APRIL 2012

Down By The Rio Pg. 5

Rough Riders M/C Pg. 8

Mission For an Angel Pg. 12

Motor Toys Pg. 21-22

On The Cover: Bike Owner : "ARIZONA" Marcos Hernandez (1 Board Tracker Style with a 124" motor) Model: Priscilla Barnes -Mena

By Joe Olvera , 2012

when it comes to motorcycles is restore, dont replace. And, this motorcycle shop of specialists is just the place to achieve your biggest desire of having the bike of your dreams. Owner Joe Castillo says that whether you want your scoot to look original, or custom, his shop specializes in shovelheads and more. To the uninitiated, a shovelhead is simply the engine on a motorcycle. We service all kinds of bikes, including metrics, cruisers, sport, Harleys, dirt bikes, and ATVs, said Castillo. We also do high performance upgrades, ground-up customs, custom restoration, custom head

Rio Grande Shovelheads motto,

Motorcycle Restoration Specialists

work and others. Weve been in business for two years and always have two projects working at the same time. In addition to restoring and customizing bikes, the shop, located at 3984 Doniphan Drive, offers already restored or rebuilt bikes. Their most expensive model is a 1983 Shovelhead that runs to $17,000. It has been completely rebuilt. In addition to this beauty, Rio Grande Shovelheads also offers for sale a 2008 Sucker Punch Sally, a 2007 Softtail Deluxe, a 2003 Yamaha Roadster Silver Edition, a 1999 Electroglide, among others. restoring and rebuilding. For example, Tury Arevalo is our fabricator. He welds frames and does all types of metal work and is an all-around mechanic. When we cant buy parts because theyre no longer available, Tury can build them from scratch. However, Paul Lujan is our most experienced specialist.

Rio Grande Shovelheads:

ing at Harley school was great, working on Harleys at the school prepared me and gave me a big advantage.

I started restoring bikes as a hobby, working from my garage, Castillo said. When I hired Oscar Ybarra, the business got serious and we started growing. Now I have three employees. Were all experts in

Lujan, who has been in the business for 30 years, said he began working on bikes from an early age. He is a certified mechanic, and once worked on cars, trucks and everything else. But, now, restoring and rebuilding is what I like to do the most. Working on bikes is easier, a lot smaller, and a lot safer, Lujan said. I spent eight years, attended Harley Davidson School, where I Iearned to work on bikes of every kind, and here I am today. The train-

1st and 2nd Place at the Sunland Park Big Daddy Car and Motorcycle Show.1st Place at Las Cruces Bling Bling Car Show. More on Page 11.

They also won 2nd and 3rd Places at the NAPA Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show.

Note: Rio Grande Shovelheads has been a part of many shows and has wonVintage Bike and People's Choice awards at the Las Cruces Toy Run and Motorcycle Show.

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ts been a windy February and March. Not the best months to take a ride on the bike. Weve recorded 31 days of wind gusts over 30 mph with a peak gust last Sunday of 66 mph (what a brown and dusty day), 51 mph February 28 and 46 mph as of March 7th. We still have the month of April to go another windy one on average. Blowing dust and sand is a common phenomenon in El Paso this time of year. Meteorologist David Novlan and Michael Hardiman at the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa noted that during the months of March, April and May there is a 42% chance of encountering blowing dust on any single day. This had been the case since records

Weather 101 One More Month Weather of Wind

I
were kept in El Paso. It was noted from a news article reporting on a storm in 1895 (Cox, 2005): A Big Blow hit El Paso late on the night of April 4, 1895by the midnight the anemometer (wind measuring device) at the Weather Bureau registered 50 mph and continue to gain strengthThe wind took down many of the citys scare trees and ripped away telegraph, telephone and power lines, leaving the city without electric lights. Did you know that El Paso averages 14.5 significant dust events per year? This is, in my opinion, the most unpleasant feature of our weather. The wind does not have to be considered excessive but because this is our driest time of the year it doesnt take a lot of real strong winds to elevate our dust and sand. This blowing dust causes many hazards. We typically must endure reduced visibility; the dusty conditions cause respiratory problems and the blowing dust can get in to moving parts and reduce the mechanical life of equipment. There are often more accidents associated with dust storms resulting in fatalities and roads being closed due to the poor visibility.

