VOLUME 10 ISSUE 12 FEBRUARY 2010

SnapShot
Regional Director & Correspondents
Photojournalist
Chattanooga, TN
423-504-0842

Deborah Loftis National Photojournatlist

Senior Sales Representative Cooper Chilton
Middle Tennessee
615-477-9679
deborahthunderroadstn@comcast.net

Karen Adkins
Sales & Contributor
West Tennessee
731-616-9023 Ronny Mangrum
aka ” Rebel Ron”
Chuck “Tack” Hylton
Regional Director
Knoxville,TN
865-567-4672
chuckhylton@yahoo.com

Mechele McDaniel
Sales & Contributor
Collierville / Sparta
615-496-1493
Ron Baptiste
aka Pastor Ron Chaplain’s Corner

patriot’s
way
Patriots Way
Bob “Bulldog” Ousley

NATIONAL FOUNDERS
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
P.O.Box 174
Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Corporate Office: 615-792-0040
Fax: 615-792-7580
e-mail: thunderroads@charter.net
Geneva
www.thunderroadstn.com Crossword & Sudoku

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE RE-
PRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER AS-
SUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE
FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY
THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE
TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BE-
YOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIA-
RISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF
A PERSON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS
MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND
DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF THUNDER
ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES
NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.
So, while many acquaintances are beating themselves up over
New Years’ resolutions they’ve already cracked or just plain
broken, I on the other hand am guilt-free due to the fact that I
didn’t make any! Zip. Nada. None. What I did ask of this mag-
nificent Universe was to make me a better person with each
and every passing day. And that I be blessed enough to gain
knowledge daily. Don’t you get the feelinbg we put too much
on ourselves and essentially set ourselves up to ultimately let
ourselves down? Just eliminate all that by doing the best you
can, and that’s plenty.
We’re going to be at the February 6th Easyrider Bike Show in
Knoxville, so hopefully, no matter where you live in Tennes-
see, you’ll make plans to come out and say Hi! and take part in
what is unequivocably the best choreographed and coordinat-
ed networked Bike Show across America. They literally have
this down to a scienece, from the non-stop action on the stage
to the running sound track that loops throughout the entire day
inbetween Live talent, to Tat Artists performing their craft,
vendors abundant, and the most gorgeous bikes on the planet.
This Show never disappoints and hope you schedule it in.
OMG! Had the sheer pleasure of experiencing 3-D Avatar over
the holiday hiatus and if I even thought some of that brown
mesc. in the 70’s “blew my mind”.....sugar, James Cameron
literally sent it to another planet. Un-buck-ing
believeable! The best review written on it states, “This movie
truly IS the first movie of the rest of your life.” Says it all. Oh,
also another good tip, and not just because one of our sons’
is Bar Manager there, but Chili’s has this phenom. 3 courses,
2 people, $20. bucks deal that is incredible! Shared a HUGE
basket of hot, thin & crispy tortilla chips w/ rich, perfect salsa,
then Brian had bacon cheeseburger and I had again HUGE
Buffalo chicken salad w/ all the trimmings and then, grand
finale’, a double-piece of cheesecake to split for dessert with
big-chunked strawberry sauce all over it. There’s like 7 cat-
egories for each course to choose from. Ya’ gotta’ go. Dinner
& a movie. Total laxation.
Things are going to start gearing up for Season and we want
ALL of our current advertisers and of course, any potential
advertisers to know that we, being a biker rag and ingrained in
the biker community, greatly appreciate the job of the Promot-
ers of these mammoth and also the stately, yet smaller Rallies.
We appreciate you for continuing on with your venues even
though economics are a tad “iffy” right now, although getting
more positive every month, and to show our appreciation, we
are offering to print your fliers to promote your Show at prices
like we’ve never seen in 10 years time! I quoted one of our
Promoters a price on 40,0000 fliers and saved him $500. right
out of the gate of what he had been paying. We’re able to offer
these deeply-discounted printing prices due to the vast amount
of mags that are printed within our Thunder Roads Network
each and every month. So, come join us and take advantage
of our strength in numbers. We’re all in this together and if
we unite and share our resources, we can all get thru this and
emerge stronger and wiser for it all.
Maintain that Attitude of Gratitude & Love. toni & brian
May the V-Force
be with you! By Joe Brinn
Photos by Joe Brinn &
Mindy Souhan

The word FORCE is

used with a lot of well known phrases
that are very familiar to many of us such as; a Force to be reckoned
with, a Force to behold, brute Force, driving Force, task Force, and
of course “May the Force be with you”, just to name a few. And now
we add another use for the word Force that may be destined to part
of our vocabulary for years to come – V-Force Customs.
You’ve heard the names Vinnie and Cody or even saw their faces
a few years ago as part of the highly popular TV show “American
Chopper”. But in 2007, Vinnie DiMartino and Cody Connelly
branched out on their own to compete within the highly competitive
bike building marketplace. The two formed their very own bike
building company – V-Force Customs. This highly likeable twosome
is shaking up the bike building world with one of a kind and very
unique bikes that are not only functional but are also pieces of art
to say the least. They are setting the bike building world on fire from
their first bike build, the V-Force 1 to their latest build, The Diamond
P Chopper, all without the typical fanfare and hype usually prevalent
VinniE, FRED, JOHn, CODY within the bike building market. Instead of building lots of bikes
through mass production which seems to be the latest trend, they
are building them one bike at a time, much like the old days of bike
building where it was considered a trade and not just a job. One
great example of their talent is their latest bike build, The Diamond
P Chopper, built at the request of the owner, Fred Pickering of
Midland, Michigan. One quick look at the Diamond P Chopper will
tell you that this is one streamlined and fast looking bike but as
you peer harder and take a closer look you soon realize that this
is more than just another chopper. It portrays the heart and sole of
its makers along with the passion of its owner in every bend of its
frame, in every curve of its sheet metal, in every painted or chromed
part of this bike. It’s not just another chopper. This bike has sole.
The paintwork, which was done by Justin Barnes of JB Graphix,
portrays the very essence of what Fred had hoped for and more
in his vision for his dream bike. Pictures can not do the paint
work justice or show the detail and graphic artistry nor the sixteen
different color applications including Silver Leaf and Diamond Pearl
that shimmer in the sunlight and help to make this bike truly a one
of a kind. A masterfully delicate creation forged with the power of
conviction. A memorial bike not only to the American Cancer Society
and all that its stands for; but also a memorial to those who have
fought and won and to those who have fought and lost their fight
with cancer. The Diamond P Chopper is certainly a worthy tribute to
so many and a tribute to the talents of Vinnie and Cody and V-Force
Customs.
Fred Pickering of Pickering Automotive Service in Midland, MI met
John DiMartino, brother of Vinnie, about seven years ago and the
two became good friends. It was their ultimate friendship that led
Fred directly to Vinnie and V-Force Customs and with Fred’s idea
for a memorial bike for the ACS becoming a reality. It did not take
long for Vinnie and Cody to see the passion that Fred had for his
ACS memorial bike and the idea behind his dream and to agree to
build it for him. Now what was once only a dream of Fred’s is now
a dream come true brought forth by talents of Vinnie and Cody of
V-Force Customs.
According to Fred, “the name chosen for this chopper, Diamond
P, has many meanings: it is a logo used on Pickering’s company
wreckers and equipment, so the “P” stands for Pickering and the
diamond represents the glimmer of hope that every cancer patient
and their families have during the fight to survive, the sparkle of life
 VINNIE/CODY - We are working on all sorts of
things. One of our major focuses right now is
establishing a TV show. Currently, we are working
and filming a TV series called Throttle Junkies with
Joe Capicotti of 2Xtreem and Will Kenefick of Retro
SBK. We are also working on promoting more
on the V-Force Power Block, which is a patented
energy savings device. We love how much it saves
us on our electric bill at the shop, so we produced a
residential version for everyone who wants to save
money without compromising on the efficiency of
any appliance at home. And of course, we plan on
more super custom bike builds.

every smile brings through all the hard times and the TRMMI - What is your most memorable moment
shine in every survivors’ eyes”. since starting V-Force Customs?

