Thunder Roads Texas - May 2011

Also Inside: Having Fun for a Good Cause To Hell and Back Two Years Down...

The MOST Comprehensive Event Listing Published in Texas!

ThunderRoadsTexas.commAY 2011

Honoring Those Who Never Made It Home

Page 4 H May 2011 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

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May 2011 H Page 5Texas-based, Texas-focused, Texas PROUD!

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On the Cover36 Honoring Those Who Never Made It Home

This Month20 Having Fun for a Good Cause32 To Hell and Back

35 Two Years Down...

Regular Features8 From the Editor10 From the Road: Letters to the Editor12 Points Across Texas Snapshots14 PigTrails: “Ya Gotta Love It!”16 The Scout Report: Bottom Line: Seats18 Pink Thunder: Chasing a Dream38 Monthly Ride Map: Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride40 ThunderCam42 Joker’s Wild

Resources23 Event Listing CENTER - Pull-Out May 2011 Calendar

44 Biker Friendly Listing

On the cover: Cambridge American Cemetery in Madingley, UK. Photo by Paul C. courtesy of the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride (AMRR).

Contents

May 2011

Thunder Roads Texas Bob Cooney & Shelly Horan State Edition Owners 4631 Cashel Glen Drive Houston, TX 77069 281.866.8149 ThunderRoadsTexas.com

Layout & DesignShelly HoranTop of Mind [email protected]

Thunder Publishing, LLC Toni & Brian ShearonNational Founders1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035615.792.0040 ThunderRoadsMagazine.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® is Trade Marked and may not be used in any way without consent from Thunder Publishing. Thunder Roads Magazine of Texas is published by Thunder Roads Texas. All rights reserved. No part of its’ content may be reproduced without written permission. Publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for liable, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, or Thunder Roads Texas. Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Ride & live responsibly. Thank you. Thunder Roads Magazine®, Thunder Publishing, and Thunder Roads Texas.

Thunder Roads Texas is a wholly separate entity from Thunder Publishing LLC and Thunder Roads Magazine editions in other states. As such, content that runs in other states’ editions has no relation to the content in Thunder Roads Texas. Unless specifically stated, Thunder Roads Texas does not endorse, and is not responsible for, any content in other Thunder Roads Magazine editions.

CORRESPONDENTS

OWNERSBob Cooney, CEO/[email protected]

Shelly “TX Dragonfly” Horan, [email protected]

Thunder Roads Texas Main Office 281.866.8149 [email protected]

Reynolds Mansson - Statewide [email protected] 210.259.9916

Bill “Shovelhead” Barnes - [email protected] 321.960.6161

Justin Turnage - DFW [email protected] 254.205.1447

Bonnie Estes - Austin/Hill Country [email protected] 512.673.6679

Linda Morris - Houston [email protected] 713.897.9109

Angela Epperson - Waco/DFW [email protected] 254.493.3830

James Williams - San Antonio/Hill Country [email protected] 830.708.6198

Laura Mae Benson - Houston/Galveston [email protected] 979.481.9642

Manuel A. Valladares - DFW [email protected] 214.245.6217

Amy Conklin - Houston [email protected] 832.498.6693

Bob Engler - Plano/DFW [email protected] 302.229.4156

ADVERTISING SALES

FEATURE WRITERS

“Crazy Al” - PigTrails; Elm “Scout” Valle - The Scout Report;Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, Brandy “Tex” Valdez

IN MEMORIAM

Mean Gene Kelton 1953-2010

Feature Writer - Black Leather Blues Thunder Roads Texas 2009-2010

Kitti Kluna - Houston; Ron Blansett - Houston; Linda Morris - Houston; Mark Appenzeller - D/FW; Joyce Siegert - D/FW; Brian “Native NYer” - D/FW; Travis “Blydawg” Blythe - D/FW; Dean Downey - Amarillo; Meghan Heller - Austin; Linda Nilsson - East Texas; Chantelle Sandberg - East Texas; George Darcy - Midland/Odessa; Kim Ferris; Shelly “Cricket” Beatty - Spring Branch; Sir Richard Vance - Corpus Christi; Randy McCamey - West Texas; Don Brewer - Livingston; Pete Martinez - Houston; Jason English - Piney Woods; Sean Kester - D/FW; Roger Bowles - Waco; Lonnie & Pam Fitch - Galveston; Donny Phillips - LaPorte

It’s Our Time to Remember and Honor...

Every May, we dedicate our magazine to the men and women of our military who have lost their lives while fighting to keep us safe and insure our freedom. We also wish to honor our POWs/MIAs, who don’t have a day set aside to remember and honor their service. So, our hats are off, our thoughts are with you, and we hope all readers take at least a few moments to stop, pray, and honor these brave men and women. With that said, there are a huge number of events in May dedicated to our military. Check out our Event Listing (the largest motorcycle event listing published in Texas) for the flags. These are highlighted as riding for and/or in honor of our military.

Also, this month is Women Rider Month and houses the International Female Ride Day (first Friday in May each year; this year, May 6). There are quite a few all-women rides going either that day or on Saturday, May 7. I will be riding fron our neck of the woods (NW Houston) down to one of my favorite places, Gilhooley’s in San Leon/Dickinson. I’m not a huge lover of oysters, but am so hooked on their roasted Shrimp-hooley’s... it’s time to take care of my craving! So women of Houston - join me on a lunch ride Friday, May 6. Contact me to work out details.

We’re sponsoring a good number of events, continuing our efforts to be as big a part of the biker community as we can. If you have an event in your area (especially, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin), please contact me with a sponsorship package or information about your event and we’ll see what we can do. This is a wonderful community, full of the biggest-hearted people I’ve ever met. Let’s see what we can do to keep these efforts going.

One of the biggest events we have going this month is the South Texas Biker Jam & Expo. Houston has two car shows and a hugely popular boat/RV show, so we’re tickled to see a new motorcycle show hit the Bayou City. Riders from all over Texas are encouraged to come down and see what they have going. Full of demo trucks, dealers, vendors, live music and more… it’s going to be a great show. They’ve been working very hard to give the biker

community a long-lasting show, listening to motorcyclists so they can bring their “A Game”. Add to that, they are giving some of their proceeds to support the Texas Honor Ride (see page…). What more can you ask?

Ride safe... and ride with THUNDER!

Shelly “TX Dragonfly” HoranEditor / [email protected]

Owner, Top of Mind [email protected]



A reminder of a West Texas event on May 31. The Ride to Remember our troops that have been killed, are MIA or POW. A little history... This run was started 11 years ago by Wild Bill McNeil with about 35 bikes riding from the Vietnam Memorial in Midland to Big Spring to remember our heroes. Over the years it has grown to over 750 bikes and more show up each year. On the 10th anniversary run we sold pins to honor Bill for this endeavor. A 12 year old boy designed the pins and we sold over a thousand for $5 each with proceeds going to Bill to do with however he pleased. He donated all the money to a military effort. This year we are riding from the memorial to Andrews with a feed after the ride provided by the Andrews folks with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Thanks, Todd [email protected]

Shelly,

Hello I am Gary Davis AKA Thunder, I am aPatriot Guard Rider (PGR). Sending you some pics from our last toy run here in Hardin Texas. In the pictures, is Tommy Tousha, Jr. , a fine young man that I have

known all his life. He just so happen to get in the night before the run and I was able to put together a little homecoming thanks and present him with a plaque and a PGR challenge coin for the

Gary Davis

WINNER OF THE EASTER EGG HUNT DRAWINGScott Brown, stationed in Baghdad, Iraq

Congratulations! And thanks for participating.



Are You Riding Yet?

