BACK TO OLD SCHOOL ISSUE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS. On The Cover: editor’s letter THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal Office: 530.368.6579 or 530.305.7992 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thunderroadsnorcal.com Northern California State Editors / Owners Stan & Terri Hill Art Director/Layout & Design Meredith Hancock – Hancock Media Contributing Writers Ride Destination Chuck & Cindy Loseth Thunder Road Biker Church Pastor Johnny Lujan Open Road Toon Don ‘Thunder’ Baggett If You Can See What I Can See … You Might Be Riding on the Back of a Harley Cyndee Reed Van Hooser Contributing Photographers Taleah Ebey / T3 Design Studios Rae Lynn Flippo Tina Oakland Wild Bill Hill Advertising Sales / Social Media / Website Stan Hill (530) 368-6579 Terri Hill (530) 305-7992 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 Have Ink – Will Draw – THUNDER Baggett article on Page 10-11 Did you realize that whenever you ride to your local business to pick up a Thunder Roads NorCal magazine that you are continuing to support to an old school biker forum? Yep! You can call it ‘Old School’, ‘Vintage’ or ‘Retro‘ - we think it’s “COOL” and are forever grateful and appreciate the support! Hopefully, the summer heat is behind us for the most part. Just around the corner is our favorite time of year. Why do we love September? Kids are back in school, temps are dropping a bit, less traffic on our beloved mountain roads and fall colors are on their way. We’re looking forward to ushering in the month of September and all that it offers; for us, it’s the best time of the year for riding in NorCal. Fall has always been a special time of the year. It’s a time that we can get out and really enjoy and see all the natural beauty that Northern California has to offer. So now is your chance, don’t let it pass unexplored. If you are looking for great rides you can look in our past issues digitally at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com for all kinds of places to ride to with great articles from Chuck & Cindy’s ‘RIDE DESTINATION’ article and Cyndee & Curt’s ‘IF YOU CAN SEE WHAT I CAN SEE - You Might Be Riding On The Back Of A Harley’ for fantastic ideas of places to ride and stops of interest along the way. Also you might have noticed that our beloved Thunder Road Church column is missing. Recently, our contributor Pastor Johnny informed us that he has been dealing with caring for his elderly parents and had to take a short break from his monthly message for our publication. However, he plans to return to our pulpit when things settle down for his family. Many of us can empathize with taking care of our elderly parents - so join us in sending your thoughts and prayers to Pastor Johnny and his family. Ride FREE – Ride OFTEN Stan and Terri Hill Owners / Editors Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 2
letter to editors contents RIDE PRIDE: BACK TO OL’ SKOOL 20 HAVE INK - WILL DRAW: DON THUNDER BAGGETT 16 RIDE DESTINATION: Nevada - Utah - Arizona - New Mexico .....................6 AMCA National MC Show Swap Meet.....................12 Cover Girl Coverage: Roaming The Wild West .......14 Calendar..................................................................18 If You Can See What I Can See …..........................24 Joker’s Wild .............................................................28 Open Road Toon .....................................................29 Russ Brown BLOG ..................................................31 Biker Friendly Directory ...........................................32 Events......................................................................33 Thank You To Our Sponsors....................................37 Motorcycle Tourism vs The Biker Sturgis is a yearning deep within. An urge to throw that hammer down, climb off the roof of the expensive home you are working on, a “Screw you, I’m going” attitude as you tell your boss, wife, girlfriend, or House-Mouse your going and will be out of town for the next couple weeks. There is no planning, no over-priced reservations, nor $250K RVs towing a $20K trailer full of extremely low mileage Harleys that are rode once or twice a year then placed in storage once again. It’s a couple of Bungee cords and cotton rope held together sleeping bag, tarp, 3 changes of clothes a couple grams of bud cut from your neighbor’s garden. Leather chaps and if you’re really hard core, and a “Cut” you never take off no matter what sign is posted next to the door. You might even be blessed with a Best Bud, or a “Brother from Another Mother” to travel with. You most likely will make new best friends-for-life along the Hi-way, “Tossing a few back” in a bar, or broke down on the side of the highway. Even a few more camped out along the open road. I get it – your time is money. You are a busy professional, doctor, lawyer, or even political lobbyist with a Georgetown address. This is your once a year, let it all hang out, wish my college buddies could see me now, “Thing”. You my friend, are a motorcycle tourist – NOT a Biker. And you are killing the very soul of the Sturgis Rally you claim to live for. Once upon a time – the major highways would be rumbling with motorcycles headed to Sturgis all throughout the week leading up to the event. It would start out with a trickle, 1, 2, 3 at a time until building to a crescendo of well-formed packs of club riders. Travel tmes varied depending on how often best friends could stop and shake dice to see who was buying the beers. Legends and Brothers for Life can only be made naturally like a Blessing from the Motorcycle Gods. No matter how much planning and money you throw at it, you can not duplicate the organic grown friendships and memories from the lifestyle born in Sturgis. I’m not saying you can never “Live the Life” But it is going to take some Rehab. Even if you have taken a hiatus from the “life” to raise some kids or build a nest egg, like myself, it is possible to return – but it well be an impediment. Once you have lived it, known the feeling of sleeping on the sidewalk at 3am, feet up on your exhaust pipes to protect your bike, waiting for the gas station to open, or taking 3 weeks to ride a Honda 305 from San Diego to Spokane. Washington - in January. Breaking down along the way, working a job for 3 days to buy a few new parts, hooking up with a new girlfriend, but you made it, kind of trip. Late as hell - with a few new stories to tell. Until you have that amount a lezzy Fair, see if I care attitude, you are never going to live “The Life” There is an amount of uncertainty you are willing to cope with. Definitely more than a suburbanite sales geek practicing his modified version of Dale Carnegie’s “How to make Friends and Influence People”. It is the “I Got This” T-shirt wearing attitude that gets you there. A belief in yourself, an adherence to “The Code” and your personal stature as a man that makes you a biker. No amount of money can duplicate this. So stop throwing money at greedy sales geeks in Sturgis that are hell bent on destroying all that the Sturgis Rally stands for. Leaving the Winnebago at home, take your bike off the trailer, tell your kids and wife they can plan their own vacation – and just go. You don’t get it – you just go. That is the advice I was given by an Old Biker that had been to the rally many times. Had lived “The Life” for the entirety of his and had the respect of many for his unwavering devotion of being true to himself. It’s not something you can buy at your local Harley dealership. But it is something that will earn you the respect and admiration of many. And it needs to be said. Contributed by a TRM NorCal Reader Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 3
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 4
