Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads

OWNER / EDITOR 1920 Centerville Turnpike, Suite 117-270

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

Thunder Roads Crew

Sales / Correspondents Correspondents

Bo Albert Cindy Mease

Mike “ Hammer” Vecchione Beth Albert
thunderroadsmike@yahoo.com thunderroadsbeth@yahoo.com
Phone: (757) 291-2030 Phone: cell (804) 536-1299
office (804) 265-5166

Tim Wilmoth Ricky Derby

Dan “Stikman” Stidham Ed & Faye Hudnall

thunderroadsdanny@yahoo.com thunderroadsedandfaye@yahoo.com
(866) 968-1900 (757) 871-8840 - Ed
(757) 871-8839 - Faye

Matt Allan Dave Sutton

Garth Hines Lorree & Randy Kidder

thunderroadsgarth@yahoo.com thunderroadsrandynlorree@yahoo.com
(540) 234-9120 or (540) 746-0747 (304) 268-3719

Layout & Design Cathy “Bzgal” Clare Chris “Tigger” Rockhill

WEBMASTER
t_uhl@yahoo.com.
On Eagle’s Wings Writers

Warren Ells, Art Director MySpaceMaster: Rod the Magnificent

Thunder Publishing Stacie Bennett Ad Design
warrenlayout@yahoo.com Reverend Rock Rick “Preacher” Saunders
WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Kelly Werrell, Beth Albert, Dan “Stikman” Stidham, Ed & Faye Hudnall, Cindy Mease, Garth Hines, Matt Allan, Mike “Hammer” Vecchione (local &
overseas), Randy Kidder, Reverend Rock, Rick “Preacher” Saunders, Ricky Derby, Tim Wilmoth, Dave Sutton, Stacie Bennett, Cathy “Bzgal” Clare,
Chris “Tigger” Rockhill, Jeffrey Ponko, Curtis Matthews, “Little Debbie” Burnett, Melissa Ashcraft.
Special Thanks to: Warren Ells - our wonderfully talented layout guy who designs our pages & puts all the pieces together for us each month, Rod
The Magnificent - for his killer ad designs & Troy Uhl, our webmaster, who keeps our site rockin on the web. Also many thanks to all of our readers,
advertisers & those of you out there that spread the word or pass a magazine to a friend who’s never heard of us before - You ALL are what keeps the
Thunder rolling through the Mid-Atlantic!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 2

 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hey - how’s everyone doing out there? I’m sure you’re all happy
CALENDAR OF EVENTS...............................................4
that Spring has arrived & so has the start of the 2007 riding season.
We’ve had the weirdest weather ever during any Winter season - at
times, the temps would be in the low 30s then soar into the 60s & PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.................................6
70s a couple of days later….crazy stuff! Hopefully it’s leveled off
now & we can count on steady temps to ride in. We’ll start getting
that extra hour of daylight to ride beginning 3/11 which is always a HOT SHOTS...................................................................16
very welcome bonus for us, so don’t forget to set your clocks ahead
one hour Saturday night, 3/10, before you hit the sack.
There’s so many rides & events starting to breakout in our
calendar & still lots more to come as the final details are being NATIONAL BIKER NEWS..........................................26
worked out in the clubs & organizations that are hosting these
runs for local & national charities. Try to get out there to at least
1 a month if you can…it can truly make a difference in the lives of SOUNDCHECK .............................................................28
those less fortunate than us. There’s nothing better than firing up
the bike on a Sat. or Sun morning, gathering with friends to go for
a nice ride & enjoying the after ride fun to help out those in need. THUNDER ON THE ROAD.........................................30
Cost: Tank of gas - $5-$10; Registration Fee - $10 - $15;
Enjoying an afternoon on the bikes with friends to raise $$$ for
charity – PRICELESS!
Please visit Absolut Cycle Worx in Richmond on 3/17 for their TITTS (TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS)..............................34
party to kick off the riding season with great live music, lots of food,
drink & just a real good time. Ladies, get those bikes ready for next
month’s Diva Customs’ 2nd Annual “Divas Only” bike show on April THE JOKER’S WILD....................................................38
14th. Last year’s show was so incredible & everyone that attended
had the best time. Even though it was “ladies only” who could
enter their bikes, there were plenty of guys that came to check out
all the cool rides owned by these women of the road. We’ll see you BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY................................42
there.
We’re extremely honored that The Virginia Motorsports Park
has asked us to host a new feature for this year’s Virginia Bike ON EAGLES WINGS...................................................50
Fest being held April 15th. We invite you all to come on out with
your bikes, take off your helmets if you wish & take a cruise on the
Thunder Roads Cruise Lane from 11am – 4pm. You can take a CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS.....................................53
leisure ride or ham it up & show off a little...it’s up to you – it’s all for
fun & play. There will be a lot of excitement & plenty of things going
on throughout the park that day with lots of races, a huge bike
show, bike rodeo, burnout drags, vendors, swap meet, live music READERS RIDES.........................................................54
& other stage events. Our On Eagles Wings crew will be holding a
Blessing Of The Bikes before the Cruise Lane starts to roll. Please
join us for a great day at the park!
Hope you all enjoy our new look on all gloss – we’re still the
same ole biker magazine at heart but just coming to you a little
more clearer now. We’d like to welcome aboard & say thanks to
all of our new advertisers as well as our old friends returning from NATIONAL FOUNDERS
last year’s riding season & to our regular faithful advertisers that Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
roll with us each issue – it’s your financial support which allows us 1421 Chapmansboro Road
to keep this magazine alive each month. A very special thanks to Chapmansboro, TN 37035
all of you… our readers – YOU are truly what keeps the Thunder Office: 615-792-0040 Fax: 615-792-7580
rolling for us all! We wish you all peace in your lives & love in your e-mail: thunderroads@charter.net
hearts. Please look
out for each other
© THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
& ride safe out THUNDER PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS
there…See you out CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.
on the road! PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE
HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OC-
CUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL,
FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REA-

