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Thunder Roads Minnesota Magazine, Minnesota's Ultimate Biker Magqazine. For more information on Minnesota's biker scene, visti: http://www.thunderroadsminnesota.com
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FREETAKE ONE
AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATION
MAGAZINE R
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2010
Minnesota
www.ThunderRoadsMinnesota.com
Inside this Issue: Indian Motorcycles Are BackExclusive Interview With Randy Houser May the V-Force be with you!
Happy Valentine’s Day
Thunder Roads Magazine of MinnesotaP.O. Box 769
Albert Lea, MN 56007(877) 230-4520
Staff
Owner/Editor
Willie Matthews(877) 230-4520
Willie’s Assistant
Joe Matthews(641) 483-3022
Sales
Stacy Matthews, Regional Sales Representative(405) 503-2994
Photographer
Mark PetersonPeterson Photography & Imaging Inc.
(320) [email protected]
Layout and Design
Warren Ells, Art DirectorThunder Publishing
National Founders
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon1421 Chapmansboro RoadChapmansboro, TN 37035
Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) [email protected]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY IS-SUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTIS-ERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.
Hey bikers it’s a month closer to warm weather. I am ready how about you? Before I forget! Remember this is the month we show a little affection. You know what I mean. Biker dudes, we need to buy some roses or sweets for the loved one(s). And loved ones, you need to purchase a gift certificate at a cycle shop for us. I know that things are tight this month so if someone wants to send me a dozen of roses, I could sure use them. I’d like to send them to my better half. I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s Day. I was pulled over last month in Windom, MN. The officer told me they were looking for the baddest guy in Minnesota and his side-kick. While they were running my license I knew I had to text my buddy Peanuts. I told him they had me and that he needed to grab his helmet and crayons and get out of dodge. I put together a Sturgis 2010 Directory that will be running from February to August. You will love these places. Bulldog Campground is owned by Betty Beckel, who is from Minnesota. Her daughter resides in Coon Rapids. These campgrounds are all easy access to the highways to ride. They are also close to town and some even have shuttle buses. And by the way the temperature got up to 60 degrees while I was in Rapid City on Jan 16th. There were a lot of riders out that day in South Dakota. Yeah, don’t worry about being envious, I was too. Don’t forget to e-mail me your stories and pictures so we can make you a part of Thunder Roads Minnesota. Willie Matthews State Editor/Owner
East Central ABATE.....................................................3
Thundercam.................................................................4
California Biker Goes Okie..........................................5
May The V-Force Be With You.......................................6
Joker.............................................................................8
Seats And Saddles.....................................................9
Girls Of Thunder.........................................................10
KISS.........................................................................13
TNT.............................................................................17
Randy Houser.............................................................18
Tech Tips.....................................................................20
Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations...........................21
NCOM News Bytes.....................................................22
Skin Art.......................................................................26
Indian’s Back..............................................................28
Gringo & Mickey’s Swap Meet................................30
Lee Downey................................................................31
Winter In Winona........................................................33
Iraqi Motorcycle..........................................................34
CONTENTS The East Central Chapter of ABATE Holds Meeting
A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota’s East Central Chapter recently held their meeting at Hunters Inn. The Chapter was planning the spring fundraiser for 2010. As you can see a lot of planning goes on to have an event a success.
What does ABATE stands for? A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education ABATE works for you, the motorcycle enthusiast and is a not-for-profit organization registered in the state
of Minnesota. ABATE is a neutral organization that allows ALL riders to unite in brotherhood to safeguard our rights and still remain individuals with differing views. ABATE of Minnesota believes that all motorcyclists are brothers with a common interest….RIDING FREE!
Mark ‘Red” Braastad, the President of the chapter can be contacted via E-mail at [email protected]. To check on spring events or to become a member, visit their web site at www.eastcentralabate.org.
The East Central Chapter of ABATE fundraiser will be held June 5th at Jumpin Jack’s in Weber, Minneso-ta. There will be a ride, bike games, door prizes, bike show, food and beer there will also be bands and more. Thunder Roads Minnesota will also be holding the biker babe of the month contest. Come out and support the cause.
Letter To The EditorTo the Editor, I recently picked up my first copy of Thunder Roads Magazine at a motorcycle shop in St. Paul. I usually don’t pick up free magazines because most of them are full of ads and not much more. After I started to read it when I got home I couldn’t put it down. This is the first time that I sat down and read all the articles. I like how this magazine has a lot of local stories, businesses and biker babes. How often do you look at other magazines that have no or little coverage from the Midwest? I think it’s about time that we are not for-gotten because of where we are from. My hat goes off to Thunder Roads Magazine for a great job of helping and spreading local information. Wishing you the best!
Tom Eder- St. Paul, MN
Thunder Roads Magazine 2 Thunder Roads Magazine 3
California Biker Goes Okie
On College Hill in Kingfisher, Oklahoma is where you’ll find Bike Builder, Randy Cox. He established his shop “Haawgshop” in 2006 after moving here from California in 2005. Randy is certainly not new to the motorcycle world. He has been turning wrenches on these machines since he was a teenager.
One of his first bikes was a ’38 Knucklehead which he bought as a basket case. Rolling chassis and milk crates full of engine parts is how he got her. After he did some frame modification, it was ready for him to paint. With the paint done, it was not long and he had the motor ready to set in. What a Bad Chopper it turned out to be when he was finished. Ape hangers and all! That was turning back the pages to the early 70’s. He also did the same thing when he bought his ’69 Shovelhead.
Randy’s passion for motorcycles has never faded. After moving to Oklahoma, he decided to open his own shop and work on the “older” bikes that many other shops are unfa-miliar with. Randy offers several services such as Paint, some fabrication, welding, tires and of course motor repair. Actually, just about anything to do with a bike.
His love of Harley’s doesn’t stop with the 2 wheelers. In 2006 he bought a ’59 Harley Trike with a ’45 motor and of course it was a frame and crates of parts. Again, modifying the frame and extending the front end. He painted it a deli-cious Candy Red with metal flake. She has wire wheels all the way around and a tan rough-out leather his/hers seat. Sweet! Last year he decided to enter it in the Oklahoma City Motorcycle Show and rode out with a 1st. place Trophy in the Custom Trike Class.
Among Randy’s collection of Harley’s there also is a Beautiful ’59 Panhead loaded with Chrome, a ’93 Harley Springer that sports a to-die-for paint job done by the late “DAVID MANN. You seasoned bikers remember his art work from the old “Easy Riders” magazines. One side of the gas tank is “The Wizard” and the other side is his fire breathing “Dragon”. He also has a couple of rolling chassis’ and a 2005 Harley he and his wife Kay ride on those Poker
Runs and Benefit Rides.His latest project, when he is not repairing a customer’s
bike is a ’70 Harley Servi-Car Trike. This one is going back all original. Yup…motor in the crate. But, when finished it will even have the Police light bar and the fender mounted siren. He is totally enjoying building this one.
Gosh, I vaguely remember back in California when Randy actually took the time and we went on the “Toys for Tots” Run each December in Pasadena. Cal-Trans would close down a couple of lanes on the Freeway to vehicles and we would have a Police escort all the way to our destina-tion. Once in Pasadena, there were thousands of bikes and people and toys. Each year the Hells Angels attended and it was a good time to be had by all.
Well, if you get to our little piece of “Haawgshop” Heaven here in Kingfisher, stop by and say “Howdy”. If you’re inter-ested in finding out more about Randy’s work, feel free to give him a call at (951) 231-7555.
