THUNDER ROADS NORCAL - October 2020

INSIDE:

NorCal’s Haunted Hotels, Ghosts
and Paranormal Activity

Article on Pages 10-12





THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal editor’s letter
385 Wales Drive #B
Folsom, CA 95630 T his morning as I stepped outside a little
Office: 530.368.6579 or 530.305.7992 before sunrise to greet the day, the air had
Fax: 530-831-4758 a different feel to it. After a scorcher of
Email: [email protected] a summer, the temperature had dropped down
Website: www.thunderroadsnorcal.com to around 60 degrees and by all accounts it felt
refreshingly crisp out - despite the lingering smoke
Northern California from the fires. I thought to myself that it feels like
State Editors / Owners the beginning of fall. It’s our favorite season, not
too hot and not too cold either. It makes for some
Stan & Terri Hill spectacular riding. Toss in a twisty mountain
pass with the fall colors and that puts me right in
On The Cover: my happy place. Since there are no events on
the schedule, now is a perfect time to get out and
Preston Castle in Ione – Photo contributed by Rich Hoffman explore all those roads you have wanted to ride or
Photography. Article on Pages 10-12 ride again. No need to feel all cooped up hiding
at home, get out and get some adventure! It will
Art Director/Layout & Design be good for your mind and soul.
Meredith Hancock – Hancock Media
On another note, with Halloween quickly
Contributing Writers approaching I find myself in a bit of a quandary.
Previous years have taught us just about how
Ride Destination much candy we will need so that we do not run
Chuck & Cindy Loseth out before the kids are done trick or treating. But
this year we have no idea of what to do. Will we
Thunder Road Biker Church have any trick or treaters? I have to think we will.
Pastor Johnny Lujan But how many? Usually our neighborhood is quite
busy so we have to be prepared. But neither Terri
On The Road nor I are big candy eaters, so having a bunch
Roxanne & Wild Bill Hill leftover candy does not sound like a good option.
These are the silly things we have to worry about
Biker Band Revue in this screwed up year. AHHHHH to hell with it,
Taleah Ebey / T3 Design Studios we will deal with that the day before Halloween, I
am going for a ride!
Road Trippin’
Gary & Mary Hoffman See yaaaa.

Open Road Toon RIDE FREE
Don ‘Thunder’ Baggett
RIDE OFTEN
If You Can See What I Can See …
You Might Be Riding on the Back of a Harley

Cyndee Reed Van Hooser

Rich “Foot” & Jennifer “Sunshine” Elkins
Russell “Raz” Holder

Frank Medicine Wolf Springer

Contributing Photographers
Billie Wilson / Billie The Kid Photography

Dan Rogers
Nadia Parham

Advertising Sales / Social Media / Website
Stan Hill (530) 368-6579
Terri Hill (530) 305-7992

National Founders Stan & Terri Hill
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon Owners/Editors
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,
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Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 2

contents

ROAD TRIPPIN’ IONE
NORCAL’S HAUNTED HOTELS,
GHOSTS AND PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

10

RIDE PRIDE: DON’T
MIDNIGHT MOTORS MISS IT!

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Ride Destination.........................................................6 To: THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal
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Calendar...................................................................18
Gimmie A Break: A RX Ride for Sanity.....................24 Now accepting credit cards – Call 530.305.7992
Biker Friendly Directory............................................28
Russ Brown BLOG...................................................29 NAME____________________________________________________________
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Open Road Toon......................................................31 CITY_______________________________ST___________ZIP______________
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Events......................................................................34
Thank You To Our Sponsors.....................................37 Make check payable to Thunder Roads Of Northern California

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 3

Here it is October and I’m still messing with weeds. name a few of them in our lives. They seem to suck the
Why is it that you can consistently water your grass life right out of you before you even have a chance to get a
and it may still turn brown and or die, but when it glimpse of sunshine. Watch out for these kinds of weeds for
comes to weeds, even when you don’t water them, they they are the most dangerous. We tend to feel sorry for these
continue to grow? It is a question that has baffled every poor little weeds, but if we let them alone in our garden, they
homeowner and even the greatest of landscapers for will soon strangle us to failure, or we join up with them in
hundreds of years. I guess that’s one of the questions I will their little doom and gloom world. Watch Yourself!
be asking God when I get there. Why didn’t you make it the
other way around? Why can’t my lawn be green and weed My friends, Life was made to be lived abundantly, joyously,
free without caring for it and even if my weeds got saturated happily and gratefully. First put good thoughts in to your head.
with water they would die before they even came up. I guess We all have something we can be grateful for, although it
we’ll never know. One thing I do know, when it comes to our can be hard at times. Believe me, I have had some hard
lives, it’s pretty much the same. times, but looking back I always found something I could be
grateful for. It helps to physically make a list - as this gets a
Unless we take care of our hearts and make sure they pen in hand and our thoughts on paper. Second, surround
are watered daily with good thoughts, good people, and yourself will good, positive upbeat people; with people taking
good prayer, it will eventually start to shrivel up and die. And action in their lives. They’re taking the necessary steps to do
unless we battle the upcoming weeds in our lives, they will more and become more. When you’re around these types of
eventually take over, stagnate and strangle our growth. A lot people, you can’t help but to become positive, motivated and
of times the weeds don’t look so bad at all. They come up move forward yourself. And third, don’t forget to pray more. I
green, have pretty little leaves and a lot of times even bear know it sounds cliché, but there isn’t anything more powerful
a pretty little flower - only to fool us into not pulling them out. and positive than prayer. And when the prayer is answered,
Before you know it, these little weeds have taken over the “Watch Out” because you just might tell someone how it all
lawn, the garden and our entire world. What are these little happened. Happy Fall Season -
weeds? They are the naysayers in your life that tell you
you’re crazy for going after your dream. These are the folks 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Don’t be fooled by those that say such
that hold you back from accomplishing the desires of your things, for bad company corrupts good character.” (NLT)
heart; those that tempt you when you are battling for your life
in recovery, or even trying to save your marriage. They are “Never Ride Alone”
so miserable themselves; they can’t stand failing alone, so
they latch upon you like a leech, sucking the happiness and Pastor Johnny Lujan
opportunity right out of your sail.

There are also more weeds that appear in your life that are
just miserable all the time and they don’t even appear with
little green leaves or pretty little flowers. These are the folks
that are ungrateful about everything. Have pessimistic views
about life, the world and maybe even you. Some call them
Debbie downers or Pessimistic Paul’s, but no matter what
you call them, they are always down. I’m sure we could

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 4



RIDE DESTINATION:

Foresthill - Iowa Hill - Colfax

Things have been pretty busy around our household
lately, but that does not keep us from getting our fill
of riding. One short trip we took was up to the fine
little town of Foresthill. After cooking up a quick itinerary,
we loaded up the bike, headed up I80 to Foresthill Road,
crossed over the bridge and had a blast on those great
benders that roll you into town.

