Visiting different Harley-Davidson dealerships while traveling is a habit many enthusiasts enjoy. Most end up in the t-shirt section searching fro that unique shirt to memorialize their visit to yet another H-D shop. Most savvy road pounders soon realize that too often the only uniqueness between dealers is the back of a shirt or another pin on their already cluttered vest.

The "Stinker" neon sign in the foreground is the last remaining one anywhere. It's a fitting place amongst so many american Icons. The 1927 JD in the background is original unrestored and it still runs!

Mount Timpanogos With It's Snow Capped Peaks Looms 12,000 feet above. Only a quick 45 minute drive gets you there from Timpnanogos H-D. It's amazing on a bike.

Dealers that hang their shingle on a great company like H-D to succeed in business can no longer survive in our new economy. How many dealerships actually enhance the brand or strive to provide chrome and chrome and services that matches what has taken the motor company over 105 years to attain.

In 1941 the Japanese had just attacked Pearl Harbor, Americans were bracing for more attacks with California being the new battlefront. The US government realized America's steelmaking regions were vulnerable to air attacks which were vital to the war effort. So they announced the construction of a new fully integrated steel mill in Utah to provide materials for west coase shipyards. with 10,000 men and over $200,000,000, Geneva Steel produced 60 percent of U.S. steel for western United States until 1959. In 1959, United Steelworkers halted steel production for four months and for the first time in history, foreign steel was imported from Korea and Japan. Geneva Steel eventually closed in 2002 after several bankruptcies, unable to compete with cheap foreign imported steel. the plant was completely demolished in 2006.; fortunately the local mom and pop Harley dealer saw a great opportunity when the wreaking balls began to swing.

Timpanogos Harley-Davidson is named after the mountain Timpanogos that means "river of rock". The mountain towers 12,000 feet above the valleys below, and offers some of the most scenic rides in the West.

Rick Story, General Manager of Timpanogos H-D, worked at the steel mill for 15 years. "We used to be a country known for great manufacturing, now we are the great consumer. It seemed fitting to combine the great American motorcycle company with the great industrial past which has now moved overseas".

Now you can visit a dealership which enhances the great Harley® Brand. The new Timpanogos H-D is 70% reclaimed materials, includes a restaurant [Marley's Gourmet Sliders], Doppler Radar screens, lounges, showers and my favorite video footage of all the great rides of Utah. If you're in the area make sure to stop by and see this amazing combination and tribute to our manufacturing history.

While bikers are not generally known for reverence, heartfelt respect and gratitude filled the state Capitol grounds Sunday as motorcycle riders teamed with law enforcement to honor officers cut down in the line of duty.

Ride 4 Fallen Officers - August 16th 2009 - Photo: Brandon Fratto

Photo: Brandon Fratto

Photo: Brandon Fratto

Photo: Brandon Fratto

Since 1853, 127 Utah police officers have died due to on-the-job injuries. The first was 30-year-old Salt Lake Deputy Rodney Badger who drowned in the Weber River while trying to rescue an immigrant family.

The last, so far, was North Salt Lake Police officer Charlie Skinner, who was also 30 when he died last November after his patrol car crashed on slick pavement during hot pursuit of a car thief.
"It meant a lot to me to have the whole team ride for Charlie," said his wife, Katie Skinner, who is now raising their 10-month-old twins, born a few weeks before her husband's untimely death.
She joined a crowd of more than 2,000 gathered at the Fallen Officers Memorial on the Capitol's west side, graced by a statue of Badger and a wall full of bronze plaques, each bearing an officer's name.
"I'm so glad we have this memorial," Skinner said. "At some point, I will have to tell them who their daddy was. It brings some solace that he was a hero and this memorial honors that."

Sunday's was the third annual Fallen Officers ride to raise funds for the memorial and families left behind.

More than 3,000 riders made the 75-minute trip from Lindon to the Capitol, estimated Dave Tuomisto, owner of Timpanogos Harley Davidson and one of the event's chief organizers.

