Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads

OWNER / EDITOR 1920 Centerville Turnpike, Suite 117-270

SALES: Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Office phone: (757) 831-2264
Kelly Werrell Email:kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com
Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.com

Thunder Roads Crew

SALES CREW ROAD CREW
For information about advertising in Thunder Roads
Mid-Atlantic, visit the Advertising page of our Webmaster
website www.thunderroads-virginia.com or contact William C. Frohmiller
any of our Sales Crew listed below. www.WCFStudios.com

Layout & Design

Warren Ells – Art Director Thunder Pub
Covering the Mid-Atlantic region, primarily the
Rod the Magificent – Ad Design
states of Virginia, DC & Maryland
On Eagles Wings
Melissa Ashcraft (757) 406-0171
Reverend Rock
melissa@thunderroads-virginia.com Preacher Rick
Pastor Tammy Hayes
William Day “Wild Bill” (804) 814-8498
Thunderroadswildbill@yahoo.com
Sound Check
William C. Frohmiller (757) 416-2410 Cathy & Chris
www.WCFStudios.com Laurie Schober
webmaster@thunderroads-virginia.com
Tech Tips
Kelly Werrell (757) 831-2264
kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com Aaron Johnson
thunderroadsaaron@yahoo.com

Writers/Photographers
Beth Albert
Bo Albert
Melissa Ashcraft
Special Thanks to: Warren Ells - our wonderfully Cathy Clare (BZgal)
talented layout guy who designs our pages &
Ricky Derby
puts all the pieces together for us each month,
Rod The Magnificent - for his killer ad designs William Frohmiller
& Bill of WCFStudios.com, our webmaster, who Cindy Mease
keeps our site rockin’ on the web. Also many Chris Rockhill (Tigger)
thanks to all of our readers, advertisers & those Dave Sutton
of you out there that spread the word or pass Kelly Werrell
a magazine to a friend who’s never heard of us
Tim Wilmoth
before - You ALL are what keeps the Thunder
rolling through the Mid-Atlantic! Wild Bill
 CONTENTS
Calendar Of Events............................................4
Proud To Be An American..............................8
Hot Shots..............................................................12
KISS.....................................................................15
Clubs & Organizations..................................23
The Joker’s Wild..............................................28
Biker Friendly Directory..............................32
NCOM News Bytes..........................................36
On Eagle’s Wings.............................................39
Advertisers Index..........................................40
NATIONAL FOUNDERS
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
1421 Chapmansboro Road
Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Corporate Office: 615-792-0040
Fax: 615-792-7580
e-mail: thunderroads@charter.net
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HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ER-
ROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS
SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LI-
ABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PER-
SON’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 PRO-
MOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hey folks – it’s unbelievable that we’re in the month of June now
… wow, the year is already half over. But then again, we’ve got
another half of a year just waiting to make history too. Besides all
of the events & rides on the calendar this month, June is the start of
the busy season of summer, with the official kick off on the 21st with
the Summer Solstice, which also happens to be Father’s Day for
all you big daddys. Parents will be starting to go nuts with their kids
out of school for the next few months. Weddings will be happening
everywhere to crown those traditional “June brides”. More bikers
“tie the knot” during events in June than any other month of the
year…huh, imagine that!
The summer riding months unfortunately are also notorious
for an increase in accidents & injuries to riders. Trying to keep
cool under the blazing sunshine & wearing next to nothing riding
your bike is not “cool” at all. I know it can be killer hot out there,
but you still need to protect yourself while on the road….drivers
& passengers as well. You don’t have to wear a leather jacket,
chaps & full gloves, but at least wear a good pair of jeans that will
entirely cover both legs, sturdy shoes that give complete coverage
& support of your feet & if possible, your angles….NO FLIP FLOPS
or SANDALS! Ladies, I know that those Capri pants are so comfy
riding in the wind but I know from experience that a deep pipe burn
on your leg can take weeks to heal, not to mention that you’ll have
to wear pants anyways to cover up how disgusting it looks. Not a
pretty sight for the guys to see. Last year, my best friend ragged
me about wearing those “shorty” pants & how unsafe it was while
I rode. Well, guess what??...he was right – I burnt the crap out of
my leg on my pipes when I put my foot down at a light. I heard the
singe of my skin (like eggs dropping into a hot pan) & then the pain
shot through…a big OUCH! I wound up having to keep pants on
for a few weeks afterward anyways. On the upper level for both
guys & girls, wear a vest. Gloves (full or fingerless) should be worn
by driver & passenger because if you do happen to go down, one
of the 1st natural bodily reactions (besides wanting to soil your
pants) is to put your hand out in the direction you’re falling. If you’re
heading to an event, you can always take things off once you get
there. Whatever you choose to wear while riding during these
beautiful months of summer, just try to be smart & dress safe.
I’ve gotta run for now because it’s time for me to get busy making
some history for this 2nd half of the year for 2009. It’s going to roll
by very quickly so be sure not to waste a minute of it! Thanks so
much for your wonderful support of our
Thunder Roads Mid-Atlantic – you all
are the reason we keep this magazine
rolling month after month. Here’s
wishing you lots of peace, love &
happiness in your lives always!
Ride safe & Happy Trails …..
Kelly
Happiness is not having what you want,
It’s wanting what you have

JUNE
Jun 1st – 6th Americade – Lake George, NY
www.tourexpo.com (Since 1983)
Jun 5th & 6th 5th
Annual Chickahominy Bike Classic – Lanexa,
VA Rockahock Campgrounds, 1428 Outpost Road,
Lanexa, VA 23089, (804)966-8362. And the tradition
continues….As with previous years, Rockahock’s 5th
Annual Chickahominy Bike Classic will showcase
some of the best upcoming and local talent on our
amphitheater stage. Come spend the weekend riding,
relaxing and enjoying great music, food, vendors and
games. Rockahock is excited to welcome back one
of 2008’s favorite performers Damon Smith www.
damonsmithmusic.com. This year’s lineup features up
and coming Nashville talent KingBilly www.KingBilly.
com, North Carolina rockers TOYZ www.toyzband.com
and one of America’s premiere southern rock bands,
Blackberry Smoke www.blackberrysmoke.com. Over
the last 12 months Blackberry Smoke has shared the
stage with ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shooter Jennings,
Cross Canadian Ragweed and countless others. The
band has recently finished recording their sophomore
effort “Little Piece Of Dixie” to be released in early
2009. Local favorite The Ray Pittman Project and
many more will keep the party going all weekend. Stay
tuned!!!!! Full entertainment schedule coming soon.
Tons of Bike Games throughout the weekend. Come
try your luck at some of the crowd favorites including
HONEY I’M HOME, SLOW RACE, BALLOON TOSS
& IN THE WIND RELAY!!!! Bike Show – Saturday
June 6, 2009 TIME-TBD ***REGISTRATION ON-
SITE*** Ticket Prices: Friday Only - $15.00. Saturday
Only - $20.00. Weekend - $30.00. Full hook-up RV
sites, primitive RV sites, tent camping, and Yurt &
Cottage rentals available. Call today to make your
reservation!!!! For more information visit www.
rockahock.com or call us at 804-966-8362.
Jun 5th – 7th
Southern Maryland Bikers for Christ Third Annual
Bikefest – Great Mills, MD June 5-7 2009. Benefit
Ride, Saturday June 6, 10:00 A.M., Registration $15.00 from BOSTON and Anthony Cosmo - songwriter &
per Bike Benefit is For “The Mission”, Great Mills Road, guitarist of BOSTON will be playing as well as 3 other
Great Mills, MD. 20619. Live Bands with Rocking
Music, Vendors Welcome, Open To the Public, Colors
Welcome, No Drugs, No Booze and No Attitudes,
Three Great Days In Beautiful Southern Maryland
More Information contact Gordon (preacher) bacon
240-577-0605 or Visit somdbfc.org For Event Details,
For more information contact Gordon Bacon (Preacher) event to sell out so please get your tickets beforehand.
240.577.0605
Jun 5th – 14th
Ohio Bike Week 2009! Ohio Bike Week will include
National Acts and over 100 FREE bands and
attractions! Antique bike displays, bike shows, poker
runs, AMA Dirt Track Racing, the All Harley Drag
Racing Assoc. - Screamin’ Eagle Ohio Bike Week
Nationals presented by the Northern Ohio Harley
Dealers, a Women Riders Symposium, Motorcycle
Demo Derby and the famous “Wall of Death” featuring old boy, Luke Sisson, who suffers from a rare disease
Rhett Rhotten! There will also be numerous activities
featured in the five county regions surrounding
the Sandusky area, including Port Clinton, Kelleys
Island, Toledo, Cleveland and Put-in-Bay! http://www.
ohiobikeweek.com/ 419-261-0935
Jun 6th & 7th
Rallyin’ the Valley 5 – Staunton, VA *Local & regional but we’ll be accepting donations for Luke. There will
live music *Lots of food & merchandise vendors *Fun
for the whole family! Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/
Buell, 213 Rolling Thunder Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, hundreds of dollars worth of Biker door prizes, free
540-213-RIDE. Visit www.shenandoahhd.com for
details
Jun 6th
“Outlanders Luau Biker Party” – Luray, VA
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 4
List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
Michelle Manhart, Playboy Centerfold, Bikini Dream
Team, Music by “340 South”, Charmed City Choppers,
Morning Poker Run, Vendors, Great food, Free
admission. Saturday, June 6, 2009, Noon to 5 p.m.
(Rain date is Sunday, June 7th). Visit www.outlanders.
ws for more info.
Jun 6th
MDA Poker Run – Yorktown, VA Hampton Roads
Harley Davidson, and the Hampton Roads Harley
Owners Group is proud to announce the ‘09 MDA
Poker Run! Start time is 8:30 AM, with the first bike
out at 9:00 AM and last bike out at 11:30 AM. Entry
fee is $10 per person with prizes for Best & Worst
Hands. There will also be an outdoor barbeque, live
entertainment presented by “Crazy X”, and a bike
show from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Entry fee for the bike
show is $10.00. Prizes awarded at 3:00 PM. For more
information call Karen Sanborn: 757-572-6939
Jun 6th
Sisters of Chrome Women’s MC First Maryland
Trauma Teddy Bear Run-Baltimore, MD Sisters of
Chrome Women’s Motorcycle Club (SOCWMC) is
sponsoring the First Maryland Trauma Teddy Bear
Run on June 6th. The event starts with a 20+ mile
police escorted motorcycle ride leaving the the Harley
Davidson Store, 8845 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore, MD at
12:00 noon and ending at Long Beach Restaurant and
Tavern on Bowley’s Quarters Road. All ride participants
will need to register on the day of the event between
10:30 and 11:30 at the HD Store and must bring a
NEW teddy bear to donate to the cause. SOCWMC
will also be selling Bears prior to the ride for those
requiring one. At the end of the ride, all bikes will have
secure parking at the Volunteer Fire Department lot
next door to the Long Beach Restaurant. Free Shuttle
busses are provided for car parking at St. Johns
Business park located on route 43. Middle River MD
21220. Please note that a TICKET is required to enter
the event at Long Beach and can be purchased for
$20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the gate. The gate
opens at 11:00 a.m. for those not participating in the
ride. We are excited that the lead singer, Fran Cosmo
live local bands throughout the day, plus vendors,
food, beer, refreshments. Thank you for supporting
this worthwhile cause and we look forward to seeing
you at the event. Please email me or call me if you are
interested in purchasing a ticket in advance for $20.00
or if you have additional questions. We expect this
Thank you! SOCWMC / Chaos, (443) 559-6305, email:
sistersofchrome@aol.com, www.sistersofchromemc.
com. For event flyer & more details visit http://www.
thunderroads-virginia.com/events.htm
Jun 7th
2nd Annual Josh Baughan Ride-In -Warsaw, VA
Rappahannock Church of Christ Bikers of Warsaw,
VA proudly present the 2nd Annual Josh Baughan
Ride-In. This years Ride-In will benefit a local 6 year
which makes every task in life a difficult challenge.
Luke has already had 7 surgeries and will need more
as he grows. 100% of the proceeds will go to the
Sisson family to help them deal with the mountain
of medical bills incurred. 1st Annual Ride-In we had
173 bikes, help us get 200 for Luke! No entry fees,
be a bike show with trophies (judged by our guest of
honor, juvenile brain cancer survivor Josh Baughan),
lunch for all motorcyclists, free commemorative
vest-pins for the 1st 100 bikes in each service, Biker-
themed church services and live music by the band
“One Day Remains.” Come for either service, 8:15 AM
or 10:45 AM. Identical trophies & door prizes in each
service. For more info. call Walker or Penny (804)333-
9659. Directions to the event and flyer with details on our
website: http://www.RCofC.org Rain date: June 14th
June 12th - 13th
South Central Bike Fair - Chase City, VA For more
info call 434-372-0092, email thethomases4@verizon.
net, www.southcentralbikefair.com
Jun 12th & 13th
South Central Bike Fair – Chase City, VA Bike
Show, Poker Run, Rodeo. Gates open 2pm Fri Jun
12th. PM Fri Cruz-in/Live Music from Brian Parks &
the Pick up Party Band. Sat: Poker Run, Children’s
Games,Bike Show, Rodeo Games, Tattoo Contest.
Live music Sat afternoon from Mammoth; Sat. night
from Gatorhead. For more info call (434) 372-
0092/210-0325, or email thethomases4@verizon.net.
www.southcentralbikefair.com
Jun 12th – 14th 4th Annual Iron Titans Rally/
Swap Meet Gates open Friday June 12th at 4:00pm
in Tazewell County,Va. at The Tazewell County Fair
Grounds. Refer to web-site for directions. www.
irontitans.com. A.T.V Rodeo, Ms. Iron Titans Pageant
Bike Games, Bike Show, Car/Truck Show, Food,
Beverages, Vendors, Tattoo’s, Music, Kids Bicycle
Rodeo, Poker Run. Saturday June 13th gates open
at 10:00am and Open Sunday June 14th at 9:00am.
$10.00 for Friday or Saturday, $15.00 for Whole
Weekend. Proceeds go to help The Shriner’s Hospital
in S.C. The 4th Annual Iron Titans Motorcycle Rally/
Swap Meet is seeking vendors and sponsors. If you
would like to be a part of this excellent endeavor
(proceeds go to the Shriners Hospital for Children)
contact Bill Stump at 276-988-6438 or email bikerbill@
irontitans.com or go to the rally web site at www.
irontitansmotorcyclerally.com.
Jun 13th
Old Dudes Poker Run Old Dudes MC 8th Annual
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Poker Run
Jun 13th
Ride for The Children – Portsmouth, VA American
Cruisers dice run for The Edmarc Hospice for Children.
50/50 raffle, door prizes, prizes for high score and
breakfast included. All proceeds goes to Edmarc. Sign
in at 9 am last bike out at 10:30 am . Roger Browns
316 High St. Portsmouth , Va. 23707.
Jun 13th
BEANFEST - Smithfield, VA Let’s get ready to
RUMBLE for Lt Kurt Beach Medical Fund June 13th-
Donations only! sign in @ 9:00 Ride leaves @ 10:30-
50/50 drawing-Meet Mr & Mrs. Beach in Smithfield, VA-
-Also catered dinner by Leon Nixon Catering Tickets
$15.00 must be purchased before June 11-serving time
@ 4 PM--also music by HONYTONK HIGHWAY 3 to
8 PM--Bring chairs or blankets--All profits benefit Kurt
Beach Medical Fund. Contact Butterbean @ 757-377-
7811, Cindy after 6PM @ 757-242-6710, Charlie @
757-617-8849 or Holly @ 757-676-3808
Jun 13th – 21st
Laconia –Laconia, NH www.laconiamcweek.com
(Since 1916)
Jun 14th Flag Day
Jun 17th – 20th
Virginia State HOG Rally – Roanoke, VA www.
vastatehogrally.com
Jun 20th
Father's Day Bike Show – Elizabeth City, NC Food,
Music, Bike Show. This is your weekend. Take a ride
in the country then show off your bike. Outer Banks
Harley-Davidson. Elizabeth City, NC /US 17 South.
www.outerbankshd.com 252-338-8866

