www.thundercolorado.com
com
4 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
THUNDER ROADS COLORADO
1313 W. Broadmoor Dr., Loveland, CO 80537
PHONE: 970-669-4015
CELL: 970-581-0756
E-MAIL: linda@thundercolorado.com
COLORADO STATE OWNER / EDITOR
Linda McCartney
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Barbara L. Garner art director
Dana Wright graphics
writers / photographers
Russ & Linda McCartney, Joe Farrow, Ben Hochberg,
Jasmine Bluecreek Clark, Jerry Pokorny, Bette Cahill,
Allison Hanks, Dana Wright, Wendy Pitlick, Abby Clabough
ADVERTISING SALES Consultants
Joe Farrow editor’s assistant
719-598-8103, 719-237-2396
joe.farrow@comcast.net
Jerry Pokorny
719-495-9237
pokorny_j@msn.com
Northern Colorado Sales/Writer
Abby Clabough
720-938-1149
abby@danger-curves.com
OFFICE MANAGER
Dana Wright
970-690-9748
dana@thundercolorado.com
Special Event Assistant
Sue Wilcox
CONTRIBUTORS
Terry Howard, Bill Bish, Kevin Chareville, “Mad” Jack,
Gary Westphalen
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
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.
Hello friends!
Hopefully by now you’ve got your bike road ready and have at least a
couple of good rides under your belt. This season is ramping up at warp
speed with an unbelievable number of requests for benefit event listings,
so many more than I’ve ever seen before! It really makes me wonder,
“Is there more need or are more people stepping up to help someone
in need?” Regardless, there will be no shortage of events to attend this
season.
I often hear the comment, “You must have so much fun doing this! You get
to ride around and attend all the events, and talk to everyone.” Yes, this
business definitely opens some doors and there is lots of fun to be had, but
with any publication, there comes a great deal of responsibility. There is a
horrendous amount of work to putting a publication together. Yes, beyond
attending events, we have to answer phones, emails, visit businesses all
over the state and beyond, distribute magazines, and most importantly,
sell advertising, while meeting print deadlines so that you can pick up a
copy each and every month. I can’t stress this enough. As you are out and
about this season, please support our advertisers. This FREE publication
is free to you, but not free to put together. Our advertisers support you, the
riding community by helping us provide you with everything we pass on to
you. Without them, there would be no Thunder Roads Colorado.
Our April issue is jam packed with 3 pages of event listings and a 2-month
center calendar to help you plan out some of your riding. There are a few
new events to add to your list this year. Quaker Steak and Lube is hosting
a bike night every Wednesday starting the end of April. These guys are no
strangers to the motorcycle community, with locations out east that draw
upwards of 500 bikes to their bike nights! These bike nights promise to be
a great time and through the course of the summer, they are giving away
2 Harleys! The Windjammer Roadhouse at Carter Lake, Night Shotz and
Fatsos will also host bike nights through the season.
Colorado Department of Transportation officially launches their annual
motorcycle safety campaign this month. Part of that campaign is a
skills rated tour map with color coded routes indicating easy, moderate
and difficult routes (similar to the ski slope ratings) for riders navigating
Colorado roadways. Read more in this issue.
International Female Ride Day is coming up May 6th and as I ponder a
ride route, I can’t help but think about our Japanese lady friends, Keiko
and Nobuko, who we met at the International Women’s Motorcycle
Conference in Keystone, CO a few years ago. I also wonder about the
family I never met in my mother’s homeland and hope they are safe. My
heart aches for all of them.
We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.
~Japanese Proverb
Make sure to check our website, www.
thundercolorado.com or check us out
on Facebook for more frequent posts
and up-to-date news of interest to the
motorcycle community.
Keep The Shiny Side Up!
Linda & Russ
Russ & Linda
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 5
www.thundercolorado.com
FEATURES
Colorado Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall
Fun Facts of Fame Inductees Announced
14 29
Is Bigger Really Better? Bike Week 2011
33 36
.....
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Roads..............................................................6
Bite This...................................................................9
Safety Tip ~ Where Did You Get Those Shoes?.......9
Calendar of Events................................................10
NCOM Newsbytes.................................................16
Yamaha Competes With BMW..............................18
ThunderCam.........................................................19
Cycle Therapy.........................................................24
Only Bikers Understand.........................................25
TNT........................................................................27
The Mother Road ~ Route 66.............................28
Spring Road Hazards.............................................29
Biker Friendly Business Listing..............................30
The Jokers Wild.....................................................32
CDOT Encourages Riders To Sharpen Their Skills..38
© 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.
6 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
March 15, 2011
American Motorcyclist Association
Members Select America’s
15 Best Motorcycling Roads
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The results are in, and communities nationwide are the
winners. Members of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) voted on their
favorite roads in America, and the top 15 selections represent scenic highways
and byways throughout the country.
“When it comes to the best places in the country to ride motorcycles, no group
of riders is more knowledgeable than AMA members,” said AMA President and
CEO Rob Dingman. “No group puts in more miles, samples more asphalt or rides
more roads.
“By publicizing our favorite roads in American Motorcyclist magazine, AMA
members will seek out these destinations and bring tourism dollars into local
communities through the purchase of food, fuel, lodging and more,” Dingman said.
The editors of American Motorcyclist magazine used the 230,000-member, non-
profit association’s website, AmericanMotorcyclist.com, to accept nominations
and tally votes for members’ favorite roads. Nearly 100 roads made the ballot,
and the magazine published the top 15 roads in the April issue as well as a list of
“honorable mentions.”
“Some of these roads are familiar to motorcyclists, and others may not be,” said
Managing Editor James Holter. “They all have one thing in common: They’re the
best roads in the country, as chosen by AMA members.”
A countdown of the top 15 routes:
15. Washington Route 129 and Oregon Route 3, Clarkston, Wash., to
Enterprise, Ore.
14. Ohio Route 170, Calcutta to Poland.
13. California Route 58, McKittrick to Santa Margarita.
12. U.S. Route 33, Harrisonburg, Va., to Seneca Rocks, W.Va.
11. Natchez Trace, from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn.
10. Angeles Crest Highway, California Route 2.
9. U.S. Route 12, Lolo Pass, Idaho and Montana.
8. California Route 36.
7. Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee.
6. Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana.
5. California Route 1, Pacific Coast Highway.
4. U.S. Route 550, from Ouray to Durango, Colo.
3. U.S. Route 129 - The Tail of the Dragon - on the North Carolina-Tennessee
border.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
1. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming.
American Motorcyclist magazine is exclusively for AMA members, and is
not available on newsstands. For information on joining the AMA, go to
AmericanMotorcyclist.com or call (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the
motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate
many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two
wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates
for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government,
the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public
opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions
more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other
organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from
dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike
rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future
generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 7
 Safety
www.thundercolorado.com www.thundercolorado.com

Bite This!
Mexican Chip Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
Tips No. 34
ABATE of Colorado’s
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, undrained Rider Education Division
2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
6 cups (8 oz.) coarsely crushed, lightly salted tortilla chips, divided
2 cups (8 oz.) Shredded Hot Pepperjack (if you like it spicy baby!) or Monterey Jack By Ben Hochberg
Cheese or Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (2 oz.) Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
Cook beef and onion in large skillet over medium heat 10 minutes or until beef is no
longer pink, stirring frequently; pour off drippings. Add tomato sauce, chilies, cumin and “Where DID You Get Those SHOES?”
salt; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Coat medium casserole dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the tortilla chips, half of Do you like the music of Steely Dan? I love it. They have a song which goes,
the Monterey Jack cheese and half of the beef mixture in dish. Repeat layering with re- “I stepped up on the platform. The man gave me the news. He said, ‘You must
maining chips, cheese and beef mixture. Cover dish with foil; bake in preheated 350°F be joking, son. Where did you get those shoes?’” So, what does this have to do
oven 20 minutes. Uncover; spread sour cream over beef mixture and top with Cheddar
cheese. Bake 10 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. with motorcycle safety? And, no, it’s not about protective footwear; we’ve already
talked about that in a previous article. It’s about image this time.
Pico De Gallo
Does your image affect your safety when you’re on a bike? I’ve been thinking
6 Roma tomatoes, diced about this lately, especially since I read an article on this subject by David Hough.
1/3 yellow or red onion, minced
6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Mr. Hough has some definite opinions about this; frankly, I’m not sure where I
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced stand on this issue, but it seems to be worthy of thought and the exchange of
1/2 lime, juiced ideas. So here goes. (Sound of can of worms opening. Can you hear it?)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch garlic powder Let’s start out with a nice, potentially inflammatory statement by Mr. Hough: “Face
1 pinch ground cumin it – if your image evokes distaste or loathing in other drivers, you are sending the
1 pinch cayenne pepper message that you are not worthy of their respect – and therefore not worthy of
salt and ground black pepper to taste
your road space.” He’s talking about, “Lots of black, scraggly, sinister clothing with
Stir the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, garlic, garlic powder,
cumin, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. prominent spikes, chains, floppy braid, and assorted nasty weapons.” Sound like
*Be careful when tasting after this is done to perfection. This is very addicting and anyone you know? Do you look like that when you ride? Even a little bit? When
might not make it to the refrigerator! you are out on the road and see a biker dressed like that, what do you think? Does
that person get more or less respect from you? Do you think that if that person had
Charra Beans a clean, quiet bike and was dressed in some other colors beside black it would
3/4 pound dried pinto beans elicit a reaction that would make him/her safer?
3 quarts water, divided
3/8 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch squares I find this topic very interesting. Almost all my riding gear is black. My bikes seem
1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic to sound louder than stock. And they are very rarely clean, as I would rather ride
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided ‘em than clean ‘em. Am I getting less respect on the road than I should be getting?
1/2 cup coarsely chopped white onion And am I putting myself at higher risk than is necessary? I have one of those black
1 1/2 teaspoons each: ground cumin (cominos) and chili powder
3 /4 tablespoon salt denim riding vests with all the patches and pins on it, but I almost never wear it.
