Publishers – RJ & Aly
Email Editor
P.O. Box 1782, Midland, MI 48641-1782
RJ & Aly jumped at the opportunity in September of 2022 to purchase Thunder Roads Michigan Magazine with their own vision of what Michigan’s #1 Motorcycle Magazine could be. As both of them love to ride, be outdoors, and travel on two wheels as much as possible… It was a great fit!
RJ has a background in retail management and has been employed by a few different motorcycle dealerships in the state. His first street bike was a 1974 Honda CB450 that was sold to him by his step father for a penny when he was 17 years old. Over the years he says he has owned numerous metric makes and models and bought his first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 2014. Currently he is enjoying his 2020 Limited and so is Aly! She rides it just as much as he does! RJ is quick to tell you that he couldn’t be prouder of how well she can ride and handle a large bike just as good as most men, or better.
Aly has owned one metric bike over the years and can say that she has owned a few Harley’s along the way. There’s no longer a race to the garage between her and RJ for the Limited since she now has her dream bike to jump on whenever she wants. Now, it’s who will end up with the most miles at the end of the year?!
Ben Weirauch – aka “That Bearded Guy”
Account Representative
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Hello there, my name is Ben Weirauch aka “That Bearded Guy”. I have lived here in Michigan my whole life. I have been on two wheels for just about 15 years, my first bike was a 1988 Honda shadow 600 with a 4-speed transmission. Once I made it through my first riding season I upgraded to a 2004 Yamaha V-star 1100 that started my love of baggers. After a few years of riding, I upgraded to a 2006 Harley Electra Glide with some fun motor work. I am currently riding my “Yacht” as I call it which is a 2017 Harley Road Glide that has a beautiful Laguna Orange paintjob. I started riding motorcycle to have a way to connect again with my father. We have taken many road trips together that have allowed us to see a lot of the east coast and we have tamed the Tail of the Dragon together. My passion for riding has allowed me to see so much of the USA and our great state of Michigan.
My favorite time to ride is when I get to explore new places and try new food. I enjoy having my girlfriend or daughter riding with me. The quality time and relaxation with them is my happy place that allows us to create so many great memories. My hobbies in the summer consist of riding my motorcycle, fishing for walleye and perch, and taking photographs any chance, I get. When the riding season is over you will find me out ice fishing to keep the freezer full and to relax. I have had so much fun working with Thunder Roads® Michigan Magazine at all this year’s events and look forward to many more! I love to meet new people, and this opportunity allows me to interact with so many different people who all share a common interest. I have been enjoying being able to interact with the owners of some amazing bikes and take photos of everyone’s machines. Thunder Roads® Michigan has been working hard to be a part of so many cool events in the state and I am so happy I get to be a part of the team.
If you ever see me at an event or a ride, don’t be shy, come say Hi. I love to meet new people and see the smiles that come with them. I look forward to meeting everyone and hope you enjoy the content I contribute. Thank you and have a great day.
Sam Talbot
Account Representative
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Bio Coming Soon!
Eric Kruer -aka “Big E”
Account Representative
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Hey everyone! I’d like to introduce myself—I’m Eric “Big E” Kruer, the Host and Creator of The Mid Michigan Biker Podcast. And yes, I proudly admit it: I have a motorcycle addiction.
Motorcycles have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad rode, and naturally, he passed that passion on to me, even buying me my first street bike—a 1974 Honda CB 450. That bike was the start of an incredible journey. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of bikes. Life’s twists and turns (and the whole “responsible adult” thing) meant there were times when I couldn’t ride, and yes, there were even times I was bikeless—sad, I know.
Eventually, I hit the motorcycle jackpot with my ’09 Softail Deluxe. Two years later, I leveled up with a ’14 Ultra Classic, and I couldn’t be happier. Along the way, I’ve shared unforgettable adventures with my brothers and sisters of The Patriot Saints RC, a club I’m proud to have helped found.
Now, I’m thrilled to announce my next big adventure: joining Thunder Roads Magazine of Michigan! I’m beyond excited to help bring what I believe is the best motorcycle magazine in Michigan to the west side of the state. This is more than just a job for me—it’s a chance to connect with even more amazing people who share my passion for riding.
Who knows? You might even see a story or two of mine in the magazine! I can’t wait to meet all of you, hear your stories, and share mine along the way. If you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say hi—I’d love to meet you and talk about all thing’s motorcycle. Let’s make this next chapter an unforgettable ride together!
Big E
Host of Mid Michigan Biker Podcast
Chloe Monville – aka “Shawty” Account Representative
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Hey there! I’m Chloe Monville, aka Shawty. I am a passionate motorcycle enthusiast from Essexville, Michigan. I’ve been riding my Harley-Davidson Softail Slim since 2018. After working as a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach for seven years, I have decided to transition to a new role with Thunder Roads Michigan motorcycle magazine. This new pursuit will allow me to continue to focus on my main gig as the owner of Behind the Chair with Chloe, to socialize regularly, ride more often, and fully immerse myself in the riding community. I embrace the spirit of freedom and connection that motorcycling brings, living by the belief: “Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul.”
Rick Miller – Account Representative
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Hello, Thunder Roads Michigan readers!
Many of you will already recognize me from my other venture—I’m Rick Miller, one of the owners of Heavy Metal Jewelry, alongside my partner, Jody. We’ve enjoyed being a part of the Michigan motorcycle community for a long time, and when we aren’t working you can find her and I riding our motorcycles together!
While I’ve held a long list of job roles over the years, including many in sales, I am genuinely excited and thrilled to be part of the Thunder Roads Michigan Magazine team!
I’ve joined the magazine as an Account Representative, and I’ll primarily be covering the Lansing and surrounding territory, although my service isn’t limited to that area.
I look forward to meeting many of you out on the road. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any of your advertising campaign needs!
See you around! ~ Rick
Contributing writers:
ABATE – Merry “Rabbit” Garrett
Yeah, or Meh? – Eric “Big E” Kruer
Charlie Chaplain’s Corner, Dean “Charlie” Titus
Hot Rods Topics – “Hot Rod” Beaton
Letter From The Owner – RJ & Aly
Smoke N’ Gearz – John aka “Smoke”
Two Wheel Takeaways – RJ
Veterans Corner – Sharon K. Harvey aka “Red”
WANTED, ROCKSTAR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES!
Sales Experience Preferred
Positive Attitude a Must!
Contact: editor@thunderroadsmichigan.com