Kelly
SONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE,
PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED
USE 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 MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES
NOT PROMOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS.
 MARCH 2007
Mar 2nd – 11th
Daytona Bike Week – Daytona Beach, FL
Visit www.BikerBeach.com for more info
Mar 9 th
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s 19th Annual
Friendraising Breakfast - Daytona, FL Guest Speaker
Willie G. Davidson. Hilton Resort 100 N. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona.FL. Contact dsmith@motorcyclemuseum.org
Mar 10th - 11th & 17th & 18
Highland County Maple Festival. Mountain Valley Riders
leaving Mt. Crawford Exxon 9:00 either Saturday. Contact
turnleft2@verizion.net
Mar 11th
1st Annual Ride for Fallen Officers - Portsmouth, VA
Presented by Knuckleheads Roadhouse & Police Unity
Tour Chapt IV. Registration & start Bayside Harley
Davidson, 2211 Fredrick Blvd, Portsmouth, VA (757)
397-5550. Sign up 9am - 11:45 am. Police escorted ride
leaves at noon. $10 donation per rider/$5 per passenger.
End site & Post Ride Fundraiser at Knuckleheads
Roadhouse, 401 Witchduck Rd., Va Beach, VA 757-
644-6200. Featuring Bike Show, 9 different categories,
plus best in show. 50/50 drawing, Live auction with over
$5000 worth of donated items. All proceeds go to the
Police Unity Chapt IV. Info for sponsorship, donations &
more call Mary Bradford (757) 567-4882 or J.R. at (757)
675-8488.
Mar 11th
Daylight Savings Time Begins – Spring Forward…set
your clocks ahead one hour! WooHoo! An extra hour
of daylight to ride!
Mar 17th
Happy St. Patty’s Day! Don’t forget to wear
something green when you roll out!
Mar 17th
Absolut Cycle Worx St. Patrick’s Day Kick Off of the
Riding Season Party - Richmond, VA
Come kick off the 2007 Riding Season with us as we
throw down at the shop with Black Cash playing & other
bands (tba). Party from 2pm- 8pm? Cover charge is $10
per person, includes all your food, beer & beverages.
Absolut Cycle Worx is located at 5016 Old Midlothian
Tpke, Richmond. (804) 497-7000.
Mar 17th & 18th
Highland County Maple Festival. Mountain Valley
Riders leaving Mt. Crawford Exxon 9:00. Contact
turnleft2@verizion.net
Mar 23rd - 25th
Ride for a Cure/Dive for a Cure - Virginia Beach, VA
This event kicks off on Friday, March 23rd with a 24 hour
dive-a-thon during which individuals or teams attempt to
remain underwater for 24 hours straight and raise monies
thru sponsor donations per hour spent underwater. There
will be around the clock events for the duration of the dive
including a breakfast and cookout on March 24th. The
dive takes place in the pool at Lynnhaven Dive Center,
1413 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, (757)
481-0335.
The Ride for a Cure Poker Run takes place on Sunday,
March 25th, and the ride will commence at Lynnhaven
Dive Center (address listed above). Registration will be
between 9am-11am. There will be a cookout, Door Prizes,
50/50, music, refreshments and lots of other exciting
stuff. The monies collected by both the ride and the dive
will be donated to several cancer foundations including
the American Cancer Society, Cancer Care Foundation
of Tidewater, The Foundation for Applied Research in
Gastrointestinal Oncology (FARGO). Last year over
$60,000.00 was raised and donated! For additional
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 4
information about participating in or donating to the Ride
or Dive contact Lynnhaven Dive Center (757) 481-0335.
Mar 23rd - 25th
Va Beach Convention Center Dept. of Va Legion
Conference and ALR Dept.Meeting For more info
contact herbiewms@netscape.com
Mar 24th & 25th
The 1st Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Long
Island NY Suffolk Community College Exhibition Center,
Brentwood, Long Island, NY, featuring bike builders,
celebrities and more Saturday 10AM to 5 PM and
Sunday 10AM to 5 PM. All brand motorcycle show:
Best of Northeast Custom Bike Show, Iron Angels,
music by Cross Cut Saw, and entertainment for the
kids. Hundreds of vendors, displaying biker accessories
and fashions, motorcycle dealers, displaying their latest
models. Admission tickets are $15.00 per person, children
under 12 years of age $7.00 and children 5 and under
free. For more information contact 1-877-BikeXpo (877-
245-3976) or www.NEMotorcycleExpo.com A Kev-Marv
Production.
Mar 31st
Annual Chili Cookoff - Staunton, VA
Sponsored by the Shenandoah Valley HOG Chapter
is March 31, 2007. Sample chili from 11am-1pm (or
until everything is gone!!) $3.00 buys you a bowl,
spoon and a vote for your favorite valley chili! Visit
www.shenandoahhd.com for a listing of all of our
events!
Mar 31st
Blessing of the Bikes – Woodbridge, VA
Tentative 10AM, veteran’s Park, Woodbridge. Don’t
be foolish, get extra protection for a blessed riding
season. Renegade Classics, 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy,
Woodbridge, VA
Mar 31st
River City ABATE Biker’s First Aid Seminar - Glen
Allen, VA
9:00am to 1:00pm (lunch & refreshments provided)
Place: Richmond Harley Davidson, 10441 Washington
Highway (Route 1), Glen Allen, VA
Cost $ 30.00 (includes First Aid Kit)
Class Size is limited to 50 participants
For more Information & Pre-Registration - Contact
Steve Skeens @ (804) 389-8293 or Scott Blankenship
@ (804) 744-8383 River City ABATE considers the fact
that the most likely person(s) to be present at the scene
of a motorcycle crash is also another Biker/Rider. How
do such person’s reduce the severity of the injury(s)
and/or help to prevent fatality(s) while providing less
exposure to the legal and financial risks prior to arrival
of the Emergency Medical Services/First Responders
(Paramedics, EMT’s & etc.)
APRIL 2007
Apr 4th – 7th
1st Annual Big Daddy Leather Spring Break Cruisin in
the Carribean – Charleston, SC
Departs Charleston, SC stops include Grand Cayman,
Cozumel & Key West Florida. Details, pricing
and reservation info contact Big Daddy Leather,
1900 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA ph.
540-899-0048 www.bigdaddyleather.com, email
doug@bigdaddyleather.com
Apr 6th - 9th
BMW Riders Group Spring Blue Ridge Ride - Verona,
VA Leave Saturday 9:00
Kathy’s Restaurant Verona Va., head south on Blue Ridge
Parkway, camp at Meadows of Dam, continue South on
Sunday. Contact garth@rica.net
April 8th
Happy Easter! Hop on the bikes & let’s roll!
Apr 13 – 22
th nd
5th Annual Heritage Motorcycle Rally - Charleston, SC
This the Grandfather of Bike Week Charleston. Rally
Central, located at 9850 Hwy 78, Ladson, SC 29456,
is home to “the wildest bike show in the south” and the
Million Dollar Bike Build-Off. Top name bands, Vendors,
scheduled rides daily – Beaufort to the south, Myrtle
Beach to the North, the Islands and Historic Charleston.
Charity Runs. 10 full days of laid back enjoyment! Gates
open at 10am on Friday. Info call 843-767-4258 or visit
www.heritagemotorcyclerally.comApril 13 - 22, 2007
Apr 14th
Lee Garrett Memorial Run - Lynchburg, VA C.W. at
TandAcycleworx@aol.com
Apr 14th
2nd Annual Divas Only Bike Show - Chesapeake,
VA This indoor event being held at the Chesapeake
Convention Center will include great food, prizes, give-
a-ways, special guests, and live entertainment from
the band “Krunch.” Back again this year is the famous
Diva Customs fashion show featuring beautiful women
wearing the hottest leather fashions in town So ladies
get your bikes ready..this show is for you! Guys, you are
welcome to come in, but its “Girls against the Girls!” And
this is a showdown you don’t want to miss. The grand
prize of $1000.00 will be given to the “Best In Show”
winner! All bikes in the show must be owned by women.
(Proof of ownership is required) Ladies, register early at
www.DivaCustoms.com. For more information about the
show or sponsorship call Diva Customs at 757-428-DIVA
or contact us on our website at www.DivaCustoms.com.
Apr 14th – 15th
The IRS (irresistible retail sale) has arrived. Take
a break form doing taxes and enjoy 30 – 50 % off
all winter items. Includes a parking lot party on
Saturday. Renegade Classics, 14575 Jefferson Davis
Hwy, Woodbridge, VA
Apr 14th
Spring Break Children’s Miracle Network Car, Truck,
Motorcycle Show- Fredericksburg, Va. Non-Alcoholic
event, 140 Trophie’s call 540-374-2240 for info.
Apr 14th - 21st
Heritage Million Dollar Bike Build-Off – Ladson, SC
The “SUPERBOWL” of the Bike Building World! 15
Builders * 1 Winner * 1 Million Dollars. The Playoffs begin
April 14th, 2007, held during the 5th Annual Heritage
Motorcycle Rally in Charleston South Carolina. The teams
are: Kendall Johnson * Paul Cox & Keino* Joe Martin
* Aaron Greene * Roger Goldammer * Roger Bourget *
John Dodson * Darrian Tefft & Mario Audia * Jerry Burrow
* Russell Marlowe * Vinnie Minichiello * Eddie Trotta
* Roland Sands * Bruce Mullins * Arlen Ness. The 15
distinguished custom motorcycle builders are right now
in their shops, putting their all into what they hope will be
named the “2007 Heritage Million Dollar Bike Build-Off
Winner”. These builders will transport their entries to:
The Exchange Park outside of the Charleston, SC to
arrive no later than 7 PM April 13th 2007 for the Unveiling.
And then place those entries on display for 8 full days
for judges & spectator looks. And then they, (the builder
themselves), must ride these bikes 100 grueling miles as
a group. (Lose the group & they could lose the prize).
Check it out at: www.heritagemilliondollarbikebuildoff.com
Apr 15thOpen House & Poker Run to benefit the
Victory Junction Gang Camp - Colonial Heights, VA
Being held at Catlins Kustom Cycles - 1st bike out @
9am, last bike out @11am
Entertainment provided by Copper Ridge Bluegrass Band,
Book Signings/Sales of well-known Author of Motorcycle
Traveling-Dale Coyner, Food, door prizes, 50/50 raffle,
entertainment for children. Check out all of our other
events at www.ckccustoms.com
Apr 15th
Third Annual Purple Heart Ride - Sykesville, MD
Blue Knights MD IX is having its Third Annual Purple
Heart Ride to benefit those injured servicemen and
women who have returned from Iraq and Afghanastan.
These wounded soldiers are being treated at the
Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical
Center. The proceeds from this police escorted ride will
be presented to the Armed Forces Foundation to benefit
these wounded soldiers. The ride travels from Freedom
Park in Sykesville Maryland and travels to Bethesda
Naval Hospital in Bethesda Maryland. Registration begins
at 7 am through 10 am when the ride leaves the park.
The ride is rain or shine. Date: Sunday, April 15, 2007,
Contact Phone: 410-804-5721 (Steve Martin), Email:
roadkingnmd@yahoo.com, Link: http://www.bkmdix.org
Apr 20th - 22nd
10th Annual Virginia Beach Bike Classic - Virginia
Beach, VA Sponsored by Geico Motorcycle. Camp
Pendelton, Virginia Beach - Over 100 Local & National
Vendors. World famous bike builders attending this year:
Dave Perewitz, Russel Mitchell of Exile Cycles, Randy
Simpson of Milwaukee Iron, Johnny Lange of Strip Club
Choppers, Swede Built Motorcycles, Big Rick Hoffman
of Logic Motorcycles & The Wrench! Bike Show, Field
Events, Burnout Contest, Bikini Contest, Parade of
Bikes, Fun Kids Stuff, Great Food, Cold Beverages &
Much More! Events scheduled: Kansas, The Wreckers,
Phil Vassar. Vendor & Sponsor info (757) 675-8488 or
(757) 560-0877, fax (757) 426-1880. For more including
lodging info visit www.vabeachbikeclassic.com.
Proceeds benefit USO of Hampton Roads.
Apr 21 st
The Patriots’ Tour - Richmond, VA This ride begins
at the Va War Memorial in Richmond. This fund-raiser
ride is to benefit the War Memorial and it’s education
for kid’s program. The ride will take about 1 hour and
end up in Colonial Heights Va at the American Legion
Post where a 2007 Harley Davidson Electra-Glide will
be given away. First bike out 9:00am last bike out 11:
00am. Pre-registration cost $25.00 gets you a T-Shirt and
lunch. Extra rider cost $10.00 includes lunch only. 1000
tickets raffled off at $50.00 each. Registration is through
the VAWM. Raffle Tickets and registration forms can be
picked up at the War Memorial {804} 786-2060 or from
American Legion Riders of Southern Va. For more info
visit: http://vawarmemorial.org/motorcycle.html or
contact herbiewms@netscape.com
Apr 25th – 29th
5th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week – Outer Banks, NC
The 5th Annual Outer Banks Bike Week is packed full with
entertainment, great food, events and special attractions.
Poker Run. Bike Show. Live Music. Scenic Rides.
Official Night-time party sites. www.outerbanksbikewee
k.com
Apr 26th – 28th
North Carolina State H.O.G. Rally 2007 – Outer Banks,
NC “Cruzin the Outer Banks” 100 miles of beach cruzin
at it’s best! This H.O.G. event offers riding, sight-seeing,
activities – something for everyone. Register by March
8th , 2007 for your chance to win a brand new 2007
Sportster. “Get your Crabs” Poker Run - $1,000 1st prize.
Bike Show, Field Games, Live Beach Music. Guided
ride to Ocracoke Island and Lighthouse Tour. Police
escorted bike parade to the Wright Bros. Memorial. New
Kitty Hawk H-D dealership, located only ½ mile away
from the rally site. Call the hotline or visit the website for
more information. NC Rally Hotline: 1-252-221-4657
www.ncstatehogrally.com
Apr 26th - 29th
Outer Banks Bike Week with a Legion Riders Social
For more info contact herbiewms@netscape.com
Apr 28th
Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3204 Poker Run To
Benefit Alzheimer’s Research - Virginia Beach, VA
10 am at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1061 Newtown
Road, Va Beach 23462, Before April 16th: $15 plus $5
for rider. After April 16th: $20 plus $10 per rider. Pig
Roast with all the fixins afterwards. Breakfast buffet will
be available from 8am - 9:45 am for $5. For more info
please contact the Aerie at (757) 497-1876 or Bill or
Shelley at (757) 421-9687 or (757) 373-4811. Rain or
Shine.
Apr 29th
Southern Cruisers Crusin’ For A Cure - Virginia Beach,
VA Hosted by the Southern Cruiser Riding Club, Hampton
Roads Chapt #26. To benefit research for St. Jude
Children’s Hospital. Registration from 9am - 11am. First
bike out 10:30 am. Last bike out 11:15am. Registration
will be at Fastlane Biker Gear and Accessories, 166
Rosemont Rd., Va Beach, VA 23452. $10 for Rider,
$5 passenger. Prizes for Best & Worst poker hand,
Largest Group, Oldest/Youngest Rider, Furthest Distance
Traveled, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle
MAY 2007
May 5th
MS. UNDERSTOOD RIDERS 4TH ANNUAL CAR,
BIKE & TRUCK SHOW - Stafford, VA 11am-8pm @
Butch & Chiquitas, 54 Montague Loop Stafford, Va.
22554. Adults $20, kids 12 & under FREE. Vendors,
Food, Drinks, Raffles, Face Painting, Dunking Booth, Wet
T-Shirt & Hard Body Contest. Music by DJ Deluxe and
Sha Sha tha Mouth Piece. Trophies to be awarded. For
info contact the Ms Understood Riders Public Relations
Officers Karamel-Delyte (540) 272-9042, Honey (540)
379-6928, Pink (703)919-7468
May 5th
The ROC Bike Fest - Richmond, VA. Stunt team, Door
Prizes, Music, Bike show & Trophys www.TheROC.com,
804-675-4101
May 6th
TRIAD PLEASURE RIDERS M/C 11TH ANNUAL, CASH
GIVEAWAY & BIKE SHOW- Kernersville, NC From
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. VENDORS - MUSIC - FOOD
- DOOR PRIZES. DRAWING for CASH GIVEAWAY
1ST PRIZE- $500.00 2ND PRIZE- $200.00 3RD PRIZE-
$100.00. TICKETS $5.00 ea.. BIKE SHOW $10.00
ENTRY. 8 CLASSES 1ST & 2ND PLACE TROPHIES.
KERNERSVILLE MOOSE LODGE, 1250 EAST
MOUNTAIN STREET KERNERSVILLE, NC. South of
Parks Chevrolet in Kernersville, NC on Hwy 421 between
County Line Tavern and Colfax Furniture. Contact; Steve
Robertson 336-769-3909
May 6th
Relay for Life Poker Run- Midlothian, VA Team event
to fight cancer Sunday May 6, 2007 (rain or shine). 9:00
- 10:00AM registration at Cycle Connection of Virginia,
17401 Midlothian Pike (4 min. west of Midlothian on RT
60) For more info. contact Marie Crow 804-674-1265.
May 11th – 20th
Myrtle Beach Bike Week – Myrtle Beach, SC
www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
May 12th
Rotary Rumble for Kids! - Portsmouth, VA
Come help us support several local Children’s charities,
leaving from Route 17 Motorcycle Accessory Shop at
3405 High Street in Portsmouth , Virginia ! Registration is
at 8;30, FBO 9:00, LBO 10:00. The Dice run will include
coffee & donuts, ride pin, T-shirt and lunch for the first
rider at $20, and passengers receive a play sheet, T-
shirt and lunch for $10. It will be a great ride, and will
include music, door prizes, and raffles! Online registration
is available at www.greatbridgerotary.org, or email
closetdoctor@gmail.com for more information. C U
there!
May 13th
Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mama’s out there!!! It’s
YOUR day ladies so let’s ride!!!
May 20th
11th Annual Charity Ride to Benefit the Children
for the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp - Harrisonburg, VA
Sponsored by Mountain Valley Riders Motorcycle Club.
Registration $25, 8 to 10am at APPLEBEE’S Restaurant
on 33E. Harrisonburg, Va.. Pancake breakfast 8-9.
Door Prizes, 50/50, BBQ & refreshments included at
end of 100 mile ride. Ride patch for first 100 registered.
All riders and bikes welcomed. Prize for Club with most
attendees. Come attend the largest ride in Rockingham
County. Parade start Police Escort, Poker run Ride.
Contact: garth@rica.net or Smokey 540-896-8929.
www.mvrva.tripod.com Club Rides 3rd Sunday each
Month.
May 26th
Rough Riders MC’s 2nd Annual Memorial Day
Weekend Bike Show - Stafford, VA
Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project www.wou
ndedwarriorsproject.org. Noon - 3pm Show registration
begins @ 11am. People’s Choice Trophies awarded. $5
entry fee for show. $35 per Chance to win a NEW 2006
Harley Davidson Softail provided by Southside Harley-
Davidson, Virginia Beach, VA 757-499-8964 - Only 714
Tickets sold. Show and drawing @ Main Street Grill
and Bar, 315 Garrisonville Rd., Stafford, VA (winner is
obligated for Tax, Lic, set-up and Freight fees associated).
You do not need to be present to WIN. Contact Sailor
377-9973, Snake (540) 288-7772 or (540) 288-9277 or
Diego (760) 415-7433.
May 27th
Rolling Thunder XX – Washington, DC
www.rollingthunder1.com
May 27th
2nd Annual Freedom Run - Martinsburg, WV.
For more info go to www.epcabate.org or
call (304)262-1844
May 28th
Memorial Day - Take some time today & maybe even
a slow ride in honor & remembrance of the men &
women who have died serving our country.
May 31st – Jun 3rd
Dam Bike Rally - Fontana Dam NC
Fontana Village Resort will host the Dam Bike Rally, May
31-June 3, 2007. We are only 10 miles from the famous
“Dragon” and 25 miles from the Cherohala Skyway, and
of course, our own Hellbender 28. Live Music; cookouts;
vendors; contests; poker runs. Please visit our websites at
www.fontanavillage.com or www.smokymountainbikewee
k.com or www.hellbender28.com Make your reservations
early by calling 800-849-2258. We look forward to seeing
you! Sponsored by Fontana Village Resort. Contact:
Marketing & Groups Sales Department, Email:
aburchfield@fontanavillage.com,
Phone: (828) 498-2211, Fax: 828-498-2209
Website: www.fontanavillage.com
JUNE 2007
Jun 1st - 3rd
Thunder On The Rock Motorcycle Rally - Monteagle
Mountain, TNThe newest, biggest, baddest Motorcycle
Rally. Everyone 18+ is welcome. Be apart of history
by being apart of the first ever THOR Rally! Jam with
Kentucky Headhunters & .38 Special plus a ton of other
live entertainment. We will have lots of events, contests
and games including the fun frozen T-shirt contest! There
will be bike shows, vendors, the Thundereets, beer,
showers on site and free camping. In addition to our
headline acts we will have other bands and entertainment
lined up as our 1st annual event draws closer. One of
the best parts is getting here, the scenic roads and the
attractions surrounding us. Less than 45 minutes away,
you will find 3 different lakes, Jack Daniels, Rock City, The
Natural Bridge, just to name a few. Mark your calendar
and come on out and play with us!!!!! Tickets are only
$30 in advance, $40 at the gate. For more info & the
latest updates on the rally visit www.thunderontherocko
nline.com
Jun 2nd & 3rd
Suffolk Executive Airport’s (fly-In)1st Annual Wings
and Wheels Weekend - Suffolk, VA To be held the
cont. page 12
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 5
America Supports You: Bikers Demonstrate Nation’s Patriotism, Compassion
By Linda Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2006 – When Noel Totten ar-
rived home to find 40 leather-clad motorcyclists pulled up
at his house in Bloomington, Minn., he knew why they’d
come.
Universal Recording artist Rockie Lynne, co-founder of
Tribute to the Troops, presents a plaque to Noel Totten
Sept. 8 at Totten’s home in Bloomington, Minn. About 40
members of the group visited Totten’s home to pay their
respects for the loss of his brother, Chief Warrant Officer
Eric W. Totten, 34, an Army Chinook helicopter pilot who
died May 5 when his chopper went down in Afghanistan.
Photo by William Moss ‘
A few weeks earlier, he’d received a call from Gregg
Schmitt, director of the Minneapolis-based “Tribute to the
Troops.” Schmitt asked Totten if members of the motor-
cycle group could stop by to pay their respects for the
loss of his brother. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric W. Totten,
34, an Army Chinook helicopter pilot, was killed when
his chopper went down in Afghanistan on May 5. Totten
told Schmitt his family would welcome the group’s visit.
Greeting the riders at his home Sept. 8, Totten pulled his
brother’s dog tags, painted portrait and photo out of his
car to show the riders. Schmitt, president of the Minne-
sota booking agency, The Music Works, and Universal
South recording artist Rockie Lynne, co-founder of the
ride, gave Totten a framed portrait of his brother made
by volunteer Rick Block. Schmitt and Lynne founded the
Tribute to the Troops ride Sept. 11, 2004. During that first
ride, about 60 bikers on 45 motorcycles visited the homes
of three fallen heroes in the Twin Cities metro area. Coor-
dinating the annual tribute, Schmitt said, is a way to give
back for all the good things in his life. “I’ve volunteered
for a lot of different things, but never anything that felt as
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 6
important or meaningful as reaching out -- as strangers --
to a person whose heart is aching from the loss of a loved
one and telling them we care, we won’t forget.” In 2005,
90 riders visited 14 families throughout Minnesota, and
Lynne performed at a benefit concert. The event raised
$5,000 for Wounded Warriors, a Nebraska-based non-
profit corporation founded in 2003 to support the soldiers,
airmen, sailors and Marines wounded in Afghanistan and
Iraq. Lynne said meeting families who have lost a son or
daughter, husband or wife, mother or father “will change
you for the rest of your life.” “The sense of loss on those
people’s faces is so powerful, it makes you want to do
something,” he said. “You’ll never take our freedom for
granted again. “I don’t think the gravity of it hits you until
you actually pull into someone’s driveway,” Lynne said.
“We can never ever know what they feel. We can only let
them know their loss didn’t go unnoticed.” This year the
riders visited 11 fallen servicemembers’ families over the
course of three days. The ride started at the state Capitol
Sept. 8, and ended with a concert at the Medina Ballroom
in Hamel, Minn., Sept. 10. By the third day of the ride,
the number of motorcycles participating had increased
to 130. “All of the neighbors were so impressed,” Totten
said by phone following the riders’ visit to his home. “At
first they were concerned, seeing all these motorcycles
coming down the street. But when they all came out of
their houses and saw how peaceful everything was, they
joined in, applauding when Rockie, Gregg and I each
gave a little talk. “I felt very special that they were willing
to devote their valuable time and energies to give Eric
recognition -- not only Eric, but all service people,” he
said. Totten said his brother joined the Army shortly after
high school when a lifelong friend who had gotten into
drugs committed suicide. “He decided he didn’t want to
go that way. He decided to make something out of his
life,” Totten recalled. “So at the young, tender age of 18
he joined the Army to play in the Army band.” The soldier
musician then went on to become a Ranger, and in 1997
was named Ranger of the Year. “Many Army people have
told me that (achieving) that is like (winning) the Army
Olympics,” Totten said. “Two real husky, muscle-bound
soldiers came up to me and said, ‘I wouldn’t even begin
to think about trying to be Ranger of the Year like your
brother did.’” The Ranger of the Year went through flight
school and realized that he’d found his calling in the mili-
tary. “He simply loved it,” Totten said. “He got around the
world on many important missions. He volunteered to do
a flood-relief mission in Albania. He did two tours in Bos-
nia. But he was humble. He never bragged about it. Most
of the stuff that I found out about my brother was through
friends of his in the military. “He wasn’t one of those guys
who said, ‘Look at me and look what I’ve done,’” Totten
 luted or held their hand over their hearts as the funeral
procession passed by. “Augusta is only a town of about
5,000 people, and it looked to me like the whole town
was there,” Totten said. “When we passed the fire depart-
ment, they had a huge American flag hanging from a fully
extended hook and ladder,” he said. “All of the firemen
were standing there at attention. Everybody stood still as
the hearse drove by. It was like everybody froze in time. It
was so impressive. “Before this, I had some doubts about
this country’s patriotism,” Totten said. “At that moment I
realized that patriotism is alive and well in this country.”
Last week’s visit by the Tribute to the Troops riders once
again rekindled Totten’s faith in America’s patriotism and
compassion, he said. Having people acknowledge their
loss gives them a welcome opportunity to talk about their
loved one and share their grief, he said. “We very much
appreciate it when people take their valuable time to give
recognition to the families of the fallen and the wounded,”
he said. “It is so cleansing for people to be able to talk”

stressed. “He just didn’t have that kind of personality. But,

when he was asked to do something, he went beyond
the call to do it and do it right and do it better than ever.
That’s just the way Eric was.” At the time of his death,
Totten said, his brother had reached the rank of chief war-
rant officer 3 and was on his second tour in Afghanistan.
Tribute to the Troops wasn’t the first motorcycle group to
acknowledge family’s loss, Totten said. Several hundred
riders attended his brother’s funeral in Augusta, Kan.,
where their grandparents had bought 30 cemetery plots
for the family shortly before World War II. After the family
learned protesters planned to attend the funeral, Tot-
ten said, the Patriot Guard called to offer their services.
The nationwide motorcycle group, which grew to 50,000
members in just over a year, attends fallen troops’ funer-
als as invited guests to pay respects and shield mourning
family members and friends from protestors. “When we
came out of the church, we didn’t realize there were going
to be 400-plus Patriot Guard riders there,” Totten recalled.
“The sight was spine-tingling. “We were walking out of the
church, getting into our limousines as they were loading
the casket into the hearse, and we noticed each Patriot
Guard rider had a 3-by-5-foot American flag,” he said.
“They’d formed a line on each side of the drive. It was
as if we were driving under a canopy of American flags.”
Totten said the townspeople did not know his brother,
but when they heard about the protestors, they lined the
side of road. The few that didn’t have a flag either sa-
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 7
 TECH TIPS
by Phil Isley
Service Manager
Balloon
Bikes
South Richmond Harley-Davidson
Richmond,Virginia

Winterization and Spring Prep

Do you have a dead battery? Save yourself a headache.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially
with motorcycles. When you store your bike for the Winter,
there are a few inexpensive things you can do to prevent
“Spring time blues” trying to start your bike in the Spring.
The first thing you need to do is install a battery tender.
The plug hangs out under the seat so you don’t have to re-
move the seat or battery to charge up the battery, just plug
it in and leave it until you’re ready to ride. Harley-Davidson
has a “smart charger” that plugs into any standard recep- “In the wind”? Or should we say something more
tacle and is small enough to store in a windshield bag. like “Out of wind”, after blowing up all the bal-
Make sure your tank is filled with 93 octane gas and add loons needed to construct these amazing cre-
one ounce of Mavel Mystery Oil. This will cut down on ations. Too cool! Pics sent in by our own Ricky
gumming of the carburetor or fuel injectors. Then try to Derby – Thanks!
start your bike once a month and let it run 5-10 minutes.
When it’s time to ride, your battery and fuel system will be
as ready as you are.
Before you hit the road, be sure to check your tire pressure.
Improper inflation is dangerous. Also recheck your oil level
per your owner’s manual. If you do not have this informa-
tion, call your local dealer and they can provide this for you.
On a Harley, the bike has to be on it’s jiffy stand with the
engine warm. Other bikes may vary in this procedure but it
needs to be done.
Once all your fluid levels and tire pressures are correct,
do a walk around to be sure that your front and rear turn
signals operate properly, hi/lo beam on your head light, and
check your brakes. As much as you like to ride, it would be
really cool to be able to stop when you need to.