1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes Am I safer because I tend to leave it at home? Or is it the other way around?
Soak beans in 2 quarts water 8 hours. Drain and set aside. Years ago when I started riding I thought it was cool to look like a road tramp. I
In a 1-gallon heavy pot, cook bacon until well-done. Do not undercook
or it will look raw in finished product. Add garlic, 1 to 2 assumed that if my image evoked a certain level of fear or trepidation among other
tablespoons chopped cilantro and onion to hot bacon and cook until motorists, they would stay away from me, and I would be safer for it. Excellent! I
onion is transparent, about 10 minutes. Add beans, cumin and chili could look cool and be safer at the same time.
powder. Stir and add remaining 1 quart water. Turn heat to
medium-low. Stir in salt. Cook beans slowly until fork-tender, But does it work? I really don’t know. There are so many bad drivers out there that
about 1 hour. Stir constantly to avoid burning the bottom. Stir sometimes I would think it just doesn’t matter what I would wear while on the bike.
in tomatoes and remaining cilantro and heat through.
Years passed, and colorful textile motorcycle clothing was introduced, the stuff
Perfect Margarita with Kevlar, padding, breathable liners, vent zippers, etc. I got some, a nice bright
Kosher or margarita salt, for rimming the glass (optional) yellow Joe Rocket jacket and pants. It was very practical. And HIGHLY visible, and
Ice priced right, too. I wore it a lot, and it got worn out. I decided to go back to my good
1 1/2 ounces tequila (blanco, 100 percent agave) ol’ (black) leathers, which I still had from way back when. And that’s what I wear
1 ounce freshly squeezed limejuice these days. Is that a good thing?
1/2 ounce Cointreau (not Triple Sec)
If using salt, place in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a dampened Time changes everything, like the types of vehicles being driven on the road today,
paper towel, then dip in salt. the things drivers of those vehicles are doing (or not doing) while they’re behind
Fill the glass with ice; add tequila, limejuice, and Cointreau; stir a few times until chilled. the wheel. The population is increasing, so the number of vehicles on the road
Serve immediately. Ole’ is increasing; and this results in worsening road conditions as proper road main-
Refreshing Orange Creamsicle tenance gets more difficult and expensive. So the riding environment is different
than it was decades ago. Should my choice of my riding image change as well?
1 cup orange juice
4 scoops vanilla frozen yogurt Hough says, “…the motorcycle you ride and the gear you wear have an effect on
Combine the orange juice and frozen yogurt in a blender or food processor. Blend others.” Do you agree? Are you getting the result you want from others on the
until creamy road? Can we change our image in order to be safer? Talk amongst yourselves.

8 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 9
www.thundercolorado.com www.thundercolorado.com

THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL
1 1
Bikers Against Child Abuse Candlelight Vigil,
Canon City, CO - (719) 371-6139
ABATE D-10 Coffee Run, Aurora, CO - (303) 789-
3264 www.abateofcolo.org
2 BACA Child Abuse Awareness Ride, Veteran’s
1st Annual Poker Run for Amy’s House. Registra-
tion from 10 a.m-12 Noon at Night Shotz, 3329
Garfield Ave (Hwy 287) Loveland, Info: Carrie at
970-689-4372
Rock The Troops VII, Las Vegas, NV - (702) 606-
4633 www.post149.org
8-10 andlube.com
MRF Beast of the East Biker’s Rights Confer-
ence, Greenville, SC www.mrf.org 202/546-0983
9 Bank, 10:30 am at Steven’s Grill in Eaton, Colorado,
1st annual Fools Run Glen Echo Resort in Bellvue
Colorado, Hallie, hals138@hotmail.com
970.443.6206
5th Annual Military Appreciation Party to benefit
The Home Front Cares, Fountain CO, VFW Post
6461 753 S. Sante Fe Ave, 6:30PM, (719) 382-7957
VFW Warriors Bobby Clark Memorial Run,
Colorado Springs, CO - (719) 229-9800 www.vfw-
warriors.com
Ride For Freedom, Tucson, AZ - To benefit VA
Hosp patients and more, (520) 982-0023 www.
dava2.club.officelive.com
14
Colo. Four wheelers Annual Spring Fundraiser
Bake Sale & Crafts Auction @ FMMW 303/295-
7137
SOS M/C Fallen Brothers Run, Colorado Springs,
CO (719) 227-0099
14-16
NV State HOG Rally, Las Vegas, NV - (866) 687-
2259 www.nvstatehogrally.com
16
17
Kansas Motorcycle Show and Swap, Kansas City,
KS - (816) 228-5811 www.jwswapmeet.com
18
Beach & Bikerfest Motorcycle Rally, South Padre
Island, TX - 956 412-0011 www.beachnbikerfest.
com All Trades 14th Annual Poker Run, In Memory of
17 14-15
Park, Canon City Co 719/269-1379
JWP Swap Meet, Twin Drive-In, KC, MO 816/228-
5811 www.jwswapmeet.com
20 ABATE D-1 Annual Sand Hills Poker Run, Ft.
Quaker Steak & Lube 1st Bike Night! Westmin-
ster, CO. 303-460-9464 (WING) www.quakersteak-
22
Good Friday/Earth Day
23
Beaver’s Den Leather Season Kick-off Barbeque,
9019 W Hwy 34, Loveland 970-669-2320, www.
beaverdenleather.net
24
Easter
24 Ladies, this is a day for us to share the spirit and
Church in the Wind Blessing of the Bike’s &
Cookout at Denver City Park, 20th & York, Noon
720.635-.2897
Sun’s of Darkness Children’s Easter Egg Hunt,
City Park, 20th & York, 2 pm 303/295-9546
26/27
Motorcycle Swap Meet Extravaganza to benefit
Blue Star Mothers, La Plata County Fairgrounds
2500 N Main, Durango, CO, 970.259.0778 www.
durangoharley.com
27 – 30
29th Annual Laughlin River Run, Laughlin, Ne-
vada www.laughlinriverrun.com
April 29-May 1 Fuzznumber2@yahoo.com
Antique Motorcycle Club of America Show &
Swap, Oley, PA 800/782-2622 www.antiquemotor-
M ay
Oklahoma Motorcycle Show and Swap, Tulsa, OK
- (816) 228-5811 www.jwswapmeet.com
AFudgie@ 303/922-1592
North Metro Church 7th Biker Blessing 12505
Colorado Blvd Thornton, CO 303/452-6251
ABATE of CO Motorcycle Expo, Denver Metro,
303/789-3264, www.abateofcolo.org
Morgan, CO 970/542-0902 www.abateofcolo.org
JWP Swap Meet, Admiral Twin Drive In, Tulsa, OK
816/228-5811 www.jwswapmeet.com
22nd Annual Poker Run to benefit the Weld Food
970-356-2199 x 306, www.weldfoodbank.org
5-8
Texas Rally On The River, New Braunfels, TX -
(210) 602-0724 www.txrallyontheriver.com
6 MO www.bransonmotorcyclerally.com
5th Annual International Female Ride Day –
camaraderie of women riders across the globe.
Thunder Roads Colorado will be participating –
check out our Facebook page and www.thunder-
colorado.com for more details as they unfold.
6-8
73rd Annual Music & Blossom Festival, Canon
City, CO - (800) 876-7922 www.ccblossomfestival.
com
7 Flame of Freedom National Run for the Wall,
VFW Warriors Dart Run, Colorado Springs, CO
- Start at American Bike Tailor 3032 S. Academy,
(719) 229-9800 www.vfw-warriors.com
Ugly Mutha’s Day Run to Benefit Project Self
Sufficiency, 9 am Burn Out Grill, Milliken CO.
Chicano Pride Ride / Raza Run, 11:00, Primetime
Annual Blossom Festival, Canon City, CO
COC & NCOM National Convention, Albuquerque,
N.M. 800/531-2424 or 303/318-4167, www.aimn-
com.com/ncom/ncom_convention.htm
7 Angel Tree 8th Annual Benefit Run, Franktown,
CMA Run for the Son Charity Ride, Colorado
Contact 303/659-4363
Spring Breakout Run 2011, Colorado United Rid-
ers Assoc. 303/295-9329
ABATE D-10 Blessing of the Bikes Poker Run
303/909-4599 www.abateofcolo.org
Fly-In Wheels MC 7th Annual Spring Poker Run,
Monte Vista CO 720/935-1492
MRA Race # 1 at High Plains Raceway, 303/530-
5678, www.mra-racing.org
Saturday Short Track at IMI www.banginbarspro-
motions.com
8 A-Wish Foundation. 9:30am at Western Omelet,16
Mother’s Day
IPE / Easter Seals Annual Mothers Day Poker
Run 720/685-1918 or 303/233-1666
Red’s Pub 5th Mother’s Poker Run, Broomfield,
CO 303/464-7337 REDSPUB@COMCAST.COM
11-15 DC, Angel Fire, NM 303/467-342
Aspencash Motorcycle Rally, Ruidoso, NM www.
motorcyclerally.com 800/452-804513 20-22
12
MRF Biker’s Inside the Beltway Conference,
Washington, D.C. www.mrf.org 202/546-0983
13
Concho, OK 303/694-217314
13-22
Myrtle Beach Bike Week, Myrtle Beach, SC - (336)
643-1367 www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
All Trades 14th Annual Poker Run, In Memory of
AFudgie - 303/922-1592 com
River Rats VFW Car & Bike Cruise-In, 2190 S.
