VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 DECEMBER 2009

MAGAZINE R Minnesota

’ P r em i e re Ed i t i o n
Minnes o ta s FREE
TAKE ONE

Runs ys
Rall
nat’l & local events
AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING BIKER PUBLICATION
 CONTENTS December 2009 Events
Thundercam.................................................................4 Dec 5- Christmas Open House @ Rochester
A Day With Erik Buell...................................................5
Harley-Davidson in Rochester, MN from 9am
- 3pm.
Lonestar Exclusive Interview.........................................6
Dec 5- Abate of MN’s Glacier Ridge Chapter
Joker.............................................................................8 St. Nick Celebration @ Rooney’s in Sedan,
MN from 1pm - 4pm.
Thunder Roads Magazine of Minnesota Greetings Riders, Lady Bikers.................................................................10
P.O. Box 769 I would like to tell you about myself. I’ve been Bikers Defined............................................................12 Dec 25- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Albert Lea, MN 56007 riding for 41 years and I suffer from crippling bouts
(877) 230-4520 KISS.........................................................................13
thunder@thunderroadsminnesota.com of depression. The depression struggles usually
Get Licensed..............................................................16
begin early in the mornings. About the time when
Staff stepping out the door going to work and seeing the TNT.............................................................................17

sunshine, smelling the fresh air, and just knowing. Flashback...................................................................18

Owner/Editor
Yes, knowing I am missing a beautiful riding day. Tech Tips.....................................................................20
Willie Matthews To avoid the healthcare system and the high
(877) 230-4520 Motorcycle Clubs and Organizations...........................21
willie@thunderroadsminnesota.com costs of prescription medication, I purchased this
NCOM News Bytes.....................................................22
magazine to cure my ailment. It allows me to do
Willie’s Assistant Skin Art.......................................................................26
what I love the most. Be around bikes, bikers, and
ride whenever I want. Too Tired To Ride?.......................................................28
Joe Matthews
(641) 483-3022 My goals with Thunder Roads Magazine of
joe@thunderroadsminnesota.com Minnesota are:
Marketing Director Keep bikers informed on rides, events, clubs,
organizations, and places bikers can go where they
Lori Miller are appreciated!
(405) 853-0206
lori@thunderroadsiowa.com Being an outlet for vendors, dealers, and all
advertisers to bring the bikers to you!
Layout and Design Cover events, keep bikers informed on law
Warren Ells, Art Director changes, and just go out an enjoy life.
Thunder Publishing Together we can all be better informed. If you
Warrenlayout@yahoo.com have anything going on, please email me so we
National Founders can report it. Feel free to write the editor so we can
get your ideas to improve our coverage.
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon I am looking forward to working with all of you.
1421 Chapmansboro Road
Chapmansboro, TN 37035 I would like to wish you all the best during this
Office: (615) 792-0040 Fax: (615) 792-7580 holiday season!
thunderroadscharter@charter.net

Sincerely,
Willie Matthews
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT
State Editor/Owner
WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO
BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE
ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY IS-
Thunder Roads Magazine of Minnesota
SUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS
FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF
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DOES NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.

