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80 Thunder Road, Williamstown, WV 26187 | 304-375-2530 | sandpharleydavidson.com
I-77 Exit 185
Black Friday Event!November 26, 2010 - Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
CELEBRATING Y E A R ANNIVERSARY
10-HD-3924 Thunder Roads Ad-November 2010-vf.indd 1 10/19/10 1:31 PM
Dragon TalesI have been having an incredible time riding around our great state this year, when time allows, and have had the pleasure of meeting many other women from all walks of life. Not just any women, but women riders or, as I like to call us, Power Chicks. Let’s face it, it takes a certain kind of woman to throw her leg over a 400-plus-pound machine of her very own. I am by no means disparaging anyone who enjoys riding on the back of their partner’s bike. In fact, there are times when I miss wrapping my arms around my husband, and enjoying the ride as one. But, for me, that is a fleeting moment, because once I climb on my girl, start up her engine, put her in gear and roll onto the road. Ahhhh…what a feeling. I’m hooked! Taking the twists and turns and handling the power is a major addiction that I just can’t shake. Gary says I am a control freak. I disagree; I am just a Power Chick.
Speaking of Power Chicks, I want to introduce you to one that I met through one of our longtime supporters, Sheila Mace aka Art by Weeze. Weeze introduced me to the ultimate Power Chick this past summer. Her name is PMS Patty. Patty is a little bit of every woman I have ever met. A little girlie, she likes her pink. A little bossy, she likes things her way. And not afraid to tell you what she really thinks. See? Power Chick! PMS Patty holds her own in pretty much any situation. She warns others of possible danger every 28 days. She stands her ground. She demands a cure NOW!
I am telling you about PMS Patty as my way of letting you know that she has become a part of the TRWV family. She will share her take on
life on our Joker’s Wild page. You can always contact Weeze, too. She will be more than happy to introduce you.
Well, there is still good riding weather to be had. So get out there and get your ride on!
Take care, ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Donna
2 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
Copyright 2010. Published by Thunder Roads West Virginia, LLC under license from Thunder Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this magazines content may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility and is not to be held liable for errors beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error, slander of any group or individual, failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control, any and all suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Opinions and claims made by advertisers and authors are their own, and do not necessarily represent the policy of Thunder Roads West Virginia, Thunder Roads Magazine, or Thunder Publishing. The Publisher does not promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
From The Editor .......................................... 4
NHTSA’s Checkpoint Program ................... 4
Letters.........................................................5
Touring for Tourism ..................................... 6
Hidden Highways – Spinning in the Wind 10
TRWV Marble Run ................................... 12
Join our Ride on Facebook....................... 14
Timberline Rally Update ........................... 16
Road Ready Gear – Scorpion Helmets .... 17
Center Calendar ....................................... 18
Bike of the Month – Bruce’s Beast ........... 20
Biketoberfest............................................. 21
The Jokers Wild ........................................ 23
Bikes Show at the Beckley VA Center ...... 26
TNT ...........................................................27
Biker Friendly Directory ............................ 28
The High Road ......................................... 31
Mountain State Ink.................................... 32
Upcoming Events ..................................... 34
Do it in the Mud ........................................ 35
KISS in the Kitchen................................... 36
THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIAP.O. Box 606 / Charles Town, WV 25414
www.thunderroadswv.com
OWNER / EDITORSGary Westphalen, Editor-in-Chief
gary@thunderroadswv.com / 304-616-0102Donna K. Westphalen, CFO
donna@thunderroadswv.com / 304-261-1609
LAYOUT & DESIGNMeredith Hancock / Hancock Graphics
COPY EDITORThomas M. Korzeniowski
OFFICE MANAGERMelinda Hendrix
CONTRIBUTORSJeff Davis, Michael Henshall, Donna Jones, Jim “Jammer” Marcum,
Earl Nuzum, Moe Vetter
ADVERTISING SALES / DISTRIBUTIONNATIONAL ACCOUNTS
Donna K. Westphalen - 304-261-1609 / donna@thunderroadswv.com
EASTERN PANHANDLE
Dave Luksa - 304-268-1315 / dave.luksa@thunderroadswv.com
NORTHWEST WV
Earl Nuzum – 304-816-2863 / earl@thunderroadswv.com
Sarah Carpenter - 304-365-0535 / sarah.carpenter@thunderroadswv.com
PARKERSBURG
Gene Butler – 304-482-1891 / gene.butler@thunderroadswv.com
POTOMAC HIGHLANDS
Moe Vetter - 304-668-9563 / moe@thunderroadswv.com
SOUTHEAST WV
Jeff Davis – 304-673-7321 / jeff@thunderroadswv.com
STATEWIDETom Barber – 304-290-8687 / tom@thunderroadswv.com
ON THE COVER
It was Love at First Sight when West Virginia’s Bruce Willis saw the Honda Rune. But it took him five years, and three chance meetings, to pop the question. When he did, it was to a Rune he had never met. She was residing about as far away as possible from here, and still be in the Continental U.S. The love affair and the meandering way it came to pass, are detailed in this month’s Bike of the Month feature on Page 20.
NATIONAL FOUNDERSToni McCoy Shearon & Brian Shearon
1528 Matlock Drive / Chapmansboro, TN 37035Office 615-792-0040 / Fax: 615-792-7580
email: thunderroads@charter.net
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 3www.thunderroadswv.com
I had to laugh when I saw a report that this bunch of economists said the recession ended in June of 2009. Of course, they went on to cover their tails by saying that didn’t mean everything was rosy. It only means that was the month in which we hit rock bottom, and began to claw our way out of the chasm. At least, that’s my interpretation of what they were trying to say. But when I stopped laughing at them, and started thinking about what these knowledgeable professionals were trying to tell us, I began to see their point. But I see it from a different perspective.This group, the National Bureau of Economic Research, meets in Cambridge, MA, to pour over columns of numbers, charts, graphs, mathematical formulas, computer models, and who knows what else. I don’t begin to suggest I could hang in their conversations for 15 seconds. Yet, out of that barrage of arcane data, they seemed to imply that, somewhere around June of last year, enough of us got fed up with being beaten down by an economy that was sucking the lifeblood out of the vast majority of Americans.We said, “Enough is enough,” and began doing something about it. We didn’t wait for some big company to put us back to work. That wasn’t going to happen. Instead, we started our own businesses, and we made our own jobs. We put ourselves back to work. The stimulus certainly didn’t come from the government. That was just a money grab for the big corporations. No, this ground floor movement came from American Pride.This magazine is just one number in that multitude of statistics that made those scholars take note of what was happening in the middle of last year. That was when Donna and I decided to take on the challenge of launching Thunder Roads West Virginia. “You’re nuts to start a business in the middle of a recession,” was the typical refrain we heard. Probably true. But we’re bikers. Don’t tell us we can’t do something. We had faith that we could create a quality magazine; one that would provide the motorcycle community of this state with something it has never had before: a voice. And we had faith that the biker friendly businesses of this state would support our effort. This is our 15th issue, and more than a dozen people now earn at least some of their income directly from this magazine. Income that didn’t exist, before the middle of last year. Does that make us part of a long, slow climb up from economic rock bottom in this epic recession? Yes, I think it does. And I’m proud of that. But the credit is not ours to claim. The true heroes are the small businesses of West Virginia who have put their faith in us. The little one-person shops and family businesses, who understand the value of inviting a statewide readership of bikers to their establishments, are the foot soldiers in this recovery. They scrape together enough money each month to cover the cost of their advertising, which covers the cost of making this magazine.And then it happens. Bikers – You - show up at their door, because you saw their ad. Services are rendered. Money changes hands. The economy is stimulated, one dollar at a time, by Americans – West Virginians - on motorcycles.The businesses that advertise in this magazine make up the economic force that will bring this country back to prosperity. They put it all on the line every day. Their cash registers are the weapon of choice in this struggle. Lock and load your wallets, and stand with them.
It’s not the Destination…It’s the Journey.Gary
NHTSA asked to suspend Checkpoint program
Eleven members of the U.S. Congress have written a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, asking that he suspend a Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant Program. The program, operated by the Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), creates motorcycle-only checkpoints, to determine if riders and their machines are in legal compliance with helmet, tailpipe, and other motorcycle modifications.
Saying that “increasing motorcycle awareness and focusing on crash prevention” should be the primary goal of NHTSA, Wisconsin Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner has been joined by ten other congressmen in asking for the suspension. None of West Virginia’s Representatives are among those seeking to suspend the project. Sensenbrenner’s letter to LaHood points out, “Crash prevention must be the primary focus of improving safety. We do not understand why NHTSA continues to focus on secondary factors that do not prevent motorcycle crashes.”
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) strongly supports Sensenbrenner’s call for suspension of this program, noting on its website that, “The AMA earlier formally questioned the potential discriminatory and legal nature of the grant program.”
