www.thundercolorado.com
com
THUNDER ROADS COLORADO
1313 W. Broadmoor Dr., Loveland, CO 80537
PHONE: 970-669-4015
FAX: 970-663-4481
CELL: 970-581-0756
E-MAIL: linda@thundercolorado.com
COLORADO STATE OWNER / EDITOR
Linda McCartney
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Barbara L. Garner
Dana Wright
writers / photographers
Russ & Linda McCartney, Joe Farrow, Ben Hochberg,
Jasmine Bluecreek Clark, Jerry Pokorny, Bette Cahill,
Allison Hanks, Dana Wright
ADVERTISING SALES Consultants
Joe Farrow editor ’s assistant
719-598-8103, 719-237-2396
joe.farrow@comcast.net
Fort Collins/Loveland & Surrounding Area
CT Lewis
970-691-5050
ctlewis1942@aol.com
Jerry Pokorny
719-495-9237
pokorny_j@msn.com
OFFICE MANAGER
Dana Wright
dana@thundercolorado.com / 970-690-9748
Special Event Assistant
Sue Wilcox
CONTRIBUTORS
Terry Howard, Bill Bish, Kevin Chareville,
“Mad” Jack, Abby Clabough, WICKed Photos
Cover photo by Joe Farrow
National Founders
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Thunder Publishing, LLC Offices: 615-792-0040
e-mail:thunderroads@charter.net
www.thunderroadsmagazine.com
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www.thundercolorado.
If you enjoy the freedoms you have as
a motorcyclist, you may want to read a press release issued by
the American Motorcycle Association regarding efforts to set up
motorcycle-only traffic checkpoints.
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) drafted a letter and then
circulated it to his congressional colleagues for signatures
before sending it to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Sensenbrenner and the other lawmakers want LaHood to
suspend the Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations
Grant program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which is an agency of the federal
Transportation Department. Under the grant program, NHTSA
plans to award up to $350,000 in total — to be divided among
as many as five law enforcement agencies — to set up traffic
checkpoints that target motorcyclists. The proposed checkpoints
would focus on USDOT helmet compliance, tailpipe standards,
and motorcycle modifications.
“Crash prevention must be the primary source of safety,” the
lawmakers told LaHood in the letter. “With that being said, why
does NHTSA continue to focus on secondary factors that do not
prevent motorcycle crashes?”
You can read more on page 24 or visit: www.ama-cycle.org or
www.wildwestms.com. Click on events, then industry news for the
full article, including the letter. Write your congressmen and tell
them what you think.
Veteran’s Day is just around the corner and our hometown
of Loveland has once again earned designation from the
Department of Veterans affairs as Colorado’s only recognized
regional site to honor Veterans on Veterans Day. This year, a
special tribute will be made to honor our Korean Veterans on this
60th anniversary of the “forgotten war”. I wonder what next year’s
date 11/11/11 at 11:11 will bring? I hope that you think about all
of our military’s sacrifices for our freedom, not only on this day,
but always. Remember to
thank a Veteran.
Next month, we’ll tell you
about our trip to Sin City’s
10th Annual Las Vegas
BikeFest.
Keep The Shiny Side Up!
Linda & Russ
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 5
www.thundercolorado.com

FEATURES
Santa Claus A Bike Named
Warrior

9 16
Emily’s Parade Save The Twins

26 29
.....

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bite This.................................................................10

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?.......................10

Old Bikes Make History.........................................11

Special Tribute to Korean War Veterans..............11

The Jokers Wild.....................................................14

Calendar of Events...............................................15

A Different Kind of Ride.........................................22

Geneva’s NFL........................................................23

NCOM News Bytes................................................24

TNT........................................................................21

Biker Friendly Directory..........................................18

It’s a 10...................................................................28

Getting Nutty..........................................................28

© 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 OC-
CUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO
PRODUCE ANY ISSUE 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 ADVERTISERS 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 ALCO-
HOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

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www.thundercolorado.com
Here Comes Santa Claus
Riders started showing up early for the 23rd Annual
High Country Toy Run in Colorado Springs. 1 “real”
scooter was welcomed into the sea of bikes from ev-
ery manufacturer you could think of. The mood was
festive to say the least. As parade time closed in, the
riders gathered for the pre-ride briefing. Following
a presentation of colors, the National Anthem and
pledge of allegiance, the crowd paid silent homage
to our service men and women past and present and
those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
The parade left from N. Nevada Ave, rolling by the
majestic Garden of The Gods, then making its way
through Old Colorado City before reaching the fi-
nal destination at Cowboys in downtown Colorado
Springs. When the procession appeared, it was mag-
ical! Santa appeared with about a thousand leather-
clad helpers behind him. Some local folks behind me
8 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
asked, “Where did they come from and how did they
get here?” After briefly explaining what the run was
about and route, I heard one gentleman say, “They
do this for the children, that’s amazing!” You know
what? It is amazing! The run was a blowout success.
It seems that the harder times get, the harder bikers
strive to help those in need, especially children!”
Once the bikes were parked and the toys were gath-
ered, riders and passengers settled in for a little food
at the Pikes Peak or Bust chuck wagon and a little
liquid refreshment. Free water, lemonade and iced
tea strategically placed inside the front door became
quick hit favorites for all. A huge raffle, auction and
prize give-a-way soon started. The winner of the
50/50 promptly gave the winnings back to the chil-
dren. Good man! Organizer, Jim Wear of Pro-promo-
tions stated, “In this country there is no excuse for a
child to go without Christmas!”
Everyone I spoke to had one thought in common.
This event was very worthwhile and satisfying. They’ll
be back again next year and so will I.
Joe
Live, Love, Laugh and Ride
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 9
www.thundercolorado.com www.thundercolorado.com

Bite This! Safety HARLEY-DAVIDSON

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS TO
Succulent “Sticky” Roasted Chicken
4 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Tips No. 30 Old Bikes Make History
REMAIN IN WISCONSIN
Ratified New Labor Agreements Enable Production Flexibility and

Motorcycle Cannonball
2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Efficiency for Long-Term Competitiveness
1 teaspoon onion powder 2 onions, quartered ABATE of Colorado’s
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 14, 2010 -- Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced
1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic Rider Education Division today it will keep production operations in Wisconsin, following yesterday’s con-
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 (4 pound) whole chickens (or 7 pound roaster)
tract votes by the Company’s Wisconsin unionized employees. The decision fol-
In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, lows Monday’s ratification of three respective new seven-year labor agreements
black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Remove and discard giblets The 2010 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run is now history! If you
By Ben Hochberg by employees represented by United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2-209 and Inter-
from chicken. Rinse chicken cavity, and pat dry with paper towel. Rub each chick- didn’t hear about the Motorcycle Cannonball, then maybe you should national Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Lodge 78, both
en inside and out with spice mixture. Place 1 onion and minced garlic into the have been paying attention and getting your vintage bike ready for a real in Milwaukee, and USW Local 460 in Tomahawk, Wis. The agreements take effect
cavity of each chicken. Place chickens in a re-sealable bag or double wrap with in April 2012 when the current contracts expire. Harley-Davidson produces mo-
ride. If you don’t own a vintage bike, then maybe you weren’t aware of
plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 to 6 hours. Preheat oven to 250 torcycle powertrains (engines and transmissions) at its plant in Menomonee Falls
degrees F (120 degrees C).
Place chickens in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered for 5 hours, to a minimum
“How Do You Get to what was going on. near Milwaukee and motorcycle components such as saddlebags in Tomahawk.

