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06 - Ride & Event Calendar 12 - H-D & Voodoo Economics 15 - Harley Har Har 16 - High Seas Rally 2010 20 - The Cannonball Run 23 - Doing the Grand Tour 30 - Reader Feedback 32 - Thunder Mountain Ride 35 - Rocky Point Rally 2010 39 - The Sema Show 41 - American Heat 44 - Bikers for Boobies 47 - Rip's AZ BAD Ride 49 - Blinded by the Light 51 - Santa Won't Need Rudolph 54 - Weekly Events 55 - The Making of a Cover

QUICK THROTTLE® 2010 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher or Editor’s prior written approval. Publisher and Editor assume no financial responsibility for errors in ads be- yond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Pub- lisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the con- tent of their ads. Publisher and Editor are also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our con- trol; all suits. claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a persons name or photograph. Publisher and Editor do not promote ex- cessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. The Quick Throttle name and logo is owned nationally by Chris and Lisa Dalgaard of Bonnie & Clyde Enterprises, LLC. QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:55 AM Page 3

DECEMBER 2010 3

we thought we would be better off doing our night riding through the deserts of Arizona, Nevada and California.

So off we went around 8:00am. Even at this morning hour, it was bone- chilling cold coming through the mountains of the Caribou National The Forest. Fortunately, the sleepy commuters and black ice on those mountain roads held my interest well enough that I was able to ignore the ice forming under my arms until we reached Bountiful, UT. This small but pleasant town had lots of options for us to warm our innards Longest Day and get something to eat. As we crackled in to a local diner, the patrons looked at us like we were crazy to be riding bikes in these temps. Not only did we find that it’s couple of months ago the Iron Butt Association held their 2010 easy to screw up bacon & eggs here, but it was all served up with a National Meet here in Denver. Although I didn’t get a chance to go, generous side of surly. Fortunately, during the hour spent in the diner, it got me thinking about how I spent my first an only 1,000-mile the sun had warmed the air just enough so we could make our escape Aday on a motorcycle. All of my 1,000-mile days in a car or on a from this greasy spoon and less than friendly establishment. plane wouldn’t make great column material in this magazine. I’m not With full stomachs and gas tanks, we headed south. So, it was feet up sure my 1,000-mile on my ’04 Road King would either…but I’ll give it a and clutch out for the next 15 hours. Oh sure, we stopped to fill bike shot. For one thing, it was only 957 miles…I rounded off just a little. tanks and empty our own, raised our helmets once in awhile to jam in a sandwich from the gas station’s reefer that had been percolating in Normally I avoid piling up phenomenal mileage on a single day just to there for years probably and just gazed down the highway at a pretty do it. I fully support “Iron Butts” that want to do this, but I think these good clip. endeavors are best described as motorcycle endurance riding, not tour- ing, which I prefer to do most. And the best part of touring is taking Staying on I-15 for that long provided little in the way of excitement your time and stopping to smell the roses along the way, rather than except at night when the cop car came out of nowhere and passed us just sucking them out of the ground as you roar by. doing at least 100mph with no flashing lights. No one even saw him in their mirrors. When I was living in La Quinta, CA a few buddies of mine and I decided to take a long road trip up through Vegas, St. George, Zion National With all this being said about long distance rides in one day...I can’t say Park, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake, by Bear Lake and into Pocatello, ID. We I gained much understanding about why a biker would want to under- saw some great sights along the way, endured some pretty mean thun- take such great distances in a short time. We had a great time riding to- der storms and chased (or should I say, ran away from) a tornado. After gether for about ten days…great scenery, rode through some cool small a few days of great riding, the group started to thin out for various rea- towns, some interesting people were met, all kinds of weather condi- sons. One guy said he had to go to Portland, OR (a mere 758 miles tions sustained and, of course, the biggest thing was the camaraderie away) to meet up with his girlfriend…another was heading to Denver with your riding buddies. (just 513 miles away) to meet some friends, another just missed his family in Laramie, WY (only 368 miles away). That left Ozzie, Joe & me. About 5:30am I pulled into my garage in SoCal and I realized that I had just ridden 957 miles. I was tempted to get back on and make it an even Waking one October morning in the Scout Mountain campground after 1,000 before hitting the rack. Touching my butt to the seat, the white- a torrential downpour, we looked at each other and said “OK…let’s just hot pain that resulted confirmed that go home…and let’s do it in a day” A couple of things conspired to get mine must be made of one of the us on the road for such a long trip home. One, we wanted to get home softer alloys. Lead maybe. for the weekend as we had a great ride and event planned for our HOG chapter and, two, for me, all my kids were coming out to La Quinta to Remember…Life is a Journey… spend a few days in the desert heat. Enjoy the Ride…the Rest is just Details.

Averaging 50mph (with pit, gas & food stops), we figured it’d take about Ride Safe and Have Fun. 20 hours to make it home. If we left now, we’d be home about 4:00am tomorrow. Knowing we had some mountains to ride over and through, Bill QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 4 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 5 QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:55 AM Page 6

6 DECEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010 There will be Door Prizes, Cold Beverages, Sales taxes paid for you! Tickets are just $100 Spicy BBQ, Live Entertainment, Raffles, a each. Drawing held at 11:55pm on November 25 Ride, Sales and Activities for the Children, and 12/31/2010 at The Buffalo Rose, 1119 Wash- Thanksgiving Potluck Feast - Susie’s Bar & much more! Proceeds will benefit the Craig ington Avenue, Golden, CO. Proceeds go to Grill, Golden. 303-278-9000 Hospital Foundation. the Golden Lions Community Betterment www.milehigh-harley.com, 303-343-3300 Fund. Need not be present to Win. Contact: November 26-28 [email protected] or call Rocky Mountain Rod & Custom Car & MC December 9 Ed Dorsey at 303-829-5195. See Show – Colorado Convention Center. Rev up National HOG Night – Sun H-D, Thornton. www.GoldenLionsClub.org. your engines for the most popular indoor car 303-287-7567 show in the Rocky Mountains. This year’s Last Brass Monkey Run – Sponsored by event includes the biggest display of hot rods December 10 ABATE of Colorado. Reg. begins at 9am at two yet. Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 9 White Elephant Christmas Party - Susie’s Bar locations: Aurora- The Frontier Club, 18881 E. Colfax Ave.; Golden- 17999 W. Colfax Ave. a.m.-6 p.m., www.greybeardpromotions.com, & Grill, Golden. 303-278-9000 Ride ends in Golden with music, chili contest, 303-433-7025 door prizes, 50/50 drawing, awards and more. December 11 $10/ABATE member, $15/nonmember. Join November 28 ABATE D-10 Holiday Ball – Aurora. 303-909- ABATE and ride free. 303-789-3264 2 Wheeler’s & Stan’s Sign Co. - Toy Drive – 4599 303-433-7025 or 303-659-5848 All Metro HOG News Years Eve Party – Sher- Road Warriors M/C Annual December Birth- aton Denver West, 360 Union, Lakewood. ABATE D-8 – Toy Run, Durango CO, 970-946- day/Christmas Party – 720-427-1019 303-987-2000 6188 SOS M/C Metro Denver Chapter New Year’s December 15 Eve Party - www.sonsofsilence.com. DECEMBER 2010 LOH Dinner & Gift Exchange - Mile High HOG, www.milehighhog.com, 303-340-4982 JANUARY 2011 December 4 Annual Santa Sleigh Run - High Country HOG, December 18 January 29-30 Frederick. www.highcountryharley.com, 720- Denver Chapter HOG & Freedom H-D Christ- Colorado Motorcycle Show and Swap - Den- 881-3685 mas Party – Sheraton Denver West, 6:00pm. ver. 2-Day indoor swap meet and m/c show. $10 DCH members, $25 non-members & Sat. 9am - 7pm & Sun 10am - 5pm. There are CMA Metro Christmas Party – guests. Cartoon Caricature Artist, David Frisk over 800 10x10 vendor spaces & 125 show www.cmaswr2.org/CO, 303-659-4363 plays guitar from 6-8:00pm, Vivid Black Per- bikes. Also the wet t-shirt contest, pin striping ABATE D-8 Christmas Party – Durango, 970- forms 8pm – 12am. exhibition, men’s bare chest contest. Swap 946-6188 www.hogchapterdenver.com, 303-987-2000 booths $115.00 per 10x10. Bike Show entries are $40.00, admission $15.00 per day or December 5 Pictures with Santa Day – Mile High H-D, Au- $20.00 for 2 day pass per person. Kids 12 & 25th Annual Children’s Hospital Toy Run – rora. www.milehighhog.com, 303-340-4982 Denver. Meet at Freedom, Mile-High, Rocky under free. At the National Western Stock Mountain or Sun Harley-Davidson for this an- Santa Shoot & LOH Snack Wrap – Sun H-D & Show Complex. For more info: nual event to benefit the kids at Children’s CCT HOG, 303-287-7567 www.comotorcycleshowandswap.com , 719- Hospital. Entry is a new, unwrapped toy. 269-1721 www.rockymountainhd.com, (303) 703-2885 St. Vincent’s Children’s Home Christmas Benefit – SOS M/C, FEBRUARY 2011 Children’s Hospital Post Toy Run Party – Mile www.sonsofsilencedenver.com High H-D, Aurora. The Children’s Hospital Post February 12 Toy Run Party will be held on December 5, December 31 PPHOG Leather and Lace Ball – Colorado 2010 at the Mile High Harley Davidson in Au- Golden Lions Club Harley Raffle - Golden, CO. Springs. 6:00 pm. For more info: Micha at rora, Colorado (CO) Beginning at Noon until 3rd Motorcycle Raffle - 2010 ROAD KING (719) 393-2312 or check the website 5pm. (Vivid Black) Only 300 tickets will be sold! www.pikespeakharleydavidson.com. QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:55 AM Page 7

DECEMBER 2010 7

BY BILL CAHAL

Sunday morning Sep. 19 greeted all the Denver Chap- ter HOG riders with brilliant sunshine and cloudless skies. Their annual Fall Colors ride was sure to be beautiful. Years past the aspens weren’t quite ready to be viewed or weather was a factor….but not 2010.

About 85 bikes showed up at Freedom Harley-Davidson for reg- istration and then around 10am, two groups headed south antic- ipating some gorgeous aspen viewing. Their route took them up Hwy. 285 through Bailey, left at Pine Junction, through Pike Na- tional Forest, Deckers and into Woodland Park. From there it was south to Cripple Creek and lunch at the Wildwood Casino.

As the bikers walked in they were met by flashing lights and buzzers sounding throughout the casino. They all looked at each other thinking the casino had just been robbed. Well, sort of…someone hit a winning slot machine for $14,000! Man…why couldn’t I have picked that one?

The Wildwood Casino welcomed the HOG chapter with a deli- cious roasted chicken and pork buffet that had them all coming back for 2nds, 3rds…. A little casino action followed lunch and then at 3pm anyone that wanted rode an incredibly beautiful route through aspen groves full of yellows, golds, browns and reds. The return home took them north out of Cripple Creek through the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Lake George, over Wilkerson Pass, through Hartsel and back on to Hwy. 285 just south of Fairplay.

The best was yet to come. The last 75 miles of the days ride was spectacular. Every imaginable color an aspen could provide was seen by the bikers. It was incredible. Just before reaching Kenosha Pass (at exactly 10,000 feet) brilliant reds were every- where in front of them. Even at cruising speeds, you could hear all the camera shutters flicking. And all day long crystal clear blue skies made the scenery even more spectacular.

This year’s Denver Chapter HOG Fall Colors ride was by far the best in recent years. Great friends, great riding, great food and beautiful Colorado aspen colors. QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:55 AM Page 8

8 DECEMBER 2010

BY BILL CAHAL MDA brought their inflatable Bounce House for the kids to enjoy. As the Wanna have a good time on a crisp kids were bouncing, parents were fall day? Go to Mile High H-D’s 10th digging in their pockets for donations Anniversary Party. So did a few hun- to help MDA. Law Tigers were there dred of your closest friends. and I had to get my lip balm fix taken care of right off the bat. Spinning As we walked into Mile High’s parking their prize wheel was futile for some lot on Saturday, Sep. 25, we heard of us….others won skull caps, kick- the familiar sounds of one of our stand pucks and a bunch of other more well known local bands…The great biker stuff. Groove Hawgs. Or better known dur- ing the a.m. drive time as DJs Lewis Once the vendors were all covered, it & Floorwax from one of our better was time to head to the food line and known radio stations. You’d think the Mile High’s famous pig roast. Plenty headliners would come on stage after of options were available to fill you an opening band but I guess the DJs up and more. Plenty of options were had another gig they had to go that also available to wash down your Saturday. Revolution was on stage food. next to entertain the hundreds of bik- ers and biker wannabes for the rest After some great time spent at a of the afternoon. great party, it was time to get some great riding in as we’re winding down Lots of vendors lined the perimeter on the riding season. Head west of the parking lot giving attendees young man, head west. The Rockies plenty to do after they were finished were ahead of us and some great shopping for clothing and accessories times at Mile High were behind us. inside and for bikes outside. QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:55 AM Page 9

DECEMBER 2010 9

When I was first asked to do this ar- it’s time, either we go buy one or I’m bought “Mikey”. Mikey was a have Scrapy in first gear when you ticle, I thought it would be easy. going out and buying one.” We Rider’s Edge veteran. A Buell Blast leave a light. Best of all Scrapy and I Sure I said, this will be fun. I read bought a Heritage Classic that week- with the scars to prove it. I rode went to Sturgis this year. I rode several articles and they all had the end and left for Arizona the next day. Mikey for the better part of a year. I downtown Sturgis, okay it was the same theme, the girls had been rid- remember going on rides with day before the rally really started, ing for a long time and articles cen- Arizona was my first real rally and I everyone on their V-Twins and then but it was plenty crowed. I also rode tered around how it had changed was really surprised to see how there was Marcey. Mikey was the Badlands. I still like to ride 2 up their lives. My riding has certainly many girls where riding their own slower but Mikey was perfect. I with Chris (he has graduated to an changed my life, but I thought I bikes. We had a great time but I made every mistake a new rider Ultra - way better seat), but I also would share my experience from a came home with a mission. I could make. There are a few times I like to ride. The freedom, the wind, different perspective. I have been wanted to take the class and buy am so glad that Mikey was there to the smells and something I read riding for exactly two years and 5 myself a Harley. I even had one make those mistakes with me. while in Sturgis - “Sometimes the months. picked out; a beautiful black Night best communication happens on Train. I had passed the class and had It took me about a year to get to the separate bikes.” Every time we I started out not so much wanting no trouble. I could ride anything. point where the other riders were plan a ride, I love to hear him ask my own bike as just wanting to ride tired of me blowing Mikey’s horn at me, “You gonna ride or are you on a Harley. My husband Chris had Chris kept asking me to consider them for going to slow on the gonna ride with?” a few bikes before we met but had something smaller, something canyon twisties. stopped riding about a year after we around 500 to 650 cc. He said get I should note that while I was put- met. I kept nudging him to buy an- something small enough to allow me It was last year when I met “Scrapy”. ting this article together, we took a other bike (for almost a year). I re- to make a few mistakes and not re- Scrapy was a beautiful Low Rider in ride down to Cripple Creek. Scrapy ally wanted to ride. I remember ally worry about hurting the bike. I need of a new home. He was a and I experienced another first. The some friends of ours were going remember telling him once, “What’s friend’s bike and she needed to part first time I dropped my bike. What a down to Arizona Bike Week and I re- the big deal, I just won’t use all the with him. I came home one day and heart breaker and the things that go ally wanted to go. I told him “Okay, CC’s.” He ended up winning and I just looked at Chris and said... It’s through your head. I was stopped time, I am ready to move up to a big- and made a silly mistake. We were ger bike and I know which bike. I stopped on gravel and I tried to have been riding Scrapy for just over reposition the handlebars. It hap- a year now and what a difference. I pened in a second, I was lying face now know what those other CC’s are down with my right leg under the for. bike. It only took a few seconds for them to lift the bike off me, but I am At first I was nervous. Scrapy felt so thankful I had chaps and boots heavy, the rake was big, and man, on. I always ride with boots but not Scrapy is a shaker. All of that only always with chaps. Those pipes sure made me more excited. Scrapy and I sound good, but they are really have had several firsts; the first time hot...... (Oh yeah.... No Scratches) I asked “when do you use 6th gear? Mikey taught me that RPMs were a good thing so Scrapy liked to run at Marcey highway speed in 4th gear. My first stall in an intersection; you gotta QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:56 AM Page 10

