Dragon Tales
I recently had the opportunity to ride to the Fairmont/Morgantown area.
As I started out, the day was hot and humid, with future thunderstorms
in the forecast. I was enjoying a nice ride westward on Route 50,
but when I got to Romney, the clouds were looking pretty dark and
ominous. As I started to crest the top of Mt. Storm, the high winds and
rain hit hard. Once I started riding at an almost 45° angle as I leaned
against the wind, I decided to pull over. I luckily came upon a closed gas
station, and found cover under a side awning. I had company though.
There were five guys working on a road project right across the street,
that were holed up in their trucks. They eventually came over to visit.
Now, most women may have freaked out and thought the worst, but
what a nice bunch of guys. They asked if I was all right and offered me
a soda, before one of them took extreme interest in my ride, as he had
owned a couple of V-Star 1100 Customs in the past. “Great bike!” he
added, “Sorry I ever got rid of them.” I agreed wholeheartedly.
The storm started to taper off a bit, and the boys left. As I sat watching
the radar on my phone (what a great invention, when you can get a
signal), I realized that I had just hit the beginning front of a fast moving
thunderstorm that stretched all the way to Charleston. So, I opted to
sit it out for the heaviest part of the storm to pass. As I was waiting,
the owner of the house next door to the gas station came over with her
umbrella, and asked if I was okay. How nice is that? I told her that I was
2 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
heading for Fairmont, and she exclaimed “Honey, that is over 2 hours
away! Are you sure you don’t want to stay at the hotel about 4 miles
down the road?” I let her know that I was fine, and asked if it was alright
to just hang out under the awning while it passed. She was more than
happy to let me stay. I did need to use a bathroom though, and she was a
bit wary of my request, so I let her know that I understood her concern.
About 5 minutes later, she appeared on her front porch and waved me
over. I walked over to the house, and she let me in to use the restroom.
As I was thanking the husband and wife on the way back out, she asked
if I was hungry. Even though they had already had their dinner, they
offered me a sandwich too. How wonderful was that? In this day and
age, it is not often you find such people. West Virginia embodies an
attitude that is just as friendly as you can imagine. When someone here
asks how you are doing, they actually stop and wait for an answer. You
just don’t see that anywhere else these days.
I want to send a big “Thank You” to those wonderful people I met on
my journey. What a great ride!
Take care, ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Donna
 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA
P.O. Box 606 / Charles Town, WV 25414 From The Editor........................................... 4
www.thunderroadswv.com
Letters......................................................... 5
OWNER / EDITORS
Gary Westphalen, Editor-in-Chief Headlines from Harley................................. 7
gary@thunderroadswv.com / 304-616-0102
Donna K. Westphalen, CFO Hidden Highways – State Route 39............ 8
donna@thunderroadswv.com / 304-261-1609
Freedom Fest............................................ 10
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Meredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics MountainFest............................................. 12
COPY EDITOR
Thomas M. Korzeniowski Barbour County Historic Ride.................... 14
CONTRIBUTORS Vintage Motorcycle Races……………....... 15
Nancy Adkins, Jim “Jammer” Marcum,
Earl Nuzum, Greg Vernon Farmington VFD Run…...……………........ 16
Donna Jones, Frank Headley
Jeff Davis Bike of the Month – Wilson’s Warrior…..... 20
ADVERTISING SALES / DISTRIBUTION Center Calendar………………............... ...22
EASTERN PANHANDLE
DAVE LUKSA - 304-268-1315/DAVE.LUKSA@THUNDERROADSWV.COM Heroes Helping Heroes…….…..……….... 25
NORTHWEST WV
EARL NUZUM – 304-816-2863 / EARL@THUNDERROADSWV.COM
Load Bearing Bikes............................. ......28
NORTHWEST WV The Governor’s Ride………………....... ….29
GREG VERNON 304-616-0249 / GREG@THUNDERROADSWV.COM
POTOMAC HIGHLANDS
Kessel Tribute at Flat Track Races…....... .30
MOE VETTER - 304-668-9563 / MOE@THUNDERROADSWV.COM
TNT………………………….……......... …..33
SOUTHEAST WV
JEFF DAVIS – 304-673-7321 / JEFF@THUNDERROADSWV.COM Seats & Saddles…………….............. ........34
SOUTHWEST WV
The Jokers Wild……………………........ ....35
TIM HIGGS – 304-546-5982 / TIM@THUNDERROADSWV.COM
STATEWIDE Biker Friendly Directory…………........... …36
TOM BARBER – 304-376-2338 / TOM@THUNDERROADSWV.COM
The High Road……………..……........……39
WESTERN WV
MIKE SKINNER – 304-482-3550 / MIKE.SKINNER@THUNDERROADSWV.COM Mountain State Ink………………........……40
NATIONAL FOUNDERS
Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon Upcoming Events…………………....... …..42
1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035
Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580 ON THE COVER
email: thunderroads@charter.net
Copyright 2010. Published by Thunder Roads West Virginia, LLC under license from Thunder The sport bikes got a chance to throw a burnout on our cover in July, so
Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this magazines content may be reproduced without we figured it was time to give the cruisers a shot. This particular display
the written permission of the Publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility and is not of vaporizing rubber happened during the Freedom Fest Motorcycle
to be held liable for errors beyond the cost 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 Rally, high atop Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County. A week
control, any and all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use later, it was Morgantown’s turn. MountainFest drew a monstrous crowd,
of a person’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 West Virginia,
and gave us plenty of photo ops. Our extensive coverage of the two
Thunder Roads Magazine, or Thunder Publishing. The Publisher does not promote the abuse rallies in words and pictures is splattered all over this issue.
of alcohol or other drugs.

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 3

 My favorite part of this job is meeting you.
Yes, I get to ride around West Virginia in an endless search for great roads,
cool places to visit, and awesome customized bikes to drool over. None
of that sucks, to be sure. But this past month has been the best time I’ve
had since we launched Thunder Roads West Virginia. Donna and I met up
with literally thousands of loyal readers over the past month as we manned
our booth at the Freedom Fest and MountainFest rallies. I shook so many
hands I started feeling like a politician. Well, not quite like one. I wasn’t
reaching for your wallet with my other hand.
The endless flow of positive comments about Thunder Roads West
Virginia was very gratifying. You told us that you like what we’re doing
with the magazine. You had suggestions for future stories, and comments
about the one’s we’ve run. That’s just the way we like it. We want you to
be involved in this magazine as though you owned it. The truth is, you
do. Yes, we run the magazine on a day to day basis, carefully managing
everything from the huge printing expenses down to the smallest nickel
and dime expenditures, and from the broadest overall editorial concepts
to the very last comma. But you are the ultimate bosses of what goes on
between these covers, and we truly enjoyed the opportunity to talk face to
face with so many of you about it.
Our favorite conversations were with those of you who use the magazine
to plan bike trips. We heard from a number of bikers who have planned

Come
trips around our great state, based on the biker-friendly businesses who
advertise with us, and the roads we’ve written about. I think this is a
fantastic way to use the resources this magazine provides. It’s how the
biker-friendly businesses of this state have a chance to connect with riders
who live outside their local community. in for a
test save.
If you haven’t used Thunder Roads West Virginia in this manner, I would
urge you to consider it. Every advertiser in this magazine wants to see you.
Every road we write about is a fantastic romp on a bike. Every destination
we mention, every bike night we attend, every event we cover is a great
place to go on a bike. We wouldn’t write about it if it wasn’t. These are the
people, places, and things that welcome bikers with open arms. The more
you accept their invitation, the stronger they become, and the greater the
influence of the biker community will be in all facets of West Virginia life.
It all starts when you walk into one of our advertisers to pick up your free Jim McCartney, Agent Total average savings of

$696*
400 Morgantown Street
copy of Thunder Roads West Virginia each and every month. Let them Kingwood, WV 26537
know why you’re there. Tell them that you, as a biker, appreciate their Bus: 304-329-2420
support. Then, return the favor by supporting them. It’s a small thing, jim.mccartney.bvlx@statefarm.com
but it is happening many thousands
of times every month, all over the Let me show you how combining
state. Businesses large and small home and auto policies can add
are benefiting from their presence in up to big savings. Like a good
this magazine, and as our influence neighbor, State Farm is there.®
grows, bikers are being welcomed
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7
into more and more businesses.
I like it like that!
It’s not the Destination…It’s the
Journey.
Gary

*Average annual per household savings based on a national 2009 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company
P097197 04/09 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
4 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
 Letters To
The Editor

Dear Gary,
Special thanks go out to Donna Westphalen and Earl Nuzum for
participating in the Farmington poker run. They were both a real joy
to ride with and hang out with, while Earl was taking pictures of all the
beautiful bikes. It made it so much more special, with both of them riding
in the poker run with us, Tim, and Shelia. Donna rolled into town earlier
that week to talk with, and meet, some of her biker friends. We were
able to spend some time with her, and she was great. She has such a
great personality. Our heart goes out to Donna. After riding all day on
the Farmington poker run, she then turned around and rode 4 1/2 more
hours home to Charles Town, WV (she’s a real biker chick). Our heart
goes out to Earl. After wrestling his Half Breed bike through all the twisty
turns, but every time we looked back he was still right there.
Sincerely,
Todd & Angela Romesburg

Dear Todd and Angela,

You’re sending kudos out to two of my favorite people in the world.
Obviously, I think Donna is the best, most genuine person I have ever
met. And, yes, she is absolutely a real biker chick. She can ride a bike
as hard, as fast, and as long as anyone. Don’t think for one second
that you’re going to be able to lose her on the straight-aways, or shake
her in the twisties. Ain’t gonna happen!
Earl represents this magazine in the north-central part of the state, and
is also as good as they come. In all, more than a dozen people work
tirelessly to bring Thunder Roads West Virginia to you each month.
Every single person you see listed in our staff column is a biker, so you
can be sure that we understand where you’re coming from. This is the
greatest collection of people I could imagine being surrounded by, and
I’m proud to call all of them my brothers and sisters.
Gary