At press time, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland has not replied to Congressman Sensenbrenner’s letter. However in testimony to Congress earlier this year, he defended the practice, saying that increasing helmet usage was a “core component” of the Agency’s motorcycle safety plan. In May of this year, Strickland sent a letter to the AMA stating that his agency’s efforts in motorcycle safety would focus, “…both on crash and injury prevention, specifically increasing the use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, reducing the incidence of impaired riding, increasing proper licensure of rider, increasing rider participation in motorcycle training courses and improving driver awareness of motorcyclists.” In the letter, Mr. Strickland mentions helmet usage six times, and improving driver awareness of motorcycles only once. While he provides details of how he intends to single out motorcyclists to ensure compliance with the law, he provides no information about any plans to address driver awareness of motorcyclists.
The NHTSA plan is to award $350-thousand to set up traffic checkpoints that will specifically target motorcyclists. The money is to be divided among up to five law enforcement agencies. The program is patterned after a controversial program of checkpoints conducted by the State Police in New York. In 2008, for example, the agency set up 15 motorcycle only checkpoints near bike events.
4 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
Letters To The Editor
ALL RIDERS & BRANDS WELCOME!
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY 11/25
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RE: The Euro-Riders Rendezvous (Oct, 2010 issue of TRWV) Gary, We all enjoyed the spread in your on-line issue about the WV-ERR at North Bend State Park, in August. Keep up the great work. Many thanks & Ride Safe! –Ron “Woody” WoodheadGary, Great magazine! We met at the Eurorider event. I just received a copy of the magazine and saw myself riding my orange Tiger on pgs. 27 and 28. Would it be possible to get a copy of the picture? Thanks again for covering our event. Edward L. Dreikorm, III
Guys, I had fun with you, too…even though you are all out-of-staters. But at least you have the good sense to come to The Wild, Wonderful when you want to have some fun on two wheels. Ed, I’ll email the picture to you. See you all at your rendezvous next year. Gary
Crossing RidesGary, First of all I would like to thank you for the magazine monthly. I think it is absolutely awesome. However, in the October issue along with Megan’s Angels pictures you have posted a picture on the bottom left side of a group of people in orange shirts and bikes along the road. That picture was not part of Megan’s Angels. It was a ride for Robert Allen “Boat” Shaffer done on the same day, August 14, 2010. We saw a photographer there taking pictures, but no one knew why. It is a nice picture and I am glad it was posted, it was just posted for the wrong run. “Boat” ride is going to be a yearly ride for “Bikers On A Tribute” for families that have lost fallen riders. Thank you. – Harleyryder2002
Harleyryder2002, First of all, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Secondly, I apologize for the photo error. Either the photographer who took the pictures did not inform me that he had photos from a second run, or I misplaced that information. Judging by the photo, you had a large and successful run. Be sure to let us know about your schedule for next year. We will be happy to include it, at no charge, in our upcoming events, as well as posting it on our online calendar of events at www.thunderroadswv.com.Regards, Gary
Gary, Thank you. It was a large turnout. We had 179 bikes and 350 riders. We also had 17 cars/trucks and 39 other people that didn’t have bikes. The mix-up was no big deal, I just thought I would bring it to your attention. His run was held at the Masontown VFW and the band Mr. X performed, along with great food. A total of $9,752 was raised. I think it is going to be a good thing in the future for families that have lost a loved one. One family will be picked every year by the committee and the run will be for that family with all proceeds going to them. I will be happy to keep you updated and give you the schedule for next year. Thank you. – Harleyryder2002
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 5www.thunderroadswv.com
It’s 8 A.M. when Governor Manchin leads the bikes from the State Capitol to breakfast in Glen Ferris.
TOURING FOR
TOURISMBY GARY WESTPHALEN
“When you see people traveling on a motorcycle, it’s the best tourist dollar you’re ever going to receive,” West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III tells me, as we’re saddling up for the second leg of a day-long ride. We started in the parking lot/driveway, behind the Governor’s House, on the grounds of the State Capitol in Charleston. Right now, we’re almost two hours into the ride, and we’re standing alongside the picturesque Kanawha Falls in Glen Ferris. Sixty other bikes around us are thundering back to life, their hundred or so riders and passengers having just finished breakfast.
“They’re professional people, and they’re having a good time,” Mr. Manchin adds in reference to those motorcycle tourists. “They’re going to be the friendliest people you meet. They’re going to be the best ambassadors you’ve ever had, because they’re going to tell people, ‘You ought to go to West Virginia.’ So, I want people to know the importance and the value for our state.”
Value, indeed! Tourism is a major industry in this state. The most recent report by the West Virginia Division of Tourism, using 2008 figures, says that 44,000 state residents make their living directly from the tourism industry. During that year, $4.38 billion flowed into the state’s economy, generating $544 million in state tax revenues.
Motorcycling makes up a major slice of that pie. When the Governor spoke at the opening ceremony of September’s Harley Owners Group Rally in Charleston, he elaborated on the financial details. “There is not another hobby or sport that leaves as much behind as we do when we ride,” Governor Manchin pointed out. “We spend more per person on tourism when we ride around the country, than any group. We don’t pull many trailers behind us. We don’t have coolers full of food. So, we’re going to stop and eat, and we’re going to usually stop and stay some place. We create more economic vitality through tourism when we ride, than any others.”
To make this point, Mr. Manchin leads several rides every year, welcoming any and all bikers to join in. Today, we’re heading a few miles up Highway 19 from Glen Ferris, where we will catch Route 39. This road, featured as our Hidden Highway in the September, 2010 issue, will take us all the way to our second stop, in Marlinton. We observed in that September story that parts of this otherwise tremendous highway were in need of repaving. As we roll through today, it is notable that a fresh layer of blacktop greets us, in what was the most deteriorated stretch of this roadway. State Highway 39 has just been elevated to the “Must Ride” list.
6 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
From here, the bikers follow his lead to the Road Kill Festival, in Marlinton.
So, on we go. Through Summersville, and across the Gauley River Bridge. Down and around, past some homes, some farms, and back into the forest. Up and over Kennison Mountain’s nearly four-thousand foot summit, and down miles and miles of winding roadway just made for motorcycling. The leaves have begun to change. Here and there, we spot a tree that’s really pushing it.
At Marlinton, we take a right turn onto the bridge crossing the Greenbrier River. A raucous ribbon of fun for canoeists in spring, the river has calmed in this dry, late-summer season to the point that there are several little boys wading out in the middle of it, searching for whatever it is little boys search for.
As we crest the high point of this arched bridge, the reason for stopping here plays out before us. The next few blocks make up the main street of Marlinton, and are typically fairly quiet. Only around 1,200 people make their home here, but today the street is wall-to-wall humanity. It’s the annual Autumn Harvest Festival & Road Kill Cookoff! You’re not going to find that in New York City, my Bro. There is truly no place on earth I would rather be, right at this moment, than at the Road Kill Cookoff in Marlinton.
Our entire crew, led by Governor Joseph Manchin, III, (or as everyone at this festival simply calls him, Joe) is being herded into a VIP parking area, right next to the block-sized park, that serves as the main tasting area for the culinary specialties of the day. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that. There’s not a lot of space here, and it’s apparent that we’re going to be parking each other in, like sardines in a can. But a motojournalist doesn’t like it when he can’t get his bike out. If he needs to sprint out ahead of the pack as they leave, to get a picture of their departure, being gridlocked is not an option. So, I spin around, park in the lot at the other end of the bridge, and sprint across with my camera in hand.
Cresting that bridge again, this time on foot, I have to stop to take a picture. I have never seen so many people in Marlinton, and it’s great! The aura of the day is a Norman Rockwell painting. There are vendors selling everything from home-made baked goods, to highly polished desks, made out of a single slab of gnarled wood. At the far
SEE TOURISM PAGE 9
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 7www.thunderroadswv.com
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8 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
end of the downtown, a very decent country-rock band is filling the air with covers of recent hits. “I’m alive and I’m free, who wouldn’t wanna be me.” I wonder whether they’re performing Keith Urban’s tribute to biking at this moment is a coincidence.
By the time I catch up with the Governor, he’s standing alongside one of the road kill competitor’s stands, engaged in a sing-along. “Frog went a-courtin’ and he did ride, Uh-huh.” That’s Bob Dylan’s version of the song. In the elevated gazebo, at the other end of the park, local young folks are cutting their chops at public performance. Music, it seems, is as important as the food here. Oh, YES! The food…the Road Kill. That’s the life of this party.
Our Road Captain for the day is happily gobbling down a sample of something at the stand where he was singing, just a moment ago. I take my picture, and move over to talk to the lady who served him, just as Joe moves towards the next island of distinctive delicacies.
“What was he eating?,” I ask of the lady who dished it out. Her apron is painted with the likeness of a frog, wearing a green bowtie.
“He had some frog legs and some bear meat. Then, that last was frog eggs and gravy,” she says with a warm smile. Without missing a beat, she adds, “Would you like some?”