10 DECEMBER 2010

Arvada Raven’s Evans Lakewood Thornton Jake’s Roadhouse 25577 Conifer Road, Suite Green Mill Tavern The Front Range Inn Firehouse Tavern 5980 Lamar St. 100 3419 State St. 7799 Morrison Rd. 10369 Quivas 303-424-7266 303-838-0606 970-330-7096 720-837-4666 303-736-6700

The Balloon Inn Cortez Shorty’s Sports Grill Lakewood Bar & Grill Westminster 6440 Wadsworth Angel’s End Zone 3313 35th Ave. 8100 W. Colfax Avenue Davies Locker 720-533-4822 309 N Broadway 970-301-4938 303-237-8051 8845 Lowell Blvd. 970-565-4022 303-429-0096 Aurora Evergreen Pifler’s Sports Tavern The Frontier Club Blondie’s Pub & Grub Cactus Jack’s 11353 W Colfax Ave. Wheat Ridge 18881 East Colfax Ave. 45 E. Main St. 4651 Hwy. 73 303-232-0609 303-367-8637 970-565-4015 Long Shot Bar & Grill 303-674-1564 4400 Ward Road Boulder Puttin’ Pub 303-403-0227 Dacono The Little Bear 7785 W. Colfax Ave. Rocky Flats Lounge Jerry D’s 28075 Highway 74 303-237-7511 Stan’s Caravan 11229 S. Hwy. 93 604 8th St. 303-674-9991 303-489-4242 303-833-3469 11221 West 44th Avenue Riley’s Inn 303- 467-3557 1515 Garland St. Brighton Denver Ft. Collins Jordinelli’s Arap’s 303-232-4067 UTAH Canyon Grill Corinne 25 N. Main St. 3866 S. Broadway 4701 W. County Rd. E 303-659-1055 303-761-7823 Shark’s Saloon Mim’s Bar & Grill 970-229-0022 11475 W. Colfax Ave. 4020 W 2450 N Broomfield 303-239-8859 435-744-2206 Buckin’ Harleys Crazy Jack’s Sweetwater Station 1451 Cortez th 6520 S. College Ave. Holladay 100 & Wadsworth 303-487-0020 Leadville Cruzrs 303-420-1004 970-223-1100 Silver Dollar Saloon 315 Harrison Ave. 3939 S Highland Dr. Bushwacker’s Saloon 719-486-9914 801-272-1903 Colorado Springs 1967 S. Broadway The Hideout Patio Bar & Grill Ogden Benny’s Restaurant & 303-722-0280 Longmont Angelo’s Lounge 1903 E. Lincoln Ave. Rocky Mountain Saloon 4329 Hwy. 66 130 25th St. 517 W. Colorado Ave. Pecos Tavern 970-407-1903 970-535-0509 801-629-0911 719-634-2127 7069 Pecos St. Hog Wild BBQ St. George 720-542-9586 Loveland Blarney Stone Pub Frankie’s Bar & Grill 223 S Link Ln. 800 E Saint George Blvd. 95 N Powers Blve Charlie L’s Penthouse Club 970-439-6029 th 435-673-9191 719574-4881 271 SE 14 St. 4451 East Virginia Ave. 970-669-2125 303-322-1717 Golden Vernal Mill Hill Saloon Gateway Saloon Ace-High Tavern Night Shotz 773 E Main St. 1668 S 21st St. Shotgun Willie’s 1216 Washington Ave 435-789-9842 719-632-6932 3329 N. Garfield 490 S Colorado Blvd 303-279-9043 970-669-3727 303-388-9601 WYOMING Shovelhead Saloon Buffalo Rose Buffalo 4130 highway 85/87 Office Bar & Grill Wa-Hoo Likkers - Outback The Y-Not 1119 Washington 1710 W. Eisenhower Blvd. Bar 719-392-2665 6331 Washington St. 303-278-6800 970-667-0408 215 N. Main 303-286-1130 307-684-5566 Thirst’s Tavern Columbine Cafe 2028 Sheldon Ave. Dillon 15630 S. Golden Rd. Top Hat Lounge 719-444-8515 303-279-9080 123 E. 5th St. Cheyenne Dillon Dam Brewery 970-667-0407 Eagles Nest 100 Little Dam St. 1101 W. Lincolnway Sufferin’ Bastard Tavern 970-262-7777 In the Zone 307-778-7678 632 Peterson Rd. 15600 W. 44th Ave. Morrison 719-596-6326 Last Chance Pizza Co. 303-279-3888 Morrison Holiday Bar Gillette 403 Bear Creek Ave. Jake’s Tavern Commerce City 40 Cove Blvd. 970-513-0900 Spot Bar & Grill 303-697-5658 5201 S. Douglas Hwy. Sharps Roadhouse 111 Rubey Dr. 888-253-7311 6496 Hwy. 2 Durango 303-271-9310 Penrose 303-227-0430 Biker Town Cody Orio’s Roadhouse Bubba’s Bar-B-Que 652 Main St. Susie’s Bar & Grill 685 Hwy. 115 512 Yellowstone Ave. Shifters 17999 W. Colfax Ave. 877-342-5575 5797 Quebec St. 970-259-6109 307-587-7427 303-278-9000 303-287-9771 Severance Jackson Englewood Million Dollar Cowboy The Aussie Pub Wrigley’s Sports Bar Bruce’s Bar & Restaurant Conifer st Steakhouse J. J. Madwell’s 4386 S. Broadway 18200 W Colfax Ave. 123 1 St. 25 N. Cache Dr. 26412 Main St. 303-781-1192 303-277-1551 970-686-2320 307-733-4790 303-838-1440 Estes Park Greenwood Village Strasburg Mills McSwane’s 285 Roadhouse Lonnigan’s Saloon & Grill Slam Bar KT’s Famous BBQ Hideaway Bar & Package Hwy. 285 & Springs Rd. 110 W. Elkhorn Ave. 9660 E. Arapahoe Rd. 1352 Monroe St. 211 N Riverview Ave. 303-838-4600 970-586-4346 303-799-1300 303-622-4004 307-235-5065 QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:56 AM Page 11

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12 DECEMBER 2010

BY GARY MRAZ Few probably remember the de- scription of President Ronald Rea- gan’s economic strategy as “Voodoo Economics” but it may have saved Harley-Davidson from extinction. In 1972, Harley owned 100 percent of the market for mo- torcycles of 1000cc or higher, a decade later it had less than 15 percent and falling. In 1983 Ronald Reagan levied a stiff 5-year tariff on Japanese motorcycle imports above 750 cc giving the American motorcycle company a temporary reprieve. Fortunately Harley sur- vived and the rest is history. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA hosted a “Born to be Wild” motorcycle exhibit and the fitting ride is on a 2011 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra.

Navigating the dreaded city freeways is somehow far more tolerable cradled within the Road Glides cockpit. A plush seat and new more aerodynamic windscreen coupled with an 80-watt Harmon Kar- don 4-speaker stereo blasting Steppenwolf make the world’s busiest section of tarmac almost en- joyable. The Road Glide Ultra comes fully func- tional. The lowers offer protection and additional storage and the large tour pack easily two full-face helmets. This motorcycle is truly a touring ma- needed to spice up Harley’s touring line. The extra a variety of permanent and rotating displays. The chine. But, the biggest improvement in the 2011 power also adds a richness to the exhaust note ‘Born to be Wild’ exhibit is an assemblage of mo- Road Glide is its power plant. The TC 103 is with- coming out of the dual exhausts as H-D switched torcycles displayed in three areas. Celebrity out a doubt the favorite of Harley aficionados the Road Glides and the Street Glide back to a 2-1- /Movie motorcycles, Vintage Harley Davidson’s everywhere. The big pushrod-operated V-Twin is 2 arrangement for 2011. and Vintage motorcycles. The Terminator’s origi- the star of the changes differentiating the 2011 nal Harley Davidson Fat Boy from T2 is on display Connecting to the 101 then to highway 23 the ter- Road Glide Ultra and the 2010 Road Glide Custom. and of course the Governator couldn’t resist a rain opens up just enough to tease the spirit. The The new mill pushes out a claimed 9.6% more photo op on his beloved motorcycle. The Library is Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is perched high torque than the TC 96, achieved in part by upping also home to a complete replica of the Oval Office on a hill overlooking Simi Valley. An expansive fa- the bore from 3.75 to 3.875 inches to push max (why do I have the feeling “The Gipper” would sit cility, it houses the Boeing 707 that served as Air output numbers to a reported 102 lb-ft of torque in the big chair while visiting). Force One for 7 presidents. This place was privately at 3500 rpm but there’s plenty of pull as low as funded, with no drain on the taxpayers. They host I rode to the library with two special ladies; El- 2200 rpm. It adds the right amount of gusto QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 13

DECEMBER 2010 13

donna is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with The vintage bikes were a pleasure to view but In my opinion this is the best Road Glide yet, the 23 years of honorable military service. She de- probably a pain to ride. The 2011Road Glide Ultra lowers are easily removable as is the tour pack and ployed after 911 to the Middle East and retired on the other hand spares no option; this is defi- yes there is still a cigarette lighter, Thank you Mr. from Active Duty in 2003. Christina is a United nitely a long distance cruiser, ready for the long Davidson. States Marine Corps veteran and career motorcy- haul. A quick squeeze on the front brake lever and Highway 118, The Ronald Reagan Highway skirts clist. This was the first visit for both former service the four-piston fixed Brembo calipers put the bite the mountains and is only 30 miles from beautiful personnel and they were very excited to see the on dual rotors and the feel of Harley’s brakes con- downtown Burbank. This short 275 mile loop is a history and spectacle of this amazing place. tinues to improve yearly. Combined with the ABS teaser and picking a compass point and just riding that comes as part of the PowerPak, the braking till dawn is very, very tempting. Without a doubt Our favorite permanent installation is the Ronald system is much more confidence-inspiring than the Road Glide Ultra bequeaths all that is wished Reagan Pub. Originally located in Ballyporees Ire- years past. Harley’s done a solid job of keeping its and desired for long distance touring. Good job land, Ron and Nancy had visited his namesake and ABS unobtrusive by hiding the components in the Harley-Davidson. And what about Voodoo Eco- when they closed business in 2004 the entire inte- wheel hub in an independently controlled set-up. nomics? China, Taiwan and Japan to name a few rior wood and bar were donated to The Ronald A good stab at the brakes is all it takes to get the charge high tariffs on the import foreign vehicles, Reagan Presidential Library. They not only set the including motorcycles. With stiff international tar- Pub up below the wing of the 707, the library ac- ABS to engage and the corresponding foot or hand iffs currently being imposed on American exports tually obtained an alcohol license and now serves will experience a pulse letting riders know the sys- by countless countries it seems like a little Voodoo wine and beer from its original taps. Have one for tem is pumping the brakes faster than humanly Reaganomics may be just what the witch-doctor the Ole Gipper! possible. ordered right now. QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:56 AM Page 14 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 15

DECEMBER 2010 15

COME BACK SANTA!

Twas the night before Christmas and one thing was clear… I stood there in silence; I could not believe it! That old Yuletide spirit was no longer here. My childhood hero was ready to leave it. Inflation was rising; the crime rate was tripling; The sleigh, the red suit, the presents and all, The fuel bills were up, and our mortgage was crippling. It seemed sure the hopes of all children would fall.

I opened a beer as I watched the TV, But then, in my chest, I felt a swelling, a heaving, Where Donny sang “Jingle Bells” with Marie. Didn’t know what to call it, except for, “believing” The kids were passed out and slumped over their beds, While visions of bitchin’ dirt bikes danced in their heads. I knew that Santa was real, but he needed believing, the way a Holly bush just sometimes needs a weeding When out in the yard came a deafening blare. Twas our burgler alarm, and I hollered, “Who’s there?” OK I’m no darn poet, but of this I can say, I turned on the searchlight, which lit up the night, I believe my cold heart grew three sizes that day! And armed with my handgun, beheld a strange sight. And I exclaimed with a roar, with a blare, without pause, Some red suited clown with a white beard immense, “Don't worry, Santa, I'll take up your cause! I won’t be the Was caught in our 8 foot electrified fence. man who let down Santa Claus!I I can help pull your sleigh!" He called out, “I’m Santa! I bring you no malice!” Said I, “If you’re Santa, I’m freakin’ Elvis!” And I threw on my leathers and sprinted away, to the garage where my Ultra Glide Harley did lay, But then, as his presence grew clear to me, I saw in the glare that it might just be he! And I threw off the canvas and polished the chrome, I called off our Doberman chewing his sleigh, Fired up that big engine and said goodbye to my home, And frisking him twice said, “I think he’s ok.” And as St. Nick stood there, drinking my beer, I led him inside where he slumped in a chair I believe I saw a glimmer of that old St. Nick cheer, And poured out the following tale of despair; “On Christmas eves past I was jolly and chuckling, I shouted, “Hang out Santa, I’ve got cable and pizza, I’ll be But now ‘neath the pressures, I fear I am buckling. back once I’ve rumbled through Nome and Geneva!”

“You’ll note that I’ve arrived with no reindeer this year, And as I rode through the air, that torque pulling with might, And without them my sleigh is much harder to steer. I yelled, Although I would like to continue to use them, The wildlife officials believe I abuse them. Harley Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!”

To add to my problems, the Mayor dropped by and told me my sleigh was unsafe in the sky. I must now wear a helmet, despite my objections, And bring in the sleigh twice a year for inspections.

After that came an I.R.S. audit; The government claimed I was out to defraud it. They finally nailed me for 65 grand Which I paid through the sale of my house and my land.

And yet I persist, though it gives me a scare, Flying blind through the blanket of smog in the air. Not to mention the hunters who fill me with dread, Taking shots at my sleigh as I pass overhead.

He rose from his chair and he heaved a great sigh, And I couldn’t help notice a tear in his eye. “I’ve tried,” he declared, “To reverse each defeat, But I fear that today I’ve become obsolete.”