Hi Gary,
I just picked up my copy of the August edition of Thunder Roads and
I saw the “Bike of the Month” article you wrote.  Thanks so much! 
You are a really talented writer and you did a wonderful job with the
entire magazine!  If you ever need anything at all in the Clarksburg/
Bridgeport area, just let me know.  Thanks again.
Lori  Dawkins

Dear Lori,
It was a pleasure for me to meet you and photograph your bike. It’s
people like you that make my job so much fun.
Gary

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 5

 HOME COOKED MEALS DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

SEPTEMBER
LIVE MUSIC: EVERY
5 SUNDAY RIDE
11th Slow Burn $
Cov
er
Kick Stands up at 2:00
(Country) Weather Permitting

18th Soul Intentions R

SOBE I
(Old Time Rock-n-Roll and Motown) TA X
ICE
SERVABLE
25th Crunch Mob AVAI
L

SEPTEMBER 25th
Nan & Pops
is the 1st and last stop for the
Berkeley Co. Bus Drivers
Relay for Life Ride.
Registration at 10am
Kickstands up at 11am

CELEBRATION
Bike Ride on
Saturday, October 9th
Vendors • Drink Specials • Food Specials
2nd Weekend of October
Friday October 8th • 6-?
Saturday October 9th • 11-?
Sunday October 10th • 1-?
Descent from Within
Friday & Saturday • 9-?
$5 Cover
6 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
 HEADLINES
There are those in the brewing industry that
believe it was beer that “…made Milwaukee
famous.” Or at least, that’s what the Schlitz Brew-
ing Company would have liked you to believe,
until the brewer sold out to a Detroit firm more
than two decades ago. But bikers know that it was
really Harley-Davidson that made the Wisconsin
city recognized around the world. Now, even that
might be changing.
H-D executives are making noise about moving Keith Wandell, CEO,
all but the corporate offices away from Milwaukee. Harley-Davidson.
Chief Executive Keith Wandell, who has been in
charge since May, 2009, says company brass are looking to move production
to other states. The company says that it needs a better agreement with the
labor union, if it is going to stay put. At issue is the production schedule, which
the company says needs realigning to more closely match demand. Talks
between the company and the union began about month ago, and a decision
from the company may be forthcoming as quickly as within the next month.
More than 1,600 employees currently assemble bikes at the Milwaukee plant.
Harley-Davidson’s finances paint a mixed picture, as of late. The company’s
second-quarter report says sales were down 5.5 percent worldwide, when
compared to a year ago. Domestic sales dropped 8.4 percent in that time
frame. However, revenue during that quarter was up 2.8 percent, and the num-
ber of bikes shipped from the factory rose by 846 units. Harley says 59,046
motorcycles left the plant in the second business quarter.
Regardless of whether the company continues to manufacture “Milwaukee
FROM HARLEY
Iron” in Milwaukee, one aspect of the product line is ending. H-D says the in-
troduction of the Tri-Glide line of factory built trikes signals the end of sidecar
production.
Harley-Davidson introduced the sidecar as a factory option in 1914. Three
years later, when the United States entered the First World War, the military
ordered nearly 20,000 bikes from Harley-Davidson. Many were equipped with
sidecars, and a good portion of those had machine guns mounted on them.
Although the machine gun option was never made available to the general
public, sidecars were an immediate hit for many segments of the motorcycling
community. The stability of a three-wheel vehicle allowed motorcycles to navi-
gate the primitive road systems of the day. Rural postal carriers were also quick
to adopt the concept. In 1919, Harley produced 22,685 motorcycles, and more
than 70 percent were sold with sidecars.
Harley-Davidson says that although no new orders for sidecars are being
taken, the company will continue to honor warranty repairs, as well as provide
parts and technical support, for existing sidecars.

Present this ad for

15% OFF
YOUR
ROOM RATE
OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 2010.

www.thunderroadswv.com Thunder Roads West Virginia 7

 Hidden Highways
State Route
39
A strong, gusting wind has been smacking
me around like a rag doll all day. As I cross the
New River Gorge Bridge on my way north to
Summersville, the vision of being turned into
a human kite by the stiff crosswinds blows
through my mind. I need to find cover.
It comes in the form of State Highway 39.
As I make the right turn onto 39 East, the
road immediately drops down a hillside and
the wind doesn’t follow. The highway soon
bottoms out in the Gauley River Valley, and
the Highway 39 Bridge over the river is quite
a sight.
I wish I could say the same thing for the
next twenty miles of highway. I can’t. It
goes through some beautiful territory and the road
provides enough gentle twists and turns to keep
a biker happy, but the rough condition of the road
surface leaves a lot to be desired. Make sure all
the nuts and bolts on your bike are torqued down
properly, because poor old Highway 39 has been
neglected. There’s also a measure of traffic on this
stretch of road, so be prepared to deal with some
cages. On my run through here, they all seemed to
be in a hurry and really weren’t interested in sharing
the road with a motorcycle. That’s unusual for cage
drivers in this state, so I’m willing to chalk it up to
them all having a bad day.
you’re confused, there’s nothing wrong with riding the 150, 39, 219,
The highway eventually gets some help with its complexion
55 loop over and over again all day long. We’ve done this many
problems by joining forces with Highway 55, just west of Richwood.
times. It’s a great way to spend a day on a bike.
From this point on, the highway climbs into the southern reaches of
the Monongahela National Forest. There is almost always a stream
8 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
running alongside the road, and much of
this area is pristine wilderness. The gently
sloping nature of these mountains belies
the fact that elevations here climb to some
of the highest numbers in West Virginia.
As Highway 39 rides piggyback on 55,
the memory of that rough stretch of road
softens, and the mild nature of this stretch
of roadway gives a rider the opportunity to
really enjoy the surrounding scenery. Some
20 miles after passing through Richwood, a
choice is presented to the exploring biker.
39/55 continues eastward, dropping down
a series of exciting twisties and eventually
into Marlinton. Or, a left turn onto Highway
150 affords the opportunity to ride the 22 mile
length of what is billed as the highest elevations of
any road in the state. Highway 150 was featured as
our Hidden Highway in the September, 2009 issue
of Thunder Roads West Virginia and is a highly
recommended diversion.
Once reaching the northern end of 150, you can
make a left turn onto U.S. 219/55 and head down
those twisties into Marlinton, where you can rejoin
Highway 219/39/55. Are these overlapping highway
numbers starting to confuse you? Actually 219, 55,
and 39 share a lot of right of way in this region.
But that’s okay because they are all great roads. If
From Marlinton, State Highway 39 heads southeast 13 miles into
Virginia by way of Minnehaha Springs. This is a beautiful ride with minor
elevation changes that afford more than a few edge-of-the-tire thrills.
In all, my impression of State Highway 39 is that it is a great
mountain road. Because of a serious need for resurfacing, the road
www.thunderroadswv.com
has some trouble standing on its own just east of Summersville, but
once it joins forces with its big brothers in the forms of Highway 55
and eventually U.S 219, things smooth out and the ride becomes
one of the nicest you’ll find.
AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 9
 Fre e d o m

ons were caught

Sometimes the ballo

machines.
an eye-popping collection of
The bike show drew

untain.
rid e up Snowshoe Mo
The smile-inducing

10 Thunder Roads West Virginia

Fest
on the
rally may not take place
This annual motorcycle it. When
, but it sure seems like
actual top of the world un n ski
tai
for the Snowshoe Mo
you roll past the sign You won’t
ttom of the mountain.
resort, you’re at the bo ng twisty
e traversed a six-mile-lo
reach the top until you’v
to this rally is a hoot.
climb. Yes, just getting
ers took
n, many hundreds of bik
Once atop the mountai nestly, it’s
Saturday festivities. Ho
part in the Friday and s rally is
were there because thi
hard to say how many en than
es were gone more oft
about riding, so the bik ns in West
to the highest elevatio
not. The area is home iest roads.
dingly, some of its twist
Virginia, and correspon bikers on
rs, leading groups of
There were guided tou bikers
region. But most of the
scenic rides through the ing arch
se
ir own, in a never-end
just wandered off on the
for biker nirvana. there
the bikes were parked,
Up at the village, when , and nearly
vendor area, bike show
was plenty of action. A n enough
o days provided more tha
continuous music for tw s between
ers stretched their leg
to see and do while rid extreme
thunderstorm packing
runs. A mid-morning maging or
Saturday morning, da
winds tore through on t once the
vendor’s canopies. Bu
destroying many of the control of
out, the sun regained
bikers got wet. weather front blew itself ver they
And sometimes the made do with what co
the sky and the vendors mes began,
the afternoon bike ga
had left. By the time dition to
s just a memory. In ad
the morning’s storm wa organizers
ie-bite competitions,
slow races and ween e rider got
d turns. More than on
threw in a few twists an on (or two
d to toss a water ballo
wet as his partner trie round) over
in the final elimination
at a time, as they did seemed to
the other side. No one
the bar and catch it on had turned
time the afternoon sun
mind, because by that welcome
lashing water provided
the heat up and the sp rrounding
n slipped below the su
relief. Then, as the su capped off
ekend’s events were
mountaintops, the we
rks display.
with a fabulous firewo

ded loads of fun.

