Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
OWNER / EDITOR
SALES:
Kelly Werrell
Thunder Roads Crew
SALES CREW
For information about advertising
in Thunder Roads, please contact our
Sales Manager, Beth Albert at (804) 536-1299 or
thunderroadsbeth@yahoo.com
You can also contact one of our Sales/
Correspondents within your neck of the woods:
North/Northeastern VA (including Orange,
Fredericksburg, Front Royal & Winchester)
DC, & Maryland
Beth Albert (804) 536-1299
thunderroadsbeth@yahoo.com
Central VA (inc. Richmond, Ashland, Petersburg,
Hopewell, Colonial Heights & Mechanicsville)
William Day “Wild Bill” (804) 814-8498
Thunderroadswildbill@yahoo.com
West/Northwestern VA (including Harrisonburg,
Charlottesville, Staunton, Waynesboro & Lexington)
Garth Hinz (540) 234-9120 or (540) 746-0747
thunderroadsgarth@yahoo.com
East/Southeastern VA (including South Hill,
Emporia, Hampton Roads, Williamsburg, the
Peninsula & the Eastern Shore)
Linda Barboza (757) 735-8737
thunderroadslinda@yahoo.com
South/Southwestern VA (including Lynchburg,
Danville, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Christiansburg,
Radford, Wytheville & Abingdon)
Steve “Bagz” Bagwell (434) 221-2010
thunderroadssteve@yahoo.com
Special Thanks to: Warren Ells - our wonderfully talented layout guy who designs
our pages & puts all the pieces together for us each month, Rod The Magnificent - for
his killer ad designs & 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 who’s never heard of us
1920 Centerville Turnpike, Suite 117-270
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Office phone: (757) 831-2264
Email:thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com
CONTENTS Greetings friends & fellow riders! Well, another
Website: www.thunderroads-virginia.com summer has come & gone – they pass by too quickly
anymore…wow. The month of September always brings
change into our lives in one form or another. Whether it’s
changes in schedules with the kids back in school, our
Calendar Of Events............................................4 own schedule since the lazy days of summer are over, or
the hint of a cooler breeze in the air as Fall approaches,
ROAD CREW we all somehow manage to adjust to it & settle into a
Proud To Be An American..............................8 different groove. Change can be a good thing & not only
does it provide freshness & possibly a new adventure for
Webmaster us but it also can provide us with new perspectives on
William C. Frohmiller www.WCFStudios.com Hot Shots..............................................................16 things that were right in front of us all along.
Speaking of change…I’d like to try & change the minds
of some of our readers out there about an issue that is
Layout & Design
Warren Ells – Art Director Thunder Pub KISS.....................................................................19 often brought up to me. There are many folks that think
we are strictly a “Harley” magazine. Yes, we do have
Rod the Magificent – Ad Design Harley dealerships who advertise with us & we do have
articles & information that go in from time to time about
Clubs & Organizations..................................33 Harley-Davidson motorcycles & products. We greatly
On Eagles Wings appreciate the tremendous support that Harley-Davidson
Reverend Rock has given to us. We are here for the ENTIRE motorcycle
Preacher Rick The Joker’s Wild..............................................36 community. Thunder Roads is geared not only towards
the Harley riders, but ALL of the riders with other makes
& models of motorcycles. You could ride a sport bike
Sound Check Biker Friendly Directory..............................40 (we’re working on getting more info in here for you folks),
BzGAL, Tigger & Apehanger a custom, an American made or even a foreign bike – it
Laurie Schober doesn’t matter to us at all what you ride. Each month
NCOM News Bytes..........................................43 we try to bring to you a variety of motorcycle related
information, as well as rides & events, club information,
Tech Tips businesses that you can go to who are “biker friendly”,
Aaron Johnson thunderroadsaaron@yahoo.com On Eagle’s Wings.............................................47 laughter for the soul (ok, so sometimes we have some
corny jokes too) and much more. Most importantly
though, is the great group of advertisers who place their
Writers/Photographers ads with us as an invitation to our readers to come on &
Beth Albert check out what they have to offer you. These businesses
Bo Albert are the ones we encourage you to go visit & patronize
Cathy Clare (BZgal) NATIONAL FOUNDERS – their advertising dollars make it happen for us each
Chris Rockhill (Tigger) Toni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon & every month of the year. In this day & age, there are
Cindy Mease 1421 Chapmansboro Road not many things that you can get for FREE anymore, but
Dave Sutton Chapmansboro, TN 37035 with the help of these businesses, we’re able to keep the
Corporate Office: 615-792-0040 magazine rolling so you can pick up your FREE copy at
DeAna Borza Fax: 615-792-7580 your local shops out on the road. We’re always trying to
Garth Hinz e-mail: thunderroads@charter.net find new places to send our magazine to so if you know
Kelly Werrell of any places in your neck of the woods that don’t carry
Linda Barboza us & you’d like to pick yours up there, drop us a line & let
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF ITS CONTENT MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT
Steve “Bagz” Bagwell WRITTEN PERMISSION. PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND IS NOT TO BE
us know who & where they are – we’ll take it from there.
Tim Wilmoth
HELD LIABLE FOR ERRORS BEYOND THE COST OF THE SPACE OCCUPIED BY THE ER-
ROR, SLANDER OF ANY GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL, FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE AS
SCHEDULED DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL, ANY AND ALL SUITS FOR LI- Don’t forget that October is “Biker Appreciation Month”
Randy Kidder ABLE, PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PER-
SON’S NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH. OPINIONS AND CLAIMS MADE BY ADVERTISERS AND
– we’re making a special issue just for you, the riders,
Ricky Derby AUTHORS ARE THEIR OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE POLICY OF who give so much
Wild Bill
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE OR THUNDER PUBLISHING. PUBLISHER DOES NOT PRO-
MOTE THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS. throughout the year to
help those in need. Be
* All articles & pictures within Thunder Roads are contributed sure to check it out!
May you all have lots
Helmet Laws By State
by our Crew or by freelance writers & photographers.
of love in your hearts,
CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE!!!
Looking for additional crew members in the peace in your lives &
plenty of wind in your
Lynchburg/Roanoke areas face….stay safe & we’ll
Contact Beth Albert for more info
see you next month!
(804) 526-1229 or thunderroadsbeth@yahoo.com
Kelly
before - You ALL are what keeps the Thunder rolling through the Mid-Atlantic!
 List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
Keep this line right on top of the yellow line of the
header on each event page: List your event @ www.
thunderroads-virginia.com Did you know that you can
have your event listed on our website & here in our print
calendar? Just go to our website, www.thunderroads-
virginia.com & complete the form - we’ll take care of the
rest. Or you can drop us a line @ thunderroadskelly@
yahoo.com. If emailing, be sure to list your event in
the subject line & then type in the body of the email,
exactly how you’d like your event to appear (date, name
of event, city/state taking place in & all the particulars).
Our deadlines are the 15th of each month for the
following month’s issue. It’s never too early to send
them in so as soon as you have all of your info…send
it on!
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sept 1st
Labor Day
Sept 5th – 7th Thunder In The Smokey's Fall Rally
- Maggie Valley NC www.handlebarcorral.com
Sept 6th & 7th 3rd Annual GEICO Powersports
Bikers for Tykes Motorcycle Rally - KOA
Kampground in Virginia Beach, Va. Featured
throughout the two-day event will be celebrities,
children’s activities, best bike contests, exhibits, a
tattoo contest, motorcycle product vendors, along
with entertainment and refreshments. To order
1-day or weekend tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.
com. GEICO encourages other organizations
and businesses to join the Bikers for Tykes
Rally effort. For more information, please email
BikersforTykesVaBeach@geico.com for the Virginia
Beach rally. All of the proceeds will be donated
to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
(CHKD).
Sept 6th - 7th
Pirate Run & Harley Davidson Demo Fleet
– Elizabeth City, NC Outer Banks Harley-Davidson,
Elizabeth City, NC Route 17 South, 252-338-8866,
www.OuterBanksHD.com, Over $1,000 in Treasure
Hunt Prizes! One of the most popular runs in all
of North Carolina. Live Music, Vendors, Food &
Beverages
Sept 7th Rip's B.A.D. Ride – Chesapeake,
VA Check-in Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am. Ride Start
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am*. Festival Site: 11:00 am.
*Start time may vary by location. Official Start
Sites - Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson, 6450
George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA
23692; Boyce Performance Cycles, 3057 Kings
Hwy, Suffolk, VA 23435, Honda of Norfolk, 6955
Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509. Festival Site
- Knuckleheads Roadhouse, 401 N. Witchduck
Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Join us at one of
the Official B.A.D. Ride Start Sites for a caravan
ride OR ride directly to Knuckleheads Roadhouse.
Make a difference in the lives of the 21 million
Americans who have diabetes. Funds raised
through your donations support the lifesaving work
of the American Diabetes Association: research,
education, community programs and advocacy
efforts.For more information on diabetes, go to
www.diabetes.org. CALL the B.A.D. Ride Hotline
-1-888-DIABETES ext. 3269 OR (757) 424-6662.
Raise a minimum of $20 in donations (Passenger is
additional $10) to participate when you register by
September 5th. Day of event - the minimum is $25
in donations (Passenger is additional $10). T-shirts
are $10. All riders will receive entry to festival and
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 
concert, ride pin and goody bag. Are you REALLY
B.A.D.? Raise more donations and you’ll qualify for
great prizes! Raise $500 or more and you can ride
up front!Want to know how to ride for free?! Email
aholman@diabetes.org. Contact Amie Holman
757-424-6662. www.ripsbadride.com
Sept 7th Poker Run - Gloucester VA
Poker Run at Damon & Company Bar & Grill
located on Rte 17 North, 11 miles north of Coleman
Bridge. www.damonsbar.com Ph: 804-693-7218
rain date 9/14
Sept 7th Rattle the Runway Ride – Dulles Airport
Washington, DC www.rattletherunwayride.com
Sept 11th – 14th Eighth Annual Delmarva Bike
Week® – Ocean City, MD This Year We Ride! Now
at six locations: Around Ocean City, Md. at Harley-
Davidson of Ocean City , Sunset Marina, Seacrets
Nite Club, Francis Scott Key Family Resort, 20
minutes west at Winter Place Park near Salisbury
, Md. and 20 minutes north at Harley-Davidson
of Seaford. Music, food, beer, bike builders,
celebrities, corporate show rigs, motorcycle-
related vendors, games, rides, contests. www.
delmarvabikeweek.com
Sept 13th 3rd Annual Ride To Remember 9/11 –
Danville, VA & Burlington, NC Blue Knights VA XIII
& Blue Knights NC VI – Join us for our 3rd annual
“Ride To Remember 9/11”, Sat Sept 13th (Rain date
Sept 20th). Registration starts at 9am @ Thunder
Road H-D in Danville VA & Davis HD in Burlington,
NC with rides leaving at 11am going to Mayo Lake
Park, Roxboro, NC. Registration $15 per person.
All proceeds go to benefit Blue Knights Charity
projects. Food, refreshments & entertainment
by The Flipside band. Door prizes, Raffle, 50/50
drawings. All riders & passengers participate at
their own risk.
Sept 13th Virginia Motorcyclists Summit –
Richmond, VA 10:00am til 4:00 pm(approx) Holiday
Inn Crossroads, 2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond
VA. With the sponsorship of Tom McGrath’s
Motorcycle Law Group we are hosting the first
Virginia Motorcyclists Summit. We are inviting
motorcyclists from all facets of the sport to sit down
and discuss what issues are most important to
them. From there, as a group we will prioritize the
issues and determine what the legislative package
for 2009 will be. It’s Free, Please Register. Contact
Jim Cannon, VCOM Director for registration
information (800)437-9434. See article August
2008 issue
Sept 13th New Vision Freedom Ride and Family
Fun Day – Fredericksburg, VA New Vision is
a faith-based organization dedicated to helping
female ex-offenders make the transition from
confinement to freedom, without re-offending and
to assist them in facing the challenges associated
with a successful reentry. New Vision also provides
various services for the children of incarcerated
female offenders. For more information visit us
on the web at: www.newvisva.org. The Ride...
Saturday - September 13, 2008 (Rain Date
9/14/08). The ride will begin with registration and/or
check-in from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Camille’s
Sidewalk Cafe’ www.cafecamille.com located at
1911 Carl D. Silver Parkway in Fredericksburg,
VA. The first bike leaves at 10:00 AM and last bike
leaves at 11:30 AM - This will be a staggered start.
A tax deductible donation of $20 is your ticket to
ride! The route is approximately 130 miles long
with one scheduled stop at Waugh Enterprises
Harley-Davidson www.waughhd.com. The balance
of the route has several locations to stop for fuel,
etc. The ride ends in Stafford County at Curtis Park
located at 58 Jesse Curtis Lane off of Hartwood
Road where food, fun, and beverages will be
provided along with drawings for multiple prizes.
The Family Fun...There will be vendors and plenty
of games and entertainment for the kids. The
location for these activities will be at Curtis Park
beginning at 1:00 PM and ending at 5:00 PM.
Check out www.newvisva.org for registration forms
and additional event details. New Vision would like
to recognize the following partners in this event:
New Vision Freedom Ride and Family Fun Day,
Strength & Honor MC Virginia Chapter, www.
strengthandhonormc.com, HOG Riders Retired,
From GM Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
- Virginia 27 – 1, www.combatvet.org, The Gauntlet
Golf Club www.golfgauntlet.com. Contact Dave
Beckwith, 703-670-9941, email bubba.cvma@
comcast.net or Janina, email janina@newvisva.org.
www.newvis.org
Sept 13th 6th Annual F.O.P Poker Run – Tazwell,
VA Tazewell Moose Lodge. Regis-Begins
at 9:00am,departure at 12 Noon(travel as a
group).$10.00 individual, or $15.00 couples.Bike
Show/Peoples Choice:410.00 Registration fee.
Hosted by The Iron Titans Mc Club.Prizes:$500
and plaque First place,$20.00 and Plaque Worst
Hand,50/50 Drawing, Silent Auction, Door Prizes.
Free Food provided after ride. Soft drinks and ABC
on premises for purchase. Proceeds for the shop
with a cop program. All welcome. Biker Bill Stump
276-988-6438. www.irontitans.com. sales@
williamstump.com
Sept 14th Dirt Drags @ Slades Park – Surry,
VA Gates open 9 a.m. Admission $15.00, under
10 FREE. Free Vendor Setup - please call first.
Trophies & Cash-All Classes. Top Fuel at it's
Best/Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No Glass - No Dogs!!! For
info call Joe Brookman (804) 221-3959 or Donnie
Cooper (804) 796-3836. Rain date Sept 21st.
Sept 14th Pony Run - Harbinger, NC Kitty
Hawk Harley-Davidson, Hwy 158, 252-491-2091,
www.KittyHawkHD.com, To benefit The Corolla Wild
Horse Fund, Music, Food, 50/50, Door Prizes. Wild
Spanish Mustang on site!
Sept 14th Fall Poker Run – Dumfries, VA
Sponsored by East Coast Virginia Chapter, HOG.
Poker Run supporting the Boys & Girls Club of
Dumfries, Virginia, 17975. Registration opens at
9:15 (am) at the Ol'Port Diner, 18050 Triangle
Plaza, Dumfries, VA. First Bike Out at 9:30 (am)
and last bike out at 10:30 (am). Prizes for best
and worst hand. Door prizes as well as a great
restaurant for after the run eats. Contact Jim
Sass 703-402-5152, directorechog@yahoo.com,
www.eastcoasthog.com
Sept 18th – 20th 29th Annual Mid Atlantic Police
Motorcycle Safety Competition - Arlington, VA
www.mapmrc.com
Sept 19th – 20th Maggie Valley Fall Rally - Maggie
Valley, NC Sponsored by Carolina Harley Davidson
Dealers Association www.chdda.com
Sept 20th Flaming Knights 6th Annual Trophy
Party – Norfolk, VA 9pm-2am @ Elks Lodge #38,
1231 Typo Avenue, Norfolk, Va 23502. $15.00
tickets in advance $20.00 at the door (BYOB)
50/50 Raffle, free food while it lasts! For advance
tickets contact any member of the Flaming Knight
www.FKMCNORFOLKVA.com
List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
Sept 20th ABATE of Virginia, Inc. Culpeper
Chapter’s Second Annual Jim Orange Memorial
Poker Run – Brandy Station, VA Sign Up at
American Twins, LLC Motorcycle Shop located
at 19363 Brandy Road in Brandy Station, VA.
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. Last bike
out at 11:00 a.m. $15.00 per hand. Proceeds
to benefit the Culpeper Food Closet. Ride will
take you on a scenic tour of some of Virginia’s
finest back roads and end at Heavenly Acres
Campground in Stanardsville, Virginia. FREE
camping available to Run participants (we have
the big field reserved – bring your tent). Food and
beverages available at Heavenly Acres – Provided
by Miss Behavin’ Bikhers. 50/50 - Door Prizes
- Music. Call 540/937-3924 for more information.
Check out Heavenlyacres.com for other campsite
information. Culpeper Chapter ABATE of Virginia
is not responsible for road conditions at time of
event. Donations to ABATE of Virginia are not tax-
deductible. Jim – you may be gone – But you will
not be forgotten! Ride on Brother!
Sept 20th East Coast Downed Biker Rally
– Fredericksburg, VA Bikers for Christ,
Fredericksburg Area Chapter is organizing a
Downed Biker Rally to raise funds for any biker
who goes down throughout the riding season. This
event is being held in Fredericksburg Virginia
at the Fredericksburg Motor Sports complex on
September 20, 2008. I would like to extend an
invitation to ALL Bikers and vendors to attend.
Vendors are provided a FREE 10X10, powerless,
vendor spot at this event. This event will include
a ride in bike show, live band, food, vendors,
and demonstrations by the Spotsylvania Sheriffs
department and the "540 Boyz". Opportunities are
also available to co-sponsor/co-coordinate this
event. If Interested Please Contact Bikers for Christ,
540-809-2787. Chris Morgan, bfcfac@yahoo.com
Sept 20th Rev Your Engines ride and family fun
day. – Woodbridge, VA 9am-5pm September 20th,
2008. Kid's activities, live music and morning ride.
Benefits Stop the Silence, to prevent child sexual
abuse. Ride details: Renegade Classics, 14575
Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge, VA 22191,
703.499.9533, www.nova.rcosva.com. 8:30 am - 10
am Staging. 10 am Blessing of the Bikes. 10:15
am First bike out. 10:15-12:00 pm Motorcycle
Ride. 12-5pm Family Fun Day @ Cowles Parkway
Ford, 13779 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge, VA
22193. Info: Catwalk 703-599-1892 or www.
revyourengines.org. www.catklaw.com/charity.
Sept 20th – 21st S&S Jim McClure Nationals
– Petersburg, VA AHDRA – S&S Jim McClure
Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie,
VA – All Harley Drag Racing – Racing starts both
days at 9am – Admission: $50 weekend; $30 single
day; children 11 and under free; active and reserve
military free with valid ID; HOG members rec. $5
disc. At the gate – www.ahdra.com
Sept 21st Valley Bike Fest II - Constitution Park,
Waynesboro, VA Free Food, Bike Judging/
Trophies, Bike Games, Bands, Vendors, All Free.
12-6pm Sunday, Sept 21 2008
Sept 21st Baltimore/Washington DC Ride for
Kids - to benefit Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation,
police escorted www.pbtfus.org . The event is a