Jun 20th
2nd Annual Deranged Few M/C Poker Run
– Richmond, VA Join the Jeff Davis Legion of
the Deranged Few M/C for a historic event to
commemorate the 147th anniversary of this great
adventure. Ride with us on the very route these brave
men rode. Show your rebel pride and confederate
loyalty by coming to the rally point at the Dugout
on Mountain Rd @ 10am on June 20th, 2009. The
ride ends at Bubba’s Restaurant, Willamsburg Rd
Richmond. There will be an enlistment fee of $15.00
to include food, fun and a band. For More Information
Contact Bob @ 804-329-9163 Jun 21st Father’s Day
Jun 21st
1st Day of Summer
Jun 21st
Father’s Day
Jun 21st
Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park - Surry, VA Gates open
9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are
FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies
& Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt
Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call
Joe Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date June 28th.
Jun 25th – 28th
Thunder in the Valley – Johnstown, PA www.
visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley (Since 1998)
Jun 28th
Shop w/a Cop Poker Run – Gloucester Point, VA
June 28th--Shop w/a Cop Poker Run (designed to
raise money for Christmas gifts for under privilege
Children.) Sponsored by District 2 Moose Riders. Sign
up starts @ 10:00 am and leaves out @ 11:00 am from
Cycle Works at Gloucester Point, Va. Traveling 96
miles through the country side and ending at Damon
& Co.in Gloucester, Va. with live music featuring “Bad
Ace.” $10.00 a hand. Any questions email Paula at
“camusements@cox.net
JULY
July 4th
Independence Day (Government offices closed Fri
7/3)
Jul 4th
Fireworks & MORE!!!! – Staunton, VA Shenandoah
Harley-Davidson/Buell, 213 Rolling Thunder Lane,
Staunton, VA 24401, 540-213-RIDE. Visit www.
shenandoahhd.com for details
July 9th – 11th
Delaware/Maryland State HOG Rally – Gaithersburg,
MD www.mddestatehogrally.com
July 12th – 1h
West Virginia State HOG Rally – Canaan Valley, WV
www.wvstatehogrally.com
July 15th
Ride To Work Day www.ridetowork.org (Since 1991)
Jul 17th – 19th
Carlisle Bike Fest – Carlisle PA www.carsatcarlisle.
com/ce/events/bikefest (Since 2002)
Jul 17th - 19th
Carlisle Bike Fest – Carlisle, PA Adult Admission:
Fri.- Sun. $8 /3-day Pass $15, Child Admission: under
12- FREE, Family Friendly Event, Motorcycles Park
Free on Grounds, 1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Carlisle, PA
17013. 717-243-7855. The Carlisle Bike Fest has been
crafted with all motorcyclists in mind. This weekend-
long event draws from the V-twin, chopper, foreign,
domestic and custom markets. The entertainment,
vendors and activities draw thousands of bikers to the
Fairgrounds for this show. Highlights: Manufacturers
List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
Midway featuring Kuryakin and Demo Rides from
Yamaha and Kawasaki. Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker
Makeover, Biker Billy, “Harley” the dog and much
more! Bands on Stage All-Weekend, Stunt shows,
Rat Rod Revival, and Carlisle Fighter Fest Motorcycle
Giveaways. www.carlisleevents.com
Jul 18th
2nd Annual Weekend Blast - Dirt Drags @ Slade’s
Park - Surry, VA July 18th & 19th. Live Band Saturday.
Saturday ATVs ONLY. Sunday MOTORCYCLES
ONLY. Double Elimination all weekend. Gates open
9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are
FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies
& Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt
Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call
Joe Brookman (804)221-3959.
Jun 25th
Mid-Atlantic M109 Rally - Staunton, VA Mid-Atlantic
m109 riders meet. Staunton,Va. Contact info at http://
www.m109riders.com. Search (mid atlantic meet)give
aways, prizes, planned routes
JULY
Jul 2nd – 5th
Freedom Bike Fest - Fayetteville, NC Freedom Bike
Fest-Bike Rally is held at The Dog House Bar & Grill
in Fayetteville, NC. 3049 Owen Dr. Fayetteville, NC.
* $10 - 1 Day Rally * $25 - 4 Day Rally. Gates open at
10 am on Thursday, July 2nd thru Sunday, July 5th.
Freedom Bike Fest has a 25-acre parking lot on site.
Parking is FREE. In the event of inclement weather the
show will not be interrupted. Tickets are sold on a “rain
or shine” basis, and no refunds will be given for delays
or cancellations due to bad weather. Call for Vendor
and Bike Rally Information: 843-267-3477. http://www.
freedombikefest.com/
Jul 11th
Poker Run for Women Supporting Women –
Fruitland, MD This is the 5th annual breast cancer
poker run for women supporting women. It is a 3 hr 80
mile ride through Wicomico Somerset and Worcester
Co. The fee is 20.00 per rider and 10.00 per
passenger. Registration time is 9-10:30 with last bike
out at 11:00. The ride starts and ends at redman tony
tank tribe#149 at 103 Clyde Ave., Fruitland MD. The
date is Sat July 11th. The prizes are 100.00, 75.00 and
50.00 dollars. Any questions please call 410 546 7880.
Jul 23rd – 2th
Motorcycle Mama’s Ride In - Maggie Valley, NC The
1st Annual Maggie Valley, NC Female Enthusiasts
Motorcycle Ride In! Host Hotel and location of
the event: Maggie Valley Inn and Conference
Center, 70 Soco Road, (Hwy 19) Maggie Valley,
NC. Registration includes Thursday night welcome
BBQ, Live Music, Fashion Show, Banquet, Vendors,
Maps with suggested Rides, Discount coupons for
local attractions, “Wheels Through Time Museum”
will be open in honor of our event. Register online
at http://www.mountaingoldproductions.com.
Registration cost: $35 early registration by May 15th.
$45 after May 15th. Gate pass only: $5 per day.
Organized by: Mountain Gold Productions. http://
www.mountaingoldproductions.com wendy@
mountaingoldproductions.com
AUGUST
Aug 1st
Miss Shenandoah Harley-Davidson & Last Band
Standing – Staunton, VA *Live pageant *Battle of the
bands *Lots of sales and fun promotions. Shenandoah
Harley-Davidson/Buell, 213 Rolling Thunder Lane,
Staunton, VA 24401, 540-213-RIDE. Visit www.
shenandoahhd.com for details
Aug 1st
3rd Annual Back to School Bash – Newport News,
VA The 3rd Annual Back to School Bash will be held on
Saturday, August 1st, at the Quaker Steak & Lube, 12832
Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA. Rain date is Sunday,
August 2nd. This year’s event is proudly sponsored by
Quaker Steak & Lube of Newport News, the Hampton
Roads Navy League, Wicked Sisters Café of Virginia
Beach, Dyno Tuned Performance of Chesapeake, Hop’s
Place of Hampton, Hooters of Hampton Roads, and Trophy
World, Inc. of Newport News. This year’s show is also an
official sanctioned event of the Chryslers Owners Group.
The event is free to the public, and is open to all makes,
models, and years of vehicles…including trucks and SUVs,
antique cars, exotic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, race cars,
tuner cars, motorcycles, etc. Registration is $20 for all cars,
trucks and SUVs, and $10 for all motorcycles. Registration
begins at 9:00 a.m. There will be “goody bags” and dash
plaques for the first 50 registered participants, food, music,
door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and vehicle displays…and don’t
forget the Pinup Angels and Hooters Girls! Awards will
be given the top two vehicles in each of the 43 classes…
as well as Best of Show and Best Club Participation
awards! For more information and details, please visit
www.hr-mopar.info, and click on the “Back to School Bash
2009” link or the “Back to School Bash” banner. All money
raised will go directly to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research
Hospital! Please mark this event on your personal and/
or club calendar as one of the events that you definitely
plan to attend this year, and help make this year’s event a
huge success as we help in the fight against catastrophic
childhood diseases.
Aug 3rd – 9th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, SD
www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com (Since 1938)
Aug 5th – 9th East Coast Sturgis – Little Orleans, MD
www.eastcoaststurgis.com (Since 2003)
Aug 14th - 16th
Motorcycle Rodeo XVI - Lanexa, VA 1st CAPITOL
CHAPTER, ABATE of VA. Includes Swap Meet
– Rendezvous - Bike and Car Show. Rockahock
Campground, 1428 Outpost Rd, Lanexa, VA. Email
rockahock@hughes.net. Motorcycle games etc. will take
place between noon and 9 PM Sat 15 Aug. $15 each or
$25 per couple - includes access and entrance to all events
Sat and Sun. Does not include the cost of camping. $10
per entry if only attending the Sunday bike and car show.
Food, soft drinks & water for sale Sat & Sun. http://www.1st-
capitol-abate.org
Aug 16th 2nd Annual Vetshouse, Inc. Poker Run
– Norfolk,VA 2nd Annual Vetshouse, Inc. Poker Run
- Norfolk, VA. - Sponsored by VFW Riders of Hampton
Roads & Knuckleheads Roadhouse - to support
VETSHOUSE, INC., a privately financed transitional
program giving a hand-up (not a hand-out) to homeless
vets in the Tidewater area. Fee: $15/Rider & $10/
Passanger - Register from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at VFW
Post 4809 - 5728 Bartee Street, Norfolk (Behind Lone Star
Steak House on Military Hwy. at Rt 264. Music - Food -
Best & Worst Hand Prizes - Live Auction. Come out and
support our homeless vets! For more info - call Bob Staicer
@ (757) 681-5765 - or Knuckleheads Roadhouse @ (757)
644-6220.
Aug 16th Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park – Surry, VA
Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing
are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies
& Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt
Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe
Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Aug. 23rd.
Aug 16th
4th Annual Rally for RAACE - A Charity Motorcycle Ride &
Family Fund Day Event – Harford County, MD Start: Jones
Junction - Bel Air, Maryland, 9:00 a.m. registration / 12:00
p.m start. Music & Entertainment, Raffles, Food & Drinks.
End: Chesapeake Harley-Davidson, Darlington, MD. 2:00
p.m. Post Party, Music & Entertainment by “Sir Psycho” &
“Flip Side”. Raffles, Food, Drinks & Many Vendors offering
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 5
 List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
a wide variety of products. Fees: $30 pp (children 12 &
under are free). Pre-register by August 3, 2009 & receive
a commemorative event t-shirt and complimentary
breakfast day of ride. All motorcycles are welcome! If you
need further information about The RAACE Foundation,
the 4th Annual Rally for RAACE, vendor or sponsor
opportunities, please visit our website at http://www.raace.
org, give us a call at 1-800-755-KIDS or e-mail us at
rally@raace.org. Wishing you many safe journeys! Vickie
- The RAACE Foundation
Aug 20th – 22nd
North Carolina State HOG Rally – Mt Airy, NC www.
ncstatehogrally.com
Aug 21st – 22nd
10th Annual Eastern Shore of VA’s Motorcycle Rally -
Parksley, VA Parksley,Virginia The 10th annual Virginia’s
Eastern Shore Rally will be held on Friday August 21st
and Saturday August 22nd. Gates will open at 4 pm on
Friday. This event will feature a bike show, biker games
for adults and kids, live bands, great food and drinks,
$10 bottomless beer mug.There will also be VCW Pro
Wrestling matches held on Saturday afternoon.Camping
with hot showers will be available on site. All bikes are
welcome.Vendor spots are still available. There is no
charge for vendors. This rally is sponsored by Parksley
Vol. Fire Co. and all proceeds benefit the fire company.
For more information please contact us at (757)709-
4655 or (757)665-6977. We can be reached by email at
pvfcrally@yahoo.com
Aug 21st – 22nd
Bayside BIG BASH – Portsmouth, VA National Band,
Vendors, Food, Over 100 Door Prizes, VIP Party. The end
of summer BIG Bash Party at Bayside Harley-Davidson,
Portsmouth, VA. www.baysidehd.com 757 397-5550
Aug 21st & 22nd
4th Annual Hawgs, Hosses & Hinies Roundup –
Lanexa, VA Rockahock Campgrounds, Inc., 1428 Outpost
Road, Lanexa, VA 23089, 804-966-8362. Three days of
live entertainment on our amphitheater stage situated
on the banks of the Chickahominy River. This year’s
entertainment lineup features the 2009 Triple Threat
Tour - Diamond Rio with special guest Little Texas and
Restless Heart. This is weekend you don’t want to miss!!!