Fred wanted to make sure the unveiling of the VINNIE/CODY - The unveiling of V-Force 1, our
Diamond P Chopper with Vinnie and Cody attending first bike, back in Feb 2008 comes to mind. I am
in person would be something Mid-Michigan had still grateful for all the companies that believe in me
not seen in sometime. Fred sought the assistance and V-Force that sponsored that bike and the great
of Great Lakes Harley Davidson in Bay City with feedback and support we received from our fans
helping him to put together an event worthy of during the unveiling.
everything the bike stood for in its memorial tribute. TRMMI - What makes V-Force Customs different
Anthony D’Errico, Joe Yax and the rest of the staff that other Custom Bike Shops?
at GLHD agreed to not only assist with the unveiling
VINNIE/CODY - I don’t know if it makes us different
ceremony but went above and beyond to make sure
than other bike shops, but Cody and I believe in SPECIFICATIONS
that this unprecedented event for Mid-Michigan was
doing our best… being innovative with our designs
more than Fred could have imagined. The unveiling, Builder: V-Force Customs
with focus on functionality, being knowledgeable with
held at the Prime Event Center in Bay City January
the industry, using high quality materials… and we Year/Model: 2009 Custom
15th, 2010 included hundreds of fans, both bikers
are fortunate to have the equipment we have in the
and non-bikers who were eager to see the bike Motor Manufacturer: Jims
shop that enables us to do all that.
and to meet the bike builders in person. Those in Model: Twin Cam-B
attendance were also asked to donate and help TRMMI - What was your overall inspiration for the
raise funds for the American Cancer Society and Diamond P Bike? Displacement: 131 cid
their fight against cancer. VINNIE/CODY - One of my goals is to realize the Exhaust: Vance & Hines Big Radius
Vinnie and V-Force Customs will be showing the visions of my customers and I’m really grateful that Transmission
Diamond P Chopper at Daytona Bike Week 2010 my brother, John, introduced me to Fred Pickering, Manufacturer: Jims
and Fred will be showing off his new bike around which led Fred to choose us to be part of his vision
the state of Michigan at many local events so that for this bike. The inspiration for us during this build Clutch: Baker King Kong Clutch
others will get a chance to see his dream bike was mostly Fred’s goals to use this bike to raise Primary: Baker Enclosed
and the artistry of Vinnie and Cody and V-Force awareness and money for America Cancer Society
to give cancer survivors and cancer fighting patients Frame: Rolling Thunder
Customs. Showing the bike will help bring even
more awareness to the American Cancer Society. and their love ones something to hope for as well as Suspension: Softail
The American Cancer Society has plans to raffle a memorial for all those who lost the battle to cancer. Fork: Meanstreet lowers /
this bike off either later this year or early next year to It is always rewarding to be a part of something RC Comp Trees
help raise funds for their fight against cancer. Check bigger than just the build.
out their web site for current raffle information. Be Wheels Front/Back: Renegade Wheels
TRMMI - What would you say is the one most
sure to check out the web sites listed below for all important aspect of the Diamond P Bike? What Tire Front: Metzler 21”x 3.5”
of the companies involved with the building and makes this bike unique and different than any other
unveiling of this unique bike or for more info on the Tire Back: Metzler 18” x 10.5”
custom bike?
Diamond P Chopper. Brakes: Performance Machine
VINNIE/CODY - The Diamond P Chopper is
Handlebars: V-Force Customs
www.diamondpchopper.com important because of the purpose Fred Pickering
www.vforcecustoms.com wanted this bike built. It is unique simply because Hand Controls: Harley-Davidson
www.cancer.org it is a custom, built ground up with the exact Grips: Performance Machine
www.greatlakeshd.com specifications Fred wanted along with an amazing
paint job by Justin of JB Grafix. Forward Controls: Jay Brake
TRMMI - Do you and Cody ever disagree on a Air cleaner: V-Force Customs
We had the opportunity particular part or piece for a custom bike? If so, how
do you handle your disagreements?
Seat: V-Force Customs /
Pirate Upholstery
to speak with Vinnie and Cody and ask them some
pertinent motorcycle industry questions that we think VINNIE/CODY - All the time… but we work it out… Gas/Oil Tank: V-Force Customs
is a refreshing look at this dynamic duo: by paper, rock, scissors… just kidding… by mostly
Front/Rear Fender: V-Force Customs
thinking what is best for the bike and what our
TRMMI - What was your background before the customer wants. Gauges: Auto meter 2 in 1
American Chopper TV Show? TRMMI - Where do you see the motorcycle industry ECU: S&S
VINNIE/CODY - Before American Choppers, I was in as a whole going in the future? What is the future Wiring Harness: Thunder Heart/
auto mechanics doing custom car stereo installs. trend or next fad for the motorcycle market? V-Force Customs
TRMMI - What is the long range or future plans for VINNIE/CODY - The motorcycle industry is definitely
V-Force Customs? not getting smaller, but if I could predict the future
trends and fads, I would be a millionaire.
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www.BOSTHD.com 615-297-7500 • 1-866-374-2759

4600 Delaware Avenue WINTER STORE HOURS
Located Right on I-40 at M-F 8 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.
Exit 205 • Nashville, TN SAT. 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
Visit Our Website for a Link to our FACEBOOK ONLY Specials... www.bosthd.com
*All prices exclude tax and applicable shop supplies. *Excludes tuning on EFI models **Must purchase items at RETAIL price and all items available for specific model. ***Pricing based on XL model call for model details. §Floor price. Additional
charges may apply. Call Sales for details. ****Includes exhaust, air cleaner and tuner. ªExcludes New Motorcycles.
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Dealers & Shops T&A Cycles Motels
Colboch Harley 112 S Maple St
Davidson Lebanon, TN 37087
25 E. Davy Crockett 615-394-9499
Afton Custom Cycles Pkwy Highland Manor Inn
4260 Afton Rd Morristown, TN 37814 Thunder Creek Harley- 7766 E Lamar Alexander
Afton, TN 37616 423-586-5343 Davidson Pkwy
423-638-2156 772 Lee Highway US Hwy 321
Dillenger’s Bike Shop Chattanooga, TN 37421 Townsend, TN 37882
Appletons 10067 Hwy 46 Suite B 423-892-4888 865-448-2211
Harley-Davidson/Buell Bon Aqua, TN 37025 Best place to stay to
2501 Hwy 41A Bypass 931-670-0988 Ride the Dragon!
Clarksville, TN 37043 Museums
931-648-1607 H.D. of Columbia Magnuson Inn
1028 Nashville Hwy 1421 Murrays Chapel
Bost Harley Davidson Columbia, TN 38401 Your museum could be Rd.
4600 Delaware Ave. listed here! Sweetwater, TN 37874
Nashville, TN 37209 See bottom for details. 423-337-7474
615-297-7500 or 866- Jacobs Custom Cycles
374-2759 170 Linden Rd Ste 101
Centerville, TN 37033 PRINCESS MOTEL
Bars & Restaurants 2614 U. S. Hy. 411/129
Boswell’s of Cookeville 931-729-4991
South
1421 Interstate Dr Maryville, TN 37801
Cookeville, TN 38501 Knoxville Harley-
Davidson Double E Bar/Grill 865-982-2490
931-526-3139 Email:
605 Lovell Road 4957 Lebanon Pike
Knoxville, TN 37932 Old Hickory, TN 37138 Princessofmaryville@
Boswell’s of Nashville hotmail.com
401 Fesslers Lane 865-671-2454 615-885-3400
Nashville, TN 37210
615-242-6067 Mid TN Cycles Mark & Pat’s Handlebar Bands
1123 N Castle Heights 2601 E. Main Street
Boswell’s of Rivergate Ave Murfreesboro, TN
2200 Gallatin Pike N Lebanon, TN 37087 37127
Madison, TN 37115 615-443-7774 615-890-5661 GENEVA
615-855-1001 Open 24-7 Full Kitchen Geneva - Curve Music
R&B Cycles myspace.com/
BUMPUS 707 B Rivergate Pkwy. GenevaTheBand
Motorcycle Ins. 740-357-3784
H-D / Buell of Goodlettsville, TN
Murfreesboro 37072 High Beem
2250 NW Broad St. 866-493-9543 www.myspace.com/
Murfreesboro, TN C. BO BRUMIT INS.
37129 highbeem
S&G Custom Cycles AGCY., 931-397-4368
615-849-8025 1114 Galloway St. 105 Hwy. 19E-Ste. B
Columbia, TN 38401 Bluff City, TN 37618
BUMPUS 931-381-7282 Toll Free: (866) 700- Paint & Pinstriping
H-D / Buell of Memphis www.sgcustomcyles. 4218
2160 Whitten Rd. com Specializing in Biker Ins.
Memphis, TN 38133
901-372-1121 Visual Edge
Smoky Mountain Harley Pinstriping by George
Davidson Ministries
BUMPUS 1050 Spain Hill Rd.
1820 Lamar Alexander Lascassas, TN 37085
H-D / Buell of Jackson Pkwy.
326 Carriage House Dr. www.v-edge.com
Maryville, TN 37801 COVENANT 615-273-2877
Jackson, TN 38305 CONFIRMERS
731-422-5508 865-977-1669
MINISTRIES, INC.
Southern Cycles Pastor Ron Baptiste Realtors
Bumpus Harley A “Biker Church” for All
Davidson 526 Hagan St.
325 S. Byhalia Rd. Nashville, TN 37203 Bikers & Their Families.
Collierville, TN 38017 615-748-9000 (615) 384-9010 Your business could be
901-376-1121 www. listed here!
covenantconfirmers.org See bottom for details.
BIKER FRIENDLY
Mortgage Brokers ATTENTION!

Deborah Loftis AS YOU CAN SEE,

deborahl@ A GREAT MANY
yourmortgagepeople.
com OF YOU DID NOT
www. RESPOND TO
yourmortgagepeople. YOUR
com/deborahloftis
Goodlettsville, TN “REMINDER
37072 LETTERS” THAT
615-477-9679 YOUR
BFL’S WOULD
Services EXPIRE IN
JANUARY.
Charlie’s Shoe & Boot PLEASE SEND
Repair YOUR CHECK FOR
108 W Main St
Lebanon, TN 37087 $180. WHICH PAYS
615-449-6065 YOU IN FULL FOR
AN ENTIRE YEAR,
Tennessee Biker
Medical Clinic PLUS, GETS MAGS
300 10th Ave. E. MAILED DIRECT TO
Springfield, TN 37172 YOUR BIZ FOR
www.
covenantconfirmers. ALL OF 2010!
Happy New Year!
org
Thank You! Biskit
Trailers

L&S Motorcycle Trailer

Rentals
Ask for Larry
Cell: 615-308-1288
Alt: 615-834-4739
All size trailers for your
needs!

Leather & Clothing

List Your Leather or

Apparrel Shop Here!

THUNDER ROADS!
THE LARGEST BIKER
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IN THE WORLD!!!
This month’s Flashback subject is a long time rider
who was born in Nashville in 1928. No, that is not
a typo! Mr. Wayne Steele has been riding longer
than most of our readers have been alive.64 years!
 