Ride Safe,
Phil

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 8

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 9
 you would expect, it was quick and quiet. Silently you speed down the
asphalt on a very stable machine. About the only thing that I can tell you
about this ride and most of the V-Rods® that I have been on is that they
are very obedient, trustworthy and dependable.
Although there is no roaring thunder from the v-twin, you can appreciate
the slight exhaust noise and the sound of the mechanics from the engine
laboring underneath you. The thrill of the acceleration and how fast it
stops with ease is amazing. The best part about it is that every time you
do it, it is just as much fun. Of course you always want just a little more.

Now to play with the new 240-rear tire. From a standing start, you can
still smoke the rear tire. That did not surprise me at all. Now for the
turning chrematistics, how will this affect the ride? First, I just turned real
The 2007 VRSCAW V-Rod® slow in a circle on a two-lane road to see if tight turning was affected.
To me, it did not seem to affect the ride much at all. Leaned over as far
as I could comfortably and still on a tight turn, the rear seemed to take
M.S.R.P. $16,495.00 a shorter path than the front. That would seem normal for a wider tire.
There is a lot of difference from the 240 on this ride than there is when
By Kirk Johnson you get up to the more radical 300 and 340 tires.
Performance for the high-speed turns, at least to me, was not really
For 2007, the V-Rod® sports a thinner drive belt with a wider tire affected. It may be my skill level, but for a daily rider, the performance
and a frame that holds a 5 gallon fuel tank. and agility of the bike was not affected. If you want to make a run up the
back way to Prescott that might be a different story. The only real dif-
About the Bike ference with this tire as opposed to the 180 is when you are on very un-
even, tired asphalt that has depressions where the tires ride, you get a
User-friendly improvements for 2007 will please the daily rider im- feeling that the bike is being pushed to one side or the other, depending
mensely. First and foremost, one of the biggest hang-ups with the older on what side of the depression you are on. That is the only real negative
V-Rods® was the 3.7 Gallon fuel tank capacity. Now, with the wider to the larger tire; the meatier tire definitely looks great under you.
frame they are able to put a full 5 gallon fuel tank in the frame without
increasing ground clearance like they did with the Street-rod®. With the Summary
wider frame they are now able to replace the 180 mm rear tire with nice
fat 240 mm asphalt grabbing rear tire. Looks great! The V-Rod® is a great machine and a great ride. There are a lot of
They also moved the ignition switch from under the right leg to a very user-friendly improvements for 2007. The new 5-gallon fuel capacity is
accessible place just ahead of the forward cylinder. Now you don’t have a real biggy. Now you can go more than 100 miles before you have to
to worry about the dreaded dropped key that disappears problem. refuel. What a drag that was. As you can see from the Dyno chart, this
For 2007 they replaced the small battery that the V-Rod® had with a is no slouch. Right out of the box you get 100 hp – nice! The relocation
bigger Dyna™ battery by moving the ECM to under the rear seat and of the ignition switch may seem like a little thing. Just ask any V-Rod®
moving the coolant reservoir aft of the air box. owner about what a great and needed improvement that is. The great
Currently there are 5 V-Rods®: the Night Rod™, Night Rod™ Special, looks of the new 240mm rear tire adds a look of being a more serious
Street Rod™, VRSCX or the Screamin’ Eagle®, and of course the machine and the riding and handling of the V-Rod® has always been
standard V-rod® or the VRSCAW. For 07 they all have a new thinner there. This is a great bike.
carbon-fiber belt final drive, plus a five-speed tranny with a multi-plate
clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath. Ride safe.
Test Drive Kirk
www.motorcycletestdrive.com
If you have read any of my past test rides, you know I’ve spent a fair
amount of time on different V-Rods®. I like them a lot. I was not sure
of what to expect with the new 07 model. It seemed like most of the
improvements were with people friendly appointments. Not that this is
bad; I think it is a great idea to clean up some of the shortcomings from
the older models. As for handling and performance the only real change
was rear tire and a wider frame. I had two different people tell me about
how that 240 rear was going to affect the ride. Interestingly, they both
had completely different ideas about how it would affect the ride.
It was a very cold day here in the valley. I grew up in Iowa and used to
cold weather. It’s cold in Iowa when it gets down to below zero and when
it does, you know it is cold. Now when it gets below 60 here in the valley,
it is cold. Today it was below cold so I only spent about an hour on the
bike but loved every minute of it.
With that little 100 hp mill warming up I played with the traffic for a little
bit to get comfortable with the new ride. So far, I was unable to tell any
difference with the new 07 from the older models.
After several miles, I decided to take to the side roads and play with the
new machine. First thing out of the box was the passing test. Just what
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 10
Hot News::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redline Performance
Motorsports Inc. of
Yorktown has released
the beast into Hamp-
ton Roads. The brand
spankin new 1098 su-
per bike is here. Dave
Lillard, President of
Redline, just acquired
the hottest sport bike
on the market and I
was there to see it
arrive. Words cannot
explain the esthetic
beauty of this bike.
However do not think
the design team at
Ducati even consid-
ered the looks when
they built this bike.
Every little bit of this
bike was designed with performance in mind. This would
explain how they built the most powerful twin cylinder
engine in the world with the highest torque to weight ratio
of any sport bike (yes even the Jap bikes!). To bring this
awesome power to a hault, Ducati is the first sport bike
manufacturer to include Brembo Monobloc brakes as a
standard item. They thankfully brought back the single
sided swingarm, however they constructed it through a
new construction method, which saves weight. They also
took the elliptical throttle bodies from the GP6 and includ-
ed them in the production bike. For those of who have
no idea what I’m talking about, race bike performance,
pure and simple. For those of you who do know what I’m
talking about, I bet you want numbers. How about 160
hp to the massive rear wheel and 90+ ft-lb torque which
is more then a lot of cars have. Don’t take my word for
it, stop in and see the Dave or Scott at Redline at 7331
George Washington Mem. Hwy, call 757-989-5000, or
visit www.redlinemotors.com. Enough talk, I will let the
pictures speak for themselves. Bow Down Japan!

Mike “Hammer”

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 11

 cont. from 5
first weekend in June (2nd & 3rd) 2007. We plan to have
Aircraft, Vintage Autos and Motorcycle displays and
are looking for anyone interested in “showing off” their
“machines.” We will have displays of anything with wings
and wheels. The cars will be from street rods to classics,
all kinds of motorcycles and planes from the usual to the
unusual. One of the planes we will have is a 1936 Beech
Staggerwing, which we will be selling rides on. There will
be a Tuskegee Airman to talk to people concerning his
experiences and he is selling a book he wrote for kids.
He is a very interesting gentleman. On June 3rd, we will
do Young Eagles from noon till 4:00PM. This event is
sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Assoc. (EAA).
This is for young people ages 8 to 17. These young
people will learn about planes and get to fly in a small
plane, free, then receive a certificate. Their name will then
go into a logbook at the EAA headquarters. Saturday’s
event will be from 10 AM - 4 PM. Sunday the show starts
at Noon and lasts until??? We say 4, but last year there
were folks still milling around at 6 p.m. There will be
various vendors and food is available. While you’re there,
visit the Throttleback Cafe (which is located inside the
airport terminal).
Jun 8th & 9th
12th Annual South Central Bike Fair - Chase City, VA
25-Class Bike Show ($250 Best of Show), Rodeo, $500
Poker Run, Tattoo Contest, Nightly Wet T-shirt Contest,
Camping, Live Music, Vendors, Food, & More. Friday-
Hotrod/Bike Cruz-In** Live Music ** Vendors** Camping.
Saturday- Live Music ** Bike Show** Poker Run**
Rodeo **Vendors. **T-shirt & Tattoo Contests ** Burnout
Pit**Drawings & Giveaways**.www.southcentralbikefair.
com. Contact Dana after 8pm 434.372.5554
Jun 8th - 10th
13th Annual National Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle
Ministry Friends & Family Rally - Murphy, NC
Peace Valley Campground, Murphy, NC. www.peacevalle
ycampground.com
Jun 9 th
Bike Rally for the Special Olympics Virginia Summer
Games - Richmond, VA The Chesterfield County Parks
and Recreation Department along with Chesterfield
County Police Department and Chesterfield County
Sheriff’s Office will be co-sponsoring a biker rally that
will benefit the Special Olympics Virginia Summer
Games. This event will take place on Saturday, June
9th with registration starting at 8 a.m. and departing to
the University of Richmond campus at 11 a.m. . The
registration fee of $15 per person, a rally pin and free
lunch and wonderful musical entertainment after the ride
too. All proceeds from this event will go directly benefit
the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games! For more
information on this event, please call Mark Pinney at 804-
748-1992 or Major David Hutton at 804-751-4419.
Jun 9th Salty Dawgs Motorcycle Riding Club 1st
Annual Poker Run - Virginia Beach, VA Benefiting
the Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org); Supporting
America’s military in their time of need they provide “a
home away from home” that enables family members
to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time
- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.
Registration at Boneshakers Saloon off of General Booth
starting at 9am, last bike out 11am ride ends at the 392
VFW, 2408 Bowland Pkwy, Va. Beach (located behind
Blue Horseshoe Tattoo, London Bridge Blvd). Featuring
door prizes, 50/50 drawing and food. For information call
(Pres) Pat at 757-548-8462 or Brian at 757-473-9385. We
are still looking sponsors. Come join us and support our
troops and their families.
Jun 9th – 17th
LACONIA Motorcycle Week – Laconia, NH
Visit www.laconiamcweek.com
Jun 14th
FLAG DAY – Fly ‘em proudly!
Jun 15th – 17th
VNV M/C USA Road Dog Run - Sanford, NC
23rd Anniversary Celebration of Viet Nam Vets M/C of
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 12
North Carolina and 5th Anniversary of Second Brigade
M/C. Donation at the gate includes admission, camping
(Electrical Hookups $10/Night extra) & live entertainment.
POW/MIA ceremony at noon on Saturday. Bike Games,
50/50 Raffle, Contests & more fun than ought to be legal.
All of this excitement nestled along the banks of a gently
rolling creek and surrounded by working components of
an antique mill. Come out enjoy Father’s Day weekend
with America’s favorite Vets, The Viet Nam Vets M/C
USA of North Carolina. Sponsored by Viet Nam Vets
M/C USA - North Carolina, Contact: Doc Ski, Email:
docskivnv@aol.com Phone: (919) 662-6229, Fax: 919-
933-7934, Website: www.vnvmcnc.org
Jun 17th
Father’s Day – No honey-do lists today Big daddys...let’s
ride!!
Jun 20 – 23
th rd
Honda Hoot – Knoxville, TN
Visit www.hondahoot.com for more info
Jun 21st – 23rd
VA State HOG Rally – Williamsburg, VA
Visit www.vastatehogrally.com
June 23rd
June 23rd: 3rd Annual EPC ABATE Bike Show.
Martinsburg, WV
www.epcabate.org
Jun 24th
2nd Annual Summer Splash Poker Run Eastern Shore
HOG - Ocean City, MD www.easternshorehog.com
Contact: Jerry Lawson, Chairman, ESC Summer Splash
Poker Run e-mail: Lawson4500@aol.com
JULY 2007
Jul 4th
Independence Day – Happy 231st Birthday USA!
Jul 5th – 7th
Delaware/Maryland State HOG Rally – Dover, DE
Visit www.mddestatehogrally.com
Jul 18th – 22nd
West Virginia State HOG Rally – Canaan Valley Resort,
WV
Jul 20 – 22
th nd
Carlisle Summer Bike Fest - Carlisle PA
Thousands of motorcycles, acres of vendors, a
motorcycling paradise with 82 cares of two-wheeled
entertainment. Motocross competition, motorcycle
giveaways, beauty contest, seminars, stunt riders, dyno
testing, burn-outs, a swap meet, celebrity guests, custom
bike builder roundtable, and sponsor Midway. The Carlisle
Summer Bike Fest: the bikes, the people, the excitement.
For information visit the web site: www.carlisleevents.com
or call us at (717) 243-7855. Sponsored by Carlisle
Events. Contact: Mike Blake, Email: mikeb@carlisleeven
ts.com, Phone: (717) 243-7855.
Website: www.carlisleevents.com
Jul 21st Thunder on the Mountain II - Hillsville, VA
Thunder on the Mountain II located at Lake Ridge RV
Resort, Hillsville, VA, with Vendors, Food, Motorcycle
Rodeo, Bike Show, Benefit Ride, Live Music by Back
Kountry, and camping discounts. For more information
www.vabikersassoc.org, or 276-728-2466 and 540-
980-5687.
Jul 21st Down Rider Run - Martinsburg, WV
from this ride go to the Eastern Panhandle Down Rider
Fund. www.epcabate.org
Jul 21
4th Annual Charity Run for the Kidney Disease
Research - Norfolk, VA
Sponsored by the Flaming Knights M/C. Northside Park
Pavilion #5. $5 per rider, $5 per passenger, $1 Raffle
tickets. 09:00AM – Registration for the ride @ D&D
Cycles and Triumph, 1038 W Little Creek Rd, Norfolk VA
23505. 12 pm - Charity ride begins @ D&D Cycles and
ends at Northside Park Pavilion #5 in Norfolk, VA. 1 pm
- Cookout, Fun & Music @ Northside Park Pavilion #5.
Raffle of event prizes. Games, horseshoes, volleyball
etc.. Most represented Club Trophy. 8pm - Cookout
Ends. No alcohol in the park please!. Proceeds will be
donated to Kidney Research! Any questions contact Larry
“Sailor” Gilbreath (757) 485-1878 or (757) 856-2029.
AUGUST 2007
Aug 6th – 12th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Sturgis, SD
Visit www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
August 16th-18th 7th Annual America’s 9/11
Ride – From Somerset, PA to Arlington, VA ‘POLICE
ESCORTED’. Join with the foundation on the 7th annual
ride to all three crash sites and Honor the Heroes and
Victims of September 11 2001. August 16th group rides
from across America to Somerset, PA. Friday August 17,
the ride begins @ 7:30am depart Somerset, PA heading
to Pentagon in Arlington VA. Saturday August 18th, @7:
30am departure the Pentagon heading to the site of the
World Trade Center (NYC). Ride both days or just one.
Don’t forget to buy your chance on the 2007 Chopper,
‘The Day After’. Proceeds go to college scholarship for
First Responders Nation wide. For more Information
please visit www.americas911foundation.org or
www.americas911ride.org or call 877-771-0118.
SEPTEMBER 2007
Sept 15th
Flaming Knights M/C Norfolk Chapter 5th Annual
Trophy Party - Norfolk, VA 9pm - 2am, Elk Lodge # 38,
1231 Type Ave, Norfolk, VA 23502. $15 donation. BYOB,
food available, 50/50 raffle, Trophies, Cash. Host Hotel
Best Western930 North Military Hwy, Norfolk. For more
info contact Doc Savage (757) 589-8795, Big J (757) 435-
0687, Jay Deuce (202 ) 409-5776, Dlegend (757) 535-
3108, Kingfish (757) 270-1608, Jewel (757) 270-5718.
Sept 23rd
EPC ABATE Family Picnic - Falling Waters, WV
www.epcabate.org
OCTOBER 2007
Oct 3rd – 7th Myrtle Beach Fall Rally – Myrtle Beach,
SC www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com
Oct 18th - 21st Biketoberfest® - Daytona Beach FL
Annual Motorcycle Festival held in the beautiful Daytona
Beach area. Ride with us before the cold of winter sets
in. Many, many great events countywide! Sponsored by
Daytona Beach Area CVB. Contact: Janet Kersey, (866)
296-8970, Fax: (386) 255-5478. Email: jkersey@dayton
abeachcvb.org. www.Biketoberfest.org
Oct 26th - 28th
5th Annual Virginia Fall Classic - Newport News, VA
www.VaFallClassic.org
NOVEMBER
Nov 4th Daylights Savings Time Ends – Fall Back
- Set your clocks back 1 hour! Dang! Lose an hour of
daylight riding time…
Nov 22nd
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
DECEMBER
Dec 25th
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 13
24th Annual Baltimore, MD
Budweiser International
Motorcycle Show
January 19-21, 2007

The Baltimore Convention Center was the host site for

this event enjoyed by all those who braved the weather.
In the lobby, the Chesapeake Chapter of Antique Mo-
torcycle Club displayed restored and original antiques.
They provided history and introduction to the modern day
motorcycles. The most “original”, so to speak, was the
1911 HD “Silent Gray Fellow” featured a single cylinder,
35 cubic inches, 4 HP. Original price: then $250, price
now: priceless- which means if you have to ask, you
can’t afford it!
People’s Choice awards for “Best in Show” went to B.C.
Choppers from Warrenton , V.A. with a beautiful Special
Construction Radical Chopper. The People’s Choice “Best
Bike Display” was awarded to Chris Rockhill, “Tigger”
with a 2001 HD 883 Sportster from New Kent Co, VA.
Judges selected Best in Show to Mike Haman with a
2006 Special Construction Radical Chopper. Custom bike
builders/designers/fabricators included: Gangster Chop-
pers & Hot Rod Shop, Outlaw Customs, Lucky Cycles,
Randy Payne Motorsports, Vicious Cycles, C & C Cycles,
D.C. Cruisers, Boss Hoss Cycles of MD, Backyard Cus-
tom Cycles & Machine Shop, Cross Road Custom Cycles
& BC Choppers, and Honda, Yamaha, Ducati dealers.
Painters: Artistic Creations, Pro Art Works. Shopping
opportunities included: Easy Leather, Stoltzfus RV’s and
Marine, Lady Hawke Custom and Handmade Jewelry-
Providing the parts to customize, WFO BikerParts.com/
Custom Cycles of VA, Mechanicsville and Rob’s Used
Harley Parts.com, Herndon, VA. Rob’s had many bike
parts at the show and they specialize in Evo parts.
The Rolling Thunder, Inc. Virginia Chapter 3 sponsored a
raffle to win two beautifully custom-painted bikes honoring
our POW/MIAs: a 2007 Road King and 1200 Sportster.
The lucky winner will win both bikes to be announced at
the Rolling Thunder 2007 Memorial Day “Run to the Wall”
ride. (Buy a ticket when you can…3 tickets for $10!)
Many beautiful Harley show bikes, choppers, and trikes
were scattered throughout the show grounds. Some
that bring to mind are: Larry Crabtree’s Custom 2003
HD Electra Glide Classic, Richie Conrad’s Amen a 2005
Softail Savior: a beautiful custom painted Chopper, Linda
Habercam’s 2005 Viking Streetfighter frame Custom 1200
conv. Sportster hardtail, Chris Milliron’s HD 2001 Road
King Police Edition retired from Rockville, MD, P.D. and
Linda Sedler’s 1986 flame-painted HD Custom Sportster:
“It’s… Cazual.”
For more information on the Bike & Rider Show Point
Series 2007 Schedule, e-mail Steph1Va@aol.com.