Thunder Roads Magazine 2 Thunder Roads Magazine 3

 A Day with Erik Buell
by Dennis Martin the most just because it has bags
When we found out that Cycle Connection Harley-Davidson in Joplin, MO and it is more practical for me.
was having Erik Buell visit their dealership, I knew I wanted to be there. I Any other motorcycle?
would like to thank Nancy and Scott Hutson, for allowing me some time to Well since we didn’t come out
interview Erik during their all day “Escape” event. Erik was there to meet with a dirt bike, my favorite all
with new Buell owners and share the company’s vision. Another name of time street bike was my Velo-
the event could have been simply “Buell Days”. The day was filled with cette. It was a goofy bike and a
Demo rides on all the Buell Models, a helmet seminar, two stunt shows in the pain in the butt to keep running,
parking lot by “ILL CONDUCT”, and a fashion show featuring Buell and Icon but it was a wonderfull bike to
products. ride.
During the exclusive VIP “Meet and Greet”, I could tell right away that Erik Do you have any riding tips for
is just a regular guy like any of us. He is the most humble, non-egotistical our readers?
person you would ever meet. Erik shared his design vision of “Double Duty Ride often and do the “track
Parts” which is a result of Buell motorcycles having 50% fewer parts than days” to let it out of your system.
other bikes. The Buell Corporation in East Troy, Wisconsin, employs about Ride often so that you always
200 passionate people that hand build each bike. When Erik told the “meet have 20% spare change. Don’t
and greet” group that half of the bikes they build are exported overseas, he ride over your head.
received a huge applause. At the end of Erik’s meet with us, Scott Hutson
had a surprise for Erik. Scott hired a local artist, A.J. Wood, to create a paint- Erik Buell and the Business
ing of Erik remembering his racing days. Erik actually had a tear in his eye. When did you realize you
Before Erik founded the Buell Motorcycle Company he raced nationwide changed the motorcycle
within the AMA and was also a chassis engineer for the Harley-Davidson industry?
Corporation. His past only fueled his passion for motorcycles and he set out Well, I’m still working on it. I don’t know that I have. Maybe when the street
to create his own AMA Formula One motorcycle. After that his passion led fighter thing took off that we really launched with the gold S-1. We won
him to build his first sport bike. In 1994, Harley-Davidson invested into the an award for best standard with Cycle World. There was no street fighter
Buell Motorcycle Company and the rest is history, or is it? category and they didn’t know what it was.
Erik is still a hands on guy and is constantly still looking to design and build What sets the Buell Corporation above the competition?
unique bikes. The 2009 Buell 1125CR is one of his most innovative bikes to I don’t know that we are above, we are just different. We are unique in such
date. The power plant is an 1125cc liquid-cooled V-Twin with 146 hp @ 9800 that the Buell is truly the only American sport bike. We do things differently
rpm and 82 ft. lbs. of torque @ 8000 rpm. The Ram Air scoops on each side in what I consider a very American way. Lots of invention and new ways of
are designed to pressurize the air box and increase performance at speeds looking at things. Pioneering ways to do things which is what I think is the
over 80 mph. To efficiently get the horsepower to the rear wheel, Buell uses American spirit and it shows in our engineering. Our biggest accomplishment
a system known as “Immediate Throttle Response Belt Drive”. There is is having a little team of people building a bike that is at a very affordable
constant tension on the belt to eliminate any slack in the system while shifting price over what mass produced bikes are. Everyone does an amazing job.
up or down. To find out more features go to www.buell.com Are there any projects that you are working on that you can share with us?
(a very quick) NO (then silence)
Erik Buell the Person How did you come up with the idea that people would really dig your
Married? machines so much and why did you think they would?
Tish. Well you’re never really sure what will happen. We did some radical style
Children? design work. When the S-1 first came out they were considered insane…
Six, youngest 16 and oldest 25. crazy… weird. Why is the seat so tiny? Why is this fender back here?
Are they getting into the business? People just couldn’t take their eyes off it. We knew it was going to be a “love-
Don’t know yet. The oldest daughter is going to college for Micro-Biology but hate” thing but that’s OK. We would rather do that than do what everyone
hates working in the lab. She loves solving problems with DNA splicing but else was doing. (In reference to the 1125 CR) I wanted an in your face hot
she can’t stand being in a white room. When she is at the (Buell) plant she rod look, but on a street bike. Everything has a fairing so we styled ours
says she is thinking about becoming a design engineer… maybe. around a scorpion with the claws, small head and a pointy tail. It is functional
How did your parents feel about you getting into the motorcycle business? art. It is a combination of a scorpion and a Harrier Jet with the scoops.
They weren’t into motorcycles but they were never opposed to me doing it. What award do you cherish the most?
My mom and dad never came to a race, they let me do it but they were never Well as of now, the painting that the dealership had created for me. That is
engaged in it. unbelievably special to me.
Some people have you and John Britten in the same circles of conver-
Riding sation. How do you feel about that?
What are your favorite riding locations and/or destinations? It’s an honor. I talked with him a number of times on the phone about working
It is impossible to pick one specific location; there are just too many great together before he started getting sick. He was a fun and innovative guy
rides. The best rides I ever find are the ones where there is a section of twisty coming from a different perspective. We were both very different from what
roads and no one there. the industry is doing and
It doesn’t matter if it is in yet we were different from
North Carolina, Southern each another. We both
California, or even Spain. wanted to build the best
When I find a location one-off bikes. We both had
it is just wonderful. My a lot of admiration for the
least favorite is the way we were challenging
interstate. the way things were nor-
What Buell is your mally done but in different
favorite bike? ways.
I really don’t have a fa-
vorite. I ride the Ulysses
Thunder Roads Magazine 4
 The Future LONESTAR IS:
TRM EXCLUSIVE: LONESTAR
Is Now Keech Rainwater, Dean Sams, Cody Collins, Michael Britt
For Multi-Platinum Artist LONESTAR
THE FUTURE IS NOW
LONESTAR is leading the way as the next generation
artist, by putting themselves in the drivers seat and tak-
ing complete control of their careers and how they market
themselves.
During a time when the music industry is seeking direc-
tion LONESTAR has found theirs, with their new single at
radio “LET ME LOVE YOU”. LONESTAR feels more like a
band than ever,  with new lead singer Cody Collins and not
to mention 15 years of proven success in sales and tour-
ing with over 10 million albums sold, roots they will never
forget, 
The Mantra of LONESTAR Today:
BETTER ACCESS. BETTER COMMUNICATION. BETTER
RESULTS. I recently spoke with founding member Dean Sams and
 LONESTAR is taking full advantage of the internet, mo- learned about his passion for bikes and the road.
bile technology, social networking sites and participating in
TRM:  What kind of motorcycles do you currently own and
direct feedback with fans. The band’s musical legacy is tied
