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when changes that want to control us are brought forth. Stand up for your rights, stand up for your freedom, stand up to those that wish to take things away and control us.
ow going on for almost six ix xm months, onnth onth ths, hs, things have been different. ntt. N Not ot just a half click off but a total abou ab about bouut face in more than one aspect ooff our society and in our daily lives. veess. I know that this year I have way ay y fewer miles on two wheels than I have had in years. That fact is not for lack of want, but lack of time, lack of places to go, lack of things open to visit.
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merica was founded on the principles of truth and justice. America was founded on the premise that all men and women were created equal and have rights that no one can take away. America and the American n Independence Day weekend, kend ke nd, nd d, way of life have been protected we ventured up to Algona by many serving our great nation. to see thousands of our friends. Although the crowd seemed even larger than normal, which Some of them have given the ultimate sacrifice, and others have given so much of themselves and are still among us was awesome to see, there was a different vibe at the rally fighting every day to remain free, despite dealing with their grounds. One noted difference was people that did not own demons from what Uncle Sam asked them to do. We “roam” around maybe as much as they normally would need to gravitate toward those freedom fighters that are not have, but they were there just the same. People maybe afraid to stand for American principles. We need to stand tended to stay within the confines of known associates together and be heard. instead of actively mingling. Who knows, maybe that observation was just seen with a more critical eye than normal due to everything in the world going on currently. iders need to ride. Although it has not been as much riding as normal, or even the normal type of riding that or months we have all been force fed facts, information, I am used to, riding has been able to offer a lot of clarity in misinformation, and some outright bullshit. None of my mind. Strange how enjoying the freedom of the road which has really DIRECTLY affected the riding community, causes one to focus more on the freedoms that we are at but the ripple effects have been devastating. Events have risk of losing or have lost. We wholeheartedly need to get been cancelled, postponed, and some have even called it on two and three wheels and enjoy that freedom, while quits. Some of our favorite bars and restaurants that we reflecting on how to maintain that freedom and our way of have been to shuttered or had to completely change the way life. Control the changes that are coming our way. Don’t business is done for them to stay open. One silver lining be scared to live. Be safe, protect yourself, and don’t forget is that many of our dealers and shops have been busy with to ride and live with no fear. keeping two wheeled units up and running. Places to go and things to do have at a minimum been changed for this Just a few thoughts before I hop on and go…Ride Safe! entire riding season, and maybe longer into next year and riding seasons in the future. Vernon vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com very year things change. Life changes in many aspects on a yearly, monthly, weekly, or daily basis, and even Quote of the month: “Let no one ever intimidate you, you sometimes by the hour or by the minute. The riding are standing on no one’s ground. But again, some have community is different now than it was ten years ago. It claimed the earth as their own and usurped power from the is far different than it was twenty years ago. Change is rest of us. But they are usurpers; power belongs to every inevitable, but I ask that we as a community of riders mold one of us. Seek it as much as possible. There is no shame the changes that we want, and not be force fed our new in that. In fact it’s a necessity. Either you have power or reality like much of the country. We can stand united and you are trampled to death in the stampede to get to the top” enjoy the freedom and make sure our voices are heard Bangambiki Habyarimana, Pearls Of Eternity
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On the Cover Ken Swanson is and avid collector of old motorcycles, Indians in particular, and this month’s cover features his beautiful 1948 Chief. You might have noticed the inked beauty with Ken’s bike too... Her name is Crystal and she’s one of Natanic’s Pin-ups calendar girls. If you like this month’s cover, then you’ll wanna check out Natanic’s calendars at Natanic.com 4 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
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does define us and he doesn’t make mistakes. God has promises for us and he has given us favor. Those promises and favor don’t leave us in the midst of problems. Scripture tells us in Proverbs that there is one that sticks closer than a brother. Just as Chief Lone Watie in The Outlaw Jose Wales said,” We endeavor to persevere”. I think in the end that is all God wants of us. To trust in his plans and love for us, believe in his son Jesus and to keep trying. We have to act on his word. In the book of Luke, Jesus says that if a man wills to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. In John he tells the crippled man to take up his bed and walk. It requires positive thought and then action on our part. We don’t know what our experiences will look like along the way and most likely our plans may change. God’s plans don’t and he has shown us what we have to do to get there. It’s only through Jesus. He told us in the book of John that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. We keep trying by continually focusing on Jesus. God’s desire is to conform us to the image of his son. As crazy as things get God tells us in John 16 there is a place of peace and rest for us. “That in this world we will have troubles but to take heart for he has overcome the world”. God willing we will see some of you in Sturgis and if not, keep planning on good things, keep trying, getting up dusting yourself off and going forward while looking to Jesus. Endeavor to persevere!
