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THUNDER ROADS COLORADO

1313 W. Broadmoor Dr., Loveland, CO 80537 PHONE: 970-669-4015 CELL: 970-581-0756 E-MAIL: linda@thundercolorado.com

Of Motorcycles and Patriotism

You just cant attend a motorcycle event without seeing waves of red, white and blue. Take a look at any parking lot with motorcycles and youll witness a sea of American Flags mounted on bikes, patriotic paint schemes. Then look at the riders and youll see patches on jackets and vests honoring fallen brothers and sisters, those Missing in Action, while others proclaiming These Colors Dont Run or Try Burning This One! Bikers are the most patriotic group I know. What they wear is symbolic of their dedication and pride to America and all she stands for. What does Independence Day mean to you? This second sentence from The Declaration of Independence has been called one of the best-known sentences in the English language and the most potent and consequential words in American history. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. As you celebrate our independence with family and friends, dont forget the fight, those who have fought and continue the battle to ensure we hang on to what is so precious to us. Summer is now in full swing and one of Russ favorite pastimes is to check out auctions and Estate sales! You never know what youre going to find; old oil cans, motorcycle parts, collectibles. Last year, he took the Softail to an auction and returned about 5 hours laterloaded down! I laughed as I looked at the snow shovel, 4 magazine racks, tools, old metal pipes. It reminded me of those pictures you see in places like Taiwan where they carry the whole family, a couple pigs and groceries for a week! It gave me an idea for a new feature this month. I wondered what the strangest thing was that other riders had packed on their bike and wanted to see how different the answers would be (if any) from cruiser and sport bike riders. Check out The Question Jasmine Bluecreek Clark asked to Bike Night attendees at Quaker Steak and Lube earlier this month. What is the most unusual thing you have ever packed on your bike? I hope the riders had as much fun as I had just reading their responses. We plan on doing more of this, so look for more of our Thunder Roads advertisers Bike Nights. Well be looking for you! If you havent planned those summer rides, you better get to it! Its July and we all know how fast the time goes. Do you want to be sitting around in a couple of months wondering, What happened? or talking about the great rides you had this year. Just get out and do it! Until next time Keep The Shiny Side Up! Linda & Russ

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 editors 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, Michael Benidt, Gary Westphalen, Carolee Langer

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

National Founders

Russ & Linda

Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 5

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FEATURES

White trash Unveiled

The Big Question
Bitchn Stitchns Dan Ballard unveiled his unique and unusual party truck a couple of weeks ago.

14 25
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10 Years Become Reality

22
Protesting The Protestors

A Walk Through History

Its a complete self-contained party vessel carved from a vintage White Trash Co. semi-cab. The window folds out for a bar top. The truck contains room for 2 kegs of beer with 2 taps and room for a full bar and bartender! This babys fully lit inside and out with adjustable and colored lighting. There are two fire burning smoke stacks at the rear of the cab and an exercise (aka stripper) pole on the wooden deck. What a grand idea for this White Trash truck, the perfect trailer-able party vessel. For Rental: 970.203.0164, www.whitetrashco.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bite This...................................................................9 Calendar of Events................................................10 Hey, Nice Suspenders - Part Deux........................12 NCOM Newsbytes.................................................16 ThunderCam.........................................................19 Pullout Calendar....................................................20 TNT........................................................................27 Thunderbolts......................................................29 Biker Friendly Business Listing..............................30 The Jokers Wild.....................................................32 Event Summaries....................................................5 Favorite Ride.........................................................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 OCCUPIED 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 PERSONS 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 ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

$2.00 Dom Draws All Night

Food Specials

Mon - 60 Cent WINGS Tues - Food & Drink Specials Wed - Bike Nite with Slick & Friends

Thurs - Blues Jam w/The Profit Bros

Karaoke starts @ 8:00

Fri - Summer Music with Scott Allen 6-8

$4.99 Fish & Chips $ 2 Dom. Draft $3 Wells

970-223-1100 CrazyJacksSaloon.com
Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 7

6520 S. College Ave. (College & Trilby)

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Bite This!
hAWAIIAN STEAk kABOBS
Hawaiian Steak Kabobs 1 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup oil 1/8 cup honey 1/2 tsp. garlic 1 lb. beef sirloin, cut into strips 16 pieces fresh pineapple 1 can 8 oz water chestnuts 1 med. Onion chopped In medium glass bowl, combine soy sauce, oil, honey and garlic; mix well. Set aside cup for basting. Add meat to the marinade mixture in the bowl and marinate at least 1 hour in refrigerator. Alternately thread beef strips, onion, water chestnuts and pineapple on skewers. (3 meat pieces per stick.) Grill on med. high heat for about 4 minutes. Baste with marinade, turn, then grill for additional 4 minutes. Soaking bamboo skewers in water for 10-15 minutes prior to use will help prevent burning Preheat grill to medium heat. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for the mushrooms. Lightly oil the grill grate, then place mushrooms over indirect heat. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Yum!

TROpICAL DELIGhT
1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple undrained 1 small pkg. fat free, sugar free vanilla (or banana) instant pudding 1 cup thawed Whipped Topping 1 10 ounce round angel food cake sliced into 3 layers (a serrated knife works best) 2 Cups fresh strawberries and blueberries Mix pineapple and dry pudding mix in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Stir in whipped topping. Stack cake layers on plate, filling each layer with pudding mixture (and berries if you love your fruit). Top with pudding mixture. Refrigerate for an hour. Top with berries just before serving.con, plum tomatoes, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Chill until served. Great served with crisp breadsticks for dipping, crackers or your favorite toasted bread slices.

GRILLED ASpARAGUS
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinaigrette 1 tbsp soy sauce Garlic salt and pepper to taste 1 bunch asparagus stalks, ends cut Mix the first 5 ingredients together. Put asparagus in the mixture and marinate for 2 hours. Soak some bamboo skewers in water. Thread asparagus onto skewers and place on heated grill, turning every few minutes and basting frequently with sauce mixture. Grill until asparagus is tender (should be crisp and bright green).

STUFFED pORTOBELLO MUShROOMS

cup finely chopped red bell pepper 1 minced clove of garlic 1/3 cup Olive oil tsp onion powder 1 tsp salt tsp ground black pepper 4 Portobello mushroom caps (or use large white mushrooms)
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THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR

J U Ly
2 Bruces Bar Military Appreciation Day! 101st Army Rock Band. 3pm - No cover charge. Portion of the days proceeds will go to The Wounded Warriors Foundation. 123 1st St - Severance CO 970-686-2320 www.brucesbar123.com 2-3 MRA Races Miller Motorsports park, 303/5305678 www.MRA-Racing.org 2-4 Top O the Rockies Motorcycle Rally, Paonia, CO 9 Bobs Coffee Shop 2nd Annual Car & Bike Show & Swap Meet. (970) 691-8911 Cancer Sux Bike Run, 15600 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 720-296-7693, www.ksnmr.com/ Cancer-sux.info Memory Mayne poker Run. Start: Platte River Bar & Grill 303-798-9356, www.amf100.org Freedom harley-Davidsons Bikes, Blues & BBQ Block party 303/238-0425 Bobs Ride Diabetes Benefit Run Registration 9-10am, TMHD Loveland, CO 970/443-1837 9-10 25th Annual Ladies Run of Colorado, 3 start locations. http://www.ladiesrun.com 10 McCarthys pub 8th MhDSA poker Run & Benefit, Longmont, CO 303/995-2146 or 720/435-1516 1st Annual Ride for Autism, Pueblo CO, Steel City Bike Works 201 Santa Fe Dr, Registration 9-10am, Tickets $35 each. VIP tickets $75 each, Includes BBQ and beverages. www.steelcitybikeworks.com (719) 543-6824
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THUNDER ROADS EVENTS CALENDAR

