The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

Northern California's #1 Biker Magazine

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by thunderroadsnorcal, 2019-02-28 17:27:45

THUNDER ROADS NORCAL - March 2019

Northern California's #1 Biker Magazine

Keywords: Motorcycle lifestyle,Motorcycle events,Motorcycle destinations,Distracted Driving,Custom Motorcycles

LET’S RIDE!

INSIDE:
RIDE PRIDE:
Back In Black

Pages 14-17

UPCOMING
EVENTS

Pages 48-52

THE LEGENDARY PRESENTED BY

MSACIRLAMEENTO

MAY 18, 2019

TICKETS START
AT JUST $26!

DOUBLETREE HILTON
OF SACRAMENTO

BOOK YOUR ROOMS TODAY!

$129.00

CALL PATTIE-913.645.8117

FRIDAY, MAY 17TH - "NIGHT BEFORE THE MILE" - LODI CYCLE BOWL
S U N DAY, M AY 1 9 T H - A M AT E U R M I L E - C A L E X P O FA I R G R O U N D S

SAT. MAY 18, 2019TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW @ SDI-RACING.COM

CAL EXPO FAIRGROUNDS

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 1

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal editor’s letter
P.O. Box 794
Orangevale, CA 95662 Whew! I don’t know about you but after this last
Office: 530.368.6579 or 530.305.7992 month of February, I need to get out in the wind
Fax: 530-831-4758 to blow some of this rust off. I thought that
Email: [email protected] the rain might never stop. For those of you that live in
Website: www.thunderroadsnorcal.com the foothills or Sierras, there has been an abundance
of snow even at the low elevations due to some cold
Northern California storms that have rolled through. Don’t despair…we all
State Editors / Owners know that this crappy weather is not going to last forever
so make sure to get that bike ready to go. We are now
Stan & Terri Hill in the time of year that all of a sudden we will wake up
to a crystal clear day and the temps will rise into the
On The Cover: 70’s. There is almost no better feeling than to roll down
the road twisting the throttle with excitement when a
Dale Wood (aka Woody) and Darrel Azarcon on the Going to the Sun Road, outside day like this comes along. Don’t be that guy or gal that
of St. Mary’s, Glacier National Park in Montana. Photo contributed by Denise Wood. misses out because your bike is not ready to go, get that
maintenance done now so you can join us.
Art Director/Layout & Design
Meredith Hancock/Hancock Graphics We really hope that you all enjoyed this month’s
cover photo sent to us by reader - Denise Woods. This
Magazine Contributors photo depicts exactly what we all love most about riding
Wild Bill Hill motorcycles. It is the places that our bikes take us and
the things we get to see. It never ceases to amaze and
Billie Wilson/Billie The Kid Photography inspire us to get out and adventure from the seat of a
Taleah Ebey / T3 Design Studios motorcycle. Terri and I get to see some amazing sights
in our travels; and we know that you all do too! So don’t
Rich “Foot” & Jennifer “Sunshine” Elkins hesitate to send us a photo of an amazing motorcycling
Randy Wenslawski image like this one. You just never know - it could be our
Rae Lynn Flippo next cover. For as long as Terri and I have been putting
Barry Mendenhall this magazine out for you - it has been our mission to
Dan & Nad Rogers make it into YOUR magazine. We truly love to see other
Nor Cal riders contributing what it is that they see out
Gary & Mary Hoffman there for you! Your input is what truly will make this
Bobby “G” Godwin publication into a community of riders who love this two
wheel lifestyle. Keep in mind, you do not need a fancy
Cyndee Reed Van Hooser camera to pull this off either. This cover was shot with
Tina Oakland / Awesome Photography an iPhone 10. Most cell phones made in the last 5 years
or so are totally capable of getting print worthy shots.
My Two Cents Just something to keep in mind during your travels and
Al Cagle / [email protected] adventures, if you are interested.

Thunder Road Biker Church RIDE FREE
Pastor Johnny/[email protected] 916-521-5706
RIDE OFTEN
Ride Destination
Chuck & Cindy Loseth Stan & Terri Hill
NorCal Sales Representatives/Magazine Contributors
Owners/Editors
Russell “Raz” Holder
(916) 425-2377
[email protected]

National Founders
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
1528 Matlock Drive, Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580

[email protected]
www.thunderroadsmagazine.com
(for information regarding Thunder Roads Northern California,
please use contact information at top of column

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRIT-
TEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LI-
ABLE 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, COPY-
RIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH.
OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO
NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER
PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 2

contents

Road Trippin’
Mid America-

Part 2

12

RIDE GET YOUR
PRIDE: One TRM NORCAL
‘Fine’ FXR
SUBSCRIPTION
28

Easyriders Bike Mail Check and This Form for 1 Year Subscription 12 Issues $30
Show & Tour To: THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal
2019 P.O. Box 794 – Orangevale, CA 95662

32 Now accepting credit cards – Call 530.305.7992

Ride Destination.................................................................. 6 NAME____________________________________________________________
Road Tripping’ - Mid-America - Part 2............................... 12 STREET OR P.O. BOX_______________________________________________
If You Can See What I Can See …................................... 18 CITY_______________________________ST___________ZIP______________
Distracted Driving - Part 2................................................. 20 EMAIL_______________________________________________________________
On The Road to Monterey................................................. 22
Calendar............................................................................ 26 Make check payable to Thunder Roads Of Northern California
Thunder Road Biker Church.............................................. 34
Biker Band Revue: Tesla’s Jeff Keith................................. 38 ADVERTISE YOUR
Ladies in Leather............................................................... 39 BUSINESS HERE
Open Road Toon............................................................... 41 AND RECEIVE FREE
Biker Friendly Directory..................................................... 42
Joker’s Wild....................................................................... 44 MAGAZINES
Marketplace....................................................................... 45
Events............................................................................... 48 (530) 368-6579 / (530) 305-7992
Thank You To Our Sponsors.............................................. 53

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 3

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 4



Cave Entrance Stalagtites

RIDE DESTINATION:
Fiddletown – Volcano – Sutter Creek
Even though Punxsutawney
Phil predicted an early spring,
it’s definitely not here yet.
Lots of rain and even snow in the
lower foothills. Since our travel plans
would take us into the foothills around
Volcano, we waited for a break in the
weather. Luckily, the sun, for the most
part, broke out for a few days and we
were able to fly the coop. Late one
morning, we made our way out to Scott
Road, through Rancho Murieta then to
Plymouth for lunch. Shortly before town,
you’ll find the Colina De Oro - a great
little Mexican restaurant and cantina.
After throwing down a couple of yummy
enchilada plates, it was back on the road
and on over to Fiddletown.

I’ve always enjoyed English Toffee

ever since I was a kid, still love

Heath Bars. Anyway, in Fiddletown

you’ll find Brown’s English Toffee

and Celtic Candies (www.BEToffee.

com). They have a fine variety of

goodies and you can even watch as

they are being made. Goodies at Browns Hwy 88

Ostrom Road heads straight north

from Fiddletown and makes for a fun outback and when we reached 88 we decided to make a stop

ride up to Shenandoah Road (aka: Winery Row) If you want to at Cook’s Station for a little refreshment. This place is a quaint

wine taste outside of Napa, the Shenandoah Valley certainly little country store with a small bar that serves beer and wine.

fits the bill. A fellow I used to work with owns the Windwalker As we were climbing in elevation, the snow became more
Vineyards in Fair Play, so we took a quick side trip up there, but prevalent. The roads were clear, but the trees and surrounding
it was closed. Probably due to the recent weather. areas became whiter and whiter. Cook’s Station is only about

Backtracking to Omo Ranch Road, we turned east and 2500 feet, but the air was fresh and crisp, the snow still pristine

made our way to Highway 88. It was a nice cruise through the after the recent snowfall. By now it was mid-afternoon, and we

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 6

Union Inn

Helictites

figured we should head down 88 and check After our tour of Black Chasm, we made

into our digs in Volcano. our way down SR26. It’s a nice twisty

We would spend the night at the Volcano road that runs through West Point and Murphys Museum
Wilseyville. We cut off at Railroad Flat Rd Worlds Largest Fiddle
Union Pub and Inn (www.volcanounion. and continued south. This back-country Hanging Bed Sutter Creek Inn
com) This small 4 room B & B was asphalt will eventually take you to Sheep
Ranch Road and on into Murphys. My ECV Room at the Museum
originally built in 1880 and served as a favorite section of the trip, Sheep Ranch is
boarding house for the nearby gold miners. mostly a one and a half laner that climbs,
Its history has been up and down since, but climbs, climbs. It’s in pretty good shape,
it is now a local favorite.