He began riding at age 17 on a Harley Davidson Flathead 45.
His dad, Jack, rode as a young man as well but gave up the bike
as most men did when they began a family. You can see his
mom on the back of Wayne’s bike. Naomi Ann still loved to
have her knees in the breeze even if she had to ride with her son.
 
You can see Mr. Steele  about 1970 on a 1960 Harley
Panhead that he bought 41 years ago. He still has it and still
rides it. The redheaded lady sitting on the old Panhead is
his companion Dora Dean who he met in Ft. Payne, AL 50
years ago. Life got in the way and they lost touch only to be
reunited years later and have now been happily sharing life
for the last 10 years. You can see the cigar chomping Wayne
on his old blue pan. The main thing different from the 70s is
the color of his hair.  He still has it all but it has turned grey.
 
Wayne was a WW II vet who served in the Navy. He was
serving on a base in Pensacola in 1948 when discharged &
simply hopped on a military 45 and rode home to Middle
Tenn. He had ordered a new Harley from Fats McCullouch’s
bike shop in Music City while still in the service. After
arriving home & receiving his severance pay he soon
learned his new Harley was ready to be picked up. The
1948 Knuckelhead cost him $1,025 since it had the chrome Tree Company for decades in Cheatham county. He sold the
package on it. After trading in the military 45 he was stuck company to his son but soon began another saddle biz, Custom
with 12 $35 monthly payments on his first ever new ride. Tree & Saddle Company because he  can’t seem  to retire.
   
Steele had a variety of jobs after leaving the Navy, such as Mr. Steele was married and that union brought two
a boat Captain in the Gulf of Mexico & West coast trucker children into his life. The family’s two wheel tradition
just to name a few. He founded  & ran the Steele Saddle continues with daughter Jane who rides a Honda & son
Eddie who rides a Sporty. The two kids have introduced
several grand kids to the Steele family now and the eldest,
Michelle, rides a bike too. You can see Wayne cruising
the hills of Tennessee and beyond on his 2006 Road King
with a cigar clamped in his teeth. Be sure to say “Hey!”
and look him up if you need anything for your horse.
 
Ride on sir and thanks for your service to our country.
 
If you know anyone who would like to be featured in
this article please give Rebel Ron a call at 931-374-8368,
email me at celticgranda2@yahoo.com or just come
see me at S & G Custom Cycles in Mule Town.  Peace!
PS_THDR_RD_MAG_HR.pdf 1/4/10 11:32:20 AM
Chaplain’s Corner
Pastor Ron Baptiste shall not eat of it: for in the day you eat
Founder of Covenant Confirmers Ministries Inc. thereof thou shall surely die.” God was not
www.covenantconfirmers.org talking just about physical death but, “The
Founder of the Tennessee Biker Medical Clinic day you get your knowledge from any source other than
www.tennesseebikermedicalclinic.org God, you have separated yourself from His provision and
Tennessee Confederation of Clubs State Chaplain protection.” If you’re unhappy with your life, step up to the
www.tenncoc.homestead.com giver of life, Jesus Christ. If you are a Christian and your life
seems to be no better than it was, then change your mindset
Title: “Renewing your Mind” from the carnally minded
to the spiritually minded.”
I have often wondered why it is that some Christians get“Renew your mind” to
healed and some don’t. Why do some get delivered from the things of God instead
addictions immediately and some don’t? Why do some of the things of the world.
prosper financially and others don’t? Both Christians attend
Remember that “Salvation is
the same church, hear the same messages. Both ChristiansFree” but anything after that
are faithful to the same church, give of their time and money,
will cost you dearly. You
yet one Christian has joy and peace and the other Christian
have all of God that you want!
So until next time, “Keep
appears to always struggle. Why is it that one person can be
your kickstand up and
lost without Jesus Christ, the other person is saved through
your face in the wind”
Jesus Christ, yet both live in sickness, poverty and even share
the same addictions, challenges and problems? Could it be
that both share the same mindset? Can one be saved the To be found faithful,
other lost and have the same mindset? Yes. The one who is Pastor Ron
saved has had their “spirit renewed” and is on their way to
heaven, while the other is lost and on their way to hell, but
“spirit renewal” is not the same thing as “mind renewal!”
Romans 12:2 “Be not conformed to this world, but
be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
You are where you are today because of your mindset, and
you will always stay where your thinking is at. The modern
day Church and Christian TV appear to be more interested
in entertainment rather than the Anointing. Christians today
have been deceived by seeking a thrill, chill, jerk, falling out,
or running around the Church instead of learning the Word
of God. They come to church and turn their minds off and
their emotions on. They come to feel something instead of
learning something. As a result we get “spooky Christians”
instead of “Spiritual Christians.” When trouble hits, these
spooky Christians backslide because they have no substance
to sustain them in times of real trouble. We were conformed
to this world and this world’s way of thinking by how we
were raised in it. Once our spirit has been “born again”
into God’s Kingdom, our minds must be transformed into
the image of Christ. This is only done by “the Renewing
of your mind.” Attending a Church that will teach you the
Word of God, studying the Word of God, and spending time
in prayer, will result in growing from a baby Christian to
a mature Spiritual Christian. We have been deceived into
thinking that Christianity is magic and that the Bible is like
a Jeanie in the lamp. The only thing that happens when one
gets saved is your past sins are forgiven and your name is
written in The Lambs Book of Life. If you had bad breath
before you got saved, you’ll have bad breath after you got
saved! Romans 8:6 “For to be carnally minded is death;
but to be spiritually minded is life.” You can be saved and
on your way to heaven but be carnally minded, resulting in
death to your joy, peace, health, finances, and marriage. On
the outside you can look just as miserable as the rest of the
world. Luke 15:24 the father of “The Prodigal Son” said:
“For this my son was dead and is alive again.” Genesis 2:17
God said; “But the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou
 capitol.tn.gov to help you find your elected representative.
We have a First Time Champion sponsoring this bill: Rep.
John DeBerry of Memphis. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Third: An “Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time” bill. If this
piece of legislation passes, any motorcyclist who is riding a
motorcycle registered in a Freedom of Choice State and who
carried a Driver’s License from a Freedom of Choice State will
be allowed to exercise Freedom of Choice (regarding helmet
usage) in Tennessee. Our organization is VERY curious to see
how this bill will be viewed by the Fiscal Review department.
CMT/ABATE Inc. EVERY bill that is filed in the General Assembly goes
UNITED WE RIDE, DIVIDED WE DRIVE through Fiscal Review and is issued a FISCAL NOTE. The
www.cmtabate.com fiscal note that is attached to our standard Modification of
Respectfully Submitted by Carol Simpson, the Helmet Law legislation, which we will pursue as our
PR/Communication Director LINE IN THE CONCRETE, belief in Less Government,
More Freedom issue, always has a huge number as the cost to
Many thanks to Toni and Brian for their generosity in TennCare and the Medical Industry. The figures are skewed,
posting the CMT/ABATE information in this magazine. I and totally bogus, but the fiscal note has stopped progress for
have been absent from these pages for many months—mainly years. So this little “bite” might be somewhat different. Out
because the State Legislature has been adjourned since of state residents could come to Tennessee and not have to
May, and a little bit because keeping up with all the “stuff” buy a helmet just to visit the LorretaLynn Motorcycle events,
sometimes gets in the way of things that are really important. and LOTS of other tourism destinations. They would not be
NOW is the time for kickin’ it on the political scene. CMT/ TennCare recipients if they had a crash. So, this is a VERY
ABATE has three pieces of legislation in the Tennessee interesting effort. What will the fiscal note be on this bill? We
General Assembly this year. Because of the Special Session expect lots of support from residents of Arkansas, Kentucky,
called by the Governor in early January, the Regular Session and South Carolina—all bordering Freedom of Choice States.
has a very tight schedule and this is the second session of the Please join CMT/ABATE, attend our charter meetings for
106th General Assembly, so there will be no “roll over to next more information, and support our events. Phone numbers and
year” opportunities. We have to be sure and swift in our efforts. email addresses abound on our website. www.cmtabate.com
The first bill is what we are calling The Lemon Law COME AND BE A PART OF OUR CIRCLE OF
Correction. You can find the Tennessee Code Annotated POLITICAL INFLUENCE!
on the legislature’s website, www.capitol.tn.gov. Click on Carol, csfreedom@aol.com, 615 944 9797.
“more” in the top right-had side of the page, and on the page
that pops up, on the right hand side is a link to Tennessee
Code Annotated. The current definition of motor vehicles
covered by “the lemon law” does not specifically include
motorcycles, and does exclude recreational vehicles, which
some manufacturers are likely using to beat cases of defective
motorcycles claims. So Rural Roads Subcommittee Chairman
Vince Dean is introducing legislation to correct this. At the
time of this writing, the bill does not have a number, or a Senate
co-sponsor, but if you check our Rep. Vince Dean’s “sponsored
bill list” on the www.capitol.tn.gov website, by the time you
read this, you can most likely track the legislation. This can
protect MANY folks when they buy their dream machine.
Second: Vertical Tag Bill. BOY!! Have I had some
interesting conversations about this issue. People tell me
that they have heard that custom bikes are exempt from the
current law that says license plates must be displayed
horizontally. Maybe if they are in a bike show, but NOT on
the highway. No motorcycle, currently, is exempt. Sure, law
enforcement may be selective in enforcing this law—lots of
officers LOVE motorcycles and motorcyclists. But the law
is the law. I saw, personally, with my own eyes, a jazzy green
sport bike swinging from the arm of a tow truck, the wide
tow belts wrapped around the cracking and snapping plastic
bodywork, on Second Avenue in Nashville this past fall. The
only violation? Vertical displayed tag. The young owner
was bawlin’ his eyes out. It was the officer’s discretion to
impound the bike for improper registration display—made it
an illegal vehicle for road use. We are going to fix this one,
folks, and we need you to call your state legislators and ask
them to support the bill. There is a search engine on www.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZ 28
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZ 29
 I