Story by: Kay CoxPictures by: Kay
Thunder Roads Magazine 4 Thunder Roads Magazine 5
The word FORCE is used with a lot of well known phrases that are very familiar to many of us such as; a Force to be reckoned with, a Force to behold, brute Force, driving Force, task Force, and of course “May the Force be with you”, just to name a few. And now we add another use for the word Force that may be destined to part of our vocabulary for years to come – V-Force Customs. You’ve heard the names Vinnie and Cody or even saw their faces a few years ago as part of the highly popular TV show “American Chopper”. But in 2007, Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly branched out on their own to compete within the highly competitive bike building marketplace. The two formed their very own bike building company – V-Force Customs. This highly likeable twosome is shaking up the bike building world with one of a kind and very unique bikes that are not only functional but are also pieces of art to say the least. They are setting the bike building world on fire from their first bike build, the V-Force 1 to their latest build, The Diamond P Chopper, all without the typical fanfare and hype usually prevalent within the bike building market. Instead of building lots of bikes through mass production which seems to be the latest trend, they are building them one bike at a time, much like the old days of bike building where it was considered a trade and not just a job. One great example of their talent is their latest bike build, The Diamond P Chopper, built at the request of the owner, Fred Pickering of Midland, Michigan. One quick look at the Diamond P Chopper will tell you that this is one streamlined and fast looking bike but as you peer harder and take a closer look you soon realize that this is more than just another chopper. It portrays the heart and sole of its makers along with the passion of its owner in every bend of its frame, in every curve of its sheet metal, in every painted or chromed part of this bike. It’s not just another chopper. This bike has sole. The paintwork, which was done by Justin Barnes of JB Graphix, portrays the very essence of what Fred had hoped for and more in his vision for his dream bike. Pictures can not do the paint work justice or show the detail and graphic artistry nor the sixteen different color applications including Silver Leaf and Diamond Pearl that shimmer in the sunlight and help to make this bike truly a one of a kind. A masterfully delicate creation forged with the power of conviction. A memorial bike not only to the American Cancer Society and all that its stands for; but also a memorial to those who have fought and won and to those who have fought and lost their fight with cancer. The Diamond P Chopper is certainly a worthy tribute to so many and a tribute to the talents of Vinnie and Cody and V-Force Customs. Fred Pickering of Pickering Automotive Service in Midland, MI met John DiMartino, brother of Vinnie, about seven years ago and the two became good friends. It was their ultimate friendship that led Fred directly to Vinnie and V-Force Customs and with Fred’s idea for a memorial bike for the ACS becoming a reality. It did not take long for Vinnie and Cody to see the passion that Fred had for his ACS memorial bike and the idea behind his dream and to agree to build it for him. Now what was once only a dream of Fred’s is now a dream come true brought forth by talents of Vinnie and Cody of V-Force Customs.According to Fred, “the name chosen for this chopper, Diamond P, has many meanings: it is a logo used on Pickering’s company wreckers and equipment, so the “P” stands for Pickering and the diamond represents the glimmer of hope that every cancer patient and their families have during the fight to survive, the sparkle of life
Builder: V-Force CustomsYear/Model: 2009 CustomMotor Manufacturer: Jims Model: Twin Cam-BDisplacement: 131 cidExhaust: Vance & Hines Big RadiusTransmission Manufacturer: JimsClutch: Baker King Kong ClutchPrimary: Baker EnclosedFrame: Rolling ThunderSuspension: SoftailFork: Meanstreet lowers / RC Comp TreesWheels Front/Back: Renegade Wheels Tire Front: Metzler 21”x 3.5”Tire Back: Metzler 18” x 10.5”Brakes: Performance MachineHandlebars: V-Force CustomsHand Controls: Harley-DavidsonGrips: Performance MachineForward Controls: Jay BrakeAir cleaner: V-Force CustomsSeat: V-Force Customs / Pirate UpholsteryGas/Oil Tank: V-Force CustomsFront/Rear Fender: V-Force CustomsGauges: Auto meter 2 in 1ECU: S&SWiring Harness: Thunder Heart/ V-Force Customs
May the V-Force be with you!
every smile brings through all the hard times and the shine in every survivors’ eyes”.Fred wanted to make sure the unveiling of the Diamond P Chopper with Vinnie and Cody attending in person would be something Mid-Michigan had not seen in sometime. Fred sought the assistance of Great Lakes Harley Davidson in Bay City with helping him to put together an event worthy of everything the bike stood for in its memorial tribute. Anthony D’Errico, Joe Yax and the rest of the staff at GLHD agreed to not only assist with the unveiling ceremony but went above and beyond to make sure that this unprecedented event for Mid-Michigan was more than Fred could have imagined. The unveiling, held at the Prime Event Center in Bay City January 15th, 2010 included hundreds of fans, both bikers and non-bikers who were eager to see the bike and to meet the bike builders in person. Those in attendance were also asked to donate and help raise funds for the American Cancer Society and their fight against cancer.Vinnie and V-Force Customs will be showing the Diamond P Chopper at Daytona Bike Week 2010 and Fred will be showing off his new bike around the state of Michigan at many local events so that others will get a chance to see his dream bike and the artistry of Vinnie and Cody and V-Force Customs. Showing the bike will help bring even more awareness to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society has plans to raffle this bike off either later this year or early next year to help raise funds for their fight against cancer. Check out their web site for current raffle information. Be sure to check out the web sites listed below for all of the companies involved with the building and unveiling of this unique bike or for more info on the Diamond P Chopper.
www.diamondpchopper.comwww.vforcecustoms.comwww.cancer.orgwww.greatlakeshd.com
We had the opportunity to speak with Vinnie and Cody and ask them some pertinent motorcycle industry questions that we think is a refreshing look at this dynamic duo:
TRMMI - What was your background before the American Chopper TV Show? VINNIE/CODY - Before American Choppers, I was in auto mechanics doing custom car stereo installs.TRMMI - What is the long range or future plans for V-Force Customs?
VINNIE/CODY - We are working on all sorts of things. One of our major focuses right now is establishing a TV show. Currently, we are working and filming a TV series called Throttle Junkies with Joe Capicotti of 2Xtreem and Will Kenefick of Retro SBK. We are also working on promoting more on the V-Force Power Block, which is a patented energy savings device. We love how much it saves us on our electric bill at the shop, so we produced a residential version for everyone who wants to save money without compromising on the efficiency of any appliance at home. And of course, we plan on more super custom bike builds. TRMMI - What is your most memorable moment since starting V-Force Customs? VINNIE/CODY - The unveiling of V-Force 1, our first bike, back in Feb 2008 comes to mind. I am still grateful for all the companies that believe in me and V-Force that sponsored that bike and the great feedback and support we received from our fans during the unveiling.TRMMI - What makes V-Force Customs different that other Custom Bike Shops? VINNIE/CODY - I don’t know if it makes us different than other bike shops, but Cody and I believe in doing our best… being innovative with our designs with focus on functionality, being knowledgeable with the industry, using high quality materials… and we are fortunate to have the equipment we have in the shop that enables us to do all that.TRMMI - What was your overall inspiration for the Diamond P Bike? VINNIE/CODY - One of my goals is to realize the visions of my customers and I’m really grateful that my brother, John, introduced me to Fred Pickering, which led Fred to choose us to be part of his vision for this bike. The inspiration for us during this build was mostly Fred’s goals to use this bike to raise awareness and money for America Cancer Society to give cancer survivors and cancer fighting patients and their love ones something to hope for as well as a memorial for all those who lost the battle to cancer. It is always rewarding to be a part of something bigger than just the build.TRMMI - What would you say is the one most important aspect of the Diamond P Bike? What makes this bike unique and different than any other custom bike?VINNIE/CODY - The Diamond P Chopper is important because of the purpose Fred Pickering wanted this bike built. It is unique simply because it is a custom, built ground up with the exact specifications Fred wanted along with an amazing paint job by Justin of JB Grafix.TRMMI - Do you and Cody ever disagree on a particular part or piece for a custom bike? If so, how do you handle your disagreements? VINNIE/CODY - All the time… but we work it out… by paper, rock, scissors… just kidding… by mostly thinking what is best for the bike and what our customer wants.TRMMI - Where do you see the motorcycle industry as a whole going in the future? What is the future trend or next fad for the motorcycle market? VINNIE/CODY - The motorcycle industry is definitely not getting smaller, but if I could predict the future trends and fads, I would be a millionaire.
By Joe BrinnPhotos by Joe Brinn & Mindy Souhan
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
VinniE, FRED, JOHn, CODY
Thunder Roads Magazine 6 Thunder Roads Magazine 7
Seats & SADDLES
An older man approached an attractive younger woman at a shopping mall. ‘Excuse me; I can’t seem to find my wife. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?’ The woman, feeling a bit of compassion for the old fellow, said, ‘Of course, sir. Do you know where your wife might be?’ ‘I have no idea, but every time I talk to a woman with hooters like yours, she magically seems to appear out of nowhere.’
One morning 3 Alabama good ole’ boys and 3 Yankees were in a ticket line at the Birmingham train station heading to Atlanta for a big football game. The 3 Yanks each bought a ticket and watched as the 3 southern-ers bought just one ticket among them. “How are the 3 of you going to travel on one 1 ticket?” asked one of the Yanks. “Watch and learn” answered one of the boys from the south. When the 6 travelers boarded the train, the 3 Yanks sat down, but the 3 southerners crammed into a bathroom together and closed the door. Shortly after the train departed, the conductor came around to collect tickets. He knocked on the bathroom door and said, “tickets please.” the door opened just a crack and a single arm emerged with a ticket in hand. The conductor took it and moved on. The Yanks saw this happen and agreed it was quite a clever idea. Indeed, so clever that they decided to do the same thing on the return trip and save some money. That evening after the game when they got to the Atlanta train station, they bought a single ticket for the return trip while to their astonishment the 3 southerners didn’t buy even 1 ticket. “How are you going to travel without a ticket?” asked one of the perplexed Yanks. “Watch and learn”, answered one of the southern boys. When they boarded the train the 3 northerners crammed themselves into a bathroom and the 3 south-erners crammed themselves into the other bathroom across from it. Shortly after the train began to move, one of the southerners left their bathroom and walked quietly over to the Yanks bathroom. He knocked on the door and said “ticket please”.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ALL YOU BIKER SWEETIES!Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and pro-ceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage,
turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.” My loving wife of 15 years replied, “Can you believe my stupid-ass husband is out fishing in that mess?” And that’s how the fight started…A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mir-ror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, ‘I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.’ The husband replies, ‘Well, your eyesight’s damn near perfect.’And then the fight started ....I took my wife to a restaurant. “I’ll have the Porterhouse steak, rare, please.” The waiter said, “Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?” “Nah, she can order for herself.” And the fight started.