Donald Ryan and Gloria Ingram are tearing up the Texas roads with the Points Across Texas program! They’ve submitted more

than 140 photos/locations. So in addition to the patch and initial end-of-year drawing entry, they have racked up a total of 14 entries!

Last month, we received a few submissions from a Houston-area riding group... a great reminder that group photos are encouraged and welcome! Along with each member in the riding group

earning their patches, the group receives a Certificate of Achievement for the program.

If you haven’t submitted your first picture - start sending them in. There hundreds of locations throughout the entire state of Texas... even into the “nooks-and-crannies.” So there’s no reason why you can’t earn your own FREE Thunder Roads Texas Points Across Texas(tm) patch too!


Sponsored by

GOLD DESTINATIONS Each worth 2 points

D’Rose Inn & Cabins PO Box 720 Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com

Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop; Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz www.bentrimgrill.com

Frisco Custom Cycles 6427 Main St Frisco, TX 75034 214.387.0650 www.friscocustomcycles.com

George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301

Goe Harley-Davidson 1350 S 288B Angleton, TX 77515 281.393.1000 www.goeharley-davidson.com

Goe Kawasaki 1350A S Hwy 288B Angleton, TX 77515 www.goekawasaki.com

Retreat Hill Cellars 14343 Liberty St Montgomery, TX 77356 936.449.5285 www.retreathill.com

Tommaso’s Italian Grill 507 N Gordon St Alvin, TX 77511 281.331.6262 www.tommasositaliangrill.com


have a whole new respect for this simple saying. Just life in general! We walk around this planet of ours and go about our daily duties to make ends meet as if life

is something that just happens. Due to a recent change in my wife’s health we have a whole new outlook on life. Believe it or not, you are lucky to be alive! You never know what tomorrow will bring. Take the time to slow down and appreciate all the things around you that normally pass us by without a thought.

Nature has to be on the top of my list. Green grass, trees, clouds in the sky, the wind and rain, and even a good ole thunderstorm! Don’t forget about the sun and the moon. These are the things that just happen around us without us really taking notice! My wife and I were able to get out over the weekend and take in a picnic at one of our favorite parks at an area lake. The day was beautiful! The wind was blowing. The sun was shining and all I kept saying to Paula was “Ya gotta love it”.

And then there are Motorcycles! My wife and I have seen 200 doctors in the last two months. Each one is a specialist in his/her field. I have more respect for the field of health care than I ever imagined. But my personal favorite “doctor” to help me cope with our current situation is my motorcycle. When I get a chance to ride these days it allows me to go back to all the incredible times Paula and I have enjoyed on the open road! This is therapy that no doctor is able to give me right now. I smile and laugh while I zip down my favorite country back roads. I will pull into a beautiful park and take some personal time to say a prayer or two. I pray for my wife to recover so that we can someday enjoy these things together again in the near future.

The bike continues to be good therapy even when it sits in the garage. I can’t help but want to care for it the way it cares for me. I make sure the fluids are full. I can’t resist taking the damn thing apart and just looking around to make sure all things are well; like a Doctor of Motorcycles. Are the wires rubbing where they should not be? Maybe

I can find that one tiny little rattle that only I hear going down the road at 70MPH! I will find it. I will not stop until I do! I sent Shelly [editor of Thunder Roads Texas] a picture once of a sign that stated you never see motorcycles in front of a psychiatrist office! This is a true statement. “Ya gotta love it!”

The month of May is our give back issue when it comes to all things Military. I want to send out my thoughts and prayers to all who serve in our amazing armed forces. I pray for all the men and woman who are presently serving to defend our Country and to those in all parts of the world who are giving others a chance to live in a world of freedom! I pray for the ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can sleep in peace. I pray for the families left behind to have the support they need to deal with their lost loved ones. To those who have served and come home safely I want to personally thank God for being the Guardian Angel and watching over them while in the military and after they return home. We should all do what we can to show our respect, love and compassion for all our soldiers and the Heroes of our time! “Ya gotta love them!”

When it comes to charities and support of our military you will never find a better group of people than the bikers across the United States! In my personal life they showed up in force at a benefit we put on to support my wife and her current situation. The outpouring of love and kindness filled me with joy! Some I have known my whole life and some I had just met that day but the common theme was simply to do whatever they could do to help! There were times that there was not a dry eye in the house. “Ya gotta love them bikers!”

I want to personally thank two companies who have gone above and beyond to help me and my wife. Joe’s Crab

Shack and Speedy Cash. Their help over the last two months has been overwhelming! We would be in far worse shape if it had not been for them! Thank you both and God bless!

I want to thank my brother Robby Bunch! My wife was able to make one phone call the morning of February 10 and Robby answered that call for help! If you had not answered your phone we would be in a far different place. Thank you Rob I love you!

“Ya gotta love it!”Crazy Al and Paula!

“Ya Gotta Love It!”



So with two years on my bike and almost 30,000 miles of saddle time, I came to a conclusion that

I would not have been able to do that without my Saddlemen Profiler Seat. I placed it on my bike as an aftermarket addition. And through all the good and bad weather it still looks brand new. Probably one of the most ignored aftermarket accessory for a bike is the seat, yet it is one of the most important things. Long rides or trips tend to get uncomfortable with subpar seats. A good seat not only creates a comfortable ride but also gives the biker better aesthetics. I wanted to share the different options out there, especially for cruisers, and how to choose the right seat for you!

Know Your Ride!

Replacing the original seat on your bike is very easy. You do not need to have any special mechanic skills; just the proper tools. Most aftermarket seats are very precise on making sure that they use the stock mounting points and hardware. If there is any special mounting hardware then they often come with the purchased seat. The instructions for mounting a new seat are usually pretty clear and easy to follow. Just make sure that you order the exact make, model, and year of your bike, and fitting a new seat will be relatively easy.

There are hundreds of seats out there to choose from but

two manufacturers that really stand out above the crowd is Mustang and Saddlemen. They both make seats for almost all types of motorcycles but their lines of cruiser seats are phenomenal. They make seats from solo gunfighter types to super-tourer seats. The type of seat you choose should match your riding habits and style. For example, do you ride on very long trips or use your bike as a main commuter? Do you mostly ride only on weekends? Do you usually carry a passenger or ride solo? Do you want a seat to raise or lower your profile? Making sure you answer these types of questions honestly will help you decide your seat and you will be happier in the long run.

Great Seats = Great Rides.

Great seats are made to create a great ride. Be wary of cheap imitations such as the ones found on eBay. Both Mustang and Saddlemen use very stringent manufacturing specifications. If you do decide to buy an “off brand”, use the guidelines below (provided by Mustang Seats).

All exposed brackets (visible when the seat is mounted • on the bike) should be chrome plated.

Polyurethane rubber bumpers should be strategically • located and riveted to the base plate to protect the paint and minimize vibration. Bumpers made of polyurethane are ozone protected and will not crack with age.

The edge of the cover material should be hemmed, not • just cut off and left ragged.

The cover should be riveted to the base plate at close • intervals around the edges. Most stock seat covers are merely stapled on.

A label specifying what make/model/year of bike • the seat is designed to fit should be visible as well as the manufacturer’s name, warranty, and contact information.

Complete mounting information should be attached to • a replacement seat.

All seams should be sewn twice for strength.•

The bottom edge under the seat that is attached to the • base plate should be hemmed.

The edges of seats with skirts should be finished with • braid.

Pillow top seats should be tufted with covered buttons, • which are double-tied with four cords, not two, so as to

not lose their buttons.

The cover and stitch pattern for each model and style • should complement and enhance the shape of the seat and the flow of the motorcycle.