50-55 mile police escorted ride, through the back
roads of Howard County, MD. We welcome, all
who wish to join us, on Sunday Sept 21, 2008,
registration opens at 7:30am and closes at 9:15am,
rides starts at 9:30. There is a $35 min donation
per bike, a$50 donation gets a tee shirt, there are
other premiums for higher amounts, for example
for every $300 you get a raffle ticket for a Honda
VTX 1800, which will be drawn at the Celebration
of Life following the Ride. We provide coffee and
donuts at the start, and lunch at the end. Anyone
interested can get more information: call 800-253-
6530 or go to www.rideforkids.org. One of the
special things about our event is that we take the
Pediatric Brain tumor patients and their families
with us on the Ride.
Sept 26th – 27th Ray Price Capital City Bike
Fest - Raleigh, NC Sponsored by Ray Price
Harley Davidson, Raleigh NC (11 am-11 pm) www.
capitalcitybikefest.com
Sept 27th 2nd Annual A Day For Jarrett -
Gloucester, VA Our 2nd annual 'A Day For Jarrett'
will be taking place at Damon & Company in
Gloucester, Va, 7104 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy. 11
miles over the Coleman Bridge, 804-693-7218.
The event starts at 11 am. Raising money for an
All-Inclusive playground (handicapped accessible)
for the Middle Peninsula. We will be having live
music with 'Bad Ace', 'Fine Swiss Cheese' and
more! Carnival rides, vendors, great food, a silent
auction and the pulling of the winning raffle tickets
for the 2008 Sucker Punch Sally 'A Day For
Jarrett' Traditional Bobber and for a 2008 Arctic
Cat ATV. We are also selling tickets for our 'Ride
With The Guys II' which takes place at 8 am on the
day of the event. For $50/person, you will receive
breakfast, a tshirt, admission for the day, premier
bike parking, a 2 1/2 hour police escorted ride with
the staff from Rocker Originals from York County
and 1 raffle ticket for the bike. For more information
log on to www.adayforjarrett.com or call Damon &
Company at 804-693-7218.
Sept 27th Bikers for Babies-March of Dimes
Ride – Portsmouth, VA Bayside Harley-Davidson,
Portsmouth, VA I-264/Exit 5. Live Music, 50/50,
Food and Door Prizes.
Sept 27th Old School Hot Rod & Chopper Show
& Swap Meet – Virginia Beach, VA Saturday, Aug
16th , 9am-3pm, Benefit for Currituck Co. High
School Technologies Program. $15.00 Swap Spot.
$10.00 each Show Entry. Baker Street Restaurant,
1920 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Va.
Contacts: Aaron-(252)202-7754 CK- (252)202-
2528 Mike- (252) 619-1935.
OCTOBER 2008 - BIKER APPRECIATION MONTH
Oct 1st – 5th Myrtle Beach Fall Rally – Myrtle
Beach, SC
Oct 4th CCG 5th Annual Toy Run – Elkton,
MD Cecil County Guardians 5th annual toy run.
Vendors, food, beer, live band, raffles. All proceeds
benefit underprivileged children in Cecil County
Maryland. Registration to ride will be held at
Knights of Columbus at intersection of rte.40 and
Landing Lane in Elkton, MD from 9am to 11am
on October 4th, 2008. Ride ends at Fair Hill race
track. Admission is $10.00 donation or new toy.
Sponsored by Cecil County Guardians Branch
Elkton Lions Club. Contact: Bobbi Jo Hunt / Gina
Creek. 443-206-8250 / 443-350-5224. auntbeaday@
yahoo.com. www.myspace.com/cecilcountyguardians
Oct 5th Ride for Autism – Portsmouth, VA
Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA I-264/Exit 5.
Autism is an epidemic. 1 out of 150
children will have some form of autism.
Oct 5th Ride For Pink - Chesapeake/Virginia Beach,
VA To benefit The Breast Cancer research Foundation.
Reg 9am - 11am at Chevy’s in Chesapeake. Ride
leaves at 11:15 to Knuckleheads. Live Band, Bike Show
& much more! Contact Larry Decker (757) 439-5828 or
Phyllis Wall (757) 675-7999. For more details, see front
cover & pg 7 of this issue.
Oct 5th 18th Annual Virginia British Motorcycle
Show & Rally Swap Meet – Leesburg, VA
British & European motorcycle show 10 to 4.
60 Ida Lee Drive NW. Leesburg, Va. www.
virginiabritishmotorcycleclub.org
Oct 5th Ride For The Warriors - Yorktown, VA
Presented by Brothers In Arms MC. The first "Ride For
the Warriors" to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Registration will be from 10:00 am - Noon at the Bay
Haven Grille (6500-A George Washington Memorial
Highway, Yorktown, VA - Right Next to Hampton Roads
Harley Davidson). $20 rider, $5 passenger. Awards
and prizes. Contact "Z", 804-824-8760, z.biamc@gmail.
com, www.freewebs.com/biamc-yorktown
Oct 5th Declan Sharp Charity Benefit Show, Shine &
Ride For Life – Poquoson, VA
Come and join the areas best hot rods, trucks & bikes
All proceeds for the event will benefit 14-year old
Declan Sharp, who is diagnosed with a rare form of
Bone Cancer, and is undergoing treatment at CHKD.
Event location is at the Poquoson City Pool Parking
Lot located at 16 Municipal Drive , Poquoson , VA.
Registration will begin at 9AM. Charity Ride leaves at
1:00PM. $2.00 donation for the Show-n-Shine. $10.00
donation for Charity Ride & $5.00 for passengers. ALL
DONATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!! The “Charity
Ride” will consist of a 65-mile long ride through the
beautiful Colonial Parkway in Historic Yorktown to the
Jamestown Settlement Visitors Center. This will be
a police-escorted ride! ALL ARE WELCOME!!! The
ride ends back at the Poquoson City Pool Parking Lot
where there will be food, drinks, music, raffle drawings
for prizes, a 50/50 drawing, award presentations…And
meet the Pin-Up Angels!!! There will also be a special
birthday presentation for Declan Sharp at the event!!!
T-shirts for the event will be on sale! (T-shirts will be
available for pre-sale. See contact information below.)
NO Alcoholic Beverages Allowed! For information,
please contact: Larry Wainwright at (757) 714-8827
or islanderscents@cox.net. Mark Boesen at (757)
876-0435 or madmanracingltd@hotmail.com. Dale
Simmons at (757) 880-3806 or dsimmons@Poquoson-
VA.gov. Proudly Sponsored by CASEY CYCLE CITY
Oct 10th – 12th AHDRA – Screamin’ Eagle
Performance Parts Nationals – Rockingham, NC
At Rockingham Dragway “The Rock” in Rockingham,
NC – Championship Finals – All Harley Drag Racing
– Racing starts 9am – Admission: $50 weekend; $30
single day; children 11 and under free; active and
reserve military free with valid ID; HOG members
rec. $5 disc. At the gate - $25.00 per campsite – Free
concert Saturday night – www.ahdra.com
October 10-12, 2008 Rumble Through The Tunnels
Fleet Ride Weekend – Portsmouth, VA Bayside Harley-
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 
 List your event free @ www.thunderroads-virginia.com
Davidson, Portsmouth, VA I-264/Exit 5. Largest ride
to honor our military. Over 3000 riders participate. Live
Music, Vendors, Food & Beverages. Tattoo Contest
and Tattoo Art Show.
Oct 11th Renegade Classics – Woodbridge’s
Anniversary Party - Woodbridge, VA
Food, DJ, Meet the Renegade Girls, see what’s
new at the end of Year Two. For more information
contact Renegade Classics Motorcycle Clothing &
Accessories Outlet Store: 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy,
Featherstone Square, Woodbridge, VA; 703-499-
9533; www.nova.RCOSva.com
Oct 11th Easter Seals Virginia's 2nd Annual Ride
With Me Poker Run – Oilville, VA Sponsored by
the Page Auto Group. *Free continental breakfast
provided by Maggiano's! *Win door prizes and bid on
auction items! Start at Larry Page's Hot Rod Shop,
1091 Merchants Lane, Oilville, VA 23129. On-site
Registration at 8:30am. Ride Starts at 9:30am. Finish
with lunch and festivities at Ironhorse Restaurant,
Ashland - 12:30pm. Open to all motor bikes! For
more information visit www.va.easterseals.com or call
1-866-874-4153 x107
Oct 11th 2008 4th District Virginia Moose Riders
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Benefit
– Fairfax, VA All proceeds will be donated to JDRF.
Beginning with a Poker Run at 8:30 am. Registration
for Poker Run - 8:30am to 10:30am at the Centreville
Moose Lodge, 3529 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax VA
22030, 703 385 4403, (www.centrevillemoose.com).
*** Breakfast Buffet is Available. 3:00pm to 8:00pm-
Live Music and Great Food at the Party at Vienna
Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse RD., Vienna VA,
703 281 4370, (www.viennamooselodge1896.org).
***Food and access to the party is free with Poker Run
registration. Live Music provided by Mike Westcott
and Blues on Board (mwestcott@bluesonboard). Food
provided by Vienna Moose Lodge 1896. * Poker Run
is not just for motorcycles - Everyone is welcome!!!* If
you can't come for the ride come for the party!* There
will be plenty of Raffles and Door Prizes! Questions /
Contributions: Call Carl 703 629 9513
Oct 11th 2n Annual Ride for the Fight Against
Breast Cancer – Norfolk, VA Presented by
Motorcycles for the Cure & Ebony Beauties. Charity
Ride to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Tidewater
area. Ride registration begins @ 10:30am – 12pm
at Sunrise Cycles, 1559 E. Little Creek Rd., Norfolk ,
VA. Kickstands up at 12:30. $10 per rider & $10 per
passenger. Information contact Michael Roadblock
@ 757-753-3509 or Kream @ (757) 971-2293 or visit:
www.motorcyclesforthecure.com .
Oct 12th Suffolk Swamp Roar – Suffolk, VA 9:00
AM-3:00 PM. The 80-mile, police-escorted ride
travels around the perimeter of the Great Dismal
Swamp, departing from the Suffolk Executive Airport.
Coinciding with Suffolk’s Annual Peanut Fest, the
Swamp Roar is an excellent opportunity to see
why it’s a good time to be in Suffolk. Reception and
entertainment included in registration. Steppenwolf’s
“Born to be Wild” has become an anthem for bikers
everywhere and Suffolk is no different. Of course,
the “wild” part refers to black bear, bobcat and other
creatures inhabiting the Great Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge. The Suffolk Swamp Roar Motorcycle
Rally has raised thousands of dollars for education
and signage programs, as well as, habitat restoration
for the Great Dismal, one of North America’s few
remaining wildernesses. Admission Fee: $20.00  giveaways, and vendor displays (Rain Date: October
www.suffolk-fun.com
Oct 12 Fall Bike Fest! – Gloucester, VA Biker
th
games, Tattoo Contests, live music, great food and
more! Damon & Company Bar & Grill located on Rte
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 
17 North, 11 miles north of Coleman Bridge. www.
damonsbar.com Ph: 757-479-4685. Raindate 10/19
Oct 16th – 19th Biketoberfest – Daytona Beach, FL
Oct 18th Golden Corral’s First Annual DAV Poker
Run – Chesapeake, VA 7am – Until. Free Meal
Tickets & Tee Shirt. Prizes: 1st - $1000; 2nd $500;
prize for worst hand also. 50/50. Entertainment. Pre-
Registration $10 Non-Refundable deposit. Registration
$40 per rider or $50 w/passenger. 101 Volvo Pkwy,
Chesapeake, VA (757) 549-2819.
Oct 18th First Annual Special Bikers for Special
Olympics, Poker Run & Bike Show – Farmville, VA
Proudly Presented by Cruiser Club USA Chapter. Poker
Run-- $10 per Hand; 1st Group out-- 10am---$250.00
Purse. 2nd--Group out--11am---$250.00 Purse. Bike
Show--$10 per Bike--Trophies Awarded--1st&2nd
Places & Best in Show. Judging--2pm. Special
Olympic Athlete Activities--2pm Food & Beverage-
--Mulligan Sports Bar & Grill. Bike wash, Baked
Goods,50/50, Day Event & Dance, & Cake Auction
During Dance. Dance with The "Janitors" 9pm till 1am-
--$10 per Person. Purchase Janitor Tickets At: Quiznos/
Farmville---434-391-1104, Anderson Tire/Dillwyn---434-
983-2717, Midway Grocery/Cumberland---804-492-
4122, Jimmy Adams/Farmville---434-315-8929.
Oct 19th MOTORCYCLE TOY RUN! - Ocean City HD
All Motorcycles Welcome. Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Starting at the Harley-Davidson of Ocean City, US 50
& Seahawk Rd. east of Berlin, MD. Sign-up: 10:00am
– Noon. Roll out at 12:30pm Sharp. Escorted run
ending at the American Legion Post 64, located at U.S.
50 across from the National Guard Armory in Salisbury.
Admission: A NEW unwrapped toy or $10.00, (No
Stuffed Animals Please). Cash Bar, Outdoor Pavilion
with Music, and Food. For more information: Contact
Clay @ 443/235-5910 or E-mail at: Clay@asapr.com
Oct 19th Dirt Drags @ Slades Park – Surry, VA Gates
open 9a.m. Admission $15.00, under 10 FREE. Free
Vendor Setup - please call first. Trophies & Cash-All
Classes. Top Fuel at it's Best/Pro Gas/Dirt Bikes. No
Glass - No Dogs!!! For info call Joe Brookman (804)
221-3959 or Donnie Cooper (804) 796-3836. Rain date
Oct 26th.
October 25th Buccaneer's Booty Run- Hampton, VA
The Star 205 We be plan’in a benefit ride for the folks
of Vetshouse, a non-profit charity serving our homeless
Vets in the Hampton Roads area, Aarrr! A noble cause
to be sure. The ride will be on October 25th, we be
need’in scurry dogs to make the voyage with us. So
line up and sign on, registrations starts at 0930, that be
9:30am for ye land lubbers, at AllOut Cycles off Mercury
Blvd, Hampton, Va. Their be a small fee of $15 per rider
and $5 per passenger. The 1st 200 land lubbers that
make their mark will get the 1st official Buccaneer’s
Booty ride pin. The 1st bike is out at 10am. The ride
ends at All-Out Cycles’ new store in Chesapeake. We
be also hav’in a Costume contest for the best looking
Pirate. So Sign On!  Avest ye there! and log on to www.
star205.org for more info. Aarrr!
Oct 25th Orphan Run... A Reason to Ride
– Williamsburg, VA Orphan Run...there has never
been a better reason to ride. Join bikers from all
over Virginia as they make a difference in the lives of
forgotten children. The 4th Annual Orphan Run takes
place Saturday, October 25, at Colonial Hills Estate
in Williamsburg. Festivities will begin at noon and
include live music, great food, bike show (& trophies!),
26th). Stage from one of three convenient locations:
Bayside Harley Davidson, Hampton Roads Harley
Davidson and Richmond Harley Davidson at 9:30
am, kickstands up at 11:00 am. Cost: $15 single / $20
couple. The event benefits Orphan Helpers, a Christian
outreach organization dedicated to helping orphaned,
abused and incarcerated children in Central America.
Colonial Hills Estate is located at 262 Thompson Lane,
Williamsburg, VA 23188. For more information visit
www.orphanhelpers.org or call Roma at 757-722-6940,
roma.frye@orphanhelpers.org. Rain Date is Oct 26th.
Oct 26th 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 and Knuckleheads Roadhouse
Virginia Beach. Bike Show Registration 12:00- 2:00 in
Driver. Rain date Nov. 2.Contact Holly Hoffler at 757-
538-3944 or Eddie Boyce at 757-477-6168 or 757-538-
2848.
Oct 26th – 28th 5th Annual Virginia Fall Classic
– Newport News, VA www.vafallclassic.org benefits
CHKD
NOVEMBER 2008
Nov 1st Mid-Atlantic Toy Run – Ft Washington, MD
6th Annual Toy Run for Disadvantaged children and
families for St Ann's Infant & Maternity Home. Minimum
Donation: $20 and unwrapped toy or gift certificate of
equal value or bicycle, helmet, educational games,
backpacks, area rugs, booster seats, pull-ups, diapers
(sizes 4,5,6), baby wipes, baby shampoo, lotion/oil,
Aveeno products, deodorant, playstation, paint & art
supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, DVD for toddlers,
personal CD's folders and school supplies. Please no
used clothing or stuffed animals. Free food, 50/50 raffle,
Chubbzy the Clown for the kids. Bring your family. 37
mile parade to deliver items to the kids. Sponsored
by Harley Davidson of Washington & Bikers With
Heart Foundation. 301-248-1200 or 301-893-2900.
ddealerent@aol.com. www.fireupthundrout.com
Nov 2nd Daylight Savings Time Ends – Fall Back!
Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour.
Nov 2nd Hampton Roads Ladies of Harley/ US Marine
Corps Reserve 10th Annual Toys for Tots Ride-
Newport News, Va Come join us for our 10th annual
Toys for Tots ride. This is a police escorted ride lead
by Santa himself, with approximately 600 motorcycles
of all types joining in to bring some happiness to needy
children each Christmas. Registration begins at 11am
with the first 500 registrants receiving a free ride pin.
Registration fee is a new unwrapped toy. We will depart
from the Big Kmart on Old Orianna Road at 1pm and
the ride will end at Hampton Roads Harley Davidson.
The store will be open with specials, food vendors and
live music. For information log on to HRHD.com, email
lcooke5@cox.net, dcox@hrhd.com or call Hampton
Roads Harley Davidson at 757-872-7223.
Nov 11th Veterans Day
Nov 23rd Pat Rogers Speedway Harley-
Davidson 6th Annual Toy Run – Concord, NC
Sponsored by Pat Rogers Speedway Harley-Davidson.
Proceeds presented to Cooperative Christian Ministries
benefiting The Empty Stocking Fund. Rain or Shine.
Door Prizes, Free Food, Raffles, Entertainment,
Auction. Staging Kannapolis Intimidators Stadium
10:00 am. (I-85 N. Exit 63, Left on Lane St., 0.4 miles
on Right). Leave Stadium 1:00 PM - Police escort thru
Cabarrus County to Pat Rogers Speedway Harley-
Davidson Dealership. Must bring new, unwrapped toy
to participate and be eligible for door prizes. 707-979-
RIDE (7433) www.speedwayharley-davidson.com
Nov 27th Thanksgiving – Happy Turkey Day!
DECEMBER 2008
Dec 25th Christmas – Are you dreaming of a white
one?
Proud To Be An American Proud To Be An American
Outlanders Sets Record With Over
14,000 At Their Boogie Woogie
Bugle Party In June!
Expections were high for this year’s
annual summer party at Outland-
ers in Luray, Virginia. After the Boot
Scootin’ Boogie Party in 2007, we thought Yvonne and Christian would have a
difficult time outdoing themselves. We were wrong!
The Boogie Woogie Bugle Party set new records. Over 14,000 people came
to enjoy the food, bikes and beauties. This year’s theme was a tribute to our
troops throughout history. Groups, such as Rolling Thunder, the American
Legion Riders and the Veteran POW-MIA Riders, held prominent positions at
the event, which gave attendees a good reminder of what our fighting men and
women have given us throughout history - our freedom.
As the Poker Run began in the morning, preparations were in full swing for
the main event. At noon, Christian opened the event with the blessing of the
bikes by Preacher Crane with 2nd Thief Riders and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Dennis Peters Band then performed a great blend of Southern Rock and
really got the crowd pumped up.
As attendees walked through the event, there was a mix of traditional vendors
and special displays. APC Motorcycles from Las Vegas had an incredible setup
at the show with their double trailer full of fabulous bikes. We found a great
selection of vendors for motorcycle paraphernalia and the food vendors offered
a wide variety of choices for everyone.
More importantly, the displays that called our attention to different wars
throughout our nation’s history were overwhelming. The First Infantry Division
Civil War reenactors set up an authentic campsite and just down the way, there
was an American Red Cross tent set up as it would have appeared in France
during WWI. The Red Cross volunteers offered attendees relief from the heat
and provided minor first aid throughout the day.
The Intermont Military Vehicle Club brought over 20 authentic, fully-restored
World War II vehicles to the event. Attendees were sent back in time with the
manikins dressed in WWII uniforms and the club members spent hours with ex-
acting detail positioning every item. We smiled as children asked their parents
the names of the vehicles and heard words like “Ferret” and “Weasel.”
The event was highlighted by two special live performances. The U.S. Army
“Old Guard” Drum and Fife Corps performed dressed in traditional continental
uniforms, which highlighted the first soldiers who fought for our freedom and
the founding of our country. Later in the afternoon, the U.S. Marine Silent Drill
Platoon presented their precision drill demonstration for the crowd. We were
awestruck as utter silence fell upon the grounds during their show.
And, a salute to the troops would not be complete without a USO Show.
Prelude performed a mix of music from the 1940’s to the present. Of course,
the song “Boogie Woogie Bugle” was a must! The “go-go” dancers added a
fun touch and were reminiscent of USO Shows during the Vietnam and Korean
Wars.
The “Boogie Woogie Bugle” Party was excellent and we know Yvonne and
Christian have already heard that there should be a “Boogie Woogie Bugle”
Party II!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE  THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 