30 Bike-Nite Charity Event, Glenwood Springs CO, Glenwood Springs Shopping Center 4pm to 9pm, Poker run, Bike Show, Contest, Vendors, Entertainment, Proceeds to benefit Advocate Safe House LLC, AMA, MRF and ABATE of CO www.bike-nite.org 30-31 MRA Race #5 303/530-5678 www.mra-racing. org a cool ass prize! $20/person, $25/couple www. boulderwomenshealth.org 20-21 Colorado Freewheeler s 23rd Annual 1000-In24 Run 303/295-7137, 303/973-9222 6th Annual Friends for Youth Fallen to Freedom Motorcycle Ride (303) 756-9285 www. friendsforyouth.com 26-28 4th Annual prairie Biker Rally, Morgan County Fairgrounds, Brush CO. Gates open 9am, Vendors, beer garden, bike rodeo, show and shine free bike show, tribute to Fallen Firefighters, Groove Hawgs $15, MMA Cage Fights - $12, Biker Poker Run - $30/bike, $10/rider. Grand prize this year is a Harley Sportster (970) 842-2666. www.prairiebikerrally.com www.brushchamber.org Brush CO, (970) 842-2666 www.brushchamber. org Combat Vets Assoc. Chapt. 1 All patriots Run 303/670-0624 Carnage on Larimer Street Car & Bike Show & Block party www.carageonlarimer.com 11 Rolling Thunder Colorado Veterans honor Ride 303/519-8381 9/11 Freedom Rally www.911freedomrally.org 18 2 Wheelers Motorcycle Shop Annual Fall Nut Run, 303/433-7025 The Roy Ride Benefit for Childrens hospital Cystic Fibrosis Research Center 303/312-2460 Wind Riders 15th Annual In the Wind poker Run to Benefit Childrens hospital 303/8616915 25 Emilys parade Benefit Ride to Bailey www. emilysparade.org Sept 29 Oct 3 Vegas BikeFest, Custom bike show, Artistry in Iron, vendor displays, Miss & Mr. Las Vegas BikeFest competitions, giveaways. www.lasvegasbikefest.com

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16 Riders for Moebius Starts at American Bike Tailor, 3032 South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs. Registration at 9:00 am. 8th Annual Mark Littlejohn Christmas in July supports The Salvation Army and Support-aSoldier. (303) 435-8853 Benefit for Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Colorado Springs, Registration 9am, Frankies 945 N. Powers, $15 rider, $5 passenger. (719) 237-5374 Mohawk.baca@hotmail.com Mile high h-D pre-Sturgis Celebration, Parker CO (720) 842-1500 www.milehighharley.com Ride for Recovery 6th Annual Event, 720/4045751 Justin Bauer hot Rods & harleys poker Run, VFW, Evans, CO 970/371-7210, 970/371-1492 17 ABATE of Colorado District 3 (No. Co) Swap Meet and Bike Show, The Hideout Patio and Grill_1903 E. Lincoln Ave,_Fort Collins, CO. 10x10 Vendor space $25. More info. Abby: 720938-1149 11th katies Ride for the Cure Benefit for Cystic Fibrosis. Registration 9AM to 10:30AM_ at The Office Lounge_1710 W. Eisenhowever, Loveland, CO. Last stop & Auction at Crazy Jacks Saloon_6520 S. College, Fort Collins, CO 970/290-3240 5th Anniversary TESSA Benefit Run & party, Co.Spgs. Begins at Frankies 945 N. Powers Blvd, Registration and breakfast 8am to 9:45am. Ends at Frankies Too 7376 McLaughlin Rd, Falcon CO. Breakfast included with each paid hand, $15 for 1 $20 for 2.TESSA supports victims of family violence. Donate cell phones that are reprogrammed for these victims. Call Jen or Kathy at Frankies Too (719) 495-8707 high Country h-D 22nd Annual D. A. V. Run & Benefit www.highcountryharley.com 303/8336777

20 National Ride To Work Day 23 pikes peak Biker Bust, Starts at Crystola Roadhouse at 9 am. Benefits the Mental Health of America Pikes Peak region www.msasoco.org. 719-633-4601 The Last Blast Veronicas Legacy Run, American Legion, Sterling CO. www.sterlinglegion.org. 970.520.2690 Dyno Runs and Shootout, Colorado Springs CO, American Bike Tailor 3032 S. Academy Blvd, See how your bike stacks up, 3 runs for $25, 10am to 4pm, www.americanbiketailor.com (719) 391-1017 Annual ABATE District 14 Riding For Advocates Charity poker Run, Dillon CO, Buckmoors Lounge 110 LaBonte Dr, Last bike out 9:30am, $15 1st hand, $25 for 2, $5 additional hand (970) 485-0313 blehmkuhl@msn.com Westminster Firefighters Fire Victims Benefit Fund poker Run. 303-429-0096 24 9th Annual Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) hawgs for hounds poker Run Fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the shelter operations. TCRAS is a private, nonprofit, no-kill companion animal shelter serving all of Teller County. Registration 9 - 10 a.m. at Western Omelet, 16 S Walnut Street, Co. Spgs. Alternate start at Bierwerks in Woodland Park at 10 am with 2-card draw. Ends 1:00 p.m. at the Crystola Roadhouse, 20918 E Highway 24. $15 hand, $10 additional hand. Dinos Custom Cycles Benefit for Brents place kids Cure, Run & Pig Roast 303/2331600 27-30 Christian Motorcyclists Association Colorado State Rally, Gunnison, CO 719/392-7352 or 303/659-4363 www.cmausa.org

6-13 71st STURGIS Rally & Races Annual Black hills Motor Classic Sturgis, SD 13 ABATE of Colorado Motorcycle Expo. Dicks Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City 303.789.3264 13-14 Rolling Thunder Annual pOW Balloon Release, CO 303/514-7916 18-21 ABATE D-1 Rally on the plains, Yuma, CO 970/542-0902 www.abateofcolo.org 19-21 Salute to American Veterans Rally, Cripple Creek, CO 719/487-8005 www.theveteransrally. org 20 Brents place kids Cure poker Run Benefit for kids 720/495-9912 CMA Loveland Special Youth Challenge Benefit Run, Loveland, CO 970/237-0425 WhIp Run to benefit Womens health. Helping women, men and teens with no health insurance. Runs start from 4 directions, 10:30. Loveland Run, Windjammer, Firestone Run Jerry Ds, Thornton Run Two Doors Down, Golden Run Buffalo Rose. Ends at Quaker Steak and Lube in Westminster at 3:00 P.M. Wear a cool ass hat for

AUgUST

SEPTEmBER
Aug 30-Sep 4 Ignacio Bike Week, Ignacio CO, Daily poker run, Vendors, Many biker field events including biker bull riding, Parade (970) 259-9302 www. ignaciobikeweek.com 1-5 5th Annual Sugar pine Ranch Rally (970) 7990933, (970) 882-2456 www.sugarpineranchrally. com 3-5 4 Corners Rally, Durango CO, From Durango through Mancos to Cortez theres something going on daily with a parade on Sunday in Durango. (970) 259-0778 www.fourcornersbikerrally.com 5 MDA Miracle Ride of the Rockies - 303/7538690, 3/287-7567, 3/340-4982 10 Veterans 4 Veterans Charity poker Run, All stops will be at Veterans Nursing homes or Memorials. fischerrp@comcast.net

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

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Hey, Nice Suspenders!