Monument Valley Arizona Cathedral Gorge Spires Nevada RIDE DESTINATION: Nevada - Utah - Arizona - New Mexico …Continuing from last month After finishing off my Death Valley adventure, I had planned to make my way over to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. The day was getting a little long in the tooth though, so I decided to head straight on to the North Shore Inn on the outskirts of Overton, Nevada. It’s a nice friendly place right in the vicinity of my next day’s first stop, the Valley of Fire State Park in Moapa Valley, Nevada. After experiencing the Alabama Hills the previous day, the Valley is every bit as impressive. Lots of Red Aztec Sandstone outcroppings mixed in with some gray and tan limestone makes for some beautiful scenery. You’ll also find 2,500-year-old petroglyphs if you don’t mind a little hike at Mouse’s Tank or Atlatl Rock. These are well preserved remnants of the Basketmaker and Pueblo cultures. What a way to start my morning! Back out on the Valley of Fire Highway, I headed west, where I picked up I15 and turned south. Soon I was making my way north on SR93. This route would take me to another incredible place, Cathedral Gorge State Park. Wow! The rock formations are really something to see. Thousands of unique and wild patterns that are the result of wind and water erosion on the soft bentonite clay. The Moon Slots on 89Aare especially nice. Seventy to eighty foot tall maze-like hallways that you, at times, have to squeeze through and at the same time, you can look straight up to the sky. Probably not too appealing to the claustrophobic though. Also, as with all parks, there are several fine hiking trails. Well, after a heck of a day it was time to make my way to Cedar City, Utah, where I would make the Best Western my home for the night. The following morning, I was off to Page, Arizona. I really enjoyed that fourth day of my trip. Nothing but great scenery and fine asphalt! I took SR14 out of Cedar City. Wonderful road! If you’re out this way, stop at Duck Creek Village. Nice little place for a break - pulled over in Kanab for lunch before continuing on 89A. Not very impressive at first, but 89A soon turns into a real fine ride. Not long after leaving the woods, you’ll come upon Marble Canyon and the Vermillion Cliffs. That is a view you soon won’t forget. Up the road a little way is the Cliff Dwellers Vermillon Cliffs AZ Me At Balance Rock White Domes Trailhead Overton Nevada Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 6
Cathedral Gorge Old Water Tower Nevada Horseshoe Bend Arizona Restaurant. That worked out nice, I was certainly ready for lunch. Really liked this establishment. Spent about an hour and a half hanging out on the porch. (www.cliffdwellersrestaurant. com) We will be coming back here in October when we’re in Phoenix for the baseball tournament. Stopped and took a butt break and snapped some pictures at the Navajo Bridge before making my way to SR89 and Page. I checked in at the good old Motel 6 and later had some dinner at the Gone West Restaurant. The next morning, I made the mile and a half round trip hike down to the Horseshoe Bend Vista Point. It’s been just day after day of incredible sights. And the hits just kept on coming at the Glen Canyon Dam. An excellent way to end my stay in Page. What’s on the agenda for day five? Oijato-Monument Valley. I wasn’t able to see a whole lot of this park, but I was impressed by what I did see. Motorcycles are pretty much barred from the property. I guess the dirt-bikes wouldn’t stay on the designated paths, so no more motorcycles. I looked into a tour, but they are pretty expensive, and would take more time than I had to give - maybe next time around. Late afternoon was on me by now, so I rode back to CONTINUED... Cathedral Gorge Inside Slots Nevada State Route 14 Utah Valley of Fire State Park Nevada Valley of Fire SP Cactus Blooming Nevada Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 7
Kayenta and put the kickstand down under the canopy of the Monument Inn. I looked over at the entrance and thought I had entered some kind of time warp. The large plate glass windows had oversize Covid signs plastered on them. Put your mask on, get your shots! Wait, is it May 2023 or May 2020??? I went inside and everyone had a mask on. More signs, masks required, stay 6 ft apart! Evidently these folks think that all that stuff actually worked. I just shook my maskless head and walked up to the desk. I told myself if they tell me I have to wear a mask, I’ll go across the street to the Hampton Inn. They let me be, so I had a home for the night. Later on, I had dinner at a Mexican restaurant called The Amigo, returned to my room, and got some rest. As the sun came up on day six, I was pretty much ready to roll. My first destination would be Four Corners. It was a refreshing morning cruise over to Teec Nos Pos, where I stopped at the Trading Post for a snack and gas. Built in 1905, it specializes in beautiful hand-woven Navajo rugs and fine jewelry. Before I knew it, I found myself standing in four different states: Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Congress designated this point in 1863 to ensure that four states would be created out of the four territories that already existed. With the pop-up vendors on site, it’s actually a kind of cool place to hang out. The weather report wasn’t looking good to the east, so I hustled on down to I40 and into Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Before calling it a day there though, I checked out the famous Blue Hole. This incredibly blue sapphire swimming and scuba diving spot is fed by an underground aqua system that renews itself every six hours. Amazing! I was awakened the next morning by what I thought was rain. Sure enough, lots and lots of it. Geez Louise! A little later I heard tapping at the door. What the??? I looked out the window and it was sideways hail. The wind was blasting chunks up against the door! I looked again at the 10-day weather report, and, except for two days, it was 70-90% thunderstorms to the East. Going West was clear and sunny. 10-30% will get you wet once in a while, but 70-90% can be what I was experiencing at that moment. I realized that, unless the weather changed (it didn’t), I would be in the same situation on the way to and coming back from Huntsville. Not being a masochist, I waited for the storm to ease up and skedaddled it back to Sacramento, Cindy booked me a flight and I hopped on a plane and flew to Alabama. Not quite the ending I had planned, but I enjoyed time with the family, and that’s all that mattered. Later Article and photos contributed by Chuck Loseth Pooh at Cliff Dwellers At Four Corners Restaurant Arizona Mural Teec Nos Pos Arizona Blue Hole New Mexico Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 8
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 9
My absolute first memories of my adventurous life was drawing, or at least trying in those early days. Some kids played, but I tried to draw. In high school and college, I earned money by doing custom designs on tombstones and monuments at Strickland Memorial in Thomasville, Alabama that allowed me to do custom artwork like motorcycles, a ’57 Chevy and other cool designs in marble and granite that will last for quite a while. Even my professional name of “Thunder” came from Thomasville while attending my first class reunion, although that’s a story for another time. Since leaving the United States Navy in ’79, I’ve been doing artwork for magazines like THUNDER ROADS® NORCAL (since 2014), BIKER, CARtoons, SUPERCYCLE, BIKER’S ATLAS, CYCLE SOURCE, FULL THROTTLE of the CAROLINAS, DIXIE BIKER ILLUSTRATED, CAROLINA BIKER MONTHLY, BIKERS POCKET GUIDE, BAR FLY, WEEKLY SURGE, THE BIKER’S HANDBOOK by Jay Barbieri and many more…as well as custom Rally Maps for several major motorcycle events. Growing up in Alabama and living in places such as San Diego, Seattle, Birmingham, Chicago, Nashville and Myrtle Beach has given me a unique insight to lifestyles around our great country. I live this lifestyle, I draw and love it. I feel very lucky to have made this my career! Thanks much for checking out my website: www.thethunderzone.com Ride on! Artwork and Illustration by Don “Thunder” Baggett Don ‘THUNDER’ Baggett : Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 10
HAVE INK – WILL DRAW Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 11
AMCA National Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet June 16-17 (Dixon) Photos contributed by Taleah Ebey / T3 Design Studios Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 12
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 13
CoverGirl By Katye Roberts On Thursday July 13th Justin and I embarked on a motorcycle trip out west. Our original plan was to ride from Sturgis to Alaska, Alaska down the coast and the coast back inland to Sturgis. Well, life happens and our tenday plan got cut short. The spontaneity in us Wednesday night decided we were leaving the next day and heading out west anyways, giving us only seven days before I would have to return to Sturgis for work. I work two weeks of pre rally and the entire ten days of the actual event. We had no set in stone plan, we just knew we wanted to make it to the coast and back. That next morning, I am trying to pack essentials that I can only fit on the bike. Taking into consideration that the climate changes significantly as you travel from the Midwest to the coast of the United States due to the varying geographical features and the influence of different air masses, so I knew I had to pack accordingly. Packing becomes most challenging when you have little room and having to share that space with someone else’s considered Editor Note: Special thanks to TRM PA for sharing your article with our readers Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 14