DEALERS
For Reservations and Information

10 x 10 Spaces - $40.00 (In Advance)

Tennessee’s Write or Call: Bill Langford
1645 Gratton Rd.
Also Have Outside Spaces
Open to Public – 10:00 a.m.
Longest Running Clarksville, TN 37043
(931) 320-2921
Open to Dealers – 7:00 a.m. Swap Meet langford04@aol.com
 Thunder Roads Of Tennessee
Feb 6th
Easyriders Bike Show Tour 2010 at the Knoxville Conven-
tion Center. Please go to www.easyridersevents.com for
details, and exhibitor & competitor information.
Feb.6th
Chili Cookoff At the Halls Senior Center in Knoxville.
Doors Open at 9:30am. $10/Person at the Door or $8/Person
with Pre-Registration. Hot Dog and Chili Lunch, Awards,
Drawings, Auction, and more. Benefits the St. Jude Chil-
dren’s Research Hospital.
February 27th
Customer Swap Meet in the Parking Lot
Call Kathy to reserve your spot today 615-849-8025
It’s time for spring cleaning. Clean out your garage, base-
ment, attic, etc.One’s mans junk is another man’s treasure.
E
Be ready to wheel and deal. Rain date March 13th
Arizona
Feb 2nd – Tucson, AZ
V
Harley-Davidson of Tucson presents Bike Night at the Fox
n’ Hound, 7625 N. LaCholla Blvd. from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m.
FMI call 520.751.3389
Feb 6th – Cottonwood, AZ
E
AZ Nomads Defense Support Party at the Rockin B Saloon
corner of 6th and 89A from noon till ?? Donations at the
door $15 single/$20 couple. Live entertainment, food and
fun for all with give-a-ways all day long! FMI Big Bo
928.399.0238 or Kickbush 928.202.1895
N Feb 6th – Tucson, AZ
Loners MC-Tucson Chapter’s Big Dog Porker Run at Cycle
Gears, 2 W.Grant Rd. (NW corner of Grant and Stone) with
sign-in from 10-11 a.m. Entry is $10 a hand and a donation
T
of Clean new/used towels, dog treats, collars, leashes, etc
would be appreciated. Run ends at the Branding Iron North,
2660 W. Ruthrauff Rd. Come on guys and gals – get off
your butts, get on your putts and join the Loners in Tucson
to help some mutts! For more info call Doug 520.390.1857
S Indiana
January 31
Garrett, IN The GWRRA Chili Cook Off will be held on
January 31, 2010 at the Celebration Hall in Garrett,
February 12
Indianapolis, IN The 500 World of Wheels will be held on
February 12-14, 2010 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in
Indianapolis, Indiana (IN) Come on out and enjoy a great
time with a Fashion Show, Bike Show, Multiple Sales, Live
Entertainment, Contests, and so much more! For more
information about this event call, 317-815-1800 or email at
jheck@hdofindy.com and website Error! Hyperlink refer-
ence not valid.
February 13
Indianapolis, IN Region 11 Valentine’s party. Important
UPDATE! SORRY TO SAY THE HOTEL IN CASTLE-
TON CANCELLED AS FLYERS WERE BEING PRINT-
ED!! MOVING TO AMERICA’S BEST VALUE INN on west
side of Indy where the Region 11 Christmas Party was held. Re-
serve your room by Feb 1st, rooms will go fast! $12.00 per per-
son with a donation of new or gently used clothing items/$14.00
without. $17.00 per couple with a donation of gently used cloth-
ing items/$19.00 without. Any questions, feel free to call  317-
293-6550 Jason 
Feb 27
Valparaiso, INABATE Region 2 Welcome 2010 Party. Moose
Lodge 108 Indiana St $10. per person, public welcome. 6 PM to
Midnight. Music by North Street Band. Dinner included (while
food lasts) Welcome new officers and thank the old ones. For
more info call; Bear 219-929-4655, Barb 219-983-2929, Dirty
Jeff 219-384-DIRT (3478) or Big John 574-946-6401
February 28 Ft Wayne, IN The ABATE (Region 0)
Awards Banquet will be held at the ABATE Freedom Hall in
Ft. Wayne, Beginning at 1pm. Members will be able to enjoy a
great event dedicated to them - Food will be available, as well as
Recognition and Awards. For more information about this event
http://www.abateofindiana.org
February 28 Daytona, FL na Bike Week7 Goshen, IN The
ABATE (Region 1) Swap Meet will be held at the Elkhart County
Fairgrounds in Goshen, Gates Open at 10am, and will close at
3:30pm. Entry fee of $5/Person. There will be Food and Drinks,
Motorcycle Parts, Accessories - New/Used, and more. This is an
ABATE Sanctioned Event. For all your Motorcycle Event infor-
mation check out the Motorcycle Monster. For more information
about this event, Randy 574-522-3514 – 574-612-6177 – Wayne
Michigan
February 14,
Motorcycle Swap Meet
Lenawee County Fairgrounds, Adrian, MI. 11am – 4pm. Vendors:
wall-$30, floor-$20, single bike-$10, set up time 7:30 – 10.
Adults-$5, Kids-12 and under free. Before 11am -admission $15.
For more information call: (517)547-6077 or (517) 547-6255
February 21,
3rd Annual Bowling Fundraiser
Benefit for Camp Quality of MI. Drakeshire Lanes, 35000 Grand
River Ave., Farmington Hills. $20.00 per person pre-Paid or
$25.00 walk-in Everyone welcome! Free Spirit Chapter. Raffles,
50/50, strike-ball, mystery bowl. For more info contact Laurel
Hamilton @ 248-830-9687 Pre entry by Feb. 15th.
Oklahoma
TULSA BOAT, SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW
QT Center, Tulsa State Fairgrounds, 21st Street, Tulsa, OK.
Come see Myers-Duren H-D at the show! We’re on the second
level and we’ve got Harleys on display, MotorClothes apparel
and accessories to sell.
FEBRUARY 7
BIG DICK’S ROADHOUSE SUPER BOWL PARTY
Big Dick’s Roadhouse, 501 N Mustang Road, Yukon, OK. Drink
Specials, Food Specials, plenty of football fun. Cash Giveaways!
SEE AD THIS ISSUE
 Thunder Road’s Magqzine
Bike Week 2010 Not to Miss List
Below we have listed some of the scheduled events we think
you should try to attend if you are in town for the famous
Bike Week 2010. We will be doing articles on the events
listed in yellow and we will be “in the house” with our
cameras so come out and join the fun.
Some suggestions while visiting Florida, if you enjoy getting
on the bike and putting miles on your wheels.
Ride to Deland. Visit our watering holes in that area; which
includes Dale’s Ales, Crossroads and the Brass Rail. Going
south on 17 should bring you to Blue Springs where you can
see manatees for a nominal charge in a beautiful park setting.
Take 44 to US 1 on your way back and stop in at First Turn
in Port Orange for their wonderful outdoor tiki deck and
food.
Go A1A N and visit St. Augustine. Our places for a brew or
two include, Sandbar, Bar None, Finnegan’s Wake, World
Famous Oasis, Gigglin’ Gator, Mardi Gras’, The End Zone
and Iggie’s on A1A. While visiting this historic city take in
the old town walking area, the fort, the lighthouse, Ripley’s
Museum or my personal favorite The Alligator Farm.
A pretty ride out US 1 N to 100 W takes you out to Cheyenne
Saloon in Palatka which is another great ride and eating at 3
Bananas in Crescent City is always a treat.
Of course all the locals still enjoy riding The Loop and
bikerornot.com is having a ride March 3 at 1pm listed below
for those who may not be certain about exploring on your
own.
Our favorite pics:
Sushi restaurant-Bamboo Garden on Nova Rd.!
FROGGY’S SALOON
FULL MOON SALOON
IRON HORSE SALOON
BOOT HILL SALOON
J&P CYCLES
BROKEN SPOKE SALOON
Best Wet T Contests are held daily at Dirty Harry’s on Main
St. Friday Feb 27-Sun Mar 7, emceed by Cowboy (at 2, 3:30,
5, 6:30 & 8pm everyday)
Best T-shirts are Boot Hill Saloon on Main St.
Best Bike Show is Willie’s Ol’ School Chopper Show and the
Rat’s Hole Show listed below.
Best Bikini Contests- Of Course Jagermeister’s /Thunder
Roads Hot Thunder Bikini Contest listed below White Eagle
Lounge
Enjoy your time at Biker Week. Watch out the police ticket
loud pipes and use that as an excuse to pull you over. Also,
really watch out for deer which have been a nuisance and
hitting one can really ruin your trip! Look for Thunder Roads
Magazine Florida Edition While at Bike Week and you will
have the best places to visit,see and do while their.White
Eagle Lounge is the best place to find one because its where
we spend most of our time hanging out year around. Ask
to see LuLu she can more than likely hook you up with a
Thunder Roads Florida
February 27
Bar None’s 11th Annual Bike Week Kick Off Party- Bar
None, 312 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 3p (live music,
great biker bar)
February 27
Jagermeister’s Poker Run for Pussies and Puppies-White
Eagle Lounge, 5533 US 1, Korona, $10 a hand includes free
biscuits and gravy, LBP noon/LBI 4p, (rain date 2/28), $500 best
hand and $500 worst hand, live music and Jager girls
Bikerornot.com Meet and Greet-White Eagle Lounge, 5533 US 1
Korona live music
February 27
Rat’s Hole World Famous Show Part 1- Destination Daytona, US
1 and I 95
March 1
Bikerornot.com Meet & Greet –Hooter’s, International Speedway
Blvd., 1pm
March 3
V8 Rat Parade-Destination Daytona, US 1 and I 95
March 3
Bikerornot.com Ride the Loop-Granada & Beach St., 1pm
March 3
Alligator Mystery Tour-Daytona Beach, Daytona 200 Motorcycle
Club, 3602 International Speedway Blvd., $20 per rider /$15 per
passenger (price includes lunch), Reg 9-10am, a guided ride to a
MYSTERY DESTINATION, For more information and directions
to the clubhouse, visit our website www.daytona200mc.com or
contact George home 386-743-4278 cell 386-822-3822
March 4
Willie’s Ol’ School Chopper Show- Tropical Tattoo, US 1, noon-
4p, great bike show, live music, Ormond Beach
Old School Rat Rod Car Display-Destination Daytona, US 1 and
I 95
March 5
Old School Rat Rod and Bobber Show-Destination Daytona, US
1 and I 95
Country Mystery Road Tour-Daytona Beach, Daytona 200
Motorcycle Club, 3602 International Speedway Blvd., $15 per
bike, registration 9 A.M. KSU promptly at 10 A.M, Choose from
150 mile, 200 mile or 250 mile guided tour through the back roads
of Florida that visitors never get to venture to. This is one ride you
do not want to miss. For more information and directions to the
clubhouse, visit our website www.daytona200mc.com or contact
George  386-749-4278 or 386-822-3822
March 6
Seabreeze Kiwanis Breakfast-Daytona Beach, 142 Fairview Ave.,
8a-noon, $5
Rat’s Hole World Famous Show Part 2-Destination Daytona, US
1 and I 95
March 6
Jagermeister /Thunder Roads Hot Thunder Bikini Contest -White
Eagle Lounge, 5533 US 1, Korona, 6p (hot girls, bikes, live
music, Jagerettes, Jager drink specials)
Bikerornot.com Meet & Greet-Iron Horse Saloon, 2p
March 7
Bikers Last Blast-Crescent Beach, Sandbar, 7025 A1A, 4pm til ?,
food, music “Willie & the Po’ Boys”
Survivor Party-Bunnell, Dog Pound Saloon, Rt 100, free, BBQ,
live music 2p-til
 CLUBS contacting their area legislators to inform them of how the local mem-
Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs of the bership feels about issues affecting motorcyclists. PO BOX 160223,
The Great State of Tennessee NASHVILLE, TN 37216 615-262-1119 Office Toll Free 866-462-
www.tenncoc.com 2283 (866-GOABATE) (615) 683-8616 - Fax Email; Information:
Officers for the 2009-2010 year Tenn COC are as follows: lnfo@cmtabate.com
Chairman: Ivan 1%er, ADA Knoxvllle
Vice-Chairman: Birdman 1%er AOA Knoxville MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS FOUNDATION
Secretary/ Treasurer/Webmaster: Butch-Southern Sons M/C OF TENNESSEE
Contact Butch: 98harleyrider@excite.com WWW.MAFT.US
Anti-Discrimination Task Force MAFT is a non-profit 501-C-3 tax-exempt organization. We believe
Commander:-Hoot,Highlanders M/C (Hoothmc@charter.net) that educating the public to have the proper respect for motorcyclists
Chaplain: Pastor Ron - Covenant Conflrmers MC as well other highway users will reduce accidents and deaths on our
highways. We hope to reduce motorcycle accidents caused by inat-
tentive drivers resulting in avoidable right of way collisions. Our
Tennessee Member Listing 2009 – 2010 Campaign Save A Life program is teaching new drivers in our High
Schools awareness and defensive techniques to avoid these accidents.
4 Way In M.C. MAFT honors the survivors, the lost and the families of these accident
American Steel M.C. victims at a Vigil each autumn. = Awareness, Respect and Education
AOA Outlaws M.C. MAFTINFO@AOL.COM 615-799-8600
Black Pistons M.C. Motor Maids, Inc.
Bond Slaves M.C. A diverse group of women motorcyclists united through a passion
Brothers of Iron M.C. for riding while fostering a positive image and promoting safe riding
Copperheads M.C. skills.
www.motormaids.org
Covenant Confirmers M.C.
Currahee M.C. PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS
Grim Reapers M.C. www.PatriotGuard.org
Highlanders M.C. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
His Laboring Few M.M. PGR State Captain Annette (Dreamcatcher)  615-974-3046
Iron Horseman M/C ROLLING THUNDER TENNESSEE
Keltics M.C. www.rollingthundertn1.com
Mountain Rebels M.C. Rolling Thunder®, Inc.’s major function is to publicize the POW-MlA issue.
Nashville Firefighters M.C. To educate the public of the fact that many American prisoners of war were
left behind after all past wars. To help correct the past and to protect the future
New Attitudes M/C veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war-missing in
Peacemakers M.C action. We are committed to helping American veterans from all wars!
Southern Souls M/C
Southern Journeymen M/C ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 1 TN
Sons of God M.C. Pres. Robert E. Ousley, Murfreesboro,
615-754-0673, www.rollingthundertn1.com
Sons of Pennyrile M.C.  
Southern Sons M.C. ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 2 TN
Teamsters M.C. Pres. Gerri Tramel , Soddy-Daisy
Tri Cities M.C. 423-843-1061 www.rollingthundertn2.org
 