Our first order of business was lunch. After a quick stop
at Worton’s Market for some groceries, we then putted up
the street a bit to Brew Masters Deli. If you haven’t had one
of their deli sandwiches with the “comeback” sauce, you’ve
missed a real treat. Hey, we keep coming back! We even

Inside Brew
Masters Deli

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 6

Iowa Hill Road asked them if they sell it. Nope! So, after some eats and
a brew or two, we crossed the street and checked out our
Bear On Our Porch little bungalow over at The Miner’s Camp. We would lay our
heads there for the night. Our room was clean, neat and
comfortable. Plenty of rooms, a BBQ area out back and a
roaring fire pit that will light up the night are just a few of the
amenities. (www.foresthillminerscamp.com)

That evening there happened to be a graduation party
over at Brew Masters. We enjoyed sitting on our front
porch watching the kids have a fun time. Since graduation
ceremonies were cancelled this year, the high school had
a drive-thru ceremony. Kids were in their caps and gowns
riding in the back of trucks and cars down Main Street. It
appeared that the whole town was there to cheer them on.

Up early the next morning, we made our way to Iowa Hill
Road. This route winds its way down to Colfax after passing
by the Sugar Pine Reservoir. A beautiful tight two-laner runs
you over to the reservoir, where you’ll find a great looking
lake tucked into a small valley.

We hung out a bit at the easy access boat ramp. There
is a kayak rental station right there also. Next time we’re
through there, we’re going to have to take a little float. From
the lake, the road turns to a no center lane affair. Still very
woodsy with a smooth track underneath.

In a short while, you’ll come to the Iowa Hill Store. Some
friendly folks were in the process of re-stocking the place.
They were the new owners and were gracious enough to
offer us some refreshing water on a hot morning. They had
just finished serving the local community. The food bank is
on their property. If you’re ever through there, bring some
canned food along for the food bank.

Now, the fun begins. From the store to Colfax, the road
climbs and drops, runs along some treacherous looming

CONTINUED...

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 7

Bikes At
Grandfathers

Breakfast

Rock On Main St.

cliffs. Zowie! You’ll also be challenged by more than a few
very tight switchbacks. A couple of them are upshots where
you can’t see up the road very far, so take them wide. This
is a tough, but amazing section of asphalt. The one bummer
was that we couldn’t take any pictures. The fires had filled
the whole area with smoke and visibility was virtually nil.

Well, we made it to Colfax Whew! And we also made it
in time for the Grandfather’s MC monthly breakfast. There
was an exceptionally large turnout. Bikes and bikers galore!
Come join the Grandfather’s on the first Saturday of every
month for a good breakfast and camaraderie. You could
always ride to Iowa Hill and back while you’re there. Ha!

Article and photos contributed by Christmas Art Foresthill
Chuck and Cindy Loseth Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 8

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 9

ON THE ROAD

ROAD TRIPPIN: IoneTRROIPAPIDN’
NorCal’s Haunted Hotels, Ghosts and Paranormal Activity

Preston Castle in Ione

In our search for haunted places in
Northern California, we didn’t have
to look very far.  Our motorcycle
adventure took us to Ione, located in
the heart of Gold Country and about
45 minutes outside of Sacramento. This
area is known for having great two lane
country roads, locally and in surrounding
counties, just perfect for riding. We set
our sights, for this trip, on The Preston
Castle and Ione Hotel, both known to be
haunted. 

If you’ve ever ridden the back roads
near Ione, California, then you’ve
probably gotten a glimpse of the Preston
Castle. This red brick Romanesque
architectural wonder was built as a
reform school to rehabilitate rather than
imprison juvenile offenders. Opened in
1894, at its peak, the school had 800

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 10

wards and 200 staff. Long known to be haunted, there have
been many paranormal TV shows that have filmed at The
Preston Castle, luring the ghostly inhabitants to interact and
make their presence known to this world. Check out Ghost
Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Asylum, and The Lowe
Files to see what paranormal experiences they encountered! 

Preston Castle is currently closed to the public due to
Covid-19, but we gained special access to the castle,
courtesy of Rich Hoffman, local photographer and President
of the Amador County Chamber of Commerce. Rich is quite
familiar with the castle, as his father worked at Preston
Castle for over 30 years! 

As we excitedly rode up on the Harley to the Preston
grounds, we were met by Jamie Armstrong, Rich’s colleague
at the Chamber of Commerce and Secretary of the Preston
Castle Foundation (www.prestoncastle.org) Jamie gave us
a personal tour inside and walked us through several of the
rooms, explaining in great detail the history and artifacts.
One of the more fascinating bits of information she shared,
was that the Preston boys shoes had an arrow design carved
in the bottom of the leather sole, so if they tried to escape,
the Preston staff could follow the arrow designs in the ground
and find them! 

Throughout the history of Preston Castle, some of the more
notable names you might recognize as wards are Country
music legend Merle Haggard, Pancho Gonzales, who honed
his outstanding tennis skills at Preston Castle, as well as,
Rory Calhoun, who starred in numerous Westerns in the 50’s
and 60’s. 

Having the ability to sense spirits and having personally
experienced paranormal activity, I was thankful that I didn’t
feel any negative energy in the Castle, on this trip, contrary
to the many stories detailing the deaths and murders at the
castle. I felt like I was transported back in time and standing
in their world for a moment. While standing in the hallway, I
could feel “movement’ going by and quick bursts of cold air,
it literally felt like small children running past me.  I wasn’t
scared, just open to whomever might decide to reach out. I
cannot wait until they are open again for their official tours,
I’llzbe first in line!

Our next ghostly adventure took us to the Ione Hotel
(www.ionehotel.com) known for its own share of paranormal
activity.  Upon entering the hotel lobby, decorated in a
Victorian era style, the spirits were ready for our arrival. We
were alone in the lobby, or so we thought, when I caught a
strange gentleman peeking around the door at me. I turned
to my husband to tell him and when I turned back around the
ghostly man was gone! Strange?

Ione Hotel Well We turned our attention to dinner at Burke’s Restaurant,
located inside the hotel. I mentioned the man we had
just encountered, to our waitress Megan, who is also the
restaurant manager. Turns out the apparition I saw was
George, a well known spirit, according to Megan. George
was a local fixture at the bars in Ione, lived and died at the
hotel and apparently has never checked out! Ask for Room
13, yes, Room 13, if you’d like a chance to meet George

continued ...

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 11

for yourself! Apparently, he has told
guests in that room to “Get out!” in
a deep, gravelly voice, since this is
his room. 

In addition to George, Megan let us
know about strange things that have
happened to her - when closing up
at night, she’s had “someone” tug at
her strings on her apron and she’s
seen a woman walk past her through
the dining room, right towards the
wall and there’s no one there. She
shared that one of the servers had
brought her toddler to work, along
with his duck pull toy and they could
hear the pull toy moving back and
forth in the other room, where her
son had left it! She also shared that
she and this same server were in
the bathroom, washing their hands,
when the faucet turned on by itself.
Now, to add to the mystery at The
Ione Hotel, there’s a capped well
in the dining room. It has a plastic
cover and metal bars over the top of
it, but it was still kind of creepy and
wells are known to be portals to the
other side, so this may help explain
some of the paranormal activity. 
Happy haunting!