At last count, the charity event had raised more than $75,000 this year, Tuomisto said. Those dollars feed an endowment for scholarships and other needs of the families of the deceased.

A day before leaving for China to begin his role as U.S. ambassador, former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Sunday donned denim and leather to ride up Interstate 15 and Salt Lake City's State Street.

"Riders and law enforcement came together to make this possible," Huntsman said of the fitting memorial that includes the name of one of his relatives, Salt Lake City police Officer William Huntsman, who died in a Main Street gunfight in 1924.

"Without you," Huntsman told the crowd, "we wouldn't be celebrating this remarkable tribute to those who have given all."

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, who badly injured his leg preparing for the ride two years ago, drove Tuomisto's 1969 Camaro Convertible from Lindon this year.

"Two years ago, Dave lent me his Harley and I broke it," Shurtleff quipped. "Last year they put me in a Hummer so I couldn't get hurt."

Next year, Shurtleff plans to arrive on two wheels -- after taking the state's motorcycle safety course.
Pleasant Grove residents Joe and Carolyn "Stitch" Owens participated in Sunday's ride and memorial -- Carolyn riding solo for the first time. Joe's high school friend, Dave Jones, is memorialized on the wall.

"What matters is that they not be forgotten," Carolyn Owens said. "They still have families around.

"Hi, I'm Bronco," That football coach, Mendenhall, said repeatedly Saturday morning as he stood outside Timpanogos Harley-Davidson. It's been almost five years now as head coach, seven total at BYU, and that much is known far and wide. the bond hair and BYU T-shirt give him away. But here's some stuff, unearthed in Lindon before the coach led a three-hour charity motorcycle ride to benefit local child-abuse prevention programs, that BYU fans might not have realized.

BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall grins as he chats before the first Black Leather and Cougar Blue Motorcycle Ride.

BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall prepares to lead out the benefit " Black Leather & Cougar Blue" motorcycle ride. Photo by Natali Wilson

Mendenhall mounts his motorycle at the opening of the benfit starting at Timpanogos Harley-Davidson in Lindon Utah.

THE MAN CAN ACTUALLY LOSE FOCUS: Or be in it to such deep soothing depths that he can fail to notice he's running out of gasoline. It happened last week while riding his hog through Montana. One minute he's staring at the luscious western landscape, thinking all sorts of thoughts, the next he's on the side of the road waiting for some good Samaritan to take him to a pit stop.

HE'S THINKING ABOUT OTHERS EVEN MORE: Mendenhall says the longer he's head coach, the more natural it becomes to look for ways to help others. As hard as it is to find in big-time college athletics. Mendenhall has found some pretty good security - professionally and financially. He's 38-13 and has done about everything he set out to accomplish since taking over the beat down program.

Now he and wife Holly are looking to start up their own foundation, though he says it's still a work in progress.

THERE'S A REASON WHY MENDENHALL LOOKS SO RELAXED: It really was a good summer. His best time off as a head coach. Mendenhall got away from all of his responsibilities to load up on surf waves, ride his Harley and hit some rivers to fly fish with his three boys. Mendenhall is well tanned and appears to be smiling even more. He called his summer "finding the magic formula" to getting ready for the upcoming season, and it's the most prepared he's felt for a season in terms of recharging.

"Whether it will affect our record or our play on the field, I'm not saying that," Mendenhall said. "But I know for me, personally, I feel more ready than I've ever felt."

THE BIKE'S GOOD FOR HIS MENTAL HEALTH: True, maybe it hurts Holly's a little. She worries about him, the coach confides. But Mendenhall says he enjoys the commute from American Fork more, and can take the long way home to clear his head before getting greeted by his boys at the front door.

The youngest son, Raeder, just loves getting driven around, too. A lot of days he'll be waiting, all ready in his snowboarding helmet and goggles, for a few trips around the block.

Raeder's kind of like a puppy. He loves to sit in front of dad to feel the wind in his face.