essentials. But let me tell you what, I think I have mastered my packing capabilities. I was able to fit my leather jacket, a hoodie, a fleece, 1 flannel, a handful of shirts, 4 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, 4 pair of shoes, makeup, a full-size shampoo and conditioner, curling iron, and of course undergarments all while still leaving plenty of room for Justin’s things. We left later than anticipated Thursday, but we were very excited and ready for a new adventure that I’m about to share with all of you!! So, saddle up and join us as we venture into the heart of the west. DAY ONE- I believe we didn’t leave Sturgis until around 3:30pm Thursday afternoon. Uncertain on our exact route but trying to achieve hitting all 50 states together this year so that is how we approached our navigation. We went North and scooted through North Dakota turning west into Montana. While cruising the road I kept feeling what I thought were tiny pebbles bouncing off the road. Boy was I wrong. Stopping for fuel we look down; my boots are completely covered in grasshoppers. Yes, grasshopper, dead of course. Have you ever heard of the “Love Bugs”? Well, it was just like that but with grasshoppers. Walk around to the front of the bike, it was now a lime green and yellow bike, from their guts. You could even see them hopping on the road. It was wild. With a late start to the trip, we reached Billings Montana at 475 miles for the day. We also kept in mind not really wanting to drive much into the night because we didn’t want to miss seeing anything, so we posted up in Billings for the night. DAY TWO: Having not gotten very far the day before we wanted to get up fairly early. Riding through Red Lodge to get breakfast, not even knowing they were holding a motorcycle event that weekend until we got there. So that was cool! Had us a nice breakfast and decided on a route for the day. Road down into Wyoming. Beartooth Pass and Yellowstone National Park are two must see’s! Beartooth Pass, the mountains the heights, the views, it was as if you walked right inside a painting! It was breathtaking. Road all the way around the mountain, to the top. There was snow, the temperature was ice cold, and the elevation was 10,947!!! Yellowstone National Park, while there is so much to do and see, we could only explore half of it given our time frame. The wildlife out there was incredible to see up close. Roaming free only feet away from you, Wild Buffalo, Coyote, & Bear. The waterfalls flowing and the wide-open land, amazing. We stopped for lunch at the Roosevelt Lodge right there in the park, cruised on for a bit and stopped for drinks in Big Sky then ending for dinner in Bozeman back into Montana for a 303-mile day. DAY THREE: Taking our time to explore Yellowstone the day before we knew this day would be a “burn some miles” day. We had a lot of ground to cover if we wanted to make it to the cost and back in time for work. So, we booked it west into Idaho on 90. A beautiful curvy fun road to ride seeing mountains and pine trees. We then stopped at Lake Coeur d’Alene for lunch on the lake, then quickly into Washington where it was extremely hot. You could have cooked an egg on my shoulder! I began to notice all the trains and train tracks on that ride. Headed down into Oregon riding along on the Columbia River Highway putting us at a total of 670 miles for the day. DAY FOUR: The last few days set us at somewhere around 1,900 miles thus far. Continuing our trip Southwest, we rode further on that beautiful Columbia River Highway, crossing the cascades to the amazing Pacific Coast! The sun had just set, as we got closer and closer it became colder and colder. The Pacific Coast is always colder because of how far North it is, and the cold current known as the California current. We walked down the massive sand hill to touch the water, it was like I was entering an ice bath. Cold to the bone, but so beautiful. We rested in a destination in Coos Bay. Stopping at 373 miles. DAY FIVE: Today was the day we left the state of Oregon, riding the Pacific Coastal Highway south into California for 6 hours. Time flew by because the sights were just like they are in the movies. Tall rocky cliffs down to the baby blue CONTINUED... Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 15
Pacific. We were on our way into the Redwoods. I always seen the pictures of the ginormous trees but never thought I would in real life. It was a feeling that put me into a mini size state of mind. As the trees surrounded me, I look up to the never-ending height of them thinking we shrunk down into the size of an ant, it was an incredible view and feeling. We even road into the Chandelier Tree where we drove right through one of the largest/ oldest trees in the United States. After absorbing all of that we stopped in Lake Tahoe for some delicious Philly Cheesesteak that I very much needed. Our destination for the night was Reno Nevada. Known as the “smallest big city” around. People also refer to it as a mini-Vegas. This trip wasn’t just about riding but exploring and having fun while doing so. Although Justin and I don’t gamble we had our fair share of fun that evening. It was a 646-mile day where cocktails were much deserved at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Day SIX: Bombing through Nevada heading for Utah we lose Justin’s baffle to his exhaust on 80. Luckily, he called the Vance and Hines guys, and they overnighted him a new one. Coincidentally my children were in Utah visiting their grandmother and we were able to have it shipped there. On our way we seen the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was trippy. I was like “dang, it is blazzin hot out here and that legitimately looks like snow”. Nope, not snow. That is salt I am seeing. As if my mind was playing tricks on me. It was hard to look away. Also seeing the salt plantation, a mountain of salt the size of a real western mountain. So cool. A 528-mile day running alongside a rainstorm to get there but not a drop of rain hit us. I was secretly hoping it would rain on us, so I’d stop feeling as if I was melting but no such luck. DAY SEVEN: Received the exhaust later this day, a quick switcherouski in the driveway with Justin’s handy skills, off we were! Utah had parts of very straight never-ending roads and wind that came across 80, was wicked! It would be whipping across and taking everything I had to not be blown right off the bike. I was holding onto the backrest and baring down as it was pulling in my helmet too. I don’t know how Justin did it. We scooted quickly into Colorado leaving me with a sense of loneness where there were stretches of straight road with nothing but mountains surrounding you and not a sole in sight. No cars, no houses. It was the most amazing loneliness feeling I’ve ever had. As I look back it is a horizon of endless mountains for miles and miles which is incredible to be able to see with the naked eye. Turning North into Wyoming on the home stretch back to Sturgis I gazed into the distance watching a storm and the lightning strike, with the brisk air around me in the dark riding into the night. It was a great way to end an unexplainable experience. Ending us at around 3,829-mile trip. Riding through the diverse landscapes of the Midwest, the rugged Rocky Mountains, and the picturesque coast offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders to behold. The thrill of conquering winding roads, breathtaking vistas, and challenging terrains becomes an exhilarating dance with the elements, while the ever-changing climate adds an element of unpredictability to the journey. Sunsets over the horizon and starlit nights under the vast open sky become cherished treasures. This multi-day motorcycle trip became more than just a trip; It transformed into a soul-stirring adventure, the hum of the engine became a symphony, and the open road led to a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered. An unforgettable experience, where the spirit of the frontier lives on in the heart of every rider who dares to chase the horizon. This year’s events that I am attending are listed below. Please stop by and say hey, shoot the shit, let me serve ya a cold one & embrace this wild adventure with me!! Now let’s get ready for STURGISSSS! Ride on my friends! Next stop: Sturgis!! Yours Truly, Katye Roberts aka “RoadKat” 2023 Rally Schedule: • Daytona Beach Florida • Scottsdale Arizona • Pigeon Forge Tennessee • Panama City Beach Florida • Myrtle Beach South Carolina • Americade, New York • Laconia New Hampshire • Sturgis South Dakota • Ocean City Maryland • Fall Myrtle Beach South Carolina • Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach Florida • Fall Panama City Beach Florida • Galveston Texas Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 16
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 17
Retro rides outside of Cook’s Corner. Photo by Terri Hill
WE WANT YOUR BIKE! TRADE IN OR CASH OUT!