Volcano itself is named as such because and twists and curves abound. Lots of fun!

it sits in a bowl-like valley and the first gold We had lunch and hung out in Murphys
miners thought they were in an old non- for a few hours. Lunch was at Murphys
active volcano. Although Volcano is a very Irish Pub. Their Shepard’s pie is different
small town, it is not without things to see. than most. It contains both ground beef
Daffodil Hill is just up Ram’s Horn Grade. and lamb. A cottage pie is usually made
The locals are saying it should be an with ground beef, a Shepard’s pie with
excellent bloom this spring since it’s been lamb. Best of both here, I guess. And very
a cold winter. There is also the Volcano good! Until this trip we had never visited
Theatre Company who puts on four plays the Museum. Should have done it sooner.
every year, and there’s the Black Chasm Lots of old artifacts and history there to
Cave which we would check out on our see. Check it out!
way south to Murphys.
Well, it had been a great day, but now it
We had a fine dinner at the Inn that night was time to make our way to Sutter Creek.
and a very filling breakfast the next morning Murphys Grade to Highway 49 took us up
before heading out of town. Breakfast is to Main Street and to the Sutter Creek Inn
included in your stay and it is quite good.
As I mentioned, we stopped at the Black (www.suttercreekinn.com) The Inn is a

Chasm Cavern (www.cavetouring.com) really nice place. Built before the Civil War,
some say it was the first Bed & Breakfast
which is just a short distance down Pioneer in the West. With nineteen rooms, there
Volcano Road. You must experience are plenty of options available - cottages,
this place if you’re in the area. You’ll see fireplaces, soaking tubs, even a few rooms
incredible colors and mineral formations with hanging beds.
that have been created over thousands
of years. The constant dripping of mineral In the morning, with breakfast on the
rich water into the cave leaves a small table, another of our adventures was
bit of residue that, over the eons, have coming to an end. With heavy rain forecast
become these phenomenal edifices that for the afternoon, we left shortly after
you see today. Unique to Black Chasm breakfast and made our way home. Until
are what’s called helictites. They look like next time…

small deer antlers protruding from the cave Article and photos contributed by Chuck

walls. Less than 5% of the world’s caves and Cindy Loseth

have helictites.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 7

EVENT

The 47

Camp Ride

Hollister Rally…”its all about the ride…”

Premium RV & Tent Camping - Wild One Saloon - 805 Kampfire Karaoke Bar

Full Bars Indoor / Outdoor - Bikini Bartenders - Bike Games - Vendors - Food Trucks

Live Entertainment - Moondance Band - Charlie Brechtel Band - Hubcap Stealers

9000 Airline Hwy
Tres Pinos, California

Event Info: Vendors . Sponsors . Media / [email protected] 916.400.4771
TO RESERVE RV & TENT CAMPING CONTACT Julie @ 831- 630- 5200 Tues thru Saturday

www.wildoneproductions.info

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 8

All the Newest Models
Custom Paint Services
Custom Leather Accessories

Why ride like everyone else?

831.630.5200

411 SAN FELIPE RD.
HOLLISTER, CA 95023

www.HOLLISTERPOWERSPORTS.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 9

10021 Wolf Road - SteC-17 Lake of the Pines, CA 95949

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 10

When getting lost is just EVENT
what you need...

18 Oceanfront Rooms
Jacuzzi Suites
In-room Fireplaces
Sauna Rooms Available
High Speed WiFi

888-570-9676 | 707-986-7521

innofthelostcoast.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 11

XCOUNTRY mid-america - Part 2
continued from February 2019 issue
TRROIPAPIDN’

It was Day 5 and our journey led us out of the West
end of Michigan on to the dairy farms of Wisconsin.
There is something calming about riding past all these
idyllic rolling farms, but the real excitement was building
in my handgrips, knowing that at the end of this days
ride was the infamous Harley-Davidson (HD) Museum in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This HD museum did not disappoint. I was excited
to be strolling in on my borrowed Harley to the front
steps of this museum. Feeling like a kid entering the
greatest candy store ever, I proudly flashed my HOG
card granting me free access to the mother lode of
motorcycle museums. This institution catered to all
facets of Harley fascinations, including a lineup of all
their motorcycles produced in chronological order.
It was impressive to see the evolution of designs as
they progressed through the years - belts to chains
and hardtails to softail frames.

For me, I was drawn to the exhibits featuring the
HD track racers and old dirt bike clubs from the
40’s/50’s, this being the heritage that started clubs like
our Moonshiners MC. On display were the old jerseys
of club riders from around the nation, especially from
SoutChreiprpnleCCarleifeokrnia where it could be said was the hotbed
of acBtiaonnd during the post war times.

Many other impressive exhibits include the wall of
100 tanks, a colorful display of tank halves highlighting
spotlights of Harley’s history. Another intriguing display
was the Engine wall, a collection of 24 major engine
families introduced during their 115 year history. The
most moving display was the Tsunami motorcycle, a 2011
FXSTB Softail Night Train succumbing to the clutches of
Japans’ 2011 Tsunami. This special motorcycle stored in
a shipping container had drifted for over a year across
the Pacific Ocean from Northern Japan to British Columbia.
The entombed cycle was discovered when it spilled from
its container onto the shores of North

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 12

America. The motorcycle is now on lunch,
display as a memorial to all the lives
lost from this tragic natural disaster. initially by waving the

The Tsunami display also was days catch of Whitefish before
attracting many visitors from the
Far East as was evident during our our noses, then serving it to us
visit. We had worn our Moonshiner
cuts in the museum that day only shortly thereafter, with many
to discover we had become the
fascination of Japanese journalists insults interspersed between.
who followed us around the museum
snapping our photos. As we exited the museum, we were By the way, best fish I ever had!
approached outside and asked to pose with our bikes…and
of course I happily obliged. So perhaps one day you will find During our many frequent fuel,
my likeness in a Japanese motorcycle publication.
eat and motels stops, I found
From here, it was a straight trek back through miles of
vast farmlands into Des Moines, Iowa. As I look back and the people we met along the way could not have
recollect on all these miles of riding, I can’t say enough
about the interactions with the people on our journey been more friendly. It was not uncommon for the curious
through mid America, particularly the waitress at Brown
Fisheries restaurant in Whitefish, MI. The charming woman to inquire where we were from, where we were going
whose family owned the eatery entertained our group all
(wherever the roads take us was my typical response.)

Quite often, many ladies we chatted with often sent us on

our way wishing “you boys to be safe on the roads.” I am

always moved at the end of these rides both emotionally

and spiritually for having the privilege to see and meet

the people that make up this our great nation. I cannot

wait to start thinking about what next year’s journey will

be and where!

Article and photos contributed by Gary Hoffman

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 13

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 14

BACKRIDE PRIDE: OR A FEW YEARS now, we have wanted to
IN catch up with the builder of this bike and
we were stoked when the stars aligned. We
BLACK
F were able to meet up with Grant Davis of

Tracy who was traveling eastbound to Street Vibrations.
Grant and his wife Denise made a slight detour for
an impromptu TRM NorCal photo shoot as they were
hauling their motorcycles to Downtown Reno to include
them in the Denver’s Choppers Bike Show. If you have
attended any of the bigger motorcycle shows around
Northern California, then you may have seen some
of Grant’s fine work. A machinist by trade, Grant has
brought his fabricating skills to the motorcycle world;
he actually made several of the custom parts you see on
this motorcycle. Take a closer look at these photos, if
you see anything that is not stock - it was fabricated by
Grant. The amount of creativity that went on this bike is
astounding. Grant shared with us that the wheels are in
motion to make some of the aftermarket parts that you
see here (as well as other products) available for any
motorcycle enthusiast. Stay tuned for upcoming news
on this inside intel, because you might be able to find
his creative inventions near you.

