Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from Thunder Roads West Virginia

 Dragon Tales
The Christmas Season is fast approaching and I am so not ready
for it. Thank goodness we have been working hard on this
issue’s special Biker’s Holiday Gift Guide which has given me
some great gift ideas. Even a few for Gary. Now, I know that
gift giving is not the reason for the season but it has always been
a tradition in my family to make the effort to find just the right
something for the ones you love. Whether it is a long awaited
chrome piece for my sweetheart’s ride or a nice night out for
the two of us, it is the fact that biker friendly gifts are what
we both like. How can you go wrong? All of the advertisers in
Thunder Roads West Virginia are biker friendly which open
many avenues in gift giving for the shopping challenged. Take
advantage of the information in this issue to find the perfect gift
this season.
In flowing with the holiday season I would like to say a great
big “Thank You!” to all of the riders that have been showing
up in support of the many fundraising events happening in
these last weeks of the riding season. Don’t forget that even
though the rides will be cut due to inclement weather, for the
time being, please keep your eyes open for the numerous events
happening to benefit organizations like Toys-for-Tots and Coats
for Kids. Every holiday season these organizations do their
utmost to make sure that the underprivileged children of our
state are taken care of and at least have something under the tree
from someone who cares. What a great way to make such a big
difference in someone’s life. There are food drives that need
donations, hot meals that need to be delivered and an elderly
person that could just use an ear to share their memories with.
It is the season to be giving to those in need, patient with those
who maybe don’t deserve it, and loving to those that love us.
I do need to apologize to some of our Biker Friendly Directory
advertisers for having a “Fat Finger” issue while putting
together their listings last month. Though I did come to find
out about the problem when the recipient of misdirected calls
contacted us to let us know about it, which means that you,
the reader, are utilizing the many cool places we highlight in
Thunder Roads West Virginia. Do me a favor, if you decide to
try out a new place because of one of our ads, let them know
where you heard about them. I love knowing that we are giving
you all the information you need to make riding this great state
an even more enjoyable experience. That’s what it is all about.
Have a great holiday season and try to enjoy the renewal of
nature which helps to provide the wonderful scenery we will all
be enjoying in the next riding season. If we can all live through
it that is.
Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Donna
 Thunder Roads West Virginia Letter From The Editor…...................……..4
P.O. Box 606 / Charles Town, WV 25414
www.thunderroadswv.com Letters.........................................................6

Owner / Editors Playing Marbles.....................……………...7

Gary Westphalen, Editor-in-Chief
Cruisin’ for Christian....................………...9
gary@thunderroadswv.com / 304-616-0102
Donna K. Westphalen, CFO / donna@thunderroadswv.com Dressing for the Crash - P art 1...................10
Layout & Design The Right Helmet…...................………….12
Barbara Laszewski Garner / Thunder Publishing
Bike of the Month…...................…………13
Ad Layout
Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics Bikers’ Holiday Gift Guide...................…14
Contributors Hidden Highways-Rte.15.........................16
“Baadman” / Branson Dunn / Jim “Jammer” Marcum
Jerry & Joann Pastine / Wayne & Sue Sheets / “Spike” / Moe Vetter Elkins Leaf Peepers….................………..17
Advertising Sales / Distribution Center Calendar.……......................……...18
National Accounts
Donna K. Westphalen - 304-261-1609 / donna@thunderroadswv.com Crashing Sons of Anarchy…...............…20
Northwest WV Skin Art…….....................………………….22
Greg Vernon 304-616-0249 / greg@thunderroadswv.com
Hardy, Grant, Mineral, Hampshire, Pendleton Wheels with Heart…..................………….23
Moe Vetter - 304-668-9563 / moe@thunderroadswv.com
Morgan, Berkeley, Jefferson
Cold Storage…..................…...…………...24
Dave Luksa - 304-268-1315 / dave.luksa@thunderroadswv.com
TNT………….....................…………………25
Mercer, Monroe, Summer, McDowell
Curtis Humphreys - 276-620-8965 / curtis@thunderroadswv.com That Other Biketoberfest…...............…...26
Laurie Griggs - 540-353-5695 / laurie@thunderroadswv.com
Jefferson PARTY!!!…………….....................………..28
Howard “Pops” Evans - 540-327-6588 / popsthunderroadswv@yahoo.com
A Hand to Sam….................………..........30
National Founders
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon K.I.S.S……………......................................32
PO Box 174 / Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 The High Road…...................……………..35
email: thunderroads@charter.net
Copyright 2009. Published by Thunder Roads West Virginia, LLC under license The Jokers Wild…..................…………….36
from Thunder Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this magazines content
may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. The publisher
assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost ON THE COVER
of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to
produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and Santa Claus out tooling around on this beautifully restored
all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use of a
person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and 1949 Flathead Servi-Car owned by Freddie Gantt of
authors are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Hedgesville. Come to think of it, Santa bears a striking
Roads West Virginia, Thunder Roads Magazine, or Thunder Publishing. The
Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. resemblance to Freddie.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 3

 “Do you write everything
in the magazine?”
That’s a question I get all the time. The answer is, well, much
of it. That’s what I do. I ride the state, looking for bikes, roads,
and group rides. I go to events to meet you, to ride with you, and
then to share the day with those of you who weren’t there by
telling the story in the magazine. And I investigate subjects that
matter to bikers, and report what I have learned.
Now, obviously, Donna writes her own column. By the way, it’s
named “Dragon Tales” because the dragon has always been her
fantasy identity. She also handles most of the upcoming events
listings. “Jammer” Marcum writes “The High Road” every month,
because we all could use a little “Churchin’ Up”. And we have
a few other regular columns and writers in the works that will be
debuting in the months ahead.
But my favorite writer for Thunder Roads West Virginia is you.
Starting with the very first issue, contributions from readers
have made this your magazine. The more we publish, the more
you are bringing your stories to the party. Forget ad revenues,
page counts, distribution figures and all those other measures
of “success”. To me, this magazine is successful when you feel
like you are a part of it. You are my brothers and sisters, and I
want you to share your stories of the road with the rest of this
family.
In this issue alone, we have a story on a Veterans Ride by Branson
Dunn. Moe Vetter traveled down to Florida’s Biketoberfest, and
is sharing his trip with all of us. Speaking of trips, our account
rep Greg Vernon writes about riding onto the set of the “Sons
of Anarchy” TV show. L. Wayne Sheets waxes poetic (almost)
as he reflects on a fall foliage run he made with some good
folks from the Elkins area. “Spike” contributed pictures of the
Warlock’s Hog Roast which, I am sorry to say, I missed because
I was on the other side of the state riding in a downpour. And
there are several other contributions, all of which are noted in
bylines.
There are more. I have a prose piece on the shelf from reader
E. C. Hume that will help all of us make it through the cold, dark,
rideless winter months. And West Virginian Bob Hyre is writing
a fascinating story about his 10,000 mile odyssey to Alaska and
back. That’s just a sampling of what readers of Thunder Roads
West Virginia are sharing with you.
So how about returning the favor? We all have to make it
through winter with little or no seat time. By sharing stories of
the road, we can be a sort of support group for each other while
the snow flies. Fire up the computer, call up those pictures from
your coolest ride last summer, dust off your powers of recall, and
bring us along on your ride down memory lane…or whatever
that favorite road was called.
Maybe your story isn’t about a ride. It could be about your bike.
It could be about your favorite West Virginia destination. It could
be your own Hidden Highway. Whatever bike-related story you
want to share with the rest of us, we want to read it.
Send your story submissions to me. I may edit your story a
little bit. I may not be able to run every story and every picture
you send to me. But I promise you that I will look at every one.
Between Thunder Roads West Virginia and our companion
website at www.thunderroadswv.com we have a lot of
opportunity for you to join in the chatter.
In the meantime, if you’re like me, I know you’re busy chasing
down that elusive perfect gift for the biker on your list. Before you
throw your hands up in surrender, be sure to thumb through the
Biker’s Holiday Gift Guide in this issue. We’ve got a collection
of unusual suggestions from some of our advertisers, and every
one of them is better than another sweater or necktie. Trust me
on that.
Happy Holidays!
Gary

4 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009

 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA
RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S AWARD
Thunder Roads West Virginia is
honored to share news that we have
received a Certificate of Recognition
from Governor Joe Manchin III for our
coverage of the “Ride for the Red”
motorcycle event in Bluefield. The story
appears in our October, 2009 issue. The
Governor’s certificate recognizes TRWV
“for outstanding community service and
volunteerism with the Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red
Cross – Bluefield Office.”
The event raised more than $29,000 for the Red Cross chapter. All of the
money is spent in support of families in the region, including those of American
service men and women serving overseas.
The award was presented to Thunder Roads West Virginia at a banquet
hosted by the Red Cross to honor sponsors of the annual Ride for the Red.
Since TRWV was not a sponsor of the event – we were merely doing our job of
reporting on the good things that bikers do – this was a completely unexpected
recognition. We are humbled, and in turn dedicate this award to all Americans
who have put their lives on the line for our freedom. Thank you.