RIDE PRIDE: Back To Ol’ Skool Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 20
Ol’ Skool’s the road name doesn’t exist for no reason. One look at this bike or the others from Ol’ Skool Jim that we have featured in this magazine over the past few years speaks volumes and tell the story. There is something special about folks who have a creative vision and see it through to the end. That is an old school trait. Vision, skill and stubborn enough to see to it that the project gets completed. Great example for all of us to follow…let’s back to old school. Article by Stan & Terri Hill. Photos contributed by RaeLynn Flippo Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 21
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 22
BIKE SPECS Bike: H-D Softtail Owner: Ol Skool Jim Builder: Ol Skool Builds & Design (Fernley, NV) 88” S&S Evo Panhead Carburetor: S&S Primary: BDL Belt Drive Transmission: 5speed Frame: Stock Softail Forks: Glide Pipes: Paughco Wheels - Front: 21” Spoke / Back: 17” Spoke Brakes / Front & Back: P&M Bars: Buckhorn Floorboards: P&M Headlight/Taillight: Paughco Fender: Narrow Wide Glide – Back Fender: Widen Paughco Front Fender Seat: Solo Police Seat Moulding: Ol Skool Jim Paint: Ol Skool Jim Color: Black Base & Purple Pearl Striper: Weber Graphic Special Modifications: Inset louvers in the tank & rear fender with purple mix flake Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 23
If You Can See What I Can See … You Might Be Riding on the Back of a Harley Series Ride Challenge Point Arena Cabrillo - Highway 1 Lighthouse Point Santa Cruz Montara Always thinking about our next adventure on the bike and searching for something new to pique the interest of those we ride with, Curt implemented a Series Ride Challenge. The first annual series will take us riding up and down the beautiful California Pacific Ocean coastline. The 2023 destination is lighthouses. The idea is simple, ride to a lighthouse, take a photo of you and your bike with the lighthouse and earn a point for visiting that lighthouse. He prepared a list of 20 lighthouse locations that were potential options to visit. He put a few rides on the calendar so the group could ride together. He also presented the option to ride and visit lighthouses on your own. The first of many annual patches, he designed one for the Series Ride Challenge and the 2023 Lighthouse rocker patch. To receive the patch, riders only need to visit four lighthouses. Ready to launch the plan, Curt introduced the Series Ride Challenge to our riders. One of the first things we discovered is more than a few of the lighthouses are not accessible. A lighthouse is a tower or building designed to function as an aid to marine navigation. Projected light from lamps and lenses warns ships of dangerous areas in the water, including rocky or shallow coastlines. Originally, there were at least 44 lighthouses built along the California coast. Today there are almost 30 still standing, with only 16 open to the public for touring. A few members quickly took up the challenge, riding 50 miles south of San Francisco along the Pacific coastline to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. They arrived to find public tours cancelled. The building was deemed unsafe for entry in 2001, after a section of iron fell off the exterior. They were able to tour the grounds and enjoyed the coastal beauty of the site. Two weeks later, we were leaving Reno with a group of riders headed home after attending the North meets South H.O.G. Rally. Someone suggested we ride a little out of our way and stop at the Rubicon Point Lighthouse in Lake Tahoe. This lighthouse, built in 1916, has been out of commission for 80 years. It sits 200 feet above the lake and boasts an amazing view. We were all excited; this would be the first lighthouse visit for those of us on this ride. Low and behold, we pulled into the DL Bliss State Park and found vehicle access was blocked. Our bikes packed with weekend luggage; none of us prepared for a 2.5-mile hike to get to the site. Time to come up with a new plan and improvise. I approached a couple who just returned from making the hike. To see what we were missing, they shared their photos with us. We lined up the bikes, gathered the group together and I held up the hikers photo of the lighthouse. The couple took our picture. Check this one off the list. Our first site, point # 1 earned and done. A few weeks went by and our Head Road Captain hosted a ride to the Pacific Coast, with plans to visit three lighthouses. He offered a repeat visit to Pigeon Point Lighthouse since only a few made the first trip. Lime Point and Alcatraz Island were the other two sites. At least 30 bikes with 38 riders took the I-80 freeway all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. Traffic was heavy all day, often backed up with a wait. After we passed through the Robin Williams Tunnel in Sausalito, we could see the SF Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. This view almost made riding in the Bay Area traffic worthwhile. Almost. We quickly turned off the freeway, riding towards the north end under the Golden Gate Bridge. A very interesting place to stop, people were everywhere. I had never seen the bridge from this vantage point. We captured photos of the group within sight of both the Lime Point Lighthouse and Alcatraz Island Lighthouse. There was not enough room to include all of the bikes in the pictures. The original Alcatraz Lighthouse, built in 1854, was the first lighthouse built on the U.S. West Coast California along the coastline. A taller structure replaced the original lighthouse in 1909. When the penitentiary closed in 1963, a beacon was added to the structure and the light was automated. Leaving here, we rode across the Golden Gate Bridge. The wind was brisk. There was a mist in the air carried by the ocean breeze. Pedestrians and bicycle riders were moving along on their side of the bridge. This ride took us on a wide variety of roads, some with many twists and turns. The Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 24
Riders at Pigeon Point Lighthouse Shelter Cove Under the Golden Gate Bridge Traffic stopped on Hwy Presidio SF Peninsula On the Golden Gate SF Peninsula changes in elevation gave us spectacular views. We rode through Sea Cliff neighborhood and S.F. Skyline Blvd., alongside the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. In addition, we earned three points for our Series Ride Challenge requirement. Watching all of these bikes safely maneuver onto the Bay Area freeway was almost a nightmare. It felt like the drivers of cages had no concern for the bikes. They moved over too quickly, pushing the bikes out of their own lane. We rode Sweep the entire ride. For those who do not know, the Sweep is last in the pack. The Sweep knows where we are going, keeps everyone together and will take care of any rider with a problem. Sweep is also last to arrive, last to get gas, last to find a place to park and last to a get a seat in the restaurant. Sweep might even miss a group photo because by the time Sweep arrives, waits for a parking spot and gets off the bike, someone may have already taken the picture. Fortunately, riding Sweep, we are not in the middle of a cluster of bikes trying to figure out where to go. Riding in the back, we can see what is happening ahead of us. The coastal views are amazing. I think the next time I take this ride I will make sure it is on a weekday. Eighteen members received their patch and Lighthouse 2023 rocker. Get on your bike, go for a ride and have fun. Article contributed by Cyndee Reed Van Hooser Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 25
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 26
Fryed Brothers Band Bash in the Redwoods—43 years! Dean Creek Resort Photos by Terry Bert Sept. 8-10 2023 WITH ROGUE / Barn Fire DAMN LIARS / BEATNIK BIKE GAMES! RAFFLE! SWIMMING POOL! STORE ON SITE! FOOD/DRINK VENDORS! 4112 Redwood Drive, Redway, CA 95560 $90/Advance $100/Gate NO REFUNDS Tickets: www.fryedbrothersband.com or Call Barb at 707-824-4861 for tickets and RV/camp sites. Tent sites are included in ticket price. EVENT Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 27
