VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 DECEMBER 2009

MAGAZINE R Minnesota dition s remiere E FREE Minnesota’ P TAKE ONE

Runs Rallys nat’l & local events

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATION

CONTENTS December 2009 Events

Thundercam...... 4 Dec 5- Christmas Open House @ Rochester Harley-Davidson in Rochester, MN from 9am A Day With Erik Buell...... 5 - 3pm. Lonestar Exclusive Interview...... 6 Dec 5- Abate of MN’s Glacier Ridge Chapter Joker...... 8 St. Nick Celebration @ Rooney’s in Sedan, MN from 1pm - 4pm. Thunder Roads Magazine of Minnesota Greetings Riders, Lady Bikers...... 10 P.O. Box 769 I would like to tell you about myself. I’ve been Bikers Defined...... 12 Dec 25- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Albert Lea, MN 56007 riding for 41 years and I suffer from crippling bouts (877) 230-4520 KISS...... 13 of depression. The depression struggles usually [email protected] Get Licensed...... 16 begin early in the mornings. About the time when Staff stepping out the door going to work and seeing the TNT...... 17 Flashback...... 18 Owner/Editor sunshine, smelling the fresh air, and just knowing. Yes, knowing I am missing a beautiful riding day. Tech Tips...... 20 Willie Matthews To avoid the healthcare system and the high (877) 230-4520 Clubs and Organizations...... 21 costs of prescription medication, I purchased this [email protected] NCOM News Bytes...... 22 magazine to cure my ailment. It allows me to do Skin Art...... 26 Willie’s Assistant what I love the most. Be around bikes, bikers, and Too Tired To Ride?...... 28 Joe Matthews ride whenever I want. (641) 483-3022 My goals with Thunder Roads Magazine of [email protected] Minnesota are: Marketing Director Keep bikers informed on rides, events, clubs, organizations, and places bikers can go where they Lori Miller are appreciated! (405) 853-0206 [email protected] Being an outlet for vendors, dealers, and all advertisers to bring the bikers to you! Layout and Design Cover events, keep bikers informed on law Warren Ells, Art Director changes, and just go out an enjoy life. Thunder Publishing Together we can all be better informed. If you [email protected] have anything going on, please email me so we National Founders can report it. Feel free to write the editor so we can get your ideas to improve our coverage. Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon I am looking forward to working with all of you. 1421 Chapmansboro Road Chapmansboro, TN 37035 I would like to wish you all the best during this Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 holiday season! [email protected] Sincerely, Willie Matthews

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT State Editor/Owner WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE Thunder Roads Magazine of Minnesota ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY IS- SUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTIS- ERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