Article and photos by Stan Hill

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 15

Street Vibes
Stowaway makes
roundtrip ride from
Tracy to Reno

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 16

BIKE SPECS

BIKE: 2002 FXST
OWNER: Grant & Denise Davis
BUILDER: Grant Davis
ENGINE: 88” HD
AIR CLEANER:
Grant Davis with S&S cover
PIPES: Grant Davis
PRIMARY: H-D cover fabricated
and machined by Grant Davis
TRANSMISSION:
6 Speed Primo Rivera
FRAME: Stock H-D with 2” lower
fender struts by Grant Davis
FRONT END: Sportster with
heavy springs in the forks
REAR SUSPENSION: Dinty Air
Alum Air Shock
WHEELS: DNA 60 Spoke front.
Back V-Twin MFG 60 Spoke
BARS: Grant Davis
BRAKES FRONT:
H-D EBC Floaters
BRAKES BACK: H-D EBC
GRIPS: Speed Dealer
MIRRORS: Drag Specialties
FLOORBOARDS & FOOT
CONTROLS: Grant Davis
HEADLIGHT: H-D
TAILIGHT: Grant Davis
BLINKERS: What??
FENDERS FRONT: Misfit
Industries Narrowed and shaved
BACK: Klockwerks stretched 7”
SEAT: Grant Davis and King
Kovers Inc. Hayward
PAINTER: Leasure Lines
Customs / Shane Leasure
POWDERCOATER: Valley
Custom Powder Coating /
Steve Furtado

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 17

If You Can See What I Can See … You Might Be
Riding On The Back Of A Harley

Polar Bear Run

If I say to you … Polar Bear Run, what comes to mind? covered with graffiti, which makes this unique bridge even
Maybe you are thinking that the ride will be in a very more interesting to see.
cold and low temperature area. That is
what came to my mind, and is probably Looking ahead at the mountains, yet
why I shied away from this event over the continuing through the farmlands, we stopped
last few years. But it’s a new year and we in Capay at The Road Trip Bar & Grill. This
are planning rides to places and events we interesting place that seemed to be in the
haven’t been. So we decided to go to the middle of nowhere, was our next Poker
Polar Bear Run.
Stop. Inside the building was quickly filled
with bikers, so we headed outdoors to

I know I am going to be cold, so I layer the covered patio area. I am so glad we
up, and for the first time, I am wearing my did because I might not have seen what I

new heated jacket liner. Which by the way, I thought was the best feature to this place.

can tell you now, I love that liner. We left the Their back patio area has a memorial
house early in the morning allowing time to shrine dedicated to the military and our

fuel up before we met with friends. Our group fallen heroes. This shrine touched a spot

of eight bikes arrived in Vacaville at in my heart. I had to kneel at the wall,

Iron Steed HD in plenty of time before say a prayer in their honor, and give my
the first led ride was going out. With appreciation to those who served and

online pre-registration, all we had to do cared for us and our freedom.

was check in, look around and hang Time to saddle up again. This time
out while waiting. We heard the call to we’re heading to the Capay Hills. As we
saddle up and jumped on the bikes. get closer to the hills, we are enveloped
in fog and light rain. The sky is dark, the
They took us through town to the first

Poker Stop, Solano Baking Company. roads are wet and my sunglasses are
Yes, the smell of fresh baked goods Stevenson Bridge dotted with raindrops. Knowing I didn’t

was tempting. We had our Poker cards bring my raingear, I’m grateful we are
punched and were back on the bike in not getting drenched. The hills are

less than 15 minutes. Next we were off bright green and amazingly beautiful,

to the farmlands outside of Vacaville. I especially with the fog hovering
am in awe at the beauty of the flat lands. above. The creek along the side of the

The sky goes on forever. This day was road was full of fast running muddy

cloudy and gray, yet the sun was shining brown water that had washed down

bright while trying to push through the from the hills. Due to recent rains
clouds. As far as you can see, there are there was plenty of mud and rocks on

green crops growing in the fields. The Creek & Landslide the road. We could see spots where
aroma of fresh vegetables makes your the hillside was eroding away. Road

imagination believe you can taste them. signs warned us of imminent landslide
Fenced land is filled with grazing cows, danger, which fortunately we did not

horses and sheep. There is water standing face. Riding through the Capay Hills

in the fields and along the side of the road was the best part of the ride.

because just a few days earlier there was Memorial Back to the flatlands, around the farms,
a storm here. As we turn to head out to the into the town of Williams we came to our
mountains, we find ourselves sharing the last Poker Stop, the historic Granzella’s
road with a large group of bicycle riders Restaurant. As we went inside to get
who quickly wave hello as we pass them. the last punches on our Poker cards
and find out if we are winners, we are
We crossed the Stevenson Bridge in

the town of Winters. If you haven’t seen fascinated to see so many mounted

it before, take a trip just for a look and see. Built in 1923, taxidermy trophies and animal heads. Inside the back room,

this bridge is one of only three bridges built in California among many more mounted animals, is not one … but three
that is made of concrete and in the overhead tie arch style. Polar Bears. Two are standing large and tall on their back

Also known as the Graffiti Bridge, almost the entire bridge is feet, in clear glass cases. The other is up high on a shelf

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 18

Saddle Up EVENT

Bikes &
Bicycles
above the door, appearing to walk on all four legs. All of
a sudden it is clear why they call this the Polar Bear Run.
Not only because this is advertised as the coldest ride of
the year, but also because the ride ends here, where the
beautiful Polar Bears are.
If you have what it takes to look cold weather in the eye and
say, “You won’t stop me from riding,” this is the ride for you. Get
out your leathers and heated gear and ride to Iron Steed Harley-
Davidson’s Annual Polar Bear Poker Run next year. If you see

Curt & I on the road, join us for the ride.
Article and photos contributed by
Cyndee Reed Van Hooser

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 19

DISTRACTED
DRIVING - PART 2:

Trial and Sentencing

CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE

My family and I went through a tumultuous 3 years of
waiting for justice as we were told that “the wheels
of justice turn slowly.” There were delays due to
the court being understaffed for judges, speedy trials taking The sentencing was scheduled for January 14, 2019. I thought,
precedent, motions that were made for decrease in charges, well, isn’t that great, she gets yet ANOTHER holiday season
and the defense attorney being unable to locate his expert with her family, while mine disperse their separate ways to once
witness amongst other things. again, try to regain some sort of life, try to celebrate holidays
again without my dad, and wait for the finale of this part of the
The trial finally started on December 4, 2018. I can’t begin to nightmare. My family was allowed to contact the probation officer
tell you how hard it was to hear the 911 calls that were made, to that the defendant was to report to while awaiting sentencing, in
see the pictures of the scene, which included ones of my dad, to order to give our statements as to how this had affected us. At one
watch the trial unfold, to listen to testimony of the defendant while point during my statement to the probation officer, she mentioned
she never took responsibility for what she was later convicted of… that the defendant had said that she “takes full responsibility and
driving distracted, running a stop sign and killing my dad. It was has so much remorse.” Well, that was 3 years too late and quite
hard to sit in that court room and wonder if the jury felt as we did, frankly, a slap in the face. We got the conviction, now all I could
that texting and driving has become an epidemic, one in which a think of was that I wanted the maximum sentence – 6 years in
precedent need to be set, that this was not an “accident” as the prison. My thought process with wanting the max was this – my
defense attorney called it, but a blatant disregard for human life. family and I have been given a life sentence, that being the death
I can’t tell you how hard it was to show up time and time again of my dad, it’s something we forever have to live with. The 3
during the 3 years and feel as if you’re getting nowhere and then years of BS we had to go through, on the other hand, with a trial
have to go back to your life and continue to try to pick up the to get a conviction for something the defendant later said she
pieces - only to have to go back to court for another court date takes full responsibility for, enraged me. With California being
that resulted in yet another court date. It was maddening.