He slumped out the door and returned to his sleigh, And these last words he spoke as he went on his way: “No longer can I do the job that’s required, If anyone asks, just say, ‘Santa’s retired!’” QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 16

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One Week on the high seas with a bunch of bikers and I have a whole new appreciation for that word “Biker”. Like many of you, I had heard of the High Seas Rally. It was a biker cruise without bikes right? You just wear leather and talk about your bike like it was the lover you left at home to endure a mandatory week’s vacation with your spouse. Boy was I wrong…..

After a week with Dean and Debbie Anderson, founders of the High Seas Rally and 1,700 bikers, I now remem- ber what a rally is supposed to be like.

When HSR began in 2002, it was in response to the over- priced, undervalued, police filled, commercialize rallies that sprang up during the peak years of the motorcycle craze. After working 70 hours a week for 11 years in their own tool franchise, Dean and Debbie Anderson retired and took on this uncharted adventure. They knew it would be difficult at first to get the world’s largest ships like Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas to accept a bunch of bikers with the stereo- typing and profiling that we experience but they worked hard and made it hap- pen. It also helped to have high ranking ship staff members be motorcycle riders. I heard the captain a few years back even participated in the belly smacker con- test!

Dean is definitely a gear head who owns 11 vehicles from motorcycles to muscle cars to a motor home. He rebuilt his first motorcycle, a 1962 Sears Allstate 250 and has acquired many bikes and cars that he still has including his beloved 2000 Confederate. Debbie was hesitant to ride again after a motor bike accident when she was 9 but overcame her fear and now rides circles around most men on her 1994 Heritage Nostalgia. They are truly riders who put on a kick ass rally not just promoters who ride.

The Incredible prizes given away on this cruise might be a big reason why riders keep coming back and they also get to donate to a great cause that allows peo- ple with Kidney failure to go on vacation - The Kidney Dialysis Fund. HSR closed the week this year raising an incredible $182,969.00!!!

Day 1 – Boarding the Ship -HSR guest were personally greeted by Dean or Deb- bie with gifts to start their experience off right. An HSR backpack bag for day trips, a leather portfolio, a cool pin and patch. Each guest also gets a personal- ized name plate for their cabin door and just like the class act that they are, Dean and Debbie welcomed every guest with a bottle of champagne in their cabin.

The greeting time is the beginning of an annual reunion for the veterans of this event. Some have made it a tradition and come from all over the world. We saw familiar faces and some unrecognizable that were already in their Hal- loween costumes. That night there was a costume party that had me wonder- ing how people fit these elaborate costumes in their luggage. Some were over the top like Shower lady with Norman Bates stabbing her, a Three headed mon- ster, 7 girls KISS Band and so many more.

Day 2 – Coco Cay, Bahamas. Since Labadee, Haiti was threatened by Hur- ricane Tomas, the captain consulted with Dean and Debbie on the course of ac- tion. They decided to forego Labadee, for the gorgeous white sand island of Cocoa Cay, Bahamas. The clear blue lagoon had a depth of 5-6 feet and was sur- QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 17

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rounded by rocks which made for incredible snorkeling. There were plenty of opportunities to buy 50/50 and cabin raffle tickets and there was a t-shirt swap. Back on the ship was the Treasured Chest Contest. Lovely wenches dressed up to raise money for The Kidney Dialysis Foundation. Over $2,000 was raised in about 20 minutes

This was the first general reception for the High Seas Rally Crew and the nightly theme was filled with a sea of Peace signs, tie dye and bell bottoms for 60’s, 70’s and 80’s night. The nightly giveaway event followed with Roy Riley, Master of Ceremonies and a hysterical comedian introducing the special guests on board A NASCAR Driver, a WWF Woman Champion, World Record holding Motocross Kids and our hosts Debbie and Dean. We watched a presentation of how this rally started and their unbelievable support for the Kidney Dialysis Fund. The “Virgins” wearing the orange bracelets like us made up about 60% of the audi- ence. The rest were on their 2nd-8th voyage and several hundred had not missed one yet. They recognized the 16 Kidney Dialysis recipients who brought the room to tears with their gratitude. HSR brings 16 bikers onboard every year that are on Kidney dialysis machines. Since they are unable to travel, they bring the dialysis machines and medical staff onboard for their treatments, give each of them a Balcony Suite, pay for their airfare and give them $400 to spend during the week for FREE. They spent $100,000 getting the equipment, nurses and the patients on board this year.

HSR raffled off several of the 33 cabins they were to give away that week and Largest Riding group prizes. Three Riding Groups who brought the most mem- bers split $6,000 with the #1 riding club, S.Nevada HOG, that won $3,000 do- nating it back to the Kidney Dialysis Fund.

Many Vendor Prizes were also given out that night. A large part of this trip is the Vendor Village. 18-20 Vendors are handpicked, given a balcony suite with food and Vendor area in exchange for $5,000 - $15,000 in prizes each to give away. This year’s vendors included Kuryakyn, Lehman Trikes, Scott Jacobs, Motor Marc, Performance Machine, Ultimate Seats, Condor Trailers, Medallion Gages, SteveSoffa.com (Hardcore Watches) Skull Jewels, Nolan Helmets, Rivco Products, The Leather Lady and more gave away almost $150,000 in prizes. Attendees have the opportunity to see the latest in new products from these manufacturers and go to tech seminars.

DAY 3 – AT SEA - Belly Smacker Contest and Biker Leather Formal Night

The Belly Smacker Contest is so popular that it’s watched by the entire ship! These people are diehards and get all black and blue for a $500 prize and a medal. One guy was 67 years old and plans to do it until he’s in his 70’s. If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know that Formal Night means Tux or Suit and Formal Dresses. In perfect Biker style, all Dressed in Leather. Day 4- Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Party, Party Mon – Jamaica and Cozumel are the party ports and a picture speaks a thousand words! Some people went to Dunns River Falls and other hot spots as well but everyone stopped at Jimmy Buffets to get their poker walk card.

The Tattoo Contest was held that night which was very competitive and difficult to judge because they were all so impressive. HSR also awards $50 for each HSR tattoo that people have with a maximum of 10. A limit they had to set a few years back because of one man, Dave Henry who covered his body in HSR tat- toos. Not just a tat lover, he wanted to show support for the dialysis program. This year, Steve Soffa.com- Hardcore Watches donated a custom handcrafted timepiece to the overall winner Craig, of his very own tattoo. What a priceless memoir from an incredible trip! Steve also just designed the winning watch for this year’s World Series of Poker Tournament. Day 5- Grand Cayman –

What a great day! This is the best place to Snorkel and Scuba Dive! Some of us tried SeaTrek, a modern dive helmet developed for novices to enjoy the undersea beauty.

On board the ship, the Vendor Village was open again. Great products from these folks like Condor with their new “Tramp” A trailer and a ramp. Medallion with their new custom gauges and Kuryakyn with their Perfect Storm. The incredible art of MotorMarc and Scott Jacobs who’s works you will often find adorning the covers of Quick Throttle Magazine. This was followed by a moving Veterans Trib- ute. Very few dry eyes in the theater on this night. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 18

18 DECEMBER 2010 DAY 6- Cozumel, Mexico –

Si Senor Frogs. Carlos and Charlie’s and Jimmy Buffets were both Poker Walk stops. HSR arranges for a all you can drink specials at these places which can be dangerous. The rumor was that our ship left some of our people behind but in fact, it was other cruise attendees that couldn’t hold their alcohol.

“Cause there’s a little Pirate in every Bikerrr” ARRGH This is the HSR moto and that slogan is even on their event shirts. So, a Pirate themed Mutiny night was in order and people went all out again. A few of the last events were the Topless Man Contest and Biker Bingo Day 7 – Day at Sea

Their final Auction was a huge money maker for the Kidney Dialysis Fund. All the events HSR banners were auctioned off for between $2,00-$4,000 each. The banner that made the most was autographed by 8 NASCAR drivers and donated by Geoff Bodine who was a guest of the HSR event. Jeff also personally donated 4 pit passes to any race next year which raised another $3,000 for the fund.

Some other items for auction were handmade jewelry, a huge crocheted flag and a few quilts. One was special enough that it raised $4,000. Ken and Judy Inhoff from Sussex, WI were one of 16 recipients of the HSR trip from the Kidney Dialysis fund. They saw this as opportunity to give back to the foun- dation that allowed them to come on this incredible adventure. So, they bought the commemorative HSR quilt for $4,000. Over $40,000 was raised in under an hour with just that auction making the total donation to Kidney Dial- ysis $182,969.00. That puts HSR over the $1 Million mark in just 12 cruises. Big contributors to that are Paul & Audrey Ribarich from the Desert Pirates out of Phoenix, AZ who donate $10,000 each year. In 7 years they have donated $70K from Paul’s mothers Trust. His Dad died of Kidney Failure and they knew The Kidney Dialysis Foundation, where they could see the immediate results of their donation, was the perfect recipient. Their friends Kevin & Debbie Nicholas along with 20 other members joined them this year.

There are very few events where the promoters can raise so much money yet give out event more in cash and prizes. All in all, there were over $344,000 in prizes given away. 50/50 cash giveaway -6 people split $35,665 Poker Walk cash winners -6 people split $9,670 Pirate Biker Bingo -5 cash winners split $15,070 Largest groups- 3 groups split $6,000 cash Tattoo Contest payout - $2,375 cash Early Bird pay off cabin giveaway $2,500 cabin credit Vendor prize giveaways (391) value $122,412 Cabin raffle winners - $2,500 to each (33) winners $82,500

Lehman Trike raffle winner $30,000 Lehmans’ beautiful yellow and red trike was won by Tony & Annette Campbell from SneadsFerry, NC. 2010 Grand Prize Giveaway

2009 HD Road Glide $38,000 with a Razor Paint Job and Kuryakyn Chrome Ac- cessories went to Lady Luck - Wendy Ellis from Lincolnton, NC

The level of commitment by Dean and Debbie Anderson is one without limits. A few years back when Dean fell on stage and broke both his legs on a High Seas Rally trip, some might have called that their maiden voyage but Dean and Debbie were even more dedicated to the goal of chartering an entire ship to raise more money for the Kidney Dialysis Fund. In their 8th year, Debbie and Dean have this down to a science. You can tell just how much they are beloved by looking at the hour long receiving line they had on the last night. Just like at a wedding where everyone wants to thank the bride and groom, their farewell was filled with hugs and good wishes until next year in Alaska.

See more on the HSR and over 1,100 photos on www.quickthrottle.com – “R” Rated in our Gallery. Hope to see you in Alaska. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 19 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 20

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Story by Ray Seidel • Photos by Scott Jacobs & Ray Seidel 30 – 40 miles we have to stop, dump old oil out, put A one cylinder, one speed bike. She broke down a few new oil in, play with the spark plugs, the magneto, days ago – they got it running. She’ll be coming in late In September a pack of antique motorcycles made a whatever is needed to be done. They can require a – she’s done over 12 hours every day. She’s riding a journey of 3,294 miles over a 2-week period, from LOT of maintenance.” JAP bike, some kind of a British bike. It’s a pretty im- Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to the Santa Monica pier That night they head for the Victorville Quality Inn. pressive situation, her riding that motorcycle.” in California. “They’ll be changing tires, doing all kinds of mainte- I hooked up with them during the final stops along nance, maybe even a couple of engine rebuilds – I catch up to Doug Rykel – riding a 1914 POPE single historic Route 66, as they rolled into Victorville there were two of them being rebuilt last night. cylinder, single speed. Harley-Davidson. Every night they’re working till 11, 12, 1:00 o’clock in How’s it holding up? The first rider I meet is Joe Gardella on a 1914 twin, the morning, or later to get the bike ready for the next It’s holding up pretty well. As you can see there’s a lot single speed Harley “Silent Grey Fellow” morning. #22 – a 1915 Harley Davidson, rebuilt the of little repairs here and there – a couple of pieced of I ask if the bike met his expectations. engine about three times on the ride. You have to bailing wire and some clamps, some beer cans, and “Absolutely, exceeded them. Magneto failed about a keep the same engine or you get docked points.” whatever else needs to keep her going – but it’s week and a half ago, but other than the magneto it’s going, it’s a good running old bike. It’s a 1914 – this is been working like a charm.” “If you’re not losing oil, you don’t have any oil” what they call the big belt single overhead – it’s a I chat with Monty Montoya from Albuquerque New 125cc – it really rolls along with the big twins. It’s a Mexico who has been helping with this ride. I recall bikes of this period were total-loss oil systems. fantastic old bike. “Awesome ride over the mountain. Joe has that twin One bike sitting on its stand is spewing oil below it. What kind of mileage does it get? cylinder one-speed – he doesn’t shift, it’s either this “There’s probably at least a thousand gallons of oil It seems to me we’re getting 35-40-45 miles per gal- or that. across the country.” Monty continues his recap. lon. Depending on how hard we run it. This bike will They can get 60 on the flat or downhill. Going uphill “This situation will probably never happen again, rid- actually run all day long at 50 mph, whereas most of they have a little bit of a hard time. There are times ing these old bikes across country. the singles are doing 35. we’re down to 30 – it’s pretty tough. It’s all about mo- One of the curators for the Harley-Davidson museum Is this total loss oil? mentum. Every time you go down you’ve got to get is riding a board racer, and he didn’t think he’d get This is total loss oil. We use 50 weight. We didn’t momentum to go back up the next hill. I’ve been this far on that bike. There are two ladies on the ride change to 60 weight in the desert. We could have but shadowing one of the teams – sort of a buffer for – one of them is riding a ’14 Harley, she is the wife of we didn’t. It’s been running good on 50. We had a these guys because every gas station that we come Pat Simmons of the Dooby Brothers, probably in 14th problem – we burned a hole through the oil tank. into people want to ask questions. So I answer the or 15th place at the moment. The other lady is a Ger- Anybody use synthetic? questions and talk for them while they’re doing main- man – there’s a German couple involved, and they’re I don’t know if anybody is using synthetic. We’re using tenance – because every gas stop, and about every on a one cylinder bike. 50 Valvoline or Harley oil. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 21