 Hot Plate Thunder
5th Annual Joseph "Jazz" McCain, Hampton Roads
Kidney Foundation Run Norfolk, VA July 26th, 2008
Jams
By FSC Larry E. Gilbreath

We started at 9am at D&D Cycles in Norfolk for the dyno-

shoot out. Ever since our first foundation run 5 years ago,
D&D has donated their time and energy to help us with our
event. The turn out this year was double the turn out we
had last year. After the dyno-shootout, the group went on a
ride which ended at Northside Park in Norfolk for the Flam-
ing Knights cookout. This was our way of thanking all who
participated in the day’s event. We raffled off gifts that were
donated by (Bayside Harley-Davidson, Hampton Roads
Harley-Davidson, Aggressor Cycles, Subway, Wal-Mart,
Advance Auto and numerous other businesses in the area).
Also, the food for the event was donated by Progressive
Food group and US Foodservice. We really appreciated
the support of our biker brothers from TAMA and the SEBA.
Special thanks always to “American Cruisers MC”, the “Afro
Dogs MC”, “Notorious Ryders”, and many of our fellow bike
clubs in the 757 and surrounding areas.

Drive In Restaurant

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 10 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 11


MOTORCYCLE MECCA…
TUVSHJT and
THE RIDE By LuLu
The plan was to be on the road to Sturgis by 3pm on Friday, but as with any best laid
plan, there are always glitches. We had some difficulty getting our 3 bikes on a trailer
meant for two and luggage for 5 loaded up in the SUV. But by 5:30pm and one head
injury later we were off. One of the bikes fell over and hit Toni in the head. Thank
God the injury required an ice pack, not brain surgery or stitches. Pulling out of
Columbus Ct. in Palm Coast was “our” group of “Wild Hogs” all loaded up in an SUV
looking at 32 hours of driving time and just under 2,000 miles of highway to get to our
destination. Our gang consisted of Glenn and Sharon, Mike and Toni and me. (By the
way, it was Mike who let the bike fall over on Toni.) The first 75 miles seemed like an
eternity, but once we settled into the idea of being in the car for 2 days it wasn’t nearly
as miserable as I anticipated. Mike drove until 4am, climbed in the back and snored
for 2 hours while Glenn finessed the ribbon of roadway. After a brief catnap Mike was
back at the helm. Ideally the ride to Sturgis ON bikes would have been the ultimate
biking experience, but time constraints simply didn’t permit any of us to spend
several extra days on the trip there and back. At 25 hours into the trip, Sharon began
sleep deprivation hallucinations which included sidewalks in the cornfields and fields
of corn that appeared to be doing the wave at her. This brush with insanity gave us all
the giggles.
After 50 hours of travel time, we arrived in Deadwood to find out our executive
home we rented for the week was at the end of a four mile gravel and dirt road to
a mountaintop view. Eagle’s Nest was true to its name and definitely not “BIKER
FRIENDLY”! The home was beautiful, the view awesome, but when you
come to Sturgis to ride you hope to be able to get your bikes off the trailer.
We ended up in a makeshift room in Deadwood. The hotel converted their
conference room for us and all five adults “camped” together each night.
Originally, I planned to hit the museums, bike shows, Buffalo Chip
Campground, the concerts, etc., etc., Our first day out on the bikes I knew
none of that was going to happen. All we wanted to do was ride!! Each
day we took off to see different parts of this beautiful terrain. Majestic
doesn’t even describe the vistas. The first day we did ride into Sturgis
looked around and then rode to Wyoming. As a Florida rider I have never
experienced maneuvering the steep mountainous hills and hairpin turns,
but I faced my fear head on and managed to put 190 miles on our bike that
day. We traveled 85 South to Newcastle, Wyoming. My friends were slightly
annoyed at my slow pace, but they should thank me!! My pace forced them
to sit back and take in the sights and kept them from getting the speeding
ticket the group of bikers who sped past us was getting when we caught
up with them. This route gave us great expanses of open highway with
rolling hills to traverse, along with the nail biting turns and mountains.
Day two: Luckily, Jim from Tampa was kind enough to offer me his backseat Knuckle Saloon
so my friends could cover more miles, faster. We headed down 385 South
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 12
Biker at Newlywed Falls
in Spearfish Canyon Mount Rushmore
How WILD? Crazy Horse
to Custer State Park and to Mount Rushmore. The trip and this historic
spot were all you would expect. We saw a buffalo, elk, deer, antelopes
and more prairie dogs than you can imagine. The NOT TO MISS ride, in
this area, is Iron Mountain Road. The ride is up and around a mountain
with one way bridges, tunnels, lush landscapes and glimpses of Mount
Rushmore. We also saw the Crazy Horse Memorial on this trip. On our
way home from this 230 mile ride a sudden storm hit at dusk. Quarter size
hail started raining down on us and we had to take shelter in a tin roofed Sharon on the Plains on
wayside bar until it passed. The lightening from that storm took several Memorial Brick for Bull Wild Life Loop in Custer Park
lives of bikers, including a husband and wife.
Day 3: We were road weary and decided to go into Sturgis to attend the
Bikerornot.com afternoon Meet and Greet held at One Eyed Jacks, we did a
little souvenir shopping and I managed to find the brick I had purchased in
Bull’s memory laid in a sidewalk in Sturgis. We stopped in Knuckle Saloon
for a drink or two and loved this bar. That evening a friend of ours, Scott
Yvonne, and his band Unison were playing at Side Hack Saloon so we
managed to get one night of dancing and nightlife in. Generally, we were
just too exhausted from the long runs to spend much time out at night.
Day 4: We rode from Deadwood through Spearfish Canyon. This was
definitely my second favorite road. We walked to a waterfall which I always
find mystical. Then we rode to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. We rode through
Aladdin, with a population of only 15 which they proudly post. The waitress
in Hulett, Wyoming informed us their entire county, Crook, doesn’t have
even one red light! All this makes for perfect riding. Quaint small towns,
How small we are!
continued on next page
Thanks for the Ride, Jim! Prairie Dogs
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 13
MOTORCYCLE MECCA…
CONTINUED
local honky tonks and roads that
go on forever with views that are
unique with each turn you take.
Once back I showered and headed
with Alan Cabral from Easy Rider
Magazine, my escort for the days
ride, to a media dinner hosted
my Corbin, Samson Exhaust and
Barnett. Many of the Hamsters and
John and Jill Parnham from J&P
Cycles were present at this event.
That was it! The 10 day trip was
over. Unfortunately it takes so
long to get there that your time in
Sturgis goes entirely too quickly.
On our way home we did ride the
loop through The Badlands found
it also to be a DO NOT MISS run.
Gas for the trip ended up running
about $1800. We traveled like a
band of gypsies yet we managed
to come home even better friends
than before. Unless you are a
lone wolf by nature, having great
friends to enjoy a trip like this with
gives you someone to remember
the special moments in life with.
Thanks to my friends for hauling
me out there, giving me pep talks
along the way and giving me a
gift of memories I will always
cherish. Special thanks to my new
friend, Jim, for a safe ride on his
back seat. That sure made picture
taking easier. I came home a better
biker no matter what my friends
may tell you! Although there was a
turn or two that made me wonder
would I make it home at all.
This is a trip of a lifetime for some,
a yearly pilgrimage for others but
what I was told by an old school,
hard core biker before I left is true:
“It is as close to heaven as you
can imagine on earth…be quiet, let
the engine of your bike be the only
sound you hear and the force of
the wind against you all you feel..
This is as good as religion gets.”
Make time in your life to go here,
not necessarily for the event, but
for some of the most spectacular
riding you will ever experience
and sights you won’t forget. The
people in South Dakota are warm
and welcoming so make this trip
as soon as you can. I hope to go
back with more time to spend
on their beautiful roadways, four
days just wasn’t long enough.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 14
TECH TIPS
(the long one), loosen the lock nut and if your cable is too
tight, screw the adjuster in (make the gap shorter between
the two nuts), if it is too loose, screw out the adjuster (make
the gap bigger) until you have 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch of
play in your clutch lever (meaning: you pull it about 1/8th to
a 1/4 of an inch before it pulls on the cable). Once you get it
set correctly, tighten down the lock nut and you’re done!
To lube the cables, you need to repeat the steps above, but
screw your adjuster in until the cable becomes very slack
and you have enough slack to pull it out of the mount on
the handle bars and remove it from the lever. You can use
WD-40 into the cable end, but the best way to do it is with
a cable luber...available at any bike shop (it clamps around
The Devil’s Tower the end of the cable and forces lube down into the cable
housing...if you want one, let me know). Throttle cables
work the same way, but you need to take the right side
switch housing apart and remove the cables to do it.
Hope this helps.
Ride safe everyone…
Aaron Johnson Knees in the breeze…
Full time 4th grade school teacher (seriously), Aaron
9 years in the power sports industry having been a
technician and service manager for Suzuki, Kawasaki,
Polaris, Bombardier and Harley-Davidson. I am the as-
sistant parts mgr. for Turners Honda in Elizabeth City
and three years as an MSF instructor. I also build cus-
tom motorcycles and do show winning restorations.
Hello my friends…yes it has been a whole month since
I fouled the pages of this fine magazine and it is time
again to do the same. Some of you may be tiring of my
technical rants and A.D.D. -like ramblings so I am happy to
announce that I received my first question on the Q&A e-
mail! Since my slacker backside had nothing put together
in time (..hey, school just started back for me….give me a
break!!!) I proudly present my sometimes whimsical, other
times philosophical and rarely hysterical take on everyday
Tunnel on the Iron Mountain Road maintenance to keep you on the road….enjoy.
Hey Gear head,
How do I adjust my clutch cable and how do I know when
adjustment is needed. Is there a trick to that? And how do
I lubricate my cables. Brake and clutch. I am a female rider
and I want to do my own maintenance.
signed,
Not so much of a gear head
Thanks for my first Q&A!! Ok how and when to adjust
your clutch cable...well, if you notice your clutch is
getting excessively hard to pull in, excessive play in
your clutch lever (more than a 1/4 inch) or so tight that it
won’t disengage, you need to adjust your cable. Cable
adjustments are made mid cable on Harleys and the
The Badlands adjuster can be found along the left side down tube of your
bike. There is a lock nut (the small one) and the adjuster nut
New Helmet, Anyone?
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 15
 If you’ve got some “Hot Shot” pictures you’d like to share with us, please send
them to thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com . Pictures must be high resolution (300
dpi) in order to print clearly. All are welcome but please keep ‘em somewhat
clean so everyone can enjoy!

