THUNDER ROADS NORCAL - May 2020

INSIDE

1903 ‘Camelback’ Indian Motocycle

Article on Pages 22-25

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THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal editor’s letter
P.O. Box 794
Orangevale, CA 95662 W elcome to our first and hopefully only
Office: 530.368.6579 or 530.305.7992 digital-only edition of Thunder Roads
Fax: 530-831-4758 NorCal. As we all know, COVID-19 has
Email: [email protected] left its mark on all of us one way or another. And this
Website: www.thunderroadsnorcal.com publication is no different as it made it impossible to
bring this issue to you in print form. We apologize
Northern California for the inconvenience, but our hands were tied on
State Editors / Owners this one. As most of you already know, many annual
events that go on about now have been canceled
Stan & Terri Hill or postponed. We will do our best to keep you all
updated on what is happening out there. So stay
On The Cover: tuned in to our social media channels and hopefully
1903 ‘Camelback’ Indian Motocycle / Photo by Moe Vetter we will see all of your smiling faces soon as things
open back up.
Art Director/Layout & Design
Meredith Hancock – Hancock Media On a more positive note, Mother’s Day is coming up

Contributing Writers fast so make sure to your show appreciation to all

Ride Destination the mothers out there. Especially since society has
Chuck & Cindy Loseth
suddenly thrust the role of educators onto parents
Thunder Road Biker Church the young engineer to come to work for him in Springfield, with Yarocki says company records sho
Pastor Johnny Lujan
that are already working nonstop for their familiesthe goal of developing a motorized bicycle that could be mass- means it was produced late in the
On The Road produced. there was no Division of Motor Veh
Roxanne & Wild Bill Hill
They built a prototype and demonstrated the first Indian registry exists that would tell us wh
Biker Band Revue Motocycle (the “r” wouldn’t be added until some years later) to
Taleah Ebey / T3 Design Studios In fact, at this point, nothing is k

Road Trippin’ well being. Although, I think we have naturallythe public in May of 1901. until somewhere around 1960. It w
Gary & Mary Hoffman “Factory records show that there were three prototypes built Charles Alder of Taneytown, Maryl
in 1901 and one was taken apart, and the parts used in another woman whose husband had recen
Open Road Toon
Don ‘Thunder’ Baggett motorcycle,” says George Yarocki. “Which motorcycle, is not dollars,” says Steve Rinker. “It was

If You Can See What I Can See … learned many valuable life lessons from our mothersknown and the parts could have been used in one, or both, of of the house. Obviously, it was a d
You Might Be Riding on the Back of a Harley the remaining 1901 prototypes.” Yarocki has been following a to a few other guys who knew Cha
lead based on a 1922 photograph in a newspaper that shows a seemed to think that the previous
Cyndee Reed Van Hooser
man riding what may well have been one of those prototypes, Charlie Alder was 14 years old wh
Rich “Foot” & Jennifer “Sunshine” Elkins
Russell “Raz” Holder anyway – be sure so show her some EXTRA lovebut has yet to succeed. “That would probably be the most He remembers that he and his fath
valuable bike in the world if we could ever find it,” George tellsand brought it home, and they hav
Frank Medicine Wolf Springer Thunder Roads West Virginia. Alder, Rinker says, passed away a

Contributing Photographers and attention. Hedström took his engine design to the Aurora Automatic was killed in a motorcycle acciden
Billie Wilson / Billie The Kid Photography
Machine Company in Aurora, Illinois, a company that had the One day last fall, out of the blue
Dan Rogers capacity to build the 1.75 horsepower motors in large quantity. rings. On the other end is a friend
Nadia Parham Hendee began building a network of dealerships. In 1902, company. “He says, ‘I have found

Advertising Sales / Social Media / Website the Hendee Manufacturing Company produced a total of 143 ‘No. You didn’t find a 1903,’” Steve
Stan Hill (530) 368-6579
Terri Hill (530) 305-7992 Indian Motocycles. ‘You don’t have a 1903 Indian. Tru

National Founders As production ramped up in 1903, 376 motocycles would He said, ‘Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Ev
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
1528 Matlock Drive, Chapmansboro, TN 37035 be produced. The serial number on this particular bike is 548. swear there’s a 1903 moped.’ I sa
Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580
And don’t forget that May is Motorcycle Awareness
[email protected]
www.thunderroadsmagazine.com Month. Although there is less traffic than normal on
(for information regarding Thunder Roads Northern California,
please use contact information at top of column the roads that does not mean that motorcyclists are

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRIT- any safer out there. Drivers seem more distracted
TEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LI-
ABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER than usual – on their phones, running stop signs
OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO
REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPY- and speeding excessively in neighborhoods and
RIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH.
OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO on the freeway. So watch your mirrors and practice
NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER
PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS. good situational awareness at all times while out

on the road. As bikers, we already consider wind

therapy as a perfect way to cope with these crazy

times we’re in; so let’s all stay safe out there and get

out and ride!

Stay strong - stay healthy and remember to support
those small business owners!

Stan and Terri Hill
Editor / Owners

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 2

contents

Road Trippin’
Central Italy

8

1903 IndianThe motor cleverly sits
where a bicycle frame
would have had a rear
down tube, making it
Motocyclea stress member of
the frame as well as
the source of power
(opposite page, left).
The right side view of
22the engine (opposite
page, right) shows
the exposed exhaust
push rod and bears
the all important serial
number 548 (left). The
number confirms that
this bike was built late
in the year of 1903.

not mopeds. They were motorcycles. You propelled them like a old bikes are only original once. You want to try to preserve

bicycle in order to get them running, but you couldn’t ride them anything you can, as long as it’s still original. It was really truly

like a bicycle.” A moped, you can still pedal like a bike. Anyway, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. These bikes are so rare

I said, ‘Hey, I’d love to see it.’ He said, ‘Well, it’s going to be to find. They made it through the Depression, through both

17th Annualsold.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I would love to go see the thing.’” World Wars. They never got scrapped. Kids didn’t trash them or
The bike, the auctioneer explained, will be put on an estate beat them up. I mean, face it, it’s nothing more than a bicycle,
auction, along with several other bikes the Alder’s owned. For essentially, with a little gas tank on the back. So, to survive the
the auction company to gain some insight into the value and time is pretty extraordinary.”

authenticity of this bike, they arranged for Steve to see it. As they The gas and oil tanks over the rear fender is why these early
Hangtown BFMCare driving to the garage, Steve remembers telling the auctioneers, Indians got the “Camelback” nickname. The hump behind the
ow that this serial number “I’m 98 percent certain we’re not going to see a 1903. Somebody’s rear frame of the bike held about a gallon of gasoline, and the
year of 1903. Obviously,
hicles at the time, so no got their years confused somewhere along the way.” little portion inside the framework was a separate tank for the DON’T
ho its original owner was. MISS IT!
known about the bike’s history As the men enter the garage, they see the outlines of five oil. Hendee produced this same design from 1902 until 1908,
was around that time that GET YOUR TRM NORCAL SUBSCRIPTION
land, bought the bike from a St Patrick’scloth-covered motorcycles. “The first one we uncovered and the serial numbers are the only way to verify the exact year
ntly died. “He bought it for 20 of production. Mail Check and This Form for 1 Year Subscription 12 Issues $30
s hanging in the basement was a 1926 Harley-Davidson JD. Charles had restored this To: THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE NorCal
dry basement. I have talked motorcycle,” says Steve. “The next one we came to is a 1923 “The insides of that engine are very simple, but very well P.O. Box 794 – Orangevale, CA 95662
arles from the past, and they
owner was a dentist. His son Harley JD. The next one was a 1917 Harley. It was supposed made,” says Dale Walksler from his office in the Wheels Now accepting credit cards – Call 530.305.7992
hen they got the motorcycle.
her picked the motorcycle up Day COLLAGEto have been five Indians. Well, the first three were Harley- Through Time Motorcycle Museum. “When that bike was built NAME____________________________________________________________
ve kept it ever since.” Charles in ‘03 it was just the most charming little bike.” Dale has unique STREET OR P.O. BOX_______________________________________________
a few years ago and Charlie Davidsons, so my expectations now are almost one-hundred knowledge about the 1903 Indian, because he not only owns CITY_______________________________ST___________ZIP______________
nt last summer. percent sure we would never see an Indian.” one, he rides and has even raced it! “I always claim that my ‘03 EMAIL_______________________________________________________________
e, Steve Rinker’s phone
of his who owns an auction But under the fourth sheet there was indeed an Indian, albeit Make check payable to Thunder Roads Of Northern California
a 1903 Indian moped.’ I said, 26a 1919 model. “Here’s the Indian they’ve been talking about,” is the oldest running Indian anywhere. I don’t know of an earlier
e remembers saying. “I said, serial number than mine that runs.”
ust me, you don’t have it!’ Steve remembers thinking. “I looked at the auctioneer and said,
verybody I’ve talked to, they ‘You know, this isn’t an ‘03.’ Then we jerked the cover off the last Dale Walksler has raced his 1903 Indian several times on
aid, ‘Well, first of all, they’re motorcycle, and I just stood there. He hit me on the shoulder, and the track at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham,
said, ‘Hey! Is that a 1903?’ And I’m just looking at it, and he says Alabama. He may be the only man alive today who knows what

‘Hey! What is it?’ And I turned around and said, ‘It’s a nineteen-oh- it feels like to ride this bike. “It’s a huge burst of energy,” he tells

thhh...it’s...it’s...it’s a Camelback Indian! There it is!’” Thunder Roads West Virginia. “The sad thing is, all the years

Rinker was stunned. For a vintage Indian collector, this is that we raced the early bikes at Barber’s, nobody ever recorded

akin to witnessing the dawn of time. “I’ve seen four restored a lap time. So, we never really measured how fast they went.

motorcycles up to this one. Then, all of a sudden, I find this bike Last year we measured lap times, and I raced a 1911 Indian. It

in its unrestored condition,” he tells me as we talk about the averaged 48 miles-per-hour for three miles on a road course.

day he first saw this bike. “You and I have talked in the past,

If You Can See What I Can See …............................6
Product Spotlight: Sawyer Insect Repellent............. 11
Ride Destination.......................................................12
Biker Band Revue: Blacksheep................................15
Book Review: Vendetta Road...................................16
On The Road with Roxanne & Wild Bill....................18
Calendar...................................................................20
Thunder Road Biker Church.....................................28
Russ Brown..............................................................31
Joker’s Wild..............................................................32
Biker Friendly Directory............................................34
Marketplace..............................................................36
Events......................................................................39
Thank You To Our Sponsors.....................................43

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 3

EVENT

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

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 4



IF YOU CAN SEE WHAT I CAN SEE…
You Might Be Riding On The Back of a Harley

California Shelter in Place – COVID-19

The year 2020 started out great for Americans. The U.S. two weeks. The total confirmed was growing as more cases
economy was the strongest it had ever been. Unemployment were reported in February. The first death in the U.S. was
rates were low, with 15 states at a rate significantly lower reported on February 29. On March 2, the confirmed cases
than the national rate of 3.5%. There is an election on the reached 100. Cruise ships were reporting high numbers of
horizon, people were watching to find out what the potential people who were sick and some were infected with the virus.
candidates have to say. Then along came the Coronavirus With passengers prevented from disembarking, ships were
Pandemic and people are dying worldwide. quarantined while still on the water.