The roller coaster of emotions as we held our breath for 3 as lenient as it is and letting all the criminals out of jail as they

years finally had an end on December 10, 2018 when the court do, I figured, if she got the 6, then she’d probably only do 3 years

clerk read the verdict…. GUILTY. The driver was convicted of which would match the 3 years that our lives were altered for the

192(c)(1), Felony Vehicular Manslaughter and 23123.5 VC, a trial. That was the justification in my mind, anyways.

driving infraction for driving while using a cell phone. All the On January 14, 2019, we showed up to the courthouse
trips made for court (for those of us who live out of town), all for what I hope will be the last time we ever have to go there.
the vacations never taken (because our life was at a standstill We sat nervously in the rows, with so many friends and family
with no conclusion), all the tears and anger and sorrow that we surrounding us that showed up for the sentencing. I continued
felt, not only because of the death of my dad, that is something in my belief that what was meant to be would be and that she
that is forever, but because we were dragged through 3 years would receive the max. The judge started off the sentencing in
of reliving his death because the driver never took responsibility, a way that actually pissed me off. He said, mind you, we hadn’t
she never did the right thing, all of it came to a halt with that one even read our victim impact statements, “that no one would be
word…. GUILTY. It is the word I had put out to the universe ever happy today.” He said the family wouldn’t be happy because he
since the DA decided to charge her with a felony. It was what I was not going to send her to prison and the defendant wouldn’t
kept in my mind every time a “nay-sayer” would say “don’t be be happy because she wouldn’t be going home that day. I had a
surprised if she isn’t convicted or don’t get your hopes up or she WTF moment and bit my tongue… hard. My mother, seemingly
probably won’t get anything but probation.” It is what I thought I on the same WTF wavelength, asked the DA if we should even
needed to hear all along to make it better…. GUILTY. I released bother reading our statements. That’s how ridiculous that was.
that breath and I found… it didn’t change anything. My dad is Regardless, we did read our statements, all seemed to echo the
still gone, taken in quick instance of selfishness. I walked out same theme…the loss of my dad, how amazing he was, how the
of that courtroom and I went to the corner and just cried. My loss impacts us and the lack of remorse shown. The defendant
mother came over to me and said, “What’s wrong, you got what was given a chance to respond and she told the court (because
you wanted?” No, I got what I thought I wanted, what I thought she never looked at us) how remorseful she is and how she’s
would justify it all, what I thought was justice for my dad. What I suffered from depression and PTSD and how her therapist taught
was left with, was what I didn’t have the chance to acknowledge her to compartmentalize things. Well damn, that’s one hell of a
during the 3 years because I was so hell bent on that conviction therapist, sign me up, I’d love to know how to compartmentalize
and the anger that raged inside of me for 3 years…. Grief. the death of my dad so that I could go on with my life and pursue

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 20

things I’ve yet to pursue (as the defendant has), I’d love for my EVENT
daughter to go back to college (as the defendant continued to do,
I say this because at one court date, my mother actually had to
wait for 2 hours because of a delay because the defendant was
taking a final) after having to drop out because of this, yes please,
how much is that an hour?

In the end, the sentence handed down was: A 2-year prison
term that was suspended, 365 days in county jail, 3 years’
probation in which if she were to violate probation, the 2-year
prison term would go into effect and various restitution fines. I
was disappointed to say the least. I thought a precedent would
be set in which I, as well as my family, could move forward with
in order to make change in California regarding distracted driving
incidents. I say incidents, because they are NOT accidents… if
you choose to drive in an unsafe manner, whether that be texting
and driving, drunk driving, putting on makeup or really, doing
anything other than… DRIVING… it is no longer an accident, you
intentionally did such act. That’s my two cents anyways.

The DA told us, as we were leaving, to not be surprised if we
saw her out working at a grocery store or along side the road in 2
months. Why, you ask? Because California has a program called
SWAP. The Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) reduces
jail overcrowding by providing an alternative to incarceration. She
could possibly even get an ankle bracelet and do her 365 days at
home. But wait! There’s more! Being who I am, I like to research
things, I checked the county booking log that day. Her court
release date on her booking was dated 6 months from the date
of incarceration. I’m no math whiz, however, I know 6 months
does not equal 365 days. California automatically assess “good
time” or “half time/work time” credits. So, there you have it… in
California, you can text and drive and kill someone, put families
through hell, and quite possibly do very little time. What we are
left with is the knowledge that she will have to check that box on
any application that asks… Have you ever been convicted of a
felony? Yes… yes, she has.

Lastly, I’d like to mention that the DA in this case did a
phenomenal job trying this case. He was always available for
questions and concerns. We felt he went above and beyond,
not only in the professional way he presented and tried
the case, but also in the fact that he took it upon himself to
take a Vehicular Manslaughter class to have an even better
understanding. We felt that he was invested in this case and
well, after 3 years, I guess he would be. We will forever be
grateful to him. Our plan going forward is to continue to fight
for stricter laws regarding distracted driving in California.

Article contributed by Shauna Judnich

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 21

On The Road To Monterey
Traveling on Hwy 1 to “The Exotics on Cannery Row” in Monterey is something
I look forward to every year. Watching the ocean waves rage onto the sandy Roxanne and Wild Bill takin’ a ride on their 1954 Cushman Truckster. Traveling
beaches calms my soul and as I look out beyond the waves to the endless on beautiful Hwy 1 to Lovers Point, the Monterey Peninsula’s hidden treasure.
horizon of water, I fall into a trance like state and my entire being is at rest. As
soon as I see the long tunnel leading into downtown, I know we are super close
to our hotel and the wharf. First stop, hotel, second stop - Fish Hopper! More on
that later. Being at the Exotic Car Show is exciting and fun! There are so many
cars that you will never see again, unless of course, you return to the show the
following year and the year after. We have visited the Exotics since they began
closing down Cannery Row and lining up those beauties for all to see. We see
something new, never before seen, every year. I never tire of the Bugati. It is my
most all-time favorite car. Wait, “car” just does not sound right coming off my lips
when I speak of the Bugati. It is an exclusive production super sports car!! After
dinner we love to take a stroll on Cannery Row.

Although we attend every year, we never
tire of the shops, people, and things to do
in this town. One of our favorite places
to frequent is Ghirardelli Chocolate
Factory! It’s not really a factory but
you can purchase chocolate, chocolate
bars, minis, and ice cream! Located
conveniently right there on Cannery Row.
I must not forget to mention the Free
Magic Show that we were able to catch
last year, right there in the square! Did I
say it is always exciting there?

The Raesr all-electric, hypercar prototype has a top speed of 240+ mph. It pushes out a phenomenal
1,877 of horsepower, with 3,650 lb ft of torque using an aerospace grade polycarbonate and a Kevlar tub
with a Chrome Moly frame that gives it a weight of only 2,900 lbs. It can hit 0-60 in 3 seconds, 0-120 in 7
seconds and do ¼ mile in under 10 seconds. It has height of only 39” and a frontal area of only 17.75 sq
ft, with a downforce at 150 mph of 400 lb. 6 direct drive motors powered by 2,650 amp, 532 volt battery
producing 1.4 megawatts peak power.

The Raesr cockpit is designed like a fighter jet canopy, with the
driving positions in the center of the car.

This is two of only 20 Pagani Huayra BCs ever built. This hand-built 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 produces 1,332 hp + 811 lb ft torque. The 2.5 million dollar supercar has a
7-speed gearbox and a curb weight of 2700 lb. Its top speed is about 236 mph and it gets from 0–60 mph in 2.2 seconds and does the ¼ mile in less than 10 seconds. Active
aerodynamics, a full titanium exhaust and a Carbo-titanium weave construction method are some of the exotic features of this beautifully styled Italian sports coupe.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 22

This is the view facing north on Highway 1 after going through ‘The Devil’s Slide’ tunnel. It is one of This is the World War II bunker balanced precariously on this California
the longest road tunnels in California at 4,008 feet long. If you pull into the parking lot located on the peak located up on Devil’s Peak that was built and used during the war as
right (coming from Sacramento) after passing through you will be at the old Devil’s Slide Highway part of the Harbor Defense of San Francisco and was entirely abandoned
that was very prone to landslides. It is now converted into a trail for hikers and bicyclists. Walking in 1949. It was set up, along with other buildings, to handle military
along the old Hwy you will see some of the most spectacular views of the cliffs and Pacific Ocean. observation and triangulation. Back then the process was pretty simple, a
soldier was literally setup in the bunker (or perhaps one of the observation
pill-boxes) with binoculars and compasses scanning the ocean. Information
from multiple observation posts would be used to triangulate the location
of ships and hostile units. A nearby six inch gun was then radioed which
would fire upon enemy vessels.