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 16 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 17

 HOMEMADE MEATBALL SUBS - QUICK & EASY!
1 Bag of Frozen, Premade Italian Meatballs (the kind that
Sam’s Club or Costco’s sells are fabulous. Otherwise,
whatever quality brand your local grocer sells works great).
1 Bag of Fresh, Submarine or Hoagie Rolls from your local
grocer’s Bakery (usually 8 to a bag)
2 Bottles of Classico (preferably mushroom & black olive
style) Spaghetti Sauce
If you buy spaghetti sauce without mushrooms and black
olives already in it, then buy a small can of black olives and
a small can of sliced mushrooms to add to your sauce.
1 Large Bag of Shredded Parmessan or Mozzarella Cheese
1 Shaker of Garlic Powder
In an X- large skillet, drizzle some Extra Virgin Olive Oil
around to coat the bottom. Then you’ll need apprx. 8 meat-
balls per submarine, so you do the math. Place meatballs
in olive oil and saute’ well on all sides. Pour your 2 bottles
of sauce down over your meatballs and turn heat down to
low. Meanwhile, butter your sub rolls on both inner sides
and sprinkle garlic powder on both sides and place under
broiler until golden brown. Remove and place your meat-
balls onto golden & crispy hot buns, cover meatballs with
sauce from skillet and sprinkle fresh shredded cheese all
over meatballs and sauce and close them up so cheese
can melt down all over the meatballs and bread. Now....
that’s delicioso!!!
SUPER FAST BEEFY NACHO DIP
1 Pound of Ground Chuck, broken up and pan fried; drain
off excess water/grease
1 Can (16 oz.) Refried Beans
1 Cup Salsa
3/4 Cup Chopped Purple Onion
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar or Colby-Monteray Jack
Cheese
Tortilla Cheese
In large skillet, combine chicken, beans, salsa and onion.
Heat thru evenly. Transfer to a serving bowl and cover gen-
erously with cheese. Serve warm and with chips! Olay!
ROASTED PINEAPPLE LEMON GELATIN
1 Can Crushed Pineapple\
2 Pkgs. Lemon Jell-O
2 Cups Boiling Water
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 18
2 Cups Ginger Ale, Chilled
2 Large Firm Bananas, Sliced
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Tbls. All Purpose Flour
1 Egg, Lightly Beaten
2 Tbls. Butter
1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. In
a small bowl, dissolve gelatin into boiling water. Stir in the
ginger ale, bananas, and reserved pineapple. Transfer
to a 13x9x2 in. dish. Refrigerate until firm. For topping,
combine sugar and flour in a small saucepan. Gradually
whisk in reserved pineapple juice. Bring to a boil over
medium heat; cook and stir for 2 mins. or until thickened.
Remove from heat; stir a small amount into lightly beaten
egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir
until mixture is thickened. Remove from heat, stir in but-
ter. Cool to room temp. In small bowl, beat heavy whip-
ping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently
fold into custard. Spread over gelatin. Refrigerate for at
least 1 hour to set and chill thru-out. Serves 12. This is
incredible tasting!!
DEVILED CHICKEN
6 Chicken Thigh or Leg Pieces
1/4 Margarine, melted
1 Tbls. Lemon Juice
1 Tbls. Prepared Mustard
Salt & Pepper to Taste
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Paprika
Place chicken in a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine
the remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken and coat
thoroughly. Turn chicken to coat all over. Bake, uncov-
ered, at 375 for 1 hour. Baste occasionally with juices
from pan as chicken is cooking. When pull from oven, let
cool slightly and shake extra Paprika on top and serve
with a fresh green salad. These truly have the taste of
deviled eggs, only for chicken.
Great to make in advance and just heat up for a quick
snack during the week, or for lunch.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 19
Bikers, Bikinis and Bottled Water
Renegade Classics hosted their 2nd Annual “Adult Beach
Party” on July the 19th in their Woodbridge parking lot. It was

lace”
TM
HOT (and the thermometer read about 94 also)! There were
vendors on hand to decorate your bike, decorate your skin,
t 60’s P
massage your back, entice your ego, and save your assets
if you get in trouble. Bikes were really washed by two lovely
Renegade Girls who did a very thorough and enjoyable job.
“Tha
Many items were on sale, but the winner was the bottled water
allowing the attendees to wash down the free chili dogs, pro- 201 Battery Park Road
vided by Hard Times Café, and stay cool in the shade.
2nd Wind (Southern Rock) Band rocked the lot with three sets Smithfield, Virginia 23430
of hard driving, tap your foot tunes. They were on a unique (Rt. 10 Business)
stage of two side-by-side delivery trucks. The height of the
stage gave us a great view of one of the highlights of the event Behind Farmers Bank
– the bikini contest. Three lovely young ladies strutted and
danced their stuff to victory. Not long after was the main event
– the Wet-T contest – four ladies bared their b**bs for an eye
popping experience and the enjoyment for the over 200 bikers
in attendance.
We heard that a bike show and tattoo contest are being added
for next years event. Who says you have to go to the big
events to have a titillating good time. Ta Ta’s until next year.

Shadow

Stephen Mahoney
Renegade Classics
14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Featherstone Square
Woodbridge, VA 22191 703-499-9533
www.nova.RCOSva.com

Photos courtesy of Big Sexy www.ThunderbirdGrill.com

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 20 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 21

 Extreme Road Rash: Cause Effect and Lesson Learned
Written by Brittany Morrow    By the time the ambulance came and rolled me onto my back, removed my
Wednesday, 04 October 2006 helmet, and called the helicopter, I felt as if I had been cooking on the street
for hours. Every nerve ending in my body was on fire; tingling, scorching, and
ONE YEAR HAS PASSED burning. I had not gone into shock, and the adrenaline had worn off almost
It’s hard to look in the mirror and think that my instantly. Not being able to move was the worst of it. I wanted to pull my arm
scars are already an entire year old. Touching out from underneath me. I wanted to get off that hot road. I wanted the sun to
my stomach and rib cage, I can’t imagine stop shining so brightly on my naked back. I wanted everything to just go
looking this way and feeling this pain for the away. But it didn’t. The people who sat on that road with me and came to my
rest of my life. I still feel as if at any moment rescue saved my life. I wanted to die, but they wouldn’t let me give up, they
I will wake up from this terrible dream and wouldn’t let me close my eyes and go to sleep.
be comfortable in my own skin once again. The helicopter ride was fast. The morphine had kicked in just around the time
Knowing that it’s real, that there is nothing we landed at the hospital, and the rest is somewhat of a blur. I remember
I can do to change it, I am reminded of my hearing a doctor saying I had lost my entire left breast. I remember another
mistakes every minute of everyday. I am asking me if my family had been called. A third doctor asked if she could take
also reminded how lucky I am to be alive as I close my eyes and remember pictures of my wounds for documentation. When it came time to clean off my
why I still feel pain after an entire year of healing. Imagining that if I had not skin, the doctors decided that a surgical debreedment of the dead tissue was
survived the accident, I wouldn’t have anything to touch at all, I smile when necessary, along with invasive repair to my pinky, right big toe, and left side
my fingers run over a thick layer of scar tissue in place of my once soft skin. from hip to armpit. I don’t even remember being put under, and the rest is lost
I know my life has a purpose, and I strive everyday to live up to the task that in the six hour surgery that followed.
has been placed at my feet. THE HOSPITAL
THE ACCIDENT I woke up wrapped like a mummy. I was
It was a beautiful Sunday morning even through my blurred vision. I was on on my back in an air bed, in a room I had
the back of my friend Shaun’s GSXR 750 and was excited to be on a sport never seen. Did I dream that Shaun had
bike, even if it was as a passenger, after a long streak of no riding whatso- come and held my hand? Why were my
ever. I had shed my prescription glasses for a pair of sunglasses, my cowboy parents here? I didn’t know what was
hat for an oversized helmet, and quickly thrown on a pair of capri jeans, going on, so I tried to sit up. Then I felt the
tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt over my bikini. I thought nothing of the fact intense pain on my back, my side, my
that I had practically no protection against the asphalt if anything were to shins, my feet, my thigh, my hip, my
happen. I figured that we couldn’t get into a wreck, it simply wouldn’t happen forearms, my wrists, my shoulder, my
to me. It’s amazing how fast life came at me that day. fingertips, my ribcage, my stomach, and
Approaching mile marker seven on highway 550, I noticed that I had to start my chest. It all came at me in one large
fighting the wind to stay behind Shaun without pulling on him too much. I rush, and I knew exactly where I was and
placed my hands on the gas tank and pushed myself into him as much as remembered what had happened. I spent
possible without crowding him. As we came around to the right and went the next three weeks waking up to the
down the hill, we kept accelerating. I was scared, but thought I could handle exact same confusion, rush of pain, and
the force of the wind as it suddenly picked up much more than in the realization of my surroundings. My
moments before. I started to slide back on the seat and felt the cool air fill the condition never seemed to change for the better, no matter how many times I
small space between my chest and Shaun’s back. went through the process of attempting to sleep it off. The worst part about
I felt a rush of wind hit my face like a brick and our bodies separated in an the pain was that it never completely subsided unless I was sleeping, and I
instant; my visor had come completely open. The force pulled on my face had nightmares of the accident every time I slept. I couldn’t escape what had
and helmet so hard that it sent my head up and backwards, ripping my entire happened to me. On the rare good days, my Dad would brush my hair for
body off the back seat with it. I remember thinking that if I grabbed Sean’s t- hours; it was the only thing that helped me forget what I was going through.
shirt I would pull him down with me, but it was already too late to try and grab My road rash was so severe that my skin was not going to grow back on its
a hold of him. I was only in the air for a spilt second, but an eternity of own.I had lost too much surface area for the doctors to simply suture me
thoughts ran through my mind. I had no idea what excessive speed I was together and send me home. After the blood loss had been controlled, the
about to hit the ground at or the damage it would do to my body, I just thought skin loss needed to be addressed. I was to receive full thickness skin grafts.
about how my life had led to that point. I remembered the basics of surviving Literally, the doctors had only 2 places on my body to harvest healthy skin.
a fall from a horse without injury, which I had done a few times in the previous My thighs were the only two places that had not received any abrasions. In
year, and simply let myself go. I knew there was nothing else I could do. order to help my open wounds heal, the doctors had to cut off a thick layer of
When I hit the ground, it was as if every breath I had ever taken rushed out of healthy skin from my thighs and place it over my burns, surgically stapling the
me in an instant. I could feel every inch of my body hitting the road; tumbling, new skin in place. This was the only way to “fix” me, and I didn’t even have
sliding and grinding into the unforgiving surface. In my helmet, which seemed enough skin to graft all of my wounds at once. The doctors had to choose
so small and yet completely empty, I could hear my whimpers as I fought to which areas to graft first, and which ones would have to wait.
breath and my prayer to God as I gave into the asphault. In a matter of Wound vac: a slang medical term that will give me goose bumps for the rest
seconds, I had come to the conclusion that I was going to die, and I was ok of my life. When a patient receives a skin graft, a suction cup is placed over
with it. I knew this was far worse than anything I had ever gone through and I the completed surgery in order to increase blood flow from under the new
was convinced I would not live to see the next day. My eyes were closed as I skin. These devices are called wound vacuums, and they ensure that the
finished my 522 foot tumble down highway 550. I never lost consciousness, burn tissue does not die, but rather joins with the new skin to create a layer of
but I remember wishing that I had. dermis where none would have grown without the graft surgery. It feels like a
At first I couldn’t feel anything. A few moments passed before anyone was at leech, a constant sucking on the most painful abrasion you’ve had in your
my side, and I had the chance to try and move myself. Immediately, I could entire life. Multiply your worst skinned knee as a kid by 50, add it to 55
tell that I had lost my left shoe as my toes were burning on the hot road. My percent of your body, and then let someone suck on it with a handheld
right foot felt stiff, completely unmovable, and I thought it was probably vacuum for 24 hours a day; only then will you know what it is to experience a
broken. I noticed that my knees were uncovered when the little pieces of wound vacuum on a fresh skin graft. Each graft received a dose of the painful
what I thought were gravel scraped against my skin, only to find out later that sucking and after three weeks I was free from the noisy machines.
they were my actual kneecaps grinding against the pavement below them. The only thing worse than the wound vacuums were the dressing changes.
My right arm was trapped underneath me and my shoulder felt hot. My left Even thinking about the pain today makes me sick to my stomach. In the
pinky was the most noticeable pain in those first few minutes, a throbbing areas the doctors were not able to graft within the first three weeks: my back,
and stabbing pain, as it bled profusely right in front of my face. I could smell chest, rib cage, side, and stomach, they did daily dressing changes to make
my blood as it pooled beneath me on the road. sure the wounds we being kept clean. My bandages acted as my skin where
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 22
the graft surgery had not yet taken place. Every time the doctors changed my
dressings, it was as if they were ripping off my skin. The oxygen hitting the
open burns was enough to make me scream. Cleaning the wounds with
water would send me into a rage. It is safe to say I would have rather been
lying on that road again than go through a daily dressing change. This lasted
the entire two months I spent in the hospital.
Physical therapy, as motivating as it was supposed to be, was just as painful
as anyone can imagine. Struggling to sit up in bed, hold myself up without
help, and lay back down without hurting the open burns on my back proved
itself to be a daunting task. Attempting to stretch my skin, which was tough
and thick as leather, once the grafts were slightly healed, made me wince
and fear that I would lose all motion in my wrists. I remember getting dizzy
just from trying to stand up, blacking out and throwing up from a wheelchair
ride down the hall, and crying at night because I couldn’t get up to go to the
bathroom on my own. All the abilities I took for granted in my everyday life
had come back to haunt me, to teach me a lesson on why I should be
thankful for every second I am breathing.
Everyday I would dread the moment the doctors came into my room.
Whether they were coming to do a conscious sedation for my daily dressing
change, whisk me off to another surgery, or put me through physical therapy,
my attitude worsened everyday towards the people who were trying to save
my skin. It drove me to act bitter towards the people who cared about me the
most; my parents were there every day and I know it must have been difficult
for them to put up with me. The pain I went through pushed me into a deep
depression, but I refused to be put on medication for anything of that nature. I
was taking 20 pills with breakfast and dinner every day, I didn’t need to add to
that number. I was asked several times if I wanted to talk to a psychologist
about the accident, talk about the nightmares my nurses always reported me
having at night, but I denied the willing listener. In short, I made sure I paid for
my mistakes dearly, not only physically, but emotionally as well, and
everyone around me could see the old Brittany fading away.
After my final skin graft surgery on November 16th, I woke up feeling as if my
back had been completely replaced. The noticeable difference between the
open wound and the grafted burn was enough to lift my spirits. I was able to
lay comfortably for the first time in two months. I knew the time had come for
me to get out of thehospital and start the real healing: returning to my normal
life. I had to beg my doctors to let me go home. I couldn’t stand the thought of
returning to a physical rehabilitation hospital. With fresh donor sites on my left
thigh and a throbbing pain worse than most I had felt, I walked down the hall
on the fifth floor three days after surgery so I could go home. I cried with relief
when they signed my release paperwork.
GOING HOME
I walked slowly into my house for the first time in over two months. The smell
alone was enough to make me smile, as Thanksgiving dinner was being
prepared for the next day. The warm air, the sound of my dog yelping at my
return, the softness of my own bed sheets, and the glow of real sunlight
pouring in through the bedroom windows gave me the most comfort I had
experienced since the accident, and compared to the hospital, it was heaven.
I was not on my own by any means; my Mom had to help me shower and
give me my blood thinning shots twice a day in my stomach. Walking from
my bedroom to the kitchen made me break a sweat, as my muscles had not
been used in two months. I still had open wounds, was using a personal
walker built for full body support to move around, and couldn’t even dress
myself, but I felt a happiness that seemed almost unfamiliar.
Coming home was the best thing that could have happened to me. The
doctors gave me a month before I would be walking without the walker, but I
threw it in the back of my closet after the third day. I ditched my bandages
after a week and started wearing jeans ten days later. I was determined to
feel normal again, or at last appear normal to the unknowing passerby. I
began driving after only two weeks out of the hospital and started living my
life as if I had never fallen off that motorcycle. My friends and family could see
how quickly I was becoming myself again. I truly believe being around such
wonderful support helped me heal as quickly as I did.
I was still attending physical therapy, but was improving at speeds that
amazed even my own doctors. I was walking up stairs without a second
thought and riding the stationary bike with ease. It still hurt to do normal
things, even bending my knees to sit in a chair would send pain up my legs,
but I learned to ignore it all. I was so used to the way my skin ached,
including the itching and burning I would feel every second, that it was as if I
never really felt it anymore. My mind had blocked it out and unless I stopped
to notice it, the sensitivity and uncomfortable nature of the healing skin grafts
wasn’t even in my thoughts.
The morning my hair started to fall out I knew something was wrong. I had
been out of the hospital for an entire month but the medication I was taking
had just started to leave my system. The combination of chemicals that had
kept me alive and comfortable in the hospital was now killing the living cells in
my scalp and face. After a week of pulling chunks of my own hair out and
watching my eyelashes and eyebrows fall to my cheeks, I felt like a cancer
patient taking chemotherapy. I cut my long blonde hair short to try and save
as much of it as I could, but it never stopped. You could see through the few
thin strands left all the way to my scalp and I even had a couple completely bald
spots. I finally had had enough and decided to simply shave my head and get it
over with. I cried as the rest of my hair hit the bathroom floor that night.
After everything I had suffered as a direct result of the fall: 55 percent body
coverage of third degree burns, severed tendons in my left pinky finger, a
severely dislocated right big toe, and a large amount of blood loss; what
really slowed the healing process was what I experienced in the hospital.
Indirect results of the accident due to a prolonged hospital stay: pneumonia,
urinary tract infection, pseudomonas infection, blood infection, a blood clot in
my left leg, yeast infections, anemia, 3 blood transfusions with 1 adverse
reaction, 8 surgeries, 31 conscious sedations, countless skin debreedments,
and undiagnosed PTSD and depression. With these things in mind, the loss
of my hair seemed minimal at most. My hair would grow back. I was alive,
and thankful for that everyday. I knew that what I had gone through would
give me the strength to survive anything else God had planned for me in the
future. As long as I could walk, talk, and breathe, I was always happy to be
on this earth and would never take the blessings in my life for granted again.
RETURNING TO RIDING
My heart felt heaving knowing something I loved so much had almost cost
me my life. I knew the mistakes I had made and the consequences I never
wanted to face again. I couldn’t imagine not riding because it was one of my
few joys. I knew I would never again ride without my gear. Even on a hot day
and a short trip, my helmet would always be on my head and I would make
sure it was functioning properly. I was back on a motorcycle as a passenger
a few times before I was rid of the fear I felt. Once I was able to go highway
speeds, I knew I was ready and able to ride again. I wanted to feel the
freedom that comes with being alone on the machine and rolling on the
throttle, putting the rest of the world on hold.
I bought my 2006 Yamaha R6s on June 22nd from a local dealer. With help
from a very close friend, I was reminded of the basics of riding every morning
for a couple of weeks in free lessons that were tailored to my needs as a
rider. I was taught the importance of knowing that while on a motorcycle,
literally anything can happen at any time. Riding prepared for the worst
possibilities will always protect you from injury in even the smallest wreck. I
know I never want to feel the way I did in the hospital again, and anything I
can do to keep that from happening, I will do every time I get on a bike. I
learned some new skills in that first month back on the road, but I also
learned some important things about myself as well. I learned how strong I
really am, especially after returning to the sport that changed my life after
almost claiming it.
THE FINAL OUTCOME
My road rash will take several years to completely heal and will never look or
feel normal again. I have conquered the only fear that kept me from riding
and I will never put myself in the same position to receive such injuries as I
have lived through this past year. I stress the importance of wearing full gear to
each and every person I ride with, talk to, or even who happens to read my
story. I believe that my
experiences are a lesson
to every type of rider or
passenger. I would never
wish the pain I felt and still
feel today upon anyone in
this world. It is completely
avoidable with a few extra
layers, and I can’t say it
enough: it is undeniably
worth it to gear up.
Everything I have gone
through this past year will
not be in vain if my
testimony is enough to
save someone’s skin.
 Biker Appreciation Month