West Virginia
One year subscription to Thunder Roads is only $35 a year.
The nation’s largest FREE biker publication
can be delivered right to your door.
Name___________________________________
Address_________________________________
City____________________________________

State_________________ Zip_______________

Make Check payable to:

Thunder Roads West Virginia

Mail check and this form to:

Thunder Roads West Virginia
P.O. Box 606
Charles Town, WV 25414

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 5

 Letters To
The Editor

Hello Gary,
My name is Colonel Smith and my wife is Chrissy. I am writing to you in reference
of the wheelie that was done in Martinsburg on the Biketoberfest poker-run. I was
the one that did that wheelie, and a nice one at that! But, how many chances do
you get to do a wheelie on Main St. with a Police escort. (kinda hard to pass up)
But also in saying this I would like to apologize to anyone that was on the run, that
in some weird way would have been offended. My wife and I look forward to your
magazine every month, and coincidentally we appeared in the Oct issue with a nice
pic of myself and Chrissy winning the weenie-bite at Evel Speeds open-house. In
closing, I would like to say- you all have an awesome thing going and keep up the
good work!
Semper FI!
Colonel

Colonel Smith,
I sincerely doubt that anyone was offended by the wheelie. I frankly
wish I had thought of it myself. Thanks for the kind words about
the magazine. It’s good to feel
appreciated. As for the weenie
bite picture, it’s worth running
again…without comment.
Thank you for your service to
this country.
Gary

6 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009

Playing Marbles

Children don’t play poker. They play marbles. So it’s fitting that a benefit ride for CASA in
Ripley, WV was done with marbles, and not cards. We’ll get to the marbles in a minute.
But first a little about CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It is a
nationwide network of volunteers who, under appointment by a judge, attach themselves to
the case of an abused or neglected child caught up in the legal or welfare systems. CASA
volunteers make certain the child never falls through the cracks and eventually ends up in a
safe, permanent home. CASA has helped more than two-million children nationwide in the
three decades since it was established. In Ripley, the CASA chapter works within the Fifth
Judicial District.
Now the marbles. The run consists of the usual 5 checkpoints. At each stop the rider pulls
a marble out of a bag and the color is recorded. After the run is completed, the marbles are
drawn and a point value is assigned to each marble color. Unlike a poker run, bikers have no
idea how good their draw is until after the run, when the point values are designated.
It was on a cool, overcast fall day that riders set out from the Parchment Valley Conference
Center, for a 78 mile ride to draw their five glass orbs. Heading first through Ripley, the ride
turned north on Highway 21. 20 miles from the starting point the ride made a right turn on
Turkey Fork Road, an itty-bitty road filled with twisty fun and a couple of tricky spots. Turkey
Fork is in the middle of a facelift and riders spent several miles dodging sections of pavement
that had been milled out in preparation for repair. Once they were through dodging craters, the
riders came upon a section of new blacktop and could give the right wrist a little extra twist.
The ride continued through Elizabeth and Mineral Wells, hooking up with Route 21 again about
ten miles south of Parkersburg, before heading back down into Ripley. Riders finished the
day with a spaghetti dinner and free admission to the Jackson County Black Bears Semi-Pro
football All-Star game. More than $5,200 was raised during the days events. All in all, not a
bad way to enjoy a fall day while helping CASA care for the kids of the Fifth Judicial District.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 7

 cruisin for
Christian Wilson is a 13 year old boy
who lives on a mountain just outside
Moorefield. His handsome smile and
bright eyes belie the fact that he’s had
some tough times. Specifically, he’s
about to undergo a fourth operation for
a spinal disorder. When Steve Bosley,
owner of the Broken Spoke Bar and
Grill in Needmore, found out about it
he knew he had to do something to
help.
Naturally, being a biker, Steve knew
that he could count on the biking
community to pitch in. So, despite the
fact that it was November, a benefit run
was formed. Now, given the time of
year, it could have been snowing. But
Mother Nature decided to support the
cause as well, and provided a picture
perfect day with temps right around
the 70 degree mark for a ride that
would cover in the neighborhood of a
hundred miles.
It was about noon when the kickstands
snapped back and two dozen bikes
www.thunderroadswv.com
Christian
rolled eastbound on Old Highway 55,
with Christian and his brothers riding
sweep in the van driven by his mom.
At Wardensville, the group headed
north on 259 to Cacapon River Road.
This narrow road mostly follows the
snaking contours of the river up to
Capon Bridge. It’s a lot of fun on a
bike, but would be even more so if the
pavement weren’t speckled with so
many crudely done patches.
From here the ride headed west on
Highway 50 through Romney to 220
South. This stretch of Highway 220
has some very interesting curves
to it and generally coaxes riders
to misbehave. It’s a fine stretch of
asphalt.
Once 220 delivered the bikers to
Moorefield, they had two options for
making their way back to the ride’s end
at the Broken Spoke. They could take
Old 55, whose curves are grin-inducing
now that the disastrous tar and chip
treatment from earlier this summer
has finally settled down. Or they could
jump on the new Highway 55, also
called “Corridor H” for the short trip
to one of the exits near the Broken
Spoke. The new highway is frankly
boring at anything under ridiculously
illegal speeds. ‘Nuff said about that
option.
This perfect late fall day was capped
off with food, a gigantic bonfire, and a
fund-raising auction. Even as Christian
Wilson enjoyed his spot by the bonfire,
the biker’s thoughts went out to him as
he faces his medical challenges.
DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 9
 There are a couple of old
adages about biking that
always get tossed around
when the subject of “going
over the handlebars” arises.
One is that it’s not a matter of

Crash
IF you will crash, but WHEN.
The other is that you don’t
dress for the ride, you dress
for the crash. Both are true.
Rather than live in denial, as
Part One most of us do, it makes more
sense to face up to the truth
that if you ride long enough
you will crash.

The Accident

An aging cager makes a sudden left turn across two

lanes of oncoming traffic without signaling. Tires
screech as small contrails of smoke and rubber dust
curl up behind them. The front brakes on a junkyard-
grade cage grab unevenly and the car veers into the
next lane, where our biker finds himself pinned in an
ever-shrinking margin between the curb and three
out of control cages. Having to steer clear, even as
he’s in hard braking, the biker finds himself sliding
down the road on his left side.
But this is a big bike. So the rider is still in the seat
as he skids to a stop. He isn’t hit by any of the cars,
but along the way his head, shoulder and leg are
sliding along the pavement, grinding away at his left
side. The next sentence in this story depends upon
what safety gear our rider is wearing…