Platte River Dr
High Country H-D/Buell Birthday Party, Frederick,
CO www.highcountryharley.com 303/833-6777
CO 303/356-8994
Church In The Wind Ladies Retreat at Ponderosa
15
B.A.D. Bikers Against Diabetes 10th Annual
Poker Run - Reg. 8:30 - 10:30 AM Eagles Hall 1151
S. Galena St. Aurora Frankiefive@comcast.net
www.eagleriders3224.com
25th Anniversary Frank’s Ride for Children to
benefit Make A Wish Colorado Chapter, Register
8-10 at the American Legion 315 Bowen St. Long-
mont. $20. Breakfast available - $5. Free BBQ and
beverages at last stop. 303/808-6138
Sarah’s Run, Colorado Springs CO to benefit Make-
S. Walnut St
19-22 Cookout at Denver City Park, 20th & York, Noon
Branson 9th Annual Motorcycle Rally, Branson,
20 Territory Days, Old Colorado City, CO - (719) 487-
Run for the Wall, Viet Nam War Memorial Run to
Mile High Harley Military Appreciation Weekend,
(303) 343-3300 www.milehighharley.com memorialrally.com
21
Armed Forces Day
Kristi’s Dream Ride and Poker Run – Fort Collins,
CO. 970-219-3297, www.kristisfund.com
HOG Metro Hogs & Howls Benefit Run 303/703-
2885, 303/238-0425, or 303/340-4982
Outpost H-D Armed Forces Day Military Salute
Party, Pueblo, CO (719) 542-6032 www.outposthd.
Glen L’Heureux Memorial Race, IMI Motorsports,
www.banginbarspromotions.com
Run for the Wall, Viet Nam War Memorial Run to
DC, Limon, CO 303/467-3424
21-22
Speed & Sport National Vintage Trials Series,
Howard, CO - (303) 422-2847 www.ahrma.org
MRA Race # 2 at Pikes Peak International Race-
way, 303/530-5678 www.mra-racing.org
22
Kelly’s Ride to Benefit Breast Cancer Research,
Denver, CO - (303) 629-9697
4th Annual Defenders of Freedom Veterans
Recognition Ride, Colorado Springs, CO - http://
www.brianwess.com/VeteransRide
Run for the Wall, Salina, KS 303/467-3424
JWP Swap Meet, Twin Drive In, KC, MO 816/228-
5811 www.jwswapmeet.com
24
Church in the Wind Blessing of the Bike’s &
720/635-2897
28-30
8005 www.shopoldcoloradocity.com
27-29
Fallen Bikers Memorial Rally, Salida, CO - Free
admission to Rally grounds, (719) 539-7769 www.
10th Annual Realities Ride and Rally, Fort Collins,
CO - (970) 484-9090 www.realitiesride.com
29th Annual Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally, Red
River, NM - (800) 348-6444 www.redrivernewmex.
com
29
Rolling Thunder Parade, Washington, DC - Don
303/514-7916
30
Memorial Day

J une
Saturday Short Track at IMI www.banginbarspro- cycle.org Sports bar 10280 N. Washington Thornton, CO. North Metro Church 7th Biker Blessing 12505 ABATE State Motorcycle Extravaganza, (303)
motions.com Brian Chavez 720-249-6987, chicanobiker@hotmail. Colorado Blvd Thornton, CO 303/452-6251 789-3264 www.abateofcolo.org
13th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally, com
Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum 5th Panama City Beach, FL - www.thunderbeachproduc- ABATE D-1 Annual Sand Hills Poker Run, Ft. Armed Forces Day Veterans Benefit, Cortez, CO - 3–5
Open-House, CO Springs, CO 719/487-8005 www. tions.com World Championship Supercross, Las Vegas, NV Morgan, CO 970/542-0902 www.abateofcolo. (970) 5653402 www.cityofcortez.com Good Guys 14th Annual Hot Rod Nationals Love-
pro-promotions.com - (702) 739-3267 www.supercrossonline.com org land, CO 925/838-9876 WWW.GOOD-GUYS.COM
30 2nd Colorado Freedom Ride, Littleton, CO. www.2
16-17 5th Alternatives To Family Violence Poker Run 6-8 14 ndnationalarmedforcesfreedomridecolorado.webs.com Street Vibrations Spring Rally, Sparks, NV.
MRA Open Day at High Plains Raceway, 303/530- - Starts @ 10am Davies Locker, Westminster Co. Mile High H-D Mother’s Appreciation Weekend Combat Vets Assoc. Open Range Run 303/670- 800/200-4557 www.road-shows.com
5678 www.mra-racing.org 303-429-00 Aurora, CO 303/343-3300 www.milehighharley.com 0624
10 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 11
www.thundercolorado.com
THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR
4 12
MH H-D 11th Summer Kick-Off Party & HOG Bug
Run www.milehighhog.com 303/343-3300
Ride for a Cure 4th Ann’l Benefit @ Bass-Pro
Shop, 7970 Northfield Blvd, Denver 303/522-6525
Vision Ride Benefit for Youth, Brighton, CO
303/902-4273 www.vision4brighton.com
SCTNow Benefit Run, sign up 9am @ /Light House
Cafe, Berthoud CO 970/420-1391 www.sctnow.org
4-5
Pueblo Biker Bash, Pueblo, CO - 215 Canal St,
www.pueblobikerbash.com
5 com
Hardtail Ale Trail Poker Run & Benefit 303/241-
3718
Colorado Springs 16th Annual United Run,
Colorado Springs, CO 719/527-1878
11
Aurora Honda’s Hi Plains to the By Plains Ben-
efit for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 303/341-7200
VNVLV MC Support a Soldier/POW/MIA Run
Poker Run, 303/388-3370
Ron’s Ride starts at Thunder Mountain H-D Regis-
tration begins at 9am 970/222-8175
11- 19
88th LACONIA Motorcycle Week, The original
Riding Rally! AMA sanctioned National Gypsy
Tour, Vintage Races, Hill Climbs. One of the BIG
3! Laconia, New Hampshire, 603-366-2000 www.
laconiamcweek.com
12 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
Gold Wing Touring Associaton Humdinger Run,
Longmont, CO
Deuces Wild MC ‘Save the Tata’s Run’, Greeley, CO
970/534-0533 www.deuceswildmc.com
14
Flag Day
16-18
Colorado State HOG Rally, Northglenn CO.
303.349.6201, www.costatehogrally.com
17-19
Elko Motorcycle Jamboree, Elko, NV www.elko-
motorcyclejamboree.com 775/934-4466
Thunder on the Mountain, Mile High Nationals,
www.bandimere.com Morrison, CO
18
K99 and MAX FM Radio present the Sleigh Rid-
ers “Summer Series” Poker/Toy Run benefits
Santa Cops of Weld County. Registration at
Greeley Harley Davidson starts at 9AM. www.
k99.com/sleigh-riders-motorcycle-toy-run. 970-
590-3040
Deluxe Motor Co. Swap Meet, Wheat Ridge, CO
303/988-8828 www.deluxemotorcompany.com
Rocky Mountain RETT Syndrome 5th Annual Benefit
Run, 303/829-2010
Sena/Dutton Memorial Scholarship Poker Run,
Brighton, CO 303/857-6115
ABATE of CO Randy Run & Benefit. Frontier Club,
Aurora, CO www.abateofcolo.org 303/789-3264
21
First day of Summer
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
21-25
CMA National Rally East, Hiawasee, Georgia www.
cmausa.org 870/389-6196 ext 226
22
Quaker Steak & Lube 1st Harley Give Away,
Westminster, CO www.quakersteakandlube.com
24-26
The Redstone Rally, to benefit Project Sanctuary,
Redstone, CO 970/963-2691 www.restonerally.com
Chick’s Run, Casper, WY 307/232-9171
25
Bushwacker’s Mt. St. Vincent’s Children’s Home
Run 303/722-0280 bobatbushwhackers@Yahoo.
Ride for Life Poker Run Benefit for Suicide Pre-
vention 303/277-1551 www.rideforlife.com
26
11th Annual Tejon Street Bike Fest, Colorado
Springs, CO - (719) 487-8005 www.pro-promotions.
com
Wind & Fire MC 15th Ann’l Burned Children Ben-
efit 303/944-4090 www.DenverBurnCampRun.org
27
Million Mile Monday – Ride Your Bike Day
For event listing in our calendar, send an
e-mail with the name of the event, date,
location, time, cost and contact information.
events@thundercolorado.com
Event submission deadline is the 10th of
each month
IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO CALL
AND VERIFY EVENT INFORMATION
PRIOR TO ATTENDING
 Colorado fun facts
www.thundercolorado.com
Firsts
Deep in the mountains of southwestern Colorado,
Ouray is home to the world’s first park devoted
exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. The park
opened in 1995.
The World’s First Rodeo was held on July 4th, 1869
in Deer Trail, Colorado, 54 miles east of Denver.
Mile High Trivia
The thirteenth step of the state capital building in
Denver is one mile above sea level.
“Beulah red” is the name of the red marble that
gives the Colorado State Capitol its distinctive splen-
dor. Cutting, polishing, and installing the marble in
the Capitol took six years, from 1894 to 1900. All of
the “Beulah red” marble in the world went into the
Capitol.
Colfax Avenue in Denver is the longest continuous
street in America.
Denver has the largest city park system in the
nation with 205 parks in city limits and 20,000 acres
of parkland in the nearby mountains.
Historic Hot Spots
Lieutenant Zebulon Montgomery Pike explored
the southwest portion of the Louisiana Territory in
1806, and though he never climbed the peak that
bears his name, he did publish a report that at-
tracted a lot of interest to the area. A trip to the top of
Pikes Peak, in 1893 inspired Katherine Lee Bates to
write the ballad, America the Beautiful.
In Fruita, the town folk celebrate ‘Mike the Head-
less Chicken Day.’ Seems that a farmer named
L.A. Olsen cut off Mike’s head on September 10,
1945 in anticipation of a chicken dinner - and Mike
lived for another 4 years without a head.
The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park, has a long list
of celebrities and heads of state that have stayed
at the luxurious 1909 hostelry, which was also said
to be the inspiration behind author Stephen King’s
novel “The Shining.”
14 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
Greeley is home to the internationally-acclaimed in rock canyons. Today parts of their intricate struc-
Greeley Independence Stampede, which dates tures still stand at Mesa Verde National Park near
back to the 1800s and features national rodeo Cortez, which was the first national park created
events, live music performances from national solely to preserve the work of humans.
headliners, carnivals and more.
For 16 years. Bent’s Old Fort was the lifeblood of Odds and Ends
trade trappers and hunters along the Santa Fe Trail.