Columbus Day
METRIC feature

Sturgis
RAIDING THE STREETS
by Matthew Allen Road Trip
This is my 08’ Yamaha Raider S Tommy blue in
color.  The engine is a 1900 V-twin. Just had it
on the dyno and it’s producing 91HP at about
109TQ.  I have just added the Vance & Hines
2-1 Big Radius exhaust, with a K&N filter and
a Power Commander III.  I am going to get it
back on the dyno again soon to check the new
numbers I will be putting down with the Metzler
210.  I put on the star windshield, Kuryakyn ISO
grips, and Kuryakyn mirrors.  Everything else is
almost stock, with just a couple mods to clean
things up to my taste.

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 26 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 27

In Loving Memory of Theresa Leigh Hunt
1958-2008
Most people start out with ambition but allow their lives
to become routine over time. A few lucky people live their
whole lives with joy and abandon, never allowing each day
to become rote or boring. Theresa Leigh Hunt began every
morning with a smile on her face and ended each night the
same way. Any person who had the privilege to cross paths
with Theresa invariably discovered that same smile making
its way onto their face. Theresa was a joyful, creative, loving
woman who could make anyone’s day better with a simple
word and a hug. Filled with a love of life, she never stopped
wanting to learn. The things she did during her life are too
numerous to list here, but the first thing anyone thinks of
when Theresa comes to mind is motorcycles. To Theresa, as
to many bikers, her Harley wasn’t a way to get from place to
place, but a beloved family member. Theresa rebuilt her 1978
Shovelhead in her kitchen, putting the same determination
and ingenuity to use that had served her well her whole life.
Never judging someone by what they rode, how long they’d
been riding, or how many miles were on their bike, Theresa
believed in the brotherhood of the biker. “Riding is riding,”
she would say, “We all share the road. The important thing is Tattoo of
the Month
getting out there.” To her, riding was the epitome of freedom,
and that was what mattered. Theresa was as much an angel
in life as she is now. It is all our loss that she is gone, and
she will be sorely missed by all.

3 Amigas Forever - We love you girl

from Cara and Wendy

Theresa, Wendy & Cara

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 28 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 29