Stitching should be evenly spaced, uniform and tight.•

Be prepared to drop anywhere from $200-$1000 for a good seat. My Saddlemen Profiler retailed close to $300 but I assure you, it was worth every penny. It is comfortable and supports my lumbar. The Profiler was also a perfect choice for me as I don’t usually carry a passenger and it brings me lower to the ground – as I am a smaller rider. Each individual must pick their own type of seat based on a quick self-assessment. Additionally, both Saddlemen and Mustang seats are made right here in the United States, and their quality is top notch.

I will leave you with this quote from Mustang Seats: “The bottom line is this: Take the time to explore what seats are available for your particular motorcycle make, model and year and then decide what seat is the best choice for you given the style, materials, features and level of comfort you are looking for. Talk to your local dealer and other riders, search “motorcycle seats” online and review websites, read entries in chat rooms and in magazines — and then think again about what you want from a seat. If you are like most motorcyclists, you ride because it’s fun. Your seat should enhance both the look of your bike and the feel of your ride. Enjoy!”

Conclusion:

I firmly believe that any seat from either Saddlemen or Mustang is a great investment for your motorcycle. The more you ride the more you will appreciate the value of a great seat. For sales information about this product, go to MustangSeats.com or Saddlemen.com.

This is the Scouts Report signing out and “See you on the high ground!”


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Bottom Line: Seats

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y name is Brandy Valdez and I’m a 21-year-old motorcycle fanatic. As a female stunt rider, I have travelled the country doing shows, competing

in the XDL Streetbike Freestyle Championship, and participating in the X Games demo for Streetbike Freestyle in 2010. For 2011, I decided to widen my motorcycle spectrum and got my NHRA drag racing license which was an experience of a lifetime. Seeing how much gas prices were fluctuating, I decided to ride my dad’s GS1150 from Texas to California to chase my dreams.

As a kid, motorcycles were always something exotic to me and I got hooked when I threw my leg over a dirtbike at the age of 15. I made a name for myself at the age of 17 when my stunt videos went viral on the internet and started catching people’s attention. This year, I caught the eye of the team owner of Bronze Star Racing and got invited out to the Barona 1/8 Mile Drags in Lakeside, California, to have a try at a GSXR1000 with a 72’’ wheel base, nitrous, and the works.

I live in El Paso, Texas which is roughly 11 hours away from San Diego and had second thoughts about taking my pickup to go out there for just the weekend. My dad, being all hardcore a couple of years ago, bought a BMW sport touring bike (which does awesome wheelies, by the way) and agreed to let me “ride the dust off of it;” while my mom, who also rides, thought I was crazy. Without

hesitation, I put my race leathers in one saddlebag, boots in the other, and packed a weekend’s worth of clothes into my backpack.

I did the whole trip in a straight shot only stopping for gas, a couple of bathroom breaks, and some food. Yeah I might be a little crazy but that Bimmer was built for cross country adventures. I didn’t care what people thought about me for riding a grandpa bike and to tell you the truth, the stares I got were hilariously entertaining. A rebellious looking cashier at Subway complimented me on my helmet and he asked what kind of bike I had so I replied, “I have three Kawasaki Ninjas in my garage but I’m riding my dad’s bike right now.” He nodded his head and I went on my way not wanting to make small talk about what I do with those Ninjas in my spare time.

I spent the night at a hotel in San Diego and made my way up to the track on a gorgeous twisty mountain road in the morning. I met up with the owner of the race bike and he

walked me through the licensing process so I could start making passes on the track. After going through a tutorial of how the air shifter and slider clutch worked, I watched one of the guys make a pass on this loud machine. Electrical problems kept the GSXR from running correctly and I watched and waited eagerly as

they fixed it. All I could think about was how nervous I felt riding a bike that was completely different than anything I’ve ever ridden and how I didn’t ride all the way from Texas to disappoint myself with slow pass times.

The electrical problem was bypassed so I leathered up and hopped on the GSXR for my first pass. The guys coached me all the way up to the staging lane and I did my first burnout to heat up the tires. I lined up to the pre-stage

light and cranked up the RPMs. As I edged towards the staging light, I could feel my heart rate escalating and then BOOM...a strip of yellow lights traced down to the green and I took off with the bike screaming trying to keep the bike in a straight line while trying to look at the tachometer. The 1/8 mile track was over within a few seconds and I knew that my runs had a lot of room for improvement.

All I wanted to do was line back up in the staging lanes and kept thinking about the missed shifts, delayed reaction times, or hitting the rev limiter like I had done in some of my passes. Being my own toughest critic, I kept muttering obscenities in my helmet at the end of the track every time I messed up. However, I received nothing but encouragement and awesome advice from the people with Bronze Star Racing. The whole weekend I did about 12 runs on the GSXR; which gradually got better by the time Sunday rolled around. I got my times low enough to qualify for my NHRA drag racing license and had a feeling of accomplishment for my determination to get out on the track and give it my best.

I knew I had a long trip home and decided to stay with some girlfriends for an ocean-side breather to give my sore buns a rest from the extreme seat time before heading back to Texas. Even though my method of transportation to California seemed a little out of the question, I really just wanted to see if I could knock out a 1500 mile ride. Looking back on that weekend, I’m glad I took advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity and opened up a new chapter in my motorcycle career.


Chasing a Dream

NEW! This space is reserved for three GREAT Texas women riders: Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, Brandi Valdez, and Terri Williams. They have been specially chosen to bring a female voice, but with content that is of interest to a wide range of riders, each appearing once per quarter. Joni is the widow of Mean Gene Kelton (1953-2010). Mean Gene used to write for us, providing us with two years of backstage stories - both biker and band related. Joni grew up on bikes... proud biker bitch to the core! She joins us this year to write about general riding tips for women. Brandi Valdez hails from El Paso. Former member of Team Rebella, an all female stunt riding group, she brings us the wilder side of riding as seen from the sportbike. And rounding out our female writing troupe, Terri Williams. You may know her already, as she is an instrumental figure in the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2). She works hard for biker rights in Texas and will bring us the legislative view and updates. If you see these women out-and-about, be sure to recognize their achievements in their own lives and acknowledge their new roles as Thunder Roads Texas Feature Writers!

By Brandy “Tex” Valex


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he Texas Honor Ride (THR) is in our sixth year of raising funds for our wounded troops. On Saturday May 14 is the 2nd Annual THR Fun Run out of Stubbs

Harley Davidson at 4400 Telephone Road. If you attended last year’s inaugural THR Fun Run, you knew we had a little rain that day but we still had a good time.

The Texas Honor Ride Fun Run was started to reach out to riders on the south side of Houston and surrounding areas who want to help support our wounded warriors. There will be food, music, auction items, 50/50, and great prizes. Most importantly Wounded Warriors and their families will

be in attendance!

More than 33,000 American troops have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. All proceeds raised by the Texas Honor Ride go to support our wounded at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). BAMC is one of two military trauma hospitals for critically wounded troops and is the military’s burn trauma center. Wounded Warriors can be at BAMC for months and even years receiving treatment for their wounds. Our support

for our wounded is needed today more than ever. You can show your appreciation for the sacrifice they made for all of us through your support of the THR.

The THR Fun Run is a self paced ride of about 80 miles that winds through La Porte, Mont Belvieu, and Dayton passing many historical sites before returning to Stubbs. There are three stops along the route to draw cards, the first and last cards will be drawn at Stubbs. Each card will have a point value randomly assigned after the riders leave to assure fairness and keep things interesting. The best poker hand may not win. Prizes are awarded to the six hands with the highest total point values. The first bike out leaves at 9:00

Having Fun for a Good CauseBy John (AKA JohnnyD) Darner, THR Executive Committee Member

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a.m.; with the last bike out by 11:00 a.m. All bikes must to be back at Stubbs by 1:30 p.m. to qualify for prizes. Lunch will be served from 12:00 p.m. until we run out.