If you’re intrigued by ghosts and
things that go bump in the night, as
well as, good country road riding,
then Ione is worth the ride!   For
more information about The Preston
Castle, check them out at http://www.
prestoncastle.org and the Ione Hotel
can be found at http://www.ionehotel.
com
Article and photos contributed by
Mary & Gary Hoffman.
Additional photos contributed by Rich
Hoffman Photography via Facebook
Rich Hoffman Gallery

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 12

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 13

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

(530) 557-9410
10021 Wolf Road - SteC-17 Lake of the Pines, CA 95949

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 14

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 15

If You Can See What I Can See …Fire along the Highway
You Might Be Riding on the Back of a Harley

The California’s Wildfires

Californians are struggling with poor air quality as ash particles? A full helmet or wearing a face cover can help. I
and debris rains down on the state. We are some always wear a bandana as a face covering when we are riding.
of the lucky ones who have not experienced tragedy It is important to recognize that not everyone who is exposed to
from the wildfires. We try to stay inside as much as smoke from wildfires will experience health effects.
possible, yet we still have a great desire to get on the bike and
ride. We ride all over the hills and flatlands of Northern California, If you are looking for ride ideas during the fire season, first
often on roads that are in towns affected by the wildfires. Sadly you might want to check to see that visitors are welcome
some of the local areas where we ride are currently on fire, and the area is not battling a fire. Earlier this month we took
have burned or are under evacuation. Since wildfire smoke has a weekend trip to Graeagle with a few members of Sierra
infiltrated our neighborhood, we are searching for places to ride Thunder HOG. It is a beautiful town, surrounded by blue
that will take us out of the smoke. skies and tall trees. We stayed at a very charming place, the
River Pines Resort. As we were leaving on Sunday morning,
The state of California has been keeping record of wildfires we could see a fire in the nearby hills. We were pleased it
in the state, for more than 100 years. Covering more than 3.1 was not moving the same way we were riding home. We
million acres burned, 7,694 wildfires have been recorded in later learned this was the Claremont Fire.
2020, and the year isn’t even over. The 10 largest California
wildfires ever, have been recorded in the last 20 years. There Two weeks later, the staff at River Pines Resort called their
are multiple reasons that cause the fires and why they are registered guests to advise them on fire conditions in the area.
difficult to contain. Not always, but most often, fires are caused The Claremont Fire had merged with the North Complex Fire
by the actions of humans, whether accidental or not. Every time and was only 9 miles from the motel. Due to extreme smoke,
firefighters have fought a fire successfully, vegetation is saved. the air quality conditions were unhealthy. They explained
Containment is often difficult because fire spreads in those that rooms were needed for local evacuees, Firefighters,
areas that have more plants and trees available to burn. and U.S. Forest Service crews. Their parking lot was full with
fire and water trucks, plus a nearby field was being used
California has record breaking heat waves. There is a for helicopter landings. The Helibase was used to service
connection between catastrophic fires and high temperature 4 helicopters working the fire. There were minimal services
weather. Higher heat causes vegetation to dry out and is available in town to assist tourists and recommendations
easier to burn, acting as kindling for fire. Dry hot winds were that roads should be used for essential travel only.
quickly spread fire and embers. This has been a difficult year They gave the guests an option to cancel and thanked them
for fighting wildfires. for understanding the circumstances.

There is also the cause and effect situation. Fire is the cause Another thing you might want to research before you plan

and smoke is an effect. Wildfire smoke doesn’t always stay a ride during fire season is to look up the Air Quality Index,

where the fire is. It drifts to nearby cities and towns, where it online at IQAir.com. Just insert the name of the towns you are

often lingers for many weeks. The smoke is often unhealthy inquiring about. This site will give you an up to date report on

to breathe, and more dangerous for some than others. The the quality of the air, the pollution level and the main pollutant.

primary threat comes from particles in the air that irritate the We often see fires while on our summer rides. Some are
respiratory tract. How do we protect ourselves from those field fires that are extinguished quickly and others turn out

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 16

Cal Fire in the sky Clearlake

Newcastle Sierra
Thunder @
to be tragic wildfires. Someone points out the black smoke River Pines
and we keep an eye on it. Sometimes our route has taken
us right up to a roadblock where the CHP has sent us on Graeagle
a detoured route. I recall one day we were heading home
and I saw a fire growing in the hills. We thought we were
relatively far from it. As we were riding through Cache Creek
Canyon, the wind picked up force, the smoke became thick
and we could feel intense heat in the air. The heat seemed to
bounce off the canyon walls and the air felt as though it was
pushed down into the canyon. It felt like the fire must be right
behind us, but it wasn’t. I just kept praying that we would get
out of that canyon before the fire caught us. Later we saw on
the news that the canyon was burning.

During the fire season, plan ahead before you go out on a
ride. If there is a fire where you are riding a motorcycle, don’t get
stuck with your only option being the choice to ride through the
fire. The heat is too hot, smoke is too thick, it’s hard to breathe
and visibility is near zero. If you see Curt & I on the road, come
ride with us. All rides take us somewhere …

Article and photos contributed by
Cyndee Reed Van Hooser

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 17

PHOTO BY KEVIN BOLING

WE WANT YOUR BIKE! TRADE IN OR CASH OUT!

When I look at this bike by award-winning custom builder Stacy’s Garage out of Manteca,
California - it just screams attention to detail. If you give this ride a close look, it has that
reminiscent appearance to the days of board track racing. You can see that every square
inch of this motorcycle has been fabricated with thoughtful attention to the end result. This
is just Stacy’s way of doing things. Every part, every nut and bolt, this machine is impeccably
finished and polished with the utmost attention and care that comes from a builder that is truly
passionate about his craft. Congratulations Stacy for building such a beautiful motorcycle and
thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Article and photos by Stan Hill

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 20

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 21

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 22

BIKE SPECS

BIKE: 2015 Road King BACK WHEEL: Drag Specialties Spoke BLINKERS: Nasty Hog
BUILDER: Joe Manzano - Midnight Motors BRAKES: Performance Machine Paramount Rotors FRONT FENDER: Bad Dad 21” Mo FL
OWNER: Donne Peltzer with Brembo Calipers BACK FENDER: Nasty Hog CVO style stretched
ENGINE: HD 103 High output BARS: 19” LA Choppers Twin Peaks, Gloss Black GAS TANK: PM Gas cap, Gage and
AIRCLEANER: Arlen Ness Monster Sucker HAND CONTROLS: Arlen Ness Contrast Levers Covingtons Dash Panel
PIPES: Freedom Performance Turnout GRIPS: Avon Black Contour SADDLE BAGS: Nasty Hog 4.5” Stretched Bags
PRIMARY: Flat Black with Nasty Baggers Panty MIRRORS: Arlen Ness Rad 3 SEAT: Drag Predator
Dropper derby cover FLOORBOARDS: Souixicide Choppers Knuckle Boards POWDERCOATER: Advanced Performance, Auburn
TRANSMISSION: Flat Black 6 speed FOOT CONTROLS: PM Contour brake pedal with PAINT: Both Gloss and Flat Black
FORKS: Stock HD Gloss Black matching shift arm and custom Knuckle shift linkage
REAR SUSPENSION: Legend Air-A FL Air Ride HEADLIGHT: 7” Custom Dynamics Probeam Article and photos by Stan Hill
FRONT WHEEL: Hard Drive 60 spoke chrome TAIL LIGHT: Nasty Hog smoked tail light