I didn’t ride here for a frozen pizza. Before I can even utter the word, “Sure,” she hands me a sample of bear meat and frog legs. Now, I’ve had amphibian thighs before, so their sweet flavor and somewhat squishy texture is not unfamiliar. The bear, however, is a first. Ground and mixed with other ingredients, it is being served as little meatballs, and very tasty.
A little farther down this row of curious carnivory, two guys are sporting Fu Manchu facial hair and serving - say the signs on their little steam tables - Kat and Panda. Right. But over here, a mounted
raccoon guards the corner of another canopy where a stew, similar in looks to the Kat, is being served. This time, I’m almost inclined to believe the advertising. But I’ve had raccoon before, and didn’t like it. Pass.
As two of my fellow riders walk by me, I hear one say to the other, “Did you notice we didn’t pass any road kill on the way here?” His buddy stops dead in his tracks, as he mentally recalls that, no, we didn’t. With a slightly nervous laugh, they quash the thought, and move on.
These stands are being manned by restaurants and home cooks from every stretch of the state. Most of them have been here before. This is, after all, a competition. Attendees of the festival vote on their samplings, to determine the winner. Lines at the booths are dozens of people deep.
The bikers from our group have fanned out across the festival. They are laughing, and joking with everyone. They are engaged in conversations about their bikes with folks they’ve never met before, but the conversations flow with the ease of old friendships.
Mr. Manchin is making his way to the gazebo, where he’ll make a special presentation. His progress is slow, because everybody wants to talk to him, and he’s not obliged to brush them off. Suddenly, one of the Fu Manchus calls out, “Hey, Joe. Vote for my dish!”
“I’ll vote for you, if you vote for me,” the Governor shouts back, laughing all the way.
“Oh, I see how this works,” chuckles the Kat connoisseur, “Is that how you got elected last time?”
“Now you’re learning,” laughs Joe. He finally makes his way to the gazebo, where he joins Marlinton Mayor Dennis Driscoll, and other local dignitaries. When he steps before the microphone, the bikers who rode in with him are among the very first people Joe recognizes.
“We have quite a few of my fellow motorcyclists with me here today,” he says to the assembled audience. “All the motorcycle guys out there, raise your hands. Thank you for coming.”
We are applauded by the rest of the crowd. The Governor then goes on to present a West Virginia flag to Mayor Driscoll. It’s one that has flown over the State Capitol. The Governor calls special attention to the State Motto emblazoned on it. “It says Montani Semper Liberi,” he quotes, “Which is ‘Mountaineers are always Free.’ And if you don’t believe it, just come and spend a couple days with us. We’ll tell you how free we are.”
With that said, Joe melts back into this crowd of free mountaineers. Those bikers that rode in with him are milling about, sampling the food and other wares. Grass roots fun and commerce are mingling here today. Tourism, specifically motorcycle tourism, is bringing new “economic vitality” to a way of life that has found purchase in these hills and hollers of West Virginia for generations.
TOURISM FROM PAGE 7
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 9www.thunderroadswv.com
by Gary WestphalenHeading west on U.S. Highway 50 through Grafton, the street
makes a fairly sharp left-hand curve just before crossing the Tygart Valley River. If you followed that curve all the way through, you’ll have just missed the southern terminus of this month’s Hidden Highway. It’s right in that curve, you see, that State Highway 310 commences its 15 mile trek to Fairmont.
The turn is easy to miss. Your attention will be focused to the left, where oncoming traffic is rounding the curve. The stripes on the Highway will try to convince you that you should also go around the bend. After all, that’s how you stay on Highway 50. But to get to this delicious little road we’re seeking, you have to bear to the right just as the big curve begins. Then, for several blocks, you’ll think I’ve led you wrong, because it seems like you’ve turned down a residential side street. And you have.
But the houses give way to trees in short order and - before you know it - you’ll be twisting your way along a scenic, lightly traveled State Highway 310 with a big smile on your face. Enjoy it while you can, because the trip to Fairmont is only about 15 miles long. But what a pleasant 15 miles it is!
The road rises and falls over the crests of some mild ridges (mild, that is, by West Virginia standards). They keep a rider busy rolling from one side of the tire tread to the other. Still, there are no dangerous curves here and the pavement is generally in very good condition. This is a road that riders of all skill levels will enjoy.
For the first half of the run, Highway 310 parallels the Tygart Valley River, although you don’t get many glimpses of it. You’re in Taylor County at this point and several miles before you hit the county line, the road bids adieu to the Tygart. But play this right and you’ll get to see one of the most beautiful parts of the river in just a few more minutes.
When you cross into Marion County, there are two reasons to start throttling the bike down. First, you’ve been going way too fast and having more fun than is legally allowed. But, more importantly, you’re about to make a left turn on Valley Falls Road. You’ll wind your way down this road for a couple of miles at slow speed, but the detour will be well worth it. At the end of this ribbon is the Valley Falls State Park. Valley Falls Road ends in the park, at a lot right
next to the falls.
This is a perfect place to park the bike for a while and munch your lunch, or stroll right out onto the falls themselves. The river narrows significantly and courses over a series of rock ledges, generating numerous waterfalls of all sizes. This formation is known to geologists as Connoquenessing Sandstone, but that word is too long to fit on a bike, so we’ll just call it “rocks.”
Valley Falls State Park was, back in the 1800’s, a busy railroad community that boasted several sawmills, a grist mill, shops, and all the other things that made up community life a century-and-a-half ago. But a series of fires and floods was more than the community could withstand, and only some remnants of the mills stand as testimony to that era. The area has been a State Park since 1964 and there are many hiking trails along the falls as well as other day-use amenities in this hidden spot. It’s the perfect place for a mid-ride break.
Heading back out to the intersection with State Highway 310, make the left turn to continue on towards Fairmont. You’re about halfway there and - frankly - it’s too close. 310 is one of those roads that’s just a lot of fun to ride. It winds through a valley and then pops over a ridge into the next valley, to do it all over again. The problem is that there aren’t enough of them. The road is so much fun that you reach Fairmont a lot sooner than you would really like to. No matter. Turn around, and ride it again.
Hidden HighwaysSpinning in the Wind
by Gary WestphalenFrom a distance, the wind turbines that are sprouting up all over the Allegheny
Front, and other mountaintops in Grant County, look like a line of surreal mechanical guards standing high atop the escarpments that roughly form the Eastern Continental Divide. Up close, they are even more surreal.
“I’ll take you on a road you probably haven’t been on before,” says Tom Mathias. Donna and I have joined Tom, Cliff Rogers, Kenny Hinges, and Ting Sindy, all members of the C.E.’s Helping Hands group, for a chilly Saturday ride through the mountains of the Potomac Highlands Region. It’s in the high 40’s as we gather in the parking lot of a gas station on the edge of Moorefield. “It’s only about a 35 mile per hour ride through there,” Tom adds, “but the scenery is well worth it.”
This ride will be a full-day affair. We’re not just here to ride a Hidden Highway. This is C.E.’s annual Fall Foliage Ride. The brisk temperatures on this morning have, no doubt, caused the fair weather riders to crawl back in bed. But this hardy group of six will not be discouraged by that nip in the air.
Tom leads us from this starting point through Petersburg, to Seneca Rocks, where we hang a right onto Highway 33, climbing the Front on one of my favorite routes. At Harmon, we head north on Highway 32 through Davis and Tomas, hooking up with a little road, just off Highway 219, a few miles from Thomas.
This is where our Hidden Highway begins. It’s actually a combination of two roads so small that they aren’t even named on the state map. They are, for most of their length, a single lane. We will dip from this highest of places, down into a valley between Backbone and Limestone Mountains, so serene and vibrant with fall color, that the slow pace will be perfect.
But before we head into the valley, Sugarlands Road takes us as close as you can get to those wind turbines on Backbone Mountain. Close enough to hear the mechanical whirring of wind being turned into electrical energy. Close enough to hear – or, more accurately, to feel – the swoop, swoop, swoop of the enormous blades as the invisible river of air pushes them in a full rotation about once every three seconds.
There are leaves to peep, so off we go, traversing a high ridge that allows for some amazing panoramas of Fall, at its very best. Then, the road narrows and drops into this valley that most West Virginians don’t know exists. The wind is blowing strongly today, so the leaves on the canopy overhead are raining down on us. I’m near the back of our pack, and the sight of the riders in front of me, rolling through this torrent of yellow and red foliage falling down on them, is fascinating to watch.
Somewhere down in this valley, we make a left turn on Limestone Road (CR5). It will carry us all the way to Route 50 at Aurora. The three cars we meet in the course of this hour-long ride through the valley seem happy to pull over to let us by, waving to us as we go.
Once a year, nature treats us to this burst of vibrant colors. At this time of year, the ride isn’t so much about the road, as it is about the view. This set of twisty, little one-laners doesn’t disappoint.
10 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
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NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 11www.thunderroadswv.com
TRWV Marble RunPHOTOS BY DONNA WESTPHALEN
With October being designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bikers from all over the State of West Virginia joined numerous rides to raise awareness, as well as funding for research, prevention, and early detection of this insidious disease. A variety of organizations joined forces during the month to raise funds for many cancer fighting organizations.