Once all the bikes are back at Stubbs we will have the opening ceremony and introduce our VIP Guests, the Wounded Warriors and their families. A live auction will follow with of some great items, as usual, from the THR, so bring your check book. The Texas Honor Ride store will be there with their most popular items including this year’s challenge coin, our crosses, and shirts specially designed for this event. Your $20 donation gets you one hand of cards for the fun run and lunch. Additional hands may be played for $5.

We are very pleased to announce that all riders at the THR Fun Run will also get an admission ticket to the South Texas Biker Jam (May 28-29 at the Reliant Arena). Please visit our website (TexasHonorRide.org) to preregister, for more information about this event, our fall fundraiser (September 24), the big ride to the BAMC in San Antonio (November 12), and/or to make a donation if you can’t attend any of these events.

Please join us May 14th as we support our Wounded Warriors and have a fun day doing so. The Texas Honor Ride is a 501c3 charity with no paid staff and is a all volunteer organization. Our thanks to Stubbs Harley-Davidson and the South Texas Biker Jam for their support for this fundraiser.


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Event ListingThe MOST comprehensive motorcycle event listing published in the State of Texas!

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Swap Meet Austin TexasScooter.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

10th Annual Spring Fling Ride TheMotorcycleSho San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

American Legion Riders 1st Division Rally 2011 ALRPost310.com Gun Barrel City Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Rockin’ At The Ranch ThirdTradition.com Bedford Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Ride for Kids - Houston PBTUFS.org Humble Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Texas Rally on the River TXRallyOnTheRiver.com New Braunfels Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

International Female Ride Day Motoress.com

Thunder Roads Texas’ Women Riding for Oysters! [email protected] Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonJoin our editor and part owner, Shelly on a ride to Gilhooley’s (San Leon). Start at the beginning in NW Houston, start your own from your neck of the woods and join up on a pre-defined stop, or simply join us at the destination. Gilhooley’s has been voted Houston’s Best Oyster Bar for years. If you don’t like oysters, there is plenty of other items on the menu. This is a lunch destination ride, leaving at 10am from NW Houston. Details are still being worked out. Check our Facebook page for more information as we get things lined out. Women only and cages welcome.

Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally HillCountryRun.com Lunkenbach Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

1st Annual Central TX Bikers Meet-N-Greet BikerorNot.com/ride/22003 Llano Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Cinco de Mayo & Fun Run 361-425-1801 Ingleside Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

Post City Bike Fest PostCityBikeFest.com Post Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

3rd Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer BABCTexas.org Pasadena Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonRaising money for The Rose, BABC is hosting a 45-mile police escorted ride (rain or shine) on Mother’s Day weekend. Starting at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson and ending at the Hooters next door to the dealership. $35/rider & passenger; $25 rider only; $25 “ghost” rider (car). Register online or onsite (starting at 8:30am). Kickstands up @ 10:30am. All bikers, clubs and colors welcome. After party includes a silent auction and raffle. Donations accepted online at TheRose.org.

Bikes & Bugs IV - Main Event TheWallisFamilyFoundation.org Sugar Land Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonJoin us in our fight against Epilepsy – proceeds benefit the Wallis Family Foundation. Live music, including Zedeco Dots, 4 AM, and Black Dog. 3,500 pounds of crawfish, cold beer, Los Guys bike wash, moon walk for the kids, games, art auction, silent auction, thousands of dollars in prizes given away every hour. Craig Ackerman, the voice of the Houston Rockets, is Emcee. AND the raffle drawing to give away a 2009 Crossbones Harley-Davidson – drawing at 8:00pm. Visit www.ragin-cajun.com or www.thewallisfamilyfoundation.org for more information. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

Mother Day Brunch & Blood Drive IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

Richard Schneider Benefit RedfishRoadhouse.com Hitchcock Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

See Us Save Us Biker Awareness [email protected] Lubbock Region: Panhandle Metro: Lubbock

Benefit Run for Cliff Williams 903-407-9456 Marshall Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Buddy Poppy Bike Run 903-445-5478 Irving Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Open House @ Unknown Choppers UnknownChoppers.com Garland Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

13th Annual Stacked Deck Poker Run hdnorthtexas.com Carrollton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Antique Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet 830-931-3046 Smithville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Austin

Great Texas Sausage Festival Car, Truck & Bike Show BrazosValleyStreetBeasts.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

RED Women’s Ride CowboyHarleyAustin.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Share the Road Safety & Awareness Ride [email protected] Beaumont Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Beaumont

1st Annual Joint Base San Antonio Motorcycle Safety Day 210.221.3846 San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

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CONTINUED...Rally In The Crater 903-938-2995 Marshall Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Texas State HOG Rally TXStateHOGRally.com Beaumont Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Beaumont

16th Annual May Day Run BrotherhoodOfBikers.com Oglesby Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

24th Annual Run for Wheels Rally IndependenceHD.com Lyons Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

29th Annual Campout ArmadilloCycleClub.net Cleburne Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

27th Annual British & European Motorcycle Rallye BMOAOnline.com New Ulm Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

6th Annual Cruise Fest 361-648-0192 Port Lavaca Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

Thunder on the Bend Motorcycle Rally ThunderOnTheBend.com Huxley Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Myrtle Beach Bike Week MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

Ole Fashion Biker Party 979.921.0771 Waller Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

2nd Annual Charity Car, Truck & Bike Show TCSAuto.com Temple Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

3rd Annual Bike Show 214-406-7404 Dallas Region: Prairies & Lakes 6etro: Dallas/Fort Worth

5th Annual Ride for Troops SARide4Troops.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San AntonioBenefiting The Fisher Houses, a non-profit organization that provides a home away from home for military families during a time of medical crisis. $25/person, includes 2011 rocker. Check-in 8:00am-9:00am. Previous years’ rockers can be purchased for $5. 100% of all registration fees will be donated solely to the San Antonio Fisher Houses. 50/50 Raffle and door prizes at the finish point. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonIt’s the Texas Honor Ride’s annual May fun run and fundraiser. Music, prizes, food, drink, 50/50 drawing. Ride starts and ends at Stubbs HD (StubbsHD.com) All proceeds collected during the year are ridden down in style, from Houston to San Antonio in November, visiting the fund recipient, Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) with more than 800 riders! The BAMC houses and assists rehabilitating wounded warriors and their families. $20/bike; $5/passenger. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

South Texas Biker Jam - Pre-Party SoTXBikerJam.com Spring Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonChoppers hosts the first pre-party for the show, 7pm-?? Free raffle ticket for prizes, such as show tickets, t-shirts and more. Live music, plus the famous Glitz Dolls Bike Wash. Lots of motorcycle parking. Cigars available from Styx Lounge.

Bikers Against Road Rage Poker Run 469-667-8171 McKinney Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Bikerz, Bearz & Dogz Scrabble Scramble Ride AustinJuniorForum.org Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Fundraiser to Support WWR Conga Ride for Racks 888.808.1251 Denton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

May Rally 254-747-2313 Mexia Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Waco

TITS Show and Ride 940-453-7680 Denton Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

13th Annual Vets Helping Vets 512-869-5454 Georgetown Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Austin Police Retired Officers Assoc Car, Truck & Bike Show 512.784.7088 Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT & South Texas Biker Jam Pre-Party ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonBig party with a few hundred of our closest friends! Held at Concert Pub North (2470 FM 1960 West, Houston, 77069); 6pm-?? Co-hosted by Outlaw Dave. Styx Lounge will be onsite with cigar sales. Live music, vendors, stage games, door prizes, bikini bike wash and MORE! This month, we host a pre-party for the Biker Jam, featuring special show giveaways. LARGE reserved motorcycle-only parking, with plenty of cage parking, too. Rain or shine… the BEST and longest continually held bike night in Houston!