Ben Hochberg, ABATE of Colorado
Last month we started a series on motorcycle suspensions system. I ended by promising to do some more research and then write more about what I found. I alluded to discussion of different types of systems and how to set them up. There have been some innovative approaches to suspension. In the previous article I talked mainly about the most common type: the damper surrounded by a spring and assembled into a single unit. The spring is usually adjustable for pre-load by a stepped collar around the top or bottom of the unit. These are used in pairs, one on each side of the bike, and are usually mounted from somewhere just under the bikes seat to a point on the swing arm, which holds the rear wheel. And most bikes have a telescopic front suspension; they are similar in design to the aforementioned rear suspensions but the whole works, springs and dampers both, are enclosed inside the forks. But right off the top of my head I can think of other types of suspension systems. There are the laydown shocks that are mounted horizontally underneath the bikes engine or transmission, such as those found on Harleys Softail models. There are mono-shocks. There are BMWs Paralever, Duoloever, Telelever, and Earles Fork systems. There is the RADD suspension found on the Yamaha GTS1000. There are springer and girder front ends. Yikes! Then I started to do some research on the internet to see if there were any I missed. Oh yes, I found plenty more! In fact, the more I looked into various types of suspensions the more I realized how many there are, and have been in the past, and how difficult it would be to understand them all, list them and explain them.

Part deux

Its time to reconsider how (in)complete this series needs to be! So lets refocus. Lets look at what suspension is supposed to do and what our goals are in set-up and adjustment. Lets leave the how-to part to your relationships with your owners manual and your mechanic. The first thing to mention at this point is that, from everything I have been reading, the front and rear suspension systems on any one bike are a team. They work together and in conjunction with each other. They must be matched, and set up with regard to the fact that a setting change on one will probably affect the other noticeably. For illustration, imagine a bike under hard deceleration the front end compresses and the rear end extends. The amount and rate that the front end can compress is dependent on the amount and rate that the rear end can extend. So the front ends ability to compression-dampen is dependent on the rear ends ability to rebound-dampen. And the reverse is true for acceleration: the front end has to extend while the rear end compresses. Suspension/spring rates and dampening on one end affects what is happening on the other end. Were going to assume that your bike has springs front and rear. (As I said, there are other types of systems, but there are just too many to cover here.) The first thing to consider when setting up suspension with springs is the spring rate. This is the amount that the spring will compress under a certain load. Bikes come from the factory with springs that have a rate that is generally OK for the bikes usual or intended purpose. But bikes that are used for special situations may need to have the springs replaced with others that are more appropriate for their intended service. Also, springs can wear out and need to be replaced.

At one point I had a Sportster that I used for two-up touring; the factory springs were insufficient for this purpose. The bike would bottom out on both the front and rear ends when it was loaded and went over a medium-sized bump. I replaced springs on both ends of the bike with some units from Progressive Suspension: problem solved! Does your bike bottom out under normal usage? If so, you probably ought to replace its springs. The next thing to consider is sag. Taking some measurements is in order here. Measure the height of one end of the bike when the suspension is fully extended. To do this the end of the bike has to be raised until the tire on that end is about to rise off the ground. You may be able to do this by lifting it up yourself if you are strong, or you may need a hoist (unless you have strong friend who is willing to help). Then, while the suspension is extended, measure the height of some part on the top of the bike on that end. Next, let the bike down again; then load the bike with as much weight as it typically will be carrying, like yourself, a passenger (if you typically carry one), and your gear, and then have someone measure the height of the bike at the same point as was used before. The difference between the two figures is the laden sag. One source tells us that the laden sag should be about 35% (for street riding). Other sources I have read more or less agree with that figure. Less sag equals a stiffer ride, more sag equals a cushier ride. OK, so if you have springs that are of the correct rate, and you have them set for the right amount of sag, you are on the way to having your suspension set up properly. The next thing we will consider is dampening, and we will do that in next months article.

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10 Years Becomes a Reality

Three days, two stages, a music festival, 400 volunteers, over $15,000 in prizes, the largest rooftop fireworks display Fort Collins has ever seen and 12 city blocks. Thats how you celebrate 10 years! The Realities for Children Ride and Rally is fast becoming recognized as one of the areas premier annual motorcycle events. What started out as a Poker Run 10 years ago with a handful of riders has evolved into a much larger event with nonstop entertainment; stunt riding by the Suicidal Lifestyles Stunt Team, a smoking burnout pit, tattoo competition, Virtual Racing, Vintage Bike Show, Rat Rod Show, lots of vendors and non-stop entertainment. A free community event, it attracts people from all over including out of State. The Friday night kickoff included a block party with music and a rooftop fireworks display in Old Town Square, but rainy weather rolled in and delayed or postponed some events. Saturday was packed with entertainment and grew to include more city blocks as vendors were set up. Morning drizzle and low temperatures were forecast for Sunday, the day of the ride. Realities For Children President Craig Secher says, I was dismayed, but then you see 2000 riders show up. I dont know how to describe it. It brought tears to my eyes. Very powerful! Obviously, a little rain didnt dampen the spirits of these riders. Secher went on to say that it says a lot about this event and our community. People came out no matter what to help the kids. One of the volunteers assisting at the rainy check in Sunday Morning stated: Wow, I have never even been around bikers before and to see so many people come together even in bad weather to help children in need is amazing. This above and beyond commitment to helping others is what sets the biking community apart from everyone else! As morning turned to noon and the drizzle was evaporated by sunshine, the Budweiser after-ride celebration in Old Town Fort Collins encompassing 12 city bocks was ready to kick in! Riders started rolling in from the ride and the crowd continued to grow. A lot of local talent was featured with over 30 hours of music throughout the weekend and the Realities Pinup girls who made their debut this year were a hit! The weekend ended with prize drawings, awards presentations and a $1500 best hand cash prize to Pam Rogge (an 8 year volunteer) who drew a straight flush to the Queen. Other prizes included a motorcycle, custom paint job and 3 flat screen televisions! I asked Craig, Other than the weather, was it all you hoped it would be? His response? We didnt reach our goal, but Im not disappointed. That goal was to raise $100,000 this year for Realities For Children, which provides funding for abused, neglected and at-risk youth in Larimer County. In spite of rain throughout the weekend, attendance was really good and the event still raised about $94,000. Secher stated, The big humbling piece is the volunteers. It breaks down barriers. Its a great coming together of community. Ill tell you something else I feel good about. Over 2000 riders and not one went down. Im really happy about that. It says a lot about the quality of our riders. lm Testimonial Everyone at Interstate Honda would like to congratulate you on your recent success on your event. We were proud to have been part of an event that that was for such a good cause. You somehow were able to put on a biker driven event where there was no animosity and provided a family friendly atmosphere where everyone could come out and have a great time. As a vendor at the event, I would highly recommend to other perspective participants that your teams organizational skills along with your quality staff in attendance helped with our own personal success. Thanks again see you next year.
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Realities For Children Ride and Rally Celebrates A Milestone

Craig secher

Wow, I have never even been around bikers before and to see so many people come together even in bad weather to help children in need is amazing. This above and beyond commitment to helping others is what sets the biking community apart from everyone else!