More than halfway through this craziness called 2020 I am thankful that plans for the Sturgis 80th anniversary are still in the works. Of course that is as of this writing so who knows what may happen. We, as in the “royal we “, have been prepping bikes: new tires, brakes, and I must say taller black essential handlebars etc. etc. Karla still thinks it’s magic that her bike is clean, gassed and ready to go whenever she is ready to ride so the royal part of (WE) may not notice. We plan with the expectation that we are going to show up at the 80th, see lots of old friends, ride the beautiful rides and have a good time. As we have all experienced in life, and especially this year, our plans don’t always turn out the way we envision them. Hopefully, some of the COVID hysteria along with the rioting, burning, tearingdown- of- historical-statues; attacks on police, law abiding citizens, our constitutional rights; destruction of government buildings and whole parts of cities, i.e. (peaceful protests) will dissipate after the November elections. Remember I did say hopefully. The thing is that in the midst of whatever is happening we still have to make plans to the best of our ability. Otherwise, it’s curl up in a ball and die in front of the TV covered in Dorito dust. It could make for an interesting future archeology dig, a glimpse into the activities of the past just like the ruins at Pompeii. What the heck were these people doing and what is that strange substance they are covered in? Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - we can’t see the big picture, how it all fits together and the trials and tribulations we will experience to get to our final destination. There are lots of bad things the devil tries to use to derail us but God can take what was meant for evil and use it for good. It’s a hard concept to grasp while in the middle of crisis; illness, accidents, job loss, betrayals, family issues, a myriad of seeming setbacks that go on and on. We will all have bad experiences but we can’t let all the bad things stick to us. We will all make mistakes and have failures but they don’t define us. God 6 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
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 Mark and Karla Cornick are with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Find out more about CMA and about God’s plan for your life at www.cmausa.org
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Carroll Cycle Center The Biker Friendly Business Directory is a list of establishments 1327 Plaza Dr throughout Iowa that sponsor the Carroll, Iowa magazine. You can pick up your 712-792-1610 copy here every month. Let them www.carrollcycle.com know that you saw them in TRMI. If your business would like to Edwards Motorsports and RV’s advertise in Thunder Roads Iowa 1010 34th Avenue Biker Friendly Business Listing and Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 become a part of the network, 712-366-8400 please email fullthrottleia.com or edwardsrvs.com vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
Biker Accessories Crispy’s Biker Apparel Cedar Rapids, Iowa Find Us On Facebook Leather & Hawgs 121 1st Street Soldier, Iowa leather@wiatel.net (712) 884-2701 www.leatherandhawgs.com
Indian Motorcycle of Des Moines 1500 E Army Post Road Des Moines, Iowa 50315 515-256-9062 Indianmotorcycleofdesmoines.com Indian Motorcycle of Mason City Mason City Powersports 12499 265th Street Mason City 641-423-3181 Masoncitypowersportsinc.com
Candy Store
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson 57408 190th Street Pacific Junction IA 51561 712-800-3500 loesshillshd.com
Harlan Sweets & Treats 1004 6th Street Harlan, Iowa 51537 712-755-7018 Harlansweetsandtreats.com
Metro Harley-Davidson 2415 Westdale Drive SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 319-362-9496 www.metro-motorsports.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
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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 Celebrations DJ & Karaoke Services Newton, IA 641-521-8036 Any Occasion /Rally or Event EmCee Facebook/Ray Johansen(Celebrations) Specializing in Weddings & Receptions National Motorcycle Museum 102 Chamber Drive Anamosa, Iowa 52205 319-462-3925 Nationalmcmuseum.org Okoboji Classic Cars Museum and Restoration Shop 810 Jeppeson Road West Okoboji, Iowa 51351 712-332-8029
Food and Drink
(Popular Poker & Fun Run Locations)
Ambro’s Roadhouse 917 Guthrie St De Soto, Iowa 50069 515-468-2236 Great Food! Ambro’s Roadhouse on Facebook American Legion Post 111 1101 W 4th Street S Newton 641-792-3353 Open to the Public 7 Days a Week Newtonamericanlegion111.org
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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 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 Catfish Charlie’s On the Mississippi River 1630 E. 16th Street Dubuque, IA 52001 (563)582-8600 www.CatfishCharliesDubuque.com Desperados 105 E 5th Street Atlantic 712-243-7087 Home of Cold Beer, Good Times, Pizza & Wings Firehouse Bar 1211 5th Street Downtown Sioux City, IA 712-224-1020 Open Daily at 12:00 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
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Haverhill Social Club 202 1st Street Haverhill, Iowa 50120 641-475-3321 Tues-Sat 10-2, Sun 12-12
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
Iowa Legendary Rye 707 N Main Street Carroll, Iowa 51401 Iowalegendaryrye.com
Pines Steakhouse Oinkers Lounge & Grill
1500 E 7th Street Atlantic, Iowa 50022 712-243-3606 M-F 11AM-, S-S 4PM-
The Pastime Lounge 114 S 4th Street Cherokee, Iowa 51012 712-225-0219 Facebook/Patio/Food
Polk City Pub 217 W Broadway Polk City, Iowa 50226 515-984-9388 Open @ 11:00AM / Closed Mon.
The Place2B! 116 N. Federal Ave Mason City, IA 50401 M-F 3p-2a S-S 2p-2a Find Us On Facebook
Riverside Tavern 450 E Main St Lehigh, Iowa 50557 515-359-9998 Email:riversidetap@gmail.com
The Yankee Clipper 312 SW Maple St Ankeny, Ia 50023 515-964-9484 yankeeclipperbar.com
Sandbar 103 North Noyes Street Mondamin, Iowa 51557 712-646-2300 Facebook Sandbar Mondamin
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!
Sidetracked 206 West Union Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-8534
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
Stumpy’s Bar & Grill 423 Main Street Duncombe, Iowa 50532 515-543-4222 Stumpy’s Bar & Grill on Facebook
Montgomery Street Pub 207 East Montgomery Street Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-2165
Sugar’s Diner & Lounge 2725 E Kanesville Blvd Council Bluffs, Iowa 712-322-3600 Check us out on Facebook
J.R. Willie’s Gateway to the Beautiful Hill Country Colesburg, IA 563-856-5095 Open Daily Mon-Sun 11AM Home of the Willie Whopper Just 1 More 515-570-4206 641-757-0159 309 Railway Jamaica, Iowa 50128 McCanns Tap NE 14th & 54th Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Bike Parking M-F 2:00 Sat & Sun 11:00
Old Timer Tavern 401 S Center Street Marshalltown Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am Outdoor Patio-Live Entertainment 641-753-9854 and Facebook
The Exchange 171 S Elm Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-343-2609 Lang’s Pizza, Cold Beer, Sports
Papa Joe’s 117 South 6th Street Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555 712-642-9015
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Insurance & Financial O’Malley Wealth Mgmt. 5623 NW 86th Street Suite 400 Johnston, Iowa 50131 515-490-0930 State Farm Clark Ahrenholtz, Agent NMLS# 1679997 2114 12th Street Harlan, Iowa 712-755-5724 Clark.ahrenholtz.jb69@statefarm.com
Legal
Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery 112 E Jefferson Street Prairie City, Iowa 50228 515-630-9639 Whiskey Barrel Pub and Eatery on FB Wilson’s Tap and Recreation 1008 Story Street Boone, Iowa 50036/ 515-433-1395
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
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Shops & Fabricators Blackwell Gas 431 3rd Street Manilla, Iowa 51454 712-654-2812 Butterfield’s M.C. Parts 8025 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68134 402-391-3768 Chuck’s Cycle Service and Repair S&S and Drag Specialties Dealer 714 East 7th Street Washington, Iowa52353 319-461-5278 Cycle Clinic 2209 ML King Pkwy Des Moines, Iowa 50314 cycleclinicdm.com 515-288-6954 Eagle Motorsports 1425 Washington Street Eldora 641-939-1461 hotrod70@mchsi.com Eagle Motorsports on Facebook
Road Rage BikeWorks 401 High Street Avoca, Iowa 51521 712-307-6111 Road Rage BikeWorks on Facebook The Vic Shop DeSoto, Iowa 515-339-4313 Facebook.com/TheVicShop VICTORY & INDIAN ONLY Thunder Road Cycles 4106 Rockingham Rd Davenport, Iowa 52802 563-323-3172 Thunder Road Cycles on Facebook
Tires Sandbothe Firestone 1106 Main Street Griswold, Iowa 51535 712-778-2223 Sandbothe Firestone on Facebook
Trailers
F & J Racing 701 N 3rd Ave Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 641-752-8651 www.fandjracing.com Mean Machine Cycle Parts Elkhart, Iowa 50073 Stereos, Bars, LED Lights, Air Ride Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-12 515-367-7336
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
Motorcycle Medic 3176 Highway 30 Woodbine, Iowa 51579 712-647-2818 Open Tues-Sat Noon-6PM Nelson Machine & Forge General Machining, Ornamental Iron, Weld/Fab 70 Washington Street Marne, Iowa 51552 712-781-2220
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Scooter Tramp Wanna S Swap? ?