An epidemic is when an infectious disease spreads within a The situation was serious and rapidly escalating, with
community or area during a specific time period. As the virus changes happening on a day to day basis. The CDC issued
spread to the United States, the World Health Organization a recommendation against gatherings of more than 50
officially changed its designation of COVID-19, the illness people on March 15. The next day, President Trump issued
caused by a coronavirus, from an epidemic to a pandemic. new guidelines urging people to avoid social gatherings of
more than 10 people, and he restricted discretionary travel.
In January 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and State by state, the guidelines were being put in place.
Prevention (CDC) dispatched public health experts to
screen passengers arriving into some of America’s airports. On March 19, California was the first state to issue
They found that every person with a confirmed case of a Shelter in Place Order (SIP) to all citizens in the state.
coronavirus was also related to travel from Wuhan China. Most public schools were already closed. Californians are
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services declared a permitted to go out for essential errands such as medical
public emergency and imposed a 14 day quarantine on any appointments, grocery shopping or to do critical jobs. We are
person who had visited the Hubei Province within the last advised to stay away from one another, including immediate

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 6

friends who don’t take caution,
may be risking our lives as
well as their own. Complying
with the order, some simply
ride their motorcycle instead
of driving their vehicles. Some
ride their bike to the local
grocery store, and others try to
find the farthest grocery store
around.

Bikers need to feel the

wind in their face. I am not

going to tell you what to do,

you know what you will do. If

you ride, keep your distance.

Cover your face, put on your

mask, wear your gloves, and

leather up. Protect yourself

and the people around you.

I love to laugh and enjoy my

friends. I miss my daughter

and grandkids. Before this

pandemic, I spent time with

them every day. Now, if we

see each other, it is a ride by,

and we are 10’ apart. I never

Easy Riders at Pacific Coast thought the best way to show
I love someone would be to

family that do not live in the same household. Some families avoid touching them.

are segregating themselves to different areas of the home. We have rode half way across the United States, to many

Essential business includes but is not limited to medical amazing places. If I try to name all of the beautiful sights I have

care, gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, take out seen, the list will be too long. More than once I have been in

restaurants and banks. Only essential services are allowed awe of the beauty we have right here, in our own country, and

to remain open. Nonessential businesses such as gyms, dine wondered why would anyone go anywhere else if they haven’t

in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues seen all of America first?

are specifically prohibited from opening. Social distancing We have met many people who ride, and made some
was suggested, stay at least 6’ apart from each other. Masks great friendships. There is a genuine feeling of camaraderie
are recommended to be worn in public, covering your nose among our Biker friends. We have taken trips and vacations
and mouth. Families are permitted to take the kids outside, together on the bikes. I feel it is important right now, to share
go for a run or a hike, walk the dog, and ride their bikes. photos of some of the people and places that have made our

Ride their bikes. That is the term that has resonated with rides so memorable.

Bikers throughout the state. More than once, I have heard The Coronavirus is like a silent
the question, “What is the difference if I ride my bicycle, or arrow that stabs you in the back
a bike with a motor, as in my motorcycle?” The truth is the when you are unaware. We
day the order was enacted, is the day riding free in California all hope things will get back to
has changed. normal, but it looks like the reality

That first weekend of the order, many California riders is there will be a new normal.

gathered with friends and rode. Some rode in protest of Curt & Cyndee If you are on your bike and
the SIP, some just needed to get out and ride. Most really you see Curt & I, wave and we
didn’t know or believe it was so serious. We have watched will wave back. You might even
the death toll rise across America. Although it appears want to ride with us.
predictions were higher than reality, the fact is one death is
one too many. Whatever their reason, we now know that our Article and photos contributed by
Cyndee Reed Van Hooser

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 7

ON THE ROAD

Central ItalyTRROIPAPIDN’

The motorcycle community is one that Big Joe had festive plans for us for the next seven days
stretches far and wide and can lead to in this Central Southern region of Italy, but meeting his
places beyond your wildest imagination. Shotgun members was his first priority. With the holiday’s
There are many TV and social media fast approaching, the club had assembled in their well-
personalities that exemplify this philosophy furnished clubhouse outside Taranto to share a pre-Christmas
including Norman Reedus Rides (AMC TV) or YouTube get together in celebration of the season and welcome us
personalities “Two Kiwi Riders” out of New Zealand or our own motorcycle English speaking foreigners from across the pond.
“Hillon2Wheels” - motorcyclists who love to venture out and Mind you, the wife and I barely speak and translate Italian, but
share these life experiences wherever it takes them. through the wonders of electronic technology-Google translate,
we are able to converse and communicate with few problems.
Invigorated with this spirit, the wife and I ventured to Central Luckily, one of their newer members - Ivan Manigrasso spoke
Italy this past Christmas to share the holidays with our biker very good English and acted as our translator for the evening,
friends. It was through motorcycles where Giuseppe “Big allowing us to put down our language crutches and share in
Joe” Pallini and I crossed paths back in 2015. We both were the festivities with mutual understanding.
members of the same club, he in Italy and I in Norcal. We
had formed a friendship because of our mutual love for Big Like most club gatherings, the Lady Shotgun members
Twins and Brotherhood. Unfortunately, our former club went broke off from the men while the guys did what guys do…
in different directions and ultimately we both chose to don
different cuts. Over time, our bond has never wavered and
we have maintained our friendship that become even closer
with the wife becoming the godmother of their son Ivan, a big
honor in the Italian culture.

It had been a year since Joe, his fiancé Imma had visited
the states, and now we would visit them on their Italian terra
firma in Taranto, Italy. Joe invited us to spend the holidays with
his family and his club. We broke from our traditional holiday
gatherings locally and accepted the invite. We had visited
Big Joe a few years back as he was assembling “Shotgun
Motorcycle Club,” and we were excited to return to see the
family and meet with his ever-growing MC club.

After changing several planes with some lengthy delays,
our patient friends welcomed us back to Bari, Italy. The good
news was we made it - bad news was we wouldn’t see our
luggage for another four days. Thanks to motorcycle riding and
strategic packing, we were able to stretch outfits we had with
us until our luggage arrived 4 days later.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 8

drink, laugh, take shots (and shots at each other!) and tell
stories (even if I had to wait for the translation to get the punch
lines!) Shotgun MC started out as a few clubs in Italy back
in 2015 but has now grown to clubhouses dotting 14 nations
across the world, including Germany, Canada, Poland, Brazil,
Sweden, as well as many clubs in the US, with Chicago being
the largest chapter.

The club treated all the members and guests to a festive
Christmas BBQ featuring meats prepared by one of the
members, who happens to be a butcher…how nice is that!
I could not even tell you what meats he used to make the
sausages but they were delicious! This particular night, the
club bar was open which meant the glasses would never be
empty all night.

We enjoyed our time at the clubhouse talking MC life,
watching patching in ceremonies, and venturing out into
the freezing cold evening for pictures. Enjoying our time
went quickly as the midnight hour was fast approaching,
and finding a bed seemed like a good idea. This meant we
had to go or we would become part of the couches for the
evening. Our guests were mindful of our jet lag and had
preplanned something for us.

Suddenly we found ourselves whisked away in some waiting
vehicles to navigate the local narrow roads traversing the
Italian countryside of Puglia. It was a spectacular escort with
the skies intermittently illuminated with lightning bolts from a
storm drifting in from the Adriatic Sea. For about an hour, with
no idea of the destination, we just diligently followed a van
adorned with a Harley emblem representing a Brothers local
contractor business. Soon we pulled up to a set of iron gates
that magically opened upon our arrival. The trip had ended
at one of the MC Club Brothers historic B&B “Carpe Diem,” a
Trulli stone roofed house.

This beautiful early 20th century version of a Trulli house would
become our “honeymoon” retreat for the evening. Although
we had no clue of our whereabouts, there was no hesitation as
we settled into our charming B&B. Italian pastries awaited us
on the country farm table as we entered the welcoming doors.
After a restful night of sleep, we awoke to views reminiscent
of what the Renaissance Italians would have viewed centuries

continued ...

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 9

ago. The green hills were dotted with through one of the most devastating pandemics in modern day
these magnificent stone structures and history. We think of them often and trust good health and safety
stone lined fences everywhere. It was will shelter their families so that one day we can all return to
a surreal and treasured moment out of laugh, share stories and ride motorcycles again. Viva Italia!
a fairytale! Who would have thought
motorcycles would lead to this moment Article and photos contributed by Gary Hoffman
in time?

After enjoying our night of respite,
our club friends had returned to swoop
us up for the trip back to the big city
of Taranto to enjoy a spectacular
Christmas Eve dinner with Joe and
Imma’s immediate families that
traveled from all parts of Central
Italy to share in the occasion. The
fish feast awaiting us was traditional for the holiday that
include fresh shrimp, octopus, Cod, pasta, breads and different
bottles of Italian liquors. I stress the liquors because you can’t
just drink one, it’s customary to try them all according to Joe’s
brother Pietro, and of course that is what I did! You can never
tell the Italians no to any offerings as it would be an insult.

After the holidays, our MC family
took us on tours of local ancient
cities including Grottaglie, Cisternino
and Locorotondo. The narrow roads
leading around to these cities dating
back to the middle ages were
spectacular and worthy of a return
trip on motorcycles. Unbeknownst
to us, we met up with the Shotgun
MC club again at their favorite local

Pizza gathering haunt- Corso13
Pizzerie Italiane. Sounds cliché
- pizza with Italians bikers! The pie
was to die for…Frisbee sized single
servings no thicker than a 50 cent
piece served with Italian beer!

I look back on the experience with great introspection thinking
how our motorcycle friends who had opened their arms to us
and here we are a few months later knowing they are suffering

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 10

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT:

SAWYER INSECT REPELLENT
DON’T BUG ME!!!