For more info: www.RealitiesForChildren.com www.RealitiesRide.com

Photo credits - Mike and Frank Berry - Fort collins digital camera club, Russ McCartney Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 15

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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 youve 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)

News Bytes

MIChIGAN pOISED TO REpEAL hELMET LAW

After decades of protesting Michigans 42-year old helmet law at rallies at the State Capitol, motorcyclists converged on the statehouse on Wednesday, June 8 for a Call To Victory Rally in anticipation of a repeal bill making it to the desk of newly elected Governor Rick Snyder. Gov. Snyder has not committed either way, but he replaced Jennifer Granholm who twice vetoed repeals that were approved by the state legislature in 2006 and 2008. It appears that lawmakers are once again poised to approve legislation that will allow freedom of choice for many of Michigans 241,000 motorcyclists. The Senate Transportation Committee recently passed a repeal measure that will soon go before the full Senate, while a similar bill is pending in the House of Representatives. The Senate bill would allow those 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they have had a motorcycle endorsement for two or more years, or have passed a safety course. The House bill would allow those 21 and older to ride without a helmet if they have a $20,000 medical policy in place. Vince Consiglio, state director of ABATE of Michigan, said there are enough votes in both chambers to change the helmet law. Were not opposed to helmets, but it should be a choice, Consiglio says, adding that the issue ought to be the education of motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles to avoid collisions in the first place. ABATE pushes motorcycle training and education for riders, and awareness for those in other vehicles. The battle over helmets has also been waged in courtrooms across the state, with A.I.M. Attorney Larry Katman Katkowski challenging the enforcement of the law on behalf of ABATE and the Michigan Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs.

NEW hAMpShIRE pROhIBITS MOTORCYCLE-ONLY ChECkpOINTS

In an unprecedented victory on the motorcyclists rights front, New Hampshire became the first state to bar motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. HB 148, cosponsored by longtime biker activist State Rep. Sherm Packard, prohibits the acceptance of federal funding for the discriminatory roadblocks. No law enforcement agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state may accept federal funding the purpose of which is to establish motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints, states the new law, which takes effect 60 days after passage. Packard was one of the first biker-legislators in the country, and as an original member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force he literally wrote the book on Getting Elected To Public Office, a pamphlet that can be ordered free of charge through the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or via the internet at www.ON-A-BIKE.com. On the flipside, however, Virginia recently joined New York, Georgia, Utah and Maine in conducting such controversial roadblocks, with the Arlington County Police Department setting up a motorcycle-only checkpoint on May 28th during the annual Rolling Thunder POW/MIA rally in Washington D.C. over Memorial Day weekend. Also, on May 16th ABATE of New York held their annual Freedom Rally/Ride to the Capitol and as participants departed in small groups to return home, law enforcement units pulled over many of the riders and issued numerous citations of dubious legitimacy, primarily for helmets and exhausts. This ride has been held without incident for 15 years, said Robert Prospector Boellner, a member of the NCOM Board of Directors representing the New England states, adding; It is believed that this action by New York State Police was retaliation for a class-action lawsuit filed by AIM Attorney Mitch Proner against state police and DMV to stop the practice of motorcycle-only roadblocks.

Safety program manager. Sixty-nine percent of all motorcycle-involved accidents, the cause was the motorcycle operator. Thats steady year in, year out. Currently, there are 47 state-legislated rider training programs in the United States and all but five US states waive motorcyclist license testing for graduates of rider training courses. Only 15 states require completion of a rider ed course to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, usually for riders aged 18-21.

BILL WOULD ALLOW SUNDAY MOTORCYCLE SALES IN pENNSYLVANIA

In the past, Pennsylvania blue laws prohibited the sale of nearly all products on Sunday because of religious reasons associated with the Sabbath, but a new bill is aiming to allow motorcycle dealers to open their doors seven days a week. Right now, you can only buy parts and accessories on Sundays. We always joke that you can sell all the parts to build a motorcycle but that you cant sell the motorcycle itself, said a spokesperson for State Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) who introduced legislation that unanimously passed through the Senate and now moves to the House. Many dealers are eager for the change, especially since neighboring New Jersey recently lifted their ban on Sunday cycle sales and have posted positive sales figures. Motorcycle businesses in Indiana and Wisconsin have also been trying to overturn prohibitions on Sunday bike sales.

VERMONT TO CREATE MILITARY LICENSE pLATE FOR MOTORCYCLES

Vermont will soon have a special motorcycle license plate to honor Vermonts veteran and active duty members of the military who ride. Governor Peter Shumlin signed the bill into law on Tuesday, May 24, and it takes affect on July 1. The new law also allows members of the military to get veteran license plates before they retire. The governors office says in the past military personnel who have made a career of their service would have had to retire to receive the plate. Adrian Andy Megrath, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Rutland Chapter, told The Republic newspaper that the motorcycle plate is another way of showing how proud we are of veterans, and how many of us there are.

ways into a jungle for motorists, and cite the following examples of over-exuberant penalties across the country: * Parking in a fire lane in Pensacola, Fla., will cost you $100, up from $10. * Georgia recently added a $200 surcharge for anyone driving more than 85 miles per hour. * Colorado increased fines for speeding from $50 to $135. * Portland, Ore., increased fines for parking in a handicapped spot from $190 to $450. * Parking fines in Boston doubled to $40. * Speeding in Florida just 10 miles over the legal limit will cost you $196, up from $154. Despite the increase in traffic citations, along with increased fines and fees, an estimated 95% of motorists simply pay up and dont bother to fight their tickets in court.

AIM/NCOM INFORMATIONAL DVD AVAILABLE

The National Coalition of Motorcyclists and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists have a new professionally produced DVD available to bikers and biker groups free for the asking. Oregon AIM Chief of Staff Gunny Hutcheson, who was honored at the recent NCOM Convention with the Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award, wrote about the new DVD in his monthly Gunnys Sack column: It features information about the annual NCOM Conventions, the various groups and committees within NCOM, bike insurance and accident info and more. Get with your AIM Rep or AIM Attorney in your home state, or contact AIM/NCOM directly at (800) ON-A-BIKE, and they will make sure you get your free copy to view with your own groups. Watch for AIM/NCOM booths at the biker runs they should have some available there as well. The DVD is nicely done and very informative. Gunny further noted that Every year we are faced with more and more losses of our right to ride our machines, and the industry has to comply with ever more restrictive directives that control the manufacture of our rides. These are the reasons national organizations like the NCOM exist. My hope is that this DVD will encourage more rider groups to send representatives to every national NCOM Convention. They are held every year in a different city, so more can attend. Its always over Mothers Day weekend, and the 2012 NCOM Convention will be in Indianapolis, next May 10-13.
Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 17

CONGRESSWOMAN GIFFORDS CONTINUES MIRACULOUS COMEBACk

In what many have dubbed a miracle recovery, Arizona State Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) continues to make amazing progress after being shot in the head at a political rally during a shooting spree that left six dead and 19 others wounded. Her doctors credit her will to live with keeping her alive, despite initial news reports that she had been killed, and she is now expected to leave the hospital soon to continue her outpatient therapy and treatment from home. Giffords remains seated in Congress and among her many duties she serves as co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus along with U.S. Rep Michael Burgess (R-TX). The bipartisan caucus is comprised of motorcycle-riding reps who promote motorcycling interests in Congress. She and fellow rider Rep. Allen West (R-FL), newly-elected Congressman from Florida who also now sits on the motorcycle caucus, were selected by the NCOM Board of Directors to receive the Silver Spoke Award - Government at the National Coalition of Motorcyclists annual NCOM Convention in Albuquerque, NM this past May.
16 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011