By: Doppler Dave Speelman

It should be noted that strong winds by themselves are not sufficient for a significant dust event. David Novlan says the wind must be sufficiently turbulent to loft dust and it must occur in a reasonably unstable environment.

What has been the highest recorded wind gust in El Paso not associated with a thunderstorm? A. 75 mph B. 84 mph D. 98 mph
The 2 pictures below were taken at my house Sunday, March 18th. Shows the damage our spring winds can do.

Trivia

Catch 'Doppler' Dave Speelman on KVIA Channel 7 or online at www.kvia.com for your most accurate weather reports.

C. 92 mph

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Answer: B 84 mph. Recorded March 10, 1977 and March 26, 2010

Story and photos by Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

Rough Riders M/C

ers and sisters in these veterans because he and the rest of his club are veterans themselves. " We have 12 members, all veterans or current active duty from every branch of the armed services, Army, Air Force, Marines, etc." The Rough Riders are part of a larger organization, having 23 chapters around the world from Korea to Germany to the Persian Gulf. "We are a traditional M/C with traditional M/C values. Our goal is to do our best to provide help to needy people, specifically veterans. We have a couple runs a year. The funds we raise we use to help various organizations. Last Thanksgiving, we donated $4000 in turkeys to the Battered Women's Shelter, the Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army and the Ambrosio Guillen Veteran's home in the northeast." One of Hi-Tower's favorite memories is of Mr. Finley at the Guillen Vet's home. "Mr. Finley was a helluva guy. He lost both legs and he was one of the first residents of the home. He wasn't from here and he had no family here as they lived out of town. WE were his family. He passed away last year." Hi-Tower, himself a 26 year veteran and a retired Command Sgt. Major, practically beams when talking about his club's involvement with veterans like Mr. Finley. He recounts how the Rough Riders built a fountain and an Alzheimer's garden for the home. My favorite project that he told

President Hi-Tower and his men from Rough Riders MC see broth-

man on the street corner with a "Vietnam Veteran" or other sign, they have various reactions. Some dismiss them as part of the scenery, turn up the radio and roll up the window. Some give a dollar or whatever change they have on themselves. Others, though, see a brother, someone who has gone through the same ordeals as they have, ordeals brought by war, service that most of us are only too lucky not to know.

When people see a homeless

me about was a pellet gun shooting range that they installed in the home to entertain the veterans.

Rough Riders would like to invite all the EP area bikers to their "Biker Night" at the Comic Strip on June 3rd. All funds continue the Rider's work with veterans and the community. Hi-Tower would further like to express his gratitude with the local businesses that supported this run, including Barnett HD, Viva PowerSports, Landry's, the Holiday Inn (where the run ended and the bikers took over the central garden and the parking lot for the biker rodeo) and too many more to mention here. More Pictures On Page 18.

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Motorcycle Restoration Specialists

Rio Grande Shovelheads:

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was born. He wasn't supposed to have lived for all his 7 years. He has had many complications from his condition, and come back from it all. He is listed as day-to-day. But, none of that is important. What is important is that he is a fighter, and he has his own will. This Sunday, when he was being granted wishes by "Reach for a Star" and the Mission Riders M/C, the weather turned ugly. 60 mph winds, dusty conditions, low visibility. I asked Angel's mom if she had any apprehensions about letting him ride in this weather. "I allowed him to ride because HE wanted to. I'll let him live his life however he wants to."

The little boy in these photos has had a heart condition since before he

On a Mission for an Angel

Stories and photos compiled by: Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

Angel and his mom watching the wrestling matches with Suky and Ramsey

Suky and Gil with Sin Cara and Angel

Angel and Debra Ruz from Reach for a Star

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Mission Rider Don driving Angel and his cousin to the wrestling match

Angel and Sin Cara with the other Luchadores

Angel's mom was very appreciative of all the attention being showered on her little miracle. She tells me the roller coaster ride that has been his life. Surprisingly, she is in complete control of the situation and herself. Many parents would be beside themselves if their child simply had a scraped knee, much less a critical illness. She's a fighter, alongside her son. "Many of his organs are failing. He doesn't want dialysis and he hates IVs. He is non-responsive to normal medication. In fact, the only thing he's really taking is pain medication." I asked

Gil, president of the Mission Riders, tells me how he met with Debra Ruz, president of "Reach for a Star" at another biker event. "Debra approached me to tell me that she had a little boy that needed a wish granted urgently. We immediately got to work." I asked him what affected Gil about Angel and his situation. "My sons are my life. When I see a little one like Angel, it breaks my heart that he may not be able to be like them." Gil was impressed by Angel because of his lack of fear the first time they met. "He just ran out to meet us and started to climb on my bike! Today, we were worried (because of blowing dust), but he jumped on the bike, adjusted his helmet, bandana, and oxygen line and said 'I'm riding' like a real biker."