Local favorites will keep the party going all weekend.
Enjoy great food and merchandise vendors, bike games,
bike show, and much more. Spend the weekend riding
and relaxing. At Rockahock you can have it all while you
get away from it all! Full hookup RV sites, primitive RV
sites, tent camping and Yurt & Cottage rentals available.
Call now to make your reservations!!!!! Ticket Prices:
Friday Only - $15.00. Saturday Only - $35.00. Weekend -
$45.00. For more information visit www.rockahock.com or
call us at 804-966-8362.
Aug 21st – 23rd 1st Annual Scooter Trash Mountain
Crawl Virginia Beach, VA Friday Evening Pre-Ride
Meet & Greet Party at Knuckleheads Roadhouse,401
N. Witchduck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA. 23462.Live
Entertainment, Dinner Buffet, Cold Beverages and Great
Friends. 7:00 PM til closing. Saturday morning ride leaves
Knuckleheads at 8:00AM. The scenic route will run
along US 460 to Petersburg, Lynchburg and Bedford,VA.
Continuing to Peaks of Otter up the The Blue Ridge
Parkway to Shenandoah Harley Davidson, Staunton, Va.
The ride will continue to Lexington, Va. to attend Hull’s
Drive-In for a Double Feature under the stars 50’s style.
We have negotiated an inclusive price of $25.00 pp
for Movie Voucher, Hull’s T-Shirt and Back Yard Picnic
Buffet. Along the route we will stop at pre-arranged pit
stops, places to eat and points of interest. Hotels have
been blocked in Virginia Beach, Va and Lexington, Va.
for your convenience. For information contact “Grizz”
at buckislanddecoys@aol.com or Herkman at hwm@
cox.net. Mailing address Mountain Crawl P.O. Box 60,
Montebello, Va. 24464
SEPTEMBER
Sept 4th – 6th 9th Annual Outer Banks Bike Show
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 6
– Grandy, NC Bike Show, Vendors, Bands, Great Food,
Cold Beer, Bike Games. This event benefits the Navy Seals
and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Your support will help
our military families and also help critically ill children. We
appreciate your continued help and support for this great
event - This is our 9th year! FREE vendor space - We are
asking that vendors make a tax deductible donation to the
Naval Special Warfare Foundation. For availability, call 252-
453-2261 (Restaurant) or Email: BarryOBX@compueasy.
com. Event location: Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, 169
Walnut Island Blvd., Grandy North Carolina 27939. Lodging
accommodations visit www.walnutisland.com. Camping is
available – email BarryOBX@compueasy.com. For more
info visit www.barrysbikerally.com
Sept 6th
6th Annual Pirate's Run – Elizabeth City, NC
$1000 to the Pirate with the key to the Treasure Chest. Live
Music, Food, Vendors, Tattoo Contest, Tons of Door Prizes.
Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Elizabeth City, NC. Benefits
Camp Celebrate-Camp for burn injured children. www.
outerbankshd.com 252-338-8866
Sept 7th
Labor Day
Sept 11th
Patriot Day
Sept 12th
Valley Thunder XVI – Staunton, VA *Premiere of 2010
line of motorcycles *Food & Beverage Vendors *Huge sales
throughout dealership. Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell,
213 Rolling Thunder Lane, Staunton, VA 24401, 540-213-
RIDE. Visit www.shenandoahhd.com for details
Sept 17 – 20
th th
DelMarVa Bike Week – Ocean City, MD www.
delmarvabikeweek.com (Since 2000)
Sept 19th
2nd Annual Fall Motor Show – Elizabeth City, NC Cars,
Trucks & Motorcycles-All models welcome. Food, Music,
Trophies. Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Elizabeth City, NC/
US 17 South.www.outerbankshd.com 252-338-8866
Sept 20th
3rd Annual Pony Run – Harbinger, NC Music, Food,
Vendors, Poker Run. To Benefit the Corolla Wild Horse
Fund. Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson, Harbinger, NC. www.
kittyhawkhd.com 252-491-2091
Sept 20th
Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park - Surry, VA Gates open 9
a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are FREE.
Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies & Cash-All
Classes. Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No
Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman
(804)221-3959. Rain date Sept. 27th.
Sept 22nd
1st Day of Fall
Sept 26th
Bikers for Babies-March of Dimes Ride – Portsmouth,
VA Live Music, Food, Ride Pin, Vendors. Bayside Harley-
Davidson, Portsmouth, VA. www.baysidehd.com 757
397-5550
Sept 26th
New Model Year Open House – Hughesville, MD Harley-
Davidson of Washington, DC will be celebrating the New
Model Year with an event-filled day. Food, entertainment,
sales, contests and a great time! 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft
Washington, MD 20744. www.hdwash.com, phone 301-
248-1200, 10am to 4pm.
Sept 30th – Oct 3rd
Myrtle Beach Bike Days – Myrtle Beach, SC www.
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
OCTOBER
Sept 30th – Oct 3rd
Myrtle Beach Bike Days – Myrtle Beach, SC www.
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
Oct 2nd – 4th
2nd Annual Outer Banks Bike Fest – Harbinger & Nags
Head, NC Bike Show, Poker Run, Guided Tours. Kitty
Hawk Harley-Davidson/Nags Head Harley-Davidson. www.
kittyhawkhd.com 252-491-2091
Oct 9th – 10th
Rumble Through The Tunnels-Fleet Ride – Portsmouth,
VA Largest Motorcycle Event to Honor our Troops.
Welcome Party, Live Music, Vendors, Miss Fleet Ride
Contest, Tattoo Contest. Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Give-
A-Way!! Bayside Harley-Davidson. Portsmouth, VA/I-264/
Exit 5. www.baysidehd.com 757 397-5550
Oct 15th – 18th
Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, FL
Oct 18th
Dirt Drags @ Slade’s Park - Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m.
Admission $15, kids under 10 not racing are FREE. Free
vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies & Cash-All Classes.
Top Fuel at it’s Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No
Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)221-
3959. Rain date Oct. 25th.
Oct 24th
Hope for the Valley – Staunton, VA Staunton VA, Gypsy
hill Park Bandstand-Music, Food, Vendors and fun for
the whole family. There will be a motorcycle ride and bike
show. All proceeds from this event will go to local non
profits. Starts at 9am goes till 10pm. For more information
or to be a vendor contact Chuck Hazy at 540-241-9852 or
chuckhazy@yahoo.com
Oct 25th
Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show - Driver/
Suffolk, VA. Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike
Show Sunday Oct. 25th 2009. Run Registration 9:30- 11:00
at Knuckleheads Roadhouse, 401 North Witchduck Rd,
VA. Beach and Bayside Harley Davidson, 2211 Frederick
Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA 23704. Parade of Bikes entering
Driver, VA at 1:00pm. Bike Show Registration in Driver at
4237 Driver Lane from 12 - 2pm. Classes: Ladies, Antique,
HD Touring, HD Softail, HD Rubbermount, HD Sportster,
Foreign,Chopper, Special Construction & Factory Custom.
Proceeds benefiting the Sherri Parker Memorial Fund, Inc.,
Driver Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Humane Society. Rain
date November 1, 2009. For info contact Holly Hoffler @
757-538-3944.
Oct 31st
Halloween Open House & Fashion Show – Ft
Washington, MD Great winter/fall fashions modeled by the
HOG Chapter, costume contest, candy for the kids, sales
and more! 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft Washington, MD 20744,
www.hdwash.com, 301-248-1200, 10am to 4pm
NOVEMBER
Nov 1st
Daylight Savings Time Ends – Fall back! Set your clocks
back 1 hour
Nov 11th
Veterans Day
Nov 26th
Happy Thanksgiving!
DECEMBER
Dec 12th
Christmas Open House & Pictures with Santa –
Hughesville, MD Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC.,
9407 Livingston Rd. Ft Washington, MD 20744, www.
hdwash.com, 301-248-1200, 10am to 4pm
Dec 21st
1st Day of Winter
Dec 25th
Merry Christmas!
 miles in with little distractions. Once we headed south into
1,000 Mile Ladies Ride Colorado, the clouds cleared and the sun popped out. The
temperature came up slightly making the ride a little more
by Robin Goforth enjoyable. Snow still rested on the sides of the roads in
Colorado Springs from the last week’s snow. The mountains
I’ve only been riding since topped with snow in the distance were an awesome sight
July of 2006, but I just love after we headed south of Pueblo. Evening was sneaking up
it. I used to be an office on us, but we got across the Raton Pass before complete
manager and my Harley darkness. Pulling in to Las Vegas, NM after dark for a well
was my stress reliever. needed rest stop,(tired had caught up with us all)we ended
Now, I work at a Harley- up staying there probably 45 minutes or so, drinking cokes
Davidson Store and don’t so and coffee and washing our faces with cold water. Then
much need a stress reliever back on the road for the last 150 miles. I think this was the
, so it is a source of fun and longest stretch of all.
relaxation, like it should Approaching Moriarity, NM , out of nowhere we saw what
be. Shortly after getting must have been a meteor or something bigger than a falling
my Harley, my brother told star. It was a huge round ball with a blue tail and red around
me about an Iron butt Run....The opportunity for us to ride the back of the ball. Kind of a “Congratulations you’ve made
one together hasn’t been available yet. However, I decided it,” sign. Pretty awesome. Pulling into a hotel at 2:30a.m.
I was going to do an Iron butt this year. I thought a ladies Central Time at 1,035 miles, to finalize the ride. We were
only ride, that we planned ourselves, would be way cool. So ready to be finished, but pumped that we had done it. Just a
that is what I set out to do. few ‘girls’! We are pretty proud of our accomplishment and
Goal: 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours. Step one: To find on Sportsters to boot (and a Honda SUV).
someone you feel can accomplish it with you. I asked Te- I would like to thank our husbands and our HOG group,
resa Pape if she would be interested in doing the ride with Becky and Jan, of course, and my friends at work for all of
me. She has been riding about the same amount of time their support and belief that we could do it.
as myself. She rode a smaller Honda for most of that time, We took an extra day and night in Madrid,NM ( Wild Hogs
then her husband surprised her with a Harley XL1200L movie site) before heading home , the extra 680-700+
Sportster last year. She said, “Yes!” miles.
Step two: Figure what would be the best and quickest
route to accomplish your goal. (After several changes; On search for the next challenge,
finally done) Robin Goforth
Step three: Practice. Teresa and I rode each week
together, each week further. We did a couple of 200 mile
rides, a couple 300 mile rides and a 500 mile ride. We didn’t
let rain, high winds, or wind gusts stop us. We figured it’s
just good practice.
Two good friends, Becky Harrington and Jan Gunter, vol-
unteered to go as our chase vehicle. Awesome!(I say that is
a sign of good friends; volunteering to ride for 1000+ miles,
for no gain of their own. Just for the experience and to help
us out.)
Becky just took possession of her new Lehman Trike a
HD XL1200C, Sportster recently, after riding behind her
husband for years. Jan has been riding her husband’s Heri-
tage until she, recently, purchased a Sportster. She felt it fit
her better. She had been riding passenger for years. The
only thing left to hope for now was good weather. (You don’t
always get everything, you hope for.)
We started out Saturday , April 25th,meeting at 4:30 am
at a gas station in Stillwater ,Oklahoma. We filled up our
tanks and hit the road just before 5:00a.m. Headed North
through Kansas; stopping just short of Salina to put rain
suits on. Dark grey clouds filled the sky and it felt like it
could just pour on us any second. Suddenly the tempera-
ture dropped. We were headed to Colorado. Stopping to fill
up with gas, scarf down a gatorade, or a power bar, about
every 120-150 miles, then hit the road again. We have a
deadline!
Kansas was good for a straight, flat road to get the
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 7
Proud To Be An American
The Hogs4Hokies 2nd Annual Memorial
Ride - Saturday, May 2, 2009
By Joe Walker