The fort was created by two brothers, both of whom Colorado is the only state in history to turn
were known as good brokers of peace with Indian down the Olympics. Denver was supposed to host
nations in the area. the 1976 Olympics. 62% of all state voters chose
at almost the last minute not to host the Olympics,
because of the cost, pollution and population boom
it would have on the State of Colorado and the City
of Denver.
The longest set of dinosaur tracks discovered
to date is in Picketwire Canyon near La Junta in
southeastern Colorado. Some scientists believe
the footprints reveal these dinosaurs were herding
animals.
Pueblo is the only city in America with four living
recipients of the Medal of Honor.The world’s first
rodeo was held on July 4th, 1869 in Deer Trail.
Denver lays claim to the invention of the Cheese-
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge burger. The trademark for the name Cheeseburger
Railroad has been in continuous operation since was awarded in 1935 to Louis Ballast.
1881. The line was constructed primarily to haul
There are nearly 20 rivers whose headwaters begin
mine ores, both gold and silver, from the San Juan
in Colorado, with the Continental Divide directing
Mountains. The Railroad continues to provide year
each river’s course. Colorado is the mother of
round train service and has appeared in more than
rivers.
a dozen movies including “How the West was Won”
(1963) and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
(1969).
In 1859, John Gregory discovered “The Gregory
Lode” in a gulch near Central City. Within 2
weeks, the gold rush was on and within 2 months
the population grew to 10,000 people in search of
their fortune. It came to be known as “The Richest
Square Mile on Earth”.
John Henry “Doc” Holliday’s brief and tumultuous
existence led him to Glenwood Springs where he
succumbed to tuberculosis and died at the Hotel
Glenwood on November 8, 1887
Information provided by: U.S Department of
Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Around 550 A.D, a basket maker culture developed
in southwestern Colorado. Known as Ancestral
Puebloans this native tribe formed and built villages
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
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. If you’ve been involved in any
kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES - Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
MOTORCYCLISTS AWAIT ROADBLOCK RULING
Motorcycle riders across the country are anxiously awaiting a decision from the
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York which they hope will
declare New York’s “motorcycle only” roadblocks to be unconstitutional. The so-
called “safety checkpoints”, which target well-known motorcycle events, force
motorcyclists to leave the roadway, regardless of any wrongdoing, and have their
persons and property inspected for equipment violations, proper paperwork, DUI
and stolen VIN numbers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administra-
tion (NHTSA) is now providing Federal funding for law enforcement to conduct
such motorcycle-only checkpoints nationwide despite objections raised by mem-
bers of Congress and legal challenges from the biker community.
The New York lawsuit is the first to challenge the constitutionality of motorcycle
checkpoints. The plaintiffs are being represented by Proner & Proner, led by N.Y.
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) Attorney Mitch Proner, a motorcycle-riding
lawyer who has a long history of doing “pro bono” (free) legal work to protect the
rights of motorcyclists. The Proner law firm commenced the lawsuit on behalf of
four motorcyclists who were detained at two separate checkpoints, as well as
representing the interests of ABATE of New York and the National Coalition of
Motorcyclists (NCOM).
The checkpoints in question are funded by a grant from the New York Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee and the troopers who work them are paid overtime. Al-
though the stated purpose of the checkpoints is to promote safety, the majority of
the more than a thousand tickets which were issued during the first year of the
checkpoints had nothing to do with safety and instead focused on non-safety vio-
lations such as loud pipes. The written guidelines for the checkpoints specifically
state that one of the purposes of the checkpoints is to look for stolen and forged
VINs and the police readily admit that they often have undercover members of
their gang and auto theft units working the checkpoints looking for signs of crimi-
nal activity.
According to Proner, the Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly
made it clear that any roadway checkpoint whose primary purpose is general
crime control constitutes an unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth
Amendment and is presumptively unconstitutional. Notwithstanding that fact, the
progress reports which the police prepared on the checkpoints specifically state
that the grant funds are used “for overtime for intelligence gathering and the sub-
sequent criminal and traffic enforcement.” The police admit that the checkpoints,
which focus only on equipment violations and forged and stolen VINs, do not ad-
dress any of the major causes of motorcycle accidents such as reckless driving,
driver inattentiveness and alcohol impairment.
The case, Wagner et al. v. The County of Schenectady, et al. could wind up in
the U.S. Supreme Court. The future of motorcyclists’ rights hangs in the balance.
BILLS INTRODUCED TO PROHIBIT MOTORCYCLE-ONLY
CHECKPOINTS
Even as Georgia police prepared to launch the nation’s first federally-funded mo-
torcycle-only checkpoints during Daytona Bike Week, lawmakers in Washington
were taking steps to cut federal funding for the controversial practice.
Wisconsin Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, Paul Ryan and Tom Petri introduced House
Resolution 904 on March 3rd that would prohibit the secretary of transportation
from providing funds to state and local governments for the use of motorcycle-only
traffic checkpoints.
“The first step in motorcycle crash prevention should be rider education and in-
creased awareness. Taxpayer money should not be spent on helmet checkpoints
that do not prevent crashes,” Petri said in a news release. “Also, it’s outrageously
intrusive. Nobody is suggesting pulling cars off the road for unscheduled inspec-
tions, so why are motorcycle riders being harassed?”
“We stand in solidarity against the unconstitutional use of motorcycle-only check-
points being implemented in Georgia, and may be coming to your state soon,”
16 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
said Escondido Paul, National Lt. Commander of the US Defenders, in issuing
a Call To Action (CTA) urging all motorcyclists to contact their federal officials to
“solicit their support against grant money being used by the Federal Government
to induce other States to participate in such discriminatory actions!”
In related news, bills have been recently introduced in New Hampshire (HB 148)
and California (AB 1047) to prohibit any state law enforcement agency from ac-
cepting federal funding to establish motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints.
SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF MILITARY FUNERAL
PROTESTORS
Freedom of Speech was considered by our Founding Fathers to be our most
important Constitutional right, which is why it is the First Amendment to the Bill of
Rights, but the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling favoring the rights of hateful
protestors over the dignity of a military funeral doesn’t sit well with some motor-
cyclists. In particular, the Patriot Guard Riders were formed in 2005 to protect
the funerals of fallen warriors and shield mourners from the incendiary demon-
strations waged by Westboro Baptist Church, which claims soldiers’ deaths are
“divine retribution” for American tolerance of homosexuality.
The High Court ruled 8-1 on Wednesday, March 9th with only Justice Sam Alito
dissenting, that the First Amendment protects hateful protests at military funerals,
despite the pain they cause grieving families. “Our soldiers fought to give West-
boro the right to free speech,” said Mike Todd, a member of the Patriot Guard
Riders from Reading, Michigan, noting the irony.
Although describing the court’s holding as narrow, Chief Justice John Roberts
wrote for the majority, saying of free speech; “It can stir people to action, move
them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and -- as it did here -- inflict great pain … we
cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker.” He said the national commit-
ment to free speech requires protection of “even hurtful speech on public issues
to ensure that we do not stifle public debate.”
The case arose from a protest at the funeral of a Marine who had died in Iraq,
Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. As with hundreds of other funerals, members of the
Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., appeared with signs bearing such mes-
sages as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “America Is Doomed”.
Albert Snyder sued regarding the intentional infliction of emotional distress at the
funeral of his son, and won an $11 million jury award that was later reduced by a
judge to $5 million, but the verdict was overturned by a federal appeals court that
ruled the Constitution shielded the church members from liability. The Supreme
Court’s decision upholds the appeals court ruling that threw out a $5 million judg-
ment to the dead Marine’s father.
Dissenting Justice Alito strongly disagreed, likening the protest to fighting words,
not protected by the First Amendment. ”Our profound national commitment to
free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred
in this case,” he wrote.
Westboro’s antagonistic tactics have resulted in a torrent of legislative activity
rarely rivaled in the annals of First Amendment history, with 41 states and the
U.S. Congress having passed laws limiting funeral protests, usually establishing
minimum distances and time constraints, while numerous municipalities have also
passed funeral-protest ordinances at the local level.
RIDING OUT THE RECESSION
With gasoline prices approaching $4 a gallon, commuters are turning to more
fuel efficient motorcycles to save money. Sales and interest are up across the
country, and many motorcycle dealers anticipate the popularity of motorcycles to
increase even more.
Signs that the two-wheeled world is getting back on the road to recovery are com-
ing from not only improving motorcycle sales, but also by the financial health of
bikers themselves. Fewer bikers appear to be making late payments or defaulting
on their motorcycle loans, according to a report issued by Fitch Ratings, a credit
rating agency working with Harley-Davidson’s Financial Services (HDFS) division.
In addition, the report also notes the improving market for previously owned mo-
torcycles is again gaining strength, in part due to reduced inventory levels at deal-
ers. This would allow for any repossessed motorcycles to be sold for a better price
than they may have the year before.
NEW JERSEY LIFTS BAN ON SUNDAY MOTORCYCLE SALES
New Jersey motorcycle dealers are rejoicing that they can now sell bikes on Sun-
News Bytes
days. Governor Chris Christie signed a bill into law allowing the Sunday motor-
cycle sales on March 3; though the measure does not affect the state’s ban on
Sunday automobile sales, nor does it apply in Bergen County where Blue Laws
continue to prohibit the sale of most nonessential items on Sundays.
State Senator Donald Norcross introduced the legislation after a Camden County
dealership complained about losing customers to stores in nearby Pennsylvania
and Delaware as a result of the Sunday ban, adding that most motorcycle buyers
tend to make purchases on weekends.
“With our dealerships closed for business on Sunday, consumers were heading
across the river to make their purchases at bike shops in neighboring states,” said
Norcross. “Especially in this economy, we need to give businesses the tools they
need to remain competitive.”
Motorcycle businesses in Indiana and Wisconsin have also been trying to overturn
bans on Sunday bike sales.
