Thunder Roads Virginia Magazine - September 2011

Member Of
OWNER / EDITOR 1920 Centerville Turnpike, Suite 117-270 SALES: Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Kelly Werrell
Office phone: (757) 831-2264 Email:kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.com

www.myspace.com/thunderroads_virginia
THUNDER ROADS VIRGINIAs ROAD CREW

For information about advertising in Thunder Roads Virginia, visit the Advertising page of our website www.thunderroads-virginia.com or contact any of our Sales Crew listed below.
SALES CREW
Webmaster William C. Frohmiller webmaster@thunderroads-virginia.com. Layout & Design Warren Ells Art Director, Thunder Publishing
Covering the state of Virginia
William Day Wild Bill (804) 814-8498 Thunderroadswildbill@yahoo.com

(Richmond & surrounding areas)
Rodrigo Rod Lobo Guerrero Ad Designer Steve Baxter thunderroadssteveb@yahoo.com (757) 727-3435
(Eastern VA including the Peninsulas & Mobile Statewide)
On Eagles Wings Reverend Rocky Angone
Preacher Rick Saunders Chad Quinn (540) 493-0813 thunderroadschad@gmail.com (Southern & Western Virginia)
Pastor Tammy Hayes
Preacher Gordon Bacon Susan Smith susan@thunderroads-virginia.com (804) 253-4563 (Southern Virginia & Mobile Statewide)
Sport Bike Community Correspondent: Curtis Stitch Matthews Other Contributing Writers/Photographers Beth Albert, Bo Albert, Ricky Derby Chris Coyote Killer Holden, Becky Lawson Dave Sutton, Mike Baddog Thomas, Kelly Werrell Tim Wilmoth, William Wild Bill Day Special Events Photographer Skibo Adams 804-241-9759 skibo362@comcast.net Hog Wild Photography www.hogwildphotography.com
* All articles & pictures within Thunder Roads Virginia are contributed by our Crew, Thunder Roads national network resources & freelance writers/photographers.
Suzanne Otwell thunderroadssuzanne@gmail.com (540) 554-2308
Special Thanks to: Warren Ells - our wonderfully talented layout guy who designs our pages & puts all the pieces together for us each month, Rod - for his killer ad designs & Bill of WCFStudios.com, 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 whos never heard of us before - You ALL are what keeps the Thunder rolling!
CONTENTS
On The Cover
Ride For Pink The Breast Ride Ever! October 2, 2011
EDITORS LETTER
Well folks, it was an incredible month last month here in our region with record setting temps, a historical earthquake & to top it off, Hurricane Irene sweeping up the east coast from North Carolina up into New England. September marks the peak of the hurricane season so hopefully well be spared from any more of natures fury. It couldnt get much weirder than what we experienced in August. With the summer fun coming to an end, the kids back to school & the fall season on its way, this month should bring some of the best riding weather of the year. There are some fantastic events yet to come in our calendar too as things start to wind down a bit. If youre planning a charity event & havent yet posted it into our calendar, the fall months are perfect for cooler milder temps for event goers to enjoy riding in. Just a heads for next month - October is Biker Appreciation Month. Our advertisers will be planning specials just for you to show their appreciation for those who ride. Motorcyclists participate in charity events all throughout the year to support fundraisers that help people in need. Their big hearts & unending compassion to help others should be celebrated in a big way. Thats why years ago, we decided to choose the month of October to encourage people to say THANK YOU to those who ride, in appreciation of their participation & what they do for charity & fundraising events every year. Be sure to pick up your copy of our next issue & see what our advertisers are doing for you to celebrate their appreciation. Please stay in touch with us & be sure to keep the pictures coming..Hot Shots, Hot Plates, stories, funny pics or whatever. We highly encourage our readers to participate in the magazine in whatever way they can. We wish you all a great month filled with happiness, peace & love. Get out & ride as much as you can to get that wind in your faceits great for the soul! Til we see you again Happy Trails..
Calendar Of Events............................................4 Proud To Be An American..............................9 Hot Shots..............................................................12 Clubs & Organizations..................................23 The Jokers Wild..............................................28 Biker Friendly Directory..............................32 NCOM News Bytes..........................................36 On Eagles Wings.............................................39 Advertisers Index..........................................52
NATIONAL FOUNDERS Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon 1528 Matlock Drive Chapmansboro, TN 37035 Corporate Office: 615-792-0040 Fax: 615-792-7580 e-mail: thunderroads@charter.net
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ERROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LIABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSONS 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.
Kelly
SAVE YOUR DATE!!! IS YOUR EVENT IN OUR CALENDAR??? If not, submit it on the Events page of our website www.thunderroads-virginia by the 15th of the month so it will make it into the next issue. We need events submitted as far in advance as possible so that others can be respectful of the date that youve chosen for yours.
ONGOING EVENTS BIKER CHURCH SERVICES Biker Church Service Mechanicsville, MD Rushing Wind Ministry, 29025 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659, Gordon Bacon, Preacher, 240-577-0605, bfcgordon@yahoo.com. Sunday service 10am -10:30am gathering and fellowship with coffee and snacks. Wednesday Bible study 7pm-8:30. Friday night bike night 6:30pm-10pm. Services are held every Sunday; Bible Study held every Wednesday; Bike Night ever Friday Night. Liberty Biker Church & Blessing of the Bikes Isle of Wight County, VA Our focus is sharing the Word of God with the motorcycle community, without all the preconceived ideas that you have to dress a certain way or look like everyone else. For anyone who thinks you have to fit in or be like everyone else, guess what: People can be different. And so is Liberty Biker Church. Hang-around (social) time: 10 a.m. with free donuts and coffee. Worship service: 11 a.m. with Christian rock band Stronghold providing the church music. Our address is 17011 Courthouse Hwy, Isle of Wight County, VA, contact is Pastor Jim Manner, (757) 376-3612 We hold services every Sunday & we hold a Blessing of the Bikes the 1st Sunday of each month. Tidewater Motorcycles Chili Dog Social EVERY TUESDAY Free Chili Dogs every Tuesday at Tidewater Motorcycles. 4324 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434. visit www.tidewatermotorcycles.net for more info.
County and will serve Prince William, Western Fairfax, and Loudon Counties. Discounted beer and price appetizers noon to 10:00. 1ST 5 cards draw hand $15.00. Any hand after with wristband $5.00. Winning hand pays $150.00, 2nd $100.00, and 3rd $50.00. Four 50/50 Drawings at 2,4,6 and 8 PM. Raffle prizes and giveaways. Band schedule to kick it off! Noon to 2:00 Hightest. 2:00 to 4:00 The Lost Highway Band. 4:00 TO 6:00 Jammboxx. 6:00 TO 8:00 Wyldesound. Close It Down 8:00 TO 10:00 The Wrecking Crew. So! Partyiers, Gamblers,Dancers and Bikers Band Lovers See you on September 10th for a great cause and a great time. Contact Jim The Undertaker Todd 703 447 2043 belleviewroys@yahoo.com Sept 10th 5th Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run Culpeper, VA Scenic poker ride to benefit the Culpeper Food Closet. Sign in at the Cycle Center from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. $20.00 per hand. Live music with the Ronnie Johnson Band at ride end. Sept 10th 2nd Annual Lupus Poker Run Fredericksburg, VA Come join the crazy 8 to help fight Lupus. Saturday, September 8th. Starts at 10am, at Renegade Classics--316 White Oak Rd, Fredericksburg, Va 22405.....Best hand wins, 50/50 drawing and door prizes! Need more info? Call Kathi Laarz at 540-623-7269, or email at kaatlarz@gmail.com Sept 11th 9/11 Freedom Ride Chesapeake, VA On Sunday, September 11th, the Virginia Freedom Festival is sponsoring a Freedom Ride to support the many charities associated with the event and in remembrance of 9/11/2001. Peninsula riders will meet at NASCAR Sports Grille and proceed to Bayside Harley in Portsmouth to join other riders. They will then have an escorted ride to the Festival site at Chesapeake City Park. Please visit the site www.vafreedomfest.com for information and a link to the Freedom Ride. Submitted by John Downs, Sr. Public Affairs (757) 382-6159
Sept 1st - 5th 11th Annual Outer Banks Bike Show Grandy, NC All Bikes WELCOME. Barrys on Walnut Island.169 Walnut Island Blvd. Grandy, N.C. 27939 Phone: (252)453-2261. GPS: 36.245104/ -75.866945 $5,000 Poker Run Sat Sept 3rd. 10 Class Bike Show Sun Sept 4th. Charity Event: Navy Special Warfare Foundation (US Navy Seals). Bike Games, Great Food , Cold Beverages, Vendors, GatorHead Band, Triple Shot Band. This is a Veteran Owned Event www.outerbanksbikeshow.com/ www.walnutisland.com/www.northcarolinabikeweek.com Sept 5th Labor Day
Sept 9th 11th , 2011 Thunder in the Smokies Fall Rally Maggie Valley, NC Come ride the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy Tour Rides, Music Concerts, Bike Builders, Bike Games, Bike Show, Prizes, Vendors and much more during our three-day rally! All bikes and ages welcomed. Gates open at 11am11pm on Fri., 9am-11pm on Sat. & 9am - 4pm on Sun. Call Sept 15th 18th 828-246-2101 or visit http://www.HandlebarCorral.com 11th annual Delmarva Bike Week Four locations: Seacrets in Ocean City, Winter Place Park Sept 10th and Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, 5 Card Draw Biker Band Bash Harley-Davidson of Seaford, Seaford, Del. Event is FREE to The Adler Center is a 21 bed facility for patients with life get in, FREE to park your bike and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 limited illnesses. It is currently under construction in Loudon p.m. Thur-Sat, 9-4 on Sunday. Corporate show rigs, demo
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 4
rides, riding associated vendors, live music, food, charity prizes, raffles and much more. Questions please contact rides, thrill shows. www.thedelmarvabikeweek.com Sam Spencer at s_spencer02@yahoo.com or call the lodge 757-425-6708. You get a free t-shirt with pre-registration Sept 17th which ends on September 1,2011! 1st Annual The Ville Bike Show Mechanicsville, VA The Ville Mechanicsville will hold Sep 18th its first annual bike show hosted by Boston September Dirt Drags @ Slades Park 17th. 4pm to 8pm. Awards will be given on stage in The Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 Ville at 6pm. Live Music, Vending, Bike Show by Boston, not racing are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. 50/50 drawing and so much more! 7526 Mechanicsville Trophies & Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at its Best-Pro Gas/ Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Keep in touch with The Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Ville by stopping by, checking us out on Facebook.com/ Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Sep 25th thevillemechanicsville.com, or call 804-730-8888. Sept 28th Oct 2nd Sept 17th Myrtle Beach Fall Rally 3RD Annual Charity Ride to benefit St. Judes http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com Prince George, VA Ride starts at 9:30 am at Commonwealth Power Sports ends at same location with a band, vendors, Oct 1st raffle and door prizes. Drawings to be held at 4:00 pm. Only Second Annual SOF Warrior Foundation $10.00 if you pre-register by Sept. 1st FREE event patch to Kids to College Poker Run the first 100 people who pre-register or pay $15.00 day of Portsmouth, VA Hampton Roads Virginia. The Viet Nam ride ( no freebies included). For more information visit: www. Vets / Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club are sponsoring the capitalcityscrc.org or contact Glenn Spain at dukroxx33@ second annual Special Operations Warrior Foundation yahoo.com for a form to pre-register. Sponsored by Kids to collage Poker run. The SOF Warrior foundation Southern Cruisers Riding Club Capital City Chapter #165 provides full scholarship grants and educational and family and Commonwealth Power Sports 2000 Waterside Rd. counseling to the surviving children of Special Operations Prince George,Va 23875 Phone: 804-526-2300 Personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special Sept 18th operations personnel and their families. Run will start at Isle of Wight County Fair Poker Run Bayside Harley-Davidson, 2211 Frederick Boulevard, Isle of Wight County The American Legion Post 49 along Portsmouth VA (I-264, Exit 5) and will end at Pappas with the Isle of Wight County Fair is sponsoring a poker run Pub 2105 Diamond Springs Road Virginia Beach, VA . for a sick little girl 11 years old. Her name is Madison Arnott. Registration starts at 9am, Last Bike Out at 10:30. Donation Madison is in the care of CHKD & could use some help with of $10.00 per Person is requested. Extra hands available her doctor bills. The donation will get you into the fair to see for $5.00. Door prizes, Auction 50/50 and other events will the attractions as well as the concert that day. Location: Isle start at 2:30. Prizes for best hand / worst hand and largest of Wight County Fair group. For more information Contact Recoil at Recoillvmc@ cox.net or Bettye at gemlady778@hotmail.com Sept 18th 14th Annual Vets Run Oct 1st Hampton &Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Elks Lodge Heroes for Babies Car, Truck & Bike Show #2268 is hosting its 14th Annual Vets Run to benefit the Hampton, VA This is an open show for all cars, trucks & Hampton VA Hospital morale and welfare fund. Registration motorcycle. Trophies will be given to the top 25 , plus best is from 9am to 11am at the Hampton ELks Lodge located car, best truck & best motorcycle. 8am to 4pm. Also a trophy at 95 Tide Mill Lane, Hampton, VA 23666. From there the will be given to the best in show. This will be a professionally ride will proceed to The VA Hospital where a catered lunch judged show by G.S. Grifana Carshows Inc. Vendors are and entertainment with our vets awaits. The ride will then welcome. Rain date is set for Oct 2nd. All proceeds from conclude at the mighty #2268 in Va Beach with door this show will be given to the March of Dimes. The location is behind Tysingers Motors Inc at 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton, VA 23666. Sponsors for the event are: Farmers
Insurance District 21, Jax Wax of VA, Tysingers Motor Inc., & G. S. Grifana Carshows, Inc. for additional info call 757-825-6066 ask for Yeliz Entrance fee are $20 pre-registration or $25 day of show. Location: Tysingers Motors Inc at 2712 Magruder Blvd, Hampton, VA 23666 Oct 2nd Ride For Pink Virginia Beach, VA FREE Concert with the national recording artist FUEL !!! Join us Sunday Oct 2nd for the RIDE FOR PINK event. Presented by The Bikers Depot. Registration is $10 & from 9am to 11am held at 2 locations: On the Southside Bikers Depot, 612 Nevan Rd, Virginia Beach; VA. On the Peninsula Cheeseburger in Paradise, 12361 Hornsby Lane, Newport News. The Main Event will be held from 12pm to 6pm at Hunt Club Farms, Virginia Beach, VA. Live Music, Food, Beverages, Tricycle Races, Corn Hole, Giveaways, Live & Silent Auctions & more. The Miss Ride For Pink Bike-ini Contest hosted by the International Bikini Team. After Party from 6pm to close at Grumpys Bar and Grill, 995 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, VA. Rain Date: Sunday Oct 9, 2011 registration starts at same locations. Event located at Diesel Rock & Country Bar, 1375 Oceana Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA. For questions contact Phyllis at phdavis48@yahoo.com or (757) 679-7999. For more info visit www.rideforpink.org or find us on Facebook.
racing are FREE. Free vendor setup - please call 1st. Trophies & Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at its Best-Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Colors - No Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)221-3959. Rain date Oct 16th Oct 10th Columbus Day Oct 23rd Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show Driver, VA Sherri Parker Memorial Poker Run and Bike Show Driver,VA. Benefiting the Sherri Parker Memorial Fund Inc., and the Driver Volunteer Fire Dept. Poker Run Registration 9:30-11:30 at Bayside Harley Davidson Portsmouth. Bike Show registration 12:00-2:00 in Driver. Rain date Oct.30. Contact Holly Hoffler at 757-538-3944 Nov 6th Toys 4 Tots Poker Run Save the date! Details to follow Nov 11th Veterans Day Nov 24th Thanksgiving Dec 10th Wreaths Across America Ride 2011 Info about Wreaths Across America project and specific Ride details for the following Virginia locations of Leesburg, Culpeper, Alexandria, Triangle, Winchester, Richmond, Amelia, Sandston, Yorktown, Mechanicsville, Suffolk, Hampton, Hopewell. Powell Valley Veterans Memorial Gardens, Staunton, Lynchburg, Danville, Arlington, & Scottsville, can be found at http://www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/Locations/Virginia
Oct 8th Fund raiser for 10th Anniversary Feed The Hunger Food Drive Newport News, VA This event will support the Tenth Anniversary Food Drive by Councilwoman Sharon P. Scott of Newport News, VA. Over 50% of kids go hungry and have insufficient quality of food, even at school. 20.00 Donation for rider 5.00 for passenger, First 25 riders get special gifts. 757 8704916 Ask for Marvin and His 2006 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Quaker Steak & Lube, 12832 Jefferson AvenueNewport News, VA 23608
Dec 25th Christmas Oct 8th Fraternal Order of Eagles Poker Run for Alzheimers Research Virginia Beach, VA First Bike Out at 9:00 A.M. (1061 Newtown Road, Va. Beach, across from new Williams Elementary School). Pig Roast to Follow Event with DJ. Raffles and Prizes. Riders $10. Passengers $5. Registration 7:30 9:00 A.M. More information: Contact: Shelley Crook: 757373-4811 OR Bill Crook: 757-407-3903 Oct 9th Dirt Drags @ Slades Park Surry, VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15, kids under 10 not
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Kryptonite 5-S Disc Lock Kryptonite manufactures a disk brake rotor lock which is economical and can be purchased from just about any motorcycle parts source. If your local/favorite shop does not have this product in any of their catalogs, then you can find a dealer via their website at www.kryptonitelock.com. The 5-S Disk Lock has a 5.5mm pin that will fit through the smaller vent holes on rotors with small vent holes, and, it has a high security key configuration. Furthermore, Kryptonite has a key registration service once you register your keys (the lock comes with 2 keys (in case you lose one). Should you manage to lose BOTH keys, they will send you two new keys FOR FREE! One time only... but if you keep losing keys and you will have to start paying for new keys. The 5-S Disk Lock comes with a nylon carrying pouch with a Velcro closure and a plastic belt clip. I managed to break the belt clip the first time I went on the road with the 5-S Disk Lock and lost the lock and pouch; on re-tracing my route I managed to find the pouch... but not the lock! I called the Kryptonite customer service
number and found out that they are aware of the problem with the belt clip and work is in progress to rectify the situation. They sent me a new lock thats what I call a first class business operation! Upon receiving the new lock, I put it into the pouch and squeezed the belt clip... snap... well Ill be dipped... I barely squeezed the clip and it also broke on a line with a rivet hole. So, I put the lock into my pocket. I may make a bracket, have it chrome plated and lock the 5-S Disk Lock onto it while the motorcycle is on the road. There is a integral bracket at the top of my down tubes which has a hole in it and the 5-S Disk Lock could be secured there for traveling, but, I suspect it may beat up the paint on my down tubes. So, until I get around to figuring out where I want to place a traveling mount, it will be in my pocket while on the road. Here is a helpful suggestion: Since I often have a problem remembering to turn the gas on, I am just as likely to forget to remove the disc lock before letting the clutch out. So I did a quick search online for a Remove Before Flight (RBF) ribbon. Although I bought a RBF ribbon about three feet long that will reach from the lock to my throttle grip; I also bought one about six inches long that I put onto my key ring so that when I remove my ignition key from the bike, it gets clipped to the ring with the RBF ribbon. Bottom line: the Kryptonite 5-S Disk Lock works for me. Article and photos contributed by Russell Raz Holder / KNUCKLEHEADS FOREVER!
Proud To Be
AN AMERICAN
was attacked, Glenn helped to evacuate his law offices, then raced into the WTCs South Tower to participate in the rescue efforts. Glenn died in the line of duty along with many others when that building collapsed. His partial remains were found in March 2002, a borrowed first response medical kit by his side. (The Winuk family was one of approximately 40 percent the families that recovered remains from the 9/11 tragedy.) In 2003 David and Jay formed the nonprofit group One Days Pay in honor of Glenn and all those who perished. The organization was later renamed MyGoodDeed. In the years thereafter David and Jay were joined by more than 22 other leaders in the 9/11 community to help build support for the 9/11 Day Observance, including Alice Hoagland, mother of Flight 93 hero Mark Bingham, Cindy
911Day.orgMission
Our hopeful mission, by annually organizing the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day), is to provide a positive and forward-looking way for Americans and others to forever honor and remember the 9/11 victims, survivors, and the many that rose in service in response to the 9/11 tragedy, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety officers and members of our military. It is easy and free to participate. All you need to do (joining millions of others around the world) is observe the anniversary of 9/11 by performing good deeds, supporting charitable causes, volunteering and engaging in other acts of compassion. This year, for the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, our nonprofit group, MyGoodDeed, is partnering with HandsOn Network to co-lead efforts to organize the single largest day of charitable service in United States history. HandsOn Network is the leading volunteer service organization in the nation and the volunteer activation division of the Points of Light Institute. We also are working with many other prominent program partners on this historic effort including the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Business Civic Leadership Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AARP, The Mission Continues, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (a federal grant-making agency.) Please feel free to take a moment to view some of our wonderful (and short) Public Service messages. Also visit and like our 9/11 Day Facebook page, and follow-us on Twitter. A Bit More About Our History The 9/11 Day Observance was originally created in 2002 by David Paine, with his friend Jay Winuk. David and Jay had worked together in New York City, long before the 9/11 attacks. Tragically Jays younger brother Glenn was one of the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11. Glenn Winuk was a partner at the prominent national law firm Holland & Knight LLP, which in 2001 had one of its largest offices located a block from Ground Zero in New York City. For almost 20 years Glenn also was a volunteer firefighter and EMT, specially trained and certified in building collapse rescue operations, working out of the Jericho Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island. When the World Trade Center
Proud To Be
McGinty, a 9/11 widow and co-founder of the Massachussetts Military Heroes Fund, Edie Lutnick, director of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, and Mary Fetchet, co-founder of Voices of September 11. Then, in 2009, with widespread support of the 9/11 community and strong bi-partisan backing, they were able to secure passage of federal legislation incorporated into the Edward M. Kennedy ServeAmerica Act, that formally recognized and lead to the official establishment of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance under federal law and Presidential Proclamation. To date, more than one million people from all 50 states and 165 countries have visited the 9/11 Day website. MyGoodDeed Inc. is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in good standing under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Contact Us: For more information please contact us at info@911day.org. Or call 949-809-6780. Program Leaders View the full list of contributors Program Partners 1 2 3 4 5 Made possible thanks to: Lead Contributor National Contributors 1 2 3
AN AMERICAN
Parking Gates vs. Motorcycles