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 23

Gimmie A Break: A Rx Ride for Sanity

G immie a break, gimmie a break… gimmie a break - from all of Omo Ranch Road is an 18 mile gallop through El Dorado County
the distractions that have spun our world upside down in this with wineries and ranches at the lower 2100’ elevations, whereas you
COVID era! So for me, I decided a getaway Labor Day ride continually climb up the mountain, Pines gradually replace the vines
was the order of the day and mounted my two wheel steed and the Oak trees. Once in the thick Pine Forests, you find yourself
and charted a path through the gold foothills straight up the engulfed by the aromas of the intoxicatingly refreshing pine trees,
mountain grade to the Caples Lake. despite the current smoke filled air from the fires down in Fresno!
Motoring along this sparsely populated two lane (sometimes single
However, before I took on this challenge, sustenance would be lane) byway makes for the perfect recipe for introspection where it’s
required. With a full tank of fuel, I headed over to the quaint Ione Café just you, the road, your trusty motorcycle and maybe a few passing
in Ione. Because of COVID, seating is only available outdoors on their cars. I think I may have seen no more than a half dozen vehicles
back patio to comply with state orders for outdoor eating, but what’s a along this lesser known path to the Sierras. This is my favorite kind of
hungry biker to do. This tiny café is a no frills, just plain old down home riding-technical with few distractions!
cooking by the friendly Greek family who runs the café. My morning
selection was their Country Special- a homemade biscuit smothered Once you reach Highway 88, it’s head East through some
in gravy, 2 eggs the way I like em, hash browns and bacon. I give it spectacular mountain vistas as the elevation keeps rising while
4 stars because for $8.95, it’s well worth the price of admission! This enjoying the benefits of falling temps down into the 80’s-a contrast
café also serves as a meeting point for many motorcyclists who are to the high 90’s from where I started earlier in the day. Barreling
heading up to Highway 49 and points beyond. along, Bert Lund Memorial Overlook, straddling El Dorado and
Amador Counties, is the first turnout that catches my attention. It’s
Now with my breadbasket full, it was time to head for the hills. a moment to catch your breath while standing at natures temple
Shifting gears up Highway 124 East, I turn right on Highway surveying Bear Reservoir on your far right and staring up at the
49 to Plymouth. From there I traversed East up Shenandoah granite face mountains draped directly before you at this 6800’
Rd and merged right on Fiddletown Rd to Fiddletown where I elevation stop. Jaw dropping!
turn left to get to Ostrom Rd., the cutoff that links back up on
Shenandoah Rd to avoid all the wine tasters. From there it’s a As I continue eastward towards my final destination, I was taken
right turn towards Mt Aukum. Once past Mt. Aukum, you hang a aback by the many resorts along this passage; I never noticed
right on Omo Ranch Road and head in a Southeasterly direction them that much before when riding two up with the wife. Coming
towards Highway 88. down the steep grade on the Carson Pass Highway, I spotted a

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 24

monument plaque and quickly pulled the reins on my Ultra for a Fortunately, there are many passing lanes so you won’t be stuck
quick look. The plaque was a tribute to the Mormons who blazed behind dawdling cages for any great distance, or you pass em
these trails over the passes during the mid 1800’s. What lay when the opportunity arose!
beyond the plaque were stunning views of Silver Lake and the
100+ year old Plasse Resort down below in the valley. I had one last stop in mind heading down the peak, and that
was to catch a bite of grub before ending my adventurous jaunt.
As I scampered on down the hill past Silver Lake, I took a quick While zigging and zagging down the grade with Freebird blasting
detour into the Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort. I thought I’d check away inside my helmet, a historic little roadside BBQ place caught
it out because I hadn’t been there since the 90’s (when I used to my attention. There it was, the iconic biker stop- Ham’s Station in
ski) and was curious what had changed. It was interesting to see Pioneer. I grabbed my brakes and made a quick stop! The roadside
that while all the lifts were sitting idle, the resort was still a vibrant BBQ drew me like a moth to flames and the lunch didn’t disappoint.
vacation summer spot full of condos attracting hikers, mountain
bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Ham’s Station, a former trading post in 1855, is now an iconic
biker stop known for its rustic bar (during non-COVID times) and
Enough site seeing and too many people, it was back onto Hwy great BBQ food. The owners, Gary and Nancy Gladen restored the
88 heading East to what would be my final stop at Caples Lake historic restaurant-bar back in 2018. On my visit, their daughter
Resort. This quaint spot is situated at the 7806 foot elevation of Jodie and husband Derik Reed along with their kids were dishing
the Sierra Nevadas-a picturesque lake (frozen in the winter, I’m up the tasty BBQ this day. My choice –the Wilderness BBQ
told) surrounded by towering granite mountains, some with snow cheeseburger with 2 side fixins, a Corn on the cob and authentic
still lingering from the past winter. What places I won’t ride for a BBQ beans! 5 star out of 5 for me. Like the Ione Café, Ham’s
Kit Kat bar! could only offer outdoor eating but that was the best part. My seat
had me perched on a stool that looked out at the Sierra Mountain
This cool little spot is a great place to just chill and relax range. Why sit inside anyway?
to soak up life. For me it was an instant Zen. Watching the
small craft boaters navigate the lake while anglers cast their It was the perfect place to cap off my 150 mile sanity trip before
lines in hopes of landing that perfect rainbow trout- now that’s descending back into the gates of “hell” where the 111 temps
relaxation. But like all great things, this moment would have to welcomed me back with open arms … along with an idiotic driver
come to an end as the late afternoon sun reminds me I better who felt compelled to wash their windshield not once, but twice
backtrack to the sweltering locale from whence I came. while I was following behind. For the record, washer fluid doesn’t
taste good nor does it cool you off! So after the second spraying,
The one good thing about the reverse ride West on Highway I abruptly passed the inconsiderate cager and offered a one gun
88 is that once you crest the Carson Pass grade, it’s basically salute along with some profane language, thus restoring the Zen
downhill riding all the way back to Ione. There are more vistas that I accomplished earlier in the day.
that will catch your eye as you descend down the 8000’ summit
but best keep your eyes on the twisty road and crossing critters. Article and photos contributed by Gary Hoffman

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 25

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 26

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Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 27