The Series

As a biker, you have already made the decision that

you don’t intend to live your life swaddled head-to-toe
in bubble wrap, fearing every little potential danger
that comes your way. But acceptance of the dangers
of our chosen life comes in varying degrees. There
is a correspondingly wide range of motorcycle safety
gear available to suit each individual biker’s taste.
This particular crash happened to me. But incidents
10 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009
like this happen to riders every day. Obviously,
since I’m writing this series of articles, I survived the
crash. But parts of me survived better than others,
and I believe it was because of the safety equipment
choices I had made for various body parts. In this
series of stories, we’re examining safety equipment
piece by piece – starting at the top of the list.
The Helmet
Let me first state that I abhor helmet laws. The
“nanny state” mindset makes my skin crawl. It is not
the government’s business to dictate how I should
equip myself to enjoy my chosen activities. There
is a much better solution to the issue. But I don’t
want to digress down that path at the moment. We’ll
discuss it another time.
That said, I do think that wearing anything less than
a full face brain pot is not a good idea. But that’s my
choice, and doesn’t have to be your choice. Here’s
why I wear it:
In the accident we’re examining, I was wearing a full
face helmet, and I had the shield closed. As I was
sliding down the street, the engine guard was directly
in front of my face. All I remember seeing was sparks
flying off the bright chrome engine guard as it was
being ground away. My only thought was, “Sh*t! My
engine guard!” I wasn’t thinking about the fact that
my head was also sliding along the pavement. And
the reason I wasn’t thinking about it is because my
helmet was taking the hit, not my skull.
BARB – INSERT “MY HELMET” PIC HERE
The side of the helmet and shield was ground away.
There’s no doubt that without wearing a helmet I
would at least have had a serious case of road rash
around my left eye, cheek and temple. My eye and
my ear could also have been in serious trouble. In a
worst case scenario, it is quite possible that I would
have lost a good chunk of the left side of my face.
Then there’s the issue of brain damage from the
impact with the pavement. It happened so quickly
that I can’t actually say there was or wasn’t much of
a hit in this case. But many experts believe that it is
the thump of the riders head making first contact with
the pavement that leads to injured gray matter.
Even though I had (almost) always worn a full face
www.thunderroadswv.com
helmet before this crash, looking at the damage on
my helmet was all I needed to convince me that I
was making the right choice – for me. But many
of you don’t agree for a long list of reasons. Some
are valid, and some are dubious. The online safety
gear survey Thunder Roads West Virginia has been
conducting is giving us insight into what kinds of
helmets you wear, and why. The survey will be
ongoing throughout the series of safety gear articles,
but as of now more than 80% of respondents prefer BARB – INSERT “FULL” HELMET PIC HERE
to wear a half helmet or none at all. Regardless of
their personal preference for helmet type, more than
From here, the choices can get dizzying. Many
90% said they primarily chose their helmet based
bikers choose full-face helmets because of the added
on comfort. Crash protection came in a very distant
protection they offer. Most professional riders and
second. If you haven’t participated in the survey yet,
virtually all racers opt for full coverage. In our survey,
log on to www.thunderroadswv.com and click the
the biggest knock against full coverage helmets is
Safety Survey link.
the sense of confinement. But the second highest
number of respondents said they don’t believe full
coverage helmets are safe. 80% who prefer to go
without a helmet said they don’t think full coverage
helmets are safe. When they gave a reason for this
belief, it was usually a sense of restricted vision.
BARB – INSERT “CUTAWAY” PIC HERE
Essentially, the helmet protects a biker’s head by
dispersing the energy of an impact. The hard outer
shell takes the first hit in any collision. It is designed
to compress on impact, which has the net effect of
dispersing energy over the entire shell. Some do this
by cracking open while other designs delaminate. Others chose a three-quarter helmet. This choice is
Either way, the shell absorbs a great deal of the generally made because the biker feels confined and
energy. But not all. his/her vision is restricted by a full coverage helmet.
The outer shell of the helmet may have come to a Of those who have responded to the survey so far,
stop at this point, but inside the helmet, you’re head this is the least popular style of helmet. The only
is still moving. That’s where the inner liner comes reason given for choosing this style over a full face
into play. This is usually made of dense polystyrene helmet was a sense of better vision.
foam and its main job is to cushion your head as
it tries to keep moving. It absorbs the energy by
crushing into itself, collapsing the tiny air bubbles
trapped inside the material. The whole point is for
the layers of the helmet to work together, absorbing
as much of the impact energy as possible before it
makes its way to your brain.
The soft padding inside has more to do with comfort,
but the chin strap is an integral part of the safety
aspects of a helmet. If it isn’t securely fastened the
helmet is likely to pop off before it has much chance
to coddle your brain. Making sure your helmet is the But the most frequently chosen helmet is the shorty.
right size is also critical. A helmet that is too big or Nearly half of our survey respondents to date choose
too small can get uncomfortable in a hurry, and will this style of helmet. According to the survey, many
not properly protect you in a crash. Read our sidebar of you feel these lids are the most comfortable,
story to learn about getting a properly fitted helmet. while still providing the amount of protection needed
without limiting vision.
NOVEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 11
Organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
don’t like half helmets because they feel the
protection provided by them is inadequate. However,
it’s interesting to note that this is also the helmet of
choice for most law enforcement agencies. Even
less protection is provided by brain pots that don’t
bear the DOT sticker, and are technically illegal in
West Virginia.
Currently 20 states, including West Virginia, mandate
helmet usage for all riders. 26 states require them
for specific age groups, and only Colorado, Illinois,
New Hampshire, and Iowa have no helmet laws. In
West Virginia, Governor Joe Manchin III says he has
been working to repeal the state’s helmet law, but
is meeting with resistance in the state legislature.
Governor Manchin told a group of riders this fall
that he would like to see a temporary repeal of the
law just to demonstrate to the legislature how much
biking tourism it would generate.
But would a repeal result in higher rates of serious
injury? The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration says there is no doubt that it would.
Head injury is the leading cause of fatalities in
motorcycle crashes, and NHTSA says its studies
show that helmets reduce the risk of fatalities by 29
percent.
Public opinion also leans strongly against repeal
of helmet laws. One NHTSA survey of the issue
showed more than 4 out of 5 adults favor mandatory
helmet laws, and more than 60 percent of the bikers
surveyed agreed.
Like it or not, the motorcycle helmet is an important
part of staying alive on the highway. The best we as
bikers can do is learn the facts about helmets, and
then make the choice that’s right for each of us.
In next month’s installment of Dressing for the Crash,
we’ll examine jackets and pants. These items may
seem more like comfort and style choices, but they
play a major role in keeping the biker safe. Once
again, I’ll draw upon personal experience in looking
at the crash I detailed at the beginning of this story,
and one I had eight years later. Two crashes, two
different styles of jacket, and two very different
outcomes

THE RIGHT HELMET

If our heads all had the same size and shape, getting
a properly fitting helmet would be a breeze. But
since we don’t have the one-size-fits-all option,
helmet shopping can get even more difficult than
finding the right bike. Results so far from the
Thunder Roads West Virginia Safety Survey at
www.thunderroadswv.com suggest that while crash
protection is important to you, the overwhelming
reason you choose any particular helmet is comfort.
For both comfort and crash protection, the most
important aspect of buying a helmet is making sure
you get the sizing right.
That’s more difficult than it might seem. For starters,
not all helmets are shaped the same even if the size
is consistent. A Shoei, for instance, generally fits a
more elongated head than does an Arai. Even within
the same brand, various models may fit differently
as most manufacturers produce three different face
shapes, not to mention that many are designed to
fit a specific ethnic head structure. To get a good
fitting helmet that provides comfort and protection,
you have to try it on. Even then, you may have to try
dozens of helmets at several dealers before you find
one that truly fits comfortably.
From a shorty to a full-face, all helmets should pass
the following simple fitment tests. Keep in mind that
a helmet should fit snugly and securely on your
head. There should be no particular area causing
discomfort, other than maybe your cheeks when it
comes to three-quarter or full-face helmet. It has
to do with how they fit around the lower half of your
head. The cheek pads should press firmly against
your cheeks, sending your thoughts back to the old
days when grandma couldn’t resist the temptation
to squeeze your face. On many higher-end models,
you can even order different thicknesses of cheek
pads to further customize the fit. Cheek pads are
made of material that will conform to your particular
face shape over time. Just another reason not to let
other people wear your helmet.
With that information in mind you should not be
able to fit your thumb between the helmet and your
forehead. Next, with the helmet strapped on, try
the roll-off test, to be sure the fit is proper. Put the
helmet on and cinch the chin strap down tightly.
Tilting your head forward, grab the rear lip of the
helmet and pull forward. It might hurt a little bit, but
suck it up and give it a pull to see if the helmet rolls
forward. If the fit is correct, your skin should move
with the helmet. And lastly, shake your head left and
right, up and down. Come on, I don’t want to hear
any hangover headache stories now, shake it harder.
If that helmet sloshes around on your head, drop
down a size and try it again.
All helmets must have a secure chinstrap to keep the
thing on your head. It won’t do your brain any good
if the helmet pops off on impact. Most use a double
D-ring setup that securely pinches the strap between
the rings, yet releases easily when the D-rings are
pulled in the opposite direction. If the strap on a
particular helmet doesn’t seem secure to you, move
on.
If the helmet you are considering has a faceshield,
be sure that you like it. This may not seem like
a comfort issue, but it is. If the shield doesn’t fit
snugly against the helmet, the wind whistling through
the cracks might send you to the loony bin in a
hurry. And if it isn’t optically clear, the wavy lines it
generates across your field of view will compete with
the wind noise for your sanity.
Beyond the issues critical to getting a good fitting
helmet, there are many features that can affect the
comfort of any given brain pot. A snap for the end
of the strap, easily changed faceshields, ventilation,
anti-fogging breath guards, removable and washable
padding, and overall weight are among the other
factors to consider.