Like most of us, John Kerechek, an AMA member in Baltimore, Maryland, has had issues with a parking gate and his motorcycle; I ride a BMW R1200CM to work most days. I park in a multilevel parking garage and have a monthly parking pass. The problem Im experiencing is being able to leave the parking lot. It seems, depending on the position of the motorcycle, the gate either opens or not -- mostly not Most days an attendant has to manually open the gate. The other day, I attended a class at another location and experienced the same problem -- the gate would not open. The attendant said they always have this problem with motorcycles. Im not sure, but there must be some type of sensing device the gates use that is not motorcycle-friendly. Are other riders experiencing the same problem, and if so, what have they done? Unfortunately, the answer to this problem is not an easy one, and solutions are as varied as parking gate manufacturers and installers. Ultimately, though, the solution may depend on the owner of the property. Carri Upton, a security gate installer who currently works at Texas Security Gates, says the systems they install are all solid-state 12-volt systems with a magnetic probe detector -a loop of wire imbedded in the pavement. The probe sends a signal to an electronic switch called an operator that tells it something is coming, she says. Timers then close it automatically. When closing, the gates use a safety cut-off switch that reverses the direction if it encounters an obstacle, Upton says. The first thing to consider if the gate does not recognize you is to look at the area in front of the gate, and try to locate the loop itself. Look for an actual cut in the asphalt, usually in the shape of a square. Placing your motorcycle directly over part of the loop will have a better effect than sitting totally within it, Upton says. (This method may also work at stoplights as well.) Another solution could come from politely asking management to adjust the sensitivity of the loop, Upton says. The system can be adjusted across a wide range -- at higher settings, something as small as a metal notebook can set it off. Then theres another solution -- although it would require the parking gate owners to spend some money. The property could even add something to the exit gate, like a photo eye, she says. If anything breaks the plane, it tells the system to open the gate. Then theres the other side of the coin -- the gate manufacturer whos far more cautious of motorcycles, usually for liability reasons. In Roselle, Illinois, Larry Landis, owner of Parking Systems Incorporated, describes the problem differently, and says there is no easy solution. The real problem, Landis says, is that most bikes are aluminum. He says they are 1/3 less detectable than steel with his equipment. Landis says he puts a warning sign on all the security gates he installs, stating motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians are not allowed. His worry is that the arm could come down unexpectedly -- on top or in front of a motorcyclist. Given a property that intends to have motorcycles coming and going, Landis says he would recommend a card, intercom, or token type system. The real problem, says Imre Szauter, AMA legislative affairs specialst, is the fact that these manufacturers arent designing gates for motorcycle use. He recommends appealing to your state legislator and asking that they require state funded parking systems to allow motorcycles. Any publicly funded parking facility should have provisions for motorcycle parking. To that end we are in the process of drafting model legislation that can be used in all states to correct this. Short of requiring facilities to make their gates accessible to motorcycles, there is no such thing as a perfect solution, Szauter adds. One of the best weve seen so far -- at least in the short term -- is the one we were able to broker between motorcyclists and the City of Sacramento at a municipal parking garage. A liability concern there was addressed and solved by reducing the length of the gate, and by creating free parking areas for motorcycles out of awkward spots where cars couldnt fit. So, heres the final answer: If repositioning your motorcycle over the loop doesnt solve the problem, youre probably looking at an appeal to the parking facilitys management. Be polite, and you may want to offer to help officials by providing you and your bike to help adjust sensitivity. Or suggest they cut a bit off the end of the arm. No, there is no easy solution, but at least you know what youre up against.
SEND US YOUR HOTS SHOTS!!! Email your pictures to: kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com .
10% Senior Citizens Discount