As Renee', a social worker with Hospice of El Paso assigned to

her what she thought of all the bikers coming out to support her, "Its wonderful. I'd like to thank all the bikers who came out in all this wind, Hospice of El Paso, and Reach for a Star for everything they've done today."

Angel, says it "Moms are THE strongest people you'll ever meet." Renee' has only known Angel for about 6 weeks, "but I know him like you're seeing him, a happy little boy. He knows he's sick, but that hasn't stopped him from doing what he wants to do." It didn't stop him today. Angel looked wide eyed at all the cameras pointed his way and he never flinched, never took cover behind family. If a bunch of big, bad bikers or huge

The last wish was granted at Wild Wild West where he got to attend a local wrestling event and got to meet his favorite wrestler, Sin Cara. When Sin Cara came out, little Angel smiled from ear to ear. He hugged him tight and didnt want to let go. The wrestler also presented him with an Xbox 360,

Angel had several wishes for the day. The first was to ride on a real bike. Angels family met up with the Mission Riders and a group of other clubs who came out to support them, including Chamucos MC, Seed of Abraham MC, Centauros MC and the Red Dragons. They rode along North Loop (that at the time had about a 1/4 mile visibility) to the Mission Riders clubhouse. Angel was inundated with gifts by various organizations and businesses who responded to Debra's pleas for help from the community. Debra, who has been with the all-volunteer organization for 20 years, simply wanted to state her gratitude to everyone: "Our kids thank you!" She also stated that this was the fastest a wish has been granted, only 2 weeks from meeting Gil to fulfilling the wish.

masked men came your way, most adults would at least stop. Angel took pictures with every biker and wrestler there, accepted their gifts and handshakes graciously.

donated by DKD realty. When I contacted the family the next day, I was told that Angel still hadnt come down off his cloud.

As for Gil, he summed up the day by stating, Whatever happens, Angel, you know all these big ugly bikers will always be there to help.

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Readers & Rides

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5th Annual Clint Fallen Heroes Bike Gathering

CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 2012

dors, and much more! Over $10,000 given away in cash prizes! Poker Run prizes include: $5,000 for high hand $2,000 for low hand Two $1,000 and $500 consolation prizes More info at: www.motorcyclerally.com The Best DAM Rally in Texas is happening again in somerville, Tx. We have self contained RV spots available along with presale tickets. We are also looking for Vendors for our upcoming rally. Check us out. It's always a party on the lake. For more info: www.lakesomervillerally.com

Date: 04/14/2012 Location: The Livery Stable 849 Horizon Blvd Socorro TX Start Time: 9:00am Biker Rodeo, Live Music, Food and Door Prizes Registration Cost:15.00 single rider and 25.00 couple (all who register will receive a commemorative CFH pin) Gathering Stops: Lara's Bar Fabens TX, Plain-ViewLakes Tornillo TX, Clint Cemetery (a ceremony honoring all our fallen heroes will take place), and Final Stop The Livery Stable Proceeds to fund ROTC Scholarships

Miracle Motorcycle Ride for Kids The Miracle Motorcycle Ride for Kids will be held on April 28th, 2012. American Legion, Odessa, Texas The event will feature a Scenic Ride, Bike Show, Games, Auction, Food, Refreshments, and Much More! For more info: www.mchodessa.com

Run for the Kids of the AZ School of the Deaf and Blind The Run for the Kids of the AZ School of the Deaf and Blind will be held on April 22nd, 2012. 1200 West Speedway Tucson, AZ 85754 Come and join the Old Pueblo Riders for the 9th annual Run

for the Kids of the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind Motorcycle Poker Run. All kidfriendly stops with high hand, low hand, raffle, and door prizes. Pre-registration on-line at oldpuebloriders.org or the day or the event. Gorgeous event shirts with kid-drawn artwork. All proceeds go to the ASDB. Enjoy a spectacular 80-mile ride and help the Old Pueblo Riders make this the best year ever. More info: www.oldpuebloriders.org