Thunder Roads Magazine contributors: Cathy & Chris

(Tigger)

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 14

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 16
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 17
BIKES ARE BACK ON THE BIG SCREEN
Info & Pictures from Yahoo! Movies

GHOST RIDER
Release Date: February 16th, 2007
A motorcycle stuntman, Johnny Blaze, makes a pact with a dark force, selling his soul to save his girlfriend. When the
bargain goes sour and the girl isn’t saved, Blaze is transformed, gaining raging superpowers. Based on the Marvel
comic series. Starring Nicholas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Matthew Long, Peter Fonda
Rated PG-13

WILD HOGS
Release Date: Mar 2nd, 2007
A group of middle-aged friends decide to rev up their routine suburban lives with a freewheeling motorcycle trip. Tak-
ing a long dreamed-of breather from their stressful jobs and family responsibilities, they can’t wait to feel the freedom
of the open road. When this mis-matched foursome - who have grown far more used to the couch than the saddle - set
out for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, they encounter a world that holds far more than they ever bargained for. The
trip begins to challenge their wits and their luck, especially during a chance run-in with the Del Fuegos, a real-life biker
gang who are less than amused with their novice approach. As they go looking for adventure, they soon find that they’ve
embarked on a journey they will never forget.
Starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence & William H. Macy
Rated PG-13

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 18

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 19
 The Brand New Cycle Works
Grand Opening, Jan 27, 2007

If you’ve ever driven down Route 17 through Glouces- while he or she is there and needs to do some temporary
ter, VA., you’ve probably noticed a cycle accessory shop fixing to get them home. Now that’s an owner who cares
called Cycle Works. For those of you who have visited about his customers! In 3 to 4 months, Cycle Works will
their shop in the past & also for those who’ve never taken have a fully functioning online store on their website and
a moment to stop in, it’s time to check them out because over the next year is looking to expand the size of the
you’re in for a cool surprise. Cycle Works as of late De- shop. To make you feel more at home, every Sunday,
cember 06’ came under new ownership. Who better to they offer free coffee and doughnuts
buy a shop that sells accessories to bikers than bikers! while you’re shopping, to help warm you up. Gary will also
The new owners, Gary and Tammy Jones, are commit- be taking motorcycles on consignment.
ted to making sure you’re treated like family. I went to After seeing the traffic coming in and out of the store, you
their official grand opening & it was very cold and windy. know they must have something good going on. Gary
However, the amount of bikes that rolled in that day and Tammy are looking to involve themselves in the biker
showed me how devoted the customers were to this shop community and plan on sponsoring many local events in
already, even after being open for only one month. They the future. Let’s face it people, an HJC helmet or a pair
were welcomed to hot food and drinks as well as a ton of of chaps is the same no matter where you buy it, give or
give-a-ways. take a few bucks. The most important thing to know about
Cycle Works carries all the popular accessories for you Cycle Works is their customers are treated with respect
and your scoot. If they don’t have it, Gary will order it and always feel welcome. This is where they will stand
for you. Cycle out among the
Works also will average bike busi-
be carrying the nesses. They’re
top brands of oil a family shop,
and other basic YOUR family shop,
maintenance and we’d like to
parts to keep welcome them to
your service Hampton Roads
costs down to a and the Thunder
minimum. Some- Roads family!
thing I thought Visit them at 1747
was really amaz- George Washing-
ing is that Gary ton Mem. Hwy.
keeps full sets (Rt 17), Gloucester
of both standard Point, VA or call
and metric tools them at 804-642-
handy in the 3334.
back in case a
customer has Mike “Hammer”
a bike problem
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 20
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 21
Easyriders/V-Twin
Bike Show Tour
By Tim Wilmoth

The Easyriders Bike Show Tour rolled into Charlotte NC,

the weekend of January 27th & 28th, 2007, one of only
four “two day” events on the 12 city tour. That’s a good
thing ‘cause you really needed two days to look at every-
thing. With clear blue skies overhead, bikers rolled into
downtown Charlotte all weekend. Nearly 11,000 people
passed through the doors to check out some of the fin-
est iron ever assembled on the east coast. In addition to
the bikes there was also a vast array of vendors…leather, ‘73 Shovel with 39 Girder
t-shirts, rolling frames, wheels, custom parts, custom
painters and tattooists. If you couldn’t find it in the Charlotte
Convention Center, you probably didn’t need it all that bad
to start with.
There was something in the building for everyone
- Flatheads, Knuckles, Pans, Evolution’s, Indians, Asian
& American Sportbikes and several of the best looking,
oriental choppers I’ve ever seen. Everything from a one of
a kind, dropped & chopped custom Vincent from Redneck
Engineering to chopped mini bikes and interactive displays
to keep the kids as well as the “kids at heart” amused.
From as far away as Michigan, Florida, Texas and every-
where in between, they came to Carolina to show off their
art. And yes it’s definitely art. Masterpiece’s that’ll smoke
the rear wheel and carry you down the road at better than Best in Show Winner
a hundred mph. The Judged and Spectator classes con-
sisted of more than 140 bikes, some shop built and some
home builds, all of them shining with pride and accomplish-
ment.
Attendees could spend hours strolling along admiring
the craftsmanship put into each and every one of these
machines and when you got tired of hoofing it around you
could go get a cold brew and watch “The Purrfect Angels”
fashion show or a performance of one of their USO dance
routine’s. Jasmine Cain rocked the building as she took
the stage three times on Saturday and twice more Sunday,
belting out tunes that ranged from Pat Benatar to AC/DC.
In between the stage shows, Bruce Henderson, the event
MC, kept the crowd going with drawings for free stuff and
on many occasions, just slinging t-shirts, hats and other
goodies out into the mass of people gathered around.
Sofia’ Parnacelli, Ms. Easyriders 2007, was also on hand
and available for photo ops on a replica “Captain America”
panhead. Departure’s Virginian
Bike builders Kendall Johnson and Paul Yaffe were at
the show both days with their Discovery channel “Build Off”
bikes, signing autographs and posing for pictures. Depar-
ture Bike Works from Richmond brought a couple of bikes
to the show. One of which was “The Virginian”, the 103”
panhead that the shop built for an “as yet to air” episode
of Biker Build Off. This radical rocket is truly a “departure
from the norm”. Gangster Choppers, also out of Richmond,
was at the show with four fine examples of what John and
the crew does best…immaculate, old school choppers.
Another Virginia shop that came to the ball was Big Cock
Choppers from Warrenton (it’s a rooster ya’ll, their logo is a
big ‘ol rooster). Mike Flammia and the gang brought down
two fine rides. Their newest creation is a radical evo that
rolls on a 360 rear tire. You’ve got to see it to believe it. An
indecisive squirrel caught in the middle of the road with this
thing bearing down on him wouldn’t stand a chance.
If you wanted to see some bike fabrication, well, that
was going on too. Austin Weiss, the 23 year old builder Event View
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 22

Ocean Evo
Orange Sunshine
Me & 2nd Place Specialty winner – Bubba
Austin Weiss building a tank
from Florida, is traveling with the tour building a bike under
the watchful eye of the crowd. This particular weekend he
was concentrating on the gas tank, forming the pieces out
of sheet metal and welding them into place. The custom
ride, when completed, will be auctioned off at the Daytona
Beach Bikers Ball in March of ’08, the proceeds to benefit
the Florida Boys & Girls Clubs. Ralph Randolph of Rockem
& Sockem motorcycle company had a sweet rigid shovel
on display at his booth. That ride will be given away at the
Easyriders Rodeo Tour finale in Chillicothe Ohio, Labor
Day weekend 2007. And if that wasn’t enough, everyone
that walked through the door got an opportunity to register
for a Carolina Customs built, drop seat radical ride to be
given away at the show tour finale in Kansas City. The list
of shops represented at the show goes on & on: Milwau-
kee Iron, Southside Customs, The Chopp Shopp, Carolina
Customs and Nightmare Customs just to name a few. All of
which had examples of their style on display.
A new class added to the show this year is the “Pro-Build”
class. Over 20 shops rolled their best efforts onto the
red carpet near the event stage. All vying for a “master
builder” spot on the 2008 Easyriders Centerfold tour. Only
three from each event are chosen to attend the prestigious
“Invitational” in Kansas City Missouri on May 5th. From a
possible field of 33 at the finale, only 6 will make the final
cut. Some of these bikes were just stand there, slack jawed,
drool all over your shoes mesmerizing. Those chosen to
go to Kansas City from the Charlotte show were: Shan-
non Davidson with The Chopp Shopp built, 2007 Air Ride
from Taylorsville, NC.; Austin Weiss/Streamline Designs
built “Envy” out of Pompono, Fla. and the unbelievable, twin
turbo, friction drive machine of Mike Pruss & South Florida
Choppers from West Palm beach.
The editors also chose three competitors for 1st, 2nd &
3rd Best In Show from the Judged class and the Specta-
tor class. These bikes are also invited to the finals and will
have features done on them in one of the magazines. One
of these was the “Soulshine bobber” owned by Ben Jordan
of Waxhaw NC, a bright yellow gold ’73 rigid shovel with a
’39 Indian girder. That bike is one of the neatest, cleanest
shovelheads I’ve seen in a long time.
All total, there were 41 awards given out at the end of the
show. Six of those came back to Virginia and are as follows:
Earl Laurie/Gangster Choppers… 3rd Place, Antique/Old
School-Spectator class with a ’49 FLH bobber…Richmond
Va.
Michael Todd Mason ……3rd Place Specialty-Spectator
Class with his 1997 Ultra Kustom Cruiser….Ferrum Va.
John Dodson/Gangster Choppers…2nd Place Judged-Best
of Show with their ’68 FLH chopper…”Gang Green”…Rich-
mond Va.
James Johnston/BC Choppers ….3rd Place Judged-Best
Radical with their 2005 Pro Street
Warrenton Va.
Lee Clemens/Departure Bike Works….3rd Place Judged-
Best Specialty with their 2000 XL hot rod…..”Ghettoblast-
er”…Richmond Va.
Tim Wilmoth….1st Place Judged-Best Antique/Old School
with his ’47 EL Knucklehead
Amelia Va.
After having been to this event I can honestly say that the
Charlotte Easyriders show is the best bike show I’ve ever
been to and if you love to ogle beautiful bikes all day, then
you should plan on attending next year. You won’t be disap-
pointed.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 23
 PAULA DEEN’S “Queen Of Southern Cuisine”
EXTRA CRISPY, LIP SMACKIN’, FRIED CHICKEN
3 Eggs
1/2 Cup Water
2 Cups Self-Rising Flour
1 tsp. Black Pepper
1 to 2-1/2 lb. chicken; cut into pieces or buy your
pieces already cut-up in the pieces you prefer
Crisco shortening for frying
Beat eggs with water. Add just enough self-rising flour
to coat all the chicken; add black pepper to flour. Dip
seasoned chicken in egg. Coat each piece with flour
mixture. Fry in moderately hot shortening (350 de-
grees) until golden and crisp. * Paula adds hot sauce
to the eggs for an added zip! * Crispy chicken requires
either a large cast iron skillet, a deep oil fryer with bas-
ket, or the deep-style electric skillet with the dome lid.
Again from the cooking genius of Paula comes......
GRANDMOTHER PAULA’S SOUR CREAM
POUND CAKE
1/2 Pound (two sticks) Butter
3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Sour Cream
3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
6 Eggs
1 tsp. Real Vanilla Extract
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix cream, butter and
sugar together; add sour cream. Sift flour & baking soda
together. Add to creamed mixture, alternately with eggs,
one at a time, beating after each. Add vanilla. Pour into
a greased & floured tube pan and bake for 1 hour 20
min. * Paula was on Oprah making this cake and Oprah
asked, “what would you say to health conscious individ-
uals who cite all the rich ingredients in your recipes?”.
To which Paula immediately replied, “I’m your cook, not
your dang Doctor!!.” Right On, Paula!.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 24
LUCK O’ THE IRISH PISTACHIO ICE-CREAM &
SWEET TOFFEE TOPPING
1 Cup of Crushed, Butter Flavored Crackers
1/4 Cup Butter; Melted
3/4 Cup Cold Whole Milk
1 Pkg. Jell-O Pistachio Pudding Mix
1 Qt. Vanilla Ice-Cream, Softened
1 Tub of Cool-Whip; thawed
2 Large Pkgs. of Heath Candy Bars; crushed
In a bowl, combine the cracker crumbs & butter. Press
into an un-greased 9 in. baking pan. Bake at 325 for
7-10 min. or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk milk & pudding mix
for 2 mins. or until soft-set. Stir in ice cream; pour over
crust. Cover & freeze for 2 hrs. or until firm. Spread w/
Cool Whip; sprinkle generously with crushed Heath
bars. Cover & freeze for (1) hour until firm. Slice with
hot knife to form (9) x-large squares. Delish Dessert!
LEPRECHAUN’S FROSTY KEY LIME PIE; Made Easy
1 Can Carnation Condensed Milk
6 Tbls. Key Lime Juice
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream, Whipped & Divided
1 Graham Cracker Crust
In a large bowl, combine milk & lime juice. Refrigerate
1/4 cup whipped cream for garnish. Fold a fourth of
the remaining whipped cream into lime mixture; fold in
remaining whipped cream. Spoon into crust. Cover &
refrigerate overnight. Remove from the freezer 10-15
min. before serving. Garnish w/ reserved whipped
cream. * Note that for every 1 cup of whipping cream it
actually makes 2 cups of whipped cream.
HOMEMADE CREAMY SALSA DRESSING
1/4 Jar of your favorite brand of Salsa
6 Tbs. Lime Juice
1 Cup Whole Milk
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Shake it up in the jar and pour it out. Good stuff!
Here’s A Quick Idea* Next time you stir up the egg mixture for your
deviled eggs, add a can of premium quality lump crabmeat to the
mix....makes for a truly unique and tasty change. 2nd Quick Idea
* Fry some pork chops up in a skillet and then pour an entire jar of
Salsa over top and simmer....makes Mexi-Chops. Ole’!
 NCOM News Bytes
FREEDOM OF CHOICE MAY COME WITH A PRICE
TAG Pennsylvania motorcyclists successfully modi-
fied their mandatory helmet law in 2003 to allow riders
18 and older the option of wearing a helmet, but now a
lawmaker wants bikers who don’t wear a helmet to carry
at least $10,000 in medical insurance to cover injuries
if they crash. State Sen. Constance Williams says the
requirement honors bikers’ freedom to ride helmetless
while making sure they take financial responsibility for
their decision. Governor Ed Rendell, who signed the
law that allows bikers to ride without a helmet, has said
more Pennsylvanians die from smoking than motorcycle
accidents, but Sen. Williams cites a national report being
circulated among State Legislatures that says highway fa-
talities are on the rise for the first time in 20 years, linking
the increase to deaths from motorcycle crashes.
NEW TWIST FOR HELMET LAW MODIFICATION Lost
revenues from tourism has become a common theme
for modifying helmet laws in states that claim motorcy-
clists are riding around them and spending their vacation
money in other states that don’t require helmets. Now
Virginia has taken that argument a step further by pro-
posing legislation that would allow motorcyclists to ride
without a helmet on state scenic highways. On all other
roads, police would not be allowed to stop riders for not
wearing helmets unless they are stopped for another driv-
ing offense such as speeding, making the helmet violation
a secondary offense. Virginia motorcyclists are request-
ing help from across the country to pass HB 2585, asking
riders to write their Delegates to let them know that you
would spend your tourism dollars in Virginia if the state
allowed freedom of choice on its beautiful scenic byways.
Bikers in Nebraska also want the right to make their own
decisions about helmets, saying the current helmet law
is costing the state $2-5 million a year during annual bike
festivals in neighboring states because motorcyclists
avoid riding through helmet law states. Motorcyclists are
lobbying the Unicameral legislature in Lincoln to support
LB 253, a bill that would allow riders 21 and older to ride
without a helmet. ABATE of Nebraska is not asking for
letters or phone calls to their legislators at this juncture,
but they would like for out-of-state riders to visit their
website at www.abateofne.com and fill out a simple online
poll that will allow them to put together written testimony
from motorcyclists from across the nation. ”ABATE of
Nebraska has once again filed legislation to establish
Freedom Of Choice for adult motorcyclists,” said Tiger
Mike Revere, state coordinator for ABATE of Oklahoma
and member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists
(NCOM) Board of Directors. “They have appealed for our
help, and I pledged NCOM’s support for their campaign.
Unfortunately, I have the additional subject of the Helmet
Law assault in Oklahoma to address.”
TELEVISION DOESN’T REFLECT REALITY Most
people drive safer than television characters, according
to a University of Alabama at Birmingham study. The UAB
study of 79 prime time TV shows revealed that actors of-
ten don’t buckle up before they drive and sometimes don’t
wear helmets when they ride motorcycles and bicycles.
The research study, published in the journal Injury Scienc-
es, found that over four weeks the television characters
buckled up only 62 percent of the time. The TV characters
used motorcycle helmets only 47 percent of the time and
bicycle helmets nine percent of the time. Research shows
most Americans are much safer — buckling seat belts 80
percent of time, using motorcycle helmets 60 percent of
the time bicycle helmets 40 percent of the time. “Since
Americans watch more than four hours of TV per day,
how safety behaviors are depicted on television can have
tremendous influence on public perception of seatbelt and
helmet use,” said Gerald McGwin, Ph.D., associate direc-
tor for research at the Center for Injury Sciences and one
of the study authors. Researchers also studied 21,670
television commercials that McGwin says present a safer
depiction, with seatbelt use by 86 percent of individuals,
motorcycle helmet use 100 percent and bike helmet use
84 percent.
CONNECTICUT BIKERS WANT TO RAISE THE BAR
Connecticut State Reps Wilbur and Zalaski have co-spon-
sored a bill to repeal their 15-inch handlebar height law.
CT statute # 14-80i(b) reads: “No person shall operate a
motorcycle on a highway or in any parking area for ten
or more motor vehicles if the motorcycle is equipped with
handlebars that are more than fifteen inches in height
above the uppermost portion of the seat when the seat
is depressed by the weight of the operator.” Rep. Wilber,
who co-sponsored this bill with Rep Zalazki, had an OLR
legislative report done that concluded that high handle-
bars are not a safety issue. The report also found that
there has been a trend across the country to change the
height restriction law with 16 states completely repealing
the law. HB 6937 is currently under consideration in the
Transportation Committee, and would completely repeal
the handlebar law 14-80i(b), allowing Connecticut riders
to decide for themselves what height their handlebars
should be.
VIRGINIA RIDERS BESIDE THEMSELVES Virginia
is only one of two states that specifically prohibit two
motorcycles to ride two abreast in a traffic lane, but riders
there are hoping to change that. HB 1808 has passed out
of Transportation Committee and bikers are urging their
Delegates to support the bill when it comes up for a vote.
They argue, among other things, that two motorcycles
abreast in a traffic lane aids in making the motorcycles
more visible to other traffic, and that in larger groups of
cont. 31
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 25
You know you‛re getting old when
25. Your houseplants are alive, and you can‛t
smoke any of them.

24. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the ques-

tion.

23. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.

22. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go

to bed.

21. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.

20. You watch the Weather Channel more than

once a day.

19. Your friends marry and divorce instead of

“hook up” and “break up.”

18. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.

17. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as

“dressed up.”
16. You‛re the one calling the police because those
%&@# kids next door won‛t turn down the stereo.
15. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex
jokes around you.
14. You don‛t know what time Taco Bell closes
anymore.
4. “I just can‛t drink the way I used to” replaces
“I‛m never going to drink that much again.”
3. 90% of the time you spend in front of a com-
puter is for real work.
2. When you Þnd out your friend is pregnant you
congratulate them instead of asking “What the hell
happened?”

13. Your car insurance goes down and your car
payments go up.
12. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of
McDonald‛s leftovers.
11. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
1. And the number one sign you are getting old is:
You read this entire list looking desperately for one
sign that doesn‛t apply to you and can‛t Þnd one!
Thanks for sending the smiles on this George! Re-
member to think of yourselves as a Þne wine…you
get better with age.

10. You take naps.

9. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead

of the beginning of one.

8. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would

severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.

7. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and ant-

acid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.

6. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good

shit.”

5. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast

time.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 26

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 27
 with Jen Martin
THE RHYTHM PIGS
If you look up the word Rhythm
in the dictionary, there are sev-
eral definitions that ultimately
come to the same conclusion,
rhythm is a pattern of repeated
elements. That general defini-
tion would be comparative to
the level of extraordinary talent
within our artists of the month
- The Rhythm Pigs. With
emergent magnetism these four
artists have gathered the ears
of their listeners and produced loyal fans up and down the
east coast.
What is the recipe for Rhythm Pigs?
Combine former members of the Jimmy Van Zant Band and
the BluzBlasters, sauté over high heat for about 6 years,
stir in a little jazz, blues, a little rock and a little country.
Just continue to rouse until you have a soupy mix of south-
ern rock fusion. On vocals you have Mike Fiemster, who
has no issue with strumming his harp or his acoustic guitar
while entertaining you with his rhythmic moves & fancy
footwork . On lead and slide guitar we have the incred-
ible Jimmy Williams, a definite show stopper whose magi-
cal chords have been compared to many legendary guitar
players. Holding it down on the bass line, is the beautiful &
extremely talented Wendi Phillips. Laying the ground work
& keeping things rockin’ on drums, we have the awesome,
Timmy Fodrey, by whom we can thank for this culmination
of musical excellence. All together we have a hardwork-
ing group of individuals who respectfully re invent music
through their cover pieces as well as their originals.
What do they do?
With full force intensity they rock every ralley, club, and
college that they grace. They have toured with such rock
and roll dignitaries as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Charlie Dan-
iels Band, David Allan Coe, Marshall Tucker Band, Molly
Hatchet, Hank Williams JR, Savoy Brown, Blue Oyster Cult,
CCR, Hank Williams III and many more. Every Sunday eve-
ning they host an Open Mic Night at BayHaven Grill in York-
town, Va. They have produced two CDs and have plenty to
sell at every show. Currently, our four artists are working on
an all original album which will be on sale just in time to be
a stocking stuffer this Christmas.
Hard working, hard rocking, and ever loving of their loyal
fans, we thank our artists of the month for keeping true to
the music and being among the finest recipes Virginia can
offer to the musical community.
“We’d like to give a special thanks to our manager, Ron-
nie Bruffy who we love working with. He’s put a lot of hard
work in through the years to keep us rollin’. I respect all the
musicians that I have & I feel very blessed to have them.”…
Timmy Fodrey

If you would like to book the Rhythm Pigs for your next rally,
run or gathering, contact Timmy Fodrey at (757) 286-6001
or Ronny Bruffy @ Swine Management (757) 285-5720.
Also visit them at their website www.rhythmpigs.com to pur-
chase their CDs or merchandise & check out where they’ll
playing throughout 2007.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 28

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 29
THUNDERon the road
Last month I froze my rear off riding to Maryland in the fog. I decided the next month I would take you on a real adventure. Recently you may
have seen a movie called Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DeCaprio. If you haven’t, the movie detailed the bloody civil war that occurred in
Sierra Leone and brought to light the horrible illegal diamond trade that occurs in the country. Now I am not much for movies so I flew to Sierra
Leone to see the capitol city for myself. What I saw shocked me, amazed me, and in a lot of ways, changed me. First I flew across the Atlantic
for the thousandth time (military trip) and stopped for a night in Brussels. I could write a whole article on the party scene there however I would
have to watch the video I took because I don’t remember much! The next day we flew into Lungi International Airport, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
We stepped off the plane and were greeted by burned out wrecks of airplanes riddled with bullet holes, and a burnt out helicopter fuselage. Now
it was my understanding we would be taking an old Russian helicopter for a 7 minute ride to the main part of Freetown. The jungles are so thick
throughout the countryside the 40-mile trip would have taken us roughly 6 hours. After that long 7 minutes on the helicopter, I was wondering
if we would have been better off taking the jungle route. Let’s just say the following day that same helicopter had a controlled crash due to a
fire. That explains the collection of wrecked aircraft. Sierra Leone is a country that has been torn apart by civil war for over a decade. Some of
the locals tell me the war ended because the people were just sick of fighting. The government in Sierra Leone lacks basic infrastructure. We
were informed by our driver that before Christmas if you were off the coast on a boat you could not see the city because there was NO power
anywhere except the hotels that had generators. The government, with the help from foreign aid, has now supplied power to much of the street-
lights. The city is relatively peaceful in parts due to the presence of UN troops as well as a large contingent of mostly British soldiers and sailors
that make up the IMATT. One thing I learned about the people of Sierra Leone is that despite the modern conveniences that most of us in the
US take for granted, they are an extremely positive and resourceful people. One of the most moving parts of my trip was when I was taking a
tour of the water front with a few locals. They showed me a large flight of steps that ascended from the dock to the street on the hill above. They
were made of cracked stone and appeared old, yet they seem to give off a strong energy. I was told that these were the “Steps to Freedom”.
For those of you who do not know, Freetown Sierra Leone was colonized by freed slaves that returned from the US after the Civil War. These
very steps that I was standing on, were the steps the free men and women would run up after they left the shackles and boats behind them and
this meant they were home and they were free. Talk about chills. Another thing that amazed me was the religious tolerance that I saw on all
corners. It did not matter who you worshipped, Muslims and Christians walked together in the street and even prayed in the same make shift
buildings they used as churches and mosques. I made friends with a man named Ali who showed us around town and introduced us to all sorts
of people. I guess when you don’t have much you cherish the things you have and do not have the time to criticize other people for their beliefs
but rather be thankful you are alive. I think no matter how rich or poor a country’s people are; we can all learn something from each other. After
two weeks I boarded a very crowded ferryboat that took me back to the airport in absence of the helicopter, which was a good thing. There is so
much more to this trip I did not have the room to write about. Ask me about it sometime. On the way home we swung by London for a night, had
a pint, and slept for quite awhile. This trip, I made many new friends, learned many new things, and reaffirmed a very old saying. “The world is
an open book, to not travel is to read only a page.”

Mike “Hammer” Sierra Leone

Photography by Joseph Hernandez

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 30

 NCOM News Bytes
motorcycles, riding two abreast keeps the overall length are motorcycles. The Jakarta Transportation Board has
of the group shorter, and discourages other vehicles from estimated that more than three million motorbikes are on
dangerously cutting into the group - an issue motorcy- the city’s roads every day, compared to 2.5 million cars.
clists riding in groups often face. Out of the 4,206 road accidents reported last year, 3,826
involved motorcyclists. But the government believes
OH DEER! According to transportation officials, nearly emissions tests may be the best way to curb motorcycle
200 people are killed nationwide each year in crashes growth, so the Jakarta administration has been called
involving wildlife, mostly deer. The collisions cost drivers upon to enforce stricter emissions testing for motorcycles
almost $1.5 billion each year in property damage, deaths to control the increasing number of motorbikes, up 15%
and injuries. The Colorado Department of Transportation from the previous year. The State Ministry for the Environ-
(CDOT) says they are trying to cut those numbers down. ment said motorbikes that fail to meet emissions stan-
Flash lights and motion sensors are just a few of many dards could be banned from the city’s streets. 60% of the
solutions transportation experts are considering, and motorcycles tested in spot checks did not meet emissions
CDOT has put up a number of wildlife escape ramps on standards set in 1993, so the ministry predicts that even
US 550 that allow wildlife to cross the road without getting more would fail the newer, tougher emission standard
stuck in traffic. CDOT says animals are getting more used issued in 2006.
to the ramps, even teaching their young how to use them.
On US 40, CDOT also installed a series of unusual look- JESSE JAMES FINED BY CARB California air regula-
ing reflectors to create flashes of light at 54 angles, hori- tors have issued $271,250 in total fines against Jesse
zontally and vertically, when a vehicle’s light hits them. James of West Coast Choppers, the co-producer and
According to CDOT, the reflected light bounces back and host of “Monster Garage” and “Motorcycle Mania,” saying
forth across the road, deterring deer and other wildlife that 50 of his custom-built choppers ran afoul of Cali-
from crossing. Drivers cannot see the light because of fornia‘s clean-air rules. California Air Resources Board
the way it’s reflected. CDOT also hopes to install a mo- officials said their inspectors found that the monster bikes
tion detector system on US 160, that when triggered by sold between 1998 and 2005 did not have state certified
a deer or other animal will cause a large light to go on to emissions equipment on their exhaust and fuel systems,
let an oncoming driver see there’s an animal on or near resulting in these bikes spewing hydrocarbons at up to
the road. The light may also startle the animal and keep it 10 times the state limits. The market for custom-built
off of the road. Meanwhile, an eight state research group motorcycles has taken off in recent years, and prominent
met in Minnesota to brainstorm ideas for keeping wildlife bike builders have achieved celebrity status, but progres-
off the road, and their leading proposal involves placing sively stricter new emissions regulations from the EPA are
canisters of real or synthetic wolf and coyote urine near already impacting the motorcycle industry.
the roadways, hoping the scent of predators will cause
the animals to flee. WEIRD NEWS: DRUNKEN DOUGHNUTS A Pontiac, MI
motorcyclist gets sued, then sent to prison, for his actions
INDONESIA INSTITUTES NEW ANTI-MOTORCYCLE that took place outside a bar earlier this year as he was
LAWS New motorcycle lanes went into effect in Jakarta “doing doughnuts” in the parking lot when he struck and
in January. Motorcyclists are now supposed to use the injured a woman who was standing outside the saloon.
“slow” left lanes on city streets and police began getting Now he’ll be riding a prison van to Stateville Correctional
tough on riders by issuing more than a thousand traffic Center , where he was sentenced to one year after plead-
tickets the first day to bikers not riding in the designated ing guilty to failure to report an accident with injury. He
lanes. Trials are held on the spot and take about 5 min- was also ordered to pay restitution, and faces a lawsuit
utes. The head of traffic at the Jakarta Police, Sr. Comr. from the injured woman who is seeking $50,000 each
Djoko Susilo, said he hoped the rule would increase from the rider, the owner of the motorcycle and the saloon
order in the streets and reduce the number of traffic owner.
accidents. The left-lane rule is not the only new require-
ment for motorcyclists. They are also being told to keep QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We, too, born to freedom, and be-
their headlights on during the day, so that other vehicles lieving in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom.
can see them more easily. The city is also considering We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would
banning them from entering main thoroughfares during rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”
peak hours, recommending that motorcyclists park their Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 - 1945), 32nd President
bikes and make use of the city’s busway instead. Of 7.23 of the United States
million vehicles in Jakarta , 64.1 percent, or 4.64 million,
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 31
AMD World Championship Bike Build-Of
by Houndog and engineering ever brought together in one place. Judg-
The AMD (American Motorcycle Dealer) hosted its 3rd ing for the awards was done by the competitors them-
annual international Official Championship of Custom Bike selves, 66 of the 77 competitors voted. Eleven additional
Building, now regarded by many builders and industry VIP judges selected from the custom press and vendor
insiders as the world’s most prestigious open bike build- community rounded out the expertise and perspectives
ing competition on the planet. It was held at the Thunder that scrutinized the entries. This month we will start with
Road facility during Sturgis Bike Week last August. The the winner of the Freestyle Class competition.
2006 competition was hailed as the best yet. Chicara Nagata of Chicara Motorcycles in Saga, Ja-
Four classes of competition were judged, Freestyle, pan, took top honors in the Freestyle Class with Chicara
Metric, Modified Harley-Davidson, and Production Manu- Art, a hand crafted steel, aluminum and chrome tribute to
facturer Class. There were a total of 77 competitors from the 1937 model U Harley-Davidson. Chicara Art combines
the United States and ten other countries. They fielded the popularity of retro-styling with the World Championship
a stunning line-up of 100 bikes which all who witnessed competitor community’s desire to honor originality,
agreed was the highest standard of custom bike design precision and high levels of one-off engineering.
Freestyle Class Results
Builder Bike Name Country
1. Chicara Motorcycles Chicara Art Japan
2. Thunder Bike Spectacula Germany
3. SE Service Esox Lucius Sweden
4. Covington’s Cycle City Lucifer II USA
5. Steele Customs Fascinator USA
6. Chemical Chopper Oomega Finland
7. Wayne Kemp Customs Havoc USA
8. Red Baron Choppers Revenge Belgium
9. Roland Sands Design KRV5 Tracker USA
10. Jim Nasi Sangre Azul USA

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 32

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 33
Have you ever come across a cool shop, bar, restaurant or interesting place while riding, that you’d like more people to know about? Well,
each month we feature places such as these that have been found by our readers so that others can go check out these gems of the road for
themselves. If you’d like to turn us on to someplace neat that you’ve found… email us at thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com & we’ll be there!