which one is your preferred ride?
to modern-day classics like “Amazed,” “I’m Already There,”
and “My Front Porch Looking In,” LONESTAR understands Dean: I own a Heritage Softtail Classic Custom.  It is a great
what it takes to be successful and how to manage that suc- bike to zoom around the various towns we play, and makes
cess, they demonstrated that leadership when their long a great impression with it’s  powerful sound and cool looks.
time front man left to pursue his own career. LONESTAR
has rebounded and adapted to change in their careers and TRM: When did you start riding?
had more focus than ever when searching for a new lead
singer. Keech, Dean, and Michael were united in their goal Dean: I started on my first street bike (883 Sportster) about
of keeping LONESTAR together and continuing to work 11 or 12 years ago.  I grew up around dirt bikes but wasn’t
together to make new music. To this end, they listened to really sure I would like the street cycles.  After getting
countless CDs and, yes, MySpace page songs, as well as started with my Sportster, it was something I really enjoyed
and graduated to a much bigger and nicer bike.  
making phone calls and basically brainstorming for ideas
for their lead vocalist replacement. This search led to a
TRM: I ride because....
young man from Florida who Dean had seen singing in a
bar called “Cowboys” in Kennesaw, GA. To that end, Cody Dean: It’s a great way to see the world.  When you are
Collins brings to LONESTAR a perfect complement to the in a car or tour bus, you don’t really notice all the beauty
bands current musical dynamic, Cody’s vocal ability has around you.  There’s something about riding on my Harley
audiences across the United States saying, LONESTAR is and taking it all in.  There is so much I miss from day to day
better than ever. In asking founding member, Dean Sams traveling down the road when I’m in a car our tour bus, and
what the future means? Sams says “ We feel like we have now I can really get out and appreciate the various towns
the opportunity that few bands ever get, we’ve sold mil- we play in. 
lions of records, have had 10 #1 hits, and now we have
the chance to take control of our careers and do it all over TRM: What is your favorite 100 mile run and why?
again.” 
Dean: I’m not much for long distance riding due to an injury
Today LONESTAR is Cody Collins, Dean Sams, Michael
I incurred several years ago.  I can tell you traveling on the
Britt & Keech Rainwater and for LONESTAR – West Coast and going through the Sequoia National Park is
THE FUTURE IS NOW!! something that stands out to me so much.   
Thunder Roads Magazine 6 Thunder Roads Magazine 7
A group of children were trying very hard to become He was standing in the kitchen, preparing our
accustomed to Kindergarten. The biggest hurdle they usual soft-boiled eggs and toast for breakfast
faced was that the teacher insisted on NO baby talk! You wearing only the ‘ T ‘ shirt that she normally slept
need to use ‘Big People’ words,’ she was always remind- in. As I walked in, almost awake, she turned to me
ing them. She asked Jimmy what he had done over the and said softly,” You’ve got to make love to me
weekend? ‘I went to visit my Nana’. “No, you went to visit this very moment!” My eyes lit up and I thought, “I am
your GRANDMOTHER. Use ‘Big People’ words!’ either still dreaming or this is going to be my lucky
She then asked Jimmy what he had done. ‘I took a day!” Not wanting to lose the moment, I embraced her
ride on a choo-choo’. The teacher corrected, ‘No, you and then gave it my all; right there on the kitchen
took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use ‘Big table. Afterwards she said, “Thanks,” and returned to
People’ words’. She then asked little Lil’ Joey what he the stove, her T-shirt still around her neck. Happy, but
had done? ‘I read a book’ he replied. That’s wonderful!’ a little puzzled, I asked, “What was that all about?” She
the teacher said. ‘What book did you read?’ Lil’ Joey explained, “Oh, the egg timer’s broken.”
thought real hard about it, Then puffed out his chest
with great pride, and said, ‘Winnie the SHIT”. Two old men decide they are close to their last days
and decide to have a last night on the town. After a few
Bubba was sunbathing naked on Flagler Beach. For the drinks, they end up at the local brothel. The Madam
sake of legality, and to keep it from getting sunburned, takes one look at the two old geezers and whispers to
he had a straw hat over his privates. An old drunken her Manager, ‘go up to the first two bedrooms and put
woman walks past and slurs, “If you were a gentleman an inflated doll in each bed. These two are so old and
you’d lift your hat.” Bubba raised an eyebrow and re- drunk, I’m not wasting two of my girls on them. They
plied, “If you weren’t so ugly, it would lift itself.” won’t know the difference.’ The Manager does as he
is told and the two old men go upstairs and take care
Indian Chief ‘Two Eagles’ was asked by a white govern- of their business. As they are walking home the first
ment official, ‘You have observed the white man for man says, ‘you know, Ii think my girl was dead!’ ‘Dead?’
many decades. You’ve seen his wars and technological says his friend, ‘why do you say that?’ ‘Well, she never
advances, you’ve seen his progress and the damage moved or made a sound all the time I was loving her.’
he’s done. The Chief nodded in agreement. The official His friend says, ‘could be worse I think mine was a
continued, ‘Considering all these events, in your opinion, Witch.’ ‘a Witch ??. . Why the hell would you say that?’
where did the white man go wrong?’ The Chief stared ‘Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck,
at the government official for over a minute and then and I gave her a little bite, then she farted and flew out
calmly replied. ‘When white man find land, Indians run- the window. Took my dang teeth with her!’
ning it; no taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver,
clean water. Women did all the work, Visit to Medicine My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school
man free. Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging
all night having sex.’ Then the Chief leaned back and her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife
smiled, ‘Only white man dumb enough to think he could asked, ‘Do you know her?’ Yes,’ I sighed, ‘She’s my old
improve system like that.’ girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after
we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn’t
Biker Bob walks into the bedroom carrying a sheep in been sober since.’ ‘My God!’ says my wife, ‘who would
his arms and says, “Honey, this is the cow I make love to think a person could go on celebrating that long?’
when you have a headache.” The wife, laying in the bed
reading a book, looks up and says, “If you weren’t such Hung Chow calls into work and says, “Hey, I no come
an idiot, you’d know that’s a sheep, not a cow.” work today, I really sick. Got headache, stomach ache
Biker Bob replies, “If you weren’t such a bitch, you’d and legs hurt, I no come work.” The boss says, “You
realize I was talking to the sheep.” know something, Hung Chow, I really need you today.
When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her to give
Ole’ “Dumpster” bought this new deodorant today. The me sex. That makes everything better and I go to work.
instructions said remove cap and push up bottom. He You try that.” Two hours later Hung Chow calls again.
says he can barely walk, but now, whenever he farts, the “I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon......
room smells awesome! And...…You got nice house.”
Thunder Roads Magazine 8 Thunder Roads Magazine 9
 Lady Bikers
Name Bike Home Base Riding For
Karen Hoefner 2003 Low Rider Bloomington, MN 5 years