When my wife picks a restaurant that I don’t really care for, I just say, “Oh yeah, that’s the one where all the waitresses are so young and cute and they run around like little puppies.” And just like that, change of restaurant. ------------------------------------------------------------ Two blondes laying by the pool and one says to the other, “I’m so thankful it’s not snowing.... can you even imagine shoveling snow in this heat? ------------------------------------------------------------ The guy sitting next to me on the bus pulled out his phone to show me a pic of his wife and said, “She’s beautiful isn’t she?” I replied, “If you think she’s beautiful, you should see my missus, mate.” He said, “Why? is she a stunner then?” I said, “No, she’s an eye doctor!” ------------------------------------------------------------ The only way to pull off a Sunday afternoon “quickie” with their 8 year old son; Lil’ Joey, in the apartment, was to send him out on the balcony with a Popsicle and tell him to yell out and report on all the neighborhood activities. Lil’ Joey yelled out, “There’s a car being towed from the parking lot.” “An ambulance just drove by!” he exclaimed. “Wow! Matt’s riding a brand new bike!” “Looks like the Anderson’s have company”, Lil’ Joey advised. “Jason is on his skateboard!” “The Coopers are having sex!” Startled, his mom and dad shot up in bed. The Dad called out, “how do you know they are having sex?” “Jimmy Cooper is standing on his balcony with a Popsicle.” ------------------------------------------------------------ Hillbilly Moms’ Letter Dear Son, I’m writing this here letter real slow cause I know you don’t read fast. We do not live where we did when you left. Your Dad read in the paper that most accidents happen within 20 miles of home, so we moved. Won’t be able to send you the address as the Arkansas family that lived here took the numbers with them for their next house, so they won’t have to change their address. This place has a washing machine. The first day I put four shirts in it, pulled the chain and haven’t seen em’ since. It only rained twice this week, three days the first time and four days the second time. ------------------------------------------------------------ The coat you wanted me to send to you, Aunt Sue said it would be a bit too heavy to send in the mail with them heavy buttons, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets. We got a bill from the funeral home, and it said if we don’t make the final payment on Grandma’s funeral costs, Up she comes!! About your sister, she had a baby this morning. I haven’t found out if it’s a boy or girl so don’t know if you are an Aunt or Uncle??? Your Uncle John fell in the whiskey vat. Some men tried to get him out, but he fought them off playfully, so he drowned. We cremated him and he burned for 3 solid days. Three of your friends went off the bridge in a pickup. One was driving and the other two were in the back. The driver got out. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. The other 2 drowned. They could not get the tailgate down. Not much more news this time. Nothing much has happened. If you don’t get this letter, please let me know and I will send another one. Love, Mom P.S. I was going to send you some spending money but I had already sealed the envelope and mailed it. Maybe next time. ------------------------------------------------------------ A blonde man is in the bathroom and his wife shouts “did you find the shampoo?” He yells back, “Yes, but not sure what to do....it’s for dry hair and I just wet mine.” A blonde man spots a letter on his doormat that reads Do Not Bend on the envelope. He spends the next hour trying to figure out how to pick it up. A blonde man shouts frantically into the phone, “My wife is pregnant and her pangs are only 2 minutes apart!” “Is this her first child?” asks the 911 operator. “No!” he shouts, “this is her husband!”. Hey, turn-about is fair play, right? lol Have a Grrrreat September, Bikers! Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 28
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 29
Blog by Olivia Goheen for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Roland Sands Design has become synonymous with the motorcycle design industry. The main face behind the brand is the famous Roland Sands, but who is Summer Hoover? She is the one who is at the back end strategizing how the business works. She is also Roland’s sister. As the commander in chief responsible for Roland Sands Designs, Summer Hoover does not just wear many hats — she wears several helmets, each with its distinct purpose. From her role as the brains behind the marketing to her constant involvement in event planning to her work at the helm of Super Hooligan racing, a prolific flat track event. Summer has been able to complete it all while being a fulltime Mom. The endless tasks Summer has taken on during her tenure with Roland Sands Designs seem too big for one woman — or at least they would be for most people. Let us find out more about the female who has been a tremendous asset in helping run one of the motorcycle industry’s most decorated brands. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney: Tell us about your beginnings at RSD? Hoover: My beginnings at RSD. Roland and I worked for Performance Machine most of our lives. He was in the shop, I was in the office. My Dad took Roland under his wing and my Mom took me under her wing. We were looking at selling the business. But before that, Roland had started designing products for Performance Machine, but they were a little bit different than the product line that they were currently doing. And so they were a little edgier. They were black, they weren’t Chrome. In probably 2003, or 2004, they started marketing him as a designer. It got the eye of some distribution and they said, “Hey, you know, are you guys willing to distribute this product?” And he went, “Oh, well, I’m a brand, I was a racer”. Roland Sands Design [started], he sketched his name and created the name [brand]. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney: Tell us about your beginnings at RSD? Hoover: My beginnings at RSD. Roland and I worked for Performance Machine most of our lives. He was in the shop, I was in the office. My Dad took Roland under his wing and my Mom took me under her wing. We were looking at selling the business. But before that, Roland had started designing products for Performance Machine, but they were a little bit different than the product line that they were currently doing. And so they were a little edgier. They were black, they weren’t Chrome. In probably 2003, or 2004, they started marketing him as a designer. It got the eye of some distribution and they said, “Hey, you know, are you guys willing to distribute this product?” And he went, “Oh, well, I’m a brand, I was a racer”. Roland Sands Design [started], he sketched his name and created the name [brand]. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney: Tell me what you love most about the motorcycle industry? Hoover: I love a lot of things about this industry. Probably number one is, it’s a passion industry. People are here because they wanna be in it. They’re a fan of motorcycles. It’s what they find drives them. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney: Growing up around motorcycles and working with your family at Performance Machine, what is the best advice you got from your family to succeed in business? Hoover: I think the biggest motto with our family is work hard, play hard. So that’s one of the key things that both of our parents taught us. So I think that they ingrained that work ethic side of things, into both Roland and I, but yet still being able to balance out your life and going and having fun too. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney: Working with a renowned brand, what’s the most important step to getting a brand name in the mainstream? Hoover: I think in this day and age, it’s a lot about content. So in order to be seen by people, you have to have different sorts of content coming in, but also having the product or something to sell to back that content up with. In other words, there’s a lot of digestible content. People are looking at Reels or looking at YouTubes and swiping and moving forward. But being able to offer them something new or different or being able to go past the swipe or past the Reel viewing to put something in their hands. Whether that’s a jacket. Whether that is a grip for their motorcycle or an experience at one of our events, it solidifies the brand in all different genres of motorcycles. To read this BLOG in its entirety Go to www.RussBrown.com SUMMER HOOVER The Commander in Chief Behind Roland Sands Design Summer with her two sons, her brother Roland and their Dad Perry (Photo Owned by Roland Sands Design) Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 31