TRAFFIC FINES BOLSTER BUDGETS

The economic downturn has put loads of stress on state and municipal budgets across the country, and with strong public pressure against raising taxes lawmakers are raising traffic fines instead. Communities and state governments are looking to balance their budgets on the backs of drivers, using the boost in revenue from traffic tickets to help pay their bills. Police are having a quick trigger finger, says Gary Biller, executive director of the National Motorists Association. Theres less tolerance, and tickets are being issued much quicker. We know the pressure being put on governments, but it doesnt justify whats going on. Speed limits were originally intended to conserve fuel during the energy crisis of the 70s, but have evolved into a $4.5-$6 billion industry according to NMA estimates. FoxNews.com recently reported that looming budget gaps have turned the road-

ALABAMA MAY EXpAND MOTORCYCLE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Alabama is the only state where a person can get a motorcycle license without ever sitting on a motorcycle. Would-be motorcyclists as young as 14 dont have to take a skills test to obtain a license, just a written one. Rep. Allen Farley, R-Jefferson, and eight co-sponsors are behind the House version of a bill (HB-576) to require graduated licenses and mandate testing that includes riding. It would require future motorcycle licenses to include a written test and a skills test for ages 14-17. It also would introduce a graduated drivers license law that would restrict motorcycle operations for ages 14-17. Issuing a motorcycle license with a written test and no skills test is just setting people up for failure. The lack for a mandate of training and education can be directly linked to reports of accidents, said Richard Randolph, Alabama Motorcycle

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www.thundercolorado.com
All Proceeds Benefit

Meet adoptable animals at each ride stop!

AY SUND 4th JULY 2

9:00 a.m. Start Western Omelette Alternate start at Bierwerks in Woodland Park 10:00 a.m. Last bike out by 10:00 a.m. and last bike in by 2:00 p.m. Ride ends with a party and Live Music at the Crystola Roadhouse

POKER RUN
$15 First Hand and Ride Pin $10 Second Hand 50/50 and Raffle Prizes Visit our website for all the details!

(719) 686-7707 www.tcrascolorado.com

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I Hope I Honored Him.

READ THIS FIRST!!!!! I just moved in the area about a month ago. I was feeling pretty lonely and something was just... missing...why not get a dog?? I went to the local shelter which was very clean and had big roomy cages for the dogs. The shelter said that I seemed like a labtype which I didnt understand, but I guess they know what they are talking about. They took me to this black lab that looked like the perfect dog at a glance, well behaved and obviously in good shape. As I was leaving with the dog, they informed me that his name is Reggie, and handed me a box full of his belongings. When we got home, Reggie was still very well behaved...almost too well behaved. The better word might be bored. He just glared at me every time I tried to hype him up to play. Theres no way he was this way with his previous owner. I looked in his box of belongings for a toy and there was a new container of tennis balls in there. I grabbed one, and tossed it his way. He just watched it roll by his face while he laid on the floor with his head on his front paws. A week went by and Reggie still showed no activity, but the shelter said to give him two weeks and he should warm up to me. So far, it wasnt looking so good. By the end of the second week, Reggie at least started to nudge the tennis ball, so I spread all the tennis balls around the house to give him something to do, but he still wasnt warming up to me. I decided to call the shelter to let them know it just wasnt working out, and as I dialed the last number to the shelter, I glanced in the box and saw an envelope. I hung up the phone and grabbed the envelope and opened it finding a letter written by his previous owner...

The BIG Question

Barbara Ricenbaw ~ 1997 Valkyrie V-6 Trike Jay

What Is The Most Unusual Thing You Have Packed On Your Bike?
Marc Ward ~ hD Road king

A box full of little-bitty- womens undies, burlesque outfits and lingerie. Marc claims these things belong to his lovely wife Pam and her dancing friends. Tom Tancredo Fat kid ~ harley Davidson Full Size Keg of Miller Lite on the back and a case of beer on the gas tank, on a 1979 HD Lowrider Jerry hext ~ 2002 Suzuki Volusia Mike Lee ~ harley Davidson

A blow up Girl. I was riding down hwy 36 with her. A cop pulled up next to us, looked over and said: Nice girlfriend! I told him yeah shes pretty quiet. George & Andrea Ofiesh ~ 2011 Spyder

Jerry is a Hockey player for the KROKS team. He carries his Hockey Sticks and all his gear on his 2002 Suzuki Volusia. He packs the gear in a large bag strapped to the passenger seat. He carries the hockey sticks by laying them over the saddlebags and tucked up under the gas tank and holds them in place with his leg. Jim & Jackie

Mike is a sign maker, he carries his large banners sometimes 40 miles at highway speeds wedged under one leg. Ron Bellecourt ~ hD Sportster

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I looked at that lab that day and had a totally different respect for him. He was glaring at me as usual, but when I whispered Hey Tank... he was on all fours, tail wagging frantically and completely alert. I grabbed a tennis ball that was next to me and said, ...ya want this tennis ball? Huh boy? You could tell he wanted to run, so I tossed the ball in the next room. He ran passed me, almost knocking me down to get to the ball. When he came back, he had 3 tennis balls in his mouth.
22 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads

Once rode his VTX Tiger with a new mc tire around his neck like a necklace.

During hunting season, we carry whole deer and/or elk on our bike.

Ron picked up his Thanksgiving Turkey one year on his motorcycle and thought hed get creative with packing it home. He tied it spread eagle to the Harleys back rest, dangling the little turkey legs over the passenger seat. He wanted it to look like it was flying its last flight.

Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 23

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s riders were gathering at Thunder Mountain H-D for the Realities For Children Ride, a handful of others were readying their showpieces for later. It was drizzling hard and I watched in fascination as a sidecar rig with a three-rail trailer pulled up to unload. I couldnt wait to see what was hiding underneath the cover on that trailer! Thunder Roads Colorado was hosting our 3rd Vintage Bike Show as part of the Realities Ride after-ride celebration in Old Town Fort Collins on May 29th. This years pool of bikes ran the gamut with the majority being Harleys; Panheads, Knuckleheads, a Flathead, a Shovelhead, but the antique bikes that showed up this year stole the show! There was a 1902 FN from Belgium, a 1936 Peugeot, a 1913 H-D and an Indian Prince. Many lessons were learned that day as the owners proudly talked about the history behind their machines while taking the spectators back in time. Awards were given for 5 classes and a Peoples Choice awarded based on votes from spectators. Korey Kutters 48 Panhead won the Peoples Choice with the most votes. He stated, Ive been never won anything before, but Ive been working on this bike now for 3 years. This is awesome! It was a perfect ending to the show as people kept coming over to take one last look of the old stuff as these timeless heirlooms were being loaded up. Charlie Kutter on an old Triumph and son Korey on the old Panhead rolled their bikes out onto the street, kicked them to life, then rode out together, both sporting wide grins. A special thanks to Craig Secher, President and Founder of Realities For Children, our Judges, Jon Curley and Joe Farrow, our sponsors, volunteers, and most of all those that participated. The mix included 2 father/son teams and The Antique Motorcycle Club of America brought in 5 bikes. Thanks Pokie! Linda McCartney
24 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 Thank you for telling them you saw it in Thunder Roads

A WAlk Through hisTory

Peoples Choice Winner Korey Kutter

Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 25

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T N T

26 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011

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Wisconsin DOT Launches Harley-Davidson License Plates