Kristin Johnson 2010 Fatboy Low Bloomington, MN 20 years

Stacy Matthews 2005 Heritage Albert Lea, MN/ 4 years

Dover, Oklahoma

Jackie Moss 1995 Fatboy Somewhere, Oklahoma 13 years

Karen Kristin

2009
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Thunder Roads Magazine 10 Thunder Roads Magazine 11

Bikers Defined
American Traditional Definition of Bikers: Men who ride
an American made motorcycle and live a biker lifestyle. This
did not include women. American made motorcycle is any
motorcycle that has an engine made in the USA, whether it
is factory made or custom built. (Strictest traditional con-
text).  nition of biker.
Frequently, motorcyclists who ride custom choppers with
motors made in England or Germany are also considered
bikers if they have biker attitude and are part of a biker fam-
ily. Does not include “yuppy bikers”. Does not include peo-
ple who ride motorcycles made in Japan, China, Taiwan,
or any other nation unless the person has the right attitude
and is adopted into a biker family with a majority of riders
that meet the definition in the strictest traditional context. If
you still think you are a biker, see the bottom line.
Bikers around the world: There was a UK definition of bik-
ers that I saw which was terrible. It referred to one particular
movie made in 1960? It must have been a big hit. The Aus-
tralian definitions I see all refer to biker gangs; while many
people are up in arms that biker gang should not be part of
the definition of biker. See the comment about biker gangs,
below. It’s probably a good thing I can’t read Japanese.
Maybe all that spam the Koreans and Chinese send me are
to tell me to go to _. I’m sure the Italians have the right idea.
Here’s three fingers backatcha and I mean it in the nicest
way. They got the attitude part down sweet. Gotta love it.
I’ve come to the conclusion that most bikers in other coun-
tries prefer to call themselves a motorcyclist rather than a
biker. I’m happy for them. What can I say, I’m an American,
a biker, and proud of it.
Definition of Motorcyclists: People who ride motorcycles,
including off-road. Passengers are called riders.
Definition of Motorcycle Cruisers: People who ride cruiser
style motorcycles built for comfort, regardless of motorcycle
brand and country of origin.
Definition of Sports bikers: Motorcyclists who ride the
motorcycles that require they ride in a bent forward position
in order to reach the handlebars. If you think Sports bike rid-
ers cannot call themselves bikers, please watch the movie
Biker Boys, then decide.
Definition of Enthusiasts: All people with an interest in
motorcycles, including non-riders and “yuppy bikers” who
own a motorcycle but keep it parked. Biker Wannabe: It
sounds like a putdown, but it’s not. Biker wannabes tend to
be even more enthusiastic than an enthusiast and usu-
ally have the heart of a biker, but they just haven’t got their
money together yet.
“Yuppy bikers”: Owns an expensive motorcycle which is
almost always parked. Is not a biker. Is a motorcyclist, but
only when riding. Is most definitely an enthusiast, and has
spent big money to prove it. When you ride, you are a mo-
torcyclist, but $30,000 does not make you a biker. Chrome
won’t get you home. Take it outta the garage and let it get
wet, then we’ll talk.
Weekend Bikers: Some of us have busier schedules than
others. Others have jobs that require dress codes. There is
Thunder Roads Magazine 12
nothing wrong with being a weekend biker, if that’s the best
you can do. Just don’t try and come across as the baddest
ass biker around. Get your head outta your butt.
American Biker: Rides an American made motorcycle
only. Adheres to the strictest contextual and traditional defi-
Harley Bikers: Many Harley bikers consider Harley-Da-
vidson motorcycles to be the only motorcycle they will ever
have or will ever ride. Harley bikers are very brand loyal.
There are BMW riders who are just as brand loyal. A hand-
ful of brand loyal Harley bikers consider anyone who rides
any other brand to not be a true biker. There are numerous
dissertations on the subject of brand loyalty. All brands of
motorcycles have their good points and bad points. Most
Harley Bikers are glad you get in the wind no matter what
you ride, and know it is not the motorcycle that matters.
Some will say it is attitude that matters, while others will say
it is lifestyle. It usually just boils down to how often you ride.
Biker Gang: a term overused by the news media, be-
cause it takes up less space than motorcycle club, and has
a rougher edge. Most clubs have not referred to themselves
as biker gangs since the 60’s. At that time, many were
admittedly hell raisers yet many of the “biker gangs” were
not organized for criminal intent. The news media has been
successful in making the term biker gang a synonymous
exact replacement for criminal motorcycle organization. In
doing so, their desire for least headline space has disre-
spected bikers and our heritage. Nowadays, most motorcy-
cle groups avoid the use of the term gang, even in innocent
context, because the public instantly recognizes the word
gang as a synonym for criminal. Consider the innocent
use of the word gang as sung in “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All
Here” written in 1917, about informal gatherings of familiar
people, to current legislative witch-hunt acts and proposals
which have titles like anti-gang and gang prevention, which
threaten many aspects of our lifestyle from the clothes we
wear to the tattoos on our skin. Rather than allow the news
media and legislators to eradicate the term biker gang,
there are those who believe the term biker gang should
once again be adopted and embraced by many legitimate
motorcycle clubs rather than allow legislators to continue to
eradicate our heritage, traditions, and constitutional rights.
This reverse strategy could actually work by popularizing
the term biker gang for use in non-criminal context.
Bottom Line: If you consider yourself a biker, frequently
get in the wind, and you’ve ever relied on any brand of
motorcycle as your primary or only transportation for an ex-
tended period of time, nobody should have a problem with it
if you call yourself a biker. You might have many more miles
in the wind on your BMW (or whatever brand) cruiser or
your Italian sports bike, so you really have much more right
to consider yourself a biker than a yuppy biker who spends
$25000 on a chromed out chopper and keeps it parked. I
rode all kinds of motorcycles in the last 35 years. Once you
get in the wind, that’s all that matters. BIKERS USA wel-
comes all Bikers who share the road and the wind.
FROM OUR THUNDER ROADS FAMILY TO YOURS
Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year.
MELT IN YOUR MOUTH, ROASTED HOLIDAY BEEF
TENDERLOIN
One 2-Pound of Beef Tenderloin Roll (Sam’s Club or
Costco has superb Beef Tenderloin)
Preheat Oven to 500 Degrees
Let Meat Sit On Counter for A Full 20 Minutes
Pat Tenderloin Dry With Clean Kitchen Towel
Rub Meat Down Thoroughly With Real Butter
Rub Salt & Cracked Pepper Over Meat Thoroughly
Roast for 25 Minutes On A Shallow-Sided Sheet Pan
Insert Meat Thermometer Into Exact Center of Meat
Thermometer Should Read 125 Degrees for A Perfect
Medium-Rare and 130 Degrees for A Perfect Medium;
To Cook It Any Longer Is A Crime Against Tenderloin &
You’d Be Better Off Roasting An Old Shoe.
Remove Filet From Oven To A Separate Plate and Cover
Entirely With Foil And Let Meat Rest At Least 10 Minutes,
Add An Envelope of “French’s Peppercorn Gravy Mix” to
Pan Drippings For A Rich, Smooth Gravy.
This is the easiest and absolute foolproof way I’ve ever
found to cook a tenderloin and it literally comes out perfect
every single time.
E-Z CHEEZY HOLIDAY POTATO BAKE
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom
Soup, undiluted
1 Cup (8 oz. tub) Sour Cream
1/2 Cup Whole Milk
1 cup (4 ounces) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1/2 cup Butter, Melted & Divided
1 package (30 ounces) Frozen Shredded Hash Brown
Potatoes; Thawed
1 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, milk, ched-
dar cheese and 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the hash browns.
Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan
cheese and remaining butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, un-
covered, at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.
Perfect w/ the Beef Tenderloin and a big bowl of Broccoli
Thunder Roads Magazine 13
Florets. Look for them in any grocery freezer. Be sure and
get Florets ONLY! as those are the tops of the broccoli
and the very best part of the vegetable. Microwave and
dot w/ real butter pats. Salt & Pepper. Superb.
MRS. CLAUS’ REAL DEAL NANNER’ PUDDIN’
2-1/2 Cups Sugar
6 Tbls. All-Purpose Flour
Dash of Salt
2 (12 oz.) Cans of Evaporated Milk
4 Egg Yolks
1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Cubed
1 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract
1 Box Nilla Vanilla Wafers *Plus extra for garnish & for
crumbling
5 Ripe Bananas; Sliced 1/2” Thick
1 Can of Real Whipped Cream
In a 3-quart heavy saucepan on low heat, add sugar,
flour & salt. Pour in the evaporated milk and keep stirring
constantly. After about 15 minutes, the sauce will thicken
slowly. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a medium size bowl.
Now, temper the eggs, which means that you slowly ladle
some of the thickened sauce into the eggs.....slowly, and
whisk gently. Now add your eggs into your sauce (since
you’ve tempered them they won’t turn into scrambled
eggs in your sauce). Continue to gently whisk your sauce,
apprx. 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat
and stir in butter and Vanilla Extract. Place pudding in a
bowl and cover w/ plastic wrap. Let cool in fridge for 2-1/2
hours. Now, into a large glass bowl or trifle dish, add a
layer of Nilla Vanilla Wafers, a layer of sliced bananas,
then a layer of pudding sauce and then a layer of Real
whipped cream. Keep repeating layers but make sure
you save enough whip cream for the top layer. Garnish w/
crumbled wafers over entire top and wavers stuck stand-
ing up all around perimeter of desert dish. Now, this is the
REAL DEAL method of making it and baby, Mrs. Claus
don’t mess around cause’ this will literally make you a be-
liever in Santa, the North Pole, Rudolph & his buds.........
& Miracles.
 Paige- the state owner/editor’s granddaughter
on papa’s 1984 FXR