Next time you are in the Historical Capital of Richmond,

Virginia be sure to stop by and visit Jason and DeAna $10.00 to enjoy a full afternoon & evening of music, good
and the “riding” family at Absolut Cycle Worx! times & fantastic company!
Located at 5016 Old Midlothian Tnpk, Richmond, VA., If you miss them at the Party, you can meet them at the
a small shop with big time service…. Jason Kincaid Virginia Beach Bike Classic, April 20th-22nd, The Horse
, owner, was born into the military family of Joe and Smoke Out , June 22nd-24th, Rockahock Bike Classic,
Donna Kincaid and has seen the world. But motorcycles June 2nd-4th, Myrtle Beach, Oct 4th-7th and Hogs on the
are his passion! He is a graduate of MMI (Orlando, FL) High Seas Cruise, Nov. 4th-11th.
& is a Factory Certified Technician on late model Harley-
Davidsons,V-Rods, Buell, Screamin’Eagles and Dyno-jet ~ Beth ~
operations. Jason has many years of experience work-
ing on motorcycles, ( you may have met him at Richmond
Harley-Davidson) but is not limited to just HD’s. He does
service and repair to Customs, Metric and Sport Bikes,
old and new. He carries new and used parts for sale &
offers bike restoration and does consignments also. On
the occasion you just can’t find that part you need, call
Jason. He’ll find it for you!
In the office of Absolut, you’ll find a bright ray of sunshine
by the name of DeAna. She’ll take care of everything that
needs to be lined up & processed on whatever services
you’ll need for your bike. She can also help you pick out
something cool from their selection of riding apparel &
accessories. Absolut Cycle Worx’ hours of operation are
Mon-Thur 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm. You
can reach them at (804) 497-7000, by email @ Absolutcy
cleworx@yahoo.com , or just ride on in and visit!
Join them on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th. , 2:00pm
-8pm, for their Kicking Off The 2007 Riding Season Party.
Ride in and be sure you’re wearing “the green”. Park-
ing is limited, but there will always be room for bikes!
They’ll have plenty of food & “beverage”. Bands include,
Vivid Darkness, Rhythm Pigs, Black Cash, and Cut
The Architects Hand. The RHYTHM PIGS are bringing
Jager’Miester as their sponsor along with all kinds of
give aways! There will be a BIKE SHOW, BURN OUT
PIT, WET T-SHIRT, TATTOO AND BEST MAN’S CHEST
CONTEST. Prizes will be awarded! Cover charge is only
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 34
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 35
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 36
Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle like you’re an old
Show – Timonium, MD friend, and after talk-
Feb 9th – 11th, 2007 ing to Ron, you leave
having made a new
By Garth Hines friend. He tours many
shows with his wife
Once again the folks Ruth and son-in-law
at American Recre- Brad Collier who is
ational Promotions
also his assistant.
have provided riders
with an extravaganza Bike entries ranged from the numerous custom shops
of custom V twin and to many private builders such as the 1st Place in
non-domestic bikes Stock class won by
and accessories, an Shenandoah Valley
array of the country’s resident Larry Crab-
top custom builders, tree with his 2003
and a full gambit of new bike dealers with everything Electra Glide Classic
the motorcycle industry has new for 2007 for specta- from Shenandoah
tors to sample and H-D, Staunton, Vir-
compare. The 5th ginia. Jim & Linda
annual show at Ti-
Habercam, Prince
monium Fairgrounds
in Maryland for the Frederick, MD., took
3 days of February 1st (Linda) and 2nd
9 -11th was host to (Jim), in Radical Sportster and Bill Campbell’s Rolling
500 vendors, more
than 250 custom and Judging for the
antique bikes, and Timonium Mid-Atlan-
42,000 attendees tic event was by the
some riding their bikes in the near freezing tempera- International Master
tures to get the preferred parking at the entrance. Bike Builders Asso-
The event is designed to be a show covering every ciation (IMBBA), an
aspect and segment
independent associa-
of the motorcycle
industry, showcasing tion with their events
the newest and most being on a point
innovative bikes. system throughout
The show provides the year to attract the best of the best at their judged
a great family at- events. The Mid-Atlantic show next year increases in
mosphere from the points from 12 to 16
Shiners making bal- putting it in the same
loon animals for the level with Daytona
kids to autographs and many shows in
from the legendary California , Florida ,
Gary Nixon, Doug
and Canada . Having
Keim and the crowd favorite extraordinaire, Ron
Finch. Ron was strategically located at one of the attended this event
main aisle crossings displaying his bikes of creative for several years
craftsmanship and art now, each year it gets
projects from flow- bigger and better, so
ers and butterflies to make plans for next year’s event.
dinosaurs with their P.S…park at the Park & Ride lot on Deerco Rd. and
babies all available save 45 minutes sit-
for purchase as a ting in traffic.
memorable keepsake.
Ron has got to be the Check out
most personable bike www.CycleShow.net
builder/artist that I’ve for upcoming events
ever met. When you from American Rec-
walk up to view his reational Promotions.
wares, you’re greeted

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 37

 The Joker’s Wild
Recently overlooked at the CMA ceremonies, these songs
were appreciated to anyone who’s been there……
12. I Hate Every Bone in Her Body But Mine.
11. It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips At Night That Chewed Your Ass All Day.
10. If the Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me.
9. I Liked You Better Before I Got to Know You.
8. I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim’s Gettin’ Better.
7. I Wouldn’t Take Her to a Dog Fight ‘Cause I’m Afraid She’d Win.
6. I’ll Marry You Tomorrow, But Let’s Honeymoon Tonight.
5. I’m So Miserable Without You, It’s Like You’re Still Here.
4. If I Had Shot You When I First Wanted To, I’d Be Out Of Prison By Now.
3. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend and I Sure Do Miss Him.
2. She Got the Ring and I Got the Finger.
*** And the number 1 Country Song is:
1. I Ain’t Never Gone to Bed With Ugly Women But I’ve Sure Woke Up
With a Few.
As a young minister, I was asked by a funeral director to hold a
graveside service for a homeless man, with no family or friends, who
had died while traveling through the area. The funeral was to be held
at a cemetery way back in the country, and this man would be the first
to be laid to rest there. As I was not familiar with the backwoods area, I
became lost; and being a typical man did not stop for directions. I finally
arrived an hour late. I saw the backhoe and the crew, who was eating
lunch, but the hearse was nowhere in sight. I apologized to the workers
for my tardiness, and stepped to the side of the open grave, where I saw
the vault lid already in place. I assured the workers I would not hold them
long, but this was the proper thing to do. The workers gathered around,
still eating their lunch! I poured out my heart and soul. As I preached the
workers began to say “Amen,” “Praise the Lord,” and “Glory,” I preached,
and I preached, like I’d never preached before: from Genesis all the way
to Revelations. I closed the lengthy service with a prayer and walked to
my car. I felt I had done my duty for the homeless man and that the crew
would leave with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication, in spite of
my tardiness. As I was opening the door and taking off my coat, I over-
heard one of the workers saying to another, “I ain’t never seen anything
like this before, and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.”
Panhead was at the mall the other day eating at the food court. He
noticed a teenager sitting next to him. The teenager had spiked hair in
all different colors: green, red, yellow, orange, and blue. Panhead kept
staring at him. The teenager would look over and find Panhead staring
at him, every time. When the teenager had enough, he sarcastically
asked, “What’s the matter old man, never done anything wild in your life?”
Panhead did not bat an eye in his response, “Got really drunk once and
had sex with a parrot. I was just wondering if you were the end result of
that painful encounter.”
Why Do Men Snore When They Lie On Their Backs?
Because their balls fall over their butt-holes and they vapor lock.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 38
The Joker’s Wild
A crusty old lady dies and goes to heaven. She’s chatting it up with
St. Peter at the Pearly Gates when all of a sudden she hears the most
awful, blood curdling screams.
“Don’t worry about that,” says St. Peter, “It’s only someone having the
holes put into her shoulder blades for wings.” The old lady looks a little
uncomfortable but carries on with the conversation. Ten minutes later,
there are more blood curdling screams. “Oh my God,” says the old
lady, “now what is happening?” “Not to worry,” says St. Peter, “She’s
just having her head drilled to fit the halo.” “I can’t do this,” says the old
lady, “I’m going to hell.” You can’t go there,” says St. Peter. “You’ll be
raped and taken advantage of.” “Maybe so, says the old lady, but I’ve
already got the holes for that”
A guy falls asleep on the beach for several hours and gets a horrible
sunburn. He goes to the hospital and is promptly admitted after being
diagnosed with second degree burns. With his skin already starting to
blister and seeing the severe pain he is in, the doctor prescribes an IV
with saline, electrolytes, a sedative, and a Viagra pill every four hours.
The nurse, who is rather astounded, asks, “What good will Viagra do
him, Doctor? The Doctor calmly replies, “It’ll keep the sheets off his
legs.”
One winter morning a husband and wife in northern Minnesota were
listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say,
“We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park
your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows
can get through.” So the good wife went out and moved her car. A
week later while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer
said, “We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park
your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snowplows can
get through.” The good wife went out and moved her car again. The
next week they are again having breakfast, when the radio announcer
says, “We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must
park...” Then the electric power went out. The good wife was very
upset, and with a worried look on her face she said, “Honey, I don’t
know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the
snowplows can get through?” With the love and understanding in his
voice that only men who are married to blondes exhibit, the husband
gently replied, “Why don’t you just leave it in the garage this time?”
Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the
church’s morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people’s business.
Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but
feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, how-
ever, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic
after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the towns’ only bar one
afternoon. She emphatically told George (and several others) that ev-
eryone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man
of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked
away. He didn’t explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing. Later that
evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred’s house...
walked home... and left it there all night long.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 39
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 40
2nd Annual Northeast
Motorcycle Expo
February 17th & 18th, 2007
Fredericksburg, VA
by Garth HInes
It was another chilly weekend in central Va., so
what better time to head over to Fredericksburg for
the Kev-Marv Productions 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic
Motorcycle Expo.http://www.kevmarv.com The
event featured a hall full of vendors to satisfy all your
motorcycling and accessory shopping needs with
a selection of leather apparel, pins, patches, and
helmets. The Law Offices of Tom McGrath were on
hand with Attorney Matt Danielson and VCOM Direc-
tor, Jim Cannon, to assist folks with questions and
issues about their rights to ride. John Guillemette
was on hand again this year with his original oil on
canvas art works. An array of dealers representing
Honda,Yamaha,Suzuki, Harley Davidson represent-
ed by Waugh Enterprises HD and the folks from East
Coast HD, Coleman Power Sports with the latest
Ducati’s. The ever new stylish Victory from Victory
Southern Maryland was there with some of their
custom bikes and products, and the New dealership
of Burt Shand’s Victory of Fredericksburg which will
be having their 1st open house this Spring. Sev-
eral performances throughout both days by Stunt
Tours amazing 16ft round MotoSphere with 2 riders
passing within inches of each other and shows by
Heidi and the beautiful girls of the Iron Angles from
Cody Wy. In-between performances, folks were kept
entertained with the Southern Rock sounds of Cross
Cut Saw as the beautiful lovely ladies, Brandy and
Marissa of Renegade Classics Outlet Store Wood-
bridge, signed posters and did some modeling on
show bikes (www.nova.rcosva.com). Several build-
ers and custom shops were on linehand along with
celebrities Hugh King the “Chopper King”, and Rus-
sell Mitchell of Exile Cycle Ca. with several excellent
examples of the builders world famous “minimalist”
style builds. To represent the 1/4 mile racing interest,
The Fastest Woman in the World on an American
V-twin, Connie Cohen with husband/crew chief Marc,
brought their 2 racing Iron Horses, the Pro Stock Su-
zuki and Pro Stock American V-twin Buell. Connie
had set the record at Rockingham, NC., at 188mph
/7.16 sec. She has sponsorship from Vance Leathers
and S100 finish care products but is an independent
racer looking for key sponsorship to best utilize and
build on there 12 years of racing experience and
speed (www.ccriderracing.cc). Overall a nice week-
end with the exception of Mark Martin’s 2nd place
finish. To check out upcoming shows from Kev/Marv
productions, visit them at www.kevmarv.com.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 41

 It’s important for you to know who your friends are Outer Banks Harley-Davidson East Coast Harley/Buell Patriot Harley-Davidson
out there when you hit the road! 1223 U.S. Highway 17 South 17975 Main Street 9739 Lee Highway
Welcome to our Biker Friendly Directory. The Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Dumfries, VA Fairfax, VA
following is a list of establishments throughout (252) 338-8866 (703) 221-3757 (703) 352-5400
the Mid-Atlantic states that want you to know that www.outerbankshd.com ProStreet Cycles
they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a bike dealer, Full House Cycles 8075 Jefferson Davis Hwy
service shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of Virginia 100 Full House Drive Richmond, VA 23237
business that welcomes our biking community Winchester, VA (804) 271-7766
through their doors, you can count on our family Al’s Towing & Nicky’s Custom 540-667-0088 www.prostreetcycles.net
of friends to always welcome you in. ALL of our 5570 Raby Rd
regular advertisers can also be found, in bold, Norfolk, VA 23541 Gator Hole Powersports Revolutionary Harley-Davidson
throughout this listing – they are the best of the (407) 455-6667 342 Mecklenburg Drive 6401 Richmond Rd
best at what they do, making a special showing to www.alstowing.com Chase City, VA 23924 Lightfoot, VA 23090
give you the finest in everything that they have to
(434) 372-1771 (757) 565-5122
offer. Most of them ride too, so they know exactly American Legend Custom Motorcycles
what you want & need. The staff here at Thunder 10611 Wards Rd
Roads is greatly appreciative of their continuous
Grove’s Winchester Richmond Harley-Davidson
Rustburg, VA 24588 Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc. 10441 Washington Highway
support each month, for they are the sole financial (434) 821-5303
supporters of this magazine – WE WOULD NOT 140 Independence Drive (Route 50 East) Glen Allen, VA
www.americanlegendcustomcycles.com
EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please give them the Winchester, VA 22602 (804) 550-9280
support that they truly deserve for being with us Bayside Harley-Davidson (540) 662-4468
& drop by their shops for a visit. Let them know 3403 High Street Riders, Inc
that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you Portsmouth, VA Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson/Buell 928 Cycle Lane
would like to join our Thunder Roads family of Biker (757) 397-5550 6450 George Washington Memorial South Hill, VA
Friendly Places, please give us a call (757) 831-2264 www.baysidehd.com Highway 877-913-1379
or email thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com. We are the Yorktown, VA www.ridersinc.net
# 1 Free Biker Publication in the Mid-Atlantic giving Black Wolf Harley-Davidson (757) 872-7223
you our best. “Where There’s Bikes….There’s Going 18100 Black Wolf Lane Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell
To Be Thunder….THUNDER ROADS” Abington, VA 24211 Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg 1925 Peters Creek Road
(276) 628-5822 20452 Timberlake Road Roanoke, VA 24017
Lynchburg, VA (540) 562-5424
Burcham Cycles, Inc. 434-237-2381
All American Harley-Davidson 333 B Industrial Drive Rob’s Used Harley Parts
8126 Leonardtown Rd. Petersburg, VA 23803 Harley-Davidson of Wytheville Herndon, VA
Hughesville, MD 20637 (804) 526-2300 430 Lithia Road (703) 476-6607
(888) 833-2REV www.burchamscycles.com Wytheville, VA www.robsusedharleyparts.com
www.allamericanh-d.com 276-228-9000
Busted Knuckles Custom Cycles Rocker Originals
Harley Davidson of Washington 128-4 Windy Hill Lane Iron Core 441 Grafton Drive
9407 Livingston Rd. Winchester, VA 977 Chimney Hill Shopping Center Yorktown, VA 23692
Ft. Washington, MD 540-545-8733 Virginia Beach, VA (757) 898-RIDE
(888) HDFEVER (757) 631-8393 www.rockeroriginals.com
www.hdwash.com Catlin Kustom Cycles
1909 Boulevard Iron Sports Custom Cycles Rocket Rogers Old 97 Choppers
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City Colonial Heights, VA 3520 Williamson Road 2830 Riverside Drive
10716 Ocean Gateway 804526-2208 Roanoke, VA Danville, VA 24540
Berlin, MD www.ckccustoms.com (540) 366-0042 434-792-3132
(410) 629-1599 www.rocketrogersmotorcycles.com
Chix Custom Cycles Jim McClure’s
Harley-Davidson/Buell Shop of 3745 Shore Drive Master Performance Cycles Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell
Williamsport Virginia Beach, VA 3707 Rochambeau Dr. 213 Rolling Thunder Lane
10210 Governor Lane Blvd - (757) 363-2453
Suite 2004 Williamsburg Va. 23188 Staunton, VA
www.chixcustomcycles.com 757 566-0544 Fax 566-8218 (540) 213-7433
Williamsport, MD 21795
(301) 223-1800 or (301) 416-3900 mrspokehead@aol.com www.shenhd.com
Classic Twins
19363 Brandy Road
Harley-Davidson of Maryland Inc Brandy Station, VA King’s Restoration Southside Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc.
7010 Troy Hill Drive (540) 829-0313 36 Cloverdale Pl. 385 North Witchduck Rd
Elkridge, MD 21075 Cloverdale, VA Virginia Beach, VA
(410) 796-1044 Coleman Power Sports (540) 966-3911 (757) 499-8964
www.harleydavidsonofmaryland.com 435 S. Washington St.
Falls Church, VA Mark Long Cycles South Richmond Harley-Davidson Shop
Haus of Trikes (800) 888-3619 www.marklongcycles.com 10011 Hull Street
12636 Sunset Ave. Unit F5 www.wherethepoweris.com 68 Cool Springs Rd Richmond, VA
Ocean City, MD Fredericksburg, VA (804) 745-3445
(410) 213-2421 Coleman Power Sports (540) 899-6700
www.hausoftrikes.com 14105 Telegraph Rd. & Thunder Road Harley-Davidson
Woodbridge, VA 22890 Quicksilver Dr 4960 Riverside Drive
North Carolina (703) 497-1500 Dulles, VA Danville, VA 24541-5630
www.wherethepoweris.com (703) 661-8600 (434) 822-BIKE (2453)
Curly’s Harley-Davidson/Buell www.davishd.com
3825 Reidsville Road Colonial Harley-Davidson/Buell Nicky’s Custom Auto & Cycle
Winston-Salem, NC 1701 Temple Parkway 5570 Raby Rd. Tidewater Motorcycles Inc.
336-722-3106 Prince George, VA Norfolk, VA 23502 4324 Godwin Blvd
(804) 861-4700 (757) 461-7097, (757) 455-6667 Suffolk, VA
Davis Harley-Davidson Nicky’s cell: (757) 407-2696 (757) 255-4200
2215 Hanford Rd. Cycle Creations www.alstowing.com
Burlington, NC 27215 4230 Lankford Hwy Tom’s Custom Cycles
(336) 227-1261 New Church, VA 23415 Outkasst Cycles 7203A George Washington Memorial Hwy
www.davishd.com (757) 854-4144 3907 Bellson Park Dr Rt17
Midlothian, VA 23112 Yorktown, VA
Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson Departure Bike Works (804) 744-7848 (757) 898-7702
8739 Highway 158 5216 Hull St “SCREW STOCK”
Harbinger, NC 27941 Richmond, VA Waugh Enterprises
(252) 491-2091 (804) 231-0244 Outlanders 385 Waugh Boulevard
www.kittyhawkhd.com www.departure.com 4768 US Highway 211 West Orange, VA
Luray, VA 22835 (540) 672-5550
Nag’s Head Harley-Davidson Devil Dawg Custom Cycles
4104 S. Dare Trail (540) 743-2040
14512 Lee Road Units C, D & E www.outlanders.ws Whitt’s Harley-Davidson/Buell Sales, Inc.
Milepost 13 (Highway 159 Bypass) Chantilly, VA 20151
Nags Head, NC 27959 email: outlnd@shentel.net 9321 Center Street
(703) 378-4115 or (888) 550-9810
(252) 255-5922 www.devildawgcustomcycles.com Manassas, VA
www.nagsheadhd.com (703) 369-7077
www.whittshd.com