Automotive Rick’s Automotive Biker Owned & Operated 3725 Pine Street Rocklin, CA 95677 (916) 632-8230 Bars/Restaurants Bones Roadhouse Bar & Grub www.bonesroadhousehangtown.com 4430 Pleasant Valley Road Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 644-4301 Double D Steak Seafood-Bar-Grill 320 Main Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3700 Kenny’s Bar & Grill 721 East Street Woodland, CA 95776 (530) 662-3634 Road Trip Bar & Grill www.roadtripbg.com 24989 State Hwy 16 Capay, CA 95607 530-796-3777 Dealerships C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin 12015 Shale Ridge Auburn, CA 95602 530-885-5556 Folsom Harley-Davidson® www.folsomhd.com 115 Woodmere Road Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 608-9922 Harley-Davidson of Rocklin www.RocklinHD.com 4401 Granite Drive Rocklin, CA 95677 (916) 259-2453 Sonoma County Harley-Davidson® www.SonomaCountyHD.com 7601 Redwood Drive Cotati, CA 94931 (707) 793-9180 Heating & Air Conditioning A&M Heating and Air Conditioning www.AMHeatingandAirConditioning.com 7625 Sunrise Blvd – Ste 208 Citrus Heights, CA 95610 (916) 747-5654 Insurance CycleInsure Agency www.cycleinsure.com 4201 Sunrise Blvd – Suite B Fair Oaks, CA 95628 800-800-0965 / 916-200-1000 Big Cory Insurance Cory Ellerbee / Lic# 4044294 2499 Martin Road Ste A Fairfield, CA 94534 (707) 690-8321 / [email protected] Noble West Insurance Services www.noblewest.net (800) 391-1313 Leather Goods The Leatherworks, Inc. www.LeatherworksInc.com 188 Frank West Circle #C Stockton, CA 95206 (209) 983-9200 Tomson Leather Est. 1985 Custom Leather Clothing, Alterations & Repairs Placerville, California Call for appointment (530) 622-2453 Motorcycle Attorneys Jachimowicz Law Group 1530 The Alameda – Ste 115 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 246-5500 Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Brown, Koro & Romag, LLP – NorCal www.RussBrown.com 2440 Camino Ramon, Suite 385 San Ramon, CA 94583-4383 (800) 4-BIKERS / (800) 424-5377 Motorcycle Detailing San Jose Hogwash Motorcycle Detailing www.sanjosehogwash.com P.O. Box 24273 San Jose, CA 95154 (408) 641-1940 Motorcycle Musuem Moto Talbott Museum 4 E. Carmel Valley Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 (831) 659-5410 Thursday-Sunday / 11am-5pm Motorcycle Paint Clinton’s Custom Cycle 555 Lincoln Blvd Lincoln, CA 95648 (916) 645-0954 Ol’ Skool Builds & Designs Ol’ Skool Jim Corcoran Fernley, Nevada [email protected] (775) 219-6215 Sales / Service / Accessories Clinton’s Custom Cycle 555 Lincoln Blvd Lincoln, CA 95648 (916) 645-0954 Fast Lane Motorcycle 19730 Wayne Lane Cottonwood, CA 96022 (530) 347-7111 John Jessup’s DREAM RIDES www.dreamridesusa.com 2275 N. Wilson Way Stockton, CA 95205 (209) 467-4669 Midnight Motors 11848 Atwood Road Auburn, CA 95603 (916) 223-1776 Miller Built Performance Cycles 3293 Saratoga Lane – Ste A Cameron Park, CA 95682 (530) 672-9141 Omega Motorcycle www.OmegaCycle.com 1551 Merkley Avenue West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 372-2206 / SERVICE (916) 373-1745 Penngrove Motorcycle Company www.penngrovemotorcycleco.com 9585 Main Street Penngrove, CA 94951 (707) 793-7993 Ride-On-Motorcycles www.Ride-On-Motorcycles.com 1416 Sonoma Blvd Vallejo, CA 94590 (707) 647-RIDE(7433) Sonora Custom Cycles 11994 Hwy 49 Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 677-9082 Tattoos Wild Bill Tattoo www.wild-bills.com 115 Lincoln Street Roseville, CA 95678 (916) 783-909 Tires Cal Tire and Auto Works MOTORCYCLES – CARS – TRUCKS 2226 N. Wilson Way Stockton, CA 95205 (209) 465-2805 TOP-OF-THE-LINE POWER LOADS OF TORQUE COMMANDING PRESENCE THE 2021 ROAD KING® SPECIAL Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 32
Remember to check for MORE events submitted AFTER print deadline at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com GOT EVENTS? Submit your events online at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com SEPTEMBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2 2nd ANNUAL GOLD RUSH POKER RUN JACKSON Presented by Veteran Nation MC. Located at American Legion Post 108 - 11350 American Legion Dr. 9am - 5pm. $30 single / $40 double. All Bikers welcome. Registration includes meal. Cash prize for highest and lowest hand. 50/50 drawing, raffle prizes, no host bar, and live entertainment by Suicide Shift. Spend the day enjoying a ride through the gold country while supporting a good cause. Vets HelpingVets. For more information: rivercity.vetnationmc@ gmail.com SEPTEMBER 3 FRYED BROTHERS BAND AT WIMPY’S MARINA WALNUT GROVE Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Located at Wimpy’s Marina Restaurant Bar and RV - 14001 W. Walnut Grove Rd. 3:30pm - 6:30pm Free Admission. Plenty of food and drink available for purchase. Great music and room to dance. Plenty of motorcycle parking too! For more information: [email protected] or (209) 794-2544 SEPTEMBER 8-10 FRYED BROTHERS BAND ANNUAL BASH IN THE REDWOODS- 43 Years!! REDWAY Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Located at Dean Creek Resort - 4112 Redwood Drive. Cost: $90/Advance $100/Gate. (Tent camping included in price) No Refunds. Join the Fryed Brothers Band, along with Rogue, Barn Fire, Damn Liars and Steve “Beatnik” Werner. Food vendor, beer, general store, raffle, bike games. For more information: Barb (707) 824-4861 / Tickets can also be purchased at www.fryedbrothersband.com. RV camping (Sold separately) See Flyer on Page 27 SEPTEMBER 16 1st ANNUAL NOR CAL CHOPPER SHOW STOCKTON Located at Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club – 4343 N. Ashley Lane. $10 entry / Grass pass $20. Kids under 10 FREE. For more information: www.norcalchoppershow.com SEPTEMBER 21-24 STREET VIBRATIONS Fall Rally RENO, NEVADA Presented by Roadshows,Inc. 12 Noon – Free. Motorcycle rally open to all makes and models featuring live bands, bike show, poker run, scavenger hunt, slow bike races, stunt shows and more than 100 vendors. For more information: (775) 690-2035 / (775) 329-7469 See Flyer on Back Cover SEPTEMBER 22 - 23 FRYED BROTHERS BAND AT THE RED DOG SALOON VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Located at Red Dog Saloon - 76 C. St. Friday: 8pm - 11pm / Saturday: 1pm – 4pm - Free Admission. Join the Fryed Brothers during Street Vibrations. Music, dancing, food and drinks. For more information: barbfryed@ yahoo.com SEPTEMBER 23 CURT KOMRATTO MEMORIAL RIDE COTATI Presented by Good Ol Boys MC. Located at North Bay Clubhouse – 445 Portal Street. Pack leaves at 11am - $30 Meal/Shirt (while supplies last) A One Day Ride & BBQ celebration for our fallen brothers. Cheese Steak Dinner / Vendors / Live Music. For more information: Conrad (707) 755-4428 707.793.9180 7601 REDWOOD DRIVE COTATI, CA 94931 WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 33