PLANS HALTED: One summer adventure disappointment was that his good friend and mentor, Rocky Long, couldn't go on a motorcycle trip. The coaches from New Mexico and BYU were going to meet somewhere in the desert and hang out for a few days. But Long Resigned at New Mexico and became assistant coach at San Diego State. So much for the best-laid plans.

AS FOR THE BEST-LAID PLANS FOR THIS SEASON: Mendenhall describes a "Trust and perspective" of his program, and his ever-evolving role, that continues to grow.

The entire staff wouldn't you love a picture of this? will be riding Harleys to Jackson Hole for a staff retreat Monday. Hopefully the cops in the area aren't Wyoming fans, or a speeding ticket or two might be handed out from the sounds of it.

The coaches have to hope their secondary and receivers can haul as fast, starting with Saturday's first official practice of the season.

Mendenhall likes how his team heads into fall camp. It looks like Manase Tonga, the academically challenged fullback is "probable" to return to BYU.

The transcripts fo the junior-college players appear to be in line with gaining admission and eligibility as well, Mendenhall reported. Three critical juco secondary players are in good shape with grades - Brian Logan is already in town.

That affords Mendenhall the possibility of getting out of it once in a while.

Seeing the smile on his face, as he prepared to trek as far away as Wanship, you get the feeling it is going to stay there all season.

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:57:07 +0100 http://www.timpanogosharleygallery.com/news/?id=28

By Mary Crafts -- Utah Valley Magazine - Jan / Feb 2009

Hamburger lovers, hold on to your hats "cause there's a new kid in town!" The beautiful new Harley-Davidson Store in Lindon is sporting a brand new kind of restaurant featuring sliders.

If you're unfamiliar with sliders, here's Sliders 101: They are mini hamburgers. They can be made with traditional ground beef or any number of other meats such as chicken, salmon, lamb, suck and even filet mignon. They can be topped with traditional fixings or new flavor combinations. For the hamburger enthusiast who just can't decide what kind to order, these are small enough you can try lots of flavors!

You may have seen this amazing new building just off the freeway at the 1600 north exit in Lindon. The massive building made of re-claimed steel and materials from Geneva Steel is a welcome addition to the changing face of the industrial area.

When I first arrived, I was a little unsure if I would fit in at an all-male biker hang-out, but as I strolled the Great Harley merchandise store, I quickly realized that women are welcome. I'm now sporting a great new Harley jacket complete with rhinestone studs!

If you arrive right at lunchtime, there are may be a wait as seating is limited, but hey move the counter line through pretty fast. The menu board is easy to read and also shows the daily specials, which are usually more adventuresome. I selected the three slider combo. I chose three different meats, and then the numerous topping options popped up on the register so I could quickly see all of the choices. My first choice: a classic Marley Burger Slider with Cheese, grilled onions and buffalo sauce. Second choice: a Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce and Mayo. Third choice: a Chicken Slider with lettuce, tomato and honey dill dressing. I loved them all!

Be sure to order the french fries seasoned with their special salt blend. Total yummm! My favorite part was the bottle of fry sauce with little cups right on the dining tables to I didn't have have to pay extra or keep asking for it. Next time, I want to try the Salmon Sliders.....then there's the Shredded Pork ones. Seems visions of sliders are dancing in my head! Two thumbs up to Marley's and their great new concept.

Remember to fill your life with scrumptious food and joy!

- Mary and Ron Crafts own Culinary Crafts, and award-winning catering company in Orem. Mary also hosts "Culinary Creations," which airs saturday mornings on KBYU.

How the closing of Geneva steel-Utah's largest business for nearly 40 decades- has made so little impact on Utah county's hot economy.

The demolition of Geneva Steel indeed represented the end of an era. Geneva was originally a US Government facility opened to provide the mass quantities of steel required to equip the United States millitary for World War Two. In 1946 Geveva was sold to US Steel and flourished for over fiftiy years in Utah County.