Automotive Indian Motorcycle of Hollister West Coast Leathers Clinton’s Custom Cycle
www.HollisterPowersports.com www.westcoastleathers.com 555 G Street
Rick’s Automotive 10021 Wolf Road - SteC-17
Biker Owned & Operated 411 San Felipe Road Lake of the Pines, CA  95949 Lincoln, CA 95648
Hollister, CA 95023 (916) 645-0954
3725 Pine Street (530) 557-9410
Rocklin, CA 95677 (831) 630-5200 Fast Lane Motorcycle
Lodging & Resorts 19730 Wayne Lane
(916) 632-8230 Sonoma County Featherbed Railroad Bed &
Harley-Davidson® Cottonwood, CA 96022
Bars/Restaurants www.SonomaCountyHD.com Breakfast Resort (530) 347-7111
7601 Redwood Drive www.featherbedrailroad.com Humboldt
Bones Roadhouse Cotati, CA 94931
Bar & Grub 2870 Lakeshore Blvd Performance Cycle
(707) 793-9180 Nice, CA 95464 1341 Evergreen Road #1
www.bonesroadhousehangtown.com (707)274-8378
4430 Pleasant Valley Road Heating & Air Conditioning Redway, CA 95560
Motorcycle Attorneys (707) 923-7103
Placerville, CA 95667 A&M Heating and Air Jachimowicz Law Group John Jessup’s
(530) 644-4301 Conditioning 1530 The Alameda – Ste 115 DREAM RIDES

Double D Steak www.AMHeatingandAirConditioning.com San Jose, CA 95126 www.dreamridesusa.com
Seafood-Bar-Grill 7625 Sunrise Blvd – Ste 208 (408) 246-5500 2275 N. Wilson Way
320 Main Street Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Stockton, CA 95205
Fortuna, CA 95540 Gurnee Mason Rushford Bonotto (209) 467-4669
(707) 725-3700 (916) 747-5654 & Forestiere Trial Lawyers Midnight Motors
Gurneelaw.com 11848 Atwood Road
The Junction Insurance 2240 Douglas Blvd Ste 150 Auburn, CA 95603
47300 Mines Road Roseville, CA 95661 (916) 223-1776
Livermore, CA 94550 Allstate Insurance (916) 797-3100 Miller Built
Julie Domenick – Agent#0712097 Russ Brown Motorcycle Performance Cycles
(925) 344-9780 Attorneys
3175 Sunset Blvd – Ste 108 Brown, Koro & 3293 Saratoga Lane – Ste A
Kenny’s Bar & Grill Rocklin, CA 95677 Romag, LLP – NorCal Cameron Park, CA 95682
721 East Street (916) 624-8006 www.RussBrown.com
2440 Camino Ramon, Suite 385 (530) 672-9141
Woodland, CA 95776 CycleInsure Agency San Ramon, CA 94583-4383 Omega Motorcycle
(530) 662-3634 www.cycleinsure.com (800) 4-BIKERS / www.OmegaCycle.com
4201 Sunrise Blvd – Suite B (800) 424-5377
Road Trip Bar & Grill Fair Oaks, CA 95628 660 Harbor Blvd
www.roadtripbg.com Motorcycle Detailing West Sacramento, CA 95691
24989 State Hwy 16 800-800-0965 / San Jose Hogwash Motorcycle
916-200-1000 (916) 372-2206
Capay, CA 95607 Detailing Penngrove Motorcycle Company
530-796-3777 Farmers Insurance - Cory Ellerbee www.sanjosehogwash.com
Lic#4044294 www.penngrovemotorcycleco.com
Dealerships P.O. Box 24273 9585 Main Street
2499 Martin Rd – Ste A San Jose, CA 95154
C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin Fairfield, CA 94534 Penngrove, CA 94951
12015 Shale Ridge (408) 641-1940 (707) 793-7993
Auburn, CA 95602 (707) 419-5787 / (707) 690-8321 Road Dog Cycle
530-885-5556 Motorcycle Paint
Jim Wall Insurance Agency Sinners and Winners www.RoadDogCycle.com
Folsom Harley-Davidson® Kelly Weber – Owner/Agent www.SinnersandWinners.com 4600 Main Street
www.folsomhd.com 13300 Horseshoe Road Denair, CA 95316
115 Woodmere Road 6045 Hazel Avenue Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 669-7404
Folsom, CA 95630 Orangevale, CA 95662
(916) 608-9922 Email: [email protected] (209) 847-2998 Ride-On-Motorcycles
www.Ride-On-Motorcycles.com
Harley-Davidson of Sacramento (916) 989-1915 Powder Coating
www.hdsac.com Performance Powder Coating & 1416 Sonoma Blvd
1000 Arden Way Noble West Insurance Services Vallejo, CA 94590
www.noblewest.net Sandblasting (707) 647-RIDE(7433)
Sacramento, CA 95815 (800) 391-1313 6326 Main Avenue #4
(916) 929-4680 Orangevale, CA 95662 Tattoos
Leather Goods Wild Bill Tattoo
Harley-Davidson (916) 987-1942 www.wild-bills.com
of Rocklin The Leatherworks, Inc. 115 Lincoln Street
www.LeatherworksInc.com Sales / Service /Accessories Roseville, CA 95678
www.RocklinHD.com 188 Frank West Circle #C Billy’s Motorcycle Shop (916) 783-909
4401 Granite Drive
Rocklin, CA 95677 Stockton, CA 95206 3233 Elkhorn Blvd. #1 Tires
(209) 983-9200 North Highlands, CA 95660 Cal Tire and
(916) 259-2453 Auto Works
Tomson Leather (916) 332-3023 MOTORCYCLES –
Est. 1985 CARS – TRUCKS
2710 E. Fremont Street
Custom Leather Clothing, Stockton, CA 95205
Alterations & Repairs (209) 465-2805
Placerville, California
Call for appointment
(530) 622-2453

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 28

Effie and Avis Hotchkiss:
Mother Daughter

Team Cross Country
Together In 1915

Provided by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
By David Weathers

1915 none of it seemed
was a year of firsts. The first to deter her in the
slightest, although
Charlie Chaplin movie was Avis might not quite
have shared her
released in theaters, the first daughter’s resolute
confidence in the
tank was built for use in the first situation.

World War, and motorcycling When they

saw the first transcontinental reached California,

drive across the United States Effie dipped her

of America by a woman when Hotchkiss Pacific Ocean front tire into the

twenty-six-year-old Effie water and poured

Hotchkiss drove from her native out a jar of Atlantic

New York to San Francisco and ocean water that

back again with her mother, Hotchkiss Salt Lake City she’d carried for
Avis, riding along in a sturdy
the occasion, as it
sidecar. In an era of rigid gender
was custom at the
expectations, Effie found herself
time for the rare
fed up with a dull clerical job
travelers to make it
and determined to prove that
from coast to coast
a woman was just as capable
to join the waters
as a man. Avis was, in many
of the two oceans
ways, the complete opposite of
together. Effie and
her daughter. Where Effie was
Avis then drove
brash and adventurous, Avis
up along the coast
was a gentle homebody, but
from Los Angeles
she insisted on joining Effie to
to San Francisco and were received by a raucous crowd at the
keep an eye on her, hoping that
Harley-Davidson dealership in the city as fans gathered to see the
her presence and added weight
history-making women and the vehicle that had carried them so
would be enough to slow down
far. After taking in the sights, Effie mounted her motorcycle and
her notorious speed demon of a
Avis got comfortable in her sidecar to do the whole trip over again
daughter. And so, one of the oddest pairs in motorcycle history was
in reverse, driving back across the blazing deserts, endless plains,
born.
and unfinished roads to return home.