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How are you stocked up on parts? It’s been one of the more reliable Indians in the Harley Davidson coast to coast. She got some water We actually broke some component in the rear group, really. from the Atlantic Ocean and dumped it in the Pacific, wheel- we robbed a hub off a ’14 YALE and we Did you do a practice run first? and we’re doing the same thing.” adapted it over 3 hours on the Navajo reservation. Yeah, I took it down to Daytona Beach first part of The other woman rider was Katrin Boehner, coming the year and that was fun – riding down by the beach. in #17 overall, on her 1907 JAP. (Wearing black). Next I go talk to Jim Petty riding a 1915 Indian V-twin, The owner of the dealership had a new bike, so he “It was easier than I expected. I didn’t expect the bike 3-speed. Sponsored by the Charlotte Indian dealer. and I would cruise down the boulevard on my bike could go so far. I didn’t have any serious breakdowns. “It’s been plenty of fun, beautiful scenery. Mainte- and his bike – that was pretty fun. One day we could not get it going in the morning and nance of the bike is probably the killer. Riding is the we didn’t know why. Nothing was wrong. Later we easy part really. It hasn’t bothered me one bit, riding At the Sunday finish in Santa Monica, I talk to Laura found out it was probably a combination of poor qual- 8 hours a day.” Klock, helper for rider Cristine Sommers-Simmons’ ity gas and high altitude. It was about 1:00 o’clock at What kind of average speed? TEAM EFFIE, riding a 1915 Harley, 3-speed twin. night, and we were sitting in front of the bike, and I’ve been running 46-48. Just a comfortable speed, “We just made sure the bike was running every night thinking ”What’s wrong? Why? WHY?” She came in and I think it conserves the bike – it’s a good cruising – we do maintenance, tighten all the chains, change first in class. speed. I can push more than that, but for me it’s good the oil, check tire pressure, all that. We got involved to run it between 46 – 48. It could get close to 60 if I with the other riders too, which was awesome. We WINNERS WERE: had to open it up. [He has a couple of bicycle really learned a lot. There are a lot of great people, Class 1: Single Cylinder, Single Speed - Katrin Boehner, speedometers that work pretty well and are accu- and we had a blast. We were in 40th place yesterday, 1907 JAP rate.] so hopefully we’re still in the top 40 today. Class 2: Twin Cylinder, Single Speed – Bradford Using regular? [They were #20]. Wilmath, 1913 Excelsior Actually, yeah, that’s what I normally use, but I How’d they find out about the event? “We’re all Mo- Class 3: Multi-Cylinder, Multi- Speed – Rick McMaken, switched over to high test here recently, and the tormaids – it’s a woman’s motorcycle group, the old- 1915 Harley Davidson. bike’s been running good, so I don’t know if it makes est actually, started in 1941, with 1200 of them across any difference or not – it holds 2 gallons – it’s proba- the US and Canada. When the idea came up to do it, The race will eventually be seen on The Discovery bly the cheapest thing to cross the country on. I get it was decided on an all-woman crew since she’s the Channel. between 40 to 45 mpg. only American woman in the cannonball. What has been repaired so far? The team is named Team Effie after Effie We broke a valve – then broke a valve guide. Those Hotchkiss who 95 years ago this year was were a couple of things that were hard to come by. the first woman, or man, to ride a 1915 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 22 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 23

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BY RANDY TWELLS • PHOTOS BY RT & CONTRIBUTORS SEE END OF ARTICLE Touring the Great West—a dream of a road trip— Ride a Harley through God’s coun- try for four days, and tell the world about it. Diane Norton of the Idaho Division of Tourism being a rider herself, decided to bring ten international women moto-jour- nalists to ride the Yellowstone-Grand Teton Loop. A ride here can be a girlfriend get- away, or a mixed group, or your own solo adventure, even the trip of a lifetime.

The Grand Teton-Yellowstone Loop goes through three states: Idaho, Wyoming and a small section of Montana. You can plan your trip as this one was, using the Top Ten Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies Adventure Map, Teton Valley Idaho Guide, Idaho Official State Travel Guide, Taking the Scenic Route (Idaho’s Scenic Byways), Na- tional Park Service guidebooks (“Yellowstone” and “Grand Teton” for instance). Spe- cial “Top Ten” & “Scenic Byway” signposts along the way at roadside match up with your maps to point the way.

We rode brand new 2011 Harley-Davidsons brought here by the Motor Company just for us—but you can rent up to 12 Harleys at a time for a group, at Chester’s Grand Teton Harley-Davidson.

Starting at Hilton Garden Inn, Idaho Falls, ID—checked in for our first night, went to Museum and Chester’s H-D. From here we rode about 400 miles over four days—- through Teton Pass, Jackson Hole, WY, up through Grand Teton National Park and into Yellowstone National Park overnighting at Grant Village. Then through Targhee Pass, to Island Park, ID, through Mesa Falls and our final night at Teton Valley/Victor, ID , and back to Idaho Falls to catch our flights home.

But on our first night, we saw the sights in Idaho Falls—-

Reception at Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID—Our hosts provided hors d’oeuvres and a guided tour— The exhibit we saw, “Wolf to Woof: the Story of Dogs” showed the development of (wo)man’s best friend. The Museum which has local area histor- ical artifacts is also on the cusp of receiving on loan the fantastic exhibit, “Bodies… the Exhibit”, a big score to be sure. Meantime visitors can check out the “Decoding DaVinci” exhibit. In a community of 53,000 people the Museum racks up over 140,000 visitors a year! Pretty impressive for a town that is not a major metropolitan center. As David Pennock the Museum Director pointed out however, along with long-distance travelers who visit on their way to other areas such as Yellowstone, the people from the region itself are grateful for this wonderful resource; 15,000 school children visit yearly from 19 surrounding counties.

That evening was a party at Chester’s Grand Teton Harley-Davidson. Wood plank floors taken from a 100-year-old building are the backdrop to the here-and-now chrome horses that wait here for new owners. Freshly grilled sliders and fixin’s and a live band topped off the fun. Then just two blocks away back at the Hilton in the guest lounge we talked over our route over refreshments and made more plans for the days to come.

Getting on the Road!—In the morning we got on our Harleys—with me on a flame- enhanced bumble-bee yellow Wide Glide—and headed out with Amanda Lee from the Motor Company, and Diane Norton leading the way. Our New Best Friend Alan Barsi, H-D Fleet Mgr., followed in his dually for bike support, and Diane’s assistant Nancy Richardson took our luggage in her van so we could focus on the ride and bring you the story and pictures.

Teton Pass—Riding east from the Idaho Falls area on Route 20, shortcutting up Hwy. 31 and turning southeast on Hwy. 22 at Victor, we then rode the curving forest high- way up through Teton Pass, stopping at the 8,431-foot summit to check out the view of Wyoming and take a few photos. Snow covered the mountainsides in places at this elevation; yet the roads were snow-free and dry all the way for our whole trip. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:51 AM Page 24

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Lunch in Jackson Hole, WY—Down the other side of the Tetons, we stopped in Jack- son Hole, Wyoming for lunch hosted by the Jackson Hole Chamber, at Billy Burgers and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Across the street was the city park with arches made of elk antlers (stacked and entwined with nothing else holding them together) to wel- come visitors. Jackson Hole bills itself as the “Last of the Old West” and has an Old West Days event during May each year.

Entering Grand Teton National Park—Continuing north on US Hwy. 89, we stopped at a photo opp viewpoint; in the distance to our left looking west stood the jagged Grand Tetons, majestic in snow-capped splendor.

On to Yellowstone National Park/Grant Village Hotel—After stopping for a photo opp at the Yellowstone National Park sign we rode along the River through the park to Grant Village Hotel, our stay here hosted by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. We left our ponies in the parking lot and located our rooms in these quiet natural surroundings.

Shuttle bus park tour—with our guide John Akers; in this one afternoon he took us from turnout views to see bison and a bear right there in the field, to mudpot forma- tions, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the famed 308-foot-drop of Yellowstone Falls made famous over a century ago by renowned artist Thomas Moran. As we rode along John explained how geysers and mudpots form and the history of these places. John explained that the road is built on the most stable ground possible through the park, steam coming from unseen crevices all over; but also the one new geothermal formation a few feet wide that actually came up under the road over a year ago, forc- ing crews to fence it off and divert traffic around it.

Wolves live here too although unseen by most visitors. These indigenous creatures had been hunted out of the park, were reintroduced in 1994 and their descendents now number about 300.

Dinner at historic Lake Yellowstone Hotel—John joined us for our Xanterra/Wyoming Tourism-hosted gourmet dinner. As we arrived, a small herd of bison was crossing the grounds; with no fences, range animals can wander everywhere, as they did here. Inside, the casually elegant Victorian-influenced 100-year-old lodge has beautiful pale plaster walls, huge picture windows at every turn that look out on the lake, and ornate architectural treatments, a historical treasure to behold. The beautiful plank floors in the grand hall where stagecoach travelers once dined, now echoed motorcycle boots, the notes of the grand piano and tinkling glassware as the conversation flew over din- ner.

Old Faithful Geyser Basin—In the morning after a nice breakfast in the sunlit Café just down the path among the pines from our rooms, we pack up and get on the road again, on Hwy 89 over the Continental Divide, Craig Pass and to Old Faithful Geyser Basin, to see Old Faithful erupt on its 90-minute schedule, and enjoy lunch at one of five deli/grille/dining spots right there.

I walked over to the beautiful Visitors Center to see the displays/dioramas that show the geothermal and natural history of this area, and how geysers form. It also has a store, a theater showing educational presentations, a ranger desk and plenty of info brochures and maps. Explorers with the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition in 1870 entered the Basin and named Old Faithful, after they stayed long enough in the area to note its regular eruption schedule.

There is also a one mile square hiking trail in the Basin, where you can see Morning Glory Pool so named for its appearance like the flower, only bigger. Most of the park’s geysers are located in Geyser Basin, and Yellowstone has nearly 60% of all the geysers on planet earth.

The Old Faithful Inn has been putting up overnight guests right there within sight of Old Faithful the geyser, for over 100 years. As I looked up from the lower lobby area into the atrium style structure overhead, I thought, “Lord of the Rings”. The dark rus- tic natural knob log beams, supports and multitudinous structural intricacies, became the standard for what is called “parkitecture” building style.

Wildlife Viewing – Once again on the road, we pointed our Harleys up US Hwy 89 again past more huge formation fields venting water and blowing steam. The land- scape is wild, ungroomed, in its natural state. Sun shining down on vivid green mead- ows, opening to one valley after another following the river. Far off in the valley we see elk and bison so we stop at a roadside turnout to get a better look, and the bison actually came up onto the road and walked past us, then up into the forest across the road. We carefully took pictures, keeping in mind these are very large wild animals, with unpredictable behavior.

Back To Idaho—Island Park—Heading west again on US Hwy. 20 through the town of West Yellowstone, MT, Targhee Pass and another Continental Divide crossing, we fi- nally re-enter Idaho, rolling south into Island Park, that sits in the world’s largest caldera, 23 miles in diameter, created from a volcano that collapsed in prehistoric times, now overgrown with pine forest. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 25

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Overnight at The Pines Resort Cabins in Island Park— a cluster of about a dozen two-story natural log homes, each is secluded in its own little piece of Targhee National Forest. With rustic luxury and all modern amenities plus hot tubs on the decks to boot, we were happy to unwind with some relaxing ‘beverages’, and let the rest of the afternoon slip away til dinner.

Up front was the Lodgepole Grill where we enjoyed dinner with Island Park’s Mayor, Tom Jewell who filled us in on the area. Besides being a fishing and hunting paradise, Island Park has the ‘Longest Main Street in America” at 33 miles. Our hosts at The Pines cooked a won- derful homestyle meal for us of beef pot roast and of course, Idaho potatoes and vegetables. After good food and conversation, the night was restful and quiet as we slumbered later in big plush rustic beds, here in the middle of Targhee National Forest. In the morning, a gour- met waffle breakfast courtesy of our Pines hosts got us back on the road.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway— along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. The road in is curvy and fun, and parking is in a big nicely paved lot. We took the walkway past the visitor center there, a restored two-story log structure with a covered veranda built around 1910, that has been used as a company office, a hotel/inn and dance hall, and is now a visitors center with a photo display of the building’s history and artifacts and specimens from the area.

There are two falls, Upper and Lower, we went to Upper Mesa Falls, which drops 114 feet and is 200 feet wide. Not widely known outside Idaho, it’s a beautiful natural spot undeveloped and unspoiled. A rainbow hovers over the mist, and the sun glances off the water like it’s hammered metal. The only manmade intrusion is a walkway with railings and a vantage point right at the edge of the cliff, where you can get great photos in all directions up and down the river and of the falls.

Overnight at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, Victor, ID—Riding through rolling farmland and under huge skies back around the Idaho side of the Grand Tetons again, and almost in their shadow, we arrived at this posh oasis that blows you away with sheer luxury, yet you are out in the middle of God’s country. With a salt water pool, relaxation rooms, a salon, hot tubs and massage therapy to die for, and full gourmet kitchens in every sumptuous suite, I felt like the Queen here. The bed was like being carried in a cloud. The hotel is in a private com- munity with luxury homes on large properties, Headwaters Golf Club and natural open sur- roundings.

Dinner at Linn Canyon Ranch— A vintage ranch house with huge trees, a sheltering covered veranda and a big ranch kitchen where our feast was prepared. Teton Springs GM Jeff Naylor and Teton Valley Chamber President Reid Rogers hosted us. We learned that National Geo- graphic is sponsoring Teton Valley Chamber as the first Geotourism Center, recognizing their work in making this area a Sustainable Destination, preserving the area’s resources for future generations. A simple crackling bonfire in the yard later put the final touch on our evening.

Back at Teton Springs Lodge our driver for dinner, Tyler Barham, gave us a special song session singing his “Tennessee Girl” YouTube hit; look for it on the country charts. If this Florence, MT native is still working at Teton Springs when you stay there, look him up —You never know who you will meet on a road trip!

Back to Idaho Falls— We rode back along US Hwy 26 and the Snake River again to the Hilton where we had started out, to say ‘goodbye til next time’ to our friends both old and new, and catch our planes back to our hometowns. I put up my borrowed yellowjacket Wide Glide, and we all took more pictures. Of each other, the namesake Falls right behind the hotel, and our clutch of Harleys that carried us hundreds of miles for four wonderful days.

Along the way I made new friends, and met many people who either have lived in or visited the same places as I have. Yes, it’s a big world and yet a small world, even on the Yellow- stone- Grand Teton Loop.

Look for ride video at www.quickthrottle.com ; For tour info go to www.visitidaho.org

*Additional photos by: Diane Norton, Nancy Richardson, Alan Barsi, Michelle Baird, Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

Memories of a Honeymoon Road Trip, the Great West, June 1949.

“Sometimes following a new road, takes you down… an old one too.”