Thunder Roads West Virginia was among those who organized fund raising efforts. TRWV joined forces with Longshots Billiards, in Charles Town, to put on a day-long event. More than 50 bikers gathered on a picture-perfect Sunday afternoon. Leaves had begun to dress in their fall regalia. The sun, surrounded by a sky-wide field of azure blue, brought temperatures into the high 70’s. Our crew toured 77 miles of winding back roads in the Eastern Panhandle, meandering from Charles Town to Shepherdstown, Martinsburg, Inwood, and back to Charles Town. Since the ride was led by magazine Editor Gary Westphalen, it goes without saying that most of the run was carried out on scenic and very Hidden Highways. He even behaved himself around those pesky speed limit signs.
The ride was designed as a Marble Run. Instead of drawing a card at each stop, like a poker run, participants drew one of five colored marbles from a bag. The color is recorded on their score sheet. Point values aren’t assigned until after the run is completed, which means each biker had no idea whether they had a winning draw until the run is over. The two Grand Prizes were awarded for the highest and lowest scores. Another set of prizes were awarded to the second highest and lowest.
43 bikers registered for the ride, raising more than $600 in registrations alone.
Thundering through Shepherdstown.
Blue! She didn’t know it until after the run, but the blue marble would be worth four points.
12 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
The Grand Prize, a $185 motorcycle lift jack donated by Thunder Roads West Virginia, was won by Vicki Hiers of Bunker Hill, WV, with a score of 22 points out of a possible 25. Erik Waak, of Charles Town, must have thought this was a golf tournament. Coming in at a mere 9 points didn’t sound good, until he realized that was the lowest score. For his minimalist scoring, Erik went home clutching a $100 gift certificate from Art by Weeze. Other prizes included gift certificates from Longshots, and a collection of biker apparel from two Inwood businesses; Evel Speed and The Pit Crew.
$635 was raised just through registrations for the Marble Run, but the good stuff didn’t end there. Longshots kept the party going with four bands, a $20 all-you-can-eat crab feast, and many other specials. 100% of the day’s proceeds were donated directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. That came to $1,350.
Thunder Roads West Virginia would like to thank all who came out to support not only our ride, but the numerous other breast cancer awareness rides throughout the state all month long.
Vicki Hiers score of 22 points won the Grand Prize.
Mom’s Place
“Her legacy lives on”
Family Dining
Experience
Full menu served
S-M-T 6am to 10pm
W-Sat 24 hrs
The end of Hoult Road by the
Phillips Plant in Fairmont, WV
“GoodHome
Cooking”
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 13www.thunderroadswv.com
Join Our Ride on FacebookInstant updates from wherever we’re riding in West Virginia. The
first sneak peek at the next month’s cover. Knowing exactly the moment that the new issue goes into distribution. The daily trials and tribulations of publishing Thunder Roads West Virginia. Yak, yak, yak. Comments and pictures from all over the state from readers and staffers alike.
The bike talk never ends on our Facebook page. It’s your chance to get directly involved in the community of bikers who have connected through Thunder Roads West Virginia. We’re always jawing about something on Facebook. Readers are always putting up pictures and letting everyone know about last minute rides in their area. Our Facebook friends have a great time sharing with each other.
The Thunder Roads West Virginia magazine publishes once a month. Our website at www.thunderroadswv.com is updated throughout the month with new features, stories, and events. And our Facebook page is a continuously running dialogue where you get to put in your two cents about anything and everything motorcycle related in West Virginia.
Finding the Facebook page is easy. Just log onto www.thunderroadswv.com. Once you’ve finished with the website, just click on the little blue Facebook icon in the upper right corner of the screen and, through the magic of the internet, you’ll be instantly transported to Facebook, TRWV style!
14 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 15www.thunderroadswv.com
TIMBERLINE RALLYAbout 750 bikes participated in the Timberline Rally during the
last weekend in September. As a result of that strong showing, the rally generated $11,500 for the Ronald McDonald Charities
of Morgantown. The big check was handed over this past month. Pictured here from the left are: Rally organizer Jeff Davis; Kim George of the Ronald McDonald Charities of Morgantown; Lynn Phillips who is the regional representative of the Governor’s Office; Rally Organizer Kim Davis; and Fred Hertz of the Timberline Resort.
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16 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
Scorpion HelmetI know all of the arguments, pro and con, about helmet usage.
Heard ‘em all a million times. I don’t like compulsory helmet laws anymore than the next guy. I simply don’t believe the government has the authority to tell me what to wear when I ride a bike. But, like it or not, wearing a helmet is the mandate in West Virginia.
Regardless of the law, you will never catch me riding on the street without a high-quality brain bucket strapped firmly around my gray matter. The same can be said for just about everyone who rides for a living. When was the last time you saw a racer out on the track without a helmet? The impact absorbing design of modern helmets provides the same type of protection that an egg carton gives to tomorrow’s breakfast, as you ride home with it in your saddlebag. Put those eggs in the bag without the carton, and the scrambled mess you’ll have when you get home will look remarkably like your brain, if you had gotten in an accident without a helmet on.
With more than forty years of helmet usage in my history, I’ve owned most of the major brands. A couple of them have even kept my face from being peeled off by the roadway. They have all served me well, but none better than the Scorpion EXO-1000 that I have been using for the past four years. It is a mid-range priced helmet, with loads of features that rival the most expensive brands out there. In fact, it surpasses most in many ways.
Let’s start from the inside and work our way out, because the part of the helmet that touches your head has the most to do with comfort. Scorpion’s helmet liner and cheek pads are covered with a breathable, moisture-wicking material that is comfortable against the skin. They can be removed in seconds, and washed or replaced as needed. I replaced the liner and pads in my helmet a few months ago for about forty bucks, and the helmet feels like new again. The liner is cut with many open areas to allow decent, but not outstanding, ventilation around the top of the head.
Inside the chin guard is a little orange rubber bubble. It’s a pump that fills bladders in the cheek pads, allowing the rider to adjust the snugness of the pads to his or her own liking. If you get carried away with the pump, and find that your cheeks are squeezing your eyes shut, the push button release valve right below the pump will bleed the pressure off to your liking. This is a nifty feature for riders who fall in between liner sizes, and also helps maintain a firm fit as the cheek pads age.
Continuing to work our way outward on this tour of the Scorpion EXO-1000, we next encounter the coolest feature of all. Flip a lever on the right side of the helmet, next to the face shield hinge, and a retractable sun visor drops down right before your eyes. How cool is that?! There is no need to put sunglasses on and off as you move from one lighting condition to another. Fighter pilots have used visors like this for decades, and it’s about time biker’s get the same feature. Scorpion actually introduced this concept a few years ago, and many other helmet manufacturers are now copying it. But I think the Scorpion design, which they call SpeedView™, is still the easiest
and quickest one out there.
If your tastes run more to the three-quarter, or even shorty helmets, have no fear. Scorpion offers the same sun visor system on these models as well. The company has also introduced a version with a flip-up chin bar.
The main face shield, interchangeable of course, is billed by the company as optically correct, with a hardened anti-scratch coating. Best of all, it is claimed to be fog-free. Does it work as well as the company says it does? In a word, almost. It is the first face shield I’ve ever had that does a good job of living up to the anti-fog claim. It will get a little misty around the edges at times, and extremely cold temperatures can challenge the anti-fogging design. But under most conditions, the shield performs remarkably well. A breath deflector on the top of the chin guard also helps with fogging issues.
We’ve reached the outside of our tour of the Scorpion EXO-1000, and here’s where the helmet’s raison d'être resides. The outer shell of a helmet is designed to distribute the energy of an impact, as well as protect the head inside from penetrating and grinding forces that would wear your skull away in a nanosecond. This one is made of a fiberglass and Kevlar™ matrix that is as tough as any shell material I’ve seen. It is also very lightweight, which helps negate another objection to full coverage helmets.
There are five ventilation ports on the EXO-1000. The one on the chin bar does a reasonable job of funneling fresh air toward your nose, and provides a constant wash over the inside of the shield as well, which adds another layer of anti-fogging help. The vent above the shield, and the two on the crown of the helmet funnel fresh air around your noggin, and it all exits out the back of the helmet, where the vent located just under the tiny spoiler can be opened or closed. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not bad, but ventilation in this helmet could stand some improvement.
Speaking of the spoiler, it and a couple of other ridges on the helmet, are said to have been designed with the help of wind tunnel testing. The aim is a quiet helmet that cuts through the air without buffeting, yet maximizes the flow of fresh air inside the helmet. The design work has paid off. This is one of the most lightweight, comfortable and quiet full-coverage helmets I’ve worn. There are many other good brands, but for around $300, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one than the Scorpion EXO-1000.