Thunder Roads Magazine 2 Thunder Roads Magazine 3 A Day with Erik Buell by Dennis Martin the most just because it has bags When we found out that Cycle Connection Harley-Davidson in Joplin, MO and it is more practical for me. was having Erik Buell visit their dealership, I knew I wanted to be there. I Any other motorcycle? would like to thank Nancy and Scott Hutson, for allowing me some time to Well since we didn’t come out interview Erik during their all day “Escape” event. Erik was there to meet with a dirt bike, my favorite all with new Buell owners and share the company’s vision. Another name of time street bike was my Velo- the event could have been simply “Buell Days”. The day was filled with cette. It was a goofy bike and a Demo rides on all the Buell Models, a helmet seminar, two stunt shows in the pain in the butt to keep running, parking lot by “ILL CONDUCT”, and a fashion show featuring Buell and Icon but it was a wonderfull bike to products. ride. During the exclusive VIP “Meet and Greet”, I could tell right away that Erik Do you have any riding tips for is just a regular guy like any of us. He is the most humble, non-egotistical our readers? person you would ever meet. Erik shared his design vision of “Double Duty Ride often and do the “track Parts” which is a result of Buell having 50% fewer parts than days” to let it out of your system. other bikes. The Buell Corporation in East Troy, Wisconsin, employs about Ride often so that you always 200 passionate people that hand build each bike. When Erik told the “meet have 20% spare change. Don’t and greet” group that half of the bikes they build are exported overseas, he ride over your head. received a huge applause. At the end of Erik’s meet with us, Scott Hutson had a surprise for Erik. Scott hired a local artist, A.J. Wood, to create a paint- Erik Buell and the Business ing of Erik remembering his racing days. Erik actually had a tear in his eye. When did you realize you Before Erik founded the he raced nationwide changed the motorcycle within the AMA and was also a chassis engineer for the Harley-Davidson industry? Corporation. His past only fueled his passion for motorcycles and he set out Well, I’m still working on it. I don’t know that I have. Maybe when the street to create his own AMA Formula One motorcycle. After that his passion led fighter thing took off that we really launched with the gold S-1. We won him to build his first sport bike. In 1994, Harley-Davidson invested into the an award for best standard with Cycle World. There was no street fighter Buell Motorcycle Company and the rest is history, or is it? category and they didn’t know what it was. Erik is still a hands on guy and is constantly still looking to design and build What sets the Buell Corporation above the competition? unique bikes. The 2009 Buell 1125CR is one of his most innovative bikes to I don’t know that we are above, we are just different. We are unique in such date. The power plant is an 1125cc liquid-cooled V-Twin with 146 hp @ 9800 that the Buell is truly the only American sport bike. We do things differently rpm and 82 ft. lbs. of torque @ 8000 rpm. The Ram Air scoops on each side in what I consider a very American way. Lots of invention and new ways of are designed to pressurize the air box and increase performance at speeds looking at things. Pioneering ways to do things which is what I think is the over 80 mph. To efficiently get the horsepower to the rear wheel, Buell uses American spirit and it shows in our engineering. Our biggest accomplishment a system known as “Immediate Throttle Response Belt Drive”. There is is having a little team of people building a bike that is at a very affordable constant tension on the belt to eliminate any slack in the system while shifting price over what mass produced bikes are. Everyone does an amazing job. up or down. To find out more features go to www.buell.com Are there any projects that you are working on that you can share with us? (a very quick) NO (then silence) Erik Buell the Person How did you come up with the idea that people would really dig your Married? machines so much and why did you think they would? Tish. Well you’re never really sure what will happen. We did some radical style Children? design work. When the S-1 first came out they were considered insane… Six, youngest 16 and oldest 25. crazy… weird. Why is the seat so tiny? Why is this fender back here? Are they getting into the business? People just couldn’t take their eyes off it. We knew it was going to be a “love- Don’t know yet. The oldest daughter is going to college for Micro-Biology but hate” thing but that’s OK. We would rather do that than do what everyone hates working in the lab. She loves solving problems with DNA splicing but else was doing. (In reference to the 1125 CR) I wanted an in your face hot she can’t stand being in a white room. When she is at the (Buell) plant she rod look, but on a street bike. Everything has a fairing so we styled ours says she is thinking about becoming a design engineer… maybe. around a scorpion with the claws, small head and a pointy tail. It is functional How did your parents feel about you getting into the motorcycle business? art. It is a combination of a scorpion and a Harrier Jet with the scoops. They weren’t into motorcycles but they were never opposed to me doing it. What award do you cherish the most? My mom and dad never came to a race, they let me do it but they were never Well as of now, the painting that the dealership had created for me. That is engaged in it. unbelievably special to me. Some people have you and John Britten in the same circles of conver- Riding sation. How do you feel about that? What are your favorite riding locations and/or destinations? It’s an honor. I talked with him a number of times on the phone about working It is impossible to pick one specific location; there are just too many great together before he started getting sick. He was a fun and innovative guy rides. The best rides I ever find are the ones where there is a section of twisty coming from a different perspective. We were both very different from what roads and no one there. the industry is doing and It doesn’t matter if it is in yet we were different from North Carolina, Southern each another. We both California, or even Spain. wanted to build the best When I find a location one-off bikes. We both had it is just wonderful. My a lot of admiration for the least favorite is the way we were challenging interstate. the way things were nor- What Buell is your mally done but in different favorite bike? ways. I really don’t have a fa- vorite. I ride the Ulysses Thunder Roads Magazine 4 The Future LONESTAR IS: Is Now Keech Rainwater, Dean Sams, Cody Collins, Michael Britt TRM EXCLUSIVE: LONESTAR For Multi-Platinum Artist LONESTAR THE FUTURE IS NOW LONESTAR is leading the way as the next generation artist, by putting themselves in the drivers seat and tak- ing complete control of their careers and how they market themselves. During a time when the music industry is seeking direc- tion LONESTAR has found theirs, with their new single at radio “LET ME LOVE YOU”. LONESTAR feels more like a band than ever, with new lead singer Cody Collins and not to mention 15 years of proven success in sales and tour- ing with over 10 million albums sold, roots they will never forget, The Mantra of LONESTAR Today: BETTER ACCESS. BETTER COMMUNICATION. BETTER RESULTS. I recently spoke with founding member Dean Sams and LONESTAR is taking full advantage of the internet, mo- learned about his passion for bikes and the road. bile technology, social networking sites and participating in TRM: What kind of motorcycles do you currently