(55 & Over)
10% Military Discount
Buy one Lunch or Dinner entre at the regular menu price & receive one 2nd Lunch or Dinner entre at 1/2 off the regular menu price. Valid Monday through Thursday until 8pm.
Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Exp. Nov 18, 2011
1/2 off FREE FREE 15% OFF KIDS Appetizer Appetizer Entire Check EAT FREE
Buy One Appetizer at full menu price & receive a 2nd Appetizer of equal or lesser value, FREE
Purchase One Dinner entre at the regular menu price & receive One Appetizer FREE
(Seafood Appetizers not included in this offer). Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Valid Monday through Thursday 4pm to 8pm.Exp. Nov 18, 2011.
Good for 15% off the entire guest check when ordering items from the regular menu
One Free Kids Meal (from the Childrens menu) with the purchase of any adult entre from the regular menu
(Seafood Appetizers not included in this offer). Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Valid Monday through Thursday 4pm to 8pm. Exp. Nov 18, 2011
(Alcohol excluded). Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Valid Monday through Thursday 4pm to 8pm. Exp. Nov 18, 2011.
(1 child per adult). Dine in only. Not to be combined with any other offer or special. Valid everyday. Exp. Nov 18, 2011.
Sunday June 19th was just an ordinary day, I had proposed a $20 buck ride to the chapter on some wonderful motorcycle roads and was rewarded with more HOG brothers and Sisters then I thought possible, what a great surprise. The ride was perfect, the food was unbelievable and the friendship was unparalleled. After leaving the restaurant we were heading down route 360 towards Old Church Road when my Electra Glide decided to act strange ( wobble in the rear end). Well, I have experienced this before and knew what I had...a flat tire. It wasnt until later that I found that I had rim failure. The 40 spoke smooth rim is actually a 3 piece rim and one of the sides separated. We were able to get the bike towed to Hampton Roads Harley Davidson (on a Sunday mind you) and Chad Cox facilitated the opening of the Hog Pen to store my bike for the night so they could start on it Monday. Jed and Donna followed the tow truck with Nancy, me and Harley in and on it so Donna could open the gate, reminding me all the way by text We are on our Bike (experience one). The Virginia state HOG Rally was scheduled to begin on Thursday and I being a committee member needed my bike for the rally, because you just dont drive a car to a motorcycle rally (my philosophy anyway). Try as they might, at HRHD, they could not locate a rim locally and had to order from Harley which means, I might be bikeless at the Rally. God please say it isnt so. Nancy (my darling bride of 31 years) had been hinting to me, by saying directly in my ear as many times as possible, Harley (what we call our Electra Glide) has almost 100,000 miles. Dont you think its time to get a second bike? Those that know me and know my bike realize we will never get rid of Harley. Chad Cox, Jason and Debbie at HRHD and I became very good friends immediately. I was at the dealership Monday night looking at bikes (remember, I was not going to be Bikeless at the rally), knowing full well that early Tuesday I had to fly to Cleveland for business and thats a long way from HRHD. Thanks to the invention of email and cell phones, I kept Chad from his assigned duties as he emailed pictures of bikes back and forth with all the details from morning to night (I actually did get some work accomplished). Hopefully Chad did also. I had my mind set on a CVO Street Glide (the Green one they had in the dealership THE WEEK BEFORE). I mean, how dare someone buy My Bike when I needed it most. Well, after calls to every dealer in reasonable driving distance from HRHD (1,000 miles or so), Chad could not locate the Green CVO Street Glide that any dealership would relinquish. My return from Cleveland was fraught with all the normal things that occur in todays flying world, so I did not get home until 2:00 AM. I was at the dealership promptly at 8:30 that morning hoping some miracle had taken place and Harley had a new rim and tire, but no luck the rim had not arrived. I came back at 10:00 AM when the sales floor opened and sat down with Chad once again and he didnt kick me out. Although in my mind I had and still was being a pain in the A$$ (experience two). We looked at the current inventory as well as what was available at Southside
$40,000 Tire And A Million Dollar Experience
Harley Davidson, I gravitated to the Deep Cranberry CVO Road Glide (with a little prompting from Chad and Jason) and although beautiful I was not convinced. Well time was running short and I needed to get to the Rally, in a Car of all things, what has this world come to? Prior to departing, I asked Jason if he could do me a huge favor,. When Nancy got off work she was coming to the dealership and could he give her a ride on his Road Glide so she could get the feel of the bike. Well in true fashion not only did he agree, when she arrived he took her on the CVO I was looking at (experience three), which she loved. I received a text almost immediately from my lovely Bride that she had decided on our second bike. I called right away and said to her we need to discuss this, you were there just to compare. She replied If I wait for you decide, I could be 100. This is the Bike and she is correct that I tend to procrastinate at times. Remember this whole time I am at the State Rally in a CAR. Well now comes the Heart of the Story. Chad and the entire team at Hampton Roads Harley Davidson worked schedules and covered for people just so Cliff (service manager) could deliver my Brand 2011 CVO Road Glide to the Virginia State HOG Rally in Petersburg Virginia (about an Hour and a Half away), and drive that damn Car back to the dealership. Not only did he bring up the bike, he did the preflight and took all the time needed to explain the workings of the Road Glide (Experience four). Tell me friends where would you find that type of customer service these days? For those of you old enough to remember, that harkens back to the services provided in the 50s and 60s, but rarely found today. Now here is the morale and reason for this entire story, I am not anybody famous or special. I am a Customer just like you, but Friends let me tell you.. in this day and age of diminishing customer service and things being outsourced to other countries, I do not have enough adjectives or accolades for the Entire Team at Hampton Roads Harley Davidson and the way I was made to feel by them going that Extra Mile which if you give them a chance you will find it how they treat each customer (family member) who walks through their doors. Yes I do feel like a Million Dollars and yes I tell the story because so seldom in this day and age do we hear of someone going that Extra Mile and this was the entire team, not just one or two people. As a side note; Ron Childs (general manager of Colonial Harley Davidson in Colonial Heights) was showing a 2011 CVO Electra Glide Ultra to a member from our area here on Saturday and noted to him I can deliver it to you in Chesapeake if you would like, I hear Hampton Roads is doing that . I was there to hear it myself. Mary, Chad, Cliff, Jason and all the Team at HRHD, Thank you for making this experience one of those Once in a Lifetime Million Dollar Events. And Yes We Love the Road Glide. Mark Mulvaney HR Hog Member since 2004 HRHD Customer for Life
17011 Courthouse Hwy., Isle of Wight County, VA begins at 10 a.m. on Sundays, free donuts & coffee
Get into a higher spiritual gear!

Hangaround (social) time:
Worship service: 11 a.m. on Sundays

music by Christian rock band Stronghold learn more online: www.libertybikerchurch.com or call Jim at 1-757-376-3612
Virginia Legislative Round Table - Richmond, VA

I want to thank all who attended the Virginia Legislative Roundtable in Richmond yesterday. We had a good cross section of the motorcycling community there and the discussion was lively and productive. The purpose of the Roundtable was to decide on the legislation that the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists will pursue in the upcoming year. We discussed a wide range of topics with the goal of pairing it down to two or three issues. It has to be that small because it is too difficult to get numerous bills through in a single year. If you are going to work them properly you must pick a few. We actually narrowed it down to four. Keep in mind that each of these bills is subject to finding a patron in the House or Senate to carry it. It is also subject to the November elections because we do not know what the General Assembly will look like given the fact that all members are up for election this year. Closer to election time I will put out a list of motorcycle friendly candidates. Alright, on to the matters that we will address. First we intend to introduce legislation to ban motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia. It was unanimously agreed that this was the number one priority this year. Everyone on this distribution list is familiar with this issue. Given the feedback that I have received it is a universal sentiment amongst motorcyclists that this is a bad practice that should not be tolerated. We have written up proposed legislation and I am in the process of finding a patron. Next we looked at the prohibition against riding two abreast in Virginia. As many of you know it is considered reckless driving for two motorcyclists to ride next to each other in Virginia. In 48 other states it is completely legal. Despite the fact that there is no data to show that two motorcyclists riding abreast are more likely to be in an accident, and further given the fact that Virginia recently passed legislation to allow on-duty law enforcement officers to do so, it still remains a jail-able offense for the general motorcycling community in Virginia. This will be a difficult fight and may depend greatly on the outcome of the upcoming elections which all in attendance agreed must be watched closely in determining how we proceed on this legislation. The next issue on which we focused was the issue of licensing with regard to trikes. As everyone knows three wheeled motorcycles are becoming more and more popular. It is no longer a matter of someone deciding to go from a two wheeled machine to a three. With vehicles such as the Can Am, many riders are starting on three wheeled vehicles. We know that many states have started issuing separate licenses for two wheeled and three wheeled motorcycles. Additionally, there is the issue of three wheeled cars which we do not want classified as motorcycles for obvious reasons. You sit in those not on those. You use a gas pedal and brake pedal and a steering wheel. They are nothing like motorcycles even though they fit the definition under current Virginia law. It was agreed that legislation is eventually coming to Virginia and we as motorcyclists should be on the front line instead of reacting to what may
be bad legislation. What we do not want to happen is to have currently licensed motorcyclists be required to take another test in order to ride a trike. At the same time, we did not want to see a new rider who has never been on a bike go jump on an automatic three wheeler, get his license and then jump on a two wheeler and take off down the road to become a statistic that will be used against us. We would propose making a separate definition for three wheeled cars. We do not want to be bunched in with those. Secondly, if you have a motorcycle endorsement you should be able to ride any type of motorcycle be it a two wheeler, a three wheeler or motorcycle with a side car. However, the proposed legislation would state that if you take your exam on a trike then you will receive a license which limits you to trikes. If you want to ride two wheeled motorcycles then you will have to demonstrate your proficiency on them before you are licensed. Lastly we took a look at last years HB 1412. This was a bill by Delegate Tim Hugo which raised the threshold for reporting water damage to vehicles from $1,000 to $3,500. Being that many motorcycles on the road have a fair market value of less than $3,500, it was proposed that we amend that statute to bring the threshold for motorcycles down to the original level. Jim and I will be speaking to Delegate Hugos office concerning this matter in the near future. Keep in mind that all of the above is proposed legislation. It does not indicate what the law is now but instead it reflects proposed changes that those attending the Roundtable felt would be beneficial to Virginia motorcyclists. Once again it will be up to all of us to make our voices heard in order to bring about positive change in Virginia. Mark your calendars now for January 16, 2012. That will be Lobby Day this Year. The day prior, January 15, will be our annual Pre-Lobby Day meeting where we will discuss legislation that we support and legislation that we oppose. We usually wrap up with a great BBQ dinner and then it is off to the capitol the next morning. It is always great when we have a large showing. Last year was a record and coincidentally we had one of our best legislative sessions ever. I would encourage you to participate if you can. Again I want to thank all who participated in the Roundtable. I also want to thank those who could not attend but emailed their concerns. I will be in touch as these ideas progress into actual bills. Until then continue to ride free. As usual if you have any questions or comments concerning anything that I have written here please feel free to contact me. Matt Danielson McGrath & Danielson Tom McGraths Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com
CALLING ALL REDNECK COOKS