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 17www.thunderroadswv.com
BY GARY WESTPHALEN
When motorcycle historians write the book on our era, they will have to devote an entire chapter to one specific model of bike that is like nothing else ever built. No other bike fits the same pigeon-hole as the Honda Valkyrie. Produced by a Japanese company, it was designed and built in America, at the Marysville, Ohio Honda plant. The cruiser-like frame is propelled down the highway by a horizontally opposed, six-cylinder engine, more befitting an exotic sports car. In fact, the exhaust note sounds more automotive than motorcycle. The stock set-up generates a hundred horsepower, capable of propelling the 700-pound beast into the neighborhood of about 140 miles per hour. This bike is massive, strong, nimble, powerful, rugged, very fast, and beautiful.
But, the Valkyrie’s size alone dictated that it would not be a widespread success. Bikers of smaller stature were often intimidated by its sheer bulk. But the Valkyrie had an even greater limitation within the ranks of bikers who worshipped this radical machine. Unlike many other bikes, once you bought one of these, you never had to buy another one. Its over-engineered design meant that no matter how hard you flogged this machine, you weren’t going to wear it out. I know. I own a 1999 version, with more than 117-thousand miles on the odometer.
It was right about the time I bought mine, that Honda began floating four concept bikes, based on the Valkyrie. One had abbreviated sheet metal, giving it a sportier look. One borrowed its design from the street rod crowd. Another was a stripped-down monster that looked like it would be right at home on the drag strip. Then, there was the design that engineers simply called T2. When this bike was displayed at the big shows, it was such a public hit that Honda decided to actually take the bike into production. The Valkyrie ended with the 2003 model year, and for ’04 Honda introduced the T2 concept bike to the public as the Rune. The actual number of Runes built in ’04 and ’05 isn’t clear, but best estimates say it is probably around 3,500.
“When I first saw that bike in ’04, I said, ‘Oh my god, that’s my dream bike there,’” says Bruce Willis of Shady Spring, West Virginia, “It had everything I liked about a bike: low, big, the wrap-around fender.” The Rune’s styling evokes the looks of the mid-1900’s roadsters, with its low-slung fuel tank, retro radiator grille, and massive tins wrapping around over-sized tires. Everywhere you look on this bike, the engineers introduced curves and angles unlike any other bike design. Its single-sided swing arm provides a clean look to the rear wheel, even as it makes a statement about the massive strength built into it. But all that presence came at a price. A hefty price. The $30,000 price tag was more than Bruce could bear, so his dream bike remained just a dream.
Then, last year, he spotted a Rune sitting in a showroom in Beckley, and his dream seemed possible again. But the deal fell through, and Bruce put his dream back on the shelf. Soon afterwards, he was in Daytona, when a shiny, black Rune pulled up alongside of him. This third encounter was more than he could bear.
“As soon as I got home, I got on the internet and started looking at them,” Bruce says. He found three Runes for sale in cyberspace. There was this black one, with only 1,400 miles on the odometer. But it was all the way out in Washington State. “It was an impulse buy,” says Bruce, as he looks back on that internet purchase. “But I’m not sorry I did it.”
To this point, Bruce had always been a short-distance biker. But the Rune was speaking to him, and he knew he had to go get her. So he flew out to Washington early this year, and the return trip was not only the maiden voyage on his new bike, but the longest bike journey of his life.
“I rode all the way down through Oregon, and followed the coast in California all the way down to San Diego,” he recalls, “and just had a majestic, wonderful ride.” He followed the border with Mexico eastward, all the way to Del Rio, Texas, and on home to West Virginia. “I just had the greatest trip I’ve ever had,” he adds with a hearty laugh, “I’ve fallen in love with these long rides.” The duo has logged more than 14,000 miles in this, his first riding season on the Rune, including a run to Sturgis. “That almost killed me, because it was so hot,” he says of crossing the Northern Plains in mid-summer, “I don’t know if I’ll ever leave West Virginia in the summer time again,” he laughs.
Bruce’s BeastBIKE OF THE MONTH
But, the Rune will seduce him into hitting the open road. There’s just too much unique technology in one package to keep it down. The complex trailing bottom-link front suspension is like nothing else in the motorcycle world. The 1832cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected six banger can purr along at highway speeds for hours without breaking a sweat. The five-speed transmission and stout shaft drive design lay that power down on the tarmac with precision. The Rune, weighing in at about a hundred pounds more than even the Valkyrie’s weight, draws it’s remarkable stopping power from a pair of three-piston caliper disc brakes up front, and a single, dual-piston design on the rear wheel.
“I don’t know how I’ve fallen in love with these long rides. That bike really helps,” he remarks about riding the monster. He’s thinking about trips to Maine and Daytona. “It’s just a Cadillac out there on the road. And the therapy is what I need more than anything. Every time I get on it, it’s just like, ‘Wow! I love this bike.’”
20 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
Biketoberfest
October is one of those months where the weather for motorcycling on any given day can be perfect or dreadful, with rarely anything in between. It went the right way for the three day Biketoberfest celebration at Nan & Pop’s Place in Martinsburg. The Saturday installment featured a ride through Berkeley and Morgan counties in West Virginia, which slipped up into parts of Maryland for a time. Seventeen bikes and their riders saddled up for the roughly 100-mile jaunt. As was the case with many rides during the month of October, proceeds were donated to breast cancer research.
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 21www.thunderroadswv.com
22 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
The Difference Between Men and WomenHER DIARY
Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it.
Conversation wasn’t flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn’t say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, “Nothing.” I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn’t upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it.
On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can’t explain his behavior. I don’t know why he didn’t say, “I love you, too.” When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent.
Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don’t know what to do. I’m almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.
HIS DIARY
My Harley wouldn’t start today, but at least I got laid.
The Man & the OstrichA man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him. The waitress asks them for their orders. The man says, “A hamburger, fries and a cola,” and she turns to the ostrich, “What’s yours?”
”I’ll have the same,” says the ostrich.
A short time later the waitress returns with the order. “That will be $9.40 please,” and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.
The next day, the man and the ostrich come in again and the man says, “A hamburger, fries and a cola.”
The ostrich says, “I’ll have the same.” Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.
This becomes routine until the two enter again. “The usual?” asks the waitress.
”No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad,” says the man.
“Same,” says the ostrich.
Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, “That will be $32.62.” Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.
The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. “Excuse me,
sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?”
“Well,” says the man, “Several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes. My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for any-thing, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there.”
“That’s brilliant!” says the waitress. “Most people would ask for a mil-lion dollars or something, but you’ll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!”
“That’s right. Whether it’s a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,” says the man.
The waitress asks, “What’s with the ostrich?”
The man sighs, pauses and answers, “My second wish was for a tall chick with a big ass and long legs who agrees with everything I say.”
Got a Favorite Joke?Thunder Roads West Virginia wants to share it! We are always looking for submissions of all kinds for the magazine, and that includes your jokes. We let our hair down a little bit on this page, so moderately adult humor is welcome. However, bad language and blatantly nasty stuff might get shared around the office, but isn’t going to make it into print. Send your funny business to jokerswild@thunderroadswv.com.
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 23www.thunderroadswv.com
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Come Sail withThunder Roads Magazine
& Full Throttle Saloon March 13-20 2011
Port Canaveral, FL - CoCo Cay (private island) - St. Thomas - St. Maarten - Port Canaveral, FL
TruTV has picked up Michael Ballard’s
Full Throttle Saloon for another whole Season!!!
Call Tami at ETA and book your cruise vacation today!
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 25www.thunderroadswv.com
The sun was shining as a rousing collection of 114 bikes rolled onto the grounds of the Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center grounds. They were there for the Center’s annual bike show, and the record number of entries made for quite a show indeed. The Christian Motorcycle Association did a masterful job of running the
event. Volunteers helped interested patients see every single bike in the line-up. There was live music and food to go along with the dazzling display of hardware. Organizers say the event will be held again next September.facility. You will be proud, as we are, that such a home exists.”
Bikes show at the Beckley
Va centerPHOTOS BY JEFF DAVIS
26 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
TNTNOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 27www.thunderroadswv.com
Donna Jean’s Family Restaurant23480 George Washington Hwy.
Aurora, WV 26705 (304) 735-3260Serving Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerMon-Fri 5:30 - 7 Sat & Sun 7:00 - 7
Fireside Cafe927 North Main St.
Franklin, WV 26807(304) 358-3733
www.fireside-cafe.com
The Fishbone Gill & GrillGrand Central Ave., Vienna, WV
On the River, behind WV Central CUBike Night Thursdays
(304) 699-5777
Flys Bar and Grill4067 Freedom Hwy.