 Thunder
Jams

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 30


ABATE of Virginia welcomes all riders to join in the fight to protect your rights.
No matter what you ride, we want YOU! For more information contact Sharon
Keaton at 540-937-3924 or
CulpeperSharon@Gmail.com. Stay on top of the latest ABATE news and events
by visiting www.ABATEofVA.com.
ABATE Coalfield Riders Chapter ( Grundy , VA ) meets 7PM every 2nd
Saturday at Caleb & Melissa’s garage, Deel Fork, Grundy , VA 24614-9600 .
Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Steve Stacy at 276-935-2484
or SStacy@eqt.com
ABATE Culpeper Chapter ( Culpeper , VA ) meets 7PM every 2nd Thursday
at Hazel River Pub, 105 E Davis St, Culpeper , VA 22701. Everyone Welcome.
For more information contact Tim Dalman at 540-219-6366 or TimDalman@
comcast.net
ABATE 1st Capitol Chapter ( Williamsburg , VA ) meets 9AM every 1st
Sunday at Beachcomber’s Restaurant, 8811 George Washington Memorial
Hwy, Yorktown , VA 23692. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact
Gene Spare at
757-903-6541 or JESpare@verizon.net
ABATE Iron Horse Calvary Chapter ( Lynchburg , VA ) meets 7PM every 1st
Tuesday at Mary Jane’s Café, 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 22030-5005. Everyone
Welcome. For more information contact Bob Seoane at 703-206-0571 or Night-
Tommy2@yahoo.com
ABATE Olde Dominion Chapter ( Falls Church , VA ) meets 8PM every 1st
Monday at JVs Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church , VA 22042-2145.
Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Tank Fortner at 703-309-
7197or 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 White Oaks Lodge, 3533 Kecoughtan Rd, Hampton , VA 23661-
3546. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Don Cournoyer at
757-723-2019
or abateregion3@yahoo.com
American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 54 - Chesapeake, VA President
Jack Wright (757) 465-8578, Ruddfan4life@cox.net www.americancruisers.us
American Cruisers Motorcycle Club Chapter 57 - Va. Beach,Va. President
Brian Brooner, E-Mail brooner1@cox.net
Army of The Lord, Virginia (Virginia Beach) Christian Riding Group Meets 2nd
and 4th Thursday of each month. 7:30 pm
Overseer: Rich “Sluggo” Segarra 757-450-4190
sluggo@armyofthelordva.org www.armyofthelordva.org
Bayside Hog – Meets 7pm on 3rd Fri. at Bayside Harley-Davidson
Outer Banks HOG – Meets 2pm, 1st Saturday at Outer Banks Harley-Davidson
Bikers For Christ / New River Valley Chapter
(Elder) Eddie Wright. Based out of the River of Life Church 5311 Black Hollow
Rd. Dublin, Va. 24084. www.bikersforchristNRV.com
Bikers with Heart Foundation, Inc.
501 ©3 Non-Profit Organization, National Fallen Biker Memorial Weekend, P.O.
Box 291 Bryantown, MD 20617, Office: (301) 893-2900 Email: bikerswith-
heart@yahoo.com
Website: www.fireupthundrout.com/bikerswithheart
Motto: We Ride Because We Care
Blue Knights Virginia Chapter III
Richmond, VA (804) 379-0578
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA Chapter V – Hampton Roads Meets
4th Wed every month 7 pm, 110 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake, VA Club President
– Susan Taylor (757) 531-1224
blueknightsva5@yahoogroups.com
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze4sw29/bkva5.htm
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA VII
www.bkvavii.org Pres. George A. Cipra
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA VIII
Meets on 1st Wed at the Charlottesville FOP Lodge
Info: Willie Barnett (804) 589-1824
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA Chapter X
Yorktown, VA www.blueknightsvax.com
Blue Knights Law Enforcement MC/VA XIII Danville, Vir-
ginia meets on 13th of every month Club President - Keith Johnson
www.blueknightsvaxiii.com
Blue Ridge Christian Riders CMA Chapter 264
Meets 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30pm Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson
dealership. Contact: Steve Lemay (540) 721-1969, Graffan Reynolds (540)
588-6191, Dave Miller (540) 362-3962
Bone Shaker’s Social Club ( BSSC)
We meet the first Tuesday of each month at Boneshaker’s Saloon, 1297 Gen-
eral Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. All meetings are open to the public
and all are welcome. P.O.Box 3077, Virginia Beach, Va 23457 (757) 961-8382
Buell Owners in the DC area
Meets 1st Sat, 10 am at H-D
Club Directory
Castaways Riding Club - Tidewater, VA
Meets 3rd Weds of the month. Wherever your mind wonders…ride after it! www.
castatwaysrc.com or email tailgunjoe@cox.net
Central Virginia Chapter of the Victory Motorcycle Club
Bill Robinson, Chapter President Email: wrr1home@comcast.net Cell: (804)339-
3784 Home: (804) 737-7910
Central VA Trail Riders
Meets 7 pm on 1st & 3rd Tues. At a Richmond Rest.(804) 272-8038
Christian Motorcyclist Association Northern Virginia Chapter 348
www.nvcrcma.com NVCR meets 3rd Sat each month @ Old Country Buffet in
Manassas @ 9:00 am, President – Rick Saunders, nvcrmail@msn.com
CMA/Beacons of Tidewater (Hampton Roads area)
Meets 2nd Monday of each month, except Dec. @ Piccadilly Restaurant, 530
N. Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA (across from the Dump). President, Lenny Stowell,
lenand2girls@cox.net or (757) 420-4411.
CMA/Blue Ridge Christian Riders (Roanoke area)
Meets 3rd Mon. at RVHD 1925 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA
Info: (540) 588-6191
Concours Owners Group COG–Northeast Area www.concours.org/ne
Mid-Atlantic Region Luray, VA #1887 Patrick Sprague (540) 743-4874 Email:
psprague@shentel.net
Down By Law 757 MC Club www.downbylaw-mc.com
President – “Quiet Storm” Email: quietstormzx9@aol.com
EZRR Club, Inc. Richmond, VA
Info: (804) 932-4784/www.riders-inc.com
Fire and Iron Station 161 Firefighters MC located in Northern Virginia Fire
and Iron Station 161 is a group of Firefighters and other members associated with
the fire service, who loves to ride and have a good time. Our club prides itself in
its effort to support various charitable organizations and support other clubs while
remaining a neutral motorcycle club. Each member of Fire and Iron FFMC shares
a passion for the brotherhood of the fire service, the motorcycling community
and the call of the open road.For more info, contact President George Smith at
FireandIron161@aol.com
Flaming Knights MC - Norfolk Chapter
www.FKMCNORFOLKVA.com Flaming Knights Norfolk P.O. BOX 7022 Norfolk,
VA 23509
GWRRA chapter K of Roanoke
Meets 3rd Thursday, Holiday Inn Airport
Web address: http://www.communities.msn.com/GWRRAVAK
Chapter Directors: Jerry & Linda Hall (540) 387-0897
GWWRA Chapter D of Richmond VA
2236 Cedar Crest Rd. Richmond, VA 23235
GWTA THE LOONEY TOON RIDERS
Meets at 460 Western Sizzlin, 2nd Sat each month at 2 pm
For more info call (540) 265-2986
Hampton Roads Southern Cruisers Riding Club Chapter #26
Website http//bikers.crusading.org/ “Cruiser” Mosher 1st Officer HRSC
Curzer1500@yahoo.com
Heaven Bound Bikers Meets 2nd Sat. each month 9am riders in South Hill (434)
372-3785 a great ride after each meeting
Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry 4181 Worsham Rd.
Powhatan, Va 23139 (804) 598-9026; rodneyrides@juno.com
www.heavenssaints.com
Honda Riders Club (HRC), Appalachian M/C Meetings & open rides on 4th
Sundays, 11 am at Loudoun Motorsports in Leesburg, VA Info: (703) 777-1652
Honda Riders Club (HRC) Manassas Honda Rider’s Club Meets 1st Tues 7:30
pm Stonewall Jackson VFD 7814 Garner Road, Manassas, VA Info: (703)361-
2233
Indian Riders Group
VA Beach Indian Riders Info: (757)449-6017 www.vabirg.com
Iron Horse Ministries Meets the last Friday of every month at 7:00pm; room
235 in the LCA building at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Candlers Mountain
Rd. in Lynchburg VA. We also have a Biker Bible Study every Sunday morning
at 9:30 in the same room. For more information contact Pastor Steve at email@
ironhorseministries.org or call him at (530)305-4095.
LadyRiders, Inc. Motorcycle Club - Northern Virginia Area
Meets 2nd Monday of the month, schedules rides 4th wked of month
See www.ladyriderinc.com or write luv2ride@ladyriderinc.com
Queen Beez Motorcycle & Social Association
www.queenbeezmsa.com P O Box 35396
Richmond, VA 23235 info@queenbeezmsa.com
Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Chapter 4, Virginia Beach Meets on the first
Tuesday of the month. For information and location of the next meeting, call
David J. (President) @ 757-816-1194, or Gordon W. @ 757-439-0167
Richmond Riders www.richmondriders.com 2nd Sunday every month meets for
Bikes in the Bottom 9:30am Poe’s Pub on Main St. Contact Jason webmaster@
richmondriders.com
Rolling Thunder® Inc. - Chapter 4 VA Meets 3rd Sunday every month at 2PM
in the Moose Lodge #715, located at 2307 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg VA. Public
welcome. www.rollingthunderch4va.com
Rolling Thunder,® Inc. - VA Chapter 5 Meetings are held every 2nd Sunday of
the month @ American Legion, Post 2, 820 Winfield Road, Petersburg, VA 23803.
Mailing address: P. O. Box 6614
Richmond, Va. 23230. Mike Walton, President (804) 514-9123
Shenandoah Valley HOG Monthly meeting @ Verona, Va. Moose alternates 2nd
Sunday next month 2nd Tuesday. hog hotline (540) 946-9992, www.shenandoah-
hog.com
Sisters of Chrome Women Motorcycle Club/Maryland
Women Content to grabbing the handlebars and steering our own motorcycles.
www.sistersofchromemc.com . Contact Sugar Bear – sistersofchrome@aol.com
or (410) 477-5557.
SONS OF THUNDER MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES 1509 Chesapeake Ave,
Chesapeake, VA 23324 www.sonofthundermm.com peglegjoe@verizon.netWe
meet every first Saturday of each month at thunder alley Call for directions 757-
543-1857 or 757-619-4073. Also we have JC’S Fellowship Church where bikers
are welcome. Come as you are – meeting place: Thunder Alley. Times: Sunday 9
am & 6 pm; Wed. 7 pm; Thurs.(Recovery Program) 7 pm. All our runs go to JC’S
Recovery House – All people that we help through this house are by application
and acceptance based on they’re desire for help.
Southern Cruisers Riding Club - Hill City Chapter of Lynchburg, Va. Meets the
second Wednesday of every month @ Vinny’s Italian Restaurant @ 7:00pm.
Please contact the following if interested. Phil Stanley-First Officer @ jacker7@
verizon.net. Paul King,Second Officer @ pking@crhudgins.com. Please visit our
web site www.hillcitycruisers.com
Southern Cruisers Riding Club - Mineral Chapter 442 Close to Lake Anna.
We are Located Between Charlottesville and Richmond VA. Contact Diane at
clippydi@yahoo.com. We have Many Miles great county roads.
Southern Cruisers - Nelson County, VA Chapter #172 1st Tuesday every
month@ The Lovingston Cafe, 7:00 pm. For more info contact Rhonda Ponton,
1st Officer, (434) 531-5820 or Pete Avellone at (434) 531-7916
Southern Maryland Bikers For Christ P.O Box 1107, Leonardtown, MD. 20650.
Gordon Bacon, 240-577-0605, SOMDBFC.ORG Check our web site for meeting
times and location.
Southern Virginia American Legion Riders
We are open to all bikes & all Veterans’ & family members of Veterans. P O Box
57 Colonial Heights, VA 23834, (804) 526-4167, email: herbiewms@netscape.
com
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 188 5461 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
23462 http://vbstar.mav.net email:ccnkcstarriders@aol.com, contact Lisa Laufer
@ (757) 646-6738 or (757)646-6734 Llaufer1@cox.net
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 205 - If live in the Hampton, Newport News
Virginia area and looking a fun group to ride with we invite you to look us up, we
are Chapter 205 of STAR Touring and Riding Association.  Our chapter moto, “200
miles is not to far for lunch! “.  We have two scheduled monthly ride each month
and hold a business meeting the first Wednesday of each month.  Our chapter is
active with other local groups and support many events through out the year.  Like
to know more about us, check our web site at www.star205.org
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 208 - Richmond, Va
Meets the 3rd Thursday each month, check the website for more info. http://star-
touring.org/chapter208/ Contact: Bob Gagne (804)458-4759 or rjgagne1106@
adelphia.net
STAR touring and riding chapter 260 Winchester VA, meets 2nd Saturday,
9am at Golden Corral in Winchester,VA on 522. 4th Sunday rides also. Email:
starchapter260@yahoo.com for info
Star Touring & Riding Chapter 440 - North Richmond VA.
Unlike some groups we encourage riders of all makes and model’s to ride with us.
We enjoy the diversity! We are family-oriented and meet and ride monthly. New
riders are welcome - we will coach you on safe group riding techniques and never
compel you to ride beyond your comfort level. We’re a back-roads group, avoiding
the interstate “slab” when we can. Ladies represent about half of our riders. Meet-
ings are held on the second Wednesday, 7:00 PM at Topeka’s, 1776 N. Parham
Road, Richmond. Topeka’s is about 1/2 mile south of I-64. If you can’t make it
to meetings come out and ride with us anyway. It’s not about the meetings. For
more information on meetings or rides please contact our chapter president, Mark
Johnson, at president@star440.org or go the www.star440.org
TAMA – Tidewater Albemarle Motorcycle Association. ALL clubs or any orga-
nization that hosts rides/events are welcome to attend. Come out & meet some
good people from all around the area. We’re all working together so that each
one our rides/events can be scheduled not to conflict with others & then we can all
have a successful turnout. Our meetings are held @ 7PM on the 3rd Thursday of
every month (except December) at the Golden Corral, on the corner of Volvo Pkwy
& Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Bikers Association Inc. P. O. Box 1591, Hillsville, VA 24343, www.
vabikersassoc.org, email: director@vabikersassoc.org
Virginia Freedom Riders P O Box 1387, Suffolk, VA 23439-1387 www.vfr.race.
com President: Bernie Adams Email: Bernie@vfr-race.com Membership Officer:
Sandy Cartwright email: sandy@vfr-race.com
V MAX Owners Association Eric Ellerman- Regional Director, 8009 Robincrest
Ct., Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (919) 567-1991 home, (919) 244-4660 cell,
150*132514*24 Nextel Direct Connect Jimmy Rey - Chapter Leader Virginia/Dis-
trict of Columbia, 5901 Atteentee Rd Springfield, VA. 22150-3906, Day: 703-560-
0600 x 15, Cell: 703-618-2333 Tony Waterman - Charlotte, NC Chapter Leader,
6144 Roseway Ct., Harrisburg , NC. 28075-6509, Eve: 704-454-5753
Williamsburg Riders MC Club We meet at the Capitol Pancake and Waffle
House at 800 Capitol Landing Road, Williamsburg, VA on the 2nd Sunday of each
month (except May which is on the 2nd Sat. due to Mother’s day) at 9am for break-
fast & leave by 10 am (unless earlier time is set by ride leader). We are usually
headed off for a ride of about 75 – 300 miles depending upon the weather and who
shows up to ride. The club is open to all makes of motorcycles and all abilities are
welcome. Contact John Heckman www.williamsburgriders.org
Wings Over History Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc. Appalachian Region N.
Virginia District Georgia & Ken Sladak, Directors, 9612 Alfaree Rd., Richmond,
VA 23237
Women on Wheels www.womenonwheels.org NOW FORMING VA CHAPTER
Call (800) 322-1969 or email: Ironheadbiker@yahoo.com
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 33
Proud Family, Good Friends
by Dave Sutton
When Dwayne Bondurant broke his
foot in August of 2007, he figured
that he might be out of work for three
months. Complications, infection, two
surgeries and almost a year later, he
was still not able to return to work.
As his money ran out, his folks, Dave
and “Mama” Carol Vaughn helped all
that they could. However, soon their resources began drying
up and they even considered selling off personal items. People
around Lynchburg know that Dave and Carol are always
ready to lend a hand. It never occurred to them to ask for help
for themselves. Then Dreama Kulman heard about their dire
straights. She, Michelle Cartrett and others went into action.
A poker run was scheduled for mid-July. Time, materials and
even music were donated to help Dwayne through a tough
situation. July 19 turned out to be a beautiful day for the 120
mile run. The route began at Logan’s Roadhouse and headed
south to Jip’s in the small town of Hurt. Continuing south, we
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 34
Myrtle Beach Cruisin’ the Coast
Spring Bike Week 2009
Bikers’ Chance to Shine
by Phil Schoonover, Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson dealer visitors.
Cruise the coast. Myrtle Beach is centrally located
The Myrtle Beach area is divided over whether to to Charleston, SC and Wilmington, NC where history
host the annual Harley-Davidson bike week. While and culture are prevalent. With Myrtle Beach as your
many business owners appreciate the festival rev- bike week headquarters, you can easily ride to these
enue, some local political leaders are proposing riverfront towns and experience beautiful Lowcountry
measures to discourage bikers from gathering. This vistas and Southern hospitality with your motorcycle
is an ongoing debate and one in which we bikers are friends. Open road exploration throughout the Caro-
respectfully engaging. linas will feed your independent biker spirit. Cruisin’
The Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson spring bike week the coast is undoubtedly part of the Harley-Davidson
began without a government endorsement. It started spring bike week experience.
because people who ride motorcycles like to ride them The Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson Throttle Down
together and campaign is
Myrtle Beach educating bik-
was a terrific ers about local
oceanfront hub. noise ordinances.
Such gatherings Excessive revving
and group travel and acceleration
will continue re- is not permissible
gardless of what and may result in
the government steep fines. Bike
does with new rallies are safer
ordinances and and more enjoy-
laws, increased able for all when
police presence, everyone obeys
alteration of the local laws.
traffic patterns Please do your
and reduction part. Each biker
or elimination who comes to
of bike week town impacts how
vendors. the Harley-David-
rolled through Gretna, where a sign proudly proclaims “Ain’t
No Big Thing, but We’re Growin’.” On the other side of town, Harley-Da- son bike week is
at a crossroads, by a cow field stands BB’s. Its a pretty good vidson rally perceived.
place that just seems to be in the middle of a farm. It was here attendees can The next
that me and my infamous road atlas struck again. Those that civilly aid the local bike week debate by showing that Cruisin’ the Coast Spring Bike Week is May 8 – 17,
were brave, or silly, enough to follow me left the planned route. we are the courteous, desirable Myrtle Beach visitors 2009 and don’t forget this year’s Fall Pilgrimage is
We got to ride through a wildlife preserve that none of us even
knew existed. Hey, its the ride that counts. We still got to the we claim to be. As local citizens and elected officials October 1 – 5, 2008 in Myrtle Beach. Don’t be fooled
next stop at Mango’s, beside Smith Mountain Lake. After an- organize to address their rally concerns about traffic by misinformation about these upcoming rallies. Visit
other group left, we realized that we were bringing up the rear and noise, we bikers are putting our best foot forward www.MyrtleBeachHarley.com or www.MBBikeWeeks.
and headed back to Lynchburg. Though our group arrived at and doing our part to encourage less congestion and com for all the official details, bike week updates and
Big Licks Tropical Grill just as the bands were shutting down, a quieter bike week. a long list of biker-friendly accommodations. And
we were assured that Coda and Tooth and Nail righteously
rocked the outside deck. Both bands donated their talents to Local Myrtle Beach citizens do not have to rely on during your next bike week, cruise the coast, throttle
the event. We did get to watch as more donations came about government entities to tackle their traffic and noise down and show Myrtle Beach that we are visitors the
as the $100 first and $150 50/50 prizes were given back to concerns. The private sector can and should play a City wants to welcome.
support the cause. Donated door prizes were also awarded. In role in finding amicable solutions to valid concerns.
all, $1800 was netted to help Dwayne with his expenses. Dave So Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson is promoting Cruise
and Carol are living proof that good deeds can come back to
you. Especially with a little help from your friends. the Coast and Throttle Down campaigns to bike week
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 35
 The Joker’s Wild
A woman scanned the guests at a party and spotted an
attractive man standing alone. She approached him. “My
name is Carmen,” she told him. “That’s a beautiful name,”
he replied, “Is it a family name?” “No,” she replied. “I
gave it to myself. It reflects the things I like most -- cars
and men. What’s your name?” she asked. He paused and
thought a moment, “B. J. Titsengolf.”
I went to the US Patent Office trying to register some of
my inventions. I went to the main desk to sign in and the
lady at the desk had a form that had to be filled out. She
wrote down my personal info and then asked me what I
had invented. I said, “A folding bottle.” She said, “Okay.
What do you call it?” “A Fottle.” “What else do you have?”
“A folding carton.” “What do you call it?” “A Farton.” She
sniggered and said, “Those are silly names for products
and one of them sounds kind of crude.” I was so upset
by her comment that I grabbed the form and prepared to
leave her office, but not without yelling over my shoulder,
“You didn’t even hear about my folding bucket”.
The inventor of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Arthur
Davidson, died and went to Heaven. At the gates, St. Peter
told Arthur. “Since you”ve been such a good man and
your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward
is, you can hang out with anyone you want to in heaven.”
Arthur thought about it for a minute and then said, “ I want
to hang out with God.” St. Peter took Arthur to the Throne
Room, and introduced him to God. God recognized Arthur
and commented, “Okay, so you were the one who invented
the Harley-Davidson motorcycle? “Arthur said, “Yeah,
that’s me...” God commented: “Well, what’s the big deal in
inventing something that’s pretty unstable, makes noise
and pollution and can’t run without a road?” Arthur was a
bit embarrassed, but finally spoke, “Excuse me, but aren’t
you the inventor of woman?” God said, “Ah, yes.” “Well,”
said Arthur, “professional to professional, you have some
major design flaws in your invention !
1. There”s too much inconsistency in the front-end suspension
2. It chatters constantly at high speeds
3. Most rear ends are too soft and wobble about too much
4. The intake is placed way too close to the exhaust
5. The maintenance costs are outrageous!!!!
“Hmmmmm, you may have some good points there,” re-
plied God, “hold on.” God went to his Celestial supercom-
puter, typed in a few words and waited for the results.
The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it.
“Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed,” God said
to Arthur, “but according to these numbers, more men are
riding my invention than yours”.
I saw a flatbed truck going down the road loaded down
with “Port-A-Jons”, on the side of each one it read: “Your
Shit Is My Bread & Butter”. It made me feel good to know
that I was doing my part for the economy every morning
after coffee.
A man boarded a plane with six kids. After they got
settled in their seats a woman sitting across the aisle from
him leaned over to him and asked, “Are all of those kids
yours?” He replied, “No. I work for a condom company.
These are customer complaints.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 36
The Joker’s Wild
When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I
take her someplace expensive, so, I took her to a gas
station. And then the fight started. After retiring, I went to
the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The
woman behind the counter asked me for my driver’s li-
cense to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and real-
ized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I
was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come
back later. The woman said, “Unbutton your shirt.” So I
opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said,
“That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me,”
and she processed my Social Security application. When
I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience
at the Social Security office. She said, “You should have
dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.”
And then the fight started. My wife and I were sitting at
a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at
a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a
nearby table. My wife asked, “Do you know her?” “Yes,” I
sighed. “She”s my old girlfriend. I understand she took to
drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and
I hear she hasn”t been sober since.” “My God!” says my
wife. “Who would think a person could go on celebrating
that long?!” And then the fight started .
It seems that his father, grandfather and great-grand-
father had all been able to walk on water on their 21st
birthday. On that special day, they”d each walked across
the lake to the bar on the far side for their first legal
drink. So when Bubba’s 21st birthday came a round,
he and his pal Jim Bob took a boat out to the middle of
the lake, Bubba stepped out of the boat ... and nearly
drowned! Jim Bob just barely managed to pull him to
safety. Furious and confused, Bubba went to see his
grandmother. “Grandma,” he asked, “it’s my 21st birth-
day, so why can’t I walk ‘cross the lake like my pappy, his
father, and his father before him?” Granny looked deeply
into Bubba’s troubled eyes and said, “Because your
father, your grandfather and your great grandfather were
born in January, when the lake is frozen, and you were
born in July, you frickin’ idiot.
A woman went to her doctor for advice. She told him
that her husband had developed a penchant for anal
sex and she was not sure that it was such a good idea.
“Do you enjoy it?” The doctor asked. “Well actually, yes,
I do.”, she exclaimed.. “Does it hurt you?” he asked.
“No. I rather like it.” “Well, then,” the doctor continued,
“there”s no reason that you shouldn”t practice anal sex,
if that”s what you like, so long as you take care not to
get pregnant.” The woman was mystified....”What? You
can get pregnant from anal sex?”” “Of course,” the doctor
replied. “Where do you think politicians come from”?
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 37
 BIKERS
for Christ
We Will Never Forget
9/11/01

Says THANK YOU

For All You Do

SUPPORT
OUR TROOPS

These pictures are from Sunday July 27Th, 2008. We went

to see Clair’s headstone that Bikers for Christ and the Iron
Horsemen MC, Phantoms MC, Red Knights MC, Deril-
ics MC and many others helped to make possible. Many
thanks to all of you for your help. The lord will truly bless
you for what you have done. Pictures used with permission
from Iron Horsemen for public use.