RAMBLINGS
Swap meets aren’t anything new to the motorcycle community, but what’s rare these days is to find a true “parts” swap meet. Everyone’s looking to make a buck on various other products, like leather, t-shirts, knives, jewelry, and even myself included with my vintage inspired wall-art, but used parts vendors are struggling with the online markets and it shows at most swap meets. On the other hand, some meets require strict criteria on what’s sold and/or shown at the booths, and one such event is the antique motorcycle swap meet in Davenport, Iowa. Typically held on Labor Day weekend, this year was slated to be the 49th anniversary, but like so many events this year, the virus situation brought on its cancellation. But I figured I’d use this month’s ramblings to reflect on my experiences at Davenport over the years.
The races are truly a sight to be seen too, with anything from Yamaha XS650’s to Harley Flathead tankshift bikes in competition, but the real treat is the old board-track racers… I’m talking 100 year old bikes that you’d only expect to see in museum, but they’re out on the dirt track! But for everything the races have to offer, I’ve come to find out that the comradery at the swap meet is really the heart of the event. Sure there’s plenty of spectators coming in from all over the country, and even other parts of the world, but many vendors have been attending since nearly the beginning, most of which have always
I once heard this event referred to as the “world’s largest antique motorcycle swap meet,” to which I cannot confirm that myself, but I can say that it is F’n huge! This meet takes over the entire field at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, and they’re strict in their guidelines that vendors sell vintage motorcycles and parts only. They do have a building for vendors and displays of other sorts, but to be in the field, vintage bikes and parts are required. Myself, I first attended the event about 20 years ago, mainly in anticipation of seeing the antique motorcycle races held on Friday night, but was blown away at the size of the swap meet itself. Caught off guard by its size, I rolled in a bit late to see much of it before the races started, but made a trip there again on Saturday, and was so impressed that I had an event story published in Easyriders about my coverage it. A few years later the editor of American Iron contacted me right before the event to say he was looking for a bunch of old Indians to feature in the magazine, so I managed to get 5 bikes photographed for him, all of which stemmed from meeting people at Davenport that year. 14 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
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had their same spot each year, so friendships are made with neighboring vendors and regular patrons knowing they can find that one rare part at a certain location. Being an avid antique motorcycle fan, my biggest thrill from the event is seeing old parts scattered through-out the fairgrounds, and what really intrigues me is how parts vendors often times layout their stuff for sale. Must be the artist in me, but I can spend hours walking up and down the rows taking photos of parts piled up. I’d assume most vendors are just scrambling to find the best way to display parts in an open field, but to me there’s something aesthetic about a row of vintage springer front-ends line-up along a picnic table bench, or a sea of old gas tanks spread out neatly in the grass. Or the shell of a skirted Indian, all rusty with mix-matched parts, but the frame, front-end, and fenders are strategically placed together on the ground to look like a good start to a restoration to any prospective buyer. I’m a sucker for Indian 4-cylinders, and one year someone had a barn-fresh 4-cylinder, in pretty good shape considering the storage conditions over the years, but just enough water sat in the gas tanks to rust through the bottoms. That alone tells a story and makes for a great photograph. Or the shell of a burnt-up Chief that got so hot it melted the primary covers off, exposing the primary chain and clutch, and even melted part of the engine cases! Again, stories to be told through a photograph. For years I’ve even considered publishing a small book of just photos from vintage motorcycle swap meets like, but that idea also brings on another financial burden I can’t take on. The thought still sits with me whenever I attend this event though. Every motorcycle event has stories of friendships made and the social aspect through-out, but there’s something different about Davenport. It’s hard to explain, you just have to experience it I guess? And if you’re not a die-hard vintage motorcycle buff, maybe you won’t feel the same way? But for those that are, it’s truly an event to look forward to each year. I hear people talking about Davenport more often than I hear about Sturgis, and maybe it’s the circle I run with and the fact that I live near Davenport, who knows? But I do know there are a lot of broken hearted people, due to the fact that things were cancelled this year, but that’s what we’re all dealing with right now. So, we’ll just have to look forward to Labor Day Weekend next year! Nate Ullrich www.Natanic.com Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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Angie Heuser Jefferson 2005 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster
Cyndi Hansel Cedar Rapids 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King Special Hope Christianson Mt. Pleasant 2005 Harley-Davidson Fatboy 16 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
We want you on our pages! If you are an Iowa Girl of Thunder, send us a quality image, your name, year and model of bike, and where you are from to: vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Miller’s Landing 600 13th Street S Humboldt, IA (515) 332-2123 Monday – Thursday 6AM–9PM Friday and Saturday 6AM–10PM Sunday 8AM – 9PM
we hurried up and chose from the various dinners, wraps, salads, and burgers they have to offer. I chose to go with the club sandwich, because…well, who doesn’t love bacon? I chose a side salad to accompany my sandwich, although the fries were a little difficult to pass over. My salad was fresh and crisp, loaded with delicious cheese and croutons. My sandwich arrived on crisp toasted bread piled high with crisp, salty bacon, ham, smoky turkey, Swiss cheese, and fresh tomato and lettuce. (Dill pickles on the side never hurt either!) It ended up being a sandwich option that could easily feed two! Vernon went out of his usual comfort zone and DID NOT choose the tenderloin! He instead opted for the Pepper Jack Pelican. This sandwich is a tender, juicy hand breaded chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, pepper jack cheese, and piled high on Texas toast. Vernon ordered the French fries with his sandwich, and was not disappointed. They were crisp and salty on the outside and fluffy potato filled on the inside. The Pelican ended up being big enough for two as well, so if you’re running on empty, Miller’s Landing will not let you down.