Manassas, VA - After a road prayer, we hit the road with

around 60-70 motorcycles, divided into groups of 12 or so,
so that we could make the trip without being a hindrance to
any of the other traveling public. Charlottesville, VA - Gaining
about 20-40 motorcycles, getting fuel or snacks, we staged
at Applebee’s. Under the lights of Red and Blue sparkling
off of the Harley Davidson Police Bikes, we were led on our journey
to Virginia Tech (VT). Staunton, VA – At Shenandoah Harley-Davidson,
we were joined by several more bikes. The great bunch at the dealer-
ship fed us fried chicken, mac & cheese, sweets, and drinks to wet our
whistle. Roanoke bound, we had 90-100 bikes. The route; outstanding.
The roads; great. The weather; we all knew that GOD is AWESOME! No
one of us got any more than a couple rain drops…just enough for us
to be aware that God is able. Daleville, VA - At Trinity Bike Shop, we got
some gas and snacks. The VT Motorcycle Club met us here, and they
brought student riders on all makes of bikes. We hit the road with 150-
160 motorcycles. After staging at VT, the VA Tech PD escorted us to the
Drill Field, giving us two laps around, before we took to the paved paths
directly onto the Field In a presentation with a check in the amount of
$14,690.00, we had a few speakers, Dr. Goff, Frank Salzano, and special
quest speaker, Dave McCain. Dave, the father of Lauren McCain, spoke,
giving thanks to all who were involved today. Dave was very expres-
sive, with emotions so moving, we can never express it to the extent,
and power that it had on everyone. An orange & maroon wreath placed
on the Memorial, along with 32 maroon and orange carnations placed
at the memorial stones, a symbol that we were here today.
Christiansburg, VA - New River Harley Davidson had things ready
to roll. The food, pork bbq, slaw, sweets, and drinks were great. The
Remnants were never better! The raffles were a big hit. All of the 50/50
went back to the 32 Victims Scholarship Fund. The auction items were
the climax to the day, especially a helmet, to be sized, and painted in
VT scene, was purchased and donated to Dave McCain in memory of
Lauren. Leaving New River Harley-Davidson, I thanked God, because I
felt God’s hand upon this day from start to finish. I know that everyone
involved was a blessing to the families of the victims, and to the entire
world. Not only was little ole Blacksburg, VA touched on April 16, 2007,
but the entire world took notice, asking for mercy and compassion
upon those effected on April 16, 2007.
Thanks to everyone involved!
We want to let the families of the victims that were lost know, and be
assured, that we will always remember them. To the living victims that
were injured, every one of you are in our thoughts and prayers with the
families of those lost. Our lives will be forever changed!
Visit www.hogs4hokies.org to make donations, or to contact the
founder of hogs4hokies.org.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 8

International Female Ride Day
Many thanks to all the cool lady riders from around the Mid-Atlantic who rode their bikes on Friday, May 1st, 2009 in sup-
port of International Female Ride Day. Ideas are already in the works for May in 2010, so keep your motors runnin’ ladies.
Stay safe on your roads & keep in touch!

Watch For Motorcycles Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen
more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris,
March 24, 2009 by Motorcycle Safety Foundation passing vehicles, and wind.
Ten things all car and truck drivers should know about
Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a
motorcycles
purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to
share the lane with them.
Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve
another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the
Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling,
motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and
thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to
trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers
turn them off after a turn or lane change.
don’t “recognize” a motorcycle - they ignore it (usually
unintentionally).
Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real. Maneuverability
is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily
at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t
hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked
expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the
by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences,
way.
bridges, etc).
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for
Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether
cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult.
you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections. Because
Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because
of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it
it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed.
When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the
When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or
motorcycle - see the person under the helmet, who could
out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it
be your friend, neighbor, or relative.
looks. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely
rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.
If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or
pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely
Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At
never forgive himself/herself.
intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without
visual warning.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 9

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 10
 Can You Hear Me?
Around 40 million Americans suffer from hearing loss;
10 million is because of Noise Induced Hearing Loss.
Hearing loss can also be caused by medication, natural
aging, cancer, etc. The human ear hears in hertz, we can
hear as low as 20 Hz, and as high as 20,000 Hz. This
wide range gives us the ability to enjoy many sounds of
life including music, different animal and bird noises, and
so on. Sounds are measured in Decibels (db), usually on
a Decibel Scale. Someone or something quietly crunch-
ing through the leaves is usually about 0db-5db. A normal
conversation with someone is around 60db. Any noise
level 80db-85db or above that we are subjected to for
extended periods of time, can cause Acoustic Trauma
to our ears which may result in permanent damage. For
example, listening to music at mid volume level produces
about 100db, this can cause permanent damage in 15
minutes. Studies have shown that riding a motorcycle at
varying speeds can produce 85db-120db. Most would
think that loud pipes would be the largest contributing
factor in theses dangerous levels, however, it is wind
turbulence. At these levels, and riding without ear protec-
tion, Acoustic Trauma and permanent damage can occur
in just a few short minutes. So, being that we love to
ride in the wind, hear the pipes and listen to our buddies
bikes around us, how do we prevent premature hear-
ing loss from doing something we love to do? It is very
simple, go to your nearest drug store and pick up some
inexpensive foam ear plugs. Also, you can get reusable
rubber ear plugs, which work as well, at a sporting goods
store. Whether you use the foam or the rubber, they will
cut the harmful decibel levels to 35db which can allow
you to ride basically worry free all day. I do admit that it
is just another thing we have to do before we can just get
on our machines and ride. However, I would like to be
able to hear my grandchildren ask me for a ride on my
bike someday. Ride safe, have fun, and God bless.

Kevin G. Charleville (Doc)

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 11

 If you’ve got some “Hot Shot” pictures you’d like to share with us, please send
them to kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com Pictures must be high resolution (300
dpi) in order to print clearly. All are welcome but please keep ‘em somewhat
clean so everyone can enjoy!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 12

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 13
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 14
“REAL DEAL” RELLENOS, WITH CREAM
& WALNUT SAUCE OVER TOP
Compliments of: Rachael Ray Show 05/05/09
8 Poblano Peppers
1/2 Cup Walnuts
2 Tbls. EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 & 1/2 Lbs. Ground Pork OR Beef
1 Onion; Large Chop
4 Garlic Cloves; Finely Chopped or Grated
2 Tbls. Tomato Paste
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 tsps. Cumin
2 tsps. Smoked Paprika
1/4 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Beef Stock
Salt & Ground Pepper to Taste
2 Cups Heavy Cream
2 tsps. Orange Zest
If you have a gas stove, char the poblanos on a long fork
over open flame until the skin is black all over. If you don’t
have a gas stove, pre-heat your broiler, place the poblanos
on a baking sheet & char under the broiler, flipping them
halfway through (about 3 mins. per side). Place the pep-
pers in a bowl & seal the top with plastic wrap. Set aside.
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet, toast the
walnuts until golden brown; apprx. 5 mins. When toasted,
put in a food processor or in a zip-lock back, (stick w/ a pin
to allow air pressure to release) and roll over & over it w/ a
rolling pin or heavy tumbler. Set aside.
While your walnuts are toasting though, place a large skil-
let over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO.
Add pork (or beef) and cook until tender. Add in tomato
paste, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, raisins, beef
stock, salt & pepper, & cook for about a minute to reduce a
little & gain flavor. In a small sauce pot over medium heat,
combine the ground toasted walnuts, heavy cream, orange
zest, salt & pepper. Let that come to a bubble & thicken,
about 5 mins. Keep your eye on it to make sure it doesn’t
boil over. Once it heats up good you’ll need to adjust heat
down a little. While the cream is cooking down & thicken-
ing, peel all the blackened/charred outer skin off of the pob-
lanos & remove the seeds by cutting a lengthwise slit in
each pepper. Get all the seeds out. Fill the poblanos with
the meat filling; pack em’ up full and high. Lay them out
on a serving platter. Top generously with thickened walnut
cream and put remainder of sauce in a gravy boat for
extra servings. This reads wayyyy more complicated than
it actually is to make this phenomenally tasting dish. And
this creamy walnut sauce is the perfect cherry on top!
APPLE CINNAMON CRESCENT ROLL-UPS
Courtesy of: Debbie Jackson, Ashland City, TN
1 Bag of Pre-Cored & Sliced Granny Smith & Red Deli-
cious Combo Pak (over in refrigerated fruit section of any
grocery store)
Melt down in small saucepan;
1 Cup Orange Juice
1 Cup Sugar
1 Stick of Real Butter
After butter melts down, gently stir in 1 tsp. of
real Vanilla.
Take one tube of Crescent Rolls and section of into the
pre-perforated triangles. Take your pre-sliced apples
and cut off the rind of all. Fit as many apples as you can
on each Crescent Roll triangle (about 3 or 4) gently roll
up from big end to triangle tip. Now, sprinkle cinnamon
generously all over the top of each roll-up, then pour your
saucepan mixture of o.j., sugar & butter all over your roll-
ups. Sprinkle more cinnamon if desired. Cover tightly with
foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Serve
hot, right out of the oven, with quality slow-churned vanilla
ice-cream. These’ll hurt you, only good.
SIMPLE-EASY DRESSING FOR CHICKEN,
FISH OR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!
4 Tbls. Orange Marmalade
2 Tbls. Grey Poupon’ Dijon Mustard
Lemon Juice of One Real Lemon
1 Cup of EVOO
Mix thoroughly & pour, baby pour......( slurp!)
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 15
 Painting 101
Step #9: Spraying
Graphics - Make sure
all areas are covered

with Jason Sprengel where you do not

want graphics. Any
color can be used
What’s up! Here we are again for part two of our Painting 101.
Hopefully you enjoyed the first part and learned a couple things in the for graphics. You
process. Now that we have covered what it takes to get the colors laid can use any color
down, we are ready for the fun stuff! We will be covering the graphics for the graphics that
in this issue and finishing the job. This is where all the creativity and you may desire,
personalization comes into play. The possibilities for a custom job here we are using
are endless, it is only limited to your imagination. I realize that not
everyone is going to have the ability to do the complete paintjob, but black. You will want
you will be able to lay down the base colors and have someone else to use a basecoat because the whole project is going to be re-cleared
do the artwork for you if you choose. This is where you are going to eventually. Spray the graphic color light and easy to make for a little
be able to get a very nice custom job for not a whole lot of money. By less of a paint line in the end. Keep nice even coats until the base
having the colors down and prep work done, you should be able to color is completely covered. Once even coverage is achieved pull all
come to myself or any custom shop and have some nice artwork done
for a few hundred bucks and be ready to roll! This will give you the the tape off the panels to reveal the base color. More than one layer
freedom to have a base color down and do any graphics you may want can be sprayed into the graphics as well. When all the graphics are
and still have a professional stripe job or a bit of airbrushing into it and done and colors are how you want them to look we will lock the colors
not have a small fortune in the bike!  Feel free to contact me with any down with a clear basecoat to get ready for pinstriping or regular clear
questions or ideas you may have with your project.  Check out the site coat if the job is done.
at www.sikpaint.com or call (618)559-7800.
  