True Sons M.C. ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 3 TN
US Military Vets M.C. Pres. Clell D. Jenkins, Knoxville
Vietnam Vets 865-712-5611, www.rollingthunder3.com
Legacy Vets M.C.  
White Bikers M.C.  ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 4 TN
Pres. Rick Strader,Mountain Home
423-538-4356, www.rollingthundertn4.com
ORGANIZATIONS  
ROLLING THUNDER®, INC., CHAPTER 5 TN
BACA Pres. Joseph E. Kilpatrick,Memphis
www.bacausa.com 731-658-5829 C901-355-4848
Volunteer State Chapter-Lebanon, TN (865-951-4224) http://www.rollingthundertnv.com
E Volunteer State Chapter-Vonore, TN (615-715-5039)
ROLLING THUNDER®, INC. Rolling Thunder Chapter 6
BIKERS WHO CARE Pres. Mike Morel Martin Tn
www.bikerewhocane.org Bikers Who Care is a organization of motorcycle 731-431-2411 www.rollingthundertn6.com
enthusiasts dedicated to supporting The Dream Factory of Clarksville,
TN by sponsoring Camp Rainbow, a summer camp for seriously ill T.H.R.C.A.
children The Tennessee Honda Riders Club
www.mthrc.org
BLUE KNIGHTS
The BLUE KNIGHTS® is a non-profit fraternal organization consist- Kerbela Motor Corps
ing of active and retired law enforcement men & women who enjoy Donnie Anderson
riding motorcycles. www.blueknightstnv.bizland.com 865-806-2097
www.shrinershq.org
CMT/ABATE
CMT/ABATE, Inc. is not a •Biker Club”, but a nonprofit, political TN VALLEY RIDERS
organization that was formed to preserve feedom and safety for all Fayettevilte,TN
Tennesseans who enjoy motorcycling. Our major goals are to modify Web page: tennesseevalleyriders.org
existing laws that are detrimental to motorcycle safety and enjoyment, Doesn’t matter what you ride or who you are everyone welcome.
and to enact new legislation in support of motorcyclists who ride in No dues, Fun Riding Group helping those in need. For more info triplef@cafes.
Tennessee. If you are concerned about preserving personal freedom net
and motorcycle safety, we urge you to join. Local charters play a  
major rote in making CMT/ABATE, Inc. an effective organization by GWRRA
THUNDER
THUNDER ROADS
ROADS MAGAZ
MAGAZ 28
28
 We are the world’s largest single-marque social organization for owners and
City Cafe on corner Lee Hwy and Bonny Oaks @ 11:00 AM
riders of Honda Gold Wing & Valkyrie motorcycles and, some would say, the
more info Johnny @ 423 605 5026 ,www.roadridersforjesus.org
world’s largest family. Dedicated to our motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Sons Of Confederate Veterans Mechanized Cavalry
Knowledge, GWRRA members enjoy the freedom of belonging to a not-for- If you would like to learn about history and can prove a Confeder-
profit, non-reigious and non-political organization. http://www.gwrra.org ate ancestor then you should join the Sons of Confederate Veterans
Mechanized Cavalry. We tour battlefields. museums, pubs, and more
MID SOUTH RIDERS with our knees in the breeze. We raise funds for non-profit groups, put
Meetings held the 2nd Sunday of the month @ Shady Rest Biker up historical markers, defend Southern Heritage, and much more. For
Bar,Timbte,TN more info on the SCV call 1-800-MY-SOUTH or visit the web page at
www.midsouthriders.com www.scv.org. For more info on the Mechanized Cavalry call Ronny at
931-374-8368 or
ASSOCIATIONS visit the web at www.scvmc-csa.org
Christian Motorcyclists Association Christian Motorcyclist Association
Organized in 1975 for the purpose of reaching the motorcycle world with the Lakeway Warriors / Morristown #999
gospel of Jesus Christ. The only requirement for becoming a member of CMA is
that you be a Christian. Tennessee State Coordinator: Dan Neal, 615-758-9773. or The Biker Church
dneal23@comcast.net. Covenant Confirmers Ministries Inc.
www.covenantconfirmers.org
TENNESSEE CHAPTERS
Inspiration Riders/ Knoxville #64 Steelhorse Prophets/ Jackson # 709 Three Degrees Masonic Motorcycle Club
Rays Of The Son/ Kingsport # 199 Wheels Of Grace / Memphis # 710 Contact John D. Christy -email johndchristy@aol.com, Rusty Morton,
Choo-Choo Wheels OF Worship/ Cumberland Cruisers For Christ/ Panhead108@hotmail.com, Joe Carver, ironmason@bellsouth.net
Chattanooga #204 Crossville # 802
Christian Motorcyclist Association Rescued Riders / Dayton # 856
Southern Cruisers
www.southerncruisers.net
Lakeway Warriors / Morristown #999 Holy Spirit Reigns / McMinnville # 887
Lions of Judah/ Nashville #405 Tennessee River Disciples #435 Beech River #282 Highland Rim
Knights For Christ/ Columbia #448 / New Johnsonville # 896 #273 Bristol #000 Memphis
Prayerborne Eagles/ Clarksville # 467 Reelfoot Light Riders/ Union City # 897 #034 Chatanooga #006 Middle
#058 Clarksville #059 Montgomery Bell
Blood Bought Bikers/ Cookeville # 614 Ransomed Riders / Covington # 898 #410 Copperhill #077 Northeast
Gatekeepers/ Cleveland # 615 Forming chapters / Murfreesboro, #323 Covington #483 Northwest
Outriders For Christ / Tullahoma # 616 Pulaski, Dyrsburg #285 Crossroads #153 Shiloh
#320 Cumberland Gap #246 South Central
Revelators Motorcycle Ministries #423 Eagle Bluff #001 Tennessee Valley
Bristol TN Meeting and ride 1st Sat each month @ Burger king on west state st #211 Golden Circle #130 Upper Cumberland
@ 830 am #250 Greenville #193 West Tennessee
more info frank@ 423-963-5850 Wheels Of Faith Ministry
chaplin john @423-323-8812 A nondenominational organization with the purpose and goal of
ww.revelatorsmm.com   spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through word & work, and to
provide a Christian atmosphere where we gather and ride our motor-
Confederate Sons Association cycles. www.wheelsoffaith.com
Cookeville, Tennessee
see our web site for more info W.O.W.
www.ConfederateSonsAssociation.com Women on Wheels
or e-mail larrybarnes@ConfederateSonsAssociation.com Cool Lady Cruisers
Chattanooga, TN
Cornerstone Riders #940 joandcharlie@bellsouth.net
Murfreesboro, TN
Meets 3rd Thurs 7pm HOG CHAPTERS
Shoney’s on Broad Street The Dragon Chapter, Maryville
615-631-6295 Dwight Bond 865-977-1669
www.cmausa.org Memphis Chapter
webguru@memphishog.com
Eastern Tennessee Chapter
Mercy Hands Street Ministries 865-457-7893
P.O. Box 1515 Dickson, TN 37056 931-670-2351 Mule Town Chapter
931--540-0099
Golden Circle Jackson Chapter www.muletownrider.com
Hog Heaven Ministries Hartey Riders for Jesus 731-627-2288
Vic Richardson 931-729-1091 hogheavennmislries@yahoo.com
Nashville Music City Chapter
Middle Tennessee 615-242-6067
GOLD WING TOURING ASSN. CHAPTER 615-771-7775
HARPETH VALLEY RIDERS Northwestern 731-885-1792
Contact Damy & Joyce Emter, Chapter Directors Murfreesboro Chapter
Phone: 615-244-1456 e: DannyEmter@msn.com 615-849-8025 615-242-6067 Thunder Creek Chattanooga
Chapter
American Legion Riders The Dragon Chapter, Maryville 423-892-4888
(Post 95, Eastridge,TN) Open to American Legion Members and As- 865-977-1669
sociates. We participate in parades, ceremonies, and promote motor- Eastern Tennessee Chapter Tri City Chapter 423-283-0422
cycle safety. We also provide a social atmosphere for Legion members 865-457-7893
who share the same interests. Join us for Fun, friendship and interest- Tuckessee Clarksville Chapter
ing motorcycle rides. ezriderintn@aol.com Golden Circle Jackson Chapter (931)648-1607
731-627-2288
Black Sheep Twin Lakes Morristown Chapter
Black Sheep Harley-Davidsons for Christ is more than just a motor- Middle Tennessee 423-586-5343
cycle club. It’s a motorcycle ministry of men and women that ride for 615-771-7775
Jesus: helping and serving H.O.G. members and chapters across the Upper Cumberland Chapter
country. For more information contact Jeff Pierce 615.653.5065 or Murfreesboro Chapter 931-526-3139
visit our web site: wwwblacksheephdfc.org 615-849-8025 615-242-6067
Road Riders for Jesus Motorcycle Ministries
Chattanooga, TN. Meeting and ride 3rd Sat each month @