It is near the Spring Break of the school year. The students have turned in all their work and there is really nothing more to do. All the children are restless and the teacher decides to have an early dismissal. Teacher: “Whoever answers the questions I ask, first and correctly can leave early today.” Little Johnny says to himself “Good, I want to get outta’ here. I’m smart and will an-swer the question.” Teacher: “Who said ‘Four Score and Seven Years Ago’?” Before Johnny can open his mouth, Susie says, “Abraham Lincoln.” Teacher: “That’s right Susie, you can go home.” Johnny is mad that Susie an-swered the question first. Teacher: “Who said ‘I Have a Dream’?” Before Johnny can open his mouth, Mary says, “Martin Luther King.” Teacher: “That’s right Mary, you can go.” Johnny is even madder than before. Teacher: “Who said ‘Ask not, what your country can do for you’?” Before Johnny can open his mouth, Nancy says, “John F. Kennedy.” Teacher: “That’s right Nancy , you may also leave.” Johnny is boiling mad that he has not been the first to answer any of the questions. When the teacher turns her back Johnny says, “I wish these bitches would keep their mouths shut!” The teacher, shocked, spins around: “Who said that?” Little Johnny yells out, “TIGER WOODS. CAN I GO NOW?”
Thunder Roads Magazine 8 Thunder Roads Magazine 9
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FREETAKE ONE
AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATION
MAGAZINE R
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 FEBRUARY 2010
Minnesota
www.ThunderRoadsMinnesota.com
Inside this Issue:
Indian Motorcycles Are Back
Exclusive Interview With Randy Houser
May the V-Force be with you!
Happy Valentine’s
Day
Girls Of Thunder
Are you a Girl of Thunder? Email us your pictures (highest resolution possible) to [email protected]. Be sure to include the year, make, and model of your ride and what town you are from!!! Look for more Girls of Thunder next month.
Thunder Roads Magazine 10 Thunder Roads Magazine 11
MADE WITH LOVE BLACK CHERRY & MINT LAMB CHOPS 4 Loin Lamb Chops, each 1-1/2 in. thickReal Butter Cooking Spray1 Stalk of Scallion or Shallot; thinly sliced2 Tbls. Fresh Mint; chopped finely1 Cup Black Cherry All-Fruit Preserves3 Tbls. Balsamic Vinegar1/2 tsp. Cracked Black PepperSalt to taste1 Large Pat of Real ButterPreheat oven to Broil. Spray lamb chops with butter spray and arrange on a slotted broiler pan. Place chops under pre-heated, hot broiler and cook 8-10 minutes for medium-rare and 9-11 minutes for medium (just perfect pink thru-out). While chops are broiling (put a timer to them as over-cooked lamb chops are a cooking sin), in a small saucepan over medium heat, add one pat of quality margarine to pan, add your chopped shallots and mint, cook out for 2 minutes, then add the Black Cherry preserves and whisk together with the balsamic vinegar & cracked black pepper.Remove from heat and whisk in your large pat of real butter into sauce. Cover to keep hot. Remove chops from broiler, tent to cover completely but let them rest for 4 mins. be-fore serving. Plate up 2 chops each and pour a generous amount of Black Cherry Mint sauce down over each chop. This romantic supper is so easy to make but tastes like it came from a 4-star restaurant!
POLENTA HEARTS* Polenta is just Italian cornmeal that when cooked with liq-uid makes a delicious mush. It resembles miniature pieces of pasta and can be found in the rice or pasta aisle of any regular grocery store. 1 Medium Pot of Boiling WaterSalt to Taste1/2 Cup of Instant Polenta (Medium cut preferred)2 Tbls. Real ButterNonstick Butter Cooking SprayApprx. 3 Tbls. Olive Oil1 Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter for about 5 minutes. Stir in
your real butter. Spray a glass oven dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour polenta into dish and spread evenly so it forms about a 1/2 inch layer. Chill it up in refrigera-tor for no less than 1 hour. Take out of fridge and spray your cookie cutter with cooking spray and then punch out all the heart shapes you can get out of the layer and set aside. Pre-heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add your olive oil to pan and sear up your Polenta hearts until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to paper towels and serve hot and crisp. You’re going to love the flavor of these little bites.
LOVELY & EASY CHERRIES JUBILEE 4 Tbls. Unsalted Real Butter1 Large Bottle of Real Cherry Preserves1 Cup of Orange Juice1-1/2 Cups Cherry Brandy (*optional)1 Package of *Grands Buttermilk Biscuits1 Carton of Real Vanilla-Bean Ice CreamPre-heat your oven and get your biscuits cooking. While they cook, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter, stir in the bottle of real cherry preserves and the orange juice. If you’re adding the brandy, remove the pan away from the stove, add your brandy and place your pan back on the stove and shake the pan several times to ignite the pan and burn off the brandy. This only lasts seconds but you then have that rich, thickened brandy taste. If the pan doesn’t ignite by shaking it around, just use a long, candle lighter to ignite brandy. It’s still really good without the brandy. Now, take your baked buttermilk biscuits, slice in half, butter each side, drizzle with some honey and spoon your Cherries Jubilee mix generously down over the biscuits. Top with real Vanilla Bean ice-cream that you’ve let soften slightly by nuking in micro for about 10 seconds. Whooeeeee, baby, this is so good your taste buds will be sending you little kisses all over your mouth! And remem-ber, the best word thruout the world is still L O V E.
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MIN
NES
OTA
Kickstart Saloon
906 US 1Ormond Beach, FL
386-615-0355Open 10a-2a
Happy Hour all day long on buckets & draft
ice cold beer * winepoker runs welcomepool table and darts
atM on preMises
TNT
Thunder Roads Magazine 16 Thunder Roads Magazine 17
“Anything Goes” Well for Rising Star Randy HouserThe passion, enthusiasm and conviction in avid biker’s Randy Houser’s music is utterly irresistible.One listen to his soul-drenched singing is enough to convince you that you are in the presence of a masterful performer. One scan of his deeply felt lyrics is all the proof you need to see that this is a major songwriting talent. And one meeting with this smiling, endearing, open-hearted per-sonality is all it takes to make you believe he deserves to be a star.That indefinable something, called charisma, is all over his exceptional debut CD. Whether plunging into sadness or leaping for joy in song, Randy Houser has what all great country artists have – believability.The album is the capstone of an extraordinary run of good fortune for the singer-songwriter. Thanks to his riveting vocal prowess, Randy is receiv-ing great response from both fans and radio programmers with his first single, the gripping, strikingly emotional ballad “Anything Goes.”As illustrated in his breakthrough single, Randy Houser is a breathtaking vocalist with fire and conviction at his core. The songs he has chosen by other Nashville writers for this album are superb showcases for the vocal side of his talent. In addition to “Anything Goes,” they include the sensual “Strange” and the ultra-cool, groove-saturated “How Many Times,” the latter featuring harmony vocals by superstar Vince Gill.Randy grew up in central Mississippi. He was born in Jackson and raised in Lake, a small town between Jackson and Meridian. Musically, it’s a re-gion between the Blues and R&B of the Delta and the hard-core country music of the Deep South. There was always plenty of gospel music on the radio as well.But his true musical foundation was the artistry of his father. His parents split up when he was only seven, and thereafter Randy spent summers with the professional singer and musician. Papa Houser was a fairly well known performer in the Jackson, Mississippi nightclub scene and was also a first call studio musician in and around that area for several years. After he relocated to Biloxi, young Randy decided to follow in his foot-steps.“I started writing songs right away, at 15 and 16 years old. I was already starting, because I hated playing the ‘covers’ of the hits. I knew that if I was ever going to do anything in music, I was going to have to learn to express myself. Otherwise, it was going to be the same-old, same-old.”His father and mentor died when Randy was 21. He’d told his boy that he didn’t want to be kept alive on machines. After his father lost conscious-ness, this young man was put in the agonizing position of having to “pull the plug” on the mentor he idolized. That painful experience formed the basis of Randy’s emotional song “I’ll Sleep.” A few years later, Randy Houser made the big decision to move to Nashville to seek his fortune.“I can literally say that a song changed my life,” Randy reports. “I’ll tell you how I made the decision. I was sitting at home one day and thinking, ‘God, what am I doing?’ I’d been waiting around for so long and hadn’t gone and done what I always said I was going to do. And then that song ‘Life Happened’ came on the radio, and I just started bawling. And right then, I made the decision. I was gone.“A guitar player friend from Mississippi had moved to Nashville. He said, ‘Well, come on..’ So I came up in early 2003 with an air mattress and a pile of junk in a ’92 Cougar. Two weeks later, the engine blew up in that car. I didn’t know how I was going to make a living, but knew I had to make one”Within two weeks of arriving, Randy ran into a woman who’d heard him perform in Mississippi. She arranged for him to sing a “demo” for a Nashville songwriter. Days later, he was getting calls to sing them all the time. Successful, Mississippi-bred songwrit-ers Fred Knobloch and Derek George encouraged Randy. Derek took Randy to the Windswept publishing company, where Cliff Audretch, III became a booster.Signed by Windswept in late 2003, Randy and co-writers Jamey Johnson and Dallas Davidson were on the charts with “Honky-
Tonk Badonkadonk” by early 2005. Since then, Randy’s tunes have been picked up by John Michael Montgomery (“If You Ever Went Away”), Justin Moore (“Back That Thing Up”), George Canyon (“Coming From You”) and other artists. Cliff loved Randy’s own recordings of the tunes and urged producer Mark Wright to listen. Now Cliff and Mark have co-produced Randy Houser’s outstanding disc debut.“One day, awhile back, Mark (Wright) and I were talking about singers. He said, ‘Man, the most soulful singers in history all grew up poor.’ This really rang true for me. That’s part of the reason I sound the way that I do.”This past November, Randy was nominated for 2 CMA Awards including best video for his smash hit “Boots On” and for best new artist. With this success, along with his smash new single “Whistlin’ Dixie” comes touring. And Houser has certainly been staying busy co-headlining on the CMT Tour with friend Jamey. I caught up with Randy after a recent concert to talk bikes and here is what he had for me.