Step #7: Scuff Step #10: Outlining
and Clean - We Graphics - On this
left off last month project we are
with all the base outlining the scallops
color, candy color,
and clear already with an off white
sprayed. As pinstripe. We are
mentioned before, laying all the stripes
the job can be left by hand with a long
a solid color or hair pinstriping
add more layers
of graphics or any brush. Sometimes
other ideas you may you can do this on
desire. Here we are your own by laying
scuffing the clear an outline with fine
so we can add scallops and pinstriping over our candy gold. Once the line tape and painting
clear is plenty dry we are going to wet sand the job with 1000 grit paper
and scuff the edges with a Scotch-Brite pad. Make sure again that the it on but this takes
surface is dry and clean. After it is sanded and scuffed, wipe the area hours of practice.
down with a damp paper towel and clean water. Once the job is to
this stage you can
Step #8: Layout usually take it to your
Design - This is
where the job really local pinstriper or
gets fun! I’m sure custom shop to have
by now you are it striped and then you can re-clear the panels yourself. By having
tired of sanding and someone do the pinstriping for you it will save you time and will give
scuffing and all the you a more professional look without spending a bunch of money.
boring stuff. We are
going to be putting Pinstriping will also cover up any mistakes that may have been made
a simple scallop while laying out the design.
design on the tank
and a stripe on Step #11: Freehand
the rear fender. I Pinstriping - This
am laying out the
design with fine line 3M tape. Using the fine line will allow you to bend is an art in itself.
tight curves and get an idea of where you want the graphics. Any I’m not going to go
design or style can be used here whether its flames, scallops, stripes, into how to learn to
or two-tones. Personalization is the key here because everyone is pinstripe or we would
going to have a different idea in mind for their bike. Once you have the be here forever!
design you want, start covering the area you do NOT want painted with
masking tape. Simply cover the areas that you want to stay the same Here again, you as
color because spraying the graphics will completely cover up the base the painter can take
color. it to a pinstriper or
custom shop to have
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 16
any artwork laid out on the bike and you will not be spending as much of the job and seal everything in. The same rules apply as what
money as having the whole bike painted. On this bike we are doing a we used to clear the bike before. Wipe any contaminants off with a
little bit of pinstriping on top of the tank and doing a big piece on each damp paper towel very carefully and allow a couple minutes to dry.
fender. I am laying down the off white first to match the outline color I usually do 3 coats of clear but use your judgment and follow the
we have been using and then I am accenting it with a tan color that manufactures specifications. When the clear has dried you are free
is close to the off white. Using 2 colors in the pinstriping makes for a to buff it, polish it, and put it back on the bike. Now you have a whole
more dramatic look and gives it some dimension. Again, any custom new look for the bike and are ready to hit the road again. Hopefully this
shop including myself will be more than happy to do the artwork or has helped solve some of your questions and you are now a bit more
striping for you for a reasonable price so that you can have a nice job in knowledgeable about what it takes to paint a bike.  Remember to have
the end without spending a ton of money for the whole job to be done. fun with it and the possibilities are endless!
Just call the shop ahead of time to see how they prefer you to bring the
bike to them.
 
Step #12: Final
Clear - When
you have all
the colors and
graphics to your
liking it is time to
clear everything
in. Nothing
more has to be
scuffed before
clear as long as
you are within
a time window
that allows the clear to adhere well enough. This window is usually
18 to 24 hours. It is important to clear the job within this time in order
for everything to adhere properly. This is going to be the final layer

FOR SALE
One of a Kind Customized 1995 Harley-Davidson
Sportster 1200
* Custom Paint – Black Gloss w/Gold flake flames by House of
Color (w/accent crosses)
* 2” Over Springer Front End
* 46 Degree Rake
* 80 Twisted Spoke Rims
* 21” Front wheel
* 16” Back Wheel
* Venom White Wall Tires
* Custom Rear Service fender
* Insomniac Drag Pipes
* 12” Ape Hangers
* Tank was custom fabricated to accommodate the Springer Front End
* After Market Forward Controls
* Replaced Primary Cover
* Custom seat re-fabricated stock Badlanders seat
* Chrome Oil Tank

If you like going to bike shows, this beauty has taken a trophy at
every one that she’s been to. She caught the eyes of American Iron
Magazine at one of those shows & was featured in their December
2008 issue with a 6 page spread. With her old school style & plenty
of HP, she’s a sweet ride to hit the road with too.
Best offer takes her home. If you’re interested & would like more
details, email thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 17

 divided by two, multiply by 16.387, then add your volume

Tech Tips
of your cylinder, now divide the sum by the net combustion
chamber value. Confused? Take a look at figure 1 and see
if it helps explain the process. When figuring all of this you
also need have the head and base gaskets considered in
Harley Hop-Up by Kirby Apathy the measurements. We also have a computer program that
This month will tell us the running of a motor, we can figure this for you
we will go over once we have the cylinder head volume and the cam specs.
compression and In our opinion, a good street ridden hot rod motor should
compression have at least 10.25-1 to 10.5-1 while a bagger or long
ratios; these are distance rider should be kept to 9.5-10.25-1. A Street terror
without a doubt can get as high as 12-1. My street softail is running 11.75-1
some of the most and turns 10.90’s in ¼ mile.
important things With the higher compression motors you must watch out
when attempting for certain problems, most importantly being detonation.
to put together a Detonation is when the cylinder is firing off very hot spots in
good high horse- the combustion chamber rather than off the spark plug. This
power motor. can be heard as a “dinging sound” on acceleration or under
There are things that will determine your compression ratio a load, the problem here is on a lot of high performance
as well as many things that get determined by it. bikes and drag bikes is they are too loud to hear the deto-
First, lets discuss what compression ratio is. Compres- nation and must be found in other ways. On our pro gas
sion is the amount the air/fuel ratio is compressed. The bike, we actually had a shop give us the wrong octane gas
more the air/fuel/ is compressed, the higher the pressure and it detonated the porcelain right out of the plugs.
in the cylinder, thus making more power. The compression On our drag bikes (gas and nitro) we look at the porcelain
ratio is determining of the high and low pressure any given on the electrode of the spark plug, if we notice little black
motor has. spots we know we have detonation (this is actually pieces
When getting ready to hop up your motor, or build one of the piston). When detonation occurs, you must either use
from scratch, you should make your compression ratio a a fuel additive, higher-octane fuel, or retard the timing, in
big factor. Decide what kind of riding you are going to be some cases all of the above.
doing; a very high compression motor (with the right cam) In most cases the way to raise compression is to install
can turn your touring bike into a stoplight-to-stoplight racer. higher come pistons, the higher the dome (or taking up
Or with the wrong cam it may not even start, or even worse. space in the combustion chamber) the higher the compres-
The higher the compression, the hotter the engine runs, the sion. Another way to increase compression is to mill the
more the need for high octane, less need for ignition timing gasket surface. This is common when wanting just a small
and harder on generally harder on all engine parts. increase in compression; it is also the easiest and cheapest
When we build a street motor we try to stay under 10.5- option. On Shovelheads and Iron Sportsers, the domes on
1, when building light-to-light fire breathers, we run 11.5-1. high compression pistons are so high it is recommended to
Your cam choice directly affects your compression ratio so dual plug the heads. Real high domes slow the flame path
choose your cam in relation to your desired ratio. Cams are and require more ignition timing. By putting another plug
measured in crankshaft degrees and how long the valve is on the opposite side of the head helps speed burn. Even
off the seat. The longer the valve is off the seat, the more though some aftermarket Evo’s and Twin Cams come dial
fuel/air can be forced into the cylinder, however, longer plugged, it is not as necessary as with the early heads.
duration lowers cylinder pressure and requires a higher Ideally you would want a flat piston with a shallow com-
compression ratio to bring the pressure up. Stock duration bustion chamber, which is rather hard, with a Harley head
is around 210-230 and is good for compression ratio around configuration.
8.5-1 to 9.0-1. Cams with around 245-255 would be good So remember, high compression produces more cylinder
for compression ratios of 9.5-1 to 10.5-1. Durations of 260 pressure which makes more horsepower, requires less igni-
and above are for serious high compression ratios. tion advance, requires higher octane gas and takes away
The easiest way to find the compression ratio on any from the longevity of the motor. But if power is what you are
given motor is to “cc” the head and cylinder; this can be looking for, it won’t happen without higher compression.
done with the motor together or apart. You will need a If you have any questions about this article or any of our
100cc burette; this is a measuring tube that gets filled with others, feel free to call me at (821) 876-0155 or email us at
a liquid for measuring how many cc’s your head (combus- veetwin@bluemarble.net
tion chamber) holds. If the head is off the bike, you just turn
it upside down and fill it with liquid from the burette, writing SEE YA AT THE RACES!
down how much it held in cc’s. If the motor is together, tilt it Kirby Apathy
so the spark plug hole is level, bring that cylinder up to TDC
(top dead center) then fill it the same way. Now you need
the swept volume of 1 cylinder, this is your displacement

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 18

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 19
 Independence
Day

www.thunderroads-virginia.com
 Hot Plate

DEADLINE!

PLACING AN AD WITH US?