As I rode through Yellowstone and stood watching Old Faithful blowing boiling water sky- high, I recalled black & white pictures my Dad would show me, from the honeymoon road trip he took with my Mom in his prized 1947 Buick, in June 1949. In Yellowstone, pictures of a bear in the field, a bird on the car fender as he drove, and my Mom sitting on a log watching Old Faithful erupting. When I returned home, I dug out the box searching for them….And there she was, her face turned to Old Faithful, as Dad’s camera recorded the event. Now I understood why he treasured these pictures, especially once they were some of the few things he had left to remember her by. The memories. Now for me to treasure, as I stood where they stood, and took that old road back in time. —RT QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 26

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directing traffic for the arriving guests. The two of us total into the tens of thousands. To add insult to injury, The Price of a Patch – were handcuffed and much later charged with “work- policies at the North Las Vegas Detention Center re- ing without a valid work card.” Several other members quire that confiscated monies be returned in the form In North Las Vegas were also placed into custody while officers confiscated of pre-paid credit cards which carry extremely high fees and disposed of all the food and drinks. Club members and make recovery of cash difficult. By TigerLily were cuffed and detained inside for three hours while officers issued citations. A few doors down, a man who The effects of these detainments have caused many In our May 2010 magazine, Robert Sweeney cap- stepped out of his business to see what was going on, hardships and jeopardized peoples’ jobs. The club is tured bullish behavior of law enforcers towards mo- was also placed into custody for having an “open con- currently being advised by legal counsel. North Las torcyclists. His article titled, “A Sinister Easter,” tainer.” He was drinking a Coca-Cola with ice in a plas- Vegas has made it clear to the motorcycling commu- th covered the 10 anniversary celebration of one of tic cup. Gaming Control found no evidence of nity that bikers are not welcome. They may be ha- our long-time, North Las Vegas partners, Sinister Cy- gambling. rassed, followed, put under surveillance, jailed without cles. On the heels of that report, QuickThrottle Mag- reasonable cause, and held for the maximum amount azine learned about a motorcycle club named After hours of questioning, those of us that were hand- of time before being charged. If you wear a patch, Downaz Ridaz, that was raided in North Las Vegas. cuffed were loaded into the back seats of patrol cars. you’re a target! Downaz Ridaz is a sport bike club that originated in No Miranda rights were given and none of us were told Los Angeles with chapters in San Diego and Las why we were being arrested. What happened to my club – a family club – was a vi- Vegas. Coincidentally, members of this club had olation of our civil rights. Please consider publishing supported Sinister Cycle’s event. Club member, Paul As officers were beginning to leave the property, a mo- our story in your magazine, as I believe these events Lemoine, contacted us in late April to report an inci- torcyclist entered the parking lot. As he approached, a represent a potential nightmare for any organized mo- dent that outraged local motorcycle activist groups hooded undercover officer – who did not identify him- torcycle group.” such as ABATE, BOLT, COC, and U.S. Defenders. self to the rider – stepped into the rider’s path and or- QuickThrottle was cautious to report the allegations dered him to stop. The rider swerved to avoid hitting Paul’s report to us is well corroborated by in-depth of abuse of law enforcers until we investigated. The the hooded man, and as the rider passed, the officer interviews with witnesses, contact with one of the story is legit. withdrew his handgun. With the rider still in motion, defense attorneys, online North Las Vegas Municipal the officer reached out and grabbed him by the shirt, Court records, and journalist observations of court On April 29, 2010, QuickThrottle Magazine received jerking him off his bike and onto the ground. Several proceedings. the first of a series of emails with the subject “A Very other officers rushed to assist the hooded officer sub- Concerning Situation,” by Paul Lemoine. (Edited for due the stunned and potentially injured rider while re- The rider that was jerked off his motorcycle by a brevity and clarity.) peating the order to, “Stop resisting!” I witnessed the hooded cop was the only person charged with a entire scene from about a 20-foot distance and could felony – attempted murder of a police officer by “This weekend should have been a time for celebration not believe what I was seeing. I heard the undercover using a deadly weapon. He ultimately pled down to for Downaz Ridaz, M.C., as we had planned to com- cop joke afterward when he said he was glad he didn’t a DUI and served 30 days in jail. An interview with memorate our first year anniversary of our Las Vegas shoot him, or they [the cops] would have been stuck this person was not obtained, but there was no indi- Chapter. Instead, it was filled with chaos and confusion there doing paperwork all night. cation in any of the online documentation or witness for members and guests. accounts that his alcohol level was tested. Seven of us were placed into custody and by 1:00 a.m. Prior to the party, our club leaders took extra steps to we were transported to the North Las Vegas Detention Paul’s original charge, “working without a valid work ensure compliance of all the City’s rules and ordi- Center. A bondsman was contacted and by 7:00 a.m. card” was reduced to “impeding traffic.” His case nances. We were assured by a North Las Vegas City of- Saturday morning, bail was arranged for most of us. went through four court proceedings from May 17 ficial that alcohol was allowed for consumption at the However, bond could not be posted because our files to September 29th. Total fees and fines were $562, party as long as it was not being sold. We used flyers to kept being shuffled to the bottom of the stack each and he paid his attorney $500 to represent him. promote our free “casino-theme” anniversary celebra- time a jail administrator got to them. Our friends and The club secretary was charged with six misde- tion to the motorcycling community. We offered com- family called throughout the night, only to be given meanors: failure to obtain (1) special event permit; plimentary drinks and homemade food to our guests. conflicting information. No one would tell us why we (2) liquor permit; (3) food permit; (4) health permit; were arrested and how long we would be detained. By (5) advertising within city limits without a city busi- At 9:30 that kick-off Friday night, some 25 uniformed 4:30 p.m. Saturday, we were finally officially booked, ness license; and (6) employing person without a and undercover officers swarmed the gathering, or- and bond was posted. Most of us were released at ap- valid work card. Total fines: $6,322. The club presi- dered our guests to leave, and announced, “The party proximately 6:30 a.m., Sunday morning. That’s when dent had virtually similar charges so the two teamed is over!” These officers were from the North Las Vegas we discovered that we were being charged with viola- up to retain the services of defense attorney, Patrick Police Department’s gang unit, S.W.A.T., the Business Li- tions ranging from “working without valid work per- McDonald. McDonald defended the president, the cense Division, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. mits,” to “operating a business without a license.” Fines secretary, and a third club-member. About that third At the time of the raid, another club member and I were QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 31

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member, McDonald explained that “the charge you must pay any fine before or during your appeal against him was dismissed because his conduct had process – not after; and, you start over with a brand Response from Ray Seidel, clearly not violated any of the provisions of the new arraignment, judge, pretrial, and trial. our official SOA Correspondent North Las Vegas Municipal Code.” As to the club president and secretary, McDonald stated “Some of Is the power of the North Las Vegas judicial system In Season 3 the world of the Sons of Anarchy is an the alleged conduct did not violate the North Las balanced in favor of justice or corruption? Quick- eye opener for the Club in general and Jax in partic- Vegas Municipal Code. Other alleged conduct may Throttle Magazine is investigating yet another mo- ular, as well as the viewer, in revealing what goes on have violated the Municipal Code. Consequently a torcycle-related case in Judge VanLandschoot’s in the Club outside the formerly tranquil town of plea bargain was entered into – between the clients court. Charming. and the City of North Las Vegas – that benefited With the abduction of Abel storyline, has this third both the clients and the City of North Las Vegas.” Did the justice system fail these motorcycle enthusi- season taken the series down a dead-end road, or a asts? Who will be targeted next? Although Paul re- broader detour that expands on the mythology of The secretary took a plea bargain to lower the first mains good friends with members of the club, he the series? The jury seems split on the direction Kurt four charges to “jaywalking,” and the fifth and sixth recently made a decision to no longer wear his Sutter has steered this time out, but from his per- charges were dismissed. Each jaywalking fine was patch. He said, “I am looking forward to leaving this spective this was the time to get out more of the $200 and the court added fees totaling $448. The city for good one day. There are still areas of this back-story of who John Teller was, how Gemma club president had the exact same outcome. The country where I can ride a motorcycle and wear a joined a motorcycle club, and the broader strokes of cost to put these two cases to rest was $4,796 - in- leather vest without the threat of being labeled a Jax’s changing World View. Kurt is well aware of this cluding the $1,500 attorney fees. It took seven criminal.” Paul is expressing frustration and exhaus- split in viewer reaction, but insists this all will come months to resolve, six court appearances, time lost tion. Despite the difficulty of his personal predica- together and lay the foundation for the following from work, and lives put on hold. Any violation of ment, he cared enough to warn fellow motorcyclists seasons, and is preferable than simply reheating the the rules of court would have resulted in an arrest by exposing North Las Vegas. Paul Lemoine is an same old dishes that have already been served. So, warrant. According to McDonald, these defendants American patriot and hero and he deserves our grat- has this paid off? had no right to a court-appointed attorney because itude for shedding light on “A Very Concerning Situ- Remember, what is 13 weeks for the viewer is less “the North Las Vegas City Attorney’s Office was not ation.” than a week for the characters. Indeed, only 3 or 4 seeking jail sentences as part of any sentence on a weeks have passed for them since season 2. But for conviction.” So by lawyering-up, the club president Special thanks to Taz, Dave, Renegade, and Bones – the many viewers (myself included) the hunt for Abel and secretary saved over $10,000, combined. local community motorcycle activism leaders. Each seems to have just DRAGGED on, with little payoff in played key roles in this investigation. uncovering the John Teller back-story. But more digging revealed more details. The cases “We’ll show you Californians what we have to go involving the club president, secretary, and Paul, through to put bread on your table.” were all heard by Judge Warren VanLandschoot, Hey QT, This is not to say the Belfast story is boring…the elected by the people of North Las Vegas. This judge Is it just me or has Sons of Anarchy lost twists and turns make for a fun ride, and seeing the is not an attorney. Rather, according to his official what made it so good during Seasons 1 mother chapter out of their element makes for fresh online bio, VanLandschoot “served 28 years with the scenes, literally and figuratively. Meanwhile the story and 2? I will admit, I only watch it on Hulu, North Las Vegas Police Department.” back in Charming continues to grow intense. so I have only seen episodes 1, 2 and 3 (of The town of Charming has been going to Hell in a Does VanLandschoot express any anti-motorcyclist season 3) maybe 4, 5 and 6 have been bet- hand-basket. Formerly, the club was tolerated for or pro-North Las Vegas PD bias in his courtroom? ter. But so far I have seen too much about keeping the small town free of crime, drugs, and Big Consider this: No recordings of any kind are allowed baby kidnappings, senile fathers and not Business that kills the mom & pop stores of the little in this courthouse. The public is not allowed to bring man. Now that has all changed, and the club is any electronic devices - no cell phones, no audio or enough action. looked upon as the source of killings in the street video recorders. According to a court clerk, the and other troubles. The backdoor dealings (Stahl – North Las Vegas Municipal Court “is not a court of Please tell me it Jax, Jimmy O’ - Father Ashby, Jacob Hale Jr. – Salazar) record.” That means that the court does not have any gets better after keeps the action and suspense at the level that sort of transcript, audio, or video recordings of any keeps ME at least coming back for my next SOA fix. the 3rd proceedings. Therefore, how could anyone prove if Bring on Act IV next year, I’m ready. judge bias or misconduct existed? To whom would episode... a citizen appeal for justice? PS: Keep you eyes and ears on The Homeless Woman throughout the series. 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Photos by: Linda Dahl, Lisa D, Digger Dave, Stacie Edwards

After two days of intense storms here in the desert southwest which dropped (hurled) hail the size of baseballs in areas, spawned 4 tornadoes and caused unheard of destruction, the weather cleared up just as fast as it had started and every- body was more than ready for a ride up into the mountains. People hauling their bikes in hail-dam- aged trailers and tow vehicles (some were still a lit- tle leery about the weather) and riders with hail-damaged bikes started rolling in on Friday more than ready for a relaxing weekend. The nor- mally sleepy town of Payson, Arizona which is bet- ter known for their Pro Rodeo events, beautiful scenery and laid back atmosphere was trans- formed into a sea of black leather and steel horses rumbling in from all directions to enjoy the 1st An- nual Thunder Mountain Ride.

The event which was hosted by the town of Payson, Mogollon Health Alliance (pronounced “mug-e-own”), Judy Baker CEO of Thunder Moun- tain Ride along with John Coppock and numerous local volunteers drew an estimated crowd of 8000+ in paid attendance wandering in and out during the three day event which benefitted the Mogollon Health Alliance, the American Legion Family and the Grace Lee Haught Childrens Memorial Fund. So what was the big attraction that would draw that many people for a FIRST annual event? The 11 new Harley-Davidson’s (from 883’s to 2011 Road Glides), 2 Yamaha’s, a couple of nice ATV’s which were being raffled off had something to do with it, oh and don’t forget the $5000 in cash, ride in bike show (two categories), 3 big poker runs, fireworks show, vendors, kids village and top name music contributed to the entire sha-bang! Kickoff parties with bike giveaways hosted by dealerships had started the previous weekend also helped get everybody in the mood. Every motel in town was booked solid, campgrounds were filling and local businesses helped with coupon books offering dis- counts on food and beverages.

The music kicked off starting on Friday with local favorites the John Scott Band and the 74th Street Band followed closely by Mogollon who capped the first nights entertainment. Music started Sat- urday morning at 11am with the John Scott Band, Rondavous, Echoes the Fall, and culminated Satur- day night with a performance by Amanda Overmyer of American Idol fame. The local bars and taverns kept everyone dancing at the days end until closing time.

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around 10am in the morning heading to the North, East & West, with an av- erage ride of around 130 miles each. There were raffles and giveaways on each of the routes for the registered riders, and the weather was absolutely perfect with temps in the low 80’s. Many riders were happy just hanging out at the event visiting with old friends, meeting new friends, listening to the non-stop live music and kicking back on a huge field of green grass sipping on a cold one or even drowning a worm in the adjacent lake with hopes of having a fresh fish dinner.

People-watching was a favorite along with checking out the wide assort- ment of outrageous custom one-off bikes which weren’t constructed by big name builders, but mainly by riders tinkering around their garage. It seemed like the variety went from one extreme to the other, from an old iron head Sportster which was constructed out of vintage mechanic hand tools and an octagon barrel flintlock rifle, along with all sorts of other strange gizmos welded on here and there, to a custom “Dragon” bike com- plete with chrome fangs incorporated into the fuel tank and huge claws where the normal air dam would be. Vendors offered everything from leathers, to some bling for the ladies to onsite custom freehand pinstriping, there was more than enough space so people weren’t elbow to elbow, plenty of room to kick your heels up to the wide variety of music, and of course the food and beverages.

Overall for a “First Annual” event it was well planned, had the full coop- eration of the local community, and for a change it was family oriented. Plans are already underway for the 2nd Annual Thunder Mountain Ride and it’s going to take even more work to top this year’s event. Keep your end of summer plans open, you won’t want to miss the next one, I know the Quick Throttle staff will be there and we hope to see YOU there also!

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eople are crying “The event’s down, way down I Ptell ya’”. Seems that’s all you hear after any events these days. When it comes to the Rocky Point Rally, this shouldn’t matter, it’s still fun as hell and shouldn’t factor into decisions to attend. It wouldn’t matter if it was attended by one thousand or ten thousand, the Rocky Point Rally is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on (and for some who took their clothes off). But before I tell about all the fun we had, I want to talk a little about the attendance and all the buzz you hear about atten- dance after events like this.

Ten years ago a guy from Phoenix named Lyman and motorcycles and just about everything else at an it in terms even the most innocent ‘B’ credit blue col- thought it would be a blast to invite a bunch of his rid- increasing rate. Year after year Harley announced lar worker could understand. Some say the bottom ing buddies down to Rocky Point for a party. About record sales with a 7.8 percent increase in 2004 and fell out of the real estate market. The truth is it cor- 300 bikers took over the Malecon in Old Port (AKA a 10.1 percent in 2005 and 8.3 percent in 2006. You rected itself. The Fish Market). The next year a bunch of people get the idea. We all know what happened to the heard about the fun and about a thousand bikers de- housing market. In 2006 I could have sold my house So why am I rambling on about the real estate market cided to check it out this quiet little fishing town. for about four times what I can sell it for today. I and the rise and fall of motorcycle dealerships? Be- Over the next few years the exponential growth of the sometimes think about why I didn’t sell and buy a cause, the Rocky Point Rally (along with most rallies) rally was mind boggling. By 2007 over 10,000 bikers cozy place in a sleepy little fishing town south of the is experiencing attendance numbers that are follow- were crowding into this sleepy little fishing town. You border. Oh well, at least I didn’t get caught in the re- ing the same energy and time line of the housing mar- couldn’t get a room if you waited til a month before finance whirlwind and take all my equity out. Like so ket and the motorcycle sales market. Most would the rally, you couldn’t get a beer or a street taco in many home owners, Harley dealers and rally organiz- agree the housing market experienced a natural cor- under 20 minutes either. ers, everyone thought the increasing numbers didn’t rection and motorcycle manufacturers experience a have a ceiling. That there was no top and no other natural sales cycle. Event coordinators, promoters and During these same years people were buying houses way except up. But the real estate market explained rally goers should see current attendance numbers a QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 36

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I pulled in a couple days early so I could make sure there were magazines and maps around town for everyone. Well, that’s the excuse I used to justify a couple extra days of beaches, beer and breezy days. After a few errands, it was time to cool off at Playa Bonita where I ran into one of my favorite locals Jose’, owner of the BooBar on the Malecon. Jose’ is a char- acter and while hanging at the BooBar he keeps his guest entertained and drinking. (Jose’ added tequila to make it the four “t’s”.) We shared a cold one and caught up on the last few months then he graciously invited me to a BBQ at friends place. Since I went down alone and my only plans were to sit on the 12th floor balcony and listen to the waves, I accepted his invitation. I met some great people that night. Our hosts Ernie and Sue made me feel like an old friend, Stacy is a riot! Oh, and if you ever need a steak grilled so it melts in your mouth, call Ernie.