12 Thunder Roads West Virginia NOVEMBER 2009

 BIKE
MON OF T
HE
TH
CRUiZ Cool

When Wesley Blevins was a kid he transferred to a new

school. Always a tough thing. The transfer was even tougher
for him because he was a longhair who excelled in art. Back
then, that didn’t exactly fit in with the testosterone-driven,
football-slinging, macho-teenage boy crowd. Wesley didn’t
really care about that. But what did irritate him was that every
time his art would be on display the “In” thugs would deface it
by drawing rude and sometimes obscene graffiti on his work.
Now, Wesley and the friends he was able to make spent a lot
of their free time, as most gear-headed boys do, cruising the
town in their cars. From the cruising, he got an idea. No longer
would he sign his artwork with his real name. He adopted the
name CRUiZ. That’s right, all capital letters, except for the
“i”. That way his detractors wouldn’t know it was his artwork,
and would leave it alone. The plan seems too simple to have
worked effectively, but it did. That probably says a lot about
his tormentors. Anyway, the name stuck and so did his desire
for art. He now makes a living in Bridgeport, WV doing custom
airbrushing, painting “anything on anything.”
The “anything” shown here is his own bike. It’s a 2002 Yamaha
V-Star 1100 Classic. He started with a House of Kolor base
of Orion Silver, and created the intricate skull design by
airbrushing over it with Black Candy. The old school flames
are Hot Pink Pearl. To round out the customizing, CRUiZ
picked Cobra Pipes, a Corbin Stilleto seat, RC Component
Mar wheels, a nifty headlight by Arlen Ness, and a few other
shiny bits.
No one makes fun of his art anymore.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 13

Bikers’ Holiday
Wesley Blevins of CRUiZ Custom Airbrush can paint “Anything on
Anything”. So if that Biker of yours would love to have a picture of his
motorcycle on the toilet seat, CRUiZ can do that. Oh, he can do a great
job with a custom airbrush job on the bike, too. Check out his work at the
new studio in Bridgeport, WV.

If a new helmet is on your Biker’s list, Hawkins Exxon in Fairmont is the

place to go. Along with a whole new selection of noggin wrappers, they
have some very cool Poppa Hog shirts. Hawkins does bike repairs and
inspections, so you can get that long-expired sticker covered with a new
one. 10% off bike winterizing, too.

Some bikers like to do it in the dirt, and Morgantown Honda, Yamaha,

Suzuki, KTM knows exactly what the off-roader on your list wants. Get
30% off all in-stock 2009 Fox Racing, TLD, Fly, Shift & Thor gear. 40%
off Fox goggles, and huge discounts on in-stock ’08 & ’09 bikes. With 3
floors of gear, there’s something for every biker.

Inside the envelope you slip under the tree for your babe are tickets to
the New Year’s Eve party at Nan and Pop’s Place in Martinsburg. With
FREE food, hats, noisemakers, champagne toast and FREE Sober Taxi,
what could be better? Two things: Music by Black Onyx and a crazy low
price tag of just $25 per couple.

That biker guy of yours is whining about being stuck in the house for
the winter. Okay, he can’t go for a ride. But you can still make him feel
good about his bike by taking it to Power House Cycles in Martinsburg.
Get 20% off all parts & service in December and January. When spring
comes, your biker will be thanking you.
Gift Guide
You know she wants chrome, but this piece, or that one? Which jacket
will he like? I know this is the helmet, but what size? Fingerless gloves,
or gauntlets? Solve your dilemma the easy way by bringing your biker
along and get 10% off all parts and accessories during the month of
December at Smitty’s in Buckhannon.

The way Jim at The Twisted Spoke in Clarksburg sees it, “It’s just a
motorcycle until we twist it.” Whether the biker you’re buying for rides
domestic or imported, you’ll find the right gift here. From a custom build
to parts from Drag Specialties, V-Twin, Daytona Twin Tec, and others,
these guys can give your holiday season a new twist.

Your honey will have to wait until the day after Christmas for this gift.
But catching The Davisson Brothers Band at Winston’s Bar & Grill in
Fairmont on December 26th will be worth it. Until then, catch Vs. The
Earth on December 12 before they begin a national tour. Winston’s brings
in the best live music from all over this part of the country.

Finally, here’s our personal favorite. A high quality 100% cotton black
hat that sports two-toned silver and gray old school flames on the top of
the bill. By a fascinating coincidence the hat just happens to sport our
favorite logo – The Thunder Roads West Virginia wings. Imagine that!
Available at www.thunderroadswv.com

CRUiZ Custom Airbrush Morgantown Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM Power House Cycles The Twisted Spoke
158 Thompson Drive 526 Mileground Road 2748 Winchester Avenue 97 Milford Street
Bridgeport, WV 26330 Morgantown, WV 26505 Martinsburg, WV 25405 Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 842-0720 (304) 296-9055 (540) 316-8660 (304) 326-4644
www.cruizcustomairbrush.com www.morgantownhonda.com PowerHousesCycles@hotmail.com www.TheTwistedSpoke.com

Hawkins Exxon Nan & Pop’s Place
190 East Grafton Road 3845 Winchester Ave
Fairmont, WV 26554 Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 366-5261 (304) 267-2007
www.NanandPopsPlace.com
Smitty’s Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha
Rt. 33 E. Corridor H
Buckhannon, WV 26201
(304) 472-4824
www.supersmittys.com
Winston’s Bar & Grill
2204A Pleasant Valley Road
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-5046
www.winstonsbarandgrill.com
 Hidden Highways
State Route 15
It’s raining. The FJR has hard bags that will keep my gear dry. I’m wearing a full
riding suit, so I’m good to go as well. But I can’t say the same for the roadway.
This isn’t a full-out drenching sort of rain. It’s just enough to mix with the oil from
the pesky cages that have come before me, leaving a slimy film on the tarmac. I
had envisioned a spirited romp on a new road, but I have to settle for tip-toeing my
way along a 30 mile stretch of road that could be so much fun.
About 30 miles south of Elkins on the legendary bike road Highway 219, State
Highway 15 begins a westward romp to Webster Springs and beyond. It doesn’t
look like much from here, and that makes me giggle. Roads like this often make
for the best rides. Webster Springs is 30 miles away and 15 follows the crest of a
ridge from here to there. That means it will be full of meandering lefts and rights as
it snakes along the ridge top. There will be great views of rugged forest-covered
mountains to the left and right. And since I’m at a fairly low altitude at this end,
and Webster Springs is in a valley of its own, that means that I will be facing down
some great stretches of twisties as I make my way to the top of the ridge and then
back down.
But remember, it’s raining. The testosterone-laced charge over this ribbon of a
road will have to wait for another day – perhaps tomorrow. Today I make myself
content with a modest pace that gives me time to absorb as much of the view as
possible. The low-hanging cloud cover isn’t giving me much of a break there,
either.
Shortly after turning onto the east end of 15, I begin my climb to the top of the
ridge. For miles, the front wheel of my bike is decidedly higher in altitude than the
rear. Once I crest the ridge, the road levels out, and begins winding along the top.
Passing a telephone microwave tower and several other unidentified antennae, I
am reminded that this is a pretty high spot.
16 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009
When the ridge widens out, the forest thickens and closes over the top of the
roadway. Under this lush canopy my internal warning system kicks in as I begin
scanning for deer on the roadway ahead. Coming up over a little rise, sure
enough, I spot wildlife in my path. It’s a good thing the wet road has me tooling
along at a jog. Easing into the brake, I count not just one or two, but five wild
turkeys sauntering across the road. And I mean sauntering. They are going so
slow that, even though I’m braking to a stop, the last bird feels I’m getting close
enough to him that he decides to take wing. I can hear him flapping even as I
plant my left foot.
About 25 miles into the ride on Highway 15, the bike and I go nose-down as we
descend left-right-left into the valley. Oh, this will be grin-inducing tomorrow when
the road is dry and I head back along this same route.
It is.
The next morning is as bright and sunny as a day can get. Yesterday’s rain is
not only forgotten, but the moisture it dumped on Highway 15 is gone as well.
Climbing eastbound out of the valley, the biker smile on my face is indelible. I’m
having a hoot of a time. After climbing a few miles, there is a pull-off from which
you can look down into the enormous J.C. Hamer Sawmill in the valley below. For
the next half hour I traverse this gorgeous ridge, enjoying view after view of the
fabulous central West Virginia mountains that surround me. As for traffic, forget it.
I won’t even see another bike.
Suffice it to say that I have a fantastic time heading back along State Highway 15.
The clear, dry road shows a different face than it had on the rainy afternoon before.
Truth be told, I like them both.
 Elkins Leaf Peepers
By L. Wayne Sheets
The thin red line struggled to reach 47ºF. The sun was trying hard to break
through the dense fog that formed during an unseasonably cool, one might say,
cold night. Richard Kettle told Jerry Pastine, who, along with his wife Joann had
organized the ride, “You know, 55º is normally the floor for me to ride. But, on the
hopes that it will turn out to be a pretty day, I decided to brave the cold morning.”
As the convoy of two-wheelers rolled onto US Route 33 headed east from
Elkins, the sun began to break through the overcast and illuminate the canopy
of indigenous flora in bright yellow, orange and red. A sprinkling of evergreens
helped bring out the color of the maple, oak, cherry, beech and other hardwood
species. If the foliage in the Tygart River Valley had not peaked, it was but a few
days away. A more brilliant and colorful beginning for the ride could not have
been hoped for.
The sun was, by the time the two-wheeled leaf peepers reached the summit of the
Allegheny Mountain at nearly 3,300 feet above sea level, shining brightly bringing
autumn’s coat of many colors to a beautiful brilliance.
The riders descended the eastern slopes of the Allegheny to where the highway
follows Seneca Creek into the South Branch Valley at Seneca Rocks under a
canopy of bright yellow, red and orange. It would probably be safe to say that the
tandem riders kept their cameras busy grabbing snapshots of the color as it went
by.
Somewhere between 400 million and 600 million years ago, Mother Nature
stacked a pile of Tuscarora Sandstone nearly 900 feet high along the North
Fork of the South Branch River at the intersection of US Route 33 and West
Virginia Route 28. This outcropping of super-hard rock with its skirts painted in
a patchwork of colors presents a spectacular vista to the riders, as they pop out
of the Seneca Creek Canyon and approach the intersection. Between stealing
glances of the vista before them and watching for traffic, the riders turn south
toward the Gateway Restaurant at Riverton for lunch.
After lunch it didn’t take long before everyone was remounted and ready for the
challenge of the serpentine road that would take them to the summit of Spruce
Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,861 feet above sea level.
Some had experienced the view from the state’s highest overlook before yet that
did not diminish their appreciation for the grand vista that lay before them again
this afternoon. Those for whom it was a first simply stood in quiet reverence.
Before them lay the mountains of the Potomac Highlands wave on wave as
far as the eye could see. Comments were made in subdued tones as though
all the excitement and anticipation of reaching the summit were quieted by the
magnificence of place.
www.thunderroadswv.com
Their solemnity was
broken when Mickie Tacy
arrived on the overlook
with his hands in frenzied
motion trying to control
the wonderings of a
bright green snake about
18 inches long that was,
in its attempt to regain its freedom, exploring possible hiding places in Mickie’s
jacket as well as escape routes. Mickie, after entertaining everyone with his
newfound slithering friend, returned it to its home upon leaving the observation
deck.
Sooner than everyone wanted, it was time to begin the trip back to the South
Branch Valley, across the Allegheny on WV Route 28 and on to Bartow, where
the riders took a short break for fuel and a snack. From there they took US
Route 250 through Frank and Durbin and ascended the eastern face of the Cheat
Mountain, it too swathed in every color imaginable. The sun had now invaded the
southwestern sky and the ride across the flats of Cheat and along Shaver’s Fork
was under a multi-colored canopy backlit by sun radiating from a cloudless sky.
By the time they arrived in Dailey it was time for a dessert break at C&J’s
Restaurant, which is known for having some of the best pies, cobblers and apple
dumplings available anywhere. While having his or her favorite dessert, Jerry
Pastine, who, along with his wife Joann, had planned and organized the ride,
awarded newcomers to the group a “24-karat gold-plated” fork or spoon handle.
Calling themselves a group that “Eats to Ride and Rides to Eat” one would have
to agree that this is an appropriate identity symbol.
Pastine said, upon his arrival home, “There were many things that made this an
enjoyable and memorable ride. While I don’t think the foliage was as beautiful as
last year, it was beautiful nonetheless. We are a group of people who love to ride
and ride safely, and of whom no one puts himself above another.”
“Above everything else, though,” he said, “everyone made the trip of over 155
miles safely. West Virginia roads present special challenges for the biker – sharp
turns and steep grades to mention a couple – but that’s what makes riding in the
Mountain State so enjoyable. I think everyone is already looking forward to next
year.”
Editors Note:
Wayne submitted a longer story about this ride, full of prose as eye-catching as the
fall foliage. It’s an enjoyable read, which you can absorb in it’s entirety on our website
at www.thunderroadswv.com.
DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 17
 Toys for Tots
in Inwood