The bike games inclu

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 11

MountainFest
I
n a state full of motorcycles, finding a couple of bikers hanging
out with each other isn’t hard to do. Finding a large gathering
of bikes is also pretty easy. But when it comes to pulling in tens
of thousands of bikers for a weekend, only MountainFest in
Morgantown makes it happen.
Although the main venue for MountainFest is at Mylan Park, it
really encompasses the entire Morgantown area. There are rides,
organized and not, that encompass virtually every road in the region.
There is entertainment of all varieties that can be found everywhere
as well. There are vendors, music, fun, and bikes, bikes, bikes. It’s
more than any biker can take in during one weekend. Perhaps that’s
why bikers return to MountainFest again and again.
One of the highlights, from the perspective of motorcycling, was
the amazing display of antique bikes. The main exhibition hall at
Mylan Park was home to about 200 vintage machines. The other
side of the hall was filled with bikes from notable builders like Indian
Larry and Savage Cycles. There was also an antique motorcycle
race, as well as a parade of bikes, open to all two-wheelers, through
the streets of Morgantown. Donna Jones and Frank Headley bring
you that story on Page 15. Some rides were fund-raising events.
Others highlighted the scenic and historic aspects of the area.
One of those rides is the subject of a story by Greg Vernon and
12 Thunder Roads West Virginia
Nancy Adkins, on page 14.
One first-time happening at this year’s festival was related to the
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, in which bikers rode a specified
route from Key West, Florida, to Homer, Alaska. The run ended in
Homer less than two weeks before MountainFest, and Morgantown
area rider Mark Wilson returned just in time to roll directly onto the
grounds as MountainFest was in full swing. This gave Thunder
Roads West Virginia the opportunity to expand our MountainFest
coverage by picking his ride as our bike of the month, which you can
read about on page 20.
We encountered three models, who were more than happy to
grace our center calendar, along with a bike being displayed by
Radiant Rides in the vendor area. Our Mountain State Ink page is
filled with tattoos we saw at MountainFest, many of them during the
tattoo contest on the main stage. And the Seats & Saddles and TNT
pages are made up entirely of bikes we encountered at the rally.
A nasty thunderstorm ripped through the area on Sunday morning,
forcing organizers to end the rally early, but that did nothing to erase
the success of the three previous days. MountainFest is a large and
diverse event, and we are happy to dedicate these numerous pages
to the sights and stories that embodied this year’s festivities.
www.thunderroadswv.com Thunder Roads West Virginia 13
 BARBOUR
COUNTY
HISTORIC RIDE
(Editor’s Note: This is one of many rides that took place in the area during MountainFest.
While the ride was not directly associated with the rally, this gathering of so many bikers
nevertheless affords an opportunity for them to encounter a wide range of riding experiences
in the region. Thunder Roads West Virginia’s Greg Vernon went on this ride, and our visiting
friend Nancy Adkins rode along, with camera in hand. Here is their combined account.)
STORY BY NANCY ADKINS & GREG VERNON
Greg: While most rides for bikers are either poker or dice runs, and in many cases
to raise funds for a good charity, the ride we find ourselves on today is a bit different.
It’s the West Virginia Barbour County Historic Ride, charted and shepherded by Bob
Campione and Grant Norman. At 8:30 am we start to gather at Morgantown Honda,
Yamaha, Suzuki and KTM. The total ride will cover about 135 miles.
Nancy: For a first timer in the central part of West Virginia, my first thought is
WOW! Everywhere I looked I find myself saying, “this is amazing,” over and over
again. The immense beauty of this great state is breathtaking, and awe inspiring.
It is a hot and steamy Saturday morning. With anticipation of seeing some
historical sights we depart. Our ride over many hilly and twisting roads leads us
first to the Adaland mansion. This historic mansion was built by a self made man of
West Virginia, for his beloved Nancy. The location, on top of a hillside surrounded
by mountains, was not a practical choice. The lack of readily available water made
it a challenge. However, we are greeted by a charming hostess, and offered fresh
lemonade on the veranda. While enjoying these refreshments we are regaled with
14 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
the historic adventures of the original owners and their predecessors. This beautiful
mansion has been restored to its original splendor and opened to the public for
either a tour or a special event. It’s an excellent destination for a short ride, while
visiting the area.
Greg: From there we mount up, and ride around the area to our next stop at Audra
Park. This is a nice place to stop and cool off from the hot July Sun. Riders could
even take a swim in the river, or at least cool their feet. After a 30 minute stop, we ride
next to the Barbour County Museum in Philippi. At the museum, Olivia Sue Lambert
gives us a history lesson, explaining that Philippi was the place were the first planned
land battle of the Civil War took place. There is much more in the museum than just
items from the Civil war, and a model of the wonderful Philippi covered bridge. They
even have mummies there!
Nancy: Upon leaving this interesting museum we ride through the Philippi
covered Bridge which was constructed in 1852 by Lemuel Chenoweth. The original
model of this bridge is displayed in the museum. Chenoweth was required to present
a functional model to the Corp of Engineers for approval, before construction could
ensue. It is an amazing piece of structural architecture.
After traveling back over another set of wild and wonderful roads, we return to the
Honda shop to enjoy some of the best smoked pork sandwiches. Now, coming from
Texas, that’s saying something. Us Texans love our Bar-B-Que! This is an adventure
that will forever be sketched in my memory banks. I look forward to finding and
experiencing many new adventures in West Virginia.
 VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE RACES
STORY BY DONNA JONES wonderful course was created, utilizing parts of the main road that were blocked off.
PHOTOS BY FRANK HEADLEY It is hard to describe the sound of these old machines, but a “buzz” rings truer that
a “roar”. The old bikes with side cars were the highlight, as the man in the side car
One of the more unique aspects of MountainFest is the vintage motorcycle display
called a “monkey” stretched out his body to interfere with other riders attempts to get
and the races. On Sunday, at the Waterfront, several serious vintage bike collectors
ahead as they rounded a curve. These riders whipped around curves without much
gathered to sport their merchandise, and race against those in their class. Many
hesitation in order to prove that their antique toys could adequately compete. At the
of the riders also dressed the part, with leather helmet and goggles, and the high
conclusion of the race, the riders gathered for a group shot, and appeared to know
laced boots with tucked in pants. The goal was to have great fellowship with safety
each other from prior competitions. What a unique hobby and sport wrapped up in
in mind while trying not to let the competition become the primary preoccupation. A
one. Next year, be sure to stop by and enjoy this memorable event!

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 15

 FARMINGTON
VFD RUN

A call to 9-1-1 for help always sets a lot of wheels in motion. Numerous fire
fighters (the exact number depends upon the call) jump into action. Trucks,
costing hundreds of thousands of dollars each, roll onto the streets. Supplies
of everything from chain saw oil to IV needles may be expended during the
course of a response to help a citizen. Operating a volunteer fire department
takes more money than most of us can imagine.
So, when about 300 bikers participated in the 8th annual Farmington
Volunteer Fire Department Run, they were really only helping themselves.
Bikers gathering at the Fire Department were met by the trucks lined up in
formation, just across the street. The bikers enjoyed beautiful weather and
great camaraderie as they toured the twisties from Farmington to Kingwood
to Rowlesburg, and back. Food, fun, a bike show, and good times met the
riders when they returned to Farmington. In addition to the funds raised for
the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department, money raised also went to the
Muscular Dystrophy Association.

16 Thunder Roads West Virginia

www.thunderroadswv.com Thunder Roads West Virginia 17
 Dining
Family rience
Ex pe Mome’s
Plac
d e
n u se r v
Full me to 10pm
6am
S-M-T at 24 hrs
W-S

“Her legacy lives on”

“ G ood The end of

H om e ”
Hoult Road by the
Phillips Plant in

Cooking Fairmont, WV

18 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010

 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.
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www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 19


Wilson’s Warrior
When we do a “Bike of the Month” story on someone’s bike, they usually put in
a few hours of detailing time, so that we have a shiny, clean bike to photograph.
But this month’s bike hadn’t seen a soap bubble in more than 15,000 miles. And
that’s exactly why we chose it. In this case, the Road Grime is a badge of honor
being worn proudly by this ’08 Street Bob owned by Mark Wilson. Mark is one of
the four West Virginians who rode the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from Key
West , Florida, to Homer, Alaska (See our cover story in the March, 2010 issue).
When Mark rolled into MountainFest on this bike, it was the first time he had been
in his home state in over a month. Most of that time was spent in the saddle, or
on the hammock he invented that attaches to the bike, so he can sleep under the
stars.
Wilson was one of about 800 contestants who took part in the run. Only 231
finished the entire ride. After clocking 8,650 miles since leaving Key West, Mark
rolled into Homer as the 143rd contestant across the line. Make no mistake: This
was an endurance run of the toughest order. At least two riders lost their lives
during the challenge, and Mark says a third was killed on his way home from
Alaska.
“The longest ride I had was probably 25 hours. I probably averaged about 860
miles a day,” says Wilson. “You don’t really know what a day is, because you
lay down on the hammock. Then you wake up. Maybe you slept a few hours, it
doesn’t matter. Your eyes are open. You get on the bike and you go. Then you
may ride for half an hour, and you get sleepy. So you just stop, rest, get back
20 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
BIKE
OF TH
MON E
TH
up and take off. Then you might ride for twenty hours. No idea what day it is, or
nothing. You go to a gas station, you might ask someone what day it was. Then,
when you get to Alaska you’re asking what time it was, because it was daylight all
the time.”
That arrhythmic sleep pattern is what claimed the life of one rider in Wyoming,
who apparently crashed while asleep. Wilson, himself, says he knows of at least
five times that he was asleep while riding. “Every time I would wake up, my
bike would be on the centerline of the road. The first time I woke up I heard this
rumbling noise, and there was a van. He was over on the rumble strip trying to
miss me. And once it was a pick-up truck and once was a tractor-trailer.”
There was one particular piece of highway that Mark made sure he was awake
enough to do in a single stretch. When he got to the last town before getting
on the Alcan Highway, it was 3:30 A.M. “It’s a long ways across there. No gas
stations and a lot of wildlife,” says Wilson. “I was afraid that if I did go down up
there, before somebody came along to find me – there’s no traffic because the
gas stations are closed – who knows what could happen. I could be somebody’s
lunch. I had been riding a hard day anyway, so I stopped there. I got up at seven
o’clock, and gassed my bike up, and took off. I went the rest of the way to Homer
without stopping to sleep.”
That last stretch was no blast down the interstate. The Alcan, says Mark, is not
a biker friendly road. “A lot of places, you would hit this pea gravel that was tough
 Wilson demonstrates the hammock he designed to mount on
the side of his bike. It assembles in about two minutes and
The cockpit on Mark’s provides a stable sleeping platform off the ground. Mark has
Street Bob just as a patent pending on the design, and it may soon be on the
he ran it during the market.
Challenge. The inset
photo is the directions
each rider was given at
the checkpoints along
the Challenge.