Bikes start rolling in along Benito Juarez Boulevard early Thursday. From there the choice destination is plentiful. There’s Calle 13, Old Port, Freemont St or the MIrador. Each area offers a variety of food, drink and entertainment. Many bars and restaurants brought in bands from north of the border that we’re all familiar with. Trying to check out everything in one day just can’t be done. I settled for a stroll down Calle 13. Camel Toe, Sunset Cantina, Max’s and El Som- brero are just a few of the places I stopped for a bev- erage or taco.

Thursday night the welcome party was hosted by Pe- nasco del Sol at the very end of Calle 13. It was a first time for this rally and worked out well. A thousand or so rolled through during the evening. For anyone who hasn’t been to Rocky Point in a while, Penasco del Sol used to be the infamous Plaza Las Glorias. Remod- eled and renamed, this place is a must stay hotel with ocean views from every room. I often make this my camp while in town.

Friday the excitement really begins as bikes start rolling in dozens at a time. Friday, deciding where to start is easy. The Malecon is a given as the place to begin. It’s the place you tell others to meet you, it’s the stop for your first cold beer if you travelled most of the morning, it symbolizes the start of the rally. We natural part of the economic cycle. leave the rules behind, because there are no rules. set up post in the corner booth at the BooBar with a Some say it’s like Mardi Gras without laws prohibiting few hundred Mardi Gras beads. That should get us My question is WHY have all the bikers gone? I can indecent exposure or public drinking. plenty of the second “T”. This corner is perfect for understand some rallies seeing lower attendance, but checking out the people, watching the burn outs, Rocky Point? Rocky Point is different from any other The rally starts on the first Thursday of November. In photo ops and taking it all in. rally. I can’t imagine anyone leaving the Rocky Point Rocky Point this time of year you will have to deal Rally and not saying “Now that was fun!” with temps around the mid 80’s, a slight cooling My crew showed up in the afternoon and we got the ocean breeze, fresh shrimp brought in daily by dozens party rolling. Shortly after, the rest of the night be- Every rally has its specialty. Laughlin has the casinos, of shrimp boats, $2.00 beers and very friendly locals came an obscure blur and I wonder which parts I Arizona Bike Week has rides and concerts, Love Ride in a sleepy little fishing town. Rocky Point locals in- imagined and which parts really happened. I’m has celebrities, Daytona has beaches and Sturgis has, clude a very large population of American. Americans mostly curious about what I don’t remember. I have well… Sturgis. Rocky Point has the four ‘T’s”: Tecate, who decided that life in a sleepy little fishing town no idea what we had for dinner or which order we Titties, Tacos and Tequila. Put those all together and south of the border was better than the daily corpo- went to all the destinations on our agenda. I do know you turn this sleepy little fishing town into the party rate grind. we found the swim up bar at our condo, went to the rally. Rocky Point is where you go when you want to wet t-shirt contest at Camel Toe, saw the Cell Phone QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 37

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Cowboy’s at Sunset Grill, Bobbi and Tom were having a blast and I know I didn’t get to bed til 4 am. I also know Saturday morning came way too soon.

The good news, ‘hair of the dog’ was only a stumble away. Don’t judge me for cracking a Tecate at 10 in the morning, it was medicinal! I swear!

Once again, the Malecon is the place to be. We take our post back in our corner booth at the BooBar. Sat- urday always promises more excitement with more burnouts, more bikes and of course the four “T’s”. And they were in abundance. Getting our tequila de- livered by the shot proved to be way too slow, so Jose’ hooked us up with tequila by the bottle. Now we’re talking. We’re not talking hair of the dog, we’re talk- ing the whole damn dog!

Saturday night is an exciting night of bands, dancing and drinking but the realization that the fun is just about to end looms overhead. Playa Bonita hosts the end party including announcements for the winners of the poker hands. This place is perfect to host a big party, with a large outdoor patio, easy access to the beach and locals selling their trinkets “almost free today”. And of course more of the four “T’s”. As the evening winds down we find our way back to our condo early. That would be early by Rocky Point stan- dards.

As you can see, the Rocky Point Rally is the party rally. This is not a rally for the weak or the faint of heart. This is for those that love all of the four “T’s” and know that eventually they will participate in each one of the four “T’s”. This rally should not have anything to do with the economic cycle because we all need to break loose and enjoy just hanging out with our biker buddies where borders simply don’t matter.

On a side note: There were a lot of questions before the rally about border violence and passports and personal safety. I’d like to let you know my opinion on all of these. First I think it’s important to mention I travel to Rocky Point several times a year and I often travel alone. Address- ing each of these issues separately:

Border Violence - No denying there is crap going on in some border towns. Lukeville/Sonoyta are not Passports - First, if you don’t have one, why? Seri- to Rocky Point many times a year, often alone. I fol- among them. Sonoyta is the town south of the AZ ously it’s like not having a drivers license. The pass- low the same rules I would follow if I were in Phoenix, border that greets you when you travel to Rocky port card is only $40 - it just doesn’t make sense not San Diego or Mt. Home Idaho. I don’t go wandering to have it. Either way, YOU DON’T NEED IT TO TRAVEL around alone in places I don’t know, I don’t go to unlit Point. They have not experienced the violence known TO ROCKY POINT. Let me say that again. NO PASS- areas after dark, I lock my car doors, I make sure if I to other border towns for a couple reasons, mostly PORT REQUIRED. I’m serious. I have witnessed it stop someplace there are others around. Any of this because it’s out of the way of larger cities in Mexico. firsthand, I have watched more than one person show sound like what you do where you live? Truth is Rocky From Sonoyta you go to Rocky Point. Not much more. a drivers license and a birth certificate return to the Point has a lower crime rate than San Diego or Tuc- Plus there aren’t many Rocky Point citizens that want US without hassle. I asked a border guard to clarify son. to leave this quaint, sleepy little fishing village with this for me. Rocky Point is in the “free zone”, 60 miles great beaches and jobs to create issues of human you can travel in a POV without a passport. Returning Now that you know, how about marking your calen- smuggling at this border. Also, this town is too small to the US, just prove your citizenship. If you are an dar for the Rocky Point Rally 2011. to hide in if you are engaging in serious illegal activi- American citizen you cannot be denied entry to your ties. So Rocky Point, Lukeville and Sonoyta escape the homeland. Guaranteed in your constitution. This Rocky Point Rally was dedicated to Jen - The ul- issues El Paso, Nogales and Tijuana haven’t. timate Rocky Point party girl. We miss you bad girl- Personal Safety - I love this one. I said before, I travel friend. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 38

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A love for cars, trucks and SUVs is the motivating force behind the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This trade association consists of a diverse group of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publish- ing companies, auto restorers, street rod builders, restylers, car clubs, race teams and more. SEMA.

Every year in Las Vegas over 2000 vendors gather at the LV Convenon Center and show their wares. It is primarily for aermarket manufacturers of tools, accessories, parts, paint, & new products for automiblies and in a small way motorcycles. Even though it is auto-centric there are many overlapping areas that make this a show of interest for motorcycle enthusiasts, service techs, and builders. In suupport of this one larege bike industry leader Arlen Ness was on hand to sign autographs and his booth was busy. Also seen in the crowd was Ma Hotch, Dave Perowitz, Jessie Rooke and other motorcycle re- lated people. As well, ne of the major pares of the event was the Kicker party featuring motorcycle stunt jumpers. While there are thousands of vendors and tens of thousands of parts from around the world, whole cars also are on display mostly specialty type producon cars, hot rods and customs. A dizzying array of eye candy - of all sorts! It runs for four days and I dare say you will likely have trouble seeing it all. I hope to see more motorcycle involve- ment in the coming years as so many cras apply to cars and bikes that it just seems natural to include them. book your rooms early - It's a really big show!!. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 40

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American Heat Motorcycle Rally returned to Palm Springs in Southern Cali- fornia’s Coachella Valley, with hundreds of bikes occupying Palm Canyon Drive, accumulated into a sea of sun-reflecting chrome that was probably visible from space, and a Bike Show that drew huge crowd attention for its exotic entries, including one from Canada. And visitors came from all over within the US, including Las Vegas and Seattle. Starting about Noon on Friday of the 3-day weekend, blues & country rock from the Crop Circle Cowboys got things rolling, and they traded sets all weekend with Latin rock musical guests The Best of Times, your favorite 5 guys covering Santana, Kool & the Gang and all the great street-party tunes.

Friday night the Palm Canyon Roadhouse rocked with the VIP Party to kick things off for the weekend. Plenty of live music and hors d’oeuvres awaited partiers and the responsibly consumed beverages flowed. Saturday the Poker Run also started at the Roadhouse, took the twisty road up to Joanne’s Restaurant & Bar in Idyllwild, stopped at Palm Springs Harley-Davidson, and ended back at what better place than the Roadhouse again. Prizes were awarded for the best three hands and a lady named Diane from Alpine, CA in San Diego County won with a pair of aces. The next two winners were tied pairs of jacks & queens each, only separated by 10 & 7 highs.

By Saturday afternoon as the October-angled sun started dipping here at the Main Stage event central, bikes started arriving at the red carpeted Bike Show area, with one competitor having ridden his entry all the way from Canada to be here. Soon multiple entries in each of 9 categories would be judged, looking at the details that would take an entry from the dime-a-dozen cate- gory to the oh-my-god category and a winning score. A couple of highlights—

Import Cruiser—Quentin Kerfoot from Port Coquittam, BC, Canada (near Vancouver), rode his “it used to be a” 2005 Honda VTX 1300R “Honeydrip- per” aka ‘sexy bitch’ all the way, and showed up after about 1600 miles at the red carpet, ready for show. He says he likes to do long road trips, and in look- ing at what events were going on this one fit his timetable so he went for it. It’s got 48K+ miles on it, and in that time although he didn’t start out intend- ing for little miss Honeydripper to get so many things ‘done’, one thing led to another and this is what resulted. “About the only stock items left are the QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 42

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rims, frame and engine.” And he has flirted with diamond-cutting the heads. With 5 first places and a best of show this year alone, our man Quentin is just flexing his bike show muscles, and has lots of other events in his sights—a convenient excuse to get on the road. He emailed me later that he took the roundabout way back to BC, about 4170 miles, 8 states & 2 provinces, just to enjoy the ride, longer.

Builder Award—Tied between Sam Baldi and his wife Dawndra, for their pair of exotics that embodied the heart and soul of dedication to the proj- ect. Sam’s bike “Unforgiven”, won Best of Show at Laughlin River Run ear- lier in the year, and caught the attention of the show judge here with heat shields actually painted to match the best realistic flamed paint this judge had seen to date, with vaporous flaming skulls and female warriors to die for. Designed by an intrepid mom and rider, Dawndra’s street rod with the unexpected demure touch of Italian Renaissance gold-leaf filigree in a simple wreath along the main bike lines on a deep multi-layered wine metallic background, stood on its own as an example of ‘less-is-more’.

Best of Show — a hand built one-off by Ben Josef Beck of Lake Havasu, a full 10’ 6” long from stem to stern, in layer-upon-layer of Cadillac white. All hand fabricated graphics in chrome applied to the sheet metal as overlaid sculpture, not painted on. An air intake over a foot tall shaped like free flowing rectangular ductwork, but evoking a modern art piece. Ben spent about 2 years and about $110,000 on this bike with a 127 cu. in. SWM rac- ing engine, and named this 48-degree raked rocket “Lethal”—whether that’s an effect on the wallet or the competition, seems to be a moot point. After the show, Ben got on and fired up Lethal, and the crowd, clustered around him, parted into a 50-yard exit chute, down which he rode off, into the night.

There were other beautiful bikes including two Shovelhead examples that blended old school with cutting edge styling. New, old and everything in between including a trike. At trophy award time, show judge Gordon Madison, pro bike builder and artist himself, gave a little insight on each winning bike as to what caught his eye and his vote.

The party continued in the soft night air that, after the day’s desert heat, retained its warmth long into the night. The sounds of Best of Times doing Black Magic Woman floated up skyward, as fans swayed to the rhythms under the stars. Sunday morning, the Main Stage was the setting for the Christian Motorcyclist Assn. service, with plenty of time afterwards to stroll the Chrome Alley vendor area again and also see more of Palm Springs, such as the famous cable car aerial tram, and some of the historical land- marks right in Palm Springs, from a century past.

Randy Burke and Roadshows make American Heat at Palm Springs a wel- come spot for bikers, for 3 days every October. Come check it out and you never know who you will meet and from where! QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 43

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44 DECEMBER 2010

BY DANGEROUS JAMES PHOTO CREDIT: JULI SALVANTE/PHOTOPIZZAZZ

I am always inspired by those who are driven to do special things for others. The ones who are always looking to give back, make a difference.

Shelley Martin, Manager/Bartender for the Dirty Dogg Saloon, happens to be one of those people. When I asked her what inspired her about doing the Bikers for Boobies event, she first told me that her purpose in life is to help people and that she has always enjoyed giving to charities.

It all started last year when she went to the owner of the Dogg, Jack Estes, and told him she wanted to raise money for breast cancer awareness and thought an event where everyone wore pink would be cool. Jack suggested a poker run and Shelley said OK, even thought she had never put a poker run together.

With nothing but sheer determination and the help of event planner Missi Hughes, of Two Gals Event Planning, they pulled off a pretty successful event, consid- ering they did it in less than three weeks, and raised over $2500.

The first year event garnered so much attention that Shel- ley and Missi had no doubt that this was to be an an- nual to do! With a lot more time to prepare and a litany of sponsors ready willing and able to be in- volved in another successful event, its no wonder on why this year’s event blew last year’s out of the water!

While all money raised last year went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, this year’s event started with a twist and a new recipient.

Missi had planned an event at the Dogg that was to benefit Casting for Recovery, an organization that helps breast cancer survivors rebuild the muscles in their chest by teaching them to cast fly fishing lines. Pretty cool, huh? Who knew? Missi wanted Shelley to be there, but Shelley was long overdue a day off and really didn’t want to go. For those of us who know Shelley well, know that she has way too big a heart to say no, so she showed up after all and again, was inspired but what she experienced. The survivors who were at the event were raising money by auctioning off these beautiful hand decorated bras. Shelley was so impressed by the ladies and their bras, that the next thing you know, she was modeling the bras helping them sell them. Seeing these survivors in action is what inspired Shelley to make them a new beneficiary for this year’s event.