TRM: What kind of motorcycles do you currently own?Randy: “Harley Davidson 2007 Road King Classic.”
TRM: When did you start riding?Randy: “I was probably 12 or 13. I had a MB5.”
TRM: I ride because…Randy: “I ride because...it’s better than walking.”
TRM: What is your favorite 100 mile run and why?Randy: “Last summer, between Narnia and Whoville. At least that’s what I remember.”
TRM: What is most memorable moment (s) on a bike?Randy: “Riding in Vegas in 2008 for the ACM Harley Ride with Willie G. (Davidson) and friends.Be sure to check out Randy sporting his bike in his music video for “Whistlin’ Dixie” and be sure to check out Randy Houser.com too keep up with the latest news and music from one of country music’s brightest newcomers.
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ABATE of Minnesota , Contact: Contact: Liz Herzog (507) 487-5000, [email protected] American Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about motorcycling. ABATE LOWER CHAPTER SE MN American Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about motorcycling. Blue Knights, The Blue Knights is a non-profit organization of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles. BMW Motorcycle Owners, Contact: Karol [email protected] 612-534-RIDE, BMWMOA promotes the camaraderie and friendship of individual members and BMW motorcycle clubs. Central Road Racing Association, 612-332-4070 CRA is a volunteer-run racing club always looking for new members and volunteers to help ensure fun and safety. CHARIOTS OF LIGHT” Phil 2:15 The Chariots of Light Christian Bikers Club is an evangelistic outreach of Jerry Savelle Ministries International, Brooklyn Park MN, 55444 web site Contact info Jim Ferdig [email protected] Pastor DuWayne Peterson [email protected] Divas, Contact: Kristen King, [email protected] Chrome Divas is a ladies-only motorcycle group, riders and passengers and even some non-riding women, who love motorcycles and participating in charity functions. Concours Owners Group, Contact: Randy Schafer (612) 433-5605, [email protected] COG promotes camaraderie and technical support for Kawasaki Concours. Christian Motorcyclists Association, The Christian Motorcyclists Association is interdenominational and evangelistic in nature. Collectively, the states work together to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the United States. Link is to the local chapter in Rochester MN, several groups in MN and USADry Riders, Men and women who are family-oriented and have formed a club to promote motorcycling without the use of alcohol or drugs while riding. Faith Riders of MN group of Christian people from all walks of life who love to ride motorcycles and trikes. We ride for the joy of riding and good fellowship. info Freedom Riders Christian Motorcycle Club...based out of Constance Free Church in Andover, MN. An experienced, professional riding club for fun! Several rides and trips planned each season. [email protected] Gold Wing Riders Association Contact: (800) 843-9460, Friends for fun, safety and knowledge, the GWRRA is the world’s largest social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing & Valkyrie motorcycles. Harley Owners Group, Contact: 1-800-CLUBHOG (1-800-258-2464), For Harley riders to share their passion and show their pride. Hog Chapter Rochester MN SE MN Honda Riders Club of America , 616 Elk St , Duluth MN 55803 Honda Sport Touring Association, Contact: Roger Ries, [email protected] 952-448-5008, HSTA brings together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring regardless of type or brand of motorcycle. Midwest Motorcycle Club (MMC) of Bemidji. For information call Max Lowe 218-547-0419. Minnesota Valkyrie Owners Association, Contact: Mike Garris [email protected] & Lori Bruzek [email protected] Minnesota Sport bike, Internet-based group where Minnesota sport and sport touring riders set up “Pace” rides, share opinions, and balance safety and sport riding fun. Minnesota Voyagers Association, Contact: Joy Mattson [email protected] A group consisting of all brands of motorcycles. Minnesota Wings, Individuals and their partners who enjoy owning and riding Honda Gold Wings. Moto Guzzi Owners, Contact: Earl Cleven, 507-684-2608, [email protected] Sociable Guzzi people, great times, and Moto Guzzi information direct to you from Moto Guzzi enthusiasts world
wide. Motorcycle Dial a Ride, 1-888-DIAL RIDE (888-342-5743), MDAR offers safe ride service for impaired motorcyclists from the last weekend in April through the last weekend in October. Hours of operation are 6 p.m. Friday through 12 a.m. Monday (midnight Sunday).Northern Cruisers Riding Group (NCRG)We are a group of cruiser riders who have been together since 1997. We ride mostly Yamaha cruisers, although ALL bikes are welcome. Your attitude will “make or break” your membership with us, not the kind of bike you ride. Our members consist of couples, and male and female singles that are mostly in their 40’s and 50’s. We meet year-round for dinner and/or rides to keep our friendships alive and strong. Our ride scheduled is the 1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of each month from mid-April to October with Extended trips possible (2 nights to over 1 week in length). We require you to sign a liability waiver and have proof of insurance and a motorcycle license or permit before riding with us. We are a TOTALLY independent local group with NO national organization to appease.RED KNIGHTS Contact: Pete [email protected] Share the common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety, and the brotherhood of firefighting. Shifting Gears - Women Motorcycle Riderz -Group of women motorcyclists who gather and ride in the Bemidji area. Founded in 2008. Membership is free. Contact Cheri Stout or Rachel Bolter Six Seasons Christian Riders, Contact:[email protected] Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles.Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Southeast Minnesota Chapter #171. We are family-oriented and ride for the joy of riding and the social aspects of motorcycle cruising. All brands are welcome and there is a NO FEE. Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Contact: Bill Strebel (615) 804-1050 or (615) 893-7048, [email protected] A free, family-oriented club that uses the Web to communicate and focuses on the enjoyment and fellowship of riding motorcycles safely. Star Touring and Riding Now with 4 chapters in Minnesota. 3 are located in the Twin Cities area. A Family Group of riders that focus on Riding fun with the whole family. Thou focused on The Star Line of Motorcylces all bike are welcome, contact Jim(JC) Clark at [email protected] St Croix Valley Riders, A not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization-proceeds go to enhance motorcycle safety, awareness and education. Street Legal Motorcycle Club, Members include lawyers, judges, law school deans, law students, bailiffs, paralegals, legal secretaries, private investigators, court reporters and the like. Twin Cities Motorcycle Club is open to riders of all makes and models of bikes. Free to join and belong.Twin City Victory Riders The West Bank Motorcycle Club (WBMC) The WBMC started in 1969 and welcomes all riders and all brands of motorcycles to join us, to ride and share with us the love of riding. Ride with us, if you like us join us. This is a dues paying club! The Annual Dues is $20. To Join the WBMC just show up for a ride. The rides leave from The Junction Bar & Grill 901 Cedar Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 at 6:30pm on Wednesdays and 12:00 pm on Saturdays. The last Sat in April through the end of Sept. The first ride is a potluck . The Road Captain will make 80-90 maps for Wed and 20-30 for Sat and will post one on the bulletin board. To receive a ride credit you must be a current paid member. You must sign in at the ride destination. After the last ride in Sept the WBMC holds year-end party in the first part of October. This is a potluck with the WBMC providing the main entree. Wings of Freedom MN Chapter Gold Wing Touring Association of Motorcycle enthusiast who like to get together to ride, eat, camp and have a good time in MN and WI Women on Wheels If you are a lady who loves to drive or ride as passenger on motorcycles, motorbikes, scooters, or trikes then this is the group for you! This organization welcomes your family members and you to indulge your passion for riding with other discriminating hobbyists, at rallies, chapter meetings, tours, or other events X Winos Motorcycle Club, Contact: [email protected] The primary purpose is to stay clean and sober and have fun doing it. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Contact Patrick J. Hahn 651-201-
Motorcycle Clubs And GroupsTech TipsHarley Hop-Up by Kirby Apathy
The Thunder Jet, a lot of people want one or have one in their carb, but don’t really know what it dose or how to tune it. We will start with the basic principle of how its supposed to work. On a lot off big inch or high RPM motors, you have to have such a large main jet for the higher RPM`s, that your midrange is too rich. The Thunder Jet is a 3rd tuning circuit that will take over on the big end thus letting you lower the main jet to allow for a more responsive mid RPM range. The S&S carbs will also allow you to install a adjustable air bleed (using a S&S or Mikuni jet),the stock air bleed is .042,raising or opening up the air bleed will allow the main jet to come on later. This becomes very important as we’ve found that with S&S carbs, the intermediate jet is usually raised
1 or 2 sizes bigger than normal, this will create a stumble or flat spot where the intermediate jet crosses over to the main jet, thus raising where the transition is will eliminate the stumble. Also like I said before, the main jet can be lowered, to give the whole tune on the carb better throttle response, this is where the Thunder Jet comes in. Within the T-Jet,theres a replaceable jet that can be changed to richen up the top end that would normally be to lean from the lowering of the main jet. When its all said & done, your intermediate jet will be a size or two bigger than normal, while your main jet will be a size or two smaller, jetting the thunder jet will be a trail & error type of thing, the T-jet starts coming on at about 4500 rpm`s, dynoing the bike makes it a lot easier. The T-Jet for the CV Harley carbs works on the same principle as the S&S carbs, just installed a little differently. You can run 1,2,3 or we’ve installed 4 in a pro stock Harley S&S D carb. Engine displacement, cams, compression & RPM ranges will effect the tuning of the T-jets. We always turn the accelerator pumps down when tuning them as they can give false covers of a lean condition. The installation isn’t a real complicated operation but should be preformed by a competent machinist with the proper equipment, a milling machine is a must, we’ve had riders bring in their carbs, after try to install them with drill presses or one guy that put his carb in a vise and used a cordless drill(??).If you have one or want one, but have some more questions, feel free to contact us and we will try to help you out, their not rocket science, but can be a little on the confusing side.