LISTING YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR?
DON’T FORGET THAT OUR DEADLINE IS THE
15th OF EVERY MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING
MONTH’S ISSUE…DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 22

 kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com

ABATE of Virginia
welcomes all riders to join in the fight to protect your rights. No matter what you
ride, we want YOU! For more information contact Sharon Keaton at 540-937-3924
or CulpeperSharon@Gmail.com. Stay on top of the latest ABATE news and events
by visiting www.ABATEofVA.com.
ABATE Coalfield Riders Chapter ( Grundy , VA ) meets 7PM every
2nd Saturday at Caleb & Melissa's garage, Deel Fork, Grundy , VA 24614-9600 .
Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Steve Stacy at 276-935-2484 or
SStacy@eqt.com
ABATE Culpeper Chapter ( Culpeper , VA )
meets 7PM every 2nd Thursday at Hazel River Pub, 105 E Davis St, Culpeper , VA
22701. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tim Dalman at 540-219-
6366 or TimDalman@comcast.net
ABATE 1st Capitol Chapter ( Williamsburg , VA ) meets 9AM every
1st Sunday at Beachcomber's Restaurant, 8811 George Washington Memorial
Hwy, Yorktown , VA 23692. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact
Gene Spare at 757-903-6541 or JESpare@verizon.net
Christian Motorcyclist Association Northern Virginia Chapter 348 www.
nvcrcma.com NVCR meets 3rd Sat each month @ Old Country Buffet in Manassas
@ 9:00 am, President – Rick Saunders, nvcrmail@msn.com Richmond, Va.
23230. Mike Walton, President (804) 514-9123 meetings come out and ride with
us anyway. It’s not about the meetings. For more information on meetings or rides
please contact our chapter president, Mark Johnson, at president@star440.org or
go the www.star440.org
Moose Riders District 8
Meetings 1st Monday of Month. Contact Bubba @ 804-691-7671. Email:
kimandbubba1@verizon.net or Jeff @ 804-892-3346 Email: hawgdawgrose@
wmconnect.com
TAMA – Tidewater Albemarle Motorcycle Association. ALL clubs or any
organization that hosts rides/events are welcome to attend. Come out & meet
some good people from all around the area. We’re all working together so that
each one our rides/events can be scheduled not to conflict with others & then
we can all have a successful turnout. Our meetings are held @ 7PM on the 3rd
Thursday of every month (except December) at the Golden Corral, on the corner of
Volvo Pkwy & Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA. www.tamaevents.com

ABATE Iron Horse Calvary Chapter ( Lynchburg , VA) meets 7PM every Virginia Freedom Riders - Riders Against Constitutional Erosion (VFR-
1st Tuesday at Mary Jane's Café, 826 Kemper St, Lynchburg , VA 24502-3250. R.A.C.E.) exists as a grassroots State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO)
Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tronco at 434-993-3197 or dedicated to protecting and restoring motorcyclists personal freedoms, liberties and
EvoTronco1@wmconnect.com individual rights. email: membership@vfr-race.com. Website:vfr-race.com

ABATE Lonesome Pine Chapter (Wise, VA)

meets 6:30PM every 1st Tuesday at Mosby's Restaurant, 205 Ridgeview Rd, Wise
, VA 24293. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Shag Mead at 276-
565-4541 or ShageDawg@hotmail.com

ABATE Mason-Dixon Chapter ( Fairfax , VA )

meets 8PM every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at John's Place, 11104 Lee Hwy, Fairfax ,
VA 22030-5005. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Bob Seoane at
703-206-0571or NightTommy2@yahoo.com

ABATE Olde Dominion Chapter ( Falls Church , VA )

meets 8PM every 1st Monday at JVs Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church
, VA 22042-2145. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tank Fortner at
703-309-7197 or KeviRF80@aol.com

ABATE River City Chapter ( Richmond , VA )

'No meetings, just action!' For more information contact Steve Skeens at 804-389-
8293 or HawgSke@msn.com

ABATE Virginia Cruisers Chapter ( Hampton , VA )

meets 1PM every 1st Sunday at Mugzy's Grill, 1312 E. Pembroke Ave, Hampton,
VA. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Pete Bulgart at 757-870-
1517 or John at abateregion3@yahoo.com.

Beacons/Christian Motorcycle Association - Meetings: 2nd Monday of each

month, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Military Hwy, 6-8 PM. Monthly ride: 4th Saturday of
each month, depart from Shoney’s on Indian River Rd. Check our website for ride
times and more information: http://cmaner5.org/VA/BEACONSOFTIDEWATER or
contact President Lenny Stowell at (757) 420-4411 or lenandtwogirls@yahoo.com

Bikers with Heart Foundation, Inc.

501 ©3 Non-Profit Organization, National Fallen Biker Memorial Weekend, P.O.
Box 291 Bryantown, MD 20617, Office: (301) 893-2900 Email: founder@
mlkm5project.com. Website: www.mlkm5project.com. Motto: We Ride Because
We Care
Biker Pals
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 23
The New Myrtle Beach Bike
Week May 2009
by Becky Lawson Ultra Classic with a 2009 Roadsmith trike addition.  So the ride down was
  smooth sailing.  Along with my husband (Jerry) and me (Becky), were four
What a difference a year makes.  The friends (Tony, Marion, Clint, and Sherie) each on their own Harley bikes.
City of Myrtle Beach (MB) blew millions of We started in Ocean City, Maryland, early Friday morning on May 8 on a
dollars away into the ocean.  The bikers clear day.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was exciting and fun.  We
that did come, spent their money outside picked up Route 17, and made it down to New Bern Harley-Davidson (H-D)
of the city limits, leaving the City of MB shop by late afternoon.  The New Bern HD Shop welcomed us.  Then onto
a ghost town. No vendors were set up the hotel for a good night sleep.
within the MB City limits which included Early the next morning, we left New Bern and rode as far as downtown
Broadway.  The stores cash registers Maysville (between New Bern and Jacksonville) when Clint pulled over
were empty, and the city missed out on his Harley knowing something was not working properly.  Seconds later,
all the tax money.  it would not start again.  So what do they tell you to do??  Call the reliable
 The adventure begins….The bike ride HOG 24/7 hot line.  Just when you call, it better not be an emergency,
I took that was 1,800 miles in14 days because no one answered the phone.
on the back of my hubby’s bike.  My Next call to the Jacksonville H-D.  The store staff said they were too
husband just outfitted his 2006 Harley busy to help out, and bye.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 26

 Next call was to that friendly New Bern H-D shop we stopped at the night
before.  Well, they came to the rescue.  The Service Manager arrived with the tow
truck and did a quick evaluation.  He loaded up the bike, and he said his mechanic
was waiting for the bike to arrive at the shop.  So one couple went to the New Bern
H-D Shop, one bike in tow, and the other bike following behind the tow truck. 
The rest of us headed towards Jacksonville, NC, and waited until we heard from
the other couple.  New Bern did narrow the problem down to a faulty stator.  The
shop fixed the bike within a few hours.  The first group hearing the great news that
the shop could fix the bike went on to MB.  The other couple arrived a few hours
later.
We arrived at the North MB H-D store to find it rather quiet.  Not too many bikes.
Most of the action was in Murrells Inlet.  That stretch of road was filled with
bikes, and it felt like Bike Week. 
We visited four H-D Stores - North MB, Main MB, Lower County Charlestown,
and the new Beach House in Shallotte (just 20 miles north of MB).  Also stopped
by Barefoot Landing and MB Mall (the old Colonial Mall).   With one fourth the
vendors, it was sad.
My husband and I avoided Route 17 Business and 17 Bypass.  Instead we went
around on Route 31 which seemed faster because you did not get all the lights.
Even though I did not go into the City of MB, the other couples did take their
bikes into the city limits said it was quiet and empty.  Most of the bikers I talked to
refused to spend any money in town.
We took three day trips.  One day all of us rode down to Charlestown.  Another
day riding around Calabash and then over to HB Spokes.  And another day riding
to Southport and taking the ferry over to Fort Fisher for lunch.
After a week, two of the couples headed home, and we headed off to Sumter,
SC, to visit family.
And on the ride home, we rode to Florence, SC.  Then we picked up Route 76
to Wilmington, NC.  Then back home via the beautiful Route 17 and Chesapeake
Bay Bridge Tunnel.  And 1,800 miles and 14 days later, back home.   Overall, great
bike ride. 
 As for Myrtle Beach, I live in a resort area where we have the Delmarva Bike
Week, Hot Rod Week, Senior Week, Fire Convention Week, etc, etc.  For the
inconvenience of having large groups visit our town, we have lower taxes, great
roads, great restaurants, and most of the year we are alone without the tourist. You
know this when you live in a tourist area.  You really cannot promote yourself as a
tourist area and not expect anyone to come.
I am just very disappointed in Myrtle Beach.  The city leaders and county better
be careful. The area may lose all the millions of dollars that go along with holding
annual Bike Weeks.  And what will happen to Myrtle Beach?  Only time will tell…..

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 27

 The Italian says, “When I’ve a finished a makina da love withah my
wife, I go down and gently tickle the back of her knees, she floats 6
inches above a da bed in the ecstacy.” The Frenchman replies.”Zat
is nothing, when Ah’ve finished making ze love with ze wife, Ah
kiss all ze way down her body, and zen Ah lickza soles of her feet
wiz mah tongue, and she floats 12 inches above ze bed in the pur-
est of all ecstacy. The redneck says, “That aint didley-squat’. When
I’ve finished porkin’ the ole’ lady, I git out of bed, walk over to the
winder and wipe my weener on the curtains. She hits the freakin’
ceilin’ every single time!
A husband and wife are sitting quietly in bed reading
when the Wife looks over at him and asks the question.
WIFE: ‘What would you do if I died? Would you get
married Again?’
HUSBAND: ‘Definitely not!’
WIFE: ‘Why not? Don’t you like being married?’
HUSBAND : ‘Of course I do.’
WIFE: ‘Then why wouldn’t you remarry?’
HUSBAND: ‘Okay, okay, I’d get married again.’
WIFE: ‘You would?’ (with a hurt look)
HUSBAND: (makes audible groan)
WIFE: ‘Would you live in our house?’
HUSBAND: ‘Sure, it’s a great house.’
WIFE: ‘Would you sleep with her in our bed?’
HUSBAND: ‘Where else would we sleep?’
WIFE: ‘Would you let her drive my car?’
HUSBAND: ‘Probably, it is almost new.’
W IFE: ‘Would you replace my pictures with hers?’
HUSBAND: ‘That would seem like the proper thing to do.’
WIFE: ‘Would you give her my jewelry?’
HUSBAND: ‘No, I’m sure she’d want her own.’
WIFE: ‘Would you take her golfing with you?
HUSBAND: ‘Yes, those are always good times.’
WIFE: ‘Would she use my clubs?
HUSBAND: ‘No, she’s left-handed.’
WIFE: -- silence --
HUSBAND: ‘Oh, crap.’
A precious little girl walks into a pet shop and asks, in the sweetest
little lisp, between two missing teeth, “Excuthe me, mithter, do you
keep widdle wabbits?”
As the shopkeeper’s heart melts, he gets down on his knees so
that he’s on her level and asks,
“Do you want a widdle white wabbit, or a thoft and fuwwy bwack
wabbit,or maybe one like that cute widdle bwown wabbit over
there?”
She, in turn, blushes, rocks on her heels, puts her hands on her
knees, leans forward and says, in a tiny quiet voice,
“I don’t think my python weally gives a thit.”
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 28
A five year old boy and his grandpa are sitting on the front porch
together when gramps pulls a beer out of his cooler.
The little boy asks: ‘Can I have a beer Grandpa?’
Grandpa replies: ‘Can your pecker touch your ass?’
The little boy answered: ‘No Grandpa. It’s just a little pecker’.
Gramps says: ‘Well then, you’re not man enough to have a beer’.
A little later Grandpa lights up a cigar.
The little boy asks: ‘Can I have a cigar Grandpa?’
Once again, Grandpa asks: ‘Can your pecker touch your ass?’
Once again the little boy replies, ‘No, it’s too little’.
Gramps replies, ‘Then you’re not man enough to have a cigar’.
A little later the little boy comes out of the house with milk and
some cookies.
Grandpa asks, ‘Hey there young feller, can I have a cookie?’
The boy asks, ‘Can your pecker touch your ass?’
Gramps replies, ‘Hell yes, my pecker can touch my ass’.
The little boy replies, ‘Good for you, then go screw yourself-
Grandma made these for me !!!
Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that ex-
pensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call
from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that
the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn’t
paid for them. Hellloooo, just because I’m blonde doesn’t mean
that I am automatically stupid! So I told him just what his fast
talking sales guy had told me last year, that in only ONE YEAR
these windows would pay for themselves!
Hellloooo? It’s been a full year! They’re paid for!!
There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just
hung up. He never called back.
I bet he felt like a total bozo.
Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don’t have a good part-
ner, you’d better have a good hand.
There are only two four letter words that are offensive to men
don’t and stop (unless they are used together).
When men are born, they are given a choice - A big penis or a
good memory.. Unfortunately, the majority don’t remember which
they chose.
Panties: Not the best thing on earth, but definitely next to the
best thing on earth.
What’s an Australian kiss? The same thing as a French kiss, only
down under. :)
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 29
 HOME SERVICES DIRECTORY
Home Improvements
A-Team Home Improvements
Specializing in drywall, ceramic tile, painting, decks and water/fire damage
restoration. Contact Jackie @ (252) 562-3325 or Billy @ (757) 717-9893 or email us
@ ateamhome@mchsi.com
We serve Hampton Roads, Va. and Northeastern NC. Everyone needs services at their homes at one
time or another. We’d like to help our readers
find those services. Our directory lists busi-
Upholstering nesses or individuals within the Mid-Atlantic re-
Albert Upholstery gion, who provide services that are performed
For your home, specializing in antique furniture upholstery onsite for homeowners or residents.  We want
Serving Dinwiddie County & surrounding areas to give our readers a place that they can turn
(804) 265-5166 to for help when they need it…right where they
live. If you provide a home service of some
sort or know of anyone who does, and would
Pest Control like to be a part of our Home Services Direc-
Universal Pest & Termite Inc. tory, please send an email to
Southside Hampton Roads (757) 502-0200 kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com  Include the
Peninsula & Suffolk (757) 485-5005 type of service you offer, locations that you are
serving, and exactly how you would like your
www.universalpest.com listing to appear (name of business, service
areas, contact info, email, website etc..) and
Electrical how many months you’d like to run your listing. 
Mister Sparky The cost is only $10 per month (per issue),
We’re On Time, You’ll See, Or the Repair is Free $50 for 6 months or an entire year (12 issues)
for $100.  Our deadlines are the 15th of each
Southside Hampton Roads (757) 644-4399 month for the following month’s issue.
Peninsula (757) 325-9769