Arizona Bike Week 2012 The 2012 Arizona Bike Week will be held in Scottsdale, AZ

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally The AspenCash Motorcycle Rally will begin on May 17th, 2012 and will end on May 20th, 2012 Location: Ruidoso Convention Center, Ruidoso, NM There will be plenty of activities taking place here, such as a Poker Run, Trade Show, Ven-

Lake Somerville Rally Somerville, Texas The Lake Somerville Rally will be held on April 25th through the 29th, 2012.

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It will be held at 16601 N. Pima Rd in Scottsdale. This is the 16th anniversary of the AZ Bike Week and will be a non-stop party. This years event will include Concerts, Vendors and Festivities for 5 days! www.azbikeweek.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 2012

Ein-Stein Rally The Ein-Stein Rally will be held April 27th through the 29th, 2012. Nolte Island Road, Seguin, Texas Registration: $18.00 per person (pre-register) $50.00 per vendor space The event will feature Live Music, Vendors, Bike Games, Food, Refreshments, a Bike Show, RV Hookups, Camping, and Much More! More info: (830) 560-6554 Rolling Thunder NM-1 is sponsoring a Run for the Transmountain Optimist April 14th. Registration starts at Barnett Harley Davidson El Paso from 10am 11am. Final stop is Desert Downs, 8801 Railroad Dr. just south of Tobin Park with the last bike in at 3pm.

Final Stop: American Legion Post Food, Games, Door Prizes! Well see you there!

Thunder In The Hill Country The Viet Nam Vets-Legacy Vets Bike Show Swap Meet and Anniversary Party will be held on April 14th, 2012. VFW Post 3031, Rogers, Arizona Event Admission: -$5.00 per person -$5.00 per bike show entry (Last entry at 1:00 pm) The event will feature a Bike Show, Swap Meet, Games, Prizes, Door Prizes, Raffles, 50/50's, and Much More! More information: (479) 530-6738

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ON SUN CITY BIKER!

If you would like to have your event listed for all our readers to see please email details to:
events@suncitybiker.com

Chamucos MC 2nd Annual Run April 1st Registration: Barnett Harley Davidson 10:30am - 12pm 2nd Stop: All Stars Bar

Rolling Thunder NM-1 Run for TransMnt. Opitimist

Have A Laugh With The Bear Biker Cartoons by David Bear Wren

Texas State HOG Rally 2012 May 3, 2012 - May 5, 2012 The Texas State HOG Rally will be held in Fort Worth, Tx There will be Music, Vendors, Activities, Multiple choices in Lodging, Restaurants and more! Come to one of the biggest rallys in the state of Texas! For more info visit: www.txstatehogrally.com
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Readers & Rides

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Readers & Rides

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There were many high end cars on display that the students could be working on in their future, such as an Audi R8 convertible, a Jaguar

of its huge automotive and diesel campus. The spacious 100,000 square foot garage currently sees 300 full-time students a year, all pursuing associates degrees that prepares them for more specific factory training once they are hired. According to Jerry Martin, admissions director for the school, the locally owned and operated school also attracts import as well as domestic brands.

On March 14, Southwest Career College celebrated its grand opening

Stories and photos compiled by: Ricky Jimenez Carrasco

Southwest Career College

XKR, and a rare Nissan GTR One of the privately owned cars displayed was Charlie Priemers Super Performance Cobra. The iconic car is built to the original specifications but with modernized engineering and electronics. The replica is the only one licensed by Shelby and updates the on-road performance, "It corners like a BMW M3." Charlie, the owner of Hal's Hobby Shop for over 35 years, says he has put over 12,000 miles in the 6 years he's owned it. The motor is a Ford Racing engine, built to do 060 in 3.8 seconds, the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds, and 180 in 5th gear.

El Pasos Online Motorsport Forum

Automotive, Cycles Racing, lifestyle

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www.elpasoracing.com

4 on The Floor | Motor Toys

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