The event is called the 52 Card Shuffle, although it is your typical poker run. The first stop, at Gavilan Peak Sports Bar and Grill in New River gives us a chance to take a nice ride to the north to start things off right. Owner Mike, takes great care of the riders with quite a breakfast spread, while we register and get checked in. The second stop was at Connolly’s Sports Bar on Carefree Highway, who makes one of the best Bloody Mary’s around! Third stop was the World Famous Hideaway, where Mark Bradshaw and his crew never disappoints, followed by the best part of the ride, as we take the back way to Fountain Hills (are we lucky here or QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 45

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what?), ultimately stopping in at the Vu, which does have the BEST view of the east valet from anywhere. The final stop, of course, was the Dirty Dogg Saloon, where this year, Jack was able to get an area fenced out front, that helped accommodate the much larger crowd.

Survivors from Casting for Recovery even pitched in! They shuffled the cards at the stops! Cyndee Hilliard and her husband, Dave, Jan Miller and her husband, Joe, as well as Kitty and Donna Fischer, and Laura Rasmussen, you guys rock!

As the riders came in, there were plenty of raffle items to choose from and all kinds of silent auction items to take their chances at. Shelley, while on the ride with her man, Vince Rollen, kept busy selling raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets, beads and bandanas! Girl is like the energizer bunny! She keeps going and going and going…then once she got back to the Dogg, her and Amy took turns and sometimes together, getting dunked in the dunk tank! The high hand was won by Mike Taylor, of CycleWorks, who donated his $100 winnings back to the cause. I actually won the $185 50/50, which I gave back as well.

The Psychobilly Rodeo Band donated their time, talents and sound for the second year and sounded great doing it! Other notable sponsors were, Frashers, Mable’s on Main, Adobe Animal Hospital, Law Tigers, Photopiz- zazz, Renegade Classics, and Chester’s HD.

So from the registration fees, which started with 272 riders and ended with over 350, cash donations, 50/50, raffle, silent auction items, beads, ban- danas, etc, Shelley and her amazing crew raised over $6000 dollars for breast cancer awareness! There will be a special event at the Dogg on Sun- day, December 5th to present the checks to the beneficiaries, so come and show your support!

Congratulations to Shelley, Missi and the Dirty Dogg Saloon for their suc- cess in this year’s Biker for Boobies Event! I know I can’t wait for next year’s event because you can bet that it will be even bigger and better! QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 46

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By Dangerous James Additional information provided by: Heidi Goldsmith www.RipsBADRide.com Photo Credit: Ron Boyd of Tucson H.O.G. Chapter

October 24, 2010 - Rip’s B.A.D. Ride—Bikers Against Diabetes—is a Biker fundraising ride and family festi- val that unites the Biker Nation in the fight against di- abetes. The B.A.D. Ride is a FULL day of GREAT riding, BIG entertainment, DELICIOUS food, LOTS of activities and a GOOD vibe! Rip Rose, a biker photojournalist for Easyrider, had a dream of the Biker Nation rallying to fight diabetes. Rip enlisted the support of the Davidson Family, mo- torcycle industry leaders and bikers touched by dia- betes.

The Ride began in Southern California in 1997 with a mere three hundred riders converging into Glen Helen Pavilion from a few start sites in Southern California. Last year, more than 5,000 riders from eighteen differ- ent start sites converged into Oak Canyon Park, Irvine, California raising nearly half a million dollars to help fight diabetes.

Rip’s dream is now realized and the reality of the Ride going nationwide is here. Rip’s B.A.D. Ride is going across the country with rides now happening in three other states. Arizona, Kansas, and Iowa were added to the list of B.A.D. states across the US. The Ride is at- tended each year by celebrity riders such as Larry Hagman and has the support of Karen Davidson and Willie G. of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Each ride has multiple start locations where riders meet in the morning, hang out and begin an escorted ride. Those who don’t feel like being a part of the pack can ride over directly to the festival site.

Rip passed away in 2000. His legacy lives on each year as Rip’s B.A.D. Ride unites the biker community na- tionwide to continue the fight to prevent and cure di- abetes and improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. This year was Arizona’s 6th Annual B.A.D. ride and it continues to be one of the year’s highly anticipated events. The ride had two start points, Arrowhead Harley Davidson and Chandler Harley Davidson. I started from Chandler where there must have been close to 200 bikes alone. The weather was great and fairground exit, but this year we went the back way always a blast for a great cause. there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to get which made the ride ten times more enjoyable, not the ride underway. After a well handled safety brief- only for NOT being on the highway, but because of Heidi Goldsmith, who is with the Arizona division of ing, we lined up and were on our way. the nice twistys back there and the beautiful the American Diabetes, and who is largely responsible The Arizona event is always held at the Pinal County scenery…plus I’d never gone that way! for this event each year, told me that this year we had Fairgrounds, which is a perfect location not only to over 1000 people (participants, sponsors, vendors hold such an event, but because its also half way to Maybe it is just me, but I am always amazed on how and volunteers), including some special guests! 93.3 Tucson, which makes it great for all of the southern nice the weather is for this event which is always in KDKB Radio Personalities, Ruby Cheeks and Neander- Arizona bikers to join us. The venue has plenty of the last part of October. This year was particularly paul were in attendance and actually made the ride open space for parking which always fills up with warm which just solidifies why we live here, right? But from Chandler HD and Arrowhead HD, respectfully. bikes from all over the state. It also lays out nicely for I also wonder if Rip himself makes sure that Mother Of course, the best news of all was that this year’s the vendors who set up basically in a horseshoe Nature cooperates in making sure his brothers and event raised over $80,000! around the stage where all the entertainment takes sisters have perfect riding weather! place. And finally, is the big warehouse where the cus- According to current CDC data, there are more than tom and show bikes park for competition and where Once we got to the site, most people get right to 365,000 people in Arizona affected by diabetes at an there are hundreds of picnic tables are set up to eat shopping the vendors, some get to the prize table annual cost of more than $3 billion to our local com- the great lunch that is provided as part of the registra- where, depending on how much money you raise, can munities. tion fee, unless of course you are one of the hustlers net you some very nice gear, complete with the great that goes out and raises a boat load of money, be- B.A.D. ride logo. Some people go right to the lunch I encourage you to take part in next year’s event. cause then you can make the VIP section! barn and some go get a beer and hang in front of the Everyone is affected by this disease somehow. Quick stage and rock out to Arizona’s own, Mogollon, who Throttle is a National partner with Rip’s B.A.D. Ride, so In years past when I have participated in this event, play this event every year. With everything there is to it is very easy to find out about the ride near you and we have usually taken the I-10 highway straight to the do, including bike shows and bike games, the event is it is so worth it! QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 48

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Sunday morning, I turn in my warm sheets squinting as the first daylight peeks through the window enjoying the smell of freshly, brewed coffee. Lying there I play the ride and the day over in my head. This day has been planned for many months and is going to be a new experience!

I slide on my jeans and boots as I sip my coffee. Glancing at the clock I put my hair up and tie on my bandana… better take a warm shirt and coat…no telling if it will be cold or hot where I am going. This Sunday morning I don’t want to be late.

Stepping into the garage I circle my bike in anticipation of riding. I break the si- lence and sit and just relax a few minutes as she warms up. As I pull out once again my mind wanders to what this day will bring. No traffic, no red lights and no worries as I cruise down the newly paved road. Getting a bit nervous realizing I am about to enter unknown territory I take the long way there to unwind a bit. I start to think perhaps I should change my destination to more familiar grounds but I know I have to carry through with my original plans. There it is…in the dis- tance, The Viscount Hotel…YES, my day is about to explode with excitement as I attend my first day in TRAFFIC SURVIVAL SCHOOL! Eight hours of pure bliss!

Now at age 56 and never having a ticket till a certain camera noticed me three times in one week speeding, I was not thrilled. I found a place in the back of the room where I could hide out with my Quick Throttle material and laptop. I set up my desk so I could work part of the day. Just had to do my time and nothing they were going to say was going to be of interest to me.

Soon I realized that was not the case. Out of the forty people that were enjoying this class with me…38 were there for running red lights in intersection, this piqued my interest. The instructor raced motorcycles and was recovering from a 120 mph crash at the track. He mentioned he felt safer at the track than the intersections of Tucson. I listened to the class discuss how they were not really sure when they were supposed to turn or where they were supposed to stop their cars and how it was the camera’s fault that a picture was taken of them when they were in the middle of the intersection when the light turned red!...some thought yellow meant you will need to turn soon. Almost half of this class had ran the same red light! An intersection I travel often. I starting thinking perhaps I needed to trailer my bike home from this event! The stats are what blew me away. Someone runs a red light every 5 minutes in rush hour traffic in Arizona!

• Arizona has the highest death rate in crashes caused by red light running in the US with Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa as top danger cities for this to occur. • Most injuries to others are related to red light runners. • Four in five crashes happen within 150 ft of an intersection. • Running red lights causes the most violent crashes to motorcyclists, as they are usually t-boned or head on accidents.

So I will admit I rode away from this class with a renewed awareness. Until driv- ers avoid distractions like cell phone usage, eating or reading, and start paying more attention to their fellow man on the road, and finally learn that red means STOP and yellow does not mean SPEED UP, a lot more lives will be lost in Arizona intersections.

Ride Safe, and assume the other guy isn’t. Around the next bend, Arizona Lynn QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 50

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A bright nose won’t be needed this So Club President Mark Williams an- year for Santa to find the kids at St. nounced early on to be there for the Jude’s Ranch for Children. That’s be- November meet. He said, “Night of cause the Sin City Victory Riders lit it up Lights at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is well for Santa to see. closing in on us and we need to get or- ganized. Our club will be responsible The Ranch was established in 1942 by for decorating the Transitional Living Father Jack Adams and covers 40 acres Home.” of Southwest desert in Boulder City, Nevada. These kids have no grand After the meeting, Mark rallied the Christmas expectation - at least not like troops with this: “Everyone will be re- kids with working moms and dads who sponsible to bring lights, extension make sure to put cookies out for Santa. cords, and/or food. Please bring hooks, hangers or whatever needed to secure Club member, Keith Reed, found the the lights. I will bring the ladders. Ranch and got the club to adopt it. Mo- There is no ceremony or fireworks. torcycles showed up in August - 27 of They simply turn on the lights after them - to meet and greet. Club Secre- dark. We will be long gone by then, but tary Donna Dovel said, “I think it’s safe all-the-better for our effort.“ to say that we were all affected deeply by our visit with the facility.” The Ranch Food brought in by the club was shared rescues children and provides stability with the kids and all the pots and con- and a safe and nurturing environment. tainers were left there for their use. These kids have lots of basic need. But Staff member, Veronica Huening, con- their most cherished gift is the gift of tacted the club to decorate a home. people’s time. Please contact the Veronica said, “This gives an opportu- Ranch website, www.stjudesranch.org, nity for our children to know what it is to get involved. They operate on a like to have company over and it just shoe-string budget and anything you might create an opportunity for our give them in the form of donations, Therapeutic Home Specialists (teaching gifts, or time – is very appreciated !! parents) to make some friends outside of the campus.” The club met at 10 a.m. and was com- pleted by 2 p.m. The house was well il- Arlen Ness Motorcycles of Las Vegas - luminated and the Sin City Victory across the street from Boulder Station Riders are confident that Santa will see - graciously keeps their doors open late them. But the kids hope Santa will not to host the club’s monthly meetings. leave Rudolph behind. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 52

52 DECEMBER 2010

By Randy Twells Photos by RT & Courtesy Sweetwater H-D

When Tom Horning founded a Harley-Davidson dealership back in 1984, he was also devotedly raising a young family with his wife Marianna. After many successful years in Chula Vista, Tom moved the dealership to a much larger facility in National City, becoming Sweetwater Harley- Davidson, which would provide a place for the dealership to grow as a family business, for many years to come.

But in the meantime he was also concerned for all children, his dealer- ship being the US starting point for riders in the Tijuana Toy Run for 25 years. Concern for children who are victims of abuse also inspired him to start organizing another benefit run, which would become known as The Sweetest Ride, with Trinity Children’s Foundation as the beneficiary organization.

The Foundation’s Mission simply put, is to break the cycle of child abuse. By providing a safe haven and many support services, Trinity can help many children each year to escape an abusive environment and be nur- tured into a better life.

Tom also loved to ride, and kept a photo on his office door, showing him on his bike out on the road somewhere, captioned “I’d rather be out here than in here!” Tom’s passing in April of 2008 prevented him from being on the first Sweetest Ride in person, (in spirit he surely was) in Oc- tober the same year, but that did not prevent riders from all over making sure that Tom’s legacy was fulfilled and that the kids the Trinity Founda- tion serves were still supported.

So this year the third Sweetest Ride was held and riders gathered again to ride in Tom’s memory and support the mission— to help break the cycle of child abuse.

Radio personality Clint August from KGB 101.5 rode his Harley as our honorary Grand Marshall. Service Mgr. Brian and Anastasia, Marianna & Tom’s daughter and GM, led us out on a beautiful ride through south- ern San Diego County’s back roads & byways. Stopping at some prese- lected businesses along the route, picking a poker card from the bag at each place along the way, we all enjoyed a refreshing tour through fall scenery.

Returning to Sweetwater we enjoyed fantastic spaghetti, salad & bread- sticks luncheon and fabulous chocolate brownies, enjoyed in the cus- tomer lounge area to the backdrop of the band playing classic rock music only a few yards away right in the dealership. High Hand prize was a leather jacket, Low Hand prize was a leather vest. Raffle prizes were some very nice items including eyewear, a tool kit and a heated vest.

This ride in memory of Tom Horning and continuing his legacy was im- portant to all. Donations collected were presented to Joey from the Trin- ity Foundation right there, and she thanked everyone personally. Knowing that their help directly benefits the children makes this a special opportunity to give, from the heart. And that, is the Sweetest gift of all.