But as cheap asian imports reduced the cost of steel by two thirds, Geneva couldn't compete and they declaired bankrupcy in 1997. Geneva was then bought out by Chris and Joe Cannon but the restructuring of the company failed to mount a comback, and they finally closed their doors in 2001.

ltimatly, it was the globalization of the economy, that caused Genva to fail. And of course you have folks on both sides of another big debate reagarding this topic. But Utah County has recovered extremly well since the loss of Geneva. Unlike the East, in Detriot and Bethleham Pensylvania. In which Beethleham steel closed down for good the same year as Geneva-- Utah county's economy has basically completely replaced the former economic output by Geneva Steel with high tech jobs provided from Micron, Novell, e-bay and Intel.

In fact the recent ranking of top economic areas in the United States put Provo-Orem in number one in the entire nation.

Enter Timpanogos Harley-Davidson®. Built almost entirely of reclaimed steel from the Geneva Plant this dealership is truly amazing. The owner Dave Tuomisto and his partner General Manager Rick Story are banking that you'll want to cruise on by and check out some of utah's unique history, and maybe buy a shirt or a bike. For anyone interested in Geneva Steel or Harley-Davidson® this is the place to be. Tuomisto's family once worked at Geneva steel and he wanted to create a building that was a fitting tribute to the workers and plant that served the Provo-Orem area for over 50years.

Yet another reason why I'm glad I live in Utah. Work in Progress Story--Photos and more details coming soon.
Visit http://www.utahstories.com/harley_timpanogos.htm

Timpanogos Harley-Davidson® Where: 555 S. Geneva Road, Lindon
Hours: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Saturday 9a.m - 4 p.m.
Call ahead for winter hours.
Info: (801) 434-HOGS (4647), www.timpharley.com

Even if you don't own a motorcycle, or don't even like them, you might want to stop at the new Harley-Davidson dealership in Lindon and try a mini-sandwich at Marley's Gourmet Sliders. The restaurant is on the west side of the dealership, near where the large outdoor tables are. If you use the main entrance to the building, you'll wander through racks of motorcycle gifts and paraphernalia to get to the eats. Follow your nose.

With so many options it's hard not to love the delectable little sliders. Could be the perfect afternoon. Ride on in. Have a slider and some fries and talk about Harley-Davidson motorcycles

You'll also need to know that sliders are maybe three inches square, cost $2.50 each, and at Marley's they come in Beef, Chicken, Turkey or Coney Dog varieties. One is enough for a light lunch -- if you also have an order of fries and a cup of frozen custard -- and two should be enough to fill most people, especially with the fries. Extra-hungry people can purchase the three-slider combo meal or a Full Brick -- 12 sliders, no extras for $24.99.

But a word of warning about the combo meals. They come with one, two or three sliders, a drink and either fries or a side salad. If you order the fries, normally $1.49, you're paying 21 cents more than if you ordered all three items separately -- some math nerd who ate with us pointed this out. If you opt for the salad, normally $1.99, you save 29 cents. So if you're pinching pennies -- like most of us -- and happen to like fries, order them separately.

Once you've got the food, though, you'll be making plans to come back. The sandwiches are served on soft, buttery rolls that are far better than any hamburger bun we've had recently. We liked the beef and coney dog sliders best, and you can dress your sliders how you like with any of a dozen toppings -- some, like bacon and avocado, cost extra. We loved the grilled onions.

The fries are incredibly thin. You almost have to group four or five together to make a bite worth the effort. Tables are stocked with ketchup and fry sauce, which is nice. Marley's also serves chicken tenders and a couple of salads, and the best part about either of these is the honey dill dressing they are served with. It's sweet and slightly tangy and so good with the meat or on lettuce.

The alternative, a spicy buffalo sauce, is something of a cross between the familiar orange wing sauce and barbecue sauce.

For dessert, there's frozen custard, in strawberry or vanilla on the day we visited. Have a few bites of that while you ask the guy at the next table about his bike.

Marley's Gourmet Sliders Where: 553 N. Geneva Road, Lindon
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Prices: $1.49-$24.99
Info: 229-2469, www.marleys.com

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