Corner of Rt. 19 & 218Worthington, WV 26591
(304) 287-2116
Four Corners Club72 Pedal Car DriveInwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-3443www.the4cornersclub.com
Fox’s Pizza Den646 North Main StreetFranklin, WV 26807
(304) 358-2118Pizza – Salads – Subs – Chicken
Harper’s Old Country Store &Front Porch Restaurant
View Seneca Rocks from the DeckCasual Dining - Store built in 1902
(304) 567-2555
Hide Away Tavern Rt. 50 Burlington, WV
Near WVDOH District 5 Shed(304) 289-5396
Hillbilly Heaven3280 Martinsburg Road
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411(304) 258-0004
Iron Horse Bar & GrillHC 84 Box 33 (Cutoff Road)
Keyser, WV 26726(304) 788-7533
Just One MoreLounge, Casino, Restaurant, Ice Cream
Intersection 218N & Rt.7W Blacksville, WV 26521Open Jam Night,
Weekend EntertainmentBikers Welcome -
Home Cooking at (304) 879-5041
Longshots Billiards76 Wolfcraft Way
Charles Town, WV 25414(304) 724-1975
www.longshotsbilliards.com
Lost River Brewing155 West Main Street
Wardensville, WV 26851(304) 874-4455 www.lostriverbrewing.com
Under New Ownership
ATTORNEYSBurke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson
Attorneys at Law84 Aikens Center
Martinsburg, WV 25402(304) 263-0900 www.burkeandschultz.com
Colombo & Stuhr, Attorneys at Law1054 Maple Drive
Morgantown, WV 26505(304) 599-4229
www.colombostuhr.com
Law Offices of Ralph C. BussMotorcycle Accident/Injury Law
Ohio, WV, KY, PA & Indiana(800) 582-5577
www.ralphbuss.com
BAIL BONDSWeatherholtz Bonding
306 West Stephen StreetMartinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5888 or (304) 728-6889tweatherholtz@verizon.net
BANQUET & CONFERENCEChristopher’s Banquet Hall
and Conference Center110 Van Kirk Dr., Fairmont
(304) 534-5300 or (304) 534-3333Seminars, Meetings, Business Dinners
Anniversary Parties, etc. Call For Appointment
BARS & RESTAURANTS3rd Base Sports Bar & Grille22 Virginia Avenue; US Rt. 220
Petersburg, WV 26847 Up from the stop light(304) 257-2273 Email:
3rdbasesportsbarandgrille@gmail.com
Bee Hive Tavern463 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 282-8196
One block from Thinkin Ink Tattoo
Chesapeake Crab Company1014 Winchester AvenueMartinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-0077www.chesapeakecrabco.biz
Chicken Lizards7306 Husky Highway
Mannington, WV 26582(304) 986-1158
2 mi. North of Mannington on Rt. 250
Cindy’s Bar & GrillRoute 3 (End of Speedway)
Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 363-0058
Pool Tournaments Weekly
Colt’s Restaurant and Pizza Park Inc.425 S. Main St.
Moorefield, WV 26836(304) 538-2523
The Dawg House Bar & GrillPool, Darts & Music Entertainment
1387 Fairmont RoadMorgantown, WV 26501
1 mile past Morgantown Mall on 19 SouthDesperado’s Bar & Grill
35 Potomac StreetRidgeley, WV 26753
Food – Games – Cold Beer(304) 738-0010
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORYLost River Grill, Motel and B&B
8079 SR 259 Lost River, WV(304) 897-6482 www.lostrivergrill.com
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, AccomodationsBiker Friendly Full Service Bar
Mom’s PlaceFull menu served 24 hours a day
The end of Hoult Road by the Phillips PlantFairmont, WV
(304) 368-9223
Monroe’s Restaurant110 East Main Street
Kingwood, WV 26537(304) 329-3354
Mountaineer All Star CafeU.S. Rt. 220 South / 2 mi. from Keyser
A Family Restaurant with a Sports Atmosphere(304) 788-6433
Mountaineer Country Ice Cream659 Point Marion Rd. Morgantown, WV
Exit 7 off of I-68 East 119 N, (304)284-981132 Hershey’s Hand Dip - 90 Soft Serve Flavors
Shakes – Slushies – BBQ - Chili Dogs
Nan & Pops Place3485 Winchester AvenueMartinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 267-2007www.nanandpopsplace.com
The Office Pub17 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg
Open 10am Tuesday – Saturday(304) 257-1877
The Pit Crew930 Middleway PikeInwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-6607 Fax (304) 229-7665“Greatest BBQ Around”
Petie’s Pub & Grill304 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 363-0698
Wednesday Bike Night
Polo ClubSports Pub and Eatery
At the foot of the East Street BridgeParkersburg, WV(304) 865-7624
Poor Dave’s Restaurant and LoungeRt. 55 – American LegionPetersburg, WV 26847
(304) 257-4322PoorDavesRestaurantandLounge@hotmail.com
Potter’s Hill Top Inn4726 US Hwy. 33 WestCamden, WV 26338
(304) 269-4004Coldest beer in town.
Riverview LoungeRte. 50 / George Washington Hwy
Rowlesburg, WV(304) 454-9754“Enjoy the view”
Road Hogs Saloon415 Clayton Street
Rivesville, WV 26588
28 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
The Rock Sports BarLocated on Rt. 11 North of Martinsburg
2573 Williamsport PikeMartinsburg, WV(304) 263-5558
Rock Forge Inn/Haught Diggity DogzServing WV’s #1 Rated Chili Dog
Off I-68 at Sabraton Exit #4Turn left .2 mile – Red Roof on rightRt. 7 East (304) 291-DOGZ (3649)
Santana’s Pub2430 Smithtown Rd (Rt. 73, near Goshen Rd)
Morgantown WV (304) 241-5762 Happy Hour M-F 3-7pm ~ Bike night every Tues.Mountain Fest outdoor cooking ~ We love bikers!
The Shady Spring5221 Ritter Dr. Shady Spring, WV 25918
(304) 763-2839Cold Beer, Full Service Bar, Biker Specials
Bikers Always Welcome – Let’s Ride!
Sissie’s Bellview Bar1009 Pennsylvania Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554
Tues. 8pm Pool TournamentThurs. 8pm Women’s Pool Tournament
Cold Beer - Good Food
Smiley’s Hotdogs606 Philippi Pike (East View) Clarksburg, WV
(304) 622-0004Eat In – Take Out – Drive thru
Our Dogs Are Simply The Best!
Star Mercantile, LLC80 W. Main Street
Wardensville, WV 26851(304) 874-FOOD (3663)
star.wardensville@gmail.com
Steve’s Broken Spoke Bar & Grill14977 SR 55
Needmore, WV 26801(304) 897-7706
www.oldroute55.com
Susie’s Dakota TavernUnder New Management, Owner Susie GummRt. 19 North between Bellview & Rivesville, WV
Good Food, Full Bar, Bikers Welcome(304) 282-7904 Where Good Friends Meet
Swervé’s Bar & GrillSpeedway Ave. Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 367-0075 Welcome Truckers
“Swerve on In” Daily SpecialsLocated beside K&T Truck Stop
Uncle Joe’s Wood PileRt. 1, Box 400
Ridgeley, WV 26753(304) 726-8505
White Front TavernPool & Darts
Happy Hour Monday & Tuesday(304) 265-2280
Rt. 50 West of Grafton, WV
The Wild Side110 Merchant St.
Fairmont, WV. 26554(304) 367-WILD (9453)
www.facebook.com/wildside.wv
Your Tavern304-329-2078 Rte. 7 Kingwood, WV
Friday night Wing nightBig Screen TVs
Where friends meet year ‘round.
BIKER ACCESSORIES, APPAREL,LEATHERS & GIFTS
Anthony’s SpecialtyBiker Apparel – Leather – H-D Boots
Patches & More112 Davis Avenue - Glen Lyn, VA 24093
(540) 726-3080
Cool Ridge329 High St. Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 296-5757Mon - Sat 11 to 7 / Sun 12 to 5
“Take It Easy”
DFM Special Tee House “The Biker Shack”Helmets – Shirts – Chaps - Jewelry
162 Nancy Jack RoadGerrardstown, WV 25420
(304) 229-7609 dfmthebikershack@aol.com
East View Variety ShopWe have everything from A – Z, Old and New
715 Philippi Pike- East View CommunityClarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 622-6710
Evel SpeedCustom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester AvenueInwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987 www.evelspeed.net
Nixon’s Trading Post # II1027 Speedway Ave Fairmont
Huge Selections of Tools!Flags, Knives, Ball Caps
ADULT ITEMS!
CUSTOM ARTArt by Weeze
Custom art on bikes, leathers, helmets,auto, canvas & murals
Martinsburg, WV (304) 264-4604www.artbyweeze.com
CUSTOM DESIGN & FABRICATIONBrown’s Custom Coating & Fabrication
Powder Coating & FabricationRte. 1 Box 603 Mt. Clair, WV 26408
(304) 669-8976
Cosmic Wizards L.E.D.sWe specialize in custom L.E.D.
lighting and install Accents, Arrays, Color Changing, Lighting Controls
(740) 706-2288 (740) 423-2028www.cosmicwizardleds.com
Toxic PaintCustom Air Brush, Fabrication,
Design & Collision RepairMorgantown, WV 26505 - Star City
Danny (480) 650-4743, RJ (304) 826-6688 Tod (304) 376-4333
Office (304) 777-2134, Shop (304) 599-4195
WiskybiltIt’s all about the ride.