Next time you have a barbecue try making some Redneck Turtle Burgers. This is a new twist on how to serve burgers at your next BBQ. Your guests will have a laugh and theyre sure to enjoy them.
Form handmade ground beef patties, top with sharp cheddar cheese, wrap in a bacon weave, (use the cheese to keep the bacon shell on). Next step, add hotdogs pieces as the heads and legs with slits for toes and shape a tail. If ya really wanna get artistic you can carve a hotdog head with eyes and a mouth slit! Next Step: Place gently on yer grill and cover with an aluminum foil dome and only turn once. Or if its a rainin, you can place yer turtles on an oven rack, covered loosely with foil dome and baked for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees. A little crispy, not too crunchy! Just how a turtle should be, right? Slap them Turtles in a hamburger bun and serve! (See if your guests eat em head or tail first)
Oct 8th, 2011. We will be celebrating our 39th anniversary of opening the shop and Lees birthday. We will have music, pinstripping by Michael Hall, food and a good time plus some specials. Its been a long road but a good one and were not done yet!!!!
kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com
ABATE of Virginia welcomes all riders to join in the fight to protect your rights. No matter what you ride, we want YOU! For more information contact Sharon Keaton at 540-937-3924 or CulpeperSharon@Gmail. com. Stay on top of the latest ABATE news and events by visiting www.ABATEofVA.com. ABATE Coalfield Riders Chapter ( Grundy , VA ) meets 7PM every 2nd Saturday at Caleb & Melissa's garage, Deel Fork, Grundy , VA 24614-9600 . Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Steve Stacy at 276-935-2484 or SStacy@eqt.com ABATE Culpeper Chapter ( Culpeper , VA ) meets 7PM every 2nd Thursday at Hazel River Pub, 105 E Davis St, Culpeper , VA 22701. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tim Dalman at 540-219-6366 or TimDalman@ comcast.net ABATE 1st Capitol Chapter meets the 1st Sunday of every month at the Williamsburg Moose Lodge (5429 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188) NOT at Beachcombers in Yorktown. ABATE Iron Horse Calvary Chapter ( Lynchburg , VA) meets 7PM every 1st Tuesday at Mary Jane's Caf, 826 Kemper St, Lynchburg , VA 24502-3250. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tronco at 434-993-3197 or EvoTronco1@wmconnect.com ABATE Lonesome Pine Chapter (Wise, VA) meets 6:30PM every 1st Tuesday at Mosby's Restaurant, 205 Ridgeview Rd, Wise , VA 24293. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Shag Mead at 276-565-4541 or ShageDawg@ hotmail.com ABATE Mason-Dixon Chapter ( Fairfax , VA ) meets 8PM every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at John's Place, 11104 Lee Hwy, Fairfax , VA 220305005. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Bob Seoane at 703-206-0571or NightTommy2@yahoo.com ABATE Olde Dominion Chapter ( Falls Church , VA ) meets 8PM every 1st Monday at JVs Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church , VA 220422145. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tank Fortner at 703-309-7197 or KeviRF80@aol.com ABATE River City Chapter ( Richmond , VA ) 'No meetings, just action!' For more information contact Steve Skeens at 804-389-8293 or HawgSke@msn.com ABATE Virginia Cruisers Chapter ( Hampton , VA ) meets 1PM every 1st Sunday at Mugzy's Grill, 1312 E. Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Pete Bulgart at 757-870-1517 or John at abateregion3@ yahoo.com. AMBASSADORS FOR JESUS CHRIST MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY (Virginia Chapter) Do you have a love for the lost and a passion for motorcycles? Then the Ambassadors for JESUS CHRIST may be for you. We meet the 4th Saturday of each month (except Nov and Dec) at the Major Hillard Library 824 Old George Washington Hwy N Chesapeake Va at 10am-12pm. For more information contact: Sean Bronx 757-338-1974, or Eric Holyman 757-237-6018, or www.ambassadorsecmm.org Beacons/Christian Motorcycle Association - Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Military Hwy, 6-8 PM. Monthly ride: 4th Saturday of each month, depart from Shoneys on Indian River Rd. Check our website for ride times and more information: http://cmaner5. org/VA/BEACONSOFTIDEWATER or contact President Lenny Stowell at (757) 420-4411 or lenandtwogirls@yahoo.com Brothers In Arms MC The Brothers In Arms MC was formed to support the members of our armed forces, past and present, create a camaraderie between like-minded men and women from those services, share in our love of motorcycling and support veteran charities and causes. The Yorktown Chapter usually meets on the third Sunday of the month at various locations in the Yorktown area. The Brothers In Arms MC is a neutral, non-territorial club. For more information about the club and contact links, visit the chapter web site at www.biamc-yorktown.com. Christian Motorcyclist Association Northern Virginia Chapter 348 www.nvcrcma.com NVCR meets 3rd Sat each month @ Old Country Buffet in Manassas @ 9:00 am, President Rick Saunders, nvcrmail@msn.com Richmond, Va. 23230. Mike Walton, President (804) 514-9123 meetings come out and ride with us anyway. Its not about the meetings. For more information on meetings or rides please contact our chapter president, Mark Johnson, at president@star440.org or go the www.star440.org Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Our membership is comprised of Full Members (those with verified combat service) and Supporter Members ( those who have non-combat military service, and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans ). Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas now. Virginia Chapter 27-1, Hampton Roads, Va. and Virginia Chapter 27-2, Quanitco, Va., Both chapters meet monthly. For informataion to join contact Ed Amerbadas Lonecke Jr., Commander Southern Virginia 27-1, at elonecke@cox.net or Graig Spanky Benson, Commander Northern Virginia 27-2, at f18spanky@cox.net Our Virginia website can be accessed through our National Website: http://combatvet.org/ Moose Riders District 8 Meetings 1st Monday of Month. Contact Bubba @ 804-691-7671. Email: kimandbubba1@ verizon.net or Jeff @ 804-892-3346 Email: hawgdawgrose@wmconnect.com Road Wench East Coast Womens Motorcycle Club in Northern Virginia Website: http://roadwenchmc.com/ Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000803818092 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. Were 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). Beginning January 20th, 2011, meetings will be held at Mary Jaynes Lazy Horse, 565 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA23322. The Sons of God Motorcycle Club Ministry made up of Christian Bikers who share a vision of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ with other bikers. We hold bible study every Monday evening. For more information call TJ (757) 819-3362, Thing (757) 621-4891 or Grape Ape (757) 831-1294. or visit our website at www.sonsofgodmc.org VA Sons Of Liberty Riders American Patriots Defending the Constitution www.sonsoflibertyriders.com Veterans First, Inc. Chapter 1 Richmond, VA- Non-profit org. whose mission is to assist our homeless veterans back into the mainstream of daily living. Meetings are held every 2nd Sunday of the month at 12:00 pm, Lakeside Moose Lodge, 1207 Hilliard Road, Richmond, VA 804 -3212905 www.veteransfirstinc.org Virginia Freedom Riders - Riders Against Constitutional Erosion (VFR-R.A.C.E.) exists as a grassroots State Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) dedicated to protecting and restoring motorcyclists personal freedoms, liberties and individual rights. email: membership@vfr-race.com. Website:vfr-race.com Warriors of Christ Motorcycle Ministry. 4218 Old Hundred Rd. Chester, VA. 23831. Pastor Ron Walton Phone (804) 335-5025. Meets every Sunday @6pm and Tuesday @7pm. Visit us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/warriors of christ
Biker Pals
Ride For Pink
Dirt Drags @ Slades Park
Sherry Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show
www.thunderroads-virginia.com
EFI 101
Tech Tips
Electronic fuel injection, and modern engine management seems to confuse many riders, and in some cases, it down right frightens them. Most dont fully understand carburetors, and how they function, but are more comfortable with them than EFI. There is really no reason for this. Modern engine management is a big step forward, and provides us the best performance, best mileage, and reduced emissions - having our cake, and eating it too. Yes, I have watched bikes transition from carburetors, to fuel injection, and on to more modern engine management over the decades, and learned how these systems operate, as well as how to get the most from them. But none of this is exactly rocket science, and anyone with basic intelligence can understand engine management as well. Lets look at what engine management systems are, and how they operate on a basic level. In simple terms, modern engine management systems are fairly stupid computers. Most systems used on bikes today, are neither as fast, nor have as much memory, as modern laptops. In order to keep costs down, the engine control unit (ECU) is kept as simple as possible. Compared to the unit in most cars, bike ECUs are downright morons. They use very simple coding to take input from sensors, and control other parts - what to do, when to do it, and for how long. The coding is limited by the speed of the ECU processor, how many sensors are connected, how often each must be read, and how many parts the ECU must turn on and off. Basic EFI uses a toothed wheel on the crankshaft or rotor, and a sensor on the case next to it to determine engine speed (RPM). The number of teeth on the wheel, and its diameter, determine the resolution - how detailed the engine speed data can be. This is reported back to the ECU in pulses as each tooth goes by the sensor or trigger. A break or gap in the teeth lets the ECU know when the engine is at top dead center (TDC). Since each cylinder turns two revolutions to complete one full cycle on a four-stroke engine, the ECU needs to know when each cycle is complete. This is usually done in two different ways. One way is to put a small wheel or tooth on a camshaft. Since the cams rotate at half engine speed, one revolution of the cam means that the cycle is complete. Another way to do this is to use a manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor to detect the intake pulses when the intake valve(s) open. Either way simply tells the ECU to start the tooth count over, and start a new cycle. Next we need fuel injectors. These are simply valves that use an electro-magnet to open and close. When the ECU sends electricity to the injector it stays open. How long it is open depends on the code in the ECU. When more fuel is required, the injector stays open longer, and more fuel flows into the intake to be mixed with air. Now, we need ignition coils. These are just copper windings, inside of different copper windings, with a magnet in the middle. The magnet causes induction from one coil into the other, and this amplifies the voltage and current from 12 volts to very high outputs. The coil is fed a constant voltage that builds up in the coil. The amount of time this voltage is allowed to build up is called the dwell time. When the ECU sends a ground signal, the coil releases its energy to the spark plug. How long the coil charges and when it releases energy, is controlled by the code in the ECU. The main fueling and ignition timing code in the ECU is set up in tables that use input from engine rpm, and either the throttle position or the manifold air pressure in different look-up tables. Since the world is an ever-changing place, we ride in many different conditions regularly. As a result, the ECU needs to know what changes are taking place. This means it needs to know the throttle position, intake air temps, manifold air pressure, barometric air pressure, engine temperature, gear, residual oxygen in the exhaust, and more. Each of these sensors simply report back to the ECU with a voltage amount that is used to let the ECU know what is happening. From these sensors, the ECU decides if the air is denser or less dense, and how much fuel and ignition advance is required. Each sensor has a table in the ECU that is used to offset the main fueling and ignition tables and make changes on the fly. Next, we add in idle speed servos, radiator fans, and a few other devices that the ECU needs to switch on and off every so often based on input from different sensors. See... nothing too confusing, right. The confusing part comes from getting everything right. Each manufacturer has someone (or a group of someones) called a calibrator. This persons job is to modify the code in all of the different tables in the ECU to make the engine run, and meet emission laws for exhaust and noise output. Each table in the ECU must be mapped out to get the best results. This is like drawing a map that tells the ECU what to do when the voltage from one sensor does different things. The final code in the ECU, with maps for each table, is called a calibration. Now, the manufacturer and calibrator are forced to make the engine management system meet certain guidelines and regulations. And the engine must do this over a wide variety of altitudes, temperatures, fuel blends, and uses. As a result, the final calibration may not always give the best performance, response, mileage, etc., that the engine is capable of having. And since mass produced sensors, injectors, coils, etc. all tend to vary a bit (sometimes more than just a bit), and each engine has slightly different clearances and tolerances, using the same calibration in every bike of the same make and model, can mean quite a bit less than optimum operation. And once you buy a bike, many owners like to customize it to look or sound differently, or get better performance. As a result, the stock calibration is even further from optimum. For many riders, the stock calibration is just fine. Yet other bikes, just dont operate well with the exact same calibration. For others - especially those who change intake and exhaust components, or modify the engine even further from stock - the stock calibration just doesnt work at all. This is where the aftermarket steps in. A dynamometer (dyno for short) is used to load the engine, measure output, and determine a few other things that can tell us how far from optimum the calibration is. As well as indicating how to improve it throughout the entire operating range. Changing the calibration is called mapping or tuning. By altering this calibration in different ways, we can get improved mileage, smooth operation, crisp response, and improved output. All we have to do is give the engine what it wants. It is finding what the engine wants that takes time, effort, and experience. While this is over-simplified, I hope it gives the basics of how engine management and EFI operate. If nothing else, I hope it informs more than it confuses, and takes some of the fear out of the whole subject. Next month, we will go into a few more details of mapping with different tuning solutions, as well as why you may need it, and why you may not. For now, it is time to go burn some fuel of my own. By Wayne Tripp Power-Tripp Performance, Inc. www.power-tripp.com
Fraternal Order of Eagles Poker Run

for
Alzheimers Research Saturday, October 8, 2011
First Bike Out at 9:00 A.M. (1061 Newtown Road, Va. Beach, across from new Williams Elementary School)
Pig Roast to Follow Event with DJ Raffles and Prizes

Riders $10.00 Passengers $5.00 Registration 7:30 9:00 A.M.
More information: Contact: Shelley Crook: 757-373-4811 OR Bill Crook: 757-407-3903
When you call an 800 number (for a credit card, banking, insurance, computer help desk, etc) and you find that youre talking to a foreign customer service representative (located in another country such as India , Philippines, etc), and have trouble understanding them, ask to be transferred to a customer service representative in the United States. . Even if the rep suggests that you talk to his/her manager, ask to speak to a customer service representative in the USA. In many cases, you will be connected to a rep in the U.S.. Although the practice is not yet legislatively mandated, some U.S. companies have established policies and procedures of their own that instruct foreign call center operators to transfer calls back to U.S. based reps upon customer request.
Curtis & Leroy saw an ad in the Starkville Daily News Newspaper in Starkville, MS. and bought a mule for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day. The next morning the farmer drove up and said, Sorry, fellows, I have some bad news, the mule just up and died last night. Curtis & Leroy replied, well, then just give us our money back. The farmer said, Cant do that. I went and spent it already. They said, O.K., then, just bring us the dead mule. The farmer asked, What in the world yall gonna do with a dead mule? Curtis said, We gonna raffle him off. The farmer said, You cant raffle off a dead mule! Leroy said, We shore can! Heck, we dont hafta tell nobody hes dead!A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis & Leroy at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and asked. Whatd you fellers ever do with that dead mule? They said, We raffled him off like we said we wuz gonna do.. Leroy said, Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer two dollars apiece and made a profit of $898. The farmer said, My Lord, didnt anyone complain? Curtis said, Well, the feller who won got upset. So we gave him his two dollars back. Note* Curtis and Leroy now work for the government.
one of dem bull constriptors.Thibodeaux say, Whats a bull constriptor?Boudreaux explains, Man. Dats one of dem big ole snakes and he loves to eat rats and swallers dem whole, all at once. Well, da nex day Thibodeaux went down to Kliberts reptile farm and bought him da biggest bull constripter dat dey got. He brought dat snake to da barn an let him loose right in da middle and just sat dere and watched. Well, Thibodeaux was watchin for a long time, I mean long, an dere wasnt nuttin happenin. Dat big o le snake jus curled up hiself in da middle of dat barn and slept all day. He didnt even move and dem rats jus run all around. Thibodeaux got real frustrated and he called up Boudreaux on da phone, Boudreaux, man dats some bad advice bout dat snake. Dem rats play all day long. Boudreaux say,Man,Thibodeaux, I know just what to do. Give dat snake some Viagra. Thibodeaux say, What! Viagra! Whats dat gonna do? Boudreaux say, I was just listening to da radio and de man say dat Viagra is da best ting to use for a reptile dysfunction.
Two great white sharks swimming in the ocean spied survivors of a sunken ship .Follow me son the father shark said to the son A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had shark and they swam to the mass of people.First we swim around no lessons, nor prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted, them a few times with just the tip of our fins showing. And they and the horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops along at did. Well done, son! Now we swim around them a few times with a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slide from all of our fins showing. And they did. Now we eat everybody. the saddle. In terror, she grabs for the horses mane, but cannot And they did. When they were both gorged, the son asked, Dad, seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the why didnt we just eat them all at first? Why did we swim around horses neck, but she slides down the horses side anyway. The and around them? His wise father replied, Because son, they just horse gallops along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider. taste better after you scare the shit out of them. Finally, giving up her frail grip, the blonde attempts to leap away from the horse and throw herself to safety. Unfortunately, her foot A man goes into his local book boutique and asks the young lady at has become entangled in the stirrup, she is now at the mercy of the the service counter . Do you have the new book out for men with horses pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground short penises? I cant remember the title. She replies, Im not over and over. sure if its in yet. The man said, Thats the one.....Ill take a copy. As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness when to her great fortune, a biker named Panhead Phil, sees her dilemma and unplugs the horse. Judge Judy to Prostitute: Thank God for Bikers. Dont piss on my leg and tell me its raining.....now, exactly when did you realize you were raped? Prostitute (wiping away tears and Boudreaux was out in da field talkin wit his friend Thibodeaux. sobbing): When the check bounced. Thibodeaux said, Boudreaux , you see dat ole barn out dere? Well man, its completely infestered wit rats. I tried everything I know an cant get rid of dem. Boudreaux say, Thibodeaux, I know zactly how to get rid of dem rats. You gotta get you
Freewheeling
The Official Newsletter of Virginias First Motorcyclists Rights Organization www.abateva.org Any Biker Friendly Business that offers a 10% discount to ABATE of VA members, will get a free business card size ad in every Freewheelin issue.
GOOD FOR YOU