CONGRESSIONAL MOTORCYCLE CAUCUS EXPANDS
Newly-elected U.S. Rep. Allen West (R-FL), who was accused by his incumbent
foe of belonging to a “biker gang” because he was supported by the South Florida
Confederation of Clubs, has become one of the newest members of the Congres-
sional Motorcycle Caucus.
The bi-partisan caucus is comprised of members of Congress who are passionate
about motorcycling and who work to promote the interests of motorcyclists. The
CMSC has actively highlighted the safety of motorcyclists by passing Congres-
sional Resolutions supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Month, drawing attention to Ride to Work Day and ensuring that motorcycle safety
is remembered in the transportation reauthorization process.
“I’m very pleased to be able to join the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus to work
with my esteemed colleagues on issues related to motorcycling,” said West, who
is indeed an active motorcyclist who contributes political articles for a local South
Florida biker magazine “Wheels on the Road”.
West joins with fellow U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Tim Griffin (R-
AR), Reid Ribble (R-WI) and Jeff Denham (R-CA) as the most recent motorcycle
enthusiasts on the caucus. Other members include Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC),
Michael Conaway (R-TX), John Duncan (R-TN), Bob Filner (D-CA), Randy Forbes
(R-VA), Walter Jones (R-NC), Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and Tim Walz (D-MN).
Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) founded the Con-
gressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus on June 26, 2009 and currently serve as
co-chairs of the caucus, despite a gunman’s vicious attack on Giffords.
Reps. West and Giffords were both recently selected by the NCOM Board of Di-
rectors to receive the coveted Silver Spoke Award - Legislative at the upcoming
26th Annual NCOM Convention over Mother’s Day weekend May 5-8, 2011 at the
Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For further information, or to register
for the NCOM Convention, visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com or call (800) 525-5355.
www.thundercolorado.com
AMERICA’S MOST DANGEROUS DRIVERS BY PROFESSION
Chances are the car that cut you off in traffic was driven by an attorney, or a judge,
or government worker or maybe even a dog groomer, according to a new study
listing the most dangerous drivers by profession.
A study conducted by an online insurance agency found that lawyers snared
the No. 1 spot on a Top 10 list of “Most Dangerous Drivers By Profession,” with
44% claiming a prior accident when receiving a car insurance comparison quote
from insurance.com. Findings were based on accident claims as a percentage of
quotes, the agency said, and used its proprietary data.
Here is the full list Insurance.com’s study of most dangerous driver’s by profes-
sion: 1-Attorney/Judge; 2-Financial professionals; 3-Government worker (GS6);
4-Bartender or Waiter; 5-Business Professionals; 6-Dog Groomer; 7-Marketing/
Advertising professionals; 8-Barber/Stylist; 9-Coach; and 10-Nurse.
So why did these folks rank so high? Distraction.
That was apparently the opposite for those on the other end of the study, deemed
the least dangerous drivers. To that end are athletes and homemakers, the agen-
cy said. “Professions that demand multi-tasking - being on the phone, moving fast
on a tight schedule - are prone to more distractions and, from there, more ac-
cidents,” said Sam Belden, vice president at Insurance.com. “On the other hand,
though the job of a homemaker demands multi-tasking, young children are often
along for any car ride. And when children are involved, people tend to take their
time and use greater caution.”
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “In matters of conscience the law of majority has no place.”
~ Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi (1869-1948) Hindu Spiritual and Political leader
BREAKING NEWS FLASH:
FORMER WISCONSIN SENATOR DAVE ZIEN INJUåRED IN MOTORCYCLE
ACCIDENT
As we prepare to go to press, NCOM has just learned that longtime bikers’ rights
activist Dave Zien, a former Wisconsin state senator and record-setting long dis-
tance rider, was involved in an early morning crash on Sunday, March 13th while
attending Daytona Bike Week, and was taken by helicopter to the Tallahassee
Memorial Medical Center and placed in intensive care.
According to news accounts, an SUV traveling in front of Zien on Interstate 10
attempted to change lanes, lost control and flipped onto its side. Zien, 59, was
unable to avoid the overturned vehicle. Early reports indicate that Zien lost part of
his left leg and suffered a broken hip.
Zien is a longtime member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force who fought
against helmet laws and for bikers’ rights during his 13 years in the state Senate,
from 1993 to 2006. He’s been inducted into both the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of
Fame and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and rode more than 1 million miles
on a 1991 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide.
Please keep Dave in your thoughts and prayers, and NCOM wishes him all the
best on his road to recovery.
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 17
www.thundercolorado.com
Yamaha Takes On BMW’s
Best Selling Models
By John Skala
BMW has dominated the adventure touring category of motorcycles for over 30
years. The GS model BMW motorcycles, which first appeared in 1980, defined
this new class of on and off road capable machines. In 2009, the GS series of
800 and 1200 cc bikes accounted for over 40% of BMW motorcycle sales. Sev-
eral manufacturers build dual sport models like the Kawasaki KLR650, the Suzuki
Dl1000 V-Strom and others. Even Buell had an entry in this category before clos-
ing their doors last year. However, the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré may be
considered the first real direct challenge to the BMW R1200GS.
18 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
This bike that was first released in Europe in 2010, has now found its way to the
US. Yamaha has a few demo bikes that are touring the states and are taking
orders for a limited production run. Their priority delivery program, as they call
it, takes orders until March 31, 2011 for delivery starting in May 2011. Yamaha is
calling this a 2012 model motorcycle. The bike they are showing is based on the
European model, so there may be a few changes to things like the lighting and
exhaust to meet the DOT and EPA standards when the US production model is
delivered.
I had a chance to view the new Yamaha at Missouri’s Donelson’s St. Ann store,
which just happens to be right down the street from the local BMW dealer. The
bike was for display only and there were no test rides at this time. The XT1200Z
comes with a considerable list of standard features for $13,900 some of which are
not available on their competitor’s at any price. The bike sports a liquid cooled
parallel twin 1199cc engine with a 6-speed transmission and a shaft drive. The
fuel-injected engine also allows the rider to choose from two different ignition map-
pings. One mode is for touring, which they say has a softer response and the
other, sport mode, for the highest performance. Along with that, you can also set
the traction control to two different settings or turn it off all together. The traction
control helps to maintain grip on a variety of surfaces, both on road and off, and
on dry ground or in the rain. Complimenting the traction control, on the other
side of the coin is a unified brake system with ABS. When the front brake lever is
squeezed, most of the force is sent to the front dual discs but some is also sent to
the rear single disc. The rear brake pedal only operates the rear brake. Although
the wheels do use spokes, they are designed for tubeless tires.
The instrument cluster features an analog tachometer; digital speedometer/
odometer and indicator lights to let you know what mode you have set. The seat
and windscreen heights can be adjusted for taller riders and preload on the rear
mono-shock suspension is easily set. The front forks also allow control over the
compression and rebound dampening to allow you to tailor the ride characteristics
to your liking. The foot pegs are another interesting feature on the bike. When
riding normally, your boot rests on a cushioned rubber insert. When you need
to standup for those off-road maneuvers the rubber compresses and your boot
meets the steel teeth for better grip.
The bike on display had a few optional items such as the engine guard, skid plate
and panniers. Although the luggage is an option, the bike includes extra lock cyl-
inders for them keyed to match the ignition key when you buy it. If you are in the
market for this type of bike, be sure and stop by your nearest Yamaha dealer for
literature and more information.
www.thundercolorado.com
24 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
cycle therapy
It’s been another bad day. I hate my job. Overworked, underpaid and under
appreciated. Kids, bills, taxes, drama, stress. I hate my life.
But then, as I glare out the window, there she sits, gleaming in the sun, waiting
for me. Some call her my mistress and maybe they’re right. But she knows.
She understands my need. My need for CYCLE THERAPY.
On my command she roars to life. The rumbling sound makes me smile. A
masterpiece of chrome and steel, she points me away from reality and leads
me down the road to nowhere. The therapy has begun. I breathe deep. The
sun warms my soul. Children smile and wave as we roar by. The wind washes
away the stresses and tensions of the day. The steady thumping of the ex-
haust cleanses my mind. I breathe deep. A weight has been lifted. Calmness,
Zen-like. The lines flash by under my wheels, one into another, hypnotizing
me. I am one with my machine. Effortlessly gliding, almost like flying, we make
our way down the road. My thoughts start to drift, slowly slipping to a happier,
more peaceful place. At this point in time nothing matters. Not bills, not work,
nothing. No anger, no stress, no drama; just me and my steed. The blocks turn
to miles. The minutes turn to hours. I breathe deep. As I make my way home,
a genuine smile warms my face as I conjure images of my other true love. As
I coast up the driveway she is there, waiting for me. Smiling in the sun. She
knows. She understands my need. She hops onto her seat, her throne, if you
will. Her arms hold me tight as we ride off together and I pause and think...how
much I love my life.
The Viking
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
Only Bikers Understand
➤➤ Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul ➤➤ Bikes parked outside mean good chicken fried steak
➤➤ Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that inside
connects the handlebars ➤➤ Gray haired riders don’t get that way from pure luck
➤➤ Saddlebags can never hold everything you want but ➤➤ There are drunk riders. There are old riders. But there
they CAN hold everything you need are NO old, drunk riders
➤➤ Never try to outrace an old geezer, he may have one ➤➤ Thin leather looks good in a bar, but it won’t save your
more gear than you butt from road rash if you go down
➤➤ It takes more love to share the saddle than it does to ➤➤ You can forget what you do for a living when your knees
share the bed are in the breeze
➤➤ The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rear ➤➤ Patience is the ability to keep your motor running
view mirror ➤➤ Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out the
➤➤ Never be afraid to slow down window
➤➤ Sometimes it takes a full tank of fuel before you can ➤➤ Keep the paint up, and the rubber down
think straight ➤➤ There are two types of people in this world, people who
➤➤ Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you’ll ride motorcycles and people who wish they could ride
ride alone motorcycles
➤➤ Never hesitate to ride past the last street at the edge ➤➤ It’s good to have an end to a journey; but it’s the jour-
of town ney that matters in the end
➤➤ Never do less than 20 miles before breakfast ➤➤ Ride like you’re invisible!