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZ 29

 MADE WITH LOVE........
BLACK CHERRY & MINT LAMB CHOPS
4 Loin Lamb Chops, each 1-1/2 in. thick
Real Butter Cooking Spray
1 Stalk of Scallion or Shallot; thinly sliced
2 Tbls. Fresh Mint; chopped finely
1 Cup Black Cherry All-Fruit Preserves
3 Tbls. Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp. Cracked Black Pepper
Salt to taste
1 Large Pat of Real Butter
Preheat oven to Broil. Spray lamb chops with but-
ter spray and arrange on a slotted broiler pan. Place
chops under pre-heated, hot broiler and cook 8-10
minutes for medium-rare and 9-11 minutes for
medium (just perfect pink thruout). While chops are
broiling (put a timer to them as overcooked lamb
chops are a cooking sin), in a small saucepan over
medium heat, add one pat of quality margarine to
pan, add your chopped shallots and mint, cook out
for 2 minutes, then add the Black Cherry preserves
and whisk together with the balsamic vinegar &
cracked black pepper.
Remove from heat and whisk in your large pat of
real butter into sauce. Cover to keep hot. Remove
chops from broiler, tent to cover completely but let
them rest for 4 mins. before serving. Plate up 2
chops each and pour a generous amount of Black
Cherry Mint sauce down over each chop. This ro-
mantic supper is so easy to make but tastes like it
came from a 4-star restaurant!
POLENTA HEARTS
* Polenta is just Italian cornmeal that when cooked
with liquid makes a delicious mush. It resembles
miniature pieces of pasta and can be found in the
rice or pasta aisle of any regular grocery store.
1 Medium Pot of Boiling Water
Salt to Taste
1/2 Cup of Instant Polenta (Medium cut preferred)
2 Tbls. Real Butter
Nonstick Butter Cooking Spray
Apprx. 3 Tbls. Olive Oil
1 Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
Slowly whisk your Polenta into your salted, boiling
water and watch your pot and stir continuously
for about 5 minutes. Stir in your real butter.
Spray a glass oven dish with nonstick cooking
spray. Pour polenta into dish and spread evenly
so it forms about a 1/2 inch layer. Chill it up in
refrigerator for no less than 1 hour. Take out of
fridge and spray your cookie cutter with cooking
spray and then punch out all the heart shapes
you can get out of the layer and set aside. Pre-
heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add
your olive oil to pan and sear up your Polenta
hearts until golden brown on both sides. Trans-
fer to paper towels and serve hot and crisp.
You’re going to love the flavor of these little
bites.
LOVELY & EASY CHERRIES JUBILEE
4 Tbls. Unsalted Real Butter
1 Large Bottle of Real Cherry Preserves
1 Cup of Orange Juice
1-1/2 Cups Cherry Brandy (*optional)
1 Package of Grands Buttermilk Biscuits
1 Carton of Real Vanilla-Bean Ice Cream
Pre-heat your oven and get your biscuits cook-
ing. While they cook, in a large saucepan, over
medium heat, melt the butter, stir in the bottle
of real cherry preserves and the orange juice.
If you’re adding the brandy, remove the pan
away from the stove, add your brandy and place
your pan back on the stove and shake the pan
several times to ignite the pan and burn off the
brandy. This only lasts seconds but you then
have that rich, thickened brandy taste. If the
pan doesn’t ignite by shaking it around, just use
a long, candle lighter to ignite brandy. It’s still
really good without the brandy. Now, take your
baked buttermilk biscuits, slice in half, butter
each side, drizzle with some honey and spoon
your Cherries Jubilee mix generously down over
the biscuits. Top with real Vanilla Bean ice-cream
that you’ve let soften slightly by nuking in micro
for about 10 seconds. Whooeeeee, baby, this is
so good your tastebuds will be sending you little
kisses all over your mouth! And remember, the
best word thruout the world is still L O V E.
An older man approached an attractive younger wom-
an at a shopping mall. ‘Excuse me; I can’t seem to find
my wife. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?’
The woman, feeling a bit of compassion for the old fel-
low, said, ‘Of course, sir. Do you know where your wife
might be?’
‘I have no idea, but every time I talk to a woman with
hooters like yours, she magically seems to appear out
of nowhere.’
One morning 3 Alabama good ole’ boys and 3 Yankees
were in a ticket line at the Birmingham train station
heading to Atlanta for a big football game.
The 3 Yanks each bought a ticket and watched as the 3
southerners bought just one ticket among them.
“How are the 3 of you going to travel on one 1 ticket?”
asked one of the Yanks.
“Watch and learn” answered one of the boys from the
south.
When the 6 travelers boarded the train, the 3 Yanks sat
down, but the 3 southerners crammed into a bathroom
together and closed the door.
Shortly after the train departed, the conductor came
around to collect tickets.
He knocked on the bathroom door and said, “tickets
please.” the door opened just a crack and a single arm
emerged with a ticket in hand. The conductor took it
and moved on.
The Yanks saw this happen and agreed it was quite
a clever idea. Indeed, so clever that they decided to
do the same thing on the return trip and save some
money.
That evening after the game when they got to the
Atlanta train station, they bought a single ticket for the
return trip while to their astonishment the 3 southern-
ers didn’t buy even 1 ticket.
“How are you going to travel without a ticket?” asked
one of the perplexed Yanks.
“Watch and learn”, answered one of the southern boys.
When they boarded the train the 3 northerners
crammed themselves into a bathroom and the 3 south-
erners crammed themselves into the other bathroom
across from it.
Shortly after the train began to move, one of the
southerners left their bathroom and walked quietly over
to the Yanks bathroom. He knocked on the door and
said “ticket please”.
On the recent “Late Night Wars” going on with Leno
& O’Brien......Conan O’Brien says, ““In the press this
week, NBC has been calling me every name in the
book. In fact, they think I’m such an idiot they now
want me to run the Network,” While Jay responded,
“Even Dave Letterman is taking shots at me, which
surprised me, as usually he’s just taking shots at the
interns.”
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ALL YOU BIKER SWEETIES!
Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made
my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into
the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and
proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The
wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the
garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the
weather would be bad all day. I went back into the
house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.
I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different
anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is
terrible.”
My loving wife of 15 years replied, “Can you believe my
stupid-ass husband is out fishing in that mess?”
And that’s how the fight started…
_____________________________________________
A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom
mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to
her husband, ‘I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I
really need you to pay me a compliment.’
The husband replies, ‘Your eyesight’s damn near per-
fect.’
And then the fight started ....
_____________________________________________
I took my wife to a restaurant. “I’ll have the Porter-
house steak, rare, please.” The waiter said, “Aren’t you
worried about the mad cow?”
“Nah, she can order for herself.” And the fight started.
And then the fight started…
It is near the Spring Break of the school year. The
students have turned in all their work and there is really
nothing more to do. All the children are restless and the
teacher decides to have an early dismissal.
Teacher: “Whoever answers the questions I ask, first
and correctly can leave early today.”
Little Johnny says to himself “Good, I want to get outta’
here. I’m smart and will answer the question.”
Teacher: “Who said ‘Four Score and Seven Years Ago’?”
Before Johnny can open his mouth, Susie says,
“Abraham Lincoln.”
Teacher: “That’s right Susie, you can go home.”
Johnny is mad that Susie answered the question first.
Teacher: “Who said ‘I Have a Dream’?”
Before Johnny can open his mouth, Mary says,
“Martin Luther King.”
Teacher: “That’s right Mary, you can go.”
Johnny is even madder than before.
Teacher: “Who said ‘Ask not, what your country can do
for you’?”
Before Johnny can open his mouth, Nancy says,
“John F. Kennedy.”
Teacher: “That’s right Nancy , you may also leave.”
Johnny is boiling mad that he has not been the first to
answer any of the questions.
When the teacher turns her back Johnny says, “I wish
these bitches would keep their mouths shut!”
The teacher, shocked, spins around: “Who said that?”
Little Johnny yells out, “TIGER WOODS. CAN I GO
NOW?”
    