They set out in May from their home in Brooklyn. Effie drove Once back in New York, while Avis was relieved to be off the
a Harley-Davidson that she’d bought specifically for the trip using road, Effie found herself unable to settle back into her former job
money inherited from her recently deceased father, whom Avis had and life, feeling wistful for the freedom and openness of the West.
divorced many years before. They charted a course through the She began a correspondence with an admirer she’d met on the
center of the country, averaging 150 miles a day as they passed journey, a man named Guy Johnston. The smitten young man
through Chicago, St. Louis, Santa Fe and the Grand Canyon on eventually journeyed to New York to meet her, and they were shortly
their way to Los Angeles. The journey was a rough one, because married. Effie quit her job and moved with him to a farm in Oregon
the highway system was unfinished, particularly in the country’s accompanied, as ever, by her mother, Avis. They made a life for
interior. The pair of women faced oppressive heat on the road, themselves in the rural farmland, with Effie in particular becoming
reaching over 120 degrees as they drove through the San Marcos an able farmhand and proficiently running a general store, while
Pass near Santa Barbara. It also became a regular occurrence for Avis became renowned in the ever growing family for her wonderful
the motorcycle to break down, at which point Effie would have to cooking and home-making. They lived out the rest of their days on
coax her mother out of the sidecar so that she could reach the the farm until Avis died in 1958 and Effie died in 1966. Today, over a
toolbox stowed there and put her well-honed mechanical skills to hundred years later, Effie and Avis Hotchkiss are still remembered
work. Sometimes the motorcycle would get so entrenched in a patch as motorcycle pioneers, and riders regularly commemorate their
of mud that Effie, Avis, and whoever happened to be passing by journey by following their path across the United States and back
would have to work together to pull it out. Just outside of Chicago, again.
Effie had to patch five tire punctures and one blowout in a single day.
But to the bewilderment of the people she encountered on the road, Blog contributed by David Weathers / www.RussBrown.com

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 29

Lil’ Joey was once again sitting outside the school Maybe she’ll kick you in the nads.
Principal’s office when the Guidance Counselor walked It’s all a crap shoot.
by and asked “What’d you do this time?”
Lil’ Joey politely replied “That pain in the neck Alek Hell hath no fury like a woman who just spilled her guts
with a ‘k’ was dissin’ on the whole class’ Momma’s so I into an 8 paragraph text and your reply is, “ok”.
told him the truth and he threw his shoe at me and it hit
the Teacher, Miss Larson. ---------------------------------------------------------------
“And that truth was?” asked the Counselor. Lil Joey says, When you drive past a yard with a cool skeleton
“That everyone knows that this whole world wide virus Halloween decoration, but then you realize that it’s
was faked just to make sure that his Momma wore a actually a live crackhead.
mask from here on out.” Things that make you go hmmm?

-------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Just so we’re clear.....It’s no longer 5 o’clock Some- Guy: It’s not about how many times you fall, it’s all about
where. how many times you get back up.
It’s 2020 Everywhere, so drink at will Whenever you Cop: No, that’s not how field sobriety tests work.
want, Anytime you want!
---------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------- A Teacher was reading the story of the Three Little Pigs
If you get a high loan amount at a bank, you pay on it for to her class.
30 years. She came to the part of the story where the first pig was
If you rob a bank and stash the money smartly, you’ll be trying to gather the building materials for his home.
out in 10 years. She read: “And so the pig went up to the man with the
Things that make you go hmmm? wheelbarrow full of straw and said, “Pardon me sir, but
may I have some of that straw to build my house?”
-------------------------------------------------------------- The Teacher paused, then asked the class: “So what do
So apparently there’s a new term in the long list of you think the man said?”
relationship terms: “Hobosexual” Lil’ Joey jumped up and yelled to the class, “I betcha’ he
A person who dates you with the sole interest of having a said, Well I’ll be a son of a bitch! A damn talking pig!”
place to stay. The Teacher had to leave the classroom because she
was snickering.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever wondered if the dollar bills in your purse ---------------------------------------------------------------
or wallet were ever in a strippers butt crack? Two stoners are sitting on a bench and one had just
Things that make you go hmmm? purchased a “zip” of some truly good weed from the
other, when the one says, “I have so many of these
-------------------------------------------------------------- laying around my crib, discovered yesterday by accident
Lil’ Joey kills a butterfly; Dad says, “No butter for that they’re really good for putting leftovers and
two weeks!” sandwiches in. Who knew?”
Lil’ Joey kills a honeybee. Dad says, “No honey for two
weeks!” ---------------------------------------------------------------
Mom kills a cockroach. Lil’ Joey turns to his Dad Two chicks and a biker dude named ‘Caveman’ were
and says, “Are you gonna’ tell her or should I?” shootin’ the chit in the local bar and the one chick asks,
“what’s a nice way to say fart?” The other chick says
-------------------------------------------------------------- “O.k., I’ll start. I always say far-tay cause it sounds kinda’
Little Susie tells her Mom, “Grandma said, in her day, like a French word and classy. The one chick says “Well,
she did 3 times the work you do today.” you could say “Who let fluffy off the chain?, that’d be
Mom replies, “In Grandma’s day they used to put cocaine cute.” ‘Caveman’ looks at both of them and says, ‘Nah,
in the soda.” can’t use that one. That’s what I ask my ole’ lady when
she jumps on top of me naked and wantin’ to get kinky.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
Next time your wife gets really, really angry, drape a ---------------------------------------------------------------
towel over her shoulders like a cape and say, Never, and I mean never, use peppermint body wash.
“now you’re Super Angry!” Your butthole will feel like it smoked a Newport.
Maybe she’ll laugh.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 30

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 31

marketplace THUNDER ROADS ®

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1ST ANNUAL

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Wednesday, July 14 - Sunday, July 18 2021

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AND CHECK US OUT AT ThunderRoadsMichigan.com
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QUESTIONS CONTACT JODY [email protected]

Modified Motorcycle
Association of California

44th Annual Toy Drive

Date: November 29, 2020
Time: 10am pack ride out Folsom Harley
12 noon arrive at Drive-In to start event - all day event
Location: Sacramento Drive Inn
9616 Oates Dr., Sacramento, CA 95827
Contact: Connie Chrisos, Public Relations Rep 916-899-4450 call/text
Donation: 1 unwrapped toy! There will be no fee at the gate!