➤➤ If you don’t ride in the rain, you don’t ride ➤➤ Bikers eat more bugs
➤➤ A bike on the road is worth 2 in the shed ➤➤ When life throws you a curve, lean into it!
➤➤ Young riders pick a destination and go..Old riders pick a ➤➤ Life may begin at 30, but it doesn’t get real interesting
direction and go until about 100….If you wait, all that happens is you get
➤➤ A good mechanic will let you watch without charging you older
for it ➤➤ Midnight bugs taste the best
➤➤ Sometimes the fastest way to get there is to stop for ➤➤ A good ride is any ride you can walk away from. It was
the night a great ride if you can use the bike again afterwards.
➤➤ Always back your bike into the curb and sit where you
can see it
➤➤ Work to ride and ride to work
➤➤ Whatever it is, it’s better in the wind
➤➤ Two-lane blacktop isn’t a highway – it’s an attitude
➤➤ Keep your bike in good repair. Motorcycle boots aren’t
comfortable for walking
➤➤ People are like motorcycles – each is customized a little
differently
➤➤ Sometimes the best communication happens when
you’re on two separate bikes
➤➤ The best alarm clock is sunshine on chrome
➤➤ The twisties, not the superslabs, separate the riders
from the squids
➤➤ When you’re riding lead, don’t spit
➤➤ A friend is someone who’ll get out of bed at 2 a.m. to
drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere to get you
when you’re broken down
➤➤ Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 miles per
hour will double your vocabulary
➤➤ If you want to get somewhere before sundown, you
can’t stop at every tavern
➤➤ There’s something ugly about a new bike on a trailer
➤➤ Don’t lead the pack if you don’t know where you’re going
➤➤ Practice wrenching on your own bike
➤➤ Never be ashamed to unlearn an old habit
➤➤ A good ride can clear your mind, restore your faith and
use up a lot of fuel
➤➤ If you can’t get it going with a bungee cord and electri-
cians tape, it’s serious
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 25
www.thundercolorado.com www.thundercolorado.com

T N T

26 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 27
www.thundercolorado.com
28 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
The Mother Road
66
Historic Route
By: Houndog
The idea of linking Chicago with Los Angeles
was an idea conceived by entrepreneurs Cyrus
Avery (of Tulsa Oklahoma) and John Woodruff
(of Springfield Missouri). Construction of the
“Super Highway” was commissioned in 1926.
This historic road crossed 8 states (Illinois, Mis-
souri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico,
Arizona and California) and 3 time zones, for
a total of 2448 miles. It starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica,
California.
The author, John Steinbeck, proclaimed Route 66 as the “Mother Road” in his
novel “The Grapes of Wrath” which was written in 1939. To this day, Oklahoma
has more miles of Route 66 still in use than any of the other states. Kansas has
the shortest section of the “Mother Road” with only 13 miles. The old round barn
in Arcadia, Oklahoma, is the most famous and most often photographed barn on
Route 66.
Perhaps more than any other American highway, Route 66 symbolized a new
positive outlook that spread through the nation’s postwar economic recovery
efforts. “Get your kicks on Route 66” was a popular song written in 1946.
In 1956 the Federal Aid Highway Act was passed, calling for a national interstate
highway program. The passing of the Interstate Highway Act would eventually
replace the “Mother Road” with a system of interstate highways. In 1984 Route
66 was officially decommissioned as a federal highway. However, much of the
road and the landmarks that rest alongside of it are still preserved by Route 66
Historical Associations as well as private groups.
So, enjoy the “Mother Road” while you still can. Some day it may be nothing
more than a memory of times past.
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
SPRING
RIDING HAZARDS
Yea! The sun is shining, air temperature is inching up past 50 degrees… time to
get the bike out and ride. It’s a lot of fun, but don’t forget this time of year brings
its own special riding hazards. Though warm rides are more fun than winter
rides, there are extra hazards to be aware of. We can learn to watch out for the
obvious and minimize our risks.
Traffic is a concern any time of the year, but in the spring, drivers may not be
thinking about us. Cagers haven’t had to watch out for us bikers for several
months now and so could be less observant than usual. We often say ‘ride like
your invisible’. Just figure they are not going to see you and ride defensively to
get the best results.
Watch for reduced traction this time of year. Wet leaves and/or ice sheets
lurking in the shadows of overhanging branches is a common occurrence. With
spring showers, road repairs and construction on the increase - loose gravel,
sand or mud should be expected anytime anywhere. Expect fluids on the
roadway - dropped from other vehicles; these are pretty slick too.
Another challenge to our traction is the traffic markings on the pavement such
as the crosswalk stripes, especially when conditions are wet. What about those
nasty ‘tar snakes’? Basically the summer sun turns them back into oil, making
them slippery as hell on hot afternoon rides. The best idea is to ride aware of
your surroundings and check the road surfaces as well as the traffic often.
Grabbing or romping on the brakes when you feel a wheel slipping is generally
not a good idea. Gently straighten the bike up as possible, consider squeezing in
the clutch to coast over the slick spot, and don’t panic. Look well ahead and as
possible, find the non- or less-slick areas of the road to ride on.
I gained a bit of insight into traction management from reading Proficient
Motorcycling I & Proficient Motorcycling II by David Hough. These books
can provide a solid foundation for understanding the art of staying upright
on 2 wheels. For more advanced traction and other advanced street riding
techniques, I would recommend the Total Control book by Lee Parks. If you
search the Internet, you may be surprised by the amount of literature currently
available to aid you in living to ride another day.
This time of year it’s recommend to take a certified riders course. Beginners
course, experienced rider course – they all offer you a chance to improve your
riding skills and get your head on straight about riding safe. No matter what your
riding ability, there is always more to learn and, taking a class is fun too. See
ya’ll on the road soon! Jasmine Bluecreek Clark
85 Year-Old Motor Maid Gloria
Tramontin Struck And Evel Knievel
Among 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle
Museum & Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Hall
of Fame inductees for 2011. The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to
recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on
the motorcycle community.
Don Emde – Don Emde comes by his passion for motorcycling naturally. He
was born to a motorcycling family in 1951, and spent much of his youth either
working in the family’s dealership or tearing up the tracks of Southern California
as an amateur scrambler, dirt tracker and road racer. He turned pro in 1969, and
www.thundercolorado.com
set numerous records with his Daytona 200 win in 1972. Emde and his father
became the first (and so far only) father son pair to win the Daytona 200. After
his racing career, Don went on to become a successful publisher and author. He
currently publishes Drag Specialties Magazine, Parts Magazine and Parts Europe
Magazine.
Del Hofer – Del Hofer has been a Harley-Davidson dealer for 50 years, first in
Huron, South Dakota, then in Fargo, North Dakota. His love of motorcycling is
obvious through many of his activities. Del is active in the American Motorcyclists
Association and is the longest serving member of the Harley-Davidson Dealer
Advisory Board. A long-time AMA amateur racer in all styles of racing, Del also
served as an AMA referee and District Congressman for quite some time. Del’s
passion for motorcycling is evident to anyone who meets him. He encourages
men and women alike to take safety courses, get active in riding and enjoy it in a
safe and fun way.
Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel – Probably one of the best-known motorcycle rid-
ers in history, Evel Knievel liked to live on the edge. From riding his bicycle at an
early age to pole vaulting when he was in the army to playing semi-pro hockey,
Evel tried it all. In the early 1960s, Evel joined the motorcross circuit with moder-
ate success until a broken collar bone forced him to take a job as an insurance
salesman. The insurance business didn’t hold him for long, though, and soon he
moved his family to Washington where he started his first daredevil show. During
his career, he attempted 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, many successfully.
In 1974, Knievel unsuccessfully attempted a jump across the Snake River on a
steam-powered rocket – the Skycycle X-2. Knievel died of pulmonary disease in
2007 at the age of 69.
Michael Prugh – While Michael Prugh is certainly well recognized as a motor-
cycle designer and manufacturer, it’s his work educating others that has taken
him beyond the title of “builder.” Michael has been involved in many builds for
charity and as a competitor. He took second place two years in a row in the AMD’s
World Championship of Custom Bike Building and has been featured in numerous
publications featuring various builds. In 2010, Prugh led a team of students from
Western Dakota Tech to build “Method” a true “one off” bike that was auctioned
at the annual Legends Ride. This year, Prugh is again teaming up with Western
Dakota Tech, Black Hills Harley-Davidson and the Buffalo Chip to build a bike for
the Legends Ride.
Gloria Tramontin Struck – You’d never believe this outspoken 85-year-old wom-
an is the same girl who in 1941 at age 16 tearfully told her brother “I do not want
to know how to ride!” Well, her brother won that argument and she’s been riding
from that day until today. She’s owned 14 motorcycles in her lifetime, has traveled
every state in the continental U.S. as well as Canada. At the age of 76, she took
two trips to Europe, traveling a total of over 6,500 miles in 8 countries. Gloria has
been a Motor Maid for 65 years, having joined in 1946 and is the longest member
still riding. She continually encourages women to ride and to be involved. Gloria
is an inspiration to riders and non-riders alike.
Mike & Margaret Wilson – While both Mike & Margaret Wilson have contributed
individually to the sport and lifestyle of motorcycling, those who know this couple
consider them to be a pair. Mike was an expert dirt-track and TT racer both before
and after his stint in World War II. Right after his return, Mike bought a 45 cubic
inch Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a birthday surprise for Margaret. Mike and
Margaret were business partners in a Harley-Davidson then Honda dealership in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa for over 25 years. Both Mike and Margaret have been avid
riders and have spent countless hours encouraging others to ride, too. Known to
an entire generation of women raiders, Margaret is a golden life member of the
Motor Maids celebrating 60 years this year. Mike and Margaret both serve on the
Board of Directors of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and continue to
work to preserve the heritage of motorcycling through their involvement.
The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast is scheduled on
Wednesday, August 10 at 9:00 a.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid
City, SD.
Breakfast tickets are available for a $35.00 donation, tables of eight for $300.00.