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 42

 West Virginia
Cole Harley-Davidson
1804 Bland St.
Bluefield, WV 24701
(304) 324-8116
Mike’s Harley-Davidson
Highway 119 Preece Bottom Rd
Delbartown, WV 25670
(304) 426-4241
Virginia
Dye Art Custom Airbrush & Graphics
200 Commerce Circle, Suite L
Yorktown, VA 23693
(757) 596-1867
www.dyeart.com
Hollywood Signs (vehicle graphics, decals)
23202 Airport St.
Petersburg, VA 23833
(804) 733-8956
Epstein, Sandler & Flora P.C.
413 W. York Street
Norfolk, VA 23610
1-800-9-THE-LAW
The Law Office of Tom McGrath
1-800-321-8968
www.motorcyclevirginia.com
Virginia
Diva Customs
501 17th St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-DIVA
www.divacustoms.com
Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories
166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757) 340-4446
Harley-Haven
1920Atlantic Ave
Virginia Beach, VA
(757) 425-2458
Mr. D’s Leather & Novelties
9902A Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA
(757) 599-4070
Reeps Riders
3601B E. Ocean View Ave
Norfolk, VA 23518
(757) 362-3971
www.reepsriders.com
Renegade Classics
14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-499-9533
www.nova.rcosva.com
Route 17 – The Rider’s Highway
3403 High Street (Hwy 17)
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 967-8268
route17va@aol.com
The Shade Tree
www.myshadetree.net
757-435-2457
Trends
6405 Williamson Road
Roanoke, VA
(540) 362-9790
West Virginia
C & A Bike Accessories
1615 Winchester Ave. Unit B
Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-8229
www.cabikeaccessories.com
Clark Insurance Agency
4709 Mason Rest Ct.
Richmond, VA
(804) 271-1961
North Carolina
Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,
Sports Center & Marina
169 Walnut Island Blvd
Grandy, NC 27939
(252) 453-4153
www.outerbanksbikerally.com
Dirty Dick’s Crab House
On the Bypass, Hwy 158
Kill Devil Hills, NC
(252) 449-CRAB
Krazy’s Saloon
Rt 1 South
Rockingham, NC 28379
(757) 327-1837
(910) 610-3839
Mako Mike’s Restaurant
MP 7 – US 158 Bypass
Kill Devil Hills, NC
252-480-1919
Virginia
Boneshakers Saloon
1297 General Booth Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 961-8382
www.boneshakerssaloon.com
Club Car Café
18497 Dunne Ave
Parksley, VA 23421
(757) 665-7822
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Ocean City
The Cactus Steakhouse & Saloon
6401 George Washington
Memorial Hwy Rt 17
Yorktown, VA
(757) 898-8500
Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill
7104 George Washington Memorial Hwy
Rt. 17 North
Gloucester, VA
(804) 693-7218
www.damonsbar.com
Dirty Dick’s Crab House
Rudee Inlet
Virginia Beach, VA
(757) 491-DICK Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,
HOOTERs of Chesterfield
1211 Huguenot Rd
Midlothian, VA
(804) 378-9464
HOOTERs of Chester
2401 West Hundred Road
Chester, VA
(804) 425-9464
HOOTERS of Fredericksburg
10400 Spotsylvania Ave
Fredericksburg, VA
(540) 898-8044
HOOTERS of Richmond
7912 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA
(804) 270-9464
Hoss’s Deli
806 Old Oyster Point
Newport News, VA
(757) 596-9104
Marilyn’s Hot Rod Café
4207 Wards Rd
Lynchburg, VA
(434) 832-1555
Knuckleheads Roadhouse
401 North Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 644-6200
www.knuckleheadsvb.com
Mary Jayne’s Lazy Horse Bar & Grill
565 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Va 23322
(757) 549-0367
Randzz Restaurant & Pub
6001 Holland Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23437
(757) 657-9331
EVERY NIGHT IS BIKE NIGHT!
Talons Sports and Spirits
11800 Hull St. Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-9541
Suits to Sleeveless – EVERYONE’s
Welcome Here!
Virginia
Bayside Harley-Davidson
2211 Frederick Blvd I-264 Exit 5
Portsmouth, VA 23704
757 397-5550
www.baysidehd.com
Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rental
14159 Mariah Court
Chantilly, VA
703-802-9860
1-866-268-6782
www.eagleriderdc.com
10716 Ocean Gateway
Berlin, MD
(410) 629-1599
Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson
8739 Caratoke Highway
Harbinger, NC 27941
252 491-2091
www.kittyhawkhd.com
North Carolina
Sports Center & Marina
169 Walnut Island Blvd
Grandy, NC 27939
(252) 453-4153
www.outerbanksbikerally.com
Comfort Inn Oceanfront South
8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC
(800) 334-3302
CHARTER BOAT “AMETHYST”
Indian River Inlet, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Tuna * Dolphin * Shark * King Mackerel
Sea Bass * Croaker * Flounder
Since 1984 1-800-999-8119
www.atbeach.com/amethyst
Email: amethystcharters@aol.com
Two Feathers Tattoos
“Art With A Pulse”
(757) 575-5977
City Limits Tattoo & Piercing, Ltd.
119D Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 504-0600
www.citylimitstattoo.com
Southern Attitude Band
Country * Southern Rock * Classic Rock
For Bookings Call Ben Duncan (757)
713-2088
The Rhythm Pigs
Contact: Timmy Fodrey
(757) 286-6001
www.rhythmpigs.com
10 Foot 6
Contact: Sonny Bowen
(757) 236-5345 or (804) 642-2707
Email: sonnybowen@10foot6.com
Al’s Towing of Virginia – 24 Hour
Service
5570 Raby Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 461-7097, (757) 455-6667
Al’s cell (757) 407-2735
www.alstowing.com
Bob Chapman – The Biker’s Realtor
926-A J. Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 897-9790
bob@movingwithbob.com
www.movingwithbob.com
Segeleon Racing LLC
(757) 651-7451
Email: lsegeleon@pssfed.com
Trailer World
1982 George Washington Memorial
Highway
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
www.vatrailerworld.com
 VELOCITY MOTORCYCLES
Velocity Motorcycles in Richmond, VA., held their
GRAND RE-OPENING on Sat. February 10. There
was a lot of exciting things happening at their
shop that day including being in the spotlight with
the “on location” film crew from Walneck’s Clas-
sic Cycle Trader. It seems that Velocity is doing a
restoration for Walneck. When I find out exactly
what bike they are doing (rumored to be a classic
BMW with a Sidecar) and the unveiling date, I will
bring you the whole story. I do know that when the
bike is finally finished, it will be raffled off to raise
money for Juvenile Diabetes. There was also music
from the bands - El Cheapo Deluxe, The Imitators
and Barbi n’ Bondage. What a cool place to check
out - Velocity Motorcycles, 1202 North Boulevard,
Richmond, Virginia.

W O R K I N P R O G R E S S
Here are a couple of pictures from Rocker Originals in Yorktown. This is Mike
“Hammer”s Old School Chopper about 35% complete. www.rockeroriginals.com

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 44

THUNDER FOR THE PARK UPDATE: THE KIDS ARE ROLLING AGAIN!
We were thrilled to hear about the Skate Park being reopened recently in Virginia Beach. Thunder Roads along with
Dirty Dicks Crab House had sponsored a fundraiser back in December to raise money to help with the rebuilding
process of the ramps. Thanks again to all of the riders, passengers, musicians, sponsors & just everyone who partici-
pated in that event – our efforts did make a difference!

Taken from a Press release Feb 6, 2007:

Skate Park at Mount Trashmore Park Reopened
Repairs to the above ground bowl and other components complete

(Virginia Beach, VA) Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce that the above-ground bowl has been
rebuilt, and the repairs to other damaged components at the Mount Trashmore Skate Park have been completed. The
original bowl was destroyed and other components were damaged in the August 16, 2006 fire. The Skate Park is once
again open and fully operational.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 45

 near a rest stop. Several days in the West Virginia mountains during
Travel Trailer autumn is always a great adventure that I try and repeat every year.
Looking back on the entire trip it was clear that the truck camper and
By Matthew Allan bike trailer gave us greater flexibility in coping with the weather espe-
cially as fall weather turned cold early on. With cold weather, travel
February 2007 time on the bike was reduced but the truck rig allowed us to continue
on.
It was an evolution of sorts… small steps I don’t intend to give up motorcycle camping and bought a new rack
along the way to better motorcycle trips. for the bike this year to better accommodate our gear. The truck
The decision to buy a trailer to move my bike during the cold season camper and trailer give us the freedom to get where we want to go and
and across frequently traveled spaces also finally led to the purchase ride most of the year. This is a benefit to a biker who travels frequently
of a truck camper. and with great distance.
The last straw was Sturgis in 2006 with searing heat for a week and To me the road is the journey. As a moto-journalist, the destination is
daily hailstorms in the afternoon. We were camping in a tent. It was not the best story but the road adventures getting there. There is no
impossible to stay at our campsite during the afternoon because it was substitute for the time spent on your bike going from one place to an-
too hot in the tent even when it rained! But it was good business for other. The decision to travel trailer must be something that enhances
every bar and restaurant we camped out at instead. I didn’t know how your biker experience not diminish it. You decide what serves you
far we wanted to go easing into conventional pleasures but saw the best.
dudes in the big RV cooking steaks and the couple next to us dozing
under their trailer canopy in the afternoons. Something had to change. Safe travels. Life is best just cruisin’.
We enjoy camping. Don’t like motels and prefer our own cooking.
We have backpacked for over 25 years and ridden the bike across
the U.S. many times rarely stopping more than necessary and always
camping. We like to be on the road. After Sturgis, we rode to the Four
Corners Rally on Labor Day weekend crossing over the continental di-
vide in a hailstorm and rode on to tent camp at Mesa Verde. It rained
a lot but there were nice days too.
In October, we were looking at another cross country trip to Smoky
Mountain Bike Week at Fontana Lake, North Carolina. Our return to
Colorado would be some time in December so riding weather would
be minimal. We began looking for a truck camper and settled on an
Arctic Fox buying from the Happy Camper people in Burleson, TX.
They are good folks and a lot of fun too.
Immediately the benefits of a truck camper and trailer were apparent.
Lan was cooking her fabulous food every night. We stopped to camp
along DeGray Lake in Arkansas and rode the bike to Hot Springs
whenever we pleased. The traffic on I-40 into Tennessee was fast and
furious but people were watching out for us this time. We traveled into
the night crossing over the Smokies with fog arriving at Fontana Lake
at 3:00 a.m. Something you are not likely to do very often on a bike.
We rode again the Tail of the Dragon, Hellbender and Cherohala
Skyway. Enjoyed the autumn colors in the mountains as the weather
turned cool. As our North Carolina autumn ended, we packed up the
trailer and left on a rainy morning for West Virginia. The roads were
slick and one biker had already slid into the trees on Hellbender.
When we got to West Virginia, it was snowing in the mountains. Our
plan was to ride the twisties from Webster Springs to Buckhannon and
camp at Sutton Lake. We rode the bike one very cold day before the
day time temperatures dropped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. After
two more days at Sutton Lake waiting for the snow to stop so we could
ride again, we turned off the heat in the truck camper and headed for
the family abode. But the truck camper had kept us warm and I was Matthew Allan is a moto-
busy writing motorcycle stuff or walking along the lake. There was journalist living in Colo-
heavy snow as we crossed over the eastern continental divide. rado and West Virginia. He
Two weeks later in November, the weather warmed up enough for me keeps a ride in both places to
to hit the road again on the bike. I packed a sleeping bag and tooth- placate the road demons that
brush and headed back to the twisties near Buckhannon. After doing haunt him. He is the author of The
State Roads 15 and 20 which are indeed very twisty, I veered onto Zen Guide to Motorcycle Riding.
the interstate to ride back and spent the night camping in the woods
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 46

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, every-
thing had to be transported by ship and it was
also before commercial fertilizer’s invention,
so large shipments of manure were common.
It was shipped dry, because in dry form it
weighed a lot less than when wet, but once
water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavi-
er, but the process of fermentation began
again, of which a by product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bun-
dles you can see what could (and did) happen.
Methane began to build up below decks and
the first time someone came belowat night
with a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner
before it was determined just what was hap-
pening. After that, the bundles of manure
were always stamped with the term “Ship
High In Transit” on them, which meant for the
sailors to stow it high enough off the lower
decks so that any water that came into the
hold would not touch this volatile cargo and
start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the term “S.H.I.T “ , (Ship High In
Transport) which has come down through the
centuries and is in use to this very day.
Plucking
The
Yew
From: http://gotthefinger.com/?page_id=2
Finger History
The History of the The Middle Finger Salute:
More fun than highschool history class.
Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the
French, anticipating victory over the Eng-
lish, proposed to cut off the middle finger
of all captured English soldiers. Without the
middle finger it would be impossible to draw
the renowned English longbow and therefore
they would be incapable of fighting in the
future.
This famous English longbow was made of
the native English Yew tree, and the act of
drawing the longbow was known as “pluck-
ing the yew” (or “pluck yew”).
Much to the bewilderment of the French,
the English won a major upset and began
mocking the French by waving their middle
fingers at the defeated French, saying, “See,
we can still pluck yew!”
Since ‘pluck yew’ is rather difficult to say,
the difficult consonant cluster at the begin-
ning has gradually changed to a labiodentals
fricative F’, and thus the words often used in
conjunction with the one-finger-salute!
It is also because of the pheasant feath-
ers on the arrows used with the longbow that
the symbolic gesture is known as “giving the
bird.”
And yew thought you knew everything!
Found on gotthefinger.com from our own Tim
Wilmoth
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 47
HD Museum Webcam Follows Daily Contruction
January 22, 2007
Milwaukee, WI - A new webcam will fol-
low the progress as the Harley-Davidson
museum is built. Construction on the mu-
seum began last summer in Milwaukee,
Wis., and is set to open in 2008.
The H-D Museum webcam displays new
images of the construction site several
times an hour and features a zoom func-
tion for close-up views. Images of the
progress will be archived so viewers can
observe step-by-step development.
The Harley-Davidson Museum will
be located on 20 acres at the corner of
Sixth and Canal streets near downtown
Milwaukee. The museum will encompass
130,000 square feet and will have exhibit
space, restaurant, café, retail shop, meet-
ing space, special events facilities and will
house the company’s archives. An esti-
mated 70 full-time jobs are expected to be filled and 350,000 visitors from around the world are expected to visit
the museum annually.
Reprinted with permission from Ehlert’s Powersports Business.

SPRING MAKEOVER
Thunder Roads would like to introduce you to
a group of 3 very talented bike “re-builders”
who live in the Virginia Beach area. Before
you meet them, we thought that it would be
kind of cool to 1st show you what they can
do. I’ve seen their work personally & was very
impressed. So, with my ’95 Harley being long
overdue for a little makeover, I am entrusting
them with my baby for a little while to give her
a fresh look for 2007. I’ll keep you posted next
month on their progress…..
~ Kelly ~

Eddie Trotta Gets Thunder Roads

Shouldn’t You?
To get Thunder Roads Magazine In The
Mail Send Check Or Money Order For
$30.00 Made Out To:
Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads
1920 Centerville Turnpike,
Suite 117-270 Virginia Beach, VA 23464

NAME________________________________

STREET______________________________

CITY____________________ZIP___________

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 48

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 49
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 50
POINTMAN PERSPECTIVE heads and allow a peaceful demonstration that would
honor both sides of this debate.
Beware the “Ides of March” or rather the 17th
I try real hard not to get “political” with any of my ar- May the road rise up to meet you
ticles. The same God that loves me, loves everyone May the wind always be at your back
else, so I try to be very careful about anyone I speak May the rain fall gently on your fields
about. As a pastor I have an obligation to be fair and Until we meet again may God hold
honest about everything I do, especially when oth- you in the hollow of His hand
ers are involved. However, I am also a veteran of the
armed forces of the United States and I get so frosted Via Con Dios
at times that I have to go to God and just cry out. Reverend Rock
As hard as I try, it’s often difficult to understand why
people do the things they do.
I am also a Patriot Guard Rider and I was informed Contact Reverend Rock with your comments, sugges-
that on March 17,2007, a group of anti-war protest- tions or snide remarks at rockyangone@cavtel.net or
ers are gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial rjangone@yahoo.com and be sure to visit my website
to march on the capitol. This is all fine and well. We at www.pointman.homestead.com
live in a country that gives us the privilege to protest
the things that we don’t believe in. Again, all fine and
well, however the last time a demonstration was held
in D.C. a good deal of vandalism occurred. Steps and
buildings were spray painted and the place was literally
trashed.
Although the years have mellowed me somewhat and
Jesus has softened my heart, I still struggle with the
message these people send. They are going to protest
the very thing that gives them the freedom to protest. I
wonder what would happen if they went to Iran, Syria,
North Korea and protested? You know what would
happen and so do they, so they will do it here where
it’s safe. Fortunately, not everyone shares their views
about the war. They can complain, criticize and whine
about the government all they want, but don’t mess
with the soldiers, the veterans or those that have
fallen.
On March 17,2007, The Riders from “Rolling Thunder”, Rocky is an ordained minister and an outpost leader for
the Patriot Guard Riders and a number of vets from Pointman International Ministries.He and his wife Donna
every walk of life will be there also, including yours live in Chester,Virginia and together have five children
and twelve grandchildren.Rocky is the Business Man-
truly. We will form a wall between the protesters and
ager for South Richmond Harley-Davidson and rides a
our memorials. We don’t know if these people will try 2002 Heritage Softail Classic.He and Donna belong to
to damage any of the memorials or not, but we are not Cornerstone Assembly of God and is a member of The
taking any chances. We are committed to non-vio- Christian Motrocyclists Association;Richmond Chapter
lence. Our only objective is to protect the memorials. 173,The Virginia Christian Riders.He is also Chaplain
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I have to for the South Richmond HOG Group and a member
of the Patriot Guard Riders.Affectionately ( I hope )
look at these people through the eyes of Christ. Jesus known as Reverend Rock,Rocky welcomes your com-
died for them as well as He died for you and me, we’re ments and/or sugeestions and can be contacted at
all the same level. I lift this event before the Lord and rockyangone@cavtel.net
ask Him go before us, to soften hearts, to cool angry
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 51

Perhaps it was the appeal of hard sand, warm winter days
and the excitement of that first motorcycle race on the
beach, that made Daytona Beach the home of Bike Week.
Maybe it was the spirited activities surrounding the event
that have kept people coming back. Whatever the case, Bike
Week has been a tradition since January 24,1937 - the inau-
gural running of the Daytona 200. The first race took place
on a 3.2 mile beach and road course, located south of Day-
tona Beach. Ed Kretz of Monterey Park, CA was its first
winner, riding an American made Indian motorcycle and
averaging 73.34 mph. Kretz also won the inaugural City of
Daytona Beach trophy. The 1937, race course ran approxi-
mately one and a half miles north on the beach; through a
1/4 mile turn where the sand was banked, and then onto the
paved, public roadway portion for the trip south. Coming
back on the final turn, another high sand bank awaited rid-
ers as they raced on the hard sands of the beach. Interest-
ingly enough, starting times for these events were dictated
by the local tide tables. The races continued from 1937 to
1941. In the early years the Daytona 200 was also called the
“Handlebar Derby” by local racing scribes.
In 1942, the Daytona 200 was dis-
continued because of World War II.
Its sanctioning body, the American
Motorcycling Association (AMA)
solemnly noted it was “in the inter-
ests of national defense” that the
event was canceled. With the war,
came a general rationing of fuel,
tires and key engine components.
Even though the racing event was
“officially” called off, people still
showed up for an “unofficial” party
called Bike Week. On February 24,
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 52
1947, the famous
motorcycle race
resumed and was
now promoted by
the legendary Bill
France. Newspaper
stories of the period
recount that the
city fathers asked
townsfolk to open
their homes to the
visiting motorcy-
clists because all
hotel rooms and
camping areas were
filled to capacity.
The 1947 Daytona
200 featured a
record 176 rid-
ers. In 1948, a new beach - road course was used because
of developments along the beach. Organizers were forced
to move the event further south, towards Ponce Inlet. The
new circuit measured 4.1 miles. The last Daytona 200 to
be held on the beach - road course took place in 1960. In
1961, the famous race was moved to the Daytona Interna-
tional Speedway. Bike Week has always had a flavor of its
own. Some time after the war, the event began to take on a
rugged edge. While the motorcycle races on the beach were
organized, events surrounding the race were not. As time
passed, locals became afraid of the visitors and law enforce-
ment officers and city officials were less than enthusiastic
about what some termed an “invasion”. Relations between
the Bikers and law enforcement officials continued to
worsen. When things appeared to be at their worst (after
the 1986 event), a special task force was organized by the
city in cooperation with the local chamber of commerce to
improve relations and change the magnitude and scope of
the event. Today Bike Week has transformed into a 10-day
festival that expands throughout Volusia County. There
are hundreds of events for motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy.
Bike Week now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors
annually and is enjoyed by locals and motorcycle enthusi-
asts world wide.