The Swedish 278 mile per hour, 2.5 million dollar, Koenigsegg Agera RS hypercar can go from 0-60
mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 6.9 seconds, and can bolt from 0-186 mph in under 14 seconds.
The twin-turbo V8 engine puts out 1,360 horsepower with over 1,000 lb-ft of torque. There are only
25 Agera RS models in existence,

The Spyker C8 Aileron with its incredible aviation inspired design elements
on the interior has a top speed of 214 miles per hour. The car has a
supercharged Audi V8 producing 612 hp resulting in a 0-62 mph time of
3.7 seconds. Only 50 of these impressive vehicles will be produced. The
12R is a version made for the 24 hours of Le Mans. This Netherland built
car has price tag is $355,000
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 23

Have you ever found note in a bottle? On every trip to the ocean The 268 mile per hour, $3.4 million dollar, Limited Edition, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is regarded as a supercar
Roxanne and I put an old bottle with a note into the ocean as the of superlative quality. It is the fastest car in the world and most expensive. It has a 488 cu in quad-turbocharged,
tide goes out. It is always exciting to get a reply. We have 8 very V-16 engine that produces a very impressive 1,200 horse power. The Veyron that has a 7‎ -speed DSG automatic
hearth warming and interesting replies framed on our wall. transmission with a curb weight of 4,000 lbs, the Super Sport gets only 7 mpg city -15 mpg on the highway, but
who cares? it has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 2.5 seconds, Making it the quickest production road car
on the market, although it is electronically limited to 258 mph to protect the tires from disintegrating.

The spare ribs at The Fish Hopper.

The Italian ATS GT race-inspired sports car has a top speed of 206 miles per hour. It will do 0-60 in 3 seconds. The ATS is equipped with a The show never gets boring and if you
twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8, putting out 700 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also possesses a seven-speed dual-clutch, carbon- like to eat, well, there is a plethora of
ceramic brakes, and a standard limited-slip differential. ATS is the acronym for Automobili Turismo e Sport and can be yours for 1.15 restaurants to satisfy the palate. One
million. of our favorites is the Fish Hopper.
Sometimes we will eat there three nights
in a row. The hosts and wait staff are
phenomenal, patient extremely helpful,
and polite. They honestly make you feel
important; it feels more like home each
time we visit. I recommend everything!

Article, photos and layout contributed by Roxanne and Wild Bill Hill Pagani Huayra Roadster it’s pronounced ‘H-wire-ah’, it’s named after a South American wind god called
Huayra Tata. A mid-engined hypercar with a better power-to-weight ratio than a Bugatti Veyron SS with a
60-degree V12 with two turbos chargers and titanium exhaust. A interesting fact about the Huayra is the fact
that it employs four aerodynamic airbrake-type flaps at the corners of the car to maximize downforce and
minimize drag depending on yaw, throttle position, steering angle and braking force.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 24

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 25



Thunder Roads NorCal models – Emiley, Jenna and Betsy pose with Bret Hatt of Hatt’s Motorcycles
during 2019 Easyriders Bike Show Tour in Sacramento. Photo by Rae Lynn Flippo

NEW 2019 H-D MODELS IN STOCK NOW

ONERIDE PRIDE:
‘FINE’
FXR

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 28

This FXR has been meticulously customized by the fine
crew over at Clinton’s Custom Cycles in Lincoln. When
I first laid eyes on it, I could tell right away that for those
of you that have a true love and appreciation for the FXR - this
bike will get your attention. To me, this bike has been set up
with the true original spirit of the FXR still intact, it screams
out performance from every angle. Clinton’s Custom Cycles
is a great choice if your ride needs some pro TLC or you are
itching to make your dream ride a reality.
Article and photos by Stan Hill

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 29

BIKE SPECS

BIKE: 1986 FXR
OWNER: Todd Ballard
ENGINE: 96” S&S Supreme
CASES: Delkron
CAM: S&S 560
HEADS: S&S Oversized valves, Bronze Guides, Crane
Roller Rockers & Titanium Keepers, Manely Springs
PUSHRODS: Jim’s Titanium
LIFTERS: Jim’s Big Axle
OIL PUMP: S&S High Volume
TRANSMITION: 6 Speed Harley Davidson
CLUTCH: Bandit
BRAKES: Performance Machine
EXHAUST: Thunder Header
PAINT: Rick’s Body Shop
SPECIAL THANKS: Mike Clinton,
Bill Holland, Damien Mastagni

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 30

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 31

2019 Easyriders
Bike Show

Tour Winners
(Sacramento)

January 12

ANTIQUE

CARLO LUJAN Auburn 1930 INDIAN 101 SCOUT

OLD SCHOOL - CHOPPER

SAM RAMIREZ San Bernadino 1955 HD PANHEAD

OLD SCHOOL - BOBBER

JAMES TALUS San Francisco 1942 HD FL

MODIFIED STOCK STREET

JACOB DAVIS Shingle Springs 1990 FXR FTP

MODIFIED STOCK BAGGER

BOBBY LANE Sacramento 2007 HD ROAD KING

SPECIALTY CLASS

PHIL CANNON Sacramento 2002 HD CUSTOM

STREET CUSTOM

GINO & DENISE San Leandro 2013 SHOVELHEAD SPECIALCONST
ILACQUA

MODERN CHOPPER

MARC CASPERSON Vallejo 2018 CHOPPER GUYS RIGID

RADICAL CUSTOM
RICHARD JURCHUK - Calgary,Alberta CANADA 2018 HD SOFTAIL

RADICAL BAGGER

GIL MONTEZ San Luis Obispo 1999 HD ROAD KING

CUSTOM SPORTSTER

DENVERS CHOPPERS Reno, NV 2004 CHOPPER

BEST DISPLAY

JR LOZANO Woodland 2003 HD HERITAGE SOFTAIL

BEST PAINT

ALFONSO CASTRO Fairfield 2017 HD ROAD KING

EDITOR’S CHOICE

RON WEBER Fresno 1941 HD FL

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

BOBBY LUNA Sacramento 2003 HD HERITAGE SOFTAIL

JOHN GREEN AWARD

GERALD CASEY Reno, NV 1964 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE

BEST OF SHOW

STACY MCCLEARY Manteca 2018 PANHEAD

Photos contributed by Stan Hill, Taleah Ebey, Rae Lynn Filppo, Bobby G Godwin

Check out our ‘2019 Easyriders Bike Show Tour’