COVID RESTRICTIONS – If we are still under Covid regulations in November, we have a
social distancing plan in place. We will have our event outdoors & in large pop-ups in
open areas for public safety.
Motorcycles, bikes, cars all welcome! This will be an all-day event for the kids so bring the children
to pick out toys. This event is open to the public so please invite any families you may know that
are in need! There will be entertainment, stunt riders, food, play area, DJ playing Christmas music
and of course pictures with Santa Claus.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 33

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

OCTOBER 2020 DECEMBER 19
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA
OCTOBER 10 SACRAMENTO
10th ANNUAL 111 MILE RIDE FOR VETERANS Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am
AUBURN - 2pm Free to attend. The tradition continues! Ride on over to Harley-
Presented by The Forgotten Soldier Program. Ride starts at C & E V-Twin Davidson of Sacramento to take pictures with Santa Claus on his brand
Indian - 12015 Shale Ridge Road. Registration starts at 8:30. Advanced new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Be sure to bring your camera! For
registration $25 p/person/2 up $45. Day of $30 p/person/2 up $50. Run ends more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
at Rocklin Harley-Davidson. Poker ride, with lunch, music, raffle, chapter
challenge. For more information: www.forgottensoldierprogram.com DECEMBER 26
2021 PARTY
OCTOBER 10 SACRAMENTO
MMA FUNDRAISER Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am -
ROSEVILLE 2pm Free to attend. Come celebrate with Harley-Davidson of Sacramento
Presented by Local Locos MC. Located at Iron Workers MC Clubhouse and we transition into the new year! We will have $1 beer, please drink
– 2110 March Road. 12pm – 6pm. Free admission. Bike show, vendors, responsibly, do not drink and ride. For more information: (916) 929-
Bacon Mania food truck, raffle & door prize. Booth $50 for 20x20 Bike fee 4680 / www.hdsac.com
$25 Food $5/plate Raffle $1/ticket Door Prize $5/ticket (party wagon). For
information: Bob (916) 521-3868 / [email protected] OPEN HOUSE

OCTOBER 31 2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
HALLOWEEN PARTY SUTTER CREEK
SACRAMENTO American Legion Riders Meeting
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am Presented by Post 108 Legion Riders – 11401 American Legion Drive
- 2pm Free to attend. Come celebrate with us Harley-Davidson style! We – 6:30pm.
will have a costume contest, $1 beer (please drink responsibly, do not
drink and ride) food and more! Plus we will be having a safe trick or treat 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
all day long. For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com FT BRAGG
ALR Chapter 96 Monthly Meeting
NOVEMBER 2020 Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 96. Veterans
Administration Building – 360 North Harrison Street. 6pm. For more
NOVEMBER 29 information: Gary (907) 230-5857 / americanlegionriders96.com
44th ANNUAL MMA TOY RUN
SACRAMENTO 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association of California. Pack ride out FORTUNA
from Folsom Harley at 10am to Sacramento Drive In – 9616 Oates Dr for MMA Division 3 Monthly Meeting
an all-day event for the family. Bring 1 unwrapped toy – there will not be a Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Funky Monkey
fee at the gate. For more information: Connie Chrisos (916) 899-4450 Restaurant – 1875 Riverwalk Dr. 6:30pm The Modified Motorcycle
/ See flyer for COVID Restrictions. See flyer on Page 33 Association is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State
of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and
DECEMBER 2020 laws that affect our rights to ride free.

DECEMBER 12 2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA MANTECA
SACRAMENTO Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter Monthly Meeting
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am Presented by Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter - Mountain Mike’s Pizza - 1120
- 2pm Free to attend. The tradition continues! Ride on over to Harley- N Main St. 7pm – 8pm/ Meeting is free. Do you ride a Harley-Davidson
Davidson of Sacramento to take pictures with Santa Claus on his brand motorcycle and are looking for a fun group to ride with? Come join the
new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Be sure to bring your camera! For Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter to learn about their upcoming rides.
more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com

GET

YOUR LIVEWIRE™
TODAY!

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 34

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2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 2nd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
MARYSVILLE SACRAMENTO
MMA Division 1 Monthly Meeting MMA Division 10 Monthly Meeting ON HOLD
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – NEW LOCATION Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – NEW LOCATION
Stassis 4th Ward Tavern – 102 7th Street. 7pm. The Modified TBA 7:30pm
Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights organization The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights
in the State of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about
legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. For more upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free.
information: [email protected]
3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
3rd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH ELK GROVE
FOLSOM MMA Division 2 Monthly Meeting ON HOLD
Folsom HOG Chapter 1787 General Meeting Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – NEW LOCATION
Presented by Folsom HOG – Round Table Pizza – 9500 Greenback TBA 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first
Lane – Unit 1. 7pm-8:30pm For more information: www.folsomhog. motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please join
org / [email protected] us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights
to ride free.
3rd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
PENRYN 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
MMA Division 16 Monthly Meeting ROCKLIN
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Valencia Club – 2162 Monthly HOG Chapter Meeting
Taylor Rd. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first Presented by Sierra Thunder HOG Chapter. Mountain Mikes Pizza
motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please join us to - 5505 Whitney Blvd #2F. 7pm. We will be organizing our Ride
learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. Calendar. Bring your ideas. Arrive early if you want to eat. For more
information: [email protected]
2nd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
EL DORADO 4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
MMA Division 21 Monthly Meeting CHICO
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Poor Red’s - 6221 MMA Division 23 Monthly Meeting
Pleasant Valley Rd 7pm Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Sierra Steel Harley
The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights Davidson – 1501 Mangrove Ave. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle
organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about Association is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State
upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and
laws that affect our rights to ride free.
4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
SACRAMENTO 4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
MMA Division 14 Monthly Meeting ON HOLD / LOCATION CLOSED PALO CEDRO
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Sammy’s - 2021 Del Paso MMA Division 24 Monthly Meeting
Blvd . 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Goodtimes Pizza –
rights organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about 22049 Old 44 Drive 8734. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association
upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State of California.
Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that
4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH affect our rights to ride free.
REDDING
Redding HOG Chapter Meeting 4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
Presented by Redding Harley Owners Group - LuLu’s Restaurant ROCKLIN
- 2230 Pine Street. 7pm. Meeting is free to all who wish to attend. ALR Chapter 620 Monthly Meeting
Come early and get the world’s best clams! For more information: Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 620. Rocklin Parks
[email protected] and Rec – 5460 5th Street. 6:30pm
Contact Gail Miller with any questions (916) 521-6319
2nd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
VACAVILLE EVERY FRIDAY
Vacaville HOG Chapter Monthly Meet & Greet ROSEVILLE 
Presented by Iron Steed H.O.G. Chapter Vacaville. Located at Hide-A-Way BIKER CHURCH NIGHT Presented by Thunder Road Biker Church
- 1080 Orange Dr. 7pm. Are you looking for a group of people just like you? - 414 Vernon Street 7pm-8pm
Do you need people to ride with? Look no further! For more information or
inquiries, contact our Chapter Director Dori at [email protected]
Chapter Asst. Director Charlynn at [email protected]

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE
COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 35