Respect and Honor Jesus Is Lord

Southern Maryland Bikers For Christ
Gordon Bacon

BACK In The Day

Michele Smith Gets Thunder Roads
Shouldn’t You?
To get Thunder Roads Magazine In The Mail
Send Check Or Money Order For $39.00
($3.25 - S & H per issue) Made Out To:
Mid-Atlantic Thunder Roads
1920 Centerville Turnpike,
Suite 117-270 Virginia Beach, VA 23464

NAME________________________________

STREET______________________________

CITY____________________ZIP___________

THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 38 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 39

BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
It’s important for you to know who Outer Banks Harley-Davidson Grove’s Winchester Shenandoah Harley-Davidson/Buell
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
Diva Customs Hogs Gon Wild BBQ, Inc
your friends are out there when you
1223 U.S. Highway 17 South Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc. 213 Rolling Thunder Lane 501 17th St. Restaurant, Bar and Catering MOTORCYCLE RENTALS SPORT FISHING
hit the road! Welcome to our Biker 3184 King William Ave.
Friendly Directory. The following is a Elizabeth City, NC 27909 140 Independence Drive (Route 50 East) Staunton, VA Virginia Beach, VA 23451
list of establishments throughout the (252) 338-8866 Winchester, VA 22602 (540) 213-7433 (757) 428-DIVA West Point, Va 23181
Mid-Atlantic that want you to know that
www.outerbankshd.com www.divacustoms.com (804) 843-9212 Virginia CHARTER BOAT “AMETHYST”
they’re here for YOU. Whether it’s a (540) 662-4468 www.shenhd.com
bike dealer, service shop, restaurant,
Indian River Inlet,
bar or any other type of business Virginia Fast Lane Biker Gear & Accessories Hoss’s Deli Eagle Rider Winchester Rehoboth Beach, DE
Hampton Roads Southside Harley-Davidson/Buell, Inc.
that welcomes our biking community 806 Old Oyster Point 140 Independence Dr Tuna * Dolphin * Shark * King Mackerel
through their doors, you can count on Harley-Davidson/Buell 385 North Witchduck Rd 166 S. Rosemont Rd. Ste. G
Bad Mo’s Custom Cycles Newport News, VA Winchester, VA 22602 Sea Bass * Croaker * Flounder
our family of friends to always welcome 6450 George Washington Memorial Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach, VA 23452
you in. ALL of our regular advertisers Custom Building/Rebuilding (757) 596-9104 (540) 662-9292 Since 1984 1-800-999-8119
Highway (757) 499-8964 (757) 340-4446
can be found, in bold, throughout this
Fabricating & Painting www.EagleRiderWinchester.com www.atbeach.com/amethyst
listing. All of our friends listed are Yorktown, VA
“Biker Friendly” & most of them ride Virginia Beach, VA South Richmond Harley-Davidson Shop Live Wire Restaurant & Lounge Email: amethystcharters@aol.com
(757) 872-7223 Harley-Haven Harley-Davidson/Buell
too, so they know exactly what you (757) 237-2340 or (757) 685-9697 10011 Hull Street 4108 Oaklawn Blvd
want & need. The staff here at Thunder 1920Atlantic Ave Hopewell Va 23860 of Ocean City
Roads greatly appreciates of all of our Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg Richmond, VA Virginia Beach, VA
Bayside Harley-Davidson (804) 452-0533 10716 Ocean Gateway TATTOO STUDIOS
advertiser’s continuous support each
20452 Timberlake Road (804) 745-3445 (757) 425-2458
month - they are the sole financial 2211 Frederick Blvd Berlin, MD
supporters of this magazine. WE Lynchburg, VA Marilyn’s Hot Rod Café (410) 629-1599
WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THEM!
Portsmouth, VA 23704 Thunder Road Harley-Davidson
434-237-2381 Low Cost Fine Leather Apparel 4207 Wards Rd City Limits Tattoo & Piercing, Ltd.
So please give them the support that I-264 Exit 5 4960 Riverside Drive
they truly deserve for being with us & 757 397-5550 www.LeatherMotorcycleJacketandApparel.com Lynchburg, VA Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson 119D Boulevard
drop by to see them for a visit. Let them Harley-Davidson of Wytheville Danville, VA 24541-5630
Fax 757 397-5513 (434) 832-1555 8739 Caratoke Highway Colonial Heights, VA 23834
know that you saw them here in Thunder 430 Lithia Road (434) 822-BIKE (2453)
Roads. If you know of a business that www.harleybay.com Renegade Classics Harbinger, NC 27941 (804) 504-0600
Wytheville, VA www.davishd.com
would like to join our Thunder Roads 14575 Jefferson Davis Hwy Knuckleheads Roadhouse 252 491-2091 www.citylimitstattoo.com
family of Biker Friendly Places, please
Black Wolf Harley-Davidson 276-228-9000 401 North Witchduck Road www.kittyhawkhd.com
give us a call (757) 831-2264 or email Tidewater Motorcycles Inc. Woodbridge, VA 22191
thunderroadskelly@yahoo.com. 18100 Black Wolf Lane 4324 Godwin Blvd 703-499-9533 Virginia Beach, VA 23462
“Where There’s Bikes….There’s Going Abington, VA 24211 HOPAR’S (757) 644-6200 Shenandoah TRAILER SALES
To Be Thunder - THUNDER ROADS” Suffolk, VA www.nova.rcosva.com
(276) 628-5822 21771 Timberlake Road www.knuckleheadsvb.com Harley-Davidson/Buell
(757) 255-4200
Lynchburg, VA 24502 213 Rolling Thunder Lane Open Road Outfitters
DEALERS & SERVICES (434) 455-2143 Tire World
Boyce Performance Cycles Mary Jayne’s Lazy Staunton, VA 24401 45763 Elmwood Court
Waugh Enterprises 2087 S. Amherst Hwy Ste 100
3525 Martin Johnson Rd. & Horse Bar & Grill (540) 213-8026 Sterling, VA 20166
Maryland 385 Waugh Boulevard Amherst, VA 24521-3353
Chesapeake, VA. 23323 5411 Williamson Road 565 Cedar Road www.shenandoahhd.com 1(800) 541-6736
Orange, VA (434) 946-1110
All American Harley-Davidson Phone (757) 477-6168 Roanoke, VA 24012 Chesapeake, Va 23322 info@openroadoutfitters.com
(540) 672-5550
8126 Leonardtown Rd. (540) 362-0140 (757) 549-0367 www.openroadoutfitters.com
Hughesville, MD 20637 Burcham Cycles, Inc. FUN PLACES TO STAY
Whitt’s Harley-Davidson/Buell Sales, Inc. INSURANCE
(888) 833-2REV 2000 Waterside Road Iron Core Randzz Restaurant & Pub
9321 Center Street
www.allamericanh-d.com Prince George, VA 23875 977 Chimney Hill Shopping Center 6001 Holland Rd.
Manassas, VA

Thunder
(804) 526-2300 Virginia Beach, VA 23452-3048 Clark Insurance Agency Suffolk, VA 23437 North Carolina
(703) 369-7077
Harley Davidson of Washington www.burchamscycles.com (757) 631-8393 4709 Mason Rest Ct. (757) 657-9331
www.whittshd.com
9407 Livingston Rd. Barry’s Walnut Island

Jams
Richmond, VA EVERY NIGHT IS BIKE NIGHT!
Ft. Washington, MD Chix Custom Cycles Jim McClure's (804) 271-1961 Restaurant, Lodge,
(888) HDFEVER 3745 Shore Drive Master Performance Cycles Sportsman Restaurant Sports Center & Marina
www.hdwash.com Virginia Beach, VA West Virginia
3707 Rochambeau Dr. BARS & RESTAURANTS 3306 Williamsburg Rd. 169 Walnut Island Blvd
(757) 363-2453 Williamsburg Va. 23188 Richmond, VA 23231 Grandy, NC 27939
Harley-Davidson/Buell www.chixcustomcycles.com Cole Harley-Davidson
757 566-0544 Fax 566-8218 North Carolina (804) 236-1911 (252) 453-4153
of Ocean City 1804 Bland St.
mrspokehead@aol.com www.outerbanksbikerally.com
10716 Ocean Gateway Coleman Power Sports Bluefield, WV 24701
Berlin, MD 435 S. Washington St. (304) 324-8116 Barry’s Walnut Island Restaurant,
Thunder Bird Grill, “That 60’s place”
Hot Rods & Bikes Welcome Comfort Inn Oceanfront South
MOTORPSYCHIC
(410) 629-1599 Outlanders Lodge, www.myspace.com/
Falls Church, VA 201 Battery Park Road 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road
(800) 888-3619 4768 US Highway 211 West Mike’s Harley-Davidson Sports Center & Marina motorpsychicband
Harley-Davidson/Buell Shop of Smithfield , VA 23430 Nags Head, NC
www.wherethepoweris.com Luray, VA 22835 Route 1 Box 401H 169 Walnut Island Blvd
Williamsport (540) 743-2040 Preece Bottom Road Rt 10 Business behind Farmers Bank (800) 334-3302 Contact Jimmy Williams
10210 Governor Lane Blvd - Suite Grandy, NC 27939 www.ThunderbirdGrill.com jwguitarist@gmail.com
Coleman Power Sports www.outlanders.ws Delbarton, WV 25670 (252) 453-4153
2004 Virginia www.myspace.com/
14105 Telegraph Rd. email: outlnd@shentel.net (304) 475-0123 www.outerbanksbikerally.com
Williamsport, MD 21795 The Village Grill
(301) 223-1800 or (301) 416-3900 Woodbridge, VA Rockahock Campgrounds
jimmykwilliams
LEGAL SERVICES 4337 Old Hundred Rd
(703) 497-1500 Patriot Harley-Davidson 1428 Outpost Rd
Chester, Va 23831
Haus of Trikes www.wherethepoweris.com 9739 Lee Highway Lanexa, VA 23089 ********************************
Maryland Virginia 804-768-5900
36350 South Dupont Highway Fairfax, VA
Selbyville, DE 19975 Colonial Harley-Davidson/Buell (703) 352-5400 Stahl & Block, LLC
(804) 966-2759 THE WHITE OAK BAND
Baker Street West Virginia www.rockahock.com
(800) 499-2283 or (302) 436-7400 1701 Temple Parkway 5 Park Center Court, Suite 301 Specializing in Southern,
www.hausoftrikes.com Revolutionary Harley-Davidson Owings Mills, MD 21117 1920 Centerville Turnpike #101 Classic & Modern Rock
Prince George, VA Fat Boys Pork Palace
(800) 875-6554 Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(804) 861-4700 6401 Richmond Rd Specializing in hand Pulled The White Oak band is available
Lightfoot, VA 23090 (757) 479-4480
North Carolina Virginia Carolina Style BBQ PERSONAL SERVICES for Rally's, Private And Corporate
Departure Bike Works (757) 565-5122
5216 Hull St Boneshakers Saloon Foot of the mountain Rt 33 functions as well as a variety of
Davis Harley-Davidson Epstein, Sandler & Flora P.C. Brandywine WV Rockin entertainment venues. For
Richmond, VA 23224 Richmond Harley-Davidson 1297 General Booth Blvd
2215 Hanford Rd. (304) 249-7025 www. Kuttin Station
(804) 231-0244 10441 Washington Highway 413 W. York Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451 for all your hair needs!!
Booking Info Call (540) 899-3620 or
Burlington, NC 27215 Norfolk, VA 23610 Pendletoncounty.net
(336) 227-1261
www.departure.com Glen Allen, VA (757) 961-8382 13509 Boydton Plank Road (540) 220-4825
(804) 550-9280 1-800-9-THE-LAW www.boneshakerssaloon.com www.myspace.com/whiteoakband
www.davishd.com ( Route 1)
East Coast Harley/Buell Dinwiddie, VA 23841
The Law Office of Tom McGrath MOTORCYCLE RACING
Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson 17975 Main Street Roanoke Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell Damon & Company Sports Bar & Grill Biker Specials!
Dumfries, VA 1-800-321-8968 & EVENTS *********************************
8739 Highway 158 1925 Peters Creek Road 7104 George Washington Mem. Hwy, (804) 469-9003
Harbinger, NC 27941 (703) 221-3757 Roanoke, VA 24017
www.motorcyclevirginia.com
Rt 17 North RHYTHM PIGS
(252) 491-2091 (540) 562-5424 Gloucester, VA (804) 693-7218 Maryland International Raceway A Southern Rock & Blues Band
www.kittyhawkhd.com Full House Cycles
100 Full House Drive BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL, www.damonsbar.com www.mirdrag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Contact:
Rob’s Used Harley Parts Tim Fodrey 757-749-5741 Cell
Winchester, VA LEATHERS & GIFTS
2617 Fox Mill Rd. Dirty Dick’s Crab House Virginia Motorsports Park
Nag’s Head Harley-Davidson 540-667-0088 757-961-9020 Office
Reston, VA 20191 Rudee Inlet 8018 Boydton Plank Rd. Fisher Productions
4104 S. Dare Trail
Milepost 13 (Highway 159 Bypass) Gary’s Automotive Again (703) 476-6607 Virginia Virginia Beach, VA Petersburg, VA 23803 www.fisherproductionsonline.com timmy@rhythmpigs.com
Nags Head, NC 27959 www.robsusedharleyparts.com (757) 491-DICK (804) 862-3174 Motorcycle & Auto portraits www.rhythmpigs.com
23220 Airport Street
(252) 255-5922 Leading the way in Sport
Petersburg, VA 23803 BikerCrap.com www.vmpdrag.com
www.nagsheadhd.com (804) 733-8644 Photography
Wild & Sexy Riding & Rally Apparel
(804) 720-1049
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 40 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 41
 BZgal, Tigger
& Apehanger

Thunderfoot: A Metal Storm

We saw them at Apehangers

after attending a bike show in
Maryland.  Chatting with the
bartender, the owner’s favorite
band is Thunderfoot and they like
to schedule them for big occasions. 
The Thunderfoot band roster reads
like a rock music “Who’s Who” or a
“Where Are They Now?” list.  Each has
played with some of the best rock bands at one time or
another.  Several also currently play with Southern Rock
Allstars and Rhythm Pigs.
As founding guitarist and lead singer, Scott Mabrey gave
us background on the band members and how the band
got it’s name.  The late Jakson Spires was known as
“Thunderfoot” because of the way he played the drums.
The band sponsors music scholarships in Jakson’s honor
which are presented annually to students in underserved
areas who want to attend Ann Arbor School of the
Performing Arts. 
Scott is sound engineer when they play gigs and when
they record their original music in the studio.  Mark
“BamBam” McConnell has a heavy metal background.  After
unleashing his talent on the drums on a European tour
with Savatage, Wasp and Sebastian Bach, he is a human
metronome for a monsterous drum frenzy.  If he was
playing the game “Rock Band” his Energy Meter would
go through the roof!  Paul “General” Patten plays a mean
harmonica and wields the mic especially on the Molly
Hatchett tunes. Charles “Fireball” Hart is the bassist and
vocals.  Charles recently earned a gold record for his work
as sound engineer.   New to the group is Kyle Chandler on
guitar with an voice well-suited for R&B. He is a grad from
the Atlanta Institute of Music. 
 Scott “Tank” Mabrey originally from Michigan, likes living
in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He enjoys its rich past as it
was known as the “Recording Capital of the World.”  When
Lynyrd Skynryd sang about it in “Sweet Home Alabama,” 
the lyric “Muscle Shoals has got the swampers” refers to the
house band and producers at the Muscle Shoals Recording
Studio.  Lynyrd Skynrd nicknamed them “swampers”
because of the swamp-like land of Alabama.  (Interesting
factoid to throw in here).  
They will appear at the Delmarva Bike Fest at the Atlantic
Hotel Sept 11, 12 & 13 in Ocean City.   Thunderfoot
combines classic and southern rock with incredible sound
engineering for a show you can’t miss! 