After spending a hot afternoon at the Humboldt drag strip, Vernon and I were on the hunt for a cool place to sit down, grab a bite, and get something cold to drink. Just a short ride from the strip we ran across the flashing open sign for Miller’s Landing Dry Dock Lounge Offering either a family dining experience or a bar and grill section, we figured this was a good place to stop.
Friendly wait staff, good food, hearty portions, and bottomless drinks are sure to make Miller’s Landing a stop on everyone’s map. When you are in the area, be sure to swing by and tell them that the folks at Thunder Roads sent you! And be sure to check Facebook for their daily specials. Melanie J Schwarte
We crossed the threshold into a spacious dining room and were immediately greeted by friendly wait staff that ushered us to our table. There was an inviting cabin like décor throughout the restaurant and bar, making the dining experience very enjoyable. Our waitress brought us our requested Ice water and tea and allowed us plenty of time to peruse the vast menu and make our selections.
If you have a restaurant that you would like to see on our pages, drop me a line at Melanie@ thunderroadsiowa.com so we can drop on by!
On the menu you will find mouthwatering side options like cheese curds and fried pickles, but that’s not all…they also offer unique items like smoked baked beans and spicy mac n cheese. If you prefer to eat on the healthier side, they have a HUGE salad bar that you can choose as a meal, or add on as a side option. Daily specials are the norm for Miller’s Landing even offering a delicious looking roast beef poutine that looks like heaven. Since we had snuck in just under the wire, and didn’t want to delay staff closing up any longer than we had to, 18 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
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It seems like every time you turn around this season events are cancelled, fundraisers delayed, or just done away with all together. So when The Sleeping Angels Fun Run was a go, we just had to be there to support some great friends and a great cause. Because pandemic or not, life continues and many Iowa families still need help with neonatal, perinatal and infant loss. If you missed the ride, but would still like to help, go to sleepingangelsfoundation.com and find out how.
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The month h off SSeptember b b brings us cooler l nights, h hoodie h d weather, and Matt Greteman. Matt lives in Carroll, loves to ride, and just happens to be our featured military rider this month. Matt served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 2006-2014. Achieving the rank of E4 Specialist. When asked about his primary MOS, Matt said that while in the 11B Infantry he was a “regular old grunt”. But he does tell us that getting paid to “shoot weapons and blow shit up and fly on helicopters is pretty cool”. We have to say that Matt is spoton with that deduction… “blowing shit up” is more than cool. Military service has been a part of his family’s history for years. Matt has actually had a few family members who also spent time in the armed forces. Matt’s Grandfather served in World War II, he also had an uncle who served during Vietnam. But that’s not where the Greteman military experience ends; he has had Aunts who served during peacetime, and an additional Aunt who served in Iraq. Matt’s brother Chris served 13 years in the National Guard in Red Bull as well, and was a big influence on him joining the military. Matt stated that he felt that following in his brother’s footsteps was what he wanted to do, so just 3 days after turning 17, on November 4th, 2006 he enlisted during his junior year of high school. In fact, at times he followed quite closely in those footsteps, as Christopher’s brother Matt happened to be in Afghanistan at the same time he was from 2010-2011.
Matt cut h his teeth h on a SSuzuki k GS 500. He tells ll us that h he h had a motorcycle crash on that bike and sold that when he deployed overseas. While over in the sand, Matt was unable to ride, and admits that when he got back from deployment, he wanted to ride and got tired of having to borrow bikes to go ride. So, since the itch was not going anywhere, he got himself a 2012 Wide Glide and quit harassing his friends every time he wanted to ride. He said that he really loved that bike and rode that for about 5 years. These days you will find Matt on a 2017 Road King Special that he bought for longer trips and a more comfortable ride. He picked up his bike at Zylstra in Ames, and has since updated the headlight and exhaust. He added a custom Red Bull derby cover and some custom tank badges. Matt is always looking for things to do to upgrade his ride. He is thinking that maybe he will add some more lights to be more visible. When asked why he chose this particular bike, Matt said that he just saw it and fell in love with it. The charcoal denim grew on him and he liked it in part, because was different than his gloss black Wide Glide. He said it has been a great bike and loves it.
Matt is not a member of any riding groups or clubs, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t get around on two wheels all summer. Every year Matt and his brother and some of their other military friends do an out of state trip. Last year they rode to Mt Rushmore. They always try to get at least as far as a neighboring Midwest state to ride and see the sights. Matt Throughout his years of service, Matt found himself not has many friends and family members who ride, but he only in Carroll, but rather in the summer before his senior said that he is not afraid to blaze his own trail though and year, Recruit Sustainment Program in Council Bluffs for ride all by himself. He really enjoys getting out on two about a year and a half until after graduation. Then he was wheels, meeting new friends along the way, and enjoying on to completing basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, his freedom. Keep enjoying that freedom, Matt. You have followed by AIT in the same place in Georgia during August definitely earned it! of 2008, finally graduating basic in September of 2008. After completing all required trainings, Matt had deployments to From all of us at Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa, Thank Gardez, Afghanistan and in 2008 he was part of the Obama You For Your Service! Inauguration security detail. Melanie J Schwarte 24 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
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Sometimes, Ya Just Gotta Go! Life gets incredibly busy some days, some weeks, some months, but every once in a while no matter how busy we are we have to take advantage of circumstances and live a little. My busiest time of the month is from about the 5th of the month or so until the 13th. Deadline time every month is sort of a hectic time, but we get through it every month and move on to the next. We upload the magazine files to the printer on the 13th, and then have a few days to catch up on stacks of stuff that build up. Usually until the magazine is laid out, proofed by staff, uploaded, and the high resolution proof is approved, it is about all I can do here to get stuff done for the next issue and not much time for much of anything else.