I’m old school… when I ride, I ride hard!  long time when applied to clothing and will still be effective for up to 6 washings of
And when I’m tired I lay down where these items. 
the road finds me. I regularly pull over to
a quiet spot- and depending upon how Of high note is Permethrin has even been found to be safely used on pregnant
tired I am I will either take the time to roll out women; however it is suggested not to be used by women nursing children or on
a pad and sleeping bag or simply fold my infants until they are over two months old. This chemical is also used in restaurants
gloves on top of my helmet, lay my head on them and go to sleep. That’s how I roll. and other places that handle food. A pretty good recommendation for a product that
But, I don’t cut my eyes at those who put up a tent at the least provocation.   stops insects from endangering humans. 
Riding is a free choice life! 
And, I do find myself living in a tent for upwards of several weeks at a time when The Picaridin used in the on-skin spray is a synthetic that mocks the natural compound
I ride to rallies. Yet, in all of this, the one thing that cements all riders together is that Piperine – derived from plants that produce black pepper. Long used in Australia and
for some time on each long ride we live in the great outdoors. Grass, trees and brush Europe since the 1980’s the U.S. medical bodies eventually certified it safe for us Yanks
are our companions. Couple this with warm and wet weather and the dinner bell rings in 2005. 
for the little pests and parasites that come to make our lives miserable by dining on
us. However, a recent field test of the Sawyer ‘bug juice’ products has freed me from Effective on mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, no-see-ums, gnats and biting flies
this worry while I spend my time at open rallies or laying in a field by the road on the as advertised, the Sawyer product certainly proved its effectiveness on any of these
way to Sturgis. who may have wished to dine at Café Frank! With 12 hour effectiveness, the Sawyer
Where I happen to live in Oregon, as in many places around the U.S. the logarithmic product was very effective and economical as reapplication was not required.
explosion of ticks in the woods has gone far beyond worrisome for everyone – not just
those who get off the concrete and asphalt and enter the woods—even those walking Sawyer’s long-lasting Picaridin comes in both lotion and spray that can be applied
on their lawns and gardens in the cities need to be acutely aware. directly to skin, clothing and equipment without harm to any of the synthetic materials
Just a little bite – no big deal? Well, consider this list of tick-borne diseases you or fishing lines.
can easily suffer from a single tick bite in areas of the United States: Anaplasmosis,
Babesiosis, Borrelia Mayonl, Borreia miyaotol, Bourbon virus, Colorado  Sawyer’s Permethrin products come in aerosol and pump spray to be applied
tick fever, Ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, Lyme disease, Powassan disease, to clothing, tents and other equipment and gear. Of great note is that the U.S.
Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Stari, Tickborne government now treats every item of clothing issued to American Soldiers with
relapsing fever, Tularemia and 364D rickettsiosis---- Inside the guts of a tick Permethrin for insect protection of our troops. 
and ready to spread to you when they bite.   Have I got your attention now?   All
of these when contracted is beyond horribly painful experiences; and many can also Sawyer products are available on-line and at major outdoor retailers and even
lead to your death.   Walmart.  These products have tested excellently and I recommend them not only for
And…what about those pesky mosquitoes? Well, Zika, West Nile Virus, Dengue your dollar--- but for your protection.
Fever, Chikunguya, Yellow Fever and Malaria… any of those maladies ring a bell?
Yep, we live in a world of hurt spread by mosquitoes if you don’t enter the wilds fully Article and photo contributed by Frank Medicine Wolf Springer / “Think a good thought”
prepared.
One single instance of my testing of the Sawyer products sent to me was during an
extended battle with installing a fence to keep my cattle on the ranch. I had sprayed
my clothing down with their Permethrin product that can remain in the cloth for up to
6 washes, and my skin was treated with their 20% Picaridin spray. At one point early
the first day I sat down on the ground to rest in the grass: when my dog came up to
sit by me I was a bit shocked at how many ticks she had collected. In that one sitting
I stopped counting the ticks I removed from her after the number reached 70! Some
were stuck to her skin and some were crawling around as they looked for a place to
attach. 
We had both been in the long grass and brush for the same length of time and both
had entered the wooded pastures with no ticks on us. I had NOT ONE SINGLE TICK
ON ME! When one tick fell from her and landed on my pants leg, it immediately went
into a race to get off the fabric…and as I continued to watch it for several minutes it
proceeded to die. The neuro-receptors in the tick simply shut down. Neither clothing
nor skin that had been sprayed collected any ticks. Over two weeks of constructing
the fence, I experienced the same results with only one instance of contact when a
single tick found its way behind my beard where I had neglected to apply any spray. 
Mosquitoes would often make a pass at my skin, but immediately understood the
fatality of their efforts and left my area. 
 In the past, I have tried every solution and percentage of DEET products from the
yard and kid permissible solutions all the way to the ‘As far back in the woods as you
can get’ sprays…and all of them either had a time failure or simply a failure to work
fully and successfully against the sucking/biting invaders. And, with all the warnings
regarding the DEET use, I never applied them without a question in the back of my
mind that they may harm me. 
In the Sawyer products, the ingredient Permethrin is a synthesized version of
a product of the Chrysanthemum flower of the pyrethroid family which acts as the
natural extract of this flower family. Although the natural version of this chemical
breaks down very quickly in sunlight, the synthetic version gives protection for a very

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 11

Fannette Island

RIDE DESTINATION:
Donner - Truckee – Tahoe Vista

From time to time people have asked us “what is your that trail, they took the advice of an unscrupulous trail guide
favorite time of year to ride?” Well, definitely one of our who said he had a shorter and quicker way to California.
favorite times is late winter, before spring rolls in. After This “Hastings” trail ended up being nothing but trouble
one of the last snowstorms pass through, there will usually when they reached Utah. By the time they got through the
be a few days of nice sunshiny weather. We love to then Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Flats, they had lost 18 days
head up to the Shasta area, or Lake Tahoe and soak up the off their schedule. Attempting to cross the mountains in late
beauty of those winter paradises. October, they were snowbound by a blocked pass. Supplies
ran out during the winter and some of the party resorted to
This year we decided to make it up Tahoe way. So, on a cannibalism to survive.
bright sunny morning, we hopped on I80 and made our way
up the mountain to Truckee. Changing it up a little, we got Finally, a small group split off and fought their way to
off and took Hampshire Rocks Road instead. This road runs Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento. When the weather improved
alongside the freeway for the most part and eventually turns
into Donner Pass Road. Not in any hurry, this was a nice
pleasant cruise into Truckee.

All along the way, the scenery is spectacular, especially
at the Donner Summit Bridge on Historic Route 40, where
we took a butt break over at the Vista Point pull out. (Just
as a side note, Pumpkin Pooh wasn’t able to make the trip
this time, so his distant cousin, Bumble Bee Pooh, decided
to tag along for the ride. The kids are moving, and Pumpkin
couldn’t be located. Not to worry, we put Woody and Buzz
on the case. They’ll bring him home. Ha!) Before reaching
Truckee, we pulled over at the Donner Memorial State Park.
This park is dedicated, not only to the tragic Donner party, but
to all the emigrants that risked everything to get to California
via the Donner Pass.

The Donner party, of course, was the ill-fated wagon train
that was trapped in the pass by winter snowstorms. These
pioneers left Springfield, Illinois in the spring of 1846 and then
encountered a series of mishaps that delayed their arrival
at the Eastern Sierras. They had followed the established
Oregon Trail to the California Trail. But instead of staying on

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 12

Donner Bridge Pooh at Donner Lake

Holiday House in Tahoe Vista in the early spring, a larger party came to the rescue of
the survivors. Only 48 of the original 87 members made it
through. The thought of their cannibalism did nothing for our
appetite, but eventually our stomachs won out - as ironic as
that may seem. Once in Truckee, we pulled over at Zano’s
Restaurant and Bar. If only Zano’s had been open in 1846,
the Donner Party could have chowed down on some fine
Italian food. The all meat calzone was large and delicious.
(www.zanos.net)

We’re beef jerky fans and right next door is Jerky Junction.
You can pick up some regular jerky or try out some of their
more exotic flavors. After lunch, we were back in the saddle
and headed to Lake Tahoe. If you want to make it an over-
nighter, the Holiday House (www.tahoeholidayhouse.com)
on North Lake Blvd will fit the bill. Right on the shore of
Agate Bay in Tahoe Vista , it has some great views of the
Lake that will make your stay even better.

Well, we couldn’t head home without getting a ride around
Lake Tahoe, so we were off. And how beautiful it was - our
two favorite sections are heading south on SR28 (Eastern
side) and North on SR89 near Fannette Island. This is a
nice ride in the summer, but with the snow (on the side of
the road) it’s even nicer! Later folks!

Jerky Junction Article and photos contributed by Chuck and Cindy Loseth

Off SR89 Art and Lake Tahoe Info
North Beach
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 13

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in a Private Park Setting
on the Shore of Clear Lake

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Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 14

A funny thing happened to me a couple years ago, on but success and prosperity on the horizon.
my way to the Fryed Brothers Band Annual Bash in the Blacksheep will be playing October 3rd at the 2020 Vet-
Redwoods. Me and my road-dog were 110% lost somewhere
between Piercy and Garberville, when we came up on a Traxx Festival held in Galt. A festival to highlight military
guy standing outside his toy-hauler on the side of the road. veterans who are in bands in the NORCAL area, as well as
Thinking he might have a map or something, I pulled up next to promote Vet-Traxx Project’s mission: Vet-Traxx Project Inc
to him. He was also headed to the Fryed’s Bash, and just is devoted to helping those who have served our country with
like us…lost as hell too. The guy’s name was Brad ‘Tumbles’ honor, courage, and commitment. To help combat PTSD/
Hanson - the founder and rhythm guitar for Blacksheep. TBI and other disabilities we are creating a musical outlet
Thankfully, we all eventually found our way and made it for a in a recording studio which will enable them to utilize their
kick-ass weekend in the Redwoods. musical talents as an alternate voice of expression.

It’s been a win-win situation with ‘Tumbles’ and his young Veteran bikers - Show the love for your fellow vets
front man and bass guitarist. this year at the Vet-Traxx Festival!

Jesse Bohnhof (lead singer and bass guitarist): I For more Information and Blacksheep’s itinerary
was the first one of the young bucks to join ‘Tumbles’ band www.facebook.com/blacksh3p/
– Blacksheep. My dad introduced me to him in 2006 back www.blacksheep916.com
when he was in the motorcycle scene, I was 16. I immediately www.vet-traxxfestival.com
fell in love with the songs and jumped in head first. ‘Tumbles’
mentioned after a few months that we needed a lead guitarist www.facebook.com/VettraxxFestival/
to fill out the ranks and ironically, I had my best friend and Additional images contributed by Teniya Bohnhof
shredding guitarist Brian Cable living with me. One audition
and Brian and ‘Tumbles’ were sold on each other. That lasted
a few years with drummers coming and going. Eventually we
were left high and dry with no percussion prospects in sight.
It was 2017 when my cousin Theron “Teet Snizz” Reyes
called me from his deployment overseas to “catch up”. He
had said how badly he missed his drum set and couldn’t
wait to thrash em’ when his tour of duty was over, only a few
months left. I talked to the guys and we all agreed to reserve
the Blacksheep drummer position for him especially since he
was a fan of the band’s early days. Like the missing piece of
a puzzle, Theron fit perfectly in with our sound. Now we are
shaking, moving, and rocking harder than ever with nothing

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 15

Book Review: Vendetta Road

Nestled in the Redwoods along the Northern
California coast is a town called Caspar,
near Mendocino. This is where the fictitious
motorcycle club, Torpedo Ink, has landed and set up
shop.

Christine Feehan, a #1 New York Times bestselling
author writes contemporary dark fantasy and recently
she started writing a MC series called Torpedo Ink.
On January 28th, her third installment, Vendetta
Road was released, and June 30th Desolation Road
will be out.

Vendetta Road starts in Vegas with the members of
Torpedo Ink on the trail of a pedophile ring that they
plan on stomping into oblivion. This series isn’t for
everyone. The author tries to bring as much realism
that a fantasy fiction MC story can manage.  The
language is rough, the men aren’t apologetic, and the
sex and violence would push an R rating to its limit. 

But, the stories have a common theme: redemption.
Just how far gone can someone be and still be
saved? It’s also about family. Not just the one you’re
born with, but the one you choose.

Here’s the quick background on where Torpedo Ink
started: 287 children were taken from their parents
and put into a Russian training facility where they
were abused and turned into assassins. By the time
the school was destroyed only 18 children survived.
These are their stories. These are the core members
of Torpedo Ink.