internal temperature of 180 degrees F. Let the chickens rest for 10 minutes before Carnegie Hall?”
carving.
Easy gravy: Add a can of chicken broth mixed with a tablespoon cornstarch to the
OK, it’s an old joke: While visiting New York City a person asks for directions to
pan juices, and let boil until it thickens.
Carnegie Hall. And the answer, of course, is “Practice, practice, practice.”
Garlic Mashed Potatoes And that’s the topic for this month’s sermon. We all need to practice our riding
1 large head garlic 2 to 3 tablespoons butter skills. Yes, even we motorcycle riding trainers need to practice. Perhaps we need
1 teaspoon olive oil 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup milk to practice even more than others, but that’s another discussion for another time.
1 1⁄2 pounds russet potatoes Freshly ground black pepper
I ride often. But merely riding a lot is no substitute for dedicated practice with a
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
purpose in mind. If we don’t use our skills, we will lose them. (Example: Did you
Slice off the top quarter of the garlic, keeping the head intact. Place the garlic cut
learn a foreign language in high school? How well do you speak it now? Getting
side up in a small covered baking dish and drizzle the top with oil or you can place the point?)
garlic on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle with oil, fold up the sides and pinch at
the top. Bake in a 375˚F oven until soft, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly. (The The rider training company for which I work (that would be ABATE of Colorado)
garlic can be roasted ahead of time and refrigerated for several days.) Peel the offers numerous training courses, for riders of varying levels of skill. There is one
potatoes and cut into 2-inch pieces. Place in a pot with water just to cover and add (the Basic RiderCourse) that is far more in demand than any of the others. So we
1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender. Drain, reserving instructors tend to have many more opportunities to teach that course than the
some of the cooking water if you like. Squeeze the garlic out of the skins, add other ones. When it’s time to teach a different course, some brushing up is definitely
to the potatoes, and mash them both in the pot with a potato masher. Over low
called for. After all, we are expected to be able to ride the perfect demonstration
heat, whisk in the butter. Add milk and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve of each exercise in the courses. And if we don’t practice them beforehand, things
promptly, or cover and keep warm.
can get ugly out there on the training range. A bad riding demonstration can result
Potato Bacon Cheese Soup in a disorganized riding exercise with the students getting little or no benefit from
their own riding practice. Worse, the students can begin to develop bad habits
4 medium potatoes - peeled & cubed ¼ cup flour which can lead to unthinkable situations once they get out of the class and onto
½ cup finely chopped celery 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
the highways.
1 onion finely chopped 2 cups milk
6 Tbsp butter 2 ½ cups chicken broth Alright, so I think we can all agree that instructors have to practice in order to do
½ tsp salt 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled right by their students. But most people reading this aren’t instructors, so let’s get
½ tsp pepper
back to why riding practice is important for ALL who ride. Author Pat Hahn, in his
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onions and celery in the book Maximum Control – Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike, says, “This kind of
butter for 5 to 10 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the chicken broth and potatoes, practice builds muscle and endurance and helps your body develop the memory of
salt and pepper, bring to a boil and then simmer until the potatoes are tender. the motions. Physical practice helps the motion become unconscious, instinctive,
Add the cheese and stir until melted. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour and instantaneous.” These benefits result in better and quicker decisions on the
and the milk and stir well until the flour is mostly dissolved. Pour this into the road, which is invaluable because it can mean the difference between crashing
soup slowly, stirring constantly, until soup has thickened, about 5 minutes. Add
and almost crashing. Mr. Hahn recommends, “Every day, before you set out,
crumbled bacon.
decide what skill or skill component you’d like to practice during that ride.” “Once
a week, at the end of a ride, practice a riding skill for 10 or 20 minutes before
Pumpkin Cake
parking the bike, such as U-turns, heavy braking, clutch control, whatever. If you
1 (18.25 ounce) package spice cake mix can show some improvement or finally get something just right when you’re tired,
1/2 cup white sugar you know that you are on your way to really building that skill.” And that sounds
1/2 cup vegetable oil
like some good advice, but make sure that you are not completely fatigued when
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1/4 cup water you are practicing; that’s when mishaps occur.
4 egg whites I’ve ridden almost a half-million miles, and I still practice. Why? Because it works,
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch bak- and it’s fun. And the next time you ride you will feel better about your skills and
ing pan, or two 9-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, your bond with your bike.
sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin, water, and eggs. Beat until well blended. Transfer
to the baking dish or cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven 45 minutes.
Top with a cream cheese frosting or vanilla whipped cream
The Cannonball Run is named after Erwin “Cannonball” Baker who made
the coast-to-coast trip in 11 days on his Indian Motorcycle in 1914 and set
143 driving records between 1910 and the 1930‘s.
The 2010 Motorcycle Cannonball included 44 entrants on pre 1916 bikes
like Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior Henderson, Indian, Harley
Davidson, Triumph or J. A. Preswich & Co, Ltd (JAP), just to name a few.
It was a requirement to ride a pre-1916 bike.
Ready to take on a 3294-mile journey from Kitty Hawk, N.C. to Santa
Monica Pier, CA, the riders dipped their tires in the Atlantic Ocean and
a green flag sent them on their way. The course was laid out so that
only 100 interstate highway miles were ridden during the entire trip that
started on Friday, September 8th, ending 16 days later on Sunday. Most
days were 250 miles or shorter which meant that at those markedly
slower speeds the riders spent a long time in the saddle each day. Famed
motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter was there to document the Run,
shooting from the back of a 1953 rigid Panhead. Coveted artist David Uhl
flew out to Kitty Hawk where he collaborated with Michael and then flew
home to create, in less than 16 days, two paintings that were presented
to Bradford P. Wilmarth and Rick McMaken in Santa Monica. David also
completed a 3rd piece called “Into The Wind” to honor Lonnie Isam,
Cannonball founder. Bradford was first in his class II event and overall
winner by completing all 3294 miles and Rick was first in his class III event
and completed all 3294 miles. A friend of ours, Cristine Sommer-Simmons
(Team Effie), finished 20th overall on her 1915 Harley Davidson (named
Effie) after completing 2899 miles. Team Effie had an all-woman crew that
included Bonneville record-breaker Laura Klock. Team Effie was named
after Effie Hotchkiss who 95 years ago decided to buy a motorcycle and
travel coast to coast. Her mother didn’t want her traveling alone, so Effie
put a sidecar on a 1915 3-speed V-Twin Harley Davidson, putting her
mother Avis inside and making that trip from NY to SF. Katrin Bohner, from
Germany, on her first trip to the United States, placed 1st in her class I
event on her 1907 JAP and placed 17th overall completing 3002 miles.
You could write a book on this Run and maybe someone will. Suffice to
say that none of the participants will forget the experience and for those
that say Why? I say “Why Not!”
Read more at: www.motorcyclecannonball.com
lm/joe
“Change is never easy, and we have asked our employees to make difficult deci-
sions. However, we are pleased to be keeping production operations in our home-
town of Milwaukee and in Tomahawk,” said Keith Wandell, President and Chief
Executive Officer. “Together, we are making the necessary changes across our
entire company to succeed in a competitive, global marketplace while continuing
to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers.” A key component of Har-
ley-Davidson’s restructuring is a standardized continuous-improvement produc-
tion system across company facilities. That system focuses on greater flexibility
for seasonal and other volume-related production changes, an enhanced ability to
vary product mix in line with customer preferences including the customization of
motorcycles at the factory, and greater production efficiency overall. The produc-
tion system includes the addition of a “casual” workforce component - unionized
employees who work as required, depending on seasonal needs and to provide
coverage for vacations and other absences.
The decision to remain in Wisconsin concludes a two-path assessment that began
earlier this year to determine whether the Company could achieve the needed
changes for the Wisconsin operations to be competitive and if not, relocate those
operations.
BONNEVILLE WORLD FINALS
MOTORCYCLE SPEED RECORD SET
USING DYNACYCLE OIL
Dynacycle Oil Increases Horsepower and Lowers
Engine Temperature Under Harsh Conditions
JAMESBURG, NJ - (October 18, 2010) - Aaron Wilson, of NRHS V-Twin Per-
formance, returned to the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, UT for the 2010
Bonneville World Finals. Aaron finally broke the 200 mph limit with a top speed of
203.497 mph and set a new 2-way average speed record of 195.264 mph in the
1650cc A-PF class. Aaron’s motorcycle competing at the World Finals used Dyna-
cycle Oil, a 20w-50 premium semi-synthetic motor oil known for lowering engine
temperature and increasing horsepower.
Dan Dunn, owner of NRHS V-Twin Performance located in Longmont, Colorado,
proudly states “NRHS specializes in all things Harley and Buell including CNC
Headwork, Engine/Bore Kits, Dynamometer Tuning, Parts, and Services.” He and
the NRHS Racing Team have set the record for the “Fastest American V-Twin” at
Bonneville 6 of the last 8 years. Dan says, “We consider it a Win-Win whenever
you get an increase in horsepower and lower engine temperatures especially in
harsh conditions like the Salt Flats. “My racing team and I are very impressed with
Dynacycle and the way it performs. The bearings and pistons still looked new
even after running multiple passes at RPM’s above 7500 for 2 miles at a time.”
The Dynacycle Oil Company, established in 2003, is a biker owned and operated
business headquartered in central New Jersey. Dynacycle Motor Oil, a 20w-50
premium semi-synthetic blend motor oil made in the USA, is specifically formu-
lated for all 4 stroke air and water cooled motorcycle and performance engines.
For more information about Dynacycle Oil, please contact us or visit our
website at http://dynacycleoil.com