Well, part of that thought process is true, they don’t make them any longer, but not the 88”, 96”, 103”, or even the 110” versions. Not at all what Ron was talking about when he said he found one that could possibly come home? He was referring to a 1928 HarleyDavidson JDH, the original production Harley Twin Cam. These were 74 cubic inch models, or 1207 cc engine displacement motorcycles. Earlier versions of racing motors also used a couple of cams, but some of them even had eight valves, but those were not intended to be sold to retail customers, those were racing only versions of HD power plants. The 1928 and 1929 JDH motorcycles were unique in that they were racing style engines put into roadster style motorcycles and offered to the public. These were truly the hot rods of the day, and people could buy one for a mere $390. The JDH models The first week of May were the step up from J and JD I had to run into Harlan engines that were only single to run some errands and stopped to see a good friend of cam versions. Front brakes were new for 1928 models, ours, Ron Ronfeldt in Harlan. He said he wanted to chat and what better way to showcase your new front brake than about a few things and to stop by sometime when I had a introducing a motorcycle that would go way faster than couple minutes. Ron is one of those “old graybeard biker” normal production bikes that truly could benefit from an types of guys that I have learned a lot from over the years, extra brake. These JDH motorcycles at 74 cubic inches and he always seems to get into cool old motorcycle stuff. were one of the fastest production motorcycles in the world He has a knack for trying to keep old stuff running, and in 1928 and 1929. These machines could attain speeds taking seemingly impossible projects and making them into between 85 and 100 miles per hour, which was simply running machines once again. I was buried with things and amazing at that point in time. Early production numbers didn’t really have time to stop by, but I made the time to are vague at best, but estimates in the range of 1800-2500 stop by because Ron sounded like he had something cool total JDH motorcycles were produced in the short two year cooking. production span of the JDH model. Sadly enough, many of those few motorcycles produced were lost during the When I got there, Ron said that he may have found a twin Great Depression and then the Second World War. With the cam. Now many would just hear that statement and think, F head twin cam being rare, many lost over the years, and so what? Another twin cam you ask? Big deal, they are with its racing type engine, they are highly collectable and a dime a dozen, and they don’t even make them anymore. get snagged up quickly when and if they become available.
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So, when Ron said he may have found one, my ears perked up and I intently listened in on what was shakin’. Ron filled me in on the fact that his good friend Jon Neuman in Flower Mound, Texas may have found him what he has been searching for. Jon owns and operates Sagebrush Cycle right there in Flower Mound, and is known far and wide to be a HarleyDavidson JD and VL guru. Jon owns his own JDH and has crossed the country on said machine on a Motorcycle Cannonball Run. So he not only works on these pieces of history to keep them road worthy, but he rides them He and his wrench Matt Ruble were interested in getting their hands on a 45” WLA Flathead that Ron has had for years. Ron didn’t really want to part with the WWII war version of a Harley, but to get the JDH he was looking for intently for years, it was worth it. Now you have to understand that this “motorcycle” that Ron was interested in was not a complete motorcycle ready to ride, it was not even a roller, but many of the parts and pieces of a 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH motorcycle that would need to be re-assembled to make this machine complete and road worthy once again. No hill for a climber though, as mentioned earlier, Ron enjoys this type of project and would enjoy it even more being his “holy grail” of motorcycles. Ron said that Jon was trying to locate some components of this build, and had some other details to work out, and then the almighty fight over the dollar, but would know more in a few days if a deal can be made, and then Ron said he would have to figure out how to get to Flower Mound, Texas and back to go get this thing. Ron was cautiously excited, but you could tell when chatting with him that he was trying to hold back some major anticipation of being a Twin Cam owner! I volunteered my windshield staring expertise and offered to
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help Ron drive down to get the JDH if need be, and Ron said he may take me up on that if it works out, but he would let me know what happens with it and go from there. I got back to the office to keep plugging away on the June issue of TRMI, and just kept working on my stuff as need be. A few days later, on that next weekend, I got a call from Ron and he asked what I was doing on Wednesday the next week? I responded that I would guess I am going to be driving to Texas! That was in fact what was going on, Ron and Jon had struck a deal and we were going to make a trip 700 miles south to Sagebrush Cycle in Flower Mound. It would be a good jaunt to get down there, and if we planned it right, may not be such a bad trip traffic wise, as we would be coming into the area just on the northwest corner of the Dallas/Fort Worth CF area. Way better than in the heart of that traffic nightmare area though. I knew that now I better kick it in overdrive on the next issue, because I needed to be done with everything for layout of the June issue, have it uploaded, get everything else squared away, and have the proof approved before I was slated to take off with Ron on the morning of Wednesday May 13th about 6 AM. I had to make everything work schedule wise to get everything done, but sometimes a person just has to get things done, because you get an opportunity you cannot pass up. Sometimes, ya just gotta go. Everything worked out and we jetted out of town as planned. Come back right here next month for a continuation of the story about the trip down south and how it all shook out. Vernon Schwarte
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May 1966 Enthusiast
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As we are rolling into September here at ABATE, we are gearing up to head out to Indianapolis to the Motorcycle Rider Foundation (MRF) Meeting of the Minds. The Meeting of the Minds has survived for 35 years. It has survived disharmony in the ranks. It has survived a budget so thin it looked like mayonnaise on white bread. And now… we’ve endured the lockdown. We social distanced. And the MRF has never forgotten why we were founded – to advocate and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. You might be thinking how did this all get started? Well, after the repeal of the federal mandatory helmet law in the mid-1970s, and a vain attempt to start a national bikers’ rights organization -- A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments – many fledging state motorcyclist rights organizations took the ABATE name but focused on the matter at hand – modifying state mandatory helmet laws. By the mid-1980s, a handful of motorcyclists’ rights activists, led by Michael “Balls” Farabaugh from ABATE of Indiana, decided that it was time to hold a “meeting of the minds.” Joining Balls on the original Meeting of the Minds Steering Committee were Jim Baker - Utah, Bill Durning – California, Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Bill Gannon – Massachusetts, Clay Johnson - Iowa, Nancy Lewis - New York, Sundance Mitchell -Texas, Rob Rasor - Ohio, Lee Richardson - Georgia, Jim Rhoades - Michigan, Howard Segermark Maryland, and Linda Stewart - Florida. With backgrounds deeply entrenched in the early days of biker rights and freedom rallies, these men and women knew there were others across the U.S. with similar backgrounds and they reached out to find us. They came together in a cheap hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, and built lasting friendships, began the framework for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and were undeterred by the naysayers. Why is the MRF important? Where ABATE looks out for your biker rights at the state level the MRF looks out for your biker rights at the federal level. So, for motorcyclists wanting to look out for their rights as riders there are two important groups to belong to and lend support to, and they are ABATE and the MRF. David Duffy ABATE of Iowa State Coordinator