Kirbywww.veetwinperformance.com
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News Bytes News BytesMOTORCYCLE BUYERS ARE HAPPIER THAN EVER Motorcycle manufacturers are trying harder than ever to please custom-ers, and the result is higher quality bikes and happier owners. Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle ownership experience has increased for a seventh consecutive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Competitive Information Study, and each of the study’s five criteria -- product, quality, cost of ownership, sales, and service -- have improved, with sales and service showing the biggest improvements. “The result of increased competition is that the quality and performance of bikes is at an all-time high,” Power’s Todd Markusic explains, “and dealers are paying much more attention to their customers’ sales and service experiences.” First-time buyers comprise 22% of all new motorcycle purchases, and with the average age of own-ers increasing from 40 to 47 since 2001, it is important for manufacturers to focus on younger Gen X and Y demographics to ensure continued growth in the market. Now in its 12th year, the annual survey measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles and fielded responses from nearly 8,000 owners between August and October 2009, focusing on 2009 model year bikes. MISSOURI TO END SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON NEWER VEHICLESNew-ish car and bike owners can take that $10-12 you’ve been setting aside to pay for a state safety inspection and go buy something nice for yourself or your vehicle. Under legislation that took effect on New Year’s Day in Missouri, vehicles five years old and newer will no longer need an inspection when renewing license plates. That means in 2010, 2005 model year and newer autos, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, will be exempt. Models from 2006 won’t need their first inspection until 2012. Previously, vehicles are exempt from safety inspections for their model year and the year after that. Inspections are performed at thousands of repair shops across the state and cost $12 for cars and trucks and $10 for motorcycles. The Missouri Department of Revenue, which manages vehicle registration, estimates that 650,000 vehicles will be affected by the exemption. INDIANA HARLEY DEALER FIGHTS SUNDAY BIKE SALES BANThere are some things you can’t buy on Sundays in Indiana: alcohol, cars, and motorcycles. One Hoosier Harley-Davidson dealer thinks this “blue law” against buying motorcycles is ridiculous, and he’s teaming up with an Indiana state senator to change it. Mark Forszt owns four Harley dealerships throughout the state and says the law is hurting his busi-ness, and that it makes no sense. On Sundays, he’s open for business, and he can sell you everything you’d ever need to put a bike together yourself. He just can’t actually sell you the bike. “It’s a huge loss to the state in terms of sales tax revenue,” said Forszt, who contacted state Senator Ed Charbonneau to address the problem in the legislature, framing the issue as a way to help small business. When you add up all the sales tax, it’s also a way to help the state of Indiana, home to some 300 motorcycle dealerships, said Charbonneau. “If every one of those dealerships sold one motorcycle a Sunday, or even one a month, that’s a pretty sizable infusion of cash into the state coffers,” Senator Charbon-neau told local NBC-affiliate WNDU. The bill to change the law has been drafted and filed, but until something changes, the Sunday choices in this store will be limited. What dealers like Forszt complain about is you could sell a bike through a newspaper, CraigsList, or eBay on Sunday, but in a store it’s illegal. It is currently a class D misdemeanor to sell a motorcycle on Sunday.
WISCONSIN BILLS WOULD HONOR HARLEY-DAVIDSONA bill has been introduced in the Wisconsin state legislature to create a special license plate commemorating Harley-Davidson, the iconic Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer. The legislation would authorize the creation of an automobile license plate available for purchase that would include Harley-Davidson’s trademark bar and shield logo and the message “Share the Road.” Available for cars and trucks registered in Wisconsin, the revenue collected by the Department of Transportation from the specialty plate sales would be used for conducting public work-shops on motorcycle safety; evaluating basic rider education courses; creating transportation messages at motorcycle rallies; providing funds for motorcycle-related safety and training programs; and grants to provid-ers of motorcycle safety training courses. “Motorcycling is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and plays a big role in our state’s economy,” state Rep. Jim Sullivan told The Business Journal of Milwaukee upon introduc-ing the measure. “This license plate helps us protect that heritage and promote sharing the road safely with all drivers.” The goal is to have the plate ready by May 2010, which is motorcycle safety month in most states. Wisconsin lawmakers are also currently considering legisla-tion declaring Harley-Davidson the state’s official motorcycle, similar to recognizing a state bird or flower. PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO LET MICHIGAN RIDERS BUY PERMITS TO RIDE HELMETLESS Motorcyclists in Michigan would be able to buy a permit to ride without a helmet if a newly-introduced bill be-comes law. It would apply to riders who are 21 years or older, have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or completed a safety class, and have at least $20,000 in health insurance. The $100-a-year permit would make helmets optional. Any passenger over 21 years riding with a permit holder wouldn’t need a helmet. State Representa-tive Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) said wearing a helmet should be a personal choice. LeBlanc told Capitol News Service of the Macomb Daily newspaper that he’s been involved with the issue since the 1970s when he started riding a motorcycle, adding that he introduced the bill because he believes that wearing a helmet should be a personal choice. The bill is pending in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform, though ABATE of Michigan reportedly does not support the legislation and is dedicated to working with their new governor to repeal the existing helmet law with no fees, additional insurance or stickers. Michigan riders, spearheaded by ABATE and the Confederation of Clubs of Michigan, succeeded in passing helmet repeal legislation twice since 2006 only to have both bills vetoed by outgoing Gov. Jennifer Granholm. MILLIONS IN INSURANCE OVERCHARGES DUE TO MASSACHU-SETTS MOTORCYCLISTS Massachusetts insurance companies have overcharged consumers on premiums by overstating and failing to depreciate motorcycle values. Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office entered into settlements with several insurance companies resolving allegations that they overcharged consumers for motorcycle insurance by using incorrect motorcycle values to calculate premiums. The settle-ments, which return $11.1 million to consumers, stem from an investiga-tion spurred by consumer complaints and ongoing lobbying efforts by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) Investigators found that insurers were not adjusting motorcycle values for their steady depre-ciation over time and instead were using the same value for a bike for several consecutive years to gauge premium levels. “The settlements cover alleged overcharges going back to 2002 and require the insurers
to pay 6 percent interest to consumers on the alleged overcharges,” re-ports the MMA in a prepared statement. “Average refunds to consumers are anticipated to be approximately $300 with some consumers receiving thousands of dollars. Tens of thousands of policies are believed to have been affected.” Motorcyclists praised the settlements, but warned that a number of other insurance companies also evaluated motorcycles incorrectly. Betsy Lister, a politically-active insurance agent who rides a motorcycle, told the Enterprise News that motorcyclists have repeatedly raised this issue with the state Division of Insurance and the attorney general’s office. “They’ve been doing it going back to the early 2000s,” Lister said of the insurers’ overcharges. “This is something we’ve been fighting for years.” EUROPE SLAPPING RICH DRIVERS WITH MASSIVE TRAFFIC FINES European countries are increasingly pegging speeding fines to income as a way to punish wealthy scofflaws who would otherwise ignore tickets. Advocates say a $290,000 (euro 203,180.83) speeding ticket slapped on a millionaire Ferrari driver in Switzerland was a fair and well-deserved example of the trend. Germany, France, Austria and the Nordic countries also issue punishments based on a person’s wealth. In Germany the maximum fine can be as much as $16 million compared to only $1 million in Switzerland. A Frenchman was fined 70,000 francs after being caught on a highway doing 151 miles (243 kilometers) an hour. Only Finland regularly hands out similarly hefty fines to speeding drivers, with the current record believed to be a euro170,000 (then about $190,000) ticket in 2004. The Swiss court appeared to set a new world record when it levied the nearly quarter million dollar fine in November, describing the speeder as a “traffic thug” in their verdict