own and direct feedback with fans. The band’s musical legacy is tied which one is your preferred ride? to modern-day classics like “Amazed,” “I’m Already There,” and “My Front Porch Looking In,” LONESTAR understands Dean: I own a Heritage Softtail Classic Custom. It is a great what it takes to be successful and how to manage that suc- bike to zoom around the various towns we play, and makes cess, they demonstrated that leadership when their long a great impression with it’s powerful sound and cool looks. time front man left to pursue his own career. LONESTAR has rebounded and adapted to change in their careers and TRM: When did you start riding? had more focus than ever when searching for a new lead singer. Keech, Dean, and Michael were united in their goal Dean: I started on my first street bike (883 Sportster) about of keeping LONESTAR together and continuing to work 11 or 12 years ago. I grew up around dirt bikes but wasn’t together to make new music. To this end, they listened to really sure I would like the street cycles. After getting countless CDs and, yes, MySpace page songs, as well as started with my Sportster, it was something I really enjoyed and graduated to a much bigger and nicer bike. making phone calls and basically brainstorming for ideas for their lead vocalist replacement. This search led to a TRM: I ride because.... young man from Florida who Dean had seen singing in a bar called “Cowboys” in Kennesaw, GA. To that end, Cody Dean: It’s a great way to see the world. When you are Collins brings to LONESTAR a perfect complement to the in a car or tour bus, you don’t really notice all the beauty bands current musical dynamic, Cody’s vocal ability has around you. There’s something about riding on my Harley audiences across the United States saying, LONESTAR is and taking it all in. There is so much I miss from day to day better than ever. In asking founding member, Dean Sams traveling down the road when I’m in a car our tour bus, and what the future means? Sams says “ We feel like we have now I can really get out and appreciate the various towns the opportunity that few bands ever get, we’ve sold mil- we play in. lions of records, have had 10 #1 hits, and now we have the chance to take control of our careers and do it all over TRM: What is your favorite 100 mile run and why? again.” Dean: I’m not much for long distance riding due to an injury Today LONESTAR is Cody Collins, Dean Sams, Michael I incurred several years ago. I can tell you traveling on the Britt & Keech Rainwater and for LONESTAR – West Coast and going through the Sequoia National Park is THE FUTURE IS NOW!! something that stands out to me so much. Thunder Roads Magazine 6 Thunder Roads Magazine 7 A group of children were trying very hard to become He was standing in the kitchen, preparing our accustomed to Kindergarten. The biggest hurdle they usual soft-boiled eggs and toast for breakfast faced was that the teacher insisted on NO baby talk! You wearing only the ‘ T ‘ shirt that she normally slept need to use ‘Big People’ words,’ she was always remind- in. As I walked in, almost awake, she turned to me ing them. She asked Jimmy what he had done over the and said softly,” You’ve got to make love to me weekend? ‘I went to visit my Nana’. “No, you went to visit this very moment!” My eyes lit up and I thought, “I am your GRANDMOTHER. Use ‘Big People’ words!’ either still dreaming or this is going to be my lucky She then asked Jimmy what he had done. ‘I took a day!” Not wanting to lose the moment, I embraced her ride on a choo-choo’. The teacher corrected, ‘No, you and then gave it my all; right there on the kitchen took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use ‘Big table. Afterwards she said, “Thanks,” and returned to People’ words’. She then asked little Lil’ Joey what he the stove, her T-shirt still around her neck. Happy, but had done? ‘I read a book’ he replied. That’s wonderful!’ a little puzzled, I asked, “What was that all about?” She the teacher said. ‘What book did you read?’ Lil’ Joey explained, “Oh, the egg timer’s broken.” thought real hard about it, Then puffed out his chest with great pride, and said, ‘Winnie the SHIT”. Two old men decide they are close to their last days and decide to have a last night on the town. After a few Bubba was sunbathing naked on Flagler Beach. For the drinks, they end up at the local brothel. The Madam sake of legality, and to keep it from getting sunburned, takes one look at the two old geezers and whispers to he had a straw hat over his privates. An old drunken her Manager, ‘go up to the first two bedrooms and put woman walks past and slurs, “If you were a gentleman an inflated doll in each bed. These two are so old and you’d lift your hat.” Bubba raised an eyebrow and re- drunk, I’m not wasting two of my girls on them. They plied, “If you weren’t so ugly, it would lift itself.” won’t know the difference.’ The Manager does as he is told and the two old men go upstairs and take care Indian Chief ‘Two Eagles’ was asked by a white govern- of their business. As they are walking home the first ment official, ‘You have observed the white man for man says, ‘you know, Ii think my girl was dead!’ ‘Dead?’ many decades. You’ve seen his wars and technological says his friend, ‘why do you say that?’ ‘Well, she never advances, you’ve seen his progress and the damage moved or made a sound all the time I was loving her.’ he’s done. The Chief nodded in agreement. The official His friend says, ‘could be worse I think mine was a continued, ‘Considering all these events, in your opinion, Witch.’ ‘a Witch ??. . Why the hell would you say that?’ where did the white man go wrong?’ The Chief stared ‘Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck, at the government official for over a minute and then and I gave her a little bite, then she farted and flew out calmly replied. ‘When white man find land, Indians run- the window. Took my dang teeth with her!’ ning it; no taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver, clean water. Women did all the work, Visit to Medicine My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school man free. Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging all night having sex.’ Then the Chief leaned back and her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife smiled, ‘Only white man dumb enough to think he could asked, ‘Do you know her?’ Yes,’ I sighed, ‘She’s my old improve system like that.’ girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn’t Biker Bob walks into the bedroom carrying a sheep in been sober since.’ ‘My God!’ says my wife, ‘who would his arms and says, “Honey, this is the cow I make love to think a person could go on celebrating that long?’ when you have a headache.” The wife, laying in the bed reading a book, looks up and says, “If you weren’t such Hung Chow calls into work and says, “Hey, I no come an idiot, you’d know that’s a sheep, not a cow.” work today, I really sick. Got headache, stomach ache Biker Bob replies, “If you weren’t such a bitch, you’d and legs hurt, I no come work.” The boss says, “You realize I was talking to the sheep.” know something, Hung Chow, I really need you today. When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her to give Ole’ “Dumpster” bought this new deodorant today. The me sex. That makes everything better and I go to work. instructions said remove cap and push up bottom. He You try that.” Two hours later Hung Chow calls again. says he can barely walk, but now, whenever he farts, the “I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon...... room smells awesome! And...…You got nice house.” Thunder Roads Magazine 8 Thunder Roads Magazine 9 Lady Bikers