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A woman in a supermarket rushes to the express line with a few items. The clerk has his back turned to her, so she says, “Excuse me, I’m in a hurry. Could you please check me out?” The clerk turns, looks her up and down, and says, “Nice tits.” There is a medical conference at the local hospital and many doctors are invited. During the conference a man spots a super sexy and fit female doctor. After the conference he goes up to her and asks “do you want to go out for a drink?”. “Yes please” she said. Before they settle down for the drink the woman says “I must wash my Hands”. So, she goes and washes her hands and she comes back and they drink their drink. Next they go for a meal. Before they eat the woman says “I must go and wash my hands”. So, she washes her hands and she comes back and they have their meal. When they return home, they realize they are really turned on by each other and they give in to their throbbing urges and decide to have sex. But before they have sex the women says again “I must go and wash my hands”. So, she goes and washes her hands and she comes back and they have sex. After they have had sex the man says to the woman “You are a surgeon, aren’t you”? “Yes” she replies “how do you know that”. “Well” he says “you are always going and washing your hands”. Then the woman says to the man “you are an anesthetist aren’t you”. “Yes” he says “how do you know that?” “Well” she says “because I did not feel a prick.” On their first night together, a newlywed couple go to change. The new bride comes out of the bathroom showered and wearing a beautiful robe. The proud husband says, “My dear, we are married now, you can open your robe.” The beautiful young woman opens her robe, and he is astonished. “Oh, oh, aaaahhh,” he exclaims, “My God you are so beautiful, let me take your picture. Puzzled she asks, “My picture?” He answers, “Yes my dear, so I can carry your beauty next to my heart forever”. She smiles and he takes her picture, and then he heads into the bathroom to shower. He comes out wearing his robe and the new wife asks, “Why do you wear a robe? We are married now.” At that the man opens his robe and she exclaims, “OH MY, let me get a picture”. He beams and asks why and she answers, “So I can get it enlarged!” After the baby was born, the panicked Japanese father went to see the obstetrician. “Doctor,” he said, “I don’t mind telling you, but I’m a little upset because my daughter has red hair. She can’t possibly be mine.” “Nonsense,” the doctor said. “Even though you and your wife both have black hair, one of your ancestors may have contributed red hair to the gene pool.” “It isn’t possible,” the man insisted. “We’re pure Asian.” “Well,” said the doctor, “let me ask you this. How often do you have sex?” The man seemed ashamed. “I’ve been working very hard for the past year. We only made love once or twice a month.” “There you have it!” the doctor said confidently. “It’s just rust.” A man goes into his son’s room to wish him goodnight. His son is having a nightmare - the man wakes him and asks his son if he is OK? The son replies he is scared because he dreamt that Auntie Susie had died. The father assures the son that Auntie Susie is fine and sends him to bed. The next day, Auntie Susie dies. One week later, the man again goes into his son’s room to wish him goodnight. His son is having 34 - TRMI SEPTEMBER 2020
another nightmare - the man again n wa wake wakes kess hi ke hiss son. The son this time says that hee had dreamt that granddaddy had died. The father assures the son that granddaddy is fine and sends him to bed. The next day, granddaddy dies. One week later, the man again goes into hiss son’s room to wish him goodnight. ht.. ht His son is having another nightmare re - the man again wakes his son. Th Thee son this time says that he had dreamt eam mt that daddy had died. The father as assu assures sure su rees the son that he is OK and sends th thee bo boyy to bed. The man goes to bed butt ca cann cannot nn not o sleep because he is so terrified. Th Thee next neext day, the man is scared for his lifehe is sure is going to die. After dressing he drives very cautiously to work fearful of a collision. He doesn’t oesn oe sn’t sn ’t eat lunch because he is scared off fo food od poisoning. He avoids everyone forr he is is sure he will somehow be killed. Hee jjumps umps um ps at every noise, starts at every movement and hides under his desk. Upon walking in his front door at the end of the day, he finds his wife. “Good God, Dear,” he proclaims, “I’ve just had the worst day of my entire life!” She responds, “You think your day was bad, the milkman dropped dead on the doorstep this morning.” My German girlfriend likes to rate our sex between 1-10. Last night we tried anal, she kept shouting 9! That’s the best I’ve done so far. Three men are travelling through the desert when their single camel dies. They walk for a while but then it becomes night. Desperate for shelter, suddenly they stumble across a tent and inside is three beautiful women. The men were not only lost but horny too so they begin to have sex with the women. But the tent belongs to a prince and these three women were his wives so he is very angry when he arrives an hour later and sees three strangers having sex with his wives. He tells the three men he will chop off their penises as punishment, in some way relating to their job. He asks the first man what his job is: The guy says, “I’m a fireman” The prince says, “Then we’ll burn your dick off !” The second guy says, “I’m an employee at the shooting range” The prince says, “Then we’ll shoot your dick off !” The third guy smiles and says, “I’m a lollipop salesman.” My cousin died last week he needed a blood transfusion but we didn’t know his blood type he just kept saying “b positive b positive” but it’s hard to be positive with him gone. A man needs to leave for lengthy a business trip, but his wife is saddened by this. She explains to him that if he isn’t home every night, there will be no way to satisfy herself if she feels horny. The man claims that she doesn’t need sex, because a dildo should work just fine. He quickly runs to the local gift shop and asks the cashier if the store carries anything really special. The cashier quietly pulls out an old box, and removes a wooden penis from inside. The cashier states that the dildo has been passed down in his family for generations, and was crafted by a witch deep within the
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Amazon jungle. The cashier sits up in his chair and shouts “Voodoo Dick, the door!” The wooden penis flies across the room, and begins to rapidly thrust itself in and out of the front door keyhole. “Voodoo Dick, the lamp!” The wooden penis flies up inside of the lamp on the cashier’s desk, and once again, begins to thrust in and out. “Voodoo Dick, return to your box!” The wooden penis flies back into the box and the cashier closes the lid. The man chooses to buy the wooden penis, and just as he is about to leave, the cashier tells him a very important bit of information regarding the Voodoo Dick: “The cursed dildo can only be controlled through verbal commands, it is far too powerful to be moved by hand.” says the cashier. “You must never forget that!” The man nods and heads home. Later that day, the man explains to his wife how the sex toy works, and then leaves for his trip. A few days later, the wife becomes very horny, and opens up the box. She proceeds to shout “Voodoo Dick, my pussy!” The dildo zooms into her vagina, and pleasures her for roughly 6-8 hours. She soon begins to grow tired, and attempts to pull the dildo out of her. She pulls as hard as she can, but just can’t get it out. The wife panics, and begins driving to the hospital with the wooden penis still inside of her vagina. A police officer pulls her over for speeding, and asks to see some identification. The wife exclaims “Help, help, there is a Voodoo Dick inside of my vagina and it won’t come out!” The officer raises an eyebrow in disbelief. “Voodoo Dick my ass.” Whenever I have a one-night stand, I always use protection. A fake name and fake phone number. A cop sees an old woman carrying two large sacks. One of the sacks has a hole and is leaking 20-dollar bills.The cop asks the woman, “Where did an old lady like you get all of that money?” She replies, “Well, there’s a golf course behind my house and when golfers need to go to the bathroom, they stick their penis through a hole in my fence and pee into my yard. It became a problem because it kills the flowers.” The