Peanut Butter
Misconception: This creamy spread is an indulgence best enjoyed occasionally because its high in fat and calories. Why Its Good For You: Major studies confirm that eating peanuts can lower risk for coronary heart disease. Eating peanut butter or peanuts has been associated with lower total cholesterol, lower ldl or bad cholesterol, and lower triglycerides, all of which are associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk. These health benefits seem to occur without promoting weight gain. Participants in one study reported that peanut butter or peanuts were much more filling snacks than rice cakes or pickles and tamed hunger for a much longer period.
DEADLINE!
Placing an ad with us? Listing your event in our calendar? Dont forget that our deadline is the 15th of every month for the following months issue-dont be left behind!
White Trash Repairs

White Trash Repairs is your one stop shop for some good ole, git r done ingenuity. See more of these ingenious ideas at www.whitetrashrepairs.com
Poor Choice of Tape: The submitter wrote: This window AC unit was installed using plastic sheeting, plywood, and blue painters tape. Considering the apartment complex is in Washington State, where it rains ALOT, painters tape isnt the best choice
Hindged: Well nothing like trying to hide the repair. From the looks of things this is not the first attempt to fix it.
The Vanagain-andagainandagain!: The submitter wrote: Remember you cant drive your house but you can live in this van!
Bumper in a Bind: The submitter wrote: apparently duct tape and binder twine really does fix everything. Yep!
Cone Crapper: Well that is one way to funnel it down the drain. Im guessing that bathroom can get pretty smelly. I guess there is no flushing here.
www.iwillprint4you.com
Parking lot Party, Oct. 8-2011
Enjoy a friendly and helpful ALL BIKES atmosphere. We cater to anybody who chooses to enjoy the open road.
Biker Friendly Biker Friendly Flyers Flyers Post Cards Post cards Business Cards Business Cards Banners, Signs & More Banners, Signs & More
sales@keyserprinting.com
SERVICE PARTS ACCESSORIES
www.cyclethunder.com 3110 West Leigh St Richmond VA
804-276-4982
K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee
MOZZARELLA STUFFED MEATBALLS ON THE GRILL Butter Flavored or Olive Oil Cooking Spray 1 Bag of Italian-Style Meatballs (quality, & thawed) Dry Ingredients: (bottle style works great, but if youre a stickler for fresh herbs, have at it.) 1/2 tsp. Oregano 1/2 tsp. Basil 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning 1/2 tsp. Parsley 1/2 tsp. Chives 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1/2 Cup of Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 Cup of Liquid Smoke 24 Small Cubes of Fresh Mozzarella Salt & Pepper to Taste Place all your frozen meatballs in a bowl and allow them to thaw thoroughly (apprx. 3 hours). Mix all your dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Get your electric grill (or charcoal; your pref.) going on medium and well heated up. Next, take each meatball and press your finger well into it, but not through it, and put one small cube of fresh Mozzarella cheese pushed to the center of meatball, and then gently keep pulling meat to bring it back together as a ball. Pour your Worcestershire Sauce & Liquid Smoke combined, all over your meatballs in the big bowl and make sure each is wet. Take dry hands and a big pinch at a time, place combined herb mixture in your hands and rub together over the meatballs. This helps wake up the flavor of dry spices. Each time you sprinkle herbs on meatballs, get in there with your hanbds and move the meatballs around until all are well coated with spices. Spray grill with butter spray or Olive Oil spray (your pref) and gently place meatballs on grill. Youll have to watch carefully and keep turning. Have a big bowl shaped piece of aluminum foil on other side of grill and after youve obtained the greal grill marks, transfer meatballs to foil, turn heat way down and just lket them continue to cook on grill. The second you see any cheese oozing out of any single one...theyre done. Heat up a jar of chunky spaghetti sauce as a dip. These are fun to make and taste phenom.!!!
WARMED POTATO, BACON & SUN-DRIED TOMATOES SALAD 2 Lbs. of Small, Red Potatoes - Leave skins on and quarter them into bite-size pieces Place on stove to over medium heat to got tender, but not mushy. Drain, place in a bowl, sprinkle your bacon pieces all over so potatoes can absorb the flavor, and cover with foil while you make dressing, Dressing: Combine Thoroughly 1 Tbl. Chives (fresh or dry) 1 Tbl. of Top-Quality Olive Oil 1 Tbl. Melted Butter 1 Tbl. Sugar or Splenda Juice from one Lime and Zest also 1 Cup Quality Mayo 1/2 of A Bottle of Sun-Dried Tomatoes- chopped (in any grocery store in canned toms. aisle) 1/2 Cup of Buttermilk 1/2 tsp. Sweet Paprika 1/4 Cup of Grey Poupon (have you any?) 1/2 Lb. of Bacon, fried crisp and chopped into big pieces. 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (when all mixed up if want to add more, than do) * Remember..you can always add more but its tough to take back, in the world of cooking. Mix your dressing up well. I just dump all the ingredients into a canning jar and then shake it up really good. Pour your dressing all over warmed potatoes with bacon, and toss gently with a wooden spoon and serve warm. This has the most incredible tastes and serving it warm just enhances those flavors. Ya gotta try this one! GRILL ROASTED PEACHES, PEARS, APPLES, PINEAPPLES & MANGO You truly owe it to yourself to at least try fruit off the grill. It takes on such a smoky, unique flavor. You can buy just about any fruit out there, pre-cut and ready for the grill. But peaches, pears, apples, mango, melon, pineapple, panko-dipped bananas. SUGGESTED DRIZZLES: Warm Honey or Maple Syrup Softened Quality Homestyle Vanilla Ice-Cream Heavy Cream Whipped Up To Be Frothy & Light Warm Ranch-Bacon Dressing w/ Honey Added Reduced Down Sweet Balsamic Dressing Ice-Cold Blue Cheese Dressing (great contrast to the super hot, grilled fruit) Get Creative!
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

Thunder Roads Is Brought To You Each Month By The Following Biker Friendly Businesses
Big Daddyz Cycles * 2810 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy. Hayes, VA 23072 (In Gloucester County) (4 miles over the Coleman) 804-642-3436 fax# 804-642-1461 bigdaddyzcycles@verizon.net www.bigdaddyzcycles.com Cycle Thunder * 3110 West Leigh Street Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 822-5447 or (804) 276-4982 www.cyclethunder.com Dennis Truck & Trailer Repair, Inc. * 309 Maury Richmond, VA 23224 Phone: (804) 230-7905 Fax: (804) 232-1302 Departure Bike Works * 5216 Hull St Richmond, VA 23224 (804) 231-0244 www.departure.com
Foley Motorsports * 8151 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 559-4282 or fax: (804) 559-4701 nick@sportvehicles.com www.sportvehicles.com Garys Automotive Again * 23220 Airport Street Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 733-8644 Pro Street Cycles * 8075 Jefferson Davis Hwy Richmond, VA 23237 (804) 271-7766 (804) 271-7785 Fax Revolutionary Harley-Davidson * 1915 Pocahontas Trail Unit F-5 Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 565-5122 www.hrhd.com Richmond Harley-Davidson * 10441 Washington Highway Glen Allen, VA (804) 550-9280 www.richmondharley.com Scooters* 6906-B School Ave. Richmond, Va 23228 804-321-0037 Virginia Big Daddy Leather* 1900 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (540) 899-0048 www.bigdaddyleather.com BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL, LEATHERS & GIFTS
Its important for you to know who your friends are out there when you hit the road! Welcome to our Biker Friendly Directory. The following is a list of establishments throughout the Mid-Atlantic that want you to know that theyre here for YOU. Whether its a bike dealer, service shop, restaurant, bar or any other type of business that welcomes our biking community through their doors, you can count on our family of friends to always welcome you in. ALL of our regular advertisers can be found, in bold, throughout this listing. All of our friends listed are Biker Friendly & most of them ride too, so they know exactly what you want & need. The staff here at Thunder Roads greatly appreciates of all of our advertisers continuous support each month - they are the sole financial supporters of this magazine. WE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM! So please give them the support that they truly deserve for being with us & drop by to see them for a visit. Let them know that you saw them here in Thunder Roads. If you know of a business that would like to join our Thunder Roads family of Biker Friendly Places, please give us a call (757) 831-2264 or email kelly@ thunderroads-virginia.com Where Theres Bikes.Theres Going To Be Thunder THUNDER ROADS * Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations
Tom McGraths Motorcycle Law Group* The Firm That Rides Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists 1-800-321-8968 www.motorcyclelawgroup.com
DEALERS, PARTS & SERVICE Delaware Harley-Davidson of Seaford*_ 22586 Sussex Hwy. Seaford, Del. 19973 302-629-6161 www.hdofseaford.com also on Facebook Maryland All American Harley-Davidson * 8126 Leonardtown Rd. Hughesville, MD 20637 (888) 833-2REV www.allamericanh-d.com Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC * 9407 Livingston Rd. Ft. Washington, MD (888) HDFEVER www.hdwash.com Virginia
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson* 213 Rolling Thunder Lane Staunton, VA (540) 213-7433 www.shenhd.com Southside Harley-Davidson, Inc. * 385 North Witchduck Rd Virginia Beach, VA (757) 499-8964 www.hrhd.com
Thunder Road Harley-Davidson * 4960 Riverside Drive Danville, VA 24541-5630 (434) 822-BIKE (2453) www.thunderroadhd.com Waugh Enterprises Harley-Davidson* 385 Waugh Blvd Orange, VA 22960 800-88-WAUGH http://www.waughhd.com
Bikers Depot* 612 Nevan Rd Suite 108 Hilltop Virginia Beach, VA (757) 962-0159 www.thebikersdepot.com Cavellis Inc* 3514 Oaklawn Blvd Hopewell, VA 23860 (804) 458-2016
Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories * 166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (757) 340-4446 Harley-Haven* 1920 Atlantic Ave Virginia Beach, VA (757) 425-2458 www.hrhd.com Tidewater Motorcycles, Inc.* 4324 Godwin Blvd Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 255-4200 www.tidewatermotorcycles.net WTF Leather Crafter * Seats, Sewing, Patches, Leather work 612 Nevan Rd, Suite 108 Hilltop Virginia Beach, VA (757) 962-0159
Groves Winchester Harley-Davidson * 140 Independence Drive Winchester, VA 22602 (800) 777-4275 or (540) 667-5655 www.hdwinchester.com
Jim McClures* Master Performance Cycles 3707 Rochambeau Dr. Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757) 566-0544 mrspokehead@aol.com
AIRBRUSHING & PAINT Lloyds Airbrush & Design Steven Lloyd (804) 712-8871 steven@autopaint.com www.lloydsairbrush.com SEATS
Absolut Cycle Worx * 5016 Midlothian Tpke Richmond, VA 23224 (804) 497-7000
ABW Designs * Andrew Walker 340 East Broadway Ave Hopewell, VA 23860 (804) 452-0088 awalker@abwdesigns.us www.abwdesigns.us
Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson* 6450 George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA (757) 872-7223 www.hrhd.com Outlanders * 4768 US Highway 211 West Luray, VA 22835 (540) 743-2040 www.outlanders.ws email: outlnd@shentel.net
Patriot Harley-Davidson * 9739 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA (703) 352-5400 www.patriothd.com
INSURANCE
GEICO Powersports* Motorcycle, ATV, RV, Watercraft 1-800-44-CYCLE (442-9253) www.geico.com

BARS & RESTAURANTS North Carolina Barrys Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,* Sports Center & Marina 169 Walnut Island Blvd Grandy, NC 27939 (252) 453-4153 www.walnutisland.com www.outerbanksbikeshow.com
Wolfmans Auto & Cycle Seats * Ed Wolford (540) 320-9978 www.HOT-ROD-INTERIORS.com
ASX Motorcycle Parts * 17200 Hull St. Rd. (5.5 mi West of Rt. 288) Moseley, VA 23120 (804) 639-1555
LEGAL SERVICES Epstein, Sandler & Flora P.C.* 413 W. York Street Norfolk, VA 23610 1-800-9-THE-LAW
* Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