Christmas

New Years Eve

 An Unauthorized Visit by
Thunder Roads West Virginia
Editor’s Note:
“I have to do something….I gotta get out of here…
California sucks. Blah, blah, blah…” It was a late
night phone call from an old biker friend.
He had been a neighbor of mine here in West
Virginia. He kept his bike in my garage back then.
We rode together. We were nearly religious about a
weekly ritual we called “Friday Night Beer Bash and
Bike Wash.” Neither of us drinks and rides, so we
would set Friday nights aside for washing the bikes
and drinking, oh, so many beers. Come Saturday
morning, the bikes and bikers would be all shined
up and ready for a weekend of threading the needle
on as many West Virginia mountain passes as we
could find. Life was good.
But things change, and he was lured away to the big
city. First to New York, where he was nearly killed
in a horrific crash by a taxi-cage that was backing
down a Jersey on-ramp. He recovered and moved
to California. After seven years in La-La Land, with
this past fall’s Tujunga Canyon Wildfire burning out of
control only three blocks from his house, Greg Ver-
non was done with the left coast. When I told him that
Donna and I were launching Thunder Roads West
Virginia, he couldn’t get back here fast enough.
Greg is now an account representative, working
statewide with many of our advertisers.
While in California, Greg lived only a few blocks
away from a city street used as one of the sets for
the “Sons of Anarchy” television show that runs
on cable’s FX network. The show is about a motor-
cycle club of the same name in a fictional northern
California town. The club maintains an uneasy truce
with local law enforcement by keeping drug traffick-
ers at bay even as it operates well outside the law,
running illegal guns and feuding ruthlessly with rival
bikers and white separatists.
Even as Greg was packing up his things to move
back to West Virginia, he took on his first assign-
ment for Thunder Roads West Virginia: Crash the
set of “Sons of Anarchy”.

by Greg Vernon

In Tujunga, California I lived a few blocks from

where they film some outside scenes and the Cigar shop
of “Sons of Anarchy”. As I would ride by while they were
filming or actually setting up for a shoot, the primary actors
would be on the sidewalk with all those bikes parked on
the street.

When I saw they were setting up for a day of shooting, I

called Gary to tell him and he said to crash the set and get pictures of the bikes.
No worries, I tell my Bro. I hopped on my bike with a fist full of Thunder Roads
West Virginia magazines Gary had sent to me, along with a camera, and rode to
the set. (Note to self, first day as a biker journalist bring pad and pen).

20 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009

 In the show, the Mayans are a rival club of the
Sons of Anarchy, with a bloody history between
them. On this day, the bikes for the Mayans
were all lined up along the street so I pulled up
and parked at the end of the line. A security
guard came over and asked if I wouldn’t park
there because of the filming. I told him I was
with Thunder Roads West Virginia, here to do
a story for the magazine. He then introduced
himself as Gil. He was fine with it, so my bike
stayed until filming started.

As I walked down the sidewalk some of the

Mayan extras were sitting out in front of the
building that serves as the show’s cigar shop.
These guys are the real deal and are actually in
a biker….um…club. One of the guys, Dennis,
rebuilds and customizes old classic cars by
trade. He does some bikes as well. His buddy
brought a beautiful tricked out hog that has
Mayan themed art work on it. The “Mayan’s”
bikes were ridden by the club and all of them
were hot looking bikes.

Next a stunt double sat down with us. He

introduced himself as Vic. He told me his tale
with the crew and what he does when he’s
not working for the show. After a bit Vic had
me walk down the sidewalk a bit and into
the entrance to a shop. He took his Sons of
Anarchy vest off, and had me put it on to take a
few pictures of me. Needless to say, Vic rocks.

Vic next took me to the parking lot around the

corner where the S.O.A. bikes are parked. He
introduced me to John who is the wrench for
all the S.O.A. bikes. He also trailers them in,
and moves them around the set as needed for
shooting.

All the bikes are in top notch riding ready

condition. They are mostly Harley-Davidson
Dynas with drag bars and paint for the show.
Vic points out one bike that is owned by a Hell’s
Angel’s member. There is a sticker inside the
bullet fairing that identifies it as such.