Thunderbolts
Nelson. Randy Houser, fellow H-D rider, will be onsite at the Golden Horse Saloon before each of his performances to sign autographs and mingle with fans. Guests have the opportunity to swing their leg over a selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles on display, including some of the newest additions to the Dark Custom family of bikes. Those who want to take the first step toward riding can feel the thrill of the throttle, fire up the engine and shift through the gears on a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle with JUMPSTART, Harleys signature stationary riding experience - no license or riding experience required. There will also be VIP motorcycle parking for all those who already roll on two wheels. Country Throwdown kicks off May 27th in Philadelphia, Pa., with 25 stops across America throughout June. The tour concludes July 4th with a wrap party at historic Billy Bobs in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information on Country Throwdown and to find a tour stop near you, visit: www.h-d.com/throwdown.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to offer the first-ever Harley-Davidson branded automotive license plate to motorists in Wisconsin. This plate will be available for automobiles, light trucks and motor homes. The Harley-Davidson/Share the Road plate officially launched on Wednesday, April 13. The cost of the plates will include any regular registration fees that apply along with a $15 issuance fee and an annual $25 donation. The annual donation will help support safety initiatives throughout the state. The plates can also be personalized. The new license plate is the first and only Harley-Davidson branded plate available anywhere in the United States, and is only being offered in Wisconsin the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. Designed in collaboration with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Styling Team, the words Share the Road are displayed to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety. For more information about the Harley-Davidson/Share the Road license plates, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at www.wisconsindmv.gov

HARLEy-DAVIDSON HITS THE ROAD THIS SUmmER WITH WILLIE NELSONS COUNTRy THROWDOWN TOUR
DARK CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES AND OUTLAW COUNTRY MUSIC FUEL YOUNG AMERICAS REBEL SPIRIT Milwaukee (May 23, 2011) Two American icons, outlaw country music and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, launch the summer concert season this Memorial Day weekend with Willie Nelsons Country Throwdown tour. This second annual outdoor music tour mixes some of the hottest young artists in country music with the rogue roots of Harley-Davidson and America. Harley-Davidson and Country Throwdown represent the true essence of the American spirit, one that is deeply rooted in freedom and self-expression with a rebel spirit that never dies. says Amanda Lee, Communications Manager at Harley-Davidson. This spirit burns across generations and is one of the reasons why Harley-Davidson is the number one selling on-street motorcycle among Young Adults age 18-34 in the U.S. Harley-Davidsons Golden Horse Saloon will be on site to rev up the action at each Country Throwdown tour stop. Tour headliners include Jamey Johnson, Lee Brice, Randy Houser and the legendary Willie

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Get Your Biker Friendly Business listed For Only $120/Year 970-669-4015

Biker FriendlY direCtOrY

alternative healinG
BODY And SOUL ESSENTIALS 1533 Kennedy Ave. Loveland, CO 80538 719-649-7532 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 Fatsos Diner 16060 W. Eisenhower (Highway 34) Loveland, Co 970-776-9660 FRANkIES BAR & GRILL 945 N Powers Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80915 719-574-4881 www.FrankiesBarGrill.com FRANkIES 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 henrys pub & Club 138 S. Front St., Sterling, CO 970-522-5162 kelly OBrians Sports Grill 239 N. Academy Colo. Spgs. CO 719-573-1976 Lil Slice of Elbert 6739 Lavell Ave Elbert, CO 303-648-0066 www.lilsliceofelbert.com Beer Garden now open 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 Roys Last Shot When Good Is Just Not Good Enough, Theres Last Shot! Miles Above The rest! (303) 642-7870 www.theroyslastshot.com The Depot Restaurant and Lounge Highway 105 & 11 Primrose Palmer Lake, CO 719-481-8668 www.americanlegiontrilakespost911.com The Silver Tongue Devil Saloon 10530 Ute Pass Ave Green Mountain Falls, CO (719) 684-2555 www.thesilvertonguedevil.com The Townhouse Lounge 907 Manitou Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 719.685.1085 www.thetownhouselounge.com historic Ute Inn 204 W. Midland Dr. Woodland Park CO 719-687-1465 www.uteinn.com Western Omelette 16 S Walnut St Colorado Springs, CO 80905-1537 (719) 636-2286 www.westernomelette.com

Get Your Biker Friendly Business listed For Only $120/Year 970-669-4015

Biker FriendlY direCtOrY

Lees Motorcycles 1115 S. Greeley Hwy Cheyenne, Wy, 307-772-7975 Mile high harley-Davidson 16565 E. 33rd Dr., Aurora 303-343-3300 or 1-888-747-AHOG www.milehighharley.com Mile high harley-Davidson of parker 6280 E. Pine Lane, Parker, CO 720-842-1500 www.milehighharley.com Motogear Outlet 5405 W. 56th Ave., Arvada, CO 303-456-4757 www.motogearoutlet.com phat Rides Custom Cycles Randy Hocker Loveland CO 970-663-4155 www.phatridescc.com Rampage performance Cycles 125 S. Main St, Longmont 303-776-6935 Roadies performance Inc. 5675 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 303-420-8782

COFFee hOUses
Bobs Coffee Shop 3522 WCR 54G (US 287) La Porte, CO 970-691-8911 / e-mail bobscoffeeshop@gmail.com Check us out on Facebook

leather & rePair

Colorado Custom Services Stitching, Leather Repair, Laser Engraving, Embroidery 2345 Academy Pl Ste 100 Colorado Springs (719) 646-2831 www.coloradocustomservices.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

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

trailers/rvs
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

aPParel
Beavers Den Leather 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 G & D Leathers 6200 S Gun Club Rd Suite M3 Aurora, CO, 80016 Phone #720-870-2077 Twin peaks Leather 5655 Olde Wadsworth Blvd Arvada, CO 303-432-1047 www.twinpeaksleather.com

COMPUter serviCe
pCRX Remedy 4850 Galley Rd, Colo Sp. (719) 622-9222 www.pcrxremedy.com

CUstOM seats
Bitchn Stitchn Inc. 11354 W. 13th Ave. Unit 1 Lakewood, Co. 303-238-5404 www.bitchnstitchninc.com www.bsseats.com

Wheels & tire serviCe

Woodys Wheel Works 2225 South Platte River Drive Denver, CO 303-936-0232 www.woodyswheelworks.com You Bend Em, We Mend Em

dealers / shOPs
American Bike Tailor Inc. 3032 S. Academy Blvd. CO Springs, CO 80916 Phone 719-391-1017 www.Americanbiketailor.com Cycle haven Storage and Service Colorado Springs, CO 719-265-0000 www.cyclehaven.com EXp Motorsports 3301 W. Hampden, Sheridan, Co 303-688-4001 Front Range Cycle 2016 E. Lincoln (corner of Lincoln and Industrial) Fort Collins 970-482-1454 Full Moon Customs 3 Oak Avenue, Eaton, Co. 970-454-8710 or 970-396-8051 www.fullmooncustoms.com Wild West Motorsports/Greeley Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha 3010 W. 29th St., Greeley, Co. www.WildWestMs.com hawg Wild Custom Choppers 4315 S. Lincoln, Loveland, CO 970-669-5589 fax 970-669-5572 www.hawgwildcc.com

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

PatChes, MendinG, alteratiOns, rePair

Lydias Sewing Patches, Mending, Alterations, Repair (303) 885-9994 (Northglenn) lydia_morgan@live.com

WYOMinG
BARS & RESTAURANTS Eagles Nest Bar & package Store 1101 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wy 307-778-7678 TATTOO Skibos Tattoo 117 West 5th St, Cheyenne 307-632-6869 www.skibostattoo.com

Bail BOnds
Affordable Bail Bonds 436 Link Lane Fort Collins, CO 970-663-2499, 970-490-2245 970-392-9959

tattOOs
Skibos Tattoo 1008 N. College Ave. Fort Collins 970-224-5241 www.skibostattoo.com

detailinG
The Shining Custom Detailing 3620 Manhattan Ave Behind Auto Zone (off Horsetooth) Fort Collins, CO 970-566-8923