Virginia Alley Caf & Sports Lounge 688 N Main St Kilmarnock, VA 22482 (804) 436-1100
Steel Horse Bar and Grill * 1920 W. Hundred Rd. (1/2 mile east of I-95 on Rt. 10) Chester, VA 23836 (804) 706-6600 www.steelhorseva.com
FUN PLACES TO STAY North Carolina Barrys Walnut Island Restaurant, Lodge,* Sports Center & Marina 169 Walnut Island Blvd Grandy, NC 27939 (252) 453-4153 www.walnutisland.com www.Barrysbikerally.com Comfort Inn Oceanfront South 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road Nags Head, NC (800) 334-3302
SHOE, BOOT & LEATHER REPAIR
Awful Arthurs Restaurant & Raw Bar * 6078 Mechanicsville Tpke, Suite 6 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 559-4370
Boneshakers Sports Bar and Grill* 1297 General Booth Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 502-4918 www.boneshakersvb.com Clutch Bar & Grill* 1485 General Booth Blvd (Behind Hooters) Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (757) 491-2229 www.clutchbarandgrill.com email: info@clutchbarandgrill.com
Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill * 7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Rt 17 North Gloucester, VA (804) 693-7218 www.damonsbar.com
The Blue Heron Restaurant * 9100 Wilcocx Neck Road Charles City, VA 23030 (804) 829-9070 www.riversrest.com The Ville (Formerly Scooters) * 7526 Mechanicsville Tpke Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 730-8888 TO-DO-CAF* 1008 Church Lane Tappahannock, VA 22560 (804) 443-2002
Dakota Cobblers Shoppe* 7068 Longview Drive Hayes, VA 23072 (804) 642-4138
TOWING Peaco Towing Inc.* 6906 School Ave. Richmond, Va 23228 804-262-1001 BIKER CHURCHES
Kampers Lodge Campground* 3465 Highway 301 N Wilson, NC 27893 (252) 237-0905 www.kamperslodge.com
Virginia
CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTING & EMBROIDERY
Outlanders River Camp* 4253 US Hwy 211 West Luray, VA (540) 743-5540 www.outlandersrivercamp.net
LIMOSINE SERVICES
Goochland Restaurant * 2966 River Rd West Goochland, VA 23063 (804) 556-9990

995 Kempsville Rd. Virginia beach, VA 23464 Gullivers Cross Flight Restaurant* 11931 Centre Street Chester, VA 23831 (804) 796-3259 www.gulliverscrossflites.com
PSDTEEZ (757) 595-5525 www.psdteez.com
Grumpys Bar & Grill*
KNIVES & TACTICAL EQUIPMENT
Down Under Limosine (804) 784-4024 Serving Central Virginia www.downunderlimosine.com

MOTORHOMES & RVs
Liberty Biker Church* 17011 Courthouse Hwy Isle of Wight County, VA Hang-around (social) time: 10 a.m. with free donuts and coffee. Worship service: 11 a.m. with Christian rock band Stronghold providing the church music. Contact is Pastor Jim Manner, (757) 376-3612. We hold services every Sunday & Blessing of the Bikes the 1st Sunday of each month.
Rushing Wind Ministry 29025 Three Notch Rd. Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Gordon Bacon, Preacher (240) 577-0605 bfcgordon@yahoo.com Sunday service 10am-10:30am. Gathering and fellowship with coffee and snacks. Wednesday Bible study 7pm-8:30 & Friday night bike night 6:30pm-10pm
Blades & Barrels Contact us to be a vendor at your event BladesAndBarrels51@yahoo.com (804) 243-6756
Freedom R.V. Rentals & Sales 11256 Old Telegraph Rd Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-3379 www.FreedomRV.com
PERSONAL SERVICES
HOOTERS Richmond West Broad * 7912 West Broad Street (804) 270-WING
Padows Hams and Deli A Tradition of Taste since 1934 8161 Atlee Road Mechanicsville, VA 23111 804-569-1610 hanoverhams@aol.com
MOTORCYCLE RACES & EVENTS SIGNS * BANNERS * GRAPHICS
Slades Park Dirt Drag Racing 1111 Mount Ray Drive Surry, Virginia 23883 Contact Joe Brookman (804) 221-3959 or fax (804) 737-0616
Kuttin Station * For ALL your hair needs! 20820 Carson Rd Dinwiddie, VA 23841 Biker Specials! (804) 469-9003
Wright Sign Service* 8008 Hankins Industrial Park Rd Toano, VA 23188 phone (757) 566-8329 fax (757) 566-8636 wsart@wrightsign.com
MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
Quaker Steak and Lube* www.thelube.com 3 Locations 12832 Jefferson Ave.* Newport News, VA (757) 874-LUBE (5823) & 8000 Broad St.* Richmond, VA (804) 217-WING & 1300 Central Park Blvd* Fredericksburg, VA (540) 786-4688
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson* 213 Rolling Thunder Lane Staunton, VA 24401 (540) 213-8026 www.shenandoahhd.com
POWDER COATING J & J Powder Coating* 2424 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 1101 Virginia Beach, VA. 23456 (757) 406-2922
* Pick up your FREE copy of Thunder Roads at these locations
When your dog is your best friend
Hot Plates
News Bytes
PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS REPEAL OF KIDS MOTORCYCLE BAN President Barack Obama signed a bipartisan consumer safety bill on August 12 that exempts youth-sized motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 that bans childrens products that contain lead. H.R. 2715, introduced by U.S. Representatives Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), passed near-unanimously in the House 421-2 on Aug. 1 and was approved by unanimous consent by the Senate later that day. The measure excludes kids off-road vehicles from the overly-broad CPSIA lead certification rules, which previously prohibited their sale due to lead content of components such as batteries and brakes. This law is a win-win for American consumers and the American economy, said Congresswoman Bono Mack, and I thank the President for signing this critically important bill into law. Be sure to contact your federal legislators and thank them for rectifying the onerous Lead Law bike ban, and for supporting the rights of millions of off-road enthusiasts and future motorcyclists. highways is to assure that all riders wear a DOT compliant helmet. He further stated that, A grant program emphasizing the use of motorcycle helmets would be effective in reducing fatalities. Last year, in response to Congressional testimony from Strickland that increased helmet use is the core component of NHTSAs motorcycle safety plan, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced a resolution urging NHTSA to concentrate on motorcycle crash prevention and rider education instead of lobbying for helmet laws. U.S. MOTORCYCLE MARKET RESEARCH Research and Markets, a worldwide marketing research resource, has announced the addition of the Motorcycle Dealers report to their offering of over 718,000 global marketing research reports, which covers nearly 4,300 motorcycle-related stores in the United States with combined annual revenue of $18 billion. According to their industry research, no major companies dominate; most companies have a single retail outlet, The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate just 10 percent of industry sales, states the report. Under the Competitive Landscape heading, the R&M report says: Discretionary personal income and interest rates drive demand, since motorcycles are high-ticket purchases and often financed. The profitability of individual companies depends on volume and sales of higher-margin goods like heavyweight motorcycles. Large dealers have advantages in broad inventory selections and negotiating power with manufacturers. Small dealers can compete effectively by providing superior customer service or offering unique services, like bike customization. The report further observes that, Major competitors include private market sellers, other recreational vehicle dealers, service center chains, and independent service shops. Other key topics include: Industry Overview, Business Challenges & Trends, Industry Forecast & Opportunities, and Products, Operations & Technology: For those in the motorcycle industry or starting a motorcycle business, or interested in better understanding the two-wheel marketplace, check them out at www.researchandmarkets.com. R&M has also conducted numerous other motorcycle-oriented marketing reports, including a Global Industry Guide and a Global Motorcycle Report, which examines market conditions across Western Europe, North America as well as key emerging countries such as China and India.
ABATE OF MICHIGAN REQUESTS YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION This urgent Call To Action is on behalf of ABATE of Michigan, requesting the help of all motorcyclists in their fight for freedom. Senate Bill 291 passed the Michigan Senate in late June, writes ABATE President Vince Consiglio. We are asking all rights activists to send a post card to Michigans Governor, Rick Snyder, urging him to support motorcycle helmet choice for adults. Consiglio further advises that; A postcard from a FREE state may help him realize that Michigan loses motorcycle money every day of the summer with a mandatory helmet law. Governor Snyder prides himself on being all about business and helping business. Please urge Governor Snyder to support adult choice. MAIL to: Governor Rick Snyder, State Capital, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909 or call (517) 373-3400 or e-mail Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov. Michigan is one of 20 states with a mandatory helmet law for all riders, but before the state legislature broke for the summer the Senate voted 24-14 on June 28th to repeal their 40-year old helmet requirement for motorcyclists 21 or older, who have been riding for at least two years or passes a safety test, and have $100,000 in personal injury insurance. A sunset provision would cause the ban on helmetless riding to resume in five years, unless the legislature acts again. The heavilyamended measure now moves to the House of Representa- NEW REPORT REVEALS THAT 1 IN 7 DRIVERS ARE tives for further action. UNINSURED Summer is the time for road trips, long motorcycle rides and making those back-and-forth trips NHTSA (AGAIN) PUSHES HELMET LAWS to the playground and pool. Chances are drivers will not NHTSA Administrator David Strickland has testified once be involved in a vehicle accident during these travels, but again before a Congressional committee urging federal everyone likely will be involved in at least one car accident action to get motorcyclists to wear helmets. On July 27, in his or her lifetime. Across the United States, chances are during a reauthorization hearing on the National Highway roughly one in seven that a driver is uninsured, according Traffic Safety Administration, Strickland told a subcommitto estimates released in April from the Insurance Research tee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science Council. The economic downturn is thought to be a major & Transportation that the most important step we can take factor in the increase of uninsured motorists, with apto reduce the deaths of motorcyclists on our roads and proximately 13.8% of U.S. drivers being uninsured in 2009
News Bytes
HELMET AND ACCOUSTICS RESEARCH COULD QUIET THE RIDE After accelerating, most of the sound that a rider can hear isnt from the bike engine or other vehicles on the road, but from the air rushing over and around their helmet. Noise levels inside a helmet can reach rock-concert levels when traveling at highway speeds, and a group of engineers and psychologists from two U.K. universities have gathered to study how to minimize helmet noise to protect riders from hearing damage and reduce the potential distraction that noise poses to riders. Their research paper, which has been accepted for publication by The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, says that riders experience noise from SAFEST STATES TO RIDE multiple sources. First is the engine noise, which is a relaAccording to a statistical analysis from TheStreet.com finan- tively insignificant factor once riders accelerate to highway cial website, the safest state to ride in is North Dakota, with speeds. Audible wind noise can reach volumes as high as a fatality rate nearly a third the national average, low levels 115 decibels or more, roughly equivalent to what power saw of congestion and high quality road surfaces. In an article operators without ear protection would hear. OSHA recomThe Safest States for Motorcycles in the August 1st Busimends limiting such exposure to 15 minutes or less per ness Section, writer Greg Emerson points out that, The day. Turbulent air buffeting off the motorcycle windshield is truth is that motorcycle riding is up. Way up. Between 1996 another source of noise, as is air rushing around the chin and 2005, motorcycle registrations increased 61% while ve- bar of the helmet. Theres another type of sound experihicle miles traveled of motorcycles grew only 8.6%, accord- enced by riders, called body conducted sound. Aboard a ing to the Department of Transportations Federal Highway motorcycle, this process transmits engine vibrations and the Administration. That means a lot of new riders, riding not percussive force of the wind through the flesh and bone to very far or not very often. In an effort to help keep all those the ear. Earplugs dont stop it, and it can be significant. weekend warriors looking to get on a bike and go riding Another topic under investigation by the Bath group is how from losing their heads, we looked at the most recent fatal- sound impacts attention, and one experiment measured ity data -- from 2009 -- to determine which states were the how different volumes of sound impaired a test subjects safest for the aspiring Evel Knievels among us. We ranked peripheral vision. While riders and others recognize that all 50 states and the District of Columbia to see which ones noise can be a serious health issue, many U.S. jurisdictions had the smallest proportion of motorcycle deaths as a proprohibit the use of earplugs or other noise-reducing devicportion of total traffic deaths. Half of the states fall below es. One long road trip could take a rider through numerous the national average of 15.4%, and half above. Here are the changes in local laws. 10 states with the lowest ratio of rider fatalities: Tenth-safest: Vermont - Motorcyclist fatalities: 68; ProporNIGERIA BANS MOTORCYCLES IN TERROR-STRUCK CITY tion of total vehicle deaths: 11.8% Officials in Maiduguri, Nigerias seventh largest city and Eighth-safest (tie): Virginia - Motorcyclist fatalities: 671; capital of northeastern Borno State, has banned motorbikes Proportion of total vehicle deaths: 11.5% in a bid to curb militant activities borne on the backs of Eighth-safest (tie): Kentucky - Motorcyclist fatalities: 745; these ubiquitous vehicles. Motorcycles and Okada (motorProportion of total vehicle deaths: 11.5% cycle taxis) are the predominant mode of transportation in Seventh-safest: Missouri - Motorcyclist fatalities: 806; Prothe mostly impoverished city, and members of the Motorportion of total vehicle deaths: 10.8% cycle Transport Union have protested the ban on their liveliSixth-safest: Wyoming - Motorcyclist fatalities: 129; Propor- hood, but the Borno State government is desperate to crack tion of total vehicle deaths: 10.1% down on Boko Haram, an extremely orthodox Islamist sect Fifth-safest: Alabama - Motorcyclist fatalities: 776; Proporthat is seeking to overthrow the secular government in favor tion of total vehicle deaths: 9.8% of a Muslim state. The terrorist group has become known Fourth-safest: West Virginia - Motorcyclist fatalities: 334; for brazen public attacks conducted while riding motorbikes, Proportion of total vehicle deaths: 7.5% and has killed at least 40 people including police officers Third-safest: Mississippi - Motorcyclist fatalities: 632; Proand politicians in drive-by motorbike attacks. portion of total vehicle deaths: 7.4% Second-safest: Nebraska - Motorcyclist fatalities: 211; ProQUOTABLE QUOTE: Useless laws weaken the necesportion of total vehicle deaths: 7.1% sary laws. -Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755), French Safest: North Dakota - Motorcyclist fatalities: 135; Proporphilosopher and political thinker tion of total vehicle deaths: 5.2% despite laws in most states requiring drivers to maintain minimum coverage. In a new study, Uninsured Motorists, 2011 edition, the IRC estimates the percentage of uninsured drivers countrywide and in individual states for 2008 and 2009 based on the number of uninsured motorist insurance claims versus the number of bodily injury claims. In 2009, the five states with the highest uninsured driver estimates were Mississippi, 28%; New Mexico, 26%; Tennessee, 24%; Oklahoma, 24%; and Florida, 24%. The five states with the lowest uninsured driver estimates were Massachusetts, 4.5%; Maine, 4.5%; New York, 5%; Pennsylvania, 7%; and Vermont, 7%.
Tattoos Of The Month