BUB Rally BUBRally.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonHeld again at the Hawg Stop; BUB stands for Broke Urban Biker… so tickets are only $25/weekend pass and $15/day pass. Bike games, bike show, nightly contests. FREE tent camping. FREE self-contained RV site w/ purchase of 2 weekend passes. FREE T-shirt with prepaid registration. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

The Aspen Cash Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

Road Kill Round Up 817-304-4962 Poolville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

Rumble In The Park InglesideTXChamber.org Ingleside Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Corpus Christi

1st Annual Poker Run ATABexarVFD.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

8th Anniversary Party PunishersMC.com Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

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South Texas Biker Jam - Pre-Party SoTXBikerJam.com Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: HoustonJoin the crew at Papa’s on the Lake in Conroe; 2pm-?? Music by Outlaw Lynn & Who’s Driving. Fun day in the sun! Swimming pool, great food, boat docks, big outdoor decks, lots of motorcycle parking, plus the famous Glitz Dolls Bike Wash and Styx Lounge cigars. Show giveaways including tickets & t-shirts.

Hot Rods & Harleys IndependenceHD.com College Station Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College StationAll kinds of fun for everyone! Car/Bike Show registration @ 9am with judging 12-3pm. BBQ sales to benefit 4 Paws for Abilities. Live music by the Josh Langston Band. Beer garden with $2.50 domestics. Also, a swap meet and bikini bike wash. Visit the website , call 979.690.1669, or emaill [email protected] for more information.

Benefit for SJHR Glassman HCSJHR.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Open Door Food Bank Run 817-228-6334 Joshua Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

2011 Rabbit Fest Car, Truck & Bike Show RabbitFest.com Coperas Cove Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Killeen/Temple

2nd Annual Freedom Ride - Houston to Austin [email protected] Houston to Austin Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston/Austin

Crash Course for Motorcycle Accidents 832.244.1655 Friendswood Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Moonlight Poker Run & Bike Show MtPleasantTX.com Mount Pleasant Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

Riding for Veterans Ride4Vets.com Conroe Region: Piney Woods Metro: Houston

Run for the Wall RFTW.org Grand Prairie Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

US Armed Forces East Texas Freedom Ride 409-383-4487 Jasper Region: Piney Woods Metro: Beaumont

2011 HIll Country Charity Poker Run & Concert 210.286.9766 Boerne Region: Hill Country Metro: San Antonio

21-22 - The Hard Butt Ride HardButtRide.weebly.com The Colony Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

26 - South Texas Biker Jam Pre-Party SoTXBikerJam.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonLast chance to party before the party! Join us at Live Oak Bar & Grill on Hempstead Hwy; 6pm-?? Live music, drink specials, and Biker Jam giveaways, including t-shirts, tickets and more. Plenty of bike parking, plus the Glitz Dolls Bike Wash and Styx Cigar Lounge.

26-29 - Tallmena Run 2011 903-547-6720 Texarkana Region: Piney Woods Metro: Texarkana

27 - Party In The Pines PineRally.com Longview Region: Piney Woods Metro: Longview

27-29 - Mingus Blowout CossacksMC.net Mingus Region: Panhandle Metro: Abilene

Goldwing Rockin Rally Rumble 832-435-8792 Hemphill Region: Piney Woods Metro: Beaumont

28 - 87s Memorial Day Run FireAndIron87.com Seguin Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: San Antonio

2011 Car, Truck & Bike Show Concert in the Park 512.534.8993 Leander Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

2011 Liberty Fest Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show FBLibertyFest.com Farmers Branch Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

South Texas Biker Jam & Expo SoTXBikerJam.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonFor two days only, motorcycle enthusiasts will find, shop and discover all the latest gear, parts, and information relating to the exciting sport of motorcycling. It does not matter what you ride ….it’s the thrill of the road. Tickets are available online through our website. Inquiries for booth space or volunteer opportunities contact Christine at 281-241-7333 or by email at [email protected] or C.J. at 832.359.2708 or by email at [email protected]. FREE MOTORCYCLE PARKING! Promotional Partner: Thunder Roads Texas.

12th Annual Ride to Remember 432-413-5221 Midland Region: Big Bend Metro: Midland/Odessa

Bikers for Baseball Fun Run VFWMG8.org San Antonio Region: South Texas Metro: San Antonio

Gator Fest LionsCamp.com Katy Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Iron Butt Ride (must register in advance) MCTourer.com Pearland to Ft Stockton Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Ride for Life 2011 RidersForTheCure.org Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

4th Renegade Classics Bike Show BikerOutletStore.com Houston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally ROTRally.com Austin Region: Hill Country Metro: Austin

Shriner Burn Hospital Fundraiswer [email protected] Bacliff Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

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Laconia Motorcycle Week LaconiaMCWeek.com Laconia, NH

International Ride to Work Day RideToWork.org

July 2Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride AlliedRide.org Fort Worth Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort WorthOne Ride, Three Nations: United in Remembrance of Our Fallen Heroes. Riding grops from the UK, the US (7 states), and Canada are riding on the same day in remembrance of those in the allied forces, who have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the freedom and security we enjoy today. Join them – or start your own. Contact George “Tank” Sherman: 682.597.7469; [email protected]. All profits from the Texas ride benefits the Terrell Veterans Memorial Fund. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas.

July 14-17Bikers Adult Rally BikersAdultRally.com Alvarado Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Dallas/Fort Worth

August (dates TBD) Mean Gene Kelton Memorial Sturgis Run ThunderRoadsTexas.com Houston to SturgisJoin Joni “Even Meaner” Kelton, folks from the Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival and The Texas Rally, and others for a fun filled-ride to Sturgis. More details to come, but reservations at the Broken Spoke Campground (877.653.6679; BrokenSpokeCampground.com) must be made ASAP – save 10% with the discount code “meangene”. For more information, call Stephanie Brown 979.215.6019 or Damon Dave 979.742.5284. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

August 8-1470th Annual Sturgis Bike Week Sturgis.com Sturgis, SD

August 31-September 5THE Four Corners Rally IgnacioBikeWeek.com Ignacio, CO

September 2-4Summertime Bikes & Blues Festival FreeportBluesFestival.com Freeport Region: Gulf Coast Metro: HoustonIt’s all about the BLUES! Live blues music all weekend long, brought to you by the VFW Post 4341 and Freeport Main Street. Raffle with grand prize of a 2011 Harley Softail Heritage Classic. Tickets are on sale NOW (visit the website for more information). Bike wash, bike games, food, vendors, giveaways, and new this year, a Swap Meet by Texas Scooter Times (to be a vendor, visit TexasScooterTimes.com or call 254.687.9066) and a classic car show. More fun for everyone. Great for families. Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine.

September 8-10Hot Springs Rally TheHotSpringsRally.com Hot Springs, AR

September 8-11The Texas Rally TheTexasRally.com Somerville Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College StationIt’s a Luau and Biker Bash at Big Creek Park & Marina! Free Luau dinner Saturday night. Great live entertainment, biker games, bike contests, feasts, parades, and CASH giveaways! Proceeds benefit the Texas Biker Relief Organization (T-Bro). The Zoo (RV camping) sells out quickly – better reserve today! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

September 14-18The Golden Aspen Rally MotorcycleRally.com Ruidoso, NM

September 16-18The Oldest Town in Texas (OTT) Rally OTTRally.com Nacogdoches Region: Piney Woods Metro: TylerIt’ll be another great year in the East Texas Piney Woods and historic Nacogdoches! Plans are underway for live music, stunt exhibitions, vendors, camping, bike show, and loads of fun! Sponsored by Thunder Roads Texas Motorcycle Magazine!