as they took into account his prior traffic record as well as his $20 million in personal wealth. Swiss voters approved a 2007 penal law overhaul that let judges hand down fines based on personal income and wealth for moderate misdemeanors including excessive speeding and drunk driving. The nationalist Swiss People’s Party wants to reverse the 2007 penal code changes, saying the current law could lead to “ridiculously low” penalties without any possibility of jail time for poor people who are caught driving drunk or speeding. AFRICANS IMPOUND THOUSANDS OF MOTORCYCLES FOR LACK OF HELMETS Lagos State Sector Command authorities in this Nigerian city reportedly impounded 21,300 motorcycles last year because of fail-ure of the motorcyclists to wear crash helmets. Public Education Officer, Mrs Ijeoma Nwachi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the command has intensified enforcement on the usage of crash helmets in the state. The public education officer also said that the command had confiscated 3,500 substandard helmets since January 2009. She said wearing of crash helmets by motorcyclists and their passengers was in line with section 41(1) (e) of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004. Nwachi also said that overloading with passengers is a serious issue, and added that many motorcyclists were in the habit of riding without side mirrors. “Riding without side mirror is an offence under section 41(1)(p) of the Nation Road Traffic Regulations 2004, which states that all motorcycles shall be equipped with two rear view mirrors,” she said. WEIRD NEWS: MAN ASSAULTED OVER PICTURES OF MOTORCY-CLE In a twisted version of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” meets “Repo Man”, Sioux Falls Police say a man hired to repossess a motorcycle ended up assaulting and kidnapping the bike owner’s dad instead. A South Dakota
father received a call from a man claiming he needed pictures of a motor-cycle that his son owned. The father thought the person calling was from a dealership and needed evidence for a payment plan he had set up, but when the undercover repo guy arrived at his home, the bike owner’s dad became uneasy and told him he didn’t feel comfortable with the man tak-ing pictures of the motorcycle. The repossession agent refused to leave and when the father said he was going to call the police, he put the dad in hand-cuffs and threatened him with a taser. He was later arrested for aggravated assault and kidnapping. NCOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND REGIONAL MEETING IN PHILLY “As co-director of NCOM Region II (IA, KS, MO, NE, OK, TX), I recently attended the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Semi-Annual Board of Directors and Regional Meeting, November 13-15 in Phila-delphia, PA, where over 300 motorcyclists took part in the conference,” reported Tiger Mike Revere of ABATE of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs. Continuing his “Tiger Tales” report; “Following the morning’s NCOM Board Meeting, the afternoon Region VII Meeting consisted of a number of valuable and informative presentations on Biker Freedom-related topics, such as Freedom of the Road throughout the Nation, and Legal Issues such as Noise Abatement, Insurance Cover-age, and interacting with Law Enforcement. The Regional Confederation of Clubs Meeting and Christian Unity Conference were also well-attend-ed, with a lot of productive crosstalk, and Gimme Jimmy was there to present the Defenders’ Program. Incidentally, our recent successful Call to Action regarding Federal-level Right To Repair Legislation constituted a Nationwide test and fine-tuning of the Defenders Program. NCOM is very interested to hear more about the Strategic Alliance Program pioneered by our own Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs. This Alliance of Spiritual groups, Clean and Sober Clubs, and community service-oriented riders such as the Downed Bikers Association, is designed to function as a quick-response force to support the Riding Community during incidents where motorcyclists get killed, injured or locked down. The NCOM Board has been expanded to include representation from the Sport Bike Community with a Board Liaison position for the National Sport Bike Association, now held by Brian “Seven” Lawson. Quite a large number of Sport Bike Riders attended the conference, which was gratifying to see. All in all, the stage is now set for one of the largest and most festive NCOM Conventions ever, our Silver Anniversary event slated for May 6-9, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. Check out the NCOM Web-site at www.aimncom.com for a Pre-Registration application and make plans to attend! There’s still a lot of political game-playing going on and bikers have to keep learning to play the game more effectively if we’re going to continue to be a force for good in the Motorcycling Community. Politics, by definition, addresses the skill of acquiring and utilizing power. By becoming more active participants in all levels of government through registering and voting, communicating with legislators, and attending events like the NCOM Convention and local legislative seminars, we’ll wield a greater degree of power as a special interest group representing this country’s ridership.” QUOTABLE QUOTE: “There is good news from Washington today. The Congress is deadlocked and can’t act.”Will Rogers (1879-1935) American humorist
Thunder Roads Magazine 22 Thunder Roads Magazine 23
It’s important for you to know who your friends are out there when you hit the road! Welcome to our Biker Friendly Directory. The following is a list of our establishments throughout Minnesota that want you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a bike dealer, service shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of business that welcomes our biking community through their doors, you can count on our family of friends to always welcome you in. ALL of our regular advertisers can be found, in bold, throughout this listing. All of our friends listed are “Biker Friendly” & most of them ride too, so they know exactly what you want and need. The staff here at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates our advertiser’s support each month- they are the sole financial supporters of this magazine.WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please give them the support that they truly deserve for being with us & drop by to see them for a visit. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know a business that would like to join our Thunder Roads family of Biker Friendly Places, please give us a call (877) 230-4520 or email [email protected] “Where there’s Bikes...There’s Going To Be Thunder- Thunder Roads”
DEALERS AND SERVICES
Spray Designs Custom Bike Painting by Chris Merkl
Ramsey, MN (763) 229-4802
LEGAL SERVICES
Stephen R. O’Brien, Attorney at Law 247 3rd Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 332-8388
Toll Free: (800) 549-8388 Fax: (612) 333-5014
E-mail: [email protected]
PERSONAL SERVICES
Mark PetersonPeterson Photography & Imaging Inc.
4772 Westview LaneAtwater, MN 56209
320.235.8222E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.markpetersonphoto.com
Sturgis Web Web & Graphic Design, Support & Hosting
Louis Matt Bruer, Programmer/Owner 20899 Pleasant Valley Dr
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785 Phone (605) 347-9169 www.SturgisWeb.com
BARS, RESTAURANTS, LOUNGES & CLUBS
Whiskey Bones Roadhouse3820 North BroadwayRochester, MN 55906
(507) 287-8017www.whiskeybonesroadhouse.comE-mail: [email protected]
The Joint 917 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis, MN (612) 338-6425
Whiskey Junction 901 Cedar Ave S Minneapolis, MN (612) 338-9550
TATTOO STUDIOS
Infinity Tattoo1006 N Broadway
Rochester, MN 55906(507) 281-1296
E-mail: [email protected]
Rochester Tattoo 2116 South Broadway Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 280-8011 E-mail: [email protected]
To list your business or service in our directory, call Willie at (877) 230-4520.
Sturgis 2010 DirectoryIf you’re looking for a place to stay at Sturgis 2010 during the 70th Anniversary Event be sure to reserve your spot now. Check out these great places and tell them you found them in Thunder Roads.
Bulldog CampgroundI-90 Exit 37 (none traffic side of Sturgis)
21120 Pleasant Valley DriveSturgis, SD 57785
877.285.5364 (877.Bulldog)605-347-8000
Open June 1 - September [email protected]
Iron Horse Campground20446 State Hwy 79Sturgis, SD 57785
877-700-4766 605-596-4237
ironhorsecampground.com
Tilford Euch Campground13157 Deermeadow Rd
Redmont, SD 577691-800-9495 Pin 1523
www.tlfordeuch.comOpen July 25- Aug. 20
A Family Inn3737 Sturgis Rd
Rapid City, SD 57702605-342-2892
Katmando RV Park/Campground
12927 Katmando Ln Sturgis, SD 57785
866-776-0758 [email protected]
www.katmandocampground.com Open July 1 – Sept. 1
Elkview Campground 13014 Pleasant Valley Rd
Sturgis, SD 57785 605-347-7620 877-478-5160
[email protected] www.elkviewcampground.com
Open May 1 – Oct. 30
No Name City RV & Cabins 20899 Pleasant Valley Dr. (I 90 Exit 34)
Sturgis, SD 57785 605-347-9169
[email protected] www.sturgiscamping.com
Chris RV Park Campground 701 Chostensen Dr. Spearfish, SD 57783
605-642-2239 605-642-2224
[email protected] www.blackhillscampchriscampground.com
Open May- Oct.Custer Cross Campground
22036 US Hwy 385 Duckmond, SD 57922
605-584-1009 [email protected]
Tell Them Thunder Roads Sent You!!!