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www.thundercolorado.com www.thundercolorado.com

12 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 13
www.thundercolorado.com
Advertising Bloopers and Blunders
Starbucks
Thousands of posters were printed in Germany encouraging German
customers to ‘Enjoy your morning Latte’. Oops! In German, ‘Latte’ is slang
for an erection.
Coors successful slogan ‘Turn it Loose’ didn’t do so well in the Spanish
Market. The Spanish-speaking drinkers were instead encouraged to ‘Get
Diarrhea.’
Purdue chicken ad translated in Arabic. “It takes a virile man to make a
chicken pregnant.”
Pepsi ad slogan ‘Pepsi Comes Alive’ as originally translated into Chinese.
“bring your ancestors back from the grave.”
Microsoft ended up almost too honest when translating its slogan into
Japanese – it read: ‘If you don’t know where you want to go, we’ll make
sure you get taken.’
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s famous slogan ‘Finger Lickin’ Good’ came out in
KFC’s first Chinese as ‘Eat Your Fingers Off.’
Ford Pinto flopped in Brazil. Pinto was Brazilian slang for “small genitals”
Ford substituted Corcel, which means Horse.
A Bad Day
There I was is sitting at the bar staring at my drink when a large, trouble-
making biker steps up next to me, grabs my drink and gulps it down in one
swig. “Well, whatcha gonna do about it?” he says, menacingly. “This is the
worst day of my life,” I say. “I’m a complete failure. I was late to a meeting
and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had
been stolen and I don’t have any insurance. I left my wallet in the cab I took
home. I found my wife in bed with the gardener, then, my dog bit me. So I
came to this bar to work up the courage to put an end to it all, I buy a drink,
I drop a capsule in and sit here watching the poison dissolve; then you show
up and drink the whole thing! But enough about me, how’s your day going?”
Jack
‘It’s just too hot to wear clothes today,’ Jack says as he stepped out of the
shower, ‘honey, what do you think the neighbors would think if mowed the
lawn like this?’ ‘Probably that I married you for your money,’ she replied.
More One-liners
What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand? Quatro Cinco.
What Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches? A Nervous
Wreck.
Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs? Right Where You Left Him.
Why Do Gorillas Have Big Nostrils? Because They Have Big Fingers.
Why Did Pilgrims’ Pants Always Fall Down? Because They Wore Their
Belt Buckles On Their Hats.
WHY DO MEN SNORE WHEN THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS? (because
their balls fall over their butt-hole and they vapor lock)
What do you see when the Pillsbury Dough Boy bends over?
Doughnuts
Why is it so hard for women to find men that are sensitive, caring, and
good-looking? Because those men already have boyfriends
14 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR
What’s the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a
year, the dog is still excited to see you
Why did OJ Simpson want to move to West Virginia? Everyone has the
same DNA
Why do drivers’ education classes in Redneck schools use the car
only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays? Because on Tuesday and
Thursday, the Sex Ed class uses it
How do you get a sweet 80-year-old lady to say the F word? Get another
sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*!
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak
A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t
need it.
What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man? A rumor
Wash and Wear
One day my housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweat-
shirt seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to me,
‘What setting do I use on the washing machine?’ ‘It depends,’ I replied.
‘What does it say on your shirt?’ He yelled back, ‘University of Oklahoma.’
And they say blondes are dumb...
Ramblings of a Retired Mind
I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that
everyone has clipped onto their belt or purse. I can’t afford one. So, I’m
wearing my garage door opener. I also made a cover for my hearing aid
and now I have what they call blue teeth, I think. You know, I spent a fortune
on deodorant before I realized that people didn’t like me anyway. I was
thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans!
I was thinking about old age and decided that old age is ‘when you still have
something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it.’ I thought about
making a fitness movie for folks my age, and call it ‘Pumping Rust’. I’ve
gotten that dreaded furniture disease. That’s when your chest is falling into
your drawers! When people see a cat’s litter box, they always say, ‘Oh, have
you got a cat?’ Just once I want to say, ‘No, it’s for company!’ Employment
application blanks always ask who is to be notified in case of an emergency.
I think you should write, ‘A Good Doctor’! I was thinking about how people
seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older. Then, it dawned
on me…They were cramming for their finals. As for me, I’m just hoping God
grades on the curve.
A Biker couple, both well into their 80s, go to a sex therapist’s office. The
doctor asks, “What can I do for you?” The man says, “Will you watch us have
sexual intercourse?” The doctor raises both eyebrows, but he is so amazed
that such an elderly couple is asking for sexual advice that he agrees. When
the couple finishes, the doctor says, “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with
the way you have intercourse.” He thanks them for coming, he wishes them
good luck, he charges them $50 and he says good bye. The next week,
the same couple returns and asks the sex therapist to watch again. The
sex therapist is a bit puzzled, but agrees. This happens several weeks in a
row. The couple makes an appointment, has intercourse with no problems,
pays the doctor, then leave. Finally, after 3 months of this routine, the doctor
says, “I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Just what are you trying to find out?” The
man says, “We’re not trying to find out anything. She’s married so we can’t
go to her house. I’m married and we can’t go to my house. The Holiday Inn
charges $98. The Hilton charges $139. We do it here for $50, and I get $43
back from Medicare.
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 15
S A Bike Named
ergeant First Class Donald Harris, a Bronze Star and the opposite side of the bike is the
17 year veteran of the United States Combat Badge. Both were awarded to Don during

Warrior
Army embarked on a journey he had his tour. Looking through the smoked windscreen
no idea he would undertake after his is a depiction of an actual scene as seen through
deployment in Iraq. Don wanted to buy a motorcycle night vision goggles. The soldier in silhouette in front
of some sort and first started looking at cruisers with of the flag on the lower left side below the Bronze
his daughter Faith. She pointed out that at 41 he just Star is Don. There are depictions of various types
might be in a mid life crisis. She thought a cruiser of apparatus used in war and honor is paid to those
was “old” and pointed out a more suitable bike to still unknown with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier
“stay young”. What they found was a 2008 Kawasaki on the gas tank, the POW/MIA emblem on the front
Ninja ZX 14. The ZX 14 is arguably the fastest pro- fender and the fallen soldier on the rear fender. The
duction sport bike made (electronically limited to 186 one graphic with most meaning to Don is the fallen
MPH). Don sat on it and there the journey begins. soldier angel. You don’t have to be a combat vet to
He decided he needed a simple tank graphic and see why. Over the next year, more graphics will be
a few extra parts for the new bike. No engine work added; Pearl Harbor, The Wall and the Twin Towers.
was needed so Don and his wife Mitzi added bolt-on The paint and graphics has and will continue to be
parts and other upgrades. Yamashiki rotors, Ham- done for free by Mitch Diamond of Diamond Auto
mers bars, 9” swing arm extension, grips, a new Craft, Pueblo. He says it’s his way of serving.
chain and more. Yet to come will be some frame Harris’s “Warrior” is due to have its unveiling at the
covers with custom paint added, a custom seat from televised Denver Nuggets/L.A. Lakers game on
Bitchn Stitchn, a 240 tire and a rear view camera, Nov 11th and Kawasaki Motors Corporation is so
new exhaust and ipod. As his once simple project impressed with this bike that next year they will be
began to unfold, he went in search of a painter to do doing a photo shoot of their own.
a simple tank graphic that reflected his time in the
Army. Little did he know…. Thank you Don for your depiction of your branch of
the armed forces. Your bike really touches them all.
Don is currently a recruiter so the bike is constantly Thank you and all your brothers and sisters from all
in front of people wherever he goes. He explained the services for your service! And to think, all you
to me that every graphic has personal meaning to really wanted was a simple tank mural and a couple
him. This is Don’s Army life in a nutshell and also of parts when you purchased the bike.
shows his respect and appreciation for our country
and the people that serve or have served her. 50 Joe, Live, Love, Laugh and Ride - Free
caliber machine gun bullets line the upper part of the
fairing. On one side of his bike is the depiction of the