Vendetta Road follows Isaak “Ice” Koval who feels
nothing. He’s as cold as his name proclaims. He’s
certain he’s barely human anymore. His sole purpose
is to stop those who would abuse children, much like
he’d been abused. And he’s damn good at stopping
them. But, when a woman with a target on her back
catches his eye, he finally feels something. His
brothers see her as a way to keep him from going off
the deep end. So, the mission in Vegas grows to include stopping the man after Soleil Brodeur.  

There is enough action, adventure and John Wick-like ass-kicking for anyone who likes fast-paced drama.  But, Feehan
is known for offering hope in her stories and yes, there’s romance. A little bit of everything for everyone.  I love that there’s
some humor in the books. It gets dark, how can it not? But, the author offers bits of humor that feel natural and you have the
feeling of total dedication to family, which I love.

If reading about abuse is a trigger for you, this may not be your cup of tea, so to speak. The abuse isn’t overly graphic, but
you certainly get the idea that terrible things were done to these men and women in their past. I like that the story shows you
that being abused doesn’t define you and that you can rise above it and find a place in the world for yourself.  

The author lives in Mendocino, California. She never uses real club names but says she has several resources in different clubs
that she uses to ensure she’s correct when talking about club life. The club colors were created specifically for Torpedo Ink by a
local tattoo artist in the area, Patrick J Mears of Spread Eagle Tattoo in Mendocino. She includes other towns in the area such
as Fort Bragg, Willits, Ukiah and Arcata. If you’re interested in finding out more about Torpedo Ink - go to www.ChristineFeehan.
com/torpedoink. 

Article contributed by Sheila English - an award-winning writer, producer and director living in Fort Bragg.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 16

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On The Road with Roxanne and Wild Bill to the
CrockerArt Museum - Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders

Walking into the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento and Clayton
Bailey’s “World of Wonders” display, we thought of all the school
kids that would squeal with delight as they viewed all the cool life-
size robots. We have never seen a museum display that was so much fun
and exciting to go through. Every time you turn a corner there’s something
new to make you smile. One can’t help but think how the creative mind of
Clayton must work as he travels around finding things to assemble into
his creations. Every time I look at one of his robots I see a different car,
vacuum, plumbing, or kitchen appliance being used. Sometimes it took a
moment to see what it was.

Roxeanne & Wild Bill Hill

Clayton Bailey also has a history with some distinguished persons,
including famed tattoo artist/clothing designer Ed Hardy. In exchange
for several creations, Hardy provided his skills and tattooed Bailey.
The sculptor designed and built a gag “tattoo” machine which consists
of a ballpoint pen and a tattoo removal machine that squirts fake
blood upon the subject. Bailey studied at the University of Wisconsin
with Harvey Littleton, who is known for his enormous contributions
to modern glass art and sculpture. Bailey has been heralded for his
work critically, being granted both a National Endowment for the Arts
Craftsmen’s Fellowship and an Honorary Fellowship Award from the
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.

The Crocker Art Museum recognized Clayton Bailey’s fifty year
plus career with an exhibit showcasing more than one hundred eighty
pieces of sculptures and other works. Included are the creations and discoveries of “Dr. George Gladstone”, an alter ego
mad scientist that Bailey has labored under for several years, heralding such pieces as his bigfoot skeleton which kicked
off Gladstone’s collection of “Kaolithic wonders.” The exhibit also features Bailey’s extensive works in metal and clay (being
his primary mediums), exploding pots (several dual walled pieces of pottery), his collection of Robot effigies (the inhabitants
of Wonders of the World Museum), and a display of his ray guns all constructed from old appliances and scrap metal.
The display specifically highlights what remains of, and has been added to, the original “Wonders of the World”, such as
Bailey’s robotic sculptures, built out of various car, motorcycle, and household mechanical parts, some in various states of
functionality. Several of these robots have been built to incorporate the former functions of their elements, including a robot

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 18

with an AM/FM radio chest and tape deck, and the bust of an android Article and photos
that brews tea. The exhibit is also interactive, featuring “Jumping Judy” contributed
a ceramic skeleton that surprises visitors, enticing them further into the
museum. by Roxanne and
Wild Bill Hill
Clayton Bailey has long been an important figure in what is called the
Funk Art community, where satire and obscurity are welcome additions
to the cavalcade of ideas, and where over fifty years of Bailey’s
imagination have resided. The exhibit is engaging and educational,
with Bailey’s myriad of creations never failing to entertain the old and
new alike. Clayton was born in Antigo, Wisconsin in 1939, and began
his career in the arts with a great number of mediums in 1959, ranging
from publishing comics to folk pottery designs. In 1962, he received his
master’s degree in art education and has taught at Wisconsin State
University, and California State University, Hayward, where he has
taught for 31 years. Bailey currently resides in Port Costa, California,
wherein 1976 he created his “Wonders of the World Museum” which
featured his sculpture and other creations. To attract attention to the
Museum, Bailey built a “robot” suit in which he titled ON/OFF, and wore
the suit outside the building to entice people inside. The suit was in the
film “Troubled Zone”.

Article and photos contributed by Roxanne and Wild Bill Hill

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 19





This 1903 Indian, recently uncovered
in a western Maryland garage, is one
of the oldest motorcycles in existence
anywhere in the world.

Tttahhneekfbrtahikmaetewsiiastssaanstiocepkpnatharaemtereedtaatrnhfkeenf“oCdreaorm.ilT.ehlbeascmk”ablleecrapuosretioonf the gas BY GARY WESTPHALEN
inside PHOTOS BY MOE VETTER

“What a treasure!” trumpets George Yarocki,
author of the book Early Indian History. “Very
exciting news, indeed!”

“Categorically speaking, it’s a pretty rare
bike,” says Dale Walksler, founder of the Wheels
Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie
Valley, North Carolina.

“It’s very possible that it is the oldest surviving,
unrestored Indian,” says Indian motorcycle
aficionado Steve Rinker of Romney, West
Virginia, whose collection was the cover story of
the Thunder Roads West Virginia February
2011 issue.

The motorcycle these three knowledgeable
guys are talking about is this 1903 Indian, which
was recently found residing in a western Maryland
garage. This machine has traveled through time
to us from the very dawn of the motorcycle age.
There aren’t but a handful of older motorcycles on
the planet. To understand the place this bike holds

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 22

The trusses mounted The lever on the right side of the neck is the compression
in front of the standard release, allowing the motor to be started with reduced
fork are a retrofit for compression. The lever mounted through the frame tube
added strength and is the throttle. The piece with wires protruding from it is
suggest that this the top-end mount for a tube that holds dry cell batteries
machine saw action which provided spark for the engine.
on the racetracks of
the day.

Oscar Carl
Hedström poses
in history, we have to travel back to with the first mechanics of these machines
the late 1800’s. Indian Motocycle. was his interest, and he began

Bicycle racing, first on dirt ovals designing and building bicycles
and later on wooden tracks called
velodromes, was the big spectator that were ever lighter and faster.
sport of the day. Competition
between the men who raced their About this same time,
bikes was fierce, and George
Hendee was the best. He was a curious machine was
America’s first national cycling
champion, and won 302 out of developed to improve the
309 races he entered. Hendee
retired from racing in 1892, and bicycle racing experience.
moved into the manufacture of Called a pacer, the machine
bicycles. By 1898 the Hendee
Manufacturing Company of was essentially a tandem
Springfield, Massachusetts, was
producing bicycles with the Indian bicycle that had an engine
brand name, and he was sponsoring numerous riders and race
events throughout New England. mounted on it. Pacers were

Carl Oscar Hedström, whose family had emigrated from used on the track to help
Sweden to the United States when he was a boy, was also
fascinated by bicycles, but in a different way. Though he gather up the field of competing
loved bicycling around the streets of New York City, the
bicycles in order to get a clean

start to the race. During the

race, the pacer also ran out

ahead of the bicycles, allowing for greater speeds as they

drafted behind it.

Pacers had a reputation of being unreliable, so Hedström

applied his engineering expertise and designed a much-

improved pacer. When George Hendee saw Hedström’s pacer

at a bicycle race in Madison Square Garden in 1900, he asked

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 23

the young engineer to come to work for him in Springfield, with Yarocki says company records show that this serial number
the goal of developing a motorized bicycle that could be mass- means it was produced late in the year of 1903. Obviously,
produced. there was no Division of Motor Vehicles at the time, so no
registry exists that would tell us who its original owner was.
They built a prototype and demonstrated the first Indian
Motocycle (the “r” wouldn’t be added until some years later) to In fact, at this point, nothing is known about the bike’s history
the public in May of 1901. until somewhere around 1960. It was around that time that
Charles Alder of Taneytown, Maryland, bought the bike from a
“Factory records show that there were three prototypes built woman whose husband had recently died. “He bought it for 20
in 1901 and one was taken apart, and the parts used in another dollars,” says Steve Rinker. “It was hanging in the basement
motorcycle,” says George Yarocki. “Which motorcycle, is not of the house. Obviously, it was a dry basement. I have talked
known and the parts could have been used in one, or both, of to a few other guys who knew Charles from the past, and they
the remaining 1901 prototypes.” Yarocki has been following a seemed to think that the previous owner was a dentist. His son
lead based on a 1922 photograph in a newspaper that shows a Charlie Alder was 14 years old when they got the motorcycle.
man riding what may well have been one of those prototypes, He remembers that he and his father picked the motorcycle up
but has yet to succeed. “That would probably be the most and brought it home, and they have kept it ever since.” Charles
valuable bike in the world if we could ever find it,” George tells Alder, Rinker says, passed away a few years ago and Charlie
Thunder Roads West Virginia. was killed in a motorcycle accident last summer.