video on at

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 32

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 33

A rchimedes, a Greek mathematician, physicist, There was a man named John, who walked through
inventor, and astronomer from Syracuse, Italy, once the wilderness many years ago, speaking about a coming
said that the shortest distance between two points Messiah. You could say, he chose to take the curved road, for
is a straight line. He died 212 B.C., but his famous quote is the lawmakers expected everyone to walk as they walked,
used by the best scholars and universities in the world. And which was that of sin and corruption. They talked a great
yes, it is true that the shortest distance between two points talk, but didn’t walk the same walk. John didn’t wear fine
is a straight line, but although the shortest, it is really not the garments, but wore clothes that were woven from coarse
most fun. Obviously, Archimedes didn’t ride a motorcycle camel hair and a large leather belt around his waist, and for
and couldn’t appreciate all that the curves and switch-backs food he would eat locusts and wild honey. Bizarre? Yes, but
can do for the soul. For those of us who love to ride, really he was walking where he was called to walk, to bring good
can’t relate to the straight-line theory. Although correct news to a very lost and corrupted time. He was paving the
philosophically, if you were born to ride, you would never fall way for Christ that would soon follow shortly.
for the trap that it’s better to ride the straight line.
Sometimes, when the world is telling you to run straight
As with life, there could also be an argument that although ahead and as fast as you can, your intuition may be nudging
the shortest distance between where you are and where you you to take a turn. You can see the danger, feel the danger,
want to be is a straight line. One would have to argue that or have experienced the danger once before. Thunder Road
although the statement is true, the things you will miss along Church is a place where you can make a turn too. Get on the
the way could be exactly what you were born to see and do. throttle and scrape your pipes over to Thunder Road Church.
Life was made to see, hear, smell, touch, and feel. Life was Run away from the lying, the cheating, and the thieving.
made to LIVE! Sometimes we want to play it safe and get Turn around from the heartaches, the unworthiness, the
on the expressway; but what ends up happening, is that we loneliness, and the sorrow. Make your way over to Thunder
may see something that intrigues us and we find ourselves Road Church! The doors are always open and everyone is
stuck in a straight line with no exit. We may find ourselves welcome!
frustrated, irritable, and angry, thinking we can’t get off. We
have to realize we weren’t all made for the straight-line Mathew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the
philosophy. Some of us want to feel the adrenaline of seeing Judean wilderness and began preaching. His
sparks as we drag foot pegs on a long sweeping left turn or message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to
scraping the rear pipe as we throttle through a winding turn God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (NLT)
towards Downieville, up Hwy 49, here in California.
“Never Ride Alone”

Pastor Johnny Lujan – Thunder Road Church

SKULL-N-BONEZ

MOTORCYCLE

TRANSPORT SERVICE ®

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Breakdowns, Deliveries, Scheduled Appointments, Etc.
Scooters, ATVs, Spyders, Trikes, Side-By-Sides & More
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Call or Text 916-616-4226 SNBMTS.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** MENTION THIS AD TO SAVE 10% OFF ANY SERVICE ***

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 34

At the Siren
Song Tavern

door

Jethro Lee and
Tim Fog Dogs

January 19 (Eureka): Pay It Forward Humboldt held a WarMoth
benefit at the Siren’s Song Tavern in Old Town Eureka, to
aid the victims of the Camp Fire. Thanks to the generosity of
local groups Fog Dogs and UBNC and Jus Brothers Nomads
MC $3925.00 was raised. A special shout out to Dylan Toews
and his lady Stacy for their efforts and the amazing tacos
served. The bands performing were Barn Fire, WarMoth,
Not Ewe, Dirt Magic, The Sturgeons, Wet Spot, Beer and
Bottle and Blackplate.

Article and photos contributed by Tina Oakland / Awesome
Photography

OBJ and Jessica
Aaron and Kelly

Barn Fire

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 35

Half Page Ad 7.25 x 4.375

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 36

EVENT

HELP
WANTED

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 37

BIKER BAND REVUE

tesla’s jeff keith

JEFF KEITH, lead who brings a lot of great input to Tesla as a dual guitar band.
vocals for the multi- We are very fortunate at this stage of our career where
platinum rock band we no longer have to travel any longer than five to
TESLA is currently on seven weeks at a time which allows us to come home to
their SHOCK USA TOUR, connect with our family and share quality time together
promoting their latest and also to regroup as it requires so much and it is not
twelve track album SHOCK as easy as people think to come and go in our livelihood.
produced by Phil Collen Taleah: I understand both you and your wife Vera have a
of Def Leppard. SHOCK heart to help others and host a variety of local charities.
will be available March Could you tell the readers how Ride 4 Reason started?
8th. In October 2018, Jeff Jeff Keith: The Jeff Keith Ride 4 Reason began initially
completed his 8th Annual meeting a good friend named Heidi at the dog park. After
Jeff Keith Ride 4 Reason her informing me, she worked at a foster home facility I
which benefits foster over excitingly expressed my feelings of how cool it would
children in the Sacramento be for me and all of my motorcycle friends to pull up at the
area. foster home and throw some helmets on some kids and
Taleah: Jeff, as lead vocalist for the multi-platinum take them for a Harley ride. This being very unrealistic, my
band Tesla, there is a major amount of info, Google after friend Heidi suggested that we could do something for the
Google page downloads, past interviews separately as kids with our motorcycle friends that wouldn’t be such a high
well as collectively. Tesla and all of the band members liability. Which immediately made me turn to my loving wife
are also listed in Wikipedia. Could you tell Thunder Vera and asked her who is it in our motorcycle family that
Roads readers ‘how the journey began for you?’ could help organize this, which she excitingly said to contact
Jeff Keith: When I auditioned with Frank Hannon and Brian Ryan Fleenor of Higher Purpose Events who is well known
Wheat of City Kidd, it was at the Rock Factory in Sacramento. for putting on these kinds of great events. We contacted
Trish and Katherine Murray from Georgetown, California, Ryan and from day one we knew we could not have done
were friends with Frank Hannon and Brian Wheat and knew our events without him and all of our dedicated volunteers as
of their current singer’s plans of joining another band in well as Thunder Roads NorCal Magazine who have helped
Sacramento without Frank or Brian’s knowledge. So, they set throughout the years. Thank you all so much, and remember
up an audition at the Rock Factory and I passed the audition! “It’s Not What You Got, It’s What You Give!”
Taleah: Was City Kidd (later re-named Tesla) your first
professional band position? For more information and scheduling
Jeff Keith: Yes, the only other band I was singing for was
Troubleshooter which was a band made up of myself, my Website: www.teslatheband.com
brother Brian Keith and two friends from Georgetown playing Press contact: [email protected]
songs from all of our favorite bands.
Taleah: Musically speaking Jeff, what were you introduced Article and photos contributed by Taleah Ebey / T3 Design
to as a child? Studios. Additional photos by Stan Hill
Jeff Keith: I grew up on everything from the Monkees to
the Beatles, to the Rolling Stones to Bad Company, ZZ Top,
Peter Frampton, Aerosmith, AC/DC the list goes on there is
too many to mention them all.
Taleah: Who has inspired you as an adult?
Jeff Keith: Bon Scott and Malcom Young have inspired me
the most. After seeing them at my very first concert in my life
in 1978 on Day on the Green No. 3 at the Oakland Coliseum
which included the lineup of Van Halen, AC/DC, Pat Travers,
Foreigner, and Aerosmith headlining. And yes, I have had
the honor of playing with all of them on stage! Tesla’s
always been a band of brothers - it just turns out that once
we reunited in 2000 with all original members that by 2005 it
was apparent that Tommy Skeoch would be soon leaving the
band. Luckily Frank Hannon found Dave Rude from a My
Space page and to this day he is a very important part of Tesla

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 38

Ladies In Leather: Michelle Lachica

I’ve been riding on motorcycles since I was of time. The riding community is small and I’ve
a little girl. My dad would put me on the back learned that everyone truly has each other’s back.
of his bike and wrap his belt around the both
of us to keep me strapped on. I’ve dated men I’ve always been a bit of an outsider; being alone
who owned motorcycles and I absolutely loved isn’t lonely for me... I enjoy the peace and quiet.
being a passenger until one day I decided that I Riding a motorcycle has taken solitude to a whole
wanted to ride my own. I set a goal to learn before other level! Now I understand what “wind therapy”
I turned 50 and now I can say that I’m leaving means. I’m much more focused on two wheels
my forties behind with a BRAAAP! I signed up than I am in a car. Whether I ride to take in all the
for the Harley-Davidson riding academy, got my sights and sounds to clear my head or to figure
license, drove to the dealership and bought a something out by having a conversation with myself,
2016 Sportster SuperLow 883 with only 29 miles it’s undoubtedly an experience that’s difficult to put
on it. It was delivered to my house and it sat in into words. I can feel the road… every curve, bump,
my garage for weeks before I rode. I was excited and terrified and crevice. During the ride, I can smell the asphalt
at the same time... mostly terrified. The day I finally took it out and exhaust pipes and after the ride, it lingers in my hair and on my
to ride was life-altering. My confidence skyrocketed and I quickly clothes. On one hand, I’m at the mercy of other drivers and on the
became addicted, I couldn’t get enough. I practiced in parking lots other, it’s liberating and empowering. The throttle… the pipes… the
for hours on weekends, rode to work every day during the summer, muscle. Feeling the wind and hearing my pipes recharges me and
and took time off just to go riding. I get nothing done at home ignites my soul. I’m sure other riders can relate but to everyone else,
anymore because I’m out on the streets, starting new adventures it’s a foreign concept. I get it now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
and exploring the back roads with fellow wind sisters and brothers.
I may be a biker but I’m still the same woman who likes to dress
Growing up, I didn’t see any female riders and the first time I did, up and wear heels. I love riding because I can be both feminine and
I remember thinking, “Holy shit, that’s a girl! Hell yeah…that’ll be me badass. Wearing the helmet comes without judgement… nobody
someday.” Hopefully, I can inspire other females to do the same. I rode knows my story behind it and it keeps my thoughts and expressions
solo for months until I searched for other female riders on Facebook private. I don’t do it for the adrenaline rush, it’s about challenging
and found some amazing women through different communities. I myself and overcoming my fears. It’s completely out of my comfort
feel so blessed to have them in my life; they’ve brought nothing but zone and part of my personal journey. I see and feel things differently.
enrichment and insight and have become like family in a short amount It has undeniably changed me for the better.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 39