Name Bike Home Base Riding For Karen Hoefner 2003 Low Rider Bloomington, MN 5 years

Kristin Johnson 2010 Fatboy Low Bloomington, MN 20 years

Stacy Matthews 2005 Heritage Albert Lea, MN/ 4 years Dover, Oklahoma

Jackie Moss 1995 Fatboy Somewhere, Oklahoma 13 years Karen Kristin

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 DECEMBER 2009 Minnesota

R Don’t Miss MAGAZINE dition FREE E TAKE ONE ’s Premiere A Single Issue - Minnesota Have Thunder Roads Stacy Jackie Delivered To Your Pad! Runs Rallysnat’l & local events

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATIONGET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO THUNDER ROADS Send Check or Money Order for 1 Year Subscription 12 Issues $30 Mail to: Thunder Roads Magazine of Minnesota, P.O. Box 769, Albert Lea , MN 56007 NAME______STREET OR P.O. BOX______CITY______ST______ZIP______PHONE______

Thunder Roads Magazine 10 Thunder Roads Magazine 11 Bikers Defined American Traditional Definition of Bikers: Men who ride nothing wrong with being a weekend biker, if that’s the best an American made motorcycle and live a biker lifestyle. This you can do. Just don’t try and come across as the baddest did not include women. American made motorcycle is any ass biker around. Get your head outta your butt. motorcycle that has an engine made in the USA, whether it American Biker: Rides an American made motorcycle is factory made or custom built. (Strictest traditional con- only. Adheres to the strictest contextual and traditional defi- text). nition of biker. Frequently, motorcyclists who ride custom choppers with Harley Bikers: Many Harley bikers consider Harley-Da- motors made in England or Germany are also considered vidson motorcycles to be the only motorcycle they will ever bikers if they have biker attitude and are part of a biker fam- have or will ever ride. Harley bikers are very brand loyal. ily. Does not include “yuppy bikers”. Does not include peo- There are BMW riders who are just as brand loyal. A hand- ple who ride motorcycles made in Japan, China, Taiwan, ful of brand loyal Harley bikers consider anyone who rides or any other nation unless the person has the right attitude any other brand to not be a true biker. There are numerous and is adopted into a biker family with a majority of riders dissertations on the subject of brand loyalty. All brands of that meet the definition in the strictest traditional context. If motorcycles have their good points and bad points. Most you still think you are a biker, see the bottom line. Harley Bikers are glad you get in the wind no matter what FROM OUR THUNDER ROADS FAMILY TO YOURS Florets. Look for them in any grocery freezer. Be sure and Bikers around the world: There was a UK definition of bik- you ride, and know it is not the motorcycle that matters. Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year. get Florets ONLY! as those are the tops of the broccoli ers that I saw which was terrible. It referred to one particular Some will say it is attitude that matters, while others will say and the very best part of the vegetable. Microwave and movie made in 1960? It must have been a big hit. The Aus- it is lifestyle. It usually just boils down to how often you ride. MELT IN YOUR MOUTH, ROASTED HOLIDAY BEEF dot w/ real butter pats. Salt & Pepper. Superb. tralian definitions I see all refer to biker gangs; while many Biker Gang: a term overused by the news media, be- TENDERLOIN One 2-Pound of Beef Tenderloin Roll (Sam’s Club or people are up in arms that biker gang should not be part of cause it takes up less space than motorcycle club, and has Costco has superb Beef Tenderloin) MRS. CLAUS’ REAL DEAL NANNER’ PUDDIN’ the definition of biker. See the comment about biker gangs, a rougher edge. Most clubs have not referred to themselves Preheat Oven to 500 Degrees 2-1/2 Cups Sugar below. It’s probably a good thing I can’t read Japanese. as biker gangs since the 60’s. At that time, many were Let Meat Sit On Counter for A Full 20 Minutes 6 Tbls. All-Purpose Flour Maybe all that spam the Koreans and Chinese send me are admittedly hell raisers yet many of the “biker gangs” were Pat Tenderloin Dry With Clean Kitchen Towel Dash of Salt to tell me to go to _. I’m sure the Italians have the right idea. not organized for criminal intent. The news media has been Rub Meat Down Thoroughly With Real Butter 2 (12 oz.) Cans of Evaporated Milk Here’s three fingers backatcha and I mean it in the nicest successful in making the term biker gang a synonymous Rub Salt & Cracked Pepper Over Meat Thoroughly 4 Egg Yolks way. They got the attitude part down sweet. Gotta love it. exact replacement for criminal motorcycle organization. In Roast for 25 Minutes On A Shallow-Sided Sheet Pan 1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Cubed I’ve come to the conclusion that most bikers in other coun- doing so, their desire for least headline space has disre- Insert Meat Thermometer Into Exact Center of Meat 1 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract tries prefer to call themselves a motorcyclist rather than a spected bikers and our heritage. Nowadays, most motorcy- Thermometer Should Read 125 Degrees for A Perfect 1 Box Nilla Vanilla Wafers *Plus extra for garnish & for biker. I’m happy for them. What can I say, I’m an American, cle groups avoid the use of the term gang, even in innocent Medium-Rare and 130 Degrees for A Perfect Medium; crumbling To Cook It Any Longer Is A Crime Against Tenderloin & 5 Ripe Bananas; Sliced 1/2” Thick a biker, and proud of it. context, because the public instantly recognizes the word You’d Be Better Off Roasting An Old Shoe. 1 Can of Real Whipped Cream Definition of Motorcyclists: People who ride motorcycles, gang as a synonym for criminal. Consider the innocent Remove Filet From Oven To A Separate Plate and Cover In a 3-quart heavy saucepan on low heat, add sugar, including off-road. Passengers are called riders. use of the word gang as sung in “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Entirely With Foil And Let Meat Rest At Least 10 Minutes, flour & salt. Pour in the evaporated milk and keep stirring Definition of Motorcycle Cruisers: People who ride Here” written in 1917, about informal gatherings of familiar Add An Envelope of “French’s Peppercorn Gravy Mix” to constantly. After about 15 minutes, the sauce will thicken style motorcycles built for comfort, regardless of motorcycle people, to current legislative witch-hunt acts and proposals Pan Drippings For A Rich, Smooth Gravy. slowly. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a medium size bowl. brand and country of origin. which have titles like anti-gang and gang prevention, which This is the easiest and absolute foolproof way I’ve ever Now, temper the eggs, which means that you slowly ladle Definition of Sports bikers: Motorcyclists who ride the threaten many aspects of our lifestyle from the clothes we found to cook a tenderloin and it literally comes out perfect some of the thickened sauce into the eggs.....slowly, and motorcycles that require they ride in a bent forward position wear to the tattoos on our skin. Rather than allow the news every single time. whisk gently. Now add your eggs into your sauce (since in order to reach the handlebars. If you think Sports bike rid- media and legislators to eradicate the term biker gang, you’ve tempered them they won’t turn into scrambled ers cannot call themselves bikers, please watch the movie there are those who believe the term biker gang should E-Z CHEEZY HOLIDAY POTATO BAKE eggs in your sauce). Continue to gently whisk your sauce, Biker Boys, then decide. once again be adopted and embraced by many legitimate 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom apprx. 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat Soup, undiluted and stir in butter and Vanilla Extract. Place pudding in a Definition of Enthusiasts: All people with an interest in motorcycle clubs rather than allow legislators to continue to 1 Cup (8 oz. tub) Sour Cream bowl and cover w/ plastic wrap. Let cool in fridge for 2-1/2 motorcycles, including non-riders and “yuppy bikers” who eradicate our heritage, traditions, and constitutional rights. 1/2 Cup Whole Milk hours. Now, into a large glass bowl or trifle dish, add a own a motorcycle but keep it parked. Biker Wannabe: It This reverse strategy could actually work by popularizing 1 cup (4 ounces) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese layer of Nilla Vanilla Wafers, a layer of sliced bananas, sounds like a putdown, but it’s not. Biker wannabes tend to the term biker gang for use in non-criminal context. 1/2 cup Butter, Melted & Divided then a layer of pudding sauce and then a layer of Real be even more enthusiastic than an enthusiast and usu- Bottom Line: If you consider yourself a biker, frequently 1 package (30 ounces) Frozen Shredded Hash Brown whipped cream. Keep repeating layers but make sure ally have the heart of a biker, but they just haven’t got their get in the wind, and you’ve ever relied on any brand of Potatoes; Thawed you save enough whip cream for the top layer. Garnish w/ money together yet. motorcycle as your primary or only transportation for an ex- 1 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs crumbled wafers over entire top and wavers stuck stand- “Yuppy bikers”: Owns an expensive motorcycle which is tended period of time, nobody should have a problem with it 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese ing up all around perimeter of desert dish. Now, this is the almost always parked. Is not a biker. Is a motorcyclist, but if you call yourself a biker. You might have many more miles In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, milk, ched- REAL DEAL method of making it and baby, Mrs. Claus only when riding. Is most definitely an enthusiast, and has in the wind on your BMW (or whatever brand) cruiser or dar cheese and 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the hash browns. don’t mess around cause’ this will literally make you a be- spent big money to prove it. When you ride, you are a mo- your Italian sports bike, so you really have much more right Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. liever in Santa, the North Pole, Rudolph & his buds...... In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan & Miracles. torcyclist, but $30,000 does not make you a biker. Chrome to consider yourself a biker than a yuppy biker who spends cheese and remaining butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, un- won’t get you home. Take it outta the garage and let it get $25000 on a chromed out chopper and keeps it parked. I covered, at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through. wet, then we’ll talk. rode all kinds of motorcycles in the last 35 years. Once you Perfect w/ the Beef Tenderloin and a big bowl of Broccoli Weekend Bikers: Some of us have busier schedules than get in the wind, that’s all that matters. BIKERS USA wel- others. Others have jobs that require dress codes. There is comes all Bikers who share the road and the wind.