September 24Texas Honor Ride Fundraiser TexasHonorRide.org Conroe Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Houston

September 28-October 1Bikes, Blues & BBQ BikesBluesandBBQ.org Fayetteville, AR

September 28-October 2Myrtle Beach Fall Rally MyrtleBeachBikeWeek.com Myrtle Beach, SC

September 30-October 2Texas National Motorcycle Rally TNMRally.net Baytown Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

October 7-9Boo Benefit BooBenefit.org Jefferson Region: Piney Woods Metro: Tyler

October 13-16Biketoberfest Biketoberfest.com Daytona, FL

November 3-6Lone Star Motorcycle Rally LoneStarRally.com Galveston Region: Gulf Coast Metro: Houston

November 12Texas Honor Ride - The Ride TexasHonorRide.org Houston/San Antonio Region: Gulf Coast/South Texas Metro: Houston/San Antonio

About Our Event Listing:

Basic Event listings are FREE. Premium Event Listings (bold and up to 75 word description) are only $25/month. Send your event to: [email protected]. To be included in the print version, information must be received by the 10th of the month prior to the month in which the event is scheduled or the month before you wish a Premium Event Listing to appear. Events must have some motorcycle element.

Subscribe to our FREE Web-zine for updates with events that don’t make print, two weeks’ worth of events are provided every week to your email inbox. You can always visit our website to download a list of the “next two weeks” events.

Thunder Roads Texas does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and cannot be held liable. Things change, there may be typos, and weather happens. So before you climb on your steed and ride to one of these events, contact the organizers and verify the latest information.

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There are two things in life that never fail to literally give me goose bumps: soft kisses on the nape of my neck and being a part of a group ride; especially rides that

benefit military veterans or their families. Needless to say the 11th Annual to Hell and Back Biker Run, put my goose bump meter into overdrive.

Appropriately named after Army veteran Audie L. Murphy’s autobiography “To Hell and Back”, the annual run honors the most decorated US combat soldier of World War II. Among his 33 awards and decorations was the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the US, for conspicuous gallantry and the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He also received every decoration for valor this country had to offer.

Bright and early on Saturday April 9 I “fell into rank” along with over 250 other bikers, many veterans themselves, who had gathered in support of the run sponsored by The San Antonio South Texas Veterans Health Care System. Our $35 contribution got us each a T-shirt, pin, patch, and the

privilege of honoring our military in our own biker parade. The pre-planned escorted route began at the Kerrville VA Hospital and ended at “Fiesta de los Veteranos” which was held on the grounds of the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio. Upon our arrival we were greeted by flag waving individuals, family-oriented activities, live music, food, and merchandise vendors.

All proceeds raised benefit the VA Fisher Houses, which provide a home away from home for military families during times of medical crisis. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates comfort homes. These homes are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers and enable family members to be close to their loved ones during hospitalization. There is never a charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

While riding among the seemingly never ending line of bikers that stretched out before me, I deliberated the

fact that many of us ride because we crave the solitude that motorcycling provides us. However, contrary to that very desire, there we were all 250 of us traveling in a massive group riding as a single entity. I also couldn’t help but liken the biker community to that of the military community. Having experienced both, I appreciate the shared commonalities. Each has its own unique jargon, distinct garb, strong sense of camaraderie and belief in the principle “no man left behind”. If for no other explanation than that, we should all support one another’s families.

The next opportunity to do support the Fisher Houses and our wounded warriors will be held Saturday May 14. The Ride for Troops Committee is hosting its 6th Annual charity ride to raise money for San Antonio Fisher Houses. The 80 mile ride starts with check in from 0800-0930 at Gruene Harley-Davidson in New Braunfels and ends in Lukenbach, where there will be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Pre-registration can be done online each participant will receive an annual Ride 4 Troops patch/2011 rocker. I feel goose bumps already.

To Hell and BackBy Kim Ferris, TRT Correspondent


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The weather was great. The sun was shining and tons of bikers had a great time April 8-10 at the Carts, Bikers & Babes rally. Damon Dave finally got what he

needed…the sun! So it looks like putting a dome over the place was not necessary after all! Go Dave.

From the early bands on Thursday night, to the cart races early Saturday, through to the great bands on Saturday night, the show was a huge success. Blackfoot knocked

them dead with a rocking performance. And we can’t forget all the other great bands that Dave had on his venue. Attendance was up over 30%, the vendors were all busy doing their thing, and Blowout was doing his normal great job keeping everyone informed over the PA system.

I am so happy for Dave and Wendy that this rally was such a big success. They work as hard as anyone I have ever known at what they do. With his voice totally gone, Dave

wished everyone a big thank you as they left on Sunday. I am sure that this new rally will be a continued success for many years to come.

With this rally behind him, Dave will rest up some, then hit the road and the workload to bring us his other great rally – The Texas Rally, September 8-11. So mark your calendars now. If you haven’t been to a Damon Dave rally/event – you are truly missing out on a fantastic time!

By Bob Cooney, CEO/Owner Thunder Roads Texas


Year Number Two Down...

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bounds. And, with this being our Memorial Day edition, we are pleased to once again focus on this event. We hope you’ll take time off to join in on the ride… or at the very least, take a moment on July 2 and pray for the safety of these riders and remember our fallen heroes.

During World War II many soldiers never made it home – ever. This ride recognizes the service of those servicemen by riding to honor them in places they are either buried or memorialized. Worldwide, there are 14 cemeteries for American WWII dead on foreign soil. These account for approximately 93,200 Americans Killed in Action (KIA) during the war. The cemeteries and monuments are administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission (www.ABMC.gov). There are an additional 10 cemeteries on foreign soil for American KIAs of all wars. You can visit the ABMC website to search their “Honor Roll” databases of the names of those interred or memorialized.

While American soil saw no action, there are foreign military members buried here. Most of them came to the US for training. These men and women died during their time training here and never made it home. Thousands of British pilots learned to fly at six British Flying Training Schools in the US. The first and largest of the schools was in Terrell.

In 2009, the Royal British Legion Riders organized a ride to

t h e Madingley

Military Cemetery outside Cambridge, UK.

More than 3800 American soldiers are buried, representing 42 percent of

those buried in England and Northern Ireland, along with a memorial for more than 5,000 MIA. A

Fort Worth resident, George “Tank” Sherman, is a member of both the American Legion Riders and the Royal British Legion Riders, so he was privy to the announcements about this ride. He is currently a member of the US Air Force, an F-16 crew chief, with time spent in the UK. When “Tank” heard about the ride, he spoke with his close friend, Scott “Pech” Pecikonis who responded with “If they can ride for our fallen, why can’t we ride for theirs?” So, the two organized a US ride, July 4, 2009, taking place simultaneously (well, on the same day), heading from Fort Worth to Terrell, where 20 members of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) are buried in the Oakland Memorial Park Cemetery (see related articles from 2009 and 2010 on our website).

That first year, the UK ride had more than 200 in attendance and the Texas ride had about 60 bikes. Year Two, July 3, 2010, the UK ride doubled in size (400 riders), while the Texas ride grew to more than 200 riders. This year, expansion goes beyond the two rides, capturing the attention of the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders, adding a third country; and American Legion Riders in six other states are adding rides, making a total of seven participating US states.

In the US, all ride destinations are to BFTS sites or cemeteries/memorials for members of the RAF.