cop asks, “So what did you do about it?” The old lady says, “I get my hedge clippers and I wait behind the fence. When a golfer sticks his penis through the fence, I grab ahold of it and shout GIVE ME $20 OR IT COMES CLEAN OFF!” “That seems fair enough,” the cop says, “so what’s in the other sack?” The old lady replies with, “Not everyone pays…” To the man in the wheel chair who stole my camouflage jacket, you can hide but you can’t run. A guy sits at a bar in a skyscraper restaurant high above the city. He slams a shot of tequila, goes over to the window and jumps out. The guy sitting next to him can’t believe what he just saw. He’s more surprised when, 10 minutes later, the same guy walks back into the bar and sits down next to him. The astonished onlooker asks, “How did you do that? I just saw you jump out the window, and we’re hundreds of feet above the ground!” The jumper responds by slurring, “Well, I don’t get it either. I slam a shot of tequila, and when I jump out the window, the tequila makes me slow down right before I hit the ground. Watch.” He takes a shot, goes to the window and jumps out. The other guy runs to the window and watches as the guy falls to just above the sidewalk, slows down and lands softly on his feet. A few minutes later, the jumper walks back into the bar. The other guy has to try it, too, so he orders a shot of tequila. He slams it and jumps out the window. As he reaches the bottom, he doesn’t slow down at all. SPLAT! The first guy orders another shot of tequila. The bartender shakes his head. “You’re really an asshole when you’re drunk, Superman.” Head of Company: We need to stop testing our products on animals. Consultant: Why? The shampoo companies do it. Head of Company: Yeah, but we make dildos. Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
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might, but the majority of people drink the same drinks after a certain age for the rest of their drinking days.
A FLICKER OF HOPE? Are you loyal to a brand? Brand loyalty is something that is massively important to any company selling anything. They spend the majority of their time, not innovating, but rather building that brand up so you will ONLY think of that brand…doesn’t matter what it is. Ever met a Coke drinker that is “fine” with Pepsi? When men are kids they argue for hours over Ford versus Chevy versus Dodge, then you’d have some weird kid that would try and opine about how great Toyota trucks were…he was a special kid in many ways, not to be taken seriously of course. As a farm kid, we’d have great debates about the best tractors in the field and farm. Even though my family had a variety of different brands, we were “brand loyal” to one color of tractor and that shit was real to a farm kid, you did not EVER back down from a discussion on the merits of your favorite brand of farm equipment, as it was a real life mental battle of pride. But in the end, every kid deep down knew that IH Farmall was way better than any John Deere. Do you like one fast food place over the other? Is there really that much difference between the two or is it a condition of their marketing that over the years has made you feel like X was better than Y? It means the most to marketers to reach their demo at a young age and they have learned that they pledge loyalty to brands at a much earlier age than first assumed. Years ago, market research attempted to target young consumers, that of course pissed off a bunch of mommies and they forced legislation on the amount and type of branding you can use on kids. I mean, we go to McDonald’s to get apple slices in the happy meal, not the incredible fries, right? Target brand building is super important in the alcohol and beer world as well. Ever notice how all the messages are targeted to the young and hip? Because they know, once you develop a taste for a beer brand, or wine, or bourbon, after the age of 30 you are really not likely to change. Unless you are one of those weird craft beer types with a man bun and flannel shirts that have never seen dirt, sweat, saw dust, or even BBQ. You
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Is there a bigger brand of loyalty than to the Motor Company, Harley Davidson? For years it’s been laughed that Harley is a clothing company that also sells bikes, and to a certain extent, that is true. Name any other company that sells wardrobe logo branded attire with a passion and following of HD? Not a car company, not a beer, fast food, soap; I don’t care what you pick, Harley gear is branded perfectly. As a matter of fact, the gear in a store is almost as important as the bikes. But can that trend continue? I think so, and here is why. For years the trend was older demos were the only one buying bikes, HD, along with other companies that deal in the riding world were NOT replacing younger riders with those that no longer bought bikes, slowed down on the riding or just walked away from the hobby all together All major manufactures faced the same issue and there wasn’t a single cohesive plan that seemed to work at targeting and developing new riders. Sons (and daughters) weren’t following in the path of the way riders we mostly envision. Be in the nanny state of mind, helicopter parenting where you will never let your kids do anything that might be dangerous or give them pleasure, I suppose. Peer pressure to conform, the price of bikes, whatever the case, they were NOT replacing the riders that were being lost. Personally, I think two things were the biggest cause of that. First, the lack of innovative new styling for many manufacturers followed by the biggest influence…the Nanny State of Mind. We can’t let Little Johnny or Jane ride a bike, they might have fun and smile, then, next thing you know, they are in a gang! But an interesting thing took place this year. Bike sales increased. Now, it might not be the industry saving injection, but people started buying bikes. Best way to social distance? Get out and ride, but the biggest injection has been in new, small dirt bikes, the kind you put a kid on. All the club activities have been shut down. No sports, drama, band, glee. I don’t care what the kids were in, it was cancelled, so we had to do something with them and we got tired of them always playing fortnight. You can only sit around so long before the walls close in, so
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people bought bikes. I see this as a trend, that we are now educating families on what is truly important… family time. Club sports might be cute, but lets’ face it, it’s also a pain the in the ass and not really family bonding like a weekend on the trails can be. And sales have been robust for many manufactures, some near record sales on smaller size bikes. Will this lead to brand loyalty for those that cater to that market? Maybe. But I believe bikes are different. There is only one Harley-Davidson and we all hope it makes it through this storm. But many kids when they first crack a dirt bike throttle, aspire to eventually get on a Harley. Doesn’t matter the brand, but after trail riding for so long, you wanna get on the open highway. You want to see what’s over that hill, the next town, just beyond the horizon and riding fuels that more than any other hobby. We are off to a weird, yet awesome start of bringing in new riders. It may be the most unusual way, one that we couldn’t dream up and there is a pretty good chance it sticks with a lot of those new riders. Not necessarily the way we’d normally want to create them, but we have created them nevertheless. Now is the time for marketers to reach out and develop that brand loyalty, for all the bullshit darkness this year has brought, now maybe that’s a flicker of hope. Or maybe it’s chrome. Todd “Crash” Davis
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Thursday Edwards Bikes on the Hundred Block Council Bluffs (3rd Thursday) The Buck Snort Harlan Bikes and Cars (4th Thursday) Stumpy’s Bar & Grill Duncombe Wild Hogs Saloon & Eatery Walford (3rd Thursday) Metro HD Cedar Rapids (2nd Thursday May-Oct) Des Moines Vintage Bike Night (1st Thursday May-Sep) McCann’s Tap Des Moines (Every Other Thursday) Harley-Davidson of Carroll (1st Thurs May-Sep) Before heading out for any of the scheduled events on our dinner ride/bike night list and our events listing, please call ahead to make sure they are still happening. With all of the closures happening as of late, many events have been forced to reschedule or even cancel all together. But with or without events to attend, tearing up some pavement has always been a bikers preferred form of social distancing. Ride safe and ride often!