These bikes rock and any one of them are

perfect for cruising the roads of California or any
other place for that matter. My first mission for
Thunder Roads West Virginia is in the bag.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 21

S
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22 Thunder Roads West Virginia NOVEMBER 2009
 Wheels with Heart
When a Motorcycle Ride is more than Riding
Story & photos by Branson Dunn
I would not usually consider riding a motorcycle an outdoor adventure, but it does
often turn out that way, given the way I ride. It also turned out to be an outdoor
adventure with the 19th annual Operation God Bless America motorcycle ride on
June 7. Being a relatively new biker, this was my first such ride, which impressively
pulled in $62,000 for the Veterans, from some 2500 registered participants. But it
was so much more than a motorcycle ride. It was something I wasn’t prepared for.
I wasn’t prepared for what happened along the way:
---all the people who went out of their way to acknowledge the bikers—waving from
their yards, sidewalks, in the streets, on almost all the overpasses, stopped and
out of their vehicles along the road and even on the interstate, or standing isolated
in a field;
---the beautiful ride itself in the warm sun and the fun of being part of it with friends;
---the Veterans themselves—greeting the group at the hospital, waving flags, and
most of all for me, seeing the lonely soldier in military dress out on a porch, by
himself, hardly able to stand, but stand he did, formally saluting the riders for all he,
and we, were worth. I acknowledged him as long as I could, being touched by his
act more than I can write. I hoped others saw him on his easily overlooked watch.
Another Veteran expressed his awareness by shining his wheelchair under a shade
tree, to match the sparkle of the other two wheelers;

---for the way I felt moved by the Veteran’s and the

community’s appreciation of this simple act. It was
almost like we were being honored instead.
It’s called a “charity ride,” but the term doesn’t do the
event justice, in word or deed. One can give char-
ity without caring. An estimated 1800 bikers cared
enough to participate, drawn together by the desire
to honor our Veterans with an extended string of
wheels down the road. This was not a charity ride. It
was a heart ride for Veterans. Thanks to all the folks
and police presence along the way for their greet-
ings, but most of all thanks to the Veterans for their
service to our country.
For most of my life, corporate worship has been
important to me. The usual pinch of guilt started in
on me on that Sunday ride, missing church, even
if it was to link up with a caring community of bik-
ers. And then I realized--I hadn’t missed church at
all. The last thing I wasn’t prepared for—I would not
usually consider having church on my Harley, but it
was, and I did.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 23

 Cold Storage
Winterizing your bike
He had too much junk in his garage, so the motorcycle had to get stored outside
for the winter. So this smart guy I used to work with (he was an electrical engineer
by trade) parked his bike alongside the fence of his horse paddock, and threw a
tarp over it. At this point in the story, if you’re sensitive to the needs of a bike, you
already hear the shrieking sounds of the orchestra’s string section as it scores a
horror film. Screee…Screee…Screee…
We know nothing about the bike’s well-being through the winter months, because
he never looked in on it. But when spring came, and I was out riding every day, this
bike was still sitting under its tarp surrounded by a field of mud. It would be the end
of May before he even attempted to unwrap the poor thing. When he did, the family
of rats that had made a winter nest on the engine quickly scurried off to search for
a new home. That was his first indication that all was not well…
TO WINTERIZE…OR NOT
That depends on how you use your bike. If you have an aversion to cold weather
riding then you have to do something to care for your scoot while you hibernate.
Left untended, the fuel in the tank and carb bowls will turn nasty. The battery will
likely discharge. The tires will deteriorate. Corrosion…RUST…will find purchase.
When you wake up in spring, your bike might not.
If you ride every chance you get, there’s no reason to fully winterize your bike.
However, there are still some things you should do to prepare it for the frosty sea-
son. Most manufacturers recommend lighter weight engine oil in cold weather.
Check the manual or ask your mechanic about the specifics for your bike. Keep
the gas tank full. Moisture condenses on the inside walls of the tank above the
fuel line. Moisture equals rust equals a poorly running bike equals a ruined day
and a lighter wallet when you pay for the rebuild. Oh, and put some fuel stabilizer
in there. Even though you expect to go riding next Saturday, that snowstorm the
weather guy missed might change your plans. Keep your tires properly inflated and
be certain they are in good condition. The connection between the cold-hardened
rubber of your tires and the frigid road surface is a lot more tenuous than on a hot
summer day. And keep the bike well cleaned. Even if the roads are clear in the
dead of winter, they may still be harboring residue of salt and chemical treatments
from previous snowfalls.
DEFINE WINTERIZE
A family of rats notwithstanding, the greatest enemy your bike faces during the
winter is moisture. It wants to gather everywhere. It wants to get inside your bike.
And it will. How you deal with this amphibious assault on your baby is a matter of
degree. The most hands-on method is to keep the gas tank full of stabilized fuel,
roll it out of the garage every couple of weeks and fire it up to a good operating
temperature. This will help chase out any condensation that has built up in the bike.
Be sure to wipe her down before you go back to your rocking chair by the fireplace.
It’s also a good idea to change oil by the calendar, too. Even though you aren’t
putting any miles on that oil, the moisture still collects in it and damages its ability to
protect your engine from – here it is again – corrosion.
I should point out that not everyone likes this method of winterization. Some argue
that the brief run times set weeks apart actually do harm to the bike. The reasoning
is that the moisture that has accumulated in the oil gets shoved around inside the
24 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009
by Gary Westphalen
engine, and may not fully get blown out. I leave it to you to decide the validity of
that argument for yourself.
Let’s say you don’t have a garage and that once the bike goes into storage it isn’t
moving until spring. This calls for a more methodical and detailed version of win-
terizing. Here we start with oil, but not in the crankcase. Yank the spark plugs
and put a couple shot glasses full of oil in each cylinder. But don’t use the shot
glass to pour it in. Use a turkey baster – and not the one from the kitchen. Get
your own. Turn the engine over by hand so the oil coats the cylinders, rings and
valves. Replace the spark plugs, drain the crankcase and refill with fresh oil. You
have done everything you can to keep the dreaded water molecules from attaching
themselves inside the engine.
Thwarted here, those little buggers will move on to the fuel tank where they can
not only attach to the bare metal walls of the tank, but also blend into the fuel and
render it powerless (see our stories about how water and ethanol blended fuels
are conspiring to ruin your life in our October and November ‘09 issues of Thunder
Roads West Virginia). Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer according to the direc-
tions on the bottle. But don’t think you’re finished with the fuel system just yet.
Twist out the drain screw on the carb float bowls and drain them out. If your bike is
fuel injected it doesn’t have float bowls, so you get to skip this step.
On to the battery. It’s a piece of hardware that we all like to forget about right up
until the day that it fails us. If you forget about it while winterizing the bike, that
failure day will be the first day next spring when you try to resuscitate your ride.
Connect the battery to a smart charger. These things regulate the condition of your
battery with amazing precision. In the Thunder Roads West Virginia stable we keep
all of our bikes plugged into smart chargers all year round. If a bike is in the garage,
it’s plugged in. We have batteries that are nearing a decade old and still holding a
charge as good as the day we bought them. The chargers generally cost less than
a single battery, and if you use it religiously you won’t have to buy another battery
for many, many years.
If your bike is liquid cooled, you have one additional chore at this point. Be sure
the anti-freeze in your system is sufficient to handle the cold temps your bike will
endure. You don’t want that stuff freezing inside the engine, because it will find an
ugly way to bust out as it expands into ice crystals.
Clean the bike. Any bug guts or bird goo left in place over the winter will dull the
paint and pit the metal and chrome parts. Wax it, polish it, wipe some rubber pro-
tectant on the appropriate parts, and whisper sweet nothings to it. Park it with the
tires off the concrete, resting on a slab of wood or suspended on the center stand.
Pull a tarp or cover over the bike and start counting the days until spring.
SO, DID IT START?
What, the neglected rat condo? You’re killin’ me. Actually, it’s no laughing matter.
After days of trying to get the thing running, my old co-worker finally gave up and
had it towed to the shop. Of course, it being spring and all, the shop was full of
bikes that had been mistreated over the winter. He had to wait in line and it wasn’t
until JULY that he finally got on the road. As for the credit card bill he amassed in
the process…it will be many more July’s before that’s gone.
TNT
 L
That Other Biketoberfest
ast month we told the story of the West Virginia BikeToberFest. Well, believe it or not, there is
another slightly more famous rally that goes by the same name. They do this one down in Daytona
Beach, Florida. Janet Kersey of the Chamber of Commerce in Daytona Beach tells Thunder
Roads West Virginia they were very pleased with the turnout this year. She notes that because
the event has been expanded across the whole county, “One thing we noticed more than ever
was also how much movement there was this year. Folks really got out and rode all over the
area.” She noted that despite a tough economy, bikers still showed up in large numbers.
Thunder Roads West Virginia’s Moe Vetter took it upon himself to be one of those bikers,
and headed down to Biketoberfest to soak up the event. He didn’t bring us back a t-shirt, but
he did bring these pictures.

26 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009

Okay. Late fall weather in
Antioch
West Virginia left a lot to
be desired this year. Can Rock Hill Club House
you say rain, rain, and more
rain? The Toys for Tots run
in Martinsburg got rained
out. The Down-N-Dirty m/c
run in Charles Town got
rained out. The Rock Hill
Warlocks in Antioch, well,
they never planned a run
for that weekend. But it was
their 5th anniversary.

P
So, what to do?