Hedström took his engine design to the Aurora Automatic One day last fall, out of the blue, Steve Rinker’s phone
Machine Company in Aurora, Illinois, a company that had the rings. On the other end is a friend of his who owns an auction
capacity to build the 1.75 horsepower motors in large quantity. company. “He says, ‘I have found a 1903 Indian moped.’ I said,
Hendee began building a network of dealerships. In 1902, ‘No. You didn’t find a 1903,’” Steve remembers saying. “I said,
the Hendee Manufacturing Company produced a total of 143 ‘You don’t have a 1903 Indian. Trust me, you don’t have it!’
Indian Motocycles. He said, ‘Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Everybody I’ve talked to, they
swear there’s a 1903 moped.’ I said, ‘Well, first of all, they’re
As production ramped up in 1903, 376 motocycles would
be produced. The serial number on this particular bike is 548.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 24

The motor cleverly sits
where a bicycle frame
would have had a rear
down tube, making it
a stress member of
the frame as well as
the source of power
(opposite page, left).
The right side view of
the engine (opposite
page, right) shows
the exposed exhaust
push rod and bears
the all important serial
number 548 (left). The
number confirms that
this bike was built late
in the year of 1903.

not mopeds. They were motorcycles. You propelled them like a old bikes are only original once. You want to try to preserve
bicycle in order to get them running, but you couldn’t ride them anything you can, as long as it’s still original. It was really truly
like a bicycle.” A moped, you can still pedal like a bike. Anyway, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. These bikes are so rare
I said, ‘Hey, I’d love to see it.’ He said, ‘Well, it’s going to be to find. They made it through the Depression, through both
sold.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I would love to go see the thing.’” World Wars. They never got scrapped. Kids didn’t trash them or
beat them up. I mean, face it, it’s nothing more than a bicycle,
The bike, the auctioneer explained, will be put on an estate essentially, with a little gas tank on the back. So, to survive the
auction, along with several other bikes the Alder’s owned. For time is pretty extraordinary.”
the auction company to gain some insight into the value and
authenticity of this bike, they arranged for Steve to see it. As they The gas and oil tanks over the rear fender is why these early
are driving to the garage, Steve remembers telling the auctioneers, Indians got the “Camelback” nickname. The hump behind the
“I’m 98 percent certain we’re not going to see a 1903. Somebody’s rear frame of the bike held about a gallon of gasoline, and the
got their years confused somewhere along the way.” little portion inside the framework was a separate tank for the
oil. Hendee produced this same design from 1902 until 1908,
As the men enter the garage, they see the outlines of five and the serial numbers are the only way to verify the exact year
cloth-covered motorcycles. “The first one we uncovered of production.
was a 1926 Harley-Davidson JD. Charles had restored this
motorcycle,” says Steve. “The next one we came to is a 1923 “The insides of that engine are very simple, but very well
Harley JD. The next one was a 1917 Harley. It was supposed made,” says Dale Walksler from his office in the Wheels
to have been five Indians. Well, the first three were Harley- Through Time Motorcycle Museum. “When that bike was built
Davidsons, so my expectations now are almost one-hundred in ‘03 it was just the most charming little bike.” Dale has unique
percent sure we would never see an Indian.” knowledge about the 1903 Indian, because he not only owns
one, he rides and has even raced it! “I always claim that my ‘03
But under the fourth sheet there was indeed an Indian, albeit is the oldest running Indian anywhere. I don’t know of an earlier
a 1919 model. “Here’s the Indian they’ve been talking about,” serial number than mine that runs.”
Steve remembers thinking. “I looked at the auctioneer and said,
‘You know, this isn’t an ‘03.’ Then we jerked the cover off the last Dale Walksler has raced his 1903 Indian several times on
motorcycle, and I just stood there. He hit me on the shoulder, and the track at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham,
said, ‘Hey! Is that a 1903?’ And I’m just looking at it, and he says Alabama. He may be the only man alive today who knows what
‘Hey! What is it?’ And I turned around and said, ‘It’s a nineteen-oh- it feels like to ride this bike. “It’s a huge burst of energy,” he tells
thhh...it’s...it’s...it’s a Camelback Indian! There it is!’” Thunder Roads West Virginia. “The sad thing is, all the years
that we raced the early bikes at Barber’s, nobody ever recorded
Rinker was stunned. For a vintage Indian collector, this is a lap time. So, we never really measured how fast they went.
akin to witnessing the dawn of time. “I’ve seen four restored Last year we measured lap times, and I raced a 1911 Indian. It
motorcycles up to this one. Then, all of a sudden, I find this bike averaged 48 miles-per-hour for three miles on a road course.
in its unrestored condition,” he tells me as we talk about the
day he first saw this bike. “You and I have talked in the past,

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 25

Hangtown Boozefighters

17th Annual
St. Patrick’s Day Party

March 14 (Placerville) Photos by Stan & Terri Hill

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 26

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 27

May always brings me back to a month of worse. It is a no-win situation! I put high expectations
reflection. One, it is my birthday month; on people, places, and things, expecting them to
and two, we are well in to the second have the same ambitions, character, or truths I have.
quarter of another year. I’d like to take some time Since we are all different and we are all humans,
to reflect on my family, my friendships, my faith, my you can bet, your expectations will not be met 100%
fitness, and my finances. As I review each avenue of the time. The question you must ask yourself is,
of my life, I can assess the level of happiness I have what are my motives? For me, they are usually self-
in each area. I do this a couple of times a year as it centered motives, expecting others to see things my
really helps to know where to adjust get things back way. I expect people to be honest, loving, caring,
on track. I share this information with others in and truthful.
seminars and coaching programs that helps them
understand the power of focus, the power of vision, The good book says, there is a sinful nature
and the power to change the things they can, that and a fruitful nature of the spirit. The closer we
can make the largest impact in and on their lives. can get to the fruitful nature, the more loving,
understanding, and patient we will be. The longer
Lately, my e-mail and cell phone have been we live in the sinful nature, the more angry, hurtful,
blowing up with folks struggling in one area or and lustful we will be. We will consistently be in
another that is either putting them into depression, a state of jealousy, discord, and envy. Hence, the
making them sad, or making them so angry that people, places, and things we deal with are of the
they are at the beginning stages of rage. We should same nature. They are either of the sinful nature
never let our emotions get the best of us where or the fruitful spirit. If we can align ourselves
the only option we have is striking out in rage and with the fruitful things, it is only natural that our
destruction. Yes, we may have a temporary relief, reactions will reflect the changes. We can adjust
but in the long run, the full circle of our actions the places we go, the people we hang out with,
always come back around and land in our corner. and the things we consume, that will help the
The same issue will be at hand or the same person outcomes of our Families, our Friendships, our
will fail us once again. It will once again come down Faith, our Fitness, and our Finances. Godly
to what I like to call - Motives and Expectations. It Principles Never Change, Only People Do! See
was a principle taught to me many years ago by a you next time at Thunder Road Biker Church…
37-year convict who became my mentor. Sounds
funny, but it is a true story. Galatians 5:19-21 (The Sinful Nature) / Galatians
5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit) – The difference is
We all have motives and expectations of people, obvious to recognize.
places, and things. When things don’t go our way, we
get angry. When people let us down, we get hurt. And “Never Ride Alone”
when we expect to win, but we lose - we get pissed.
We are betrayed and want to get even, we want the Pastor Johnny Lujan –
other person to feel the same pain we are feeling; Thunder Road Church
or sometimes, we make it a point to make them feel

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 28

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 29

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 30

Back to the Basics
with

Megan Margeson

Provided by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys

If you’ve never seen a young lady crush a ton of miles on a chopper, well, I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I was fortunate to have the basic mechanics of rid-
you’re about to. A few days ago, Megan Margeson was featured on the Harley- ing down before graduating to the street. When I was 18 years old, I signed up
Davidson Instagram page with her Harley-Davidson Panhead Chopper and for the MSF Course to obtain my M1 endorsement. They had me riding a little
her Panhead-chopper-riding mother. Of course, the internet went crazy. It’s not Suzuki, which didn’t feel much different than my dirt bike. I remember (prema-
everyday that you see two women on matching 60’s choppers riding around like turely) thinking, “Oh it’s way easier to ride a street bike than I thought it would
it’s no big deal. Megan is a good friend of mine. She lives just across the river be!” After passing the test, I borrowed my friend’s Sportster and went on my very
from me in LA and I’ve interviewed her a few times for publications and blogs. first ride. At this point, my Dad and I began to build my Panhead chopper, but it
This girl does not get the attention she deserves, and you’re about to read why. would be 6 years before it would be ready for its maiden voyage. 

What was it like to ride a chopper for the first time?
The first time I rode a chopper was not a planned event. My Mom and Dad had
just gone out for a little ride and when they returned home, to my surprise, my
Mom came into my room and asked if I wanted to try riding her bike. I couldn’t
get my boots on fast enough! I think because it happened so quickly, I didn’t
have time to start doubting myself or psyching myself out. I was running on pure
excitement. I got on the bike, started it up, and my Mom gave me a little pep
talk about how it’s not harder to ride, it’s just different. And that could not have
been more accurate. My Dad took off first, and I followed behind. At no point did
I think it was more challenging to ride to a chopper, if anything it was just way
more fun. As I followed him down the street, it was my first time truly experienc-
ing that feeling—you know the one. I was overcome with emotion, to the point
my eyes welled up with tears. This moment I was sharing with my Dad, my very
first chopper ride, would be one I would never forget. 

Photo credit Carla Margeson Did at any point you ever think “I’m not gonna be capable of this”?
My Mom never rode on the back of my Dad’s bike, not once. When I was 8 years
Megan, who are you and what do you do? old, she decided she wanted to get a bike of her own, so that she could ride along-
“My name is Megan Margeson, I’m 26 years old, and born ‘n raised in Torrance, side my Dad. It wasn’t long after getting her Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail
CA. My life pretty much revolves around motorcycles: I work at a Harley-David- Classic, that she took my Dad’s 1949 PanShovel Chopper for a ride. The moment
son dealership doing Marketing, ride dirt bikes, have a 1964 Panhead Chopper, she got off, she told my dad, “Well, now we have to build me one!”, and that they
and am on the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps motorcycle stunt team. I grew up did! They built her Shovelhead chopper over the next couple of years and, for
with parents who both ride choppers, so riding has always been a big part of my most of my childhood and teenage years, I would ride on the back of my Mom’s
life. Each Summer, my parents and I go on a long trip: about 3 weeks and typi- chopper, my sister would ride on the back of my Dad’s, and that was our typical
cally a little over 5,000 miles. While we go on quite a few trips annually, this one Margeson family outing. Growing up with a Mom who was living proof that “girls
is our longest, and by far our favorite! (117 days until KSO! You best believe I’m can do anything the boys can do”, taught me that I can do whatever I set my mind
counting!) On old choppers, it is always an adventure and, each year, we seem to. At no point did I think I was incapable of riding a motorcycle or, more specifi-
to make incredible friends along the way. There is no other community like the cally, a chopper. And I owe that to my parents raising me with that mindset. 

motorcycle community, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.” Do you recommend riding a chopper to people who are new at riding?
Why?
If you walked past Megan on the street, you’d never assume she’s a badass, My recommendation to anyone who is relatively new to riding, is to ride what-
big-twin riding chopper mama, but that’s kind of the way of the world these days ever bike is going to be most comfortable for you and give you the most confi-
– women can and will do anything they put their heart into, even if it’s against dence, whether that’s a chopper, a bagger, or a CB350. I am very grateful that
the grain! Throughout this article I would like to cover Megan herself as a person I had my friend’s sportster to take my first couple of rides on. My first time on
and a rider, but I also want to touch on aspects of being a small woman on a very the road, I was overcome with anxiety. You’re not only focused on just riding the
stereotypical “strong man’s” bike. bike, but now you have cars cutting you off, bicyclists in the road, kids crossing
Like me, Megan is pretty tiny – she’s 5”4 and 125 pounds. She represents a the street, weather, and everything in between. It was really beneficial for myself
good portion of the women out there that think that they would be “too small to to be able to focus less on the bike, as it was smaller and comfortable to ride,
ride.” I wanted to talk to Megan about what people think about her out in the wild and more on gaining experience and confidence on the road. That being said, I
– at those gas stations she stops at in the middle of no where. Journalists like to believe that once you gain the confidence of navigating the streets and proper
play it safe and ask the same types of questions, but I want to know more. I want handling and control of the bike, you are capable of riding a chopper, a softail, a
to know the answers to the questions you all are thinking as you look at photos bagger, and everything in between. 
of Megan and listen to her story.

