidently. Law enforcement needed unambiguous standards for fair and effective enforcement. This clear understanding is the indispensable cornerstone of both freedom and safety for all Iowans.
This shared commitment led us to propose a practical solution last session by incorporating clarity into a straightforward education bill. It hoped to empower ATV/ UTV riders with the knowledge they need by providing the very clarity that was absent, ultimately making roads safer and protecting riders’ freedoms on the roads for years to come. The response at the Capitol was overwhelmingly positive. The bill sailed through two full committees in the
Why does this matter? Because clear guidelines pave the way for safer roads for everyone while retaining our freedoms. When riders clearly understand the rules, they ride more safely, which affects everyone on the roadways. When agencies and law enforcement have clear, agreedupon guidance and trust the process, they act more effectively, enhancing public safety. Accurate, consistent information fosters a better, safer experience for all Iowans, dispelling myths and building confidence.
That original bill opened the door to Iowa’s roads. But the unprecedented coalition we built? We’re ensuring that access is sustainable, safe, clear, and accessible for generations to come. We’re achieving this not solely through legislation, but through something far more enduring, collaboration.
And me? I’m profoundly proud to have helped build the table where everyone finally pulled up a chair.
Jul 26 39-1 CVMA Patriot Poker Run & Bike Night
Polk City
Jul 26 Solidarity Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids
Jul 26 Chosen Few MC Bike Wash Cedar Rapids
Jul 26 Suicide Awareness Benefit Ride Evansdale
Jul 26 Legion Riders Post 737 16th Annual Toy Run Waukee
Jul 26 Wynn Winston Memorial Ride Atlantic
Jul 26 Ride to Live Mason City
Aug 1-10 Black Hills Motorcycle Rally South Dakota