Tickets can be purchased through the Museum at 605.347.2001 or on line at
www.sturgismuseum.com/cart/
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 29
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
Twin Peaks Leather
5655 Olde Wadsworth Blvd
Arvada, CO 303-432-1047
www.twinpeaksleather.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
Biggins BBQ & Antonio’s Burritos
116 S Lincoln Ave
Loveland , CO
970-744-2939
BBQ: Tues - Sat 12-8
Blondies Pub & Grub
45 W. Main Street
Cortez, Colorado 81321
(970) 565-4015
www.blondiespubandgrub.net
Bruces Bar
345 1st Street, Severance, Co.
970-686-23320
www.brucesbar123.com
Carter Lake Windjammer
Roadhouse
3431 S County Road 31
Loveland, CO
(970) 667-0454
www.carterlakewindjammer.com
Crazy Jacks
6520 S College Ave
Fort Collins, CO. (970) 223-1100
www.crazyjackssaloon.com
30 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011
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
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
Quaker Steak and Lube
10392 Reed St
Westminster, CO, 303.460.9464
www.thelube.com
Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
Roy’s Last Shot on the Peak to Custom Seats
Peak Hwy
17286 Hwy 119 Bitchn Stitchn Inc.
303-642-7870 11354 W. 13th Ave. Unit 1
www.roys-last-shot.com Lakewood, Co. 303-238-5404
www.bitchnstitchninc.com
The Depot Restaurant and Lounge www.bsseats.com
Highway 105 & 11 Primrose
Palmer Lake, CO Dealers / Shops
719-481-8668
www.americanlegiontrilakespost911.com American Bike Tailor Inc.
3032 S. Academy Blvd.
The Silver Tongue Devil Saloon CO Springs, CO 80916
10530 Ute Pass Ave Phone – 719-391-1017
Green Mountain Falls, CO www.Americanbiketailor.com
(719) 684-2555
www.thesilvertonguedevil.com Ascend Creations
6266 N. Lewis Ct, Parker, Co
The Townhouse Lounge 303-956-8039
907 Manitou Avenue www.Motorcycleserviceparker.com
Manitou Springs, CO
719.685.1085 Cycle Haven Storage and Service
www.thetownhouselounge.com Colorado Springs, CO
719-265-0000 www.cyclehaven.com
Historic Ute Inn
204 W. Midland Dr. EXP Motorsports
Woodland Park CO 719-687-1465 3301 W. Hampden, Sheridan, Co
www.uteinn.com 303-688-4001
Western Omelette Front Range Cycle
16 S Walnut St 2016 E. Lincoln
Colorado Springs, CO 80905-1537 (corner of Lincoln and Industrial)
(719) 636-2286 Fort Collins 970-482-1454
www.westernomelette.com
Full Moon Customs
Cannabis centers 3 Oak Avenue, Eaton, Co.
970-454-8710 or 970-396-8051
Tumbleweeds General Store www.fullmooncustoms.com
Home of Lyons Finest Confidential
Care Wild West Motorsports/Greeley
4071 Ute Highway, Lyons, CO Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha
720-335-5519 3010 W. 29th St., Greeley, Co.
www.WildWestMs.com
ChurchEs
Hawg Wild Custom Choppers
Church in The Wind 4315 S. Lincoln, Loveland, CO
2411 Alcott Avenue, Denver, CO 970-669-5589 fax 970-669-5572
303.427.1538 www.hawgwildcc.com
Coffee Houses Lees Motorcycles
1115 S. Greeley Hwy
Bob’s Coffee Shop Cheyenne, Wy, 307-772-7975
3522 WCR 54G (US 287)
La Porte, CO Mile High Harley-Davidson
970-691-8911 / e-mail 16565 E. 33rd Dr., Aurora
bobscoffeeshop@gmail.com 303-343-3300 or 1-888-747-AHOG
Check us out on Facebook www.milehighharley.com
Computer Service Mile High Harley-Davidson of Parker
6280 E. Pine Lane, Parker, CO
PCRX Remedy 720-842-1500
4850 Galley Rd, Colo Sp. www.milehighharley.com
(719) 622-9222
www.pcrxremedy.com Motogear Outlet
5405 W. 56th Ave., Arvada, CO
303-456-4757
www.motogearoutlet.com
Get Your Biker Friendly Business Listed For Only $120/Year 970-669-4015
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Phat Rides Custom Cycles
Randy Hocker
Loveland CO
970-663-4155
www.phatridescc.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
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
Hair/Nails/Salons
Fransua’s at Greenwood Village
5801 S. Quebec St.
Englewood, CO 80111 303-770-0201 5846 S. College Ave.
www.yelp.com/biz/fransuas-hair-salon- Fort Collins, CO. 970-377-0557
englewood
Complete Hair and Nail care for Men & Women
Mane Street & Company
1021 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO
970-669-1618
Insurance
ABC Insurance Agency
121 E. Swallow Rd #115
Fort Collins, CO
970.484.3200
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 119
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
Legal
AIM / NCOM
Richard M. Lester
(800) 531-2424 / 1-800-on-a-bike
www.onabike.com
Law Offices of Daniel R. Rosen
8310 S.Valley Highway Suite 210
Englewood, CO
800-ROSEN911
www.danielrrosen.com
Law Tigers Colorado
4828 So. College Ave.
Ft. Collins, Co. 970-377-3800
www.lawtigers.com
Liquor
287 Discount Liquor
Lodging
Hotel VQ
1975 Bryant St., Denver
720-855-4004
www.redlion.com/denverdowntown
Metal Recycling
Atlas Metal and Iron Corp
1100 Umatilla Street, Denver, CO.
303-825-7166
Miscellaneous
service
R&M Services Muffler Specialists
622 1st St., Fort Lupton, CO
303-857-4000
Motorcycle Skills
Training
ABATE of Colorado
4725 Paris St. Suite #250
Denver, Colorado, 303-789-3264
http://www.abateofcolo.org
Bluecreek Motorcycle Training Co
4704 Harlan Street Suite 500
Denver, CO
303-947-6011
www.bluecreekmotorcycletraining.com
Motorcycle License Testing without
a Class
Motorcycle License Testing ONLY
NO NEED TO TAKE A CLASS
Roy Hansen & Assoc. LLC
Old Ft. Collins “Downtown” Airport
Ft. Collins, CO 970-690-8847
www.cdltest.net
Patches, Mending,
Alterations, Repair
Lydia’s Sewing
Patches, Mending, Alterations, Repair
(303) 885-9994 (Northglenn)
lydia_morgan@live.com
Real Estate
ASSIST - 2 - SELL /
ORTIZ REALTY, INC.
1601 E. Eisenhower Blvd. # 4
Loveland, Co. 970-206-4900
Rortiz@Assist2Sell.com
WWW.A2SCOLORADO.COM
Tattoos
Skibos Tattoo
1008 N. College Ave.
Fort Collins 970-224-5241
www.skibostattoo.com
(303) 427-1538
Cell: (720) 635-2897
www.churchinthewind.org
Pastor Gary and
Mrs. Diana Davis
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 31
www.thundercolorado.com
Trailers/RV’s
RV World
4401 E Prospect
Fort Collins, CO
970.493.5400
www.rvworldllc.com
Signature Sales LLC
2816 W Eisenhower Blvd
Loveland, CO
970.667.1211
www.signaturesalesllc.com
Wheels & Tire
Service
Woody’s Wheel Works
2225 South Platte River Drive
Denver, CO 303-936-0232
www.woodyswheelworks.com
“You Bend Em, We Mend Em”
Wyoming
BARS & RESTAURANTS
Eagles Nest Bar & Package Store
1101 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wy
307-778-7678
LIQUOR
Vinos Liquors
I-25 & Vandehei Ave., Cheyenne
307-778-9463
TATTOO
Skibos Tattoo
117 West 5th St, Cheyenne
307-632-6869
www.skibostattoo.com
Come As You Ride
Friday Nights at 7:30 P.M.
in the Chapel at Riverside
2411 Alcott St.
Denver CO 80211
I-25 and 23rd Ave. Exit 211
Bible Studies • Weddings
Funerals & Memorials
www.thundercolorado.com
How fast can you guess these words? Answers:
1. F_ _K
1. FORK
2. PU_S_ 2. PULSE
3. S_X 3. SIX
4. P_N_S 4. PANTS
5. BOO_S 5. BOOKS
6. _ _NDOM
6. RANDOM
You got all 6 wrong....didn’t you?
Well, you don’t have Alzheimer’s, but you are a pervert
A Nurse walks into a bank. Preparing to write a check, she pulls a
rectal thermometer out of her purse and tries to write with it. She looks
at the flabbergasted teller and without missing a beat says, “Well, that’s
great..........that’s really great.......... Some a#@hole’s got my pen!”
Year to date statistics on TSA airport screening from the Department of
Homeland Security:
Terrorist Plots Discovered 0
Transvestites 133
Hernias 1,485
Hemorrhoid Cases 3,172
Enlarged Prostates 8,249
Breast Implants 59,350
Natural Blondes 3
A man calls emergency, “Come immediately, my little son has swallowed
a condom!” After five minutes, the same man calls back, “It’s OK, I found
another one.”
SPEEDING IN WYOMING
GOOD: A Laramie, Wyoming policeman had a perfect spot to watch for
speeders, but wasn’t getting many. Then he discovered the problem-
-a 12-year-old boy was standing up the road with a hand painted sign,
which read ‘RADAR TRAP AHEAD.’ The officer also found the boy had an
accomplice who was down the road with a sign reading ‘TIPS’ and a bucket
full of money. (And we used to just sell lemonade!)
BETTER: A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through
an automated radar post in Cheyenne, Wyo. A $40 speeding ticket was
included. Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40. The
police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs.
BEST: A young woman was pulled over for speeding. A Wyoming State
Trooper walked to her car window, flipping open his ticket book. She said, “I
bet you are going to sell me a ticket to the State Trooper’s Ball.” He replied,
“Wyoming State Troopers don’t have balls.” There was a moment of silence.