 
 

           THREE  AWESOME EVENTS  IN 2010 AT   

BEECH BEND RACEWAY
AMRA HARLEY DAVIDSON  
      SPRING RALLEY & DRAGS  
WWW.BEECHBEND.COM             (MARCH 26‐28)   
  AMRA HARLEY DAVISON    
 
 
  SUMMER SHOOTOUT    
 
           (June 25‐27)   
TO PURCHASE YOUR  
AMRA HARLEY DAVISON 
ADVANCED TICKETS  BIKE SHOW 
Call:      DRAG FINALS   FOOD VENDORS 
 (270)781‐7634             (SEPTEMBER 24‐26)  BIKINI CONTEST 
Or Mail order to:  BEAUTY CONTEST 
 
Beech Bend Raceway Park  CAMPING 
798 Beech Bend Rd.  Special Event Pass: $40  LIVE MUSIC 
Bowling Green, KY 42101   Sunday Only: $20                 (Fri. & Sat. Nights)

 
Support Vehicles: $20    
                                 with purchase of Weekend Pass   
     
   
Vendor Fee: 
   Advance $150 or at gate $200 
 
 
Saturday: 
 
 Time Trials & Qualifying at 12:00 Noon  WWW.WHABAH.COM 
WWW.AMRAONLINE.COM  Sunday:    
Eliminations at 12:00 Noon   
  YOU CAN RACE AT THESE EVENTS! 
ABSOLUTELY NO 4‐WHEELERS,  BIKE SHOW FINALISTS PRESENTED   