MINNESOTA
Get Licensed  Dog Pound Does It
Doggy Style
How do I earn a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota?
Every person who operates a motorcycle on public roads
in Minnesota must have a valid driver’s license before they
can earn a motorcycle instruction permit or license endorse-
ment.  Services exam station to earn a motorcycle instruc-
If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to take
the MMSC Basic Rider Course. To earn your endorsement,
you must:
1. Have a Minnesota driver’s license or an instruction
permit. It is necessary to have a license or permit to enroll
in the Basic Rider Course.
2. Successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. This
requires 100 percent attendance and completion of a
knowledge test and skill test. Upon completion, you will
receive two certificates to take to a Driver and Vehicle Ser-
vices exam station along with your valid Minnesota driver’s
license. One certificate will allow you to take the state
knowledge test for the motorcycle instruction permit. The
other certificate will allow you to take the state skill test for
the motorcycle endorsement. To schedule a motorcycle skill
test at a state exam station online.
3. Have a Minnesota driver’s license—you cannot earn a
motorcycle permit or endorsement with a driver’s instruction
permit.
4. Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle
instruction permit. You must present the completion cer-
tificate. The fee is $21. To study for the motorcycle permit
test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motorized
Bicycle Manual at an exam station or download an elec-
tronic copy .
5. Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorse-
ment. You must present the completion certificate.
6. Pay the $11.75 fee and receive your endorsement.
If you are 18 years of age or older, there are two ways to
earn your motorcycle endorsement.
1. Go to a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station. You
must:
• Have a Minnesota driver’s license.
• Pass the state knowledge test for the motorcycle
instruction permit. To study for the motorcycle permit
test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/Motor-
ized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or download an
electronic copy. 
• Pass the state skill test for the motorcycle endorse-
ment. (Some exam stations are open late for motorcy-
cle skill tests. See “Evening Hours” below.) To schedule
a motorcycle skill test at a state exam station online.
• Pay the fees. The fee is $21 for the motorcycle instruc-
tion permit and $11.75 for the duplicate license.
 2. Use the Skill Test Waiver/Third Party Testing option.
If you are 18 years of age or older and have a valid Minne-
sota driver’s license and motorcycle instruction permit, the
Thunder Roads Magazine 16
skill test for your motorcycle endorsement will be waived
if you successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. You
must:
• Pass the state knowledge test at a Driver and Vehicle
tion permit. The fee is $21. To study for the motorcycle
permit test, pick up a copy of the Minnesota Motorcycle/
Motorized Bicycle Manual at an exam station or down-
TNT
load an electronic copy .
• To qualify for the skill test waiver, you must have your
permit before taking the Basic Rider Course skill test.
Expired permits are accepted if they have been expired
for less than one year.
• Successfully complete the Basic Rider Course. This
requires 100 percent attendance and you must pass the
Basic Rider Course skill test. Driver and Vehicle Ser-
vices reserves the right to retest any student, even if he
or she passed the course.
Note: riders who have already failed a state and/or
MMSC skill test twice are not eligible for the State Skill Test
Waiver. All subsequent skill tests for a motorcycle endorse-
ment must be taken at a DVS exam station.
 You can take the Basic Rider Course skill test again if
you fail the first time by taking the four-hour Skills Retesting
Course. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety re-
quires at least four hours of additional training and a waiting
period of at least seven days before you retest. However,
riders who have already failed a state and/or MMSC skill
test twice are not eligible for the State Skill Test Waiver. All
subsequent skill tests for a motorcycle endorsement must
be taken at a DVS exam station.
 Special Evening Hours for State Riding Test 
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of
Driver and Vehicle Services has a convenient evening test-
ing program for motorcyclists. Several exam stations are
open from 5 to 7 p.m. one night per week for motorcycle
endorsement skill testing.
Thunder Roads Magazine 17
Phil “Mangler” Kaufman FlashbackBy Rebel Ron
This month’s Flashback subject is a colorful rascal to
say the least. Phil Kaufman was born in Mineolla, NY
a long time ago. :) He is better known through out the
entertainment biz as Mangler. He is much more than
just a respected professional road manager. He is a mu-
sic icon & a long time rider too. His job description is
best described as an “executive babysitter” and he has
traveled the world in that capacity for over 40 years.
(He is currently on the road with the ever lovely Emmy
Lou Harris who just completed a tour of Europe.)
Mangler has done so many amazing things in his colorful
life that Hollywood even made a movie about him in 2003.
I’m talking about such things as his brief stint as a member
of the “Dirty Boys” gang while still in school. He served
in the Air Force during the Korean War. He found his way
to California to break into the movie business and found
work as a stunt man but he wound up in the music biz. He
also worked for Harley Davidson in London, England from
1974 to 78 as a “Demonstration Organizer” and he sold
surplus US military bikes by the pound. (He can be seen
in England with surplus HDs in a small garage wearing
his trademark mustache.) He has served
jail time in the US and over seas and
even escaped from a Swedish prison. He
has not only toured with many big
name groups but he also calls many of
them friends. I’m talking about such
world famous people as the Rolling
Stones, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson,
and Frank Zappa just to name a few.
( See photo of Mangler driving a convert-
ible around L.A. with Kieth Richards &
Thunder Roads Magazine 18
Gram Parsons in the back and other party pals in the front.) say infamous, role in music mythology. That would be the Johnny Clapp! You just can’t make this stuff up folks.) :)
And that is the tip of the iceberg from this long time biker’s bizarre incident with Gram Parson in 1972 when Parsons
music resume. Oh! I forget to mention that he not only stole overdosed on morphine while partying with friends in a I read Phil’s book several years ago. Since it is winter and
the body of 60s music star Gram Parson’s after his untimely California hotel. Mangler & Gram had been buddies from we can’t ride as often as we’d like you should consider
death but he also burned it in Joshua Tree, CA! as this was the early 60s and had made a alcohol induced pact that if reading it too. Don’t worry it has lots of photos. :) It is
relayed to Mangler by Parson’s as his burial preference. anything ever happened to one or the other, the survivor a great read with a hilarious irreverent yet honest look at
would take the others’ body to Joshua Tree in the Cal. des- the music biz that will have you laughing from one chap-
Since this is a bike ert and burn it. Phil, being a man of his word, soon recruit- ter to the next. It would make a great Christmas gift for
rag lets look at his ed a buddy to help him steal Parson’s body from the local that hard to buy for person on your list. Especially if they
two wheel history morgue to perform the promise he had made numerous would like to know what life was like behind the scenes in
first. He has been in beers and years ago. You have to read the whole story of the misc biz. And if nothing else go rent or buy the movie!
the wind for 56 years this in Phil’s book, “Road Mangler Deluxe.” It is not only
& you can see his funny but unbelievable, yet true 380 page volume! Mangler For info on purchasing Phil’s book, which is in its third
early love of trikes in was arrested for this too. Except he was arrested for grand printing, contact this email, rdmangler@aol.com. He also
the old photo of Phil theft of the casket, not for burning his old buddy’s body. has a 2 CD set of killer music from a benefit at the Ryman
as a chubby cheeked Cal. can be very liberal apparently about the deceased. Auditorium with numerous stars to raise money when he
little boy. His first was struggling with cancer. It is titled “Mangledesh” and
motorized bike was a These hectic and whacky two days re the basis for the Mangler has a Christmas deal on buying both. Visit a book
Whizzer in 1951 but movie on Phil’s life. The movie is called “Grand Theft store, if they do not have it they should, so tell them to order it.
he rode many differ- Parsons” and stars our Tennessee native, “Jack Ass” actor
ent bikes after that. Johnny Knoxville, as Phil Kaufman. The popular Jack Ass Phil is very approachable fun to talk to man and you will
His first Harley was a star is a very good actor who enjoyed his time with Phil enjoy his book. Mangler is also well known for tricks he
1943 WLC that he still while making the movie. In the film Knoxville is actually pulls on people and his wicked sense of humor. You can
owns. Sadly, since he wearing the vest Phil wore during the Parson’s cremation tell you are following him around Music City if you see
lives out of a suitcase in 1973. ( Here is a TRM exclusive for the readers! Want his personal Tenn. licence plate on his car. It simply says.
and calls home where to know why Johnny Knoxville changed his last name “PH Kauf.” Get it? (If you don’t, don’t bother buying
ever the tour bus is to the city he grew up in? His real last name is “Clapp.” the book). Rock on Mangler! Mighty good to know ya.
parked, Mangler has Rebel Ron Mangrum, Columbia, TN
misplaced many of his old photos. You can see another
one of him on a Harley trike when he lived in Nolensville,
TN, after moving to Nashville to work in 1977. Phil stills
putts around town on his sled when the bus wheels stop
turning. He again lives in Music City & he rides with the
“Ton Up” Club when time allows. This is a unique mo-
torcycle group that he is a Founding Member in, that one
is eligible to join until one goes over a 100 mph on thier
bike. Mangler can often be seen riding his trusty 1972 Tri-
umph Bonneville around guitar town. ( His Brit bike can
be seen in the photo of Mangler and your humble writer in
the S & G Custom Cycles parking lot when the “Ton Up’
Club stopped by to see all the vintage bikes last summer. )
I could fill this mag with hilarious behind the music scenes
stories Phil’s has witnessed and/or caused over the years.
Most involve drinking,
drugging, groupies, life on
the road, jail visits, gun play,
motorcycles, bondsmen,
bikers, emergency room
stops, along with arguments
& fights with obnoxious in-
toxicated stars. However,
due to space limitations I
will just tell you of his most
famous, or maybe I should