A
R
T
Y
!!!
28 Thunder Roads West Virginia NOVEMBER 2009
Martinsburg
Dirty Dawg

Charles
Town
Longshots

www.thunderroadswv.com NOVEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 29

 A Hand to Sam

Sam is a 9 year old boy who was

diagnosed with Leukemia around
the age of 5 years old. Sam was in
remission in 2008.
In December of 2008, Sam was at the
State Championship football playoffs in
Wheeling, WV. The Grafton Bearcat’s
is Sam’s home team where he is
known for being Sam “The Waterman”
Bord. Sam was out on the field with the Bearcat’s doing what he loves best,
and that was being the waterman.
As you can see from the picture of Sam that was a picture perfect day for him
because Sam’s home team had won the State Championship Game. In the
weeks after Sam’s perfect day his cancer started returning. Sam has been
battling with his cancer ever since.
My husband Shane said that we need to help Sam and his family and that
is when we thought of having the Give A Hand to Sam Poker Run. Our
friends, Todd & Angie Romesburg were also a big help. Once we started
with everything it just took off. The local community in Grafton was such
a supporting group of people, and it even gets better with the surrounding
counties that stepped up to help. I have never seen a community come
together like we have for such a good cause.
The poker Run started at Big Daddy’s in Grafton WV, with a sign up of more
than 150 bikers from all over the state. We couldn’t have had a better turn
out on a perfect, sunny day. After leaving Big Daddy’s we had a curiosity
stop at The Strand Pool Room in downtown Grafton, then took off on 119
to Your Tavern in Kingwood WV, then along the Cheat River to Riverview
in Rowelsburg, WV. From there we took Route 26 to LuLu McGhee’s in
Fellowsville, then back to our last stop at Tygart Lake Golf Course where we
had a lot of food and fun as we sat back and enjoyed the George Shingelton
Band.
We would like to thank everyone that helped, and all the bikers that came
together and put their time and effort into this Poker Run. The day was a
huge success, with all donations and sponsors we raised over $9000 for Sam
Bord and his family.
Hope to see everyone next year at our second annual Give a Hand to Sam
Benefit.
Thanks go out to everyone,
Shane & Melissa Stemple
Todd & Angela Romesburg

30 Thunder Roads West Virginia NOVEMBER 2009

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 31
MELT IN YOUR MOUTH... MRS. CLAUS’ REAL DEAL NANNER’ PUDDIN’
ROASTED HOLIDAY BEEF TENDERLOIN
2-1/2 Cups Sugar
One 2-Pound of Beef Tenderloin Roll (Sam’s Club or Costco has superb
6 Tbls. All-Purpose Flour
Beef Tenderloin)
Dash of Salt
Preheat Oven to 500 Degrees 2 (12 oz.) Cans of Evaporated Milk
Let Meat Sit On Counter for A Full 20 Minutes Pat Tenderloin Dry With 4 Egg Yolks
Clean Kitchen Towel 1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Cubed
Rub Meat Down Thoroughly With Real Butter 1 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract
Rub Salt & Cracked Pepper Over Meat Thoroughly 1 Box Nilla Vanilla Wafers *Plus extra for garnish & for crumbling
Roast for 25 Minutes On A Shallow-Sided Sheet Pan 5 Ripe Bananas; Sliced 1/2” Thick
Insert Meat Thermometer Into Exact Center of Meat 1 Can of Real Whipped Cream
Thermometer Should Read 125 Degrees for A Perfect
In a 3-quart heavy saucepan on low heat, add sugar, flour & salt. Pour in
Medium-Rare and 130 Degrees for A Perfect Medium;
the evaporated milk and keep stirring constantly. After about 15 minutes,
To Cook It Any Longer Is A Crime Against Tenderloin & You’d Be Better
the sauce will thicken slowly. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a medium size
Off Roasting An Old Shoe.
bowl. Now, temper the eggs, which means that you slowly ladle some
Remove Filet From Oven To A Separate Plate and Cover Entirely With
of the thickened sauce into the eggs.....slowly, and whisk gently. Now
Foil And Let Meat Rest At Least 10 Minutes,
add your eggs into your sauce (since you’ve tempered them they won’t
Add An Envelope of “French’s Peppercorn Gravy Mix” to Pan Drippings
turn into scrambled eggs in your sauce). Continue to gently whisk your
For A Rich, Smooth Gravy.
sauce, apprx. 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in
This is the easiest and absolute foolproof way I’ve ever found to cook a
butter and Vanilla Extract. Place pudding in a bowl and cover w/ plastic
tenderloin and it literally comes out perfect every single time.
wrap. Let cool in fridge for 2-1/2 hours. Now, into a large glass bowl or
trifle dish, add a layer of Nilla Vanilla Wafers, a layer of sliced bananas,
E-Z CHEEZY HOLIDAY POTATO BAKE
then a layer of pudding sauce and then a layer of Real whipped cream.
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, undiluted Keep repeating layers but make sure you save enough whip cream for
1 Cup (8 oz. tub) Sour Cream the top layer. Garnish w/ crumbled wafers over entire top and wavers
1/2 Cup Whole Milk stuck standing up all around perimeter of desert dish. Now, this is the
1 cup (4 ounces) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese REAL DEAL method of making it and baby, Mrs. Claus don’t mess around
1/2 cup Butter, Melted & Divided cause’ this will literally make you a believer in Santa, the North Pole,
1 package (30 ounces) Frozen Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes; Thawed Rudolph & his buds......... & Miracles.
1 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese FROM OUR THUNDER ROADS FAMILY TO YOURS
In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese and Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year
1/4 cup butter. Stir in the hash browns. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in.
baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and
remaining butter; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 45-50
minutes or until heated through. Perfect w/ the Beef Tenderloin and a big
bowl of Broccoli Florets. Look for them in any grocery freezer. Be sure
and get Florets ONLY! as those are the tops of the broccoli and the very
best part of the vegetable. Microwave and dot w/ real butter pats. Salt &
Pepper. Superb.
TO ALL OUR BRAVE, PROUD TROOPS... YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAILY. God Speed You Home.
UpComing Events
DECEMBER
December 5 – Inwood, WV
Toys for Tots Meet –n-Greet
At Iffies II Sports Bar from 3 PM til closing. Bring a new toy or $10 at
the door. Door prizes, raffles, 50/50 & more. Help us help the children
have a better Christmas. Sponsored by Harley Construction, Evel
Speed, Master Dry, Jefferson Security Bank & Iffies. For more info call
Mike M. 304-261-8397 or Mike P. 304-676-0942

There are numerous other Toys for Tots events throughout the state.
Watch for an event in your area.

www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 33

 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
BARS & RESTAURANTS
3rd Base Sports Bar & Grill
22 Virginia Avenue; US Rt. 220
Up from the stop light
Petersburg, WV 26847
(304) 257-2273
Email: calt2@rocketmail.com
Dakota Tavern
Route 19 North of Fairmont
(304) 288-4893
Friendly Atmosphere and Good Food
Est. 1964
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
HC 84 Box 33 (Cutoff Road)
Keyser, WV 26726
(304) 788-7533
Longshots Billiards
76 Wolfcraft Way
Charles Town, WV 25414
(304) 724-1975
www.longshotsbilliards.com
Petie’s Pub & Grill
304 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-0698
Owner – Beverly Opas
Road Hogs Saloon
415 Clayton Street
Rivesville, WV 26588
Steve’s Broken Spoke Bar & Grill
14977 SR 55
Needmore, WV 26801
(304) 897-7706
Email: sbosley@hardynet.com
Stray Dawg Saloon & Grill
Route 9
Hedgesville, WV
(304) 754-3361
DFM Special Tee House “The Biker Shack”
Helmets – Shirts – Chaps - Jewelry
2 Locations: 162 Nancy Jack Road,
Gerrardstown, WV 25420
& Barnwell Mini Shops 874 Chesire Road (Rt.
51) Bunker Hill, WV 25413
(304) 229-7609
Email: dfmdbikershack@aol.com
East View Variety Shop
We have everything from A – Z, Old and New
715 Philippi Pike
East View, WV 26301
(304) 622-6710
Evel Speed
Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester Avenue
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987
www.EvelSpeed.net
Insane Leather Apparel
37 Eastship Road
Dundalk, MD 21222
(410) 491-0020
Email: insaneleather22@yahoo.com
www.insaneleather.org
The Smoking Head
835 E. Washington Street
Charles Town, WV 25414
(304) 724-3033
Email: smokinghead@yahoo.com
CUSTOM ART
Art by Weeze
Custom art on bikes, leathers, helmets, auto,
canvas & murals
Martinsburg, WV
(304) 264-4604
Email: sheila@artbyweeze.com
www.ArtByWeeze.com
DEALERS & SERVICES
M&J Motor Company
Lehman Trike Conversions
1000 S. Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-6200
www.mjtrikes.com
O.B.’s Motorsports
1019 7th Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 420-0910
Motorcycles Shipped FREE
www.obsmotorsports.com
Romney Cycle Center
51 Industrial Park – Off Route 28
Romney, WV 25757
(304) 822-3933
Email: romneysales@frontiernet.net
www.RomneyCycles.com
Skip’s Honda
580 South Mineral Street
Keyser, WV 26726
(304) 788-1615
Smitty’s Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha
Rt. 33 E. Corridor H
Buckhannon, WV 26201
(304) 472-4824
Email: smittys@cebridge.net
www.supersmittys.com
The Little Shop of Harleys
Service & Accessories
HD Certified Mechanic
44 Bay Berry Lane
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(304) 258-3909
TRS Fabrication
Custom Painting & Collision Repair
109 Rainbow Hill Road
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(304) 258-0816 or 240-674-2985
Email: trsfabrication@aol.com