Custom crafted parts made in WV(304) 329-1214
www.wiskybilt.com
DEALERS & SERVICEBusted Knuckles Custom Cycles
47 Post Office LaneBunker Hill, WV 25413
(304) 229-9360www.bustedknucklescycles.com
Country ChromeCycles – Trikes – ATVs
Parts – Accessories – Repair16435 Parkersburg Rd. Elizabeth, WV 26143
(304) 273-4986 www.countrychrome.com
Evel SpeedCustom Machine & Motor Sick’l Shop
7323 Winchester AvenueInwood, WV 25428
(304) 229-0987 www.evelspeed.net
JT Cycle & Hoodlum Motorcycle GarageAftermarket & Custom Parts & Accessories
486 Ragland Road, Beckley, WV 25801(304) 255-2468
www.jtcycleparts.com
The Little Shop of HarleysService & Accessories – HD Certified Mechanic
25 Years Experience - Pick-up and Delivery44 Bay Berry Lane, Berkeley Springs, WV
(304) 258-3909
M&J Motor CompanyLehman Trike Conversions
1000 S. Queen StreetMartinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 262-6200 www.mjtrikes.com
Morgantown Honda Yamaha Suzuki KTM526 Mileground Road
Morgantown, WV 26505304-296-9055
www.morgantownhonda.com
O.B.’s Motorsports1019 7th Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101(304) 420-0910 www.obsmotorsports.com
Motorcycles Shipped FREE
Power House Cycle2748 Winchester Ave.
Martinsburg, WV 25401(304) 316-8660
R.G. Honda-Yamaha & Polaris1619 Buckhannon Pike Nutter Fort, WV 26301
(304) 624-5420 (800) 734-3694The Fun Starts Here!
Ruff Road Cycle L.L.C.Authorized Drag Specialty Dealer
Tires & Service – Fast Turn Around2050 Burke Rd. Masontown, WV 26542
(304) 980-2005
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson213 Rolling Thunder Lane
Staunton, VA 24401(540) 213-7433
www.shenhd.com
Smitty’s Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha Rt. 33 E. Corridor H
Buckhannon, WV 26201(304) 472-4824
www.supersmittys.com
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY
continued on next page
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 29www.thunderroadswv.com
MOTORCYCLE PARTSCycleMart - Your Motorcycle Parts Store
All Makes All Models202 Elkins Street
Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 366-8119
PMS PATTY PRODUCTSwww.pmspattystore.com
Facebook - http://companies.to/pmspatty/Other inquiries about PMS Patty please
call Art by Weeze (304) 264-4604
PHOTOGRAPHYVetter Photo
1675 Cold Spring RoadMoorefield, WV 26836
(304) 530-6855 www.vetterphoto.com
SPORTING GOODSDoug’s Sport Shop
New and Used Guns, Sporting Apparel,Aigner Products and Reloading Supplies
220 North Main Street; 743B Hawse PlazaMoorefield, WV 26836 (304) 538-6496
Mountaineer Gun Sales659 Point Marion Rd. Morgantown, WV
Exit 7 off I-68 East to 119 North(304) 284-9811
Your Sports Store and More
STORAGEClimate Control Storage Plus, LLC
104 Van Kirk Dr., Fairmont, WV 26554(304) 534-3333 www.ccstorageplus.comSpecializing in Climate Control StorageOver 600 Personal & Commercial Units
TATTOO STUDIOSPattys Art Spot Tattoo & Piercing Studio
3399 University Ave.Star City, WV (next to Crocketts)
(304)-598-0190www.PattysArtSpot.com
Smokin’ Guns Tattoo2986 Robert C. Byrd Drive
Beckley, WV 25801(304) 250-6020
www.sgtattoo.com
VEHICLE SERVICESBig ‘Ens Muffler & Auto Repair Shop
290 Main St Hinton, WV 25951 (304) 466-5768Custom exhaust, tune-ups, oil changes,
transmission and brake service.Yes, we service motorcycles too.
Brady’s ExxonI-79 Exit 132
Fairmont, WV 26554 Complete Auto Repair
(304) 366-0206
Brady’s ExxonI-79 Exit 139
Fairmont, WV 26554Complete Convenience Store
Open 24 Hours (304) 363-1810Bob’s Tire Service Inc.812 East Moler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-2797 www.bobstireservice.net
Hawkins Exxon190 E. Grafton Rd.
Fairmont, WV 26554Exit 137 Off I-79
Auto & Motorcycle Repair and State Inspections
DEALERS & SERVICE (cont.)S & P Harley-Davidson
80 Thunder RoadWilliamstown, WV 26187
I-77 Exit 185(304) 375-2530 www.sandpharleydavidson.com
The Twisted SpokeCustom Builds, Motorcycle & ATV Repair97 Milford Street Clarksburg, WV 26301
(304) 326-HOGG (4644) www.thetwistedspoke.com
Woodhead’s Custom Cycles126 King Street
Reedsville, WV 26547(304) 864-3000
Tues. – Fri. 5-9pm Sat. 10-6
FINANCIAL SERVICESBradley, Thomas & Matthew Close, CPAs
5078 Williamsport Pike Suite H/6Martinsburg, WV 25404
Phone: (304) 820-1040 Fax: (304) 820-1041www.closecpa.com
Edward JonesYvonne Williams, Financial Advisor
210 N. Main StreetMoorefield, WV (304) 538-2811
Yvonne.Williams@edwardjones.com
HEALTH & BEAUTYA Therapeutic Touch of Fairmont
210 East Park AvenueFairmont, WV 26554
(304) 366-8711EVERYBODY NEEDS A MASSAGE
Genesis Hair Design519 Winchester AvenueMartinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-7700
INSURANCEMathias & Associates InsuranceFarm – Home – Auto – Life - HealthMotorcycle – Boat – RV Insurance
and Retirement Planning(800) 628-3064 mathiasins@hardynet.com
Rider InsuranceEst. 1971
For a hassle free ride …Ride with RiderFor a quick quote call (800) 595-6393
www.rider.com
LODGING & CAMPINGRiver Bridge Retreat
Your Personal Get-AwayMoorefield, WV(304) 886-5100
www.RiverBridgeRetreat.com
Smoke Hole ResortOpen All Year Round
HC 59, Box 39Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
(800) 828-8478 www.smokehole.com
South Branch Inn – Romney & Moorefield1500 U.S. 220 N. Moorefield, WV 26836
Route 50 Romney, WV 26757800-856-9167 Moorefield 866-492-3122
Romneywww.southbranchinn.com / Open 24 hours
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORYHot Rods Roll Back and TowingSpecializing in Motorcycle Towing
274 Bedington RoadMartinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 267-5586 Visa & MC Accepted
J & C Enterprises“Cylinder Head Exchange”
612 Virginia Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554(800) 266-5599 Fax: (304) 366-4221
TStarcher@aol.com
Whitehall Tire & Knoll’s Body ShopState Inspection, New Tires for Your Motorcycle
Custom Painting, Showroom PaintWelding and Frame Machine Work
Whitehall, South Fairmont WV (304) 363-7131
WEB DESIGNMeridian Websites
55 Meridian Parkway, Suite 101 Martinsburg, WV 25401
(304) 263-1000www.meridianwebsites.com
B & B Appliance RepairMost Brands Serviced - 25 Years Experience(443) 605-6367 – Bill / Frederick County MD
(443) 605-6368 – Brian / Jefferson County WV
BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse (Inwood, WV)A non-profit organization that exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children.
Hot Line (304) 839-7809bacaworld.org Email: bacaofwv@yahoo.com
Calvary Riders Motorcycle Ministry Fishers of Men of Morgan County
For more information email Larry at CRMMFishersofMen@live.com
CBWV – Concerned Bikers of West Virginia (Fairmont, WV)
For more information call Earl at (304) 366-6473 or (304) 816-2863
Email: Earl@thunderroadswv.com
C.E.’s Helping Hands (Old Fields, WV)a non-profit organization enlisting the help of
other good hearted people wanting to contribute to the cause of helping others in need. The
organization holds monthly meetings and several fundraising rides every year. Donations are
always appreciated. For more information visit our website at www.cehelpinghands.com.
GWRRA WV-A (Martinsburg, WV)(Gold Wing Road Riders Assoc.)
‘Mountaineer Wings’Meets the 1st Sunday of the month - 8am at
Hoss’s Steak House, Martinsburg, WVChapter Directors: JJ & Becky Jones
JJ: (301) 667-4040 johnjonesjgj@aol.com Becky: (301) 667-0121 Rpepgirl@aol.com
Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry (South Charleston, WV)
For more information email Jim “Jammer” Marcum at: harley4me2@verizon.net
STAR Touring and Riding Assoc. Chapter 485 (Martinsburg, WV)
Meets the second Saturday of the month – 8:00 am at Uncle Phil’s Restaurant, Inwood, WV
Chapter President: Rick Shimp (703) 969-8745grizzlybr4@yahoo.com
www.startouring485.webs.com
HOME SERVICES
Clubs & Organizations
30 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
By Jim “Jammer” Marcum
(304) 598-0190Pattysartspot.com
Pattys Art Spot
Tattoo & Piercing Studio
Award Winning artists with 45 years combined experience
ABSOLUTE NEEDSMy God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.