Vintage F Cabooses
in a Private Park Setting
on the Shore of Clear Lake

Full Breakfast Daily
Private Pier & Boat Launch
In-Room Jacuzzi Tubs
Check Out our Easy Rider Room!
Bike-Friendly - Great For Groups!
2870 Lakeshore Blvd.
Nice, CA 95464
(707) B-R-Guest
(707) 274-8378 www.featherbedrailroad.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 40

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 41

Automotive Romano’s Macaroni Grill Redwood Harley-Davidson® The Leatherworks, Inc.
We Cater / We Deliver 2500 Sixth Street www.LeatherworksInc.com
Rick’s Automotive 5420 Pacific Avenue Eureka, CA 95501 188 Frank West Circle #C
Biker Owned & Operated Stockton, CA 95207 (707) 444-0111
(209) 951-7064 Stockton, CA 95206
3725 Pine Street Reno Harley-Davidson (209) 983-9200
Rocklin, CA 95677 Valencia Club www.RenoHD.com
2162 Taylor Road 2315 Market Street Tomson Leather
(916) 632-8230 Penryn, CA 95663 Reno, NV 89502 Est. 1985
(916) 663-0300 (775) 329-2913
Bars/Restaurants Custom Leather Clothing &
Dealerships Sonoma County Repairs
Bones Roadhouse Harley-Davidson®
Bar & Grub C&E Auburn Indian & www.SonomaCountyHD.com Placerville, California
V-Twin 7601 Redwood Drive Call for appointment
www.bonesroadhousehangtown.com Cotati, CA 94931
4430 Pleasant Valley Road 12015 Shale Ridge (530) 622-2453
Auburn, CA 95602 (707) 793-9180
Placerville, CA 95667 West Coast Leathers
(530) 644-4301 530-885-5556 www.westcoastleathers.com
10021 Wolf Road - SteC-17
Double D Steak Folsom Harley-Davidson® Heating & Air Conditioning
Seafood-Bar-Grill www.folsomhd.com Lake of the Pines, CA 
320 Main Street 115 Woodmere Road A&M Heating and Air 95949
Fortuna, CA 95540 Folsom, CA 95630 Conditioning
(707) 725-3700 (916) 608-9922 (916) 803-6854
www.AMHeatingandAirConditioning.com
Elkhorn Saloon Harley-Davidson 7625 Sunrise Blvd – Ste 208 Lodging & Resorts
www.elkhornsaloon.com of Rocklin Citrus Heights, CA 95610
18398 Old River Road Featherbed Railroad Bed
W. Sacramento, CA 95691 www.RocklinHD.com (916) 747-5654 & Breakfast Resort
(916) 371-BARR (2277) 4401 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677 Insurance www.featherbedrailroad.com
Georgetown 2870 Lakeshore Blvd
Hotel & Saloon (916) 259-2453 CycleInsure Agency Nice, CA 95464
6260 Main Street www.cycleinsure.com (707)274-8378
HistoricGeorgetown,CA 95634 Harley-Davidson® 4201 Sunrise Blvd – Suite B
(530) 333-4428 of Yuba City Fair Oaks, CA 95628 Inn of the Lost Coast
www.innofthelostcoast.com
Green River Brewing www.yubacityhd.com 800-800-0965 /
& Taproom 720 W. Onstott Road 916-200-1000 205 Wave Drive
Yuba City, CA 95991 Shelter Cove, CA 95589
4513 Putah Creek Road Jim Wall Insurance Agency
Winters, CA 95694 (888) 693-4509 Kelly Weber – Owner/Agent 707-986-7521

(530) 441-BEER (2337) Indian Motorcycle of 6045 Hazel Avenue Motorcycle Attorneys
Hollister Orangevale, CA 95662
Kenny’s Bar & Grill Email: [email protected] Jachimowicz Law Group
www.kennysbarandgrill.com www.hollisterpowersports.com 1530 The Alameda – Ste 115
411 San Felipe Rd (916) 989-1915
721 East Street Hollister, CA 95023 San Jose, CA 95126
Woodland, CA 95776 (831) 630-5200 Noble West Insurance (408) 246-5500
Services
(530) 662-3634 Iron Steed Kirbys Law
Harley-Davidson® www.noblewest.net www.KirbysLaw.com
The Omelet House www.ironsteedhd.com (800) 391-1313 California’s Motorcycle
3455 Cherokee Road 100 Auto Center Drive
Vacaville, CA, USA 95687 Leather Goods Lawyers 24/7
Stockton, CA (800) 699-9097
(209) 941-2750 707-455-7000 J&S Surplus
Eagle Iron & Leather Rushford & Bonotto
Road Trip Bar & Grill www.Surplusinc.com Trial Lawyers
www.roadtripbg.com Hwy 1 & North Struve Road
24989 State Hwy 16 Moss Landing, CA 95039 www.rushfordbonotto.com
1010 Hurley Way – Ste 410
Capay, CA 95607 831-724-0588
530-796-3777 Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 565-0590

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 42

BFD Business Sponsorships:
3 months for only $60

(receive monthly magazines for your customers!)

Russ Brown Motorcycle Clinton’s Custom Cycle Humboldt Rack and Pull
Attorneys 555 G Street Performance Cycle Industries
1341 Evergreen Road #1
Brown, Koro & Lincoln, CA 95648 Redway, CA 95560 www.rackandpull.com
Romag, LLP – NorCal (916) 645-0954 (916) 899-1188
www.RussBrown.com (707) 923-7103
2440 Camino Ramon, Suite 385 Custom Design Studios Road Dog Cycle
San Ramon, CA 94583-4383 www.customdesignstudios.com John Jessup’s www.RoadDogCycle.com
56 Hamilton Drive – Suite A DREAM RIDES
(800) 4-BIKERS / www.dreamridesusa.com 4600 Main Street
(800) 424-5377 Novato, CA 94949 2275 N. Wilson Way Denair, CA 95316
(415) 382-6662 Stockton, CA 95205
Motorcycle Detailing (209) 467-4669 (209) 669-7404
Dirtbag Cycles
San Jose Hogwash 155 Nardi Lane – Ste B Miller Built Ride-On-Motorcycles
Motorcycle Detailing Performance Cycles www.Ride-On-Motorcycles.com
www.sanjosehogwash.com Martinez, CA 94553 3293 Saratoga Lane – Ste A
(925) 372-3818 Cameron Park, CA 95682 1416 Sonoma Blvd
P.O. Box 24273 Vallejo, CA 94590
San Jose, CA 95154 HD Performance (530) 672-9141 (707) 647-RIDE(7433)
217 Kenroy Lane – Ste 7
(408) 641-1940 Omega Motorcycle Tattoos
Roseville, CA 95678 www.OmegaCycle.com
Powder Coating (916) 715-9530 Wild Bill
660 Harbor Blvd Tattoo
Performance Powder HK Cycles West Sacramento, CA www.wild-bills.com
Coating & Sandblasting www.hkcycles.com 115 Lincoln Street
95691 Roseville, CA 95678
6326 Main Avenue #4 196 Airway Blvd (916) 372-2206 (916) 783-9090
Orangevale, CA 95662 Livermore, CA 94551
Penngrove Motorcycle Tires
(916) 987-1942 (925) 443-1269 Company
Cal Tire and
Sales / Service / Accessories Horse Power www.penngrovemotorcycleco.com Auto Works
by Gerolamy 9585 Main Street MOTORCYCLES –
Billy’s Motorcycle Shop 4046 Wayside Lane – Ste J CARS – TRUCKS
3233 Elkhorn Blvd. #1 Carmichael, CA 95608 Penngrove, CA 94951 2710 E. Fremont Street
(916) 638-9008 (707) 793-7993 Stockton, CA 95205
North Highlands, CA 95660 916) 485-8288 (209) 465-2805
(916) 332-3023