Bands
Slick Machine Rock and Soul 970-593-1869 / 970-593-8701

hair/nails/salOns
Mane Street & Company 1021 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 970-669-1618

liqUOr
287 Discount Liquor 5846 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO. 970-377-0557

Bars & restaUrants

Bennys Restaurant and Lounge 517 W. Colorado Colorado Springs, CO 719-634-2127 Biggins BBQ & Antonios Burritos 116 S Lincoln Ave Loveland , CO 970-744-2939 BBQ: Tues - Sat 12-8

insUranCe
ABC Insurance Agency 121 E. Swallow Rd #115 Fort Collins, CO 970.484.3200 Ball Insurance Make One Call 1-800-444-7014 www.ballinsurance.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

lOdGinG
hotel VQ 1975 Bryant St., Denver 720-855-4004 www.redlion.com/denverdowntown

ChUrChes
Church in The Wind 2411 Alcott Avenue, Denver, CO 303.427.1538

Metal reCYClinG
Atlas Metal and Iron Corp 1100 Umatilla Street, Denver, CO. 303-825-7166

www.churchinthewind.org
Pastor Gary and Mrs. Diana Davis

(303) 427-1538 Cell: (720) 635-2897

30 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011

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Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 31

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CLASS A farmer had 3 beautiful daughters who were getting ready to go out on Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, Name seven advantages of Mothers Milk, worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote: 1.) It is perfect formula for the child. 2.) It provides immunity against several diseases. 3.) It is always the right temperature. 4.) It is inexpensive. 5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa. 6.) It is always available as needed. And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote... 7.) It comes in two cute containers. He got an A. I took my dad to the mall the other day to buy some new shoes (he is 66). We decided to grab a bite at the food court. I noticed he was watching a teenager sitting next to him. The teenager had spiked hair in all different colors -green, red, orange, and blue. My dad kept staring at her. The teenager kept looking and would find my dad staring every time. When the teenager had had enough, she sarcastically asked: Whats the matter old man, never done anything wild in your life? Knowing my Dad, I quickly swallowed my food so that I would not choke on his response; I knew he would have a good one! In classic style he responded without batting an eyelid, Got stoned once and screwed a peacock. I was just wondering if you were my daughter. hillbillies Clem and Maisy Sue get married, then head to the community honeymoon shack up in the holler for the marriage consummating. Along about 11 that night Clem comes shuffling back down the holler and walks into his Ma and Pas abode. What you doin back so soon, boy? his Pa asks. Well, Pa, its this way Clem starts out, Maisy Sue and me, we caint stay married. And whys thet? Well, Pa, yeh see, Maisy Sue, shes a virgin! To which his father replies You did good, boy. If she aint good enuff fer her own kind, she aint good enuff fer you. One day while jogging, a middle-aged man noticed a tennis ball lying by the side of the walk. Being fairly new and in good condition, he picked the ball up, put it in his pocket and proceeded on his way. Waiting at the cross street for the light to change, he noticed a beautiful blond standing next to him smiling. __What do you have in your pocket? she asked._Tennis ball the man said smiling back. Wow, said the blond looking upset. That must hurt. I once had tennis elbow and the pain was unbearable! MAMMOGRAMS Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following practice exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test, and best of all, you can do these simple practice exercises right in your home. EXERCISE 1: Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the
32 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011

main box. Have one of your friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. EXERCISE 2: Visit your garage at 3 AM when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Take off all your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat for the other breast. EXERCISE 3: Freeze two metal bookends overnight. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the book-ends together as hard as you can. Set an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again. You are now properly prepared CELIBACY Celibacy can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by circumstances. While attending a Marriage Weekend, Ken and his wife, Janet, listened to the instructor declare, It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other. He then addressed the men, Can you name and describe your wifes favorite flower? Ken leaned over, touched Janets arm gently, and whispered, Robin Hood All-Purpose, isnt it? And thus began Kens life of celibacy. WEIGhT LOSS pROGRAM A guy calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10-pound weight loss program. The next day, theres a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, nineteen-year-old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, If you can catch me, you can have me. Without a second thought, he takes off after her. A few miles later, huffing and puffing, he finally gives up. The same girl shows up for the next four days, and the same thing happens. On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost ten pounds, as promised. So, he calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program. The next day theres a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning, beautiful, sexy woman he has ever seen in his life. She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes, and a sign around her neck that reads, If you catch me, you can have me. Well, hes out the door after her like a shot. This girl is in excellent shape, and he does his best. But, no such luck. So for the next four days, the same routine happens, with him gradually getting in better and better shape. Much to his delight, on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another twenty pounds, as promised. He decides to go for broke, and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program. Are you sure? asks the representative on the phone. This is our most rigorous program. Absolutely, he replies, I havent felt this good in years. The next day theres a knock at the door, and when he opens it, he finds a huge, muscular giant of a man standing there, wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, If I catch you, youre mine. He lost 63 pounds that week.

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Fallen Bikers rallY

Warm weather and blue skies welcomed the hundreds of bikers that came to Salida over the Memorial Day Weekend. Perhaps 500 or so came and went on Saturday to watch or participate in the biker rodeo, shop the vendors, arm-wrestle or just chill. Many stayed for the dance party that night and as I understand it hundreds more showed up every day throughout the weekend. This rally started in 2005 after 2 bikers were killed and their passengers seriously wounded in a tragic accident during the Red River Rally in 2004. The bikers honored on the website has grown to 33 so far. Lets hope no more are added. Visit the website http://www.memorialrally.com for more information. Joe

Determined to keep alive the spirit and compassion of a young woman who was a strong champion of the underdog and supporter of troubled youth, The Kristi Visocky Memorial Foundation provides scholarships and assistance to area young people. Kristi Visockys family created the foundation after she died in an auto accident at age 21. On May 21st, the 1st Annual Kristis Dream Ride included a 100-mile ride through scenic Northern Colorado with an after ride party at the Colorado Feed & Grain

kristis dreaM ride

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where you could enjoy live music, great food and very good odds of getting a piece of thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, including a trip for 2! Other Kristi Visocky Memorial Foundation Fundraisers are held throughout the year including Kristis Big Night Out and a Golf Tournament. Kristis dream was to help people and her family is doing just that. To date Kristis Fund has given over $150,000 in scholarships to young women. lm

Bike-nites
Hooters proclaimed the night Full Throttle Thursdays! Their location at Rockrimmon and Commerce Center Dr. in Colorado Springs was the destination for about a hundred bikes that gathered for a night of camaraderie and fun. A small contingent of sport bikes led by Army Sgt Don Harris started the evening early, with more riders showing up later to help kick start the Hooters Bike Nite season. Joe

hOGs FOr dOGs

Dog and Cat food for our furry friends was payment for this favorite event on June 12th, the 7th Annual Hogs for Dogs. The ride started with a pancake breakfast at organizer Ed Hayes Full Moon Customs shop in Eaton Co. ending at Full Moon Saloon in Pierce where riders were treated to a hog roast with all the fixins before the door prize drawing. A mini chopper went to Jake, the guy with the highest poker hand. According to Hayes, this years event was down by about half. lm

Mile hiGh h-d kiCks OFF sUMMer

Mile High H-Ds annual Bug Run wasnt quite as buggy this year due to the cold weather, but the participants managed to round up a fair amount of the pests and the 2011 season was kicked off in grand style! With great food and music, the party stayed in full swing and although there was plenty of fun to be had, this event has always been a charitable one. This year, Ray Cooper, owner of Mile High H-D chose the Bo Mathews Charity. One focus of this organization is to help homeless veterans. This event raised almost $5000.00 for this worthy cause. Joe

