Before jumping into what’s happening, this goes out to folks who’ve expressed interest in the Pend Orielle River Valley, my home in the middle of nowhere. To preview this wonderful NE Washington riding country, a local Metaline Falls fellow Ted Hawk has created a YouTube channel where he posts drone videos, capturing some exceptional footage of the region. He made one at a gathering on our farm June 4 of this year and it’s posted under the heading “To Honor” on Ted’s YouTube page. The link: https://youtu.be/4hEHwC42rcw Enjoy… The Triple X Root Beer drive-in restaurant in Issaquah, Washington, is one of only two such XXX in the nation. At one point the brand could be found dotting the U.S. map but in Issaquah, at separate times, the drive-in burger restaurant has been in two different locations; first—affectionately called the Barrel on Sunset (formerly Hill Street) in the 30’s and since 1968, the eatery has been in its current location on Gilman Boulevard. It’s a snapshot of a time gone by with all the 50’s memorabilia. Yet another institution in Issaquah is the Gaslamp Bar & Grill, a really terrific sports bar with a history for local baby boomers who cut their teeth and tested the patience of the owner with attempts at fake ID’s within the Gaslamp back in the day. There are still gatherings of former classmates held regularly there on NW Mall Street. So both the Triple X and the Gaslamp will take part in some fun in July. First—beginning and ending at the Gaslamp, a poker run to remember Tom Finken. It’s a 117-mile putt including whistle-whetting stops in Cumberland, Maple Valley, Carbonado and Greenwater Saturday, July 8, from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Have breakfast beforehand at the Gaslamp from 8:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. You can register online at thunderingangels.com. The next day, Sunday, July 9, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Thundering Angels MC will have an all-day bring-your-sunglasses event at the Triple X where you may anticipate all kinds of eye candy, from the classic biker bikini array to a line-up of scoots. This is the 11th annual and will include live music, a burger-eating contest and the ever-favorite bikini watching. The sunglasses will allow private gazing about and a duality of glare prevention benefits (think companion fallout). Thundering Angels has a user-friendly website with a great events calendar. If you don’t find what you need, e-mail daisytamc@gmail.com or phone organizers at 206.595.7055… Otis, Oregon, is home to the largest “old-school” motorcycle event in the state. As the name implies, it’s an adults-only rally, the 18th annual Run 21 to be held July 21–23 at 1259 Salmon River Highway. Because the event footprint isn’t limitless, accommodating everyone in every conveyance from RV to scoot, it means tight quarters. So fair warning, next year they may be forced to charge something nominal for parking a cage/car there. But by parking well away from the stage and well away from the tent camping area this year, that bullet may be dodged (hint-hint). But don’t let that dampen spirits; this rally is well worth a look. You don’t have to take my word for it; you have Durwood (503.980.5338), Brat and Crew to break the trail. Expect biker games, beer belly contest, tattoo contest, a bike show, tent camping and live music from a variety (eight at last count) of bands. Also, it’s old school so there’s going to be ample cleavage (both the plumber variety and well North of that with a spin). It’s a weekend-long rally and there’s more info on the run website, www.run-21.com, along with photos of past events and a longer list of the activities offered. You can buy online for $60/person or spend $20 more at the gate. Buying early translates into a broadened music line-up. If you have questions, and why wouldn’t you, e-mail the organizers at run21coordinator@hotmail.com… Beryl Nitrate, who is one of the many contributors to THUNDER PRESS, e-mailed some exciting news. Here’s what she said: “Todd Tressler, member of the Seattle Cossacks, is opening a museum in Cle Elum, Washington, to showcase motorcycles and stories. Legendary Rides Museum is open on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and by appointment. Grand Opening is August 19, during the Cruise Cle Elum Car and Bike Show. Facebook: www.facebook.com/legendaryridesmuseum.” Thanks, Beryl… The Snake River Bros, a non-profit with over 100 members focus on serving the needs of kids in Southern Idaho and Northern Nevada, are putting on an event July 14–16 at Murtaugh Lake in Twin Falls County, Idaho. Expect “live music, dice run, motorcycle rodeo, kids bicycle rodeo, raffles, vendors, food and more” at this family-friendly gathering. Direct your questions to rogerbolton547@gmail.com or visit their website snakeriverbros.com… Happy trails, all.