Don’s stock 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 14 Warrior Bike in front of statue of General Kit Carson at Fort Carson, CO

Don working on the project Mitch Diamond of Diamond Auto Craft

www.thundercolorado.com
Get Your Biker Friendly Business Listed For Only $120/Year 970-669-4015
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Apparel
Beaver’s Den
9019 W. Highway 34
Loveland, CO
970-669-2320
EM Leather
14016 Mississippi & I-225
(Abilene Market) Aurora
303-337-6690
www.em-leather.com
Bail Bonds
Affordable Bail Bonds
436 Link Lane
Fort Collins, CO
970-663-2499, 970-490-2245
970-392-9959
Bands
Slick Machine Rock and Soul
970-593-1869 / 970-593-8701
Bars &
Restaurants
Benny’s Restaurant and Lounge
517 W. Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
719-634-2127
Bruces Bar
345 1st Street, Severance, Co.
970-686-23320
www.brucesbar123.com
Crazy Jacks
6520 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO. (970) 223-1100
www.crazyjackssaloon.com
Fatsos Diner
16060 W. Eisenhower (Highway 34)
Loveland, Co 970-776-9660
FRANKIE’S BAR & GRILL
945 N Powers Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
719-574-4881
www.FrankiesBarGrill.com
FRANKIE’S TOO!
7376 McLaughlin Rd
Falcon, CO 80831 719-495-8707
www.FrankiesToo.com
Fullmoon Saloon Bar & Grill
206 E. Main, Pierce, Colorado
970-834-2880
Henry’s Pub & Club
138 S. Front St., Sterling, CO
970-522-5162
18 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
The Hideout
1903 Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins CO
970-407-1903
www.hideoutpatiobarandgrill.com
Kelly O’Brians Sports Grill
239 N. Academy
Colo. Spgs. CO
719-573-1976
Larkspur Pizzaria & Café
8815 Spruce Mountain Road
Larkspur, Co. 303-681-2090
We Deliver!
Last Chance Pizza Co.
40 Cove Blvd, Summit Cove - C2
Dillion, CO 970-513-0900
Free Delivery after 5 pm
Lil Slice of Elbert
6739 Lavell Ave
Elbert, CO
303-648-0066
www.lilsliceofelbert.com
Beer Garden Opening in April
Night Shotz
3329 N. Garfield (US 287)
Loveland 970-669-3727
Office Lounge Bar and Grill
1710 W. Eisenhower Blvd.
Loveland (970) 667-0408
Old Chicago
27 Colorado Locations
www.oldchicago.com
The Pizza and Beer Authority
Roy’s Last Shot on the Peak to
Peak Hwy
17286 Hwy 119
303-642-7870
www.roys-last-shot.com
The Silver Tongue Devil Saloon
10530 Ute Pass Ave
Green Mountain Falls, CO
(719) 684-2555
www.thesilvertonguedevil.com
The Y-Knot
6331 Washington St., Denver, CO
303-288-1605
Historic Ute Inn
204 W. Midland Dr.
Woodland Park CO 719-687-1465
www.uteinn.com
Western Omelette
16 S Walnut St
Colorado Springs, CO 80905-1537
(719) 636-2286
www.westernomelette.com
Cannabis centers
Tumbleweeds General Store
Home of Lyons Finest Confidential
Care
4071 Ute Highway, Lyons, CO
720-335-5519
ChurchEs
Church in The Wind
2411 Alcott Avenue, Denver, CO
303.427.1538
Coffee Houses
Bob’s Coffee Shop
3522 WCR 54G (US 287)
La Porte, CO
970-691-8911 / e-mail
bobscoffeeshop@gmail.com
Check us out on Facebook
Full Throttle Coffee House
6712 S. College (College & Trilby)
Fort Collins, CO
970-219-7939, 970-217-0018
www.fullthrottlecoffeehouse.com
Computer Service
PCRX Remedy
4850 Galley Rd, Colo Sp.
(719) 622-9222
www.pcrxremedy.com
Custom Paint
True Kustom
Premium Motorcycle Finishing
303-241-5287
WWW.TRUEKUSTOM.COM
Custom Seats
Bitchn Stitchn Inc.
11354 W. 13th Ave. Unit 1
Lakewood, Co. 303-238-5404
www.bitchnstitchninc.com
www.bsseats.com
Dealers / Shops
American Bike Tailor Inc.
3032 S. Academy Blvd.
CO Springs, CO 80916
Phone – 719-391-1017
www.Americanbiketailor.com
Aruba HD
www.harleydavidson-aruba.com
297-582-8660
Ascend Creations
6266 N. Lewis Ct, Parker, Co
303-956-8039
www.Motorcycleserviceparker.com
Cycle Haven Storage and Service
Colorado Springs, CO
719-265-0000
www.cyclehaven.com
EXP Motorsports
3301 W. Hampden, Sheridan, Co
303-688-4001
Front Range Cycle
2016 E. Lincoln
(corner of Lincoln and Industrial)
Fort Collins 970-482-1454
Full Moon Customs
3 Oak Avenue, Eaton, Co.
970-454-8710 or 970-396-8051
www.fullmooncustoms.com
Wild West Motorsports/Greeley
Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha
3010 W. 29th St., Greeley, Co.
www.WildWestMs.com
Hawg Wild Custom Choppers
4315 S. Lincoln, Loveland, CO
970-669-5589 fax 970-669-5572
www.hawgwildcc.com
Lees Motorcycles
1115 S. Greeley Hwy
Cheyenne, Wy
307-772-7975
Mile High Harley-Davidson
16565 E. 33rd Dr., Aurora
303-343-3300 or 1-888-747-AHOG
www.milehighharley.com
Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker
6280 E. Pine Lane, Parker, CO
720-842-1500
www.milehighharley.com
Motogear Outlet
5405 W. 56th Ave., Arvada, CO
303-456-4757
www.motogearoutlet.com
Ragged Edge Power Sports
4531 E. Platte, Colorado Springs
(719) 648-6084
Rampage Performance Cycles
125 S. Main St, Longmont
303-776-6935
Roadies Performance Inc.
5675 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
Arvada, CO 303-420-8782
Sangers Cycles
1724 E. Lincoln, Fort Collins
970-419-5500
Get Your Biker Friendly Business Listed For Only $120/Year 970-669-4015
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Speedwrench LLC
665 E. 70th Ave. #5
Denver, CO 303-853-0763
www.speedwrenchonline.com
Detailing
The Shining Custom Detailing
3620 Manhattan Ave
Behind Auto Zone (off Horsetooth)
Fort Collins, CO
970-566-8923
Guns, Ammo &
Concealed Carry
Frontier Trading Post
Corner of Park & Hwy 24
Woodland Park, CO 719-687-1266
Guns, Rifles, Ammo, Knives,
Collectables
Hair/Nails/Salons
Fransua’s at Greenwood Village
5801 S. Quebec St.
Englewood, CO 80111 303-770-0201
www.yelp.com/biz/fransuas-hair-salon-
englewood
Complete Hair and Nail care for Men &
Women
Mane Street & Company
1021 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO
970-669-1618
Insurance
Geico Powersports, Motorcycle,
ATV, RV, Watercraft,
1-800-44CYCLE(442-9253),
WWW.GEICO.COM
Leather & Repair
Eagles Wings Stitch and Repair
Stitching & leather repair
SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM EMBROIDERY
2345 Academy Pl, Ste 109
Colorado Springs (719) 646-2831
www.eagleswingsstitchandrepair.com
EM Leather
14016 Mississippi & I-225
(Abilene Market) Aurora
303-337-6690 www.em-leather.com
The Brickhouse Leather Co.
319 Main St., Longmont, CO.
303-772-9277
www.brickhouseleathercompany.com
Twin Peaks Leather
5655 Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
Arvada, CO 303-432-1047
www.twinpeaksleather.com
www.thundercolorado.com
Legal Motorcycle Skills 877-478-5162 / elkview@rapidnet.com
Training www.elkviewcampground.com
AIM / NCOM May 1st Oct 30th
Richard M. Lester ABATE of Colorado 100 full hookups Tent camping
(800) 531-2424 / 1-800-on-a-bike 4725 Paris St. Suite #250
www.onabike.com Denver, Colorado, 303-789-3264 Tattoos
http://www.abateofcolo.org
Law Offices of Daniel R. Rosen Skibos Tattoo
8310 S.Valley Highway Suite 210 Bluecreek Motorcycle Training Co 1008 N. College Ave.
Englewood, CO 4704 Harlan Street Suite 500 Fort Collins 970-224-5241
800-ROSEN911 Denver, CO www.skibostattoo.com
www.danielrrosen.com 303-947-6011
Motorcycle License Testing without Wheels & Tire
a Class Service
Law Tigers Colorado
4828 So. College Ave. Motorcycle License Testing ONLY Woody’s Wheel Works
Ft. Collins, Co. 970-377-3800 NO NEED TO TAKE A CLASS 2225 South Platte River Drive
www.lawtigers.com Roy Hansen & Assoc. LLC Denver, CO 303-936-0232
Old Ft. Collins “Downtown” Airport www.woodyswheelworks.com
Liquor Ft. Collins, CO 970-690-8847 “You Bend Em, We Mend Em”
www.cdltest.net
287 Discount Liquor
5846 S. College Ave. Photography Wyoming
Fort Collins, CO. 970-377-0557
COLWELL PHOTOGRAPY BARS & RESTAURANTS
Lodging Wedding Specialist
www.colwell photo.com Eagles Nest Bar & Package Store
Hotel VQ Michael @ 970-206-9999 1101 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wy
1975 Bryant St., Denver 307-778-7678
720-855-4004 Event Photography
www.redlion.com/denverdowntown Have camera will travel LIQUOR
www.onsightphotos.net
Metal Recycling Kevin 303-803-4286 Vinos Liquors
I-25 & Vandehei Ave., Cheyenne
Atlas Metal and Iron Corp Real Estate 307-778-9463
1100 Umatilla Street, Denver, CO.
303-825-7166 ASSIST - 2 - SELL / TATTOO
ORTIZ REALTY, INC.
Miscellaneous 1601 E. Eisenhower Blvd. # 4 Skibos Tattoo
service Loveland, Co. 970-206-4900 117 West 5th St, Cheyenne
Rortiz@Assist2Sell.com 307-632-6869
Bulldog Custom Chrome WWW.A2SCOLORADO.COM www.skibostattoo.com
1405 Webster Avenue
Fort Collins, CO Sturgis Camping
970.391.1849,
www.bulldogcustomchrome.com Elkview Campground
13014 Pleasant Valley Rd
J&J Electric LLC Sturgis SD 605-347-7620.
303-564-1656 Englewood, CO
Residential, Commercial, Service
R&M Services Muffler Specialists
622 1st St., Fort Lupton, CO
303-857-4000
Motorcycle Touring
Living the Dream Tours
Guided motorcycle tours in South Africa
4710 Cheyenne Dr, Larkspur, CO
303-719-4453 / 303-681-3900
www.livingthedreamtours.com
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 19