BIKER ACCESSORIES Evel Speed Tri-County Honda

APPAREL • LEATHERS & GIFTS Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop 135 South Main Street
7323 Winchester Avenue Petersburg, WV 26847
Anthony’s Specialty Inwood, WV 25428 (304) 257-4420
Biker Apparel – Leather – H-D Boots & More (304) 229-0987 www.tri-countyhonda.com
112 Davis Avenue www.EvelSpeed.net
Glen Lyn, VA 24093 (540) 726-3080

34 Thunder Roads West Virginia NOVEMBER 2009

 By Jim “Jammer” Marcum
WHO IS CHRISTMAS?
We decorate our Christmas trees and string up lights. We kick into a higher emotional gear, release our financial
clutch and twist our physical throttle, rushing to find gifts for our friends and loved ones. Wish lists are created,
but my wife has laid down the law on me this year…No long list of chrome items or bike accessories and no black
t-shirts, so I guess I’ll have to settle for a new watch, maybe a chrome watch honey?
It’s customary to exchange gifts just as they did when Jesus was born, but the aftermath of Christmas shouldn’t
leave you with PTCS (Post-Traumatic Christmas Syndrome) which leaves you stressed, broke and sad. It was
never meant to be that way. Have you ever heard the statement, “Jesus is the reason for the season?” This is
a true statement. Christmas came by way of Mary giving birth to Christ. Therefore, it should be a time of peace,
goodwill and rejoicing in knowing that we have a Savior.
As the scripture reads in the second chapter of Luke, an Angel of the Lord came to the shepherds in the fields
nearby and said, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. This day in the city of David a
Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” A host of Angels then appeared, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”
So, the question should not be “What is Christmas?” The question should be “Who is Christmas?” May
God’s peace and blessings be upon you this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!
Jim “Jammer” Marcum resides in Charleston and has been involved in motorcycle ministry for
nearly 15 years and serves as Clergy within Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry.

PHOTOGRAPHY Hot Rods Roll Back and Towing Clubs & Organizations
Specializing in Motorcycle Towing
Vetter Photo 274 Bedington Road
1675 Cold Spring Road Martinsburg, WV 25401 C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV)
Moorefield, WV 26836 (304) 267-5586 Visa & MC Accepted is a non-profit organization enlisting the
(304) 530-6855 Email: hotrodstowing@yahoo.com help of other good hearted people wanting
www.vetterphoto.com to contribute to the cause of helping others
WEB DESIGN in need. Recent donations have gone
SPORTING GOODS to local families with serious health and
Meridian Development financial challenges. The organization holds
Doug’s Sport Shop 55 Meridian Parkway, Suite 101 monthly meetings and several fundraising
New and Used Guns, Sporting Apparel and Martinsburg, WV 25401 rides every year. Donations are always
Aigner Products (304) 263-1000 appreciated. For more information visit our
220 North Main Street; 743B Hawse Plaza www.meridianwebsites.com website at www.cehelpinghands.com.
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 538-6496 Highways and Hedges Motorcycle
email: dougssoprtshop@frontiernet.net Ministry (South Charleston, WV)
For more information email Jim “Jammer”
VEHICLE SERVICES Marcum at: harley4me2@verizon.net

Bob’s Tire Service Inc.

812 East Moler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-2797
www.bobstireservice.net

www.thunderroadswv.com NOVEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 35

 A group of children were trying very hard to become accustomed to
Kindergarten.
The biggest hurdle they faced was that the teacher insisted on NO
baby talk!
You need to use ‘Big People’ words,’ she was always reminding them.
She asked Jimmy what he had done over the weekend? ‘I went to
visit my Nana’. “No, you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER. Use ‘Big
People’ words!’
She then asked Jimmy what he had done. ‘I took a ride on a choo-
choo’. The teacher corrected,
‘No, you took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use ‘Big
People’ words’. She then asked little Lil’ Joey what he had done?
‘I read a book’ he replied. That’s wonderful!’ the teacher said. ‘What
book did you read?’
Lil’ Joey thought real hard about it, Then puffed out his chest with
great pride, and said, ‘Winnie the SHIT”.
Bubba was sunbathing naked on Flagler Beach.
For the sake of legality, and to keep it from getting sunburned, he had
a straw hat over his privates. An old drunken woman walks past and
slurs, “If you were a gentleman you’d lift your hat.”
Bubba raised an eyebrow and replied, “If you weren’t so ugly, it would
lift itself.”
Indian Chief ‘Two Eagles was asked by a white government official,
‘You have observed the white man for many decades. You’ve seen his
wars and technological advances, you’ve seen his progress and the
damage he’s done. The Chief nodded in agreement.
The official continued, ‘Considering all these events, in your opinion,
where did the white man go wrong?’
The Chief stared at the government official for over a minute and then
calmly replied.
‘When white man find land, Indians running it; no taxes, no debt, plenty
buffalo, plenty beaver, clean water. Women did all the work, Visit to
Medicine man free. Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; all
night having sex.’
Then the Chief leaned back and smiled, ‘Only white man dumb enough
to think he could improve system like that.’
Biker Bob walks into the bedroom carrying a sheep in his arms and
says “Honey, this is the cow I make love to when you have a headache.”
The wife, laying in the bed reading a book, looks up and says, “If you
weren’t such an idiot, you’d know that’s a sheep, not a cow.”
Biker Bob replies, “If you weren’t such a bitch, you’d realize I was
talking to the sheep.”
Ole’ “Dumpster” bought this new deodorant today. The instructions
said remove cap and push up bottom. He says he can barely walk, but
now, whenever he farts, the room smells awesome!
36 Thunder Roads West Virginia DECEMBER 2009
She was standing in the kitchen, preparing our usual soft-boiled eggs
and toast for breakfast wearing only the ‘ T ‘ shirt that she normally
slept in. As I walked in, almost awake, she turned to me and said
softly,” You’ve got to make love to me this very moment!”
My eyes lit up and I thought, “I am either still dreaming or this is going
to be my lucky day!”
Not wanting to lose the moment, I embraced her and then gave it my
all; right there on the kitchen table.
Afterwards she said, “Thanks,” and returned to the stove, her T-shirt
still around her neck.
Happy, but a little puzzled, I asked, “What was that all about?”
She explained, “Oh, the egg timer’s broken.”
Two old men decide they are close to their last days and decide to
have a last night on the town. After a few drinks, they end up at the
local brothel.
The Madam takes one look at the two old geezers and whispers to her
Manager, ‘go up to the first two bedrooms and put an inflated doll in
each bed. These two are so old and drunk, I’m not wasting two of my
girls on them. They won’t know the difference.’
The Manager does as he is told and the two old men go upstairs and
take care of their business. As they are walking home the first man
says, ‘you know, I think my girl was dead!’ ‘Dead?’ says his friend,
‘why do you say that?’ ‘Well, she never moved or made a sound all the
time I was loving her.’
His friend says, ‘could be worse I think mine was a Witch.’
‘a Witch ??. . Why the hell would you say that?’
‘Well, I was making love to her, kissing her on the neck, and I gave her
a little bite, then she farted and flew out the window. Took my dang
teeth with her!’
My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I
kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at
a nearby table.
My wife asked, ‘Do you know her?’
Yes,’ I sighed, ‘She’s my old girlfriend. I understand she took to
drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she
hasn’t been sober since.’
‘My God!’ says my wife, ‘who would think a person could go on
celebrating that long?’
Hung Chow calls into work and says, “Hey, I no come work today,
I really sick. Got headache, stomach ache and legs hurt, I no come
work.”
The boss says, “You know something, Hung Chow, I really need you
today. When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her to give me sex.
That makes everything better and I go to work. You try that.”
Two hours later Hung Chow calls again.
“I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon......And...…You
got nice house.”
www.thunderroadswv.com DECEMBER 2009 Thunder Roads West Virginia 37