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By Deborah SpeicherOnce again the Leigh Nolan Memorial UPARC Event drew in the crowds. This long-time event is a favorite of many local riders. We registered at Quaker Steak & Lube and rode to five stops to pull our cards. The weather couldn’t have been any nicer as we rode all over Pinellas County. The poker run also ended at Quaker Steak for the after party. There were good vendors, great music and even better food. For those not familiar with this event, it was started by Judy and Charlie Nolan whose daughter Leigh was born with spina bifida. When the Nolans moved to the area, UPARC (“Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens”) found Leigh a job through their program. Unfortunately, Leigh passed away in 1999 but the Nolans wanted to do something for UPARC and this event was founded. It was wonderful to see so many bikes participating and all the great prizes that were donated. I personally was hoping to win the H-D Sportster and bike trailer which was raffled off and donated courtesy of the law firm of MacKay and Souders. Well I didn’t win big, but I did win a twelve pack of Yuengling!
10th Annual Leigh Nolan Memorial UPARC EventSKINART
Helmet Laws By State
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Indian Motorcycles Are BackWho would have thought
that it would be a good idea to open up a new motorcycle
shop in the middle of a recession? Art Welch and his moth-er, Kathy Welch,
did. Beating out 167 other potential dealers
in Minnesota was just the first obstacle to overcome when
they started looking for the franchise agreement. But why a motorcycle shop? “Because it was Indian Motorcycle!” says Art. Previous dealers wanted it, new motorcycle shops wanted it, but, back in 2003, when the Indian Motorcycle Company plant based in Gilroy, California closed its doors, Art Welch knew it would be resurrected. When? No one knew, but Art knew that Indian Motorcycle would come back to the roads they once ruled.
Opening up a motorcycle dealership during a time when people were afraid to spend money is nothing new to Art Welch. On October 12, 2002, Kathy and Art opened up their first shop, Twin City Ridley, in a little town called Gem Lake, nestled between Vadnais Heights, Maplewood and White Bear Lake. Of course, there were obstacles at that time also. “It was 2002, just a bit over a year after 9/11. Everyone was afraid to spend money, we were selling a niche-market motorcycle no one had ever heard of, plus it was automatic, which went against the motorcycling norm. We were off the beaten path, in an ancient strip mall not updated since the 50’s, opening in October, the end of the riding season, when bikes weren’t selling, in a little 800 square foot space that included the show room, the office, and service repair shop,” Art recalls fondly. It was a huge success, which surprised everyone but us. Three years later to the month, in October 2005, Twin City Ridley became Twin City Custom Cycles.
In 2005, when they opened the new shop in Vadnais Heights, Art and Kathy expanded from 800 square feet to 6800 square feet. With a better location, an expanded line of cycles, and an existing loyal customer base from Twin City Ridley, it should have been an easy move, right? Wrong. Obstacles? “It was like having to start over!” Art remembers. “The first year was really rough. Everyone thought we had gone out of business, and renaming the shop was a difficult choice, but necessary, since we were expanding our available lines and adding more brands to our store.”
The Welchs found out that Indian Motorcycle Company had started over again in early 2006, and began their hunt for the best and most reputable dealers in the top 15 motorcycle selling states. Art and Kathy were not selling main-stream bikes, but had faith from the start, and one goal in mind, that they would be THE Indian Motorcycle Dealer in Minne-sota. This had been their ultimate goal, and wouldn’t you know it? Again, three years after October 2005, in October 2008, Art got the official call that they had been chosen to be the exclusive Indian Motorcycle Dealer in Minnesota. The Welch’s had achieved their goal. Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities found its new home and opened up their doors to the
public, Saturday, February 28th, 2009. The newest store, located at 2967 Hudson Road, St Paul MN, had a premium location on Hwy 94 and doubled the store space from 6800 square feet to over 13,000 square feet.
Again, it wasn’t really the best time to start a new dealership, but why break with tradition now? Starting a new Indian Motorcycle franchise during a national recession just seems destined for Art and Kathy.
“Indian Motorcycle didn’t go bankrupt in 2003, contrary to popular belief, instead they just closed their doors. They weren’t testing the last 2003 Power Plus engines built, and had so many warranty issues to contend with, that they literally one day told everyone to step outside the plant, locked the doors, and told them the factory was closed.” If bringing back an iconic brand that started back in 1901 wasn’t hard enough, in-forming current Indian owners that the new Indian Motorcycle Company, now based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, takes no responsibility for the previous mistakes the Gilroy Company made, makes it even harder to gain the trust of the motorcycling public.
Indian Motorcycle Company is currently owned by Stellican Group, Ltd, which also owns the Chris Craft Boat Company. They have been known to resurrect iconic brands and breathe life into them again, after the original company has failed due to bankruptcy or mismanagement.
“They have a tough road ahead of them, as do I, and it helps to have the love of the brand and a very faithful staff that all act as a very strong family. Everyone comes in here and sees the same people working here all the time, which gives the shop a very welcome and friendly feel. We get to know all of our customers by name, their families, their bikes, and even their individual quirks,” Art smiles.
Indian’s customer base has consisted so far of university scholars, international bankers, previous Indian Motorcycle owners, retired police chiefs, entrepreneurs of various industries, doctors, dentists, and people from other higher end professions, as well as regular folks who have been waiting for Indian to come back. This is not to say that Indian Mo-torcycle of the Twin Cities only caters to this type of clientele, but Welch readily admits, that this is a motorcycle that has a price point that will not lend itself to people looking to compare or bargain on the price.
So why open an Indian Motorcycle Dealership now we ask? “It may not be the right time, but we’ve been through this two times before, and found success at the other end. I think that serving our customers the way we have been, and not thinking of them as just another number or sale, is what will get us through. Our customers become almost like family. Expect nothing but our undivided attention when you walk into our shop. During some of their events during the riding season of 2009, Welch states that many of his customers who own Indians, showed up and said “Where do you want us? For customers to show up and tell me they want to help out is a great thing. I appreciate the support of those who have stood behind me all season and have helped me grow. There is a definite need and want from the motorcycle community, that want Indian to come back and survive this time. “I’m just happy to have a great staff and be along for the ride to watch this grow,” Art states confidently.
Happy New Year And Welcome To 2010 From Art, Fred, Jack And Tony Here At Indian Motorcycle Of The Twincities
One thing is for sure, 2009 was as challenging a year in the power-sports industry as we are likely to see in a while. Sales were down by record numbers, dealerships closed at rates not seen in decades, and our industry leader Harley-Davidson pulled the plug on the Buell and MG brands. Even with this as our backdrop, we are all starting to see signs that 2010 will be different. Sales of Indian Motorcycles, while not setting any records, have been steady and the customer base is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2010 version. We are seeing more people in the shop this winter than over the past two or three years and we are sell-ing bikes to a wide variety of customers who where only waiting for the end of year incentives to kick in. The bottom line is that there is money out there and the people in the upper Midwest who are eager for a new bike are finding just what they want here.
So the state of the industry might not be as rosy as we would like, but those of us who survive these economic times are going to emerge lean and ready to do business in a new economy. A full range of new in-teractive opportunities in social networking and direct face to face event marketing are exposing our products to a whole new range of people who might otherwise not known anything about Indian Motorcycle. I talk to
people every day who tell me that if not for seeing us out in public they never would have known Indian is back. And once is all it takes to see these bikes to know that you really are seeing something all new and special.
Our events calendar for 2010 is full of ideas to get the bikes out in front of the public, from bike shows in Champlin, MN and Lino Lakes, MN to the spring and fall Flood Run which we are pleased to be sponsoring for the second consecutive year. We also have a full slate of formal and informal rides leaving from the shop all year long to include our weekly Sunday fun run of usually no more than 120 miles, to our annual Charity Ride for Children’s School supplies. Our charity ride has grown every year for the past eight years and for 2009 we gave away more than $6000 of prizes goods and motor-cycle related services at the August pig roast right here at the shop. Wow! We even gave away a 250cc motorcycle. Look for even bigger and better for 2010. You definitely won’t want to miss our pinup girl promotion and bikini bike wash events either. Check us out at www.indiantwincities.com and look for our events calendar to be up to date with the latest going on here.
I hope to see you all here in 2010, stop by for coffee with Fred or Jack, shoot the breeze, take a demo ride, or just come in to snap some pictures of the great new Indian Chief Motor-cycles.
Keep the rubber side down.-IndianfredFred Tacheny www.indiantwincities.com 651-765-9988 2967 Hudson Road St. Paul, MN. 55128
2010 Dark Horse Features StylingChromed tear drop Halogen Headlamp Die cast console - color matched Black and polished engine with chrome covers Chromed spoke wheels Available billet wheels Blacked out Two into one stainless steel exhaust system with three way catalytic converter installed Large multi-colored Head Dress tank designPowertrainAir cooled, pushrod, Power Plus 105ci engine Closed loop, sequential, port injection with heated oxygen sensors Six speed transmission ChassisSeat: solo seat available in black and tan leather 5.5 gallon fuel tank Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear. Two accessory 12 V outlets ElectricalTank mounted analog speedometer and multi function digital display Charging system 42 Amps Lamps: Tear drop head lamp, glass front fender light There are no electrical relays in the system
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Willie’s Winter Riding TipOn icy or snow packed roads, de-flate tires to 8 PSI. Then if pos-sible, borrow someone’s used steel- cleated baseball shoes to wear. This will allow for better traction. You can buy a studded tire as well. That sure helps, but that can get expensive. Also, dress real warm. Thermal underwear is a plus, as at it will also help cushion your fall. Right before leaving call 911 and give them your exact location. This will give them a quicker response so maybe someone can save you stupid!