Thunder Roads Magazine 12 Thunder Roads Magazine 13 Paige- the state owner/editor’s granddaughter on papa’s 1984 FXR MINNESOTA Get Licensed Dog Pound Does It How do I earn a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota? skill test for your motorcycle endorsement will be waived Every person who operates a motorcycle on public roads if you successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. You in Minnesota must have a valid driver’s licenseDoggy before they must: Style can earn a motorcycle instruction permit or license endorse- • Pass the state knowledge test at a Driver and Vehicle ment. Services exam station to earn a motorcycle instruc- If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to take tion permit. The fee is $21. To study for the motorcycle the MMSC Basic Rider Course. To earn your endorsement, permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/ you must: Motorized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or down- 1. Have a Minnesota driver’s license or an instruction load an electronic copy . permit. It is necessary to have a license or permit to enroll • To qualify for the skill test waiver, you must have your in the Basic Rider Course. permit before taking the Basic Rider Course skill test. 2. Successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. This Expired permits are accepted if they have been expired requires 100 percent attendance and completion of a for less than one year. knowledge test and skill test. Upon completion, you will • Successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. This receive two certificates to take to a Driver and Vehicle Ser- requires 100 percent attendance and you must pass the vices exam station along with your valid Minnesota driver’s Basic Rider Course skill test. Driver and Vehicle Ser- license. One certificate will allow you to take the state vices reserves the right to retest any student, even if he knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. The or she passed the course. other certificate will allow you to take the state skill test for Note: riders who have already failed a state and/or TNT the motorcycle endorsement. To schedule a motorcycle skill MMSC skill test twice are not eligible for the State Skill Test test at a state exam station online. Waiver. All subsequent skill tests for a motorcycle endorse- 3. Have a Minnesota driver’s license—you cannot earn a ment must be taken at a DVS exam station. motorcycle permit or endorsement with a driver’s instruction You can take the Basic Rider Course skill test again if permit. you fail the first time by taking the four-hour Skills Retesting 4. Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle Course. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety re- instruction permit. You must present the completion cer- quires at least four hours of additional training and a waiting tificate. The fee is $21. To study for the motorcycle permit period of at least seven days before you retest. However, test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized riders who have already failed a state and/or MMSC skill Bicycle Manual at an exam station or download an elec- test twice are not eligible for the State Skill Test Waiver. All tronic copy . subsequent skill tests for a motorcycle endorsement must 5. Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorse- be taken at a DVS exam station. ment. You must present the completion certificate. Special Evening Hours for State Riding Test 6. Pay the $11.75 fee and receive your endorsement. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of If you are 18 years of age or older, there are two ways to Driver and Vehicle Services has a convenient evening test- earn your motorcycle endorsement. ing program for motorcyclists. Several exam stations are 1. Go to a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station. You open from 5 to 7 p.m. one night per week for motorcycle must: endorsement skill testing. • Have a Minnesota driver’s license. • Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. To study for the motorcycle permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motor- ized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or download an electronic copy. • Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorse- ment. (Some exam stations are open late for motorcy- cle skill tests. See “Evening Hours” below.) To schedule a motorcycle skill test at a state exam station online. • Pay the fees. The fee is $21 for the motorcycle instruc- tion permit and $11.75 for the duplicate license. 2. Use the Skill Test Waiver/Third Party Testing option. If you are 18 years of age or older and have a valid Minne- sota driver’s license and motorcycle instruction permit, the Thunder Roads Magazine 16 Thunder Roads Magazine 17 Phil “Mangler” Kaufman FlashbackBy Rebel Ron Gram Parsons in the back and other party pals in the front.) say infamous, role in music mythology. That would be the Johnny Clapp! You just can’t make this stuff up folks.) :) And that is the tip of the iceberg from this long time biker’s bizarre incident with Gram Parson in 1972 when Parsons This month’s Flashback subject is a colorful rascal to music resume. Oh! I forget to mention that he not only stole overdosed on morphine while partying with friends in a I read Phil’s book several years ago. Since it is winter and say the least. Phil Kaufman was born in Mineolla, NY the body of 60s music Gram Parson’s after his untimely California hotel. Mangler & Gram had been buddies from we can’t ride as often as we’d like you should consider a long time ago. :) He is better known through out the death but he also burned it in Joshua Tree, CA! as this was the early 60s and had made a alcohol induced pact that if reading it too. Don’t worry it has lots of photos. :) It is entertainment biz as Mangler. He is much more than relayed to Mangler by Parson’s as his burial preference. anything ever happened to one or the other, the survivor a great read with a hilarious irreverent yet honest look at just a respected professional road manager. He is a mu- would take the others’ body to Joshua Tree in the Cal. des- the music biz that will have you laughing from one chap- sic icon & a long time rider too. His job description is Since this is a bike ert and burn it. Phil, being a man of his word, soon recruit- ter to the next. It would make a great Christmas gift for best described as an “executive babysitter” and he has rag lets look at his ed a buddy to help him steal Parson’s body from the local that hard to buy for person on your list. Especially if they traveled the world in that capacity for over 40 years. two wheel history morgue to perform the promise he had made numerous would like to know what life was like behind the scenes in (He is currently on the road with the ever lovely Emmy first. He has been in beers and years ago. You have to read the whole story of the misc biz. And if nothing else go rent or buy the movie! Lou Harris who just completed a tour of Europe.) the wind for 56 years this in Phil’s book, “Road Mangler Deluxe.” It is not only & you can see his funny but unbelievable, yet true 380 page volume! Mangler For info on purchasing Phil’s book, which is in its third Mangler has done so many amazing things in his colorful early love of trikes in was arrested for this too. Except he was arrested for grand printing, contact this email, [email protected]. He also life that Hollywood even made a movie about him in 2003. the old photo of Phil theft of the casket, not for burning his old buddy’s body. has a 2 CD set of killer music from a benefit at the Ryman I’m talking about such things as his brief stint as a member as a chubby cheeked Cal. can be very liberal apparently about the deceased. Auditorium with numerous stars to raise money when he of the “Dirty Boys” gang while still in school. He served little boy. His first was struggling with cancer. It is titled “Mangledesh” and in the Air Force during the Korean War. He found his way motorized bike was a These hectic and whacky two days re the basis for the Mangler has a Christmas deal on buying both. Visit a book to California to break into the movie business and found in 1951 but movie on Phil’s life. The movie is called “Grand Theft store, if they do not have it they should, so tell them to order it. work as a stunt man but he wound up in the music biz. He he rode many differ- Parsons” and stars our Tennessee native, “Jack Ass” actor also worked for Harley Davidson in London, England from ent bikes after that. Johnny Knoxville, as Phil Kaufman. The popular Jack Ass Phil is very approachable fun to talk to man and you will 1974 to 78 as a “Demonstration Organizer” and he sold His first Harley was a star is a very good actor who enjoyed his time with Phil enjoy his book. Mangler is also well known for tricks he 1943 WLC that he still while making the movie. In the film Knoxville is actually pulls on people and his wicked sense of humor. You can owns. Sadly, since he wearing the vest Phil wore during the Parson’s cremation tell you are following him around Music City if you see lives out of a suitcase in 1973. ( Here is a TRM exclusive for the readers! Want his personal Tenn. licence plate on his car. It simply says. and calls home where to know why Johnny Knoxville changed his last name “PH Kauf.” Get it? (If you don’t, don’t bother buying ever the tour bus is to the city he grew up in? His real last name is “Clapp.” the book). Rock on Mangler! Mighty good to know ya. parked, Mangler has Rebel Ron Mangrum, Columbia, TN misplaced many of his old photos. You can see another one of him on a Harley trike when he lived in Nolensville, TN, after moving to Nashville to work in 1977. Phil stills putts around town on his sled when the bus wheels stop turning. He again lives in Music City & he rides with the “Ton Up” Club when time allows. This is a unique mo- torcycle group that he is a Founding Member in, that one is eligible to join until one goes over a 100 mph on thier bike. Mangler can often be seen riding his trusty 1972 Tri- umph Bonneville around guitar town. ( His Brit bike can be seen in the photo of Mangler and your humble writer in the S & G Custom Cycles parking lot when the “Ton Up’ Club stopped by to see all the vintage bikes last summer. ) surplus US military bikes by the pound. (He can be seen I could fill this mag with hilarious behind the music scenes in England with surplus HDs in a small garage wearing stories Phil’s has witnessed and/or caused over the years. his trademark mustache.) He has served Most involve drinking, jail time in the US and over seas and drugging, groupies, life on even escaped from a Swedish prison. He the road, jail visits, gun play, has not only toured with many big motorcycles, bondsmen, name groups but he also calls many of bikers, emergency room them friends. I’m talking about such stops, along with arguments world famous people as the Rolling & fights with obnoxious in- Stones, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, toxicated stars. However, and Frank Zappa just to name a few. due to space limitations I ( See photo of Mangler driving a convert- will just tell you of his most ible around L.A. with Kieth Richards & famous, or maybe I should