Happy September eveerybody! Fall is on the way and I have to be honest, I am glad. I has been so hot I am ready for a break. First I want to shout out to Kelly and Randy and say Happy 2 months. I had the honor of marrying these two lovebirds and it was a beautiful wedding. While we were waiting for the limo to arrive with the wedding party it had started raining hard and we all got under the little entrance into the Oriental Gardens. One of the men sharing the area with me, looked at me and said, Would you please say a quick prayer to the Man Upstairs and ask Him to please stop the rain until the wedding is over? Im sure you are on His better side more than I am. I said Sure and then I looked up and said, Lord, if you would stop the rain for the wedding I would sure appreciate it and then you can let it rain cats and dogs if You want to, Amen I looked at this man and winked and gave him thumbs up. About 1 or 2 minutes later the rain stopped. The man looked at me in amazement. I just stood there and acted like I knew that was going to happen but I was really thinking, Wow Lord!. As soon as the wedding was over and the wedding party started loading up the limo, the bottom dropped out and it really did rain cats and dogs! What an awesome lesson in faith. Where has faith gone? We had a man named Robert to get healed from back pain in our church and when you tell people this, they either look at you like you have lost your mind or think you are telling a lie. Thats very sad. Look at the woman in Matthew 9:20-22 who had the issue of blood for 12 years. Come on now, we are all adults here, right? She probably had endometriosis, but back then it wasnt named yet. She was considered unclean. Now you know for 12 years, she had to come out of her house sometime and Im sure the town people got the heck away from her. She was considered discustingly nasty. But her faith is what kept her saying,If I can just touch the hem if His garment, I will be made whole. She crawled on the ground so no one would notice her in the crowd. If they would see her, more than likely, they would never let her get to Jesus. So she crawled in the dust and dirt, being stepped on, getting dirt in her face and mouth. But her faith carried her through the crowd to the hem of Jesus garment. She didnt even have to touch Him, for Him to know she was there. Just as soon as she touched it, Jesus looked down at her and said, Woman, your faith has made you whole. Man, thats what I call faith! So where did that kind of faith go? You set your own story. If you dont have faith, then your prayers will never happen. If you dont believe in healing, then you will never see it happen. I have a friend waiting for the lab results to come in to tell him if he has leukemia. He has already told the children that his mother died with it and he would probably die of it too. He has spoken a bad word or curse over himself, even before he was ever diagnosed. The Bible says we should speak life and healing over ourselves and others. When ever I pray for a healing, I speak to the affected part and speak life, not death over it. I order the infection or alliment to be gone, in the Name of Jesus. The Bible speaks two things about faith...to have it and to keep it! Remember, it only takes faith the size if a mustard seed to move a mountain. Do you know how tiny a mustard seed is? God bless you all and remember, God loves you and so do I! Pastor Tammy PS If youve never eaten at Grumpys, then you need to. The food there is out of this world and the staff is wonderful!
Pastor Tammy Hayes preaches at New Creation in Christ Ministries in Dinwiddie, Virginia, a member of IPHC. She received a full ordination in non-denomination and is currently working on her ordination in Pentecostal Holiness. You can obtain information about the church on the website www.newcreationinchristministries.us
Connect with Us 1 (800) 525-LOVE (5683) Every day, God uses K-LOVE to make a difference in millions of lives. By providing positive music and inspirational stories, K-LOVE helps people draw closer to God. Unlike other radio stations, K-LOVE has a full time ministry team that processes over 100 phone calls a day of listeners in need of guidance. The pastors and staff at K-LOVE pray for over 1,000 prayer requests every day, and on average, intervene in one suicide case per day. If K-LOVE has impacted your life, it is because generous listeners stepped out on faith to support the ministry of K-LOVE. We ask that you also take that step of faith and enable us to continue making a positive difference in our world. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. (Proverbs 13:20 NLT) Thunder Roads Virginia is a K-LOVE Business Team Member. Find a stationnear you at www.klove.com THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 39
Great Places To Ride