ABATE of Virginia welcomes all riders to join in the fight to protect our
rights.“No matter what you ride, we want YOU! Info: Mike (703) 321-0714
Leg hotline 800-3-ABATE-4
ABATE of VA/Blue Ridge
Meets at 7 pm on 2nd Thursdays at Pano’s Rest. in Harrisonburg.
Info: (434) 248-6211
ABATE of VA/Battlefield Chapt.
Meets 3rd Wed. @7:30 pm at Guisseppe’s Italian Rest.
Contact Red (434) 535-0608
ABATE Blackwater Chapter of VA
Meets 2nd Tues at 7:30 pm, Jordans Rest. 1200 Armory Dr., Franklin, VA
ABATE of Virginia/Ironhorse Cavalry - Lynchburg & surrounding counties.
Coordinator Ricky “Rebel” Banks (434) 239-4170. Meetings are held on the
1st Tuesday of each month at Marilyn’s Hot Rod Café at 7pm
ABATE of VA/Olde Dominion Chapter
Meets at JV’s Restaurant at 6666 Route 50, Falls Church, Virginia. First
Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Info odchapter@yahoo.com
ABATE OF VA/Star City
Meets 7 pm, 2nd Wed @ Starters, Colorado Street in Salem VA.
Info:(540) 985-6808.www.starcityabate.freeservers.com
starcityabate@hotmail.com
ABATE of VA/Tidewater
Meets 3rd Tues 7pm at House of Eggs in Norfolk. Info: (757) 560-6892
hersheyc@wolrdnet.att.net
ABATE/FIRST CAPITOL CHAPTER
Meets 1 Sunday @ 10 am at Williamsburg Moose Lodge #757
st
5429 Richmond Road
ABATE of River City
Meets 3rd Sunday - Starting Sunday, Oct. 15 we will meet at 5pm at Talon’s
(formerly known as Beefeater’s). Talon’s is located at 11800 Hull Street Road
(Rt.360) (804-744-9541). It’s about a mile east of Rt.288 (third light). Contact
Steve at hawgske@msn.com or (804) 743-2038
American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 54 - Chesapeake, VA
President Jack Wright (757) 465-8578, Ruddfan4life@cox.net
www.americancruisers.us
American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 57 - Va. Beach,Va.
President Brian Brooner, E-Mail brooner1@cox.net
Army of The Lord, Virginia (Virginia Beach) Christian Riding Group
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. 7:30 pm
Overseer: Rich “Sluggo” Segarra 757-450-4190
sluggo@armyofthelordva.org www.armyofthelordva.org
Bayside Hog – Meets 7pm on 3rd Friday at Bayside Harley-Davidson
Outer Banks HOG – Meets 2pm, 1st Saturday at
Outer Banks Harley-Davidson
Bikers with Heart Foundation, Inc.
501 ©3 Non-Profit Organization, National Fallen Biker Memorial Weekend,
P.O. Box 291 Bryantown, MD 20617, Office: (301) 893-2900 Email:
bikerswithheart@yahoo.com
Website: www.fireupthundrout.com/bikerswithheart
Motto: We Ride Because We Care
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA Chapter V – Hampton Roads
Meets 4th Wed every month 7 pm, 110 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake, VA
Club President – Susan Taylor (757) 531-1224
blueknightsva5@yahoogroups.com
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze4sw29/bkva5.htm
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA VIII
Meets on 1st Wed at the Charlottesville FOP Lodge
Info: Willie Barnett (804) 589-1824
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA Chapter X
Yorktown, VA www.blueknightsvax.com
Blue Knights Virginia Chapter III
Richmond, VA (804) 379-0578
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA XIII
Danville, Virginia meets on 13th of every month
Club President - Keith Johnson
www.blueknightsvaxiii.com
Blue Ridge Christian Riders CMA Chapter 264
Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30pm Roanoke Valley Harley-
Davidson dealership. Contact: Steve Lemay (540) 721-1969, Graffan
Reynolds (540) 588-6191, Dave Miller (540) 362-3962
Buell Owners in the DC area
Meets 1st Sat, 10 am at H-D
Club Directory
Castaways Riding Club - Tidewater, VA
Meets 3rd Weds of the month. Wherever your mind wonders…ride after it!
www.castatwaysrc.com or email tailgunjoe@cox.net
Central Virginia Chapter of the Victory Motorcycle Club
Bill Robinson, Chapter President
Email: wrr1home@comcast.net
Cell: (804)339-3784 Home: (804) 737-7910
Central VA Trail Riders
Meets 7 pm on 1st & 3rd Tues.
At a Richmond Rest. Info: (804) 272-8038
Christian Motorcyclist Association Northern Virginia Chapter 348
www.nvcrcma.com NVCR meets 3rd Sat each month @ Old Country Buffet
in Manassas @ 9:00 am, President – Rick Saunders, nvcrmail@msn.com
CMA/Blue Ridge Christian Riders (Roanoke area)
Meets 3rd Mon. at RVHD 1925 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA
Info: (540) 588-6191
Concours Owners Group
COG – Northeast Area www,concours.org/ne
Mid-Atlantic Region Luray, VA #1887
Patrick Sprague (540) 743-4874
Email: psprague@shentel.net
Down By Law 757 MC Club
www.downbylaw-mc.com President – “Quiet Storm”
Email: quietstormzx9@aol.com
EZRR Club, Inc. Richmond, VA
Info: (804) 932-4784/www.riders-inc.com
GWRRA chapter K of Roanoke
Meets 3rd Thursday, Holiday Inn Airport
Web address: http://www.communities.msn.com/GWRRAVAK
Chapter Directors: Jerry & Linda Hall (540) 387-0897
GWWRA Chapter D of Richmond VA
2236 Cedar Crest Rd. Richmond, VA 23235
GWTA THE LOONEY TOON RIDERS
Meets at 460 Western Sizzlin, 2nd Sat each month at 2 pm
For more info call (540) 265-2986
Hampton Roads Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chapter #26
Website http//bikers.crusading.org/
“Cruiser” Mosher 1st Officer HRSC
Curzer1500@yahoo.com
Heaven Bound Bikers
Meets 2nd Sat. each month 9am riders in South Hill (434) 372-3785 a great
ride after each meeting
Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry
4181 Worsham Rd. Powhatan, Va 23139 (804) 598-9026;
rodneyrides@juno.com
www.heavenssaints.com
Honda Riders Club (HRC), Appalachian M/C
Meetings & open rides on 4th Sundays, 11 am at Loudoun Motorsports in
Leesburg, VA Info: (703) 777-1652
Honda Riders Club (HRC)
Manassas Honda Rider’s Club Meets 1st Tues 7:30 pm Stonewall Jackson
VFD 7814 Garner Road, Manassas, VA Info: (703)361-2233
Indian Riders Group
VA Beach Indian Riders Info: (757)449-6017 www.vabirg.com
LadyRiders, Inc. Motorcycle Club - Northern Virginia Area
Meets 2nd Monday of the month, schedules rides 4th wked of month
See www.ladyriderinc.com or write luv2ride@ladyriderinc.com
Queen Beez Motorcycle & Social Association
www.queenbeezmsa.com P O Box 35396
Richmond, VA 23235 info@queenbeezmsa.com
Richmond Riders
www.richmondriders.com 2nd Sunday every month meets for Bikes in the
Bottom 9:30am Poe’s Pub on Main St.
Contact Jason webmaster@richmondriders.com
Rolling Thunder, Inc. – Chapter 4 VA
Meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Billie Joe’s 2004 Ward Road
Website: www.rollingthunder1.com. New members please email Kirk @
RTVA4@msn.com or Chris @ sp1r1wolf@msn.com
Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 VA
Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at The American
Legion Post 25. 7609 Marshall Ave. Newport News , Va. (757) 245-4532.
For more information please contact Walt Troy (757) 874-4751 or Jenelle
Barrack (757) 871-1143 or visit our website at www.rollingthunderva2.org
Shenandoah Valley HOG
Monthly meeting @ Verona, Va. Moose alternates 2nd Sunday next month
2nd Tuesday. hog hotline (540) 946-9992, www.shenandoahhog.com
SONS OF THUNDER MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES
1509 Chesapeake Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324 www.sonofthundermm.com
peglegjoe@verizon.netWe meet every first Saturday of each month at
thunder alley Call for directions 757-543-1857 or 757-619-4073. Also we
have JC’S Fellowship Church where bikers are welcome. Come as you are
– meeting place: Thunder Alley. Times: Sunday 9 am & 6 pm; Wed. 7 pm;
Thurs.(Recovery Program) 7 pm. All our runs go to JC’S Recovery House –
All people that we help through this house are by application and acceptance
based on they’re desire for help.
The Southern Cruisers Riding Club - Hill City Chapter of Lynchburg, Va.
meets the second Wednesday of every month @ Vinny’s Italian Restaurant
@ 7:00pm. Please contact the following if interested. Phil Stanley-First
Officer @ jacker7@verizon.net. Rhonda Moyers, Second Officer:
rmoyers@verizon.net. Please visit our web site www.hillcitycruisers.com
Southern Virginia American Legion Riders
We are open to all bikes & all Veterans’ & family
members of Veterans. P O Box 57 Colonial Heights, VA 23834, (804) 526-
4167, email: herbiewms@netscape.com
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 188
5461 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 http://vbstar.mav.net
email:ccnkcstarriders@aol.com, contact Lisa Laufer @ (757) 646-6738 or
(757)646-6734 Llaufer1@cox.net
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 208 - Richmond, Va
Meets the 3rd Thursday each month, check the website for more info.
http://startouring.org/chapter208/ Contact: Bob Gagne (804)458-4759 or
rjgagne1106@adelphia.net
STAR touring and riding chapter 260 Winchester VA, meets 2nd Saturday,
9am at Golden Corral in Winchester,VA on 522. 4th Sunday rides also. Email:
starchapter260@yahoo.com for info
TAMA – TIDEWATER ALBEMARLE MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION. ALL
clubs or any organization that hosts rides/events are welcome to attend.
Come out & meet some good people from all around the area. We’re all
working together so that each one our rides/events can be scheduled not to
conflict with others & then we can all have a successful turnout. Our meetings
are held @ 7PM on the 3rd Thursday of every month (except December) at the
Golden Corral, on the corner of Volvo Pkwy & Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Bikers Association Inc.
P. O. Box 1591, Hillsville, VA 24343, www.vabikersassoc.org,
email: director@vabikersassoc.org
Virginia Freedom Riders
P O Box 1387, Suffolk, VA 23439-1387 www.vfr.race.com President: Bernie
Adams Email: Bernie@vfr-race.com Membership Officer:
Sandy Cartwright email: sandy@vfr-race.com
V MAX Owners Association
Eric Ellerman- Regional Director, 8009 Robincrest Ct.,
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
(919) 567-1991 home, (919) 244-4660 cell, 150*132514*24 Nextel Direct
Connect Jimmy Rey - Chapter Leader Virginia/District of Columbia, 5901
Atteentee Rd Springfield, VA. 22150-3906, Day: 703-560-0600 x 15, Cell:
703-618-2333
Tony Waterman - Charlotte, NC Chapter Leader, 6144 Roseway Ct.,
Harrisburg , NC. 28075-6509, Eve: 704-454-5753
Williamsburg Riders MC Club
We meet at the Capitol Pancake and Waffle House at 800 Capitol Landing
Road, Williamsburg, VA on the 2nd Sunday of each month (except May which
is on the 2nd Sat. due to Mother’s day) at 9am for breakfast & leave by 10
am (unless earlier time is set by ride leader). We are usually headed off for
a ride of about 75 – 300 miles depending upon the weather and who shows
up to ride. The club is open to all makes of motorcycles and all abilities are
welcome. Contact John Heckman www.williamsburgriders.org
Wings Over History
Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc.
Appalachian Region N. Virginia District Georgia & Ken Sladak, Directors,
9612 Alfaree Rd., Richmond, VA 23237
Women on Wheels
www.womenonwheels.org NOW FORMING VA CHAPTER Call (800) 322-
1969 or email: Ironheadbiker@yahoo.com
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 53
 GREG
Hi, my name is Greg but
I usually answer to al-
most anything. My riding
experience started years
ago on a mini-bike which
I crashed into a tree full
throttle, which probably
explains my eccentric
personality. Needless
to say, that ride started
my love for riding. From
there, I started riding dirt
bikes, a Yamaha 250 to
be exact. Mainly, I rode
for fun, enduro style, with
a good friend while I was
in high school. After grad-
uation, I stopped riding
and did not resume until
2001 when I purchased
a Harley Davidson Sport-
ster 1200 for my wife.
I won’t go into details,
that’s another story. But,
it was the start of my
Harley Davidson experi-
ence. To date, I have
put over 40,000 miles on
this bike. Additionally, I
have purchased a Har-
ley Davidson 2004 FXST
(standard Soft Tail) and
have 20,000 miles so far
on it. I love riding - it’s
one of many experiences
that I have had that truly
makes my senses reel.
I enjoy the outdoors
while riding solo or with
my wife and friends. I
have attended many bike
events but yet to go to St-
urgis or on a cross coun-
try trip. I plan to do these
things in the future.
My favorite rides to date
have been charitable
events. It’s important
to give to those in need
and it gives me a great
feeling of satisfaction
to know I can do this
while riding. I have been
blessed with a beautiful
wife that loves riding and
I have found that riding
can strengthen bonds
with family and friends.
I hope to see you out
there on the pavement
doing what you love.
Don’t hesitate to say hi
and ride safe.
safe

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 54

KAY
I would probably deny being the big-
gest fraud in our biking community, if
I were asked on a routine basis. How-
ever, having said that, I would also say
that I am enthusiastic about riding.
Hi, my name is Kay and I got my Har-
ley Davidson Sportster 1200 in 2001.
One would think by now I would have
learned how to ride it. Unfortunately
not. Instead, it is 2007 and I still ride
passenger with my husband, Greg. I
can say in fairness that I did actually
get around to sign up for lessons last
Spring, however, I was scheduled for
the weekend Tropical Storm Ernesto
came to town. The class was can-
celled as the course ground was under
water. Learning to ride this year is one
of my biggest ambitions, so keep your
fingers crossed for me. As a result, I
am an avid passenger. I love the ex-
hilaration of riding with my husband.
I have also learned to really appreci-
ate our biking community. I work with
a fairly conservative group of people
who don’t get to see the generosity of
spirit, community involvement and ca-
maraderie that I have seen on a regu-
lar basis. They are surprised when I
talk about the charity poker runs, Toys
for Tots runs and other events that
bikers get involved in. Some are fairly
envious when I talk about the fun we
have at VBBC and Myrtle Beach. I re-
ally get a kick when we come up to
a traffic light and some small child in
the car next to us looks at us in awe.
I wish I could adequately describe
the sense of freedom that comes with
being on a ride- the speed, the smells,
the sensation of wind in your face but
I suspect these conservative people
will never really understand that. All of
which contributes to my self imposed
title of fraud. These conservative
people, primarily in the medical field,
are far more familiar with the injuries
that are incurred to riders and they
see the potential hazards but none of
the benefits. Conversely, to the people
that know me in the riding commu-
nity, I’m seen as the conservative one
primarily due to my relationship to the
medical community. I am comfortable
in being a part of both worlds.
Meanwhile, I wait for warm weather,
those ever elusive riding lessons
and more opportunities to ride with
friends. Perhaps we’ll eventually
meet…at a bike event, a charity ride
or other social situation. Perhaps not,
but I do hope however, where ever
your rides take you, that you ride safe,
enjoy the ride and make it about the
journey.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 55
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 56