Tech Tips
Harley Hop-Up by Kirby Apathy
This month we are going to discuss camshafts. To
know what Camshaft you need, you need to understand
how they work and how to choose a profile for your par-
ticular application. A camshaft is the brain of you motor,
it tells the motor how to perform thru valve timing, dura-
tion and lift.
Let’s start with lift, the lift is how high the cam opens
the valve, thus allowing fuel mixture to enter and exit the
motor. Lift is measured at the lifter and multiplied by the
rocker arm ratio. (For Shovelheads, the ration is 1.43-
1, for Evo’s and Twin Cams it is 1.6-1) Stock lift for a
Shovel is .390, for an Evo it is from .472 - .495, and the
Twin Cam is .473
A higher lift will help the fuel/air mixture to get around
the valve. When you have a higher lift, you will require
different springs to eliminate the possibility of coil bind or
valve float, (Either can be catastrophic and we will talk
more about them later)
Next, is valve timing. Valve timing is the number in
crankshaft degrees in which the valves open and close.
This, the most, important aspect to where your power
band will be in the overall RPM range and it also deter-
mines the duration (but we will get into that later).
The degree of the crankshaft where the intake valve
and the exhaust valve opens is the most important factor
of valve timing. This will determine how much cylinder
will be produced.
In choosing the correct cam for your bike, there will
always be a trade off between low-end torque cam and
high RPM cam; unfortunately it is very hard if not impos-
sible to have both.
For low-end torque, you want the intake to close
sooner and have the exhaust open later. A good low-end
torque cam will have a shorter duration and the engine
Thunder Roads Magazine 20
should have low to moderate compression.
On high revving motors where you want the power at
the top of the RPM range, you want the intake valve to
stay open longer and the exhaust valve to open earlier.
When the intake stays open longer it will also increase
the duration and require higher compression to keep
the cylinder pressure up. You want the exhaust valve
to open earlier because it will have a better scavenging
effect.
On to Duration, also measured in degrees, duration
is the time the valve is open and is measured from the
time the lifter first moves .053” (some manufacturers use
.020”). It makes sense that the longer the intake is open,
the more fuel/air mixture will enter but it also reduces the
cylinder pressure requiring higher compression.
Many riders think they want the longest duration pos-
sible when picking a cam, but longer duration kills low-en
power and without higher compression it will overall per-
formance. Also, the larger the displacement, the more
duration it will accept.
It is a MUST when installing high lift cams that certain
things are checked!
First is coil bind, Coil bind is when the rocker arm is
compressing the spring farther than the spring can go.
This will usually result in bent push rods or broken rocker
arms. To check the springs, first take the compressed
spring measurement and add the lift plus .060. This total
needs to be less than the installed height measurement.
You also must check the top dead center lift, this will
affect the valve-to-valve contact and also valve to pis-
ton contact and neither is good! Checking the top dead
center lift can be done by opening the valves to the TDC
that will be included in the cam specs that come with the
cam. There should be at least a .060 clearance between
valves.
Valve to piston must be checked by putting clay in to
the valve pockets on the piston, carefully rotating the
motor over then measuring the indents in the clay, once
again, you are looking for at least a .060 clearance.
Trock Specialties make a real nice tool for holding the
valves open to check these measurements.
Now, to break down what we have learned. As a rule
of thumb, a cam that provides a short duration, early
opening and closing of the intake and a later opening of
the exhaust valves are what you need for good low end
torque. Longer duration, longer opening intake and ear-
lier opening exhaust are for high RPM horsepower and
larger motors.
Next month we will get in to compression ratios and
cylinder head design, until then, be safe and see ya at
the races.
Kirby Apathy
veetwin@bluemarble.net
Motorcycle Clubs And Groups
Minnesota Clubs and Groups- (as of December 2009)
ABATE of Minnesota , Contact: Contact: Liz Herzog (507) 487-
5000, StateOffice@abatemn.org American Bikers for Awareness,
Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization
committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about
motorcycling.
ABATE LOWER CHAPTER SE MN American Bikers for Awareness,
Training and Education is a not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization
committed to educating motorcyclists and the general public about
motorcycling.
Blue Knights, The Blue Knights is a non-profit organization of active
and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding
motorcycles.
BMW Motorcycle Owners,  Contact: Karol  k75karol@yahoo.com
612-534-RIDE, BMWMOA promotes the camaraderie and friendship of
individual members and BMW motorcycle clubs.
Central Road Racing Association,   612-332-4070 CRA is a
volunteer-run racing club always looking for new members and
volunteers to help ensure fun and safety.
CHARIOTS OF LIGHT” Phil 2:15 The Chariots of Light Christian
Bikers Club is an evangelistic outreach of Jerry Savelle Ministries
International, Brooklyn Park MN, 55444 web site
Contact info Jim Ferdig jferdig73@gmail.com Pastor DuWayne
Peterson dpetersen@lwcc.org
Chrome Divas, Contact: Kristen King, kristen.king@richfield.k12.
mn.us  Chrome Divas is a ladies-only motorcycle group, riders and
passengers and even some non-riding women, who love motorcycles
and participating in charity functions.
Concours Owners Group, Contact: Randy Schafer (612) 433-5605,
rides1zg@aol.com  COG promotes camaraderie and technical support
for Kawasaki Concours.
Christian Motorcyclists Association,  The Christian Motorcyclists
Association is interdenominational and evangelistic in nature.
Collectively, the states work together to spread the Gospel of Jesus
Christ throughout the United States. Link is to the local chapter in
Rochester MN, several groups in MN and USA
Dry Riders,  Men and women who are family-oriented and have
formed a club to promote motorcycling without the use of alcohol or
drugs while riding.  
Faith Riders of MN group of Christian people from all walks of life who
love to ride motorcycles and trikes. We ride for the joy of riding and
good fellowship. info
Freedom Riders Christian Motorcycle Club...based out of
Constance Free Church in Andover, MN. An experienced, professional
riding club for fun! Several rides and trips planned each season.
brgenck@qwestoffice.net
Gold Wing Riders Association Contact: (800) 843-9460, Friends for
fun, safety and knowledge, the GWRRA is the world’s largest social
organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing & Valkyrie
motorcycles.
Harley Owners Group,  Contact: 1-800-CLUBHOG (1-800-258-2464),
For Harley riders to share their passion and show their pride.   for Wed and 20-30 for Sat and will post one on the bulletin board. To
Hog Chapter Rochester MN SE MN
Honda Riders Club of America , 616 Elk St , Duluth MN 55803
Honda Sport Touring Association,   Contact: Roger Ries, rogerries@
yahoo.com  952-448-5008, HSTA brings together riders whose focus is
motorcycle sport touring regardless of type or brand of motorcycle.   Wings of Freedom MN Chapter Gold Wing Touring Association of
Midwest Motorcycle Club (MMC) of Bemidji. For information call Max
Lowe 218-547-0419.
Minnesota Valkyrie Owners Association,  Contact: Mike Garris
mgarris@mn.rr.com  & Lori Bruzek CustomValk@aol.com
Minnesota Sport bike,  Internet-based group where Minnesota sport
and sport touring riders set up “Pace” rides, share opinions, and
balance safety and sport riding fun.
Minnesota Voyagers Association,  Contact: Joy Mattson jsmattson@
usfamily.net A group consisting of all brands of motorcycles.
Minnesota Wings,  Individuals and their partners who enjoy owning
and riding Honda Gold Wings.
Moto Guzzi Owners,  Contact: Earl Cleven, 507-684-2608, e.cleven@
excite.com  Sociable Guzzi people, great times, and Moto Guzzi
information direct to you from Moto Guzzi enthusiasts world wide.
Thunder Roads Magazine 21
Motorcycle Dial a Ride, 1-888-DIAL RIDE (888-342-5743), MDAR offers
safe ride service for impaired motorcyclists from the last weekend in
April through the last weekend in October. Hours of operation are 6 p.m.
Friday through 12 a.m. Monday (midnight Sunday).
Northern Cruisers Riding Group  (NCRG)We are a group of cruiser
riders who have been together since 1997. We ride mostly Yamaha
cruisers, although ALL bikes are welcome. Your attitude will “make
or break” your membership with us, not the kind of bike you ride. Our
members consist of couples, and male and female singles that are
mostly in their 40’s and 50’s. We meet year-round for dinner and/or rides
to keep our friendships alive and strong. Our ride scheduled is the 1st
Saturday and 3rd Sunday of each month from mid-April to October
with Extended trips possible (2 nights to over 1 week in length). We
require you to sign a liability waiver and have proof of insurance and a
motorcycle license or permit before riding with us. We are a TOTALLY
independent local group with NO national organization to appease.
RED KNIGHTS Contact: Pete prrkmn1@yahoo.com Share the
common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety, and the
brotherhood of firefighting.
Shifting Gears - Women Motorcycle Riderz -Group of women
motorcyclists who gather and ride in the Bemidji area. Founded in 2008.
Membership is free. Contact Cheri Stout or Rachel Bolter
Six Seasons Christian Riders, Contact:info@sixseasons.org
Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles.
Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Southeast Minnesota Chapter #171.
We are family-oriented and ride for the joy of riding and the social aspects
of motorcycle cruising.  All brands are welcome and there is a NO FEE. 
Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Contact: Bill Strebel (615) 804-1050
or (615) 893-7048, Membership@SouthernCruisers.Net  A free, family-
oriented club that uses the Web to communicate and focuses on the
enjoyment and fellowship of riding motorcycles safely. 
Star Touring and Riding Now with 4 chapters in Minnesota. 3 are
located in the Twin Cities area. A Family Group of riders that focus
on Riding fun with the whole family. Thou focused on The Star
Line of Motorcylces all bike are welcome, contact Jim(JC) Clark at
mnstatedirector@startouring.org
St Croix Valley Riders, A not-for-profit motorcycle rights organization-
proceeds go to enhance motorcycle safety, awareness and education.
Street Legal Motorcycle Club, Members include lawyers, judges, law
school deans, law students, bailiffs, paralegals, legal secretaries, private
investigators, court reporters and the like.
Twin Cities Motorcycle Club is open to riders of all makes and models
of bikes. Free to join and belong.
Twin City Victory Riders
The West Bank Motorcycle Club (WBMC) The WBMC started in 1969
and welcomes all riders and all brands of motorcycles to join us, to ride
and share with us the love of riding. Ride with us, if you like us join us.
This is a dues paying club!  The Annual Dues is $20. To Join the WBMC
just show up for a ride.   The rides leave from The Junction Bar & Grill
901 Cedar Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 at 6:30pm on Wednesdays
and 12:00 pm on Saturdays. The last Sat in April through the end of
Sept. The first ride is a potluck . The Road Captain will make 80-90 maps
receive a ride credit you must be a current paid member. You must sign
in at the ride destination. After the last ride in Sept the WBMC holds year-
end party in the first part of October. This is a potluck with the WBMC