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1st FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH EVERY SATURDAY
WOODLAND DEMO DAYS
BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Meeting at VFW Hall – 345 W. SACRAMENTO
Kentucky Avenue. 7pm Meetings are open to the public. (530) 848- Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way.
2090 with any questions. 9am - 6 pm. Free to attend. More wind. More power. More agility.
Welcome to pure, unfiltered freedom taken to the next level. There’s
1st FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH only one way to understand this feeling. You have to test ride one
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This is one ride you don’t
MMA Division 12 Monthly Meeting ON HOLD want to miss. Must occur during daylight hours. Weather permitting
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – NEW LOCATION For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
TBA 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first
motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please join 1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights AUBURN
to ride free. MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Presented by Gold Country Indian
Motorcycle Riders Group. C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin - 12015 Shale
2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH Ridge Rd. 9:30am. Gold Country IMRG is open to all motorcycle
FAIRFIELD brands. All members and prospective members and friends are
OPEN HOUSE Presented by Dirty Whites Club House – 748 N. Texas welcome. www.goldcountryimrg.com
St 8pm - ? Come have a blast! Contact Joe 707-694-5251
3rd SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
3rd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH FAIRFIELD
VALLEJO MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING – Presented by Christian
OPEN HOUSE Presented by Hellbent MC 707 Crew – 100 Lincoln Motorcyclists Association - Lord’s Knights Chapter. Benicia Grill II
Rd. E - 8pm. Come one come all! Our house is open to start your - 2390 N. Texas. Order breakfast at 8am. Announcements at 8:30am.
weekend off right, join us for our Open House night. Kick stands up by 9:15am. All bikes welcome. (Note: Feb & May
we do weekend events, so no breakfast meeting then.) For more
EVERY SATURDAY information: Bill Neander / [email protected].
SACRAMENTO
Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Open House to the Biker 3rd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH
Community – 3418 Auburn Blvd on Saturday nights – 6pm. / VACAVILLE 
No Cover Charge. Come Join the MSMC and other motorcycle MONTHLY LOCAL MEETING Presented by A.B.A.T.E. Local 17 - 4823
enthusiasts where we enjoy good entertainment, cold drinks, and Midway Road 10am We will discuss matters important to the Local
good food. For more information: Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge and to the motorcycle community. We create plans, and review
(785) 410-1015. events and have a raffle. We will also share with other MRO’s and
Clubs. We are also open to the communities. Glenn Phillips (707)
EVERY SATURDAY 624-6310 / [email protected]
FOOD TRUCK LUNCH
SACRAMENTO 4th SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am- SACRAMENTO 
2pm Free to attend / food available for purchase. Out riding and having MONTHLY OPEN MEETING Presented by Veterans of All Wars Riders
fun? Ride on over to Harley-Davidson of Sacramento to enjoy lunch - The Capitol Casino - 411 N 16th Street 10am Meetings are open
from one of Sacramento’s finest food trucks. Enjoy the farm to fork life! to the public. For more information: Sly - [email protected]. /
For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com www.vawriders.org

EVERY SATURDAY BIKE NIGHTS
TRY A JUMPSTART
SACRAMENTO EVERY THURSDAY
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. SACRAMENTO
9am-2pm Free to attend. Not quite ready to test ride a bike? Need Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Thursday Night Fun Night –
your motorcycle license? Get comfortable in the saddle at Harley- 3418 Auburn Blvd. 6pm / Join the MSMC for its Thursday Night
Davidson of Sacramento by trying a Jumpstart Demo. We’ll mount get together. Free food, entertainment and great company. All like
the motorcycle, set your boots to the foot pegs and fire up the engine minded members of the community are welcome. The MSMC reserve
under the watchful eye of our trained professional. And then, sitting the right to refuse access to who they choose. For more information:
comfortably on the motorcycle, you’ll give the throttle a little twist Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge (785) 410-1015
and continue to shift through the gears all while safely and securely
attached to the Jumpstart platform. For more information: (916) 929- 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
4680 / www.hdsac.com EUREKA
BIKE NIGHT Presented by M.O.B. of Humboldt - North of Fourth Bar
- 207 3rd Street. The fun starts at 6pm. All motorcycles welcome.
Free food, 50/50 raffle, pack ride. / www.mobofhumboldt.com

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE
COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 36

3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (May-September) THANK YOU TO THUNDER ROADS® NORCAL index of advertisers
WILLITS OUR SPONSORS
BIKE NIGHT Presented by Willits Wild Bunch – Scoops Deli – 110 N.
Main Street. 6p-8pm, Food, Raffle, Music. A great social gathering A&M Heating and Air...................................................................................9
to meet other riders in the area. All Bikes – All Riders Welcome. For Allstate Julie Domenick Agent...................................................................27
more information: [email protected] Billy’s Motorcycle Shop.............................................................................15
Bones Roadhouse Bar & Grub.................................................................26
2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH C&E Auburn Indian &V-Twin ..............................................................9
LODI Cal Tire & Autoworks ................................................................................14
BIKE NIGHT Presented by The Water Hole along with The Red Iron Clinton’s Custom Cycle.............................................................................26
Riders. 246 N. Cluff Ave. 6:30pm Cost depending on the menu CycleInsure Agency.................................................................................z27
$10-$18. A great NO DRAMA social event to get to know others that Damsel in Defense....................................................................................33
share the passion of the bike. Outdoor private patio area, pool tables, Double D Steak...........................................................................................9
Shuffleboard, Music, big screen TVs for game nights and more. All Farmers Insurance - Cory Ellerbee...........................................................12
bikes welcome, and those without bikes welcome too. For more Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast......................................................14
information: (209) 604-7149 / (209) 327-8283 Folsom-Rocklin Harley-Davidson......................................... BackCover/19
Gurnee Mason Rushford Bonotto Forestiere Trial Lawyers....................33
1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH Humboldt Performance Cycle.....................................................................9
HISTORIC COLFAX Indian Motorcycle of Hollister....................................................................15
PANCAKE BREAKFAST Presented Grand Fathers MC No Cal – Jachimowicz Law Group.............................................................................5
Clubhouse 301 S. Railroad Street – Jim Wall Insurance Agency.......................................................................26
8:30am – 11am. Start your day out with the Grand Fathers MC! Kenny’s Bar & Grill....................................................................................26
Midnight Motors.........................................................................................26
TRM NorCal is not responsible for errors or omissions and events are Miller Built Performance Cycles................................................................27
subject to change without notice MMA Toy Run............................................................................................33
Nickell’s Custom .......................................................................................15
GET YOUR Noble West Insurance Services................................................................13
TRM NORCAL Omega Motorcycles..................................................................................27
Penngrove Motorcycle Company.............................................................14
SUBSCRIPTION Performance Powercoating.......................................................................14
Rick’s Automotive......................................................................................33
Mail Check and This Form for 1 Year Subscription 12 Issues $30 Ride-On Motorcycles.................................................................................26
To: THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal Road Dog Cycle........................................................................................14
P.O. Box 794 – Orangevale, CA 95662 Road Trip Bar & Grill..................................................................................13
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.....................................................1 & 29
Now accepting credit cards – Call 530.305.7992 San Jose Hogwash.....................................................................................9
Sonoma County HD.......................................................................EVENTS
NAME____________________________________________________________ T3 Design Studios.....................................................................................33
The Leatherworks......................................................................................13
STREET OR P.O. BOX_______________________________________________ Thunder Road Biker Church.......................................................................4
West Coast Leathers.................................................................................14
CITY_______________________________ST___________ZIP______________ Wild Bill Tattoo...........................................................................................15

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Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 37

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