Alleghany Highlands Driving Routes
Enjoy some of the most undisturbed, natural beauty this area of the state has to offer by following scenic Route 39 up steep mountains and along deep gorges. Begin with a leisurely walk through the hilly streets of Lexington, home to historic sites and universities. Start your drive west on Route 39 and head out of town. Before long youll come upon the Virginia Horse Center, a modern facility that operates year-round and hosts horse shows, auctions, festivals and educational clinics. Its truly a horse lovers haven that offers an opportunity to learn about an animal that has been domesticated since ancient times and that has a place in the history of practically every culture and country the world over. From this point, as the elevation increases, youll come to Goshen Pass. Here youll find easy access to roadside pulloffs from where you might spot someone fishing or enjoying a kayak ride. These are perfect spots for a picnic followed by some relaxation as you daydream to the soothing sounds of the Maury Rivers rippling waters. As you continue, youll enter the George Washington National Forest, surrounded by natural beauty and a world at peace with itself. Pretty soon, youve entered the town of Warm Springs. It got its name from the natural mineral springs that maintain a 98-degree temperature year round. In fact, you might just want to try a dip in the Warm Springs Pools and theres no need to ask anyone if the waters cold. As you continue on Route 39 toward the West Virginia border, youll pass the Hidden Valley Recreation Area and Blowing Springs Recreation Area, providing opportunities for camping, hiking and fishing.
Motorcycle Security
Lastly, use other vehicles as additional obstacles. Make the thief hoist your motorcycle over the car if he wants it that bad. Disable Your Bike Locking your bike to something stops a thief from lifting it into a truck and Lock It hauling it away, but you can also temporarily disable the motorcycle to keep Keeping Your Bike 101, first day of class, lesson one: Lock it, or you just someone from riding it away. might lose it. A determined, professional thief may get your motorcycle no This can be as simple as removing the main fuse and dropping it into your matter what you do, but plenty of motorcycles are stolen by opportunistic pocket after you park. Some owners install hidden cut-out switches that dismiscreants. able the ignition. Just tap a secret switch onto the existing kill switch circuit. Your fork lock is just a start. Adding a disc lock is better. But why stop Got fuel injection? A switch that cuts power to the fuel pump will keep the there? Use a strong, motorcycle U-lock and a chain to attach your bike to a engine from firing. solid object, or another motorcycle. Looping the chain through the frame is The key is to hide these anti-theft measures so that the thief runs out of better than draping it through the wheel, which can be removed. patience and abandons the bike before finding them. Make the chain as tight as possible to offer less access for bolt-cutters, Choose Parking Spots Carefully and dont let it drape on the ground, where it can be chiseled. Put the locks In a parking lot, dont park next to a panel truck, van or other vehicle that in hard-to-reach spotsif its more work for you to put the lock on, its more can conceal thieves at work. For the same reason, try to choose a spot work for a thief to get it off. Maybe hell move on to an easier target. where thieves cannot intentionally use their stolen-bike transporter to block On some bikes, you can lock down the centerstand, so the motorcycle the view of your motorcycle. cannot be dropped off the stand and rolled or ridden away. On the road, ask the motel operator if you can park by the front door, A lever lock on the clutch adds another layer of hassle for the thief, espewithin sight of an all-night desk clerk. When you can, pick a ground-floor cially if you leave the bike in gear, unbolt the shift lever and take it with you. room with a parking spot right outside the door. And remember that the same chain you use to secure your bike can also Weve heard of motel guests making a homemade alarm of sorts by secure your gear. Run the chain through your helmet and jacket sleeve so perching a glass ash tray out of sight on top of the rear wheel. Itll clatter to you wont have to carry them around all day. the asphalt if someone tampers with the motorcycle. Cover It Be Wary of Test Rides No, a motorcycle cover wont stop a determined thief. But it might mean Some thieves pose as buyers of used bikes. AMA member Bob Krus was your bike attracts less of the wrong kind of attention. So after youve locked selling his off-road motorcycle a few years ago, and a potential buyer showed it, cover it. A plain cover is best. After all, the purpose is not to advertise your loyalty to up after dark, on foot, claiming a friend had dropped him off at the corner. The buyer took off on a test ride. When he didnt come back, Krus chased a particularly valuable brand of motorcycle, but to avoid letting thieves know him down. Krus got the bike back, but he only caught the guy because the what youve got. A cover with metal grommets can be locked in place to help buyer got lost on unfamiliar streets. keep prying eyes away, and to prevent the cover itself from being stolen. Buyer beware has always been good advice, but sellers should be Consider an Alarm careful, too. Instead of a test ride, some sellers get payment first and offer a An alarm in conjunction with a lock can be a difficult combination for a money-back guarantee if the buyer brings the motorcycle back in the same thief, especially if the alarm is hidden. Cutting chains and removing locks is likely to set off the alarm, which could stop a theft attempt before it succeeds. condition within an hour. Its a no-risk test ride for both sides. If you let someone test-ride your bike, at least ask for identification. Take But what if your bike is parked where you cant hear the alarm? What down the persons drivers license number and the license plate number of if you live where nobody pays attention to screaming vehicles any more the vehicle in which the person arrived, and gather any other information because theyre always blaring false alarms? possible. Simple. Get an alarm with a pager that notifies you when someone tamMark Your Territory pers with your bike. If all else fails, and your bike is stolen, at least dont make the thiefs job Some riders find that an alarm attached to a cover can be really effective. easier. Professionals nab bikes so they can break them down into parts, Lift the cover, and the noise starts. obliterate the VIN numbers and resell them here or overseas. If the thieves Dont Be a Show-Off get caught, you stand a better chance of getting your bike or parts back if Some people are so proud of their bikes that they park them in the front yard for everyone to admire. That just makes it easier for thieves to case your youve marked them so police can identify them. Consider marking your ride. Always park your bike inside a garage if possible. Keep the door closed drivers license number or other identification in hidden locations on key parts, and consider covering the windows. If you must park outside, use a cover.Its such as the engine and frame. In addition, make sure you can quickly put your hands on all the pertinent simple: The more your bike is out of sight, the more its out of a thiefs mind. information about your bike, especially the VIN and license plate numbers. Reinforce Your Garage The more time that passes before police have this information, the less Use your lock and/or alarm in your garage, just the same as elsewhere. chance you have of recovering your motorcycle. Dont leave documents, But dont stop there. Beef up your garage security as well. such as the registration, on the motorcycle, but have it handy. It also helps if Dont confuse a garage-door opener with a lock. A simple lock on the you have a photograph of the bike so police know what theyre looking for. frame inside the door will keep it from opening unless the thief seriously Lastly mangles it. And by then, he might have created enough noise to wake you And finally, make sure you have theft coverage on your bike and accesup. Installing a U-bolt in the garage floor gives you an easy way to lock your sories. Dont assume your homeowners or renters insurance will cover a bike. Want more protection? Consider a baby monitor. Put the monitor in your garage and the receiver in your bedroom, and youre less likely to sleep vehicle stolen where you liveit likely wont. Insurance wont keep your bike from getting stolen, but at least it makes through a theft attempt. the aftermath a little less traumatic. If youre really serious, you can extend your home security system to Following all of these ideas is no guarantee your motorcycle wont be include the garage. Some people even mount a closed-circuit video camera stolen, but it will greatly improve your odds. so they can check on their bikes from inside the house.
Article By Terri T Collier, TRM Oklahoma Pics By Mark and Jessica
STURGIS AT 71 YEARS
clean their bikes free of charge. It was wonderful. On our first morning out we were headed to one of the many breakfast locations set up in each town to serve hundreds of people, raising funds for local charities and non-profit organizations. We learned throughout the week, that most of the funds used are to help the youth in the area. From church groups to FFA projects, our good time is helping the local youth greatly. I met a local, John, serving breakfast who brought his vests which display patches from every one of the 71 years of Sturgis. He says when he passes, it will go to the Sturgis Museum. Wowwhat an honor to put that vest on! This first morning on bikes and putting down the hill towards town, also included a large snake making his way across the road. I have to admit that snakes are NOT my thing! I suddenly lost every bit of the cool Id set out to display on this first day cruising Sturgis. Bike stopped, arms flailing about, screaming S-N-A-K-E does not make for a cool biker chick image! Perhaps thats why the snake, as big as a truck with fangs as large as my bike itself, slowly slithered right on across the road and into the ditch never even noticing me and my pack following behind. Back on our way, breakfasts in our bellies, we set out for a destination, Hulett, WY and Devils Tower, which wed not been able to make the year before as wed gone on No Panties Wednesday and the traffic was backed up for miles. We traveled out of Sturgis for about 40 miles til we hit a bump in the road called Alladdin. A cool little town has a population of 15. The old general store was packed with bikers enjoying cold beverages, shade and shopping. On to Hulett, we rolled right in to town, which was just waking up to Bike Week,
Oh Sturgis! The mecca, the pilgrimage, the mother lode, the crme de la crme, trailer week, the best damned biker rally in the entire worldcall it what youd likeits an extraordinarily fun time, super weather and gorgeous scenery! For 71 wonderful years, Sturgis, SD and the Black Hills area has hosted bikers from around the world to a week of riding, partying, shopping, buying, racing, sight-seeing and hanging out with friends old and new. This years Sturgis Bike Week began about a week prior to the official advertised dates. Many people have begun traveling to Sturgis a week in advance to beat the large crowds. Theyve learned that, while all vendors may not be there yet, most of them are and ready to show their products. We arrived on the first Friday prior to the official date and the town of Sturgis was wide awake! No excuses made, we pulled the bikes this year and camped in our friends toy hauler at a wonderful camp right downtown on a hill overlooking Sturgis. Sturgis RV Park or Mt. Rodney, as it is also called, has a beautiful facility including a large bath house, bar, general store and even provided a bike wash area with everything anyone needed to
had a few cold drinks and rode right up to Devils Tower with no lines. This days ride was a beautiful loop along a fairly easy ride route. Riding out East of Sturgis the following day towards The Chip, Full Throttle and Glencoe Camp, we had breakfast at the High School. Reviewing the map, (many are provided of the area, showing skill ratings on the routes) we were ready for some more curves and sights and chose a Southern route. My friend, Jessica, has a National Parks and Monuments Passport, which she has stamped wherever we go. On this day we set out to stamp Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. We headed straight South out of Sturgis down Vanocker Canyon into a dot on the map called Nemo. Finding Nemo was fun through the high skill rated curves and turns, but there wasnt a fish in sight in this little tiny town that was more of a campground and another general store than anything else. We enjoyed some ice cold cream sodas and jumped back on the road to more curves including some of most difficult level which would have been a blast had the slow codgers in front of me have cranked the throttle a little more. Out of there, we hit Hill City where we gassed and shot out for our next rest stop in Custer. What a great town. I love how we are always
greeted by a man costumed in cavalry attire waving a giant Custer flag welcoming the riders in. Im especially fond of his tipping his hat to us lady riders. A good break at the Gold Pan Saloon and we were on the road South where we enjoyed a little hike and a jaunt through the buffalo and prairie dogs to reach the caves. About that time, we had our eyes peeled to the boiling clouds in the sky and the tornado warnings on the phone. That made it the best time to stop in Hot Springs for some dinner and wait out the passing afternoon hail, rain and high winds. The following day, we did a little tour of the town of Sturgis. There isnt one thing motorcycle related that I couldnt buy along Main or Lazelle Streets downtown. Not only can we buy almost anything, anyone, who is anyone in motorcycling, is in attendance with their large show trucks and displays. I swung by Baker Transmission for a little adjustment which they were able to do right there on the spot in minutes. We werent able to see everything on the first day of roaming and shopping, but did finish up on the day before we left. One very fun thing that I did, was the Harley-Davidson Simulated Drag Race. They set up two bikes side by side, run out a light tree and off we go, tearing thru gears and revving motors in neck to neck competition. The winner gets a certificate and an entry into the World Championship which gets you a chance to win a trip to HarelyDavidson in Milwaukee. I only missed winning the certificate by .06 of a second! Dang it. The real fun on this day came when we Thunder Roads Magazine Editors, referred to as Thunder Heads by our founder, Toni, all met up at Full Throttle Saloon. We had been asked to join the Full Throttle Owner, Michael Ballard, there for a shot on the next seasons tv show. We had about 50 Thunder Roads Magazine editors, ad reps, friends, family and readers meet up at the school bus bar and wait for Michael as instructed. I shot out a text to his phone letting him know we had arrived. I then shot another a few minutes later since Id not heard from him. I had asked a bartender to let him know we were in the house as well, as hed instructed. Many minutes later, still no Michael. Getting impatient, I then searched out the camera crew to let them know we were there. They brought the cameras over and set up at one point and we just knew that Michael must be on his way. Low and behold, time passed, many unreturned texts and calls were made, the cameras moved over to shoot the more than hilarious midget boxing and wrestling, but still no Michael. After a few hours and plenty to see and do in Full Throttle, our discouraged Thunder Heads began to trickle away and we joined
the rest of the partiers at the Throttle. Knowing this isnt how Michael is, Mama Thunder shot an email to him. He returned a call to her a few days later to let her know that his phone had dropped in a beer trough and therefore he didnt receive our messages to join us. He was very apologetic and offered for us to come back out, but by then we had all taken off for home. We did appreciate his offer of hospitality and hope to do more with him in the future. His place is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and has more things to see and do than you could ever imagine. From drinking to burnouts, to dancing to zipline, to concerts to bull riding, its all there in one gigantic outdoor bar/mini-own environment. We had an absolute blast while there! The morning sun rose quickly the next day as we popped off to Deadwood to meet up with the group from Big Dog Biker forum. I ride a Big Dog Chopper and am on a forum on-line, www.bigdogbiker.com in which Big Dog Motorcycle enthusiasts all chat, work on bikes and gain friendships and riding buddies. This was the 5th year in which the forum men and women had met up to ride down hwy 385 to Hill City where we are served a wonderful lunch at the KOA camp. It was fun to see some of my buddies from this forum and celebrate that we can still enjoy our Big Dogs regardless of the closing of the company. From there, we were on our own for the day where we proceeded on through the mountainous roads to Mt Rushmore. One of the greatest things about Bike Week in Sturgis is that within a days ride we can reach so many National monuments, parks and nationally known sites such as Crazy Horse. We ended our day with a trip by Rapid City to the Harley dealership where we ran into our friend Rod Brakhage who was very busy at his booth installing EZ Ups center stands and Wheeldock wheel chocks. He said he had a very successful booth this year. The following day, brought a bit of a celebration as we were able to attend the AMD World Championship Bike Show Awards Presentation. We were able to watch a Thunder Roads Magazine OK fan, Dar Holdsworth, of Darwin Motorcycles LLC who builds Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers pick up First Place Trophy in the Production Class! What a nice feeling to be able to see one of our own do well in a world championship competition. That celebration was covered by an evening of partying in downtown. We hit some of the local establishments including the Broken Spoke Saloon where we again got to see Dar present the winning bike which is being given away. Broken Spoke allowed him to sell raffle tickets on the bike raising funds for Pros 4 Vets. It was also S&S
Motor night in which they gave away a brand new motor. Although I was only 5 ticket numbers away, I didnt walk away with the new motor. However, we did get to meet the new president of S&S. The biggest bonus to the day was to meet Rick Petko, former OCC builder. Rick, just like the rest of us, was simply out riding and partying in Sturgis, enjoying the sights and sounds of the week. We took one more easy ride day the following day as we rode a short distance East and North of Sturgis to Bear Butte and lake. I had been told that the Bear Butte was a very spiritual spot where many locals went for peace and prayer. Once we had passed the gates of the park, through a herd of buffalo and up to the visitors center at the base of the butte, I understood why Id been told this. A very rich history of Native American culture stands at this site. I found it most interesting that in 1858 the Bear Butte Council Meeting, according to oral history, had as many as 30,000 horses brought to the meeting by those riding in. Here I stood, over 150 years later, among more than 30,000 iron horses brought to the nearby town for the rally. We wrapped up the afternoon and early evening at the AHDRA Drag Races just a bit down the road. There is nothing like motorcycles blazing down an eighth mile dragstrip at nearly 200 mph. Burning rubber and nitro is such a sweet scented cocktail!!! Seemed like little time had passed, before we were waking and throwing a leg over our steel steeds on the way down the
curvy, marvelous sites through Spearfish Canyon. We took our time on this day as we knew it would be our final day of riding before returning home. Spearfish canyon is a road that runs parallel to a beautiful creek alongside tall rock walls and tree covered mountains. It is always a breathtaking ride. To top it off, the stop at Bridal Veil Water Fall, while cramped for parking during Bike Week, its well worth the view and photo op! On the way back to Sturgis, we took a side road that wed overheard someone chatting about. It took us about 10 miles down a very scenic road that turned into gravel at a town named Rochford. There we found the coolest little town with not much more than a bar and grill which was established in 1862. It is called Moonshine Gulch. We pulled in amongst the 30 or so bikes and immediately smelled the wonderful hamburgers grilling. We were also greeted by the sound of a bluegrass band picking as well as a large smiley face created by a burnout in the middle of the highway. This place is a hidden secret that Im sure we will return to again. Yes. You can say that we had one tremendously wonderful time in Sturgis and the Black Hills area. We all discussed that, regardless of the rally going on or not, this is definitely a place anyone can enjoy with or without rally. Its a great break from the over 100 temps of the Southern states at its mid-summer heat averages 85 degrees!
The People Of Walmart
The Extended Pony: I cant tell if thats a sweet ponytail or simply his back hair creeping up onto his head. Whichever the case is, Im a huge fan!
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Saving Some For Later: Maam, you seem to have left something dangling from your behind. Oh, and while your taking the time to remove it, why dont you try to think about what you did to your husband that he would let you walk around like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey all day.
La-Z-Boys: Now thats what I call an easy rider!
Marco: Ahh yes, I see you guys are car pooling huh?
Check out more of these Special Shoppers at www.peopleofwalmart.com

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Absolut Cycle Worx....................................................................................30 ASX Motorcycle Parts.............................................................................25 Awful Arthurs Restaurant & Raw Bar...................................................27 Big Daddyz Cycles.................................................................20 Bikers Depot...........................................................................................11 Blades & Barrels......................................................................................38 Cavellis...............................................................................................17 Cycle Thunder.........................................................................................30 Dakota Cobblers....................................................................................35 Dennis Truck & Trailer Repair.................................................................20 Departure Bike Works.........................................................................20 Down Under Limosine................................................................................25 Freedom R.V. Rental & Sales................................................................27 Goochland Restaurant............................................................................25 Groves Winchester Harley-Davidson....................................................28 Grumpys.................................................................................................15 Gullivers Crossflight Restaurant.............................................................11 Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson.............................Outside Back Cover Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson Craigs List Guy................................42 Kampers Lodge.......................................................................................38 Liberty Biker Church...............................................................................17 Outlanders River Camp/Outlanders..........................................................1 PSD TEEZ...............................................................................................35 Quaker Steak and Lube.........................................................................30 Rick Preacher Saunders Devotional...................................................20 Ride For Pink (Event)........................Outside Front Cover & Calendar Top The Blue Heron.......................................................................................28 The Ville..................................................................................................34 TO-DO-CAF...................................................................................17 Tom McGraths Motorcycle Law Group............................Inside Front Cover Wright Sign Service................................................................................17
Advertisers Index September 2011
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I recently took a class at a conference on the parking of vehicles on highways and roadways during an emergency situation. It was extremely informative, these types of classes usually are. During one of the many videos that we viewed during the class, I noticed that there was a motorcycle police officer that was working an accident on a busy suburban boulevard, along with other emergency vehicles on the scene. Many emergency vehicles are the target of secondary collisions at the original accident
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Office phone: (757) 831-2264 Email:kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.com

THUNDER ROADS VIRGINIAs ROAD CREW

Covering the state of Virginia

William Day Wild Bill (804) 814-8498 Thunderroadswildbill@yahoo.com

On Eagles Wings Reverend Rocky Angone

Pastor Tammy Hayes

Suzanne Otwell thunderroadssuzanne@gmail.com (540) 554-2308

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Parking Gates vs. Motorcycles

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SEND US YOUR HOTS SHOTS!!! Email your pictures to: kelly@thunderroads-virginia.com .

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10% Senior Citizens Discount

10% Military Discount

$40,000 Tire And A Million Dollar Experience

Get into a higher spiritual gear!

Worship service: 11 a.m. on Sundays

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Virginia Legislative Round Table - Richmond, VA

CALLING ALL REDNECK COOKS

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Ride For Pink

Dirt Drags @ Slades Park

Sherry Parker Memorial Poker Run & Bike Show

Fraternal Order of Eagles Poker Run

Alzheimers Research Saturday, October 8, 2011

Pig Roast to Follow Event with DJ Raffles and Prizes

Riders $10.00 Passengers $5.00 Registration 7:30 9:00 A.M.

More information: Contact: Shelley Crook: 757-373-4811 OR Bill Crook: 757-407-3903

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GOOD FOR YOU

White Trash Repairs

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SERVICE PARTS ACCESSORIES

www.cyclethunder.com 3110 West Leigh St Richmond VA

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BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

GEICO Powersports* Motorcycle, ATV, RV, Watercraft 1-800-44-CYCLE (442-9253) www.geico.com

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PSDTEEZ (757) 595-5525 www.psdteez.com

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When your dog is your best friend

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Tattoos Of The Month

Great Places To Ride