Lee Downey: Motorcycle Evangelist“You get out of life what you put into it.” Most of us have heard that statement before. I was speculating upon this and its association with the lives of some neighbors who passed on from this life into eternity recently. I discovered at their funerals that these people are already being re-membered by what they put into life, not what they took from it. When all was said and done and they were laid to rest, what was spoken of them had nothing to do with their financial status or their accumulations. What mattered was how they had affected the lives of others. (Come to think of it, I have never heard people applauded at their funerals for how much money they had made, the new cars they drove, or the nice houses they had built.) Furthermore, it was obvious that their relationships with their fellow man were directly related to their view of life. One held to God’s standpoint that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) and “Give, and it will be given to you. …For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 – emphasis mine). The other held to the world’s view that ‘you only go around once so get all the gusto you can’. The after-service talk indicated the true tally of these lives. At the ‘gusto’ person’s funeral the after-service talk quickly turned to more pressing matters like the weather. That per-son was already a byword - and forgotten. But stories filled with a mixture of laughter and tears abounded at the other funeral long afterward. Stories of needs filled, visits made, encouragement given, of one who helped, gave, and stood alongside others. And of time spent doing activities like fish-ing, walking, riding, and of chats over coffee– seemingly un-important moments at the time, but meaningful in the scope of life. This person was indeed the rich man. He had made a difference in people’s lives. He would not be forgotten. The beginning of a new year is always an opportune time to review our life’s focus – to take stock of our intended pur-pose. What is your main goal in life? What are you commit-ted to: in your work? in your community? in your church? in your ministry? You will get out of life exactly what you put into it and will be rewarded by God accordingly. Never forget: you cannot bless yourself. God does the blessing. If we put His inter-ests first, He promises that He will always take care of ours. His greatest reward is out of this world.
Happy New Year! Lee Downey- Motorcycle Evangelist www.sixseasons.org
Thunder Roads Minnesota attended the January 3rd Gringo & Mickey’s Moto Psycho Swap Meet held at the St. Cloud Armory in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Despite the sub-zero weather, the meet was a success. It was a great event that brought the biker community together. Beside the fellow-ship, the meet offered many parts to fix or rebuild your bikes as well any accessory you could want or need. It was great to see Stephen R. O’Brien providing information about Aid to Injured Motorcyclists at his booth. Stephen, a biker in his own right, is an attorney licensed in Minnesota and South Dakota. If you are ever in need of legal advice, give him a call at (612) 332-8388. Thunder Roads enjoyed being a part of the meet. See you at the next one!
-Story and Pictures by Willie
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Story and Pictures by WillieOutside was just slightly frigid coming in at -1 as I pulled into the Harley-Da-vidson Shop of Winona in Winona, Minnesota. What caught my attention right away were the bikes that had been placed out in front of the store. I had to go inside and meet the person responsible for battling the cold elements to put these beautiful bikes on display for the customers. I quickly found the man guilty of getting all of bikes out every morning. His name is Rick Semmen and he is one of the friendly sales representatives at the Harley Davidson Shop of Winona. Sales Manager, Aaron Schopp will occasion-ally help Rick and he provided the photo of the bikes covered in the snow. Talk about dedication! All of the sales staff was extremely nice and very helpful. I also got the chance to meet Parts Manager Shawn Nagel. He’s always there to greet you with a smile and assist you in whatever way he can. He’s the man that keeps all the parts you’ll need to trick your bike this winter! If you get a chance, drop in and meet the great team at the Harley-Davidson Shop of Winona. It’s located at 1845 Mobile Drive in Winona, Minnesota. Check their web site @ www.winonaharley.com. They impressed me with their courtesy and professional at-titude. Winona you have a winner!
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Target Our Boats, We’ll Take Your Bike or How to Get Your Riding Fix In a War Zoneby Jason Shiflet
Like most riders, I’ve ridden a fair share of motorcycles in a fair variety of locations. However, there is one ride and one bike that really stand out in particular. Now, it surely wasn’t the longest ride, and it definitely wasn’t the nicest ride. But without a doubt it was a unique ride.
In order for me to explain what made this ride special I’ll have to provide a little back-story on the bike and how I came to “acquire” it. It was early January 2007. Not your typical riding season, unless you happen to be in Iraq. In that case, there’s pretty good riding weather year-round. Although if winter riding is not your thing, you probably wouldn’t enjoy flying bullets any more than you would enjoy flying snowflakes. Anyway, it was the winter of ’07 and I found myself serving as the platoon commander for a reinforced Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC) platoon. Our job was to utilize our SURCs to pa-trol the Euphrates River and other waterways in central Iraq for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was to deny the insurgents the use of those waters.
On this particular mission we happened to encounter several Iraqis on a canal in small wooden rowboats. By order of the Governor of Al Anbar province, this canal was off limits to all Iraqis. Needless to say, as we ap-proached the Iraqis, they quickly made their way ashore and fled on foot. Two of them, military aged males, jumped on a motorcycle and after traveling about a hundred yards, ditched the bike and headed off on foot. Several Marines went ashore, but as usual the Iraqis had disappeared. However, the Marines did find the motor-cycle. Furthermore, bungeed to the seat was a black pillowcase with eyeholes cut into it to make a hood. Now if you see a makeshift black hood bungeed to a motor-cycle here in the States you would probably assume that some cracker couldn’t afford a real face mask for riding in the cold. But in Iraq, the guys who carry black hoods are the same guys who like to blow up Americans and their fellow countrymen.
After checking out the bike, the Marines began to question some of the local residents who live along the canal. Throughout our operations in the area, we had established a pretty good relationship with the locals. In fact, we had even taken a medical team down the canal to inoculate the children and provide other basic medi-cal care. So, after asking one of the local men about the bike, he curtly replied that we should “burn it and teach them a lesson”. Initially that’s exactly what we were go-ing to do. Now I like to torch a vehicle just as much as the next guy, but some part of my motorcycle-loving heart just knew that there had to be an alternative. Turning to the Executive Officer and senior ranking Marine on this
patrol, I said, “Hey Sir, why don’t we just take it home?”There was a brief pause and then, “Well, Gunny, if you
think we can get it on the boat, sure.”I got back on the radio to the Sergeant on the ground,
“Red 5, this is Red 1, you think you can get that bike on the boat?”
Sergeant Brian Forse, the ground element leader, responded exactly the way I expected him to. This was a Marine who would have said “affirmative” if I had asked him to carry that bike home on his back. In short order and after some grunting, pushing, and a few chuckles we had the motorcycle loaded on the boat. Now those SURCs are 40 foot gunboats, not exactly meant for ferry duty. But we made it work, continued the patrol and then returned to base. By then it was dark. It would be the next day before I could really check her out.
Morning came quickly, but I was anxious to get out and see what we had. I made my way to our staging area and took my first real good look at the bike. As the pictures can attest, she was no beauty. But she had two wheels and a motor and I couldn’t wait to ride her. But first, I had to size her up. Well, the glass was missing from all of the lights. In its place was cellophane, red over the brake light, clear over the headlight. I was both impressed with the Iraqis’ ability to jerry-rig, and disap-pointed in the way that this poor bike had been treated.
We couldn’t tell much about the bike, but all the con-trols were “normal” (left foot shift, left hand clutch, etc). We figured out that it was a 250cc two stroke. We think it was Czechoslovakian, but I’m still not sure. Based on the ingenious measuring cup built into the underside of the fuel cap, we guesstimated the fuel-oil mixture and decided to use 90 weight oil, since that’s the closest thing to 2-stroke motor oil that we could find. Everything else was in ugly, but functioning order. Since nearly all of the fuel had spilled out during this beauty’s boat trip, we topped off the tank and kicked her over. And kicked. And kicked. And kicked some more. 47 kicks and one pulled hamstring later, I was surrounded by a cloud of
smoke but happily sitting on a running motorcycle in the middle of Mesopotamia.
Needless to say, as I made my way up and down the muddy roads of our Forward Operating Base (FOB), struggling to find the next gear and blowing blue-gray smoke all over the place, a crowd began to gather. This was not authorized. This was not professional. But damn it was fun!
So here’s the tally for my most unique ride. Total miles covered: maybe 1. Bike ridden: still not sure. Destina-tion: that funny place in one’s head that only a rider has known.
As a postscript, I’ll add that our Company Executive Of-ficer, a Marine captain, submitted an official letter to the Army Colonel in charge of the base. That letter request-ed that we be permitted to keep the bike for use around the FOB. He cited logistical requirements, mission requirements, and some other official sounding reasons that we needed the bike for our operations. It was some of the most creative writing I had ever seen. The Colonel got the letter. I never rode that bike again.
If any readers can positively identify the make or model of this motorcycle, or for any other comments, feel free to e-mail the author at [email protected].
The author, his boat, and 35 of the finest young Americans he has ever known.
The Ugly Girl
We have ignition!
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