Thunderfoot gear, CDs, schedule and booking info 

can be found on their website:  www.thunderfoot.net, and
www.thunderfootrocks.com
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 42 THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 43
 News Bytes
GAS PRICES FUEL RECORD SCOOTER SALES
Rising fuel prices and recession fears have spurred nation-
wide interest in motorcycles and scooters, and a new survey
indicates more people are considering two-wheelers due to
soaring prices at the pump. PowerSports Business reported in
July that first half scooter sales increased by 65 percent, vali-
dating a consumer trend towards more fuel efficient transpor-
tation. Other sources published similar reports such as The
New York Times’, June 6, 2008 article “As Gas Prices Soar,
Scooters Grow in Popularity”; and The Wall Street Journal,
May 21, 2008 article, “Fuel Efficient Scooter Use Takes Off.”
In an August 1, 2008 article in PowerSports Business, Yama-
ha Motor Co. reported that its U.S. retail motorcycle new unit
sales grew 12.4 percent compared to a year ago. With most
motorcycles averaging from 40 to 60 miles per gallon and
many scooters averaging up to 100 or more miles per gallon,
a lot of people are now interested in acquiring these vehicles
for cost-conscious commuting. A recent PowerSports Busi-
ness article released the results of a survey conducted by
Consumer Reports National Research Center indicating that
more than one-quarter of U.S. consumers are considering
purchasing a motorcycle or scooter. Eighteen percent are
thinking of buying a motorcycle while 14 percent are con-
templating buying a scooter. “The era of smaller, more fuel
efficient vehicles is upon us,” commented Anthony Havens,
CEO of Sparta financial and management services for the
powersports industry. “Until recently, motorcycles and scoot-
ers were considered the choice of enthusiasts, or people
who were just interested in fun and recreation. But, with gas
prices dramatically rising, a growing number of consumers
are buying motorcycles and scooters for extremely practical
reasons.” “In 1998, there were about 15,000 scooter sales,
which represented about 5 percent of all licensable motorcy-
cle sales,” said Mike Mount, a spokesman for the Motorcycle
Industry Council. “In 2007, there were about 131,000 sales,
which represents 15 percent of licensable sales. It might be
easy to think scooters and mopeds are only popular among
teenage boys itching to get their first taste of the open road,
but sales figures indicate that both scooters and mopeds are
increasingly being purchased by a maturing demographic. In
1990, the median age for scooter owners was 26, according
to a survey conducted by the MIC, but by 2003 the median
age jumped to 46.
AMERICANS DRIVING LESS
American driving has reached its eighth month of steady de-
cline, a trend officials say signals an urgent need for new
forms of highway financing to supplement the gas tax. New
data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation
show that, since last November, Americans have driven 53.2
billion miles less than they did over the same period a year
earlier -- topping the 1970s’ total decline of 49.3 billion miles.
Americans drove 4.7 percent less, or 12.2 billion miles fewer,
in June 2008 than June 2007, based on vehicle-miles-trav-
eled data collected by the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA). The decline is most evident in rural travel, which has
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 44
fallen by 4 percent – compared to the 1.2 percent decline in
urban miles traveled – since the trend began last November.
As Americans drive fewer miles, less revenue is generated
for the Highway Trust Fund from gasoline and diesel sales --
18.4 cents per gallon and 24.4 cents per gallon, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2008, motorists consumed nearly
400 million fewer gallons of gasoline, or about 1.3 percent
less than during the same period in 2007, and 7 percent less
-- or 318 million gallons -- of diesel. “We can’t afford to con-
tinue pinning our transportation network’s future to the gas
tax,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters. “Ad-
vances in higher fuel-efficiency vehicles and alternative fuels
are making the gas tax an even less sustainable support for
funding roads, bridges and transit systems.”
U.S. TRAFFIC DEATHS DROP TO LOWEST LEVEL IN A
DECADE
Traffic deaths in the United States declined last year, reach-
ing the lowest level since 1994, reported the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration. Some 41,059 people
were killed in highway crashes, down by more than 1,600
from 2006. It was the fewest highway deaths in a year since
1994, when 40,716 people were killed. The fatality rate of
1.37 deaths for every 100 million miles traveled in 2007 was
the lowest on record, NHTSA said in its report. Motorcycle
deaths increased for the 10th straight year. There were 5,154
motorcycle deaths last year, compared with 4,837 in 2006.
The increased deaths have come while the number of reg-
istered motorcycles has surpassed 6 million, compared with
3.8 million in 1998, and vehicle miles traveled have risen.
Transportation officials said they plan to target motorcyclists
in a $13 million anti-drunken-driving advertising campaign
running during the Labor Day holiday. The department also
has discussed new safety and training standards for novice
riders, increased training for law enforcement and curbing
counterfeit safety-labeling of helmets.
INCREASING FATALITIES MAKE MOTORCYCLES A
TARGET
As more people turn to two-wheel transportation, tripling the
number of new motorcycles hitting the road over the past
decade, the corresponding increase in motorcycle accidents
and fatalities has made motorcyclists a target for stiffer reg-
ulations, stricter safety standards and select enforcement.
State and federal officials fear the problem could grow as
higher gas prices push more first-time riders toward motor-
cycling without proper training and licensing. “With gas pric-
es on the increase, more people are riding motorcycles to
work,” said South Carolina trooper Lance Cpl. Bob Beres.
“They’re not just using them for leisure.” Most motorcyclists
who died during a recent 18-month period studied by the
S.C. Highway Patrol either had a beginner’s license or no
license at all, and troopers worry that inexperience could
put newer riders at greater risk. Of the 99 fatal motorcycle
crashes they investigated from July 2006 to December 2007,
36 riders had beginner’s licenses -- the same number as
News Bytes
those with a regular license. Twenty-five had no license and
two had expired licenses. Motorcycle riders were at fault in
about three-quarters of the fatal crashes. The major causes
were speeding, failing to yield the right of way and driving
under the influence. The S.C. Highway Patrol was awarded a
$75,000 grant to create a Ride Smart safety campaign aimed
at motorcyclists, particularly beginning riders. Law enforce-
ment agencies nationwide are stepping up efforts to curb
rising fatalities by targeting motorcycles. As part of a state
funded Saving Lives program, the California Highway Patrol
conducted a sweep of the 605 freeway looking for motorcy-
clists not obeying traffic laws, high handlebars and improper
helmets, and will be keeping a closer eye on cyclists in highly
concentrated areas through the summer. They ticketed 62
motorcyclists, 21 of which didn’t have a motorcycle license.
Officers impounded the 21 bikes. The National Coalition of
Motorcyclists (NCOM) has recently taken the New York State
Police and NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles to task for setting up
discriminatory “Safety Check” roadblocks for motorcyclists
en route to large rallies, threatening a class-action lawsuit
through Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM), but meanwhile
other states are taking similar targeted actions toward mo-
torcycle riders under the pretense of safety concerns.
UTAH ENACTS TIERED LICENSING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Effective July 8, 2008, Utah will begin using a tiered licensing
system for motorcycle endorsements. - If a rider tests on a
90cc or less motorcycle or scooter they will be restricted to
90cc or less.- If a rider tests on a 249cc or less motorcycle
or scooter they will be restricted to 249cc or less.- If a rider
tests on a 649cc or less motorcycle or scooter they will be
restricted to 649cc or less.- If a rider tests on a motorcycle
or scooter larger than 650cc they will be allowed to ride any
motorcycle or scooter. If a rider takes a motorcycle safety
class on a 250cc, successful completion will waive the rid-
ing part of the license test for an up to 649cc endorsement.
To get an endorsement for motorcycles above 649cc riders
must use a larger motorcycle in the safety class. To use your
own bike in a class you must have a permit, registration, and
insurance. If a rider currently rides a motorcycle over 649cc
they may obtain a skill test waiver by successfully completing
a License Waiver Experienced Rider Course (ERC), a 5 hour
course that costs $85.
OKLAHOMA MAY OUTLAW GANGS
State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R-Oklahoma City) told the Tulsa
World newspaper that he wants to outlaw gangs by passing
a law to enable gang members to be charged with a misde-
meanor, even though he admits that such a law might not
pass constitutional muster. Tim Hock, vice president of the
Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association, said he strongly
endorses Wesselhoft’s efforts, and that allowing gang mem-
bers to be charged with a misdemeanor would give officers
the means to interrogate them about criminal activity in the
community. Tulsa Police Chief Ron Palmer said, “There are
various types of gangs -- outlaw motorcycle gangs, white
supremacy groups, Asian, Hispanic and African American
gangs.” They can be identified by gang names, tattoos and,
in some cases, the color of clothes they wear, he said. But
Andrew Spiropoulos, a law professor at Oklahoma City Uni-
versity, said lawmakers “have to be very careful when they
legislate gang membership as illegal, because under the
First Amendment, a person cannot be prosecuted because
they are a member of a group.” He said a person can be
prosecuted only for conduct. “Generally, what states and
cities have done is that they usually attack some activity in
addition to being a gang member,” he said. “This is very dis-
turbing news,” relayed Tiger Mike Revere, State Coordinator
of ABATE of Oklahoma and member of the National Coali-
tion of Motorcyclists (NCOM) board of directors, “We’ll have
to keep a very close eye on this one in Oklahoma, as this
type of legislation passed in other states, as in California and
Ohio, has been used to directly discriminate against and ha-
rass Motorcycle Clubs, and not just 1%ers.”
BAR OWNER ACCUSES POLICE OF DISCRIMINATING
AGAINST HER PATRONS
A Green Bay, Wisconsin bar owner says the police depart-
ment is discriminating against her because of her clientele.
Kim VandenBusch says 75 percent of the regulars at Kimmers
Bar & Grill are members of a motorcycle club. Last week the
city granted the owner a liquor license with a unique stipula-
tion. The police department asked her to hang a sign in the
bar that says “No club colors,” referring to the back patches
worn by motorcycle club members. “I was very much under
duress on signing that because they said if I didn’t sign it I
wouldn’t get my license,” VandenBusch told WBAY-TV, add-
ing that it’s unfair because the bar has a good track record
with the police department. “I felt it was very wrong. I felt it
was discriminating. It should be up to the owner of the es-
tablishment to decide what clientele they want.” But the po-
lice department has every right to do this. Last year the city
passed an ordinance that says every establishment wanting
a liquor license must first have its business plan approved by
the police department. Police Captain Bill Galvin said, “There
can be fights, shootings, drug dealing, drug usage, things
like that occurring at places where these gang members
hang out.” Galvin says putting up a simple sign will eliminate
potential problems, but VandenBusch hasn’t put one up yet.
Instead, she’s appealing to the Protection and Welfare Com-
mittee.
QUOTABLE QUOTE:
“I think legislative assaults on motorcyclists are totally emo-
tional, disproportionate and totally unfair... They are instigat-
ed and implemented by people who know nothing about mo-
torcycling, but have a prejudice. It’s easy to curb the freedoms
of others when you see no immediate impact on your own.”
Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), publisher & avid motorcyclist
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 45
 EVER WONDER WHY???
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; nei-
ther apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t
Questions? Call 1-800-541-6736 invented in England or French fries in France.
Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which
aren’t sweet, are meat.
Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a
guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why
is it that writers write, but fingers don’t fing, grocers don’t
groce and hammers don’t ham?
If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn’t the plural of booth
Campers - $2,795
beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese?
Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but
not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends
and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? Is it
an odd, or an end?
If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? If a
“The Legend” - $4,055
Rt.66 - $2,295 vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian
eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play
Need extra room for gear? Not
at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have
sure what trailer is right for your noses that run and feet that smell?
bike? Open Road carries a full How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,
line of cargo, camper and pet while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
trailers from $1,595. We install You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language
hitches and wiring, too. Visit us in in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in
Sterling, VA or check out our in- which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which, an
ventory online any time. alarm goes off by going on.
Take Fido, too! English was invented by people, not computers, and it
Open Road Outfitters reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course,
45763 Elmwood Court, Sterling, VA 20166 is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out,
info@openroadoutfitters.com - www.openroadoutfitters.com they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are
invisible.
GOOD FOR YOU!
THE ULTIMATE MOOD LIFTER – CHOCOLATE!
A little chocolate can fix anything, right? It’s BBQ with a bang
sweet, delicious and creamy, and it seems to
make us feel a lot better once we’ve eaten it.
Well, it turns out, chocolate’s mood-boosting
ability is not all in our heads -- eating the
sweet stuff really does make us feel happy,
content and soothed. Why? The fat, sugar,
and high amounts of tryptophan found in chocolate work together to raise
serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Compounds in chocolate
react with receptors in the brain, which can actually dull pain and ease
your mind. These compounds can also increase alertness in the brain.
The result? Your mouth will be happy -- and so will the rest of you.
R G
E
R
D appreciation to all of these very special people.
N I
E
L tion WAA received form City Council, the School
C Board and the Governors office. I promoted him to
Thunder
L
Jams K he is a sergeant, he says “ I work for a living.” He is
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 46
POINTMAN PERSPECTIVE a five star general in my eyes. Cliff is a decorated Viet-
nam vet who was severely wounded several times in
action. Cliff continues to be my trusted friend and I am
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
THANK YOU VIRGINIA FOR LEADING THE WAY his ally in the battle against “The Evil Empire.” Thank
you my friend.
      The WAA team has been gearing up for our
Wreaths Across America ceremony on December May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
13th at the Richmond National Cemetery since early
July. It is so easy to get caught up in everything that May the rain fall gently on your fields
Until we meet again may God hold you
needs to be done that I sometimes overlook some
very important events and people that have helped in the hollow of His hand
me and Sam get this wonderful event going. My
co worker Wendy Sprouse reminded me of all the Reverend Rock
great things that I have been blessed with this year. Rev R.J.(Rocky) Angone, Jr.
Wendy was so right, I have so much to be grateful BlackHorse Trooper
for and I promise to try to remember to keep those Pointman International Ministries
things in my heart and thank God every day for all Wreaths Across America; Richmond National Cemetery
he has brought forth. (H)804-796-6626
      Thank you Virginia. This past February the (w)804-745-3445
Richmond City Council unanimously proclaimed the (C)804-586-5060
second Saturday of each December as “Wreaths rjangone@yahoo.com
Across America Day” for the city of Richmond. www.pointman.homestead.com
Special thanks to Council members Ellen Robert-
son, Reva Trammell, Doug Conner, and President
Bill Pantele. Shortly thereafter, the Richmond City
School Board gave WAA the same proclamation. I
cannot begin to express my gratitude and heart felt
appreciation for the council members and school
board members for their support. Thanks seem to
fall woefully short, but know that Sam and I love and
appreciate you.
      This past July a very special feather was put in
our WAA hat. Governor Tim Kaine signed a procla-
mation declaring the second Saturday of December
as “Wreaths Across America Day” for the Common-
wealth of Virginia. Thank you Governor Kaine. Let
me recap; The City of Richmond was the first city in
the country to recognize WAA as a special day. The
Richmond School Board was the first school board
to recognize WAA and now The Commonwealth of
Virginia is the first state in the country to officially
recognize WAA as a special day. In addition, Sam
Rocky is an ordained minister, a Vietnam vet, and an outpost leader
for Pointman International Ministries. He serves as a counselor and a
Tinsley and I were given a Community Service staff member at Dominion Counseling and Training Center at the East
Gate of Richmond. Rocky is a graduate of the Elijah House School of
Award for our work with WAA. I’m seldom speech- Prayer Ministry and is a board member of the Richmond Area Coali-
less but I’m running out of words to express my
      My efforts here would not be complete with
tion of Men’s Ministries. He and his wife Donna live in Chester,Virginia
and together have five children and twelve grand children. Rocky is
the Business Manager for South Richmond Harley-Davidson and rides
out a very special tribute to my dear friend, aide-de-
camp, and right hand man; retired Marine Sgt Cliff
a 2002 Heritage Softail Classic.He and Donna belong to Cornerstone
Assembly of God Church and is a member of the Christian Motorcy-
clist’s Association, the South Richmond HOG’s, and the Patriot Guard
Troutman. Cliff was instrumental in all the recogni- Riders. He is also associated with the Richmond International House
of Prayer, “ At Ease Ministries” of Fort Lee and can be seen weekly on
Comcast TV on “ Beauty From Ashes” with Bertha Hinson. A veteran’s
advocate, Rocky invites your participation in this article. Share your
“Colonel” in our little organization, but he insists that
experiences, thoughts, and your heart with us here “ On Eagles
Wings” where Jesus is Lord.
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 47
THUNDER ROADS MAGAZINE 48