21 years ago a couple of bikers decided to put together a run that included all bikers in the Colorado Springs Area. Bikers United For America (BUFA) formed a short time after the 9/11 attacks and with members from 18 different riding organizations/groups/clubs and private citizens now handles the run. On this day it didnt matter what patch was on your back, or if you even wore a patch this was about fellowship, fun and supporting a great cause. This was a scramble type run. Riders are given a list of stops and must figure out the secret order and

United rUn

to benefit the rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and the Colorado Wall of heros
the time to complete the run. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon of music from local band Jinx and many took home hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes from local businesses. As 200+ riders saddled-up and headed home with a sun-kissed smile on their faces, the United States flag and the POW-MIA flag waved in the warm spring breeze above the parking lot, a gentle reminder of what freedom is all about. Carolee Langer

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Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011 - 35

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Protesting The Protesters - Colorado Radio DJ Charley Barnes and a Couple Friends Turn The Table on Westboro Baptist Church
By Abby Clabough

Charley Barnes has been a familiar face and voice in the northern Colorado motorcycling community for several years. Charley started and continues to run the Sleigh Riders Toy Run in Weld County and is the voice heard on K99s Afternoon Drive radio show. Now Charley is becoming known worldwide for something else: giving Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church a taste of their own medicine. Back in March, Charley wrote a piece stating his thoughts on the fact that the Supreme Court feels the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) can continue its protests at military funerals under the First Amendment. It was then that Charley decided to exercise his rights and made plans to head to Topeka to let WBC know what he thinks of their lack of respect for those defending the Constitution theyre so quick to hide behind. An event was created, and a bunch of people said they were jumping on board. I wasnt going to be able to make it, and honestly, I wondered what really could be accomplished. I assumed that this was old news. Surely other patriotic Americans had been there, done that. Knowing that Charley has been bitten by Iron Butt fever, having completed four progressively tougher Iron Butt challenges in the last year, I saw it as a good excuse for him to jump on his Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic for another quick 1,200 mile jaunt. As June 5th came and went, I was surprised in several ways. I had forgotten about the ride until I saw a picture on Facebook of Rebel Jay holding his flag in front of Westboro church. It turned out that out of all the folks that said theyd make the trip, it was the four guys from northern Colorado who showed up. Not only did they show up, but they made a difference. Here is an excerpt from Charleys blog post telling us about the events of June 5th: Well, there was no coffee service so I made a trip down to the corner to get some java and some old guys that had passed by earlier as we waved our flags gave me the skinny on their compound. Turns out that every house on that block, with the exception of one, is owned by WBC and all fenced off into one big compound. Wait, is it the ultimate block party? It just wreaked of cult all the way around. So, after finding out this information it explained all the looks we got as we walked around the block with our flags earlier waiting for them to get out of bed and face the day; couldnt figure out why so many were un-american. 4 guys, ultimately turned the entire block into a frenzy by 8:19am.

Things Turn Ugly With the WBC

I know youre asking yourself if the Topeka Police Department was called so let me answer that now by saying, yes, yes they were. Three squad cars showed up; I guess one for me, one for Kenny and one for Jay but alas, they were on our side.
36 - Thunder roads Colorado - JulY 2011

Now the guy who called in the complaint was impossible to talk to and just plain mean and nasty. NOT what you would you call a man of God by any stretch of the imagination. He and I had been having a heated conversation for the past half hour and the man never would tell me his name. He must be hiding something but all be darned if I could figure it out. So Topekas finest arrived and talked with unnamed man and assured him that we were more than in the right to walk down the sidewalk with our flags without permits. The man with no name got so mad he changed the time of their service to start at 9:30am (it was 9:18am at this point) because you cant protest or picket within 50 feet while a church is in service. How convenient! We agreed to leave on our own accord after the police explained to us what our rights were so we just walked the sidewalk for a few minutes and then began to pack up our flags and head down to a park where we knew another group of them were picketing a very well known War Memorial there from some great Topekans who gave Jay the intel from an earlier bathroom break at the place with the golden arches. Thats when Cindy came out of her home from across the street and asked if we were getting run off, to which we replied we were, and she offered her lawn and driveway for us to use. So, thats where we went. The smile on the face of the man with no name was priceless as we saw it slip right off his face. Another win for team Colorado and still no donuts! So as we moved across the street the man with no name made the Topeka Police department MEASURE the distance. The officer stopped about 10 feet from us and said, with a thumbs up and smile, Youre Good. The man with no name behind his wrought iron fence wasnt smiling anymore everyone was ushered inside and that was it. Another win for team Colorado! Theres more. You can read Charleys blog at the K99 website (K99.com) or find his Journey to Justice group on Facebook. The blog has been read by over half a million and responded to by people from all over the world. Teams are springing up in states all over the country and countries all over the world. To my surprise, and Charleys as well, Team Colorado made a huge difference. Its amazing that an organization that has no problem hurting people at the worst time in their lives can get so upset by four bikers waving flags in front of their building on just another Sunday morning. Its also surprising that nobody has done this before. Perhaps the key to getting the churchs attention is by crapping in their back yard. Hey, as long as its just talk, its covered by the First Amendment.

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Favorite ride
I have traveled this route from Loveland hundreds of times, but today was different. I had recently lost my mother and it was Memorial Day. A single tear slid down my cheek. What compelled me to take this path once again? I pondered for a moment as I glanced around. The answer soon came to me. Unique rock formations jutted out from the earth, surrounding me in wonder. Sounds of the river rushed through my head as evergreens loomed above. I was headed up the Big Thompson Canyon via Highway 34, west of Loveland, Co. At the moment, I was riding through the Narrows at the mouth of the canyon featuring a winding, steep gorge created by the rivers erosion. I now understood why I was drawn to this place. I meandered along the canyon walls and looked out at the river, when I caught a glimpse of a crane perched one-legged on a rock. I continued on and noticed a fly fisherman in the riverbed casting a line out, his face looking so serene and peaceful that I was envious. I ve ridden about 10 miles and have to make a decision at the Y in the road at Drake. Which way do I go? I take Highway 34. Had I chosen Glen Haven, the scent of pine from a lumber mill would have filled my senses, I would have gazed upon beautiful foliage (fall is spectacular), experienced some pretty twisty road, and encountered 2 pretty nasty back-to-back hairpin curves. The best part of that ride is reaching the crest overlooking Estes Park.

Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park

By Betty Cahill

Looking from Rainbow Curve, Beaver Meadows lies in the valley below. Photo by Sally Pierce, courtesy of National Scenic Byways Online (www.byways.org).
have seen a bear climb to the top of a mountain, watched families of mountain goats run down steep terrain without effort, seen bighorn sheep standing proudly and observed herds of deer and elk. Once you reach Estes Park, if you want to go on, Trail Ridge Road is quite a ride. Winding through a national park encompassed by national forests, Trail Ridge Road is Americas highest continuously paved road and one of the most beautiful Byways in Colorado. Its many overlooks bestow stirring vistas of 415 square miles of the towering (14,000+ feet) Rockies. Make sure you bring along your winter riding gear!

Laughter echoed throughout the canyon as kids rode inner tubes downstream. The road rose up to meet me as I careened around the mountainside, hugging every corner. I reflected on what life would be like without mom when suddenly a hawk soared directly above me. He shadowed my every move and it was hard to take my eyes off him, although I did, to keep from crashing into the mountain! I was in complete awe of this creature and a soothing calm washed over me. I knew then that everything would be okay. Theres something magical about the canyon and I find myself there about once a week. As I motor on, I think of other reasons for my being there. I

Betty
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