www.thundercolorado.com
Putting Her to Bed
Winterizing Your Motorcycle
Well, unfortunately, it’s that time of year again.
Many of you are probably parking your ride until
next spring, or at least until one of those unex-
pected warm days in February. Roger and I will
ride ours all winter, snow and ice permitting, but
the rides will be much shorter and farther be-
tween than during the warm months. This means
we all need to give some thought to winterizing our motorcycles. You should give
any bike that is going to be parked for more than a couple of weeks some special
attention now.
Fuel Stabilizer is at the top of the list. With the different additives and such that
gasoline contains these days – it does not take long at all for the gas to change
into a harmful varnish. It may clog up fuel filters, fuel lines or even small passages
in the carburetor or fuel-injected system. Though we plan to ride ours, we will still
add fuel stabilizer – just in case Mother Nature grounds us for longer than we like
this winter.
On a carbureted motorcycle that is not going to be ridden at all until next spring,
it is recommended to drain all the gas from the tank and the carburetor. Taking
one last good long ride might be the best way, then you can drain the carburetor
by running the motorcycle in neutral until all the fuel has burned up.. This will not
harm the engine – it’s the same effect as unintentionally running out of gas.
If you ride a fuel-injected model – DO NOT DRAIN ALL THE GAS OUT. Just the
opposite – you will want to keep the gas tank full and add a good fuel stabilizer to
the gas tank on your last fill up. Remember most of the recommended amounts
to use are based on a car-sized gas tank so read the directions on the product you
choose, and adjust the proportions to the size of fuel tank your motorcycle has.
Computerized and Fuel Injected motorcycles draw battery power constantly –
even when parked. We have a great option these days with the Battery Tender™.
These can stay plugged into your bike all winter as they are designed not to over-
charge. They will however, ensure that the proper charge is in the battery when
riding time comes around.
The throttle and clutch cables should be lubricated to prevent moisture build up
20 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
T
www.thundercolorado.com
N
T
and subsequent rusting over the cold months. Even if you are still going to ride
– those cables will last longer and be less susceptible to rusting if you oil or lube
them now.
The freeze point of the coolant must be checked for liquid-cooled engines. This
is easily done with an inexpensive antifreeze tester, which can be purchased at
any auto-parts store. Make sure the antifreeze is good enough for the coldest
temperatures expected in your location. Also check the condition of the coolant.
It should be clean looking and sweet smelling; anything else means the antifreeze
may not be able to protect the engine. If it looks or smells bad, you probably want
to flush and replace with new antifreeze.
Don’t forget to take care of the tires. Park the bike on a center stand or lift that gets
it off its tires – that would be best. Otherwise, remember to roll it occasionally to a
new contact patch to prevent flat spots.
Personally, we do all this and a bit more to our motorcycles every winter. This is
only the short list; there is a free, detailed description of winterizing available on
my web site at: www.bluecreekmotorcycletraining.com Doing some winter main-
tenance now will ensure a great ride next spring. Now that is something to look
forwards to!
If you are riding, keep the Shiny Side Up, Jasmine Bluecreek Clark
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 21
 A Different Kind of Trip
www.thundercolorado.com
Abby Clabough
http://danger-curves.com
In 2007 I took a solo cross-country trip that started
in New Hampshire, went north across the states to
California, then wound back around a more southern
route, racking up around 8,300 miles in the process.
It was life-changing and resulted in my moving to
Colorado a few months later. There was too much out
west I still needed to see, and the wide-open spaces
were calling me. I figured it would be a long time be-
fore I rode back east for anything.
That was before the impending birth of my first grand-
child on Memorial Day in 2010. I tossed a few op-
tions around, including flying and renting a Harley
so I could take some of my favorite New Hampshire
rides. On May 25th I decided to take my bike, and I
left three days later on Friday afternoon.
After delivering several tiny pink Harley shirts to my
beautiful new granddaughter, I visited Laconia while
they were in preparations for the rally the following
week and then rode south to Georgia to visit with
friends I hadn’t seen in twenty years. Heading west, I
saw old friends and met new ones in Texas and then
blasted back to Colorado for a total of 6,050 miles
over 25 days.
That’s the short version. There’s a much more de-
tailed version on the Internet. As I did on my first
cross-country trip, I dragged my MacBook along in
the saddlebag and blogged about my trip along the
way. That was one of the few similarities between the
trips. Differences? Planning the route, the schedule,
preparations, what I carried with me, and the purpose
of the trip – just about everything except the motor-
cycle, and that had gone through a lot of changes
(and a lot of miles) since the last trip.
22 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
At one point when I was trying to decide how I was in New York I’d end up, but I can find my way to New
going to make the trip, I considered flying out and Hampshire from anywhere in New York without a
buying a bobbed Shovelhead I’d seen on Craigslist. map.
It would be an adventure. There were no saddlebags,
That plan worked out just fine until I got sick of
and the rear fender wasn’t designed to carry any
the high winds on I-80 west of Lincoln. I wanted to
weight. Everything would have to fit on the handle-
cover a couple of states I’d never ridden in before,
bars, and a good portion of that would need to be
so I dipped down into Kansas, followed by Missouri,
tools and the phone numbers of my favorite mechan-
and then up into Iowa. I enjoyed the quiet country
ics. For 2,000 miles I could deal. Some standard
roads and chose not to get back on the Interstate
Craigslist miscommunication caused that plan to dis-
system. My handy Internet-enabled cell phone gave
sipate, but by then I had my heart set on a road trip.
me maps, but when I dropped down into Kansas, I
The idea of a hard-core, old school trip on the Shov- realized the scale was a lot smaller than I’d assumed.
elhead got me thinking that a similar ride on my Twin Plus I needed to head toward a friend’s house in
Cam, which by then had almost 100,000 miles on it, Ohio, and I had no idea how far north or south I was
would be a great way to go cross-country and have of that location. Just before I crossed the Mississippi,
a completely different experience than the ’07 trip. I decided that a road atlas would help. I’d been loi-
Rather than load up for every anticipated need, I tering in convenience stores and checking out their
was going bare bones. I’d just had moderate 13” ape maps, but $8.95 for my very own guide seemed like a
hangers installed on the bike, which provided a great worthwhile purchase.
place to secure my one-man tent, sleeping bag and
The core difference between the two trips was my pur-
camp mattress. The front turn signals weren’t work-
pose. In 2007, I was riding through a lot of uncharted
ing, but that added to the ambiance. My camping
(for me) territory. I was seeing some people here and
equipment doubled as a bug shield but didn’t help
there, but my plan was to hit a lot of scenic roads out
too much with the rain. A small Memphis Shades
west, as quickly as possible. And while my earlier ride
windshield had protected me on my earlier trip, but
became a spiritual journey through unusual scenery,
it was just my bare face and the elements this time.
experiences, and new people, the ride back east had
I put some clothes in one saddlebag and my laptop
an entirely different focus. It was all about friends and