providing the main entree.
Motorcycle enthusiast who like to get together to ride, eat, camp and
have a good time in MN and WI
Women on Wheels If you are a lady who loves to drive or ride as
passenger on motorcycles, motorbikes, scooters, or trikes then this is the
group for you! This organization welcomes your family members and you
to indulge your passion for riding with other discriminating hobbyists, at
rallies, chapter meetings, tours, or other events
  X Winos Motorcycle Club, Contact: Iktome@xwinos-mc.com  The
primary purpose is to stay clean and sober and have fun doing it.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Contact Patrick J. Hahn 651-201-
 News Bytes News Bytes
BAD DRIVING IS IN THE GENES mending that new riders should get trained beyond state NEW MOTORCYCLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS Business Journal, the ADEQ said motorcycles make up only
Medical researchers say they’ve unraveled the mystery to testing requirements. “I would recommend everyone to take TAKING EFFECT As 2010 motorcycles hit dealer show- 3.5 percent of vehicles tested in the Valley and not only are
bad drivers, and their genetic makeup may be to blame. A the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.” rooms, new EPA emissions standards will be making them emissions failure rates among motorcycles down, repairs to
study recently published in the journal of Cerebral Cortex greener…both environmentally and economically. Starting put them in compliance do not substantially help air quality.
led by University of California , Irvine neuroscientists found MOTORCYCLE SALES ARE RUNNING OUT OF GAS next year when stricter Environmental Protection Agency The EPA requires metro areas and regions of the U.S. with
that people with a certain gene variation performed more Last year, fuel-efficient motorcycles proved to be a viable guidelines on motorcycle emissions come into effect for all air pollution and air quality problems to test cars, trucks and
than 20% worse on a driving test than those without the option for motorists facing higher and higher gas prices, new two- and three-wheelers built or sold in the U.S., the other vehicles for emissions. EPA would need to approve an
gene and they also retained less of what they had learned. but following more than a decade of steadily increasing EPA projects a 50% reduction in pollutants emitted at their exemption before next July for it to take effect.
About 30 percent of Americans have the particular gene sales figures, the economic downturn has caught up to bike tailpipes -- but such drastic reductions come with a bigger
variant, though a test to determine whether someone has makers. For 14 years, through 2006, U.S. motorcycle sales price tag: According to a 2003 EPA report, the average esti- NYC MAYOR CONTRIBUTES TO GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY
the gene variant is not commercially available. “This gene had increased every year. Sales started to drop in 2007 but mated cost per highway motorcycle to meet the 2010 stan- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is donating $125
still topped the 1 million mark. A year ago, as gas prices
variant limits the availability of a protein called brain-derived dards is $45, which is likely passed along to consumers. million to road safety programs in middle and low income
neurotrophic factor during activity,” according to the senior pushed toward $5 a gallon, fuel-sipping two-wheelers got
At the same time, motorcyclists are likely to save money at countries. Bloomberg gave $9 million in 2007 to a pilot
author, Dr. Steven Cramer, neurology associate professor at a boost. Despite the worsening economy, street bike sales
the pump as the new technology brings with it better fuel ef- program on road safety in Vietnam and Mexico , and his lat-
UCI. “BDNF keeps memory strong by supporting communi- were down only 3.3% in 2008 and smaller scooters enjoyed
ficiency. Increased use of technologies demonstrated as ef- est gift expands the effort to a 5-year program in eight other
cation among brain cells and keeping them functioning opti- their best year ever, posting a 41.5% gain, according to the
Motorcycle Industry Council. Now, little seems to be work- fective in 4-stroke motorcycle engines, such as the catalytic countries that have high numbers of traffic injuries and
mally. When a person is engaged in a particular task, BDNF converters, secondary air injection and electronic fuel inject fatalities. His philanthropic foundation announced that the
is secreted in the brain area connected with that activity to ing for motorcycle manufacturers as sales have plunged
38% in the third quarter from the same period a year ago systems, are expected to decrease harmful emissions, donation will help efforts to reduce speeding and drunken
help the body respond.” Earlier research had found that in
(falling from 218,242 last year to 136,876), with the biggest according to a 2003 EPA report. The report also reads, driving, and increase the use of motorcycle helmets, child
those individuals with the gene variant “a smaller portion of
drops coming in two of the industry’s biggest product lines: however, that the standards will not result in universal use seats and seatbelts.
the brain is stimulated when doing a task than in those with
cruisers and sport bikes. Scooter sales are also down 62% of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are pollution
a normal BDNF gene.” The driving test was taken by 29
through the first three quarters of 2009. The only bright control devices that reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons WEIRD (DUMB) NEWS: RIDER CHARGED FOR CRASH-
people - 22 without the gene variant and seven with it. They
spot was that sales are dropping at a slower pace: The and carbon monoxide, and while not specifically required ING WHILE TEXTING A Florida motorcyclist was arrested
were asked to drive 15 laps on a simulator that required
number of bikes sold in the second quarter fell 53.5 percent by the EPA rules, catalytic converters will have a hand in and held on $15,000 bond in Polk County jail after crashing
them to learn the nuances of a track programmed to have
difficult curves and turns. Researchers recorded how well from the same period a year earlier. Historically, the sec- reducing emissions in the new standards. “We already have his motorcycle while using his cell phone at the time of the
they stayed on the course over time. Four days later, the ond and third quarters are strong for the industry because the 2010 models coming in, and they all have the catalytic collision. The State Attorney’s Office has charged 26-year-
test was repeated. Results showed that people with the the weather generally is warm and buyers are gearing up converters on them,” Steve Tuchschmidt Sr., owner of Mid- old Stephen Wade Horne of Bartow, FL with one count of
variant did worse on both tests than the other participants, to ride, according to an article appearing in the Chicago America Harley Davidson, told the Columbia Missourian Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury (316.192.2,
Tribune Despite a federal stimulus that allows bike buyers newspaper. “That’s new.” The more stringent EPA standards F-3) stemming from when Horne drove his 2007 Suzuki
and they remembered less the second time. “I’d be curious
to write off the sales tax, sagging sales have prompted bike won’t affect existing motorcycles. The emissions limits will Forenza into the back of a stopped garbage truck collect-
to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes,”
builders to begin cutting staff and other expenses. Last only apply to motorcycles and scooters manufactured after ing trash on the morning of August 25, 2009, and striking
Cramer said. “I wonder if the accident rate is higher for driv-
week, publicly held Harley-Davidson Inc. reported an 84% the effective date. 19-year-old Emmanuel Mejia who lost both legs as a result
ers with the variant.”
drop in quarterly earnings to $26.5 million. The company of Horne’s failure to stop. Investigators concluded that
said it was getting out of the sport-bike business, shutting PHOENIX SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM MOTORCYLCLE Horne was distracted by using his cell phone, document-
INCREASED MOTORCYCLIST DEATHS BLAMED ON
down the longtime Buell line and selling its MV Agusta op- EMISSIONS TESTING The state of Arizona is asking the ing a 54’8” long skid mark and noting no environmental or
BAD ECONOMY Since gas prices increased, experts
eration, a high-end Italian brand it bought last year. Already
say more inexperienced riders have hit the road -- literally federal government to lift emissions testing requirements for visual conditions that would have contributed to the crash.
this year, the Milwaukee manufacturer joined the likes of
Because of the fuel efficiency of motorcycles, more drivers motorcycles in the Phoenix metro area. Following prolonged Emergency personnel on the scene told police that Horne
Honda, Kawasaki , Yamaha, Suzuki and Victory in laying
are switching from four wheels to two, and what used to be off employees, reducing production and dropping prices to and extensive lobbying by statewide motorcycle rights admitted he was texting on his phone and investigators
a symbol of freedom and adventure is now also a symbol of help dealers shrink swollen inventories. Mark Blackwell, organizations, the Arizona Department of Environmental have collected his cell phone for analysis. Experts say
thriftiness. “Last year, our sales were the best we ever had vice president of Victory Motorcycles, which suffered a 56% Quality has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection distractions, specifically talking and texting on cell phones,
for 33 years,” said Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda, point- decline in the July-September period, told the Los Angeles Agency to exempt motorcycles from such testing. According are a major contributing factor to automobile wrecks in the
ing out that bike sales peaked last year before dipping and Times “We haven’t laid everybody off. We haven’t totally to lobbyists for ABATE of Arizona, the Modified Motorcycle United States, and now account for 25% of all accidents
rising again this year. But Dr. Fernando Wilson, a professor stopped advertising. We’ve kept up the product develop- Association (MMA) of Arizona and the Arizona Confedera- and are responsible for 2,600 deaths and 636,000 crashes
at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said ment because we’re positioning this business for when the tion of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC), Phoenix is the only major each year.
for every dollar increase in gas prices, 1,500 more motorcy- market stabilizes and grows.” Harley-Davidson and Vic- metro area in the U.S. where motorcycles are required to be
cle riders die each year nationwide. Some say car drivers tory, a division of Polaris in Minnesota , hope to stem U.S. tested for emissions. The biker advocacy groups have al- QUOTABLE QUOTE: “For years governments have been
need to hang up their cell phones and pay more attention, losses, in part, by growing overseas sales. Harley is pursu- ready fought successfully to exempt motorcycles from emis- promising more than they can deliver, and delivering more
but many bikers attribute higher crash rates to the influx of ing emerging markets such as India and China ; Victory sions testing in the Flagstaff area, and several years ago than they can afford.”
new, inexperienced riders on the road. “If you mess up on a is going after Europe . But with the riding season over for the Kentucky Motorcycle Association succeeded in exempt- Paul Martin (1938 - ?), 21st Prime Minister of Canada
motorcycle, it’s probably a lot more tragic than in a vehicle,” much of the country, summer 2010 can’t come fast enough ing motorcycles from such testing. According to the Phoenix
motorcyclist Stephen Dutcher told TV-33 News, recom- for the industry.