Megans story, her experience and her personality are perfect for addressing Continued….
these types of questions. Megan, thanks for being a part of this article, thanks
for your honesty and thanks for just being you! Here we go: Go to www.RussBrown.com to read this BLOG
What bike did you learn to ride on? in its entirety by Becky Goebel @actuallyitsaxel

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 31

Mary lost her husband almost four years ago and still Farmer John once lived on a quiet rural highway but as
hasn’t gotten out of her depression and mourning, as if time went by, the traffic slowly built up and eventually got
had just happened a week ago. so heavy and so fast that his free range chickens were be-
Her daughter, Sara, is constantly calling and urging her to ing run over, at a rate of three to six a week.
get ‘back into the world of the living.’ So Farmer John called the local police station to complain,
Finally, Mary agrees to a fix-up that Sara had arranged of a “You’ve got to do something about all these people driving
nice man that was the warehouse Manager at work. so fast and killing all my chickens,” he said to the local
Mary and Fred went out for coffee and hit it off immedi- police officer.
ately! They took to one another fast and after six weeks of “What do you want me to do?” asked the policeman.
dating he asked Mary to come spend the weekend at his “I don’t care, just do something about those crazy drivers!”
hunting cabin. Mary and Sara both knew what that meant. So the next day the policeman had the Council erect a sign
Their first night at the cabin Mary stood before Fred nude that said: SLOW: SCHOOL CROSSING
except for a pair of black panties while he was totally in the Three days later Farmer John called the policeman and
buff. He asked gently, “Why the black panties only?” and said, “You’ve still got to do something about these drivers.
Mary replied, “My breasts are yours’ to fondle, my body for The school crossing’ sign seems to make them go even
you to explore, but down there I am still in mourning.” faster!” So again, the policeman phoned the Council, and
The next night there Mary stands with her black panties they put up a new sign: SLOW: CHILDREN AT PLAY
only and Fred is again in the buff except that he has a That really sped them up. So Farmer John called and said,
black condom on his erection. “Your signs are no good. Can I put up my own sign?” The
Mary looks at Fred and inquires “What’s with the black policeman in order to get Farmer John off his back said,
condom?” to which Fred ever so gently replies, “I’d like to “Sure. Put up your own dang sign.”
offer up my condolences.” The phone calls to the Police Station stopped, but curios-
ity got the better of the Officer, so he called Farmer John.
-------------------------------------------------------------- How’s the problem with the speeding drivers. Did you put
COVID-19 Pick-Up Lines (corny but cute) up your sign?” “Oh, I sure did, replied Farmer John, and
Is that hand sanitizer in your pocket or are you just happy not one chicken has been killed since then. The policeman
to be within 6 feet of me? was really curious and thought he’d better go out and take
Since all the public libraries are closed, I’m checking you a look at the sign. He also thought the sign might be some-
out instead. thing the Police could use elsewhere to slow drivers down.
Baby, do you need toilet paper? Cause’ I could sure be So he drove out to Farmer John’s house.
your Prince Charmin. His jaw dropped the moment he saw the sign.
You can’t spell quarantine without “U R A Q T”. ‘Nudist Colony’
‘Slow down and watch for chicks!’
-------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
A young newlywed couple have been trying for almost a Who is your real Friend? This actually works! If you don’t
year to have a baby. believe it, just try this experiment.
Finally, the adorable little blonde announces to her hus- Put your dog and your ole’ lady in the trunk of your car for
band, “Honey, I have super-duper great news!! about an hour. When you open up the trunk, which one is
We’re pregnant, AND...we’re having twins!!” Really Happy to see you? Told ya’ so.
The husband is totally overjoyed, picks his wife up gently ---------------------------------------------------------------
and swings her around. “Honey, that’s the most wonder- There’s SO much going on with this Covid-19....
ful news ever, but how do you know so soon we’re hav- I’m gonna’ ask my Momma if that offer to slap me into next
ing twins?” She nods her head yes and says, “Well, I was year is still on the table.
clever and bought the twin pack pregnancy test and they ---------------------------------------------------------------
both came out positive!”. I once dated a girl with a twin. People asked me how I
could tell them apart? Simple; Jill painted her nails purple
and John had a dick.

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 32

WE'RE OPEN!(BYDARPOPPOSINHTIPMAEVNATILOANBLLYE) EVENT

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 33

Automotive Harley-Davidson of Insurance Lodging & Resorts
Sacramento
Rick’s Automotive CycleInsure Agency Featherbed Railroad Bed
Biker Owned & Operated www.hdsac.com www.cycleinsure.com & Breakfast Resort
1000 Arden Way 4201 Sunrise Blvd – Suite B
3725 Pine Street Sacramento, CA 95815 Fair Oaks, CA 95628 www.featherbedrailroad.com
Rocklin, CA 95677 (916) 929-4680 2870 Lakeshore Blvd
800-800-0965 / Nice, CA 95464
(916) 632-8230 Harley-Davidson 916-200-1000 (707)274-8378
of Rocklin
Bars/Restaurants Jim Wall Insurance Agency Inn of the Lost Coast
www.RocklinHD.com Kelly Weber – Owner/Agent www.innofthelostcoast.com
Bones Roadhouse 4401 Granite Drive
Bar & Grub Rocklin, CA 95677 6045 Hazel Avenue 205 Wave Drive
Orangevale, CA 95662 Shelter Cove, CA 95589
www.bonesroadhousehangtown.com (916) 259-2453 Email: [email protected]
4430 Pleasant Valley Road 707-986-7521
Harley-Davidson® (916) 989-1915
Placerville, CA 95667 of Yuba City Motorcycle Attorneys
(530) 644-4301 Noble West Insurance
www.yubacityhd.com Services Jachimowicz Law Group
Double D Steak 720 W. Onstott Road 1530 The Alameda – Ste 115
Seafood-Bar-Grill Yuba City, CA 95991 www.noblewest.net
320 Main Street (800) 391-1313 San Jose, CA 95126
Fortuna, CA 95540 (888) 693-4509 (408) 246-5500
(707) 725-3700
Indian Motorcycle of Leather Goods Gurnee Mason Rushford
Road Trip Bar & Grill Hollister Bonotto & Forestiere Trial
www.roadtripbg.com J&S Surplus
24989 State Hwy 16 www.hollisterpowersports.com Eagle Iron & Leather Lawyers
411 San Felipe Rd www.Surplusinc.com Gurneelaw.com
Capay, CA 95607 Hollister, CA 95023 Hwy 1 & North Struve Road 2240 Douglas Blvd Ste 150
530-796-3777 (831) 630-5200 Moss Landing, CA 95039 Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 797-3100
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Redwood Harley-Davidson® 831-724-0588
We Cater / We Deliver 2500 Sixth Street Russ Brown Motorcycle
8295 Laguna Blvd Eureka, CA 95501 The Leatherworks, Inc. Attorneys
Elk Grove, CA 95758 (707) 444-0111 www.LeatherworksInc.com
(916) 478-2878 188 Frank West Circle #C Brown, Koro &
Reno Harley-Davidson Romag, LLP – NorCal
Dealerships www.RenoHD.com Stockton, CA 95206 www.RussBrown.com
2315 Market Street (209) 983-9200 2440 Camino Ramon, Suite 385
C&E Auburn Indian & Reno, NV 89502 San Ramon, CA 94583-4383
V-Twin (775) 329-2913 Tomson Leather
Est. 1985 (800) 4-BIKERS /
12015 Shale Ridge Sonoma County (800) 424-5377
Auburn, CA 95602 Harley-Davidson® Custom Leather Clothing,
www.SonomaCountyHD.com Alterations & Repairs Motorcycle Detailing
530-885-5556 7601 Redwood Drive Placerville, California
Cotati, CA 94931 Call for appointment San Jose Hogwash
Folsom Harley-Davidson® (530) 622-2453 Motorcycle Detailing
www.folsomhd.com (707) 793-9180 www.sanjosehogwash.com
115 Woodmere Road West Coast Leathers
Folsom, CA 95630 Heating & Air Conditioning www.westcoastleathers.com P.O. Box 24273
(916) 608-9922 10021 Wolf Road - SteC-17 San Jose, CA 95154
A&M Heating and Air Lake of the Pines, CA  95949
Conditioning (408) 641-1940
(916) 803-6854
www.AMHeatingandAirConditioning.com
7625 Sunrise Blvd – Ste 208
Citrus Heights, CA 95610

(916) 747-5654

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 34

Motorcycle Towing Humboldt Tattoos Tires
Performance Cycle
Need A Lift Motorcycle 1341 Evergreen Road #1 Wild Bill Cal Tire and
Towing Redway, CA 95560 Tattoo Auto Works
www.wild-bills.com MOTORCYCLES –
“We Serve Everyone” (707) 923-7103 115 Lincoln Street CARS – TRUCKS
[email protected] Roseville, CA 95678 2710 E. Fremont Street
John Jessup’s (916) 783-909 Stockton, CA 95205
(916) 519-8454 DREAM RIDES (209) 465-2805
www.dreamridesusa.com
Paint 2275 N. Wilson Way BFD Business
Stockton, CA 95205 Sponsorships:
Sinners and Winners (209) 467-4669
www.SinnersandWinners.com 3 months
639 Hedburg Way – Ste E Miller Built for only $60
Performance Cycles
Oakdale, CA 95361 3293 Saratoga Lane – Ste A (receive monthly magazines
(209) 847-2998 Cameron Park, CA 95682 for your customers!)

Powder Coating (530) 672-9141

Performance Powder Omega Motorcycle
Coating & Sandblasting www.OmegaCycle.com

6326 Main Avenue #4 660 Harbor Blvd
Orangevale, CA 95662 West Sacramento, CA

(916) 987-1942 95691
(916) 372-2206
Real Estate
Penngrove Motorcycle
Nan Danford RE/MAX Company
GOLD #01967818
www.penngrovemotorcycleco.com
www.NanDanford.com 9585 Main Street
5252 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 6
Penngrove, CA 94951
Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (707) 793-7993
Call/Text: (916) 295-4151

Sales / Service /Accessories Rack and Pull
Industries
Billy’s Motorcycle Shop
3233 Elkhorn Blvd. #1 www.rackandpull.com
(916) 899-1188
North Highlands, CA 95660
(916) 332-3023 Road Dog Cycle
www.RoadDogCycle.com
Clinton’s Custom Cycle
555 G Street 4600 Main Street
Denair, CA 95316
Lincoln, CA 95648
(916) 645-0954 (209) 669-7404

Hatt’s Motorcycles Ride-On-Motorcycles
P.O. Box 608 www.Ride-On-Motorcycles.com

Forest Knolls, CA 94933 1416 Sonoma Blvd
www.hattsmotorcycles.com Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 647-RIDE(7433)
(415) 488-1441

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 35

NEED A TECH?

ADVERTISE
IT HERE!