and other items on the other side.
family from my past. I had some serious soul search-
While I was roughing it equipment-wise, the schedul- ing and reconciliations while in Georgia that needed
ing was much better on this journey. I’m self-employed to be hashed out in my own mind long ago. The day
and can do a lot of work from my computer, wherever I made it back to my new home of Colorado was a
it is. I was supposed to be teaching a Basic Rider joyous one. Rather than dreading my return, like I did
Course around the third week in June, but it wasn’t in ’07, I was thrilled to be home. That was the best
hard to find someone to take over. In the meantime, difference of all.
I’d been in touch with old friends in Georgia through
Editors Note: Abby is currently working on a book,
Facebook. It had been a long time since I’d left the
probably titled “Shovelhead Redemption.”
south, and I was ready to go back. Besides, one route
between the northeast and the southeast involves the
Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Twist my
arm. I also had some friends in Texas I wanted to see,
so that seemed like the logical rest of the loop. I was
starting to think I’d be gone a month, more or less.
Colorado to New Hampshire to Georgia to Texas and
back to Colorado. That was as detailed as my plan
got – a huge departure from the little route book I’d
printed, laminated and bound on my previous cross-
country tour. I figured I’d get to I-80 in Nebraska and
head east into New York. I couldn’t remember where
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 23
www.thundercolorado.com
News Bytes
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured
Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored
by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-
BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com
NCOM NEWS BYTES 10-06
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists
FEDS PUSH HELMET LAWS AND
MOTORCYCLE-ONLY ROADBLOCKS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking
applications from law enforcement agencies across the country to conduct
federally-funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.
Now mirrored in other states, “Motorcycle-Only Safety Checkpoints” were
initiated in New York last year and are set up during large motorcycle rallies
or near large biker gathering spots to check not only license, registration and
insurance, but also for DOT-compliant helmets and legal exhaust systems.
ABATE of New York is working with NY A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists)
attorney Mitch Proner on legal actions to halt these discriminatory roadblocks in
the Empire State.
But police forces across the country may soon receive public funds to target
motorcyclists, though U.S. Reps F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) and
Tom Petri (R-WI) along with several colleagues in Congress have written to
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking him to suspend funding of the
federal grants for the NHTSA checkpoint program.
In addition, after learning that NHTSA recently testified to the Senate Committee
on Commerce Science and Transportation that “The most important step we
could take would be to assure that all riders wear a DOT-compliant helmet,”
according to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, who added “NHTSA
will actively work with Congress to promote helmet use,” Congressman
Sensenbrenner and fellow Congressional lawmakers have also introduced H.
Res. 1498 which “supports efforts to retain the ban on the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration’s ability to lobby state legislatures using federal tax
dollars and urges NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education.”
The US Defenders have joined with other state and national motorcycle
groups in urging riders to contact their Congress members to support H. Res.
1498, and to write DOT & NHTSA to oppose federally-funded motorcycle-only
safety checks. “This is one more piece of evidence of the constant profiling
attempts targeting our community at large,” said Escondido Paul, National Lt.
Commander of the US Defenders, in issuing a nationwide Call To Action through
all Confederations of Clubs and coalitions in every state. For further information,
consult www.USDefenders.org.
BLACK MOTORCYCLISTS AT HIGHER RISK
African-American motorcyclists are more likely than others to die in crashes,
even though they are more likely to wear a helmet, according to a study done
to determine if race had anything to do with motorcycle crash mortality; and the
results stood out in black and white.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions analyzed statistics
from the National Trauma Data Bank of 68,840 people involved in motorcycle
crashes from 2002-2006, and found that black motorcycle crash victims were
1.5 times more likely to die than similarly injured white riders.
The findings do not help support the push for helmet laws since African-
Americans mortality rates were still 50% higher even though they were 30%
more likely to wear a helmet; although the highest mortality rates are among
African-American motorcyclists without helmets. Whites who weren’t wearing
helmets were less likely to be killed in crashes than blacks who wore protective
headgear.
24 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
The study, published in the American Journal of Surgery, raises questions about
the efficacy of injury prevention strategies such as state helmet laws that may
not be protecting all riders equally.
“For reasons that we are still trying to figure out, one size of injury prevention
does not fit all groups of people and just wearing a helmet is not enough,”
senior author Dr. Adil Haider says in a statement. “Helmet for helmet, African-
Americans have more lethal injuries.”
Haider suspects several factors -- such as lack of health insurance, reduced
access to healthcare, poorer quality of care and a greater number of pre-existing
illnesses/injuries -- may be combining to account for the survival gap.
It is possible, he says, riders of different races may prefer different types of
helmets or style of motorcycles, suggesting that more research is needed.
MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES PLUMMET IN
2009
It’s not surprising when accident rates increase in proportion to increased usage
and number of miles travelled, but last year motorcyclist fatalities decreased
more than any other category of road users despite more motorcycles being
ridden more miles!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting
System reports that 4,462 riders died in 2009, 850 fewer than in the previous
year, representing a 16% drop in fatalities despite a 5% increase in miles
traveled and 4.5% increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. The
Motorcycle Industry Council recorded half a million more motorcycles in use in
2009, up from 11 million in 2008, and according to the MIC 2009 Motorcycle
Owner Survey, they were ridden 1.3 billion more miles.
There was also a decrease in motorcycle accident injuries, down 6.3% from
96,000 in 2008 to 90,000 last year.
Overall U.S. traffic fatalities hit the lowest level ever recorded, since 1950 when
the government began tracking such statistics, and the 33,808 road deaths in
2009 was down 9.7% from the year before. All traffic accidents, fatal or not,
declined by 5.3% between 2008 and 2009, though motor vehicle crashes are still
the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 3 and 34, NHTSA said.
CALIFORNIA ENACTS ANTI-MOTORCYCLE
NOISE LAW
Motorcycle-riding California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has put his stamp
of approval on a controversial law aimed at cracking down on motorcyclists who
replace stock exhaust systems with aftermarket pipes that don’t comply with
federal EPA noise and emissions standards.
Under SB 435 by State Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), the Motorcycle
Anti-Tampering Act makes it illegal for motorcyclists to remove and replace
federally required emissions equipment, and motorcycles manufactured after
January 1, 2013 will be required to display a readily visible and unalterable label