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 43

Bubba woke up to someone banging hard on his front says “and I’ll give you a tour.” So, after a short time of rowing,
door, louder than the jack-hammering that was going on she soon docks the boat at a small hand built wharf. As the man
in his skull. looks to shore, he nearly falls off the boat. Before him is a long
He’d been to a really good country wedding the night be- stone walk leading to a cabin and tree house. While the woman
fore and had just hit the sack about an hour ago. The clock ties up the rowboat with an expertly woven hemp rope, the man
now said 8 a.m. can only stare
He yanked open the door ready to tear someone a new one ahead, dumb struck. As they walk into the house, she says casu-
and 2 cops stood there. Oh, chit, Bubba thought to himself, ally, “It’s not much, but I call it Home.”
what the hell had he done last night....or this morning? “Please sit down.” “Would you like a drink?”. “No, no thank you,
The older officer, Earl, looked him over and said, ‘Bubba, “ the man blurts out, still dazed. “I can’t take another drop of
where were you between 5 and 6?”. coconut juice.”
Without missing a split second, Bubba casually replied, “Oh, it’s not coconut juice,” she winks, “I have a still. How would
“Kindergarten. Now get off my porch.” you like your Jack Daniels, neat would be the easiest for our situ-
ation,” she laughs.
-------------------------------------------------------------- Trying to hide his continued amazement, the man accepts,
One day a man decides to retire.....he booked himself on a Carib- and they sit down on her handmade couch to exchange their
bean cruise and proceeded to have the time of his life, that is, individual survival stories. the woman announces, “I’m going to
until the ship sank. slip into something more comfortable. Would you like to take
He soon found himself on an island with no other people, no a shower and shave? There’s a razor in the bathroom cabinet
supplies, nothing, only bananas and coconuts. upstairs.”
After about (4) months, he is lying on the beach one day when No longer questioning anything, the man goes upstairs into the
the most gorgeous woman he has ever seen rows up to shore. bathroom. There, in the cabinet is a razor made from a piece
In disbelief, he asks, “Where did you come from? How did you of tortoise bone. Two shells honed to a hollow ground edge are
get here?”. fastened on to its’ end inside a swivel mechanism.
She replies, “I rowed over from the other side of the island where “This woman is amazing,” he muses. “What’s next?”
I landed when my fishing boat sank. “Amazing”, he notes. “You When he goes back downstairs, she greets him wearing noth-
were really lucky to have a row boat wash up with you.” ing but a bandana around her blonde locks and some small
“Oh, this ole thing?” she explains, “I made the boat out of some flowers on tiny vines, each strategically positioned over pri-
raw material I found on the island. The oars were whittled from vate parts and she smelled faintly of jasmine oil. She then
gum tree branches. I wove the bottom from palm tree branches beckons for him to sit down next to her. “Tell me,” she begins
and the sides and stern came from an Eucalyptus tree.” suggestively, sliding closer to him, “We’ve both been out here
“But, where did you get the tools?”. “Oh, that was no problem”, for many months. You must have been lonely also. “When
she replied. “On the south side of the island, a very unusual stra- was the last time you had a truly good ride?”. She stares sol-
tum of alluvial rock is exposed. i found that if I fired it to a certain emnly into his eyes.
temperature in a volcanic vent I found just down island, it melted He can literally not believe what he is hearing.
into ductile iron and I used that to make tools and used the tools “You mean....” he swallows excitedly as tears start to form in his
to make the hardware.” eyes, “You’ve built a Motorcycle?”.
The guy is literally stunned. “Let’s row over to my place,” she

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 44

27, 2019

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 45

marketplace

marketplace

Remember to check for MORE events submitted AFTER print deadline at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com

GOT EVENTS? Submit your events online at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com

MARCH 2019 MARCH 9
40th Anniversary Celebration Meet and Greet
MARCH 2 SACRAMENTO
31th Annual Freeze Your Ass Off Run Presented by Sisters of Scota Womens Motorcycle Club. Harley-
VACAVILLE Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am-2pm. The Sisters of
Presented by ABATE Local 17 of California. Sign in at Miss Scota WMC were founded in 1979! Come join them as they celebrate
Darla’s - 110 Peabody Road. 9:30am. $20 Single / $30 40 years of riding. For more information: Gramps (530) 635-7797
Couple. Join the day of the run and ride for free! Poker Run,
Breakfast before the run. Raffles at the End. (Snow, rain, sleet MARCH 10
or shine) For more information: Glenn Phillips (707) 624- Historic 40th Anniversary Gold Rush Poker Run
6310 / Sal De Renzi (707) 483-7445 STOCKTON
Presented by Port Stockton Motorcycle Club. Sign in at PSMC
MARCH 2 Club Hall – 728 S. Laurel Street. 9am. $30. Famous Gold Rush
Devil Dolls MC 20th Anniversary Poker Run through the beautiful California Mother Lode area.
SAN FRANCISCO All new route, great music and fantastic food at John Jessup’s
Presented by Devil Dolls MC. Located at DNA Lounge - 375 Dream Rides. (Rain Date: March 17th) For more information:
Eleventh St. 1pm-5pm $20 / 21+ Come celebrate with us! (209) 942-3422 / www.portstocktonmc.com
Live music with The Pathogens. For more information:
[email protected] MARCH 10
Diablo Crew Foothills Spring Event
MARCH 3 CLEMENTS
39th Annual Sweetheart Run Presented by Diablo Crew Foothills. Located at Clubhouse
AUBURN 18776 East B Street - behind Old Corner Saloon. 12pm-5pm
Presented by C&E Auburn Indian and V-Twin – 12015 Shale $20 donation. Food - fun – prizes! For more information:
Ridge Lane. Starts at 10am / KSU 12pm -$5 per person/$5 [email protected]
Ride Pins. Join us for a ride to the original end location at PJ’s
Roadhouse in Placerville. All proceeds benefit The Veteran’s MARCH 16
Charity Run. All motorcycles welcome. For more information: St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
(530) 885-5556 / www.auburnvtwin.com. See flyer on Pg 21 MODESTO
Presented by Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson - 500
MARCH 9 N Carpenter Rd. 9am-5pm. Feeling lucky? Test your luck
Skeleton Crew MC 18th Anniversary Event with our Luck of the Irish Spin the Wheel Giveaway!
TRACY Plus, enjoy a delicious corned beef and cabbage lunch.
Presented by Skeleton Crew Motorcycle Club. Mountain Food begins at 11 AM till it’s gone. Don’t miss out on
House Bar - 16784 W Grant Line Rd. your chance at some great prizes and tasty food during
Noon-6pm. Live music and the best biker BBQ, huge raffle our St Paddy’s Day Celebration. For more information:
and a big screen TV as a door prize. [email protected]
\20 + vendors. All bikes welcome. Rain or shine. Come
party with the crew - Great vibes and good times. For more MARCH 16
information: [email protected] 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party
PLACERVILLE
Presented by Boozefighters Motorcycle Club Hangtown. Located
at PJ’s Roadhouse - 5641 Mother Lode Drive. 12pm to 4pm.
$15 single / $25 for two. Live music by The Fryed Brothers,
50/50 raffle and raffle prizes with half-time shenanigans. For
more information: Tramp (650) 834-4412

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE

COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 48


Click to View FlipBook Version