Mark Wilson and

his clean bike
on June 16 – the
day he left West
Virginia to begin
the Challenge ride.

to ride on,” he recalls. “Then when you were on the hard top, you wished you were
back on the gravel, because the frost would heave the blacktop up so bad. It would
break it. Instead of trying to keep it level all the time, they just pour blacktop in the
cracks, but they’d still be deep. You come flying through there going about 60,
70 miles an hour, and come up on one of them that wasn’t marked. It felt like you
picked the bike up and just slammed the frame on the ground. I’m surprised I didn’t
bend my rims.”
Mark’s bike performed very well, but not without a couple of issues. He was
running it with the factory original battery, which turned out to be a mistake. When
the battery failed, he lost about 18 hours of time to getting it replaced. He also lost
more than four hours when his kickstand fell off. “Some guys behind me found it
and picked it up,” Mark recounted for Thunder Roads West Virginia. “They found
the kickstand and the spring, but they didn’t find the bolt. So I went to a little store
up there in Canada, and bought a bolt and a nut. The nut wouldn’t fit up in there.
So I took it back in, sawed the end of the bolt off, drilled a hole in it, and stuck an
R-clip in there. It’s still on there.”
Wilson’s biggest equipment failure of all came from the transmission. Even
before he got to Key West to begin the challenge, he realized that third gear was
failing. He ran the entire round trip with a faulty gear. “I can put it in third gear as
long as I just kind of idle on it,” he discovered. “But what I do is I put it in second
gear and run it up real hard in second, grab third and just touch the throttle, and
then hit fourth and go. It kind of sucked getting in the tight turns in the mountains.”
Mark Wilson is rightly proud of his accomplishment. Few riders would even
consider taking on a challenge like this, and fewer still would consider doing it
again. Yet Wilson is already thinking about it. But first, a rebuild of that transmission
would be a good idea.
24 Thunder Roads West Virginia
HEROES HELPING HEROES
“Our mission is to give the public a better view of motorcyclists, and to get
veterans together,” says Eagle, as he describes the United States Military Veteran’s
Motorcycle Club. He is President of the USMV’s Chapter 2 in the Eastern Panhandle.
Eagle, who was serving in the Navy off the coast of Viet Nam when the opening
salvo’s of that war were fired, also points out that helping other veterans is an equally
important mission for the club. “We help veterans any way that we possibly can.”
The Club’s second annual fund raising ride couldn’t have happened on a more
beautiful day. The bright blue skies and comfortable temperatures meant the 76 mile
run would attract scores of bikers eager to support this cause.
The run was a self-guided tour down some long-forgotten roadways that date
back to colonial times. The bikers left Martinsburg and rolled eastward through
Shepherdstown, eventually finding themselves on what is possibly the oldest road
in West Virginia. Bakerton Road shadows the mighty Potomac River, dropping into
a valley where the trees have stood guard for so long that the canopy of leaves has
grown completely over the roadway. It’s like riding through a twisty tunnel of green.
Then the road narrows to a single lane, making a sharp right turn under a stone
railroad bridge that has stood for generations. As it happens, a freight train rumbles
over the top of this trestle just as one group of about thirty bikes is rolling under it.
As the crown of green leaves gives way to the blue of open skies, the bikers
head for their first stop in the parking lot at the Veterans Administration hospital near
Martinsburg. Supporting the veterans here, and those released from this hospital, is
a primary focus of the Chapter. When the bikes roll into the parking lot, this show of
support is appreciated by the veterans being served here.
www.thunderroadswv.com
“Eagle”
USMVM
Chapter 2
President
“I heard y’all were coming,” one elderly veteran walking the parking lot in a hospital
robe says to me, as I dismount my bike. “It means a lot to us,” he says with a smile.
The man’s voice quivered with gratitude as he looked at the many bikers who were
riding to show their support. He offered that it’s good to know that the sacrifices they
have made to preserve this Nation’s freedoms are not forgotten. As our conversation
was overtaken by the thunderous rumblings of a group preparing to hit the road
again, he mouthed a “Thank you”, shook my hand, and sauntered away to watch
the departing bikes.
“We try to do a lot for the VA hospital here,” says Eagle, “You know, that’s us.
We’ve got a lot of veterans coming from all over to use this facility, and we try to help
them out as much as we possibly can.”
One returning Marine’s situation has become a special mission for the Chapter.
When he was patrolling in Afghanistan, the Jefferson County native’s vehicle was
blown up. The loss of one leg, several fingers, extensive burns, broken bones and
other injuries have resulted in numerous surgeries. His rehabilitation is going to be
a long process.
“He’s going to live with his parents,” Eagle explains. Life for the young veteran will be
anything but normal. “His parents want him to have a room that’s his, with a bathroom
and stuff like that. He’s going to be going through rehabilitation for 18-24 months. They
need someone to put this room in for him.” The USMVMC Chapter 2 has decided
that they are that someone. “This is what we’re about - helping the vets,” Eagle says,
“Especially the wounded warriors that seem to be overlooked for some reason.” Much of
the proceeds from this year’s run will go to help build the room for this hero.
Thunder Roads West Virginia 25
 LOAD
BEARING BIKES
BY GARY WESTPHALEN
So, this guy comes riding into the shop on his buddy’s bike. It seems the situation with
this large touring bike is so dire, that the bike’s owner refuses to ride it. Instead, he lets his
buddy risk life and limb. Hey, what are friends for, right?
When the shop tech looks at the bike, the problem is immediately apparent. The rear
tire is coming apart, throwing-off chunks of tread off like a snake shedding its skin. That
this tire didn’t kill someone is simply amazing. Further investigation shows the tire is
under-inflated. That didn’t help matters any, but the biggest reason for the tire’s failure
has to do with weight. The owner of the bike had chosen to run a cheaper tire, with a load
rating below that of the bike. Then he - a big man himself - packed the saddlebags, trunk,
plus a massive, strapped-on bag on the back seat. It was enough to exceed the load limits
of any tire, not to mention the bike itself. When the service manager pointed out the error
of his ways, the bike’s owner admitted that this was the second time he had destroyed a
tire in exactly this manner. Having cheated death twice, I can only hope that he took the
lesson to heart this time.
Tires are just one of the many systems aboard your bike that can literally take only so
much - weight, that is. The suspension, brakes, engine, drive train, and even the frame,
have limits that must be considered.
THIS TIRE WAS DESTROYED BY A COMBINATION OF LOW AIR PRESSURE
AND A HEAVY LOAD THAT WAS FAR ABOVE ITS CAPACITY.
The subject at hand is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, for short). Every bike has
one. Ignore it at your own peril. The GVWR is clearly marked on every bike. You’ll find it
on the Vehicle Identification Number sticker near the steering head. If the sticker has been
removed, consult the owner’s manual or search for it online.
You have your GVWR number, but that’s only the starting point. Now, it’s time for a
little math. Your manual should also include the bike’s dry weight, which is the heft of your
machine without any fluids in it. Gasoline weighs a bit over six pounds per gallon. Oil runs
around seven pounds per gallon. Water weighs in at over eight pounds per gallon. Add the
bike’s dry weight to the weight of a full tank of gas, as well as the oil and coolant, if your
bike uses it. Subtract the sum of these factors from the GVWR, and what you have left is
the total amount of weight you can safely carry on your bike.
THE GVWR NUMBER AT THE TOP OF THE STICKER APPLIES TO THE TOTAL
WEIGHT OF THE BIKE, FLUIDS, RIDER AND ALL GEAR CARRIED ON THE BIKE.
THE FRONT AND REAR AXLE WEIGHTS ARE BREAK-DOWNS OF THE LARGER
GVWR NUMBER, AND INDICATE HOW WEIGHT SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED ON
THE MACHINE TO MAINTAIN PROPER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS.
28 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
For example, the Thunder Roads West Virginia Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail
Classic has a dry weight of 710 pounds. Its five-gallon tank adds about 32 pounds. With
the oil tank filled, we’re looking at a wet weight of around 750 pounds. The GVWR for this
bike is 1160 pounds. That gives me a maximum cargo capacity of 410 pounds. Subtract
my 220-pound load, and I have 190 pounds of spare capacity. But, by the time I get my
motorcycle gear on (yes, the weight of your helmet, boots, vest, tool kit, etc. all count),
the available capacity drops to below 150 pounds. If my hypothetical 250 pound neighbor,
“Mini-Man,” asks me to give him a ride to the shop to pick up his bike, we’re overloaded.
It gets even trickier. Many bikes break that GVWR down into two smaller numbers – the
GAWR, or Gross Axle Weight Rating. Back to the example of our Heritage: the front axle is
rated at 430 pounds, and the rear at 730. It’s pretty safe to say that between bike, engine,
and rider weight bearing down on the front axle, its capacity is close to being maxed out.
Pack a heavy tank bag, or tie that leather satchel to the handlebars, and steering the rig
will be like turning an oil tanker in a bathtub. Any real load needs to be behind the rider.
Every bike is different, but most large bikes generally have a cargo capacity in the
400-pound range, give or take a few. Virtually every bike carrying two average-sized riders
is very close to its maximum weight capacity. If those riders are the least bit oversized, the
weight ratings for the machine are probably being exceeded. Add some gear to that, and
you have a recipe for trouble.
So, what kind of trouble are we talking about? That depends on what you’re planning
to do. If I’m just taking Mini-Man 10 miles to pick up his bike, the likelihood of trouble is
small. We’ll bottom out once or twice as we roll down our road that the state highway
department has been neglecting for a decade. In terms of handling, the bike will seem to
have a mind of its own, fighting my steering inputs all the way. I will also have to be aware
that my stopping distances will be significantly longer than on an empty bike. The wear
and tear on tires, brakes, clutch, etc. will be minimal, but still greater than normal. That’s
probably the extent of it.
However, if we’re planning to make an Iron Butt run on a hot summer day, we
could be looking at a real catastrophe. The first problem we’ll encounter is the poor
handling I’ve already talked about. As the pilot of this overweight projectile, I’m going
to have my hands full, which could lead to rider fatigue. It’s also going to make
emergency braking a full-pucker experience. The suspension is already going to
be compressed, so it won’t have much room to travel. Hit a few potholes and my
backside is going to start feeling the bike’s pain, too. Most of the machine’s systems
will be strained, possibly to the point of failure, or at least accelerated wear and tear.
The brakes, drive train, and even the frame itself are being asked to do more than
they were designed to handle. Push the envelope far enough, and anything could fail.
Tires, however, are the most likely failure point. The actual bike I wrote about at the
beginning of this story could probably go for years without failure, with a load that is
slightly above its GVWR. Manufacturers’ ratings, after all, are conservative numbers. The
greatest danger lurks, as the example shows, exactly where the rubber meets the road.
Shops tell Thunder Roads West Virginia that the overwhelming majority of bikes they see
are sporting under-inflated tires, which further exacerbates the loading issue.
So here’s the equation (and there’s no math involved in this one): Under-inflation + high
operating temperature + long-distance at highway speed + excess weight load = Shredded Tires.
There are a few ways to combat the problem. First of all, make sure the tires you
purchase have weight ratings sufficient to match your needs. Then, make sure those tires
are properly inflated. Most tires require a higher pressure for greater loads. For example,
the Thunder Roads West Virginia Yamaha FJR calls for a rear tire pressure of 36 psi
for loads of less than 198 pounds, and 42 psi for weights above 198. Check your tire
pressures often, remembering that the pressures given are to be read when the tires are
cold. Roll twenty miles down the road, and the tire gauge isn’t going to give you a useful
reading. The suspensions on many bikes can also be adjusted for varying weight loads.
Consult your manual, or talk to your shop, to learn the specs for your bike’s suspension.
The best thing you can do is shed some of the cargo weight. Be a true biker - leave the
extra bag of stuff at home. I have always tried to travel with minimalist packing, preferring
to believe that if I really need something I don’t have, “The Road will provide.” Since I’m still
here, still riding after a million miles in the saddle, I think my mantra has been proven true.
The GVWR is an obscure number to most riders. It sounds like something that
truckers have to care about. But the weight you ask your motorcycle to bear has more
to do with its life span, handling capabilities, and your safety, than just about anything
else you can control.