stamped into the pipes that indicates that they meet federal standards. Bikers
will still be able to install aftermarket exhausts, but for bikes built after 2013 the
replacement parts must be EPA-certified and permanently stamped.
Similar anti-noise laws have been enacted recently in Boston and Denver.
Illegal tampering with emissions systems in California will be a secondary
violation, meaning that motorcyclists would have to first be pulled over for some
other infraction before officers could inspect for the presence of the EPA stamp
and issue a citation. First time offenders could face up to $100 fine, but it will be
considered a “fix-it” ticket and proof of repair would get the violation dismissed,
though subsequent infractions could result in fines of up to $250.
Pavley’s original bill sought to include motorcycles in the state’s SMOG
emissions testing program, but after being stymied by intense lobbying by
state and national motorcyclists rights organizations, she later reintroduced the
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Researchers gathered information from a national trauma bank on nearly
measure to instead force motorcycles into compliance with existing federally-
60,000 accidents that occurred between 2002 and 2006 (13,749 from off-
mandated sound and air pollution levels.
road motorcycle riding and 44,509 from ATV mishaps). There are somewhere
US SUPREME COURT TO RULE ON between 800 and 900 deaths due to ATV accidents each year, according to
PROTESTS AT MILITARY FUNERALS ATVSafety.gov, a government web site.
Dr. Adil Haider, a surgeon from the Johns Hopkins Center for Surgery Trials and
A group of patriotic motorcyclists recently staged a counter-demonstration
Outcomes Research in Baltimore, Maryland, who headed the study, said he
during the Arlington National Cemetery burial of a local Navy SEAL, parking
and his colleagues don’t know yet why the ATV riders are more at risk than the
motorcycles and revving engines to oppose a protest staged by members of the
motorcyclists.
fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas.
“We think there are much more energy transfers when an ATV turns over, but we
Similar scenes play out across America, as a grieving family lays their loved
can’t tell whether that is because of the stability of the vehicle or the weight of
one to rest, the funeral of a service member killed in action is disrupted by vocal
protesters shouting vindictive and incendiary remarks at mourners and wave the vehicle as it rolls over on a rider,” he said in a statement prepared before the
signs that read “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “God Hates the USA”. presentation.
The motorcyclists, mostly veterans who are members of the Patriot Guard
YEMEN BANS MOTORCYCLES DUE TO
Riders, led the funeral procession and then strategically parked their bikes in
TERRORISM THREAT
between the family and the protesters and revved up their engines to drown their
chanting, and saluted in respect as the funeral cortege passed by giving them a Riding a motorcycle is a popular pastime in Yemen, but fearing al-Qaida
thumbs up. assassins on wheels authorities in Yemen’s Abyan Governorate, a growing
terrorist stronghold in the Arabian Peninsula, have banned motorcycles from
The church protesters, who contend that God is killing members of the military
cities in the region’s urban centers.
because of the nation’s sins, often demonstrate at military funerals, and are
now the subjects of a United States Supreme Court case that will decide if the “Using motorbikes in terrorist operations to assassinate intelligence officers and
Constitution protects highly offensive hate speech from civil claims filed by security personnel have been massively mounted over the past nine months in
grieving relatives. the province,” a Yemeni Interior Ministry official told the Xinhua news agency
following a series of assassinations by al-Qaida militants throughout Abyan and
In Snyder v. Phelps, the father of a Marine killed in Iraq in 2006 was awarded
will affect some 5,000 two-wheeled vehicles.
$5 million in his lawsuit against the church for “intentional infliction of emotional
distress”, but a federal appeals court overturned the ruling on free speech “Motorcycles are typically used by terrorists and insurgents to deliver weapons
grounds, and now Albert Snyder is asking the High Court to reinstate the verdict. directly if it’s a suicide attack or to make a quick getaway,” Dr Theodore Karasik,
Director for Research and Development at the Institute for Near East Gulf
Justices heard oral arguments in the case on October 6th and the Supreme
Military Analysis told The Media Line. “The banning of motorcycles is indicative
Court is expected to render a decision late next Spring.
of how the government, with help from US officers, is trying to cut down on the
movements of al-Qaida members and tribal members who support them.”
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES MORE DEADLY
THAN MOTORCYCLES But while the Yemeni government has shown some concern over al-Qaida’s
presence in the country, this is a relatively recent development seen by many as
If you think 3 or even 4 wheels are safer than 2, research suggests you think
a ploy to please the United States.
again as more people die after ATV accidents than after motorcycle accidents.
According to trauma surgeons and public health researchers in a presentation QUOTABLE QUOTE
during the annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons, even when the
“The world is run by those who show up.”
severity of injuries was the same, the patients who had been riding ATVs were
Anonymous
50% more likely to die, and 50% more likely to need treatment in an intensive
care unit and mechanical ventilation, compared to the motorcycle riders.
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 25
Emily’s Parade
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School in Bailey, Colorado, destination
of Emily’s Parade.
Benke, a math teacher at Deer Creek
Middle School always told himself and
his students that if something dire ever
occurred, he would try to protect them.
He did just that when he disarmed a
gunman who had shot and wounded
two students in front of the school ear-
lier this year.
Emily’s Parade honors the memory of Emily Keyes, a student at Platte Canyon
High School that was shot and killed by a lone gunman on Sept. 27, 2006. It also
honors the victims of the Columbine tragedy that occurred on April 20,1999. Em-
ily’s Parade has been a fundraising effort by the I Love U Guys Foundation, creat-
ed by Emily’s parents John-Michael and Ellen Stoddard-Keyes. Funds raised this
TruTV has picked up
year were not verified prior to press time. Last year’s event raised about $36,000.
The I Love U Guys Foundation helps to keep schoolchildren safe by implement-
Michael Ballard’s
ing programs such as Standard Response Protocol, or SRP, ensuring a standard
response in the event of a threat at any school. The SRP was put into effect just 3
weeks prior to the Deer Creek Middle School event.
Full Throttle Saloon
It was an unseasonably warm, beautiful day, the fall colors vivid. As in years past,
pink ribbons, balloons and groups of spectators dotted the 45-mile stretch of the
for another whole Season!!!
Highway 285 canyon from Denver to Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colora-
do. The waiting crowd at Platte Canyon High school exclaimed, “Where are they?”
when road construction delayed the arrival of the first wave of motorcycles leading
the parade that started at Columbine High School in Littleton. Then, excitedly,
“Here they come!” as the rumble of the bikes echoed off the canyon walls and hun-
dreds of single headlights rounding the curve came into view. Hand waves were
place each year on this day. Emily was on the school’s track team. Numerous fly-
in abundance from both riders and spectators as wave after wave of motorcycles,
overs by a Flight For Life Helicopter added to the excitement. The crowd thinned
many adorned with pink ribbon (pink was Emily’s color) filled the parking lots.
quickly after lunch was served. For some, the warm temps beckoned riders for a