Texas once again heads to the Oakland

Memorial Park Cemetery in Terrell, with two starting points.

Oklahoma has two rides going, one heading to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Cemetery in Miami, OK where 15 cadets from the No. 3 BFTS are buried. A second is heading to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery in Ponca City, OK, where 7 cadets from the No. 6 BFTS are interred. Kansas riders are riding to the Ponca City memorial service.Arizona’s ride destination is the Mesa City Cemetery (Mesa, AZ) with 24 cadets (23 UK / 1 US) are laid to rest from the No. 4 BFTS.New Hampshire’s entire American Legion Riders force are organizing a ride. Details are still being worked out.Riders in Iowa are participating. Details still to come.And a small group in Illinois (Tank said “it might be a small group, but I don’t care”) are organizing their ride.

This year, there are two starting points for the Texas ride, one in Benbrook (SW of Fort Worth) and one from Canton (east of Dallas). A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery. Anyone interested is welcome. The Terrell Marine Corps League will provide a color guard that includes the flags from all three participating countries, US, UK and Canada. The service will open with an address from Doug Smith and George Sherman and a prayer and poem offered by John Retos. A wreath is then laid at the RAF memorial, honoring those buried there. They will play “Last Post”, the British version of “Taps”; then closing remarks. After the ride, the group will head west on Highway 80 for lunch at East Texas Choppers. That evening, accommodations are available at the Holiday Inn Express at I-20 and Highway 34 (972.563.7888). The hotel has graciously agreed to block off a whole section for

By Shelly Horan, Editor/Co-Owner

ikers are a pretty patriotic group of folks… and we’re no exception. In 2009, our second year into the publishing business, we caught wind of an interesting event. I love this country and

everything it stands for. I love and honor all who fought for it and my freedom. With that in mind, we have stuck by this group’s side from the beginning.

Now, in its third year, the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride (AMRR) continues to grow by leaps and



motorcycle-only parking. That evening, the group will host a BBQ get-together with live music and beer kegs for participating riders.

In Canada, the destination is the Ottawa Memorial (Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial). This memorial commemorates 809 men and women of the Commonwealth Air Forces who gave their

lives during WWII while serving in units operating in Canada, the British West Indies, and the United States, or while training in Canada and the US. Those named here have no known grave or were buried at remote crash sites which are deemed to be un-maintainable.


Continued on next page...


RID

E M

AP

Additionally, as of this writing, there are tentative plans in three additional countries (Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) and three more US states (Vermont, Florida, and California). So riders across the nation… keep on the lookout… there’s an AMRR ride coming to you soon! If you’re interested in organizing a ride from your area to join an existing memorial service or you wish to organize a ride to a WWII Allied Forces memorial in your area, visit AlliedRide.org and contact the appropriate person(s).

Tank makes sure he recognizes the good people of Terrell, who welcome the riders with open arms, including the City of Terrell, Terrell Chamber of Commerce, No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, Terrell Marine Corps League, and the Terrell Police Department. Tank also throws out some ‘big thanks’ to Doug “Streaker” Smith, who has been instrumental in organizing the ride from the east (Canton), making last year’s ride a big success. Also, Jason Skeen, John “Padre” Retos, Chip & Shelly Thurston, Bob “Uncle Ziggy” & Kathy “Chatty Kat” Vickers, and Bill “Mr. Bill” Whetmore (author of our first article in July 15, 2009 Web-zine) who are instrumental in planning and organizing this ride. The entire AMRR group also thanks new coordinators: Kim Horn, Miami, OK; Michael “Smokey” Blow, Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders National President; and Mike “Chevy” Chiviendacz, Ottawa, Canada.

All bikers (and cages) are welcome to participate in the ride. All they ask is that you “Ride with Pride, Ride with Respect, and Ride to Remember.” Net proceeds from the Texas event are donated to the Terrell Veterans Memorial Fund.

As I close out this article and we take time to remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, we also wish to send out our thoughts and prayers to the families of Prisoners of War and military Missing in Action (POW/MIA). We have Memorial Day to honor the fallen and Veterans Day to honor those who served (past and present), but no day set aside to remember those who never came home and no one has an answer for the families as to what happened to their loved ones.


This month’s ride map features this event. Feel free to join them or to ride it and visit the Terrell cemetery, memorial and No 1 British Flying Training School Museum at Terrell Municipal Airport. It is a popular destination for WWII history buff, aviation enthusiasts, and veterans. The archives here contain the most extensive record of British Flying Training Schools that exists.

North Texas Ride:

Staging at 08:00 at Ridge Community Church, 930 •Winscott Rd, Benbrook, TX (817) 244-1117. KSU at 08:30. Stop at the Park Springs Road and I-20 Park and Ride, •Arlington; southeast side of the light at 08:50. KSU at 09:10. Stop at the TA Petrol Station at I-20 and Bonnie View, •Dallas at 09:30. KSU at 09:50.

East Texas Ride:

Staging at Canton at the intersection of Interstate 20 •and State Hwy. 19, on the north side of the interstate in the vacant parking lot. When you pull off the freeway at Hwy. 19, look for the group and join us. We will be staging from 09:00 to 09:45.KSU up at 09:45 SHARP!•

Both Rides:

Stop at the British Museum in Terrell, 119 Silent Wings •Dr. Exit 501, Highway 34.Escorted ride to the airport at 10:30. KSU about 11:00. •Will stage at the airport. Escorted ride to the cemetery; parking on the outside of •the stadium (approximately 11:20).Road will be blocked for entrance and exit from the •cemetery.

Honoring Those Who Never Made It HomeContinued...




Want to see YOUR mug in our mag? Send pics to [email protected].

G e n e r a l Ulysses S.

Grant was asked which of the many

war songs he liked best. He mentioned that

he was a poor person to ask such a question because, “I know only two tunes. One of them is Yankee Doodle. The other isn’t.”

“Super B”, a good old southern biker in his later 70’s, was sitting at his local watering hole. A really sexy woman in her late 30’s walked up to him and whispered, “Hey good lookin’, let’s you and me run upstairs and make passionate love.”

Super B looks at her, smiles and calmly replies, “Well, darlin’, that’s a dang fine idea and I’m certainly game. But you’re going to have to choose one or the other as there’s no way both those together are gonna’ happen.”

During the Vietnam war in the US, feelings ran high both for and against the war. In one school district, all fifth graders were assigned to write a letter to “Any Marine, Vietnam”. When the hundreds of letters were delivered, one Marine opened his and found the salutation: “Dear War Victim.”

“A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what s left of your unit.”

— Page 9 of the August 1993 issue of PS magazine, the Army’s magazine of preventive maintenance

A congressman was seated next to a little girl on an airplane so he turned to her and said, “Do you want to talk? Flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”

The little girl, who had just started to read her book, replied to the total stranger, “What would you want to talk about?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” said the congressman. “How about global warming, universal healthcare, or stimulus packages?” as he smiled smugly.

“O.K.,” she said. “Those could be interesting topics but let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, but a horse produces clumps. Why do you suppose that is?”

The legislator, visibly surprised by the little girl’s intelligence, thinks about it and says, “Hmmm, I seriously have no idea.”

To which the little girl replies, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss global warming, universal health care, or the economy, when you literally don’t know sh**t?”

And then she went back to reading her book.

A spoiled rotten preppie is pulled over by a hard-working, veteran motorcycle cop for going 70 in a 30 MPH suburb with kids playing in the yards. As the cop walks up to the top-down, convertible BMW, the kid says, “Do you have any idea who my Father is?”

The veteran cop coolly replies, “What….., your Mom never told you?”.