ATV'S, GATORS, DIRT BIKES, ETC.  SATURDAY AT 2:30 PM  MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD TO ENTER 

   
 From the corner of veteran’s drive
and patriot’s way
FROM THE CORNER
OF VETERAN’S on them for what you can’t give yourself are you a free
DRIVE AND person? If the government taxes businesses to the point
PATRIOT’S WAY that they have to move overseas to remain in business and
by Bob “Bulldog” Ousley that costs you your job is it the company’s fault? Can you
truthfully say that the federal government doesn’t want
Dear Fellow Veterans and all your money or that they don’t want to control every
Patriots of Tennessee: aspect of your life? What will we do when the United
The Constitution of States annual payment on what we owe China is more than
the United States is the the United States generates in a year? We’re headed there.
framework and structure Happy Birthday!
of our country. Have you
read what it says? I don’t 2010 is a pivotal year for our nation and your personal
ask that to seem like I freedom. The politicians in Washington are committed to
know everything. I ask taking your money and tending you like sheep. They all
that question because every American should be familiar need to be changed out. The people are the masters and
with the document that guarantees their freedom and the government is supposed to work for us. Is that how it’s
liberty. working for you these days? Register to vote; find out what
those running for office really think. Vote for those who
How many times have you heard a newscaster talk about want to limit government and give you back your freedom.
the latest tax or social program being enacted by the Maybe in November we’ll be able to say – Happy Birthday
federal government and you wondered if the government you M#*&$%*#@*?R’s!
had the right to do it. Have you noticed they propose
new taxes all the time? Have you ever heard them get rid Keep the faith. Thank a vet for the freedoms we still enjoy
of one? The answer to whether it’s legal or not is in the and punch a politician for the ones we’ve lost. Fly the
Constitution as written. If the Constitution of the United flag of the people and be proud you’re an American. Hug
States doesn’t allow it then it is illegal for the federal the families of those still missing because their quest for
government to do it. closure has not ended. Live the good life and ride for those
can’t.
We have three branches of government; the Executive,
Legislative and Judicial branches. All are supposed Bulldog
to be equal. Who decides what is allowed under the
Constitution? The way our founding fathers designed our
government was so there are checks and balances. Today Martin, Tennessee 38237
the judicial branch has taken the power and is rendering Rolling Thunder, Inc. www.rollingthundertn6.com
judicial rulings on the Constitution that are the basis for Tennessee Chapter One,
P.O. Box 332534 U.S. Military Vets MC -
overreaching federal powers. These powers based on https://www.usmv.org/
Murfreesboro, Tn. 37133-2534
judicial rulings are transferring power from the states to www.rollingthundertn1.com Chapter 1
the federal government. Happy Birthday! P.O. Box 681, Millington, Tn.
Tennessee Chapter Two, 38053-9998
Can the federal government pass a healthcare bill and 8853 Daisy Dallas Road Admin@tn1.usmv.org
require an individual citizen to buy a healthcare policy or Hixon, Tn. 37343
the states to pay billions of dollars to support the program? www.rollingthundertn.org. Chapter 2
The answer is no but because they are supported by P.O. Box 140833 Nashville,
judicial ruling the federal government feels free to do what Tennessee Chapter Three, Tn.37214-0833
it wants and hands you the bill. Happy Birthday! P.O. Box 12357 (615) 496-0205
Knoxville, Tn. 37912 Admin@tn2.usmv.org
Can the federal government borrow billions and trillions www.rollingthundertn3.com
Chapter 3
of dollars from China to loan money to General Motors TBA
Tennessee Chapter Four,
and Wall Street brokers? Can the Federal Government take P.O. Box 220
ownership in a private company or corporation? Can they Mountain Home, Tn. 37684 Patriot Guard Riders -
tell you that smoking is bad for you and then tax the crap www.rollingthundertn4.com standing for those who stood
out of cigarettes? What about taxes on food, how much for us.
you weigh or how big your toilet is? When the constitution Tennessee Chapter Five, www.patriotguard.org
says you have a right to bear arms does that allow the state 2160 Whitten Road,
or federal government to make you pay them to carry that Memphis, Tn. 38133 AMVETS Riders Chapter 7
gun or own it? Happy Birthday! www.rollingthundertn5.com 4291 Old Lowland Rd.
Morristown, Tn. 37813
Is money power? If the federal government takes your Tennessee Chapter Six, (423) 231-8270
money by taxing everything you use or buy to the point PO Box 251 vetshelpingvets@comcast.net
that you can just barely get by and you have to depend
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES
NEWS BYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
MOTORCYCLE BUYERS ARE HAPPIER THAN EVER
Motorcycle manufacturers are trying harder than ever to
please customers, and the result is higher quality bikes and
happier owners. Overall satisfaction with the motorcycle
ownership experience has increased for a seventh consecu-
tive year to a record-high level, according to the J.D. Power
and Associates 2009 Motorcycle Competitive Information
Study, and each of the study’s five criteria -- product, quality,
cost of ownership, sales, and service -- have improved, with
sales and service showing the biggest improvements.
“The result of increased competition is that the quality and
performance of bikes is at an all-time high,” Power’s Todd
Markusic explains, “and dealers are paying much more atten-
tion to their customers’ sales and service experiences.”
First-time buyers comprise 22% of all new motorcycle pur-
chases, and with the average age of owners increasing from
40 to 47 since 2001, it is important for manufacturers to focus
on younger Gen X and Y demographics to ensure continued
growth in the market. Now in its 12th year, the annual sur-
vey measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles and
fielded responses from nearly 8,000 owners between August
and October 2009, focusing on 2009 model year bikes.
MISSOURI TO END SAFETY INSPECTIONS ON NEW-
ER VEHICLES
New-ish car and bike owners can take that $10-12 you’ve
been setting aside to pay for a state safety inspection and go
buy something nice for yourself or your vehicle. Under leg-
islation that took effect on New Year’s Day in Missouri, ve-
hicles five years old and newer will no longer need an inspec-
tion when renewing license plates. That means in 2010, 2005
model year and newer autos, including cars, trucks and mo-
torcycles, will be exempt. Models from 2006 won’t need their
first inspection until 2012. Previously, vehicles are exempt
from safety inspections for their model year and the year after
that.Inspections are performed at thousands of repair shops
across the state and cost $12 for cars and trucks and $10 for
motorcycles. The Missouri Department of Revenue, which
manages vehicle registration, estimates that 650,000 vehicles
will be affected by the exemption.
INDIANA HARLEY DEALER FIGHTS SUNDAY BIKE
SALES BAN
There are some things you can’t buy on Sundays in Indiana:
alcohol, cars, and motorcycles.One Hoosier Harley-David-
son dealer thinks this “blue law” against buying motorcycles
is ridiculous, and he’s teaming up with an Indiana state sena-
tor to change it. Mark Forszt owns four Harley dealerships
throughout the state and says the law is hurting his business,
and that it makes no sense. On Sundays, he’s open for busi-
ness, and he can sell you everything you’d ever need to put
a bike together yourself. He just can’t actually sell you the
bike.“It’s a huge loss to the state in terms of sales tax rev-
enue,” said Forszt, who contacted state Senator Ed Charbon-
neau to address the problem in the legislature, framing the
issue as a way to help small business. When you add up all
the sales tax, it’s also a way to help the state of Indiana, home
to some 300 motorcycle dealerships, said Charbonneau. “If Michigan riders, spearheaded by ABATE and the Confed-
every one of those dealerships sold one motorcycle a Sun- eration of Clubs of Michigan, succeeded in passing helmet
day, or even one a month, that’s a pretty sizable infusion of
cash into the state coffers,” Senator Charbonneau told local
NBC-affiliate WNDU.The bill to change the law has been
drafted and filed, but until something changes, the Sunday
choices in this store will be limited. What dealers like Forszt
complain about is you could sell a bike through a newspaper,
CraigsList, or eBay on Sunday, but in a store it’s illegal. It
is currently a class D misdemeanor to sell a motorcycle on
Sunday.
WISCONSIN BILLS WOULD HONOR HARLEY-DA-
VIDSON
A bill has been introduced in the Wisconsin state legislature
to create a special license plate commemorating Harley-Da-
vidson, the iconic Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer.
The legislation would authorize the creation of an automobile
license plate available for purchase that would include Har-
ley-Davidson’s trademark bar and shield logo and the mes-
sage “Share the Road.” Available for cars and trucks regis-
tered in Wisconsin, the revenue collected by the Department
of Transportation from the specialty plate sales would be
used for conducting public workshops on motorcycle safety;
evaluating basic rider education courses; creating transpor-
tation messages at motorcycle rallies; providing funds for
motorcycle-related safety and training programs; and grants
to providers of motorcycle safety training courses. “Motor-
cycling is a huge part of Wisconsin’s culture and plays a big
role in our state’s economy,” state Rep. Jim Sullivan told The
Business Journal of Milwaukee upon introducing the mea-
sure. “This license plate helps us protect that heritage and
promote sharing the road safely with all drivers.” The goal
is to have the plate ready by May 2010, which is motorcycle
safety month in most states. Wisconsin lawmakers are also
currently considering legislation declaring Harley-Davidson
the state’s official motorcycle, similar to recognizing a state
bird or flower.
PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO LET MICHIGAN RID-
ERS BUY PERMITS TO RIDE HELMETLESS
Motorcyclists in Michigan would be able to buy a permit
to ride without a helmet if a newly-introduced bill becomes
law.It would apply to riders who are 21 years or older, have
been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years
or completed a safety class, and have at least $20,000 in
health insurance. The $100-a-year permit would make hel-
mets optional. Any passenger over 21 years riding with a
permit holder wouldn’t need a helmet.State Representative
Richard LeBlanc (D-Westland) said wearing a helmet should
be a personal choice. LeBlanc told Capitol News Service of
the Macomb Daily newspaper that he’s been involved with
the issue since the 1970s when he started riding a motor-
cycle, adding that he introduced the bill because he believes
that wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.The bill
is pending in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform,
though ABATE of Michigan reportedly does not support the
legislation and is dedicated to working with their new gover-
nor to repeal the existing helmet law with no fees, additional
insurance or stickers.
 NEWS BYTES
repeal legislation twice since 2006 only to have both bills
vetoed by outgoing Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
MILLIONS IN INSURANCE OVERCHARGES DUE TO
MASSACHUSETTS MOTORCYCLISTS
Massachusetts insurance companies have overcharged con-
sumers on premiums by overstating and failing to depreci-
ate motorcycle values. Attorney General Martha Coakley’s
Office entered into settlements with several insurance com-
panies resolving allegations that they overcharged consum-
ers for motorcycle insurance by using incorrect motorcycle
values to calculate premiums. The settlements, which re-
turn $11.1 million to consumers, stem from an investigation
spurred by consumer complaints and ongoing lobbying ef-
forts by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA).
Investigators found that insurers were not adjusting motor-
cycle values for their steady depreciation over time and in-
stead were using the same value for a bike for several con-
secutive years to gauge premium levels. “The settlements
cover alleged overcharges going back to 2002 and require
the insurers to pay 6 percent interest to consumers on the
alleged overcharges,” reports the MMA in a prepared state-
ment. “Average refunds to consumers are anticipated to be
approximately $300 with some consumers receiving thou-
sands of dollars. Tens of thousands of policies are believed
to have been affected.”Motorcyclists praised the settlements,
but warned that a number of other insurance companies also
evaluated motorcycles incorrectly.Betsy Lister, a politically-
active insurance agent who rides a motorcycle, told the En-
terprise News that motorcyclists have repeatedly raised this
issue with the state Division of Insurance and the attorney
general’s office. “They’ve been doing it going back to the
early 2000s,” Lister said of the insurers’ overcharges. “This
is something we’ve been fighting for years.”
EUROPE SLAPPING RICH DRIVERS WITH MASSIVE
TRAFFIC FINES
European countries are increasingly pegging speeding fines
to income as a way to punish wealthy scofflaws who would
otherwise ignore tickets. Advocates say a $290,000 (euro
203,180.83) speeding ticket slapped on a millionaire Ferrari
driver in Switzerland was a fair and well-deserved example
of the trend.Germany, France, Austria and the Nordic coun-
tries also issue punishments based on a person’s wealth. In
Germany the maximum fine can be as much as $16 million
compared to only $1 million in Switzerland. A Frenchman
was fined 70,000 francs after being caught on a highway do-
ing 151 miles (243 kilometers) an hour. Only Finland regu-
larly hands out similarly hefty fines to speeding drivers, with
the current record believed to be a euro170,000 (then about
$190,000) ticket in 2004.The Swiss court appeared to set a
new world record when it levied the nearly quarter million
dollar fine in November, describing the speeder as a “traffic
thug” in their verdict as they took into account his prior traf-
fic record as well as his $20million in personal wealth. Swiss
voters approved a 2007 penal law overhaul that let judges
hand down fines based on personal income and wealth for
moderate misdemeanorsincluding excessive speeding and
drunk driving.The nationalist Swiss People’s Party wants to
reverse the 2007 penal code changes, saying the current law
could lead to “ridiculously low” penalties without any pos-
sibility of jail time for poor people who are caught driving
drunk or speeding.
AFRICANS IMPOUND THOUSANDS OF MOTORCY-
CLES FOR LACK OF HELMETS
Lagos State Sector Command authorities in this Nigerian
city reportedly impounded 21,300 motorcycles last year be-
cause of failure of the motorcyclists to wear crash helmets.
Public Education Officer, Mrs Ijeoma Nwachi, told the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the command has
intensified enforcement on the usage of crash helmets
in the state. The public education officer also said that the
command had confiscated 3,500 substandard helmets since
January 2009. She said wearing of crash helmets by motor-
cyclists and their passengers was in line with section 41(1)
(e) of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004. Nwachi
also said that overloading with passengers is a serious issue,
and added that many motorcyclists were in the habit of rid-
ing without side mirrors. “Riding without side mirror is an
offence under section 41(1)(p) of the Nation Road Traffic
Regulations 2004, which states that all motorcycles shall be
equipped with two rear view mirrors,” she said.