THE GOVERNOR’S RIDE STORY BY DONNA JONES
PHOTOS BY JEFF DAVIS
The Summersville Freedom Rally was initiated by Governor Joe Manchin in 2001.
The Governor was looking for a community to host a rally honoring not only our
troops, but also the fire, rescue, and police personnel that willingly lay down their
lives every day. The Freedom Rally is one way to thank them for protecting all of the
citizen’s of America, and specifically, West Virginia.
This year’s rally began in downtown Summersville. Governor Joe Manchin III, and
his escorts, joined the ride a few hours later in Rainelle. His royal blue Harley Davidson
Road King has custom engravings of the State Capitol, among other significant
symbols of our West Virginia heritage. Even with the threat of rain and a foreboding
sky, he graciously joined the ride procession, and led us back out. Unfortunately,
one of his college buddies on the ride opted for the ditch in order to avoid hitting his
friend in front of him, who was struggling in some gravel. Bob was very fortunate to
have landed smoothly in the grass and to have escaped with barely a scrape. The
ambulance on the ride took him to the local hospital as a precaution, but he was back
with us at the Nazarene Camp before the day was out. He bragged on the service he
received at the hospital, and was impressed with his overall treatment. The ride ended
www.thunderroadswv.com
The West Virginia
State Seal is
engraved on the
air filter cover
on Governor
Manchin’s bike.
at the Nazarene Camp and riders were happily greeted by the church members and
onlookers. Chicken dinners were made available for the hungry, and everyone had
the opportunity to place their bike in the bike show. Each person present was given
the opportunity to vote on their favorite bike and 3 bikes were selected for this. The
Governor then had the tough job of selecting his favorite machine. He walked around
and looked at all of the bikes and exchanged words with the owners who were busily
shining the chrome. It turns out that he selected Donna Jones’s (Yes, Me!) red 2005
Fat Boy screaming eagle. As he presented me with a beautiful plaque, he explained
to the crowd how he came to this pick. Some time ago he posed for the State map
and a magazine cover on this same model bike. I was aware of this, and used to
keep the picture of Mr. Manchin from the State map in my purse, and tell her friends
that he rode the same bike I rode. The day was filled with excitement and there
were many CMA members and Bikers for Christ available. The Governor spoke about
9/11, and how the first responders courageously entered those burning towers, and
how some made the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Manchin’s mission was to honor those
in uniform for keeping West Virginian’s safe, and for making America the best place
in the world to live. He honored the police officers that escorted him, since this was
done voluntarily and on their own time. Governor Manchin is committed to organizing
this ride annually, and the Nazarene preacher expressed his hopes for this rally to
develop into the biggest Christian Rally in West Virginia.
AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 29
 pp during the
from Racer Joe Ko
Tammy gets a hug on.
her children look
pre-race tribute, as

by
July 15, 2010
Kesse l, 51 , was killed to his lane.
ments David crossed in
Tammy Kessel mo an oncom ing car that
e public tribute to
after th
her husband.

30 Thunder Roads West Virginia

 I B U T E A T
KESSEL TR
C K R A C E S
FLAT TRA passion,” Tammy
r hu sb an d’s
Kessel says of he nd miles a year.” before this conv
25-thousa
ze al for er sa
ce
tio
rs
n,
ar e ge ar
Around us, the ra Tammy was standing with their child
ing up for the first he

ack Racing Circuit,

tire AMA Pro Flat Tr nt to conduct a tribute to David Ke
as well as
at race. Ten minu

the
ren
tho
on
us
the
an ds
po diu
tes

ssel’s life. A
m,
of fans

“It was a life-long ed pr ob ab ly ab ou t 20 - or

he co uld fin d. as the en
a mo me ra ce r, Joe Kopp,
av er ag ge ar too k or ite
motorcycling, “He , alw ay s wo re the best safety
wi th ar mo r in the bleachers, Ta mm y wa s wh en David’s fav
y says ial jacke t ute for
David Kessel, Tamm t safety. He always rode with a spec highlight of that trib side her. e
along three emails,” Jo
“E ve ryt hing wa s ab ou
” he lp the 51 too k the po diu m
Ta mm y pe rso nally, other than the pits sig ning
helmet. nt could ow in
and the really good July 15, no amount of safety equipme ar Gerrardstown. “I didn’t really kn , “A couple years ago I was down au tog raphs
on ne the cro wd d go t so me
But this summer, Virginia Highway 45 ssel’s oncoming recounted for y and David came
up an
they’re my
rolled down West Ke tographs, and Tamm ir 25th anniversary that night. Boy, was just
year old biker as he nterline and slammed head-on into ing a ch ar ge of so me au
ou t it wa s the ur 25 th. It
ce le Faircloth is fac and I came to fin d your life, on yo
A car crossed the -ye ar-old Jessica Nico at’ s a pretty big day in y showed up.”
Th e dr ive r, 21 pe op le. Th
Triumph. .” As kind of r forget that night wh
en the
e him because he
’s
influence with death in 1959 and raised near Romney. awesome. I’ll neve didn’t forget that night, either. “We lik y Kopp was her
“Driving under the in Mo rg an tow n liv ed in mo st
David Kessel was
born he had Tammy and David ng wh
Services Agency, y says, in explaini 00,
em ploye e of the West Virginia Farm led its ru ral by ways extensively
as
go t a un iqu e tec hnical style,” Tamm
Ko pp wa s the se ries champion in 20
an his life, an d tra ve ur g, wh er e he er on the circu it.
during Martinsb husband’s favorite
rid
areas of the state most recently near year. told
rt of his job . Ke ss el made his home Pa nh an dle far me rs. “They had given and is the current point leader this er, David Kessel
fety-conscious rid m that he first had
pa rk wi th Ea ste rn mm y sa ys , “In an ex tre me ly sa
had been assigne
d to wo
Agency to ride his
bike,” Ta Although he was torcycle. It was a dr
ea
r,
pe rm iss ion fro m Farm Services s fro m Ch ar les Town in Jefferson Tammy that his life would end on a mo go away. “We were living in Spence
him ve l the fiv e co un tie m tha t wo uld no t mm y, you kn ow , I
the summer he wo
uld tra
ty.” wa s a de ca de ago. A drea wa s the ye ar 20 00 . “He said, Ta
me mb er s,
in Mineral Coun own. He Tammy. It she re
County, to Keyser yond just riding his l anywhere West Virginia,” says And it’s on Route 9,”
pa ss ion for mo torcycling went be mm y wo uld tra ve s drea m tha t I ge t killed on my bike. t alw ay s sa y, ‘S tay off of Route
David ’s g. David and Ta r, and had thi And I would jus
of fla t tra ck ra cin uld tak e the ca re cu rri ng dr ea m. n’t tra ve l Ro ute 9 a lot on
an avid follower AM A Fla t Tr ack racing. “I wo e wo uld rid e “And it was a rd ing to his se cre tary, he did llel road running
to ca tch calls. “H your bike’. Acco is the next pa ra
on the east coast e to the flat track races,” Tammy re ye ar it 9 on
ere Ke ss el wa s killed ,
bik ere was one bike.” Route 45, wh
he would take the e. He would ride to New York. Th all the way to his west. id, ‘You can’t
the bike to Te nn es se an d he ro de tha t bik e
ea st- Ta mm y remembers. “I sa
rain – torrenti al ra in – off his bik e,” ow, then I’ll go out
was pouring down ee dw ay in “I couldn’t keep him And he would just say, ‘Well, you kn
ces.” rstow n Sp rso n.’
Syracuse for the ra kers brought their race to the Hage control the other pe .” on
matter what. Two love to do been in the house
When the Flat Trac vid and Tammy would be there, no an niv er sa ry do ing wh at I
t tha t. An d his spirit may well have 25-lap feature race,
ar, Da dd ing David Kessel did jus n the
Maryland every ye t they would celebrate their 25th we where we would dway. Joe Kopp wo ng a fitting tribute to his
an this is Hagerstown Spee idi
years ago, that me re no questions as ke d. I kn ew
as she sits with thi s nig ht at the
in the season po int s ra ce , an d pr ov
ce s. “T he re we ,” Ta mm y sa ys din g his lea d
at the ra this track be exten
re going to be at o, we’re going to greatest fan, David
Kessel.
be. I knew we we tab le, “I wa sn ’t going to be like, ‘N
an infi eld pic nic
me at
someplace else.’”