Thunder Roads Magazine 22 Thunder Roads Magazine 23

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Bars & Clubs
Big Island Bar and Grill
2306 East Main
Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 373-6471

To have your business listed here,

please contact:

Willie Matthews
P.O. Box 769
Albert Lea, MN 56007
(877) 230-4520
thunder@thunderroadsminnesota.com Contact Willie Matthews at
1-877-230-4520
For More Information

Thunder Roads Magazine 24

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Thunder Roads Magazine 26 Thunder Roads Magazine 27
Too Tired To Ride?
I recently went to a Blues Music Festival in Saint Louis, on the market and sweet tea help his cause. What ever you
MO, which started at 1:00 pm, and ended at 11:00 pm that find that helps your cause; just remember what your mother
particular day. Needless to say, it was a long day for me. told you, “Too Much Of Anything Is Not Good For You”.
Even though I do stay somewhat in shape and make a Ride free, ride safe, and please, protect the children.
conscious effort to diet properly, I notice that as I get older, I
must supplement my energy level to stay the course of such Kevin G. Charleville (Doc)
happenings. I normally do this with a good ole cup of java
or two; however, I will partake in one of the many energy
drinks that are available on the market today. It goes with-
out saying, that the more you are awake and aware of your
surroundings, the safer you are operating a motorcycle. You
are taking a huge risk while driving a car or a truck while
fatigued, mentally or physically. Multiply this risk by five
if you are operating a vehicle with only two wheels under
these conditions. Under extreme fatigued situations, you
can suffer from poor judgment, optical illusions, and even
mental hallucinations. Under moderate fatigued situations,
you can suffer from poor judgment, poor decision making,
and altered reaction times. Even being slightly fatigued, you
can suffer the same symptoms as being moderate fatigued.
Obviously, if you operate a motorcycle under these condi-
tions, you are creating a recipe for disaster. So, besides
the obvious of getting plenty of rest, (At least eight hours of
sleep at bedtime), what else can we do to be an alert and
a fully aware rider? When you are riding and stop for that
all important biker breakfast, lunch, or dinner, avoid stuffing
yourself, or eat smaller portions more often during the day.
Know your body limits, at the first sign of feeling fatigue, pull
over and take a break, or make sure you are fully rested be-
fore getting on to ride. Believe it or not, a short little fifteen
or twenty minute, “Cat Nap” can do wonders. If you are on
prescription medications that make you drowsy or fatigued
and you plan to ride, then DON’T. Then, there is alcohol, a
double dose of danger, and a double dose of fatigue, need
I say anymore about that? Like I mentioned earlier, a cup
or two of coffee, or an energy drink, makes me feel young
again for an hour or two. However, I realize not everyone
likes coffee, and some energy drinks make some people
jittery, you just have to find what works for you. My young-
est son has found that some of the carbonated beverages

Thunder Roads Magazine 28