Look up www.trinitychildrensfoundation.org and help if you can, and Join Us! next year. QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 53

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iding season in the Northwest has more or less ended, and for most of R us the bikes are put away and win- terized and will sit quietly for a few months except for an occasional sunny/dry/semi-warm day excursion (at least for those of us wimps who don’t ride every day of the year like some of my hard core buddies do.) My three guys are all lined up, battery tenders plugged in, sitting cozy in my garage. I see them every time I get in and out of the truck and walk past them on my way into the status, or any excuse to ride to raise money, and/or more than a few from places I’ve never been or all of the above. Just look at the bulletin board at worse yet, HD knock-offs from a street corner. But house. I usually stop and look, maybe sit any bike shop or biker bar, as well as the calendar it’s the thought that counts right? I’ve yet to get on them from time to time – I’m not sure here in Quick Throttle. How many toy runs are the message across to my family though that just there this season? How many HOG Chapters and because it has an HD logo on it doesn’t mean I if it’s because I think they are lonely and other MC Clubs adopt a family or two or three or want and or need it. I’m practicing my forced miss me, or that I need to feel them un- four, taking over food and gifts? All year long there smiles now. “Thanks for the Harley Davidson toilet are countless poker runs for a downed rider, char- bowl scrubber cousin Jill..” derneath me for a bit. And though I love ity rides for battered children, breast cancer, mili- the Northwest, and I’ve lived here 22 tary families, and the list goes on and on. Why is And reflection? Well, I know for my part, I’ve been that? Even in the midst of The Great Recession, doing a lot of that. Looking back on the past year years now, I still long for a climate that’s bikers, who by and large are blue collar middle at what I’ve done right, and what I’ve regretted nice enough to ride all year. However, class, are out there being more than generous with and trying to make amends for that, as well as dollars and time. Lord knows we love to ride, and what I’m going to change going forward. To me until that time, I’ll get my rush skiing any excuse to get out on the bike will do – but cou- that’s how the year is best closed out, especially down the mountain when I can, which in ple it with a way to raise funds for some worthy this one. In 2011 I hit the half-century mark. I my book is the next best thing to being cause or another and we are there in big numbers. know that’s still young to a lot of QT readers, but We don’t do it for the “credit” or the notoriety or it’s a rather daunting number for me. We all get a out on the road. to buy community good will like so many big cor- fresh start in 2011, a chance to ride down a road porations. We do it, I think, because we are all we’ve not been down. A chance to do things we In the Northwest, dodging puddles and staying dry, care about our fellow man, and the communities wouldn’t do. A chance to maybe do-over things and hoping it doesn’t snow in the lowlands seem we live in. Isn’t that the true spirit of the holiday we screwed up before. A chance to make new to be the major pastimes. In my world the elec- season? And bikers keep the holiday spirit all year goals, to learn and to grow. I know I’ve set a few tions are over, the legislature is reorganizing, and long. for myself – some realistic, some probably not so, folks start thinking about the upcoming legislative but it gives me hope that 2011 will exceed 2010, session that starts in January. At that point I’ll dis- As far as gifts go? I don’t know about you, but my and I’ll get to usher in the second half of my life. appear into that black hole known as Olympia, but family seems to think it’s perfectly OK to give me I will be keeping an eye on things in the capitol and anything either 1) with a motorcycle on or in it, or The late John Denver once penned a Christmas reporting on them here in this column, as well as 2) with a Harley-Davidson logo. I swear the biggest song for his newborn son Zachary – and a verse the QT web site, which will have our updated leg- reason the Motor Company stays profitable is not from it goes: “as the wise men came with gifts, I’ve islative activity report. I’ll touch on all that next the number of bikes they sell, it is because they come with my gift to you. That peace on earth fills month, but for now, I’d like to enjoy one last month put their logo on just about anything and every- up your time, and brotherhood surrounds you. of not dealing with politics as best I can. It’s that thing, and therefore (in theory) its easy to buy gifts That you may know the warmth of love and wrap time of year again too. The rush and bustle of the for bikers and wanna-be bikers since if it’s got a HD it all around you. It’s just a wish, a dream I’m told, holidays – full of parties and get-togethers, and so- logo on it, chances are we would like it. Am I from days when I was young…” cial functions and shopping in overcrowded malls. right? How many things do you own with an HD It’s the time for gifts and giving and reflections on logo on it that someone gave you that you And to all of you, that too is my wish for this holi- the past year. wouldn’t buy for yourself? That’s what I thought. day season for you. May you find happiness and And t-shirts? I tend to buy a few HD shirts myself joy down the roads we ride on not only as we close As far as giving goes, bikers are without a doubt as I travel the country on my scoot – especially if out the year, but as we ride into 2011. some of the most giving people in the world. I they have a cool back on them. My own rule of don’t know if it’s a love of our fellow man, a natu- thumb is that it’s from a place I’ve ridden through ral charitable nature resulting from an “underdog” with a cool mural back on it. But in my closet are QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 54

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EVERY NIGHT - FREE DRUNK RIDER PICK-UP SERVICE! LUCKY’S LOUNGE COOK’S CORNER FISH FRY When you feel unable to Ride, Decide to call 1-800- Bike Night every 2nd & 4th Wed. Fish, chips and slaw - $5.00. Country Night. Santiago 649-4749 and we will pick you up, You and your Motor- Bike Parking Provided, Food Specials Canyon Rd. & Live Oak Canyon, El Toro cycle, Sidecar, or Trike and take you both SAFLEY home $3 Draft Beer All Night, $1 7 oz. Beer w/Shot purchase (949) 858-0266. www.cookscorner.com FREE OF CHARGE!!! This service is offered to ALL riders 9800 Montgomery NE Ste. 8 & 9 FRIDAY BIKER FELLOWSHIP in the North San Diego County area. Call Rix Eden at 1- Albuquerque, NM 87111, 505-323-4490 Hosted by Bikers for Christ SVG 800-649-4747. CRUISE NIGHT IN EL CAJON 7 PM, Starbucks-Eastland, 2620 E. Workman Ave. El Cajon Blvd., Downtown W. Covina, 91791 www.bikersforchris.org MONDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAYS PAID IN FULL M/M FAMILY BIKE NITE st NICANTONI’S Runs thru 1 Monday in November. Bike show, tro- SAGE & SAND GRILL phies, 50/50, DJ, freeze dance for children. 1712 W. Or- Stop by the NE corner of Warner and Mc- YOUR WEST VALLEY CONNECTION angethorpe Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92833. Contact Queen. Every Thursday at 6:30 to enjoy Free Pastor Jose at 714.231.0070 FOR BIKE NIGHT Wings, $2 bottles and drafts, $2 off pitch- All Riders Welcome, Every Saturday ers 8pm-Close. Happy Hour Pricing, TUESDAYS and $1 off wine and mixed drinks. $2.00 Domestic Bottles & Well 1430 W. Warner Rd. #136, Gilbert, AZ85233 LONG WONG’S AT THE FIREHOUSE 480-892-2234, www.nicantonis.com $1.50 Domestic Drafts, Live Music 9pm-1am - No Cover Since 1980. ALL AGES 5-8pm. Special Bike Check us out on Facebook! Designated Bike Parking in Front. Parking on Patio Avail- Parking. Live Music. Drink & Food Spe- JIMMY D’s BAR & GRILL able in Back. 13831 W Glendale Ave (Litchfield Rd & cials. Appetisers 2 for1, 50% off Wings. $2.00 Breakfast Special 7 Days a Week Glendale) 623-935-5810 $1.50 Coors Light and Miller Lite, Daily Lunch Specials LOOKING FOR MONTHLY RIDES to some of the most $2.50 Jack and Cokes. Appetizers 2-for-1 SPECIALS on Food and Drink Every Thursday Night for beautiful and scenic places in So. Cal.? Join THE OLDEST Country Night featuring LIVE Music, right after bike Bike Night STAR TOURING and RIDING CHAPTER in Southern Cali- night 2017 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 602-867-0255 fornia, Inland Empire, Chapter 109. Third Saturday of “Desert Heat” w/ Charlie Shooter and specials guests DIRTY DOGG SALOON $1 PBR Cans until we run out, $2.50 Whiskey Jars RIDE NIGHT Sponsored the month at Yamaha of Cucamonga 8:00 am, 1639 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ, 85281. 480-967-0167 by Renegade Classics WWW.yocracing.com. Visit HOG PIT SMOKEHOUSE BAR AND GRIL Come see the Famous www.yocracing.com/star/index.htm. Call Pres. Gary Join us for the Tucson Sons of Anarchy Chapter meeting Dirty Dogg Girls do their thang! Entner at 626-826-4457 or Vice President Ron Lopez at and watch the show! Enjoy LIVE MUSIC Weekly! $3- 16oz Bud 909-821-1583. 6910 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ. For more info: Light - Designated Bike Parking - Free raffles BLACK SHEEP SO. CAL REGIONAL BREAKFAST 520.722 4302. 10409 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 - - 480- First Saturday of every month (rain or shine), 9am at 368-8095 COOK’S CORNER Rosa Café & Tortilla Factory, 28134 Jefferson Ave. CHUY’S Taco Tuesdays! $1.00 Tacos - Beef, fish, pork and in Temecula, $7 includes breakfast, beverage, tax/tip chicken. Every Thursday. Designated Bike Parking, and door prizes. 909-600-2694 Corona Buckets - $18. Happy Hour Specials 2-7 pm Santiago Canyon Rd. & Live Oak Canyon, El Toro $2 Bud/Bud light longnecks, Live Music & THE LIVE RIDE CELEBRATION SERVICE (949) 858-0266. www.cookscorner.com Vendors. 7585 S Houghton Dr. Tucson Every Saturday night @5:00pm, 6245 Sylvan Drive, Simi TUCSON, AZ* LOS VATOS PRESENTS - At Buffalo Wild 85747. 520-574-1530 Valley, CA 93063, 805-306-0042. www.liveride.org. Wings Grill & Bar. 1390 W. Irvington Road Tucson AZ. CRUISE NIGHT IN LA MESA Downtown La Mesa From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Come Show Off Your Hot SUNDAYS FRIDAYS Ride. To Benefit Local Charities. Hot Bikes, Hot Wings and Cold Beer. CHESTER’S HD BIG ART’s BAR-B-QUE at THE SWALLOW’S INN TORO BAR & GRILL st Is taking a break for the Holidays. We’ll Bike Nights 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the The 1 Friday of every month is Mo- torcycles on Main Bike Night in Down- see you in the spring. Happy Holidays! month. San Juan Capistrano., Ph. # 949-493-3188 All-you-can-eat BBQ or Taco Bar, $5. Mar- town Mesa from 6pm – 10pm. Free garitas, $2.50 tap and open to all bikers. Sturgis Style parking right on ORIGINAL MIKE’S BIKE STOP SUNDAYS 1465 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, Main Street. 2 blocks of Main Street shut down just for Rio Rancho, NM 87124 bikers! Call 480-894-0404 or www.chestershd.com Happy Hour drink specials 11am to 5 pm, $1 Tacos, $1 www.riorancho-inn.com WILEY’S PLACE hot dogs, 1/2 OFF appetizers! Live band! For more info Friday Patio Party! Happy hour specials. contact Joe Big Daddy” Rodriguez @ 714-914-8895. WEDNESDAYS Jello shots $1.50, domestic draft $2.25, 100 S. Main Santa Ana, CA. 92701 Imported draft $3.25 CONELY’S CUSTOM CYCLES- 1ST Sundays- BBQ alter- GAVILAN PEAK 2509 San Mateo Blvd. Albuquerque, NM. nates with SWAP MEET each month. Call to reserve Bike Night and Open Mic. All you can eat Spaghetti Call 884-4151 Swap Space. SPACE LIMITED. All FREE. 142 Broadway, $6.95, $3.00 Margaritas - $2.00 Domestic Draft SAND & SAGE GRILL Chula Vista 619-498-1102 Designated Bike Parking, 2 Outdoor Patios Live Entertainment - No Cover, Drink SECOND SUNDAYS 46639 N. Black Canyon Hwy. specials Tripp Productions presents VATOS Y VICLAS every New River, AZ 85087 Designated Bike Parking in Front Second Sunday from JUNE to OCT., “MUSIC & 623-465-1020 Parking on Patio Available in Back MENUDO!” Motorcycle www.gavilanpeaksportsbar.com 13831 W Glendale Ave (Litchfield Rd Show with Merchandise & Food Vendors 10-4. His- BIG DADDY’S SPORTS LOUNGE & Glendale) 623-935-5810 Happy Hour Prices on Well, Wine and Draft BAR USA torical Lake Elsinore Downtown City Park 243 South $1.00 Jello Shots - 1/2 price Burgers The Biggest Little bar in Reno, Ne- Main St., Lake Elsinore www.vatosyviclas.com Free Raffles - Off track betting! vada. Karaoke night every Friday THE BIKER CHURCH 10618 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix (Cave from 8-?? Cash to best judged singer. Rushing Wind Ministries meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Creek and Peoria) $2 shooters and the $2 beer bucket at our new location: 4168 Avenida De La Plata suite 602-861-1034 www.bigdaddysaz.com Food specials all day from Stephon’s Mobile Bistro! 101, Oceanside, CA. 92054. Join us for rockin’ worship ERIN’S SHEPPARDS Open 10am -?? Come pick up your Quick Throttle Mag- music, street-level teaching by Pastor Z., and a lunch $3.00 Jack Daniels - $3.00 Sailor Jerry Rum - $2.50 Do- azine here any day of the week. 902 S. Virginia Reno, ride following every service. mestic Bottles Nv. 775-324-7633 www.barusa.org Call 760-940-0257 for more info. 3114 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032 602-404-2300 QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 55

DECEMBER 2010 55

At Quick Throttle we pride ourselves in just not a cover. Like I said, getting the producing some of the nicest covers in camera to see what the mind sees is the industry. We put a lot of thought into tricky. And if it ain’t soup - we ain’t set- selecting the right one. Sometimes our tling. covers work for several of our editions and sometimes only one region. Heck So I threw out the feelers for another sometimes they fall flat. Usually the cover photographer when Barry Gossage was finds us, rather than the other way sent our way. Barry rides a chopper and around. I bet he has seen a couple masterpieces in his mind as the wind stirs his hair. So We seek out the best photographers and understanding my vision was easy for artists in the country. We are very fortu- him. Check out some images twenty plus nate to have an amazing photographer years with a keen eye will produce at like George Childress of Main Event Imag- www.BarryGossagePhoto.com . ing as part of our staff, “Motor Marc” La- courciere offering us access to any of his Barry had no problem understanding the prints, and legends like David Uhl, Scott feeling of a red bike for Christmas. We Jacobs and Tom Fritz looking forward to talked about what I was looking for and the next Quick Throttle cover featuring he went straight for the shot my mind’s their paintings. eye saw. Hopefully our cover brought vi- sions of a red bike under your tree. Sometimes we have a vision while spin- ning a few miles. This is how we came up Special thanks to John Shope of Sinister with our December cover. The wind on Industries who delivered our model, the my face brought images of a red bike in “Bloody Mary”, before the crack of dawn. front of a Christmas tree surrounded by John’s masterpieces are all worth photo- chrome. Maybe my subconscious was graphing but there simply wasn’t enough writing my Santa letter. time. Check out John’s website (www.sinisterindustries.com) for a full The mind is a masterful artist with the gallery of the Bloody Mary and his many ability to create art every bit as good as other amazing creations. If you ever get Picasso. That’s always the easy part. The to see one of his bikes throw flames, it’s trick is getting the camera to see what the worth hanging around for the show. mind’s eye sees. This is where bringing in a great photographer is important. Also a big thank you to Dave and Jennifer George Childress thought the backdrop of D. who brought out their beautiful red Big the fountains with several bikes in front Dog. While it didn’t make the cover we of a tree would make a great shot. We were able to use it in an ad. gathered as many red bikes as we could find at Westgate Bike Night. I also wanted to send a special shout out CycleRides.com was kind enough to men- to all the wonderful readers who brought tion it in his newsletter as well. We set up their red bike out to Westgate Bike Night the tree, the metallic silver wrapped gifts, for a chance to be on the cover. There are put a bunch of red bikes around it and felt some beautiful red paint jobs out there. hopeful. We got some great shots but QTCASW_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:52 AM Page 56 QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:56 AM Page 59 QTRM_Dec10.qxd:Layout 1 11/29/10 8:56 AM Page 60