www.thunderroadswv.com Thunder Roads West Virginia 31

32 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
 TNT

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 33

 Seats
& Saddles

34 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010

The Smiths were unable to conceive children, and decided to use
a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father
was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, “Well,
I’m off now. The man should be here soon.”
Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photogra-
pher happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. “Good
morning, Ma’am”, he said, “I’ve come to...”
“Oh, no need to explain,” Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed. “I’ve
been expecting you.”
“Have you really?” said the photographer. “Well, that’s good. Did
you know that babies are my specialty?”
“Well that’s what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have
a seat!” After a moment she asked, blushing, “Well, where do we start?”
“Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on
the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the
living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there.”
“Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn’t work out for Harry
and me!”
“Well, Ma’am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But
if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven
angles, I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the results.”
“My, that’s a lot!” gasped Mrs. Smith.
“Ma’am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I’d love to
be in and out in five minutes, but I’m sure you’d be disappointed
with that.”
“Don’t I know it,” said Mrs. Smith quietly.
The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his
baby pictures. “This was done on the top of a bus,” he said.
“Oh, my God!” Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.
“And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider
their mother was so difficult to work with.”
“She was difficult?” asked Mrs. Smith.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the
job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to
get a good look.”
“Four and five deep?” said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amaze-
ment.
“Yes,” the photographer replied. “And for more than three hours,
too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could
hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush
my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equip-
ment, I just had to pack it all in.”
Mrs. Smith leaned forward. “Do you mean they actually chewed on
your, uh...equipment?”
“It’s true, Ma’am, yes. Well, if you’re ready, I’ll set-up my tripod and
we can get to work right away.”
“Tripod?”
“Oh yes, Ma’am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It’s
much too big to be held in the hand very long.”
Mrs. Smith fainted.
www.thunderroadswv.com
An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time
the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession.  Like
many young men his age, the boy didn’t really know what he
wanted to do, and he didn’t seem too concerned about it.  One
day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an
experiment. He went into the boy’s room and placed on his study
table four objects: A Bible, a silver dollar, a bottle of whiskey, and
a Playboy magazine.
”I’ll just hide behind the door,” the old preacher said to himself.
“When he comes home from school today, I’ll see which object he
picks up. If it’s the Bible, he’s going to be a preacher like me, and
what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he’s going
to be a business man, and that would be okay, too. But if he picks
up the bottle, he’s going to be a no-good drunken bum, and Lord,
what a shame that would be. And worst of all, if he picks up that
magazine, he’s going to be a skirt-chasing womanizer.”
The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son’s foot-steps
as he entered the house whistling, and headed for his room. The
boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the
room he spotted the objects on the table. With curiosity in his eye,
he walked over to inspect them. Finally, he picked up the Bible and
placed it under his arm. He picked up the silver dollar and dropped
into his pocket.  He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, while
he admired this month’s centerfold.
“Lord have mercy,” the old preacher disgustedly whispered. “He’s
gonna run for Congress.”
GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN
Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa: half discovered, half
wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!
Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe: well developed and
open to trade, especially
for someone of real value.
Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain: very hot, relaxed and
convinced of her own beauty.
Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece: gently aging but still a
warm and desirable place to visit.
Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious
and all conquering past.
Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel: has been through war,
doesn’t make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.
Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada: self-preserving, but
open to meeting new people.
After 70, she becomes Tibet: wildly beautiful, with a mysterious
past and the wisdom of the ages; an adventurous spirit and a thirst
for spiritual knowledge.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN
Between 1 and 80, a man is like Iran: ruled by nuts.
THE END.
AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 35
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
Paradise City
Totally Nude Dancers
VIP Rooms B.Y.O.B.
3 Miles East of Mathias, WV on Rt. 259
(304) 897-8200 / Cell (540) 810-6854
Select Books & Videos
237 Walnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
selectbooksvideo@aol.com
Something for Everyone
ATTORNEYS
Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson
Attorneys at Law
84 Aikens Center
Martinsburg, WV 25402
(304) 263-0900 www.burkeandschultz.com
Colombo & Stuhr, Attorneys at Law
1054 Maple Drive
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 599-4229
www.colombostuhr.com
Law Offices of Ralph C. Buss
Motorcycle Accident/Injury Law
Ohio, WV, KY, PA & Indiana
(800) 582-5577
www.ralphbuss.com
BAIL BONDS
Weatherholtz Bonding
306 West Stephen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5888 or (304) 728-6889
tweatherholtz@verizon.net
BARS & RESTAURANTS
3rd Base Sports Bar & Grille
22 Virginia Avenue; US Rt. 220
Petersburg, WV 26847 Up from the stop light
(304) 257-2273 Email:
3rdbasesportsbarandgrille@gmail.com
Bee Hive Tavern
463 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 282-8196
One block from Thinkin Ink Tattoo
The Brickhouse Bar & Grill
214 Mid Atlantic Parkway
Martinsburg, WV 25404
(304) 264-2304
www.thebrickhousesportsbar.com
Bucket Heads Pub
81 N. Dents Run Road
Granville, WV 26534
(304) 284-0661 bucketheadspub@yahoo.com
Award Winning Wings and Drink Specials
Chesapeake Crab Company
1014 Winchester Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-0077
www.chesapeakecrabco.biz
Chicken Lizards
7306 Husky Highway
Mannington, WV 26582
(304) 986-1158
2 mi. North of Mannington on Rt. 250
Cindy’s Bar & Grill
Route 3 (End of Speedway)
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-0058
Across from K&T Truck Stop
36 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
Classic’s 3 Hot Spot Lounge Restaurant
1384 Greenbag Rd. Sabraton
Morgantown WV 26505 (304) 292-8368
Affordable Place to Eat! Where Good Friends Meet!
www.Classics3.com
Colt’s Restaurant and Pizza Park Inc.
425 S. Main St.
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 538-2523
The Dawg House Bar & Grill
Pool, Darts & Music Entertainment
1387 Fairmont Road
Morgantown, WV 26501
1 mile past Morgantown Mall on 19 South
Desperado’s Bar & Grill
35 Potomac Street
Ridgeley, WV 26753
Food – Games – Cold Beer
(304) 738-0010
Dirty Dawg Saloon
1017 S. Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 596-6200
www.dirtydawgwv.com
Donna Jean’s Family Restaurant
23480 George Washington Hwy.
Aurora, WV 26705 (304) 735-3260
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mon-Fri 5:30 - 7 Sat & Sun 7:00 - 7
Doodles Place
Rt. 50 Augusta, WV
(304) 496-9481
Fireside Cafe
927 North Main St.
Franklin, WV 26807
(304) 358-3733
www.fireside-cafe.com
The Fishbone Gill & Grill
Grand Central Ave., Vienna, WV
On the River, behind WV Central CU
Bike Night Thursdays
(304) 699-5777
Four Corners Club
72 Pedal Car Drive
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-3443
www.the4cornersclub.com
Fox’s Pizza Den
646 North Main Street
Franklin, WV 26807
(304) 358-2118
Pizza – Salads – Subs – Chicken
Harper’s Old Country Store &
Front Porch Restaurant
View Seneca Rocks from the Deck
Casual Dining - Store built in 1902
(304) 567-2555
Hide Away Tavern
Rt. 50 Burlington, WV
Near WVDOH District 5 Shed
(304) 289-5396
Iffie’s Sports Bar & Grill
7113 Winchester Ave
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-2999
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
Lost River Grill, Motel and B&B
8079 SR 259 Lost River, WV
(304) 897-6482 www.lostrivergrill.com
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accomodations
Biker Friendly Full Service Bar
Melanie’s Family Restaurant
25164 George Washington Hwy.
Aurora, WV 26705
(304) 735-3219
Good Food, Friendly Smiles, Low Prices
The Millstone Barbeque Restaurant
Rt. 50 West Burlington, WV
Great Pork-Ribs-Steak & Shrimp and Cold Beer
(304) 289-3693
Mom’s Place
Full menu served 24 hours a day
The end of Hoult Road by the Phillips Plant
Fairmont, WV
(304) 368-9223
Monroe’s Restaurant
110 East Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 329-3354
Mountaineer All Star Cafe
U.S. Rt. 220 South / 2 mi. from Keyser
A Family Restaurant with a Sports Atmosphere
(304) 788-6433
Mountaineer Country Ice Cream
659 Point Marion Rd. Morgantown, WV
Exit 7 off of I-68 East 119 N, (304)284-9811
32 Hershey’s Hand Dip - 90 Soft Serve Flavors
Shakes – Slushies – BBQ - Chili Dogs
Nan & Pops Place
3485 Winchester Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 267-2007
www.nanandpopsplace.com
The Office Pub
17 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg
Open 10am Tuesday – Saturday
(304) 257-1877
Pap’s Pub
RT.3 Box 501 Fairmont, WV
Located beside Mom’s Place
(304) 368- 9227 Sun-Thur till Midnight
Friday &Saturday 7 - 3am - Stop in and See us!
Petie’s Pub & Grill
304 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 363-0698
Wednesday Bike Night
Polo Club
Sports Pub and Eatery
At the foot of the East Street Bridge
Parkersburg, WV
(304) 865-7624
Poor Dave’s Restaurant and Lounge
Rt. 55 – American Legion
Petersburg, WV 26847
(304) 257-4322
PoorDavesRestaurantandLounge@hotmail.com
Potter’s Hill Top Inn
4726 US Hwy. 33 West
Camden, WV 26338
(304) 269-4004
Coldest beer in town.
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Riverview Lounge
Rte. 50 / George Washington Hwy
Rowlesburg, WV
(304) 454-9754
“Enjoy the view”
Road Hogs Saloon
415 Clayton Street
Rivesville, WV 26588
The Rock Sports Bar
Located on Rt. 11 North of Martinsburg
2573 Williamsport Pike
Martinsburg, WV
(304) 263-5558
Rock Forge Inn/Haught Diggity Dogz
Serving WV’s #1 Rated Chili Dog
Off I-68 at Sabraton Exit #4
Turn left .2 mile – Red Roof on right
Rt. 7 East (304) 291-DOGZ (3649)
Santana’s Pub
2430 Smithtown Rd (Rt. 73, near Goshen Rd)
Morgantown WV (304) 241-5762
Happy Hour M-F 3-7pm ~ Bike night every Tues.
Mountain Fest outdoor cooking ~ We love bikers!
The Shady Spring
5221 Ritter Dr. Shady Spring, WV 25918
(304) 763-2839
Cold Beer, Full Service Bar, Biker Specials
Bikers Always Welcome – Let’s Ride!