Call Tami at ETA and

An estimated 3000 participants including about1800 motorcycles and their pas- longer ride. For others, it was a cold beer and the 2:00 Denver Broncos game.
sengers, spectators, and over 300 volunteers came together for Emily’s Parade.
The goal of I Love U Guys is uniting community. I believe it’s working
There was notably more bike traffic coming in from the South Park side this year.
lm
The ER::5K, now known as Emily’s Run::5K is a memorial run/walk that also takes

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vacation today!
26 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
It’s A 10
www.thundercolorado.com
What do you do when you do something well? You keep doing it!
Well, I’m telling you that one to two thousand people can’t be wrong.
They came out to help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Mile High
Harley-Davison in Aurora, CO. The weather turned in a 10 as people
in a celebratory mood lined up to get inside the dealership and the
fenced off party central. Inside the crowd was welcomed by the soul-
ful sounds of The Groove Hawgs, a band formed by Rick Lewis and
Michael Floorwax. Relative newcomer to the Hawgs, Kara Hesse pro-
vided some very impressive vocals. I predict she is someone to look
out for after the release of her album “Love in Places.” Revolution
took the stage to finish out the day. Amidst the sounds of the band,
you could hear the clanging of the bell inside, signifying another bike
had just been sold. The Mile High Derby Divas were skating around.
People were dancing, getting patches sewn, smoking cigars, boots
shined, having a few libations and oh yes, eating! Yep, that pig keeps
showing up again..or was it a cousin? Pulled pork went fast, but there
were still lots of brats and hamburgers and all the stuff that goes with
a good picnic. One booth was set up so you could register for the
MDA Bike that Mile High will give away around the end of the year.
You can register on-line for this bike also. The crowd never seemed
to thin until the final hours of the celebration. Around 4pm, the 10th
Anniversary Cake was cut and Mile High Owner Ray Cooper enjoyed
the first piece….I had 2. It’s no wonder this party was a success and that the dealership has been around for 10 years. They are grateful to be here and they give
back to the community. Part of this days proceeds went to MDA. Not only does Mile High Harley-Davidson give back through various charities, they give back to their
customers through award winning service and follow-up on every sale. Everyone I’ve met has been a pleasure to get to know. Congratulations on this milestone and
the best of everything in the future!
Joe - Live, Love, Laugh and Ride
Getting Nutty in Severance
Jasmine getting nutty
A little help
We planned to be in Johnstown, CO at 9 a.m. for what has become an annual
breakfast, before making the ride to Bruce’s Bar in Severance. We left Loveland
it was cold; tires spraying moisture off the road, coupled with, drizzly, fog made it
almost impossible to see. As we headed further south, then east, the fog became
a bit thicker. “What the hell?” We came upon a couple of bicyclists riding down the
middle of a 2-lane highway (pretty stupid as far as I’m concerned)! By the time
we reached our destination, we were all a bit chilly and Dana’s (my daughter)
jeans were soaked, but nothing a few minutes in a hot dryer wouldn’t cure. We
were first to arrive and as the chill hung in the air, we wondered how many of
the normal crew would make it. We started hearing the rumble of bikes... Then a
couple more…By the time we ate a hearty meal of breakfast burritos with home-
made green chili, homemade salsa and all the fixins, the sun had come out, the
temperature had risen to t-shirt riding weather and about 20 bikes rolled out of
Johnstown for the Annual Nut Run To Bruce’s. Tanks and sleeveless shirts went
fast as riders opted to don something a bit cooler. The temps were now over 80
degrees and rising.
If food sales are an indication, this year’s 26th Annual Nut Run to Bruce’s Bar in
Severance was up from last year. According to owner, Bruce Carron, 1200 lbs of
nuts, 96 lbs of tenderloin strips, and about 600 burgers were consumed (up from
last year) at this annual event. Beer sales were down significantly, possibly due to
28 - Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
save the twins
Take a great cause, a well planed ride, your memory, a ton of prizes, a women’s
riding organization, dedicated supporters and what do you have? You have the
10th Annual Mountain Shadow Riders (MSR) Breast Cancer Awareness Ride
in Colorado Springs with record-breaking attendance. This Colorado chapter of
Women on Wheels ® (WOW) continues to raise the bar for taking care of some
serious business while having fun doing it! The ride rolled out for Canon City in
chilly temperatures, headed east to I-25, then north to the Old Pueblo Road, twist-
ing their way to the final destination, the DAV hall on Peterson Rd in Colorado
Springs. 412 people signed up to play a little riding game that tested their memory.
To my knowledge, this is the only ride in Colorado that does this. The ride is split
into segments or legs. There are questions about landmarks you may pass or
should take note of while you’re riding. It’s beneficial to have a passenger to help.
What’s that old saying? “Two heads are better than one.” There are questions
about breast cancer also. In the end, 3 people with the most correct answers
would win cash prizes of $100, $75 or $50. One person holds a special record.
He has NEVER gotten one question right! This years first “Steve Barrette” trophy
was awarded to….guess who. The special thought and details like this award, the
special gift bags set aside for cancer survivors, the memory ride, make this event
so memorable and special each and every year.
Thousands of dollars in prizes were raffled off, while Carolee Langer, the chapter
Director made it highly entertaining and a bit tough for those that wanted some
special items. There were guys holding their best ninja poses to win a special
bucket of wash and wax items, women jogging in place to win a gift basket of
“Stampin Up” and others drawing the Mountain Shadow Rider’s logo on each
other vying for tattoo gift certificates. Langer even found a newly engaged couple
to give something nice to while reminding HIM his speaking days were over. The
only scary competition was the Kevlar-lined jeans give-away. That required any-
one interested to come up and show that their backside would fit. All but one were
men. A plaque was presented to Bill Borders, owner of the Western Omelette
who provided a free lunch at rides end to all participants. Bill and Carolee initially
planned on 300, but when that number changed to 400, Bill came through mak-
ing sure all participants got their “free lunch”. Bill Fee, owner of Nature of Things
chain saw art was honored for providing one of his own creations, a carved wood
bear holding a pink ribbon that went for $330.00 at auction. Betty Barnett promptly
gave back the $416.00 she won in the 50/50 drawing. MSR has done itself proud
and all of you that attended or supported this event should be proud. $14,000.00
was raised to benefit The Colorado Springs Affiliate of Komen for The Cure ®
Foundation and The Breast Cancer Network of Strength - Rocky Mountain Region
®. Almost 40,000 with breast cancer will die this year and you’re helping to put an
end to this disease that in some way touches everyone.
Joe - My mom is a survivor
Editors Note: WOW members are located throughout the United States, Canada,
and several other countries.
the increased (and very visible) law enforcement this year. Not surprising after a
fight erupted last year at this same event.
The crowd seemed a bit smaller, but the vibe very upbeat. Maybe it only seemed
smaller because alcohol was not allowed in the street this year (another town
requirement) so everybody was consolidated to a smaller area.
Carron stated, “The Weld County police were pushing to advertise no colors but I
didn’t do it. I didn’t want to change the history of the event because of what hap-
pened last year.” It really was a mellow event and the security really didn’t impose
too much of a threat. In fact, they were eager to lend a hand to help a biker jump-
started his bike.
Over $600 was raised for the Wounded Warriors Project through t-shirt sales.
While deployed in Afghanistan, Daniel Krause, son of a Bruce’s employee, was
hit by a mortar. He is now working as a marine with the Wounded Warrior Project.
This project is very close to Bruce’s heart as his son Kyle, who happened to be
home on leave for this event, is also a marine.
Carron is excited to be involved in the long-standing tradition of The Annual Nut
Run To Bruce’s and is already making plans for the 27th annual next year.
lm
Thunder Roads Colorado - NOVEMBER 2010 - 29
 Take the Tiger
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