From our first breath until our last, we have few truly essential needs. Without oxygen, we would perish in minutes. We must have food and water. Our bodies, when exhausted, require rest. And in harsh weather, we must seek shelter. So, while we are needy creatures, our basic needs are few.
When it comes to our wants, however, there seems to be no limit. Indeed, the entire advertising industry is devoted to expanding our “needs.” But what about those basic needs we overlook? What about our need for the Bread of Life and the living water of God’s truth? What about our need for spiritual fellowship that gives strength, hope, peace, and comfort? The vague dissatisfaction so many people experience is really
spiritual malnutrition and thirst.
Jesus told a Samaritan woman about water that would become “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14. He had what she truly needed - what Peter later called “the words of eternal life.” John 6:68. Have we been ignoring the words of Jesus: “Man shall not
live by bread alone.”? Luke 4:4. Have we been failing to nourish our souls while pursuing our wants? “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things
shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.Jim “Jammer” Marcum resides in Charleston and has been involved in motorcycle ministry for nearly 15 years and serves as Clergy within Highways and Hedges Motorcycle Ministry.
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 31www.thunderroadswv.com
32 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
304-267-7700519 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg, WV
Kaci Walther • Jami Hansrote • Mandi Matchett
Walk-insWelcome
WEST VIRGINIA One year subscription to Thunder Roads is only $35 a year. The nation’s largest FREE biker publication can be delivered right to your door.
Name___________________________________
Address_________________________________
City____________________________________
State_________________ Zip_______________
Make Check payable to: Thunder Roads West Virginia
Mail check and this form to: Thunder Roads West VirginiaP.O. Box 606 Charles Town, WV 25414
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 33www.thunderroadswv.com
NOVEMBEROctober 30 – Hundred, WVBenefit Bike ShowRegistration 10-12, show 12-4, awards 4 pm. Show welcomes custom and stock bikes. Will have concessions, free shirts to first 50 registered bikes, plaques, door prizes, raffles, 50/50, tip boards, etc. Bike show will benefit Hundred High School Football Team whose revenues are down due to damaged lights at the field from last winter’s storm and in danger of losing their football program. The show will be held in the Hundred, WV football field.For more information please call Beverly at (304) 775-4221.
November 6 – Fairmont, WV1st Annual CBWV Christmas RunThe 201st Army National Guard has been deployed overseas, and many children will be spending this Christmas without a deployed parent. The Concerned Bikers of West Virginia are inviting all bikers to meet at Hawkins Exxon, Exit 137, East Grafton Road, Fairmont. The location will serve as a toy drop from 11AM until 1:30PM, at which time the bikers will ride to the Fairmont Armory to deliver the toys. For more information, or to make advance donations of money or toys, call Earl of the CBWV at (304) 816-3465 or (304) 816-2863.
November 6 – Moorefield, WV1st Annual Rug Rat RunSign-Up at Moorefield Town Park 9:00am – 11:00am. Kickstands up at 11:00am.Rider’s fee is donation of a toy. All items collected will be donated to the Hardy County Community Action Agency to be distributed in Hardy County and surrounding areas. If you can’t join us for the ride, donations of new toys will gladly be accepted!For more information contact: Gene Mangold at (304) 434-2922 or (304) 851-2949.
UPCOMING EVENTS
34 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
All of this good, clean fun is actually an annual fundraising event put on by the Blue Star Bar & Grill in Hazelton, WV. A different person in need is chosen each year, and this year’s it’s Eric Bit-tinger, who is battling cancer. More than $15-hundred dollars was raised for Eric by these fun-loving four-wheelers, plowing their way through the mire.
Do it in the Mud!
PHOTOS BY MOE VETTERMost bikers who read Thunder Roads West Virginia work very
hard to keep their machines clean and shiny. Washing, polishing, and buffing our babies is a very personal ritual for most. Then, there’s this crowd. They look for something with a couple more wheels than most of us are accustomed to, and then they go do it in the mud. A lot of mud!
65 ATV’s, UTV’s, and yes, motorcycles, did every thing but keep their mounts clean. The run traveled 52 miles of public roads, private roads, wooded trails, and - here’s the fun part – mud bogs! Now, we’re not just talking little puddles with squishy bottoms. No, no, no. We’re talking water-filled, slimy mud pits up to the tall guys (uhm) inseam. We’re talking put-the-goggles-on brown slop that’s going to cover you from head-to-toe like a liquid blanket. We’re talking nature’s muck so thick that even some of the off-roaders needed to be dragged out on a chain.
NOVEMBER 2010 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA 35www.thunderroadswv.com
K.I.S.S. page composed & edited by: Toni McCoy Shearon of Tennessee CHAMPAGNE BASTED......ORANGE, LEMON, & PARSLEY TURKEYI prepared this recipe a couple years ago, using a large turkey breast only, instead of the entire bird, but it was simple & scrumptious. The secret is to baste baby baste......4 times per hour!1 Turkey; thawed - (14 to 16 lbs.) 1 Stick Real Butter; softened1 tsp. Celery SaltSalt & Pepper to Taste2 Large Whole Oranges; zested & Cut In Fourths2 Large Whole Lemons; zested & Cut In Half1 Spice Jar of Orange Peel Seasoning2 Cups of Ballatore’ Sparking Wine2 Medium Onions; chopped1 Bunch of Fresh Parsley; Minced1 Cup of Condensed Beef Consomme; undiluted1/2 tsp. Dried Thyme1/2 tsp. Produce Seasoning1/2 tsp. Dried MarjoramPreheat oven to 325 degrees. Get a large, high-sided roasting pan. Spray w/ non-stick butter spray heav-ily and all up sides and coat bottom well. Next, clean out cavity of bird and pat dry w/ paper towels really good. Take real, softened butter, celery salt, salt & pepper and orange and lemon zest (save some zest for basting sauce) from fruits and form a paste and rub all over entire bird generously and inside cavity also. Place bird in roasting pan. Place cut oranges & lemons inside the cavity, squeezing a bit of juice out of them into cavity as you do. Next, rub bird down all over the outside with Orange Peel spice; cover that bird up with orange spice! Place breast side up in pan and bake for 3 to 3-1/2 hours tented with foil. In large bowl combine the Ballatore’, onions, parsley, consomme, zests, thyme and marjoram; pour half into roasting pan and keep half for basting. Bake for 3 hours longer; remember to baste 4 times per hour while tented and the last hour of cooking, when you remove the tent. Be sure and tuck wings down un-der turkey as these burn easily. Remember.....Baste! Baste! Baste! Remove bird from pan and let sit for 20 mins. after removing from oven so that all juices go back into meat. For authentic & simple roast
turkey gravy, mix a good brand bottle of turkey gravy with pan drippings, in the same roasting pan and then pour into gravy boat. Now, you ‘ve got a phenomenal bird & gravy you’ll be proud to serve your Family and it’s totally unique fruity flavor compliments the turkey flavor superbly.
LIME BUTTERED BROCCOLI FLORETS WITH PEARL ONIONS1 Box or Bag of Frozen Broccoli Florets1 Box or Bag of Frozen Pearl Onions1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Melted2 Tbls. of Real Lime Juice & ZestSalt & Pepper to TasteMicrowave frozen veggies in a large, serving bowl together until crisp tender but not wilty. Combine lime juice & melted butter & salt/pep-per in a small saucepan. Toss butter sauce thu-roughly all over veggies when butter melted and nice and hot. *If you’ve got more to feed, just double or triple the recipe. This is so dang easy, but so incredible tasting!
MELT IN YOUR MOUTH........ BANANA & DARK RUM SUNDAES1/2 Stick of Real Butter; Melted3/4 Cup Quality Maple SyrupDash of Ground Nutmeg & Cinnamon4 Medium-Firm Bananas; Halved & Sliced1/4 Cup Golden Raisins1/4 Cup of Dark, Spiced Rum2 Tbls. Slivered Almonds (or any nut of your choice);* Be sure and grease a cookie sheet and toast up whichever one you choose though.1 Quart of Premium Country Vanilla All-Natural Ice CreamIn large, non-stick skillet, melt butter over med-low heat. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon & nutmeg until blended. Remove from heat and add the bananas, raisins, dark rum and almonds. Cook over med. heat until bananas are totally glazed, stirring gently. Divide up into individual serving bowls & add ice-cream over top. Slurp! From Our Thunder Roads Family To Yours.. God Bless, Be Grateful & Give Thanks.
36 THUNDER ROADS® WEST VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 2010
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