Sissie’s Bellview Bar
1009 Pennsylvania Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554
Tues. 8pm Pool Tournament
Thurs. 8pm Women’s Pool Tournament
Cold Beer - Good Food
Smiley’s Hotdogs
606 Philippi Pike (East View) Clarksburg, WV
(304) 622-0004
Eat In – Take Out – Drive thru
Our Dogs Are Simply The Best!
Star Mercantile, LLC
80 W. Main Street
Wardensville, WV 26851
(304) 874-FOOD (3663)
star.wardensville@gmail.com
Steve’s Broken Spoke Bar & Grill
14977 SR 55
Needmore, WV 26801
(304) 897-7706
www.oldroute55.com
Stray Dawg Saloon & Grill
Route 9
Hedgesville, WV
(304) 754-3361
Biker Owned and Operated
Swervé’s Bar & Grill
Speedway Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 367-0075 Welcome Truckers
“Swerve on In” Daily Specials
Located beside K&T Truck Stop
Thirsty Bear Tavern
14 East Main Street
Rowlesburg, WV 26425
(304) 454-2444
Biker Owned
Uncle Joe’s Wood Pile
Rt. 1, Box 400
Ridgeley, WV 26753
(304) 726-8505
www.thunderroadswv.com
White Front Tavern
Pool & Darts
Happy Hour Monday & Tuesday
(304) 265-2280
Rt. 50 West of Grafton, WV
The Wild Side
110 Merchant St.
Fairmont, WV. 26554
(304) 367-WILD (9453)
www.facebook.com/wildside.wv
Wings Ole’ Specialty Restaurants
A WEST VIRGINIA TRADITION
1125 University Ave. - Morgantown
725 Chestnut Ridge Rd. - Morgantown
1486 Locust Ave. – Fairmont www.wingsole.com
Wright Dawgs
540 East Park Ave Fairmont WV 26554
609 Bellview Plaza Fairmont WV
(304) 368-0834 – (304) 333-8002
If you want the BEST DAWGS eat Wright Dawgs!
Your Tavern
304-329-2078 Rte. 7 Kingwood, WV
Friday night Wing night
Big Screen TVs
Where friends meet year ‘round.
BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL,
LEATHERS & GIFTS
Anthony’s Specialty
Biker Apparel – Leather – H-D Boots
Patches & More
112 Davis Avenue - Glen Lyn, VA 24093
(540) 726-3080
Cool Ridge
329 High St. Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 296-5757
Mon - Sat 11 to 7 / Sun 12 to 5
“Take It Easy”
DFM Special Tee House “The Biker Shack”
Helmets – Shirts – Chaps - Jewelry
162 Nancy Jack Road
Gerrardstown, WV 25420
(304) 229-7609 dfmthebikershack@aol.com
East View Variety Shop
We have everything from A – Z, Old and New
715 Philippi Pike- East View Community
Clarksburg, 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
HIAWATHA’S
Boots – Hats – Jewelry – Gifts – Aigner Leather
Moccasins – Beaded Jackets – WV Shirts
Jct. Rt. 250 S. & 33 E. Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 636-4836 “JUST LOOK FOR THE INDIAN
PRINCESS”
Nixon’s Trading Post # II
1027 Speedway Ave    Fairmont
Huge Selections of Tools!
Flags, Knives, Ball Caps
ADULT ITEMS!
AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 37
CUSTOM ART
Art by Weeze
Custom art on bikes, leathers, helmets,
auto, canvas & murals
Martinsburg, WV (304) 264-4604
www.artbyweeze.com
CUSTOM DESIGN & FABRICATION
Brown’s Custom Coating & Fabrication
Powder Coating & Fabrication
Rte. 1 Box 603 Mt. Clair, WV 26408
(304) 669-8976
Cosmic Wizards L.E.D.s
We specialize in custom L.E.D.
lighting and install Accents, Arrays, Color
Changing, Lighting Controls
(740) 706-2288 (740) 423-2028
www.cosmicwizardleds.com
K & L Enterprise
Custom Paint and Fabrication
417 Forgotten Road
Martinsburg, WV 25403
304-267-2450
Toxic Paint
Custom Air Brush, Fabrication,
Design & Collision Repair
Morgantown, WV 26505 - Star City
Danny (480) 650-4743,
RJ (304) 826-6688 Tod (304) 376-4333
Office (304) 777-2134, Shop (304) 599-4195
Wiskybilt
It’s all about the ride.
Custom crafted parts made in WV
(304) 329-1214
www.wiskybilt.com
DEALERS & SERVICE
Amsoil Store
Wholesale and Retail
Mount Clare, WV
(304) 745-5522 or Cell (304) 709-1038
“Best Prices in Town”
www.lubedealer.com/frankmanojr
Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles
47 Post Office Lane
Bunker Hill, WV 25413
(304) 229-9360
www.bustedknucklescycles.com
Country Chrome
Cycles – Trikes – ATVs
Parts – Accessories – Repair
16435 Parkersburg Rd. Elizabeth, WV 26143
(304) 273-4986 www.countrychrome.com
Evel Speed
Custom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester Avenue
Inwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987 www.evelspeed.net
JT Cycle & Hoodlum Motorcycle Garage
Aftermarket & Custom Parts & Accessories
486 Ragland Road, Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 255-2468
www.jtcycleparts.com
The Little Shop of Harleys
Service & Accessories – HD Certified Mechanic
44 Bay Berry Lane
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
(304) 258-3909
M&J Motor Company
Lehman Trike Conversions
1000 S. Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-6200 www.mjtrikes.com
continued on next page
 BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
DEALERS & SERVICE continued...
Morgantown Honda Yamaha Suzuki KTM
526 Mileground Road
Morgantown, WV 26505
304-296-9055
www.morgantownhonda.com
O.B.’s Motorsports
1019 7th Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 420-0910 www.obsmotorsports.com
Motorcycles Shipped FREE
Power House Cycle
2748 Winchester Ave.
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 316-8660
R.G. Honda-Yamaha & Polaris
1619 Buckhannon Pike
Nutter Fort, WV 26301
(304) 624-5420 (800) 734-3694
The Fun Starts Here!
Ruff Road Cycle L.L.C.
Authorized Drag Specialty Dealer
Tires & Service – Fast Turn Around
2050 Burke Rd. Masontown, WV 26542
(304) 980-2005
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson
213 Rolling Thunder Lane
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 213-7433
www.shenhd.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
www.supersmittys.com
The Twisted Spoke
Custom Builds, Motorcycle & ATV Repair
97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 326-HOGG (4644)
www.thetwistedspoke.com
Woodhead’s Custom Cycles
126 King Street
Reedsville, WV 26547
(304) 864-3000
Tues. – Fri. 5-9pm Sat. 10-6
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Edward Jones
Yvonne Williams, Financial Advisor
210 N. Main Street
Moorefield, WV (304) 538-2811
Yvonne.Williams@edwardjones.com
INSURANCE
Jim McCartney State Farm Agt.
400 Morgantown St.
Kingwood, WV 26537
(304) 329-2420
Auto, Fire, Life, Health, Motorcycle Insurance
38 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
Mathias & Associates Insurance
Farm – Home – Auto – Life - Health
Motorcycle – Boat – RV Insurance
and Retirement Planning
(800) 628-3064 mathiasins@hardynet.com
Rider Insurance
Est. 1971
For a hassle free ride …Ride with Rider
For a quick quote call (800) 595-6393
www.rider.com
LODGING & CAMPING
Elkins Motor Lodge and 1863 Tavern
830 Harrison Avenue (Old Rt.33)
Elkins, WV 26241
(304) 636-1400 and (877) 636-1863
Motel and Restaurant
River Bridge Retreat
Your Personal Get-Away
Moorefield, WV
(304) 886-5100
www.RiverBridgeRetreat.com
Smoke Hole Resort
Open All Year Round
HC 59, Box 39
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
(800) 828-8478 www.smokehole.com
South Branch Inn – Romney & Moorefield
1500 U.S. 220 N. Moorefield, WV 26836
Route 50 Romney, WV 26757
800-856-9167 Moorefield 866-492-3122 Romney
www.southbranchinn.com / Open 24 hours
MASSAGE AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
A Therapeutic Touch of Fairmont
210 East Park Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 366-8711
EVERYBODY NEEDS A MASSAGE
MOTORCYCLE PARTS
CycleMart - Your Motorcycle Parts Store
All Makes All Models
202 Elkins Street
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 366-8119 www.cyclemart.net
PHOTOGRAPHY
Vetter Photo
1675 Cold Spring Road
Moorefield, WV 26836
(304) 530-6855 www.vetterphoto.com
SPORTING GOODS
Doug’s Sport Shop
New and Used Guns, Sporting Apparel,
Aigner Products and Reloading Supplies
220 North Main Street; 743B Hawse Plaza
Moorefield, WV 26836 (304) 538-6496
Mountaineer Gun Sales
659 Point Marion Rd. Morgantown, WV
Exit 7 off I-68 East to 119 North
(304) 284-9811
Your Sports Store and More
TATTOO STUDIOS
Pattys Art Spot Tattoo & Piercing Studio
3399 University Ave.
Star City, WV (next to Crocketts)
(304)-598-0190
www.PattysArtSpot.com
VEHICLE SERVICES
Big ‘Ens Muffler & Auto Repair Shop
290 Main St Hinton, WV 25951 (304) 466-5768
Custom exhaust, tune-ups, oil changes,
transmission and brake service.
Yes, we service motorcycles too.
Brady’s Exxon
I-79 Exit 132
Fairmont, WV 26554
Complete Auto Repair
(304) 366-0206
Brady’s Exxon
I-79 Exit 139
Fairmont, WV 26554
Complete Convenience Store
Open 24 Hours (304) 363-1810
Bob’s Tire Service Inc.
812 East Moler Avenue
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-2797
www.bobstireservice.net
Hot Rods Roll Back and Towing
Specializing in Motorcycle Towing
274 Bedington Road
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5586 Visa & MC Accepted
WEB DESIGN
Meridian Websites
55 Meridian Parkway, Suite 101
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-1000
www.meridianwebsites.com
HOME SERVICES
B & B Appliance Repair
Most Brands Serviced - 25 Years Experience
(443) 605-6367 – Bill / Frederick County MD
(443) 605-6368 – Brian / Jefferson County WV
JD’s Painting
Interior and Exterior Residential Painting
10+ Years servicing Marion, Mon & Harrison Co’s
Contact: Jeff Davis
(304) 657-0087 davisjep@aol.com
Clubs & Organizations
BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse (Inwood, WV)
A non-profit organization that exists with the intent
to create a safer environment for abused children.
Hot Line (304) 839-7809
bacaworld.org Email: bacaofwv@yahoo.com
Calvary Riders Motorcycle Ministry
Fishers of Men of Morgan County
For more information email Larry at
CRMMFishersofMen@live.com
C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV)
a non-profit organization enlisting the help of
other good hearted people wanting to contribute
to the cause of helping others in need. The
organization holds monthly meetings and several
fundraising rides every year. Donations are
always appreciated. For more information visit our
website at www.cehelpinghands.com.
GWRRA WV-A (Martinsburg, WV)
(Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc.)
‘Mountaineer Wings’
Meets the 1st Sunday of the month - 8am at
Hoss’s Steak House, Martinsburg, WV
Chapter Directors: JJ & Becky Jones
JJ: (301) 667-4040 johnjonesjgj@aol.com
Becky: (301) 667-0121 Rpepgirl@aol.com
Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry
(South Charleston, WV)
For more information email Jim “Jammer”
Marcum at: harley4me2@verizon.net
 By Jim “Jammer” Marcum
Rain or Shine
Ever wanted to ride, but look up and see dark clouds in the sky, and say, “I better not take the
chance, I may get wet and trash the bike too.” Then there are those who say, “A rainy day on the
bike is better than a day of not riding.” We will eventually dry out, and with a little soap and water the
bike will be a clean machine once again.
Serving the Lord should be a rain or shine endeavor. It’s easy to serve Him on a good day, when
everything is going great. However, it often becomes difficult to serve Him when dark clouds are
looming over us and our day is filled with gloom. I’ve often heard people say, “I’ll start serving the
Lord when the time is right, and after I get some things straight in my life.” Guess what? There will
never be a perfect time to start serving the Lord. We will always find a reason to procrastinate and
wait for a better day. Secondly, we don’t have to clean up some things in our lives first, it’s just the
opposite. We come to God first and then let Him clean us up!
There will always be good days, and not so good days. That’s life. During the good times we should
rejoice (Philippians 4:4), and in the darkest of days we should trust and have faith in the Lord that He
will bring us through, and He always will. (St. Matthew 17:20).
In closing I would like to leave you with this thought. Dark cloud cover may temporarily make the
sun not so visible, but the SON is always shining!
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.