Two privates stationed at Fort Hood were handed shovels and told to bury a large, dead animal. While digging they got into an argument about what they were burying.

“This here’s a big mule!”

“This ain’t no mule, this here’s a donkey.”

“Mule!”

“Donkey!”

Well, this went on for a while until the camp chaplain came by. “What are you boys doing?”

“We’re diggin’ a grave for this mule.”

“Donkey, dammit!”

The chaplain cut in, “Boys, this isn’t either one; it’s an ass.”

An hour later, the camp commander came up and said, “What are you men doing, digging a foxhole?”

“No sir. We’re diggin’ an ass hole.”

Australian Medical Association researchers have found that patients needing blood transfusions may benefit from receiving chicken blood rather than human blood.

It tends to make the men cocky and the women lay better.

A tankman on a tank-driving test drove his tank into a ditch by oversight. Next day he received assignment to an antitank unit.

The following are actual excerpts taken from British Military performance reports:

- His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.

- I would not breed from this officer.

- This officer is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definitely won’t-be.

A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter.

Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: ‘I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.’

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note ‘I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. ‘Lead us not into temptation.’



Accessories & Parts* Stitches 1308 Hwy 6 South Houston, TX 77077 281.558.8572 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Bars & Restaurants* Alamo Bar & Grill 7846 Fallbrook Dr Houston, TX 77086 281.537.7647 www.myspace.com/houston-salamo Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Concert Pub North 2470 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77068 281.583.8111 www.theconcertpub.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston Thunder Roads Texas BIKE NIGHT Third Thursday every month

* Curtis Lowe’s Bar 11800 FM 1960 E Huffman, TX 77336 281.324.7400 Find us on Facebook! Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop; Bent Rim Grill 657 West Ranch Rd Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.6629 www.friocanyonmotorcycleshop.biz www.bentrimgrill.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Points Across Texas GOLD Destination

* George’s Bar & Grill 2031 Plantation Dr Conroe, TX 77301 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston Points Across Texas GOLD Destination

* Hawg Stop 11335 Sheldon Rd Houston, TX 77044 281.456.7867 www.hawgstop.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston Spring, TX 77373 281.288.0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Loading Dock 504 25th St Galveston, TX 77550 409.765.5155 www.theloadingdockbikerbar.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Noah’s Ark Bar & Grill 4438 Boulevard St Bacliff, TX 77518 281.339.2895 www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Rolling Thunder Bar & Grill 6441 County Rd 2173 Fluvanna, TX 79517 325.573.HAWG (4294) www.rollingthunderbarandgrill.com Region: Panhandle Closest Metro: Lubbock

* Rons Relay Retreat 36009 Howell Rd Waller, TX 77484 713.204.8333 www.ronsrelay.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* RPM’s Bar 26210 FM 2978 Magnolia, TX 77354 713.557.1103 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Houston

* Scooters & Shooters 525 E Hwy 29 Bertram, TX 78605 512.355.8070 Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

* West of the Brazos 23220 Hwy 36 Damon, TX 77430 979.742.3100 www.myspace.com/westofthebrazos Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Yankee’s Tavern 8703 Ada Oaks Ln Anderson, TX 77830 936.873.3314 www.yankeestavern.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Metro: Bryan/College Station

Dealerships & Shops* Cowboy’s Alamo City H-D 11005 IH 35 North San Antonio, TX 78233 800.397.7875 www.cowboysalamocityharley.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Cycle Heaven 3770 Hwy 69 N Lufkin, TX 75904 936.634.8404 www.cycleheaventx.com Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Tyler

* Harley-Davidson of Kingwood 111 Northpines Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 281.358.0457 www.kingwoodharley.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Harley-Davidson of Waco 4201 S Jack Kultgen Expy Waco, TX 76706 254-753-0393 www.hdwaco.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Waco

* Houston Motorsports North 9550 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070 281.890.2020 www.houstonyamaha.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Javelina Harley-Davidson 29078 I-10 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-860-9696 www.javelinaharleydavidson.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Legacy Harley-Davidson 12100 W Hwy 80 East Odessa, TX 79765 800.788.6921 www.legacyh-d.com Region: Big Bend Closest Metro: Midland/Odessa

* Longhorn Harley-Davidson 2830 West I-20 Grand Parairie, TX 75052 972.988.1903 www.longhornhd.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Mancuso Harley Davidson - Crossroads 12710 Crossroads Park Dr Houston, TX 77065 281.970.9700 www.mancusocrossroads.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Motorcycle Tire Shop 1917 S Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78210 210.533 BIKE (2453) www.motorcycle-superstore.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Phantom Rider Choppers 6535 West Hwy 46 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830.228.4606 www.phantomriderchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio

* Potterosa Cycles & ATVs 19447 FM 1485 New Caney, TX 77357 832.971.3728 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Southern Metal Choppers 11116 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste E Austin, TX 78753 512.833.5044 www.southernmetalchoppers.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

* Team Mancuso Powersports Southwest 7537 Southwest Fwy Houston, TX 77074 713.995.9944 www.tmpsw.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Thunder Alley Cycles 416 NE Wilshire Blvd Burleson, TX 76028 817.295.0955 www.thunderalleycycles.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* Yamaha of San Antonio 15664 I-35 Selma, TX 78154 210.655.2625 www.kentpowersports.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Biker Friendly Listed here are businesses that are SERIOUS about serving the Texas Motorcycle Community. The list is set up in categories. Regional and Metro information is included. An “*” means the location is a Thunder Roads Texas distribution point. Visit ThunderRoadsTexas.com to find a full listing of distribution points. Tell them you saw them in Thunder Road Texas!


Entertainment/Bands* Mean Gene Kelton 901 N Gaillard Baytown, TX 77520 713-866-4872 www.meangenerocks.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Insurance & Attorneys* Ball Insurance 416 S Main St Highlands, TX 77562 800.444.7014 www.ballins.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Farrar & Ball Law Firm; Law Tigers 1010 Lamar, Ste 1600 Houston, TX 77002 713.221.8300 www.lawtigers.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

* Insurance Lady Agency 642 W Rhapsody, Ste A San Antonio, TX 78216 210.403.2216 www.insuranceladyinc.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Walker Texas Lawyer 1924 Portsmouth Houston, TX 77098 713.552.1117 www.walkertexaslawyer.com Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Lodging & Campgrounds* D’Rose Inn & Cabins Highway 83/Market St Leakey, TX 78873 830.232.5246 www.droseinn.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: San Antonio Points Across Texas GOLD Destination

Motorcycle Towing* Dragonstar Motorcycle Transportation PO Box 444 Bryan, TX 77806 281.935.8890 www.getaride.net Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

Mission Wrecker 4535 FM 1516 North Converse, TX 78109 210.341.0333 www.missionwrecker.com Region: South Texas Closest Metro: San Antonio

Riding Gear & Leather* Moto Liberty - Dallas 11441 N Stemmons Fwy, Ste 201 Dallas, TX 75229 972.243.5995 www.motoliberty.com Region: Prairies & Lakes Closest Metro: Dallas/Ft Worth

* PitStop 13028 Hwy 21 West Austonio, TX 75835 936.661.7518 Region: Piney Woods Closest Metro: Bryan/College Station

* The Hog Pound 13710 RR 12, #4

Wimberley, TX 78676 512.847.3444 www.thehogpound.com Region: Hill Country Closest Metro: Austin

Miscellaneous* Barry Claffey - Mullis A/C Houston, TX 281.468.5819 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

Outlaw Dave Productions PO Box 25028 Houston, TX 77265 Region: Gulf Coast Closest Metro: Houston

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Thunder Roads Texas - May 2011