Thunder Roads Magazine 18 should have low to moderate compression. On high revving motors where you want the power at Tech Tips the top of the RPM range, you want the intake valve to Motorcycle Clubs And Groups stay open longer and the exhaust valve to open earlier. Minnesota Clubs and Groups- (as of December 2009) Motorcycle Dial a Ride, 1-888-DIAL RIDE (888-342-5743), MDAR offers Harley Hop-Up by Kirby Apathy When the intake stays open longer it will also increase safe ride service for impaired motorcyclists from the last weekend in the duration and require higher compression to keep ABATE of Minnesota , Contact: Contact: Liz Herzog (507) 487- April through the last weekend in October. Hours of operation are 6 p.m. 5000, [email protected] American Bikers for Awareness, Friday through 12 a.m. Monday (midnight Sunday). the cylinder pressure up. You want the exhaust valve Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization Northern Cruisers Riding Group (NCRG)We are a group of cruiser to open earlier because it will have a better scavenging committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about riders who have been together since 1997. We ride mostly Yamaha effect. motorcycling. cruisers, although ALL bikes are welcome. Your attitude will “make ABATE LOWER CHAPTER SE MN American Bikers for Awareness, or break” your membership with us, not the kind of bike you ride. Our On to Duration, also measured in degrees, duration Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization members consist of couples, and male and female singles that are is the time the valve is open and is measured from the committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about mostly in their 40’s and 50’s. We meet year-round for dinner and/or rides to keep our friendships alive and strong. Our ride scheduled is the 1st time the lifter first moves .053” (some manufacturers use motorcycling. Blue Knights, The Blue Knights is a non-profit organization of active Saturday and 3rd Sunday of each month from mid-April to October .020”). It makes sense that the longer the intake is open, and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding with Extended trips possible (2 nights to over 1 week in length). We the more fuel/air mixture will enter but it also reduces the motorcycles. require you to sign a liability waiver and have proof of insurance and a BMW Motorcycle Owners, Contact: Karol [email protected] motorcycle license or permit before riding with us. We are a TOTALLY cylinder pressure requiring higher compression. 612-534-RIDE, BMWMOA promotes the camaraderie and friendship of independent local group with NO national organization to appease. Many riders think they want the longest duration pos- individual members and BMW motorcycle clubs. RED KNIGHTS Contact: Pete [email protected] Share the Central Road Racing Association, 612-332-4070 CRA is a common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety, and the sible when picking a cam, but longer duration kills low-en volunteer-run racing club always looking for new members and brotherhood of firefighting. power and without higher compression it will overall per- volunteers to help ensure fun and safety. Shifting Gears - Women Motorcycle Riderz -Group of women formance. Also, the larger the displacement, the more CHARIOTS OF LIGHT” Phil 2:15 The Chariots of Light Christian motorcyclists who gather and ride in the Bemidji area. Founded in 2008. Bikers Club is an evangelistic outreach of Jerry Savelle Ministries Membership is free. Contact Cheri Stout or Rachel Bolter duration it will accept. International, Brooklyn Park MN, 55444 web site Six Seasons Christian Riders, Contact:[email protected] It is a MUST when installing high lift cams that certain Contact info Jim Ferdig [email protected] Pastor DuWayne Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and . Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Southeast Minnesota Chapter #171. things are checked! Peterson [email protected] This month we are going to discuss camshafts. To Chrome Divas, Contact: Kristen King, [email protected]. We are family-oriented and ride for the joy of riding and the social aspects First is coil bind, Coil bind is when the rocker arm is of motorcycle cruising. All brands are welcome and there is a NO FEE. know what Camshaft you need, you need to understand mn.us Chrome Divas is a ladies-only motorcycle group, riders and compressing the spring farther than the spring can go. passengers and even some non-riding women, who love motorcycles Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Contact: Bill Strebel (615) 804-1050 how they work and how to choose a profile for your par- and participating in charity functions. or (615) 893-7048, [email protected] A free, family- This will usually result in bent push rods or broken rocker ticular application. A camshaft is the brain of you motor, Concours Owners Group, Contact: Randy Schafer (612) 433-5605, oriented club that uses the Web to communicate and focuses on the arms. To check the springs, first take the compressed [email protected] COG promotes camaraderie and technical support enjoyment and fellowship of riding motorcycles safely. it tells the motor how to perform thru valve timing, dura- Star Touring and Riding Now with 4 chapters in Minnesota. 3 are spring measurement and add the lift plus .060. This total for Kawasaki Concours. tion and lift. Christian Motorcyclists Association, The Christian Motorcyclists located in the Twin Cities area. A Family Group of riders that focus needs to be less than the installed height measurement. on Riding fun with the whole family. Thou focused on The Star Let’s start with lift, the lift is how high the cam opens Association is interdenominational and evangelistic in nature. You also must check the top dead center lift, this will Collectively, the states work together to spread the Gospel of Jesus Line of Motorcylces all bike are welcome, contact Jim(JC) Clark at the valve, thus allowing fuel mixture to enter and exit the Christ throughout the United States. Link is to the local chapter in [email protected] affect the valve-to-valve contact and also valve to pis- motor. Lift is measured at the lifter and multiplied by the Rochester MN, several groups in MN and USA St Croix Valley Riders, A not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization- ton contact and neither is good! Checking the top dead Dry Riders, Men and women who are family-oriented and have proceeds go to enhance motorcycle safety, awareness and education. rocker arm ratio. (For Shovelheads, the ration is 1.43- Street Legal Motorcycle Club, Members include lawyers, judges, law center lift can be done by opening the valves to the TDC formed a club to promote motorcycling without the use of alcohol or 1, for Evo’s and Twin Cams it is 1.6-1) Stock lift for a drugs while riding. school deans, law students, bailiffs, paralegals, legal secretaries, private that will be included in the cam specs that come with the investigators, court reporters and the like. Shovel is .390, for an Evo it is from .472 - .495, and the Faith Riders of MN group of Christian people from all walks of life who cam. There should be at least a .060 clearance between love to ride motorcycles and trikes. We ride for the joy of riding and Twin Cities Motorcycle Club is open to riders of all makes and models Twin Cam is .473 good fellowship. info of bikes. Free to join and belong. valves. A higher lift will help the fuel/air mixture to get around Freedom Riders Christian Motorcycle Club...based out of Twin City Victory Riders Valve to piston must be checked by putting clay in to Constance Free Church in Andover, MN. An experienced, professional The West Bank Motorcycle Club (WBMC) The WBMC started in 1969 the valve. When you have a higher lift, you will require and welcomes all riders and all brands of motorcycles to join us, to ride the valve pockets on the piston, carefully rotating the riding club for fun! Several rides and trips planned each season. different springs to eliminate the possibility of coil bind or [email protected] and share with us the love of riding. Ride with us, if you like us join us. motor over then measuring the indents in the clay, once This is a dues paying club! The Annual Dues is $20. To Join the WBMC valve float, (Either can be catastrophic and we will talk Gold Wing Riders Association Contact: (800) 843-9460, Friends for again, you are looking for at least a .060 clearance. fun, safety and knowledge, the GWRRA is the world’s largest social just show up for a ride. The rides leave from The Junction Bar & Grill more about them later) organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing & Valkyrie 901 Cedar Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 at 6:30pm on Wednesdays Trock Specialties make a real nice tool for holding the Next, is valve timing. Valve timing is the number in motorcycles. and 12:00 pm on Saturdays. The last Sat in April through the end of valves open to check these measurements. Harley Owners Group, Contact: 1-800-CLUBHOG (1-800-258-2464), Sept. The first ride is a potluck . The Road Captain will make 80-90 maps crankshaft degrees in which the valves open and close. for Wed and 20-30 for Sat and will post one on the bulletin board. To Now, to break down what we have learned. As a rule For Harley riders to share their passion and show their pride. This, the most, important aspect to where your power Hog Chapter Rochester MN SE MN receive a ride credit you must be a current paid member. You must sign of thumb, a cam that provides a short duration, early in at the ride destination. After the last ride in Sept the WBMC holds year- band will be in the overall RPM range and it also deter- Honda Riders Club of America , 616 Elk St , Duluth MN 55803 opening and closing of the intake and a later opening of Honda Sport Touring Association, Contact: Roger Ries, rogerries@ end party in the first part of October. This is a potluck with the WBMC mines the duration (but we will get into that later). yahoo.com 952-448-5008, HSTA brings together riders whose focus is providing the main entree. the exhaust valves are what you need for good low end The degree of the crankshaft where the intake valve motorcycle sport touring regardless of type or brand of motorcycle. Wings of Freedom MN Chapter Gold Wing Touring Association of torque. Longer duration, longer opening intake and ear- Midwest Motorcycle Club (MMC) of Bemidji. For information call Max Motorcycle enthusiast who like to get together to ride, eat, camp and and the exhaust valve opens is the most important factor have a good time in MN and WI lier opening exhaust are for high RPM horsepower and Lowe 218-547-0419. of valve timing. This will determine how much cylinder Minnesota Valkyrie Owners Association, Contact: Mike Garris Women on Wheels If you are a lady who loves to drive or ride as larger motors. passenger on motorcycles, motorbikes, scooters, or trikes then this is the will be produced. [email protected] & Lori Bruzek [email protected] Next month we will get in to compression ratios and Minnesota Sport bike, Internet-based group where Minnesota sport group for you! This organization welcomes your family members and you In choosing the correct cam for your bike, there will and sport touring riders set up “Pace” rides, share opinions, and to indulge your passion for riding with other discriminating hobbyists, at cylinder head design, until then, be safe and see ya at always be a trade off between low-end torque cam and balance safety and sport riding fun. rallies, chapter meetings, tours, or other events the races. Minnesota Voyagers Association, Contact: Joy Mattson jsmattson@ X Winos Motorcycle Club, Contact: [email protected] The high RPM cam; unfortunately it is very hard if not impos- primary purpose is to stay clean and sober and have fun doing it. usfamily.net A group consisting of all brands of motorcycles. sible to have both. Minnesota Wings, Individuals and their partners who enjoy owning Minnesota Department of Public Safety Kirby Apathy Contact Patrick J. Hahn 651-201- For low-end torque, you want the intake to close and riding Honda Gold Wings. [email protected] Moto Guzzi Owners, Contact: Earl Cleven, 507-684-2608, e.cleven@ sooner and have the exhaust open later. A good low-end excite.com Sociable Guzzi people, great times, and Moto Guzzi torque cam will have a shorter duration and the engine information direct to you from Moto Guzzi enthusiasts world wide. Thunder Roads Magazine 20 Thunder Roads Magazine 21 News Bytes News Bytes