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa Iowa Bike Nights and Dinner Rides Tuesday
Friday R Place Pub & Pizza Kelley (2nd Friday Jun-Sep) Stampede’s Mason City J&P cycles Anamosa (Jun 19, Jul 17) Firehouse Bar Sioux City (Jun 19-20) Friday Night Bikes Prairie City (3rd Fri Jun-Sep) Blood Run Bar Larchwood Legion Riders Bike Night Polk City (3rd Friday Through Sep)
Saturday
GI Jane’s Roland
Wednesday The Buck Snort Neola Bikes and Cars (2nd Wed) 2nd Ave Bike Night Des Moines (2nd Wed May-Sep) Amigos Fort Dodge American Dream/Hangout Omaha Bea’s Place Baxter Twisted Corn Tavern Dallas Center (1st Wed) Cruise Night Britt (3rd Wed Jul-Sep) The OP Clear Lake Whiskey Barrel Pub & Eatery Prairie City (Apr-Sep) The Pump Tama (Every Wed through September) Supper Rides Harley-Davidson of Carroll (7-8,8-19,9-9) Dinner Rides Zylstra Harley-Davidson Ames
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East of Omaha Bike Night Griswold
Happenings Bar Steamboat Rock (3rd Saturday May-Sep) Ambro’s Roadhouse DeSoto (Last Sat May-Aug) Viking Customs bike NIght Atlantic Route 65 BBQ & Open House (3rd Sat ) Road Rage Dog Daze Open House (2nd Sat May-Sep)
Sunday Just 1 More Jamaica (Starting in May) Road Rage Fun Run at The Exchange Avoca (4th Sunday May-Sep) Oakland Acres Golf Club (Start in May) This list is what we have found and what has been submitted. Before heading to any event, please check weather and make sure the event is not cancelled. Not responsible for misprints and typos. If you have any other events to list, please email vernon@thunderroadsiowa.com
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Before heading out for any of the scheduled events on our dinner ride/bike night list and our events listing, please call ahead to make sure they are still happening. With all of the closures happening as of late, many events have been forced to reschedule or even cancel all together. But with or without events to attend, tearing up some pavement has always been a bikers preferred form of social distancing. Ride safe and ride often! Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 30 Sep 3-6 Sep 4-7 Sep 5 Sep 10 Sep 11-12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 18-19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 19 Sep 20 Sep 26-27
Kyle’s Mile 7 Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids 5th Annual Hell On Wheels Chopper Show Franklin Deputy Burbridge Poker Run & Car Show Council Bluffs Iowa Area Audio Championships HD of Carroll Show n Shine HD of Carroll Cruising for a Cure Metro HD Cedar Rapids Corn Dog Classic Poker Chip Run hosted by JAVELAN LHHD Pacific Junction 8th Annual Chasin’ Tails Fun Run Roland Un-Forgettable Ride for Alzheimer’s Association Charles City Riders for Thrivers Annual Poker Run for Project Pink’d. Omaha NE Boline – Manfredi Post #9662 Poker Run Des Moines Angels for Sam 14th Annual Benefit Motorcycle Ride Des Moines Redneck Revival Rally (Over 21) Conesville Midway Tavern 22nd Annual Soldier Valley Fundraiser Poker Run Soldier MS Moments Heid Ride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Metro Motor Madness 620 Foundation Motorcycle Drawing Metro HD Cedar Rapids Rustemberfest Pacific Junciton 9th Annual Warrior Ride Preston 2nd Annual Operation 22 til Freedom Poker Run Council Bluffs Teufelhund Veterans Group Support Ride Anamosa Rumble In The Sand Conesville Ride for the Donkeys with Tim & Tickle LHHD Pacific Junction Chrome Diva BOCA Ride Cedar Rapids 5th Annual 22 Veterans Suicide Awareness Association Poker Run Council Bluffs Joyce’s Joyride Metro HD Cedar Rapids Boys and Girls Club Chrome for Kids Ride and Raffle Metro HD Cedar Rapids MSHeidRide Big Barn HD Des Moines Hot Dog Daze Butterfields Motorcycle Parts Omaha, NE Glen Meacham Collection Auction Carlisle
Thunder Roads Magazine of Iowa on Facebook
Oct 8 Oct 9-10 Oct 10 Oct 16-17 Oct 17 Oct 31 Nov 6-7 Nov 11 Nov 27 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 12
620 Foundation Check Presentation to Children’s Hospital Metro HD Cedar Rapids Swap Meet & Flea Market Conesville 8th Annual Gentleman Campaign© Benefit Motorcycle Ride Cedar Rapids EOY Drags Conesville Fall Frenzy Big Barn HD Des Moines Halloween Spooktacular Big Barn HD Des Moines Veteran’s Day Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Veteran’s Day Breakfast Metro HD Cedar Rapids Black Friday Event Big Barn HD Des Moines Chrome Diva SLD (Santa’s Lil Divas) Cedar Rapids Santa at Metro Metro HD Cedar Rapids Holiday Open House Big Barn HD Des Moines
2021 Feb 27-28 Mar 7 Apr 11
52nd Rod & Custom Bike/Car Show Monticello Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Cedar Rapids Parts Girl Promotions Swap Meet Rock Island, IL
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