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 31

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Thunder Roads Is Brought To You Each Month By The Following Biker Friendly Businesses
It’s important for you to know who your friends are Thunder Road Harley-Davidson *
out there when you hit the road! Welcome to our Coleman Power Sports * 4960 Riverside Drive
Biker Friendly Directory. The following is a list of 14105 Telegraph Rd. Danville, VA 24541-5630
establishments throughout the Mid-Atlantic that want Woodbridge, VA (434) 822-BIKE (2453)
you to know that they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s (703) 497-1500 www.thunderroadhd.com
a bike dealer, service shop, restaurant, bar or any www.wherethepoweris.com
other type of business that welcomes our biking
community through their doors, you can count on Departure Bike Works * LEGAL SERVICES
our family of friends to always welcome you in. ALL 5216 Hull St
of our regular advertisers can be found, in bold, Richmond, VA 23224 Epstein, Sandler & Flora P.C.
(804) 231-0244 413 W. York Street
throughout this listing. All of our friends listed are
www.departure.com Norfolk, VA 23610
“Biker Friendly” & most of them ride too, so they
1-800-9-THE-LAW
know exactly what you want & need. The staff here
at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates of all of our Early’s Cycle Center, Inc. *
The Law Office of Tom McGrath *
advertiser’s continuous support each month - they Virginia’s Leading Yamaha Dealer
1-800-321-8968
are the sole financial supporters of this magazine. 1921 South High Street
www.motorcyclevirginia.com
WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please Harrisonburg, VA 22801
give them the support that they truly deserve for www.earlyscycle.com
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Roads. If you know of a business that would like
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Places, please give us a call (757) 831-2264 or email
kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com
Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson/Buell * Cycle Thunder *
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www.hrhd.com www.cyclethunder.com
(804) 276-4982
Outlanders *
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Luray, VA 22835 501 17th St.
Maryland (540) 743-2040 Virginia Beach, VA 23451
www.outlanders.ws (757) 428-DIVA
All American Harley-Davidson * email: outlnd@shentel.net www.divacustoms.com
8126 Leonardtown Rd.
Hughesville, MD 20637 Patriot Harley-Davidson * Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories *
(888) 833-2REV 9739 Lee Highway 166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G
www.allamericanh-d.com Fairfax, VA Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(703) 352-5400 (757) 340-4446
Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC * www.patriothd.com
9407 Livingston Rd. Harley-Haven
Ft. Washington, MD Revolutionary Harley-Davidson * 1920 Atlantic Ave
(888) HDFEVER 1915 Pocahontas Trail Unit F-5 Virginia Beach, VA
www.hdwash.com Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 425-2458
(757) 565-5122 www.hrhd.com
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City * www.hrhd.com
WTF Leather Crafter *
10716 Ocean Gateway Seats, Sewing, Patches, Leather work
Berlin, MD Richmond Harley-Davidson *
10441 Washington Highway 977 Chimney Hill Shopping Center
(410) 629-1599 Virginia Beach, VA 23452-3048
www.hdoceancity.com Glen Allen, VA
(804) 550-9280 (757) 439-2813 or (757) 582-4656
www.richmondharley.com
Virginia
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell * INSURANCE
Bad Mo’s Custom Cycles
213 Rolling Thunder Lane
Custom Building/Rebuilding Staunton, VA Clark Insurance Agency *
Fabricating & Painting 4709 Mason Rest Ct.
(540) 213-7433
Virginia Beach, VA Richmond, VA
www.shenhd.com
(757) 237-2340 or (757) 685-9697 (804) 271-1961
Southside Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc. *
Big Daddy'z Cycles * 385 North Witchduck Rd
2810 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy. BARS & RESTAURANTS
Virginia Beach, VA
Hayes, VA 23072 (In Gloucester County) (757) 499-8964 North Carolina
(4 miles over the Coleman) www.hrhd.com
804-642-3436 fax# 804-642-1461
Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge, *
bigdaddyzcycles@verizon.net Southern Motorsports* Sports Center & Marina
www.bigdaddyzcycles.com 3233 W. Mercury Blvd. 169 Walnut Island Blvd
Hampton, VA 23666 Grandy, NC 27939
Chix Custom Cycles* (757) 825-1862 (252) 453-4153
3745 Shore Drive www.southernmotorsportsinc.com www.walnutisland.com
Virginia Beach, VA 23455 www.outerbanksbikeshow.com
(757) 363-2453
www.chixcustomcycles.com * Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 32
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Virginia Dirt Drags at Slade’s Park Graffiti’s Ink Gallery – 3 locations *
111 Mount Ray Drive 2311 Hungary Rd.
Alley Cafe and Sports Lounge* Surry, VA 23883 Richmond, VA 23228
608 N. Main St. Contact Joe Brookman (804) 221-3959 (804) 261-5689
Kilmarnock, Va. 22482 www.graffitistattoo.com
(804) 824-4353
MOTORCYCLE RENTALS 111-A W. Williamsburg Rd. *
Baker Street * Sandston, VA 23150
1920 Centerville Turnpike #101 (804) 328-6989
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Virginia www.graffitistattoo.com
(757) 479-4480
Eagle Rider Winchester * 7122 Mechanicsville Turnpike *
Boneshakers Saloon * 140 Independence Dr Mechanicsville, VA 23111
1297 General Booth Blvd Winchester, VA 22602 (804) 559-4658
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (540) 662-9292 www.graffitistattoo.com
(757) 961-8382 www.EagleRiderWinchester.com
www.boneshakerssaloon.com
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City * PERSONAL SERVICES
Clutch Bar & Grill* 10716 Ocean Gateway
1485 General Booth Blvd (Behind Hooters) Berlin, MD Kuttin Station *
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (410) 629-1599 For ALL your hair needs!
(757) 491-2229 www.hdoceancity.com 13509 Boydton Plank Road (Route 1)
www.clutchbarandgrill.com Dinwiddie, VA 23841
email: info@clutchbarandgrill.com Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell * Biker Specials!
myspace.com/clutchvenue 213 Rolling Thunder Lane (804) 469-9003
Staunton, VA 24401
Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill * (540) 213-8026
7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Rt 17 North www.shenandoahhd.com TRAILER SALES
Gloucester, VA (804) 693-7218
www.damonsbar.com POWDER COATING Open Road Outfitters *
45763 Elmwood Court
Knuckleheads Roadhouse * Virginia Sterling, VA 20166
401 North Witchduck Road 1(800) 541-6736
Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Iron Core Powdercoat* info@openroadoutfitters.com
(757) 644-6200 3233 W. Mercury Blvd. www.openroadoutfitters.com
www.knuckleheadsvb.com Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 825-1862
Thunderbird Grill *
201 Battery Park Road
Smithfield, VA 23430 FUN PLACES TO STAY
(757) 357-7001
www.ThunderbirdGrill.com North Carolina

Maryland Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge, *

Thunder
Sports Center & Marina
ROCKABILLYS* 169 Walnut Island Blvd

Bar & Liquor Store
2101-2111 Old Orems Road
Baltimore, MD 21220
(410) 391-0200
rockabilys@aol.com
rockabilys.net
West Virginia
Fat Boys Pork Palace *
Specializing in hand Pulled Carolina Style BBQ
Foot of the mountain Rt 33 Brandywine WV
(304) 249-7025 www.Pendletoncounty.net
MOTORCYCLE RACING & EVENTS
Maryland International Raceway
www.mirdrag.com
Virginia Motorsports Park *
8018 Boydton Plank Rd.
Petersburg, VA 23803
(804) 862-3174
www.virginiamotorsportspk.com
Jams
Grandy, NC 27939
(252) 453-4153
www.walnutisland.com
www.Barrysbikerally.com
Comfort Inn Oceanfront South
8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC
(800) 334-3302
********************************
THE WHITE OAK BAND
Virginia Specializing in Southern,
Classic & Modern Rock
Rockahock Campgrounds * The White Oak band is available
1428 Outpost Rd
for Rally's, Private And Corporate
Lanexa, VA 23089
(804) 966-2759 functions as well as a variety of Rockin
www.rockahock.com entertainment venues. For Booking Info
Call (540) 899-3620
or (540) 220-4825
TATTOO STUDIOS www.myspace.com/whiteoakband
City Limits Tattoo & Piercing, Ltd. *
119D Boulevard *********************************
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 504-0600
www.citylimitstattoo.com
* Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 33
 BACK
In The Day

Tattoo of the Month

Robbie Kneivel Gets Thunder Roads

Shouldn’t You?
To get Thunder Roads Magazine In The Mail
Send Check Or Money Order For $39.00
($3.25 - S & H per issue) Made Out To:
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M
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THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 35