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 36

$E1N0T.0R0Y

JUNE 7TH

GATES OPEN: 8:00 AM • WWW.NORCALCYCLESWAP.COM
Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 37

marketplace

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

MAY 2020 MAY 9
3nd ANNUAL BIKE SHOW & BLOCK PARTY
MAY 2 VALLEJO
4th ANNUAL GOLD COUNTRY 49er POKER RUN – Presented by Ride-On-Motorcycles – 1416 Sonoma Blvd. 11am –
POSTPONED (Sept 12) 4pm Customer Appreciation. RIDE IN BIKE SHOW – All HD Models
AUBURN Welcome. A fun filled day of MUSIC – VENDORS – Jason Pullen Stunt
Presented by Gold Country Indian Riders. Check in and registration at Show – CLASSIC CARS & LOW RIDERS on display. FREE FOOD AND
C&E Auburn Indian & VTwin – 12015 Shale Ridge Lane. 9am - 10am. $20 RAFFLES. Free Day of: Oil changes, dyno torque and horsepower runs.
Solo/$30 Couple. BBQ lunch provided by Hard Rock Casino & Hotel to the For more information: (707) 647-RIDE (7433). See flyer on Pg 33
first 150 registered riders. Our ride will end at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sacramento for food and fun. We will award the high poker hand with $300 MAY 16
and hand out raffle prizes, 50/50, more prizes and a gas BBQ grill. All Bikes LAW TIGERS SACRAMENTO MILE – POSTPONED (Aug 29)
Welcome. For more information: www.49er.goldcountryimrg.com / SACRAMENTO
www.goldcountryimrg.com / [email protected] Presented by Law Tigers and SDI Racing, LLC. Located at Cal Expo.
Tickets are now on sale! For more information: www.sdi-racing.com /
MAY 2 (650) 436-8488. See flyer on Inside Front Cover
VFWRG 6311 CINCO DE MAYO POKER RUN
LATHROP MAY 16
Presented by VFWRG 6311. Registration at Eagles Nest Harley-Davidson. KID’S STACYC IRON E FREE DEMO
8am-10am with first bikes out at 9am. $20 driver $10 passenger. Run up SACRAMENTO
to Mt.Diablo and back to Manteca VFW for food raffles 50/50 drink and Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am –
much more. For more information: (209) 704-3732 / richard_2_8@ 2pm. Free to attend. Call all kids! Harley-Davidson of Sacramento will be
yahoo.com setting up their official Stacyc race course for Demos at our dealership! Don’t
miss out on the fun! Battery-Powered. Kid-powered or both! Event is weather
MAY 3 permitted. For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
ROLLING ON THE RIVER 50th POKER RUN
SACRAMENTO MAY 16
Presented by Capital City M/C & Ben Ali Shriners M/C. Sign in at CCMC $1 BEER
Club House - 2414 13th Street. 9am-11am. Cost $35 at the door / $30 SACRAMENTO
preregistration includes t-shirt, ride pin while supplies last, BBQ lunch. Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am -
Enjoy a scenic ride down the Sacramento River ending up at the Ben Ali 2pm Free to attend. Come grab a cold beer for only $1. All proceeds &
Shrine Center. After 2:30 we will open up to an after party. Come out and donations from the beer garden will benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America,
support the Childrens Transportation Fund of Nor-Cal. This fund is how we Sacramento Valley Chapter 500! Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and
can provide transportation to the children and families without any costs ride. For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
to all the families. For more information: Please LIKE our Facebook
event page: Rollingontheriver2020 MAY 16
SWAP MEET
MAY 9 CHICO
5th ANNUAL BIKINI BIKE WASH Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – 1501 Mangrove Avenue.
CAMERON PARK 12pm-4pm. Free. For more information: [email protected]
Presented by Miller Built Performance Cycles – 3293 Saratoga Lane
-Suite A. Noon - ? Live music by Patrick Walsh, Food Truck, Vendors and MAY 21
Team Millerbuilt will be on site. For more information: (530) 672-9141 BIKE NIGHT
See flyer on Pg 4 CHICO
Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – Starts at 1501 Mangrove
Avenue. 6pm-9pm. Free. Ride to Jake’s Burgers. For more information:
[email protected]

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE
COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 39

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MAY 24 JUNE 7
WILLITS CAR/MOTORCYCLE SHOW NORCAL CYCLE SWAP
WILLITS SACRAMENTO
Presented by Willits Chamber of Commerce. 10am-4pm. Free admission Located at West Wind Drive - In 9616 Oates Drive. Swap with 100 vendors,
on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Many Cars and Motorcycles to all makes and models of bike parts. 8am, $10. For more information:
check out in a lovely Oak Tree shaded, grassy park setting. Food, Raffles, www.norcalcycleswap.com. See flyer on Pg 37
Vendors, Music. Fun for the entire family. For more information: info@
willits.org. JUNE 12-13
43rd ANNUAL REDWOOD RUN
MAY 24 PIERCY
9th ANNUAL GOOD OL‘ BOYS VETERANS MEMORIAL RUN Presented by Kiwanis Club of the Redwoods. Returns back to the
SANTA ROSA Riverview Ranch. Early entry available on June 11th. Scenic camping
Presented by Good Ol’ Boys MC. Sign in at Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial – Live Music – Bikes – Games – Hot Showers – River Access - Vendors
Building – 1351 Maple Drive. 9am. Pack leaves at 11am. $25 includes – Food – Wet Tshirt Contest. 21 & Over Event. Tickets on Sale Now For
steak dinner and run shirt (whiles supplies last). Live music – raffle prizes more information: redwoodrun.org
– vendor booths. For more information: Conrad (707) 694-2456 / www.
goodolboysmc.com. See flyer on Pg 37 JUNE 18
BIKE NIGHT
MAY 29-30 CHICO
GRAND FATHERS MC 22nd ANNUAL MOUNTAIN CAMPOUT Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – Starts at 1501 Mangrove
GRASS VALLEY Avenue. 6pm-9pm. Free. Ride to Mike’s Grande Burger - 2896 Olive Hwy
Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Located at Rollins Lake - 13000 in Oroville. For more information: [email protected]
Greenhorn Access Rd. Gate opens Friday at Noon. Cost: $35/Advance
- $40/Gate (includes tent camping). RV/$50 no hookups. Fryed Brothers JUNE 19-20
perform Saturday at 7pm. No day passes. For more information: AMCA FORT SUTTER MOTORCYCLE SHOW & SWAP MEET
Crunch (530) 613-0912 DIXON
Presented by AMCA Fort Sutter Chapter. Located at Dixon Fairgrounds.
JUNE 2020 7am / Free. Meet / Swap Meet & Vendors. For more information: www.
fortsutteramca.org
JUNE 5-7
STREET VIBRATIONS Spring Rally JUNE 20
RENO, CARSON & VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA BAGGERS & BREWS
Presented by Roadshows, Inc. Vendors & participants go to www. SACRAMENTO
roadshowsreno.com. For more information: (775) 329-7469 / admin@ Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way.
roadshowsreno.com 11am - 2pm Free to attend. Do you have the baddest bagger in all of
Sacramento?! Come join Harley-Davidson of Sacramento for their baggers
JUNE 5 - 6 and brews bike show! Enjoy food, prizes, vendors and $1 beer! Please
FRYED BROTHERS AT RED DOG SALOON drink responsibly. Do not drink and ride. For more information: (916)
VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Red Dog Saloon - 76 North C St.
Friday: 8:30pm – 12am. Saturday: 1pm – 4pm & 8:30pm – 12am. Join JUNE 27
the Fryed Brothers Band during Spring Street Vibrations in Virginia TOMMY FRYED 2nd ANNUAL MEMORIAL RUN
City. Food, drinks and great music! For more information: www. KNIGHTS LANDING
fryedbrothersband.com / Barb Fryed (707) 824-4861. Presented by Fryed Brothers Band. Located at StingRayz Marina -
23000 Cranmore Road. Ride TBA. Cost: $20 which includes entry into
JUNE 6 door prize raffle. Music by the Fryed Brothers Band and the Jimmy Pailer
10th ANNUAL 111 MILE RIDE FOR VETERANS - POSTPONED (October 10) Band. Lunch not included but available for purchase. Camping available
AUBURN -ccontact Sue (530) 681-0934. For more information: / Barb (707) 824-
Presented by The Forgotten Soldier Program. Ride starts at C & E V-Twin 4861 / [email protected].
Indian - 12015 Shale Ridge Road. Registration starts at 8:30. Advanced
registration $25 p/person/2 up $45. Day of $30 p/person/2 up $50. Run ends JULY 2020
at Rocklin Harley-Davidson. Poker ride, with lunch, music, raffle, chapter
challenge. For more information: www.forgottensoldierprogram.com JULY 3-5
HOLLISTER INDEPENDENCE RALLY
JUNE 6 HOLLISTER
BIKINI BIKE WASH Presented by Roadshows, Inc. Vendors & participants go to www.
CHICO roadshowsreno.com. For more information: (775) 329-7469 / admin@
Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – Starts at 1501 Mangrove roadshowsreno.com
Avenue. 12pm-3pm. For more information: [email protected]

PRE-ORDER

YOUR LIVEWIRE™
TODAY!

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 40

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JULY 4 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
TOP HATTERS 73rd ANNIVERSARY POKER RUN FORTUNA
HOLLISTER MMA Division 3 Monthly Meeting
Presented by Hollister Top Hatters – Starts at Corbin -2360 Technology Parkway. Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Funky Monkey
9am-12noon. $20 entry includes run pin, music, food and a chance to win high Restaurant – 1875 Riverwalk Dr. 6:30pm The Modified Motorcycle
hand or low hand. All bikes & public welcome. Trike races on Friday – July 3rd. Association is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State
For more information: (831) 537-4629 / www.tophatters-mc.com of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and
JULY 4 laws that affect our rights to ride free.
FREEDOM RIDE 2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
CHICO MANTECA
Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – Starts at 1501 Mangrove Avenue. Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter Monthly Meeting
6pm-9pm. Free. For more information: [email protected] Presented by Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter - Mountain Mike’s Pizza -
JULY 16 1120 N Main St. 7pm – 8pm/ Meeting is free. Do you ride a Harley-
BIKE NIGHT Davidson motorcycle and are looking for a fun group to ride with?
CHICO Come join the Eagle’s Nest HOG Chapter to learn about their
Presented by Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson – Starts at 1501 Mangrove Avenue. upcoming rides.
6pm-9pm. Free. For more information: [email protected] 2nd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
MARYSVILLE
AUGUST 2020 MMA Division 1 Monthly Meeting
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association - Pizza Round Up -
AUGUST 3-16 2004 Covillaud St. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the
80th ANNIVERSARY STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP first motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please
BUFFALO CHIP, SOUTH DAKOTA join us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our
The Largest Music Festival in motorcycling! Lynyrd Skynyrd – Willie Nelson rights to ride free. For more information: [email protected]
– ZZ Top – Shinedown – REO Speedwagon – Billy Idol – Pop Evil - Puddle 3rd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
of Mudd and MANY MORE! Get Your passes now – Concerts FREE with FOLSOM
Camping! For more information: www.BuffaloChip.com (605) 347-9000. Folsom HOG Chapter 1787 General Meeting
See flyer on Back Cover Presented by Folsom HOG – Round Table Pizza – 9500 Greenback
AUGUST 29 Lane – Unit 1. 7pm-8:30pm For more information: www.folsomhog.
LAW TIGERS SACRAMENTO MILE org / [email protected]
SACRAMENTO 3rd TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Presented by Law Tigers and SDI Racing, LLC. Located at Cal Expo. PENRYN
Tickets are now on sale! For more information: www.sdi-racing.com / MMA Division 16 Monthly Meeting
(650) 436-8488. See flyer on Inside Front Cover Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Valencia Club –
2162 Taylor Rd. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first
OPEN HOUSE motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. Please join
us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights
2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH to ride free.
SUTTER CREEK 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
American Legion Riders Meeting SACRAMENTO
Presented by Post 108 Legion Riders – 11401American Legion Drive – 6:30pm. MMA Division 14 Monthly Meeting
2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Sammy’s - 2021 Del Paso
EL DORADO Blvd . 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle
MMA Division 21 Monthly Meeting rights organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Poor Red’s - 6221 upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free.
Pleasant Valley Rd 7pm 4th WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH
The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights REDDING
organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about Redding HOG Chapter Meeting
upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. Presented by Redding Harley Owners Group - LuLu’s Restaurant -
1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 2230 Pine Street. 7pm. Meeting is free to all who wish to attend.
FT BRAGG Come early and get the world’s best clams! For more information:
ALR Chapter 96 Monthly Meeting [email protected]
Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 96. Veterans
Administration Building – 360 North Harrison Street. 6pm. For more
information: Gary (907) 230-5857 / americanlegionriders96.com