BAD DRIVING IS IN THE GENES mending that new riders should get trained beyond state NEW MOTORCYCLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS Business Journal, the ADEQ said motorcycles make up only Medical researchers say they’ve unraveled the mystery to testing requirements. “I would recommend everyone to take TAKING EFFECT As 2010 motorcycles hit dealer show- 3.5 percent of vehicles tested in the Valley and not only are bad drivers, and their genetic makeup may be to blame. A the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.” rooms, new EPA emissions standards will be making them emissions failure rates among motorcycles down, repairs to study recently published in the journal of Cerebral Cortex greener…both environmentally and economically. Starting put them in compliance do not substantially help air quality. led by University of California , Irvine neuroscientists found MOTORCYCLE SALES ARE RUNNING OUT OF GAS next year when stricter Environmental Protection Agency The EPA requires metro areas and regions of the U.S. with that people with a certain gene variation performed more Last year, fuel-efficient motorcycles proved to be a viable guidelines on motorcycle emissions come into effect for all air pollution and air quality problems to test cars, trucks and than 20% worse on a driving test than those without the option for motorists facing higher and higher gas prices, new two- and three-wheelers built or sold in the U.S., the other vehicles for emissions. EPA would need to approve an gene and they also retained less of what they had learned. but following more than a decade of steadily increasing EPA projects a 50% reduction in pollutants emitted at their exemption before next July for it to take effect. About 30 percent of Americans have the particular gene sales figures, the economic downturn has caught up to bike tailpipes -- but such drastic reductions come with a bigger variant, though a test to determine whether someone has makers. For 14 years, through 2006, U.S. motorcycle sales price tag: According to a 2003 EPA report, the average esti- NYC MAYOR CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY the gene variant is not commercially available. “This gene had increased every year. Sales started to drop in 2007 but mated cost per highway motorcycle to meet the 2010 stan- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is donating $125 variant limits the availability of a protein called brain-derived still topped the 1 million mark. A year ago, as gas prices dards is $45, which is likely passed along to consumers. million to road safety programs in middle and low income pushed toward $5 a gallon, fuel-sipping two-wheelers got neurotrophic factor during activity,” according to the senior At the same time, motorcyclists are likely to save money at countries. Bloomberg gave $9 million in 2007 to a pilot a boost. Despite the worsening economy, street bike sales author, Dr. Steven Cramer, neurology associate professor at the pump as the new technology brings with it better fuel ef- program on road safety in Vietnam and Mexico , and his lat- were down only 3.3% in 2008 and smaller scooters enjoyed UCI. “BDNF keeps memory strong by supporting communi- ficiency. Increased use of technologies demonstrated as ef- est gift expands the effort to a 5-year program in eight other cation among brain cells and keeping them functioning opti- their best year ever, posting a 41.5% gain, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Now, little seems to be work- fective in 4-stroke motorcycle engines, such as the catalytic countries that have high numbers of traffic injuries and mally. When a person is engaged in a particular task, BDNF converters, secondary air injection and electronic fuel inject fatalities. His philanthropic foundation announced that the is secreted in the brain area connected with that activity to ing for motorcycle manufacturers as sales have plunged systems, are expected to decrease harmful emissions, donation will help efforts to reduce speeding and drunken help the body respond.” Earlier research had found that in 38% in the third quarter from the same period a year ago according to a 2003 EPA report. The report also reads, driving, and increase the use of motorcycle helmets, child those individuals with the gene variant “a smaller portion of (falling from 218,242 last year to 136,876), with the biggest however, that the standards will not result in universal use seats and seatbelts. the brain is stimulated when doing a task than in those with drops coming in two of the industry’s biggest product lines: of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are pollution a normal BDNF gene.” The driving test was taken by 29 cruisers and sport bikes. Scooter sales are also down 62% control devices that reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons WEIRD (DUMB) NEWS: RIDER CHARGED FOR CRASH- people - 22 without the gene variant and seven with it. They through the first three quarters of 2009. The only bright and carbon monoxide, and while not specifically required A Florida motorcyclist was arrested were asked to drive 15 laps on a simulator that required spot was that sales are dropping at a slower pace: The ING WHILE TEXTING by the EPA rules, catalytic converters will have a hand in and held on $15,000 bond in Polk County jail after crashing them to learn the nuances of a track programmed to have number of bikes sold in the second quarter fell 53.5 percent difficult curves and turns. Researchers recorded how well from the same period a year earlier. Historically, the sec- reducing emissions in the new standards. “We already have his motorcycle while using his cell phone at the time of the they stayed on the course over time. Four days later, the ond and third quarters are strong for the industry because the 2010 models coming in, and they all have the catalytic collision. The State Attorney’s Office has charged 26-year- test was repeated. Results showed that people with the the weather generally is warm and buyers are gearing up converters on them,” Steve Tuchschmidt Sr., owner of Mid- old Stephen Wade Horne of Bartow, FL with one count of to ride, according to an article appearing in the Chicago variant did worse on both tests than the other participants, America Harley Davidson, told the Columbia Missourian Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury (316.192.2, Tribune Despite a federal stimulus that allows bike buyers and they remembered less the second time. “I’d be curious newspaper. “That’s new.” The more stringent EPA standards F-3) stemming from when Horne drove his 2007 to write off the sales tax, sagging sales have prompted bike to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes,” won’t affect existing motorcycles. The emissions limits will Forenza into the back of a stopped garbage truck collect- builders to begin cutting staff and other expenses. Last Cramer said. “I wonder if the accident rate is higher for driv- only apply to motorcycles and scooters manufactured after ing trash on the morning of August 25, 2009, and striking week, publicly held Harley-Davidson Inc. reported an 84% ers with the variant.” the effective date. 19-year-old Emmanuel Mejia who lost both legs as a result drop in quarterly earnings to $26.5 million. The company of Horne’s failure to stop. Investigators concluded that said it was getting out of the sport-bike business, shutting INCREASED MOTORCYCLIST DEATHS BLAMED ON PHOENIX SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM MOTORCYLCLE Horne was distracted by using his cell phone, document- down the longtime Buell line and selling its MV Agusta op- Since gas prices increased, experts EMISSIONS TESTING The state of Arizona is asking the ing a 54’8” long skid mark and noting no environmental or BAD ECONOMY eration, a high-end Italian brand it bought last year. Already say more inexperienced riders have hit the road -- literally federal government to lift emissions testing requirements for visual conditions that would have contributed to the crash. this year, the Milwaukee manufacturer joined the likes of motorcycles in the Phoenix metro area. Following prolonged Emergency personnel on the scene told police that Horne Because of the fuel efficiency of motorcycles, more drivers Honda, Kawasaki , Yamaha, Suzuki and Victory in laying and extensive lobbying by statewide motorcycle rights admitted he was texting on his phone and investigators are switching from four wheels to two, and what used to be off employees, reducing production and dropping prices to organizations, the Arizona Department of Environmental have collected his cell phone for analysis. Experts say a symbol of freedom and adventure is now also a symbol of help dealers shrink swollen inventories. Mark Blackwell, thriftiness. “Last year, our sales were the best we ever had vice president of Victory Motorcycles, which suffered a 56% Quality has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection distractions, specifically talking and texting on cell phones, for 33 years,” said Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda, point- decline in the July-September period, told the Los Angeles Agency to exempt motorcycles from such testing. According are a major contributing factor to automobile wrecks in the ing out that bike sales peaked last year before dipping and Times “We haven’t laid everybody off. We haven’t totally to lobbyists for ABATE of Arizona, the Modified Motorcycle United States, and now account for 25% of all accidents rising again this year. But Dr. Fernando Wilson, a professor stopped advertising. We’ve kept up the product develop- Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confedera- and are responsible for 2,600 deaths and 636,000 crashes at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said ment because we’re positioning this business for when the tion of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC), Phoenix is the only major each year. for every dollar increase in gas prices, 1,500 more motorcy- market stabilizes and grows.” Harley-Davidson and Vic- metro area in the U.S. where motorcycles are required to be cle riders die each year nationwide. Some say car drivers tory, a division of Polaris in Minnesota , hope to stem U.S. tested for emissions. The biker advocacy groups have al- QUOTABLE QUOTE: “For years governments have been need to hang up their cell phones and pay more attention, losses, in part, by growing overseas sales. Harley is pursu- ready fought successfully to exempt motorcycles from emis- promising more than they can deliver, and delivering more but many bikers attribute higher crash rates to the influx of ing emerging markets such as India and China ; Victory sions testing in the Flagstaff area, and several years ago than they can afford.” new, inexperienced riders on the road. “If you mess up on a is going after Europe . But with the riding season over for the Kentucky Motorcycle Association succeeded in exempt- Paul Martin (1938 - ?), 21st Prime Minister of Canada motorcycle, it’s probably a lot more tragic than in a vehicle,” much of the country, summer 2010 can’t come fast enough ing motorcycles from such testing. According to the Phoenix motorcyclist Stephen Dutcher told TV-33 News, recom- for the industry.