www.thunderroadswv.com AUGUST 2010 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA 39

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 UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
September 1-4 – Charleston, WV
West Virginia State HOG Rally
There will be Entertainment, Activities, Vendors
and more for everyone to enjoy. Registration will
end on July 14th. More information will be provided
as the event approaches. For more information
about this event visit www.wvstatehogrally.com.
September 10 - 11 – Bluefield, WV
3rd Annual Ride for the Red
Proceeds to benefit the Central West Virginia
Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Kick Off Party September 4th
For more information call: (304) 922-8565
or (304) 922-1504
September 11 – Martinsburg, WV
Poker Run
Starting at Eli’s Bar & Grill off Kelly Island Road.
Registration begins at 10a.m. with kickstands up
at 12 Noon. Cost is $15.00 per single and $20 for
double. Cars welcome. The ride consista of stops
in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan County. Meal
and door prizes after the ride. This ride benefits
the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer
Screening Program. This program is available for
all women in WV that have little or no insurance
and is available at all local health departments
in WV. All money raised stays in the state of WV.
The ride is sponsored by M&M Survivors and
Eli’s Bar and Grill. For more information contact:
Melinda (304) 676-1461.
September 11 – Martinsburg, WV
Support Your Troops
Biker Bash, Bike Show and Poker Run
Sponsored by Dirty Dawgs Saloon 117 South
Queen St. Martinsburg, WV. Registration from
9am to 10:30am, Kickstands up at 10:45 a.m.
Biker Bash 11 am – 2:30pm. Bike Show 2pm –
42 THUNDER ROADS WEST VIRGINIA AUGUST 2010
5pm. Tattoo Contest after bike show.
For more information contact: Dirty Dawgs
Saloon at (304) 596-6200
September 11 – Moorefield, WV
C.E.’s Helping Hands Fall Poker Run
Registration from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Shop-
N-Save parking lot. Kickstands up at 11:00 AM.
Return to Stray Cat in Moorefield with last bike in
at 3:00 PM. Food and Drinks available at the Stray
Cat. 50/50 Drawing. Come out and Ride with us!
September 16 - 18 – Moundsville, WV
Back To Back IBA Saddle-Sore
World Record Attempt
Hoagy’s Heroes, Inc. will be yet again trying
to beat the World Record of the most riders to
finish an IBA Back to Back SaddleSore, this is
2,000+ Miles in 48 hours or less. Carmichael’s
Irish Pub (aka Hoagy’s Garage) 508 5th Street,
Moundsville, WV 26041. For more information
about this ride go to www.hoagysheros.org.
September 18 – Huntington, WV
Cabell Wayne Association of The Blind
Ride for Sight 2010
Sponsored by Cabell Wayne Association of The
Blind. The ride starts at Cabell Wayne Association
of The Blind, 38 Washington Avenue in
Huntington. Registration starts at 9:30 am and the
ride will leave at 11:30 am. The ride fee is $15.00
for the rider or $25.00 for the rider and passenger,
if pre-registered. On the day of the event, the fee
is $20.00 for the rider or $30.00 for the rider and
a passenger. The ride ends with a 50/50 drawing
and food. For more information call:
(304) 522-6991 or go to http://cabellwayne.org
September 18 - 19 – Martinsburg, WV
Speed Weekend Car & Bike Show
Donations to benefit Berkeley Co. Parks and Rec.
Saturday Sept 18 - Registration (FREE) 9 am.
Show begins/vendors open 10 am.
Burn-out contest ($5) 12 Noon. Awards
Presentation 1pm. Bike ride begins 2pm.
Bikers BBQ @ Green Landings ($5 per person)
5pm. Inflatables! Food Vendors! Family Fun
Sunday Sept 19 - Special Features:
Cars, Bikes & Music 9:30 & 11:15am
Event Location: The Living Room 50 Monroe
Street Berkeley Plaza Martinsburg, WV.
For more info: www.thelivingroom.us
or call (304) 263-4787
September 25 – Martinsburg, WV
Run for the Kids
Starting at The Rock in Martinsburg. Registration
10:30 a.m. to Noon. Kickstands up at Noon.
$10 per bike and $10 per passenger.
This is an all day event with a full blown Pig
Roast at The Rock. Live entertainment provided
by J Factor and Crunch Mob.
Gun Raffle for 5 different firearms
$15 per ticket or 3 for $40. “Only 500 tickets will
be sold” For more information call:
The Rock at (304) 263-5558 or
The Sky Room Lounge at (304) 264-3690
All proceeds to benefit a trust fund for two young
children who lost a parent.
*Rain Date: Sunday, September 26*
October 2 – Martinsburg, WV
1st Annual Toys for Tots Poker Run
Starting at The VIP Lounge 36 Veronica Dr.
Martinsburg, WV (304) 262-8840. Registration
starts at 10:00 a.m. $20 per bike donation. To
donate/participate without riding please bring
donations and/or new, unwrapped toys to any
Poker Run stop. Route: VIP to Charles Town
American Legion, Winchester A.L., Berkeley
Springs A.L., Williamsport A.L., End: Martinsburg
A.L. Reception with DJ. Refreshments/Food
available. Hosted by: American Legion Riders
WV-014 Martinsburg, WV
For more information contact: Brian (703) 728-
7849 or American Legion (304) 267-6100
www.thunderroadswv.com Thunder Roads West Virginia 43
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