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE
COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 41

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2nd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH EVERY FRIDAY
VACAVILLE ROSEVILLE 
Vacaville HOG Chapter Monthly Meet & Greet BIKER CHURCH NIGHT Presented by Thunder Road Biker Church
Presented by Iron Steed H.O.G. Chapter Vacaville. Located at Hide-A-Way - 414 Vernon Street 7pm-8pm
- 1080 Orange Dr. 7pm. Are you looking for a group of people just like you? 1st FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Do you need people to ride with? Look no further! For more information or WOODLAND
inquiries, contact our Chapter Director Dori at [email protected] BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE Meeting at VFW Hall – 345 W.
Chapter Asst. Director Charlynn at [email protected] Kentucky Avenue. 7pm Meetings are open to the public. (530) 848-
2nd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH 2090 with any questions.
SACRAMENTO 1st FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
MMA Division 10 Monthly Meeting SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Hideaway Bar & Grill MMA Division 12 Monthly Meeting
– 2565 Franklin Blvd. 7:30pm Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – NEW LOCATION
The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights Woodbridge Crossing – 18939 N. Lower Sacramento Road 7pm.
organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about The Modified Motorcycle Association is the first motorcycle rights
upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free. organization in the State of California. Please join us to learn about
3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH upcoming legislation and laws that affect our rights to ride free.
ELK GROVE 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
MMA Division 2 Monthly Meeting FAIRFIELD
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association –Round Table Pizza- OPEN HOUSE Presented by Dirty Whites Club House – 748 N. Texas
8345 Elk Grove Florin 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association St 8pm - ? Come have a blast! Contact Joe 707-694-5251
is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. 3rd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that VALLEJO
affect our rights to ride free. OPEN HOUSE Presented by Hellbent MC 707 Crew – 100 Lincoln
3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH Rd. E - 8pm. Come one come all! Our house is open to start your
ROCKLIN weekend off right, join us for our Open House night.
Monthly HOG Chapter Meeting EVERY SATURDAY
Presented by Sierra Thunder HOG Chapter. Mountain Mikes Pizza SACRAMENTO
- 5505 Whitney Blvd #2F. 7pm. We will be organizing our Ride Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Open House to the Biker
Calendar. Bring your ideas. Arrive early if you want to eat. For more Community – 3418 Auburn Blvd on Saturday nights – 6pm. / No Cover
information: [email protected] Charge. Come Join the MSMC and other motorcycle enthusiasts
where we enjoy good entertainment, cold drinks, and good food. For
4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH more information: Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge (785) 410-1015.
CHICO EVERY SATURDAY
MMA Division 23 Monthly Meeting FOOD TRUCK LUNCH
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Sierra Steel Harley SACRAMENTO
Davidson – 1501 Mangrove Ave. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. 11am-
Association is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State 2pm Free to attend / food available for purchase. Out riding and having
of California. Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and fun? Ride on over to Harley-Davidson of Sacramento to enjoy lunch
laws that affect our rights to ride free. from one of Sacramento’s finest food trucks. Enjoy the farm to fork life!
4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com
PALO CEDRO EVERY SATURDAY
MMA Division 24 Monthly Meeting TRY A JUMPSTART
Presented by Modified Motorcycle Association – Goodtimes Pizza – SACRAMENTO
22049 Old 44 Drive 8734. 7pm. The Modified Motorcycle Association Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way.
is the first motorcycle rights organization in the State of California. 9am-2pm Free to attend. Not quite ready to test ride a bike? Need
Please join us to learn about upcoming legislation and laws that your motorcycle license? Get comfortable in the saddle at Harley-
affect our rights to ride free. Davidson of Sacramento by trying a Jumpstart Demo. We’ll mount
4th THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH the motorcycle, set your boots to the foot pegs and fire up the engine
ROCKLIN under the watchful eye of our trained professional. And then, sitting
ALR Chapter 620 Monthly Meeting comfortably on the motorcycle, you’ll give the throttle a little twist
Presented by American Legion Riders – Chapter 620. Rocklin Parks and continue to shift through the gears all while safely and securely
and Rec – 5460 5th Street. 6:30pm attached to the Jumpstart platform. For more information: (916) 929-
Contact Gail Miller with any questions (916) 521-6319 4680 / www.hdsac.com

707.793.9180

7601 REDWOOD DRIVE
COTATI, CA 94931

WWW.SONOMACOUNTYHD.COM

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 42

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

EVERY SATURDAY BIKE NIGHTS
DEMO DAYS
SACRAMENTO EVERY THURSDAY
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Sacramento - 1000 Arden Way. SACRAMENTO
9am - 6 pm. Free to attend. More wind. More power. More agility. Presented by Misplaced Souls MC. Thursday Night Fun Night
Welcome to pure, unfiltered freedom taken to the next level. There’s – 3418 Auburn Blvd. 6pm / Join the MSMC for its Thursday Night
only one way to understand this feeling. You have to test ride one get together. Free food, entertainment and great company. All like
of the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This is one ride you don’t minded members of the community are welcome. The MSMC reserve
want to miss. Must occur during daylight hours. Weather permitting the right to refuse access to who they choose. For more information:
For more information: (916) 929-4680 / www.hdsac.com Spit Shine (916) 217-2508 / Sarge (785) 410-1015

1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH
AUBURN EUREKA
MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING Presented by Gold Country Indian BIKE NIGHT NEW LOCATION Presented by M.O.B. of Humboldt
Motorcycle Riders Group. C&E Auburn Indian & V-Twin - 12015 Shale - North of Fourth Bar - 207 3rd Street. The fun starts at 6pm. All
Ridge Rd. 9:30am. Gold Country IMRG is open to all motorcycle motorcycles welcome. Free food, 50/50 raffle, pack ride. / www.
brands. All members and prospective members and friends are mobofhumboldt.com
welcome. www.goldcountryimrg.com 3rd THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (May-September)
3rd SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH WILLITS
FAIRFIELD BIKE NIGHT Presented by Willits Wild Bunch – Scoops Deli – 110 N.
MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING – Presented by Christian Motorcyclists Main Street. 6p-8pm, Food, Raffle, Music. A great social gathering
Association - Lord’s Knights Chapter. Benicia Grill II - 2390 N. Texas. to meet other riders in the area. All Bikes – All Riders Welcome. For
Order breakfast at 8am. Announcements at 8:30am. Kick stands more information: [email protected]
up by 9:15am. All bikes welcome. (Note: Feb & May we do weekend 2nd FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
events, so no breakfast meeting then.) For more information: Bill LODI
Neander / [email protected]. BIKE NIGHT Presented by The Water Hole along with The Red Iron
3rd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH Riders. 246 N. Cluff Ave. 6:30pm Cost depending on the menu $10-
VACAVILLE  $18. A great NO DRAMA social event to get to know others that share
MONTHLY LOCAL MEETING Presented by A.B.A.T.E. Local 17 - the passion of the bike. Outdoor private patio area, pool tables,
4823 Midway Road 10am We will discuss matters important to the Shuffleboard, Music, big screen TVs for game nights and more. All
Local and to the motorcycle community. We create plans, and review bikes welcome, and those without bikes welcome too. For more
events and have a raffle. We will also share with other MRO’s and information: (209) 604-7149 / (209) 327-8283
Clubs. We are also open to the communities. Glenn Phillips (707) 624- 1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
6310 / [email protected] HISTORIC COLFAX
4th SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH PANCAKE BREAKFAST Presented Grand Fathers MC No Cal –
SACRAMENTO  Clubhouse 301 S. Railroad Street –
MONTHLY OPEN MEETING Presented by Veterans of All Wars Riders 8:30am – 11am. Start your day out with the Grand Fathers MC!
- The Capitol Casino - 411 N 16th Street 10am Meetings are open TRM NorCal is not responsible for errors or omissions and events are
to the public. For more information: Sly - [email protected]. / subject to change without notice
www.vawriders.org

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS THUNDER ROADS® NORCAL index of advertisers
Nan Danford Real Estate.........................................................................................37
A&M Heating and Air................................................................................................33 Nickell’s Custom ......................................................................................................33
Bikers Inner Circle....................................................................................................37 Noble West Insurance Services...............................................................................30
Billy’s Motorcycle Shop............................................................................................33 NorCal Cycle Swap Meet.........................................................................................37
Bones Roadhouse Bar & Grub..................................................................................4 Omega Motorcycles.................................................................................................29
Buffalo Chip...............................................................................................Back Cover Penngrove Motorcycle Company............................................................................11
C&E Auburn Indian &V-Twin ...........................................................................29 Performance Powercoating......................................................................................29
Cal Tire & Autoworks ...............................................................................................14 Ravenol Oil.................................................................................................................4
Clinton’s Custom Cycle............................................................................................33 Redwood Harley-Davidson......................................................................................14
CycleInsure Agency....................................................................................................4 Reno Harley-Harley Davidson.................................................................................27
Double D Steak........................................................................................................14 Rick’s Automotive.....................................................................................................36
Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast.....................................................................14 Ride-On Motorcycles................................................................................................33
Folsom-Rocklin Harley-Davidson............................................................................21 Road Dog Cycle.......................................................................................................29
Good Ol’ Boys Veterans Run...................................................................................37 Road Trip Bar & Grill.................................................................................................17
Gurnee Mason Rushford Bonotto Forestiere Trial Lawyers...................................36 Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys....................................................................1 & 31
Harley-Davidson of Yuba City..................................................................................30 San Jose Hogwash..................................................................................................14
Hatt’s Motorcycle......................................................................................................29 Sonoma County HD......................................................................................EVENTS
Humboldt Performance Cycle..................................................................................14 T3 Design Studios....................................................................................................37
Inn of the Lost Coast................................................................................................17 The Leatherworks.....................................................................................................30
Jachimowicz Law Group............................................................................................5 Thunder Road Biker Church....................................................................................28
Jim Wall Insurance Agency......................................................................................10 West Coast Leathers..................................................................................................4
Law Tiger’s Sacramento Mile........................................................ Inside Front Cover Wild Bill Tattoo..........................................................................................................33
Midnight Motors........................................................................................................10
Miller Built Performance Cycles.................................................................................4

Thunder Roads Magazine® Northern California 43