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Thunder Roads Magazine 24 S K I N A R T Thunder Roads Magazine 26 Thunder Roads Magazine 27 Too Tired To Ride?

I recently went to a Blues Music Festival in Saint Louis, on the market and sweet tea help his cause. What ever you MO, which started at 1:00 pm, and ended at 11:00 pm that find that helps your cause; just remember what your mother particular day. Needless to say, it was a long day for me. told you, “Too Much Of Anything Is Not Good For You”. Even though I do stay somewhat in shape and make a Ride free, ride safe, and please, protect the children. conscious effort to diet properly, I notice that as I get older, I must supplement my energy level to stay the course of such Kevin G. Charleville (Doc) happenings. I normally do this with a good ole cup of java or two; however, I will partake in one of the many energy drinks that are available on the market today. It goes with- out saying, that the more you are awake and aware of your surroundings, the safer you are operating a motorcycle. You are taking a huge risk while driving a car or a truck while fatigued, mentally or physically. Multiply this risk by five if you are operating a vehicle with only two wheels under these conditions. Under extreme fatigued situations, you can suffer from poor judgment, optical illusions, and even mental hallucinations. Under moderate fatigued situations, you can suffer from poor judgment, poor decision making, and altered reaction times. Even being slightly fatigued, you can suffer the same symptoms as being moderate fatigued. Obviously, if you operate a motorcycle under these condi- tions, you are creating a recipe for disaster. So, besides the obvious of getting plenty of rest, (At least eight hours of sleep at bedtime), what else can we do to be an alert and a fully aware rider? When you are riding and stop for that all important biker breakfast, lunch, or dinner, avoid stuffing yourself, or eat smaller portions more often during the day. Know your body limits, at the first sign of feeling fatigue, pull over and take a break, or make sure you are fully rested be- fore getting on to ride. Believe it or not, a short little fifteen or twenty minute, “Cat Nap” can do wonders. If you are on prescription medications that make you drowsy or fatigued and you plan to ride, then DON’T. Then, there is alcohol, a double dose of danger, and a double dose of fatigue, need I say anymore about that? Like I mentioned earlier, a cup or two of coffee, or an energy drink, makes me feel young again for an hour or two. However, I realize not everyone likes coffee, and some energy drinks make some people jittery, you just have to find what works for you. My young- est son has found that some of the carbonated beverages

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