Remember to check for MORE events submitted AFTER print deadline at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com GOT EVENTS? Submit your events online at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com OCTOBER 2023 OCTOBER 1 ABATE MEMORIAL BINGO RUN VACAVILLE Presented by ABATE. Sign in at the Moose Lodge - 6585 Gibson Canyon Rd. 10am. Bingo cards are $5 each, 5 for $20. Winners at every stop, first game at 11am. Enjoy a scenic fun day with your passenger. Run ends at Road Trip Bar & Grill in Capay. For more information: (925) 284-8345 OCTOBER 7 RAISE THE ROOF FOR RECOVERY MOTORCYCLE RUN FOLSOM Presented by Sunset NO-AL Club, Inc. 501(3)c. Registration 10am -11am. Starts at Folsom Harley Davidson – 115 Woodmere Rd. Run ends at Sacramento Horsemen’s Association - 3200 Longview Drive in Sacramento. Community Fundraiser to rebuild The Gibbons Alano Club in Carmichael destroyed by ARSON FIRE November ‘22. For more information: [email protected] OCTOBER 7 27th ANNUAL BLACK WIDOWS POKER RUN SACRAMENTO Presented by Black Widows Inc. Sign in at VFW Post 67 – 2784 Stockton Blvd. 9am – 10:30am. $30 (in advance) $40 Day of run. All motorcycles welcome. High/Low hand raffle and 50/50 drawing. Benefits Shriners Children’s of Northern California Sacramento. For more information: www. blackwidowspokerrun.org / Jamey Ray (916) 649-2240 OCTOBER 14 13th ANNUAL FALLEN HEROES 111 MILE MOTORCYCLE RIDE ROCKLIN Presented by The Forgotten Soldier Program. Ride starts and ends at Rocklin Harley-Davidson – 4401 Granite Drive. Registration starts at 8am. Kickstands up at 9:30am. Advanced registration $25 p/person- 2 up $45. Day of $30 p/ person -2 up $50. Poker ride, with lunch, great music, raffle, chapter challenge. For more information: (530) 889-2300 / www.forgottensoldierprogram.com. See Flyer on Inside Front Cover OCTOBER 14 FRYED BROTHERS BAND AT SWABBIES ON THE RIVER SACRAMENTO Presented by Swabbies on the River – 5871 Garden Hwy. 1pm. Join the band for an afternoon of music, food and drink with lots of shade and seating. Plenty of motorcycle parking. For more information: [email protected] OCTOBER 19-22 2nd ANNUAL BORN FREE Texas Edition MT. ENTERPRISE, TEXAS Presented by Born-Free Show. Located at Yellow Rose Canyon – 1039 FM1798. 120 acres for ALL the fun activities that they can’t do in California. 4 days of Camping – Chopper Dirt Drags-Wall of Death –Chopper trick or Treat Costume contest, Bands –Vendors –AMCA Swapmeet. For more information: www.bornfreeshow.com / (Vendors) [email protected] OPEN HOUSE EVERY MONTH AUBURN MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Presented by Gold Country Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin - 12015 Shale Ridge Rd. Gold Country IMRG is open to all motorcycle brands. All members and prospective members and friends are welcome. Check monthly calendar for dates and times at www.goldcountryimrg.com/Events_ Calendar.html 2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH JACKSON American Legion Riders Meeting Presented by Post 108 Legion Riders – 11401 American Legion Drive – 6:30pm. 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH FT BRAGG ALR Chapter 96 Monthly Meeting Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 96. Veterans Administration Building – 360 North Harrison Street. 6pm. For more information: Gary (907) 230-5857 / americanlegionriders96.com 2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH MARYSVILLE MMA Division 1 Monthly Meeting Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Stassis 4th Ward Tavern – 102 7th Street. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. For more information: SOSWMC@ hotmail.com PAID OFF OR NOT ALL MAKES & MODELS WE BUY BIKES! SELL YOUR BIKE TODAY! CALL NOW! Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 34
3rd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH FOLSOM Folsom HOG Chapter 1787 General Meeting Presented by Folsom HOG – Roundtable Pizza – 9500-1 Greenback Lane. Come early and have dinner, 6pm. Organized reports and activities at 6:30pm. Share info on great rides, discuss upcoming events, hear the latest news from the Folsom dealership, and the RAFFLE. For more information: www.folsomhog.org / [email protected] 4th TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH FAIR OAKS American Legion Riders Post 383 Monthly Meeting Presented by ALR Post 383 – 9050 Sunset Avenue. 7pm. Veterans Events, Activities, Function, Meetings and Rides. For more information: Lee Payne – Commander (916) 367- 9620 2nd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH PLACERVILLE American Legion Riders Post 119 Monthly Meeting Presented by ALR Post 119 – 4561 Greenstone Road. 6pm. Share info on rides and discuss upcoming events. Bar opens at 5pm. For more information: Bill Bryant (530) 409- 8414 2nd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH FORESTHILL American Legion Riders Post 587 Monthly Meeting Presented by ALR Post 587 – 24601 Harrison Street. 6pm. For more information: John Rouse (530) 367-3081 2nd WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AUBURN Gold Country Harley Riders Monthly Meeting Presented by Gold Country Harley Riders – El Tapatio -2100 Grass Valley Hwy. Dinner at 6pm / Meeting at 7pm. For more information: Dennis Chapman (831) 710-0299 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH REDDING Redding HOG Chapter Meeting Presented by Redding Harley Owners Group - LuLu’s Restaurant - 2230 Pine Street. 7pm. Meeting is free to all who wish to attend. Come early and get the world’s best clams! For more information: [email protected] 1st THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH LINCOLN ALR Chapter 264 Monthly Meeting Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 264. Lincoln Veteran’s Hall – 541 5th Street. 6pm Contact Gail Miller with any questions (916) 521-6319 2rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH ROSEVILLE CMA -ROSEVILLE Monthly Meeting Presented by The Riders of the Cross. Meet at Denny’s Restaurant – 122 Sunrise Avenue 7pm – Come early if you’re having dinner. Contact Chuck Loseth with any questions (916) 837-3150. 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH CITRUS HEIGHTS RIVER CITY BIKER BABES Meet & Greet Presented by River City Biker Babes Ladies Motorcycle Riding Club. Located at the R. Vida Cantina – 7040 Sunrise Blvd. 7pm / FREE. Ladies? If you are interested in meeting a great bunch of gals, and you either ‘ride your own,’ or want to learn, we want to meet you. We work with all levels of riders and all brands of motorcycles. We talk about safety (which is our number one concern), suggest areas we would like to plan rides to, and basic motorcycle maintenance (i.e. do you know how to check your own oil?). Looking forward to meeting you. Visit us at: http://www.meetup. com/River-City-Biker-Babes/ https://www.facebook.com/ RiverCityBikerBabes/ 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH ROCKLIN Monthly HOG Chapter Meeting Presented by Sierra Thunder HOG Chapter 4058. Granite Rock Grill Restaurant - 5140 Pacific St. 7pm. We welcome you to come to our meeting and learn about our Chapter. We Ride and Have Fun. Note: No food service at meeting. For more information: [email protected] /(916) 791-4443 landline 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH ALTURAS American Legion Riders Meeting Presented by Post 163 Legion Riders – The Niles – 304 S. Main Street. For more information: (530) 708-2844 1st FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH WOODLAND BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Meeting at VFW Hall – 345 W. Kentucky Avenue. 7pm Meetings are open to the public. (530) 848-2090 with any questions. 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH FAIRFIELD OPEN HOUSE Presented by Dirty Whites Club House – 748 N. Texas St 8pm - ? Come have a blast! Contact Joe 707-694- 5251 707.793.9180 7601 REDWOOD DRIVE COTATI, CA 94931 WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 35