 News Bytes
MISSOURI HELMET LAW EXEMPTION GOES TO GOVERNOR
The Missouri legislature has passed a bill modifying Mis-
souri’s mandatory helmet law to exempts persons 21 years
of age or older from wearing protective headgear except
when operating or riding motorcycles or motortricycles upon
interstate highways. Over the past twenty years proposals to
repeal the mandatory helmet law have been controversial, but
this year’s measure to simply modify the law received little de-
bate in either chamber. The House gave the bill final approval
Wednesday, Apr 29 on a vote of 93-65. The bill easily passed
the Senate earlier, with a 23-6 vote.The measure now goes
to Governor Jay Nixon for his final signature or veto. The
helmet provision was amended onto SCS/SB 202, an act that
provides that operating a motorcycle, in and of itself, shall not
be considered evidence of comparative negligence in acci-
dent claims. The act also provides that when investigating an
accident or settling an automobile insurance policy claim, no
insurer, agent, producer, or claims adjuster of an insurer shall
assign a percentage of fault to a party based upon the sole
fact that the party was operating a motorcycle in an otherwise
legal manner. The effective date would be August 28, 2009,
and the helmet provision would expire in five years under a
sunset clause. Steve Carroll of Hannibal , MO , a spokesman
for FORR-MO (Freedom of the Road Riders of Missouri) said
passage of the bill is the result of a growing movement. “It’s
been a long time coming -- in the educational process -- and
I think it’s long overdue,” he said. Senator Luann Ridgeway,
R-Smithville, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the
helmet law was tantamount to a “nanny state making safety
choices for other people.” Pointing to other injury-prone activi-
ties, such as skiing, horseback riding and even riding in a car,
she asked why the state doesn’t require helmets for those.
“Where do we draw the line in terms of a caretaker state?”
she said. House sponsor Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue
Springs, also said it was a freedom issue. The people the bill
affects can “go off to war and carry guns under the flag of our
country,” said Dusenberg, a former highway patrol officer. In
1999, then-Gov. Mel Carnahan vetoed a similar bill. Governor
Nixon has refused to comment on the bill, but if signed into
law Missouri would join 30 other states that allow most adult
riders to choose regarding helmet use. Only two of the eight
states surrounding Missouri mandate helmet use at all times.
Neither Iowa nor Illinois has a helmet law.
HOUSE APPROVES HEALTH INSURANCE PROTEC-
TIONS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS The U.S. House of Repre-
sentatives voted 422 to 3 on March 31st to pass HR 1253,
the “Health Insurance Restrictions and Clarifications Act of
2009”; bipartisan legislation to strengthen health insurance
coverage for injuries incurred while participating in legal
recreational and transportation activities, such as motorcy-
cling, riding ATVs, snowmobiling and horseback riding. While
the language falls short of closing the loophole that allows
insurance companies to deny benefits to motorcycle accident
victims, it does prevent them from concealing such coverage
exclusions by requiring them to be “explicit and clear” in fully
disclosing benefit limitations and restrictions “in a form that is
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 36
easily understandable” to the enrollee in advance of the point
of sale. The bill now goes to the Senate Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions, and concerned riders are
encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators in support of the
legislation.
CPSC STAYS BAN ON SALE OF YOUTH MOTORCYCLES
& ATVs In denying a petition from the motorcycle industry to
overturn a ban against the sale of youth-model motorcycles
and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) due to the lead content of
some components such as brake parts and battery termi-
nals, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
voted on April 17, 2009 to keep the ban in place but granted
a two-year stay of enforcement to allow the continued sale of
these vehicles while industry attempts to comply with the new
federal lead-content rules. Congress enacted the Consumer
Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to protect children
under 12 from the lead content of toys and other products in-
tended for the youth market but, intended or not, the ban has
crippled a huge segment of the motorcycle industry, costing
an estimated $1 billion a year as more than 13,000 dealers
across the country were stuck holding millions of dollars in
inventory. The two-member CPSC board voted unanimously,
citing safety concerns as the reason for issuing the stay; “A
bigger safety concern than lead exposure is that the elimina-
tion of youth ATV sales will likely increase the number of adult
ATVs purchased to be used by younger children, therefore
increasing risk of injury and death.” The stay extends through
May 1, 2011, at which time the products must be brought into
compliance or the industry can demonstrate to the CPSC why
it is technologically infeasible to comply. In the meantime,
legislation has been introduced in Congress (H.R. 1587) by
Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) to exempt youth-
sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA. Help end the
youth bike ban permanently by calling your members of the
U.S. House of Representatives today and ask their support
for H.R. 1587.
NEW MOTORCYCLE SALES DECLINE IN Q1 Despite six
straight years of new motorcycle sales eclipsing the 1 million
mark, the sagging economy has impacted U.S. sales in the
first quarter of 2009 resulting in a 30.5% decline compared
to the same period last year. According to the Motorcycle
Industry Council (MIC), which compiled the results based on
sales figures from 12 of the leading brands, the best perform-
ing type of motorcycles were affordable, fuel-efficient dual-
purpose models which only dropped by 24%. The off-highway
market was hardest hit, falling by 39.7% due in part to the
new federal lead-content law that banned the sale of youth
models. Scooters were more popular than ever last year, set-
ting a record of 222,000 sold in 2008, but those too are down
36.7% for the first three months of 2009. The on-highway
market declined by 27.3%. “There are still many customers
wanting new motorcycles, both veteran riders and those want-
ing to join in the fun and gain the benefits,” said MIC president
Tim Buche. “But, in reaction to the economy, there have been
some production cuts. And the lead ban turned many parents
 News Bytes
away from buying new dirt bikes for their kids. There’s a need
for wholesale financing to help keep dealerships supplied with
inventory, and a need for consumer credit to loosen up so that
dealerships can get those new bikes out on the roads and
on the trails. It’s very hard to get retail financing now, even if
you have good credit.” The early year sales decline follows
a relatively flat year for motorcycles, with sales estimates
for all motorcycles and scooters sold nationwide in 2008
at 1,087,000 units, down just 3.3% from the previous year.
Sales still topped the one-million mark, and did so for the sixth
consecutive year, beating the longest run of million-plus sales
ever recorded by the MIC, during the five years from 1970 to
1974.
WEIRD NEWS: MAN FAKES KIDNAPPING TO FIND STO-
LEN MOTORCYCLE After hours of searching for a toddler
whose father claimed he was attacked by motorcycle thieves
who abducted the child, police arrested the Florida man for
fabricating the kidnapping to get police to launch an intensive
search for his stolen motorcycle. According to The Gainesville
Sun newspaper, Alachua County deputies took the 37-year
old man away in handcuffs for filing a false report after his
story unraveled during the manhunt and police learned that
the 1-year old was safe with his mother. Officers believe the
man was the victim of thieves who posed as interested buy-
ers and then took his gold-and-black Yamaha, so he told his
wife to take their son out of day care and he then called police
to report that the child had been taken. “His thinking was if
they thought my child was missing, there would be a more
intensive search than for the motorcycle,” a Sheriff’s Office
spokesman told the paper. The bike and the thieves are still
at large.
MANDATORY REFLECTIVE VESTS URGED FOR FILIPINO
BIKERS The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
(MMDA) is proposing mandatory training and the wearing of
reflector vests for motorcycle riders in an effort to curb rising
deaths and injuries. According to MMDA Chairman Bayani
Fernando there is a need to “enhance the skills” of motorcycle
drivers nationwide, and further suggested that the govern-
ment adopt the practice in Bogota, Colombia where motorcy-
cle drivers are mandated to use reflectorized vests to allow for
greater visibility during nighttime and eliminate road mishaps.
There are now an estimated 2.5 million registered motor-
cycles in the Philippines , and motorcycle sales have been
growing at an unprecedented rate, driven by high fuel costs
and easy-on-the-pocket installment plans. Some 671,588
new motorcycles were registered in 2008, compared with only
46,183 new cars.
NCOM CONVENTION LIGHTS UP RENO The bright lights
of the “Biggest Little City In The World” shined off the bright
chrome and polish of hundreds of shiny motorcycles parked
along the entranceway to John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino
and Resort, as near-record crowds of concerned bikers from
around the country came together in unity and coopera-
tion for the 24th Annual National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Convention, held in Reno, NV May 7-10, 2009. The NCOM
Convention, which was hosted by the Northern Nevada
Confederation of Clubs, presented an opportunity for mo-
torcyclists of every background to find common ground
and focus on issues of concern to all motorcyclists. Riders
learn, teach and share with one another, and coordinate with
likeminded individuals and groups to forge relationships and
foster communications. Nearly 1,400 motorcyclists attended
the Convention, and conventioneers represented almost all
major patch holding motorcycle clubs, as well as a wide ar-
ray of motorcycling-oriented organizations and associations,
including a majority of State Motorcyclists Rights Organiza-
tions across the country. The NCOM Convention featured
educational seminars covering such diverse topics as Biker
Rights and Civil Liberties post-9/11 and the Federal Trade-
mark Seizure threat where all club insignia are put at risk,
combating Anti-Biker Discrimination, Christian Unity, Women
in Motorcycling, and a host of other legislative, judicial, and
lifestyle issues. NCOM also broke special ground this year
with the first presentation of a seminar entitled, “The World Of
Sport Bikes”, which focused on issues and concerns specific
to the Sport Bike Community. The Worldwide Confederation
of Clubs meeting on Friday was packed with over 900 club
members expressing solidarity and a renewed commitment
to work together and defend Riding Freedom. The Saturday
Night events were festive, featuring the Silver Spoke Awards
Banquet where recognition was given to notables in various
fields who have had a positive impact on motorcycling. The
Entertainment Award was given to TV and movie actor Robert
Patrick of “The Unit” and “Terminator” fame, who not only is
an avid rider and ABATE of California member, but also is
a Chapter President in the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club.
Steve Johann of Hog Radio received the Media Award. Re-
ceiving the Silver Spoke Award for Government was Nevada
Assemblyman Don Gustavson, a tireless defender of freedom
of choice. The Commerce Award was presented to Clay Rid-
ley, founder of the Ridley Motorcycle Company. Florida Aid
to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney Jerry Theophilopou-
los was presented the Silver Spoke for Legal, while Special
Recognition Awards were bestowed upon A.I.M. Chief of Staff
Charles “Roach Hoffman and ABATE of Wyoming’s “Mileage”
Mike Harrison. Rounding out the evening’s recognitions, the
Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Pepper
Massey, former executive director of NCOM and past director
of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum/Hall of Fame and Sturgis
Rally. Attendees came away from this year’s NCOM Conven-
tion with a great deal of enthusiasm and motivation to con-
tinue the fight for Motorcycling Freedom in back home in their
own respective legislative, judicial, and social arenas. Plan
now to attend the 2010 Silver Anniversary NCOM Convention,
next Mother’s Day weekend in Orlando , Florida !
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Just as your fortune depends upon
how your money is invested, so the success of your life de-
pends upon how your time is invested.” -Leone Kester
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 37
 I hope that everyone has been enjoying the riding to care for that part of our lives too. And the only way to
season. I know that I have been enjoying my time do that successfully is by allowing the supreme mechanic
on the open road. Still, there have been times when work in our lives. Just as Pastor Tammy said, only then can
things have gotten difficult. I had a visit from the energy we truly see the kingdom of God. We need to find peace in
vampire that sucked the life out of my battery already our lives: the Peace of God. And the only way to do that is
this year. One of my close friends and riding buddies through Jesus. Why not give Him a chance to work in your
had heart problems that put him in the hospital in life? You just might end up on the best ride ever.
April and he hasn’t been released as of the time of my God isn’t asking for perfection: He is providing it. All we
writing this article. On top of that, my mom has been need to do is to do our best in following Him.
undergoing chemo to beat cancer.
I know that I am not alone. All of us have troubles. Always and All Ways in Christ
Anything from minor setbacks and annoyances—like <*)))>< Rick ‘Preacher’ Saunders
a storm during the middle of a great ride—to major
problems like health issues, loss of jobs, etc. If you
have not experienced problems yet; just wait, they’re
coming.
Problems are a fact of life. But we do not have to let
them take away our joy. Bikers are a resilient breed
of people. We find ways to endure and bounce back
from setbacks very well. Perhaps it’s that stubbornness
that comes naturally to so many of us: we refuse to let
the world keep us down. Still, there is a positive and
negative way of bouncing back. Too often we react in
ways that might eventually cost us more in the long run.
That is the result of a very simple principle of life: What’s
inside must come out.
Try shaking a soda can then opening it up. You end
up making a mess. The same is true for us. When we
let things shake us up on the inside, we may look calm
on the outside, but that is only an illusion, and sooner or
later what is on the inside is going to come out and we
may just find a bigger mess as a result.
What we need is a way to find peace. The Bible tells
us that we can have the peace of God which transcends
all understanding and will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus. (Col. 3:15). When Christ is in your life
your problems won’t simply go away, but you will find
ways to work through them without bearing the burden
on your own. PREACHER RICK
Preacher Rick is an ordained minister serving as Pasto-
Riding with God is so much better than riding alone.
ral Counselor and staff member at First Baptist Church
You see the world around you differently and you of Woodbridge, VA. He is a past president and current
still have fun. In fact, you will enjoy the ride more chaplain of the Northern VA Christian Riders, chapter 348
abundantly. of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, and has served
Last month, Pastor Tammy briefly referred to things as a chaplain for Truckers Christian Chapel Ministries. He
that come with age: You might say a need to provide is a graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary and
maintenance for our physical bodies as time passes. the Institute of Theology and Christian Therapy, and is a
That is something that we can all understand. We have member of the American Association of Christian Coun-
to provide maintenance for our bikes or else they are selors and American Association of Christian Therapists.
going to break down on us. And we have to provide
He lives in Dale City, VA with his wife Teresa and they
ride a 1998 95th Anniversary Road King Classic. He
maintenance for our physical bodies for the same works full-time as a Computer Operations Supervisor for
reason. But what about our “spiritual” bodies? We need Inova Health System.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 39

 Advertisers Index June 09

American Cruisers’ Ride for the Children…..................…19

Bad Mo’s Custom Cycles……......................................…29
Baker Street …..........................................Inside Back Cover
Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant…...........................…40
Big Daddy’z Cycles…………...............................………10
Boneshakers….............................................................…40
Carlisle Fest…….................................Center Calendar Top
Chix Custom Cycles….....................................………….10
Clark Insurance Agency…...............................…………..11
Clutch Bar & Grill…..........................................................30
Delmarva Bike Week…...............................................…34
Eagle Rider Winchester ………..................................….31
Fast Lane………...........................................…………….11
Graffiti’s Ink Gallery….........................................……….22
Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson...............................…25
Home Subscriptions…..................................................…34
Iron Core Powdercoat…..............................................…..29
Mountain Mamas Ride In…..................…Front Cover & 38
Open Road Outfitters….........................................………40
OKLAHOMA 405-409-5742
Rick “Preacher” Saunders Devotional…...........................10
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson…........Outside Back Cover
South Central Bike Fair…......................................………19
Southern Motorsports ...…..........................................…..29
Thunder Roads Harley-Davidson…..................................1
Thunderbird Grill…………................................………….10
Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group..Inside Front Cover

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THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 40