He then closed his book, tipped his hat, got back in his patrol car and left.
Penguins
Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica
- where do they go? Wonder no more ! ! ! It is a known fact that the penguin
is a very ritualistic bird that lives an extremely ordered and complex life.
The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as
maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout
its life. If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the
family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their
vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to
be rolled into and buried. The male penguins then gather in a circle around
the fresh grave and sing: “Freeze a jolly good fellow” “Freeze a jolly good
fellow.” “Then they kick him in the ice hole.”
32 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
For You Gear Heads
Drill Press: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal
bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your
beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had
carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.
Wire Wheel: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under
the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-
earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh sh--!’
Skill Saw: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.
Pliers: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of
blood-blisters.
Belt Sander: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor
touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.
Hacksaw: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle...
It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and
the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future
becomes.
Vise-Grips: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If
nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding
heat to the palm of your hand.
Oxyacetylene Torch: Used almost entirely for lighting various flammable
objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the
wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.
Table Saw: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood
projectiles for testing wall integrity.
Hydraulic Floor Jack: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after
you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly
under the bumper.
Band Saw: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to
cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the
trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge.
Two-Ton Engine Hoist: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of
everything you forgot to disconnect.
Phillips Screwdriver: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or
for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt;
but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.
Straight Screwdriver: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to
convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and butchering
your palms.
Pry Bar: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket
you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.
Hose Cutter: A tool used to make hoses too short.
Hammer: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays
is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent
the object we are trying to hit.
Utility Knife: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard
cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents
such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines,
refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work
clothes, but only while in use.
Son-Of-A-Bitch Tool: (A personal favorite!!) Any handy tool that you grab
and throw across the garage while yelling ‘Son of a Bitch!’ at the top of your
lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.
Defining Calories:
Calories are the little bastards that get into your wardrobe at night and sew
your clothes tighter. They seem to be overactive from late November to
February. MY CLOSET IS INFESTED WITH THE LITTLE SHITS!
www.thundercolorado.com
Is Bigger Really Better?
The 21st Annual Super Show in Colorado Springs goes “Old School”
When Phil Long in Colorado Springs sold their event
center last year, several promoters and planners were
left out in the cold. One of those was the Pro-Promo-
tions Super Show, a highly regarded Southern Colo-
rado Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet. It appeared that
it would no longer have a place to host their annual
show. Then, the event gods smiled and a somewhat
off the beaten path former strip mall came available.
The heat was on! With very little time Jim Wear, his
wife Pam and the Pro-Promotions staff went to work
and managed to stuff a very well organized event into
about half the space of last year’s event. They took out
the classic and hot rod cars and severely downsized
the show bike spaces to 5 by 8 foot slots. This meant
the massive displays, turntables and special lighting
had to go. Almost all of the prospective show bike
entrants understood and stuck around. Promoter Jim
Wear had this to say, “The show bike people were very
patient because we really had to crowd the show bikes
and in 23 years of doing this show I’ve never marked
off 5X8 slots for bikes but this year I had to do it for the
first time ever or they wouldn’t fit.”
Dave Weaver - Best of Show
for the Breast Cancer Awareness Ride, then donated a gas tank for their
upcoming Oct. event. On the opposite side of the building, “Kidz Zone” was
in full swing with children being entertained with airbrushing, buying things
with play money, stomping balloons tied to their feet and much more. The
temperature rose as people swarmed into the event, almost shoulder to
shoulder at some points. With unseasonably warm temps, Mother Nature
begged you to stay outside. The bike only parking area had to be quickly
expanded to accommodate the overflow of riders coming in.
On Sunday, typically a slower
day, people were waiting at
the door to get in. Tats were
everywhere as contestants
started arriving for the 19th An-
Mike Savage - Best Engineered
nual Colorado Tattoo Competi-
tion. If you thought you’d seen
I arrived shortly before the opening on Sat and was shocked all the tats you could see, you’d
to see only 4 cars and 6 motorcycles. I began to wonder if the be wrong. With over a hundred
riding community was going to embrace the new date and place competitors lining up, I couldn’t
for the show. I went inside to get a lay of the land and must even get to the front of the stage
have socialized a bit longer than I thought, but I was amazed for photos! The “Kidz Zone” was
that all of a sudden, I was surrounded by hundreds of people in full swing and an event unique
as the crowd began to swell. The Brian Flynn Band, stuffed in to this venue called the “Make
the corner with the food court and beer dispensary kept the joint and Take” hosted by Matt Duran
rockin all weekend. As with any really great motorcycle event, was getting glued up. Car kits are
old friendships are renewed and new friendships are formed. provided to participants who build
On this day, our friend John, aka “Fred” of Western Slope Parts models that are judged later that
met Carolee Langer, Mountain Shadow Riders Chairperson
continued on next page
Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 - 33
www.thundercolorado.com

Is Bigger Really Better?

Jim Wear (r) presenting Ron Alexander’s Award

Best of Show and 1st Place Classic Custom:

Dave Weaver with his 2007 custom bobber built by
Suicide Cycles in Maryland
Best Engineered and 1st Place Dresser: Mike
Savage with his 2001 HD Road King - Phat Rides
Custom Cycles, Loveland, Colorado
day. The Make and Take encourages young people
Ron Alexander was given a special award for
to become modelers.
“Outstanding Dedication To The Motorcycle
Steel City Bike Works photo booth setup was a Community”
big hit. You could get your picture taken with a hot
I do want to say this was a great representation of
bike and even hotter girls, then printed and auto-
motorcycle art and preservation and all are worthy
graphed on the spot! I guess for some, it’s their
of recognition.
trophy. You know what they say, “A picture’s worth
a thousand words!” Speaking of trophies, a couple Live, Laugh, Love,
of the most coveted honors were: Joe Farrow

34 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
www.thundercolorado.com
BIKE WEEK 2011
Boardwalk Bike Show
A beautiful day with an
absolutely picturesque
setting made our visit to the
Boardwalk for the annual
bike show picture perfect.
The blue sky, carnival rides
and the rolling waves of the
ocean, sets this show apart
from all others. There are
always unique photo ops
and sometimes it may be
something other than bikes
that catch your attention!
36 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads
BIKE WEEK 2011
Willie’s Ol’ Skool Bike Show
By Miserable George
Even though I’ve been going to Bike Week in Daytona for more
years than I care to count, the old spark still flames up when
I approach town and see all the motorcycle activity. Yeah, I
know, I complain about the traffic and the high prices, but I still
get a “thrill” knowing I’m in the midst of the biggest party in the
world!! As always, Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Ol’ Skool Bike Show
on Thursday of Bike Week is a “must-do” for me! This year,
I had the pleasure of meeting a pair of world renowned bike
builders...Dave Perewitz, and Ron Finch, as well as a host of
superb local builders, many of whom were competing in Willie’s
show. Perewitz donated a beautiful and very unusual trophy, as
did Miami builder, Nicky Boots. Huge crowd this year...lots of
beautiful little hotties skittering around the grounds. There were
a lot of fantastic old school custom bikes there too!! Who were
the winners...? Call Willie, he has all the names (I think!!) Ride
safe, and support yer local motorcycle club!!
Ron Finch (L)
www.thundercolorado.com

CDOT Encouraging Riders To Sharpen

Their Skills MORE TRAINING CAN BRING
“Tune up your skills, just like you tune up
your bike.”
YOU EVEN CLOSER TOGETHER.
It’s the quality, not just the quantity, of time you spend together. Make your rides even better
That’s the message the Colorado Department of Transportation
wants to send as it unveils its newest advertising campaign for by taking an advanced rider course. Find a trainer near you at comotorcyclesafety.com.
2011. CDOT officials hope the new campaign, which features
Colorado’s first motorcycle skill rating map, will help reduce the
number of motorcycle crashes caused by inexperienced riders.
In 2010, CDOT officials report there were 82 motorcycle
fatalities, a number that was only slightly down from 88 in on the road. Even the most seasoned rider can benefit from
2009. Of those, 33 percent of the operators killed did not have continuing motorcycle education, officials say, because it
motorcycle endorsements. About 70 percent of the fatalities allows riders to improve their skills and correct bad habits
were age 40 and over, and — taking their ride to the
of those 20 percent were not next level. Other benefits
endorsed. to ongoing training include
“There’s no doubt that some of getting more enjoyment out of
these deaths could have been the ride, being able to explore
avoided if the rider had been more parts of Colorado safely,
properly trained to understand and responding quickly to the
the dynamics of their bike and changing weather and road
how to handle various road conditions.
conditions and curves,” said Riders who continue their
Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief training can also save money
of the Colorado State Patrol. on their motorcycle insurance,
“Even if you have been riding as insurance companies
for years, there is always a recognize all levels of training
benefit to tuning up your skills, as key factors to limit your
just like you tune up your bike.” risks on the road.
The Colorado skill ratings map The Colorado Department
was developed with the help of Transportation oversees
of ABATE of Colorado and the Motorcycle Operator Safety
Colorado Sport Bike Club. The Training (MOST), a state-
color-coded map indicates supported motorcycle training
easy, moderate and difficult program that assures high
routes across Colorado, and quality training at a reduced
will be available at major price for Colorado residents
motorcycle dealerships, visitor and active duty military
and welcome centers, and personnel. In 2009, MOST
state parks across Colorado. trained 11,000 riders using
“We hope riders will use the 15 training organizations
map to plan outings and and 54 training facilities with
carefully consider all aspects fully equipped classrooms
of a route, especially if they throughout the state. Upon
have riders of different skill completion of the training,
levels in their group,” said inexperienced riders receive a
Pam Hutton, CDOT’s chief engineer and the governor’s completion card that automatically translates into a motorcycle
representative for highway safety. endorsement at the state driver’s license office, with no further
testing needed. For more information about MOST visit
The advertising campaign will stress the importance of
continuing training that allows motorcyclists to stay sharp www.COmotorcyclesafety.com.

38 - Thunder Roads Colorado - APRIL 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads comotorcyclesafety.com
 Never
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