Remember to check for MORE events submitted AFTER print deadline at www.thunderroadsnorcal.com 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH ORANGEVALE OPEN HOUSE Presented by Rogue Militia MC. 9250 Greenback Lane. 7pm. Come out and join us for Good Times/Cold Drinks/Brotherhood. Contact: Tone (916) 208- 8423 or Rob (916) 671-4871 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH YUBA CITY OPEN HOUSE Presented by Fellas MC. 2372 Butte House Rd. 6pm-11pm. Contact: evpatrickcarver@gmail. com / (530) 777-6655 3rd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH VALLEJO OPEN HOUSE Presented by Hellbent MC 707 Crew – 100 Lincoln Rd. E - 8pm. Come one come all! Our house is open to start your weekend off right, join us for our Open House night. 4th FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH SACRAMENTO CAPITAL CITY MC Meeting at 2414 13th Street. 7pm / Free. Come join the Sacramento Region’s oldest motorcycle club, Capital City MC, at our monthly open house. Each month on the fourth Friday from 7pm to 10pm. Free to enter, food and drink available for purchase. Contact: (916) 442-8242 / [email protected]. EVERY SATURDAY SACRAMENTO Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Open House to the Biker Community – 3418 Auburn Blvd on Saturday nights – 6pm. / No Cover Charge. Come Join the MSMC and other motorcycle enthusiasts where we enjoy good entertainment, cold drinks, and good food. For more information: Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge (785) 410- 1015. 1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH ANTIOCH MOUNTED MESSENGERS Breakfast N Ride at Hillcrest Restaurant & Taphouse – 2709 Hillcrest Avenue. 8am/Menu Come on out for some good breakfast, fellowship & then out for a ride (Location TBD) KSU: approximately 9:30-10am. “Normally”, once we reach our destination, we have lunch. Once done, we head back and eventually split up on the way depending where one lives or what plans one has. Hope to see you there! For more information: [email protected] 3rd SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH CORDELIA MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING – Presented by Christian Motorcyclists Association - Lord’s Knights Chapter. *NEW LOCATION Denny’s Restaurant – 304 Pittman Road. Order breakfast at 8am. Announcements at 8:30am. Kick stands up by 9:15am. All bikes welcome. For more information: Bill Neander / [email protected]. 3rd SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH RENO, NV MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING - Presented by Battle Born IRMG 2066 - Indian Motorcycle of Reno – 3445 Kietzke Lane. 9am. Newly formed Battle Born IMRG, Chapter 2066, based out of the Reno Indian dealership is forming up and recruiting Indian and Victory riders if you wish to join. For more information: Jeff Justus - President (775) 745-7846 / [email protected] 3rd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH VACAVILLE MONTHLY LOCAL MEETING Presented by A.B.A.T.E. Local 17 - 4823 Midway Road 10am We will discuss matters important to the Local and to the motorcycle community. We create plans, and review 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) 624-6310 / [email protected] BIKE NIGHTS EVERY THURSDAY SACRAMENTO Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Thursday Night Fun Night – 3418 Auburn Blvd. 6pm / Join the MSMC for its Thursday Night get together. Free food, entertainment and great company. All like minded members of the community are welcome. The MSMC reserve the right to refuse access to who they choose. For more information: Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge (785) 410-1015 707.793.9180 7601 REDWOOD DRIVE COTATI, CA 94931 WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 36
A&M Heating and Air .....................................................................................4 Bones Roadhouse Bar & Grub ......................................................................9 C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin ........................................................4 & 25 Cal Tire & Autoworks ....................................................................................9 Clinton’s Custom Cycle .................................................................................9 CycleInsure Agency.....................................................................................26 Double D Steak ...........................................................................................26 Folsom-Rocklin H-D ..................................................... Inside Front Cover /19 Fryed Brothers Band - Bash In The Redwoods EVENT ...............................27 Jachimowicz Law Group................................................................................5 Kenny’s Bar & Grill ......................................................................................26 Midnight Motors...........................................................................................26 Miller Built Performance Cycles.....................................................................4 Noble West Insurance Services.....................................................................4 Omega Motorcycles.......................................................................................9 Penngrove Motorcycle Company ...................................................................9 Ride-On Motorcycles ...................................................................................26 Roadshows / Fall Vibrations ..........................................................Back Cover Road Trip Bar & Grill ...................................................................................27 Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys .........................................................1 & 31 San Jose Hogwash......................................................................................26 Sonoma County HD................................................................................33-37 The Leatherworks........................................................................................27 Wild Bill Tattoo...............................................................................................9 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS THUNDER ROADS® NORCAL INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 1st THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH McKINLEYVILLE BIKE NIGHT Presented by Jus Brothers Humboldt MC - Central Station Sports Bar – 1631 Central Avenue. 7pm. All motorcycles welcome. 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH 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 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH WINTERS LADIES BIKE NIGHT Green River Taproom & Brewing - 4513 Putah Creek Road 6:30pm – 10pm Ladies Bike night is family friendly and hopes to be a place where women riders, from all backgrounds and experience levels can come together to collaborate regarding events, fundraisers, promoting, networking, but mostly just a place to meet other like minded women. (Men are welcome too, we just ask that you bring a lady with you :) For more information: [email protected] / (619) 961-8151 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (April-September) WILLITS BIKE NIGHT Presented by Willits Wild Bunch. Scoops Deli & Ice Cream – 110 N. Main Street. 6pm-8pm Bike games,raffle prizes. 50/50, Music by DJ Mikey T. Great food & beverages. All Bikes Welcome. For more information: Pops (707) 489-3313 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH LODI BIKE NIGHT Presented by The Water Hole along with The Red Iron Riders. 246 N. Cluff Ave. 6:30pm Cost depending on the menu $10-$18. A great NO DRAMA social event to get to know others that share the passion of the bike. Outdoor private patio area, pool tables, Shuffleboard, Music, big screen TVs for game nights and more. All bikes welcome, and those without bikes welcome too. For more information: (209) 604-7149 / (209) 327-8283 TRM NorCal is not responsible for errors or omissions and events are subject to change without notice WEST COAST STYLE PRO-TOURING PERFORMANCE THE 2023 STREET GLIDE® ST Mail Check and This Form for 1 Year Subscription 12 Issues $35 To: THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal PO Box 617, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 Now accepting credit cards – Call 530.305.7992 NAME____________________________________________________________ STREET OR P.O. BOX_______________________________________________ CITY_______________________________ST___________ZIP______________ EMAIL_______________________________________________________________ Make check payable to Thunder Roads® Of Northern California BUY ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR $35 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 37
FALL RALLY SEPTEMBER 21-24 RENO TAHOE VIRGINIA CITY CARSON CITY 2023 EVENT INFO ROADSHOWS, INC. 775-690-2035 775-329-7469 https://www.facebook.com/StreetVibrationsMotorcycleRally/?fref=ts SATURDAY, 9-23-23 FRIDAY, 9-22-23 HELL’S BELLES THURSDAY, 9-21-23